V.C.: Hello everybody! Welcome to the fourteenth chapter of this story!

K.N.: Right! Now, real quick, we should explain something. It may seem odd to have a chapter focused on the Four Maidens' myth at this point, but it'll make sense as we go deeper into Volume 2-territory and beyond.

Phoenix: Of course, we won't say why that's the case. You'll all just have to keep reading to understand.

Frostwing: And while your at it, review and let us know what you're thinking and how you're enjoying the story so far. We love hearing what you all think.

V.C.: With that all said, and without further aeidu, let Chapter Fourteen begin!

Disclaimer: We do not own RWBY or Ben 10. Enjoy!

Chapter 14: The Story of the Seasons

Ozpin found himself staring out into the morning sky as he sipped his first cup of coffee for the day. He heard the door to his office slide open and took another sip of his caffeinated drink. "Morning, James. If I may, what brings you here?"

General James Ironwood of the Atlas military stood in Ozpin's doorway. He was familiar enough with Ozpin for this behavior not to faze him in any way.

Ironwood himself was a tall black haired man who dressed sharply in a white overcoat, a grey undercoat, a black sweater, a red necktie, white dress pants that were neatly tucked into white boots, and a white glove covering his right hand.

The general took a second to organize his thoughts before speaking. "I think we should talk about Vale's defenses."

"I see," No emotion could be seen on Ozpin's face as he spoke. "If I were to guess, you wish to take a more militarized approach."

Ozpin's words were meant as a statement, as he could see the faintest hint of airships hovering in the air. Many military vessels with the mark of Atlas could be seen looming over both Beacon and Vale. "I'm afraid that this is a mistake. Doing this will only alarm the populace. Doing that could lead to unnecessary problems."

James expected that response, and couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. "Indeed. However, it would be better to prevent any more attacks from the White Fang. They have already stolen one of our ships, some of our other equipment, and sent those horrific mutant Grimm creatures into the city. Not to mention the message you received recently."

"Let me ask you something James," Ozpin spoke calmly. "Would bringing in more forces stop the opposition from doing any of that again?"

"That is the intention." James took a step closer to the Headmaster of Beacon. "I can understand your worries, but we need to ensure everyone's safety. He said we need to be prepared for what's up ahead. If that comes at a little fear, then that's the price we'll have to pay."

"The Grimm feed off of fear, you know." James scowled at Ozpin's words, but didn't reply. Instead, the white haired man sipped at his coffee before speaking once more. "We will have to expend more resources to ensure no Grimm can reach our borders. He said to prepare ourselves, not to open the doors for a full-scale invasion."

"I am aware of that, and I have already stationed some of my men to counter this as best they can." James sighed. "We don't really have much else of a choice, Ozpin."

"We have him." Ozpin pointed out, talking about a completely different person than the one James kept mentioning.

James scoffed at that thought. "Him? That boy with the watch? He's far from what I would call reliable. He is nowhere near ready to fight anything like the White Fang. What makes you think he will be enough?"

"On his own," Ozpin turned his head and locked eyes with the Atlas general for the first time that morning, "he won't. However, with the right help, he'll be more than enough to help us all."

With those words, Ozpin turned and walked back over to his desk. "Continue what you are doing if you think it is for the best, and leave the issues of the boy to me. I shall get back to work immediately."

James hesitated for a second before nodding his head. "Understood. I will keep in touch with you and alert you if there are any changes in our plans. Until then, good day."

"Good day to you as well."

Meanwhile:

It was a bit later in the morning when Blake Belladonna returned to her dorm room. Her arrival was not unnoticed, much to her dismay. Yang, Weiss, and Ruby all surprised her the second that she walked into the door.

"Blake! You're back!" Yang enveloped the raven haired faunus in a bearhug. Blake squirmed in her grasp for a few seconds before the blonde brawler finally let her go.

Before Blake could get back her bearings, Weiss came at her with a questioning look on her face and her hands on her hips. "Where were you last night?"

