Disclaimer: Brotherhoof12 does not own RWBY nor Spider-Man.
(Chapter 34: The dance. Part 2)
School was by far the most normal thing that Jaune could always rely on to be the same every day. He would just wake up, eat breakfast with Aunt May, and head to school for a couple of hours. Rinse and repeat for five days and have the weekends to himself.
Jaune liked it the most since there were so many teens compared to village schools, making it easier for him to blend into the crowd and be forgotten.
"Hey, Jaune!" Some student Jaune couldn't put a name on greeted him.
"Hi."
"Morning, dude!" Another student greeted him and raised his hand for a high five from the Jr. student.
"Morning," Not wanting to leave the guy hanging, Jaune slapped his hand and watched the nameless face walk past him. "Dude."
"Heard you're part of the football team." A girl with looks that Jaune knew wouldn't talk to him before he joined the football team smiled. "Good for you!"
"T-thank you." His stuttering made the girl giggle at his nervousness.
"Mr. Arc, I always knew you had a bright future when it comes to education. I'm even more certain knowing that you'll do our school proud now that we have a player who has the brains to back up the brawns." Jaune's 4th period teacher walked next to the boy and congratulated his achievement by showing that some nerds can throw a ball. "Just don't get complacent and stop feeding your brain the needed knowledge."
"Of course, sir." Saying his piece, the teacher walked away from Jaune leaving the 17 year old boy to continue his trek to his destination.
It seems that blending into the crowd was something Jaune will not be able to do no longer, as being part of the football team got him the popularity he never thought he could get and not want.
"Morning, Jaune!" Harry Osborn, Jaune's best friend and fellow teammate, nod his head as a form of acknowledgment.
"Hey, Harry." Jaune did the same. "Didn't see you at the front this morning. Did you want to get a head start in class or something? Maybe trying to finish your homework you forgot to do this weekend?"
"Nope," Harry pulled the collar of his varsity jacket that had his number sewn onto it. "I actually had to find the person I wanted to ask to the dance with me and guess what? She said yes!"
"Really? That's great, man!" Jaune did not hold any envy or grudge for Harry's accomplishment. He was honestly glad that his best friend got someone to go with. "Can I ask who this lucky lady is?"
"Maybe next time. I will give out a hint and let you know that she is part of the cheerleading squad."
"A cheerleader, huh?" The secret hero doesn't know who said yes to Harry, even less so since he doesn't know most of the cheerleaders. "You know, thinking about finding a date, we never asked if Gwen has one."
"She'll find one, I'm sure of it." Harry's eyes widened. "That reminds me of something! You still haven't gotten a date yet!"
'Right,' Jaune clicked his teeth when Harry reminded him of his dilemma. 'Forgot I told him that.'
"You were right when you said that the students at school are noticing us now." Jaune pulled the front of his newly acquired letterman jacket with his own number that was over his normal clothing. "I'm just not sure if this will give me a boost of confidence to ask someone to go dance with me. I don't have any interest in any girl in this school for that matter."
"No longer having eyes on the girls here? Then, that means you're only interested in huntresses?" Harry teased. "Don't get me wrong, Jaune. It's ok to be picky, I have my own personal taste in girls, but does Blake or that Ruby girl already pique your interest?!"
"No, no, no, you got it all wrong." The blonde football player blushed when he got called out. "Look, I'm not saying the girls here are not hot, I'm just saying that they just finally started to notice me more cause I'm in the team."
"My plan worked, then!" The rich teen seemed pleased to know that his best friend was also getting the attention. "We join, we pass, and now we're getting popular! Maybe after school I can help with you getting a date? We did talk about it during the weekend."
'Right,' Again, Jaune clicked his teeth for adding another problem to himself. 'Forgot that too.'
"Sure, I guess after school." The sound of the 5 minutes warning bell sounded off, making a large influx of student entering the classroom.
"Yeah, after school we also have practice!"
"You have practice, Harry," Jaune clarified. "For me, I'm..."
The sound of the coach's whistle sounded off for all the players that were on the field to huddle up around him.
"Second String! Get off the bench and get over here!" The coach of the Midtown football team shouted. Those who were sitting on the benches got up and huddle alongside their 1st string teammates to listen to what the coach had to say.
One of the 2nd stringers, a certain blonde boy who was wearing a red see though shirt to show the number 7, walked up to his friend Harry wearing number 54.
"Ok, I saw some good effort and great performance today. Keep that up and I'm sure we can keep our trophy for another year!"
Cheers from the players erupted, their desire to keep the school's win streaking going was very evident among each player. Even Jaune couldn't help but feel some form of pride knowing his school kept the longest running win streak compared to other schools in Vale.
'I don't even play, though.' Looking down on his jersey, Jaune couldn't help but sigh at the result of his half-assed plan to put on an average display of sportsmanship. 'In the end, I still made it in. I seriously doubted I could just instantly suck at playing when everyone who saw me would call me out and put more eyes on me.'
Jaune was accepted in, the coach wanted him to play full time, too. That changed when Jaune told him how he had a job that needed to take precedence, leaving coach to have the boy as more of a backup rather than the main starting line. He would consider it a win since he would not be relied upon as often as the others, making most of the time just sitting on the bench or just playing as the visiting team as practice. Either way, this was now part of Jaune's daily life and he was fine with it.
As the coach finished his final words to the team, Jaune and Harry quickly went to the locker room to change over to their normal clothes. With both boys heading out, the two decided to check out Gwen to see how her days have been going.
"Gwen, you here?" As they arrived, Harry was the first to signal their arrival.
"Hello, you two." Dr. Connors stopped his research and welcomed the two teens. "Gwen is currently helping another lab assistant of mine retrieving some heavy boxes stored in the back. You can pull out a chair and make you two comfortable."
"Are you sure we're not bothering you, Mr. Connors?" Jaune moved his sights at what the doctor was researching. Paper were scattered in a chaotic fashion on the table with scribbles written on the sides of them. A laptop with screens of various creatures with their DNA codes next to them also made Jaune assume that whatever the good doctor was researching on was very important.
"Nonsense, Jaune." Dr. Curtis Connors used his only arm to wave off their worry. "You can't always stick your head in the books all day. I needed to distract myself, anyway. My wife has been very adamant about how I've been staying in the lab more often."
"Well, sir," Seeing as the scientist was ok with them staying, Harry decided to strike up a conversation. "We just wanted to check up on Gwen and tell her how practice was."
"Practice you were a part of, Harry. I'm mostly sitting on the bench not doing much. Heck, some of the other 2nd stringers didn't even show up."
"Eh, practice is practice. Some of them are seniors and I have no doubt in my mind that they are just skipping practice because they only have one year left before they graduate."
'That… sounds plausible. Jeez, I hope when we become seniors, Harry and I won't start acting like that.'
"Football, heh." The only adult in the large research building chuckled in nostalgia. "Never had the aptitude for the sport." Connors looked at Jaune. "Gwen told me you are quite the educated student at school. I'm impressed when Gwen told me you made it into football. Glad to see how the nerds can show that they're more than just brains."
"I can't really brag, sir. I just study real hard to get in a good college." The blonde hero was still a bit timid when he gets complemented about his achievement. "I never really played sports in my village before. Playing it now is kind of fun for me, but I'm still somewhat not driven to win like the rest of them."
"Playing for fun is the major factor in anything we set our minds to. Just knowing that you like the sport cause it's fun gives me enough certainty that you'll do well on the team."
As the three males conversed, the sound of doors opening followed by footsteps and a familiar voice speaking to someone that can only be assumed to be Dr. Connors' another assistant.
"Looks like they're back from getting the equipment. Guess that's my que to get my butt back in gear. You boys take care now!" Leaving with a farewell, the one-armed scientist went back to his work.
"Thank you, Mr. Connors." Harry already started to walk off to Gwen leaving only Jaune to say his goodbye. "Good luck with whatever your project is!"
