I'm back baby! I know normally I promote TheBurningRuler or Nightmare 6-4 but this time I want you guys to go check out a new author to the site Keyblade Guardian Ace. He's got good ideas for stories and I finally convinced (corrupted) him to try writing one of them out. Anyway, on to the reviews.
SuperSaiyajin4Vegeta: Normally yes, however I wanted Cardin and his team to seem like more of a threat.
Jerrend: I confirm nothing! *jumping out the window*
"We should get you to the infirmary." Pyrrha said.
"We'll take care of Hailey." Yang said.
I finally noticed the blood running down my arm.
"Alright." I said.
Yang and Ren took Hailey out of the training hall and Pyrrha and I headed for the infirmary. When we got there Cardin's teammates were leaving. They looked pissed. Russel walked up to us.
"If you thought what we did to you was bad before. You and that faunus bitch are in for a rude awakening. What little life you have left will be a fucking nightmare." Russel said.
The three of them left and we walked in. The doctor patched me up but informed me I was to stay until Ozpin arrived.
"Why would Ozpin be coming in?" Pyrrha asked.
"Probably just because of who was involved in the 'accident.' Plus, I'm sure Cardin and his team lied about what actually happened." I said.
"What did happen? We were distracted trying to stop Cardin's team from getting to Hailey we didn't get a good look." She asked.
"I'm not entirely sure. Cardin was about to stab me and then he stopped. I looked over and Hailey's holding her hand out and it was like she was controlling him somehow. I think she finally unlocked her semblance. Much to her dismay." I said.
"I can't believe that she would actually try to kill Cardin though." She said.
"That's the thing though. It's like she was in a trance. I tried talking her out of it, but it's like nothing was getting though to her. I don't know if that is part of it or what happened. I know she wanted him dead, but she wouldn't actually try to kill him." I said worried.
"Once everything has calmed down, we can try talking to her." She said. I think she could tell it was still bothering me. "Once we're done talking with Ozpin we'll go check on her."
"Do you think I did the right thing?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Do you think I should have fought him?" I asked.
"It probably wasn't the smartest decision, but your heart was in the right place." She said.
"Well said Ms. Nikos." Ozpin said entering the room.
"I can explain." I said.
"Please do." He said sitting in the chair across the room.
I told him all of the events leading up to me and Cardin being admitted to the infirmary.
"You witnessed and can attest to all of this Ms. Nikos?" He asked.
"Yes." She said.
"I'll be matching the stories with the footage in order to make my decision. For now, I suggest the two of you return to Ms. Sakura. If what you've told me is true, she'll need all the support she can get." He said about to leave the room
"How bad is Cardin's condition?" I asked.
"He's stable. A day or so here and he'll be released." He said heading out of the room.
"I'm kinda surprised you asked about Cardin." Pyrrha asked.
"Hailey has enough to worry about already. I didn't want her to have death on her hands too." I said.
The two of us rushed to team RWBY's dorm. When we got there Hailey was sitting on Weiss' bed with Ruby sitting next to her trying to comfort her.
Before we could shut the door, it was pushed open by a girl with long brown hair with white tips wearing a dark orange flannel shirt with a white puffer vest overtop and black pants.
"What the hell is your problem!" The girl yelled storming over to Hailey.
She was soon followed by a guy with light purple temple fade hair wearing a white shirt, a gray waistcoat and an open long white overcoat and white pants. Along with another girl with dark brown hair in a ponytail wearing a white ruffled blouse, a light brown pleated skirt with a maroon cloak.
"Just cause you have some problem with Sky's team doesn't give you the right to attempt to kill them!" The light brown haired girl said.
"Um, excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are bursting into our dorm and bitching her out like that?" Yang asked trying to push her way in front of Hailey.
"Besides what happened was an accident." Pyrrha said trying to calm the situation down.
"Mars Mellow. Her team leader. She's got some fucking bullshit problem with Cardin and I'm supposed to believe that her trying to kill him was an accident. If you believe that I've got some real estate in Atlas I'll sell you. I don't get why the hell you people keep defending her. You've gotta be pretty fucking delusional to believe whatever lies she's been feeding you all." Mars said.
"You're the delusional one of you can't see she's been crying for help from you assholes. Poor excuse for a leader too." Yang said.
"What on Remnant would make you think she's faking being attacked by Cardin?" Ruby asked.
"He's a bully to multiple other students. For all the harm he's caused others he got what he deserved!" Nora yelled.
"Bullying? The people here are training to be huntsman and huntresses. If they can't handle a little heckling from other students then they have no reason being here." The purple haired guy said.
"That doesn't make it right to ignore your teammate when she's constantly harassed!" I yelled.
"This coming from the kid who wants to keep playing superhero like he's still five. Grow up. She's just making you all feel sorry for her. If it wasn't true she'd be defending herself right now. Instead she's just sitting there quietly because she knows the truth is finally out to all of you." Mars said.
"Get out." Ruby said sternly.
"Whatever. Don't say we didn't warn you idiots." Mars said.
The three of them walked out with Yang slamming the door behind them.
"And with that I'm finally convinced Jaune is qualified to be a leader if that thing can be one." Weiss said.
"Figures they get along perfectly with Cardin's team. They're just as horrible people." Yang said.