Blake frowned. "What does it matter? It's not like I never came back." Seeing Weiss flinch at her harsh tone, Blake softened a little. "I'm sorry, I've just had a lot on my mind." 'And had a lot going on in my dreams...'

"Are you okay?" Ruby asked with big silver eyes full of worry.

Blake wanted to lie, to say that she felt fine. She opened her mouth to do so, but couldn't find it in herself. Closing her mouth, the cat faunus looked down and shook her head. "No, I'm not."

"What's wrong?" Yang stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You can talk to us, we're your friends."

"...I know." Blake sighed heavily as the events of the night prior ran through her mind. "I... could not sleep, I haven't been able to much at all lately. I have been too focused on what happened a few weeks ago in Vale." She looked up, showing everyone the unspoken fear in her amber eyes. "I have been thinking about the White Fang."

No one spoke for a moment after that. Blake felt the tense aura that her words had brought, and was contemplating telling them to forget what she said, when Ruby spoke up. "Okay...what about the White Fang?"

"Sun and I ran into them," Blake admitted to her teammates. "From that, I have gathered that those horrific Grimm we fought were most likely linked to the White Fang. In addition to that, though I hate to admit this, a man named Roman Torchwick may be in alliance with the group. As things stand...I believe we won't be able to stop them if they attack us again."

"Why would they attack us in the first place?" Weiss asked with a skeptical look. "What value do we hold in their eyes? Other than causing them a minor annoyance here and there?"

"I don't know." Blake sighed sadly. "That is what scares me. All I can say for certain is that we are going to have to worry about them in the near future, and we are not ready for that." 'There is also the fact that they have their sights on Ruby and Arc. I still have no idea why, but I will find out somehow. I can't say that though, not about Ruby at least. It will worry them too much.'

Ruby felt a sense of déjà vu from her conversation with Jaune from the night prior. She supposed fearing the White Fang was only natural, as they were a force to be reckoned with.

Shaking her head, Ruby tried to think of something to cheer her friend up. Suddenly, an idea hit her. "I know. Why don't we try and start our own investigation? Figure out what they're gonna do and stop them before they do it."

The others thought over Ruby's idea. They all had to agree that it was a good plan, and none of them had much better.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity to the young leader, Weiss nodded. "I think it's a good idea. We could even check the Schnee Dust Company for any recent robberies that may have taken place. You know, to get an idea of their common targets and try to figure out what they might be doing."

"That's a great idea!" Ruby beamed.

Yang grinned. "I like where this is heading. If you're gonna do something this crazy, then count me in."

Blake couldn't help the shake her hand. "This is probably both our best and the stupidest course of action for the time being." Everyone deflated for a moment with those words. "I say we try it."

A small smile formed on her face as the others all smiled at Blake.

At that moment, a loud knocking on their door interrupted the girls' conversation. Yang huffed and went over to chew out whoever it was. Opening the door, she saw Nora and the rest of her team waiting for them, all dressed in their school uniforms.

"You guys coming to class or not?" Nora asked with a raised brow.

"Uh, what do you mean?" Yang and the rest of her team gave the orange haired girl confused looks.

"Class starts in five minutes." Ren replied simply.

The girls all widened their eyes as a quick glance at the alarm clock confirmed their fears. Shouting a quick reply and slamming their door shut, the quartet hurried to get ready. In a matter of seconds, they were out the door and dragging a startled Team JNPR down the corridors of Beacon Academy.

Later in Oobleck's Class:

Jaune couldn't help but end up lost in thought during the lecture his history teacher was giving. He tried to pay attention, but found himself sucked in by the thoughts of whatever threats may be looming up ahead.

He was only snapped out of his thoughts when the professor appeared in front of him in a flash. "Mr. Arc!"

"Huh?" Jaune's head snapped in Doctor Oobleck's direction. "Yes, Professor?"

"Doctor," Oobleck quickly corrected him with a scowl. "I take it that you were dozing off in the middle of my lecture again. Though if you'd like to prove otherwise, then perhaps you could tell me what we were learning about?"

