The Heroes and The Queen
Revenge, Peace, Arrogance, and Survival
Author's Note: Its been a long time, I been watching RWBY these days which inspired me to write again; hopefully I still know how to write heh. Explain more at bottom.
This story has team OCs but I need them for the plot, they're all girls so maybe you like them better. Anyway this takes place the week before 'Best day ever'
Prologue: The Old Times
A dancing snowflake wafted through the dry summer air in Emerald Forest; the lone patch of green floor surrounded by shading trees.
At the encompassing border, three slash marks laid etched into the bare trunk just briefly made. The same hand draped across the trunk. 'why' She frown. The telltale signs of the organization lingered in her thoughts.
"I think we took down more than just three." A snide, playful voice spoke out.
Blake emerged from her thoughts, breaking out in confusion. She let out an audible "huh?"
As she turned around the smug smile of Weiss only added to her confusion.
"Obviously we killed more than just three Grimm, so why did you only etched three?"
The triumphant smile of the heiress did not waive as more snowflakes danced in waves from left to right; sounding the end results of an earlier battle.
Blake's bow twitch, yellow eyes, changing from betrayal to worry to down right bewilderment.
"That's not what-"
"Anyway, I say our operation was a resounding success if I do say so myself." The boastful smile did not yet waiver.
"huh-uh."
Blake decided to just nod and agree to whatever Weiss was saying just so she could regain her earlier thoughts as she scanned the blue-noon sky. She found solace at Beacon academy which was perched before them. It was across from the forest; far away yet majestic and commanding still.
'It really is a beacon of hope' She remembered her thoughts of the school the first time she heard of it and the first time she saw it. A place she could find a future, a remedy for her past and then acceptance. She looked at Weiss who was observing above, towards the sky. She had a determined look on her face. Blake smiled. 'Weiss, Yang, Ruby, all of you: Thank you.'
Shadows loom briefly from high-above. Catching the Faunus's attention; she quickly scanned the sky again. Two Bullheads and a large airship made their way to the academy.
"Students from the other academies must be arriving for the festival now." Weiss said in an almost whispering voice. Her smile was gone.
"Weiss…" Blake's voice trailed off with a hint of worry.
"I cannot wait." The heiress smile ten-folded.
Making Blake shiver like the likes of a cold arctic storm breathing down on her. She was not use to seeing Weiss smile so much; it was scary.
Her bow twitched. Blake looked around to her surroundings, She knew she heard something, but it wasn't the roaring of another bullhead engine, so what was it?
Weiss huffed out loud: Angrily. Breaking Blake's probing thoughts.
"Speaking of which, what is taking Ruby, and Yang so long? Honestly! Those two are dolts! Always in the need to participate in reckless abandon! I can honestly tell those two come from the same tree!" Weiss scowled, still looking around frantically in all directions for the duo.
"You're worried."
Blake said teasingly with a 'matter of fact' smile. Weiss turn to her teammate with the bulk remainder of her scow which lessen but did not fully dissipate.
"Of course! Seeing is how all of us are reluctantly in same team for the next four years I have to…plus we're friends." she paused; a sincere sense of clarity hit her.
She then stride towards Blake, as if a teacher singling out a student for a scathing lecture.
Weiss stopped and pointed a stern finger at her.
"And don't you forget it!" Waving her finger before retrieving it into a fist.
Blake blinked at the declaration but eventually got the gesture. She made a fist and lightly tapped it against Weiss's.
"Right."
She replied with a confirming smile. Satisfied, Weiss left to scrutinize beyond the battered meadow once more.
Blake moved on as well. Scanning with her excellent Faunus features to find her teammates in a hurry. Hours were dwindling by and she wanted to go to the library while the day was still young.
Then her Bow twitched once more. "Where are they?!" Weiss complained in the distance of the meadow.
And once more clear as day she heard yells and gunshots. Blake's eyes wandered over to her teammate who was still pacing, and complaining. Clearly, seeing as it has gone unnoticed, it was safe to say it was too far for human ears to hear.
Blake eye's narrowed. 'Something big was coming.'
She did not need to explain to Weiss as a series of almost deafening explosions crackled in distance. Both girls gave each other a knowing glance and drew their weapons.
A black figure made its appearance in the horizon. They showed their steady resolve as they both fear was coming: A Nevermore.
It was not a full-grown one like the one they faced before but it was fast and heading right for them. They train for this, they won't back down.
But their resolve quickly tumbled into confusion as the medium-size Nevermore descended recklessly into an almost nose-dive. It jerked and cried desperately trying to stay in the air before another series of explosions rang out; the Grimm let out a death cry.
Blake's face was in a state even more 'confusion' until her bow twitched at the familiar sound: Yells of 'Joy' ?!
Looking at the heiress's gawked and mouth ajar expression; the feeling was mutual.
The Nevermore (now smoking) crashed landed into the forest before them. Big creature blanked by Emerald Forest, uprooted scores of trees as they jump towards the sky from the canopies marking its distance towards them; still in paralyzing confusion.
Boom!
Small chunks of broken ground, and foliage debris descended as the head, and body of the avian giant rested before them. After the dust settled, there was no sound in the still tranquil forest.
They were about to say something before flashes of red, and yellow flew from behind the Nevermore's head and landed before the two.
"Again! Again! Again!" The ever boisterous Yang hollered at the top of her lungs in an uncharacteristic display of joy; used shotgun slugs rain as she pumped her fist into the air.
"The Strawberry-Sunshine formation attack was a huge success!" The ever joyful Ruby planted her beloved scythe triumphantly and firmly into the ground with a beaming smile.
"Uh, Ruby? Are we really going to call it that? You see, I was thinking we call it-"
Yang donned her signature aviators.
"Golden Flare formation attack!" She said dramatically with hands waving.
It did noting but earn a glare, and groan from her little sister.
"Okay, okay First off-No-Second my color is not in it!" Ruby huffed, crossing her arms and childishly stomping her feet.
Yang shrugged, taking her aviators off. "Well, flare is kinda red isn't?" She smiled sheepishly.
"Glory hog!"
"Whoa, whoa! Now hold on-"
They began to argue, much to the dismay of their teammates.
"I don't want to know." Blake sighed.
Weiss's head wilted into the palm of her hand. "You know, childish as it may be, I kinda want to know."
Raising her head she gave the two sisters an impatient but refine scowl.
"Excuse me you two."
No success. 'Honestly'
"Ruby, Yang please bring your attention to me, please." She tried to smile: tried.
No response, No patience. Just red all over.
"You dunderheads! Edify yourselves this instant or else I will you give dolts such a thrashing!" She flickered Myrtenaster towards the brutish sisters.
"Yikes! Weiss!" Ruby stumbled at the sight of the rapier pointing at her.
Yang put up her hands up defensively. "Easy ice queen! We're cool, we're cool."
Like you She finished off the pun in her head; Missing no chance.
Blake did not agree with Weiss's method but she knew they were a handful at times and did agree the success of this was applicable.
Weiss re-drew her weapon back. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily; trying to calm herself down. Knowing there was a long way before they would better themselves, it was get used to their behavior or it was going to break her sanity.
'Let it be known that this Schnee won't be quick to burn bridges but to mend them'
She open her eyes to see Yang nonchalantly whistling while Ruby was making a rude face before tersely joining her sister in doing the same.
'Mend them into burning bridges'
She sighed once more, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You two can tattle, and prattle about your formation names later."
Yang giggled. "Oh, Ruby is just going to forget about it later anyway." She patted her little sister's head.
"Hey! No, I won't!" She retrieved Crescent Rose into its condense form. "I have all the formation names planned, thank you very much! Speaking of which-"
Ruby looked at Weiss, and Blake with sparkles in her eyes.
"Was Checkmate a success?!" She pumped her fist, eager to see.
