Normally I would have stuff to say prior to the chapter but right now, not a lot on my mind other than the reminder to vote.
Yang or Ruby cause Yang is currently WAY ahead in the lead.
I'll give everyone like….3 more chapters
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day
Avenging Remnant Chapter 20: The Badge of Burden
Pietro Maximoff, otherwise known as Quicksilver was currently doing something that would normally be more suited for his sister Wanda.
Reading.
Face scrunched up in concentration, the overdramatic sweat running down his face was a comical site indeed as the normally loose and playful Avenger was 'dead' serious.
"Pietro, there you are" The voice of his sister Wanda Maximoff came from behind as she entered his room "Let's get ready, today's our first day of…classes"
Pietro had not moved, instead opting to retain his attention on the book in his hands.
Quirking a brow at her brothers behavior, Wanda casually twitched her fingers and a red aura surrounded the book.
It was quickly snatched out of Pietro's hands and flew into Wanda's.
"Wanda" Pietro complained, watching his sister snap the book shut and read the cover
"Beginners Teachers Guide" Wanda read aloud, frowning thoughtfully "Well, you're not Steve that's for sure"
She blinked and felt a brief strong breeze hit her, noticing the book was gone. Turning around, she saw Pietro with the book in hand giving her a flat look.
"I just wanna do a good job" Pietro said, childishly affronted
Wanda laughed at her brothers plight.
"This is quite the shock Pietro" Wanda said, patting his shoulder "I didn't realize you cared so much"
"Hey just cause I run right in doesn't mean I don't think" Pietro said, tossing the book onto his bed
"Pietro, you'll do fine" Wanda said assuredly "We're gonna be doing this as a team, all of us so you'll figure it out on the way. What did Clint always tell us?"
"Never go in against a Sicilian?"
"That's from Princess Bride Pietro" Wanda deadpanned
Pietro chortled with Wanda shaking her head.
"Don't think, just do" Wanda reiterated "It's what makes you an Avenger, Pietro"
Pietro furrowed his brows at that statement, face in deep thought before nodding.
"Then I guess we should get to it then" Pietro said
"See, there's the Pietro I know" Wanda said in agreement "Besides, from what Clint had pulled up for an idea as our first class, we aren't going to have to do much anyway. That will come later"
Scene cut
Weiss Schnee was dozing peacefully in her team room, unaware of her partner and team leader Ruby Rose looming over her.
Opening her eyes, Weiss slowly sat up and let out a stretch. She felt a satisfying popping of bones which helped in waking her up.
That of course changed upon her sensing Ruby's presence beside her.
Turning to her, Weiss let out a shriek and tumbled out of bed when Ruby blew on a whistle.
"Gooood Morning Team RWBY" Ruby proclaimed
"What in the world is wrong with you?" Weiss barked in irritation from the floor
"Now that you're awake" Ruby said, completely ignoring Weiss's sour attitude "We can officially begin our first order of business"
"Excuse me?" Weiss said, standing up and brushing herself off
"Decorating" Yang declared, arms filled with pillows, pamphlets and an assortment of other items
"What?" Weiss asked
"And we need to unpack" Blake said holding up her suitcase which opened, spilling out all its contents "…And clean"
Weiss stared with a quirked brow only to jump and fall back to the floor upon Ruby blowing on her whistle.
"Alright!" Ruby said, confident grin in place "Weiss, Blake, Yang and their fearless leader Ruby have begun their first mission. BANZAI!"
"BANZAI" Yang and Blake mimicked with Ruby, all three holding their fists in the air.
Weiss looked on from her position on the floor and let out a tired sigh.
The next hour or so blurred on by with Team RWBY moving paintings, bookshelves, posters and their beds around to make the room as homey as possible.
It ended with the four girls observing their work and at long last noticing that their beds had been piled into the center of the room.
"This isn't going to work" Weiss said exasperatedly
"It's…kinda cramped" Blake added
"Maybe we should ditch some our stuff" Yang suggested
"Or…" Ruby said "We ditch our beds and replace them with bunk beds!"
"That sounds a bit dangerous" Weiss said, in clear disagreement
"And Super Awesome" Yang declared
"It does seem more efficient" Blake said contemplatively
"Then let's put it to a vote" Weiss said
"Pretty sure that's already been decided" Ruby said knowingly, gesturing her thumb to Blake and Yang that had agreed with her
Scowling, Weiss nonetheless joined her teammates in restructuring their room. The four girls rushed forward with construction sounds ensuing.
They stood back to nod in acceptance at their work.
Weiss and Blake's beds returned to their original positions but both Yang's and Ruby's were above their respective partners.
Yang's bed was placed upon a stack of books from each corner of Blakes bed whilst Ruby's was bizarre to say the least.
Hers quite literally hung from the ceiling via rope with a blanket over her bed in a tent like fashion.
As Ruby opened her mouth to speak once again, they heard knocking on their door.
Glancing at one another, Yang shrugged and went over to open the door. Upon seeing who it was, a grin broke out on her face.
