Co-Written with Demons Anarchy of Pride. The creator of many fantastic masterpieces such as: Code Geass: Lelouch of the R-eset, Persona 4: The Unseen Truth, DxD: Final, DxD: Nocturne, RWBY: Colorless Memories, RWBY: Black Rebellion, RWBY: Final Judgment, Bloom, Wilt, and Scatter, Drifting towards Rebellion, The Reversed Fool of Justice, Persona 5: Hoshi to Bokura to, Outsiders, Die Set Down, Fate: Breaker, Fate: stay night: Dragon of Dragons, Digimon D-Code: Error of Hades, and Metastability.
I highly recommend you check them all out.
I really appreciate your help, man. Couldn't have done this without ya!
I also recommend a few stories made by another talented fanfic writer, Otaku-Nation666: Warning Letter, Highschool DxD: Destiny's Play, RWBY Riders: Spirits of Legend, Deadly Sin of the Spriggan, RWBY: Within Enlightened Hearts, Tokyo Ghoul: Wishes of an Eyepatch, Fabulae Parcae, RWBY –Apocrypha-, Tokyo Mirage Sessions: Apocalypse, Fate: Horizons, and Hellbent Ghost of the Rebellion.
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Final Fantasy XV x RWBY Crossover:
"Of Crystal Shards and Dust"
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Chapter IV: Dried Petals, Part I
The morning had come early for Initiates. At long last, much to the joy of many - especially a certain red reaper - the results could now be made official. All students and faculty gathered in the large room that would be used for combat class in the coming days. Many students came and went already, established into teams while some were, unfortunately, sent home due to their low scores. However, among the majority of students were the transfers apart of the Cultural Exchange Program, though it was hardly a surprise. These people had ambitions to join either the Crownsguard or the Kingsglaive with the added bonus of their Huntsman license. A certain group of Lucians, none other than the Prince and his entourage, stood in the back as each team was called.
"Russell Thrush, Cardin Winchester, Dove Bronzewing, and Sky Lark. You four retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward you will be working as team CRDL (Cardinal). Led by, Cardin Winchester." the crowd applauded as the newly appointed team stood proud.
The headmaster turned to the next team as they stood ready. "Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, Pyrrah Nykos, and Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward you will work together as team JNPR (Juniper). Led by, Jaune Arc."
Jaune paled when he heard the man, "Huh?...led by?" he asked while the team congratulated him. Ozpin nodded, "Congratulations, young man." Jaune was still left in utter surprise, though fell out of it when Pyrrha playfully punched his arm. Nora then rushed up and patted him on the back while Ren gave an assuring pat on the shoulder. Eventually, the blonde knight smiled, resigning himself to his new position, and walked away with pride in his chest.
Ruby, Yang, Blake and Weiss came next. "Next we have Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward you will be working together as team RWBY (Ruby). Led by, Ruby Rose."
Weiss' eyes went wide with disbelief, looking at Ruby. The girl, herself, was left utterly star-struck and could hardly believe what she just heard. Blake, for her part, wasn't really concerned as she seemed to hold some respect towards Ruby, giving her a nod of congratulations. Yang, however, was boisterous as she rushed up and wrapped her adorable sister in a hug. "Ooh, I'm so proud of you!"
Ozpin chuckled as the four walked off the stage. Truly, they were the spitting image of Team STRQ in their youth. That alone made him steel himself for the antics those four would no doubt find themselves in. However, there was still one more matter to attend to. A matter that everyone was waiting for as Noctis, Prompto, Ignis and Gladio walked into the stage, hands held behind their backs.
The Headmaster of Beacon hid a small smile. If only King Regis could see his son now...
"Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Ignis Scientia, Gladiolus Amicitia. The four of you are participants in Remnant's Cultural Exchange Program and have voluntarily participated in this year's Initiation. As such, you have retrieved the Crystal King piece. From this day forward you shall work together as Team LAPI (Lapis). Led by, Noctis Lucis Caelum."
In response, many rose to applause. Especially the Lucian transfer students. Among the applause was the newly named Teams RWBY and JNPR.
"Congratulations, young man." Ozpin nodded.
"Thank you, Headmaster." Nocits bowed respectfully. Prompto congratulated his friend by slinging and arm around his shoulder while Gladio ruffled the prince's hair.
"Wha-hey! Knock it off you guys!"
Prompto cackled. "Knew you had it in ya, Noct!"
Ignis chuckled as he patted the prince on the back. "Was there any doubt who would be leader?"
"Just don't let it go to your head," Gladio said jokingly as Noctis batted his hand away in annoyance. "Okay, Noct?"
Ozpin chuckled lightly as the four walked off. With this, Initiation was now officially over. The teams were made, and their futures here were set. Now, all that was left was to prepare for the present.
"This will surely turn out to be an interesting year."
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Out of all the things Ruby expected to happen...becoming the leader of her own team was NOT one of them.
