Hello again! A Silver Dolphin here. This chapter was brought to you by a caffeine induced high. That probably explains the title of this chapter. Anyway, thank you for sticking with me.
Note: Somehow, the latest revelations from RWBY canon found a way to kill off about a third of the plotline I'd planned for this Fanfic. The way things are going now, this fanfic would have been an AU by the time it gets to season two.
Thus, tweaking the plot to keep up with canon, this chapter may seem a bit disjointed. I feel like it's not the best it could be. Also, with very little dialogue to work with regarding team CFVY, they may seem a bit OOC. Forgive me.
Disclaimer: I hereby declare that I do not own RWBY. It is owned by Rooster Teeth Productions, LLC. I can however, declare that I really want a RWBY playing card set. It is awesome. The only thing that I can declare about Kingsman: The Secret Service, is that it is an awesome movie and I sadly, do not own it.
Chapter 3: Every Tale Begins With Coffee
Jaune Arc was nervous. He'd made his decision and sought out the Kingsman Tailors. He was standing just outside of the shop, heart in his hand, and only one thing stood in his way...
The shop looked way too posh for a plebeian like him to enter.
He saw the price tag on that suit. Surely, if he saved up for a couple months, worked a part time job, and begged his parents for an advance on his allowance, he'd be able to afford to buy a button…
Maybe he'd go to the Brewster's just next door for a coffee first. A nice warm drink would instil some confidence in him. Yep. Coffee it is.
Seven lien poorer, but filled with determination, Jaune stepped through the door, sounding the welcoming chime. Unexpectedly, no attendant came to greet him. Instead, the chime drew the attention of the store's sole patron.
"So, you have chosen follow in your grandfather's footsteps." The patron claimed, sipping his coffee with a forlorn smile. "Roux Arc would have been proud."
That got Jaune's attention. The blonde turned towards the source of the voice.
The man gestured to the armchair opposite him, offering Jaune a seat.
"Do you know who I am?" He asked as Jaune took up his offer.
Jaune may not have been the most observant child, but he'd heard enough about Beacon academy (after hearing his sisters raving about it) to know the face of the man seating across from him.
"You're Professor Ozpin. The headmaster of Beacon academy...And apparently a Kingsman." Jaune replied with a little uncertainty.
"An astute observation." He commended, leaning back into his armchair.
The professor took a sip of his beverage, hiding his slowly growing smirk behind the coffee mug. And now, to mess with him. "Tell me, Jaune Arc. What is your favourite fairy tale?"
Jaune blinked. Wait…what?
"Could you repeat that?" The kid requested, certain that such an important man would never waste valuable time recounting old children's stories.
"You did not hear wrong." The man said, ever patient. Are you reading my mind?!
"Okay… Well, there's quite a lot that I like. The Story of the Seasons, The Shallow Sea…"
Ozpin leaned forward, his gaze squarely on him.
"What about 'The Tale of the Two Brothers'?" He questioned.
"Yeah, I remember that one. It's one of my favourites." Jaune returned.
"Indulge me for a moment."
"Err…alright."
Once there lived two brothers with unshakeable bonds.
One became a tailor, said to possess the fingers of Oum himself. The other was a talented designer, a trendsetter whose designs became legend.
Settling on the small island of Vytal, they opened a tailoring house.
With the tailor's dexterity and the designer's flair, they fashioned clothing unmatched throughout the four kingdoms. The two brothers could not be happier. But it things took a turn for the worst.
One day, the designer conceived a marvellous idea. It would be their greatest work. But just as they were to finish, the Great War began and the two brothers found themselves on opposite sides. Both were stricken with grief. Each begged the other to reconsider, but the effort was in vain.
The shop was closed and the work left unfinished.
In the final battle, on the isle of Vytal, both brothers picked up arms to defend their cause. As if destined by fate, they met on the battlefield. In their battle lust, both failed to recognize the other. The tailor struck down his brother.
As his mind unclouded, he realized what he'd done. As the designer laid dying, the tailor begged for forgiveness. With his last breathe, the designer spoke words of peace and forgave his brother.
When the war ended, humanity found itself in gravest danger. There were no Huntsmen to protect the cities and no soldiers to defend the walls. The Grimm threat had risen once more.
