Chapter 16: Return to Beacon
Four months later, Beacon Academy, 20th April 17 BBY, 11:30 am…
"This view will never get old." Nathan said as he and Blake stepped out of the airship, and onto the grounds of Beacon Academy for the first time since September.
Back then, Beacon had been all but destroyed, the result of a horrible Grimm attack that covered for a horrific terrorist attack that was taking place at the same time.
That was when Yang had first lost her arm. That was where Nathan had first met Adam in combat. And lost.
But now, Beacon was repaired, back to its former magnificent glory.
And here Nathan and Blake stood; prepared to return to Beacon for their second year, alongside the multitude of friends they had made there.
Speaking of friends…
"THERE HE IS!"
The familiar voice drew Nathan's attention, just as something small and pink came barrelling into him, tackling him to the floor. "OOF!" Nathan groaned as he hit the floor, shaking his head to clear it of the cobwebs.
As he did, his 'attacker' soon came into focus, revealing the familiar grin of Nora Valkyrie. "Hey, Nora." Nathan said softly as he pulled Nora into a hug.
Nora had changed little in the time between Nathan last seeing her in Argus before leaving for Menagerie to now.
Nora's bright orange hair had now grown to shoulder length, and Nathan could now make out pink eyeshadow in the far upper corners of her eyes. Since when did Nora wear makeup?
Her combat attire was also updated: She was now wearing a white sleeveless turtleneck top that was somewhat similar to her old one, though the heart cut-out on the top had a diagonal cut through it. Additionally, Nora also now wore a shorter, detached white sleeve on her left arm. Over the shirt was an open cropped, short-sleeved navy-blue bomber jacket with a damaged print of her emblem visible on the back and pink stripes along the sleeves alongside pink buckled cuffs. and red lining on the collar. As well as that, Nora was wearing a pleated pink skirt with two wide belt loops and a matching belt and white layered tulle beneath the skirt. Completing Nora's new combat attire were knee-high pink socks just visible above her white calf-length boots with pink laces and black low heels, soles and toes.
Getting to his feet to hug Nora properly, Nathan smiled at the look of her. "Fuck the Force, Nora; you look gorgeous! The fuck you trying to pull?"
"That would be me." Ren said as he joined Nora.
Like Nora, Ren had also seemingly updated his look:
Like Nora, Ren's hair had grown longer, almost down to his backside, and he now had it down.
However, Ren's combat attire hadn't changed much; though he now wore a longer, sleeveless tailcoat with black and silver trimming. Under it was a black, sleeveless turtleneck with red, tasselled ropes over the hips, pants that tightened below the knees and calf-high open-toed sandals. From his middle finger to his biceps ran gradient pink-to-black detached sleeves ending in metal armbands, completing his look.
As Ren joined Nora, Nathan immediately saw him take Nora's hand in his, folding his arms. "There something I should know, you two?" He asked, grinning ear to ear.
"Oh, uh…" Nora said, looking at Ren nervously, giggling as she did.
"Well; as of… New Year's Eve, me and Nora are officially a couple." Ren declared.
Blake reacted with a happy gasp and hugged both, saying: "Oh, I'm so happy for you!"
"About fucking time." Nathan said as he joined them, hugging Ren and Nora. "Was beginning to worry that the only way you were ever gonna get together was if you got drunk and fucked that way."
Nora and Ren chuckled. "Well; it did come as a result of drinks." Ren said. "Though neither of us were drunk when we confessed."
"Oh, don't tell me; it was a New Year's kiss?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah." Nora said. "I was more than ready to do it; but I kept getting cold feet. When it got to the countdown, I still hadn't, but when the clock reached zero…"
"She decided to just get it over with and kissed me." Ren said. "She never was one to articulate her feelings through words."
"Can confirm that." Nathan said. "She articulates her feelings by crushing your bones to sawdust with bearhugs."
Nora laughed and said: "Guilty as charged, Nate."
"Mind if I call the cops, then?" Nathan joked, drawing out more laughs.
As the laughter died down, Nathan heard a voice shout his name. Looking, Nathan smiled as he saw Jaune making his way over to them.
Jaune had changed predictably little since Nathan had last seen him.
Though Jaune now wore a new set of armour: a modified pure white chest plate trimmed with gold lining now covered his torso, protecting a bit more of his upper abdomen and similarly-coloured bracers. Additionally, he was now wearing black gloves with gold-coloured metal armour plates over his fingers, and a red sash was visible around his waist, the symbolism far from lost on Nathan; who knew exactly who Jaune was honouring with that sash.
Completing Jaune's newer appearance was a pair of dark brown laced boots and a single brown belt with a pouch included worn around his waist.
Nathan could swear Jaune had gotten slightly taller too. Not to mention more muscular.
Regardless, there was no mistaking the massive grin on Jaune's face as he reached Nathan, hugging him tightly. "It's really good to see you again, Nate." He said. "How was Menagerie?"
"I'll save the updates for when my sister gets here." Nathan said.
"Hello again!" A familiar voice called out, as if on cue.
Nathan looked past Jaune, and his smile widened.
Pyrrha approached them, looking resplendent as ever. In terms of physical appearance, Pyrrha hadn't changed much. But her attire had.
Bronze metal armour covered most of Pyrrha's chest and torso with a sweetheart neckline. Under this was a brown leather vest jacket with the zipper lowered to where it could not be seen beneath Pyrrha's armour, showing a black top beneath alongside a teasing hint of cleavage. Additionally, tight black leather trousers covered her lower body, held up with a brown leather belt with several pouches for ammunition and the like, under which was her trademark red sash.
Completing her new look were a pair of bronze greaves that covered her shins and ankles, and her high heeled boots now bore armour as well. As well as this were two bronze bracers covering Pyrrha's forearms, and two armoured fingerless gloves with bronze armour on her knuckles.
