I do not own RWBY and do not profit by this work
The years at Beacon Academy came to pass and Team RWBY still held together. The four girls: Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang. Four girls...no, four women. Joined together as only close quarters and combat-could forge them. They were Rose, Schnee, Belladonna, and Xiao Long. four names to remember four names to trust
Four years at Beacon had put them through many trials and challenges, and like a true craft-person, tempered them into the best Huntress team Beacon had ever had. Even their most vocal critics had to agree-they had set records far beyond what would and could be expected of others. Combat evaluations, mission performances, and academic achievements they topped all of these fields .They had become the bar by which others were tested.
Graduation was finally upon them and yet again, they began yet another argument. The four of them could never seemed to decide anything without raised voices. This actually was to their advantage, as other people felt that they could not preform as a cohesive team, but proof being in the pudding, they always seemed to win. Even the professors were at a lost to explain it.
This being said, there was no doubt as to whom was the team leader, the slender red-tipped-brunette, Ruby Rose.
Ruby said in a voice that took on the commanding tone, as befitting her role as team leader , "Look, all l'm saying is it would make an impression that no one could ignore."
"It would change everything, something I'm not ready to do yet you dolt!" The team dust-master, Weiss Schnee, countered.
Ruby's reply was stern and quite directed "but you will in time, won't you? Why not now and be done with it? Make that break."
"Not a chance in grimm, " called out the blonde bomber, Yang, the team heavy hitter and close-in specialist sitting on the bed she shared with her partner. "It just not gonna happen, not now, not then, not ever!" Yang retorts.
Ruby bellowed "Wanna bet !" echoing in of the small area of the dorm room. Her force rattled the windows.
Blake looking up from her latest book, dark-covered with red cursive writing, "Sure its just that, do it that way the final one, the last bet..."
"Wait, what do you mean ?" both Weiss and Yang replied together.
Looking at them, Blake repeated, "Just make it our final last bet ..."
Four years ago-All Bets Off
A scrawny, little, sawed-off,combat-skirted, red runt walked across a courtyard, rubber-necking like a lost tourist. Looking up she stumbled over a luggage cart and almost created a near tragic event, even before her first class at the finest Huntsman academy in Remnant. The luggage bags tumbled scattered over the cobble stones
An over-privileged, highly-strung, self-centered, white pixie striding across the same courtyard in her elevated, pristine, white-heeled boots, was the victim of this near-tragic event.
Opening a case, the white pixie looked at the red-runt. She, dressed in white, took a bottle out to prove a point. No one noticed the broken seal. Super-refined Burn dust escaped the confines of the bottle through the broken seal.
The poor Red got a lecture from the proud White. The escaping dust formed a nearly invisible cloud. More lecture, more apologies and then a sneeze... wow, what a sneeze!
There was fire, smoke... I think, there was ice ... leaving both beings covered in soot.
The White, flustered, screamed - hoping the Red would just disappear and never darken her presence again.
The bottle flew, bounced and then rolled away coming to a stop at the feet of Black she picked it up
The tall, dark, slinky, mysterious, shadow walked over, returning a bottle of red burn dust.
The stranger had her say - both identifying and defaming the pixie at the same time. Then, like a shadow- Black faded away.
Dust it was, Dust it is, Dust it will be and yet, the marks are still visible on the cobble stones where the explosion occurred.
No one was truly injured, but emotions ran very high and all involved huffed off, going in their own directions
That was the first meeting of RWB , unofficial , but the first as you can see - never gonna happen,couldn't happen, wouldn't happen , shouldn't happen. Not a chance they would ever succeed. In fact, they prayed that they would never see each other again.
Tallest, loud, boisterous, lewd, rude, Yang joined them later. She tried to smooth over the rifts, but failed and failed...and failed. Such was the trial of Yellow.
