A few weeks had passed since Keaton and Ruby had their talk about leadership and became friends. Since then, Keaton had made certain to keep the rest of Team KAMP up to speed on how he was feeling, even forging a new bond with Pynque. Maizair, Alphonse, and Blake started meeting up every other day to help Keaton get more comfortable with talking about his feelings. A lot was happening for Keaton, and he had difficulty adjusting to this new way of behaving.
Classes had also been going well enough for them, arriving on time every day and helping each other with homework. They managed to get over how boring Port's classes were, as Alphonse was always taking notes in a sort of paranoia. Their first combat class with Professor Goodwitch was memorable, with a fight between Keaton and Blake that ended in a draw and a battle that took most of the class time between Maizair and Pyrrha that was mostly a series of well timed dodges. Classes with Professor Oobleck were entertaining enough, as Pynque was certainly enjoying the class well enough.
It was combat class again and everyone was watching Jaune fight against Cardin Winchester. Just as Cardin was about to finish Jaune, Professor Goodwitch stopped the match and informed the class that Jaune's aura was in the red. She then scolded Jaune for not paying attention to his aura, and then proceeded to talk about the upcoming Vytal Festival Tournament. This excited several students, including Maizair and Pynque.
"I can't believe that's comin' up! I'm so pumped!" Maizair smiled, punching the air.
Keaton shrugged. "I don't understand what the big deal is, but if you're that excited then it must be pretty huge."
Weiss overheard that statement and walked up with a smile. "The Vytal Festival is only the biggest thing to happen on Remnant. The four major academies also come together and hold a tournament to test their skills in battle. Personally, I'm looking forward to it."
Keaton took a deep breath. "Okay, you're clearly excited about it too."
"What's not to be excited about? There will be food, games, fights, and new friends to make!" Maizair said excitedly.
"Well..., I don't mind meeting others. That always seems fun." Alphonse added with a smile.
"It'll be great to make new friends! I hope I meet a lot of cool people!" Pynque nodded, wearing his usual grin.
"Ugh, okay I get it. Let's go eat, I'm starving after watching that fight." Keaton stood up and rubbed his stomach.
The rest of Team KAMP walked to the cafeteria with Team RWBY and Team JNPR and sat down to eat. Nora and Ren told a story about Ursai and Beowolves and how they made Lien selling rugs, which led to a conversation about Cardin and his team.
"Jaune? Are you okay?" Pyrrha asked, looking at Jaune with concern.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Why?" Jaune seemed distracted.
"It's just that you seem... not okay." Ruby said.
"Guys, I'm fine. Seriously, look!" Jaune said, clearly faking a smile.
They then looked over and saw Cardin and his team making fun of the rabbit faunus girl. They seemed to be surrounding her, which made Alphonse and Keaton a little angry.
"Jaune, Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school." Pyrrha pointed out.
"Uh, who? Cardin Winchester? Naw, he just likes to mess around, you know, practical jokes." Jaune brushed it off.
"He's a bully." Ruby said with a serious expression.
"Oh please, name one time he's 'bullied' me." Jaune said, giving air quotes.
Keaton sighed. "I can think of three, including the time he stuffed you in a locker and launched you."
"I didn't land far from the school." Jaune maintained his fake smile.
"Jaune, you know if you ever need help you can just ask." Pyrrha said.
"I'll help ya out dude!" Maizair added.
"Ooh! We'll break his legs!" Nora said with a big smile.
Pynque laughed loudly. "I like that! You have to do that!"
"Guys, really it's fine!" Jaune stood up. "Besides, it not like he's only a jerk to me. He's a jerk to everyone."
They then turned at the sound of the rabbit faunus calling out in pain, telling Cardin to stop. Keaton heard some of their remarks and got a little angrier.
"Atrocious. I can't stand people like him." Pyrrha said, sounding upset.
"He's not the only one." Blake shook her head.
"It must be hard being a faunus." Yang sighed.
Keaton nodded. "Yeah, it really sucks, all the racist comments and bullying. I tend to fly off the handle at stuff like that."
Jaune started walking away sighing, and Keaton caught Cardin's expression at this.
"Guys, I really think we should teach Cardin a lesson." Keaton looked ready to lash out.
Maizair shook his head. "He's not worth fighting man, we should worry about looking out for each other."
