A Month ago, Tapops Solar Base, Moon.
Few months has passed since battle against Retak'ka, it has been a rather calm time. In early Sunday morning (or night, since it's in space), the base was bustling with activities, aliens and robots, varying in shape and sizes, goes hand in hand constructing this intergalactic Base. Sparks of welding machines lights up in the dark of space, bolt presser drumming silently in its vacuum atmosphere.
The base was smaller than the previous base, only 12 acres wide. But it was enough to accommodate Tapops members from Solar System, and few aliens that has business on earth. Aliens strolled its many corridors, most of them have mop-like parts on their body. They busied themselves with many things, cleaning the floors, wiping the windows of its many rooms, playing uno, stacking crates in the warehouse.
Inside one of the base's many rooms, Boboiboy and Fang are standing. Waiting.
A yawn escapes the capped boy's mouth, "when we'll start, Fang?"
"Just be patience. Oh, and don't let commander see you yawning!" Fang chided beside him
"c'mon, we've been standing here for 2 hours and they haven't show yet" Boboiboy remarked, waving his hand at the empty seats in the meeting room.
"I know, I'm sure Commander Kokoci has other important issue to be done"
"at least tell us about it then…"
As if on cue, the door of the room slides open, "Good morning, Boboiboy, Fang." A pudgy square headed alien said as he walks in, behind him stood 2 figures—one is a mountain of a muscle known as Admiral Tarung, the other was Captain Kaizo, Fang's older brother. They took their respective seats, while Kokoci address the duo.
The two boys stood straight, then saluted, "Commander!"
Kokoci nodded, "at ease. Now firstly, I would like to apologies for the delay, due to unforeseen circumstances I had to postponed our meeting for a little while. Sits down you two, while we wait for our guest." Boboiboy and Fang did as they told. Though, Boboiboy didn't know they had a guest
"Huh, I don't remember anything about guest, sir. May I ask who is it?"
Kokoci nodded and opens his mouth, but the sounds of doors sliding open interrupted him, the teen duo turned to the door, and saw a woman dressed in Tapops Admiral uniform, its tiny triangular badge hung proudly on her chest. The woman approached the table. her steps confident. poise full of authority. She stopped by the table, "Commander." She saluted then took a seat beside Admiral Tarung.
Kokoci cleared his throat, "now that everyone is present, we can start our meeting, but first let me introduce our esteemed guest. Boboiboy, Fang, this is Admiral Summer, the head of Tapops Spec Ops and leader of our branch in Andromeda galaxy" he gestured at the woman, who bowed her head slightly
"Andromeda! Woah, isn't that like far away from ours?" Boboiboy gushed out
The Commander nodded, "Correct, before Ochobot lend us his teleportation's power, it took months to reach Andromeda—even with state-of-the-art plasma thrusters. But now, it took only minutes to reach our base there"
The new Admiral then spoke, "you have our thanks, Boboiboy, Fang. If not for your bravery against Tengkotak, we wouldn't able to achieve such feat."
Fang and Boboiboy saluted, "proud to serve, Ma'am!"
Kokoci then gathers their attention once more, "now with pleasantries out of the way, we can start our meeting." He turns to Kaizo, "your report, Kaizo"
The man nodded and stood up, he slides a tablet on the table, a hologram appeared at the middle of the table, "I'll start my report months before the attack, I was undercover as a bellboy at Joy-dee space casino. There has been rumor that said casino is a black market for Power Sphere, so I kept a detector on my person all the time." The hologram screen then changed, showing a graph, "on 12:32 AM local time, my detector detected a power spike, when we passed a certain planet, and when we're out of its orbit, the reading went back to normal. I immediately contact Admiral Summer, and she started an investigation on said planet"
Kaizo gave said person a nod, Summer stands up and placed her own tablet, the hologram changed once more and turning into a planet with a shattered moon in its orbit. "This is Gaia X832, its inhabitant called it 'Remnant'." She started, the hologram shifted, showing some pictures of its environment, "roughly as old as earth, it is one of few planets where the inhabitant looks like humans, barring some notable few that have animal appendages. After receiving reports from Kaizo, my crew and I immediately went to investigate. Currently, I'm undercover as a teacher of an academy. this is where I found what caused that energy spike"
A picture of a castle was then shown, Boboiboy brightened with awe, "Woah, a castle!"
Summer's lips tugged into a small smile, "this is Beacon Academy, it's one of four academies in Remnant where its people trained to be warriors, the other was Shade, Haven, and Atlas." Her visage became serious once more, "under these academies are where these reading originated. hidden behind bunkers were something called relics, and these are our objectives."
Four different images were displayed; a crown, an intricate golden lamp, a beautiful scepter, and a sword that looks devilish, yet holy.
"These items are no doubt came from Power Spheres. their energy reading was similar to other items produced by them. Our mission is to take them. Unfortunately, we can't take them as is." The admiral finished with a frown.
The other Admiral in the room then asked, "and why is that?"
"Because they can only be taken by someone who possess a certain element, for example; the crown can only be taken by someone who wields fire elemental in their person, and ice in the staff's case." Summer answered, "if we who wields no element—even if we hold some type of powers, the items would only phases through our fingers, as if it was not there"
"Pardon me, Ma'am, but why can't we asked for them to hand them over? I'm sure there are some sort of agreement we can cook up." Came Boboiboy's reasoning.