Night fell on their first day, only the gods could fix this ... or could they? They could have at least help ed the new team . The warm brown smell of coffee drifted from the cup, a firm hand holding it . Tousled gray hair and thin brown eyes looking at a tablet making notes. Looking up at his ever -present second shadow ,Glynda Goodwitch , asks, " Are you sure you want this it's like ... Tossing four types of dust into a furnace and lighting the fuse ? " A gentle smile crosses his face.
A shudder passes through her , "He never smiles like that - never – ever . T o see him smile, is to see the mountains of Atlas shrug."
"I think Beacon will forge them together, stronger then ever."
"Provided that they team up " Glynda replied .
"I have no doubts . Have I failed before ? "
She smiles before answering, "Yes."
He took another sip from his cup.
Morning of the initiation , Ozpin and Glynda using their scrolls launched the students from Beacon Cliffs in to the Emerald Forest . A forest fire, some beowolfs, ursa, death stalkers, nevermores , a broken temple all of this was their first temper and Team RWBY was formed.
Now Ruby's yell , while not overly uncommon , drew their nearest neighbor and best friends to come running over to their room. Team JNPR : Jaune Arc ,Nora Valkyrie Pyrrha Nikos, Lie Ren . Friends from the first days , in fact , all eight them returned to the cliffs together after initiation .
For the last four years , these were the closest of friends and partners in many an outrageous events , including the most massive epic food fight that Beacon Academy has ever seen resulting in Yang being launched through the roof and the fracturing of the building wall .
They had gone way past knocking on each others' doors most times and as they piled into the dorm room hoping all was well. Seeing them in another great debate, Pyrrha picks up the general drift of a bet to settle a burning question . It was only 5 minutes later, that Pyrrha had a solution to their issue - a final challenge .
To solve it all , as each of them had excelled in a separate areas a field day would be held a RWBY Olympics. An event for each and a last event combined, a pentathlon of events marksmanship, stealth, fencing, hand to hand combat and cross-country running.
The pentathlon simulates the experience of a soldier behind enemy lines: he/she must fight with pistol and sword, escape, and run. Therefore, the modern pentathlon event comprises the five sport disciplines épée fencing, marksmanship, stealth evasion, hand to hand combat and cross-country running .
Jaune , team leader of JNPR , quickly said "OK , Team JNPR will judge and umpire. Each of you has a specialty and we have to set some ground rules. Especially the use of semblance, "ummmm..."
Pyrrha took over from there , recalling rules and regulations from other tournaments and contests . "I think that we shall use modified standard rules due to time and the size of our group.
First of all there, will be:
no groin-grabbing
no eye poking
no biting
Uniforms must be 'elegant' and 'proper'.
Opposing team must wear different-colored uniforms.
Fencers must:
salute one another and the referee at the beginning and end of the bout
leaving the piste (platform stage) is admitting defeat
In Shooting Event: there would be no smoking or scrolls
Each of you have a semblance that would lopside the event, so you will not be allow to use it during that event.
For the next 30 minutes, Pyrrha droned on. Finally, "The referee or a designated health-care professional shall perform the skin checks for communicable skin conditions..." A sigh of relief blasted from the other seven friends sitting in the dorm. " and that will be about it" she said.
Nora , not to be left out , remarks " and if anyone cheats I'll BREAK their legs!" The ensuing laughter left everyone holding their sides. Even poor Ren was caught with his mouth open and sounds of glee escaping from it.
The next few days were spent finishing final classes ; Team RWBY had long since had enough credits to graduate as licensed huntresses .
Ruby sitting in Headmaster Ozpin's office handed over a sheaf of papers requesting the use of the training room and the track for the Friday before the ceremonies.
"So Ruby , are you ready to become a licenced huntress ?"
She nodded at Headmaster Ozpin.
"You know, I never had doubts , but many did. So, what is this last page ? Is it what I think it is? Y ou want to make it official ? And you are so young? Are you sure?"
Ruby standing up looking her Headmaster in the eye , hands resting on the desk, "I have silver eyes."
