Chapter 4 - Siblings
With Ruby
Ruby looked around fearfully as she moved around in the pitch back world she was in. At least now, she could breath properly as well as move. So now things felt less hopeless. Yet at the same time, it was hard to keep that hope when there was nothing but an endless void. The young Rose shivered at how cold the void felt as she wandered around endlessly.
Yet when she found something hidden within this darkness, Ruby felt terrified. She fell down and started to crawl backwards as she saw this large head with silver eyes staring down at her. It's emotionless expression staring at her with no way to describe how it felt. Ruby began to hyperventilate as the head revealed the rest of it's body. Revealing a foreign creature that was almost alien like in Ruby's opinion.
Ruby shook her head and shield herself with her arms as the beast reached out to her. The young girl panicked as she tried to run only to fall back down again until the hand was over her.
Ruby closed her eyes and whimpered as it was about to close on her. When she heard a warm voice.
"Ruby."
Ruby opened her eyes to see a mop of black hair with red streaks above her. Ruby tried to wiggle around before realizing this woman was holding her.
"Hush hush baby rabbit on the hill. Tell me why your eyes are so very red."
"Because when my mother was expecting me."
"She dined on red berries from a tree."
Ruby reached out to the woman who gently held her hand.
"And that is why my eyes are so very red."
When the song finished, Ruby was met with a smiling face of an older woman with silver eyes. Ruby desperately tried reaching out to the woman who slowly disappeared behind a black fog.
"Mom don't leave me again!" Ruby screamed.
Reality
Ruby stirred awake, once again she found herself waking up before the alarm. Yet she was tied to the bed as Naruto always kept her restrained. Speaking of which, she could hear the door being tinkered with until it opened. Revealing a concerned looking Naruto who silently manuvered his way around the room as to not wake up the other girls. Another side effect of this is that it's an all girls team. Meaning there's a chance they would find monstrous strength and harm him for thinking that he's a pervert sneaking into other girl's rooms.
Once Naruto made his way to Ruby's bed, which he admitted was a massive safety hazard. He slowly whispered into her ear.
"Are you okay? I could feel all sorts of anxiety from my dorm room." Naruto asked.
Ruby shook her head, "I had another bad dream." she answered.
Naruto's eyes softened as he stroked Ruby's hair, "What happened?" he asked.
"It tried to hurt me. I thought I was going to get crushed until…" Ruby stopped for a moment to sniffle. "…I saw mom but then the darkness took her away." She said as tears threaten to fall.
"Hold on Ruby." Naruto said as he cut off the ropes. Allowing Ruby to get down and hug him, "Come on, we'll get you dressed and I'll take you out for breakfast." he said as Ruby went to change.
Ruby would later come back out with her mask on. Naruto let out a snort as he gently raised the hood over Ruby's head. He couldn't help but think how adorable Ruby is despite how strong she is at a young age.
"I should give you a nickname for that look. How does Evil Eye sound?" Naruto asked.
"I'll give you the evil eye." Ruby said with a giggle as they left.
Meanwhile Yang lowered her blank as she gave a sad look at the door. Although it wouldn't last as Ruby promised she would give Yang a chance when they meet at the Emerald Forest later today.
A while later, Beacon Academy Courtyard
From the very courtyard where the Belmont-Rose siblings arrived. Came a man with white hair, blue eyes, fairly pale skin and nice clothes that were predominantly white. The man walked down the main courtyard looking jovial as he walked towards the academy. He saw that it was already 9 AM, so it was likely around the time the first period was ending.
"I guess I could wait a couple of minutes. I bet my sister is too shocked for words to see her big brother take time out of his schedule to see her." the man said with a chuckle as he made hi way towards Beacon. "Maybe I'll visit Ozpin too. He probably wouldn't mind an early update with the news I have." he said to himself.
After the end of first period
The daily grind was far from over for the future huntsmen as the teams all went their way to class. However it looked like Weiss wanted to head in her own direction while pulling Ruby along with her. Ruby felt excited as she thought Weiss was opening up to her more and wanted to admit that they were best friends. So Blake just accepted it while Yang felt hesitant about it at first.
"Hey Ruby, I wanted to ask you about your weapons." Weiss said.
"I know, I can't be borrowing the Morning Star whip when I want to." Ruby said.
"No not that, although that thing your brother has is interesting but I don't want to talk about that. I mean the axes and other throwable weapons. Where do you store them and when do you have time to pick them up for that matter?" Weiss asked.
Ruby looked back and forth, "I'm super fast Weiss. Did you forget?" she asked as she tried to hide her fear.
"I doubt it, I've seen you abandon weapons before." Weiss said.
"Are they still there a few minutes later?" Ruby asked.
"No but…"
"That's me Weiss, one time I started moving so fast that I accidentally smashed a wall." Ruby said as that was actually a true story.
Weiss sweat dropped, "Somehow I believe that." she said. "But still, I feel like you're still hiding some things and I admit I was a bitch in the beginning. Only now I want to build up that trust." she said.
Ruby smiled, "It's fine Weiss, I'm just not comfortable with telling anyone about everything. Heck, big brother and I haven't told everything to Adam and we trust him the most with anything." he said.
"I guess that makes sense." Weiss said before she felt a hand grab her. "AHHH!" She screamed.
"Weiss!" Ruby yelled before suddenly drop kicking the aggressor.
"Hey take it easy! I'm just borrowing my sister for a minute!" the aggressor exclaimed.
"I don't believe you! You're probably some creep after little girls!" Ruby yelled before squeezing her legs around the man's throat.
"Ruby let him go, he's a creep but he's my brother!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Eh?" Ruby asked.
Weiss sighed, "Did you have to pick now of all times to come Jiraiya?" she asked.