Summer locked him with eyes full of mirth and annoyance at the same time, "you're… Amato's son, correct?"
A sudden wave of shivers ran down on Boboiboy, "Y-yes, Ma'am!" a smirk bloomed on the Admiral's lips
"Only him would offer THAT reasoning to us. we're called Special Operatives for a reason: we do what others can't." Summer stated coolly.
"Tapops Special Ops is a secret division, Boboiboy" Admiral Tarung chimed in, "they're usually tasked on a planet where a Power Sphere located, but they didn't know anything about them."
Summer Nodded, "Some planets are better to be left in the dark for myriad of reasons, one of them is to not tip their societal balance. For example, a planet where its people are prone to conflict, Remnant is one of those few planets. Your father always against my cloak-and-dagger approach"
Kokoci nodded, "it's only natural, Amato works as Ambasador. Not to mention, a strong advocate of making connections through trust. though he maybe right, this knowledge is too dangerous for some planets to keep" the commander turns to Summer, "Summer, you may continue"
"Yes, commander." Summer nodded and continue her report, "now since we can't take those relics ourself, I forwarded my reports to Commander Kokoci, then Commander suggested an idea"
Commander then took reign, "it was right before Retak'ka attack our base, I originally suggested for Boboiboy and his squad to aid Admiral in her mission, but since Yaya, Ying, and Gopal are under Ramenman's assignment at the moment, it only left you two" Kokoci pointed at Boboiboy and Fang, "Boboiboy, Fang, I want you two to assist Admiral Summer in retrieving the relics."
Boboiboy was surprised, "w-we, sir… Are you sure we're up to the task?"
"Have some confidence, boy." Summer barked, fingers drumming the steel table," we're not going to send you blind into enemy's territory, we're train you among them"
"Train us with them?"
Kokoci nodded, "yes, you two will be posing as students at Beacon Academy, under Admiral Summer's recommendation, participate in their initiation exam and infiltrate their ranks"
"we're going to be spy?" Fang said from his seat
Summer nods, "Yes, for now, your only objective is to gain Beacon's headmaster's trust. Once you succeeded, I'll inform your next objectives, any objection?" she shot a glare at the two, her steely silver eyes piercing the two boy's soul, sending shivers to their body.
"N-no, Ma'am!"
The admiral nodded, a smirk formed on her lips, "Good, now follow me… and wake up!" she slammed the table, sending a blast of wind at Boboiboy, and jolted him awake.
Loud drumming noises from his desk woke him up, "AAH!" Boboiboy screamed as he fell to the floor, sprawling on the ground, he looks at where he was sitting. Yang waved at him, a mischievous smile on her face, behind her was Blake who holding out a giggle.
"Morning, Sunshine, how's your sleep?" the blonde girl asked, no remorse tainting her voice.
"Great, thanks for waking me up." Boboiboy said with sarcasm.
Yang grinned innocently, "You're welcome, but really? Sleeping in class on your first day."
Not that he can help it, he's awake all night, after all. Truth to be told, he doesn't want to deal with school today. he's tired beyond measure. hands really sore. Boboiboy yawned, "ah, you know, adapting and stuff… can't get a good night sleep… Oh, Good morning, by the way!"
Blake then chimed in, "How about Fang?" she points at Fang, who lean forward on the table, his fingers intertwining under his nose. He just sat there, acting like an edge lord from anime. Brooding.
"Don't worry, he's not normal…"
Yang laughed heartily, "well, let's get you up first" she offered the boy a hand, which he accepted and lifted him from the cold marble floor.
The boy dusted his dark colored uniform, "thanks, by the way, what time is it, eh… Yang was it?"
Yang put a finger on her cheek, "Oh, it's past 10, lunch is ending in 5 minutes!"
"P-PAST 10!" Boboiboy frantically ran out of the door, but a crowd of students pushed him back in, "Hey, hey I haven't eaten lunch yet, please move out of the way!" he shouted helplessly, the crowd ignores his cry and sent him back to where he was.
As the students took their seats, Yang burst out laughing, Blake let out small giggles "Kidding, kidding, it's 9:12. the class hasn't start yet!"
"Not funny, Yang" Boboiboy muttered flatly, fixing his dinosaur cap, "I swear, I could've gotten heart attack"
"Nah, you're alright!" Yang says, waving her hand casually. A portly middle-aged man then entered the class, walking to the front of the class, "Well, seeing you after lunch, Sunshine!" Yang bid her goodbye and sits to a desk right behind the front row desk, along with her was Blake, Ruby, and a white-haired girl Boboiboy don't really remember.
"Sunshine…?" Boboiboy muttered, why did she call him sunshine? She hadn't saw his light power, is she? "God, hopefully not. What else punishment she'll inflict upon us if Yang saw it!" the boy prayed silently, as he took his seat beside Fang.
The teacher then does a rollcall, from there Boboiboy knew the white-haired girl's name was Weiss…. Knee….? Shin? Scheiße? He can't recall "God, I'm really tired. Hey, Fang. What Weiss' surname was?" he whispered to his partner… who snoring softly.
"Jeez, he's asleep!"
The class ended just before the clock strike 10, Fang woke up midclass—when the teacher, Professor Port asked him to list known Grimm in Vale region. Surprisingly, he's able to answered correctly. He was praised, then chided for sleeping in class. it was a rather dull class, Boboiboy wondered how could a warrior school still as boring as ordinary school on Earth. While nodding off, Boboiboy wondered.