"Agreed." Ren nodded.
Pynque groaned. "But I want to break his legs..."
"Maybe it's best if we didn't go that far..." Alphonse sighed.
Keaton stood up to walk away, and his tail was suddenly grabbed. He turned around and saw that Cardin had his hand on it, and his eyes burned with anger and hatred.
"This is real too?" Cardin smirked, pulling the tail.
"God, what a freak!" One of Cardin's friends laughed.
Keaton was ready to go crazy on them, but Yang stood up and walked over to them.
"Hey! Let his tail go now!" Yang demanded, glaring at Cardin.
Keaton took a deep breath and looked at Yang. "I'll be fine, I can handle this from here."
At this, Yang nodded. "Okay, I'll trust you on this."
Keaton then used his semblance to appear next to the rest of Team KAMP. He gave Cardin a smirk and crossed his arms, while the rest of the team glared at Cardin.
"Heh, looks like you underestimated me Cardin. It isn't smart to do that." Keaton said, his voice calm and cool.
Cardin looked mad. "This isn't over you freak. I'll get you for that one day soon."
Cardin and his team left the cafeteria, talking among themselves in a hushed manner. Maizair gave Keaton a hard pat on the back, nearly throwing him forward.
"Good job man! I was kinda worried that ya might get mad or somethin' like that!" Maizair grinned.
Keaton gave Maizair a small glare. "I would watch how you hit me next time if I were you."
"That's my little brother for you... always a little too abrasive in my opinion." Alphonse sighed.
"I'm going for seconds!" Pynque cheered.
Keaton sighed. "I may as well go for more too."
Yang gave a big smile. "Yeah, need to eat more too! I'm gonna work out extra hard this afternoon!"
Blake stood up and grabbed Keaton's shoulder, whispering in his ear. "You should go to the gym too."
Keaton reluctantly nodded, following Pynque and Yang to grab more food. Maizair turned to Ruby with a smile.
"Hey Ruby, ya up to anythin' today?" Maizair asked, his voice casual.
"Not really, why?" Ruby gave Maizair a smile.
"Why not go on a walk together? We can get to know each other a bit." Maizair gave a wink.
Ruby thought a moment. "Hmm, alright. But we're stopping for cookies."
Maizair nodded. "Whatever you want Ruby, let's have some fun!"
The two walked off to see Vale City, while Keaton, Pynque, and Yang sat down and ate their food. Keaton took a deep breath and looked at Yang with shy but determined eyes.
"S-So Yang, you said you were w-working out after this right?" Keaton asked, trying to keep his cool.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Why do you ask? You interested?" Yang smiled.
"Y-Yeah, may I come with you?" Keaton nodded.
"Sure, I need someone to spot me." Yang said, munching on her food.
After eating, Yang and Keaton walked out of the cafeteria, heading straight for the gym. Keaton was silent, trying not to overwhelm his mind with certain thoughts as they walked down the hall. Yang wore a smile, but didn't say anything, thinking her own thoughts about Keaton. Once they reached the gym, they looked at each other.
"Ready to go in?" Yang asked.
"S-Sure, I'm ready." Keaton said, sighing nervously.
~Meanwhile...~
Maizair and Ruby had arrived in Vale City, and the streets were bustling with people. They looked around at all the shops and even saw a few places to eat, which gave Ruby an idea.
"Ooh! Let's find a place for treats!" Ruby tugged at Maizair's arm.
"Sure, I'd love to have something sweet to eat." Maizair smiled as he followed Ruby into a desert shop.
The woman at the counter smiled. "Hey, what can I help you two with?"
"Chocolate chip cookies and chocolate milk please!" Ruby said energetically.
"I'll take the same if that's fine miss." Maizair nodded.
The woman turned to fill the order. "Take a seat and I'll be right over in a minute."
The two young students sat down at a table together, waiting patiently until they got their food. As Ruby started eating, she looked up at Maizair with her cute silver eyes.
"So Maizair, why is your weapon named Silverlight?" She asked, her mouth full of the chocolate goodness.
"That's an interesting story actually. See, there was a woman who saved me and my big bro from an Ursa when we were kids. She had silver eyes, and was really beautiful. I also fashioned my cape to pay respect to her, she wore a white hood that looked just like yours." Maizair explained, eating some of his cookies.
