3.13
Getting everybody back to Beacon turned out a simpler endeavor than leaving in the first place. Something which the majority of the group was very grateful for. The return trip lacked the carrying aspect but they remained assured that going forward to expect a high degree of challenge. Many of them would not have objected to the burden of carrying their Partner but… that point had already been made.
Arriving back at Beacon's rear gate the group paused for a brief talk.
"Alright everybody hold up." The Professor ordered.
Jaune happily reduced his speed and found a place near his partner and twin. The 3 of them were leading the pack in their jog back, though not to the extent they did previously. The rest of their group was fairly close behind them.
Mom seemed to consult her scroll before commenting "I have to admit we made good time back. Seems like I get to release you all a bit early."
Pyrrha from her spot instantly perked up at that "So you don't have anything else planned?" She inquired.
"I could resort to torture or possibly laps around the school but regrettably I am not that bored."
….
….
Mom evidently teased.
"Uh huh…" Jaune stated skeptically.
Mom's straight face finally broke as she shook her head "No I do not, but wait around here before I release everybody."
Pyrrha turned her gaze to her partner as a smile found its way into her features "I guess that means we get to have weapons practice tonight!"
She hummed happily.
Jaune chuckled "Yeah… I guess so." Not even going to joke about preferring the torture or laps.
Katherine couldn't help but agree "We do need to practice so… yeah I suppose we will have time tonight."
Mom smiled but did not comment, in the next few moments the rest of the group reached the gates. She wanted until everybody had more or less caught their breath before moving on.
"Alright folks congratulations on your first class with me being concluded. This initial lesson is meant to be very jarring so do not let yourself get too down if you felt as though you were struggling. But I would however advise you all to increase your level of preparation outside of classes. One thing I have always felt Hunting Institutions did not do a good enough job of is in their prep work for how physically demanding the job can be. Take these last 2 days as a measuring stick and always remember to keep working hard. Challenge yourself do not use your aura all the time, push your body. The more you can push yourself in a safe environment the more room you have to be pushed in a hostile one."
Ruby evidently felt curious enough to ask a question "How did we do compared to previous classes Ma'am?"
Mom chuckled.
"To be honest you did well, very well. The Junior class this year is admittedly proving to be very talent rich. It is rare for two teams to be selected for the advance class and it is rarer still for both of those teams to actively support and root for each other. Everybody has room to grow but this first class did set a high mark I will admit that."
She allowed the group a moment of self congratulations via friendly smiles and high fives before resuming.
"Next week will be very much the same, expect to be challenged, expect to be stressed. Always remember to come well rested."
Looking at the two individuals in question she continued "Ms. Arc and Ms. Schnee if you wouldn't mind to stick around for a few minutes after class. The rest of you can enjoy your afternoon."
"Ma'am, will all of our advance classes take up 2 days like this one?" Jaune asked with a curious glance towards his sister.
"No, not all. Many will yes but… no all of them will not." She answered.
Pyrrha smiled again "Well… lets go get cleaned up… we have some time to relax before our weapons practice!"
Her radiant smile lead him to move inside the campus grounds. Though Pyrrha's hand gripping his own might have had something to do with that too.
"Good idea… I could rest my feet a bit." Yang agreed.
Ruby looked at her Partner, and received a nod.
Weiss shuffled her feat looking a bit out of place as Ruby turned to follow the rest of her team. She moved in front of the Professor standing next to Katherine.
Ms. Arc's gaze followed her students as they moved away before turning front again.
"Don't look so defensive Ms. Schnee I just want to talk." She tried not to sound or appear amused given the Heiresses body language. It was rather easy to understand the Heiresses hesitation.
Weiss tried to take a deep breath always having been intimidated to a degree by the Veteran Huntress before her.
"I just… I am unsure what you want to speak about. Though I might have an idea."
Katherine moved to the side a few feet to give them some privacy anticipating a rather private talk.
"You feel you have some idea of what I want to say?" Mom inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Weiss took another deep breath and nodded slowly.
"I didn't do well… I just am nervous I guess."
Ms. Arc grinned.
"Oh?"
Talking via nervous energy Weiss spoke on "I didn't do well carrying Ruby… I really struggled I barely made it at all if Jaune didn't know what to say if … I … er… sigh…"
Ms. Arc made a face.
"Weiss… I did not want to talk to you about your performance…"
The Heiress froze now a bit unsure of where this talk was going….
"… But, I feel as though YOU want to talk about it." Mom at that found a nearby bench. A friendly gesture invited Weiss to join her.
Weiss closed her eyes in another deep breath… but made the needed steps to sit down.
"I … let everybody down." She stated.
Deb angled her head to the side…
"How?"
Weiss blinked…
"How? I mean it's obvious I barely got Ruby to the top of that hill! If Jaune didn't… I might not have been able to finish that climb."
The older woman smiled "But you DID get her up top."
Weiss looked up at her.
"Weiss… You did not make it look flashy, it was not easy for you. But you did it."
Weiss seemed unsure of what to say.
"Ms. Schnee… I think you have a great deal you can do privately to assist you. You do I think need to treat more seriously your preparation for being a Huntress especially in the physicality department. I know you have stepped up what you do… but I feel as though you can do more that what you currently do."
Weiss held her gaze trying to soak in the words… not really fighting or arguing against them.
"Katherine gave me some things to do… I have been doing them privately. It… hasn't been enough I guess." She confessed.
Ms. Arc seemed to connect the dots quickly.
