Chapter 19

Beacon could be considered a beautiful place, if it weren't for all the bullheads blocking the view while descending upon the landing docks and flying around the land. They weren't just any bullheads though. They were Alatien Military bullheads straight from Atlas transporting both solders and students. In the headmaster's office, at the top of Beacon tower, Ozpin and Glynda watched as the bullheads flew and landed. While the headmaster had a neutral look on his face, the combat teacher had an angry one with her arms crossed.

"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels." Glynda said in an angry tone.

"Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man," Ozpin replied, "but, yes, those are a bit of an eye sore."

A beeping went off on Ozpin's desk, signaling that someone was in the elevator, waiting for his permission to enter.

"Come in." Ozpin said to whoever was in the elevator. When the doors opened, a man about 6'3" ft., who looked to be in either his late 40's to early 50's, walked out. He had black hair that turned white at his sideburns and blue eyes, with a band-aid over his right. His attire consisted mostly of white. He wore a white, long sleeved shirt reached half way past his thighs and had black outlines. Under the long sleeve he wore blue, black and white vested button down with a red tie. On his right hand he wore a white glove. His pants were also white while his boots were silver and grey. Some of the buttons and straps on his clothes signified that he was in the military. This was General James Ironwood, head of the Atlas Military.

"Ozpin!" James called out in a cheerful way.

"Hello, General." Ozpin replied standing a few feet for the general while standing erect.

"Please drop the formalities." The general replied while shaking Ozpin's hand, "It's been to long. And Glynda, it has certainly been to long since we last met."

"Oh, James." Glynda said in a mock flattery tone, which became angry when she looked at Ozpin, "I'll be outside." The combat teacher then made her exit.

"Well she hasn't changed a bit."

"So," Ozpin started while walking back to his desk and pouring a cup of coffee and offering it to the general, "what in the world has brought all the way down from Atlas? Headmaster's don't typically travel with their students for the Vytal Festival."

"Well you know how much I love Vale this time of year." Ironwood replied while accepting the mug. Holding it in his right hand, he reached into his coat with his left and pulled out a small cylinder. He poured some of its contents into the coffee to make taste better. "Besides, with you hosting, I thought this might be a good opportunity for us to…catch up."

"I can certainly appreciate quality time between friends," Ozpin said while sitting back down at his desk and pouring his own cup, "however, the small fleet outside my window has me somewhat concerned."

"Well…concern is what brought them here."

"I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult- "

"Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men."

Ozpin took a small sip of his coffee and placed it on his desk while letting out a sigh.

"We are in a time of peace." Ozpin said to James, "Shows of power like this…are just going to give off the wrong impression."

"But if what Qrow said is true then- "

"If what Qrow said it true then we will handle it tactfully. It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So, I suggest you not scare anyone by transporting hundreds of soldiers' half-way across the continent."

"I'm just being cautious." The general replied, his mug no longer in his hand but on Ozpin's desk.

"As am I. Which is why we will continue to train the best huntsman and huntresses we can."

"Believe me, I am." The general turned to leave. When he took a few steps though, he stopped and turned to Ozpin, "But ask yourself this. Do you honestly believe your children can win a war?"

With that said, General Ironwood walked into the elevator.

"I hope they never have to." Ozpin said to the now departed general.

In the library, were most of the students were studying, Team RWBY was playing a board game that closely resembled Risk. Well, it was most Ruby and Yang who were playing. Weiss looked like she had no idea what she was doing, and Blake didn't look interested.

On another table, Team JNPR were studying. Well, that couldn't be said for Jaune and Nora. The blond knight was reading a comic book while the energetic one was talking a nap on the book Ren was reading. Pyrrha cleared her throat to get Jaune's attention and switched his comic out with a library book.

Theodore walked into the library with five books in his hands to read. While looking to find a place to both sit and place his books, he barely dodged an incoming projectile which was a game piece. He looked to the source to see Ruby with a defeated look on her face and Yang with a victorious one.

"Hey, civilian caught in the crossfire over here." He joked. Team RWBY turned to see him walking towards them. "Do you guys know a place where I can put these?"

"Sure, just put them next to Blake." Yang said. Theodore did just that and gently place his books down next to the disguised cat Faunus. He then looked at the board game in the curiosity.

"What game is this?" he asked, looking at Weiss.

"You're asking the wrong person," she replied, "because I have absolutely no idea what's going on."

"It's a game where you battle to conquer all of Vale." Ruby said with a defeated look gone and a smile on her face, "You start as one of the four kingdoms and work your way up."

