A/N: It's Finally Here! The cover art for this story is Finally here. Please tell me what everyone thinks of it. Full credit goes to Manu-chann for making this possible. You can find both the title version and the normal version on my Deviantart account.
Also, recently I had bought the movie Call of the Wild and there was a part that reminded me of the place I made up for where Elena grew up. It's a great movie and I highly recommend everyone go watch it.
Now onto the story!
[...]
Team Rwby slowly made their way to the cafeteria. Ruby regained much of her previous composure thanks to her friends and Cerise. Just because she was cracked on the inside didn't mean people would be able to see it on the outside.
A small high pitched roar made its way across the courtyard. Students were running away from one point on the far side. Soon enough, Ruby saw Cerise sprinting across the courtyard at her. Only a few seconds later the red dragon tackled her Rider to the ground. Both of them were laughing in their own ways. "Is this going to be a regular thing with you?" Ruby asked.
Yes, Cerise replied while backing off Ruby. Fun.
"Can't argue with that." Ruby stood and dusted herself off. She caught a glimpse of Weiss rolling her eyes, yet at the same time trying to hold back a smile.
"Awww, They're so cute together!" The young Rider turned around and saw team JNPR walking up to her. Nora looked like she was about to pounce on Cerise while Ren was ready to hold her back if needed. Jaune wore that oblivious smile he always had around Beacon, and Pyrrha walked with her usual air of confidence. In other words, just a normal day for the team.
"Um, thanks?" Cerise made a noise her Rider couldn't place and moved behind Ruby as if to hide. Ruby put a hand on her dragon's head. "They're friends, Cerise, just like team SPHR and Elena," she comforted.
"So Ruby, when were you going to tell us you had a dragon?" Jaune asked. He didn't sound offended or angry, just curious.
"Well, if all went according to plan…" Ruby thought it over. When did she want to introduce Cerise to the world? And why didn't she tell JNPR? Nora, right. She decided to go with something that seemed remotely sane. "...I would have ridden Cerise into the main courtyard when she was big enough to carry me. Looking back thorough, that seems like a bad idea."
"Why even hide her in the first place?" Pyrrha asked.
"She's shy, she didn't even like Yang for a while and due to a special legend, we feared she might be hunted down and killed. When we had to go into town the day after she hatched, we made Elena and team SPHR swear to secrecy or Yang would use them as a punching bag until graduation."
Cerise turned her head and glared at Yang.
Yang shrunk down a little and rubbed the back of her neck. "I said I was sorry," she said, raising and shaking her hands in surrender. Cerise snorted a puff of smoke in her direction, then let out a dragon's chuckle. Yang let out a sigh. "Looks like we're fine now, although I doubt she's gonna let me forget it." She raised a hand and began to scratch behind one of the dragon's ears.
"Can she breath fire?" Nora blurted out.
Ruby shook her head. "I don't think so yet, but I've never seen the smoke before, so it could be soon."
Not quite, a voice spoke in Ruby's head. Jaune looked like he was about to panic, while the rest of his team looked around confused. The rest of team RWBY smirked at their friend's confusion. Ruby turned around and saw Nalia slowly making her way across the courtyard. Dragons can puff smoke at quite an early age. Fire comes around six months of life. Cerise still has a long way to go.
Ruby slumped her shoulders, slightly disappointed. Jaune, meanwhile, took a step back. "Y-You can talk?" he stuttered.
Nalia snorted. Not like you know it, but yes, I can.
The young Rider looked back up at the green dragon. "Weren't you going to take Cerise out hunting again?"
No! Cerise said excitedly. You, Aaron, fight!
Ruby looked at her dragon, confused. "Um, what?"
Aaron wants to see how you fight, Nalia replied. You know the basics of everything else, now he needs to know how competent you are in battle.
Ruby smiled. "Of course! I've been wondering the same about him!" She took her Scroll and started searching for times sparring arenas around Beacon were available.
"That could get interesting," Weiss said. "Both Aaron and Elena most likely have a style that has never before been seen around here. Just seeing one of them fight against Ruby's… unique style could make an impressive fight."
"Mind if we all tag along?" Yang asked for everyone.
Nalia turned her head slightly to the side and her eyes unfocused slightly, probably talking with Aaron. After a few seconds she refocused on the group in front of her. We see no problem with having an audience. Elena and team SPHR had just asked Aaron the same thing. You are all welcome if you want to come.