But not all hope was lost. The tailor returned to the shop, and to honour his brother, worked tirelessly to complete their work.
With blood, sweat and tears, the work was complete. The brothers had created Dust-Infused linen. It was stronger and lighter than any fabric before it. But above all, it allowed Huntsman to channel their own Aura into it, augmenting its strength a thousand fold.
Weaving as much linen as he could, the tailor gave the Huntsmen the edge they needed to drive back the Grimm.
But as the Grimm threat faded, Humanity became conceited. The kingdoms became corrupted, turning against each other. The tailor was demanded to weave his linen to equip the armies. Remembering his brother's words of peace, the tailor abandoned the shop and fled Vytal, disappearing with the secrets of creating dust-infused linen, never to be seen again.
"Undeniably, that is the Tale of the Two Brothers. But doesn't it seem incomplete to you? After all, most tales have a happier ending." Ozpin asked, hints of playfulness present in his tone.
"Well…Err. Yeah. I've always wondered about that. It doesn't seem like the kind of story you'd want to tell children." Jaune replied awkwardly.
"Hm. Quite true." He spoke, pausing to take a sip. "I suppose you're wondering why we're talking about this?"
"Yeah?" Jaune asked, dragging out the word, curiosity overwhelming.
"Many fairy tales are mere stories. Simply fiction. But some tales have grains of truth in them. These are the ones that stand the test of time, for history when forgotten, whether by intention or manipulation, is remembered in another way. Through stories."
Ozpin took another sip of coffee.
"The Tale of the Two Brothers is one such story. Now tell me, would you like to hear the rest of the tale?"
"Yeah, but could I have some of that coffee…please?"
Let it be said that Jaune Arc loved coffee, despite the fact that he only started drinking it a few days ago. After telling such a long story, his mouth was drier than one of Yang's puns.
"…No. "
"Why not?" Jaune asked, as he tried swallowing his saliva to combat the dryness. It didn't work.
"Now, moving on." Ozpin paused to take another sip, Jaune glaring at him all the while. "How do you suppose the Tailor escaped from the forces trying to capture him? After all, the army would have stopped him at the checkpoint when he tried to flee Vytal."
"Maybe he had help? From a friend?" Jaune wagered.
"Indeed." Ozpin complemented. "You see, the tailor and his brother were true masters of their crafts, standing at the pinnacle of fashion. That meant they had a very rich and powerful clientele. Receiving aid from one of them, the Tailor was able to make his escape."
"Okay, that's cool and all. But I still don't get what this story has to do with anything…"
"Perhaps the name of the shop we're standing in may suggest something?"
Jaune gasped.
"Allow me to fill in the gaps. They were called the Kingsman Brothers. With their skills and fame, the brothers clothed and played host to Remnant's most powerful and influential people.
The Great War had caused many of these aristocrats to lose their heirs. Without scions and successors, they found their wealth and influence would perish into obscurity.
After the Tailor had successfully escaped and found the time to settle down, he hosted a memorial service for his brother.
As the Designer was a friend to many of them, they gathered for his wake. At the funeral, the Tailor began his eulogy, speaking of his brother's desire to protect life and prevent war.
He spoke of how the Dust-infused linen was supposed to be used to safeguard life and not to end it.
Finding cause in the Tailor's words, they decided to channel their wealth and influence for the greater good.
Thus the Kingsman Agency was founded.
Based on the principles of chivalry, justice and parity, they created an autonomous intelligence agency, independent of the four kingdoms, dedicated to preserving peace and preventing conflict.
An organization with resources and influence unmatched by any of the four kingdoms.
Safeguarding Remnant, Humans and Faunus without the politics and bureaucracy that undermine the integrity of council-run combat schools, armed forces and Huntsman Academies.
The Kingsmen swear an oath to serve and protect humanity… and to guard it against any threat, whether it be the Grimm or humanity itself."
Leading a combat-heavy lifestyle meant that you had be able to wake up to the slightest provocation. Unfortunately for the blonde Kingsman, that meant that the second Yang rolled over, accidently elbowing his stomach, he was destined to wake up long before dawn. As he roused himself from sleep, one thought dominated his mind.