As if the start of her year at Beacon couldn't get any worse. Not only did she skip two years ahead of everyone else, but she was the leader of her own team?! Why?! Why her?! Why couldn't she just be a normal girl with normal knees?! Was that seriously too much to ask?!
She was currently sulking in the corner of their new dorm room, hood pulled over her face, staring off into space as she reflected the events that took place within the past 72 hours.
"...okay, Ruby." Yang said as she watched her sister sulk with a deadpan expression, unsure of what to do. Glynda had brought them to their dorm rooms to unpack while allowing them free reign for the day in order to explore the campus and get familiar with the layout for tomorrow's classes. "Seriously, this is creeping me out. Especially the dark cloud over your head. What's the matter?"
"If I had to guess," Blake chimed from her side of the room, slipping books into their bookshelf. "It's because she was named leader."
"Oh..." The blonde brawler murmured. That explained a lot. Not only was she here a couple years ahead of everyone else...but made team leader on top of that? It must've been too much for her.
And it would seem Weiss shared her sentiments.
"Is this even really okay?" she expressed with some concern. In truth, she held high hopes that she would be named leader, so it came as quite the shock that her partner was named leader instead. She should have been angry, if not frustrated with the decision, but Ruby's current state had lessened the feeling. If anything, she was more worried for the younger girl. "She is two years ahead of everyone...and being a Leader isn't exactly an easy job."
"It isn't." Blake shook her head as she finished shelving the last of her books. "It's a duty one has to uphold constantly. A badge to be born even outside of battle. To set an example for one's team and how others would see them as a whole."
"...you sound as if you speak from experience." The heiress stated in slight surprise.
"Not directly. I learned that was the way things are not only on a team of Huntsmen, but for the Kingsglaive as well."
Yang blinked, looking at her partner in curiosity. "Wait...Blake, are you with the Glaive too?"
"Yes, actually." she answered, much to the shock of the two. As proof, she took out the black and silver coat that many of the Kingsglaive wore, along with the silver mask attached to the hood.
"I don't wear this often because I'm not one to flaunt the status that comes with it." She added. "Nor for the attention it brings."
She then leveled a mild glare at the two, crossing her arms. "Now, are you simply going to stand there and gawk? Or are you going to help unpack?"
Snapping out of their stupors, the two females complied and unpacked their belongings from their luggage. Yang brought out a few posters of her favorite boy bands and taped them to the walls. Weiss, on the other hand, unloaded several cases of Dust and a painting of a scenic view of nature.
Meanwhile, Blake continued to fill the bookshelf with her own personal effects. One of the books she pulled out, however, caused her eyes to go wide as she looked around, hoping nobody would see and gently slid the book into its place in the shelf.
Ruby, meanwhile, was still left in shock, oblivious to what was happening around her.
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"Noct?"
"Yeah, Prompto?"
"I think I'm in love..."
Noctis gave the blonde photographer a flat stare. "You mean with Velvet? Or her camera?"
"Yes..." He replied in a lovestruck trance.
After the ceremony, professor Ozpin led the newly formed Team LAPI to meet the team chaperoning them during their first few months in Vale.
It was a second-year team, comprised of two boys and girls.
Its leader was Coco Adel. She was a teenage girl with fair skin, short dark-brown hair, and dark-brown eyes. She had wavy locks on one side of her face, dyed with a gradient that started in dark brown and transitioned to caramel. Her clothes consisted of a long, cocoa-colored shirt with a dark brown waist cincher. She wore long, dark brown trousers with ribbons on the left side and a brown belt with bullets. Above it, she wore another cocoa-colored belt of bullets with a gold crosshairs buckle. What appeared to be a drape of black skirt hung on her right side. She also wore a pair of dark brown, high-heeled leather boots with buckles. To complete the look of a fashionista, she had on a number of accessories, such a bracelet with black roses as decoration, which were accompanied by black gloves and necklaces. She wore a beret of a darker brown and a pair of black, wire-rimmed aviator sunglasses.
Next was Fox Alistair, her partner. He was a young man with dark skin and dark, messy copper hair that had a long fringe and a cowlick. He wore a sleeveless, muted orange zipper vest with black lining and a high collar, a pair of black jeans, and brown, laced shoes. Strangely, his eyes were pure white, perhaps a sign that he is blind, though no one knows. His arms were covered in scars, and had a vertical scar on his lips. He also wore a pair of long black gloves and had several pouches attached to his belt. He was arguably the quietest one in the group, next to the fourth member.
Third was Velvet Scarlatina, the team's resident Faunus. A small girl with long, brown hair and brown eyes with a pair of long, brown rabbit ears atop her head, signifying her status. While she was normally found in her school clothes, her combat gear was comprised by a short, long-sleeved brown jacket with a golden zipper, brown pants and black leggings with golden detail. She wore a black, semi-translucent undershirt beneath her jacket, along with golden spaulders and vambraces on both arms, as well as a similar belt. The tops of her leggings were edged with a similar band, and her heel and toe were likewise protected.