I walked over and sat next to Hailey.
"It'll be okay. What happened was just an accident You have witnesses that can back you up. Pyrrha and I already explained what happened to Ozpin." I said.
"I wish I'd never unlocked my semblance…" Hailey said quietly.
"It may not be what you'd have hoped for, but there is one positive that came out of it." I said.
"How could anything positive come from this…" Hailey asked.
"There's a good change you saved my life." I said.
Hailey looked at me with a hint of confusion.
"Cardin was probably looking to kill me in there. If you hadn't stopped him There's a good chance I might not be here anymore." I said.
"He's right, as grim as it may seem now, if you hadn't intervened the ending could have been much worse." Pyrrha said.
"I… guess I hasn't thought about that…" Hailey said.
I stood up and kneeled down in front of her.
"My lady, my life is forever in your debt. Whatever you wish I shall do all I can to make it a reality." I said.
"Th-that's not necessary." Hailey said her face growing red and a slight smile.
"I did get you to smile though." I said.
"C-can we just head back to your room? I think some tea would help right now." Hailey said.
"As you wish." I said.
Pyrrha and Weiss ended up walking to our room with us. When we entered the room Archer and Ariana were inside.
"Welcome back you two." Ariana said.
"Hey, I hope you guys don't mind if Hailey goes and makes some tea in our kitchen." I said.
"Not at all sugar." Ariana said.
"It's fine with me." Archer said.
"Thank you both." Hailey said making her way to the kitchen.
Once there Archer spoke again.
"I need to speak with you three." Archer said.
Weiss, Pyrrha, Archer and I went into the hallway.
"We have a situation. I don't know what happened with you and Ms. Sakura but apparently there are some rather uncomforting rumors starting to go around." Archer said.
"What like about them dating or something?" Weiss asked.
"Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. If it were, I'd simply ignore it. Ariana heard some other student's mentioning that she tried killing all of team CRDL, as well as some other rumors to varying degrees of severity around the topic. I may not know a lot about the girl, but I find it hard to believe that she would be able to kill another student. Regardless of what he's already done to her. Some of these rumors involving you." Archer said.
"Of course, there is." I said rubbing the back of my neck.
"They sure don't waist any time trying to ruin her life." Pyrrha said.
"How are they able to keep getting away with this?" Weiss asked.
"I don't need to know the true details of what happened. I know regardless they most likely aren't true and completely fabricated, especially with who's involved. However, since you and Ms. Sakura are involved, I figured you should know." Archer said.
"Then why not tell her too?" Weiss asked.
"Because if these rumors spread so quickly in one afternoon with no prior spark. Clearly it was something bad that must have happened recently. Knowing tea can have calming effects I assumed whatever happened was stressful enough. Combined with her prior situation, I figured it would be better if she heard it from someone she trusted better. Since Cian has become her personal, guardian angel, if you will. I knew he'd do all he could to make things better for her, thus softening the blow." Archer said.
"I… I'm pretty sure there was a compliment in that. There's just a lot to take in with that statement." I said.
"We should probably return inside." Archer said.
"Right." I said exhausted.
"We'll let everyone else know about the situation." Weiss said.
"Let us know if you need anything." Pyrrha said.
"Thanks." I said.
The two of them walked away leaving Archer and I by the door.
"Do you have a plan?" Archer asked.
"I wish. This whole situation just keeps getting harder." I said.
"In my experience. The best thing to do is to stay by her side until things blow over. They always do eventually. With the coming storm she'll need someone by her to keep her from doing something drastic." Archer said.
"Sounds easier said than done." I said. 'Experience? What does he mean by that?'
"It will be. I don't doubt you'll be able to handle the task." He said before re-entering the room.
I followed in and went into the kitchen to check on Hailey. She had just finished pouring herself a cup when I waked in.
"How you doing?" I asked.
"I'd be better if this day never happened." She said.
"I mean it started out good right?" I asked.
"I guess so…" She said.
"I mean you got to remember my little mistake from the airship. We had a good time with Coco and Velvet, right?" I asked.
She gave a small smile before taking a sip of her tea.
"Yeah. Although I have a question." She said.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I know I asked this when we first met, but… Why do you care…? Why have you spent so much time worrying about me? I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, but I just have a hard time understanding why." She said.
I sat at the table and started rubbing my neck again.
"Like I said the first time. I saw someone who was a victim just like me. I never expected things to turn out like this though." I said.
"That's why I'm asking. If it was just simple bullying and hadn't turned into this, I feel I would be able to understand better. For some reason after you found out everything. Here you are still here. I don't understand." She said.
"Honestly… I'm not really sure either. Right now, I'm trying to think of a way to word what I'm thinking that doesn't make you sound like a nuisance, because you're not. At first it was because I just wanted to help you. Along the way I felt like we became good friends. I made it my goal to make sure things got better for you. I couldn't stand seeing you upset. I still hate it." I said.
"It means that much to you to see me smile?" She asked sitting across from me.
"It does. I can't explain why exactly." I said.
"You know you aren't gonna be able to protect me forever…" She said.
I gave a small laugh. "Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things are going to work out. But if you keep an open mind and an open heart, who knows how things can turn out."