A soft chuckle came from the Headmaster , nodding "Well , I guess that answers that question... " pressing the button on his desk calling in his assistant, Glynda Goodwitch .
"Professor Goodwitch, may I have your signature on this form?" asked Ruby.
Her normal stern look soften as she read it "Ms. Rose, Ruby, I would be most pleased to sign that."
The next couple of days passed and the two teams, with help from a couple of staff members, reset both the target range and dueling field. Since there was just the four of them competing, all five events could be done in one day. Graduation ceremonies were going to be on Saturday, so they set the RWBY Olympics for Friday. The four of them practiced as much as possible, but as in any school, if it is a secret, then others find out. Team RWBY was famous as a quick source of lien. At least two to three times a month, they wound up doing something that you bet on. In fact, there was still one big one left, but no one really thought it would pay off now, as graduation was less than a week away.
The day was upon them each wore their signature color red, white, black, and yellow.
The first event for the day would be Marksmanship. Pyrrha had Jaune be the judge. A simple target shot at 3 distances: 20m, 50m, and 150m.
First contestant up was Yang. Followed by Blake, Weiss, then Ruby.
An easy scoring system was set up: 4 points to the winner then 3 ,then 2 and 1 point to last place.
Yang started strong, hitting all her targets for a total score of 120. Blake scored 137, and Weiss scored 117. Now, odds were on the favorite:Ruby, anchored in scoring 149 points.
[With 5 Bulls-eye targets per page at each distance=1 target per distance 5 shots per target. Bull-eyes is worth 10 points. 5 bull-eyes (perfect score 10 points per bull-eye). Per page (perfect score on all 5 bull-eyes would add up to 50 points). 3 different distances. The perfect score would be 150.]
Ruby hugging Weiss as the final scores were announced. Giving her such a smile as to light up a city block, "You did just fine."
"But you did better."
Pyrrha called them together to begin the next event
The second event was to be the Stealth/Evasion and Lie Ren was to be the judge.
Taking it very seriously, he explained that they had to move through the field, to the woods, and then to the house- without being detected.
The stealth evasion event had Weiss lead off. Although a huntress, she was tagged just 12 minutes into the course as she was just making the house. Yang started second-only lasting 8 minutes before being spotted. Ruby lasting just a little better at 10 minutes, having tripped over a large tree root. Blake last to start, on the other could not use her semblance in this event, managed to make it to the end without being detected.
Bringing the scoring to Ruby 6 points, Weiss 4 points, Blake 7 points and Yang 3 points.
By now several students, having seen both teams RWBY and JNPR running about, figured out that another bet was happening decided to come over and watch . Within 20 minutes, there were some ninety students now watching. In with the crowd, were members of staff. Up in his office, swirling his ever present cup of coffee, "So Glynda, who is your money on?"
Looking over her shoulder, " Ozpin, you know better than that! Betting on students is strictly prohibited." As she placed another bet on Ruby, using her scroll.
Fencing, the next task, would be judged by Pyrrha. They would fight robots to make the contest fair for each of the girls.
Blake, starting this event, with a respectable score of 12 points. Yang scoring 10 points. Weiss score a perfect 15 points, but that was expected. What was unexpected, was Ruby scoring 14 points, having been tutored by her loving girlfriend, so she could handle Myrtenaster.
Weiss swept Ruby in a hug " You did a good job my dolt. "
Professor Port entering the Headmasters office, with a look of worry on his face, "Ozpin, do you know what is occurring in the sparring ring...?"
"Yes, Peter, I know and believe it or not they actually asked first." Ozpin said "Team RWBY is deciding their future"
" I see... so who do you in the 4th event " asked Peter of Ozpin.
Glynda working through her scroll, making minute adjustments to final grades. It seems Ruby did learn something after all.
The fourth event would be the Hand-to-Hand combat and would be judged by Nora. By now, the crowds had swelled and the Sparring Ring was full with well over 200 students and staff. Some student had boarbatusk-back on the school network and was sending it academy-wide.
