[RWBY] White Knight Errant

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Sun checked his map of the city. He looked down from the top of a warehouse near the docks. Dock workers of every kind busily went about their business, moving freight, hauling cargo, loading and unloading. The cry of gulls filled the morning air as the last of the fog vanished thanks to the rays of the risen sun.

The golden monkey faunus sighed heavily.

"I am so lost..."

He dropped down, easily sliding to the pavement via the fire escape before backflipping off to land near a few open crates of bananas.

"Damn, and I had to skip breakfast," he muttered. He looked around... Then knocked a bunch off one of the piles. It fell for the ground. Sun grabbed it just before it hit and began eating happily. "Mmph... Well... Waste not, want not..."

"Hey, kid!"

Sun glanced over at two dock workers. He held up his hands, using his tail to hold the bananas behind his back. He gave them his most charming, idiotic pretty boy smile.

"Yo! Hey, sorry about startling you! I'm a little lost. Can you tell me where to find...?"

One of the dockworkers, a Faunus, opened his coat and revealed a pistol.

"You can find the exit, right now," he growled, pointing behind Sun, "Beat it, kid."

Sun's eyes narrowed a bit as he spotted something poking out of the man's pocket. A mask...

Shit. White Fang's around here, huh? Yeah, I'll leave you to that, assholes...

"I'm going, I'm going," Sun sighed theatrically. He let go of the banana bunch, spun around, and caught it in his hands as he began to run. He ate the bananas as quick as he could. Unfortunately, he ran past a few cops who were patrolling just outside the dock gates.

"HEY! Kid! Where'd you get those bananas?" One of the officers shouted. Sun shrugged.

"Found 'em. It illegal to eat bananas around here or something?"

"GET BACK HERE!" The second cop shouted, waving his stun baton. Sun rolled his eyes and took to the streets, nimbly dodging around morning pedestrians.

Hey, he needed his morning run anyway.

- - -

The others continued to torment Jaune some more. Blake admitted that it was quite fun... But she had some questions for Schwartz. She waited until he was called away to the front desk, and slipped away soundlessly courtesy of a shadow clone. She slunk through the rows of coat racks, her keen eyes locked onto the tailor as he went up to the new customer. It was a redheaded human woman in her forties, wearing an elegant dress. She gave Schwartz a a haughty look. Schwartz happily greeted her with a small bow.

"Welcome, Madame Winchester. You're here for the order?"

"Yes," the red headed woman said stiffly, "I trust it is ready?"

The cold look in the woman's eyes made Blake grit her teeth. Schwartz smiled politely, and snapped his fingers.

"But of course, Madame! Uncle?"

Perrito bounded up happily, the middle aged man still tearing about like a puppy. He produced a black dress bag, and handed it to his nephew.

"Thank you Perrito," Schwartz said cheerfully, holding up the bag and unzipping it. "As you can see, it has been completely altered. A much more modern cut. It will allow your daughter to turn many heads."

"Not too many, I hope," Madame Winchester sniffed, "She gets around too much as it is."

Still, she wore an approving expression as she looked the dress over.

"Ah yes, I know that feeling," Schwartz sighed, "My eldest is at Valean Medical College. Always off to some party, not doing enough studying..." He shook his head. "Children, eh?"

Madame Winchester's cold expression warmed slightly, as she nodded.

"Yes. They're always a handful," she admitted, "My youngest son, Cardin, just started at Beacon."

"Ah! How is he finding his armor?" Schwartz asked, heading to the front desk to ring up the order as Perrito followed at his heel. Madame Winchester shook her head.

"He hasn't talked to us much," she admitted, "I imagine it's because he wants to be more independent."

"He's away from home for the first time, it makes sense," Perrito said with a nod, panting happily, "Lots of teenagers want their space in that way! Doesn't mean he doesn't love you still, just wants to feel like a man."

Madame Winchester nodded indulgently.

"I suppose no news is good news." She gave Schwartz a glare. "You're quite sure his armor is up to standard?"

"Beyond standard, Madame," Schwartz chuckled, "It's the only way to keep my customer base. Your card?"

The woman handed over her card, and Schwartz ran it.

"I tested it myself," Schwartz said, "Opal is very enthusiastic when I do that."

"She was SUPER enthusiastic," Perrito chuckled, "She used a rocket launcher! My wife never uses a rocket launcher on me!"

"Indeed?" Winchester asked, her eyebrow raised. Schwartz nodded, wincing a bit.

"Only the best for our customers... And my wife is the best at rocket launchers!"

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Only for amateurs," Schwartz said smoothly.

He handed her the receipt, which she took gratefully.

"Thank you," she said. She took the dress bag.

"You know, you could just have the dress delivered, Madame," Schwartz pointed out, as she turned to leave.

Madame Winchester nodded slowly.

"I could... But I prefer to do things the old fashioned way." She gave him a thin smile. "Makes me feel like I actually did something for my children."

"You always do something for them," Perrito insisted. Her smile widened, just a bit.

"I'd... Like to think so," she said. She headed out, the bell over the door ringing softly at her exit. The old door swing shut, and Blake watched Madame Winchester walk out to a waiting limousine.

"You do know what they say about curiosity and the cat, yes?" Schwartz asked, looking right at Blake with a raised brow. Blake emerged from the clothing rack with a slight scowl.

"You... Do know what the Winchesters did to Faunus during the Revolution, right?" She asked with soft, cold anger. "You know what the Schnee Dust Company does to us?

"Of course," Schwartz said, "I'm not an idiot."

"Then... Then how could you kotow to them?" Blake demanded. "How could you do business with them?!"

Schwartz chuckled, shaking his head sadly.

"My dear Miss Blake Belladonna! White Fang does not have the monopoly on Faunus," he stated, as Blake stiffened, "I do not call your father my king, nor Sienna my queen. And if you think you can guilt me into joining your band of terrorists-"

"I-I'm not White Fang anymore," Blake mumbled, looking away. Perrito grinned, and loped up to her with a bright smile.

"That's good! White Fang are really mean," he said, "I mean... I wanna assume the best of people, because how could I not with the wonderful world we live in? But they're super mean. If you left, then that means you're not mean!"

Not mean...?

"I..." Blake shook her head. "I just don't..."

"Listen, Miss Belladonna," Schwartz said, not unkindly, "I didn't do any business with the SDC. I didn't make my money off the backs of enslaved Faunus: I made a dress for their young heiress, who, to the best of my knowledge, has done nothing wrong to Faunus, nor anyone else. Madame Winchester's parents did fight in the Revolution... And so did my father. But! We didn't. My skill shows, I have good connections, and so she comes to me for her needs and is civil."

"But not everyone is," Blake insisted. Schwartz nodded.

"No. Not everyone. But if you want the world to be fair to everyone, you're asking for the impossible," he said with a shrug. "I do good business, and I have good customers and bad. I provide for my family, and have good neighbors. I consider myself blessed-"

"And what about all the Faunus who aren't?" Blake challenged him. Schwartz sighed.

"Again... All I can do, is what I can do," he explained, spreading his hands out, "Do you consider me a traitor for simply living my life as best I can?"

"I..." Blake looked aside. Schwartz finally came out from around the counter, and rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Listen, Miss Belladonna," he said, "In the beginning, White Fang did do good things. I'm not disputing that... But now, they're not about equality. They're about supremacy. We're tearing each other apart so much as though the Grimm aren't standing outside the walls waiting to devour all of us. Faunus and human. I'm no revolutionary, I'm no leader, I'm no great man. I just do what I can."

"I... I see," Blake mumbled. He chuckled.

"Be that as it may... If you need a safe place to come, or a friendly ear? Well... No charge. It would be a fitting tribute to my father."

Blake nodded. Perrito beamed at her.

"Aw... Someone's feeling unhappy... Hey! You know what cheers me up?" He held up a rubber ball. "Nephew?"

"Of course Uncle," Schwartz chuckled. He tossed the ball, and Perrito ran after it. He caught it in his hands, and put it in his mouth to chew on. He trotted back happily, and dropped the ball in Schwartz's hand. The cat man smiled as his Uncle panted happily.

"Again, Uncle?"

"Yes please!" Perrito cried.

Schwartz threw the ball, and Perrito chased after it. He glanced over at Blake, who wore a look halfway between disgust and horrified amusement.

"Hey, it keeps him happy," Schwartz said with a smile, "And my uncle deserves to be happy."

"Doesn't he care about how he looks?" Blake muttered.

"Of course not! Which is one reason I love him," Schwartz admitted.

"I love you too, Schwartz!" Perrito cheered, going for another thrown ball. It bounced off the window of the front door, and Perrito caught it happily. The door swung open, the bell ringing loudly as another customer entered. Schwartz's eyes narrowed, as Blake looked at the newcomers in confusion and suspicion.

Perrito looked up, panting happily.

"Hello, new people!" He said cheerfully, "How can we help you be happy today?"

- - -

Jaune shook his head.

"No," he stated, "Absolutely NOT. I'm not modeling underwear!"

"But Jaunnne," Nora whined, holding up a leather Speedo, "Come on! I wanna see how it'll look on Renny! You're the same size! In most ways!"

"No."

"Jauney-!"

"No! Never! Nuh uh!" Jaune shook his head.

"Come on, Arc," Weiss stated.

"I..." Jaune scowled, and took the underwear. "It won't even fit! It's too... Uh..."

"Snug?" Nora asked bluntly.

Pyrrha fainted again, her face a wide, happy grin. Yang was giggling like a schoolgirl, as Ruby blushed and looked everywhere but at Jaune. Weiss too was flushed, but still kept up her evil grin.

"Come on Arc! Put on a show! You can't be an arbitrary exhibitionist!"

"I'm not an exhibitionist-!"

"Jauney, my boy!"

Jaune looked up, his eyes widening in shock. A blond, long nosed man in a charcoal suit, with glasses and a goatee, walked right up to him and hugged him tightly. A very familiar man.

Roman Torchwick?!

"It's so good to see you again," he laughed, patting Jaune on the back, "Surely you remember your old Uncle Alex?"

"Uncle Alex?" Ruby muttered, staring intently at the man. Schwartz and Blake stepped up behind her. Schwartz was smiling, but far more tensely, while Blake's eyes were narrowed in suspicion. Perrito was in the front of the shop, amusing himself by tossing a red rubber ball and chasing it.

Jaune cleared his throat.

"I uh-URK!"

Jaune looked over his shoulder. Yup, a familiar (if differently colored) young woman was clinging to his back with a bright, cheerful smile.

"And you remember little Mint, of course," Roman Torchwick laughed, "Been a while, huh?"

"It-It sure has," Jaune said weakly.

"Well, since we're here," 'Alex' chuckled, slapping Jaune on the back with an ominous glint in his eyes, "Why don't we catch up? We've got a lot to talk about..."

"We do?"

Neo tightened her grip on his shoulders. Jaune nodded quickly.

"Oh yeah! We-We sure do!"

"Wait! Wait! Stop everything, the main attraction has arrived!"

Even Ren's eyes widened a bit as a truly gorgeous white cat Faunus woman dressed in white emerged from the backroom. In her arms was a box filled with green cloth and white armor. She flung her white hair back with a winning smile, her blue eyes locking onto Schwartz with a truly loving expression.

"Hello Darling," she crooned. Schwartz chuckled, and approached her.

"Cara mia," he growled, taking her free arm and kissing up it to her neck. "You look even more ravishing every time I see you~!"

"Oh stop," she giggled, planting a kiss on his lips that made Schwartz growl again, "Not in front of customers~!"

"But my love," Schwartz whined. At her look, he sighed.

"Very well," he stated. He turned back to the assembled group, and took the box from his wife. "Allow me to introduce my wonderful wife and partner, Opal. The heart of my life, the gem of my universe."

Opal giggled again, and squeaked as Schwartz slapped her posterior. She pouted at him.

"You're going to pay for that, my love~," she crooned.

"Gods, I hope so," Schwartz chuckled. They nuzzled one another eagerly.

"Ahem," 'Alex' cleared his throat, "Please, there are children about."

"Good, maybe they can learn something," Opal simpered.

"W-We don't mind!" Pyrrha murmured, glancing away from the happy couple and back to Jaune with an eager smile.

"S-So shameless," Weiss muttered, covering up Ruby's eyes.

"Hey! Quit it, Weiss!"

"Yang, protect your little sister!" Weiss protested.

Yang chuckled.

"Hey, I'm not gonna tell them they can't express their love. They seemed suited for eachother!"

"Urrrggghh!"

Blake flushed and muttered something about her parents. Neo continued to play with Jaune's hair.

"That could be us," Nora sighed happily, cuddling up to Ren.

"We're not cat Faunus," Ren deadpanned. Nora just scowled.

Jaune for his part took it in stride-He'd had to put up with his seven sisters and their romances, after all.

"That my gear?" Jaune asked. Opal beamed, as Schwartz handed it over.

"Of course! Go on, change!"

"I will," Jaune said. He looked up at 'Mint'. She pouted at him. "Come on Mint, off."

"If you need someone with you in the changing room," Pyrrha volunteered, "I'd be happy to-"

"No Pyrrha, no one but me will be in the changing room. Get going, Mint."

Mint pouted, poked him hard in his neck (which made him wince), then hopped off to sit on a table and leer at him.

Jaune sighed, and trudged back into the changing room. That he hadn't just fallen into utter apathy over this entire ridiculous fiasco was probably a testament to his will or something.

He emerged a few moments later, adjusting his modified bracers.

He stepped onto the platform in front of the mirror, and looked himself over.

His cloak was the same, but it had been heavily cleaned and modified-The hood was lined with white fur, as was the hem. White markings had been drawn into the fabric, all very geometric.

He now had abdominal armor plating that slotted neatly into the older stuff, though it had yellow borders around the plates where they connected to the undervest. His pauldrons were similarly attached, and fit well on his shoulders. His old hoodie laid in the box he'd left in the changing stall, a new, plain black hoodie taking its place as an underlayer for his armor. There was some light fur lining around his neck, too.

His bracers were now proper gauntlets, and he had full leather gloves underneath them with fur lining. Gold piping outlined the plates here, too.

A clean pair of gray combat pants and midnight blue combat boots covered his legs and lower body, with similarly upgraded knee and shin guards. Fur lined the tops of his boots, as well.

His sword and shield were no different, though they definitely had gone through a full cleaning and maintenance cycle. He had gotten a scabbard for Crocea Mors though, attached to his double belt along with his various pouches and bags.

He turned back to his audience.

"Well?" He asked.

"Oh... Wow," Ruby murmured, "That's the new Mistralian Haventech Armor Upgrade Kit?"

"The same," Opal said cheerfully, brushing back her neatly coiffed hair, "Designed to slot into older armor systems and be easily welded together without losing any strength or Aura compatibility. It may feel a bit odd for a few days but it will soon feel natural."

"And the Dust slots?" Ruby pressed.

"Interchangeable," Opal said, "He seems like he prefers close range battle, so may as well keep it simple. But there's always room for upgrades. There's a new kit from Atlas for swords-It would allow for a Dust Augment upgrade to allow for elemental damage. With his strong Aura, there's a lot of possibilities."

"... Can I live here with you?" Ruby asked, eyes shining.

Opal chuckled and patted her head.

"Don't you have school at Beacon?"

"Oh, right," Ruby grumbled. Her eyes lit back up as she looked over Jaune again. "Worth it... But I'd love to hang out here and talk shop!"

"Of course!" Opal said happily, "It's nice to meet a Huntress interested in such things! You've got a good head on your shoulders!"

"Well, glad you approve, Ruby," Jaune chuckled, as Ruby blushed, "Anyone else?"

"Not too shabby, Crybaby," Yang chuckled with a wink, "I think you'll look just fine for our date tonight~."

"In full combat gear?" Jaune asked. Yang grinned wider.

"Wouldn't be any fun otherwise, huh? As long as you can dance in that."

"I can dance in anything," Jaune said firmly.

"I guess we'll see if you can walk the talk," Yang chuckled.

Jaune turned to Nora and Ren. Nora beamed and gave a thumbs up.

"Nice! I'm glad you're sticking with green and white! It's the perfect color combo! Right Ren?"

"Indeed," Ren observed dryly. Jaune turned to Pyrrha.

"So, partner, how do I look?"

Pyrrha blushed and licked her lips.

"Like a barbarian warrior who's going to pin me down and-"

"OKAY, glad you approve," Jaune stated firmly, as Pyrrha flushed and looked down at the floor. "Seriously, you gotta get a handle on that or you'll faint in a fight."

"I absolutely wouldn't!" Pyrrha insisted. "Not with my barbarian knight alongside me!"

"Can that be your new nickname?" Yang asked with a grin.

"No, no, we are not doing that," Jaune stated firmly. "Alex" hummed.

"Eh... I think you'd look better in white and black. The green thing's a little..." He tilted his hand in a 'so-so' manner.

"They are the king and queen of colors, but they require contrast to be at their best," Schwartz said with a smile, "And I never make mistakes."

"My wonderful man," Opal cooed.

Jaune glanced at Neo, who grinned and mimed stabbing.

"No, you don't get to test his armor until later, sweetie," 'Alex' stated firmly. 'Mint' pouted.

"You know, you look really familiar," Ruby said, eyes narrowed, "Have we met before?"

"Ah, I just have one of those faces," 'Alex' said with a gentle shrug.

"Yeah but you look nothing like Jaune," Ruby pressed.

"He's just a family friend," Jaune said quickly, as he saw Neo looking at Ruby with violence in her eyes, "Really Ruby, Uncle Alex and I go way back."

"If you're sure," Ruby murmured, before returning to Opal to talk more shop. Jaune winced-He really did hate lying to her.

"Looks acceptable," Blake opined, still looking at 'Alex' and 'Mint' suspiciously.

"Thanks Blake, that helps," Jaune snarked.

Blake slowly turned her eyes onto him.

"It reminds me of the title character from Ascension of the Shield Sage, a man who has to fight in an unknown fantasy world with the deck stacked against him, and only his harem of warrior wives to aid him-"

"Okay, I get it, thank you," Jaune stated quickly, as Pyrrha eyed Blake in speculation.

Well, maybe if she gets into porn she'll calm down a little, he thought.

Jaune at last turned to Weiss, and shrugged.

"So...?"

Weiss hummed thoughtfully.

"Well, at least you don't look like you rolled out of a dumpster," Weiss stated with an approving nod, "You'd better appreciate the Atlesian fox fur!"

"I'm amazed you can afford this and all the other outfits," Jaune deadpanned. Weiss laughed, and Jaune narrowed his eyes. "What?"

"Oh Arc, you simple minded ruffian! I'm only paying for your upgraded outfit! Maybe a few odds and ends, like Pyrrha's suit choice, but that's it."

Jaune's jaw dropped.

"Wait... I'm not getting all the other outfits?!"

"Of course not!" Weiss huffed, "I'm not made of money!"

"Then this entire show was just to make me suffer?"

Weiss beamed.

"And for our entertainment. I'd say it was well worth it, right ladies?"

Much laughter and blushing ensued. Ren smirked very slightly.

"I hate you all, and I'm only going to be a good leader and keep you all alive because I'll get a bad grade otherwise!" Jaune growled. "I hope you know that!"

Ruby hugged him tightly and nuzzled his chest.

"We love you too, Jaune!"

Jaune sighed and patted her on the head... Before 'Mint' elbowed her out of the way.

"HEY!" Ruby squawked. 'Alex' strode forward, and placed a firm hand on Jaune's shoulder.

"How about I settle up this account, eh Miss Schnee? Least I can do for my nephew," 'Alex' said kindly.

Weiss glared at him, then calmly held out her lien card. Schwartz took it gracefully.

"Uncle? Can you take care of this?" He asked.

Perrito hopped up and took it with an eager smile.

"Sure thing, Schwartz! Hey Opal! You look great!"

"Aw, you told me that before!" Opal giggled.

"Well you always look great!" Perrito said happily, bouncing off to the register.

Schwartz smiled at 'Alex', the tension between the two men nearly palpable.

"Your money's no good here, Mister Alex," Schwartz said. "You should know that. Are we going to have trouble?"

"No trouble, no trouble," 'Alex' said with a smile, "Come on, Schwartz, Opal! We go way back, don't we?"

"Too far back," Opal stated with a sniff.

"He's my beloved nephew, I ain't gonna rough him up," 'Alex' chuckled. "Just want to spend some time with him. Alone."

"Jaune," Pyrrha began, but Jaune shook his head and smiled.

"It's all right guys, really. Go have fun, you've earned it," he said. Schwartz and Opal calmed a bit, but still look wary.

Jaune looked at Yang.

"So... Pick you up at 6?"

"Sounds good," Yang smiled. She walked up, and elbowed 'Mint' out of the way to hug Jaune tightly. "Don't be late, hm?"

They could feel the air crackle with magnetic power as Yang planted a kiss on Jaune's cheek, and heat up from 'Mint's' glare.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Jaune said, laughing uncomfortably, as Mint tightened her grip on his arm.

"We'll head out too, then," Weiss said, "It is our first day in Vale in a while, after all! Come on ladies. Good bye, Arc."

She smirked devilishly.

"Until next we need a male model."

"Ren should go next," Jaune said quickly, "Why should I get to have all the fun?"

"I-" Ren protested, before Nora cheered.

"THAT'S A GREAT IDEA! I wanna see you in black, in white, in pink, in naked...!"

Ren gave Jaune a look. Despite how hard Neo's fingers dug into his arm, Jaune managed a smirk and shrug.

"Fair is fair, bro."

"I suppose so," Ren sighed, closing his eyes as he felt the gazes of many interested females.

Please buddy, Jaune mentally snorted, as Roman and Neo led him towards the exit, You are getting the better deal. Trust me...

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

I've decided to make some different sidestory entries that show off Team SLVR a bit in the classroom. Nothing too involved, just to flesh out some other classes at Beacon and do some worldbuilding. Also make some silly jokes. If you have ideas for similar omakes, by all means, post away!

- - -

Yang Xiao-Long was surprised, but not unpleasantly, when she saw Jaune standing in the gym early on Tuesday morning. She jogged over to him as she yawned.

"Hey Crybaby!"

"Hey Firecracker," Jaune replied. Like many of the other students, he didn't look like much of a morning person. "Ugh... Close Combat Training Class?"

"You know it," Yang grinned, "He had to cancel the first few at the start of the year, but here we are now! Yo, Ren!"

Ren stood next to Jaune, his typical stoic self. He inclined his head to Yang.

"Hello Yang. It is a pleasure to see you this morning."

"Same," Yang grinned, "I'm pumped about this class, ya know? Goodwitch is pretty cool and all, but I don't feel like I get to really refine my skills, ya know?"

"Indeed," Ren said with a nod, "I have heard that Professor Arcadia is a close combat expert."

"Sounds good, I need all the help I can get," Jaune muttered. Yang bumped him with her shoulder in a friendly way.

"Come on, you're not that bad."

"Nah, but I need to be better," he said.

"That's what we're all here for, Jaune," Ren said.

The rest of the students milled around, before the doors to the gym slammed open. A tall, tanned, blonde wolf Faunus man looked around at them. He was dressed in gym clothes from the school, and had his gauntlets hanging from his belt. He walked up to the front of the gym, where a simple desk and chair had been set up.

"Sit down," he ordered gruffly. The students all complied as the teacher came up to the table. He grabbed the edge of it, and flipped it over with a bang, making most of the students jumped. He grabbed the chair, and dragged it up closer. He sat down, and glared into the crowd.

"So I can look you in the eyes," he stated. "I am Professor Lycan Arcadia. I am your Close Combat Teacher. Now, some of you are going to function as tanks: Taking hits and dishing out damage to protect your teammates or civilians. Some of you are going to deal damage up close and personal. Some of you just suck at close combat and want to get better. I'm here to say... Whatever your reason for being here? It's a good one."

He leaned back a little in his chair.

"You might be a prodigy with your fists. Or you just want to not go down like a bitch to one hit. As long as you know what you can do and work hard, you can become stronger. Because at the end of the day, even without Aura, weapons, or your Semblance, you still have your fists and your brains. So you still have a chance to survive and win."

He narrowed his eyes and growled low in his throat.

"Don't think it won't happen to you, because it will. Professor Port's got endless stories about Hunters who got cocky and died horribly. The world out there is not friendly, and it's not nice. When things go bad, you gotta know how to survive."

Lycan shook his head.

"There are going to be days where you lose. You get to the village too late, and everyone's dead. You find a survivor, and he's bleeding out, and the best you can promise him is a quick, painless death. You're gonna have days where you are outnumbered and have to retreat, or your team falls apart and you have to pull yourselves back together... Or die. My team's been through all that and survived."

He lowered his voice at all the shocked looks.

"It's okay to be scared. Everyone's scared. What matters is if you can control your fear, and push past it to do what needs to be done. Close Combat will be the first choice for many of you. For others, it will be the last choice. So if you're gonna rely on it, you'd better make sure you don't completely suck at it."

Lycan stood up.

"You can't count on some mysterious power erupting out of you like a shitty Mistralian comic at your most desperate hour. And no one can do everything all by themselves. That's why we have teams. So, if you suck at close combat, that's fine. I'll teach you to suck less. If you're amazing, you can always be better. It's okay to be scared. It's not okay to not try."

Yang's eyes were wide. This guy was hardcore.

"Right, with that out of the way," Lycan stated, "Since this is our first class, we're gonna go through some basic demonstrations of close combat fighting techniques." His eyes locked onto her. "Xiao-Long, right?"

"Right, uh, Professor!"

"Get up here," Lycan stated firmly. Yang complied, strutting up to face him. He nodded to her.

"Taught by your father, Taiyang Xiao-Long, right?"

"Yes Professor."

"Northern Valean Kickboxing, right?" Lycan asked. Yang, surprised, nodded quickly.

"Yeah! How'd you know?"

"It's my job," he deadpanned. He nodded. "Hit me."

Yang blinked.

"Uh, Professor-?"

"You hard of hearing, Xiao-Long?" Lycan scoffed. "Hit me!"

Yang blinked. She shrugged.

Well, it has been a long-time fantasy of mine to punch a teacher out...

She swung her fist for Lycan's face... He blurred and put a fist right into her face!

Yang was so shocked she barely got her Aura up to tank the hit. She was still slammed onto her back onto the matted floor, as the class gasped.

"That the best you can do, Party Girl?" Lycan sneered.

She rose, her eyes red and hair glowing like fire.

"All right, you asked for it," she seethed. She was back up in an instant and throwing punches in a furious counter attack. Lycan blocked or dodged through the strikes, and jumped or parried her kicks.

Yang leaped up and delivered two hard, fast kicks he blocked. She landed and dropped down to sweep his legs, but he jumped up. She recovered first as he landed, and lunged!

He again dodged, and then struck back furiously in her style. She parried with some jabs and bobbed and weaved.

Finally, she saw him overextend a punch. She grinned ferally as she lunged.

"GOTCHAAAHHH?!"

He dropped and in a single motion, grabbed her wrist, swept her forward foot, and pushed on her shoulder from behind. She saw floor, students, and then ceiling before she was slammed down with a yelp as he slammed his fist into her stomach and her Aura flared.

"GAH!"

"Yang!" Jaune shouted.

Her Semblance dissipated, as Lycan stood over her. He held out a hand, and she frowned before she took it and let him pull her up.

"Semblances that boost your power, speed, and other physical attributes when you get hit, or get mad, can turn the tide in a fight," Lycan said, "Xiao-Long here could probably punch her way through a herd of Ursa in that state without any issue. But! You gotta be careful about agile enemies, and more importantly? Smart enemies. If you lose your head, they won't. Learn to master the power in all situations, and it'll be a boon, not a weakness."

He nodded.

"Step on down, Xiao-Long."

"Y-yeah, thanks," Yang managed. She walked slowly, as the pain from the final hit was still aching deep in her guts. Jaune frowned.

"You okay?" He muttered.

"Just my pride, Crybaby," Yang managed. "You got more of that-?"

Jaune produced the bottle of ache-soothing lotion. Yang grinned.

"Hahaha... Guess I got... Schooled, huh? Hahaha-Oh it hurts to laugh..."

"Right, Ren? Get up here," Lycan ordered. Ren stood up and walked calmly up in front of the class. Lycan nodded.

"Central Mistralian Kung-Fu, am I right?"

"Yes sir," Ren replied evenly.

"Also, self-taught Aura projection technique?"

"Yes sir."

"All right. Hit me."

Ren didn't even hesitate, throwing an open palm strike at Lycan's face in an attempt to break his nose. Lycan slapped the strike away, as their Auras flared out of their hands. Ren threw another strike, a punch, a feint, advancing on his feet like he was skating. Lycan threw some palm strikes and punches right back, Ren also slapping them away.

With every touch, Aura crackled from their hands-Lycan's a burning gold, Ren's a bright pink.

Ren kept dodging around, throwing hits back at Lycan. They scored some strikes here and there on eachother's extremities, but nothing serious. Jaune rubbed the lotion into Yang's stomach, and she sighed in relief.

"Thanks, that's a lot better..."

Lycan then abruptly changed styles, throwing fierce, reckless strikes with his elbows and knees, along with punches and kicks. Ren, taken off guard, was forced onto the defensive. He tried to change his style a bit, but Lycan switched again-Now he staggered about recklessly, like he was drunk and furious, moving in completely unpredictable ways!

Ren did a flip over Lycan's head to try and grab his shoulders, but Lycan grabbed his hands first and surged his Aura. He slammed Ren down to the mat, the usually stoic boy yelping in surprise.

"All right, all right," Lycan nodded, as Ren lay on the ground, "That was good, Ren. Your style is so refined, so perfected, you could fight like that in your sleep. You keep your Aura tightly controlled." He swung his arms around with a wince before he held his hand out to Ren.

"I am definitely gonna be feeling that," he grunted. "Now... Can anyone tell the class why Ren lost?"

Yang's hand shot up.

"Xiao-Long?"

"Because you kept changing up your styles," Yang explained, "Muay-Thai, Drunken Boxing, and Judo. And Ren's locked into his."

Lycan nodded.

"Ren?"

"I concur," Ren stated calmly, "Your shifting fighting styles caught me off guard, and forced me onto the defensive. I tried to take to the air where I thought I would have the advantage, but you most likely anticipated that."

"I did," Lycan said with a wolfy grin, "Now, not saying you gotta drop your style and start working on others right now. You're well on your way to mastery of your art, and it's damn good. But, you gotta be aware that thinking enemies will change up their tactics and fighting styles to counter yours. Fighting with a team reduces the risk of getting outmatched like that, but never be afraid to have some trump cards. Something unexpected, even as simple as Dust canisters to use as flashbangs. Go sit down."

Ren walked back to Yang and Jaune, and sat down next to them. Yang grinned.

"Wow! You were doing great there, Ren!"

"Yes, it was a useful lesson," Ren said with a nod.

"He means he enjoyed it," Jaune deadpanned.

"I thought I said that?"

Yang and Jaune snickered.

"ARC! Get up here!"

"Oh crap," Jaune groaned. Yang grinned and clapped him on the back.

"Go get 'im, Tiger!"

"Thanks," Jaune sighed. He got up and walked to the front of the class. Lycan looked Jaune up and down.

"You're a sword and board guy, right Arc?"

"Yes sir."

"Got a lot of Aura and stamina?"

"I-I guess?"

"Heard you used pressure points on Winchester."

Jaune shrugged.

"Ah, from my medical training-"

"Hit me."

Jaune sucked in a deep breath, and put up his fists.

"All right!"

He swung... Lycan parried and slammed a fist into Jaune's gut. He coughed but managed to stay on his feet. He spat at Lycan's face, and swung again. Lycan dodged out of the way and landed another hit on Jaune that he barely blocked... Before Lycan swung a kick into his stomach again.

"GACK!"

"Come on, come on!" Lycan growled. Jaune saw red. He swung furiously, his Aura burning from his fists... But Lycan dodged or slapped away every hit and delivered more strikes on Jaune.

His knees hurt, his stomach screamed in pain... He kept going, determined to not look like a loser!

Lycan tried to trap his arm to Judo throw him, but Jaune swung his head at Lycan's. Lycan, grinning, swung his head right back.

WHACK!

Jaune saw stars as his Aura flared. He got his arms back up as Lycan pummeled him. Jaune again tried to swing and threw out kicks, but it all felt like flailing as he hit nothing. Finally, he got a punch right to his stomach, and his knees wouldn't cooperate anymore. He fell down, hard.

His Aura surged to heal him, as he looked up weakly at Lycan. The professor reached down, and Jaune took his hand. He was pulled to his feet, gasping for breath.

"All right... Good determination," Lycan said with a nod, "When you're up against a better opponent, and you can't afford to stay down? You stay on your feet and try whatever you can. You never give up..." He shook his head. "But you need a fuckton of work, Arc. You can throw around a LOT of power, but it won't matter if you can't land a hit."

"R-Right," Jaune managed. Lycan clapped Jaune on the shoulder (which hurt), and nodded.

"Step on down, Arc."

Jaune staggered over to the worried Yang and concerned Ren. Yang helped Jaune as he sat down.

"You okay?"

"Y-Yeah," Jaune managed.

"Don't feel discouraged," Ren said, "You kept going through hits that would probably have taken us down much sooner."

"Good to know you're tough," Yang said with a grin.

"Or too stupid to know when to quit," Jaune groaned, searching for his water bottle in his messenger bag as another student fought Lycan.

"That can be an asset as well," Ren said. Yang beamed brilliantly as Jaune found his water bottle, and unscrewed it.

"Besides, look on the bright side!"

"What?" Jaune asked, tipping back the water bottle.

"You'll get me to massage that pain killing lotion all over your body~."

Jaune spewed his drink.

"Seriously Yang?!"

The blonde cackled... Then held her own stomach.

"Haha... Still hurts to laugh... Worth it...!"

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

"Is this really necessary?" Weiss asked, sipping some tea in a nice Mistralian-style cafe only a few block's distance from Allerleirauh. While not quite up to her usual standards, the tea shop was nevertheless quite nice in a rustic sort of way.

Pyrrha was all smiles as she also sipped her tea on the other side of the large table that she, Nora, Ren, and the rest of RWBY were congregated around on the sidewalk. People went to and fro, as did cars. They faded into the not unpleasant background din of a busy city on the weekend, with the nice warm sun shining down upon them.

"Whatever do you mean, Weiss? You and Jaune have both said I need to socialize more," she said, her tone slightly strained, "So I decided to take us all out for tea! Ren, how is your blend?"

"Adequate, though I prefer my own take on chai," Ren said.

Nora scowled at her stack of circular pastries.

"These aren't pancakes!"

"They're from an island nation near Mistral. Fujin is the name, I believe," Ren said patiently, "They're a type of pancake."

"Hnnnn, I don't know," Nora said dubiously, poking the tall pastries, "They're too thick for pancakes!"

"I like 'em!" Ruby said cheerfully, tearing through a stack of them slathered in syrup and whipped cream.

"You would," Yang chuckled, as Blake scowled out across the street next to her.

"They're made souffle style," Ren said, "If you like them, I'll try to reproduce the recipe for you."

Nora hummed, still poking at her stack.

"Well... As long as they're not crepes," Nora scoffed, "I hate crepes! Crepes are evil!"

"See?" Pyrrha said with a beam, "We're bonding as a team! I'm learning so much! I would love to try your tea blends, Ren! And your pancakes... If Nora is all right with it?"

"Hmmm," Nora hummed, "Pancake sharing might be a command decision. Maybe we should ask Jaune."

"Well he is in the diner right across the street," Weiss sighed. She pointed it out. Jaune was visible in a large window, sitting in a booth with Mint pressed against him. Across the table sat his uncle Alex, who was talking up a storm judging by how his arms gesticulated.

Pyrrha and Ruby both tried to fake being surprised.

"Why! So he is!" Pyrrha giggled. "What a coincidence!"

"Yeah! Totally a coincidence!" Ruby added.

Weiss rolled her eyes.

"Look, we're just a little concerned about his 'Uncle Alex,'" Ruby said, making finger quotes. "Blake agreed with me-!"

"That's a point in your favor-"

"And so did Pyrrha!" Ruby emphasized.

"And there the point goes," Weiss sighed.

"You can't tell me that-that sleazy man isn't out to harm Jaune! Or that that little... person is legit!" Pyrrha cried. "Not with how she's hanging all over him!"

"They're totally shifty! I can tell!" Ruby insisted, leaning forward over her plate of pancakes. Nora was busy committing a warcrime against table manners as she eagerly devoured her own stack, but everyone was immune to this by now.

Ruby looked to Yang.

"Come on Yang, back me up! You saw how nervous Jaune was acting!"

Yang shrugged.

"So his 'Uncle Alex' is a little shifty," Yang said, "Jaune's got issues with his family. It's natural for him to be nervous. It doesn't mean Jaune's in any danger."

"How can you say that with that-that-little gremlin hanging all over him?!" Pyrrha snarled, stabbing her pancakes in irritation. Yang couldn't help her smirk.

"Well, I know he'd never stray from me," Yang chuckled, "After all, we've got a date... And he kicked you out of his bed."

Pyrrha's smile became truly terrifying, as the metal forks at their table began to bend.

"Oh? You think just because you're going on a platonic date with him you're better than me?" Pyrrha laughed without any warmth.

"Uh, guys?" Weiss tried.

"I've got more than you do," Yang hissed smugly, her eyes turning red and her hair glowing.

"But how will you go on your date if you've broken your arms?" Pyrrha grinned.

Yang's own grin became terrifying, as she slammed her fists together with an ominous boom.

"How will you interfere if your jaw is broken?"

"HEY!" Ruby shouted, standing up and bonking them both on the head. "KNOCK IT OFF!"

"Owwww!" Both girls whined. Ruby huffed.

"Geez... Professor Ozpin was right! I do have to have a strong hand to lead!"

"I don't think that's what he meant," Weiss pointed out.

"It works for Jaune!" Ruby argued.

Weiss sipped her tea, looked over the two teams, and shrugged.

"I suppose I can't dispute that point."

"Look," Ren said, "While I agree that Jaune's uncle does seem untrustworthy, I couldn't detect any killing intent from him. I'm very good at picking that up."

"Yeah!" Nora cheered. "He can pick up all sorts of emotions and hints. Though some he never acts upon..."

"In any case," Ren said quickly, "Jaune can take care of himself."

Ruby grimaced.

"But I know I've seen that guy before!"

"Honestly, I always thought Arc was shifty," Weiss huffed, "It makes sense at least one of his relatives gives off that same air of scumbag. It had to come from somewhere. Right Blake?"

"Hm? Right," Blake nodded, her eyes narrowed, "I do agree that keeping an eye on them is probably a good idea though."

"Can you tell us why?" Weiss asked.

Blake stared intensely at Weiss, then looked away.

"No."

"That's helpful," Weiss muttered.

"Hello!"

The entire table looked up. A girl with her red hair up in a pink dress beamed at them. She wore a tan apron-like dress with a lighter tan undershirt, all covered in green markings. Ruby slowly waved.

"Hello?"

"I am Penny Polendina! I am combat ready!" Penny greeted them with a wide, cheerful smile. Her green eyes lit up. "You are students at Beacon, correct?"

"Uh, yeah, we are," Ruby said with a nod.

"I am a transfer student from Atlas, here for the Vytal Festival!" Penny continued in that same cheerful tone, "I was told that I should go out and make friends my own age! I am friendship ready! Would you like to be friends?"

"Uhhhh..." Ruby glanced around the table. Pyrrha was smiling awkwardly. Nora grinned happily. Ren was carefully stoic. Blake, Weiss, and Yang were smiling but subtly shaking their heads and pleading with their eyes.

"... Surrrre!" Ruby said with a smile, as her team held back groans. "Pull up a chair! We'd love to get to know you, wouldn't we?"

Many non-committal sounds were made. Penny grabbed a chair, and held it up.

"I have pulled up the chair! Now what do I do with it?"

Ruby kept up her smile, even as her eyebrow twitched.

Oh boy... Please, let this be the last weird thing I have to deal with today, please?

- - -

Jaune sighed as he sat back against the faux leather of the boothseat. Neo cuddled up to his side as she played with his hair. His hamburger remained untouched in front of him, as Roman sat across with a greasy smile.

"Got yourself a little harem, I see," Roman observed with a nod, "Good on you, Kid. It's a bit risky but given how tough you are-"

"They're not my harem," Jaune sighed, "And it's... Not terrible to see you two again? But I'm guessing this isn't a social call."

"Well, it kind of is," Roman said, "But you can mix business with pleasure at times."

"How is this pleasant?" Jaune deadpanned. Neo beamed, and nuzzled him. "Seriously, quit that."

"Neo's quite attached to you," Roman chuckled, "And I ain't pulled out the shotgun yet?"

"Why don't you just cut to the chase?" Jaune asked wearily. Roman nodded.

"Right... To the point. You've gotten a bit of a reputation, Kid. The Raggedy Knight is on the verge of becoming a folk hero."

"And...?"

"And it would be unfortunate for many people if the news that the Raggedy Knight was a student at Beacon got out," Roman stated bluntly, "People like you."

Before all this, Jaune would probably have been shaking in his boots at this. Now, he just rolled his eyes.

"Oh yeah, because Roman Torchwick would have zero motive to lie! The Gentleman Thief is sooo trustworthy!"

"You've developed a nice flair for sarcasm, Kid," Roman chuckled, "I like it... But don't push it. In all honesty, I don't want you dead or in trouble. Not really. I actually kind of like you. Neo likes you, Gods know why. So-"

"What do you want?" Jaune asked, again sounding very tired. Roman scowled.

"Come on, let me have a little dramatic flourish! A little mystery! A little anticipation to build the audience up-?"

"Roman!"

"All right, all right, geez, kids today," Roman sighed. "I need you to do me a favor while you're in Beacon."

"I'm not selling drugs."

"HEY! Roman Torchwick doesn't deal dope!" Roman growled, shaking his finger, "I am a respectable gentleman thief and mobster! Sure, I get a cut from the drug trade, but it's under my rules!"

"I'm not killing anyone, either."

"Don't want that either."

"I'm not helping you kidnap or steal anything-"

"Kid!"

"I'm not some flunky you can just order around!" Jaune growled. Roman grit his teeth... And let out a puff of air through his nostrils. Neo waved her face with a grin.

"Again, you're lucky I like you, Kid," Roman sighed, "Look. All I want is information. A... Business associate of mine is going to be at Beacon soon. I want to know what she's up to."

"Why? She your girlfriend or something?" Jaune asked dryly. Roman sighed with a melancholy smile.

"More like she's the worst ex I never had. She's got her own business going on, but we're... Partners."

"But you don't know what she's doing?" Jaune asked slowly. Roman shrugged, taking a bite from his potroast and potatoes.

"That's the way the game works, Kid. We all got our own agendas. Mine is fairly straightforward-Make money, be the stylish and devilishly handsome King of the Underworld. Her game? Don't know it. But every bit of information I have on her helps me figure it out."

"Will you use it to kill her?" Jaune asked, his eyes narrowed. Roman laughed, a tortured thing lacking his usual confidence.

"Believe me Kid, if I could, I would," he said. Neo looked at Roman in worry. Jaune blinked.

"What... What kind of a person-?"

"The less you know, the better, for now anyway," Roman said quickly, his old spark back in his eyes, "Just uh... Try to act like the goofy, wet behind ears doofus you probably were before all of this around her... And don't cross her. Ever."

Jaune frowned.

"I don't know-"

"Whatever she wants, it's big," Roman said calmly, "Big and bad. I ain't got the full picture yet... But if it's big enough, then it's in both our best interests to figure it out together, right?"

"Why go to all this trouble though?" Jaune asked.

"Me and Neo are hoping to turn over a new leaf, ya know," Roman chuckled, "Be more of the 'gentle' type of thief. The lovable rogues!"

"Uh huh," Jaune nodded slowly, "And the actual reason?"

Roman was silent. Neo frowned, and went still. Jaune frowned.

"You... Are you... Afraid, Roman?"

Roman looked back up at Jaune, and scoffed.

"Pfft. Me? Scared? HA! Like hell," Roman laughed, "Nah... I'm just playing the game, and I'm using all the pieces I've got available to me. Look, I'll even make it worth your while-"

"I'm not taking money from a crook."

"It'll all come from my legit businesses! Can't an uncle spoil his nephew a little? Besides," Roman said, eating more pot roast, "If I was playing hardball, I could always just call your mother-"

"Okay okay okay!" Jaune hissed, waving his arms around, "Fine! I'll keep an eye out! Just keep her out of this, all right?!"

"Huh," Roman observed, "Should have gone with that approach first."

Neo scowled at him. Roman shook his head.

