Finally time to update this adventure. Something of a relaxing chapter before we get back to the action. What will Team KOLD get up to during the dance? What will they do for a mission? Find out in the chapters to come!
As usual, leave your thoughts in a review, and I'll see you in the next chapter!
Chapter 24: Wait... I Can't Dance!
Title Song: Breathe - Two Steps From Hell
"… Wow… Pyrrha is… something else…" Lilo muttered as they headed to dinner. It had been a few days since Cherry had been hospitalised. The girl was still not discharged yet, but thanks to the doctors, Grey, Lilo and her team as well as Teams RWBY and JNPR, she was never alone during therapy.
Thankfully, the arm hit wasn't her dominant one, so she wasn't in trouble when it came to most things like writing, drawing or other tasks.
Anyway, Lilo was referring to the double match that Pyrrha Nikos had just undertaken. First, she one versus four'd Team CDRL, which had Team KOLD cheering as the match was carried out. After that, Mercury Black of Team FMNE (Famine) challenged Pyrrha to a short but decisive battle where he surrendered after a few rounds.
"She certainly is. Deserving of her title of Mistral's champion," Onyx nodded.
Koa chuckled with Jasmine, the fox girl almost fainting at the sight of her hero in action, kicking all kinds of butt in the timespan of an hour.
"What's your plans for this dance thing guys?" Koa asked as they headed for the cafeteria.
"Don't remind me. I've got zero experience in this field. I can dance, much is the way of life for students at Mantle Academy," Onyx groaned. "I've just got no hope for a partner."
"I got some formal wear, Mom sent some to me when she heard Cherry was injured. She's even provided something for the pups," Lilo said. "I asked both Professor Goodwitch and the hospital if Cherry can come along as well. She needs some real fun, so Mom sent something extra."
"I'm going to…" Jasmine started before coughing. "…Vale this afternoon looking…" Second cough. "…for something to wear."
"Mom's coming to the prom to help with all the students, she's bringing my tux," Koa smirked.
That evening, Onyx walked through the dorm hallways, heading for Team RWBY's room. His eyebrows raised as he watched Jaune walk away with a guitar trailing behind him, disappointment on his face.
Onyx straightened his uniform jacket and tie and knocked, putting his hands behind his back.
"I swear, are you going to…!" Weiss growled, opening the door. "Oh! Sorry Onyx, I thought Jaune was pushing his luck."
"Turned him down?" Asked Onyx.
"Twice!" Yang called from in the room.
"Too bad. Listen…" Onyx groaned. "Do you… d-do you w-w-want t-t-to go to the dance with me?" He asked.
"Wow, look at Ms Popular over here!" Yang hooted.
"Shut up Yang!" Weiss grunted at the blonde. She then corrected her composure. "Onyx, I'd be honoured to go to the dance."
Onyx's eyes widened. "You said yes?" He blushed slightly. "Thank you!" he grinned goofily. "I'll pick you up from the dorm entrance on the night?"
"At 7:00pm. I've got to help Yang get started, but after that, we can have a dance together," Weiss set the time.
"7:00pm Sunday. Got it!" Onyx saluted. "Enjoy your evening."
With that, he walked away, leaving Weiss to step back inside. "Wow. I have a date…" She blushed softly, much to the amusement of Ruby and Yang.
Onyx stood, overlooking the cliff. As his mind flashed over what he had just done, one thought came to mind. Wait… I've got nothing to wear!
While he was having a crisis, Koa was nervously pacing back and forth on the edge of campus. Argh… come on Koa… you've got this. She's been your best friend for years. I'm sure she'll accept.
He gripped his head, "Yeah… but what if she declines? What if she's not the one?"
"Not the one what?" Koa's blood froze as into the clearing came Jasmine. "What if who de…" She coughed. "Declines?"
Well, time to man up Koa. Ask the girl already! Koa's brain yelled at him.
"Uh… Jasmine?" He started, a faint patch of pink forming on each cheek. "Will you go to the dance with me?" He asked, taking her hands in his own.
Jasmine smiled, blushing lightly while nodding. "I would love to go with you." She said, before pumping a fist at the short, but stutter-free, sentence.
"Just got to keep going. You'll get there. I'd love to hear you sing again one day," Koa pulled her into a hug. "Be ready by seven, we'll go down together."
She nodded, "Don't be late," She gave a cheeky giggle, before skipping away, leaving Koa to think of his mistake. Ohhhhh… I can't dance… guess I'm looking up some videos or classes until Sunday…
Turned out, it was easier than Koa thought. By no means was he at the level to accompany royalty, but he was sure that Jasmine would be pleased by his performance.