Leaving the man to his work, Jaune walked up to his friends and saw another teen with blonde hair.
"Hey, Jaune!" Gwen called out his name making Harry and the other boy to look his way. "Harry just told us you're still finding someone to go with you to the dance."
"I-I just don't have anyone who I'm comfortable asking, that's all!" Jaune defended himself. 'Besides, even I'm getting desperate enough to take May's offer about Ms. Personality.'
"Besides, I'm sure I'm not the only one! Do you have someone to going dancing, Gwen?" Jaune shifted the attention to the only girl in the group.
"I think this is my part to introduce myself." The other blonde fellow stepped forward and stopped right in front of Jaune.
'Holy smokes, this guy is jacked!'
The boy was the same height as Jaune, but that would be the only similarity between the two. Jaune was somewhat of medium muscular build, while the teen in front of him has the same muscular build, if not even more muscular than Flash Thompson. He had his blonde hair sleeked back, blue eyes, and was sporting light blue jeans, plain white t-shirt, and a black jacket.
"My name is Eddie Brock." The now named blonde offered his hand towards Jaune.
"Jaune Arc." Jaune raised his hand to shake Brock's.
"Nice to finally meet you."
"Good to meet you."
Like always, as the sun sets and the night invades the lands of Vale. Jaune takes a back seat, letting Spider-Man full reign as he swings from building to building. Overseeing the citizens of Vale as they go home to sleep or go to work at night.
Truly, this was the part where Spider-Man could just enjoy his time riding on the wind as he sails through the night.
(CAW)
"Woah!" Mind getting back on track, Spider-Man made a stop on the side of an apartment condo. His ability to stick to any surface saved him from falling as he collected himself from the sudden disturbance of his piece.
"Ok, I have to know." Spider-Man talked to no one in sight. "Exactly why are we going to this location and why are you in that form?"
At first glance, Spider-Man looked as if he was going crazy. Only, there was someone he was talking to, a crow, to be exact. The avian was perched on the head of the hero, it's talons effortlessly clinging on as it withstood the wild ride.
The bird squawked, slapped Spider-Man's head with its wings, and pointed his beak at a direction for the hero to follow.
"I know where to go. But since you're a bird, why aren't you flying?"
Spider-Man only received another slap from the bird's wings.
"Fine," Spider-Man continued his usual web swinging. "Can you at least stop being a bird already? It feels weird talking to you like this."
A moment of silence was all Spider-Man got from the bird. Until suddenly, the webhead felt new weight on his back making the hero to lose his momentum before quickly fixing himself.
"Easy!" Qrow Branwen struggled to hold on to the hero. Settling to just wrap his arms around the so-called hero's neck. "I may be used to flying, but I'm not used to being airborne while being myself!"
"I got it! Stop fidgeting behind me!"
It sometimes baffles Spider-Man how this came to be. Not so long ago, both men duked it out and now here they are seemingly working together.
'It's not really confusing. Afterall, I don't want Ruby to hate Spider-Man/me if she found out that I fought with her uncle.'
"Now that you're human again. Can you tell me why we're going the long way, Qrow?"
'I wonder if that's his semblance.' The young hero thought.
"Huh?" Qrow didn't pay attention, on the account that he was drinking from his hip flask. "Sorry, I was busy drinking."
"How can you drink at a time like this?!"
"What? I ain't driving."
"I'm not a car!"
"And I'm not flying. Meaning I can drink while having a free ride." Qrow was about to down a swig when Spider-Man let go of his web and ejected another one. "Ugh! Then again, all this web slinging is getting my stomach all messed up."
"Oh, I swear! If you think about vomiting on me a second time..." Spider-Man warned Qrow. "Not only will I punch you, I'll also have you make me a new suit!"
"Ok, ok, chill out." The Huntsman waved off Spider-Man's warning. "We're already here, so you can land somewhere close."
Doing as he was told, both men stopped at a random rooftop just three building down from where their target was.
"Ok," Looking around, Spider-Man set his eyes on Qrow. "I'm here and cooperating. What now?"
"What happens next is really simple." The swordsman placed his flask back in its hip pouch. "After our little scuffle, I contacted my boss-"
"Your boss that still hasn't shown himself to me." Spider-Man pointed out. "You said he wanted to help me and vice versa, but I have yet to even see him, let alone talk to the man."
"Kind of rushing things, Webster."
'Webster!?' Spider-Man did not like the new nickname Qrow gave him.
"My boss is currently entertaining someone within our group that is not very fond of vigilantes. Not going to name who, but his name should be familiar to all males who are greeted by something in the morning."
"Breakfast?" The hero guessed, his head tilted.
"…So, yeah, my boss can't really talk to you at this moment-"
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
"However, he is going to help you get on track with what's been going on in Vale recently."
That gave Spider-Man all the attention Qrow needed to further explain Ozpin's reason.
"As of recently, you've been stopping goons working for Roman every so often from stealing Dust. While it is correct that you're stopping them, Roman still has enough manpower to keep trying. You at least have a thought or two on where he gets them though, Right?"
"Y-yeah, I have my suspicions." The White Fang came to mind, as well as Cinder and her assassins too.
"Well, look no further!" Qrow lifted his right index finger in front of him. "Cause where Roman gets most of those sorry losers is right here at that establishment! The owner is a man everyone calls 'Junior'. You really can't miss him on the account that people always say he's taller than the people he hires."
"That place?" Spider-Man followed where Qrow was pointing at.
"Yup!" Qrow sounded way too pleased in Spider-Man's opinion.
'Guess it can't be helped.' Walking to the edge, Spider-Man was about to shoot a web line when he felt Qrow's familiar weight pressed against his back. "I feel like I prefer you to be a bird."
"Can't do that, Webster. Got to pregame before we... actually, more like myself will go and you can hang back somewhere close and I'll send a signal for you to enter."
"Why are you pregaming?" Landing just a building next to the location, Qrow got off Spider-Man's back, nodded his head as thanks, and jumped off the roof.
Landing without making any ruckus, Qrow Branwen started to lazily waltzed to where Spider-Man can only assume to be his most favorite place right now. 'He didn't even answer my question.'
"Of course, he would be happy." Seeing as he was on hold, the spider hero sat on the edge of the building and waited for Qrow's 'signal'. "I shouldn't even be surprised he would be happy that it's a club that sells drinks."
All jokes and quirks aside, Qrow Branwen knew when to take things seriously. When he fought off those vultures to save the Fall Maiden was a good example to be serious, working alongside Spider-Man in hopes to gain another helpful hand was another example, too.
"And that's..." Qrow placed a hand over his chest and belched. "...Is why I believe that dating someone who is way younger than you is a waste of time perusing and also weird when they look completely different then their age makes them out to be."
"Sir," The bartender serving him, a man wearing the usual bartender clothing with the only exception being bright red shades. "I don't understand what you're saying."
"Trust me, man. Most girls you see look like they're old and mature, but don't be fooled when you realize their true age!" Qrow seemed to be droning on. "I mean, yeah, some would think you and her would be a great pair, but when you compare their ages, then you have to take a step back and see how that's a glaring issue. Don't get me wrong, a couple of years shouldn't deter you from love, but when you're the same age as her father, then you realize it's more like it's her weird complex at work rather than love."
Taking one big swig from the bottle handed to him, Qrow let out a satisfying breath of air. "This is some nice stuff you gave me! Glad I decided to buy the bottle and not in shots."
"The alcohol you're jugging like water was made for shot consumption. You just bought the bottle cause you were tired of asking shot after shot."
"And I'll buy another bottle!" To show he was serious, Qrow slammed down a couple of Lien to the bartender. "Don't worry about counting it, I'm sure it'll be enough. So, why don't you go get some of the good stuff?"
'Plus, I'm pretty sure I just handed you all of my money.'
