Chapter Five: The Aftermath, a Mistake and a Decision

Morgan POV

The pair walked in silence to the dorm, Robin almost supporting Morgan. That fight took a lot out of him, he was exhausted. He hadn't been this tired after a fight in years. As they walked back to the dorm, Morgan noticed that some of the other students were staring at him. He knew they were the other first years who saw the fight and he knew why they were staring at him this time. "Robin, let's speed this up. I don't like how they're starin' at me." he whispered.

Robin nodded and they picked up the pace. However, a certain bug winged nuisance intercepted them. "H-hey, Morgan! I saw your fight… You were amazing!" Yellowjacket simpered. She was back in her battle outfit, a very short yellow and black open backed crop top, an equally short yellow miniskirt and black fishnet stockings. She had wavy, shoulder length blond hair and coal black eyes that had an unnerving glint to them. Her wings were buzzing excitedly.

Morgan rolled his eyes. "Look, Yellowjacket, that fight tired me out. I just want to go back to my dorm and rest. I don't have the energy to deal with people right now." he said.

Her wings stopped buzzing and drooped. "Oh… okay. M-maybe later?" she asked, a bit dejected. Morgan couldn't figure her out at all.

"…Sure. Why not? It could be inter-team bonding, all eight of us." he deadpanned, pouring every bit of sarcasm he could into his words. He should have just said no! Because Yellowjacket immediately perked up, very, very excited.

"Really?! How about Saturday?! Oh, I have to go tell my team!" she buzzed, flying off and not even letting him fucking respond!

Morgan couldn't believe it. "Does… does she not know what sarcasm means?! Whatever. We're not fuckin' goin'." he griped.

"Nope. We're going. I will make you." Robin said, a playful smirk on her face.

The feline teen groaned. "Why?! I don't want to go! It's her fault she doesn't understand sarcasm! I mean, seriously!" he growled, ears flattened against his skull and tail lashing.

Robin laughed. "Because you need to interact with other people more. Even the ones you don't like. Besides, after the team meet-up, we could head out to Vale, just me and you. Do whatever you want. That sound like a good tradeoff?" she proposed.

Morgan narrowed his eyes but considered it. On one hand, he'd have to deal with Yellowjacket, who likely just wanted to use him to sate her own desires. But on the other, spending a quiet afternoon in Vale with a friend sounded nice. He groaned. "Ugh, fine. It had better be worth it, Robin." he said playfully.

She laughed. "Whatever. Let's just get back to the dorm." They continued down the hallway with Morgan nearly having to lean on Robin for support, which was rather difficult for Robin, as she was a full foot shorter than him. But they made it somehow.

Robin opened the door and they walked in. Morgan immediately made eye contact with Aquaria. "Hey." he deadpanned.

"Hey." she replied. She was in a nightgown under a blanket on the couch next to the window sipping from a mug, probably tea as her voice sounded a bit hoarse. Probably from the choking. This was gonna get interesting.

Aquaria hesitated before speaking. "Rubrum, I- no. Morgan. I'm sorry. For everything I said and did to you. It was wrong and I realize that."

Morgan cocked an eyebrow. "I'm surprised. Wasn't expecting you to apologize. Accepted, by the way, just unexpected." he stated. He sighed. "I'm sorry, too. I lost control of my Semblance and nearly killed you."

She nodded. Then she laughed a bit. "You did say you were going to punch me in the face one of these days."

Morgan was confused. "What?"

"Lilo told me you said that this morning." she half croaked. She shook her head and had a genuine look of regret on her face. "Morgan, I… Growing up wasn't all fun and games for me. My mother was… harsh. Even at the best of times. I had to do everything a certain way, walk a certain way, talk a certain way, fight a certain way. If I didn't do what she said, when she said it and how she said it, she… punished me. Sometimes physically. I wish it was only physical. I can handle that." She paused, tears starting to wet her face and looked down at her mug.