She was serious about using her as a blanket?!
Obviously, that thought was way off the mark. Yang was a flirt who simply moved a lot in her sleep. She also snored…loudly. Checking the time and deciding there was no point in getting back to sleep, Jaune elected to pursue the most prudent course of action.
Getting coffee… Well, after taking a shower and changing.
There were many factors that affected the taste of coffee. The freshness of the beans. The type of grinder used. The origin of the beans. The cleanness of the filter. Even the kind of water used.
Jaune knew exactly how he liked it. The beans had to be grinded within eight days of roasting. One-hundred percent Vacuo coffee beans. Grinded using a burr mill. All natural spring water and brewed at ninety-six degrees Celsius.
Brewing coffee was an art. One that took years of practice to master. While he was no master, many would be hard-pressed to compete with his blend. It was Ozpin-approved after all.
Waiting for the coffee to cool before drinking, Jaune sat down at a table by the window, idly observing the students slowly trickle into the cafeteria.
"Come on guys, we need to get the best seats to watch the initiation." A rabbit Faunus spoke in a rather cheerful tone. She walked with a bounce in her steps and urged her companions forward, already having secured a table for them.
"Ugh…Velvet. Do you know what time it is?" A girl wearing a black beret replied, looking like she'd much rather be in bed. Arriving at the table, she collapsed into her seat, head resting against the tabletop, betraying the cool impression her clothing conveyed.
Jaune idly dismissed the fact that she was wearing sunglasses indoors as a strange quirk. He'd seen much weirder things after all.
"The early bird does catches the worm, Coco." A tall, burly man countered, clearly amused by his teammates' banter. He moved towards the breakfast counter, grabbing a tray to collect his food.
"You've lived in a temple all your life Yatsuhashi. Getting up early must be like second nature to you." Coco responded sassily. "But some of us prefer the comfort of a nice, warm bed. A girl needs her beauty sleep you know?"
The three were accompanied by a silent companion. He walked in step with the rest of them, but he looked rather tired. Maybe he didn't have enough sleep either. But just as he sat down next to the fashionista…
"Fox, get me a coffee." The beret wearer requested, lazily waving an arm. "and none of that instant stuff."
He sighed before moving towards the beverage counter.
Jaune smiled. It was rare to see a Faunus interacting so comfortably with humans. Especially since she was a rabbit Faunus, who were said to be timid by nature.
"Thanks, Fox." She said, yawning.
Recovering from her slouched position, Coco sat upright and breathed in the aroma of the divine beverage before her. Taking a sip, any fatigue she felt vanished and her senses sharpened rapidly. Fully awakened, she took a minute to take in her surroundings.
As her eyes fell upon the only blonde in the cafeteria, she reacted like no one expected.
The trendiest second year student gasped, involuntarily choking on her espresso and spilling it all over Yatsuhashi's rice and tofu.
"Coco?" Velvet asked, ever the concerned teammate. "Are you alright?"
Fox stood up and moved to pat his friend on the back, making sure she could breathe properly.
Yatsuhashi simply stared vacantly at his espresso stained rice and his coffee flavored tofu. He silently lamented the fact that he was only allowed one helping of food. He soldiered on regardless, swallowing what he could, manly tears threatening to fall.
"L-Look…" The fashionista said, pointing her quivering index finger towards the well-dressed blonde.
"Okay?" Velvet consented, turning to face Jaune. The rest of her team followed suit. "I don't get it?"
"Don't you realize it?! That's a Kingsman-"
Jaune promptly spit out his coffee. What! How the hell-
"Suit." Oh thank Oum.
"I don't see the point?" Velvet questioned, her face showing a puzzled expression.
Coco scoffed before remembering she was the only one on her team that paid attention to fashion trends. Despite her protest, Yatsuhashi practically wore the monk robes for everything, unless he was forced to don the school uniform. She shuddered remembering how last year's prom went. She didn't want to know what he was doing with a bonsai tree.
Purging the thought of the monk attending a formal dance, Coco introduced her team to the realm of fashion trends. Jaune listened in as well.