"Wait, you met my mom?" Ruby asked with eyes wide like saucers.
"Your mom? And here I was thinkin' that you were familiar." Maizair smiled.
"Wow! I think that's pretty awesome that you would name the weapon after my mom." Ruby smiled.
"Well, actually it was because of the light I saw in those eyes. There was a certain something about them." Maizair said, eating more cookies.
Ruby ate some more cookies. "Well, I think it's cool that you met my mother. I visit her grave sometimes."
"Wait, she's gone? I really wanted to thank her for what happened." Maizair frowned.
Ruby gave a big smile. "That's okay, I can take you to visit her grave so you can."
"Sounds like a plan." Maizair regained his smile.
The two kept talking while eating the rest of their cookies, and Maizair paid for everything, even though Ruby wanted to pitch in. Then they walked around Vale City some more until the sun started setting, then they headed back to Beacon and walked back to the dorms.
"Today was fun, I would love to go on another walk sometime." Ruby smiled.
"Anytime you want, as long as we try some new stuff together." Maizair nodded.
Ruby hugged Maizair, and then walked into her dorm. "See you later Maizair!"
"See ya!" Maizair blushed a bit, proud of himself.
~Meanwhile, back at the gym...~
Keaton and Yang walked into the gym together, and Yang went right to work lifting dumbbells while Keaton did some stretches. He was having a little trouble, until Yang walked up and helped him.
"Um... Y-Yang? What are you doing?" Keaton asked nervously.
"Helping you get the right poses for stretching, it's important that you get them right." Yang said plainly, adjusting Keaton's position with her hands.
This made Keaton's heart race, he could feel Yang pressed up against his back trying to adjust his pose. She shifted her hands around Keaton to make sure he got the proper stance for stretching, and then would push him so that he wouldn't stretch too much or too little. When she was done she let go of Keaton and stood back.
"Is that better?" Yang questioned with a grin.
Keaton moved his arms around a bit. "Actually, it is. Thanks."
"Anytime K-man! Now let's get to work!" Yang gave a great big smile that seemed to make Keaton's heart race again.
Keaton stood up and walked over to a punching bag, and started hitting it. Yang watched him as he perfectly beat down the bag with precision, making him look like a cold and calculating fighter. She could definitely tell that he was experienced in unarmed combat, she was watching his moments as questions started forming in her head.
"So, Keaton. Where did you learn to fight like that?" Yang questioned.
"I was taught." Keaton sighed.
"By who?" Yang put her hands on her hips.
"Doesn't matter, not anymore." Keaton kept at hitting the punching bag.
"Why are you such a lone wolf?" Yang looked slightly annoyed.
"Isn't it obvious?" Keaton's ears twitched.
"C'mon K-man, you can trust me. We are still friends right?" Yang gave a slightly worried look.
"It's not something I like to talk about. Maybe another time." Keaton took a deep breath, and continued his training.
"Okay." She pulled Keaton by the tail and grinned.
"OW! Hey! What's your deal?!" Keaton barked.
"I challenge you to a boxing match. If you lose, you have to tell me anything I want to know." Yang kept her grin.
Keaton sighed. "What if I win then?"
Yang gave Keaton a serious look. "Then you get to keep quiet about it, and I won't bother you about it unless you want to talk."
Keaton gave this a few moments to sink in, seeing the potential outcome of both possibilities. He gave it a moment to seriously think it over, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He gave a reluctant sigh, and looked at Yang.
"Alright, I'll do it."
"Sweet! I'll get a training room prepped up." Yang smiled.
Keaton waited a few moments for Yang to set up a small room in the gym, and was given some time to prepare. After a few moments, Yang called Keaton into the training room. It looked like Yang had set up some mats to look like a ring, this had made Keaton start to worry a bit.
"Alright then. You ready?" Yang said, taking off her jacket.
"Um, why are you taking off your clothes?" Keaton questioned with a blush.
"Not all of them K-man! Now take off that shirt and get over here!" Yang grinned.
Keaton sighed, taking off his shirt. "Alright, just don't expect me to go easy on you."
"That's the spirit! Now let's rumble!" Yang pounded her fists together, her face now serious.