Lastly was Velvet's partner, Yatsuhashi Daichi. A massive man who said little, much like Fox, he was tall and athletic, having shaved-short black hair and tanned skin, wearing mostly pale-green and brown attire. He had a long short-sleeved robe, which he wore on one shoulder over a black muscle shirt. The robe was fastened at the waist by a leather armored belt with two pouches on it. He also wore brown pants and black-and-green boots. His left arm bore a 5-layer sode which extended up past his shoulder. His weapon was affixed to his back with a padded brown strap slung over his shoulder. He also wore a pair of bracers as well as a pair of black gloves with green plates on the backs.
Together, they were Team CFVY (Coffee). The team assigned to chaperone them.
...and the team Prompto found himself star-struck, primarily over Velvet. Of course, whether it was her looks or her camera, no one could tell.
"Down boy..." Gladio rested hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Don't you already have a crush on Cindy?"
Prompto was snapped out of his stupor as he shook his head. "T-that's something completely different!" he said, face flushed. "A-and you can't prove that!"
"Prompto," Noctis deadpanned. "Even Cid knows you have the hots for his granddaughter. I think that should tell you something."
"Wh-what?! Seriously?!" Was it really that obvious?
"Indeed." Ignis threw in his two cents.
The gunslinger of the team bowed his head in depression. Shaking his head, Noctis then approached Team CFVY, who waited patiently for them. The leader, Coco, smiled as she walked up. "So, you're the prince, eh?" she asked as she held out a hand. "Nice to meet you. Name's Coco Adel."
"Pleasure to meet you." Noctis returned the gesture, wrapping his hand around hers.
"Nice grip you got there." The team leader grinned as they shook. "Must be quite the fighter."
The prince shrugged. "Let's just say me and my friends had a hell of a tutor and leave it at that." he said, releasing his grip and slipping his hands in his pockets. "Looks like we'll be in your care for the time being."
"Seems like it." Coco nodded. "Looking forward to it. By the way..." She pulled down her shades, showing off a skeptical look. "That blondie over there...there a reason he's looking at Bun-Bun that way?"
'Bun-Bun?' Noctis felt a question mark dance above his head. It must have been because she was a rabbit Faunus, if the ears were any indication. "Between you and me, I think he's either A) lovestruck, or B) in love with her camera." Coco quirked an eyebrow. "Trust me. You'll understand once you get to know us more."
"Gotcha..." The leader of CFVY nodded before she gave him a warning look.
"Just be sure to let him know...if he hurts her in any way...he'll be answering to me." A brief pause, then a smirk. "If not me, then her boyfriend."
"Her boyfriend?"
"COCO!" Velvet cried in indignation. She was able to keep up with the conversation, thanks to her ears and their impressive hearing. Thus, when Coco mentioned her friend, her face turned scarlet. "HE-HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"
Coco rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Bun-Bun."
"So...what was that about?" The Prince asked.
"Oh, she has a pen pal she trades messages with every now and then. It's a boy, mind you, so naturally-"
Steam blew out of Velvet's ears, her face growing redder by the minute. "E-enough!" she said, trying to end the conversation. "A-aren't we supposed to show His Highness and his team around?!"
"Alright, alright..." Coco relented but grinned nonetheless. "Well, time's a wasting boys. Let us show you around."
With that, Team CFVY went on ahead. LAPI followed closely, traversing the great halls of Beacon. As they did so, Gladio leaned in. "She's a real live wire, isn't she?"
"Seems like," Ignis commented. "However, do take care. These are our seniors."
"Correction: Prompto and Noct's seniors." the burly man stated. "And if you want to get technical, we're the seniors."
"In Lucis." Ignis countered. "I'm sure things work differently here in Beacon. Meanwhile, Your Highness, I suggest you prepare for tomorrow's classes." He adjusted his spectacles and leveled a small glare at the prince. "And please...try not to fall asleep."
Noctis groaned. "What are you, my mother?"
"No. But someone needs to fill the role and keep you on your toes. It would be unbecoming of the next King to act unprofessionally." He reminded.
Prompto and Gladio snickered at the scolding while the prince gave a light scowl, shaking his head.
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"There!" Jaune announced with a pant as he stood up, wiping the sweat off of his brow. "Done!"
The blonde Knight had finally finished unpacking and setting up his corner of the room. While he brought a fair number of supplies from home, his sisters and mother saw to it that he needed some additional items as well.
However, it paled in comparison to the sheer number of items that Nora had brought with her.
While Jaune could understand the maintenance tools, ammunition, and Dust the girl brought with her, he was confused by how many pancake related items she unpacked. And quite strangely, sitting on top of her pile was a small, worn, wooden hammer.
