I do not own RWBY. All rights go towards Rooster teeth
Daughter of the Gods
Chapter Seven: Burden of Leadership
"I do sir!"
Oh this should be good.
Not.
It was then that I noticed the squealing and grunting coming from the corner of the small arena. A cage, shaking and jolting with the force off whatever was inside. It wasn't big so it ruled out anything bigger than a beowulf. A young nevermore, maybe.
No.
A boarbatusk. It shouldn't be a challenge to even beginner hunters and huntresses.
As Weiss was moving past me I grabbed her wrist. She tensed up at the sudden contact and looked down at me sharply, unbelieving that I had the audacity to tough her.
"It's a boarbatusk. Get it from the back or the belly. No showboating, just kill it." I said, turning back towards the arena before she could even argue. She stomped down the steps in a huff, heading to the changing room for her gear.
Walking back out into the arena, all confidence and swagger without any substantial personality of her own. Only what her father had tried to raise her to be.
I watched on quietly as Blake and Yang cheered her on, observing in a way that I couldn't out in the emerald forest. Don't even ask me why Blake was cheering her on or where she got the tiny flag that spelled out RWBY.
I noticed that she was, again, readying her combat stance. At least it was at a much faster pace than last time. The boarbatusk burst out of the cage when Port broke the lock, stopping in the middle of the small arena to size Weiss up. It decided it had enough and charged, Weiss slashing at the heavily armored side.
Gods damnit.
"Ha ha. Wasn't expecting that, were you!" Port laughed. And then she did the one thing I specifically told her not to; She tried to show off her skill to the teacher. Charging head on at the heavily armored pig, her rapier got caught in the tusks. Struggling for a minute, I shook my head as the boarbatusk tore her weapon free from her hands.
"Ho ho! Bold new approach!" Gods someone needed to shut him up. Narrowing my eyes I sat forward, head cradled in my hands as I observed.
"Shouldn't you help her or something?" Yang asked. She sounded unsure and for good reason. But I believed that Weiss could do it, but I certainly wasn't going to go easy on her if she won. Breathing through my nose I let just the briefest flash of silver light filter from my eyes, unnoticeable to the human eye, but the pig definitely felt it, and stalled for a second, allowing Weiss the opportunity to scramble to her weapon. Upon retrieval, she conjured two of her glyphs. Defending with one, the boarbatusk bounced off and onto it's back. Jumping into another one that turned black, she launched herself at the exposed belly, killing it near instantly.
"Bravo! It appears we are in the presence of a true huntress-in-training." Port shouted. Weiss was breathing heavily from the ordeal. Port gave some speech that didn't sound half bad, but I was already standing, glaring at Weiss as she limped off in a huff.
"Weiss!" I called out when we were in the hallway.
"What do you want!" She said with her usual attitude. Marching up to her I shoved a finger in her face.
"Listen here and listen well! Get that stick out of your ass before I rip it out and beat you within an inch of your life with it!" I spat at her. she backed into the wall, her eyes wide as I spoke.
"Now I don't know what your problem is with me, but I am your leader, and I have worked just as hard if not harder than you to be here!" I shouted. That reignited the fire in her eyes.
"That's just it! you've done nothing but come up with some stupid plan that killed a nevermore! You're not a leader, you're just lucky!" Now I saw red.
"You know why Ozpin chose me and not you?" I growled out.
"Oh do tell." She said snobbishly. I leaned into her ear.
"It's because I've seen actual combat, the likes of which would give you nightmares." I hissed. She reeled back as if she'd been slapped. "Here, we respect the position, repecting the one holding it is secondary." I grit through my teeth before I stormed off in a flurry of rose petals.
It was sometime later when Ozpin found me, sitting in the shade of Indi's cloak.
"I've forgotten how frustrating humans can be." I confessed.
"They are a baffling bunch." He admitted "But I sense that's not all that's bothering you."
"You're right. I don't know if I can lead a team again. They aren't Indi, Lavender, Auby, or Sage. They're children, and while we had ours issues at the start, they were already a good team, just one without a leader." I said.
"Give it time. When I first became headmaster I tried to make teams based off of who I thought would work the best. As time went on I realized that it wasn't always about compatibility, but also about how it all balanced. So I started making the teams based on skill and then forcing them to cooperate. It was quite the radical change to the random selection that beacon has had over the centuries." He said.