Other than that, Pyrrha retained the bronze circlet over her head.
Nathan found himself laughing happily as he closed the distance, hugging Pyrrha tightly. "Hey." He said softly, stroking Pyrrha's hair. "Loving the new look."
"I figured it was time for a change." Pyrrha said as they broke the hug. "Seemingly, so did you."
Nathan shrugged. "It's so good to finally see you again, sis." Nathan said.
"Sis?" Pyrrha asked.
Nathan chuckled. "We might as well be siblings, Pyrrha. You know that."
Pyrrha giggled before closing the distance and hugging Nathan again. "Well; I'm glad to finally see you again too, Nathan."
Nathan made to respond, when they all heard a loud cry of:
"BLAKE!"
Nathan and Pyrrha looked and smiled to see Ruby and Weiss rushing over and hugging Blake, both wearing their new attires as well, which Nathan had already seen. Excusing himself from Pyrrha, Nathan said: "Looking good, ladies!"
Ruby and Weiss looked back at Nathan and hugged him, too.
"Thank you, Nathan." Weiss said softly as she greeted him.
"Hope you think I look good too!" Said another familiar voice.
Nathan looked up, and couldn't help but smile wider than he had upon seeing Pyrrha again when he saw Yang approaching them.
Yang looked amazing, for lack of a better term.
Her golden blonde hair fell freely across her shoulders. Her lilac eyes sparkled with the confidence she had always possessed.
Her attire had also changed: She now wore a tan jacket with orange lining and gold edging, unzipped halfway to show an orange crop top. The coat had darker brown short sleeves, a thick collar that completely encircled her neck, and two long gold-trimmed rectangular tails that were trailing behind her as she approached.
Additionally, she was wearing tight black pants, and around her hips and over the tails of her coat was a brown belt with two pieces of dark brown material trimmed in gold attached to it. The first covered her left hip to the back of the belt and was folded over the belt, and the second was attached from the right hip and almost around to the other piece of material.
Alongside these were a pair of knee-high brown boots with gold caps on the heel and toe, with the heel cap attaching to a gold strap across the front of her ankle, and a gold zipper on the upper half of the front of the boots. A single small buckled strap was visible on the upper outside of her boots, and a single strip of purple fabric was tied around her left knee.
Completing her look were a pair of black fingerless gloves with long brown cuffs reaching to mid-forearm.
Spreading her arms out, Yang asked: "Well?" As she approached Nathan and Blake.
Sharing a look with his girlfriend, Nathan said: "Wow. Just… fucking wow, Yang. You look amazing."
"We were wondering if you'd be here." Blake added as she stepped forward, hugging Yang. "I'm glad you are."
"I… almost wasn't." Yang admitted with a sigh. "But; thanks to Dad and this big hunk, I decided I'd come."
"That big hunk is right here, Yang." Kanan said as he himself came into view, pulling Yang close and pecking her on the cheek.
Nathan smiled before stepping forward himself and hugging Yang tightly. "Glad to see you back to your best, Yang."
"I wouldn't have gotten this far without you helping me at the start, Nate." Yang said softly. "You're as big a reason for me being here as everyone else is."
"Thanks." Nathan said softly, before eyeing Kanan. "You been treating her well?" He asked, gesturing to Yang.
"What'd you do to me if I didn't?" Kanan asked back.
"I think you know." Nathan responded before they both cracked up and shared a hug of their own. "Good to see you, Kanan. How's life treating you leading an entire branch of the White Fang?"
"It's been going brilliantly." Kanan replied. "Our marches are always well attended, and regular faction meetings are drawing in more recruits by the second. Ilia's a big help, too. Mom sending her to be my second in command was a really good idea."
"It'd better have been." Blake said. "Me and Nathan really missed her when she left for Vale."
"She's been loving it here." Yang said. "Every time I see her, she's got this huge smile on her face."
"Good to hear." Nathan said. "Hopefully, me and Blake can see her more often, now."
"Definitely." Kanan said. "Tell you what; me and Yang were planning on hanging out for lunch at the White Fang camp on Sunday with Ilia. Wanna join us?"
"Sure thing." Nathan said, looking at Blake, who nodded.
"It's a date, then." She declared.
"Great!" Yang said happily.
Team JNPR then joined them, with Nora saying:
"Who's the big guy?"
"Oh, sorry." Yang said. "JNPR, this is my boyfriend; Kanan Belladonna-Khan. Blake's older half-brother, and the recently installed new leader of the White Fang here in Vale."
"Pleasure to meet you all." Kanan said as he came forward.
"Likewise." Jaune said, shaking Kanan's hand. "I'm Jaune Arc, Nathan's team leader. This is my girlfriend, Pyrrha Nikos-"
"Hello!" Pyrrha said as she shook Kanan's hand.
"That is Nora Valkyrie." Jaune said as Nora surged forward and shook Kanan's hand hard.
"Nice… to… meet… you!" Kanan said as he found himself flailing about in Nora's grasp.
"Nora, let him go." Ren said.
Nora obliged, leading Kanan to fall flat on his face in front of everyone, eliciting loud outbursts of laughter from everyone as Ren helped him up.
"Apologies for Nora. She can get excited when meeting new people." Ren said. "I'm her boyfriend, Lie Ren."
"Though most of us call him Ren." Nathan interjected.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ren." Kanan said.
As introductions drew to a close, everyone looked around momentarily in a sort of awkward silence before Kanan broke it:
"Well; as much as I want to stick around and chat, I've got things to do back at the White Fang camp." He said. "So… I'll see you around."
"Cool, we can come with and catch up there!" Yang said to the rest of Team RWBY.
"Can do." Kanan said with a grin. "Specially if it means I get more time with you." At this, he clamped a hand over Yang's buttocks.