"She would say I was worthless, pathetic, unworthy to inherit my family's name. To be told by your own mother that you were less than human if you didn't act a certain way… I'm not justifying what I said or did. It was terrible and I need to atone. I was merely shaped by my circumstances. I think, deep down, I didn't believe all that stuff. But I've been spewing it for so long that I don't even know anymore. I just want to apologize and ask for the possibility of forgiveness. I know I probably don't deserve it but I want so desperately to atone for all the horrible things I said." she finished, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Morgan shrugged. "Okay." he said simply.

She looked up, confused. "Really? Just like that? Not… that I am complaining, Robin!" she added quickly at the other girl's glare. "I'm just confused. I was a colossal bitch to you, insulted you and your entire species!"

"Donna, I got my catharsis when I kicked your ass. Am I still pissed that you said that? You bet your fuckin' ass, I am! But you didn't threaten anyone I care about, you didn't hurt anyone I care about and I won. That's all I care about right now in regard to that. I'm willing to let it go if you are because I want to have fun fighting you again. You're strong and you nearly beat me a couple times! If we let this go, the constant bickering goes away and we both get a good sparring partner! It's a win-win for all involved, really." he said.

Donna had an incredulous expression. "W-what? I nearly froze you to death and you're just letting it go? Because you somehow had fun fighting me? I almost killed you!"

"But you didn't. Our issues are over as far as I'm concerned. So, friends?" he smirked.

Robin looked like she couldn't believe her ears. "Isn't 'friends' a little quick? Especially after what you've told me and what she's done? You're not even holding a little bit of a grudge? Not that I want the previous dynamic, far from it. I'm just a little confused."

Morgan rolled his eyes. "I got my catharsis. In my eyes, we're even for the shit she's said. The slate's wiped clean. As long as she doesn't do it again, I don't care. Besides, she apologized and actively regrets what she said. I can smell it. You can't fool my nose." he said, tapping it with a finger. "Plus, I can hear your heartbeats. If you're lying, I'll know about it. Good thing you're not, though." he continued, swiveling his ears.

He yawned, maw wide open in a silent roar. "Man, I'm tired. I'm gonna take a nap." he stated, walking into the bed area and went to sleep in his jacket and pants.

Donna POV

Donna couldn't believe it. He just forgave her? Just like that? She made a note to herself to try extra hard to do right by him. She took another sip of her tea, the honey Lilo added soothing her throat. "That guy is so confusing." she said to herself.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when Robin laughed. "Damn, I forgot you were in here!" she exclaimed.

The other girl rolled her eyes. "Whatever. But you're right. Morgan does things that make no sense to anybody but him." she chuckled. Her expression darkened and Donna braced herself. "Morgan may have forgiven you but I haven't. I'll play nice because I don't want to deal with the drama. But if you slip up and say anything like that again, I will personally suffocate you inside a fifty ton boulder. Understand?"

Donna nodded, suddenly afraid of the tiny ninja girl. Robin's expression instantly lightened. "Good! I just wanted you to be aware." she said.

The tanned heiress stared at the pale Mistralan like she was crazy. Which, in all fairness, she probably was. "So, uh… How is southern Anima? I've only ever been in the north. The artsy stuff is nice and all but variation is good too, I guess."

The other girl chuckled. "It's okay, I guess. It's mostly just forest. Until about a month ago, I'd never been outside my village and the surrounding forest, so I'm still getting used to everything. Oh, man, you should've seen my face when I found out what a car was! I freaked out so damn bad!" she giggled, rather embarrassed.

Donna cocked an eyebrow. "How come your village is so isolated?" she asked.

Robin shrugged. "Papa said our ancestors got tired of the Kingdoms and went to make their own settlement, away from the rest of the world. They figured that, if they separated themselves from the world's conflicts and isolated themselves, negative emotions wouldn't flare up as easily." she explained.

Donna nodded in understanding. "So the Grimm wouldn't be as big of a problem. That makes sense to me. I'm assuming it's worked so far?"

The young ninja shrugged. "It has for the past four hundred years. Of course, the Grimm are still an issue, they always will be. But the founders of Shinobi made sure that there would always be a protector of the village. The current chief and their family were to be Huntsmen and Huntresses, training to defend and protect their home and people." she explained.

"Are you… the current chief's daughter?" Donna asked.

