Ahhhhhh here we go!!! I really enjoyed this chapter, even if it's more set up than not. With this, please enjoy the end of the first arc!
Waking up with a tired yawn, a smile graced Ruby's lips as she laid back against her bed. Last night had been nice, one free from nightmares as she clung to her new bedmate, the oversized plush still held tight to her chest as a relaxed sigh left her lips.
She had worked hard to make sure her classwork was all done by the end of Friday, so this Sunday was going to be nice and easy. Without any school stuff to focus on, she could just spend the day relaxing with Jaune and Pyrrha. Sure, they'd gone on a date just a day before, but that was different than just hanging out.
Although she was a little reluctant to leave the comfort of her bed, Ruby dropped out of the canopy with a light "thud" to the ground. Stretching her arms above her head with another yawn, Ruby rubbed some of the sleepiness from her eyes before looking over to the clock. It was about a quarter past seven, a bit late for her, but not in a really bad way. It was nice getting up late after a couple weeks of frequent nightmares.
Getting ready for her day didn't take too long, and after about ten minutes, she left Team RWBY's dorm room and made her way to the floor's shared kitchen, yawning all the while. It didn't look like Ren was here, whether that was because she'd missed him or he was running late as well, she wasn't entirely sure.
It didn't really matter, as she made her way over to the refrigerator, slowly taking out the carton of milk and pouring herself a glass. Making sure no one was around to see, Ruby retrieved her "secret" cookie stash, deciding to enjoy a treat for breakfast.
Sitting down on one of the couches in the lounging area, Ruby gave a content sigh as she started munching on the cookies. At the sound of footsteps approaching, the short redhead perked up a bit, looking back to find Pyrrha, who hadn't spotted her from her place in the lounge.
Pyrrha looked… stressed. That wasn't right! They'd had such a nice day yesterday, there's no way that Pyrrha should be feeling so down. Jaune approached from behind, not looking much better, his arms wrapping around Pyrrha and giving her a sympathetic hug. Had something happened last night, after Ruby had split from the duo?
"I just don't understand why they're making such a big deal about this." She overheard Jaune say, the blonde sounding exasperated.
"That's what they always do, Jaune." Pyrrha sounded far more resigned than their boyfriend did, "I've seen it happen before, to others that Mistral had elevated above its people. Every action is scrutinized, treated as though it should be known by anyone who wishes to see it."
"That's not right." Jaune insisted, Ruby scooting a little closer where she was seated, trying to hear what they were saying better. "I-I know that it can be rough for celebrities, but she's not even a celebrity, why are they dragging her into their speculation?"
"Because they just want the drama of it all." Pyrrha lamented, eyes downcast despite Jaune's attempt to reassure her with a smile. "It isn't enough that I'm dating people from outside the Kingdom, they have to try and speculate how you both might be such wicked people to have stolen my loyalty to Mistral. Even vultures have more decorum than they do."
Ruby frowned, placing her bag of cookies down gently, slowly slipping out of the couch and approaching her partners, being as quiet as she could to avoid interrupting. Whatever had happened, it was stressing Pyrrha out a lot, and it looked as though it wasn't making Jaune feel all too well, either.
"That doesn't make it right." Jaune repeated, bringing Pyrrha into another hug, gently massaging her back to try comforting her. "You're a person, all of us are. You're not some source of entertainment."
Ruby's frown grew as she started to get an idea of what this might be about. Pyrrha had talked before about how awful being a celebrity could be, and she'd seen it in action by the way some of her fans would approach them and make rather unfair demands of her. Autographs might be annoying, but they were nothing compared to weird older men asking for photos with her.
"I'm used to it, Jaune, I have been for years." Pyrrha said softly, sounded defeated. "I just don't want either of you brought into it. I should have thought of that before risking a relationship with you."
"Don't say that." Jaune sternly replied, shaking his head slowly. "I don't care what any of those jerks in Mistral think, and I doubt Ruby cares, either. You're way more important than that, Pyrrha."