"All right, all right," he sighed, "I won't be rough on your boyfriend!"

"I'm not her boyfriend," Jaune stated. Neo scowled, and signed something to him.

"No I'm not their boyfriend either!" Jaune stated, pointing out the window at his friends obviously spying on him from the café across the street. Neo signed some more.

"No you can't kill them off to make sure!"

Neo hummed silently in thought... Then signed something with a saucy grin. Jaune went bright red.

"No you can't break them into my sex slave harem! What is wrong with you?!"

"I'd take that offer, kid," Roman said with a smirk, "You ain't gonna get anything better."

"Didn't you once say you never quit trying to find a new angle?" Jaune demanded. Roman laughed, and shook his head.

"Yeah, but whoever coined that little phrase never met her." He got up, and left some lien on the table. "Neo's exchanged our contact info. We'll be in touch."

Neo beamed, and nuzzled Jaune. The raggedy knight sighed heavily.

"Neo, look, I like you. You're probably one of my favorite crazy violent girls, but I don't date crazy violent girls."

Neo looked affronted.

"And yet," Roman smirked, "That's the only kind of chick you attract, ain't that right?"

Jaune held up a finger, took a deep breath, opened his mouth...

And sagged a bit.

"Okay... Yeah... Mostly," he muttered.

Neo kissed Jaune on the cheek. Roman waved his hand towards Jaune.

"There you go. Better to just accept it and move on with your life."

Jaune snorted.

"I've got a platonic date with a girl who isn't craz... Vio... She's less crazy and violent than the others?"

"Sure Kid, whatever you say," Roman chuckled.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Penny was... Weird. That was all there was to it. She was weird. She acted like she'd grown up in a lab or in a mountain cave or something!

"Ah. So pancakes can be eaten any time?" Penny asked Nora, who was nodding sagely.

"Yes! And they can be made with spinach! Renny's really good at that!"

"I see!" Penny laughed. "I too enjoy green foods! I enjoy foods in general, as I am definitely a normal human girl!"

"Can we please ditch her?" Yang muttered to Ruby. "Come on!"

"I know she's super weird, Yang, but... I mean, so was I," Ruby murmured back. Yang shook her head.

"Never like this."

"Hello Friend Yang, Friend Ruby!" Penny said cheerfully, leaning forward, "May I also join your clandestine conversation?"

"Uhhhh," Ruby scrambled for a proper response, "No?"

"Oh, it is private!"

"Yes."

"Apologies, I did not mean to eavesdrop," Penny said sadly, "That is apparently considered 'rude'. I do not wish to be rude, Friend Ruby."

The sad look on her face... Ruby shook her head, and reached out to squeeze Penny's hand. Penny stared at the close contact in confusion.

"You're not. Really," Ruby said, smiling. "It's just fine."

"Thank you. I have been raised in isolation and thus do not fully understand all aspects of human behavior." She paused. "Despite being a human, which is absolutely what I am."

"Uh, yeah, sure," Ruby managed.

Pyrrha received a message on her scroll, and looked at it. She paled.

"Jaune is done with his uncle and that girl," Blake observed.

"Oh thank goodness," Ruby sighed. She could feel the staff staring at them. "Okay, so let's go get Jaune and go do... Ya know, something fun-"

"Ah, I apologize," Pyrrha said quickly, "But I must excuse myself. Also uh... Ren? Nora? Would you join me, please? It... It's very important."

Ren blinked, then shrugged.

"If you need us, Pyrrha."

"I do," she said.

"Then we're there! Together!" Nora said cheerfully. She stood up with Ren. "Bye Penny! Remember what I said about pancakes!"

"Bye Friend Nora! I will!" Penny said cheerfully. She turned to Ruby. "Friend Ruby, may I accompany you and your team for more fun friend activities?"

"W-Well," Ruby began, "Yang has to go get ready for her date-"

"I do!" Yang said quickly, standing up, "But I'll go check with Jauney about the details! Ta!"

"And Blake and I have something important to do," Weiss said, with the smooth surety of an heiress who has had to duck out of many social obligations. She rose with Blake, and they walked off, "Ta!"

"W-Wait, hang on," Ruby tried, but Penny squeezed her hand with a bright smile.

"Wonderful! They have left us alone to enhance our friendship experience! I assure you, Ruby, I am fun ready!"

"Ah, eheh, great," Ruby smiled, inwardly cursing how nice she was.

- - -

Neo and Roman left the diner via the backdoor. Apparently the owner knew them-Probably pretty well, given the look of barely concealed terror on his face.

Jaune gave him an extra large tip. He didn't think it would help, but it did assuage his own conscience a little.

He stepped out of the diner, where Pyrrha, Nora, Ren, and Yang were waiting. He smiled wryly.

"Hey guys. How was the show?"

Pyrrha blushed guiltily. Yang coughed.

"Ah, ya know, kind of boring," Yang said with a smile, "You didn't even grope Mint."

"She was always a weird cousin," Jaune deadpanned, "You being into incest is much more concerning."

"What if I am?" Yang teased back, "I did like calling you 'Daddy'."

Jaune's face burned bright red as Yang cackled.

"You are dangerous," he accused.

"Guilty as charged," Yang laughed. Jaune shot a look over at Pyrrha-Weirdly, she wasn't looking jealous or yandere at all. She looked... Sad.

"Eh, I've seen better," Nora said, making a 'so-so' expression with her hand. "At least the soufflé pancakes were good! Renny's gonna make us some!"

"I look forward to it," Jaune said with a smile to Ren. Ren nodded slowly.

"I hoped you would," he stated.

"Is everything all right, Jaune?" Pyrrha asked softly. Yang nodded.

"Yeah. Pyrrha, Ruby, and Blake seemed to think you were in mortal danger."

"Who, me? No, no..."

Not yet, Jaune thought. He sighed and shrugged. He'd learned thanks to having seven sisters that the best way to lie was to include as much of the truth as possible in it. So...

"Uncle Alex is... You have any relatives or close friends who are always getting into financial trouble because they're... Well... Terrible with money? And they expect you to bail you out because you're, ya know, family?"

Pyrrha nodded slowly, the light of understanding in her eyes.

"Oh yes... I-I am very familiar with such... Um... People," she said quietly.

Yang rolled her eyes.

"Ugh, yeah. Cousin Lanse on our father's side. He's always running up a debt at the casinos in Vacuo."

"No," Ren said bluntly.

"Nope!" Nora said, also bluntly.

Jaune winced.

"Sorry guys-"

"Don't be," Ren said quickly.

"But yeah, that's Uncle Alex," Jaune sighed, "He's a fun guy and good in a fight, but... He's always getting into trouble."

"You didn't give him any money, right?" Nora asked quickly. "He doesn't owe money to gangsters and is at risk of losing his kneecaps? Because we could always bust them first! That way, they don't have to do it!"

Jaune gave this some considerable thought. He shook his head.

"No, no... He's more of the... Guy you love to hate, you know? He's been there for me when I needed help and I appreciate all he's done for me."

"And Mint?" Yang asked. Pyrrha tensed, but again, no rage. Jaune sighed.

"She's uh... Overly affectionate. Also she reads too many Mistalian comics: Thinks we're destined to get married or something. She'll grow out of it. Eventually."

"I see," Pyrrha murmured. Even Yang looked over, concerned.

"Everything all right, P-Money? You haven't been yourself since you got that text."

Pyrrha cleared her throat.

"Um... Jaune? Nora? Ren? My... My mother is visiting Beacon. She would like to meet my team. Would... Would that be all right? It won't take long, I promise."

Jaune frowned. "Right now?"

"Yes. Now," Pyrrha said. "I... I would understand completely if you didn't want to, but... It's very important."

Jaune shrugged. He looked over at Yang.

"We still on for six?"

"Oh, absolutely!" Yang grinned, "If Pyrrha can spare the time, I've got the rhyme!"

Her heart wasn't in that one, but Jaune appreciated that she was trying.

"It won't take long, I promise," Pyrrha said, again in that controlled, subdued tone. Jaune's frown deepened.

"Well... Okay then," Jaune said. He winked at Yang with a small smile. "Dress up nice, huh?"

"That's my line," Yang said with a grin, "We start early, we can get to a department store and-"

"Uh uh uh, I've been your doll long enough today," Jaune grunted, "I've got seven sisters, Yang. I promise, I'll dress up nice."

"I'll hold you to that, Jauney boy," Yang giggled. She gave him a hug... Before she jetted off. Jaune looked at Ren and Nora. Ren was expectant, and Nora was giving Pyrrha strange looks.

"So... Let's go meet your mom," Jaune said with a smile.

"Yes... Thank you... Sorry," Pyrrha managed with a weak smile of her own.

- - -

"Ugh, these transfer students are just so bizarre," Weiss sighed as she and Blake walked along the street, "Still, hopefully she's just an anomaly."

"Mmhm," Blake responded. Weiss looked ahead, and scowled.

"Stop! THIEF!"

"Then again..." Weiss muttered.

Blake looked up. A blond monkey Faunus man, about their age, was running through the crowd. Weiss flushed as she caught sight of his bare, chiseled chest and buff arms. Blake blinked in shock.

He caught sight of them, and grinned even as two police officers chased after him.

"Stop damnit!" The lead cop shouted.

"Excuse me ladies, I'll be back to pick you up later!" The young man shouted, doing an artful flip right over their heads as he tossed a wink at them. He grabbed onto a windowsill and climbed up to the rooftops, soon vanishing. The cops rushed down a nearby alley, still in hot pursuit.

"Ugh, typical," Weiss snorted, "For every good Faunus like Schwartz and his family, there are always ruffians like that."

"Excuse you?" Blake growled.

Weiss, taken aback, cleared her throat.

"W-Well, he's being pursued by the police! Obviously, he did something wrong-!"

"And you've never thought that the police might be wrong?" Blake demanded.

Yang ran up, as did Ruby. Penny followed along, still smiling her curious little smile.

"Well, why would they chase him if he hadn't done anything wrong?" Weiss scoffed. "It's not like they just chase people down because they're Faunus!"

"Oh, you'd like to think that, wouldn't you?" Blake demanded. "You'd like to think only Faunus who act like good little pets are safe, or innocent, is that it?!"

"Woah!" Yang held up her hands, "Time out! What's going on?"

"I just commented that a Faunus running from the police might be guilty of a crime!" Weiss stated firmly, "Then Blake went off on me!"

"I went off on you for acting like a typical Schnee," Blake snarled, "The only good Faunus is a collared one, right?!"

"Woah woah woah!" Ruby shouted. "Calm down, Blake! Why are you so upset? It's not like you're a Faunus!"

A long silence ensued. Blake grit her teeth. Ruby's eyes widened. Weiss gaped.

"I uh... Oh," Weiss murmured, "I... Oh... It should have been obvious, I-I suppose. The bow-"

"Let's take this somewhere else, shall we?" Yang suggested. She pulled Blake along, and Ruby pulled Weiss. They took refuge in another alley. Penny continued to follow, unnoticed by the quartet.

Weiss, given her upbringing, cleared her throat and started first.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were a Faunus," Weiss said, "I didn't mean to offend you, really."

"Maybe I wouldn't have had to hide if there weren't people like you!"

"HEY!" Yang said, taking Blake's arm and pulling her back from Weiss, "Look, Blake, I know Weiss is a little Weiss, but she was nothing but polite to Schwartz and his family-"

"Yeah! Because they're safe, aren't they?" Blake demanded. "Good little pets!"

"I never said that, I never thought that!" Weiss shouted. "I'd never met them before! I was polite and kind, because they were that to me!"

"Can we please stop shouting?" Ruby asked.

Weiss shook her head, and cleared her throat.

"Well... I'm sorry you feel that way, Blake. I didn't know that using my eyes was a crime-"

"You just jumped to conclusions! You didn't ask about the situation!"

"I'm not a police officer!" Weiss growled. "All I said is that if he's being chased while the police call 'thief', maybe he's a thief! We don't know anything else!"

"You said he wasn't a good Faunus!"

"Well if he's a thief, is he?!" Weiss demanded. "You're acting like I'm accusing him of being White Fang!"

"And what if he was?!" Blake shot back.

"It's a terrorist group, Blake!" Weiss hissed, "Why are you taking this so personally?! Did I say all Faunus are with White Fang?! Did I say you were with White Fang?!"

Blake's angry face... Became filled with guilt and self loathing. Weiss's eyes narrowed. Yang shook her head, as Ruby blinked.

"Come on, Weiss," Yang laughed uneasily, "I-I mean... Blake's many things, but a terrorist-?"

"I was."

A dead, strained silence fell. Weiss sucked in a deep breath, and recoiled away from Blake.

"You... You were-?"

"I was White Fang," Blake murmured, as Yang gaped and Ruby gasped, "From the beginning. My mother and father founded it."

"You're... You're that Blake Belladonna..." Weiss whispered. "You're part of those murderers-"

"We were peaceful, at first!" Blake said defensively. "We had to defend ourselves! Your company enslaved Faunus in your mines!"

"Yes! Yes, they did!" Weiss retorted, "Some still do! I don't condone that! I-I want to change that-!"

Blake growled, straining against Yang's grip.

"Oh really? A wealth built on slavery?! You'd give that up-?!"

"I would give it up if it was my choice-!"

"Oh, so it's your choice now?!"

"My father runs the company, it's not my fault-!"

"So you're innocent of everything he did, is that it?!"

"So what if you decide I'm not innocent?!" Weiss snarled, straining against Ruby's grip, "Are you going to kill me?! Like you killed my uncles?! LIKE YOU TRIED TO MURDER MY SISTER?! IS THAT IT, BLAKE?!"

Blake recoiled, her face turning paste white.

"I-I didn't-I never-!"

"M-Maybe we can sit down, talk this out-" Ruby tried, but Weiss shot her a venomous glare.

"No you listen, Ruby! This isn't a child's game or one of your stupid comics! White Fang has literally posted bounties! Bounties for me, for my sister, for my brother, my mother-To be kidnapped, tortured, and who knows what else before being killed!"

"I didn't do that!" Blake shouted. "I tried to change it! I tried to convince them-!"

"Well you didn't do a good job did you?!" Weiss shrieked. "Do you know what it is to be hunted for something you had no control over?! To worry about a pack of monsters grabbing you or you family to do horrible things to you?!"

"YES I DO!" Blake snarled back. "I'VE HAD TO LIVE WITH THAT EVERY DAY-!"

"BECAUSE YOU WERE A TERRORIST!" Weiss roared.

"ENOUGH!" Ruby shouted, stepping between them. "This isn't getting us anywhere! You're just screaming at eachother! We need to-!"

The Blake Yang was holding vanished. Far down the alleyway, a black shadow ascended to the rooftops and vanished.

"BLAKE!" Ruby shouted. "BLAKE, COME BACK!"

Yang turned to the furious Weiss.

"Weiss, hang on-"

"Don't talk to me!" Weiss snarled, turning on her heel and storming away, "Don't! Just don't!"

Penny moved out of the way as Weiss ran off. Yang went after her, calling her name. Ruby walked out slowly, staring after Weiss and her older sister.

"Friend Ruby?" Penny asked softly. She walked up. "Friend Ruby? Are you all right?"

"No," Ruby whispered, tears burning at the corners of her eyes, "No... N-No, I'm not..."

- - -

Some drama ahoy!

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Pyrrha Nikos had always been a bit intimidating to Jaune Arc since they'd met. She was beautiful, powerful, talented… And also a bit crazy. Since then, his opinion had changed a bit:

She was really crazy.

Yet it was kind of endearing in a strange sort of way. Or maybe that was Jaune's hormones talking. Most of the time it was kind of scary.

The entire trip back to Beacon to meet her mother though? That was terrifying.

Pyrrha was almost entirely silent, answering any questions in a vague, soft, quiet way. Her eyes avoided his gaze almost constantly. Her smiles were small and entirely too plastic.

Not even in the scary way, like when she was going full on yandere.

Why is this more disturbing than her going nuts? Jaune wondered, Shit, I hope I'm not coming down with Argus Syndrome. Identifying more with my captors than my allies. Wait, is Pyrrha my captor? She wants to be my captive, after all, in chains and-NOPE. NOPE. Not even going down that road!

They arrived at their common room. Pyrrha let out a soft exhale as she stood in front of the door.

"She's here. Let me go in first," she said quietly. "Please, don't speak unless she speaks to you first. It… It will make things go more… Smoothly."

"Okay," Jaune said, stepping back. Even Nora stayed quiet, just watching Pyrrha with interest, while Ren remained cool and composed.

Pyrrha opened the door. A tall, older redheaded woman waited for them at their main table, wearing a nice Mistralian style pantsuit in blue, with her hair in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. She looked far too regal to be in their cluttered and warm common room, even more than Weiss did.

Cool blue eyes were framed by severe glasses, as she fixed her daughter and her companions with a sharp stare.

"You're late, Pyrrha," she spoke with light disapproval.

"My apologies, Mother," Pyrrha said softly, her eyes downcast, "I was out with my team in Vale and did not know you were coming."

Pyrrha's mother processed this, before she shook her head.

"Try not to let it happen again in the future," she said. She stood up, and held out her arms. "Give me a hug."

It came off as more of an order than a request.

"Yes Mother," Pyrrha spoke, walking over and hugging the older woman. It was quick, almost perfunctory, before Pyrrha's mother let go first. Pyrrha stepped back, standing properly like a posed mannequin at a shop. Pyrrha's mother eyed Jaune and the rest of JNPR.

"Come in then," she said.

Jaune entered first, Ren and Nora trailing behind. Jaune cleared his throat. Even three months of hell in the wilderness couldn't remove all his manners.

"I'm Jaune Arc, leader of JNPR and Pyrrha's partner. This is Lie Ren, and Nora Valkyrie. How do you do, ma'am?"

Pyrrha's mother cooly assessed them before she spoke.

"I am Athena Nikos, Pyrrha's mother and manager. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Arc, Mister Ren, and Miss Valkyrie."

Her tone was very polite, but guarded. She was already assessing them like Jaune would a potential threat.

"Please, sit," Athena said, gesturing to the table. Jaune, Nora, and Ren took their chairs. Athena sat down, and Pyrrha sat down next to her after. Her hands were in her lap, and she sat poised as though posing for a photo.

"May I ask why you were chosen as leader of the team?" Athena asked Jaune, eyes focused on him like a laser beam.

"Jaune demonstrated excellent leadership and tactical abilities in our initiation," Pyrrha quickly spoke up, "He led us to victory-"

"I was asking him, not you, Pyrrha," Athena said, her tone still polite but clipped. Pyrrha lowered her eyes back to her lap.

"Yes, Mother."

Nora was frowning deeply, and her hands were twitching towards her hammer. Ren remained stoic, though his eyes were intense.

"I took charge of the situation in the Initiation," Jaune said, "But our entire team worked together very well. Pyrrha was instrumental to our victory."

"Of course she was," Athena said with a nod, as if any other option was unthinkable, "But why did she follow your lead?"

Jaune resisted the urge to shrug.

"I came up with a workable plan and they followed me. We put it into action, and it worked," Jaune explained.

"That simple?" Athena pressed.

"That simple," Jaune replied evenly. Pyrrha looked back down again, and Jaune found he really didn't like it.

Keep it together, keep it together.

"You didn't take charge?" She asked Pyrrha. Pyrrha shook her head gently.

"Jaune did so first, and the plans were sound. I trusted his judgment," she said quietly.

"I see," Athena hummed. "You wouldn't happen to be related to the Arcs out of Radian? Doctor Isabel Arc's family?"

"I am her son," Jaune said politely.

"I see," Athena said with a slight nod, "Your siblings all went for non-Hunter careers."

"Yes."

"Why did you choose this path?"

"To live up to my family legacy, I guess," Jaune said. Athena's eyes narrowed.

"You guess? My daughter's life and reputation is in your hands, Mister Arc. I trust you won't take that lightly?"

"Of course not," Jaune said, biting back down a surge of anger, "She's my partner and teammate. I would never let her down."

Pyrrha flushed, but maintained her elegant posture and neutral expression. Athena scowled, and slowly nodded.

"See that you do. Mister Ren? Miss Valkyrie? I don't have any family records for you two. Orphans, I take it?"

"Yes," Ren replied, putting a hand on Nora's thigh underneath the table, "Our village was destroyed in southern Mistral when we were children. We've been on the road ever since."

"You did not receive formal training?"

"We did," Ren said, "Later on. Much of our combat experience was gained out of necessity. To survive."

"I see," Athena said, her tone unchanged.

On and on the questioning went. Athena had Pyrrha go get them some tea and water, and Pyrrha served them with all the mannerisms of a broken house maid. She went back to sitting by her mother, back to that plastic, pleasant smile and almost robotic demeanor as her mother continued her interrogation of the team.

Honestly, Jaune didn't think he'd miss the underground deathmatches, but this woman was making that seem almost preferable.

"What are your intentions towards Pyrrha, Mister Arc?"

Jaune was in the middle of sipping some tea. He swallowed, and slowly lowered the cup to the table. He looked Athena right in the eyes.

"My intentions are to be her partner and ensure we all graduate this school to become successful Hunters," he said. It was bland, but it was the kind of response his mother had made in a lot of meetings with businessmen.

"Then you have no romantic interest in my daughter?" Athena asked coldly.

Geez… What kind of response would win here? Jaune thought to himself. Wait, do I have any romantic interest? I mean… Kind of… Sort of…?

"We're friends," Jaune decided on, "We trust eachother."

"That's not an answer, Mister Arc."

"He… He has a date with a member of another team tonight, Mother," Pyrrha said softly. Athena scowled slightly.

"I see… Keep it that way, Mister Arc. My daughter can't afford to be distracted by romance at this stage in her life."

Jaune nodded, even as Pyrrha held back a look of distress.

Well, fuck you too, bitch. No wait... Shouldn't I be glad? Argh, damnit hormones...!"

Athena turned her suspicious eyes onto Ren next.

"What about you, Mister Ren?"

"I-"

"He's taken!" Nora said cheerfully, hugging Ren tightly, "I'd take a hammer to any girl who tried to steal my Renny away!"

"Y-Yes," Ren grunted through Nora's grip, "We are... Childhood sweethearts..."

"We're gonna get married and have a dozen children and eat pancakes for every meal~!" Nora giggled, "He just has to propose!"

Jaune hid a smirk.

Payback's a bitch, my friend.

Athena's nose wrinkled at that response, but she seemed satisfied. She looked back at Jaune.

"Good. I would hate to think that my daughter would be taken advantage of," she stated, "I'll hold you responsible for anything that happens to her."

Jaune's eyes narrowed as he stared her back down.

"I won't let anything happen to Pyrrha, Mrs. Nikos," Jaune said, his anger flaring up at the implied insult, "You can count on that."

Pyrrha actually smiled, a bit like her old self, but went back to that plastic, neutral expression the moment Athena's eyes went to her.

"I see… Well. It was a pleasure to meet you all. I have things to do, it is nearly time for dinner." She rose. "Come along, Pyrrha. We have much to discuss."

"May I… May I have a moment with my team?" Pyrrha asked quietly. Athena stared at her, then slowly nodded.

"Fifteen minutes. I will meet you at the Bullheads," she said. "Don't be late again."

"Of course not, Mother," Pyrrha agreed. Athena turned and walked out the door, her footsteps loud in the silent room. The door slid shut behind her. Nora slumped forward, groaning.

"Ugggghh… That was the worst thing ever," Nora pronounced. Ren nodded slowly.

Jaune stared at Pyrrha, who flushed and looked back down.

"Geez… Is she… Always like that?"

"She's just looking out for my welfare," Pyrrha murmured softly, "She has a hard time trusting just anyone with me. She does care for me… Really."

"Pyrrha," Jaune said, sliding his chair to sit next to her directly, "She's not… Abusing you, is she?"

Pyrrha looked up in shock.

"What? No, I-!"

"Because if she is, I am perfectly willing to make her eat her own teeth."

Pyrrha's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed.

"Wh-What-?!"

"Yup," Jaune with a nod, holding up his fist, "I will walk down and punch her in the face. Right now. No questions asked."

"Very diplomatic," Ren said dryly. Nora grinned.

"Ooh! Ooh! I call her kneecaps!"

"N-No! No!" Pyrrha said, waving her hands, "She-She isn't abusive! She's just… You know…" She looked aside. "Just very… Um… Concerned about me. She was in entertainment herself as a child star. She… She doesn't want me to be exploited. She just… You know…"

Jaune sighed, and squeezed Pyrrha's hand.

"Yeah," he muttered, "I get that. My mom could be pretty strict, too. Though she definitely didn't make hugging me seem like a chore."

Pyrrha sagged a little. Jaune worked his jaw.

"Will you be all right?"

"Y-Yes. Yes, I will," Pyrrha murmured.

"All right. Just so you know, though… It's creepy seeing you like this."

Pyrrha turned sharply to Jaune, her eyes wide in shock.

"I… I thought you didn't like how I was-"

"It can be annoying, but… I'll take that over you acting like a scared little rabbit," Jaune said honestly. "Look… When you're with us? You can act however you want to. You can be yourself, all right?"

"I... I don't know what that is," Pyrrha murmured.

"HORNY!"

"Nora!" Ren scolded her, as Nora giggled.

Pyrrha managed a warmer smile.

"I... I guess I am," she mumbled, embarassed.

"Yeah, but after meeting your mom," Jaune said, "I can... I can understand it."

Pyrrha slowly nodded back. She turned to Nora, eyes asking permission. Nora giggled, and held out her arms.

"Aw, silly! You don't even have to ask!"

Pyrrha smiled, and hugged Nora tightly. She pulled back, then looked between Nora and Ren. Nora nodded, as Ren sighed and held out his arms.

"It's not like I'm known for being 'huggy' anyway," Ren deadpanned. Nora giggled again.

"Just with me!"

Pyrrha nodded, and gave Ren a brief hug. She pulled away... Then stared awkwardly at Jaune.

He sighed, and held his arms out.

"Come on."

Pyrrha stared in disbelief… Before a large, wide smile erupted on her face. She hugged Jaune tightly with a squeal, nearly knocking him over.

"URK!"

"Oh Jaune~! I-I just-I love-!"

She coughed, and pulled back. Jaune held her close though.

"It's okay, it's okay," Jaune muttered, "Really. It's okay. Just uh... Chill, huh?"

"Right, r-right," Pyrrha managed, her face bright red. She nuzzled him happily. "Mmmm... You smell so good... Ah..."

She coughed self consciously, and pulled away quickly. Jaune was as red cheeked as her.

"Uh... Thank you?" Jaune managed.

"Sorry-"

BONK!

"Owww!" Pyrrha whined, rubbing her head. "J-Jaune-!"

"Didn't I tell you not to say that if you haven't done anything wrong?" Jaune asked with a gentle smile.

Pyrrha blinked. She smiled warmly back, a sparkle in her eyes.

"Yes... Yes you did," she murmured.

Shit... This girl is dangerous, Jaune thought over the sound of his rapidly beating heart. He cleared his throat again, looking to the side.

"But I'm not just gonna get bowled over, all right? Besides… If there's one thing I agree with your mom about, it's that you can do a hell of a lot better than me."

Pyrrha shook her head.

"I don't think so," she said softly. She stood up, reluctantly, and headed out the door. She cast a last, lingering look back at her team, her friends, before she left, closing the door behind her. Jaune sighed and rubbed his face.

"Geez…"

"So… Pancakes?" Nora asked brightly.

- - -


Don't think about Pyrrha, Jaune thought to himself, as he checked his suit and tie, Don't think about her... She'll be okay. All right? She needs friends. That's what she needs. Friends. Like Yang.

He nodded to himself in the mirror and smiled.

Yes. Friends like Yang. Who are fun, honest, funny, confident, sexy and beaut-

Jaune bashed his head against the wall.

"DAMNIT!" Jaune growled.

Pyrrha had to be so affectionate and now he was infected with Horny!

Sure, Yang loved to flirt but... But that was her thing!

"No, no, not gonna, not even gonna," Jaune muttered. He took a few deep breaths. He headed out of the bathroom, and into the common room. Ren was cooking again, Nora eagerly awaiting whatever he prepared. He walked up to the RWBY dorm room door, and knocked.

The door was flung open, and he was greeted by an angry Weiss.

"What, you here to yell at me too?" Weiss snarled.

Jaune, per his wont, glared back.

"Okay, what's your deal? Why are you suddenly in bitch mode, I thought you had your fun today-?"

"SHUT UP!"

Weiss took deep, angry breaths, her eyes wild. She turned and stalked off. Jaune watched her go, and blinked. A very quiet, very pale Ruby walked up to the door, wringing her hands. Her eyes were red from crying.

"Ruby? Ruby, what's wrong?" Jaune asked urgently, reaching out to rest a hand on her shoulder.

"Um... Weiss and Blake got in a big argument today, and... Uh... Blake ran off," she murmured.

Jaune's eyes widened, and he stared over at Weiss. She was glaring at her Scroll on her bunkbed, her back to them.

"Okay, so, what happened-?"

"She's White Fang, Arc," Weiss growled.

"She was White Fang! Was!" Ruby insisted. "She-She quit, she said so herself-!"

"And that counts for nothing," Weiss growled.

Jaune blinked a few times, and gaped.

"Wait, she's that Blake Belladonna?!"

"Funny how none of us made that connection, huh?" Nora asked. Ren lifted his eyebrows slightly, which may as well have been a gasp from him.

"Aw, geez," Jaune muttered. Ruby nodded slowly.

"Y-Yeah... Um... Yang went to try and call her in the courtyard. She's... I think she's still there."

Jaune nodded, turned, and ran off. Ruby looked over at Weiss.

"Weiss... Weiss, please-"

"We are not having this discussion, Ruby," Weiss stated, throwing her covers over her head, "Goodnight."

Ruby sagged. She felt Nora's arms wrap around her from behind.

"Hey," the older girl murmured, "Come join us for pancakes. All right? Let Weissy cool down. Talk to her tomorrow."

Ruby looked over at Weiss, still covered up in her blankets. She slowly nodded.

"I... All right," she murmured, "Thank you, Nora."

"What are friends for?" Nora asked. She smiled into the room. "Goodnight, Weissy. Talk to you in the morning!"

There was no response. Nora turned off the lights, and closed the door. She led Ruby over to the table, and sat her down, still hugging her.

"Everyone can use time to cool down, right?" Nora asked softly, as Ren put down some pancakes on plates in front of them. Nora dutifully slathered them in syrup and whipped cream, Ruby's favorites.

"This... This is really big, Nora," Ruby mumbled, "I... I don't even know if Blake will come back, or if Weiss will ever-"

"No. You don't," Ren said gently, "But worrying about it won't help. It's probably for the best that Blake and Weiss have space right now."

"They wouldn't do much else but fight like dogs and-Ohhhh," Nora blinked, "Is that why Blake always glared at me when I said stuff involving kitties? I'll have to use sloths instead. No, wait, maybe a sloth faunus would be offended?"

"I just..." Ruby closed her eyes, not feeling hungry. "I feel like such a bad leader... I-I couldn't resolve this-"

"And neither have leaders with decades of experience," Ren said, again in that gentle tone, "The fight between the SDC and the White Fang is not something any one person can resolve easily. Especially not with two people personally involved in that fight."

He nodded to the pancakes.

"Eat. It will make you feel better."

"It always makes me feel better, Ruby," Nora beamed. Ruby sniffled, before she took up a fork. She cut off a piece of pancake, and brought it to her mouth. She chewed it, and swallowed. The warm sweetness filled her mouth, and settled in her stomach in a comforting way. She sniffled again, but managed a smile up at Ren.

"It... It tastes great!"

"Told ya," Nora giggled. "That's my man! Though... I know you'd prefer Jaune be the one cooking for you right now."

"Ah! Oh! Uh," Ruby blushed bright red. "I-I mean... He is... He is like my big brother... And-And Yang, and Pyrrha, and uh-B-But I really appreciate you, Ren! Honest!"

"It's all right," Ren said, a slight smile on his face, "Thank you Ruby. Besides, Jaune's got a lot more issues to juggle than I do."

"Boy, does he," Nora laughed.

- - -

Jaune ran down to the courtyard. The stars were already out, twinkling as a backdrop for the ever present shattered moon. He put that out of his mind as he scanned around. He spotted a shock of blonde hair on one of the stone benches that guarded the center of the stone courtyard. He approached Yang carefully, as she dialed again and held her scroll up to her ear.

"Blake, it's Yang. I know I've left a lot of messages but please, just pick up. I just... I just want to know you're all right. Okay? Please call me back."

Yang hung up, and her shoulders dropped with her Scroll. She sighed heavily, like a much older woman. Jaune cleared his throat. She sat back up, ramrod straight, and looked over her shoulder. Her blue eyes widened.

"Oh shit, I completely forgot-!"

"No, no, it's fine," Jaune said, hands up. He walked over to the bench, and stood in front of it. "I mean... I don't think we'd have a lot fun, anyway."

Yang smiled weakly.

"Yeah... It'd be a bit of a bummer," she said quietly, before looking back down. Jaune sat on the bench next to her, and looked over her shoulder at her scroll. A long line of texts filled the screen, all unanswered. Yang sighed and folded her Scroll up.

"How's Ruby?" She asked. Jaune grunted.

"Ren and Nora are taking care of her."

"I'm glad," Yang said softly, "And Weiss?"

Jaune shook his head.

"Angry."

"I..." Yang bowed her head. "I guess I can't blame her. Everything she's gone through. I-I don't know how much you know-?"

"My mom's been called in to help victims of White Fang attacks," Jaune said, blunt and quiet, "And rescued hostages. When she made me help out at her hospital, I... I saw some medical reports. Saw some..." He shook his head.

"If they did that to normal humans and Faunus..."

"Yeah," Yang murmured. She sighed.

"Are you okay?" Jaune asked.

Yang glanced at him, and then back up at the stars.

"No," she murmured. "I mean... Blake's right. Faunus have had it rough. Everyone knows about the SDC and Mistal's bullshit... But living in fear that you were gonna fall into the hands of... Of monsters? Blake was one of them? She left because it was too much, too violent, but..."

"Well," Jaune mused, "I don't think Ozpin would just let a crazed murderer into the school. Not unless she was genuine about turning over a new leaf and all. She could have done terrible things to Weiss at any time."

"I know," Yang said quietly, eyes drifting back down to the courtyard, "And she hasn't... But I don't know if that's enough for Weiss."

Jaune nodded. He put his arm around her shoulders. She turned to him, eyes questioning. Jaune shrugged.

"Ren and Nora are comforting Ruby. I should comfort you. It's bothering you just as badly."

Yang smiled wanly.

"I... Thanks," she said. "Where's Pyrrha?"

"At dinner with her mom," Jaune grumbled. Yang winced.

"That bad, huh?"

"She's the worst," Jaune confirmed.

"Yeah, well," Yang sighed, "I guess that's a theme with a lot of us. Our parents are missing... Or we wish they were."

"My mom isn't all bad," Jaune admitted. "Hell, next to Pyrrha's, she looks sane. I..." He trailed off as Yang tensed up. "I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?"

"No... It's just..." Yang took a deep breath.

She explained about her biological mother Raven. How one day, she just up and vanished. How she had gotten Summer and Ruby... Then lost Summer. How she'd tried to find Raven with Ruby once... And almost gotten killed.

When she was finished, she stared at Jaune with a blank look in her eyes. He frankly hated how she looked. The exact opposite of what Yang should be.

"Gods Yang..." Jaune shook his head. "I'm... That's just horrible."

"Every time someone I care about runs out on me, or forgets me, I just... It just brings it all back up," Yang admitted, letting out a short, humorless laugh. "I know I don't know Blake that well but, when you fight together...?"

"Yeah, you know them," Jaune nodded. "I... I get it."

They sat in silence for a bit. Yang sighed.

"I'm sorry about date night... I-I know we were just going to go as friends and have fun... Maybe it was a bad idea. Maybe it's just... Just me," she said.

Jaune looked at her strangely... And it clicked. He pulled her into a tight hug. She gasped softly, and looked into his eyes.

"I just want to promise that... I'm not going anywhere, Yang," Jaune said.

Yang blinked. Her eyes widened.

"I-I didn't say that-!"

"And, one bad day doesn't mean we have to call everything off forever," Jaune said with a smile. He coughed. "I-I mean, if you still want to-?"

"I-I do! Really, I do," Yang said, shaking her head, "It's just that every time something like this happens, I... Fuck. I just can't help but wonder if it's me. Hell, with Ruby, I feel more like a single mom."

"I know," Jaune said with a nod, "I know. Hell, I feel like a dad with my team."

"Well," Yang managed a chuckle, "Pyrrha does want to call you 'Daddy'."

"Yeah. Don't I know it," Jaune sighed, but he gave her a smile at her questioning look. "Long story. Sides... She wasn't the only one."

Yang went bright red. She laughed nervously.

"Y-Yeah... Heh... Good joke, huh?"

"The others thought so," Jaune chuckled back, mood a bit lighter. He adopted his somber expression again. "Seriously though Yang. Don't think one bad night's gonna ruin everything. Maybe when Blake gets back, we can talk this out. I'll help any way I can. I promise."

Yang nodded.

"Ruby would like that."

"So would you," Jaune said earnestly.

Yang sighed, and leaned in. She rested her head against his chest.

"... Why do you care so much?" Yang murmured.

"That's simple," Jaune said, wrapping his arms around her to tighten the embrace, "One day my mom's gonna find out I got into Beacon... And one of you has got to be able to get me out of the country somehow."

Yang snickered.

"And, well... As much as my family drove me crazy? When I was crying, or scared, or hurt..." His faced darkened, "Assuming they hadn't caused it... They were right there with me, comforting me, and ready to help me, or throw down for me. It... It's how I was taught. It's who I am."

Yang nodded, face hidden from him by her hair. She snickered.

"That's so frigging corny."

"Yep."

"I... I didn't say it was a bad thing," Yang murmured. Jaune chuckled and patted her back.

"Yeah..."

"Oh!"

Both Yang and Jaune looked up. Cardin and Velvet were standing in the archway to the courtyard.

"Arc, what are you doing here?!" Cardin demanded.

"Uh... What are you doing here?" Jaune shot back.

"Homework!" "Nothing!"

Both Velvet and Cardin looked at each other. They looked back at Jaune and Yang.

"Hanging out!" "Hiding!"

They looked at each other again. Jaune rolled his eyes.

"You're bad at hiding your relationship."

"Least I'm not a-a playboy!" Cardin sputtered. He grabbed the blushing Velvet's hand and dragged her off. "We'll go... Do nothing somewhere else!"

"You do that," Jaune deadpanned. Yang snickered.

"You are one hell of a matchmaker, you know that?"

"Please, if I was actually any good, I'd be getting paid."

- - -


Blake ran. She ran, and ran, and ran. She double backed, she took different routes, she backtraced her steps, until finally, she ended up in a small park near the downtown area. She walked past the rows of neatly tended bushes and trees, past the children's playground, until she finally made it to a park bench. Her every step was heavy, and slow.

She made it to the bench, and slowly, mechanically, sat down. The cool night air blew past her in a light breeze, as the broken moon shown down upon her.

Crickets chirped, still alive this late in the year.

She closed her eyes, and just tried... Tried to become lost in the ambience.

It made her feel like something else. Anything but what she was.

I knew it was too good to last, Blake thought to herself, On a team with a Schnee... What was I thinking? Ozpin promised me a pardon... But what good is that if all she can see is a monster?

She stared at her hands. Throughout her time with the White Fang, she'd tried to see them as clean, as righteous hands. Hands that struck blows for justice, for equality. It got harder to do that though, as time went by. Even if she didn't land the fatal blows, even if she didn't directly participate...

In her nightmares, she'd started to see them covered in red.

"Nice evening."

She had Gambol Shroud out and locked onto the speaker in an instant. He had his staff on her in the same moment. He grinned cockily, as her eyes went wide.

"Least I thought so," he added with a shrug.

"You!" Blake growled at the monkey faunus. "What do you want? Haven't you caused enough trouble for one day?"

The Faunus gestured to himself with his gauntleted hands, raising his eyebrows.

"Me? What did I do?"

"You just... If you hadn't...!" Blake gritted her teeth and scowled down at the ground. "It doesn't matter... It would have happened eventually... What do you want?"

"Well, that's pretty rude for a princess," the monkey Faunus commented, making Blake stiffen up, "Thought you were supposed to be taught manners."

"What... What are you talking about-?"

The faunus grinned, and pulled out a plastic sealed envelope from his jeans. He opened it up, popping the seal. Familiar scents went over Blake's nose, and her eyes widened. She lowered her weapon as the monkey Faunus spoke.

"By Order of Minister Shon Wukong, Sun Wukong, his nephew," Sun read, glancing up at her with a wink, "That's me, is to seek out and make contact with one Blake Belladonna, daughter of Ghira Belladonna, Chieftain and Lord of Menagerie."

"You... My father-?!"

"Apparently you disappeared about... What, five years ago?" Sun went on, "And your parents have been frantically searching ever since. My uncle got a lead on you, and since I'm here for the Vytal Festival, he asked me to look into things." He smiled.

"And unless you're faking your scent... Unlikely, given how badly you're hiding your ears... I'd say you're the runaway princess I'm looking for. Am I wrong?"

Sun held out the envelope to Blake. She stared at it like it was from another planet.

"I... Why would-?"

"Hey, it's my job," Sun said, shrugging, "My uncle made it clear that I was supposed to find out where you were, and how you were. Oh, and deliver a letter from your parents. This letter, by the way."

Blake continued to stare at the letter. Sun made some motions with it, pushing it nearer.

The cat faunus continued to stare. She reached out with trembling hands... Before pulling back.

"I... I can't..."

"Aren't you at least curious as to what they have to say?" Sun asked, tilting his head curiously. Blake closed her eyes.

"I know exactly what they'd say," Blake said, in a mixture of bitterness and sorrow. "I... I don't deserve it."

"Well," Sun sighed, his tail curling a bit as he scratched the back of his head, "That's a problem. See, I was told, very specifically, to deliver the letter and have you read it. So... Until you read it, job's not done."

He shot her a wide grin, his teeth shining in the moonlight.

"So. Until you read it, guess I gotta stick around."

"You don't have to-"

"That, and... You look like you're running away again," Sun added shrewdly, making Blake flinch. "You run away again, you won't read the letter. So, I'll be stuck chasing you around. As much as I'd love to be paid to chase a pretty princess around, I don't want my entire life to be about that, ya know?"

Blake snorted.

"What are you?"

Sun shrugged.

"Just a guy, with a job, and a runaway princess."

"I'm no princess."

"Yeah, and Ghira ain't technically a king, but hey," Sun shrugged. "I'm hungry. You want to get something to eat?"

Blake blinked. Sun shrugged.

"Well, if you die of starvation, my mission's a failure. So I might as well take care of you, Your Highness." He bowed.

Blake scowled, her ears going flat.

"Please stop doing that."

"I will if you go get something to eat with me."

Blake shut her eyes tightly.

"... Fine."

"Good!" Sun chuckled, extending his arm. "Shall we?"

Blake got up, and stalked past him. Sun shrugged, and just followed behind.

"Ah. Here are some royal manners at last, I see."

"Do you ever stop talking?"

"Let me stick around, and you'll find out."

She did not smile. She did not.

- - -

It was, Pyrrha supposed, one of the nicer restaurants in Vale. Gorgeous, soft red carpeting, beautiful views of the city skyline, sleek black tables with efficient, well dressed waiters. She was dressed in a slinky red dress that showed off her charms, combined with perfect make up and her tiara to make her appear like a goddess dining in the sky.

Only the best, as her mother would say.

She sipped her wine as her mother efficiently and neatly cut her steak and devoured it. Athena looked intently at her daughter, chewing her steak before swallowing. She wiped her lips with a napkin before she spoke.

"You're distracted."

"We have talked about my classes and fellow students, Mother, as you wished to," Pyrrha said carefully.

"There is also a great deal you haven't talked about," Athena said, her lips thinning. Pyrrha held her gaze.

"Is there?"

"You can't hide anything from your mother, Pyrrha," Athena said softly. "I saw the way you looked at Arc."

Pyrrha sucked in a breath through her nostrils.

"What does it matter? We're friends. That's all."

"You want to be more than that."

Pyrrha stared at her mother.

"Why would I? You made things clear-Rudely, I might add."

Athena stared at Pyrrha in shock. Pyrrha felt herself wince, but she held her ground.

The older woman steeled herself with a sip of wine, before she spoke.

"Pyrrha... I understand I may have come across as harsh, but it was for your benefit."

"Was it?" Pyrrha asked. "Was it necessary? We've fought together. We've bled together-"

"That doesn't make them good people, Pyrrha," Athena insisted. She sighed, setting her wine down.

