Chapter 16: Dancing with Fire
"So…you mind telling me why we're putting this much effort into my clothes?" Nitro asked rotating to look at himself in the mirror.
"It's a formal dance you nitwit, just because you don't have a date doesn't mean you get to slack off on what you're wearing." Hex nagged him while she fixed his bow tie. Nitro was clad in a traditional black jacketed suit and white undershirt with a bow tie around his neck. His normally wild red hair was slicked back and neatly combed.
"Hey, I do have a date!" he contested angrily, they all had a momentary pause. "What since when?! WHO?!" was Hex's exclamation. He just smirked, "That's a secret... seriously though, I HATE THESE OUTFITS!"
"I feel you man, this thing is stuffy…" Nova said pulling on his cuffs. He wore a white jacketed suit over a red undershirt with black buttons, a black and red tie hanging from his neck. He had matching white slacks and white dress shoes, his hair wasn't styled or neatened it was just a simple adjustment so it didn't stick up in the air all night.
"Do these pants make my butt look big?" he asked his sister to which she just looked at him incredulously, completely thrown off guard by that question.
"Uh… no?" she replied uncertainty, her brother was getting weirder by the day.
"Oh come on you two, it'll be fun." Luna said cheerily as she spun around in her glimmering dark blue dress with black gothic accents, as she spun blue shimmers fizzled lightly due to the dust embedded in her clothing. She had a small cyan blue cocktail hat on her head which sat neatly to the left side, and tall black boots. Her blue hood was replaced with a light blue translucent shawl.
"Well fun or not if these two don't hustle we'll be late, Nova you cowardly lizard, you just HAD to fail at asking Ruby out." Hex huffed, her violet shimmering dress that stretched down to her ankles gleamed in the light. Her purple hair and sleeveless shoulders combined with the lovely topaz necklace made for a striking appearance.
Nova smirked smugly but said nothing. "What's with that look..." Hex said eyeing him curiously.
"Nooothing..."
-Earlier with RWBY-
Ruby sat there in her traditional outfit wondering when to use the shower. They about two hours to get ready for the dance, she'd contemplated just tossing on her outfit and showing up, it's not like she had... Her face slowly morphed from mild neutrality to absolute shock. "FUCK!"
Instantly all members of RWBY had whipped their heads around, Yang almost dropped her dress, Blake fell off her bunk and Weiss had a momentary lapse of brain function. Ruby just swore. "Did she just..." Weiss said pointing shakily at her leader.
Yang was instantly at her side recoiling in fear, "She did... WHO ARE YOU?!" She said pointing at her sister. Blake climbed back onto her bunk and shrank into the corner hissing.
"Guys really? Is it so weird to hear me swear?" Ruby asked raising her eyebrow. Everyone just simultaneously nodded.
Yang carefully approached her sister poking her with a finger at a distance as if she was trying to poke a snake or bee-hive with a stick. Once she was sure it was Ruby she stepped forward, "And what manner of madness has caused such foul language to grace the innocent mouth of my dear sweet sister?" she asked looking cautiously.
Ruby instantly turned red and overheated, "NOTHING!" she said attempting to hide now.
"OH NO THAT'S NOT NOTHING! Are you worried about what you're wearing, how Nova's going to react?" Yang asked eyeing the fleeting form of the red leader who was attempting to hide under her covers.
"EEP!" Ruby squealed in response as Yang grabbed her by the leg and yanked her out so she was out on the floor of their dorm.
"It's rare to see you this nervous Ruby. Why're you so worried? It's not like he's going to hate what you're wearing, pretty sure you could show up dressed as an Ursa and he'd still find you cute." Weiss reasoned as they all pictured Ruby in an Ursa onesie... which was quite adorable.
"Yeah Ruby, it's not like he's your date or anything..." Blake said coming out of the corner.
When the girl didn't respond they all had widened eyes. "No way..." Weiss mouthed.