Grabbing the Lien, the bartender started to search for the strong stuff, leaving Qrow to begin his intended plan.
This establishment was a very well-liked and popular club. While it did show its ugly side out front, it clearly was a way to show appearances can be deceiving. A big dance floor, strobe lights, large DJ station and even different sections for different types of people screamed of a successful business.
'Successful business it may be.' Qrow wasn't a fool when he entered this club. He was a trained Huntsman; it would be a sorry thing if he didn't notice some of the men had way too much firepower for waiters and bouncers. 'Not to mention, if I did my homework correctly, the owner of this place is also the one supplying Roman with henchmen.'
'Ozpin wanted to give Spider-Man more faith into believing we're the good guys. If it all goes well, then I'm sure Spider-Man can see we're on the same side.'
Though Ozpin was sure having Spider-Man join was a good idea. There was someone within their ranks that working with the vigilante is a bad idea.
'Jimmy is a lot of things, but this time I actually somewhat agree with the man. Maybe…. A little…. meh, not so much, but just a little.'
Qrow didn't hate Spider-man per se, he was just more of a realist. Being in Vale, seeing people going gaga over Spider-Man just made Qrow not really take Spider-Guy seriously. Sure, he saw some really amazing things, but if Spider-Man really does join, then all the attention he already has could be a hinderance.
'Still, if Ozpin has a plan, then I'm sure it's a good one.' Taking one more gulp of the liquor. Qrow shivered as the liquid to went down his throat leaving a very warm aftertaste. 'Feats aside, I can tell he's just an amateur street fighter. Yet, seeing how he can do such masterful acrobatics and reactions speed makes my theory of him contradict itself. Maybe that's why Ozpin is so interested in him.'
'Hmm...?' In the corner of his eye, he could see the man in charge walking alongside someone. The man in charge was Junior Xiang, as for the man he was talking to the only noticeable was a pair of antlers growing out of his head.
'A Faunus,' Having an eye for detail, Qrow could see that the man was far from a regular joe. His posture, awareness, and even his physique screamed that he had training. 'Is it racist of me to think he's part of the White Fang? Roman is working with them, and I'm positive both are working for the queen.'
"Time to get to work." Getting up from the stool, his vision soon tilted making Qrow lean on the bar table. 'Oh geez, I feel like my legs are about to give out!'
Wobbly legs, muffled hearing, vision moving around, and his mind barely remembering the alphabet made Qrow think one thing.
'I'm perfect!'
Any person can act drunk, but when dealing with Huntsmen, one must make it was as real as possible.
And no one can make being drunk a perfect tool than Qrow Branwen.
Wobbling, Qrow made sure to not make it obvious he was following them as he haphazardly shoved everyone around him.
"Whoa!" Legs giving out under him, Qrow collapsed on the ground along with the antler guy talking to Jr. "Did I make it to the bathroom?"
"What the-gah! Your breath! Get off me!" Qrow was forcibly shoved off and laid face down on the club floor. "Filthy, no good Human…" The Faunus reigned in his anger before collecting himself. "We'll talk again soon."
"Enjoy your night." Jr waved the man off and as soon as he saw the faunus gone, his relaxed mood turned to dead serious. "Someone take this drunk out of here!"
Two of his minions picked Qrow off the floor and escorted him outside, so that he will no longer cause a disturbance.
'That's right,' Qrow moved his head to act as though he was confused. As they headed for the exit, the red eyed Huntsman tucked away a scroll he snatched from that Faunus he bumped to the floor. 'Jr was the man I needed questions, but if my hunch is correct then what I took from that Faunus could lead to more dirt to the Fang. If they take to the back and toss me out, then I can just transform into a bird to see if I can find another way to enter.'
Everything was going smoothly. All Qrow needed was them to take him outside and he can start really getting into the job Ozpin gave him.
"Hey, you two! Stop!" The bartender who was busy getting a strong drink for Qrow stopped them from leaving the club.
'Why do I even try to get my hopes up?'Qrow groaned internally.
"That guy you're holding ordered a drink." To show what he meant, the bartender was holding the bottle with strong alcohol.
"Look at this man." One of the bouncers lifted Qrow's head. "You think he's still sober enough to drink?"
"Then just place it next to him when you dump him out."
'Yes!' It seemed Qrow's bad luck wasn't all bad seeing as the two bouncers took the bottle form the bartender and continued their walk. 'Just keep moving and I'll be scot free!'
Resuming the walk, the two nameless cronies were stopped once again, only this time, it was their boss, Junior.
"Stop." Just one word from the owner of the club made them immediately walk any action. "Take him upstairs. Something about him seems familiar to me."
'Why can't things be easy?' It was foolish of Qrow to think Junior wasn't also in the Queen's control. Perhaps Roman, most likely, was the one who gave Junior orders to be very cautious of anyone that the Queen had considered a hinderance to her goals.
"Set him up with one of the rooms for questioning when he sober ups." Junior ordered. Only to his dismay to see that Qrow started to double over, knocking over the guard that was holding on to the unopened bottle. "Gods! Get him on his feet!"
Following order, the other thug pulled Qrow off his fellow co-worker and was welcomed to the smell of alcohol. Not just the smell, but he also felt something wet spreading onto the bottom of his black suit to his black dress pants.
"Wha-Oof!" Before he could register what was happening, Qrow surprised the man by pushing him with enough force to land on his back.
"I like to say a joke about smoking." Qrow stood up straight and lifted a zippo lighter he took from the man he just shoved. "But what happens next will have to do."
Tossing the lighter to the two men, the liquid he poured on both thugs soon ignited leaving them screaming as the fire burned their suits and their skin. Their bad luck didn't stop there, as the two screamed and in were in so much pain that they started to run and wail around the club for any water or help.
This sewn hysteria and panic among the patrons. The amount of screaming and people pushing and shoving to leave made it hard for Junior and his hired guns to spot Qrow.
'This is probably a good thing.' Qrow was shuffling on his stomach to lower his chances of being spotted. 'Junior won't order his men to just start shooting innocent people. I'll just use this to my advantage and shimmy my way up to this second floor and see what they're hiding.'
As he made his way under the cover of all the chaos, Qrow was stopped when two pairs of legs stood in his path. Now, Qrow was many things, including a skirt chaser, however the sight of heels that had sharp blades were kind of a turn off for him.
"Where do you think you're going?" Looking up, he was greeted by the sight of twins glaring down on him.
"Uhh… I can see up both your skirts?"
What soon followed was more screaming and explosions.
"My guess this is Qrow's so called 'signal'." Spider-Man saw the club was blaring loud music and laughter soon went down the gutter when he heard screaming, gunfire, and explosions within the establishment.
"That's a lot of gunfire for a club to have." Spider-Man thought outloud. His body already beginning to move on its own towards the violence. "As much as I would like to beat the ever-loving stuffing out of criminals who are caught in the act. I would have still liked it more if there weren't any bystanders so close to the fight."
Landing on the side of the large night club, Spider-Man used his adhesive power to crawl vertically. Finding a ventilation grate big enough for him to enter, Spider-Man ripped it off the hinges and proceeded to crawl through.
Navigating through each turn he finally reached the end of another ventilation grate that lead to where to commotion was. Peering through, Spider-Man can see that the only people left in the club were armed guards and Qrow who was dodging both gunfire and bladed swipes coming from two girls who looked to be twins.
"Worst signal ever." Spider-Man muttered to himself. Scanning the area, he spotted many goons wielding guns that could spell a mean end if caught in the crossfire. 'I'm confident I can dodge their gunfire. Not so much if Qrow can do the same. Aura may be helping him, but I doubt he can hold out forever.'
"Got to find the power to cut the lights." Changing his priority. He started to look for anything that could turn the entire clubs lighting system down. "This looks important."
