Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. RWBY is owned by Roosterteeth and created by Monty Oum.
Notes: ● " = verbal communication
● ' = thought
● The time of the story starts at the same time as RWBY Vol. 1
●From Act 6 on, the story moves into RWBY Vol. 2 and 3
●Please note this is a way of me dealing with the heart break I felt in Vol. 3 so I may not follow the plot exactly.
● As little to no information has been given on Shade Academy and its staff, some info is subject to change.
Team AATS (ARTS)
By: Davescifi
Act 10: Rearm, Have Fun and Kick Butt
Part 1: Tachi Home: Morning after Act 9,
Team AATS and Kin woke up to the smell of breakfast being cooked. The five girls got up, Team AATS being refreshed from a good night's sleep, and walked to the kitchen to find Mrs. Tachi making waffles and Professor Shard making eggs. The two women greeted the girls before Mr. Tachi walked into the kitchen with a couple of jugs of milk and orange juice. Once the team set the table to help out, everyone ate and went over their plans for the day.
"Before you girls go to Ariel's I need your help," Mr. Tachi interjected, "Just a little work around the enclosed garden."
"Okay," Team AATS replied.
"Silvia you should try on your kimono to be sure it still fits," Mrs. Tachi suggested before breakfast was complete. Once Team AATS was dressed, they followed Mr. Tachi to the garden, a large enclosed building. As the team entered the garden, they saw all of the plants; Alex and Talia commented on the beauty.
"It was my grandmother's," Silvia commented, "Sadly she died about two years ago." Silvia then looked to her father, "What should we do?"
"I need to speak with Aki for a few minutes," Mr. Tachi started, "As for the rest of you, just do some pick up for me." As Mr. Tachi and Aki left, the girls began to pick up until Silvia noticed that one gate that was normally closed was opened. Alex noticed where Silvia was looking.
"What's in there," Alex asked.
"Don't know," Silvia answered, "I suppose we could take a look." As the three girls walked to the gate, a relaxing smell could be sensed.
"Alex,", Talia called out as she saw Alex's eyes going wide, "What's wrong?"
"I know that smell," Alex commented as the three walked into the area and saw the place was covered in large sunflowers. Surprised Alex walked further in until she saw something familiar, "That's..." Meanwhile Aki followed her father into a mediation area that had a center table. Mr. Tachi had Aki sit opposite him; Aki noticing a small but wide box behind him.
"Dad," Aki called out.
"I know the others and you are planning to get some new equipment," Mr. Tachi started, "Before you do so there is something I have for you." Mr. Tachi then placed the box on the table and pushed it to his daughter. Aki hesitated for a moment before she noticed the emblem on the box; a cat paw with a musical note.
"This emblem was your mother's," Aki said as she remembered the elderly cat faunus, "I miss her."
"I know, we all do," Mr. Tachi replied, "You two only knew each other for a few months before she died but you developed a powerful bond. In my mother's eyes, you were one of her granddaughters." Mr. Tachi saw Aki was trying not to cry, "Aki it's okay."
"She was so kind and gentle. She was the one that discovered my ability to heal people with sound since she had sound based powers herself," Aki sniffled, "I just wish I could have saved her from her illness."
"Aki, you made her last days in this world peaceful," Mr. Tachi started, "Your singing took her pain away. That's why she wanted you to have what's in the box." Aki then proceeded to open the box; finding inside was a purple-toned wakizashi sword. Aki was surprised, "She called it the Wild Melody. She wanted you to have it. She knew something would happen to you and you would fully become a member of the clan."
"This was her sword," Aki said as she picked up the blade; pulling it out of its scabbard. Aki instantly noticed the hilt, "It's designed for a reverse grip user."
"Like her, like you," Mr. Tachi responded as when he had taught Aki basic sword fighting, Aki always seemed to do better holding the sword in reverse grip fashion, "The sword and the Tachi clan go hand and hand. Let Silvia teach you and improve your skill with a sword. Use it with your guns, wrist blades, and especially your sound Semblance."
"I...," Aki tried to say before she tried to channel her power to the blade as Silvia did with hers, "Nothing."
"Take your glove off," Mr. Tachi said before Aki did so. Trying again, Aki found it possible to link her power with the blade though it was difficult as she had little practice with channeling her aura with a weapon. Aki stopped as she pulled out an envelop that had her name on it. Aki pulled out a letter and began to read, "Aki stop. That letter is for you alone. I'll leave." As Mr. Tachi left the room, he could hear Aki starting to sniffle and cry as she read the letter. Mr. Tachi sighed as he was glad to have completed his mother's last request. Mr. Tachi then found where the rest of Team AATS was; right where he wanted them. The male faunus walked into the area with Sunflowers and found Alex looking to him as she had found a mural showing the Sunflower family crest beside the Tachi clan crest and two figures shaking hands, "So you found it?"