Jaune gulped nervously. He tried to figure out whatever they could have been discussing when he heard someone snickering. Turning his head, he saw it was Russel of Team CRDL. Oobleck heard it as well, and glared at the young man to shut him up.

"Mr. Thrush, I would advise you to still your tongue. I am certain that you are in a similar position to Mr. Arc, if not worse."

"We were talking about legends and myths." Jaune suddenly remembered from the beginning of the lecture. "We were discussing how important they are to history, even if they might not be entirely true."

"Good," Oobleck nodded, somewhat pleasantly surprised by Jaune's answer to his challenge. "Do you recall why they are important?"

"No sir," Jaune admitted with a sheepish look.

"I see," Oobleck frowned before turning his gaze to the entirety of his classroom. "Would anyone care to aid Mr. Arc?"

Weiss rose her hand almost immediately. Oobleck hid a small smile as he called on her. "Ms. Schnee?"

Weiss nodded. "In short, legends and myths are important because they help us express what we believe and who we are. They are a method of communication as well as envisioning the world as we see it."

"Excellent way of putting it, Ms. Schnee," Oobleck praised the young heiress, who smiled in response to such praise. Clearing his throat, Oobleck turned his gaze back to the class at large. "Now then, I would like to ask you all if there are any legends that you personally would like to share. Do not hesitate, no matter how common you think they may be. I am sure you can tell it in your own way."

"I have one."

Everyone turned in surprise to look at Jaune. Cardin and Yang, who sat on either side of the blonde knight, were both eyeing him suspiciously. They personally knew him to be average at best with history, so him having anything to contribute was rare. Nevertheless, Oobleck seemed welcome to this change.

"Very well then. Mr. Arc, please come to the front of the room and let us hear it."

Jaune sighed as he got out of his seat and walked forward. He stopped when he was directly next to his teacher, who stepped aside so as to give Jaune the lead. The blonde took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Alright, I'm pretty sure at least some of you know this one, but it's really personal to me."

"Why's that?" Yang rose a brow in curiosity.

"My mom used to tell it to me and my sisters all the time, so I know it pretty well. It's called The Story of The Seasons." Jaune rubbed the back of his neck.

Cardin raised his hand, and Jaune awkwardly acknowledged the brunette. "Yeah, Cardin?"

"I've never heard of that before. Are you sure it's really a thing?"

"I've heard of it in passing once or twice." Pyrrha replied before Jaune could. "Though perhaps it may just be a difference in where you grew up."

"...Maybe." Cardin shrugged. "To be fair, I was never into legends or anything like that."

Weiss snorted at that remark. "That doesn't surprise me."

"Anyways," Jaune cleared his throat. "The story goes something like this. Long ago, there was once an old wizard who lived alone in the mountains. One day, he was visited by four sisters; Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall."

"Thus, the story's name; The Story of the Seasons." Ren deduced.

"Yeah," Jaune nodded. "Each sister offered him an act of kindness. Winter urged him to reflect on the past and think over the meaning of his reflections. Spring offered him many different fruits and flowers and helped to revive his garden. Summer would beckon him to embrace the world and its beauty. Finally, Fall simply told him to be thankful for what he had and learn appreciation."

Taking a short break to catch his breath, Jaune scanned the room to see if anyone had gotten lost thus far. Seeing no problems, Jaune took a deep breath and continued. "The wizard was touched by these four girls and their actions. He rewarded them with incredible powers so they could travel through Remnant and continue to share their gifts. It is said that the wizard's gift has passed on through the generations continuing even to this day. And that, basically, is the Story of the Seasons and the Four Maidens of Remnant."

The class applauded him on his presentation of the legend. The blonde noticeably flinched, having not expected that response from everyone. Doctor Oobleck gave a light clap as well. "That was a fine retelling of the tale, Mr. Arc. I think you did quite well."

Jaune blushed as he scratched the back of his neck. "Heh, thanks Professor."

"Doctor," Oobleck corrected as he briefly glared at his student. Regaining his composure, the history teacher sighed. "We unfortunately have little time left in today's class. I am assigning you all a paper. I want you to pick a legend different from the tale Mr. Arc has shared today and write your interpretation of what the myths means as well as elaborate on the significance the story holds to you."