Spider-Man reached a room that had a large control room with every button, switch, and levers that screamed for the webhead to mess with. Punching the grate vent out of place, Spider-Man softly landed onto the floor and began to fiddle around with the buttons.
Getting the right switch his vision soon turned black before his vision adjusted to the darkness making him see again. Spider-Man also heard many loud voices in distress giving Spider-Man the advantage he needed.
"Time to go to work."
Not even wasting his time to use the vents, Spider-Man used his natural speed, agility, strength, and the element of surprise to take down every single armed thug in his sights.
"Ugh!"
"Oof!"
"Who's taking down our boys!?"
"It's Spider-Man! Shoot him!"
They all weren't human, as some were able to see in the dark firing their guns at the hero regardless if some of their human coworkers get shot.
"No honor among thieves?" Spider-Man asked the shooters, weaving among the hail of bullets without getting a single scratch.
Not even paying attention to how much they were spitting lead. Some began to hear their guns clicking to show they need to reload.
A second passed by and Spider-Man pushed his speed a little faster taking down more guards before they could even remove their empty magazines.
'Apprehending these guys should give Qrow more breathing room to handle those two twins. Though, I wonder if even Huntsman can fight in the dark?'
Punching the lights out of what seems to be the last guard to the ground. The hero webbed the man down and changed his focus to help Qrow. Sweeping the darkened room, the hero's eyes stopped at the large dance floor that soon lighted up. Colors of red, white, blue, and yellow started to illuminate the club with Qrow fighting the twins in the center.
"Whoa!" Seeing Huntsmen fighting amongst each other was always a sight to see. Their attacks, reflexes, and even their use in weapons with their battle ground being a literal light show of a dance floor was quite amazing. "Huh?"
Standing close to the entrance, Spider-Man spotted someone who he can only assume as being Junior carrying a bazooka aimed at the center where the fighting was taking place.
(Twip—Twip)
Two web lines stuck to the man's right side that soon pulled him to face the right making Junior fire off course.
(BOOM)
"Nice to meet you, Junior. If you wanted someone to dance with you," Spider-Man lowered himself to the floor in his usual fighting stance. "Then you're in luck. I've having a hard time finding someone to dance with."
Shifting his bazooka into a giant baseball bat, the owner of the club started to swing his now turned melee weapon with Spider-Man evading every swing.
"You know-" Spider-Man ducked.
"I feel like-" He side stepped to the right to avoid an overhead strike.
"I know this place-" Spidey jumped over Junior, landed on his hands, and kicked the back of Junior off his feet and land on his face. "But more on how my friends told me this place was known for getting wrecked by a girl who is still in school."
Their fight soon left the entrance of the club and was near the colorful dance floor where Qrow was fighting his enemies.
Qrow was able to fend off the two girl's coordinated attacks with his strong defense. Spider-Man dodging Junior's strike while also making sure to stay close in order for him to be unable to change his bat to a bazooka. Both sides seemed to hold their own, with none showing any signs of changing.
"Grrr!" Not even wasting his time talking to the spider, Junior made a loud whistle signaling hie two personal bodyguards for help. "Melanie! Miltia! Switch!"
Disengaging their fight with Qrow, the Malachite twins ran to Junior's opponent with Junior doing the same by fighting Qrow.
"Seems like you two will be more to handle for my taste!" Evading a right-side slash from the girl wearing a red dress, Spider-Man attempted to hit her only to jump back when the girl wearing white kicked her bladed heel out to stop him.
Both girls were far more in sync then Spider-Man thought they were. The girl in red with the claws made sure to keep his sights set on her, while her sister used any opportunity to find an opening to strike and cover Miltia when she tried to land a hit.
"Is it harsh of me to think that Junior, the man who swings a giant metal bat like it was nothing, call for you two to help him fight me embarrassing?!" Spider-Man goaded them hoping to make them lose their cool.
"This one talks a lot, Melanie." Miltia said to her twin sister. "Reminds me some of the guys who try to play us."
"Then we'll just show him why it's best not to mess with us, Miltia!" Switching the tempo to have Melanie fight Spider-Man, Miltia began to circle around the two to see if she can get a better chance of hitting him.
"By the way, I like to thank you two!" He said as he blocked a kick from Melanie.
"For what?" She asked, her eyes sending a silent signal for Miltia to get ready for her next attack at Spider-Man.
"For this dance of course!" He joked. "I sure am a lucky guy to have you two as dance partners."
Finally having enough of this useless banter, Melanie made a feint as to make Spider-Man off guard as she made a low sweep kick to his legs.
Spider sense taking control of his body, Spider-Man made a small jump to dodge the damage making him air borne. This was the plan the twins had however, as Miltia plunged both her clawed gloves at Spider-Man still in the air.
Not yet done, the spider hero's body moved vertically to evade the attack from Miltia and landed in a crouch. As the twins made another try at attacking him, Spider-Man crossed his arms, shot two webs at their feet, and pulled his arms back to his sides. Leaving them to trip in each other's legs knocking them on the floor in a heap of limbs. Leaving them vulnerable for Spider-Man to shoot another two web lines at them and pulling them towards him as he also raised his leg high above his head.
The Malachite twins were then slammed hard on the dance floor from Spider-Man's downward kick with the added insurance of layered web nets to stop them from escaping.
"The whole: 'boys don't hit girls' is kind of moot these days, don't you think?"
'Now, I wonder how Qrow is doing with his dance partner?'
"That's it," Junior sighed in defeat. His bout with Qrow was decided when his weapon somehow malfunctioned when shifting to his long-range mode giving Qrow the chance to disarm him. "Next time, I'll add metal detectors to the front door."
"Wise choice, friend." Qrow said as he reached for his hip flask with his free hand. Right now, Qrow had his target at sword point, so a quick swig from his flask was his way of giving him a well-earned prize for ending the fight. "You cannot believe how easy it was to get in with this baby strapped to my waist. Not my flask mind you, I'm talking about my sword. Seriously, it's a big sword and yet your guys barely gave me a second glance. Starting to see how my niece was able to make quick work of this place."
Junior wanted to make a retort, but kept his mouth shut knowing how true Qrow's words are.
"Hey, Qrow!" Spider-Man made his way to the destroyed center stage. "Tied up mine, so they won't be going anywhere. Need me to do the same for him?"
"By all means."
Wrapping the owner of the club in a cocoon, both trespassers began their questioning.
"Roman is your usual guy to ask for muscle. You can't hide it from us, if we go through your office, I'm sure we'll get enough damning evidence to shut you down."
"Are you seriously going to think the police will believe I work for Roman?" Junior sounded doubtful. "I own this place with legitimate paperwork and license, if they ask me questions all I'm going to say is that you and Spider-Man wrecked my club!"
"Sorry, Junior, Beacon won't be paying for any damages caused by the usual drunk student or Huntsman this night."
"Yeah! Wait, hold up this is a common occurrence here?" Spider-Man's questions was ignored by Qrow and Junior.
"Not with this," Qrow pulled out a scroll out of his pocket. "Belonging to your friend you talked to earlier. If this scroll has any evidence of you helping the White Fang, then you can bet your 'legitimate' business goodbye."
"Fine," The tied-up gangster knew when he'd been had. "It's true, I have been in contact with Roman. He's been calling way more often now. Wanting me to give him more bodies to pull heists."
Junior Glared at Spider-Man, who pointed a finger at himself with confusion.
"I didn't want to help him thanks to Spider-Man putting so many of my boys behind bars. I actually wanted to stay low for a while to regain my numbers back, until Roman came back with another business partner also asking for my assistance."
"The White Fang." Qrow said which Junior nodded.
"They didn't want more muscle like Roman. Just storage space to hold their operations and dust that they've been accumulating."
"Why steal so much Dust?" Spider-Man asked Junior who shook his head.
"Don't know, and I don't ask. They supply the money and I supply the tools. I'm more of a supplier and informant than an actual friend to them. I help people get the things they need and what they want to know for a price. That's it, what they do with said info and tools is not my problem."