"There's an outdoor sparring arena open in an hour on the other side of the dorms," Ruby announced. She tapped a button on her Scroll and booked the arena. "Now it's ours. That should leave us with enough time to eat."
"Mind if we join you?" Jaune asked, warily eyeing Nalia.
"Of course not. I'm sure Aaron would love to meet you guys. He doesn't really know anyone here besides Elena and us anyway." With that, the two teams and dragons walked together to the cafeteria. The conversation turned to the final exams they all had. They all hated that professor Port had a few questions on his various exaggerated adventures, and that Doctor Oobleck had a strict time limit which made answering at last two questions per minute mandatory.
Many people along the way stared at the dragons walking across campus. Cerise positioned herself between Ruby and Nalia as if they provided some protection. Ruby placed a comforting hand on her dragon's shoulder. Cerise, what's wrong?
People, stares, no like, Cerise whined.
Ruby sighed. They're just curious. They've never seen a dragon before.
Weapons. Scared... Cerise looked over at Yang, ...they like Yang.
Ruby gasped. Weiss looked over at her teammate, but Ruby shrugged her off. Ruby wondered how she could miss her dragon's fear of people. Cerise, no one here will attack you, Ruby comforted. They have no reason to and they would get into trouble if they do. Anyway, they would be stupid to attack when you're surrounded by two of the three best first year teams and another dragon that can take down Deathstalkers like they're nothing. Cerise nodded, but still focused on the ground directly in front of her.
The group arrived at the Cafeteria and met Aaron, Elena, and team SPHR outside. Surprisingly, Elena was trying to get rid of a bunch of small twigs and leaves that were stuck in her hair, with some help from Petra. At the same time, the older Rider apologized to team JNPR for his shortness with them the day before. "I had a long day yesterday," he said. "I just wanted to be alone and clear my thoughts."
Everyone who could fit through the doors entered the cafeteria and started talking. Aaron explained to SPHR and JNPR the basics of where he was from and what a dragon Rider is, while leaving out his personal backstory. He also told them of the Fall and how he ended up on Remnant, leaving out any mention of magic. Ruby listened intently to see if she missed anything before, but she learned nothing new.
After Aaron finished, Elena explained to the two teams the basics of what a Claymore was, where she was from, while leaving out her own backstory. She also explained why she ended up on Remnant, while leaving out the full truth of how she got there to herself.
"Oh! Can you show us what you can do?" Nora asked Elena.
Elena thought about it for a moment before giving the bubbly orange-haired girl a smile. "I don't think it wouldn't hurt showing ten percent."
"Ten percent?" everyone asked, a bit confused.
"Just watch my eyes and you will see," she explained. Elena took a deep breath and let ten percent of the Yoki in her body release. As it happened, her silver eyes changed to golden and the pupils became slits. SPHR, JNPR, Weiss and Aaron nearly jumped from seeing those familiar golden eyes. Aaron even momentarily went for his sword before physically stopping himself. Elena stopped the Yoki flow in her body, causing her eyes to become their normal silver color again.
"Judging from your reactions, the last time you saw eyes like those, it wasn't a pleasant experience," she sighed.
"No it wasn't," Petra said. "Hunter here almost got himself eaten alive."
"That was the second life and death situation I found myself in this year." Hunter mumbled to himself.
"But why does your eyes change to that scary golden color?" Weiss asked.
"It's because she has Yoki running through her body," Ruby casually said.
Weiss snapped her head towards her team leader so fast that Ruby momentarily thought she was about to break her neck. "Say what!" she exclaimed.
"Ruby's right," Elena calmly said. "Mom said she would go further into detail about it next semester." It was at that moment Elena's Scroll began to ring. She pulled it out to check the caller I.D. and suddenly her face paled in fear.
"What's wrong Elena?" Rona asked.
"I'm in trouble. Mom is calling," she explained before getting up from the table and answering her Scroll. In the background Ruby could hear Teresa scolding the young Claymore.
Moments later Elena walked back to the table and sat down with her head in her hands.
"What's wrong Elena?" Aaron asked.
"Mom just scolded me for recklessly releasing my Yoki on school grounds."
"How did she know that? You never said a thing while you answered your Scroll." Aaron said, a bit bewildered.