Does schools are cursed to be boring?
The only interesting thing was when Weiss tried to kill a Boarbatusk, a boar Grimm. she was struggling to kill it, and blamed her teammates—who cheered on her, especially on Ruby. Honestly, it grinds on his nerves how haughty Weiss act. he wanted to say a word to her, but Fang reminded him, "we're here on a mission, we should leave them settle their own issue."
As much as he wanted to argue, Boboiboy knew Fang was right. So, he relented.
Boboiboy was packing his books when Yang approached his desk, "Yo, Sunshine, care for a lunch with us girls?" she asked
Boboiboy scratched his cheek, "Uh… sure why not?" the blonde-haired girl nodded then turns to Fang
"How about you, Mr. Tall and Dark?"
The nickname popped a vein on Fang's head, "it's Fang." the annoyed reaction elicited some laugh from Yang.
"Sure, sure, I hear ya! So, you coming?"
Fang sighed, "sure, sure…"
Yang's expression brightened, she locked two's wrist in tight grasps, "Good, what are you two waiting for then!" she dragged the two out of the class and to the cafeteria.
"Ouch, ouch, slow down!" Boboiboy cried, but it fell on deaf ears.
On their way, the three met with the rest of Yang's team—sans Weiss. the high-spirited girl let go of the two. They all strolled in silence, with occasional banter between Yang and Ruby, who seems a bit down. then Blake asked a question, "Boboiboy, if I may ask, what is your semblance?"
The question caught him off guard, "Huh?"
Ruby perked up at the question, she chimed in, "Oh yeah, you froze that Deathstalker without even touching it, then Kablammo! You shatter it like glass"
Boboiboy faked a yawn, "Uh, oh… it's dust manipulation…" he recalled his conversations with Fang yesterday, it gives him a slight of idea.
"Huh, you don't sound too sure…" Blake frowned a bit.
"Really? Then I might be more tired than I thought" Boboiboy finished with a sheepish laugh, "everything is in shambles, I don't even remember what professor… Part? Prod? Ah-Port, said!"
Yang sighed, "to be honest, he didn't say anything, he just babbles on and on about how 'when I was young'. Then he randomly points Mr. Broody here about Grimm!" she pointed at Fang
"It's Fang!"
"Yeah, yeah," Yang waved off.
"So, I didn't miss anything!" Boboiboy brightened, patting his chest, "Thank god!"
Ruby puts a finger on her chin, "Back on your semblance, how does it work?"
Boboiboy thinks for a bit, "when I crushed a Dust crystal… I could use their elements as my own…"
"Oh, like a wizard!"
Chuckle escaped Boboiboy's lips at Ruby's comparison, "yeah, like wizard. But I can only use them for 10 minutes" he continued, "after that I need to refuel."
Yang whistled, "that's one hell of a Semblance… and speaking of refuel, we're here!"
The group turns their head forward, they were greeted by the sight of bustling cafeteria, laughs and chatters liven the room, clicking of silverware was the music of the afternoon. Filling the newcomer with hunger and thirst. Yang was the first one who take a serving, then the rest followed, Boboiboy was the last. He picked a humble serving of snacks and a glass of coffee. They sat at the corner of the room, where it was less people and more empty seats.
Their lunch was filled with laughs and friendly chat, Yang constantly teased Ruby about her position as little sister, Blake somehow able to made Fang talk, and Ruby asked Boboiboy about his weapon, which he then asked back "what weapon?" thus Ruby started to ramble on and on, and chided him about not having one. all in all, they were a lively lunch and Boboiboy enjoyed it, they kind of reminds him about his friends back home.
Is this how Fang felt back then, when they just start to hang out. when his brother left him alone on Earth?
His musing was cut short by a blaring of bell, signaling the end of lunch. The group immediately went to their next classroom. This time Boboiboy was walking alone, strolling down the hall, he was looking for Field Medical class. It was under Admiral Summer's idea that they should take different class. It was new experience for the boy, back home they should attend all class. so, it wasn't a surprise for him that he was somehow lost.
"Field Medical… where are you?" he muttered as he looking around him, reading small plaques upon the doors, "Biology. Chemistry. Economy… Eh, why there's Economy class?"
He stopped in the middle of the hallway, parting the flows of students that walks the hall, scratching his cheek, "seriously, is this a school or a maze, so confusing!" the boy complained to no one in particular.
"Your name… Boboiboy was it?" someone asked him.
The boy turned around, Weiss was standing behind him, "uh, yeah… nice to meet you" he bowed slightly
Weiss just nodded, "good to know some of you still have some manners. So, why are you seem so lost?"
"Oh, I was looking for Field Medical class, I haven't really had time to look around, you know. So, I haven't check any of the classes and got lost" he chuckled sheepishly
Weiss eyebrows rose, "Oh, what a coincidence, It's the same class I'm going to." She walks forward, "come, let's not waste any more time"
"O-oh, okay. Thank you, Weiss" Boboiboy said, the white-haired girl nods.
"Don't mention it"
Weiss led him to the classroom. he sat by Weiss side during Class period. After drank some coffee earlier, Boboiboy notably livelier than and able to concentrate to the teacher—though, not by much. During class, he snuck a few glances at Weiss, who visibly distracted about something. After the class finished, Weiss idly putting her notes away, looking at her belonging, yet her eyes unfocused.