"You almost make it sound like you are gonna try to protect me forever." She said.
"I'm trying to say never give up hope on there being a brighter future. No matter how dark things seem to be. Maybe I won't be able to protect you forever. You never know though. Maybe someone will come along and they'll do a better job than me." I said.
"And if no one does?" She asked.
"I'm not sure. I'm sure we'll figure something out though" I said.
"I really don't understand you some days. Regardless, I'm glad we became friends. I'd hate to think how things might have gone if I hadn't met you that day." She said.
"Same." I said.
Shortly after there was a knock at our door. I got up to check it out but gestured for Hailey to stay put. I cracked the door open and looked out to see Archer answered the door to two of Hailey's teammates.
"Is this where Hailey is hiding out?" The light purple haired guy asked.
"Perhaps." Archer said blocking the door with Ariana right behind him. "State your business."
"We brought the rest of her shit. We just wanna know if this is where we're dumping it." He said.
"You're kicking her out?" Archer asked.
"I'm assuming your doing it without letting her know too?" Ariana asked.
"She's been nothing but a nuisance from the beginning anyway. Won't be long and she'll get kicked out anyway with what happened today. So it's not like she'll be your problem for long anyway." The dark brown haired girl said.
"Just hand us her stuff and go." Ariana said.
"We'll let her know, so don't bother. The less interactions she has with you the better." Archer said.
"Whatever." The guy said as the two of them each handed a box to my teammates.
The pair walked off and Archer closed the door.
"Those jackasses!" Ariana yelled.
I closed the door and turned to Hailey.
"What happened?" She asked worried.
"Well there's good news and bad news…" I said.
"What's the good news?" She asked.
"Well… you don't have to worry about your team anymore." I said nervously.
"What does that mean?" She asked.
Ariana entered the kitchen at that point with Archer following behind her.
"Ms. Sakura we have some troubling news." Archer said.
"Yeah… I was just getting to that…" I said.
"I'm sorry Hon, but your team sorta… kicked you out…" Ariana said.
"Two of your former teammates, Hydra and Tara I believe, dropped your stuff off." Archer said.
Hailey sat silent for a moment.
"So… what's the bad news?" She asked.
The three of us looked at each other unsure how to respond.
"I mean the only bad thing I can think of is that I'll have to be a burden to the four of you at least another day. Which I apologize for." Hailey said.
"There's a lot to unpack with that." I said.
"I can understand your shock, but it's up to Ozpin what happens with our teams after tomorrow right? So like I said I'm sorry you have to accommodate me another night. I-if that's alright I mean." Hailey said.
"It's not a problem Hon. I guess we're just a little surprised how well you're taking this news." Ariana said.
Archer nodded in agreement. "In that case I guess there's nothing more to discuss on the matter. I would recommend going though your stuff and make sure they didn't keep any of your belongings. With what they pulled it wouldn't surprise me. If anything is missing inform Ariana or I and we'll help you retrieve it." Archer said leaving the room. Ariana followed shortly after.
Hailey started laughing quietly slowly growing louder. Her laughter soon changed to crying. As if everything from the day hit her all at once.
I went to sit next to her, but she stood up and buried her face in my right shoulder and grabbed my shirt tight with her right hand. I felt my scroll go off and saw a message from Ariana.
"Archer and I are gonna step out. I made sure to lock the door. Let us know if you need anything." Ariana said.
"Thanks." I replied.
I walked Hailey out into the main room and sat on the edge of my bed with her.
"I'm so sorry…" Hailey said.
"You have nothing to apologize for. Besides, I have a plan." I said taking my scroll out again.
"What?" She asked.
"Check this out." I said showing her what I was typing.
"I don't get it. How is that gonna make anything better? From what you've told me this would more than likely just cause more issues." She said.
"Trust me this is gonna be awesome. Plus, whatever issues it causes is their problem, not yours." I said.
Once she calmed down Hailey began going though her stuff making sure everything was there.
"There's a few things missing but nothing important enough to go back for. It would just be easier to get new." She said.
"You sure? With what they pulled I'm sure Ariana would go full diva to get anything back. Might give you a good laugh." I said.
"The stuff I'm missing isn't worth dealing with them. Besides they'd probably just say I was lying anyway." Hailey said.
"That does remind me. Who we're the two who dropped your stuff off anyway?" I asked.
"The guy was Hyrda Ranger and the girl was Tara Meso. You met our two-faced bitch of a leader Mars earlier." She said putting her stuff back together.
Before I could respond I got a message letting me know my plan was on.
"I just got the confirmation on my plan. So, if you don't mind, care to tell me what you meant by the two-face remark?" I asked.
"Not much to tell. We hit it off okay during initiation. Once she started dating Sky and his team started hanging around she turned on me. I tried telling her what Cardin was doing to me. She never bothered to investigate it and thought I was just saying it to get attention. Then somehow she got the idea I was making that stuff up to try and steal Sky from her. No matter what I said she wouldn't listen. Then she turned the rest of the team on me." She said.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I said.
"It doesn't matter. I don't have to deal with her anymore so I don't care." She said.
"We don't know that for sure yet." I said trying to keep up the act.
"I do. I'm clearly not welcome there no matter what Ozpin decides… I guess if he doesn't grant me out I'll just leave Beacon…" She said.
