Chapter 30
Start of the Second Sequence: From Work to Play, and everything In Between.
Start of the Second Sequence: From Work to Play, and everything In Between.
Timeskip: 1 Month and 2 weeks later.
The duo were relaxing as there was a brief respite in Paperwork from the Professor, bless them, and were being extra lenient with any deadlines for anyone involved in the breach and plugging it in.
Alex had ordered a couch to go in their "Living Room", both of them having drawn out what section of the room is what and he bought furniture that went with it. There was a study area, with a squared table cast off to one corner of the room where it wouldn't get in the way and could easily seat at least six. The living room area, where there was a couch that could fit four normal people. The sofa had actually come with a matching loveseat but Yang and Ruby had claimed it as their fee for helping bring the stuff in. The TV was mounted on the wall and as of now was connected to the Brunette's laptop as he played a game.
Alexis was resting her head on his lap, playing with his scroll and going through the apps on it. She was intrigued by it, and how different it was from everyone else's. It wasn't transparent nor could it change shape like one could with the school issued ones (Alex had his sent to Patch in its box with a piece of paper stating where to store it.) The screen was big and there was a lip that you could push up on to reveal a keyboard underneath, something that she had never seen before. She kept sliding the screen closed and open and just twirled it around to see if she could find any other hidden secrets it was hiding before her attention turned upwards to a very enraged teen.
"God's Sake!" He shouted as he nearly threw his controller at the TV.
Alexis had stopped paying attention to the scroll and looked over to the boy. His jaw was clenched and His eyes were concentrating on the task at hand, hand gripping the controller hard enough that it looked like it would shatter under the pressure. She could see that his brown eyes had hardened slightly in concentration at the task at hand.
The scroll in her hand began to ring, playing a small tune, grabbing both their attention.
"Who is it?" he asked, nodding at the scroll in her hand.
Alexis checked the Caller ID, eyes widening in curiosity at the person in question. "It's Professor Goodwitch." The blonde pressed the green button on screen, answering the call.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Blau? Is Mr. Rojo with you?" The Professor asked. She was given an answer in the form of a frustrated groan and the sound of plastic snapping.
"Yes, would you like me to pass it to him?"
"No, I actually wanted to speak to the both of you. Come up to the Headmaster's Office."
"Uh… Ok." The swordswoman said nervously, a bit uneasy at the order.
Glynda noticed the uneasiness in her voice. "It's quite alright, you aren't in any trouble." She assured. "But I do need you to come up soon."
A sigh of relief came from the other end of the line. "Alright. We're going, I'll just let Ruby kno-"
"That's quite alright. There is no need to inform Team RWBY."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, quite. I'll see you two up here." The Professor hung up, leaving Alexis surprised.
Alexis placed the scroll on the table, got up and grabbed her weapon. She also grabbed Frameskip and handed it to Alex who looked really, really upset.
"Stupid Lag, stupid Defending." He moaned. The brunette picked up the pieces of the shattered controller and threw them into the bin, double bagging it in order for the sharper edges to not cut the bag. "What did Goodwitch want?"
"She wants to talk to us."
"About?" He gestured his hand for more details.
"I don't know." The blonde shrugged. "She just said to hurry up. And not to tell the others."
"Why?"
She gave him another shrug. He gave his own shrug as he put on his weapon. The watch gave a solid vibration to inform the wearer that it's ready for battle.
"Alright, let's go then." He said, pocketing his scroll and wallet.
He closed the door to the dorm, pressing the band of his watch against the security lock until he heard the 'click'. He caught up to the blonde, taking five jogging steps until he was right next to her.
The blonde grabbed his hand, and interlocked their fingers together. He looked at their hands before looking up to the eyes of his partner. He just smiled, a contagious one that led to the blonde giving off her own. Alexis could tell that Alex was nervous, so she rubbed her thumb over the top of his hand. It seemed to work as she felt him grip slacken a little.
During the last few weeks they had gone on 3 separate dates, one every Friday night, and after the third successful yesterday they both agreed that they were, as Nora had put it, 'Together-Together'. But they both also agreed that they would not let this affect either of them academically, at least they'd agreed they would try to not let it affect them.
They've had several training sessions away from Team RWBY, as Weiss and Ruby were always busy in the library or in Vale, while Yang would be at the Gym and Blake would engross herself in a novel as one does. Which meant that they had to look elsewhere for spars of two. Coco and Velvet of Team CFVY seemed always open and so was Ren and Nora whenever they passed by.
They passed by the field. Despite it being a little later, there were still some people out and about. Some were just sitting on benches, a few were kicking a ball around and they even saw Nora playing baseball with Maginhild. Though she and Ren seemed to have a lot of replacement balls, maybe the pile of destroyed baseballs at her feet have something to do with it?