"Uh, you okay, Weiss?" Boboiboy can't help but asked.
Weiss turned to him, light in her eyes returning, "Oh, don't worry, just lost in thought."
Boboiboy frowned a bit, "are you sure, if there's something you bothering you, just say it"
"I told you, I'm fine. just thinking." She insisted and walks away.
He's not sure, but an idea flash in his mind, "Is it about Ruby?" Boboiboy said, Weiss immediately stopped in her track, "is there anything I could help with?"
She spun around, frown graced the girl's lips, "why would I worry about her, she's a leader, she can handle anything that'll come to her" her words carried certain amount of venom as it finished, "I'm sure she can do anything with her eyes closed!"
Boboiboy visibly winced, "I …. See…" Ruby IS a sore spot for her it seems, shouldn't have brought it up! "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked…"
Weiss noticed his discomfort, she shook her head, "No, it was my fault. I shouldn't lash my ire on you, it was unbecoming of me" she apologized, "but yes, as you can see… I do have some problem about her"
Boboiboy nodded, "let's go somewhere more… airy, it should help us cooling down, I need some fresh air myself." With a nod from Weiss, Boboiboy led her to a much more open but uncrowded place, he found a small garden inside the campus, it fills the criteria, so he invited Weiss to sat down on a bench.
"So, Weiss, if I may ask, what is your problem with Ruby?" Boboiboy started, Weiss shots him a sideway glance
"What isn't my problem? let's start with how we met, she almost blown me off a cliff because she was bumbling about like an idiot." Weiss started her story, "not to mention she's younger than I am"
Boboiboy creased a curious brow, "Really, how old is she?"
"15. As you might know, too young to join ANY huntress academy" Weiss continued, "I thought she was talented, or at least smart, there has to be a reason for her to be here as is! Imagine my anger when I found out that She's a bumbling, naïve, insufferable child who lucky enough to get a free ticket to Beacon, that ticket should've been given to… I don't know, literally anyone else!"
Weiss caress her temple, "seeing her here just… UGH! It makes me angry! I spent my whole life being the best—trained to be the best, I joined beacon because I wanted to make name for myself as Weiss not a Schnee!"
The girl turned to Boboiboy, his expression sympathetic, "I sacrifice everything to be here, and seeing her, as my leader no less, it fills me with… envy," she admitted, her hand moves to caress a scar upon her eye "how can someone who don't even show a glimpse of significant talent able to be accepted here, how can someone who always playing around got chosen to represent us! And me, who fight tooth and nail to prove my worth was brush over…. like some dirt. I hate it!"
Boboiboy opened his mouth, but no words came out. He doesn't know what to say, he himself was chosen to held his power because a stroke of luck. he glanced at the right place at the right time. Honestly, he could saw himself became envious if he was in her shoe.
Weiss stood up, breaking Boboiboy off his musing, "thank you for listening, Boboiboy. I know I sound so selfish, even petty. But at least I can see you understand," she bowed a little, "have a pleasant night"
Weiss walked pass Boboiboy, she was about to exit the small garden, "Weiss!" Boboiboy called. She stopped and turned around, Boboiboy was already stood up, hands in his pocket.
"I get that you're angry. Having your whole life's works just dashed away like that, your anger is justified" He shook his head, "but that doesn't mean you should give in to those feeling."
The capped boy walked forward, "Give her a chance, Weiss."
Weiss brow's furrowed, "what…" her voice rose slightly
Boboiboy raised placating hands, "I know, I know, I shouldn't say that. But please, hear me out" Boboiboy pleaded, "she's young Weiss, she might be bumbling, naïve, and insufferable, but please don't let your anger steer your judgement. It won't do you any good."
"Think about it this way, don't question 'how' she's able to became a leader, instead asks 'why'" Weiss was silent, so he continued, "there has to be a reason for headmaster Ozpin to choose her as leader. He might see some potential in her that we unable to see. Look at the positive sides of things, Weiss. She's still young, new to this leadership stuff. That mean she needs You, Blake, and Yang to grow as a person. As a leader" he gently placed a hand to her shoulder, smiling warmly.
"it's just our first day, who knows what tomorrow brings. why don't you start teaching her about leadership? The fact that she's younger than you, mean that you can mold her into the perfect picture of what leader should be. You're confident, I'm sure you can do it!" he finished with encouragement.
Weiss laid her gaze to the ground. She was silent for a bit before turning away, "I'll… take your words into consideration. Thank you, Boboiboy" she said coolly before walking away, leaving Boboiboy alone in the darkening Garden, bathed in cold light of post lamp behind him.
Boboiboy breaths out a sigh, a hand scratching the back of his head, "I did my best, just need to have faith that she'll listen" he picks up his belonging on the bench and walks back to his dorm room.
Alone, Weiss walked the dark hallway. pale white lights of the moon peeking through the windows, dimly illuminating her way. Her steps echoes in the empty corridor, chirping of crickets was the music of the night. Her eyes were unfocused. mind disarray.
"a chance…" she muttered.
Should she really give Ruby a chance? If she has to be honest, she saw Ruby as hopeless. Immature, naïve, lazy. she's not fit as a leader—hell, Yang seems to be much more fitting candidate than her, despite the blonde not-so-different quality from her sister. A leader must fearless, should inspire everyone with their charisma, they must not panic easily, and should have more initiative.