"Peter" Yang said happily, her friend dressed in the Beacon school uniform for boys "What are you doing up so early?"
"That's my question for you" Peter said with a nod "I heard a lot of commotion and…construction noise. Is everything ok in here?"
"Oh we're just remodeling our room" Yang said, pulling him in "Have a look"
Peter felt a rush blood to his cheeks at being in a room occupied entirely of girls around his age that were criminally gorgeous. Being a young lad of 16 with raging hormones abound, Peter really had to struggle in getting his face under control.
Thankfully, a very good distraction came in the form of seeing Ruby's bed hung from the ceiling via ropes.
"Uh…" Peter stared "That's…one way to setup a bed"
"Isn't it awesome?" Ruby asked gushing at her work
"Can't say I don't do the same with my webs sometimes" Peter admitted with a shrug
"So now what oh fearless leader?" Weiss asked sarcastically
"Actually, I think we might have to save further decorations for later" Peter said with a raised hand
He put on an embarrassed, cringed face, holding up his scroll which displayed the time.
"Your remodeling woke me up and made me realize class starts in 5 minutes"
There was a calm silence shared amongst them for a good few moments until…
"YOU DUNCES" Weiss shouted, bolting out from the room with her teammates and Peter staring
"TO CLASS" Ruby declared shortly afterwards with the rest following suit.
Peter ran out and saw team JNPR at their door with one on top of the other in a rather cartoonish fashion.
"What's going on Pete?" Jaune asked
"We're gonna be late for class" Peter said plainly before firing two webs from his sleeves and began zipping about the hallway to catch up to team RWBY.
"Oh" Jaune nodded with his team promptly clattering down onto the floor. He managed to slip out from underneath the pile and dashed to catch up.
"WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!"
In the courtyard, Glynda and Oz observed as Peter Parker swung overhead way ahead of his new friends who were running right behind him.
The blond professor couldn't help in rolling her eyes at the clearly amused expression of Ozpin as he sipped his coffee.
"You can be unbearable sometimes, Headmaster" Glynda found herself saying
He only shrugged, neither confirming nor denying her statement. Oz simply continued drinking.
The group of teens made it just in time as the professor of their first class entered. The study of the creature Grimm was being headed by a man with a brilliant mustache, portly in stature and aptly called Professor Port.
"Monsters, Demons, prowlers of the night" Professor Port said with a flare of showmanship "The creatures of Grimm have many names, though I would refer to them as prey, HAHA"
Before him, the students had varying degrees of responses.
Peter quirked a brow at the professors boisterous nature, sharing a look with Jaune who only shrugged at the behavior.
Nora giggled at the joke with Ren merely sitting at attention with Pyrrha scribbling down some notes from the white boards behind Port that displayed various Grimm.
In the row before them, Blake and Yang mirrored Ren's posture with Weiss doing the same as Pyrrha. Ruby on the other hand just snapped out of her nap.
The rest of the class remained relatively silent though that did little to deter in Ports impassioned speech of their duties in combatting the Grimm.
"And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy" Port said confidently "Vale is amongst the four kingdoms that are the safe havens in an otherwise very treacherous world. Our planet is positively teeming with beasts that would like to do nothing more than to rip you all apart, limb from limb"
"Well that's one way of putting things into perspective" Peter murmured forcing Jaune to cover up a snort that was coming up
"That is where we come in" Port said, gesturing to them all "Huntsmen! Huntresses! Individuals who have all sworn to protect those who can't do it themselves. From what you may ask? Why, the very world!"
"YEEAahhh" A student had proclaimed aloud only to realize he had done so in an embarrassing fashion thus sitting back down and hiding his face.
"That is what you are training to become" Port said with finality
Then in an astonishingly fascinating display of narcissism.
"But first: a story. A tale of a young, handsome man" Port did it little jump in his pose "Me. When I was a boy…"
Peter was very much confused as to the purpose of this as this honestly…well completely truthfully was contributing nothing to the purpose of the class.
Both team JNPR and RWBY even seemed to share that notion save for Weiss. Though even she seemed to be having a hard time in following along with Ports story.
Ruby in the meantime was scribbling at a leisurely pace with Peter deciding to quickly write down the notes of the Grimm on the board.
"Despite smelling of cabbages, my grandfather was a wise man" Ports words cut into Peter thought process making him look up "He told me 'Peter' blah blah blah"
Peter and Jaune stared at one another with weirded out expressions at their professors eccentric behavior.
They heard snickering in front of them and looked to see that Ruby had made a crude sketch of Professor Ports round appearance, naming him poop instead.
Ruby's eyes caught Peter's and she displayed her picture with a grin. Peter only gave her an 'iffy' hand motion, managing to convey that she could do better.
Port cut in by clearing his throat in order to finish his story.