On hearing Pyrrha's doubts, Ruby dashed out from her hiding place, tightly hugging the duo, eliciting a startled grunt of surprise from her boyfriend and girlfriend. "Those people are just big jerks!" She affirmed, refusing to let the pair out of her embrace for several seconds, eyes clung shut as she held them. "I-I don't care what anyone says, I really like you both, and I'm not going to stop liking you!"
As Ruby opened her eyes, looking up at the duo sheepishly as she let them out of the hug, Pyrrha chuckled softly, running a hand through the shorter girl's hair. "I'm glad you feel that way, Ruby." The champion said softly, the younger redhead noticing for the first time that her girlfriend's eyes were red from crying. "I must admit… I was afraid. I didn't want to go back to being alone."
"You won't have to." Jaune insisted confidently, shooting Ruby a smile as he brought the redheads in to a gentler hug. "We're with you."
"Thank you," Pyrrha gave a bright smile, blinking some of the dampness from her eyes. "Both of you."
Ruby decided to take the initiative, grabbing Jaune and Pyrrha's hands, leading them to the lounge so they could sit. With Pyrrha between her and Jaune, the shorter girl hoped they could provide a little more comfort to her girlfriend.
"So, um," Jaune's eyes met Ruby's as he wrapped an arm around their girlfriend, hugging the taller girl again as they sat. "How much did you hear, Ruby?"
"Um… not much." She admitted, chuckling nervously as she rested her head against Pyrrha's shoulder, shooting her girlfriend a sheepish smile. "I just… I figure this was about the people in Mistral, the ones who Pyrrha talked about yesterday."
"You're not wrong." Pyrrha confirmed, sounding rather tired of it all. Showing her scroll to Ruby, the taller girl sighed. "My… agent sent me these, about an hour ago."
A short gasp escaped Ruby's lips as she looked at the image, a cover of a magazine with a poorly taken picture of her, Pyrrha, and Jaune at Alkyone's Hearth, with the words "Mistral's Champion Wooed by Valean Temptress." She didn't need to look further to get what they were implying, shaking her head at Pyrrha when the taller girl asked if she wanted to see more.
"Th-they think I tricked you?" Ruby inquired, Pyrrha looking a little relieved that that was the takeaway the younger girl had made from that. "But I would never do that!"
"I know, Ruby." Pyrrha said gently, bringing an arm around Ruby to gently rub her far shoulder. "They simply choose to see the worst of you, because they know it would appeal more to those desperate for gossip about me. I've managed to keep a fairly clean record, as far as the press back in Mistral is concerned, so they're trying to make a controversy out of the first thing they could see."
"Is… Is it going to actually do anything?" Ruby asked nervously, feeling a bit of a lump in her throat at the thought that she might do Pyrrha some harm.
"I might lose a few of the more… nationalistic sponsers my agent has found for me, but I don't know that I would consider that a loss." Pyrrha explained, doing her best to ease things for her girlfriend. "My main sponsors won't really care, not about this. It's not as though I've lost a fight, that's all they're really concerned about. So long as I remain "the Invincible Girl," they don't care who I choose to kiss."
"So… It'll be okay?" Ruby nestled her head against Pyrrha's arm, looking a bit timid.
"It should be, at least, from a pragmatic standpoint." The Argussean reassured her, though she didn't sound particularly happy with it. "That said… we may get some strange looks from other students from Mistral. Hopefully nothing more serious than that."
"Well," Jaune chuckled nervously, looking at his girlfriends. "We haven't exactly been really secretive. At least this way we can be more open about it?"
"That's certainly true." Pyrrha giggled slightly. "I'm not sure it's possible to be more open about it than we already have been. I suppose there's just been an air of privacy at the academy the rest of Vale sadly lacks."
"Do, um… Do you think we could hang out today?" Ruby asked sheepishly, her cheeks warming a little. "If it's not going to make things worse, I just… I really like spending time with you guys."
"Of course, Ruby." Pyrrha reassured, hugging the shorter girl a little closer. "So long as you want me here, I'll be here."
"Of course I do, Pyrrha!" Ruby chirped, smiling at her girlfriend. "You and Jaune! I'll always want you two with me."
"Okay, you two." Jaune laughed, smiling at the duo. "Let's get something to eat, then, before you two start going in circles."
