A Cosmic Journey

A/N: Happy Tuesday to all, and hope people are safely enjoying the decent weather after the near-full week of storms hitting the coast. On the bright side, there's a fresh grouping of them coming again this weekend. I'm aware that it's a bit of a late update, but I've been out of the house most of the day on account of maintenance issues which hopefully won't be a recurring issue.

Chapter 41: Built in A Day

Chapter Date: 07/14/20

The practice arena was in a hushed uproar.

To be fair, the response was entirely expected and warranted, considering that they'd just managed to take down one of the top first-year teams without being entirely ranked within the top ten like JNPR. Still though, the surprised whispers coming from many of the underclassmen and some of the upperclassmen were a tad grating to listen to. And thanks to my time spent going without eyesight, I could hear most of what was being discussed amongst the student.

With their Faunus senses, I bet Ilia and Blake could hear nearly all of it.

Speaking of which, my partner was, like me, now getting to her feet trying to blink away the spots in our vision from Yang's impromptu flashbang. I had a feeling it was far more headache-inducing for Ilia than it was for me though.

"Everyone alright?" I called out, getting three weary thumbs up in response. I focused my attention on Melanie, having caught the very end of the spar where she'd slipped past Yang to deal the final blow without her eyes being open. 'To think that some of the lessons would start sinking in now…guess she is the type to learn under pressure. Having Ilia and Miltia gain the skill as well would be ideal, but for now having Melanie brush up on it will help. Now how-'

A soft impact on my shoulder interrupted my train of thought, and a sideways glance showed my fellow silver-eyed leader giving me one hell of a pout at the moment.

"Kooooouuuuzaiiiii…" Ruby looked like I'd just announced that cookies had gone extinct. I hardened my face to desperately avoid breaking out in a smile that would get me summarily beaten from the cuteness.

"I'm sorry Ruby, but that's the reality of things. Your is definitely fast, and strong, and versatile, but you all have your weaknesses, ones that people far less scrupulous than me will ruthlessly capitalize on. If beating you now helps you all become better huntresses later, than I'll do it as many times as it takes." After all, the more prepared everyone was else was in the event of an emergency or something similar, the better off the general odds would be, something sorely needed.

Ruby uncharacteristically grunted and crossed her arms, before her gaze slowly trailed back up to me. "…You still didn't have to be so mean about it though."

At this, I couldn't stop a few chuckles from coming out, and Ruby's adorable glare sharpened as I caught my breath. "Well, before administering judgement on me, would you like to come with me to check on your teammates? I feel as though some apologies may be in order, and in my unbiased opinion, my chances of getting whomped by Yang drastically decrease if you're around."

"Fine. Don't think you're off the hook just yet though."

"As someone on the losing side of the bet, those are quite ironic words."

A quick walk over to Weiss confirmed that the fencer was still conscious and cognizant, though looking extremely disgruntled. I looked down at one scarred, pale blue eye as Weiss was pulled by Ruby to her feet.

"The whole strategy was put together by you, was it not?" I nodded. "Hmph. To so thoroughly dismantle my fighting style with such tactics like smokescreens, Dust combinations and superior partnership? To say that I feel shamed for having my skills and temperament be so dissected would be an understatement…but I can also attest that if my sister would present, she would likely have taken notes on how smoothly your plan was executed."

"Oh, don't worry about that, Weissy." Our heads turned to see that Qrow and Tai were making their way towards the arena, with Goodwitch already going to work on making any repairs. In particular, Qrow was gleefully holding up his scroll, the screen clearly showing a video file on it. "Big sis already has video from the match on her hands. If she's got any comments, you'll be sure to hear about them."

"How utterly tactless of you. Did you not have anything better to do than observe a schooltime spar on behalf of my sister?" Weiss now levelled Qrow with quite the frosty glare, but Qrow just laughed in response.

"Sorry, it's just that your glare is so much less intimidating than Winter's, in a good way of course. As a matter of fact though, I wasn't here on Winter's request, more just to watch and record everything go down. Regardless of who got smacked, I figured I'd have some good material either way." Qrow's flippant look turned over to me. "No offense, Kouzai."