"In the end, the Beowolf was no match for my sheer tenacity" Port said with a triumphant pose "I returned to the village with my head held high and was celebrated as a hero"
"So what is the moral of this story?" Port inquired though didn't give time for another answer "A true huntsmen must be honorable"
Weiss grit her teeth in annoyance at frustration at the sight of Ruby balancing a pencil on her finger with a book and apple on top.
"A true Huntsmen must be dependable"
The apple was stolen from Ruby by a web shot at it by Peter. He waved the apple at her while she made a face at him. This only served to further anger Weiss at RWBY's team leader.
"A true Huntsmen must be strategic, well-educated and wise"
All the while Ruby had fallen asleep once more which was an infuriating thing to see for the heiress.
"Now, who among you believes to be the embodiment of these traits?" Port asked
With no hesitation, Weiss shot up out of her seat with her hand raised high.
"I do sir" She proclaimed arrogantly and angrily
"Well then, let's find out" Port said ominously, looking to his side at a metal cage with a Grimm Boarbatusk inside
Peter blinked repeatedly, rubbing his eyes.
"When did that get there?" Peter asked no one in particular
"Beats me" Jaune said, scratching his head "I didn't see it there till he looked at it"
"What are you guys talking about? That cage was there from the beginning" Nora said like it was the most obvious thing in the world
"It is better not to question her statement" Ren quickly said afterwards, sensing the bewildered expression "Nora is how Nora does"
"…Right" Peter conceded, turning back to see Weiss stand Myrtenaster in hand
She was poised and ready, facing the red eyes of the boar-like Grimm.
Her teammates cheered her on.
"Go Weiss" Yang said aloud, fist in the air
"Fight well" Blake waved a little flag with their team name on it
"Represent Team RWBY" Ruby said happily
"Ruby! I'm trying to focus" Weiss said bitingly
"Oh…" Ruby felt a bit downcast "Sorry"
"Alright then" Port held up his Blunderbuss axe "Let the match…BEGIN"
With a swing of his weapon, Port cut the lock and the door fell open allowing the Boarbatusk inside to charge forward at Weiss.
Weiss swung her Myrtenaster which struck the Grimm's tusk, allowing her to roll out of its way. The Grimm stands a small distance away, studying its enemy.
"Ha-ha" Port laughed "Wasn't expecting that now, were you?"
"Hang in there Weiss" Ruby cheered her on
Weiss sped forward with the Grimm meeting her in the center of the classroom. Her sword got impaled within one of the tusks and the two entered into a momentary struggle of attempting to gain dominance over one another.
"A bold new strategy" Port stated "I like it"
"Come on Weiss, show it who's boss" Ruby encouraged
Weiss shot Ruby an annoyed glanced which proved to be a mistake as the Boarbatusk shook its head violently, resulting in Weiss's rapier landing on the opposite end of the room with her being flung back over to Port.
"Oh-ho, now what shall you do without your weapon?" Port asked the down Weiss
Weiss got up in time to roll out of the way of the Grimms charge, allowing her to run over and recover her weapon.
"Weiss" Ruby called out to her "Go for its belly, there's no armor underneath"
"Will you stop telling me what to do?" Weiss rebutted
This time, Ruby appeared genuinely hurt by Weiss's harsh words.
Returning her attention to the Grimm, Weiss prepared herself as the Grimm jumped up into a ball and spun like wheel right at her. Gaining enough momentum, the Boarbatusk unfurled itself from its shape in its attempt to bring Weiss down.
Weiss however countered by summoning one her glyphs to stop the beast in its tracks and knock it onto its back. Not wasting any time, she conjured another glyph above her with the color being black. It launched her into the Grimm, Weiss impaling the beast right in its chest.
The Grimm was dead.
"Bravo" Port praised "Bra-VO. It appears we are indeed in the presence of an aspiring young huntress"
He turned back to the rest of the class.
"It appears however that is all the time we have for today" Port informed them all "Be sure to read the covered assignments for you and stay vigilant. Dismissed"
Weiss huffed at Ruby's frown and quickly walked out of the class ahead of her team.
Peter and team JNPR moved to join up with Yang and Blake while Ruby ran ahead to catch up to her clearly angry partner
"Yeesh, what's her problem?" Jaune asked Yang and Blake, the former throwing her hands up
"I don't know" Yang said with slight exasperation "We were cool this morning"
"What class do we have next anyway?" Nora chirped up, changing the subject of discussion
"It's" Blake pulled out her schedule and blinked "Avengers 101?"
"Avengers 101?" Pyrrha repeated
"Wow, already got them on the first day" Peter remarked "We don't even have combat class until tomorrow"
"Wonder what they're gonna teach us" Ren mused
"Probably how to be super awesome" Nora said leaping into the air in joy "That way we can be just like them"
"What do you think Peter?" Jaune asked
"Oh uh…" Peter rubbed the back of his head, trying to give an answer to that
What they did not know was his prior experiences with the Avengers, this group in particular being less than stellar. He did leave an impression on them, both mental and physical. More physical really due to some of the bruises Scott had talked about without much care or notice since Peter cringed at hearing that during one of their tech sessions.