"Teresa has the ability to sense any amount of Yoki at long distances," Yang explained. "It wouldn't surprise me that if any bit was released anywhere on Beacon, she would know about it."
Aaron gave Yang a surprised look. "Is there anything else that she can do?" he asked.
"In terms of comparison, even if I were to release one hundred percent of the Yoki in my body. Do not ever ask me to do so. I will refuse to do so on the spot." There was a slight bit of fear in the young Claymore's voice when she said that. "It wouldn't even come close to one percent of the Yoki she can control in her own body."
In that moment, a heavy state of silence fell upon the group. Everyone was too stunned to say anything.
A couple of minutes later, Elena broke the silence. "Anyway Aaron, mom wants me to spar with you on occasion. She said this is my punishment for what I just did."
"Very well," Aaron responded, "just ask beforehand. I might be busy with some other stuff on occasion though."
"I was wondering if you can answer a couple of things for me Aaron," Pyrrha said. "If the Dragon Riders were among the best warriors in Alagaësia, how could so few take down so many? And what is this legend involving Cerise and Nalia?"
All eyes turned to the older Rider. That question had been in the back of Ruby's mind as well. Aaron sighed. "Superior tactics, ambushes, and trickery. Those the Traitor recruited were masters of the blade. We didn't stand a chance." He shook his head. "As for the second question, I was wondering about that myself. Care to answer for us Blake?"
Blake just sighed. "Might as well, but before I say anything, you should know that the last time I told this legend I had left out some large details."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Weiss asked.
"My parents made me promise only to tell the public part of the Dragon Faunus Legend and only tell the person I marry and my future children the rest unless certain things happen. Like Aaron and Nalia's arrival and Cerise's hatching," Blake explained. "Because Nalia and Cerise match key details that I have yet to say and something Elena said the other day allows me to say the full legend."
Everyone leaned in closer not to miss anything. Blake took a deep breath and explained the first half of the legend to the group. "Then on her deathbed, she had one last vision that foretold the arrival of the next Dragon Faunus. There would be five signs to look out for. A sisterhood of silver warriors. A cyan metal giant with a heart of fire fighting a titan of darkness. Four dragons of light, one whose scales matched a beautiful crimson rose. Another whose scales beautifully glowed like the sun. The third dragon has scales that match the color of moss on a tree. The final dragon, the oldest and fastest, scales are a deep forest green. Next is the soldiers of Red and Blue, each one having a different color armor. And finally the nine mercenaries of RED, each one named after the job that they perform. To protect the ones they love, the Dragon Faunus shall rise" she said, finishing the full and complete legend.
Ruby quickly noticed the grin that formed on Elena's face and the shocked looks on both Shade and Hunter's faces. She turned her head and saw that Aaron had turned his head towards where Nalia and Cerise were. Most likely the two were having a silent conversation.
"Um Blake? Do you know how big the Titan of Darkness is?" Shade asked.
"From what I was told, it should be twice the size of a Leviathan Grimm."
The color on the faces of most of the group drained away. "For those who are not native to Remnant. Can someone please explain what a Leviathan is?" Elena asked.
"A Leviathan Grimm is one of the biggest Grimm out there," Weiss began to explain. "They are a sea based Grimm that can walk right out of the ocean and cause some major damage. The average height of a Leviathan can go between one hundred fifty to one hundred sixty feet tall. If this Titan of Darkness is just a Grimm then on its own could easily cause a category nine Grimm attack all on its own."
Shade and Hunter quickly looked at each other. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" Hunter asked.
"Category four, has to be or worse a Category five." Shade responded.
"Hand-to-hand or staves this time?"
"Both."
"What are you two on about?" Weiss retorted, glaring at the two pilots.
"Nothing, it's nothing." Hunter said sheepishly.
"I swear I'm going to find out whatever it is the both of you are hiding."
"Anyway there is something I want to confirm," Elena said. "Blake you said the warriors of silver are a sisterhood right?"
Blake simply nodded.
"Then I was right," Elena said gleefully. "That part of the legend talks about us Claymores."
"Wait? How can you know that?" Petra asked.
"That's because all Claymores are women," Elena stated. "No men could survive the transformation without disastrous results."
"How disastrous?" Aaron asked.
Elena just shook her head. "I'm not gonna say. I'm already in trouble with mom and she told me to not tell that part until her lesson next semester."
