Beta read by: Crescent Sunrise

Recommended story: "ROGE" by Welldressednightmare

~MZ~

The Bullhead shudders as it circles around a peak the doors closed as the team receive their briefing from Doctor Oobleck. He was very insistent about that title.

'To be fair, I would be too. A doctorate takes years of dedication to achieve. Having people ignore it would be like spitting in the face of that accomplishment.'

"Yes! As you are all aware we are heading to Quadrant Five on what was initially a search and destroy mission. Merely to job of clearing out Grimm before they grow too numerous in the area. However, this morning the nature of the mission was changed by the headmaster from search and destroy to reconnaissance after receiving Intel that points to a criminal element using the area as a base. Our mission is to investigate the area, look for signs of their passing, identify the location of their operation and report in for further instructions." The doctor states before a solemn look crosses his face.

"We must be very careful as we search. There will no doubt be many Grimm nesting in the area as it was home to one of mankind's most ambitious projects... and also one of our greatest tragedies." He states before looking over the assembled trainees listening carefully from the Bullhead.

"Mountain Glenn right?" It is phrased as a question but spoken more as a statement drawing everyone's eyes to Roy. "It was supposed to be an extension of Vale, the biggest single city expansion project in history. Mountains shielding it from the Grimm on three sides with an underground train system linking it to Vale. Thousands of workers were hired under the joint effort of the most powerful companies around at the time." He says with a sigh before leaning back in his seat. Doctor Oobleck nodding along but not interrupting letting the student share what knowledge he has with the others.

"They almost finished the addition too. But the work was getting harder, and as they got closer to finishing, the companies started cutting their labor costs by laying off workers. A lot of those workers had moved their families into the growing area so they would be nearby. Losing their jobs made them quite unhappy. The growing tension and unease between the workers combined with the fear of losing their livelihood early drew the Grimm like a magnet. Mountain Glenn was overrun and the train tunnel sealed off on Vales side to keep the Creatures of Grimm from following the tunnel to the main city. The workers and their families were trapped. And since then there hasn't been any project close to the size and ambition of Mountain Glenn for fear of a repeat." Roy finishes, a solemn gloom fills the Bullhead.

"Quite the case Mr. Stallion. You are absolutely correct. It is to Mountain Glenn we are heading now. We will not be setting any form of base camp, instead, we will be mobile. There are plenty of buildings for us to take refuge in at night. So if you don't want to lug around a useless tent feel free to leave it and anything else behind as I have packed our necessities for this mission." He states as the second years remove their bags, pulling out some of the heavier items and stowing them away in the Bullhead compartments before closing up their bags again.

"The rest we'll keep for emergency supplies. Last thing we need is the mission to go longer than expected and start running low on the vitals." Brawnz states as his team nods in response while the doctor gives him an approving nod.

"Sir if you don't mind my asking, what is your field of study?" May asks, but before the doctor can answer the intercom clicks on.

"Lady and gentlemen we are on approach. Beginning descent now, tee-minus five to touch down." The pilot states, briefly looking over his shoulder at them. There's an odd echo between his words and the intercom but with the rumbling of the engine the latter comes in handy, especially once the doors are open.

As those doors slide apart, giving them a view of the desolate cityscape, the sad end to the area hits the trainees hard. Streets and buildings that should have been filled to bursting with cheerful people going about their lives are instead empty, and in some cases, unfinished as nature slowly reached out over the years to take back mankind's failed attempt to populate more of its domain.

Soon, the Bullhead sets down with a soft thud, staying only long enough for the Huntsman and his team to jump out before the door slides closed and it takes off again. Outside of the cities and villages it is unwise to linger and draw attention. As it stands, the team is already readying their weapons for the Grimm that will inevitably follow the noise.

"Here we are. The mission begins now. Keep your eyes sharp as we move along. And to answer your question Miss Zedong. My doctorate is in History." He comments blinking behind his thick glasses as May shoots him a winning smile.

"I'm sure the explorers and archeologists just love having you along for a trip Doctor." She replies earning herself a small chuckle and smirk from the teacher in kind.

