Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: End of Casval Deikun and an Arcs beginning

Char floated in a sea of white his consciousness fading in and out. He had hoped to free humanity from their cradle they called earth. Ever since the gryps war he had wanted that. But his hope for a peaceful solution died when a young newtype named Kamille Bidan was mentally destroyed. He had taken the boy under his wing and had once seen the future in his eyes. This was his fate for taking a violent approach and he had accepted it. He closed his eyes and waited for oblivion.

"Hello? Who are you? Where are we?" A young voice asked, drawing him from his wait. He seemed to be around five to six years of age and frightened.

"Why hello there. To answer your first question I have gone by many names, my birth name being Casval Rem Deikun but I prefer Char. As for your second well that will be trickier to answer. Who are you and what's the last thing you remember?" He did not want to scare the child by saying he was dead because he had no clue where they were. The boy thought for a second and Char noticed a small cut between his brows.

"I'm Jaune Arc! It;'s nice to meet you. The last thing I remember was climbing a tree with my sisters. I was trying to grab a branch but slipped." He floated there as if thinking of something. "Am… Are we you know?" The boy was smarter than he looked. Char sighed as he thought of what to say.

"I know I am, but I'm not too sure about you boy no Jaune." He decided to treat the boy with respect. If he was also he couldn't be looking down on Jaune if he was going to be here a while.

"Ok." Jaune looked scared. He was breathing heavier. "I guess I really can't become a hunter." 'Hunter? Had the colonies started allowing hunting of wildlife?'

"Why would you want to be a hunter? I can see hunting to eat but could you really kill those deer or rabbits?" 'Perhaps he's from the earth sphere and resources have become scarce?'

"Deer, Rabbit's, what are you talking about? The only rabbit I know is a girl a few years older than me in a village to the east. But no hunter would attack her." Jaune looked as confused as Char felt.

"Then what are you hunting?" He decided to get more info before asking further. He could have been floating here so long mankind had evolved. The pit of his stomach sank as Jaune told him what he as a child knew about the Grimm and how humanity has been fighting them for as long as they could remember.

"How are things like that even real? What about the colonies? Why haven't they come to help?" Something told Char he knew the truth but his mind wasn't accepting what was happening.

"Colonies? There was an attempt at some mountain but dad said it failed and we would have to hope the kingdoms don't give up on us." Jaune was confused even more now. He doesn't know of the colonies, there are soulless creatures hunting people based on emotion and as a defense Hunters protect humanity, and most importantly he didn't react to my name at all. Either he's from so far in the future that humanity has changed or I'm not in Kansas anymore. Wait, what was that about the only rabbit he knew being a girl? Nothing was making sense anymore. Ok just breathe and adjust we don't need another full frontal incident.

"Well I honestly don't know about you Jaune so much of your world seems foreign to me. These Grimm you speak of seem to be a problem. Training to be an umm hunter seems to be a noble pursuit you should be proud of. If you get out of this place I know you'll be great." Char tried cheering the kid up. The kid started to fade. Interesting is he passing on?

"Mr. Char, what's happening?"

"Jaune, please wake up dear. Please, I'm sorry I couldn't catch you in time." A sobbing voice could be heard all around them. A small light started pulsating around the kid.

"Seems like you might get a second chance kid." Char could feel a small smile appear on his face. "Don't mess it up. Remember I believe in you." He felt the wind get knocked out of him as Jaune wrapped his arms around him.

"Thank you." The light grew brighter and then he was alone again.

ATRC

Jaune could feel the softness of a bed underneath him and a weight and wetness on his arm. Struggling he opened his eyes and looked around his older sister Olivia was asleep on his arm. He could barely move his other arm to rub her head.

"It's… alright. I'm fine." His throat was dry and there was a little pain speaking. She mumbled something before opening her eyes and seeing a tired Jaune looking back at her. She blinked a few times before her eyes started to tear up.

"You're awake…" Jaune nods to that statement. "It's been a week. Don't you scare your older sister like that again?" She hugs him before saying "I'm so sorry you had to get hurt I wasn't fast enough."

"It will take more than a tree to stop me, sis." Jaune gave her a strained smile. "Where're the others?"

"Downstairs. No, don't get up. I'll go get them." Olivia told him as she made her way to the living room. This week has been hard on all of them. The doctors said he was physically fine but just wouldn't wake of them had taken turns watching over him hoping he'd wake up. Her other sisters were sitting on the chairs in the living room listening to Saphron and her girlfriend Terra's story of what happened at school. Their parents were out on patrol at the moment. They were all so distracted Olivia couldn't help herself.

"Guys! It's Jaune! Something happened!" They all shot up to face her while they asked. "What happened?!" Olivia had to suppress a grin. "No time to explain, follow me!" She ran up the stairs with all of the Arc children on her heels.

Hmmm, that doesn't sound good. Jaune thought as he heard a stampede coming his way. He tried sitting up but he was still so tired. The door started bulging in and he could hear a muffled argument on the other side. Olivia, what did you say? The door burst open and a bunch of stunned faces looked at him. "Hey everyone."

"JAUNE!"

AN:  I thought why not start something I've had planned. I do like some canon ships so I'll use some of them but I'm not sure yet. Jaune's going to have a scar similar to Char.

Chapter Text

AN: Here's chapter 2 finally. My goal with this is Jaune is Char's redemption after Axis and Full Frontal. Other than that I'd just like to say thank you to all that follow and favorite me. I never thought my weird ideas for stories would get anywhere here but here we are.

Chapter 2 Sisters

"JAUNE!" His sisters all rushed to his side while Saphron and Terra glared at Olivia. He couldn't help but chuckle at that while his other sisters took turns exclaiming how happy they were that he was up and lecturing him on climbing the tree to go after Olivia. To think he'd be happy to hear the complaints. That place was so empty if Char wasn't there he would have been terrified.

"It's great to be awake again and all but where's mom and dad?" If Olivia had gotten his sisters, why not get them as well?

"Ah well… They went out on patrol. We didn't know when you would wake up Jaune and they kind of threw themselves into their work." his oldest sister Clarise explained.

"I don't see why the doctor said you'd be fine. / Yeah you were only asleep for a week. Jessica said she's heard of people sleeping for years. Guess they're just tired." the two youngest Sini and Violette said together. A flash blinded him for a second and he saw the twins had their scrolls out again.

"Is that necessary, you two?" Saphron spoke from the doorway.

"I'm telling dad Jaunes up. / And I'm sending proof that he's up to mom." Nila and Iris explained typing away. Or was it the other way they decided to wear matching outfits and had their hair down.

"I'm fine gals see," Jaune spoke up over the beginnings of another argument while waving his hands. They all turned with disapproving looks in their eyes.

"You aren't even sitting up. / Don't lie, Lil bro. / You sound like you're tired. / Mom says to keep resting till she gets home. / You've been in bed for a week. / What did you dream of?" All of his sisters shoved forward at that, but it was the last question that had him pause his response. How would they react? He knew how they'd take it. They would call him crazy.

"Not sure it was just all a white void. It felt like it was over in an instant haha." He waved his hand noncommittally. Violette looked sad.

"Oh, I thought you'd have some fun dreams." Clarise had a suspicious look as she watched her brother try to divert the conversation.

"Ummm so what's for dinner?" Jaune was starting to feel uncomfortable with all his sisters worrying over him. Normally they are fighting with each other or tricking him into something that he regrets like the pigtail incident.

"You're having Chicken and noodles," Clarise informed him.

"What why?!" complained Jaune.

"You are still recovering brother," observed Sini. Jaune sighed in defeat knowing that if those two agreed on something they all did. Clarise nodded and left the room followed shortly by his other sisters and Terra leaving him alone with his thoughts. It had been a year since they had moved to a medium-sized village in the Kingdom of Vale and he still missed his friends back home. Clarise came back with a bowl of the bland chicken and noodles he despised so much and made sure he ate every bite Before growing at her scroll.

"Mom says they're going to be late as someone's kids are missing so she and dad are helping the father look for them before Grimm can find them," Clarise explained.

"That's fine, it's a hunter's job to help those in need after all. Just you wait, one day I'll be helping people as well when I become one." Jaune exclaimed through a few yawns.

"Get some more rest little bro." Clarise tucked him in. "You'll need to get better if you're going to become a big strong hunter." As Jaune was falling asleep he remembered a friend he left behind he had told her they'd keep in contact but after she left him a message stating: I miss hanging out, all the adventures we would go on and all those delicious pancakes your mom would make. I hope you won't forget me in Vale. Just you wait one day we will meet again then we can become the best hunters ever! Well, I hope to hear from you soon Mom says we are going on a trip soon. He hadn't heard from her since. He had messaged her a few times but got no reply. Was she mad at him?

Char was still floating in the void and he had seen all that transpired when that boy Jaune had woken up. He had tried communicating with the boy but to no avail. The last thing he saw was an image of a ginger girl waving goodbye as he assumed Jaunes family lifted into the air. Strangely, these flying ships reminded him of small cargo ships that flew from colony to colony. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak to the boy again and learn more about this world.

AN: Sorry if it's short.

Chapter Text

AN: There's 2 time skips here mainly to avoid this becoming like the loud house ...Though now that I think about it… Trust me I have plans for newtype stuff. I have an idea for a ship but I'll let Jaune go his own way and choose his own partner. Char is mainly focused on Jaunes intelligence since all he can do is give pointers to how Jaune fights and pray the child follows the directions he gives when they meet.

Chapter 3

Jaune's Blade connected against his fathers and with a swift twist the training sword he held was gone but his father had left an opening that he took. Using his smaller stature he proceeded to trip his opponent and rolled to get his discarded weapon. Quickly stumbling to his feet he found his fathers' blade pressed to his throat. He had lost.

"HAHAHA almost had me. Good idea to try knocking me off balance but your recovery time needs work." A tall broad-shouldered man commented as he sheathed the ancestral sword Crocea Mors. He patted his son's head and started walking to the house.

"Your mom is almost done with lunch, let's wash up before she yells at us for dragging dirt into the family room again." Jaune placed the training sword on his back and ran after his dad. He was getting better but he still thought he needed to train more. His parents' friend Taiyang had started training his oldest daughter two years ago and had started training his youngest. The only area Jaune actually outdid them was knowledge and Hunter laws, but that was because Char would test him each meeting until he could recite them with his eyes closed. Jaune watched his father enter the house as he dusted himself off.

"Jonathan? How is Jaune doing in training?" Amelia Arc Turned to her husband with a worried look. None of their girls had shown any interest in being a hunter so she was concerned her husband might be pushing their son too hard. It had been six months since his accident and she was scared Jaune was going to get hurt again.

"Honestly he's doing a lot better than I thought he would. He's still quite rough around the edges but I'm sure he will make an excellent Hunter," Jonathan looked pensive for a second before continuing. "Though there's something off, he wasn't this fast a few months ago." Amelia placed her hand on her husband's chest and looked up at him.

"That's because he has the best teacher and father." She gave him a peck on the lips and giggled as he peppered her with kisses.

"Gross we're about to eat do that somewhere else!" Nila fake gaged at her parents' show of affection. Iris laughed and followed her twins' example. Jaune Walked in seeing his sisters laughing and fake gaging.

"So what did I miss?" Jaune asked his little sister Violette.

"Mommy and Daddy were uh what's that word? Kissing?" She tried explaining. Olivia nodded.

"Ah! Gross, I don't need that image in my head!" Jaune yelled.

"One day they'll learn./Yup," Clarise stated and Saphron agreed.

"What are we having for lunch mom?" Jaune asked.

"Waffles. It is Waffle Wednesday after all." Amelia expected her son to throw a fit but he just sighed and sat down. She leaned over to her husband.

"Guess your training tired him out. Can you do this every waffle Wednesday?" She whispered.

After lunch, they took it easy the rest of the day with light exercises and swordsmanship training. The evening soon came and Jaune continued his studies though his mind kept wondering where he would be without Char assisting him.

In the forests of Mistral, a boy with black hair was tending a fire and adding a Grimm repellent to the flames. It was a hard life he lived but he was glad he had his friends. He looked around and couldn't find his friend and his heart started pounding with fear. He checked to see if she was in the tent but she wasn't. He started curling the camp hoping to see signs or tracks and that was when he heard humming. He followed the humming and saw his friend. He remembered the day he and his father found her alone on the streets of their village and how only a few days later he protected her with his life as said village burned. He took a step but stopped when he heard his other friend speak.

'Let us not disturb her just yet.' The voice of his friend spoke. So the boy watched and then he heard her start singing.

Wishing on a dream that seems far off

Hoping it will come today

Into the starlit night

Foolish dreamers turn their gaze

Waiting on a shooting star

But, what if that star is not to come

Will their dreams fade to nothing

When the horizon darkens most

We all need to believe there is hope

"I'll do whatever it takes to assist you and make you happy Nora." The boy made a promise intent on not breaking it.

'Indeed and I'll help you however I can Ren.' Rens' other friend promised him.

"Thank you Armuro."

Several years later

Jaune stood in front of the building that would be the next part of his life for the next few years; Signal Academy. He loved the relaxed dress code and wore a red unzipped hoodie with a black shirt with a badge designating him as a student of Signal, A pair of jeans, and his favorite pair of boots. On his hip Hung his family's weapon Crocea Mors in its sheath/shield. He knew he'd be making a new weapon as it is a tradition of the school but he couldn't just part with history and tradition.

'It's time Jaune. Once you step foot in there your life as a hunter will truly begin.' Over the years Char found a way to speak with Jaune every now and then but that didn't stop his once-a-weeknight tests.

"Yup. Thank you so much for the advice over the years." Jaunes hand crept to the scar on his forehead as he whispered his thanks. He was suddenly flung forward by a slap on his back.

"Come on vomit boy we don't want to be late." The ever boisterous Yang Xiao Long told her childhood friend before running inside.

"It was one time Yang!" She would never let him live down the fact he threw up on a bullhead trip to the city of Vale. He ran after her hoping to stop any weird rumors she'd start.

AN: 100 points to anyone who can guess the song Nora sang. Also, I was going to do whiterose fans but eh I can't. I see them more as having a more platonic relationship. Though Bumbleby is still a planned ship as I love it.

Chapter Text

THE WINNER OF THE 100 POINTS IS kaberial GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE! 

AN: Had a brain fart in chapter 3 which really hurt it but now that I’ve gotten past it hopefully this chapter will make up for it. Word to the wise if you are a RWBY fan avoid social media and blogs for RWBY. Every time I look on one of those sites I want to pull my hair out. Going to nip this in the bud before romance becomes an issue. It’s not Chars body he’s an advisor that’s connected to Jaune and has left a newtype imprint on Jaune’s soul. He can teach him, show him blueprints and scenes from his past. He can not control Jaunes emotions or actions; those are all Jaune.

Chapter 4

Signal was amazing so many new people to meet and befriend. Jaune loved so much about the school except for one thing, well more like two things. Tai Xiao Long and Qrow Branwen were teachers meaning he couldn’t mess up and keep it from his parents. He felt bad for Yang since her father worked here and was glad his dad declined the teacher position. If he couldn’t mess up Yang all but had the Sword of Atlas hanging over her head. It was the end of their third week and other than some lectures and light sparring nothing interesting had happened.

I’m just saying relying on a communication system that was created by a criminal and is kept active by four large targets is a foolish thing. Back in the colonies, we had multiple ways of communication in case one was sabotaged. Char had been complaining about the CCT Towers since they learned about them and that one of the creators was a wanted criminal that’s been labeled MIA but presumed KIA.

‘ I get that it seems stupid but the towers are a show of power by the kingdoms. I highly doubt they would be stupid enough to still be using the same OS that Watts designed. No one is that dumb.’  Jaune hoped he was right. As he walked into his home hoping to get to his room and continue on the plans Char had shown him a few days ago. Jaune was taken down by a blonde torpedo. Violette his youngest sister by three years clung to him.

“Hey Vi, I’m back.” He groaned. He pushed himself up as she jumped off.

“How was your day? Fight any cool Grimm? Learn anything cool? Hows Yang? How…” Jaune stopped her questions with a hand on her mouth.

“Jeez, you’re hyper today sis. My day was fine, we mainly studied and learned about the history of the CCT Towers today. She’s doing as fine as someone can when they have an overprotective parent as a teacher.” Jaune removed his hand after finishing her questions.

“Soooooo cool! Is Mr. Xiao Long that overprotective? He seems like such a fun dad.” Violette tilted her head.

“Overprotective might be the wrong word. You know Yang and Ruby lost their mom?” Violette nodded. “Well, I think he’s just trying all he can to help kid them safe,” Jaune explained. 

And away from boys. Char added.

'Pretty sure that’s Qrows job.' Jaune retorted remembering the ‘talk’ Qrow gave him. Which basically boil down to hurt my nieces and no one will find your body. He looked around to see if anyone else was in the living room and found his younger sister Sini tapping away at a tablet scroll and talking with a familiar girl with dark hair and red tips. He found a small smile form on his lips as he watched the two.

“aune...JAUNE!” He felt his sister punch him in the side.

“Wha… What was that for Vi?” He asked glaring at her.

“I was saying it’s been so boring with you in combat school Sini and Ruby only talk about weapons and inventions. What were you looking at?” Violette looks where he was looking. “Perv.”

“What… no… I’m just happy you two have a friend near your age.” Jaune stammered. “Where did you learn that word?” he asked.

“Mr. Xiao Long taught me,” Violette smirked.

“Of course he did.” Jaune sighed. Tai had basically become Violette’s uncle when she befriended Ruby.

“Brother can Ruby and I have a moment of your time?” Sini asked.

“ Why is she so formal nowadays just call me Jaune. ” He whispered to himself.

“Uh sure, what is it you two need?” Jaune made his way and sat by Sini.

“As you are well aware of the students of Signal build their own weapons,” Sini stated, tapping the screen showing signals mission statement.

“So we thought why not design you the most awesome and epic weapon ever! It’s going to be all bang woosh swish and chop!” Ruby flung her arms around.

“Indeed. Here is what we’ve come up with.”  Sini showed an animation of a sheath expanding to turn Crocea Mors into a two-handed blade with a longer handle.

“Well, this is all good bu…” His sister stopped him and signaled him to keep watching. One side lifted up and pressed into the sheath while the other side lifted and expanded into an ax head and a twist of the handle made its edge glow.

“This… This…” They leaned forward intent on hearing what he said next. “IS AMAZING!” He pulled them into a hug.

“Eep./ Air brother… we… need… air.”

In Argus, a boy with dark hair with a single pink stripe left Sanctum Academy with his Ginger-haired friend. After years of traveling, they had found shelter in the dorms of Sanctum. They had planned to become huntsmen so it was perfect, or as perfect as two orphans could get.

I’m just saying they are idiots for not changing the operating systems after this Watts guy went rogue. Hell, they still have wanted posters up for him!” Amuro pointed out.

'I’m not going to ‘hack’ the CCT Towers. I’d prefer to not go to jail.' Ren responded. This argument had been going on for days but Amuro was so persistent saying it would fix their mistake and that Atlas would hopefully thank them. He thought about the machine designs Amuro had shown him a few days ago and wondered about how useful they could be.

“Ren I’m bored. Can’t we play with those beowolves we saw in the forest?” Nora asked jumping on his shoulders.

“Nora” Ren started “If we want a roof over our heads we have to follow curfew so we can’t.” For nomads like them, it was still difficult to get accustomed to city life.

“But the dorms are soooooo boring.” Nora slumped her shoulders.

“How about a movie?” Ren pointed to a theater. Nora’s eyes lit up.

“They have the new Spruce Willis movie!” Nora pointed at the large advertisement. She grabbed him and ran towards the theater.

A red-capped girl was thrown into the ground causing a dust cloud. She rubbed her lower back as she looked at her older blonde teacher and scowled. This was all her fathers’ idea, he said she had to learn to fight hand to hand. 

“Now Ruby I want you to try the throw yourself. Jaune, get over here you’re a better height for this.” Taiyang yelled. He turned to see Jaune caught off guard and took one of Yangs’ killer right hooks and promptly fell to the ground.

“I think you’re taking advantage of me have a lot of aura sir,” Jaune complained.

“Nope totally not doing that.” Tai chuckled.

“I feel sorry for the kid. * Burp* ” Qrow Branwen said walking off the porch drinking from his flask.

“Qrow don’t drink in front of the girls.” Qrow rose an eyebrow. “Ok, ok, He’s the only one I trust to assist. He knows if he tries anything his mother and sisters will skin him.” Taiyang told his friend of over twenty years. Jaune got up and made his way over.

“Ok, first Jaune grab her shoulder. Ok, now Ruby grab his wrist the throw him off balance with your hip. Good now pull tight grabbing his neck and roll him over and slam him on the ground. Now use your arm to pin him. Good job.” Even though it wasn’t at full speed it still knocked the wind out of Jaune.

“Now try it a few more times while picking up speed,” Tai told Ruby.

“Damn what the kid do this time?” Qrow asked tipping his flask to find it empty.

“He decided to look up stuff on the CCT towers after class. I find it funny they think teachers can’t see what students look up.” Tai said watching his youngest repeatedly tose Jaune.

“Going to talk to Yang about hers?” Qrow asked.

“Nah that’s an answer she has to find on her own. Either way, I’ll still support her.” Tai told him. In that split second Jaune was launched through the air and skidded to a stop on the ground.

“Oops sorry, Jaune my hand slipped!”

Saphron was walking through Argus with her wife Terra on an evening stroll. They were thinking of children and had a few options to go through. Adoption, Artificial insemination, boy, girl, or both. They had decided to walk around to clear their heads and see where the world took them.

“Hey look over there. They have the new Spruce Willis movie.” Terra pointed out. She loved cheesy action movies and Spruce Willis was the king of them.

“Really? Well, it is your turn to pick so why not.” Saphron grabbed Terra’s hand and they made their way to the theater. While Terra bought the tickets Saphron decided to people watch. Many couples were coming and going. Her attention was caught by a rather loud teen and her eye’s widened, She looked just like Freya but that was impossible they found Freya’s body in that wreck all those years ago. Could it be?

“It was all bang, swoosh, boom, eek, you can’t stop me, and, and, and” She was just as hyper as Nora but it couldn’t…

“Nora, calm down it was a good movie but you’re bothering others.” a boy with black hair and a pink stripe said. Saphron felt her breath catch and started her way over. The boy noticed her and said something but she couldn’t hear it.

“Nora? A-are… you… Nora Valkyrie?”

AN: Ren and Nora are in combat school as well. I figured they had to have gone to one or got a recommendation from a hunter/huntress to get into Beacon. Sini is two years younger than Jaune and a few months younger than Ruby. I figured Char and Amuro would have issues with how dangerous the CCT towers setup is.

Chapter Text

AN:  Ok, not much to say except thank you for sticking around for this ok fanfic I know it’s got flaws but still, you all have stayed and given your opinions so I can’t thank you enough. 

Chapter 5

“Nora? A-are… you… Nora Valkyrie?”

They all stood there in silence. Terra made her way over and while she had never met the Valkyries since she meet Saphron in Vale she had seen pictures. She could tell this girl was the same girl hanging off of Jaune in the photo for his fourth birthday.

“How? How do you know my name?” Nora asked slowly. She turned to Ren and asked. “Do you think she can read my mind?” Ren shook his head at the idea.

“I’m curious as well.” He stated flatly.

“You are Nora Valkyrie… Oh gods I’m so sorry for your loss.” Saphron threw her arms around Nora who was too stunned to get out of the hold.

“Ma’am, could you let go of my friend please?” Ren asked as Terra pulled her wife off the stunned girl.

“I’m sorry sir. I’m Terra Cotta Arc and my wife Saphron Arc is a little emotional right now. You see her family was rather close to Miss Valkyrie’s family back in Atlas.” Terra was in negotiator mode now trying to deescalate the incident.

“I see. My name is Lie Ren. Nora are you ok?” Ren asked his friend, Nora still looked puzzled.

“Arc? Why does that sound so familiar?” She asked out loud. Images of a small blonde child played in her head. In one instance she was holding his hand and dragging him through the forest, in another they are fighting with five girls over pancakes then sighing a sheet that said Waffle Wednesday, and finally, she’s crying not wanting the boy to leave but he’s pulled away and disappears onto a ship while promising he’ll see her again one day and asking her to keep in touch. Tears start to run from her eyes and she shoots forward wrapping her arms around Saphron.

“Saphy! Saphy… Saphy. It was so lonely without you all then mommy decided we should go on vacation to try to cheer me up. B-but the n-n-nevermore’s came and… I… She… I was so alone. But Renny found me and treated me like family” Nora had tears and snot running down her face as Saphron rubbed her back. Terra could see this wasn’t just two friends reuniting but a girl clinging to the closest mother figure she had.

----------------

“Angle your swing Arc! Compensate for the weight of the ax head!” Qrow yells in a gruff tone. “Xiao Long focus on technique don’t swing widely!”

It was the Friday before their first break and Qrow had students drilling with their new weapons. Yang had designed Ember Celica a pair of shotgun gauntlets to stick with the hand-to-hand combat her dad taught her and to best use her semblance. With the help of Sini and Ruby Jaune created a heated ax head addition to Corcea Mors. It was named Candida Mors or beautiful death as Ruby kept calling the design beautiful but deadly. The weight of the addition was throwing off his swing but that was a common issue if you changed from a regular weapon to a mechashift one. Qrow had said he rarely uses his scythe form and tends to stick with his sword and it wasn’t uncommon for hunters to do the same.

“Good work. Have fun on break and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Qrow chuckled as he left the arena.

“That’s not a long list!” Yang jokingly yelled at her uncle.

‘ Indeed how a man like that can become a teacher baffles me. ’ Char agreed with Yang.

‘ Maybe it’s because of his skills and not his uh habits. ’ Jaune pointed out.

“Come on Jaune stop spacing out they’re about to lock up the arena.” Yang started to pull him to the exit.

“Sorry, Yang. Just thinking about the Arc’s yearly trip.” Jaune said. Every year his family traveled around for a few days as a kind of vacation and how to survive in the wilderness class.

“That’s right! Where are you guys going this year Shion?” Yang asked.

“Nope. Saphron called saying she had a surprise so we’re visiting her in Argus this year. Which means we have to use a...”

“Bullhead. Man, I’m glad I’m not going with you.  Sini and Violette have terrible motion sickness. Isn’t that right Vomit Boy?” Yang teased.

“I’ll have you know that was only one time.” Jaune shot back. “So what’s your plan for the break?”

“Don’t know. I’ll probably have to watch Ruby and bug my dad for that bike I’ve been eyeing.” Yang shrugged.

“You guys really coddle her you know? She’s only two years younger than us.”  Jaune said in defense of Ruby.

“We just don’t want to lose her like we did mom. You’ve got to understand right? After all, you lost someone close as well.” Yang spoke the truth.

‘ She isn’t wrong but that kind of attitude can still backfire. I tried protecting my sister only to learn she had joined the war on the other side. ’ Char said thinking of Artesia or as she later went by Sayla.

“I get that but too much will have the opposite effect. She wants to be a huntress. It’s good your family is accepting of that or she might have run eventually. Just try accepting she’ll grow up and won’t always need you to look after her ok?” Jaune said walking away from Yang. In the shadows, a crow watched what was happening. ‘ Jaunes got a point. Ok, Qrow if she asks for help we help her. ’ Once Jaune was away from view he shifted back and found his niece just standing there.

“He’s right ya know. We can’t baby her forever. So let us make sure she’ll be able to stand on her own and beat any creep that tries to make a move on her.” Qrow grinned at Yang’s determined nod.

-----------

The arc family stood at the entrance to the port. Amelia went over the list checking the bags. Jonathan was buying the tickets. Olivia was meeting them in Argus as she had to fly from Shade Academy. Jaune was making sure Violette and Sini had their medicine. Sini was wearing a sky blue hooded cape and Jaune just sighed. ‘ Really Ruby? You made a mini-me? ’ He looked over to see Nila and Iris talking to a girl in a beret and sunglasses she handed a piece of paper to them and waved as she left them stunned. ‘ Well ok then? ’ He walked over and peeked over Nila’s shoulder and saw the paper was a scroll contact info and a name Coco ♡.

“Well damn.” He whistled getting his sisters to jump.

“H-How m-much did you see?” Iris stammered out. Jaune couldn’t help but giggle a little.

“More than enough.” He smirked, “Good thing we’re visiting Saph, huh maybe you can get some advice from her Iris.”

“Uhhhhhh.” Both sisters looked at each other and Jaune felt his jaw drop.

‘ Well, I say. I haven’t seen something like this since to girls in the AEUG threw themselves at Amuro. ’ Char whistled.

‘ Why’s it always my sisters!? Can’t a girl flirt with me for once!? ’ Jaune whined.

“Bu… Wai… WHAT THE HELL?! REALLY?!” Jaune blurted out.

“Is everything ok over here you three?” Their dad asked.

“Yeah everything is just peachy except Iris and Nila just.. Mmph” The twins clamped their hands over Jaunes mouth.

“Sorry, we just… pulled a prank on our precious baby brother.” They both look at him and Jaune nods in agreement. Their dad watched them for a bit then shrugged.

“Well, the tickets are bought so let’s get a move on,” Jo nathan said walking back to his wife.

“You don’t say anything ok Jauney?/Yeah or do you want us to revile your secret?” The twins threatened. Jaune paled and nodded. They grabbed their carry-on bags and started up the stairs.

“Jaune! Wait! I have something for you!” A squeaky voice yelled. He turned to see Ruby panting out of breath. She raised her hands showing a golden rose emblem. “H-here I had leftover metal from Candida Mors so I made this. I h-hope you like it.” She said between breaths.

“Ruby this is beautiful thank you so very much. You didn’t have to do this you know.” He told her honestly.

“I know but well it’s for you and something told me I just had to give it to you now… Eep” She explained before Jaune gave her a quick hug.

“Well, I have to go. I’ll call you and Yang when we reach Argus alright?” He asked. Ruby nodded. “I’ll make sure to get you something before we leave. See you in a week.” Jaune rushed to join his sisters. Nila was teasing him as punishment for earlier.

---------------

The snow was fresh at the Argus docks and crunched under the boots of the Arc family. Violette was giggling as she ran in the snow while Sini groaned from the motion sickness that was gripping her and Amelia was comforting her daughter. Jo nathan was pulling the bags along. Terra smiled as she watched her family make their way down the final ramp.

“Terra!/ Big sis!” The twins Nila and Iris ran and hugged their sister-in-law.

“Oi I get it. No love for your huntress sister. Ow, my poor heart.” Olivia feigned falling over.

“Huntress in training.” Jaune corrected her with a glare.

“I can still mop the floor with you Stickarms!” Olivia shot back. Their glares faded and they laughed and embraced. “How ya been pipsqueak?”

“Finally made my weapon. Qrow is training us on how to use them. I’m still trying to compensate for the extra weight.” Jaune explained.

“Yeah, I know how that goes. Everyone goes through that at some point. Jeez, let’s get out of the cold huh.” Olivia shivered.

“Shuttle will be here soon Livia.” Terra came from behind the two. “Maybe you shouldn’t have gone to the desert to study it’s a rather warm day all things considered.”

“Yeah, yeah, I don’t get why you and Saph live up here. It’s too close to Atlas for my taste.” Olivia said remembering how little nature was in that floating city.

“Well I work in communications and the only place hiring was up here,” Terra explained. She smirked as she pictured the shock her family was in for.

“Any grandbabies for me to spoil yet?” Amelia asked. Terra’s face lit up as she sputtered.

“N-not yet mom. We are still going over our options.” Terra tried to keep her cool. Amelia looked around and frowned.

“Where’s Clarise and Saphron?” The Arc matriarch asked.

“Clarise couldn’t get time off from SDC and Saph is well she’s waiting with the surprise,” Terra told them.

“See told you the Surprise wasn’t a kid my love,” Jonathan whispered to his wife.

---------------

The Cotta-Arc house was of moderate size Saphron had grown up in a relatively large family and wanted one of her own one of these days. Well, maybe not eight children but four or five was what she was thinking. Saphron was setting twelve plates for supper and was finishing the pancakes for Jaune and Nora when Terra brought the rest of her family in.

‘ Three pairs of shoes one of them belongs to a male. I wonder if this is a hint at the surprise Jau… No, it can’t be... ’ Char stopped abruptly making Jaune worry. He would have asked about it but his mother rushed past him.

“My baby girl! It’s been so long! How are you doing? Are you eating well? You’re not making Terra do everything are you?” Amelia was looking around as she shot questions at her second oldest.

“Honey slow down can’t you see she’s made us a feast save the questions later.” Their dad pulled his wife to a chair.

“Thanks, daddy. I’m doing fine mom Terra makes sure I actually cook more than just waffles and pizza.” Saphron answered laying a plate in front of their mother. “Foods ready!” She yells out and takes a step back as her siblings rush the kitchen.

“Love ya cookin sis!” Olivia said grabbing a plate with steak and plopping down sideways on an armchair.

“Olivia Cassidy Arc I raised you to eat like a civilized member of society so sit properly young lady!” Iris giggled at their mom already scolding Olivia.

“Hey sis you know I like pancakes but I don’t I think I can eat two plates.” Jaune pointed out the second plate.

“Well, little brother that’s because only one plate is for you.” Saphron smirked.

“Who’s the other for dear?” Jonathan asked.

“I’m glad you asked.” Saphron stood up and walked to the stairs. “You two can come down now!” A door opened and the Arcs heard rustling followed by a young man with black hair and a pink stripe appeared.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lie Ren you’re daughter has been kind enough to offer us a place in her home while we complete Sanctum Academy.” The boy said in a polite manner. He then looked over and waved something over but nothing came and so he reached over and pulled a ginger girl in a pink skirt over. The elder Arc siblings and parents dropped their utensils. Jaune could feel he should know this girl and it was nagging at him.

“Bloody Hell/ It can’t be.” They couldn’t believe their eye. Amelia and Jonathan started tearing up. The twins dropped their scrolls and Olivia fell from her chair.

“Um hi. Uhh, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you all.” Nora walked over to Jaune and hugged him. “Hey, Jaune-Jaune I’m sorry I didn’t stay in touch.” She looked up at him and all the memories came back. Jaune returned the hug fiftyfold.

“It can’t be I thought you died… I’m so happy to see you, Nora,” Jaune felt like he was five again. He looked up and saw the boy staring. “Did you,” Ren nods. “Thank you so much.” Nora lets go and drags Ren over and hugs the both of them.

‘ Char?/ Amuro? ’

AN: I’m thinking one more chapter before beacon. But who knows.

Chapter Text

AN: Couple of things, to those asking about mobile suits there will be a poll at the end of this chapter, though even if they are added they will be an Offshoot of Atlesian Paladins so only about as tall as a Knightmare frame from Code Geass. I figured that height from a pic that showed volume 8 Ruby by a paladin and I figure they are between 4-5 meters in height. Part of me wants to throw Blake in early just for Yang. Maybe I’ll start their relationship earlier. I saw a reverse WhiteKnight ship in one of those multiverse fics and I was laughing my ass off, I’d love to see a whole fic about that. *Sigh* whelp I have a plan for Lalah.

Chapter 6

Jaune and Ren sat on the back porch and watched as Nora swung Magnhild around. It turned out that Saphron put too much sugar in the pancakes and Nora went into a sugar high. At first, the two boys had tried to calm her down with a short race but she outran them to the point of exhaustion.

“I’m still not sure this was an accident, Ren.” Jaune turned towards his new friend.

“You might be right. I warned Saphron on what sugar does to Nora.” Ren sounded out of breath.

“Might be revenge for all the times she and Clarise had to watch over Nora and me.” Jaune handed Ren a bottle of water. The next thing they knew Nora had slammed her hammer on the ground causing the house to shake. Jonathan opened the back door and tossed them their weapons.

“Deal with that!” He slammed the door as he left. Ren looked at Jaune who sighed.

“It’s been a pleasure knowing you but we aren’t getting out of this.” Jaune drew his blade and strapped his shield on.

“Seems today is the day we die.” Ren put training rounds in StormFlower and looked at their future as Nora broke a large rock.