"Pyrrha... I fell in love with your father because he acted like he was different from all the sycophants and scumbags who used me," Athena said, in a tone Pyrrha was well familiar with, "He offered me love, offered me sincerity, offered me freedom... And it turned into a cage. A cage you were nearly put in. I don't want you to end up the same way!"

Pyrrha grit her teeth. Her temper, usually so restrained around her mother out of habit and fear, was rising fast. She'd had a taste of freedom, of love, and it made her reckless.

"He's not like that."

Athena scoffed.

"You barely know him-"

"He keeps pushing me away and saying I can do better! But I can't," Pyrrha insisted, "Because he treats me better than everyone! He listens to me and lets me be a person!"

"So did your father," Athena said fiercely, "He played mind games, he made me think I was getting out of the starlet life while he twisted me like a puppet! You can't take him at his word! Everyone has an agenda! Everyone lies! Everyone is selfish-!"

"Except me," Pyrrha stated, cold as steel, "Everyone is selfish, even you, because you can't get over what Father did to you."

Athena gaped at her daughter like she'd been slapped. She studied Pyrrha as though she was some kind of eerie forgery, not her blood. It made Pyrrha feel powerful, for the first time in her life.

"If everyone is selfish," Pyrrha continued, "Then I should be allowed to be happy if I'm going to risk my life to protect people!"

Athena shook her head, looking almost desperate. It fed the fire inside Pyrrha.

"What's gotten into you?! Isn't this enough? I let you go to Beacon! I agreed that you needed a place to grow! To shine! But maybe I was wrong, if it's making you want to throw everything away for a pretty face and a pack of false promises!"

Pyrrha felt her Semblance roar inside of her. She could feel the iron inside her mother's blood. For a moment, she was tempted to seize hold of it, and tear it out.

She instead nodded very slowly.

"Let me go... Throw it away," she murmured.

Athena frowned.

"Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha sucked in a deep breath, and set down her silverware.

"I think I'm done here," Pyrrha stated calmly.

"Wha-?"

"Don't book me for anything for the rest of the year. I will not show up for anything."

Athena gaped again. Her cold blue eyes were expressing something other than contempt. It was fear. It made Pyrrha feel good.

"You-You can't-!"

"I can. I will. Good night, Mother," Pyrrha said, standing up and turning away. She walked off. She heard Athena get up and run after her. She felt her grab her arm, desperately.

"Wait! Wait Pyrrha, don't cause a scene-!"

"I already am," Pyrrha said firmly. Athena shook her head frantically.

"Pyrrha, please! I love you! You're my daughter! Don't you understand? Everything I do, everything-It's all been for you-!"

"No, no I don't think it was," Pyrrha said firmly, "It was all for you. And I've finally realized that... That I can't keep letting you do this. It's not fair to me, or you."

"Pyrrha-!" Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What did he say?! What did he promise-?!"

Pyrrha yanked her arm out of her mother's feeble grip. She didn't care about everyone's eyes locked onto them, she didn't care what the social media would say.

She felt strong, for the first time in ages.

"He told me to make myself happy. He asked me what I wanted. He listened. And he made me realize... I deserve to have all of those things. With, or without him."

Plus, she thought to herself, feeling giddy, He killed an Ursa with his bare hands. That was sooo hot.

She couldn't help her grin as she nodded to her gobsmacked mother.

"Goodnight, Mother."

She turned and left, ignoring her mother's cries.

She had never felt so happy before.

The trip back to Beacon took far too long. She was itching to just leap out and run the rest of the way herself! Finally, she was back on campus. She ran across the quad, holding her high heeled shoes in one hand. She burst into the JNPR dormroom, quietly, but quickly...!

She blinked. Ruby was tucked between Nora and Ren on their joined beds, all three sleeping peacefully. Jaune was also sleeping, but on the floor: Yang was snoring in his bed. They held hands as they slept.

Pyrrha's eye twitched. She clenched her fist... And let it go. She smiled softly, and caressed Jaune's cheek.

"Thank you," she murmured. She planted a kiss on his forehead. "It... Might get complicated, but... Thank you."

She turned and got undressed for bed. She'd ask about everything tomorrow, but for now...

She felt free.

- - -

Roman sighed as he walked into the warehouse office, Neo prancing alongside him. The sight of blood was nothing new to either of them. Not even on a young woman.

"HELP! HELP ME!"

This though... This was a little much for him.

"Hey!" Roman shouted, holding up Melodic Cudgel to the beast on the bed, "What the hell are you doing?"

The large, green scaled man grinned savagely, his teeth red with blood. The terrified, naked young human woman who had just fallen to the floor covered her shoulder with a sheet, as blood rapidly spread across it.

"I thought I was enjoying a taste of your city's offerings," the reptilian Faunus man laughed. The woman cringed as he advanced, clawed hands reaching for her.

Roman cocked Melodic Cudgel, and the Faunus man paused.

"Eating hookers is a good way to attract attention," Roman said, cold and hard as the Atlasian glaciers, "You? We'll just make into a set of luggage."

The Faunus threw his head back and laughed, his yellow eyes narrowed in glee. His green scales ran up and down his sides, over his scarred face and bald head, down over the upper half of his face like a mask. The rest of his skin was deathly pale, almost corpse-like, but heavily muscled.

"You'd really challenge me, pitiful human?"

"Way I see it, I'm the one with the gun and his pants on," Roman stated calmly, "Dying in the nude's no way for a man to go."

"Bah," The Faunus man sneered, getting up and turning away. He pulled on his pants. "Let her go. You ruined it for me."

"Mister Torchwick-" The hooker whimpered. Roman sighed, shaking his head.

"Honestly Gloria, ya gotta start vetting your Johns more thoroughly," Roman tutted. He pulled out some Lien and handed it to her. "Here. Tell Madame Rouge to hire a few more bouncers, eh? Get yourself checked out, too. He's a Komodo dragon, after all."

Gloria grabbed her clothes and ran. Neo watched her go with a somewhat curious eye, as Roman kept his eyes on the Faunus. He finished pulling on his white pants, and green and gold tunic. He pulled a White Fang mask over his face, hiding his eyes but not his needle like teeth. He turned to face them, grinning sadistically as his long tail waved.

"You bring me here just to see you brutalize a hooker?" Roman asked, "Or there a point to this? I'm a busy man."

"No one's too busy for Thanh Qinglong," Thanh stated, sitting down in an old office chair like it was a throne. He gestured out the windows, where other White Fang thugs and operatives worked tireless unloading Dust.

"You come up with that name yourself?" Roman deadpanned. Thanh growled.

"I earned it in battle in Mistral."

"Ah, yeah, the war against helpless women and children," Roman snarked, "Forgot about that one."

"Watch your tongue, human," Thanh grinned, "I got a taste for your flesh long ago. Maybe I'll devour you... And take your little whore for a breeding bitch."

Neo smiled, lifted up her umbrella, and extended her blade. She signed something to Roman, who shook his head.

"Not now," he grunted. He spread his gloved hands. "Again, the point?"

"We're bringing in the full shipment tomorrow," Thanh stated, "The ship got diverted due to a storm."

"Gee, that's great news," Roman sighed, "You couldn't have texted me? Had to bring me down here?"

"Yes," Thanh growled. He rose and stalked right up to Roman, towering over him.

"You think the fire woman considers you important, don't you?" Thanh growled.

"Well, seeing as I'm handling the Dust shipments and planning the heists, yeah, that makes me important," Roman said.

Thanh snorted in his face, hot breath and the smell of poison washing over him. Roman was so glad he'd gotten the deluxe anti-toxin boosters for himself and Neo. Made dealing with Thanh slightly less of a chore.

"We'll see how long that lasts," Thanh smirked, "I pull this off, maybe the fire woman won't need you anymore."

"I'm quaking in my snakeskin boots," Roman snorted back. "You need a lot more than scales and a bad breath Semblance to run this town, Thanh. Sides, thought you animals hated working for us measly humans."

Thanh threw his head back and laughed.

"Hahaha... Closer I get to her, closer I get to making her my bitch. Or my meal. Either way... I just want you to know your days are numbered, Torchwick. I have your scent... And I'll enjoy hunting you down."

"As always," Roman deadpanned, "Such a pleasure, Thanh. Take it easy, huh?"

Roman and Neo turned and headed out, walking along the catwalk of the dock warehouse. Neo again made some signs, her smile sadistic. Roman nodded grimly.

"Relax Neo... We're gonna get you your pound of flesh. Just gotta wait for the right time..."

- - -

Thanh Qinglong is a combination Sino-Vietnamese name. First part, "Thanh", means "Green" in Vietnamese. "Qinglong" means "Blue/green/young dragon" depending on the characters used. I decided we needed a guy to really hammer in how far gone the White Fang and Adam Taurus in particular have become, so a sadistic cannibal and misogynist seemed to fit the bill.

If Pyrrha's turn around seems fast, keep in mind, she is HIGH off of friendship and love. And damnit, after getting a taste of that, she's NOT letting her mother run things anymore. Though this will have some repercussions down the line.

I thought that making Sun a man on a mission was better than him just being a simp. I hope you agree as well.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Qrow was, by nature, a light sleeper. It was part of Hunter training, to get the most bang for your buck when it came to sacking out and resting. That training also included being able to go from REM to combat readiness as quickly as possible.

Given his nightmares? That was a blessing.

He'd been sleeping better lately. Isabel had insisted on helping him with her medical knowledge. They were sharing the same space in the bullhead, after all, and she needed her REM too. Then again, she had freaky medical techniques that made her sleep better, so he didn't know why he had to.

Still, no matter how good her medical aids were, Qrow still woke up the moment he subconsciously sensed something wrong.

His eyes were open and scanning around the bullhead rear compartment, his ears were listening for anything unusual, and his hands were on Harbinger in an instant.

He saw that Isabel wasn't on her bunk on the other side of the compartment. He got up and walked out of it, to the main section. He walked past the kitchenette, head, and the small table they ate their meals at. The cockpit was emitting light, and he heard tapping on keys. He also smelled tobacco smoke. He rose, silent as a cat, and stalked to the hatch. He held his weapon ready, and peeked around, ready to strike-

Isabel looked up from numerous holoscreens and papers, her hair down, her glasses on her eyes, and a cigarette in her mouth. She frowned.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" She asked softly.

Qrow scowled a little, discretely setting Harbinger aside outside the cockpit. He stepped in, rubbing his cheek in annoyance.

"The hell are you smoking for? Shouldn't a doctor know better?"

Isabel took a drag off the cigarette, and let it out in a stream of smoke. She shrugged.

"I can heal any damage to my lungs, and... Well... Nicotine helps me focus," she admitted. She chuckled softly. "It's a habit I dropped after I got pregnant... Funny me picking it back up, huh?"

She looked at Qrow in concern.

"If it bothers you-"

"No," Qrow shook his head, "No, it's fine." He smirked. "I have a few bad habits of my own, after all."

Isabel smirked a little.

"Yes, but mine makes me look much sexier."

Qrow scoffed.

"It does not."

Isabel adopted a coy, seductive look. Like a femme fatale in an old movie. She crossed her legs, leaned forward, and took a long drag off the cigarette. She then pursed her perfect lips together and blew out a cloud of smoke that seemed to wrap around her, shrouding her in mystery.

"... I concede the point," Qrow said, very quietly. Isabel laughed softly, as Qrow looked over all the screens. Most of them were incomprehensible to him, covered in numbers and graphs that made no sense. Some of them had spreadsheets and scans of body parts. Aura Consumption Levels marked some of them, while others had acronyms and percentages that may as well have been ancient Mistralian for all the good they did him.

"What's all this?" Qrow asked. Isabel turned back to her screens, writing down some more notes in one of several paper notebooks.

"Ozpin sent us a data drive with medical data from a patient he wants me to look at," she said, "I had to go out to a dropbox while you were resting. Honestly, it's a real puzzle."

Ice dropped into Qrow's stomach. Outwardly, he remained somewhat interested and detached.

"Oh?"

"Mmhm," she nodded. She brought up a full body scan, one that omitted any features like hair or skin color. Isabel checked her notes over carefully.

"Human female, age 21, five foot eight inches in height, 152 pounds, Blood type O, Aura Active, no family medical history of significant disease or ailment."

She tapped her pencil eraser against her chin thoughtfully, the light from the screens reflecting off her glasses.

"In a coma for the last six months, but there's no brain damage, no oxygen deprivation, nothing on the tox screens... Metabolic functions are continuing to decrease despite a full life support system being employed, meaning it's related to her Aura. Which is... Where things get weird."

"I'll bet," Qrow murmured. Isabel brought up even more charts and diagrams he didn't grasp, but Isabel continued to talk.

"Sustained Semblance usage past the point of Aura Exhaustion means you start drawing off the soul itself," Isabel went on, "At first I thought it was just a severe case of Aura Exhaustion. I've seen it before, sometimes fatally. But the symptoms are like nothing I've seen before. Aura Exhaustion that isn't fatal is usually something you can recover from. As long as you still have your soul, your Aura will rebuild. The stress on your body might mean your physical state is weakened afterward, but you'll still recover long term in most cases."

"So what's different here?" Qrow asked quietly.

"The Aura isn't replenishing, it's being drained," Isabel explained, "From the stress on her body, it's clear it's trying to replenish the Aura, but it just keeps slipping away. As if it's vanishing!"

She scowled.

"Which is impossible. It can't just vanish without a trace! Even a Semblance would leave some kind of signature! It's almost as if it's being taken away... But how?"

Qrow was silent. He recognized that look in her eyes.

"You always did like elaborate traps," Qrow said softly, "Funny for a woman who can smash her way through walls with the flick of a finger."

Isabel flushed and scowled at Qrow.

"Qrow... I want to know what's going on," she said quietly. "That's all."

"You'd have to ask Ozpin-"

"I don't trust Ozpin," Isabel stated firmly, fingers threatening to crush her notebook. Qrow's head bobbed in sympathy.

"I trust him... Mostly," he tempered his statement.

"I still trust you more than him," Isabel argued.

Qrow shook his head and let out a breath. "So I go and give away secrets he entrusted me with? Break Opsec for you?" He paused. "How could either of you ever trust me again?"

Isabel closed her eyes and smoked away her frustration. Qrow ran a hand through his hair.

"Look, until you agree to fully commit to our group," he said, carefully omitting Ozpin's name, "I can't just let you in on everything. You know that."

He worked his jaw and leaned back in the flight chair.

"That said... If you were smart enough to work things out on your own," Qrow said softly, "Then you'd become a security threat if I weren't to bring you in fully…"

Isabel stared at him wide-eyed. "Am I that close?"

Qrow turned and blinked as if just recalling she was there. "The frustrating thing is, if I told you the solution, you'd want to join."

"You're sure about that?"

Qrow shrugged. "Who can say?"

Isabel stared at him. She sucked in a deep breath of clean air, and let it out, her cigarette held between her fingers as she considered things. She slowly nodded.

"All right... This woman suffering from... From some kind of Aura drain that defies all modern medical knowledge," Isabel hummed, "I... I've examined that from every angle I can think of. Keeping her identity and location a secret means she's very important. Why, I don't know. Her Aura is extremely strong, even now, but that can't be the only reason."

She again went to her cigarette, puffing away as she thought.

"Is that an angle I can use to figure out the rest?" She asked him.

"That's not something I can tell you," Qrow said softly. Isabel sighed.

"All right... I'll leave it alone for now," she hummed. "Okay. For the last two months, we've been running around dealing with Grimm attacks around Vale and the frontier."

She tapped some commands into her Scroll and brought up several of the reports that they'd filed with Ozpin. Many pictures of various villages appeared.

"We've been working with local Huntsmen and Rangers to build up a map of Grimm activity," she went on, "And it's clear that it's escalating around Vale proper. But there's no major civil unrest or cultural movement going on to explain it."

"Right," Qrow said with a nod.

"Atlasian drones have seen similar mass Grimm migrations all over the Valean frontier," Isabel went on, "All headed in the same direction. It's not historically unprecedented, but it hasn't happened in recent memory."

"Mmhm," Qrow confirmed.

"However, this many Grimm coordinating with each other? That's extremely unusual," Isabel lectured, "We've seen some instances of Grimm cooperation in the wild, but never among so many different species. Some species can work together for mutual benefit like normal animals, but never like this."

She stared intently at all the reports. Qrow could imagine her synapses were lit up like an electrical storm, the way her mind was going.

"This feels coordinated. Which is ridiculous. So let's examine that. What if someone or something can, actually, in fact… coordinate Grimm. How?"

"That would be a neat trick if you could do it," Qrow agreed.

"Hmmm... I did attend a few presentations at some medical conferences by Doctor Merlot. He was an expert in neurology and was doing work on the neurology of the Grimm," Isabel said. "He posited the idea that we could control the Grimm and essentially domesticate them, get them on our side. It was pretty interesting stuff-A little outside my wheelhouse, but I was a Huntress so it was intriguing."

"What happened to this Merlot guy?" Qrow asked, frowning a bit. He didn't want to distract her too much, but the idea of people learning to control Grimm was too creepy a thought to ignore.

"He was getting some funding and media attention about..." Isabel screwed up her eyes in thought, "Five years ago? Atlas was very interested in his ideas. But he vanished. Just up and disappeared, no more scientific papers, media appearances, nothing."

Isabel paused and studied Qrow intently. Her eyes widened slightly.

"If a faction extradited Merlot and furthered his research..."

Qrow sucked in a breath. This... This was edging close to breaking his oaths, but...

"Assume Merlot was removed, not poached," he said with a grimace. She couldn't go down that road without making a lot of bad assumptions.

"That only makes sense if someone wants the idea suppressed. So… one faction has this ability matured enough to the point they don't want any further research. Or at least they have a significant advantage, even if it isn't perfected. The only faction with the technology would be Atlas."

Isabel pursed her lips and knocked the cigarette against a cup, the ashen tip falling in, revealing the glowing end. "But why would they be doing this on such a large scale?" She asked, her mind continuing to go through the possibilities, "Is there some kind of war brewing against Vale by Atlas? I know Ironwood can be hardheaded and he and Ozpin have had their public tiffs, but... I don't think he's some kind of stupid warmonger."

She was so close. "Hardheaded? Yes," Qrow nodded, "Stupid? No. And he's on our side. He's not doing this."

"Then... Then who is?" Isabel asked. "Mistral maybe?"

"No," Qrow said.

"Can't be Vacuo, they don't have the industry or scientific base," Isabel mused, "Menagerie... Same problem. Even if White Fang wanted to control Grimm, they couldn't get the resources needed. So... Who's doing it?"

"Who's left?" Qrow asked softly, looking her right in the eyes. "If it's not Human or Faunus... Who is left?"

"Well... The only faction left is..."

Isabel stared out the windscreen of the bullhead, frozen like a statue. Her head slowly turned to face Qrow. She had gone very pale.

"... The Grimm," she whispered.

Qrow made a short, curt nod.

"There's... An intelligence controlling the Grimm?!" Isabel asked, her eyes darting around as though they were surrounded.

"Yeah," Qrow nodded.

"Then we're maintaining operational security because..." Isabel stared intensely at Qrow again. "Because if I were an intelligence controlling the Grimm, I wouldn't just use Grimm," she murmured, "I would use human agents. Intermediaries. To spy on humanity. To undermine it."

Qrow nodded again, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Yeah," he said, "And we don't know... We can't know... Everyone we can trust."

Isabel stared back out at the Valean wilderness through her bullhead screen for a long, silent moment. She pulled out another cigarette, lit it, and sucked down a very long drag before letting it out. Only then did she finally speak.

"I'm going to need a fucking drink for this, aren't I?"

Qrow snorted in morbid laughter, as he pulled out his flask.

"We both will."

- - -

It had been a few days since Qrow had brought her in. Well, to a point. There were still some things he couldn't speak about without Ozpin, but it gave her a much clearer picture of the situation. They'd been called by Ozpin, and Qrow informed him Isabel had figured some of it out-Enough, at least, to be offered to join them fully. The last transmission with Ozpin, he'd said as much. Ozpin hadn't overtly reacted, but his nods seemed a little less stiff and his manner a tiny bit less formal.

To really join them, though, Ozpin said Isabel would have to come to Beacon.

"There's no rush, Isabel," Ozpin had said kindly, "Really. In all honesty, you two are doing so much more than you think. Having you as a trusted ally with Qrow does much to put my mind at ease. So do not think you need to rush back. I will explain everything when you come."

"I thank you for that, Headmaster," Isabel said with a nod.

"Might I suggest the end of next school semester?" Ozpin asked.

Isabel looked up in shock.

"Are... Are you sure? That seems like a long time-"

"There is still much to do and investigate," Ozpin stated calmly, "You are more useful out there than here, Isabel. Besides... If you join us, your skills must be back up to par. Especially for combat."

Isabel looked at Qrow. He was reclining in the copilot's chair, totally at ease. He shrugged.

"I'm planning on seeing Ruby and Yang around that time," he said, "You can see Jaune too. By then... I think you'll both be in a much better place."

Jaune... She so wanted to see him. To hug him, to talk to him. To apologize for everything, and bring him home.

Rushing back right now though...

She nodded slowly.

"I will see you then, Headmaster," she said quietly, "Do try to keep my son busy? I don't want him slacking off."

Ozpin smiled that damn mysterious smile of his.

"Mister Arc is certainly not sitting around idle. I assure you. He's been getting along very well with the students, from what I have been told."

"Good," Isabel said with a nod, "Maybe put him to work in the nurse's office or somewhere-"

"Isabel," Qrow said, calm but firm. Isabel sighed but managed a nod.

"Just... Make sure he's being useful. I know he hates feeling like he's contributing nothing."

Ozpin nodded, sipping his coffee.

"Mm. He is like you and Nick in that regard," he complimented her. Isabel smiled, proud despite everything.

"He's our son."

Ozpin then sighed heavily.

"This next mission... May be difficult for you, Isabel," he said. "There are reports of Grimm coordinating their attacks, and Hunters vanishing in the vicinity of a certain town. I believe you're familiar with it."

It was not a question. A map of a certain town appeared on the screen. She felt Qrow's concerned look, but she stared at the name of the town with a blank expression.

"Yes. I know. Rotofield."

Ozpin paused, as Qrow sat up.

"If you feel you cannot-"

"I can handle it," Isabel said, calm but firm. Ozpin nodded.

"Very well. Until the next transmission."

The holowindow vanished. Isabel started up the bullhead. The engines roared to life, and they slowly rose as Qrow kept an eye on his instruments.

"You're sure you're okay?" He found himself asking her.

Isabel sighed softly.

"It's been... A little overwhelming lately, I'll admit," she said, "Learning I've been roped into a secret war to save the world is..."

"Yeah," Qrow said with a soft nod, "I get it."

Isabel's eyes focused out at the horizon and narrowed as she accelerated their craft.

"But now I know something, someone is controlling the Grimm," she said, her tone cold and hard, "Someone made them kill Nick. Someone made them kill a lot of people. Someone still is. That someone... Needs to die. And I'll do everything I can in my power to make sure that happens."

Qrow smiled at the tone. She sounded like she had back in the good old days when a bunch of just-graduated Huntsmen and Huntresses thought they could take on the world.

If I was Salem, I'd be worried right now, he thought, as they flew off at high speed.

- - -

Rotofield wasn't too large a town. While it had a railroad station and walls, it was really just one of hundreds of stops along the great Valean Intercontinental Railway system. It crouched in the shadow of the Valean mountain range, separating Vacuo and Vale proper. There was Dust and other mining, farming, and a few other odds and ends. It had the mountains to its back, which helped make it very defensible.

It also had a small automobile industry-Just two factories, but thanks to Atlaesian technologies, it could produce a fair amount and ship them all over the continent.

They arrived in the city proper, docking at the local airship port. Qrow emerged first, and walked up to the dock official. He was a bored-looking, soggy kind of man who had lived a rough life and was letting himself go in middle age. He looked over Qrow in boredom.

"Names and business?" He asked blandly.

"Qrow Branwen and-"

"Raven Branwen."

Qrow glanced back, his eyes widening just a hair. Isabel emerged from her Bullhead with wild black hair, red eyes, and a familiar sneer on her face: A pitch perfect copy of Raven when she graduated from Beacon.

The dock official raised an eyebrow.

"Married?"

"Siblings," Qrow said quickly, "Just doing some Hunting recon."

"All right, fee is fifty lien for the day, three hundred fifty lien for a full week," the worker said, "Enjoy your stay."

Isabel paid the man, and they left. Qrow gave her a strange look as they walked out into the open streets, where people went about their daily lives and cars trundled around the rough but paved streets. There was a statue in the center of the town nearby, where a few tourists were gathered.

Isabel shrugged.

"It's been a while since I shifted my appearance like this, decided to try something I'd done before," she said.

"Why did you-?"

"To prank that mean, stuck-up bitch, of course," Isabel said with a smirk. "You should have seen her face when Verty Mortimer asked to see her tits again."

In another time and place, he'd have found that funny. Right now though...

"Could have warned me," Qrow growled. Isabel batted her eyes at him.

"Aw... Big Brother, are you nervous around me?" She asked, smirking so much like Raven Qrow's fist clenched. She looked down at his hands and frowned.

"... Sorry," she said more softly. "I... I should have chosen someone you don't hate."

"Yeah, well... Should have told you about that," Qrow muttered.

"Do you have a preference?" She asked quietly.

For a moment, Qrow pictured Summer. Silver eyes, reddish black hair, a warm smile as she-

"Raven is fine for now," Qrow said, quickly and quietly. "Just... Warn me the next time you do that. It's..."

Isabel closed her eyes.

"Yeah... Sorry. I just... I don't want to be Isabel Arc in this town," she murmured. Her eyes wandered to the statue in the center of the square. Qrow looked at it as well.

"Do you want to visit the-?"

"No. Not right now," Isabel murmured. "Let's... Let's just get on with it."

Qrow nodded.

"Works for me."

- - -

They went on foot out of the city gates and headed deep into the forest. The coordinates Ozpin had indicated were fairly deep along a logging trail. They followed along, avoiding the local Grimm for the most part as Isabel took observations with her Scroll and notebook.

She had ditched the Raven appearance, which made Qrow feel a lot better... Yet the image of Summer kept popping into his mind.

No, Qrow thought to himself, I'll never ask for that. I can't ask for that... Nick... Summer... Taiyang... I'm so sorry...

He wasn't some horny teenager anymore. He was a grown man... With a lot of regrets.

"We're almost to the area where the last sighting was reported," Qrow said, cutting through the brush with ease. "We should be done and back by..."

He looked back over his shoulder. Isabel was staring at a gap in the trees, where a well-traveled game trail intersected with the logging path.

"Isabel?" Qrow asked.

Her pupils expanded widely, as she enhanced her vision. The pupils shrank back down to normal.

She then broke into a run, vanishing into the forest. Qrow cursed.

"Isabel! Isabel!" He shouted. He shifted to bird form and flew after her. He spotted her blonde hair waving behind her like a flag as she dashed deeper into the forest. She ran into a wide field, an open space in the trees that let the sunlight in. There were mounds in the cleaning, covered in yellow flowers, and she came to a stop in front of one. One that had a few glints coming from underneath the flowers, sunlight being reflected off of metal.

He changed back from bird form, and landed behind her.

"Isabel? What the hell are you-?!"

She reached for the mound, and tore the vines and grasses away, frantically. Metal, leather, all worn, was swiftly revealed as the foliage was peeled away. Qrow's breath caught in his chest as Isabel tore away the growth to reveal the object of her labors.

It was a black and yellow motorcycle-Large, with twin, heavy tires for offroading in front and back. The seat was adjustable with the superstructure of the vehicle, allowing the rider to recline or sit up straight depending on how the bike was lifted. Two heavy mechanical skirts flanked the pedals on either side of the great vehicle. Despite the wear and tear of the elements, it still looked like a lean, aggressive wolf on the prowl.

"Guivre," Isabel whispered, tears threatening to fall, "It's here... It's been here all this time..."

Qrow frowned as Isabel looked over the machine, gloved hands tracing the familiar lines of the bike. Qrow sucked in a deep breath.

"Isabel..." He tried to speak, but nothing came. Isabel sniffled and laughed through her tears.

"I remember when he first bought this monstrosity, used," she murmured, sliding a hand over the torn leather of the seat, "He fixed it up all by himself. I remember... I remember when he took me riding with him. He was the only man whose driving scared me. I bet he drove like a maniac just to make me hold onto him harder."

Qrow slowly nodded, letting out a small chuckle.

"Yeah... Yeah. I remember him showing it off," he admitted. "Idiot got so many speeding tickets. Beat the shit out of me when I took it for a drunken joyride."

Isabel snickered, wiping her eyes.

"Y-Yeah... Yeah, I remember that... I remember..."

She ran her hands over some levers near the large metallic skirts. Qrow scooted out of the way as Isabel triggered a release. The skirts opened up and expanded, the mechashift mechanisms screeching from rust and age. Qrow looked around carefully, but no Grimm appeared. Isabel looked through the storage spaces, her eyes wide. She rummaged around, and picked up a large, metallic cylinder. Qrow recognized it immediately as Isabel stuttered.

"It's just an ammo magazine," she murmured, "Where... Where is-?"

"He wouldn't have kept his swords in here, Isabel," Qrow said softly, "Not when he died fighting."

Isabel froze. Qrow grit his teeth.

Shit... Shit... He'd had to go and say that... Right where her husband had died-

"No. No, it wouldn't be," Isabel murmured back. She sighed and shook her head, tucking the ammo cylinder into her belt.

"It's strange though," she spoke, patting the motorcycle seat with affection, "They couldn't find Guivre or his sword before when they searched the area. Why is it here now?"

Qrow felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. His Aura flashed a warning, and he went for Harbinger.

The ground rumbled, and dropped right out from under them. Isabel fell. Qrow fell with her, as the vines gave way to a huge pit.

"ISABEL!"

"QROW!"

She reached out to him, but a white thread snapped out and snagged her from behind. She yelped as she was dragged down into darkness, along with the bike. Qrow followed, flying into the darkness and navigating carefully with his vision.

Isabel and the bike were dragged into a grotto, one covered in white filaments that glowed in the dim sunlight. The bike crashed down onto the rocky floor of the cave, splashing up water, as Isabel was reeled upwards. Qrow threw down a Dust flare that lit up the entire grotto. He growled, as Isabel looked up and gasped.

Twelve greedy eyes reflected the Dust Flare light. Eight were clustered around a huge, gaping black maw of drooling fangs, flanked by eight gigantic legs clutching the roof of the grotto. The final four were in a human head, atop a human female-like torso growing out of the head of the great Grimm Spider. It used unnaturally long arms with clawed fingers to reel in Isabel, and hissed with delight from a mouth full of shining white fangs underneath its bone white mask.

Sticking out of its huge abdomen was something familiar. The hilt of a sword. A familiar sword.

"Isabel!" Qrow shouted, "I'll get you out of there-!"

"Get me free, Qrow!" Isabel snarled, "Get me free... SO WE CAN KILL THIS BITCH AND GET BACK MY HUSBAND'S SWORD!"

- - -

Qrow sprang into action, launching himself in bird form into the air before shifting mid flight to bring Harbinger's rifle to bear on the Spider Grimm. His Dust rounds impacted the beast, making it shriek as it scuttled across the grotto roof. A few dozen rounds through the silk holding Isabel, and the blonde fell back towards the cave floor. Qrow shifted again to bird form to ascend higher, shifting out of it to swing Harbinger, now in sword form, right for its head!

He struck the neck... But his blade didn't go through.

"What the-?!"

Silken armor cracked underneath his blade. The Spider-Grimm turned its human-like head and leered at him. Just before the hairs all over it's body stood up ramrod straight, and were launched.

Qrow grunted as the forearm-length projectiles struck him-Once, twice, three times-Before he shifted back into bird form and dove, wildly evading the hail of deadly hairs.

The Spider Grimm shrieked as a rock hit it, the impact booming like a cannonball. Qrow looked: Isabel had picked up another boulder, and flung it at the Spider Grimm. The monster dodged, just barely, and unleashed another barrage of projectile hairs. Isabel held up her arms to shield her face as she ran, taking several hits as she dove for cover behind a rocky outcropping. Qrow flew recklessly, trusting his Semblance to ensure most of the projectiles missed him, as he dove for the same cover.

He landed behind it, where Isabel was crouched down and covering her head as the hail of shots continued to fall on them. He shifted to human form, kneeling down right beside her.

"Damn thing's using its silk as an extra armor layer," Qrow growled. "It also waited until I was at point-blank range to hit me with those hairs."

"The bitch is smart," Isabel growled, "But we're smarter. We need to get it down on the ground."

"On it," Qrow stated, hefting up Harbinger, "I need a distraction."

"You've got one."

Isabel nodded. Qrow took a deep breath.

"GO!"

Qrow shot out from behind cover in Bird form, quickly shifting to human in mid-air to unleash a punishing barrage of rounds at the Grimm Spider. The beast took several hits as it groped across the cave ceiling, before returning fire with its own missiles as a withering hail. Qrow again shifted into bird form, corkscrewing and barrel rolling like a dust plane ace.

"HEY! BITCH!"

Isabel hefted up a boulder the size of a van over her head. She grunted as projectiles rained on her improvised cover, and turned to glare up at the Grimm.

"FUCK YOU!"

She roared, throwing the boulder as hard as she could. The Grimm barely swung out of the way, using various silk lines to trapeze its way out of the impact zone of the boulder.

Qrow flew overhead, shifted to human form, and swung Haribinger through the silken lines, spinning like a tornado as his Aura cut the Grimm silk like a knife through hot butter.

"GUH!"

Unfortunately, he took hits from its projectile hairs in doing so and tumbled through the air to slam against the cave wall in a harsh impact.

The Grimm-Spider shrieked that unholy wail of its again, as it fell, flailing all of its arms and legs. It slammed into the ground with an earth shaking impact, its legs grotesquely waving about as it tried to right itself.

Another boulder slammed into it, sending it tumbling from the hit. Isabel charged as the Spider Grimm struggled to get back onto its legs. She leaped forward, pulling back her fist.

"YOU-!"

Her fist impacted two of the monster's legs-Both were bent from the force of the impact, and snapped, but did their job to reduce Isabel's striking power. Her fist hit the side of the beast, and the Spider Grimm used the momentum to right itself. With a sneer on its human face, it produced two strands of silk from its spider mouth-parts and with it's human-like hands, swung them like whips.

"UNGH! GAH!" Isabel held up her forearms, the whips cracking as their tips easily broke the sound barrier, and Aura or no Aura, left harsh red welts all over the blonde woman. Qrow opened fire with Harbinger, blasting at the oozing stumps of the Spider Grimm's legs. It shrieked again, and Isabel charged in its distraction.

Her two mighty fists grabbed onto its fangs, and she tried to lift it as she fought with the monster like she was trying to wrangle a deer by its antlers. She snarled into the gaze of the monster, as it bent down its human head to try and bite her!

"BITCH!" Isabel roared, headbutting the monster's human head back. Qrow had closed the distance, swinging his blade for its head again. The monster bent backwards, and another hail of projectiles greeted both Hunters. Isabel was shielded from the worst of it, but Qrow again had to evade the fire in bird form. The Spider Grimm lunged, using its sheer bulk to drive Isabel back. She dug in her heels, but the Spider Grimm kept pushing, and rammed her back into a truly massive stone pillar. The limestone cracked underneath the impact, and the Spider Grimm hissed in Isabel's face as it used its pedipalps to bludgeon her, smacking her around with the leg-like limbs.

"UGH! UNGH! NNGH!" Isabel gritted her teeth, tanking the hits. Qrow fired with Harbinger, targeting the monster's large abdomen. His shots did some damage, but the silken armor it wore was being replenished rapidly. His eyes scanned the monster for a weakness-The broken legs?

Shit. He could see that silk oozing over the ends already. The only thing that had penetrated this thing's hide was...

His eyes locked onto Nick's Sword, still sticking out of the monster's rear end.

"ISABEL! THE AMMO!"

Qrow leapt up, firing Harbinger in quick bursts at the monster's oozing stumps. The Spider Grimm reared back a little as it shrieked. It was still trying to pin Isabel, but as it fired a barrage of hairs at Qrow, it had let up just enough for Isabel to shove it back. With one hand free, she reached into her pouches, pulled out the ammo cylinder, and threw it at Qrow. He shifted to human form and took a few hard hits, but he caught the magazine.

"HRWAH!" Isabel managed to deliver a few short punches into the spider-head eyes of the Spider Grimm, making it shriek. It lashed out with its human arms, reaching to grasp Isabel around her neck. It began to choke her, even as she tried to punch it...!

Qrow dove as a crow, and shifted to human form just as he passed the hilt of the sword. He grabbed onto it, swinging himself up onto the monster's abdomen. He untwisted the hilt, and it popped open-A fully spent magazine popped out. Qrow rammed the new magazine inside, slammed it in, twisted it shut, hit the trigger, channeled his Aura, prayed that the Lightning Dust was still good and that his luck wouldn't fuck them over-!

CRACKLEBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACLEBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACKLBOOM! CRACKLEBOOM! CRACLEBOOM!

A railgun sword was, in engineering terms, a very easy weapon to build with the technology available in an advanced kingdom of Remnant, like, say, Atlas. The real trick was in wielding one, as it was akin to holding all the concentrated power of a thunderstorm in a relatively tiny metallic vessel. It took immense Aura Reserves, excellent Aura Control, and monstrous physical strength to even use one effectively.

Qrow felt why. Every shot he fired was so strong it felt like his arm might be ripped right off by the sheer force of the blasts. The Spider Grimm bellowed in hate-filled agony as every blast outright vaporized its insides.

Even then, it did not die easily. It lunged again, thrusting a fang into Isabel's side.

"ISABEL!" Qrow shouted.

"NNNGH... I'VE HAD... ENOUGH...!"

Isabel reached under the fangs, hooked them, and lifted the spider up off the ground. Qrow yanked the huge railgun sword out of the Spider Grimm's abdomen and jumped down. He slammed it into the rocky floor, burying the pommel to point the blade straight up before he dodged out of the way.

"OF YOU!"

Isabel slammed the Spider Grimm down onto the sword, the weakened Grimm screaming as the blade punched right through its spider head and up through its human torso. Its human and spider mouths belched out Grimm ichor, as Isabel reared back with her fist. Its eyes were filled with hatred as it snarled one last time-

Before Isabel's fist obliterated its head, turning it into smoke.

Isabel stood there, panting hard, as the mangled Spider Grimm shuddered once more, before its legs folded up around it. The body began to dissolve into smoke, the remains of the head vanishing first.

The beast's corpse slowly returned to the ether, leaving only Nick's sword. Isabel took two steps towards it... Before her knees gave out, and she stumbled. Qrow caught her, holding her tightly.

"You okay?" Qrow asked. Isabel managed a nod.

"Y-Yeah... You?"

"My Aura's dealing with it, you got injected with-!"

"I'm on it," Isabel groaned, "Hang on... Gotta deal with the venom..." She unclipped her armor, pulled it aside to bare her stomach...

Qrow started as Isabel's belly expanded against him. He stepped back as it distended, making her look like she was nine months pregnant with quintuplets.

"What in the-?!"

"Have to expand the size of my liver," she explained, pressing a gauntlet to her stomach. It glowed white as the Medical Dust within it reacted to her Aura. "Filter it all out... And..."

She sighed in relief, and her stomach shrank back to regular size. She gave Qrow a small smile at his disgusted expression.

"All better!"

Qrow shook his head slowly.

Now I remember why she wears that stretchy turtleneck...

"Your Semblance is just..."

"You try having eight kids, then you'll see some real body horror," Isabel managed. Qrow cracked a small smile.

They both turned to the sword, gleaming in the Dust flare. It stood proudly, a gigantic two-pronged sword as tall as a man, the split blade framing the deadly-looking railgun core. The edges were dark black, yet around the center of the blade and the firing chamber was white metal with gold highlights, signifying the family the weapon belonged to. Isabel sucked in a deep breath. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Qrow squeezed her shoulders with his arm.

"He came through for us... For you... One last time," Qrow said with a nod.

Isabel smiled softly.

"Nick..."

She and Qrow walked up to the sword. She picked it up and held it to her chest.

"Thank you," she murmured, tears in her eyes, "Thank you for... For everything..."

Qrow held her, not saying a word.

- - -

They didn't talk much after that. Isabel did scans and sweeps with her Scroll of the Grimm's lair and anything else the monster had kept from its many victims, per standard Hunter's procedure, and took some samples of whatever was left of the Grimm and its webbing. Qrow got Guivre up on its tires, and helped collect the samples and Nick's sword in the cargo compartments on the motorcycle.

They both worked hard to g et themselves and the bike up out of the grotto, Qrow steering while Isabel pushed.

The sun was setting by the time they got back out to the logging road, and night had fallen when they finally got back to the gates of Rotofield. The stars and broken moon illuminated their travel, and the guards at the front happily let them in.

Tired, dirty, exhausted, but triumphant, they got the cycle rolling on its never-run-flat tires. It took to the pavement far more easily, and everything became much smoother as they took the bike along road. There weren't many pedestrians or cars out this late, but they still got plenty of gawkers as they pushed the massive bike along towards the city center.

Qrow was guiding it towards a local mechanic's shop when Isabel paused.

"Wait," she said.

Qrow looked over at her. She was staring at the statue. Qrow smiled a bit. Quickly, and trying not to tie up traffic any more than they were, Qrow guided Guivre into the traffic circle, and up onto the concrete island where the statue was mounted. He nodded to Isabel. She let go of Guivre, and walked around to the front of the memorial. Qrow leaned back against Guivre's leather seat, and chuckled as he looked the memorial over.

"Guess you left a hell of an impression, Nick," Qrow said, "Or you were some kind of bastard for them to throw up a statue of you."

It was realistically proportioned, on a pedestal about two meters tall. Nick Arc was captured in marble with a confident smile on his bearded face, his massive sword stuck on his back. His right arm was bent back, holding the hilt of his giant blade, ready to pull it free and unleash it upon his enemies. He wore classic Arc Armor, perfectly sculpted in the pale white marble, with ribbed pants and heavy combat boots underneath. His hair was just as messy as it ever was. Qrow thought the artist had done a good job in capturing Nick's messy mane: The man tried and tried, but his beard and hair remained untamed despite his best efforts.

His gaze moved down to Isabel, who was staring up at the memorial of her husband. Qrow got up and walked around to her side. Her face was anxious and her eyes were avoiding her husband's gaze.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Just..." Isabel shut her eyes and shook her head. "I feel... I feel so stupid. Blaming Hunting for getting Nick killed. After a while, any reminder of him just... Just ripped the wounds open again."

She rubbed her chest, right over her heart. Qrow slowly nodded.

"Yeah... I know the feeling," he murmured. "Seeing you... Seeing a lot of my old friends... The hurt just seemed to smother all the good times."

Isabel nodded, eyes locked onto the face of her husband's statue.

"... When I see Jaune," she said softly, "I'm going to apologize to him. I'll make up for every bad thing I ever did. I was wrapped up in my grief, but... But that's no excuse-"

"Yeah, but you're trying," Qrow said emphatically, "That's what matters."

Isabel looked at him, her face neutral. Qrow sighed and rubbed his stubbly cheek as he tried to put his thoughts into some kind of intelligible statement.

"I mean... Working with you? Doing all this? I... I realize how much I've screwed things up in my life. My Semblance doesn't help. It makes things harder on me, on them... But that just means I can't give up." He looked into her eyes. "You make me want to get better, Isabel. To... To do better by the people in my life."

Isabel snorted, staring down at her feet.

"I'm not really much better-"

"But you're willing to try," Qrow argued back, and again her eyes found his, "And... So am I."

Isabel smiled warmly.

"Without you, I wouldn't have been willing to try," she said. She reached out her hand. Qrow glanced up at Nick for a moment, before he reached out and squeezed hers.

For such a powerful woman, her hand fit so neatly in his...

Sorry Nick, Qrow thought, I swear, I'm not gonna make the moves on your wife. Really... At least not in front of your memorial-NO.

Isabel turned her gaze back to the statue. Her eyes lingered on the pedestal, and she sighed in irritation.

"They got the name of his sword wrong," she grumbled, "They always wrote it wrong."

Qrow smirked. He walked to Guivre, and popped the skirt cargo container. He pulled out Nick's massive sword, and rested it over his shoulder. He walked back, and took the blade's hilt in both hands.

"Let's fix that," he stated. With great dexterity and strength, he carved letters into the pedestal. Once he was done, he handed the sword back over to Isabel, who took it with shining eyes.