"They'll probably teach us about teamwork or something" Peter guessed
"Funny coming from you" Yang laughed, patting his shoulder seeing as he was not part of any team to begin with
When the initiation was done, Ozpin labeled Peter as a special circumstance student who can be inserted into any given team. One could almost call himself as a mercenary type student who goes from team to team.
In reality, he was under the direct tutelage of the Avengers themselves as they had already trained him on several occasions. Those few times showed him how woefully behind he was to them at times.
Though he had a bit more expertise against Falcon he still at times found it difficult up against him now that the aviator had wizened up to Peter and what he's capable of.
It didn't help the fact that both Falcon and Hawkeye now possessed Aura's and developing semblances of their own.
Captain Rogers had the same issue yet his was a strange case. It had not manifested whatsoever since the apparent time of its forcible awakening.
The group had arrived at their next class and entered to see that it was more Spartan-esque than their previous class room.
Inside was a simple elevated, tournament styled stage with a few benches surrounding the raised platform. There, they saw the Avengers standing there awaiting the arrival of all the students.
Most couldn't help themselves, whispering and chattering at seeing the group of heroes that had risen so quickly in fame all across Remnant. To think that they would be their teachers for their four years at Beacon was truly amazing.
Yang in the meantime had spotted Ruby and Weiss who was sitting on another bench entirely, away from Ruby. They had joined them both, sitting down to face the Avengers.
Seeing that the seats were now full, Steve Rogers stepped forward and effectively silenced the teens with that one move.
"Welcome to, ahem, Avengers 101" Steve said professionally
Behind, Clint and Pietro shared smug looks whilst Wanda shook her head at the two. Scott snorted in amusement and Sam looked on with a small grin.
"You are probably wondering what this class is about" Steve stated "As you have seen in your schedules, you've had classes such as Grimm studies, history, combat class, tech studies and so on. What this class is about is simple yet somewhat complex. Versatility"
This earned confused expressions amongst the students.
Clint then stepped forward.
"What Cap means is that you will not find one defining feature that you can identify this class with" Clint further verified "Here, you're gonna be learning a slew of different skills and abilities that will help further in your goals at becoming the guardians of this world"
"And you all better be prepared for it" Sam chipped in "We aren't gonna be pulling any punches with what we mean by versatility nor will we hold back on your training. We will push you and drive you to further exceed yourselves and evolve over the course of your 4 years here"
"But above all else, this class will help further you with your team dynamics" Steve picked up where he left off "When you are here, there will be many tasks that will force you to really work together in building your teamwork along with working with others who are not a part of your team"
Steve paused upon seeing Blake Belladonna's hand raised in question.
"Yes Ms. Belladonna?" Steve said politely
"You said that we'll be working with other teams?" Blake asked tentatively
"Exactly that" Steve confirmed "Except it won't be as simple as your team working with another. There will be mixing ranging from small and large degrees. Say we take you from team RWBY, Ren from JNPR, Cardin from CRDL and Sherry from SPHR and make you a team. The four of you will need to adjust to the new dynamic and plan accordingly"
That actually sent a reverberation of nervousness through the students. To them, it was hard enough adjusting to the team they had been assigned to from the start of school. Now they had to deal with the fact that they're gonna be pairing up with more people that they don't know.
"I know you guys are a bit scared about that aspect" Wanda now stepped forward "But let us tell you that this is something you will all be dealing with at one point in one way shape or form. This is the first step"
"So it's time we begin" Steve stated "Today will be all about practicality and survival skills. Nothing to crazy"
"Though…" Sam had a bit of smirk on his face "I do have 'some' reservations to this question. Show of hands here, who knows how to start a fire in the wilderness with no matches and only with the environment around them"
There was a moment of silence and unresponsiveness making Sam roll his eyes in annoyance.
"Come on people, don't be shy" he encouraged "There's gotta some of you here that knows how to make a damn campfire"
Tentatively, several hands went up, among them being Yang, Jaune, Ren, Nora, Russel from CRDL and a handful more.
"Well, that's kind of a shame" Sam remarked
"Excuse Mr. Wilson sir" Weiss raised her hand in inquiry "But what purpose does this serve us?"
"That's a good question actually" Clint took over for Sam "Does anyone other than us have an answer to her?"
He waited in silence, looking around
"Anyone at all?"
Ruby raised her hand.
"Ms. Rose"
"Because this could be useful?" She said unsurely
"It will be useful" Clint said firmly "All of you here are training to fight against Grimm but we're also gonna tell you this here and now. You will be taking on other missions that don't always deal with Grimm. Some that involve you travelling out from civilization, away from cities and villages that can provide you with shelter and care. You're gonna all have to learn how to survive out there on your own or in a group using what you can in the here and now that can get you by the first hour let alone the night or day. Practicality is the foundation to Huntsmen and Huntresses. Learning how to make fires, how to hunt, distinguishing where you are with the use of the area around you or even reading a map properly. All of these small minor skills can go a long way in helping you survive"
"And with that being said…" Steve spoke up "It's time for all of you to follow us"
The large collection of students followed the Avengers out of their classroom, out of Beacon and all the way to the border of the Emerald Forest.