They arrived at the elevator which led to Ozpin's office. Hearing a 'Ding', they stepped inside and Alex pressed the button leading to the top.
Why did Ozpin want to talk to them? Did something happen? Goodwitch sounded very serious.
The 'Ding' that followed would lead them to their answers. The brunette let go of Alexis' hand as he took the lead towards their headmaster and her assistant/their Combat Instructor.
"Headmaster Ozpin, Professor Goodwitch. You called for us."
"Yes." Ozpin said, resting his head on his hands.
"And what is it that you need?"
"Well." He began. "You two, as of the time you two arrived, have been a part of Team RWBY."
"Yes…" The brunette Drawled, trying to get the Headmaster to quickly make his point. Alexis elbowed him, causing him to glare at her.
"As you two know, teams here are made up of, at most, four people. This is not the first nor last time that a temporary team will be assigned like it has here. However, Professor Goodwitch and I have had a chance to see the progress that has been made by you two in the field. We believe that you two will make excellent Hunters that will surely protect the people in the future."
"Thank You Sir." The two said in unison.
"But," He continued "Right now, as you attend this academy, you can no longer be a part of Team RWBY."
Dread filled both of them, and could be clearly seen on their faces. Would they get kicked out? What would happen to them?
"This doesn't mean that you will leave however." They both gave a collective sigh of relief. "Professor Goodwitch has brought up a solution."
"Yes." The Combat Instructor stepped forward to address them. "I have the paperwork that would allow the two of you to form your own team, and separate from Team RWBY." Glynda presented a Manilla Folder, which was opened on the desk in front of them and papers neatly stapled together. The bottom had two blank lines, presumable for both their signatures.
"Once you sign this, you two will no longer be recognized as part of Team RWBY and you two will be your own team."
Alex grabbed the paperwork, scanning over and reading the document. He flipped page after page as he mumbled the words he was reading.
"Will this have any negative effects our education or on any team based exercises?" He asked, holding a tone Alexis had never heard him carry before.
'This must be how he deals with Company matters.' The blonde thought as she read a copy of the document.
"I won't lie, as for team based exercise Ms. Goodwitch will need to see how she can get the working without you two being at a major disadvantage. I understand how a 4 against 2 spar would seem unfair. As for the curriculum, that is unchanged. You will still attend your classes as normal."
"And how will this affect our participation at the Vytal Tournament? And how will this affect our outdoor assignments?"
"With the outdoor assignments, you can just follow Team RWBY or any other team as long as they don't mind. I know professor Peach is going to have an outfield assignment soon. As for Team Based assignments, Professor Goodwitch and Myself have a few that we are certain that you two could do. That would count for your First Year Outfield Credit."
"Ok, this seems planned out well." The CEO acknowledged. "But as written here on Page 7 Section 1 Paragraph 5 it is stated that, and I quote 'The Field Hunters in question who are in Training shall henceforth be referred to as 'Specialists, Hunter Specialists, Spec Ops Hunters or any derivative of the Special Operations Unit of the Hunters Association.' Care to explain what that means?"
Alexis and Glynda were both shocked, Alexis mouth slightly ajar. This was not the same person from half an hour ago, who was upset over losing in a game.
Ozpin took a sip from his mug. "I expected nothing less of you. Yes, you two will be Specialists in training. But it will not change what you will be doing here for the next four years. A Specialists will once in a blue moon be given a mission that is different from what normal hunters would usually get. They are the reason we've discovered so many new species of Grimm, and they help us find out ways to kill them. As specialists, you will be given one mission per semester with Ms Goodwitch further within the Emerald Forest. There are so many places that have been left untouched there. "
"Were you a Specialist as well?" Alexis asked the Blonde combat instructor.
"Yes, though I didn't have the luxury of having a partner. Consider yourself lucky Ms. Blau." There was a small, almost invisible upturn at the corners of Professor Goodwitch's mouth.
"Do you accept?"
"Do we have another option?"
"Of Course, it involves you two returning to Atlas and being trained with the Atlas Academy First Division under General Ironwood." Ozpin explained nonchalantly, interlocking his fingers together in front of him.
The Blonde swordswoman went Pale. She was NOT going to train in Atlas. The students are deceived in Atlas, being bred to become soldiers of the Atlesian National Guard or worse, the Atlesian Military. No, she wasn't going.
Plus, what about Alex? Will their partnership, the time they spent together, be for naught? He'll probably forget about her within a few days. She could already see images in her mind of that happening.
"We'll do it." Alexis said above the argument Ozpin and Alex were getting into.
"What?" He turned to face the blonde "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm here to train and defend, and I refuse to go back to Atlas to train in that Academy." She vented.
"Hm, you feel very strongly about this." Ozpin said.
"With all due respect to General Ironwood, his academy is run to breed soldiers. Either that or Mercenaries who put aside everything just for the sake of money."