"'This Memorial is dedicated to Nickolas Louis Arc, a Hunter who fought to protect Rotofield many times throughout his career and gave his life to save a class of more than thirty junior Huntsmen. According to eye witnesses, he took down over fifty Grimm in single combat before being overcome. Rotofield will always remember Nicholas Louis Arc, wielder of the mighty railgun sword Blont Joyeuse.'"

Qrow looked over at Isabel.

"What's that mean? He never said."

Isabel flushed, but she was smiling as she held the mighty blade.

"In an old Valean tongue, it means 'Yellow Joy'. He... Said he named it after our family."

Qrow smiled and hugged her around her shoulders again.

"He always was a corny son of a bitch, wasn't he?"

Isabel beamed, her eyes wet with tears but filled with love and pride.

"Yeah... Yeah, he was..."

Qrow squeezed her shoulder.

"You get back to the bullhead. I'll get Guivre to the shop."

"Thank you," Isabel said. She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed Qrow's cheek. "For everything."

Qrow coughed and looked away, rubbing the back of his head.

"Y-Yeah... Any time."

She hurried off, ignoring questions from some tourists. Qrow watched her go, and with a smile, looked up at Nick's face.

"She's a hell of a woman, Nick," he said, "I can see why you feel so hard for her. I can see why she still loves you."

He was silent for a moment.

"I promise... I won't let anything happen to her. Or your family."

He shrugged.

"Just uh... Forgive my dirty thoughts, huh? Because I've got the feeling they're gonna get a lot worse..."

- - -

Isabel's Bullhead is basically like an RV, with enough room and amenities for two people to travel together in relative comfort for a while.

Doctor Merlot is the antagonist of the game "RWBY: Grimm Eclipse", and he will make an appearance in this story. We do need more villains after all.

Rotofield is a reworking of "Rotomagus", the Gaulian name for Rouen, the French city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

Guivre is named after a mythical dragon of French legend, and is naturally based upon "Fenrir", Cloud Strife's motorcycle from "Final Fantasy: Advent Children". We will learn more about Nick Arc's sword next chapter.

And naturally the Grimm is based upon a Dryder, which I'm sure everyone knows from DnD and not porn.

Nick's sword is named Blont Joyuese, after the legendary sword wielded by Charlemagne, the Frankish Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Its name means "Yellow/Golden Joy" in Old French, and here you can see it bringing that to his wife.

(As did his other sword, but we won't get into that.

)

Hope you enjoyed this tangent. Back to Teams RWBY and JNPR next time!

 

[AndrewJTalon]

I've also been listening to a lot of music to help me write out several scenes.

I listened to this for Isabel and Qrow talking and Isabel slowly figuring out the truth about the Grimm:


View: p2sVhlEhAaw
%20
For%20their%20little%20moment%20when%20they%20arrive%20at%20Rotofield:
%20
%5BURL%20unfurl=%22true%22%20media=%22youtube:LpH0A5MWZtQ%22%5DLpH0A5MWZtQ
%20
I%20listened%20to%20this%20as%20I%20wrote%20the%20initial%20discovery%20of,%20and%20fight%20with%20the%20Spider%20Grimm:
%20
%5BURL%20unfurl=%22true%22%20media=%22youtube5dLu9ScRM0%22%5DP5dLu9ScRM0
%20
And%20this%20for%20the%20final%20part%20of%20the%20battle:
%20
%5BURL%20unfurl=%22true%22%20media=%22youtube:ElHLG1BN3q0%22%5DElHLG1BN3q0
%20
And%20after%20they%20win:
%20
%5BURL%20unfurl=%22true%22%20media=%22youtube:LpH0A5MWZtQ%22%5DLpH0A5MWZtQ
%20
If%20you%27re%20interested,%20I%20can%20provide%20more%20playlists%20of%20music%20I%20use%20for%20inspiration%20as%20I%20continue.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Ruby stomped into the common room on Friday night, glaring at Jaune. Jaune blinked.

"Can... I help you, Ruby? You okay?"

"How come you got drunk in front of Weiss?" Ruby demanded. "Do you and her have a-a thing?!"

"No, we don't, and I got drunk in front of Weiss because I wanted to," Jaune grumbled, "I drank a little too much but I was fine."

"Why can't you trust me to get drunk in front of, huh?!" Ruby demanded. "Your childhood friend and bestest friend forever!"

Jaune chuckled.

"Aw... Come on Ruby. Don't be jealous."

"I'm not jealous! Okay, maybe a little, but seriously?!"

Jaune rolled his eyes.

"Fine... If it means that much to you, you can watch me get drunk tonight."

"I uh... I-I mean..." Ruby hesitated. "Maybe it would be better for you to not get drunk? Healthier?"

"Pfft," Jaune snorted, "I did not get that drunk."

"Weiss says you threw up all over her shoes-"

"I'd do that even if I wasn't drunk," Jaune said with a firm nod. Ruby worried her lower lip.

"I just... I want you to know, I'm here for you, Jaune!" She hugged him tightly. "So... You don't need to use booze as a crutch! Okay?"

"... Okay but you're cool with me drinking it?"

"Yup!"

"As long as it's in front of you?"

"Mmhm!"

Jaune shrugged, and tipped back the flask.

"Okay then... But I'm not going to get drunk."

Ten minutes later...

"HAHAHAHA! THAT ROCK... LOOKS LIKE... A ROCK!" Jaune giggled. He had left the RWBY/JNPR dorm and was now outside underneath the moonlight. Ruby followed, grinning in a mixture of amusement and worry.

"Y-Yeah! It does look like a rock, huh?" She managed.

Jaune then drooped, and sniffled. Ruby gasped.

"Jaune? Jaune, are you all right?"

"No... I hate moonlight... The cool sword guy died for me in moonlight," he sniffled. He held his forearm up to his eyes and sobbed. "IT'S... IT'S FUCKING BULLSHIT!"

"Y-Yeah! Yeah, it absolutely is!" Ruby cried... Then yelped when Jaune hugged her tightly. She blushed bright red. "J-Jaune... Jaune, I'm here for you-"

"I KNOW RUBY!" Jaune sobbed. "I-I DON'T DESERVE A FRIEND LIKE YOU!" He cuddled her... And spun around drunkenly until they both fell onto the grass.

"OOF!"

"I'm fine," Jaune managed. Ruby flushed. She was now on top of him.

"Ah... J-Jaune? Can... Can you let me go?"

"Let you... I don't wanna let you go!" Jaune sobbed, hugging her tighter, "I don't wanna lose you! I-I CAN'T LOSE YOU, RUBY!"

On one hand, this was one of many dreams Ruby had related to Jaune that were coming true-Being pressed to his manly chest in the moonlight, like in some of Blake's weird books. On the other...

"Jaune... Can't... Breathe...!"

"Huh? Oh..." Jaune let her go, as she panted for breath. "Sorry..." He nuzzled her. "Heehee... Eskimo kisses..."

Ruby was blushing so hard she didn't even think to ask what an Eskimo was.

"J-Jaune...!"

"Up! Wait... I uh..." Jaune blinked. "Right... Can't do... Do things with you."

Ruby blinked as Jaune pulled away, and collapsed onto his face.

"Wha... What things?! What can't you do?!"

She went around to his side. He held up a finger to his lips and shushed her, loudly.

"Can't... Can't do... Naughty stuff... Like... Shouldn't even think about that stuff with Ruby..." He broke into sobs again. "BUT I DO! I'M SUCH A BAD GUY! I'M A CREEP!"

"N-NO! NO! YOU'RE NOT A CREEP JAUNE, HONEST!" Ruby said quickly, waving her arms even as she felt faint (and elated). "IT'S OKAY!"

"I mean... I am not... Some Mistralian perv in a hentai who lusts after his sisters!" Jaune declared, sitting up and wobbling, "I'mma... I'm not gonna En Tee Arr anyone! Fffffuck no! You don't... Don't you ever call me 'onii-chan', got it! Cause... I'm not a creep!"

"I-I won't! Promise!"

Jaune nodded.

"Good... Good... Gotta... Gotta talk to Ruby... Bye... Thanks fer listenin, you..."

"N-No probem," Ruby grinned, barely containing a squeal. She accelerated over to Jaune's other side, as he slumped towards her.

"Ruby? You... You're a good girl..." He lifted up a hand and pet her head, "Goooood girl... I wanna... Wanna bake cookies?"

"Sure Jaune!"

"Wholesome as shit," Jaune mumbled, "Soooo wholesome... And cake. Make cake... But I'm not gonna... Gonna be Weiss's cake butler. Fuuuuuck no."

"No, no, you're never gonna be her cake butler," Ruby said. "I won't let her make you a cake butler!"

"Good... Good... Love you Ruby," Jaune mumbled. Ruby gasped.

"REALLY?!"

"Yup... G'night," Jaune mumbled, slumping over onto her as he passed out.

"EEP!"

- - -

The next morning...

Ruby was humming and singing as she baked in the kitchenette. Pyrrha, Yang, Weiss, and Blake all watched her in concern.

"Uh... Ruby? Why are you so happy?"

"And... Smug?" Pyrrha asked, with a suspicious glare.

"Oh... No reason," Ruby giggled. "Also? Weiss?"

"Yes?"

"Jaune puked in your shoes again last night."

"HE WHAT?!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Training was nothing new for Pyrrha. She'd trained as far back as she could remember. She thrilled in the sensation of honing her skills, in pushing past her limits to find new limits. Despite her cloistered, isolated life, there was still joy in just growing stronger, in surpassing her previous accomplishments.

Jaune too had a great enthusiasm for training. Without being prompted, he brought the team down to the gym or training rooms or even a field outside, where they worked hard.

Today they were in a training room, working individually before they went on to work on some new team manuevers.

Pyrrha herself went through her forms after her warm ups-Shield up, thrust with spear, strafe right, strafe left, feint, repeat...

It had been drilled into her, over and over, how to fight with spear, with sword, with rifle, and with shield. It was almost second nature to her. Which allowed her to check out the other members of her team as they trained.

Nora's style was blunt, aggressive, and low defense-Just how she liked it. She slugged it out with a training robot that was trying to keep her at range, forcing her to move fast and evade the shots to get into firing range. Ren, while also a close-range fighter, was more focused on speed and precision. He almost danced with his robot opponent, his footwork and agility letting him slide around his opponent's lunges and strikes.

Then there was Jaune.

After his warmup, he had chosen a training circle. He held up his blade, his shield at the ready. He stepped forward and back, side to side, practicing his footwork. Then, he added his sworld and shield movements to each set. He muttered under his breath as he did so, and Pyrrha listened in.

"Three, five, six... Two, four, one... One, five, three..."

At each number, his sword and shield assumed different positions. Defensive, offensive postures.

"Lunge!" He called out, his shield up as he thrust his blade forward with his body providing more power.

CRACK!

"GAH!" Jaune yelped, as his training robot lashed out with a practice sword and struck Jaune on the forearm.

"Overlunge," the robot intoned, "Try again."

"Right," Jaune muttered. He returned to the first position and resumed.

"Three, five, six... Two, four, one... One, five, three... Lunge!"

Pyrrha headed over, watching him intently. She analyzed his style, her lips thinning.

"You took dancing classes, Jaune?" She asked.

"Y-yeah," Jaune grunted, continuing through his katas, "Seven older sisters, someone had to practice with them... Go with them to prom if they didn't get a date..."

"It shows," Pyrrha observed, "Your footwork is very nice... Maybe a bit too much flair. That's burning energy."

"R-Right, less flair," Jaune agreed, trying to smooth out his footwork as he continued his training. "Okay..."

He ran through the routine... The robot again smacked his arm.

"YEOW!"

"Per training parameters: Too much flair," the robot stated.

"Why do you make the robot do that to you?" Pyrrha asked, curious. Jaune shrugged.

"My mentor trained me that way. We uh... We had to rush things, and the fastest way for me to learn was with negative reinforcement."

Pyrrha nodded slowly.

"My own masters were much the same," she said softly, "They sent me to the ground and hit me to bring me down if they found an opening. They weren't allowed to hit my face, for... Various reasons, but it was a good means of teaching."

She shrugged.

"Though I will admit, it's been a long time since I've ever taken an actual hit."

"Oh, I see," Jaune said, again repeating his forms. "Okay..."

He sighed and set down his shield outside the training ring. He held the sword up in both hands.

"Okay... Fencing practice," he said firmly. "I don't do this a lot, but my mentor told me to keep up with it whenever I could."

"Would you like an opponent?" Pyrrha asked, hopping down into the ring with him. She shifted Milo into sword form and smiled. Jaune shrugged and smiled wanly.

"Well... Given I'm used to people kicking my ass with a sword, this will just make the training go even better," he said. Pyrrha set her shield aside and held her sword up in both hands.

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," Pyrrha said with a gentle smile. "All right... Here I go."

She opened with a few quick, probing thrusts without any real strength behind them. Jaune deflected them, his eyes focused on her eyes. Mentally she approved.

"Good..." She lashed out with harder thrusts, driving him back. He deflected a blow aimed for his right leg and was able to turn it into an aggressive counter! Surprised, Pyrrha pulled back but recovered swiftly, knocking his next series of quick strikes away as he went on the offensive.

Hmm... It's a bit unrefined, but has a lot of power to it and it's very solid, Pyrrha considered, analyzing Jaune's form with a cool detachment, He's also staying aware of his surroundings... When I do this...!

She broke the clash and feinted for his forehead, before turning it into a downward slash for his arms. He caught it and rolled his wrists, knocking her blade away and trying to lunge. She again recovered instantly, parrying his strike and sliding her blade along his to get him in the chest.

"URK!" Jaune cried, falling back and bending over. He choked and coughed up blood onto the training mat. Pyrrha's eyes widened in horror, her sword dropping from her suddenly numb hands. She dashed forward, arms out.

"JAUNE! Jaune, I didn't mean to-Are you-?!"

Crocea Mors was thrust right into her chest, and she was slammed back onto the floor, her Aura flaring as it took the hit. Jaune's cough turned into a slightly embarrassed laugh. He looked down at her, licking up the blood from the inside of his cheek.

"Yeah, he also taught me that fighting fair was not trying hard enough," Jaune said, "You okay Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha lay still on the floor. Jaune blinked, now concerned.

"Pyrrha? You okay? I-I mean, I know it's dirty pool... But with how nice you are, you gotta learn how to-GAH!"

Jaune... Was now on his back. Through his daze, he saw that Pyrrha was atop him, with a wide, eager smile. She was panting hard, her cheeks red, her eyes wild.

"J-Jaune... You have... Any idea how long it's been since someone's hit me?" She asked.

"Uhhhh..."

"And you... You got right through my defenses," she panted, "Right past them... Plunging your blade right into me...!"

"Uhhhh..."

"You know... You have... Any idea," Pyrrha growled, "What that does to me-?!"

The robot hit them both.

"OW!"

"EEP!"

"Per training parameters," the robot intoned, "Cease your debauchery-"

Pyrrha reached out a hand, and black Aura surrounded the robot's head. It was crushed like a tin can as Pyrrha grinned down at Jaune.

"Where were we~?"

"No! No! Bad Pyrrha! Down! Back to horny jail!" Jaune shouted through his terror, scrambling away even as she pinned him down by his shoulders.

"Can't we have just a little debauchery?"

"NO!"

"Can you go with me to horny jail?"

"NO!"

"Aww..."

She did have to pay for the robot out of her own funds later, but Pyrrha believed it was absolutely worth it.

- - -

Hey, I can do character building AND horny Pyrrha jokes at the same time.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -



Combat Class could be a rough experience. Though Jaune supposed it was meant to be one.



Every match up was between different fighters with different weapons and styles, at random or at Goodwitch's whim. Once a victory was decided or the fight had gone on too long, Goodwitch would tell the fighters where they had done well, and where they needed improvement. It was fairly solid, Jaune supposed, but most of the work to get better was on them.



Then again, Beacon was for the best. They had to be willing to put in that work.



That said, in an atmosphere of hormonally charged teens with superpowers and deadly weapons? It was easy for things to get personal.



"Jaune Arc, today you'll be facing Weiss Schnee. Get in there."



Oh no, Jaune mentally groaned. He could feel the daggers Weiss was glaring into his back. With a sigh, he got up and walked to the ring. He hopped over the guard rails into the sand, and drew his sword. He opened up his shield, and turned to see Weiss gracefully hop into the ring on the opposite side. She held up her sword in a salute... And for a moment he saw Gato standing there instead.



"The match goes until one fighter's Aura is in the red or forfeit," Goodwitch stated in a bland tone, like she did for every match, "Begin!"



Weiss began to circle him, her rapier Myrtenaster thrust out towards him. Jaune pointed Crocea Mors back, his shield up.



"I trust your gender equality won't let you hold back, Arc?" Weiss asked, raising an imperious eyebrow.



"Just as I'm sure your bitchiness won't hold you back, Schnee," Jaune returned. Weiss's eyes narrowed, before she lunged.



One, three, six... Five, four, three...! Jaune kept his sword out in front, deflecting her very fast thrusts and lunges.



Geez, she's good, he thought, So controlled... Okay, and...!



He flat parried her next thrust and went on the offensive, making narrow slashes and fast lunges. Again, Weiss deflected and parried his strikes despite the heavier weight of his weapon, even as she was driven back.



She makes good use of the rapier's length to keep me at distance, Jaune thought, But I've got the perfect counter!



He deliberately overlunged, just as Gato had taught him, and Weiss lunged for his chest. He got his shield up and swung for Weiss' head!



The heiress activated a Glyph under her feet and leaped high into the air, flipping backwards to land on another Glyph that materialized right under her feet. She activated a Dust round in the revolver of her rapier, the Glyph she was standing on in midair changing color... Along with the Glyph right under Jaune's feet.



SHIT!



Jaune leaped backwards just before a pillar of fire erupted underneath him. The force of the blast nearly knocked him off his feet. In an instant, Weiss was back on him, striking furiously. What he couldn't parry with his sword, he took with his shield and armor. He pushed forward aggressively, but she used another Glyph to speed boost herself, and attacked from behind!



"Gah!"



He barely got turned around in time to weather her assault. He channeled more Aura to his weapons and swung. She again artfully leaped away via her Glyphs, landing some distance away. She formed another and turned it blue with Myrtenaster as he charged.



Close the gap, close the gap...!



Weiss slammed Myrtenaster into the sand, unleashing a blast of ice crystals the size of spears right at him. Jaune twisted out of the way, letting his shield take the punishment, and swung for Weiss. She again tried to leap out of the way, but Jaune threw his sword right at her and knocked her right off the platform.



"EEYAH!"



She landed in a tumble, quickly trying to recover but he was on her. He knocked her blade out of the way with his shield and tackled her to the sandy ground, landing a punch on her pretty face.



"YOU-! UGH-!"



She formed a glyph between them, blasting Jaune right off. He tumbled, and scrambled for his sword. He grabbed it off the sandy ground and got back up just as Weiss lunged for him at blinding speed.



"GAH!"



The strikes were fast, and even through his armor they hurt. Jaune parried her thrusts with shield and sword now as she drove him back.



"You may face far more skilled swordsmen, Juan," Gato's voice spoke to him, "In fact, you are guaranteed to. So you must use whatever tricks you've got to even the odds."



"Come on Princess, that was just a love tap!" Jaune taunted. "Can't take another hit to your pretty face, Sweetheart?"



Weiss's eyes flared up.



"I'll show you a love tap you-!"



She jumped back and formed another glyph. She unleashed a blast of fire, which Jaune scrambled to dodge.



Okay, okay, she's mad, she's mad, now what...?! Make her madder!



"Hot under the collar, huh?" Jaune taunted again, weaving around the shots, "Touch a nerve? I actually think your scar is hot! If only your personality wasn't so cold!"



Weiss snarled. She formed a glyph behind herself and leaped off, dashing for him in her fury-!



He twisted himself just enough as she was in flight, and swung the flat end of Crocea Mors, smacking her backside and sending her tumbling.



"UWAH-!"



As she slammed into the floor, he slammed his shield right down onto her head, again and again!



"GYAH! AH! UGH-!"



She rolled out of the way and swung her blade, hitting him in the gut. He was staggered, and barely got his shield up as she leaped up and unleashed another torrent of strikes on him.



"AH! GAH! ACK-!"



Goodwitch's Semblance seized them both.



"Enough. Miss Schnee, you are the winner," Goodwitch stated calmly.



They both looked at the Aura Display. Weiss was down to around 68 percent, whereas Jaune had hit 39.



That was... Closer than I thought it would be, Jaune thought. Okay, so he'd lost, but Weiss had been training like this for years. To even get her down into the yellows wasn't terrible.



Weiss glared at Jaune, but relaxed in Goodwitch's grip. Jaune did the same, as the professor walked into the ring between them.



"Good attempts to close the range and keep Schnee off balance, Arc," Goodwitch said, "But you need real skill to back up your tactics. Fairly solid performance against an opponent with a far better hand, but you need to keep pushing yourself to make up for your weaknesses."



"Yes Professor," Jaune said with a nod, staring at Weiss as he worked to catch his breath.



"Miss Schnee, range, speed, and versatility are your strongest advantages," Goodwitch advised the heiress, "But they can be easily turned against you when you are fighting a cunning adversary." She cocked an eyebrow. "And I don't think I need to remind you to keep your temper in check?"



"Yes Professor," Weiss grumbled. "Thank you."



They headed back to their seats, as Goodwitch continued the class. Afterwards, Jaune had gone to the locker room to change, and came out in his school uniform. He blinked when he saw Weiss standing there, glaring.



"Something wrong, Princess?" Jaune asked dryly.



"You've fought against rapier wielders before," Weiss said. Jaune grimaced.



"Y-Yeah... My mentor used one."



He prayed she would leave it at that.



Weiss slowly nodded. She scoffed, crossing her arms.



"Despite your... Vulgarity, it was nice to fight someone who knew the basics of countering me," she said, "I'm very proud of my swordsmanship. Yours was... Adequate, I suppose. For a clear amateur."



"Is... Are you complimenting me?" Jaune asked, blinking in confusion.



"No, of course not."



"Good, didn't want to think you'd grown a heart at some point," Jaune deadpanned. Weiss grit her teeth. She took a few deep breaths to regain her composure, before she resumed speaking.



"When we do joint team training again, I want to practice my swordsmanship with you," she stated, "Pyrrha is of course the far superior teacher and sparring partner, but she hasn't your experience. It might be... Useful."



Jaune smirked.



"Aw... I knew you were sweet on me, you and your little tsundere heart~!"



"SHUT UP!" Weiss snarled, her cheeks bright red. "IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT AND YOU'RE A VULGAR BRUTE!"



"Is that any way to treat your fake boyfriend?"



"I told Professor Megister we broke up and I'm not interested in dating anyone!" She growled back. Jaune sighed and put a hand over his heart.



"Well, I'll try to recover from the heartbreak as best I can. All my serenades to you under the moonlight just couldn't move your heart-"



"STOP TALKING!"



- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Breakfast was subdued in the RWBY/JNPR common room. Ren and Jaune both worked to make the food for everyone, and Nora tore into it with her usual enthusiasm, but her expression was almost solemn: A very significant change for the spirited girl. The absence of Weiss and Blake wore on the mood.

The only exception was Pyrrha, who seemed almost giddy... Yet her eyes were filled with pain and apology when she saw Ruby and Yang's downcast looks.

When they were finished, Ruby cleared her throat. When all eyes were on her, she slowly spoke.

"Yang says Blake didn't come back last night," Ruby said, "And I'm worried. My team..."

She paused, but sucked in a breath to push herself to continue.

"We're going to go out to look for her in Vale. I um... If you'd be willing... I'd like your help too, please."

Jaune glanced at his teammates. Pyrrha smiled and nodded. Nora grinned, as Ren bowed his head.

"We'd be glad to help," Jaune said, reaching over to squeeze Ruby's hand. Ruby smiled gratefully at him.

"Great... I'll just go get..."

She stared at the door to her dorm room. Trepidation seemed to radiate out of the small, slender girl. Jaune took a breath, but Yang smiled and leaned over to her little sister.

"I can take care of this. I'm your Executive Officer, right? I can handle junk like this."

"Or I can do it," Jaune volunteered gently, "If you want-"

Ruby shook her head. She gave them both a warm smile.

"Thanks... I-I mean it... But..."

She pushed herself up to her feet and picked up her milk. She downed it in one go, before setting it down. She wiped her mouth off with the back of her forearm, eyes narrowed.

"I have to do this myself."

Yang slowly nodded.

"All right, Sis."

Jaune leaned back.

"Whatever my fellow team leader wants," he spoke quietly. Ruby beamed at him for a moment, before she walked away from the table towards the dormroom entrance. She paused for a moment and took another deep breath. She opened the door, and stepped in.

Weiss was at one of the desks, fully dressed and working on homework. Ruby's gaze lingered on Blake's unslept in bed, before she turned to Weiss. She slowly shut the door behind her.

"Good morning Weiss," she said calmly.

"Good morning Ruby," Weiss returned, cold and mechanical.

"Blake hasn't come back," Ruby said.

Weiss scribbled something down on her notebook, in her usual neat and flowing handwriting.

"I'm aware."

"I want to go and look for her in Vale," Ruby said. "I want... I want all of us to go."

Weiss continued to write.

"All of Team RWBY," Ruby explained, "As in-"

"I know what you meant, Ruby," Weiss stated, the words coming out in a flat, dead tone. "Is this an order from my team leader?"

"No," Ruby said quietly, fidgeting, "It's a request. I just... I really want you to agree, Weiss. Blake might be in trouble, she might need us-"

"I doubt that," Weiss managed tightly.

"I'm not asking you to become best buddies forever or-or anything like that," Ruby said, "I'm not that naïve. I understand-"

"What?" Weiss asked sharply, finally turning and shooting an icy glare at Ruby. "What do you understand, Ruby?"

Ruby held her ground, despite the strong urge to flee.

"I understand that stuff like that isn't something you just get over," she said quietly. "And-And I'm not asking you to do that."

"Then what are you asking me to do, Ruby?" Weiss asked bitterly, "Talk things out with her?"

"Yes."

"Talk things out with a member of a terrorist group? One that's... That's...!" She sucked in a breath through her nostrils and turned back to her homework. Ruby sat down in a wooden chair next to Weiss. The platinum blonde took a few calming breaths, before she spoke again.

"You don't understand anything."

"Then-Then explain it to me," Ruby asked, trying not to sound like she was begging, "Please?"

Weiss shut her eyes tightly. She opened them again, and stared intently at the wall. She opened her mouth, as though to speak, but nothing came out.

"Weiss?"

Weiss sucked in another breath, fortifying herself, before she spoke.

"My... My favorite uncle was named Warden. He worked with my grandfather in the mines from the moment he could pick up a pickaxe. He stayed in the mines even as the rest of the family moved to the board rooms. He was tall, strong, and handsome. He had a bushy beard and so much self-confidence and maturity..." Weiss closed her eyes.

"His smiles and hugs always did more to make me happy than my father's. I-I didn't understand it at the time... But it was because he loved me. More than my father ever did. Even then, he saw my siblings and I as assets, not children," Weiss sneered angrily. "He and Uncle Warden argued all the time about how to run the business after my grandfather died. Father was the CEO, but Uncle Warden had the love and respect of the staff and the workers. I still remember how loud they got, how angry my uncle was, how my mother tried to play peacemaker. No matter how angry he got though, Uncle Warden always showed love and kindness to my siblings and I..."

Weiss sucked in a breath, and her delicate hands tightened into fists.

"One night, when I was seven, I remember being woken up in the middle of the night by Uncle Warden. He said there were bad people in the compound, and we needed to get to the panic room. He led my siblings, my mother, our butler Klein, and myself to the panic room. I remember hearing screaming and gunfire in the distance... Getting closer... Always closer..."

Ruby bit her lower lip. She opened her mouth, but no words came as Weiss continued.

"He got us all into the panic room. Just before he could follow, there was a gunshot just down the hallway. My... Uncle Warden asked Klein to look after us. He told us he loved us... And he stepped out and shut the door."

Weiss's eyes were filled with tears, even as she fought against letting them fall. Her voice was unsteady.

"When my father arrived with the security teams... I asked for Uncle Warden. I tried to get out to look for him. Klein held me back, but at the end of the hall, I... There was so much red... So much blood..."

She shut her eyes tightly and held in a sob that wracked her slender body.

"The funeral... It had to be closed casket," Weiss whispered. "I learned... I learned that it was a group of Faunus radicals who had invaded. They were led by Sienna Khan. She escaped... And later took over White Fang."

"W-Weiss... I'm so sorry," Ruby murmured. She reached out and squeezed Weiss's shoulder comfortingly. Weiss instinctively tried to pull away, before she settled back in her seat. Ruby bit her lower lip.

To be the kind of person who pulled away from touch...

"I know this isn't easy for you, Weiss, and I'm so, so sorry," Ruby murmured, "But... If you were seven at the time, then Blake had nothing to do with that attack."

"She was still White Fang-!"

"Was, Weiss, was," Ruby insisted.

"How do we know that for sure-?!"

"Because she hasn't done anything," Ruby stated, leaning over the desk to look Weiss in the eyes, "If she was here to hurt you, she'd have done it by now! You-You saw how she looked! You saw how hurt she was! How guilty!"

Weiss averted her eyes. Even to someone as socially inexperienced as Ruby, the conflict just seemed to roil inside of the Schnee Heiress.

"I-I just-"

"I'm not asking you to be her best friend or anything like that," Ruby repeated, leaning forward and utilizing her best puppy eyes, "I know. But please... At least hear her out? If she left White Fang, then she disagreed with how they did things. You disagree with how your dad runs things, right? Isn't it possible that-that you two might be able to at least talk? Please?"

Weiss was silent for about a minute, just looking away. Ruby's face fell. She turned, her shoulders slumped. She made for the door.

I... I couldn't do it... I'm just not cut out to-

"Okay."

Ruby spun around.

"You-You will?" She gasped.

Weiss slowly nodded. She stood up, her arms crossed under her breasts.

"I will help look for her," Weiss said, in a tightly controlled voice, "And I will hear her out... But that's all."

Ruby hugged Weiss tightly.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Ruby cried cheerfully. Weiss sighed and patted her on the head.

"It's-It's no big deal, let's not talk about it-"

"It is a big deal! A super big deal and... Ah..." Ruby, upon seeing the look on Weiss's face, coughed and let Weiss go. She smiled and nodded.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," Weiss stated coldly, "We still have to find her."

"Right! But I'm sure we will!" Ruby said, with a bit of her old cheer returned to her. She opened the door, smiling brightly at her other comrades.

"We're ready when you are," Yang said with a smile and salute. Ruby beamed.

"All right! Let's go find Blake!"

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -



Blake had to admit that breakfast the next day was fairly nice. Sun had a Lien card from his uncle and was intent on spoiling her and his team, and her cat instincts purred happily at the prospect of being pampered. It had been a long time.



The hotel was five star for a reason: A gorgeous outdoor pool with a beautiful restaurant overlooking it, where they sat at one of the outdoor tables. Polite, capable servers n black and white went in and out of the kitchen doors with army ant-like efficiency. There were a few glares from other patrons at them, but it was something easily ignored-The staff were all very professional. The food was fantastic as well, served up as the sun rose over the horizon and painted the city in warm morning colors.



His team, on the other hand, were a bit more... Mixed.



"Ah, the mai-tai," Neptune said, holding up the orange drink to her with a charming smile, "A perfect sunrise of a drink, only outshone by your beauty, Princess-"



"Knock it off, Neptune," Sun sighed, "For the last time, she's off limits!"



"Surely our gorgeous princess can make her own mind up?" Neptune asked, wiggling his eyebrows at Blake.



"No thank you," she stated coldly. Neptune winced, as Scarlet David snickered on the other side of the table. His partner, Sage Ayana, merely raised an eyebrow.



"Hey, I don't see you brave enough to hit on a certified princess," Neptune grumbled.



Scarlet, a redheaded young man lounging in white and red buccaneer clothing, looked her up and down and shrugged.



"Eh. Not my type," he said, "No offense."



"None taken," Blake returned.



Sage just shrugged.



"Unlike you, I actually have a girlfriend back in Haven," the dark skinned boy with green hair, white vest, and loose pants stated calmly, his arms crossed over his chest as he sat at repose. He perched on a towel over his chair. His voice never changed from a calm, cool monotone.



"Oh?" Neptune taunted, "And you giving up your bed for her last night wasn't an attempt to get into Her Highness's graces?"



Sage snorted.



"I prefer the floor. My Semblance can activate at random when I sleep, and the last thing I want is to know everything that went on in my hotel room bed," he stated dryly.



"He has a point," Scarlett observed. Neptune rolled his eyes and huffed, sitting back and sipping his mai-tai. He pulled out his Scroll and began to look through headlines.



"I'm just saying, there's always a handsome rogue who flirts with the Princess," Neptune argued, "I don't want to deprive Her Highness of the full runaway princess experience."



"Please, stop calling me that," Blake sighed, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. She felt Sun pat her hand, and she managed to relax a little.



"So," Sage said, "What will you do now, Blake?"



She'd shared some of the story with them. Sun had told her it might make her feel better to not be alone. Besides, if they told anyone, Sun promised to beat them all up. Which had made them agree to secrecy quite willingly.



"I... I don't know," she admitted, "Headmaster Ozpin let me into Beacon to start over. To... To make up for what I've done, but..."



"Shouldn't that be the end of it?" Sun asked gently, leaning forward, "You're not with those creeps anymore."



"They're not creeps! They... They aren't supposed to be," Blake cried, but her voice slipped into a low, depressed tone. "The White Fang used to mean something, something noble. It was supposed to stand up for Faunus rights."



"So what changed?" Scarlet asked, tilting his head curiously.



"My parents wanted to focus on building Menagerie into a real nation, a real kingdom," Blake said, "Because getting civil rights legislation passed in the kingdoms was such a challenge. I... I spent most of my life there. When my dad stepped down, Sienna Khan was voted in as the new head of the White Fang."



"My uncle says that election was rigged," Sun opined, "She was a violent maniac who had her thugs intimidate everyone into giving her power."



Blake's eyes went downward.



"At the time, a lot of Faunus thought that... That progress wasn't happening fast enough," she said, "That there was too much resistance. That the only way to make the kingdoms take us seriously was with force. My parents believed that soft power would be the key to that change... But Khan and others thought that we had to push back hard."



At the looks of the boys, she winced.



"I... I thought that way too," she admitted, "I thought that my parents weren't taking this seriously. That I could do so much more. So we... We liberated SDC slave camps. We put pressure on businesses by attacking their logistics."



She shut her eyes.



"The worst part is that, at first? It worked. We were getting concessions in the governments. Menagerie was making some diplomatic inroads... But only because people feared what we might do. We kept upping the ante, it was never enough, until..."



She bowed her head.



"I couldn't take it anymore," she admitted, "I kept crossing line after line I swore I'd never cross. And now, without me? They're doing even worse things."



Sun squeezed her hand comfortingly. Neptune shook his head. Scarlet bowed his head thoughtfully, while Sage stared at her with an unreadable expression.



"I mean," Neptune shrugged, "Maybe these latest crimes of theirs aren't actually the White Fang?"



Blake looked up, her eyes locking onto Neptune.



"What crimes?"



She'd kept her head down, tried to just ignore what was going on. Ozpin had told her to try and leave her old life behind entirely.



Neptune handed over his scroll, and pointed out some headlines.



"Apparently Roman Torchwick and White Fang have been seen doing Dust heists together," Neptune said, "Mostly outside of Vale proper. That's why it hasn't been as big of news: Roman has a tendency to steal the show around here, from what I've read."



"We are talking about terrorists," Scarlet stated, ignoring Blake's scowl, "Is stealing Dust from the SDC such a massive leap?"



"Maybe... Maybe Torchwick's pushing them into these kinds of actions," Blake tried, "I remember meeting him once. He approached the White Fang a few months before I left, and offered to go into business together. Ad... Our leader sent him packing."



"You mean that scary edgelord guy in all black?" Neptune asked, shuddering, "Wears a blindfold? Red hair and horns? Geez..."



"But I was the one who worked to keep him from going off the deep end," Blake explained. She stared at the headlines intensely. "If I hadn't left..."



I did this... This is my fault... All my fault...



Sun squeezed her hand, and she looked up into his eyes. He shook his head.



"He made his choices, like you did," he said firmly, "This isn't your responsibility-"



"But it is!" Blake insisted. "And I have to fix it."



"How?" Sage asked bluntly. "It's not like we know where they're going to strike next."



Sun coughed. All eyes locked onto him. Blake's gaze could have bored a hole into him.



"Ah... I mean, it's probably nothing," Sun said, forcing his easy going smile.



"Boss...?" Scarlet asked, cocking an eyebrow.



"Sun... Please?" Blake pressed, leaning forward. Sun looked heavenward, before he groaned.



"Ugh, fine. When I was looking for you," He nodded to Blake, "I got lost at the dockyards. I ran into a few White Fang goons with guns at... Docking Area 4?"



"Huh," Neptune looked it up, "That's apparently where the SDC unloads most of their Dust shipments for delivery to Valean shops."



At everyone's looks, he scowled.



"What? I can do a Boogle search!"



"Then we need to stake it out," Blake decided, "Try to catch them. Make them back down. They-They might listen to me!"



"Woah woah woah," Sun said, shaking his head, trying to hold her hand again, "We are not going after terrorists!"



"We have to!" Blake pushed back, pulling away from him, "It's my responsibility! And..."



And maybe I can go back to Beacon if I do. If I prove Weiss wrong-That we're not all terrorists. That we're not mad beasts...



That look of fear and rage on Weiss's face... Even if she was a Schnee, it hurt to see that. To hear the pain in her voice. Even worse to see the looks on Ruby and Yang's faces. While they hadn't been together long, she couldn't say she hadn't gotten attached to her team.



It was this... Or run away again. Right now, Blake didn't know where she could go.



"And as Princess of Menagerie," she stated, "You're bound to protect and serve me. If I go into a dangerous situation, you have to be there with me, correct?"



Sun grimaced.



"I knew there was a catch," he sighed. "All right..." He looked over at his team. "You guys stay here, we'll-"



"Oh like hell," Scarlet said, shaking his head, "We let you go off on your own, you'll die for sure."



"You have the survival skills of a lemming," Sage stated, "Of course we'll go with you."



Neptune smirked, and bowed.



"What kind of dashing, heroic rogue would I be if I get my leader hog all the showing off for our Princess?" He asked with a wink.



Sun rolled his eyes, but couldn't restrain his smile.



"You guys are the worst team ever," he sighed, "Can't even follow orders!"



"We follow orders that make sense," Sage observed, "Which doesn't happen often from you."



"But makes it all the more precious when it does," Scarlet sighed in a faux dramatic tone.



"See what I have to deal with?" Sun grumbled, though his smile gave his true feelings away.



Blake found it in herself to smile as well.



"Still, it's not much to go on," Sage pointed out.



"That's all right," Blake nodded, "I know someone who can help. Someone who has been in contact with Roman Torchwick recently."



"Who?" Sun asked.



Blake smiled softly.



"Jaune Arc."

- - -

"Ugggghhhh..."

As much as it had sucked, Jaune's little journey had definitely toughened him up a LOT. Before, he'd been a gangly noodle of a teenaged boy. Oh sure, he'd kept in physical shape: He was a doctor's son, and his mother didn't want him sitting around getting fat. He had run, he'd taken dance classes, and he'd even played some tennis.

Which had sucked. He could never figure out the damn score!

So he'd been in decent shape for a civilian when he'd set out on his journey. That and having his Aura unlocked had been the only reasons he'd lasted as long as he had before getting captured. Gato's training had let him do the rest.

Twelve hour days of training for at least a month had burned all the noodle out of him. He was lean, muscular, and tough.

That didn't mean he didn't like having to run all over town on his day off to find a runaway catgirl.

Still, Jaune thought, as he held up a printout of Blake's school picture to some pedestrians, I know how I would feel if any of my sisters had run away. If Ruby or Yang were missing... Nora, Ren, Pyrrha... Any of them...

He may have been grouchy, but his feelings were real. He wouldn't be out here otherwise, right? Walking all over town to find Blake.

The pedestrians shook their head: They hadn't seen her, like everyone else he'd talked to. With a sigh, he moved on down the sidewalk. He checked his watch: Shit, it was already late afternoon. He'd burned a lot of time just going through this part of town.

He spied a nearby park-If he recalled correctly, he could cut across it into a section he hadn't tried yet.

He walked up to the crosswalk and waited for the lights to change. Sure, he could probably leap across the street now thanks to his Aura and training with his team, but like most cities, Vale's local cops frowned on Huntsman showing off too much.

That, and this was a marathon, not a sprint.

"Oh, hello young man!"

Jaune turned. His jaw dropped. A cat Faunus stood there, smiling warmly. She looked about middle-aged, if he had to guess-Lines were on her face and white wound its way through her elegantly coiffed hair. Despite all that, she looked gorgeous in her purple dress and jacket, rocking a lean, hourglass figure atop long, strong legs. A catseye broach was on her neck, and she held a small purse in her hand. Intelligent, playful blue eyes scrutinized him.

"Ah, h-hello," he said, "Ma'am."

"Would you be a dear and help an old woman across the street? I want to rest in the park for a time," she said, her voice melodious and sweet as she held out her hand. Jaune blinked.

"Er, but you don't look old, ma'am!"

The woman tittered.

"Aw, you're sweet. I'm old enough to be your grandmother! Please, I'd feel much safer crossing the street with a big, strong knight at my side?"

"Well, uh, sure!" Jaune said, holding out his arm for her to hold. She grasped it, and pressed herself against him with a happy hum.

The light changed, and Jaune slowly escorted the lady across, past the waiting cars. They entered the park slowly, the old woman casually looking around at the flowers and the chirping birds.

"Ah, thank you," she said, her eyes locking onto a bench shaded by a large, old oak tree, "Over there, please?"

"Yes ma'am," Jaune nodded, leading her towards the bench. They walked up to it. Jaune maneuvered the woman around. She sat... And pulled him down to sit next to her with surprising strength.

"Oof!"

"Ah, that's better," she sighed, "Away from prying eyes." She beamed impishly. "Sorry for the deception, Jaune. But I find my fun however I can in my dotage."

"Huh?" Jaune blinked, and scrutinized the woman. Her black hair, her pointy ears, the glint in her eyes... It all seemed familiar, but why? How?

"How do you know my name?" He asked.

"Because," she said gently, "I am Katherine Zapatos. Gato's wife."

Jaune's jaw dropped. His heart stopped beating. He gaped at the warmly smiling woman in shock and horror.

"I-I... You...!"

He tore his eyes away from her, angry tears again threatening. He clenched his fists.

No... No... I-I can't... Why...?!

"Jaune, Jaune!" Katherine cried, squeezing him tightly, "Damnit, I should have brought Perrito-It's all right! It's all right!"

She held him tightly, rubbing soothing circles into his back. His breathing slowed, his heart stopped pounding in his ears...

"I-I..." He bowed his head. "I... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

"Sorry for what?" She asked.

Jaune took deep, heaving breaths. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't pull away from her iron grip. He tried to focus, tried to calm himself... Just enough.

Just enough to confess.

"I... It's my fault," he said softly. He forced himself to look her in the eyes. "It's my fault... He's dead... I-I'm so sorry... I should..."

I should have been stronger, I should have been better, I should have... I should have...!

"Jaune," Katherine spoke softly, cupping his cheek, "You didn't do anything wrong."

"How-How can you possibly-?!"

"How could the wife of the greatest outlaw hero in Remnant know what happened to him?" Katherine asked. She let out a small, bitter laugh. "Because I was once the greatest thief in all of Remnant."

She twirled her fingers around, and produced his Lien card. Jaune gaped.

"Wha-?!"

"Force of habit, sorry," She said, slipping it back into his belt, "When Gato went missing, I went to all my old underground contacts. I shook every tree. I learned of the underground death matches. They kept on the move, so tracking them down was difficult. It took me time..."

She sighed, and sagged. The proud matron, the confident thief-They faded away, leaving a sad, sorrow-filled old woman.

"Too much time," she admitted. "I got there... Probably half an hour after you two escaped."

Her eyes were dark, so dark. Jaune couldn't imagine what she had found.

"I... I should have-" Jaune tried, but the fierce woman returned as she glared at him.

"Should have what? Died instead of him? Tell me, Jaune... What were my husband's final words?"

"To... To live," Jaune managed, "To live well... And greet Death with a smile."

Katherine nodded, her smile sad and yet proud.