The man, Jiraiya, is Weiss Schnee's eldest brother. As mentioned before, Jiraiya pretty much fits the critique of a Schnee down to the white hair and pale skin. Although his hair was tied into a long braid hanging off of his shoulder, it looked more spiky and wild when untied. He also had a habit of rarely looking formal unless it was a special occasion or if he was on business like was now.
"Can't a brother congratulate his little sister?" Jiraiya asked as he tried to stand up.
"Not if you're going to ambush me! I thought I was being assaulted!" Weiss said very angrily making Jiraiya wince.
"Hey Weiss, didn't you say something about wanting me to call the police?" Ruby asked making Jiraiya sweat.
Weiss actually made a thinking pose, "I'll ignore it just this once." she said as Ruby put her scroll away.
Jiraiya sighed in relief as he adjusted himself, "Now how's my cute little sister? Are you still having trouble with Glyphs?" He asked.
"I don't need to answer that for you to know." Weiss answered.
"But she's doing a lot better! Weiss even has a better reaction time in a fight." Ruby said pulling Weiss close.
Jiraiya chuckled at the two, "I see you made a real friend Weiss. Sorry if she's a bit hostile at first." he said to Ruby who waved it off.
"Nah, Weiss is fun once she learns to live a little." Ruby said as Weiss blushed.
"Well all that matters is you're getting along with someone Weiss. If you want, I can train you after classes end." Jiraiya suggested.
"Fine, I'll see you after class." Weiss accepted.
"Good, now Ruby is it? Take good care of Weiss. I don't want any boys giving my sister cooties." Jiraiya said joking.
Before Weiss said anything, Ruby held tightly onto Weiss, "I won't let anything like that happen to Weiss!" she said before bursting into petals with Weiss.
Jiraiya laughed, "That kid is so gullible. Good for Weiss, she needs to learn to relax. I swear she's going to be too much like Winter." he said before turning around and finding a familiar face.
"Jiraiya, what are you doing here?" asked a serious face.
"Glynda! I just wanted to suprise my baby sister but now you graced me with your beauty and elegance!" Jiraiya exclaims as he tries to kiss Glynda's hand.
Glynda quickly pulled it away, "If that is and you have no report. I suggest you be on your way now." she said.
Jiraiya feigned pain, "Glynda love, why are you so mean? Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked.
Glynda scoffed, "I would be happy if you stopped spying on nude women and writing those books. I swear I've seen at least one student trying to read that filthy excuse for literature in my class." she said.
If Jiraiya Schnee was made of glass, he would have shattered, "I'm not that bad a writer. It's got plot, it's got detail, even realistic dialogue!" He tried to explain.
Glynda turned around and crossed her arms, "Yes and the remaining 95% of the book is a series of lewd descriptions of events that no mentally stable individual would attempt." she argued.
Jiraiya only gave her a grin, "Someone's a fan." He said accusingly.
"I found it on James' desk one day. I wasn't sure what it was until I recognized your words." Glynda said.
"…I do not want to know how Jim has a copy of my book." Jiraiya said before Glynda walked away. "Hold on, it's not much but I did get something new that Ozpin might want to look at." he said catching Glynda's interest for the first time.
Final Period
It was kind of ironic, Ruby was hoping to meet Yang in the Emerald Forest. Although that might change depending on how long Glynda is willing to stay after class ends. Because she wanted everyone to collect sap as an assignment. It was actually a request from Professor Peach who is another teacher, so Glynda thought it would be another good training exercise.
However it looked like things were getting intense with Cardin and Jaune. A few minutes later, Naruto started sensing a lot of hostile emotions. Prompting him to go see what was happening. When he found Jaune getting beaten up by Cardin.
Before he stepped in, Jaune discharged a large amount of golden aura from his body. Causing Cardin to fly away while Jaune's injuries disappeared. However it was ruined by Cardin's teammate, Sky, tackling Jaune down.
"Ok that's it!" Naruto shouted as he summoned a chain from his palm and dragged Sky off of Jaune. "If you stooges wanted an ass kicking. You can ask me any time." he said as he started swinging his chains around.
Before Team CRDL considered taking on the the two blond boys. They heard loud stomping sounds followed by a loud roar. The boys all looked to see that an Ursa Major had arrived and it was anything but friendly. Especially as Cardin was the first person it clawed. The Ursa Major then attempted to bite at Cardin who pulled out his mace in an attempt to fight back. Unfortunately, the Ursa slapped the weapon away and continued thrashing at Cardin.
What made things worse was the fact that more Grimm started to appear. Making the situation worse by the second.
"Okay idiots, form up. Two of you help your leader while the rest cover my flank. I cut, you stab and…" Naruto tried to say before the RDL ran like cowards.
"We're screwed." Jaune said as the Grimm came close.
"Not yet, go deal with the big bastard. I'll handle the army." Naruto said as he drew his sword and Morningstar Whip.
"What? Me against that!?" Jaune asked as he pointed at the Ursa still trying to claw at Cardin.
"You want to deal with the army?" Naruto asked.
Jaune sighed, "Fine, but it's really intimidating." he said.
"Jaune, it's big, slow and clumsy. It can kill you in a few hits but that won't matter if it can't land the blow." Naruto explained before running after the horde.
Jaune took a few deep breaths before extending his shield and drawing Crocea Mors, 'Big and scary, but slow and stupid. Got it!' he mentally said as he ran after the Ursa.
With everyone else
Squall groaned as he rubbed his temples, "That idiot is gone and causing trouble isn't he?" he asked.
"Ruby is usually the explorer. Something big must have caught Naruto's attention." Adam answered.
Their guesses would be correct as RDL ran past them. All screaming in terror as they ran as fast as they could. Before yelling about the Ursa and horde of Grimm.