Glynda narrowed her eyes slightly, taking note of that.
"Plus, he is a bit of a dick with a Superiority Complex." Alex said as he crossed his arms.
"Mr Rojo!" Glynda scolded
"It's true, we've all seen it!" He slammed his palms onto the desk "He tries to get his way every time, strong-arming everyone into submission. I've had to deal with him several times. Do you understand how frustrating it is trying to explain to him that we don't plan on making military technology anymore? Or renewing our Military Contract with the Atlas Federal Guard. He keeps nagging and trying to get sanctions put in place so I have no option BUT to work with him." He vented his corporate fury.
He then began counting on his fingers everything wrong with Ironwood. "He's trying to get Mandatory Conscription passed for all Citizens, naturalized or born, in the country. All civilian vehicles must run on Schnee Dust Liquefy or Ethanol 50%. Do you understand how absolute garbage Ethanol 50% is? Do you know how expensive it is per gallon? Don't even get me started on his proposed, and secret I might add, Government Funded, Domestic and International Mass surveillance Project he's trying to get running. He wants every technology company in Atlas to basically help him track all of the citizens Remnant at any time."
"Ok, I understand you frustration with the General. But this conversation isn't about him. We can either reach an agreement here, or you go to Atlas or your simply find a different Career. You are not obligated to accept this." Ozpin acknowledged their choices.
Alexis and Alex looked at each other. A few seconds passed, and they nodded at each other before nodding at their superiors.
"Alright. We'll do it. Are we going to do these missions alone?" Alex asked.
"No, they require both you and her. It's a two person job." They both nodded as Glynda handed them both pens.
Alexis signed her name on her document as Alex signed his name into his copy, handing them both to Glynda.
"Thank You for agreeing to this. I know this isn't exactly what you expected, but you have my word that this agreement doesn't leave this room. You two are just regular hunters, on your own team. However, I already have your first assignment. I'll brief you on it later." They both nodded dejectedly.
"I did forget to say one thing. And it's in the document. If you find two others, or two others join your team willingly, you will be removed from the Specialists Program." They both nodded again, a bit out of it and not paying much attention...
"As for your new Team Name…" He paused for several seconds, eyeing them both.
"You are now known as Team ARAA. Pronounced Aura. Team Leader…Alexander Rojo."
A screen popped up in front of them, their pictures being moved from TEAM RWBY to the new TEAM ARAA. Both Emblems below the team name. Alexis' Blue Cross with a white medical cross and Alex's Company Logo, the three letters that make up the PNA.
"Again, thank you for coming. You may leave." They both turned and walked to the elevator, Alex slamming the button with the bottom of his fist. The combat instructor glared at the back of his head, but kept her mouth shut.
"That was certainly unexpected." Ozpin said as he leaned back in his chair. "Glynda, please don't lecture Ironwood. He must have a reason for doing all this."
"Why does he want everyone to be conscripted to his military? Is his army not big enough?" The professor imagined Fathers, Mothers, Sons and Daughters, all being shipped away. Deployed to a war they never would agreed on in the first place.
"You know how Ironwood is." Ozpin responded. "The Council would never allow that to happen."
The blonde said nothing, opting to walk and look outside through the Glass Window. She spotted the pair walking down, holding hands it seems.
A small smile, more visible than the last, appeared.
Clicking of a keyboard made her turn to the source of the sound, seeing Ozpin typing something.
"What are you doing?"
He sent the information he was editing onto her Scroll Tablet, the small yellow button blinking on the side. She'd just received a notification.
Opening the application in question, she was greeted to several digital pages. "What's this?" She asked as she skimmed through them. She noticed the words "Atlas Academy" "Espionage"
"That is their first mission."
Now, Glynda was a woman who took pride in handling these types of situations with a cool, calm demeanor. But what she was reading, they weren't ready for this.
"Ozpin, you don't really expect them to go on their own?"
"Of Course not. You're going with them. After all, they'll be covering you."
"What?" The Professor asked, gritting her teeth.
"What he said about James isn't something I would normally want to hear, however I do acknowledge the fact that he has been acting a little more suspiciously as of late."
"Beacon has received invitations from Atlas Academy several times, wanting us to send a few of our best Hunter or Huntress in training to compete in their tournament that takes in early November." He explained. "I want you to see if you can get any information on this, whether or not any of what Mr. Rojo said has any merit. James may be overstepping his boundaries."
"And how do you expect me to grab that information? I can't just waltz in there and take it. It's encrypted with several security measures."
"Well, good thing Mr Rojo has the tools, and a very large company at his disposal for that." Ozpin sipped his coffee. "Read them, understand the layout of the Academy and be prepared to brief them."