As he came back from a dance class in Vale, his eyes spotted Lilo wheeling Cherry down from another bullhead. "Well, look who's out and about!" Koa grinned.
"Just for the weekend, under strict orders to take it easy until she goes back on Monday afternoon. However, the docs said she can have a dance if asked," Lilo smiled, rubbing her little sister's forehead.
"Yep! Mom sent something for this party, with instructions to keep me away from too much sugar," Cherry pouted. But that turned into a grin. "But we're not gonna let that stop us, right?" She looked up at Lilo.
"Nope," Lilo grinned back, popping the 'P'.
"Where have you been anyway Koa?" Asked Lilo.
"Dance classes. Me and Jasmine are going together," Koa admitted, nervously rubbing his neck.
"Huh… guess I owe you five hundred lien," Lilo poked Cherry on the nose.
"You bet on me?!" Koa asked, betrayed.
"Just a friendly wager, Cherry bet that you and Jasmine would go together to this dance. I went against that saying you two would wimp out for another day," Lilo shrugged.
"Still…" Koa frowned, causing the two girls to laugh at him.
Soon, it was the evening of the ball, and Koa straightened out his midnight blue bowtie. Alright Matte Snow, you'd better not be wrong about bowties, or I will find you and break your nose. He thought. It had been an impulse purchase he had made on his way back from dance class.
The team leader was wearing a white tuxedo jacket with midnight blue suit pants with black slick shoes. The lining around the collar of his jacket and the inside was black, while his shirt was a soft light blue. He'd tidied up his hair and put it into a neat flat style, combed up to spike slightly in the middle, while the back and sides were flattened to his head.
He then spotted Onyx nearby, his fellow boy of Team KOLD wearing a complete black tuxedo with a white shirt and grey necktie. A white rose was pinned to his breast pocket. "You clean up nice man," He said, gathering the attention of his teammate.
"Thanks, looking sharp yourself," Onyx nodded back. Suddenly Weiss Schnee emerged from the dorms, wearing a short, white, sleeveless dress with cutouts on both sides of her waist. The yoke of the dress was translucent mesh and she also wore white pumps.
Onyx seemed to drift into a drunken stupor, so Koa was quick to jab him in the ribs, snapping him back to reality. "Well done Weiss, you almost broke my teammate," He chuckled.
"Well, that just means that he's loyal I suppose," Weiss gave a small giggle. "See you at the dance." Onyx and she linked arms, walking towards the event.
Koa turned back, and his eyes widened upon seeing Lilo and Cherry leaving the dorm next. "Jasmine was right behind us," Lilo informed Koa.
She was wearing a violet formal kimono that hugged tightly around her. Dotted around the kimono were several floral patterns, mostly pink and white. Around her torso and waist was a dark green obi that kept her snug. She finished the outfit with geisha sandals. Her hair, usually up in a pair of braided ponytails, but this evening, she had her hair down, with a white hairband keeping her hair flat on her head.
Cherry was wearing something similar. Her kimono was dark red, with pink cherry blossom patterns all over, and a black obi around her torso and waist. She also had her hair down, and wore sandals.
"Wow, dressed to impress tonight Lilo?" He asked.
"Well, I've not got a date, if that counts. If I catch some interested eyes before the end of tonight, then yay, I guess?" Lilo shrugged.
"And look at you all dressed up. Fuchsia silk?" Asked Koa towards Cherry.
"Both of us. Gotta advertise whenever possible," Lilo answered. The two siblings headed for the event hall, followed by Shadow, wearing a white and red bow, and Snowfall, wearing a black and blue bow.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting…" His eyes widened, and he swallowed, before turning to the voice of Jasmine. She was wearing a sparkling white knee-length dress with a yellow hue getting more apparent further down. She wore it with the same transparent mesh as Weiss, and wore a pair of white slippers. Her golden hair and tail were neatly brushed, with a white ribbon around her tail and a bow in her hair.
"Wow…" Koa mumbled. "Y-you look beautiful. Really."
"I've never dressed…" She coughed. "… like this before… do I look ok?" She asked shyly.
"Ok? You look stunning. I promise," Koa said, holding out a hand. "Well milady, shall we head on over to the auditorium?" He asked.
"Lead the way sir knight," Jasmine giggled, playing along with his act. "By the way… love the bowtie."
You shall receive an island Matte Snow, on which you shall forge a new society! Koa mentally cheered.
The two walked calmly towards the dance, quietly enjoying the peace. Stepping through the doors, they were greeted by a smiling Yang, dressed in a snow-white halter neck dress with a pale-grey hem and white pumps. "Well well! Look at you two!" She grinned.