I couldn't tell if she was doing this for an act or if she was serious. Maybe both.
"I'm not letting you give up." I said.
She perked up and looked at me. Like I had surprised her with my response.
"I-I mean… what kind of hero would I be if I just let you quit?" I said.
She let out a small chuckle. "Could always run away with me. We'll form our own team. You did pretty much promise to protect me the rest of my life anyway."
I could feel my face turn red. Making her laugh a little more.
I let out a sigh before I spoke again. "At least your smiling again."
"That's what you care about most right?" She asked.
"Yeah" I said smiling. 'That's the truth right? Why does it feel like a lie?'
I made Hailey and I something to eat since we'd missed dinner. My teammates came back about an hour later. Proton was given a brief rundown of the situation. I couldn't really tell if he cared or not. Either way he didn't have any objections to it. Hailey once again took my bed to sleep in.
The next morning the five of us got ready to head to classes. Coco informed us that she her team had to help with something this morning so she wouldn't be able to meet up with us. Ariana was more than happy to stay with us until classes. Archer and Proton went ahead.
"Before we go you two. Cian did you inform her about what Archer told you yesterday?" Ariana asked.
"No, with everything else I must have forgotten…" I said.
"What's going on now?" Hailey asked.
"Hon I'm afraid someone has started spreading rumors about you from whatever happened yesterday between you and team CRDL. Some of them are worse than others." Ariana said.
Hailey sighed. "I guess I should have expected that…"
"Sorry I didn't tell you." I said.
"It's alright. With everything else that happened last night this is kinda minor right?" Hailey said.
"Yeah. I mean they are just words, right?" I said. 'I'm amazed she's taking this so well.'
"Come on we should get going." Ariana said.
The three of us headed to our first class. Along the way I could tell Hailey was getting bothered by what the others were saying.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, no problem… um, I know this is kinda weird but would it be okay if I held your hand…" Hailey asked.
"S-sure." I said. 'She just asked thinking it would calm her down. Right?'
I gave her my hand and I saw a small smile return to her face as well as a little blush. We continued to class with a quick stop in the cafeteria for me to get a cup of coffee. We got to class, and we saw Jaune and Weiss had arrived before anyone else so the two of us decided to sit with them.
"Hey guys. You doing alright Hailey?" Jaune asked.
"I've been better, but I guess there's no point in worrying too much until Ozpin makes his decision." Hailey said.
"Kinda weird to see the two of you together here so early." I said.
"Says the two that walked in holding hands." Weiss said.
The two of us blushed as if we'd both forgotten about that.
"I asked her to help me out with one of the assignments I was having trouble with." Jaune said.
"You know Weiss, if I didn't know better. I'd say you've warmed up to Jaune and I since we first met." I said.
"I will admit that while your first impressions were abysmal. The two of you have proven to be more dignified than I first anticipated." Weiss said.
"That was a compliment, right?" Jaune asked.
Weiss sighed and gave a small smile. "Yes."
"She's just glad we don't call her Ice Queen." I said.
"That… is a helpful benefit." Weiss said.
"Aww isn't this cute. All of the love birds are sitting together." Yang said as her, Ruby and Blake sat in the row behind us.
"What are you talking about?" Weiss and I both asked. While I was confused, Weiss seemed angry as usual.
"The four of you just look so cute in your couples." Yang said.
"You are so delusional if you think I'd date one of these two." Weiss said.
"Whatever you say Ice Queen." Yang said causing Hailey to laugh a bit.
"You seem to be in a good mood for everything that's happened since yesterday." Blake said.
"Especially since it seems to have only gotten worse since the fight with all the rumors." Weiss said.
"If only that'd been the end of it." Ariana said moving next to Hailey.
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.
"Those asshole 'teammates' of hers kicked her out. Took all of her stuff and dropped it off with us." Ariana said.
"You've gotta be kidding me." Blake said.
"Can they even do that? Even without your meeting, which I assume they don't even know about, they can't expect that to go unnoticed by Ozpin." Weiss said.
"Guys I appreciate that you care, but don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll work out." Hailey said.
Jaune and team RWBY sat stunned by her response.
"It's good to see you being optimistic about this, but aren't you afraid you getting your hopes up?" Blake asked.
"She's right, nothing set in stone yet." Weiss said.
"Probably. I don't know what it is. I just have a good feeling things are gonna start getting better starting today." Hailey said.
"I hope you're right" Ruby said.
Doctor Oobleck came in shortly after to start class. After first period had ended he informed us that Ozpin wanted to see mine and Hailey teams immediately. The three of us met up with Archer and Proton and headed over towards Ozpin's tower. Outside the elevator we met up with Hailey's former teammates.
"I hope your fucking happy now. Sky and his team got expelled and it's your fault. I'm guessing whatever he wants our teams for is your fault too." Mars said clearly pissed.
'That must be what Coco's team was busy with.' I thought.
"Girl you may wanna wait till after Ozpin talks to us to stir up trouble. Might make things worse for yourself if ya don't." Ariana said.
"My boyfriend got kicked out, how could this get worse?" Mars asked.
"You could get demoted from team leader." Archer said.
"You could get kicked out." Ariana said.
