Apologies for keeping you folks waiting. The end of the school year had taken a lot of out of me, causing a condition I think we're all familiar with. That's right, we have Writer's Block everyone. Now you know why the Fossil Fighters story got deleted.
Anyway, on with the show!
Chapter 6: a Rough Start.
Summary: Our monsters, being put under the care of teenagers of all people, learn about their new home, both of it's beauty, and great danger.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except headcanons and the like. All characters, creatures, and other things are property of Rooster Teeth and Capcom.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As a monster, Shade had been in many, many situations, and it would probably take a week or two to explain it all. But to say he sat in a room full of teens while some old buffoon blabbered on and on about his youth slaying monsters would definitely seem a bit ridiculous.
Yet, here he was, sitting on his haunches next to a group that called themselves "Team RWBY", while the leader of the group calling themselves "Team JNPR", Jaune Arc, a blonde boy who seemed rather typical, sat to their left behind them with his fellow monster: Boomer. The Tigrex didn't seem to care at all for the lesson, or anyone in the room for that matter, even though his assigned partner (Jaune) was obviously uncomfortable with being next to the wyvern.
During the short time before they had to sprint across campus to get to class, he learned quite a bit about his new roommates.
Ruby Rose. Same scythe wielding girl in red he encountered several nights ago. At first, there was a tension, since both remembered the night that led to his capture. After some nagging from her teammates, the crimsonette said that he appeared out of nowhere, engaging with her in combat before he was subdued by the Authorities. After Shade then added his part of the story, Ruby said that she regretted attacking him, bringing up the injuries she found on him. Shade, knowing the girl was only acting in self defense (to be fair, he wasn't in a good mindset himself that night), apologized as well.
He couldn't help but admire her resolve to be team leader, for someone so young (Ruby is 15 while her teammates are 17). And why was she so damn cute!?
Next came Weiss Schnee. Her personality hinted at being from a rich family, as she acted snobbish he stuck out his paw for a handshake, complaining how it was filthy and whatnot. After some coaxing from her teammates, she reluctantly shook it. Despite being kind of a bitch, the Nargacuga sensed a tsundere vibe to her. Perhaps there was room for love in that cold soul. She also had beauty where it counts, he would admit.
Then there was Blake Belladonna. Kept to herself, kinda hard to read, seemed to watch your every move. She expressed wariness around him at first, but thankfully softened once he told his tale. There was something about her the wyvern just couldn't place. Something about her black bow made him suspicious, but he quickly dropped it since it was probably his paranoia acting again.
Finally, there was Yang Xiao Long. She was very...expressive. While initially, she antagonized him for attacking Ruby, who happened to be her little sister, after explaining how he got his ass beat, she did a complete 180. She was okay, though the amount of puns she used was f**king ridiculous. Also...big ta-tas. She got 'em.
Anyway, so here he was, sitting in a class listening to some guy who apparently seemed to care more about boasting about his "glorious youth" than teaching what Shade believed was a biology class. The man who spoke before him was Professor Peter Port, a so-called "huntsman" who wielded an axe that can also become a blunderbuss.
Shade trusted the man to be somewhat useful as his reputation claimed to be. If he and Boomer were going to live here, may as well learn about it as they go.
"Now, if only the fat fuck would stop telling stories and, I don't know, ACTUALLY TEACH THE DAMN CLASS!" Shade screamed internally. While he usually had a lot of patience, this was one of the few times where said patience had been tested, if the suppressed growls of irritation gave any indication. Nonetheless, he listened.
"Monsters, Demons, Prowlers of the Night." Port listed the nicknames of the monsters that ruled this realm. "Yes, the Creatures of Grimm have many, many names. But I simply refer to them as prey." He said laughing confidently. The students, however, didn't share his enthusiam and remained silent. Poor Ruby had already fallen asleep twice.
Shade, on the other hand, raised an eye ridge and looked at the sketches Grimm on the board behind the man. Just prey? Those things don't look like a pushover to him, and he had experience from back home to prove it.
The silence, meanwhile, still hung heavy.
"Uh..." Port's professionalism seemed to slip a bit, but he quickly saved face. "...and you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy."