Ruby nodded slowly, an embarrassed smile gracing her lips, "Maybe..."
"RUBY WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US SOONER?!" Yang screamed frantically causing the girl to flinch.
"That's exactly why... I don't want you to go overboard and make me all fluffy and pretty... normal knees you know?" She said trying to hide her embarrassment
"OH NUH UH! You can't get away from this..." Yang said with an evil glint as all three girls dragged Ruby into the bathroom, the young leader clawing at the ground in a futile attempt to save herself.
ASHN exited their dorm and made their way to the common room to await their friends. They'd all decided to go to the dance together, except Blake who'd left earlier to go with Sun, and Nitro who apparently went go meet his secret date. Leaving ASH to wait idly while RWY took their dear sweet time to come out.
Nova was particularly nervous, he sat there bouncing his leg and drumming his hands on the arm chair.
"Bro, if you keep shaking your leg like that you might break the floor." Luna said amused, "What's got you so worked up anyway..."
"I think I know..." Hex said, she was about to continue when RWY came onto the scene dressed in their outfits.
Hex had to stop and stare for a moment, placing her hand on her chin scanning her girlfriend's every inch. Yang was wearing a simple, sleeveless white dress that went just above her knees, accompanied by white flats. A purple amethyst hung around her neck matching her eyes, a simple yet elegant outfit that suited her perfectly. When Yang caught sight of Hex's stare she turned red, "Is this weird? I don't normally wear this type of stuff but..." Hex just walked up and planted a firm kiss on her lips catching the blonde by surprise. "You look absolutely stunning..." came Hex's reply.
Yang just let her head rest on Hex's forehead and pecked her in reply, "Thanks... you're not so bad yourself." Yang being the embarrassed one for a change was a welcome surprise to everyone, and the only person who had the power to do that was the techno-wizard.
"Aw look at you two being all cute and coupley," Weiss said smiling like an idiot at the adorable display.
"WEISS!" Luna squealed and tackled her bestie. "You look so pretty... who's the lucky guy?" she asked admiring Weiss' pretty light purple and borderline pink and white dress, that similarly to Yang's, went up to her knees.
"I'm meeting Neptune at the dance," Weiss replied pinching Luna's cheeks. "Where did you get that outfit? It's gorgeous!" Weiss gestured to Luna.
The blue girl twirled, showing off the shimmer effect, "Nova picked it out for me." she said shooting Weiss a dazzling smile. The heiress just gaped, "He's got some style that's for sure... Ruby's a lucky girl." She said cheerily, looking over the boy who was rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. She had to admit she was slightly envious of Ruby, Nova was a prime pick, he was tall, handsome, a great leader and a great friend. He's the type of guy she'd long for when she was younger, her ideal prince charming... but getting to know him, she couldn't help but see him as nothing more than perhaps an older brother... even if he was younger than her. Besides, she had more self-respect than to go after Ruby's man, even if they weren't official.
Luna and Hex turned to her curiously, "What do you mean by that?" they asked simultaneously.
Yang smirked, "He didn't tell you? Yeah neither did she...RUBY GET OUT HERE NOW!" she yelled to the girl who was hiding behind the door frame. Ruby made an 'eep' before carefully entering the room.
Nova felt his heart stop when he saw the girl before him, she was wearing a beautiful sleeveless red dress that went down to her knees, it was patterned with black lace and held at her neck by a grey top piece, a black ribbon tied around her waist. The clothing style looked so perfect on her, she was in every essence of the phrase adorably gorgeous.
The moment their eyes met they instantly turned their faces away, overheating from embarrassment. HOLY SHIT HE'S/SHE'S HOT was the simultaneous reaction in both of their minds.
Everyone just looked on smugly at the not-couple. Luna elbowed her brother, "This is the part where you tell her how she looks..." she whispered.
Nova composed himself, "Uh right... Ruby you look...wow..." his words were failing him the more he stared at her. She just turned the colour of her dress, "T-Thanks... y-you to..." she stammered out.
