Chapter 10: Close Friends, Closer Enemies

After the day of the food fight everything is normal again, which bores Peter. He and Caleb are in the library with Hanna at their side. Both boys were seemed uninterested. "So, what are we doing here again," Peter asks Hanna to which she responds, "Studying. We're in school now, so we obviously have to study." "Well, I know studying and it's like veggies. It's good but no flavor." Peter looks to see Caleb reading an issue of the comic series, "X-Ray and Vav". "Caleb?" "Huh?" "Where did you get that?" "I know a guy... in JNPR." They turn to Hanna angrily clearing her throat. Then... "Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!" "Bring it on!" The trio hear the shouts of Ruby and Yang. Hanna says, "Oh god! They're playing that board game again!" Caleb reacted, "Board game? I'm in!" He start running toward the direction of the shouts. Peter asks Hanna, "How do you handle this?" "I ask myself that same question."

Peter and Hanna arrive to the scene of the game where Team RWBY are playing the "Kingdom's of Remnant" board game (Note: Had to make up the name) while JNPR are on the other table across. They arrive to see Yang decimate Ruby's forces, which Ruby is crying for in response. Peter facepalms, "I hate this game." Caleb, who was in front of them, replies, "Oh, cry about it why don't you." "Hey, I would've won if it wasn't for your fucking trap card! Goddamn, Nevermore!" They then see Yang say to Weiss, "Okay. Your turn." "I...have no idea what's going on." Yang gets close to her, "It's easy. Your playing as Vacuo, which means Vacuo based cards come with a bonus." "That sounds dumb." Caleb then gets close to her as well, "Look, you got sandstorm, desert scavenge..." Yang cuts in, "Oh! Resourceful Raider! See, now you can take Ruby's discarded fleet and put it in your hand." Ruby wails quietly as Hanna facepalms in response, "I can't believe what I'm seeing." Caleb says to Weiss, "And since Vacuo warriors have endurance against natural based hazards, you can use sandstorm to simultaneously disable Yang's ground forces and infiltrate her kingdom." Yang glares at Weiss, "Just know that I will not forget this declaration of war," then both she and Caleb back away. Weiss was a bit confused, "So that means..." Ruby tearfully responds, "You're just three moves away from conquering Remnant!" Peter examines the board and realizes she was right, "My god!" Weiss realizes this and begins to laugh maniacally, "Yes! Fear the almighty power of my forces! Cower as they pillage your homes and weep as they take your children from your arms!" Peter says to her, "You've gone blind with imaginary power, Weiss." "Oh! On the contrary, Peter! I'm blind with very real power!" Yang shows a card into Weiss' face, "Trap card." "What!?" "Oh, thank god," Peter sighs of relief. Yang then messes with the board and announces to Weiss, "Your armies have been destroyed." "Ouch!" say Peter, Caleb and Hanna. Weiss then slumps into her chair and cries, "I hate this game of emotions we play." Hanna raises her hand, "Can I replace her?" "Hanna," the boys say, surprised. Then, Ruby hugs Weiss while in they are both in tears, "Stay strong, Weiss! We'll make it through together!" "Shut up! Don't touch me," but Weiss only hugs her back. Peter and Hanna's jaws dropped but Caleb takes a quick picture with his scroll. "Score," he whispers to himself.