"There's a bunch of Grimm right behind us and they got Cardin, Arc, and Belmont!" Sky yelled.
When suddenly Ruby spin kicked him in the stomach, "Where are they!?" she demanded.
Sky suddenly started to get nervous, 'Why are the weaklings getting so tough and intimidating?' he wondered.
"Tell me!" Ruby yelled as she aimed an axe at his head.
"Over there!" Sky answered as he pointed at the path behind them.
With Jaune
(Jason Miller - Rules of Nature)
"OOF!" Jaune cried out as he slammed into the ground again. Jaune shook his head and took another stance, "I keep dodging but it still hits me." He said.
"Then calm down a bit. Don't just rush in. That thing has a solid defense when it's not attacking." Naruto said before decapitating a Beowulf.
Jaune avoided another set of swings before cutting an arm. Making the Ursa let out a roar as he clawed at Jaune again. After skidding a few feet away, he looked at his scroll to check his condition. Immediately finding his aura level in the red. Making things more difficult.
'I can't let it hit me anymore. If I'm not fast enough to dodge… what was I thinking!?' Jaune asked as he looked at his shield.
Just as Jaune ran up to the Ursa and avoided another swing. Followed by another slash against the chest. Jaune's reflexes prompted him to move away again before his eyes snapped to his shield. At the last second, it was raised high enough to stop the attack. Although he realized that he wasn't in full control and saw Pyrrha in the corner of his eye as she raised her hand.
'I've been treating her like an ass.' Jaune mentally berated before the Ursa's arm started to slide. 'There's the opening!' Jaune realized as he swung at the Ursa's head with all his might.
Causing the head to slide of in a clean decapitation. Most of the group was surprised by the efficient cut. However that didn't mean that the horde was completely gone.
"Fireball Jutsu!" Naruto shouted as he incinerated another Beowulf. "If you're done watching the weak guy showing some skill. I could use some help!" he yelled as the numbers were still fairly big.
"Big brother!" Ruby shouted as she bursted into petals towards the horde.
"Ruby!" Yang called out with concern.
Before being surprised to see her sister decapitate three Beowulf's very cleanly. All while still in her petal form mind you. Yang snapped out of her stupor as the rest of the class started fighting the Grimm horde.
A few minutes into the fight, another Ursa appeared. Not a major like the one Jaune finished off but just bigger than the Beowulfs and it ran up to Ruby. Before anyone could warn the girl about the Grimm trying to rush her. Ruby quickly turned and stabbed a kunai into knee of the Ursa. The Ursa howled in pain before attempting to swipe at Ruby who dodged too quickly for it's eyes. Eventually leading to the girl repeatedly hacking at it's arms until it fell.
With one more stab to the head with a one handed axe, "Bad bear!" Ruby said as she took her weapons back.
By then the Grimm horde was finally finished off when Glynda returned. Though this did put her into questioning her own skills in supervising children. Although at least they had developed enough skills to work together and deal with the horde.
"Is anyone hurt?" Glynda asked as she checked everyone individually.
"A bit tired, but I'll live." Naruto said.
"How many did you fight? It was a war zone when we got here." Josuke asked.
Naruto shrugged, "I just spammed attacked. Although I had to be careful not to burn the forest." he answered.
Squall shook his head, "I almost forgot you could do that." he said.
"But at least you cared enough to come here instead of running like Cardin's team." Naruto said happily.
"I came because you would have gotten yourself killed." Squall replied.
"You do care buddy!" Naruto said still sounding happy.
"I am NOT your buddy." Squall said.
"You're going to admit it one of these days." Naruto said.
"Whatever." Squall said ending this conversation.
Meanwhile NPR was praising Jaune for killing the Ursa, "See Jaune, a little help goes far." Pyrrha said.
"I guess it does, I'm sorry for pushing you away Pyrrha." Jaune said realizing that Pyrrha wasn't patronizing him before.
"Enough sappy moments! We already have lots of sap and I don't see Renny's pancakes!" Nora exclaimed as she pulled the two into a hug.
Ren sighed, "I guess I'm cooking tonight." he said.
And finally there was Team RWBY, "You were pretty good there Ruby. I see you can really hold your own." Yang said meekly.
Yang looked at Ruby's face and for a brief moment she looked different. For a good portion of her stay at Beacon. Yang only saw that same child she left and now she saw a young woman that didn't need her protection.
"Yeah, I had to do a lot of growing. But I wasn't alone." Ruby said as she saw Naruto speaking to his teammates.
"So how do you do that mid-transformation?" Weiss asked.
"I don't, I just move really quickly. It's like what Jaune had to do Weiss." Ruby said confusing her friend. "After a few practice sessions, the muscle memory kicks in and adapting gets easier." she explained.
Weiss raised a brow, 'Maybe that's what I need.' she thought.
"You look like you didn't need too much help out there." Blake pointed out.
"There's nothing wrong with asking or accepting help Blake. It gives you the chance to be stronger if you learn to trust others." Ruby said as Blake felt a twitch in her hand for a moment.
With everyone feeling calmed down and being escorted back to class. The day ended a bit earlier despite Professor Peach not getting all of the sap she needed. Although not all issues were resolved just yet.
Later, that afternoon
Adam looked at Naruto who was fiddling with a few tools in hand. He may have only known the blond young man for about half a year, but he put his faith in him and Ruby. In return, Adam felt that he could confide in the two of them. Although he had to learn to respect some of their secrets, including why Naruto's eyes would turn red and the secrets behind Ruby's small one handed weapons.
However, he was allowed to know a few things as they travelled together. One of the things being Ruby's abandonment and her relationship to her adoptive brother.
"What do you think Ruby's up to?" Adam asked.
Naruto stopped working for a second, "Probably rekindling her relationship." he answered.
