Initiation was an interesting start to the new school year. It was already a few weeks into classes and the forest had yet to see an resurgence of Grimm or mysterious creatures. The heroes that enrolled were quick to make waves in the student body.
And those waves were quickly wearing down the headmistress' sanity.
As they had the unusual, though not unheard of, situation of being housed off campus. What with regular hero patrols, calls to action, and Jaune basically being the super of their apartment, their schedules were almost unreasonably flexible. Except for Garou, who was not actually a hero. He is the only one of their team who would have been required to stay on campus. But that didn't last due to his blatant disobedience, so he was given the same schedule. Much to the envy of the other students and annoyance of some of the staff. They only spent a total of three days of the week in class max, while the rest of Jaune's team had to attend fully to Nora's dismay. To add on top of that, certain other first years were causing a number of incidents on and off campus.
It started off with repair costs. Unfortunately miss Valkyrie would not listen to reason and smashed her own launchpad anyway. And then Xiao Long followed by the rest of the participants. Really, there were only about four students who didn't actively break their pads. At the very least Mr. Ren and Miss Nikos apologized on their behalf. Then there was that damage to the forest and cliff caused by Jaune's activity. A rather sizeable blow to the budget indeed.
The next issue was seemingly simple, concerning the food budget. Both Bad and Garou had taken to ordering one of each meat and veggie dish available when on campus. Now, Beacon has had its fair share of students with big appetites over the years. But once they realized the academy doesn't charge students for food they started doing it for each meal. And they eat enough for a dozen people each! And of course Miss Valkyrie does her best to follow their lead. Silver lining: she only did it during breakfast when pancakes were served.
In fairness: Bad does it to spend less on his own meals at home. So he can provide the healthiest, top quality meals for Zenko and Tama. And Garou eats that much partially because he easily burns it all off with his intense training. But really, he does it for the fuck of it. The school and council foots the bill after all. Thankfully any matters concerning the budget are Ozpin's headache.
Then there were a series of unannounced... let's say visits? By Fubuki's elder sister when her team and Jaune were present on campus. Ordinarily, something like this would be seen as something positive. The number 2 S-class hero's presence can be quite a moral booster. For the headmistress especially. After all, she practically raised her two nieces when she herself was barely a teenager. Glynda welcomed any opportunity to see them as much as possible.
At least until she found out her reasons for the visitations. Specifically to see the leader of JNPR. It's also how she found out about her and her sister's particular... relationship with him. Now, she is an understanding aunt. They were of age, consenting, and certain... needs had to be met. But there was such a thing as restraint! She more than once dragged him off during class while they were in the middle of a lesson. And her sister was no better. But at least Tatsumaki remembers to lock the damn door! Thank goodness no one else was there to catch them. But try as she might, certain anatomy was forever burned into her memory, for better or worse. And she doesn't care what either of them say, she will not 'take a him for a spin' under the ruse of a private sparring match to blow off steam!
But speaking of... Combat classes have become an even more absurd spectacle. Good news: The training bots were largely untouched by the trouble makers. They destroyed only one and saw no real use for them, saving them for the normal students. Bad news: The problem was less a matter of the budget and more of student participation. Ordinarily a student would be picked at random by Ms. Goodwitch and then another would volunteer to fight. However, thanks to Garou, it quickly became his own personal 'hunting preserve' as he put it. If there was a student selected that interested, or otherwise vexed him, he would be down in the ring before anyone could blink. Glynda was just thankful that Jaune and Genos were kind enough to wrangle him in if he got to rowdy.
Which brings us to the other problem.
Certain students were seeing their behavior as a que to do as they pleased and took to harassing their fellow students. Knowing that the staff already had their hands full with the first two teams.
She only hoped this new program the council worked out with Taiyang would help straighten them out. The idea was simple. Beacon would receive two volunteer heroes to assist in combat instruction and provide extra security for the school and, if necessary, disciplinary action. Mistral and Vacou already partnered with the hero association for the program. Atlas being the stubborn hold out, refusing any sort of collaboration with 'arrogant vigilantes', as they put it. Beacon was last only because Tai still had some beef with Ozpin's methods. After some pushing from Qrow and Summer he extended the offer to them.