"You do appear in better shape than I last saw you… I grant you that. But… I still feel as though you can do more. Moreover… you need to tailor those routines to what works best for you Weiss. Work smarter, not always harder."
Weiss hesitated "What do you mean?"
Deb issued a friendly smile again.
"Weiss… why do you always workout alone?"
Why indeed?
I get judgmental, I don't like to sweat around people I don't like people being sweaty around me….
But…
I don't like getting shown up either… yeah …. that too...
"You don't have to speak it, I can probably guess the majority of what your hesitant to say. Regardless I do have some wisdom to share, if you are willing to hear it."
Weiss looked up at her again.
"Thoughts of your team, of your loved ones obviously are powerful for you. Ruby motivates you, that has been made clear now 2 times in very different manners. Working alone deliberately counters that advantage. You give up the biggest asset you have in pushing yourself, by not being around them."
Weiss blinked "So you think I should join the team in their routines?" This talk clearly has not gone the way she expected.
Mom nodded "I think all of RWBY should join in to be frank. You all are friends and in your own ways, each adds to the other. I think you should consider that very carefully."
Weiss nodded… It was a valid point and one worth thinking about for sure.
"So… what did you actually want to talk about if not my performance?"
Deb chuckled.
"Right. Your dress and high heels…. is that really what you wear on hunting assignments?"
Weiss could only blink at the question.
"Well… yes, naturally?"
Katherine from her spot a few meters away could only wait patiently for whatever mom wanted to say… though a grin when she heard the words 'Dress and high heels' could not be avoided… she definitely wasn't NOT trying to satisfy that curiosity of hers when she chose to hear that either… not at all.
A few moments later Weiss stood up looking more than a little relieved.
"See you later tonight Kate!" She waved walking with much more confidence towards her dorm room.
Kate gave a hand wave and pushed herself off the wall anxious to get cleaned up and relax before Pyrrha's inevitable return to the dubious throne of Tyrants Weapons Practice 101.
"What did you two talk about?" She asked curiously.
Mom grinned "About her chosen garments mostly."
Katherine rose an eyebrow "Seemed like a long time to talk about her style of dress."
Mom shrugged. "Let's get back to the classroom… There's a few things I'd like to mention."
Walking back to the classroom Kate couldn't help but ask "Things you want to tell me not Jaune?"
Shrugging Mom evidently decided it was ok not to wait until the privacy of the classroom as she answered "I wanted to remind you that both you and he will have private lessons with me over the term. I have to make sure you have a solid foundation not just a hurried rushed one."
Kate nodded knowing that much already.
Mom looked hesitant…"Also…to know if you were ok with Jaune and Pyrrha getting new armor."
Kate made a surprised face. "Of course I am… I am happy for them why wouldn't I be?"
Deb looked sideways towards her daughter "I didn't want to offend you… I gave your teammate something before I had something made for you."
Kate shrugged "I don't need armor… I got Uncle Roberts robe. You already had it tailored for me… remember?"
Deb smiled sadly… she didn't exactly forget that.
Opening the door to the classroom she continued "I still felt as though I should ask the question Katherine."
Katherine followed her in the room and closed the door behind her.
"No I am perfectly ok with them getting a suit. The robe suits me perfectly."
Deborah sighed… that ever humble aspect to her twins continued to rear its head.
"You really are not upset?"
Katherine huffed "No… I am not. I do not fight as they do I do not need armor."
Mom crossed her arms. It was a tradition of a sort for all Arc's to get something made for them. Tailored to their needs as they became an adult and took on more responsibilities and duties. She did not want Katherine to feel left out or slighted.
"Is there anything you do need?" Deb asked.
Kate crossed her arms appearing to think about it. "In terms of gear? No not really. I will think on it though… see what I can come up-"
The knock on the door cut her off.
Mom veered her torso back to look through the door window.
"It's Mr. Lie… huh I wonder what he wants to talk about."
She wanted several heartbeats for a response before swiveling her gaze around the room.
"Katherine!"
Several heartbeats past before A chair toppling over was all that would answer her.
Her way of saying "I'm staying right here!" apparently.
That semblance and infinite curiosity of hers!
The door knocked a second time.
"I could just let him walk away you know!" Deb teased.
That time 2 chairs fell over.
Withholding a chuckle and putting on a straight face she moved up to the door. As it creaked open she put forth as much of a smile that she could muster.
"Mr. Lie… did you forget something in the room?" She asked.
Ren shook his head deliberately before answering "No… I had hoped to talk to you."
Deb hesitated just long enough to make him second guess himself before letting him in the room. Swinging the door shut it clanged closed behind her.
"You wanted to speak about the class?" She guessed moved back towards her desk.
Ren shook his head once more keeping a clear head.
"I think you miss understand. I am not trying to talk to Professor Arc…"
Mom made a face.
"… I am trying to talk to Ms. Arc."
…
OH!
Deb moved behind her desk on the ground level trying to keep her hands busy.
Ren followed her down noting the glyph on the ground… though a dim color now clearly set to off.
Deb pulled her gaze up to Ren noting that Kate briefly let herself become visible behind him before quickly vanishing again.
I can't decide who to torment here… Ren or my daughter…. Maybe try for both?
Uncoiling her hair and letting it flow free she went as close as she could to 'Ms. Arc' dressed as she was for a class.
"Ok… What would you like to talk about? I hear you have been trying to speak to me for awhile. Surely you realize you could have called at any time?" She inquired.
He took a deep breath.
