As people may or may not know, I offer lessons and advice to some of my supporters who want to learn to write, usually in the form of lessons online over Skype and whatnot. I have quite a few students, some of whom are fanfiction writers themselves, some in RWBY and some even in other fandoms.

But I'm happy to announce one of my students has just self-published the novel we've been working on together on Amazon, which is available in both paperback and digital format.

It's written by him with me helping with lessons, advice and the likes, so please be aware that if you read it, it's his work, not mine. But I'm proud of it nonetheless, and proud of him for taking the step.

If you'd like to read or purchase it, you can find it on Amazon (be sure to use com or co uk or whatever it is depending on your region). The author's name is Charles Cackler and the book is called "The Mage Trials (Path of the Magi)". You can easily find it by going to amazon and typing his name in the search bar.

If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free, otherwise it's obviously free to read the first chapter or so. I'd be happy if you'd check it out and see if it's something any of you might be interested in reading. I will say it's different to RWBY obviously. It's an original novel. I'd love to provide a link, but the site doesn't allow it.

For those wondering, I'll be posting about this for once on each story for this week – I know you may have read the note on Null, but I'm obviously very pumped, as is my student, so I wanted to do him a solid with a mention. Plus, not everyone reads all my works, so consider it more for those who haven't seen it yet.

Cover Art: Mystery White Flame

Chapter 57

Despite the grim news of Shade's fate, they were welcomed back to Vale as heroes. With Raven busy profiting off her portals for the use of Atlas' citizens, the students, teachers and various huntsmen who had answered the call were ferried back to Vale in Atlas' own airships with full honours. When they came over the city, fireworks streaked up and crowds could be seen chanting and waving banners in the streets while streamers and pennants hung from houses and homes.

It was impossible not to feel the gloom lift just a little.

"It's like a festival!" Yang cheered, face and hands pressed up against the glass. "Holy crap, look how many people there are."

"A-Are they there for us?" Ruby blushed but didn't pull away. Since her dream had always been to be a heroic huntress like her mother, a welcome like this was welcome even if embarrassing.

"Course they are, sis. We're big damn heroes!"

"Yang," Blake chided. "Have some tact."

"Quite the contrary, kitty-cat." Roman strolled up to them with a smug grin, instantly causing Blake's hackles to rise, either at his very presence or the nickname in general. The rest of Team RWBY barely noticed, too interested in the festivities below. "As huntresses and huntsmen it is your prerogative, nay your duty, to smile, boast and let them shower you with praise."

Yang peeled her face from the glass, shit-eating grin in place. "It is!?"

"Sure is, goldilocks. You see, everyone down there has been glued to their screens for the last couple of days wondering if their way of life was going to be ripped out from under them. Negativity would have been at an all-time high."

"And not it's not," Weiss noted. "They're euphoric. Which means less danger from the Grimm."

"Exactly. Ten points to Team RWBY."

"We don't have a points system!" Blake snarled.

"You don't? Ah. Damn shame. Well points is all you're getting." Roman paused to bask in the sound of her teeth gnashing together. "The theory is sound, though. They're in the best moods of their lives and it's in everyone's best interests for us to enable that. And not just for mercenary reasons either, why not let them be happy? If that means praising us, so be it. Let them have their heroes. It only makes everyone happier."

"Does that mean I can let people buy me drinks?" Yang asked quickly.

"Sure does. Lot of people down there wish they could have done something to help us but lacked the training. Some will give to charity or to Beacon, and others will try and thank us directly. Nothing rude in accepting, even if it's as little as a drink. Makes them feel like they're contributing."

They weren't, Ruby realised, but that wasn't fair. How many of them could really contribute to a sudden invasion on Atlas? At best they could let some of the refugees in their homes or share food, but they'd only be in the way if they came to fight. How would she have felt, being so helpless while Yang ran off to fight? Awful, obviously. And when Yang came back victorious, she'd have done everything for her. Cleaned her clothes, braided her hair, cooked her meals, anything to make Yang know she was appreciated.