------------

“Well, that didn’t take long. Jaunes is going to push himself too far in training again.” Char spoke as he and Amuro watched as Nora sent Jaune into a wall and Ren was knocked out after hitting a tree.

“And this is why we don’t give Nora sugar. You should know that Ren.” Amuro sighed. “But he won’t listen. I’ve been trying to get him to do something about that fragile communication system this world has for months now.” Char chuckled. 

“Been trying the same. The kid believes in the good of humanity a bit too much.” Char saw the pensive look Amuro had. “Not that it’s a bad thing but we both know there are some awful people out there.” He took a sip of the scotch he had imagined up.

“I Wish Lalah was here,” Amuro admitted. 

“I agree. Do you think she’s somewhere out there?” Char wondered allowed.

----------

The sounds of machines and a pull awoke her from slumber. Her mind was wandering she looked around and saw a man in a wheelchair pounding his fist on a table of tools. He nearly knocked over a picture of a ginger girl but caught it.

“I-I’m so s-sorry dear it seems like d-daddy isn’t as smart as he thought. If only I could hear you speak one more time my precious daughter. Penny.” He had started to cry tears rolling off the picture. She felt the pull again and flew towards the other room. There were notes all over. They showed designs for a girl but made from machines. She heard whimpering coming from a table. She went towards the sound and found the girl from the designs. She reached her hand out and was pulled into a white void.

“Where am I? Mommy? Daddy? Where are you? Why am I all alone again?” A smaller version of the same girl was curled into a ball.

“Hello dear, what seems to be the issue?” She asked the smaller girl.

“I can’t find my mommy or daddy. It’s so scary being all alone.” The girl dried her tears and looked up but backed away. “Who are y-you? Mommy told me to avoid strangers.”

“Your mommy sounds like a smart lady I am Lalah Sune It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lalah knelled down to be on eye level with the girl and offered her hand.

“I-I’m P-penny Penny Polendina.” Penny got closer and took it.

“It’s always nice making new friends.” Lalah smiled.

“W-we’re f-friends?” Little Penny asked with large eyes.

“Indeed we are. Now you need to wake up your daddy needs you.” Lalah pushed the little girls’ soul into the machine body. “Don’t worry I’ll always be with you.” 

Back in the lab, Pietro was shutting all the lights off. He noticed the blueprints for Penny and sighed. He would have to start over again. He had lost his wife and daughter five years ago in an accident while they were visiting him in the CCT tower on Atlas. Some called him mad trying to bring his daughter’s soul into a machine but he had learned a lot when he helped Ironwood on a project to help keep a woman alive. He rolled towards the most recent attempt and caressed her cheek.

“Oh, brothers please grant me a miracle.” He wasn’t a pious man but he was desperate. 

“Daddy?”

--------------

The Arc family had made it back from Argus. Jaune was in his room catching up on the homework he couldn’t get done thanks to Nora. He looked over to the two boxes he had brought back. For Yang, he had bought a collapsable motorbike helmet courtesy of Atlas tech, and for Ruby, he had gotten the book Atlas and Mistral Weapon Creation as well as a little dog plushie. He had also thought of getting them bracelets but it would interfere with Yang’s weapon and Ruby disliked conventional jewelry. His thoughts were interrupted by his door being thrown in.

“Jaune! Your back!” Ruby activated her semblance and got petals everywhere as she bowled into him.

“Ruby! How many times has dad told you not to use your semblance indoors?!” Yang looked at the mess. “Sorry Jaune.”

“That’s fine she was just happy to see me. The yellow and black box is yours, Yang. Hope you like It.” He pointed at the two wrapped boxes. Ruby grabbed the red and silver one and sat on his bed as she tore into it. Yang simply untied hers and opened it.

“Really a helmet? How… sweet.” Yang eyed it and shrugged. Jaune got up and pointed out a button and when she pressed it the helmet collapsed into a pair of goggles. “Ok! This is amazing! Now, dad will have to buy me that bike!”

“You know what dad will say, Yang.” Ruby looked over to the two then into the box. “PUPPY!” She pulled the plushie out and hugged it.

“Zwei is going to tear that thing up Rubes.” Yang deadpanned.

“No, he won’t because I’m keeping this cutie somewhere safe.” Ruby placed the plush in the box and saw the book. “Really? A book?”

“Read the title,” Jaune told her. Taking a sip of the orange juice on his desk

“Hmmm? Gasp!” Ruby pulled the book out.

“Did you really say, gasp sis?” Yang teased.

“This is so cool. So many weapons… There’s a fire sword and a collapsable minigun!” Ruby hugged the book and Jaune and Yang chuckled. “I love you.” Jaune all but spit the orange juice out and the laughter stopped.

“THE BOOK! I mean I love the book.” Ruby hid her face in the book.

‘~Jaune~” Yang sweetly sang. Jaune looked to see Yang was drenched in orange juice including her hair. 

“Meep.”

 Jonathan was rolling out some new sod for his lawn when he heard lots of pounding. He looked up to see Jaune being thrown from his window.

“Hope he’s got a landing strategy.”

------------

It was Yang and Jaunes’ final year of Signal and the yearly Argus trip was coming up. Jaune was excited to visit his nephew Adrian Cotta-Arc. Nora had kept him in the loop since he was born. Ren was finally convinced by Amuro to send a small virus targeted mainly at government buildings through the CCT towers he had sent Jaune a copy and during summer Jaune let his lose in Vale. During the chaos, Ren sent a list of blueprints to a private inventor on Mantel Pietro Polendina. Ruby was excelling in signal and had gotten private lessons from Qrow on how to fight with her sniper scythe combo, Crescent Rose. She had two years before she got into Beacon and wouldn’t leave Yang and Jaune alone as she wouldn’t see them for a long time when they made it into Beacon themselves.

“Come on Jaune it’s not connected to the actual championships, and it’s an open invitation to fight the invincible girl herself. You can’t say you aren’t tempted!?” Yang complained.

“I’m going to Argus to visit family not participate in some publicity stunt for a sports celebrity.” Jaune had argued with her about this since she learned that Mistral was holding a going away fight for their star combatant in Argus. Tai had already told her she couldn’t go herself because he would be away for the week and someone had to make sure Ruby didn’t try burning the house down again.

“Please Jaune just think about it. ~Pretty please.~” Yang stuck out her lower lip in a pout and Jaune caved.

“Ok! I’ll think about it alright just stop pouting.” He looked away from her.

“You’re the best!” Yang hugged him and pulled him into a headlock ruffling his hair. “No wonder Ruby can’t stop talking about you.”

“We’re just friends Yang!” Ever since the gift incident, Yang used it to tease two she viewed as family.

“For now. Well, you better get going. I expect you to win, you got it, mister!” She pushed him to the bullhead where his parents waited.

This was going to be an interesting vacation.

AN: God, I should start avoiding the Twitter and Reddit parts of the rwby fandom again. So Lalah is here now. Since Pietro was an allusion to Geppetto I thought why not have him trying to remake someone he lost rather than trying to make a new form of protector. He still had to go to Ironwood so Penny is still connected to the military.

Chapter Text

Usually, I’d wait longer but it’s Halloween. It’s Ruby’s birthday so hoping I can finish today if not tomorrow.

AN: Jeez there are so many reaction fics for Rwby where Pyrrha is a crazy lady and threatens anyone with an interest in Jaune. It’s so out of character for her. This chapter hits the actual RWBY timeline now. If you haven’t noticed I’m on a rwby kick at the moment. 

CHAPTER 7

The first day in Argus was relaxing, Violette and Sini still suffered from some motion sickness so it was a day for catching up. Clarise was able to make it even though she was being forced by that jerk who runs SDC to advertise the company during the open going away tournament for the Invincible Girl. Being students of Sanctum, Nora and Ren were obligated to join it. Thankfully it wasn’t till the end of the week and sign-ups closed two days before so Jaune had time to decide if he was going to fight. Clarise had told their parents she was seeing a member of the Atlas Military and while their dad wasn’t pleased some man was trying to steal his baby girl away their mom had calmed him down. Seeing the opportunity at hand Olivia took the moment to say she was fancying her team leader Gailan Rubert the leader of GOSP. Jaune wasn’t sure if it was that or the twins talking about how they were both sleeping with the same girl Coco Adel that made his dad decide passing out was the best option. Ren And Terra ended up carrying Jonathan to the guest bedroom their parents shared.

“Who’s a cutie-pie? Yes, you are. You’ll be a good little boy and not mentally scare your grandpa right little Adrian?” Amelia was playing with her grandson trying to not think about how over half of her children were in or almost in sexual relationships. 

“I don’t get why all you need physical relationships. Even Ruby is thinking about them now. I’ve lost my weapon buddy.” Sini mumbled to herself.

“Don’t worry Sini. Ruby still loves weapons. She’s constantly talking about Cresent Rose and how it’s her baby and how it’s Candida Mor’s little sister.” Jaune muttered the last part while he tried comforting her.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know Jaune it’s all your fault.” Sini accused him before going over to Clarise to ask about dust.

‘ What the heck does that mean? ’ Jaune tried asking Char. Unfortunately, Char just laughed.

“Jeez, your family is weird Jauney. I like it!” Nora popped up from behind the kitchen counter with a plate of pancakes and a bottle of syrup.

“Glad you like it. Dad certainly didn’t.” Jaune let out a low chuckle.

“Don’t see why not. Love whoever you want, that’s what I say.” Nora took a large bite.

“Never change Nora.” Ren came walking down the stairs. He waved Jaune over. “Well?”

“Ever since the summer, he hasn’t asked anything. Mainly he’s been given me pointers and making sure I study.” Jaune explained.

“Same.”

“Ever wonder what they do when they aren’t talking to us?”

------------

“So then she asks him what do they want to name their second child. She was a blushing mess and he just goes ‘But you’ve already named Cresent Rose’. I can’t make this shit up If he wasn’t dense I’d say he’s a natural flirt.” Char was chuckling at all the subtle hints Ruby has dropped.

“I still think Norasarc will sail. They were childhood friends and they have good chemistry.” Amuro countered.

“What about Rennora? Shouldn’t you be helping Ren?” Char countered.

“They’re cute together but I prefer my choice.” Amuro downed the rest of his drink.

“To bad for you Lancaster is going to win.”

“Norasarc!”

“Lancaster!” Char and Amuro looked at each other and broke out into a fit of laughter. Once they calmed down they sat in silence for a bit.

“I miss Beltorchika.” Amuro looked down at his glass remembering when he left to stop Axis she was pregnant with their child.

“I wish Lalah was here.” Char looked up wondering If things could be different.

“Really I leave you two alone and you get so bored you start arguing over some kids’ love life.” They were so shocked that if they were alive they would have snapped their necks when they looked up.

“Lalah!” Amuro and Char got up and pulled her into a hug.

“How? Why?” Char was stunned.

“How? Probably the same as you. Why? Well, that’s a military secret sorry. All I can say is my kid is traveling with the security team for the Shnee dust company’s representative.” Lalah stroked their hair. “Hopefully I can stay longer next time.” She smiled sadly at them as she left the room. ‘ If Penny got involved they’d both lose. ’ she giggled at that thought.

-----------

It was finally time for the tournament Ren and Nora had convinced Jaune to participate. The rules were simple it would start as a Battle Royal and the three left standing would each get a chance to fight Pyrrha Nikos after allowing their aura to recharge. Jaune was wearing his armor which was red with gold trim and consisted of a breastplate, a pair of shoulder pads, a pair of vambraces, and shin guards. It was light enough to allow quick movement but also tough enough to take hits from weapons and lesser Grimm. Jaune was thankful the tournament allowed alias’s He put on a pair of goggles that hid his scar and made his way out of the tent set up for participants. Only a few caught his eyes. There was a monkey Faunus with a pair of nunchucks with triggers. ‘ Either shotguns or single-shot pistols . A large bulky teen with brownish hair a mace and in what looked like knight armor. And a teen in clothes that screamed Vacuo with a cattle prod. ‘ Ok? ’

The fight was getting hectic Jaune pushed a spear welder back and kicked him from the ring. Ren was moving fast not staying in one place too long laying down suppression fire and taking a few out with his blades. Nora was having the time of her life. The cattle prod guy tried taking her out early only to learn electricity actually charged her up making her stronger. Poor guy was launched out of the arena first now she was on a rampage spinning her hammer taking out a large swath of contestants. The monkey Faunus turned out to be far better than Jaune thought. He could combine his weapons into a staff and the shotguns blasts made the momentum of his nunchucks into deadly weapons. The battle went on and Jaune slammed his shield into some guy’s face knocking them out then he parried a strike from a girl and knocked one of the daggers out of her hands he then pushed her into the tornado that was Nora and waved goodbye before she was struck with Magnhild. Unfortunately, Nora misstepped and stumbled into the path of the mace of the large teen and was knocked out. Ren went on the offensive and tore through that guy’s Aura. Jaune threw a guy with a mohawk out and the buzzer sounded.

“ *huff* That was *huff* intense.” Jaune stretched and looked around. Ren was breathing heavily and the monkey Faunus was chugging water.

“You’re telling me. I’m going to check on Nora.” Ren walked away.

“Man, that was fun!” The monkey Faunus put his arm over Jaune’s shoulder. “Names Sun Wukong. Shame we didn’t get to fight, you were cutting them down like nothing with that blade. I’m so glad I stopped by here before going to Haven.”

“Ja… Char Aznable. My friends convinced me to join.” Jaune smiled. “Good luck against Pyrrha Nikos man.”

“Heh, funny name but who can I judge.” Sun stretched. “Doubt I’ll win but I want to see how far I’ve come in training.”  Jaune smiled and walked away to rest.

--------------

Nora ended up being fine and Ren had gone to get her a snack. Sun was busy flexing for a group of girls who had varying degrees of interest and disdain. Jaune was wondering the crowds out of his armor and goggles. Nothing had caught his eye and he had turned around to head back. Unfortunately for him he bumped into someone and fell on his rear. He shook his head and looked around. A pale girl with orange hair was staring at him and an older stern-looking man in a white suit and a single glove.

“Penny apologizes to this young man.” the man told the girl.

“Of course sir.” She saluted. “Sorry about Knocking you over. Do you need assistance?” She offered her hand. Jaune took it noticing she had a steel-like grip.

“Thank you. I hope I’m not keeping you two from anything.” Jaune bowed his head.

“Not at all, young man. I was just showing my niece around. If anything I should be apologizing to you. You seemed to be in a hurry.” The man said.

“Oh yeah, I was heading back to the arena. Got to get ready for the next part.” Jaune’s eyes grew large as he realized what he had just told them.

“Ah you must be Char Aznable. We were just discussing your fighting style.” Penny said. Jaune looked around and saw no one had noticed.

“Please just call me Jaune Arc that’s just an alias so I don’t get pestered by people I know.” Jaune half begged.

“I see. You are quite an interesting fighter I normally don’t see swordsmen incorporate hand to hand while fighting. I’m James Ironwood and this is my Neice Penny Polendina.” James told him.

“Salutations.” Penny waved.

“Ironwood… wait aren’t you the headmaster at Atlas Academy?” Jaune remembered learning about the academies at Signal.

“Indeed I am. It‘s not often I get to watch potential students of mine fight. Are you perhaps thinking of going to Atlas?” Ironwood inquired.

“It’s not my first choice that’s Beacon. I live in Vale and I know people going there.” Jaune explained.

“I see. That’s a shame you could easily make it into Atlas with your skill. Just keep us in mind alright.” Ironwood held his hand out.

“I shall.” Jaune shakes his hand. “Well I must be going It was a pleasure meeting you two. Bye, Penny.” Jaune ran back to the arena.

“I wonder if he’s related to Richard Arc?” Ironwood mused

“Jaune Arc third in his class at Signal academy, Weapons Corcea Mors and an ax form named Candida Mors, sone of Johnathan Arc and Amelia Arc, and grandson to Richard Arc founder of Arcineering one of the providers of military weapons and vehicles to Atlas.” Penny looked up at Ironwood.

“Let’s keep an eye on him.”

------------

Just like all the papers said Pyrrha Nikos was near invincible. She mopped the floor with Sun in less than a minute. Ren did a little better and when he missed one too many times Char came up with a theory.

‘ I think her semblance affects either the air around her or metal I’d advise not wearing metal armor ’ Char told him. So Jaune pulled out his training pads and replaced his armor.

“Lie Ren is in the red victory goes to Pyrrha Nikos the Invincible Girl!” Jaune sighed and waited for his alias to be called. When ren entered the tent he nodded at Jaunes choice.

“It felt like my weapons moved. Be careful.” Ren told him. Nora entered through the other side.

“They called your name Jaune! Go out there and break her legs.” Nora cheered.

“Isn’t it ‘break a leg’?” Jaune looked over.

“Nope.”

The air was oppressive and all the eye’s on him made Jaune nervous. He felt like he was walking to his death. He entered the arena and made his way to the middle. The rules were the same as a tournament match.

“May the best one win Char.” Pyrrha bowed to him.

“May the best one win Pyrrha.” Jaune did the same. After the formalities were over they went to their sides.

Pyrrha started out by shooting her rifle. Jaune rolled to the side keeping his shield between him and her. He felt two rounds hit and heard her reload. He pushed himself into a sprint to get close and she switched to her sword mode. And blocked his strike with her shield. He kept her close and made short strikes trying to chip away at her aura. She was prepared for that and kicked his legs out. He rolled as she stabbed and slashed. His breathing got ragged she barely left a moment for him to breathe. He struck her heel staggering her allowing him time to jump up. He placed his sword away and switched to ax mode and came down with heavy blows. She spun out of the way behind him. He spun with his ax to catch her but he felt it slow and she stepped back. He smirked as he was right. A trigger popped out on the underside of his ax with a barrel on the side of the ax head. Her eyes widened as he pulled. All the dust he saved up erupted at once in a large blast she pulled her shield up but the force was too much and when she stepped she stumbled as there was no ground and fell out of the ring. The whole crowd was silent. And the buzzer went off. Jaunes ax collapsed into a sheath and he placed his weapon away. He leaned down offering her his hand.

“Sorry about that I knew that if the fight was drawn out you would win so I kept on the offensive luring you to the edge and when I felt you use your semblance I used my backup weapon as a surprise attack to force you out of the ring.”

“Thank you.” She took his hand and stood up. “Char Aznable you have shown me even though I am on my way to becoming a huntress that there will always be someone smarter or stronger than me so I thank you for such a lesson.” Pyrrha amplified her voice so the audience could hear her. The cheers were defining.

----------

In a booth, Jame Ironwood stood there watching. Penny was bouncing from excitement and a person on a monitor was sipping from a cup.

“Did you see that Ozpin?” James switched to the security feed and watched as the other two fighters congratulated Jaune and a ginger girl tackled him from behind. ‘ You even inspire those around you Jaune. ’

“Indeed. It was quite the spectacle.” The man on the monitor said.

“He could be the guardian for the next fall,” James suggested.

“Perhaps but that will all depend on if Mr. Arc gets into an academy,” Ozpin stated. “I must go, Glynda has the paperwork for the new applicants.” The monitor flicks off.

“He’s interesting,” Penny said allowed.

“Indeed he is.”

--------------

It was a few months after the tournament and Jaune was resting after learning he had passed the entrance exam for Beacon and would soon be taking the initiation test because of that he was staying with the twins in Vale. Nora had started calling him a red bull for how he charged Pyrrha but ‘thanks’ to Ren it had changed. He was certain Amuro told Ren to call him it but when he said Jaune was more like a comet Nora switched to calling him The Red Comet much to his displeasure and Char found it hilarious. He was drifting to sleep when his scroll went off. 

“Hello?” Jaune answered.

“Jaune?” A familiar feminine voice asked. 

“Ruby, why are you calling at night?” He asked.

“I need someone to pick me up,” Ruby told him.

“Can’t you ask your family?” He asked.

“I could but I don’t want them to know I’m at a police station.” That woke Jaune right up. She explained how she had stopped a dust store robbery when one of the goons tried to mug her and how she got in a fight and a huntress saved her then took her to the police.

“Yeah, I’ll be right there. I don’t think your dad can take another incident like the nightclub again so soon.” Jaune threw on a coat and left the apartment.

AN: 

Happy Birthday Ruby Rose.

Ok, this chapter is now done. I figured at some point Char and Amuro would get bored and start getting into arguments from time to time. I know I’m not the best at combat but I hope you enjoyed it.

Chapter Text

AN: I was so into writing that I actually started this chapter right after I finished Chapter 7 so that’s why it’s out so soon. Thanks for the reviews the last chapter made me happy in knowing you are enjoying this fic. We are now in RWBY it’s time to party. This means actual POVs for Ruby and Yang!

Chapter 8

Ruby woke up and felt like something was off. She didn’t have Sir. Woofie and all her tools for Crescent Rose weren’t hanging up on the wall. The fuzziness of sleep started to fade and she remembered last night. Roman Torchwick, the dust store, the goon who tried mugging her, the huntress, and Ozpin. He offered her a spot at Beacon and she accepted! She was going to be a huntress like Yang and her mom and she’d be in the same classes as Yang and… Jaune! That’s right she called him because she was afraid her dad would get overprotective again. He had brought her to his sisters’ apartment and let her use this room. There were only two rooms… She was in his bed! She shifted around, there was no one else in the room. Why was she disappointed? Her eyes fell over something on his desk.

“Blueprints? What’s this some kind of armor, and what are funnels?” She flipped through the papers. She saw a suit of armor with a shield attached to the right shoulder, and what interested her were these cylinders that opened up like flowers and had guns in them. There was a knock on the bedroom door and she freaked out she threw the papers down and went to the door and found her dad standing there.

“So I heard you’re going to Beacon.” Tai looked at her and around the room.

“Uh yeah. The headmaster kinda offered me a spot last night.” She hid behind her bangs.

“Yeah, I heard he gave me a call last night. Said you also stopped a robbery.” Tai placed a hand on her shoulder. “Right after Jaune called saying you were here because you didn’t have money for the trip home.”

“I’m sorry.” Ruby felt tears in her eyes.

“Ruby look at me.” She looked up and saw a look of concern. “I’m not mad I was just worried. It’s my job to worry about you. Jaune already told me the real reason you stayed over.”

“He did?”

“Yes. It might be my fault you were too scared to tell me and I accept that. I just don’t want to lose you or Yang. Maybe I’m a little overprotective but I’m your dad that’s my job. I’m proud of what you did just be careful alright?” Tai pulled her into a hug.

“Thank you, dad. I promise I’ll be careful.” She hugged him back.

“I guess you’re leaving then?” Jaune asked from the hall.

“I’ll see you in a few hours it’s not like I’m going across the world.” Ruby joked.

“Heh. True enough. See ya on the bullhead to Beacon. I wonder how Yang will react?” Jaune joked. Ruby’s face went pale, Yang was going to tease her to no end.

-------------

Yang was having the time of her life. At first, she was worried when Ruby didn’t make it home last night but their dad told her Ruby was staying over at Jaunes. So many things went through her mind but she wasn’t worried Jaune knew what would happen if he hurt her sister. When morning came around and her dad explained everything he had asked Yang to pack Ruby’s bags for Beacon. 

Yang was excited so she threw all she could think of in her sisters’ bags. When she got to the Plushie her sister slept with it felt heavier and after looking she found her journal. Like a good sister, Yang decided to leave it alone, but like a teasing sister, she started reading it. Most of it was normal things like complaining about family after big fights or ideas for weapons. The juicy stuff didn’t appear until the start of Signal. She wrote about friends, drama, and crushes or more specifically a crush and a rather big one and a certain blonde. There were dozens of pages of her wanting to work up her courage to ask him out. Yang had made it her goal that those two would get together. She tucked the journal back and made a list of teasing topics to use.

-----------

Jaune watched as Yang fawned over Ruby during the flight. He was glad Ruby’s family accepted her early admission to Beacon. He was watching the new reel and frowned. The White Fang bothered him. He didn’t hate Faunus no he figured everyone should be treated equally. It was the actions of the radicals in the White Fang that bothered him, he understood fighting oppression but harming innocents and treating it like it was a necessary evil that made him sick.

“Jaune! Aren’t you excited?” Yang made her way over with Ruby in tow.

“I am. It almost feels like a dream. When I was younger my parents tried to dissuade me from being a hunter but when we moved to Vale and they met your dad because of ‘you know’ suddenly they supported me. So in a way, I get to live my dream because of you two. There is no way I could ever repay you two.” Jaune explained.

“Don’t mention it,” Yang stated. “Ever.”

“Yeah. You’re going to do great Jaune! It’s not every day someone beats p...” Jaune shot forward covering Ruby’s mouth.

“I said don’t talk about it in public Rubes.” Jaune chastised her.

“But it was so cool! You were like bam, woosh, slash, bang!” Ruby flung her hands all around to emphasize her point.

“Attention all students we will be landing please find a seat or grab the handrail to steady yourselves.”

“Whelp you heard robot lady. Here Ruby why don’t you sit next to Jaune?” Yang grabbed her sister and sat Ruby down.

------------

Yang had left him to watch Ruby. Ruby had wandered off looking at all the weapons. Jaune just sighed and decided to go and find a map or something. Nora and Ren were already at the auditorium but Nora had forbidden Ren from giving him directions. He was avoiding a certain beret-wearing girl when he heard an explosion. He had no clue he’d come to regret going to investigate the sound. He saw the smoke clear and noticed Ruby was involved and went to help until he saw the other.

‘ Son of a bitch! Please tell me that’s not who I think it is? ’ Jaune could already hear the demands. ‘Get me some juice, there’s too much pulp in it, can you get me a cookie, I wanted oatmeal, not chocolate chip!’

‘ Calm down. She is popular now maybe it’s just a fan who likes her music? ’ Char told him.

‘ You’re right I’m probably freaking out for nothing. ’ Jaune started walking and heard them talking.

“It’s not just sparing and practice you know, we’re here to fight monsters. So watch where you’re going.” The girl flipped her ponytail.

“Hey, I said I’m sorry, princess.” Yang would have been proud to see how well Ruby had come along with her sass.

“It’s heiress actually. Weiss Schnee heiress to the Schnee Dust Company” A dark-haired girl stats. Jaune’s heart stopped and he felt like it had gotten ten degrees cooler.

‘ Calm down and just get Ruby. It’s been ages I doubt she remembers you. ’ Char suggested.

‘ You’re right I can do this. ’ Jaune took a deep breath and walked up to them.

“Hey, Rubes I was looking all over for you.” Jaune prayed ‘she’ would leave.

“Jaune you have to help me this crabby girl is yelling at me and I tried apologizing but it’s not helping!!” Ruby ran behind him.

“Who are you?” Weiss poked his chest.

“I’m Jaune Arc. Her friend. Now I don’t know what happened but can’t you just take the high road and forgive her?” Jaune defended Ruby. Weiss took a step back and looked him up and down. ‘ Shit.Shit.Shit.Shit. Shit!!! ’

“Well, I guess I could. BUT!” Weiss points at Ruby. “Be more careful next time!” She walks off with a butler pushing her luggage. Jaune let out a breath and looked for the dark-haired girl but she also walked away.

“Well looks like I saved you again huh?” Jaune chuckles.

“Thank you, Jaune!” Ruby hugged him then started pulling him away. They found Yang in the auditorium chatting with Nora.

“Hey, guys I saved you some seats!” Yang pointed to a spot next to her.

“Jaune-Jaune You made it!” Nora swung Jaune around before dropping him.

“Hey, Nora. Is Ren here?” Jaune looked around and saw ren further away.

“Yup he’s just saving me a spot. So what took you so long?” Nora asked.

“Well, I was looking for Ruby who…” Jaune started.

“Yang! Because you left me I exploded!” Ruby finished.

“Shesh meltdown already?” Yang shot a look at Jaune.

“Don’t look at me she took off after some weapons,” Jaune explained. “No, she actually exploded. That’s how I found her.”

“I tripped over a crabby girl’s bag and she started yelling at me and then I sneezed and Boom.” Ruby gave the short version. “Then Jaune came and saved me!” Nora and Yang smirked at that.

“I guess you’re her knight in shining armor huh Jauney boy.” Yang teased.

“Of course he is! He’s the Red Comet after all.” Nora joined in.

“YANG!/NORA!” Ruby and Jaune yelled. They would have said more if Ozpin hadn’t walked on stage.

“I'll...keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge--to hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose – direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step.” The whole place was silent as he spoke.

“Now you will all have Initiation tomorrow so you will all be staying in the ballroom. If you pass you will begin your journey as a student here. Have a good night’s rest. You’ll need it.” Ozpin left the stage and there were murmurs.

“Did he seem distracted to any of you?” Yang asked.

“Well he has to run a whole school,” Nora stated.

------------

The ballroom was huge and had more than enough space. Ruby looked over to her sister who had decided to sleep next to her. Yang was on her scroll distracted. They had heard Jaune Curse earlier and he had exited to the restroom in a bunny onesie. He had sighed shrugged and started strutting around causing them to burst out laughing. His sisters must have decided to prank him. She went back to her letter.

“Whatcha doing?” Yang hung over her shoulder.

“Writing a letter to my friends at Signal,” Ruby replied.

“Aw, that’s so adorable.” Yang hugged her. 

“Yang please,” Ruby whined.

“What? I just think it’s so great you made friends. Now you have to make friends here.” Yang said.

“What I have you and Nora?” Ruby questioned. ‘ And Jaune though hopefully... ’

“What about Jaune? Do you not consider him a friend? Or are you hoping for more?” Yang teased.

“J-Jaune is my f-friend I d-don’t know w-what you’re i-implying.” Ruby’s face felt hot.

“Hahahahaha! You‘re as bright as a Christmas tree Rubes.” Yang was rolling she was laughing too hard.

“Why don’t you go make friends huh?!” Ruby yelled trying to deflect the conversation.

“I have a lot of friends.” Yang shot back.

“I’m not talking about your online friends.” Ruby struck a low blow.

“I’ll have you know Kitty_NoL is a great friend,” Yang stated. Over in the corner, the two sisters didn’t notice the dark-haired girls bow twitch. “What about her? She looks like she likes to read. You also like reading.” Yang pointed to the dark-haired girl.

“Hey I know her she helped me out before Jaune showed up.” Ruby happily said. Yang took that as an agreement so she pulled Ruby up and pushed her towards the girl.

“Hmm. Hello.” The girl said before going back to her book.

“Hi I’m uh Ruby Rose and um I wanted to say uh thank you for helping earlier.” Ruby stumbled over her introduction.

“Blake Belladonna and I didn’t do a lot. Your boyfriend did the most work.” Blake used a finger as a bookmark and looked up.

 “He’s not my b-boyfriend. I mean he is a boy and a friend but not a boyfriend though I woulnmid...” Ruby mumbled the last bit. Blake smiled at how adorable this was.

“Pfft. Ruby you ok.” Yang patted her sister’s back. “I’m Yang Xiao Long Ruby’s awesome older sister!” Yang introduced herself through a fit of giggles. 

“Do you like to read?” Ruby asked.

“Yes, I do. I was enjoying this book after all.” Blake held up A Man with Two Souls.

“I like reading as well. Though I prefer happy endings.” Ruby said looking at the book.

“I find books like this to be more realistic. Not everything in the world has a happy ending.” Blake explained.

“Well, that’s why we choose to become huntress’ right? So we can fight for a happy ending. It won’t be easy but I believe as long as you try you will find some happiness in life.” Ruby told her.

“That’s rather optimistic. But perhaps you’re right.” Blake replied. She noticed Weiss stalking over. “Now not to be rude but I’d like to read a bit more before going to sleep.”

“Oh, um ok. Sorry for disturbing you. Maybe we can talk tomorrow.” Ruby started pushing Yang away.

“Bye Blake!” Yang called out.

Chapter Text

Gonsmoss: Thank you for pointing out the issue with Weiss’ name and I’ll agree that joke was only ok at best.

AN: I was kinda shocked to see so many reviews. Thank you so very much. That just makes me want to write more and make it as good as I can. Now I must watch RWBY again to help with certain events and conversations. That will be fun but man I forgot about the old season 1 art style. Also, warning Combat is coming up in this chapter. I’ve gotten better than say my MHA fics honestly I think it’s because I started out as a fantasy author so weapon fighting is a little closer to my wheelhouse but I am not perfect I will make mistakes but I will try to limit them………… ok why the fuck does the wiki have the transcripts? Whatever. Still had to watch the show to get ideas for certain parts.

Chapter 9

Ruby awoke from a dream involving an endless supply of cookies and milk with a groan. Sleeping on the hard ground was something she would have to get used to or at least that's what uncle Qrow kept saying. Noticing Yang was already gone, Ruby pushed herself up and sleepily walked to the showers. After having woken up from the shower and brushing her teeth, she made her way to the cafeteria, grabbed a bowl, and poured herself some surgery cereal.

“Heya Ruby! Cereal huh? I’m more partial to pancakes myself.” Nora slide in front of her.

“Nora. Finish your breakfast.” Ren came and put a half-eaten pancake in front of her and sat down with his own plate.

“So are you excited huh? It’s going to be so much fun! Who’s team do you think you’ll be on?” Nora woofed down her last pancake and stared at Ruby.

“Kinda. I’m really nervous though What if I’m stuck with the girl from yesterday?” Ruby spun her spoon in the milk.

“What happened there exactly?” Ren asked. Ruby retold the events as they put the dishes away and walked to the lockers.

“WAIT WHAT?!” Nora screamed as they got to the end.

“Her names Weiss Schnee?” Ruby repeated as a question.

“Talking about yesterday Rubes?” Yang asked as they approached their lockers. Ruby nodded and Nora didn’t seem pleased.

“Of course the snow queen is here! Why does the world hate me?” Nora lamented.

“Nora?” Ren and Ruby asked.

“Long story short we met once and she was not very nice. Now I don’t know what she’s like now but she didn’t give the best first impression.” Nora pulled out her weapon checking to see if she had all her ammo and flung it over her shoulder. “Who knows maybe she’s nicer now.”

“She yelled at me,” Ruby said.

“Could have been nervous?” Ren suggested.

“They right Ruby. You didn’t meet in the best way. But if she is still a bitch I’m going to have some words for her.”

------------

Jaune was busy looking for his locker. He was certain he put his stuff in 636 but Char kept saying it was 363. Unfortunately, he just had to check to make sure. Opening the locker he say nothing and Char giggled.

‘ You’re bored this morning huh? ’ Jaune grumbled.

‘ What can I say gotta find entertainment somehow. ’ Char shrugged. Jaune sighed and continued on his way to his gear. He passed his friends as they got ready and waved. They waved back and he continued on his way. He noticed that Pyrrha had decided to come to Beacon and her locker wasn’t far from his.

“So, Pyrrha, have you given any thought to whose team you'd like to be on? I'm sure everyone must be eager to unite with such a strong, well-known individual such as yourself!”  He sighed as he heard Weiss attempt to recruit Pyrrha. He finished equipping his armor and decided to watch this play out.

“Hmm... I'm not quite sure. I was planning on letting the chips fall where they may.” Pyrrha hoped Weiss would leave after hearing that.

“Well... I was thinking maybe we could be on a team together.” Weiss offered. Jaune figured she would ask that.

‘ When you’re famous you miss the time when people didn’t try riding your coat tails. ’ Char mumbled.

‘ It’s a smart idea though. Pyrrha is a strong fighter. I just wish Weiss noticed uncomfortable she is. ’ Jaune responded.

“Well, that sounds grand!” Pyrrha forced a smile. Jaune sighed walking over to the two.

“Great!” Weiss cheerfully stated.

“I doubt Beacon allows students to pick out their teams That would be too easy. Names Jaune Arc it’s nice to meet you.” Jaune said.

“Ah um nice to meet you Jaune,” Pyrrha replied. “You might be right.”

“Yeah well, maybe we could convince them?” Weiss replied hopefully.

“Maybe but why do you wish to be on her team?” Jaune asked.

“Do… you not know who this is?!” Weiss sputtered.

“Pyrrha Nikos. So what? She’s just one person teams consist of four.” Jaune noticed Pyrrha’s shoulders drop.