Glynda understood that this was an order from him not as a Headmaster, but as Commander in Chief of the Vale Military.
According to Clauses I, IV, V, VII, IX and X, Subsections III and V of the Vale Defensive Bypass Acts, should war breakout, he would be able to Declare Martial Law within the city of Vale and its surrounding territories and as the give himself absolute authority within its borders.
Clause II, III, and VI of Subsection IV also explained that every hunter, student, soldier, police officer, security contractor and anyone else with combat experience would be conscripted.
Executive Orders 9, 3, and 5 of the Newly Ratified Valistic Statutes also gave him special bypass rules that allowed him to circumvent the Council Vote on certain Military Operations, such as this one.
"You may leave to your room, Professor Goodwitch." He got up and faced the window, looking down at the few students wandering below. "You will leave in the next few days, as the tournament starts on Friday. I have taken the liberty of Alerting the Atlas Academy of our participation so no additional documentation is necessary." He saw that she was about to protest. "This is not up for debate, get familiar with the layout and prepare to brief them" She closed her mouth and nodded, calling for the elevator and waiting for it to arrive.
This is an order of espionage on foreign soil. If word got out that the Headmaster of Beacon had order and such mission on foreign soil without going through the Council of Vale…let's just say Problems would arise to say the least. The public doesn't know about these laws since they were passed 'under the table'. Only those who were conspiracy theorists and etc. knew about them, and they probably thought it sounded ridiculous as well.
She arrived at her own room, unlocking the door and placing the Scroll Tablet on the coffee table. She would read them after a nice shower and changing out of her clothing into something more comfortable.
After the refreshing shower and changing into her sleepwear, the blonde tied her hair into a small messy ponytail and put on her glasses. Taking a seat, she began to thoroughly go over her new assigned Mission.
Reading page after page, memorizing the entrances and what not, the rules of the tournament and other important items. Ozpin had to have lost his mind.
She eventually retired to bed, thinking about how she would tell the two of them that their first Specialist mission was, ironically, returning to Atlas.
XXX
"Students, today is the final match of the BCON Tournament Group Stage. Remember that the top two students in each group will move on to the Knockout Stage." The blonde combat instructor explained through the mic. "I will draw the Matches for the next round shortly after the end of this session." She finished as she stepped off the mic.
It was a Wednesday and everyone who was participating in the event, at least those who are still statistically eligible, were watching and waiting for their turns.
Groups D through J had already fought. In Group D, Nora managed to snag top of the group from Ren due to having two minutes less than Ren's final time.
In Group F, Jayne managed a shocking upset against an overconfident Yang. She kept making smart remarks every time he missed and he used that to his advantage, remembering what Pyrrah had told him during their training.
"They're going to talk down to you Jayne, but instead of thinking of it in a negative way, just imagine the faces of everyone when you prove them all wrong."
Yang's facial expression was exactly what Jaune had hoped for, slack-jawed in disbelief.
Blake had no issues in Group J, winning all three of her matches in a reasonable amount of time.
The only Groups that hadn't fought where the first three, and that was because there were at least two people from each group that were late.
Alexis and Weiss had guaranteed themselves a spot in the knockout round, but the match they were about to contest was to see who went into the next round as the head of their group.
They were both on the platform and we're only waiting for Professor Goodwitch to start the match.
The second match of the group stage had happened two weeks ago, and it really wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Everyone on Teams RWBY and CFVY won their matches. Jaune was the only one that didn't win, drawing his match but Nora, Pyrrah and Ren won their respective matches. Alex and Alexis, who were still part of Team RWBY, on loan, also won their matches.
"This bout is contested under the Laws of the Game, ratified last year. Weiss Schnee from Team RWBY will face Alexis Blau from Team ARAA."
Everyone turned to Alex who was trying his best to ignore the stares he was getting from his friends.
"Begin."
They both activated their weapons, Weiss spinning the cylinder on Myrtenaster and selected her dust of choice. Her blade began spiral with her dust of choice, Ice Dust.
Alexis meanwhile inserted something that looked like a card into a small slot where her Katana, Saber Angel, was held. A click followed by a hissing sound was audible to everyone as the top compartment door opens and allowed her to lift it up and out. The door closed and the blade holder collapsed inward, so only the disk part was active.
Weiss Charged at the swordswoman, gracefully dodging a blast of ice from Alexis as she braced for Weiss' attack. What she didn't realize was the Heiress had summoned two glyphs behind the blonde and was summoning two more infront of her, similar to the setup against the Law White Fang commander on the train.
Weiss landed multiple hits on Alexis, sending her close to the edge of the Area.
Alexis got back up and sidestepped towards her, getting closer but not provoking Weiss, who was watching her with hawk like eyes.