"Could get dropped in a Grimm infested forest while handcuffed." Proton said.
"I was being sarcastic." Mars said.
"I'm well aware and do not care." Proton said.
Before Mars could respond, the elevator door opened, and we got on. When the door opened back, up the eight of us walked in and stood in front of Ozpin's desk. Team CFVY was standing in the back of the office by the doorway.
"I understand there have been multiple issues on both of your teams. From what I've heard there are issues that none of you are willing to cooperate with. The eight of you are supposed to be working together within your teams." Ozpin said.
"Sir if you would let me explain." Mars started. Ozpin held his hand up stopping her from continuing.
"Normally if my students refused to learn to cooperate with each other after this long they would be expelled. A good huntsman needs to be able to work with others regardless if they get along. I admit I've made some mistakes in my time as headmaster of this academy. However, I believe that expelling all of you would be a waste of good talent. Therefore, rather than doing the latter. I will be doing something that I have only had to do one other time as headmaster. I'll be switching members around between your teams. Ms. Sakura and Mr. Tealos. The two of two will be switching teams." Ozpin said.
"Yes sir." Archer and Hailey said. Archer with a hint of annoyance, and Hailey with relief.
"That's not all. It was brought to my attention, Ms. Mallow, that your team had intended to forcefully remove Ms. Sakura from your team last night. Is this true?" Ozpin asked.
"Sir I can explain." Mars started.
"Is it true?" Ozpin asked more firmly.
Mars sighed. "Yes sir."
"I shouldn't have to explain how disappointed I am with you and your team's actions." Ozpin said.
"Yes sir…" Mars said.
"That being said. Mr. Tealos and Mr. Riley. The two of you shall take over as leaders of your respected teams." Ozpin said.
"Yes sir." Archer and I said.
"This will be the final warning your teams get. If I hear that your teams still refuse to get along, I will have no other option than expulsion. Is that understood?" Ozpin asked.
"Yes sir." The eight of us said.
"Very well. You may return to your classes. Save for Ms. Sakura, Ms. Adel and Mr. Riley." Ozpin said.
Mars, Hydra and Tara were the first to head down. With Archer, Proton and Ariana heading down afterward with Velvet, Yatsuhashi and Fox.
"Ms. Sakura." Ozpin started in a calmer tone. "I'd like to express my apologies for what has happened to you since coming to Beacon. I expect my students to be more respectable than that. However, I understand that what happened to you isn't an easy topic to discuss in any form. That it can happen to anyone. I see a great deal of potential in you though. I know it isn't something you'll be able to overcome quickly. I think that if you can, you will become a great huntress."
"I really appreciate that sir." Hailey said.
"Mr. Riley, with the other members of your team being under watch. I must ask why you thought it would be a wise idea to have Archer placed as the new leader of Ms. Sakura's former team." Ozpin asked.
"Something about this last weekend showed a side of my teammates I'd never seen before. It was actually able to make them cooperate. Not only that it was to help someone they hardly knew. Maybe I'm being too trusting but something makes me feel like they aren't evil. I still feel like they are hiding something, but I'm not sure what anymore. Also, there may have been a small plan for a minor form of revenge against Hailey's ex-teammates for all they've put her though." I said.
"You'll understand if I'm suddenly less confident in your decision having told me that?" Ozpin asked.
"It's nothing that's gonna start a huge fight or anything. Just some minor inconveniencing" I said.
"Mr. Riley, I hope you know what you're doing. Seeing your actions lately and hearing what you've planned to help Ms. Sakura in particular. Not to mention the other students who were being abused by team CRDL. I am still on the fence about giving you this responsibility. I want you to prove that I've made the right decision." Ozpin said.
"I gave one hell of a recommendation too, so don't let me down kid." Coco said.
"I'll admit it's gonna take a bit to get used to this, but I don't intend on letting you down." I said.
"I look forward to it. You are dismissed." Ozpin said.
The three of us took the elevator down.
"Since Cardin and his team has been removed from Beacon the two of you should be free to go around without backup." Coco said.
"You gonna miss playing babysitter?" I asked.
"Not a chance. You guys ever need anything though let us know, and if you notice anything suspicious with those three let us know." Coco said before splitting from us.
"Cardin's gone, my team got an upgrade from Archer, and if we walk slow, we'll miss Port's class. This day has been awesome so far." I said.
I was stopped when Hailey suddenly wrapped her arms around me and hugged me.
"Thank you. For everything." She said.
"Just another day for The Hero of Beacon." I said.
She released the hug and stepped back a bit.
"Please be serious for a bit. Everything you've done for me means more than you could ever imagine. Especially since you didn't have to do any of this from the start." She said.
"I wasn't just gonna ignore it either." I said.
"I know. It's just who you are. Regardless it means everything to me. I can't even begin to think of a way to pay you back." She said.
"Then maybe we should just call us even?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Did you already forget that you saved my life yesterday? There's no way I'd have been able to repay you for that. So maybe we just call it even?" I asked.
"A-alright." She said.
We started heading to class when the bell went off signaling it was over.
"Oh, darn guess we'll just have to head to lunch instead." I said.
We changed direction and headed for the Cafeteria instead. Not long after we'd arrived teams RWBY and JNPR joined us.