Scott wordlessly pulled out a tiny rectangular folder and held up his wrist to it. Pressing on a point within his glove, a disk shot out, striking the tiny folder enlarging back to its original size.
Many of the students who saw this momentarily gaped at what Scott did, making the former criminal grin.
"Alright everyone, get your instructions here on how to make a fire" Scott waved "I know some of you already have the skill but still to those who do not, take it regardless"
"Reminder" Steve said aloud "We're at the Emerald Forest everyone. We will be moving amongst you to see your progress but also as a patrol. There may be Grimm nearby so stay on guard even if one of us is close by"
"Hey Web-head" Sam said to Peter "Go stick with team RWBY on this one"
Blinking momentarily, Peter nodded a second later and went over to the team with Yang center stage.
"Alright ladies" Yang said boisterously "The trick to starting a quick fire is usually dead leaves and small twigs. For the long run, you gotta find dried logs otherwise if they've got too much moisture in them, it'll take longer for a fire to get going. Just a lot of steam"
"How do you know so much about this?" Peter asked curiously
"I have my ways" Yang said offhandedly, losing her spunk momentarily
All the while Blake frowned to herself thoughtfully. You'd think during her time with the White Fang she would have learned the ability of making a damn camp fire.
The air was suddenly filled with the sounds of a happily chanting Nora, making sounds akin to something of old Native Americans back on Earth.
Most people turned to team JNPR to see Jaune and Nora jumping for joy at a literal bonfire the two had managed to produce with Ren who had his arms crossed with slight pride and Pyrrha looking on in wonder, laughing all the while.
"WHOA" Ruby exclaimed "How'd they do that?!"
"That was insanely quick" Blake commented in equal awe
"Very nice" Sam praised, nodding his head in approval as he stood beside team JNPR "How'd you guys learn this?"
"I always went on camping trips with my family" Jaune explained "Kinda figured it out as time went on. Burnt my fingers a lot"
Sam chuckled, turning to Nora and Ren "And you two?"
"We've had our own experiences that allowed us to acquire such skills" Ren said vaguely, eyes on the fire
Sam took the hint, realizing that it was more than likely not an easy thing to talk about. He had seen that look in the eyes of veterans all too often. Though it was difficult to find in Nora, both her and Ren shared the same set of eyes. The eyes of those who had seen and lost too much. And at a very early age no less.
His nose twitched and he glanced down to see a perfectly roasted marshmallow on a stick being held to him by Nora.
"When did you…?"
"It's best you not question it Professor" Ren said politely, chewing on his own
Bewildered but nonetheless amused, Sam graciously accepted the marshmallow.
Back with team RWBY and Peter, Yang was leading them all through the forest not far from the rest of the class in helping gather firewood and leaves.
"Never thought that this would be one of our first lessons" Weiss commented, somewhat annoyed at trudging through the Emerald forest only the day after initiation
"At least we're not sitting in a stuffy classroom" Ruby said cheerfully, a pile of logs in her arms
Weiss only rolled her eyes, doing her best to ignore Ruby. Something that had not gone unnoticed by Ruby nor a certain spangled Avenger.
Up ahead, Peter was examining some rocks with Yang.
"These it?" Peter asked the blond, holding out the rocks for her to inspect
"Hmmm, let's see" She held both up closely to her eye, with the other closed.
Tossing both up in the air and then snatching them, Yang gave Peter a confirming grin.
"Now I can show you how to light a fire" Yang said, turning to return back to the class
However, before they could do so Peter felt that familiar danger sense in the back of his head flare up in alarm.
Crying out for Yang, he tackled her to the ground in time to save her from a pair of Beowolf claws aimed for her head.
Quickly pulling himself and her up, both faced the large Grimm which snarled at them when it suddenly jolted and froze on the spot. A moment later, it fell forward, face first into the ground with an arrow embedded into its head.
"Nice reflexes there Peter" Clint said casually, strolling over to retrieve his arrow
"Thanks for the save Professor Barton" Yang said appreciatively
"No problem, and call me Clint" Hawkeye said
"Uh…isn't that considered a bit rude?" Yang question
Clint on the other hand didn't answer, eyes narrowing at something that caught his site past the two students before him. His eyes shot back and forth between three different locations before he held up his bow and pulled back the string. In between Clint's hands formed a purple arrow made from his aura and he let it loose.
The arrow shot forward at great speed and with a mental guidance directed by Hawkeye prior to its creation, the arrow pierced through the skull of three other Beowolf Grimm hidden in the trees.
Peter and Yang glanced back and forth between the Grimm that fell from their hiding places and at Hawkeye who grinned.
"Gotta love Aura' He remarked cheekily.
"Clint" Pietro appeared in a blur "Everything ok?"