“So what? SO WHAT?! Pyrrha has won the Mistral Region Tournaments four times in a row!” Weiss shouted.

“So she’s a good fighter is that your only reason? Personally, I hope to be teamed up with someone I can trust. I don’t care about previous achievements. Heck, are you forgetting she lost a few months ago?” Jaune pointed out.

“Indeed I did. He was quite the opponent. I heard he was offered a spot in Atlas. I don’t know if he took it though.” Pyrrha commented.

“That was just luck!” Weiss retorted.

“And all it takes is one lucky strike from a Grimm. How about this, you learn how groups are being made first then if it doesn’t work out you can try asking?” Jaune offered. Weiss opened her mouth then a thoughtful look crossed her face.

“I guess you’re right. It was a pleasure talking to you Pyrrha.” Weiss grabbed her rapier and walked off.

“See you in a little bit Weiss. Thank you.” Pyrrha bowed.

“Don’t thank me there’s still a chance you’ll be paired up,” Jaune stated.

“I guess you’re right, sorry.” Pyrrha bowed again.

“Jeez, you don’t need to apologize.” Jaune rubbed his head.

“Sorry.”

“Stop! No more apologizing today ok.” Jaune announced.

“Sor… ok. Well, it was nice meeting you Jaune.” Pyrrha took her gear and ran off.

“Yo... *sigh* whatever. Might as well get my weapon.” Jaune tried telling her she had already said that but she was gone. He turned to his locker and grabbed his sword and shield.

“Rough morning huh lady killer.” Yang chuckled.

“Hey, she looked uncomfortable I just tried to help like any decent person,” Jaune said defensively.

“Well let’s get to the initiation Jaune.” Ruby grabbed his arm and started pulling him along.

“Awwww already found your partner Ruby.” Yang teased.

“YANG!!”

------------

They all gathered on the cliff overlooking the emerald forest. All the students were split up into two groups of sixteen and each was directed to a metal plate with Beacons insignia on them. They all stood there waiting as the headmaster Ozpin took a sip from his mug and the Vice Headmaster Glynda wrote a few things down. Ozpin sat his mug to the side and walked up before them.

“For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest.” Most students smiled at the thought of fighting the Grimm.

“Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of "teams." Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today.” Glynda said.

“Oh no.” Ruby looked at her friends hoping they were on the same team. Ozpin smiled.

“These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well.” Ozpin smirked, “That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years.” Ruby’s world was shattered.

“After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die.” Ozpin had a serious look as he explained their test.

“You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?” None of the students spoke up. “Good. I wish you all luck with your landing strategies.” Ozpin and Glynda walked to the side.

---------------

“Well, this is more brutal than the Zeon military school,” Char stated while watching the teens get launched off the cliff.

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Amuro asked.

“Well, they are learning to fight creatures that are trying to destroy humanity.” Char notice Amuro was getting distracted and Ren was about to be up. “Have a nice flight.”

“Wait? WhAT?!” Amuro is launched out of his chair and disappears.

----------

Jaune flew through the air and quickly analyzed the forest he was falling into. He shifted his sword and let out a blast from the hidden shotgun and when he slowed he spun and struck a tree and heated the blade slightly burning the wood but sliding down the trunk. When he landed he immediately took in his surroundings. He noticed Yang flying through the air still and then he heard running. Being cautious he brought his weapon in a defensive position till he heard yelling.

“YANG! YANG!” He smirked and lowered his weapon as Ruby shot through the bushes.

“Hey, Rubes. Guess we’re partners.” She skidded to a halt as Jaune greeted her.

“Guess so. Now what?” Ruby looked around.

“We continue north. Onward to adventure!” Jaune raised his ax up high.

------------

Nora flew through the air shooting a few grenades. She used her aura to start bouncing off branches. By the time she slowed she noticed a girl with a bow kill an Ursa.

“Aww, a wanted a shot at it.” Nora regretted the flushing at the end of her descent. The girl looked up and studied her.

“I guess we’re partners.” She bluntly stated.

“Yuppers! I’m Nora Valkyrie at your service.” Nora saluted with her hammer.

“Blake Belladonna. Let’s continue north.” Blake turned and started walking.

--------------

Ren spun around the tree and nearly hit someone on the way down. He watched as they dropped into a crouch. It was Pyrrha Nikos.

“Been awhile Pyrrha,” Ren said.

“Why hello, Ren it looks like we are partners.” She smiled seeing a familiar face.

“I pity whoever got Nora. Did you see any Grimm around?” Ren asked.

“There’s a King Taitiju not far off and a few Ursa’s,” Pyrrha said.

“Shouldn’t be too hard but let’s not get too distracted we need to go north.” Ren pulled out StormFlower.

-------------

Yang finally stopped in a roll and heard a rustle. She peered around and saw a bush move.

“Ruby?” An Ursa rose up.

“Nope.” Yang activated her gauntlets and shot towards the Grimm. She ducked under its swing and punched it in the gut letting off a shotgun blast. With the Ursa caught off guard, it flailed its arms. Yang noticed a lock of her hair and she saw red. She pummeled the Ursa into dust but then heard the howl of a beowolf. She turned to find the Grimm frozen.

“Jeez, be more careful.” Weiss Schnee walked out from behind it.

“Great.” Yang wondered if her luck could get worse.

--------------

“The final team is together. Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long,” Glynda watched the screen and brought the two girls together. 

“It’s going to be an interesting year, that’s for sure.” Ozpin watched as Weiss finished the Beowulf.

AN: Partners have been made. One of my issues with RWBY is almost every single partner group gets romantically involved so let us see how it plays out when that doesn’t happen.

Chapter Text

I AM SO SORRY I FORGOT ABOUT YOU GUYS ON A03.

AN: My note board is starting to look like a conspiracy theorist board. Neat. I have seen the initiation so many times it's been ingrained in my brain.

Chapter 10

It wasn't long until they encountered the Grimm. Jaune Had just cut a Beowolf's head off while Ruby shot forward in a spin taking out two with her Scythe. They must have stumbled into their territory as more Beowolf's came from the underbrush. Jaune switched back to his sword and shield style to focus more on a defensive stance against a large group. Ruby used her semblance and rushed to cover his back.

"Gods there's too many they're going to overwhelm us." Jaune spat out.

"We need to get to less open territory Jaune!" Ruby hooked her scythe around one and used the recoil of shooting another Beowolf to slice the one she hooked in half. Jaune pushed one back before stabbing it in the head.

"Agreed. I saw a cave not far from here when I was in the air." He nodded in the direction. They shared a look and ran.

Yang and Weiss pushed through the forest. They encountered a few stray Grimm but for an aura-enhanced human such a small group was nothing. Weiss cut through some branches revealing a set of ruins. The two teens shared a look and carefully approached keeping an eye out for traps.

"Think this is it?" Yang asked as they got close.

"Really? Why else would…" Weiss trailed off as they saw what the ruins held. Chess pieces. "No doubt no ruins would just have chess pieces arranged like this."

"So I guess we take one huh?" Yang asked, eyeing the gold pony.

"We were told to bring a 'relic' back," Weiss said looking at the pieces that have already been taken.

"Let's take the pony!" Yang grabbed the golden horse.

"You idiot, that's a knight piece, not a pony! Can you be any more of an airhead?" Weiss mumbled the last part. They met at the center and looked around as they heard gunfire.

"Yeah, I'm not going in there." Ruby looked at the small cave entrance with cave paintings around it.

"The Beowolves seem to be scared of something they haven't gotten any closer." Jaune was investigating the painting when he noticed the scorpion. "Death Stalker cave. It makes sense they're afraid, there's always a bigger fish waiting to eat you." He pats the wall a few times before standing by Ruby.

"Yeah. I don't want to stick around for it to decide whether or not it will eat us." Ruby looked to see the Beowolves were beginning to thin out and run. "Let's get going I don't like the feel of this place." Jaune nodded as the air felt wrong and followed the cliff's edge until they saw the Grimm were gone and continued to head north. As they left they heard a rumble and rocks shattering.

"RUN!" Jaune ordered and they booked it before what they assumed was the Death Stalker got out of its cave. They kept running for as long as they could by the time they slowed down they couldn't hear anything following them but up ahead they could hear gunfire. Exiting the brush they stumbled upon the ruins. Yang and Weiss had taken defensive positions and the gunfire was getting closer. Rushing forward rwby grabbed a castle-like object and turned to her sister.

"Yang! Are you ok? What happening?" Ruby asked in a hushed tone. She saw Jaune taking a defensive position in the front and shifted her scythe to its rifle form.

"Not sure Rubes, I'm fine. Me and the ice princess" "Hey!" "were about to head back to the top of the cliff when we heard gunfire and it started getting closer... Whoever is fighting is retreating and bringing whatever is attacking them our way." Yang explained. As that happened two figures ran out of the tree line.

"Ren?!" Jaune shouted in disbelief. His friend wasn't able to answer as spear-like feathers shot towards him. Ren dodged out of the way and fired away. Those watching heard a screech as his bullets found one of its eyes. One of the largest nevermore's they had seen flew away.

"Pyrrha the ruins are over this way lets hurry before the Grimm returns!" Ren called to the figure beside him. They raced to the ruins and Pyrrha grabbed the other knight.

"Is that thing going to come back?!" Weiss asked with a shaky voice.

"I… don't… know," Pyrrha said between breaths. "But I don't want to wait around to find out." The tree line rustled and an Ursa bust out of it putting them all on guard before it fell over. Revealing two girls on its back.

"Awww it's broken." A dejected voice pointed out.

"Nora you are insane." A calm but shaky voice pointed out.

"Is that the ruins?!" Nora shot over and grabbed another castle. "We're queens of the castle!" She chanted as her partner walked up.

"Any of you want to switch partners?" Blake said in a joking manner.

"I'm good. I'd rather have a violent blonde than whatever she is." Weiss smirked.

"HEY! I'm not that violent!" Yang yelled.

"Guys?"

"I'm staying with Jaune!" Ruby pointed out ignoring Yang's smirk.

"Uhhhh, guys?" Pyrrha tried getting their attention again.

"Guess we're stuck together. At least this year will be interesting." Blake smirked looking at Nora bouncing around Ren.

"GUYS!" Pyrrha screamed catching everyone's attention.

"What?" they all asked.

"We have company." Pyrrha pointed to the sight of trees falling. Out of the treeline, a large Death Stalker burst into sight.

"Jaune! It followed us!" Ruby yelled.

"You lead that thing here?!" Weiss screeched.

"It was that or a hoard of Beowolves. Now there's only 1 of it and 8 of us. If we work together we can beat it." Ruby suggested. It tries attacking with its stinger only for Weiss to block it with a wall of ice.

"That won't hold it for long let's come up with a plain and fast," Weiss says.

"Not bad kid your reasoning is sound but you could do with a bit more confidence," Char said watching Ruby.

"She's only fifteen. Hell look at me I was fifteen when we first fought and look how far I got?" Amuro countered.

"What being under house arrest or constantly jumping between partners?" Char chuckled.

"You weren't much better with the constant name changes! What kind of name is Quattro Bajeena?" Amuro smirked.

"I was going through a phase!" Char shot back.

"Well while you were going through a phase I was in bed with your sister and it sure wasn't your name she was crying out," Amuro smirked before heading out.

"IF WE WEREN'T DEAD RAY I WOULD KILL YOU!" Char Yelled in rage.

"Do you think we should help them, Sir?" Glynda watched the screen seeing the participants preparing to fight.

"Not yet. Something tells me these children will surprise us." Ozpin sipped his coffee.

"As you say." She just prayed Ozpin was right.

"Ok, we need to keep it guessing. We can't just rush it." Jaune commented.

"Our biggest issue is its armor, If we can't break it we won't be able to damage it properly." Pyrrha pointed out. She looked at Yang and Nora. "Can either of you two break through it?"

"Given time maybe but I doubt we have the time needed," Yang said.

"Maybe we can squash it somehow? I mean it's a big bug." Nora suggested.

"There's always the option to run. We have our objective. Let's just inform the headmaster when we get back." Weiss again points out. The Ice starts to crack.

"As much as I hate that idea you might be right Ice Princess," Yang comments looking at the wall.

"I agree not all fights are winnable." Ren agreed. Pyrrha nodded.

"Ok we run to fight another day," Jaune said. "And only fight it if there's no other option."

'I wonder where the nevermore went.' Ren thought.

The nevermore divebombed again only to have a dagger charged with lightning dust thrown at it. It stuck its wing and dropped it to the ground.

"Hey, guys who's up for roasted Grimm?" A large brown-haired teen joked.

"Just finish the thing off man we got to get Sky and Dove to the cliff that damn bird did a number on them." A teen with a mohawk yelled.

"Yeah, yeah. I wonder who pissed this thing off." The brown-haired teen thought aloud before bringing his mace down on its head.

"It's getting closer and we're running out of land!" Weiss yelled as they grew closer to the ravine.

"Shit we've got to do something," Jaune mumbled. "NORA! Throw it off balance with grenades. Ruby aim for the eyes if you can. Blake help me distract it." Jaune shouted orders as he slid to a stop. He pulled his weapon out and shifted it into the ax form. Blake ran to the right and he went left. Nora had launched a grenade that hit before it cause the Death Stalker to stop abruptly. Most of Ruby's shots missed but one hit its left largest eye. Jaune cleaved one of its smaller legs off before he dodges its stinger. Blake used her ribbon to pull the right pincher off course when it tried attacking.

"We can't just leave them to fight that thing," Pyrrha said to Yang, Ren, and Weiss. She switched her javelin to its rifle mode and started helping Ruby. Yang shrugged and ran to assist Blake. Ren ran to Jaunes' side and helped try to cripple the other legs.

"I guess you're right," Weiss grumbled.

"Jaune look the stinger!" Ren pointed out. The stinger was barely hanging on.

"Pyrrha, Ruby! Aim for the stinger. Weiss, can you help Nora get in the air?" Jaune pointed to the dangling appendage. Weiss nodded using a bit of gravity dust to fling Nora in the air. Ruby's shoot separated the stinger and it pierced the back of the Grimm.

"Nora Smash!" Jaune shouted. Nora gave a salute before using an explosion to fling her hammer atop the stinger pushing it further into the Grimms body. The Death Stalker writhed and finally died.

"Russel Thrush. Cardin Winchester. Dove Bronzewing. Sky Lark. The four of you retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRDL, led by... Cardin Winchester!" The audience clapped as the team appeared on the big screen.

"Jaune Arc. Ruby Rose. Blake Belladonna. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team ABVR(Amber). Led by Jaune Arc." Ruby hugged Jaune and Nora cheered.

"Lie Ren. Pyrrha Nikos. Yang Xiao Long. Weiss Schnee. The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team PYSL(Pastel). Led by Pyrrha Nikos." Weiss smirked, Ren nodded, Pyrrha held her hands over her mouth, and Yang congratulated her.

"So since neuter of our chooses became leaders who wins?" Amuro asked looking at the betting board. Amuro had figured the school might try to suck up to the SDC and make Weiss the leader of her team. While Char figured Ruby would be the leader of Jaunes team.

"I guess it's a draw. Shame I thought for sure she would be a leader since Ozpin brought her in early." Char sank into his chair.

AN: Yes Cardin and his team killed the injured nevermore but Sky and Dover were injured in the process. Due to some thinking on my end all potential pairings are up in the air. I'm not saying one or another won't happen I'm just saying there might be changes.

Chapter Text

AN: I spent the last few days building models. That was a rather relaxing time now back to rwby. No joke the fact you all are enjoying this fic makes me want to write faster. I have plans for Penny/Lalah. But before she even comes back here's a chance to do some chapters about their time at Beacon before getting back to the plot since Jaunedice isn't a thing since he didn't sneak his way in. How will team ABVR and team PYSL handle long-winded professors, Weiss's insecurities, and worse of all homework? OH, GODS! I'm dreading the Vytal festival part.

Chapter 11

"Sir are you sure it's wise to keep this information from the military and even Atlas's council?" A white-haired woman in her mid twenty's asked Ironwood.

"Until I'm certain these attacks weren't an attempt at probing our defenses for a larger attack in the future. I don't want anyone to know. Here you go, Specialist Schnee." Ironwood wrote a note. 'I found too many back doors in the cct system. Watts was planning something. Can't risk this being known. Do not speak of this. Burn the note.' She activated a fire glyph behind the note and it burned to ash.

"How's Penny's training going?" The specialist asked.

"She's advancing a lot quicker than we anticipated. She's been asking to go to an Academy and depending on her next few tests I might allow it. How is the MS project going Winter?" James asked.

"The prototypes have exceeded all expectations general purpose should be rolling out soon." Winter Schnee reported while looking through her notes. Some caught her eyes like they were looking for non-Atlesin pilots.

Tai was going through the mail Junk was placed in one pile and bills in the other. He spotted a handwritten letter from Yang and opened it. Ruby and Yang had passed Initiation and had been sorted into teams. He was a little worried that Yang and Ruby were in separate teams but they sounded like good kids for the most part. She also explained that Ruby had a crush on Jaune and wasn't great at hiding it. He made a mental note to speak with Johnathan and Amelia. Zwei poked his head up and whined.

"Oh, do you want to go outside? Do ya?" Tai asked in a childish voice that got the corgi excited.

Ports class was dragging on and Yang was about to blow. If she had to hear another story from this man's youth she would scream. She couldn't understand how Re, Weiss, or Pyrrha could be taking notes. None of this had any real value. Her eyes wandered to Team ABVR. Her sister was building a pyramid of cards, Jaune was writing, Nora was sleeping, and Blake was reading the textbook.

"The moral of this story? A true Huntsman must be honorable!" Port hollered getting everyone's attention.

"A true Huntsman must be dependable!" His voice grew louder.

"A true Huntsman must be strategic, well-educated, and wise!" He finished off while a few claps echoed through the room.

"So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?" No one was raising their hands until one shot up.

"I do!" Weiss confidently said.

"Such courage! Please retrieve your gear and return here." Port instructed.

"What the heck are you doing?!" Yang whispered to her partner.

"Showing that I belong on this team," Weiss replied.

Ruby was excited to see what happened especially when the floor opened and a caged Grimm came up. The whole room was quiet while Port explained that Weiss would be fighting a Boarbatusk. She would be graded on performance, how long it took and how much Aura she lost. This is what Ruby was waiting for, she loved seeing how other weapons worked against Grimm.

"WEISS! YOU CAN DO IT!" Ruby shouted words of encouragement. Weiss simply growled. She dodged the first charge and used a glyph to stun the Grimm.

"Go for the belly!" Ruby advised.

"I know what I'm doing!" Weiss shot back. The Grimm had time to shake off the stun and charged again hitting the wall.

"Don't let it Spin!" Ruby yelled.

"Would you shut it I'm not even on your team?" In the second the Grimm spun in a ball and knocked Weiss down causing her to drop her weapon. It circled around, but Weiss brought up a defensive glyph and when it slowed, it shocked it with lightning dust and ended it with a quick thrust of her weapon.

"It appears we are in the presence of a true huntress!" Port declared. The class ended shortly after and Weiss stalked over to Ruby.

"I have no idea what Ozpin saw in you. You are obviously too naive to be in this school!" Weiss yelled.

"But I was just trying to help." Ruby meekly said.

"Well don't!" Weiss yelled before stalking off. Jaune placed his hand on Ruby's shoulder and his usually gentle eyes held a dangerous glint.

"I'll be right back Ruby."

"Weiss!" Jaune called when he got close. Weiss spun ready to argue till she saw Jaune.

"Um, what do you want Jaune." Her demeanor changed.

"What you did was uncalled for," Jaune explained.

"What are you going to take her side?!" Weiss spoke with some anger.

"She's my teammate and someone I care for. So can you swallow your pride and try to get along with her?" Jaune asked.

"Why does she get special treatment? Why does she get to be in Beacon so early? WHY DOES SHE GET TO HAVE YOU?! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO MARRY ME!" Weiss's perfect mask was cracking.

"She doesn't get any of those things. She worked hard to get where she is. She just caught Ozpins' attention. Most of all Ruby doesn't have me I'm her partner if anything happens that makes us a couple it will be because our relationship has evolved." Jaune pointed out. Weiss was quiet so he continued.

"She's kind and caring. She's a genius when it comes to weapons, hell she designed my weapon. She gets along with my sisters and treats them like friends. She sees me as just Jaune the son of Johnathan and Amelia, and not as Jaune Arc the grandson and potential heir of Richard Arc founder of Arcineering. That's why I think I might love her. So no I will never marry you, Weiss. You've let your father poison your mind." Jaune left her in the hall and went to look for Ruby.

Yang had followed Jaune to also give Weiss a piece of her mind but she wasn't sure now. Weiss had fallen to the floor and tearing up. It made Yang's big sister instincts act up. Instead of marching up to Weiss she instead helped her up and sat her on a bench.

"Are you also here to yell at me?" Weiss said between sniffles.

"*sigh* I was going to. I don't like it when people hurt my sister but right now you look like you need a hug." Yang replied.

"Why would you want to do that? I'm a failure as a Schnee." Weiss rubbed her eyes.

"I have a feeling that's got to do with the last bit of that conversation I heard. You don't need to explain if you don't want to, however, I don't view you as a failure. Prideful to a fault yes, but not a failure." Yang pulled Weiss in for a hug and stroked her back as she sobbed into Yang's uniform.

"I can't even call myself a Schnee anymore. My father told me if I wanted to run the company I had to get Jaune to marry me so we could merge our companies." Weiss whispered.

"Well, that's stupid," Yang said. "Your father sounds like a joke. Did you even have feelings for Jaune?"

"Not entirely. He was kind when we first met but I messed that up as well." Weiss explained.

"Well there you go you shouldn't be forced to marry anyone you don't love. Jaune was a little too harsh but he was right in a sense." Yang pulled back to look Weiss in the eyes. "You've let you jerk off of a father control you. In my opinion, being an heiress is overrated just be Weiss the best huntress you can be." Weiss's eye widened and she wiped her tears away.

"Do you think they'll forgive me?" Weiss sheepishly asked.

"You'll have to go apologies I can't tell you for certain but Ruby rarely holds grudges." Yang smiled at her partner.

Ruby sat on her bed fiddling with Cresent Rose that evening. Jaune was oddly quiet and looked guilty like he had done something bad. Was Weiss right was she really too young to be here? She was about to go see if she could talk to Ozpin when she heard footsteps.

"Man I feel like I was too harsh on her," Jaune mumbled when he walked in the room.

"What?" Ruby asked.

"Ah uh, Ruby hi. Ugh, I might have said some things to Weiss that I regret." Jaune said sitting on his bed.

"Just apologize. That's what friends are supposed to do." Ruby stated it like it was law.

"I did mean what…" He was cut off by a knock.

"I'll get it." Nora jumped to her feet and ran to the door. "Oh, what do you want?"

"Is… Ruby here?" Weiss asked.

"Yeah she is but if you so much as try to…"

"Nora! Just let her in." Jaune stopped Nora's threat.

"Thank you," Weiss said meekly. She looked at Ruby and Jaune and sighed. "Ruby I'm sorry for saying you didn't belong here."

"Weiss?" Ruby was stunned.

"Jaune was right I let my father dictate my attitude and I let all my stress build up until I lashed out at you. Can you ever forgive me?" Weiss bowed her head.

"Weiss I um, I just wanted to help but maybe I can be a bit childish at times. You were really mean. But If you want to we can try again. Friends?" Ruby stood before Weiss.

"Sure. I know it must be hard being here so early. So if you have any questions I can try to help." Weiss offered.

"Yay Everyone's all friends again!" Nora scooped Ruby and Weiss into a big hug. Jaune sat there laughing while Blake just rolled her eyes.

"Yay." She said in a monotone way. Once Nora stopped hugging them Jaune stood up.

"I might have been a little harsh with what I said. I'm glad you're working to fix some issues. Any friend of Ruby and Nora is a friend of mine." Jaune said.

"You weren't wrong though," Weiss said solemnly. "But I'd like to try being friends." She shook Jaunes' hand and started to leave.

"Good luck Jaune. Ruby, you've got a great person willing to stand by your side." Weiss left the room and went to her Teams dorm.

"There's a dust shipment coming in a few weeks will your men be ready?" A red-haired man in a bowler hat asked a masked individual.

"We've spent our lives ripping dust away from those slavers. The White Fang will be ready." The masked individual stated. There was a sound of heels and a woman in a red dress walked into the room.

"Ah, my two favorite people in the same room. I hope you are both prepared for what's coming." Her amber eyes sparkled.

"Of course Cider. Adam and I were just discussing the plains for the shipment coming in." The bowler hat man stated with a smile.

"Good. Because I would hate if you failed me, Roman." Cinder's left eye lit up as she rubbed her hand over his chest. She quickly turned and left. " I must make sure my story is air-tight so I'll be leaving. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

AN: No one must know I actually felt bad for Weiss while writing this.

Chapter Text

AN: So I’m dumb. I’m writing a Jaune fic and I forgot about freaking hard light dust. Well, I’ll find a place to put it in.

Chapter 12

A blade sliced through an Atlesain Knight sending its top half crashing to the ground as a shot took out the knight that was prepping a sniper rifle. The orange-haired girl twirled around sending her weapons to sound an unsuspecting group before turning them into smoldering piles of scrap. She surveyed the area but didn’t see the beowolves being unleashed. To her, she felt a warning in her head a split second before one jumped at her.

“Penny’s doing amazingly well James. Your training has really paid off.” Pietro said watching his daughter prove she could be the next guardian of humanity. 

“Indeed it has. I was initially skeptical when you came to me with your idea but seeing her excel in such a way has reignited my hope in the future.” Ironwood watched as the last of the beowolves were slain. He looked at the time and Penny’s speed has cut almost two minutes off her old record of 16:59. She had passed. He had told her if she could clear a course in fifteen minutes or less he would grant her permission to go to an academy.

“Sir if I may?” Winter spoke from her seat.

“Yes specialist Schnee?” Ironwood asked.

“Why are you being so harsh with her most fourth years struggle to complete this course in under twenty minutes?” Winter asked.

“It’s needed for the war that’s coming. Without her, we will struggle to win. But that’s because I want everyone to be safe. Don’t worry I’m not going to strip her of her right to live her own life. She’s been asking to attend an academy and make friends. She deserves this more than anyone now.” Ironwood knew he could be harsh, but he felt true fear after he learned of the ‘Queen’. Penny made her way into the room and saluted.

“How did I do sir?” She asked with a smile.

“You passed.” Ironwood’s hardened face broke into a smile.

“Sensational! Does that mean I can go?” Penny held her hands pleadingly.

“Of course Penny. Now did you have one in mind” Ironwood asked.

“Weeellll.”

Palm hit shield and xiphoid was blocked by a sickle-like blade. Ren spun and lashed out with his foot while Pyrrha jumped avoiding the strike. Ren used that moment to getaway. He was in the mid yellow of Aura while Pyrrha had barely touched yellow. He was by no means a poor fight but his low amount of aura meant he couldn’t get close and fight for long periods. A warning sounds in his head and he narrowly dodges the javelin his partner threw he used the moment to step forward and strike her chin in hopes to disorient her. It did a good amount of damage to her aura but she was focused and the returning javelin struck his back dropping him in the red. The buzzer sounded and his weapons retreated into his sleeves.

“Miss Nikos is the victor. Mr. Ren, you must be more careful in close-range fights. Miss. Nikos your semblance won’t always save you. Next Cardin Winchester against Yang Xiao Long.” Professor Goodwitch called out. Ren made his way to the locker room and put his uniform back on.

“Ya know if you actually put some muscle on that body of yours you could actually do some damage.” A boisterous voice said. Ren looked to see Cardin standing in the doorway.

“I’m fine with my workout plan but thanks,” Ren stated walking past him. Yang quickly wiped the floor with Cardin making Ren crack a small smile. ‘ I guess those muscles of yours were for show huh Cardin. ’ The last fight of the day was Noar vs Russle. Ren wasn’t too shocked when Nora won they were some of the better students in Sanctum and Russle had just recovered from his injuries from initiation a few weeks ago. Nora was bouncing all around.

“Did you see that Blakey? I totally wiped the floor with him, Just like Renny taught me to!” Nora asked her partner.

“Good job Nora,” Blake replied.

“Yeah, you did quite well. Isn’t that right Renny.” Jaune snickered.

“Indeed she did. Mr. Red Comet.” Ren agreed while throwing a barb Jaunes way.

“Hey! I told you not to call me that!” Jaune whined. Ren and Nora laughed at Jaune’s scowl. The two teams left the gym together and made their way to lunch.

“God I miss school sometimes. Especially when friends are there with you.” Amuro sighed. “You know I had to get a GED while I was under house arrest?”

“Really? Why didn’t you finish high school?” Char asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe Zeon attacking our colony had something to do with it.” Amuro sarcastically said.

“Damn they didn’t let you do classes on the trojan horse?” Char asked before realizing that Amuro probably didn’t have a lot of time to study. “Sorry.”

“Not your fault, you were just following orders. If anything it’s the upper brasses fault. If they didn’t try to hide the UC Charter then the war could have been avoided.” Amuro said looking back at all the things the federation hid.

“The Zabi’s were bastards they’d have found an excuse to attack,” Char said solemnly.

“So that’s when Jaune up and throws up all over the place, and that’s why I call him Vomit boy.” Yang finished her story. Ruby laughed remembering how Uncle Qrow had to wash his cloak multiple times that day. 

“Hey, motion sickness is quite common Yang,” Ruby said before Jaune could say anything.

“I guess after all Sini and Violette are far worse than he ever was when it comes to traveling.” Yang shrugged.

“Can we please stop talking about this I’m about to lose my lunch,” Weiss said with a queasy look.

“Sorry, bestie!” Weiss glared at ruby but accepted to apologize. “Oh, Yang remember that time you beat up that bully? Dad was so angry when he found you.” Ruby chuckled.

“Yeah he was but I’d do it again! I can’t stand racist pricks!” Yang’s eyes flashed red for a second.

“Oh, I thought it was because you liked that Rabbit Faunus he was picking on. She did have cute ears. I wonder where she went?” Ruby tilted her head. Blakes hidden ears peaked up at that and she looked at a blushing Yang.

“Ruby! I didn’t like her, yeah sure she had a cute laugh, beautiful brown hair, and every time I looked her way my… I think I’m going to shut up now.” Yang hid her face. Blake was rather curious and planned to ask about it while Weiss looked upset.

“Really Yang a Faunus?” Weiss angrily asked.

“Hey, the Faunus near Patch are good folk, Weiss. If she had a crush on one that’s fine. Not every Faunus is in the White Fang.” Jaune came to Yangs defense. Weiss was about to reply but paused when Jaunes scroll started beeping. Ruby looked over and looked confused.

“Why’s my dad calling you?”

“I don’t know but I should take it.” He stood up as he answered his scroll. They all watched Jaune walk off but had their attention drawn to another side of the cafeteria when they heard a scream.

“See I told you guys these were real,” Cardin said to his team as he pulled on a pair of ears.

“Please stop.” A brown-haired rabbit Faunus said as Cardin pulled her ears again.

“God that’s awful,” Pyrrha stated, watching what was happening.

“Someone’s got to do something,” Ruby muttered. She was about to stand up as both Blake and Yang shot up. “Yang don’t cause an incident again!”

“Don’t worry I’m just going to talk with him.” Yang cracked her knuckles.

“I’ll get a teacher,” Blake stated cooley.

“Hello, Mr. Xiao Long,” Jaune answered his phone.

“I told you Jaune just call me Tai,” Tai said.

“How’s patch doing? Has Qrow come back from his mission yet?” Jaune asked.

“No, and Patch is doing fine. How’s Beacon?” Tai replied with his own question.

“Oh, it’s great. You could have said they’d be flinging us off a 100ft cliff.  Ruby and I are partners and the others on our team are Nora Valkyrie and Blake Belladonna.” Jaune replied.

“Yeah, I heard from Yang that Ruby and you are… partners,” Tai said strangely.

“Uh, is something wrong?” Jaune felt a little tenser.

“Oh, nothing just that along with a letter Yang sent me a video she recorded.” Tai sounded serious.

“Hmm don’t remember her recording anything. What was it about?” Jaunes throat felt dry.

“Oh, just you talking to the Heiress of the Schnee dust company.”

“Oh… she was there for that… damn.” Jaune knew where this is going.

“Did I not teach you to speak to women since your dad was trying to fill your head with pickup lines?” Tai asked.

“Well yeah.”

“So why did you reject her so harshly? Yang said she started crying.” Tai pushed.

“Man I didn’t know that. Yeah, I still feel bad about that I let my anger at what she said to Ruby get the better of me. I just wanted to make it obvious that I…” Jaune explained before Tai cut him off.

“Might love my little girl.” Tai finished.

“Yeeeaaahhh...” Jaune was feeling quite awkward.

“Well let me tell you a few things buster. If you so much as harm a hair on  my baby girl’s head I will personally show you your new home six feet under.”

“I understand sir.” 

“Not done yet son. Now that I said that, I just want my Ruby to be happy ok? If you think you love her don’t go playing with her feeling. I’m not telling you to ask her out now just don’t wait forever ok?” Tai finished.

“I understand, I just you know want it to be special when I…” Jaune was cut off by a bang and a high pitch scream.

“The heck is happening over there?” Tai asked.

“I don’t know let me check.” Jaune peaked into the cafeteria and saw Cardin holding his groin and yang comforting a Faunus student. “Whelp I’d be expecting a call soon.”

“Yang?” Tai asked.

“Yang. I’ll be sure to take your advice, I’m going to let you go so uh yeah.” Jaune said.

“Good. Nice talking to ya kid.” Tai hung up.

Yang ended up getting detention for three days and a month of anger management classes for her attack on Cardin. While Cardin got suspended for a week and had to take extra classes on  Faunus Relations. 

“For this class, we will be collecting sap from the Forever Fall forest. Each team will be collecting four jars of sap.” Professor Goodwitch informed them in front of a bullhead.

“Um, ma’am. What about us?” Sky Lark asked.

“Four jars. Just because Mr. Winchester isn’t here doesn’t mean you can skip the task.” Goodwitch explained. Each team grabbed a box with the jars and made their way onto Bullhead. It was a short flight and all the groups started working.

  “There it’s all done. I wonder what these will be used for.” Jaune finished feeling his jar and turned to find Ruby had finished hers as well. 

“Hey, have you seen Nora and Blake?” Ruby asks.

“No, I thought they were near you,” Jaune replied.

“NORA!” They hear Blake yell.

“Follow the yelling!” Ruby and Jaune ready their weapons and sprint off. They find Nora laying on the ground rubbing her stomach and Blake facepalming.

“What happened?” Jaune asks sheathing his blade.

“Nora keeps eating the sap!” Blake snapped. “We’ve filled up our jars three times already.” Jaune shakes his head and Ruby snickers at the image.

“Ok, we’ll watch Nora. Can you fill up your guys’ jars and deliver our jars to Professor Goodwitch?” Jaune suggests. Blake sighs before nodding.

“Did you have a good snake, Nora?” Ruby asks.

“*Burp* Yup only thing that would have been better is if I had some of Rens pancakes.” Nora sits up. “Where’s Blakey?”

“She’s going to fill up your jar and deliver all of ours to the Professor,” Jaune explained.

“NORA!” Ren hears Blake yell in anger and just sighs.

“Shouldn’t we go see what happened?” Pyrrha asked.

“Nora ate her sap and probably Blakes as well.” Ren comments.

“How do you know that? They might be in danger.” Weiss asks.

“Yeah, I get Nora can be goofy sometimes but we are in a forest with Grimm.” Yang pointed out.

“I’ve been traveling with her for almost a decade. She loves Red Sap. We got in trouble a few times because she’d eat a collector’s sap.” Ren informs them.

“Well, I’m still going to check it out.” Yang hands her full jar to Weiss and walks off. Ren goes back to his and fills a second jar before placing it in a pouch.

“Can I ask you something?” Pyrrha asks.

“Sure,” Ren says.

“Why did Jaune hide his identity in Argus?” Pyrrha asks.