Yang looks to Blake, "OK, you're up." Blake was not paying attention. "Blake," Peter calls to her, which she finally snaps out of it, "Huh? Oh, hey Peter. What was I doing?" Caleb answers, "You're playing as Vale, trying to conquer the kingdoms of Remnant. Which was a poor choice for some." Peter glares at him, "You're on the path to a big smackdown." Then, Jaune appears behind Weiss, "Hey! Can I play?" Ruby says, "Sorry Jaune, we've only got 4 people." Weiss cuts in, "Besides, this game requires a tactical level of cunning that I seriously doubt that you possess." Hanna replies, "Says the one that attacked her own naval fleet 2 turns ago." Weiss just moans in defeat. Jaune tries to get in the game, "Bring it on, Ice Queen. I'll have you know that I have been told that I am a natural born leader." Hanna says, "I think only Pyrrha said that." Pyrrha is heard saying "Hello, again." Jaune speaks, "Come on. Let me play your turn." Weiss responds, "I'm not trusting you with the good citizens of Vacuo." Peter facepalms and says to Blake, "Tell me this is just a dream." "It's just a dream." "Not helping." Blake just grins, "At least I tried." Jaune speaks, "Why not? You've trusted me with way more important stuff before. I mean, you told us all that Blake is secretly a fa..." Pyrrha speeds to him, blocks his mouth, and covers him up, "...fun loving person, whom we all admire and respect." Both Blake and Peter angrily glare at Jaune. 'Of all people, Weiss told the idiot.' Jaune cowardly says, "Right. That. Ladies, enjoy your battle." "What's up, losers," Sun appears as is his new friend. "The sky," Peter jokingly replies. "Yeah, Yeah." "Hey, Sun," Ruby says. "Peter. Ruby, Blake, Yang. Ice Queen." Weiss seemed offended, "Why does everyone keep calling me that?" Peter and Caleb tried hard not to show signs of laughing. Sun speaks, "I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my friend." His friend says, "Aren't libraries for reading?" Then, both Ren and Hanna yell, "Thank you!" "Pancakes," Nora randomly shouts as she wakes up. Sun says to his friend, "Don't be a nerd," to which he responds, "Hey. Intellectual. Okay? Thank you." He then introduces himself, "I'm Neptune." Peter shakes his hand with Neptune, "I'm Peter. That's Caleb. And Hanna." Weiss then says to Neptune, "So Neptune, where are you from?" Neptune approaches her and answers, " Haven. And I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel." Hanna lets out a gasp that only Caleb and Peter noticed. Weiss replies to Neptune, "I'm... Weiss." Jaune says to himself, "You're kidding me." Peter didn't have the sanity to facepalm anymore, 'I want to wake up from this nightmare!' Peter looks to see Blake visibly spaced out. Sun ignores this, "I never took you as the board game playing type." Peter responds, "We're not. We just suck." Blake then speaks, "Yeah. Anyway I think I'm done playing. I'll see you guys later." Peter looks as Blake leaves. He goes after her. After both are gone, Nora says, "Relationships, am I right?" Hanna and Caleb angrily glare at Nora. Nora sheepishly chuckles.

Blake was walking down the hall as Peter caught up with Blake, "Blake? Are you okay." Blake and Peter stop where they are. "I'm fine. I just..." "Blake, you can talk to me. I'm here for you." Blake takes a deep breath as she appears frightened. "Peter, it's just... Nothing is what I wanted it to happen. The White Fang and that criminal Torchwick. Something is up, and I don't know what it is." "Blake, that make two of us. They're preparing for something and I don't know what. I wished I did but..." "Peter, stop doing this for me. Please. I don't want anything to happen to you." "Blake. Someone needs to take the hits and I don't want it to be you." Blake looks down and says, "I left for that reason. You can't just take every hit. Because one of these hits could end us. Peter please... I love you but I can handle this." "Handle this? Blake, I've suffered for the past eight years trying to find you. I thought about giving in and moving on but I can't! I've found you now and I won't lose you again! I can't! If anything happen to you, then there is no reason for me to live!" Peter was saddened but he tries not to break. "Blake. I'm sorry." " It's fine. Peter, I just... need some time alone. Okay. I'll just be in my dorm." Peter didn't want to leave but he knew she needed time away to process, as does himself, "Okay. Okay. Sorry for... I'll see you later okay." Blake nods as they share a quick kiss. "Later," Blake says then walks away. Peter watches as she heads to her dorm. Then, Merna and Delvin are seen heading towards him, "Peter." "Huh?" Merna speaks, "What are you doing here?" "Just had a talk with Blake. She... seemed scared of something. Now, if you excuse me, I have to talk to Ozpin." Delvin raises an eyebrow, "About what?" "Personal things." With that, Peter walks away. Merna asks Delvin, "Think we arrived at a bad time?" Delvin just shrugs his shoulders.

