A/N: [CONNECTION ESTABLISHED]
GaryOkampo logging on...
I'd first like to apologize to all my readers for taking so long. This chapter has a lot of dialogue and it was difficult trying to make it all flow together while at the same time trying to not make it sound boring. I do hope that this will re-capture your interest in my story.
GaryOkampo logging off...
[CONNECTION TERMINATED]
Journal Entry 107
Subject: Team JNPR
Although they lack the same amount of experience as RWBY, the members of team JNPR show just as much promise as the others.
At the beginning of the year, Jaune barely knew how to use a sword, much less throw a grenade(E: Let it go!). But now he's able to hold himself in battle. A one-on-one fight just to be clear. He has a long way to go before he can take on a pack of Grimm. It's almost a blessing that he has Pyrrha for a partner. She makes up for Jaune's…."shortcomings" with her expertise in combat and strategy. Though I sometimes wonder why she is so contempt with being a huntress instead of the greatest huntress of her generation. Perhaps she has her own reasons.
Strange enough, I don't know much about possibly the most "vocal" person in the school. Nora Valkyrie doesn't talk much about her family or past, only that she has a close relationship with her partner Ren. Speaking of; he himself is a text-book definition of the "strong-silent" type, only speaks when spoken too and most of his conversations are with Nora. Or rather trying to stop her from eating everyone's share of his cooking. I believe it would be better to slowly get to know them rather than asking them upfront.
Even so, team JNPR has yet to work in the field and I'll have to see how they do under duress.
Everytime he swung his knife, it just felt heavier than before. No matter how many times he struck, his opponent either dodged or hit back harder than before. Each second that past transformed his adrenaline into anxiety and then to desperation. Like any desperate man, he put his all into one final strike in order to end it quickly. Only his opponent, like many times before, stood his ground and threw him onto the concrete. He could feel his arm being twisted to the point it was almost being pulled out of the socket. No one could hear him scream, completely at his mercy.
"Tell me," the attacker continued to look down on him, "What is your answer? Huntsman? Or soldier?"
The synapses in his brain were going off like fireworks. Yet in the chaos of his mind, he couldn't find an answer.
"I….I…."
"Tell me," the mercenary twisted harder, "Who. Are. You?"
KRAK!
"GAAAHHAA!" he screamed until his lungs began to burn, "I DON'T KNOW OKAY! I DON'T KNOW!"
"...I see."
His arm was finally released, giving him the chance to cradle his damaged ligament. Not that it would do any good.
"In the end, you could never give me an answer," Locus sounded as if he was disappointed, "Unfortunate."
He drew the magnum at his hip, repositioning himself so he could have a better shot between the ex-freelancer's eyes.
"But I now know one thing," Locus coldly stated, "You are a failure as both, Agent Washington."
WHAM!
"WASHINGTON!"
"HUH! WHA!?"
The huntsman-trainee frantically looked over his surroundings, his battle on the highway replaced with his history class. He could see Nora and Ren in the row ahead looking over him with concern. The rest of the class all stare at him strangely. Professor Oobleck, however, is rapidly tapping his foot in disapproval.
"Mr. Washington," the teacher crossed his arms with a frown, "Care to provide an answer?"
"I-I….um," Wash calmed his ragged breathing, "I-I'm sorry, what was the question?"
The entire lecture hall snickered at his reaction, except the professor, who was shaking his head until everyone heard the bell ring.
"That is all for today," Oobleck announced to his students, "Please take heed that even though the dance is in two days, I recommend preparing for your first mission on Monday before hand."
Some of the students silently took the advice, while others were more pre-occupied with other things. After all, many of them still had to pick out what dress to wear or how to ask out there certain someone to said dance. Although some are looking forward for what happens after their special night.
Nora, specifically, was practically bouncing in her seat, "Oooh~, I can't WAIT for Monday. I know that's something you don't hear most people say, but it's our FIRST mission as huntsmen!"
"Huntsmen-trainees," Ren corrected.
"What do you think we'll do first: infiltrate enemy territory by skydiving, barely escape a nuclear explosion, assassinate a ruthless warlord while riding a velociraptor over a rainbow!?"
Wash and Ren glanced at each other as they heard Nora ramble about her fantasies.