With any luck the two heroes would help alleviate some of the stress the staff (Glynda) is dealing with. One of them is an S-class after all.
The new year wasn't going the way Velvet thought it would. Her weapon took some really heavy damage on her last team assignment. Unfortunately leaving her to stay behind by order of the school while the rest of team CFVY left for an away mission, despite her team's protests. It would be a week, maybe two till they returned. Since she was the only one who was moved up a grade she could use the extra time to catch up and even get ahead of them in her studies. However, while she had success with her written school work she was beginning to see some obstacles.
Take for example: right now, at her lunch table.
"Check it out! I told you they're real!"
"What a freak!"
At the moment she was having her bunny ears grabbed by the leader of one of the new first year teams. While the rest of his team laughed and flung insults her way. Which was something that she has experienced before, unfortunately. Like many kids, Velvet has seen the usual bully or two as she grew up. And yes, some of them even got physical and on occasion racial. Much more so when she stayed in Atlas than when she was in Vale. Typically they would have been reprimanded by now, but again thanks to teams FBGG and JNPR the staff was overwhelmed cleaning up after them.
Too bad that they weren't here. She'd much rather be sitting with Bad- with them! The teams! She means!... Although, he is a great repellant for CRDL. She chose not to tell hi-THEM! Them... about her treatment for two reasons. One: She didn't like anyone to worry about her for something so small, even if it's an inconvenience for her. Two: She knows Bad, and he would be on an absolute war path if he knows. She and Zenko constantly feel like they stop would-be blood rampages for slight infractions against them and even their cat. Okay, maybe not blood rampages per se, but he has gone off on people before for the three of them and is more than willing to get physical.
Or he WOULD. But he promised to never be violent in front his little sister. Verbally or physically. It's quite something to witness a high-school delinquent tear into someone without swearing and using borderline academic dialect.
Velvet even went as far as asking RWBY and the rest of NPR not to say anything. She grew to know them since the semester started and can say she is quite comfortable around them. Almost as much as her own team. She could feel their eyes watching as her ears were yanked while she tried to study during lunch. She wanted to ask for their help but could not bring herself to trouble them. It's just who she is.
Other students in the dining hall were largely ambivalent about the whole thing and tried to ignore it.
So much that they didn't notice the doors opening and the two strangers entering the dining hall. The two scanned the tables and quickly spotted the situation. They saw who was doing it and calmly made their way to Velvet's table.
"Haha! Aren't you gonna say anything-huh?" Cardin's voice halted as he felt a large, and familiar hand grab onto the top of his head. Which caused him to let go of Velvet's ear in reaction.
"Bro?" It was the only word he got out before his face went through the table and into the floor. The resounding crash halted everyone as the entirety of the dining room, and the rest of the school, violently shook from the sheer force. The table was completely destroyed and cracks splintered all over the building. From the walls to the ceiling, and even extended outside to the concrete walkways.
Cardin's teammates were dumbstruck at what just happened. The three of them jumped back away from the man who dug their leader's face into the floor. Too bad they did not see the second stranger right behind them.
"Hey." Russel felt a hand on the left side of his head and Sky felt a hand on the right side of his head. Dove was right in between and heard the woman's voice directly behind him.
"Didn't anyone teach you it's not nice to pick on girls?" They couldn't answer in time. Their heads were slammed into each other, rattling each of their respective brains. All three faces were smooshed next to each other for a couple seconds before the hands let go. Allowing them to plop on the floor face down next to their leader.
Velvet, no longer sitting, trembled at the two strangers. It took all her courage to find her voice.
"A-are they o-okay?" Her accent coupled with the stutter made her sound like the most frightened bunny.
