Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years!
A commissioned fanfic by a BraveVesperia01. Payed a nice sum for this bad boy.
Try to spot some metaverse references will ya?
Public Discord Server! It's discord h_t_t_p_s : / / discord . g g / EJ2BJFEMC5 Come join us, we have movie nights!
My Kofi is: h_t_t_p_s : / / /serendipitoushousepet
Twitter: _S_H_P_ and Addict_Attic (NSFW)
I take commissions if you want. 1000 words for just $10. Email me, pm me, dm me, just contact me and have a pay pal.
XXXXX
The grand structure of Beacon is… intimidating, yet awe inspiring to say the bare amount. Nothing gaudy, but well crafted, well designed. It got the message of how prestigious both itself, it's teachings, it's staff, and even it's very students were without over glorifying all of it.
"Feeling well, Josie?" Asked a well built man. He took a sip from his freshly made coffee as he eyed his charge curiously.
Said charge nodded a little harder than she meant to and quickly composed herself, straightening her shoulder length brown hair as best she could, "J-just fine, sir," she mentally chastised herself for not using the correct moniker while stuttering and quickly said, "I mean, Headmaster Ozpin."
Ozpin let out a single, tiny chuckle at the new student's clear anxiety. He made a mental note that this one would definitely become one of the favorites of the likes of Glynda sooner than later.
"Are these the dorms?" The girl managed to ask aloud, slowly becoming adjusted enough to start speaking more properly, "they look nice. And unisex? I thought a place like this would be more… uh?" She was trying to find the right words.
Luckily, Ozpin found them for her, "Strict? Militaristic?"
"Yes, yes, that," She blurted and nodded before quickly adding, "No offense."
"None taken, Josie. You're not the first to think that way," Ozpin replied as they were nearing her new dorm room.
"Headmaster, I would like to know," Josie hesitated for a second before puffing out her modestly sized chest to confidently ask, "why did you accept me so late?"
"What a splendid question," Ozpin told her. She looked at him expectantly for an answer, but instead he put his hand on the door knob, "but first, let's see your room and your team."
Josie tried to sputter out, "B-but I,"
"Ah, and they're all here, perfect," Ozpin said as he opened the door to reveal all of Team RWBY. Ruby, clearly the youngest and most bubbly looking despite the attire, Weiss, a cold yet haughty looking swordswoman, very fitting considering her background, Blake, sitting back coolly and reading her tasteful literature, and last but definitely not least, Yang, whistling a nice tone as she finished up setting her attire. She looked absolutely spunky.
Josie's hazel eyes practically turned into saucers and she gulped as all four curious sets of different yet beautiful eyes landed on her. She almost wanted to hide behind the much taller headmaster like a scared little girl.
But even more than that, she wanted to make a good impression. She always wanted to make a good very first impression, especially with other beautiful women like these.
"Headmaster?" Asked Weiss.
"Team RWBY, I wanted to introduce to you that special delivery we talked about," Ozpin gently placed his hand on Josie's shoulder and brought her forward.
"So that was the reason for the extra bunk," Ruby chortled as the realization hit her and the rest of her team, "I thought it was a backup in case we destroyed ours."
"No, no, we wouldn't leave those with you," The headmaster immediately clarified before pointing towards the newest student, "Team RWBY, meet Josie Maxwell, the new official member of your team."
That shocked RWBY even more. An extra person was one thing, but a new team member? After the establishment of the whole four person dynamic? And not to mention the little warning they had too.
Something Weiss immediately wanted, or rather needed in her mind, to point out, "Headmaster Ozpin, this is completely unorthodox. Teams are comprised of four members, two of which \ that partnered up during our trial. This could throw us off and shows a clear level of unprofessional favoritism."
Hearing that made Josie feel rather down on herself. She didn't disagree with Weiss and actually felt kind of worse at not being directly mentioned. She showed up late and threw off an already established team. She was causing problems just by showing up from her and possibly their perspective.
"I took this all into consideration, miss Schnee," Ozpin began to explain, "but rest assured that incidents like these happen from time to time. It's simply a matter of circumstances. Your team was chosen by practical assessment, nothing more or less," he swirled his coffee in his coffee before quickly adding, "plus I'm the headmaster and my word is law."