"Mr. Tachi," Alex started, "The sunflowers, I've never seen this type outside my home, and this mural, why does it have the Sunflower family crest?"
"Before the Great War, the Sunflower family and the Tachi clan were close allies," Mr. Tachi started as he saw the three girls were surprised, "In a time where faunus and humans felt little but hate, our two families shared a powerful bond."
"I've never heard that," Alex replied as she knew Mr. Tachi was not lying as the mural was very old, "I thought my family has always been isolated." Alex began to show anger as she saw another truth that her family had hid, "Why? Why did we stop being allies?"
"During the Great War, several of the powerful human families that the Sunflower family were allied with secretly hated its alliance with the Tachi clan," Mr. Tachi answered, "During the war, the Sunflower family would be betrayed again and again killing many of its members. When the war ended the Sunflower family was so hurt by betrayal that they cut all ties."
"That's absolutely stupid," Alex said as she hit the wall with her fist, "The Tachi clan did nothing wrong."
"Do not be angry at your ancestors. Had it been the other way around the Tachi clan would have done the same," Mr. Tachi said as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry for showing you this in such a manner but a tour of the gardens is planned and I wanted to explain things in private so you would not be surprised."
"I see. Thank you," Alex replied as she closed her eyes and calmed herself using the breathing techniques Silvia had taught her, "This will change." Everyone looked at her, "I am the next head of the Sunflower family. When I'm in charge, I will right this wrong. If the Tachi clan is willing, I will restore that bond. I swear it."
"I look forward to that day," Mr. Tachi replied as he smiled and looked to Talia who looked sad. Mr. Tachi placed a hand on her shoulder, "Talia?" The Schnee looked up at him, "It would make me happy to see the Sunflower family and Tachi clan as allies again. However, I would also be happy to see the day when the Schnee family opened its fist to accept a hand in friendship. You have shown me it is possible." Talia smiled, "I fully believe destiny brought the four of you together to form a bridge."
"A bridge", Talia asked, "To what?"
"To understanding and acceptance," Silvia guessed before Mr. Tachi shook his head.
"Let's do it then," Aki said as she approached the group everyone seeing the sword she was carrying on her back, "Let's make that our goal." All of Team AATS shook their heads as they faced each other, Alex putting her hand out, followed by Aki placing her hand on Alex's hand followed by Talia and Silvia following suit. Mr. Tachi smiled with pride as he felt he saw a glimpse of a bright future. Soon the team, united in purpose, left to get what they needed.
Part 2: Clothing Store,
After a few minute walk, the Team found themselves at the entrance to a store called Ariel's Clothing and Equipment Cave. As the team entered the store they saw all kinds of the clothing and equipment. Suddenly a blue haired 20-something cat faunus walked into the area.
"Aki," the female said as she walked up and gave Aki a bear hug, "So it is true that you're a faunus now. Your eyes and ears are so cute." Alex and Talia were stunned that no one in the Tachi clan seemed to bat an eye on Aki's new form as if a human becoming a faunus was normal, "So other then being a faunus now, how is my business partner doing?"
"Business partner," Alex and Talia questioned before Ariel explained that Aki had helped her save her business some time back and Ariel made Aki a partner as result.
"So you must be Alex and Talia," Ariel said before the two shook their heads, "Your professor was in here earlier with Silvia and Aki's mom. I hope you've enjoyed your stay so far. Have to say I like your sense of fashion." Ariel then felt Aki tapping her as the adult was still hugging Aki to the point of squeezing her, "Oh sorry I get excited easily you know. So what can I do for you?"
"We each need a kimono for the festival," Silvia answered as she found her old one was too small, "That and we wanted to check out some possible new equipment."
