The walk to the infirmary was quiet. Yang's head still rang, or more to the fact her ears. Once in the infirmary, and with Yang sitting on a hostpital bed while Doctor Kitsunne was checking her over did Blake talk.
"So before you ask, yes Joan and Jaune jumped into the ring."
"I bet Goodwitch is really going to chew them out for that. Hope they'll be okay. I know one of them landed a blindside, but still to upset Goodwitch."
"I don't think they are afraid of her, or concerned about a chewing out."
"Really?"
"Really, and as for which one hit you... they both did;at the exact same time."
"Both? How is that possible I should have seen at least one of them."
"I'm serious Yang., they were mirror images of each other. Perfectly in sync. Thier attacks landed simultaneously."
"What did they hit me with? I didn't see any weapons." Yang asked a little surprised at the notion that two people could work in tandem so closely.
"Their feet." Blake replied. "It was some type of aerial spin kick. They sandwiched your head between them."
"You seem okay." Kitsunne informed the pair. "Are you experiencing any nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness?"
"My ears are ringing, but none of the other things." Yang replied to the Doctor.
"I see. Well there is not much that I can do about that. You appear to not suffered any injuries, but if anything changes, such as the nausea, or dizziness come back and see me right away. I will give you a medical release for the rest of the day. Get some rest."
"Okay." Yang responded. Not sure if she should be excited about getting out of classes for the rest of the day.
With the exam done, Kitsunne allowed the pair to leave the infirmary. On the trip back to the dorm, Yang continued with her questions.
"You sure they just kicked me? I mean I felt like I was hit by a truck."
"They just kicked you. There was no sign of any weapons or semblance. They just charged the ring, jumped into the air and each landed a strike to the side of your head. I think the whole class heard the clap of the impact."
"Damn. Well besides the ringing in my ears I doubt they actually achieved much. I mean my aura must have tanked... why are you looking like that?"
"You did tank the hit, but not as well as you think." Blake replied.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Your hit that Nora blocked dropped her from 100% to 99. They hit you and you went from 100% to 92."
Yang was a little stunned at that revelation. If what Blake was saying was true; and she had no reason to doubt her partner. Those two, with no weapon or active semblance had ripped a sizable chunk off her aura. She was no math wiz, but off the top of her head, that meant each of them had dropped her aura by 4%.
"So was that why the class was so silent; and why Nora looked so embarrassed?"
"No, I think that had more to do with what they said after Professor Goodwitch confronted them."
"What did they say? It couldn't have been that bad." Yang asked as they reached the door and she proceeded to open the door.
"Something about her being their mistress, and that she was free to use them in battle," Blake paused as Yang pushed the door open, "and in bed."
Yang's brain froze.
/=/
Combat continued for the remainder of its allotted time. Professor Goodwitch calling up various other students to spar. During the whole time the pair of twins never let their defiant blue eyed gaze leave the authoritarian woman. In fact they were making the already embarrassed Nora even more uncomfortable. The pair having decided to stand behind her arms crossed, openly glaring at the teacher. With her head buried in her arms Nora could feel the gazes of the other students upon her. Her normally overly bubbly and energetic persona in tatters. Ren and Pyrrha attempted to comfort her by both gently rubbing the back of her shoulders in a show of team solidarity.
Mercifully class ended, and team RVN waited for the class to empty. Instructed to do so by their instructor. Ren and Pyrrha could hear the low pitiful muttering of Nora, as the rest of the class exited the hall. They caught the occasional whisper of the other students, and even though they couldn't really hear what was being said, they could guess. Add in that every time something was whispered the ones doing it were looking in their direction.
Once the class was empty Professor Goodwitch approached the three seated teens and two standing ones. She raised an eyebrow at the stance of the twins, and the open glares sent in her direction. Stopping before them, and crossing her arms she regarded the quintet before speaking.
"Explain."
"I can't." Nora responded, her face still buried in her arms upon the desk.