A smiling Blake rolled her eyes at the ever present enthusiasm of the young leader. The one thing she could say about Ruby is that her zeal, and idealism was an endearing aspect about her, even if was one of her shortcomings.
Meanwhile Weiss shot a glance behind her at the results of the battle. More Snowflakes brushed against them, Weiss was determined to follow through on her resolve to be the best teammate. Going as far as following through on every step on her leader's surprising strategic planning. But not without errors on the first try.
"Of course!" Weiss said with the eternal smug smile of hers.
The mess of ice, and bullet riddled Grimm corpses was a sight of victory to behold.
"Cool as ice." Yang winked. Ruby frown, this was not the results she was expecting from her careful planning and her awesome sketches.
"Yeah, Whats with the ice?"
"Things got a little out-" Blake tried to explain that they were quickly outnumber by a small army of Beowolfs and a pack or two of Ursa.
"We improvise!" Weiss clumsy, and quickly interjected.
"Oh! Checkmate X! I like it!" Ruby dabbled with her scroll. "Excellent! Excellent!" She acted like a Mad Scientist, the scroll illuminating her face made her more menacing as she went on to categorizing, and canvassing the scene with her scroll; taking many pictures.
Both girls could only share a dejected sigh. Weiss let out a more than audible 'huff'.
While she did not hate her childish behavior (anymore) she usually did not like it when Ruby took it to the battlefield like this. But regardless she did admire the endeavor of Ruby taking her role as leader with enthusiasm, although this brought to light another part of today's activity.
"I hereby declare today's training session over." She clapped her hands loudly, earning everyone's attention.
"Good." Blake nodded as she turned towards the boundary of the meadow, making her way towards the mark tree.
"Phew! Finally!" Yang stretched her arms. "Well, this was a day."
Ruby let out a little but angry 'aw' as she broke away from her scroll. "What! Oh-hey wait! That's my job to call it an end-"
"Anyway Ruby…" Weiss silence her quickly. "Being a leader is more than just strategies, and um 'cool ' names-" She stopped to do air-quotes.
"Hey!"
"Vehement attitude will only take you so far in the dance of the battlefield. Finesse is not just the peak of the body but the mind, why with relishing literature you could-blah-blah-blah~"
Ruby covered her ears trying to drone out her noisy partner before retorting back.
"Hey, since when are you my mentor?! And what does this have to do with dancing?!"
"Since I agreed to be the best teammate you will ever have! Being a mentor just happens to be one the benefits, I suggest you be a little grateful." Weiss glared closely at her partner's face with malice.
"And dancing it just an expression you dunce!"
Ruby groaned. "Just let me chose to be a leader my own way!"
"I will Ruby you twit, once I provide you all the tools to do so." She turn to waggle her finger at Ruby. After the battle the heiress was tired, and irritate, now even more angry at her leader for not being appreciative of her stride to help better herself in the other fields.
Weiss turned around, hiding her angry face from Ruby, crossing her arms, trying not show too much negative emotions. Only briefly turning her head back.
"Plus, you promised me you would study more at the library today; We had a deal." She said with venom in her voice.
Ruby's eyes darted a little bit as she realize she indeed gave her word on bettering herself on intellects, even if it was boring. Her frown melted into a perky smile. 'I guess she means well.'
"Alright, Alright, I guess I see your point-Weiss thanks."
Weiss was still facing away, shaking her head slightly before turning around to face Ruby with a bright smile.
"You're welcome, but do hurry up. You're acting like a sloth."
Ruby nodded, gathering her belongings as they started to make their way back to Beacon while leaving the others behind.
"Well, that was fun." Yang kicked the decaying Nevermore's head. A large shadow draping the area caught her attention. She looked above and squinted at the view of a large airship heading towards Beacon.
"More visitors." She smiled. "Any hotties up there?" She winked as the thoughts of attractive boys filled her head.
With a wide grin she turn to Blake-who was still fixated at the marked tree like lonely statue. Yang blinked slowly as her smile dissolved.
"Yo, Blake, everything alright?"
She came up to her quietly, the sudden voice snapped at Blake as she jolted and hesitatingly turned around to see her partner, lapsing out of judgment, briefly showing her a look of sadness before changing into an expressionless neutral face.
"Yeah, I am alright." Blake said dryly, an almost theatrical attempt at reassurance.
Yang was facing her sideways with only her head slightly tilted at her direction. She was giving her unconvincing partner a quizzical glance; stroking her chin. "Hmm." She hummed out-loud.
Blake shook her and smiled. "Actually, I lied about what I said earlier. I really want to know how you, and Ruby took down that Nevermore."
The boisterous blond returned with a powerful, and bright grin as she practically grappled Blake's shoulder.
"Well, Blake, My silent friend, this is the totally 'true' story of how this went down…"
The unconvinced Blake rolled her eyes still keeping her amused smile.
"Totally true." Yang whispered harshly to add emphasis.
"You dolt!"
Ruby ran as far she can in the mostly vacant hallway, still managing to tap into every single angry student as she darted and weaved in between them, a few books and many sheets of paper flew in the mini-maelstrom of her semblance.
"I'm so sorry everyone!, I'll be back Weiss!"
Weiss was stunned to say the least, Ruby actually left her scroll back at the dorm room after changing back to their school uniforms somehow. She needed it to check out her books at the library.
"Honestly…Wait." There was a pause as she was enlighten. "I could have just check the books myself." She pinch the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes. "Her lack of foresight is infectious even to me."
'well done Schnee.'
The fast blur of red shook ground, and windows as Ruby made use of her speed on every space the corridors had; even the ceiling at one point. She giggled to herself.
"Great! Excuse worked! Now I can pickup a few of my games to dwindle away the boredom and also get Weiss's binder to 'improve' the activates she planned for us."
She continued to pick up speed, not really paying attention as a little guilt popped into her mind.
'I mean, I know Weiss means well when she has all of educational and 'sope-fisty-cat-did' er-boring things plans for all us, and I guess I need to pick up more upper-level books and learn outside homework and strategy books. But still, people gotta have fun and enjoy life rather than rust away like ro-'
Smack!
A blue blur reflected off her silver eyes.
"Hey? Are you OK?!" Concern Blue eyes met a pair of disoriented pink eyes.
A small chestnut-colored, short-hair girl laid still on the ground, in a state of confusion of what transpired; she just blinked.
Both individuals shared their abrupt meeting under a roof walkway attached to the nearby buildings, and some tall trees.
"uh? Hello? Um hey?"
The blond-hair boy stepped back a little trying to give her space, Jaune thought that maybe that was what she needed to clear her head after accidentally running into her and discombobulating the poor girl. They both were right next to the dorms near the amphitheater, even though they were dozens of students, both regular and visiting flocking near area it shouldn't have gave constricted feeling. He looked back at the girl to see that now she was just sitting upright on the ground; legs still flat on the floor tiles
"…" She stared intensely with her pink eyes, making him feel a little bit uneasy.
Trying to escape her unsettling stare, he started to notice the chestnut-hair girl's attire.
She wore a bright red blouse with frilly red short-sleeves, covering her torso and the rest of the blouse was a grey-metal breastplate adorned with a weird red heart-skull-shape symbol; Or maybe it was a skull-heart shape, he thought.
In contrast to her dark colored, and metal plating was a white cape with red interior that fell to her waist, the sharp wavy collars reaching up to her eyes; still staring.
"I-um…" 'still staring'
Again to avert her gaze as it bore into him he look down noticing more of her attire. To complete her upper attire she wore a frilly red skirt covered with pattern metal plating woven around it. On the back of her waist was what look like a thick, compacted two-section, halberd.
'This girl is a huntress alright, or at least look like one.'