"At this point, I think it'd be weirder if there weren't multitudes of people that wanted to see my ass get handed to me, so you're in the clear." I shook my head as Qrow continued snorting, before turning back to Weiss. "So I take it that a trip to the infirmary won't be needed then?"

"It's almost insulting how you believe I would be in need of medical attention with this much Aura remaining," Weiss replied snippily. "Furthermore, I would suggest that you continue at your currently rate of improvement. The next time that I face you or yours, rest assured that it will not be so simple a matter to take advantage of my…weaknesses."

"Ah yes, improvement out of spite against me. You can join the growing extensive list of people in that club." I grinned despite the not-so-hidden disapproval. Looking around, I caught sight of Ilia approaching, while Blake was already quietly disappearing into the locker rooms. A look between my partner and I helped confirm that yes, Blake was physically alright, and yes, she was more than a little unhappy at having her fixation on the White Fang essentially exploited. Until that bridge came up though… "Come to check up on our resident princess?"

"How original of you," Weiss near-snarled, before turning to Ilia. "Well? If you're here to confirm the veracity of the wager's terms, have no doubt that a Schnee will-"

"I'm just making sure that everyone is alright," Ilia blurted out, causing Weiss' prickly response to trail off. Ilia offered a nod and a small smile towards the heiress. "I was watching some of the other fights while Blake and I were keeping each other at bay. You did well holding Miltia and Melanie off as long as you did, considering their experience together. For a moment I was worried you'd fight your way over to where either Yang or Blake were and screw up the plan."

"Yes, well, despite my showing the results confirm that I require further training to deal with such…unexpected situations." Weiss coughed, then offered a smile back. "Still, it would be remiss of me not to comment on your ability of dueling with Blake on equal footing, even for a short period of time."

Both girls fell silent for a moment, before Ilia's gaze trailed over to me in what I interpreted as a plea to bail her out. I shrugged, then turned towards the last member of team RWBY, still seated on the ground. "Welp, time to face the potentially loud and physically painful music. Would all those present like to proceed in a wall-like fashion over to where the powerhouse is?"

Despite my jest, I still step out in front and approach Yang beside Ruby as the reaper reaches down to lend a hand to her sister. "So Yang, any hard feelings? I wouldn't be hurt if you said yes."

A superhuman physique of muscle rises up to almost exactly my height, and I still hold my breath in anticipation of the mother of all haymakers. Mercifully however, the eyes that open are lilac and not red.

"I'd say it was pretty dirty of you to have your whole team come after me like that, but I suppose it's your way of giving me the proper amount of respect." I made a so-so gesture with my hand. "I am curious though. Save for taking away my vision and making it so that I didn't have anyone to punch, were there any weaknesses I have that you could take advantage of?"

I smirked. "But Yang, if I spill the secret now, how am I supposed to beat you the next time that we fight?"

Yang was silent for a moment, and I thought I messed up, before the brawler threw her head back and roared in laughter, hands clutching her midriff. "Phew…you know, if it wasn't for how shady you can be, I'd almost be sorry that I stayed mad at you for so long."

"I'll take the compliment part of that for what it is," I replied dryly. Glancing over towards the locker rooms, I made a split second decision. "Also, would you girls mind checking up on your stealthier teammate? I think she might have taken the entirety of the match a little worse than some of you."

"Yeah, that'll be a conversation and a half…" Yang ran a hand through golden locks. "I'll handle it. To be clear though, we're not exactly done talking on that particular point."

"I'd be shocked if you were. Now, the faster we clear outta here the sooner Goodwitch can finish fixing the arena. I swear I can feel her eyes in this general direction." Heeding my words, team RWBY made for the locker rooms, leaving me with my teammates, Tai and Qrow.

"So the kids seem to have made their peace with things. How about the dad and uncle now?" I looked over at Qrow and Tai, both of whom looked at each other.

"Not sure why you'd think I have an issue with a fight between brats. Like I said, I had my scroll at the ready so that no matter who got creamed I'd get a laugh out of it." Qrow mused, before his eyes narrowed. "Though, the tactics you pulled off just now were spot-on, eerily so. You that good at reading people?"