"I believe you can, so try Ms. Valkyrie."
"When we stayed with the Arc family," Ren spoke up trying to offer a reasonable defence for his partner and childhood friend. "Jaune and Joan grew unusually attached to Nora."
"Unusually attached?"
"Well..." Ren winced, "you heard them."
"I see." Glynda responded. "Are there any other... quirks I should be aware of before I attempt to have Ms. Valkyrie spar again?"
"They are... highly motivated to defend and take direction from her."
"So if she directs them not to interfere..."
"I don;t think that'll work." Ren cut in, wincing slightly as the professor turned her full gaze upon him.
"Why?"
"From what I know, when it comes to defending her, they'll ignore her?" Ren again offered, his last words sounding like he wasn't sure himself about the reason.
Glynda let her eyes study each of the tree members of team RVN, before moving to the standing pair behind them. She hardened her gaze, only to have them return an even more defiant one.
"I am going to speak with the Headmaster about this... situation." Glynda informed the quintet, "I urge you ALL to keep Joan and Jaune impulses in check. Is there anything else I should be made aware of?
"Nora has been in contact with their family. Their father is going to be arriving in a few days to pick them up." Ren offered.
"Very well. You are dismissed."
The members of RVN nodded, while the twins just continued to glare.
/=/
Several minutes latter RVN with the twins in tow, returned to their dorm. Once securely inside, Nora rounded on Jaune and Joan. Her face flushed between embarrassment and anger.
"Why!?" Nora snapped, "WHY would you do that!?"
"You are our..."
"Don't even say it!"
Ren and Pyrrha remained silent, not sure if they should get involved, as Nora vented upon the two teens. They shared a look, and non-verbally agreed to step in if things seemed to be getting out of hand.
"You can't be going around saying things like that!" Nora exclaimed exasperated. "Do you know how embarrassed I was... I AM!"
"We are sorry Miss..."
"No! That has got to stop! It has to stop!"
"Then what should we call you if not that?" Ren and Pyrrha were openly taken aback by the utterly defeated look of the twins.
"Call me Nora. We are friends, I know what happened in Ansel." Nora answered with a sigh. Pyrrha shot Ren a questioning glance, and he shook his head as an answer while Nora continued. "I know we trained together. We are friends. Close friends. You are like family. But please you have to stop. Think before you say things."
"We live to serve."
"Think! Don't say things like that!"
/=/
While Nora was trying to explain to Joan and Jaune how not to act, Glynda was standing before Headmaster Ozpin relaying the events that had taken place. He took several sips from his mug as she spoke.
"Any injuries?"
"I need to confirm with Kitsunne, but I think all the pair managed to do was ring Ms. Xai Long's bell." Glynda replied.
"Interesting."
"I feel even though they are not students, that I should call them up. They obviously need an outlet for these tendencies."
"That would not be a good idea."
"Why? They are obviously strong, powerful even, and well coordinated. It would be a good exercise in tandem fighting. Preparation for the upcoming festival."
"It is not possible. While I agree they are exceptional, putting them into a spar with students would be ill advised."
"Give me a better reason then that. We both saw how they handled the encounter with that deathstalker and the nevermore. Even without weapons they are I would say heads above many of the first years we have, and possibly some second years."
"I share your sentiments, but I must stress. Putting them into a spar is ill advised."
"Ozpin, stop with this beating around the bush. Please, give me a proper reason."
"They have no aura."
"You mean their aura is locked?"
"No, you miss heard. They have NO aura."
"How? The deathstalker, the nevermore. The feats they demonstrated... how?"
"I don't know how, but Kitsunne confirmed it. Normal aura tests didn't find any, so she took a small portion of the blood she had drawn and exposed it to an aura booster. There was no reaction."
"That's not possible. Even in people with locked auras, and aura booster would have a reaction."
