Ruby ran after Weiss all the way to the school's main landing pad. The airship they saw while in the stadium was starting to land. Ever since they saw the ship pass by overhead Weiss became a woman possessed. She darted from the arena and onto the transport back to the school with speed that rivaled Ruby's Semblance.
The leader of Team RWBY followed her partner out of sheer curiosity. Just who was arriving at the school? Why did their presence make Weiss so excited?
"Natsu, stop dragging your feet!"
And Natsu so grumpy?
The two young ladies arrived at the platform just in time to watch the cargo door open, Natsu forcing himself along a few seconds later.
"So what's the big deal?" Ruby finally asked out of breath. "Who is 'She'?"
"Winter." Weiss answered happily.
Ruby's eyes went wide. "You mean…?"
"Yeah." Natsu sighed. "Our big sister."
From out of the ship emerged a woman. Followed by a squad of Atlesian Knight-200s. She had snow-white hair – tied in a bun on the left side of her head with her bangs curling down over her left eye – fair skin, and ice-blue eyes; just like her younger sister. She was also much taller than Weiss – and even Natsu to a small degree. Coupling that with how straight she stood, as well as her military uniform, Ruby described Winter at first glance as "beautiful yet commanding".
"Winter!" Weiss called out to her sister. She grabbed her brother's wrist. "Come on, Natsu."
"Do I have to?"
Ruby followed behind the siblings. When Winter looked their way, her intimidating gaze didn't waiver.
"I'm so happy to see you!" Weiss squealed. Remembering herself the heiress quickly curtsied. "I mean, your presence honors us."
"Yo." Natsu's nonchalant greeting earned him a smack to the back of head from his little sister. "Ow! What was that for?!"
Winter ignored her siblings surveyed the nearby area. "Beacon. It's been a long time. The air feels…different."
"Well it is fall…so…it's probably colder."
A punch from Weiss stunned Ruby as well.
"What are you doing here?" The heiress eagerly asked her sister.
"Classified." Was Winter's short reply.
"Oh right. Well how long are you staying?"
"Classified."
"Of course."
"Is the reason you're being so annoying 'classified' too?" Natsu's question was answered with another punch from Weiss. "Ow! Would you stop hitting me already?!"
Ruby could practically touch the awkwardness in the air. "Well this is a nice reunion…I think."
"You're going to love it here!" Weiss exclaimed to her sister. "I know you travel a lot, but Beacon is so much different than Atlas! Vale as well! Can you believe that the government and school are completely separate?! I-"
"I'm fully aware of how this kingdom runs it's…bureaucracy." Winter interrupted. "That is not why I'm here."
Weiss straightened up. "Right. My apologies."
"Nor did I come here to watch my siblings fail so miserably in battle. Though sadly it seems I have no choice in the matter."
Natsu rolled his eyes. "Here we go."
"Fail?" Weiss questioned. "We both won our battles."
"Only a novice would count those as victories. I counted at least three strikes missed."
Weiss sulked in shame.
"As for you, Natsu. Your leadership skills are sorely lacking. It was like watching a toddler try to order around a pack of wild dogs. That and your last attack was reckless at best and catastrophic at worst. What if you had injured yourself, or worse your own teammates? How many times have I told you to stop showing off?"
"I don't know. I stopped counting after fifty." Natsu remarked.
Winter shook her head. "Leave us." She threw up her hand and at her command the robots escorting her moved back…two paces. She sighed in exhaustion. When she looked back to her siblings and Ruby her face had softened some. She was even smiling a little bit. "How have you been?"
"Wonderful!" Weiss piped up. "Thank you for asking. I have the top ranking in our sparring class, and my studies are going wonderfully as well-"She was quickly silenced when Winter smacked her on the head.
"Enough! I don't need an update on your ranking. I want to know how you've been." She looked over to Natsu, prompting him to speak.
"Me? Well…I ummm...I haven't been kicked out yet so that's good…I think. I also haven't blown anything up…much."
Winter sighed again. "I suppose that's the best I can hope for out of you."
"I also got a girlfriend."
Winter's eyes widened in shock at this reveal. "You what? A girlfriend?!"
"You don't have to sound so surprised." Natsu grumbled.
"Who is it?"
"Pyrrha."
"Pyrrha…" Winter gasped. "As in Pyrrha Nikos? The top-ranking warrior from Mistral?!"
Natsu nodded. "Yeah."