Weiss simply grumbled while Ruby nearly leaped forward, excitedly blurting, "this is so cool! A fifth member! It's so nice to meet you!"
"It's nice to meet you too," Josie did her best to recuperate the enthusiasm, but she was taken aback by the way Ruby greeted her.
"Wanna see a gun trick? I've been practicing," the little red head told her, only for Yang to cut in.
"Woah, remember what we talked about," Yang told her sister before patting her head, much to Ruby's chagrin. She stepped forward and held out her hand, "Hey, names Yang Xiaolong, and I for one, welcome a cute new teammate."
"Thank you, feeling's mutual," Josie had a brief moment of panic as she realized what she had said and did her best to keep a calm, collected face.
It didn't work for the most part though and a light pink dusted her cheeks.
Yang laughed, and in a positive way, before replying, "Alright, I like you already."
"Could you and Ruby please refrain from your usual antics," Weiss stepped forward and cleared her throat, "Hello, I am Weiss Schnee. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, odd circumstances aside."
She reached her hand out for a handshake, taking Josie by surprise. She didn't expect the Schnee to want to shake the hand of a common girl like her.
"The pleasure is all mine, miss Schnee," Josie replied as she shook her hand. Weiss had a satisfied smile on her face after they shook.
Internally, Josie high fives herself and noted she had the brief approval of three of the four members. This was a solid start so far and Josie was finding her shyness already slipping away little by little.
At least until her eyes locked with Blake. Josie almost gulped as their gazes locked. The funny thing was, the black themed member of the group wasn't particularly intimidating nor was she trying to be. She was just more reclusive and carried herself that way.
That was enough to trigger a bit of Josie's flight response. Like canary in front of a cat simply minding it's own business.
"I hope you two aren't going to simply stare all day," Ozpin chimed in, breaking the small awkward silence between the two of them.
"Oh sorry," Josie mumbled a small apology over that and quickly turned back to address Blake, "Pleasure to meet you. I hope we get along here. In this team. Yep."
"Likewise," Blake nodded. And that was all she was going to do.
"Perfect. Well, you students have fun," Ozpin began walking away, "I'm positive you'll all get along quite well."
Ruby immediately grabbed Josie and pulled her in while Weiss shook her head. Yang closed the door, stifling her laughter, and watched as Ruby began showing Josie around. And as for Blake?
She simply kept on reading.
XXXXX
Ruby was outside with Josie when she pulled out her scythe and held it out in full display. Her prized baby was out for a little "walk".
Best of all, she had an audience of one. And that one was a genuine new friend.
"Woah, that is wicked scythe," Josie remarked, not at all perturbed to step closer to the gun and blade combo end of it. Though she followed the typical gun common sense rules and didn't foolishly stand directly in front of the barrel, "Compact rifle and blade mix right?"
"Yes!" Ruby bounced as she easily hauled the blade up. The fact that Josie recognized the weapon combo and showed a clear sign of interest made Ruby's heart flutter with joy, "what do you think of the craftsmanship? I've practically raised her since I was a kid."
"I'd say she grew up well," Ruby beamed at Josie's reply, "The mechanism is quick and efficient, the reload is simplistic, which is good, and allows a whole plethora of different sniper bullets, including dust ones if you - oh," she noticed how she began rambling, gaining momentum as she carried on her speech, and placed her hands over her mouth, "Sorry, I got carried away."
"Please don't stop," Ruby muttered, a little trickle of drool going down her chin. She immediately wiped it away with her sleeve and shook her head, "I mean, you're fine! Absolutely fine!"
Josie blinked. She didn't think someone would like her ramblings. She had to take a moment to take it in, cupping her cheeks in her hands and looking at the ground, before looking back at her team leader. A grin formed on her cute face.
Josie, now brimming with more outward confidence, told her, "I'm glad to hear that, especially from you, buddy - buddy."
"Eeehehehehe," Ruby giggled, glad someone else was able to recuperate the same feelings she did. It was still hard for her to make friends. Being socially awkward wasn't considered cute, not even from a genuine cutie like Ruby, and thus, connecting with another outside of the family was a treasure.