Yang gasped and said: "You're a real bad kitty, aren't you?"
"Not my fault I have a gorgeous girlfriend like you." Kanan responded.
Yang smiled as they shared a kiss.
Nathan and Blake smiled before Blake said:
"You go enjoy some time with your teammates, Nathan. We'll see you soon."
"You too, Blake. Be seeing you." Nathan replied before leaning in and kissing Blake.
The kiss lasted a few seconds before it was broken, at which Nathan headed off with his teammates, asking: "So; where we gonna hang out?"
"The roof of our dorms, obviously." Jaune said with a grin. "You know; our usual hang-out spot."
"The same spot you and Pyrrha will no doubt spend countless hours upon, making out and barely stopping yourselves from fucking on?" Nathan asked. "Count me in." He added, laughing as his two friends blushed madly from the insinuation Nathan was making.
The Dormitory Roof…
"Gods, I missed this." Nathan said as him and his teammates all sat down on top of the dormitory roof.
"Yeah. Never realised how much until now." Pyrrha said.
They sat for a moment in silence before Pyrrha asked: "So; how was Menagerie, Nathan?"
"Awesome." Nathan said. "It was really peaceful, very quiet, just the kind of place I'd see myself settling down in. Although there was the attempt on our lives by Adam and his rebels, but yeah…"
"Ruby was actually telling us about that." Jaune said. "They said you beat Adam this time."
"Yup." Nathan responded. "As well as his two butt buddies."
The team all chuckled, and Nora asked.
"Did you break their legs?"
"Darn, I forgot!" Nathan said, mock pounding the roof with his hand as the team laughed once again.
As the laughter died down, Nathan added: "I also have the full approval of Blake's parents to date Blake."
The team unsurprisingly cheered at the news, with Pyrrha saying:
"See? I told you they would!" Punching Nathan's arm lightly.
Nathan rolled his eyes, before adding: "We… also might have taken our relationship to the next level."
"Oh, wonderful." Jaune said sarcastically. "Now we'll have to be on the lookout for messages or calls from you asking to look for different places to sleep from now on."
Nathan chuckled. "Triply so now that Yang is with Kanan and Ren and Nora are a thing, finally." Eyeing Ren and Nora, Nathan added: "Unless you both wanna save it for marriage, too."
"Nope!" Nora said, blushing a little bit. "We're just… taking things slow. It's only been a few months since we started dating."
"And every relationship moves at its own pace." Ren added.
"Amen to that." Nathan said. "So… anything interesting happen after I left?"
"Oh-ho! Pyrrha didn't tell you, did she?" Jaune asked.
"What?" Nathan replied, leaning in.
"Things blew up after you left." Jaune answered. "My Dad started trying everything to assert himself as head of the family again. But he kept getting shut down. Things came to a head on New Years' Eve."
"Tell me." Nathan said.
"So, it was just after dinner." Jaune explained. "We were just resting, until Dad got up saying the new year was a time to look back on what could have been done differently, and said that it was time for us to all remember who's in charge of the family, and that he'd like an apology from all of us for disrespecting his authority as head of the family."
"Bet that went as planned." Nathan remarked.
"Nope." Jaune responded. "Mom refused on behalf of us all, and Dad lost it. He punched her so hard he knocked her out of the chair. He moved in to beat her some more, but I got in the way. He started trying to get me to stand aside, even threatening me, but I just told him that if he tried anything, I'd defend myself."
"Good to hear." Nathan said. "How'd he take it?"
"Not very well." Jaune responded. "He immediately demanded I back off and respect his authority and right to discipline the family. I then replied that the only respect he deserved was the respect afforded the White Fang."
"Oh shit." Nathan murmured.
"Yup." Pyrrha said. "Upon being compared to the White Fang, Napoleon lost it."
"He attacked me, and I defended myself." Jaune elaborated. "We wound up fighting all over the house until Dad had to get dirty to get me down. Then, he started demanding I acknowledge him as head of the family; and that he'd keep beating me if I didn't." Smirking, Jaune added: "I just told him to keep at it, because all he was doing was proving me right about him. That only pissed him off more, but before he could do anything else, Mom and my sisters stood up to him, telling him to back off or they'd call the police. Dad responded by flying into a rage, grabbing and throwing everything he could before leaving."
"Fuck…" Nathan said.
"Yeah." Jaune agreed. "The next day, Dad announced that he'd been thinking. And that he'd reached the conclusion that you're to blame for 'upsetting the balance of power' within the family. As such, you're officially banned from any Arc Family gatherings the team may be invited to in the future, including the summer retreat later on in the year."
"Wow." Nathan remarked.
"So I told him that either he lets you come; or I won't be there." Jaune added. "He once again flew into a rage, saying I had better be there or else. I then said that making empty threats isn't going to get me to bow down to him anymore, because I was no longer scared of him, adding that your actions on Christmas Eve were justified because it was about time someone stood up to him and he was lucky you didn't do worse because you could have."
"Yeesh." Nathan exclaimed.
"That made him even angrier, and he tried attacking me again." Jaune continued. "Which is when everyone else stood up to him. Once again, he flew into a rage, broke a bunch of stuff, and stormed out of the house."
"Only to find out the neighbours had called the police on him." Pyrrha added. "The last we saw of Jaune's father for the bulk of the trip was him being dragged into a police car, fighting the police every step of the way. He's since been sentenced to several months in prison for disturbing the peace and domestic abuse."
"Nice." Nathan commented. "Any word on when he'll be out of prison?"
"Around the same time as the family retreat in the summer." Jaune answered. "Which I've told Mom I won't be attending, and she's promised to tell my dad herself when the time comes."
"Good to know." Nathan said. "Because I just remembered something."