"I was surprised as well." Weiss chimed in.
"Well I can certainly say that was not something I expected to hear upon my arrival. Congratulations, Natsu."
"Thanks?"
"What about you, Weiss? Have you met any boys that interest you?"
"Well actually-"
"No." Natsu firmly interrupted. "She hasn't."
Winter grinned. "Still under your big brother, eh? You really must grow out of that habit someday."
"What does that mean?!" Weiss asked with an embarrassed blush.
"I'm sure you know. What else has been happening? Have the two of you made sure the other is eating properly? Do you have any hobbies? Have you made any new friends?"
"Well there's Ruby." Weiss informally introduced her team leader. Winter looked her over, and judging by the tight expression on her face the oldest Schnee sibling wasn't impressed by what she saw.
"Ah so this is the leader you wrote about in your letter. How appropriately…underwhelming."
"Um…thank you?" Ruby replied.
"Greetings, Ruby Rose. I wish to thank you for taking an interest in my sister. As well as formally apologize for any trouble my brother has already, and will no doubt continue, to cause in the future."
"Hey." Natsu whined.
"Oh yes. Of course." Ruby smiled nervously. She had no idea how to deal with people like Winter. She didn't want to seem too flippant, but at the same time she didn't want to be too stiff either. In the end she settled for a mix of both. "The honor is in my…court." When she tried to curtsy, she almost fell over.
Natsu snickered while Weiss simply shook her head. Winter on the other hand seemed pacified with her actions.
"I have business with the General and your Headmaster, but seeing as how I'm a bit early; why don't you take me to your quarters?"
"Really?" Weiss was practically bouncing. Her brother wanted to run and hide.
"You really don't have to do that." He said.
"Why not?" Winter asked. "I simply wish to inspect them and see if they are up to my personal standards."
"That's what I was afraid of."
With a heavy head Natsu walked with his sisters towards the dormitory, unwittingly leaving Ruby behind.
"Just so you know," Weiss began. "The bunk beds only look unstable."
Winter was confused. "Bunk…beds?"
Ruby waved to the group as they were followed by the military robots. "I'll catch u-I mean I will…reconvene with you three at a later…juncture! Yeah juncture. That's it."
Natsu was a few steps behind his sisters as they approached the main courtyard of the academy. He hadn't said much since their journey began – only speaking when Winter or Weiss asked him a question. In all reality Natsu didn't really want to say anything, seeing his sisters both smile and talk was enough for him.
Despite his slightly combative attitude from time to time Natsu did care for his older sister just as much as he did his younger one. Underneath her hardened demeanor, Winter was a very caring individual. Natsu still remembered the time she snuck him and Weiss out of the mansion one night to go stargazing.
She was also the one who designed the insignia that was emblazoned both on the back of his vest as well as his arm. He still remembered the words she told him the day she presented the design to him: "Though you may not be related to us by blood, never feel that you are not a part of this family. I put the emblem underneath the dragon's head so you know that no matter what you choose to do in life, you will always have a home here with us."
"Did you hear me, Natsu?"
The pinkette refocused when he saw Winter glaring at him.
"What?" he asked. "Sorry I wasn't listening."
"Clearly. I asked you about the whereabouts of your team. CMSN was it? I would like to meet them as well as Weiss'."
"I think they're back at the dorm. Hold on, I'll check." Natsu grabbed his scroll and started looking for Cinder's information. Crap...I never got her number. Before he could relay this information to Winter he was interrupted by the sound of one of the robots following from the rear breaking apart. The head rolled past him. "What the…?"
The Schnee siblings turned around, looking on in confusion – or in Winter's case irritation – as a man with slick-black hair and red eyes held up the headless robot.
"Hey!" he called. From his slurred words and constant stumbling around, he was clearly drunk. "I'm talking to you, Ice Queen."
One of the remaining robots moved to intercept.
"Halt!" Winter ordered, stopping the automaton. Weiss however didn't heed her sister's command.
"Excuse me! Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
She stomped to the drunkard, only for him to place his hand on her head and push her aside.
"Not you."
"Hey!"
The lush made a bee line for Winter. "You." The walkway got quiet, the spectators anxiously awaiting what would happen between the shambling stranger and the military Specialist.
"Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town." He said. "Guess that means you're here too."
"I'm clearly standing before you aren't I?" Winter retorted.
The man squinted for a moment to line up his blurred vision. "So it would seem."