The two girls chuckled sheepishly, their cheeks coloring as the trio got off the couch and started their day.
As August stepped onto Beacon's campus, he was not surprised by the startled stares some of the students gave him. It was not everyday that one of Vale's Council sojourned to the academy, though given recent events, he pondered perhaps changing that. Ozpin had been particularly obstructive of late, especially when it came to his niece, and reminding the old man that he was not the sole power of the Kingdom of Vale would be nice.
Ignoring the sheepish expressions of Valean students who happened to recognize him, typically those raised in the upper-class and remaining aristocracy, August strode into the Cross-Continental Transmit Tower. He was unexpected, but not unannounced, having informed Ozpin about an hour beforehand that he wished to discuss current events more personally. Stepping into the elevator available, the door was nearly shut when a white-gloved hand blocked it.
"Excuse me!" Silver eyes rolled behind dark glasses as the ever determined General Ironwood stepped into the elevator, an apologetic look on his face that changed to one of surprise. "August! What a pleasure to see you again, it's been far too long. Why, we haven't seen each other since-"
"My sister's funeral?" August sneered, his words dry and leaving no room for leeway.
"Ah, yes… I suppose it was that long ago." James said softly, whatever levity had been in his voice draining away. "I'm truly sorry I couldn't do more in the search for Summer. She was a hero, and her family deserved more than the remains of her weapon."
"Yes, well, it was hardly as though she was following your orders, James." August dismissed the man's apology, the doors to the elevator sliding shut entirely this time. "Holltwr Arain is back in its home at Caer Rhosyn, until such a time it is claimed by her daughter."
"Ah, yes, the young Miss Rose." James' voice raised a little, not exactly with what August could call pride, but perhaps admiration. "She's already making waves, it seems."
"Ah, yes, the mess with one of your missing toys, if I recall correctly." He did, but he relished at the chance of calling James out like that. August held back against the temptation to smirk, keeping his expression neutral as he continued. "The Council is rather worried about your missing equipment, James. I do hope you'll retrieve it soon. I'd hate for you to out stay your welcome."
"I'm sure it won't come to that, August." James reassured the Councilman. "I've already got two of my top specialists on it, and Ozpin has been happy to acquiesce to my requests regarding the investigation. The rest of those Paladins will be found, before the festival."
"I'm glad to hear it." August replied curtly, not really certain how true that would be. Still, despite James' rather severe blunder at losing his Paladins to the White Fang, the Councilman thought he might be able to salvage this. If more power is ceded away from Ozpin and his Huntsman, even if temporarily, to Atlas's, it would further his own push towards reinstating Vale's own military.
The elevator gave a pleasant chime as they reached the top floor, August stepping out first, not even looking to see that James was offering, though of course the general did. "Headmaster. It's been far too long." August greeted Professor Ozpin, putting on an air of affability both men knew was false. "I hope everything has been going pleasantly, aside from the occasional mishap."
"Of course, Councilman." A title for a title, then? Well, August could work with that, it was certainly better than pretending he was friends with the man. "Things are on track for a successful Vytal Festival, with Roman Torchwick detained and General Ironwood on the lookout for the rest of his associates."
"I'm glad to hear that," August bowed his head politely, keeping a proper neutral expression. "The Kingdom of Vale would not do well to have such strife, especially at a time of celebration such as this."
"On that, I believe we both agree." Ozpin nodded, taking a sip from his damned mug. August held back the urge to sneer, as the headmaster of Beacon Academy continued. "Still, I don't believe you've come all this way just to catch up, have you, Councilman? What issue do you have that needs addressing?"
"Given… recent developments," August began, gloved hand clenching tightly at his side as he thought back to the slanderous articles he'd been shown this morning. "I wish to make sure that the press are not allowed on Beacon Academy."
"Of course not." Ozpin replied calmly, not acknowledging the Councilman's frustration, though his eyes did drift over to his clenched hand for the briefest moment. "Students are not required to meet with any members of the media, and members of the press are not allowed on campus outside irregular exceptions, such as during the Vytal Festival."
"Good." August replied curtly, before his eyes turned towards James. "I assume you wished me to speak with the good general, given his presence? I know I didn't request he join me."