"The Kingsman Tailors are Remnant's most exclusive couturiers. They take customers by referral only. Their outfits have the highest standards of sartorial elegance I've ever seen." Coco explained. "I've been trying to get an outfit tailored for months! Months!" She stressed. "I need to talk to him."
She vacated the table hastily, making a beeline straight to Jaune. Her team had never seen Coco act like this. They knew she loved fashion like no other. And that she could spend literal hours staring at a dress she liked…and that she dragged the team on shopping trips regularly…actually it was quite a normal day for team CFVY.
Deciding it was in their best interests to accompany her, they grabbed their trays and headed over.
"Hey. Love the outfit. Name's Coco Adel." She introduced herself confidently.
"Thanks. It's a pleasure." He put his hand forth, going for a handshake. "Jaune Arc, and your companions are?" He replied, as suavely as he could manage.
"Velvet Scarlatina." The rabbit Faunus said sweetly.
"Daichi, Yatsuhashi." The man stated impassively.
"…"
"…He's Fox Alistair. He doesn't talk much. We're team CVFY, by the way." Velvet explained, slightly awkwardly.
Ozpin has a great naming sense.
"Do you mind if we sit with you?" Coco requested.
"Not at all." All I wanted was to quietly enjoy some coffee…
The team settled at their new table and resumed their breakfast.
"So," Coco asked, getting his attention. "How'd you manage to get a Kingsman suit made for you? Their waiting list goes on for months!"
"Attribute it to successful networking." He teased. Kinda hard not to own one when they decided to burn all my regular clothes. Come on! Was my fashion sense that bad? Oh. Onesie. Right…
"I don't suppose you'd be willing to hook me up?" She asked.
Jaune put on a complicated expression. He wasn't unwilling per se, but he hardly knew her and he didn't want to trouble the tailors. "Well, it'd be rather-"
Let it be said that Coco Adel was a willful woman.
She grabbed his collar.
"Please. I'm desperate." She pleaded, sunglasses sliding off her face, revealing imploring yet somehow commanding cocoa colored eyes. "I'd owe you one."
Damn his weakness to puppy eyes.
"…I'll see what I can do." He relented. I suppose a favor isn't too bad.
"Perfect! I'll see you around kid. Come on, team." She declared, leaving the table stylishly, her team following suit.
Jaune sat still, contemplating. What just happened?
The school chime sounded.
"Attention all first-year inductees," Glynda's voice was heard over the PA system. "The initiation ceremony will begin in two hours' time. Prepare your equipment and proceed to the Beacon Cliffs. Directions have been sent to your scrolls. Failure to arrive on time will have severe consequences."
Jaune sighed and took a sip of his coffee. He grimaced. The coffee was ice cold. Seems like he'd have make a fresh pot.
Victory incarnate. That's what they called her. When she first arrived at Beacon and saw the looks of reverence the students gave her, one emotion ruled her world.
Melancholy.
She didn't want this. Beacon was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to get away from titles and pedestals. But it seemed the fame of the Invincible Girl had even reached Beacon.
"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." The heiress complimented.
"Hmm... I'm not quite sure. I was planning on letting the chips fall where they may." The Spartan responded evenly, retrieving her weapons from her locker. It doesn't really matter anyway…
"I was thinking maybe we could be on a team together." Weiss proposed confidently.
"Well, that sounds grand!" Pyrrha responded nonchalantly, a professional smile adorning her face.
"Great!" The heiress happily responded, her plans coming to fruition. We would be the perfect combination of brains and brawn! Together we'd be nigh unstoppable. Winning spars, acing tests. I can see it now!
As Weiss was lost in her own internal monologue, Pyrrha returned to preparing Miló and Akoúo̱ for combat when she noticed something. A familiar scent had entered the locker room. It was a unique scent, one she'd never thought she'd find again. It couldn't be…
The Spartan scrambled to find the source of the smell.
"Pyrrha?" Weiss called after her. "Where are you going?" She followed suit.
"Hello again!" Pyrrha rejoiced, approaching a smartly dressed blonde at a near running pace.
"Hmm? Oh," He replied jovially. "If it isn't my best customer. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Pyrrha?" Weiss called. "Who is this-"
Her train of thoughts derailed when she realized it was the scraggly blonde from yesterday.