"Is it wrong that I want to make them like MY team?" I asked quietly.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting that. Nothing wrong with missing them either." He said knowingly. I nodded slowly.
"It's only been a day. Give it time and you'll see." He said as he stood up, his cane in one hand and coffee in another.
"You reincarnate and I'm immortal. And yet you still find time to teach me something new, old man." I said with a smirk.
"There's always something to learn Ruby. You just have to know where to look." He said, his cane tapping as he walked away.
I stood staring at the statues of my friends until the sun set below the horizon. Taking a deep breath, I walked back to the dorm room at a normal pace so that I could think about what I could be potentially walking into.
What I got was not what I expected.
Clothes were everywhere, mostly Yang's, and there were posters and books in piles. The worst though were the beds piled into the center of the room.
"What the hell is going on here!" I asked.
Blake, Yang, and Weiss all looked at me with wide eyes. Yang took the hit.
"Well we were unpacking and ran out of space." She said, trying to sound completely innocent but failing spectacularly.
"So…what are we doing for sleeping arrangements?" I asked, faux sweetness dripping from my mouth.
"Well we could get rid of some things." Weiss looked at Blake like she just suggested murdering a small animal.
"No. We'll make bunkbeds. And before anyone disagrees it's the best option for space. So let's get to work." I said clapping my hands.
The finished result was less bunkbed and more deathtrap by the end, which was why I called the top bunk not being held up by books, but the one being held to the frickin ceiling by rope. At least the rope was wrapped around some sturdy studs.
Thank you accidental hut destruction for construction skills.
Sleeping that night was less than pleasant though, as my melancholy about the team situation had brought up many unpleasant memories.
"Commander Rose! Save us!"
"This is your fault! Everything you come in contact with withers and dies!"
"Where were you when we needed you!"
"My son is dead because of you Humans! He was a sweet boy who never got into trouble!"
"I'm so sorry Preto…There was nothing anybody could do."
Yang's POV
I was woken up by thrashing on the other side of the room, my eyes snapping open instantly. Weiss was awake, judging by her light breathing, and listen to Ruby's tormented sleep. Getting up, I was about to climb up when Weiss stopped me.
"Yang?"
"Yeah?"
"Does that happen often?" She sounded insecure, unlike the Weiss I had known over the last day and a half.
"Not every night, but pretty often…"I said quietly. I knew Blake was awake, but it being late at night I didn't want to hurt her ears or anything like that. Feeling my way to Ruby's bunk, I climbed up gently and wrapped her in soft embrace, being careful to avoid Ruby's thrashing. It was risky, I knew, but sometimes allowing Ruby's physical body to hit something during her night terrors brought her peace while she was in them.
"It's okay Ruby. They can't hurt you because it's all in the past." I whispered in her ear. I knew Ruby would hate that she had revealed something so personal about herself this early on, but it was done now, and I had to help Ruby ride it out. The worst thing that could happen is if she woke up and didn't recognize anyone in the room. It had only happened a few times with me, but when it did it was terrifying.
Suddenly, she began muttering in Managerian, quietly, but loud enough that Blake heard it because I heard her shift in surprise, and then Ruby shot up in bed, her eyes glowing ever so slightly.
"NO!" She screamed, Sweating and breathing heavily. I touched her shoulder and thankfully she recognized me as she collapsed into the bed, a sniffling mess of snot and silent tears. As if the Gods answered me, Blake and Weiss kept quiet, allowing Ruby to fall bac asleep. The bed below us creaked and I angled my head to look at Weiss.
"Is that part of the whole 'I'm leader because I've been in combat that would give you nightmares'?" I nodded at her slowly.
"Ruby will talk about it when she's ready. Please don't ask her anything about this at all. It won't end well. In the meantime, Weiss, sleep in my bed since I'm not sure if this thing will hold up to mine and Ruby's weight." I said. Weiss nodded, gathering her pillow and blanket before slipping into my bed.
"The same goes for you as well, Blake. Let Ruby bring it up."
"Okay." Was the only response I got.
Ruby stayed asleep most of the night, only having the occasional fit, barely enough to wake me up as I held her gently.
Ruby POV
Waking up at seven-fifteen, I knew what had happened when I found Yang's arms wrapped around me. Sighing, I carefully pulled myself away from her arms and took a shower. I just stood there, letting the water beat against my skin for a solid five minutes before I actually decided to get clean.