"I do hope you realize that you destroyed Atlas Military property."
The man looked around at the robots he had broken. "Oh." He said, feigning fright. "My bad. I mistook it for some sort of sentient garbage."
"I don't have time for these childish games…Qrow."
"Wait," Weiss returned to her sister's side. "You two know each other?"
Natsu thought for a moment. Qrow? Why does that name sound familiar? I know I heard it somewhere before.
"Geez. You Atlas Specialists think you're so special, don't ya?" Qrow said to Winter.
"It's in the title." She sniped.
"You wanna know what you really are? A bunch of sellouts. Just like your boss."
"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, but I've heard enough."
"Oh me too. I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned on Ozpin."
"Ozpin?"
Winter pushed her younger sister back. "Weiss, it's time for you and Natsu to leave."
"But-"
"Listen to big sister, Weiss." Qrow said. "She just wants to protect you. Just like Atlas is gonna protect all of us, right?" he stumbled back a couple of steps.
Winter drew her sword. Her patience with the drunk had long since evaporated. "If your tongue is too much of a burden for you, I will gladly remove it."
"Alright." Qrow ran his a hand through his hair, moving his bangs out of his field of vision. "Come take it."
Before Winter could make good on her threat, Natsu stepped in front of her with his weapons at the ready.
"Natsu, what are you doing?" Weiss gasped.
"I told you to leave." Winter ordered. "Step aside this instant."
Qrow continued to smirk. "Gotta admit I wasn't expecting this."
Natsu slammed his fists together, changing Black Summer from glove to gauntlet mode. "I've heard enough crap from you, drunk. Nobody talks to my sisters' like that."
"Oh really? Well what are you going to do about it, Pinky?"
Without a moment's hesitation Natsu dashed to Qrow with his fist drawn back. His first punch missed. As did his second. And his third. When he tried a kick Qrow bowed before him. Gripping the handle of the sword against his lower back Qrow extended the blade and pushed Natsu back. The two stared at one another, testing their range before resuming the fight.
"Winter, we have to do something!" Weiss pleaded. "Natsu could get hurt!"
"Calm down, Weiss. I will handle this." Winter started to move towards the pair.
"Stay out of this!" Natsu shouted to his sister. He slid back on his heels after blocking a slash from Qrow. "This is between me and him!"
"Natsu, cease this nonsense right now! You have nothing to gain from battling him! This is pointless!"
"Pointless?" Qrow questioned; dodging another one of Natsu's strike. "Don't you think that's a little harsh? He's just trying to protect his big sister's honor after all." His smirked angered the eldest Schnee sibling even more.
Ruby pushed through the crowd to the front lines of the fight. She had originally started back to the dorms, but after seeing the crowd gather she couldn't help but be curious.
"What's going on?" she asked Weiss.
"Some crazy guy just appeared and started insulting my sister. Then out of nowhere started fighting Natsu."
"Oh no. Who would do such a…oh it's my uncle!" Ruby's concern turned to joy when she saw Qrow.
"What?"
"Kick his butt, Uncle Qrow!" Ruby shouted.
Caught in the heat of the moment Weiss cheered for her family as well. "Show him the meaning of respect, Natsu!"
Not far from the fight irritably Mercury Black wandered the grounds. He had been sent by Cinder to retrieve Natsu.
"Why do I have to find the guy? I don't care if he got lost. I swear it's always me that-"
We he saw his team leader fighting Qrow his eyes widened in shock. Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap! That's bad! Really bad! He took off running back the way he came.
Natsu and Qrow's fight took them through the crowd and further down the walkway. After a stiff elbow to the cheek, Natsu retaliated by slamming his fist into the ground. The sidewalk broke apart, but Qrow avoided disaster by jumping into the air.
"Gotta be faster than that, kid!"
Natsu followed the drunk to the grass. No matter what he tried, none of his attacks seemed to land a substantial hit on the man. Qrow changed his sword into a shotgun and fired at Natsu point-blank. The pinkette blocked, but the force propelled Qrow to a tall structure surrounding the courtyard.
With a smirk his stuck his sword into one of the pillars and ran up it.
"Get back here!"
Natsu ran down the walkway, firing his cannons at Qrow - who now ran along the top of the structure.
Looks like he inherited her temper. Qrow noted.
Natsu jumped to the opposite structure, and a firefight ensued. Qrow proved the better marksman when he seemingly shot Natsu down. The pinkette recovered and launched himself at Qrow – Black Summer changing into claw mode.