They all just groaned at the two dorks being too awkward to do anything. "So... Nova, when were you going to tell us that you asked Ruby out?" Hex asked, a dangerous smile on her face.
"Um... I wasn't?" He said sheepishly.
"CLEARLY!"
"Nova you do know you need to get my approval before you get to date my sister right?" Yang said cracking her knuckles an evil glint in her eye.
"YANG! WE'RE JUST GOING...AS FRIENDS..." Ruby said trying to appease her sister. When she said the word 'friends' Nova felt a throbbing pain in his chest like someone sucker punched him, that word did NOT feel like it applied.
"Y-Yeah a friendly date... as friends..." Nova said joining his 'friend'. Everyone cringed at them, how could they be so dense...
"I swear you two are so thick you make a block of a lead look like a paperweight." Hex shook her head in disdain. They all nodded in agreement while the two leaders just tilted their heads in confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?!" Nova asked confused.
They approached the dance hall just in time to see Blake and Sun show up, she was wearing a long deep purple dress that seemed to mimic her shadowy attribute, she had a black collar on and a teal bow, while Sun was wearing a simple grey jacket over a white undershirt and jeans, he was sporting his signature red gloves. Neptune wasn't too far behind, wearing a traditional black three piece tuxedo with gold accents.
Strolling up beside them was Nitro, linked arm in arm with another red-haired boy, he was wearing a crimson red tux with a white undershirt, his long hair was parted to the right side, on his ears were two gold hoop earrings and on his left eye was a black tattoo like an eyelid. He looked like an emo pirate.
"Yo Sun, they managed to put a shirt on you..." Nova said as they walked up to the duo.
"Unfortunately..." Sun responded while Blake had an evil smile, "She forced me into it..."
They all felt slightly sorry for him, though Blake seemed to have a thorough hold on the monkey. "We'll see you inside, 'kay?" Blake said uncharacteristically cheerily as she dragged her date inside. Weiss took Neptune by the arm and they followed suit, "So... Nitro... you gonna introduce us or..." Nova said politely gesturing to Nitro's date.
"Scarlet David, nice to meet you." Scarlet said politely, shaking Nova's hand. "I'm part of Sun's team, one of his friends."
"How did you two meet?" Hex asked curiously as she hung onto Yang's arm.
Both Nitro and Scarlet turned red at that, "It's... a weird story... involving the showers at the gym..." Scarlet began while Nitro made a desperate attempt to stop him from speaking.
"NO NEED TO CONTINUE! I DO NOT WANT TO KNOW!" Hex amended covering Luna's ears. The blue girl just looked up curiously, oblivious to what was being said.
"Are we going to go inside or what?" Nova input as they all realized they'd been standing outside for some time. "We stick out here any longer and they might as well just move some music out for us."
"Nah they won't kick you guys out," Yang snorted as she pulled Hex inside, apparently there was a small crowd gathering just outside the door.
"And why's that?"
"Cuz we're running it remember?"
Inside the dance hall was absolutely astounding. Pink ribbons flowed from the center of the ceiling where three large chandeliers stood. The curtains were a light purple and everything was colour coded in either purple, light blue or pink. Needless to say it was clear a certain set of girls had their way with the colour schemes. Not even bothering to hide themselves, Weiss, Yang, and Luna stood proudly admiring their handiwork.
"Well colour me impressed, well-done girls!" Nitro said entering the room. Even Scarlet had to admit he was pleasantly surprised by the decor, it was elegant and light, yet formal, a rare combination to be sure. Students from across the four kingdoms were spread out across the room, the majority of them dancing as couples in the center while the less social or dateless were babysitting the punchbowl and snack bar. It was the typical high school dance scene...except for one team in particular. Nova felt his brain die a little when he saw the state of JNPR.