So far, Ruby hasn't show any of these traits.
Weiss frowned. should she really give her a chance like Boboiboy said. Can Ruby really handle the burden as a leader. Does she have the potential to be one?
As she wondered, she finally reaches her dorm room. she pulled her scroll, and pressed it against a reader by the door. The door slid open with faint hiss. Weiss focused her gaze inside. the room was dark, the windows binders blocking lights from the moon. Weiss slowly moves her gaze on the occupants. Blake was sleeping soundly, a book lays on her chest. Yang was sprawled on her bed and snoring. But the thing that caught her eyes was a small blanket tent on Ruby's bed.
Weiss released an audible sigh, she walked towards the tent. She lifts the childish tent, her mouth opens, ready to reprimand her so called leader.
Ruby was sleeping peacefully, a drool threatened to spill down. Weiss sighed again, gently putting down the blanket, but she stopped when she noticed a pencil Ruby's holding. The heiress then noticed notes, open books, and a notebook with writing that becomes intelligible in the end.
Weiss' blue eyes widen slightly. Did she really take what she said earlier to heart?
After class, Ruby confronted her, Weiss called her a nuisance—a child. Ruby could've ignored her like Yang suggested—instead, here she is, studying herself to sleep. She took an initiative—it was late, mind you, but it's a start.
"a chance, huh…" she whispered, her lips tugged slightly.
the sun set and the next day came, Admiral Summer came last night, to inform them to prepare for an assignment this Friday, and to read Boboiboy and Fang's report. suffice to say; it wasn't enough. She tasked them to send a report to her every Sunday, about anything worth noting happened around them.
Disguising himself as taking notes, Boboiboy wrote his report during Professor Oobleck's class, he jutted down about how fast he was talking and moving, moving around the room as if he was Ying but without power band. was he secretly an alien, or it was just his Semblance?
Fang on the other hand, he wrote about every person in this room, their names, Semblance, even their threat level. Fang waited for Combat class with professor Goodwitch, so he could gather some intel. Oh, and also the lack of carrots donut in this place is sickening, he'd skip lunch if he could. he wrote that fact down. in his own journal. He's not suicidal enough to wrote it down on his report, mind you.
in his personal anguish, Fang accidentally dropped his pen, it rolls forward, under another student's desk, Fang sighed. Subtly, he looked around, seeing everyone currently distracted, he used his power.
A shadowy tendril snakes out from a tiny gap under his desk, it crept on the floor until it reached the pen, twisting itself around it. With a flick of his Finger, Fang pulled the tendril as fast as bullet, but unfortunately, the pen grazed the feet of a student in front of him, eliciting a yelp.
"Is there a problem Mr. Arc?" the professor asked, a mug of coffee in hand.
"N-no, sir!" the student who sits in front of Fang, Jaune Arc, said.
"I see… if there's no problem, can you explain how the Faunus won the battle at Fort Castelia?"
"I… Uh, w-with Binoculars!" the class roars with laughter at the wrong answer, Fang winced but kept a cool expression, Boboiboy shook his head at the not-so-subtle guilt on his body language. Then Pyrrha—his partner, provided a correct answer, "it was because Faunus has Night vision."
Boboiboy's eyes wanders at the answer, he looks at few of his classmates who has animal appendages, they were called Faunus. They're not too different from human aside from their animal limb, the most common was ears, or tails. They never have more than one set of limbs, at least that was he read from his dossier. according to today's lecture, the Faunus and Humans of this planet had been at each other's throat hundreds of years ago—they even at war at some point. though they seem more at peace now.
Time flies as Boboiboy finishes his first batch of report for the day, the class was over and everyone were hurriedly going to the cafeteria. Boboiboy and Fang was invited once again by team RWBY, but now their next-door team; JNPR, joined, but not just them, this time Weiss also joined. Boboiboy flashed a smile at the Schnee heiress, who replied with a nod.
Lunch was lively, Nora was telling some outrageous story about how she killed and skinned an Ursa—with an equally exaggerated gestures, with Ren actively correct her. Blake ignored the story, burying herself in book. Yang's eyes glowing with interest. Pyrrha, Ruby, and Boboiboy were listening politely. Jaune was playing with his food, looking up daydreamingly. And Fang was busy stuffing himself with any Carrot related food he found.
"…in the end, Ren and I took them down and made a boatload of Lien selling Ursa skin rugs!" she ends her story, still as upbeat like when she started it.
Ren sighed, "she's been having this recurring dream for nearly a month now."
Pyrrha opens her mouth, but she noticed Jaune looking up to the ceiling, his eyes unfocused. "Jaune? Are you okay?"
Jaune was startled out of his imagination, "Huh? Oh, yeah! Why?"
"You've been looking up for good 4 and a half minutes now!" Ruby chimes in, "what's so interesting up there anyways, it's all bland and boring. They should've decorated it with… I don't know, painting of heroes or something!"
Blake shook her head, "No, I think that's more of museum or cathedral's territory than school" came her disagreement, "plus, I think cafeterias are intended to be bland. I mean, the rest of the school already stands out anyway"
"Yeah, they should've written some stuff from your smut instead," Yang gave her a playful grin, "at least, you'll have more appetite then!"
"Y-Yang!" Blake cheeks dust with red
Boboiboy shook his head, he turns to Jaune, "you sure you okay, Jaune?"
