Blake joined Beacon academy for two reasons. One was because education is good. She believed ignorance was something you could only blame yourself. She's learned that a few times now. Plus, being a huntress was the most noblest of jobs. Someone who's always fighting for good, that's why she joined a huntress school.
The second reason was out of the ordinary, to escape the terrorist group, White Fang. She held a high ranking while she was with them. She thought the White Fang was doing the right thing. She truly believed that. That is until she noticed their recent activities.
And so, she decided to leave the White Fang, leave her past behind her and start a new. This led her to Beacon. She was happy. She didn't have to join a battlefield or get involved in illegal activities. She was never doing that again.
Blake may not be the most talkative person, but she was surprised to make a lot of friends within the first two weeks. The first group of friends was her very own teammates.
She smiled at Ruby's adorable actions and laughed at Yang's jokes… most of the time at least. And Weiss? She was a little spoiled and ignorant, but Blake felt like she could become friends with her.
Then there were the other teams. Team JNPR was a group of lively and nice people. They were fun be around, they were just like her team. Though most of the energy came from one person…
Then there was the group of Faunus. She felt like she was as close to them as she was to her team. And she was seriously questioning her disguise, they saw through it so easily. Even their team leader who isn't a Faunus saw through it. Well, her team hasn't found out yet. So it might not be as bad a disguise as she thought.
Though she felt like she was becoming good friends with the Faunus, the one who felt she seemed to have some familiarity with started acting… different.
Lucille had started to distance herself from Blake and Blake didn't know why. She also didn't know why she felt like she knew her from somewhere.
"Hey, Lucille. Are you heading to the library?". Blake asked her, walking to her side.
"Y-yeah. I'm just returning some books. What about you?". She asked, clutching the books in her arms tighter.
Blake raised an eyebrow but didn't question it, "Same here.".
They walked to the library in silence. 'God this is so awkward!'. Thought to herself. 'How did she talk to Blake to before?'. She was really questioning herself now.
"Say, Lucille di-", Blake attempted to start a conversation before Ruby appeared in front of the two of them.
"Blake! I need your opinion! It's really urgent!". Ruby said, sounding panicked.
Blake sighed. "What is it, Ruby? Did Weiss tell you to stop talking to your weapon again?".
"No, actually yeah she did. But that's not what I wanted to ask.". Ruby denied.
"You can also ask for my opinion if you need it.". Lucille offered, thankful to Ruby for breaking the awkward silence.
"Sorry Lucille, this us a team thing.". Ruby apologized.
"No, it's fine. I was just offering.". She told the younger girl as they made their way to the library.
"Thanks!", Ruby offered her a smile. "Anyhow, what I really wanted to ask was if I should dye my hair!".
"Dye your hair?", the two Faunus mimicked confused.
"Yeah! I still need to find Yang and Weiss to ask them too!". Ruby said excitedly.
"Well… why do you want to dye your hair?". Blake asked the girl.
"Well, you see-". Ruby started a little depressed before her name was shouted from down the hall by Truci.
"Ruby!".
"Oh, Truci! Perfect timing! I was just about to tell them why I was going to dye my hair.". Ruby yelled back.
"As long as you don't tell them about that.". Truci replied as he got by her side.
"No problem! Ruby Rose doesn't break her promises!". She said with a salute.
"That?". The other two repeated. For how nervous Lucille was around Blake, they were really in sync today.
"Don't worry about it. Anyways, the rest of our friends are in the library. Let's go.". He motioned them to walk faster.
"I don't know if Connie and Weiss can go five minutes without getting into an argument. Someone needs to stop them!". Truci said shaking. He shivered when he remembered the argument they had the day after the field trip. He was frozen for most of the day until Connie finally decided to unthaw him. Interrupting two dust heiresses is definitely a terrible idea.
"Don't worry Truci! Next time I'll volunteer as tribute.". Ruby offered.
"Thanks.". He rustled her hair.
"Stop that! You won't be doing that when I dye my hair!". Ruby shouted at him in triumph.
"Why would that stop me?". Truci asked.
"because!". She puffed her chest. "your hand would be dyed red just like my hair would be!.".
Laughs simultaneously escaped Blake's and Lucille's mouths. They tried to not laugh too hard but they couldn't help it. Truci just flicked Ruby's forehead to which she held with both her hands after.
"Ruby, dye doesn't work like that.". Lucille started to explain with a giggle.
"Only your hair would be red, it's not like it becomes wet paint Ruby forever.". Blake continued for her.
"Wait, what?!". Ruby yelled in shock.
"Shh!". The nearby students shushed them as they entered the library.
Ruby quickly covered her mouth with her hands and mumbled through them, "Sorry!".
They quietly made their way to their friends. Ruby ran towards her sister when she saw her, "Yang! You lied to me! You said dye would colour to my face if my hair touched it while dyed.". Ruby yelled her loudest whisper.
"Oh, that? Why are you bringing that up?". Yang asked putting her book, yes her book, face down in the table.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Everyone gather around me, I'll tell all of you!". Ruby said with her chest puffed and hands on her hips. She was about to stand on the table but she felt some of the other students eye her before she did.
"Don't laugh too hard guys.". Truci added at the end.
Ruby gave him a confused looked, just like everyone else. "So why have we gathered around you?". Jaune was the first to ask.
"Well you see, Truci gave me a great idea for our team look!". Ruby said, trying to hug her team, only for Weiss to push her off.
"Team look? What does that have to do with anything?". Weiss complained, she would rather study that hear this.
