Chapter 25
"They were here. Ozpin, they were HERE!" The voice of General Ironwood boomed in the headmaster's office. The headmaster was currently sitting behind his desk. With his hands covering his eyes while James and Glynda stood in front. Ozpin had his hands covering his eyes out of aggravation. Someone had infiltrated his school and the CCT. He was worried for the safety of his students, but also almost annoyed with how the general was handling the situation.
"We're very much aware of that." Glynda answered in a stern tone, "Thank you, James."
"Fantastic! You're aware. Now, are we going to do something about it or should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us?!"
A beeping noise sounded from Ozpin's desk, momentarily ending the conversation. Ozpin stood up from his chair, his focus on the elevator. Both James and Glynda also turned their focus to the elevator.
"Come in." Ozpin said, and the elevator opened, revealing Theodore and Ruby. Both stepped out, into the office.
"Sorry it took so long." Ruby apologized, "Someone accidentally hit all the buttons in the elevator on the way up here. It wasn't me."
"Sure, it wasn't." Theodore said sarcastically with a smile. Both then walked up to the teachers, stopping within three feet of them.
"Thank you for coming, Ruby and Theodore." Ozpin said, "How are you two feeling?"
"Okay, I guess." Ruby replied, "I'd feel better if my bad guy catching record wasn't over three."
"I'm upset that the perpetrator got away." Theodore added, "On my watch, no less."
"Ruby, Theodore," Ironwood said, walking up to them and placing a hand on their shoulders, "I fell it's appropriate to let you both know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being huntsman and huntresses is all about. You recognized a threat. You took action and you did the very best you could."
"Thank you, sir." Ruby replied. Theodore stayed quiet though, his mind on something else.
You're willing to praise people you don't know but not your own son? He said in his mind, wanting to say that to the general.
"Now," Ozpin broke the silence, "the general here has already informed us of the events that…transpired last night, but now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add."
"Was anyone else with her?" Glynda asked away, "Did she look familiar to you at all?"
"I…uh…I don't' know." Ruby answered, "She was wearing a mask, and she never said anything to me or Theodore, but I know she fought with glass. I don't think that was her semblance though. Her clothing lit up whenever she attacked."
"Save for the glass," Glynda said, "that sounds like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby and Theodore."
"Imbedding dust into clothing is an age-old technique." Ironwood added, "It could've been anyone."
"Wait." Ruby interrupted, "You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?"
"It's possible." Ozpin said, "But we still lack the required evidence to link the two together."
"Actually, I…I think I remember her something about a hideout or something in the southeast, just outside the kingdom."
"Interesting."
"I thought you said the intruder never- "Glynda said before being interrupted by Theodore.
"That was my fault." He said, "While doing an investigation, I let some information slip and Ruby heard me."
"Theodore, what- "Ruby's mouth was covered by the young sorcerer.
"That information was supposed to be confidential." He gave Ruby a stern look, making her realize the mistake she made before removing his mouth from her hand.
"Well, at least we know where they are based." Ironwood said.
"Thank you for your cooperation Ruby and Theodore." Ozpin said, "Why don't you go and spend some time with your teams? You two have a big day ahead of you."
"Anytime." Ruby said and started to walk away, but was stopped by Theodore, knowing that Ozpin wasn't finished.
"Also, Miss Rose and Mr. Constantine." Ozpin added, "Please try and be…discrete about this matter."
"Of course." Theodore answered and walked to the elevator with Ruby behind him. Once it had opened both entered with the intent of heading to their respected dorms. Before they could, however, Theodore held the doors open to speak to the general one last time.
"General," he said, "how is it that you can shower praise on anyone except your own son?"
This caused the general to looked shocked from what he heard. Saying what was on his mind, Theodore let the doors close and the elevator started its descent.
"I'm sorry, Theodore." Ruby apologized.
"You need to be more careful with what you reveal." Theodore said, "I doubt Ozpin would let you off easy if he knew about how you got that information."
"I understand." Ruby stayed silent for five seconds before speaking again. "Theodore, do you know who that woman was?"
"It was Cinder."
"It was?!"
"Yes. Even with the mask on, I could still recognize her by her hair and eyes."
"How did you know it was her and where to find her?"
"A gift I had since I was born. I can see the magic that is left behind, like a trail of bread crumbs."
"So, what she was using…"
"Was magic."
"How strong do you think she is?"
"I'm not sure. I have never really gone toe to toe with her. I'll find out though, sooner or later."
"So, we head back to our dorms and explain what happened?"
"No, we head to mine. I already texted your team, letting them know."
"Ohhhh."