Flaring her semblance, the disk on her forearm began to glow as piece of what looked like Armor began to cover the exposed arms, legs of the blonde, followed by a helmet and a chest piece. The helmet resembled a closed helm, but the blonde's field of view was not obstructed by it.
Weiss expression didn't convey it, but Alexis with her Aural Armour had a similar resemblance to the one she had to fight against in Atlas. She defeated it, proving to her father that she was ready to study at Beacon.
The white haired woman's emotions got the better of her and Weiss charged her again, trying to down the knight. Hopefully this time it will stay down.
Unfortunately for Weiss, she fell into a trap as Alexis parried Weiss attack and pushed her back. Getting up to her face again, she shoved her. Her semblance flared in color when her palm touched Weiss skin, stunning her for a few seconds.
Weiss didn't have time to figure out what that was because she was being pushed out to the other side, every step back she was taking was cornering her even more. Alexis slammed Saber Angel and pressed the button on the handle, expelling all the ice dust and steam dust loaded. She jumped back a few feet and loaded some fire dust into Duel Disk, closing her fist and firing into the steam. A chain reaction ensued as the steams and ice particles fused, just to be hit by the fire and explode. The explosion release more fumes, leaving Weiss at a disadvantage before noticing a glowing human size blob through the smoke running at her. She summoned a time dilation glyph beneath her to speed up time and side step the blondes attack.
The smoke disappeared and a glyph appeared underneath the blonde, only for it to shoot her up in the air. Weiss took advantage and went on the offensive, before finishing her off and sending her out of the Arena.
A shrill, high pitched sound made Weiss turn around to the source.
"This bout is over. Miss Schnee wins."
Weiss nods and bows towards her professor and goes to check on the blonde, helping her to her feet.
Alexis dusts herself off, congratulating Weiss on her victory as they went back into their separate dressing rooms to clean up.
XXX
"And so that's what happened." Alex finished explaining. Reacting to the match while explaining why they are no longer apart of Team RWBY is a lot more difficult that he thought it would be, especially when he would jerk his knee or arm whenever Alexis was hit. Not that he noticed himself doing it.
"So you guys are your own team. I can see that being an issue whenever you need to do anything team related in class." Pyrrah commented.
"Yeah! Like, if Pyrrah can take down a full team of Second years, your guys stand no chance." More interjected.
"Nora!" Both Ren and Pyrrah said in unison.
"It's true though!"
Alex just hummed, not paying much attention to her comment and subsequent bickering with Ren.
"So does this mean that you're doing field assignments by yourselves?" Yang asked as she stuffed herself with a mouthful of popcorn, a farcry from how Blake would take two or three and chew on them.
"I don't think so, we are still getting credit for Mountain Glenn, so I think they're going to make us tag along with another First Year team while we or they find us two more teammates."
"Well good luck, the deadline for new student registration is coming up, so unless you can find a pair that works together, and is our age then you two are just added weight. "
"We're helpful!" Alex defended.
"Not as much as I thought you would be." Yang hummed, earning herself a glare from the brunette.
"At least I didn't get KO'ed by a midget" he mumbled softly enough that Yang wouldn't decipher it.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." He said as he turned back to field, ignoring the childish 'Dickhead' comment.
Weiss, and not to long after her Alexis, returned to the area where their friends were sitting at.
"Good Job Weiss! You displayed Team RWBY's prowess proudly" Ruby praised her
Weiss beamed a little at the Praise, though quickly hid it and replied "Of Course I did." Blake nodded her head in agreement and Yang extending her hand for Weiss to high five, which she did in a graceful manner, before taking her seat next to Ruby and Blake.
Alexis meanwhile took her seat next to Alex at the end of the Aisle near the doors. The brunette noticed Alexis' crestfallen expression, probably due to the loss.
"Lex?"
"Hm?" she tilted her head towards him slightly.
"Losing isn't a big deal, it happens."
"I know, but I wanted to make a good first impression for our team. It would've been great to start our new team off with a win, you know?"
"I get it, but no use crying over spilled milk. We just have to get back on our feet and move on. Train and get better." He said as his hand rested on top of hers. He leaned in close so that only she could hear. "Plus, Weiss just got lucky with her time shift glyph. The next time you guys flight she probably won't be so lucky."
That seemed to raise her spirits as she nodded. "Right. I'll get her next time." She said with determination.
He returned her nodded as he let go of her hand, and completely didn't notice how Yang was watching them like a hawk.
Ruby went next from Group C, having to fight Tanner Foust. Her fight was mostly a one sided affair with some close calls, ones that caused a certain heiress to yell outbursts in the least 'Weiss' Like fashion that anyone has ever seen, or a knee-jerk reaction or grip the back of the chair in front of them with a vice like grip.
Because of the fact that she drew against Dove last week, she was ahead with 5 points. All Alex had to do was win against Dove and he would fight Ren in the knockout round. A draw would send him to fight against Nora. Both of whom he has experience with but if given the choice, he'd go with Nora.