As the match started, they watched each other very closely. Keaton paid close attention to Yang's movements, and would be quick to block or dodge. At first, Keaton was trying to gauge Yang's strength and devise a counter strategy. He managed to get a few good strikes in before Yang changed up her approach, going in for quick jabs to keep Keaton busy. Even with him blocking her punches, Yang was managing to tire him out slowly. They were both building up a good sweat as Keaton was also wearing Yang down, with his focus on lowering her guard.
After five minutes of this, they were drenched in sweat. They were still trying to counter each other, and Keaton noticed that Yang had a smirk on her face. Suddenly, she began to unleash a barrage of attacks that felt a lot stronger than before, and Keaton found it difficult to block without hurting himself. After taking several hits herself, her eyes turned red and she began to hit Keaton hard enough to cause him to stumble. During this opening, Yang rushed in and hit him in the face and gut until she finished him with an uppercut. When Keaton hit the floor, Yang walked up and pressed her boot on his head.
"You give up now?" Yang stared down at Keaton.
Keaton winced at the pain on his head. "Alright! You win! Could you please get your foot off me?"
Yang got off of Keaton and helped him to his feet. "Remember our deal?"
Keaton sighed, brushing himself off. "Y-Yeah, okay. Whatever you want to know."
Yang smiled. "Alright, first off, why are you such a lone wolf."
"Short version is that I'm bad with most people." Keaton starting wiping himself off with a towel.
"And the longer version?" Yang also started wiping herself off.
"When I was younger, I belonged to a big family of wolf faunus like myself. They were more like a wolf pack, and I was different. I didn't care for that lifestyle, and I became self reliant." Keaton started explaining.
"What happened?" Yang gave a look of concern.
"Well, my asshole father tried to make me part of his pack. I didn't want any part of it, and he was angry. So angry he gave me this scar," Keaton pointed to his right eye. "and disowned me."
"I'm sorry to hear. You okay?" Yang's voice had clear worry in it.
Keaton nodded. "After that, I basically told him to get lost and joined up with the White Fang. I was a part of the White Fang before, in the earlier days, but I joined the one that made humans fear us. I was never much of a people person after what my family did to me, and that's why I prefer to be alone most of the time."
Yang took in Keaton's story, and took a deep breath. "So, where did you learn to fight like you do?"
"I learned from a few people. My father, one of my older sisters, and a guy associated with the White Fang. My sister, Karayan, taught me some advanced techniques before disappearing, and my father... well, you already know." Keaton explained as he put his shirt back on.
Yang put a hand on Keaton's shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear about all this, it must be hard living your life like this."
Keaton shook his head. "It's not a big deal, not anymore."
"I'm curious though, do you even have someone to consider a family?" Yang asked, brushing aside some hair.
Keaton was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. "No, not at all. Not for a really long time."
"I'm sorry, maybe some day that will change for you." Yang reassured.
Keaton nodded, and the two carried on with training in the gym until it started getting dark out. At this point they were tired and walking out of the gym, both looking like they were satisfied with their work out.
"You want to try it again sometime Keaton?" Yang questioned with her usual smile.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt, as long as I have time for it." Keaton shrugged.
"Alright, see ya tomorrow K-man!" Yang waved, walking away.
Keaton nodded, going to his dorm to rest up for class the next day.
~The next day...~
Everyone was seated in Oobleck's class as he was teaching a lesson about the faunus movement and the war that followed. He whizzed around the front of the class, and then asked if anyone had ever been discriminated against because of their faunus heritage. To this inquiry, Velvet and Keaton raised their hands, while Alphonse felt bad for Velvet. Pynque, on the other hand, didn't appear to care much about the question as he seemed to always be happy.
Then Oobleck asked the class about a turning point in the war and about a battle where the faunus had an advantage, to which Jaune appeared to have raised his hand. Much to the amusement of the class, he answered the question wrong. Then attention was drawn to Cardin, and he said stuff about how it was "easier to train an animal", which sparked various reactions around the room. Keaton was angry especially with the statement.
"It wouldn't be any easier to train a half wit like you Cardin! But I don't see anyone with a mind of their own even giving a racist asshole like you a chance!" Keaton called out.
"Mister Greywolfe, if you would please calm your zeal toward Mister Winchester. And you take your seat Mister Winchester class is still in session." Oobleck said with clear annoyance in his voice.