The elevator dinged, signaling that it had reached the right floor. Both students walked out of the elevator and to Theodore's dorm. Once the door was opened, Yang, Weiss and Blake got in both of their faces at a quick pace while the rest of Team CATT stayed put.
"What happened?" Yang asked.
"Well, there we have it." Ironwood said while facing the window showing the city, "We send as many troops as we can to the southeast. Find out exactly what's going on and eradicate any forces that stand in our way."
"Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado?!" Glynda asked in an angry tone, "You treat every situation like it's a CONTEST OF MEASURING- "
"Glynda!" Ozpin stopped her and turned to them, still sitting in his chair.
"Well, he does."
"She's right." Ozpin said, addressing to Ironwood, "As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this may go beyond Vale. Beyond Beacon. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic."
"I have served you faithfully for years," Ironwood said, "but if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses and wait- "
"It is NOT!" Ozpin interrupted, standing up from his chair, "You're a general, James, so tell me. When you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearer or the scouts?"
"That was a risky move." Weiss said after hearing what happened in the headmaster's office.
"No." Blake interjected, "I think you two handled it well."
"I hope so." Ruby said with worry.
"I'm sure everything will be alright Ruby." Yang said then looked to Theodore, "What about you, Theo?"
"Don't…call me that." Theodore answered while sitting down, "I'm just upset that I didn't catch Cinder."
"When are we going to?" Argent asked.
"Until we have solid evidence of what she is doing, we can do nothing but wait. Cinder didn't' get this far by making mistakes. So, we have to wait until she makes one."
"I've learned to be patient." Clair said from his chair.
"So, have I." Titian added, "I'll keep working on finding clues to what they're up to for the time being."
"Take a break and smile once in a while, soldier boy." Yang said, then an idea popped into her head. "Oh! Ruby! I know what will cheer you up!"
"What's that?" the silver eyed student asked as Yang walked to one of the tables and picked up a cylinder.
"I don't know yet." The blond brawler answered, "Dad sent it us. I thought we could open it together."
"Ohhhh! Something from home!" Ruby said in a high-pitched voice and ran to Yang. She tried to reach for the package before Yang gave it a simple shake and something fell out of it. Everyone looked to see what looked like a grey fur condensed into a cylinder shape.
"He sent you fur?" Argent asked. Everyone got a shock, however, when the fur started to move. They became even more shocked when it popped out four legs, ears, stubby tail, eyes and a snout.
"What the…" was all Theodore could say.
"Is that a…dog?" Titian asked. The dog confirmed his suspicions by barking twice. Everyone jumped back in surprise, while Ruby and Yang jumped for joy.
"ZWEI!" Ruby shouted for joy at seeing the family dog.
"He sent a dog?!" Blake asked in shock.
"In the mail?!" Weiss added.
"How?!" Theodore asked, "That cylinder didn't even look like it had room to fit a squirrel!"
Ruby didn't answer because she was to busy laughing while holding Zwei. The dog was currently licking her out of happiness as well.
"Oh, he does stuff like this all the time." Yang answered with a smile.
"Your farther or your dog?" Clair asked and noticed that Blake was missing. Looking up, he saw her hiding on top of the chandelier. "What are you doing?"
"Keeping my distance." She answered.
"Oh. That's right. You're a cat Faunus and he's a dog. That makes sense."
"Aren't you afraid?"
"The Faunus side of me is that of an apex predator. If anything, the dog should fear me."
"Now's not the time." Titian interjected.
"Are you telling me this mangey, Weiss said getting closer to Zwei, "drooling, mutt is going to live with us forever?! Oh, yes, he is! Yes, he is!"
The heiress said the last part in a happy tone which surprised Team CATT. They rarely saw Weiss smile and seeing her be happy about playing with a dog, sort of scared them.
Is she bipolar or something? Theodore asked himself.
"Please keep it away from my belongings when we get back to our dorm." Blake said, still watching from the chandelier.
"I'm surprised you don't just leave the room." A voice said behind Blake. The cat Faunus turned to see a woman floating behind her. She let out a shriek of fear before losing her balance and falling of the chandelier. She was caught bridle style by Clair who heard her scream and acted fast. The woman floated down from the chandelier and eye level to Blake.
"I'm so sorry." She said, "I didn't mean to scare you."
"Mom." Theodore said, "Are you trying to give Blake a heart attack?"
"Mom?" Blake asked Clair with a questionable look.
"That is the ghost of Theodore's mother." Clair answered, "Zatanna Zatara Constantine."
Blake looked between both Theodore and Zatanna seeing the resemblance. Clair let her down and the cat Faunus walked up to the ghost.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, "but aren't ghosts supposed to be invisible?"
