Disclaimer: The following is a nonprofit fanfiction of RWBY. RWBY belongs to Monty Oum(RIP) and Rooster Teeth. Any likeness to writings of others is not intentional. To help with improvements: Read and Review!

AN: Hey all. Jitters here bringing another chapter of Ninjas of Love. Been rushing on things because of finals and projects, but now I'm with a lot of time.


After the whole party and recovering from their hangovers, teams RWBY and JNPR had returned to their dorms with triumph at their finished movie. Sadly, the only one not having any after effects from alcohol got the worst thing the next morning: bad news.

Team JNPR dorm

"Ren, calm down!" Nora shouted as her childhood friend threw a chair out the window of their dorm.

SMASH!

"Months!" The green ninja shouted, taking another chair to throw out. "Months stolen! All that planning and work!"

"It'll be alright." Nora tried to soothe him.

"Easy pal." Their leader tried to calm him. "No need to take your anger on our stuff. Put the camera down."

Team RWBY's dorm

The whole team could hear the commotion across the hall. Yang along with Weiss were furious as well. Koriarni studios had demanded that Ren take his name off as the lead creator.

"It's all just a fucking power check!" They heard the angry director shout loudly.

Ruby winced at hearing him sound that angry for the first time.

"We should do something about this Weiss." Yang nudged her teammate. "We worked hard on that film. They cant just do this to us."

"If we can just get Ren to calm down," Weiss massaged her temple from the angry vein pulsing. "He, Jaune, Pyrrha, and the two of us can head on over to the company and look over our contract. Velevt blogged this online, and we have way more fan supporters. Sadly, the sponsors don't really care and are neutral in all of this."

While the heiress and the brawler discussed their plan of acquiring their movie back, Blake was busy reading her hangover away while wearing ear buds.


Chapter 7: The Dust Empire

It had been three days since Ruby and her entourage had made it to Kisshoten, the main capital and home to Weiss and Winter. Instead of staying with the royals in their castle, Ruby had politely declined to stay in a place to better her training. Kisshoten was a large and beautiful village surrounded by a sea of cherry blossom trees. The princesses had given Ruby and her group lodging during their stay with them. Naturally, Velvet and Blake would lodge with Ruby as her personal guards. As for Jaune, he was given a room with the other soldiers.

Courtyard of Kisshoten castle

"How goes your reading, Blake?" Velvet asked, not taking her eyes off the spar between Ruby and Jaune.

After getting the basics on her swordplay and naginata practice, it was time for Ruby to sharpen those skills by mock battles. Jaune had memorized his master's style and demeanor as best he could to help Ruby when the time came to face the leader of the Renegades.

"It's …progressing." Blake answered, looking up from her book to see Ruby continuing to go on the offensive. "It's amazing what I've missed in so many years."

"What are you reading at the moment?" The bunny faunus asked, peeking over the cat's shoulders to see the contents of the book. "Nu-ra-ri-hyon? What is that?"

"I found this in the library during your lessons with Ruby." The ninja said, turning back to her book.

"You took it because it had pictures, didn't you?" Velvet wasn't trying to be condescending. Ruby and Velvet caught the former prince teaching the ninja in his room and after a long talk on what was going on, bat and rabbit found out Blake was learning how to read.

Fortunately since Velvet had the same problem, she knew the easier solutions to them. One of them being to read things with pictures for better familiarizations. Unlike Jaune's method of building up on the letters and pronunciations, Velvet's was more on picture memory until it all came naturally. Blake explained her knowledge on vocabulary was high since following the emperor and princess meant overhearing all their important meetings. It was just reading and writing letters in general that was foreign to her.

"I just enjoy the art, okay?" Blake huffed, burying her head back into the book.

Velvet knew she was being honest. The moment she presented picture books to Blake, she became even more infatuated with them. The bunny has even spotted the cat making her own drawings and writings when she thought no one was looking.

"So what is a Nurarihyon?" The rabbit faunus asked, leaning back to relax more.

"He's supposed to be some leader of a parade one hundred demons during the summer nights." Blake said with stars in her eyes. "Those who come across it perishes if they are taken by the demons or are killed on sight."

"You seem very interested in it." Velvet took note. "Does it inspire you for something?"

"Well." Blake started with an embarrassed blush while putting the book down. "When I was an Oniwaban, my goal was to someday rise to become a commander of my own troop that would continue to protect and serve his majesty and his family. But that all changed."

"What is your plan now?" Velvet asked, feeling the happy mood destroyed. Getting nothing at the moment, she thought to share her plans. "For my goal, I wish to go back to Arcadia with a loving husband and start a family."

Once Blake had heard that, her eyes had shifted from the woman next to her and the blonde man sparring with her princess. And just like in the festival, Blake felt a cold feeling in her chest along with her knees going numb.

"H-have you thought of someone in mind?" She asked, the contents of her book forgotten.

As Velvet was about to answer, Jaune and Ruby had ran up to them with the princess covered in dust and sweat.

"She's done for today." Jaune huffed, holding Ruby's practice staff looking equally sweaty. "I think it's about time for her to have her break."