Ruby was first up, but she was not expected to do well. Her close quarters combat unarmed was never good, due to her smaller size. Unknown to the rest of the team, she had been taking lesson with Glynda, either before after leadership class. Her score of 7 point was very good. Weiss, second up, did not fare well, after a clout to the head, leaving her a score of 5 points. Blake managed 8 points. The team close-in specialist,Yang, without even being able to use semblance, scored 12 points.
Scoring so far is: Ruby 11 points, Weiss 9 points, Blake 12 points, Yang 8 points.
SO VERY CLOSE...SO VERY, VERY CLOSE
The final event, the run 3K across campus. Ruby would not be allowed to use her semblance seeing how speed was her very essence. Everyone would run at the same time. The members of Team JNPR would all serve as judges spacing themselves along the course... as they got ready to run, Glynda appeared, "I see you are are ready for the last event..Please be sure to return all equipment and grounds to their original configuration... "
All four of the Team members rallied at the start point. Yang and Blake both in variations of their normal wear. Yellow shorts and a black sports bra top emblazoned with a yellow burning heart worn by Yang with yellow trainer. Blake had on black shorts, a purple top with her flower on the back and black cross trainers. Weiss in a pair of powder blue shorts, white sleeveless top with the Schnee snowflake on the back, she had on white high-tops. Ruby appeared in a red track suit, shrugging off the top she wore, a red and black basque, peeling off her pants she had red shorts, she did not have her normal tights or stockings. Almost no one had seen her with out them in four years numerous scars crisscrossed her legs, but the surprise was the massive appearance of her legs like strong steel cable under the skin
Yang just stared at them, the rest of the team was speechless. Weiss asked Ruby, " Ruby, have you always had those?"
"Well, I usually keep them covered, sweetie, so sorry," Ruby replies weakly head down. Weiss put her finger to her lips lifting her head a placing a kiss on her lips.
Pyrrha call them together and give them the last instructions. Lined up she gave them their start. The first kilometer was fairly even, then Ruby just pulled away, leaving the other three to battle over last place. Blake began to lead them, knowing even second would let her win the bet. The numbers were on her side. With a little over 300 meters to the finish, a humongous roar and cheer was heard. Ruby had finished the course. Blake and Weiss were about 25 meter apart and Weiss was starting to flag. Looking ahead she saw it, Ruby's training was paying off or it would; drawing in a deep breath, she uttered a soft tweet much like the princesses in all the Damsels-in-Distress fairy tales. Awaiting her handsome prince to save her, but she would do the saving. From the tree burst a small ruby red house finch, directly in front of Blake. Just like a red laser dot, she pounced. The poor thing never knew what hit him, Weiss took the opportunity raced away. Blake realized her error and attempted to catch up, just missing by 2 seconds leaving her 3rd place.
The Final score was:
Ruby 15 points, Weiss 12 points, Blake 14 points and Yang 10 points.
Ruby Won! Ruby had won the final bet
Ruby, flat on her back resting, thinking Blake had it in the bag, was suddenly pounced by a white pixie buried under by soft kisses
Blake and Yang walked up and sat with them .it was done Dust it was, Dust it is, Dust it will be, leaning in they all hugged
Headmaster Ozpin standing on the stage with Professors Goodwitch, Port, Oobleck, and Peach. Awarding the diplomas and licenses to the newly graduated Hunters and Huntresses of Beacon Academy.
Having finished that duty, he looks over the crowd of well wisher, "Now, I have a few special awards and announcements. First, I would like General Ironwood to join me; And good luck."