"Don't worry." The man spoke in a deep mature tone. Dusting his hand off from the rubble. Now that she got a look at him he looked remarkably like Cardin. He is clearly in his mid twenties, and much MUCH more muscular. Unlike Cardin, his hair was a light brown and so were his eyes. His attire consisted of long jeans that went over durable looking black pointed boots and a deep blue tank top.
The most eye catching part was his belt, or rather his belt buckle. It was a simple oval, made of silver, and had a tank top of all things engraved on it. Along with the initials T.T.M.
"It's not the first time we've had to do this." The male tank top finished.
"Yep. Our little bro was born with an exceptionally thick skull." The girl continued for him. She was dressed similarly to the man. With ripped jeans, similar boots, black wristbands, and a light red tank top. Even her belt was almost the same, only with different initials that read T.T.B. Her hair was almost the same color only a little lighter and styled in a short but neat tomboy cut parting to one side. If she had to guess the female tank top was only a couple of years older than her. Both were quite the lookers, even if they were apparently Cardin's siblings.
"Unfortunately, not just in a literal sense. I thought we beat the last of our grandpa's influence out of him." She sighed.
"Evidently not. As I suspected he's still not worthy to don the mantle. We've got a lot more work to do with him." The man faced her fully, and to her surprise, deeply bowed.
"I apologize for our unruly baby brother. And for the trouble he caused you." The older brother's words were heard by everyone in the room. Or at least by the remaining half that didn't run away.
"We don't expect you to forgive us, but we want you to know we'll break him of his bad habits." The sister joined him in bowing, much to Velvet's displeasure. She didn't feel right about anyone making a fuss over her. Especially when the fuss results in bodily harm and property damage.
They both stood up straight and turned to each other.
"You wanna take this, big bro?" The sister asked gesturing to the unconscious team CRDL.
"I have to. It's my job as the oldest to straighten out our baby brother." Everyone watched him grab the team by their uniform collars and drag them out of the crumbling cafeteria. The sister faced Velvet, and to her surprise, gave her a smile and a thumbs up.
"And don't worry about his team. Well knock some sense into them too." And that was Velvet's que to try and... well she wasn't sure what exactly was happening anymore or what to do but she'll do her best anyway.
"T-that's okay! It's not like he's the first bully I ever had to deal with." Velvet said waving her hands in front of her.
"I'm sorry to hear that. But still, it's not right that my little bro and his team decided to start harassing their fellow first years. Right when some upstarts steal the attention away from everyone else." She sighed, lamenting her brother's choice in behavior. Then her eyes shot open in realization.
"Oh, how rude of me! I completely forgot to introduce myself. Charlotte Winchester. You've met my baby brother already, and the one who just left with him is our big bro Charles." She put her hand forward hoping the girl would accept the shake. Her friends watched in anticipation from their table wondering how she will respond.
Velvet saw her sincerity and gently accepted the hand and smiled in return. "Velvet Scarletania." Teams RWBY and NPR smiled at the exchange.
"So where's the rest of your team?"
"It's a bit much to explain, but they won't be back on campus for a while."
"No worries, whatever it is they'll be back sooner than you think."
After they shook hands the bunny girl gathered her books and supplies into her bag.
"Thank you for the help. But I think I should find someplace else to study." She said looking around the crumbling dining hall. "Here might not be structurally sound."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I know it's already pretty tough for first years right now, and we just added to your stress I bet." Velvet nodded in agreement. But she was actually a second year.
"I've handled worse. So, are you here to check on your brother?" Velvet asked out of curiosity. Finding the older sister to be nice company.
"Partly. We're actually here on behalf of the Hero association to assist the academy. To do things like provide extra security, assist in combat and practical classes, and disciplinary action. Like we showed right now." The students eavesdropping collectively paled at the fact.
Velvet gained look of realization similar to hers. "I thought you thought you two looked familiar. Your brother is the 16th ranked S-class hero. He leads the Tank Topper army with you as the only female member and second in command, right."