Aaron turned his head slightly towards Nalia again. After a few moments he focused his attention back to the group. "Is there anything else about this legend we should know of, Blake?" he asked.
"Nope. That is all the details I know. The only person who knows more is the previous Dragon Faunus."
Aaron simply nodded. "Well, I would like to know something else. What exactly is there to do around here except attend school and eat?"
"Well, if you're a cultured sort of person," Weiss answered immediately, "the theater scene in Vale is one of the best in the world. I don't know if you've been down Main Street in your time here, but it is home to some of the most revered theaters anywhere. Not even the Orphway in Mistral can compare."
Aaron nodded. "I don't think there's a Rider who doesn't have respect for the fine arts."
"Uh, Weiss," Yang said, "the VMC is on third."
"I'm not talking about a movie theater, you airhead!"
Yang laughed. "Anyway, I'm sure you both have seen by now that we have moving pictures by now right? Well, movie theaters play what we call 'movies,' which has the same principle of the theaters I'm sure you're used to, but not live, and can be so much more exciting."
"I don't know, I've seen some exciting dramas in Ileria," Aaron responded.
The blonde smirked. "Have there been explosions on stage? Major battles between thousands of people? Spaceships?"
Both Aaron and Elena raised an eyebrow. "Spaceships?"
Yang's smirk turned into a full blown smile. "Well, looks like I'll have to introduce you both to Galaxy Wars at some point."
"Originals first, sis," Ruby chipped in.
"Is there any other way?"
Jaune let out an exasperated sigh. "What is everyone's problem with Bar Bar?" Everyone at the table looked at him with concern, except Weiss who grimaced and both Aaron and Elena who didn't know who Bar Bar Jinks was. "What?"
"Anyway," Ruby began to change the topic, "there's Forest View on the other side of the city. It's one of the largest amusement parks in the world, and it has thirteen roller coasters."
Nora perked up and turned to Ren. "I know what we're doing tomorrow! We haven't been there in ages!"
"Hey Shade?" Hunter quickly asked.
"Already on it," Shade responded as he pulled out his scroll. "Looks like tickets are on sale as well. Rona, Petra, do you two want to go as well?"
A smile formed on both of the female members of team SPHR. "You should have asked us sooner," Petra instantly replied.
"What's a roller coaster?" Aaron asked.
"You have to ride one to really know," Ruby responded.
"I'd assume it's about as close to riding a dragon as normal people can get," Rona added.
Aaron Raised his eyebrows at Rona. "Really? I'm really going to have to check that place out."
"Feel free to join us." Hunter said cheekily.
Ruby looked at the time on her Scroll. "We have about fifteen minutes to get to our sparring field."
"How long would it take for you to grab your weapons and make it to the site?" Aaron asked.
The younger Rider thought it over for a second then froze in place. "About fourteen." Ruby grabbed her food tray and ran to the dish return at a normal person's speed. She dumped the tray on the revolving return and made for the doors while the rest of the group was just standing up. As she left the building, Cerise ran alongside her. I'll meet you at the arena, the Rider thought to her dragon. She quickly thought over the map of the campus in her head. Before she could tell Cerise directions though, she turned and started walking in the direction of the arena. Ruby slowed down and watched her dragon walk off. How did… What? Did I just show Cerise a map? She shrugged. It was entirely possible.
Ruby continued to her rocket locker and grabbed Crescent Rose from inside. She folded it up into the little box for carrying it discreetly. Aaron and Nalia would get a kick out of the reveal. Ruby quickly made her way to the arena to try and get there on time. She didn't like being late and she didn't know what Aaron thought on the subject.
She made it to the Arena just in time to not be late. Aaron was on the main floor while everyone else, including the dragons, stood on the sidelines. "Cutting it a little close, aren't you Ruby?" Aaron called as the younger Rider made her way into the arena. The older Rider looked over the younger. "Where's your weapon?"
Ruby smirked. "Right here." She pulled the compacted Crescent Rose out of its holster and pushed a button. The red and black sniper-scythe formed in her hand. She stuck the tip into the ground and smiled. "Aaron, this is Crescent Rose."
Aaron and Nalia gaped at the sight. "How is that possible? There's more material now than could possibly fit in that box!"
Ruby chuckled. "That's my secret. I don't just give that away to anyone."
You made that weapon yourself? Nalia asked, bewildered.