'You don't say?' Shade snarked in his head.
"Now, as I was saying," the professor continued. "Vale, as well as the other three kingdoms, are safe havens from an otherwise treacherous world."
Shade gave a silent huff at this. If this is what the folk of this world have to deal with, then they better be prepared if the more dangerous monsters from his realm came to visit.
"This world is absolutely teaming with creatures that would love nothing more than to rip you to pieces." Port said darkly. Shade had to agree with him on that one. Nature was cruel, no matter where you go. "And that's where WE come in." the professor added. "Huntsmen! Huntresses..." he added, "winking" at Yang, who rolled her eyes with a groan.
"This ass is like, I don't know, 60? He's a little old to be doing that." Shade shivered at the memories of watching elders trying to be "hip" and "cool". Oh, the stereotypes they pulled...
Despite the discomfort, he continued listening.
"Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves." The man continued. "'From what?' You may ask? Why...the very world!" He outstretched his arms to emphasize his point.
Again, dead silence (aside from one student who cheered, but we'll ignore her). Nonetheless, he continued.
"That is what you're trying to become. But first, a story." Port said all too happily, earning a groan from everyone. Shade put his head on Ruby's desk space with a huff and growled softly in frustration. This was gonna be a long day, wasn't it?
A scribbling noise to his right brought Shade's attention to Ruby, who was doodling on a sheet of scratch paper. One in particular caught the Nargacuga's attention, who cocked an eye ridge and leaned in a bit to see it. On the sheet was a rather crude drawing of Port, complete with flies buzzing around him. Childish? Yes. Insulting? Probably, depending on the context.
Ruby held up the drawing to show her team, who had varying reactions. Yang, of course, giggled quietly. Weiss only stared, eyes narrowing in irritation. Blake, all the while, just read her smut novel without a care for her team's shenanigans.
Port, however, heard Yang's giggles and ceased his ramblings, clearing his throat, which caused them to stop. Without further interruption, he resumed his story. He didn't hear much from said story, other than something about returning with a captured beast and being called a hero. Port then bowed, like he was expecting applause (which, of course, he didn't get any).
"The moral of this story? A true huntsman must be honorable."
Shade had stopped listening and resorted to grooming himself, while Ruby was being increasingly silly. Not that he minded, though.
"A true huntsman must be dependable."
A sudden chill in the air brought the wyvern's attention to Weiss, who seemed to be getting more pissed off by the second. Her icy glare, making the air seem to drop to sub-zero temperatures, was starting to unnerve the Nargacuga.
"A true huntsman must be strategic,..."
Shade felt his fur standing up as he heard Weiss's knuckles pop as her hand curled into a fist. This girl better watch her next move, as the next could land her in hot water real fast.
"Well educated,..."
Shade's muscles tensed up. 'Don't make a fool of yourself' was the thought circulating his head as he watched the scene unfold.
"...and wise!"
Shade then glanced at some cages, each labeled with a different name for each creature. Maybe..
"So, who among you believes to be the embodiment of these traits?" Port asked.
It was then that Weiss's hand shot up.
"I do sir!" she said boldly.
"Desperate to prove a point? Really?" Shade snarked internally, straightening himself and rising to his feet. If she wanted to prove herself, then she needed an example. He raised a paw, drawing attention from everyone. He wasn't sure he wanted attention on HIMSELF, but he kept his composure (He caught a few stares on the way here. Why not add a few more to the pile.)
"Hmm..." Port looked at the white-haired girl, then the wyvern. He turned to Shade and stepped up.
"You must be one the creatures Ozpin brought up during his meeting, yes?" He asked
A nod.
"Well then. If you think you have the for mentioned traits, step forth and chose your opponent." He gestured to the rattling cages, the beasts within snarling.
Shade looked back at Weiss, who stared in disbelief.
"What ever happened to ladies first!?" She almost shrieked.
"That rule doesn't apply to ALL situations, Ice-cube. Now watch and learn." Shade padded up to the front, which served as a makeshift battle ring. He scanned each cage, reading the labels for each species (A/N: If you want context for that, then follow the story as it develops). Boarbatusk, Ursai, Nevermore...