Especially when it's someone like this, someone who could share in her brand of awkwardness, to share those same interests, to laugh with her and not at her if not shunning her completely.
"Hey, Ruby," Josie placed a hand on her shoulder and asked, "wanna… see my weapon?"
Ruby, like a hyperactive squirrel, nodded rapidly, blurting, "Yes, gods yes!"
Josie, spurred on by Ruby's ecstatic answer, decided to bring hers out with a flourish and told Ruby, "Alright, now get ready for my baby!"
Ruby's bright grin could outshine even the likes of Yang's hair. Maybe even the sun.
XXXXX
"Enjoying yourself?" Yang and Josie were out on a little ride through the town. The former was kind and comfortable enough to use her prized motorcycle, Bumblebee, to take them out, Josie sitting on the back seat and clutching to Yang for dear life as they rose in a more remote section with less of a speed regulation.
"Uh, yes! Yep,``Josie nodded rapidly despite being behind the blonde bombshell, "you're a pretty smooth driver."
They drove over a pothole just as she complimented Yang and Josie felt the slight jiggle of Yang's front "airbags". The universe was indeed a jokester sometimes.
"Thanks! About time someone said it," Yang warbled as she maneuvered around a truck just before he turned. They narrowly avoided being outright knocked over and the driver of the truck honked at them. Probably even flipped them off, Josie figured, but they were ahead of him.
Out of sight, out of mind.
"We've pretty much seen the town already, so where exactly are we heading to next?" Josie wondered aloud. She didn't think Yang would hear her given the roar of the engine, wind rushing past them, and some of the traffic on either side.
But she did and responded with, "A little spot I Like to head to for some alone time! Has a great view and everything!"
"C-cool!" Josie replied, wondering if her other musings were heard along their evening ride.
Barely a minute later, they switched lanes to cross into a lesser used road before going onto an off road section that took them up a hill. It was clearly unofficial, but there were remnants of past tires having come by. Josie figured they were most likely from Yang's bike. Possibly others.
She had to wonder how often she came through here just for some alone time.
It was nice though. Yang actually slowed down and drove carefully. If it weren't for the constant low hum of the engine, this would've been much more atmospheric to traverse. The nature was welcoming to Josie.
They reached the end of the path and Yang stopped the bike before ushering Josie off to follow her, "Gets a little rocky around her," she began to explain, "So on foot we go."
"Alright," Josie followed her friend, walking up the incline and being mindful of any loose terrain. Being a huntress in training, this was nothing.
Without the bike motor running, Josie could take in the sounds, the ambience of nature around her. Most importantly, Yang. Seeing her like this, in a more tranquil setting, wind blowing her majestic hair as they moved up, it was beautiful. Not that she'd say that allowed.
"Pretty silent back there. Admiring me?" Yang coyly teased as she turned her head to give Josie a side glance. Her grin grew as her "victim's" face was getting a light blush.
Josie began to sputter at a slightly rapid yet understandable pace, "What, no, I mean, you're great-"
"Hah, never gets old!" Yang chortled out before grabbing Josie's hand to pull her up. That was when Josie witnessed what Yang talked about, "And we're here! Talk about a grand view or what?"
It was a rather spectacular view of Beacon from one of the high hills. The twilight sun was on the far right, but gleamed beautifully on some of the buildings. The lights really made the area shine and there was a beauty to it all. The majesty of nature and the glow up of civilization. Josie had to utter a simple, "Wow."
Her reaction gave Yang a soft smile. Truth be told, it looked like there were other, better view points available. Unfortunately, they were out of bounds. This particular spot was near the edge. But as much of a thrill seeker as Yang was, she wasn't going to go out of her way just for a nice lookout spot. Still, this place was cool.
Yang sat down and Josie sat down right next to her to watch the sun slip away. Subtly, Yang moved her hand over Josie's and just held it there. Neither said anything and simply enjoyed the sweet quiet.