"Quite. Now, here come the Grimm, let's clear them out first."

~RR~

Ruby and her team are meeting the Huntress who they will be shadowing at the southern gate of Vale where four large shipping trucks are rumbling, idling as last minute checks are made on their supplies.

As they get close a woman calls out, waving a hand over her head before jogging over. She is large and heavily muscled. With a body like a professional weight lifter wielding a huge double sided battle-axe. Metal armor lines her frame in disjointed plates, protecting vitals but allowing her more freedom of movement.

"You must be my first years! Introductions first I guess, let's start with you all." She states setting her axe on her shoulders and lifting her arms to wrap her wrist around the long handle so her hands dangle lazily.

"Okay! We're Team RWBY! I'm the leader Ruby Rose, my partner Weiss Schnee." Ruby starts waving towards Weiss who responds with an elegant curtsy. "My older sister Yang Xiao Long, and her partner Blake Belladonna." She adds next, pointing them out in turn the Huntress getting waves from both of them.

"Sisters with different surnames?" The Huntress asks looking between them and lifting her brow at the lack of family resemblance. "One of you adopted? Sorry if that seems rude but you look nothing alike."

Rather than look offended Ruby sighs while Yang cheers. Ruby pulling out a twenty Lien card and handing it over to her sister before looking at the amused Huntress. "We get that a lot in case you couldn't tell. We're half-sisters, same dad different moms. My mom passed away when I was young and my dad had my last name changed to match hers so there would always be a connection between us." Ruby explains while Yang does a little victory dance behind her.

"Well my condolences kid, my name is Atonia. I won't tell you my last name so you won't be tempted to call me Miss. If I wanted an honorific I would have been an instructor. Now then, as I'm sure you noticed when you took the mission we're going to be escorting these vehicles out to the nearby villages. They're carrying medicine, Dust, and supplies that the villages need. After they are unloaded they will be reloaded with food and supplies needed by the folks here living in the city. Those supplies will be bought, sold and traded throughout Remnant. You can say these trucks are one of the most important things keeping us Humans and Faunus going. And we're going to make sure they get from A to B and back in one piece." The buff Huntress states with a grin. "It's short bursts of frantic excitement coupled with long stretches of boredom and sprinkled with the heart melting gratitude of the locals and drivers. The last bit makes it all worth it." She says with a smile, "Now, I'll be in the front car. And each of you should pick a truck and set up on top of it. The drivers will let you sit in the cabin with them but honestly if the Grimm show up it's better to be on top where you can get to them before they get to your vehicle."

She reaches into a bag on her shoulder and pulls out four whistles passing them out. "You won't always see the Grimm before they get close. But if you do, blow the whistle. We don't want to fight a moving battle if we don't have to. Grimm are tempted to try and ram the trucks off the road if they're in motion."

She pauses when she gets to Ruby. "What's with the back pack? Food and shelter are provided on this trip, you shouldn't need that much." She comments lifting her brow with suspicion and then the other in surprise as the bag moves and a fluffy head of a corgi pops out of the flap panting at her and giving a bark.

She doesn't seem to notice Blake slowly putting as much distance between herself and the dog as she can without being obvious. "You brought your dog on a hunting mission?" Atonia asks eyeing the sheepish looking reaper with open skepticism.

"Well my dad asked us to look after him while he's away from home and Blake asked us to keep him away from her things… and he's Zwei! So of course I want to have him around. He's really well trained too so you don't have to worry about him getting into anything he shouldn't." Ruby explains and Atonia levels a long look at the dog before shrugging.

"Fine, whatever. So long as he doesn't get into the supplies. I won't be responsible if something happens to him though. You'll have to ask the drivers if any of them mind him riding with them as well. Get ready, we leave in ten." She states before turning away and heading towards a short all terrain, convertible vehicle with wide, large and thick tires. She has a brief talk with the driver of the car before hopping into the back and leaning against a bar.

After a brief discussion between them they all pick one of the trucks in the lineup. Weiss going to the front truck behind the Huntress followed by Blake, Yang and finally Ruby in the far back, Crescent Rose deployed in its gun mode so she can shoot down any Grimm that start chasing the convoy along the road.