“What are you talking about?” Ren asks hoping she hasn’t figured it out.

“I mean Why did he wear that mask and call himself Char?” Pyrrha asks not backing down.

“You’d have to ask him yourself. But I suspect he didn’t want the fame that came with beating you. He probably thought his trick wouldn’t work.” Ren explained. “How did you figure it out?”

“I’m a fighter we tend to study our fights to see where we went wrong. I saw he had a similar style to Char and when he used his ax I was certain they were the same.” Pyrrha explained.

“Make’s sense. Could you please not tell anyone?” Ren asked. Pyrrha nods.

“You ok?”Yang asks as she catches Blake on her way back to her team.

“Yeah, Nora kept eating the sap so I kinda yelled.” Blake rubs the back of her head.

“So Ren was right” Yang mumbles to herself. “Soooooooooo… Do you need any help?”

“Jaune and Ruby are watching Nora and I just turned our jars in. Sorry.” Blake apologizes.

“Ah well, I guess I’ll get back to my team.” Yang turns to walk away.

“Wait can I ask you something?” Blake grabs her arm.

“Sure. I’m not that great at school work if you need help with that.” Yang jokes.

“Hm. I’ll keep that in mind. No, it’s about lunch.” Blake looks around. “Did you actually like that Faunus back at your home?”

“Ah, you’re talking about what Ruby said.” Yang looks in the sky then around. “Maybe? She was very pretty and I felt odd around her?” Yang honestly answers.

“But She’s a…” Blake starts.

“A Faunus? Is this more about her being a Faunus?” Blake nods. “Well as Jaune said their nice people. They aren’t all that different from humans. I don’t like how parts of the White Fang have started attacking civilians but I can see where they’re coming from. I think They would be treated better if they kept some of the more pacifist teachings of the first White Fang.”

“Huh. Maybe your right.” Blake looks at Yang. “Thank you.

AN: Had to change a few scenes but overall this has been a fun chapter. 

Chapter Text

AN: Huh learned something today. Monty’s brother voices Ren. I never really watched the credits so I figured it was just some random voice actor. I did stumble the last chapter when I was having Goodwitch call them by their last names because to everyone He’s just Ren but that’s technically his last name.

Chapter 13

“Yes, she’ll be there by tomorrow. Yes and if you wouldn’t mind showing her around town I’d appreciate it.” Ironwood hung up his scroll and sat staring at his window. 

“Sir is everything ok?” Winter asked.

“Yes. Maybe? It’s the first time she’s been out alone without you, me, or Pietro. What if something happens?” He turned to face her.

“Beacon is one of the most secured schools in Remnant. She’ll be fine. I doubt Glynda would allow anything to happen to her. Who were you talking to? Ozpin?” Winter reassured him.

“No, it’s someone I had my eye on. He chose Beacon over Atlas but I feel he’ll do what he can to keep Penny safe. She also views him as a friend.” Ironwood commented.

“I didn’t know Penny had any friends outside of Atlas.” Winter was shocked.

“It was back when I tried to recruit Nikos. I took Penny with me to view the world outside of Atlas.”

Jaune walked into his room that evening and stretched he had to fight Ruby in combat class. Jaune was no slouch when it came to speed but with Ruby, he had to focus on power as he couldn’t outrun her. He had been victorious but only because he ran out the time and had 68% Aura while she had 64%. He cursed Qrow for taking her under his wing, the drunk had made a monster. Now he didn’t even have a day to rest as he had to go to Vale tomorrow.

“Hey I’m heading to Vale tomorrow does anyone want to come along?” Jaune asked his team.

“Why?” blake asked.

“Got to pick up a dust shipment I ordered and an acquaintance’s niece is coming in and they asked me to show her around before she has her meeting with Ozpin,” Jaune explained.

“Sounds interesting but I’ve got plans to help Yang tomorrow,” Blake informed him.

“~It’s pancake and movie day with Ren tomorrow.~” Nora sang.

“Ok. Ruby?” Jaune asked his partner.

“Technically Weiss and I were going to go to Vale for some dust and weapons parts. Can I ask if she would want to join us?” Ruby asked.

“Sure the more the merrier. He wants her to make more friends so I’m sure she’d love to meet you two.” Jaune agreed. Ruby messaged Weiss and got a reply back.

“She said she had nothing better to do so sure,” Ruby said with a smile.

“Well we can meet with Weiss and get what you guys need then we can meet Penny,” Jaune suggested before heading to the restroom to change.

Morning came quickly and Team ABVR quickly got ready for their plans that day. Nora all but shot out of the dorm pulling Ren from his dorm and running off. A worried Pyrrha ran after them. Blake was reading when Yang came and got her.

“Don’t worry she’ll be back before dark.” Yang joked. “Just make sure you guys use protection, and Jaune remember you got to keep three lady’s happy. Bye!”

“God damnit Yang,” Jaune mumbled. “You ready Ruby?”

“Yup let’s go get Weiss and head to Vale!” Ruby pulled Jaune out the door.

“Weiss! Open the door! We gotta get going!” Ruby pounded on their sister team's door.

“Gods Ruby I’ll be there in a few seconds stop breaking the door!” Weiss yelled. She quickly opened the door and grabbed Ruby’s hand before she could hit her face. “Have a little patience ok. So tools and dust first. Right Jaune?”

“Yup then we’re meeting Penny by a cafe where we will have lunch and we can show Penny around for a few hours and bring her here for her interview.” Jaune laid out their day.

“Why is this Penny coming for an interview anyway?” Weiss asked.

“Oh her uncle said it’s because she’s transferring her from Atlas,” Jaune said as they walked to the bullhead. 

“Weird I didn’t know General Ironwood allowed his students to transfer.” Weiss wondered.

“Eh, I didn't ask him why Penny was transferring. Maybe if Ironwood calls I’ll ask him.” Jaune replied walking onto the bullhead.

“Why would Ironwood call you Jaune?” Ruby asked.

“He’s Penny’s uncle,” Jaune said leaving the two girls shocked.

“So explain again how you know the General of the military and headmaster of Atlas Academy?” Weiss asked as Ruby was flying around the weapons shop.

“I ran into him and Penny during the festival that was held for Pyrrha in Argus,” Jaune said nonchalantly.

“I… how… You live a strange life you know that.” Weiss sighed.

‘ You have no idea. ’ Jaune thought. “Find everything Ruby?”

“They are out of the bolts I use!” Ruby screamed as she dug through a shelf.

“Well, we can always try another shop you know? If we still can’t find any I’m sure Beacons foundry has a good selection.” Jaune comforted his partner.

“Really?” Ruby gave him puppy eyes.

“Yes really. Let us buy what we can here and we’ll stop by another store on the way to the cafe.” Jaune carried her selection of gears and plates to the register. Once Ruby paid for her stuff and Weiss got the dust she needed they went on their way.

“It’s another robbery sir.” They heard that and turned to see a pair of police in front of a dust store.

“What’s going on?” Ruby asked.

“Dust store robbery third this week.” The officer said before going towards the store.

“That’s just awful,” Jaune said.

“Who could have done it?” Weiss asked.

“The money is still here. Same MO as the last two joints. Think it could be the White Fang?” The other officer asked.

“If it is we don’t get paid enough.” The officer that spoke to Ruby said.

“We should go,” Jaune stated. They started back towards the cafe.

“Of course it would be those criminals. Those filthy…”  “Weiss! Remember Ruby and I have Faunus friends back home.” Jaune cut her off.

“I know not all Faunus’s are bad. But the White Fang is a bunch of degenerates!” Weiss protested.

“Not all but a good amount maybe. Now we’re almost there. You don’t want to make a bad impression on Iroonwoods niece. Do you Weiss?” Jaune smirked as Weiss smoothed her skirt.

“That was a dirty move Jaune,” Ruby whispered.

“Did you want to hear more anti-Faunus talk?” Jaune asked.

“Good point.” Ruby looked at Weiss. “I wonder why she hates them?” she muttered. Jaune didn’t have an answer he barely remembered her dad to be honest so he wasn’t sure if it was him or an incident that caused it. They turned the corner and saw a pale girl with orange hair in a green and white dress waiting.

“Salutations friend Jaune it is so good to see you again!” penny hugged him and Jaune was sure a few of his ribs broke. She was carrying the case with the dust that he requested from Atlas.

“P...Penny, I can’t breathe.” Penny let go and Jaune took a deep breath. She handed him the case and took a step back. “Kinda glad Ironwood was willing to let you carry this, with all the robberies and all. Anyways Penny I would like you to meet a few of my friends.” He pushed Weiss and Ruby in front of him.

“The one in the red is my partner Ruby Rose. and the one in the white is our friend Weiss Schnee.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Weiss curtsied.

“Any friend of Jaune’s is a friend of mine!” Ruby said taking Penny’s hand.

“I’m Penny Polendina. It’s nice to meet new friends.” Penny bowed. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Atlas Specialist Winter Schnee would you Friend Weiss?”

“That’s my older sister? Do you know her Penny?” Weiss asked curiously.

“Oh yes, I do! Winter is such a kind and caring friend. She was always watching out for me and answering questions I had.” Penny smiled.

“Ah, I see.” Weiss felt a little jealous. Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder.

“How about we talk inside?” Jaune suggested.

“And then Ozpin offered me a chance to go to Beacon!” Ruby finished her story. Penny was bouncing up and down and Weiss had her face in her hand.

“So let me get this straight. You came face to face with one of Vales most wanted and decided to fight him instead of oh I don’t know. Calling the police!” Weiss was angry and worried.

“I did just fine. I could have taken him if it wasn’t for the fire lady!” Ruby pouted.

“That sounds so amazing. You’re like those people in comics!” Penny said.

“Heroes?” Jaune offered.

“Yes thank you Jaune, friend Ruby is a hero. I haven’t been so engrossed since I watched friend Jaune beat Pyrrha Nikos!” Jaune slapped his hand on his face and sighed.

“Wait when did he beat Pyrrha? They fought once in combat class but she ended up beating him. I know Jaune is good but there’s no way he could beat her.” Weiss was shocked.

“Oh, indeed it was quite an exhilarating fight. He rushed her and was able to trick her causing a ring out. Odd I thought everyone knew? OH! It’s because he was wearing the mask that’s why you don’t know Friend Weiss!” By this point, Jaune was contemplating banging his head into the table till he was unconscious.

“Mask? Ring out? But the only one who…: Weiss’s eyes grew and looked at Jaune. “Your Ch…” His hand clamped over her mouth.

“Yes, I am. Now I’m going to remove my hand. Are you going to yell? Good.” Jaune asked and Weiss shook her head no.

“Finally I don’t have to be quiet about it around you Weiss! It’s been so hard trying to keep that secret Jaune!” Ruby sighed.

“Why keep it a secret?” Weiss asked.

“Did I do something wrong?” Penny tilted her head to the side.

“No! You did nothing wrong Penny! Jaune was going to tell Weiss. Weren’t you?” Ruby elbowed Jaune.

“Oh uh yeah I was. I just didn’t want a lot of people freaking out if my crazy plan worked That’s why I hide my identity Weiss,” Jaune explained. “If I’m being honest I thought she would win. I’m surprised my plan worked.”

“He seems like a good kid,” Lalah said watching the conversation.

“He is. I feel like I’ve actually done something good for once. I wish I had thought before Axis. I was just so angry.” Char looked at his hands.

“It’s ok. You’ve seen where you went wrong and you’re trying to fix it.” Lalah placed her hand on his shoulder causing the room to brighten.

“I didn’t deserve this second chance Lalah I caused so much death. It would have been better if I faded away.” Lalah hit Char over the back of his head.

“Everyone deserves a second chance. Without you Jaune would have ended up quite differently, that’s a fact. You bring out the best in everyone around you.” She hugged him and the light increased.

They brought Penny to Ozpins tower after showing her the town and showing her places like the theater, weapons shop, dust stores, and places like comic and game stores. Professor Goodwitch told them that would be all and sent them back to the dorms. Weiss tried her door but it was locked and worrying what might be happening decided to join Jaune and Ruby in their room.

“Huh, Nora and Blake aren’t back.” Ruby pointed out.

“Well my room is locked and I’m not walking in on whatever’s happening in there. If I know anything from your sister she has no shame.” Weiss sat on a chair.

“Yeah. Hehehe dad kept telling her to wear a towel.” Ruby blushed.

“Too much information Ruby.” Jaune sat his case down and opened it. “Three fires, two lighting, one water, two gravity, and three hard lights. They’re all here.” He shut the case.

“Why do you need Gravity and hard light?” Weiss asked.

“I’m going to test something. If it works we’ll be building some new weapons, Ruby.” Jaune smiled as she jumped up and down.

“What kind?! For who?! How complex?” Ruby started asking questions.

“It’s for the Vytal festival so can’t say a lot right now.” Jaune looked at Weiss.

“Ah, of course! Sorry Weiss we can’t tell you. We plan to win.” Ruby jumped on Jaunes back.

“Blake your advice worked! It was… Where’s Blake?” Nora came out of the other dorm.

“Hey, Nora. No idea we thought she was in Yang and Weiss’s dorm. You have major bed head.” Ruby said. 

“Oh uh yeah. I kinda fell asleep watching movies.” Nora laughed.

“Sure you did. It has nothing to do with Ren. Hey guys.” Yang came round the corner.

“Yang how was your day?” Ruby asked.

“Could’ve been better but wasn’t a total disaster.” Yang shrugged.

“I’ve had better days,” Blake said from her bed making them all jump.

“HOW DO YOU KEEP DOING THAT?!” Jaune yelled.

“It’s because my partner is a ninja just like Renny! Right Blakey?” Nora asked.

“Yeah.” She pulled out her book.

“So what went wrong?” Weiss asked. Yang explained after spending some time in the library they decided to walk around the docks down in Vale. There was a disturbance and they say some sailors try attacking a monkey Faunus calling him a stowaway until a few others came to his aid claiming he was with them and a student of Haven. After that Blake got into an argument with an anti-Faunus protester.

“Of course it was a faunus! They are always causing trouble!” Weiss said. Jaune was about to say something till Blake slammed her book down.

“Not all Faunus cause trouble!” She yelled.

“I doubt that! I’ve never seen a Faunus who didn’t cause trouble! At least there’s a few that aren’t in that murderous cult!” The argument was getting heated.

“The White Fang isn’t a cult! They just want equality!” Blake shouted

“Sure equality. That’s why they have constantly attacked my family.” Weiss scoffed.

“Weiss… Blake” Ruby tried getting their attention.

“Yes, equality! If your family didn’t work them to death in your mines they might not be attacking you!” Blake shouted.

“I’ve done nothing to them! That’s all my father! Do you want to know why I despise the White Fang? It's because they're a bunch of liars, thieves, and murderers!” Weiss’s eyes held pain.

“Well, maybe we were just tired of being pushed around!” Blake’s eyes grew large and she looked around. Everyone was staring at her.

“Blake…” Yang started to say until Blake pushed her way out of the room and ran.

AN: Penny is at Beacon, Blake just outed herself, and Weiss will have a lot of work to do to fix some relationships.

Chapter Text

Guest: That’s season one Weiss. She had some bratty tendency but she got better. The same thing will happen with this Weiss.

AN: OK! Please stop giving RWBY OC’s like 50 freaking weapons. Why so many katanas what happened to the good old fashion broad sword or ax? That is all. All jokes aside I know Gundam crossovers don’t always do the best but to me, I’m happy to see so many favorites, followers, and views for this series. Oof, this I can feel is probably going to be around or above 3000 words.

Chapter 14

Blake made her way through the streets and allies of Vale wondering what would become of her life. Jaune and Ruby were accepting of Faunus’ and nothing seemed to bother Nora but she ran. She was scared of how they would react when she slipped up and revealed she was in the White Fang so she ran before they could speak. The biggest blow was seeing the hurt in Yangs’ eyes as she ran. She eventually grew tired and curled up next to a trash can. People walked by not asking questions and she heard them slowing down but never stopping.

“Do you need help?” A voice asked. Blake looked around and saw no one. Was her mind playing tricks on her?

“Up above you. Do you need help?” Blake looked up and the Monkey Faunus from the docks was hanging by his tail.

“Why do you care?” Blake asked.

“You were looking down and I can’t in good conscience pass anyone in need. Especially a cute Faunus girl.” The boy dropped down with a flip and held out his hand.

“At least you didn’t use some dumb nickname.” Blake shuddered at the thought of Adam calling her Kitty Kat. She took the boy’s hand. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure names Sun Wukong. Why were you sitting there?” Sun asked.

“It’s a long story. Let’s just say I ran from my friends over an argument. I’m Blake Belladonna.” Blake explained.

“Well, that’s not good. Hey listen I’m going to go grab a bite so how about you join me, my treat and you give me the long version.” Sun offered.

“I got nothing better to do.”

“So you ran from your team after outing yourself as a Faunus,” Sun concluded.

“Yes. Are you familiar with the White Fang?” Blake asked.

“Of course! I don't think there's a Faunus on the planet who hasn't heard of them. Stupid, holier-than-thou creeps that use force to get whatever they want. Bunch of freaks, if you ask me!” Sun said with a bit of disdain and sorrow.

 "I was once a member of the White Fang." 

"Wait a minute, you were a member of the White Fang?!" Sun all but spit his smoothie out.

  "That's right. I was a member for most of my life, actually. You could almost say I was born into it… Back then, things were different. In the ashes of war, the White Fang was meant to be a symbol of peace and unity between Humans and the Faunus. I was at the front of every rally. I took part in every boycott. I actually thought we were making a difference. But I was just a youthful optimist. Then, five years ago, our leader stepped down, and a new one took his place. A new leader, with a new way of thinking." Blake trailed off.

“Five years… That’s when the more violent actions started.” Sun’s eyes widened. “Please tell me you weren’t involved in those actions.” Sun pleaded. Blake looking away was all he needed.

“Well, you aren’t with them now. Did something happen?” He asked.

“It was a robbery of a Schnee Dust Company train. My partner wanted to blow the train with the people on it… I just couldn’t so I cut the line and ran.” Blake looked down.

“You did the right thing in the end. Don’t beat yourself up for your partners’ vile actions.” Sun rested his hand comfortingly on Blake’s arm.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“Do you think You’ll go back to your team now?” Sun asked.

“I need more time,” Blake admitted.

“Not to sound creepy but I’ve got a few extra beds in the hotel I’m staying at. I kinda left before the rest of my team. If you need a place to stay until you go back you can always crash there.” Sun offered.

“Kinda sketchy if you ask me. Why would you help a criminal?” Blake asked.

“Everyone deserves a second chance and a bed has to be better than sleeping in the garbage.” Sun jokingly says.

“Did you hear the White Fang hit another store?” They overhear a patron’s conversation. 

“What do those criminals need with all that dust?” someone else asks.

“Maybe they’re planning an attack?” after hearing that Sun looks at Blake who looks confused.

“We never kept the dust we stole it was more look at what we can do. Something else is happening.” She says.

“Do you think it’s them?” he asks.

“No way but…” Blake trails off.

“You want to make sure.” Sun finishes her idea. “Well let’s get going we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“What are we doing?” Blake asks.

“We’re going to find out who’s stealing the dust.”

“It’s been twelve hours Jaune-Jaune! Blakey’s not back we have to go after her!” Nora was frantic. Jaune placed down his pen and faced her.

“Fine. Get Team PYSL we’ll need more body’s for the search.” Jaune stood up and moved to the door. “I’ll get Ruby from the foundary and we’ll meet you out front.” 

“Aye-Aye fearless leader!” Nora went to PYSL’s dorm and burst through the door. “We’re going after Blakey lets go!”

“Why should we, she basically said she was part of the White Fang? We should just call the police.” Weiss shoots back.

“Because we need to hear her side of the story Ice Queen. I’m all for finding her.” Yang glared at Weiss.

“I agree we should help find her,” Pyrrha spoke up.

“Fine but if her side isn’t any better I still say we call the police.” Weiss reluctantly agreed.

“All right we’re meeting Jaune and Ruby out front lets go!” Nora grabbed ren and pulled him along.

“How’s it looking, Rubes?” Jaune asked as he entered the foundry.

“I’ve followed the design we came up with but how are you going to control them when they start hovering?” Ruby asked holding a red cylinder. She pressed a button on a remote and the cylinder split at the bottom with the tell-tale glow of gravity dust and a small gun barrel extended.

“I have a few theories but for now let’s pack these up because we’re going after Blake.” Jaune shut it off. And placed it in a bag that was stashed in a locker.

“Finally! Why didn’t you tell me sooner!? Let’s go!” Ruby flew out of the room in a burst of petals.

‘ They still need work, and without the headgear, control will be quite limited. ’ Char told him as they left after Ruby.

‘ Probably going to have one shot with them in the festival. ’ Jaune replied. The power drain would be too much for overly long use. He got to the front and saw everyone waiting.

“About time.” Weiss huffed. 

“Alright, so we all want to find blake?” Everyone nodded. “Ok, the best idea is to split into smaller teams. Ren, Nora, and Weiss will be team one, Yang and Ruby are team two, and that will make me and Pyrrha team three. If anyone sees Blake send a message through team chat. We will all coverage on the docks in the evening.” With that Jaune looked around, teams were already forming.

“Hello Jaune.” Pyrrha said.

“Hey, Pyrrha. I wish this was under better circumstances.” Jaune sighed.

“I’m sorry for my team members’ actions. I should have done something sooner.” Pyrrha looked over at Weiss.

“Hey what are all of you doing over here?!” An annoyed voice asked. Jaune saw Cardin stalking up towards them.

“We are having a team-building exercise, Cardin.” Jaune lied.

“One...seven where’s the dark-haired girl? Blake, I think her name was.” Cardin asked.

“Well, you see she kinda…” Jaune started.

“She ran off somewhere in Vale and we’re looking for her now, and we need to get going.” Weiss cut in.

“Well good luck with that. If you need anything just message me through the leader chat.” Cardin waved them off and watched them leave via bullhead. Once the bullhead was far enough away he pulled out his scroll.

“Headmaster? Yes, they just left. They are looking for Blake. Dove’s in Vale at the moment I’ll contact you if he sees anything.” After hanging up the scroll Cardin sighed. His team had gotten pulled into Ozpins’ weird schemes after the cafeteria incident. So far all they’ve had to do was watch PYSL and AVBR and report anything odd.

Yang and Ruby walked down the main street calling out for Blake. They got a few odd stares but they didn’t care they were looking for their friend. They checked Tuskens Books but she wasn’t there and they even asked around and no one saw a girl with a black bow.

“Where could she be?” Yang asked in an exasperated tone.

“I have no idea. We still have an hour before we meet at the docks.

“How about we cheek the park?” A chipper voice said from behind them. Ruby jumped on yang and they turned to see Penny.

“Penny, what are you doing here?” Ruby asked.

“I’ve been with you since the market. So what are we doing?” Penny asked.

“You know her Ruby?” Yang asked.

“This is the person Jaune had to meet. Penny this is my sister Yang. Yang this is my friend, and our new classmate, Penny.” Ruby introduced the two.

“It was nice to meet you Penny, but we have to go our friend Blake ran off and we’re looking for her,” Yang said trying to walk away.

“That’s no good. Friends shouldn’t run from each other. I shall assist you in your search.” Penny looks around. “What does Blake look like?”

“So why are we at the docks” Blake asked Sun.

“You see the easiest way to prove if the White Fang is involved is this is to go to the place with the most dust,” Sun explained.

“Still doesn’t explain the docks,” Blake said.

“You see while I was on the boat that brought me here I heard the crew talk about a large dust shipment. Something to do with the upcoming festival.” Sun said.

“So if they are involved they would probably come here. Sun you’re a genius.” Blake was amazed by his thinking.

“Heh please, no compliments… ok maybe compliment me a bit.” Sun rubbed his head.

“Don’t get a big head. We don’t know if this will work.”

The evening was approaching and the sky was darkening. Jaune and Pyrrha were checking the hotels in Vale to see if she had checked into any of them. So far no luck, Jaune just hoped Blake wasn’t sleeping in an alley somewhere.

“Jaune?” Pyrrha asked.

“Hmm? Oh, Pyrrha was there something you needed?” Jaune turned to her.

“Why did you disguise yourself for the fight in Argus?” Pyrrha asked.

“Ah that. Blake!” Jaune yelled for blake down an alley but nothing happened. “Well you see I’m from Atlas originally and why I don’t remember a lot of it I remember how people let fame get to their head.”

“So you didn’t want fame for beating me?” Pyrrha asked. “Then why did you join the fight?”

“Ren and Nora had to fight being from Sanctum so I joined to support them and to test myself. I was honestly shocked when I won.” Jaune looked at her as they walked.

“Well you taught me something that day, thank you so much.” Pyrrha brushed her hair out of her face but before they could continue an explosion happened.

“We’ll find Blake there let’s go.”

“Thank you.” Nora waved at the clerk as they left.

“Well, she wasn’t at that book store.” Ren sighed.

“Who cares.” Weiss sighed.

“I do she’s my partner! She’s like a sister to me. Why don’t you want to find her?” Nora yelled. Ren placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

“I do want to find her. It’s just… what will she say? Innocent people don’t run.” Weiss looked ahead.

“Even if she was in the White Fang she’s not anymore she’s a student of Beacon,” Ren said. “I’ve heard what the White Fang does to deserters it’s not good.” They were all shocked by an explosion.

“Let’s go.”

“That the last of the crates now what?” Blake asked.

“We wait,” Sun said eating an apple. “Want one?”

“Where did you get that?” Blake asked.

“Found ‘em.” sun took another bite and before Blake could replay the sound of an airship was heard and saw it land. Members of the White Fang exited and Blake groaned.

“You were hoping it wasn’t them huh?” Sunn asked a bit sad.

“No I had a feeling but…” She stopped as she saw the last person. A human was with the Fang.

“Chop chop we don’t have all day!” The man in the bowler cap yelled.

“Why is he here? Why are they listening to him?!” Blake drew her blade and before Sun could stop her she jumped down and took the man hostage.

“Brothers and sisters of the White Fang why are you listening to this man!” Blake yelled placing her blade to his throat. The White Fang all aimed their weapons at her.

“Listen girly I’d lower your weapon or my friends here might not be so kind.” The man spoke while looking at the blade.

“Lie’s you are no ally of the White Fang!” Blake tightened her grip.

“Oh, but we are allies see me and the Fang have a partnership going and it’s quite a large agreement we have.” Two more airships come and blake is distracted long enough for the man to point his cane at the ground and fire. The resulting explosion causes Blake to be knocked away. The man tried shooting Blake but she was too quick and ran. Sun used that time to chuck an apple at the man and subsequently kick him in the face. More members of the fang jumped from the airships and tried to kill Sun. While Sun was beating them Blake came from the shadows and attacked the man using her semblance to doge attacks. She stumbled and got hit by the back of his cane and Sun jumped in pulling Nunchucks out from his shirt and started spinning ad shooting them keeping the man at bay. Blake knocked the man down but he shot a container above them causing Sun and blake to dodge.

“Guess this is the end of the line for you.” The man gloated.

“Not on my watch./ Hey!” A shotgun blast and sniper shot caused him to jump away.

Jaune nodded at Ruby who was up on the roof with Yang and oddly enough Penny. She quickly used the flat of his sword to bring down a white fang member while Pyrrha disarmed the ones around her with her semblance before knocking them down with a sweep of her leg.

“Ah, it’s so good to see you Red. Who’s the wannabe knight your boyfriend?” Using the taunt Roman lifted his cane and fired. Pyrrha was able to use her semblance to pull it to the right but the blast still knocked Ruby over.

“Ruby!” Jaune and yang both yelled for the red reaper. Yang ran to her sister seeing that the explosion only knocked her back and didn’t hurt her.

“No one hurts my friends.” Penny walked to the edge.

“Penny what are you doing?!” Ruby yelled in panic.

“Don’t worry I’m combat-ready.” Penny fell to the ground bringing out her wire swords and just mowing through the Fang. Jaune knocks another out with his shield but is stunned to see Penny just annihilating the White fang members.

“Who is that?” Pyrrha wonders allowed.

“A new student and my friend Penny. The way she fights is kinda terrifying yet beautiful almost as if she’s conducting a song.” Jaune describes. One of the airships starts to hook onto a crate while the other one and a backup try shooting Penny who just flys backward before shooting to lasers that just destroy the ships.

“Wow.” Ruby watches the pieces crash.

“I guess you can say they weren’t cut out for this.” Yang chuckles.

“Yang!” Ruby yells. As Penny pulls the ship with the dust down Roman sneaks back to his and it lifts off.

“Not dealing with sword lady.” He shuts the door and they fly off.

“Blakey!” Nora jumps on her partner as the police are packing the white fang members into vans. “Don’t ever leave ever again!”

“Don’t worry I don’t plan to.” Blake chuckles ruffling her partner’s hair. Ren just smiles and pushes Weiss forward.

“Weiss Blake is no longer a member and she has kitty ears.” Ruby tries to stop Weiss from yelling. 

“Weiss lis…” Blake starts.

“Eh no. Listen to me.” Weiss stops Blake from talking. “I can come off as a bit of a brat at times I get that. I’m sorry. I’ve had over twelve hours to think about this and I don’t care about you being in the white fang.”

“I haven’t been a member for awh…”Blake tries to speak.

“It’s my fault you ran I was too harsh. You aren’t part of them anymore you’re a huntress right?”

“Yes,” Blake says.

“If that’s the case I’ll do whatever it takes to get you to accept me as a huntress rather than a Schnee. Just don’t Run from your team or friends again.” Weiss sighs as she’s said her peace.

“I’ll try. It might take a while but I’d like to consider you a friend Weiss” Blake holds her hand out to Weiss and Nora pulls them into a hug.

“Yay friends!!” Jaune smirks at the scene then looks down.

‘ You sure about this? ’ Char asks knowing Jaunes plan.

‘ No, not really but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith ’ Jaune says.

“Where’s Penny?” Ruby looks around.

“You gave us quite a scare Miss. Polendina. It reminds me of a time I once took on a hoard of Ursa’s alone with nothing more than A sandwich and a weapon!” A portly man says.

“This isn’t time for your stories Peter. Miss. Penny, we aren’t mad just make sure you tell us where you’re going next time.” A skinny fast-talking man says.

“Alright.” Penny looks out a window as the car they’re in leaves.

“Ruby?” June taps his partner on the shoulder. “Can I talk to you about something in private?”

“Umm, sure.” Yang watches as Jaune and Ruby walk over by a container. She pulls out her scroll and starts to sneak away.

“What are you doing Yang?” Blake asks.

“Trying to spy on my little sister?” Yang asks. Blake sighs.

“Let us go.” She leads Yang to some shadows.

“So… What did you want?” Ruby asks.

“Well, earlier tonight when that criminal shot at you. It scared me, I thought I was going to lose you.” Jaune says.

“We have Aura Jaune I would have been ok if not a little bruised,” Ruby reassure her partner.

“Well, that’s the smart thing to think. But my heart says I almost lost someone I care deeply about.” Jaune rubs the back of his head.

“Jaune what are you saying?” Ruby feels her face heat up.

“I’m saying I don’t want to lose you. I… I love you, Ruby.” Jaunes face was bright red.

“Jaune… I uh… Why I’m not as good-looking as Yang or Weiss, I’m clumsy, childish and obsessed with weapons. Why me?” Ruby’s heart was beating fast.

“All those things you just said, are things I love about you. You are also willing to go out of your way to see the best in people, your smile is amazing, your laugh is beautiful, you’ve always been there for me like when you designed my weapon or when we fought the deathstalker. I could continue this for hours, tell you that every little thing you do brings me joy but instead I’ll just ask one thing. Will you go...”

“YES!” Ruby interrupts him with a hug.

“COME ON JUST KISS!” They turn their heads and notice Yang has her scroll out and Blake has her face in her hands.

“YANG!”

Ozpins smiles as Ruby chases her sister down. He switches over to his messages to see two one from Qrow and one from Cardin.

Qrow: The queen has pawns.

Cardin: Lost the airship in the warehouse district.

AN: Volume one is done! Hope you liked it.  If anyone wants to write Cardin's little side plot you can just remember to say it's a spin-off of this.

Chapter Text

AN: New volume means new cover art! To those who haven’t seen the update to the last chapter let me state it here. If anyone wants to do A spin-off of Cardin as Ozpin’s worker in this universe just remember to mention this Fic.

IT’S TIME FOR VOLUME 2

CHAPTER 15

Jonathan and Amelia were watching the news while Sini was in her room working on mechashift designs and Violette was doing her homework. The house felt so empty since Jaune left for Beacon and Iris and Nila moved to Vale. They knew this was bound to happen but they had lived such a hectic lifestyle for so long that peace felt wrong. 

“Hey, John?” Amelia asked.

“Yes, dear?” Jonathan looked towards his wife.

“Don’t you think the house is a little too empty?” Amelia smirked.

“Now that you mention it I do.” Jonathan leaned towards his wife before the front door burst open causing them to jump. A frantic Taiyang stood there.

“John, Amelia! I’m not interrupting anything am I?” He looked around. “Nope! I need you to watch this!” Tai hopped over the couch and sat next to them pulling out his scroll and starting a video. Jaune and Ruby were going away from their group of friends.

“Why are the police there?” Amelia asked.

“Questions for later keep watching.” Tai waved her question aside.

“...You are also willing to go out of your way to see the best in people, your smile is amazing, your laugh is beautiful, you’ve always been there for me like when you designed my weapon or when we fought the deathstalker. I could continue this for hours, tell you that every little thing you do brings me joy but instead I’ll just ask one thing. Will you go...”

“YES!” Ruby interrupted Jaune with a hug.

“COME ON JUST KISS!” Both the voice of Yang and Amelia said. The video stops as Jaune and Ruby look Yangs’ way. The parents just sat there before busting out in laughter. 

“Well good news they didn’t catch her else we wouldn’t have seen it.” Jonathan chuckled.

“I’m still worried about what happened beforehand,” Amelia said.

“Do you think Oz and Glynda would allow one of us to chaperone the second-semester dance?” Tai asked.

“That would be fun. I could get so many pictures.” Amelia said with stars in her eyes.

------------------------------

Teams PYSL and ABVR sat in the lunchroom eating breakfast. They had one more day before school started up for the second semester. Jaune was absentmindedly sketching a new design for his weapon while Blake was chatting with Nora over something about Ren. Yang was explaining her plan to teach Weiss not all Faunus’s were bad. Ren was reading a book on weapon modifications and Pyrrha was eating while keeping a few coins spinning around her. Ruby walks up and slams a binder on the table.

“Uh, Ruby? What’s up with the binder?” Jaune looks up to see her smiling.

“Glad you asked Jaune as Vice-Team Leader I decided it’s time we did some team bonding!” Ruby proudly proclaimed.

“Who made you Vice-Team Leader?” Nora asked.

“I am Jaunes partner and since he’s a team leader that makes me Vice-Team Leader.” Ruby declares confidence in her assessment.

“Does that mean I’m Vice-Team Leader?” Ren asks Pyrrha.

“You are if you want to be.” Pyrrha nods.

“See Ren gets it! So I thought we’d start with a little light conversation followed by sparing the weapon maintenance...” Ruby starts rambling on.

‘ She looks so amazing with that smile. ’ Jaune thinks to himself. ‘ I will do whatever it takes to make sure you never lose it, Ruby. ’ He vows to himself.

“... and finally movie night and cuddles with Jaune.” Ruby shut the binder.

“Wait what?” Jaune being brought back to reality with the slamming of said binder looked confused.

-----------------------------

Sun was stunned as all of Team ABVR were pushed out the cafeteria door. He had brought Neptune to meet them but it seems they came to meet him.

“Hey what’s up guys and gals?” Sun smirked. “Where’s the fire?”

“Hey, Sun. No fire just team building.” Jaune replied.

“Cool, cool. Well, I was just stopping by to introduce you guys to my partner Neptune since we finally moved to the dorms.” Sun waved to the blue-haired boy beside him.

“Why hello there little re…” Sun slapped Neptune’s head.