The ex-freelancer's eyebrows furrowed at the odd girl, "None of those sound like things huntsmen do."
"She's been watching action movies for the past few days," Ren explained, not even bothered by her behavior.
"What about that thing with the raptor and the rainbow?"
The martial-artist deadpanned, "I didn't say they were good movies."
"Have no fear Ren!" the hammer-girl wrapped a tight arm around him, the other sweeping through the air, "Because tonight, we're gonna watch westerns!" she turned to their older teammate with a smile, "Wanna join us Wash?"
"Sorry, I can't," Wash packed his things into his schoolbag, "I have to meet with team RWBY."
"Really~?" the hyperactive huntress suddenly dashed to the ex-freelancer, suggestively raising her eyebrows, "You planning to ask a certain somebody to the dance? And by somebody, I mean a certain girl~? And by a certain girl, I mean someone with blonde hair~?"
Wash rolled his eyes at her way of questioning, "It's not like that. Right now we're currently….dealing with….stuff."
"Oh, I totally understand," Nora placed a hand on his shoulder, giving a sympathetic nod, "Everyone goes through a rough patch in a relationship. Me and Ren have had our fair share, but not like the way you're thinking. Cause we don't exactly have that kind of relationship, because we are not in that kind of relationship. But even if we are not in that sort of relationship we still-."
"Nora!" Ren stops her rambling before it starts.
The hyperactive girl blushed, "Oh, sorry."
"Mr. Washington," Professor Oobleck called out to them before they left, "Can you please spare moment. I would like to have a word with you."
"Of course sir," the huntsman-trainee turned to his friends, "You guys go ahead, I'll see you later."
"Give her some flowers and chocolate, that usually makes girls happy," Nora quickly slammed her fist into the palm of her hand, "No wait! This is Yang we're talking about. Get her a punching bag! Scratch that, FIVE punching bags!"
Wash simply frowned, "I'm not even going to ask why."
"Well duuhh~. Two for punching, Two for kicking, and one for head-butting!" the hammer-wielder winked before taking her childhood friend's arm, "Come on Ren, let's start our movie marathon with 'A Fistful of Lien'. It's a Phlint Eastwood classic!"
"I'll make the pancakes," the green-gunslinger sighed.
Nora licked her lips as they ran off, "Make sure you put in lots of syrup."
Wash stepped towards the center of the lecture hall while the professor looked over his blackboard. Though all the newspaper clippings and red strings make it look more like something you would find in a conspiracy theorist's apartment. Even so, the whole atmosphere made Wash feel like he was standing in front of someone with a higher rank. He actually had to fight the urge to stand at attention when Professor Oobleck turned to him.
He pushed up his glasses before stepping around his desk, "You fascinate me Mr. Washington."
"Um….," Wash cautiously narrowed his eyes, "Thank you?"
The professor began to pace rapidly back and forth, "At first I considered you were one of those 'delinquent' like students who like to be the 'bad boy' as the kids say I believe. But my assumptions were proven wrong when I saw how diligent you have been in your work. Especially when we covered the Great War, and even more so during discussions about Gulch. Then again I shouldn't have expected no less. After all….," he then abruptly stopped, turning his head only enough to see his cheek, "You are from there."
Washington was caught off-guard for a second, but gritted his teeth out of frustration. All these months among civilians and his growing connection with his teammates is probably making him lose his edge. He really is getting sloppy.
"How did you know?" Wash glared at the huntsman.
"I assure you that you did quite well in hiding your heritage. Any other history professor wouldn't have noticed, or just assumed you really like military memorabilia, if not for some minor clues," Professor Oobleck began to count off his fingers, "Your remarkably high scores on military history, than there is your reaction when Ms. Schnee called your people savages, BUT the biggest indication is your stance whenever you address me; as it is slightly similar to how one addresses a superior officer."
The professor suddenly dashed forward, stopping at the last second which causes Wash to lean back, "Meaning you are not only a Gulch native, BUT also a former soldier," Oobleck leaned in closer, "BUT, you're steps to making yourself a small presence means you are involved in a rather strenuous situation," and closer, "BUT, you being able attend a huntsmen academy means that there are powerful forces that a mere huntsman like me can comprehend," and closer until both of them were staring at each other through their respective lenses, "BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY!"
Wash felt the need to gulp in order to prepare for what was coming.