"Well, if they took out an heiress, I think the team would look a lot nicer.". Connie remarked.
"What was tha-". A hand and voice interrupted Weiss, "Can we keep the fighting to a minimum, I'd rather not get frozen, burned, shocked, cut, wet, stabb-".
"Okay! We get it!". The heiresses yelled, getting a loud shush from the other people on the library.
They both blushed at their poor actions. "I blame you for that.". Weiss started. "What? You're th-".
*cough*
They both stopped arguing, hoping the people didn't remember their faces. Truci, on the other hand, cheered. He didn't get hurt stopping their fight for the first time ever!
"Yang! I told you! It for the team RWBY look!". Ruby tried to explain.
"What Do you mean by 'Team RWBY look?". She protested.
"Oh! That's what you mean!". Lucille cried out, having hit a realization.
"Lucille! Don't tell me you agree to her decision!". Yang asked, shaking her.
"I never said that, but I know why she wants to do it.". She let out a small giggle.
"Seems like someone knows!". Ruby said with a smile.
Yang fell to her knees, clouds of depression floated around her. "Ruby's in her rebellious stage. Ruby is in her rebellious stage. Ruby is in…".
Yang started mumbling to herself. Ruby ignored her sister's state of crisis and continued, "Well you see, I hit a breakthrough when I was talking to Truci on the roof.".
"Ruby… and Truci… alone… on. The. Roof!". The clouds surrounding Yang seemed to get thicker and darker. "Ruby is in her rebellious stage. And she's playing around with guys on the roof. Why has the world taken my innocent Ruby away!". She cried with small tears.
"Hey! We were just watching some clouds.". Truci told her. Weiss noticed Ruby was going to say something but Truci gave her a look.
"Yang will be out of it for a while." Weiss remarked, shrugging it off.
"Probably a lot more than just a while.". Blake corrected.
Lucille laughed beside Truci, "I know why you said that to us earlier now.".
With a finger hovering his lips, he replied, "Let Ruby tell them. Don't ruin the fun for us.".
Ruby gathered the group again, minus Yang. She was close enough to hear her reason though.
"Ahem! Can I stop getting interrupted before I get the chance to say my reason?". Ruby said in a commanding voice. It seemed to work too, with all the kids she got in return.
"So, the reason I have gathered all of you is simple.". Ruby quickly slid a whiteboard out of nowhere and put on glasses.
"I'm the only one on my team, whose name and hair doesn't match! Weiss is white, Blake is black and Yang is yellow! But my hair is black and not red!". She said rubbing the red tips of her hair.
Everyone stared at her dumbfounded, Yang even stopped being gloomy and lifted her head from the ground to look at her sister. "That's it?". Everyone asked Ruby who started overreacting, everyone, other than Lucille and Truci who were silently laughing.
"Of course!". Ruby shouted. She put her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice, "Hey, look at us! We're team BWBY!".
Her team and everyone else . Even the students in the library didn't want to get involved. There was complete silence after her exclamation.
"Come on. I mean, like the first thing Professor Ozpin said to me was,". Ruby corrected her voice before imitating Ozpin's, "Ruby Rose… you have… silver eyes.".
Team JNPR left the group to pretend like they weren't there. Virtus had already joined them and Connie slowly walked off. They all decided to let team BWB- team RWBY handle their problems.
"My name screams red! So I need to dye it red.". Ruby proclaimed to her team with a fist in the air, like she was ready to fight anyone.
Her team had different thoughts though, 'persecutory delusions of adolescents are scary…'. They turned around to look at Truci, 'I hope she's the only one…'.
"So you think that if you change your hair to match our team name, it'll boost our morale?". Yang asked breaking free of the depression clouds. Ruby nodded.
"I get wanting uniformity to strengthen solidarity. It's why the White Fang uses masks". Blake added in.
Weiss put her hands over her heart and said like an angel, "But isn't it more important to appreciate… one's individuality than to forsake it?".
Connie spit out the water in her mouth and started laughing. Weiss's smile started to look strained and she could feel her eye wanting to twitch. 'That Faunus dolt! Just look natural… what if I'm… way of base though?'.
After a moment of silence, Ruby sat down with a satisfied smile, "You got me. That's good advice.". Team RWBY sighed in relief, even the other two teams joined them.
"But Ruby, dying your hair r-". Death glares were sent in Truci's direction, "Uh… nevermind.".
Ruby gave him a confused and innocent look. Then she popped a smile and put her hand behind her head and said, "Sorry, guys. I was just trying to find a way to unify the team better. So when Truci mentioned dying his hair, it gave me that idea.".
Truci could feel glared literally stabbing him right then and there. He tried to awkwardly laugh it off. "It's fine. You always focus on superficial things. But even so…". Blake burst out laughing, soon her teammates followed.
Her team said in sync, "That solution is so middle school.".
"H-hey I was serious!". Ruby said smiths blush and a tear in her eyes.
"You had me worried there Rubes.". Yang ruffled her hair when she said, "You look best with black hair. Be proud of it.".
"Hehe, I will.". She said.
"If you want uniformity. We should all the same.". Weiss said.
With a sparkle in Ruby's eyes, she held Weiss's credit card between her two fingers, "Right! I have a great idea! Let me borrow your credit card!".
"Wait!". Weiss tried to stop her, "Okay back!".
"Already?...?! Woah! Watch it.". Weiss used a glyph to stop Ruby from crashing into her.
