Nora was a bundle of energy, nervous energy. Ren and her new teammate Pyrrha watched her pace. She clutched her scroll tightly. They had watched her frantically type out a message right after the teams were announced; and now were witness to her constantly checking her scroll for a reply from whomever she had contacted. Ren knew who the recipient was, and he knew why she had sent it. Ren took his attention off his partner and turned it to their new teammate. The Pyrrha Nikos; four time Mistral Champion. Out of everyone at initiation she had been the only one not to find a partner.
Ren had no real answer to why that had happened, but he did consider the possibilities, the main one being that the initiation was short one student. Regardless though, she was a teammate, and she looked out of her depth. Something was bothering her. He may not have known much about her; but he was well versed in knowing when someone was uncomfortable. He saw it often in people running into Nora's energetic personality for the first or fifth time.
Both Ren and Pyrrha jumped at the sound of a scroll ringing, and the slamming of a door.
/=/
Nora power walked her way along the corridor's of Beacon as she answered her scroll. The image of an older gentleman, his blonde hair and beard streaked with grey. He had soft almost sad looking kind blue eyes.
"Nora."
"Mister Arc."
"I called as soon as I got your message. So tell me what happened."
"Jaune and Joan are here. They...they...they just showed up at initiation."
"Are they with you now?"
"No, the professors wanted the doctor to look at them. Something about them needing medical attention, or a check up, or..."
"Calm down Nora."
"I can't. What if they tell? What if they are found out? What..."
"Nora it will be okay. I knew Joan and Jaune had taken off. They've been missing for about a two weeks."
"And you..."
"I didn't want to tell you or Ren because I knew the two of you would have dropped going to Beacon to look for them."
"But..."
"No buts. You and Ren always talked about attending Beacon. I was not going to interfere with that ambition. Besides I knew Jaune and Joan would turn up eventually."
"But they're here."
"And so are you. So is Ren."
"What do I do? You said..."
"I know what I told you. It still applies, them being there just makes it a little more difficult."
"I...I..." Nora looked up from her scroll, her jade eyes scanning all about her checking for anyone who could be overhearing the conversation she was having. Seeing no one she returned her attention to the image on her scroll.
"Calm down Nora. I'm not upset with you. I have some reservations about what has happened, but I'm not upset. I had a feeling something like this might happen at some point. I'm just relived that it happened with you around."
"So what should I do?"
"I need you and Ren to take control of them. Get them into your care somehow. Tell those in charge whatever you need to to make that happen. Just not the truth. You have to keep that hidden."
"So, say I know them? That they are family maybe?"
"That would probably be the best. Joan and Jaune know you, they wont disagree."
"What then? What do I do then?"
"Keep them close, watch over them. I'll come to Beacon in a few days to see you and pick them up. You can even tell your professors that I'm coming."
"I had to tell their names. I didn't give their last name though."
"You can give their last name. That will make it even easier for me to get them out of Beacon when I get there." he regarded her with his sad blue eyes, "There is something else, isn't there."
"I had to do it. They were fighting a deathstalker. I don't think anyone saw, but I had to."
"I believe you."
"You do?"
"I didn't teach you, for you to never use it. I knew at some point you would need to. If you don't think anyone noticed that is good. Try to not have to do it again. It is something to keep close, not ignored. In fact if you can find someplace secluded I would even tell you to practice with Joan and Jaune."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Why?"
"They need people who can keep them safe. Strong friends, and family. I have a feeling they've decided themselves that you are going to fill that role."
"But I..."
"You can. The stronger you are, they stronger they will be. So keep an eye on them. I'll be there in a few days. Can you and Ren do that for me?"
"I...we can."
"Thank you. If anything comes up. If you or Ren need to talk, just message me. I'm always available to talk."
"I...we will."
"Feeling a little calmer now?"
"Yes."
"Good." he chuckled. "I'm be there in a few days. See you then."
Nora just nodded as the call was ended. Collapsing her scroll she slid it into her pocket, turned on her heels and marched her way back to the dorm. Rounding the corner she slowed her gait as she saw Professor Goodwitch standing in the hall speaking with Ren and Pyrrha. A little further down the hall each holding a bundle of clothing, and still dressed in medical gowns; was a pair of blonde haired teens. As if sensing her appearance the trio all turned their heads in her direction. The twins for their part hadn't stopped looking at her as soon as she appeared at the end of the hallway.
"Ms Valkyre."
"Professor." Nora greeted forcing a smile.
"I have brought your... friends." the way Glynda said that last word seemed almost as if she was asking a question.
"Mistress." the twins greeted her in unison, causing Nora to uncomfortable clear her throat.
"I have spoken with Doctor Kitsunne, and Headmaster Ozpin." Glynda informed. "Their injuries are minor, although they are in desperate need of a shower and change of clothes. I will arrange to have a set of uniforms delivered to you."
"Okay." Nora slightly stammered.
"The Headmaster also feels that considering you... connection with them; that it would be for the best if they bunked with your team at least for tonight. I assume that will not be a problem."
"No problem Professor." Ren stepped in.
