Here we go

Cover Art: Mystery White Flame

Chapter 27

The fact he woke up more rested than ever before after a nap on Kali's lap didn't change the fact he hadn't been able to meet her eyes – or Blake's – for the whole evening. The only words exchanged between them were Blake telling him she wouldn't tell anyone what she saw. More for fear of what her teammates would do to her mother if they thought she was competing than for his sake. He thanked her either way and slunk off to sleep.

Neo steadfastly pointing to her lap in bed hadn't helped.

Now doubly lap-pillowed, but with Neo fast asleep after realising the downside of a lap pillow was having to stay awake and upright through it, Jaune slipped out of their shared room and bumped into Glynda.

"Oh. H-Hey. Were you waiting for me?"

"I thought we could share breakfast," she said. "And discuss matters of importance."

"Like…?"

"What we shall do about the White Fang for one." Glynda motioned for him to follow and they made their way to the staffroom, avoiding the topic as they passed students on early morning food runs. Most people didn't care too much about the White Fang, but the Beacon rumour mill was fast acting, and he knew from Port there was a running gambling ring who wanted to know if he was going to end up with Glynda, Neo or someone else entirely.

He was going to kick someone out a window if Kali got added to that list. Or Cinder!

Slipping into the staffroom, he was relieved to see they had a moment alone for once and sat down, Glynda closing the door and taking the seat beside him. She could have sat opposite, and he considered the fact she didn't a good sign. While the students got their fair share of whatever breakfast they wanted, the teachers made do with vending machine food. Today's breakfast was cheese and onion on rye.

"So." He swallowed. "What was it you wanted to talk about? If it's important we could talk out in Vale. Maybe at a restaurant?"

Glynda raised an eyebrow at him. "You're still barred from Vale until the sanctions are officially lifted."

Damn it. Winter was taking her sweet time there. "After?" he asked hopefully. "We should celebrate when I'm allowed back. We could visit that place we did last time." While `date` wasn't mentioned, he was uncomfortably aware of how much it hovered in the air above them.

"All the staff?"

Jaune groaned internally. Glynda knew what he was asking but was determined to make him come out and say it. Maybe he deserved that, or maybe she just wanted to be sure he was saying what she thought he was. Ever since she'd found out his true age things had become awkward. Even if it's only three years different. I guess it was hard enough for her to accept that, then to find out I was even younger only made it worse.

Winter's needling hardly helped.

"I was thinking just the two of us," he said. "Dinner. Maybe a movie if you like."

He couldn't make it much more obvious than that.

Glynda brushed some crumbs from her lips. The action, slight as it was, brought attention to the little splotches of colour in her cheeks. "I will consider it and let you know." She put her sandwich down. "But in the meantime, we must focus on what's important."

"You're-" His attempts at flattery were thwarted by a foot kicking his under the table. "You're right," he amended, and she relaxed. "I'm not sure what's left to do, though."

"I hope you're joking."

"I know I need to deal with Ironwood, Atlas, Cinder and the White Fang," he said hurriedly, and Glynda nodded, pleased or just flat-out relieved he wasn't an idiot. "I meant I'm not sure what comes after. Or what to do specifically. We're pretty much waiting for them to make a move or Cinder to give up information."

"That's how it is sometimes. Do remember that when you first joined, Ozpin had basically been running the school for years without incident, despite being in an eternal battle against Salem. There isn't always an obvious course of action. All we can do is keep the school running and trust in the students to carry on our work."

"Have you seen our students…?"

"They're not that bad. And I can't believe I'm the one saying that. Tell me about Cinder," she said, changing the subject. "What was decided between Winter and her?"

"Not much." He ran through as much as he could remember, Glynda chipping in to ask the odd question but otherwise waiting until he was done. "I don't know what her game is. Maybe she's holding out for more or something, but Ironwood's offer is her best."

"Unless she's waiting for you to offer her something else."

"Whut…?"

"Think about it, she is being asked to turn on Salem. That's not something you do without some rather pointed assurances as to your safety. It may be that she doesn't believe Atlas and Ironwood can keep her safe from reprisal."