"Individuality is important and so is uniformity. So…". Before she finished the librarian was standing behind her with a stern look.
They got kicked out.
"...I got super suits!". Ruby fished when they were in their dorms. Weiss fell to the ground defeated. "Why do I put up with this?!".
"Banzai!". Her three teammates cheered with their suits one, standing around Weiss who also put one on.
Mean while in the library
"So... Yang was reading a book huh?". Jaune started, looking at the book she was reading, 'Geography Of Remnant'.
"Yup!". Nora replied.
"And Ruby wanted to dye her hair.". Ren added.
"Indeed she did.". Pyrrha replied.
"And now Ruby went to get some super suits.". Truci laughed.
"You mean she already got them." Virtus replied.
Lucille giggled, "Yes she did".
Since team Ruby was kicked out of the library, they knew they couldn't go there again until later today or more likely, tomorrow. Weiss complained about it for some time before she ended up studying her on her bed.
Yang left her book in the library, so she ended up playing games with Ruby. "Take that!". You would hear every once and a while from the duo.
Blake was reading one of the books she brought along. No, it wasn't 'The Ninjas Of Love'. But she couldn't concentrate on it. The odd way Lucille started to act around her had her on edge for some reason. While she tried to read her book she kept fidgeting.
She got up abruptly and put her book away. "I'm going for a walk.". She told her team.
"Hmm? Is something wrong? You seem out of it lately.". Yang asked her. Yang may not look it, but she is more perceptive of her surroundings than some may believe. Well, she had to be, or a Grimm could come out of nowhere and be the end of her.
"Yang's right. You seem to be focused on something else during these past few days.". Weiss added, turning away from her perfect grade.
"I-it's nothing really.". Blake felt her ears wiggle, or wanted to wiggle. She wasn't the best of liars sometimes.
"You know you can always count on us!". Ruby said, mashing her buttons to try and get Yang while she was slightly distracted.
"...Actually, I do have something to say. It's about Lucille...has she been acting weirdly?". Blake asked.
"Weirdly? Not that I've noticed.". Yang told her partner. "Ditto.". Ruby said, still trying to button mash her way to victory.
"You dolts need to pay more attention to your surroundings.". Weiss started with a sigh. "She does act a little… what's the word… docile when you're around.".
"Now that you mention it, she does. It's like she's scared of you or something.".Yang joked.
Blake frowned at those words. "I think I'll go have a little talk with her.". She started heading out to look for Lucille.
"Yes! I finally beat you!". Ruby shouted loud enough for Blake to hear outside the dorm room.
*Knock Knock*
Blake went next door to see if Lucille was their. It's been a while since they were kicked out of the library, so she hoped Lucille returned to her dorm.
The door slowly creaked open. Blake waited for the figure to reveal themselves. "Ruff!".
Blake jumped up is fright, she stuck herself to the ceiling of the hallway. "See? I told you Blake's reaction would be great.". Truci said with an amused laugh.
"What was great about that?". Virtus asked confused.
"I agree with the muscle head, you just used the fact she was a cat Faunus against her.". Connie said.
"Just a little. But anyone would be scared if someone did that.". Truci admitted but defended himself.
"You do have a point… but don't ever do that again!". Connie said sternly, giving him a glare.
"The Faunus thing or the scaring thing.". Truci asked, getting an immediate answer, "The former. Make it both since I'm at it.". Truci noticed some red lights surround Connie. He quickly nodded with a salute, "Yes, ma'am!".
He tried to calm her down by acting formal and respectful. He held his hands up, "C-Connie, hold o-". The dust cooked him and he was covered in smoke. Virtus was still pondering why scaring Blake was funny…
"Ahem!". Blake interrupted them, "I was wondering if Lucille was here?". Truci was about to answer when Blake shot her weapon and stuck him on the wall.
"Uhh…". Truci was left speechless, he didn't even utter a noise yet.
"She should still be in the library. She said she needed to catch up on the readings. It was a good choice too since a kid in our dorm likes to distract everyone when he's here.". Connie said directing a look at the youngest in the room. Then a blue and green light started to shine around her.
It was his most hated combinations. If being frozen a few times has taught him anything, it was to bring gloves. "C-c-ca-alm d-down.". He started shivering, the effects of the ice dust are starting to affect him before it was even used.
"Okay, thanks Connie.". Blake said as she left the entrance.
"Weren't you k-". Connie willed the dust that was gathering around her and froze Truci.
"I hope you two can fix… whatever happened.". Connie said a Blake left, leaving a smile that no one saw on Blake's face.
While walking down the hall of the dorms, she heard a shout.
"OH! IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE OF HER REACTION!". ("T-that's w-what I s-sa-said e-ear-l-i-er.". Truci would reply to, thawed from the ice.)
In the library, Lucille was reading papers on the Faunus. She didn't want her teammates to be suspicious of anything, so she just said she needed to catch up. 'It's only research. I'm just a normal Faunus doing research on our history.'. She reminded herself while reading the book.
She was looking over why the Faunus were treated the way they were. Why humans would constantly discriminate against her kind. Why they were viewed as "Lesser Beings". The answer was the same, it was because they were Faunus.
She clutched the books harder. Why do humans treat us like animals? Why did we have to fight them? She resented both of them, she resented the humans for causing the problem. And she resented the Faunus for escalating the problem.
While she was busy reading the book, she didn't notice someone sit by her side. She continued to flip through the books until she got to the title "White Fang". She stopped flipping and began to read it.
