New Members of the Team? Job Opportunities!

In the time it took for Gallantmon to revert to a more manageable size and make his way inside, the egg in Weiss' hands hatched to reveal a tiny blob, no larger than the one in Yangs hands. It was covered in soft, powder-blue fur, with small brown eyes and a pair of rounded ears either side of its head. While the digimon in Yang's hands had quickly gone from fear of her to utter terror at Gallantmon's appearance, the one Weiss held completely ignored the knight, and stared steadily at her, unblinking.

"Um… what is going on?" Blake asked. She wore an appropriately expression of shock and surprise on her face.

Gallantmon bowed his head, "I apologize for my sudden intrusion, children. I heard a scream and rushed to provide aid as quick as I could. I will admit though, I most certainly did not expect to find this."

The little digimon in Yangs hands pressed itself tight against her chest, and trembled violently while never taking its eyes of Gallantmon. She was careful as she held it, and gently rubbed a finger back and forth over its head in a comforting gesture. At the same time, she whispered softly to it saying "It's okay. I've got you. No one's gonna hurt you." over and over.

This was, at the very least, enough to ease its tremblings. Once she was satisfied the little critter was no longer in danger of a panic attack, she looked up at Gallantmon and asked, "Friends of yours?"

"I am a friend to all living things." Gallantmon said, "But no, I am not friends with these infants on a personal level. More than likely, their eggs were dragged through the rift during my scuffle with Chaosdramon. They seem to have taken quite a liking to you."

At this point, the digimon had begun nuzzling against Yang's chest with its eyes closed in contentment. The one Weiss held had sunken into her hands and fallen into a restful slumber.

"Oh. My. God. That is so cute!" she bounced in place on her heels, until the digimon's eye shot open and glared at her, making her stop. "Oh, oops. Sorry."

It grumbled softly and fell back asleep. Yang and Weiss glanced at one another and looked at Gallantmon. "So they're just babies?" asked Yang.

The knight knelt on one knee, keeping his distance but never taking his eyes off the tiny digimon, "Quite so. Though you see, the life-cycle of a digimon is quite complicated-"

The door clicked open, and Glynda stepped inside, tablet in hand and eyes narrowed. "But that is a tale for another time!" Gallantmon said quickly and shot to his feet, where his head left a new hole in the ceiling. Yang and her teammates flinched and took several steps back, giving Glynda a clear path towards the Royal Knight. Her digimon cowered into Yangs hands, while Weiss's once more grumbled in annoyance at having its nap disturbed.

Glynda closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. After adjusting her glasses, she looked at the hole in the wall and said, "We'll add this to your community service as well, Gallantmon. I hope it was worth it."

Gallantmon gestured at the members of RWBY, "I cannot ignore a cry for help, Lady Goodwitch, no matter how small insignificant it may be. And as you can see, this is a situation in which my expertise would most definitely be required."

Glynda seemed to finally take note of the two digimon in her students' hands. Yang unconsciously held the digimon a little closer to her, and put herself between it and Glynda. There was a flicker of surprise on her face that was quickly replaced with firm determination. She turned her gaze back on Gallantmon and thrust her riding crop at him. "Are those things dangerous? What are they doing in the dorms?"

With careful calmness, Gallantmon pushed the crop away from him even as he spoke in equally calm tones. "They are infants, Lady Goodwitch. The most danger your students may suffer from is an over-abundance of love and affection. As for how they arrived, as I was explaining to your students, I believe they fell through the rift along with Chaosdramon and I as eggs. Feeling benevolent life nearby, they may have deemed it safe to hatch."

His words seemed to ease some of the tension from Glynda, and her expression returned to its standard neutral position. She pushed her glasses back into place with her thumb and forefinger as she said, "Very well. I'll ask that the four of you accompany me. Ozpin must be informed of this and we must decide on the proper course of action in relation to these… infants."

At her words, the dorms were filled with the sounds of yet another scream. No sooner did it sound, was another knight shaped hole formed leading into the hallway, accompanied by the booming footsteps of Gallantmon sprinting off towards the source. Glynda's brow twitched and she turned her gaze back on RWBY.

Without a word, she pointed towards the hall with her riding crop. All three girls were more than smart enough to understand her meaning, and rushed out and down the hall as quick as their legs could carry them.

