A Cosmic Journey
A/N: Happy Monday and MLK Jr. Day to all my readers! Being back on some form of schedule seems to have helped with getting the writing out, so thankfully this chapter's got a bit more to it as well. Thanks to all my readers as well for hanging in there. I might be making the chapters a bit longer still, but the days of enormous chunks may be over for now, or at least until the narrative of canon flows with such a plot style. Also of note, for those readers who might be a fan of his work, the last chapter of Coeur Al'Aran's Forged Destiny fanfic is out. It's a pretty impressive work, along with a few of his other fics, and I look forward to reading whatever new work I'll be sharing Monday releases with next! Now for reviews.
R26: Thanks for the compliments on my planning, it's definitely something I wanted to maintain in the fic as a realistic, actions-have-consequences type narrative. In terms of the Torchwick/Neo fight and its result, I am of the party that believes that Roman is a very calculating type of criminal, despite seeming to love performing his own heists. As one who calculates the risks and likelihood of things, sticking around to fight a potentially prolonged battle against two unknowns after the cops have already been called doesn't seem to be worth it, especially after all the hired help was easily wiped, cutting the overall amount of dust stolen. As for Kouzai and his skillset, he's definitely learned his lesson about keeping his eyes closed for so long, and was using his eyesight and Chronometry to hold off Neo, instead of operating off Aura vision. His Aura vision is certainly more developed than those of average students, but isn't to the point where he can identify a person based off Aura alone, and instead acts as more of a marker for those that he already knows. Thanks again for the read, and I look forward to your stuff as well.
AlexFalTon: Yup, it was a natural conclusion for Neo to show up as backup instead of Cinder during that fight, given the characterization and progression of her character since her introduction. And a Ruby/Kouzai meeting again? Well, you have spoken.
Raidentensho: Again with the interesting elements that I hadn't necessarily considered yet, good on you. I'm not sure of what Kouzai's theme would be, but I'll keep that in mind. I'm not quite sure if I'll be adding music inserts into the chapters, but it's something to consider.
Gizmo Gear: Good to see you back. And Kouzai thinks he has his hands full right now, but just wait.
PyromaniacRabbit: I meant to write Kouzai's feelings as more of caution of the impending interactions with likely dozens of butterfly-inducing characters on a daily basis, instead of the usual two that he's used to. For a prepare-and-plan type like him, the pressure's definitely making itself known. And I can say at the current moment that Kouzai likely does not have the requisite preferences to throw his life into the potential minefield that is a relationship with Neopolitan.
HoldMyFOOF: Overkill is a very attractive option in a fight to someone like Kouzai, but we'll have to see what he comes up with in response to Corona's very painful recoil. I am quite impressed by your idea for Gravity Dust and on the technique's name though, so kudos to you for that and I hope you don't mind me using CME's if it comes up again.
Chapter 19: Your Best Foot Forward
Chapter Date: 01/20/2020
"This…IS…AMAZING!"
"Nora, please keep your voice down. We're not the only ones on this airship, and I can say with certainty that your eardrum-rupturing decibel of loudness takes some getting used to."
"Weeellll, what does my wonderful Ren think?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…I don't see an issue with her current sound level." Ren looked away pointedly with a blush as Nora gleefully wrapped her arms around him, the girl seemingly oblivious to the dual meaning of his statement.
I didn't miss it though, and rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever you say, Mr. Avatar of patience." I took a moment to glance out the window at the view of Vale from below, managing to catch a glimpse of where Ruby and I had encountered Torchwick and Neo a week prior.
'Neo showing up isn't a big deal, considering the show hadn't created her till Volume 2 anyway. It's the absence of Cinder that's got me uneasy, though. What's she up to now that her ambush was foiled?' My musings were interrupted as the window view was replaced by news reports detailing Torchwick's escape after last week's robbery, before switching segments.
"In other news, this Saturday's Faunus Civil Rights Protest turned bizarrely dark when members of the White Fang clashed with the recently-formed organization-"
"Aren't you glad you weren't around for any of this hubbub?" Nora questioned, slinging an arm over my shoulders. Given the height disparity, I was summarily dragged down as my knees buckled a little. "Just imagine if you'd gotten caught up in fighting a criminal like Torchwick, or facing off with the White Fang again…ha ha, crazy…"
'Holy Dust, her instincts are sharp…' My knees trembled a little as I glanced sideways at a closely-watching Ren, identical to an indifferent Ren in every physical way. "Yup, crazy. Good thing I was working on getting my eyesight back in shape, and spending all of Saturday with you guys…"
… … …
'Gotta say, still pretty impressive the second time around…' I gazed upon Beacon Academy, with all of its needlessly-extravagant marble pillars and mile-long walkway. 'Speaking of which, how on Remnant did Ruby and Jaune get lost in canon if the front door to the academy is a straight shot down a cobblestone path? And speaking of that, where are Ruby and Jaune? Were we on different airships? Probably, now that I think about it.'