With a flick of his tail, a barbed feather was sent flying into the lock for the cage labeled "Alpha Beowolf", knocking off the lock. With nothing stopping it from getting out, the Grimm burst out and stared him down.
Covered in bone armor and appearing to wear a skull mask, the Beowolf reminded Shade of the werewolf legends back home. Snarling, the Grimm lowered onto all fours, and began circling the panther mimic.
Shade did the same, growling and baring his teeth. His tail rattled in anticipation, spikes extending outwards to maximize the damage dealt. His ears flattened against his head, hissing to counter the barks coming from the wolf mimic.
They lunged at each other, colliding in mid-air and slamming onto the floor. Shade was on top, throwing punches that the Grimm dodged before it countered by grabbing the smaller creature and throwing him across the room.
Flipping in midair, Shade landed on his feet, leaving scratch marks in the wooden floor. The wyvern quickly assessed the situation. This was another thing he hated about his new size. While Shade stood at 5 foot 3 inches, his opponent was easily 7 feet tall, and at this rate, probably outweighed him. Forming a quick plan in his head, Shade shrieked and launched himself forward with a flap of his wings.
The Alpha Grimm met the Nargacuga's claws with equal ferocity, swinging wildly with it's claws. The beowolf eventually backed Shade to an empty desk-row, the latter hopping on top. With a roar, the Beowolf raised his fist to slam it on the monster's head.
KERUNCH!
.
.
.
"...miss!"
Surprised, the Grimm looked to see the Nargacuga no longer in front of it, it's fist only striking the wooden desk and spreading splinters everywhere. To the beast's left, Shade sat in a crouch, a smug look on his face as he waved to taunt the Grimm. Growling in annoyance, it tried again.
WHACK!
It missed again.
WHACK!
Once again, it missed.
WHACK!
Like the previous times, it missed.
Howling in rage, the Beowolf swung wildly, slamming it's paws on every spot it saw the Nargacuga standing on. And of course, Shade dodged every single strike, becoming a blur as he continued evading. He was moving so fast, that the other occupants in the room could've swore they were seeing triple images of him.
As the, now exhausted, the Grimm reeled back for another blow, Shade jumped into the air and flipped forward, slamming his tail down onto the beast's head and sending it crashing to the ground.
In a daze, the Grimm scrambled on the ground, trying to stand on shaking limbs. That attempt failed when a right chop from the Nargacuga broke the monsters forearm, the sound echoing out as the wolf-like creature let out a loud "YIP!" from the pain.
With his prey distracted, Shade went for the kill.
Tackling the Beowolf to the ground, Shade opened his beaked jaw, revealing his long canines and sharp teeth, and clamped down on the Grimm's throat. Even as the creature tried to force him off by scratching his sides, he held on, feeling the beast's movements become slower with every second. After a moment, the creature became still, and it's paws fell to the ground, unmoving.
Releasing the now dead Grimm, Shade hopped off of it and looked at the class. Everyone was in stunned silence. Ruby's silver eyes shined with amazement. Weiss almost seemed impressed, but turned away as soon as she realized his eyes were on her. Blake had an indeterminate expression on her olive-colored face, though she gave the energy that she was impressed. Yang's jaw had dropped at some point, probably from the brutal takedown Shade had just performed.
With a toothy grin on his beak, Shade bowed as a few students clapped in approval.
"Well...that was something." Port said as the carcass disappeared in a puff of black smoke. "You certainly have out done yourself, Mr...uh..."
"Shade, sir?" Ruby finished for the professor.
"Yes! Mr. Shade, thank you." He said. "Well, Mr. Shade, I hope your time at Beacon serves you well."
With a warble in thanks, Shade walked back to his spot beside Ruby, smirking smugly at Weiss, who fumed at him from her seat. When Port called her up to face her opponent, she stood up rather stiffly and went into a nearby room, emerging a few minutes later in her personal outfit, Which consisted of a jacket over a strapless dress, combined nicely with a combat skirt. In her hand was her Rapier, Myrtenaster, which was built to be some sort of wand/pistol hybrid.