"And what do you define as rekindling?" Adam asked.
"You know how stubborn Ruby is. She's not the same confused and naive little girl I found. She's not going to easily forgive Yang even if what she's been through is true." Naruto explained.
"She's going to make Yang work for it?" Adam asked.
"I think you know the answer to that, but if Yang really wants forgiveness. She's going to work for it." Naruto answered.
"I see, so you're going to lie there and wait things out?" Adam asked.
"Nope, I'll go after her in a little bit. For now, I got a new idea for a gadget I know Ruby will love." Naruto said as he raised something in the air.
Adam tilted his head, "Test it outside then." he said.
"I will! You think I'm getting us kicked out if this fails?" Naruto asked.
"It happened last time. I think you should give up making grappling hooks. Especially if you can walk up walls." Adam said.
"But not everyone can copy me and my dad is the last person who could do what I did." Naruto replied as he revealed a belt with two giant buckles.
"This is going to end poorly." Adam said sounding negative. "I should go fetch Josuke." he said thinking Naruto would hurt himself.
A while later, with Yang and Ruby
While Blake was doing… something. The dark haired girl was always quiet and rarely communicated with her teammates on a social level. Along with Weiss who was catching up with her brother. Ruby decided to test Yang's devotion to earning forgiveness. By having the two go into the outskirts of the academy. Somewhere secluded but without getting the attention of the Grimm or locals.
Of course, Ruby decided to make it hard on Yang by using Petal Burst when reaching her destination. Effectively establishing the the first part of her test. Only did she find Yang right behind her and catching her breath.
"I said I wouldn't give up Ruby. I'm ready for anything." Yang said still sounding determined.
"Good." Ruby said as she raised her hood and put on her mask.
"Are we going Grimm hunting or what do you want to do?" Yang asked.
Ruby pulled out two axes from her cape, "Dodge!" she yelled as she threw an axe at Yang's head.
"Ruby! What are you doing!?" Yang asked before avoiding a chop to the head. Followed by a kick that she barely grabbed, "I don't want to fight you Ruby!" she yelled.
"Well I do!" Ruby yelled before bursting into petals.
Yang raised her fists and tried to block each attack. Only finding herself repeatedly struck by Ruby's weapons. Eventually Yang fought back and raised an arm that Ruby crashed into. However she wasn't expecting Ruby to recover quickly with a drop kick.
"Oof! Ruby we can talk this out!" Yang pleaded.
"Actions speak louder than words!" Ruby yelled as she tried kicking Yang again.
Yang repeatedly blocked every attack before grabbing Ruby's arms and keeping them locked in place. The older girl had hoped that by keeping Ruby in place, she would exhaust herself or listen to reason. Unfortunately, while the scrawny girl didn't have superior physical strength. Ruby was a lot more agile and had instincts that could only be rivaled by a spider.
Ruby would then wrap her legs around Yang's waist and attempt to use her momentum against her. Yang had difficulty trying to keep her balance as she was confused by what Ruby was trying to do. Before falling down and losing her grip on Ruby who let go of her for a moment. As Yang quickly tried to recover, Ruby struck her multiple times while in Petal Burst form. Yang barely had the chance to fight back before her eyes turned bright red and a flame like aura appeared around her.
Yet just as she was being filled with greater energy to deal more damage. Yang stood her ground and focused on controlling herself before the fire like aura went away. Although that didn't stop the assaults from continuing no matter how much it made Yang angry.
"I'm not going to hurt you Ruby!" Yang yelled before eventually catching Ruby by tackling her down.
Despite being caught, Ruby repeatedly threw her fists around as she hit Yang a couple of times in the face. Making her nose bleed along with dealing a couple of cuts around her face.
"Stop! I don't want to do this!" Yang yelled before Ruby childishly grabbed her by the hair. "Are you serious!?" she asked as if Ruby regressed in age.
"Say bye to your pretty hair!" Ruby yelled as she pulled out a kunai and tried to rip off the hair.
"Ruby don't touch my hair!" Yang yelled as her eyes were flickering red.
"Its better than you using your cheap hair conditioner!" Ruby yelled as she tried ripping off Yang's golden locks.
Yang struggled to push away the hand. Yet it was no use as Ruby was relentless in trying to cut it. When she did managed to cut off a few strands. Yang had to fight the urge of her anger as her eyes continued flickering between blue and red.
'Calm down Yang… it grows back.' Yang mentally told herself before being punched in the side of the face by Ruby. 'Don't think about the hair. Don't think about pain. Don't think about fight. Focus on Ruby. Focus on your little sister. Focus on winning her back!' she said to herself as Ruby kept throwing fists.
(Kingdom Hearts 2 OST - Roxas Theme)
After holding Ruby down to keep her from fighting any longer. Yang slowly grabbed Ruby and wrapped her arms around Ruby's body to keep her in place. Using every little bit of her strength to keep Ruby from escaping.
"Stop holding back coward!" Ruby yells as she struggles to break free.
Yang continued to hold tightly onto Ruby. Thinking of ways of how to keep Ruby restrained her calmed down. Before thinking back to her past to when Ruby was a child and how she was always fussy. When a certain memory crossed her mind.
"Hush hush baby rabbit on the hill. Tell me why your eyes are so very red."
Ruby let out another scream as she started thrash around even more.
"Because when my mother was expecting me."
Ruby tried hitting the back of her head against Yang's face.
"She dined on red berries from a tree."
Ruby thrusted her feet around as she refused to be in Yang's grip any longer.
"And that is why my eyes… are so very red."
Ruby repeatedly threw herself around and screamed for Yang to let her out. Until her own mask came off and her screams were louder. As Yang saw tears as big as a waterfall fall down her cheeks. Yang's eyes started to turn bright blue as she saw Ruby's anguish.