"So, how'd it go?" Jaune asked.
"It's official, Hailey is on my team now." I said.
"That's great!" Ruby exclaimed.
"Then who got moved to her old team?" Blake asked.
"Archer." I said.
"He switched your leader over. That doesn't make sense." Weiss said.
"Well Ozpin didn't take it very well that they kicked her out. So, he made Archer the leader of their team." I said.
"Then who's your team's new leader?" Ruby asked.
"You're looking at him. Apparently, he was impressed with the way I was handling this whole situation and thought I'd make a good replacement." I said.
"I still think you were being kinda reckless with your decisions." Yang said.
"Well you look at the other options on that team there wasn't really a better choice. Proton is a dark brooding loner, and Ariana seems like she could only lead someone to the bedroom." Nora said.
"If Jaune and Ruby can be classified as leaders that I don't see why he can't. They all seem to have similar mindsets." Weiss said.
"I can never tell if your complimenting us or insulting us." I said.
After lunch we made our way to our remaining classes. In Goodwitch's class Jaune and I had to team up against Blake and some silver haired guy from Mistral that's here for the Vytal Festival. I don't remember what Goodwitch said his name was though. Jaune and I ended up losing, but I wasn't that surprised. While Jaune's combat has seemed to improve lately he still seems to be lacking a bit. My fighting the last couple days really showed me how much I rely on my gloves and semblance. I need to start training more without them. Especially when it comes to Professor Greene's class. Glowing metal and stealth are a terrible combination.
Once classed were over for the day Hailey and I headed back to our dorm finding Archer packing his things.
"I can certainly say I didn't expect to be the one switched out. The idea of Proton being right about something stings more than I expected it to. Regardless at least I'll be keeping my status as leader." Archer said.
"Oh, trust me I'm gonna savor this." Proton said relaxing on his bed.
"I'm a little surprised at the situation myself. Who knows, maybe this will be a better arrangement for everyone involved." I said.
"Yeah, he can go pull his Irondick routine on those assholes instead of me." Proton said.
"Alright, that's enough. Things weren't that bad with him as leader, were they?" I asked.
"You don't have to feign that you liked me just cause I'm leaving." Archer said.
"Who said I'm faking? I thought some of your tactics had potential. They were just used on the wrong people. With the right audience I think they could do great. In fact, I have a little going away present for you." I said walking over to my bed and reaching for something under it.
"The plausibility of that seems very unlikely." Archer said.
I walked over and held out my hand revealing his whistle that he'd used on us day one. "Use it in good health."
"Why do you have this?" Archer asked.
"Ariana stole it a couple days after you used it and told me to hide it just in case. She figured you'd never expect me to have it." I said.
Archer sighed before taking the whistle. "As much as I hate to admit this. She wasn't wrong."
"I got something for ya too." Proton said standing up. He stood at attention and saluted Archer.
"What's the catch?" Archer said.
Proton cleared his throat before continuing. "Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye"
"I should have expected that." Archer said.
"At least I gave you the salute. That's meeting someone, halfway right?" Proton asked.
"I mean it is the closest thing to respect you've gotten from him." I said.
"Sad, but true." Archer said.
"That being said. Proton you can help him carry his stuff to his new room." I said earning a small smile from Archer.
"Oh, bull… ah screw it. It was worth it." Proton said grabbing a box.
"Good luck Cian." Archer said. grabbing his other box and the two headed out the door.
Hailey and I spent the about the next hour setting Hailey stuff up in the room.
Once Ariana and Proton came back, I stood in the center of the room.
"Alright listen up. I wanna lay out some ground rules." I said.
"Fuck off!" Proton yelled causing himself, Ariana and me to laugh.
"I was just gonna say don't do anything stupid." I said.
"To which I restate. Fuck off." Proton said.
"That's fair." I said.
"Dude you have no idea how happy I am to be rid of him." Proton said.
"Was he really that bad?" Hailey asked.
"The first day he tried that ground rules bullshit and was trying to tell us when we had to be in the room and everything. He would have tried more rules if we hadn't told him to fuck off." Proton said.
"You told him off the first night Cian?" Hailey asked seemingly surprised I would do that.
"Well…" I started.
"He sure did. Should have seen the kid go off on him." Ariana said.
I sighed. "Actually, that's about all I got to say before they cut me off and continued into him. Also why do you call me kid? Aren't we about the same age?"
"Because I know it gets to you. Now that all the serious stuff is done, I can go back to having fun with people." Ariana said.
"I was wondering how long that would last. Just lay off our 'glorious leader,' pretty sure the Kitsune has laid claim. Wouldn't wanna make her jealous." Proton said.
Hailey started turning red.
"Now where would the fun be in that? Besides I'm pretty sure he's immune to it by now anyway." Ariana said.
"I'm right here." I said.
"Don't remind her or she'll try proving her point." Proton said.
"While it would be entertaining. I've got a much better idea in mind." Ariana said.
"Didn't I just say don't do anything stupid?" I said.
"I'll be careful. I just wanna test a theory I've been working on." Ariana said.
"Why does that scare me?" I asked.
"Sugar I'm pretty sure anything I do scares you. If it makes you feel better, it doesn't involve you." Ariana said.