Maybe that's what they're doing to us here. They're not trying to claim this as their win. This is their way of showing how much they appreciate us. Letting us know they're thankful for what we do.

The only response they could give was to accept that sentiment or reject it and spit in the eyes of those whose only crime was not having dedicated a decade or more of their life to gruelling training on the off chance this moment would come.

That wasn't even a choice.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but Professor Torchwick is right," Weiss said. "We laud those who put in effort to earn lien for charity so why not do the same for returning huntsmen? That's going to get tiring fast, I wager, having to smile constantly as people praise us."

"Speak for yourself," Yang and Roman muttered as one. They exchanged wary looks, a quick grin and a fist bump. "Ayyyyy-" they drawled in unison, finger-pointing one another.

Blake looked on in horror.

"What about Vacuo?" Ruby asked.

"Don't bring it up. Now wait, I'm not saying ignore it. Your man Qrow is already on his way and Ironwood has the Ace-Ops en route as well. Soon as we're back, Jaune is gonna have people out looking as well. We're not abandoning Vacuo. We're just not going to ruin everyone's fun by ignoring the victory we did achieve."

"Uncle Qrow is out there?"

"He's on his way to look for survivors."

Good. That was good. Ruby's shoulders relaxed a little, the tension slipping away. While part of her still wanted to charge out and make things right, knowing that everyone else was doing that made it easier to swallow. That had been the problem Blake faced as well, never knowing if people were acting against the White Fang. Funny that Roman Torchwick was the one to notice the problem and step in this time.

"Now is a time for celebration," the former crook said. He winked at Blake. "Especially for you."

Blake crossed her arms. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Only that you and your giant of an old man will be reuniting with your kinky mother. It's a family reunion for the first time in, what, years?"

"Y-Yes." Her arms dropped, suspicion fading. "It is. At least as a full family and in person."

"That's what I mean. Take a load of, kiddos." He saluted them with his cigar and strode away. "Enjoy the sights, bask in the praise and don't – for the love of anything – cause trouble. If we need you for Vacuo, we'll come fetch you for Vacuo."

"Okay. Thank you, Professor Torchwick!"

"Yeah, yeah, Red. Just stay out of trouble."

Ruby waved after him as he left.

"I despise that man," Blake hissed.

"He's not that bad."

"Ruby, he was a criminal!"

So were you, she almost pointed out but didn't. Roman was… well, she wasn't sure how to put it. He'd been their enemy for a long time, but he never really did anything all that bad until the end, then he'd helped stop Cinder. If it weren't for him, she'd have never gotten into Beacon in the first place. Sure, she hated being called `Red` all the time, but it felt more like a nickname than a way of mocking her.

"Eh. He's alright."

"Ruby!"

"Give it a rest, Blake." Yang clapped her partner's shoulder, hauling her back to the window. "Looks like we're coming in for a landing. You got your best smile ready? Assuming you know how to smile, kitty-cat."

"Don't you start talking like he does!"

Ruby looked to Weiss, who rolled her eyes. She giggled back, turning to face the cheering crowds throwing confetti up into the air. Being in the eyes of so many people should have been terrifying, but strangely enough, she didn't feel too bad about it.

/-/

The noise was deafening.

Someone official was trying to speak over it through a megaphone but there was no hearing him. The guards keeping the crowds back didn't seem to care much for that either, letting the noise wash over them. A large opening had been made for the sleek aircraft to land. It would have been more convenient for that to be at Beacon, but the people wanted to see their returning heroes.

Am I a hero? Jaune wondered, watching the ramp descend and the sunlight blare in. I don't think so, but right now. Well, it'd be easy to believe it.

They wanted him to walk out first.

He'd begged Glynda and Roman not to abandon him.

As it was, the three of them walked out together, him slightly ahead and them flanking and step behind, as much as he'd been able to convince them to. No sooner had his first foot touched the metal step did the crowd go wild, roaring excitedly. If they chanted his name, he couldn't hear it. It was all a mess of noise and firecrackers.