"What's that?" Pyrrha asked.
"Blake's parents have invited everyone to join them in Menagerie for the summer." Nathan replied. "The whole summer."
"Wow." Jaune remarked.
"Wow is right." Nathan said. "Means both you and Ren get to see your hot as fuck girlfriends in bikinis for the first time."
Jaune eyed Pyrrha, who was now blushing madly, and Nora grinned as Ren tried his hardest not to show he was blushing.
Nathan laughed and added: "But that's not for another couple months. For now; let's enjoy being a team again!"
"Amen to that." Pyrrha said.
White Fang Vale HQ, Forever Fall Forest, 12:30 pm…
"This brings me back…" Blake said as she stepped into Kanan's command tent.
Kanan followed her in, knowing what Blake was talking about.
It bore little resemblance to how it had looked when Adam occupied it, but Kanan had a feeling Blake was recalling how it had looked back then.
To the back of the tent was a large map of Remnant, which had been there whilst Adam still occupied the tent, but a few feet in front of it was a nice wooden desk with a chair behind it.
Blake walked over to the desk and turned back to her brother, saying: "A desk?"
"Had our carpenter build it for me." Kanan said. "The chair, too." Joining Blake at his desk, Kanan picked a picture up of him and Blake during their time in Menagerie, adding: "But the pictures? They come with me wherever they go."
Blake smiled at the picture and hugged Kanan, taking a moment to look around.
To the left of Kanan's desk was his bed, a double bed that Blake remembered sharing with Adam many nights before she left the White Fang; though they had never had sex in it or anything.
Something caught Blake's attention, though, and she walked over to the bed, picking up a purple and black bra that was hanging off the headboard. "Already, Kanan? Wow."
Kanan looked, and his face paled at the sight. "Uh… no, not already! Y-Yang just left that there this morning!"
Blake smirked. "You mean she's slept here with you?" She asked teasingly.
"Well, yeah, but we've never… you know; had sex here."
"Definitely plan to one day!" Yang exclaimed as she entered the room, grinning ear to ear as Ruby and Weiss followed suit. "Oh, and Blake? Got a friend here for you."
At which, Ruby and Weiss stepped to opposite sides, revealing the smiling face of Ilia Amitola.
"Ilia!" Blake shouted as she rushed forward, hugging Ilia tightly.
"Hey, Blake." Ilia said softly, returning the hug.
Breaking the hug, Blake said: "Oh Ilia… I've missed you so much."
"Me too." Ilia replied. Ever since leaving Menagerie, Ilia had changed her look up, too. She was now wearing a short black cropped jacket with two tails, a gold zipper, buckle, button straps to keep the sleeves rolled up in place revealing the white lining beneath, alongside a gray short-sleeved cropped top that exposed her midriff, brown pants, black over ankle boots with white slight wedge heels and three straps with golden buckles and a black matching wristband.
A smiling Kanan joined them as he said: "Come on. Let's sit at the table over here and catch up." He led them to a small table meant for six people, and gestured for them to sit down, seating himself at the head of the table.
"First off, Blake; how's Dad recovering?" Kanan asked Blake.
"He's pretty much back to full strength, now." Blake replied. "His arm's nearly healed, and he's going out more often."
"How's Carrick adjusting to life in Menagerie?" Kanan then inquired. "I did warn him the climate would be a lot different to how he's used to in Atlas and Mantle."
"Carrick's been amazing." Blake responded. "The first thing he did upon arriving was come over to introduce himself and his group of subordinates. After that, he was organising the White Fang in Menagerie to be somewhat more of a military so that the Menagerie Guard can focus on policing the island. On top of that, he's been drawing up plans to fortify Menagerie and Kuo Kuana in the event the island's ever invaded."
"Sounds like things Carrick would do." Kanan said.
Blake nodded. "How's… how're things with Adam?"
Kanan smiled. "Was hoping you'd ask me that." He said. "I am pleased to announce that as of two weeks ago, Adam was formally tried and found guilty of treason. He's been imprisoned indefinitely, and has been expelled from the White Fang. His supporters have been warned he'll be executed if they rise up against Sienna."
"Wouldn't that make Adam a martyr and inspire his supporters even more?" Blake pointed out.
"It's what we thought, too." Kanan replied. "And it's led to scores of Adam's supporters simply… leaving. Instead of falling in line; they've simply left."
"We've had several leave ourselves." Ilia elaborated. "Thankfully, our recruitment drives are replacing them, but… it's still disheartening to see just how much Adam's way of thinking has influenced so many."
"That's the danger of knowing Adam." Blake said. "I was so worried you had fallen to it, too."
"Well; here I am, and Adam can go suck Corsac and Fennec's dicks." Ilia said. "I'm where I want to be, and I don't plan on going anywhere else, soon."
Blake smiled, and the group were silent for a moment or two before Yang broke it:
"Well; now that's out the way, let's play: Spot the New Couple!"
Following Yang's gaze, Kanan, Blake and Ilia turned their attention to a blushing Ruby and Weiss.
"Yang…" Ruby said, blushing madly.
Blake smiled bemusedly, saying: "I knew it."
Weiss groaned. "Let's face it Ruby; we have been busted."
"So… how'd this come about?" Blake asked. "Would have thought you'd be after Neptune."
"As much as I found myself enjoying Neptune's company, I very much prefer Ruby's company more." Weiss responded. "My father expects me to marry a man of his choosing in an effort to foster alliances and business agreements. But he failed to realise my preference is for women. And Ruby… is my choice."
"Weiss…" Ruby said gently, pecking her on the cheek.
Kanan smiled and took Yang's hand in his, feeling her lay her head on his shoulder. He couldn't help but see how happy his girlfriend and her friends were.