"About that Blake." Theodore intervened, "When you and Sun played with my spell book, you were exposed to some powerful magic. So, now you can see what I see, including my mom."
"Again, dear." Zatanna said, "I am really sorry I scared you."
"It's okay. You didn't mean to." Blake said and saw something that Theodore wouldn't be happy about. "Theodore is that allowed?"
Theodore looked to where Blake was saying and saw Zwei chewing on a wand.
"No, no, no, no, no! Don't chew on that!" Theodore exclaimed and ran to Zwei. Sadly, the dog didn't feel like returning the wand to its owner. Both started to run around the room seeing who would give up first. Glynda's voice then spoke through the school.
"Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater." She said.
"Well, we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for a week." Weiss said.
"Look, there's a letter." Yang said pulling a piece of paper from the cylinder and began to read it. "Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days, so I'm sending Zwei to you to take care of. Enclosed is all food you should need. Love you both, Taiyang."
Yang then turned the cylinder over and about fifty cans of dog food poured out. Hearing the noise, Zwei let go of the wand and ran towards the sound. Theodore grabbed his wand and started to clean it with a cloth.
"Dogs are hard work." Zatanna said next to him.
"Very funny, mom." Theodore replied sarcastically.
"What is he supposed to do with that?" Weiss asked. Her question was answered when Yang gave the cylinder one more shake and a can opener fell out.
"Well, that settles it." Yang said throwing the cylinder and letter away. She then started to walk out of the room. "Come on, girls. Zwei will be here when we get back."
"We're heading out now." Theodore said to his team and walked out of the room. Titian, Clair and Argent followed close behind.
"I'm going to miss you so much! We're going to be best friends! I can't wait to see you again!" Weiss said, giving baby talk to Zwei. She then walked out of the room with Blake right behind her. Ruby stayed behind, worried about leaving Zwei alone. After a few seconds of what to do, an idea came up.
Ruby caught up with her team in the amphitheater with her weapon and backpack included. She placed her bags with the other and joined everyone else in the crowd. She saw Team CATT in front of her and wanted to ask Theodore a question. She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. It worked, and the young sorcerer looked back.
"Theodore," she asked, "will Zwei be okay in your room? I saw you weren't to happy about him chewing on your belongings."
"Don't worry, Ruby." Theodore replied with a smile, "I cast a spell that thirty seconds, after I leave the room, the object that don't belong to me immediately get transferred to the rooms of their rightful owners. So, Zwei should already be in your room."
"That is so awesome!"
"Quiet. Quiet, please." Glynda said through the mike on the stage. Once everyone had quieted down, she continued. "Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin."
With that said, the combat instructor walked off the stage and the headmaster took over.
"Today, we stand together, united." He began, "Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms and self-expression and as you are well aware that was something many could not stand for."
I'm glad to hear that. Theodore thought.
"As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself. Color."
Oh. That explains a lot.
"It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither would the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united, but this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today while the rest of the world celebrates peace, huntsman and huntresses will work to uphold it."
While he was speaking, screens popped up with details for what looked like missions to be done.
"As first year students," he continued, "you'll be tasked with shadowing a professional huntsman or huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training and remember to do your very best."
Everyone clapped as Ozpin walked off the stage. As everyone left to select a mission, Team RWBY and CATT stayed together.
"This is perfect!" Ruby exclaimed, "All we have to do is shadow a huntsman working in the southeast."
"Yeah!" Yang added, "We'll follow them around by day and give them the slip at night."
"Let's check search and destroy." Weiss said.
"My team and I will check search and rescue." Theodore said, and both teams walked to the teams. They each got to individual screens to choose their missions. Team CATT saw a search and rescue mission with the information.
Missing Child
Quadrant 5
Mission Start: ASAP
Looking to his teammates, they nodded in agreement. Theodore selected the mission, typed in his team's name and pressed enter. The screen confirmed that Team CATT had chosen the mission to do. Turning to Team RWBY, Theodore saw them selecting a search and destroy mission.
High Grimm Activity
Quadrant 5
Mission Start: ASAP
"Here we go!" Ruby stated, "Quadrant 5 needs Grimm cleared out!"
"Well, it's in the southeast." Blake said.
"Sounds perfect!" Yang added. Ruby selected the mission and punched in her team's name. Sadly, she didn't get the same results Theodore did. Words in red popped up stating 'MISSION UNAVAILABE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS.' The screen then reverted back to its normal look.
"Wonderful." Weiss stated in an annoyed tone.
"Any other ideas?" Blake asked.
"We mail ourselves there." Ruby said while looking at Theodore. The young sorcerer realized what she said and shook his head.