"Well… I could have called but… in my home you would do this in person or not at all."
Katherine could barely contain herself from chuckling or even maybe giggling at her friend. All this time swearing he had to do this without her presence and he gets his opportunity with her in the room! Some part of her being told her to leave… a bigger part couldn't help but stay and watch.
Mom seemed to grin.
"I had heard your hometown met a rather unfortunate fate… I don't recall hearing the name."
Ren seemed to sigh… but did not lose his composure.
"It is a small village… Kuroyuri."
Mom made a confused face. "That is… or was located on the far edge of Haven Territory correct? Nearest to Mistral but… well beyond even that?"
Ren nodded "Yes… it isn't standing now… but you are correct. That is where it was located."
Deb sat down on the desk crossing her arms. "I had heard as much from Jaune… at least that minus the name. The world needs more Hunters…"
She sighed.
"In that we agree… it is that fact which led me to this school."
She looked up with a smile. "With Nora in tow right?"
Ren gave a slight chuckle.
"Being a Huntress always fascinated her. I know her parents wanted her to enlist in the military as was their family tradition. But after hearing my story she wanted to smash evil not other people…. as she would say anyway."
Mom smiled "Being divided never helped anybody…" she rose her eyebrows clearly giving him a chance to speak his mind.
Ren took the pause as his chance to speak "I had wanted to talk to you… about Katherine."
Kate reappeared behind him giving a slight jump and a silent applause before once again vanishing.
He cocked his head to the side as if he thought something was behind him…
"Yes. Mr. Lie?" Mom prompted.
Shaking his head he faced forward again and took a deep breath.
"I guess there is no point dancing around the matter… I would like your permission to date her."
Mom withheld the laugh which threatened to emerge at the statement.
"Just like that?"
Ren nodded "Might as well."
From her spot being them Kate could tell mom was contemplating her options…
Well I might as well make him work for it… With how long he made her wait I can tease him a bit.
"Why? Why Katherine?"
Ren blinked at the question.
"Excuse me?"
Deb smiled mischievously nearly exactly to how Kate might herself as she asked "Why Katherine? Why do you want to date her?"
He blinked again… not expecting this line of questioning at all.
"Well… I mean that's a rather complex question." He admitted.
Mom's smiled grew as she moved on…
She is enjoying this way too much….
"You would not be the first person to be taken with her appearance… many people have asked for her hand previously."
Ren cocked his head to the side…
"That doesn't surprise me… but I did not know that."
Deb shrugged "That might be why she likes to be as open and carefree as she is. She is the youngest daughter of a Noble house Mr. Lie… many others have inquired if she would be willing."
Ren smiled suddenly getting an idea of what Ms. Arc was letting on…
"How did she respond to those offers I wonder?"
Mom smiled "The last time? With a bucket of ice water. I think her own words were 'I do not need pompous people inquiring about me, If I am interested I will make it known.' She was always a bit of a handful at home." Several handfuls to be fair..
Ren smiled seemingly eager to hear about her life at home.
Mom grinned when Kate reappeared with her arms crossed tapping her finger seemingly bored before once again vanishing.
She has the aura reserve to literally keep this up forever… Eh… oh well. I am after all making him work for it is all.
Mom's smile hid a slightly more nefarious purpose as she spoke on. "She was always one to do what she wanted and if she was interested in somebody… well there was very little holding her back. As we traveled I think she took it as a challenge to prove me wrong as often as she could. I am rather surprised she hasn't found somebody to bond with at Beacon to be frank."
She gave him a pointed look at that.
Ren chuckled seemingly sad "She has been very patient with me… I admit that."
Mom cocked her head to the side.
"You have not answered my question Mr. Lie…"
He looked confused "About her appearance?"
Mom nodded.
He sighed hiding a smile "Well she doesn't lack for beauty… but to be honest that isn't entirely why I ask for the chance."
Mom made a face and nodded to go on.
"Katherine… it is true she is the prettiest person I have seen, I knew that from the meeting we had last year. However… it's her less talked about aspects that drew me too her. Beauty is only skin deep as the saying goes."
Deciding to draw this out a bit more Mom couldn't seem to help herself as she asked "You like her stubbornness?"
Ren laughed "Well… I wouldn't call it that. Everybody can be stubborn. But her loyalty… her dependability… her traits almost nobody speaks about is what really drew me too her."
Ducking her head down and still keeping her arms cross Deb decided she might as well move this on now…
"Ren… what makes you think Kate would wait for my word on if she is allowed to date you?"
Ren seemed surprised at the question "Well… I guess that isn't my place to say. However regardless I am asking if I can date her… not if she can date me."
Deb smiled once again…
Jaune and Pyrrha seem as though they have bonded stronger than any pair she had ever seen and the benefits of that Partnership are visible in the air around them. She is truly happy for her boy in that regard. However she always hoped that one day Kate would reign in that rebellious aspect of herself and try to find a match in a way similar to her twin. Not getting ahead of herself but Ren did seem like a good enough man. He will have trouble keeping up with my girl but… eh that's the way it should be.
Changing topics Deb asked "How much do you know about this custom you are trying to follow?"
The topic change left him a touch off guard.
"Not much I am afraid." He admitted.
Meeting his gaze "Mr. Lie… Ren. It is not a custom specifically of your home... that you are trying to follow. It is something which is directly related to the region in general."
Ren cocked his head to the side "How do you mean?"
Taking on a more serious tone Deb answered "The loss of Kuroyuri… I am familiar with it. It was a massive pack of Grimm which claimed a multitude of villages in the frontier."