Weiss brandished her weapon and held steady, staring down whatever Port had in store next. The Grimm within the cage grunted, hitting the sides hard enough to shake and move it.
"Good luck, Ice-cube! You're gonna need it!" Shade cheered. Even though he wasn't too fond of the rich girl, a little good sportsmanship never hurt now, did it?
"Go, Weiss!" Yang pumped her fist in the air.
"Fight well!" Blake waved a mini flag with "RWBY" written on it.
"YEAH! REPRESENT TEAM RUBY!" Ruby shouted cheerfully. To Weiss, however, it was annoying.
"Ruby, I'm trying to focus." Weiss yelled, having trouble keeping her already short temper in check.
"Geez, getting salty over moral support? We're only trying to help you here!" Shade tried to reason. Weiss only sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Just stay out of my way!" She set her sights back on the cage.
"Let the battle, BEGIN!" With a swing of axe, Port released Weiss' Opponent, a Boarbatusk. Imagine a wild hog, but with bone armor, black fur, more than one set of red eyes, and massive tusks. That was the monstrosity that wasted no time charging at the heiress, hoping to gore her with it's tusks.
Thinking quickly, Weiss sidestepped the Grimm and struck it with her blade, the metal bouncing off of it without causing a scratch. The Grimm spun back around, staring down Weiss as the fencer got into a fighting stance.
"Haha! You weren't expecting that, were you?" Port provided commentary as the fight continued.
"Hang in there, Weiss!" Ruby shouted.
"What she said! Make 'em squeal!" Shade barked from his position next to the scythe wielder.
Summoning a glyph, Weiss shot forward, Rapier poised to penetrate the Boarbatusk's thick hide. The Grimm did the same, charging at the fencer in an attempt to ram her.
Moving to evade the Grimm's attack, Weiss attempted to leap over it, but in doing so ends up with her weapon tangled in it's tusks. Her expression briefly shows panic as she attempts to dislodge her weapon from her opponent's tusks.
"A bold new approach, I like it!" Port noted from the sidelines.
"More like put her in a compromising position." Shade wasn't amused. Her build and weapon weren't built for something heavy like the Boarbatusk. If she were to kill it, the goal would be to go for the underbelly, since there wasn't any bone armor protecting it down there.
"Come on Weiss, show it who's boss!" Ruby cheered. Weiss was snapped her head to the Crimsonette to glare at her, but then her weapon was pulled from her grip by a tug from the Grimm, sending the rapier across the room and to clatter a few feet away.
"What's your plan now, Snowball?" The Nargacuga mused to himself, leaning closer with his eyes narrowing. Unless she had a knife strapped to her thigh, there will be nothing stopping that thing from decking her.
"Oho! What shall you do without your weapon?" Port asked. Weiss didn't respond as she was thrown into the air and fell face first on the floor. Grunting, she lifted herself up and rolled out of the way just in time to avoid another charge, her foe unable to stop itself as it crashed into a nearby desk row.
Running across the ring, Weiss grabbed Myrtenaster and turned to face her opponent again, the Grimm regaining it's footing and glaring at her.
"Weiss! Go for it's belly! It has no armor underne-!"
"STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!" Weiss hollered, her patience finally breaking through. The outburst made Ruby flinch back before sinking into her seat, looking hurt. Shade felt a twinge of anger build within him at that. Even though he barely knew the kid, nobody deserved that treatment.
rrrrrrrRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!
The sound of something spinning brought everyone's attention back to the Boarbatusk, which had curled up into a ball and began to roll at high speeds, moving faster as it charged up it's attack.
Then...It sped forward, barreling toward the white-haired girl with enough force to probably mangle her upon impact. That would've happened, until Weiss stabbed her weapon into the ground, summoning a barrier in the form of glyph in front of her. Panicking, the Grimm couldn't stop itself in time, squealing as it hit the barrier and landed on it's back.
Seeing her chance, Weiss jumped up and summoned another glyph, this glyph turning black and launching her forward, Rapier poised to impale her foe. The Boarbatusk couldn't right itself before it's gut was penetrated by Myrtenaster, squealing and twitching in pain for a few seconds before falling limp.