"And what," he laughed, "She thinks I can!?"

Glynda didn't answer.

"Wait. Seriously…?"

"You are the tactical genius who has outsmarted her not once, but two or three times now."

"Glynda, no."

"You also thwarted Salem's plans, identifying Lionheart as a traitor, using Ozpin as bait and bringing a team plus students to both capture her, drive Tyrian and Hazel away and expose Lionheart, all in one fell swoop."

"But… But I didn't…"

"Then, you went and split the White Fang in two, sowing chaos within their ranks before unifying with Atlas."

"I… what…?"

"And all of this after leading her along, betraying her at the last and saving Beacon from an invasion that included not just Cinder, but all of Salem's allies at once." Glynda shook her head from side to side. "Little wonder she fears your tactical genius. And who else in her mind could be powerful, shrewd and capable of dealing with any attack Salem launches?"

Jaune's head had fallen until his chin was resting on the table. He whimpered under his breath.

"Hm. Is this how your hype grows?" Glynda wondered. "It's strange but laying it all out like that I can see why some people fall for it. Incredible."

"Yeah. Totally awesome. You think Cinder is doing that-? Oh, who am I kidding, she always thought I was a genius for beating her. I've no idea why."

"Arrogance, I think. We know she's egotistical, so she probably can't accept that someone could thwart her without being a strategic mastermind. It simply isn't possible. I am a genius and all powerful," Glynda mocked, managing a passing impression of Cinder. "There's no way I could be stopped on accident or by someone who isn't at least as powerful as me, if not more."

It sounded like her. Well, it didn't, on account of Glynda being far too sarcastic to sound like Cinder, but it was something he could imagine her saying. Or thinking. She'd always had that self-assured air around her, and everything she did worked out. Infiltrating Beacon, securing the White Fang, organising the attack. Everything had been coming up her way until he got involved.

Which was ironic, since he hadn't even gotten involved. Cinder involved him.

"You think she's waiting for me to make a better offer than Winter, then. Invite her to Beacon?"

"I'd say so. It makes sense she'd only throw her lot in with someone she trusted to be powerful enough to face off against Salem." The words had him whimpering. "And there is precedent for it with Roman, Neo and Sienna. At this point you have more villains converted to your side than you do in prison or dead. I wouldn't be surprised if she thinks that's your plan. Recruit all the most dangerous villains on Remnant so Salem can't have any, then turn them against her."

"That sounds like an awful plan."

"It does, but remember, Cinder thinks you're a genius. No doubt, the mastermind Jaune Arc knows it's a terrible plan, and that is somehow a part of his ultimate scheme. The inevitable betrayal is anticipated and prepared for, ready to be turned in your favour."

"Um…"

"And knowing that, Cinder will be too afraid to betray you, but – gasp! – what if that is a part of your plan as well? Plans within plans. Plots within plots."

Jaune glowered at her. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"You have to admit it's a little amusing."

He gave her that. "You don't think I should make the offer, do you? Take Cinder on?"

"Goodness, no!"

"Phew." He slumped back. "For a second there, I thought you would."

"As if." She snorted and pushed her plate away. "I can grudgingly accept Neo, and only because she doesn't speak. I can see the necessity of Sienna. Roman, I would like to personally poison. If you added Cinder of all people to the staff roster, I think I would snap. Her neck, specifically. That woman is a monster. I will not have her in my school."

"Same. There's a difference between Sienna and Cinder. At least the former wasn't responsible for the attack and wanted to make amends. Cinder…" He scoffed. "The only way she steps foot in Beacon is with Winter holding her leash. And even then, I think I'd send her away. I don't want her anywhere near the students."

"Agreed. And I'm sure Ozpin feels the same way."

He should, given Cinder murdered him.

There's no way I make that offer. Whatever information she has, she'll have to give up eventually. Once she realises Ironwood's is the only protection she'll get. That didn't leave much for him to do in the meantime. With no obvious goals for the future, the best bet was to keep hunting down the shards Salem had dropped and sweeping those up before the Grimm got much worse.