"Oh no…" I froze as Nora of all people uttered those words, glancing at Ren to see him similarly resigned.
"Guys!" A moment later, and the three of us were enclosed in an embrace so tight that I had to make sure Nora wasn't the one giving it. Sure enough, she was thrashing around next to me, though with a little less wheezing than Ren and I. But it was the face of our impromptu attacker that had me losing my breath.
Blond hair still just as vibrant as when I'd seen him last, though cut shorter and neater than during his introduction in canon. Clear blue eyes still transparently earnest, with a glint of sharpness that foretold the quick mind beneath. Sturdy, high-quality bracers and plates shone brightly in the morning sun, and corded muscles filled out every inch of his frame and chased away any description of 'scraggly' or 'noodle.' But above all, one feature of his appearance stood out to me and forced me to comment.
"Really? After all this time, after all your training, you're still wearing jeans?"
Jaune chortled, and released us from his bear hug, shrugging off threats from Nora of 'hugging trademark violations'. "It's good to see you again, Kouzai. As for my appearance, I thought it'd suit my appearance better as a more down-to-earth sort of huntsman. My better half agrees at least."
"Hello again!" From behind the now-massive frame of Jaune came the stunning sight of Pyrrha. Still the picture of a huntress, in both extravagance and deadliness, save for the leather pauldrons adorning her shoulder and unassuming bracelet on her wrist.
"PYRRHA!" The missile known as Nora Valkyrie tackled the Invincible Girl, who merely giggled and swung Nora around to bleed off the momentum. Meanwhile, Jaune and Ren smiled and nodded at each other, before turning to watch the female half of JNPR as Nora continued babbling. "Those pauldrons look great on you! And the bracelet really adds a cute touch, what's it for?"
Pyrrha's cheeked tinged pink a little. "Well, after a suggestion from Jaune, I realized that it would be beneficial to have some protection against opponents whom I would be grappling or using such moves like tackling or hard falls. As for the bracelet, it was a gift from Jaune, one that I wear proudly."
'Seem's like she's not the only one,' I noted, eyeing the red sash across Jaune's waist that in canon signified a very different remembrance of Pyrrha. Here, now though, it was thankfully a gift. 'And trust Jaune to come up with ways to fix some of the only holes Pyrrha had left in her fighting style. Even after having watched some of her fights, I'm not sure I would've-"
"YOU!" Four heads whipped around at the outburst as I sighed, recognizing the voice instantly before slowly turning to see a near-steaming Yang marching down the path towards us, an apprehensive and timid Ruby trailing behind and fruitlessly trying to talk Yang down. At her word, three members of JNPR looked around to see whom she was addressing, while one Nora gasped and pointed at herself.
"I'm talking to the creepy edgelord!" Nora couldn't help but start giggling at my description, and I looked down at my dark ensemble before shrugging.
"Hello again, Yang. I suppose the shoe might fit in this case, though I'd caution against thinking that edgelords corner the market on wearing all black. Now, is there something I can help you with? I don't believe we've seen each other since you decked me a week or two back, and I certainly haven't done anything to you since then." At my words, Yang's eyes flared red, and Ruby squeaked as she actively began trying to drag Yang backwards, to no avail.
"Didn't do anything to me? When something involves my sister, it sure as hell involves me!" Yang raged, now on the warpath. "She told me all about what happened last week. About the robbery, about Torchwick and that other girl, and about a suspicious and rude guy in black with shades who looks and sounds exactly like you! So-"
"So I might've had a small part to play in the proceedings," I hurriedly cut Yang off and stepped forward, very mindful of the presence and attentive ears of JNPR behind me. "What matters is that your sister is safe and sound, and apparently here at Beacon by the looks of it. But if you've got a problem with how I handled things, you can take your complimentary punch and continue on."
"Oh, trust me, I don't need your permission to sock you," Yang growled, deploying Ember Celica as Ruby and I paled, both of us very aware of the force of a punch aided by that weapon. Before Yang could stalk forward into range however, there was a flurry of movement as JNPR came to stand in front of me.
"I would suggest moving on without a fuss, considering the multitude of cameras set up by the school and numerous eyes watching," Ren noted casually, though with fingers against the handles of Stormflower.