"I'll do one better," Ariel replied, "Just got done designing some new Aura conduit items. Follow me." The team did so, following Ariel to the back of the store that looked like a lab, "If you do not mind giving me info on your Semblances and current weapons and equipment I can see what I've got." Doing so, Ariel soon gave a list of suggestions including clothing and items. Aki took her leave, saying there was something she wanted to do. For the next hour, Alex, Talia, and Silvia either added to or changed out of the clothes they were wearing before trying out some of the equipment. Ariel then looked them, "Nice. Talia those clothes have multiple strands of dust sewed into them so they should work in unison with your weapons. Also has several pockets for your tools" Talia tried out the clothing and found the clothes did as promised, "Silvia that vest and headband should do a good job increasing your defense, and the bands on your upper and lower arms and lower legs have multiple dust chambers to allow you to mix and match." Silvia tried out the equipment with the training Talia had given her, "And for Alex Sunflower in addition to the tassels and upper arm covers, special arm and leg bands that should work well with your light control Semblance. Your constructs should be able to attach to the bands and give you new attack and defense options." An idea came to Alex's mind before she tried the equipment out, using her Semblance to have wings of light appear and attach to the bands. Alex then tried to hover and lifted herself off the ground, "Wow you did that on the first try." Alex then came back to the ground before they group heard footsteps and turned to see Aki who had completely changed out her clothes; her new shirt exposing her midriff, her shoes and long socks now replaced with sandals and leg bandages similar to Silvia's, her skirt being replaced by a set of black shorts covered by a purple apron skirt, and new arm gloves that did not cover her hands. All that seemed to be the same was her wrist blades, guns and holsters, and her visor though now she was wearing it above her eyes. Silvia could also see that Aki's shirt had a back plate with an attachment point for the scabbard of the sword that was now hers. Aki could tell everyone was surprised.
"I know a little overboard but my old outfit didn't feel right anymore," Aki said before she saw Ariel bringing out a set of leg bracelets that looked like the ones that held her wrist blades, "Are those?"
"No blades in them," Ariel stated, "But they with increase your leg defense and should increase the power of your kicks." Aki put the leg bracelets one and tried them out, finding them effective, "You four are truly amazing."
"Ah Miss Ariel we never discussed cost," Talia pointed out.
"No we didn't," Ariel laughed before Aki gave her a serous look, "I'm playing Aki; I would not cheat my business partner and her team. Tell you what, most of the stuff you tried out is not on the shelves yet so why don't we make a deal. You try the equipment out for me, let me know how it works out and we call it even?"
"That's very nice of you," Alex commented, "Are you sure though?"
"Hey I'm told you four work your butts off and gave up going to the Vytal Festival of all things to save lives," Ariel answered, "You deserve a break." The team thanked her before Aki handed a case to Talia. Talia opened up the case to find a set of sunglasses.
"This is," Talia asked.
"Your own scanner," Aki answered, "Has the same functions as my visor but a bit more of a match to your clothes." Talia tried them out and thanked Aki. Talia then put her locket around her neck to complete her outfit.
"Now about those kimonos," Ariel said before the five went to another part of the store. Trying out several kimonos, each of the girls picked what matched them. Soon the team was all set and headed for home to practice with their new gear and work on their new skills. For the rest of the day, Team AATS practiced and rested taking time to prepare for the fun that was to start the next day.
Part 3: Tachi Home: Next Day,
The morning started by Team AATS waking up by means of Kin acting as an alarm clock. Soon Team AATS and everyone else in the house were in their kimonos. While the main events were not to start until evening, there were several small events going on for everyone to enjoy including several games. While everyone on the team, with Kin in tow, was enjoying themselves, Alex and Talia were perhaps the most happy as they had never experienced such an event and were glad to be part of it; especially enjoying the games and when they were playing with the children. Professor Shard, Mr. Tachi, and Mrs. Tachi smiled as they watched from a distance; glad to see that Team AATS were allowing themselves to forget everything and be lost in the joy of the moment. Soon everyone met up and ate at one of the stands.
"You two are going to get fat," Silvia joked as she looked at Alex and Talia who had been trying out all of the food samples.
"I'll work it off," Alex and Talia replied before everyone laughed.
"You'll have to," Aki said as she drank her tea mixed with milk, "Each day the food samples are different."
"So will you Aki Muse Tachi," Professor Shard laughed as Aki had sampled a lot of food as well." Aki shook her head in agreement. Before another word could be said, the nightly events started with several Tachi performing acts from magic tricks to stage plays one of the best being a recreation of the village's birth. As the first night of the festival came to a close; everyone began to walk home while enjoying ice cream and not being able to wait for what tomorrow would bring.
Part 4: Festival Grounds,
The days of fun quickly came and went until the final day of the festival came. Games, food, and others things occurred until evening. However, some of the faunus, including an elder, came up to Aki asking for her help as one of the final events, and one of the most important, was in trouble as the star was sick.
"The Lunar Lullaby," Aki questioned before one of the faunus shook his head, "I'm honored. I know the song but what about the effects. My Semblance is sound based not light." Alex and Talia looked to Silvia who explained how the event took place.