"Somehow that doesn't make me feel better." I said.
"You'll be better off just letting it happen. It will regardless if you do anything." Proton said.
"Sadly, you're probably right." I said.
Soon after the four of us passed out. The next morning, I insisted Ariana didn't have to wait for us since I wanted to test if Coco was right. Hailey and I headed for the Cafeteria on our own. Along the way I felt something trip me up and I fell forward.
"There was nothing fucking there. What the fuck did I trip on now?" I asked.
"Did you have a nice trip?" A familiar voice asked.
I looked up and saw a girl with green hair and darker skin standing in front of me holding her hand out.
"Emerald?" I asked.
"Been a while eh Cian?" Emerald said.
I accepted her hand and she helped me up.
"About eight years." I said shocked. "What happened to you? Aelita was so upset when you disappeared. We thought you'd died."
"It's… a long story…" Emerald said before finally noticing Hailey. "Aren't you the girl all the rumors are going around about?"
"Unfortunately…" Hailey said.
"Well don't let them get to you. From what I've heard if there is any truth to them, I'm sure he deserved whatever he got." Emerald said.
"Thanks…" Hailey said.
"I suppose I should explain. Hailey this is Emerald Sustrai. She was from the same village as me. She was one of my sister's friends. In other words, they had fun ganging up on me and torturing me." I said.
"Oh, come on. It wasn't that bad." Emerald said.
"Not on your end." I said.
"Duh," Emerald said.
"N-nice to meet you." Hailey said.
"Likewise. By the way, whatever he says about me take with a grain of salt. Pretty sure he'll probably exaggerate most of it." Emerald said.
"Doubt it." I said.
"Aww poor Cy." Emerald said putting her arm around me. "You know you missed me."
"Your talking to the wrong Riley on that one. I think you owe me some answers more than anything. I don't think you get how upset Aelita was." I said removing her arm.
Emerald sighed. "Alright, I get it. After classes I'll explain." She said.
"You'd better." I said.
Emerald took off leaving me and Hailey.
"Cian? You alright?" Hailey asked.
I took a deep breath. "I'll be fine. Let's just go, I need some coffee before I go off."
Hailey grabbed my hand which caught me off guard.
"I'm not sure what happened between you two, but I'm here for you." Hailey said.
"Thanks." I said with a slight smile. "I'll explain on the way."
We continued to the cafeteria and I explained how Emeralds parents were good friends with mine. That my sister and her got along immediately to my dismay. They were killed in the same attack that claimed my dad. She'd never been found so the village assumed she'd been a victim as well. Aelita was devastated when she'd found out that she'd lost her dad and one of her best friends. So, seeing her not only alive, but in a huntsman academy was quite a shock.
When we reached the cafeteria, Weiss was storming out towards the classroom.
"Weiss, everything alright?" Hailey asked.
Weiss stormed up to me.
"I know it's only been one day, but I hope you're better at keeping your teammates in line than that poor excuse for a leader you previously had." Weiss said holding a finger in my face.
"For fuck sake. What did Ariana do now?" I asked.
"How do you know it was her?" Hailey asked.
"It was her." Weiss and I both said. Her angry and me annoyed.
"She's back to her normal infuriating ways." Weiss said.
"Stay here, I'll be right back." I said.
I walked in and grabbed a coffee before briefly talking to Ariana just to ask what she did.
"All I did was have a little fun with Jaune. My plan didn't work exactly as I hoped, but it did add to my theory." Ariana said.
I sighed. Just back off him for the rest of the day. Please." I said.
"No problem sugar." Ariana said before heading to another table.
I walked out and told Hailey and Weiss to follow me to class. We got there and sat in the front row again. Luckily there weren't many other students here yet.
"Okay, I know I'm gonna regret asking this. Was it Ariana's behavior that bothered you or who she was doing it too?" I asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Weiss asked.
"Because depending how you answer I'll have a different response." I said.
"Does it really matter that much?" Hailey asked.
"I've dealt with Ariana long enough to know what she's up to. So, I ask again. The behavior itself, or who she was doing to?" I asked.
"It shouldn't matter! That kind of behavior is deplorable!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Alright. Calm down. If my guess is correct, she probably thinks there is something going on between you and Jaune. So, she figured if she messes with him and you react then it confirms it." I said.
"You're joking right? Me and him? That's ridiculous." Weiss said trying to hide her slight blush.
"Well sadly for you she got one of the reactions she was looking for so in her mind you either confirmed it or added to it." I said.
"That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Weiss calm down." Hailey said.
"All your yelling is just gonna add to the suspicion. If it makes you feel better, I told her to back off." I said.
"Whatever." Weiss said.
I looked over to Hailey she shrugged. Shortly before classes started, I got a message on my scroll from Emerald.
"We'll meet up in the courtyard. Come alone." She said.
"How did she get your number?" Hailey asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." I said.
I messaged back that I would.
"Are you sure about this?" Hailey asked.
"No, but I want answers." I said.
"Alright…" Hailey said worriedly.
"I'll be fine." I said.
Once classes were over, I went to the courtyard to meet up with Emerald. Luckily Ruby insisted she and Hailey hang out tonight.
"Were you followed?" Emerald asked.