Nervously, he raised a hand in greeting.

That was a mistake. If it had been loud before, it was deafening now. Stamping feet. Air horns. Screaming. Glynda removed her glasses and cleaned them with a cloth, as close to uncomfortable as she could look. Roman, naturally, basked in it like the narcissistic ass he could so often be. He swept his hat down and bowed like an actor facing an adoring audience.

"Thank you. Thank you. Yes, I am the hero of the hour, aren't I?"

Stupid as it was, the bravado calmed Jaune down a little. He grinned and elbowed the thief, continuing the rest of the way down and onto the tarmac, waving at – well, no one in particular. Just waving. It was enough for the crowds.

His departure was signal for the others and the professional huntsmen and huntresses exited next, greeted by cheers and confetti thrown high in the air, some even fired from canons to stream down on them. Jaune watched one huntress streak off and into the crowd, to be quickly swept up by a burly man who crushed her to his chest. Cameras flashed as they kissed, and what was a passionate and relieved greeting would probably be plastered everywhere for the next few years, much to their embarrassment. For now, though, it was an inspiring scene.

We did that, he thought. We made that possible.

Last were the students, those from Beacon returning home, and they earned no less a hero's welcome. Team RWBY waved happily and came over to stand by a proud Taiyang, one of the huntsmen who had answered the call to Atlas once Raven had finished with her portals. Oscar was with them, and it was definitely Oscar because he looked amazed by everything going on.

Team RVNN were also there, Pyrrha's smile a little fake but not entirely uncomfortable. She looked far more used to the cameras than her teammates, though Nora certainly wasn't afraid of the attention.

"I hope they don't expect a speech," Jaune said loudly to Glynda.

"And how would they even hear you?" She had to shout to be heard. "If there is, just say we're tired!"

Thankfully, it seemed no one was interested. Or those in charge knew it would never be heard anyway. There'd almost certainly be media attention and interviews in the coming days, but right now people just wanted to party. They waved and smiled at the crowds, drowning under a sea of confetti.

Ruby laughed and tossed some at Weiss' face, earning a scowl and a handful back. Yang threatened Blake with the same, only to be smacked first with a so much she tripped back, open mouth full of the stuff. Older huntsmen and huntresses fought their way through the crowd to family, reuniting while other people clamoured to pat their backs, shake a hand or just touch them. At the line where the guards kept the crowds back, hands were extended through for just a touch, and a couple of people were high-fiving and slapping their hands against those there, effectively walking down the line.

Jaune shook a few close to him just because it felt right. There were so many hands he could barely make out the faces they belonged to. His was swallowed up, patted, grasped and shook by the hand, wrist or elbow by so many people. It was ridiculous. Insane. There was no hiding his smile. Relief, joy and just plain old satisfaction burning through.

They'd been through hell. Just knowing they were doing the right thing was enough, but getting some recognition for it as well? It wasn't necessary but it made it all better.

Was it arrogant to say they deserved it?

If so, he didn't care.

Officials from the Vale Council came and spoke over speakers to inform people that there would be a medal ceremony in a few days, but they wanted time to make it special. The crowd roared louder still, waving their hands in the air. To Jaune's relief, they also mentioned that they'd do speeches and such later as well, and that their returning heroes no doubt wanted time to themselves, time to be with family, relax and get some well-earned rest.

How would anyone sleep in Vale? It was a relief to know they had their beds all the way over in Beacon! With vast expanses of Emerald Forest between them and Vale, there might be a chance to sleep without hearing all the partying.

Several Beacon Bullheads were parked nearby. That was lucky since there was no way they could have made it through the crowd without being swamped in well-wishers. Glynda led the students toward them and Jaune took one of the lead ones, climbing in alongside Neo, Cinder and Roman. He pitied the huntsmen left behind, for this was a horde they would have no chance of surviving unmolested. Not that many of them looked too worried about it.