"I've a meeting with Kali and Sienna later about the White Fang," he said. "Can you join?"

"Winter wishes to see first-hand the training of our students," Glynda said with a roll of her eyes. "I'm going to be busy putting up with her. I trust you to handle it, however. You can always ask Ozpin for advice should you need it."

He could, but he didn't want to push Oscar. Not when he was already pushing himself hard enough already. "I'll be fine. I don't think we're deciding anything, just talking about the White Fang."

"Kali Belladonna appears to be quite down to Remnant."

Jaune stared at her.

"Comparatively, I mean."

"Comparative to who?"

"Ozpin. Peter. Roman. Miss Belladonna." Glynda rolled her eyes. "The usual cadre of lunatics you surround yourself with."

"At least this one isn't trying to kill and-slash-or seduce me."

Glynda stood and brushed her skirt down. "Excuse me, I need to prepare my lessons."

"Um. Are we still on for that date…?"

The door closed behind her.

/-/

Ruby was all smiles.

The day was a good one, Weiss was back, Blake looked to be in a better mood than ever since taking her advice and opening up to her father, Yang hadn't made any lame puns for the last two hours and Team RVNN had saved them a spot for breakfast. Even Oscar was alive and conscious for once, a sign of his growing stamina.

He wasn't well per se. He walked like a man whose muscles were staging an industrial protest, but at least he could move, eat and talk for once. Team RWBY plus One – Weiss barred WRBOY, or `Warboy` as Yang phrased it. Actually, Yang had called it Warboyz, and mandated the `Z` made it all the better and should be dragged out several times, so more like Warboyzzzzzz.

It had been vetoed. Heavily.

"We're not even boys," Blake pointed out. "No offence, Oscar."

"Boyzzz."

"We're not Boyzzz, either."

Ruby rolled her eyes. Oscar didn't respond either, too busy eating to listen. He'd been packing on the food lately too, probably to fuel his intense regime. Getting taught by the headmaster. Ah! Lucky. Getting all sweaty and hot working out, then cutting a little too close and damaging the headmaster's coat. He'd smile, congratulate her and take it off, telling her it was time to get serious. They'd clash and explode, boom, whizz and rip as clothing was torn asunder.

"Hahh… hahh…"

"Ruby? Uh. Ruby…?" Weiss poked her very red cheeks. "Why is it I never remembered these moments when I missed being here? I only remembered the good things. None of Yang's puns or Blake running off like an idiot."

"I resent that," Blake said, not looking up from her book.

"Tell me I'm wrong."

"You're not." A page turned slowly. "Still resent it."

"Aw. Blake's in a bad mood after cat club ended poorly."

The book was slammed down. "It's not called cat club!"

Weiss raised a single eyebrow.

"Blake's detention," Ruby explained, snapping out of her totally innocent daydream. "Yang calls it cat club since it's Blake and Sienna. And, you know…" Ruby pointed above her head.

"Yes, Ruby, I get the suggestion."

Ruby shrugged. She wasn't sure if Blake's mood was because of Yang teasing the faunus angle or just the fact she had to put up with Sienna Khan. It could have been either. She wasn't sure what to make of it herself, but it wasn't as bad as Torchwick. At least Sienna wasn't teaching them and hadn't really been involved in the attack.

She'd sounded pretty cool in Oobleck's class talking about why the White Fang became violent. Not cool enough to be a good person, but justifiable. She could grudgingly understand the reasons why she'd done what she had, even if she didn't agree.

The sound of a throat clearing nearby drew attention to Glynda Goodwitch, who had approached their table with a fearsome scowl.

"I didn't do anything," Yang said instantly.

"I did not suggest anything," Glynda replied, eyes narrowing. "I am actually here for Miss Belladonna."

Blake looked nervous. "I didn't do anything either."

"The headmaster wants your participation in a meeting. You have a pass to skip your next lesson." Blake's ears perked up. "Though you will be participating in an extra spar tomorrow to make up for it."

The ears drooped. "What's the meeting about?" she asked. "I really don't think I've done anything."