Clint only gestured to the Grimm that was already fading away
"Think it's time we call it a day"
Scene Cut
At the end of all their classes, Ruby had at long last confronted Weiss on her behavior throughout the day. She had called her out as to why she was so adamantly against her being the team leader as opposed to her. She didn't ask for it after all.
Weiss's response was biting and held some doubts that even Ruby held.
"Ozpin made a mistake" Weiss said with finality, turning to leave the young Huntress who was clearly saddened by her comments
"That was rather harsh of her to say"
Ruby turned around and saw Steve Rogers looking ahead at the retreating form of Weiss Schnee.
"Is she right?" Ruby asked softly, tears forming at the corner of her eyes "Do you think Ozpin made a mistake in making me team leader? In letting me get in so early?"
Steve rubbed his chin in thought until he gestured her to follow him.
"See, that has yet to be seen Ruby" Steve said, trying to assure her of her concerns "You need to understand something Ruby. Ozpin did not make a choice like making you leader so lightly"
"But what if he made a mistake?" Ruby asked, a bit desperately "What if you did in agreeing with Ozpin to let me come 2 years ahead of others?"
"Now that…I can whole heartedly say wasn't a mistake" Steve said, facing her "And you questioning yourself is why I know you'll be a fantastic leader"
"Huh?" Ruby said in disbelief "But Weiss said…"
"Ruby" Steve cut her off "What neither of you seemed to remember is that this has only been the first day. The first day and step in your long journey in becoming exceptional Huntresses of Remnant"
"Yeah I guess…" Ruby remained unsure
Steve sighed, easily seeing her doubts and reservations in being the leader of a team especially at such a young age.
"Ruby, I'm not going to lie to you" Steve said "You've been given a lot of responsibility right off the bat and that is no easy thing to tackle. You've been given the badge of team leader and it's something that's gonna constantly gnaw at you whether you know it or not"
That did little to alleviate Ruby's concerns yet Steve wasn't finished.
"I understand the pressure" Steve said kindly "And it is no easy task. Not only leading people on the battlefield but also the conviction and reason given to others to follow you. But the way I see it, you have already made a great stride in becoming a true team leader"
"How?" Ruby looked up at him, deeply curious
"It's really simple Ruby" Steve said, placing a comforting hand upon her shoulder "These battle you have with yourself, both inside and out, will strengthen your character and your resolve. You are strong because you know you're not perfect and have room to grow. You have wisdom because you also have doubts. And you're willing to follow but also take action on your own when you see it"
With every passing word, Ruby's doubts began crumbling away being replaced with a surge of confidence and a small smile upon her face.
"I think Ozpin couldn't have picked a finer student to lead one of the most promising young teams of this generation" Steve said confidently
Smiling happily now, Ruby surprised the soldier with a tight hug.
Blinking, he then smiled at the gesture, ruffling the young Huntresses hair.
"Now go on and get some rest" Steve said "You've still got a long week ahead"
"You got it" Ruby said with a spring in her step now, walking away from Steve contentedly
Steve watched her go with approval at her now upbeat attitude.
"And you yourself had doubts on the job" A female voice said beside him "I must say Steve, Ozpin and I knew you had it in you but this just confirms it"
"Only said what she needed to hear Glynda"
"I think you had done a wonderful job then" Glynda complimented
"Tomorrow is the first day of your class" Steve noted "Need any help in that regard? Seems only fair since you've done the same to prepare us"
"As much as I appreciate the gesture, I can handle it Steve" Glynda said with joking haughtiness in her tone "After all, I've been handling young students such as these for years now"
"Fair enough" Steve nodded
Scene Cut
Sam Wilson was currently hanging out with Professor Port of all people, both of whom were standing out on one of the many balcony rooftops watching the sunset.
Port was regaling the aviator with his tales of his younger days, Sam finding some enjoyment in them as he was quite humorous in his descriptions.
They were then met with an unexpected visitor.
"Professor Port" Weiss Schnee approached the two "Professor Wilson"
"Ah Ms. Schnee" Port greeted cordially, Sam inclining his head in greeting
"And to what do the two of us have owe to this fine pleasure of your company?"
"I enjoyed your lecture sir" Weiss said "Though, I…uh…wasn't sure about today's lesson with you Professor Wilson"
"Naturally you would question your lessons my dear girl" Port said approvingly "You have the blood of a true Huntress in you"
"And trust me when I say this, this is kindergarten work" Sam said with a roguish grin "When we really get serious, you'll wish you were back in kindergarten"
Weiss couldn't fight the shiver that ran down her back.
"But besides our classes, tell me Ms. Schnee, what troubles you?" Port asked, keenly eyeing the heiress
"Pardon?" Weiss was startled slightly from Ports deduction
"It doesn't take a genius to figure out that there is something on your mind that bothers you" Port said knowingly "And if I am to hazard a guess, this may have something to do with a conflict between you and your team leader Ruby Rose"
"Yeah, you two weren't even looking at each other during class" Sam pointed out "Well, you more than her really"
Weiss cringed at the teachers openly stating to her face at how obvious her contempt was for her partner.