They'd be celebrating in their own way and he doubted a single huntsman would have to pay for food, drink or anything else tonight.

As the Bullhead doors closed, the sound died out a little, insulated by the thick combat-proof armour. Jaune sat back, strapping himself in. Beacon awaited, and strange as it might have seemed, it felt like coming home.

"The adoration of the people," Cinder remarked. "Loved by Atlas and by Vale, already loved by Mistral for exposing the traitor. Allied with Menagerie and responsible for allowing them to overthrow the yoke of the White Fang. All that remains is Vacuo, a Kingdom in crisis in need of a saviour. How long will it be before Jaune Arc stands adored by all the peoples of Remnant?"

"Cinder…"

"Yes?"

"Don't ruin the mood."

The Winter Maiden chuckled and closed her eyes, conceding the point. Shade was a tragedy and they would fix it, but that could wait. It would have to because they couldn't do anything without the proper information. I'll have to pay Qrow back for this, he thought. He's going to be annoyed he missed out on the chance to have all the free drinks he can handle.

Beacon was still standing.

He was kind of surprised. Not just that Port and Oobleck could keep it so, but that Salem hadn't tried something while they were distracted. The thought had always been in the back of his mind. Seemingly, she'd targeted Shade instead. No wonder there hadn't been any reinforcements from Vacuo. As the Bullheads landed, the spires of Beacon remained as they always had, albeit the central tower missing and the misshapen totally-not-a-stolen-battleship forming the new General Ironwood Wing of the school.

The students who had remained, mostly first years, were absent. Tellingly so. Only Peter was there to greet them, and the man looked too smug for his own good.

"You're planning something," Jaune said as he jumped off and was pulled into a bear hug. "I see that smile. Don't tell me you and Bart are planning some big scene."

"Posh, lad. It's just a surprise welcoming back party. Play the part and act shocked!"

"Not much of a surprise if you tell us, Peter," Glynda remarked.

"As though you didn't expect it!" He released Jaune and came over to Glynda, who for the first time since he'd known her, allowed Peter his moment to wrap her up. Idly, she patted his shoulder.

"It's good to see you as well, Peter. Let's get this over with, shall we?"

"Ha! Never one for parties, were you?"

"That's not it. I'm simply determined to have a one on one party with my pillow and a torrid romance lasting a good ten hours." Despite the words, Glynda smiled at him. "Now let's get a move on. I'm sure the students are as exhausted as I."

"Hungry too," Jaune commented.

Peter laughed loudly. "There's food at the party, don't you worry."

In that case it had to be the cafeteria. The lights were off, and curtains had been drawn. Last he'd checked, the cafeteria didn't have curtains. That alone would have given it away, but the muttered chatter from within didn't help any. The students who had returned from Atlas elbowed one another at the door, exchanging grins and whispers as they waited for him to come and open them. Team RWBY and RVNN had fought their way to the front.

I guess everyone wants to welcome us home, he thought. Heh. Peter is right. I should play along.

It was their turn for fun. No point him ruining it. He placed both hands on the door and gave it a solid push, swinging it open.

A hundred voices shouted out as one. "Welcome home!"

The cafeteria tables had been pushed back to create an open space. Tables laden with food greeted them, not to mention the students, staff and teachers. Poppers went off and balloons, held by a net on the ceiling, were released to stream down. Shaking his head and hiding a smile, Jaune walked in, letting the others come in behind so they could experience the balloons drifting down around them. Ruby poked one in the air and Zwei barked eagerly, trying to bite one and only knocking it further away, chasing after it eagerly.

Everyone was there. Bart, Sienna, Tsune and even Kali. They'd strung two banners up, one draping beneath the other. The top one read simple – "Happy Birthday". Jaune snorted, wondering how long they'd tried to find one reading "Congrats on surviving a Grimm invasion" before giving up. Better the sentiment, he supposed.

The one hanging below it gave him pause, however. And caused an embarrassed squawk from beside him.