The professor, shockingly, asked slowly, "Do you realize….the position….you have put me in?"
The Gulch native averted his gaze, "I-WOAH!"
He suddenly found himself being lifted into the air by his biceps and spun around in a circle by the deceptively strong professor.
"You have quite possibly put me in the most-exciting-historical-educational-interview ever of all time!" Oobleck cheered gleefully, "Long have I wanted to study your people, but research is so rare to find and quality is rather sloppy at best. And I can't visit your country because they won't let outsiders in, especially huntsmen. Yet here you are, a Gulch soldier standing right before me. I have so many questions. How was your country founded? How can your economy survive without trading with the other kingdoms? What is your government structure like? How did your people survive the Great War? WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF YOUR COFFEE!?"
It took Wash a while to take in what he was hearing. Only able to catch every fourth word and something about coffee.
"Um, professor-?"
"No wait!" the hyperactive teacher abruptly looked away, "This isn't what I wanted to talk about."
He then dropped his potential interviewee.
"OOF!"
" Ahem Forgive me," Professor Oobleck cleared his throat, "History is both a subject I teach as well as a hobby. I let my excitement get the better of me earlier."
"I understand," Wash picked himself up and dusted his slacks, "But I don't think I should be the one to be interviewed. You can ask the other Gulch students or even one of the instructors. Not all of us are…." the Gulch native tried to find an appropriate(non-demeaning) word, "...cautious around foreigners."
"Thank you for the advice. But for now I must speak to you as one of your teachers," the professor's expression and tone became serious, "I've noticed that you have been rather distracted lately."
Wash placed his hands at his sides, "I-It's nothing. I just….have some things on my mind."
Professor Oobleck tapped his finger against his chin, "Yes, yes. Peter did mention that you tended to do so during your first months here. Have you spoken to anyone about this? Your teammates perhaps?"
"N-Not really," the ex-freelancer scratched the back of his neck, "It's more of a personal matter."
"I see," the experienced huntsmen nodded, "I may not know about your situation, but something tells me it must be difficult finding an authoritative figure to console with. Even so, I do hope this means you can consider me a professor you can trust. It is best to have a steady mind since your first mission as a huntsman draws near. You must be prepared for anything."
"It won't come to that sir," Wash stated.
"I should expect nothing less," the huntsman then leaned forward with a threat, "But be warned. If I catch you daydreaming in my class again, I will make you take off those sunglasses and hat."
The huntsman-trainee straightened, "Yes sir."
"And stop calling me 'sir'! I am not a general," Oobleck demanded, "I am a professor with a PhD, so it's 'doctor'!"
"Yes si-I mean….Yes, doctor."
Beacon Dorms….
"I would say you dodged a bullet back there," Epsilon glanced at his partner as the two walked down the hall, "But that would require you actually being panicky about another person finding out who you are."
"Maybe it's because so many people already do," Wash rubbed his tired eyes, "I thought I could keep this all a secret and not deal with….this…."
The A.I.F tilted his head, "What do you mean 'this'?"
"...It's nothing."
"Bullshit," Epsilon tapped the side of his helmet, "Remember, I'm in your head."
Wash quipped back at his partner, "Much to my agony."
"Hey, I'm being serious," the sapphire fragment jabbed his tiny finger, "You can't let what Locus said bother you like this. Who cares what you call yourself. What matters is the mission and getting the job done right?"
Wash simply continued his walk, "Soldiers do the exact same thing,"
Epsilon crosses his arms with a huff, "Ya know you're not helping yourself."
The huntsman-trainee snickered and resumed their walk in a slightly better mood. The trip to team RWBY's dorm wasn't long. However, it seems someone else had a meeting with the all-girl team. Or was about to.
"Okay, you can do this," the knight-huntsman pumped himself up, "Just remember the guitar lessons mom made you take. Play the song, impress her, and it's off to the dance together. Easy, right?"
"Jaune?" the ex-freelancer stared at the guitar wielding blonde.
"WOAHAHAHEY-!" he jumped at the interruption, but quickly noticed two of his teammates, "H-Hey Wash, Epsilon. You-uh….Y-You actually came just in time."
Wash suspiciously eyed the instrument, "In time for what?"
"I'm planning to ask Weiss out to the dance," the knight-huntsman strummed the strings with a "suave" smile, "With a song."