Stepping out of the shower, I saw that everyone was awake and staring at me.
"Not creepy at all." I mumbled under my breath.
"You alright Rube's?"
"Yeah, little dragon, I'm fine." I said as I got dressed. "Everyone get ready. Doesn't matter in what order you shower but be down at the cafeteria by eight-fifteen. We have combat with Goodwitch today so be ready. I'm getting breakfast." I announced and walked out the door.
Everyone arrived at eight-fifteen, likely because Yang understood the kind of mood I was in and made everyone act accordingly. She was the best sister I could have, even if she wasn't blood.
The rest of the team ate in silence once they sat down, likely knowing again from Yang that I wasn't in any mood to talk. Team JNPR walked in and I put my head down on the table, my cloak muffling the noise of Nora's hyperactivity until I heard Yang shush her. Breakfast proceeded quietly after that and we all proceeded to combat class together once everyone was finished eating.
Combat class was what I expected, Glynda never calling on me for fear that I would absolutely embarrass any team solo.
Which I totally would, even without my semblance. Was it cocky to think that? Yes. Did I care? Hell no.
I watched in anger as Jaune got humiliated by Cardin and I resolved to make the bastard pay.
Thankfully the moment came when Nora was reciting her weird dream about selling Ursa skin rugs when I noticed that team CRDL had surrounded a faunus. Velvet scarlatina to be specific. As everyone else was talking about Cardin being a bully, he began mocking Velvet, making me angrier and angrier. The faunus would always hold of place of special care in my heart, and nobody messed with them when I was around. I reached my breaking point when velvet cried out, Cardin pulling on her ears.
Gritting my teeth, I jumped up, rocketing toward Cardin with my semblance and landed a punch to the gut which sent him flying. Deciding to thrash him further, I sped to where he landed on the other side of the cafeteria. I distantly heard the shouts of Yang and Weiss telling me to stop. Picking him up and dragging him by the hair, I held his head over the table edge before smashing him face first through the wood, taking out a nice chunk in the process and shattering his aura.
All in a matter of seconds.
Taking deep heaving breaths I looked to the rest of CRDL.
"Unlike your dumbass team leader, I read the handbook. 'All students are to deal with bullies as they see fit.' Now before I see to fit my foot up your ass I suggest you run." I growled, my eyes looking widely at them in anger. It didn't take a fool to see I meant business and they ran. Calming down I slowly walked over to velvet. Holding out my hand I asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yes. Thank you." She said simply.
"Ruby rose." I introduced myself.
"Velvet scarlatina." She said in her accent.
"I'm sorry he did that to you. Would you like to sit at our table?" I offered, idly noticing that Blake was watching me with interest.
"No. I should be heading back to my team anyway." She said quickly.
"Well alright then. You're more than welcome to join us at anytime though." I said, walking away and leaving the unconscious Winchester on the floor.
Sitting down like nothing happened, I felt literally everyone staring at me.
"What? I don't like bullies." I said as I took a bite out an apple.
Everyone looked away quickly, going back to their conversations.
Soon it was time for professor ooblecks class. I didn't really have much to say about the man because his family was relatively small, nothing in particular ever really happened and he was an average hunter. His true talent laid in history though, as he was one of the few that could even hope to keep up with Ozpin and I.
He began his lesson rather enthusiastically.
"Prior to the faunuas rights revolution, more populary known as the faunus wars, many faunus did not have a place to call their own as they were primarily used as slave labor. However, afterwards, the Faunus had to find a place to settle, and as the island continent of menagerie was unpopulated, and no other kingdom would take them in, they settled there. Now! While this might sound like ancient history, we have to remember that these events have happened in the last hundred years And that the repercussions can still be seen to this day! ." He reminded. Thank gods he didn't seem to know that the continent of menagerie itself is recent history, though thankfully I had done a good job of covering that up.
"Have any of you been subjugated or discriminated against because of your faunus heritage?"
I had to be really careful in this class about what I say. At his question I noticed that one other student, who I couldn't recognize at all, and Velvet raised her hand. Blakes bow twitched ever so slightly and her hand lifted off the desk by a few centimeters before she remembered she was hiding herself. Which reminded me that I still had to talk with Khali.