Nora was normal...as normal as Nora could get, which was strange,... wearing a casual white dress with pink, Ren wearing a standard Beacon style tux. Pyrrha stood wearing a long, elegant red dress that matched her hair, attracting the eyes of most males in the room, and a few females. Nothing out of the ordinary...then there was a blonde, wearing a beautiful white dress with a pink ribbon. The only thing strange was that the dress was on Jaune.
"Jaune, that uhh dress…looks good on you…" Nova said awkwardly. "How…"
"I lost a bet, simple and plain," Jaune said trying to hide his shame, he'd answered without turning around to see who it was because he recognized the voice, but one he did... he just blinked incredulously, "Wait who are you? And how do you know me?" he looked absolutely bewildered. Pyrrha showed up beside her friend looking on at the newcomer rather intensely. Her eyes scanning him thoroughly and Nova felt the sudden urge to hide himself.
"Those eyes... that voice... that aura..." She began piecing it together. "Alexandrite!" She finally exclaimed with a finger in the air.
Jaune felt his eyes bulge out of his head, "WHAT?!"
Nova ran his hand through his hair, "Ehehehe... I decided, after a series of... concerning events... that I no longer need my disguise. Nice to meet you again, you can call me Nova, I'm a dragon." he said looking proud to finally declare it.
"Wait as in living breathing, fire spewing, claw wielding, flying dragon?" Jaune asked looking over Nova for wings. The dragon just chuckled, "I don't have wings but I do have horns and claws, we'll talk later I think Pyrrha wants your attention tonight. And between you and me... try to see what's right in front of you." Nova said with a cryptic tone, he could feel the air between the two, the chemical reaction was finally starting to happen, no longer would Pyrrha be dealing with a one sided love. Jaune just looked bewildered but Pyrrha knew what he was implying. She giggled and dragged him off followed by Nora and Ren.
He had to admit, he was quite happy for them, even if they weren't a couple yet, they surely would be. If only he could say the same for himself... especially after Ruby called him a bestie that one time, and then felt the need to emphasize they were attending as 'just friends'. Were they just friends? He definitely felt a strong connection with her, he knew he had a massive crush, that was a fact, but... was he... in love? He was pulled back from reality when Nitro spoke up.
"Whose idea was the fog machine?" Nitro said munching on what appeared to be three types of food at once. In truth, there was a layer of fog on the floor, it was hardly noticeable when they came in but now that they were well into the area did they see it.
"That would be me!" Yang said as she danced past him, Hex in tow. Nitro and Scarlet let out a simultaneous "Niceeee!" and proceeded to blush profusely when they realized the synchronization. Nova wanted to gag, is this how everyone felt when he was with Ruby?
The purple décor and dim lighting made for an odd yet appealing combination. Nova had to admit, for his first dance, it wasn't what he expected. He stood with Ruby at the punchbowl, unable to actually make conversation. It felt awkward trying to talk to her now that they were on a date, even if they were as friends. He was afraid that the moment he started talking he wouldn't be able to hold himself back.
Everyone had left them to do their own thing, Hex and Yang, Scarlet and Nitro, Weiss and Neptune though it seemed to be more like Luna and Weiss. Hence the not-couple were left alone.
"So…Ruby… How's the party?" Nova asked rubbing his chin. His mismatched eyes staring at the girl before him. How's the party? Really? That's the best you can come up with? PRINCE OF THE DRAGONS LADIES AND GENTS!
She dropped her head to the floor, "I-It's nice... Sorry this is awkward. I know you asked me to this but... I got a problem and I'm kinda embarrassed." She confessed her eyes downcast.
"Oh? And what might be said problem that is plaguing my date?" Nova asked curiously, he added a wink for extra effect causing Ruby to blush, smooth. He didn't pin her for the dressing up type but he did ping her as a social type.