“NO! That one is off-limits. I’ve seen what Jaune can do with his ax you’d be lucky to escape with all your parts intact!” Sun yelled at his friend. “Sorry man Neptune thinks of himself as a ladies man.”

“No need to apologize to me just be glad her sister wasn’t here.” Jaune waved him off and went up to Neptune. He held out his hand and when Neptune took it He squeezed. “Hey, Man names Jaune Arc I’m Ruby’s boyfriend. Go shoot your shot with any of the others.”

“Duly noted man.” Neptune rubbed his hand afterward. “Names Neptune Vasilias the N in Team SSSN(Sun).”

“You got to be kidding me,” Blake said.

“Yeah, Leonheart isn’t the best at names.” Sun sighed.

“ It’s better than LLLL. I still feel bad for them.” Neptune jokes.

“How do you like Beacon so far?” Ruby asked.

“Well, I rather like the castle design. I don't care for how close it is to the water,” Neptune said.

“Dude you really got to get over that fear.” Sun moaned.

“It’s not a fear, I just respect it enough to not mess with it.” Neptune defended himself. They all chuckled at how forced that sounded.

“Well it was nice meeting you but unless you have pancakes we really should be going,” Nora says.

“Well, I do know a nice pancake place in Vale ma…” Neptune isn’t able to finish as Nora grabs him and drags him away.

“Oof, I do not envy him.” Jaune cringes at the amount of Lien that Neptune is about to lose.

“What do you mean?” Sun asks.

“Well, you see Nora is kind of obsessed with pancakes and will eat them all day if no one stops her,” Ruby explains. Sun’s eyes widen as he catches on.

“Nice seeing you all but I have to go save my partner.” Sun rushes on after them.

“So Blake care to explain what just happened,” Jaune asks.

“I may or may not have told her to try and make Ren jealous if she wants him to notice her.” Blake shrugs.

--------------------------------

In a warehouse on the edge of town Roman was directing the white fang as they unloaded their ships. Ever since the botched shipment, they have been bouncing around warehouses to make sure no one found them. Two teenagers walked over to him with smirks.

“Oh great, she sent the kids. It’s ending up just like the divorce.” Roman slung his arms over the two and with a quick check found a piece of paper.

“Ugh please spare us the thought of you procreating.” The girl gaged.

“I’ll have you know I would be a perfect father. I basically raised poor Neo, and this just might tell me where you two have been all day.” He held up the paper.

“How?” The girl asked.

“I’m a professional sweetheart.” He glances at the paper. “Pray tell me why were you looking for this address?” His eyes hardened.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” the girl said smugly.

“I would now where were you today?” Roman Gripped his cane.

“Cleaning up your problems, one of them at least.” The boy jabbed his finger in Roman’s face.

“My assistant was going to deal with that tonight in the dark like a professional.” Roman brought his cane up and stuck the boy across the face. “But no, some uppity brats decide to walk straight in. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT! If I were in charge I’d get rid of you two for such foolish behavior.” Roman took a deep breath and sent a message to Neo to go clean up the scene if the cops weren’t already there.

“But you aren’t.” A seductive voice said. Cinder walked to the elevator. “Are you all done throwing a fit Roman?”

“I get that but I had this all planned out,” Roman stated.

“He could have left today so Mercury and I took it on ourselves to deal with him.” The girl pridefully said.

“I told you to keep out of trouble Emerald.” Cinder said. She walked up to Roman.

“If you ever strike my associates again, well that runaway's fate will look like mercy compared to yours.” Roman gulped.

“So are you going to tell me what the master plan is?” Roman asked. “Because one wrong sneeze and we’ll take out half the town with the amount of dust we have here.” Roman waved his arms.

“You’ll know when you need to know. Now get ready to pack up we’re moving to phase two.” Cinder smirked and left with Mercury and Emerald.

“Son of a Grimm.” Roman spat. “Alright, you heard the boss lady. Pack it up and warm up the engines and Perry stops antagonizing Banesaw.”

----------------------------

Jaune held Ruby close as they finished Orange vs Teal season 13. Ruby was crying at Temple’s final speech. Jaune himself found it rather somber as what he said about heroes stuck home with him. He knew that fate was always a possibility.

“Jaune?” Ruby looked at him.

“Yeah?” Jaune asked.

“Temple was a hero. But I feel so bad for Lurker and Engine.” She rubbed the tears from her eyes.

“Same. This was the perfect yet somber end to the series.” He chuckled.

“Do you think we’ll have to make that choice?” Ruby asked.

“Maybe. Let’s not think about that though.” Jaune smiled. “Today’s been great. Let's not ruin all the hard work you did by thinking about death.” He squeezed her in a comforting hug.

“You know…” Ruby yawns. “I might just fall asleep.” She snuggles in closer. “Your bed *yawn* is rather *yawn* comfy...zzzzz”

“Good night.” Jaune closes his eyes and drifts off.

--------------------------------

Char wondered if his and Amuro’s work had amounted to anything. He knew as Full Frontal he had found the really Universal Century Charter but he would never know if the federation would honor it.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure you live to see whatever change you bring to this world Jaune.” He vowed.

--------------------------------

“This is Atlesian Flagship-636 requesting permission to land on Beacon dock 3.”  

“Permission granted. Welcome and enjoy your stay General Ironwood.”

AN: This was rather short but after that 3500+ chapter the character deserved a rest. Also, my I key broke. Farewell, old keyboard you served me well for over fourteen years.

Chapter Text

AN: Oh that's weird why was there 2 chapter 13's? I’m going to try to get more Team PYSL scenes in this volume, or at least more Pyrrha and Ren. OK I’ve been rewatching the last two volumes of RWBY and damn if you all think Jaune will go down the Char path in this with how volume 7&8 Ren acts then I have sad news for you.

Chapter 16

Glynda scowled as Ozpin and her looked out the headmasters’ window. Ironwood had brought the whole Atlesian fleet. She hew he’d be bringing multiple ships as part of their new extracurricular program but this was more than a few. It was going to make the people of Vale nervous and that would attract more Grimm.

“Ironwood brought his work with him again.” Glynda pointed out.

“Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man. But yes, those are a bit of an eyesore.” Ozpin commented. The elevator beeped, and Ironwood stood outside his office. “Come in.”

“Ozpin!” Ironwood strolled on in with a smile. “How’s my favorite headmaster?”

“I’m doing fine thank you. How was your trip General.” Ozpin asked.

“Please we’re all friends here just call me James.” Ironwood turned to Glynda flashing a smile. “It’s been far too long since we last met Glynda.”

“Oh stop it.” Glynda turns to Ozpin. “I’ll be outside.” Ironwood watches her go.

“She hasn’t changed.” Ironwood chuckles.

“So please indulge my curiosity.” Ozpin sat behind his desk. “Headmaster normally don’t travel to other schools. Does this have to do with the extracurricular program or is it something else that bright you here?”

“Well, you know how much I love Vale this time of year.” Ironwood pours a drink from his canteen. “Besides, I’d love to see how my niece is doing in her classes. Also with you hosting Vytal, I thought that this might be a good opportunity for us to catch up.”

“I can certainly appreciate the quality time between friends, however, a small fleet outside my window has me concerned.” Ozpin sips at his coffee.

“Well, concern is what brought them here.” Ironwood’s tone shifted.

“I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult. You could have just called about Miss. Polendona.” Ozpin looked that his friend. 

“Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men.”

“We are in a time of peace. Shows of power like this are just going to give off the wrong impression.” Ozpin pointed out.

“But if what Qrow said is true…”

“If what Qrow said is true, then we will handle it tactfully.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“How’s Ren doing?” Char asked Amuro.

“Ren’s fine. He’s started to form a bond with his partner, so that’s a thing now.” Amuro shrugged. 

“Still upset you two couldn’t see any action on the dock?” Char asked.

“Not really... It’s Nora, Ren obviously cares for her but he won’t do a god damn thing!” Amuro threw his arms up. “He’s still too afraid to let anyone that close. You went through something similar. How did you get out of that mindset?”

“Yeah I did but when I thought I found someone those bastards at Axis took her away from me. You can push him in the right direction but also… Give him the time he’s still a rather fragile person, pushing too hard could lead to disastrous results.” Char waves his hand as to say just look at me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ren attempted to read his book but with Nora snoring and the game being played the next table over he found it a challenge. Jaunes team hed joined them in this study session but Ruby quickly became bored and ran off only to return with Remnant The Game. he wasn’t annoyed as that game rewarded creative thinking. Unfortunately for Jaune and him, they were barred from playing as they tended to always win. Ruby had drug Weiss into the game and yang was always willing to skip studying. Blake was the unfortunate fourth when Yang convinced her to join. Jaune had finished his paper for Oobleck and had taken to playing on his phone, though Ren suspected he was helping Ruby as some of her last moves had been rather well crafted.

“Ruby! Hand us your scroll!” Weiss demanded.

“No, it’s mine!” Ruby held her scroll close.

“Rubes we just want to see why you keep glancing at it so much.” Yang approached her sister. Quickly a struggle over Ruby’s scroll insured. Ruby tried throwing it just for Pyrrha to catch it with her semblance.

“Sorry. I figured you didn’t want it broken.” Pyrrha apologized. Yang quickly grabbed it and opened something.

“AH-HA! I knew it, Jaunes been helping you!” Yang sang with joy. Ren glanced at Jaune who had a sheepish grin.

“Hey, guys. We’ve been looking all over for you.” A chipper voice said from the isle. Sun and a blue-haired boy came around the corner.

“Yang, Pyrrha, Ren, and uh Ice Queen,” Sun spoke.

“HEY!”

“I didn’t get a chance to introduce you to my good friend Neptune.” Sun waved his arms towards the blue-haired guy.

“Aren’t libraries meant for reading?” Neptune asked.

“Thank You!” Ren yelled getting a little annoyed at the antics.

“Pancakes!” Nora shoots up and Neptune flinches.

“No Nora, no pancakes today!” Sun quickly shouts.

“Awww” Nora plops down and Neptune breaths a sigh of relief.

 “So Neptune. Where are you from?” Weiss asks. Neptune sturts on over and takes her hand.

“Haven.” He gives it a small peck. “What might your name be Snow angel?”

“Uh, I’m Weiss.” Weiss shyly answered.

“I think I’m going to go.” Blake started packing her stuff.

“You ok Blake?” Yang and Sun asked.

“Yeah I just need some fresh air and I might try to finish my book tonight.” Blake smiled before walking off.

“Wait for me Blakey.” Nora ran past Neptune shooting him a wink.

“What?” Ren was totally confused at what he had just seen. Pyrrha looked over at her partner and patted his shoulder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pyrrha was on her way back that evening when she overheard team ABVR talking about helping Blake. They were discussing finding Torchwick before ruby mentioned her board game. Pyrrha remembered that she last saw it still in the library and quickly ran down the hall hoping to be far enough away before Ruby came out the door unfortunately she ran into someone knocking a darker-skinned girl with teal hair down.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry, let me assist you.” Pyrrha lefts the girl to her feet.

“No need to apologize. Just be more careful next time.” The girl dusts off her clothes.

“Oh, where are My manners I’m Pyrrha, are you new students?” Pyrrha didn’t recognize the girl’s uniform or her friends.

“We’re visiting from Haven actually. We kind of got turned around could you point us to the exchange student dorms?” A girl with long black hair asked.

“Oh of course just go east out the front door and it will be the next building over,” Pyrrha explained.

“See I told you, but no you were so sure this was our building Emerald!” The grey-haired boy smirked.

“Shut it, Mercury. I’m sorry Cinder.” Emerald said.

“It’s ok we all make mistakes. It was a pleasure meeting you Pyrrha.” Cinder said as she walked past her.

“Enjoy your stay at Beacon!” Pyrrha called out to them.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jaune waited on his bed as the girls finished up changing for their investigation in Vale. He wore a pair of brown boots blue jeans a black shirt and a beige jacket. His head turned when the bathroom opened and his team walked out. Nora wore a black jacket over a plain white shirt and a pink skirt. Blake just removed her black vest and replaced it with a button-up white shirt. Ruby on the other hand wore a long-sleeve light gray shirt with black belted cuffs near the ends of the sleeves. Over the top of is a black pinafore dress. He could see a red and black skirt peaking underneath it.

“Really Ruby? That’s a rather elaborate outfit.” Jaune smirked.

“That coming from the guy who casually wears more red than his girlfriend who I remind you has a rose motif,” Ruby smirked as well.

“Hey, I’ll have you know red is not my favorite color. It’s my second favorite” Jaune defended his usual outfits.

“Oh could have fooled me. What is your favorite color then?” Ruby asked.

“I rather like the vibrant sliver of your eyes.” Jaune stared at her. Blake sighed figuring this would continue and Nora made a gagging noise.

“OK, you two break it up. You can make kissy faces at each other after we investigate the wanted criminal and terrorist group.” Nora got in between them.

“Guess I owe you money Rubes I really thought Blake would be the one to intervene.” Jaune handed Ruby five lien.

“Told ya. Blake doesn’t really care.” Ruby glares at the Faunus. “She reads, filth!”

“It’s not filth, it’s literature. Now can we get this show on the road?” Blake said.

“Finally We were getting bored of waiting,” a voice from outside said. They all turned to see Sun hanging upside down.

“Why are you upside down outside of our window?” Blake asked.

“Got a text saying you guys were going after Torchwick so I and Neptune want in.” Sun flips through the window.

“A text? Wait where’s Neptune?” Jaune asks.

“Little help!” Neptune’s voice comes from outside. Ruby pokes her head out and see’s Neptune standing on the edge of the building. After a bit of struggling and some help from Nora they finally got the poor boor in the dorm.

“Remind me to not follow you next time.” Neptune sighed as he glared at Sun.

“Hey man, I didn’t say you had to go all Assassins Creed. You could have waited with the others.” Sun shrugged.

“Ok, what are you talking about? What others and who texted you?” Jaune questioned Sun.

“I did.” A girl said from outside their door. Ruby opened it to find Pyrrha and her team.

“You didn’t think we’d let you do this alone you dolt?” Weiss smirked.

“I have to make sure my baby sis will be safe.” Yang teased.

“I was going to come to keep an eye on Nora but since Neptune Is here…” Ren started. Neptune beelined right to Ren and grabbed his shoulder.

“Please man take her I can’t handle this much crazy,” Neptune whispered.

“Neptune could always come with me. I can try to get a list of what was stolen from Schnee Dust Company.” Weiss offered.

“I know some people from the shadier parts of town. You and Nora could join me, Ren.” Yang offered to give him a sly wink.

“Sun and I should see if the White Fang is having a rally. They tend to use warehouses or abandon buildings.” Blake stated.

“That just leaves Ruby, Pyrrha, and I.” Jaune points out.

“We could check out dust shops but after the docks, I doubt they’ll be so bold.” Pyrrha offered.

“That’s the safest bet, and the only option though if anyone needs help call us and we’ll help,” Ruby stated.

“Then it’s settled! Alright, who’s ready to kick some criminal ass?!” Yang shouted.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Penny walked around the grounds of Beacon. Her Uncle had just admonished her for getting in trouble at the docks. He told her that her time would come but she had to be more careful. She hadn’t seen her friends since that day. She was too scared they would be angry at her disappearing and now she had her uncle’s Military watching over her keeping her out of trouble.

“Penny?” Penny turned to see Ruby, Jaune, and Pyrrha Nikos the person her uncle took her to watch so long ago.

AN: Poor Neptune maybe you shouldn’t have tried the whole playboy persona and this wouldn’t have happened. Next time on RWBY...Penny’s a robot?!

Chapter Text

Chapter 17

Ruby, Jaune, and Pyrrha were on their way to investigate the dust shops that were robbed in hopes of clues. Sure it wasn’t the most exciting out of the other jobs but it could still help. They were walking through the grounds when they came upon a certain orange-haired girl who looked startled to see them.

“Penny?” Ruby took a cautious step forward and Penny took a step back in fear.

“Why did you disappear and why have you not tried to contact us or even sit with us at lunch?” Ruby kept her distance as if talking to a startled animal.

“Ruby, Jaune, Pyrrha… I… it isn’t safe to talk here.” Penny’s eyes said they should listen.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So Lalah, is she going to tell them her secret?” Char asked his old friend.

“I can not say for certain, she was rather scared they would hate her for disappearing.” Lalah thought. “Them knowing that she’s a robot and not accepting her, it’s always been a fear of hers.”

“I remember when you were still afraid of what you were,” Char told her.

“You accepted me for who I was even before you knew you were the same.” Lalah stared ahead.

“True friends would never abandon anyone no matter what they were or who they loved even if the person they loved didn’t love them back.” Char placed his hand on her shoulder. “Give her the push she needs.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weiss and Neptune strolled into the CCT tower and entered the elevator. Weiss used her scroll as Neptune wasn’t in the system yet thanks to Sun jumping the gun and coming to Beacon early.

“So how are we supposed to get the list of stolen shipments?” Neptune asked as the elevator lifted them.

“I’m still technically the Heir to my family’s company at least for now. As long as my dad doesn’t wish to talk we’ll be fine.” Weiss explained.

“Oh cool. Wait for now?” Neptune asked.

“It’s kind of a long story… Oh look we’re here.” Weiss rushed out of the elevator to the receptionist. They were directed to use terminal 3 and be quick as Ironwood wanted to run maintenance tonight.

“Strange why would Ironwood be so interested in the CCT Tower?” Neptune asked.

“Well the Cross Continental Transmit System was a gift to the world from Atlas so of course the General would want to make sure it’s perfect before Vytal.” Weiss Theorized. The screen started up and a brown-haired girl appeared on the screen.

“Hello, my name is Jennifer how may I help you?” Jennifer looked up and saw Weiss. “Ah um, Miss Schnee.”

“Hello, Jen I’m looking for some files,” Weiss stated.

“Right away. But um, your father left specific orders. He wishes to speak with you should you call.” Jennifer had a small sad smile.

“Is there no way around it?” Jennifer shook her head. “Fine put him though.” Weiss turned to Neptune. “Sit at the screen next to me and pretend you’re on a call trust me.” Neptune was confused and wanted to ask questions but the sheer fear in Weiss’ eye’s shut him up and he did as told. The screen soon changed to an old man with a mustache.

“Hello, father. How is your day?” Weiss faked a smile.

“Busy. Now have you talked to the Arc boy?” Jacques asked.

“A few times. Not as much as I would like but he’s a team leader so it’s difficult.” Weiss feigned sadness.

“Of course he is. He’s a natural leader just like his grandfather, unlike some people I know.” Jacques’s eyes shot daggers at her.

“Sorry father, but Pyrrha Nikos is my team leader so that’s something?” Weiss asked.

“I guess. So do you have a plan for the boy?” Jacques asked in a judging tone.

“There are rumors of a dance, I plan to ask him to it and make my move then.” Weiss proudly stated.

“God you better not disappoint me like Winter.” Jacques’ face faded from the screen as he transferred her call back. Neptune felt like he saw something he shouldn’t.

“Are you ok?” He asked looking at Weiss who was starting to breathe heavily.

“Let’s just get this over with.” Weiss sighed.

“Hello, Miss Schnee I hope you had a pleasant chat with your father. So do you still need those files you mentioned?” Jennifer asked.

“Indeed I have a list on my scroll let me just, Ok there you go.” Weiss placed her scroll in the slot and sent the list she needed.

“There’s some rather delicate information here,” Jennifer said.

“It’s for school and don’t worry it’s going on my personal tablet so I’ll keep it safe.” Weiss lied.

“Alright… One second as I transfer the data. So, is that blue-haired boy your boyfriend?” Jennifer asked.

“Just a friend, he’s an exchange student from Haven who came here for Vytal,” Weiss said as her scroll indicated the transfer was successful.

“Well, that’s nice. Have a good day Miss Schnee.” The screen shut off showing a frowning Weiss.

“So that was your father?” Neptune asked.

“Yes.” Weiss’s answer was short.

“Are you sure you’re ok” Neptune could tell she wasn’t.

“Yes, no… It’s a long story. He’s not the kindest man.” Weiss’s shoulder dropped.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ren stumbled out of the sidecar after Yang stopped her bike. He had no clue how someone could be so reckless while driving. His stomach threatened to release its contents so he slumped down and waited. The bouncers saw Yang and ran inside. Given Yang’s disposition, he wasn’t too shocked.

“I need some time to settle my stomach I’ll wait out here,” Ren stated with a slight burp.

“Aww but Ren it’s a club! They’re so much fun!” Nora exclaimed.

“I’d rather not throw up and ruin the mood. Don’t worry once my stomach settles I’ll join you two.” Ren smiled.

“Ok…” Nora followed Yang into the club. Ren sat down and centered himself. His stomach started to feel better then he heard a guitar and saw a bouncer strumming on it.

“Kid I’d just stay out here and listen to Jim here last time blondie was here it didn’t end well.” The other bouncer stated. Jim took a breath and started.

The colors of his morning

The darkness of his night

Little graves that gave no warning

A sun that brought no light

He saw his whole world breaking

That tortured soul I met

In the prison of his making

The man who can’t forget

Ren felt tears on his cheeks. Something about this song just reminded him so much about his time traveling with Nora.

‘ Ren... ’ Amuros voice was soft.

I can still hear the way that he cried for the ones he was missing

I can still hear the way that he cried for the ones he had lost

He saw them in the rivers

He felt them in the rain

In dreams, he heard them whisper

The truth that is his pain

He caused the whole world’s breaking

That tortured soul I met

In a prison of his making

The man who can’t forget

Once the song finished Ren felt a hand on his shoulder. He was so engrossed in the song he hadn’t noticed Nora coming out to look for him. She pulled him in and it all broke. His tears just kept flowing.

“Shh it’s alright Ren, we aren’t alone anymore. We have friends and family now. They won’t leave us. I won’t leave you.” Nora stroked his back.

“Hey, anything you want will be on the house just tell Juinor that Rob said he’ll cover it.” The bouncer from earlier stated. Nora helped Ren inside and Yang and Junior stopped their conversation.

“Is he ok?” Yang asked.

“He will be the song the bouncer sang just struck a chord with him,” Nora said.

“Jim. Yeah, he’s got a weird knack for singing what someone feels. Do you want anything? It’s on the house.” Junior said.

“Do you have tea?” Nora asked.

“Of course. I know a good blend for him.” Junior started making it.

“So as I was saying he came in and hired some of my men, said it was for the biggest score of the decade, and the next day I had to bail my men out of prison,” Junior stated.

“Did he mention anything of this score?” Yang asked. Junior finished the tea and handed it to Ren.

“Not much but said his boss would reward me handsomely if my men proved their worth.” Junior sat in front of her “Will that be all?”

“I think so. We’ll leave once Ren is ready. It was a good twenty minutes before Ren was able to go. As they left the club Yang’s scroll rung.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So you’re a Robot?” Pyrrha asked skeptically as she leaned back on the wall of the alley.

“Ssh not so loud! People aren’t supposed to know.” Penny covered her mouth.

“Then why are you telling us?” Jaune asked.

“Because my close friend said I should trust you all if I thought of you all as friends,” Penny said. Jaune nodded.

“But you have an Aura!” Ruby exclaimed.

“Well, my father is one of the leading scientists of Atlas and found a way to give me my own Aura.” Penny didn’t want to explain how he did it all because she had basically died at a young age and he preserved her body right before her heart had stopped and found a way to get his daughter back.

“I’m sorry but I just can’t believe it.” Pyrrha stepped forward. “That doesn’t mean I don’t view you as a friend. You’ve just got an active imagination there’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t feel bad it’s just I can’t believe something like this without proof.” Penny nodded feeling a little down.

“Don’t worry Penny. Jaune and I believe you. Right?” Ruby put her arm around Jaune. 

“Of course we believe you.” Jaune placed a comforting hand on Penny’s shoulder.

“Well let’s walk around for a bit before we go to the first store,” Pyrrha suggested.

“An outing with friends! Sounds like fun!” Penny was excited. They started down the street when they notice a large crowd and a stage with Atlas Androids. They saw the holographic image of James Ironwood appear before six AK-130 Androids, who are in turn standing in front of two large metal storage cases with the spear-and-shield emblem on their doors. 

“The AK-130 has been a standard security model of Remnant for several years, and they have done a fine job. Wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree? But... the kingdom of Atlas is a kingdom of innovation, and 'fine'... Well, that's just not good enough, is it? Presenting... the Atlesian Knight-200!” The doors to the cases roll up, and six new, bulkier, shinier automatons stand at attention before knocking their obsolete predecessors down to the applause of the watchers.

“Smarter, sleeker, and admittedly, a little less scary. These models will become active later this year, but they won't be alone! Now, the Atlesian Military has always supported the idea of removing men from the dangers of the battlefield. However, there are still many situations that will undoubtedly require... a human touch.” The last line draws their attention. 

“So, our kingdom's greatest minds, in cooperation with the Schnee Dust Company, are proud to introduce... the Atlesian Paladin!” Ironwood's image is replaced with the hologram of a robotic white behemoth, featuring hinged piston legs, large guns for hands, and a rectangular head, standing at least twice as tall as the Knights below it. “Now, we couldn't have them here for you today, but these mechanized battle suits will be seen defending the borders of our kingdom within the year! But we do have something else to show you!” The Image of Ironwood appeared and An Atlesian dropship landed. The doors opened and two figures walked out. They were barely a head taller than the Paladin and had more humanoid forms. One of them had a visor and was White and red with a shield and almost what looked to be a handgun. The other had a single eye and was painted forest green with a spiked shoulder and a machine gun.

“Holy” Jaune started

“Shit” Ruby ended causing Pyrrha to look at her funny. “What I’ll have you know I’m 15 I do curse from time to time.”

“Sorry I just never thought you would with how much Yang is constantly going on and on about her baby sister.” Pyrrha apologized. They all turned when the chests of the two figures opened and the Image of Ironwood faded. From the one with a visor, Ironwood rode down on a rope. From the one that had the single eye someone who looked like an older Weiss rode down on a rope. They walked up on the stage to a thunder of applause.

“Greetings lady’s and gentlemen may I introduce our newest addition to the security of the world,” Ironwood announced.

“Ok now this was worth the trip down Vale,” A voice said from behind Jaune. Mercury walked up beside him. “Just look at those two so much sleeker and cooler than that lousy Paladin.”

“I actually agree,” Jaune said. “The Paladin looked so clunky compared to these.” Jaune offered his hand. “I’m Jaune Arc.”

“So I’m not the only one who doesn’t care for it.” Mercury took his hand. “Mercury Black’s the name don’t wear it out.”

“I don’t know those weapons don’t look all that impressive,” Ruby said aloud.

“I’m certain they’ve got some cool weapons in Atlas,” Jaune says.

“Probably these soldiers love to kit their stuff out with far too many things.” Mercury shrugs.

“From the brilliant minds of our Altas scientists and the engineering prowess of Arcineering I proudly present you with the first two variants of the Atlesian Moblie Suit. To my left is the AMSGM-1 or as the boys in R&D say The GM this particular one is equipped with a standard Dust Spread Gun and Sheild. On my right is the AMSZ-06 or Zaku ll it is equipped with a top-loading 120mm Dust Machine Gun And a Simple shoulder shield.” The audience started clapping and Jaune had a small smirk. Ironwood gave the signal to quiet down.

“Now you may be wondering why we have these here instead of the Paladins. It’s a great question with an answer that some of you will love. Specialist Schnee?” Ironwood took a step back.

“In less than a week, our valiant hunters in training will get a chance to run simulations in these machines if they so wish to. Any students here in the crowd?” She looked around. Mercury and Jaune raised their hands followed by Ruby and Pyrrha.

“Looks like there’s a few. You may pass this info on to your teams. If you wish to run a simulation you will go through a full-body search for security reasons and depending on your scores you may get a chance to use these machines one day.” Specialist Schnee finished.

“Oh, now that is awesome,” Jaune said to his friends.

“I want to fire that machine gun so bad.” Ruby was bouncing in place.

“I must admit that is rather generous of Atlas.” Pyrrha thought out loud.

“Yeah I can’t wait,” Mercury said. ‘Damnit! Cinders not going to let me because on my legs.’ “Well, I got to get going my team leaders rather strict about curfew. See ya all at school.” Mercury walked off. Ruby’s scroll went off and she turned it on. It was a video call from Blake.

“Ruby tell the others with you Sun and I need help.” Blake was running without her bow. Sun looked terrified.

“We could use the help!” He yelled from behind.

“What’s happening?” Ruby asked.

“That human from the docks was at the Rally and somehow he got his hands on one of the Paladin Robots Atlas has made. He noticed us and we ran.” Blake explained.

“Chasing us… Big scary robot!” Sun yelled.

“I’m sending you our location,” Blake stated.

“Alright. We’ll be there soon.” Jaune said. He looked at Ruby and Pyrrha who nodded. Penny had vanished again and when he looked around he saw her talking to Ironwood.

Penny’s not coming it seems. Well, Rubes, Pyrhha looks like we get to fight a Giant Robot.”

AN: The song belongs to Amazon’s Wheel of Time. I figured it would fit Ren as he has never forgotten the day his village was destroyed and his family was taken from him. Who should do the Mobile Suit Test? Also f**** Jacques. 

Chapter Text

AN: Whelp the Paladin fight happens in this chapter. Yay. 

Chapter 18

Blake ran her hand over the claw marks and looked around the corner. She noticed two Faunus’s going into a warehouse. She removed the bow covering her ears and waited for the door guard to follow the two from earlier. Once he was gone she motioned Sun to follow and made their way in. On a table by the door were multiple Grimm masks. They reminded her of ‘him’ but she fought through the fear and put one on.

“So if you think what you are doing is right, why wear masks?” Sun asked.

“It was a statement. Many of those we went after viewed us as monsters so someone figured we should wear the masks of monsters.” Blake said with a bit of disgust.

“Grimm masks. That’s dark.” Sun looks at him before putting it on.

“Wasn’t my idea.” Blake leads him in and they hide amongst the new recruits. Upon the stage, a large man in a mask that covers his face welcomes them all to the meeting.

“Before we begin let me introduce the man that has helped us so much. He is the key to obtaining what we have wanted for so long.” The man waved at Roman.

“Thank you, thank you! Please, hold your applause!” Roman said sarcastically as the new members were booing.

“What's a human doing here?!” the woman near Sun yelled.

“I'm glad you asked, "Deerie"! Now, I'll be the first to admit, humans... are the worst.” He waves his hand at himself. “Case in point. So, I understand why you would like to see us all locked away, or, better yet, killed!” Roman makes a killing motion with his hand and acts like he was hung. “But, before the claws come out, I'd like to mention the fact that you and I all have a common enemy: the ones in control, the people pulling the strings, the dirty, rotten humans that run our kingdoms Government, military, even the schools: they're all to blame for your lot in life! And they're all pests that need to be dealt with! Fortunately, I'm the best exterminator around... No offense to any rodents in the room.”  With a snap of the fingers, the curtain falls, and the whole mass of Faunus applauds at the sight of the Atlesian Paladin-290 behind it, the mark of the White Fang painted on its shoulder. 

“Whoa, that's a big robot…” Sun was stunned at the size of it and the weapons it had

“How did he get that?” Blake wondered.

“As some of you may have heard, this right here...is Atlas' newest defense against all the scary things in the world. And thanks to my "employer", we've managed to snag a few before they, uh, "hit the shelves". Now, many of your brothers have already moved down to our new operation in the southeast. If you'd rather stay within the city, that's fine... But if you're truly ready to fight for what you believe in, this is the arsenal I can provide you. Any questions?”

“We need to leave,” Blake told Sun.

“Uhh, I think he sees us.” Sun noticed Roman’s eyes squint in their direction.

-------------------------------------------------

The elevator decent felt as if it took forever. Weiss was humming a song Neptune mostly remembered. It was Mirror something by some Atlesian singer, Scarlet would constantly sing it whenever they went out and it had become a bit of a running joke amongst the team. Though Weiss seemed to be trying to comfort herself with it.

“You know you can always talk about what’s wrong with your friends. Even I’ll listen, I don’t know if I can be of any help but it’s better to let your feelings out than keeping them locked up.” Neptune offered. Weiss looked at him and sighed.

“I need some time but yeah it would be nice to talk soon,” Weiss told him.

“That’s fine, I get it. If ya want we can exchange scroll contact info and you can talk to me whenever you feel like it.” Neptune said.

“I’d like that. Remind me when we are done today, but for now, let us go to the area for the meeting.” Weiss accepted. As the elevator ride ended they got a call from Blake and Sun.

--------------------------------------------

Blake and Sun somehow ended up on the highways, They knew they needed to get off the streets or people would get hurt but that psycho Roman was too fast. They continued their escape by hopping on cars while the Paladin followed them slamming cars to the side but causing no major damage.

“He’s being cautious and leaving those drivers alive. He must know the Atlas military is nearby.” Blake yelled to Sun.

“Yeah well, he’ll kill us if he catches up! Keep moving!” Sun yelled. They heard an explosion and looked back. Nora’s tell-tale pink smoke overtook the robot.

“Yang!” Blake called out.

“Keep on basting Ren! Nora, Can you knock this asshole off the highway?” Yang asked as Ren shot Stormflower.

“I can certainly try.” Nora readied a jump as Neptune and Weiss landed in front of the Paladin with Weiss freezing the street. “Oh yeah, this is better! He’s going down!” Nora flung herself with a small explosion resulting in Yang yelling at her to be more careful. Magnhild slammed into the robot and like a mad hockey puck, it was thrown over the hard light fence causing it to short out.

Ruby, Jaune, and Pyrrha arrive under the highway as the paladin slams into the ground. The rest of their teams and Sun and Neptune land after it.

“Guess we made it in time,” Jaune smirks at his friends. The Paladin staggers to its feet.

“Ok now, this is ridiculous, don't any of your parents know how to use protection!” Roman yells over the speakers.

“I have seven siblings so that’s a big no!” Jaune chuckles.

‘Oh, Oum, I feel sorry for his girlfriend.’ Roman thinks to himself before firing at them.

“Freezer Burn!” Pyrrha order. Weiss performs the same ice trick but backs out of Yang's way when she jumps into the air and hits the epicenter with her Ember Celica, creating a wave of mist that surrounds Roman. Immediately, the Paladin activates its laser sensors to make up for the lost sight, but it barely sees the afterimage of Blake and narrowly misses the dashing Yang. A gun manages to fire at the area between Blake and Yang, but out from the blast comes Ruby, who slashes the metal with her blade, causing it to falter.

“We got this. Neptune! Sea Monkey.” Sun creates two of his clones and they trick Roman by running in two separate directions. Neptune takes that moment to stab the Paladin with his trident and sends a wave of lightning dust through it.

“Blake time for some Ladybug!”  Ruby shoots herself forward and cuts at the robot's legs, then turns as Blake aims herself at the giant's feet as well. They both dash forward and attack at the same time, circling each other around the Paladin with each strike until they both launch themselves into the air and come down together on the shoulder, cutting off the left arm entirely.

Yang doesn't waste a second, jumping onto the Paladin's back and punching the top with fiery shotgun blasts. Roman is knocked around in the cabin, but seeing as he can't reach her with his remaining mechanical arm, he runs backward through two columns and leaves her embedded in a third before backing away and turning towards her. Just as she is falling down, the remaining arm extends a closed fist, and when it punches her, she flies through the column and doesn't get up. 

“Yang!” Blake tried running to her but was stopped by Ruby.

  “Don't worry! With each hit, she gets stronger, and she uses that energy to fight back!” Yang slowly gets back on her feet, hair burning a brilliant white as she clenches her fists. Sensing victory, Roman throws a punch, but Yang catches it in her own hand and, eyes red with rage, smashes her knuckles into the second arm, obliterating it under her force.

“Let’s goI” Jaune activates the heated part of his ax and with two swings he’s able to cripple one of the legs. Weiss activates some ice glyphs as Pyrrha Throws her Javelin impaling the waist causing the lower half of the Paladin to freeze. Nora, under Ren's semblance, uses all her might and Destroys the legs of the machine. Roman ends up ejecting and lands a distance away. A split-haired girl floats down towards him.