"Everyone here except Shade, Jaune, Hunter and Elena made their own weapons."
Aaron looked around with a shocked look on his face. "You are all weapon smiths?" All the Beacon students that made their weapons nodded. "Impressive. The Riders only ever had one sword-smith. At a time." The last part sounded like it was added as an afterthought.
"Well let's see your sword," Ruby encouraged. Aaron shrugged and drew his sword. Ruby gasped. She just thought the scabbard was meant to match Nalia's scales, not the blade itself.
Aaron smiled at the blade. "This is Redemption, one of the last swords ever made for the Riders. It's forged from Brightsteel, the metal of a fallen star. Like all Rider's swords, it is nearly indestructible."
Ruby stared at the blade from her position in the Arena. "If I'm guessing right on the metal used, it's strong, but not that strong."
The smirk disappeared from Aaron's face. "Special techniques are used to enhance the strength." Ruby took the hint and dropped the topic. He apparently still didn't want JNPR and SPHR to know about magic.
Aaron raised his sword into a defensive position. "Are you prepared?"
Ruby tugged on Crescent Rose and the point removed itself from the ground. "Are you?"
All remaining emotion drained from Aaron's face. "Then let us begin." He started circling around the arena watching Ruby carefully. Ruby decided to make the first move. She ran over to Aaron swinging Crescent Rose behind her. Aaron froze in place and rose Redemption. Ruby swung at her teacher, but he deflected it with surprising speed and strength. In the same motion, he twirled and elbowed Ruby in the face, or would have if her Aura allowed it. Still, Ruby reeled back. Before she could recover, she felt cold steel touch her neck. She froze in place, unwilling to move.
Aaron still wore the same emotionless face, which unnerved the younger Rider greatly. He lowered his sword after a few seconds. "I'm going to assume that you haven't warmed up and that was a careless mistake." He walked back to his original starting position while Ruby stood frozen in place.
Ruby looked over at those on the sidelines. Her teammates, JNPR and SPHR wore expressions of amazement. Elena looked like she was in a deep thought while carefully watching every detail of the spar. Cerise looked worried for her Rider. Nalia, by contrast, had the same expressionless mask as Aaron. After a few seconds Ruby made her way back to the starting position and prepared for another fight.
The two Riders circled each other, neither making a move toward the other. Eventually Aaron lunged at Ruby, who caught the slash on the rifle part of Crescent Rose, just on the other side of the scope from her fingers. Aaron drew back and slashed again, this time at her right shoulder. Ruby blocked again, but only just. The older Rider attacked repeatedly, forcing the younger to stay on the defensive. Aaron swung a particularly strong slash toward the back of the rifle section which knocked the weapon out of one of Ruby's hands. Again, Aaron pointed the tip of his sword at his student's neck.
"Better," Aaron said as he lowered Redemption. "You haven't faced many sword uses have you?"
"No," Ruby said. "How did you get so fast?"
"I've trained with elves. They are much faster and stronger than any normal person. I've even bested them on occasion." The emphasized words did not go over Ruby's head.
Both Aaron and Ruby returned to their starting locations. Ruby eyed her teacher carefully. If he was fast, she would have to be faster. She activated her Semblance and swung at Aaron. He blocked, but it was late and he was forced back a few steps. Ruby rushed again and slashed at Aaron's torso. He blocked and was forced back, but he managed to get a swing at Ruby's cape before she could run off again.
Ruby changed tactics slightly. Aaron was perfectly capable at blocking a single speed attack, but what about multiple at close range? The younger Rider charged at the older and slashed multiple times. Aaron blocked them all, but only just. Just when Ruby thought she was getting the upper hand, Aaron slashed at her arms. Instead of Ruby's Arua absorbing the damage, the blade slammed full force into her arms. She yelped, dropped Crescent Rose and fell to her knees. This time, Aaron didn't place Redemption anywhere near Ruby's neck.
"Your Aura didn't block that?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
"It prevented the cut but that's about it," Ruby moaned. She heard Aaron whisper a few words, but didn't recognize any of them. When he was finished, the pain disappeared. Ruby sighed in relief.
"I'll keep that in mind." He paused and bit his lip. "You ready to be done for now? I can understand after that hit."
Ruby shook her head. "No. One more round. There's one more thing I'd like to show off." Aaron nodded hesitantly. He walked back to his spot and looked up at Nalia. An unheard conversation passed between them. Ruby returned to her own spot and ticked the safety off on Crescent Rose.