"Absolutely NOT!" he stated, "I am not doing what your father did with the dog! I don't know any shrinking spells for crying out loud!"
"Well, that's one option." Said the voice of Ozpin, walking up to the two teams with a tablet in hand. "Unfortunately, we determined the concentration of Grimm was to extreme for first year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaky suspicion that the four of you will make your way there no matter which job you choose."
Yang, Blake, and Weiss all looked at Ruby with angry looks on their faces. It turned to shock though when they felt some killer intent behind them. Turning to the source they saw Theodore with an angry look of his own. He showed them his scroll which had words typed on it. It read, 'Wrong person to get mad at.' Ruby didn't notice what was going on and just rubbed the back of her head out of embarrassment.
"Whatever makes you say that?" Ruby asked.
"I'm still curious as to how you all found yourselves at the docks last semester." Ozpin answered, "I'm interested to know how you really learned about a hideout in the southeast. I seriously doubt Mr. Constantine would let important information like that slip since he is very careful. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and rose petals in a dance club some time ago."
"Uhhhhh…well…uhhhhhh…"
"I doubt I'll ever find the exact answers I'm looking for. So, how about this. Instead of waiting for you all to break the rules, why don't we just bend them."
Pressing a few buttons on his tablet, Team RWBY watched as they were given the mission. The whole team had smiles on their faces. Ruby then looked to the headmaster.
"We won't let you down." She said. "Thank you, Professor."
"Do not thank me for this." Ozpin replied, "Teamwork and persistence have carried you far, but you must understand, the things that await you beyond the protection of the kingdom will not care. Stay close to your huntsman at all times and do exactly as he says. He will be leading you on this mission and he can have you sent back to Beacon if he finds your skills to be unsatisfactory."
With that said, Ozpin walked away. Team RWBY looked worried at what he said. Team CATT just looked neutral after hearing him.
He was very blunt. Titian thought to himself. They then saw Ozpin quickly walk back to them wishing them 'Good luck' and walked away. Both teams then walked out of the amphitheater and towards their destinations.
"That wasn't exactly uplifting." Yang said.
"But it's the truth." Blake added.
"It's going to be tough, but I know we can do it." Ruby said.
"Hey! Team CVFY is back!" a student exclaimed. Both teams looked to see the said team walking to the dorms. RWBY and Theodore walked up to CVFY to check up on them while the remaining of Team CATT stayed behind since they weren't introduced yet.
"Velvet are you okay?" Blake asked getting the attention of the rabbit Faunus who stopped to talk to them.
"I'm fine. I had Yatuhashi to look out for me." She replied gesturing to the 6'4" second year walking past her.
"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago." Weiss said, "What happened?"
"N-Nothing happened. It was just…there were just so many."
Team RWBY and Theodore had questionable and worried looks on their faces from hearing the answer.
"Oh, but don't worry." Velvet said, "You first years are just shadowing huntsmen, so you should be fine."
"Right." Yang said sarcastically. The rabbit Faunus then took notice of the three students waiting a few feet behind Theodore.
"Are those your teammates, Theodore?" Velvet asked.
"Yes, they are." He replied, "I introduce you and your team to them after we get back if that is okay."
"That would be fine. Well, I should go. Be safe, okay?" Velvet then walked away and rejoined her team.
"I should go as well." Theodore said to Team RWBY, "Don't want to keep my team and the huntsman waiting. See you guys later. Have fun on the mission."
The young sorcerer then rejoined his team and they walked off to find the huntsman they would be shadowing.
"We can do this." Ruby assured her team, "We've never backed down before and we're not going to start now."
"Right." Blake said with a determined look.
"Besides, it won't only be us out there. We'll be fighting alongside a genuine huntsman!"
"Yeah!" Yang said with excitement and they went to where the huntsman would be waiting. Once they got there, though, the looks on their faces went from determination to shock. Yang and Ruby looked almost disgusted, Weiss eyes were bulging out of there sockets and Blake looked just…depressed. For who was the huntsman that was waiting for them at the bullhead was none other than their history teacher, Professor Oobleck who was wearing a trench coat, a safari hat and carrying a backpack full of supplies.
"Why hello girls!" he exclaimed with a smile, "Who's ready to fight for their lives?!"
AN: Hey everyone. Here is the next chapter for you guys. To whoever wrote that comment about pairing Ruby and my OC, that wasn't the plan. I have no intention of doing so with any of my OCs. The only pairings I am doing are what happens in the show. Other than that, thank you for reading my story and the continued support from my followers (Sorry if that sounded offensive). Sentinel Prime, out.