"Yes, I thought it appropriate that James update you on his operations, given that he has taken a lead on investigating the White Fang's current actions in Vale." Ozpin explained, taking another sip of cocoa from his mug.
Great. Ozpin had taken it upon himself to alter August's intended meeting into something not focused on the headmaster. Not entirely surprising, but frustrating for the councilman, nonetheless. "Yes," August agreed, keeping his neutral expression. "I suppose a more… in person update from the general would be welcome."
James stood a little straighter at his place beside Ozpin's desk, standing at ease with hands behind his back. "I can give you an overview, or go into more detail, whatever you'd like."
"An overview would be good," August acknowledged, though he was certain such a thing could simply be sent to the Kingdom's Council. Taking a seat, silver eyes rolled out of view of his associates, and he prepared for a much longer afternoon than he'd intended.
Prison sucked. Waiting? That sucked even more.
Roman groaned as he rested against the wall of his cell, facing the sealed door as he waited for time to pass. Neo had said that Taurus was planning on breaking him out, but he knew it would take at least a couple weeks to coordinate. Probably longer than that. Even with a menace like Bully Boy, there was no way they could just waltz into one of the most secure prisons in Vale and just stroll out with a couple dozen White Fang prisoners and one of the (formerly) most wanted men in the Kingdom.
The worst part of things was the lack of something to smoke. He'd probably have been able to jimmy some cigarettes off another prisoner, but they'd kept him locked up alone and didn't let him out. He knew that that kind of stuff wasn't common, at least, not for humans, but it seemed that he'd left August a little more peeved than he'd realized.
Passing the time was difficult. He could only manage to exercise so much in a single day before it got to be a bit too grating. At least he could say he'd improved his core with all his free time, not that anyone would notice. Hearing faint footsteps approaching his cell, the criminal stood up, groaning a bit as he nursed his back, a few bruises remaining from August's latest attempts at persuasion.
Stepping slowly over to the slit in the door, he pressed his face against the metal to try getting a peek of who was outside. The diminutive guard standing before him smirked slightly, eyes flickering to pink and brown. Oh, good. It was Neo, not someone coming for more "persuasion."
"Hey, Neo." He grunted, forcing a smile for his daughter. "Come with some news?"
She rolled her eyes, and Roman slid down against the door, resting his back against the cold metal as she began to relay her message. Getting you out might be delayed.
"Oh, and why's that?" The premier criminal grunted. "Bully Boy reconsidering getting me out?"
No. Neo dismissed, giving a silent sigh before continuing. He's unhinged. I followed along today, to see what he was getting up to. He was harassing some Faunus restaurant because of a picture that showed up in some tabloids.
"Why would he do that?" Roman raised a brow, sitting up a little. That didn't sound like Bully Boy, who despite being unquestionably missing a few screws, seemed to be pretty adamant about the whole "Faunus supremacy" thing. "Serve a few too many humans?"
No. Well, not exactly. Neo tapped, pursing her lips as she tried to figure out how to word it correctly. It wasn't that they were just serving humans, but rather who one of them was.
"Serving someone he didn't like? I know that the Schnee Heiress is here, now."
Not her, but you're on the right track. Neo smirked a little. Seems like you're not the only one with a beef against Little Red. He didn't sound like he wanted to take her out, though. He was asking a lot of questions, about who she was. You'll never guess what Little Red's name is.
"Her name?" Why would that matter? Either way he was going to ring his hands around her neck.
Ruby Rose.
"Wait… you don't mean?" Roman paled a little. That certainly explained why he'd been receiving such rough treatment. "Did that slimeball actually spawn a daughter like he wanted?"
No. Neo quickly reassured. I looked into it after. She's the daughter of famed Huntress Summer Rose. She's his niece.
"Ah, so still family, but not from his uh… you get the idea." Neo rolled her eyes again, tapping impatiently. "So what does Bully Boy care? Happy to have a cousin?"
I didn't tell him. Neo bluntly replied. He's already obsessed with that cat Faunus. No need making things worse.
"Ha, fair enough, kid." Roman agreed with a sigh. "Anything else I need to know?"