"Well… I kinda sorta… feel uncomfortable in this place. Like this whole situation, the dress, the music, the people. Don't get me wrong, it's nice but, I'd rather be wearing my combat outfit and swinging Crescent Rose around at a pack of Grimm." she admitted. A sweet girl who's cuteness could make a baby rabbit swoon, was also the deadliest thing under a red hood, and she lived for that life. Fighting is in her blood and that sheer willpower, determination and zeal was seventy percent of why Nova was head over heels for her.
Nova studied her for a bit. "I feel you, but events like this can be considered their own battle, a new experience." He rationalized.
"A battle?" Ruby tilted her head in curiosity.
"Yeah, dealing with crowds like this and managing to keep your cool is a huge battle. It's part of growing as a person." Nova smiled his maturity showing, allowing Ruby to see not just his adorable dorkiness but his calm and collected persona. If she was innocence, purity and compassion, then he was maturity, strength and rationality. He embodied the traits that she didn't possess and together they complimented each other as both friends and leaders, perhaps this is why Ozpin created the joint team leadership.
"Huh…I guess you're right?" Ruby said unsure, still not thoroughly understanding his metaphor.
An awkward silence fell between them. "So…what now?" Ruby asked sheepishly, she didn't exactly know how dates worked.
"W-we could try dancing?" Nova suggested nervously.
"I-I don't know how to dance…" she said embarrassed, out of all the things that Ruby Rose could do, dancing was not one of them.
"Well you CAN take down a Nevermore single-handedly so I'd say this is no problem, oh mighty reaper of Red." Nova bowed and extended his palm to her, he wasn't forcing his suave anymore, it was flowing naturally, he just hoped he didn't take it too far and make a fool of himself.
She giggled and took his hand, bringing herself closer to him, "Well I'll be in your guidance."
The two waltzed onto the dance floor, nervously holding each other's hand. Yang and Hex instantly took note and moved to the DJ. Nova spied Yang whispering something to the DJ and he was about to point it out to Ruby when the song that was previously a funky pop vibe changed to a slow dance.
"Oh shit…." Nova cursed under his breath.
"What?" Ruby raised an eyebrow until she realized everyone around them were couples slow dancing. "Oh crap…" She began to sweat nervously feeling out of place, her face was red and her first instinct was to bury it in Nova's chest but that would just make things even worse.
Nova felt her freeze in his grasp, he squeezed her hand and pulled her to face him, the action startled her and she unconsciously held his shoulder for balance. "Follow my lead," he said quietly. She just nodded.
Nervously he placed his right hand on her hip and his left holding hers, slowly but surely the two began a simple three step dance. Granted Ruby stepped on his feet a few times before they got the hang of it but once they did, it was as if the world was lost to them except for each other. Music drowned out and the crowd disappeared, they only saw each other's eyes, red and black staring at silver. Ruby felt herself melting into him, as she instinctively closed the gap between the two, her head now resting on his chest, his arms snaked around her waist holding her. The two would have continued like that forever until a loud cheer erupted from the crowd. Instantly the two's eyes shot wide and they looked around to see the music had long stopped and they were the only ones on the floor.
Blushing madly from all the attention they broke off quickly and headed away from all the people, Ruby grabbed him by the hand and activated her semblance, ducking and dodging through the crowd until they made it onto the balcony outside, devoid of other people.
They stood, leaning over the balcony rails, both out of breath and flustered. The crisp night air blew around them causing them both to shiver slightly. The last legs of the summer wind now long gone as Fall rolled around. An awkward silence fell between the two as they stared at the star-littered sky, unable to face each other.
"So…. That uh…happened…" Nova said finally breaking the silence.
"Y-yeah…" Ruby responded nervously. "So… that was my first-time dancing…"
"Really? You were such a natural," Nova said with a laugh.
"Pfft, don't gimme that, I saw you wince a few times when I stepped on your toes. Sorry about that." She said sheepishly.
"AH well, can't blame a guy for trying to cheer you up. I wonder what Luna is doing, haven't seen her since the dance started." Nova asked looking around a little worried. He knew his sister can probably take care of herself but he couldn't help but feel worried.