"Not quite. In terms of how things went, I knew my team was better suited to elusive tactics to level the playing field. In terms of weaknesses, Ruby's reliance on Crescent Rose is almost legendary, and Ilia and Blake had history that I figured we could use to trip her up. As for Weiss and Yang, that was more a matter of using numbers, which nearly didn't work out." A question of my own came to me. "The way you've been talking makes it seem like you thought the match could go either way. If that's true, how come you didn't warn your nieces if you were coming to watch?"

"Damn, way to put me on the spot. If either of them were still out here, I'd be roasting over a fire." Qrow chuckled. "I figured the match could tip one way or another, depending on what strategies the teams brought. Obviously, yours ended up being a cut above the pipsqueaks this time. As for why I didn't give 'em a heads up, well, what good what it do 'em?"

"What Qrow means to say, is that despite being wonderful and talented huntresses, Ruby and Yang still have so much to learn in order to improve. The same goes for Weiss and Blake. And some of those lessons are better learned through difficult experience." Tai phrased things in a way only a teacher could've. "I'm sure it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Yang was top of her class back at Signal. Ruby too. I won't be so cruel to say that it was all talent, because those girls worked themselves to the bone, but the fact is they have incredible potential. However, when it has nothing to hone that against, that potential might go undiscovered."

"So…you used me so that they would lose in order to make them stronger in the future?" Tai and Qrow winced at the phrasing, but their expressions turned to confusion when I smirked. "Fine by me. I don't know if you've heard, but I've got quite the string of losses against my friends, all racked up so that I could get better bit by bit. As far as I'm concerned, winning by losing is a perfectly viable strategy."

"…Kid, for all that's holy, never get in a prolonged philosophical discussion with Raven." Qrow winced as I raised an eyebrow. "Well, another philosophical discussion. I'm not sure if there needs to be two scary-ass people I know with crazy, yet different views on strength."

"Hey, the longer I'm off of Raven's radar, the longer I get to stay alive," I joked, before pausing as Qrow and Tai fixed me with bemused looks. "What?"

"You're kind of already…why do you think…ugh, forget it. You'll catch on." Qrow shuffled towards the exits. "Tai has some daughters to console, and I've got some pipsqueaks to make fun of, so we'll catch ya later, kid."

As the two walked off, they were replaced by JNPR, CFVY, Vernal and Sun.

"I can't wait to cash in on those favors from the traitors who call themselves my teammates." Sun was rubbing his hands together. "Dude, I think you just made my year."

"Sun, it's not even fall yet."

"I stand by what I said."

"More importantly," Sun was summarily shoved out of the way by Vernal, "Where the hell was that kind of strategy during our spars? Shit, I was getting chills watching it, and I couldn't even see half of it 'cause of the fog!"

I was caught off-guard. "Uhhh, there are four people to a team. Most of this wouldn't have worked if-"

"I'm talking about the systemic countering of their fighting styles! That had to be you, right? You pulled the same crap the first time we fought." Vernal's grin slid off her face, her expression becoming shrewd. "How come that hasn't popped up since?"

"Well, for starters, people have a tendency to get rid of their weaknesses when they've been ruthlessly stomped on. Also, I thought that you'd enjoy more straightforward spars without tricks. That, and it's good to know where I stand in terms of raw combat ability, and you're perfect for that." I stopped as Vernal's face became neutral, which was normally cause for great concern.

"…Nothing, nothing at all damnit." Vernal's smirk returned in full force. "It's good to know that strength recognizes strength then? Using me as a measuring stick, huh? That's a hell of a compliment!"

"That's not remotely what I-"

"But man, I used to think you were a like some sort of unintentional copycat." Coco eyed me over her shades, a wry grin on her face. "Guess the jokes on me now. You can be on sneaky sonofagrimm, can't you?"

"Yup yup, Ren and I here can personally attest to his sneakiness!" I sighed at Nora's proud exclamation. "Though I can't say that Jaune and Pyrrha have much experience with it…"

"That's because the two of them are monsters, Nora," I deadpanned, causing the couple in question to spout denials, to no one's belief. In the meantime, I noticed that Velvet's posture was abnormally tense. "Velvet, something wrong?"