Weiss panted as her foe began disintegrating. Shade, while impressed with the quick thinking at the end, was disappointed. Getting pissed off because she was taking orders from a younger girl. Kinda pathetic, really.
"Bravo! BRAVO!" Port congratulated the Heiress. "It appears that we are indeed in the presence of a true huntress in training." He praised Weiss as rose to her feet, not noticing the icy glare she sent at her team, specifically Ruby and Shade. The former shrunk further in her seat while the latter growled and countered her freezing gaze with his own burning one.
Port later dismissed the class, Weiss being among the first to leave, nose high in the air snootily. Her team alongside Jaune, Boomer, and Shade watched as she stormed off.
Boomer, eyeing Weiss' retreating form, decided to break the silence.
"I wonder what has her panties in a twist?" The Tigrex commented, his jade eyes showing indifference at the girl walking out the door.
"I wouldn't put it that way, but yeah, same thought went through my head." His blonde partner said in agreement. Jaune then looked at the girls sitting below. "What do you guys think?"
The girls (and one monster) looked at one another.
"For one thing, she is a Schnee. They aren't exactly known for being very...'cooperative.'" Blake said blankly, crossing her arms.
"You think!?" Yang shouted. "She outright exploded at Ruby just because she was pointing out weak-points! She does realize that the point of teams is to work together, right?"
"I was...just trying to be...a good leader..." Ruby whimpered, her red bangs hiding her eyes. Yang pulled her sister into a hug from behind, her chin resting on the crimsonette's head.
"It's not that you're a bad leader, Rubes. It's just that Weiss is rather...uptight." Yang said.
"That's putting it lightly." Shade said, drawing the others attention. "I barely know her, but she shows behavior I often see in brats." The Nargacuga continued. "Outside of whatever training she did, she probably never had to lift finger for anything."
"Meaning?" Jaune asked, a bit clueless.
"It means she has a inferiority complex, dumbass!" Boomer hit Jaune on the back on his head "lightly", the blow actually knocking the poor guy over. "She probably views the little shit-"
"Hey!" Ruby shouted in protest, but the Tigrex ignored her.
"-As nothing more than child. And while I do view the kid as a bit childish, her combat skills seem to be on point, based on the big-ass scythe she uses." Boomer said.
"Huh, never took you for the analytical type." Shade smirked as they gathered their things. Boomer puffed out his chest in pride.
"Eh. It's a vital tool all monsters are taught. 'Always have a plan when fighting', that's what they say."
"I guess so." the Nargacuga said as he stretched and began ascending the stairs.
As the group got up to leave, Shade pulled Ruby aside and told the others that they'll catch up later. For now, though, they had other matters to attend to. Matters regarding a certain white haired bitch...
A few minutes later...
It didn't take long to find the White Fencer, as Shade's sense of smell led both him and Ruby to the Heiress, who was currently walking ahead of them.
"HEY! RICH N' PRISSY!" He roared, getting Weiss' attention. The girl twisted around to snap at whoever called her out, but her expression only dulled into annoyance upon seeing who it was.
"What do you two want?" Weiss growled, her icy gaze barely concealing her rage.
"What do we want?! More like, what the hell was that back there?!" Shade pointed in the direction of Prof. Port's lecture hall with his tail.
"Care to remind me what I did to earn YOUR ire?" The Heiress asked, crossing her arms.
"He's wondering why you yelled at me during that fight." Ruby explained, stepping in for the wyvern. "As team leader, I need to know. Like, what is wrong with you? Why are you being-?"
"What is wrong with me?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" Weiss snarled, taking a step closer to Ruby. "You're supposed to be a leader and all you've been so far is a nuisance!" She got in Ruby's space, her face mere inches from the Crimsonette's.
Though intimidated by this display, Ruby's expression twisted into scowl and she reutrned the Heiress' advances with a shove of her own, causing the latter to stumble and nearly losing her footing. Ruby was about to do her own advance on Weiss when a black-scaled paw from Shade gripped her shoulder and pulled her back.