'Not my problem...'
A flash of a memory came back to Spider-Man, making the hero start to relive a moment he wished to not remember.
"Not your problem? Nor your problem?! That doesn't mean you're completely out of this mess!" The webhead spoke with a bit more edge in his voice. "You help criminals and terrorists to steal and kill people. Take their blood money and look away from their actions and you say it's not your problem?! The way I see it, you're more guilty of the crimes than they are!"
"Spider-Man!" Without even realizing it, Spider-Man felt a strong grip on his shoulder. "I think you made your point."
Blinking away the anger that was invading his vision he could now see that he was holding Junior up by the collar. The man tied up looking between surprise and even fear for seeing the hero show this much anger.
"Right." Spider-Man whispered with a harsh voice. Lowering the thug back on the ground. "You don't deserve to get a fair trial. Not with so much problems you caused Vale and her people. And if there is a chance you get out with 'good behavior' and bring this place up again, know that I'll make a visit every so often."
His warning now made, Spider-Man shot a web line to the ceiling of the wrecked club, attached it to the back of Junior, and had the grown man dangling like a tether ball.
"We've stayed too long. By now the police will show up and take them away. Beside this scroll you pickpocketed, the police will also take everyone here for questioning seeing how they have so much weapons that I'm sure most are unregistered and maybe illegal at best. Right, Qrow?"
"Definitely!" Qrow said, his face looked serious while the rest of his body betrayed him. What was in his arms were assorted bottles ranging from wine to even whiskey, Spider-Man could even see his pockets having what appears to be even smaller bottles of alcohol. "I'm sure the police can handle things from here! Let's go!"
"Ahh~!" Downing the last mini bottle, Qrow tossed it into his small pile of finished drinks and was prepared to reach for a bigger bottle.
"Stop that." A black glove swatted Qrow's hand away from getting another drink. "You made me carry you because you didn't want to lose any of those you stole from the club. Now you want to drink all of it in one sitting? Is your semblance being a bird or having an indestructible liver?"
'Oh yeah, Spidey thinks me changing into a bird is my semblance.'
Looking at the kill joy, Qrow could see Spider-Man holding a large pizza box that still showed the signs of being recently cooked.
"Guy looked confused about where he was supposed to drop it off." Sitting on the edge next to Qrow, Spider-Man flipped the box open to reveal a large pepperoni pizza. "Got it right before he tried to take a slice. Thanked him and also asked him if his name was Jeremy. Don't ask why, I just needed to know is all. Want some?"
Not wanting to pass up on free food, Qrow accepted the slice and sat along the spider in silence as they enjoyed the night life.
"Do you always get pizza after a night like this?" The black-haired swordsman finished his last slice of pizza.
"I got to eat something after that fight we had. I'm just happy that there are some places open 24/7." Spidey, with his fast metabolism, finished the remainder of the pizza. "Whenever I do my night patrols, I sometimes get hungry and had to order food. I'm actually eating more now that I burned some calories from all that fighting."
"You ever got scared that all that food might stretch your tights a little bit?" Qrow teased.
"Nope." Pounding his chest, Spider-Man let out a burp that had the scent pepperoni.
Sitting in silence once more, both stared straight ahead as cars, people, and even the occasional animal passed their field of view.
'This is awkward.' Spider-Man thought. 'We just fought a literal legion of henchmen and I have nothing to talk about. Should I ask him how his day was? Should I ask him how Ruby, his niece, is doing at Beacon? What am supposed to ask a guy who I just fought not too long ago?'
Right next to Spider-Man, the drunkard had the same idea.
'This is awkward.' Qrow thought. 'I'm not even sure drinking would make this less awkward. Am I supposed to ask him how his day was? Ask about his hobbies and questionable outfits? Should I even ask how he cleans his costume?"
As they sat in anguish about how they both can't find anything else to talk about, Qrow's scroll began to ring breaking the silence.
"Hello?" Qrow answered. "Cops arrested Junior and his cronies! Did they have enough evidence to put behind bars? Uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah…"
As Qrow was talking to what Spider-Man was assuming was his boss. He couldn't help feeling prideful knowing that he put someone who did terrible crimes be put to jail.
"Ok, I'll tell him."
No longer on the scroll, Spider-Man focused back to Qrow who ended the call.
"Tell me what?"
"Aside from junior and his gang getting their just desserts with holding illegal arms, files of some wanted criminals, as well as also giving drinks to patrons who are underage. We won't be seeing him for quite some time, even if he somehow gets a lawyer to defend him." Qrow pulled out the scroll he stole from the Faunus who talked to Junior. "He'll find it much more difficult to get probation when the council catches wind about him helping a certain terrorist group."
"Awesome!" The webhead jumped in joy. "That's great! So, are we handing it over now or…?"
"I'm going to hand it in," Qrow put the stolen scroll back in his pocket. "Before you fly off the handle, Webster."
"Still don't like the nickname."
"I want to remind you that we're on the same side. We helped you get Junior in jail, remember? Have some faith in us, alright?"
"You're right," Spider-Man sighed. "It's the least I could do. About Junior, did your group find any lead about Roman's location or maybe the real mastermind?"
"Just locations. Plural." Seeing Spider-Man get confused, Qrow explained further. "Junior worked with Roman for so long, he seemed to have accumulated enough knowledge to pin point some of Roman's safe houses."
"Meaning he could be in one of them!" Finally understanding the importance of the news, Spider-Man shot a web line and looked back at Qrow. "Well, what are we waiting for?! Tell me where the closest safe house is."
"Slow your scroll, Spider-Man. Do you know what time it is?"
"Um, midnight?"
"More like four in the morning."
"Pffft!" Caught off guard at how long he's been out, Spider-Man reached into his suit's pouches to see if it's the truth. "We've been out that long!?"
'How the heck did I not notice!? I got to get back and get ready for school!'
"I thought you said you did night patrols?"
"I-I do, it's just that I was surprised that time flew by so fast." Shooting another web line, Spider-Man was just about to leave only to stop to look back at Qrow. "Where do we meet tomorrow?"
"We can meet up at the bar. You know, the first place we met." Qrow was just about to leave for his home, only to smirk at Spider-Man. "Finally agreeing to put faith in me and my group?"
"Enough to trust you to help me." Jumping off the roof, Spider-Man started his journey back home to get started for school that will start in a couple of hours. "Maybe even enough to tell you my own secrets I've been gathering."
"Aunt May, I'm off to go to school!" As Jaune was getting ready to leave out through the door, Aunt May stopped him right when his foot stepped out.
"Hold it young man. I have a question I need you to answer before you go."
"Come on, Aunt May. Can't it wait after school?" Jaune was too tired to deal with this now. He and Qrow have been doing night raids on any safehouse that could hold Roman. It started two nights ago and so far, none had shown promise.
"It's already Thursday, you know?"
'It's already Thursday? Yeah, it is Thursday and still Qrow and can't seem to catch Roman. He can't possibly have that many in Vale.'
"Not to mention Friday is the day of the dance at your school."
'My dance is on Friday, same day as Ruby having her school host their own. Hope Qrow and his boss can see about taking down Cinder and her team. I wonder how he's going to do that though.'
Just as Qrow showed his contribution to gain Spider-Man's trust, so too did Spider-Man show his by telling Qrow that Beacon is already infiltrated. Knowing that Beacon has moles within the student body was enough for Qrow to call his boss immediately after Spider-Man was finished explaining. Meaning, that whoever Qrow works for should be making some plan to apprehend them before they could start making permanent damage to the school and the students.
'I never really got to meet Qrow's boss. I was more focused on Roman that I never really asked about meeting the guy. I wonder how they'll work around getting into Beacon though? I'm sure the headmaster would be furious if he found some unknown group invading his school and started taking some students away with force.'