At the end of the lesson, Oobleck stopped Keaton.
"Mister Greywolfe, I would like to speak with you and Miss Schnee after I finish giving Mister Arc and Mister Winchester additional readings."
Keaton stood there confused. "Okay, I guess I can wait around."
After about a moment or so, Oobleck called Keaton and Weiss to his desk. He stood before them with his cup in hand.
"Mister Greywolfe, while your participation in class has been noted. Your grades are somewhat lower that desirable for a Huntsman in training." Oobleck stated, showing Keaton a few poor test scores. "Care to explain why?"
"Guess I've never given a damn about tests. I don't see the point in them." Keaton shrugged.
"Hmm, yes. It would be clear that you don't give a 'damn' about tests. But this is important for your education young man." Oobleck took a sip, sounding unfazed.
"Sir, what does this have to do with me? Why do I have to listen to this?" Weiss inquired.
"Miss Schnee, it is my understanding that your grades are the highest among the class. I would want nothing more than for every student to take class as seriously as you do." Oobleck explained.
Keaton sighed. "Nerd alert."
Weiss ignored Keaton, trying to understand what Oobleck meant. "I don't get it, why am I here?"
"Because Miss Schnee," Oobleck took another sip from his cup. "You are going to be tutoring Mister Greywolfe until his grades improve."
"WHAT?!" Weiss shrieked.
"No way! I'm not taking orders from a Schnee!" Keaton added.
"Screw you mutt!" Weiss barked.
"Back at you Ice Princess!" Keaton shot.
"Mister Greywolfe, Miss Schnee, that is enough. I expect you two to get along. Move along now." He interrupted, rushing out the classroom.
Weiss groaned, grabbing Keaton by the wrist and dragging him to the library. There she had him sit down while she brought over several books and some note paper. She had everything organized neatly and stood in front of Keaton.
"Now to start, today we're going over today's history lesson! I'll start with an easy question. What advantage do faunus have over humans?" Weiss asked as she made a paper fan to hold.
"Night vision." Keaton sighed.
"Alright, not bad. Now when did the war start?" Weiss stared at Keaton.
"Like I really have to know that." Keaton said plainly.
Weiss hit him over the head with her fan. "You have to know this for tests you dunce! Answer the question!"
"I don't care!" Keaton looked annoyed.
WHAM! Another strike over the head. "You should care mutt!"
"Hey! You have a death wish Ice Princess?!" Keaton glared at Weiss.
Weiss glared back at Keaton. "I won't stop until you get the question right! Now answer the question or I'll use a book instead!"
"Just try it! You don't have the nerve!" Keaton yelled.
BAM! A big book hit Keaton over the head. Keaton got up from his seat and glared daggers at Weiss.
"YOU WANT THIS TO GET UGLY?!"
Weiss was on her last nerve. "Just shut up and try to get some of this information through that thick skull of yours!"
Keaton shook his head and walked away. "Whatever, I don't have to put up with this from you."
Weiss stood there in shock. "Where do you think you're going!?"
"Away from you. See you some other time Ice Princess." Keaton said passively.
Weiss was about to argue, but Keaton was already gone. She sighed in frustration and cleaned up, mumbling under her breath.
~At dinner...~
Team RWBY and Team JNPR were seated in the cafeteria while Weiss slumped in her seat. Ruby turned to her with a concerned look, noticing that Weiss appeared to be stressed out.
"Weiss, are you okay?" Ruby asked.
"Ugh! I can't believe that I was assigned to tutor that ungrateful mutt!" Weiss groaned.
"Are you referring to Keaton?" Blake questioned calmly.
"Yeah! I wasted time this afternoon trying to teach him. That mongrel threatened me!" Weiss pounded her fist on the table.
"Keaton can be a little rough around the edges, but he doesn't seem too bad." Pyrrha pointed out.
"He doesn't seem to communicate much with others." Ren added.
"I actually really like him. He may be quiet, but he can be really sweet." Yang smiled.
Weiss sighed. "I wish I could just get the information through that thick skull of his."
"I wish I could avoid hearing your endless complaints." A voice called out, it was Keaton.
"I wish I didn't have to put up with you!" Weiss snapped.