Several minutes later, Glynda managed to get a hold of the situation and herded everyone involved in the dorm room incidents to Ozpin's office. Nora and Ren joined them, leaving behind the other half of their team to compare notes with Blake. Per Glynda's orders, they were to wait in the lobby of Beacon tower until the situation was under wraps.

Yang was surprised when she saw that both Ren and Nora each carried a small pudgy digimon in their hands. Ren's was covered in purple-blue scales with bright yellow eyes and a set of small spikes jutting from the top and bottom of its body, both lined with yellow stripes. A bright yellow diamond rested in the center of its forehead; like Ren, it was eerily silent. Nora's a fuzzy tadpole-shaped creature with tiny underdeveloped front flippers and antennae, and large red eyes. It was restless, constantly moving in her hands, and making attempts to climb up her arm onto her shoulder, where it had declared its new temporary home until it inevitably grew bored and searched for a new one.

All seven students sat or stood in Ozpin's office atop Beacon Tower; Glynda seemed to have no interest in immediately reporting this new finding to Ironwood yet. Ozpin's office was massive and intricate, as though it had been built as a clock tower first, with the room itself simply an afterthought. His desk sat against a large set of panel glass windows that overlooked the whole of Beacon and beyond. In the background, Yang noted, she could hear a steady tick-tock of clockwork. Maybe it really was an office built into a clocktower, and not the other way around.

The more she 'learned' about Ozpin, the weirder he seemed in her eyes.

Once Glynda had finished bringing Ozpin up to speed, the headmaster sat silent, and stared at his students and the new arrivals. The soft light of his office made his glasses flash, so it was impossible for Yang to tell where he was looking exactly. She had to make a conscious effort to avoid squirming in her chair.

Finally, Ozpin turned to gaze directly at Gallantmon. "I had a feeling that we would see more of your kind eventually. But I certainly didn't expect them to arrive this soon, or to be so… young." there was an air of amusement in Ozpin's voice, and the edge of his mouth was turned up in a grin.

"I am as surprised as you are, headmaster." Gallantmon replied, bowing respectfully. "I apologize for this inconvenience."

"Hmm, apologize as much as you like Gallantmon, I'm afraid that will not make the problem go away." some of the humor left his words, though it was clear Ozpin was still more amused than anything else.

Gallantmon rose, and his eyes were narrowed in thought. "I have two potential solutions to this issue, headmaster. The first and most obvious, is to let me watch the infants. I can protect them and raise them well enough until I find a way to return to the Digital World. I do not, however, believe this is the best option."

Ozpin raised a brow, "Oh? And what would the best option be?"

Gallantmon gestured at the Yang and the others, "Allow your students to care for them, teach them."

There was an immediate outcry of surprise, outrage, and vehement agreement. Glynda silenced everyone with a flick of her crop against Ozpin's desk, and all students went quiet, along with the digimon. Yang's cowered in her arms and she tried not to glare at Glynda.

Goodwitch adjusted her glasses and said to Gallantmon, "I do not think it would be wise for my students to take up the responsibility of raising so many pets at once. They are busy enough as is, they do not need the added burden."

"They are not animals." Gallantmon said curtly. "They are infants. Children. If I understand correctly, human children take some time to grow and develop into functioning individuals, correct? Several years at least."

"Sometimes longer," Glynda grumbled.

Though she hadn't said anything specific, Yang had a feeling that Goodwitch had been referring specifically to team RWBY with that comment. Gallantmon ignored her tone and continued, "Digimon do not have that limitation. Our world is harsher and our makeup is different. It would take but a handful of days for the infants to mature into a more self sufficient form."

Yang looked down at the little ball of fuzz in her arms, and it looked up at her, cocking its head to one side. She smiled and scratched behind the little bumps on its forehead, which made it start purring fiercely.

Nora raised her hand. "Um, quick question." she said. "How are we supposed to take care of these adorable little guys? Are they like dogs, or…?"

"I believe that would be an excellent question to ask your new professor tomorrow," Ozpin said, before Gallantmon could answer.

All eyes turned to the headmaster, Glynda's in particular narrowing dangerously. "Sir, what are you talking about?"

He smiled at her, "I see Gallantmon's logic. In the future, we may see more creatures like Chaosdramon emerging from the Digital World. Like it or not, humanity has come into contact with a new, sapient species. Would it not be best for us to prepare ambassadors and potential protectors? After all, Gallantmon has a life of his own to live and can't possibly defend us forever."