"Shut up Yang, let us enjoy one night without any teasing," Koa pouted, both he and his partner sporting vibrant blushes.
"Well, as one of the organisers, I'm forbidden from any comments by decree of Weiss," Yang said, rolling her eyes.
The music playing was something soothing and calm. "Let's wait for the next number, I feel weird waltzing straight in and onto the dancefloor," He suggested.
"Good idea," Jasmine agreed. Both sat down around the side, silently viewing the dancing together, Jasmine putting her head on Koa's shoulder. Soon, the music faded out, the next song coming up on the playlist.
As pianos and violins started to play, Koa offered his hand out. "Miss… my I have this dance?" He asked.
She nodded, taking his hand. The two were clearly first up. As they began to dance, Koa found his worries of messing up melting away as he moved in time with his partner. "When'd you find the time to learn?" He asked.
"Your mom. She's a great teacher," Jasmine smiled, as they waltzed around Blake and Yang, who were just finishing a dance of their own, Yang passing the girl to Sun. Blake was in a purple, asymmetrical halter-neck dress that split up the right side and had translucent black mesh around her shoulders and black pumps. She even wore a matching purple bow over her ears.
"Really? She never offered to teach me. I had to find lessons in Vale," Koa frowned.
"What does…" She paused, clearing her throat. "It matter? We're dancing." She pointed out.
"Touché," Koa shrugged.
Meanwhile, Onyx and Weiss watched from the second floor, "I'm glad they got together," Onyx smiled.
"Same. And I'm glad you offered to bring me. Honestly… with the attempts by Jaune and Neptune trying his luck, I was stuck between two flirts, but at least there's a man cut from similar cloth able to accept me for who I am," Weiss sighed.
"Well, what can I say? Maybe I'm falling for that chilling personality of yours," Onyx shrugged.
"I'm not that bad," Weiss tapped his arm. The heiress then paused. "Am I?"
"You could stand to loosen up a bit. You're too quick to resort to disappointment," Onyx advised her.
Weiss sighed. "That's just part of being a Schnee I guess," She shrugged. "I'm trying to be more accepting of those around me, but because of my father being who he is and my mother being… quite the drinker… the only role model I have to look up at home is Winter, my sister."
"That's why you came to Beacon instead of Atlas. You didn't want the constant threat of your father's expectations and your sister's accomplishments to weigh you down," Onyx realised.
"Correct. This is the only place where I can be me," Weiss sighed.
"Well, I personally am a big fan of the you that is here, and not stuck in Atlas under the watch of Mr Schnee and General Ironwood," Onyx smiled. His mind thought of a Weiss Schnee dressed in a formal elite uniform of the Atlas military. No thank you.
He held a hand out for Weiss, "Now… how'd you like to dance?" He offered. She nodded, and he guided her down to the floor where they followed in with Koa and Jasmine.
Lilo took a sip of her punch, "Well. Glad to see the rest of the team are all so happy," She smiled.
"What about you?" She turned, seeing Grey walk towards her, dressed in his usual attire, but a button-up shirt was underneath his coat. "Are you happy?" He asked.
"Well… I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a special someone like them, but… I dunno," Lilo shook her head. "I admit, I'm quite the handful. Whoever wants me will have their work cut out just trying to keep up."
"Yeah, even as a kid, you were hard to control. Bathtime was a nightmare just trying to keep you in the tub," Grey laughed.
"Shuddup!" Lilo pouted, elbowing him in the ribs, which didn't even faze him.
"Pardon the intrusion," The two wolf faunus turned to see a pink haired wolf faunus, her hair tied into a neat bun. She was wearing a strapless pink dress which went to her ankles, the side cut open to help mobility.
"Can we help you?" Asked Lilo.
"My buddy here's a little shy, I've noticed him staring at you all night. Mind giving him a dance?" She asked. Behind her was a bird faunus, judging by the green wings that matched his combed hair, said wings were on his back, poking from a custom dark green suit that let them breathe. "Oh, where are my manners. I'm Rosa Lobo, a member of Team BRNT (Burnt). This is my teammate and quite the loner," The wolf girl said.
"Vihreä Taivas," The avian faunus bowed his head.
"Now hang on. What makes you think Lilo will accept?" Asked Grey.
"Sure. Come on Flyboy, let's see what you can do on the dance floor," She smirked, then paused, hearing endless laughter come from below. Looking down, she saw why.
"Hold on… Big Deal?! What are you wearing?!" She asked. Jaune Arc was wearing a strapless white dress and his sneakers.