"That's right. I'm also the one who usually keeps our other members from making a fuss and looking stupid when Bro's not around. A-class rank 5 Tank Top Girl at your service." She said with a playful salute. Velvet smiled once again.
"Well, I better go." Velvet thanked lightly bowing her head. "Oh, before I forget I should mention something."
"What's that?" Charlotte blinked curiously.
Velvet turned away feeling a little awkward. "It's a little embarrassing, but I'm actually a second year." She clarified, noticing the shadows that change in expession after she turned away to leave.
"Thanks again-" She felt a hand on her shoulder preventing her from leaving. Accompanied by a terrifying presence right behind her. Everybody that was still in the room felt just as uneasy at the sudden shift.
"Oi." She dared to look back. Charlottes eyes were shadowed and pierced her very soul. The kind face from but a moment earlier was replaced by a stern, and quite possibly, the most disapproving look she ever received.
"Did I hear that right?" The hand on her shoulder turned her around. Then she felt both hands on her shoulders effectively trapping her.
"Did you say you're a second year?"
"Yes?" She managed to answer. Fear filling her very being.
"DON'T YOU SCREW WITH ME!" Her shout caused nearly every one to jump in fright. Velvet was incapable of jumping as she was still being held as the tanktopper got into her face. It was also worth mentioning the hero had a good six inches of height on her if it weren't for her bunny ears.
"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!? YOU'RE A SENIOR STUDENT AND YOU'VE BEEN LETTING MY FIRST YEAR BABY BROTHER WALK ALL OVER YOU!? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! IF ANYTHING YOU SHOULD BE WALKING ALL OVER HIM! YOU'RE THE UPPERCLASSMAN! MAKE HIS TEAM CARRY YOUR BAGS! SEND THEM BUY YOU SNACKS FROM ACROSS VALE! TREAT THEM AS YOUR ERRAND BOYS! ASSERT YOUR DOMINENCE OVER THEM!" Never did Velvet think she would get the biggest scolding of her life today. And for not pushing her juniors around no less. She never felt smaller or more terrified, shaking like a leaf.
She took a few seconds too long to realize she was not being held down anymore, but being dragged away by the back of her collar. Just like how the older brother dragged CRDL off.
"Huh?" She looked towards the hero dragging her to her fate.
"You're coming with me. I'll make a proper upperclassman out of you before your team comes back. Wouldn't want them to be worried now don't we." She said with a smile that didn't fit the energy she gave off.
And that was the day Velvet discovered a secret of the tank topper army. One that was shared between the other members unbeknownst to their two leaders. While Charlotte's official hero name that she herself picked is indeed Tank Top Girl the army had another name they called her by. Just like they often called her brother 'Master' she too was given a title she was often called by among their members. A name that was reflected in the buckle they made for her to match her brother's. When she first received she thought the initials they put were an accident, but proudly wore it anyway as it was a gift.
Today Velvet learned the fear and authority that was Tank Top Boss.
"No, no, no. You have to be more forceful than that!"
A couple days later and virtually no progress had been made in the program. For Velvet that is.
Tank Top Master made quick work of the rest of the student body. At the moment he was having his brother's team drag boulders around the perimeter of the school. Along with any other students he thought could use the discipline. Excluding the big three trouble maker teams, most of whom were with Tank Top Girl in a commandeered training room for brand new program just for Velvet.
Oh well, they were lost causes anyway.
"This is a waste of time, Velvet is perfectly fine as she is!" Metal Bat argued on behalf of the girl who is currently trying to scold him. He even had a sign hanging from his neck that read 'Super high-school level Delinquent!'
Tank Top Girl made the sign, of course.
"She is the upperclassmen here, she needs to set an example!" Charlotte retorted. It was only the third day of this strange training and Velvet was ready to throw in the towel. This was simply too much for her. No matter what, any scolding or attempt at asserting dominance came out awkward and too polite. On the plus side she got to know the hero quite well through this weird endeavor to make her more assertive and became friends. She even said she can call her 'Tank Top Girl', 'Charlotte', or even 'Charlie'.