Thankfully, Ruby's driver actually seemed excited to have the little corgi as a traveling companion letting him into his cab along with her backpack filled with food for him as well as a bowl and a few bottles of water.

"All set?" Atonia calls out once the last truck is checked over and given the all clear. She looks over the assembled group getting various confirmations all around before nodding herself and patting the side of her vehicle twice and shouting, "Move out!"

The gate is open, petals are depressed, and five engines growl and rumble as Dust is injected into them and the vehicles start gathering speed on their way out.

~MZ~

May makes her way into an alley and up an old fire escape as her team plus the doctor watch from below. Getting to the roof she drops out of their sight as she runs at a crouch across the rooftop and to the opposite ledge. With her Rifle cradled in her arms she takes a quick peak with her uncovered eye before lifting her rifle to stare down the scope. She scans slowly before moving to another ledge and repeating the motion.

'No people, White fang or otherwise. Just a bunch of Grimm. There has to be a reason so many are lingering here. Mountain Glenn was blocked off years ago. No reason for them to stick around if there's nothing here to draw them in.' She ponders before heading over to report back to her team making herself visible at the ledge closest to them and shaking her head before heading back down the fire escape.

"No people, a few groups of Grimm though, all heading further in towards the mountain line in the northwest." She reports keeping her rifle in hand.

"Then we have our destination." Doctor Oobleck replies getting an odd look from Brawnz and Roy.

"Sir?" Brawnz questions uncertainly as if willing the doctor to explain his reasoning.

Oobleck looks at them and gives a sigh before rubbing his brow. "Miss Zedong, you said Grimm are heading towards the northwest yes?" He questions not really needing her nod for confirmation as they all just heard her say as much. "And what, Mr. Porfirio, are Grimm attracted to?" He asks as realization dawns on the faces of May and Brawnz.

"Negative emo...tions... They're heading towards the criminals we're looking for." Nolan comments as he and Roy catch up looking in the direction.

"Indeed. What better lure for Grimm than a group harboring ill-intent? We follow the Grimm, we find our criminal element." Oobleck instructs with determined eyes as they head in that direction.

As they travel, May hears Doctor Oobleck's conversations with her team as he catches them in moments of one on one asking each the same question. Always with the same curious glint in his eye as if trying to figure out how the person works.

"Mr. Porfirio why do you want do become a Huntsman?"

"That's a very personal thing to ask someone Doc, why do you want to know?" He asks in return rather than answer outright.

"Simple curiosity. I don't like to judge people on first impressions. This question usually gives quite a bit of insight and sometimes can even help the trainee answering it. Should they find themselves uncertain of their goals." Oobleck explains still curious.

Nolan though, pauses and considers the question and explanation before responding. "My family is poor. Owning a small bit of farmland middle of the desert. We raised some livestock, much as our land could take really. A few years ago Grimm wandered onto the farm, tore through one of the fences on its way towards the house and spooked the cattle. They stampeded and the only place for them to go was towards the hole in the fence the Grimm made. Monsters killed most of them when they got too close until my dad got his gun and put them down."

Nolan sighs then, stretching his hands high above his head before leaning back and letting his back pop before continuing. "Suddenly there's not enough left for them to support themselves and me. So I signed up to go to Oasis. Free room and board and one less mouth to feed back home. They said I could come back after but when I was accepted into Shade I just kept going. Now I split my pay from missions and send money back to them. I'll be able to help even more when I graduate. All the motivation I need really."

Dr. Oobleck lets out a speculative hum before continuing onward.

~RR~

Ruby yawns briefly as she lays out on the top of her chosen vehicle taking one hand off her Sweetheart to rub at her eyes. Long periods of boredom indeed. And since she needed to keep an eye out for Grimm she can't even take a nap.

They had been traveling for hours and so far, they had two false alarms and nothing but rumbling engines and the occasional bump on the dirt road. Ruby folds up Crescent Rose for a moment stowing it on her back before pushing herself up and into a sitting position with her legs crossed. Sipping from a small canteen of water.