"Not to my knowledge." I said crossing my arms.
"I get it, your pissed. Just let me explain." Emerald said.
"Please do." I said.
"After I lost my parents, I hid myself away. Any time someone came looking for me I'd used my semblance to make it so they couldn't see me. I don't know if you'll remember, but my aunt came by to collect my family's things. She was the first one I'd let find me. She ended up taking me to the city to live with her. It didn't get much better from there, but a lot of that was my fault. I acted up all the time and was a total brat." She said.
"Well some things don't change." I said.
"Eventually I got to the point I'd started stealing. When my aunt found out about that she was not happy. She even kicked me out saying how disappointed my parents would have been. She wasn't wrong, but at that point I didn't care. Eventually I came across someone who helped me actually get back on my feet. Cleaned up my act and started training to become a huntress" She said.
"I don't get why you didn't just come to our family. I mean I would have dreaded it at first, but you should have known we'd have taken you in." I said.
"I was like eleven. I was alone and scared. You can't tell me in that situation you'd have known exactly what to do?" she said.
"You're right, sorry." I said.
"No, I get it. I know I wasn't the only one to lose someone that day, so you have just as much right to be upset as I do." She said.
"So, do you wanna tell Aelita you're still alive or do you want me to?" I asked.
"I'll tell her. It'll just have to wait a bit." She said.
"You'll understand then I won't be able to fully forgive you until then?" I said.
"Somehow I doubt you would have regardless. Since you think we tortured you back then." She said punching me in the shoulder.
"For the record, it's good to know that we didn't lose you too." I said.
"Lita is so gonna bitch me out." She said with a slight laugh.
"Before or after she cries hugging you?" I said.
"During." She said.
"Probably." I said.
"I suppose I should let you get back to your girlfriend. Wouldn't want her getting jealous." She said.
"I don't have a girlfriend." I said confused.
"Aren't you with he faunus girl I saw you with?" She asked.
"No, she's just a good friend and my teammate." I said.
"Don't try fooling me. I can see there's more between the two of you." She said.
"I don't know what your talking about." I said blushing a bit.
"Ohh, I get it. Neither of you have asked each other out yet. Well don't wait too long. Wouldn't want either of you to get taken by someone else." She said before walking away.
"After what she's been though… There's no way I could possibly ask her out." I whispered.
I took a few steps before realizing what I'd said.
'Does this mean I actually do like Hailey?' I thought. 'Still… there's probably a better chance of Weiss asking Jaune out than me asking Hailey. Hey, I know we just got done dealing with an asshole that was treating you like shit, but now that he's gone how about we get together? That doesn't sound like someone with an ulterior motive…'
Meanwhile with Ruby
"You okay Hailey?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah I guess I'm just a little worried about Cian." Hailey said.
"He's just going to meet with an old friend. I'm sure he'll be fine." Ruby said.
"I know… There's just something I don't like about her." Hailey said.
"Can I ask you something?" Ruby asked.
"Sure." Hailey said.
"You like Cian, don't you?" Ruby asked.
"…Kinda." Hailey said.
"I thought so. So, you're not worried about Cian. You're worried she'll take him from you." Ruby said.
Hailey sat silent and embarrassed.
"Don't worry I'm sure that's not gonna happen. I mean he told me he liked Pyrrha, but…" Ruby started before catching herself.
"He likes Pyrrha?" Hailey asked disheartened.
"Well… that's what he told me at least… I wasn't supposed to say anything about Pyrrha, but he did say that he wouldn't wanna push you into anything despite how he feels. So, if he does have feelings for you, he's probably scared to do anything considering what you went though with Cardin." Ruby said.
"He's nothing like Cardin though. He's selfless, kind, a bit clueless at times. He's amazing…" Hailey said.
That's the problem though. His kindness is why he's scared to do anything. He doesn't wanna hurt you." Ruby said.
"So, what do I do?" Hailey asked.
"Just give it some time. I'm sure you two will end up together. Just try and stay positive." Ruby said.
Meanwhile… again in formerly Team TRAP's dorm.
"So, what do you think?" Archer asked.
"I think it's still a bit early to tell." Proton said.
"I think there are a few targets that would be perfect." Ariana said.
"It has barley been a month and we've hardly seen any of them in action." Proton said.
"We'll have to keep watch regardless. Who are you thinking?" Archer asked.
"The Rose girl for sure. The Schnee might be helpful if she drops the attitude." Proton said.
"Of course, little Cian and Hailey. They are absolutely perfect." Ariana said.
"I've got my eye on a rabbit faunus. Lucky, Leah something like that." Proton said.
"Possibly the Arc boy." Ariana said.
"You've gotta be kidding." Proton said.
"I said possibly. I'm gonna keep an eye on him more to be sure." Ariana said.
"Very well. Proton make sure you get me the name of the girl you're watching. I'll submit the names to the boss. Remember to stay on the lookout for any other possible targets." Archer said.
"Got it." Ariana and Proton said.
"One last thing. We need to watch what we're saying around the others. We've been getting careless." Archer said.
"I doubt Cian's caught on to anything." Proton said.
"Regardless. We all need to be more mindful of what we say." Archer said.
"Got it." Ariana and Proton said.
"Dismissed." Archer said.