But that didn't mean he would purposely throw a match to make it easier on himself later on, that's unsportsmanlike
Despite a glare from Ms. Goodwitch, he played his music again as he walked onto the field. Blake, as usual, was not a fan of the loud 'duns' and 'Dubs' that the instruments were sounding off, covering her ears as best as she could.
"This bout is contested under the Laws of the Hunt, ratified last year. Dove Bronzewing from Team CRDL will face Alexander Rojo from Team ARAA."
As he stepped onto the platform, Alexis was leaning back on her chair with eyebrows skyrocketing in surprise at what he was wearing.
Alex was wearing a midnight blue jersey with matching shorts, socks that stopped at his shin and black sneakers with red trim. On the right breast was his emblem and on his right arm was an Armband, the letter C and inside was an orange star. If he wasn't here he could pass off for a grifball player.
Yang of course knew what this meant as she gave her opinion on his attire.
"Welp, good luck to Dove. He's gonna need all of it."
"Yup." Ruby agreed, munching on her sweets.
"What are you two talking about? The match hasn't even started." Weiss said with her own raised eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.
"That is one of many of the outfits which Alex calls "Kits."-" She used airquotes around the word 'Kit'. " If you'd been paying attention, you know that he likes Grifball. He's really, really good at it and this is what he wears whenever he is fighting in a competitive environment."
"OK. and?"
"Well Princess, I'm glad you asked." Weiss glared daggers at the blonde but kept quiet.
"He has yet to lose in a tournament environment." Yang dropped the bombshell.
"What do you mean he hasn't lost? He lost to you didn't he?"
"I said in a competitive environment, as in there is something on the line for winning."
That seemed to appease Weiss as she stopped asking questions on the matter.
"What kind of tournaments would Signal have?" Pyrrah asked, curious.
"Nothing big, just some with the winner extra credit and whatnot."
"Then I hardly think it's worth mentioning then." Weiss said.
Yang clamped her mouth shut in order to not cause a scene with the Heiress, who was acting as if someone had shoved a stick up her uptight ass particularly hard today.
"Begin."
Dove charged at the CEO with no thought as he believed raw brute strength would lead him to victory.
Alex walked around and was making Dove take more steps, tiring him out in the process. Once Dove had slowed down enough, he charged at him while he was catching his breath. He landed a fury of kicks and some punches here and there before jumping back, kicking him away to add more distance between them. He then outstretched his palm and did a small series of hand gestures in order to begin creating a ball of Dust.
In this case the dust was Red, meaning that it had exploding properties when detonated. He overhead threw it infront of him as he began to keep pace and kick the ball infront of him. He slowed down as Dove was waiting for him.
They were only a few steps away from eachother, close enough that Dove attempt to swip Alex's legs from underneath him.
It didn't work, Alex backing up and rolled the ball to the side. He messed with the irritated teen with the ball, rolling it closer to him so he could try to swipe at it, only to pull it closer to him.
Dove was mad. "How dare this fresh meat try and humiliate me!"
The ball went through his legs, causing those watching to yell "Ole!" as Alex grabbed him from behind and threw him onto his back and over, so that he was infront of the brunette again. This Time though Alex kicked the ball towards Dove, who made the mistake of precisely cutting it in two, causing both halves to explode in his face with enough force to send him stumbling back a few feet and a stunning him, his vision becoming a blur and a ringing in his ears.
Alex called on his semblance, Frameskip pouring his Aura into a glove on both his hands before he rushed Dove and hit him with a left hook, followed by several more hits that were going to leave marks in the morning, before he spun and kicked him with the back of his heel and lifting him in the air. His air compressors released a violent gust of wind the threw him the extra two feet needed to knock him out, and with only a few seconds left there was no way Dove would be able to get that point back.
Sure enough, Ms Goodwitch's whistle signaled the end of the match, full time.
"And the winner, Mr. Rojo."
"See my point Princess?" Yang nodded at the field, Alex walking over to the locker room to clean up.
"hmph, I hardly believe that was a challenge." Weiss challenged with her nose in the air. "Once he beats a real opponent, and not some troublemaker, then you can say you were right."
While the field was getting cleaned up of debris for Pyrrah's match, Alex walked up the stairs and took a seat next to Alexis.
"What did I miss?" he said as he caught his breath and plopped down on the chair.
"Weiss got into an argument with Yang."
"So nothing then?" he said, causing the blonde to chuckle and shake her head.
"I didn't think you brought the jerseys to Beacon." Yang said as she leaned forward around Alexis.
"These aren't the same ones. I had some made in Atlas."
"Ah, that makes more sense. Though you seem to have changed your groove."