The Dorms…
"Feels weird; coming back here after so long away." Nathan said as he and the rest of JNNPR rounded the corner to head down the corridor which would lead to their dorm.
"Indeed." Pyrrha responded. "Only feels like yesterday that we were leaving this dorm for a walk. You'd left earlier than us due to your argument with Blake."
"Yeah." Nathan stated, just as he sensed that familiar presence through the Force. "Speaking of…"
Turning around, Nathan spotted Blake rounding the corner along with Kanan and Team RWBY.
"Nathan!" Blake said happily as she ran up to join him.
"Hey, beautiful." Nathan said, pulling her close. "You alright?"
"I was fine. But now I'm much better now I'm in your arms." Blake responded gently as they shared a kiss.
"Ugh; and here I thought Nathan here actually had standards."
Nathan broke the kiss as laughter filled the air, and he turned to face the speaker: Cardin Winchester.
"I mean; I get why you were dating her for the tournament. All about good publicity, right?" Cardin continued. "But… the fact you're still dating her? Yeesh. Are you that desperate to have something to fuck?"
Nathan smirked. "At least I have someone actually worth dating. Whilst all you have is the sluts in porn magazines that probably wouldn't even give you a glance in real life. Guess you're still settling for Ozpin's grandma, huh?"
Cardin scowled as the rest of the gang laughed and chuckled at the joke. "Yeah, real funny, Nathan." He said.
"I know, I'm hysterical." Nathan responded. "And you are wasting valuable seconds of my time trying to regain your former clout despite losing it months ago. Get out of here before I cost you more."
Glaring daggers at Nathan, Cardin shoved past him and walked off.
"What's his problem?" Kanan asked.
"Seriously." Ilia added.
"That was Cardin Winchester." Jaune said. "He bullied me and a few of the faunus around here at Beacon Academy. Nathan saw him off, but it looks like Cardin forgot what happens when you mess with Nate."
"Looks like it." Kanan replied. "Which reminds me; me and Ilia were gonna introduce ourselves to some of the faunus students around here at Beacon. Professor Ozpin's invited us to recruit some of the students into the White Fang as a means of showcasing our willingness to work with humans."
"Fine by us." Nathan said. "I'd recommend finding Velvet Scarlatina. She's a third year student; and a good friend of mine. I'd have told you to ask her out if it wasn't for Yang. Not that that's a bad thing."
"Thanks for the suggestion, Nate. I'll look into it." Kanan said, bumping fists with Nathan before leaving with Ilia.
A brief silence persisted as Kanan and Ilia took their leave, before it was soon broken by Jaune:
"And now… time to check out our dorms!" Jaune said, almost running over to JNNPR's, unlocking the door with his scroll. "Moment of truth." He said as he pushed the door open.
Nathan and the rest of JNNPR followed Jaune inside, curious to see what was different about their dorm, if anything even was different about it.
Team JNNPR's dorm…
The first thing Nathan noticed about the dorm was the beds.
Instead of the five that had been in the room when they had first entered the dorm a year ago, three double beds occupied the space, each with their own nightstand on either side of it.
"Must have anticipated us sleeping together." Pyrrha mused as she walked over to the central bed, which sat beneath the window, looking over at Jaune.
"Not to mention Blake maybe joining Nathan in bed on some nights." Jaune reasoned, glancing at Nathan.
"Wonder if they've done the same in Team RWBY's room." Nathan wondered.
"Wouldn't surprise me." Nora said, just as there was a knock on the door.
Standing up, Nathan answered the door to find Blake stood there. "Hey Blake, what's up?" He asked.
"Can you join us in our dorm, please?" Blake asked gently.
Nathan nodded, and followed Blake into Team RWBY's dorm, immediately noticing that yes; there were now three bunk beds in the room, one for each couple that would be sleeping there.
However, there was something missing from the dorm; something Nathan had gotten used to seeing whenever he set foot inside Team RWBY's dorm:
"They got rid of the bunk beds." Nathan said with a sigh.
Blake nodded. "It… it feels so… so weird, not having them here. But… that's not the only reason."
Nathan then realised that the people rebuilding the dorms had seemingly gotten rid of all of Blake's books. The ones she had been reading, the ones holding up Yang's bed on top of hers, all of it; gone.
Nathan immediately turned to Blake, asking: "What books were they?" As he said this, he grabbed a sheet of paper from nearby.
"Nathan, what are you planning on doing?" Blake inquired.
"Tell me what books you've lost, I'll make a list of them, and I'll get them all." Nathan answered.
Blake blinked. "B-but Nathan… some of those books are really hard to find!" She said.
"Doesn't matter." Nathan declared. "I'll find them all and make sure they're back where they belong; in this dorm, ready for you to read."
A warm smile soon crossed Blake's face as she closed the distance and hugged Nathan, saying: "Thank you, Nathan."
"Anything for you, beautiful." Nathan said as he broke the hug, leaning in for a kiss.
Only for someone outside to clear their throat audibly, directing their attention.
Looking behind him, Nathan was stunned to see Professor Ozpin stood in the doorway.
Professor Ozpin had changed little in the time since the Battle of Beacon. The only marked difference on his was the well-trimmed beard and moustache that now covered the lower part of his face.
"Professor Ozpin, sir!" Ruby said. "You're okay!"
"For the most part, yes. I am alright." Ozpin said. "I am still far from fully recovered, but far from the state I was in upon awakening from my coma five months ago."
"That's… good to hear." Blake said happily.
"What's with the sudden visit, though?" Nathan asked. "Thought the big welcome back assembly wasn't until before dinner?"
"You're right." Ozpin said. "However, I have come to believe you, your teammates and Team RWBY are entitled to an explanation of what took place immediately prior to the Battle of Beacon in September. As such, after dinner, I would like for you all to join me in my office. You deserve the truth of why things came to pass as they did." With that, Ozpin turned and with considerable effort and pain, the Headmaster of Beacon Academy hobbled away.