"Doctor Oobleck?" Yang raised her hand curiously.

"Yes, Ms. Xiao Long?"

"Why can't we use the story Jaune told us?"

"Because that will be the subject of his paper." Oobleck explained simply. The bell rang. "Now then, you should all be off. Remember to have your papers finished by the end of the week." With that, the students left in great numbers, most of them giving Jaune compliments on his telling of the story.

After Classes:

Jaune found himself taking a small stroll near the Emerald Forest. He had planned to meet with his friends later to study.

Team RWBY had said they wanted to discuss something really important, something about going into Vale the next day. Apparently, they had some sort of plan. But for now, Jaune was taking a relaxing walk after a long day of classes.

He stopped for a brief moment when he heard a whimpering noise come from a bit deeper in the forest, and decided to try and help whoever was in trouble. He slowly approached the clearing it came from, drawing out Crocea Mors just in case. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

"Hel...help... help me..." A quiet voice whimpered in response.

Jaune walked closer and saw the body of Tukson lying on his back. The blonde's eyes widened as he rushed over to try and help this fallen man. "Oh Oum! What happened to you?"

The man let out another whimper, acting like he was afraid of Jaune. The watch bearer frowned at this, and tried a more gentle approach. "Hey, I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna help you."

Tukson stopped, then let out a dark chuckle. "I don't need help." He opened his eyes to reveal the glowing purple orbs with red rims. They bore into Jaune's cerulean eyes, freezing him where he stood.

The body of Tukson, controlled by Zs'skayr, leapt up with a kick that sent Jaune flying back into a few nearby trees and sending Crocea Mors flying several feet away. He moaned out in pain as he slid down and landed on his butt.

"Hello Arc," The low, icy voice of Zs'skayr spoke with a sinister grin on his host's face as Tukson's body walked toward the blonde knight. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person."

"W-who are you?" Jaune asked fearfully, realizing he might be in trouble. He reached for his scroll, but came to the horrific realization that he had left it in his dorm. He cursed himself under his breath.

Zs'skayr grabbed the blonde by his collar and lifted him effortlessly into the air so that their eyes met once more. "I am your worst nightmare. A manifestation of the Ectonurite DNA trapped within that accursed watch combined with the power of the Grimm. You may call me Zs'skayr." He smirked wider before throwing the Omnitrix's wielder harshly to the ground.

Jaune scurried to his feet and tried to get ready for a fight. He shook violently with fear as the eyes of his enemy seemed to tear into his soul. The young Arc closed his eyes and focused on everything Ruby and Ozpin had taught him about combat. Acting on instinct, he dodged the next strike and countered with a left jab to the face.

Zs'skayr effortlessly blocked the feeble attack and responded with a quick flurry of jabs and punches. Jaune tried his best to block most of them, but was unable to shield himself from all of the harsh strikes.

As a result, the young Arc had a black eye and bruising beginning to form on his face. He was also getting tired. Seeing his opening, Zs'skayr connected with a stiff uppercut to the jaw that sent Jaune falling back.

"Oww…" Jaune moaned out in agony as the body of Tukson approached him. Managing to make it onto his knees, Jaune's eyes widened as Zs'skayr quickly grabbed him by the neck.

Just as things were looking bad for Jaune, an idea hit. This Zs'skayr was still able to be hurt. Even if he was an Ectonurite-Grimm, he was linked to the host. The host at the moment was a man. With that inn mind, and one swift motion, Jaune kneed Tukson's crotch as hard as he could.

"AAAHHHHHHH! You pest!" Zs'skayr screamed in Jaune's face as he let the young Arc go to try and recuperate.

Taking this as his chance, Jaune caught sight of Crocea Mors and darted for his weapon. Snatching it up and spinning on his heels, the blonde raised his sword and faced the possessed body of Tukson. Pointing it directly at the enemy, Jaune ran for an attack.