The boy in question just waved his hand, "nah, don't worry. Just daydreaming, that's all"
Weiss narrowed her eyes, "I sincerely hope you were not having indecent thoughts." Jaune sat straight
"N-no, I-it wasn't THAT daydreams, I swear!" he waved his hands disarmingly.
"Good."
Jaune rubs the back of his head, "I-it's just, I'm anxious about today's Combat match." He said, true to his words, there's certain anxiety in his voice.
Instantly, everyone's attention was diverted to him, "shoot! that's today?" came Yang's response, "I haven't restocked my dust yet!"
Weiss expected such response, "you can use mine" she offered.
"For real? Sweet! Thanks, Weissy, swear I'll pay you back this weekend!" Ruby opens her mouth, but her sister cuts her words, "yeah, yeah, I know Rubes, I'll lube my Ember Celica's gear after this"
"As you should have!" the girl in red finished with a pout. But then she whipped to Boboiboy, "how about you, Boboiboy? You don't have a weapon, right?" The boy in question just shook his head.
Jaune tilted his head, "Really… oh yeah, I didn't see you with one against that Deathstalker!" he recalled, "then how will you fight? I heard we're going to be pitted against one another later!"
Yang grinned, "well, if you want to have a good old beatdown, I'm down!"
Boboiboy just smiled politely, "don't worry, I already have that covered" he heard a faint, arrogant 'humph' from jaune's side.
Time for Combat Class has arrived, the group now sitting on their respective seats overlooking the arena field. In the middle of the field, professor Glynda Goodwitch stood. after a brief welcome to the student, and a minute long speech, she called. "Pyrrha Nikos and Jaune Arc, from team JNPR. You will fight against Boboiboy and Fang, from team Bifrost. Please, prepare yourself in the locker room" the teens do as they said, and went to the locker room.
Once ready, they walked to the field, Jaune and Pyrrha stood on the left, while Boboiboy and Fang on the right. "Now please, present your scrolls" Glynda said, and they present their respective scroll.
Boboiboy and Fang handed their modified scroll. before Summer had left and burden them with report, she gave the two teen the scrolls. it was modified to faked their Aura, the scroll was linked to their powerbands and simulate a force shield that covers them, and every hit they took will be count as their 'Aura' depleting.
The scrolls were linked without any issue, the teens face was displayed, along with their names and their Aura levels under it. Glynda nodded, "alright, unto your position" she said and the teens walks to their side of field, "now listen, there will be no assistance outside of your current partner, anyone who's Aura drops under 20% will be considered lose. Any question?" the teens shook their head," Good. Wait for my mark" and She walks out of the Arena
Pyrrha immediately dropped into a stance, one hand holing a Xiphos, another a shield. Jaune followed, but his stance is notably flimsier. Boboiboy dug into his pocket, pulling out a dust crystal. Fang puts his hand forward, a pair of Tonfas in his hands, his emotion hidden beneath a steel mask.
Glynda stopped, she turns and raised her crop high, "Begin!" immediately the fighters sprung forward.
Boboiboy crushed the stone, "Boboiboy Earth!" suddenly his attire turned all brown. He slammed his palm against the floor, "Earth Wall!" a line of walls then sprung up from the floor, separating not just Jaune from Pyrrha, but Boboiboy and Fang. The creation shook the ground, stopping Jaune and Pyrrha from charging.
Fang spared a glance at the wall, "show off…" he muttered, "but this stage is mine Boboiboy, I'll become more popular than you. starting now!" he screamed and dashes towards Jaune.
Boboiboy sweat dropped at Fang's muffled cries, "ye-yeah, whatever, man…"
Fang dashes toward Jaune, his tonfa ready. Jaune was visibly alarmed, he raised his shield higher, blocking his head. Fang closing in, he sweeps kicked Jaune's leg, the blonde boy falls to his side. he followed with an axe kick, Jaune rolled away and stands up hastily. Jaune put his shield up once again, firmed his grip and rushes in.
Fang welcomed the charge. Jaune swings his sword, Fang parried with his tonfa and then strike the knight in his gut, sending Jaune stumbling back. before Jaune could recover, Fang rushes in and throws flurry of strikes with his tonfa, hitting parts of Jaune's body, he finishes with a kick that threw Jaune's sword away.
Fang throws a roundhouse kick, but by sheer luck Jaune dodged it. the rest of their fight was Jaune running away and dodging Fang's brutal assault, with varying reasons.
Far up in the viewer seats, Ruby winced at the sight of constant beating, "woah, Fang is… brutal" her comments gained a nod from Blake.
"Yep, he only uses strikes and jabs, didn't even go defensive" the cat Faunus then points at the screen above, where Jaune's aura meter has decreases by 30%, "not to mention, he hasn't shown any use of Dust, nor Semblance."
Weiss has an unimpressed looks on her face, "Jaune is inept in Combat, was he?" she recalled, "against a more capable combatant like Fang, their difference is… noticeable"
"Hey, don't diss our leader like that!" came Nora' sudden shout, team RWBY turns to their left, "sure, he may get his but kicked, and a tonfa to his face- "
"you're not helping your case, Nora" Ren pointed out
"Zip it, Ren! But yeah, don't you worry. We'll shape him to be the strongest huntsman ever walk beacon—I promise you guys, he'll lift an Ursa with one hand when we finished!" she proclaimed, Ren sighed.
Yang opened her mouth, but her words died when their seat shook.