The Faunus turned to look at me, and smiled sweetly. "Why would anything be wrong, Kouzai?"

"…I don't know what I did wrong, but I ask for mercy." I shamelessly tiptoed back. Velvet's response was to giggle.

"Silly Kouzai, everything's fine." Velvet's smile grew. "Though, I might ask for a spar sometime with you. Or maybe our teams could have our own match, right Coco?"

"Mhm, sure, you got it Bunbun!" With her back to Velvet, her teammate couldn't see the sweat that ran down the fashionista's face as she stared at me with a look of pure 'you fucked up.'

"Whoa, if Kouzai's team is having matches with anyone, it should be the only other first-year team left to beat, right?" Nora used Magnhild's extended reach to loop Pyrrha and Jaune in with a resigned Ren.

Pyrrha however looked admittedly thoughtful. "I must profess to being curious about what it would be like for our teams to meet in battle. Given that your team handily overcame team RWBY, comprised of some of the most impressive individuals in our year, one can't help but wonder if the same would happen to us."

'Oh gods, please no!' I chuckled weakly. "Well, any talk of future matches will have to wait, because we need time to recover from this one. I nearly got my arms bashed in from Yang after all, and for those who haven't fought Ruby yet, starting down the barrel or the blade of Crescent Rose is downright terrifying…Coco, you alright?"

As I registered Coco's suddenly dreamy expression, a thought occurred to me. "By the way, Fox, how's your free time looking over the next few weeks?"

'Good? Anything you need?' Fox's response came through with tones of uncertainty. I grinned.

"Just a thought I had. I'm sure from your seats that everyone saw the way the match ended between Yang and Melanie." There were nods all around. "Well, if what I'm assuming is correct, what we saw was Melanie displaying a bit of the ability to use Aura sensing, right?"

"Uhhh, yeah? Where' you going with this, Kouzai?" The kicker's emerald eyes were wary.

"Considering how important of a skill Aura sensing is, I'd like to make sure that Melanie has the opportunity to develop it. The thing is, even after all the time I've spent with her, my lessons haven't really gotten through it seems…" I trailed off for dramatic emphasis, and watched as realization slowly dawned on Coco, Nora and Miltia's faces, along with their respective smirks. "As such, I think it'd be best if someone else takes over for me in teaching Melanie. So how about it, Fox?"

"WHAT?!" Melanie's face was afire, and Miltia let out uninhibited laughter. A glance towards Fox had him looking comparatively poleaxed.

"I think that's a yes, Kouzai. We'll work out the details some other time. You've got some interesting ideas though. If only you weren't so clueless at times…" Coco sighed, then began hauling her catatonic teammate away, Yatsu and Velvet waving.

"Only you, Kouzai…" Ren was shaking his head, and Nora was on her knees with her hands held up like I was some sort of deity, of what I didn't know. Any further comments were stopped as the sound of tapping arrived.

"Apologies to interrupt the pleasantries, but I have been informed by Professor Goodwitch that if we delay the repair of the arena any longer, she will have everyone present personally handle the repairs with glue. Including me." Ozpin delivered the lines cheerfully, before taking a sip of cocoa. "In addition, I would like to borrow Kouzai for a moment."

My paranoia on full alert, I had an idea of what this was about, but needed to cover my bases. "Sure thing. Do I have time to get changed, or…?"

"Of course, though I would advise haste. After all, suppertime approaches and I am ruled by hunger at times like many of you. We may meet in my office." All the students shared a laugh at that, though I had sincere questions about Ozpin's ability and willpower to stave off the need for sustenance. Resolving to put that off till later, I cleaned up and made my way towards the tower before stepping into the elevator.

'Okay, Goodwitch is still at the arena and Qrow should be with Ruby and the others. I saw Ironwood, so this could be an introduction for the good general to observe my talks with Mercury. Still, wouldn't it be better to wait until the gang is all here?'

As the elevator signaled my arrival, I was met by the sight of Ozpin at his desk, along with Ironwood off to the side and Amber seated on one of the couches. However, it was the last occupant that had me drawing a blank.