"So you can see, why they can not be allowed to spar. There would be no way for you to judge the match, without them getting hurt; possibly seriously." Ozpin took a sip from his mug, before adding, "And from what I witnessed during the encounters at initiation... I doubt either of them would hold back. IN fact I would hazard the guess that they would participate with lethal intent."
"So who did we just allow into our school?" Glynda asked "Who are Joan and Jaune Arc?"
"I don't have an answer for that, I'm afraid." Ozpin replied making a mental note of the last name Glynda spoke.
"Maybe we could get some answers from their family. I have been informed their father will be arriving at Beacon sometime in the near future."
"That is pleasant news. I would very much like to have a conversation with this Mr. Arc when he arrives."
"I'll make arrangements to inform you of his arrival. It will not be very difficult to have reception tell me when that last name appears on our visitor's list."
"I would appreciate that. If there is nothing further. Have a good night Glynda."
"Thank you. You as well."
Glynda turned on her heels and left Ozpin alone in his office. He considered the information Glynda had just provided along with what Kitsunne had reported. He of course had not been idle in regards to the situation residing within the walls of his school. Searching his memories and consulting the extensive library of historical literature; some of it written by his own hand, he was slowly coming to a hypothesis. One he hoped he could get some corroborating information for, if Mr. Arc was willing to provide it.
/=/
The next day was almost a mirror of the first. The twins paying attention in an almost fasinated fashion to the lectures being provided. The only real change was when everyone suited up in their battle gear; aside from Jaune and Joan who still sported Beacon uniforms; to Combat Class. Upon entering Professor Goodwitch pulled RVN and the twins aside.
"I have made a decision, that until Mr. Arc arrives; to collect his children I assume." Goodwitch continued as Nora and Ren nodded their confirming Glyna's assessment. "I will not be calling you up to spar Ms. Valkyrie. Call it a proactive solution to prevent a replay of yesterday's incidents. You may be seated."
Before Glynda, could start her class, a certain fiery blonde stood up, and declared "I challenge!"
Glynda regarded Ms. Xiao Long with a raised eyebrow. Apparently someone had been look into the lesser known rules and options, in regards to her class. Pushing down the surprised and impressed feelings that a first year would take such initiative; Glynda prepared to address the situation as the syllabus directed.
"And whom would you like to challenge Ms. Xiao Long?"
"Joan Arc." a murmur ran through her classroom.
"That is not possible. Please chose someone else or sit down."
"Why not? I mean they obviously can fight. I want to face her."
"There are extenuating circumstances, that I do not have the interest, time or desire to explain at this point in time. So please if that is all be seated."
"I think I have a right. The both of them interfered in my spar yesterday. It's only fair they I have a chance face her."
"So you want revenge?"
"No...I... um... "Yang struggled for the words, as Glynda regarded her with an authoritative look.
"You want revenge. That is a sentiment that has no place in this classroom, AND I do suggest Ms. Xiao Long that you temper that feeling, as it will not serve you well in the coming years."
"I have the right." Yang muttered.
"You do, but as they are not students, I can't not condone such a match. The events of yesterday are unfortunate, and be assured they do not, and will not be reflected in my assessment of your capabilities. Now if that is all, please be seated."
Unable to affect a valid response to Professor Goodwitch's statement, Yang begrudgingly took her seat. Glynda took a quick look towards the female twin in question. Joan had made no move, or indication that she would entertain the proposal that was offered. Deciding to nip this in the bud Glynda spoke.
"Ms. Xaio Long is correct. It is an option of this class to issue challenges. However... until I have had a chance to appraise the abilities of each and everyone of you, the right to challenge is rescinded. Now would Mr. Winchester and Ms. Schnee please present yourselves in the ring."
/=/
With classes finished, and the evening meal taken care of , RVN and the Arc twins retired to their dorm. Pyrrha regarded her teammates, and their guests. She knew there was more to the story than was being offered, and she was unsure of how to broach the subject. She was understandably nervous as she indicated that she wished to speak to RVN's team leader alone. These were for the most part her first friends. They showed no interest in her fame, and even on that first night together as a team had welcomed her warmly. She worried that what she was about to do, may in some form or another damage that tenuous connection.