Flashback
"Yang, come here! I want you to meet someone!" called out a familiar voice.
Little Yang stood up and stumbled towards the sound of the voice. Where she found a young woman sitting in bed holding a bundle wrapped in a blanket in her arms. The woman smiled as Yang approached the bed and looked at her in curiosity.
"Mommy what's that?" Yang asked as she pointed at the bundle.
The woman giggled, "Yang, this is your new sister. Meet Ruby Rose." she said as she slowly revealed a little head with a mop of black hair.
Yang gasped as she tried reaching out to the child, "My sister is here! Can I hold her!?" she asked.
"Yang lower your voice and you can hold her if you promise to not drop her." the woman said.
"Of course mommy. A big sister has to protect her little sister." Yang said as the woman smiled.
"That's all I wanted to hear Yang." Yang's mother, Summer Rose, said to Yang before adjusting herself.
End of flashback
"A big sister has to protect her little sister." Yang repeated those words as Ruby's crying slowly stopped.
Ruby's let out a few hiccups before her eyes started to close. As Ruby let out every bit of anguish and frustration in her cry. She slowly fell into exhaustion before letting herself stay in Yang's arms. Accepting the embrace that her sister was keeping her in.
"It's okay Ruby. No one's hurting you anymore." Yang said unaware of Naruto hiding near some trees.
At the dorms, a while later
Yang found herself having to carry Ruby all the way back as she was in a deep sleep. After managing to avoid grabbing the attention of any student or staff member on campus. Yang made it to her dorm where she maneuvered herself to open the door and make her way to Ruby's bed. Although now that she looked at it, the bed was a literal hazard if the ropes broke off. Not only that but Weiss would be crushed if that happened.
Putting aside her concern, Yang tried to raise Ruby in an attempt to put her into bed. Only finding it difficult not just because of the girl's size and weight. But because Ruby was also refusing to let go of Yang. Going as far as to whimper and whine every time Yang tried to remove her.
"Ruby let go, you need to go to bed." Yang whispered only to hear Ruby whine some more as her grip tightened.
"She doesn't want to sleep alone." Yang snapped her head back and saw Naruto standing at the door.
"What?" Yang asked, sounding confused.
"Ruby usually has a nightmare or feels really emotional when she's like this. She's not going to want to sleep alone." Naruto explained.
Yang gave a weak smile, "I guess you're not so tough now. Do you want to sleep with big sister tonight?" she asked Ruby who whimpered again.
"I'll help you set her up. She still needs to change." Naruto said.
"I think I'm drawing the line at you seeing her in her underwear." Yang said.
"Sure, tell that to the guy who raised a girl two years younger than himself for 8 years." Naruto countered. "Don't even get me started on learning grown up things. Like when girls suddenly bleed in certain places every month." he said making Yang blush.
"My uncle Qrow was not ready for that talk." Yang muttered as she prepared for bed.
Naruto sighed, "I swear, how many brothers have so much difficulty with their younger sisters?" he asked.
At the same time, with Weiss
Weiss was panting as she finally formed an armored arm with a sword, "I did it!" she said happily.
"See? It's hard and it's tiresome, but Weiss Schnee is no quitter in my eyes." Jiraiya said encouragingly.
"It's not like I'm at your level Jiraiya." Weiss said.
Jiraiya scoffed, "The Great Jiraiya has no equal Weiss, but the Great Jiraiya trained day and night since he learned to stand!" he exclaimed.
Somehow that made Weiss feel slightly better, "Any advice?" she asked.
"I wouldn't recommend being a hermit and training in the snow. I swear I thought I was going to die." Jiraiya said looking at his pale hands.
"I can't believe you actually trained there. Like you were training to be a sage or something." Weiss said as she initially disbelieved his story.
Until she witnessed her brother's power, "Weiss, knowing what it's like to be in pain is why we try to be kind to others." Jiraiya says as he summons a little toad with his own glyph. "When people get hurt, they learn to hate. When people hurt others, they become hated by others and are racked by guilt." he explains as the toad hops onto his shoulder.
Weiss looked down at that, "So it's guilt tripping?" she asked.
"Not really, it's understanding the cycle of hatred Weiss. Because I believe the day will come when people can truly understand each other." Jiraiya answered as his toad broke into shards of ice.
"Like you and Winter?" Weiss asked.
Jiraiya remained silent for a moment before answering, "I hope so." he said a minute later. "Now I should go. I doubt you want your big brother to embarrass you in front of your team leader and your other teammate!" he said sounding happier.
"Ruby is my team leader." Weiss corrected.
Jiraiya looked surprised, "What!? That girl!? She's so much younger than you!" he exclaimed.
Weiss sighed, "I know, but Professor Port says I have an attitude and can't work well with others. While Ruby is better at adapting and open to working with others." she replied.
Jiraiya patted her head, "Don't worry poor Weiss, someday you will smile even more brightly. Instead of getting mad at every little thing." he said. "Except for that Jaune guy you told me about. By now even I learned about personal space." he said before packing up.
"Goodbye Jiraiya." Weiss said as she extended her arms for a hug.
Only to be lifted up, "Goodbye my cute little sister and keep yourself out of trouble. I might have to cancel all my dates with the many lovely ladies waiting for me just to protect you." he said.
Weiss frowned, "Yeah the many women trying to sue you in court for harassment." she said making him face fault.
"So mean, I have a mean sister. You're just like Winter when she was your age. She even taught you the word, dolt." Jiraiya said surprising her.
"Is that where I got it from?" Weiss asked with wide eyes.
Jiraiya chuckled, "Of course, mom was so mad. She made Winter sit in the corner and it was a long time because you kept saying that word all day." he said.
"Is everyone in this family a troublemaker?" Weiss asked.