In contrast, however, Ren had a handful of valuables. A few photographs of what he assumed was his family, personal items, and a small dagger.
Pyrrha, on the other hand...
"That's not much." he remarked, looking at her pile, if it could be called that. "Didn't you bring anything of sentimental value with you from Mistral, Pyrrha?"
The red-haired girl shook her head, smiling. "Not really. Truth be told, there wasn't much to bring home."
"Really? Why? I mean...won't you get homesick?" Nora questioned curiously.
Surprisingly, she shook her head. "Not quite." Pyrrha answered, his smile a bit sad. "My family and I...we weren't very close to begin with. That, and they disapproved of my coming here to Beacon."
"What? Why?" Jaune asked in concern. Her parents disapproved her decision? Why was that?
Ren adopted a curious look himself as he set down the last of the photographs on the desk they would be using. "Do your parents, perhaps, follow the old Mistralian traditions?" he asked, earning confused looks from Nora and Jaune. He then took the chance to explain. "Back before the Great War, many families followed strict rules with their children. Implementing customs, following old traditions, that sort of stuff."
"That's right." Pyrrha nodded. "My family followed the old ways. Additionally, they were weary of me being influenced by Lucians." At this, her face turned somber. "As much as I hate to admit it, my family strongly agreed with the Anti-Lucian Federation, albeit for another reason. They thought that relying on another kingdom would make them seem weak and foolish. They intended to home-school me, since Haven was also taking part in the Cultural Exchange program, but I insisted."
Jaune frowned deeply, crossing his arms. "Seriously?" he asked in confusion. "Why would they think that? Lucis has helped the Kingdoms in a lot of ways. I mean, take a look at Menagerie! Barely a third of the place was habitable, but after they came, almost the entire island turned into a settlement and center of trade."
"And don't forget the Intercontinental roadways." Ren added. "Thanks to that, travel between kingdoms has increased on top of trade."
"Trust me, they are well aware of that." Pyrrha sighed in sadness. "However, they're stubborn to a fault. My uncle has always disagreed with them. That's why he decided to train me himself." A smile of fond remembrance spread across her face. "If there was ever a reason I was able to win those tournaments, it was thanks to his tutelage."
The blonde blinked. "...tournaments?"
It was at that point Pyrrha realized she let something slip. As she recalled, Jaune was unaware of her previous victories at Mistral's Regional tournaments and hoped to keep it that way. She didn't want him to treat her like a celebrity not after she finally made her first friend in years.
"Oh, that's..." How could she phrase this...? "Well, you see..."
Thankfully, a knock came to the door. She silently prayed whoever saved her before she went up. "I'll get it!" she said before Jaune could say anything. Walking over, she opened the door. To her surprise, it was Weiss. "Weiss? What're you doing here?"
"We need your help." she stressed. "Ruby has been shell-shocked ever since she was made leader, and to be frank, it is WEIRDING. US. OUT."
"Weirding you out?" The red head inquired. "How exactly?"
"Just follow me...you'll see for yourself."
The members of JNPR looked at one another, confused but they eventually shrugged and followed her.
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Elsewhere, South of the Kingdom of Lucis - more specifically, the Duscae region - many countries and territories were established as the Kingdom of Tenebrae. In the past, in the world of Eos, it was located Northwest of the Dusae Region, accessible only through the mountain range via train. In the years that followed after Sylvia brought Lucis to Remnant with the King's power, the woman had certainly been busy. After all, controlling a country was not easy. However, it was also hard for her given that her health had been failing. In recent years, she was bound to a bed. Her once golden hair was now growing old and gray, falling down to her shoulders as her cheeks sunk into her bones.
Part of her wondered if this was because of how much power she used. Another part of her wondered if she and Regis somehow switched roles - she was the one who's power was making her grow old and the king was the one who got to stay young.
"Mother?" a male voice called. "Are you awake?"
The aging queen turned her head to find two individuals entering the room - siblings.
The male was young, around his mid to late twenties, with an imposing physical build. His pale-blonde hair was long, reaching down to the nape of his neck and swept backward. His storm-gray eyes were lit with concern. His facial features were angular, with his cheeks somewhat hollow. He was garbed in a white frock with black lining with a large collar with a silver trim. Around his waist were two, intersecting belts. Sheathed at his waist was a saber. A large crest depicting a unicorn representing the symbol of Tenebrae was found on the hem and sleeves of his coat. He also wore a pair of black pants and armored boots.
The one next to him was a beautiful young woman, around her early twenties. She resembled a splitting image of Queen Sylvia in her youth. She had long blonde hair styled in side-swept bangs with a double braid headband and the rest twisted and pinned up. Her eyes were just as blue as her mother's. She was dressed in a casual knee-length white dress with a single lace sleeve. Around said sleeve was a black band with an intricate design and studs. A metal patch of Tenebrae's insignia was located over her chest. She also wore a pair of high-heeled sandals.