Ozpin looked back at Gallantmon, "That was your intention, correct?"

The knight nodded, "Correct. I believe the best way to ensure peace between Remnant and the Digital World, is to let both worlds learn from one another. Though I would never force this upon your students or the infants, of course. The latter lack the capacity and understanding to make the choice right now, but it is something to consider in the future."

"Noted," Ozpin turned back to the students. "The Royal Knight has a point, students. We cannot force you to care for these digimon. If you decide you wish to though, it will be more responsibilities added on top of your current curriculum, and most certainly will not be easy. So, choose carefully."

It wasn't even a choice, as far as Yang was concerned. She stood up, still hugging the digimon, and declared, "You'll have to pull this little guy from my cold dead hands, sir. I'll do it."

Weiss rose next. "Me too. This is too important an opportunity to pass up, just because of a little extra work."

Ren rose silently and nodded. He softly added, "I agree with Weiss."

Nora was last to stand, still grinning, and held her digimon over her head where it giggled and wiggled excitedly, "Look at how cute she is! How could I say no!?"

Everyone else stared at her, and Yang asked the obvious question. "How do you know its a she?"

Nora grinned and tapped the side of her head, "Intuition!"

"Of course." Weiss sighed.

Ozpin clapped his hands together and smiled, "Excellent. Then, starting tomorrow, the four of you will begin tutelage under our guest. With Glynda providing aid of course."

He looked at Gallantmon, "Does this seem a fair arrangement?"

The knight glanced at Glynda in dread, only to find her face a mask as always. He turned his gaze back on Ozpin, and bowed, "I will endeavor to teach them all that I know. It is not the first time I have raised infants before. T'will certainly be a learning experience though, with humans added to the process."

"Then I would suggest you begin preparation. I'll talk with Ironwood and see that this is added to your assigned community service. To keep everyone a little more at ease."

"As you command, Headmaster," Gallantmon said as he rose.

Ozpin gestured with his free hand at Glynda without a word. She adjusted her glasses and made for the elevator door. "Follow me children." she ordered as she walked.

They did as ordered, with Yang pausing to look over her shoulder. Gallantmon looked at her with a kind expression in his eyes. "Wait for me at your quarters. I would accompany you immediately… But I don't think all of us would fit in the elevator."

Yang smirked, "It'd be a tight fit. Seeya, tincan."


It was surprising how much time had passed since the initial fight with Chaosdramon. By the time Yang and Weiss had made it back to their dorm, the hole in their wall had been patched. It would be another day or two until it was completely repaired, but for now it was sealed against the elements. Blake was laying in her bed reading, and had shown an actual, if limited, eagerness to hear what had occurred in Ozpin's office.

When they finished telling her, Blake looked skeptical. "No offense guys, but are you sure you want to do that? We're supposed to be on break right now."

"Nah, it'll be fine. I've helped raise one baby, I can handle another." Yang assured her, cuddling the digimon as she spoke.

Weiss added, "Its an important responsibility too. I am willing to put in the work."

Blake raised a brow, and Yang knowingly grinned at Weiss. She looked at them both defensively, "What? I'm telling the truth."

"Uh huh, right." Yang teased. "Cause the adorable fluffball you're cuddling did nothing to change your mind."

Though it was less outwardly affectionate than Yangs, Weiss's digimon had fallen into a content sleep in her arms, with its lips upturned in a smile. Weiss bristled and huffed, "I'm far more mature than that, Yang Xiao Long. As adorably soft and furry as this cutie might be, I'm also thinking in the long term for what this could mean for the future of the world."

The digimon yawned and snuggled deeper into her arms. Weiss stiffened and her face went red as she suppressed a high pitched squeal of delight. Yang snickered and Blake became exceptionally interested in her book.

Weiss huffed indignantly, "You two are ridiculous. I don't have to take this."

She whirled on her heel with her back to them and nearly screamed in surprise. Gallantmon was crouching in the doorway, wincing at the reaction from the girls, as they all jumped back in surprise. The digimon made mewling sounds of discomfort, but quickly fell back to sleep.

"Apologies." he whispered. "I did not mean to startle you."

Weiss held a hand to her chest as she steadied her breathing, and glared daggers at the knight. "Intent and action are two very different things."

"I am aware, and again, you have my apologies." he looked side to side and added, "May I come in?"

Yang sighed, "Yeah, sure."