Qrow held his sword across his body to block. Natsu crashed into him. The two broke through the structure and fell to the ground. The force and height from which they landed would have likely knocked out or outright killed anybody else.
Natsu finally landed a punch. Qrow was sent reeling back to where their started.
"That all you got?" the smirking man taunted, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. "Gotta say I'm kinda disappointed."
Natsu fired another blast from his cannons, but with a swipe of his blade Qrow cut through it. The gears in his weapon started to turn, but when he saw the anger in Natsu's eyes, he simply smirked and put his weapon back. This confused the increasingly angry pinkette.
"What are you doing?"
Qrow replied with a condescending smirk and motioning of his finger for Natsu to attack.
That bastard is making fun of me! Natsu clenched his fists so hard that they shook. Slowly the temperature around him started to rise.
"Umm…is it getting hotter to anyone else?" Ruby asked while tugging on her collar. Next to her Weiss was fanning herself off.
"That's odd. It was cool just a few moments ago."
Winter quickly realized what was going on. "Natsu! Calm down!"
Natsu didn't hear his elder sister's plea. He was only focused on Qrow. No matter what he did, nothing seemed to work. It was infuriating. This wasn't just about Winter's honor anymore, this was a matter of Natsu's personal pride as a fighter.
He felt an intense fire within slowly rising to the surface. Whether consciously or unconsciously Natsu inhaled as much air as he could. A red-orange circle resembling a glyph appeared in front of him. When Natsu opened his mouth, out came a huge stream of fire.
FIRE DRAGON ROAR
Natsu's roar frightened the crowd, who cried out in terror as the fire headed their way. Even Qrow was caught off guard.
What's this?! He motioned for his blade, but was saved by Winter.
The eldest Schnee sibling stuck her sword into the ground, creating a large glyph. Ice swirled around her, forming into a giant beowolf that absorbed the fire from Natsu's attack. When the threat was neutralized she stared across the courtyard at her younger brother. His eyes were still narrowed and his hands still clutched tightly.
"Natsu, get ahold of yourself!" she yelled.
Her shout finally managed to break through to him and Natsu started to come to his senses.
"Winter? What happened? Did I win?" He saw smoke rising. "Where did that come from? Wait it's in my mouth! Why am I breathing smoke?!"
Winter sighed in relief.
"That was a close one." Qrow grinned. Winter quickly pointed her blade at his throat.
"This was your fault! If you hadn't provoked him he-"
"Schnee!"
The soldier stood at attention at the familiar baritone. It was General Ironwood. She turned to him and saluted – for some reason Penny Poledina was with him.
"General Ironwood, sir!"
"What is the meaning of this?" the general demanded.
"He was the one who started the altercation, sir."
"That's a lie." Qrow argued. "The kid attacked me first."
"Kid?" Ironwood looked over to a confused Natsu. "Is this true?"
"No."
Ironwood continued to stare at him.
"I mean…kinda."
The general's stare hardened even more and Natsu finally gave up. He dropped his head in shame.
"Yeah."
"I see." Ironwood looked around at the destruction the two caused. Luckily no one seems to be hurt. He next looked to Qrow. "You."
The black-haired man pointed at himself in confusion as Ironwood approached him.
"What are you doing here?" The general asked.
"You first."
"I-"
"Now now, everyone."
The crowd parted as Professor's Ozpin and Goodwitch made their appearances.
"There is a sanctioned fight happening over at the colosseum that not only has better seats, but popcorn as well." Ozpin said.
"Break it up, everyone." Glynda ordered. "We will handle things here."
Ironwood looked to Winter. "Let's go."
The soldier followed her general away. Penny went along as well, but not before waving to Natsu, Weiss, and Ruby. Natsu and Ruby returned the gesture, but Weiss remained confused to her presence at the General's side.
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby latched onto her Uncle's arm like a monkey. "It's great to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me?!"
"…Nope." Qrow grinned and rubbed his niece's head.
"Qrow!"
Ruby dropped from her uncle's arm when Ozpin called. Behind the Headmaster Glynda was fixing the ground Qrow and Natsu had broken.
"A word if you would."
"I think I'm in trouble." Qrow whispered to Ruby.
"Well you kinda tore up our courtyard."
"Good point. See you later, kid." With a wink and a fist bump Qrow followed the Headmaster.