Ironwood, raising from his seat as an honored guest, came forward, taking his place at the podium, "Thank you Headmaster. Well, congratulations to all of you new hunters and huntresses. In the course of life, there comes a time when every Hunter faces their own mortality and either lives or dies with it . Some rise above it and make a supreme sacrifice, we have with us one of those today. Would Cardin Winchester please come forward? " The tall new hunter steps up keeping a calm face "You are being awarded the Bronze and Silver Lifesaving medals for actions on your mission." Cardin beams as he is being praised. "Your efforts in saving the lives of your team, the co-pilot of your Bullhead and your assigned Team medic Velvet Scarlatina, after you craft collided with not one, not two, but with three nevermores."
Ironwood pins the medals in place on Cardin's chest, The rest of team CRDL had joined them on stage as well as Velvet Scarlatina from Team CFVY the reason beyond the knowledge of most of those assembled. What was seen by the crowd was each member of Team CDRL (Team Cardinal): Russel Thrush, Dove Bronzewing, Sky Lark, wearing a new piece of jewelry - a small redbird on a chain.
After the medals where awarded to Cardin, he thanked the General. Turned, walked to Velvet, bowing to her, he opened a small box. The other three members moved behind Velvet smiling. Taking a fine chain from the box, placing it about her neck. In the center of the chain was a red bird. The same redbird that each member of Team CRDL wore. Team CRDL let out a cheer that resounded throughout the room.
Team CRDL joined hands with her in the center bowing their heads to hers. Her ears seemed as perky as they had ever been. Was this acceptance...? As one they then left the stage, looks from everyone range from shock to disgust to exhilaration. Velvet not having talked to her teammates, turned to see they are happy for her, but in a bit of shock.
Ozpin, having retaken the podium, looking over what had just transpired said, "Well... that was a thing." Smiling, a soft chuckle is heard. "and to our last announcement, as you know four years have passed and many of you have found that you have met partners, teammates, friends and those you have come to love and yes even lovers," his eyes looked over the crowd. "and to that end, I have been asked to offer you an invitation to the wedding of Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long..."
waiting for the effect to hit the assembled audience "... to their respective partners Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna to take place tomorrow at 12 at here in this hall."
The silence was deafening, but the boom that followed was one for the record books. Yells, Howls, Screams ,Hollers were heard all about along with comments of " I knew it ", "wow" ,"so that is why she is Ice", "had to happen", "as if ", along with a large number of "PAY UP!".
"Did he really just say it like that?" Weiss said face-palming herself.
"Ozpin!" screamed Blake.
Yang grabbed her-sides, belting out a gut busting laugh, and poor Ruby eyes wide, the silver reflecting the shock and turning redder than her cloak when it was new.
Taking control once more, "Oh, I have one more thing to say...Class Dismissed." Ozpin turned cup in hand, using his cane, he exited stage left.
The Team was inundated by well wishers, friends and colleagues to the point were Weiss began to feel overwhelmed, her aura flared and the temperature dropped and Yang' went up
Just as quickly, there were hands beginning to help them to move away. They soon found themselves in an empty classroom. Their rescuers Team JNPR and Team CRDL, most surprising to them, Team RWBY, as they did not have the best relationship with them.
"Are you okay, Yang ?"Cardin asked.
Team RWBY stared at him like he had grown a third head,"You really know how to make a lasting impression."
Blake, the first to recover, "What just happened?"
Nora replied, "You broke graduation."
Weiss was shivering, her nerves stretched so much so fast. Ruby taking her into a hug just holding her.
Moments later there was a soft knock. Sky knocked back. Another knock and Sky opened it. Team CFVY poured into the the classroom quickly closing the door.
Velvet spoke first, "Are they OK, Cardy?"
"Yes, Velves, they are fine."
Ruby completed the thoughts that everyone else had, "What? Who? How? When? Where did this happen?" pointing between former bully and victim.
"Are you together, together?" asked the ever hyper Nora.
"No," they both replied excitedly.
"but we are no longer enemies," said Velvet.
"Really, Vel?"
"Yes, Ruby "
"Well, I guess that means," Ruby talking as she turns to Cardin...extending her hand to him. With a smile he took and and thus sealed the deal.