"Ren?" Pyrrha asked, giving him a sideways glance.
"We stayed with their family for a few months before coming to Beacon. Nora and I know their habits and routines."
"Very well. I will leave ..." she paused not knowing their last names, and thereby having no way to formally addressed the twins.
"Arc." Nora offered, "Their last name is Arc."
"I see. So I will leave Mr. And Ms Arc in your care for tonight. We will see about arranging separate accommodations for them in the morning" Glynda eyed the gathered students before continuing "Ms Valkyre, Mr Ren, Ms Nikos. I will see you all, as well as Mr and Ms Arc in the morning."
"Yes professor." the three students replied. For their part the twins remained silent. Vivid blue eyes roving over the individuals gathered before them.
"I will leave it in your hands then." with that said Professor Goodwitch turned to the twins. "You will be staying here tonight."
The pair said nothing and just regarded her with their blue eyes before, turning their undivided attention to Nora. Nora gave a weak smile and a slight nod. The twins returned their gaze to Professor Goodwitch and just nodded. With a nod of her own, she turned and walked off down the corridor. With her gone the twin's gaze returned to Nora.
"Introductions?" Pyrrha asked, her voice on barely betraying the obvious unease about having two unknown people spending the night in team LVN's dorm.
"Pyrrha, this is Jaune, and Joan Arc." Ren stepped in. "As I mentioned they are friends we met while staying with a family in Ansel."
"Pleasure to meet you." Pyrrha had turned to address the pair reaching out her hand in greeting.
"Joan, Jaune this is Pyrrha Nikos. Our teammate and friend." Pyrrha's cheeks darkened slightly at the very mention of that single word.
The quintet entered the dorm room with Ren in the lead, and Nora almost herding the twins in behind Pyrrha. Nothing was said as Ren took the bundles of clothes from Jaune and Joan to toss them into a corner for later washing. Pyrrha watched as Nora with a gentle hand steered Joan to the on suit bathroom instructing her to take a shower. For his part Jaune stood immobile just inside the doorway; his blue eyes taking in the room.
"They don't say much do they?" Pyrrha asked Ren in a hushed tone as she drew him to the side, as she watched Nora almost guarding the bathroom door. She looked out of place almost nervous.
"No they're...a little shy?" Ren offered, his response sounding a little like a desperate question.
"Really? What's going on Ren? I'm a teammate, and... friend." Pyrrha paused after that last word, almost as if uttering it was completely foreign to her.
"We stayed with their family for a few months, actually almost half a year. Their father, Mr. Arc actually bought Nora and I bullhead tickets so we could get to Vale and enter Beacon."
"That was very generous of him. But again, what is going on? Why are they here?"
"I don't know." Ren replied, "Nora and I didn't even now they had come to Beacon, before seeing them during that encounter with the deathstalker."
"So how did they get here? I assume Ansel is a fair distance away if Mr. Arc had bought you and Nora, tickets to come to Vale."
"It's a couple of weeks away, at least."
"So how did they get here and why are they here? I didn't notice them coming off any of the bullheads that dropped off students."
"I don't know how they got here." Ren replied, "As for why... they probably came to see Nora. She was much closer to them than I was."
"That's an awful long way to travel to come see someone, right as the term begins."
"I know."
The pair stopped speaking as the bathroom door opened and Joan stepped out. At some point Nora had handed her a set of her own pyjamas to put on. The difference in height was obvious as Joan's calves, forearms and stomach sat exposed. Being a little less robust in the chest the top was easily buttoned up. Steering the blonde girl to the one empty bed that sat between the one Pyrrha ahd claimed and the one Nora had taken as her own. Nora had Joan sit down, and turned her attention to the other blonde.
Ren stepped away and fished a set of night pants from his own bag handing them to Nora as she directed Jaune to enter the bathroom and have a shower. Once that was done and Nora had taken a similar posture os if guardoing the door; Ren returned to speak with Pyrrha.
"They seem a little..."
"Child like?" Ren asked.
"I guess you could say that."
"What were you going to say?"
"More like they seem lost, and eager Almost like they expect Nora to direct them."
"They have a... close connection to Nora." Ren offered, and Pyrrha knew by the unnatural pause that there was obviously more to that explanation then he was letting on.
When Jaune exited the bathroom after his shower, Nora once again directed him to the spare bed, and had him sit down as well. With the shower open, Pyrrha took the chance to wordlessly ask if it was okay for to take it over. A nod from Ren and then Nora, told her to go ahead. Grabbing her own bundle of night clothes she vanished into the bathroom. Once Pyrrha was safely entrenched behind a locked door, Ren approached Nora.
"Nora? Did they say anything?"
"I haven't asked them anything yet." Nora replied her jade eyes looking over the two teens that were sitting on the bed before them; their hands clasped in their laps.
"Jaune. Joan."
"Ren." they replied in tandem. That caused to suppress a shiver. They he wouldn't openly admit it, the very fact the twins not only did things like speaking in unison, but often completed each other's sentences, creeped him out.
"Why are you here, and how did you get here?"
"We are..." Joan started.