"Now your recklessness makes sense." Weiss commented as she moved next to Ruby.
"You're just mad that he kicked butt." Ruby bragged.
"Please. If the General hadn't gotten involved Natsu would have been victorious."
The girls looked to the still bewildered Natsu. He kept opening and closing his mouth. Most likely in an attempt to use the attack from earlier.
"I didn't know he could breathe fire." Ruby said. "That was awesome!"
Weiss was less enthused. "Yes. I suppose it was." Fire Dragon...Roar?
Natsu watched the adults pass by.
"Not bad, kid." Qrow complimented. "Gotta admit you surprised me with that last move."
"Thanks…I guess." Natsu said begrudgingly.
"Mr. Schnee." Ozpin called.
"Yeah?"
"Under normal circumstances, any student participating in the tournament caught fighting in a non-sanctioned fight outside of it would result in the disqualification of their entire team."
Natsu gulped. "Does that mean-"
"But, seeing as how no one was hurt during your and Qrow's reckless altercation I will look the other way…this time. I suggest you be on your best behavior from now on. Do you understand?"
Natsu stood at attention. "R-right! Yes, sir!"
Ozpin sipped from his mug and smiled at the boy. "Good."
General Ironwood stood like a statue next to Professor Ozpin's desk as Winter paced back and forth in front of him. They had been waiting for Ozpin and the others to return for the past few minutes. When the elevator door opened it took everything Winter had not to slit Qrow's neck.
"You bastard! How dare you raise your sword to my brother?! I should-"
"Schnee."
Ironwood's tone stopped the angered Specialist in her tracks. She took a step back and composed herself.
"At least the kid was bold enough to challenge me." Qrow smirked. "Can't say the same for you."
This comment only increased Winter's contempt.
"If you were one of my men I'd have you shot." Ironwood said.
Qrow grabbed the flask from his jacket pocket and took a drink. "Don't bother. I would have shot myself."
"That being said, your behavior was unacceptable." Glynda said. "Attacking a student like that is simply uncalled for. Your antagonizing didn't help matters either, Ms. Schnee."
"He was drunk!" Winter argued.
"He's always drunk!"
The group looked to Qrow, who was in the middle of emptying his flask into his mouth. Ozpin sighed and sat in his chair.
"Why exactly are you here, Qrow?" he asked.
"You've been out of contact for weeks." Ironwood stated. "You can't just go dark in the field like that."
"I'm not one of your toy soldiers, Jimmy." Qrow sniped.
"General." Winter corrected.
"Whatever. You sent me to get intel on the enemy? Well let me give my report. The enemy is here."
"We know." Ironwood said plainly.
"Oh wonderful! You know! Well it's a good thing I risked my ass out there to get you this oh so vital piece of information."
"Qrow-"
"Communication goes both ways." He grabbed his scroll from his pocket and pointed at the center button. "See? This is the send button. Feel free to use it anytime."
"There was reason to believe that you'd been compromised." Winter informed.
"And I have reason to be believe that you shouldn't be here. Seriously, why is she in here?"
Ironwood answered before Winter had a chance to retort.
"We will discuss this incident back on my ship. You are dismissed, Schnee."
Winter was shocked for lack of a better word. "But, sir, you can't seriously be agreeing with this-"
"Winter. Leave."
Reluctantly the snow-haired soldier followed orders and saluted to the general before leaving the office. Though not before exchanging one final look of disgust with Qrow. Ironwood prompted Qrow to continue.
"As you were saying."
"Our infiltrator isn't just a pawn, they're the one responsible for Autumn's condition." Qrow took another drink from his flask. "Despite the façade we put on for the masses: being teachers, generals, or headmasters isn't what we truly are. We - as well as the headmasters of the other academies - are on the front lines in a war that no one even knows about.
It's the sole reason why we work in shadows and have these oh so secret meetings." He stepped to General Ironwood. "So let me in on a secret, James, were you being discreet when you brought your army to Vale or did you just not give a damn?!"
"Discreet was no longer an option."
Ironwood placed his scroll on Ozpin's desk. It interfaced with the computer and in the middle of the office a hologram displaying Beacon, Vale, the colosseum, and the Atlesian Fleet appeared.
"I'm here because this was necessary."
"No, you're here because Ozpin let you be. He brought you into this group and showed you what was really going on out there."
"And I am grateful for that."