At least she seemed to be coping better than Yang. Her older sister has taken to dancing foot to foot while shadow boxing in between sitting down and whining about how bored she is. From there she'll lay on her back and then start doing sit ups, pushups, and once again shadow boxing as the process repeats itself.

After working her limbs a bit, Ruby sighs and settles back down to watch the road behind them once more. She pops her scope and looks a distance down the road.

'I hope May is okay.'

~MZ~

May grunts as her axe blade drops into the neck of another Creep. The Grimm type becoming more and more populated as they head deeper which is also quite an irritant as similar to Beowolves, they are pack hunters. However, they fight more akin to a school of piranha choosing to swarm a target rather than surrounding and attacking carefully from blind spots.

The lack of self-preservation in the tactic makes them easier to kill, but they also tend to overwhelm the defender much quicker as a result.

Finished with the Grimm for the moment she relaxes, also catching the start of another conversation the doctor is having with one of her team mates.

"Why did I want to become a Hunter? I've been told I have an inferiority complex. Youngest of four brothers. I was always the smallest, the weakest, and the one who got pushed around and into things I didn't want to do. When I was a kid, my brothers roped me into doing anything they wanted because if I got caught I wasn't punished as hard. I think they resented me because I got a lot of what little attention our dad could give. He works a lot you know? Big investment company supervisor." Roy replies with a shrug.

"Anyway, I guess I just got tired of being the weak one in the family, the one that got pushed around and doted on because I was the 'baby'. So I signed up to become a Hunter. Worked my ass off too so I could get accepted. At this point though, I think it's more proving how strong I am to myself than my family though. Attention from the ladies doesn't hurt either." He adds with a cocky grin that is ruined by Brawnz chiming in.

"What ladies Roy?"

"Sh-shut up! This is a private conversation, right Doctor?" He fires back looking to Oobleck for confirmation only to have his hopes dashed by the noncommittal sound in return followed by his team laughing and snickering at his expense.

"You guys suck. I need new friends." He mutters working himself into a good sulk as he kicks a stone into a gutter.

~RR~

The lead car honks twice from the front of the line drawing everyone's attention forward, Ruby allows herself a cheerful smile as the first town comes into view. When they come to a stop she can hear Yang drop from the top of her truck with a loud 'finally'. Something the rest of the team quietly agrees with.

The first truck turns and backs up to the towns' walls before the driver hops out and moves around to lift the shuttered back gate. The village ready with volunteers to help unload and reload the vehicle.

Ruby smiles at the cheerful sight of the villagers after letting Zwei out so he can run around by himself for a while. The small children quickly running over, enamored with her adorable corgi who in return pants adorably and sets about licking any face or hand he can get in reach of.

The adults looked grateful to have the children preoccupied and out of the way while also getting to see something incredibly adorable. When they tried to thank Atonia for bringing the little guy along she shook them off and pointed Ruby out. Who suddenly found herself shaking hands with villagers and blushing as they thanked her and her team for helping to get the supplies there.

'It feels nice to help out. Kinda wish some Grimm had shown up though so I could feel a little like I earned this kind of gratitude.' She thinks to herself as she smiles and shifts awkwardly unused to being the center of attention like this as her team stands together out of the way grinning at her occasional pleading glances to them for help.

It doesn't come. They leave her to be sacrificed to the small mob of grateful people and overly energetic children.

~MZ~

May looks up to see dusk starting to set in and May sets her eyes on finding a place for the night. Weighing visibility against comfort she settles on a half completed building. Before pointing it out to Brawnz and Oobleck.

The two talk amongst each other for a moment before agreeing with the choice while they head towards it. This is when Brawnz gets the question.

"Figured you would ask May next. Well I don't really have a great reason. I have some anger management issues. Keeping an even head is easy most of the time. But when I get a head of steam going it usually results in someone getting punched, hard. Grew up with bloody knuckles and a chip on my shoulder just waiting for the next guy to say the wrong thing. Eventually, parents got tired of seeing me with police and not in a friendly manner and threw me at the Hunter program hoping to sort me out. It's helped, having genuine monsters to point myself at when I get in a mood takes the brunt off my anger and having to be responsible for these three geniuses has forced me to learn to curb it." He states simply.