"Really?" Ruby smiled, looking to Blake with hope in her eyes. "Does this mean I can spend time with Weiss now? Can I? Please?"

Weiss's fears of Ruby changing were looking moot as she still acted as the sweet innocent growing girl before them. Her brother's demise still plagued her along with her want for revenge, but it did not change her into a cold-hearted monster. In battle, she was focused and calculative; but out of it, she was the loving princess that cherished her people and friends.

"I don't see why not." Blake sighed, getting up from her seiza position to dust her hakama. "Let's go clean ourselves off and we can go out to see more of the kingdom."

As Ruby cheered in joy, she ran off to the bathing room to not waste any more time. Velvet giggled at her behavior and followed after to help the princess clean herself properly.

"So how is she really doing?" Blake asked Jaune as they were left alone. "Do you think she will have a chance? Of killing Qrow I mean."

"Currently." Jaune sighed, replaying the young girl's progress in his mind. "She's still years away from facing him. She's progressing insanely fast though. I'd say she was a prodigy by how quick she picks up all we teach her. I just hope she's ready for when the time comes."

"But we'll be with her all the way, right?" Blake said, hoping to get his support.

"Of course." The blonde smiled, nudging her playfully. "When the time comes, I will get my answers, Ruby will have revenge, Adam will be no more, and Benzaiten will have peace."

Nodding, Blake nudged her head for him to follow her for a short walk before she joined Ruby and Velvet in the baths.

"Tell me Jaune." She said after a few seconds. "When this is all over, where do you plan to go? Will you take Pyrrha's offer to join her troop, or… are you planning something else?"

Stopping by a pillar, Blake turned around to look him in the eye as she waited for his answer. For some odd reason, her heart was hammering in her chest as she tried to keep a cool façade.

"Truthfully, I'm not sure." The ex-prince sighed, scratching the back of his head. "When the Renegades took me in, I thought that was where I will be for the rest of my life. But now, I've been offered a new home. Pyrrha offered me one, and so has princess Ruby."

"She did?" Blake said, not knowing about this.

"Yes." He nodded with a bright smile. "And just like Pyrrha, she said the offer would always be open to me."

"That's nice." She smiled, imagining what it would be like to have Jaune stay with them. Sadly, another part of her mind brought up another thought. "How about Arcadia? Velvet said she plans on going back."

"She did?" The blonde said in surprise. "Well, that's good on her. But I've firmly resolved not to go back. I have no reason to."

"Not even for her?" She asked, wondering his feelings for the rabbit. "You two have history, don't you?"

"…What we had," he gulped while staring at his feet. "wasn't healthy."

That had shocked her. Before she could rebuke him or jump to a horrible conclusion she asked him to explain what he meant.

"When I first met Velvet, it was through my uncle bringing her to me in chains." He retold their story. "She was forced to give all of herself to me, or face something worse. We were both prisoners, scared and alone with no one to cling onto but each other. And as time went on, we started using one another as a means for comfort."

"I don't think that's how she sees it." The cat faunus shook her head, walking to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I've seen how she looks at you. I think you've noticed it too."

"I have." He nodded sadly, taking her hand into his. Looking her in the eyes, Blake saw cold sadness instead of joy. "It's the same look I held for Qrow. Admiration and worship."

For some reason, Blake's heart and mind were in conflict. She held sadness for Velvet, disappointment and pity for the man in front of her, and joy for a reason she couldn't fathom.

"Thank you for your time Blake." The blonde smiled, walking past her to the baths. "I'll meet you and the others at the entrance."

She wanted to talk more, but the words she was looking for were lost in thought. Walking towards the baths, she had bumped into someone she had never met.

"Sorry." She bowed in apology. "I was lost in thought."

Looking up, she saw the face of an old man with hands behind his back and a stern look on his face. Blake knew this man from the meetings and pictures Adam had shown her during the war. Standing before her was General James Ironwood. Looking to her left, she saw Winter was with him as well.

"You are forgiven." The older man waved off before turning to Winter. "We should continue to discuss the matter behind closed doors your majesty."

"Very well. Let us discuss this matter in the council room." Winter nodded before turning to Blake. "I hear you and princess Ruby plan to go on an outing with my sister?"

"Yes your majesty." Blake nodded while standing straight as a show of respect with the general present.

"At ease." She waved a hand. "I allow it, but be sure to have them both back before sunset."

"You're majesty?" Blake asked, not understanding why. They had gone on outings before, and Winter had allowed them back by the late evening.

"Threatening news has come to my attention." Winter informed the ninja. "While still unclear at the moment, I wish to practice caution and for you and the others to do the same. Inform the others as well, if you would."

"Yes your majesty." Blake bowed, steeping to the side to have them go first.

Before they had turned a corner, Winter had informed that Pyrrha would be joining them as well for extra security. As they left, she wondered what could have Winter on edge. Whatever it may be, Blake would tread carefully as if it were the White Fang acting.

Thirty minutes later

Castle entrance

After Blake had cleaned herself off, she had gone off to the entrance to see the two princesses waiting for them with Pyrrha and Velvet chatting to pass the time. Waving to them as she got closer, she took notice that Jaune was not among them.