"I wish I didn't have to look at you!" Keaton barked.
"Enough! Both of you!" Maizair and Yang got in between them, keeping them away from each other.
"I would rather be eaten by a Symbahra horde than be tutored by you again!" Keaton snarled.
"At least I wouldn't have to deal with a vicious mutt like you!" Weiss glared at Keaton.
"Alright stop! What is up with you two?" Yang asked, trying to keep them calm.
"Like I said, I have to tutor this mongrel because apparently his grades are low." Weiss stated, her voice still a bit venomous.
"I can't help that I'm not good with tests, I'm not much of a test person." Keaton retorted, trying not to lash out at Weiss.
"Who's idea was this?" Maizair questioned, maintaining his calm expression.
"Professor Oobleck, he said that I needed to improve my scores." Keaton said plainly.
"Is that true Weiss?" Yang asked.
"Yes, every word. He called us over after class and told me to help." Weiss nodded, finally starting to calm down.
Blake took a deep breath. "Then why are you two fighting like this?"
Weiss and Keaton stood there, staring at each other in silence for a few moments. They had no clue as to why they fought so much in the first place. When they first met, they didn't get along very well at all. They may not have been friends, but they were classmates and fellow huntsmen. They gave each other dejected looks as they both let out a sigh.
"Keaton, I'm sorry for treating you this way. I may have been a little harsh on you." Weiss said, sounding like she meant every word.
Keaton sighed again. "I'm sorry too. I probably could have handled this a lot better than I did."
"We both could have. Friends?" Weiss held out her hand.
"On one condition. Don't call me mutt or mongrel ever again." Keaton took her hand in his.
"Deal, I won't call you that ever again." Weiss shook his hand earnestly.
"Alright man! Looks like you're makin' more friends!" Maizair gave Keaton a pat on the back.
"So... what now?" Alphonse asked, looking at everyone.
"I suppose I try harder to learn from you starting tomorrow?" Keaton scratched his ear.
Weiss smirked. "I'm not going to take it any easier on you, I hope you realize that."
Keaton sighed. "I guess some things won't change eh?"
They sat down, enjoying their meal while they watched Pynque and Nora try to make them laugh. Weiss smiled, knowing that while she may have been mean, her and Keaton were able to make up for it and become friends.
~The next day, after class...~
"Now, what happened after the formation of the four kingdoms?" Weiss asked sternly, her paper fan in hand again.
"Um..., I don't really remember that." Keaton tried to focus.
WHACK! "Not a good answer, you have to at least guess." Weiss said, looking at Keaton with her icy blue eyes.
"Ugh, I guess I'll have to study more." Keaton moaned.
"That is fine, but I would hope that it sinks in soon." Weiss nodded.
Keaton smirked. "Maybe this studying thing might work out for me. It's just like reading a book."
Weiss beamed. "Oh? That's great! We can study together! And I can let you go over my notes!"
Keaton then saw a large pile of books and notes and slumped in his chair. "On second thought, maybe this is a bad idea..."
"Oh no, we are definitely getting some studying done! This will be good for you, since you seem to love reading so much." Weiss smiled, handing Keaton a history textbook and some note paper.
Keaton opened the book and started reading. "If you say so."
Weiss crossed her arms and gave Keaton a look. "Just get to work, and be sure to take notes."
"Okay, just let me read." Keaton sighed.
As Keaton read, he made sure to take notes so Weiss wouldn't hit him again. After reading a chapter and taking notes, Weiss went over the notes and smiled.
"Good, you can actually read this too. I approve this as study material." Weiss handed Keaton the notes.
Keaton gave Weiss a funny look. "Wait, my notes have to pass an inspection too?"
Weiss nodded. "Of course they do, otherwise how are you supposed to know if they're good enough?"
Keaton sighed. "The things I do just to be good in class..."
WHACK! "Focus! You have at least one more chapter to cover today!"
"Heh, sure thing Professor Schnee." Keaton said with a smile.
While Keaton and Weiss had become closer, he never ran away from a chance to give her a new nickname when the situation suited it. Weiss may have been strict toward Keaton, but managed to calm herself down in the interest of maintaining a healthy learning environment and their friendship. Things seemed okay for them for the time being, but things were bound to get interesting for them soon.