"Far as I'm concerned I'm a person born to fight. If it's not the Grimm I would be doing it professionally or in an underground league. Probably the latter with my record. Not too many people jumping up and down to hire a thug with a youthful history of overeager aggression. This way I get paid to punch monsters and save people. All's well that ends well right Doc?" Brawnz finishes expecting the quiet and contemplative 'hmmm' in response. He's not disappointed.

May smiles to herself subtly eyeing her team leader. Brawnz was a scrapper, and until getting to Shade hadn't had much more to think about than where his next fight was going to be. Small for a physical fighter but man could he swing with the best of them.

The memory of their team formation draws a smile from her as she recalls him loudly shouting his displeasure at being the leader. Pointing to Nolan questioning the Headmistress on her sanity for picking him over the calm and controlled farm boy. He held up the ceremony for ten minutes ranting and trying to get her to take back the position before he was escorted out of the room.

Roy told him to suck it up and deal with it.

Roy was then in the hospital for three days with a broken arm. At the end of which Brawnz had calmed down and apologized for losing his cool. He explained to them that he had problems with his rage but promised to try and do better if he was going to lead their team. For the most part he's done brilliantly.

~RR~

The procession comes to a stop at the second village and a similar scene from the first plays out all over again. Eager stretching of legs, grateful villagers, amused teammates.

What doesn't match though is the speculative frown on Atonia's face as she looks into the nearby woods. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Breaking away from the villagers Ruby makes her way over to question the Huntress on her mood.

"You seem worried, is something wrong?" She asks drawing Atonia's eye to her before the woman shakes her head.

"Not really. Job's going well, we made great time, plenty of supplies all around. Things are actually going great… But that's what's bothering me. I've been on this supply run a few times. Never made it here before the sunset before. It's like the Grimm are either ignoring us, which has never happened, or they're all somewhere else. Where that could be I have no idea. I don't know whether to be grateful for the reprieve or worried about whatever it is that's drawn them away." The Huntress replies looking a bit unsettled before shaking her head before continuing.

"We'll worry more about that tomorrow. We'll be staying here the night and moving out in the morning. Plenty of time left in the day too. Feel free to look around if you want." She adds shouldering her axe and heading towards the adults working to exchange supplies.

The little leader is left with a thoughtful frown on her face as she turns towards the east. Where Mountain Glenn is, along with her girlfriend.

Pulling out her Scroll Ruby is delighted to find she still has a signal. In order to call across the continents you need to be connected to the towers, but Scrolls are designed to communicate directly with each other when in range of one another or are within the coverage area of the same CCT tower.

Opening her Scroll Ruby types off a quick message to May, asking her if she's alright and hoping May is somewhere she can respond.

'I should feed Zwei and get ready for tomorrow. Just because it was quiet today doesn't mean it will stay that way.'

~MZ~

May volunteers herself for the first watch. First testing and then resting herself against a collapsed support beam set at an angle. Her eyes scanning the darkening streets below for movement before shooting to the forest where a herd of massive Goliath are marching along. She watches them through her scope and swears they are looking right back before putting it down and moving her eyes to the rooftops of buildings around them, searching for flying monsters.

"You aren't going to attack the Grimm out there?" Oobleck asks motioning towards the rumbling herd.

"Nope, they look old. And with Grimm that means they're strong. Even if I do drop one with the first shot through the eye the rest will turn and charge, heads down. I wouldn't be able to drop a second before they're on us. And as you said, this is recon. Fighting them would draw too much attention. Better to leave them for now." May shifts, taking off her hat and pocketing it before tying her hair up and putting on the patch she got from Ruby.

"Smart. Yes, picking unnecessary fights right now wouldn't be in our best interest." He agrees leaning against the wall next to her.

She doesn't stop her scanning of the surroundings. "Are you going to ask me too Sir?" She questions when he doesn't immediately speak up.