"Ah don't worry, she was hanging out with Weiss and Pyrrha at the punch bowl." Ruby assured.
Nova breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad she's having fun at least, you know, I haven't seen her this happy since we were kids."
Ruby saw the forlorn look in his eyes. "After hearing your story, I'd say you did the best you could for her." she placed hand on his forearm comfortingly.
Nova looked at her nervously before breathing a sigh, "It's just that, since we left our home all those years ago, we haven't had a time where we could honestly just sit down and breathe. Free of responsibilities or dangers, this is the first time she's ever had a solid break." He admitted.
Ruby smiled warmly, moving closer to him she leaned over the rails, stretching her arms out. "I'm glad for her, but you know who else needed a break?"
"Who?" Nova turned his head to her to find she was mere inches from his face.
"You, silly! Ever since you came here you've been so isolated and broody. You're serious in class and at lunch you barely interact with people other than me, and your team. You're all objectives first no time to stop and smell the flowers. It's as if you're pressed for time, running from something. The only times I've gotten you to properly let loose are when you're training under that tree, or that one time we hung out" Ruby said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You need to relax sometimes. You would think after nearly dying in a frozen wasteland at the hand of Vale's most wanted terrorist you'd learn to breathe. You're with us now... with me... you don't have to be so afraid anymore. Just relax a bit and let us help." She hugged him out of nowhere. This startled the young boy, but he awkwardly returned the hug.
He almost teared up, his emotions spilling from his eyes, the amount of emotion being conveyed in the simple act was incredible. In all his time here, Ruby had given him more care than anyone ever had before, she had somehow managed to worm her way into his heart without him realizing, and now she held it firmly, he knew for sure now... if anyone else tried to take her from him, if she were to somehow disappear from his life, he'd break down. She was just that important of a figure... it wasn't just a major crush... he felt it, in his soul, in his heart... he was in love. He wanted to hold her like that forever, that feeling of her in his arms was just...right. He would've probably confessed right there had Ruby not suddenly garner a stern look.
"What is it?" Nova asked instantly alert now.
"I saw someone, I think, a figure, dashing across the rooftops above us." Ruby said hushed.
Instantly Nova used his senses trying to pick up on anything. Sure enough, lingering on the wind was a faint smell, he wanted to chalk it up to someone in the ballroom but they smelled like fire, like charcoal and hatred.
"Someone was indeed here, and they're not friendly. Ruby we need to…" Nova was about to suggest they call up their weapons when two lockers came propelling toward them.
"Huh? When did you…" He turned to see Ruby holding both their scrolls.
"While you were sniffing the air like a weird dog," she waved his scroll in his face. "Pickpocketing, little skill I picked up from Hex." Ruby smiled.
Nova just shook his head, "I really need to start paying attention to what she teaches you."
Ruby lead by Nova swiftly moved through the rooftops following Nova nose. The scent grew stronger as they made their way up the elevator of the CCT, but the scent became mingled with the rusty smell of blood.
"Be on your toes, the minute we exit this elevator, we could be facing the enemy." Nova said his eyes narrowed.
"What's wrong, are they up there?" Ruby asked prepping Crescent Rose.
"Maybe, but I'm getting a strong smell of blood." Nova drew Asura in its scythe form.
"Why would someone want to infiltrate the CCT Tower?" Ruby pondered, her face scrunched up attempting to read possible scenarios. Nova's eyes stood trained on the elevator door awaiting its opening, "Why would anyone want to raid the central communications hub of the four kingdoms? Information." he said, not looking at her.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Nova recoiled at the sight before him, several corpses of soldiers were scattered about the floor. The monitors and computers turned and strewn in various locations, burn marks along the walls.
"This is awful... Are these Atlas soldiers?" Ruby said almost feeling nauseous at the sight of this many dead bodies. Nova glanced downward, indeed they bore the Atlas symbol, one had to wonder why they were here.