"Can we help," Alex and Talia asked before explaining how they could; Silvia also stating how she could as well. The elder thought about the offer before accepting as the elder had seen that the two humans had shown the utmost respect for the Tachi clan's ways. Team AATS then left to discuss how they were going to perform the event. As the time came, the elder explained the change in plans and Aki began to walk on the stage as Alex, Talia, and Silvia prepared use their powers to support Aki. Everyone watched as Aki closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she began to sing. The audience listened as Aki began to walk down the long stage signaling for the others to start their parts. Suddenly Aki was surrounded by glyph summons, shadow puppets, and light constructs of cats, stars, and many more things that added a visual to Aki's words. Everyone, including Mr. Tachi, Mrs. Tachi, Kin, and Professor Shard stood in awe as Aki's singing and the various images that the rest of Team AATS were creating seemed to be in perfect harmony. As Aki reached the front of the stage, the constructs disappeared and Aki looked up to the moon as she finished the song. The air was suddenly filled with the sound of applause before Aki motioned for the others to join her. Team AATS then took a bow as the applause continued. As the final night was about to come to the end, Mr. Tachi was asked to give the closing speech. Everyone took up their cup.
"Well that act is going to be tough to follow so I'm not even going to try," Mr. Tachi started before everyone laughed, "First let us thank everyone who has made this festival great. This time has been a blessing for many of us. A time of renewal, a time of family both by bonds of blood and bonds of love, a time of finding purpose, and a time of reminding all of us that even in the darkest of days, there is still light and hope." As Mr. Tachi finished a series of fireworks went off into the air and exploded signaling the end of the festival. Everyone looked up and watched the explosions.
"Beautiful," Alex commented before the sounds of fireworks were replaced by explosions far closer to the ground catching everyone off guard, "What the…?"
"Did some of the fireworks go off early," Talia questioned as the children screamed.
"Those were rockets," Shard answered before a rocket could be seen coming right at them, "Alex!" Alex replied by forming a large wall of light that shielded everyone from the blast. Suddenly one of the guards came to the group informing them that a huge force of Pure Human League grunts was attacking.
"The Pure Human League? Are you kidding me," Aki questioned, "How did they get past the early warning system?"
"Cowards attacking today of all days," Silvia commented before another explosion was heard, "We need to get people to safety."
"I'll help take care of that," Mrs. Tachi replied as she looked at Kin, "Stay with me." Kin shook her head and the two helped get the people that could not fight to safety.
"Get to house and get your gear," Shard ordered the team as she pulled out two knifes, "And bring me my pistols and tomahawk."
"Silvia, bring me my sword," Mr. Tachi added before Professor Shard and him ran for the village gate with several of the guards. Team AATS quickly ran to the house, changed into their combat clothes, grabbed the gear, and ran back to village gate. The team found Professor Shard and Mr. Tachi and gave them their weapons, "Good. It seems they ran out of rockets so let's give them a proper welcome."
"Allow us," Alex replied as for once she was in the mood to bust a few heads for the way the PHL had so cowardly attacked; just so happening that the rest of the team shared her point of view. Team AATS ran up to the top of the gate so the PHL grunts could see them and see that Team AATS was not in a forgiving mood. As the team jumped down to the ground, Alex and Aki used their Semblances to launch the grunts in front of them back.
"Stupid girls," one of the grunts said as they came closer, "We vastly outnumber you."
"Give these idiots a taste of our new skills," Talia asked.
"No," Alex answered catching everyone off guard, "Save our new abilities for later. Gear I leave to your call."
"Think Coral is watching," Aki asked before Alex shook her head, "Fair enough."
"You and this village are dead," another of the PHL members shouted before the grunts charged.
"You do not threaten my home," Silvia replied before she brought out her swords and knocked out several of the grunts. The gate then opened to allow the village guards, Mr. Tachi, and Professor Shard to join the team, "Or I should say our home." The fight then broke out into full swing as there were plenty of PHL grunts to attack.
"I would say we're outnumbered about ten to one," Aki commented as several PHL grunts armed with blades came at her. While she was about ready to shoot, she instead chose to put her guns away and instead drew her new weapon. Aki then proceeded to block the attacks from the blade wielders with the Wild Melody before she used what sword skill she had to take the attackers down, "That was from my grandmother."
"Team AATS go for the containers before they can be opened," Shard ordered as she bashed the heads of two grunts together. The team made a beeline to the containers knocking out several of the grunts in their way. However, the locks on the containers suddenly exploded and the doors opened as several Beowolfs forced their way out. Team AATS could see the PHL grunts were surprised by the suddenly events.