"That is how he lived," Katherine stated, "A hero to the end. If you had not broken out, he would have died in death sport for an audience of monsters. You got him out, and let him die as a hero. As he wanted to. As he should have."

She sighed heavily.

"My heart is broken. My beloved outlaw has gone on ahead," she said softly, "But I know him. I knew him, better than anyone. If it came to dying as a prisoner for the bloodlust of an uncaring world, or dying a hero to save one good person? He would make the latter choice. Every time."

She turned and smiled warmly at him, and squeezed his hand.

"I've watched you these past two days. I see why he trained you. Why he believed in you. And why he sacrificed himself for you. You are worth it. Gato and I would never want you to think otherwise."

Two days... She looks so familiar, how would I-?

"Schwartz," he breathed, "Schwartz is your son..."

Katherine chuckled fondly.

"Yes... We knew all along, Jaune," she said softly, "It is why I made sure Miss Schnee chose our shop. You have good friends."

"That's one word for them," Jaune muttered, but he had a smile despite his tears.

"They see the same thing Gato saw in you," Katherine pressed, poking him in the chest almost painfully hard-Even through his armor. "That I do."

Jaune winced. The tears remained.

"I just... It hurts so much..."

Katherine nodded.

"I know. It does for me, too," she murmured, "And it always will. You still mourn your father, do you not?"

Jaune nodded slowly. Katherine smiled softly.

"I know. But you will live with it. You will not let it destroy you... Not if you remember why they died," she said. "Your father died to save the innocent. Gato died a hero to save a friend. Don't let their sacrifices be twisted by the pain."

She hugged him tightly. Jaune found himself slowly returning it. There was really nothing like it, and it had been a while since he'd gotten one.

A mother's hug...

Katherine sniffled a bit. She pulled back, then retrieved some handkerchiefs from her purse. She wiped her tears so elegantly her makeup didn't smear.

"Are you-?" Jaune asked, but she shook her head.

"I will be," she said softly, "And so will you. I promise."

She smiled warmly, and Jaune's chest felt... Just a bit lighter.

"Also," she said, "I have a gift for you."

She reached behind her back... And pulled out a sheathed dagger. The hilt was bronze, the scabbard was a light green with bronze piping. The pommel of the small blade was shaped like a cathead. She held it out to him with a smile. Jaune blinked, and took the dagger in his hands.

"Thank you..."

"It is called Levigato," she explained, unsheathing the blade, "or 'Smooth Cat' in the tongue of our home province. It was a gift from my husband."

Jaune shook his head, holding up his hand.

"I-I can't-!"

"Yes, you will," Katherine stated firmly. She huffed. "My little brother does not fight, my son and daughter-in-law don't use daggers, and none of my grandchildren want to use them! It's all about mechashift this and mechashift that! Bah! In my day, we didn't need any absurdo mecánico...!"

She muttered and spat in her native tongue angrily for a bit, before she took a breath and was all smiles again.

"Nevertheless, Jaune, a Huntsman must always have a backup weapon," she said, taking the weapon back and clipping it onto his belt, "You are a practical man, are you not?"

"I... Yeah, I guess I am," Jaune nodded.

"Good. Gato was the same," she chuckled. She stood up and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"I must go. I'm seeing to my husband's arrangements," she said softly. Jaune paled.

"I... If there's anything I can do, ma'am-?"

"Thank you Jaune," Katherine said with a smile, "I will let you know. Any time you need something? Just call. Or come down to the shop, mm? You will always be welcome."

Jaune managed a nod, and a smile. She reached out and wiped his tears from his eyes.

At the sight of her ears twitching, the purpose of his trip in Vale hit him like a Dust round.

"Oh! Have you seen a young cat faunus girl my age? Black haired, yellow eyes, name is Blake Belladonna-"

"My my, Jaune," Katherine giggled, "You've complimented a lady cat like me, and now you're after a kitten? You seem to have a type~!"

Jaune choked, his face turning bright red.

"N-No! That's not what I-!"

Katherine smiled gently, and patted his shoulder.

"Don't you worry, Jaune," she said, "She's been watching us for the last few minutes." She glanced up into the tree with a smirk. "He's all yours, young lady. Do treat him well. If not...?"

She slid two daggers out of her sleeves, twirled them about, before vanishing them right back up her sleeves as though they'd been a mirage.

"You'll find out," she stated, a playful smirk on her face, but a deadly glint in her eyes. "Good bye, Jaune. Until next time."

She walked off with the grace and elegance of a runway model. Jaune watched her go. The leaves rustled overhead, and Blake Belladonna dropped down onto the bench next to him. She scowled after Katherine.

"You have a thing for older women, huh?"

"What?! No! She's just-She's a friend-" Jaune shook his head violently. "That's not important! Look, Ruby, Yang-Everyone's worried sick about you-!"

"I'm sorry," Blake said, turning to him.

"Okay, so... Can we go home now?" Jaune asked.

Blake shook her head.

"No. Not yet. We need to do something first."

"'We'?" Jaune asked, raising an eyebrow. Blake nodded.

"You. Me. Sun's team."

"Who's Sun?"

"Me," A blonde, golden monkey faunus boy announced, leaping up out of the bushes to land on Jaune's other side. He grinned at Jaune's scowl.

"Okay," Jaune said slowly, "And this something we need to do is...?"

Sun looked a bit resigned, but smiled at Blake. She nodded firmly.

"Stopping White Fang from stealing Dust."

Jaune blinked.

"Uhhh... Okay... Why us? Can't we call the cops-?"

"We don't know exactly when they're going to hit," Blake explained, "We just know vaguely where they might... Maybe."

"Wow, that is sooo helpful," Jaune deadpanned.

"We might be able to get better information," Sun said, giving him a skeptical look, "If you help us out."

"How can I help you?" Jaune asked.

"Because allegedly," Blake said, "The White Fang has been working with someone you know." Her eyes narrowed. "Your... Uncle Alex?"

Jaune gulped.

Oh... Shit...

- - -

Yes, Katherine is indeed Kitty Softpaws. Mother of Schwartz, Adoptive Sister to Perrito, and widow of Gato. And despite her age, she's still damn good at what she does.

A different take on the stake out. We'll get to see more of Team SSSN.

I've given Sage a Semblance, since in the canon he doesn't have one: Psychometry. He can touch an object and get information on the last person or persons who touched it-It has limitations but it comes in handy. His control isn't always the best with it hence why he avoids touching a lot of furniture. I decided this ability was fitting given he was apparently inspired by the Aesop Fable: "The Pilgrim and the Sword". It's very short, so I'll post it here:

A Pilgrim on his way found a sword, and asked of the sword, "What is he that hath lost thee?" The sword answered to the Pilgrim, "A man alone hath lost me, but many a one have I lost." And therefore an evil man may be lost, but ere he be lost he may well harm many a one.

Click to shrink...

I mean, talking to a sword and learning about its history sounds like Psychometry to me.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The first thing Roman noticed when he re-entered Thanh 'The Immortal's' little "office" was the smell. The big Komodo dragon faunus always smelled, with that weird zoo scent from a big reptile and (often) the stench of rotting meat. Today this was augmented with the nauseating odor of sewage, and the source was easy to spot.

As Thanh lounged in his chair, a small, mean looking little rat Faunus man in dirty coveralls stood next to him. He was hunched over, his skin rough and almost scaly. His nose was large and pointed like a rat's, his chin weak, and his ears flexed up and down nervously. He kept glancing over at Thanh, wringing his hands, but still shot a smug little smirk Roman and Neo's way.

"Well, I'm here bright and early, Thanh," Roman stated, "We're a few hours out from the job-Any reason you keep dragging me back here? Thought you had it covered?"

"I just wanted to show you something," Thanh hissed, "Something that will change our relationship for the better."

"You're sewing your mouth shut? That would be a nice start," Roman deadpanned, but his instincts were alert. Thanh looked, felt too smug, even for him. Neo looked tense, ready to spring out and start slashing.

"No," Thanh chuckled, as though indulging the human, "My servant Muscan got me some... Very interesting pictures yesterday."

Muscan made a wheezing, nervous little laugh, before he held up a remote and clicked it.

The holoscreen on Thanh's desk activated. Several images appeared in mid-air, of Roman, Neo... And Jaune, sitting at the diner.

Outwardly, Roman shrugged.

"This supposed to mean something to me?" He asked.

Inwardly, he was already preparing the best means of escape out the windows. After putting a hole through Thanh's head, of course.

"You seem close to this young Hunter-in-Training, Roman," Thanh spoke, his yellow eyes narrowing malevolently, "I was unaware you had family."

"That what you think he is?" Roman asked.

"You seem familiar."

Roman rolled his eyes.

"I'm familiar with lots of people. Doesn't make that kid anyone special. He's some nobody, asking for financial help."

"Hmm," Thanh considered, before shrugging.

"Then I suppose you won't mind if I went out hunting some time," Thanh said, "I can track him by your scent... Go through the sewers... And when he's out, just reach up through a grate and have a feast."

He licked his sharp teeth, making sure they glistened in the dim afternoon light.

"Now... Are you going to tell me the truth, or shall I go hunting for this... Nobody?"

Neo seethed silently, and made to step forward. Roman put a strong hand on her shoulder as he thought through things furiously.

Roman knew that Thanh thought he was being clever. He'd had his little rat follow him around, try to find some weakpoint to exploit. The guy really was gunning for his position.

Well... Between telling the truth and feeding the big guy a proper lie to send him off on the wrong trail? Roman knew the play.

"All right, ya caught me," Roman sighed, drooping a bit like he was defeated, "He's my nephew. Not by blood, of course, I just know his mom real well. We go way back."

It was even true, after a fashion. Isabel Arc and her team had gotten involved in one of his early heists. He'd had to throw his partners under the bus to take the heat, but he'd gotten away. How could they blame him? The woman had smashed through a bank vault door with her bare hands!

"I see," Thanh growled, "And now he seeks to be a Huntsman?"

"That's about the size of it, yeah," Roman said with a nod.

"Does he know of your... Felonious activities?" Thanh asked.

Oh, he thinks he's smart using bigger words, Roman thought dryly, still keeping a tight grip on Neo.

"Of course not. He and his mom think I'm just a boring accountant," he said with a shrug. "And I wouldn't be thinking of threatening them if I were you, Big Guy."

Thanh hissed out some laughter.

"If I wanted your little whelp dead, Roman, he already would be. It is enough you know that I know."

Right, so he thinks he's got leverage over me, Roman thought. He hated playing it weak, but he stuffed his pride down. His biggest successes had come from letting the other guy think his hand was weak. And his biggest upsets had come from being overconfident. Let Thanh think he had him over a barrel. It would make Neo turning this asshole into luggage so much sweeter.

"But your loved ones are the least interesting part of all this," Thanh went on. Roman resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"Oh really?"

Another set of images appeared, this one of the brunette with the bow and yellow eyes who had stared unnervingly at Roman the whole damn time he'd been near her. Images of her staring at Roman, standing next to Jaune or Little Red, and so on.

"Recognize her?" Thanh hissed.

Roman shrugged.

"Some girl who hangs out with my nephew. A classmate. Kind of weird."

Thanh laughed.

"Muscan got her scent," he growled, "And her name. Blake Belladonna."

Muscan snickered greasily.

Roman raised an eyebrow.

"The little hellcat second in command of the White Fang?" Roman asked. He'd done his homework: He had approached the White Fang for a partnership late last year, on behalf of Cinder. They'd turned him down flat, which had required Cinder to personally intervene.

That 'intervention' went with the rest of his nightmares now entitled "That Bitch I Work For."

His first attempt, he noticed that little brunette hanging around Taurus. He thought she was a groupie or something for the Big Bad Bull Edgelord himself. She was Belladonna?

"She's hiding out at Beacon," Thanh purred, eyeing her like he would a side of beef, "Taurus' main squeeze. He's been looking for her ever since she ran off."

"And that has... What to do with me?" Roman asked.

"Adam wants her back," Thanh chuckled, "I'm willing to give her to him... For a price. And after I've had some time to... Reacquaint her with the White Fang, and how we treat traitors."

He slurped noisily, a nasty grin on his face as his eyes devoured the images. Muscan did the same, snickering like a creep-Until Thanh smacked him. The little rat man slunk away into the corner, looking down at his feet, as Thanh returned his leer to the holograms.

Roman was a worldly man, of course, and no bleeding heart... But everything this monster did really made his skin crawl.

"And...?" Roman prompted again. He was playing the guy who had been outplayed, after all.

"And you're going to use your little nephew to get her here," Thanh hissed. "At midnight."

Roman raised an eyebrow.

"Right when we're running our op?"

"Right when we have all our strongest fighters, yes," Thanh stated, "We'll seize her."

"You really think my nephew can talk her into coming out here, alone, at midnight?" Roman asked dryly. Thanh nodded.

"He'll have some help... One mention of 'White Fang', and she'll come running." His grin widened. "Imply we know what she's been up to... And if she doesn't come, your dear little nephew will have an unfortunate... Accident."

"And what's it in for me?" Roman asked, with a shrug. "All these little favors come with a price."

"Your nephew's life isn't enough?" Thanh asked, amused.

"Never let family get in the way of profit," Roman smirked, "Family motto."

Thanh snorted, and waved his hand as though making a grand gesture.

"You may have half the bounty on her. Me? I care less about money and more about..." His eyes locked onto Blake's image again, "Intangibles."

He smirked one last time, before he looked back at Roman.

"Get it done," he growled.

Roman sighed, and adjusted his tie.

"Well... Let me go and talk him into it," he said. "Neo?"

Neo was grinning death right at Thanh... But reluctantly obeyed. They walked out, not even bothering to slam the door shut. Roman dialed Jaune's Scroll.

"Yo, Kid," he said, once the connection was made.

"R-Uncle Alex?" Jaune replied, sounding amazed, "I was just about to call you!"

"Well, lucky for me then," Roman said dryly, "What about?"

"Er... I have a friend... Very interested in your activities... Especially with... Your furry little friends?" Jaune tried.

Roman stopped and stared at the Scroll. Even Neo looked shocked.

"This friend of yours happen to be that brunette with the bow?" Roman asked.

"As a matter of fact, yeah," Jaune said, also sounding amazed.

The Gentleman Thief shook his head, and didn't look the gift horse in the mouth. If the dice came down in his favor, he wasn't going to gawk.

"Well, that's great, because I do have some activities involving my furry little friends," Roman said smoothly, "Midnight. Docking Area 4C. There are some old friends dying to meet your friend."

"Oh, that's just great," Jaune sighed sarcastically, "Any more good news, Uncle?"

"Just that I think bringing along your little harem... Your entire little harem... Would make it even more of a funtime for all," Roman stated firmly.

There was silence.

"It's gonna be that big of a blow out, huh?"

"The biggest," Roman said, "I'll explain all the details later. Promise."

If we survive this.

"Well, I guess that's when we'll roll," Jaune sighed. He talked to someone else. "Yes, we're bringing more-We are calling-Ugh! I have to talk her out of some things, Uncle, but uh... We'll be there."

Poor Kid sounded resigned.

"If I could reschedule it, I would," Roman said, letting just a little regret out. The genuine stuff, no sarcasm. "But I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. All right?"

"... All right," Jaune sighed.

"Sides," Roman smirked, "You can't tell me you don't miss running into crazy shit like this."

"I absolutely do not," Jaune growled.

"Right, and those girls ain't your harem."

"They're not-Ugh! Whatever! Just... Have some party favors or a clown or something for us!" Jaune said.

Roman blinked.

"What?"

"I was trying code-Like... Fuck it, see you tonight," Jaune groaned, before he hung up. Roman shook his head, and glanced over at Neo. She beamed and signed a question.

"Yeah, he'll be here," Roman sighed. "Let's hope little Miss 'Invincible' lives up to her name. And that the rest of those kids are as freakish as little Red."

Neo signed another question. Roman rolled his eyes.

"Yes, I'll pay for the currier too. But let's not skin our dragons before they've died, shall we?"

- - -

Convenient? Maybe a little. But it feels like a more organic way to get Blake to the Docks than Sun having to carry all the plot convenience himself. It also builds on other aspects of the story.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The sun slipped beneath the horizon, and the stars and city lights came out. The air was cooler, and the sounds of night took over the city. In a way, it was comforting to Blake: The night was where she did her best work. It was most familiar to her, like a cloak of protection.

"All right," she said quietly. She looked over the map of the docking area on her Scroll for the fifth time, as she, Team SSSN, and Jaune camped on a rooftop of a building just across the street from the docks, "Sun and I will go in. Everyone else, make sure no one can get out. That's the plan."

"Uh, yeah, question," Jaune said, raising his hand, "Why is that the plan?"

Her ears twitched as she turned an annoyed look on Jaune. Scarlet hid his mouth suspiciously, Neptune scowled, Sage was stoic as ever, and Sun also suspiciously covered his mouth.

"Sun and I are Faunus. We're more likely to talk White Fang down," Blake explained, slowly and calmly.

"Uh, yeah, and the fact my uncle said to bring in everyone? That-I think I said that, didn't I?" Jaune asked, glancing around at the circle, "Didn't I say that's what he said?"

"You did say that," Neptune said, "But come on! We can handle it."

"Two people is not the same as three teams," Jaune stated firmly.

"I know the White Fang," Blake insisted, "We're doing it this way. It has the best chance of success."

"If we're guarding the entrances, we won't be close enough to back you up if things go wrong," Scarlet observed, as Sage nodded. Neptune shrugged.

"Hey, she's a princess, what are the odds of things going wrong?" Neptune asked confidently.

Jaune turned his gaze to Sun, a hint of pleading in his eyes.

Sun shrugged.

"It's her show," he said.

"Yeah, and she's not my princess," Jaune stated firmly, eyes narrowed back at Blake. "Seriously, everyone else is out looking for you. Let me call them and-"

"No," Blake cut him off. Jaune held up his Scroll.

"I can literally have back up in a matter of minutes-"

"No!" Blake insisted. The two stared each other down intensely. Sun stepped between them, hands held up.

"All right, let's chill out," Sun said, "How about you two talk this out? We'll be over here, getting ready." He waved his arm and his team moved off, Neptune still throwing a scowl over his shoulder at Jaune. Jaune scowled back, then turned his eyes to Blake as he stepped closer to her.

"Seriously Blake, when my uncle says that we should bring everyone, we absolutely should bring everyone-"

"Your uncle is Roman Torchwick," Blake hissed back to him, yellow eyes flashing, "How can you trust him?!"

"We're literally trusting him right now!" Jaune whispered back.

"Only enough to get in and figure out what's going on!" Blake insisted in a whisper-yell. "To talk down the White Fang-!"

"Right, which worked out so well for you last time," Jaune said sarcastically. Blake stared in shock, speechless, as Jaune continued.

"Why can't we get backup?" Jaune demanded, quietly angry. "Why do you have to do everything practically by yourself?"

"Because... Because this is my..." She shook her head. "I left, all right? I left White Fang. I couldn't take it anymore. And without me, they've gotten even worse. I... I have to fix this. I have to turn them away. I have to guide them, so that... So that I can prove we're not monsters."

Jaune slowly nodded.

"I see... So it's not about stopping White Fang. It's about you."

Blake pulled back in shock. Jaune narrowed his eyes.

"You," Blake shook her head, "No, I'm not-! This is my mess, and I need to fix it!"

"Your friends are willing to help you, and you're turning it down-"

"They're not my friends! I... I can't trust that they are!" Blake growled. "If you saw Weiss' face... If you heard what she said-!"

"No, I didn't, but you're not helping things by trying to prove something!" Jaune shot back. Blake clenched her fists tightly.

"What do you know about it?! You can't possibly know how I felt! Leaving my parents to join the White Fang to make a difference, only for it to-For them to ignore me and become more violent, no matter what I said or did! Having to leave them, to try to start over-!"

"I take it you broke from your parents, right? Had a big fight? They tell you this was a mistake? That you were throwing your life away?" Jaune asked, eyes bright and focused. Blake stopped short.

"... They... You can't say that-"

"Yes I can. Because I did the same damn thing."

Blake glared, suddenly furious.

"No you didn't! I'm fighting for equality and liberty-!"

"And I wanted to become a legendary hero," Jaune said, soft and filled with anger and shame, "I told my mother she was done controlling my life. That she didn't know anything. That she was a scared old woman who hated our family, and that I didn't want anything to do with her, ever. Then I ran away. I thought I knew everything. I thought I would prove her wrong."

Jaune snorted.

"A week later, I was in an underground death match. I got tricked by some girl playing on my need to be a hero."

"Then why are you still here?!" Blake demanded angrily. "Why are you still trying to become a Huntsman?!"

Jaune sighed and smiled slightly. He rested his hand on the dagger Katherine gave him.

"Because... I still want to be a hero. I just realized I couldn't do it by acting like an idiot," he said. "You're acting like an idiot, Blake. Please don't do that. Look, I don't know what Roman's game is, but if he wants us here with back up? We should have back up. I've already had one friend die on me... I don't want any more."

Blake was silent for a moment, trying to draw on the night to calm herself down. She sucked in a deep breath.

"... Sun?" Blake turned back to the monkey Faunus, who was checking and rechecking his three-part staff in the least convincing way possible. Sun looked up.

"Yes?" He asked.

"... We're all going," she said quietly. "If... If you're willing to go?"

Sun smiled. Neptune spun his trident around with a dramatic spin and flourish and grinned.

"Time for the legendary hero to save the day and win the heart of the princess," he declared.

"Yes, because that will absolutely happen," Scarlet snarked.

"Your grasp on reality is stunning as always," Sage opined.

"Shut up!" Neptune growled.

Blake just glared, as Sun snickered and Jaune shook his head. He rubbed his face in exasperation.

"Oh good," Jaune muttered, "I feel better."

The loud noise of airship engines filled the air. The teens moved to cover, ducking down behind the air conditioning units on the roof. They looked up to see two Bullheads flying overhead. Blake narrowed her eyes as she saw several White Fang members in full uniform in the vehicles, loaded with weapons. The Bullheads circled around in a sweep over the docks, before settling in and descending towards a warehouse at the waterfront.

Blake checked her watch.

"They're early," Blake murmured in alarm. "Over an hour...! We have to go, now."

"Woah woah woah," Jaune said, holding up his hands, "We can't just-"

"Message the others to get here as soon as possible, but we need to get in there, now," Blake ordered.

She took the lead, leaping off the rooftop. Sun followed, with Neptune an eager third. Sage and Scarlet lingered. Blake heard Jaune frantically typing a message on his Scroll.

"You coming?" Scarlet asked.

"Well, she said everyone," Jaune said. Whether or not they got the message in time to help was the big question. Blake decided not to think too hard about that.

"Done?" Sage asked. Jaune nodded.

"Yeah..."

Jaune coughed.

"Also? I'm not confident in my ability to land without causing a lot of noise," he said. "Can I get a lift, Scarlet?"

Scarlet hopped up into the air and used his Semblance to glide over to Jaune. He grabbed the knight by his shoulders, and pushed them both off the roof. Scarlet glided down in a spiral, depositing Jaune on the sidewalk. The blond stumbled, then gave the red haired boy a thumbs up as he glided to a graceful landing nearby.

"Thanks!"

Sage just landed nearby, silent as a cat. Everyone else stared at him, and Jaune shrugged.

"What? I don't do stealthy."

They approached one of the side entrances in the wall. Sage took the lead, and pressed his hand against the keypad. His eyes glowed as his Semblance activated.

"Hang on... Lot of memories to sort through," Sage murmured. He then nodded.

"Got it."

He pulled his hands off, and tapped in the entry code. The door opened, and the teens shuffled in.

"We could have just gone over the wall," Sun pouted.

"Too many security cameras," Scarlet pointed out, as they dashed through into the dockyards properly.

"Not the kind of attention we want, I suppose," Neptune sniffed.

They stole through the dockyards, past stacks of cargo containers and silent forklifts. Docking Area 4C soon came into view, the only section with activity. The group took cover behind a stack of crates in front of a crane, covered from both sides. Blake narrowed her eyes as she watched numerous White Fang members at work, unloading crates of Dust onto forklifts, which carried them away to waiting trucks.

"Where's Torchwick? Can you smell him?" Jaune muttered. Blake took some deep sniffs.

"Yes... And..." She frowned. "Someone else... Someone..." She made a face, "Familiar..."

"Bad familiar?" Sun asked. Blake nodded.

"Very." She hissed. She shook her head. "Let's find Torchwick and confront him, first. Then we can talk to the White Fang leader, and make him back down."

"And if he doesn't?" Jaune asked. Blake was silent.

"There," Sun muttered, pointing at a familiar, slickly dressed redhead in a bowler hat. He argued with one of the White Fang members before he shrugged and headed into a large warehouse close to the water. Blake nodded.

"Let's get him," she stated.

"Just don't beat him up too badly," Jaune stated.

"Why are you so concerned about him?" Sun asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My uncle does accounting for him. don't want him to lose his job," Jaune deadpanned. Scarlet shook his head as Neptune winced.

"That's rough, buddy," Neptune said.

"Hm," Scarlet said. Sage said nothing, just stared at everyone intently.

They waited until a truck passed by, and used it as cover. They snuck past, one White Fang member almost spotting them... But turning away at the last minute. Jaune grit his teeth.

"I don't like this," he murmured, as they got to the side door of the warehouse. Sage again used his Semblance to find the passcode. "It feels like a trap."

It had felt like a trap from the beginning. Blake knew Jaune was most likely to say so. In some way, she was glad someone had said it.

"Yeah," Sun said with a grin, "Exciting, isn't it?"

"Come on," Neptune scoffed, as Sage opened the door and they headed into the warehouse, "How likely it is to be a trap?"

The warehouse door slammed shut behind them. The lights went on. Several White Fang members jumped down from the catwalks overhead, and pointed guns at them. The group looked up.

Roman Torchwick stood overhead, Neopolitian next to him. He was forcing a sadistic smirk on his face. Next to them towered a giant, bald Komodo Dragon faunus in shining gold and blue robes, his sharp teeth gleaming in a twisted grin. Flanking him was a twisted little rat Faunus who snickered, and a tall White Fang Sergeant with a large chainsaw-like weapon in his hands.

Blake looked up, eyes widening in horror.

"No," Blake whispered. Because she knew this monster, all too well.

"Welcome, Princess Blake," the dragon Faunus chuckled, his deep voice carrying far, "I am Thanh Qingquong. We've been expecting you."

"Fuck. I hate being right," Jaune sighed.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Oh for fuck's sake, Kid, you had ONE FUCKING JOB! Roman thought angrily as he kept up his smug face on the outside. On the inside, he saw the team of teenagers surrounded by the White Fang. Shit shit shit...

Okay... What are our options? He considered. Can't stab Thanh in the back now... Maybe if he's distracted...

Which sure seemed to be the case, given the monologue that the reptilian creep was delivering.

"How long has it been since you left our happy family?" Thanh asked, rubbing his chin in faux wonder as his yellow eyes locked onto Belladonna, "Not too long ago."

"You were never part of the White Fang when I was there!" Belladonna spat back. "You're a murderer-!"

"Takes one to know one, Princess," Thanh said, gripping the railing of the catwalk with a sly, sadistic grin. "Did you never wonder how you got the intel to make the strike on the Caradras Mining Camp, mm? Did you never wonder where the guards went after you cut their throats?"

"No... No..." Belladonna muttered denials, her eyes wide in horror.

"Blake?" The monkey kid asked quietly. Belladonna's face screwed up in anger.

"You... You were kicked out-!"

"Plausible deniability," Thanh chuckled, "I did wetworks for Sienna, before and after you complained about it. From the start. I was good at it."

"I-I didn't know-It can't be-!"

"Spare me!" Thanh laughed viciously, leaning over the railing. His drool slipped from his jaws. "You knew what you were doing! You weren't just warming Taurus' bed! You got your hands dirty just like the rest of us! You were the only one who whined about it though. How pathetic! The little princess ran away from her rich life to rough it, and couldn't stop whining about how barbaric the rest of us were, the ones doing the real work."

"You killed! You slaughtered!" Belladonna shot back, her voice trembling with emotion, "You're a monster!"

"I'm a real warrior!" Thanh scoffed, "Not your pathetic excuse for freedom fighters! This is a war, and we're going to win! Victory is for us to be on top, and them the slaves! We're the predators, the top of the food chain! We should be in charge, not them! And the only way to do that is with force! That is what the White Fang is for! To seize power! To be monsters! So all that makes you..."

Thanh's cackled.

"Is a monster in denial."

"Not... Not like...!" Belladonna again faltered, "No! It can't be-!"

"You cat faunus and your mercurial attitudes," Thanh snorted, "Feh. Don't see why Taurus didn't grab another bimbo. Maybe I'll let him have you back..."

His grin grew wider and more salacious.

"After I'm done with you-"

"Try it and you're dead, you sick fuck!" The monkey growled, holding up his staff. The other teens held up their weapons, Jaune getting in front of Belladonna. It was kind of sweet of the kid to try and protect her, while she struggled to keep from fighting or running. Roman wasn't sure what was going to happen.

"Hahahaha," Thanh cackled, "You're welcome to try, brat! You and your little friends! But I am known as the Immortal... So I'm not too worried about a pack of whelps."

He sniffed the air significantly.

"Yes... Yes... None of you are blooded, save for the little princess... And..."

His eyes locked onto Jaune.

"You," Thanh hissed, "You reek of human blood... And... Gato Zapatos."

Jaune's eyes widened. Thanh grinned.

"Or at least his family... Tell me, how are they taking his death? A pathetic end, for a pathetic excuse for a 'hero'!"

Jaune grit his teeth. He began to breath hard, and fast. His grip tightened on his weapons as he tensed. Roman stared at him.

No, no, no Kid, don't! Stay calm, let me figure a way out of this for all of us-!

"After I kill and eat you, and have my fun with the little princess," Thanh leered, "Maybe I'll pay them a visit, too. Take my time, send them to join that pitiful little-"

"Shut the fuck up."

Thanh actually stopped talking, and stared down at the speaker.

Jaune's eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath.

"Shut. The fuck. Up. You reject from a petting zoo!" He snarled. "You want to fight or talk us to death?! Yap yap yap, all I'm hearing! You want to fight? Come on down. Take me on."

Roman's jaw fell.

Kid what the FUCK ARE YOU DOING-?!

"Time to create an illusion of an escape, Neo," he signed to his partner frantically. Neo looked at him, smiled... And shook her head. Roman nearly choked on his spit.

"WHAT?!" He signed with shaky hands.

"You're challenging me, boy?" Thanh asked.

"I don't see any other fucking creepy lizards who can't shut the fuck up, do you?!" Jaune demanded. He pointed his sword up at Thanh.

"Come on down. I win? You let everyone go. You win? You get to keep blathering. But I'll be dead, so at least I won't have to hear any more bullshit!"
Thanh's grin widened, even as his eyes narrowed. He reached for his coat, and unbuttoned it, allowing it to fall and reveal his scaly, muscular torso and arms. He then held out his hand.

"Banesaw," he ordered.

His sergeant nodded, and picked up a case nearly as tall as Thanh himself. He opened it. Thanh reached in, and pulled out a large, blue and gold monks spade. The front end possessed a double-edged head, shaped like dragon fangs, with Dust canisters embedded in the mounting behind the blade. The rear end possessed a tube, lined in silver.

"Thanh, buddy, this isn't necessary," Roman said, forcing his calm, "We've got a schedule to keep-"

"Sorry Roman, but your little nephew is no longer useful as leverage," Thanh hissed. He jumped off the railing, and landed in the center of the warehouse floor. He spun his weapon around over his head, the blade becoming a blur before he rammed the rear end into the floor, cracking the concrete.

"Let him forward," Thanh growled, "I may as well reward his foolish courage with a death from Róng."

Jaune moved forward, but Belladonna held him back.

"Jaune, no-"

Jaune held her, as though embracing her. She flushed as he whispered in her ear.

"Just be ready," Jaune muttered back to her, Roman only able to see that thanks to being above the floor.

Oh Gods, he has a plan, Roman thought miserably, he has a plan...

Neo grinned and licked her lips.

Jaune let her go, and marched forward towards Thanh. The guards pulled back, keeping their guns on him and the other intruders.

"Good luck, buddy," the blue haired guy added, "You got this!" He didn't sound very confident, nor did the other guys. Except the monkey kid: He looked at ease as Jaune and Thanh began to circle each other. Almost as at ease as Neo.

Am I missing something?! Because it looks like the Kid is committing suicide! Roman thought.

At least Belladonna looked appropriately scared, even with Jaune's reassurance.

Thanh struck first, swinging Róng in an overhead strike. Jaune dodged out of the way, the blow shattering the concrete where it hit with a loud crack! Jaune charged, shield up, and thrust for Thanh. The big lizard leaped aside, swinging his weapon to bisect Jaune. The Kid ducked underneath that blow, and the follow up, charging in to thrust for Thanh's chest!

"HYAH!"

Jaune stabbed Thanh right in the stomach, the blade sinking in deep. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.

No way, Roman thought, dumbfounded, It... It was that easy?! The Kid-?!

"HAHAHA!" Thanh slammed a punch right into Jaune's face, sending the kid flying.

"UGH!"

Thanh yanked the sword out of his stomach, the blood oozing from it in a torrent. It slowed to a trickle, before stopping entirely. Scar tissue soon covered up the injury, and scales almost immediately after.

What the...?! Roman thought. Oh fuck, fuck, fuck...! He's got a Semblance!

Thanh laughed as Jaune struggled back to his feet, and tossed his sword back to him.

"Did you think I called myself 'Immortal' for no reason?!" Thanh mocked, as Jaune caught his sword. "Go ahead! Do your worst! But it all ends the same way-!"

He swung the rear end of Róng towards Jaune, and pulled a trigger. A stream of Fire Dust flames erupted, and Jaune barely leaped out of the way as a crate of dust exploded from the heat.

"-Your death!" Thanh cackled, sprinting forward to swing his monks' spade down on Jaune. Jaune narrowly evaded, taking a hit to his shield, before he resumed charging, trying to get in close. Thanh was driven back, but his swings were getting harder and harder for Jaune to dodge, or deflect with his shield. Every hit battered Jaune around, and even with his Aura, bruises and blood began to appear on his skin.

Thanh then leaped up over Jaune in a forward flip, firing his flamethrower right at him. Jaune again leaped out of the way, the flames nipping at his cloak. He swung around and tried to parry Thanh's blade, managing it three times before Thanh knocked it right out of Jaune's hand. He thrust, and sent Jaune flying backwards to crash into a crate.

"JAUNE!" Belladonna screamed, as Thanh advanced on the helpless knight. Roman again signed frantically at Neo, but the shortstack didn't budge!

What the hell is wrong with her?! Did I misread her?! Roman thought in desperation.

Thanh thrust the blade of Róng right for Jaune's chest. The knight barely deflected it, meaning it slammed into the crate behind him, cutting a gouge in his side armor. Jaune held onto the polearm, panting desperately, as Thanh laughed and leaned forward.

"What was Gato to you, brat, hm?"

"My mentor," Jaune gritted out. Thanh laughed mockingly, and drove the monks' spade harder against Jaune.

"Then he was a terrible teacher!"

"Well..." Jaune grinned savagely and drew the small dagger from his belt. It began to crackle with Aura energy, "He did teach me one thing...!"

Thanh's eyes widened in horrible realization... Far too late, as Jaune swung the dagger, and a MASSIVE wave of yellow-white Aura energy exploded from Jaune's swing. Thanh was blown right off his feet and blasted like a cannonball into the Dust crates piled up by the wall. The Golden Lion's Roar made contact with the crates of Dust, and exploded, consuming Thanh in a massive fireball that blew out the entire wall of the warehouse.

Neo's grin became rather saucy.

Numerous White Fang goons fell or scattered in the blasts. Belladonna and the other teens gaped in astonishment along with everyone else, Roman included...

But the teens reacted first.

- - -

Blake fired Gambol Shroud upwards at Roman, as Scarlet let loose with his pistol. They charged through the distracted White Fang troops, Sun casting his golden yellow clones at enemies as Blake dodged through with her own shadow clones. The one called Banesaw dropped down in front of them, swinging his massive chain saw at them. Blake flipped right over him, as Sage and Neptune clashed with the aggressive White Fang Sergeant.

"GET JAUNE! WE'LL HOLD HIM OFF!" Neptune shouted, expertly clashing with the beserker-like Faunus. Sage leaped up and struck the man in the shoulder, making him rear back in pain.

Scarlet flew around the flanks of the group, firing his pistol and swinging his sword to try and keep the heat off the others. Sun swung his staff around in three parts, unleashing shotgun blasts in all directions as Blake got to the fallen Jaune.

"Jaune? Jaune!" Blake shouted.

"Y-Yeah," Jaune managed, struggling back up to his feet, "I'm okay... Did you get my-?"

Blake swung Gambol Shroud out, wrapped it around the hilt of Crocea Mors, and pulled it back with a snap. She handed it to Jaune, who sheathed his dagger and smiled.

"Thanks... Geez, how's my Aura?"

Blake checked with his Scroll.

"You're at... Fifty percent?" She muttered. "But last time-!"

"Training with Ren and Pyrrha has really paid off," Jaune managed, shaking his head. "Or... I dunno, maybe the smaller blade? Let's talk about this somewhere else?!"

"But Torchwick-!" Blake shouted, as another Dust explosion went off. Sage and Neptune ran over, leaving a knocked-out Banesaw in their wake.

"We don't have the time!" Sun shouted. Blake grit her teeth, but nodded. They fled out, fighting through the White Fang soldiers who weren't running from the blasts. They exited out into the night air, flames and smoke billowing up high into the starry sky.

"Neptune?" Sun called, "Think you can use your Semblance to get this fire under control?"

"Well... Let me give it a shot," Neptune said, cracking his knuckles. He focused. Pipes nearby burst with a stream of water, which Neptune directed towards the flames with his hands. "That should help-"

A blast of flames erupted from the smoke. Neptune barely got a shield of water up in front of them in time, but the blast still hit and burst the water into steam. They were all blown off their feet, Blake barely scrambling up back onto hers after recovering. She looked up with Jaune as a hulking mass limped out of the fire. No right arm or leg as he hobbled his way free... But there was no mistaking who it was.

Thanh grinned savagely, the burns on his body healing away, He growled loudly, and screamed as a new leg sprouted from the stump it had become through his burned, ruined white pants. A new arm formed next, with another bellow of pain and almost-esctasy.

"Yessss... That's more like it... A real fight~!" Thanh snarled, pointing Róng right at them, "Don't leave when it was just getting interesting!"

"We weren't planning on it!" A familiar voice shouted. Blake looked back.

Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren stood there, all ready with their weapons. Thanh laughed brutally.

"THE MORE THE MERRIER!" He roared, and the battle was joined!

- - -

"Róng" is Mandarin for "salamander" depending on the characters used. It can also be used for 'Dragon".

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The diner Velvet took them to was actually pretty nice, all things considered. The large windows let in the light, as the jukebox played oldies from about twenty years ago. The tables were clean, and the walls were decorated in blue and white tile, with photographs and memorabilia from all over Vale. There was an old motorcycle suspended from the ceiling, bright red, a classic cruiser. The waitresses were all in pink striped white uniforms, and bustled about. Faunus and humans ate and drank- not really mixing, but at peace.

The booth they selected was out of sight of the windows. Velvet had insisted upon it, and Cardin couldn't blame her.

"Your team leader is... Kind of nuts," Cardin said, as they sat down and looked at the menus. Velvet flushed but nodded.

"A little. I mean, I love her to death, she's my best friend, but... She can be so controlling," Velvet sighed, "Like... Like I can't just go on a date and have fun without her looking over my shoulder. Do... Do you have friends like that?"

"Not exactly," Cardin said, "But Russel? Yeah, he keeps getting into trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Velvet asked.

Cardin smirked.

"This one time? He tried to do a trick with a motorcycle he saw on TV. To jump a gap. He borrowed his dad's old bike, and set up some ramps at the junk yard. Of course he wanted me to film it."

Velvet held a hand up to her mouth.

"So... What happened?" She asked softly, leaning forward.

Cardin grinned, the memory still as hilarious as it was then.

"He'd fueled up the bike with too much Dust, and when it backfired? It blew up the ramp he was going to ride from," he said, "The whole thing fell down! It was only like, five foot tall and rickety-A strong wind would have blown it over-But bam! There he was, sitting in disbelief, surrounded by flaming wood and I just... I fell down laughing."

Velvet giggled. A small part of him found he liked the sound. He liked it a lot.

"W-Wow... Oh... My uncles were all teenagers when I was born? They got into crazy stuff like that all the time!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! One time they tried to make a waterslide out of Ice Dust," she snickered at the look on Cardin's face, "Yeah, they didn't take into account that sliding down it would so cold! They cried about how COLD it was when they splashed down into the pool! 'My tail, my tail is frozen!'"

Cardin laughed. A bunch of rabbit faunus hopping around with cold butts... Yeah, it was the kind of stupid stunt Russel would pull.

"Heh... Yeah. Russel loved to do crazy shit like that, all the time," Cardin smirked, "I'll have to suggest it to him."

They were interrupted by the friendly waitress. They gave their orders, and she bustled away with a knowing smirk. Cardin glowered a bit after her.

"You two are... Are really close, huh?" Velvet asked. Cardin turned back to Velvet and nodded.

"Yeah... My childhood was..." He shrugged. "It wasn't terrible. Just a little... My parents were always busy with their jobs. Our housekeeper, Chandi, did a lot of raising of me and my older sister. Russel's parents weren't as well off, but his dad and mine were old friends and so we hung out a lot growing up. He was always doing stupid crap and I guess I loved doing it with him... Or at least watching him do it."

Velvet giggled.

"It's hard to imagine a lonely childhood. I have twelve younger siblings."

"Twelve?!" Cardin gasped. Velvet shrugged shyly.

"I-I mean... I know it's a rabbit faunus stereotype but we do tend to have large families," she admitted quietly. "I-I learned how to cook, clean, and help out because I was the oldest."

"Geez," Cardin winced in sympathy. Velvet beamed.

"It could be rough, but it was also a lot of fun. That said, I'm really glad I'm not back home anymore. Having my own bed, my own space? It's wonderful."

"Yeah, I guess," Cardin murmured. His mind was suddenly on his large, often empty feeling house. Sure, all the history of the Winchesters of the past decorated it. It wasn't stuffy and cold like a museum. They did have parties for business and politics... But so many of his memories of that place were of him being alone.

Well, except for...

"So... Can you tell me about your sister?" Velvet asked. Cardin started and nodded.

"Yeah. Her name's Argenis. She was like, ten when I was born so we've always been a little... Separated, I guess."

"Oh, I see," Velvet said, frowning.

"Not that I don't love her, or anything," Cardin said quickly, "She just became an adult when I was still a kid. She's at Vale College, studying archaeology and history."

"Oh?" Velvet asked. Cardin nodded.

"Yeah. She was kind of obsessed with the 'lost history' of mankind. Probably gonna go out exploring when she gets her doctorate." He shrugged. "Guess I'll have a job protecting her out there."

"Is that why you became a Hunter?" Velvet asked, tilting her head curiously, "To protect your big sister?"

Cardin laughed.

"Nah, she's... She's always been tough," he shook his head. "It was just kind of expected of me, you know? Growing up hearing about the great heroes of the Winchesters in the past. It's hard not to want to be a hero, when you grow up hearing all that."

"Oh?" Velvet asked. Cardin nodded eagerly, a smile on his face.

"Yeah! Like Oliver Winchester, the Death Rider. He slew the Grimm Wendigos in the Wars of the West, riding his horse Mustang! Or Wyatt Winchester, the first Sherriff of the Vale, who shot down a hundred Nevermores! Or Absolom Winchester who... Fought in..."

He trailed off awkwardly. Velvet stared... Then flushed, and looked aside.

"O-Oh..."

Things were silent when their waitress brought their food. She set it all down before she headed on her way. Cardin half-heartedly ate some of his eggs-They were really good.

"Sorry," Cardin mumbled.

"N-No, that's okay," Velvet said quietly, "It... It wasn't our war." She looked at him in concern and worry. "... Right?"

She looked so... Scared. So worried about what he might think.

"... No," Cardin murmured. "I guess... I just don't get why you... Why you care about..."

About me.

"... Stuff like that. My feelings, and crap," Cardin said.

Velvet smiled gently.

"Saving me from an Ursa by punching it out makes a... A girl want to know more about you," she admitted, blushing shyly. "But... Why would you be interested in me? I mean... I-I'm not that cute, not next to Coco..."

Before Arc's stupid stunt, Cardin would have asked the same thing. Ever since they'd been thrown into this ridiculous situation though, he'd learned... A lot.