"You again?" The heiress stated irritably.
"This is Jaune. He's my (only) friend. Made the best coffee I ever drank back in Mistral." Pyrrha introduced ecstatically. "I never a thought a barista would have the fighting prowess to make it into Beacon!"
"Well, life's full of surprises. Care for a cup?" He replied, gesturing to his tumbler.
Pyrrha had tried making friends. She found fans. She tried forming meaningful bonds. But no one saw her for who she was. They saw her for what she was. Victory Incarnate. The Invincible Girl. So when she first stepped into the café and the bartender treated her as if she were just another face, she did all in her power to keep it that way. She made sure never to mention her name or anything that could out her.
The café became her sanctuary. Her bastion of normality. Ironically enough, the café doubled as a safe house. If she'd ever looked behind the counter she would have found much more than just plates and cups. Luckily for her sanity, she was content just lounging around, drinking coffee and chatting with the friendly bartender.
"What'd do you mean you'd never thought you'd see her here!" Weiss asserted. "Don't you realize who you're talking to?" Oh no.
"She's Pyrrha Nikos! Reigning regional Mistral champ-" Weiss's mouth was rapidly shut by the red-haired gladiator's palm.
"I'd love a cup!" She continued, ignoring Weiss's continued murmuring and attempts to free herself.
"Wait. Your name is Pyrrha Nikos?" Why Weiss! Why! Now he knows everything!
She dejectedly awaited the response she received from everyone else at Beacon.
Relentless fangirling.
Here it comes…
"You mean you told her," he stated accusingly, pointing to Weiss. "Your name, the day you met her, but didn't tell me for months? I'm hurt." He finished, hand held mockingly over his chest.
What? Huh?
"Well. Er. You know…Er." The red-hair fighter, caught unprepared, turned into a stuttering mess.
"Relax, Pyrrha. I've known your name since the first time I met you." The blonde chuckled. "I'd recognize my favorite cereal's mascot any day."
Pyrrha dropped her hand from Weiss's face, earning an indigent "Hey!". So he does know… Wait, he does know!
"Heh. Don't expect me to go all googly-eyed over your status."
His words inspired hope in her heart.
"If life's taught me anything, it's to never judge a book by its cover."
Screw the Schnee, she'd found her partner.
"For years, you have trained to become Huntsman and Huntresses," The Wizard of Beacon began his speech. "and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
He paused to take a sip, letting the students hang on his every word.
"Traditionally, you would be launched hundreds of feet into the air via the launch pads you are standing on right now. This is meant as a test of your ability to adapt and think on your feet, for a Huntsman must always be prepared for any possibility."
He stopped to take a sip, letting fear run rampant throughout the Hunters-in-training. I love my job.
"But on this day a year ago, the Vacuo Academy for the Gifted was lost to the Grimm. In honour of our fallen comrades, I have decided to use their rite of passage in place of our own initiation this year."
"Ahem." The Witch of Beacon cleared her throat, gaining undivided attention. "The Vacuo Academy has conventionally required candidates to survive a night in Grimm-plagued wastelands. Likewise, to gain entry into Beacon, you must endure a night in the Emerald Forest."
The general sentiment of the crowd was full-on distress and anguish. Obviously, save for a few candidates, not one student was prepared for this.
"Additionally, an abandoned temple containing several relics will be found near the centre of the forest. You must obtain a relic, and guard it. Come sunrise, you will make your way back to the cliffs. Your performance will be monitored and graded throughout the duration of your initiation. Should you perform well, certain concessions may be awarded to your team."
"Ren? Why do you look so tired? You already slept a full eight hours! Ooh! Don't forget the…"
The person named Ren visibly slackened, looking as if he'd fall over if a light breeze hit him.
"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about the assignment of "teams." We will now put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today." The deputy continued.
"Oh God…" Ruby gulped, silver eyes widening with fear. "It's happening."
"That being said, after arriving in the Emerald Forest, the first person you make eye contact with will be your partner for the next four years." Glynda finished.
"Sis? Sis?" Ruby was broken. "Ruby!" Yang cried. "Stay with me!"