"Remote detonation," Alex questioned as she saw the large number of Grimm, in the dozens, tear through the grunts. Alex knew the situation was now much worse as some of the Beowolfs were of the larger armored type, "We cannot let the Grimm reach the village. Use some of our new skills. Everyone cover your eyes." Alex focused her Aura to turn the small sources of light into a nova of light that blinded the Grimm and PHL grunts before Alex attacked with her fans. Aki followed suit, channeling her aura through her sword and with an uppercut slash sent out a shaped wave of sound that cut through several Grimm and hurt the ears of others. Talia then proceeded to form several glyphs that formed human shaped figures which she sent to attack her foes. Silvia then decided to use ice type dust allowing anything her shadows touched to freeze and make them easier to destroy. As Team AATS focused on the Grimm, the village guards along with Mr. Tachi and Professor Shard focused on the PHL grunts. However, the fact of being outnumbered began to affect everyone trying to defend the village as their auras began to run low, "We need a new plan." Suddenly, as if an answer to a prayer, Team AATS began to feel their strength return, "What? My aura seems to be recharging."
"Dad must be using his Semblance," Aki replied as she renewed her attack using her blades and guns.
"How," Talia questioned as she picked off targets with her firearms.
"My Dad Semblance allows his to boost the strength of both himself and his allies," Silvia answered as she cut two Grimm in half, "But we need to hurry. Dad cannot do this for long."
"Alright then," Alex replied, "Talia, Light Maze." Talia jumped to Alex who trapped the remaining Grimm in a maze made out of light walls before Talia lined the maze with trap glyphs. The combo attack started to finish off the Grimm but about half were left, "Sound catcher!" Silvia surrounded the remaining Grimm in a cylinder of shadow before Aki fired a large sound wave into the cylinder that crushed the remaining Grimm.
"All Grimm destroyed, Aki informed everyone as her scans showed no Grimm life signs. A few minutes later, the entire PHL attack force was either dead or knocked out.
"Where's the leader," Mr. Tachi questioned before he saw a body fly through the air and land at his feet. Everyone looked in surprise as the body, which had the markings of a PHL leader, had come from Team AATS' direction but had flown by them. Team AATS looked to see a figure coming out of the darkness. The male that appeared had black spiky hair, red eyes, and was wearing a red cloak with a large sword drawn, "Right there." Team AATS took a defensive stance at the figure before he put his sword away as he smiled.
"Stand down he's a friend," Shard ordered before the team did so. Shard then walked past the team and to the figure, "Qrow Branwen."
"Pearl Shard," Qrow replied, "See you're back to your old self." Qrow then looked to the team, "And you four must be Team AATS. Professor Voyance spoke highly of you." Mr. Tachi then walked up, "Iron."
"Qrow," Mr. Tachi said, "Thank you for getting the leader but I have to ask why you're here."
"Traveling," Qrow answered, "Saw the fireworks and then the rockets. Sorry I couldn't get here sooner. How bad did they get you?"
"Don't know yet," Mr. Tachi answered as the village guards tied the PHL grunts up, "How did they get past our detection?"
"They had Atlas gear," Qrow answered as he handed a disk shaped device to Mr. Tachi, "Considering the damage I've heard was done to the Vacuo branch of the Pure Human League I'd be willing to bet all of, if not most of, these guys are from Atlas."
"Which means the Atlas military is going to get involved," Shard sighed as she looked to Mr. Tachi, "Want me to make the call?"
"No either one of the elders or I will make call, " Mr. Tachi replied before one of the guards asked him what to do with the PHL grunts that were captured, "Throw them in the containers the Grimm were in and reseal them as best as you can. As for the dead put them in body bags and keep them in one area." Mr. Tachi then looked to Team AATS, "Why don't the four of you head back and see if anyone in the village needs help. We'll clean up here." Team AATS then ran back to the village while the adults talked.
"I'll stay around until the Atlas military come and goes," Qrow offered as he picked up one of the tied up grunts and threw him into the container, "That is if you don't mind."
"We'll take the offer," Mr. Tachi replied before Shard, Qrow, and him helped finish the clean up. Mr. Tachi looked at the area, "Shard I think it's safe to say I have nothing left for the team."
"Agreed," Shard started, "Once the village is back to normal, Team AATS and I will head back to Vacuo. I bet Coral had something to do with this." Soon the three adults walked back to the village, knowing the next couple days were going to be busy.
End of Act 10
I hope that those who read this enjoy the eleventh part of my RWBY story. Please feel free to leave any comments and suggestions. Thank you in advance.
Davescifi