"An Arc never goes back on his word!" Jaune's answer came back. He and the rest of Team JNPR then took the dance floor by storm, performing a perfect synchronised dance for the track Lilo recognised as 'Shine'.
"Alright Vihreä, let's go!" She smirked, taking the hand of the avian faunus, pulling him down to the dance. "Can you quickstep? It's the only dance I can do," She asked.
"Well… I suppose I can give it a shot. Try to keep up," Vihreä gave a calm smirk, before the two began to quickstep together, dancing as one.
On the second floor, Grey smiled. "You need this Lilo. Just as much as your team does."
"I agree. Attraction and love are two powerful emotions," Ozpin said, approaching the elder Fuchsia sibling. "For a lot of individuals, they need a significant other to help guide them through life. If fortune favours them, they can spend their entire life never fearing solitude and a feeling of emptiness."
"Still speaking in riddles as always eh? Never change Oz. Hmm? Looks like James has decided to step out," Grey said, noting the general walking outside.
"Hmm… apparently, so did Miss Rose…" Ozpin observed.
Koa glanced over Jasmine's shoulder to see Lilo dancing with an unfamiliar winged individual. "Looks like Lilo did score some points in the end after all," He noted, the two spun around so Jasmine could see.
"He looks edgy," Jasmine gave a small giggle. "Didn't know that…" She cleared her throat. "… Was her type."
The music eventually came to an end. Koa headed for the punch bowl, looking to cool off after back-to-back dances. Jaune came over shortly after. "Care to explain the sudden need to cross-dress?" Koa asked.
"I made a promise that if Pyrrha didn't come to the dance with a guy, I'd wear one," Jaune shrugged.
"Wait… you mean you didn't ask her?" Koa asked.
"Me? What made you think that?" Jaune scratched his head.
Koa turned to face the knight. "Dude… you have got to be one of the most oblivious people I've ever met," He sighed. "Come with me."
He led Jaune out onto the balcony, which was empty. Jaune went to the stone guardrail while Koa leaned against one of the stone pillars in the wall. "So… Jaune. What do you think of Pyrrha Nikos?" He asked.
"I think she's an amazing fighter and a strong role model, and a great teacher as well," Jaune said.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't you have next to no clue who she was when you met?" Koa asked.
Jaune shook his head. "It only clicked when Weiss told me she was on my favourite cereal box," He admitted.
"Wow. I see… that's what this is about. Pyrrha admires you because of the fact you don't treat her like a celebrity," Koa said.
"Really? I'm not all that special though," Jaune rubbed his neck.
"For Oum's sake Jaune. You only recognised her because she's the poster girl on a cereal box! She was thrilled that someone treated her like a human, and not like a deity," Koa sighed.
"Oh. Ooh… darn. She's been hinting this all week. I'm such an idiot. You're right. And I wasn't entirely honest with you. Not only is she a great fighter and an ideal teacher. She's also a beautiful friend. I'll fix this. You go back and enjoy your evening," Jaune groaned.
"You'd better. She'll give up if you leave her hanging," Koa said. "Honestly, I keep looking at you two and wonder 'Are they dating yet?'. It's getting almost unbearable to watch man. Have a nice heart to heart, apologise, then make it up to her. I'll even provide some music."
When he got back inside, he spotted Weiss and his team all sat down. "You've done a good job putting this together Weiss. You and Yang really made tonight special for a lot of people."
"Thank you. We've done our best. I hope this leaves a good impression with the other schools, and that hopefully the next school to host the Vytal Festival works hard to try to top this," Weiss smiled.
"Well, they'll need some proper fireworks to top tonight," Lilo grinned.
"Yo Lilo, what's the story with you and that Eagle Faunus?" Koa asked her.
"Oh that? He's from Vacuo. Cool guy. His teammate, a girl called Rosa, who's like me, a wolf faunus, suggested he come to me, after he couldn't stop staring at me. Dunno why. I'm no-one special," Lilo shrugged. "Speak of the devil…"
Koa looked in the direction of her gaze, as a girl with pink hair in a pink dress approached. "How'd it go? Vihreä won't say anything," She asked.
"He's a cool guy. Tell you what… give me your scroll," Lilo said. Rosa handed it over, and Lilo typed something in. "Here. That's my scroll number. Tell him to give me a call if we're not in class, I'll take him on a trip around Vale."
Rosa giggled. "Can't wait to see his reaction. I'll send you a photo if I can," She smirked.
"Awesome. Alright pinky, if I don't see you around, I will at the Vytal Tournament. Bring your a-game. You'll need it," Lilo grinned back.
"What just happened?" Onyx asked.