“Your late Neo.” The girl scowls and pulls out a scroll. “We need to leave. I could do with a nice pint of Mint choco ship.” The girl nods and bows with her Umbrella out. Yang still enraged charges at them but when she punches the two dissolve into glass shards.

“So I guess he got a new henchman.” Yang kicks the glass and looks around. 

“Yeah, I guess she really made our plans... fall apart!” Weiss says and Jaune and Yang groan.

“No. Just... no.” Yang shakes her head as Ruby laughs.

“See not so great on the other side eh sis.” Ruby grins. 

“What- But, you do it all the time!” Weiss stops her foot.

“There's a time and a place for jokes,” Yang says.

“Was this not it?”

  “No, it just wasn't very good.” Jaune comments

  “Well, at least I'm trying!” Weiss pouts.

“So uh not to put a damper on all this but we should go. I don’t think Beacon would be happy if the police took us in for all this damage.” Neptune says gesturing to the rubble.

“Well at least you didn’t… freeze up.” Sun jokes. Yang and Jaune start laughing.

“Hey!”

---------------------------------

“James,” Glynda says as Ironwood enters Ozpin's office. “How did a criminal get one of your new machines, and how were a bunch of students able to take it down?”

“It was one of the prototypes that went missing a few years ago. That just proves Watts is still alive and justifies our need to update the CCT security.” Ironwood answers.

“Indeed. To think such a brilliant man would join… her.” Ozpin looks at Ironwood. “Will your update be enough?”

“I spent months on it. It is all but a new operating system of my own design. Watts was always too arrogant. He likely hasn’t prepared for use to replace the old system and built a virus for that one.” Ironwood puffs out his chest in pride.

“Just get the updates done before the dance,” Glynda says. “We need to contact a few chaperones.”

AN: Well this was the chapter. Now for some fluff before the dance and the mobile suit tests. This is your last chapter to offer suggestions for it.

Chapter Text

AN: Happy turkey day my American readers. To the rest, I hope you’re doing well.

Chapter 19

Jaune and Ruby stood in the Zaku line to take the test in the mobile suits Atlas had shown off. Jaune wanted to see just how well they had replicated the designs while Ruby hoped she would be allowed to fire the machine gun. They noticed Ren and Nora in the other line for the GM. Ruby waved to them and Nora pointed their way and Ren waved back. An unspoken challenge went between the knight and the ninja. Each simulation was shown to the students and was based on the number of Grimm/enemies defeated and accuracy. There was another stat the judges had also included, tactical ingenuity. The first simulation that caught his attention was a GM simulation. The pilot was to push back a hoard of Grimm that had broken through the village wall.  It started out simple they shot the larger Grimm while sweeping the smaller with the shield. Eventually, though a stray nevermore feather took their left arm, and being unable to reload they plunged the rifle into a goliaths body causing it to rampage around taking out other Grimm. Using the distraction they grabbed the severed arm and started to use it as a mace before they were eventually overrun. They had taken out 72 out of 120 Grimm and had a B+ for accuracy. Their final grade was 60% of the Grimm eliminated, accuracy B+, and tactical ingenuity A- and given how no one broke 50% so far that was not bad. Staggering out of the GM was someone Jaune didn’t expect. Cardin Winchester, hell he barely saw the guy at school anymore. 

Coco Adel his sisters’ girlfriend was the other one that caught his interest not just because of the score but because she was the first to ask if there was a way to switch weapons. So it was no surprise when the simulation showed her GM wielding a minigun. She was tested against a rouge battalion of Atlesian knights a paladin and an airship. The paladin opened fire causing Coco to duck behind cover with quick thinking that came from being at Beacon a full year and a half she used a bust of rounds to bring down the airship on the paladin allowing her to move cover before the knights surrounded her. She held out the longest using hit and run tactics and the minigun as a bat at times but a stray shot from one of the knights ignited the dust in the engine of the ship and the resulting explosion took her out. She exited the GM with a smirk. Her final score was 85% of enemies defeated, accuracy A+, and tactical ingenuity A+. Neptune in the Zaku wasn’t half bad either.  He had a similar test to Cardin. His village was a seaport so thinking he would kill both a chance for the Grimm to surround him and also avoid looking at the water Neptune positioned himself in front of the sea. He got into a firing position and aimed when the Grimm got close enough he used burst fire to rip into the front lines of the approaching horde. He was slowing them down but after a while and two ammo packs the sea started churning and off the coast, a large black mass appeared. The weaker grim started to back up making Neptune drop his guard. A nevermore was able to pin him in place and the last thing he saw was the angry face of a Leviathan. His scores were 59% of the Grimm eliminated, accuracy A, and tactical ingenuity B-.

“Wow, this seems rather tough Jaune,” Ruby said in a worried tone.

“It can be too hard if Cardin is one of the top scorers.” Jaune shrugs. They reach the Zaku and then motions Ruby forward. The soldiers start their pat-down while one looks at her ID and frowns.

“Miss, are you really a student here?” The man asks. The man stops the other soldier and points to his screen.

“Yup,” Ruby replies.

“Well, it says here you’re only 15. Jeremy, please get the measuring device.” the soldier said.

“Sure thing Jack. Send the short one to get the device, ha!” Jeremy jokingly said the last part. He returned a few seconds later and set it up.

“If you could just stand there Miss.” Jack directed her to a holographic line. “157cm hmm. I’m so sorry ma’am, you barely miss the required height at 160cm.”

“But, but I’ll grow. I drink milk.” Ruby begged.

“We have our orders ma’am. You could always try next year.” Jack sighs. “At least you’re taller than Jeremy here.”

“Hey, I’ll have you know I’m 164cm tall!” Jeremey complained.

“Yeah in boots and a helmet. Remember we measure without that mister 152cm.” Jack laughs.

“Is there any way she could take the test?” Jaune asked stepping forward.

“You’ll have to ask the General. Sorry. Are you going to take it?” Jack asks and Jaune nods. After passing the search Jaune turns towards Ruby.

“Don’t worry you’ll be able to try soon enough. For now, keep an eye on my screen.” Jaune gives her a wink and gives Jeremy the loadout he wants. After getting the go-ahead Jaune enters the Zaku.

‘ It’s been ages since I’ve been in a Zaku. This reminds me of my first sortie in the Battle of Loum. ’ Char nostalgically said. ‘ Hope you’re prepared for bruises. Simulations rock cadets like madmen shaking a soda can. ’

‘ That’s reassuring. ’ Jaune deadpanned.

“ All right cadet here is your mission a squadron of Atlesian knights have gone rouge they have two paladins and three airships. Are you up for the challenge? ” Yes/No. Jaune presses yes. “ The moment your suit is inoperable is the moment you die. For the glory of the Kingdoms! ”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruby watched as Jaune and Rens Simulations started. Ren was doing a Grimm invasion while Jaune was doing an Atlesian Coup. Jaunes suit had a custom Salmon and Red paint job that got her to smile. Her chest felt tight she knew this was a simulation but a primal part of her was still worried for Jaune. Jaune immediately ran up a tilted building and Ruby noticed the odd funnel-shaped devices on the back and legs move before lighting up sending Jaune into an assisted jump. He pulled out a hand ax and drove it into the cockpit of one of the airships and without thinking Jaune jumped again slicing the next one the long way. As he rode the second one down he fired two rockets into the third and he threw the empty cannon away. He pushed off and slammed the ax into a paladin then he used the paladin as a shield when the second fired. He threw the corpse at the partner machine and used a sweeping kick to clear out the nearby Knights allowing him to draw the machine gun. The knights fired but Jaune used the shoulder shield to block most of the fire. Raising his weapon Jaune began firing a spray of bullets that quickly tore through the Knights.

“Jaune!!” Ruby yelled seeing the other paladin was still moving and had grabbed his ax. Jaune spun around and twisted the arm with the ax while shoving his gun under the cockpit and firing. Once the machine stopped moving Jaune picked up his ax and looked around. None of the knights stood and the airships lay destroyed. Ruby looked over to Ren and saw his suit finishing off a Geist with a pair of SMGs and looking around as well to see there were no more enemies. Both Jaune and Ren’s suits knelt as the simulations ended.

“Renny that was amazing! You showed those Grimm!” Nora jumped on Ren as he exited. 

“Please Nora, I’m sore from being knocked around so much,” Ren said in his usual monotone voice but his eye’s shown with deep excitement. Ruby turned when she heard the Zaku open.

“Man, that was so cool kid! Even those of us who have piloted these since the prototype phase haven’t been able to push the Zaku as you did.” Jeremy slapped Jaune back.

“Yeah, you were like a Red Comet tearing through the battlefield,” Jack said with amazement.

“Jaune!” Ruby ran up and hugged him as tight as she could. “That was amazing you have to tell me how you did that!”

“Ruby, please… I need… Air.” Jaune gasped. She loosened her grip and Jaune hugged her back. “Don’t worry you’ll get your chance.” He whispered while resting his forehead against hers. Some of the soldiers let out some wolf whistles and the two broke apart. After what seemed like ages Ren and Jaune’s scores appeared. . Jaunes final grade was 100% of the enemies eliminated, accuracy A+, and tactical ingenuity S. Ren’s was 100% of the Grimm eliminated, accuracy A, and tactical ingenuity S. Jaune pumped his fist as he had done just a smidge better than Ren. Someone started clapping their hands, and everyone stood to see Ironwood and Ozpin.

“I just had to come to see the two that passed with flying colors.” Ironwood smiled. Ren looked at Jaune who smiled.

“Thank you very much, sir.” Both boys said in unison.

“Your students are quite well-trained Ozpin,” Ironwood commented.

“Indeed. It’s like they were born to pilot these machines.” Ozpin took a sip from his mug eyeing the two.

“I look forward to seeing you two in the training courses,” Ironwood said before turning around to face the crowd and clearing his throat. “The tests will conclude in one hour! If any of you haven’t completed them yet you will still have a chance. Any only who can break the 50% mark will be added to the training courses while many others will have to go through a few more tests to determine your aptitude!” Ruby took the opportunity to raise her hand.

“Yes, Miss. Rose?” Ozpin asked.

“What about those who are, well vertically challenged?” Ruby asked shyly.

“Ah I see you had wished to try as well but you weren’t tall enough.” Ozpin chuckled.

“Mmhmm” Ruby nodded.

“Well, the General made the rules for this test.” Ozpin started. “I’ll forward him your information. From there it will be his choice please understand that these after all are on lone from Atlas so I have no control over who can and can’t join.” Ruby nodded and went to join Nora, Jaune, and Ren. by the end of the tests only a handful had passed 50%. There was Cardin, Coco, Neptune, Jaune, Ren, two students from Atlas, and oddly enough Nora.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The dance was getting closer and Ruby was worried she had never been to one before. She had never bothered with such things but now she had a boyfriend and she wanted to as yang would say knock his socks off. Yang and Weiss were too busy dealing with the actual planning of the dance to help her so she went to the only other person who knew about fashion. She stood outside a door marked CFVY, taking a deep breath she knocked. A giant of a man answered the door making her feel like a child.

“Yes?” The man asked in a similar way to Ren.

“Uh, I was, um wondering, if uh Coco was here?” Ruby asked.

“Sorry, she’s already in a relationship.” The man was about to close the door.

“Oh, I know. I’m kinda dating her girlfriend’s younger brother.” Ruby said quickly.

“Ah, one second.” The man went into the room and shortly Coco swaggered to the door.

“So your Jaune’s girlfriend I heard of.” Coco looked her up and down making Ruby a little uncomfortable. “Gotta say he doesn’t have bad taste darling. Are you here for some advice or something?”

“Uh well as you know the dance is co...” Coco raised a hand stopping Ruby.

“You want to impress him so you came to me,” Coco stated. Ruby nodded as Coco pulled out her scroll. “Iris, tell Nila to clear the schedule. We have a project.”

“Haha, I’m in danger,” Ruby said scared. Velvet just nodded from the room.

AN: Have a happy turkey day and enjoy your food coma. The test took a lot longer than I thought.

Chapter Text

AN: Oof. so as I did my second chapter of the RWBY watches AOTRC I noticed a plot hole in Jaune’s training. His mom thinks none of the girls have shown interest in being huntress’s and yet Olivia is now at Shade without explaining why. Basically, she’s super competitive and once Jaune started outshining her in physical activities she started training to be a huntress as well. Other than that… TIME TO PARTY IT’S CHAPTER 20. I honestly did not think I’d get this far lol.

Chapter 20

A man with greyish blonde hair gets an Email from James Ironwood labeled test runs.  He checks his schedule and finds he has enough time to view the successes. He makes notes to strengthen the armor around points where a never more would attack after viewing the first. The second he finds rather competent and the failure was on the pilot. He couldn’t believe that the third had passed. Sure they were a good shot but they basically set themselves up for the leviathan attack. The next few didn’t provide much information other than the pilots tended to find ways to use similar weapons to their own. Richard’s eyebrows rose when he saw two near-perfect scores. The sheer skill and speed those two used were astonishing, but he noticed the flaw almost immediately. He ran some simulations and after only a handful of uses and the machines would rip themselves apart so he would need to find a way to keep machines up to date with those two and started designing updates. 

“This is insane there’s no way these can be students running the tests. Please bring up the IDs of both Pilots.” Richard said. To his surprise, they were indeed students, Lie Ren and… “Dear Oum Jaune?!” There on the screen, he saw his Grandson enter the Zaku and the sheer ferocity he showed while in the simulation, Jaune was born to be a pilot. He watched the security footage sent to him and chuckled at the nickname the soldiers gave his grandson, Jaune Luna ‘Red Comet’ Arc. Though the next screen surprised him more, the girl with black and red hair was special to Jaune, It reminded him of how he was with his late wife Lura.

“Schnee doesn’t need to know yet. Hmm, I can’t take Jaune away from the life he’s made for himself. Maybe I should call him.” Richard sat back in his chair racking his brain. ‘ Who’s going to take over now? Violette is too kind, Nila and Iris never do anything without the other and the board would try to pit them against each other. Clarise and Saphron have already turned down the offer. Olivia hates Atlas, that just leaves... ’ “Sini.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yang was pacing back and forth. She had just received a text from her father that put her on edge. Weiss was blabbing on about doilies or something stupid. She pulled out her scroll and sent the red alert to Jaune and Ruby but got no replies. On a better day, she’d tease them relentlessly for being too ‘busy’ to answer but this wasn’t a good day. It was far from a good day, no today was a bad day.

“No doilies!” Yang shouted at Weiss. “Sorry I got to go, it’s a code red.” Yang ran off before her partner could speak.

“Ok? What the heck is a code red?” Weiss saw she was alone and pulled out a snowflake doily. “What Yang won’t know won’t hurt her.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jaune groaned and yawned as he got out of bed. He had decided to take a nap since Nora was out somewhere with Ren. Ruby was out looking for yang and Weiss to help her on some secret project and Blake was well. He looked to Blakes side of the room and the strings and corkboards were still there and Blake had vanished.

“Hmmm, that’s not good. A paranoid sleep-deprived ninja has vanished. Oh well, as long as I don’t look for her I have possible deniability.” Jaune mumbled.

‘ Not sure that’s how that works. ’ Char commented. Jaune was about to reply before there was a knock on his door. He stood up and opened it. ‘ Oh the kitty got to her as well ’ Jaune thought.

“Dang Yang. Bad hair day?” June smoked at the frazzled-looking Yang.

“Very funny Vomit Boy. Why haven’t you or Ruby been answering my messages.” Yang looked annoyed.

“I just woke up from a nap. Why would Ruby need to answer she left earlier to get your help with… something.” Jaune shrugged as Ruby wouldn’t tell him anything.

“Oh yeah, she asked for dress advice.” Yang slammed her fist into her hand. “She left when Weiss and I said we were too busy. Why didn’t she ask Blake?”

“Oh, that’s easy. Blakes has gone off the deep end.” June jesters Yang in and shows her Blake’s wall.

“Yikes.” Yang rubbed the back of her neck. “Guess we have two problems now.”

“Two?” Jaune asks. Yang doesn’t even answer and just shoves her scroll in his face, he quickly read it and sighed.

“I’d say three but I think I know where Ruby is and if she did go to her we won’t be seeing her all day.” Jaune chuckled.

“What’s going on with Ruby?” Yang asked.

“Well since you and Weiss were busy she probably went to the only person she knows that has fashion sense,” Jaune answered.

“Do you mean Coco?” Yang smirked.

“Yup,”  Jaune smirked.

“Whelp I’m not messing with that. I’ll take the sleep-deprived kitty.” Yang said skipping off.

“Wait no. Don’t leave me with them!” Jaune yelled.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ok how about this?” Nila asked, holding a form-fitting red dress.

“No that doesn’t fit her personality. We should look at the more frilly dresses, you know to match those skirts she likes.” Iris countered.

“How bout this one Ruby?” Coco held up one. Ts was a short, red, sleeveless dress with a thick black sash and laces on the chest with a transparent mesh that ended at the collar.

“Yes!” Ruby said excitedly.

“Alright girls! Now to pick out the shoes.” Coco said spinning around.

“NO HEELS!” Ruby screamed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yang spent over an hour looking for Blake before deciding to look in the library. She searched the less crowded areas first as Blake normally hated being around a lot of people but couldn’t find her. She leaned over the railing and noticed a rather paranoid girl on a computer. Yang pulled out the laser pointer she was using to mark areas for decorations and caught their attention. The girl looked around and confirmed that she was indeed Blake. ‘ I m so going to hell for this but I can’t resist. ’ Yang thought as she went to the level Blake was on and actually got Blake to follow the laser. Bringing her around a collum Yang ambushed her by grabbing her hand.

“We need to talk.” Yang pulled a  weak struggling Blake to an abandoned classroom.

“Yang, if you're going to tell me to stop, you may as well save your breath. You’d have better luck stopping Ruby from sneaking into Jaunes bed at night.” Blake yawned. 

“We’ll get back to that information later. Right now I don't want you to stop; I want you to slow down.”  Yang said sitting Blake down.

“I don't have the luxury to slow down!” Blake tried standing up only for Yang to push her back.

“ It's not a luxury; it's a necessity.” 

“Torchwick… has to be stoped.” Blake pleaded. 

“And we will stop him but you need to sit and think,” Yang said gently. Blake thought before nodding reluctantly.

“Ruby and I grew up in Patch, an island off the coast of Vale. Our parents were Huntsmen. Our dad taught at Signal, and our mom took on missions around the kingdom. Her name was Summer Rose, and she was, like... Super-Mom: Baker of cookies and slayer of giant monsters. And then... one day she left for a mission and never came back.” Yang paused wiping a tear from her cheek. “It was tough. Ruby was really torn up, but... I think she was still too young to really get what was going on, y'know? And my dad just kind of... shut down. It wasn't long before I learned why. Summer wasn't the first love he lost; she was the second. The first... was my mom. He wouldn't tell me everything, but I learned that the two of them had been on a team together with Summer and Qrow and that she'd left me right after I was born.”

“Why did she leave you?” Blake felt bad for making Yang relive this memory.

“That’s the question... Why? I don't know an answer, but back then I was determined to find out. I would ask anyone I could about what they knew about her. Then, one day, I found something. What I thought was a clue that could lead me to answers, or maybe even my mother.” Yang sighed. She hated what she had done.

“I waited for Dad to leave the house, put Ruby in a wagon, and headed out. I must've walked for hours. I had cuts and bruises, I was totally exhausted, but I wasn't gonna let anything stop me. When we finally got there, I could barely stand, but I didn't care; I had made it. And then I saw them. Those burning red eyes. There we were: A toddler sleeping in the back of a wagon and a stupid girl too exhausted to even cry for help. We might as well have been served on a silver platter. But, as luck would have it, our uncle showed up just in time.”

“ Yang... I'm sorry that happened to you, and I understand what you're trying to tell me, but this is different. I'm not a child, and this isn't just a search for answers!” Blake started to say more but Yang got up in her face.

 “I'm not telling you to stop! I haven't! To this day, I still want to know what happened to my mother and why she left me, but I will never let that search control me. We're going to find the answers we're looking for, Blake. But if we destroy ourselves in the process, what good are we?” Yangs eyes were burning red.

“You don't understand! I'm the only one who can do this!” Blake forced herself up.

 “No.” Yang shoved Blake back down. “If Roman Torchwick walked through that door, You'd lose!”

“No, I wouldn’t!” Blake struggled against yangs hand but couldn’t budge her.

”You can't even stop me! I'm not asking you to stop. Just please, get some rest.” Yang hugged Blake. Blake just sat there as Yang started towards the door.

“Oh by the way I hope to see you at the dace.” Yang winked. “I’ll save you a dance.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jaune watched a bullhead land and sighed. His parents and Yangs dad were on that ship. He activated his aura a split second before a small blonde torpedo slammed him into the ground. He opened his eyes to see a surprise, Violette was with them which means Sini had also come.

“Did you miss me?” Violette jumped off of him.

“Hmm, nope,” Jaune said.

“Meanie! Wait till I tell Ruby. Where is she?” Violette looked around.

“Yeah. Where is she Jaune.” Taiyang asked staring at him.

“Out shopping with Coco.” Jaune chuckled.

“Shame I would have liked to se my future daughter-in-law before settling in for the night,” Amelia smirked.

“MOM!” Jaune screamed in embarrassment.

“Now, now let’s not tease him too much dear.” Jonathan wrapped his hands around his wife’s waist.

“Hello, big brother how are you?” Sini bowed. 

“I’m fine. I’ve told you before you don’t have to be so formal with me Sini.” Jaune answered.

“Oh very well. Is Ruby here?” Sini looked around.

‘ This is going to be all day isn’t it? ’ Jaune thought.

‘ It’s not that bad at least Tai doesn’t know Ruby sleeps in your bed. ’ Char chuckled.

“Hey Vomit Boy mind explaining why Blake says Ruby sleeps in your bed!” Yang yelled from across the courtyard.

‘ Ah, looks like I spoke too soon. ’ Char laughed as Tai glared at Jaune.

‘ Oh, Crapbaskets. ’

AN: Whelp Jaunes a dead man lol.

Chapter Text

AN: Ahh that was a nice vacation/ falling into another fanfic pit lol. Now let us get back to kickass robots and hunters. Hmm ok, my notes are saying something. Oh, that’s neat. It’s time to da-da-da-dance!

CHAPTER 21

‘ Oh, crapbaskets ’ Jaune stared at a rather angry-looking Tai and ran possible scenarios in his head. ‘ This is a code yellow ok time to defuse this bomb. ’

“Is it so wrong for a couple to cuddle from time to time?” Jaune started. “She just looks so peaceful when she falls asleep and I don’t want to ruin that by making her get up and go to her bed. Clothes stay on at all times.” Tai looked like he didn’t believe a thing that he said.

“Jaune I know how teens are don’t go lying to me.” He growled.

“Now, now, I can’t prove that has never happened but you have my word as an Arc that it has indeed never happened and I am not pushing her towards it. Hell, we haven’t even kissed yet.” Jaune said arms in a defensive stance.

“AND WHY NOT IS MY BABY GIRL NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!?” Tai roared. Jaune looked over to Yang who was trying not to laugh.

“We’ve been busy with school, and have only been on a few dates. I want our first real kiss to be special that’s all.” Jaune prayed that would appease Tai.

“Hahaha! Why didn’t you say so? I can get that, I still remember my first kiss with Raven. It happened right over there as the sun was setting.” Tai pointed towards the statue in Beacon’s courtyard. Jaune breathed a sigh of relief. “But if I hear you’ve done anything you shouldn’t…” Tai let the threat end there, though Jaune didn’t need him to finish it.

“Well Tai maybe you should say something to Yang about her infatuation with a certain Cat Faunus on my team,” Jaune smirked. Tai took a second before walking over to Yang.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruby stumbled off the Bullhead and yawned. She would never ask Coco for fashion advice again. Draping the dress bag over her arm she carried the shoebox in her other and made her way to the dorms. Coco had stayed behind to as she put it ‘spend some quality time with the girls’ Ruby knew what she meant and was not going to even mention it. The sun was setting and all she wanted to do was put this stuff up and cuddle up with Jaune for the night. She got closer to the dorm and heard a voice she hadn’t heard in a while.

“Yeah this was totally our dorm see here Qrow craved his name in the closest where Goodwitch wouldn’t find it. Oum if these walls could talk they’d tell you all about our crazy days like the skirt incident.” Her father was in the room. Ruby rushed through the door dropping her stuff as she tackled him.

“DADDY! I missed you so much!” Tai chuckled as he pushed himself up with Ruby dangling from his neck. “Why are you here?”

“Can’t a father just visit his little girl?” Tai asked.

“I’m not little anymore! I’m a huntress in training.” Ruby boasted.

“Well if we are pulling rank then I’m a teacher and a full-blown Hunter so yes you still are my little girl,” Tai stated and Jaune started laughing. Ruby looked at Jaune then smirked. Deciding to get the last word in she picked up her stuff sat them on the bed and made her way to the restroom.

“You’re going to love my surprise tomorrow night Jaune,” she whispered loud enough for her dad to hear.

“What just happened?” Jaune asked dumbfoundedly.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dance was but an hour away and Jaune stood outside his dorm in his maroon-colored suit. The jacket was open reviling a black vest with gold buttons and a tie over a white dress shirt. In his front pocket rested a handkerchief with the Arc family logo. He had a pair of chestnut brown dress shoes over black socks. Ren stood on the other side of the hall wearing a dark green blazer with blue trim, dark green pants, and black dress shoes. Nora had asked Ren to take her to the dance while Jaune had asked Ruby. Right now they waited for their dates to finish up. 

“You ready for the dance?” Jaune asked his friend.

“I guess. I’ll have to keep Nora from the punch bowl.” Ren shrugged.

“Yeah, Nora and sugar don’t mix. I had bruises for half a year after that incident in Argus.” Jaune chuckled.

“Why didn’t you heal them with your aura?” Ren asked.

“Char said doing so would lead to an overreliance on aura for defense and healing. The guy was strict when it came to training.” Jaune moaned.

“I get that. Amuro wouldn’t let me leave the gun range until I could hit all the targets blindfolded.” Ren chuckled. The two boys burst out laughing at their stories and had smiles when the door opened. Nora wore a light pink skirt with a vibrant pink heart-shaped top. Ruby wore a short, red, sleeveless dress with a thick black sash and laces on the chest with a transparent mesh that ended at the collar. She had a pair of calf-high black boots with a flat elevated heel over black stockings.

“Ren let’s go!” Nora grabbed a stunned Ren and dragged him away.

“So? How do I look?” Ruby asked.

“You look amazing. Coco knows exactly what makes you, well you. Though…” Jaune broke off his thought and went up to her. “You’re a little taller now.”

“Is that a good thing? I said no heels but these boots were too good to pass up.” Ruby showed off her boots.

“Well, I won’t have to strain my neck as much looking down at you.” Jaune smiled.

“I’ll remember that,” Ruby smirked and they went to the dance.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ballroom was filled with students and Tai and the Arcs kept a watchful eye over the students. Ozpin and Glynda were chatting with Ironwood while Sini and Violette helped Yang at the front welcoming students. Classical music filled the room as Yang tapped the podium hoping her dad would replace her soon so she could go have fun as well. Weiss had come alone which was surprising since Yang was sure she would ask Neptune. Ren was dragged straight to the snack table by Nora and the two Arc girls looked concerned. Pyrrha had shown up alone in a rather cute red dress and bronze necklace, Yang felt bad as all the guys and girls of the school saw her as some untouchable warrior goddess. Surprisingly Sun accompanied Penny of all people and Yangs’ nosey older sister instincts were telling her there was something there.

“Hey, brats what are you doing here?” A Blonde girl in a green strapless dress asked.

“Big Sis Olivia! I thought you were at shade? ” Violette asked.

“Hello, big sister is that your date?” Sini asked motioning to a tan man with red hair who was almost as tall as their dad.

“Yup this is Gailan!” Olivia smiled. “Vacuo students arrived a few days ago. Remember Vytal isn’t far off. We’re going to win this year!”

“Why hello, you must be Liv’s little sisters. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  Gailan said with a smile.

“Do mother and father know your here sister?” Sini asked.

“Nope. Why are you two here? Did you guys join Signal or something?” Olivia asked.

“Negative we are here because mother and father wanted to see Jaune and Ruby since they are a couple now,” Sini explained.

“Yup they’re so cute together!” Violet exclaimed.

“Hey, Yang. I’ll take over now. Go have fun.” Taiyang came from the stairs. “If you don’t want Johnathan to see you and him I’d get to the dance floor, Olivia.”

“Thanks, dad/ Mr. Xiao Long.” The two girls said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Aww, you’re just so beautiful Ruby! One second I have to get a photo.” Tai gushed over his daughter and pulled out his scroll and started taking photos. One of just her, one with Jaune, and finally he handed his scroll to Jaune. “Here get one of me and her.”

“Alright.” Jaune took the scroll and took a few of Ruby and her dad before handing it back.

“Not bad kid if being a huntsman doesn’t work out you could easily become a professional photographer,” Tai said looking at the pictures. “Well don’t let me keep you any longer go and have fun but not too much you got it.” The couple made their way to the punch bowl and got their cups. Ruby noticed Weiss fixing a flower.

“Hey, Weiss over here!” Ruby waved at her friend.

“Hi Ruby, hey Jaune are you guys enjoying the dance?” Weiss greeted them and asked.

“Could be better, had to deal with my dad. Where’s Neptune I thought you were going to ask him to the dance?” Ruby asked.

“I did but he turned me down. But that works someone has to make sure this dance goes perfectly.” Weiss sighed. Jaunes eyes narrowed when he saw Neptune chatting with sun and Penny.

“That’s terrible, I’m sure Jaune and I can find you a partner to dance with. Right? Jaune?” Ruby saw Jaune walking towards the group. “Uh oh.”

Jaune grabs Neptune by the shoulder and gestures that he wants to talk but it’s too loud. Neptune looked confused but followed Jaune towards the balcony. Jaune notices Pyrrha running towards the CCT center but shrugs.

“Huh, she must really need to call someone. Guess it’s her agent or something huh?” Neptune asks.

“Maybe. Could be her parents. So Neptune how’s the dance treating you?” Jaune responds.

“Oh man it’s so great the music is great, I know not many love classical but it kind of fits the occasion. Not to mention all the cute girls.” Neptune sighs.

“I guess your right. But I’m one of the lucky ones coming with one of the cutest girls here.” Jaune says. “Still confused on the Sun and Penny thing, I thought he had a thing for Blake.”

“I know man same here. One day he just comes back to the dorm and introduces me to that Penny girl. She’s kinda odd but oh well as long as Sun’s happy.” Neptune shrugged.

“Yeah and he doesn’t have to fight Yang for Blake’s attention.” Jaune chuckles before looking at Neptune. “Though there’s one thing bugging me.”

“Oh? What’s bugging you man?” Neptune asks.

“I could have sworn you had a thing for Weiss so why did you turn her down?” Jaune asks.

“Oh that. Look man it just didn’t work out.” Neptune sighed.

“Really? Because I’m certain she’s got a thing for you. I should know she’s not the most subtle when it comes to affection.” Jaune says.

“Really?!” Neptune coughs. “Yeah, I heard about all of that. Look man it just won’t work!”

“From where I’m standing it sounds like you’re a coward,” Jaune smirks.

“Neptune Vasilias is no coward!” Neptune growled and grabbed Jaunes collar.

“Then go and ask Weiss for a dance.” Jaunes calm demeanor doesn’t drop. “Unless that is you can’t dance.” Neptune’s gaze flicks away and he loses his grip. “Oh did I hit the nail?”

“*sigh* Yes you did. I can’t dance. That’s why I turned down all the girls that asked me. I don’t want to make a fool of myself.” Neptune slumps against the railing.

“You know Weiss wouldn’t care. She just wants to be near you.” Jaune places his hand on Neptunes’ shoulder.

“You think so?” Neptune asks.

“I don’t know. What do you say, Weiss?” Jaune smirked as Neptune spun to see Weiss and Ruby standing there.

“Thank you, Jaune. Now get over here you!” Weiss grabs Neptune and drags him away.

“That was kind of you Jaune.” Ruby smiles.

“I made her cry once. So this was my way of apologizing. He just needed a little push, kinda like me and the night on the docks.” Jaune walked up to Ruby. “How about a dance?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was perfect. Sure there was a slight bump with Neptune but after Jaune had a talk with him Weiss and he were seen dancing even if he kept stepping on her feet. Ruby was having a blast the music finally changed from classical to more modern songs and her favorite song was playing, Red Like Roses. Jaune and her danced till their feet got sore and made their way to the punch bowl where Ruby saw something that made her giggle. Her sister Yang was leaning on Blake lightly snoring. Ruby pulled out her scroll and took a quick picture before grabbing some punch and sitting down. They decided to talk about the upcoming missions as they learned those who would be testing for pilot training and those who passed the tests earlier would be starting at the same time.

“So what do you think will happen with the teams?” Ruby asked. Blake was the only one from Team ABVR to refuse to take the test while Ren was the only one from PYSL to be doing the training.

“Maybe they’ll let Blake tag along with Pyrrha’s team?” Jaune theorized.

“So what like a Team NBXS(Nexus)?” Ruby asked.

“Could be. This hasn’t happened before.” Jaune shrugged. They saw that Jaunes’ Parents had found Olivie and her date and were in the process of taking pictures.

“Let’s go back and dance Jaune.” Ruby shot out of her chair.

“Sure but let’s not get carried away again, my feet still sting a bit.” Jaune followed. They got to the dancefloor as a slow song came on and Jaune held out his hand. “May I have this dance milady?”

“Of course Sir Knight.” Ruby giggled and took his hand. He pulled her in close and they started swaying to the music. It was as if all others were gone and they were the only two there. Keeping rhythm with the music they continued to stare and dance. Finally, Jaune spun her and pulled her in close. Ruby’s eyes met his and they leaned in and there on the dancefloor their lips met and it was as if the universe came alive. *Click, Flash* The moment ended when someone took a picture. Ruby and Jaune Turned to see Johnathan and Amelia Arc and the motherly woman Pulled Ruby into a Hug while Jaune’s dad patted him on the back.

“MOM, DAD!”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mercury watched the whole event unfold from the upper level. He was annoyed that someone like him in his mind actually had a good relationship with their parents. His old man was a thieving bastard and he never knew his own mother. Disgusted he turned and found Cinder standing there with a few strands of hair out of place. He quickly fixed her hair to Emerald and Cinder’s displeasure.

“So did it work or were you too busy?” Mercury smirked as he implied that. 

“Get your mind out of the gutter you buffoon. Of course, it worked else I wouldn’t be here. That damn Nikos girl had to interrupt me though so I had to run, there’s no alarms so obviously Watts knew what he was doing.” Cinder scoffed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“See I knew it Watts is working with the Queen! We should go and arrest those three now!” Ironwood slammed his fist down on Ozpins desk.

“Now, now let us not be hasty. They believe their plan has succeeded and we have a way to know all their plans now. Let us make our own trap.” Ozpin stated sipping his mug. “Though first off let us congratulate our hero of the night. Glynda could you bring in Miss. Nikos?” Glynda Goodwitch escorted an armed Pyrrha through the door.

“Hello, sir. Sorry for causing a scene.” Pyrrha bowed.

“No need to apologize Miss. Nikos. You helped us out tonight.” Ironwood said with a smile.

“Indeed.” Ozpin saw the confusion on her face. “I see you are curious. Before we answer any questions let me ask you one. What is your favorite fairy tale?”

AN: This was a fun chapter to write. Jaune and Ruby had their first kiss, Olivia is there for the tournament, and what is Ozpin thinking?

Chapter Text

AN: I’m back and I have an outline for the next few chapters. Totally not hiding from the people who want me to put Ranamon in my Digmon story how could you think that lol.