"It's hosted with your mother."

"Oh!" Yang elbowed Blake's side. "Parent-teacher conference time. Welp. Don't envy you there. What do you think it'll be about? The time you ran away and caused a fire at the docks? Oh, or what about the time you ran away and fought a giant robot? Or-"

"It is about the White Fang," Miss Goodwitch interrupted. At Blake's sudden interest, she rolled her eyes. "And no, this doesn't mean we've given up on hiding any such information from you. Your obsession isn't being rewarded. The headmaster is simply meeting with your mother and Sienna Khan to discuss actions toward the White Fang and its new leader. Considering your prior relationship with said individual, he thought your input might be valuable."

"On Adam?"

"Unless there is any other current White Fang leader you've dated…"

"N-No. Just the one." Blake looked like she wasn't sure if Miss Goodwitch had made a joke or not. To be fair, neither was Ruby. "I'll be there. And I'll tell them whatever I can. Do you know what is going to happen to them?"

"Before the meeting to decide what is going to happen to them?" Glynda asked sarcastically. "No. I do not. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm quite busy."

The two teams watched her walk away and waited until she was out the cafeteria entirely to start talking. "Someone's in a bad mood," Pyrrha said.

"No kidding," Weiss replied. She turned to Blake. "How much have you been antagonising her?"

"Not much at all. The last time was when I snuck us to that SDC dinner, but she already punished me for that by making me go with Torchwick."

"Punishment, she calls it," Yang stage-whispered to Nora. "I saw her being hand fed by Professor Roman."

Nora mock-gasped. "How scandalous!"

"Jaune said something stupid. That's the only reason Glynda would be in such a mood." All eyes turned toward Oscar, who had spoken without thinking and quite candidly. He cringed as he noticed them looking. "Uh. Um. I mean, that's what I think. You know, considering how she's acting."

He sounded so sure that Ruby, for a second, almost believed him.

"Nahhh!" she laughed, waving a hand. "Jaune would never do anything like that. He was a therapist before he was headmaster. Trust me, he knows how to talk to girls."

"Spoken from experience?" Pyrrha teased.

Ruby kicked her friend below the table. Her face was bright red.

"Lookin' red, Red."

And just like that, her good mood died. Ruby pouted and turned, looking back in time to catch a puff of smoke to her face. She hacked and waved it away, glaring through one eye at the smug figure of Roman Torchwick, who had somehow managed to sneak up behind her without her Blake-alarm hissing like an angry cat. Blake was still staring at the table, concentrating deeply on the wood and thinking White Fang thoughts. No help there.

"What do you want?" Yang asked with a scowl.

"What do you want, sir," Roman stressed.

Purple eyes rolled around. "What do you want, sir?"

"Cigars, money, world peace." Roman sighed. "Two of those, anyway. What I need right now is someone to help me with a little project with Bart. That's Professor Oobleck to you."

"It's doctor, actually," Ren said. "He's quite insistent on that."

"Doctor Oobleck, then." Roman actually made the `air quotes` with his fingers as he said doctor. "We're making a map of Vale categorising wind and sightings and Grimm numbers to figure out where those Oobelisks are dropping, and we need a busybody with nothing better to do than mark shit down as we call it out. And I was thinking, hey Roman, who do I know that has no social life and always likes to stick her nose in things that don't involve her…?"

He trailed off, expecting them to fill in the gaps.

"Honestly," Weiss said, "That could be Blake, Ruby or Nora. You'll need to be more specific."

"I resent that," Blake mumbled.

"We know, Blake. We know." Weiss looked to Torchwick. "Blake is busy."

"I'm busy too," Nora lied. "My imaginary friend is having an identity crisis."

Ruby's mouth fell open.

"Looks like it's me and you, Red."

"B-But Nora!" she cried, pointing.

"Is busy. Didn't you hear? As a teacher I'm told I need to spend more time respecting my students' mental health. Plus, she did a tobacco run for me a week back, so she has a get-out-of-bullshit free card to cash."

"Nora!" Ren chided. "You bought cigarettes!?"