"Nice." Theodore replied, "Reminds of another I played with my friends back on Earth. It had a different named, Risk. After this game, can I have a go?"

"You can take my place if you wish." Blake said holding the cards to him, "I lost interest and I don't think I'll last long against Yang."

"If you say so, Blake. By the way, I've noticed the past few days that- "he didn't get to finish as he felt sick at his stomach. He placed his left hand their while his right was on the table for support and let out a groan. "Not again."

"Are you okay?" Weiss asked with concern.

"I don't think that mac and cheese with a hot dog agreed with my stomach. I'll be right back." He said. Before going, he took the games manual to learn how to play it while rushing towards the bathroom.

"Hey guys. How goes the battle?" Jaune asked while walking up to Team RWBY.

"Yang's winning." Weiss asked, "You think Theodore is still keeping secrets from us?"

"Weiss, why would you ask that?" Yang said in an accusing tone.

"Yeah, why?" Ruby chimed in.

"It's just that he never really told us a few things like how he got here or why he hardly talks about his father."

"Probably because those are personal matters." Blake said, "I'm sure he'll get around to them sooner or later." She then looked at Theodore's collection of books and saw one, at the very bottom, that looked out of place. Carefully, she pulled it out of the stack and saw that it was written in a language she didn't recognize. While everyone continued to talk, she looked through the pages to see if she could make sense of what she was trying to read.

"Think I can join you guys when Theodore enters the fray?" Jaune asked.

"I'm not sure about that." Weiss answered, "This game requires a certain level of tactical cunning that I seriously doubt you possess."

"You attacked your own naval fleet two turns ago." Yang said earning an angry groan from the young heiress.

"Bring it on, Ice Queen." Jaune said, "I'll have you know that I've been told I'm a natural born leader."

"By whom, your mother?" Weiss asked.

"And Pyrrha, along with Theodore. By the way, where did he go?"

"To the bathroom." Blake answered, "He wasn't feeling to good after eating something."

"I know how that feels. Come on, I been trusted with way more important stuff, like how Theodore has the gift to- "

"Make people smile and laugh." Pyrrha interrupted while covering Jaune's mouth. The blond knight realized what he was about to reveal and blushed out of embarrassment.

"Sup losers?" said a voice. Everyone turned to see Sun with a newcomer to Beacon.

"Hey Sun." Ruby greeted.

"Ruby, Yang, Blake…Ice Queen."

"Why does everyone, except Theodore, keep calling me that?" Weiss asked.

"I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my old friend." Sun said while gesturing to Neptune.

"Uh, aren't libraries for reading?" Neptune asked.

"Thank you!" Ren nearly shouted.

"Pancakes!" Nora exclaimed, being woken up from her nap.

"Shut up. Don't be a nerd." Sun said to Neptune.

"Gi, gi, gi, gi! Intellectual, okay? Thank you." Neptune said then turned to everyone, "I'm Neptune."

"So, Neptune, where are you from?" Weiss asked with interest.

"Haven." The boy replied while walking up next to Weiss, "And I don't believe I've caught your name, Snow Angel."

"Um, I'm Weiss." She said with flatter in her voice.

"Pleasure to meet you."

"I never took you as the board game playing type." Sun said to Blake, trying to start a conversation with her. He then noticed the book she was looking at. "What are you reading?"

"I…have no idea." Blake replied, "It's just some strange symbols and words written in a language I've never seen before. Look at this. Snoweis fos nietra, ins frass babiniras."

Right as Blake finished the sentence, the book started to glow white and in the next minute snow started to fall in the library. All the other students had left, so it was only Team RWBY, JNPR, Sun and Neptune witnessing what was happening. All of them had surprised looks on the faces. Hoping to undo what she did, Blake turned the pages of the book and looked for something else. When she found one, she read it.

"Sunofes briliantlsyei flasire."

The snow stopped falling and a miniature sun appeared. Everyone started to smell flowers and looked around to see just that. Grass had grown in the library with all kinds of flowers.

"Oh, oh! My turn! My turn!" Sun exclaimed taking the book and turning through the pages.

"Sun, I'm not sure that is such a good idea." Weiss said with worry.

"Rainises dwopruses falleisntes!"

Clouds covered the library ceiling and it started to rain. Everyone placed their hands or hoods over their heads to keep from getting wet.

"Awesome!" Sun said.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" shouted an annoyed voice. Everyone turned to see a wet and upset Theodore. He snapped his fingers and the rain immediately disappeared, everyone was dry like it never happened. Theodore walked up to Sun with an angry look on his face.