"I think Lilo just offered a date to her new friend," Koa smirked. "Good on you Lilo," He pat her on the shoulder.
"Hmm, I hope you know what you're doing," Weiss warned her. "Long distance relationships can be quite strained. My sister tried having one once, didn't go well."
"I think Lilo'll make it work," Jasmine smiled.
Play: I Like You, I Love You – Kagamine Rin
Suddenly, music picked up again as the next song played. "Ooh! It's the song I asked to go on the playlist!" Koa perked up. He took Jasmine's hand. "One more dance?" He asked.
"Ok, then I'm ready to turn in," Jasmine said, clearing her throat. The two took to the stage, dancing together as the lyrics began to play. They were soft, a girl being unsure how to be in a relationship. "…Koa…" She mumbled, realising this was how he felt.
Jasmine smiled, looking back on their story together.
Flashback (Keep the music)
One day, Melodious Village was thriving with sun shining down. It was almost perfect. A three-year-old Jasmine skipped through the park, her dad watching her from afar as she ran around all carefree. Then she spotted something twirling around, and she hopped aside as it passed, heading back around to a boy with dark blue hair standing by himself, catching the object as it returned to him.
"That thing looks like fun. Can I play?" She asked.
"H-huh?" The boy asked, clearly not expecting it.
"Can I have a go?" She asked.
"S-sure?" The boy clearly was nervous. "Here. Take the boomerang and throw it, like this." He showed her a throw, the boomerang twirling around them, before returning to the boy's hand.
"My turn!" Jasmine giggled, taking the strange object and throwing it like the boy showed her. It flew through the air, circling around before returning towards her.
"I got it!" The boy caught it before it could hurt her. "No-one's ever come to play with me before. Usually I just stay here, throwing my boomerang," He said, giving it back. She threw it again.
"Do… do you not have any friends?" Jasmine asked. "Then I'll be your friend! Why don't you come have dinner with us tonight?" She asked.
"Uuuhhhh… sure… oh! My name's Koa Maru," He said, catching the boomerang again.
"I'm Jasmine Diali. Is your mama or papa here?" She asked.
"My mom's watching me. She's a huntress you know?" Koa smiled.
"I've got two in my home. My big brother and big sister, Garnet and Sky," Jasmine smiled back.
The two just continued playing together, soon throwing the boomerang to each other, catching and throwing it back. And Koa came to enjoy a pot roast that Mrs Diali called her 'guest dish'.
Flash-forward
"Hey Jasmine, look! I unlocked my semblance!" Koa called, meeting Jasmine as usual under their tree in the corner of the park. He focused, a blue barrier flickering to life on his hand. "I can't do a lot with it, but it might be useful!"
"Wow…" Jasmine grinned. "It's pretty. Like light that's hard."
"Light that's hardened… Hardlight," Koa smiled. "Thanks. You've helped me figure out a name for my power." He pat her head, right behind her ears.
"Hey! You know that tickles!" Jasmine pouted.
"Yeah well I always get your tickle attacks!" Koa pointed out.
The two laughed, as Koa brought out a softball, "I want you to help me learn to control this thing." He said, passing it to her. "Throw it at me. I'll try blocking it."
"You asked for it!" Jasmine grinned impishly, throwing the ball.
Flashback end
Jasmine smiled. Koa had tried to always be there. She did the same. Even while she was imprisoned, she thought of Koa, of Melodious, of the memory of her family. It helped her stay strong until Blake saved her one day.
"Koa?" She asked. He looked down. "I love you."
"I know. I love you too," Koa smiled warmly.
As the song came to its end, Koa scooped up his date. "Come on little fox. Let's get you to bed," He said, putting her into a bridal carry, minding her dress and tails.
"Way to sweep her off her feet!" He heard a male student whistle.
"Why aren't you that caring?" Asked a female student, clearly to her own date.
"Congrats guys!" Yang called out, as Koa gently carried Jasmine out of the main hall and back to the dorm room, the girl drifting off in his arms.
Not long later, Lilo creaked open the door to find Jasmine and Koa curled up together, Koa having an arm around his girlfriend.
Onyx joined her a second later. Lilo snapped a quick picture with her scroll, before grabbing her night clothes, heading for the bathroom.
Gotta admit, those two are cute as hell together, She thought. Nice song Koa. Hope you treat her right.
Koa: So love is in the air!
Onyx: All four of us found someone.
Lilo: Hope that birdy's got some skills to back up the edge he's carrying.
Jasmine: And Jaune's got time to try and fix things with Pyrrha. *Cough* Nice!
All: Next time: Our Second Mission!