"Are you kidding? You're hot," Cardin said bluntly. Velvet went bright red, and he had to admit... He liked how she looked.

The realization he'd just come out and said it made him try to be less blunt, though.

"I guess...And uh..." Cardin shrugged. "You're just... Nice. And you cook well. And... I like talking to you. You don't talk too much, so it's not annoying."

Velvet stared at him. Cardin bristled, feeling self-conscious.

"What? You wanted some kind of stupid love poetry or something?"

"Actually? I uh... I like this more," Velvet admitted. She grimaced. "Ever since Coco started doing my fashion, I'd get all these creeps trying to go out with me. You know, being smooth and clingy and singing love poetry. Especially online. I-I mean, I like looking good, but they all just come off as... Trying too hard. You? You're just... Direct."

She rubbed her ears, as she sipped her orange juice.

"Well, you were after... Ya know..."

Cardin winced. He found himself regretting tugging her ears, for more than the ridiculousness that followed. It was a strange feeling, but he was getting used to those by now.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I was... I was stupid. Really stupid."

Velvet smiled.

"I-I get it... I don't really know how to... What to do in a relationship either," she said. "It's all so sudden. You...?"

Cardin shook his head.

"I was friends with some girls in prep school but I uh... I didn't really think about stuff like that," he admitted, "My parents wanted me to be the best. I wanted to be the best. That didn't leave a lot of room for that stuff."

Velvet nodded. He studied her ears some more. She flushed again.

"Do... Do you want to touch them?" She asked quietly.

Cardin choked on his ranch potatoes.

"E-Excuse me?!" He managed.

"Do you... Do you want to touch my ears? Again, I-I mean," Velvet asked.

Cardin gulped. He suddenly felt very warm.

"Uh... I-I mean... Is that... Something you do, on-on a first date?" He asked.

He had no idea how it worked with Faunus! Why would he?!

"I-I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, it's-it's not weird!" Velvet flustered, waving her hands, "A-At least I don't think it is! It's not among rabbit faunus, really! S-Since you already touched them!"

"Careful lad," An old hare faunus smirked as he walked by, his aged body held up by a cane, "In the old country, you tug her ears, you have to marry her."

Cardin dropped his silverware with a loud clatter.

"Marry her?!"

"Th-That's not true!" Velvet cried, red as a tomato, as the old Faunus laughed, "Don't say such things, Old Hazel!"

"Hahaha, what? An old hare can't poke some fun at the young?" He chuckled, limping away, "Oh, have your fun you two!"

"Hmph!" Velvet pouted, sitting down and glaring after him, "He's always such a bully."

"... S-So we're not... We don't have to...?" Cardin asked. Velvet stared at him. He held up his hands.

"Not that I'm saying... Uh... I'm not saying marriage-It's just-!"

Velvet shook her head and smiled comfortingly.

"He's just joking, honest," Velvet said. Cardin sighed in relief... And then coughed.

"I uh... No offense-"

"No, no, I'm uh... That would be a little fast," Velvet admitted, blushing with a cute smile.

"Y-Yeah," Cardin admitted. He returned to his food. It was still great.

"So... If you... If you wanted to...?"

Cardin gulped.

"... Not in public. Around that guy," Cardin said, jerking a thumb back over his shoulder at Old Hazel. Velvet nodded quickly, smiling in relief.

"Y-Yeah... Sorry. Um... It was impulsive. Again, no idea how to... How to relationship, or anything..."

Cardin frowned.

"You're... Not doing terribly so far," he admitted.

Velvet had a pleased blush as she went after her morning greens.

Shit... We're flirting... We have been flirting, all this time... And I don't want to stop...

Yet his mind was already racing in new future directions.

Shit, shit... What will Argenis say? Mom? Dad? How are they gonna react if... If this keeps going...? Dad's always talking about optics, what happens if some papparazzi catches us? They haven't shown much interest in me lately but what about the election season? Am I going to have to worry about that? Will they try to hurt her?!

She looked up from her breakfast... And looked at his plate.

"Ooh! I haven't tried their sausage before," she said cheerfully. "Can I have some?"

"Huh? Oh, sure," Cardin muttered. He speared it on his fork, and held it up. He was intending to plop it on her plate, he just had to avoid their tall glasses of juice... But she leaned over and chomped it off his fork. She chewed it with a happy smile.

"Mmm! Your sausage is great!" She said happily.

About ten seconds passed before she went bright red.

"Uh... I-I mean... Um..."

"I-I know what you meant," Cardin managed, bright red himself. She smiled... And his heart did flip flops.

Well... If she kept making him feel this way... Maybe he didn't have to worry so much about the future.

At least, not yet.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Combat Class was both Cardin's favorite and least favorite class. Favorite because hey, he loved to fight. The surge of adrenaline, the wielding of power-It was a rush, and a big part of why he'd chosen his path. He genuinely enjoyed it!

Least favorite because Goodwitch inevitably set him up against Arc. Sure, fighting Arc could be a challenge-Despite him looking like a hobo who just rolled out of a dumpster in their first match, he'd beaten Cardin. Then proceeded to set him up with his girlfriend!

Yeah, Cardin was still trying to figure that one out. Though he felt a lot less animosity towards Arc as of late, the guy still pissed him off with how he fought! Last time he'd just danced around Cardin! LITERALLY! The godsdamned troll!

Still, he would admit that training against smaller, faster, trickier opponents was a good thing. He was a paladin, built to fight like a tank. Small, speedy enemies were his biggest threat. Learning how to counter them was paramount.

Even so... Did it always have to be Arc?! He would take fighting Rose for her speed and range, or Ren for his agility and precision! Why was it always Arc?!

He saw Goodwitch look at him as the students finished assembling in the classroom. She opened her mouth.

"Mister Winchester," Goodwitch said primly, "You will be up first. Your opponent will be..."

A black clad arm went up.

"Professor," a smooth male voice said, "I would like to fight Winchester."

There was some hushed chatter. Cardin glanced at Arc. The blond looked back, and shrugged. Cardin looked at the volunteer as he stood up and walked into the light.

He was a Rabbit Faunus, shorter than him but lean and muscular as evidenced by the black bodysuit he wore. His head was covered by a sleek, motorcycle-style helmet whose chin angled down like the beak of a bird of prey. His black ears stuck out of his helmet, but so straight and sharp that Cardin could have sworn they were horns. On his back was a circular, black chakram, lined with silver.

Goodwitch nodded slowly.

"As you wish. Mister Skvader," Goodwitch said. Cardin shrugged, and headed to the ring himself. If someone else wanted to fight him, why not? It's what he'd been hoping for.

His eyes went to Velvet, as they often did. Usually she'd be wearing an encouraging smile as she sat with her team and his. Now though, she looked worried, and shot anxious, unhappy looks over at Skvader.

Cardin tightened his grip on Executioner as he hopped into the ring. Skvader faced him, unreadable due to his visor, yet there was an angry tension to his shoulders. He reached back, and unclipped the chakram. Another click, and he pulled them apart, wielding both in his hands. His Aura surged, as Dust activated on the edges of the charkrams-Green, Wind Dust. For cutting power. They hummed like chainsaws as Skvader got into a fighting stance. Cardin did the same, Executioner at the ready.

"The match goes until one fighter's Aura is in the red or forfeit," Goodwitch stated in a bland tone, like she did for every match, "Begin!"

Cardin charged, swinging Executioner down on the slim Faunus with a bellow. The Faunus leaped up, and a translucent hexagon formed under his foot. He flipped off it as it vanished, then formed another above him under his feet. He leaped down at Cardin, chakrams wailing for his throat!

"GAH!"

Cardin blocked the first strike with Executioner, but Skvader's second fist drove into his neck. Cardin lashed out with his free fist, hitting nothing but air as Skvader backflipped away. The paladin gritted his teeth, holding his neck. His Aura had protected him but that had hurt.

"YEEAH!" He shouted, swinging Executioner down and unleashing his Semblance. The sand vibrated powerfully as the shockwave shot for Skvader, but the rabbit Faunus just leaped up, forming other hexagon shaped platform to bounce off of and dive for Cardin.

Cardin grit his teeth, held his ground... And pulled back, slamming his hand down into the floor with another Shockwave! Miraculously though, Skvader landed in a split, holding his body up over the narrow shockwave by his toes. Cardin gaped in disbelief.

Oh come on, how is that fair?! He raged. He swung his mace and fist for Skvader, but the nimble rabbit faunus twisted and maneuvered around like he was made of paper, and struck Cardin several times in quick succession with his chakrams.

"ARGH! GAH!"

Skvader kicked Cardin, and a hex platform materialized, blasting Cardin away. He stumbled backwards as Skvader backflipped out of range again. The rabbit faunus threw his chakrams, and Cardin swung Executioner like a baseball bat. He knocked one back at Skvader, which he caught.

Where's-?!

A sharp pain to his back got the point across, and he staggered forward.

"Ugh-!"

He looked around for Skvader. Where-?!

"ABOVE YOU!" Dove shouted. Cardin looked up just in time to see Skvader diving on him like an avenging angel feet first. His boots slammed right into Cardin's face, and the much taller paladin staggered backwards.

I just... Need... Contact...!

His Semblance lashed out through his face, and Skvader was blown back by the shockwave. The Faunus tumbled, and Cardin charged up Executioner.

"YAH!"

A blast of Fire Dust lashed out at Skvader. The nimble rabbit Faunus took the shot head on, and was blasted right out of the ring. Cardin stood up, breathing heavily, as Skvader got up off the clear floor around the fighting ring.

"Winner, Mister Winchester," Goodwitch observed.

"I demand we continue," Skvader stated. Goodwitch shot him a look.

"You demand, Mister Skvader?" She asked, her tone dangerous. Skvader held his ground, his visor locked onto Cardin. Cardin had a feeling the rabbit Fanus was glaring hatefully at him.

"I... Request to continue," Skvader rephrased it, his tone still rough. "A ring out is not an accurate measure of combat ability. Certainly not for a lumbering ape like Winchester-!"

"I run Combat Class, Mister Skvader, not you," Goodwitch stated coldly, "Now come up so you can receive your assessments!"

Skvader hesitated, but slowly walked up to the ring. He didn't look at Cardin as they stood together in the center, in front of Goodwitch.

"Good save at the last moment, Mister Winchester," Goodwitch observed, "Have you been able to use your Semblance from your face before?"

"Ah, no, just my hands, ma'am," Cardin said quickly.

"Well, I trust you will train in that ability," Goodwitch stated, "Mister Skvader was dominating the fight from the start. Your Aura and armor protected you from the worst of it-You only just hit yellow. But had it continued, Mister Skvader would have won. You got lucky. Luck is not something you can rely on in the field."

Cardin nodded slowly.

"Yes ma'am."

Goodwitch turned to Skvader.

"Your rudeness notwithstanding," Goodwitch stated, "Excellent use of your strengths and Semblance, Mister Skvader. However, you still lack significant attack power and defense-That one hit from Mister Winchester sent your Aura into the yellows and your strikes did not do significant damage. Your fighting style relies heavily on stealth attacks, to hit vital areas, but in a prolonged fight you must remember to end it quickly."

Skvader nodded curtly.

"Next pair," she called out. Skvader headed off to his team in the back of the classroom, while Cardin marched over to sit with his and Velvet's. He sat down next to Velvet, who gave him a worried look.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah, fine, just my pride," Cardin admitted. He shook his head. "Guy made me look like a chump out there."

"Two or three hits would have taken him down though," Dove observed.

"Yeah, but that's the trick," Coco smirked, "And he definitely didn't make it easy, did he?"

"No," Cardin muttered. He watched Skvader. The black clad rabbit faunus was staring across the classroom at him...? No... At...?

He looked at Velvet, who winced a bit. She forced a smile, and squeezed his hand.

"You'll do better next time," she said, "Fox fights in a similar way. You and he should train!"

"It would be nice to fight a tank other than Yatsuhachi," Fox said, his arms crossed as he reclined in a chair a row ahead.

"Or you could spar with him, Bun-Bun," Coco said with a grin, "A man who can vibrate all over?"

Velvet eeped, and turned bright red. Cardin was not much better.

"COCO!" Velvet hissed. Her team leader snickered.

"Huh," Sky said, "I guess that might come in handy-"

Cardin glared, and Sky coughed.

"For... Other things..."

- - -

After class, Cardin changed to his uniform and stepped halfway out of the locker room. He looked around for Velvet. He spotted her... Back to the wall, glaring. A familiar black rabbit faunus was standing in front of her, looming over her. Cardin pulled back a bit into the locker room and listened.

"...can't believe you're dating that human," Skvader said, "Is he blackmailing you? Using you-?"

"He's not doing anything like that," Velvet hissed back, "We're dating! That's all!"

"Oh? Is that all?" Skvader scoffed, "The scion of the Winchesters fell for a rabbit faunus girl with nothing but pure intentions-?"

"That's exactly what happened, Hex!" Velvet growled.

Skvader shook his head. Cardin's fingers gripped the locker room door, hard enough to make the steel creak.

"I don't buy it. Your team... I should have protected you-"

"I don't need your protection, Hex," Velvet shot back, "I don't even know you-!"

"We're rabbit Faunus, we stick together, especially against humans," Skvader sneered.

"I'm not just a rabbit Faunus!" Velvet retorted. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll-!"

He reached out his hand and took hold of her wrist. Cardin saw red.

"If you want a romance, I can provide that," Skvader stated, "Better than any human. Especially not some racist looking to use you for a fetish-!"

"Let go of me-! Don't-!"

That did it.

Cardin stormed up to Skvader. The rabbit faunus looked up in surprise, finally letting Cardin see his face. He looked like some kind of smooth pretty boy out of a Mistralian comic, with his pointed chin, large black eyes, and pointed nose. Or at least he did, just before Cardin's fist met his face.

"URGH!" Skvader grunted, tumbling back. He got right back onto his feet, as Cardin pulled Velvet behind himself.

"Piss off, you bastard," Cardin snarled, "Her business is her business."

Skvader growled, wiping blood from his nose.

"Think I'm gonna let some human filth use her?"

"You're the one grabbing her, Pointy Ears!" Cardin growled back, "Now beat it before I beat you. Again."

Skvader held his glare, even as his nose bled. He turned and stormed off. Cardin watched him go, before he turned to Velvet. She didn't meet his eyes.

"... Is this the first time he's done this?" Cardin asked. If it wasn't, he'd have words with Coco. If someone was harassing any of his team, he'd deal with it himself.

"The... The first time he grabbed me, yes," Velvet said with a nod, "I-I mean, I'm usually with my team so he keeps his distance. But not the first time he's... You know..."

"Why not tell Coco?" Cardin asked.

Velvet scowled.

"I'm not weak! I... I want to handle things on my own. Especially when it comes to... To faunus."

Oh. Yeah. There it was. Honestly, Cardin had been so wrapped up in his own worries about what his parents would think, he hadn't even thought what other faunus might think about Velvet being with him. Fuck, he felt like a louse right now.

"I... I see," Cardin managed. And he did. More than he liked.

She shook her head.

"You didn't have to-"

"I'm not letting my girlfriend get roughed up by some asshole," Cardin stated.

A pause. Velvet's cheeks went red.

"So... I... I'm your girlfriend now?" She asked quietly.

Cardin's own cheeks went red. He cleared his throat and tried to bluster, as he always did.

"We go on dates and I don't like other guys messing with you, so yeah, you... You're my girlfriend!"

If she wanted to. He really hoped she wanted to... More than anything he could remember.

Velvet smiled, and took his arm.

"I... Yes... Yes I am," she murmured.

Cardin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Good," he said, "Let's get to the next class."

"R-Right!"

- - -

Hex Skvader is an OC, a black rabbit Faunus who is inspired by 0 from "Borderlands" and Rinzler from "TRON: Legacy". Not every human is going to be happy with Cardin dating a Faunus, and not every Faunus will be happy with Velvet dating a human.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

In essence, Healing Dust takes the Aura from one person, filters it, and allows for it to be transferred into another person without the other person's Aura rejecting it. It is akin to Jaune's Aura Amp Semblance, but far less powerful. However, it can be used by anyone with an unlocked Aura and good Aura Manipulation. Of course, the more Aura you pour into a person, the less you have, and the percentage of Aura that actually gets into the other person is fairly low as the process is pretty inefficient. The best healers like Isabel Arc can transfer over half the Aura they pour into the Dust into the person they are healing, most others only see a 15-25 percent Aura transfer rate.

Healing Dust, like any other kind of Dust, is used up after usage and has to be "reloaded". It doesn't burn though instantly like combat Dust, of course, but it still gets used up through usage-The more intense the usage, the faster it's used up. It's also not a naturally occurring Dust, it has to be manufactured.

All of that said, Healing Dust has saved tens of thousands of lives across Remnant and is a hot commodity for manufacture and trade. Isabel Arc helped develop it thanks to using her Semblance to understand how Aura interacts with the human body, and how foreign Aura interacts with it. This breakthrough, which had help from several other Dust specialists and doctors, has made Healing Dust a critical resource for humanity in general, not just against the Grimm.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Pyrrha lashed out at Thanh first, moving like a blur as she slid under his swinging polearm. Ren and Nora struck next, moving as a perfect duo. Nora swung for Thanh's head, as Ren opened up with his twin SMGs.

Thanh took Pyrrha's spear strike right to his gut, but dodged the hammer blow and flared his Aura to take the bullet hits. He unleashed a blast of flames, Pyrrha expertly dodging around to strike Thanh again. She slid around Rong's swing, as graceful as a dancer, and slashed up his forearm like she was carving up a roast.

Nora landed behind and and swung for his legs. Ren leaped up high and provided more cover fire, joined by Ruby and Weiss who fired Dust rounds. They impacted on the huge dragon Faunus, blasting against his Aura and driving him back towards the fire. It was then that Yang joined the fight, propelling herself up, over, and behind Thanh. She lashed out with her fists, shotgun blasts striking the huge monster from behind.

Thanh roared his rage and pain, and the blade of Rong began to glow green, crackling with Aura. Jaune's eyes widened.

"GET DOWN! GET AWAY!" He screamed.

"YAAHHH!"

Thanh swung his great polearm around himself in a circle, and unleashed a green aura blade that shot out like a wave of death. Pyrrha, Yang, and Nora ducked and leaped out of the way. Ren summoned up his Aura as a shield, and the force of the blast sent him flying. Jaune, Blake and Team SSSN dove for the concrete: Save for Neptune, who threw himself at Weiss to shove her down as Ruby leaped over the wave.

"REN!" Jaune, Nora and many others shouted. Ren was sent smacking against the containers and he fell in a crumpled heap as the wave passed over him.

"WEISS!" Ruby shouted.

"AAAHHH!" Weiss cried. Her anger turned to shock as the wave slashed through the cargo containers around them, slicing through the metal and leaving molten steel in its wake.

Thanh laughed again, his teeth gleaming in the moonlight. His Aura burned like flames over his body, the wounds inflicted upon him vanishing and leaving him fully renewed.

Neptune and Weiss got back up, Neptune standing protectively in front of her as she glared at their foe with her piercing eyes.

Thanh laughed darkly, slathering his long tongue as he leered over his mostly female foes.

"So many to break!" He cackled. "So many to bring to heel! And so many to skin and take as my trophies!"

Pyrrha shifted Milo into rifle mode and opened up on Thanh, as Jaune and Nora ran to Ren. Sage, Sun, Scarlet, and Blake made to follow, but a few White Fang flunkies attacked and they fought them in their distraction.

Ruby got to Ren first, her Semblance letting her appear over the fallen Mistralian in a burst of petals. She held him up. Ren groaned, which sent a shock of relief through Jaune as he kneeled next to his friend.

"Ren? Renny?!" Nora cried, landing next to him.

"I'm fine… Aura's low," Ren grunted, "He's very strong."

"He can't hold out forever," Jaune reasoned, as Weiss and Neptune joined the fight, sending blasts of water and fire at the huge Faunus, "He has to use his Aura for fighting and protection-"

"No, but his control over it means the longer we fight him, the more dangerous it will get," Ren stated, eyes narrowed as Yang took a strike on her gauntlets and was sent flying. "We have to stop him now!"

Jaune gritted his teeth, watching as Yang tumbled and barely recovered. Pyrrha struck again to cover her, fencing with the great dragon Faunus with her usual skill, their weapons sparking from the force of their exchanged blows. Yang got right back into the fight, charging in and dodging around Thanh's wild strikes and Fire Dust blasts to open up with her shells.

"Nora, go help Pyrrha and Yang!" Jaune ordered. Nora glanced at Ren for a moment, but assured he was fine, charged back into battle. She unleashed a volley of grenades, and Thanh had to break from his fight with Yang and Pyrrha. He strode backwards, grinning as he spun Rong around in confidence. He used the rear section and opened fire, scattering the three powerful Huntresses-in-Training with multiple blasts.

Ruby stared intently at the fight, her face paler than usual-But she was forcing her fear back down.

"So we need to hit him with something big enough to finish him off instantly," Ruby mused. She looked about. Jaune looked with her, seeking out something, anything…

He caught sight of the SDC logo on a cargo container, held up by a crane pointed away from the open area where they fought Thanh. It looked heavy, and the doors had come apart. Crates of Dust were packed in.

Jaune and Ruby looked at each other at the same moment.

"I have an idea!" They said in unison. Jaune looked over at Sun, who had finished off the White Fang rabble and left them groaning on the concrete.

"SUN! I NEED SAGE AND SCARLET!" Jaune cried.

"WEISS! BLUE HAIRED GUY! GET OVER HERE!" Ruby shouted.

Blake looked away from her teammates. Jaune followed her gaze. A familiar man in a white suit and black bowler hat was fleeing towards the Bullheads.

"We have to stop Torchwick!" Blake cried. She looked back, meeting Ruby's eyes for a moment. She grimaced in anguish, before she turned and ran off. Sun sighed.

"GUYS! Follow their orders! I'll take care of Blake and Torchwick!" He ordered, turning and racing after her. Jaune swung his arm towards them. Sage moved to head over to them, but Scarlet grabbed his shoulders and glided them both over there. Weiss used a Glyph and sped herself and Neptune over. Weiss unleashed Ice Dust blasts at Thanh from range, intercepting several of his Fire shots and letting Pyrrha, Yang and Nora regroup to attack him from all sides. Neptune shifted his trident into a rifle, and fired Electric Dust blasts at Thanh.

Nora struck aggressively with her hammer, but in a move of dexterity Jaune hadn't expected, Thanh lashed out with his long tail and flung Nora past him. She slammed into a container, leveling it and the other crates it had been stacked with. She struggled furiously to get out of the mess as Yang and Pyrrha traded blows with Thanh.

"Scarlet, get Sage to the crane," Jaune said quickly, pointing out the crane's cockpit, "Sage, move that container over here. Scarlet? Protect him, there are still White Fang goons around!"

"On it," Scarlet said, grabbing onto Sage's shoulders, "Clench up, buddy."

Sage looked rather unamused, but was born away with his usual stoic expression up over the containers towards the crane. Ruby looked to Weiss and Neptune.

"Weiss, Blue Haired Guy-"

"Neptune Vasilias, shortstuff," Neptune said with a charming wink. Weiss flushed, but kept up her assault.

"Right, get ready to hit the Lizard Guy with Ice and Water," Ruby ordered, "We have to trap him! In the meantime, just keep hitting him from range!"

"Got it," Weiss nodded. She looked over to Neptune with a flush on her cheeks. "Shall we?"

"Don't worry, fair lady, I'll protect you every step of the way," Neptune said, bowing dramatically. Weiss's pale face turned even more red, and she nodded.

"Of-Of course, thank you!" She stuttered.

Jaune, Ruby, and Ren glanced at one another. Jaune could tell they shared the same thought.

Is she seriously buying those cheesy lines?

Weiss accelerated off on a Glyph and opened fire with Fire Dust rounds on Thanh, as the big dragon Faunus spun his monk's spade like a windmill to deflect the shots. Yang and Pyrrha seized the chance to strike him from behind, both ladies lashing out.

Thanh laughed and swung his arm about, unleashing green Aura blades from his clawed fingers! Pyrrha took the hits on her shield, protecting Yang, but both were forced back and hard. Neptune fired off a blast of water, snaking it around to try and flank Thanh.

Ruby jumped up high, firing her sniper scythe at Thanh. He took one shot right through the chest. He leered, and unleashed blasts at her. She used her Semblance to evade the fire, even as his Aura burned and the wound vanished.

The big lizard leaped away, unleashing another torrent of flames around himself. Jaune looked back at Ren.

"You up to covering us?"

The Mistralian held up Stormflower right at Jaune, and the blond's jaw dropped.

BANG!

Jaune glanced backwards. A White Fang operative, slim and slinky like a weasel, fell behind him. Jaune turned and glared at Ren.

"Couldn't you have warned me?" Jaune demanded.

"I did," Ren quipped dryly, as Jaune helped him to his feet. Ren took off, dashing between the containers, and another White Fang member cried out and went silent in moments. Nora, meanwhile, had freed herself and charged back into the fight.

"HRRUUUUAAAHHHH!"

She fired grenades to burst over Thanh's head. The dragon Faunus roared in rage at the blasts, and unleashed another Aura Claw Slash at her-Staggering the blades. She dodged the first, rolled around the second, but the third met her hammer and sent her flying back. Yang tried to get in a hit as Pyrrha provided cover fire, but Thanh parried her punches with his free arm and grabbed her by the throat.

"HURK!" Yang cried out as Thanh lifted her up.

"One more step, and her pretty head comes off," Thanh snarled. Everyone froze, Pyrrha holding her Milo up in javelin form with a hateful look. Ruby took aim with Crescent Rose, but Jaune darted forward, into her line of fire.

"Take him down!" Yang shouted, punching at Thanh's arm. "Don't worry about-HURK!" Thanh tightened his grip, and her face began to go red as she clawed at his huge hand. "Nngh-!"

"All right, all right," Jaune shouted, moving forward with his hands lifted up, "What do you want?"

Thanh sneered.

"First… Where are my minions? Are you all suddenly cowards?!" He bellowed. "Did you forget you serve Thanh the Immortal?!"

A few more White Fang flunkies did appear, out of fear of Thanh or bloodlust, it was hard to tell through their masks. They pointed their guns at the Hunters-in-Training.

"Don't seem so immortal to me!" Jaune jeered. "Having to take a hostage just to survive?"

Thanh laughed again, a deep and unpleasant sound like the scraping of scales and teeth together in a deep, water-filled cave.

"We all do what we must to survive, to rise to the top," Thanh growled back, "You value the life of this little slut? You will do as I tell you."

"Fine," Jaune said. He could just see the crane moving out of the corner of his eye, the sound of the machine starting up muffled by the crackling of flames all around them, "What do you want?"

"To escape," Thanh growled, "Let me take my troops and leave."

"Let Yang go, and we'll let you leave," Jaune said carefully. The crane was moving, slowly, but surely getting the container overhead.

Thanh barked another unpleasant laugh, as Yang's face went blue. Her struggles lessened.

"No, no," he chuckled, loosening his grip just enough that Yang could suck in a breath. "I think not. I think I will take this slut with me. As insurance… And a snack…"

Red filled Jaune's vision.

"You're a sick disgusting worm!" Neptune sneered.

"And you're a bunch of pathetic humans," Thanh retorted, holding Yang in front of his body, "What's it to be, humans?"

Jaune locked eyes with Yang. She stared into his gaze… And slid a small Dust canister up between her fingers. Fire Dust, pressed up against Thanh's gripping claws. His facial expression didn't change, as the great container moved closer. He looked at Pyrrha, and gestured with his eyes. She looked up briefly… Then nodded.

"I'd say…" Jaune's eyes narrowed. "You can go suck all the dicks you want in Hell. NOW!"

Yang ignited the Dust charge on Thanh's fingers. He roared in pain from the blast, and dropped the smoking Yang. Jaune charged out and grabbed her, yanking her up to her feet and away just as Neptune's water surged around Thanh's legs and his lightning blasts seized Thanh to prevent his escape. Weiss unleashed her Ice Dust, the crystals sprouting up to encompass Thanh's entire lower body. He roared and struggled, igniting Fire Dust that began to melt and crack the Ice. The White Fang subordinates opened fire, but were taken out by Nora and Ren's fire, blown away or cut down by their fury.

Thanh sneered at them as he began to break out of his prison.

"What pathetic scheme have you-?!"

He heard Ruby's Crescent Rose ring out, and the screech of shattered metal. He looked up to see the container falling upon him, Pyrrha's black Aura guiding it down atop him. His eyes narrowed.

It fell like thunder, slamming onto Thanh. Even this great weight only drove him down, but did not crush him. He dropped his monk's spade to hold up the great container, struggling to keep it aloft. He grit his teeth and snarled at them.

"What cheap trick is this-?!"

Holding Yang's hand, Jaune held Crocea Mors in the other. It crackled with Aura. He held up his blade.

"For Gato," Jaune muttered, as he swung. The Aura Blade that was unleashed was wider than his first attack, but still glowed like the rising sun. Thanh's eyes went wide as the blast stuck the container. All of the Dust containers lit up.

"SCATTER!" Ruby bellowed. Weiss accelerated herself and Neptune away with a Glyph, Pyrrha yanked Ren and Nora away with her Semblance as she leaped off, and Yang grabbed Jaune and blasted them away with Ember Celica, just as the entire shipping container exploded.

The blast was massive, the shockwave sending all the sliced containers and crates skidding from the force. Yang tumbled in mid-air with Jaune, and it seemed as though the blast would consume them. A cloud of rose petals surrounded them, and they were whisked away by Ruby's grip.

"AUGH!"

Ruby fell with them, hitting the pavement and all three tumbled into a heap. Jaune groaned as Yang and Ruby both landed on him. Yang helped him up, though slowly, and held him tightly to her body as they got to their feet.

"You okay, Crybaby?" Yang asked. Ruby clung to his other side.

"Yeah, you all right?"

Jaune sagged, his Aura dangerously low.

"I will be…" He panted hard for breath as he looked in the direction of the blast, where a great plume of smoke rose into the night sky. Pyrrha, Nora and Ren parkoured over various crates to get to them, landing nearby. Neptune and Weiss arrived next, Weiss letting Neptune go with a blush as he grinned at her. Scarlet and Sage soon arrived as well, Scarlet dropping Sage to land first as he slid down onto the pavement.

"Did we get him?" Scarlet asked with a grin.

Jaune took two steps forward… And fell into Pyrrha's waiting arms.

"Let's… Let's find out," Jaune managed.

They limped towards the battle site. Several unconscious or injured White Fang members lay in their path-One was pinned under a fallen container. At Jaune's nod, Nora lifted it up off him.

"Oh… Thank you so much-"

Nora then knocked him out with a punch to the face.

"Don't they know they should stay down?" Nora scoffed.

"They should," Weiss gritted out.

They returned to the site of the fight, where the fires burned around where Thanh had last been. Twisted scraps of metal littered the area, shrapnel from the container. Neptune summoned up jets of water to douse the flames, spraying everything he could.

"Sure hope we don't have to clean up this mess," Neptune observed.

One of the piles of debris stirred from the water spray… And rose. Tall, gaunt, reptillian.

"Shit," Scarlet cursed, "The hell does it take to bring this guy down?!"

"I'll do it," Pyrrha said grimly, holding up her rifle as Thanh's blackened form staggered towards them. Almost everyone else did the same, but Jaune held up a hand.

"Wait," he muttered.

Thanh shuffled towards them, his tail and skin regenerating from the blackened ruin it had become. His pants were barely hanging on, burnt, and dark with charring. His eyes were narrowed, filled with hate, as he staggered towards them… Yet his motions were vague, as though unable to focus on anything.

He stopped in front of the Hunters and Huntresses in training, breathing hard, ragged breaths. Shakily, he lifted his claws hands up, to grasp, to strangle. Jaune stared him down, not moving.

… Not that he really could, given his Aura was nearly gone, but still.

At last, Thanh took another step forward… And fell, face first, right into the pavement. It cracked under the force of his fall. He twitched a few times… Then lay still.

Ruby used her Semblance to teleport up close to him, and poked him with Crescent Rose gingerly. Then more violently, jamming the scythe right into his back. He remained unmoving. Nora poked him a few more times with the hilt of Magnhild, and still he did not respond.

Relief filled everyone. Jaune leaned heavily against Pyrrha, who laughed softly. Yang slapped him on the back, and gave a thumbs up to Weiss and Neptune.

"Boy… Bet he's dino-sore!" She laughed.

Jaune snickered, even as everyone else but Nora groaned.

"Let's find Blake and Sun and get out of here-" Scarlet began, but the air was filled with police sirens. Black and white cars stormed into the area, driving around the scattered containers and fallen White Fang members.

"Fucking finally," Jaune muttered, as cops poured out of the vehicles with guns raised. He held up his hands. "Hey officers! Nice to see you-"

"Get on the ground!" They shouted. "ALL OF YOU ON THE GROUND!"

"HEY!" Ruby shouted angrily, "We're hunters in training, you can't just-!"

"ON THE GROUND! HANDS WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM! NOW!"

Jaune glanced over at Ruby.

"Ruby," he said, "I'm pretty sure I texted you to call the cops."

"I did! I did!" Ruby insisted.

"Didn't you tell them we had been lured to the docks, and we needed help?" Jaune asked.

Ruby blinked. Weiss turned a desperate glare on her.

"Ruby?!" She hissed.

"Oh… Shoot… Knew I forgot something," Ruby said, smiling nervously. "Um… So… What do we do?"

"ON THE GROUND! HANDS WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM!" The officer bellowed.

"I believe we have received our instructions," Sage deadpanned. Jaune sighed and held up his arms.

"Let's do as they say… And hope Professor Goodwitch is merciful enough to post bail."

"We're so screwed," Yang sighed.

- - -

Blake dashed through the shipping containers, breaking out into pallets piled high with goods and supplies wrapped in plastic. She locked onto Roman Torchwick, his shock of red hair still bright underneath his black bowler hat.

He made it to one of two Bullheads sitting on a landing pad right on a pier extending out into the bay. He began to climb towards it as the White Fang pilot started up the engines, just as Blake broke through the pallets.

"TORCHWICK!" She shouted.

Torchwick looked back and sighed in exasperation.

"Kitty Cat, you are getting really irritating," he stated. He motioned to two White Fang men who rose and held up machine guns. They opened fire, and Blake dodged thanks to a Shadow Clone. The shots passed through the decoy as she darted forward, dodging around the firing arcs.

"ACK!"

She ran into an invisible barrier that cracked like glass. She recovered fast, flipping out of the way of the fire.

Sun dropped in, firing a shot from his staff that shattered the barrier. Blake rose up as a girl with pink and brown hair, in an outfit similar to Torchwick's, appeared. She smiled and spun an umbrella around her fingers. The gunners ceased their fire, as the petite but curvy girl smiled far too sweetly at them.

Sun scoffed.

"Too afraid to fight us yourself, Torchwick?" Sun shouted.

"Hell yes!" Torchwick shouted back, as he slapped the back of the pilot's seat. "Come on, come on, start up!"

Blake streaked forth, as Sun broke his staff into three and spun the pieces, firing Dust rounds in a hail of bullets. The silent girl shattered again, an invisible barrier falling apart from the shots. She appeared up over Blake, drawing a sword to plunge into her neck!

"Hah!" Blake went into a roll and came back up, swinging Gambol Shroud in sword mode to desperately parry the lightning fast strikes. Sun jumped in to flank her, but the gunners opened up on him. He spun his staff in a blur, deflecting the shots as Blake and the girl dueled furiously.

Can't get an opening…!

Blake shifted Gambol Shroud to its chain scythe mode, and swung it viciously. The girl was driven back, parrying each wild blow.

The Bullhead lifted off, ascending into the air slowly. A gigantic chain went up, up, tightening up as it went taut with loud, nasty creaking. It was anchored to a shipping container, which the Bullheard yanked up as it flew upwards.

Blake knocked the woman's blade aside. Sun, relieved of blocking fire, swung his staff right for the woman's bowler hat wearing head!

Again the air shattered like glass. The small woman leaped away, jumping up to grasp onto the swinging shipping container. She climbed up the side like a squirrel, and ascended up the chain. She swung herself up into the rear compartment of the Bullhead, and waved in a jaunty way down at them. Blake and Sun glared back up at it, as Roman laughed.

"Well! Nice try, Kitty Cat! Hope you and your boyfriend handle Thanh better!"

A massive explosion went off behind them. Blake and Sun looked back in horror.

No… No, please… Please be okay…!

Blake and Sun ran back, as Torchwick and his assistant flew off.

No, nonono… Please… They can't be… Not after all this…!

Together they vaulted up over the pallets, over the destroyed containers.

They landed in the burning, wreckage filled site of the battle… Much to the surprise of their handcuffed friends and several policemen.

"Guys! You're okay!" Sun cried.

"You're alive!" Blake gasped.

"DOWN ON THE GROUND!" The cops shouted. They piled on top of them both, and in their shock, both Sun and Blake were forced to the pavement.

"We're glad to see you too, Blake!" Jaune managed.

- - -

They were all handcuffed, and moved to sit in small groups as the cops went around. Assessing the damage, taking pictures with Scrolls and cameras, and cleaning up. The sky was turning orange and pink as the night began to slowlygive way to dawn.

It was Blake's luck to be put next to Weiss. She looked over at her. The Schnee heiress glanced back… And looked aside. Blake bit her lower lip.

Of course we'd be shoved together like this… I thought… I never…

She looked over at Ruby and Yang, in handcuffs as well. Ruby gave her a gooey look, as Yang scowled.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Blake," Ruby said eagerly. "I-I'm so glad… I was-We were so worried!"

"Yeah," Yang said with a nod, "I'm glad you're okay."

Blake worked her jaw. She looked back at Weiss, who was still looking anywhere but at her.

Her eyes went down to the harsh concrete. She sucked in a breath through her nostrils.

"... I'm sorry," she said quietly. Silence greeted her, save for the background noise of the police going about their business.

"I'm so sorry," Blake continued, "I… Weiss, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for what I said. I'm sorry for running off. I…"

She shut her eyes.

"When I joined the White Fang… I thought my parents were wrong. They wanted to try changing things with diplomacy and their own nation. Sienna, Adam… The other members of the White Fang said we needed to change things through bold action. I ran away from home and joined them because I believed in that. I thought we were doing good… And when we stopped doing good, I ignored my conscience. Every day, it seemed like there was a new line I swore I would never cross…"

Blake shook her head.

"And I kept crossing them. Until finally, I just couldn't take it anymore. If I'd known Thanh was working for them…"

She forced herself to look at Weiss, whose head was still turned away.

"Weiss. You… You didn't deserve this. Any of this," she said softly, "I-I know it's not much… But I am so sorry for what I said. All the bad things the SDC has done? You… You didn't have anything to do with that. You couldn't have. It… It isn't your fault."

Her chest felt hollowed out, as though she'd had to scrape out all her emotions. Weiss remained silent, and the hollow feeling became worse. Her gaze went back to the ground, between her feet.

"I hate my father," Weiss finally said. Everyone's eyes locked onto her, Blake's included. Weiss very slowly looked over into Blake's eyes. Her lower lip wobbled, but she continued.

"I hate him more than you do, probably," Weiss said softly, "From the moment my grandfather died and he took over the company, he dropped any pretense that he actually loved my siblings or my mother. My uncle was the only one who stood up to him, and he… He was killed in a security breach by Sienna Khan."

Weiss gathered her thoughts, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"It's no wonder he turns Faunus into slaves… He treats everyone based on how much they're worth to him. He drove my older sister to join the military, just to escape his control. He drove my mother into alcoholism, hiding herself in her garden. He's turned my little brother into his good little copy, but never enough to threaten him…"

She turned to look Blake in the eyes, and gestured with her shoulders.

"I had to fight in a duel with a Grimm to earn the right to come to Beacon," Weiss continued quietly, "Gave me this scar over my eye. All that just to be free."

Ruby gasped softly, as Yang's eyes flashed red for a moment. Blake gaped in astonishment.

"And in the end, all I did was run away, too," Weiss murmured. She shook her head again.

"Blake," she said, "I… I don't know if we can ever be friends."

"Weiss-" Ruby tried, but Weiss gave her a look.

"I just want us to… To at least be able to work together," Weiss admitted. "I'm sorry for the things I said, too. I want to stay at Beacon, with you… With people I can trust."

Blake held Weiss' gaze for a long time. She nodded, her black hair shifting as her ears twitched behind her bow. The sun rose, and it's warm rays shone down upon them all.

"I want to be someone you can trust," Blake said softly, "That all of you can trust."

"Then please don't run away again," Ruby said, "I know it hurts to talk. I really do… But I want us to talk instead of everyone running away. Can we… Can we agree to that? Please?"

Weiss and Blake stared at one another. Blake could see no deception in the white-haired girl's eyes.

"I can," Blake murmured.

"So can I," Weiss said softly.

Inside, Blake felt her heart grow lighter.

It wasn't much… But it was a start.

And she had started over before with far less.

- - -

Jaune looked over with some concern at Team RWBY, who were held some distance away. They were talking at least, and nobody looked like they were trying to kill each other. So overall, that was probably a good sign.

Honestly though, this wasn't the weirdest thing that had happened today. Not even the constantly regenerating sadistic lizard man was that freaky.

No, that went to Pyrrha.

Despite the fight, despite the peril, despite being held in chains at gunpoint… She was smiling. Hell, she looked just as beautiful when covered in soot and grime as she did when not. Entirely at ease, like they weren't going to go to jail.

Nora shared her smile, as she snuggled next to Ren. Ren of course looked as calm as ever, despite the soot all over them both.

"So," Jaune offered, "I'd… Call that a win, right? Aside from being arrested."

"We will have words with Blake for pulling you into an obvious trap," Nora stated. Her face was beaming and her tone was light, but there was a dangerous light in her eyes. Jaune shook his head.

"No, no. I'll handle that," he said. "Really."

"Hmph," Nora grunted. Jaune sighed.

"Besides, she's… Gone through enough," he said quietly. Pyrrha scooted closer to him.

"Oh?"

"Not my story to tell," Jaune said softly. He looked into the eyes of his team.

"But… Thank you for coming after me," he said, "I… It really means everything."

"Nothing would ever stop us," Ren said quietly, "From coming after you."

"Yeah!" Nora said cheerfully.

"We're with you," Pyrrha confirmed, leaning against him, "To the end."

Jaune nodded, looking down to hide his face. He didn't trust his emotions right now. That they wouldn't show up on his face.

Gato… Wherever you are, I hope I made you proud, he thought.

Pyrrha continued to smile. She nuzzled him.

"Pyrrha," Jaune said softly. Pyrrha beamed, and looked around at her team.

"Well, since we're not going anywhere for a while," she said, "I-I have good news! I broke off things with my mother."

Jaune looked at her, worry and concern filling his chest. Nora beamed more widely, as Ren stayed stoic.

"Are… Are you going to be okay-?"

"Yes, yes," Pyrrha said, nodding, "I do get my own money from my sponsors-Money she doesn't control. I'll have to talk to some lawyers and so on, but…" She turned her bright smile to Jaune.

"I'm… I'm free. All thanks… Thanks to you. All of you."

She said that, but her gaze was still locked onto Jaune. He gulped, heat rising to his cheeks.

"You-You don't owe me-Us-Anything-"

"I choose to be with you," Pyrrha said earnestly, "It's the… It's the first choice I've ever made that mattered. Will… Will you have me?"

Shit shit shit that's such a loaded question! Jaune thought. He looked over. He could see Team RWBY staring over at him. Yang with an unreadable, blank look, Ruby in confusion and concern, Weiss curious, and Blake with a raised eyebrow.

"As my partner and comrade? Yeah," Jaune said softly, nodding, "Always."

Pyrrha beamed.

"I know you don't think you deserve to be loved," she whispered, "I… Neither did I. Not for the longest time. Part of me still doesn't, but… But I want us both to be worthy. Someday."

Jaune slowly nodded. Pyrrha's smile became rather more predatory.

"And I never lose," she murmured with an intense look.

"Uh… To whom?" Jaune managed.

Pyrrha smiled and nuzzled up against him. Yang's eyes flashed red as Ruby looked hurt. Nora sighed.

"You really can be oblivious, Fearless Leader," Nora shook her head. She glared at Ren. "Did you make him that way?!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Ren stated in a monotone.

Come on, Jaune scoffed internally, There's no way Pyrrha… She's crazy! There's no way Yang or Ruby or anyone else has those kinds of feelings for me! It's stupid! It's ridiculous! We're friends, and I want to be a good friend before anything else…

He closed his eyes.