XXXXX
Weiss was alone in the room and organizing her different vials of dust personally picked out from home. Her parents always made sure she had the best stock for battle and emergency usage. She would check the vials in and out of her prized Myrtenaster during the start and end of her days, at least usually.
She just received a fresh package and since she was pretty much out a few days ago, she wanted to get working right away, especially since her team was currently out and about.
A knock came at the door. Definitely Josie. Blake didn't even knock. The door opened and her soft voice said, "Anyone in here?"
"Just me," Weiss evenly answered. Inwardly, she was letting out a sigh of relief to have Josie come in rather than Yang and Ruby. Slightly more than Blake due to her knocking. Not that she didn't think any less of her teammates.
She just really appreciated those little bouts of manners from Josie.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Josie softly closed the door and went to her bed. She just finished getting a light snack and wanted to take a little nap. She had time before the next class, being Port's, and figured she'd get herself ready for what came.
"You're not," Weiss replied as she began placing the files in, "in fact, I'm almost done. I simply have to place the dust in the cartridges and then those in Myrtenaster."
"Oh, may I take a look?" Josie blurted out. She was rather interested in taking a closer look at Weiss' weapon and forgot herself. She was about to utter an apology.
But, Weiss was completely fine with it, telling her, "I don't see why not. Simply refrain from touching anything."
"Of course," Josie, elated to be allowed near the blade, went in for a close look as Weiss held it up for her. The first thing she noticed beside the blade was the way the handle was designed, "wow, this is a really nice mechanism."
"Well it is a Schnee family designed weapon," Weiss proudly stated, "I even had a hand in making it. Simple and effective. And elegant."
"Hehe," Josie laughed a bit nervously. She had to admit that pride of Weiss' was both inspiring and a bit much, "it must be pretty nice to be a Schnee."
"Of course," Weiss told her, a bit haughtily, but still friendly, before somberly muttering "most of the time at least."
Noticing that, Josie decided to quickly switch to another topic on hand, one completely random, "Yes. So, I noticed you have an extensive of the series "A Song of Dust and Semblance," with you."
"Who told you!?" Weiss immediately snapped, panic stricken as she grabbed her teammate by the color. Josie had never seen her look like that.
The brunette held up her hands to wave and immediately shouted, "I just noticed, that was all!"
"How and when?" Weiss hissed as her eyes narrowed. A blush started to creep on her pale face and made Josie smile a little, something Weiss didn't appreciate, "D-don't you dare show any amusement!"
"Ahem," Josie cleared her throat and began to explain, "I noticed a few nights ago. I actually couldn't sleep after a bad reaction to some dinner I got and saw you sneak out with your collection. I saw the cases."
"Does anyone else know?" Weiss began interrogating the girl, or at least trying to. It actually wasn't working considering how adorable she looked as of now. And it's not like Weiss would freeze her in place. At least she didn't think so.
"I don't think so. And I certainly never told anyone," Josie told her. This seemed to calm Weiss down a little, making her let go of her collar, and she continued on, "Why are you embarrassed, it's a lovely show… until season Seven."
"Shush," Weiss immediately silenced her with a finger on her lips, "I'm only on season five… and as for why I'm embarrassed, don't you understand it's geek-ish?"
"Geek-ish?" Questioned Josie with a small chuckle, "that's not geek-ish. And besides, it's a great show."
"It's just not becoming of me," Weiss sighed out, a tad dramatically too, "I'm supposed to be focused on my studies, swordsmanship, and partake in the finer arts, not dorky shows… even if they are amazingly written dorky shows with stellar actors."
"Weiss, come on, it's not something to be ashamed of," Josie placed a warm hand on her teammate's shoulder, "we could even watch together. It wouldn't be dorky if I did it right?"
"It would be… but, you're an exception," Weiss decided to tease, getting Josie to pout, "and it would be nice to watch with someone," then she shot her a warning glare, albeit more playfully, "just don't tell anyone."
Josie held out her hand to shake, "Done deal."
Weiss accepted. Secretly, very elated.
XXXXX
Blake simply sat by candlelight on the bed and read her usual favorite novel. A new edition of Ninja's of Love had just been released not too long ago. She wanted to see how this stacked up to the previous one and find out what became of her beloved characters. She heard rumors a new person had entered the tray and saw what they did with this new, brunette girl.