To his surprise, he jumped back to see the girl quickly picked herself up, low-cut red-boots with long knee-high, white-socks thumped the tile ground. Must be all the heavy metal on the girl.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to check you out, I mean stare! I mean hit on you! Grr I mean crash into you by accident!" All the explanation fell on deaf ears as the girl was dusting herself off and adjusting her cream-colored layered-hairband.
'Holy crap!' But all he could think of was the cestus-like metal-spike glove on her right hand topping off her chain-mail covered arm. If she was mad that could hurt a lot.
He winced a little at the thought, and shrunk again as she could continued back to stare intensely.
"…"
Jaune could not take it anymore, he wanted to introduce himself so it would end in good terms.
"OK um…oh! I'm Jaune! Jaune Arc! If you ever wanted the name to declare vengeance upon, Hehehe." 'Just not in the face, or my other family heirlooms' He groaned to himself.
He extended his right hand, hoping a best case scenario of meeting a new friend instead of an enemy. To his surprise she clamped his hand with both of hers, she look at him straight in the eye.
"Its alright, please don't worry about it." She said in a hush voice. His was in stupor as she also let out small smile almost reaching up to a red-sticker like x on her left cheek. It was a cute smile; if uncanny.
Jaune smiled back. 'Great, that's is a relieve.'
"Oh! Cool! Anyway you seem a little lost around here, I know that feeling all too well long ago. You must be a visiting student…um…I didn't catch a name? umm?."
The small girl nodded. "My name is…"
"Theresa!"
The strange girl stopped mid-sentence, she whirled around behind her. Jaune poked his head around the girl to see the source of the yell but all he could see was still flocking students walking in droves minding their own business.
But out of the corner of the building he saw a tall girl searching around eccentrically before her hazel eyes meet their gaze, her ears twitched-the grey-colored wolf ears on her head. A Faunus? Jaune thought.
"Theresa! There ya are!" This girl said joyfully as it rang out loudly enough for Jaune's ears to buzz lightly. She appeared to have silver-color hair, her long-locks of hair dance at the side of her head hiding her shorn-hair at the back. Her bubbly gallop made the cowboy hat tethered around her neck swing up and down across her back.
"I finally found ya!" She stopped before them. The smile that the wolf Faunus wore turn into a quizzical frown making Jaune nervous. 'This girl sure is tall!'
"Oh? Who is this now?" The girl peak past Theresa, she was tall enough to almost look down on him. "Oh, come on now nervous? Don't be, unless ya are a Beowolf under that messy blond hair of yours, Hehehe" She smiled a toothy grin.
"Got a name ya Hunter?"
"Ah, oh its Jaune-"
"Jaune Arc." Theresa spoke up, appearing between them. Causing Jaune to almost lose his balance.
"Oh, pleasant name." The tall girl chirp.
'I knew ladies would love it'
Her face beamed at him. "Well then, Hallo Jaune! My name is Olga Jaeger. Great Grimm huntresses of the forests of Atlas!" Olga smiled to serve her ego.
She was definitely from the woods, Jaune thought. She wore attire that consist of red and black plaid, thick open shirt with sleeves rolled up that only made it down to her midriff. Underneath she had a tan shirt with a scarred, silver armor chest plating similar to his except for the fact that it hid some 'assets' Jaune blushed little as he caught himself staring.
Around her waist there were many pouches, and heavy bags; possibly full of ammunition.
The light brown shorts, worn tan knee-pads and rough looking black combat-boots certainly prove her stake as a woodsman 'err' woman-lady.
All this observation was done in a quick glance but as if almost knowing that he was analyzing her, she gave him a flirty wink. Unloading the weapon attached to her back, a thick red ax, which its blade head slammed loudly on the ground making him and Theresa flinch a little.
The big metallic frame handle of the ax was marked with yellow-black patterns near the head and at the bottom near what look like a collapse trigger guard. She rested her folded arms, and head at the flat square bottom.
"And I do mean 'Great Grimm huntresses' ya get me?" She purred.
After the initial shock Jaune spoke up, pointing at her weapon. "Whoa! Is that an ax?"
Olga grinned with delight. "Oh Yeah! My pride and joy, North's Wind is her name. Good for cutting down trees and Beowolfs, and is also very powerful rail-gun."
She lifted the heavy ax like a rifle, tapping the collapse guard handle for reference.
"Pew-Pew!" She gestured jokingly.
Earning a big smile from Jaune before it turned into an awkward smirk as he started to notice the strange quirk of her sniffing the air around him.
"Oh, pleasant smell ya have on ya-self, like sap." She sniffed a long whiff as her eyes wandered around. "Like Forever Fall sap!"
Jaune blinked as he tried to inspect himself only to find no such sap leftovers from before. Making sure to wash it five-time else his allergy would get the best of him.
"Really? That's strange that was like 'erm' forever ago since I touched the stuff, Heh. It should be washed off by now."
"Not surprising, but to a wolf Faunus like myself the sweet smell lingers like ghost." She explain as she reattached North's wind onto her back. Just then one of her pouches began vibrating, letting out a music ringtone.
'~Baby, baby I've been waiting for a longtime~'
"Oh, blasted contraption, what is this now?" She search around her many pockets, opening every pocket before she picked out a blaring scroll.
"I am not use to these little things going about in the mountains." Her hazel pupils turn as large as dinner-plates as she stared at the screen. "I think we are late! Absolutely, Yes, we are late."
Olga hastily turn to look at the perplexed Jaune. "I am sorry Jaune, we must cut our meeting short."
She then turn to the poker face Theresa standing idly by. "Come along now Theresa. Janey and Luvia must be worried now."
Olga hurried quick as the wind as she made a fast pace a few steps ahead only to stop and return back just as quickly. Olga smiled at Jaune, pointing at her friend.
"By the way in case she did not introduce herself yet this gal here is Theresa Monarch."
Theresa nodded briefly and a small smile appeared.
Olga's legs kick the floor as she sprinted away looking back at blond boy. "It was nice meeting ya Jaune!" She darted and disappeared past the Building corner before he could say anything.
The quiet girl gracefully strolled beside Jaune. "Goodbye Jaune." She said gently. To his surprise Theresa matched Olga in her demon speed and vanish after her friend.
Leaving Jaune mesmerize, recounting the events of what just transpired, he wished he could get a word out edgewise but the odd duo seem to be in a hurry; shame, he thought.
The blond boy gawked trying to say something to himself.
"Huh? That was…huh?"
Still in his stupor, he didn't hear a loud thud and a grunt behind him.
"Well, I must say that was a peculiar event." The sudden voice made Jaune yelp a girlish squeal as he fell on his back.
"I'm sorry!" A feminine voice apologize as she lend a helping hand towards him. He groan, He was just caught off guard by Pyrrha appearing out of nowhere behind him; just where did she come from?
"I didn't mean to scare you Jaune." She pulled and supported him until he was at her eye level.
"It's cool Pyrrha." He smiled brightly to reassure her. The smile caught a hold of her for a what seem like a good minute before letting go, trying to stroke her shyness against her clothing while Jaune dusted himself off to look presentable.
"Then again…" She began to suppress a giggle. "I guess I should have expected this outcome judging from what happen last time."
Jaune smirked slyly. "Yeah, you would remember that, Ren and especially Nora wouldn't not stop calling me Waffle-nose for like about a week! Although I like to say that I was an advocate for Waffle injures awareness."
Pyrrha responded with a giggle, and a smile. "Oh Jaune, To think I would rally behind you if I were not the instigator of your breakfast-injury related plight."
This prompted him to chuckle before raising an eyebrow. "Wait, where did you come from anyway?"
She gestured above. "Up there actually, it's silly and a bit rude reason but I've been avoiding fans, and challengers for an hour now."