The headmaster continued the tirade. "Teamwork is paramount at Beacon Academy. Your team will be your foremost support during your time here. Thus, it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well with."
Pyrrha took not-so-subtle glances over at the blonde Kingsman. Weiss took not-so-subtle glances over at the Spartan. Jaune took not-so-subtle glances at the Headmaster's coffee.
"Are there any questions?" He queried.
No response was given.
"Good. Now take a position." He commanded.
An uncomfortable premonition of fear pervaded Jaune's senses. Ozpin had never mentioned how they'd arrive in the forest!
A scream was heard. The blonde turned to face the source.
Crap.
The launch pads had one final gambit to make. Instead of a silver coloured pad, he saw a hole in the ground. There were tunnels beneath the launch pads!
Jaune unfurled the Aegis, hoisted it upwards and prepared to fall. With a deadpan expression, he locked eyes with the Headmaster.
Ozpin's eyes teemed with mirth, while Jaune's eyes promised pain.
"Bon Voyage." He saluted, sipping his coffee.
So. We've started seeing glimpses of Jaune's past. He meets team CFVY and Coco owes him a favour. I wonder how that'll play out…
Ah. The wonders of coffee. Who would've guessed he'd met Pyrrha under the guise of a simple barista? Poor Weiss. So far she's gotten the short end of the stick from me. That'll change soon. Just give it time.
Also, I have an important question. What do you think the pairing should be for this Fanfic? While I have one in mind, at this point in the story, I'm open to suggestions. Leave a review or PM if you'd like to share your thoughts.
Anyway, what did you think of this chapter? Does it feel disjointed? How's the grammar? If you spot a mistake, just leave a review so I can correct the mistake.
A Silver Dolphin,
Signing out.
There's been a suspicious lack of Blake this chapter and I've been watching way too much anime lately. Thus, I give you:
Omake: A different source of inspiration
Adam Taurus was confused. His partner was certainly one of the best infiltrators the White Fang had to offer. So why was she wearing full body armour and carrying around two swords? What was with that strange headgear she was wearing? Was that his katana?
"Blake?" He asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Hai, Adam-dono." Blake responded stoically.
That was…different, but strangely familiar? Perhaps she was going through a rebellious phrase? She was still a teenage girl after all.
"What's with the armour? And the strange headband? Is that my katana?" He questioned.
"The armour is called the ō-yoroi. It will inspire courage into our comrades and strike fear into the hearts and minds of our enemies. The headband is my Hitai-ate. It represents my pride and fealty to the White Fang, Adam-dono." Blake unsheathed the blade, displaying its immaculate craftsmanship for all the world to see. "No. It is my blade. Forged by the greatest swordsmith, Muramasa-sama himself."
"You do realize we're going on an infiltration mission? We need to be covert and maintain stealth at all times." Adam stated.
"How dishonorable, Adam-dono." Blake shook her head from side to side, looking forlornly at him. Suddenly, she pumped her fist into the air. Sunlight descended upon Blake, giving her a celestial glow.
"We have no need to hide in the shadows. It is our divine destiny to gain equality for our race and unite all Faunus under our banner. The White Fang shall conquer."
Adam just stared at her. The expression on his face basically read: 'What the hell, Blake? Did you eat some rotten tuna or something?'
Ah. Right. Now he remembered why it seemed so familiar. She was wearing that outfit from the book series she seemed so into lately. What was it again? Err... Samurai Senpai or something?
Adam's musings were interrupted as Blake stood atop a platform and inspired the White Fang crusaders.
"What if we surrender? Will you be content with losing that way? Animals, they call us! Is that what our fate is meant to be? But this is how I see it: this battle is a chance of a lifetime. A chance to turn the tides. Do you really want to spend your entire lives praying for equality? We were born in order to thrive! To Prosper! If you're with me, come to the battlefield. Whoever is not, just stay wherever you are and watch me win!"
Adam stared, deadpanned, as Blake led the charge of crusaders towards the Dust Mine they were supposed to infiltrate. Her sword glistened in the sunlight, and Blake herself emitted a divine glow, as if blessed by Oum himself.
"Blake..?" He questioned uncertainly.
"Banzai!" She replied, with the volume of ten thousand voices, charging off into the sunset.