Chapter 22

The auditorium was packed the next day as students prepared for their missions. Those who had team members trying out for and/or taking the extra class were all added to a list and like Ruby thought Blake was added to Pyrrha’s team to round out their roster. Team CFVY was tasked with assisting out one of the other teams since Coco was part of the class. No one had seen the rest of Team CRDL but they heard through the grapevine that they had their mission already and had left. Yang was excited to be on a full team that meant they could take on any mission in their year range without an older team watching them. They made their way to the mission board and started their search.

“We need the check for missions in the southeast quadrant,” Blake told them.

“Let’s check search and destroy.” Yang offered. After a quarter of an hour, they see one that fits.

“Here we go! Quadrant 5 needs Grimm cleared out!” Yang points out a mission. 

“Well, it's in the southeast!” Blake agrees.

“Sounds perfect!” Yang selects it and types in her team name. However, the screen says that first-years are not allowed to take this mission. 

“Wonderful!” Weiss sighs.

 “Any other ideas?” Pyrrha asks.

“I have a suggestion.” They turn to see Ozpin standing there. “Unfortunately, we determined that the concentration of Grimm was too extreme for first-year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaking suspicion that you four will make your way there no matter which job you choose.”

“What makes you think that?” Yang nervously chuckles and Ozpin cocked an eyebrow.

“I'm still curious how you all found yourself at the docks last semester. I'm interested to know how you really learned about a hideout in the southeast. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and rose petals near a dance club some time ago. I doubt I'll ever find the exact answers I'm looking for. So how about this: instead of waiting for you all to break the rules, why don't we just bend them?” Ozpin pulls out his scroll and taps it and the board says mission approved. “Don’t let me down now.”

“Why did he do that?” Weiss asked.

“Who knows. At least we don’t have to sneak off now so that’s something.” Yang shrugged.

------------------------------------------

“Remember to take him for a walk three times a day, his you know what is in the bag he still hates taking them,” Tai told Ruby handing her Zwei and a few bags. “I’ll only be gone for two weeks boy make sure to watch over Ruby for me will ya.” Zewi barked happily.

“We’re going to have so much fun Zwei!” Ruby hugged him. “You’re going to love it here. There are so many areas to explore.”

“Well I must be off that Village wants me there by the afternoon. Stay safe ya hear?” Tai hugs Ruby and exits the room with his suitcase.

“PUPPY!!” Nora enters the room and zooms over to Zwei. “You’re so adorable, yes you are.”

“Nora meet Zwei, Zwei meet Nora.” Ruby introduced her teammate to her dog.

“That’s such a cute name!” Nora squealed. “If we didn’t have to get to class I’d play with you all day.”

“Oh, right those classes start today!” Ruby remembered. 

“Good thing we have those classes huh? You probably would have snuck Zwei with us on our mission.” Jaune joked.

“I would not…” Jaune cocked an eyebrow. “Ok maybe.”

“Was that so hard?” He chuckled. “You ready for your test?”

“Yup, your tutoring helped! But how do you know so much about these suits?” Ruby asked.

“That’d be telling.” Jaune gave Ruby a quick peck on the lips. “Tell you what if you pass I might tell you.” Ruby still had her eyes closed from the surprise kiss and a dusting of pink covered her face as she looked around. She quickly poured a bowl of water and filled Zwei’s food bowl hiding a small pill inside of the cooked plane chicken and hiding it in the bowl. She gave her dog a few scratches and got her school bag.

“We’ll be back Zwei, remember Blake’s bed is off-limits,” Ruby told the puppy pointing at the bed and then leaving the room.

“You know he’s going to hop on that bed the moment he’s sure we are gone,” Nora said.

“Zwei is a good boy, he’d never do something like that.” Ruby snickered. She knew full well Zwei would do exactly that. It was revenge for telling Yang that she liked cuddling with Jaune.

------------------------------------------

“You’ve got everything?” Ren asked. “Emergency flares, spare scroll, med-kit, maps of the location, what about the cleaning-kit for Miló and Akoúo̱?”

“Jeez, mom we’ll be fine.” Yang sighed.

“I’ve got everything Ren, we’ll be fine. You have my word none of us are going to get hurt, ok?” Pyrrha asked her partner. Sure Ren was being a worrier but after that team-building exercise, they knew why.

“That’s all I ask. Have a fun time and remember if you need anything Jaune, Ruby, Nora, and I will drop everything to help.” Ren said. “You all are my family now. Ren whispered the last bit.

“And speaking of those three they’re waiting for you so go sho, have fun in those tin cans we’ll find those criminals and bring them to justice.” Yang bragged. Ruby, Jaune, and Nora came up from Beacon.

“Come on Ren time for class. Good luck on your mission girls. Yang, Blake don’t do anything…Ren and Nora wouldn’t do.” Jaune smirked at a blushing Blake.

“Wha…” Yang looked at a grinning Nora and a blushing Ren and Blake. “What does that mean?” Jaune starts dragging Ren away. “WHAT DO THOSE TWO DO?!”

------------------------------------------

The cold sterile white room unnerved Ruby. She sat at the desk assigned her and waited for the test proctor. All those who wanted to join the mobile suit class had to take a written test and a practical test. There were a handful of students she didn’t know taking it as well as she looked around the door opened and a man with salt and pepper hair came through. He had some oil stains on his hands and on his left arm was a tattoo of the Atlesian air force logo.

“Hello, prospective pilots I am William Uaine and I will be watching over your tests today. Any questions?” William asked. “You, the girl with the red-tipped hair.”

“Sir? If I may ask? Why are you covered in oil and grease stains?” Ruby asked.

“Ah yes I guess I do look a bit unprofessional. You see I’m a mechanic of Arcineering. ” William answered.

“I thought a member of Atlas Military was doing the testing?” Someone asked.

“Former Staff Sergeant kid so don’t you worry.” William pointed to the badge he wore. “Any more questions, no? Good here is your written tests you will have one hour to answer all questions once you are done I will dismiss you and you are to make your way to dock 3T.” 

------------------------------------------

“Ok students we are your teachers for the rest of our time here. We have been dubbed the Court Squadron but we prefer our own names. I am Sterling Jonk the commander of this Squadron.” A large bearded man said.

“Well now that Jonk has your attention all those looking to train on the GM’s follow me. Names Noah Ango but it’s Sir to you until I’m sure you know what you are doing.” A thin man in a grey jumpsuit and green beanie said. Ren, Nora, Cardin, Coco, and a few others followed him.

“Guess the rest of you are our Zaku trainees. Names Roybn Grace dears and by the time this year is over you will be competent pilots.” A woman with tied-up brown hair said. Jaune, Neptune, and two others followed her to the Zaku dock. 

“Our first order of business will be understanding the structure of the machine, how to repair on the field, and what parts if broken will spell doom for you if you are without aid. Any questions? Robyn asked.

“Why are you guys called the suit squadron?” Neptune asked.

“About the Zaku boy.” Robyn sighed. “But if you must know someone in top brass has a thing for playing cards.” Neptune nodded and apologized.

“Is the mono eye sensor the only camera on the machine? If so how is it protected?” Jaune asked.

“It’s the main camera but there are a handful of sub cameras. The glass protecting the Mono eye sensor is rated for large caliber fire but should it be blinded you will still have backups.” Robyn explained. Over with Noah things weren’t as smooth.

“Why even bother with two designs?” Cardin asked.

“I don’t know I’m not a mechanic probably aesthetics for when they are shipped out to private companies for defense.” Noah shrugged.

“Are there any differences in the armaments?” Coco asked.

“The Zaku uses more traditional dust rounds while the GM uses a compressor field in the gun to fire a condensed form of dust. Unfortunately, the melee weapon of the GM is not done so you will be stuck with Heat rods basically think of a long baton that heats up with fire dust they are great against Grimm but compared to the Zaku’s Ax they fall short. The spray gun of a GM is a pain to repair so don’t break them understood?” Noah looked at his charges.

“Understood Sir!” The students said.

“Here’s your work pamphlet and GM service manual I’m expecting you all to actually read it.” Noah handed out sheets and books. The students started their work and after forty minutes Sterling came over.

“Come on Noah lighten up on the kids a bit. I’m sure they will do just fine.” Sterling said walking over.

“I’m not a kid person sir, but I guess I’ll try. Is that William over there?” Noah asked.

“Yes, the practices are about to start.” Sterling looked to the GM students. “Want to watch?” The students nodded. “Well then come on you might notice a few things.”

------------------------------------------

Jaune watched as Ruby used the environment to conceal her GM until the Grim was right under her. In a swift motion, she dropped on an Ursa Major and drove her heat rod through its head. From there she used the short-range function of the spray gun to clear herself a path. Using the confusion of the Grimm she hid in between the houses. He knew she missed her scythe but the training Tai made her do was showing, he had crow train her in the basics of combat so if she was stuck with an unknown weapon she wouldn’t be helpless. She used up the first charge pack taking out smaller Grimm with the spray guns long-range function. Once it was empty and the Grimm found her she took a two-handed pose with the heat rod and used the ally as a funnel to slow down the Grimm but she was overrun. After the class, he found her on a bench by the Hunter&Huntress statue.

“You did good in there Rubes.” He sat beside her.

“But what if I failed?” Ruby mumbled.

“Don’t think like that. You passed I know it.” Jaune took her hand.

“And how do you know that?” Ruby looked up at him.

“Because you are the smartest and most resourcefully huntress I know. None of the others took out as many as you.” Jaune pulled her closer. “You didn’t have crescent rose so you improvised, you used the surroundings to your advantage. That Ursa Major stood no chance against you.”

“Can we get cookies?” Ruby looked at him.

“Sure. Do you want to go to the foundry today and work on Crescent Rose?” Jaune asked. Ruby nodded. “Well, let’s go get some cookies and your tools.”

Chapter Text

AN: Indeed Ruby is no ace when it comes to MS’s but if anything Gundam and rwby have shown even those without innate skill can do get things if they train hard enough. 

CHAPTER 23

A spray of bullets pelted against the shield Ruby’s GM held. She looked around and saw one of the Vacuo students go down as the bullets exploded on contact leaving red paint all over the machine. The radar showed the enemy unit’s less than a click away. A GM comes from the forest on the left signaling ally.

“Coco reporting in the enemy has entrenched themselves on a hill overlooking the field. What’s the call captain?” Coco said over the headset.

“Did they notice you scouting?” The calm voice of Ren asked.

“I don’t believe so Ren,” Coco said hesitantly.

“We need to distract them. Cardin you and Nora you’ll attack from the front. Coco you and Ruby try and surprise them from the forest. Neon and I will use your guy’s attacks to try to surprise them.” Rens GM reaches done and grabs the dust spray gun and heat rod from the fallen Vacuo GM. “Let’s move out!” Ruby followed Coco down the forest trail she had used earlier the sound of gunfire echoed from the field and she winced thinking how quickly those two would fall if they didn’t finish soon. Seeing the side of the hill Ruby rushed forward blocking out the thought that had popped up. ‘ Weird it’s not like Jaune to leave such an opening undefended. ’  Coco tried to stop her when two Zaku’s emerged from the tree line and fired on the two girls.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You were right they fell for the trap sir.” A cool voice said over the headset. Jaune smiled. ‘ Is it wrong I knew Ruby would fall for the trap? ’ He shook his head ridding that thought from his head. Jaune had warned her before about being reckless so hopefully, she would use this as a learning experience. Cardin and Nora were the ones he sent up in the front. Not a bad plan they are heavy hitters and if they got close enough they would easily take out a good amount of his team.

“Where are you, Ren?” Jaune asked no one in particular.

‘ He likely saw the trap when it was sprung and retreated further back to fix his plan. ’ Char offered.

‘ Perhaps. If Cardin and Nora are upfront and we got Ruby who do you think the other one was and who’s with Ren? ’ Jaune questioned.

‘ Ren likes quick mobility so likey the cat is with him so the one with Ruby was likely Coco. ’ Char guessed.

“Ok listen up everyone we outnumber them but we can’t get cocky don’t let down your guard,” Jaune told his team.

“OH NEPY!!” The sing-song voice of Nora rang out before she jumped over the barricade taking Neptune and an older Beacon student out. The others brought her down quickly after.

“Nevermind. Flynt I’m guessing Neon is with Ren so do you think you can stop her?“ Jaune asked. The other Beacon student fell from a headshot taking Cardin with him.

“I should be able to,” Flynt’s cool voice replied.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Down to the Wire now Sterling how will your class handle it? ” Ironwood asked while watching the monitors. Many new recruits tended to freak out when they’ve lost the advantage in battle or surprise and that’s how they made mistakes.

“These kids are superb huntsmen/huntresses in training they have surprised me at every turn. Sure we need to work on Miss. Rose and Miss Valkyre’s tendency to rush in without thinking and Mr. Vasilias’s fear.” Sterling started watching the playback. 

“Odd because I’ve seen Miss. Rose fight in combat class she’s a prodigy if there ever was one. Yet all the reports say she’s mediocre to decent at best in an MS. Any ideas?” Ironwood asked.

“I watched a few of her fight’s I’m thinking it’s an inability to adapt to weapons, her file says she dedicated most of her time at signal perfecting her scythe. Perhaps she didn’t see the point in using other weapons.” Sterling sighed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flynts Zaku was taken out along with Neons GM when they both landed blows that would have killed each other. Ren sighed as that was the last ally he had but it also meant Jaune was also alone. Preparing himself for the next part he made sure both of his spray guns were charged.

‘ Be careful Ren, Jaune knows you’re coming for him. ’ Amuro cautioned his friend.

“I know. We are tied right now so this will determine who’s better.” Ren told his friend. ‘ I need to get better to keep my new family safe. ’ Ren looked at the picture he and his team took after the dance. Ren ran a quick diagnostic on his GM finding he had about half an hour of Run time left and pulled out his scroll and started a timer for fifteen minutes as a Zaku kicked his GM in the cockpit causing him to become slightly disoriented by all the bouncing.

Flynt’s signal died and Jaune sped off. He passed a GM riddled with paint marks, he was going the right way. In a field behind the tree line, he saw a GM with two heat rods and two spray guns. Ren was distracted and Jaune took that moment to strike with a swift kick he sent the GM staggering back. He quickly pulled out his rifle and pointed at the cockpit to find the GM had done the same with its spray gun.

“Guess this is a stand-off, Ren.” Jaune joked as he opened his comm channel.

“Seems so. Sorry but I intend to win.” Ren said as he dropped the spray gun and pulled Jaunes rifle throwing him off balance. When ren tried to flip the Zaku Jaune activated his vernier stoping the flip and pulled out his ax striking the arm that was grabbing him. The electrical paint sent a shock through the arm leaving it unstable for the moment. Using the momentum he swung his Zaku to pin Rens GM and raised his Ax to end it unfortunately Ren had been quick enough to grab his pray gun and disabled Jaune’s ax arm before kicking him off.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mercury watched from some cameras they had set up to spy on all the students. He scoffed at the last conversation he had with Cinder. She didn’t understand how dangerous these two were or how these mechs would change the world. She was so focused on finding that girl they had attacked for some fancy magic powers. Power like that was worthless it was nothing but a crutch or so his bastard of a father said before he took his semblance. Mercury had to push himself to peek conditioning and then he took his revenge and killed the old man. The woman was unhinged and obsessed. He had plans to get one of those machines and all he had to do was wait to strike. What he would do after was still up in the air. He winced when he saw the single-eyed suit, er Zaku lands a devastating chop with the ax, if this wasn’t training the thing would have cleaved through the GM’s arm.

“Mercury stop watching those idiots we have to devise an alibi for what’s coming.” Cinder yelled from the door.

“Right away your majesty.” Mercury rolled his eyes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both down an arm Jaune and ren circled each other waiting for an opening. Ren raised his spray gun and Jaune rolled grabbing his discarded ax. Jaune brought the ax up at an angle barely scratching the chest of Rens GM as he dodged but he did knock the spray gun away and Ren grabbed a heat rod from his back. Ren thrust at Jaune who barely dodged and got a small nick on his chest as well. Jaune rushed in knocking Ren’s sword to the side and bringing the ax down with all the force his Zaku could handle causing the shoulder to scream as metal strained. 

Ruby had been sitting in her GM for near half an hour when the buzzer sounded signaling a win. The GM’s computers came alive and she was able to lift her suit from the pile of trees she fell on. Coco’s GM was helping a stuck Zaku out of the pile of fallen trees. She looked around and saw GM’s and Zaku’s leaving the hill. She saw Nora in the group and rushed to her teammate.

“I can’t get over how fun this all is Ruby!” The bubbly girl said over comms.

“Yeah, fun for you maybe you don’t have a crazy girl yelling your name before she ‘kills’ you.” Neptune groaned over comms.

“Should have been paying attention Neppy!”Nora giggled.

“Sorry I messed up Nora. I forgot Jaune was in charge of the other side and I should have been more cautious.” Ruby quietly spoke.

“It’s not your fault we all made mistakes but that’s what these mock fights are for. We get to see our flaws without any lasting damage to us.” Nora consoled the little reaper.

“So where’s the rest?” Coco asked. They look around and see a GM and Zaku riddled with small scratches making their way to the meeting point. The Zaku’s arm dangled loosely and with a gasp, Ruby rushed to its side.

“Jaune!” Ruby skidded to a stop by him. “Are you ok?!”

“I’m fine Dear. I just pushed the Zaku too hard.” Ruby felt her face flush as Jaune said that on an open comm channel.

“ *Whistle* Dear huh I figured you’d call her something cheesy like My Rose. or Cookie Lil bro.” Coco teased as the rest caught up.

“Well I tried Cookie but that just made her hungry and caused use to lose stove privileges for a week when Miss Goodwitch saw the mess Ruby made when Ruby added too much flour to a cookie recipe.” Jaune chuckled.

“It’s not my fault the bag broke…” Ruby giggled at the memory and how Jaune had to stop her from downing a whole bag of chocolate chips. It still surprised her they were able to salvage the cookies though all the cleaning they had to do was the worst.

“So what’s the count at now?” Coco asked wondering who won.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blake, Yang, Weiss, and Pyrrha made camp while Professor Oobleck wrote down the days’ journey and made a note that a pack of Goliaths was in the area but they seemed docile for now. The girls were exhausted as they had to fight off multiple Grimm to get to the outer ruins of Mountian Glenn. Oobleck sat across from Weiss and pulled a notebook out. 

A question for you Miss Schnee? A girl born into fame and fortune such as yourself certainly doesn't need the extra work. So... why choose this over a cushy job in Atlas?  Oobleck asked the young girl as she cleaned her weapon.

“It's exactly as you said: I'm a Schnee. I have a legacy of honor to uphold. Once I realized I was capable of fighting, there was no longer a question of what I would do with my life. It was my duty.” Weiss finished cleaning her blade.

“Interesting. Tell me, Yang: Why did you choose this line of work?” He turned his gaze towards Yang.

“Huh? Well, to fight monsters and save-” Oobleck held up a hand stopping her. 

“No, that is what you do. I want to know why you do it. The honest reason as to why you want to be a Huntress.” Oobleck explained.

“The honest reason? I'm a thrill-seeker. I want to travel around the world and get wrapped up in as many crazy adventures as I can. And if I help people along the way, then that's even better. It's a win-win, y'know?” Yang shrugs.

“I see.” He makes a note stating Yang still seems to have some trust issues remembering a talk he had with Tai not long ago about how close Yang and Blake seemed. “Miss Nikos how about yo-” He counted three girls he spun his head looking around. “Where’s Miss Belladonna?”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blake took time collecting wood to look around the ruins for clues. She stepped lightly as she saw fresh footprints. On a wall not far off was a white fang marking and as she got closer the ground gave way and she fell. Using her training Blake went to grab Gambol Shroud but it wasn’t on her back. She grabbed a beam and spun landing in a crouch in the shadows. Two guards burst through a door as Blake skunk further in to avoid their line of sight.

“Be careful you animals we don’t want these creatures escaping before our explosive entrance!” Roman Toirchwickk walked by some White Fang grunts loading Grimm on a train.

“I have to warn the team.” Blake pulled out her scroll sending a quick message before seeing a lazy grunt and in a quick motion she dropped upon him and dragged him in the shadows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman sighed thinking how foolish this whole plan was. One wrong bump or one idiot with fire dust and they are all Grimm chow. He sighed as two guards came running.

“What is it, can’t you see I’m busy?” He growled.

“Sire we have some bad news…” one of them said. “Someone got down here through a hole in the roof.” The other said.

“Tell me you caught them… Ah, great. Get a group and start looking!” Roman shouted. He looked around and saw a female grunt leaving the restrooms.

“You come over here.” The dark-haired grunt looked around and pointed at herself. “No your sister. YES, YOU!” Roman growled.

“Y-yes, sir?” the grunt asked.

“Got a question for you girly.” Roman looked at the train. “If you were being forced into following some dangerous people what would you do?”

“Sir?” The grunt looked concerned.

“It’s just hypothetical. Don’t worry me and your edge lord of a boss don’t get along so I won’t tell him anything.” Roman looked at her.

“Well I’d wait for the perfect moment where I’m far enough away from them and I’d use whatever transport was the closet nearby to get as far away as possible, whether it is say a train or a bullhead.” The grunt said.

“Interesting. Take 15 then find the intruder.” Roman fiddled with his cane.

AN: Happy new year lets hope 2022 is a better year.

Chapter Text

AN: This will be as long as I make it. I’m thinking the next chapter will be the end of volume 2. I think I’m dragging my feet because I dislike writing tournament arcs and that’s basically what Volume 3 is. Good question Alloy I have a few ideas but that’s all going to happen at least post Volume 3. But remember who makes the MSs.

Chapter 24 

Ruby sat in the cockpit of the simulation GM. Her arms and legs were sore but she had been messing up too much lately. She had asked Ren for advice and he was happy to help he pointed out how he had not treated the suit as a weapon but as himself. After the last sortie, there were extra classes to round out the issues the Court members saw. She activated the GM once again and ran another scenario. She crouched behind the shield and prepared for the hoard of simulated Grimm.

Ren and Jaune were working on field repairs as well as hanger repairs. William Uaine the head mechanic chewed the two boys out for the high damage they caused to the suits in their fight. He had them reading the manuals of the suits and learning how to strip the armor off of a damaged piece under extreme conditions, which mainly consisted of them getting sprayed with a firehose, having buckets of crushed ice dropped on them during random intraverbals, and being shat at with paint pellets.

“This is your fault JauNE!” Ren exclaimed as Ice was dumped on him. “If you didn’t break the shoulder WEEE wouldn’t be getting tortured like this!” above the Nora snickered as she filled another bucket. The two boys sighed.

“Hey it’s not my fault we didn’t calCUlaTE the fact we MIght have the skiLLS of ChAr and Amuro,” Jaune whispered to his friend as Ice fell on him.

“Alright, Valkyrie back to your station. Let the others have their turns.” William said from a workbench.

“Aww, it was getting fun. Oh well, see you two later!” Nora sang as she left. She picked up a hammer and started whistling as she left.

“She said the was an entrance nearby. Can you see anything P-Dog?” Yang asked as they scanned the surrounding area.

“Not yet Yang. We’ll find her don’t worry.” Pyrrha assured her teammate while looking around.

“Isn’t this whole stumbling across a crime more of a Ruby thing?” Weiss asked.

“That only happened once, but yeah I could see this happening to her.” Yang tried defending her sister before agreeing. Oobleck gave the signal to change areas and to move forward in their search. The next section of land they searched proved to have signs of recent human/Faunus activity. The girls spread out and started looking around. Yang was walking and stubbed her foot on something.

“That’s… OVER HERE!” Yang called for her team.

“I think it was when my father left. Ever since that day my mother was struggling. I… don’t really blame her for what she did, I… Just wish she gave me a second chance you know?” Roman sighed as he leaned on a barrel. “You don’t realize how important family is until you lose them. I don’t know what happened between you and your parents girly, maybe you had different views, maybe it was a jerk of a boy, or maybe you wanted to live your own life. All I can do is suggest you at least talk to them when you get the chance, but why should you listen to me I’m a criminal, I’ve killed people sure I prefer not to but sometimes it’s inevitable. You should get back to work I don’t want that edgelord thinking I’m trying to scout his people.” He walked off to check the supplies leaving a disguised Blake pondering what he had said. Blakes Scroll buzzed and her eyes widened.

Yang<3: We found your weapon. We’re about to breach if you haven’t been captured make yourself scarce.

Blake: Thanks

Sparks started to appear in the middle and Roman scowled. He rushed over to the speakers and told the workers to start the trains. White Fang members rushed to the train and got as many of the Grimm aboard as they could. The chaos knocked Blake around and she was forced to grab the wall to keep upright. The sound of the train starting caught her attention and she saw Roman jumping on the train. He held his hand out for her and saw her hesitate.

“Girly get out of this life it’s clear these…murderers aren’t the White Fang you hoped for. You haven’t killed yet. Those are likely hunters maybe if you surrounder they’ll help you out. To find your family and stay safe, ciao.” He opened the door to the back and ran in.

Jaune finished changing into casual clothes after washing off all the paint and oil that caked him from class. He sat on his bed and just stretched. Ren had asked him to come help with some of Ruby’s afternoon training so he couldn’t sleep yet. Ruby had gotten better but still left far too many openings, Ren wanted Jaune to help to show how to more skilled pilots fought. Once his muscles stopped aching he pulled himself from his bed and put on his boots.

‘Don’t try anything fancy this is a visual training season stick to the basics.’ Char told him.

‘Got it.’ Jaune replied. Ren and he knew Ruby would do fine against Grimm, but they knew it wouldn’t be long till people used these suits on other people. The Whaite Fang already got their hand on Paladins so it wasn’t a stretch to say they’d eventually find a way to get the MS’s, and that’s why the two wanted to train their friends more. Nora had declined the offer because she wanted to experiment with her grenades. William had told them he was going to oversee the match because as he said ‘If you all get so much as a spring out of place you’ll be cleaning the suits with your tongues till you can taste nothin no more.’ Jaune found Ren and Ruby waiting for him.

“Aw, I liked the grease,” Ruby smirked and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It made you look like someone who wasn’t afraid of getting in the tight places. ” She whispered in his ear. He thanked the brothers he wasn’t drinking anything and kissed her back.

“You’ve been spending far too much time with Coco, Rubes,” Jaune said.

“Aw, am I being too naughty ?” Jaune actually choked at that.

“Alright, you two I’m sure the Courts don’t want to see two teenagers acting like rabbits,” Ren speaks up. “Jaune are you ready?”

“Am I ready? Ha, let's show them what happens when the Red Comet and the White Devil fight.” Jaune smirked. Ruby’s scroll buzzed and she went to take the call. 

“Blake!” Yang throws her arms around Blake as she exits a restroom after changing back.

“Are you okay?” Weiss looks over her friend looking for any injury.

“I'm fine, I'm fine! I disguised myself as a White fang. But listen! Torchwick's got all kinds of weapons and robots down there.” Blake points to the trains.

“What?!” Pyrrha hands Blake her weapon and draws her own.

“Androids, mechs, they're all loaded up on the train cars! There’s even some Grimm in cages,” Blake explains what she saw.

 “Ahhhh, that's ridiculous. These tunnels were sealed when the Grimm overran Mt. Glenn it’s a dead end. No one is foolish enough to actually use the trains as transport.” Oobleck explained.

The speaker system sounds and they hear Roman.“Get to your places, we are leaving now!” The train starts moving towards the tunnels.

“Well, it sounds like they're going somewhere.” Yang switches her weapons on.

“We need backup. Let me call my team.” Blake's Scroll flashes ‘Low Signal’. “I can't get through!”

 “So, what do we do?” Weiss looks at them for an answer.

 “I believe we only have one option…” Oobleck begins.

 “We're stopping that train!” Pyrrha finishes. They get on the train and knock out the guard but the lights start flashing red. They start running on the train and Weiss trips.

“Hurry, children! We must get to the front and stop this train!” Oobleck orders them as they help Weiss up, and the hatch she tripped on falls open.

“Err... Professor?” Weiss starts.

“Doctor…”

“What's that?” Weiss asks pointing down a hatch into the train. Oobleck kneels down to take a better look.

“That my dear... appears to be a bomb.” They all move away from the hatch.

“White Fang twelve o’clock!” Pyrrha pulls their attention away from the bomb.

“Well, I didn't expect them to go…” The bomb underneath them charges up and starts beeping. ”...easy on us. Time to go!” Oobleck orders. “Blake you have to sever the coupling to the caboose” She nods and jumps down and swings but misses. The train had already decoupled.

“They already know! The train decoupled. It must be on a Timer!” Blake informs Oobleck using her knowledge of train heists.

“That bastard! When I get my hands on him I’m giving Torchwick a piece of my mind!” Yang growls as she punches a grunt off the train.

“Calm down Miss. Xiao Long. We have to keep a level head. Let's just…” Oobleck opens the next hatch to find another bomb. “Oh, that’s not good!” He sees Grimm start pouring out of other tunnels and a few crawl from the caboose before it explodes. “MY GOD!” Oobleck slams his thermos into a grunt's jaw who tried getting the drop on him knocking them out. Then jumps to the next car and confirms his theory. “They’re crazy, they must be planning on leading the Grimm to Vale and blowing a hole open for them to come through. The death toll will be massive.”

“What do we do then?” Weiss ducks a mace and kicks the grunt in the stomach before freezing them.

“Yang, Blake, and you have to stop the bombs while me and Miss. Nikos will stop the train.” The four students nod and Oobleck and Pyrrha start running over the top of the train while the others jump down the hatch.

The lights of the car turn on and sitting there is the dual-color-haired girl that helped Roman escape after the Paladin fight. She smirks and after crossing her legs she jumps from her seat and holds her umbrella like a sword.

“You two go on I have this,” Yang says reloading her gauntlets. Weiss and blake start to leave before Blake looks back. She pushes Weiss forward and draws her sword.

“You’re not doing this alone!” Yang was about to argue but the girl shot forward and unleashed a flurry of stabs. Yang cartwheels back and tried to shoot her, but the Girl shatters and the blast hits blake who skids back.

Weiss falls through the door and rolls into a crouch. A large Faunus with a chainsaw arm glares at her.

“Looks like I get to kill a Schnee!” He charges forward and grabs her foot when she tries to jump over him and swings her slamming her into the ground. He picked her up and threw her into the far wall.

Neo, Roman's right hand fought the two amateurs with ease she dodged punches and bullets while using the blonde bimbo’s anger against the Faunus. She ducked and weaved as she stabbed kicked and punched. The first to go down was the Faunus and the Bimbo screamed. With a quick twirl, she avoided the incoming strike and drove the hilt of Hush into her stomach with as much force as she could. Blondie crumple to the ground like a sack ofc overpriced potatoes. She decide to end this once and for all, these two kept getting in their way and that fiery bitch was going to hurt Roman if he failed again. Drawing Hush’s blade she prepared for the kill before she felt a presence far more dangerous. She slide into a defensive position but it was too late the last thing she saw before unconsciousness was a red blade.

Weiss staggered to her feet and made multiple layers of Ice in front of the brute and retreated out of the car. She met up with a woozy Blake and an angry Yang. They were about to speak before they heard the first two layers of ice shatter. They crawled out of the hatch and saw Pyrrha and Oobleck finish off a paladin. The four girls smiled as they came together but the smile didn’t last as bells and lights went off and they saw a wall of rocks quickly approaching.

AN: BWAHAHAHA! The chapter is done the breach is next what will happen? How will the girls get out of this mess in one piece?

Chapter Text

AN: Here's the breach.

Chapter 25

Yang's ears rang and her legs felt like jelly. What happened? Once the bells in her head stopped she remembered, that bitch with the two-color hair had beaten her. How was she alive? A woman in a Grimm mask, some kind of portal, and black hair ok so some spooky woman saved her life. She thought harder, she remembered the team coming together and the dead-end approaching then the train started wrapping around them. Pyrrha! She must have bent the metal around them to protect them.

"ang…Yang! YANG! Get it together we have a big problem here." The voice of Weiss cut through her thoughts.

"Ugh, my head." Yang looked around and saw smoke and sunlight feeling the tunnel. "I've woken up in worse places." She joked.

"Time and place, also that was just bad you dolt. The Grimm ran for the exit we have to stop them." Weiss hit Yang's shoulder.

"Right."

"Good looks like Miss. Xiao Long is up and ready to go. We must hurry let us go." Oobleck pulled out his thermos and made his way up the rubble to the exit with swift jumps.

"Pyrrha is going to need a second you two go up fist and we'll follow you." Blake looked at the tired girl. Yang and Weiss nodded.

"Thanks, Blake," Pyrrha looked up to the Faunus she winced at the light.

"You shouldn't have pushed yourself like that. Are you sure you can fight? I could wait for a moment and get you to a safe zone." Blake offered.

"No, I'll be fine." Pyrrha pushed herself up and took a canteen from her pouch and took a drink. "This is my fault I wasn't quick enough." She started climbing up towards the exit.

"Pyrrha…"

"I'm sure they're fine Ruby. Blake probably just misplaced her book." Jaune reasoned. Ruby had been worried all night when Blake just lost connection. They were on their way to another class in the Hanger.

"Maybe…" As they passed the courtyard alarms start Ringing and in the distance they see smoke.

"HOLY SHIT!" Jaune sprinted to get a better view. "Somethings not right!"

"Vale is in trouble we need to help!" Ruby agreed. Jaune spun around and started sprinting towards the bullheads while pulling out his scroll and called for his locker then called Ren.

"Ren there was a large explosion in vale where are you?" Jaune listened. "Damnit! See if you can do something on your end Ruby and I are at the Bullheads we'll meet you down there!"

"What's going on?!" Ruby asked as their lockers landed and they grabbed their weapons.

"Ren's in the Hanger already training with Nora, he'll meet us down there." Jaune pulled out his headgear and slipped the mask on. Ruby and he boarded the bullhead. "Hey, we need to get to Vale yesterday!"

As they spoke three people looked over at the smoke. "You don't think it's…" the mint-green-haired girl started to ask.

"Knowing him Emerald probably." Mercury shrugged.

"That's not supposed to happen for days. What do we do Cinder?"

Ren's GM caught Nora's fist and he turned the fight into a grapple, just then his Scroll went off from Jaune and he signaled for a pause as he answered the scroll. He wish he hadn't, something or someone was attacking Vale and Jaune and Ruby were going to help. He opened the Comms to Nora and the Hanger.

"Vale is under attack! Alarms are sounding outside and there's been a large explosion." Ren spoke up. The clatter of the Hanger stopped as the Court checked their scrolls and mechanics went and prepared for a potential sortie.

"Is it bad?" Nora asked softly.

"I'm not sure," Ren replied. "Don't worry That won't happen again." He started up a launch sequence, it would take too long to exit and change out of his pilot suit and he was determined to help this time no matter what. Sterling signaled and the other Courts ran to suits.

"We've been asked to help refugees, kids, you can either come with us or stay here." He said over Comms. Ren figured helping refugees was the right and it meant he could be close to the battle. Who would complain if he went on the offensive to help them?

"We'll help! Right, Renny?" Nora answered for him.

"Of course," Ren replied.

"Good we leave in t-minus five, hope you had two had large breakfasts cause we aren't stopping for lunch," Sterling said as he turned to his suit.

"You realize they are going to go off on their own as soon as they get an opening right?" Noah asked his command in their squad comms.

"Of course I do. It will be a good show for these suits and as long as they help even one person they have technically done their job." Sterling explained.

"Sometimes I wonder why the General made you the commander." Robyn sighed. The hanger opened and the Courts plus Nora and Ren launched into motion.

Yang propelled herself towards the nearest group of Grimm launching multiple blasts thinning out the ranks until a nevermore through her off course with its feathers but she used that momentum and landed on a pile of rubble that was once a clothing store. She used her semblance to help lift the sign using it as a barricade to stop some Ursas from pouncing on her and in a quick motion she swung the sign bashing the Ursa into another group that was quickly frozen by Weiss's Glyphs.

Pyrrha quickly caught a Beowulf off-guard and used her xiphos to behead it before switching it into a javelin and cathing another in the back before it could attack Blake. Blake flipped over the group of Grimm in front of her scoring a few kills as she fired her weapons gun. Pyrrha barely dodged the whitehead of King Taijitu the blackhead hissed and launched at her she braced her shield preparing to get struck. As the head lurched forward it was shot twice and reared its head back.