"You are? Well color me surprised because you got a real unique way of showing it."
"The people of Vale needed someone who would protect them. They needed action. Looking up to my fleet in the skies they feel safe, while our enemies feel our strength."
Curiously, Qrow started to laugh.
"You think they're scared of your flying toys? I've seen first-hand what she's made of and I can tell you for a fact that you don't know what fear really is."
"And fear in turn brings the Grimm." Ozpin stood up from his desk. "A guardian is a symbol of comfort, while an army symbolizes conflict. There is an energy around us now. The question everyone wants the answer to is: 'If this is the size of our defenses, what are we expecting to fight?'"
Ironwood looked at his comrades. It was clear that they were all against his idea of 'protection'. With a defeated sigh he grabbed his scroll from the table – unaware of the picture of a Queen Chess piece being displayed on it.
"What do you suggest we do then?"
"We find our guardian." Ozpin answered.
"I gotta quick question." Qrow said.
"Yes? What is it?"
"That kid I fought earlier…he's the one Raven raised isn't he?"
It took a moment for Ozpin to answer. "...Yes. He is."
"How did he end up with the Schnees?"
"That is a question you will have to ask her."
"Is that your plan then? Are you gonna try and make him this 'guardian'?"
"No. He's done more than enough already." Ozpin looked out of his window to the city lights in the distance. "This fight is not his, and I aim to make sure it stays that way."
"And you're sure that it was him?"
"Bad hair, scythe, and smelled like my dad on bad day? Yeah it was him."
Mercury watched Cinder pace in front of him. He had just informed her of the situation between Qrow and Natsu not too long ago, but by all accounts she didn't seem too bothered by it.
"You said he was fighting Natsu?"
"Yep. They were going at it pretty hard."
"Was he hurt?"
"I don't know. Seemed like he was kind of enjoying it."
"Not him. Natsu."
"That's who I was talking about."
"What do we do now?" Emerald asked Cinder. Her normal confident tone had just the tiniest bit of fear mixed in.
"Nothing." Cinder answered. "We proceed as planned. They have no idea who we are so we have no reason to worry."
"What about Natsu?"
"He is in the dark as well. We're more than covered. In addition, the last of the heavy lifting has been taken care of thanks to our clever little friend."
Cinder grabbed the scroll tablet on the desk. When she turned it on the Queen piece appeared along with some sort of menu, and a picture of General Ironwood.
"Speaking of which it seems that we have ourselves a new access point."
"Anywhere good?" Emerald asked.
"Something like that. Return to your rooms I will get things ready for tomorrow."
"Got it."
"Yes, ma'am."
When Mercury and Emerald left the room Cinder started scrolling through the doubles in the tournament. Just then the door reopened, revealing Natsu. Cinder quickly exited the program.
"Natsu? I'm surprised you're here."
"Why? This is my room."
"Y-yes. Of course. Forgive me, it's just that I haven't seen you since our battle."
"Yeah…" Natsu looked around the room in an attempt to fight off his embarrassment. "Sorry for ditching you guys. I kinda got caught up in something."
"It's alright. Rumor has it you were involved in a fight."
"Yeah. I was."
"That really wasn't smart. What if you had been hurt? We would have been disqualified from the tournament. Was it not you who declared to the masses that we would win?"
"I know. I know. I messed up." Natsu groaned. "Geez you sound just like Weiss. She just got through yelling at me."
"She's just concerned. As am I. We can't afford for you to run off on your own like that and start fights when we still have two days left in the tournament. If you must fight, do it in the ring."
Natsu sighed. "I understand. I'll be more careful next time."
"That is all I ask." Cinder smiled.
"Well I'm tired. So I'm gonna get some sleep."
"Of course. Go right ahead."
When Natsu flopped belly first onto his bed Cinder reopened the program on the tablet. She stopped at the pictures of Natsu and Mercury.
"Natsu, one last question before you go sleep."
The pinkette grunted in reply.
Cinder smirked deviously. "If you could face any double in the tournament right now, who would it be?"
The crowd was roared with anticipation for the second day of the festival. Everyone speculated on what the first match of the day would be. Natsu was surprised when the randomizer stopped on himself and Mercury versus Yatsuhashi and Coco of Team CFVY.
"That's weird." He commented. When Cinder asked him the previous night who he would want to fight, that was the pair he chose. It wasn't like Team CFVY was who he wanted to face the most, those were just the first two that popped into his head. Nevertheless he shrugged his shoulders and made his way to the arena floor along with Mercury. At least he would get the chance to prove himself against two of the strongest students in the school.