The next morning, Vale
With the surprise of Ruby being in bed with Yang. Ruby revealed less hostility towards Yang but would sometimes keep her distance. Deciding to fill Blake and Weiss on what happened yesterday at a later time. Weiss announced that Vytal Festival was happening later this year. So with that, she wanted to "greet" the incoming students from the other academies who would soon be arriving.
"It sounds like you want to scout the competition." Blake said in her usual monotone, but there was a sense of accusation.
"You have no proof of such a claim Blake." Weiss said denying her claim.
Before Team RWBY could make their way to the docks. Ruby took off her mask and saw a damaged dust store. From the looks of it, the local law enforcement was surrounding the area as it appeared to be a break in at a dust store.
"Again? Really?" Ruby asked curiously.
"What do you mean again Ruby?" Weiss asked.
"Uh… bad streak of luck for dust stores?" Ruby asked, trying to hide something.
Weiss couldn't really argue with that. It's been on the news lately that too many drug stores have been hit with armed robberies. Although further investigations have theorized that the White Fang have been involved. Even overhearing the detectives right now, they stated that no lien have been stolen, just the dust itself.
"It probably is the White Fang. The faunus know nothing but how to lie, cheat and steal." Weiss said with disdain.
This offended Blake, "Excuse me Weiss, but the White Fang aren't a bunch of criminals! They are people fighting for their rights when humans deny them!" she argued.
"I can't believe you're siding with them Blake. I was almost a victim of their attacks when they attacked my family!" Weiss argued back.
"Well it's not like your company is exactly doing anything to help them Weiss! You wouldn't understand because you didn't have to work in those hazardous mines!" Blake said metaphorically pushing Weiss.
"Well they're just people who want to destroy the world!" Weiss exclaimed.
Yang sighed at the stupidity of what she heard.
"They're just misguided faunus that don't realize what they're doing!" Blake yelled.
Yang started to realize that her team was a bigger mess without her issues with Ruby.
Ironically it was Ruby who spoke up, "ENOUGH!" she shouted. "You two need to stop arguing about this!" she yelled.
"She started it!" the two girls said pointing at each other.
Ruby sighed, "Guys, you're both being ignorant!" she said silencing them for a moment. "Weiss, just because one group is doing this it doesn't mean all faunus are a part of it. Blake, the White Fang are not freedom fighters, they moved past equality and towards to supremacism." she started off.
"But Ruby, you've never been around…" Weiss tried to say.
"Weiss, I've been having to live in the wild with my brother for 8 years. Evil does not have a specific shape. It comes regardless of what you are, who you are or your motivation." Ruby explained.
Blake spoke her piece next, "Then you can see that the White Fang are just confused. They want fight for…"
"Blake, I've come across the White Fang and I can tell you. They are not the nicest people." Ruby interrupted.
"That's because you haven't…"
"Blake! The White Fang do not care about equal rights. They don't want to end the cycle of hate, they want to reverse it. Can you really tell me things would be better if the faunus had most of the power over the humans? Do you really think the White Fang should be defended for harming anyone who thinks differently?" Ruby asked making Blake be silent.
Yang started to feel nervous at this point. Ruby really went off on Weiss and Blake on her viewpoint. Only now she was scared to know what happened to Ruby if she really did come across the White Fang. Only she clearly didn't have a bad opinion of the faunus because of one group alone.
Despite how much the two girls wanted to argue. Both did take those word seriously. Both had one question in mind that correlated with their different beliefs. Did the White Fang really represent the Faunus and their best interests?
Before they could further argue about this or Yang could think of a way to calm down the situation. They noticed a blond boy with a tail jumping out of a boat and stealing a banana. Right before proceeding to be chased by the workers on the boat. The boy quickly smiled at Blake before sprinting off into the city.
"That must be one of the students! We have to follow him!" Weiss exclaimed as she started chasing him.
"This makes us look super suspicious Weiss." Yang said as the rest of the team followed the Schnee heiress.
With Team JASN
Naruto invited the group to eat out at Vale. He was open to any suggestion until he saw a local ramen stand. Luckily everyone was pretty okay with eating whatever. This is when they witnessed Naruto's love for ramen. As he dined on several bowls to the point even the cooks themselves looked shocked by such hunger. Even more so when Naruto already had enough money to cover all the food.
He called it "emergency ramen" funds. Everyone but Adam was surprised considering he's seen his friend eat like a starving animal.
Josuke looked at Naruto with wide eyes, "Dude, are you okay? There is no way someone can eat that much ramen." he said.
"If this were any other food, he wouldn't eat as much." Adam said.
"The only time I don't eat ramen is when I'm not the one paying." Naruto said.
"Wow." Squall said sarcastically. "Remind me to never invite you to lunch." he said.
"You never want to hang out with us. So you wouldn't be able to." Naruto said.
"Yeah, you're always so quiet and anti social man. Do you just hate us?" Josuke asked, while agreeing with Naruto.
"Not Really." Squall tried to say.
"Not Really." Naruto interrupted. Squall glared at Naruto who grinned, "You don't speak much but we know you pretty well buddy." he said.
"I'm not your buddy and I'm more complex than you think." Squall said.
"Then tell us about yourself." Naruto requested.
"It's none of your…"
"Business." Naruto interrupted, earning another glare. "I think I know you pretty well by now." He said.
Squall side, "Whatever…"
"Whatever." this time Josuke, Adam and Naruto said it together.
Squall suddenly stood up from his chair, "I'm going to use the restroom." he said hoping to ignore this nonsense.
Before he left the stand. Squall jumped away with quick reflexes as the monkey tailed boy ran past him. Squall glared at the boy who gave him a dopey grin in return.
"Hey pal! Bye pal!" the boy said as he ran through an alleyway with expert level parkour skills.