"it's a bit much, don't you think?" Pyrrha asked the boy across her. "I get you're trying to separate us, but building a wall…"
Boboiboy chuckled sheepishly, "sorry, but I don't plan to take chances" he formed a fist and place them on the floor, "if you don't mind, can we start?"
Pyrrha rose an eyebrow, "of course, let's go!"
Boboiboy nodded, "alright, let's do this!" as if on cue, earth sprouts out and covers his arms like gauntlet. The capped boy formed stance—his legs open, hands to his front. Pyrrha charged, she swung her weapon—Miló, at his side. Boboiboy blocked her Xiphos with his stone-covered hand. The redhead pulled away, and went for another swing, but Boboiboy blocked it again.
Pyrrha Jumped away, this time Boboiboy attacked. "Earth Spires!" he stomped, sending a line of uneven stone spires towards her. Pyrrha rolled out of the way, she threw her shield—Akoúo̱, at him.
Boboiboy rolled and hide behind his spires, but the shield somehow careening towards him ever so slightly. With eyes narrowed, Boboiboy parried the shield away, sending it down to the floor.
Gunshot suddenly rang, Boboiboy ducked down, hands over his head. The boy looks up, noticing his hiding place got chipped by bullets, bits by bits.
Pyrrha trained her transformed Miló to where her opponent is hiding, fresh smoke trailing out of its nozzle. Boboiboy peeks out from his spot, Pyrrha lets out a shot and the boy immediately pulled his head. Her rifle produced a small click, Pyrrha immediately inserted a fresh cartridge of dust.
"Rock Toss!" came Boboiboy shout. The spires shattered and was sent careening towards Pyrrha. The redhead rolled out of the way, then shoots at Boboiboy.
The capped boy immediately went for defensive again, blocking her bullets with wall made of dirt. Pyrrha lower her gun slightly, her eyes immediately went for her shield behind the boy. An idea struck her mind.
Pyrrha approaches the boy, while chipping his wall with bullets. she suddenly rolled to the right and aimed at Boboiboy, who raised another wall to shield himself. Pyrrha smirked, she ran for her shield and grabbed them, snapping Miló back to Xiphos.
The redhead rushed to Boboiboy's opened side and swing her Xiphos. Boboiboy was surprised, without any time to react, the Xiphos strikes his gut and sent him flying.
The boy landed with a roll. With a hand on his stomach, he stands up, noticing his 'Aura' meter has hit 70%. "Just how strong are her arms?" groaned.
Before he could wonder, Pyrrha lunged at him. she threw jabs, slash, and strikes at him, then followed it with a bash from her shield. The capped boy could only block. Since she was too close, and too fast for his earth form. Every hit he took, her blade chipping away his earth gauntlet bits by bits. Until eventually his hands were bare.
Pyrrha's shield bash shattered his gauntlet and sends him stumbling back. Pyrrha finishes her assault with a stomp on his gut, Boboiboy was thrown down, sprawling with his back on ground. Boboiboy forces himself up, but a blade to his throat stopped him. "Yield." Pyrrha said coolly.
Boboiboy smirked, "in your dream." He slammed the floor, the very earth shook, and Pyrrha jumped away, dodging an earth dome rising from the ground, covering Boboiboy. The dome then burst open, hurling pieces of rocks at Pyrrha. With a display of great dexterity, she somersaulted, rolled, and slides out of the way, dodging the careening rocks.
"Spire Field!"
Boboiboy erected spires on the arena field, Pyrrha dances around the spire. She hurled Akoúo̱, it ricocheted off the structures and flying towards Boboiboy. said boy swatted the oncoming shield, the object bounced off his new earth gauntlet, revealing Pyrrha who rushing in behind it. she brought down Miló, that's already in javelin form. Boboiboy crossed his arms, blocking the weapon.
"you're persistent, I give you that!" Pyrrha complimented, she pushed.
Boboiboy dug his boots into the earth, "thanks, I- "he was cut by beeping noises from under his gauntlet. His eyes widen "oh, crud!"
In a flash of yellow, Boboiboy returned to his normal outfit. Their deadlock was hold by an awkward pause. Pyrrha blinked, then she smiled, "well, how the table have turned" the capped boy just laughed awkwardly.
Pyrrha pulled Miló away and kicked Boboiboy's defense, throwing him to the ground. She immediately points her weapon again, before he could recover. "That was a good fight, Boboiboy. But it seems 10 minutes has passed, so…" she smiled, "Yield."
Boboiboy raised his arms, "okay, okay, I surrender"
Pyrrha grinned, "good, I know you'd see reason" She puts away her weapon, extending a hand towards Boboiboy. he accepted it.
"Huh…" Ruby muttered, "Boboiboy lost?"
Weiss gave her a look, "why are you so surprised? He was fighting against THE undefeated champion!"
"Well, considering how he could kill a deathstalker with one hit. It thought he'll give Pyrrha run for her money" Ruby puts a finger on her chin, "why didn't he use another Dust, though. did he come unprepared?"
Yang shrugged, "Might be." She turns to her side, "what do you think, Blake?"
"He… don't strike me as someone who forget that kind of things, but I might wrong" said girl shrugged, "but I think he's more surrendering honorably than anything."
"Oh, Like the Knights of Old!"