These two were Ravus Nox Fleuret and Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. The eldest son and daughter of the Queen of Tenebrae respectively.
The woman smiled thinly. "Oh...Ravus," she greeted kindly. "Luna. What brings you here?"
"We came to see how you were doing." Luna said as she smiled, approaching the bedside. "How are you feeling?"
"I have been faring better these days...much more so than when we first arrived in Remnant." The Queen smiled. Due to the amount of power she used in accordance to the Astral's will in bringing Lucis to Remnant, the Queen fell into a deep sleep for some time to recuperate. However, even when she awoke, she continued to feel fatigue on a daily basis. In later years, her aging has progressed more rapidly, similar to how King Regis aged from maintaining the Wall in the past.
She and Regis realized that this was a price they paid in relocating Lucis to safety. A price she accepted.
Although, she would admit, that due to her weakened state, it was a tad difficult in bringing in her youngest daughter into the world. Fortunately, she survived.
Speaking of her youngest daughter...
"Where is Stella?" she asked, noticing the girl's lack of presence. "Is she not with you?"
Ravus shook his head. "She's busy practicing with miss Crowe." he informed. "She did say she would come by and visit soon."
"I see. That is good to hear." She smiled. "Are the two of you doing well, I hope?"
Luna nodded. "Yes. Actually, Noctis just messaged me not too long ago. He and his entourage are now Team LAPI of Beacon Academy." A wide smile spread across her face. "He also told me he reunited with Ruby and Yang as well."
"Those were the two girls you met as children, right?" Sylvia asked, earning a nod. "I trust they're doing well as well?"
"Yes, they are. Actually, Ruby was named the leader of her own team as well."
Ravus rolled his eyes. "A strange decision, letting a 15-year-old girl be a leader." he said in disapproval. "Though far be it from me to question Ozpin's decision."
"Oh, please brother." Luna rolled her eyes, grinning. "If you were in his position, you'd make Stella a team leader in a heartbeat."
"Don't be ridiculous." The Commander of the Tenebrae army crossed his arms and turned his head. "I wouldn't elect Stella as team leader as simple as that. She has to prove herself that she is suitable for the role."
Luna and Syliva gave him a dry look. In unison, they said, "You doting on her massively says otherwise."
"Grk!" The man flinched as the harsh truth stabbed into him.
While he would hate to admit it...they were right on the money. Ever since she was born, he had done nothing but dote on her. If he got the chance, he'd spoil her rotten. Whether they chalked it up to him being a brother or something else was up for debate, but regardless, one worried that she may grew to be of the spoiled brat variety. That couldn't be farther from the truth, however. Stella grew to be an impressive young woman. Yes, she was 16, barely a year older than Ruby, but she was more than capable of holding her own in a fight. Strong, beautiful - in a way, not too different from Luna herself.
Her combat prowess flourished even more under the tutelage of some of the members of the Kingsglaive, particularly with Crowe. They discovered that she had an aptitude for magic, which she incorporated into her swordsmanship.
If she wished, she could join the Kingsglaive. However, she chose to pursue another path. She wanted to attend Beacon Academy, which wouldn't be until next year.
And of course...the reason was so horribly obvious.
"Well, that aside..." Sylvia smiled. "What about you, Ravus? Serving alongside Cor Leonis is no easy task."
"It is nothing I can't handle, mother." Ravus shook his head, recovering from the verbal jab. "However, I must admit that the participants of the Cultural Exchange Program are rather...eccentric and eager to explore Lucis."
"Don't tell me they are too much for the Commander of the Tenebrae Army..." Luna giggled.
The elder Fleuret sibling rolled his eyes. "Hardly." he responded with a hint of arrogance. "If anything, I'm the one causing them trouble. Still, I can understand the excitement. After all, it isn't everyday the neighboring kingdoms can participate in our events." A pause, then a small bout of laughter. "That, and they're excited for the upcoming Assassin's Festival."
"Eh?" Luna tilted her head. "But that isn't for several more months."
"Try telling them that."
Sylvia smiled softly, bowing her head. "You both do wonders for this old woman." she said softly. Their gazes became tender as they clasped hands with their mother. Though there was definitely more time left for her in this world, they still feared it. The day when she, too, must leave them. "Luna...do you still train for the day when you must take up this burden?"
Luna nodded strongly. "Yes, mother." she said in a gentle voice. "I haven't forgotten my duties."
"I know it must pain you, Ravus." Sylvia spoke with forlorn. "However..."
Ravus shook his head. "My sister and I have both made our decisions." he said, tone steely. "And we...we will see them through to the end."
"Good." Sylvia smiled a final time before she closed her eyes. Soon after, soft breaths could be heard.