"I have needs, Renny."

"You don't smoke!"

"Doesn't do her homework either," Roman remarked, "But we have an understanding." He pointed a finger at her, winked and made an "ayyy" sound. One which, to Team RVNN's horror, Nora returned, finger pointing and all.

Ren's head fell into his hands.

"Report to Oobleck's office and don't be late," Roman said, patting an irate Ruby's head.

"When?" she grumbled. "You didn't give me a time."

"Nine sharp. Or you'll get detention."

"In the evening?"

"Nah, the morning."

Ruby paused. "It's eight-fifty-five!"

"Guess it is. Chop chop, Red."

Gasping, she shovelled some food into her mouth, hopped up, pushed past Roman mid-swallow and used her Semblance to dash out the cafeteria. Stupid Roman and his stupid bullying! He'd delayed telling her on purpose. As the minutes ticked by, she hurtled through the school, hitting Oobleck's office with seconds to spare.

"I'm here!" she gasped, bursting in. "Please no detention!"

Doctor Oobleck looked up from his desk, eyebrow raised. "You seem in a rush, Miss Rose. I thought I told Roman to invite someone to come and help at their earliest convenience. You need not run through the hallways like that." He adjusted his glasses. "And is there something wrong, Miss Rose? Your face is awfully red. And twitching aggressively."

Roman flipping Torchwick.

"It's nothing, sir. Just… wanted to help."

"Kind of you." He smiled and stood. "Come, let's see if we can't figure out why and where these objects are dropping. It may not be the most glamorous of jobs, but it will save lives."

Sighing but acknowledging his words, Ruby took the seat opposite him.

/-/

"Would it be racially insensitive of me to ask why every faunus in a position of power is feline?"

"Yes," Blake replied.

"Then I won't ask it." Jaune sat down at the round table. Not his round table obviously, because if he did have one set for his most loyal and trusted, Blake, Kali and Sienna would not be sat at it. Well, not Blake and Sienna anyway. Kali was so nice he'd probably feel bad not inviting her. "We're here to discuss the White Fang and what to do about them. As the people with the most experience with them, you've been gathered to offer whatever input you can. While I understand there might be some enmity." He paused to fix his gaze on both Sienna and Blake. "I would like to ask you to put that aside in the interests of co-operation."

"Oh, I'm sure we can," Kali said. "After all, it's not like Sienna is a backstabbing bitch who stole the organisation I and Ghira created with love and care, turning it from a peaceful protest group into psychopathic killers or anything, then drew my daughter into it and risked her life by letting her stay with a possessive and dangerous maniac."

Kali tittered into her hand.

Sienna leaned back slowly, ears flat atop her head.

"Right." Maybe Blake wasn't the one to worry about. And oh, Kali's friendliness wasn't without limits. That was nice to know. Jaune pretended not to notice Sienna shuffle her chair closer to him. "Moving on, Adam has taken over the White Fang and proclaimed Sienna dead. Or an imposter. Possibly both at the same time. Honestly, what he's saying doesn't even make sense at this point and I'm not sure how anyone believes him."

"People believe what they want to," Sienna said.

"True, but there has to be some way we can prove he lied."

"Genetic tests for Sienna?" Blake offered.

"Assuming you have records of my genetics to hand, sure. But what reason would the average faunus in Menagerie have to believe such? They would call it staged or accuse the doctor of lying."

"There's not much you can do to convince the faunus who are already determined to join the White Fang," Kali said reasonably. "I tried that myself and failed. People will find their own reasons. That said, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Those condemning you the loudest were probably already intending to join. The focus should be on convincing those as of yet undecided. And the best way to do that is to discredit the one speaking. Adam Taurus."

"I like this idea," Sienna said, slamming a hand on the table. "Drag his name through the mud as the treacherous bastard he is."

Kali smiled. "I quite agree."

"Not a bad idea," Blake whispered.

Sheesh. Had he joined the hate Adam Taurus club or something? Well, each of them had their own reasons to dislike the man. Sienna for arranging a coup, Kali for leading Blake astray and Blake for having him come swooping in like a spurned ex and try to ruin her life. Maybe it was understandable they wanted him dealt with.

