A/N: Yo! I must apologize for the delay. This chapter did NOT want to be written. When I finally wrote it, it didn't feel right, so I started over.

So here you go! The start of the Second Part of Act One.

Preparations I: Aftermath

(Two weeks earlier)

[Ruby's POV]

"We failed."

"…"

"The more I think about The Breach, the more this becomes clear to me…."

"I failed."

"…"

"The whole reason Torchwick knew we were there was because I wasn't good enough."

"…"

"I need to get better. I couldn't defend myself without my weapon. That can't happen again."

"…"

"I wasn't the only who failed, though. We all can improve."

Those were the words I spoke as we sat in our dorm, discussing the aftermath of The Breach. The rest of my team was sitting on their bunks, listening to what I was saying.

"I agree with Ruby," Blake stated. "The question is…how?"

She looked at the rest of us for answers, but I had none right away. And neither did Weiss and Yang.

The room was quiet for a moment as we considered what to say.

…

…

…

"Ruby is useless without her weapon," Yang finally said. "I think I might know someone that can help."

Ok, good. We're getting somewhere.

Yang continued with her own faults. "That ice cream chick was too fast for me. I want payback. The guy I mentioned might be able to help me out, too. What else?"

Now Weiss spoke. "We rely too much on our Auras for protection. Especially Yang."

I saw Yang wince, and I did too.

"Definitely," Blake agreed. "It limits the use of our Semblances, which for most of us is the backbone of our fighting styles."

Blake cupped her chin. "But…how do we fix this?"

I cupped my chin as well, deep in thought….

"Ooh, we could all wear armor!" I exclaimed, mind racing with possibilities. "If we don't have to worry as much about getting hit, we could focus more of our Auras towards our Semblances."

"Ruby, isn't armor kind of heavy?" Weiss pointed out, instantly seeing the biggest flaw in the plan. "How will all that extra weight help us in a fight?"

"That's the point!" I shouted excitedly, "The armor can be a kind of weight training. As our bodies get used to wearing it we'll get stronger."

"Maybe," Yang conceded…then pointed out the flaw in the idea. "But my Semblance relies on taking damage. I don't know how armor will effect that."

"Your Semblance requires blunt force, right?" Blake said, cogs working in her head. "No other kinds like cutting?"

"Yeah." Yang confirmed. "What difference does that make?"

"I see what Blake's getting at," Weiss nods in understanding. "If we make your armor specifically designed to deflect energy and sharp weapons, while making sure it doesn't absorb blunt force, your semblance won't be affected."

Yet, Weiss found one final flaw. "That's all well and dandy, but where are we going to get this armor?"

I smiled, already having figured that part out.

"My friend from Signal can do it! She's the best armor-smith I know! All we'd have to do is get the materials."

I looked towards Weiss with a pouty yet hopeful look, silently asking for her help in that regard.

Weiss sighed and nodded her head. "I can take care of that."

Yes! Pouty Ruby always works!

"Everyone for this new plan of action?" I called out.

Blake nodded. "I agree."

Weiss shrugged. "Sure, what harm can it do?"

Yang pumped her fist. "Yeah!"

"Us too, us too!" Nora.

…

…

…

Wait, what?

"Nora?!" I exclaimed in surprise, spinning around to look at our door, which had slammed open with the Valkyrie's shout, revealing all of Team JNPR.

"Hiya Ruby!" Nora giggled as she bounced into the room, followed by the rest.

"Can we join in?" Pyrrha asked, knowing that they could help. "We could help each other get better."

"Yeah!" Nora shouted enthusiastically. "We can train together and spar! That way we can all be better together!"

"I agree," Ren nodded. "It does seem mutually beneficial. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to meet this teacher that Ruby and Yang are going to meet."

Nora bounced with glee. "And this idea of armor is awesome! I want mine to be pink!"

Weiss looked to me with a questioning look, "Ruby?"

Hmm. It would help us get better faster. And maybe they could help us if we need it.

"That sounds…" I said slowly, thinking it over. "…Awesome! If we all train together we'll be able to help each other get better even faster!"

I zipped over to my first friend, eyes shining with excitement. "What do you think Jaune?"

Jaune looked to his teammates, who gave him smiles and nods (a thumbs up from Nora).

He turned back to me with a grin. "I think it's a great idea!"

"Yay!" I said as I jumped up in joy. "Let the RWBY-JNPR joint training commence!"

A/N: And here's the beginning of part two of Act One.

Thank you for reading and see you in three months!

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Nah just kidding. I'll have the next chapter for you in a week.