Later in the afternoon, it was time to train as a team. If team RWBY was going to remain at the top of their class combat-wise, they had to put in the work. Rehearsing attack combinations took a couple of hours.
"Freezerburn!"
There was the familiar call of their leader, so Yang and Weiss sprung into action.
The sharp rapier was rammed into the ground. In seconds, ice warped over the floor with dust. Directly after, Weiss leaped out of the way to avoid the eager blonde's fists. When it was clear, Yang plummeted and jammed her fist on the frozen, slippery surface. This created a thick fog that covered the entire training room.
"Wow!"
Most of the team couldn't see each other because of the dense fog, but it was easy to tell the impressed voice belonged to Ruby.
Even Blake couldn't see through the dense fog. "This will definitely give us an advantage if we use it wisely."
"If we can see," Yang pointed out.
"Don't worry about that," Blake replied. "We'd only need to pinpoint where our opponents are beforehand. Assuming they don't make any sudden moves."
While it's true Blake and Weiss have good vision due to their faunus traits, they could only see better at night. Not while there was a fog.
Ruby nodded confidently with a hand on her hip. "Odds are, our opponents won't move fast. Most people will freeze in place and try to look around."
Yang tried to wave the fog away. "We'll keep that in mind, then. What's the next move you wanna practice, Rubes?"
"Before that," Weiss whipped out her rapier to steady it and turned the dial to the wind dust setting.
Her intention was to clear the room of the annoying dense fog, but her leader interrupted her.
"Hold on," Ruby gently set her palm on her shoulder. "Leave it to me!"
Ruby bolted off with her speed semblance. Soon enough, she became a red blur that circled the training ground what seemed like hundreds of times in the span of three seconds. Red petals scattered all around the area in a mini whirlwind.
Before long, the fog was completely cleared. When it lightened up, her three teammates were left standing there in awe.
"Or you could do that…" Weiss muttered.
Everyone was still in their own world when Ruby yelled.
"Bumblebee!"
The call snapped Blake and Yang out of their collective shock.
On instinct, Blake threw Gambol Shroud directly at Yang, making sure to hold on to the end of the firm ribbon. To her surprise, Yang was already sprinting for a head-start and easily caught the blunt end of her partner's weapon.
When it was safe, Blake yanked on the ribbon and Yang twirled around, keeping a firm grip on the handle. Using the momentum on the ground, Yang cocked her gauntlets for extra speed. It took Blake's muscles a few moments to get used to the strain of spinning her partner around. With their combined effort, they could do it.
With a determined shout, Blake managed to get Yang to spin around in a rapid circle. To showboat, Yang intentionally erupted into a yellow flame that caught on fire from her burning semblance. It was like a fiery glowstick.
Ruby and Weiss shared a look, amused.
Ruby cupped her hands over her mouth. "Show off!"
The bumblebee pair continued like that for a while, having fun with it.
"Incredible…" Weiss was in wonder from the sight.
Ruby giggled and gingerly rubbed the back of her head. "Yang can't help herself."
"Someone take a pic!" Yang could barely yell since she was too determined to not let go and fly into a wall.
Ruby sighed and yanked out her phone. "Why do I indulge her?"
"You're too nice," Weiss said, playfully rolling her eyes.
Right before Ruby could capture the moment, Blake's fingers slipped while she was in midair. A surprised yelp ensued as Blake flew back, and Yang tumbled to the side.
"Blake!" Ruby yelped.
Before the faunus could slam into the nearby wall, a glyph caught her. She bounced off it like it was a giant marshmallow, flipped, and perfectly landed on her feet. With her adrenaline shot, she dusted herself off like nothing happened.
"Thanks!" Blake yelled from across the room.
Weiss almost scowled, despite being worried. "They need to be more careful. Honestly…"
Easily, Yang was able to recover. All she received was a bruise that was already healed. She rushed to her partner, checking her over.
"You good?"
"Yeah."
Yang nodded, glad to hear that. Across the room, she yelled. "Team partner time!"
The white rose pair looked confused, but ultimately rolled with it and conversed.
Gleefully, Yang wrapped an arm around her partner's shoulders. "Why don't ya tell me what's on your mind?"
"W-what?" Blake asked, suddenly flustered.
Yang adorned a mischievous smirk and whispered into her cat ear. "Don't try to play coy with me, kitten. Are you thinkin' about a certain... ice princess?"