Robin nodded. "One of 'em, yeah. I have an older sister, Haiiro, and a younger sister, Aka. Haiiro is set up to be the next chief, inheriting the title from our father. I wish I could be like her. I really do." she said, suddenly very sad.

Donna hesitated. "Are… you okay?"

The other girl nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that Haiiro is so fast and strong! She's amazing! Sometimes it seems like nothing can beat her. Not only that, she always seems to know what to do, what to say. She's smart, she's pretty and quick witted. Everything I'm not."

Donna rolled her eyes. "But you are smart and quick witted. I saw you fight earlier. So what if you're not the strongest fighter? You can be strong in other ways! And being plain of face doesn't make you not pretty. A lot of guys and girls find a person's brain and personality more attractive than looks. It's all a matter of finding the right person for you."

Robin shrugged. "I guess. Say, where's Lilo? I thought he'd be in here."

"He's scrubbing down our weapons and my armor in the bedroom. I said I'd do it later but he told me to just take a break." Donna said.

Robin hummed and they sat in silence for a few minutes. Donna finished her tea and Robin seemed to be meditating. She was saying something to herself in a language Donna wasn't familiar with. While she couldn't understand it, she knew it was a phrase being repeated over and over again. It sounded sort of like a mantra, which made sense.

Their thoughts were interrupted by Lilo coming into the living area with their weapons and her armor, scratches and dents repaired and all polished up. "Hey, guys. Morgan's taking a cat nap in the bedroom, in case you didn't know." he said snickering quietly at his own joke. "Anyway, did you two make up yet? I heard you talking for a bit till he came in but couldn't make it out." he informed.

Donna nodded. "Yeah, everything's cool now. He said the slate's wiped clean and we're even. He even went so far as to offer to be friends. I was actually surprised that he'd offer something like that so soon. He doesn't seem the type."

Lilo hummed. "Maybe. Or maybe we're thinking about this all wrong. Robin told me in Professor Goodwitch's class today that she'd accidentally pissed him off the night before Initiation and apologized to him the next morning. And he accepted.

"Clearly, Morgan respects when someone admits they're wrong. I'm not even gonna ask if you apologized, Donna, I already know you did. 'Slate wiped clean,' he said. Hmm. I think that, in the fight, he worked out all his aggression against you, getting a sort of catharsis, figuratively 'wiping the slate clean.' I think there's also specific qualities about both of you that endears you to him. Robin is small, sincere and kind but also more than capable of standing up for herself. Donna is tall, sarcastic and aggressive, as well as incredibly powerful but can admit to her own mistakes (when forced).

"He seems to value and respect people who put him at ease, Robin, and people who can physically compete with him, Donna. Now, based off of what he said last night, he seems to find fighting fun and fights to have fun. He also appears to want to fight strong opponents to get a more 'fun' challenge. Taking that into account, you clearly challenged him today and, were it not for the crap you said, he would've had an absolute blast fighting you, Donna.

"Now that I think about it, there could also be a physical component to it! A particular smell, sound, mannerism or way of movement. I-" he began but Donna cut him off.

"Alright, motormouth. The psychoanalysis was good enough. You are such a mega nerd, I swear!" she teased, giggling. She sighed. "I guess that makes sense, though. He has the simple instincts and psychology of a tiger and complex human level intelligence to supplement it. Everything about him, from his body to his mind, seems to be designed to fight." she mused.

She shook her head to clear it. "Whatever. Let's talk about something else, huh?"

Robin seemed to recall something. "Oh! Morgan accidentally agreed to a team meet up between MRLD and WASP on Saturday after Yellowjacket came up to us on our way back to the dorm and I'm making him go." she said, looking extremely pleased with herself.

Donna cocked her head to the side. "Yellowjacket? That wasp girl? Why'd she come up to you and Morgan?" she asked, rather confused. She didn't know that much about her but the way she buzzed her wings really creeped her out.

Robin just about burst into laughter. "Yeah! My guess is that she's been thirsting after him since we saw him shirtless the night before Initiation. I think she may be a wee bit crazy!" she said, giggling.

Lilo shook his head. "I don't think anyone can blame her, though. He has the body of a literal god! Seeing him makes me wish I had, or could have muscles like that." he griped, appearing… rather jealous!