Jaune didn't tell Qrow about Sandman being created by someone in Oscorp. He would likely think Jaune was crazy from hearing such a thing about someone able to make a man into living sand.
'I already told him enough about Cinder, but telling him about Oscorp is a different thing entirely. Whoever is using Oscorp tech to make people like Flint into Sandman could theoretically make others just like him. I mean, I became Spider-Man from Oscorp fiddling around with Spiders. Not to mention if I do tell Qrow, then he'll likely inform his boss and he might even try his luck in getting the secrets for himself.'
As he continued to go over what he'd did this week in his mind, Aunt May asked Jaune a question.
"So, my question for you is if you already have a date yet?"
'I don't have date, but I did promise Ruby that-wait, hold up!'
"Wait, hold up!" That question Aunt May asked finally snapped him out of his mind and back to the present. "Are you still on about setting me up for a date, Aunt May?"
"I would take that as a yes, you don't have anyone yet." Satisfied with her answer, Aunt May walked into the kitchen leaving a baffled Jaune still near the front door. "You go ahead and enjoy school, Jaune!"
"Wait, Aunt May! What are you planning?"
"You don't need to worry about that~!" She shouted from the kitchen. "You should be more worried about catching the bus!"
"Aunt May? Aunt May, you better not-ugh!" Having no choice, Jaune hurried to the bus stop to catch a ride to school. "I knew I forgot something."
"No such luck, huh?" Asked Harry as both boys walked down the hallway leading to the front of their school.
"Nope." Jaune sighed in defeat. "I can't really blame anyone but me for not asking any girl out. I've just been caught up with some personal business."
'Roman keeps slipping out of my hands. There is no way he could be that lucky enough to evade us for so long.'
"I'm sure by now Aunt May already told her friend I'm available for Ms. Great personality."
Snickering at Jaune's predicament, Harry stopped his walking and grabbed his friend's shoulder.
"Speaking about great personality, I think it's time to you see who I bagged to dance with me Friday."
"Really, so soon?" Jaune was curious on who Harry asked out. "Where is she? Outside waiting for you?"
"No," Harry pointed at a small group of girls chatting at a set of lockers. "She's right there, in the middle of her friends."
"Wait a minute," Jaune's mind began to remind him that the group of girls were all part of the cheerleading squad. "Isn't that Liz Allen and Sally Avril?"
"Yeah, and the girl in the middle is Glory Grant." Harry smiled, seemingly happy as Juane's disbelief.
Glory Grant was different in skin tone then Liz and Grant, making her have an exotic look, yet she carried herself in a more mature way compared to her group of friends she hangs with. Her group of friends being with the senior football players and cheer squad.
'I feel like I seen her with someone before, but I can't remember the guy's name.'
"She's nice, right? I just collected all my courage, walked up to her, asked her to the dance, and she said yes on the spot."
"That sounds-"
"Too good to be true?"
'I was going to say weird, but I don't want to burst Harry's bubble. I haven't seen him this happy and confident with anyone aside from me and Gwen. Don't want to seem like a bad friend to make him doubt himself to get a girl.'
"Yeah, Harry, but I knew you'd be able to do it." To show Jaune was proud of him, he patted Harry's back. Making sure that he didn't put too much strength into his hand. "Got to say, I'm jealous. Glad we didn't make any bets to see who could get a girl before the other."
"Yeah, I'm glad we didn't." Harry laughed. "I mean, what are we going to bet if one of us loses?"
"Probably having to wear a dress!"
"Yeah, sure, a dress!" Both Harry and Jaune laughed even harder at the idea of either of them coming to the dance wearing one. "As if we'd be dumb enough to wage a bet like that!"
"Ok, Qrow," Spider-Man waited on top of the bar they first met, only to see the man not here. "You should already be here by now. Or are you inside drinking? It's going to be really weird if people see me drag you out. I'm actually positive the bartender will thank me rather than reprimand me."
Suddenly, Spider-Man could hear the flapping of wings and was greeted by several black feathers falling in front of him. Instead of hearing the landing of a bird, he heard a pair of shoes hitting the roof signaling Qrow's arrival.
"Sorry for the wait, Webst-"
"Grr!" Spider-Man growled animalistically.
"-head," That seemed to make Spider-Man less angry. "Just needed to go to the little bird's room."
"Is that a weird term for saying you did your business while flying?" Spider-Man's mind began to wander from such an image. "Gross."
"But I had good reason as to why."
"Why you had a good reason to do your business as a bird?"
"No! I was mostly just got held back with some personal errands."
'I wonder if it involves Ruby and her team. He is her uncle after all.'
"We've been working with each other for a couple of days now and my boss thinks it's finally time for you to help us with Cinder."
"You guys already have a plan to stop them?" Hearing that made Spider-Man glad he told them. "That's great! Is it tonight? I am so down to do that!"
"No, not tonight," Qrow scratched his fuzzy chin. "Nor are we actually going to doing anything."
"…Excuse me?"
'Oh boy,' The swordsman was already seeing he started the night off with the wrong foot. 'And here I thought we were getting along. Guess those long nights together were for nothing… no homo.'
"My leader has decided that the best course of action is to simply keep a close eye rather than act so soon. He finds it odd that Cinder is there and is worried she might have set up a backup plan if she did get caught that could leave Beacon damages."
'Or leave Ruby and her friend injured.'Spider-Man can see the reason behind the decision.
"But... you're working with some secret organization! So do some secret spy stuff and take them out in the shadows!"
"Are you saying you want us to kill Cinder?" Qrow squinted his eyes on the hero. "You think we're some kind of hit squad, now? Pick your words wisely, Spider-Man, this isn't some kind of game or comic you think you live in."
"I think you should pick your words wisely, Qrow with no 'c', which I might grammatically wrong!" Rage began to spill into Spider-Man's words. "What I meant was, if your group is so secretive and kept Vale safe before I became a hero, then they must have some way to pull it off. And I don't want Cinder or her follower's dead! I just don't want them near innocent kids who can't defend themselves."
"I'll have you know, that those kids are more ready to deal with threats like Cinder. Compared to you, who would rather be handling menial tasks like helping old ladies cross the street rather than deal with much bigger issues."
Qrow knew that he shouldn't being angry with the guy he's trying to ask for help. Yet, when Spider-Man said that the kids in Beacon were defenseless, kids like his nieces Yang and Ruby, made Qrow pissed off at such a notion.
"You think small stuff like that will stop people like Cinder? I think you need a reality check, because I think your being too self-righteous for your own good."
He should know that it wasn't directed at them, but the way Spider-Man said it sounded like he doesn't believe there capable of defending themselves. Like he was the only one that can do it.
'This brat!' Qrow took a step forward at Spider-Man. 'How the hell does Ruby think he's a hero when he's just some kid lucky enough to stumble upon trouble wearing a stupid costume!'
'This guy!' Spider-Man also mirrored Qrow's movement making them face each other closer. 'How does Ruby look up to him!? He's rude, obnoxious, drunk, and even more drunk when trying!'
'Ruby trained her life to be like her mother and he thinks she isn't capable of fighting! Just because people are liking him cause he's pretending to be a hero, is an insult to all the Huntsmen who risk their lives outside the kingdoms! I don't think we'll ever be friends!'
"Spider-Man!" Qrow grabbed some of Spider-Man's costume and glared straight at the hero's eye lenses.
'I fought her minions and those who work for her. She has allies in high places, people who can make people like Flint into monsters. I gave them the needed info and they want to sit on it!?'
"Qrow!" Doing the same, Spider-Man and Qrow was now glaring each other down with much more intensity. It seemed, that their small-time partnership was beginning to tear apart. 'I don't think I'll ever like y-!'
Turning away, the wallcrawler picked up danger from his spider sense telling him that it was nearby.