Ren nodded keeping his composure.
"I will spare you as many unpleasant memories as I can, but I think you should be made aware of a few things. What you probably do not know about that situation… is that the pack in question was stopped specifically because of the bravery and sacrifice of your hometown."
He blinked "Huh?"
"Ren… this pack was exceptionally devastating. It had ransacked a half dozen villages at a speed that made it nearly impossible for Huntsmen to respond. They simply operated too quick… too efficiently for the Haven Hunters to respond to it. They were too fast, they moved in unforeseen ways and unpredictable patterns. We just had a lesson about the distance Hunters must travel? Well they cannot react instantly in the field. There is a delay in Hunters deploying to hot spots. Even those in the field need time to redeploy and intercept those large threats. Those Huntsmen in charge knew of the pack… they just could never find it or lock it down. Given its size they could not deploy enough Hunters to keep every village safe… so they had to try and move as a group and intercept it."
Ren nodded focusing in on Ms. Arc seemingly back in her Professor mode.
"The time your people bought allowed for Hunters to rally to the threat. They encircled it and cut off the pack before it could spread to other villages. You were only pursued by a small number of Grimm If I recall correctly?"
Ren thought back, they did last many days maybe numbering a couple weeks. Ms. Arc was absolutely correct in claiming that they didn't go down easy. "It isn't exactly the most pleasant or clear of memories… but yes. It was only a couple beasts which pursued me… anymore and I am unsure if Nora's Father would have been able to handle them."
Standing up Mom continued "Ren, that was made possible due to the time they bought. As more Huntsmen arrived the pack tried to disperse. I know it isn't any consolation but the sacrifice of your people were not in vain. They prevented more loss of life."
Ren smiled again… it hardly made what happened worthwhile to him but it gave him a small amount of pride that his people are remembered for something.
"Thank you for telling me that but… why go into that now?"
Mom smiled again "Because the tradition you are trying to follow is not to ask the parents. It is to specifically ask the girl's father."
Ren frowned, Deb seemed to be serious and knowledgeable enough on the subject. "Well… suppose I do not respect the father enough to ask him. Furthermore given his absence I fail to see why the mother couldn't answer the question on her own." He claimed grinning.
Mom smiled again "I never said I believe otherwise… just letting you know as much of your home that I can. I cannot claim to be incredibly familiar with it but you don't serve as a Huntress for as long as I have and not pick up a few things."
She paused and seemed in thought looking behind him.
Ren seemed unsure given Ms. Arc's silence as she moved to the door.
"Ren, It is not my place to say who can or cannot pursue my daughter. In the past children have been used as a political weapon or tool. Something the last few generations of Arc's have tried to reign in and abolish. I would say yes… but I think your focus is better suited to asking her directly. Just… be careful what you ask for."
At that she opened the door and deliberately not giving Ren time to leave… shut the door behind her.
Why would she do that…
A sound behind him made him turn around…
Kate was leaning against a wall with a sadistic smile as she more or less tried not to giggle at him.
"I felt like somebody was behind me that entire time…" He claimed scratching his head.
She seemed to enjoy him seeming very out of place and just slowly walked towards him.
"Uh… I … uba….y-Yes?" He stuttered out captivated by her seductive walk. It seemed like she very much had a switch… and if that switch was on she was about the most seductive attention demanding person he had ever heard of. It was most definitely switched 'on' now.
Grinning ear to ear Kate couldn't help herself at this point.
"Ren." She prompted.
Gulping "Yes?"
She loosened her top.
"The truth or dare from last year?" She purred.
He nodded "Y-Y-Yes, I remember."
She leaned closer and spoke in a whisper "Do that."
He hesitated "But I'm still dirty from the hike."
She grinned deeper "So what? I am too."
He couldn't really formulate any other objections mentally even if he wanted too… it always was known if Kate wanted something it was nigh impossible for her to NOT get it…
At that moment Ren was rather willing too.
Out in the hall moving back to her quarters Deb couldn't help but smile… the private lessons between them could be arranged later, though… Jaune could probably do something on his way back.
***En route to the JNPR/RWBY dorm room***
Jaune did not particularly want to extend the time between getting back to his dorm and relaxing a bit before he went through weapon practice tonight… but some things just were not to be. At least not right away.
I guess it isn't like there wouldn't be a wait for the shower anyway.
The good news is the reason for the delay was to bring the dogs currently staying with Mom to his dorm given Mom is going to be in Forever Fall Forest with second years on Friday. As such once he escaped the avalanche of happy dogs all of which were excited to see him he was able to bring them along home.
In any case getting back was almost sure to provide some measure of entertainment. He could hear something being said even from the outer hallway but it was only once he got into the joint walk way past the coat closest that he was able to understand what was being said.
"Ruby… why is Zwei here?" Blake's obviously dubious voice inquired.
"I'm about to load up the video now… I don't know for sure. But at least you get along with Zwei right!"
"Really I just got used to not living with dogs all the time!" She declared a touch frustrated.
One of the dogs issued an amused yelp only to begin wagging his tail.
"Remember take it easy around Blake ok Guys?" He requested.
Another canine issued a slight growl.
"Ok ok and girls. Happy?"
With a smirk… he kicked off his shoes.
"Why… why do I suddenly feel outnumbered?" Blake wondered out loud.
"Maybe Weiss got back?" Ruby suggested.
A few rapid steps echoed through the room until the RWBY dorm opened up.