Nova's face was grim, he looked more serious than anytime before, "Awful... but impressive. Whoever managed to take out this many Atlesian soldiers has to be skilled. This was done by no amateur."
"Thank you... I do take pride in my work..." A flirtatious feminine voice said. Both teens whipped their heads around to see a feminine figure, wearing a mask and hood not unlike how Nova once dressed, stood at the center of the room.
"You know, students shouldn't be up here," she spoke again, her voice was modulated and mechanical. She turned to the two and drew what appeared to be a bow made of glass and shot at them.
"Who are you and why did you kill these people." Nova asked anger dripping from his voice as he and Ruby narrowly dodged the arrow shots, instead of embedding themselves into the ground they shattered and disappeared.
"Oooh, scary, you know it's past your bed time so why don't you take a nap?" She erupted a line of fire toward them from out of nowhere. This caught Nova and Ruby off guard, in the heat of the moment Nova used his body to shield Ruby from the flames, subsequently burning off his jacket. The fire that struck him felt violent and angry... but it also felt strained and in pain, as if it didn't want to be controlled by the woman. The fire felt...different... not like a semblance, but more like his own power.
When the inferno cleared, the woman was gone, all that remained was the charred floor where she was. Tearing off his burnt jacket, he cursed vehemently.
"What was that?!" Ruby screamed, "Nova are you okay?" she instantly began looking over him for signs of burn but not a single mark was seen on his skin. Nova looked up realizing her face was mere centimetres from his own. She could see every inch of his face, the fangs, the scales, his startlingly silver hair, but now was not the time to admire it.
"I'm fine Ruby, I'm fireproof, too bad my clothes weren't," he gestured to his scorched suit.
"Fine, but that still doesn't make what you did okay. You could have seriously gotten hurt!" she helped him up.
"I'd rather it be me than you," he said with a slight laugh. She hit him over the head, "Well I don't want to see you get hurt either... what would I do if..." she trailed off, eyeing his birthmark.
"OW! Well if I didn't get hurt then, I definitely felt that!" he rubbed his sore head.
Ruby could finally see it on his shoulder, it sort of looked like burning flame. She would've reached out to trace it had she not been interrupted by the loud stomping of boots.
"HEY! YOU OVER THERE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" A loud male voice erupted from the doorway. Nova instantly moved to draw Asura while Ruby stared down the one and only General Ironwood accompanied by a squadron of soldiers.
Once Nova saw who it was he instantly felt his blood drain, "SHIT!".
Unbeknownst to the trio, Cinder Fall, the very woman who was in the room, was observing from the outside. Spotting the trademark silver hair and fire resistance, the mark on his shoulder, she broke into a devilish grin. "Well this just makes things more interesting…" she smiled to herself.
"James, what brings you in... Oh..." Ozpin faltered when he saw Ruby followed by Nova.
"I found these two snooping around the CCT Tower, lots of dead guards, I'd arrest them here and now but they insisted they speak to you, that you'd explain everything." Ironwood said with his arms folded, glaring daggers at the two.
"What happened." It wasn't said as a question, more of an order, directed at the two leaders by Ozpin.
Ruby and Nova looked at each other momentarily before finally releasing a sigh of relief, "We were at the dance when Ruby spotted someone lurking on the rooftops, we took action and followed them to the tower. If we had been a little faster we may have been able to stop them..." Nova explained, the two then gave an account of what happened.
"Are you sure that's what you saw?" Ozpin asked, his hands clasped around his chin as he sat in his office, Ruby and Nova, followed by Ironwood stood in his office as they explained everything.
"Yes sir, she was definitely female, her voice was altered using some sort of modulator, but for a fact, she had glass weapons and wielded fire." Ruby accounted.
"Embedding dust into clothing is not an uncommon thing, are you positive she 'shot' fire at you?" Ozpin asked again.
"Three hundred percent sir, afterall, it burned right through my clothes." Nova said, as if his lack of shirt wasn't glaringly obvious.