"That's fine with me," Jaune said. "But how?"

"Adam needs a victory to consolidate power. When I took over from Ghira and Kali, I needed to quickly prove I could lead. Anger isn't enough. Nor is passion. If you're asking people to risk their lives, you need to provide results."

Jaune winced. "He's going to attack somewhere."

"Almost certainly. He's built his base on swift, decisive action. He can't claim a victory with anything less."

Damn. That was bad. And likely playing into Salem's hands whatever he did. His thoughts strayed to Cinder. "Would he attack Beacon?"

"Unlikely." Sienna shook her head. "That would be far too dangerous a battle. Besides, he's using you to whip the faunus into following him. Right now, you're more useful to him alive. He'll attack elsewhere, and probably some place far enough away that you can't interfere."

"Menagerie?" he asked Kali.

"I wouldn't fear for Ghira now," the older woman giggled. "If you wanted to unify undecided faunus, the one way you wouldn't do it is by killing other faunus. And besides, Sienna means something a little more public. Happenings on Menagerie rarely reach beyond our shores."

He looked to Sienna and got a nod in return. Not Menagerie then, and likely not Vale if he wanted Beacon kept out of it. That left any of the other three Kingdoms, but Vacuo seemed unlikely. Mistral and Atlas were the choices, with Atlas being the most obvious – but also dangerous. General Ironwood wouldn't take kindly to action on his soil.

Then again, Atlas was the one place Adam could be sure Beacon wouldn't tread. Even if the sanctions were being lifted, it was too soon to expect them to have feet on the ground there. Sending huntsmen in without permission had `diplomatic incident` written all over it.

"Do you think they'd attack the Schnee family?" he asked.

"Do I think they would?" Sienna laughed. "Course they would. The Schnee are despised on Menagerie. "Do I think Adam will? Hard to say. There's a reason a direct assault hasn't been tried before. Jacques Schnee knows his rep and has a small army to defend him."

"Something smaller, then? A dust mine?"

"Could work, but we attacked dust mines all the time when I was in charge. That's not going to impress anyone."

This was harder than he expected. Couldn't be somewhere too big that he failed, couldn't be so small it went unnoticed. Adam was looking for the goldilocks of targets, but there just weren't many. Another huntsman academy would be a terrible idea. Far too high profile and polarising in opinion. Grimm killed humans and faunus indiscriminately. Of course, if Adam could pull off an attack on the Schnee family, it would go down in history.

"What do you think, Blake?" he asked. "Would Adam risk attacking the Schnee manor directly?"

"I…" Blake looked down. "I'd like to say Adam wouldn't throw away so many lives."

"I'm sensing a but here…"

"But he's an edgy twat," Sienna interrupted. "He'll just say something about how they `gave their lives for a cause` and `sacrifices have to be made to win` and people will lap it up. Make 'em into martyrs. The heroic faunus who died to bring Jacques Schnee low." She snorted. "Assuming he can pull it off, that is. Not an easy task."

Jaune looked to Blake.

Sighing sadly, she nodded back, confirming Sienna's opinion.

"I'll warn Winter just in case and have her pass it on to her family. We'll make the offer to help, but whatever I tell Winter is going to get back to Ironwood first. I'm not sure we'll be welcome."

"And thus, Adam chooses his target well," Sienna drawled. "You realise that if you want to stop him, you're going to have to step on a few toes eventually. He's not going to come out and face you in one-on-one combat, and the longer you give him, the more ready for it he'll be."

"I can't risk Beacon on an attack. Not when we're only just making peace with Atlas."

"Your decision," Sienna said, sitting back.

Blake and Kali, at least, seemed happy. Blake probably didn't want her team thrown into the meatgrinder, and Kali would feel the same way about her daughter. To them, Adam was a threat, but not immediately to Ghira.

Hopefully, Winter would take his warnings to heart.

"Moving on, are there any other ideas you have?"

Kali hummed. "Have you considered a smear campaign?"