"Really I … do….not…." Blake just stepped backward…. and closed the door.
"I am going to read a book. Pretend I didn't see anything and read some more. Then I might scream…" Blake would continue to speak presumably but Jaune taking a couple steps towards his teams room across the hall prohibited anything further.
"Ok fellas go ahead and find a spot in the living room."
The 4 pooches energetically moved down the hall to presumably find a comfortable spot as requested.
"OH DOOGIES!" Nora advertised excitedly.
"Doggies?" Yang repeated.
With a smile Jaune opened and shut the door behind him.
"Hey again Jaune." Pyrrha stated in greeting.
"Hey Pyr." He responded getting ready for his shower. His armor would need to be stored in a case after it was cleaned off. Something which was conveniently waiting for him on his bed. He treated the metal and prepared the Nanofiber for its cleaning via the case… specially built to maintain the entire suit.
He might not have asked for the gift in the first place but he was determined to take care of it. It would be disrespectful beyond measure to receive something many are completely unable to obtain only to squander it by not taking care of it properly.
Only once the armor maintenance was done did he try to find his robe for a shower.
…
And summarily noticed that a few things including his robe… seemed to be missing.
"Hey have you seen my … stuff..." He asked turnings towards his Partner… and noted she had not showered yet. Though she did seem to have taken the time to clean off her new armor and get it stored away as he did.
With an overly innocent smile Pyrrha declared "I figured …. we could keep with tradition so… I waited for you."
She grinned playfully.
"You… might have some bruises I need to seek out… I know I do." She grinned not quite innocently.
Jaune grinned right back… he had expected this eventuality but figured she wouldn't be as eager to shower here compared to at her house. But…
"Well I am ok with that… I assume you have everything in the bathroom already?"
He received another even less innocent grin in return "Come on in and see."
She moved in a very inviting manner before turning back and winking at her Partner, then entered the bathroom.
Well… this is not entirely unwelcome. Might as well enjoy our free time.
Once he shed his under clothing he joined Pyrrha in the shower stall. For a time they did nothing but give each other friendly pecks and hug in an affectionate manner. He could not help but note the happy looks she always seemed to wear of late.
"The shower has plenty of room to move around." He observed.
She nodded "Bigger than the plane at least." Taking the prepared rag in her hands she began the task of getting the grim off him.
Guess she wants to take the lead this time…
Oh well… if it makes her smile that's enough for me.
Both ended up smiling for more than one reason before the water cut off.
***Joint Living Room***
"YAAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG!" Her sisters voice echoed through the room.
Nope nope NOPE! I did not hear any of that.
A certain exhausted Brawler mused.
Finally… A sofa… a comfy sofa. I've cleaned myself off… I can rest my aching limbs, forget about being sore and just let go for a bit.
Jaune and Pyrrha have some alone time… Nora is playing with some surprise pooches… Blake is in hiding in our room. Ruby will undoubtedly want to play with the dogs too. Finally, I can just put my feet up and relax-
"YAAANNGG! YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!"
I still did not hear that… I am still going to pretend I didn't hear that.
"YAAAANNNGGGG!""
Nope nope nope nobody is going to interrupt my relaxing-
A door burst open and overly excited steps announced another's approach...
"YANG YANG YANG YANG YAAANNNNGGG!"
A sigh escaped her hips.
"Yes Ruby I hear you." However Much I just swore I didn't…
Yang finally turned towards her sister….
"Why and how are you carrying Zwei?"
Yang expected to see Ruby in her post typical post shower mood. Bouncing with youthful energy in that way which is almost irritating for the sore and tired to witness.
She did not entirely… see that. Something felt off… but she did appear excited.
"Dad sent us Zwei see!" She held said pooch out until the dog abandoned Ruby's grip to land comfortably on Yang's chest.
Sighing again Yang advised "Ruby I would like to rest a bit… what has you all excited?"
It was as Ruby reached behind her back to pull out a scroll Yang began to get the feeling Ruby's excitement and otherwise happy outlook was a bit forced. Maybe bordering on frantic.
"It is this message from Dad." She answered plainly.
"Ruby I'm tired and sore… plus I just got a chance to relax. Can you tell me without making me watch the recording?"
Ruby's posture seemed to freeze… and lose almost all of that youthful energy.
"Like I said its Dad and Qrow… I get it though you want to rest. I'll leave you alone."
The drastic change in tempo took Yang off target a bit "Hey Ruby c'mon."
Ruby spun around "I am tired too Yang! I just went through that same class too!"
Yang retreated a bit at the sudden outburst as Ruby… as if a cork just popped could not stop her rant even if she wanted too.
"Yeah I am sore too! But you know what? At least YOUR mom had the decency of saying goodbye! I'm so tired of never knowing about our parents and that message doesn't help! You could at least act like you care!" Ruby dropped a scroll on the sofa.
"Hey c'mon Ruby I haven't even read the message yet! Give me a chance to catch up alright? You've already got a leg up… no pun intended on me." She entreated.
C'mon legs you need to move.
The Reaper seemed to regret her outburst… but none the less took a deep breath and advised "Yeah well… I don't want to watch it again. Take a look when you can or don't it's your decision. Sorry for shouting at you."
"Ruby wait!" Yang requested… to no avail. Regardless of the fact her legs were being a bit rebellious at the moment… She tried to get life back in them. Ruby seemed very much put off about something.
Zwei seemed to sense that Yang was rather rooted to her spot and tried to be helpful by punting the scroll over the few arm lengths needed for Yang to claim it.