"Nice shot Rubes! Now it's my turn." She turned her head to see Jaune in his Char mask and red breastplate and Ruby who swung her weapon out turning it into a scythe. Jaune launched forward ducking the whitehead's strike and bringing his ax down hard severing the black one.

"Jaune? Ruby? How?" She questioned getting to her feet before twisting around with an uppercut piercing her javelin tough a Beowulfs lower jaw.

"Kinda hard to miss the giant smoke tower." Jaune withdrew his sword changing the ax back to a shield and slammed the hilt into it getting attention from the surrounding Grimm.

"Yup. And what kind of friends would we be…" Ruby bifurcated a boarbatusk. "If we didn't help out."

"Hey, Ruby!" Yang jumped from the rubble and blew a hole in an Ursa as she spun towards her sister. "Miss me?"

"Stop messing around Yang we can talk later!" Weiss summoned an ice blade taking out some Beowulves.

"Right Grimm first talk later."

The GMs and Zakus landed on the edge of the contested zone and they quickie created a barricade and fired upon some curious Grimm. An atlas flyer landed and Team CVFY came out with some of the teachers and the battle started turning in their favor. Ren noticed a large group of Grimm converging and with his camera, he could make out bright blonde hair and bright red hair, it was his team! He jumped over the barricade and quickly tore a path through with his heat rod and spray gun.

"You all ok?" He asked over his speaker.

"Yup./ Good to see ya, man./ Finally./ Cutting it a little short Ren." Pyrrha, Yang, Weiss, and Blake replied.

"Good to see you, Ren," Jaune smirked.

"Now let's show them what the White Devil can do," Amuro said.

"Don't let those two outdo us," Char told Jaune.

"Good they're all safe." Amuro let out a relieved sigh. He took the drink offered from Char and the alcohol burned on the way down.

"That battle was awful. Though doesn't something about the event feels off." Char commented.

"I don't know. It feels like something that was thought out but at the same time not." Amuro thought about it.

"Almost like the event was premature?" Char offered.

"Exactly!" Amuro sat up straight. "Think about it Char, in a little over a month the festival will begin there will be people from all over coming to watch! If this happened during that then the amount of fear and darker emotions would skyrocket."

"That would draw even more Grimm and then all it could take would be one more push and a swarm would attack." Char's face grew grim.

"Someone's behind this I just know it." Amuro slammed the glass on the floor.

Jaune and Ruby were holding back laughter while Blake grumbled about dog hair and drool all over her bed. Nora was dancing around saying the Grimm stood no chance against her while Zwei tried jumping onto Blake. After that hectic battle, it was good to relax for a bit. Jaune held Ruby close as they laid down and just enjoyed each other's company.

"We did a good thing today," Ruby mumbled.

"You were amazing out there," Jaune told her. "Your mom would be proud of how far you've come."

"You think so?" She asked.

"I know so. *Yawn* Let's stay like this for a bit before we help Blake." Jaune yawned.

"*Yawn* Zwei is a good boy." Ruby yawned as well and shortly after both fell asleep in each other's arms.

"That finishes my report sir." Sterling saluted the general.

"Good your prediction was spot on Colonel. With this, the council will accept the increase in the mobile suit budget, and companies might very well choose them over Paladins." Ironwood sat at his desk looking over the newscast that featured the GM Lie Ren piloted.

"It will be a needed blow against that blowhard Schnee. No offense to the specialist." Serling clarified.

"Indeed. You may go." Ironwood watched the Colonel leave. "Schnee bring in our guest."

"Right away sir." Within a minute Winter was escorting a handcuff Roman Torchwick.

"So you claim to have information on a larger plot? What do you want?" Ironwood asked.

"Simple I want a pardon for all I've done." The criminal smirked.

"Now do you see what I mean about those machines!?" Mercury asked with a sense of satisfaction. They tore through Grimm like paper.

"Shut up for a second." Cinder hissed. "Yes, new machines that are not on your report at all. Not that I can see. Yes, I put the bug in they must be something new. Ok, we'll get one for you so you can see what makes them tick." She hung up her scroll and scowled.

"So?" Emerald asked.

"You're getting your wish Mercury one of my colleagues wants one of those machines." Cinder turned to the smiling teen. "That doesn't mean your right!"

"Whatever you say, Your Majesty." Mercury bowed and left the room to start making his own plans.

A red blade severed a Grimms head and a red-haired bull looked at the new report. "Hmm, interesting."

AN: VOLUME 2 IS COMPLETE! Time to celebrate. Now onto volume three. What are you all looking forward to the most?

Chapter Text

AN: Going to have a short chapter or two before the actual matches. To the person saying Char hated axes, are you for real? If he did the Sazabi and or nightingale wouldn't have beam tomahawks. This is a warning this chapter is kinda dark. Today was a weird day friend and I spent a good while talking about Rwby and our issues with it. Not entirely sure why lol. Personally, I think there's a lot of missed potential and overall it's an ok series now not great but not bad. Still, I'm kinda excited for this Ice Queendom thing.

Chapter 26

Volume 3

Ren found himself walking the streets of Vale and something didn't sit right with him. Amuro wasn't making comments on the recent events, but more than that it was like he wasn't even with Ren anymore. He picked up his pace feeling a queasiness and found himself hunched over a barrel. After he stopped gagging he looked around to get his bearings and his stomach dropped. He wasn't in Vale he was back in Mistral. The crispness of the air burned his nostrils and eyes. What was happening where was everyone? He started at a dead sprint and started running through the streets.

"Pyrrha? Yang? Weiss?" He called out their names as his throat burned. "NORA?!" He repeated this process every few blocks hoping they would hear him. Slowly he was losing hope and his chest felt tight. Had they left him? Was he all alone now? Why was this happening? His legs were burning and his lungs hurt but he pushed forward.

"Ruby? Blake?" He called for his other friends. "JAUNE!?" Still, nothing, all he could hear was the creaking of old buildings.

"Ren?" Yang's voice called out to him. He was about to give up but he looked around and saw a new street and ran down it.

"Why did you leave us?!" Weiss's voice accused. He tried to speak but it hurt so he was determined to follow the voices.

"I thought we were partners? We were a family?" Pyrrha's voice asked. They were! He'd never leave them, he'd die before that happened.

"What were we? Was I nothing to you?" Nora's voice sobbed. A knife-like pain stabbed him in the heart. Nora was special she wasn't nothing, she was everything. His legs buckled and he stumbled to the ground in front of a building that terrified him. It was the same building a Young Nora and him hid under during the attack. He clawed his way under it again and curled into a ball.

"Why did you hurt them?" Ruby sounded close to crying. Hurt who?

"Why did you let this happen? Why did you let Yang get hurt?" Blake accused him. Yang is not hurt. Is she?

"You betrayed us! You betrayed our family! I can't believe I saw you as a brother. You disgust me." The anger in Jaune's voice pushed Ren further into the fetal position.

"I… didn't… do… anything… please don't… leave." Ren horsly called out. He opened his voice again but the fog rolled in and when it dispersed he felt sick. All around the house were the bodies of his friends broken and twisted at unnatural angles. He caught Pyrrha looking at him and her mouth moved.

"Ren? Help… me…" Pyrrha croaked out until a dark arm he still had nightmares of grabbed her and dragged her away. He tried getting up but he found his legs were pinned by ruble and he could do nothing but watch as each of his friends asked the same of him before suffering the same fate. One by one they all vanished until they were all gone. The building shook and slowly was lifted up. The black form of that thing was right there lumbering towards him. The clawed hand grabbed him by the head and the force felt like a thousand hammers. He was dragged up and what he saw caused him to scream. He was looking at a twisted bloody version of himself. He screamed and begged as he was pulled closer. The thing opened its jaw and he could see his friends becoming him to joining this macabre scene.

"Is he going to be ok Pyr?" Yang asked as Ren trashed in the bed. Pyrrha removed the cloth and replaced it with a new one.

"His fever is going down so he'll be fine with some more rest," Pyrrha said as she checked the thermometer.

"We can always stay and help." Weiss offered, looking at their sick team member. Pyrrha shook her head.

"You two go on ahead to class Ren's my partner so it's my duty to make sure he's fine." Pyrrha looked at them. They all were woken up last night when Ren started screaming their names. He was burning up and had ragged breathing. They had informed the headmaster and the nursing staff had come to look at him. They said he must have caught some kind of bug and took him to the infirmary. They hadn't left his side since. He kept begging them not to leave. They had informed their friends what had happened and they had to hold Nora back from rushing to him Once the nurses had cleared the rest of the team they were allowed to leave and finish the classes for the day.

"We should probably be there for Nora, Weiss." Yang reasoned.

"As much as I don't want to admit it you're right." Weiss sighed. "We'll be back later, don't go making yourself sick Pyrrha the nurses can watch him so please get some rest."

"I'll… I'll try," Pyrrha said feeling weak being unable to help anymore.

Jaune and his team sat at their normal table for lunch waiting for word on their friend. Ruby was being quiet eating her food before leaning on him for comfort. Blake was comforting a distraught Nora while trying to coax her into eating saying she needed something in her to keep her strength up. She hadn't even eaten the pancakes they had offered her this morning. Slowly Yang and Weiss sat down across from them and as if seeing the question in their eyes spoke up.

"His fever is going down. As long as nothing happens the nurses think he'll be better in a few days as long as he rests." Weiss explained.

"Can…can I s-see him…" Nora said trying not to cry.

"We don't know I can ask after classes," Yang said.

"You'll probably be able to soon, but for how long I'm not sure." Weiss offered a small smile.

"Thank you." Blake pushed a small plate of pancakes towards Nora and she slowly started to eat.

It was a day before the nurses said it was ok for outsiders to visit but they had to keep quiet and they could only stay for an hour at a time. Slowly Ren got better and after he got out of the infirmary his team was a lot closer to him and Nora wouldn't leave his side. It was still a month and a half until the festival began So Ren started to train slowly as his body regained his strength.

AN: Does anyone has weapon ideas for Olivia?

Chapter Text

AN: How about a bit of Jaune, Ruby, and hopefully some Weiss(Not 100% sure yet)? Gotta have a few slice-of-life chapters between significant events since I'd say there was probably a month or two between the breach and the start of volume 3. No excuse for being late this time it's just me being lazy or so I want to say. My keyboard also broke, now I have a new one.

Chapter 27

Jaune sat at his desk making sketches for mobile suits trying to decide on how fast they should push the world. If they knew how to leave the planet he'd have suggested Colonies to save humanity and Faunus kind should the Grimm ever push against the kingdoms but since they can't at the moment he stuck to suits. There was a rustling from behind him and he saw Ruby getting out of bed, her black and red hair was splayed all over the place looking like she just got shocked. He couldn't help but smile. Sometimes Jaune felt older than he should have, but whenever he was with his best friend and girlfriend all his worries didn't bother him.

"Finally decide to get out of bed sleepyhead?" He joked.

"Well, I'd still be asleep if my pillow didn't decide to wake up early," Ruby said with a yawn.

"I thought we had something special?" Jaune gasped in mock horror.

"I'm just using you for your body and mind," Ruby smirked. They stared at each other before bursting out laughing. Jaune hugged Ruby placing his forehead against hers.

"Sorry for waking you up so early. How about I make it up to you with a lunch date?" He gave her a quick kiss.

"Hmmm," She put on her best thinking face and nodded. "Toss in a bag of cookies and we have a deal."

"Alrighty, then we have a deal." Jaune smiled. Ruby went to the bathroom and Jaune sat down thinking. They had planned to go to the forge and work on some ideas for the festival but everyone needs a break now and then. Jaune looked at his email and Sini had yet to reply. He sighed, he had sent Sini the designs for the 'Bits' he and Ruby had worked on hoping she could solve the power issue. Either she couldn't or she was still trying, either way, they wouldn't be ready for the fights. Ruby skipped out of the bathroom and ended her skip with a twirl.

"Well, let's go! Cookies wait for no woman." Ruby grabbed his hand.

"Wait but…" Jaune didn't have time as Ruby pulled him from the room.

"Finally they're gone." Blake sighed looking toward Nora before burying her head into her pillow. "If you and Ren start acting like that I'm going to ask for my own room."

"It's not that bad. I think it's cute." Nora yawned getting up. "Whelp I'm not getting back to sleep see ya, Blake." Blake watched as Nora slipped on a pair of slippers and left. She started falling asleep again till a loud bang woke her up again.

"REN! PANCAKES! NOW!" Nora's cheery voice echoed through the hall.

"What the fuck Nora it's 6 am!?" Yang's angry growl answered back.

Weiss walked through the halls in the early morning taking in the fresh air. She was woken up by a screaming Yang and decided to get ready for the day while leaving that sleeping dragon where it lay. Was Yang a bad partner? No, but two things she learned early on are you do mess with her hair/hair products and you don't wake her up early on weekends. She still had nightmares from the first time she tried that. She decided to go to the CCT and contact her mother to see how she was. The floor was empty and she let out a sigh of relief. She could say whatever she needed without issue. The call started and rang three times before it was answered.

"Schnee residence how may I help you? Oh hello, sister why are you calling?" Whitley smiled. Weiss frowned, whenever her brother was kind he was up to something.

"I was trying to reach mother," Weiss informed him.

"Ah, that won't be possible at the moment I'm afraid, she is 'unavailable' at the moment." The way he said it meant one thing.

"Already? But it's so early in the day…" Weiss was worried.

"Well, you see Jac…er father just returned from an early morning meeting with Richard Arc of Arcineering 'god that name' and he wasn't happy. Something about a disappointment?" Whitley shrugged. Weiss felt her stomach drop and fear rose in her chest.

"Oh, I guess I'll call again another time." Weiss wanted to run.

"Alright. then I'll be rooting for you in Vytal. 'It'd be better if you didn't he's very angry.' Wouldn't be surprised if your team won considering who your leader is." Weiss caught her brother's mumbled message.

"We shall see. Arc is no pushover. Have a pleasant day brother." She shut off the call. 'How did father know? What's going to happen to me now? Why did Whitley warn me?' Those thoughts filled her head as she left the tower and bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you there." A familiar chipper voice said. Weiss looked up and Penny was standing there but something was off.

"I'm sorry Penny I wasn't watching where I was going." Weiss shook her head. She remembered Pyrrha has some kind of issue with Penny but Weiss found the girl pleasant company whenever they ran into each other in the library.

"I must apologize as well I'm having trouble seeing where I'm going at the moment." Penny rubbed her eye. Weiss looked at her and saw tears.

"Are you ok?" Weiss asked.

"Why yes, I am. My friend told me this is a natural response when a relationship ends." Penny smiled. 'Relationship? The only people I see her talk to are Jaune, Ruby, the students from atlas, and… Sun' Weiss remembered now Sun and her were pretty close since the dance but there's no way.

"You and Sun?" Weiss asked.

"Indeed. I decided to tell him something… personal and he… didn't take it well." Penny paused as she spoke. 'Whatever she told him must have been something big.'

"Penny."

"Yes?"

"Sometimes things don't work out. I should know, Jaune rejected me earlier this year. If you want we could talk about it I guess." Weiss wasn't an expert with this stuff, but she had experienced similar pain.

"Is this where we go get ice cream and eat it to feel better?" Penny asked in her odd way of speaking.

"Only if you want to." Weiss nodded.

"Sensational!"

AN:

Well, this chapter is done. What kind of weapon should Jaunes sister Olivia have? Do you want Penny's fate to be the same?

Chapter Text

AN: Sorry for this being late but I have been super sick recently. It was not fun I basically stayed in bed sleeping or reading other fics. So people want a Cardin chapter? Okay, let's see if I can do this.s. So Volume 9 teaser is out. Neat. That's all I can really say. I'm not super fond of the Alice in Wonderland thing but I'll wait till the volume is actually out before i judge. For all, I know it could be great.

Chapter 28

Cardin sighed as he checked his scroll, it was the same old job, keep an eye on team ABVR and PYSL. He had joined the mobile suit classes to keep an eye on the ones that had entered and he could see why to say someone like Ironwood was interested in them. Their skills in those machines were honestly terrifying, well except for Ruby but she had the best trainers. What he didn't understand was why Ozpin was so interested. Coming from a rather influential family Cardin had learned a bit like it was a silver-eyed warrior that won the King of Vale the war. Still, he didn't believe in the whole Silver-Eyed legend so he doubted it was Ruby that Ozpin was interested in. His money was on either Arc, Nikkos, or Schnee. Arc and Schnee both come from some powerful families themselves, while Nikkos was nearly unbeatable. He was following Schnee while he had Dove watching the less critical member of the teams, and Russel was watching Nikkos, while he sent Sky to watch Arc. Cardin didn't envy his teammate Arc and Rose were inseparable and if they weren't busy with their projects they were likely out on some cutesy date. Cardin had to control himself from laughing as he overheard what Schnee was saying.

"That rapscallion didn't deserve being with you, Penny." Weiss waved her spoon at the ginger girl. "Heck, the first time I saw Sun he was making moves on Blake."

'Huh looks like monkey boy is going to get a visit from an angry general or specialist. Better make sure waterboy isn't there for that, pilots stick together after all.' Cardin smirked as he sent off a few messages.

It seemed like Penny told that, Faunus her secret and he didn't take it well, honestly he couldn't blame the boy when he first heard it from the General during one of the headmasters' meetings he thought the man had a few screws loose. It wasn't until he had actually followed her around that he figured Ironwood was right, Penny was always odd ever since she got to Beacon but he figured it was just a case of a sheltered upbringing. The magnets proved otherwise. He jotted down everything they said in a small notebook for any report should Ozpin or Ironwood want one. So far nothing seemed really important just some girls talking about a bad breakup. His scroll went off and he looked at it and saw three messages.

General: Understood Specialist Schnee has been sent to speak with Mr. Wukong.

Waterboy: Got it. I'll make myself scarce. I had no clue she had relatives in Atlas Military. Sun is so screwed.

Drunk: Meet at Crowbar in two hours Oz gave me your next assignment. Hope you like dealing with Lamplight.

Cardin sighed reading the last one. Great, he was on crimelord babysitting duty. Roman was alright in small amounts but that man loved to talk about himself far too much.

Jacques sat at his desk with a glass of bourbon as he watched the recent news. It seemed those filthy animals attacked Vale but were pushed back by Atlas troops. He was grinning, he wasn't sure those Paladins the military paid for would do much but it looked like that gamble paid off.

"The emergence zone was quarantined by Atlas forces and the rouge Grimm were cleared out with ease thanks to their new weapons." The reporter continued.

"It's quite amazing to think these mobile suits are able of such great feats. The screen changes to one of Arc's machines tearing through Grimm like butter. Jacques nearly shattered his glass. Those pesky Arcs have eluded him for too long. He was glad the current head of the family married some other woman so he was able to get in good with Nicolas and gain SDC through marriage. He was pleasantly surprised to learn Nicolas and Richard wanted to bring the families together. However, his daughter was dragging her feet as usual when it came to doing her duty. He was contemplating giving Whitley the title of Heir and having him marry one of the younger Arc girls. He knew that Jaune boy didn't care for his grandfather's company so it would be a win-win for both companies at least.

"It seems like the SDC's top-of-the-line Paladins were found in the custody of the White Fang. We have yet to reach out for an interview with Jacques Schnee but we hope to hear from him soon. As for now let us see what Richard Arc has to say about these events."

Jacques sent a message to his speech writer demanding one by the end of the day and started on a message to his development team. If Richard could make these 'Moblie Suits' then the Schnee Dust Company needed to up its game. He wanted better and stronger Mobile Suits made as soon as possible.

Mercury slipped past the cameras covering the entrance with a grin. Atlas sure was relaxed with its security nowadays. He made his way to the computer panel and started looking. He learned from that wannabe playboy that Atlas developed multiple locks to their new toys but with a few questions and drinks, he learned that when a suit was under repair those locks were nonexistent. He was looking for repair receipts on the main computer and found two in the system and grinned.

"Like taking candy from a baby." Mercury made his way to the two suits with a smirk. Soon Cinder would see that magic was nothing compared to human ingenuity. He felt like a child in a candy store as he stared at the two. One was one of those GMs and the other was a Zaku. "Now which one do I want?"

AN: Sorry for the delay I'm going to try to get the next chapter out faster. The next chapter will be the start of Vytal. Which one should Mercury take?

Chapter Text

AN: Finally in Volume 3. A lot of you answered what suit Mercury took and the answer is… You’ll find out later on. This was delayed because I had some writer's block so I was working on other stories. I’m going to try to at least get a chapter out a month. Well, this sucks I just heard about Jason David Frank, I loved power rangers as a kid and Tommy was one of my favorites. Rest in Peace Ranger.

Chapter 29

A man with a handlebar mustache sat at his desk looking over the information he had gathered. His eyes flickered to the screen of the ‘breach’ and settled upon one thing, particularly the mechanized suits that had come to the city's aid. While most seemed like they were military falling into a classic Atlas formation there was a handful that didn’t. It seemed like Atlas had allowed students to pilot these machines. But out of all of them, one stood out. If he didn’t know better he’d figure it was the specialist the general kept by his side.

“Schnee is too stiff and formal, that stance doesn’t fit her.” The man muttered. “No, it’s almost as if that suit was moving on it on, but that doesn’t work either.” The machines Atlas used as its ‘soldiers’ were preprogrammed and had obvious tells. “It’s not a soldier, it’s not Schnee, and it’s not a drone. So it must be a student or huntsmen.” He’d have to wait for the full report from that ‘brat’ but more than anything he knew for certain they had a new type of enemy to contend with.

 “Watts have you finished your report? She wants all the data you have on those machines.” A large muscular man growled from his doorway.

“Almost Hazel, if Ironwood thinks he can trip me up with these new machines he’s got another thing coming. He hasn’t even found my backdoor into the communications tower yet.” Watt’s gathered his completed notes and left his desk with his theory about the new type of enemy. Should the ‘brat’ have any news he’ll inform the queen, but until then it’s best they don’t get sidetracked.

[

[

[

Jaune finished tightening the last screw and took a step back. Sini had come through with a way to use the bit Ruby and he had made, sure the power was scaled down but it would be functional. The time to make more would take up far too much of his team's training so he stuck with one for now and designed the charging port like the Zudah’s Mercury Engine he saw from Char's memories.

The difference is this will not rip you apart like that death machine. Char reminded him. Jaune blanched at that memory of how the engine went critical and ripped the suit apart killing its pilot.

“Thanks for that image,” Jaune replied in a deadpan way. The tournament officially started in just a week, so for now the rival teams were scouting out the combat classes to try to learn any secrets. Jaune Placed the neural interface headset into his Char mask and smiled as he placed the bit and mask in a secured locker.

“I guess it’s all done huh?” Ruby said with interest from the doorway. “Does that mean you have time for your girlfriend?” Jaune rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

“Sorry about that. It’s just when I got Sini’s message I had to try.” Jaune explained.

Remember you are your own person don't make my mistakes. Char reminded him.

“It’s fine, I can’t wait to see it in action but we just have a week left,” Ruby looked at the locker. “Everyone is so busy now, we barely spend any time as a team.”

“I know. I’ve been thinking though, how would you like to help me plan some team activities.” Jaune smirked. “Sure we’ll be training but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.” The glint in Ruby’s eyes promised something great.

[

[

[

“Yang you’re too far forward if you get surrounded we can’t assist you in time, fall back!” Pyrrha called out. “Weiss, focus on supporting the south flank.”

“Come on P-dog I’ve got this,” Yang said confidently.

“Right away.” Weiss acknowledged. “Yang, listen to Pyrrha she knows what she’s doing.”

“D-Don’t start arguing, p-please.” Pyrrha stuttered. “Ren enemy on your left.”

“Got it.” Ren spun into action quickly dispatching his target.

“What the…” Yang went quiet.

“Yang?” Weiss called out “Yang! Wait, I can’t see there’s too…” Weiss was cut off by the sound of hundreds of leaves being flung forward and went silent.

“Weiss, Yang?” Pyrrha called out to her team. “Ren? Can you hear me? Ren?” There was no answer and Pyrrha fell silent. She prepared and set out to try to find her team.

“Fire!” Three voices called out. Shots of water hit where Pyrrah once stood, if she wasn’t so used to uphill battles she would have been hit.

“Achilles got away!” A serious voice reported.

“Don’t worry I’ll flush her out A cheery voice bragged.

“No don’t! Stay in for…” The serious voice groaned. “There she goes, Bell, prepare to strike Achilles when she goes for Red.”

“Aye, aye captain.” Bell saluted and hid in the shadows. The next few minutes were hectic Red set off a tripwire but dodged the water trap only for Bell to be soaked and Pyrrha rolled out of cover getting Red while she was distracted. All that was left was the Commander, a barrel pressed up against her head.

“Well, well Achilles you gave us quite the scare but it looks like it's our win.” Commander gloated.

“Yeah, I guess so…” Pyrrha spun around pulling her head to the side at the last minute and stuck Commander's wrist knocking his gun away. Commander followed suit by wrapping his arm around hers leaving putting her in an arm lock which she quickly broke. Commander quickly came forward leaving her right arm and his left unable to do anything major and with their free hands, they both went for the other's side weapon and circled around with both placing the other at the end of the barrel.

“If you fire I’ll still take you out at the same time,” Commander told her mere seconds away from pulling his trigger.

“It looks like  we are in a stalemate.” Pyrrha nodded flicking her eyes to the side for a split second. Commander smirked Turning her the other way right as another stream of water hit her back and fired.

“You got me Jaune.” Ren walked from the bushes with a blue stain on his training clothes. Jaune let go of Pyrrha as Blake picked Ruby up from the ground.

“That was so not fair Blake!” Yang came up from where she was taken out. “You tricked me.”

“All’s fair in love and war Yang.” Blake shrugged with a sly smirk.

“We would have won if you didn’t go so far ahead, you dolt.” Weiss glared at Yang. “That was a smart move with the leaves and your semblance Ruby, if you weren’t Jaune's partner you’d make a good leader.”

“Aw, you think so?” Ruby blushed at the compliment.

“If it wasn’t for the end there I’d completely agree.” Jaune wrapped his arms over her shoulders bringing her in close. “You just need a bit more control and honestly you’d probably give me a run for my money in planning attacks.”

“Ok you two, leave the kissy stuff till later.” Yang teased. “Speaking of that, where’s Nora?”

“Ren! Are you going to get me down from here? All the blood is rushing to my head!” Nora called out. Off in the distance, they could make out the silhouette of Nora dangling upside down by a rope.

Really?” Weiss raised an eyebrow. “How does someone fall for such a trap?” Everyone turns towards her with the same “it’s Nora” expression. “Ok, I can see it. Need a hand?”

“No need the rope will break in 3…2…” The sound of a snapping rope followed by a thud echoed through the forest arena.

“Nevermind! I’m fine!” Nora called out. After helping Nora out of a bush the two teams make their way back to the courtyard of Beacon.

“You know Ruby when you suggested a water gun war, I thought you were just trying to goof off.” Weiss admitted and Rubby pouted. “But it turned out to be a good exercise in teamwork and showed us some things we could work on and it was kinda fun. Good job.”

“Yay! Thank you so much bestie!” Ruby burst forward embracing Weiss in a bear hug.

“Ruby… can’t… breath.” Weiss tapped the younger girl on the shoulder.

“Oops sorry.” Ruby let go and Weiss gasped for air.

“How… are you used to that Jaune?” Weiss gasped out. “I swear I saw my life pass before my eyes.”

“It takes practice but you get used to it.” Jaune laughed. “Ruby’s a very affectionate girl.”

“Maybe too affectionate, remember the time Nora and I came back to the room from detention when…” Ruby tackled Blake to the ground.

“You said you wouldn’t say anything!” Her face was as red as her cloak.

“Hehe, well I think it’s time to get cleaned up.” Jaune chuckled.

“No, I think I speak for everyone when I say we want to hear the rest of that story, vomit boy,” Jaune swore he saw a dragon glaring at him when he saw Yang's red eyes.

So what did happen Char? Amuro asked as they watched Yang chase Jaune around.

It wasn’t that bad just some touching. Char shrugged.  So how is Ren holding up after that nightmare?

He’s doing better I guess but I’m still worried about what might happen if something were to hurt his team.

[

[

[

“Welcome one and all to the first round of the 40th Vytal Festival, I Peter Port will be your host alongside my fellow professor…”

“Doctor!”

“Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck. The first match will be Team ABRN from Haven academy against Beacon's very own Team PYSL! If this is your first time watching, allow us to break down the rules.” Processor port announced.

“The tournament is divided into three distinctive rounds; teams, doubles, and singles. Age and school year are irrelevant! In this tournament, your only attribute being tested... is skill .” Oobleck held up three fingers.

“Correct! The winners of this battle will elect two of their members to represent them in the doubles round, followed by the winners of that round choosing one member to advance once again. The remaining combatants will then fight their way through the final bracket in the hope of achieving victory for their kingdom!” And with that, the Festival began.

Chapter Text

AN:
No big reviews that need a response this time around. Now I have to do tournament fights… prolong drawn-out fights aren't really my thing as you all can tell so I am apologizing now, likely what you'll be getting is clips of fights while others talk about what they think will happen. Do not worry you won't miss the cool stuff. I have realized Remnant is kinda screwed the mecha arms race has started. LET THE LORD OF CHAOS RULE!

Chapter 30

The crowds were cheering as Pyrrha lead her team onto the arena after that rather colorful opening. The arena was top of the line with four separate areas a small forest-like area, a volcano-like area, a frozen area, and a mountainous area. She had explained how breaking apart the enemy team could be a viable strategy when Yang brought it up but how that could easily backfire as they would be focusing mainly on one opponent and should one of their own team members like Ren or Weiss fall then that would leave the rest open for a surprise attack.

The biggest issue Team PYSL faced was aura level differences. While a good fighter Weiss's Arua always drained far quicker due to her Glyph Semblance. Ren on the other hand just had less Aura than an average student and he knew it which lead him to develop a more acrobatic combat style meant to chip away at his enemies while avoiding direct confrontation. The two teams stood face to face waiting for the match to begin each member was in a state of relaxed alertness and as the buzzer sounded they lunged into battle.

[

[

[

"Come on Renny show that wannabe her place!" Nora cheered as Ren started peppering Reese with Stormflower keeping her at a distance and on the defensive.

"Come on Nora, it's been years since she took the last pancakes at Sanctum." Jaune tried to calm down his teammate. He still remembered the call from Saphron saying how Nora was suspended for attacking the poor girl.

"I called dibs and she had the gall to take them! Pancakes are life Jaune you know this." Nora whistled as Ren landed a clean shot throwing Reese from her board. Blake just sighed and shook her head at her partner's eccentricities.

"Come on Yang dodge and weave you got this Sis!" Ruby joined in on the cheering. Weiss stopped an attack that came at Yangs' blindspot with ice making a quick wall."Great catch Weiss!"

'Ren's looking good you wouldn't even know he was sick a few weeks ago.' Char commented as Ren used his acrobatic skills to doge an onslaught of strikes from Bolin's staff. Jaune nodded and hoped Char was right.

[

[

[

Ren's breathing started to speed up. He was cleared for the tournament so it wasn't like he was still sick. Bolin was faster than he thought though and he was surprised he was able to avoid being hit. So far he only got a few scraps from dust rounds grazing him. As Bolin came in for the next strike a chill ran up his spine ad Ren instinctively ducked under the strike that would have surely knocked him out. Using the momentum he had built up Ren struck out with stromflowers edge and tore a chunk of Bolins' aura off. As he staggered out of Ren's range Pyrrha's shield came out of nowhere and knocked the guy out.

"Thanks for that." Ren nodded while scanning the treeline for Reese.

'She's crafty Ren be careful. And watch your back.' Amuro advised. 'The only advantage we have is she's got an aura level like Weiss so good solid hits will drain her fast.'

"We're a team Ren I'll always have your back." Pyrrha kept her weapons ready and her senses on high alert. The sound of something landing drew her attention to a small mixture of trees and bushes. Switching to her rifle mode she fired off a shot throwing up some dirt but no one was there.

[

[

[

'Waste of ammo. That girl is playing with her.' Char commented. 'This isn't like those gladiatorial fights Pyrrha needs to be more conservative with her resources.'

'Doesn't help the fact they both went to Sanctum. Reese has seen how Pyrrha fights.' Jaune added. 'I wonder what ever happened with that whole arranged marriage thing?'

[

[

[

Whitley had just gotten out of a meeting with his father where they discussed two things in particular. The first was the joining of families with the Arcs or that was supposed to happen. His father had learned that Wiess was not able to either woo or capture the heart of Jaune Arc as there were multiple reports of the boy with another girl. His father had explained since Weiss failed he was in talks with Richard Arc about a potential match between Whitley and one of the younger Arc girls. The second part of their meeting consisted of his father ranting about those new machines that had made an appearance in Vale and were all over the news. Whitley was drawn towards the machines and when he heard his father saying they could make better machines he knew what he was going to do.

"I'm going to build one. But not just a copy it will be of my own design." Whitely spoke to himself as he made his way to his room. He didn't bother watching the vytal festival today was just the opening match and he already knew his sister team would win they had that champion but then again she did lose that one time to that Char fellow and it looked like he was also in Beacon. Shaking those thoughts out of his mind he pulled out a drafting sheet and set a video of the GM fighting against Grimm during the breach. Unbeknownst to him a blue-haired boy was watching from his mind and guiding his hand.

'I think it's about time I introduce myself.' The blue-haired boy decided.

[

[

[

With great force, Yang pulled on Arslan's bandage and dagger that made a makeshift rope dart and built up as much momentum as she could and slammed the girl into the icy cliff face beside them shattering the girl's Aura. Checking her own Yang sighed seeing she was deep into the Yellow. All that was left was Reese and she was nowhere in sight so she figured Pyrrha and Ren were fighting her.

Over in the forest area Ren and Pyrrha were indeed fighting Reese. Much to Pyrrha's annoyance Reese wasn't fighting them head on. It didn't take her long to notice Reese's Board had changed there was still metal but not enough for her to manipulate greatly only a few nudges here and there. Ren on the other hand was having an easier time he didn't quite know how but he knew where she was at all times and had a weird feeling each time she attacked allowing him to just barely dodge while laying down suppressing fire.

'Concentrate Ren feel where she will be and strike.' Amuro informed him. Ren followed the advice and stayed on the defensive until… Now on instinct, he struck hitting Reese from her board. With his weapon pointed at her he signaled Pyrrha to take the board.

"Do you surrender?" Ren hovered his index finger over the trigger. Pyrrha came up from behind with her Spear ready to strike.

"I guess I'm done. You've gotten good Lie. Might have had a chance if miss superstar wasn't here as well. Oh well, I still held my own until the end." And with that, the horns blew for PYSL'S victory. Ren holstered Stormflower and helped Reese up.

"You knew what you were doing. I just got lucky with that cheap shot." Ren dipped his head in respect for his opponent.

"Soooo is Nora still annoyed about the pancakes?"









AN. I am simply here to say I need assistance writing it. I want to make the scenes in this volume as exciting as possible and I am still not really confident in my writing when it comes to fighting scenes. For big fights I've been mainly following the RWBY fights while adding my own twist to them. If you think you can assist please send me a message.

Chapter Text

I don’t know where to start with this.

The news that Rooster Teeth is shutting down is truly heartbreaking.

They’ve had their ups and downs, but they have affected me and many others.

I first found them my junior year of high school with Achievement Hunter but it wasn’t until my second year of college when I found Red Vs Blue. I will always look back on those days with a smile.

RWBY shortly appeared soon after and while I have many issues with the path the story has gone I still care deeply for it even if I prefer its fan fiction over its canon stuff.

I took a break from this story and some might wonder where I have gone. Simply put I hit a large wall called Writers Block. I can not promise a chapter anytime soon but since I heard the news I’ve been working to continue this Fic. So I hope you all can be patient. And to those who are reeling from the recent news. Remember we must Keep Moving Forward and while RWBY might not officially continue It will always be there in the form of fanfiction.