She noticed how differently the old White fang acted before compared to now. A small tear shed from her face as she read it.
"Are you okay?". Blake asked Lucille.
She yelped in surprise and noticed that Blake was sitting by her the whole time. 'Thank God I didn't say anything.'.
"Yeah, I… was just remembering some things.". She replied. It wasn't as awkward as she thought it would have come out to be.
"Did the White Fang do anything to your family?". Blake asked with shock and disbelief. She knew that they wouldn't do anything to Faunus.
"Well...sort of. But it's a little personal.". Lucille replied.
"I see…". Blake frowned at her response, she was curious at what connection Lucille had with the White Fang now. She didn't want to push the answer out nor did she want to get involved with the White Fang again. So she would just let Lucille tell her if she wanted to… thought the curiosity of a cat is a dangerous thing.
"You can tell me whenever you want to. I'm actually here for a different reason.". Blake told her, she noticed that Lucille started to get a little uncomfortable. She moved back thinking it was because she was too close to her personal space, "I was just wondering if I did anything wrong? You've been acting… different than when we first met.".
Lucille could feel sweat starting to build on her forehead and back. She was nervous. 'Would Blake bring her to Adam? How would Sianna act if she was brought back as a deserter?' There were many questions racing about in her mind.
"D-different? What do you mean?". She gave a strained smile because she knew she stuttered.
"See? You even stuttered when you said that.". Blake pointed it out, sounding a little upset.
"Okay… let me ask you something first then.". Lucille requested with a wry smile.
With a shrug, Blake said, "Ask away.".
Lucille leaned in and looked around to see if anyone was nearby. With a whisper, she asked, "Are you still with the White Fang?".
"W-what? H-how did you…". She then grabbed Lucille and ran out of the library.
They arrived at the empty roof. Blake wanted to shout at Lucille but knew she couldn't let this information get out. She angrily asked, "How did you know?".
"That wasn't what I asked.". Lucille countered. "I said, I'll answer your question if you answer mine.".
"I'm not part of them anymore. I left because I noticed someone I cared about change.". Blake stated and gave Lucille a look.
With a smile, Lucille said, "Oh thank God! Wow! I have been worried for nothing. I thought you were on some secret mission to bring me back or something.". She let out a laugh before sitting down on the roof, "Things are going as I hoped they did.".
"What? You were part of the White Fang?". Blake asked in shock. Lucille's smile was a big enough answer for her.
There were so many questions going through Blake's mind right now. Too many, that she felt like her head was going to get overloaded.
"Don't worry. As long as it's only us two that know, I think there's a good chance no one else will find out.". Lucille gave her a wink.
Blake was still in a shocked state, "B-but!".
"Come on! Let's just forget about it and have a normal huntress school life.". Lucille cheered.
Blake wasn't in the right mind so she only uttered the word "Okay.".
The next day, everyone but Truci seemed to be surprised that Blake and Lucille were getting along. They were closer to each other than any of the teams had expected. The two finally arrived at the lunch table everyone else sat at.
"What's up with you two?". Jaune asked bluntly.
With a shrug, Blake replied, "What are you talking about?". Lucille nodded in agreement.
"Like, like… you two seem closer than before.". Jaune stated.
"You two do look like you're getting along better now." Pyrrha backs him up.
Weiss had her arms crossed, "I am curious how you got so close to the Faunus.". Blake's ears wanted to twitch. She replied with a calm voice, "We just found out we're more alike than we thought.". She gave a knowing smile to Lucille and she giggled in return.
"Oh, young love.". Nora swooned.
"I don't think that's what they are talking about Nora.". Ren quickly responded to his childhood friend. "It's good that you're getting along again.". Connie remarked.
"Right! Friendship is one of the strongest bonds there is.". Virtus cried out giving a muscle pose.
"Anyways, how ready is everyone for tomorrow?". Weiss asked, changing the subject.
Jaune was confused, "What's happening tomorrow?".
"We have a free day tomorrow and students from Vacuo are arriving. The town is also set up for the Vytal festival.". Pyrrha answered for Jaune, again.
"That's right. Many people start preparing for the Vytal festival tomorrow. The festival is known to have many different dances, foods and you can't forget the parades or the tournament.". Ren stated the fact.
"That's right! A festival that needs to be organized and planned by many people! How breathtaking is that!?". Wiess said excitedly.
"This is the most I've seen Weiss smile. It's kinda weirding me out.". Ruby said.
Jaune added looking hypnotized, "Not me~.". Earning a small frown from Pyrrha.
"You really know how to take the fun out of everything.". Yang told her crossing her arms. "I second that.". Connie said.
"Quiet you two!". Though she said that, she mainly glared down Connie.
"Team RWBY will be checking out the docks first, what about your teams?". Weiss stated firmly.
"We'll probably just check out some stores.". Jaune said with a shrug. "I want candy!". Nora added.
"We're going to the CCTS. Well, the three of us are.". Truci said pointing at Virtus, Connie and himself. "Lucille doesn't have anyone to contact so... ".
"I'll be checking out some stores.". She answered for herself.
Ruby tilted her head, "What? I thought you don't have parents Truci.". The teams turned their heads to his direction. "I don't. But I'm trying to see if I can reach someone. Probably unlikely but I can still try.". He said with a shrug.
"Come on Ruby. You shouldn't give out someone else's personal information so easily.". Yang told her sister.
"He's fine with it. I mean, the three of us didn't mind when we told each other we were orphans.". Virtus said with confidence.