"Thanks fur ball."
'Ruff Ruff!'
At least the sight of her dog did some small measure of cheering her up.
"Any idea what's on this thing Zwei?"
Zwei would only sit down and cock her head to the side.
With a forced chuckle Yang advised:
"Go ahead and say hi to the other dogs around here alright?"
Zwei gave another happy bark… before bouncing her way towards the other canines just a few doggy trots over yonder.
Whatever this message is really seemed to get a reaction out of Ruby… I suppose I didn't help with… I'm not sure what I did actually.
Taking another deep breath, Yang put on the ear buds then hit play on the loaded video… and took in the scene.
First thing she saw was a male hand slowly edging away from the picture. In the next moments the hand gave way to her father, Taiyang. Standing with the same sandy blonde hair he had become known for in his rather boring brown clothing. However joining them were his gauntlets and leg guards. Yang had not seen him dressed that way personally ever. Only ever seeing them in pictures previously.
Dad is dressed like he is going to be a Huntsman again.
Taiyang moved a chair creaking its way along the floor so he could sit and look more levelly at the scroll.
"Hey there girls. Hopefully… you are watching this together. If not… well I guess I will just have to repeat myself like always." He tried to grin in good humor… but it came across as forced.
Clearing his throat Tai continued "Well… you no doubt noticed that I sent you Zwei again. This time… it is going to be a bit more permanent by necessity."
Permanent? What do you mean? He isn't… !
"Yang… I have watched you grow up all your life. You take after your old man in just enough ways to make me swell with pride. I know your mom would be proud of you regardless of the fact she isn't with me now to say it."
"Ruby… you are so like your mother it shocks me most days. I mean that in the best way possible. She is a remarkable woman."
He took a deep breath.
"It is time for both of you to learn something. It is something I have not wanted to keep secret for so long… but… It was done for a good reason. Which is why I agreed to play my part."
From the edge of the picture her Uncle Qrow moved in behind Taiyang.
"Hey girls." His gruff voice advertised with a wave.
"Yang… Ruby. There is so much I want to say that I sadly do not have time for. This rather snuck up on me… on us and… well this is the best goodbye we can manage."
Dad took another deep breath… and seemed to struggle keeping his voice even.
"Raising you both… has been the highlight of my life. I meant to do it so my girls would be spared the realities just beyond the woods… just beyond civilization. It is the job of the Huntsmen and Huntresses of the world to keep others safe from Grimm. I did not desire you two to follow in our footsteps… but I have tried to give you the freedom to choose your own way in life."
"Sadly… I always knew a time would come when I… we… would need to rejoin our team…"
Yang's eyes grew huge in shock.
Rejoin the TEAM?!
"You see, your Aunt, Summer… is not dead. She was never dead. You mom… Raven. She never abandoned you as a child either. Rather they has served in the frontier for years. In a mix of both undercover work and-"
"Tai." Qrow said simply.
Dad nodded sadly "Sorry… some things I shouldn't say. Just… I guess I should get on with it. I am leaving everything to both of you. Zwei I sent on already and a neighbor has stated she would look in and make sure everything stays together while you are away."
NO NO NO NO NO!
"Dad!"
"Yang… my little sun dragon. Take care of your sister. Maybe in time you will understand why I need to do this. I hope… if I am lucky to be able to tell you myself. But… for now. Your Uncle and I need to leave, we have watched over you both for as long as we can. Now, we need to go. You both have grown up into such amazing girls and, I wish you nothing but the best of luck and a lifetime of happiness. Ruby, you have grown up into wonderful woman. My advice to you remains the same, lay off the cookies a bit. But, you also have grown up so well and beautiful. Be happy, both of you. I hope to see you again someday but until then… this is Goodbye."
Yang froze and held her breath for several moments… to the point she barely registered Qrow getting his turn and saying his own short farewell.
"Yang keep your chin up and be strong, remember don't always let your emotions lead you on so much. Ruby keep doing what you do and remember to keep your heels off the ground when you move! It slows your swing down!" Qrow advised with a sad smile.
"We love you both… be safe and be happy."
Ending almost as it began A hand moved forward… and then everything froze into nothingness.
That… was not the time to get Ruby upset with me.
Yang had made a reputation for herself as a never dying fire… this bright and energetic entity that nothing ever let keep them down…
That fire seemed like a kindle to what she normally felt in her life.
The Brawler was extremely torn on the matter. Part of her wanted the throw the scroll in anger… another part of her wanted to scream. Yet another part of her wanted to move towards her sister and issue the hug she KNEW Ruby wanted right now.
Instead all she had right now was a sense of nothingness… the same empty feeling caused her to bring her hands to her face and just blot everything out for a time.
Instead she was jarred to the fact that her face was a lake of wetness that just seemed to perpetually fall.
"I'm supposed to be the mature one and I can't even keep myself together." She complained to nobody in particular.
Damn these tears damn them and DAMN Them too for leaving us again! First Summer Then Mom AND NOW both of them too!
DAMN THESE TEARS STOP CRYING!
Sadly… she seemed unable to do that at the moment.
Yang would continue to derail herself mentally and it probably took more than a handful of attempts from the speaker before the Brawler recognized the voice.
Though… it wasn't a sound that got her attention.
It was rather the gentle and warm weight of a dogs chin resting on her thigh.
Another gentle grumble emanated from the dog.
"Sensed somebody with their hands free did you… sorry I am not in the best of moods right now." She claimed.