The two siblings released their hold on their mother's hand, and proceeded to leave the room, shutting the door behind them as quietly as possible. "She's gotten much better." Luna spoke with slight hope. "When she used so much power to bring Lucis to Remnant, the toll.." She shut her eyes, clasping her hands together tightly. "I couldn't stand it, brother...watching our mother grow older and older by the day."
Ravus, smoothly, caressed his sister's cheek. "The worst of it is over, Lunafreya." he said as softly as he could. "For now, let's wait. Soon, she'll be back up on her feet in no time." He cracked a small grin as Luna looked up at him, making it as best as he could. Truth be told, it was hard at times for him to smile. For the sake of his sisters, however, he'd make the best smile he could put on. "She's a stubborn old ox that way."
"Thank you, Ravus..." The girl nodded in gratitude. She was deeply worried about the future. But if her family and friends were there for her like this to support her...then she would happily accept what the future would hold for them.
She just hoped that the worst would not come to pass.
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"...wow, she is really out of it."
"You think I can wake her up if I break her legs?"
"No, Nora. You can't."
"Aww..."
"Actually, I might be able to snap her out of it."
"You can? How?! I couldn't snap her out of it no matter what I did!"
"My sister's done this before. Gotta ask, though. What's her favorite food?"
"Cookies. Why?"
"Hey, Ruby!" Jaune called. "If you don't get off your lazy butt, Yang'll eat the last cookie!"
"NO! THAT COOKIE'S MINE!" The red hooded girl snapped in a frenzy as she sprang from her spot on the floor.
Seconds later, she pounced on the nearest blonde. In this case, it was Yang, who was tacked to the floor.
The others watched with stunned looks as Ruby tried to grab an imaginary cooky from Yang's hand while the brawler in question tried to pry the demented little red reaper off of her. They then looked at Jaune with large eyes. "What?" he asked, utterly innocent. "Like I said, my sister did this all the time."
"...Just what kind of sisters do you have?" Weiss questioned the blonde in disbelief.
"Seven of them." Jaune replied nonchalantly. "And they're pretty much as crazy as you'd expect."
Blake gawked. "Seven?" she asked, earning a nod. "Good lord...how did your mom handle that many?"
"I've been asking my parents that question all of my life." Jaune replied. Just then, Yang finally managed to knock some sense into Ruby with a karate chop to the head, causing the girl to let out a cry of pain as she held her head, cradling it while Yang gently pushed her off.
"Ow...what was that for?!" Ruby whined as she held her head, rubbing the spot where she was struck before she gave Yang a mock glare. "That really hurt!"
"We've been trying to get you to snap out of it for the past hour." Her sister replied. "And it worked...when you were attacking me."
"...oh." Ruby said quietly.
"So...now that we got your attention...mind telling us what's been bothering you?"
The silver-eyed girl moaned as she pulled her hood over her head. "What do you think?" she asked rhetorically. "Ozpin just named me a team leader. W-what does that mean?"
"It means that Weiss, Blake and Yang are your underlings and you get to order them to do whatever you want!" Nora quipped with a grin. In response, the three aforementioned girls leveled a glare at the hyperactive ginger. Seeing this, she cocked her head. "What? What did I say?"
"B-but I don't know how to be a leader!" the girl whined. "I'm two years ahead of the guys back at Signal because I stopped Torchwick from robbing a Dust shop, not because I'm some genius prodigy! I don't know the first thing how to lead someone! The closest experience I've got is just me, Eins and Zwei teaming up to take down dad!"
Everyone stared at her with a neutral expression. "Hey, don't underestimate the dog." Yang said seriously. "He's cute and cuddly, but when he comes throttling at you, he hits like a truck. I speak from experience here. And the Chocobo REALLY likes to kick people."
"...dogs and Chocobos aside," Jaune sweatdropped. "I think it's natural you feel that way, Ruby. I mean, hey. I'm not exactly leader material either." He gestured to his whole being. "Do I look like a leader? No, I don't. But we don't know unless you try."
Ruby still didn't look up. "A-and what if I do mess up?"
"Then you have us to rely on." Blake answered, crouching down and placing a hand on the girl's head. "There's a reason why Ozpin put us on a team."
"B-But..."
"Ruby, a leader doesn't have to bear the burden alone. That is why they have team mates to back them up. I case one stumbles, the others will be there to support them."
Weiss nodded, smiling. "Exactly." she said, pleased with Blake's answer. "So, whether we like it or not, you're technically stuck with us." She bent down and offered a hand. "Now, come on. Get up. Should a leader really be sitting on the floor like that?"
"No..." the petite girl grabbed the and Weiss hoisted her up on her feet. She felt a bit better now. Granted, she was still nervous, but not as nervous as before.