Congratulations on the baby.

"Fuck my life…"

"Gak. Ack. But I – but…" Blake covered her face with both hands.

"I told you there was reason to celebrate," Roman said, lowering his head behind her with a smug grin. "Didn't I, kitty-cat?"

"T-This is your fault. I hate you. I despise you!"

"Not me this time."

"My girl!" Kali Belladonna rushed up and glomped Blake, squashing her face into her chest. The reason for the banner became painfully, humiliatingly, obvious. "Oh, my girl and soon to be a mother. I'm so excited. And stealing him out from under the noses of so many other girls. Momma is so proud!"

For the love of…

Jaune turned to Ghira. "You do realise she isn't pregnant, yes?"

The large faunus grunted the affirmative.

"And your wife knows that as well?"

Another grunt.

"Then why-?"

"Blake sided with the White Fang, ran away from home, dated a psychopath and never even called when she decided against it," Ghira said softly. "We heard she'd left the White Fang, but we had no idea for the longest time whether she was alive or dead. Not a single call. Not even a postcard. Five years, Arc. Five years we waited."

"So this is what, punishment by embarrassment?"

"Yes." He crossed his arms and looked down on him. "Do you think it unwarranted?"

Did he? He'd lied to his own family but even then only about the specifics of his job. Otherwise, he'd been sending them regular letters and calls, and that was without them having to worry about whether he was alive or not. He was no father, but he could hazard a guess from his own on how important the wellbeing of your children were.

At their worst, they'd probably cried themselves to sleep.

The worst Blake had to face was a little embarrassment and teasing – and plenty of it. "No," he said. "I think this is fair. Though I'd appreciate it if Kali spared me."

"No can do."

He sighed. "Why?"

"You made out with her on live TV."

Jaune raised a finger. And let it fall. "Touché. Though in my defence, she made out with me, not the other way around."

"Noted. That's what spares you the angry father talk. I'm afraid it won't spare you Kali's potential-boyfriend-judging-talk." The man patted his shoulder. "For what little it's worth, I prefer you to Adam."

"You prefer me to a mass-murdering psychopath?" He sighed. "You're right. That does mean remarkably little. And we're still missing Jinn. You realise she probably hates your guts right now…"

"Oh, I'm sure. And I hope she knows I'm laughing at her misfortune even now."

He had a feeling she would. Jaune shook his head and looked back to Blake trying desperately to convince her mother she wasn't pregnant. Having it pointed out to him, he could see the clear signs Kali didn't really believe it, but she acted the part of a ditzy and blind mother and evaded all the evidence, talking about how she'd set up the Team RWBY dorm to have a crib and baby clothes, toys and books on mothering children.

Would she have taken the prank that far? Maybe. If she had, then she probably knew Team RWBY would take it and run with it for miles. It really depended on how vengeful she was feeling for Blake never getting in touch.

Makes me glad I'm such a momma's boy. Which reminds me, I'd best call mom and dad before bed. They'll have seen the news by now but that won't be enough to calm them down if I don't call at the first humanly possible moment.

He'd take Blake's example and not make the same mistake, thank you very much.

For now, though. Jaune coughed and raised his voice.

"All students!" His voice carried and echoed, making everyone go silent. "Enjoy your day and enjoy the rest of the week with no lessons. Rest, exchange stories and have fun. You're free to enter the city as you wish but be on your best behaviour. Welcome back to everyone, and good job on saving Atlas. Today, you're heroes. Every single one of you."

Cheers and whoops sounded, cans of pop clinking and fizzing open, spilling bubbles onto the floor. Oobleck and Port had even arranged for a disco set and DJ to start up some music, along with lights. It wasn't the school dance again, not with everyone in their combat gear and still tired, but with music, drink and take out and pizza by the Bullhead load, it was enough. Jaune snatched a full box of pizza before the crowd could crush him and slid back to the teachers, holding it open so they could each take a slice.

"Not that I want to sour the mood," Oobleck said loudly. "But what's the plan with Shade?"