"By scaling buildings?!" He almost yelled, mouth still ajar. Never would he thought she would go that far, were they really menace? 'wow'
"Roof-tops, trees, and even out of open windows." She added on before pausing with a sad look. "I know, it sounds like selfish reason for a person like me, and that in a way it may make me act like a cur, but even I have my limits."
Her frown let out a spark of sympathy in him as he tried to find some words for her.
"That must be super annoying Pyrrha; even I could see you're tired. You might be a celebrity so I wouldn't really know how it is but as a person it must be overwhelming being pestered by all the attention."
Pyrrha's gaze started to hang on to his words. He scratched the back of his head as he continued. "To a smaller scale, I kinda know where you're coming from; I'm the center of my big family. But regardless, as your team leader I'll be there for you."
Her negative and tired demeanor dissipated with a bright smile. "Thank you Jaune, it's good to have a friend, and team leader who understands."
"Speaking of which, how about I take you to downtown Vale to take your mind off things; my treat. Let it be known that an Arc always treats his friends right."
Pyrrha shyly smiled as she began to sweep her foot across the floor. "Thank you, I would love that."
"But…" She reached out to Jaune.
"Let it be known that a Nikos is a formidable mentor and won't let you sway away from your training so easily…that is until tomorrow." She winked.
Jaune shrugged. Her training started to get a little more brutal over the past couple days, still there was no argument that he was getting better…and a little more drain.
"Well, a day of fun is better than none."
There was a pause.
"Sooooo…does treating a friend extend to me too?" A bubbly voice spoke up in a form of a loud drop and thud. Causing Jaune to falter to the ground: Again
"Hehehe, I guess its cement-nose now!" Nora giggled hysterically.
"Now, where did you come from Nora?" Pyrrha asked in between picking up Jaune again as he staggered back up to his feet.
"I saw you jumping around school like some kinda crazy spider superhero for like the past hour, so me and Ren decided to follow you; it was fun!" She explain in a exaggerated fashion of imaginative body language which she ended with giggle behind her hand. It was purely Nora.
Jaune stared at her, stroking his chin. "Wait, you… and Ren?"
"Up here!"
A voice called out above. There was a building of suspense as both Jaune and Pyrrha look up with a shared look of shock while Nora waved happily without a care. Ren was holding on to a tree branch 20 feet above.
"Just for the record, I protested following."
"And I overruled it with an Iron fist!" Nora placed her finger between her lips, and nose. "Hahaha! All glory for Comrade Nora!"
"Nora! Get me down from here."
"Just jump silly! I'll catch you!" She extend her arms awaiting him. Ren gave a heavy sigh as he let go of the branch landing safely into her strong arms with a grunt.
She smiled, still holding him; caring. "Hey, come here often?" She said sweetly as he gave her a confuse look.
Cough
They both look back as Jaune and Pyrrha who had an amused look on them, causing Nora to harshly drop Ren in a panic.
"We are just friends, really!" She laughed nervously.
Ren started to groan in pain. "Sorry Ren!"
"Ouch!"
'What happen? Was a I hit by a truck?' Ruby adjusted her eyes, still seeing some blurriness.
"Hallo!…are you okay?" A perky voice called out from behind the blur.
Opening a good eye she saw a pair of green eyes and a field of freckles below them staring back. "Wha-what? Penny?" It reminded her of a recent friend.
"Who? No, I am- I think you might be confuse! did I hit you too hard?" The green-eye girl crouch, reaching for Ruby, holding on to her shoulder in a effort to ease her, examining her intensely before meeting her eye. 'uh w-what?' Ruby blurted out a small gasp as the girl look at her seriously for a second before changing into a cheerful disposition.
"No damage, You seem to be alright, at least nothing…visible." She started to tap her own head to mimic a diagnostic then pondered remotely.
'Hey! What are you implying? You…' Ruby eyes finally adjusted a little to see past the green eyes, and freckles to see she had wavy black hair that reach down to her neckline, in addition a cowlick danced at the very top. To Ruby's amusement, the girl seem to have short twin-tails that were held together and adorned by tiny blue bow-ties in contrast to her now serious face that wouldn't look out of place on Blake.
"Your vision seem to gotten the full brunt, again sorry." She said softly, cycling back to a warm smile. She held out her fingerless-glove hand, instinctively Ruby grabbed her forearm as she pulled herself back up.
Looking at the girl she had a blue hooded-duster with a gold zigzagging patter trim around the edges and cuffs. A string rope securing the coat tied around the neckline of her black stripe, Beige-colored tunic that held together by a leather bodice, and belts that seem to hold four spring-loaded, occupied sheaths. To the young huntress that seem kinda cool.
To finish it off she wore a combo of knee-high brown boots and grey armor-plates on her thighs covering white-trousers.
"Eyes adjusted yet?" The green-eye girl smirked at Ruby who blush in embarrassment. The girl giggled at the reaction as another girl behind trailed idly.
"Again, I am sorry, I only meant to stop you as a last resort. For you see you were about to ran smack into my friend here."
The regal looking girl step aside from behind the other, she said nothing rather letting her burning neon-green eyes pierce, and sink into Ruby's.
The bright green of her eyes match only the bright, large bow tying her black pony-tail hair which did not hold the loose bangs from her forehead. She wore a dark-grey sleeveless dress topped with a black armor gorget, signature with gold dragons and flames with similar features seen in her oval-shape shoulder armor.
Adding to her preppy appearance she had a black, thigh-length dress-skirt with frilly purple-trimmings with a large green bow tied around her waist, carrying brown-satchels on her right-side outfitted with large ammunition casings.
"Done staring? Do you procurer…a doctor of some kind?" The girl said sardonically. The loud clack of her bladed black-heels commanded attention from Ruby.
"But really, you should watched where you were going at that speed. It will only serve to ill us… and you." The folded arms, and reserve glare of the girl made her someone who would give off the appearance that she would give a harsh, tacit threat at any moment's notice.
It incited an old fear in Ruby in which quickly she tried to put right with her head down: stammering. "I'm sorry, sorry! I-I was in a hurry to get some supplies and I totally didn't see! and-"
"Enough…" She dragged out an exasperated sigh. Ruby look up from her pleading, this girl seem to give off a strong regal aura.
'Are you Weiss's long lost sister or something?' She mentally smirked.
"All the same, its good you're still among us after stopping so abruptly at that extraordinary high velocity; an amazing feat."
"You think I'm amazing?"
Ruby chirped idiosyncratically at the regal girl; A strong silence ignited between the two with the confuse friend in the middle. The silence only stopped as a powerful gust comically carried, and threw a tumbleweed at the window outside, startling only the blue hooded girl.
She blinked, still caught in the socially awkward standoff. "So, anyway…" She spoke up. "Oh! I know! Let start as friends!" Stepping in between the other two and holding her hand out to Ruby.
"I am Jane Lazuli, nice to meet you, Ru-err I mean-Nice to meet you!"
The red-hooded girl's face brighten as she shook the hand of the blue girl.
"Glad to meet you too! I'm Ruby Rose." 'Good, at least one of them isn't totally scary!'
"Ruby Rose, that is a nice name. Again, sorry for hitting you earlier, by the way my pampered friend here is Luvia Brier"
Luvia scowled. "I would like to introduce myself next time."
"Ops! My mistake." Jane giggled.
"So are you guys visitors? I haven't seen you around here before…" Ruby chose her words carefully.
"That is right-" Jane answered, interrupting an angered Luvia. "Myself and the rest of my team hail from Prometheus Academy of Atlas. We're just visiting for today, and tomorrow while Luvia makes inspections, and adjustments towards our living quarters while we stay for the duration of the festival, and tournament later on."
"Again, I would like to address matters myself and explain our intentions." Luvia said with raise voice. This was the first time Ruby saw any strong emotion from her.