"I managed to train with City CG, so I used that plus what I learned from Signal in addition to what I learned from Tai and made this... Frankenstein monstrosity thing." He said as he gestured wildly.
"That would explain why you megged him."
"Yup. Speaking of which, who started the Ole?" Yang nodded towards, shockingly, Pyrrah. "You're joking."
The brawler shook her head. "I was shocked too, but it was her that started it."
He had shock etched on his face before shrugging and giving up on the subject, deciding to move to something
"We have that win you were talking about." He said as he got Alexis attention.
"I guess it isn't a complete loss."
"Yeah, we got the two most important results in a match, a win and a loss."
Alexis playfully elbowed him in the ribs before ignoring his apologies.
"Lex why?" he said as he faked huffed for breath.
He stopped fooling around when he saw Pyrrah get onto the field, waiting for Coco to hurry up and show up, no doubt she was making sure that she looked excellent for her fight.
They all saw the second year students on the other side of the stands cheering for Coco, while hearing Nora begin cheering for Pyrrah, causing the rest of the first years to join her. She even began passing out vuvuzelas for everyone to use.
"Oh God where did she get those? Why does she have so many?!" Alex asked as he braced for Ear Damage, handing Alexis a pair on inear sound dampeners he had apparently stored in his pockets.
"What's so bad abou-" the blonde cringed as she was immediately cut off by something that sounded like a swarm of bees, quickly putting in the dampners into her ear.
Weiss and Ruby covered their ears and cringed while Blake ran as fast as she could out and as far away as she could from Nora and her blowhorns, with Yang hot on her heels to get out of their as well.
Alex nodded towards the two running, asking the silent question of whether or not they should leave as well. The blonde nodded, so they both got up and casually walked up the stairway and followed Blake and Yang out of the Auditorium. Once they reached the outside, they both removed their ear plugs and threw them in the nearest trashcan, relieved that they were away from that God awful sound.
"Where did she get so many of them?" the blonde asked in surprise.
"I think you can get them from Vacuo for cheap if you buy them in bulk, but what the hell. I was not expecting that at all! It sounds so much worse in person than on TV! No wonder they're banned from the Vytal Tournament, everyone would be deaf or they'd just kill themselves."
Meanwhile, not too far ahead of them, Blake was rubbing at her Faunus ears in pain as both were ringing loudly from the sudden and loud sound blasted into them.
"Are you alright Blake?" Yang asked, concerned about the well-being of her partner.
"I'm just peachy Yang." She said through gritted teeth. "I just had a loud horn blasted at full strength into my ears by Nora who was sitting inches by me and because of that I have a migraine, but other than that I'm doing great" she spat.
Blake noticed through the corner of her open eye how Yang's face fell at being snapped at, temporarily distracting her from the pain for a brief second before it came back.
They walked for several more minutes until they arrived to the small dining area, while usually it would be occupied during lunch or dinner time, right now it was empty and Blake took the opportunity to rest, the ringing in her ears slowly subsiding as her hear returned.
Blake sighed as the last of the ringing went away. "Yang, I'm sorry for snapping at you. I was just-"
"In a lot of pain. It's ok." Yang nodded, a small smile on her face before turning to the workers of the small café. Some students that worked part time at the Café for some spending money. "You hungry?" She asked the brunette teen next to her.
"I am a bit famished." Blake said as she relaxed into her chair, her pain slowly ebbing away.
"Cool, I'm a tad hungry as well." A very unladylike growl from the depths of hell came from Yang's stomach. "OK, I'm starving apparently. What'll you want? I'm buying."
"Yang, you don't have-"
"I want to though." She cut her off, and before she could protest was already up at the counter ordering.
Blake shook her head and stared the opposite way. The grounds were beautifully kept, the grass green and melding perfectly with the smooth cobblestone they walked upon to get here. It struck her how calm it was when there was no hustle and bustle of people trying to get from Point A to Point B. For now only a few people were around here, lounging around in the grass or walking around the surrounding paths like a park.
She saw two people who she instantly recognized, heads of blonde and brunette hair were walking together as they looked around. The boy watching a butterfly land on his nose and looking at it cross-eyed while the Blonde smiled. Though one thing that caught her eye was their hands, they were linked together.
Blake was startled out of her investigation when Yang dropped a plate infront of her. Since when did the Café sell fish?
"I didn't know if you liked fish or not, so I brought something else if you want" Yang said as she placed a covered plate next to her. She knew what Yang meant by that, so decided to have a little fun.
"Is it because I'm a cat faunus? Yang, coming from you that hurts. I thought we were passed stereotypes." She said in the most disappointed and depressed sounding voice she could muster up.