"What is bothering you Pyrrha?" Ren asked as he came over to the far side of the dorm room at her bequest.
"It's the whole situation with Joan and Jaune." she replied honestly, knowing even from her short time with her teammates that Ren was an astute observer. "I... I... I know its not really my place and that I shouldn't pry, but..."
"But you know there is more going on between them and Nora than we've told you."
"Yes... I... I'm sorry, but as a teammate I'm sort of feeling left out of something that is important."
"To be honest you are." Ren confirmed. "But it is more complicated than some simple secret. I can't tell you not to wonder, or worry, but please until Nora and I have a better handle on the situation can you be patient?"
"I feel this is really important Ren."
"In some ways it is, and others it isn't. It's hard to explain; like I said it's complicated, and to be sincere with you, it's not Nora or my place to explain it. Bear with us. We trust you. You're a good person, a friend and a teammate. We wouldn't hold back if things were slightly different."
"Do you promise?" asked doubt still gnawing at her insides.
"I do."
"I guess..."
/=/
Glynda Goodwitch met him at the landing pads. It was near the time that the shuttles would go off duty, and she was slightly surprised that he would risk coming to Beacon at such a late hour. She regarded the rather handsome face framed in blonde and grey. He wore casual clothing, and walked with a cane. The inclusion of the item was for more than ascetic purposes. He closed until he was well with in comfortable speaking distance.
"Mr. Arc. I would like to welcome you to Beacon, even if the hour is a little late. I am Professor Goodwitch, and the Headmaster has asked that I escort you to his office. He would like to have a little informal discussion with you."
"I appreciate the offer, but I would prefer to collect my son and daughter and be on my way. I hope you understand."
"We do, a rest assured it is in our interest to reunite you with your family, however as you have arrived at an uncommonly late hour, we feel in necessary for the conversation."
"I would feel it more necessary for me to collect children and return to Vale. I arrived slightly earlier than I anticipated, and still need to find lodging for me and my family for the night."
"We can take of your lodging. We have plenty of available rooms, and I am sure the Headmaster would provide you the use of one without question. Besides the bullheads are off duty. You did arrive on the last one scheduled for tonight."
"I would still rather see my children."
"We understand, and if you would indulge us. The Headmaster is rather eager to speak with you. In addition it is past curfew, and I have no doubt your children are sleeping at this point in time."
Jonathon Arc had made note through the entire conversation that this Professor Goodwitch was making liberal use of the royal "we". He was really not interested in entertaining a conversation with the Headmaster of Beacon. He needed to collect his children. He needed to get the home, were they would be safe. She was however making several valid points in regards to the situation. He had arrived late, and quick glance around showed him that the shuttles had ceased operation. Maybe it would be good to speak with the Headmaster. It could be a chance to gather some intel about how much the staff and students of the school had seen.
"Very well. Please lead the way."
The trip to the Headmaster's office was over fairly quickly, and done in complete silence. At the doors to the office Professor Goodwitch bid him good evening, and left him alone to enter. Knocking a couple times before opening the door he stepped in side, and regarded the silver haired gentleman bidding him inside.
"Mr. Arc."
"Headmaster." Jonathon returned the greeting, "You wished to speak with me?"
"Call me Ozpin." Ozpin smiled at the greying man before him. "Yes I did."
"About?"
"Your son and daughter. I felt it would be prudent to inform you of some of the situations they have encountered since arriving on our doorstep, in addition I was hoping that you may offer some insight to a few question we have in regards to them."
"Like?" Jonathon was suddenly feeling nervous about this polite conversation.
"They are automations are they not?" Jonathon took a step back, "or dolls, I think was the more common term used. In fact I have a feeling they would be what is considered Banned Dolls."