Truth is, she'd been the center of Blake's thoughts. Especially since Weiss opened up to her about her past. After being told everything, Blake thought she was the strongest, most beautiful person she'd ever known.
Abruptly, Blake put on a poker face although her cheeks were flushed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
That was all the confirmation Yang needed to egg her on. Since this was a private subject, she kept her voice low.
"Come on, you don't think I've noticed you watching her? Whether it be in class, the arena, or in our room? You're much closer now since the start of the year, too. You slipped up just now because you couldn't take your eyes off her, didn't you?"
The more Yang talked, the more Blake's face was painted red.
"Look, I say you go for it," the blonde encouraged her. "She looks at you, too."
That caused Blake's voice to jump higher in surprise. "She does?"
"Yep," Yang confirmed, now knowing for a fact her partner had a crush. "It's entertaining to watch you two, but can you make a move already?"
"I can't," Blake said reluctantly with a sigh. "If she rejects me, our team dynamic wouldn't be the same."
Yang replied knowingly. "She won't reject you."
"What makes you say that?"
Yang placed her hands on her shoulders, staring into those hesitant amber eyes. "Because that would make the princess a total idiot. And we both know she's not an idiot."
It was such simple reasoning. It was such a Yang way of thinking, but it made sense. Somehow, that made Blake feel a lot better.
"I'll consider it," Blake said, hesitant from the thought but stern at the same time.
Yang's right, Blake thought. I can't expect anything to change if I stand by idly. I have to do something. My victory will begin with this new path. I can't let her slip away.
"Thanks, Yang," Blake said, grateful for the advice, and smirked. "I'm glad you find us amusing."
Yang lightly chucked. "It's better than T.V. sometimes."
From that, Blake playfully rolled her eyes. Suddenly, a cloud of red and white appeared by them.
"You guys done?" Ruby asked.
"Yep," Yang said, popping the 'p.'
Blake nodded and asked. "Is there anything else you'd like to try?"
"No," Ruby shook her head. "I think we've nailed Checkmate and Ice Flower, too. Wouldn't you agree?"
Weiss chimed in with crossed arms. "They are well-thought-out combinations. Pairs are more effective."
"Right," Ruby agreed. "Our chances will also increase to attack."
"You're a good leader, Ruby," Weiss praised. "The fact that you thought of the majority of those attack combinations, I'm impressed."
Ruby had an ear-to-ear grin and she gave her partner a crushing hug. "Aw, thanks Weiss!"
Weiss struggled out of her grip. "Let go of me!"
"You know you love me!" Ruby rubbed the top of her head below her teammate's chin, not easing up with the crushing hug. "Embrace it!"
A strong pair of hands separated the two.
"What's the matter with you, Rubes?" Yang scolded.
While Weiss attempted to catch her breath, Yang continued. "Everyone knows the princess doesn't like being touched..."
"Thank you!" Weiss huffed in victory.
"... Which is why I'll do it," the blonde trapped her in an even tighter rib-crushing hug, which elicited a tiny squeal from her.
The cute sound she emitted almost caused Blake's jaw to drop. It was so adorable!
"Why you- let go of me this instant!" Weiss was fuming and tried to squirm out of her overbearing grip, but her arms were locked in place.
"How could I resist?" Yang teased and noticed it might be hard for Weiss to breathe due to her struggling lungs. From that, the blonde decided that was enough and gently set her teammate down. "You're like a doll!"
Weiss looked like she was about to explode from anger.
"... A yangry doll…"
"I will kill you, Xiao Long!"
Suddenly, there was a loud boom. The speakers that surrounded the room beeped on.
"I need you four in my office immediately."
It sounded like Ozpin. It must be urgent.
"Whew, saved by Ozpin," Yang breathed, glad she was spared from her teammate's anger.
Ruby almost growled. "Yang, what'd you do?"
Yang flailed her hands. "I- I didn't do anything! Why do you assume I did something?!"
Ruby only sighed and yelled up at the speakers. "Are we in trouble?!"
There was a brief pause until the headmaster spoke again. "You need to be prepped for an upcoming mission."
"A mission?!" Ruby chirped in glee.
Before anyone could say anything, Ruby sped out of the room in a red whirlwind. The three watched the doors close as they stood there. Yang grinned widely.
"She might be a little excited."
At last, a mission!
Lyrics from This Game: "I can see that the way to a victory begins with this new path." Blake, considering confessing to Weiss. The ultimate victory would be her acceptance.
Stay dandy,
~Toto