"As long as you don't ask how, everything should be okay!". Lucille said with a smile. "Professor Oobleck's class is starting soon, so we should get going.". The teams left the cafeteria, with Weiss being the only one overly excited for tomorrow.
In Team RWBY's Room
Lucille and Blake encountered their past last week. The past both of them wanted to leave behind.
"Blake, you should get some sleep.". Weiss said noticing the bags under her eyes.
Lucille nodded in agreement, dragging the cat to her bed, "She's right! For now, it seems they aren't doing anything big yet. They don't even have plans for the dust yet, we still have a lot of time to prepare.".
Blake sighed and closed her scroll, "Fine! But if they do have something huge plan, don't expect me to listen to that easily.". She laid in her bed and closed her eyes.
"Hey, Lucille, have you told your team yet?". Ruby asked with concern.
Lucille started fiddling with her shield and replied depressed, "Not yet. I hope they can understand me and still be friends with me… but I'm afraid. Afraid of how they'll react.".
Weiss laughed at her reason for concern, "If I accepted it, I'm pretty sure your team can too. Plus aren't they also Faunus? It should be easy to get them to understand. And I'm sure Truci would be fine with it.".
A slow nod responded to her reason. Lucille slowly opened her mouth before closing it again. Then she said, "I'm worried about two things, first is Virtus. He's a complete muscle head, though he does use his brain from time to time.". She paused and gave the three members a look, "But that muscle head has a good moral code! If he knows I was part of the White Fang, I continue how he'd react.".
The three nodded in agreement. "I'm sure everything will be alright! You being in the White Fang is bearable for him.". Yang said with a small chuckle.
The other three in the room looked at Blake and all thought the same thing, 'She's lucky she's asleep right now.'.
"What's the second thing you're worried about?". Weiss asked curiously on her bed.
Lucille leaned her head toward Weiss to ask, "Why are you acting?".
Confused, Weiss turned her head to look at Lucille and responded, "Acting? What are you asking?".
Lucille gave her a frown and pulled Ruby to her side. "You're usually like this…". Lucille said as she used her tail and tapped Ruby's skirt.
Then on queue, Ruby started acting like Weiss, "How dare you! Do you know how much thus combat skirt cost? How can a filthy Faunus pay for it?!".
Weiss turned a light shade of pink, she was about to defend herself until Yang followed up. "What a degenerate! This animal spawn will probably end up joining the White Fang.".
This made Weiss turn red, the heiress didn't want a worse impression on Lucille so she opened her mouth, only to get interrupted again. "Wow! I had no idea it was this bad! I thought she was only going to act better than us.".
Ruby laughed, "She does that with everyone.".
"Quiet dolt!". Weiss was thoroughly embarrassed that she acted in reflex and froze Ruby.
Yang fell on the floor and started laughing, Lucille didn't fall onto the floor and laugh but she was laughing nonetheless. "Since I have someone on my team that's a Faunus, it just means I have to change the way I treat people for the team. Besides, everyone has their own story for their actions, I shouldn't judge others without hearing them. Sorry if I acted rudely.".
"Apology accepted. Besides, the others on my team already noticed your change.". Lucille said giving her a hug. She then whispered, "They said the ice princess might actually be a cute snow angel.".
"W-what?". Weiss got flustered and started waving her handed in the air in confusion. "Just kidding. They just noticed you acting nicer.". Lucille said sticking her tongue out and laughed.
"I should get going now. My team's already noticed I've been acting nervous around then.". Lucille said with a wave. "Yeah, you show your emotions pretty easily.". Weiss gave her remark as Lucille left the room.
Lucille opened the door to her dorm slowly. The fur on her tail was sticking up and she felt very fidgety. She walked into the dorm and noticed Connie reading a book and Virtus lifting some weights.
She let out a sigh of relief but argued with herself, 'No! I need to tell them!'. She gave herself a mental face slap to give her confidence.
"Where's Truci?". Lucille asked, trying to not make it awkward.
Lifting her head from her book, Connie looked at Lucille with her yellow eyes and said, "Probably studying somewhere. None of us know where he studies.".
Connie's answer gave her a mix of disappointment and relief. She felt like she had or nerves to actually tell them this time. But she was still afraid of what their response would be.
"Did you need something from him?". Virtus wiped his sweat and asked.
Lucille took a deep breath and said, "Actually, it's something I need to tell all of you.". With another deep breath, She continued, "I was part of the White Fang.".
There was a moment of silence, Lucille started to twirl her hair to calm her nerves.
"Were you really? Wow, how is it in the White Fang!". Connie's asked excitedly.
"Seriously?". Lucille was at a loss of words at her partner's words.
"I'm cool with it too. You didn't kill anyone right?". Virtus asked like he already knew what she was going to say.
"...".
The two of them looked at Lucille in shock. "If I said it was me and yet not me, would you believe me?".
"You actually killed people?". Virtus yelled and completely omitted what she just said. "Calm down. Do you want the whole school to know?". Connie said trying to get him to keep his voice down.
"Why are you defending a murderer?". Virtus pushed her hand away from him and turned to stare at Lucille.
"I'm sure she has her own reasons for it.".
The three Faunus turned their heads to the window. Truci entered the room and threw his bag on his bed.
"Reasons for killing someone? We are not beings of darkness like the Grimm". Virtus snapped. He remembered how his family was killed. He couldn't imagine his teammate being someone that killed people as the Grimm did.