"It's not like I want to do that" Weiss argued "It's just that…I think that I should have been team leader of RWBY"
"Now that my dear girl is preposterous" Port proclaimed
"What?!" Weiss said in shock and frustration "Excuse me, but how could say that so easily?"
"Simple really" Port said "It has only been day one of your time in Beacon"
"Yeah, and you quite literally have only known Ruby for only that official amount of time" Sam added
"Indeed" Port nodded at Wilson, looking back to Weiss "Ms. Schnee, I have known Professor Ozpin for many years now and he has never once lead me astray"
"And Steve is the best damn leader the Avengers could have" Sam said
"So you just blindly follow them both even though you know how exceptional I am?" Weiss said in an affronted manner
"There" Sam pointed at her "That right there is your problem Weiss"
"What?"
"My dear girl" Port said calmly "Your aptitude in your skill is only matched by that of your attitude"
"How dare you" Weiss seethed out
"Weiss" Sam said sternly, making her flinch at his tone. He had firm gaze upon her now, one you wouldn't normally argue with
"You need to understand that not everything will come to you on a silver platter" Sam stated "What I see is the same the Professor Port sees, what even Ozpin sees"
"And what would that be?"
"A young lady who has had everything handed to her" Port said
"That isn't even remotely true" Weiss huffed, crossing her arms
However she faltered a moment later under the expectant gazes shown upon both Sam and Port.
"Ok maybe not entirely true" Weiss conceded
"Weiss" Sam said in seriousness "Being a team leader is not something everyone is cut out for. You have a great burden on you to constantly perform at your best, more for your team than for yourself. It's why people like Steve Rogers leads the Avengers"
"So the outcome you had expected did not fall into your favor" Port went on "Do you truly believe acting in such a manner as you have today would truly make those in power reconsider their decisions?"
Now Weiss had no choice but to finally accept that with a nod.
"So instead of fretting about what you don't have, savor what you do" Port said with encouragement "Hone your skills, perfect your technique and craft. Focus on being the best person and teammate one can be, not as a leader but as yourself"
"There will come a time where you have to lead Weiss" Sam said "Be it your own team or others but in order for you to do that you need to learn this first. If you wanna lead, first you must learn how to follow. You get me?"
Slowly, an appreciative smile grows on her face nodding in thanks at both Port and Wilson. Leaving the two, Professor Port let out a hearty chuckle.
"Stunning choice of words there, Mr. Wilson" Port said "Where did you come up with that?"
"Just a show I watched back home" Sam waved off, turning back to the sunset
"Fascinating"
Scene cut
The shattered full moon shined brightly over Beacon academy that night.
Weiss had at last returned to her dorm and opened it to see two of her teammates were already fast asleep.
Looking up above her bed, she saw the blanket over Ruby's bed was enclosed with a light shining beneath.
Curious, Weiss climbed her way up and lifted the blanket back to see the surprising sight of Ruby fast asleep with several notebooks on her pillow, pencil in hand.
Guilt shot through her as she reached over to shake her partner awake.
Letting out a groggy breath, Ruby's eyes opened to see Weiss staring blankly at her.
"Weiss!" Ruby scrambled up "I was studying and then I fell asle-"
She was silenced by Weiss who held up an empty plastic cup.
"How do you take your coffee?" Weiss asked
"Wha…?"
"Coffee" Weiss repeated "How do you take it?"
"OH" Ruby stammered "Uh, cream and five sugars"
Weiss ducked down and several moments later came back and held the now full cup forward for Ruby to take.
"Thanks" Ruby said with a smile, taking a sip
"Ruby" Weiss said hesitantly "I'm sorry for how I behaved today. It's only been the first day and I rushed to criticize you"
Ruby stared at Weiss, slightly stunned by her apology.
"I think that you have what it takes to be a great leader" Weiss said determinedly "And just know that I'll also be the best teammate you could possibly have"
Ruby was now beaming at Weiss, giving her a lopsided grin of appreciation.
"Thanks Weiss" Ruby said "I promise I won't let you down"
Weiss nodded, silently conveying that she shall do the same.
"That's wrong by the way" Weiss said, pointing to one of her notes "Move that over here, it'll make more sense"
"Oh" Ruby jotted down the instructions "Thanks again"
"And Ruby?"
"Hmmm?"
"I always wanted bunk beds as a kid" She said playfully
Ruby's eyes widened before laughing with Weiss joining in only for her to receive a pillow to the head along with Weiss.
"Shut up" Yang groaned sleepily, eyes closed "Trying…to…*SNORE*"
The two giggled silently, with Weiss going back down and slipping into her pajamas before turning in for the night.
Scene cut
Ozpin walked through the Beacon Sanctum alone, several books in hand with his other hand carrying his cane.
Up ahead he saw his Master Aleksander sitting at a desk going over an incredibly large scroll.
"Master" Ozpin greeted.
"Ah, Ozpin" Aleksander looked up from the scroll "How are you my friend? How was another first day?"