"Fool," Zs'skayr hissed in hate as he surprised Jaune by turning invisible. "I have a few more tricks than just fancy punches and kicks." He reappeared behind Jaune and punched him between his shoulder blades.

Jaune spun around to retaliate, but was too slow for Zs'skayr. The half-Grimm turned invisible once more. He then reappeared from the side and struck Jaune with a hard kick before turning invisible once more.

The young Arc struggled back to his feet, looking everywhere to try and figure out where Zs'syr could be. 'This isn't good. If I don't do something, then he's going to beat me or worse. I can't go alien either. I'm too close to Beacon for comfort. I've gotta figure out where he is, but how?'

He was snapped out of his thoughts as Zs'syr let out a dark laugh. "Pitiful worm. You can't even touch me now that you can't see me. Perhaps you'd like to rely on that watch? It is the only worthwhile thing about you."

Those words stung greatly, but his earlier statement gave Jaune an idea. 'I can't see him, but maybe I can listen for him.' "Oh yeah? Well at least I don't need to hide to win my battles!"

"Ha! You hide behind the faces of different aliens!" Zs'skayr let out a laugh at that. Jaune ignored the harsh words and focused in on his enemy's voice. He surprised the Ectonurite-Grimm by slashing him in the stomach and punching him in the face.

The surprise attacks forced Zs'skayr to become visible once more. "How did you do that?" He hissed as Jaune quickly closed in on him.

"Easy," Jaune smirked as he showed off his sword and shield. "I used your ego against you."

"And that will be his downfall." A new voice interjected. Both Jaune and Zs'syr turned their gaze to see a young fair skinned woman around Jaune's age with jet black hair and amber eyes that almost glowed.

She seemed to be from Haven Academy, since she wore the uniform of a student from Haven. That consisting of a dark grey long sleeve collared shirt, and a white armband. Though unlike most female Haven students, she wore black tights as opposed to silver knee-high stockings.

"You!" The half-Grimm spat at the sight of the young woman, but on the inside, he was smirking. "I must say, I am surprised to see your face again; Cinder."

The now named Cinder offered him a smirk. "What can I say, Zs'skayr? I just can't help but get involved in the action. Especially when kicking Salem and her cronies' butts are part of the deal." She let out a small laugh before leaping high into the air, shooting a series of fireballs at the Ectonurite-Grimm.

Hissing in agony, Zs'skayr backed away from Jaune as the fire burned through his host's skin, briefly exposing the alien to the sunlight. "Gah! Sunlight! Curse you, Cinder. I will be back!" With that, he disappeared.

Cinder smirked victoriously. "Simple as always."

Turning her attention to Jaune, she offered him a wide smile. 'Now to really start having some fun and get things started.' "Hello Jaune Arc. My name is Cinder Fall. I, along with my teammates Emerald and Mercury, are students from Haven Academy. We are here for the Vytal Festival."

"Uh, hi." Jaune scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Then, realizing she had just helped him, he smiled and offering her his hand for a friendly shake. "Nice to meet you. Thanks for the hand there, I'm not sure if I could have finished that whacko by myself."

"Think nothing of it," Cinder mirrored Jaune's expression as she shook the knight's hand. She then heard her scroll go off, and quickly glanced at it. "I have to go for now. Here." She shoved something into his hand, and the young Arc quickly realized it was her number.

Before he could ask, she explained. "I would like to meet with you again tomorrow. If you could, contact me when you finish with classes and we'll meet around here. We have a lot to discuss."

"...Okay?" Jaune wasn't sure if he could trust this girl. He had a bad feeling about her for some reason, but shoved those thoughts into the back of his head. 'C'mon Arc, she just helped you. The least you could do is talk to her for a bit.' He watched as she ventured deeper into the Emerald Forest.

He would have thought things over more, but noticed the sun's position and inferred what time it most likely was. He turned to hurry back to Beacon, panic in his eyes. "Oh Oum, I think I'm late. Ruby's gonna kill me." He ran for the dorms, hoping to salvage himself.

To Be Continued…