"I'm with her on this. Seniors gotta set the freshies straight." Yang spoke from her place at the other end of the room. She too had a sign hanging off her. Hers read 'Truant party girl.'
"Of course you would put it like that. I could do without the pointless aggression but she does have a point. As an upperclassman she has a duty to uphold." Weiss added. Her sign read 'Know-it-all princess.' to her annoyance.
"No, Bad is right. Velvet is fine, there's no need to push others around to prove a point." Blake said in apposition to her teammates. Her sign bore the title 'Shut-in bookworm.'
"It does feel pretty mean." Said their young leader. Her sign dubbed her as the 'Ultimate puppy.' She is no puppy, she drinks milk darn it!
"I have to agree. I don't see how learning to properly push others around could be beneficial." Ren said. Bearing the sign, 'Nerd'.
"Don't be a buzzkill Renny. You gotta send a message not to be messed with! And the best way is through broken legs!" The 'Insane loudmouth suck-up' loudly proclaimed.
"I don't think you have that quite right. Besides I think we are just making her uncomfortable." The 'Teachers pet', Pyrrha, piled on. And pointed towards the arguing heroes. Now they are quite literally butting heads. Except Velvet was still right in between them when they started pushing their foreheads against each other. And they stood at the same height on top of being taller than the bunny girl. Effectively leaving her face pressed between Bad's turtleneck clad chest, and Charlotte's tank top covered bosom. And somehow neither of them noticed. She couldn't tell if the warmth she felt was from the two of them or from her own embarrassment.
'Why do they have to do this? Why does Bad's chest have to be so hard? Why do Charlie's boobs have to be so soft and firm?! Why do they both smell so nice!? WHY DO I LIKE THIS!?'
"She looks fine with it to me." 'Truant party girl' said looking right at scene with an all too amused grin.
Elsewhere, Zenko was dutifully attending to her homework. As the nine year-old was finishing up she had an unusual feeling. She put her work away and pulled out a certain set of papers she cleverly hidden between some of her graded work.
"Hmm." Zenko hummed as she examined the marriage forms. She already filled out most of it but it still needed to procure the proper stamps from her brother and Velvet to make it official before she can turn them in. But on the forms there was still room for another person before she does. "Should I add one more name?"
Glynda let out a tired groan as she watched Tank Top Master with the students from her office. While she can't argue with the discipline she can certainly find fault with a few things. For example, the fact that he pulled nearly 80% of the student body out from their classes. That nearly half of them skipped out on their classes to join him after they finished their "rehab training". Or that he didn't even bother with the three teams they were supposed to be dealing with in the first place!
It wasn't even replacing the original problem with another, just adding even more problems on top of it. And she was nearly at her limit.
She couldn't believe she was going to do this, but this is the only time he was on campus while the esper sisters were called to action at the same time. And she did not want them to know she gave in and be on the end of their smug "Told you so" smiles. She typed on her scroll a quick message and hit the send button.
'Jaune of team JNPR, please report to the deputy headmistress office. I would like to discuss your grades and possibly evaluate your skill personally through a private sparring session.'
And so the witch has fallen to her stress and the two heroes may have awakened something inside our dear bunny girl. And it seems Zenko really wants a big sister enough to want two. Plus I finally got a name for our mostly hero team FBGG or faberge, like them jeweled eggs the queen eats for breakfast.
Also I updated the first chapter. Gave it some more polish, fixed the grammar, fleshed it out more, and deleted the note at the begining. That was 'highschool me' making that note and... *shudders* he was an idiot. Thankfully some years out in the real world took out a decent amount of cringe and stupidity. I still got plenty for the internet though, don't you worry about that.
Also I realized That I made jaune just like saitama. He's the main character and was hugely centered in the beginning but he's almost never present now and the other characters steal the spotlight while he in the background until he needed.
Anyway please review and check out my new stories and updates and my ideas on my profile. And sorry about the long wait. peace.