Squall sighed, "I hate that guy." he muttered.
"What the heck was that?" Naruto asked.
"It was…"
"Nothing." Naruto interrupted.
"You're annoying." Squall said.
"Oh that's a new one." Naruto replied before hearing a loud crash.
"And what was that?" Adam asked.
Nearby, at the same time
"Ow!" Weiss whined before looking at what she hit.
"Salutations!" said a ginger haired girl who Weiss ran into.
"Ah hi?" Weiss asked as she stood up.
"Wow Weiss, I never thought of you as so clumsy." Yang said as Weiss glared.
Then they noticed the ginger haired girl was still down, "Aren't you going to get up?" Blake asked.
The girl realized her situation, "I should!" she exclaimed as she jumped up to her feet. "It is a pleasure to meet you! I am Penny Polendina!" she said sounding cheerful.
"I'm Ruby!" Ruby said greeting Penny.
"Weiss."
"Blake."
"Are you sure you didn't get hurt?" Yang asked before Blake elbowed her. "Ow! I mean, I'm Yang." she said introducing herself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you!" Penny repeated herself.
"You already said that." Weiss pointed out.
"So I did." Penny replied, now realizing her error.
"Well it was nice meeting you. Sorry for running into you." Weiss said leaving, seeing as the faunus boy escaped.
"Take care friend!" Ruby said baring her farewell.
Leaving behind a stunned looking Penny.
"She was weird." Yang said before Penny suddenly appeared.
"What did you call me?" Penny asked, making Yang feel bad.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you could hear me." Yang said apologetically.
"Not you. You." Penny said as she approached Ruby.
"Uh… friend?" Ruby asked.
"Yes! That's what you called me! Are we really friends?" Penny asked.
Ruby looked at her teammates who made gestures for Ruby to say otherwise. Unfortunately Ruby either didn't get the message or didn't want to hurt Penny's feelings.
"Yes, we're definitely friends." Ruby said as her teammates face faulted.
"Sensational! We can do all the things friends can do! Like do nails and talk about boys!" Penny said excitedly.
Ruby turned towards Weiss, "Was I like this with you?" she asked.
"No, you were less… energetic." Weiss answered.
Yang decided to change the subject, "So, what are you doing in Vale?" she asked.
"I'm fighting in the tournament. I'm combat ready." Penny answered.
"I'm sorry, but you don't look the part." Weiss said.
"Says the girl in the dress." Blake said.
"Hey it's a combat dress. Right Ruby?" Weiss asked.
"Right!" Ruby answered as the two high five each other.
*BEST FRIENDS*
Before anyone could continue the conversation, Penny got into a strange stance. She looked around before running down the street. With Team RWBY wondering what was going on in her mind.
"Penny! What's wrong!?" Yang asked.
"There's a Grimm inside Vale!" Penny answered as she turned the corner.
"A Grimm!?" the girls asked before hearing Penny attack.
"Prepare to be eliminated evil-doer!" Penny said followed by the sound of crashing.
"Hey! I'm not evil! Also, it's really rude to attack people for no reason." said a familiar voice.
"Big brother?" Ruby asked as she went into the corner.
Quickly finding Naruto trying to hold Wendy against the wall, "Ruby help! Nora's cousin is attacking me!" he said.
"Naruto that's not Nora's cousin." Ruby said correcting him.
"Isn't she? I mean Nora is also really energetic and excited." Weiss asked.
"She's also a ginger." Blake added.
Penny looked at them in curiosity, "I do not register anyone with the name Nora. Tell me, is she also a friend?" she asked.
"Could someone explain to me why this weird girl attacked me?" Naruto asked as he let go of Penny who looked around.
"Did I make a mistake? I could have sword I sensed a Grimm nearby." Penny said as she looked back and forth.
Ruby hid her nervous face while Naruto didn't even look at Penny. No one noticed the strange looks that both siblings had. They wouldn't have this chance either as the rest of Team JASN arrived.
"Hey what happened? Also, I didn't know Nora had a cousin." Josuke said.
"Salutations potential friends!" Penny greeted once again while still looking around for the Grimm she thought she sensed.
The next morning
As part of her usual routine, Ruby would always wake up early in the morning. Even if she finally settled with sleeping in the same room as Yang. As she accepted Yang as an equal and decided to show less malice to her.
'I hit you really hard Yang and not once did you hit me back. I even tried ripping of your hair. You love that thing and didn't even get mad.' Ruby thought as she looked at Yang's sleeping form. 'Maybe you are a good person, but I still can't trust you. Then again, we're not the only ones with tension.' she thought as she looked at Weiss' sleeping form.
Last night, Blake and Weiss got into another argument about the White Fang. That and Weiss still argued about them and the faunus being one thing. Yet Blake still defended them both. Briefly forgetting about Ruby's outburst earlier that day. When suddenly Blake referred to herself and the White Fang as "we" as if they were in league. It was a stressful night and she hoped the two could mend things today. Sadly that would not happen as Ruby saw that Blake was missing from bed.
Ruby looked around to see if Blake was in the bathroom or outside before getting a bit nervous. To the point she looked around in Petal Burst form for almost an hour. Leaving her with one decision and it was to call her brother.
"Big brother, I need your help." Ruby said into her scroll.
"Not now Ruby, I need you to help me find my dark haired anti social loner friend." Naruto replied.
"No! I need your help finding my dark haired anti social loner friend!" Ruby whined.
"I asked you first Ruby. Squall is probably alone, in the cold and scared. I bet he's starving too!" Naruto exclaimed.
With Squall
Squall decided to leave in the middle of the night to get away from the team for a bit. His headaches were getting worse and he felt better if they weren't around. So he wandered the streets of Vale before running into the faunus boy from yesterday. Someone he really didn't want to see.