Gallantmon walked through the door and rose to his full height, though he still had to hunch to fit properly. Once he was settled, he folded his arms and spoke in a firm tone. "I talked with Lady Goodwitch. She and I have agreed on a room and time for the four of you to meet with me tomorrow: room 3-B at 7:45 AM. Bring the infants and your equipment, including your scrolls."

Yang wrinkled her nose, but bit back a complaint. That was no earlier than classes had been during the semester, and she had willingly chosen to raise the digimon despite knowing the responsibilities it would entail. Besides, it would be something new and exciting, and she could always look forward to that.

"Is there anything else we should bring?" asked Weiss.

Gallantmon nodded. "Make sure to stop in the cafeteria. The infants are not hungry now, but their appetites will be quite ferocious when they awake. Meats and high protein food will be best at this early stage to sate their hunger. No liquids until they have evolved into a more advanced stage."

Yang glanced up at her bed, "Er, what about sleep? Should we worry about them getting hurt, make separate beds, or…?"

To her surprise, that made Gallantmon chuckle, "Infants of my species are significantly more durable than human infants, if what I have read is correct. Sharing your bed will be best for their comfort."

A quick look down at the shapeless blob in her arms made Yang realize the logic. The digimon didn't really have much of an internal structure, yet its shape remained consistent if basic. She still made a note to make a seperate sleeping area on the bed for it, just in case.

"Before I go," Gallantmon said, catching her attention again. She looked up at the knight, whose eyes had filled with that familiar kindness. It was, in his own strange way, the closest thing to a smile he could manage behind that helmet.

"The four of you impressed me today. Not just with your acceptance of this responsibility, but with your courage and ingenuity in battle against a foe who had seemingly outclassed you. I have read many things about the humans of this world. It warms my core to see them live up to those expectations."

Yang looked away and shrugged, "Ah, well. It was a fun fight."

Weiss nudged her in the side with an elbow and added, "We were happy to help, sir knight."

Gallantmon bowed to them both, and then rose. "I will see you both tomorrow, students. I will tell your classmates what I told you here. I look forward to tomorrow."


After Gallantmon had left his office, Ozpin had called Ironwood to inform him of what happened. While the general had been less than pleased to discover the arrival of yet more digimon, the idea of raising them alongside humans had eased his initial paranoia. Though he saw different potential in the idea than Ozpin did, they both agreed it was worth pursuing. That was good enough for the headmaster, and had kept their conversation headache free. A rarity those days.

Once that was complete, the headmaster of Beacon Academy had set out on his original task before Glynda interrupted him. He stepped into the elevator and inserted a key into a keyhole on the wall beneath the other buttons. Most assumed it was a maintenance panel, but in reality it was a hidden switch. The elevator doors closed silently, and it dropped down.

And down.

And down.

And down.

Beacon Tower on its own was a massive structure, but the secrets hidden beneath it were nearly as expansive. It took several minutes for the elevator to reach its destination. Its doors opened into a massive stone room, easily the size of an airship hangar and, and lit with eery pale light. Shadows were long and slanted at angles that constricted the corners. If one looked up, they couldn't see the ceiling.

Ozpin walked inside, silent save for the tap of the cane on the cobblestone floor. At the opposite end of the chamber, was the girl he had come to check on. She was housed in a large glass pod, hooked up to life support equipment that recorded her vitals. To his relief, they showed she was still alive, if only barely. Despite the battle between Gallantmon and Chaosdramon, her life support had been unaffected.

He walked up to the tube and gazed sadly at the young woman inside. She was average height, with a dark complexion and long straight hair the color of oak. She was dressed in medical cloth and the entire left side of her face was marred with scars. Her name was Amber Autumna, and it was Ozpin's fault that she was on life support.

He placed a hand on her pod and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry Amber, for doing this to you. If you ever do wake up... I-I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

A shudder wracked Ozpin's frame; pain, grief, or anger. Maybe it was all three, he wasn't sure. He took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes with his fingers, and sucked in a steadying breath. After exhaling, he put his glasses back on and looked up at Amber.

She was staring at him, wide awake.


A/N: Sorry for missing last weeks update. Life stuff had interrupted and kept me from posting anything. I'll try and post another full chapter next week, but its finals week, so don't be surprised if we get another short excerpt like last time. After that though, things should smooth out.

That aside, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you thought and feel free to leave questions and comments below. Until next Wednesday guys!