Donna laughed. "Oh, Lilo, it doesn't matter if you stay the tiny twig you are now or somehow gain godlike abs, you are my partner and I lo- care for you no matter what." she said, catching herself almost immediately.

Lilo narrowed his eyes but didn't comment. Robin was about to but a light blue and gold glare with a bit of lightning across her hair quickly shut her up. "Anyway, when you say 'making him go', you really mean you're making all of us go, right?" she asked.

Robin actually cackled. "Yep! Also, when I say that Morgan accidentally agreed to it, I really mean that he suggested it as a sarcastic joke but Yellowjacket apparently doesn't understand sarcasm so this is also a way of teaching him to be careful with his words!"

Lilo and Donna shared a look. "You… you are one diabolical ninja, you know that, Robin?" Lilo asked.

Said ninja nodded and giggled again. "I know!"

Donna shook her head to clear it. "Ookaay, moving on from that. Anyone want to just… watch dumb cartoons?"

Morgan POV

*A few days later*

The rest of the week had gone relatively smoothly, all things considered. Classes were going fine, everyone on Team MRLD was getting along and Morgan's fight with Donna seemed to fade into obscurity. The only thing that was bothering the feline Huntsman was Yellowjacket constantly coming up to them during meals to plan out their meetup and Robin not letting him explain what he had really meant.

So he was actually enjoying his afternoon walk around the schools grounds on Friday after his classes let out. The gardens and their pools, while no forest, was rather soothing to him when he needed to get away from the hustle and bustle of the school.

He felt himself relax as he heard the fountains of the pools gurgle. Only to immediately tense up as he sensed someone behind him. He whipped around, lighting a fireball in his hand and getting ready to launch it at the other person.

"Hello, Mister Rubrum. You know, I don't believe it would be a good idea to use your Semblance on your Headmaster." Ozpin remarked, smiling! He walked past Morgan, not even really using his cane at all.

Morgan cut power to his attack. "I almost roast you and you make a joke about it? You humans are getting weirder everyday." he said as he turned the older man.

Ozpin smirked as he sat down on the bench across from the pool Morgan had been facing. "Mister Rubrum, are you suggesting that you could best me in a fight?"

Morgan cocked an eyebrow. "That depends on how strong you are. Care to test the theory? My sparring matches with Donna are fun and all but I could use another fight today." he said, cracking his knuckles and neck and smirking.

The professor merely chuckled. "No, that's quite alright, Mister Rubrum. I'd rather not humiliate you right now. I only wish to talk to you." he replied.

Morgan started. Then he growled. "Humiliate?! You'll find I'm tougher than that!"

Ozpin nodded. "I'm sure you are. But, again, I don't wish to fight right now, I only want to talk. Please, sit down. It's more comfortable than standing." he said, gesturing at the space of empty bench next to him.

Morgan considered it for a few moments before eventually sitting down. "Whatever. What do you want, anyway?" he grumbled.

In the corner of his eye, he saw Ozpin's smirk disappear. "I saw your fight with Miss Aquaria. It was… enlightening, I suppose."

Morgan's ears flattened against his skull. "Me and Donna have already made up, okay? She didn't kill me and I didn't kill her and we're getting along now! That's it, subject over!" he growled. Morgan thought that everyone had forgotten his lapse in control but apparently not!

But Ozpin shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant, Mister Rubrum. Yes, it is admirable, though. Your team dynamic had a serious imbalance but you managed to correct it without major issue. I'm talking about your power." he said.

Morgan raised his eyebrows. "What about my power?"

Ozpin glanced at him over his dark lensed glasses. "Your Aura is different to anything I've felt in a long time. You're far stronger, faster, tougher, more tenacious than you should be at your age. Your power rapidly rises and overflows and you can barely contain it. At present, I believe you may be a danger to yourself and everyone around you should your temper snap. I wish to avoid that outcome.

"Which is why I believe you should undergo remedial lessons with Professor Greene to attempt to rein in your anger." he explained.

Morgan rolled his eyes. "No offense, Professor, but I don't see how Greene could help me control my temper. Ain't she just the stealth teacher?"