"Natsu and Mercury of Team CMSN versus Yatsuhashi and Coco of Team CFVY! Our first match of the doubles round is sure to be an exciting one." Professor Port said.
"That's right, Peter." Doctor Oobleck nodded. "Team CFVY are currently regarded as the strongest team in Beacon. Their level of teamwork is simply unparalleled, but Team CMSN surprised everyone with their astonishing victory in the first round. It will certainly be a treat to see if Team CMSN's unorthodox methods will be able to best Team CFVY's experience."
The biome randomizer started to spin. In order to vary the matches from the first round, the second round battles used four different areas instead of two. When the spinner stopped, the biomes that were chosen were forest, geyser, urban, and savannah.
"Pretty bold statement you made yesterday, fireball." Coco complimented Natsu.
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it." The pinkette replied.
"Oh I know you meant it, but you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch."
Natsu titled his head. "Chickens?"
"She's saying not to get too cocky." Mercury explained.
"Bingo." Coco pointed. "See, Team CFVY has a reputation to maintain, so we can't let a couple of freshman show us up. Also you broke my girl's heart. Even if we're friends I can't let that slide."
Natsu was once again confused. "What did I do?"
In the stands Velvet looked away from the arena with a blush.
Mercury cracked his knuckles. "You guys ready to get this party started or what?"
Yatsuhashi stood up and grabbed his massive sword. "We should be asking you the same thing."
The countdown began. "3! 2! 1! BEGIN!"
Natsu sped to Coco and Yatsuhashi like a rocket, catching them both off-guard. With a punch and kick he separated them to opposite ends of the arena. He went after Yatsuhashi first. The big man swung his sword, but Natsu slid underneath his legs. He kicked the back of his knee to bring him down to his level, but before he could strike again he saw Coco's Gatling gun aimed at him.
The chamber started to rotate and Natsu circled around to avoid the shots. Coco's bullets cut through the savannah grass and even managed to hit the barrier protecting the spectators. Natsu charged head on and stepped on Coco's weapon, forcing it down to the ground.
She tried to move him but he wouldn't budge. "Not fair!"
"Here's a new move I learned." Natsu opened his mouth. "Fire Dragon Roar!"
Coco didn't know what she was in for, but when she braced for impact. Nothing happened. Natsu was just as confused as she was.
"What the-?! Why isn't it working? That was the name right?"
"What is he doing?" Blake asked.
"I think he's trying to breathe fire again." Ruby answered plainly.
"Natsu can breathe fire?!"
"Yep. He did it yesterday when he fought my Uncle Qrow. I thought I told you that."
"No you didn't. You just ranted and raved about how awesome it was to see your Uncle Qrow after so long. You didn't mention anything about Natsu fighting him or that he could breathe fire."
"…Oh yeah." Ruby remembered. She smiled. "Guess I forgot."
"Little performance anxiety there?" Coco taunted.
"Don't worry I got way more tricks than that." Natsu smirked.
"Too bad we won't get to see them."
"What?"
Yatsuhashi suddenly grabbed Natsu by the back of his head and threw him into the broken building of the urban zone, burying him under a pile of rubble.
"Natsu!" Pyrrha shouted.
"Is he out?!" Weiss asked.
"No." Yang pointed to the holo-screen. Natsu's aura bar had lowered from 100 to 85. "His aura hasn't gone down much, he's still in the fight."
"I just realized," Ruby started. "Where did Mercury go?"
Everyone look around for the illusive young man. That's when Blake saw something falling from the sky.
"Up there!"
Coco and Yatsuhashi looked up just in time to see Mercury descending from the sky. Yatsuhashi pushed Coco out of the way and Mercury landed feet first on the side of his blade. Yatsuhashi pushed him back. As soon Mercury landed Coco fired her gun. Mercury to run around the arena just like Natsu did before him.
"Man he's even faster than Natsu." Sun noted.
"Speaking of him, is he alright?" Neptune asked, looking to the urban ruins. "He's kinda been out awhile."
Mercury nimbly fended off attacks from both members of Team CFVY. When Coco readied her gun to fire again, Mercury jumped behind her. He pressed his feet against the back of the gun, pushing the barrel against Yatsuhashi's stomach.