"Ozpin, how can we trust these two teenagers? For all we know they committed the crime and-," Ironwood began but he was silenced by Ozpin raising his hand.
"General, these two teenagers happen to be some of my best huntsmen, they also happen to be team leaders. I trust them both to tell the truth, besides would you still doubt them if I told you that was Qrow's niece and Flint's son?" Ozpin leaned back in his chair looking at Ironwood. The reaction on the general's face was priceless.
He stood mouth agape, "Flint's son? I thought they…" Nova and Ozpin both shot an intense glare at Ironwood stopping him from saying anything else. Ruby could do nothing but stand there feeling as though she were the only one left out of the loop.
"I believe that will be all, thank you for coming young lady, and do not take this personally but from here forward this matter strictly concerns Mr. Flareheart and the rest of us in the room. Classified information as you put it," Ironwood said attempting dismissing Ruby but she stood her ground, not even making an attempt to move.
"I'm already quite aware of the circumstances here General" she said sharply as she shot Ironwood a cold look that made him feel guilty.
"Nova was it?" he asked turning to the dragon, "You are Flint Flareheart's son correct? Your father was one of my close friends, though I was never allowed in Menagerie due to…. Political… reasons. He was a good man," Ironwood said folding his arms gauging the boy.
Nova felt a vein throb and his eye twitch out of irritation, "Don't talk about him as if he were dead, he's not. They never found a body!" Nova said his anger flaring, and Ironwood felt the room temperature rise. Needless to say he felt a certain level of fear with respect to the young Dragon, causing him to unconsciously take a step backward. This action made Nova smirk, he wasn't sure why... but he didn't like the general... not that he was a bad person but... he just didn't seem like the type to be rational.
"Are you two quite done? Firstly, General, I'd like to be kept informed on any news regarding our intruder." Ozpin was about to usher the young leaders outside when Ruby said something through her silence.
"I remember now, the enemy said something about them having a base… somewhere to the southeast." Ruby spoke up earning curious looks from Ozpin and Glynda. "I thought you said they didn't…" Goodwitch started but was interrupted by Ozpin. "Did they now…"
"Well this is great, we know where they are so all we need to do now is send in a full assault team and-" Ironwood started saying excitedly.
"Always flaunting your military strength, must you turn everything into a contest of measuring di-"
"Glynda!" Ozpin interrupted her before she could finish.
She pushed up her glasses, "Well he does…"
"I agree with her, General, if this really does go beyond Beacon, beyond Vale, and this is all part of some master plan then we must exercise caution!" Ozpin said turning around to face the General.
Ironwood looked rather angry, his face contorting in mild rage, "I've served you faithfully for years! If you mean to tell me your plan now is to hold the defences and..."
"IT IS NOT!" Ozpin rebutted with fury, standing up in his chair. The two teens observed the exchange rather curiously, so there was some uneasy blood between them. "Tell me general... when you prepare to go to war... what do you send in first, the flag bearer... or the scouts..."
"All right... I trust your judgement Oz, but know that my troops are ready to deploy at any time." Ironwood relented.
Nova felt a little unease by having the General know his identity, one more variable unaccounted for but at this point did it really matter?
"Mr. Flareheart, Miss Rose, you are dismissed, I will inform you of what we decide should it concern you. Your assistance in the matter was greatly appreciated." Ozpin sent them off.
Nova and Ruby gave each other raised eyebrows as they awkwardly left the room, they held back from speaking their minds lest they say something inappropriate to the room.
"What was that all about?" Nova asked his fellow leader as they rode the elevator down. "The person we fought didn't say anything about a base…"
"Just throwing Ironwood off, giving them a chance to discuss some things…" Ruby said twirling her thumbs.
"You really are something else…" Nova said pinching the bridge of his nose.
This chapter felt kinda weak, but I sat down for a while trying to figure out how I wanted to proceed with this. I ended up with this being the end result. :/