"I want to I admit, but your reasons seem to be more personal than the others. I've noticed you tensing each time you hear me ask it. And I don't want to stick my nose where it's not needed or wanted." He replies and is met with silence until her Scroll goes off with a soft ping.

She blinks and opens it before smiling and sending Ruby back a response, letting her girlfriend know she's alright before closing it again and continuing the conversation. "It gets easier the more I talk about it, so sure, why not? What motivated me to be a Huntress was vengeance. Slaying the monsters that took my dad from me. I didn't always live in the city of Vacuo. My mom and dad used to live with one of the nomadic groups in the desert. Safety in numbers and never in the same place more than a few days." She starts pulling out a cloth from her pocket and gently rubbing the lens of her scope.

"According to mom, our group would look for locations people used to live and mark the coordinates for historians like yourself to check out. Sometimes they would snoop around a little themselves and grab a few artifacts to take back to sell to a museum." She continues watching a small pack of Beowolves wander down a side alley.

"Living in the desert without walls to protect you is a harsh and unforgiving life. And as you know sir, when Grimm get old they don't just get cautious. They get clever. There was a massive Deathstalker that buried itself in the sands… and we passed over it when it attacked. Small Nomad group of twenty, of which maybe ten could fight. We lost nine, and the group turned around. Headed to Vacuo and the villages nearby and started looking for work. Mom got a reception job and started working her way up. When I was old enough, there was never any question in my mind I was going to hunt monsters." May explains.

"And now?" He pushes tentatively.

"Now I don't know." Shrugging lamely, "Revenge was a good reason to start. But I've killed a lot of Grimm since. Hasn't gotten any better. I guess I'm still looking for a good reason. But for now, it's something I can do that fills a role the world needs." She explains, looking through her scope and scanning right down the street.

"You don't see many Innocent Hunters anymore. I thought the belief had died out." Oobleck comments getting a smirk from the sniper.

Innocent Hunters. A term for people believing in the superstition that sprang up when hunters started having to support the police force in bringing down criminals with unlocked Aura. The idea that hunters were meant to be paragons of virtue standing against the Grimm had been popularized to boost public morale. Based on the popular saying that, the eyes are 'windows to the soul' Hunters began covering one eye any time they went out into the field in the effort to keep that eye 'innocent' of the worlds evils.

"I don't really believe in it, but my mom is the superstitious sort. It made her feel better when I first started and now, I'm just used to it." She replies with a shrug, giving a shorter answer than she gave Ruby because the doctor seems already aware of its meaning.

She pans to the right again before freezing and leaning back removing her scope from her rifle and passing it to Oobleck.

"Down the street, leaning against the corner on the right see him? He's smoking, watch for the plume." She comments as the doctor leans out slightly looking through the scope as he spots the figure. He watches the head turn and catches a hint of the mask before pulling back in and passing the scope back.

"White Fang, good job Miss Zedong. You have spotted our criminal element. We'll wait for morning to check that area and hopefully discover their whereabouts. They are Faunus and thus have an extreme chance of being blessed with night vision. Do not approach them tonight." He commands and she nods returning to her watch as he heads towards her team to inform them of the discovery. Her watch isn't over yet.

Pulling out her Scroll again, she types out another message for her girlfriend. "Heya Little Red, we found your friends right where they said they would be. We're camping out for the night but we'll see if we can't stop by and pay a visit tomorrow."

AN:

So here we have another chapter. And I have an announcement and a request. One, No JitR is not going to be delayed forever, it will get put up I promise. it's just a really big chapter and there's a lot of work going into it as I have mentioned previously.

Two, I'm looking for someone who has recently read and is familiar with the Mercy Thompson books to help me with a different story. I've read them myself but it's been some time and I don't want to mess up because I forgot something important. if anyone's interested in having a look please PLEASE PM me. I would really appreciate the help.