"I never thought I would see you in an academy Squall." The boy said.
"And I didn't want any company, Sun. What are you doing here anyways?" Squall asked.
"I'm here for the Vytal Festival obviously. I'm even a leader, we're Team SSSN!" Sun boasted.
"Your teammates are doomed." Squall said bluntly.
Sun face faulted, "Hey! I am an amazing leader. You wouldn't know that because you won't let anyone near you. Especially when that semblance of yours." he said.
"You wouldn't understand the real pain of my semblance." Squall said.
"Try me, how bad is it really? I know you get headaches around people you don't trust, but helps with knowing when danger is around." Sun said listing out what he already knows.
"Then you can imagine the good and bad parts about me trusting and caring about someone." Squall said.
"Not really, why are you a downer anyways? I always thought we could be buds. I even shared a hot dog with you that one time." Sun asked.
"We shared it because I bought it and you didn't have any money on hand." Squall said earning a sheepish smile.
"Okay that was my bad, but you have to admit. Real friends share food together." Sun said.
Squall sighed, "I guess that's more than what I had in a long time." he said before looking at the damaged dust store. "If I can't trust people close to me. How can I trust anyone near me?' he asked.
Sun looked at the store too, "Yeah, I mean I'm all about faunus rights, but that's a bit too far." he said not noticing Blake was in hearing range.
"I don't care about politics. If anything I want to stay far away from them." Squall said bitterly.
"Hey man, I get it if you're scared…" Sun tried to say before being interrupted.
"I'm not scared Sun. I'm mad and I'll admit that much." Squall said.
"Mad? What for? They didn't hurt your family did they?" Sun asked sounding concerned.
Blake, who was hiding nearby to listen in on the conversation narrowed her eyes. She was ready to explode on them the moment Squall said something offensive about the White Fang or the faunus in general. Ready to defend them as if they were her own family.
"The White Fang was my family. My mother thought it was a good idea to kick me out and someone who I thought was my friend shunned me for not having cat ears." Squall said.
"Wait? Does that mean? Hold on if that's true… seriously? That's heavy!" Sun exclaimed as he pieced everything together.
Even Blake looked confused until she remembered something.
"We're not friends! We'll never be friends again! You don't know my pain like my cowardly parents!"
Blake gripped her chest as she remembered the day she said that to…
"Squall?" Blake called out.
Squall turned to face her, "You're finally speaking up, coward?" he asked making Blake wince.
Poor Sun just sat there feeling like his brain literally exploded upon the new revelations.
TO BE CONTINUED…
JASN Chibi!
What's The Password?
Team JASN
Adam knocked on his dorm room door, "Hey open up!" he said.
"Password please!" Josuke requested.
"You have to be kidding me. What password?" Adam asked.
"The password so we don't open the door to Grimm." Josuke answered.
"Do I sound like a Grimm to you?" Adam asked.
"You could be held prisoner by the Grimm." Josuke suggested.
"I was being held prisoner by the Grimm and knew the password. Then the Grimm could force me to tell you the password and you would open the door for them." Adam explained.
"…okay now I'm definitely not opening the door!" Josuke replied.
"But we need ammo!" Josuke argued.
"Then why don't you ask your Grimm buddies?" Josuke asked.
Team RWBY
Weiss knocked on the door to her dorm room, "Open up!" she demanded.
"What's the password?" Yang asked.
"What?" Weiss asked.
"Need the password!" Yang answered.
"You have to be kidding me! What password?" Weiss asked.
"Password! They gave it at the team meeting 15 minutes ago." Yang answered.
"Meeting? What meeting? I was out here." Weiss asked.
"I'm not supposed to let anyone in without it." Yang said.
Weiss groaned, "If the meeting just ended. No one outside is going to know the password!" she said angrily. "Open up! We need ammo and Ruby is here!" she said.
Yang remained silent for a moment, "Does Ruby know the password?" she asked.
Weiss repeatedly banged on the door, "She wasn't at meeting either!" she yelled.
Team JNPR
Jaune knocked on the door to his room, "Open up please." he requested.
"What's the password?" Nora asked.
"Password? Oh man, I forgot." Jaune said sounding distraught.
"You forgot what?" Nora asked.
"I forgot the password." Jaune repeated.
"See that was almost right. It begins with "I forgot", but ends differently. Try again." Nora said.
"No, I mean I forgot the password." Jaune repeated again.
"No, you see you got it wrong again. You said the same thing as last time." Nora said trying to correct Jaune.
"I'm being serious! I don't know the password!" Jaune exclaimed.
Nora shook her head, "No you see, you got the first part right. That part was right, now you got the whole thing wrong." she said.
"No! I forgot what the password is and I just need you to open the door!" Jaune commanded.
Nora was not convinced, "Come on Jaune, now you're just guessing!" she replied as Jaune repeatedly knocked on the door.
Ozpin's Office
Glynda gently knocked on the door, "Professor Ozpin, may I come in?" she asked.
"What's the secret?" Ozpin asked behind the door.
"Secret? What are you speaking of?" Glynda asked.
"The World of Remnant Secret. Do you know it?" Ozpin asked.
"I don't know." Glynda said.
Suddenly chibi R0tatcid appeared, "I know the secret! It's actually time to announce it!" he said before clearing his throat. "Raven Branwen is secretly a Madara Uchiha fan. She frequently dressed up like Madara by wearing red clothes, wearing her black hair to be long and wearing red eye contacts. She secretly prays to her Madara shrine in hopes that he one day appears and kills Salem by using the Human path on her." he explained.
Ozpin opened the door, "That is a mildly interesting secret." he said.
Chibi R0tatcid chuckled, "Of course it is. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter! Next Time! Chapter 5: The Skin Beneath!"
End of JASN Chibi