Truci stood in the room and said with a flat voice, "Not all Grimm are filled with darkness and hate.".
"Not all? Show me a Grimm that won't kill a human.". Virtus countered. Hearing nothing but silence from Truci he continued, "Grimm are beings that kill humans and Faunus indiscriminately. They aren't capable of showing sympathy to us.".
"Shut up.". Truci said in a whispering voice. Virtus didn't hear him so he repeated it.
"Shut Up!". He rushed Virtus and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. "Not all of them attack humans and Faunus!".
"N-". Connie interrupted Virtus and split the two of them up.
"Why are you two even fighting? I don't get how you fight when you two normally act like brothers. What do Grimm even have to do with Lucille being a part of the White Fang?". She asked with yellow particles lighting up around her.
They both stopped and turned their attention to her. Both because she had a point and because they were afraid of getting electrocuted.
"I joined the White fang because of my blood.".
Everyone turned their attention to Lucille. They all knew to stay quiet since she was trusting them with her past. The two angry males even calmed down to give her a fair chance to speak her story.
"My family consisted of natural born warriors. It's literally in our blood. Like the Schnee, our semblance is inherited through generations.". She paused and remembered her grandparents and parents. All of them filled with various scars on their bodies.
"The semblance is called 'Predator', it locks away our emotions and makes us battle on animal instincts.". She closed her eyes and showed the team her hand. Her class got sharper and longer for a bit before it retracted again.
"It gives us beyond human and Faunus strength. If I used my semblance during the contest, I have no doubt I would beat everyone.". She said twirling her hair. "But, I don't really like using it. It makes me feel alienated and stand out too much.".
Releasing a sight and walked towards the window to look at the sky she continued, "That was the reason why I got involved with the White Fang. My family showed off their skills with this semblance and created a big name for our family. But this meant that their children would be dragged along for the ride. After my grandfather retired, my parents filled in for him. And when they died during the war and I became old enough, it was my turn.".
Virtus looked at her guiltily. Connie looked at her impressed and amazed. While Truci had an emotionless face on.
"I served at the right-hand gal of the high leader when she came in power. It was during that time that I had my first kill and realized I shouldn't follow my parent's path. They might not have been active killers from what I heard, but the semblance made it hard to not kill people on instinct. It was last year that I decided to ditch my mission and come to Beacon Academy. I just want to be an average huntress living a happy life.".
Lucille turned around from the window and looked at each of their faces. She was the most interested in Truci's reaction, it was like he was realizing something about himself as he stared at his hand.
"Wow! Amazing! You were that high ranked? Though the killing was a bit overboard, I bet you kicked some human butt! No offense Truci.". Connie said excitedly.
"None, taken.". Truci replied nonchalantly, waving it off.
Virtus looked uncomfortable, he then bowed in Lucille's direction, "I'm sorry for coming to quick conclusions.".
Lucille smiled and replied, "It's fine. To be honest, I thought it was going to be much worse than this.". She leaned in and whispered in his big round bear ears, "I thought the big bad bear would cripple me out of rage and justice.".
"W-what? I would never! I only do that to Grimm.". Virtus countered with a justified pose.
Connie noticed Truci stiffen slightly at his words. "Thanks for letting us in Lucille, but I think someone else needs to let us know something.". She turned her head to Truci.
"Why are you looking at me? You guys promised to give me time to tell you or rather show you…". He mumbled the last part quietly.
"Fine, but at least explain why you get upset when we mention something about Grimm.". Connie said unwillingly. Just looking at her expression, you could tell she wasn't taking no for an answer. Her arms were crossed as she kept staring him down.
"H-how about we talk about something else.". Truci sweats nervously and tried to change the focus.
"Nope! We at least deserve th-". Connie was interrupted by Virtus who said, "We said that we'd trust him to trust us. So we have to at least respect his choice right now.".
Connie grunted and complained, "I can't believe you can change from fighting to becoming the protective older brother.". Lucille laughed at them, feeling the best she's been in the past two weeks.
"Of course! If I don't be the older brother, who will?". Virtus gave out a hearty laugh with his hands on his hips. Connie still didn't seem to want to back down though. With a heavy sigh, Virtus said, "How about I tell something about my past to make up for whatever Truci has to say?".
With a reluctant sigh and a light facepalm, Connie agreed.
The two boys fist-bumped each other, "Thanks bro.". "No problem.".
Virtus decided to sit down for his story. The three gathered around him on the floor while he sat on his bed cross-legged. "So...where do I even begin?". His eyes looked distant and reminiscent as he started, "I was born and raised in one of the smaller havens. My village was pretty far from one of the main cities but it was well protected by my family.".
He smiled as he thought of them, "My father wasn't the strongest but he had a lot of charisma. That's what I really admired about him. He was able to lead our town and be on top of every attack that our village faced. My mom was a good cooker, the best even but she died giving birth to my little sister. She ended up becoming coming out premature and had a weak constitution.".
His eyes started to tear up a little before getting ferocious, "My older brother was a bit arrogant though. He trained quickly and easily got stronger than our father. But that arrogance led to a fatal mistake. One day, a dragon invaded our haven, my dad instantly ordered a retreat and abandonment of our village.". They noticed that his tone got softer but his eyes still burned with anger, he clenched his fist tightly.
"But my brother decided he could take it on his own. He rushed past all the Grimm the dragon brought along and head straight for it. It didn't even need to try when beating my brother. In the end, my father and neighbors had rushed with him and got him out of there. Unfortunately, they ended up perishing for his decision. To make matters worse, he was entrusted to protect us but he was dissatisfied by his defeat.". Virtus tilted his head upward, only to meet a bed. He wanted to look into the sky to where his family was.