"And again, my mistake, but in my defense maybe you should have spoken up." Jane smirked with a wink as Luvia continued to scowl at her.
Ruby suppressed a chuckle at Luvia's expense. 'Are you sure you're not Weiss's sister?'
"Wait Jane, you said 'your team' are you a team leader too?"
"Why yes, I am the proud leader of Team JOLT." Jane beat and pumped her chest with pride.
"Cool! Well I'm the fearless leader of Team RWBY." Ruby was full of equal bravado.
Both leaders stared at each other with a triumphantly absurd face and heroic stature.
Snort!
There was a brief pause before they share a manic giggle at their own theatrical display. Luvia just stared like a statue.
"I am not her partner by the way." There was faint note of embarrassment in her offhand interjection.
Jane finished off her laughter. "Well my new friend, in the event of becoming adversaries in the incoming tournament I wish you well but not victory, for my team will win."
"And to you Jane, I wish a well rest after my team mopes the floor with yours." Ruby was eager to make a winning legacy for her team, any challenge was just another tally for her to accomplish.
"Are you done Jane?" Luvia tersely interrupted the kindred duo. "The rest of the team is still missing; no doubt lost sightseeing Beacon like layabouts." She frown as she continued. "I worry about Theresa. Knowing Olga, I am afraid of what sort of shenanigans she might rope her into."
Despite Luvia's cold exterior her thoughts about this Theresa girl were earnest. 'I guess even when they start up shaky everybody gets along when they become a team' Ruby smiled emphatically. She was reminded of Weiss, and Blake in light of recent events.
The young huntress cleared her throat. "Well Beacon is a pretty big place, I'm still getting myself lost a few times. I could help you find them if-"
Boom! Boom!
Two explosions crackle outside, shaking the corridor and the trio's nerve. Especially Ruby, who fell on her back. 'What the heck was that?!' She moan. 'Are we being attack?'
"Oh! Looks like they're out and about." Jane glance the shaking window outside. She could see the congregating students now scattering like bewildered beast at the sudden noise in the courtyard.
"I would call myself an oracle but that would give Olga too much credit." Luvia sighed. "They're lucky I can pay for any trouble they befall."
"Well after all is said and done, my team still needs to regroup." Jane waved. "Goodbye Ruby my friend, hope to see you again."
Jane signaled Luvia with a salute to leave.
"It was nice meeting you Miss Rose, do be careful next time though."
Luvia nodded in acknowledgment before leaving after her team leader who was waiting for her at the corner.
Ruby tilted her head bemuse. "Huh?" She wasn't quite sure how to make of the event. "That was a thing…"
Jane was very nice and it was cool to see another leader who was charismatic about her position and that Luvia girl was sure aloof most of the time; are all rich girls so cold?
'Am I missing something?'
A light bulb radiated above her.
"Oh no! I'm late! Weiss is going to kill me!"
"What in the world?!"
The infuriated Goodwitch broke away from the group of visiting students she was chaperoning. She just saw two female students propelled themselves with their weapons out of the open space of the avenue and towards the dorms; she recalled an ax, and a halberd.
"W-why!-" In the middle of her fit and resolve to discipline, her Scroll vibrated. She pulled it out and immediately the face of Headmaster Ozpin pop up in the interface.
"Having a bit of trouble there?" The sly Headmaster smirked playfully as he inclined into his seat. The loud sip of his coffee intake only set anger her more.
"Ozpin, these rapscallions are-"
"Just visiting students…" He took another sip. "But don't worry, I pulled some strings so the matter would be settled and taken care off."
Goodwitch adjusted her glasses, she was never one to second guess him but his lax behavior is always an enigma to her. "Honestly Ozpin, I-"
"Have some students of your own to show around."
She look up behind her to see her group fidgeting around.
"Well, that was another thing..."
This time the blond said with awe as her Faunus partner shook her head in disbelieve.
"I can't believe we're not the only weird school."
The other students around the main avenue and landing platform were dishevel mess as they thought the same. The girls quickly ejected themselves off the Bullhead that brought them but not far off the platform they saw a familiar crew pondering too.
"Did Olga and Theresa just fly off?" Jaune said bemused.
"I believe so…" Pyrrha replied, she eyed the smoke trail of the embarking girls.
"Yeah! Wow! That was so cool-Oh hey Yang! Blake!" Nora and Ren waved at them: Nora more enthusiastically.
"Hey guys." Yang replied and Blake waved softly.
"Have you two been out training?" Jaune asked.
"Yup actually, all of us were, I guess Rubes, and snow queen beat us back already." Yang shrugged.
"You did take a long time setting up your tall-tale. " Blake retorted, she never heard such wild bombastic claims; not even all fantasy book she read. She could understudy for Professor Port.
"Ain't no tall-tale." The blond quipped.
"I don't think Ursa can fly." Blake rolled her eyes.
"Well, not in the traditional sense. Besides I like setting my stories with a dramatic flare, you know me Blake."
"All too well." Blake looked around. "Anyway I'll be heading out to the library." She quietly left the group as she disappeared into the crowds.
"Since when did the library become the 'it' spot?" Yang winced.
There were a crowd of admires gathering around Pyrrha; she started to panic.
"Well, we must go now, Jaune wanted to take me out on-" She pause to look for a word and said the first to come up her mind.
"d-date?" The amazonian stuttered and blushed, realizing the consequences of what she said. Especially in front of the teasing Yang, no doubt already seeing the gleam and developing grin on her face.
"Huh?" The wheels in Jaune's head started creaking at the sudden emergence of that sacred word. The baffled Jaune turn to his red-head partner which only made her more bashful.
Yang whistled. "Ou~la~la!"
"No silly, Jaune has a date with all of us!" Nora interjected with gusto, dragging Ren along who was protesting.
There was a dead silence as everybody but Nora and Ren started process what was said. A loud sigh from the stoic Ren broke it.
"Wow lover-boy, Jaune, you man you." Yang's face froze in a grin.
"W-wait don't jump to conclusions!" Jaune tried to explain but Pyrrha started to drag him out to the awaiting airship.
"I'm sorry, we don't have time to explain, our ship is here. We have to run." She yelled as they embarked.
Yang shrugged, Done at the amusement she donned her aviators again. She look around seeing groups of attractive boy catching her eye. She pump her fist forward.
"Stud detector coming through." She went towards the crowd.
"Beep-Beep-Beep~" Yang droned on.
"Finally! You're fast, what could have possibly taken you so long?"
Weiss stood firm, with the familiar gesture of folding her arms. Ruby was huffing, wearing a small brown backpack.
"Sorry! I wasn't paying attention and I kinda 'met' two exchange students on the way~" Ruby poke her fingers together nervously. Is this what it felt like to scold a little sister? Weiss thought.
"You 'met' huh?" Weiss sighed. "I hope for their sake that you sought them help in the infirmary."
Ruby sheepishly nodded. "Don't worry, they're fine. I kinda got the full brunt of it anyway; they're really tough."
The heiress raised an eyebrow. "Did they hit you?" She said in a coarse, hush voice. Ruby noted some anger but it was not directed at her.
'It was kinda justified' Noting her own recklessness as a factor. Ruby beamed at in attempt to disarmed an irate Weiss.
"Well, not really," They started to climb the stairs leading up to the library. "The girl stopped me with her hand; She must have been using really strong aura to stop me without a scratch!"
"So it was a girl." Weiss spoke and pondered. Future competition?
"…"
There was a pause in thought.
NO, Not that kind of competition, you dolt! I mean warriors in the tournament!
"Ugh? Weiss? You okay there?" Ruby poked at the flustered heiress who paused a few flights behind her before she notice. Weiss just brushed her hair off before continuing to climb. "Its nothing, just addressing the masses."