"Dreadful! Simply dreadful! Remember students it is exactly this kind of ignorance that breeds violence!"
"Good lord this guy used every word out of his mouth as a teaching moment. Not that I was complaining but still, it constantly kept getting him off track, and this guy was a few tracks short of a full railroad already. He took a sip of his coffee, which he didn't really need.
"I mean, I mean, I mean, just look at what happened to the white fang!" Weiss turned her nose up at that statement.
Oh joy. This would be fun when Blakes secret came out.
"Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many historians believe to be the turning point in the near the end of the second year of the war!" I kept my hand down, but Weiss' shot up, and he called on her.
"Yes!"
"The battle of fort castle!" God what a dumb name. Whoever decided on that name should be shot. Oh wait. He was.
"Can anyone tell me the advantage the faunus had over general legumes forces?"
Jaune spoke up in annoyance when Cardin flicked him in the head with a paper football. Asshole. I was satisfied to see the large lump on his head
"Yes! Mr. Arc! Finally contributing to the class! Excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?"
What proceeded was one of the most painful and awkward things I had ever heard. Jaune answered like someone was trying to pull teeth from his mouth. He looked over Ooblecks shoulder and I followed his vision to see Pyhhra pointing to her eyes. No way was he going to get this.
"UH binoculars." I facepalmed.
Oh gods help this child.
I loved when Blake and Pyhhra teamed up to destroy Cardin's pride, but he was a vengeful person, and I knew I would have to watch their backs for them.
I willed Jaune to shut up and stop giggling, but it didn't work and he got detention with Cardin. Oh this was fantastic.
Honestly I wondered why Ozpin let him into this school. He wasn't ready in any regard. Though knowing Ozpin, he had his reasons. Maybe I should talk to him and see what his plans are for the boy.
Class went on with nothing of interest after that. Everyone packed up and left when the bell rang, except for Jaune and Cardin. I told everyone to head off once we were around the corner and they left. I stayed behind to wait for Pyhhra and Jaune. I didn't have to wait long for a white shirt and black pants to run by me, honestly it was like they were trying to keep up with Oobleck. I cauht sight of Jaune and Pyhhra running around the corner to the roof access of the building we were in.
What I heard was a proposal from a friend, a denial, and an admittance of one's guilt. My eyes widened in surprise when Jaune admitted he had faked his transcripts.
How could Ozpin gamble with this man's life!
I used my semblance when Pyhhra finally gave up and left, passing right by the door I was hiding behind. I was about to leave myself when I heard voices again.
"Oh Jaune. I couldn't help but overhear everything from my dorm room."
That son of a bitch.
My eyes widened when I realized what I had been forgetting for a month now.
Saphron.
In my own grief I had forgotten about Terra's wife. Saphron Arc. Jaunes oldest sister.
I had been selfishly stuck in my own anger, grief, and caught up in the whirlwind that had become beacon and my wife. I didn't stick around to hear the rest of the conversation because I needed to talk to Ozpin ASAP.
Barging past Glynda before she could even react, I charged into Ozpin's office with Tears in my eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me about Jaune." He took a deep breath, turning away from James ironwood who I just now noticed was in the room.
"I had hoped to tell you at some point, but with Terra being in the state she's in-"
"And another thing…Does Saph know?" He shook his head slowly in shame. I buried my anger, because he likely felt the same way I did. Her little brother was at beacon where he wasn't ready, and her wife was sitting in a vault.
"Do you know what will happen if we transfer the powers to Pyhhra?" I asked, already dreading the answer because I suspected I already knew.
"Through further testing and predictions, we determined that Terra will likely die if we drain her powers." He said, voice thick with sadness.
"Would I work if I gave her some of mine?" I asked desperately.
"I have no idea. But we can try."
I
So yeah. Episode seven happened…and the character of Terra was kinda made but with no real backstory before Terra Cotta came into existence. Oops. So I've decided to roll with it, which I know has unfortunately meant this part might feel shoehorned in but I'm happy with it. It threw a wrench in my plans temporarily, but what can you do. That was sort of the intention when I was writing this story, that it would kinda introduce volume six into volume one as it happened. So yeah. I won't say that LGBT characters will be immune in my story, they'll just have a higher survival rate than others.
To everyone who caught my 'guilty rose' reference, great job. You uhhh…you don't win anything, but you do have great taste in stories.