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Night had arrived quickly. For one Roman Torchwick, it was just another day at the office while under Cinder Fall's employ alongside her conspirator...if one could really call him that. The tension was obvious to see, though he felt a great satisfaction every time the guy got under her skin. Right now, though, there was a job to be done. The White Fang was more than happy to rally in arms once they heard who they were targeting. He understood why. The White Hoods had been the source of their grief for the longest time. Even though the situation had lessened quite a bit once Lucis came into the picture, they never stopped believing that humans were far superior to mere animals. They also didn't take kindly to Lucis interfering with their work, leading to some cooperation between them and the Anti-Lucian Federation.
If he was being honest, Roman couldn't care less about this whole Lucis business. New kingdom popping up out of nowhere? New shit, same day. Yes, there had been a lot of changes since then, but some things stay the same. For example, street rats doing whatever it took to get by.
And there was no greater street rat, especially one who had a lot of leeway in the criminal underworld, than this mafiaso.
"So." Roman began as he looked at his partner. He made sure to stand a good distance away from him, as the guy definitely creeped him out. Miles better company than Cinder, but creepy nonetheless. "How, exactly, do you propose we attack a bunch of assholes who are pretty much as fortified as the biggest Altesian Vault in the whole damn Kingdom?"
He gestured to one of the White Hood's camps. It was large, and as he said, heavily guarded. Freighters, spotlights, watch towers, snipers, turrets...they were heavily armed. And there several men running along. Like the Fang, they all wore signature attire: a white coat with torn sleeves and bracers along the wrists, hoods pulled over their heads, and a face mask covering the lower half of the face.
And each and every one of these bastards was armed to the teeth.
...and yet none of it even so much as fazed the masked man.
He remained standing calmly as he analytically scanned the White Hood base camp, searching for weak points and areas of possible exploitation. As he did so, Roman took a swift drag of his cigar. "You know, I also gotta ask something." he said, looking at the man. "Why are we attacking the Hoods? I mean, last I checked, weren't you working for the Alfs? And, correct me if I'm wrong, aren't the Alfs and Hoods supposed to be best buds?"
"Hmph." the masked man scoffed. "The Anti-Lucian Federation is my ally in name only. Our interests align...but their ideals mean nothing. As for the White Hoods...it isn't so much as an attack."
The mafiaso raised an eyebrow. "Then what is it supposed to be?"
"Simply put, Roman?" He pulled out a device from his pants pocket, revealing it to be a remote. "A message."
With the push of a button, an explosion erupted at the very back of the encampment.
The intitial explosion set off a chain reaction of additional explosions around the encampment, soon swallowing the entire base in a sea of flames. It set off mass panic amongst the White Hood members as they scrambled for cover and set out to locate the source of the attack.
By then, already 40% of their forces have been killed.
As the Hoods scattered to try and find the cause, Roman whistled. "Not bad." he said in approval before he turned to the masked man, who began to walk away. "So, what next?"
"Now." the man said. "We give them a greeting."
"Gotcha..." the mobster nodded as he held up a communicator to his mouth. "You heard the man ladies and gents...time to say hello!"
A chorus of cheers erupted on the other end. The Fang was quick to mobilize. Weapons primed. Swords ready. Anger blazing.
It was amazing what rage towards the greatest Faunus haters in the world could do. And Roman had the front row seat. As he headed out himself, knowing that he would be expected to participate lest he end up on the receiving end of a very bad day, he couldn't help but grin.
"Time to see what the feared Plague can do~"
"Gladly..." the hooded figure, now known as Plague, responded monotonously. A hiss of steam escaped through the small gaps around the mouth of his skeletal mask. From his back, he unholstered a modified sniper rifle.
It had several bolt holes that pass through the mechanisms, a highly-advanced grip that had a thumb handle and a polished dark-gray body with lines running across from the grip. One of the unique aspects of the weapon was the suppressor it had on the muzzle. Another was the series of piston-like protrusions located along the underside of the body. The final was the secondary rod located beneath the barrel.
As the Fang was ready to move out, he positioned himself along a series of trees, readying his rifle. He viewed the camp through the scope positioned at the top, searching for the enemy commander.
Finally, he found him. While the man was garbed in the attire of the Hoods, there were modifications made to his uniform to represent his superiority. His mask covered the upper half of his face instead of the lower half, revealing a slightly pudgy form and jowls. The lapels of his coat were adorned with several medals. But the biggest modification was the variety of animal parts: ears, patches of scales, and tails on chains hanging off his waist like some kind of accessories.
Plague had no visible reaction to seeing said animal parts, likely severed from random Faunus they terrorized. The expression underneath his mask was a different story. He silently aimed his rifle until the crosshairs aligned with the man's throat. He flipped a switch on the grip, setting his firearm to utilize a specific type of ammunition.
He looked at the time displayed on his watch.
"Ten, nine, eight..."
The White Fang mobilized, at last, taking off in jeeps with weapons at the ready. Some of the more hardcore ones took off in a Bulkhead, primed and ready to obliterate the people who caused them so much pain.
"Seven, six, five..."