"What did she do to earn that title?" Shade asked inquisitively, his Hellfire eyes starting to take a red tint as he stalked up to Weiss, placing himself between her and Ruby.
"That's my point." Weiss gestured a hand to the red-cloaked girl. "This girl. This...this...child! Had done nothing at all to earn her position here at Beacon!"
"Did you not hear the story of how I got here? She fought both a crime boss and me, a beast not even from this realm, to get into this damn place!" Shade barked back.
"Even if she did achieve those feats, my point still stands." Weiss grumbled, her head turned to the side with her arms crossed. Shade only rolled his eyes with a scoff.
"Calling Ruby a child when she acts like one herself." He thought to himself. "Hypocrisy at it's finest."
"Weiss..." Ruby walked up from behind Shade and stood beside him. "Just, Where did this come from? What happened to the talk about working together? Y'know, as a team."
"Oh, I do teams alright." Weiss got in Ruby's face again. "Just not ones led by children like you. Your family would be ashamed, really." She snarked, cruel amusement in her eyes as Ruby clenched her fists in quiet rage.
Her gaze then snapped to the Nargacuga.
"And especially those who choose filth like you." Weiss spat to the wyvern before turning and walking away, leaving a fuming Scythe-Wielder and shocked Nargacuga behind.
"She...She had to go there, did she?"
If there was anything that Shade hated being reminded of, was being reminded of his flaws. Weakness was something Shade, like most monsters, didn't like showing nor being reminded of, as showing weakness in the wild was a recipe for disaster. Last time he allowed himself to show weakness, it didn't end well. He can still remember the fires, the bloodshed, the-
"That didn't look like it went well." a wise voice said behind them.
Both Shade and Ruby jumped and spun around to see Ozpin standing there behind them, mug in hand. Shade put a paw to his chest and let out a breath.
"Godammit, Ozpin! You nearly gave me heart attack!" Shade said, his heart slowly returning to a normal rhythm.
"My apologies, Mr. Shade." Ozpin gave a small smile, before turning serious and looking at Ruby. "Now, do tell, Miss Rose. What is the cause behind your quarrel with Miss Schnee?"
The Nargacuga and Crimsonette shared a glance, Shade gesturing with his head to the professor. After a moment, Ruby sighed and looked at Ozpin.
"It wasn't anything too serious, just an argument over leadership. Though..." Ruby trailed off, pressing her pointer fingers together. "Was my position a mistake? My position as leader?"
"That remains to be seen." Ozpin replied simply. "I would consider it preposterous if I choose someone else to be leader of your team."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked, tilting her head like a puppy. Shade then stepped forward.
"He means, it has only been one day." He explained. "It's a little early to be having second thoughts. I've been with you girls for one day myself and I haven't had any issues."
Ruby looked at him inquisitively, raising an eye-brow. Shade's gaze shifted between the Crimsonette and Ozpin before he sighed in defeat.
"Ok, maybe a few issues." he confessed. "But it's true though."
"Excellent point, Shade." Ozpin smiled and turned back to Ruby. "Ruby, if you think you're not fit to be team leader, please know that even as Headmaster of Beacon, I have made more mistakes than any man, woman, or child on this planet."
"But..." he continued. "My decision to make you leader so far hasn't been one of them. Do you?"
Ruby hummed in thought while Shade looked at her. She had the compassion, the heart, and optimism of a good leader. Plus, she was adorable, and fairly pretty for her age. He didn't think Ozpin made any mistake choosing her.
After a moment, Ruby looked up and shook her head.
"Let me leave this as my lesson." Ozpin said. "Being Team Leader isn't just a title you carry into battle. It is a badge worn constantly."
"He's right." Shade spoke up. "If you get cold-feet now, who be there to lead your team into battle?"
Ruby's eyes widened in shock, and the Nargacuga had to stop a smirk from appearing on his beak. She definitely didn't expect those words coming from a hotshot like him.
Satisfied, Ozpin turned to leave, but not before saying one more thing.
"Regardless of what happens. You have been burdened with a daunting responsibility, Ruby." Shade could hear...weariness...in Ozpin's voice as he began to walk away. "I suggest you take some time to think about how you'll uphold this burden."