Nathan looked behind him to Blake and the rest of Team RWBY, then across the hallway to where Nathan's teammates were, listening in.
"Well; guess we're joining Ozpin after dinner." Ruby said.
Professor Ozpin's office, 18:45 pm…
Teams RWBY and JNNPR exited the elevator to find Ozpin wasn't alone.
Professor Goodwitch was stood on Ozpin's right, and to his left…
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby shouted, dashing forward into Qrow's arms.
The older man chuckled, ruffling his niece's hair. "Nice to see you too, kiddo." He said sociably, looking over at Yang. "Glad to see you're back in the fight, firecracker." He added.
Yang smiled. "Wouldn't be if it weren't for Nate, my teammates and… Kanan?!"
All the others looked to see Kanan stood at the far right end of the room.
"Evening, everyone." Kanan said as he walked over.
"What are you doing here?" Yang asked once Kanan was in hugging distance.
"I was summoned here by Professor Goodwitch, here." Kanan said, pecking Yang on the lips briefly. "Same with him." Gesturing to the figure in the shadows to the far left of the gang.
"Ghost!" Nathan called out.
The Mandalorian warrior stepped out from the shadows, offering an informal salute to Nathan. "Su cuy'gar, Nathan."
"Su cuy'gar, Ghost." Nathan responded, offering the same salute.
"Winter?"
The gang all looked to find Weiss staring at an older woman that was almost an older version of herself, but wearing a military uniform.
"Hello, Weiss." Winter replied, the ghost of a smile crossing her face.
Nathan felt a twinge of awkwardness travel through him. He'd cussed out Winter a day or so before the Battle of Beacon because she had assaulted him in front of Blake and insulted her. He didn't regret a second of it; but still.
Nathan then spotted the final man in the room, and his face broke into a scowl as he once again recognised General James Ironwood of the Atlesian Military.
Ironwood looked a little less pristine than he had upon Nathan's first meeting with him a few weeks before the Battle of Beacon. Ironwood had grown stubble, and his hairstyle was slightly messier.
He was now wearing a white, double-breasted tailcoat with dark blue and black accents, most notable at the cuffs and shoulder pieces. The coat was belted at the waist. Underneath, Ironwood had a black collared shirt and a red tie. He also wore two white gloves, in contrast to wearing only one on his right hand. His pants were no longer tucked inside military boots but instead hang over the black boots.
Winter's new uniform matched this change, too, though instead of the black collared shirt, she was wearing a white blouse and blue necktie alongside a red brooch.
Ironwood noticed Nathan staring, and said: "Winter."
Winter noticed too, and nodded, walking over to Nathan.
A quick glance to Ghost ordered the Mandalorian warrior to come closer, as Nathan's hand went to his lightsaber.
Winter stopped upon seeing Nathan's tense, saying: "Nathan; I just wish to apologise for my conduct upon our first meeting. I should have accepted you and Weiss had moved on from your previous enmity and set aside my own. I hope you can forgive me."
Nathan nodded. "No need to apologise, Winter. You were defending your sister's honour. I was defending Blake's. Let's… start afresh."
"Agreed." Winter said, holding her hand out. "Specialist Winter Schnee."
"Jedi Commander Nathan Phoenix." Nathan said, allowing a small grin to cross his face at the sight of Ironwood's eye twitching at the mention of Nathan's rank as he shook Winter's hand.
With that, Winter returned to the general's side, arms behind her back.
"So… why did you call us all here, Professor?" Ruby asked, looking directly at Ozpin.
Ozpin glanced at everyone around him, before looking at the entire gang. "What's your favourite fairy tale?" He asked.
The gang all looked at one another with surprised looks on their faces, save for Pyrrha, who frowned.
"Uh… what?" Ruby asked, voicing the thoughts of every person still in the room.
"Fairy tales; stories from your childhood." Ozpin elaborated gently. "I'm certain you would remember some of them."
Confused murmurs emanated throughout the gang as they each gave answers save for Nathan and Pyrrha, the latter of whom replied:
"I… believe you know some of mine." In a surprisingly cold voice.
If Ozpin was offended or taken aback by Pyrrha's coldness towards him, he didn't show it. "And… how about you, Nathan?" He asked.
"Never heard any." Nathan said. "But; my mentor always told me that there's always a measure of truth in legends."
"Indeed." Ozpin mused. "Well; would you believe me if I told you that all the fairy tales that most of you have heard from childhood were true?"
An uneasy silence fell over the gang at this statement. Only Pyrrha appeared unsurprised, which didn't escape Nathan's notice.
She must have heard this before, Nathan thought to himself. Was this what she heard during that lone meeting with Ozpin the day of the Battle of Beacon?
Taking a deep breath, Nathan said: "Is… is this what you were telling Pyrrha about before the Battle of Beacon?"
"Some of what I intend to tell you is." Ozpin replied. "I suppose we should start with that, first."
"Yes, get what I already know out of the way first." Pyrrha said, voice dripping with sarcastic anger.
"Mind your tone, Miss Nikos!" Ironwood said firmly.
"Hey, back off!" Nathan shouted back, as a multitude of raised voices filled the air, until they heard a stern shout of
"Enough!"
Everyone fell silent as Ozpin stood up from his seat, staring at everyone.
"James; Miss Nikos has every right to address me in that tone after the mistakes we made." Ozpin said, looking at Ironwood, who scowled.
After a terse silence, Ozpin continued: "As I was saying… most of the legends you have heard from childhood are true. Most relevantly, the tales of the Four Seasons and those of the Silver Eyed Warriors."
Ruby gasped at the last mention, reaching up to her eyes, then looking at Qrow, who nodded wordlessly.