"oookay…So yeah! She was a girl, err- I mean she is still a girl I mean: I don't think she change,"
"Get. to. the. point," Weiss emphasized by poking Ruby's nose; Causing her to sneeze a little while retracting herself to a safe distance "Does our potential opponent have a name?"
"Yeah! Her name is Jane, ugh, Lazuli! She was really nice, and outgoing and oh yeah! She is even the leader of her own team too! And she is looking to challenging us in the tournament too!"
"What a fool! Challenging me! By-extension-all-of-you; I pity my woeful foes." Weiss giggled manically scaring her poor partner as she hugged the banister.
'Weiss is so scary today!'
The heiress stopped in the middle of her rant; Cleared her throat, and elegantly tried to illustrate an archetype of nobility without pause as she briskly-gaited each step.
'This day is full of weird happenings!' Ruby shook like a leaf, more, and more before Weiss turned around with a stern look; freezing her partner in her place.
"Dabbling in making enemies already Ruby? You have an uncanny ability to make bad first impressions, like myself for example."
"Hey! No, I don't! and we weren't that much enemies, well at least not that much."
"But she is a fool to think she and her team could beat us. Do your best to meet with this girl again, gain her confidence, and trust so we will learn any flaws we can exploit."
"Wow, Weiss, You like to fight dirty." Ruby accused.
"Its not dirty! Its called the art of tactics." Weiss defended herself.
"I'm not buying it." Ruby shook her head.
"Whatever, its legitimate," Weiss let out a 'hmp'
"Wait, you said two. So whose the other 'one' I am sure they introduce themselves accordingly."
"Well kinda, Jane is the one who introduce her. She was kinda quiet at first; Are you sure you don't have a long-lost sister?"
"Trust me the sister I have is long lost," Weiss muttered bitterly.
"huh?" Ruby asked; not actually hearing her.
"Never mind, Well does she have a name or not?"
"Yeah, it was…what was it? Luvia? Oh yeah! Luvia Brier!" The sounds of steps being press down lessen by a pair. "Yeah, she was a little overbearing, and-Weiss?"
Ruby looking around beside her and realized she was walking alone again. She looked back to see Weiss, a couple of steps behind her with a blank expression on her face.
"Weiss? Whats wrong?" The concern Ruby quickly descended to her level; tugging at her shoulder, waking the stupor girl.
"Never mind, just keep walking." She did not batted an eye as she continued to climb arriving at the top level and library entrance.
"Is everything okay?" Ruby pestered further; her concern face slowly turn into a frown.
The troubled heiress stopped in her tracks, still not looking at Ruby. "Its not serious, its just I have not expected fierce competition,"
She quickly whirled around with hands on her hips and a triumphant smile.
"Which is why,"
A flashed of light appeared behind her: A fanfare of confetti and swarms of color-paper strings dazzled with a banner unrolling on the arched doorway of library saying:
Stupendous place of enlightenment, and erudition. Presented by Weiss Schnee.
"We have come here pick a book and indulge ourselves in the fine literature and strengthen our strategy, sharpening our skills via the expansion of the mind."
She keep her pose as Ruby gawked at her like she was a madwoman: Rightfully so.
"Say what you want Weiss, I'm not going to buy that this a fun place."
'How did she even set this up?!'
The library was almost isolated with only a couple of students actually studying. The rest of the normal ones are out there having fun, Ruby thought.
In a fury of a storm, Weiss picked out books from row after row of various genres including: Grim history studies, Fortifying defenses: survival skills, strategy, leadership ethics; skimming through it quickly and marking the important passages that she felt need to be made aware. While she herself took out a book from her belongings that she did not divulged to Ruby no matter how many times she persisted. It was called 'something 'of love' or something like that.'
"Here," Weiss laid a huge stack of heavy books on to the wooden table causing it to creek and slightly sink into the floor.
Ruby pouted, groaning loudly. Earning a glare from her partner/mentor. "Don't make that face, There will a pop-quiz every ten-chapters. So don't dilly-dally!" She sat down across from her and began reading intensely.
'Weiss must have something something on her mind, who is this Luvia girl anyway? It must be really distraught her, That it! As Weiss's partner I have to-' She open the book in the middle of her heroic resolution which quickly turn into depression as the boring book almost sucked the soul right out her.
'aw, nothing on weapons!' The red hooded girl's forehead wilted in between the book's bind. Her loose feet swung back and for; she kicked the backpack. Its contents spilled on the floor; board-games, and colorful assortments in all. Before she could react Weiss intruded her with a query.
"Ruby, What is that?" She flicked her finger twice, pointing at the mess.
"Hehehe, well…"
Weiss sighed. "Ok, one game, after an hour of study. Don't try to convince me otherwise."
Ruby eagerly nodded as she went back to reading.
Blake navigated her way towards rows of bookcases, where she saw Ruby and Weiss seated on a lone table. They caught each others attention; Weiss nodded and Ruby waved.
There Blake made her way into an empty computer terminal. She began to search feverishly for recent White Fang activity and especially those involving Torchwick.
'why' The question pondered once again.
She recalled the events over and over again. They were events of things she could not make sense; maybe she did not want to believe they gone so low. This was deeper than desperation; she did not want to believe. They were the group she was born in, they were her family.
The more reports she read about Torchwick, the more she got sick to her stomach. He was a cunning madman, an anarchist criminal mastermind. All who stood by him were incarcerated, disappeared or worse. She did not wanted her family to disappear; she wanted them to redeem themselves.
'Adam…'
She glance over at her oblivious teammates.
"I conquered Remnant!" A smug smiling Ruby placed a card on the elaborate board-game.
Weiss sat opposite of her with a mess of cards in hands. A confused expression on her face did not tell what went on and how that little girl convince her to play a game not five minutes in.
"I did not know what was even going on," She gawked, dumbfounded. "This is awful, you did not explain this to me Properly-"
"Rematch!" Ruby yelled.
Blake said nothing as she turn her attention towards the news articles on the display.
"The Schnee Dust Company is set to negotiate a contract with the Atlas Military in the coming week, showcasing what they say is its latest in front-line technology. Causing what critics say more friction between fellow family-own and now rival company Dornroschen Defense Dynamics; who still manufactures the latest in military hardware for Atlas."
"White Fang members attacked Schnee Dust Company shipment in latest-"
Blake's eyes narrowed.
'They're making a deal with the devil when they're working with Torchwick. It will lead them to their undoing, everything they stood for, every good they once accomplished; gone in a madman's whim. But we are just here, like children without knowing what they're planning.'
She glanced again at her team.
Weiss held her index fingers, and thumbs into a makeshift goal as Ruby prepared to flicker a triangle wedge of paper. The heiress kept a cool face, eyes narrowed, slowly, and discretely, trying to close the goal without alerting the likely cheating accuser before her. It was a legitimate strategy, she protested.
But it was all for not as in a blink of an eye the wedge flew in an arc and flicked off Weiss's face causing her wince, Ruby eyed the target as it twirled in the air, it then came to a full stop, drop and dug into the white bangs of the heiress; Ruby snorted and giggled, as Weiss accused her of doing on purpose, naturally Ruby protested as an accident.
'not!'
Ruby continued to chuckle causing Weiss to flare in an utmost unsophisticated rage.
"Why you little ruffian! Feel the wrath of a Schnee!" She leaped on top of the table scattering books everywhere and gave chase as Ruby gave her a sly wink, and giggled madly as she ran away; leading her around the library, much to the displeasure of occupied students, students like Blake.
'How could they feel so calm, and uncaring?' She scowled, turning her gaze at the monitor.
'There is something huge coming, not just for the Faunus but for everyone! How could they feel so calm? We're children…In the world where hunters, legendary guardians, hailed as protectors of our foundation, even they have no idea what they are planning. How could they? We know! I know! Yet with nothing else, we're just children; not even a couple months into Beacon. We're not ready, I am not ready. I have to be ready, but how could I with them? When so many secrets between us?'