With that said, the Headmaster walked away and disappeared around a corner, leaving the girl and monster alone. For a minute, an awkward silence hung heavy in the air, the only sound being the chatter of students outside.
The silence was broken by the sound of Ruby's stomach growling. The Monster raised an eye ridge while Ruby's face flushed in embarrassment.
"I guess all that drama made you hungry, eh?" Shade couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping his throat. Ruby pouted and crossed her arms, turning away. She couldn't hide the humor in voice, however.
"Yeah, I guess so." She said. "Care to join me for Dinner? The others should be at the cafeteria by now." She said, walking to the exit.
"Sure, I could eat." Shade then followed her outside. For a few minutes, the odd pair walked side by side, passing a few students who were either heading back to their dorms, heading to the cafeteria, or after school activities. Shade drew a few glances from the students as they passed, whispering among themselves with curiosity, fear, or both. All parties (minus Ruby) gave him a wide berth.
"Why did you defend me back there?" Ruby asked, keeping her eyes on the road ahead. "I attacked you the other day, and yet you agreed to bunk with me and my team. You could've just denied the offer, and remained in whatever place Beacon was keeping you. So why do you defend me?"
Shade opened his beak to respond, but then closed it. Why did he do it? Was it empathy? Did he see something in her and not realize it? Eventually, he spoke.
"I'm...not so sure myself." He admitted. "But, I believe it has something to do with my way of life."
"Really? And what's that?" Ruby asked.
"Well...um..." The Nargacuga shifted his gaze randomly. "It's not easy to explain, but basically, it involves finding your place in the Natural Order." he said.
"Okay, but what does it have to do with helping me?" Ruby asked again. "You barely even know me!"
"I've been searching for my place in the Natural Order for most of my life," Shade turned his gaze to the setting sun. "And since I'm stuck here, I may as well try to help them find their place too, I don't know."
The duo reached the Cafeteria and walked in. Inside, they way Yang, Blake and Team JNPR along with Boomer. Shade could hear the Tigrex talking, obviously telling a story judging by the varying looks of interest.
Yang chewed on a hamburger as she listened. Blake read her book, but occasionally glanced at the Wyvern. Jaune, while still fidgety around the monster, had relaxed a bit and listened while ate his meal. Nora Valkyrie, a hyperactive redhead with knack for for being random (Shade couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear around her. Something about her made him nervous.), sat close to the Tigrex, cerulean eyes sparkling in wonder. Pyrrha Nikos, a powerful but timid women with an amazonian build, ate her dinner as Boomer continued his story. Lie Ren, a handsome young man who seemed to not give a fuck (He was the only one who didn't jump or duck for cover when Ozpin placed Boomer in their care.), sat quietly, but showed interest regardless.
"Look, kid." Shade brought the Crimsonette's attention back to him. "I don't like getting close to people, especially humans. But, if I really am stuck here, then it is my purpose to make myself useful."
"I guess." Ruby shrugged. "But what is your plan, though?"
"We help each other, duh." Shade said. "You want to be a leader, and I'm looking for something to fight for. If we work together, we can achieve our dreams!"
The Black Wyvern extended a paw.
"Wanna give it a go?" he asked.
Ruby looked at the outstretched paw for a moment, contemplating her choices. A confident smirk then appeared on her face, and without hesitation, took his paw in her hand and shook it. It was a deal.
With that done, Ruby turned and headed for her friend's table. Stopping, she looked back at Shade.
"Are you coming?"
"Sure." Shade grinned, and proceeded to join the others.
If he had looked behind him, however, he would've saw a snowflake floating by the large windows, before being blown away by a gust of chilly wind.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A snowflake, in the beginning of Autumn? I wonder what that could mean ;)
I have something special planned for Weiss, so be ready.
This chapter was written over the course of 3 months, and the pandemic had caused my inspiration to write to run dry because I had been focusing on keeping my family and I safe.
I'll try to be more frequent with my updates, but I won't be on a schedule, so I can't make any promises.
Anyways, I hope you folks at home are doing well, leave a review, favorite, or follow, and until next time...
Stay tuned...