"Qrow is on his way to look for survivors," Jaune replied. "His idea. He'll guide any he can to safety and report back on the situation. As far as we can tell, the attack is over and done with. There's nothing we can do by rushing there."

"And the Relic?" Roman asked. "Salem must have it."

"Almost guaranteed. Unless we're lucky and she couldn't find the Summer Maiden, but I'm not banking on it. I think they'd take the maiden before committing to an attack."

"Ozpin will be frustrated," Glynda said. "Though with any luck, her having the Relic will mean a retreat from Vacuo. She earns nothing by continuing an assault against the Kingdom itself. I know it's not a bright side, but…"

"It's still worth saying," Peter agreed. "Every huntsman who fell there would rest easier knowing their loved ones in the city aren't in danger. I have time off," he added. "Bart and I aren't needed to keep track of Beacon for now. How about we head off tomorrow to scout it out with Qrow? He might be able to use the help."

"I agree," Bart said. "We can be off in the morning."

"If you're sure…?" Jaune waited for them to nod firmly before agreeing. "Alright. Thanks, you two. We'll handle any work on your end and be careful! If she does have the Relic, there's nothing to gain by trying to reclaim Shade. Focus on saving who you can and shoring up Vacuo. Contact us if there's any trouble and we'll move to reinforce."

"If that's all?" Glynda licked her fingers clean and stole a botte of water off a table. "I really do need to rest. I'll see you tomorrow. Peter, Bart, please don't leave until I've had a chance to catch up. I need to know where Beacon stands. Jaune, Roman…" The last name was clipped but said without its usual ice. They were all too tired for it. "I shall see you all tomorrow. Goodnight, and enjoy the party."

They watched her go, before Jaune turned to the other men and raised a single eyebrow. "More pizza?"

"That's my boy," Peter guffawed. "To our victory feast!"

/-/

Oscar stepped out from the sound and the celebration, out onto the grassy gardens surrounding the cafeteria, where the sun was only just beginning to set, bathing the school in a red glow. The noise was still there, but it was quiet enough for him to speak.

"Ozpin?"

It took a long few seconds before there was a response. "Yes?"

"Are you… okay?"

"I exist, Oscar. That is all that I can ask for."

That wasn't what he meant and Ozpin knew it. He bit his lip. "I meant, with Vacuo. Shade. You… You haven't even said anything since the news was announced. I… I know I'm just a kid. I'm no one special. But we're in this together. You and me."

Ozpin chuckled. "You and I, Oscar. Not you and `me`."

"I know you're teaching but can we cut the `may I` go to the bathroom thing?"

"My apologies. After so long, it comes naturally." There was a faint sound like laughter in the recesses of his mind. "As for myself, I am… conflicted. The academies were formed by myself long ago, designed to act as a bulwark against Salem and the Grimm. Do you know the adage? That giving a man to fish will only feed him for a day but teaching him how will feed him for a lifetime. That was what the Academies represented."

"Yes. You taught people how to fight for themselves."

"Indeed. And I took pride in that. Now, to hear one has fallen and that I, its founder, could do nothing to protect it? That hurts. More than you might ever know. Those people trusted me-"

"No!" Oscar surprised even himself with the outburst. "That was hundreds of years ago. They trusted you to help them – and you did! You helped make the academy and taught them how to defend themselves, and they taught other people. You did everything you could. You did everything you were supposed to. This…" He shook his head. "This was a tragedy. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Ozpin took a deep breath. "Perhaps… you are correct. I'm not thinking straight, I admit. Time will fix that, as it does all wounds. For now, know that I am here and I am in thought. There is no denying we won a grand victory today, even if it was followed by a defeat. Thank you for your part in that, Oscar."

"My part? I didn't do anything."

"You allowed me to act through you when you didn't have to. This is your body, your life, what little of it remains thanks to the actions of myself, a parasite on your soul. I am killing you, Oscar, and yet you let me take some of that remaining time."