"Blake? Is something bothering you?" A familiar voice broke her thoughts once again.
"Huh?"
She look up to see Weiss standing next to her, her worried face changed uninterruptedly as lips curled, face furrowed, an angered sigh let out.
"There! There it is again, you're clearly hung up on something,"
Blake scowled. What would she know? Only those deeply connected by the White Fang would know what she was feeling.
"Is it about the White Fang?" Weiss said with a serious, knowing look; Catching Blake off-guard.
"I am not an unobservant fool, You really didn't think I didn't know about those marks on the tree back there and what they signify? I read the reports about the White Fang, some of their call signs and how they operate. Look, I should not have yelled at you or held the Faunus in contempt for White Fang's doing: Its just that my father's side gets the best of me sometimes, and lethal attempts on my family don't help either."
"Weiss…" Blake tried to speak but was quickly shushed by Weiss's index finger wagging across her face.
"The past is the past, no matter what. No matter how many times our past have traded steel, that is not our concern now, we have a place in Beacon. They are not us anymore, We are Team RWBY now."
Blake reflected on this. While Weiss didn't completely know what was wrong and what her thoughts were she did feel that Weiss knew where she was coming from; that her heart was in the right place. She wasn't completely alone in the dark, there were others with her, very likely ignite into a unwavering flame if stronger bonds are build. Still, she had doubts, will they follow in her plight no matter what? With the same passion? No matter what? To rid of a madman from her family? Feel genuine empathy? Bonds need to be build, secrets must be told.
"Anyway, think about it Blake. Cast out any doubt that we're not friends just because of our past circumstances."
"Weiss, wait!"
Weiss was about to leave before Blake called her. She thought long, and hard, her yellow pupils resting on the corner of her eyes.
"I think Team JNPR should know," She reached for her black bow and felt the fabric with a pinch, feeling the soft flesh of her Faunus ears hidden inside.
"About my heritage." She said softly.
Weiss looked at her with a serious face. She must think that dunce and his cohorts are invaluable to her. She was glad that their distant friend came to her Team first after making a heartfelt decision.
"If that is what you think is best Blake, if that is you're wish, we will stand by you."
Blake smiled brightly. "Thank you."
Meanwhile at the table across from them Ruby flickered the pages of her book back, and forth, letting out a long yawn. 'I wonder what Weiss and Blake are talking about? Poor Blake, Weiss must be lecturing her too!'
She frown, groaning at the thought of so many of her friends being bored at her meticulous and probably bland plans she has in stored for them. (Read: super-boring plans.)
Ruby continued to groan as her swinging feet hit her backpack once again.
An ideal clicked inside her head. Boardgames were not the only things she acquired back at the dorm. She gotten into her bag and pulled out a large, white-binder headlined with:
Vytal Festival Activities
Property of
Weiss Schnee
Ruby giggled to herself.
'Soon! I'll use this to planned out activities for The Best Day Ever!'
In a darken, barely lit, bare room, the now three, familiar figures of Team JOLT huddled around a bed of the far right corner; a flashlight flickering.
The distant Luvia rested on her bed on the far left corner. She slept on her side trying to sleep in her lavender nightgown. Her twin, black braid hair swaying as she tossed, and turned at the noise of her more bothersome cohorts.
The Faunus girl Olga, dressed in grey sweatpants, red tank top and an open, plaid, yellow-nightshirt arched over Jane and Theresa, menacingly with a flashlight shine at her toothy grin.
"And a voice called out from the room next the girl…" She paused dramatically.
The grinning Jane fidgeted at her side of the bed, holding a crowned teddy-bear, waiting in anticipation while the poker face Theresa held tightly to Jane's right arm. Both Jane, and Theresa wore long, sleeve, pajama tops and pants complete with cone nightcaps; pink and green perceptively.
"It was her mother!" Olga continued, with a deep growling voice. "She said don't go down there I heard it too!" She yelled.
"Ahh!" Jane shrieked with laughter, tossing the teddy-bear over her head, landing back beside her. There was a pause as Theresa little out a quiet 'Ah!' and put her hands in the air and waved.
"I told ya it was a spooky tale!" Olga grinned, sitting on her bed across from them, content with their reaction.
"Yeah! I know later I will say 'Goodbye sweet dreams' and then say 'Hallo nightmares!'."
Jane chuckled while trying to feel for the teddy-bear behind her, there was a soft, white-glow as she grabbed the stuffed toy. She removed the cardboard (and lazily painted) gold crown from the toy's head and tossed the bear away; bouncing off the wall and rolling under the bed.
"I guess you earn this for now, spooky queen." Olga curtseyed, tugging at her long shirt like a dress, as Jane embellished her with the crown, settling neatly between her wolf ears.
"Why thank ya my terrified subjects. Now see if ya can best me Janey." She replaced Jane's place next to Theresa, who quickly latched on to the tall girl for comfort. Olga winked at her partner to start her tale.
"Okay now children," Jane held the flashlight to her face. "This is an oldie but a goodie,"
On the other side of the room, the frustrated Luvia could not sleep, instead opting out to play around her scroll. She took a quick glance at her team and quickly gathered a small box from her dresser next to her, taking out yellow earplugs. Muttering 'Not an oracle' as she continued to play with her scroll.
"And his father looked under his little boy's bed and saw…" Jane paused surveying the duo to see if she got their attention. Olga was in high spirits while the small girl next to her showed nothing but a quivering lip.
Olga's smile turn into horror as she felt something, a hand, grab her ankle.
"A MONSTER!"
"AH!"
The wolf girl shirked as she flew towards the ceiling in a panic, digging her feet and hands into it, holding, and anchoring her tightly. Theresa said nothing as she slowly, and steadily lifted her knees up onto the bed, sat on them, holding the teddy-bear in her arms; hugging it extra tight.
"Too spooky for me." She said softly, hugging the bear with an extra squeeze.
Jane could do nothing but pause, point and laugh at her terrified, ceiling-bound partner. She quickly caught the falling crown and placed it neatly on top of her pink nightcap.
"I guess I am the Spooky queen now!"
"Too spooky…" Theresa repeated in the background.
"H-hey! Ya used your semblance! That's cheating! N-no fair!" Olga growled, pointing accusingly down on Jane. She was still trembling, and scared. Jane blew a raspberry in response.
On the other side Luvia was livid. She flung her blanket off herself and glared at the troublesome group; Jane and then up at Olga. Her neon-green eyes glean with fiery annoyance, discarding her earplugs.
"You're making a racket, get down now." She said coldly and sternly: loud enough to the group to hear.
Olga shook her head and shivered. "B-but, but, s-she, she! I am too scared!"
"Fair warning."
That was all Luvia said as she reached down under her bed, pulling out a large, long chrome case. After she settled the case on to her bed, she punched in a few digits on the keypad, unlocking what was inside. A long, metallic, rounded-edged rectangular Rocket Launcher. There she picked the launcher up and feed a dark-grey, magazine drum under its belly.
Olga's eyes widen like dinner plates as Luvia got on bent knee and aimed the launcher at her.
"D-don't be using Drachenfeuer on me, ya rich girl! I swear I'll blow it back to ya with mine semblance!"
"Then get down." Luvia said, eying the green reticule.
"Girls," Jane cleared her throat loudly. Trying to be the voice of reason as they're leader. She looked up first to Olga.
"Olga, I am sorry for pulling that trick on you but please get down, and Luvia,"
She turn to her explosive armed friend. "Stand down, and put away Drachenfeuer." She send her a confident smile to disarmed her. "I mean, its just silly! You can't just blow up your problems away!"
"It's stress relieving," Luvia shrugged.