Peter approaches Ozpin's office and knocks, "Ozpin! I need to talk to you. Now!" Ozpin opens the door and calmly says, "Come in." "Peter enters to see his office with gears and cogs on the ceiling. Peter comments, "Huh? And I thought giant clock towers have these." Ozpin gestures to the clock window. "Oh." "So, Peter. Wanted to talk to me?" Both sat on opposite sides of the front desk. Peter spoke, "Yeah. It's about... well. Remember when Blake and I reunited at the docks." "Yes. Belladonna told me about it. As well as both of you thwarting attempted robbery." "Yeah." Ozpin offered Peter a cup of coffee to which Peter accepts. "Thanks. And... then I remembered you sent me a letter of acceptance. To me. And I was wondering and wanted you to answer... why me? Of all people in this kingdom, why me?" Ozpin was silent for a moment. Then he spoke, "Peter. You are quite possibly the most dangerous person on this planet." "Is that suppose to mean something?" "It means that in the wrong hands, it could mean the end of this society. We needed you here to keep you safe. As well as Belladonna." "She told you about us?" "No. But, I did suspect she was hiding something. Whenever I mention the thought of human interaction she always... felt lost." "Lost?" "Like she loss something important. Peter, we're people. And people make mistakes. You and I know that." "So I'm here as a refugee rather then a student. That sounds happy." "Not merely just a refugee. You've experienced what the world can do to a child." Peter felt maddened about his father, Cinder, and the wrath. He has had more pain then any student could have had. "Peter, you're on the path to great things. You just need someone to guide you on the way." "Great things? Like what?" "That is for you too discover." Peter knew that he wasn't getting answers. Ozpin saw Peter's face, "Don't worry. You will have answers. But, it will come in due time. Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Peter stood up from his chair, "Nothing that should concern you. See you later, Ozpin." Peter leaves the office right before Ozpin receives a message: "Does he know?" Ozpin responds, "No. When should he ever know?" "When the time comes."

Peter walks the hallways and happens to pass team RWBY's dorm room to hear, "So, Blake Belladonna! What is wrong!?" Peter seemed alarmed and knocks on the door, "Is everything alright in there?" He heard, "Uhhh..." "Okay, I'll be going now," and then backs away. Suddenly the door opens, and Peter is pulled into the room, "Hey! What the hell!?" He sees Weiss face in front of him, "So, Mr. Lawrence. Anything you need to say?" "About what?" "About why Blake is always moody." "Why are you asking me? She's the one being moody, not me, Sherlock!" Blake steps in, "This does not have to involve him, okay. Just back off, Weiss!" Peter backs away from Weiss, "Weiss, I don't know what the hell is going with you." Ruby says, "Yeah, but you are Blake's boyfriend. So..." "OK! You want a short story of my life, FINE! Nearly nine years ago, I met Blake, a year after, we separate. Then, my father wanted to disown me so I ran. I went looking for her for eight FUCKING years! Then, I happen to run into Roman Torchwick many times during my stay in Vale. Then, just a few weeks ago, I saw both the White Fang and Torchwick together. And just a few days ago, I nearly got killed by their leader! So, now you know why, I'm fucking going mad now!" The entire team looked at Peter in shock as well as Yang covering Ruby's ears. "Well, is there any useful information from my short story." Ruby spoke, "Maybe you could have toned it down a bit." Weiss the cuts in, "You said the leader? Who was it?" Blake spoke, "Her name is Cinder Fall. And she used to be our teacher." Peter then said, "And what I've learned recently, the one that also gave me my semblance." Weiss crosses her arms, "That's impossible." "I get that a lot. Which is why I'm concerned." "And you should be. Your probably one of the few people on this planet to have your semblance." Blake speaks, "But that's not important, the important thing is that something big is becoming and no one seems to do anything about." Yang responds, "Come on, lovebirds. Ozpin told us not to worry." Peter replies to her statement, "Yeah. But we know about the White Fang and Cinder, more then anyone else." Weiss stops him right there, "Wait, hold on! Between blowing up nightclubs, stopping crime, fighting for freedom, and killing criminals, I'm sure the three of you think that you're all ready to go out and apprehend these ne'er-do-wells! But, let me be the voice of reason. All of us are students." Ruby talks, "Yeah, but...," only to be shut up, "We're not ready!" Blake cuts in, "And we may never be ready! Our enemies aren't just going to sit around and wait for graduation day. They're out there, somewhere, planning their next move, and none of us know what it is, but it's coming! Whether we're ready or not!" Peter supports her, "She's right. And knowing what I've encountered. It's gonna take all of us." Suddenly they here, "Count us in," from Merna. "What the...?" Merna, Delvin, Caleb and Hanna come in. Weiss seemed surprised, "How long have you been out there?" Caleb responds, "Since Peter was "kidnapped" by you girls." Peter responds, "Really? You've could of worded it better." Delvin speaks, "Hey, don't count us out of this. We're in this together." Hanna speaks as well, "We're friends and friends help each other. No matter how big the problem." Team RWBY look happily at their new companions. Ruby speaks out, "Okay, all in favor of becoming the youngest Huntresses and Huntsmen to single-handedly taking down a corrupt organization conspiring against the Kingdom of Vale... say aye." Delvin and Hanna respond, "Aye." "Yes," Yang, Merna and Caleb reply. Yang speaks to Peter, "I love your new frineds." Weiss says, "Yeah. They actually help." Blake speaks, "All right then. I guess we're ALL in this together." Peter responds, "Yep." Ruby talks, "All right, let's come up with a...(gasp)... I left the game board back in the library." "Oh shit," Yang, Merna, Caleb, Hanna and Delvin, "We're doomed," and Weiss respond to the news. "All right, you people stay. Ruby and I will get the board," Peter say as both he and Ruby run out and shut the door.