"Hey!" Qrow was surprised when he saw the masked vigilante jump off the roof and started to swing. "Was it something I said?"
'Something is close by and gaining speed!'Following his spider sense, it led him into an open road with the only car speeding way past the limit. "The driver is going way too fast!"
Swing the faster, Spider-Man easily caught up to the car and released his hold on his web line to land on the roof of the vehicle.
"I spy with my little eye," Using the side window to view who was in the car. Spider-Man can see that the driver and front passenger was just your run of the mil car thieves. Even sporting dark clothing and even ski masks to hide their identities. "Two robbers and... what the heck!"
Laying on the back seat of the getaway car, there was a little girl, tied up and gagged with the added atrocity of even blind folding her.
"Time for no jokes this time!" Jumping off the roof of the car he made an impact force strong enough to leave a huge dent that made the driver start to swerve.
As the driver gained control, he let out a sigh of relief.
"AHHH!" That relief turned to fear when his head lights shined onto Spider-Man standing tall and in front of them.
"Run him over!" His partner in crime ordered.
Not even needing his spider sense to know the car was gaining more speed to ram him, Spider-Man shot a huge web net behind him and charged right at the car.
Just when he felt the rush of wind heading right at him, Spider-Man jumped over the hood of the car and dived right into the front window.
Glass shattered upon Spider-Man's impact and with great reflex, speed, and agility the hero was able to weave past the front seats and reach the girl. Wrapping his arms tightly around her, Spider-Man shielded her as his body once more broke the back window of the car.
Tensing his muscles, the web head's body shifted himself into position to land feet first. Impacting the hard gravel road to the point that he made feet indents.
'It's been some time since I really flexed my body to be this durable. If someone would try and hurt me right now, they would probably break their whole hand.'
"Speaking about breaking," The web net Spider-Man made was not his organic webs, but his more durable and stronger web fluid he keeps in his utility belt for occasions such as these. "That web should have cushioned their impact, as well as the car's airbags too."
Helping untie the girl, the hero was about to ask if he was ok and was thanked by having the girl wrap her arms around his neck.
"I'm glad you're safe," He patted the little girl. "Miss... I'm sorry," Spider-Man chuckled out of embarrassment. "I didn't even ask your name yet."
"It's ok, Spider-Man!" The girl was no longer scared, in fact she seemed like she was over the shattered moon now that she was talking to Spider-Man. "My name is Cassie! You're so cool, Spider-Man! The way you did that web and charged right into that car was cool! I wish my dad was here he would be so excited to meet you!"
"Your dad?"
"Yeah! He's on his way right now! They just took me when he was off doing some very important work!"
'Important work? Maybe in charge of the bank, that would explain their attempt to use her as a bargaining chip.'
"Well, Cassie," Even with his spider sense flaring, Spider-Man could hear the car doors opening to show that the kidnappers were alive and awake. "If you please, stand behind me. I got to do my usual clean up tonight!"
Nodding her head, Cassie stayed behind her hero.
"Now, when I move, I need you to run away and find somewhere to hide, ok?"
"Right!"
"Good now," Kicking up gravel, the hero ran to the two thugs. "Run, Cassie!"
Stunned by Spider-Man's blinding speed both men were unable to draw their weapons in time as Spider-Man delivered several quick punches and kicks at them. Each strike, strong but not strong enough to kill, easily put the thugs down on the ground. Their bodies withering in pain from such an instant take down.
"Let that be a lesson to you both." He crossed his arms in front of him to make himself look more intimidating. "Stealing a car is one thing, I mean, that's like a normal everyday occurrence for me. But a little girl too? That's just twisted!"
'Hunting for Roman can wait, what's more important to me now is making sure this girl gets back to her family.'
First and foremost, Spider-Man will always help people. Big or small from anyone who needs assistance, he'll do it to the best of his abilities.
'Qrow may be right about how some of my heroics could be seen as small and juvenile to those training to fight monsters. But here, where some never even saw a real life Grimm before, at least here I can make Vale a little safer taking care of the little guys and their problems.'
"Huh?" Body going on the defensive, his spider sense began to flare to the point that it was causing him a migraine. "It's close! But where?!"
His gaze went to the two knocked out gunmen. Both of them webbed up and harmless showing no sign of them being the cause. Moving to the car seemed to trigger his spider sense even more, giving him the answer to his problem.
"Oh! CRAP!" Grabbing the two downed men in each hand, Spider-Man tossed them high in the air, and shot a couple of web lines to secure them on the side of a tall building.
A far enough distance away from what's about to happen next.
"Why do I always fall for one of these things!?" Was his last words as a bright flash from the car engulfed his entire being.
A fist smacked the top of Spider-Man's head, making the webhead to rub the spot that was hit.
"Ow! That really hurt, Qrow!" He wined to the older man. "I'm still suffering from the explosion, you know!"
"Suffering my ass!" Qrow shouted, cradling his hand he used to hit Spider-Man's very hard head. "That damn explosion should have killed you!"
"Don't you men 'could' have killed me?"
"No!"
"Would you believe me if I told you that this wasn't the first time a car exploded right in front of me?"
"And how did that go?" He asked.
"A lot worse than this time, actually." Looking down at his suit, the only damage the hero had were small patches that needed to be sewn as well as his aviator goggles right lens having a crack running down in the center.
The young spider knew that he couldn't distance himself from the explosion after taking priority over the kidnapper's safety. He was fast enough to use all the ice dust and extra strength web cartridges to erect a barrier between himself and the explosion. Leaving him only minor injuries compared to the severe state he was when he first fought Neo and Roman.
"You better be grateful that I helped that kid get to the police. Otherwise, you'd have left a girl all to herself back there. What if there were more of those kidnapers hiding close by? For all we know, that car exploding was likely a trap, you think about that too?"
"I knew you'd help." Spider-Man just waved off Qrow's nagging and just sat on the edge of some random apartment complex enjoying the night sky. "I mean, to be honest, I didn't really think about the off chance of more bad guys coming for Cassie, but I'm still happy you took her to the authorities, Qrow."
"Cool, so, about that thank you?"
"…I'm sorry, Qrow."
"Come again?" Qrow was not expecting an apology from Spider-Man.
"I'm sorry about insulting you and your friends. Not just that, I'm also sorry about how insensitive I talked about Beacon and its students. You are right, Qrow, those students are training to be Huntsmen, training to be heroes, I shouldn't think they can't handle the responsibility that comes with the title."
'With great power comes great responsibility. Isn't that right, Uncle Ben? It took me some time to finally understand it, but Ruby and everyone living at Beacon knew about power and responsibility long before I did.'
Qrow didn't say anything after Spider-Man finished, making the webhead wonder if his apology wasn't enough.
"Damn," Doing the same thing, Qrow sat next to the web head. "Here I thought I was the mature one here. I'm also sorry about talking smack about you, Spider-Man. Even when you do help people solve their small problems, you also have it in you to help people like that Cassie girl safe."
"Not just them either, Qrow. The guys who tried to kidnap her, I saved them from the blast too. I knew that if I moved, then they would be caught in the blast, so that's why I moved them away. Because I don't want to see anyone die, even people like Cinder."
'This kid,' The drunkard looked at the hero's injured body as he noticed something off about him. 'All I see are just some small cuts. Nothing too bad, but if he did say that most of the damage was absorbed from the wall he made, then shouldn't his aura have protected him from the remaining impact?'
Qrow has seen many people with aura survive many crazy attacks over the years. Ranging from getting hit by grimm to even taking hits from other Huntsmen, but seeing Spider-Man like this made Qrow wonder if he even has aura.
'Meh, that's future Qrow's problem. Tonight, has been full of emotional tension and right now I just want to get back to what I really wanted to say to Spider-Man.'
"Well, since we did all that shouting and said our apologies. I wanted to ask you something before all of this started"
"Ok, what's the question?"
"Do you want to go to the dance?"