"A classic," Epsilon gave him a thumbs up, "Guaranteed to get a 'yes'."
"There's a 98% chance she'll say 'no'," the A.I.F. mentally transmitted to his partner, "Two percent she'll send him through the window."
Wash formed a crooked smile, "Don't tell him that."
"I know," the sapphire A.I. teased, "That's why I'm telling you."
"I'm just getting a bit nervous right now," the knight huntsman adjusted one of the tuners, "My dad always said that girls like a guy with confidence."
"Well," Wash shrugged, "You'll never know unless you try,"
"Yeah! And as for confidence, you've got a lot of that."
"Thanks!" Jaune took a deep breath to prepare himself, "Okay. Time to play to Weiss' heartstrings."
"If she even has any," Epsilon mumbled.
The door to the all-girl team's dorm suddenly opened, directing all three stares at the person in front of them. Wash's eyes widened when he saw the physical state she was in. Her appearance had changed dramatically over the span of a few days. The tone of her skin had become paler and she looks like she hasn't eaten in days. But the biggest marker are the bags under her eyes. Both appearing like they were growing with every hour.
"Blake," the ex-freelancer approached his teammate.
The cat-faunus ignored his concern and walked away from the group. The three of them could only stare at her back until she rounded the corner.
Jaune eventually chose to be the one to break the silence, "What's wrong with her? She's been acting more-."
"'Blake-y?'" Epsilon finished his sentence.
"Yeah, that."
Wash didn't jump into the conversation, apparently studying where the former-terrorist last stood. He could see all the signs then and there. Avoiding eye contact, not even giving a decent greeting. Her walking most of all looked like she was forcing her feet to move. She is exactly how Wash was when he was….like that. Except for Blake it actually looked worse.
"I just remembered something," the ex-freelancer sprinted in her direction, "You go ahead and ask Weiss, don't wait on me."
"Oh, okay," Jaune looked at him confused before murmured to himself, "So much for getting some extra luck."
From her perspective, Blake saw herself as a realist. She is the kind of person who sees the world for what it really is. Though many of her friends, more often than not, tend to view her way of thinking as….pessimistic. That or a "downer", as Ruby and Yang have whined many times before. But they don't understand, none of them do. They haven't experienced the things she's seen or of the problems that occur on a daily basis. Things like going to a school dance are nothing but a hindrance. It was like she told her team earlier, people's lives were at stake. The only way to put a stop to it was to find the source, and Roman was the key to it. Which means the library is the only place that'll be of any use to her.
Blake stopped at the elevator, about to press the button when her four ears picked up the sounds of running. She turned to the noise and found Wash running to her, calling out her name and to wait for him. The cat-faunus, in return, glared and had to honestly fight the urge to hiss. She couldn't afford anymore people wasting her time. Her finger rapidly called for the elevator, thinking that it would move faster every time she pressed the button.
A strong grip suddenly grasped her wrist as Wash shouted one last time, "Blake!"
The cat-faunus jumped at the action, dropping the book she was holding.
Blake growled at her teammate as she wrestled her arm away, "Do you mind?"
Wash backed away from her, as if caught off-guard by her reaction, "S-Sorry."
He picked up book on the ground and appeared shocked when he read the title, "'Codes, Ciphers, and Hidden Meanings'? Is this a book on code-breaking?"
Epsilon then appeared on his shoulder, equally stunned, "Beacon has a book on that?"
One of Blake's eyebrows twitched before she swiped the item from him, "As you can see, yes. Which I'm going to study it in the library."
"Why would you need to learn that?" Wash asked.
"Isn't it obvious," she deadpanned, "To find out what the White Fang is-."
"Is planning?" the ex-freelancer cut her off, "We already went over this that night."
Blake's mind flashed back to the meeting they held in team RWBY's dorm. Or rather, Ruby's recreation of events prior to Sun and Neptune with the use of bad sound effects and a lot of spit. When she finally finished they compared notes on their findings. Sadly all they discovered did not add up to much. The White Fang have recently been taking big steps in their fight against humanity. Roman happily provided them the weapons and Dust that came from Atlas. Not only that, but they were also receiving Gulch tech from Project Freelancer. All this from people who the White Fang would rather shoot on sight than give them at least two seconds of their time.