Jaune then spoke up: "The maidens from the story… that vault… Cinder…" Looking up at Ozpin, then at Pyrrha, Jaune said: "The professor wanted you to become one of the maidens, didn't he?" A hint of accusation in his voice.
Pyrrha sighed, wordlessly nodding, sensing the anger in Jaune's voice.
It was Nathan who spoke up, though: "You mean to tell me that all of what happened with Pyrrha and Cinder was your doing?"
"The part with Cinder was unplanned, but yes; I did intend for Miss Nikos to take on the mantle of the Fall Maiden." Ozpin elaborated.
Nathan felt his anger rise, and sensed it within Jaune as well.
"And… she agreed?" Jaune asked.
"Yes." Pyrrha said. "Granted, I really didn't want to. But… you were in the aura transfer chamber with us. You knew I agreed."
"Yeah, but… he didn't have to… convince you?" Jaune asked. "Nothing about how it was your duty to agree, or rather… your destiny?"
Pyrrha flinched, and opened her mouth to speak, when Ozpin beat her to it:
"Mr Arc; allow me to be-"
"He asked her, not you!" Nathan interrupted angrily, silencing the Beacon Headmaster. Making sure Ozpin was completely silent, Nathan turned to Pyrrha. "Pyrrha; did you feel as if Professor Ozpin was manipulating you into accepting his offer to become the Fall Maiden?" He asked, slightly more calmly.
Pyrrha shook her head. "No. I genuinely wanted to help. I… I wanted to make sure I could protect everyone. I…" Green eyes brimmed with tears as Pyrrha's voice broke. "I just wanted to keep you all safe!"
Before long, Pyrrha was crying her eyes out.
Nathan watched, then looked at Ozpin with a glare that had Ironwood, Goodwitch and Qrow reaching for weapons, turning to see Jaune had already walked over and hugged Pyrrha, whispering reassuring comments into her ear. Taking a deep breath, Nathan walked over himself, and joined the hug, saying: "It's okay, Pyrrha. Nobody blames you for wanting to protect those you love."
Pyrrha sniffled as Nora entered the conversation:
"Why didn't you tell any of us this?"
"More importantly." Nathan said as he backed away and looked at Ozpin. "Why the fuck didn't you let Pyrrha tell us?!"
Ozpin sighed. "Because I was a fool. I have made more mistakes than any man, woman, child that has ever lived. My most recent is admittedly not involving the rest of you when I asked Miss Nikos to be the new Fall Maiden. And for that… I am truly, deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused. That I am still causing, months after the events have already transpired."
Nathan scowled, before looking to Pyrrha. "She's who you should be apologising to, you fucking whorespawn piece of shit." He snarled at Ozpin.
"Nathan."
Nathan turned to see Pyrrha stood there, eyes still wet with tears.
"It's okay." Pyrrha said softly, offering a weak smile.
Nathan's scowl refused to leave his face as he looked back at Ozpin, who now wore an expression of guilt.
"If that is all said and done, then… allow me to continue my explanation." He said after a few moments of silence. "Miss Rose… I assume your uncle has made you and your sister aware of the significance of your eyes?"
"Uh… yeah." Ruby said nervously. "We talked about it after me and Yang woke up following the Battle of Beacon."
"What about her eyes?" Weiss asked.
"Yeah, what gives?" Nathan asked, looking between Ruby and Ozpin.
"Allow me to explain." Qrow said as he stepped forward.
Nathan and the rest of the gang focused their eyes on Qrow as he began:
"Ruby's silver eyes are an extremely rare trait. She's special. And not in a 'Daddy-loves-his-baby-girl' kind of way. She's special the same way her mother was."
Nathan folded his arms as he glanced at Ruby, who nodded.
"Apparently… people with silver eyes like me could just look at a Grimm and kill them." Ruby said. "And that Grimm ran away from us."
It hit Nathan like a charging Boarbatusk. "After Cinder stabbed me on top of the tower… when she was about to kill me; I… I heard your voice, Ruby." Nathan said. "Then as I passed out; I saw this… this blinding flash of white."
"We saw it too, Nathan." Blake said. "Are… Are you saying that was you?"
Ruby bowed her head bashfully. "Yup." She said.
"So… basically Rubes has anti-Grimm eyes." Yang said to sum things up.
"Fascinating." Weiss commented.
Nathan nodded. "You said silver eyes were rare. Any… particular reason why?"
"Because there are those out there that are very upset a new Silver Eyed Warrior has surfaced." Qrow replied. "Not many people know of the existence of these warriors. But those that do; save for us… won't be happy about the emergence of a new one."
"Like… the people who attacked Beacon?" Jaune asked.
"Doubt Adam was one of those that knew, Jaune." Kanan said; the first time the White Fang Commander had spoken.
"Wasn't referring to him, Kanan." Jaune pointed out politely. "Cinder… Emerald… Mercury… did… they know?"
"Not them." Ozpin said grimly. "Rather… the one they answer to."
That one little statement sent chills crawling up everyone's spines, even Nathan.
"You're… you're saying Cinder answers to someone else?" Jaune asked.
"Who?" Pyrrha inquired.
Ozpin made to open his mouth, when Ironwood interjected:
"You think it's wise to tell them?" He asked Ozpin.
"General; with all due respect, this is shit that we needed to fucking know long ago.." Nathan said, earning him a glare from the general.
Ozpin nodded. "Though your language was unwarranted, you are correct in saying you need to know, Mr Phoenix." Ozpin said, before saying a statement that turned the world upside down for the entire gang: "The creatures of Grimm have a master. Her name… is Salem."
At that simple statement, it felt like all noise vanished from the room, leaving an uneasy, heavy sort of silence in its wake as everyone took in the revelation.