"Well, whatever. It's not like it's something important" Yang waved her hand dismissively. She then gained a thoughtful look, she rubs her chin "say, you guys noticed that Boboiboy changed his clothes, right?"
Ruby immediately turns to the arena, Boboiboy who walks out of the arena, Fang was right behind him—stomping his way out, "yeah, you're right! He's all brown just then, now he's all orange again."
Blake nodded, "back during initiation, his wardrobe changed too, first he wore all yellow, then when that deathstalker attacked Ruby, his clothes became all blue."
Ruby then recalled something, "Oh yeah, his eyes became blue too!"
"So, he changed according to Dust he absorbed…" Weiss muttered. Back then he used ice, and he's all blue. Now he used earth and he became brown… does that mean he could use other elements like lightning and wind?
"Well, I'm sure he'll show us or tell us if we asked" Yang suddenly grinned," but I'll say, he's 'rocking' that brown pretty hard!" her teammates groaned.
Glynda finished the day with a long speech about self-control. Then ask her students to train their Aura and Semblance. Nobody was announced as the winner, something that Fang greatly miffed about.
"I should be the one who fight Pyrrha." Fang complained while doing some homework professor Oobleck gave. It's about the history of Vale and Huntsman federation. "at least I could finally show my 'Semblance' and finally on my way to popularity"
Boboiboy just grunted from his side of room. Fang been complaining about it in past 15 minutes. "I thought you already grown from that popularity thing." The last time they headbutting about popularity was when they're still at elementary school.
Fang scoffed, "that's in the past. But after your popularity skyrocketed after Retak'ka, I decide that I had enough." He fixed his glasses, even though Boboiboy couldn't see it, "just you wait, I'll impress them with my prowess and became more popular than you!" he declared.
"So, you woke up and chose chaos, good to know" the capped boy sighed. But speaking of prowess…
"Hey, Fang" Boboiboy received a grunt, he turns his rolling chair around, "do you think I did the right thing?"
Fang turned around, resting a hand on the table "about what, Hiding your power?" Boboiboy nodded. "Why do you- Oh, is it about our fight today?" he received another nod.
"Do you think I disrespect them?" Boboiboy asked, "I know we're spy and stuff, but holding back against them, lying to them. it's just don't sit well with me" he looks away, gazing on his powerband.
Fang closed his eyes and went silent for a bit, before he crossed his arms and spoke, "I know it didn't feel right—lying and all, but you have to consider our position first. These people didn't know about power sphere, and honestly, I think it's a good thing. Our mission is to prevent these people to know about Power Sphere business." He reasoned.
"Why?" Boboiboy questioned, "why we need to keep it a secret. What if there's evil aliens like Retak'ka or Tengkotak come here and they couldn't defend themselves?"
"there's no need to delve to 'what if…'" a voice cuts in before Fang could answer.
The duo turns to the door and shoots up from their seats, "Admiral!" they saluted. Summer stood by the door—still in her suit of armor, hands crossed under her chest.
She nodded, "at ease" the two dropped their salute, "so, I assume there's an issue. Considering your questioning the 'what if's"
Boboiboy turns to Fang, who nodded. He then told her about their combat class, about his issue of holding back to keep his power a secret and possibly wound any relationship they had with their classmates. Summer has her eyes closed, leaning by the door. "What should I do, Admiral?"
Summer was silent for a bit. "That is not an issue you should be concerned about." She answered coolly, Boboiboy's eyes went wide.
"But, Admiral- "
"we're not here to make friends" She cuts in, raising her head and locks her gaze at the boy, "we are here to steal the relics… remember that, cadet. Have you considered the possibility; if we were caught, your newfound friends might be in danger?"
Boboiboy looks aghast, "N-no, ma'am"
"Then consider it."
Boboiboy bit his bottom lip. now if he thinks about it, her argument made sense. If he was somehow got caught, Ruby, Pyrrha, Weiss, everyone could be in danger of suspicion. They could be punished for something they didn't knew about. They might get expelled, or worse. Unable to become hunters.
Boboiboy likes his new friends, they made him feel like he didn't leave home. He found comfort in their chaotic energy. They remind him of Yaya, Gopal, Ying—even Fang. to crushed their dream just because he felt bad… the thought didn't sit well for him.
Boboiboy was shaken out of his thoughts by a hand on his shoulder.
Boboiboy looks up, Summer's expression was soft, softer than she usually has. "I know this is hard, but it's a necessary thing to do. It's our job to protect them from the shadows, that is what Tapops Spec Ops all about. That is why I formed this division" she removes her hand from his shoulder, "they must not learn about existence of Power Sphere, It's too dangerous. For them and for us."
"And if they somehow knew?" Fang asked
Summer turns to him, "then we deal with it accordingly." She answered simply. The admiral turns to the door, "you two did a good job today, keep your façade of good student. It will prove useful in your future endeavor"
The door slides open, "oh, one more thing." She cranes her head back, already in her Ms. Fulbright disguise, "be sure to go down town every weekend, familiar yourself around Vale. Can't have you get lost in your assignment, after all" she waved with toothy smile, before she exited the room.
Silent descend in the room. Fang decide to take a bath, leaving Boboiboy alone in the room. Boboiboy fell to his seat, slumping down. He sighed, "lying for their sake, huh?" he muttered tiredly.
"Not awesome, at all…"
To be Continued
AN: 2nd chapter is done, and probably littered with Grammar errors. Anyway, thanks for reading and have a good day.