"Th-Theodore, I can explain." Sun said out of fear. Theodore took the book from his hands, closed it and whacked him on the head with it. Since the book consisted of nearly 800 pages, it hurt Sun to a degree since his aura protected him. The monkey Faunus was rubbing his head and was about to talk again but froze when Theodore pointed a finger at him.

"Don't…touch…my spell book." The young sorcerer said and placed it back under his other four books. Blake took the time to stand up and address Theodore.

"It was my fault Theodore." She said, "I was looking through your book without permission and activated one of those spells by mistake."

"It was you?" Theodore asked then looked at Sun, "Sorry, Sun."

"Eh, not your fault." Sun replied with a smile, "I was holding your book and created the rain. Besides, I sort of deserved that smacking from you after what happened back in Vale."

"True. Are you guys done with your game?"

"I am." Blake said, "You can have Vale. See you guys later."

She then walked away from everyone. Concerned looks could be seen from everyone, except Nora.

Theodore was walking with Sun and Neptune back to the dorms laughing. They just finished their game and Theodore won, total annihilation. Neptune almost won until the young sorcerer made a comeback.

"I've gotta admit." Neptune said, "Your patience won the battle."

"Thanks." Theodore replied, "Hey, I got a joke for both of you. Knock, knock."

"Who's there?" Neptune asked.

"Ach."

"Ach who?" Sun said.

"Gesundheit."

After a few seconds of silence, both boys just started to laugh.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Whoa…that was a good one!" Sun said after calming down as well as Neptune. "See you tomorrow, Theodore!"

With that said, Sun and Neptune walked to their dorm. Theodore was about to enter his dorm when his scroll went off. He pulled it out of his pocket to see that he got a text. When he read it though, his emotion went from happy to shock. It read, Tukson is dead. The young sorcerer clenched his scroll tightly out of anger. One of his contacts was killed, under his watch and he didn't even know about it. He went to his contacts and dialed a number. Once it was answered, he spoke in a serious tone.

"I got your message." He said, "Do you know who did it? Alright. I am calling you all in. No more reconnaissance missions, you are coming to Beacon. Call the other two and let them know. It's time to even the playing field."

He then hung up and put away his scroll. He walked down the hall to Team RWBY's dorm. He knew that if he wanted answers he would need more help than he asked for. Just as he was about to knock on their door, he heard them discussing about something, so he placed his ear to the door and listened in.

"You're still thinking about Torchwick?" the voice of Ruby asked.

"Torchwick, the White Fang, all of it." Blake's voice said, "Something big is happening and no one is doing anything about it."

"Ozpin told us not to worry." Yang added, "Between the police, the huntsman, and our friend Theodore, Vale's Hometown Hero, I'm sure they can handle it."

"Well I'm not! They don't know the White Fang like I do."

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one Blake. Theodore thought to himself as he continued to listen in.

"OK." Weiss chimed in, "Between blowing up night clubs, stopping thieves, and fighting for freedom, I'm sure the three of you think you're all ready and apprehend these neredoeles."

"Uh, who?" Ruby asked.

"But let me once again be the voice of reason. We're students. We're not ready to handle this sort of situation.

"Well, yeah but heh heh."

"We're not ready!"

"And we may never be ready!" Blake exclaimed, "Our enemies aren't just going to sit around and wait for graduation day. They're out there, somewhere, planning their next move and none of us know what it is but it's coming whether we're ready or not!"

"Okay." Ruby said, "All in favor of becoming the youngest huntresses to single handedly bring down a corrupt organization conspiring against the kingdom of Vale, say Aye."

"Yes!" Yang exclaimed, "I love it when your feisty."

"Well, I suppose it could be fun." Weiss added.

"None of you said Aye." Ruby said.

"Alright then, we're in this together." Blake said.

That's my cue. Theodore thought to himself and opened the door while exclaiming, "Good to know."

All four girls jumped at seeing him barge in the room. Once they had finally calmed down Weiss pointed a finger at him.

"Were you listening to our conversation?!" she asked.

"Guilty as charged." He replied, "I want to help. I'm not going to let you girls do this on your own and I am definitely not going to let either one of you get hurt if I have anything to say about it."

"We're all grateful that you want to help Theodore, but- "Blake started before she was interrupted.

"What's up with your beds?" Theodore asked while pointing to their bunk beds. "The set up looks…"

"Awesome?" Yang and Ruby asked at the same time.

"Dangerous. One moment please." Theodore raised both his hands towards the beds and they glowed a light blue. The two top bunks were surrounded by that light, they started to float. The ropes that were holding Ruby's bunks were untied and put away somewhere. The books that held up Yang's bed were also lit and levitated to a book shelf.