I have to be a good friend… Before anything else… I don't deserve anything more...

"Hey, Weiss right?" Neptune called out from where he and Team SSSN were being held, "After all this, you want to go on a date?"

Jaune looked over at her. Weiss turned bright red, and smiled.

"I-I would love to, Neptune!" Weiss cried happily.

"YES!" Neptune cheered, "Haha! We'll make a night of it, my Snow Lady~!"

And I don't want to look as sappy as that guy, Jaune growled.

- - -

Neptune turned to his fellow SSSN team members with a smug look.

"Well, not a princess, but I think I won the heart of a babe nonetheless," Neptune chuckled, "What do you say to that, Scarlet, huh?"

"Can't wait to see how you mess this one up," Scarlet deadpanned.

"I hope she leaves enough of your body for identification afterwards," Sage observed.

Neptune glared daggers at them.

"Oh screw you both!"

"Please, you are the definition of himbo," Scarlet snorted, turning his nose up, "I'd be slumming it."

"You would not! If I was that way! Which I'm not, but if I was, I want to make that clear-!" Neptune sputtered.

Sage turned to their leader.

"You've been uncharacteristically quiet, Sun," he observed.

Sun just smiled, and shrugged.

"I'm just proud of you guys," he said, "You did great, and I'm glad we got a great fight of this!"

"And survived… Right?" Neptune pressed. Sun hummed, his tail waving as he nodded.

"Well yeah! That should be implied," he said, "Can't fight any more cool battles if you're dead!"

"That's what he takes away from it?" Scarlet muttered, shuffling in his cuffs. "Seriously though, from what I've seen, serving a princess kind of sucks. We got in a fight, we got arrested, we almost got killed-"

"I got a date!" Neptune said cheerfully.

"See? Everything went wrong," Scarlett deadpanned.

"HEY!"

Sun chuckled and shrugged, leaning back as the sun shone down onto him. It made his golden hair shine in the morning light.

"Well, adventure is part of helping a runaway princess," he spoke. "That, and…"

He looked over at Blake with a warm smile. She stared back at him, and gave the tiniest hint of a smile back.

"There are all sorts of rewards for serving your kingdom."

Scarlet rolled his eyes.

"Not you too," he groaned.

"Hormones," Sage deadpanned.

"Says the one with a steady girlfriend," Scarlet snorted. Sage shrugged.

"It grants great clarity in times such as these," he spoke. A commotion went up in the direction of the gate, and the three teams all looked towards the source.

An incredibly beautiful, stern and intimidating blonde woman dressed as a school teacher with a black cape walked up to them. A redheaded girl in green and tan dress accompanied her, beaming like the rising sun. The cops parted for them both. Ruby and Jaune looked up.

"Hello Deputy Headmistress Goodwitch," Jaune spoke first, "Would you believe that we all just happened to get roped into this by accident?"

"I would not," Glynda stated firmly. She sighed.

"However," she spoke, "Someone has cleared up this entire affair as one involving Menagerie and Atlas Special Forces."

"Of course," the redheaded girl said brightly, "It was General Ironwood's orders that Princess Belladonna and her allies be protected while preventing the White Fang from enacting their smuggling plan!"

"How… How do you know that, Penny?" Ruby asked.

Penny beamed.

"Because I am an ordinary girl from Atlas, Friend Ruby!"

Ruby smiled warmly up at Penny.

"Thank you Penny," she murmured.

"I only did as I was asked, Friend Ruby," Penny said, "Friends help friends, and we are friends, correct?"

"Correct!" Ruby chirped, nearly bouncing off the concrete. Penny beamed back.

"Sensational!"

Glynda shot her an intense glare that the redhead didn't even seem to notice. She heaved a great sigh as she returned her eyes to them.

"Don't take this as a sign you can get away with anything," Glynda stated, "Hunters who think they are invincible are the most vulnerable. You'll be taking your detentions with me for the rest of the semester."

Her eyes narrowed.

"And you had better do well on your final exams," she stated, "If you're going to get up to this much trouble, you must prove you have the skills to go with it. If you don't, I will be most…"

Her eyes glowed.

"Displeased."

"Yes ma'am," Jaune said with a quick nod.

"Absolutely!" Ruby said quickly.

Even with his devil-may-care attitude, Sun slowly nodded.

"Of course, uh, Deputy Headmistress," Sun managed.

"You don't have final exams with me," Glynda stated, "But you'll be getting detention when you start next semester."

"Y-Yes ma'am," Sun stuttered.

"Step on me, Mistress," Neptune muttered. Scarlet elbowed him. "URK!"

Glynda turned her eyes to Blake, who fidgeted.

"I hope you will not abuse your position either, Miss Belladonna," she said.

"No," Blake said, shaking her head, "Never. I… I promise."

She glanced over at Sun, Jaune, and Ruby as she said this. Glynda nodded approvingly.

"Well, let's get up and going," she said, "Unlike you, I have a tremendous amount of paperwork to do about this incident."

Sun smirked a bit. Jaune nodded grimly, but his eyes laughing. Ruby looked relieved.

"Of course," Glynda said ominously, "Your team leaders will be helping me with that."

Their faces all fell.

"Crap," Jaune said succinctly.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The tavern was cluttered with memorabilia from all over the small town, ranging from hubcaps from the first cars built, to the preserved bones of Grimm slain by hunters. Instead of a jukebox, a small band played a warm and lively tune. A fiddler, a guitarist, a drummer, and a piper provided warm homey tunes for the worn wooden tables and the creaky wooden chairs. Beer in mugs was drunk, and in great amounts. Men laughed and discussed sports, while holoscreens showed off news from around Remnant.

Isabel and Qrow had taken a table in the back, both exhausted. Isabel was smoking hard as she looked over her Scroll, while Qrow just threw back beer after beer.

"Hmmm..." Isabel murmured, "I don't like this."

"What?" Qrow asked, leaning forward, "This is the best tavern in Rotofield! See that?"

He pointed, as a guy got thrown right out through the swinging doors.

"That happens every hour, along with a fist fight!" Qrow chuckled. "A more likely place you could never find!"

Isabel shot him an unimpressed expression. Qrow shook his head, and waved a free hand about.

"Come on... We found some clues, but we can't make any sense of them right now," he insisted, "Why worry about it?"

Isabel puffed her cigarette for a time, calming her nerves, before she answered.

"Well, we're not even sure they're clues," she said firmly, "I mean, that Spider Bitch didn't even coordinate the Grimm around the area! If... If she did that to Nick..."

Qrow's face fell into seriousness again. He reached out and squeezed her free hand.

"Maybe the sword prevented it," he said, "We don't know... But I do know that after what we've been through? We deserve a little fun. A little relaxation. You, especially."

Isabel worked her jaw slowly, and glanced down at the Scroll.

"I haven't... I haven't really done that in a while-"

"Then now's the time to start again," he said firmly. "You called your family, right?"

"Right, right," Isabel said with a nod, "Everyone's fine. Aqua's in trouble again." She smirked. "As she always is-"

"And you know Jaune is fine," Qrow said firmly. He squeezed her hands together gently, looking into her eyes. "Come on. You avenged your husband, and got his sword back. Nobody could ever say that wasn't a time to celebrate."

Isabel stared into his eyes. She smiled warmly. She sucked in a deep breath, and tucked her Scroll away in her vest pockets.

"Waiter! Four of your finest!" Isabel called. The waiter soon swept by with four mugs. Qrow raised an eyebrow as Isabel took one mug, and began to drink.

"That's a lot of booze for a little lady," He observed.

"Feh," Isabel scoffed, after finishing her first mug, "My Semblance means it takes a LOT for me to get drunk." She smirked over her mug at him.

"And as I recall? I always beat you in drinking contests."

Qrow smirked. He waved to the waiter.

"Oh? Because I remember that very differently."

"You would, if you could remember anything at all," Isabel snorted, as the waiter brought more beer mugs.

"Well then," Qrow said, holding up a fresh, full mug, "Let's see what you've got now, Isabel. Since we've both had one mug, we're tied."

"HA!" Isabel laughed. "You'll hit the LD50 LONG before I'm feeling anything!"

"I'll take that bet," Qrow smirked, knocking his mug against hers.

"It'll cost you~!" Isabel laughed.

"Yeah, but we're both guaranteed to have a hell of a good time," Qrow smirked, "And that way? We both win."

Isabel snickered, before she began to drink.

"Mmm... You're so damn corny!"

"Blame Taiyang."

"I always do!"

- - -

Well... Fuck. Qrow was no stranger to hangovers, but this? This was pretty rough, even by his standards. His mouth was dry and everything tasted like vomit. His head pounded like jackhammers were trying to extract his brain out of his skull. His legs and pelvis felt almost numb from exertion, and he couldn't move.

"Fuck," he muttered. He managed to get his eyes open, and scanned around. He was back in Isabel's Bullhead, in his bunk...

He was naked...

And there was someone equally naked pressed against him.

He very slowly turned his eyes down.

Please be a dude please be a dude please be a...

A familiar head of blonde hair was laying on his chest, while the rest of a very naked Isabel Arc was cuddled up tightly against him.

"... Fuck," Qrow muttered.

"Mmm," Isabel mumbled, "If you're gonna freak out... Do it quietly..." She winced.

"... And you aren't going to freak out?" Qrow managed.

Isabel sighed and snuggled up against him.

"I'll put it off... Just this once... Blame you..."

"... I have to pee-"

"Do it later," Isabel growled.

Qrow sighed and laid back down. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her up close.

Sorry Nick... I will begin making amends, Gods know how... Later.

- - -

The trip back to Beacon was relatively short and easy... But Jaune's stomach did not care. He staggered out of the Bullhead first, and stuffed his head into the first trashcan he spied. Any food he might have had left in his stomach went right into the trash. He felt a strong arm wrap around him, holding him up. He took deep, slow breaths.

"It's all right, it's all right," the person murmured.

Jaune pulled his head up. JNPR was looking at him in concern, and half of RWBY. The other half... He glanced over at Yang, who was holding him tightly. Ruby was hovering nearby.

"We've got him," Yang said, "Go on. Go grab breakfast. We'll catch up."

"Are you sure?" Pyrrha asked, her eyes fixed on Jaune. Jaune shook his head, and waved his hand weakly.

"I'm sure... It's fine," he said. "Go on. I can't even think about food right now."

Pyrrha hesitated. She locked eyes with Yang and Ruby for a time. As though some kind of understanding came between them, Pyrrha smiled (albeit a bit tensely) and turned to head off. Blake's stare also lingered. Weiss was already hurrying up to catch Neptune, who was trailing behind the rest of Team SSSN, Penny, and Glynda Goodwitch. Nora grinned and gave Jaune a thumbs up, while Ren had an almost pitying look on his face as he turned and headed off.

"Haa... Geez," Jaune muttered. Yang helped him over to a nearby bench. Ruby sat on the other side of him. She worried her lower lip as he got himself back together.

"H-Hey, Jaune?" She asked.

"Yeah Rubes?"

Ruby smiled, and hugged him tightly. She drove her head into his chest, and nuzzled him.

"Thank you," she said softly, looking up into his eyes. Jaune blinked.

"For... For what?" He managed.

"I thought I was going to fail, I thought I was going to lose everything, but..." She smiled at him warmly. "But I didn't. I... I'm able to be a team leader. And a lot of it is because of you."

"It's mostly you, Rubes," Jaune said, reaching up to rub her head. She sighed happily. "I just... I just helped a little."

"S-Still... Thank you," she said. She looked at Yang intently. Yang smiled, and winked. Ruby beamed... Then stole a kiss from Jaune's cheek.

"Thanks!" She zipped off with her Semblance, vanishing in a cloud of rose petals. Jaune watched her go, all the way through the central park of Beacon and up to the door. He turned and smiled at Yang, who tightened her grip on his waist.

"So uh," Jaune said, "What... What did you want to talk about?"

"That obvious, huh?" Yang asked. Jaune nodded.

"Kind of."

"First, here," she said, pulling out mouthwash from her belt pouch. Jaune took it, and raised an eyebrow at Yang. She smiled shyly.

"Hey! It keeps you nice and fresh!"

"Thanks," Jaune said, sipping it and gargling noisily. He spat it out on the other side of the bench, out of Yang's sight. He turned back to her.

"So...?"

"So," Yang began, "Well... Thank you. For getting Blake back."

Jaune shook his head.

"I didn't really-"

"You did," Yang said firmly. "Her looks at you? They say a lot. You also went toe to toe with a monster for us... For me..." She beamed. "That... That means everything."

"You got loose-"

"With your help," Yang said softly. "I'm... I'm not used to being saved. I don't resent you doing it or-or anything, it's just... It hasn't happened to me a lot."

Jaune slowly nodded again, blushing at her proximity.

"Yang... I-I meant it. I will never leave you. Not if I can help it," he said softly, "I'll never abandon you. Not ever."

Yang nodded.

"I know... And uh, well..."

Jaune leaned in.

"What?" He whispered.

Their lips were mere inches apart. He traced the faint freckles on her cheeks with his eyes, the swell of her lips as she licked them. The details of her lilac-colored eyes.

"I uh... You mean a lot to me," she murmured, "To me... And-And Ruby. And I want..."

"Yes?" Jaune asked.

"I-I want us to be... Closer," she managed, her eyes darting to the side. She coughed.

"I know, that that's uh... I mean it's kind of lame, I just..." She turned her eyes back to his. Jaune gulped.

His heart was racing. His face was red.

"I just... I don't want to imagine life without you," Yang murmured, "I-I want us to do things together. To be close. To be..."

He could feel her breath washing over his face. He licked his own lips.

"Y-Yeah...?"

Yang's face went bright red.

"I... I..." She turned away. "Fucking damnit!" She cursed.

"What? What is it?" Jaune asked, alarmed. "Yang?"

"I just..." She closed her eyes and scooted away. "I can't say it."

"Say what?"

"It..." Yang sighed in frustration.

Jaune felt he was missing a lot. Sure, certain possibilities arose. Certain romantic possibilities. After Pyrrha's behavior, it was hard not to think about those kinds of things. But with Yang...?

No... No. It can't be... I'm not going to... Shit...

His arms wrapped around her in a hug. She started, and looked into his eyes again.

"Whatever it is," Jaune said quietly, "You say it when you're ready, okay?"

Yang stared at him for a while in silence. She then smiled. His heart pounded in his chest.

Shit shit shit... This is the part where we kiss, right? Do I want to kiss her? Does she want to kiss me?! What about Pyrrha?! His brain shouted. WHY WOULD SHE WANT TO KISS ME?! WHY WOULD THEY?! No, no, it's fine, it's fine, she doesn't want me to kiss her-

She leaned in and pressed her lips against the corner of his. His eyes went wide.

She's kissing me. SHE'S KISSING ME?!

It was a peck. Light, warm, and short. She pulled back, her entire face as red as his felt.

She kissed me?!

"S-So," Yang managed, "Uh... I-I mean..."

Jaune opened his mouth. Nothing came out.

Come on mouth, you're ruining everything for me! Say something! ANYTHING!

"I-I just... If... If you're fine with... With hanging out," she said quietly, "Having fun... Together...?"

Jaune slowly nodded.

"I... I would like that-"

"It's not dating," Yang said quickly. Jaune blinked.

"Huh...?"

"It-It's just two friends, who are very close, going out and having fun and-and it's nothing serious!" Yang said quickly. "Nothing to freak out about or-or run from! That... That was... Y-Ya know, just making sure the mouthwash worked!"

... Huh? Jaune managed.

"S-So! Uh... You cool with that? Friends? Just... Doing friend stuff?" Yang asked, almost pleading with him.

... Shit... Did... Did I just get friendzoned? He thought. A great weight left his shoulders. Oh thank the Gods, I was terrified... Or was I?

"For Ruby's sake?" Yang pleaded again.

Jaune managed to pull together the wherewithal to nod, stunned.

"S-Sure," he said.

"And uh... If anything changes," she said. She trailed off, again with that pleading look.

"... It will change?" Jaune managed. Yang sighed in relief... And hugged him tightly.

"And we'll face it together... Right?" She murmured.

Jaune nodded.

"Always," he said.

Yang beamed. She stood up, pulling away slowly.

"So... You good?" She asked.

"I'll uh... I just need a minute," he said. "Save some food for me?"

Yang laughed.

"Don't worry. I'll get you some flapjacks. Keep your stomach from doing flipflops, huh?"

Jaune actually managed a laugh.

"Holy crap that was awful," he chuckled.

"Still made you laugh," Yang shot back. Jaune beamed.

"Yeah... You always do."

She hesitated for a bit longer... Before turning and walking back towards Beacon. Jaune watched her go, his face all smiles. As she vanished into the school proper... He held the sides of his head with a groan.

"What the hell was that?" He muttered.

Unbidden, a mental Gato clucked his tongue in disappointment.

The senorita has made her intentions clear Juan, he said.

OH LIKE FUCK SHE HAS! Jaune mentally shouted.

- - -

Because Jaune was asking for such a complication in his life. He really was.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

They sat at the kitchen table in the Bullhead's living area. Qrow ate his breakfast, sipping coffee, staring across the table at Isabel. She was sipping her own mug, her keen eyes looking through holos and Scrolls and notepads scattered about it. It felt like she'd put a wall up between them, an impassable barrier for her own protection.

The wise move may have been to not say anything. To just move on.

"So... We're just not going to talk about it, huh?"

Qrow Branwen had never pretended to be wise.

"What's to talk about?" Isabel asked, her voice a monotone, "What happened, happened."

Qrow narrowed his eyes.

"And you're fine with that?"

"Of course."

Qrow sipped his coffee, letting her work in peace for a moment longer.

"Except you're doing the thing with your Semblance."

"What thing?"

Qrow's eyes locked onto hers.

"The thing where you're deliberately messing with your brain chemistry so you suppress your emotions," he stated.

Isabel's blue eyes locked onto his. Her face remained a blank.

"How do you know-?"

"I know," Qrow said quietly.

She looked back at her notebooks.

"I'm fine-"

"If you're turning your emotions off to not feel anything, that's not fine," Qrow stated, a hint of anger in his voice. Isabel sucked in a breath, then spoke.

"It's better for me to not feel anything right now."

"But you do."

"I don't-"

"You do," Qrow stated firmly, "You did it in combat, you did it when you treated patients... You did it when Nick died."

She shot a sharp look at him, but he continued.

"How often have you done it?"

Isabel looked away.

"... As much as I needed to," she said quietly. Qrow glowered.

"You call that healthy?!"

"I can't do it often, it's difficult," Isabel sighed, "But I just... I need the clarity."

"Fine. And?" Qrow asked.

"What good will talking about it do?" She asked softly. "I know what you'll say."

"You a mind reader, now?"

Isabel shot him another harsh look. She adjusted her glasses.

"... Last night was just us blowing off steam," Isabel said carefully, "I know you're not secretly madly in love with me."

Qrow shook his head.

"No. I'm not."

"I certainly don't feel that way about you," Isabel said softly. Her eyes narrowed in sympathy. "Sorry-"

"No, in fact, I'd be worried if you were," Qrow said, an apologetic smile on his face. She nodded.

"The alcohol did play a role in it," Isabel admitted, "And I do find you physically attractive."

"Same, same," Qrow said with a nod. "Which means... You're likely feeling like you betrayed Nick."

Isabel stared at him and the blank look in her eyes intensified. She slowly nodded.

"... Yes," she said softly.

"And you sure as hell don't want to feel like that," Qrow concluded.

She looked aside.

"... No."

"And you know it's stupid," Qrow said quietly, "You're probably running around in your head about how foolish you're being, feeling guilty. Right after avenging him, you go and knock boots with some loser like me. It wasn't meant to be a slight against your husband. You still love him dearly, and you're sure as hell not looking to me to replace him."

Isabel's stare just burned into him... But she managed a nod.

"... Yes," she whispered.

"But it doesn't change the fact it hurts," Qrow says, "And even if I tell you that you're not betraying him, you still feel like you did."

"Like you still feel that Summer's death was your fault," Isabel spoke. Qrow stared back at her, a flash of anger and guilt surging through him... Before he nodded slowly.

"Yeah," he said, "You told me that I wasn't responsible for that. And so, I'm telling you... You didn't betray your husband. We just got done avenging him. He was a hero, and you love him. Sleeping with me doesn't change anything."

Isabel sighed, and shook her head. Her eyes shone with unshed tears.

"... You have been listening to me, huh?" She asked in an even tone.

"What's the old saying?" Qrow asked dryly, "'Physician, heal thyself?'"

Isabel let out a snort that seemed halfway between a laugh and a sob.

"You... You were always a smart ass," Isabel muttered, crying more. Qrow hesitated for a moment, before moving around and hugging her. She leaned into him, sobbing softly.

He stroked her long hair, and rubbed her back, and let her get it all out of her system. He didn't pay any attention to the time that passed. By and by, she raised her face and sniffled. She wiped her eyes, and willed her face back into it's usual perfect form.

"I... That's better," she muttered. She rubbed her face. "Ugh... How many times have I done that? Just... Just turned my feelings off."

Qrow shook his head.

"It's a hell of a tool... Wish I could do that sometimes," He said quietly. "Alcohol just doesn't do the trick."

"No... No, it doesn't," Isabel again sort of laugh/sobbed. She sucked in a deep breath, and looked him in the eyes.

"Qrow... I... I don't want that to happen again. Not while we're working."
Qrow nodded.

"Okay."

Isabel blinked.

"Just like that?"

"Just like that," Qrow said. He sighed.

"Look... Maybe I'm thinking a bit better of myself lately. But I also know that you deserve a lot better than some bad luck charm with a drinking problem. We're partners. It means we'll be whatever we need to be to the other. But, truth be told? We both need a comrade a hell of a lot more than we need to get laid."

Isabel managed a slow nod.

"Thank you."

"Well hell," Qrow snorted, "Even if I was the kind of scumbag to force the issue, you'd rip me in half if I tried."

Isabel smiled softly.

"Yes."

"Besides," Qrow sighed, "I'm fine with it not happening again... Because your son and daughters would murder me."
Isabel smirked a bit.

"I think Tangy would let you live... But only to make you suffer more."

"She's the midget, right?"

"Don't let her hear you say that."

"Don't intend to."

Isabel nodded, and turned back to her holos and papers. Qrow leaned over, trying to make heads or tails of what she was looking at. Again, lots of numbers and chemicals that just turned his brain into ways it was never meant to go.

"All right," Qrow said, "So... What are you working on?"

Yeah, he was resting a lot closer to her than he had before. But she wasn't turning him into a pretzel, so she obviously didn't have an issue.

He hoped.

"The residue from the Spider Grimm," Isabel said, "And everything the Scrolls recorded on it."

"Thought we were calling it the Spider Bitch?" Qrow asked.

Isabel rolled her eyes with a small smile.

"Not in official documentation."

"All right, so what are you working on for the Spider Bitch?"

Isabel sucked in a deep breath through her nostrils as she went over the results.

"Something very strange," she said, "I sent the remains off to Radian's lab. And to share it with a lab Ozpin trusts..."

She narrowed her eyes.

"And that strange thing is?" Qrow asked.

"Well I won't know until the results get back via normal mail," she said, rolling her eyes. "I know Ozpin needs to be cautious, but they're just lab results! I can think of maybe a dozen people in the world who might be able to interpret them!"

Her Scroll flashed an alert. She looked at it, and sighed.

"Speak of the... Can you get the package for me?"

"On it," Qrow said, turning into a bird as she opened the hatch. He launched out and flew to the post office. He picked it up, paid for it, and flew back. He swooped in dramatically onto the table, knocking over some notebpads and books, and dropped the package on it. He turned back into human form as she scowled at him.

"Did you have to do that?"

"What? I can get a little messy delivering my package-"

Isabel groaned.

"Can we... Can we please not?"

Qrow chuckled, as Isabel sighed.

"Thought Tai was the one who made the bad puns," Isabel grumbled, opening the package and looking through the papers. Qrow shrugged.

"I blame him. Anyway, you should hear Yang, she's worse than-"

She dropped the papers onto the table. They shook. Qrow blinked and reached out to take one of her hands.

"Isabel? What is it?"

"I..." Isabel pulled her pack of cigarettes out of her pouch, and lit one up. She took a very deep, long drag off one, and let it all out as a plume. She closed her eyes, and reopened them, her eyes going blank. Qrow scowled.

"Isabel... I thought you said you weren't going to suppress your emotions anymore."

"I know."

"And you're doing it right now."

"I know."

"While smoking."

"I may also begin to drink," Isabel said, puffing hard on her cigarette. Qrow threw up his hands.

"Okay... And the reason for that is...?"

Isabel handed the papers over to Qrow. He held them in his hands and sorted through them. Again, much of what he read didn't really register. Numbers, protein sequences, and lots of chemical markers...

He finally got to some damn conclusions though, and that was laid out in perfectly clear English:

DNA MATCH: 49.8% HUMAN

Qrow lowered the papers and stared at Isabel. He shrugged.

"They found human DNA in the Grimm's remains? Why is that a big deal? The Bitch had to eat-"

"The genetic material isn't from human remains," Isabel said, soft and terrified, "The genetic material... Is bonded to the Grimm itself. It was part of the Grimm."

Qrow's jaw dropped.

"Wha...? That's not possible-"

"So was the Grimm being controlled by one intelligence," Isabel pointed out.

Qrow grit his teeth. He held the papers up to his forehead and sighed.

"Well... Fuck."

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Because what we got for mythology kind of sucks. So, in a fit of pique, I decided to write my own take on it.

In the beginning, Adin created the universe. Taking from His infinite mind, He created beings lesser than him but still divine, the Ten.

The God and Goddess of Light and Dark.

The Goddess and God of Life and Death.

The God and Goddess of Air and Water.

The God and Goddess of Earth and Fire.

The God and Goddess of Time and Space.

Male and female he created them, to pair together and never be alone.

And they became His Hands, to bring His Creation into being. He provided them a place to work, where everything was at their whims. And this would become known as Vyrai, the Realm of the Gods. They toiled in Vyrai, fashioning all things of this universe. In this space did their own creativity blossom, and part of Adin's great plan was revealed, for in creating His servants, did He encourage them to create for themselves.

Yet alone they did not work, for they collaborated and shared ideas, creating the oceans of the deep and life to dwell therein, and birds of the sky to fly in the clouds above.

After uncounted time, at last, did they present their creations to Adin. He saw they were Good, and took them into His power. He rendered and worked His great power, and behold, all their works vanished.

Confused and dismayed, his Gods and Goddesses asked where it had gone. Adin reached out, and opened the doors of the Vyrai. The Ten walked out and looked down upon their creations: Pulled together, their work and toils had brought forth the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and the Stars around them.

In wonder did they go out across their creation, and marveled at how all their labors came together. For each individually had not seen the full extent of Adin's great mind, yet each of their creations had come together into a greater whole.

Yet the God of Light and the Goddess of Dark were not content. Despite being second only to Adin Himself, still they looked upon the Earth in jealousy.

"WIthout light, all of creation is meaningless," Light scoffed, "For how can it be seen without my radiance?"

"Without darkness, all of creation is meaningless," Dark also scoffed, "For without contrast, would it not all be the same?"

Their brothers and sisters were content, but the discontent of Light and Dark continued to grow...

Then did Adin say,

"Just as I have created you with your own minds to create, so now shall you create beings with their own minds. I shall give you my designs, and you shall create them."

So did the Ten labor again. Collaborating and discussing, sharing and creating. Light and Dark too contributed, but insisted upon their orders being followed.

So did the Ten create beings like themselves yet lesser, and these were named the Legionu. And they went to work, making Vyrai, the realm of the Gods, a beautiful and wondrous place beyond imagining, and the Earth rich and bountiful.

Then did Adin say,

"Again, you have succeeded and created much, adding to the joy and wonder of the world. Now you shall complete my plan. I shall give you my designs, and you shall create them. For now is the coming of Man."

So did the Ten create Man, according to Adin's designs. Every bit of the ten elements was used to create Man, male and female were they made.

And when finished, Adin looked over Man, and saw it was good. Man was set down upon the Earth, asleep, to be awakened with the first day.

Yet Earth had snuck away to toil on her own. For in walking amongst the animals of the Earth, she had grown to love them and sought to create a bridge between Man and Beast. These she gave the appearance of Man, but her endless creativity rendered them with animal features and habits.

Life was surprised at the work when she discovered it, and aided Earth in improving her initial creation. Death was silent on the matter.

Water and Air helped as well, though they did not grasp the full scope of Earth's work given how busy they were.

Time was excited at the creation, but Time was everywhere and nowhere due to her nature. Space kept Time focused, ever practical was he.

Fire, being Earth's companion, had known from the start and warned her about it, but worked with her anyway.

Light and Darkness discovered her independent work, and admonished her:

"How dare you corrupt our vision, and work independently," they scolded her, "Your creations are an affront to Adin and our mighty work. You shall be punished and your creations destroyed."

Fire protested, for Earth was his companion.

"She was told to create, and create she did," Fire argued, "She exercises her will, as Adin has given her. Anyway, we are all in conspiracy to aid in the creation of Man and Earth's creations: You cannot just blame her."

Earth brought her creations before Adin, who inspected them.

"Do not be dismayed," Adin said kindly, "Earth, your love of all that live has led you to create something wonderful. I shall take these as my children also, as you all are my children, and I shall call them Faunus. They shall be your children as much as Man is, and the two shall live in harmony."

So it was, and though Light and Darkness were given charge of Man and Faunus, their discontent grew.

The Faunus were placed down on the Earth, asleep. Light was given the order to awaken Man, and on the first day of the new world, Man awoke.

Darkness was given the order to awaken the Faunus, and on the first night of the new world, Faunus awoke.

The day was the domain of Man, and the night the domain of Faunus.

And so did the Ten come among Man and Faunus. They taught them speech, letters, metal working, agriculture, wisdom, and magic. As with their creations via Adin, so did mortals used their minds to create. The Ten rejoiced as the mortals prospered, building mighty empires, great cities, and devising new and amazing creations. The way to Vyrai was open, and even mortals could travel to and fro from the realm of the Gods.

Yet as time passed, Light and Darkness' discontent grew. They met more frequently, saying to one another:

"Why should we only get some of the worship of the mortals? Why do they worship our siblings and Adin? We do all the work. We deserve more."

So did Light and Darkness begin to usurp their siblings. From Time and Space they learned magic, and began to gift their own followers in it. From Fire and Earth they learned science and agriculture, and gifted their followers in it. From Air and Water, flight and the secrets of travel by the sea, and gifted their followers in it. From Life and Death did they learn medicine and wisdom, and gifted their followers.

This still was not enough, and they used what they had learned to compel their followers to make war upon all others. The Eight confronted Light and Darkness, saying:

"Why are you warring upon our followers? Why are you destroying our creations?"

To which Light and Darkness spoke:

"Without us, you have nothing. Your power shall be ours, and after, even Adin's power will be ours!"

So began The First War. The Ten descended to Earth, and fought. Mighty armies wielded magic, unfathomable in its power. The Gods themselves warred, making minions to increase their numbers. Light used his radiance to turn the minds of Men and Faunus, and destroy those who would not be turned, while Darkness created monsters of night that consumed all.

Fire and Earth led the Eight against the Two. Grieved were they and their followers at the devastation wrought, and anger, hatred, despair, and sorrow were brought upon the Earth. These Darkness used to fuel her grim beasts and to empower her armies, as Light relied on his radiance to conquer.

Yet Light and Dark had underestimated their siblings, and the War on Earth was won, though at great cost. The lands were rent apart, the oceans swelled, the stars nearly fell from the sky.

In their rage and desperation did Light and Darkness ascend once more to Vyrai, to challenge Adin and usurp control of Creation. Only then did Adin intervene.

"No."

With a word, both Light and Darkness were cast down, their powers stripped. They crashed through the Sun and the Moon, both broken into pieces. The path to Vyrai was closed forever. They crashed down to Earth, and behold there was a great earthquake, and the land shook mightily before growing still.

The Eight were gathered in Vyrai before Adin.

"Light and Darkness's rebellion grieves me," Adin spoke, "For was not their power mightiest of all of you? Did they not awaken Man and Faunus? Did they not illuminate the world, and darken it in turn?"

So did Adin decree the Eight as Lords and Ladies of Creation. What was left of Light's full power was gathered back into the Sun, to illuminate the Earth at day. What was left of Darkness's power was gathered up into the Moon to illuminate the Earth at night. Yet not all the pieces could be fit together, and so it was left as a monument to The First War, when the gods fell, and the way to Vyrai was shut. The gods could no longer go out openly among Man and Faunus, for the damage was too great and the harm too much.

And the Earth was renamed Remnant, for it was all that was left of a much greater creation.

On Remnant did Light and Darkness rise. They blamed one another for their failure, for their disgrace.

"You have ever been a hindrance," Light said to Darkness.

"You have ever been the cause of our failures," Darkness replied.

So did the two go into hiding, now enemies, while the Eight descended and repaired what could be fixed on Remnant. Men and Faunus recovered, but magic was lost to most if not all. Cities had to be rebuilt. With the patient, hidden council of the Eight, civilization was born anew.

Yet Light and Darkness began their new war: Against each other. So did Darkness cause the creatures of Grimm to emerge to make war on the Earth for her revenge, and so did Light influence Man and Faunus to battle for his glory.

Diminished as they were, they were still mighty. Yet the Eight did not sleep, nor did Adin abandon Remnant. But worked in secret, so that one day Light and Darkness might be redeemed, and Remnant made whole once more...

- - -

The Ten (Deseti) then Eight (Osmee) Gods of Adin:

Belobog: God of Light. His domain was over all light and the Sun. He also possessed power over the mind, granting insight and wisdom, and could move faster than any other Deseti. He was the mightiest of the Ten alongside Chernobog. Tall was he, with a crown of great winged horns on his head. He worked with his companion Chernobog to create the stars and the Moon. They above all other Deseti were bound together. He rebelled and was cast down with his companion Chernobog, then began his war against her on Remnant.

Chernobog: Goddess of Darkness. Her domain was the night, the stars, and darkness itself. She also had power over the mind, in particular the darker parts of men and Faunus's minds and the deeper domains of thought. Tall was she, and beautiful, with a matching crown of horns on her head. She worked with Belobog to create the stars and the Moon. She too rebelled against Adin and was cast down, where she makes war upon her former companion out of revenge via the creatures of Grimm.

Ogan (Archaic Slavic for "Fire", the element): God of Fire, metalworking, war, courage, hope. He became King of the Osmee with the rebellion of Belobog and Chernobog. Companion to Mati, Goddess of Earth. He gave Men and Faunus passion, and is hotblooded but always focused on justice and good. A mighty warrior who nearly slew Belobog and Chernobog in the First War. He is revered in Mistral and Vale, particularly his warrior aspect. He is tall, wearing little but armor made of flames, and always has a smile and teeth that glint. His heir is red and his eyes are orange. His weapon is a great sword.

Mati (Archaic Slavic for "Mother"): Goddess of Earth, trees, agriculture, flowers, art, and the Faunus. Queen of the Osmee with the rebellion of Belobog and Chernobog. She loves all things that grow and leaves flowers in her footsteps, and can shapeshift. Her hair is long and pink, with flowers and creatures ever in it as it flows, with glowing yellow eyes. She fashioned the Faunus independently when Man was being created, but was allowed to keep them and Adin adopted them as His own. She is kind but strong, and helps to balance Ogan. He is her courage and champion, she is his wisdom and confidant. She is highly regarded by most Faunus, seen as their creator, though some interpretations make her the only god and a shapeshifter. She is well regarded in most of Remnant but her association with Faunus makes some regions downplay her. Her weapon is a spear.

Rusalka (Russian for "Female Water Spirits): Goddess of Water, sailors, sealife, ice and snow, rivers and springs, wine. She fashioned the waters of Remnant and crafted the first boat, Mara, which she sails upon the sea leaving sea foam or ice in her wake. She is companion to Piorun, God of Air and Wind, and works with him to create storms and rain. She is very cool and composed, almost frosty, but deeply caring behind her icy exterior. She has appeared in the guise of white haired women with glowing blue eyes to guide travelers through blizzards. She has a great following in Atlas and anywhere near the sea or major rivers. Her weapon is an ice axe.

Piorun (Old Slavic sky deity): God of the Air, Wind, birds, messengers, thunder and lightning, spies, pilots, archers, rainbows. Quick and cunning, he is energetic and cheerful, with a rainbow for hair, pink eyes, and a swift, tall form. He is messenger of the gods, their eyes and ears, and is the only one who can make Rusalka laugh with his jokes and good nature. Vacuo honors him greatly given the desert, but he has a great deal of followers in Mistral and Atlas given his association with Rusalka. His weapon is a bow and arrow.

Vrem (Modified term for "Time" in Russian): Goddess of Time, laughter, memory, chaos, earthquakes, change, song. Cheerful and energetic, Vrem is the Lady of Time. Always energetic, often chaotic, she serves as a reminder to mortals to enjoy life and treasure the moments it brings. She can see the future and the past, often simultaneously, and brings a sort of sorrowful joy wherever she goes. Her hair is a vibrant pink and her eyes vibrant blue. She is a protector of children and joy. Companion to Kosmo, God of Space. Well regarded in Atlas, Vale, Vacuo, and Mistral. Her weapons are gauntlets.

Kosmo (Modified from "Kosmos", Russian for "space): God of Space, builders, mathematics, philosophy, order, mountains and valleys. Black hair and black beard, with black eyes. Stoic and calm, rarely emotes, he can see all. He helped form the mountains and the shapes of things, and is associated with the deeper meanings behind things. He appears to those who seek to go beyond their limits. Vrem is his companion and together they shaped the universe. Well regarded in Atlas, Vale, Vacuo, and Mistral. His weapon is a hammer.

Zorya (From the Ancient Slavonic goddess of the dawn): Goddess of Life, childbirth, mothers, home and hearth, fertility, love, diplomacy. Tall and dark skinned, her hair is an aurora of color and her eyes the purest green. Quiet yet always authoritative, she is gentle and nurturing, yet strong as steel. Also a protector of children, she is seen as a goddess of romance (and sometimes lust). Underneath her calm exterior can be a passionate woman, but she keeps it in check (save for when she needs to). She animated all the life on Remnant, but her arts were stolen by Chernobog and Belobog for their rebellion. She is often seen as the mediator of the Osmee, the kind motherly hand to keep everyone focused. Often appears as an old woman with sage advice. Very well regarded throughout all of Remnant. Her weapon is a staff.

Wargan (From the Old Prussian for "Wolf"): God of Death, wisdom, mystery, fathers, sacrifice, kings, honor. Tall and pale, with a white beard and hair, with red eyes, he is often stoic but has a dark sense of humor. Despite his domain of Death, he is seen as a champion of life and protector of Remnant and the Osmee, for his strategems allowed the Osmee to triumph over Belobog and Chernobog. He greets the dying and appears in a form that is appropriate for what they need in order to face death: A gentle person from their life for good people, a demonic figure for evil people, and a terrifying form for those Death wishes to push to fight for their lives. He is the eldest of the Osmee with Alatyra save for Belobog and Chernobog, and their marriage is the strongest. His following is mixed all over Remnant, but every city has some honor given to him. His weapon is twin sickles.

In addition, the Deseti created many Lesser Deities (Called Legionu, or literally, "100,000" in Old Slavonic) to act in their stead and watch over Remnant and various aspects thereof. Belobog and Chernobog dragged their followers down to Remnant with them, and are seen as demons. These include Legionu of the other Ten Gods.

Come up with some if you'd like!

(Yes I know there's a lot of changes that have to be made but I am inventing a mythology out of wholecloth so point out and forgive me my errors.)

(And yes, Wargan is meant to evoke Death/Lobo from "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." Draw your own conclusions.)

(Yes I'm borrowing a lot from Tolkien. But RWBY needs every bit of help it can get!)

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Breakfast had been more than a little awkward, and Yang was glad to be done with it. She'd sat far away from Jaune, sticking close to Sun, Blake and Ruby. Blake had looked almost as awkward, but Sun had done his best to lighten everything up. Ruby looked concerned and tried to probe her in her not-so-subtle way. When that failed, she headed off to the other table to talk with Jaune.

Not that that was easy, given how his team clustered around him. Especially Pyrrha.

The whole time she had to watch Pyrrha hanging all over Jaune, who shot her concerned and confused glances and tolerated the champion's attentions.

Not that Yang cared. Nosiree bob, not her. She wasn't concerned, not at all. That fork was bent for other reasons.

When they were done, she got up and intended to go and sleep forever... But Goodwitch was standing in the way.

"Time for the Team Leaders to do their paperwork," she stated. "Teams included."

"Huh?" Yang asked, "But the Team Leaders-"

"The Team Leaders will need all the help they can get," Glynda stated, her tone promising pain. Much groaning ensued. Yang saw Jaune trying to catch her eye, his face so concerned... Shit...

She managed to keep Team SSSN between herself and JNPR as they headed out first. Jaune was getting the evil eye something fierce from Goodwitch. That was categorically unfair, Yang thought: It was hardly his fault Blake roped him into thwarting international terrorists. Mostly.

Team RWBY followed the others. Goodwitch went on ahead, her glare promising pain for any who tried to escape. They made their way through Beacon, to the meeting rooms. Goodwitch then turned the final corner to where they would be imprisoned... And Ruby grabbed Yang's shoulder.

"We'll catch up, stall," Ruby said.

"Of course!" Weiss giggled, still enraptured with Neptune.

Blake nodded silently. They both vanished around the corner, and Ruby looked up into her big sister's eyes.

"Yang... What happened?" Ruby asked. "I mean, you and Jaune... I asked him and he said that you just wanted to be-To be friends!"

Yang coughed, and looked aside.

"I-I mean... Wouldn't that be better? For you?" Yang asked, laughing nervously, "I-I'm not gonna leave you Yanging, Ruby! You should-You should take your shot! You-"

"Yang!" Ruby scowled, "Why are you lying to me?"

Yang stared Ruby down.

"I'm not lying-"

"You totally are!" Ruby insisted. "I always know when you're lying! I-I mean, about important stuff! Not like who ate all the cookie dough!"

Yang smiled thinly.

"I guess I'm a roller pinhead about that, huh? Heheh..."

Ruby stared intensely, gripping Yang's elbows.

"Yang! We had a plan!" She whined. "I know I can't catch Jaune's eye! But you can! So why aren't you?"

"W-Well... Uh..."

"You're super experienced with guys!" Ruby insisted, nodding her head up and down like an excited bird, "You were always the most popular girl in school! You were always the one everyone liked-!"

"I... May have exaggerated things a bit," Yang coughed, looking to the sides for any means of escape. Goodwitch showing up would actually be nice right now.

Ruby kept moving with her gaze, staying in the line of sight. She couldn't escape her.

"How much? I-I mean, you've... Gone all the way, right? Carbo in Signal used to brag you did that!"

Yang's eyes flashed red.

"I'm paying Carbo a beating when I see him next," Yang growled. She noticed Ruby's concerned look, and shook her head.

"No Ruby, I haven't. I've never gone all the way with anyone."

"Oh..." Ruby's eyes widened. "Ohhh..." Her pupils shrank.

"Ohhhh... B-But... Uh... I mean... You've kissed, right?"

"Yes," Yang said with a nod.

"A lot?"

Yang sucked in a heavy breath.

"... Three times," she admitted. "And the third was today. With Jaune... Sort of."

"What do you mean, 'sort of'?" Ruby asked in disbelief.

"I... Didn't get his lips-"

"Why?!" Ruby demanded. "I-I mean... I know it's a lot to ask since you don't like him like that, I know I'm asking a lot-"

Yang turned to her little sister, and hugged her. She felt her breath come less steadily, but still she filled her lungs and looked Ruby right in her silver eyes.

"You're not asking a lot, Ruby," Yang whispered, "That's the problem. If I... If I get close with Jaune? ... I don't think I can let him go."

Ruby stared up at Yang. A lot of emotions passed over her face-Confusion, then shock, some anger, then sorrowful disbelief. Yang's heart hurt at every one.

"You-You mean... You really like him?" Ruby whispered back. Yang managed a slow nod.

"Y-Yeah..."

"Like... How much?" Ruby asked.

Yang closed her eyes and let out her breath as a hiss before she answered.

"Like... I'm thinking of baby names like him," Yang admitted. Ruby stared. She bit her lower lip.

"I-I know... I know, I'm sorry," she murmured, head bowing in her shame. "I just... I didn't think he could do it for me but he does. All right? I don't know how to do this, it's all mostly... Mostly bluff..."

She shook her head.