"After all, it'd probably suck if your status in Beacon becomes questionable for causing a fight before the initiation even starts," Jaune added, hands on his hips with one on Crocea Mors.
"Not to mention, it would be unfortunate if you were to strike our friend, as we would have to respond in kind," Pyrrha stated, hands in front without even drifting towards a weapon. Nora, on the other hand…
THUNK
Magnhild's head hit the ground as Nora leaned against it. "Yup, hurting one of our friends is a one-or-two leg offense, depending on the severity of the hit. Even if Kouzai can be a bit shady."
"Hey…" My protest was stifled as JNPR, Yang and even Ruby looked dryly at me. "Fine, fair…"
Thankfully, mercifully, Yang stepped back and retracted her gauntlets, though her eyes remained red. "Fine. You got lucky, Kouzai. But leave my sister in jeopardy again, and not even the Invincible Girl and your band of friends will stop me. C'mon, Ruby. We should head over to the auditorium."
"Wha-oh, okay…" Slowly being dragged by Yang, a regretful Ruby looked at JNPR and at me as they passed. "Sorry that you were almost punched, again, but you were kinda rude last week and I did endupgettingtakentoapolicestationandquestionedsonotsorrymaybe…"
Ruby's motormouth speech drifted away as she and Yang grew distant, leaving nothing to distract four sets of eyes from turning to me.
"Qrow, your nieces are not making this easy for me…" I muttered, momentarily focusing on Luna. 'Ok, so I haven't done myself many favors in terms of Ruby and Yang. Ruby because I wanted to avoid getting questioned by Ozpin and Goodwitch, and Yang because of knowing about Raven and ditching Ruby. Both understandable, and yet both have landed me in two separate doghouses.'
Ren, with his particularly sharp senses, happened to catch my mutterings, however. "Did you mean that those two are Qrow Branwen's nieces? The ones you were told to look after?" The rest of JNPR looked at the fading figures.
"I'm not sure if 'Blonde and Busty' is someone that I'd wanna be friends with, even if her sister is adorable," Nora growled, and horrifyingly, the rest of JNPR seemed to agree.
'No no no, this is not what needs to happen! I didn't think that first impressions would have that much of an impact! I can't have RWBY and JNPR hating each other! Remnant can't have them hating each other, or the show might explode! Ok quick, I can turn this around. If I can get the other half of RWBY to be friendly, make nice with Ruby, and settle things with Yang-"
"Excuse me, could you all make way for others to pass? And did you just mention Qrow Branwen?"
'Not again…' With a hand on my face, I pivoted once again to face the speaker.
A pale white dress and matching bolero jacket framed a figure nearly as short as Nora, even in heels, with red on the jacket's inside adding a touch of color. Silver accessories were aplenty, with earrings, an apple pendant, a tiara and decorations atop her also-white boots. Sharpness defined her, with Myrtenaster hanging by the hands on her hips, as ice-blue irises had their symmetry offset by a thin scar at on eye, and an off-center ponytail. An irate Weiss Schnee glared at our group as an aide silently pushed a trolley of briefcases past us on the walkway.
An insistent slap on my back propelled my back to the front of the group, and I glared at a mischievous Nora before turning back to an impatient heiress.
"Well, my friends and I kinda helped him out about a year or so back, and I ended up giving him a bit of advice." I was sparse on the details, as I was aware of how Schnees, Winter in particular, viewed the alcoholic huntsman.
"A year ago…? You mean to tell me that you helped that ruffian trick my sister into a relationship with him?!"
…And cue my chucking out my thoughts before her statement.
My jaw dropped, and I turned back to Nora and Ren, who were just as utterly perplexed as me.
"I uh, huh whatnow?" I gaped, flummoxed by the information that'd hit with the force of a train. 'Winter and Qrow? WHEN did that happen?!'
"You are, aren't you? You're the reason that charlatan has swindled his way into my sister's good graces, and why she's changed!"
"No hold on, I have no idea-"
"I want nothing to do with people like you!" Without another word, Weiss turned and strutted away, leaving JNPR and I speechless and still as stones on the path.
Jaune, of all people, was the first to regain speech capabilities, narrowing his eyes. "I definitely don't like her. She's pretentious enough to be an Ice Queen."
'WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW! Nora dislikes Yang, Jaune dislikes Weiss?! I need time to process!' Thankfully, the rest had recovered and shepherded me down the path towards the auditorium.