"No. But I'm interested. Is it where we smear Adam into the mud?"

"In a manner of speaking," Kali giggled into her hand. "More his reputation. That's important after all, especially if he's trying to recruit faunus across the Kingdoms. Why, I'm sure you have some video footage of his attack on the school, and if not… well, if he is happy lying to everyone, why not return the favour?"

Lies, huh? Where had those ever gotten him? Oh yeah, to the top.

"Mrs Belladonna," he said, leaning forward, "That is a very interesting idea."

"Adam won't care," Blake pointed out.

"He doesn't have to," Sienna said. "As long as other people care. He's never had to deal with being a leader before. It's more than just making decisions. It's public relations, image and perception. Not enough to be strong. You need to be seen as strong. Attack that and he'll notice."

Ironically enough, he was the master of that. There probably wasn't anyone on Remnant who had a les-deserved reputation than he. If a few falsehoods could make him seem the invincible mastermind that even Cinder thought might be able to outwit Salem, then how much would it take to turn Adam into a bumbling fool who couldn't tie his own shoelaces without a map?

Guess we're about to find out. Roman has been getting pretty close with Lisa Lavender lately.

Jaune's dark laughter filled the room.

Not much happening-happening this chapter. We're moving on to the White Fang arc, though. In terms of timeline this is still during the six-month time skip period, so technically before Ruby and Co. met Oscar in the show. Probably not important information, but the point I'm making is that Oscar is being trained up to be at a better skill level than he was in season four. Better skill without Ozpin's control, that is. Obviously, ageless experience trumps a few weeks of training.

Omake:

"Weaklings," Raven snorted. "Weaklings all of them."

"Eh. A few of them look pretty strong." Qrow's eyes followed some attractive girls who, while doubtless strong if they were attending Beacon, were a little more on the gorgeous side than physically imposing. His eyes certainly weren't on their weapons. "We came here for a reason remember. Huntsmen are tough."

And they had been sent to figure out how to kill them.

Which, if he was being honest, was a pretty piss-poor reason. Everyone knew about aura. Everyone. Ergo, everyone knew how to defeat huntsmen. It wasn't like it was some big secret – oh no, salt-water! A huntsman's only weakness.

Just being stronger than a huntsman was enough to kill them, so what the tribe had been thinking in sending him and Raven to Beacon to learn `how`, he wasn't sure. Sometimes he wondered if this was just the tribe's way of getting rid of them.

Or of Raven. Her challenging everyone to fights must have been getting old.

"I know our purpose, Qrow. I'm just saying that no one here can match me."

"Us."

"I know what I said."

Tch. Raven was bitchy today. Probably at the whole joining Beacon thing. Her mood hadn't improved any since hearing they would need to be on a team and have a partner. "Stick close," she hissed, gripping his wrist. "I won't be partnered with some weak brat."

"Love you too, sis."

"Hi!"

The chirpy greeting came from in front of them and was followed by a girl in a white cloak with bright silver eyes. She was, Qrow admitted, cute. Not sexy or anything but pretty in an undeniable way. Little nose, small face and short height. Full figure, though, he noticed, looking her up and down. That cloak hid it, but she had curves in places not everyone did.

"Qrow!" Raven hissed, squeezing his arm. "There is a thing in front of me."

"It's a girl, Raven. Not a thing." Qrow, deciding it was better to play along, waved awkwardly. "Hi. Um. You…"

"Summer. I'm Summer Rose." She held out a hand.

What am I supposed to do with that? Swear ran down his brow. Wait, he'd seen people do this. Grinning, he sauntered forward and offered his own.

They fist bumped.

"Qrow. Qrow Branwen. Handsome, single and ready to mingle."

"Ugh. Please…"

"And this bundle of sunshine is Raven Branwen, my sister."

"Nice to meet you," Summer said, offering her hand.

Raven didn't take it. "I do not interact with weaklings."

"W-Wha-? I'm not weak. I got into Beacon, didn't I? I'm here."

"Here surrounded by weaklings just like you, whining, flirting and wasting their time with meaningless attachments." Raven sneered at the shorter girl. "I've no time for it. Come back when you have some strength to speak of, girl. And don't approach us again."