It worked, causing Yang to panic to try and rectify the situation. "No! I wasn't trying to say that! I didn't mean it like that! I was just curious and I didn't mean to offend you which is why I brought you the other plate of food!" She explained, lifting the lid to reveal some steak. "I'm sorry if I offended you, I'll take it back-"
"Yang, I was kidding. I love fish." She said as she cut off the blonde's rambling, placing her hand over her gloved one to prove her point.
"Wait, so you weren't offend?" Blake shook her head, smiling at the blonde. "That's cruel Blake, I didn't expect that from you." She lifted her other hand and poked her with her Index finger. "Meanie."
Blake couldn't help but laugh at Yang's childish nature. She was so carefree sometimes.
Yang must've noticed the pair she was staring at earlier because she called at them. "Yo Lovebirds! Over here!" She waved at them.
She dodged a pebble thrown at her, sticking her tongue out at the person who threw it. A minute later they were walking into the 'entrance' to the café. "What's up?
"Nothing much, escaping Nora and her ungodly Vuvuzelas. I need to know who supplied them so that I can kill them"
"Now you know how I feel every time you play your music when it's your turn to fight." Blake said as she crossed her arms and her face fell to a frown.
"Is it really that loud?"
Blake only wiggled her bow, not needing to say anything for him to catch on.
"Ah…my bad." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Damn, I wonder who else was complaining about that. I'll tone it down quite a bit next time, maybe I'll even bring you to help find a suitable Volume."
"Why do you do that anyway?" the subject piqueing Alexis' curiosity.
"Her." She nodded to Yang.
She gave Blake her own apologetic smile. "Guilty as charged. It was a dare one time in Elementary school and it just stuck."
"The only good idea you've come up with, and it came from a dare." Yang cocked her arm back, aiming low as he covered himself. "I'm joking! Jesus. Violence is always the answer with you isn't it."
"Yup! If it can't be solved with Violence or these-"She looked down at her Breasts "Then nothing can solve it."
"You could throw money at it, seems to work fine for me and Weiss."
"Yeah, let me just throw money I don't have." She shot back.
"Maybe you could put those" He nodded at her Breasts "To Use?" He moved back a little, just enough out of Yang's reach.
"I'll get Alexis to hit you since you wanna' be a coward." She teased. A small tune played from a scroll, grabbing all their Attention.
Alex took out his, pushing the screen up with his thumb and unlocking it to display a text from Glynda. "It's from Ms Goodwitch. She wants to talk to us."
"About what?" Yang asked as she tried to peak over.
"Nothing." He said abruptly, snapping the screen down in place again with an audible click again.
"OK then..." She said cautiously, looking to Blake who shrugged.
"Alright, we'll see you guys later then." He said as they both started towards the faculty area.
Blake and Yang were both silent for a few minutes, eating their meal in peace before Blake's curiosity got the better of her. "Are they going out?"
"What?" The brawler said with a piece of meat in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed it before talking again. "Who?"
"Alexis and Alex."
"Oh." She said before taking a drink. "I think so, they went out a few times during the month so I think they are."
Blake nodded in acceptance of the answer, not wanting to pry into their personal lives.
Yang kickstarted a conversation about a random topic, and for some reason Blake was drawn to listen. She personally didn't care for gossip, but something about listening to Yang speak, her voice, was soothing in a way. Blake made sure to give in her input every once in a while as to not make this a one sided conversation.
And it's not like it was all gossip either, Yang made a very nice show of revealing some stuff about Weiss and Ruby. And sticking her own foot in her mouth, which while rare, Blake noticed that Yang seemed to leave off her filter with her. Which surprised Blake, because she was under the impression Yang had no filter to begin with.
Speaking of 'This', what could this be considered? Surely it wasn't a date right? Sure they've been hanging out more, Yang tagging along whenever she went to the library while unexpected was not unpleasant. She didn't book as much of a reader but she was proven wrong when she checked out a novel for her own pleasure and continued to do so when they went to the library.
Not only that, but Blake would occasionally join Yang at the Gym. For the longest time Blake simply reasoned that it was returning the favor that she didn't have to. And while she despised having to take two showers in a day because of how much she perpetrated during their workout, she found herself not minding it too much.
Plus, it's not like she didn't notice how Yang would stare at her. Sometimes forgetting that she was actually doing it.
No harm in asking, Blake supposed.
"Yang?" The blonde in question looked over from her drink.
"Yes?"
"Are there any ulterior motives to this? Not that I'm implicated there are, but I was just curious."
"Um, no. Not really." Her blonde mane shook with her head. "Just a friendly date outside with my partner."
Blake narrowed her eyes slightly, Lilac Eyes had more that they wanted to say but the owners mouth kept it shut.
"Ok" She shrugged, making Yang believe that she dismissed the question with ease. Of course she hadn't though, she had a sneaky suspicion this was some elaborate plan to "Wow" her.
And it was working. Not that she needed to be wowed by her anymore anyway.