'At least Blake wasn't a part of that clusterfuck. An angry Weiss plus Blake plus apparently me would've been disastrous…'
… … …
Amber eyes remained focused on the group of five as they travelled down the walkway, heedless of the attention garnered off by the trees.
So the Specter, this Kouzai, had friends. After watching their interactions amongst one another, and with the pair of sisters and the Schnee, she recognized the mannerisms and voices of the other Mistralian boy and short redhead as the other two robed figures who had been present back in Kuchinashi. The blond boy was still a mystery, but Pyrrha Nikos was instantly recognizable.
So the Specter had clearly made friends, and some enemies as well. The Schnee heiress was a bit pompous for her liking, but anyone courageous enough to give one like Kouzai Higure a telling off was perhaps worth a second chance. And the seeming sisters who had spoken to the group as well were also promising, with the earnest black-haired girl piquing her curiosity. The temperamental blonde was also interesting, but if her conversation was any indication, very loud and very showy.
Still, there was useful information gathered from watching the Specter. Though they might both be at Beacon now, that did not make them allies, and she would be sure to watch him. Should his activities be aimed against the Faunus, she wouldn't hesitate to take action against him.
Pacing away from the trees towards the academy, she herself was oblivious to the bluish-grey eyes that were nigh-invisible against the backdrop of another tree.
… … …
'Ok, let's take a tally here. Ruby and Weiss haven't met yet, check. Ruby and Jaune haven't bonded, check. Ruby hasn't met Blake yet, check. All of RWBY hates me meaning all of JNPR hates them…check. WHAT THE HELL?!' My inner rant was silent, though not unnoticed as JNPR consoled me, likely thinking that I was despondent over having been rejected by three girls at once. All consolations ceased however as the microphone switched on.
"Ahem…I'll keep this brief." I turned to see Ozpin standing onstage as Goodwitch stood by his side, their combined gazes enough to fell any conversation and draw every eye. "You have travelled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look among you and all I see is wasted energy…"
I froze as brown eyes locked with my own, and I could tell he was looking at me.
"In need of purpose, direction. You assume that knowledge with free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." Ozpin stepped back and Glynda began explaining the details of events before tomorrow, letting me exhale a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.
"Did that speech, seem kind of off to anyone?" Jaune questioned, looking at the rest of us.
"Indeed. His mind seemed to be elsewhere, on other matters perhaps," Ren replied. Nora zipped to his side.
"OOOH, maybe he's actually planning his next move against the immortal forces of evil, or his soul was replaced!"
"HGK!"
"Kouzai, are you alright?"
"Fine, just…need some water, probably…"
… … …
"KOUZAI! Why didn't you tell us you knew Pyrrha Nikos?"
"But I did…"
"Oh sweet! I'm hanging this autograph in my room. Screw Junior and the boys, no one's getting this!"
"Ladies, perhaps you might wanna tone down the fangirling when the object of your interest is still here." I grinned as Miltia, Melanie and Pyrrha all blushed, much to the pleasure of Jaune, Nora, Ren and I.
Monopolizing a section of the auditorium by the pillars, I enjoyed both the screen of friends that shielded me from yet-unknown eyes, as well as the placement of our sleeping bags that let me keep an eye on Blake reading in her yukata. And it was from there that a most puzzling phenomenon was taking place.
Blake was talking. Voluntarily. With Ruby, and Yang, and Weiss who had walked over. Weiss, on her part, wasn't blowing up at the rest of them, and Yang wasn't blowing off Weiss and Blake.
In short, team RWBY seemed to be getting along with one another before the initiation.
'Whaaaat the what? Okay, that's it, I need some time to consult my journals here and figure out what the flip is going on.' I began making my way towards one of the exits, before realizing that Ozpin likely had every square inch of Beacon save for private spaces under surveillance. 'Nevermind.'
"Aaaaaalllright, it's time to start the all-night awesomest stories competition!" Nora called, drawing the attention of the other five.
"Nora, we should probably rest soon if we wish to be performing optimally tomorrow," Pyrrha gently reminded her fellow red-haired friend, to no avail.
"NEVER! I've got tons of friends now, and we're going to have tons of fun till the sun comes up!"
"Nora, no…"
"NORA, YES!"
… … …
"Ugh, the nerve of those louts! If you're going to be engaging in conversation while others may be trying to sleep, do it quietly!" Weiss hissed out the last word, ironically reminding Blake of a cat, before turning back to the rest of them. "As I was saying, I am impressed that Headmaster Ozpin considered you skilled enough to enter Beacon, despite being two year younger than the average applicant."