"All we know is that something is coming and we don't know what or when," the former terrorist traced her fingers against the text, "And I think I can find out more from deciphering what Roman said at the rally."
Epsilon shrugged at her way of thinking, "What kind of code is 'our new base is in the southeast'?"
"I don't know," she glared at the A.I. fragment, "That's why I'm studying how to break it. And even then, we don't know where their base is specifically."
"Blake," Wash looked at his teammate with genuine concern, "This isn't good for you. You're starting to see clues that aren't there. Maybe-."
She rubs her forehead with a groan, "I already went over this with Ruby and the others. It's a waste of time to go to some dance. You know, I'm actually surprised that you are going too," she glared at him with her baggy eyes, "YOU, of all people, should be concerned about this as much as I am. Especially even after what I told you!"
The ex-freelancer simply fell silent. She may not be able to see under those sunglasses and military-cap, but she could tell from his expression that he was most likely thinking the same thing.
"...You're right, it does," Wash spoke rather calmly, a smug grin about to form on Blake's face, "But remember, I've also been in the same position as you," the huntsman-trainee let out a pained laugh, "And you know how much a pain I was back then. Strangely enough, it took being thrown through a window that I finally understood. If you devote everything to prepare for what's ahead, especially by yourself, then you won't have the energy to face it."
Blake's eyes widened, backing away in utter disbelief. The one person she believed would be on her side….was telling her to stop. The only person that understood the position she was in.
"All I'm saying is that you need a break," the team counselor continued, "I think we know enough to earn a little rest."
"...Maybe," Blake looked away disappointed in him, "But who is to say the we're even the least bit ready. We can't all be wasting our time picking out dresses and music. Some of us need to remember the real issue that's out there," she turns her back to him, marching towards her destination, "And if you're not going to face the problem with me, then I may as well do it alone."
Wash tried to reach out for his teammate, "That's not what I-,"
"No!" she snarled, "Just….don't bother alright."
Blake angrily pressed the button for the courtyard and the two just stared at each other. Wash's expression still showed one of concern, and even though Blake couldn't see hers, she knew that she was feeling beyond annoyed. That feeling changed into a brief moment of relief when the doors finally closed. Maybe now she can get some peace and quiet….unless anyone else wants to get in her way.
"Okay….that went well."
The ex-freelancer sighed at his failure of being a team counselor. As he watched the former White Fang member ride the elevator downward, he understood and agreed that she was right. Something terrible is going to happen, and while the conspirators were possibly working out the final details, everyone else is oblivious to the oncoming threat. Maybe he should-.
"Hey Wash," Epsilon interrupted his thoughts, "I know this is supposed to be some moody-brooding moment, but can you possibly save it until later?"
"Yeah," the huntsman-trainee adjusted his military-cap, "Yeah let's go."
He already made his decision and wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. The whole group knows as much as they can right now. It's the best they can do for now and they all deserve some peace and quiet. Plus, if he didn't go to the dance, then Yang would probably force him to wear a tux and drag him to it. And he wouldn't want to make her more upset than she already is.
The two of them quickly made it back to team RWBY's dorm. Apparently just when Jaune had finished asking Weiss to the dance. Who had also just heard the heiress' answer, as to the slamming of the door.
"Oh, okay," the guitar playing huntsman slumped forward.
The ex-freelancer approached the defeated musician, knowing fully what the result was, "Well?"
"She said, 'no'," Jaune sighed.
"Told ya," Epsilon snickered.
"I thought that would get her this time," the young ladies-man looked up towards his older team member, "I….I don't suppose you have-."
"Nope," Wash abruptly cut him off, "I can teach you how to deal with stress, throw a grenade properly, or even drive a tank. NOT how to get a girl whose repeatedly shown you she's not interested."
Once again, Jaune lowered his head with a defeated sigh, "Figures."
Despite his harsh reaction, Wash couldn't help but feel pity for him. The ex-freelancer wasn't an expert in these sort of things, but even he knew a lost cause when he saw one.
"Jaune," the older student placed a hand on his shoulder, "Maybe you should take this as a sign. Move on and….focus on other things."
"Yeah," Epsilon nodded in agreement, "And ya know, like they always say, 'the bigger the ocean, the more fish there are.'"