Ozpin narrowed his eyes. "Professor Greene, Mister Rubrum. And no, she isn't just the stealth instructor. She is a trusted ally and friend of mine. I believe she can help you control your temper and, by extension, your powers. A Huntsman's Aura and Semblance is tied to his emotions and yours run deeper than anyone I've ever met."

Morgan groaned. "Ugh, fine! What would these 'lessons' even entail, anyway?" he asked. He was actually getting curious.

"They would involve breathing exercises, scenarios designed to test your patience and attempting to draw out and refine that power you exhibited in your fight with Miss Aquaria." he explained.

The feline Huntsman did a double take. "What?! I don't think I heard you right. You want me to try to activate Berserker Mode? You realize that that's a… bad idea, right? Every time I've activated it before, I've either hurt or killed something! That's the whole reason I've named it 'Berserker' Mode! I can't use it unless I'm so angry, I want something hurt or dead."

Morgan couldn't believe his ears! If Robin hadn't stopped him a few days ago, Donna would've been a lot more than just dazed. If Goodwitch hadn't stopped him a week ago, Blanc would likely be dead. That Beowolf four years ago did die, directly because of Morgan's actions while in Berserker Mode!

Ozpin sighed. "Yes, I am aware of how dangerous it can be. That is precisely why I want you to try and control it. If you can control it, you can, a, use it at will, b, not completely lose all control and reason when you do. Does that not sound like a good investment?"

Morgan sighed. "Yeah, I guess it does. I just don't want to lose control and hurt or kill the wrong person, someone who hasn't done anything to me."

Ozpin shook his head. "These lessons will help you prevent that, Mister Rubrum. Your powers are not done growing and evolving. This is just the first step."

Morgan contemplated what had happened over the past week. One thing still didn't make sense to him. "Why?" he asked.

The aging professor raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean, Mister Rubrum? 'Why', what? Please clarify."

"Why did you choose me to be team leader? I'm the most volatile one on the team, the one most likely to get them into trouble! I'm far more likely to go off on my own and seek out stronger opponents to fight, all while leaving them in the dust! Lilo's the calmest and smartest. If anyone has the brains to lead, it's him. Robin's just as tenacious as me and far more level headed. And Donna has been training for a leadership position for years! All I have is my fighting experience. I don't know how to lead a team." he said. He couldn't understand why Ozpin would pick him over the other three, his earlier explanation to Donna aside. In his mind, his cons far outweighed the pros.

The headmaster chuckled lightly. "Mister Rubrum, I have made more mistakes than you could ever possibly imagine. But I don't believe that making you team leader is one of them. I made you the leader because, in the Emerald Forest, you saw a bad situation and you took charge. You issued commands and they were followed. Yes, you are volatile. Yes, you have a temper. But can you honestly say you could abandon your team to fight a strong opponent, just like that? Without any hesitation?"

Morgan found he had to actually think about the answer! And… he couldn't say that. Where just a week prior, he'd leave these people in his dust to fend for themselves, on that day, Morgan realized that he would stay and fight, not only with them but for them. "No. I… can't." he said with no small amount of surprise.

The professor smiled. "Morgan, being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle, but a badge you wear constantly. You've been burdened with a daunting responsibility. I advise you to think about how you will carry it out. I won't force you to participate in the lessons, but should you choose to, you need only stop by her office after classes Monday afternoon. She will provide you with the necessary information. I'll leave you to your walk now."

Ozpin stood up from the bench, turned to leave and walked away. Morgan considered what had been said. Was it even possible? Taming the raging fires of Berserker Mode? He wasn't sure but the least he could do was try again, he supposed. I must be outta my fuckin' mind, tryin' a thing like this! he thought. He laughed and stood up as well.

The feline Huntsman started to make his way back to the dorms. He had a long weekend ahead of him, after all, and he wanted to be well rested.

AN: A little bit of a shorter one but I like where this one ended. I really want to know if I handled the making up well, if it made sense in the context. I think it does but I wrote the damn thing!

As per usual, review and let me know what you think of the chapter! Until the next one!