There were even rumors someone in the series was actually getting a full on harem. Some speculated yaoi. Others speculated yuri. Some speculated straight of both reverse and normal harems. Either way, the fandom spiraled into chaotic argumentative uproar online and off it.
Blake simply enjoyed the ride.
Just as the black and white clad girl was reading a line on the latest character to shake up the dynamics, Josie had walked in. She was fresh, clean, and ready for an early rest. At least until she noticed Blake reading.
Deciding to work up the nerve to address the more withdrawn teammate, Josie asked, "So, what book is that?"
"A book. It's for a certain type of taste," Blake curly answered, showing no signs of emotion.
"Really?" Josie chirped.
"Yes, really."
Josie hummed to herself for a moment, wondering what she should say as to not dry Blake off in her attempts to better befriend her. She struggled a little to say something to even open books. But then an idea came to her and she asked, "is it a book on the social climate on Faunus?"
"No," now Blake was looking towards Josie with confusion, "why would you think that?"
"I just took a wild guess based on your response in class today towards Cardin to be honest," Josie rubbed the back of her head, "you're one of the few people I met that really stick up for them. It's refreshing."
"I see," Blake mumbled, a little happy to hear that, though she didn't show it too much, "thanks. That means a lot to hear."
"No problem," Josie gave her thumbs up, "I, uh, hope I didn't interrupt your reading time too much."
"It's fine. It's refreshing you took an interest," Now Blake was smiling back, "I'm glad I didn't put you off too much."
Josie chortled, "I was worried I did that to you."
"Hardly," Blake told her before looking between her book and her budding friend. After a moment of inner hesitation, she asked, "Josie, would you like to know what I'm reading?"
With a nod, Josie said, "wouldn't ask if I wasn't genuine, hehehe."
Blake then took a deep breath and asked, "Are you into romance and drama novels? Particularly ones with mistral cultural backgrounds?"
"Definitely, I happen to be a huge fan of "Ninjas of Love". Everyone dismisses it's plot for simple smut with sprinkles of plot here and there, but they just don't get it," The moment those words left Josie's mouth, she noticed that Blake started to develop the world's most shit eating grin. It was like Ruby and her weapons.
Just as cute too, maybe even more considering how rare it was to see Blake make this face.
"I think I'm in love now," Blake said jokingly as she started to pull out her "sacred stash of culture" as she liked to title it, "how deep are you into the series?"
"As deep as Jujimaru is deep into Kawaiiko," Josie giggled, which somehow made Blake's smile grow wider.
This was going to be a good night.
XXXXX
Overall, life at Beacon in the first month and few weeks proved absolutely fantastic for Josie. Her team, the quirky Ruby, the bodacious Yang, the noblewoman Weiss, and the silent with refined taste Blake undoubtedly cemented themselves to her as a lovable motley crew. A crew that she got to be a part of.
They even said she was the cute rookie of the team. Well, Yang said it jokingly and it stuck at the lunch table harder than the gum under some desks. Even Ruby of all people would call her the "Cutie Rookie".
Team RWBY have officially, in both name and spirit, become Team RWBYJ… what word they would form with it was still in the works, but they all agree that it was the thought behind it that truly mattered.
Josie couldn't help but smile as she watched the sky, secretly thanking Ozpin again for this opportunity to be here, with team RWBY. At this rate, she might end up calling them family. She briefly wondered if they felt the exact same way she did…
'It would be nice if they did,' she mused to herself, 'They probably do, at least in a good amount… I worry too much.'
So, she shook those thoughts from her head and just kept watching the clouds go by. She wouldn't worry herself too much about the future, of "this" and "that", just keep going with what was happening right now.
"Hey, Josie, come on, Yang found some awesome movies for us to watch!" The young woman turned to see Ruby waving and smiling.
She replied with, "Awesome, coming!"
Indeed, this place was becoming a home for our new protagonist. But it would prove to be more than that soon enough. In fact, Josie would soon understand that she left more than just a friendly impression on her team.
This was just the beginning...