"Ehehe, thanks, but I've still got a lot to learn before I'm really caught up." Ruby blushed through the praise before facing Blake. "So Blake, you mentioned you brought a lot of books with you here to Beacon? If we both make it through initiation tomorrow, I'd be interested in any suggestions you have."
"Of course. I'd be happy to lend you some of my books, but just make sure that your sister doesn't get their hands on them, or they might end up being used as furniture support," Blake teased with a look over to Yang.
"Excuse you, dark, slim and leggy." Blake choked momentarily at Yang's description. "I'll have you know that I am a learned woman of great culture."
"Oh really?" Weiss questioned, glancing skeptically at Yang. "Name me one of the great classical composers from before the Great War."
"Uhhh…who needs them, when you've got the Achieve Men!" Yang pumped her fist in the air as Ruby and Weiss groaned.
"Those flamboyant rock artists? That's what you consider as quality music?"
"I'm slightly lost here. Who are the Achieve Men?"
"BLAKE NO!"
"BLAKE YES! Let me tell you all about them!"
… … …
"Wow, you'd think that a prissy and proper heiress would do a little more to keep the conversation volume down. Goes to show that money doesn't necessarily buy you class." Melanie tossed her hair behind her.
"I'm up next in the story competition then?" Miltia questioned. "Alright, lemme tell you about the time that Mel and I were challenged by a group of frat boys to a drink-off, then beat their asses singlehandedly after they got pissy!"
'Pot, meet kettle. Or rather, finalized version, meet concept art. I can really see the Weiss in Melanie here. Though Gods help us if Ruby had turned out like Miltia.' I shuddered. 'Still, I can put off looking over the notes for one night. So long as all the pairs and teams end up the way they should be, everything should be fine.
… … …
… … …
"All the potential students appear to be settling down for the night," Glynda commented, looking away from her tablet towards Ozpin.
"Excellent work as always, Glynda. And what of our special mentions?"
"They appear to have mostly congregated into two separate groups. Miss Rose, Miss Xiao Long, Miss Schnee and Miss Belladona are at one end, and appear to be getting along with one another despite the obvious potential issues and having only met today."
"Interesting…I shall review the footage before tomorrow. And our other group?"
"Mr. Arc, Ms. Valkyrie, Ms. Nikos, Mr. Lie, Ms. Malachite and Ms. Malachite, and Mr. Higure are engaging in what appears to be a competition of…exaggerated tales? They all seem to be quite comfortable with each other, and most have extensive history interacting as a group."
"As expected. Now, for our feathered friend's benefit, how did Ms. Rose and Ms. Xiao Long fare over the course of the day?"
"Both appeared quite inseparable from the other, and apart from the current conversation, had no notable interactions save for one encounter with Mr. Higure and his friends. Ms. Xiao Long appeared to be furious with the boy for his actions the night of Roman Torchwick's robbery, as well as some sort of interaction in a club."
There was the sound of a short gulp from a bottle, before Qrow's face appeared over the scroll call. "Well, the kid gets points for looking after Ruby and Yang, but negative points for being abysmal on stealth and subtlety. Overall though, glad to see he's following my request to the letter so far."
"As we all are, old friend. Now, have you found any leads as to the identity of the Specter from his movements in Mistral?"
"Nothing yet. I've been starting off with his most recent missions in Anima since they're freshest, but I'll check in if I've found anything. How're things going with Amber?"
"Ms. Autumn's performance has stabilized, and she appears to have no problems with her prosthetics. Consequently, we will be having her begin her new task at the earliest."
"Good. More than likely, she's probably going a little stir-crazy after all the rehab and from being cooped up. I'll be signing off now, but give Amber my regards." Qrow ended the call and Ozpin turned to look at Glynda, who rolled her eyes and caused him to chuckle.
"Yes, perhaps she is a tad energetic…"
… … …
"AAAAAAHHH! GHHH…"
"Well, Cinder? How does it feel?"
"It's…an emptiness…GHK…it burns, like hunger…"
"Goood…and what do you think of that?"
"…I like it…"
A/N: There we go, two episodes down instead of one. I'm planning on finishing the events of Volume 1 around the end of April. Since some of the Volume can be covered quite quickly, this allows for some slower pacing and fluff, along with development, to occur. In addition, as noted above, I'll likely be bringing the length of the chapters back to a more stable amount.
Sooo, yeah. Turns out, for all the right reasons, some of which he wasn't even aware of, his relationship with Team RWBY is on the rocks before it even starts. As for what this means for things between RWBY and JNPR, we'll have to see. Thanks again, and see everyone next week!
-SE
Next Chapter Date: 01/27/2020