"Is Jaune not coming with us?" Blake asked, wondering why he was not present.

"He was summoned by Winter a while ago." Pyrrha informed her while in her uniform. "I was told to accompany you all in his place."

"Did she say what reason?" Ruby asked the commander.

"Nothing to get too worked up about." The redhead said to avoid panic. "The General arrived today, and requested Jaune's presence. Possibly just to have him share any information to help Kisshoten and Benzaiten against the White Fang and their allies."

"Before we go, Winter told us to be back before sunset." Blake remembered the older princess's order. "It may have something to do with the general being here."

"If you say so." Weiss sighed with a pout. "I guess we can just go to the market square and see the preparations for the upcoming parade."

"What parade?" The bat faunus asked, not hearing of such a thing while getting an ear twitch from Blake.

"In a couple of days, Winter will have her coronation as the new Empress of the Dust Empire." The younger princess told her friends. "After that, there will be a parade in her honor."

After all was said, the group continued onwards to the market square where the citizens greeted the royals. As they continued on their tour of the area, the three guarding the princesses continued to be on high guard in case of any attack or signs of suspicious work at play. As they continued on, nothing eventful had happened but they refused to let their guards down.

At the castle entrance

Reaching the gates, the five women were able to arrive before the sun could dip under the mountains and trees. As the guards opened up for them, they were met with Winter along with Jaune and General Ironwood standing in the courtyard waiting for them.

"Your majesty." The three guards bowed in greeting as the two princesses walked towards her.

"At ease." Winter smiled, seeing her sister and friend unharmed. "Weiss dear, please take a walk with me. Alone."

Getting a comforting nod from her friend, Weiss silently followed her elder sister as they walked into the castle. Turning to Jaune, Weiss felt more at ease as he nodded with a hidden smile. Next to him, she averted her gaze as the general had turned to look at her. Even as a little girl, she always felt uneasy whenever in front of the older man's presence.

"I wish you the best of luck, Mr. Arc." Ironwood bowed, walking to his own quarters. "Ms. Nikos. Excellent job today."

"Thank you sir!" Pyrrha bowed, getting back up when told to. "It is always an honor to watch over her majesty."

"Keep up the good work." As he was out of sight, the group huddled together.

"Do you have any idea of what is going on?" Ruby asked the blonde male. "Winter looked uneasy just now. And why was the general wishing you luck."

"It could be a good thing, Ruby." Jaune said with smirk. "While meeting with Winter, she asked how your training was going. After hearing of how well you were improving, she requested for Weiss to join you. But unlike you where Blake is mainly teaching you, I'm being assigned to be Weiss's personal trainer."

"Congratulations Jaune." Velvet smiled, hugging his left arm. "Have you decide on which form to teach her? What about scheduling? I could-"

"Easy now Velvet." The blonde patted her head gently. "Weiss still needs to be eased into this. That's one of the reasons why Winter pulled her away."

"But still." As Velvet continued to chat with her former master, Blake had observed her demeanor and compared it to how Jaune had described her during their last talk.

She saw admiration, hope, and awe as the bunny clung onto the blonde's arm wit joy. Remembering events and comparing them to one another, Blake had to agree of with the ex-prince. She was taken out of her thoughts as Ruby had pulled on her sleeve to get her attention.

"Yes, Ruby?" She said after clearing her mind.

"I was asking if you wanted to go see Weiss after her meeting with Winter." She repeated herself. "If she's still unsure, maybe we could be there to encourage her."

"That sounds nice." She agreed, planning on the princess's next training exercise.

Perhaps a friendly rivalry would help them both grow and progress. During her training days as an Oniwaban, it was her rivalry with Sun to impress Adam that drove them to be two of the best amongst their group. Unknown to her and the others, there was another agenda that was discussed while they were in the market. A foreboding that had to be kept quiet. After all, it wasn't everyday that the older princess was given a message from an unknown sender threatening to destroy her home on the day of her coronation.


Blake closed her book with her new bookmark saving the next chapter. Her hangover now gone, she took her ear buds off her four ears to hear the sounds of silence. Sighing in content, she was about to place her book away but froze when she felt a presence behind her. Looking upwards, she saw Ruby on her bedpost smiling innocently while looking at her.

"I like the part where Jaune explains why he doesn't love Velvet and how she doesn't really love him." The scythe wielder smiled while reaching over to grab the book. "Also, what's a guandao?"

She was so engrossed in her book with the ear buds muffling all noise she didn't notice her leader looming over her and reading with her. On the outside, Blake was frozen with an unreadable expression. But inside, she was screaming as mini-Blakes ran in her mind trying to think of a solution out of this mess.

End


AN: Who could the killer be? Is it Ironwood? Is it Roman? Some other guy? Maybe someone from CRDL? Who can guess? And le gasp! Ruby found the secret book! I'm so evil for doing that to Blake. Not much action happening in this chapter, but next one will have sparring with Ruby and Weiss, Jaune and Pyrrha, along with a threat looming overhead as Winter is being targetted.

Next update is Dustpoint. If you all are a fan of multiverses, time traveling, and mysteries then give it a try.