Once more, the two Riders faced each other. Aaron charged, which was exactly what Ruby wanted. She pointed Crescent Rose straight down and fired. The two Alagaësians could just stare at the girl who just flew twenty feet in the air. Ruby landed and dug the scythe end into the ground and lined up a shot. Aaron figured out what was coming and moved to get out of the way. Ruby tracked him and fired.
It was a good thing she missed Aaron's center mass. The Dust round passed right through his shoulder.
Aaron screamed and fell to the ground, convulsing from the Lightning Dust. Nalia roared and jumped over to her Rider, stood over him and quickly covered him with one of her wings. Elena sprung into action and grabbed some bandages from a nearby emergency aid station in the arena. The young Claymore tried to aid the older Rider, but Nalia prevented her from getting close. The green dragon growled at the young Claymore, but Elena stood her ground. "Let me help." Nalia stared at the young silver-eyed warrior for a second before lifting a wing, allowing Elena to help tend to Aaron's injury. Those still standing on the sideline were frozen in place, trying to understand what just happened. Ruby was also frozen to the spot. She dropped Crescent Rose in shock.
Nalia turned on Ruby with rage in her eyes. Why did you do that? the green dragon demanded. He bruises you and you try to remove his shoulder? What justice is that?
"I... I didn't..." Ruby stammered.
The angry dragon growled. You didn't think! That's the problem with all you two-legs, you don't think over your actions.
Cerise jumped in front of Ruby and growled back at Nalia. Ruby glanced back at the people on the sidelines. Those that had their weapons aimed them at the green dragon. Nalia growled at the students. "Guys, weapons down!" Ruby yelled. "Don't make this worse." All but Yang slowly lowered their weapons and Nalia returned her attention to Ruby.
Nalia looked like she was about to give Ruby another mental lashing when she snapped her head to the underside of the wing on the far side of her body. Instead of growls a few seconds ago, she hummed comfortingly. She stayed in that position for several minutes. Eventually the green dragon stood up and took a few steps back.
Aaron and Elena stood in her place. Aaron was rolling his shoulder out while Elena was wrapping up the bandage she had used on the previously injured Rider. "I liked that jacket," Aaron said as he picked the destroyed piece of clothing up off the ground. "Anyone know a good tailor around here?"
Ruby hesitated before she spoke. "I'm sorry! That usually doesn't happen. I thought your wards would be able to deflect that." She slapped a hand over her mouth as she realized what she just said. Aaron said she wouldn't physically be able to speak about their training with anyone but her team and Elena, even accidentally. When did he approve of both team JNPR and team SPHR? Only a few minutes before it sounded like he didn't. Then again, there wasn't a hole in his shoulder anymore.
The older Rider waved her off and walked in her direction. "I thought the same thing. There's no permanent damage, so no harm done."
"At least you didn't lose part of a limb like Elena did a few weeks ago or worse." Ruby responded, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
Aaron unconsciously turned to look at the young Claymore as she walked up to the two Riders. "You're joking right?" Aaron asked.
"No, what Ruby said is true." Elena said as she calmly looked over her left arm and hand. "The day before Ruby found Cerise' egg, I was in a serious fight against a Yoma that happened to disguise as a member of the White Fang. During the fight, some of the members of the White Fang shot at me and I had lost my left hand and part of the arm." She pointed where her arm previously severed. "Normally I would go and reattach the lost limb, but the severed limb had sustained so much damage that I had to regenerate what I was missing. It's not the worst injury I've ever had so I'm fine with it."
Aaron just stared at the young Claymore as she walked back to the group on the sidelines. "I doubt I'll ever fully understand the life she has lived." Ruby heard Aaron mumbled to himself before turning his attention back to the young Rider. "Ruby, what was that thing you shot at me?"
"A .50 caliber Lightning Dust round." Ruby grabbed Crescent Rose from the ground and removed the magazine. She took out one of the Dust rounds and handed it to Aaron. He turned it lover in his hand and looked over every minor detail. Aaron mumbled something under his breath, most likely in the Ancient Language.