The reminder didn't hurt anymore. Maybe because it was no longer a surprise, not something he could ever forget. His time was limited. He had no idea how long that might be, but every day spent letting Ozpin control him was a day he couldn't have to himself.

"It's fine."

"How is it? How can any of this be fine, Oscar? I know the value of sacrifice. I know that sometimes one must suffer so that others may live, and I have made that choice before. I have sent people to their deaths knowingly. But even in those times, I have ever hated it. It has never been… never been fine. Never been something I did not despise myself for."

"It's fine," he repeated, smiling awkwardly. "Because I'm okay with it. I got to see all those people being happy, and even if I wasn't the one who fought and saved some people's lives, it was my body, so it was kind of like I did save people. Or we did. Together…"

"Yes." He felt Ozpin stir in his mind. "You and I, Oscar. Together. I could not have done it without you. We saved them."

"Then it's something I'll give up a day for. Or a week, a month or even a year. If it means my life meant something."

"All life has value. No matter how small."

"Hm." He agreed with a nod. "But if I don't have much of mine left, I… I'd want it to be worth a lot. I'd want to be remembered by someone." He looked down. "That came out wrong. I sound selfish. I'm not saying I want to be famous but-"

"I am eternal, Oscar. And I will never forget you. Believe me when I say that."

Oscar nodded again, blinking against tears. He kept his head down to hide them, though he wasn't sure who from. Ozpin could see and feel everything.

"You know, when the God of Light cursed me with this, he told me I would reincarnate in the bodies of those most like myself. I was a knight before I was a king. A warrior. A hero." His voice turned soft. "And I think I see now why you were chosen."

"H-Hah. Thanks…"

"I also think you're missing out on a party, Oscar. You're one of many heroes of this hour. Don't share the pain I have, don't wallow in my misery. Turn back and enjoy yourself. Celebrate this moment, this hour, and lose yourself in that."

"But what about yo-"

"Oscar?" Yang's voice interrupted him, the blonde hesitating by the pavement until he turned, and she saw it was him. "There you are!" she laughed, jogging over. "What are you doing out here, mister? Ruby was worried about you. Tch. You little twerp." She rubbed his head angrily. "Guess I was a little worried as well."

He flushed under the attention, feeling Ozpin retreat into his mind. "I just needed some fresh air."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't tell me you're shy in a party? C'mon, let me show you how it's done. We'll have some pizza and punch then tear up the dance floor!"

"P-Punch? I'm fourteen!"

"Eh. Fourteen. Eighteen. What's the difference?"

"Four years!"

"Tomato – toh-mah-to." Yang hooked an arm around his shoulder and steered him back to the party. "You're way too serious for being a conquering hero. Live a little. Have fun. We can deal with all the heavy crap in the morning."

Just push it away. Deal with it later? There had to be something wrong with that attitude, yet everyone was following it, even the headmaster and Professor Roman, who were busy trying to outdo one another in a drinking contest while Professor Port shouted "Chug, chug, chug!" over and over. Maybe, just maybe, they had the right of it.

And if Ozpin felt everything he did, that meant Ozpin would be forced to celebrate as well. He'd be forced into feeling better, being cheered up. Oscar nodded, bouncing along with her and back into the mess. In the back of his head, he heard Ozpin chuckling, and could imagine him shaking his head in amusement.

"Found him!" Yang yelled to her team, sweeping forward. "Now where's that punch. He needs to try some."

"Yang!" Weiss stamped her foot down. "He's fourteen!"

"Eh. Fourteen. Eighteen. What's the difference?"

Oscar burst out laughing.

Relax, make merry and deal with one problem at a time. It's a victory in Atlas even if Shade fell. Bit of a feel-good chapter. I wonder if anyone was reading it and just wondering when the shoe was going to drop. The quiet cafeteria would be full of dead students. Beacon would blow up. A Goliath would come crashing through the forest. Something.

Nope. Just a happy moment.

Next Chapter: 7th May

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur