Chapter 2: We're Not Legends, Not Yet

(Beacon Bullhead, Vale Airspace)

Coco thought that she'd feel more at ease coming back for her third year, but the chatterings of all of the incoming first year students were not helping. The main reason she wore the sunglasses, other than the fact that they looked damn good, was that they let her observe people without being noticed. Normally the typical first-year chatter would be about what would initiation be like, what team will I be on, why is Ozpin so weird... but this time?

It was all about the Miracle at Beacon, that's what the media called it, anyways. Namely, the incoming first-years were absolutely convinced that the members of teams RWBY, JNR, CFVY, and CRDL were legends for saving the school.

It wasn't just us, you know. Without the help of all the transfer students here for the Vytal Festival, and the other hunters of Vale, Beacon would be a crater.

Coco spotted Fox sauntering over to her, perfectly weaving between people despite his blindness.

"I can sense the turmoil in your mind from a mile away, Coco." Fox mentioned as he sat down.

"You can hear it, can't you? How they think we're..." Coco started to say but trailed off.

"Legends." Fox finished, "Especially team RWBY."

Coco shook her head in disgust. "We're not legends, not yet."

They sat in silence for a time, until it was announced that they would be landing soon. Coco sighed. Things used to be so simple. Now... they were complicated, and Coco didn't know why.

She didn't like that.

(Beacon Courtyard)

Jaune was in a good mood. He had discovered the wonders of motion sickness pills, and had actually been able to look out the window during his flight to Beacon. Quite a few of the new first years had given him weird looks, but he just chalked that up to the fact that the SDC had unleashed the news of his and Weiss's relationship into the world.

Jacques's doing most likely. Oh well, some reporter or paparazzi would've seen them eventually.

"Um, excuse me, are you Jaune Arc?" A female voice asked.

"Yeah, that's me," he said, turning around as he spoke, "What can I-"

His words died in his throat when he saw the first year student in front of him.

Other than the color of her gear, which was a dark blue, and her hair, which was black, the girl standing before him was the spitting image of Pyrrha Nikos.

Jaune's hand strayed towards the sash tied around his waist.

"Um, my name is Percia, but you can call me Percy. I... Pyrrha was always what inspired me to want to become a huntress. I wanted to tell her that, but since... I can't, and you were her partner so I figured that-"

I need to end this conversation before I start getting bad. "Thanks for telling me that, Percia." Jaune forced out, hoping that it seemed natural. "Pyrrha would've been happy that you're following your dream. Uh, I'd love to stay and chat some more, but I think that Professor Ozpin needed me for something."

It was by pure luck that at that moment, Jaune received a text from Professor Ozpin.

"Mr. Arc, now that you've arrived, could you and Miss Rose meet me in my office? I would like to discuss the methodology of the independent study program your teams will be participating in."

Independent Study program? That was the cover story? Really, Ozpin?

"Got it, Professor, I'll be there as quick as I can."

Jaune turned back to where Percia had been, only to see that she had disappeared. Jaune shook his head. He'd probably have to deal with that kind of thing a lot more often. He wasn't looking forward to it in any way, shape, or form.

As he walked to Ozpin's office, his hand never left the sash.

(Elevator to Ozpin's Office, ten minutes later)

Jaune was still amazed by the... extra-curricular powers he had now that he knew about Salem. He could break curfew, he could commandeer a Bullhead, he could override locks on student dorms...

Only in emergencies, of course.

The one that scared him the most though, was that he could access Ozpin's office without a teacher with him. On paper, that sounded great, but made actually getting to Ozpin's office during the day...

Problematic.

It took him ten minutes, but he was finally able to duck into an elevator without being seen. He had been so intent on getting into the elevator that he hadn't noticed that he had a text from Weiss until he was already on the way up.

"It's been too long since I've seen you, Jaune. Don't take too long with Ozpin, now."

"Weiss, we video called yesterday." Jaune texted, a grin on his face.

"Hmph, that doesn't count. Besides, I have a surprise for you..."

As Jaune was left in suspense for a moment, his scroll mercifully pinged with the picture message tone. Jaune opened the picture to find...

A picture of wind dust and lightning dust vials.

"Wait, you got that upgrade for me? Does it work the way I wanted it to?"

Meanwhile, in team RWBY's dorm room, Weiss shook her head, Jaune was such a dunce sometimes, but he was more than that.

He was her dunce, and she wouldn't change that for the world.

"You'll have to find out tomorrow. Training room 3, 10 AM."

Jaune laughed. Of course that's how they were doing this. "Thanks, Weiss. I can't wait."

The doors opened, and Jaune walked through, a smile on his face.

(Ozpin's Office)

"Oh, Mr. Arc, good of you to finally arrive." Ozpin said.

Jaune winced, "Sorry, not all of us have a speed semblance." He teased, his sarcasm directed at one Ruby Rose.

She stuck out her tongue at him. Some things never change. Others did.

"So, what's going on, Professor?" Jaune asked, "Do we have a mission already?"

Ruby gave Ozpin a look that was somewhere between excitement and apprehension.

Ozpin gave a light laugh before answering, "First things first, from now on, when we have these meetings, we are equals. No calling me professor. Ozpin or Oz is fine."

Jaune and Ruby gave each other a look. They had just been reminded about how serious their situation was. One of the most powerful Hunters in Vale had just told them that they were equals, in strategy meetings anyways.

"So, what's the plan, Prof- Ozpin?" Ruby asked.

Ozpin leaned back in his chair. "Right now, we're in the most important part of war. The planning and intelligence gathering phase. To that end, I have found a contact for us within the Valean underworld, to keep tabs on the goings on. If Salem uses Adam and the White Fang to make any moves, our contact will hear about it, and inform us.

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "Alright, so who is it?"

"I have successfully turned Roman Torchwick to our side. He survived the battle by some freak accident, as he calls it."

"He tried to kill me!" Ruby yelled, "Five times!"

Jaune couldn't help but chuckle, only Ruby would say that like it was normal.

"Be that as it may," Ozpin countered, amusement plain on his face, "Not only does Mr. Torchwick have extensive knowledge of the goings on of the Valean underworld, but he also knows how to spot the movements of the Valean White Fang."

"I'm still going to complain about it the whole time..." Ruby pouted.

Jaune took up the narrative, "So, who's going to be our point of contact for this Torchwick?" he asked, "It'll need to be someone who blends in with... that kind of crowd."

Ozpin nodded sagely, "An astute observation, Jaune. As Roman will be using Junior's nightclub as his base of operations, I believe Yang Xiao Long would be the best option, as her going there would not be completely out of the ordinary."

Ruby nodded, "I'll tell her, and I'll tell her to try not to wreck the place."

"Good." Ozpin said, "Now, if there's anything else..."

Jaune raised his hand. "Well, I had an idea." Jaune looked at Ruby, "It involves Blake, she used to be a member of the White Fang, right?"

Ruby's face screwed up in concentration, "You want her to try to infiltrate?"

"Not... exactly, more just lurk on online forums, other social media channels, so we can gauge their reactions to Adam and his faction as they do Salem's dirty work." Jaune explained. "Maybe if we're lucky, we'll get a heads up about their plans so we can counter them."

"It is true that the White Fang is somewhat divided right now..." Ozpin ruminated, "According to what intelligence General Ironwood has been able to collect, there are two main factions. Adam's, which mainly composes of the White Fang here in Vale, and-"

"Sienna Khan, out of Mistral." Jaune finished. When Ruby and Ozpin gave him looks of confusion, he shrugged. "Weiss gave me homework over the break, okay?"

Jaune continued, "Theoretically, any of us can lurk on the White Fang's social media channels, but Blake can say the right things, get invited to the private groups, if she can get an invite to meet with Sienna..."

"Then we might be able to get her help when Adam gets uppity! Jaune that's brilliant!" Ruby exclaimed.

Jaune grinned, "I have been known to have moments of brilliance."

Ruby cocked her head in mock confusion, "Really? When?" She teased.

Ozpin chuckled. Good, they were still taking time to be children. I hate that I had to pull you all into this so early. Please bear it well.

Ozpin didn't want to think of the alternative.

(Team RWBY Dorm)

Yang didn't think anything that Ruby said after the team leader's meeting with Ozpin would surprise her.

She had never been more wrong.

"I'm sorry, Rubes, what did you just say?" Yang asked incredulously.

Ruby winced, "Roman Torchwick is alive, is on our side, and Ozpin would like you to meet with him tonight?"

Blake was equally perplexed. "So... Ozpin wants me to try to get a meeting with Sienna Khan through... the White Fang's social media channels?"

"Ah, that was Jaune's idea." Ruby countered.

"You... realize that I can just call her, right?" Blake said, exasperation clear in her voice.

Now it was Weiss's turn to be confused. "Would you two even be on speaking terms?"

Blake nodded empathetically. "Yes, I ran from Adam and his faction. She never liked how... radical Adam was with..." She trailed off trying to figure out how to explain.

"Since I left, Adam has shifted more and more away from fighting for equality and more just... violence for violence's sake. As we could see with the White Fang's involvement in the Battle of Beacon. Sienna believes that the White Fang should only use violence for self defense or to protect those that can't protect themselves."

Weiss rubbed the back of her neck, a mannerism she undoubtedly picked up from Jaune. "Even still... it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the social media of Adam's group. If we can get some glimmer that we can cross reference with what Roman tells us..."

"Oh, right. Roman." Yang remembered. That's a thing. Guess I should go do that."

Ruby pondered a moment, then spoke. "We probably shouldn't go anywhere alone, take Ren with you maybe? He'd be the least conspicuous of us all."

Yang shrugged, "It's just Junior's Nightclub, Ruby. What's the worst that could happen?"

(Junior's Nightclub, That Evening)

The worst had happened. Yang was being let into the nightclub without a speck of resistance.

Yang stared incredulously at the bouncer that was making her question reality. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Go right in?"

Yang blinked. "Really? You're not even going to try to stop me?"

The bouncer groaned with exasperation. "You're on the list." He explained.

Yang glanced around, there were a few Faunus waiting to get in, and as much as Yang hated to profile...

"Look, buddy," Yang implored. "I need to keep up appearances for... reasons. Just have Junior send some of his goons at me. I'll even pull my punches."

The bouncer glowered at the brawler. He did not get paid enough for this. "I'll ask the boss. One second."

As he turned around to call Junior, Yang turned to find that the line had grown... a group of Faunus that didn't look like they were there for a night of drinks and dancing had joined the line...

I hate it when I'm right, and when Ruby's right. I should've brought Ren... or Nora. Heh, that would've been great.

"Sorry, blondie, no dice." The bouncer had returned without good news. "The boss said that your... mutual friend didn't want a scene."

Mutual friend. Yang frowned. Of course Roman wouldn't want attention drawn to him, which meant no nightclub brawls.

Jackass.

"Fine, whatever." Yang grumbled. She walked in to find the usual crowd, thank the gods. Just your average assortment of criminals, low-lifes, and people just trying to forget their troubles for a night. No terrorists. Yet. Yang spotted Junior at his usual spot tending bar and worked her way over.

"Your usual, Strawberry Sunrise, no ice." Junior said, "Why the hell did you want me to send my guys after you, blondie?"

"To keep up appearances." Yang deadpanned, her back to the bar so she could observe the crowd. "Why's everyone so tense? Your guys, you-"

Junior cut her off, "The White Fang's been trying to shake me down for protection money, they've been trying every damned night. Sooner or later they'll get violent."

Yang rolled her eyes, "Please, your goons, I mean, your guys easily out match Adam's goon squad."

"The last thing our mutual friend needs is the cops poking around after a shootout between my guys and the White Fang, but if one of Beacon's most skilled Huntresses sends the White Fang packing..."

Yang scowled as she took a swig of her drink, "Damn it, I was trying to keep a low profile for once."

"Is that a yes? I need to know now, Yang."

Yang turned to look at Junior. He had used her actual name. Despite the "friendly enemies" dynamic of their interactions, Yang considered the man a friend, and knew that he only used someone's actual name when he was serious.

"Yeah, I'll take out the trash, but I expect proper compensation for my trouble." Yang said, pushing off of the bar, settling into an easy stance that would be interpreted as casual, but could lead into several attacks at the drop of a hat.

"Fifty each." Junior offered.

"One hundred." Yang countered.

"Fifty each, plus you drink for free all term."

Yang grinned. "Deal."

The terms were settled just in time, as the Faunus that Yang had spotted as possible White Fang were sauntering towards Junior, and by extension, Yang.

Yang took stock of her approaching punching bags. One bear Faunus, probably grizzly, real big guy. He was flanked by two rodent Faunus, with a lizard and some sort of dog Faunus in tow.

The grizzly bear Faunus ignored Yang and addressed Junior directly, and bluntly.

"So, have you reconsidered our generous offer?" The giant of a man inquired.

"My answer is the same," Junior growled. "Stick it where the sun doesn't shine."

Five guys, concealed weapons probably, most likely no aura though... should be fun.

"You know, you'd probably have more success if your boss wasn't a limp-dicked douche." Yang taunted.

All five Faunus stared at her, with emotions ranging from amazement to anger.

Yang took their stunned silence to be very reassuring and continued. "I mean, he tried to cut me down to size, but I get it, performance issues."

With a roar, the grizzly Faunus lashed out and backhanded her. Yang let the blow hit, her eyes flashing red before impact. "How dare you, human scum!"

Junior grinned. "Wrong move."

"Looks like I hit a nerve," Yang noted as she deployed Ember Celica. "Let's see if I can't hit a few more things."

It was Yang's turn to lash out, her first target the lizard Faunus already going for his weapon. She slipped over to him and unleashed an unforgiving combo.

Jab, Cross, Haymaker.

He went sprawling on the nightclub floor, his blade skittering away.

The next two rushed her, not even bothering with what weapons they may or may not have had.

Yang went into the bob-and-weave, slipping past the wild would-be-blows of the two rodent Faunus. Seeing an opportunity, she nailed one with a blistering gut punch before nailing the other with an elbow strike chained into a back fist.

That's three down. Definitely no aura.

The dog Faunus launched himself at Yang and unleashed a barrage of sweeping kicks, which caught Yang in the side and jaw.

Dammit, he's like a crappy Mercury.

Just remembering the smug assassin was enough to trigger her semblance, she caught the poor guy's axe kick in one hand, and unleashed a kick of her own, targeting...

A very sensitive area.

The dog Faunus let out an honest-to-goodness yelp and assumed the fetal position upon his contact with the ground.

"I'll put you in your place, you bitch!" The grizzly Faunus roared, he deployed his weapon, bladed talons and...

Dammit, he's got Aura.

"Well, I don't know how you're going to do that," Yang teased as she backstepped out of his reach, "Since I'm going to come out on top and all..."

He roared, and unleashed a lariat that would've knocked Yang down... if she hadn't ducked under the grizzly's arm. Yang took the opportunity to finish the fight.

Jab, Cross, Hook, Uppercut.

The grizzly joined his subordinates on the ground.

"Junior, I'm out of patience. Where-" Yang started to demand.

"VIP room one. He's expecting you."

"Thanks, your new decor is unbearable by the way." Yang deadpanned as she walked off.

Junior groaned at the pun.

(Junior's Nightclub, VIP Room 1)

Roman scowled at the cameras. Normally he didn't believe in coincidence, but he was inclined to believe that the White Fang goons really were dumb enough to shake down Junior for protection money.

A knock at the door.

"That'll be her, then. Let's get this show on the road. Oh, Neo? Play nice." Roman said.

Somehow Neo could combine a scowl and a pout and still be completely adorable.

Roman opened the door to find Yang Xiao Long.

"Hey, Sunshine! You lost?" Roman cajoled.

Yang invited herself in and closed the door behind her. "Can it, Roman. How are you even alive? Ruby said a Griffon swallowed you!"

"Don't remind me, alright! I had to get a new hat!" Roman grumbled. "It was by complete chance, of all things. When she was leaving, Little Red must of domed the Griffon that tried to chow down on me with that crazy sniper scythe of hers."

That was actually completely believable. Ruby did use her gunshots for mobility quite often. "Why are you even helping us? Weren't you on Sal- their side?" Yang interrogated.

"Careful, Sunshine! We don't know who's listening." Roman warned.

Yang mentally kicked herself. All of this cloak and dagger business was new to her. "Well?" Yang demanded.

"Cinder and her friends think I'm dead. I was going to take the opportunity to disappear, but then Ozpin shows up and dangles amnesty in front of me if I help you keeps tabs on my kind of people. Namely the White Fang." Roman explained.

"And you agreed, because amnesty for people like you and Neapolitan is like the second coming of the Grimm Reaper for us Hunters." Yang concluded.

"Bingo! You've won the grand prize!" Roman said sarcastically. "Neo, show the lady what she's won!"

Neo moved from the wall, took out her scroll and motioned for Yang to do the same. Yang checked her scroll and found a new file.

"What you've got there is contact info for both me and Neo, plus a map of my safehouses throughout the city. A peace offering of sorts." Roman explained, "I don't have anything concrete for you yet, but when I do, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Roman. This might come in handy. Anything else?"

Roman's expression darkened. "Yeah, unfortunately. If Ice Princess and her Knight go anywhere they need to be careful. Adam put out a kill order for them. Kitty-cat too."

Yang sucked a breath in. They were making this personal. "Wait, why Jaune? What's he done to them?" Yang questioned.

Neo rolled her eyes.

Roman groaned, "Okay, I know you're not stupid, Sunshine. Take a guess."

It took Yang a moment, but when she figured it out, she was furious.

"Unbelievable, Jaune finally catches a break, then those assholes..." Yang had to stop herself before she activated her semblance. "Alright, I'm out, see you around, Roman."

Yang swiftly left and closed the door behind her, clearly done with the situation. Roman slumped into a chair and kneaded his forehead with his hands.

"Neo, I'm starting to get a soft spot for these kids. Why? Why should I even care?"

Neapolitan didn't have an answer for him.

A/N: Writing Yang's fight scenes is... interesting. I did a good hour's worth of research into different fighting styles to add a proper amount of variety to Yang's attacks. In any event, I'm still nervous about how my fight scenes turn out, so feedback on it would be great for any reviews.

Nothing much else to say, except in two weeks, I'll have two weeks off of work, so there'll probably be more frequent updates between April 29 and May 9.

Next Chapter: Jaune learns how to use dust without blowing himself up.