"Nalia, help me remember:" he said, "normal wards don't protect against Dust rounds." Aaron blinked rapidly like he just had an epiphany. He looked back at Nalia with a strange look on his face. "Normal wards don't protect against Dust rounds." Nalia's expression changed from guilty and concerned to hopeful in the span of two seconds. Aaron smiled like he just won the Vytal Festival Tournament. He turned back to Ruby. "You may have just given us a chance at reclaiming Alagaësia."
[...]
Aaron walked back to the warehouse with team RWBY and Elena. Team SPHR took over the arena for some team training. Team JNPR made their excuses and left the group shortly after they exited the arena, with Jaune looking sick. Aaron stared at the Lightning Dust round in his hand. This could be the key to taking down Galbatorix, he thought to Nalia. The problem is how do we get enough back to Alagaësia.
And getting close enough to use it, Nalia said. He will know we're coming from miles away, and will most likely attack us while behind the Forsworn, and the army he's built up.
True, but we at least have a chance now. When we're ready, we'll go back. Aaron returned his attention to the warehouse. Luckily no more additions had been added, at least none visible on the outside. He still wasn't sure if he trusted Ozpin or not. The man was too kind, too insightful. The only ones Aaron knew were genuinely like that adopted him seven years ago.
The group entered the warehouse and sealed the doors behind them. "You have a name for this place yet?" Yang asked.
"No, why?" Aaron asked.
"It's not exactly a warehouse anymore, and it isn't just another building."
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Does everything have to have its own name?" she asked. Aaron smirked. She had no idea.
"How about the Dragonhouse?" Ruby chipped in. "It's simple enough."
"It's too simple sis. Come on, you can do better."
"Actually," Aaron interrupted, "I think it fits. This is about the size of a typical dragon's house back home. There could be worse anyway."
"Besides, sometimes simplicity is all you need," Elena added.
Yang shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat."
The older Rider turned semi-serious. "Now, will someone tell me why you all insisted on coming here?"
"In all honesty, I just wanted to hang you with you guys," Elena said. "I got some free time so why not spend it with friends."
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck. "I told my team about the other eggs, and they were… curious.
"Wait what? There's more dragon eggs?" Elena asked, surprised.
"Did you now?" Aaron sighed. He saw this coming a league away. The thing he didn't know was if Ruby could take the probable rejection of her teammates and friend. "I'm going to tell you all what I was told the day I was first brought before the eggs in Tierm. Being a Dragon Rider isn't about adventure or glory. It's about protecting people, whether it's from war, crime, disease, or themselves. It's a lifetime commitment and responsibility, and I'm sure Ruby has filled most of you in on how long that life can be."
"When you put it like that, being a Rider is not too different from being a huntress," Blake said, "I don't really see the negatives."
"I agree with Blake," Weiss said. "If anything, the two can build off each other."
"I just want to get better and better," Yang said, but lacking some of her usual confidence. "Having a dragon by my side would help with that a lot." Her eyes flickered over to Ruby for a fraction of a second. Aaron knew there was more to Yang's reason, and he couldn't argue with it. Family is important no matter where you're from.
Aaron turned his attention to Elena, who just shrugged. "I guess it doesn't hurt to ask," she said.
Aaron nodded. "Then you all will be brought before the eggs." Nalia knelt down beside him and he removed the saddle bag that held the two eggs. He walked over to a, now clean, table height ledge hanging off the wall. Those that were not bonded to a dragon followed the older Rider, while Ruby, Cerise, and Nalia hung back. Aaron placed the eggs on the ledge a few feet apart. He turned back to face the women. "Just place your hand on each egg for a few seconds. That will give the dragon inside enough time to see if you are worthy.
"Blake you first." Blake stepped forward and placed a shaking hand on the green egg. She held it there for a few seconds, then moved on to the golden egg. The whole time it looked like she was trying to keep herself from freaking out. Out of all the girls, Aaron thought Blake was the least likely to become a Rider. It wasn't something with her personality, but the fact that she was a Faunus. The bond with dragons was only tied with elves and humans. Faunus are half animal, but the half human part may be enough.
"Weiss, you're next." The heiress walked up to the eggs and went through the same process. If Aaron was right, Weiss wanted to make a name for herself. He saw many of the same actions and attitudes among younger Riders and regular humans. Weiss most likely had a rough childhood and wanted to overshadow her parents. Then again, from the little time he'd known her, Aaron saw she had a warm and caring heart under the cold exterior.