"He just had to taunt the Ursa, holding back his strength while fighting. At that time, I thought it was amazing how he could do that. I was training to become as strong as my big brother. But because of that, he was hit with a fatal wound in the chest.". He started shaking just thinking about that day. His team didn't know what to say but he continued onward after a deep breath.
"Then it was just me and my sister. I had to protect her but I was filled with doubt because my brother was killed. If only I believed in my strength more, maybe my sister could have lived!". Virtus started to get emotional as tears gradually started to pour from his eyes.
He wiped his tears and blew his nose on the tissue Lucille handed to him. "I tried to protect her but my nerves got the better of me and the Ursa knocked me away from my sister. That was when… That was when…".
Virtus brought his hand to his mouth, covering it in case any vomit escaped.
"It's fine. You don't have to continue if you don't want to.". Connie reasoned with him. She felt guilty that she was the one that made him remember such awful memories.
Virtus chugged the glass of water Truci brought him. "It's fine. I'm almost done and I have to go this far after what Lucille shared. Well, you know what happened…to my sister…". He fell silent for a bit with his eyes closed. When he opened them again he continued or rather finished, "When I was about to be finished someone with long black hair arrived. She finished the Ursa cleanly. She was the main reason I wanted to become a hunter, well my inspiration to at least.".
The team was amazed at how lucky he was that a huntress came to save the day. They were equally as sad as they were amazed. "That day, I vowed I'd become the strongest and best hunter. When I do, I'll wipe out all the Grimm on this planet.".
He clenched his brass knuckle as he stared down at it. Truci didn't stiffen up this time, but his eyes looked a tad more lifeless than usual.
"While we're at it, I might as well share some things about myself.". Connie said feeling less guilty and gave a quick glance at Truci.
"As you know, my family runs a dust company. We were able to join in the dust monopoly the Schnee created. Though, they still dominate the market with their dust sales.". Connie said with a sigh.
"When I was younger, both my parents were focused on trying to surpass the Schnee. So, I ended up being neglected. That was until I was kidnapped.". She continued with both fear and anger viable in her eyes.
She bit her lips hard and it looked like she was going to draw blood. When she stopped, she said to her team, "I was kidnapped by humans, humans who didn't accept that a Faunus family was doing too well.".
She began to shake, her arms crossed over her chest. She stared at Truci with hate as she said, "It didn't end there! They even tortured me! I was a kid! And they did it to get a larger ransom.". She knew it wasn't his fault but she couldn't help it.
Her shaking started to stop and she continued, "After who knows how many days, I was saved by the White Fang.". She said adoringly, turning her gaze from Truci to Lucille.
Her eyes exhibited admiration and reverence. "She was a tigress Faunus and she looked amazing in my childish and barely open eyes.". She seemed to say with sparkles in her eyes. She was so busy admiring her savior that she didn't notice Lucille stiffen up.
With a sigh, she said, "After that incident, my life got both better and worse. I got the attention I craved as a kid, but my parents put all the pressure on me. They wanted me to succeed the company and surpass the Schnee.". She walked to the window and looked at the blue sky that was starting to darken.
"As the only heiress, they gave me all the knowledge of how to run the company. They made me train in everything, to be the best in everything. The show humans that we aren't animals and are even better than them.". She said turning around to look at her team.
She leaned back on the window ledge and finished, "The final skill they had to teach me wasn't in the family. So they sent me here. I'll train and meet their expectations.".
Lucille hugged her and said, "You have a lot on your shoulders, don't you?".
Virtus sobbed a little before saying, "We'll try our best to support each other. I'll get strong enough to be on a team worthy of being called the best.". Virtus looked determined at her and then his weapon.
Truci mumbled something before saying to the group with a sigh, "I guess I'll have to say something now.". This got the group's attention and Connie gave him a smirk of victory.
"When was growing up, I had no clue who my parents were… I was actually raised by Grimm. They gave me a lot of freedom and fed me cooked meals.". Truci said to the shocked group.
"Yeah, I know. It seems impossible, right? Why would Grimm know how to cook? Well, anyways, since I had a lot of freedom I traveled around the forests and mountainous areas. Then a dragon Grimm offered to fly me somewhere and I ended up in Patch island.". He continued with a distant look.
"There I ended up meeting Ruby, Yang, and their family. There was where I was taken to Beacon and trained by Ozpin. The end.". He said grabbing his bag. "Well, I'm going to study again.". He jumped out the window and isolated himself from them.
The room was filled with silence and a depressing atmosphere. "Maybe… I shouldn't have pushed him to tell us.". Connie said.
"You did what you thought was best. Besides, what's done is done.". Virtus said conflicted.
Lucille comforted them and said, "He'll open up eventually. We probably should have waited but hopefully, this sped up the process rather than hurt it.".
Connie nodded in agreement before she jumped Lucille, "So! How was it in the White Fang!? I know you didn't want to be a part of it, but how was are the people there. More specifically, the pretty tigress Faunus with a tanned skin.".
Lucille was taken aback by Connie's excessive excitement, "Uh.. most of them are alright. And the person you're talking about is now the High Leader of the White Fang.".
"Wow! Really? I want to meet her! She is one of the reasons I want to become a huntress.". Connie said with a smile.
Lucille smiled, "Just that? Didn't she look hot?".