"That's not how it goes," Wash corrected.
"Would you rather have the generic sounding one?"
"But who?" Jaune pondered, "Nora already has Ren, Blake doesn't seem to be looking for a relationship, and Ruby is a bit….young ya know. Do-Do you think Ya-?"
Wash raised a hand to stop him, "As someone who has seen and received her temper first hand. I can tell you that she can be a bit of a….handful."
"Yeah," Jaune laughed slightly, "You're right about that."
Wash smiled back, "Why not-?"
BEEP BEEP!
The knight-huntsman pulled out his scroll to disable the alarm, "Sorry, I got my tutoring session with Pyrrha tonight. I'll see you later."
Jaune ran down the hall to meet his partner, while both Wash and Epsilon watched him with knowing looks.
"You calculated Weiss' response earlier," the ex-freelancer places his hands on his hips, "When do you think those two will finally stop dancing around each other."
The A.I.F. crossed his arms, "So now you wanna hear me state the odds."
"I'm just curious," Wash argued.
"Well I'm not telling," Epsilon sarcastically huffed, "Besides, it's more fun to see those two stumble around. It just pulls at your heartstrings but also makes you laugh."
"You're starting to sound like Omega," the huntsman-trainee approached team RWBY's dorm room.
"That's not funny," his partner deadpanned, "Although, I'm surprised that you gave Jaune the whole 'meet other people'-spiel."
"He's not the first person I know that's always thinking about girls," Wash massages the bridge of his nose, "I just hope Jaune will be different and grow-out of it. One day he'll have to take things more seriously."
"I wouldn't worry too much about that," the A.I.F. defended their inexperienced member, "That is if he survives next week without holding someone's hand."
"Only time will tell," Wash states as he taps against the room's entrance.
Knock Knock
"GO AWAY JAUNE! YOU ALREADY HEARD MY ANSWER!"
The huntsman-trainee glared at the entrance, "It's Wash. You're the ones that called me here. Remember?"
The Schnee heiress opened the door, frantically looking from side-to-side, "Is he still here?"
Epsilon snorted, "Would it make you feel better that he just left?"
"Oh thank Dust! He's been hounding me since the day we first met," Weiss bitterly snarled, her hands strangling the air, "He's like one of those gophers that can't stay underground! No matter how many times you stomp on them!"
"O~kay then," Wash let himself in, not wanting to get dragged into that conversation.
Even if it was his second time there, the ex-freelancer never found the chance to look over the team's living quarters for anything "out of place". Their set up was completely different compared to his room. Then again, he is a single student sleeping in a dorm meant for a whole team. Yet it seems the all-girl group found a way to accommodate all of their belongings. By the use of poorly-constructed bunk beds no less. He could practically tell which member slept in which. Ruby's was obviously the one being suspended in the air by ropes along with a sheet tied to them like some sort of cover. Weiss' was the one below the team leader's, both the blanket and sheets nicely tucked in with little to no wrinkles. Blake's had stacks of books on each post so that it could hold up Yang's bed. Hers was surprisingly neat with only a dog-head shaped pillow on it.
"Hey Wash," Ruby chirped from Weiss' bed.
The ex-freelancer waved to the young huntress and turned to her older sister. Unlike her sibling's cheerful greeting, Yang's eyes seem to bore through his sunglasses. That was all it took to make the room fall silent. The whole atmosphere hauntingly reminded Wash of the last falling-out they had. Ruby and Weiss were awkwardly looking back-and-forth, waiting to see who would act first.
It would have gone on longer if Yang hadn't raised a brow to their guest.
Wash, in return, nervously cleared his throat, "...Um….Hello….Yang."
"..."
"..."
"Look~," he cautiously begun his apology, "I just wanted to say-."
"If you really don't want to piss me of," the bothered blonde narrowed her gaze in order to shut him up, "I suggest you don't bring up what happened and just say 'yes' to what we're about to say."
"Which is?"
"Why don't you allow me to explain," Weiss stepped between both parties, acting as the voice of reason, "You might not have heard, but we have been put in charge of the upcoming dance."
Wash glanced between the two questioningly, "I thought that task was assigned to team CFVY?"
Ruby sadly explained, "They're still on their mission and probably won't be back until after the dance."
"So you were put in charge~?"