"Promising to say the least" Oz said setting his books down. Wordlessly he conjured up two cups of coffee, handing one to his master.
"Ah freshly brewed" Aleksander said with satisfaction "Just the way we like it"
"Indeed" The two clinked their cups
"How are Miss Ambers and Wanda's studies going?" Ozpin inquired
"Exceptionally well" Aleksander said approvingly "It's been some time since I had met such natural mystic users. The last fall Maiden wasn't nearly as in tune with magic as Amber is. And Wanda, oh what a true delight for this old master in seeing a new form of magic being developed before his very eyes. She will become a true threat to anyone unfortunate enough to be in her path"
"High praise indeed" Ozpin said "What about you master? How have your own studies been?"
Aleksander knew what Ozpin was referring to. Letting out a tired sigh, he returned back to gauging the scroll he was currently studying.
"It truly is a shame really" Aleksander said bitterly "Interdimensional travel and magic at one point was the standard starting point for all mystic users across Remnant and masters of the mystic arts in general. Yet the fact that the knowledge has been lost to us…only serves to further infuriate me"
"No such luck then"
"Afraid not" Aleksander shook his head, flicking his wrist which made the scroll roll up and float off to its original place "Maybe I am not looking in the right place"
"Oh? So the other Sanctums then?" Ozpin suggested
"Perhaps" Aleksander mused, rubbing his chin "Though that may not be the place to look"
"Where then?" Ozpin leaned forward
"Mayhaps an older site, one of the lost ruins of our order" Aleksander said in complete seriousness
"That can prove to be a dangerous undertaking" Oz said grimly
"I am fully aware of the dangers my old student" Aleksander stated "However there has been an unusual shift in the air. I know you and Glynda could feel it and while I do not feel malevolence, I would rather not take any chances. This is exactly how some of our older establishments were felled by Salem and her followers"
Oz furrowed his brows, disturbed by the reminder.
"Very well, when the time comes I will come along to assist you"
"That is appreciated my student" Aleksander said "By the way, there are two young prospects I wish to speak to you about"
Ozpin leaned in as Aleksander opened his mouth to speak their names.
Scene cut
Lieutenant Devvrat of the Cleansers walked at a dignified pace, hands clasped behind his back.
He currently walked in a corridor with banners of a fanged creature with three red diagonal slashes across the animal.
Around him, White Fang soldiers stood at attention.
Though it wasn't visible, Devvrat could easily tell and sense the glaring eyes that followed him as he continued his walk towards his destination.
At long last he had arrived and opened the door.
He had entered a grand chamber with a lavish carpet leading to a throne like chair.
Three individuals caught his gaze.
On the right of the chair was a man Devvrat was all too familiar with.
Adam Taurus, one of the White Fangs most publicly recognized figureheads. He had his masked eyes turned towards him with one hand grasping the hilt of his sword.
The other individual was strange to say the least in terms of most Faunus but nonetheless, it didn't take long in Devvrats assessment of the man.
After careful look overs, particularly his near pure white skin which was scaly, similar to that of a lizard Devvrat deduced who this man was.
He didn't have a publicly known name, or if he even kept his old name.
No instead, this man had long since fully embraced the moniker the black market and underground had bestowed upon him.
To many, this man was a myth. Some if not most denied his existence.
And yet when one would recognize his work, only one word was spoken.
"I did not think that not only would I be meeting with Adam Taurus and the Leader of the White Fang but the fabled Chameleon as well"
All three Faunus froze up in shock before the leader of the White Fang exhaled and frowned.
"So the rumors are true" She said to him "You truly are smarter than you look"
"And you keep yourself in strong company, Miss Sienna Khan" Devvrat said respectfully, looking back to Chameleon a moment later "Your brother sends his regards"
"He is well?" Chameleon speaks up, accent heavy
"More or less"
Chameleon eyed Devvrat until nodding and stepping back.
"The Legendary Devvrat of Atlas and now the Cleansers" Sienna Khan addressed the man "You have some nerve coming in the middle of enemy territory"
"My dear Miss Khan" Devvrat said, placing a hand over his heart "It has come to my attention that both of us are currently working under the same individual known as Cinder. I thought it would be better for the two of us to meet and enter in to a mutually beneficial, official partnership"
"And pray tell, why on earth would we agree to such a thing?" Sienna inquired with clear distaste present in her tone and expression
"Allow to explain then…"
Whew, you know what's strange sometimes? This chapter actually proved to be more difficult than I anticipated because of how different I wanted it to be and yet I finished it with 20 days, a lot faster than my usual writing time.
Guess I just felt I had to get this done in order to continue ramping up the story.
After all with the next Avengers film less than 8 months away from this point and RWBY volume 6 coming up soon as well, it's starting to look that I ramp up the rate of the chapters since there will be original chapters in between the volumes at times and original arcs as well in between every Volume to bridge the gap.
But regardless, I had fun writing like I usually do and hopefully will update soon after.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day