Ruby's eyes were wide in shock, Weiss was in a stunned silence, deep in thought. Blake's eyes were worriedly meeting Nathan's, and Yang's right arm started shaking, a sign she was having a slight PTSD episode, which Kanan stopped by taking her hand in his, earning him a thankful smile from Yang.
It was Jaune that finally broke the silence:
"Can she be beaten? How?" Jaune asked, his strategic mind starting to work.
"Until recently, our plan of action was merely to hold her at bay and keep her from the four relics that are each hidden in one of the Huntsman Academies." Ozpin explained.
"But with the attack on Beacon; it's shown us Salem is growing bolder." Ironwood said. "We fear that it's only a matter of time before she attacks herself."
"Which won't end well for anyone at this point." Qrow added.
"So… why are you telling us all of this, sir?" Ruby asked.
"Because Salem would have come for you whether you acted against her or not. One of the few things Salem actively fears in this world is those with Silver Eyes." Ozpin answered. "As for your teammates; I do not plan on making the same mistakes I did with Miss Nikos and her teammates." Looking at JNNPR, Ozpin added: "As for you; I chose to involve you because as I said earlier… I made a mistake. When I asked Pyrrha to become the new Fall Maiden, I should have involved you all in the decision. Thankfully, things turned out alright, but had they not…"
Nathan felt a heavy silence in the air as he looked at Pyrrha. Was Ozpin imagining what might have happened had Ruby been too late?
Nathan then asked: "Does… Salem know… about me?"
"No. Salem is powerful, but she is not all-knowing." Ozpin answered. "However, I have forwarded your prior concerns about the Empire to General Ironwood here. He has agreed to lend us an entire regiment to defend this school should the Empire strike in an effort to get to you."
"One I will be in command of." Winter said, smiling.
Nathan nodded thankfully, before looking at everyone.
They were all still shocked at the revelation Ozpin had just dropped on them. Some still were. Others were angry. But Nathan sensed Ruby and Jaune had a different, unanimous feeling: Determination.
"We're in." Ruby and Jaune said, answering a question Ozpin had not asked, but likely wanted the answer to nonetheless.
Ozpin nodded appreciatively. "Thank you." He said. "The war with Salem will be difficult, so as such; you will all be receiving extra training on top of your normal lessons here at Beacon."
"I hope you all realise that from now on; I will be harder on all of you." Professor Goodwitch said stiffly. "To prepare you all for what's coming."
"We know, professor." Jaune said, gesturing to Winter. "Will Specialist Schnee be assisting in our training? She could have knowledge that'd prove valuable for us."
"That can be arranged." Ironwood said, seeing the logic in Jaune's words.
"You have no idea what you've just unleashed, Jaune." Weiss groaned, having seen the grin crossing Winter's face in that moment.
"Nothing I ain't used to." Nathan said, folding his arms.
"Ah, which reminds me." Ozpin said, eyeing Nathan. "General Ironwood and Specialist Schnee here inform me they have been in contact with someone that may be able to assist you in completing your training as a Jedi."
Nathan blinked in surprise as the rest of the gang all looked at him and Ozpin. "Really?" He asked. "Who?"
Ozpin looked at Ironwood, who nodded to Winter, at which Winter brought her scroll up to her ear:
"Come on up. We're waiting for you."
At that, the room was silent, fraught with nervous excitement as they anticipated the possible arrival of another Jedi.
Nathan's thoughts were awash with who it could be: Was it Obi Wan Kenobi? Master Mace Windu, miraculously having survived his rumoured fall to death? Anakin? Master Yoda?
His questions were answered as the elevator doors started to open.
The moment Nathan's eyes saw who it was; his fists clenched, and a scowl crossed his face.
They were wearing a white long-sleeved double-breasted jacket over a black button-up shirt with no tie, since the shirt had the two top buttons undone, with a black belt around the waist. Furthermore, they were wearing black trousers tucked into black calf-high combat boots, along with white fingerless gloves.
But there was no mistaking the long black hair, currently tied tightly back into a ponytail; the deeply tanned skin, the well-muscled build and the brown eyes that had once stared at Nathan with nothing but contempt and disgust.
"Jason." Nathan snarled, staring daggers at the Jedi Knight he had once called friend.
Jason Stone sighed. "Hello, Nathan." He responded.
Looks like Nathan is no longer the only Jedi on Remnant.
Jason Stone is officially on Remnant, and he will hopefully become a fan favourite.
Regardless; let's answer some reviews, shall we?
april-551: Glad you agreed with my pairing choice for Yang and Kanan. Also, glad you enjoyed my first attempt at a sex scene. There will be more. Now, to answer your questions:
1- Nathan and Salem won't be meeting for a long ass time. And when they eventually do meet, expect Nathan to give Salem a brutal insult that may or may not worsen things for him.
2- Laser/plasma shots most of the time. There's the burning, and then the internal bleeding that'll do you in.
3- Like I keep saying: Palpatine does not give a single toss about Remnant. Even if he were to attain an aura, it wouldn't prolong his life by any means; just give him an extra layer of protection. Not that Palpatine needs it; he's the most powerful Sith Lord ever to live.
4- Imperial Officers probably will consider Remnant just another world they need to conquer in the name of the Empire.
5- Atlesian Knights would be little more than cannon fodder for Stormtroopers, whilst some of the bigger mechs will pose a severe problem.
6- Nah. They'd have to recover something of Penny's in order to facilitate that.
keybladelight: Volume 6 is way off, mate. We're far from that stage. For now.
Spiderdeku25: Ilia with Coco? Hell to the no. No chance in hell of that.
With all that said; thank you all so much for reading this chapter. If you all enjoyed it; you all know what to do.
I shall see you tomorrow with chapter 17, which takes us back to Jason's arrival on Remnant.
T-Rock14