Things are getting underway in the Southeast. That's probably where Cinder will send you once we get you out.
"Ah, Mountain Glenn…" Roman chuckled. "Such a lovely place this time of year. Okay, Neo. You get out of here, before someone gets suspicious. I'll see you soon."
Hopefully not too much longer. Neo agreed, love you, dad.
Roman nodded slowly, making his way back to the other end of his cell. There wasn't all that much she was able to reveal, but what she had given him left him with a lot to think about. In all honesty, if Bully Boy was interested in Little Red, getting his hands on her first might be a mercy. Then again, after all the trouble she'd put him through, maybe letting him get to her would be nice. Easier than getting August on his tail again, at least.
Mercury yawned, flipping through the pages of a magazine he'd grabbed while he lay in bed, lazily looking up towards Emerald as she entered the dorm. Neo wasn't there, but that was hardly surprising, she was never on campus unless absolutely necessary.
"Sup?" The grey-haired boy asked, not bothering to sit up as he flipped through another page.
"Cinder said she needed to speak with us." Emerald snapped, glaring at her comrade. "Don't you ever check your scroll?"
"Nah." He replied with a slight smirk. He loved to rile her up by acting so dismissively, it never failed to get a rise out of her. Especially if Cinder was involved. "Is she on her way?"
"Of course!" Emerald insisted, scowling at the boy before turning her attention to the mirror, trying to touch up her hair. "When she gets here she'll be impressed with my dedication, and disappointed by how lazy you are."
"Yeah, sure." Mercury said dismissively, frowning slightly. Sure, he might not like Emerald, and he loved getting a rise out of her, but he absolutely hated how obsessed she was with Cinder. He couldn't tell if she viewed the older woman more as an object of desire, or a mother figure. Either way, it was gross, and something easily exploitable. "You really think mommy is going to be proud of all your hard work gathering gossip from a bunch of teenagers?"
Emerald's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she threw one of the now empty wallets she'd lifted off of students at the academy at her partner. "Shut up!" She snapped, "Cinder wouldn't send me on a time waster like that! It's not like you're doing anything to help out, lifting money off some kids who can't fight back, especially when we're supposed to be keeping a low profile!"
"Hey!" Mercury sat up at this, glaring at Emerald. "I'm just playing the part of a "troubled student that Professor Lionheart sees potential in." Besides, those idiots deserved it if they're going to come to one of these academies and not be able to defend themselves."
"Whatever, idiot." Emerald rolled her eyes, walking over to her bed and taking a seat. The duo remained in begrudging silence until the door to the dorm opened once more, Cinder walking in with that air of prideful arrogance she always had. "Cinder! I gathered s-"
"Silence." The partial-Fall Maiden instructed, the thief's mouth clamping shut abruptly, red eyes lowering to the floor ik shame. "Emerald, Mercury. You're doing well laying low, and I have new instructions for you."
At the mention of new orders, Mercury perked up a little, while Emerald remained looking sullenly towards the ground.
"You are to ingratiate yourselves with Team RWBY." The brunette woman explained, "while I do not foresee any issues with them, it is better that we remain on good terms with them, given the likelihood that they will be participating in the tournament. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am." Emerald nodded, despite still facing the ground, until Cinder pulled her upwards, a hand beneath her chin.
"Emerald, is something wrong?" Though Cinder spoke sweetly, Mercury could sense the venom in her voice. It was way too much like when his father would compliment him, when he was younger, before the drinking got even worse, and his father lost any sense of charisma with his abuse.
"That would be my fault." The grey-haired assassin interrupted, ignoring the disdainful look Cinder sent his way. "I was… teasing Emerald just before you got back. Nothing is wrong."
"Is that so." Mercury did his best not to shrink under the glare his employer was giving him, before amber eyes turned back on Emerald, a faux-sympathetic smile on Cinder's lips. "Emerald, is that right?"
"Y-yes ma'am." Emerald sputtered out, a bead of sweat running down the back of her neck."
"Good." Cinder said, her voice still sickly-sweet. "We have a lot of hard work to do before the festival, I'd hate to see either of you fail."