'What the hell is Penny doing here!' I had to force myself to only glance at the gynoid before focusing on Ozpin.

"Welcome, Mr. Higure. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us so soon after your riveting match earlier." Amusement twinkled behind the wizard's spectacles. "Before we begin, I would like to introduce the newcomers to the Academy. This is James Ironwood, Headmaster of Atlas and a dear friend of mine. With him is one of his students accompanying him for the Vytal Festival, Penny Polendina."

"It is a pleasure to meet you!" Penny jovially exclaimed, and I limply waved in response before being approached by Ironwood with his hand extended. Bracing myself, I shook his hand and tried to keep a straight face when met with bruising metal fingers.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Higure. As I'm sure your time is important, I would like to get straight to the point. I have been informed by Ozpin about the apprehending of a certain assassin, along with your talks with him. I would like if your next talk could possibly have room for another." I looked towards Ozpin for confirmation, but his face was obscured by his mug at the moment.

"I suppose it's a matter of whether Professor Ozpin is willing. Since he seems to be, I guess there aren't any problems if you join me for the next talk." Realistically speaking, having Ironwood along would cause Mercury to clam up like no other but-

"My apologies for not clarifying. The additional person during this meeting will not be me." At my quizzical look, General Ironwood took on a bit of a sheepish look, before his gaze trailed away from me. I followed it to land on…

"I am told that Friend Mercury is currently on the grounds of Beacon Academy! Given the number of days that have passed since I last conversed with him, I would be most appreciative of the opportunity to talk with him!"

"…Say what now?"

A/N: And so things progress towards multiple avenues. Again, apologies for the slightly late update, but sometimes needs must.

HappyHulk: A very happy birthday to you then, and hope that the new chapter added to the enjoyment.

Akurar: As someone who has knowledge of events to come and knows that their continued survival is in jeopardy, Kouzai has spent a lot of time thinking about the ins and outs of the characters and plot. Ideally he'd like to use some of that on his foes, but circumstances haven't exactly been kind to him thus far. However, in an environment of his choosing and with proper preparation, there is a hell of a lot Kouzai can bring to bear, as team RWBY now knows. The aftermath of the spar will definitely have effects for everyone involved.

Netapel: It's a tough act trying to give the myriad cast their deserved development, but some things come in fits and bursts, so hopefully everything gets more rounded out. And Sun with a shirt is probably one of Kouzai's greatest achievements for his time on Remnant.

Blackredray21: Interesting analogy for it, but good to see the prose doesn't get the readers too tripped up.

Raidentensho: I'm aiming to give each of team RWBY their opportunity to reflect on the aftermath, so you're spot-on there. As for Aura sensing, it's definitely a useful skill to have but it takes time and talent to develop, so we'll see how it catches on amongst team KMMI.

AlexFalTon: When it comes to candy, chocolate in particular, I've learned it's best to sometimes steer into the skid and adapt, rather than exert such herculean willpower, haha. In terms of their friendship, I reason that the students of huntsmen academies are more than a little different mentally when compared to the teenagers of real life. One such manifestation of this happens to present itself in a greater boundary of what's considered proper or dangerous. And while RoosterTeeth has been rather good at preventing unneeded or unironic mid-fight chats, sometimes it slips through, most often with those opposed to the main characters.

Gizmo Gear: I admire the fact that RWBY and JNPR were contrasted to show the mobility and defensiveness between the two, but the fact remains that RWBY are still considered more mobile tanks in the beginning than strikers. Few and far between are the characters that have shown themselves capable of generating circumstances to their advantage rather than bulldozing through, which is a skill likely quite crucial to survival on Remnant. And I actually didn't think of making the association with Penny and Mercury go that far back, but it would've been an interesting element to flesh out if the opportunity presented itself.

Zyriarch: Welcome to the story, and thanks for noticing that detail. I'm admittedly amused by the portrayals of Ozpin as a zany immortal who requires caffeine to function, but I think that the hot cocoa is an endearing touch for the character.

Blueassassin996: Whatever plan comes the way of Beacon will likely require more than just the two teams, but part of the reason Kouzai's around is to make sure things come out in one piece this time around.

-SE

Next Chapter Date: 07/21/20