"Here for Mistress, and..." Jaune continued.
"We walked." Joan finished.
"Walked? All the way from Ansel?" Nora asked in a hushed tone.
"Yes. It was not difficult, just a few grimm..." Joan answered.
"And some rivers." Jaune added.
"Why though? Why risk coming here?" Nora asked in an almost panicked voice.
"For you." they replied, "We are meant for you. We are yours to use how you wish."
"Well Mr Arc is coming to get you in a few days. You'll be heading..."
"Father is coming here?" Joan asked.
"Yes." Nora replied, "He'll be here in a couple days."
"He'll be upset with us." Jaune commented.
"I think he's more worried about where you two are." Ren offered.
"We won't leave." Nora and Ren both sighed as the twins continued, "We are here now. We will stay."
"We'll work this out in the morning. We all need some sleep. Its been a long day." Ren stepped in as Nora looked a little lost for words. "You two take this bed. Nora take the next shower. I'll get one in the morning."
The twins stood and shuffled around, arranging things before climbing into bed. Ren and Nora watched as the pair settled into position, and closed their eyes. They lay back to back, both arms coiled under their heads. Pyrrha exited the washroom and stepped aside as Nora slid past a bundle of night clothes in her arms.
"You look tired. Everything okay?" Pyrrha asked as she watched Ren move to his own bed, and start arranging the covers.
"Just been a long day; with too much happening." Ren replied.
"And them? Are they even comfortable?"
"They're comfortable. From what I remember from our time in the Arc household; they always slept together."
"That is rather odd, for a brother and sister to do that, especially at their age." she commented as she made her way over to her own bed. Placing her dirty close on the floor at the foot of the bed; she busied herself turning down the covers and adjusting the pillows.
"It could be a twin thing." Ren offered.
"I guess."
After about ten minutes Nora emerged. She tossed the days clothes into the pile that was made up of Jaune and Joan's. Taking a look around the room as it was illuminated by the light from the bathroom, she bit her bottom lip. She told herself things would work out. She just had to keep and eye on them. She just had to keep their secret safe; until their father arrived to retrieve them. With those decisions made, she moved to her own bed and climbed in. Sleep took her quickly.
/=/
The morning came and went with much in the way of issues. As promised Professor Goodwitch had four sets of Beacon uniforms delivered to RVN's dorm. Two for Jaune and two for Joan. Taking turns in the bathroom each one of the quintet got dressed for the day. With a little help from Pyrrha in regards to getting ties and bows situated. A quick trip to the cafeteria, that included additional introductions of Joan and Juane to team RWBY; was followed by the first classes of the day. Unlike many of the students who succumbed to the powers of Professor Port's elaborate and impassioned lectures ; the pair of twins just sat there, heads tilted to the side. It was almost as if they were enraptured and spellbound by the tale being told.
Stumbling from the spectical that was Grimm Studies, RVN and RWBY with the Arc twins in tow made their was to the next class, History. When the green haired Doctor Oobleck entered the class, none of the students knew what to expect; and then he spoke. The sheer speed and amount of information flooding over the students. They gasped and struggled to follow; and all the while Jaune and Joan sat there, heads tilted and nodding as if they were capturing every word spoken.
At lunch the two teams and the twins sat discussing the classes they had just gotten through. They wondered aloud if it what had transpired in each was normal or an outlier. It was Ruby who broke the question to Jaune and Joan.
"So what did you think?"
"About?" Joan asked in return.
"The classes, the teachers. You both seemed rather interested in what was going on."
"Funny. Entertaining. Fast. Interesting." the pair spoke in unison.
"Huh." Ruby responded.
The rest of team RWBY looked at the pair, a little surprised not only at the apt descriptions of both classes but also the united manner in which they spoke. Off to the side Nora poked at her syrup drenched pancakes.
"They do that." Ren offered as an explanation, while out of the corner of his eye he regarded Nora. He knew she was troubled by the twins being at Beacon. He knew she was worried about them, but he just wasn't sure what he could do to ease her thoughts.
"Combat class next. What you figure Pyr? You ready to face off against me?"
Pyrrha just replied with a polite smile, as Yang gave her a playful wink.
/=/
Yang didn't understand what was happening. One minute she was facing off against Nora, willing and able to have a nice friendly, abet competitive spar. The next minute she was stumbling backwards and seeing stars. She shook her head trying to clear it, as she heard shouts coming from around her. She knew something or more likely someone had struck her; and they hit like a truck. Dropping to one knee she blinked her eyes several times, and after one more shake of her golden locks, her head cleared. Lifting her head up, she started to understand what had happened.
The twins, Joan and Jaune stood at the far side of the ring; just openly glaring at Professor Goodwitch. While Nora crouched off to the side her face hidden in her hands. A little further off she could make out the most of RWBY and all of team RVN, standing at the edge of the combat ring. She also after a few moments noticed how quiet the class was.
"Are you alright?" came a whispered voice and soft hand upon her shoulder.
"Ms Belladonna, please escort your partner to the infirmary." came the stern voice of Professor Goodwitch.