"Just today," Weiss declared.
"Wait what!?" Wash's eyes widened at the news, "Isn't the dance this Sunday!?"
The heiress pointed a confirming finger, "Exactly! Which is why we have no time to waste and we need your help," she quickly took out her scroll, looking over a long list as she paced around the room, "Now; we can save some money by using the tables, chairs, and utensils in storage. Table cloth and streamers have already been ordered and just need to picked-up and delivered here. But we are currently in need of flowers and the other decorations!"
"Don't forget the speakers and the fog machine," Yang added.
"Yes," Weiss loathingly hissed at the two additions, "Those too."
"So what do you need me for?" Wash asked, "Do you need me to fill out the order forms?"
"Nope," Weiss shook her head, "Already taken care of."
"Seriously!?"
"Of course," the heiress placed her hands on her hips, nose pointed in the air, "I find it best to be prepared for any situation."
"Wow," Wash mumbled to Yang, "You weren't kidding when you said Weiss is a perfectionist."
She, however, looked away with a huff, destroying the attempt of mending bridges.
"Nice try pal," Epsilon empathized with his partner, "I'd give you a pat on the back but….you know."
"What you need to do Wash," Weiss handed him a small scroll, "Is to head into town and confirm the delivery for the following items. Professor Ozpin said to just put it all under the school."
The huntsman-trainee looked over the locations he had to visit. A shop that sold some doilies and some other fancy cloths, another that rented-out sound equipment, and a flower shop. The task is simple enough, walk around town and talk to some employees. Possibly fill out some paperwork.
"Seems simple enough," Wash looked through the list, but furrowed his brows at one of the items, "Wait, it says here that a disk-jockey hasn't been hired yet. But according to this, the budget can't cover hiring someone, much less for a night."
"That's actually what we need you for," Weiss replied.
"Me!?" the huntsman-trainee pointed at himself, "But I'm not a DJ!"
"That's why we're not asking you," Yang rolled her eyes, "We're asking you."
All eyes turned to the small hologram in the room. The sapphire A.I.F. took in each of their looks, realizing what they meant.
"So~," Epsilon rubbed his pointer finger and thumb together, "How much are you offering? Cause I'm letting you know upfront, I charge by the hour."
Wash gaped at the request, "You're asking an Artificial Intelligence program from a failed military experiment, meant for combat….to play music at a dance!?"
"Well~," Ruby nervously fidgeted with her fingers, "When you put it like that it sounds dumb."
"THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS DUMB!" the ex-freelancer shrieked.
"Well what'd you expect!?" Weiss argued, "Our budget can't cover hiring someone since it costs extra to have everything delivered on time. We might as well save some money and have someone we know who can get it done quickly and professionally."
"Don't you think everyone their might wonder how the music is playing despite nobody being there?"
"Oh don't worry about it," Yang waved off the outburst as if it were nothing, "We promise to give him back in one piece when you get back."
Wash's mouth tightened, fully understanding the meaning behind her words. It was what she said to him about her bike, a task she entrusted to him, before it ended up in it's….current state.
"...Epsilon," he turned to his partner, "What do you think?"
Everyone's eyes seem to widen when they heard his reply.
The A.I.F. too was caught off guard by the action, "You're asking me?"
"Well you are the subject of the matter," Wash blatantly stated, "I know it's not in your programming, but if you want to do it, then just say it."
Epsilon places a hand under his chin, dramatically pondering over the offer "Hmmm...I'm in. Sounds a lot more fun than watching the whole thing through your eyes. I can probably form a playlist by the end of the night. Just have to look at the everyone's tastes are and pick which songs are downloaded the most, I'll probably have to include the teachers too…."
The small hologram continued to ramble, showing that he was fully into the task. Yang formed a victorious grin and offered Weiss a fist bump. The heiress was perplexed by the gesture, responding with a few awkward light taps.
Wash shook his head with a laugh, "Still, I should have expected that Ozpin gave you the green light for this."
Everyone's pondering and jovial celebration suddenly froze, the three girls look at each other nervously.
The ex-freelancer's expression instantly fell flat, "Please tell me..."
"Well~," Ruby anxiously tapped her pointer fingers together, "We were hoping you could..."
"Don't", Wash raised his hand, massaging the bridge of his nose, "I'll make the call."