Qrow smiled apologetically at the girl as he was dragged away.

/-/

"No." Raven snapped, looking down on Summer Rose again, although this time in the Emerald Forest. "Qrow and I are partners. I will not work alongside such a weakling."

"I already have a partner!" Summer argued, pointing at the tanned boy beside her with messy blonde hair and the smallest definition of a goatee. He waved at Qrow, who waved back. Neither spoke as the women dominated. "But we're supposed to make teams of four and the rules state it's whatever duo we run into first."

"Rules can be bent if you have the strength to do so. Walk away. Qrow and I need no team."

"Gah!" Summer stamped one foot. "Why are you so annoying? Taiyang, follow them. They're our team whether we like it or not."

"Tch." Raven looked back. "If you think you can keep up."

"I can more than keep up. And I bet I kill more Grimm than you do!"

Oh no, not a challenge. Qrow rolled his eyes.

"Ha. I'd like to see you try."

"You're on!"

/-/

"Look, we're a team now," Summer said. "That means we need to get along. When I say we should train in the mornings as a team, that's what we'll do. It'll be good for fostering teamwork and getting to know one another and our styles."

Raven snorted, leaning against the wall. "I train alone."

"Not anymore you don't. Ozpin made me team leader, so it's my decision."

"I'm not answering to someone weaker than me." Raven pushed off the wall and made her way to the door. "You three can waste your time if you like. I have better things to do-"

Summer stepped before her, blocking the door, arms crossed.

"Move."

"No. I'm team leader and you're a part of the team, Raven."

"There is no team. There is me and three hangers-on."

"Are you still calling me weak? I killed two more Grimm than you did."

Raven's shoulders tensed. "You stole my kills."

"Secured. I secured your kills."

"They were wounded!"

"And now they're dead." Summer smiled innocently. "By me."

Arrogant brat. Raven hissed through her teeth and squared her shoulders, fixing the short girl with a penetrating glare. The other boy – the blond one – had quickly given up on trying to approach her, but this idiot wouldn't get the hint. Raven stepped up, towering over her.

"I am going to walk out that door," she said. "And you are going to move out the way. If you don't, I will walk through you. And I can't guarantee whether you'll still be able to stand afterwards."

Summer Rose stared up at her.

A single eyebrow rose.

"I warned you."

Raven stepped forward.

/-/

Her eyes fluttered open.

Blinding light assaulted them, and she groaned.

"Oh. You're awake." Qrow came into hazy focus beside her. "Wondered how long it'd take."

"W-Where?" she gasped. "Where am I? What happened…?"

"You're in the infirmary. As for what happened. Wellllll…" Qrow dragged the word out. "Let's just say you kept walking. And Summer didn't budge."

"I tripped and hit my head…?"

How unlike her.

"Uh. In a manner of speaking? Yeah, you tripped. A lot. Aided by a certain someone. You tripped over the floor, the bed, the window, through the door, out into the hallway and down a flight of stairs. On a side note, Summer? Small, cute and weak? Maybe not so much on the `weak` side of things. Fair warning."

Summer… did this…?

What…?

"Raven!" A cheery voice echoed as an even cheerier face appeared, all smiles and with not a single bruise upon her. "It's about time you woke up. I was just deciding on when we'd do our morning training, which you'll be there for of course." Her smile was bright, as were her eyes, but they were unmistakeably fixed onto her. "Isn't that right, Raven…?"

For the first time in her life, Raven Branwen shivered. "Y-Yes. I'll be there…"

"Great! We're going to be the best of friends."

Yes, Team STRQ with a little return. And Summer being the most terrifying member of the team. I kind of imagine she must have had to snap like this at some point, because I can't see Raven and Qrow being the most outgoing of teammates, and somehow I imagine Taiyang not being the one to do it. Kind of a mirror of the Ruby - Weiss argument from canon, except without Weiss being mature enough to admit she was wrong at the end. Because, you know, Raven.

Next Chapter: 26th September

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