Finally, once again a big big thank you to my reviwers. AntonSlavik020 and imoshen88 There weren't many for chapter 12 which worries me a little but also makes me all the more appreciative of those ones that have said something. I know I don't require it but I really do appreciate the support

Omake by: Crescent Sunrise

Title: Looking at the Other Side of Things.

May finally pulled herself from the storage shed that Ruby had unceremoniously left her in a few hours ago. Stretching contentedly and enjoying the wonderful tenseness in her muscles and… other areas from their… activities.

Holy Taliedo, what that girl could do with her hands. She must have a thing for asses cause damn was hers sore.

Looking around she found her weapon, Myrtles Bloom lying haphazardly by the gym where Yang had stared what Ruby spectacularly finished. She moved through the almost frighteningly quiet campus, not seeing anyone. For a time she began to think she was alone until she came upon an interesting sight.

Five people seemed to be fighting in some kind of free-for-all. Shout about how 'She'll be mine!' and 'Under the Schnee.' Whatever that was supposed to mean.

Must be a sex joke.

Noticing the white haired partner of May's fond shed partner, she loaded her rifle with some Lightning Dust Stun Rounds and began to pick off all of the men who seemed too focused on each other, leaving Weiss standing a little confused.

"Heya Princess. Have you seen Little Red? I never got to properly thank her for all the attention."

Weiss looked at her and sighed, "Ugh. Why did it have to be you?" She said in a whining tone.

"What are you talking about?"

"White Rose is the OTP, not this… Long Distance!" Waiving her hands at May as if that explained anything.

May just looked confused. "Uh... you wanna run that by me again in plebeian for me? Your high society must be showing."

"The Shipping War you idiot. Almost everyone seems to be wanting to get in Ruby's skirt and it's all your fault!"

There was an awkward silence as a Zwei-shaped tumbleweed squeaked across the open courtyard the pair was standing in.

"I thought I asked you to speak in plebeian." May states.

Weiss grabbed her ponytail and pulled in frustration, "Ugh. Because you started a new ship and banged Ruby everyone else wants to assert themselves as the OTP. Ruby asked me to bow out so that why you and I are still talking. God, could you be any denser?"

May rubbed her sore ass for a moment in thought. "So let me get this straight. Because Ruby rocked my world, everyone wants to make her… change her mind by getting in her pants?" May asked incredulously.

"That about sums it up as far as I know." Weiss agreed.

May simply raised her rifle and knocked Weiss out with a shot.

"Yeah, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, and you look like a featherweight to me." May turned and continued walking through the campus, "Nobody's getting Ruby's hands except me." She vowed.

"Hel~lo!" came a familiar and far too cheery voice.

Turning around May saw a familiar face in some very revealing gym attire. Yang Xiao Long was sauntering with very appealing sway toward the sniper. "I believe you and I had some unfinished business?" she asked in a sultry tone.

"So… you're not looking for your sister?"

Yang stopped for a moment. "No? Why would I being looking for Ruby during a Shippin…" she trailed off for a moment. "Ew. Ew, ew, ew, Gross! No way! Bad. No Enabler!" Yang's smoldering look came back like a switch though. "But May come here for a second."

"Why?"

"Because I want to show you my 'Firearms!'" She flexed and gave a sexy wink. "You know you wanna Ship with this." Gesturing to herself.

A stub round cracked her in the forehead before she could even realize what happened.

"Yeah," May said turning around again, "I would usually, but I'm feeling like a Long Distance relationship is more appropriate at the moment. Later sexy, and thanks for the show!"

May continued to roam the campus until she found the shattered doors of the Dining Hall, only to find no one there.

"Where the hell is that girl? I am NOT letting someone else experience what I got. This girl does not share nicely.

"Then I suppose you and I will be having problems." Came the unexpected reply from a smoky voice that just oozed 'sex'.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Cinder, dear. And Falling Petals is the only Ship that will set sail today…"

*Quick! Cue the Cliffhanger!*

The camera pans to Beacon Cliffs and everyone sees Jaune, 'literally' hanging from the cliff. "I seriously don't think that this is what a cliffhanger is supposed to mean!"

that's all for now everyone! Thank you for reading, I love you, and I'll see you next time.