Roman smirked as he hopped on top of a jeep bed, taking out his trusty cane.
"Four, three..."
Slowly, Plague began to squeeze the trigger.
"Two, one..." His eyes burned underneath the mask. Slowly, a demented grin formed on his lips. "...zero."
He pulled the trigger.
Thanks to the suppressor, the bullet shot out of the barrel silently. It tore through the air as fast as a bolt of lightning. The small crackles of electricity barely visible along the projectile's surface also enhanced the comparison. In a matter of a second, the sniper round hit its mark, piercing through the Hood commander's throat and releasing the electricity stored within.
By the time someone noticed their commander convulsing on the ground due to a large amount of voltage frying his body, the assault had already begun.
And Plague was going to enjoy every last second of it.
A puff of steam exhaled from his mask as his red eyes glowed eerily. "...It's showtime..."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Monsters... Predators... Deeeeeeeemons! Yes, there are many names the Creatures of Grimm go by, but I like to call them... Prey!"
A portly man dressed in a dark red suit grinned beneath his gray, bushy mustache. This man was Professor Port. He was assigned as their instructor about the Creatures of Grimm. At least, that was his job, but the portly man had instead decided to run his mouth off about his achievements.
The others were bored out of their minds, with Ruby close to falling asleep, and Weiss, despite finding the lecture to be incredibly boring, listened intently, as her upbringing demanded. Yang had chosen to goof off, secretly messing around with her scroll while Blake was more focused reading the textbook (though unknown to anyone, hidden behind the pages of the textbook was her own novel).
In the back, Jaune and Nora were finding it difficult to try and stay awake. The blonde persevered by repeatedly pinching himself while Nora long since gave up, falling asleep in her arms. Ren and Pyrrha seemed to be among the few who were actually paying any attention whatsoever as they took notes and reading the section in the textbook listed on the whiteboard. If the section was printed there, obviously Professor Port wanted to get there. They simply took the initiative.
Because at the rate the class was progressing, they would run out of time without much progress on the content. It seemed like he was going to drone on and on about his stories.
Had Noctis and his team been here, there would have been no doubt that the prince and Prompto would have fallen asleep through the lecture.
"And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy!" Port continued, momentarily giving a glare at Ruby, who he had caught napping. Jaune was honestly feeling ready to clock out any second himself. "Now, as I was saying: Vale, as well as the other three kingdoms, are safe havens in an otherwise treacherous world! Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than to tear you to pieces! And that's where we come in. Huntsmen! Huntresses..."
He paused, giving a wink at Yang, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves! From what, you ask? Why, the very world!"
At this, one student stood up and let out a yell of agreement. The class turned to give him the strangest looks, thus causing him to sit back down.
Afterward, the class continued on with Port rambling his past exploits involving a Beowulf and his trust axe.
Weiss, however, was quickly beginning to rescind her opinions of her leader. Though while she also found it hard to actually find any real meaning in his adventures, she was at least making the effort. Ruby, however, was goofing around. Trying to balance her pencil atop her nose, making a doodle of Professor Port, even picking her nose for Dust's sake...! After the talk they gave her last night, didn't she remember any of it?! 'No, calm down, Weiss.' she chided, trying to restrain herself. She needed to remember that Ruby was still technically a kid. She admitted so herself. 'She just...needs more time...endure it...restrain yourself...don't yell at her...!'
"So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?"
Weiss was about to raise her hand, hoping that she could teach Ruby a thing or two-
"OW!"
-when she suddenly let out a yelp, her hand moving to cradle the back of her head. Surprised by the cry, she and Yang looked to find her rubbing it, face cringed with pain. Behind them were snickers. Craning her head, she found a member from Team CRDL struggling to hold in their laughter while leering at Ruby.
Her frustration quickly became anger at the snickering male. Did he really just throw something at Ruby? How dare he?
"Ah, Miss Rose!" Port boomed with pleasure. "Glad to see you're finally taking part in my class!"
At this, Sky Larke's snickering grew bolder, further increasing Weiss' rage. Yang, for her part, was quick to catch on what happened and growled. "Asshole." she scoffed before she patted Ruby on the back. "Well, can't back out now. Go get 'em tiger."
"O-oh, right!"
Nervously, the girl stood up and made her way down the steps and toward the locker rooms to change into her combat gear.
A few minutes later, she came out in her familiar black attire, and Crescent Rose already transformed.
She stood at attention in the middle of the ground floor that made up the arena of the upcoming fight. She took a deep breath and steeled herself.
"Are you ready, Miss Rose?"
"Yes sir." She nodded curtly.
The portly man practically beamed as he readied his axe, aiming for the lock on the cage.
At this point in time, Jaune blinked, now realizing that there was a cage with a Grimm inside of it. "...wait! How the hell did we not notice that until just now?!"
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Chapter: END
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Next Time: Dried Petals, Part II