Just as they run through the halls, they crash into someone, "Ow!" Ruby and Peter are flat on their backs, "Oh, my head." Peter looks to see two new faces, "Sorry about that." The boy speaks, "It's okay," as the girl reaches her hand to pick both Ruby and Peter up. Ruby speaks, "Thanks. I'm Ruby. This is Peter. Are you guys new?" Peter looked behind the two and saw...her! Peter's eyes widen and squeezed his fists at the sight of Cinder Fall. "We're visiting from Haven, actually." Peter didn't believe the lie though Ruby seemed to buy it, "Oh. You must be here for the festival. But exchange students have their own dormitory." The boy spoke, "I guess we got lost." Cinder noticed Peter's silent nature. Peter then heard in his mind, "Not here!" It was Blake's voice, obviously his conscious, "Ruby and your friends will be killed if you attack." He then heard Cinder's voice, "Peter, child. You don't want to see your friends suffer, do you?" "Damn right! Why are you here?" "To talk. Before it all starts." "Before what starts?" Suddenly the girl asks, "Are you okay?" "Huh?" "You seemed a bit...tense for a moment." Peter saw this a chance to attack, but he knew that the other two could attack Ruby as well. He couldn't take the chance. Peter calms down, "Sorry. Just... spaced out for a bit. By the way, exchange students dormitory's are... uh..Ruby, help me out here." "Sure, they're east of here." "Thanks," Cinder responds, "Maybe we'll see you two around." Peter nicely, though fake, responds, "Yeah. Maybe." The trio walk off. Ruby shouts to them, "And welcome to Beacon," and then speaks to Peter, "Now, to library." "You go on ahead. I'll... guide the exchange students to their. Just so we won't raise any suspicion." "Okay. Good luck." Ruby walks away as Peter heads toward the Cinder.

Cinder, Emerald and Mercury stop at the building. Cinder orders, "Go on ahead. I'll wait here a while." Emerald seemed confused but Mercury just said, "Okay. Don't take too long." The two leaves as Cinder is left outside. Cinder turns around to see Peter suddenly right in front of her. "Cinder. I just wanted to chat." She chuckles, "Predictable. Once again. Don't even think about ending me this early." Peter grabs her neck, pins her to the ground and has one of his swords at her neck. Peter threatens, "I will kill you. Slowly. Painfully. And no one will hear it. Nobody." "Then... war will be inevitable." "Don't give me that bullshit." "If you kill me now, there is nothing you could do to save your friends. My troops are at ready. All I can do is make them wait." "We'll take our chances." Cinder just smiles and quits struggling, "Then do it. Kill me now. Let all of Beacon fall into ruins as my army kills every single one of these children. Is that enough for you to handle?" Peter had an urge to kill her but something inside restrained him from doing that. Peter lifts up his sword and hits... the concrete next to Cinder's head. Peter help her up, "This isn't over." "Peter. Lets stop being enemies for once and be... friends." "Yeah, right. What makes you think I'll turn my back on you." Cinder extends her hands, "A temporary truce. And, I don't hurt your girlfriend. And your friends." Peter looked at her and was figuring out whether or not to accept the truce and whether she was lying. Peter extends his hands and shakes with her, "Truce." Cinder smiles, nicely and for real, at Peter, "Thanks. I'll see you around... friend." Peter was surprised that Cinder started to act nice though he's still on guard. 'I don't like this. She'll attack, but I know we're unprepared now. So... I guess she does know what we're doing, preparing. So.. it's a game now? As long as we win...' Peter looks at Cinder as she enters and he leaves. He mutters to himself, "Game on, Cinder. Game on!"

A/N: And there it is! The game is on. So, with Volume 2 going on, I try to make it as as close to the plot as possible. So apologies for any confusion. Will Peter treat Cinder more like a hostile or will he try to act nice to her during her "stay"? I'll watch the next chapter and see what happens. Until then, hope to see you next chapter. S Grenade out.