"I won't stand in your way, Ruby. I'll help you get him-"

Ruby shook her head. A determined look emerged in her silver eyes as she looked right into Yang's.

"No... No Yang," she said firmly, "No. We're not doing that."

Yang blinked.

"I... We're not-?"

"As team leader," Ruby said, pulling away slightly, "I have to look out for my team, right?"

Yang nodded slowly.

"Yes? I mean, I guess?"

"And," Ruby continued, "I managed to get Weiss to agree to talk to Blake. And we're a team again."

Yang blinked again, raising an eyebrow at her little sister.

"Uh... Yes?"

"That was a 'command decision'," Ruby said, and Yang could picture the quotation marks she put around those words, "Those are tough. So... I'm making another one."

Yang slowly nodded, now getting a little irritated.

"Okay, and that is...?"

Ruby smiled.

"A strategic one," she said, "We'll both go after Jaune!"

Yang's jaw dropped, and she tilted her head. She kept staring at her softly smiling sister, waiting for a punchline. Praying for a punchline.

"What?!"

Ruby nodded.

"If neither of us try... We lose Jaune to Pyrrha," she stated, "Or some other girl! If we both work to do it, one of us has to get him! And... And I mean, it would suck if you got him but..."

Ruby's eyes shone.

"We'd be a family. A proper family! Isn't... Isn't that what we both want, Yang?"

Yang stared in amazement at her little sister. She was deeply touched.

"I..." She nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, it is."

Ruby beamed.

"So... We fight fair, and we get him. One of us does? We... We don't hate the other. Ever."

"Never," Yang said with a beam. It was... Strange, but she could see Ruby's reasoning. Still, it was amazing how far she'd come since coming to Beacon.

"You're really growing up," Yang said, a proud smile on her face. Ruby giggled.

"Not too fast though!" She beamed.

They shared a comfortable silence and hug.

"And uh..." Ruby blushed, looking aside, "If we... Have to... Two girls can't be beat, right?"

"... In what sense?"

Ruby blushed heavily.

"W-Well... If it came down to it... We could... Both be his girlfriends?"

Yang's eyes went wide.

"What?!"

"Well that's what Blake's books say!" Ruby insisted.

"BLAKE SHOWED YOU WHAT?!"

Yang's Scroll buzzed. She pulled it out and gaped at a message from Blake:

They're not even the hardcore stuff. And hurry up. Goodwitch is getting impatient.

"How-?!"

I have very good hearing and you're loud.

Yang grit her teeth as her eyes flashed red.

"I've been too lenient on her," Yang growled.

"Forget it!" Ruby insisted, grabbing Yang's hands, "Come on Yang!"

"But-But-!"

"Later!"

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

They were gathered in a meeting room, around one long desk. It was the same room that Jaune and Ruby had come to after they were first selected as team leaders, decorated in the same white walls and wood trim and paneling as pretty much everywhere else. Right now though, it felt like a prison to Jaune. One meant to crush and break their very spirits.

The piles of paperwork now littering the tables before them were the means for their destruction.

He held up one of the forms in utter exasperation, staring at Goodwitch in complete disbelief.

"I'm sorry... How am I supposed to fill this one out, Professor?"

"It's very simple," Goodwitch stated, with infinite patience, "That is a Form 177TT: When a Huntsman-In-Training strikes something or someone with a bladed weapon."

"But it...!" Jaune waved the form. "It's asking me if I A: Cleaved the Target, B: Hewed the target, or C: Hacked the target!"

"Yes... And your question is?" Goodwitch asked.

"What the hell is the difference between those three?!" Jaune demanded.

"It's very simple, Mister Arc," Goodwitch said, her eyes shining even as the rest of her face remained professional and stoic, "To cleave a target is to cut them along the grain, a natural line of cutting. To hew a target is to cut them into a new shape deliberately. To hack them is to strike rapidly and irregularly, without forethought."

Jaune stared at her in a moment of silence.

"That's bullshit."

"I assure you, it is not," Goodwitch said, her lips twitching suspiciously.

Jaune groaned and slammed his face into the pile of paperwork before him. Pyrrha patted him on the shoulder.

"I can't even figure out what the hell this form is supposed to mean!" Sun groaned, holding one form up to the light. "These aren't words!"

Silently, Sage reached up, took the form, and turned it right-side up. Sun coughed.

"I uh... I knew that," he muttered.

"Of course," Sage nodded.

Scarlet and Neptune began coughing into their fists suspiciously. Nora nodded.

"I have trouble reading things upside-down too," Nora said. She held up a sheet of paper folded via origami into some kind of shape. "Look! I made a squirrel!"

"A crane, Nora," Ren said gently, filling out another form with his beautiful handwriting. Jaune found it in himself not to hate Ren for that.

"It looks like a squirrel to me," Nora pouted.

Weiss was sitting next to Neptune and dreamily filling out her paperwork. Blake was on the other side of the table across from Sun, and smiled softly in sympathy.

Ruby and Yang ran into the room, Ruby leading with a bright, nervous smile.

"S-Sorry for being late, Professor!" Ruby said cheerfully. Goodwitch glared.

"I trust whatever you needed to resolve is resolved?"

"Yes ma'am!" Ruby said. Yang nodded, grinning a bit nervously.

"Yep. Just some family matters."

"Good," Goodwitch said with a nod, "I have other things to do, but will be checking in on you periodically. In addition, my assistant will be by to help as well. Do not leave until you have finished all the paperwork."

She strode out of the room, Neptune watching her go.

"She can be a bit unfair, but she's an amazing teacher," Weiss gushed, "Don't you think Neptune?"

"Oh yeah, absolutely," Neptune nodded, his eyes below Goodwitch's waistline.

Ruby pulled up a chair next to Jaune... Then pushed Yang to sit in it. She then took the chair next to Yang, and pulled up her paperwork. She sighed as she looked it over, but brightened when she looked over at Jaune.

"So, how's it going?"

"I think I need a law or English degree to figure some of this shit out," Jaune opined. "At least hospital paperwork wasn't designed by a sadist."

Ruby nodded. She elbowed Yang. The two sisters seemed to communicate silently for a bit, before Yang sighed and nodded. She turned back to Jaune, smiling without nearly as much enthusiasm or cockiness. It was reserved... Almost cute.

No, no, don't go there, Jaune thought, She wants to be friends... I think...?

"Jaune," Yang said quietly, "I'm... I talked with Ruby. And... And I want to go on a date with you."

The room went quiet. Jaune looked at her. Yang flushed.

"I'm sorry. I was scared before, I... I mean an actual date. With romance."

"And the possibility of kissing!" Ruby added with a smile. Yang elbowed Ruby. She looked into his eyes.

"Is... Is that okay?" She asked quietly.

Okay... So... She unfriendzoned me... She was scared for Ruby... They talked... Well, I mean, this isn't a problem but-

Pyrrha leaned forward and shot the most terrifying smile at Yang Jaune had ever seen her make.

"Sorry, he's taking ME out on a date," Pyrrha stated. Yang's eyes flashed red.

"You didn't ask him!"

"He'll say yes!" Pyrrha growled, grabbing his arm and yanking him closer to her.

"ACK!"

Yang grabbed Jaune's free arm and yanked him back towards her, his chair's squeaky wheels screeching.

"Let him answer first, P-Money!"

Pyrrha was shaken and blushed. In a far more normal tone, she asked:

"Jaune? I'm sorry for my overreaction, wouldn't you like to go on a date with me? Instead? Please?"

That would have been sweet and all... If she wasn't still using him for a tug-of-war.

"HEY!" Ruby cried, joining her sister and tugging him back, "He can go on a date with both of us! Two dates! Beat that!"

WHAT?! Jaune thought in shock.

"What?! You too?!" Pyrrha gasped. Ruby smirked.

"Yeah! You can't beat us both!"

"Watch me," Pyrrha growled, her slasher smile wide.

Weiss, gaping at this entire exchange, finally spoke.

"ARC! You did it! You finally did it!" She cried angrily, "You-You scoundrel! You barbarian! You drove half my teammates crazy!"

"I didn't-HOLD IT!" Jaune shouted, standing up and extricating himself from the three girls, "Hold it! All right? Just...!"

"S-Sorry Jaune!" Pyrrha cried, blushing, "I-I just had a moment-I lost control..."

"I uh, I might have gone a little overboard too," Yang said, waving her hands.

"We don't want you to think we're crazy!" Ruby said cheerfully.

"Yes, I'm certainly not planning on beating you all to death with your own weapons!" Pyrrha said, still polite and kind as ever.

"And we're back to violence being on the table," Yang said, her eyes glowing red.

"Was it ever off?" Ruby asked.

Jaune found himself praying to the Gods for some kind of salvation.

"Mister Arc! Miss Nikos! Miss Rose! Miss Xiao-Long!"

Everyone jumped when Glynda Goodwitch leaned into the room, glaring.

Oh shit, they were listening?! Jaune thought.

"Yes ma'am?" Jaune managed.

"I expect you to resolve your romantic issues like adults," she stated firmly, "You're Hunters, not children. Act like it!"

Jaune looked at the blushing girls around him... And sucked in a deep breath.

Okay... Well... Now what, Team Leader?

You have three lovely ladies who want you to take them on dates? Oh no. What a tragic life you lead. Take them you fool! His Inner Gato voice shouted.

I can't date three women at once! Jaune protested.

They already know, boy! If any of them have a problem with it, then cross that bridge when it happens, his Inner Gato said.

But won't it cause problems?!

His inner Gato sounded even more sarcastic, just like he always had when Jaune was being stupid.

What, like being pulled apart like a wishbone? You already have problems! Move forward! Face different problems! Perhaps in doing so it will solve a few!

Jaune took a deep breath. He pointed to Yang.

"Yang... You asked first, so yeah. Let's go on a date." he said. He had to admit, seeing her light up in joy and triumph did some amazing things to his heart. He then turned to Pyrrha, just as her face fell (and boy didn't that do other things to his heart? Horrible, painful things).

"After that? Pyrrha? You're next. Just… Let's take it easy, and see what happens, okay?"

Pyrrha's face flitted through several emotions before settling on a determined excitement that worried Jaune slightly. Her blushing grin didn't help in that regard.

"N-No... You're right, that's perfectly fine," Pyrrha said with a beam.

Jaune turned to Ruby.

"And... After that? You and I can have a date," he said, "All right, Ruby?"

Ruby nodded with a bright smile and a wink.

"Yay! A big romantic date, with kissing and dinner and-"

"Let's start with dinner and see where things take us?" Jaune said quickly.

Ruby paused, then shrugged. "I hope it takes us to kissing."

Jaune sighed. "Perhaps. Is that okay? Everyone good now?"

The girls eyed each other, mostly the sisters eyeing Pyrrha and vice versa, Jaune noticed, but they all nodded.

He turned to Glynda.

"I think things are resolved, Miss Goodwitch."

"Hmm. I agree," Goodwitch said, her lips twitching again. "Ah! Simin!"

The tall, redheaded leader of Team SLVR appeared, wearing his reading glasses. He smiled cordially at the first years.

"I'll be helping you all take care of your paperwork," he said, "Shall we begin?"

The upperclassman walked in and took charge. The paperwork went a lot more smoothly after that, as Simin was very patient and understanding. Jaune focused on his work, though it was hard not to feel everyone's eyes on him.

Nora grinned and gave a big thumbs up. Ren looked faintly amused. Sun was giving him a thumbs up when he thought Blake wasn't looking. Sage was stoic. Scarlet couldn't stop laughing into his fist every time he looked up at him. Blake stared intensely at him, blushing every so often. Weiss glared in contempt, while Neptune glared in envy. Weiss glanced at her new boyfriend and patted him on the hand.

"Oh, don't you mind him, Neptune. You're nothing like that scoundrel!"

"No, no I'm not," Neptune grumbled.

Oh sure buddy, envy me, Jaune thought, See how well that works out for you!

Still... The smiles on the faces of the three women (who he wasn't related to) he cared about most in the world did make him feel a bit happier. Though his low self esteem and his trauma kept fighting him, he was able to maintain a bit of peaceful clarity.

Sort of.

Holy shit I'm really doing this, Jaune thought to himself. Three actual dates.

He saw their smiling faces... And the dark looks they bore for one another. Though not so dark between Yang and Ruby. Jaune mentally sighed.

Fuck... Yeah, I am doing this... I'm not worthy. Don't know why they're trying, but... Fuck it. I'll take this on... And keep them happy.

Somehow…

Wait. Do I have to plan three dates?

Shit!

Somewhere, hopefully in Heaven, Jaune bet that Gato was laughing his ass off.
- - -

The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent just doing paperwork. They were allowed bathroom breaks and even lunch and dinner, but it was still a grueling, arduous process. Jaune was half-convinced Goodwitch threw in some of her own paperwork for them to do as additional punishment.

What, like she had never blown up a dockyard when she was young?

Simin Megister was a big help, but Weiss kept monopolizing him with eager questions about Dust research. Seems that despite Neptune's request, she still had plans for the teaching assistant.

Well, that was all on her. Not Jaune's problem.

Though he did enjoy Neptune's scowls at the handsome young professor. The guy just kind of seemed to ask for it, in Jaune's humble opinion.

After all, if Weiss was one of Jaune's sisters, he would have given Neptune the shovel and shotgun talk by now.

Given how he kept eyeing him in envy, he might still do it.

Still, by nightfall, they were done. Jaune finished the last sheet of paperwork with a soft sigh, and set it into the right file amidst dozens of files stacked neatly upon the table. He rubbed his wrist, and hit some pressure points to relieve the soreness.

"Oooh," Ruby groaned, "I think my hand is gonna fall off... Jaune?"

She held out her hand to him. Out of instinct, Jaune took her smaller hand in his and pushed on some pressure points, warming his fingers with a flash of Aura. Ruby sighed happily.

"Thanks Jaune!" She said cheerfully, leaping up to hug and kiss him on the cheek. Yang and Pyrrha's eyes could have bored holes in the little reaper, but she smirked at them without any care. Jaune sighed, and lightly bonked her.

"Ow! Jauuuune," Ruby whined.

"Don't be smug," Jaune scolded her, "You're a team leader, remember?"

Ruby smiled gently.

"I am," she said, with a strange look in her eyes. "Come on! Let's go!" She locked onto Weiss. "Weissy!"

"In a moment," Weiss insisted, her Scroll out with Neptune, "There, that's my number, add it in!"

"Of course, Snow Angel," Neptune said with a grin and a wink, "Can't wait to while away the hours to your voice."

"Oh! Oh, uh, I-I have performed several concerts!" Weiss said, bright red, as she fumbled with her Scroll, "I-I would love to share them with you-!"

Goodwitch cleared her throat.

"You can all handle that later, I believe," she said, "Mister Wukong? Kindly take your team back to your hotel, you're not allowed on campus yet."

"Yes ma'am," Sun said. He grinned and waved at Blake. "Later Princess!"

"Sun," Blake said with a nod and a soft look.

Sun saluted, and pulled Neptune away. Scarlet and Sage followed as Neptune waved at Weiss.

"Can't wait to see you again, Snow Angel!" He cried with a grin.

"I-I look forward to our date, Neptune!" Weiss cried back with a sappy smile. Ruby made a face, as did Yang. Blake grimaced.

"If you're all quite finished," Goodwitch said, "All of you out... Except for Mister Arc and Miss Belladonna."

Pyrrha and Yang looked concerned, as did Ruby. Ren stared at Jaune, and gestured outside. Jaune smiled and shook his head.

"I'm good. Go rest guys. You've earned it."

Ruby looked to Blake.

Blake shook her head.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said softly. Ruby grinned, and gave Blake a quick hug. Something the catgirl tolerated, for once. Then Ruby was dragging the lovesick Weiss and concerned Yang off. Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora headed out as well, Nora smiling a bit nervously at Jaune while Pyrrha gave him a gentle look.

"Miss Goodwitch," Simin said quietly, "The meeting is soon. Do you want me to wait for you?"

"No," Goodwitch said, "Go on ahead. I'll join you shortly."

Simin nodded, smiled at the students encouragingly, and headed out. He shut the doors behind him. Goodwitch shook her head slowly.

"Miss Belladonna," she said quietly, "Your entry into Beacon was... Shall we say... Unconventional. But the headmaster has assured me you have changed your ways. I expect you to live up to the trust he has shown you."

Blake nodded.

"I will. I-I promise," she said quietly.

Goodwitch then summoned a Scroll from seemingly nowhere, and handed it to Blake.

"A direct link to Kuo Kuana's chieftain's residence," she said quietly.

Blake slowly nodded, holding the Scroll as though unsure of what to do with it.

Goodwitch turned her formidable stare onto Jaune, who did his best to look her in the eyes.

"Mister Arc," she said, "You too have an... Unusual background. For instance... That Aura blade technique. Why have you never demonstrated it in class?"

Jaune held back a laugh.

"Because I can't really control it," he said with a shrug, "I mean, I'm not busting out a lethal technique for combat class."

Goodwitch nodded slowly.

"A wise decision," she said, "However, you should have shown what you could do sooner. That you can do it at all indicates you have great potential, but it must be trained to be useful for anything other than a last resort. We will work on it with you. I expect you to put in your all, understood?"

Jaune nodded.

"Yes ma'am," he said.

Goodwitch waved her riding crop, and the doors opened up behind them.

"Get some rest," she said quietly, "Finals are coming up, after all."

Blake and Jaune thanked her, and headed out quietly. They walked together in silence for a time, the nighttime sounds of the Academy soft and quiet. At length, they approached their dorms. Blake stopped, and so did Jaune. He looked over at her in concern. She sucked in a deep breath.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, "If it wasn't for you... Sun and his team might be dead, and I might be..." She slowly shook her head. "I... You didn't have to go with us-"

"I did," Jaune said, just as quietly, "I wasn't going to let people get hurt or worse if I could go with them."

"Even... Even after everything I've done?" Blake asked.

Jaune nodded.

"Yeah," he said, "Because well... It's what my parents would have done. It's what Gato would have done."

Blake closed her eyes. She was fighting a lot of emotions. She sucked in a breath, and stepped up close to him. He instinctively backed up, confused and a little anxious.

"Uh, Blake?"

"Jaune, I..." She stared into his eyes intently. She even smiled. It was a pretty smile indeed.

"Uh... H-Hey," Jaune managed, nervously laughing, "You're uh... Not going to ask me out on a date too, right?"

Blake was silent.

"What if I was?"

Jaune's jaw dropped as Blake set a hand on his chest.

What the fuck?! HER TOO?! OH GODS I AM AN OBLIVIOUS HAREM LEAD-!

Blake's smile became coy. She pulled back, just a little.

"I don't think I'm up for romance right now," she said, "My last one was..."

She shook her head as she trailed off. He saw a lot of hurt in those eyes. He nodded slowly.

"Yeah... I get it," he murmured softly.

Blake smiled again.

"But with friends like you? Maybe... One day... I'll be able to again."

She winked.

"Maybe even with you. I have read a great deal about harems. It might be fun."

Jaune scowled at her, crossing his arms over his armored chest.

"Not funny."

Blake again smiled mysteriously. She stood up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Maybe it wasn't a joke," she whispered in his ear. Jaune gaped at her as she continued her smile. She turned away and headed for the door to RWBY's dorm.

"Goodnight, Jaune," she said, "And thank you again."

"Just... Thank me by calling your parents already," Jaune sighed, shaking his head, "You crazy catgirl."

Blake's smile became sad, but she nodded.

"I will."

She opened the door, slipped in like a shadow, then shut the door behind her. Jaune stared at the wood paneling for a while, and then rubbed his face with a soft groan.

"I swear, it's a conspiracy. They're all trying to drive. Me. Crazy," he muttered.

He was just about to go into his own dormroom, when his Scroll rang. He looked at the number but didn't recognize it. He shrugged and answered.

"Arc speaking."

"Mister Arc," an unfortunately familiar voice filled his ear. Jaune grit his teeth, but forced his voice to stay calm.

"Mrs. Nikos."

"I'll get straight to the point: How much do you want?"

Jaune blinked. He opened his mouth.

"Huh?!"

"How much do you want to stay away from my daughter?" Athena Nikos asked, "What will it take you to leave her alone? To convince her to come back to me?"

"I didn't convince her of anything the first time," Jaune said harshly. Athena snorted.

"You're telling me my loyal, obedient, good daughter just decided to embarrass us both in public? To break with me? To threaten legal action if I didn't back off? You had nothing to do with that?"

"Well, I mean, sort of, but I didn't tell her to do any of that," Jaune insisted.

"You're lying," Athena sneered, "You're a skilled manipulator, I'll give you that! But I know you're lying! How much will it take for you to leave her alone? To stop playing this game?"

Jaune's patience at long last ran out.

"Look lady, I don't know what the hell you think is going on, but Pyrrha is my friend and I care about her," he growled, "And the hour you spent grilling me and my friends showed me just WHY she's so socially awkward! She was absolutely terrified of you! I don't know what kind of hell you put her through, but I'm glad she finally realized she'd had enough! If my friends and I helped her do that, then good!"

"You don't get to talk to me like that-!"

"Well maybe someone should have!" Jaune shot back. "Despite how weird she can be, she grew up into a good, heroic, kindhearted person! One I'm proud to fight alongside! And I'm not going to forsake her! I'd die before I would ever let her come to any harm! And that includes being with you!"

Dead silence. Then...

"I'm going to make you regret this, Arc," Athena seethed, "You're going to give my daughter back!"

"And if you were an actual mother, you wouldn't have to make threats to get her back!" Jaune shot back. He ended the call, and blocked the number. He took deep breaths to calm himself down.

Geez... No matter how things with Pyrrha turned out, he was never letting her mother get her claws back into her. No one deserved that!

He sighed. He then turned to look out at the stars, and thought for a while, continuing to calm himself.

He then pulled out his Scroll, and tapped out a message.

Dear Mom,

I'm doing well. I'm sorry for running out on you. I'm sorry for the argument. No matter what our differences may be, no matter what horrible things I said to you that night, I love you. I always will. And I hope that the next time we meet? You can be proud of me.

Love, Jaune.

He sent the email. He sighed.

Jaune turned to finally head into his dorm... When his Scroll buzzed. He opened it back up in alarm.

Had she already replied?!

But no. It was a different email address. An unfortunately familiar one. Jaune read it through.

Hey Kid, your Uncle Alex here. Sorry about everything. I was confident you'd pull through though. I'll make it up to you, promise.

"Yeah, I'll bet," Jaune muttered under his breath.

The mutual friend of ours will be joining you after break. She'll be hard to miss. Mint's gonna be there too, so you'll have more backup. Just try not to make me a grandpa before I turn forty, all right?

Jaune snorted in disbelief.

One last thing: Don't worry about ol' lizard lips. We'll take care of him.

Jaune very slowly nodded. He sighed, and entered his dorm. Nora and Ren were cuddled up together, as usual. Pyrrha had moved her bed closer to his, and was sound asleep with a smile on her face.

Things were going to get a lot more complicated, and potentially a lot more dangerous soon, but he still felt a warm smile come over his face as he looked over his team and thought about the future.

He pulled off his armor, slipped into his PJs, and fell into the bunk next to hers in exhaustion.

For now? He'd done more than enough...

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

In case you're wondering how hot Isabel Arc can be?

Yeah. She's THAT hot.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

And here is Nick Arc:

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune: "Wait wait wait... Blake?! We met-That was you?!"

Blake: "Yes! As I recall, our parents had a lot of contact!"

Jaune: "Woah... That's kind of cool... Wonder why they stopped talking to each other?"

Flashback to outside the Belladonna's home in Menagerie. Nick and Isabel are frantically searching through a bowl of keys as they try to get to their Bullhead.

Nick: "Come on, come on, which one was it...?!"

Isabel: "I can't believe that a key party was... That!"

Ghira emerges with Kali and Willow Schnee clinging to his sides.

Ghira: "Hey! Don't go! You're gonna miss all the sex!"

Kali and Willow giggle.

Jacques emerges holding up a key as he glares.

Jacques: "Why does my key open a janitor's closet?"

Willow: "You take the key you get, dear~!"

Isabel: "HURRY NICK!"

Nick: "TO HELL WITH IT!" Smashes the window of their Bullhead, throws his wife inside "GO BABY GO!"

Isabel hotwires the Bullhead and they fly off as Nick clings to the outside

In the present...

Blake: shrugs "I don't know. The political situation, perhaps?"

Jaune: "Yeah, that makes sense..."

- - -

Shamelessly stolen from a Simpsons episode. That's why it's non-canon.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The broken moon shone brightly upon the cliff, casting shadows from the trees and boulders that surrounded the precipice, forming a natural fighting ring. The roar of the river below the cliffs became a dull white noise-Something that might have been comforting, if not for the sounds of Grimm bellowing and steel clashing.

Jaune was standing at the edge of the clearing. Grimm covered the area like locusts, but he could still see so clearly.

There he was, dashing and striking through the Grimm like a ghost. His cape swirled and waved like a battle flag, his grin savage as he darted and dashed through the monsters like they were standing still. His rapier glowed with the power of his bright orange Aura, cutting down the Grimm like they were nothing...

"Gato!" Jaune shouted, drawing his blade and swinging it through the nearest Beowulf. More Grimm appeared, multiplying in front of him as he slashed and bashed his way through the horde. "Hold on!"

"Haa! Face me, if you dare!" Gato challenged the monsters, who roared and charged. He clashed with them, a bright point of orange light in a sea of darkness, his blade lashing out in precise, perfect strikes as he danced through the dangers thirsting for his blood.

Yet at some point, the old master swordsfaunus began to slow. Began to feel his age. A bite got through his expert defenses. A claw slashed at his side as he turned too late. His Aura faltered.

Jaune kept fighting, but his movements were slowed. The Grimm pushed back, becoming more like an avalanche of darkness than individual monsters.

"GATO! HOLD ON! I'M COMING!" Jaune shouted. "GATO!"

He was driven back, slowly but inexorably, back towards the edge of the cliff. He glanced down at the falls below for only a moment, before turning back to the glowing red eyes of his foes. He smiled as a small chuckle left his mouth, along with a trail of blood. Despite his weakened, shaking hands, he held up his sword proudly.

"Well... I knew we would meet again one day," he said quietly, "My old friend."

Jaune surged his Aura, tried to unleash Golden Lion's Roar, anything-But he could not get past. He couldn't MOVE!

"GATO! GATO!"

A monstrous Alpha Beowulf lunged for him. Gato was too slow to dodge and had no room to maneuver. He roared in defiance and thrust his blade through the Grimm's chest, even as the monster's sheer bulk sent them over the cliff. They tumbled, the silent stars and moon witness to their struggle. From a distance, it looked like a burning orange star was falling from the heavens.

"GATO!" Jaune screamed, reaching out desperately as the darkness threatened to drown him. He screamed, he flailed, and yet he couldn't get any closer, he couldn't do anything...!

Even in midair, bloodied, on his last legs, Gato grappled with his gigantic foe. He pulled a knife and plunged it into the Grimm's face with a defiant grin, just as they hit the water-!

Jaune's eyes opened, his heart pounding in his ears. He was bathed in cold sweat. He sat up, holding a hand over his chest.

"Haa... Haa... Haa..."

He shut his eyes. He could still picture it perfectly. As if he hadn't been drifting away on a log on the river, staring helplessly as his mentor and friend fought his last battle. A battle he had never seen, and yet that kind of final battle... He couldn't imagine Gato going out any other way.

Godsdamnit...

His fists clutched at his bedsheets.

Godsdamnit...!

"Live your life, Juan. Live it well..."

Was he doing that? Was he really? He'd won some battles, he'd protected people he cared about. He'd met kind people who cared about him, but... If all he could see when he slept was his failure...?

Jaune's heart slowed. It no longer pounded in his ears.

He could hear... Sobbing?

He sat up. He saw Ren and Nora-They were also awake, still cuddled together on their pushed-together beds. Nora gave him a frown, while Ren remained stoic yet concerned.

Jaune checked Pyrrha's bed. The redhead was nowhere to be seen.

Jaune tossed his blankets aside and stood up. He walked into the bathroom, following the source of the noise. He sucked in a small breath.

Pyrrha was sitting in the bathtub, curled up with her arms around her knees, trying to muffle her weeping. In this state, she looked so much younger and smaller.

"Pyrrha?" Jaune murmured. She shakily almost looked up at him, before she buried her face in her knees.

It was a scene he was familiar with. He knew the play. He had seven sisters, after all.

He sat down in the tub with her and wrapped his arms tightly around her. Pyrrha let out another shuddering sob and buried her face in his chest. She gripped onto him tightly, fingers bunching up his Beacon Athletics T-shirt.

He stroked her back gently, making soothing noises with his mouth as she cried.

"I... Jaune..." She sniffled as she looked aside, cheek pressed against his chest, "J-Jaune... I'm the worst...!"

"No you're not," Jaune said softly. His hand found her hair and he stroked his fingers through it comfortingly.

"I'm the worst... The worst daughter ever...!" She continued to sob. "I hate her so much but I love her and-and I just... I cut off from her... Everything she's done...!"

Jaune heaved a small sigh. He kept patiently stroking her hair, and rested his chin on the top of her head.

"No. No you're not," he said softly.

"I-I am... I am...!" Pyrrha hiccupped. The lights went on. Jaune looked up as Ren stood in the doorway, Nora clinging to his back like a concerned sloth. Jaune shook his head, and their teammates backed off a bit-Though they stood ready to help, just in case. Even Nora was silent, tears in her eyes.

Gods, I really don't deserve them, he thought to himself.

"I... I couldn't... I couldn't take it anymore, I was so scared of losing you..." Pyrrha babbled, "But-But she's my mother and I-I love her..." She sobbed again.

"Why couldn't she... She love me back...?" She mumbled.

Jaune sighed.

"She does," Jaune admitted, "But she's... Really messed up about it. It's okay to feel like this, Pyrrha. Really, it is..."

"I-It is...?" She whispered.

"Yeah," Jaune murmured, "I felt the same way when I left my mom. We had the worst fight... I said some terrible things... Walking away, I just... I wanted to turn back and apologize so many times."

Pyrrha managed to force herself to look up at him in wonder. Gods she was still so pretty, even after crying her eyes out-

NOPE! Nope, none of that, none of that! His mind declared.

"You... You still went on...?" She murmured. Jaune nodded, stroking her long hair.

"Yeah... Because she... She was wrong."

He'd survived six months on his own fighting Grimm, bandits, and who knew what else? Fighting for survival. If Uncle Qrow thought he could hack it? Then he could hack it.

He had to, for his friends.

"And so is your mother," Jaune stated firmly. "It's okay to love her, but it's also okay to... To be angry with her. Because she is fucked up." He shook his head. "She called me, and offered me money to leave you alone."

Pyrrha stared in amazement.

"And... And you...?"

"I said no," Jaune said, rolling his eyes, "Of course I did. I'd choose you over money every time."

Pyrrha's eyes lit up and she glomped him, slamming him against the bathroom wall.

"Oh Jaune~!"

"URK!" Jaune grunted as she snuggled him, crying happy tears. "It-It's no big deal-!"

"Jaune, Jaune~!" She was now squeezing him hard enough he was having trouble breathing.

"Cut that out!" He gasped, more harshly than he intended.

Pyrrha flushed and coughed. Jaune grimaced as she drew back, looking miserable. He sighed and pulled her into a hug, stroking her back in apology.

"It's okay... Just, ya know," Jaune said quietly, "Let's work on controlling our emotions, okay? Not that you have to act like that... That creepy plastic robot your mom wanted you to be! Just uh... You know... Be natural."

"Y-yes... Thank you," Pyrrha murmured softly. "After all... We're having a date."

"Outing."

"A date," Pyrrha insisted softly, her eyes narrowing, "After you have one with Yang... Before you have one with Ruby..."

Jaune held up a hand to the bridge of his nose and pinched it.

"We... All agreed," he said softly.

"Y-Yes," Pyrrha said with a quick nod, "After all..."

She smiled scarily again.

"We agreed to win you fair and square..."

Jaune sighed.

"We'll... Work on that later," he decided. He helped her up to the sink, and helped her wash her face. He turned off the light and headed out into the dormroom proper... Where Nora and Ren had apparently pushed all four of their beds together. They were already sleeping on one side of the mega-bed, leaving an obvious opening for them.

Pyrrha smiled softly... Jaune sighed.

"Fuck it," he muttered. He pulled Pyrrha down with him, and Nora reached out in her maybe sleep to hug them both tightly.

He was too damn tired to protest, and hugs were nice. His heart beat slowed and his sight grew dim.

He would have no more nightmares.

"Oh Jaune~," Pyrrha moaned in her sleep, "Take me and make me yours-!"

Unfortunately he was going to have a very different sort of dream tonight, oi...

- - -

Almost there...

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Headmaster Ozpin's office was wide and welcoming, held up with pillars colored in warm, earthy tones of tan and warm brown. Overhead was a green dome, and behind the headmaster's desk were numerous clockwork gears, levers, and pulleys that despite their size, operated quietly. The mechanical clicking was soothing, like metallic heartbeats. The wide windows let in sun, moon or starlight in great amounts, which combined with the soft lighting, lended this space of authority a feeling of goodwill and wellness. While the clock ticked away and life went on, the office was designed to make that a comforting fact of life rather than an ominous inevitability. Even at night, it was an island of peace and light in a seemingly endless abyss.

Glynda appreciated the paradoxical nature of Ozpin's set up: To use time and nature as means of soothing tempers and bringing an aura of peace. It made the often difficult news they received easier to process, when surrounded by reminders of what they fought for.

Especially when that news was delivered by some of her reasons for fighting.

"We've completed our analysis of the Dust remains and the weapon in the Forever Fall," Simin Megister stated, the only member of Team SLVR standing in the office. He faced Ozpin and Glynda herself across the headmaster's voluminous desk, holding up his Scroll as he read his findings.

"And?" Ozpin prompted politely. Simin glanced at his team members. Lycan grimaced, Vella smiled encouragingly, and Ragora sighed and waved her hand to get on with it. Simin hid a slight smile as he got to his conclusion.

"The Dust matches a batch of Dust stolen in a robbery by Roman Torchwick's gang seven months, one week, and one day ago," Simin said, "While the weapon serial number reveals it was part of am SDC train robbery by White Fang near the town of Edge five months and two days ago."

He nodded to the headmaster.

"The serial numbers of the weapons recovered from the dock incident last night also match the same robbery, and similar robberies of Atlasian and Valean weapons byWhite Fang operatives over the last year."

He shook his head, and adjusted his glasses.

"There's our smoking gun. Roman Torchwick and the White Fang are cooperating together, and have been for almost a year."

"Which is great when the bastard's finally in a courtroom," Lycan snorted, "But what good does it do us?"

The headmaster nodded and hit a control on his desk, revealing a holographic map of Vale with red, white, and green markers across it. Each had various dates attached to each icon, indicating when they had happened.

"A good question," Ozpin said, "Mister Arcadia. Here is a map compiling data you and others working with us have acquired over the last year. The green markers are Grimm attacks on villages. The red, Dust robberies. White, White Fang activity."

Vella stared in shock as her keen eyes went over the entire map.

"The Dust Robberies are all over the place, but the other two... Most of them are clustered around each other," she breathed in shock. Ozpin nodded.

"Yes. I believe White Fang is obtaining weapons near crucial areas, then deliberately herding Grimm to attack those areas. All over Vale."

Lycan swore under his breath, glaring angrily. Simin's eyes blazed behind his glasses. Vella held a hand over her mouth in horror. Even Glynda, who knew this beforehand, fought against a surge of anger.

Team SLVR hadn't seen the images of what these Grimm attacks had left behind. She had.

"But how are they coordinating those Grimm?" Ragora asked, looking over the map with a frown, "If they had a guy whose Semblance was to control Grimm, maybe. But these are happening all over and often at the same time."

Ozpin paused, his face emotionless, but his eyes kind.

"That is something I want you to find out during the semester break," he said calmly, "Given the work you've put into this investigation on top of your normal teaching assistant duties, I am confident you can discover the method by which they are conducting these attacks-And perhaps discover who is responsible."

"Wouldn't that just be White Fang?" Vella asked, eyes wide. "Causing massive unrest like this would fit their MO."

"Superficially, yes," Ozpin nodded, "But the amount of coordination, the resources they have gathered? All more than what even the richest members of Menagerie could provide them in funding."

Lycan cursed them under his breath as well.

"We any closer to smashing their faces in?"

"As satisfying as that would be," Glynda said wryly, "While we know who they are, we can't be that direct."

"The White Fang is the militant arm of the extremist parts of Menagerie," Ozpin said, "But the ones with big pockets are able to keep themselves just respectable enough no action can be brought against them."

"For now," Ragora muttered. Glynda gave her a slight smile.

"For now," Glynda agreed, looking over at Ozpin. The headmaster hummed.

"The Belladonnas and their allies try to keep the peace, tryto stamp out White Fang. If someone else was footing their bills..."

Simin grimaced.

"Then their new backers want a lot of Dust, a lot of weapons, and a lot of unrest and Grimm gathered at strategic locations around Vale," Simin surmised, his eyes darting around the map like a precision spotter, "Someone with the power and resources to get both groups to work together."

"Indeed," Ozpin said, giving Simin a small, proud smile, "Can you find out who that is?"

"We'll get results, Headmaster," Simin said with a nod, "You have my word."

"I have never had reason to doubt yours, Mister Megister," Ozpin said, "Nor any of your team."

"Nor I," Glynda said, her tone softer. Even Lycan smiled back at her thankfully.

"Hope we're getting overtime pay for this," Ragora asked, raising a purple eyebrow at Ozpin. Glynda scowled, but Ozpin merely chuckled.

"Of course."

"Good," Ragora said, smiling, "Thanks Professor."

"We did find one other thing," Simin said, as Ozpin opened his mouth. The headmaster looked at the young man in curiosity.

"Oh?"

Simin nodded, and hit a control on his Scroll. Some scans appeared via the holographic array, though the chemistry was strange to Glynda.

"Near where Rose saw the sniper," he said, "Something similar to Dust, but not quite. Spectrographic scans revealed it was Grimm residue-But in a crystalline form."

Simin shook his head, looking baffled.

"It's almost like a pack of Grimm got turned into crystals and were shattered... But how is that possible? Miss Rose's Semblance can't do that."

Glynda stiffened and looked over at Ozpin. The headmaster's expression didn't change an iota as he studied the images, but Glynda had the sneaking suspicion that he was pleased.

"It is indeed a mystery, Mister Megister," Ozpin said with a nod, "One I shall study in your absence. I have some friends I will contact about it. But focus upon your mission. Let me handle this."

Simin frowned, but nodded.

"Of course, Headmaster."

"Now. It is late, you should all rest," Ozpin said kindly/ Team SLVR rose and headed for the exit. Glynda followed, guiding them to the elevator.

"Could have said 'please,'" Vella murmured to Ragora. The witch smirked and shrugged at the archer.

"I'm just saying, I read the contract. There are some floating days where overtime doesn't count and I wanted to make sure this did!"

"Might have been better to be more tactful about that, Ragora," Simin observed quietly. Ragora snorted.

"Hey, if I'm risking life and limb, I might as well get room service, and a hot tub with my hot boyfriend." She moved close to Lycan, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He nodded firmly.

"Damn straight!"

"All right SLVR, that's enough," Glynda said, not unkindly. "Bullhead 47 will be reserved for your use. Get prepared and launch on Friday, after final exams."

"Understood Professor Goodwitch," Simin said, smiling confidently, "We won't let you down."

Glynda allowed herself a smile with her students.

"I know you won't," she said. The elevator doors opened, and Team SLVR walked in. Lycan shot her a feral grin.

"We got this, Proff."

"Thank you for your confidence," Vella said, smiling sweetly.

"We'll be back in no time," Ragora said with a wink.

The elevator doors shut, and Glynda let out a soft sigh. She turned, and Ozpin was now standing next to her, leaning on his cane. He smiled softly at her.

"They are most capable."

"They wouldn't be assistant teachers if they weren't," Glynda said with a firm nod.

"I know," Ozpin said. He waited for the elevator to return. Glynda shook her head.

"There's no need to play these games with Team RWBY or Team JNPR," she said quietly, "Why not allow them to live in peace? Why not discourage Miss Belladonna and her crusade?"

The elevator chimed again, and the doors opened. Ozpin and Glynda stepped into the empty car, and the doors slowly slid shut. Ozpin tapped a code into the buttons, and the elevator began to descend. Deeper, deeper, past the marked floors.

"Over my long lifetimes," Ozpin finally spoke, "I have learned to trust my instincts. Something tells me that RWBY and JNPR will play a part in the future. What kind of part, I can't say... But given their histories and personalities, they will not stay on the sidelines. Better they are blooded and experienced if the time comes than not."

The doors opened, and Ozpin walked out into a dark, forboding chamber. Glynda followed. There was no cheer in this lab, no gentle comfort. The machines were harsh and rough, the feeling of raw power filled the air. The walls were dark green and angled to feel enclosing, lit by dim lights and monitors. In the center of numerous machines of such complexity and unknown design Glynda could only guess at their means and purpose, stood a silent, lonely, metal coffin. A window in the top of the coffin revealed the face of a dark skinned, scarred girl, suspended in fluid, her eyes shut tightly as she slept.

Amber, Glynda thought sadly, as she always did when she saw the wounded Maiden.

Ozpin came to a stop and studied the inhabitant of the coffin, a strange, ancient sadness in his eyes as he looked at Amber. Glynda stood a few respectful feet back, but the tension in his face was impossible to miss.

"And should things take a turn for the worse," Ozpin continued quietly, "I want as many assets as possible to stand against the darkness. Our very survival may depend upon it."

Glynda tensed a bit.

"I do not like our students being referred to as 'assets', Ozpin," Glynda said quietly.

Ozpin nodded.

"I know... But there is an unfortunate truth I have learned. A hard truth. For all to live... Some must give everything. All of Remnant is involved, whether they know it or not. If we are all to survive... We must all be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice."

"Only if they know what they're sacrificing, and for what," Glynda said firmly. Ozpin turned to Glynda... And slowly nodded.

"Do you trust me, Glynda?"

"Of course I do, Headmaster," Glynda said without any hesitation, "But I must remind you that not everyone else feels that way. What kind of a second in command would I be if I lied?"

Ozpin chuckled.

"A very poor one, indeed," he said with a nod. He turned back to Amber. "I have every confidence in your students, Glynda. But I didn't get this far without back up plans. Back up plans we will hopefully never have to utilize."

Glynda nodded slowly.

"Of course, Headmaster. Was there anything else?"

"No," Ozpin said, "Please, do get some rest, Glynda. You will need it."

Glynda nodded, and took her leave. She went to the elevator, hit the main floor, and looked back at Ozpin.

He was still staring at Amber in the coffin, the room silent save for a relentless, disquieting ticking sound, as the elevator doors slid shut.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Cardin stormed up to Jaune in the middle of the cafeteria during lunch. He was trying to smile but it came out as more of a grimace.

"Hey... Buddy, mind giving me some time right now?"

Cardin wrapped an arm around Jaune's shoulders in a friendly sort of way. Well, he tried, it was a little too tight for that. The other members of JNPR and RWBY began to tense, but Jaune just smiled easily.

"Sure thing, pal! Sorry guys, gotta take this."

Cardin led Jaune away, just outside the cafeteria building. He let go of Jaune and spun around on him.

"We're going to hang out," he declared.

Jaune blinked.

"... Okay? Why?"

"Because my girlfriend thinks we're best buddies because you set me up with her!" Cardin growled. Jaune shrugged, and spread his arms out in disbelief.

"What?!"

"You heard me! We're hanging out and we're gonna be pals! Unless you want to explain to Velvet how you set me up just to... To...!"

"Troll you?" Jaune deadpanned. Cardin sputtered.

"YES!"

"And yet you're complaining about it?"

"NO! I mean... Urgh! Look! We're hanging out with her team on Friday night, be there!" Cardin growled.

Jaune sighed, and shrugged.

"All right... Hey Nora?"

Nora popped up from behind the door, where she had been eavesdropping. She grinned.

"Yes Fearless Leader?"

"Apparently I'm best buds with Cardin," Jaune said with a nod, "You make up the backstory."

Nora saluted with a grin.

"Can do! I shall start dreaming up some amazing ideas! Ooh... That's a good one! Ooh, that one too!"

Jaune smirked at Cardin, whose face had fallen.

"I-No, I mean, maybe we could-"

"Oh no Cardin, your girlfriend wants us to get along," Jaune chuckled evilly, "And that's exactly what we're gonna do! See you on Friday!"

He guided Nora away, as Cardin began to think maybe he'd made a terrible mistake.

- - -