Unfazed, Coco compressed the gun to its bag form and swatted Mercury away. He fired two shots from his boots. Coco and Yatsuhashi deflected the blasts. When they refocused on Mercury they saw that he had created a tornado of dust shots by spinning his legs around.
The blasts launched to Team CFVY, creating a smokescreen that allowed Mercury to get behind them. He kicked Yatsuhashi away and grabbed Coco.
"How about we go somewhere private?" He abducted her into the forest area.
"Coco!" Yatsuhashi started running after her until an explosion shook the area. He looked to the urban zone and saw Natsu standing tall – albeit with a few cuts and bruises.
"Round two." He snarled.
Weiss and Pyrrha both breathed a sigh of relief - even Velvet was relieved.
Yatsuhashi readied his blade of Natsu's incoming assault.
Natsu fired his cannons. When Yatsuhashi cut through the blasts Natsu suddenly appeared before him and kicked his face. When he tried follow-up Yatsuhashi grabbed his face again, only this time he threw him into the geyser area and followed after him.
Natsu slid through the water. Upon stopping he saw Yatsuhashi falling towards him. He brought his sword down, but Natsu blocked with his gauntlets. The shockwave moved away all of the water in the area, broke the surface rock, and made a few of the geysers go off prematurely.
Yatsuhashi brought down his sword for the final blow. Natsu sidestepped and grabbed the massive student by the arm. With a thunderous shout, Natsu picked up Yatsuhashi and slammed him onto his back with a hard thud.
His head landing on an active geyser, Yatsuhashi was buffeted by the hot vapors. He stood up disoriented, regaining his faculties just as Natsu drove a flame covered fist into his abdomen. Yatsuhashi gasped for air and his eyes glossed over. He hunched over Natsu unconscious and his Aura bar drained to zero. The fight was over for him.
In the forest area, Coco was thrown into a tree. On her hands and knees she shook her head free of cobwebs, but noticed that her trademark sunglasses were missing. She frantically searched for them only to find them broken next to her.
She clucked her teeth. "Those were my favorite pair."
She narrowly dodged a stray shot and watched Mercury come at her. She managed to dodge his kicks and he sprinted off into the trees. The moment she saw him again Coco fired her gun, but all she hit were the trees. When Mercury disappeared again, Coco started to search for him.
"Ok this guy is getting annoying. Where is Yatsuhashi?" Coco heard a buzzer go off and looked to the holo-screen. To her horror a revived Natsu had defeated her teammate.
"Looks like it's now up to Coco to pull out victory for her team." Port said.
"What?" Coco's hands started to shake as she slowly backed further into the forest, her eyes darting every which way for some sign of Mercury. She was alone now. No one was coming to save her. She saw something moving and fired, but came up with nothing again. "Damn."
"Peekaboo."
Coco turned around and was met with a hard kick from Mercury. The force of the strike sent her flying out of the forest area. Natsu placed the defeated Yatsuhashi in the center of the arena, but when he saw Coco soaring overhead his eyes widened. She was heading for the urban area. More specifically a piece of jagged metal that was sticking out from the rubble.
"Coco!" Velvet shouted. If her friend landed on that metal she would no doubt be impaled.
Natsu took off, catching Coco just before she landed. His fashionable friend grinned weakly at him.
"Nice catch..." She then passed out. When her aura bar went below the designated level she was officially eliminated.
"That was a close call, but nonetheless Team CMSN has scored another victory! This time with a huge upset over Team CFVY." Doctor Oobleck commentated.
"It seems that raw grit trumped experience on this day." Professor Port added. "If they keep this going than Natsu's outburst from the first round may go from wishful thinking to reality."
Natsu brought Coco over to where Yatsuhashi was laying.
"That kick was too hard." He glared at Mercury. "You could have killed her."
Mercury smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry about that. Guess I got a little carried away."
Natsu wasn't amused by his flippant reply.
Watching from the seats behind Teams CFVY and RWBY, Cinder and Emerald got up and walked into the colosseum tunnel.
New Chapter! Two Natsu fights for the price of one (also some family time and backstory mystery)! Also gonna try something here. As far as my drafts go, I'm almost done with Vol. 3. I have about 2 chapters in the hole so to speak, so I was thinking of posting a new chapter every monday and friday until I'm done with vol. 3. That way that give plenty of time for people to catch up.
As always leave a comment/review letting me know what you think! Thanks for reading! :)