"You're kidding right?" Spider-Man did a double take to make sure he wasn't suffering from any brain damage from that explosion. "I know we threw a heated argument not too long ago, but I didn't know it would escalate to this."
"Beacon has a school dance tomorrow and my boss want your help." Qrow clarified. "Knowing that Cinder and her goon squad are impersonating as students, they will be attending the dance. Security and the staff will be watching inside the school, but if there is a possibility she does find a way to sneak off while everyone one is there-"
"Then that would leave me the chance to catch her in the act!"
"I said there could be a chance she would try and sneak off. That's why I said we won't do anything about her. That is, until we actually catch her in the act."
Raising his hand in to Spider-Man, Qrow made another added bonus to Spider-Man.
"When we do get her or if she does stay and keep pretending to be a perfect student is a 50/50 chance. Whichever one goes down; you will also be getting the chance to finally meet my leader."
'Qrow's leader! The guy in charge of some super secret order. Does this mean he wants to talk to me?'
"Like before, he extended a hand of faith to you, Spider-Man. We have a common goal at protecting Vale and we would like it if you help us."
'They did help me with my progress in stopping Roman and the White Fang gaining info from Junior.'
"Ok, you got yourself a spider." He sold the deal by taking Qrow's extended and shacked it. "It only seems fair after all. Do I have to wear a suit over my costume though?"
As Spider-Man let go of the handshake, a thought came to mind about how he was supposed to help.
"If I'm going to help keep an eye out for anything strange. How will I help when I'm sure the Atlas military and even Beacon security will capture me? Do I get a security badge or something?"
'Oz didn't say about me not telling Spider-Man about who he was, only about bringing Spider-Man to Beacon. Screw it, I'll make it future Qrow's problem.'
"Then I hope you don't mind staying out a little bit longer tonight." Reaching over to his hip flash, Qrow took a couple of swigs before he started talking. "Cause what I'm about to say next will really blow your mind."
Next chapter will be the final arc for the dance! There will be new character reveals and characters that have already been introduced, but have been obscured for reasons that will soon come to light! This chapter was mainly about how well Spider-Man and Qrow works together and also their dynamic. I also wanted to add Ozpin's perspective, but thought against it and just focused on Jaune.
This chapter, I added some more characters to further evolving Jaune's school life, as shown with Harry's date and also Gwen's date. Some of you might see that it was taken from The Spectacular Spider-Man's animated series, which I am a die-hard fan of. However, I will still use all forms of Spider-Man, ranging from shows, movies, and video games. I just want most of the main cast to be teens, so it would be easier and also more closely put together if most were around the same age as teenagers.
Spider-Man and Qrow was by far my most enjoyable thing to write about. Because I felt like some would believe they would make a great partnership, but in reality, is just a big mistake. I also wanted to wright the tension they have for each other and how they cope with Cinder being in Beacon. Spider-Man has seen first hand how Cinder's team operates and is afraid for Ruby and his friend's in Beacon. While on Qrow's perspective we get to see how it feels like Spider-Man does not believe the students, and by extension his nieces, aren't really ready even though they have trained since they were kids.
Remember, these two have different views and opinions that clash with each other that resulted in their little stare down. They also did not start in the right foot when meeting each other, so some animosity still lingers between them.
As you now know, with the entrance of Cassie being kidnapped and rescued. An introduction of another hero will be shown in the near future. Now, I won't make sides stories stores of other heroes within this one, due to the fact that it is mainly a Spider-Man/RWBY fic.
Yes, it is true when I said that Jaune will get some new abilities and I will keep that promise. One ability I will make sure to put in more use is the spider sense. Some would say that it only sense danger heading to Spider-Man, but it has shown to do so much more. In the comics, Spider-Man used it to track the Chameleon in the first issue, showing that Spider-Man can use it as a form of sensor. Meaning, I have already shown Jaune's ability getting more and more evolved, so I did keep my promise!
Anyway, I was mostly so focused on the story that I have actually yet shown any progress within the characters. Which is why I had shown Jaune finally moving with his life by quitting his small jobs and also furthering his social standing. He can't always be the wall flower in school, life is not always like that. Just like how Peter changed throughout his high school life. Some of you are also confused or maybe think that Jaune staying with Aunt May is confusing and is also a plot hole. I just skipped the usual origin story and only gave somewhat vague flashbacks of Jaune getting denied from Beacon. Never really gave much in-depth backstory behind him being they're before the main cast of RWBY showed up.
If those who want to know more about it, rest assured there is a reason for why I just skipped Jaune's backstory and I will reveal it in future chapters. I just thought that people already had enough about Spider-Man's origin and decided to just time skip to the present.
It has been somewhat of a slow pace and I have just filled on some of it with my own filler, cause most of the episode RWBY canon showed had many time skips that I thought I would add my own ideas. I see that some would rather just have it stick with the main canon and I will strike a balance between the two.
Now, for the story and Jaune, I will limit the split sections and POVs. It's a Spider-Man fic first and foremost, so I will make sure to always have Jaune's side the main focus. Whenever I show a different POV either by Ozpin's side or Cinder's, some would think I lack the power behind them. That is why I will just do Jaune's POV and if I see a majority wanting the other faction's perspective, I will come back to them.
If you liked this chapter and want to know when I will release another one. Make sure to like, Fav, and also follow my story to get immediate updates on when the next chapter will be released. Also, make sure you do the same for my Beta and his stories too! Thank you!
[Omake: A little help makes big changes]
"Cassie! I'm so glad You're ok, sweetie." Scott kissed his daughter's head repeatedly. His arms securely wrapped around her to calm his fears for almost losing her. "I'm so sorry! I should have known it was a trap, I'm so stupid!"
"It's ok, dad." Cassie, having enough affection, pushed her dad to give her some space. "Spider-Man saved me!"
"Oh yes, I heard he saved you from those guys who kidnapped you." Scott knew that he would not make it in time to save Cassie, so he was forever grateful for Spider-Man's help for rescuing Cassie. "Thank you, Spider-Man! Thank you thank you."
'I know you're not here, but if I ever get to meet you. I'll make sure to give you a proper thank you.'
The man was caught in a set up from one of Hank Pym's old enemies hellbent on taking the particles from him that he was not sure if he would have survived the encounter.
Luckily for him, his partner was able to save him in the nick of time.
"Cassie!"
'Speaking about partners.'
Turning to face a voice behind him, Scott spotted Hank's daughter, Hope Pym, walk past the police and medical staff looking just as excited as he is for knowing Cassie was ok.
"Hope!" Cassie shouted as Hope Pym reached for Scott's daughter to giver the young girl a hug. "I'm so happy to see you!"
"Me too, I'm happy to see you too!"
As the warm feeling of security washed over them, the cold realization soon settled in as Hope looked at Scott with a grave look in her eyes.
"I checked the car and I don't see any signs of any bomb that set of that explosion."
Scott looked at the wreck that was once a vehicle that was now taped off with several officers blocking anyone from getting close to it. Hope wasn't part of the police force, so it should have been impossible for her to go in there.
Yet she did, but not in the conventional way.
"It's fine, Hope." Scott brushed it off at the loss as to the cause of the combustion. "We already know who it was, so going after them shouldn't be a problem. But making sure Cassie gets home safe is my main priority."
"Of course, Scott." Giving Cassie back to her father, Hope squeezed Scott's shoulder and smiled. "You take her home. I'll just follow any leads I have and let you know when I get something."
"Take care, Hope."
"You too, Scott." Before she could leave, the partner of Scott Lang poked Cassie's nose. "Goodnight, darling!"
"Goodnight!" Waving goodbye, both Father and daughter watched at Hope was lost to the crowd.
"I think we had our fair share of adventure for tonight, am I right?"
"Yeah!" She nodded. "You think we can see Spider-Man again?"
"I hope so, Cassie. I really, really hope so."