"Elena, your turn." The silver-eyed girl walked up and placed a hand on the green egg and held it there for a few seconds before placing a hand on the golden egg. After she raised her hand off the egg she knelt down and whispered something to the eggs before stepping back. If Aaron was right, Elena was the wildcard of the group. She was born human but had suffered at the hands of the Organization and was turned into a Claymore. Though, the little time Aaron had known the young Claymore she always had a compassionate soul. Would that be enough?
"Yang, you're up." The blonde placed her hand on the green egg, then moved to the gold. She paused with her hand hovering a few inches above the egg and cast a sideways glance at Ruby and Cerise. Yang finally placed her hand on the egg and held it there for a long time. She backed off after about twenty seconds, four times as long as any other placement.
As for Yang's chances, she seemed the most likely and one of the least for an egg to hatch for her. At least some of her motivation was unknown. If she really wanted to get better, there were plenty of other ways to do it, and most of them were less dangerous. However, she appeared to be the only one to really want an egg to hatch for her. Was that, and the golden egg's relation to Cerise enough?
"So how long until we know if one of us has been chosen?" Blake asked.
"Hatching times can vary from a few hours to a few weeks," Aaron said. "The eggs will also only hatch if their Rider is near. I suggest you all come by here at least once per day for the next two or three weeks."
"Why don't we take the eggs back to our room?" Weiss asked.
Aaron shook his head. "Nalia and I are responsible for the eggs' safety. I already failed with Cerise' egg, I'm just glad it turned out to be a happy failure. No, the eggs will stay with us."
The girls nodded. "Well, we're going to be here a while," Yang said. "Anyone got Scrollflix? Aaron and Elena need to see Galaxy Wars."
"Wars isn't on there, Trek is though," Weiss said.
Yang put a hand over her eyes. "Not another Trek is better rant."
While the two girls argued, Aaron made his way over to his student. Ruby, can I talk to you and Cerise for a second?" He gestured to the far side of the Dragonhouse.
"Sure," she said. The two Riders and the red dragon walked together to the empty corner. Nalia positioned herself between the group and the rest of the girls. "What's this about?"
"I must apologize for something I did yesterday." Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. "In the clearing, I was paying close attention to Cerise' condition, and I heard her first word."
Ruby made a confused face while Cerise growled. The younger Rider looked down at her dragon. "Is it that big of a deal?"
It is, Nalia responded. A bonded dragon's first words are intended for his or her Rider, and only the Rider. Those that hear, intentionally or not, are subject to severe punishment from the offended dragon and Rider.
Ruby blinked several times and her jaw dropped slightly. "How severe?"
"Anything short of dismemberment," Aaron responded in a flat tone.
Ruby looked down at Cerise and an unheard conversation passed between them. The younger Rider shook her head a few times, then Cerise nodded once. "Well, you were making sure Cerise was alright, and I did almost took your arm off earlier, so we're even."
Aaron sighed. "Thank you Ruby. That is all I wanted to say for now."
"I do have a few questions though. Is it possible to send pictures in my head to Cerise?"
"Of course. In fact, that's a wild dragon's primary form of communication. You'd be surprised how many times it's more useful than just using words."
"One more thing," Ruby paused, "do you think either of the eggs will hatch for them?"
Aaron closed his eyes and dipped his head. "Only time will tell."
[...]
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed that chapter and yes I purposely held back part of the Legend of the Dragon Faunus to make things more interesting. Also if you were wondering what Elena said to the dragon eggs, she just told them to have fun with the Riders that they choose.
Now onto reviews!
Hamm1999: As much as I wanted to make a part for this chapter about Soldier, It is way too early to write about the Team Fortress 2 Characters until their introduction later in the story. But I do plan on having a chapter later dedicated to Soldier and Rick May. Thank you for the Idea this has inspired.
Welp, that's all the comments for this chapter. Now I have to go look up a song for a fight you all will want to see next chapter. Aaron VS Elena! Who will win? Just wait till the next chapter is out. Rocket, Poke, who do you think will win?
R: I'm partial to Kar En Tuk, but that one BFG Division is a good one too, though I think 'The Only thing they fear is You' might also be appropriate. All of these are by Mick Gordon, btw… I like Doom. No idea who'd win though.
RS: I was asking about the fight not the song for the fight. Lol. I'll take a look. (been reading a doom/rwby fic recently.)
Anyway look forward to the next chapter everyone.