"Oh! That's wonderful!" Jane said with genuine cheerfulness. "But regardless please stand down and don't blow up my partner." She beamed earnestly.
It may have defrosted the dark chatelaine's heart as she disarmed the launcher and placed it into the case, she muttered quietly to herself that it was an empty magazine.
"But I want you all to go to sleep." She demanded in a hiss, face furrowed, Green eyes flaring again.
"Now." She said strongly with emphasis while maintaining her stoic composure.
The smiling leader nodded before her lips form an 'o' as she remembered something.
"Okay, but only if Theresa gets the last turn!"
Theresa looked at Luvia expectantly, once again melting the heart.
"OK, fine," She settled back into her bed, facing way and playing around her scroll again. "But after that, Get. To . Bed."
"Tch, typical D.D.D employer girl, always quick to light a fuse." Olga finally gotten down and snarled as she sat on the bed.
"What?" Luvia quickly got up and pulled a metal box out of her dresser, unlocked it and pulled out an oval metallic casing filled with dust, her thumb slid next to the trigger on top. She made a stance readying to throw.
"This is real."
"Yeah, yeah, I see your Dust grenade. Just because ya rack up tons of Lien a day does not mean ya can blow up the school that took us in as guest."
Olga waved her off, not impressed, She was more angered than afraid of being blown up.
Luvia thought about for a moment and quickly put her bomb away and settled back to bed. Aside from the broken moon, the glow of the scroll was the only thing illuminating her side of the room.
"I guess our friend is still upset that she didn't get her 'big, juicy, steak' that she ordered for dinner." Jane sat next to Olga as Theresa got up to prepare her tale.
"Did someone mention meat?!" Those sacred words quickly got Luvia to spring to life from her bed, stoic face still worn, a stream of shiny saliva dripping from her lip.
Jane gave hearty chuckled to herself, the disbelieving Faunus shook her head and yelled.
"Ya wish! Ya Carnivore!"
Luvia frown, breaking her hungry, vigor, demeanor. After heaving a heart breaking groan, She once again settled back to bed, perhaps for the final time until morning. Her eyes glued back to the scroll.
Olga huffed at the sight. "Ya know, she should acquire a book once in a while instead viewing that brain-dead contraption. Relish literature for once, ya philistine ~aristocrat!"
Cough
Theresa cough as she stood in front of the girls awaiting in on the bed.
"Go on Theresa dear." Olga cheerfully gave a thumps up.
"Yay! The best story for last! " Jane clapped excitingly.
The little pink-eyed girl adjusted her green nightcap.
"Well…once a upon a time,"
Only the illumination of the broken moon shining through the large window prevented the dorm room from being completely pitch dark. Of course, save for the light of Luvia's scroll.
In the bed adjacent to hers was a peacefully sleeping Theresa, with the coveted gold crown snugged on her nightcap. The two girls next to her weren't so lucky in finding the sandman.
"Holy dust!" Olga gasped, eying the little girl next to her. She shivered and pulled up her bed sheets. She could not fathom how Theresa could come up with a scary story like that, what kind experiences did she had to draw from?!
Jane could only stare in awe at the ceiling with her bright green eyes.
Olga turn to Jane. "Janey, I cannot go to sleep!" She took a big nervous gulp. "When we head back to Brier Manor tomorrow lets agree to make Theresa de facto spooky queen!"
Jane turn to her with a smile. "I am sorry, I was not paying attention, what was it you were talking about earlier Olga?"
Her partner shook her head. "Never mind, so anyway, is your head in the clouds? Did something happen while I was away?" She asked, brushing hair and dusting off her wolf ears.
Jane nodded. "Oh yes, I made a new friend today, her name is Ruby Rose."
Olga glance back and thought about it for a moment. "Oh! The prodigy child, I heard she is only 15, must be an awesome huntress."She rested her cheek against the palm of her hand.
"Of course, not as awesome as me!" Pointing at herself while letting out an boastful, hearty laugh.
The green eye girl went back to look at the ceiling and wondered. "A Prodigy?"
Meanwhile Luvia was still on her scroll.
At top of Beacon Tower, Headmaster Ozpin drew in deep from the fresh brewed coffee. The chair was facing away from the desk and into the large window overlooking the academy. It was in anticipation as drew in more from his cup; it was late in night. He sighed, his mind meanwhile preoccupied with thoughts while he waited; thoughts about a woman.
"Speak of the devil," He said to himself.
Before he could take another sip his scroll rumbled alive with a message. A blank avatar showed up with a name under it: Qrow.
The Queen will try to sent infiltrators in the coming weeks. Get ready; she may arrive as a result.
The headmaster did not respond but instead continued to look out into the starry night sky.
In the seedy industrial side of Vale, rows of warehouses line up the beaten shipping hub. Late into the night in a particular warehouse which showed nothing to be stood out was busy with illicit activity.
White Fang members drove forklifts back, and forth; unloading cargo from Bullheads and into storage facilities. Shipments of dust were beginning stacked up around the warehouse from an operation that only just started.
Among the dozens of the members busy with the venture, one lone member preoccupied with checking off categories of dust manage to bump into an unpleasant man.
"Hey! Watch it!"
Before the Faunus could respond the bottom tip of a cane punched his throat causing him topple into the ground.
"A bit of advice mongrel, look both ways next time." Torchwick dig his cane on the gasping White Fang member's shoulder; Putting pressure on it.
"If there is a next time. " He continued to walk with company like nothing had happen.
After a short walk, he stopped in the middle of the warehouse, and observe the busy body of the operation with grandeur. If there was something to say about him; he liked plans.
"Busy, busy, these past week. Wouldn't you say? Ugh…Neo! Was it?"
"…" The pink and brown hair girl said nothing but smirk and tilt her head at him.
"One of these days I'm going to get you to talk." He tapped his derby hat. "Ah, well, yes, anyway at least these animals are good for something, shame I can't say the same thing about the new kids."
He sparked a cigar as Torchwick went on to direct traffic: If there was another thing about him he hated inefficiency.
On the top level platform over looking the whole scene, the ever charismatic Mercury carried out a large metal case into the planning area and laid it out on a bare wooden table.
"Our welcoming gift is here." He called out. Clicking the case open it revealed its contents; a trio of pressed Haven uniforms. "Heh, swanky!"
Emerald was next to hear his call, she pulled out a female school uniform. "I can't believe we have to wear these." She winced.
"Her Highness wouldn't be so please to deter such a nice disguise, besides I know you would look good in it." He winked while she gave him a look of disgust.
"Then why don't you wear this little number?" She shoved the uniform into his chest; he let out a grunt.
Mercury smirked. "You'll know I would look good in this." He unfolded the female uniform in front of him, waggling his eye brows suggestively.
Emerald shook her head. "Please spare me the nightmarish thought Mercury."
"Now, now, No inter-fighting." A voice called out behind them.
Mercury shrugged and nodded as Emerald walked away towards the sinister looming figure observing intensely at the map of Vale with many planning stages pinned on to the board.
"Cinder? Something wrong?" Emerald asked.
The sinister woman did not look away, instead focus on a slanted, yellow note on the board reading: Wicked Queen, in red.
A triumphant smirk grew on her face, her amber eyes flared heat.
"Oh, its nothing really. Just eager to meet an old friend…Whom I parted ways long ago."
Author's final notes: Basically why my other stories are in limbo is because I got uninspired and then stuff and life happen. I'm hoping by making this story I will be inspired again, so that will be the plan. Speaking of plans this story is more plan out than my other stories so hopefully it will be executed better. Chapter one is almost done and should be out within the week.
Regarding this prologue I hope you like my OC team, they're past will be explored further as the story goes on. Also I hope I got the main characters personalities down and they're not ooc. With that in mine read and review.