The light then faded from blue to yellow. Both bunks were carefully placed on the bottom and all four girls watched in amazement as the legs were somehow molded together. When Theodore finished he put down his hands and the light faded. He then walked up to the bunk beds and shook them to see if they were stable. Seeing that they were he walked back. All four girls had looks of surprise on their faces.

"No fear of it collapsing now." He said.

"Thank you so much!" Weiss exclaimed, "After the safety precaution he just did, I vote he comes with us. He may know some things that we don't."

"That's actually a good reason." Yang said, "OK. I vote he comes with us as well."

"Oh yeah!" Ruby nearly shouted, "We would have Vale's Hometown Hero at our side!"

"As much as I want to disagree, I can't." Blake said, "Theodore, you stopped countless members of the White Fang from doing any harm and were even able to convince them to leave. So, yes, I believe you should join us."

"I would be honored." Theodore replied.

"Let's hatch a plan!" Ruby exclaimed. Yang shouted 'Yeah!' before Ruby had a surprised look on her face. "I left my board game in the library."

"And I left my books." Theodore exclaimed, "Including my spell book!"

"We're doomed." Weiss stated.

Ruby dashed out of the room past Theodore. She went so fast, she caused the young sorcerer to lose balance and fall flat on his face outside of the room.

"I'll be right back!" Ruby told her team and Theodore. She wasn't looking where she was going and bumped into someone. She fell and landed on her rump. She looked up and saw two people she didn't recognize. One was a girl with green hair and red eyes while the other was a boy with grey hair and black eyes.

"Oh man. Sorry." She said, "Are…are you okay?"

"I'm fine." The girl said while holding her hand out to Ruby, "Just watch where you're going."

"Well, right. Sorry." Ruby replied, accepting the hand and being pulled up to her feet. "Um…I'm Ruby. Are you new?"

"Visiting from Haven, actually." Said another voice. The green haired girl moved for another tow walk up next to her. She had long black hair and gold eyes. Ruby looked at the new girl as if she saw her somewhere. She dismissed the idea as quickly as it came.

"Ohh, you're hear for the festival!" Ruby said, "Oh, but exchange students have their own dormitory."

"I guess we just got turned around." The boy said. He then looked up behind Ruby to have a shocked look on his face. He tapped the black-haired girl and pointed to who was behind Ruby. She also got a shocked look on her face and motioned for the green haired girl to look who as well also became shocked. Ruby wondered why they looked so surprised until she looked behind her. She saw Theodore with a smile on his face looking at the three newcomers.

"Oh, I would also like you to meet- "Ruby started before she was interrupted.

"Welcome to Beacon Academy." Theodore said holding out both of his hands to them. The boy and green haired girl looked at his hands for fives seconds before taking them and shaking them. Once they let go, he put his left hand down and held his right to the black-haired girl. She took his hand and shook slowly for five seconds before letting go. Theodore then looked at Ruby.

"Ruby, why don't go get your board game." He suggested, "Don't want anyone to swipe it. I'll show them to the dorms."

"Oh, you're right!" Ruby exclaimed, "Thanks!"

She then dashed off to the library. Seeing that she was gone, Theodore's smile disappeared, and a scowl appeared on his face. It was addressed to the three new students.

"I don't know how you weaseled your way into this school," he said in a threatening tone, "but I'm warning you. If any of my friends, or anyone for that matter gets so much as a paper cut, I will make you wish the police got to you first."

"Why the police?" Cinder asked him in a mocking tone, the shock gone from her face, "Why not Vale's Hometown Hero?"

"Because, witch, I am Vale's Hometown Hero." This caused Cinder to back away in both shock and fear, "I'm Theodore Constantine."

All three were now surprised at what they heard. Theodore just nudged Cinder out of his way to head to the library to retrieve his books. The three infiltrators walked to their respected dorms while talking amongst themselves.

"I can't believe it." Mercury said, "The guy who stopped us and Vale's Hometown Hero are one and the same."

"What do we do?" Emerald asked, "There's no doubt he's going to try and stop us."

"Let him try." Cinder said with a smile on her face, "I always wanted rival to try and stop me. Otherwise everything would just be…too easy. If Theodore Constantine will play the hero, then I will happily play the villain."

AN: Hey everyone. Sorry for the late update. School has been a pain and projects have been thrown at me from all sides. I hope these two chapters will be to your expectations. Thank you for your patience and interest. Sentinel Prime, out.