The dog -Tyrion- made a friendly sounding growl before sitting down formally in front of her.
With a sigh and a sniffle Yang whipped her face free of tears "Look I… I am tired I am thirsty my legs feel like they are dead and I just got a very depressing message. You know it isn't really a doggy concern alright?"
Ty sharpened his gaze on the Brawler.
"Sorry just… I really want to be alone right now." Yang brought her hands to her face again as the dog turned on its heel and walked away.
"Great… take out your problems on a nice dog… way to be mature Yang. Perfect way to set an example."
She remained hunched over until a rather cold object poked her in the side.
Spinning abruptly she demanded "Hey What is poking me in… the… leg…"
The same golden dog stood next to her yet again… only this time with a water bottle in his mouth.
You have got to be kidding me! Well… maybe Kate wasn't kidding about sending dinner along with the dogs… huh.
Not long into standing there his tail started to wag.
"You got me something to drink?" She asked claiming the bottle trying to ignore the slobber for the moment.
Tyrion just sat down again and -using his nose- moved Yang's hand carrying the bottle closer towards her body.
Damn these dogs are smart…
"You know I still haven't gotten used to the idea of you understanding what I say."
He seemed to grin but otherwise just began panting exactly like he appeared… a happy, healthy, and kind if… somewhat mischievous dog who at the moment… was concerned for a friend.
"I appreciate the drink but… I still have a lot on my mind." She insisted wiping off the slobber using her shirt.
She really didn't know what to expect when she said that… but it was obvious the dogs… at least this one considered her a friend. Maybe even part of the pack. As such… he stubbornly stayed where he is.
Yang huffed "Do you know how odd it is for me to vent to a dog? Much less one that can understand me?" She inquired.
Ty just cocked his head to the side but otherwise kept his brown and friendly eyes glued on the Brawler.
The 4 legged one ended up winning the staring contest.
With a sigh Yang patted the sofa next to her and said "Well… if you are gona listen you might as well be up here."
Not needing any further invitation Ty leapt up and promptly found a comfortable spot on the provided padding resting his head on her thigh.
Reaching a hand over to offer an ear scratch Yang bemused herself by saying "Still can't believe I'm here talking to a dog."
His tail wagged once.
She sighed sadly.
"I don't think dogs understand."
The tail wagged another time.
"Try me?"
Another wag….
Oh…. what the hell…
"Ok Pooch you want to listen? Well… let's try this out." She took a healthy gulp to discover it was not his cold nose that startled her… it was the bottle itself.
"How did you get this OUT of the fridge?" She asked incredulously.
Ty opened and closed his mouth.
It's like he said "With my mouth… duh." Great I am being mocked by a dog.
Her misgivings aside… she found herself orating the situation… feeling a bit better the longer she spoke.
"My sister is mad at me… I am sore and don't want to move. My partner is probably panicking because there happen to be more dogs than people in the dorm right now…. and I am just confused about it all. I guess I have been confused for awhile… but… Ugh… this is silly."
Tyrion whined.
"None of that even gets into the fact that my dad just left… exactly like mom. At least he had the decency to say goodbye. Mom just left…"
More thoughts continued to spout forth that did not warrant speech.
"Dad keeps telling us to be an adult, if we are adults not and he doesn't need to watch over us you'd THINK that means we are adult enough to know WHY everybody Ruby and I tend to love abandons us INCLUDING our uncle! Speaking about Qrow what the actual hell!? You TEACH Ruby how to fight basically serve as her motivation for becoming a Huntress and you don't even see her in person? Seriously what the $ ! …"
However much and regardless of how easy it is for Yang to get angry and seethe over the matter…
Well I guess it's a sign when I know getting angry won't help anything… must be Jaune's influence on that.
Ok Little Sun Dragon, let's try to fix this mess… need to find Ruby… and … fix that.
Yang peered around the room as she spoke keeping a pleasant scratch going for the friendly dog making an interest. Nora… seemed to be intrigued enough about the message was also keeping her distance out of a sense of privacy. Though the 3 dogs she was contending clearly seemed to occupy much of her focus.
A nearly amused grumble cause Yang to return her gaze back to the nearby dog.
"What?"
Another insistent grumble from the dog later and Yang couldn't resist at this point.
"Ok Pooch… I realize you can understand me but that doesn't mean I can understand you. We… need a better system than grunts."
"He says you should talk to Ruby."
Yang made a confused face before spinning around to face Nora again.
"Excuse me?"
Nora kept petting the other pooches but none the less advised "Trust me I am good with languages… I know what he means."
Despite her face taking on nothing but unhidden incredulity Yang could not find the energy to begin one of these arguments with Nora. They tend to keep going until one runs out of the required energy to continue the debate and right now all she could do was just shrug… and accept defeat.
Before should could convince her exhausted aching and currently relaxing legs to move however…
Blake exciting the RWBY dorm room and turnings towards the joint living area prompted a grim on behalf of the people currently residing there.
"Ok… no dogs in the hallway…. clearly I was just seeing things. There is no way that Jaune would bring 4 dogs into our living room I mean that would… not…. be… YANG! You are playing with a DOG?!"
Yang grinned… but couldn't come to an acceptable response.
"Well… Technically I am talking to one… and Zwei over there somewhere." Yang corrected.
"And I have 3 over here!" Nora advised.
"That's it… I'm buying a cat… a ton of cats. 12 cats! … I can't afford 12 cats… I can get Jaune to help! Yes I think it's fair if I have to live with dogs."
"Blake…" Nora prompted.
Blake seemed to remain knee deep in her evil masterminding that she didn't hear.
"I don't think she understand if she had all those cats they would steal all the fish we had nearby…"
Freezing her machinations Blake glared down her friends in the room.
"They wouldn't!"
Seconds later… she thought the better of it a handful of heartbeats later.
"A single cat wouldn't be too bad…"
"Blake?" Yang tried this time.
Picking a book out of the nearby bookshelf Blake responded with "Sigh… Yes Yang?"
"Ruby is still in our room right?"
Blake began digging to her page even as she answered "Yeah… what's wrong by the way? I was in the shower when she played the message."
Yang scowled at the question but finally convinced herself to stand.
"I don't really care to watch it again-"
The JNPR door opening up found Pyrrha with Jaune exiting at the same time. Back in their lazy clothing wearing an irritating grin too happy for Yang's mood at present.
"Hey Guys. Sorry about the dogs Blake… I didn't get much advance notice myself. They will behave I promise." Jaune entreated looking at each dog in turn.
Blake sat down accepting the scroll from Yang's hand with a scoff "They better behave."
Trust Jaune she might…. it was obvious when it came to canines she was very dubious. None the less dogs or no dogs… she had to double back to the topic of the message if for no other reason… Yang seemed very upset by the entire thing.
"What's the problem Yang? Bad message?"
"Don't want to talk about it. Watch it if you want, I don't care to again." She stated absolutely.
Pyrrha and Jaune shared a glance…
"Yang… you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Jaune put forth.
Yang sighed.
Be mature Yang… be an adult.
"Yes I suppose I should. I just… just… I gotta talk about it with my sister first. You all can watch that if you want like I said I don't want to."
Weiss entering the Dorm momentarily sidetracked the conversation.
"I have been trying to reach Ruby for awhile now… and… I…. am I missing something?" The Heiress inquired.
Yang just grunted, gave Jaune a very pointed and calculated look… then shook her head and entered the RWBY dorm area.
"What did I miss?"
Jaune shook his head "I don't know but… it has Ruby and Yang a bit out of sorts. We were about to watch it. Good news?" Jaune inquired.
Weiss kind of shook her head "Just had a talk… I have some things to think about. Well… I guess I can work on my glyph a bit. They are obviously occupied." She claimed.
Right that glyph from last year….
"That isn't done still?" Pyrrha asked surprised.
As if embarrassed Weiss shook her head "No… its rather infuriating but I understand why nobody figured it out before. This might be the most complex Glyph ever conceived. You mind if I use your shower given they want some privacy?" Weiss asked.
After receiving a non-verbal answer Weiss went about her own cleanup goals.
"So… I wonder where Ren and Kate are? They should be back by now?" Pyrrha inquired.
Jaune just shook his head "I have some idea…. and it might be awhile yet."
***RWBY DORM***
Yang didn't have a clue what to expect as she opened the door to her dorm room, if she didn't know for absolutely certainty that she needed to do it… she probably wouldn't have bothered.
Regardless of her state of mind she really only have 2 thoughts going on at present.
C'mon legs don't go all on Weissy on me keep going and stop complaining!
And:
What the hell am I going to tell Ruby?
Come to think of it I don't even know what Ruby is doing?
Turns out she needn't search for her… Ruby was freely laying down. On her bed… just staring up at the ceiling.
"Is it me?" She asked.
Yang looked confused.
"Is what you?"
Ruby sat up and turned towards her.
"What do you think? Dad leaving! Is it ME?" Despite the tough exterior Ruby clearly was still trying to piece herself back together.
Yang's initial thought was to say 'No course not'. Instead… she just sat down next to her.
"Why would you think it's you?"
Ruby pretended to entertain the question.
"Yang… Raven and Dad got along fine when it was just you 3. Then I am born and My mom runs away. A few years later Your mom runs away. Now we are grown up and … well you know."
Yang lacked knowledge of exactly what to say… instead she just pulled her sister into a hug.
Despite her efforts to stop crying… Ruby just started over again once her face found Yang's shoulder.
"Well say something!" Ruby demanded.
Yang just closed her eyes.
"Ruby… You know it isn't your fault. You know that."
"That's what they keep telling me but that doesn't change the fact that I came along and EVERYBODY started leaving!"
Yang sighed.
"Rubes… I don't have anything I can say to convince you. You should know by now that you are not to blame…"
Ruby sniffed.
Suddenly finding inspiration Yang proclaimed:
"…We will find out what happened. We will find out where they went. Someday somehow… we will figure it out. When we do THEY will tell us why. Why they left both of us…"
Ruby chuckled… it sounded just mad enough to work.
"Great scheme Yang… search the world for 4 people who obviously don't want to be found."
Yang finally got some of her smile back.
"I have had worse ideas!"
That time Ruby returned it…
The following hug was much less forced and much more natural…
Though Yang could not help but think….
Find them… I have no idea how. But… we will figure that out in time too.
A/N
Thanks for reading, hopefully the chapter proved entertaining.
I don't have much for the note this time. If any reader has a suggestion regarding what Kate's gift could be I am very much willing to hear it. I have my own idea's of course but I am always eager for better suggestions.
As ever if you have any questions or concerns please hit me up with them.
Beyond that thank you for reading, please Fav/Follow/Like/Kudos/Review/IM or Email me with any feedback or things you would like to speak about.
I will see you all again next time
-Sean.