"W-what are you even saying!? I-i just want to thank her for saving me back then.". Connie yelled out flustered with a light shade of pink flushing her face.
"Haha, so Connie can act like this without apologizing.". Lucille teased.
"Hmph, Whatever you say!". Connie snorted with her cheeks slightly puffed out.
Virtus was just awkwardly continuing his workout while the two girls talked. His mind was somewhere else though, I was raised by Grimm. 'How will Truci react when I kill the Grimm that brought him up?'.
"Wow! Did you hear that?". The blonde from the room next door cried out in shock.
Distastefully, Weiss said, "Yeah, we did. I can't believe I was talked into eavesdropping.". She crossed her arms, walked to her bed and sat down upset at her actions.
"Relax Weiss, we were just making sure our friend could pull through!". Ruby said in her cheering voice.
Blake rebuked her and Yang, agreeing with Weiss, "I think she was right though, Ruby. It wasn't right of us to listen to their conversations. We should have been told that by the person themselves in person.".
"Like Rubes said, just relax. We're all friends here, so a little past about ourselves doesn't hurt.". Yang said leaning back on her bed.
"Still, we shouldn't do that next time.". Blake said trying to discourage Yang from trying it again.
Weiss kicked her feet a bit before she said, "I agree… but can you believe it? Truci was raised by Grimm. How fascinating is that?".
Yang snorted, "Yes I could believe that and it's not fascinating.". Yang instantly shut her down, she was getting upset that she was taking the fun out of everything.
'Well it was amazing that time when he seemed to tell a hoard of Grimm off.". Ruby added on the side.
Weiss and Blake turned to look at Ruby, wide-eyed. "Did he really?". Weiss asked amazed.
"I mean, that's what it looked like.". Ruby said, tapping her chin with her finger.
"Wow! I need to tell Professor Oobleck about this. I think he'd be just as amazed as I am.". Weiss almost squealed out.
"Weiss, we can't. Remember? We eavesdropped, so the least we could do is keep it private.". Blake said shaking her head in disappointment. She thought Weiss would at least be reasonable after their act.
Getting flustered, Weiss stuttered, "I-I was only kidding.". She nervously laughed.
"To be honest, I think Connie's story was the most interesting.". Yang continued their dorm gossip.
"Really? I thought Lucille's was. Or maybe Virtus's. Oh, I don't know! Their past both sounds like something from a hero book!". This time it was Ruby who squealed. "They are both so cool!".
Blake sighed, "Well… If I had any say in this, I think I'd agree with Yang. I can't imagine trying to trust or get along with another human after getting tortured. I don't know how she doesn't go around discriminating humans.". Blake then glanced at Weiss.
"Hey! I didn't do that a lot! I was just born a higher class than everyone. Of course, I'd act superior.". Weiss said crossing her arms.
Ruby brought Yang in front of her and put her fingers on her head like horns. When Yang was about to say something, Weiss grabbed her weapon and froze the two on spot.
"Who cares about her past. I think everyone else's is a lot better than that dolt's.". Weiss complained.
"Well, either way, we should probably tell them we know and keep it a secret amongst ourselves.". Blake reasoned, seemingly not take no for an answer.
"Fine. But I'm not doing it. I volunteer Ruby since she's the team leader.". Weiss said with a smile. Ruby wanted to argue but she was frozen. So she stared at Weiss with the largest eyes she could make.
"On three, say I if you agree.". Weiss started to the vote.
"I". All three people said I. Ruby wanted to turn her head around to see how Yang was able to agree.
Weiss got rid of the ice and Ruby looked at Yang betrayed. "Yang! How could you?!".
"To get out of saying it". Yang hugged her sis. "So good luck! Don't worry, since we all eavesdropped, we'll all be there with you.". Yang said as a matter of factly.
Weiss looked confused and turned to Yang, "We are?".
Blake answered for Yang, "Of course we are. Were you going to make one person apologize for all four of us?". Blake laughed at Weiss who started to get embarrassed for thinking otherwise.
"Alright! Let do it now!". Ruby exclaimed, slightly shivering.
"Team vote! Apologize through the window or their front door, go!". Ruby shouted getting instant votes for the door.
She lightly kicked the floor, "Aw, you guys are no fun.". They all left following Ruby's lead to knock on the door next door.
On the roof, a boy and a girl were sparring. The girl was easily controlling the fight and the blonde could not help but let her control the situation.
Jaune slashed at Pyrrha many times. She dodged all his attacks with ease. With a vertical cut, Jaune felt exhausted. The last-ditch effort he made was redirected by the girl. Her spear made some sparks as she let the sword slide down her weapon.
Then with a spin, she swung her spear at his neck. She stopped right when it was about to hit him. Jaune fell back and landed on his butt.
"You're improving a lot Jaune!". Pyrrha said as she offered her hand to help him up.
Jaune reached for it and said, "It's all thanks to you.".
She smiled at him while she brought him to his feet. "It's nothing.". She waved it off.
Jaune opened his mouth to say something but froze up. Someone else landed up on the roof and he stared at him.
"What's wrong?". Pyrrha asked confused. She noticed he was staring at something, so she turned her head out of curiosity.
When she looked at the ledge of the roof, Truci stood there with his mask on. She was about to greet him when Jaune asked, "What was that on your back?".
Pyrrha looked at him confused while Truci walked towards them. When she turned around to look at Truci again, He had already reached them.
"What do you mean Jaune?". Truci asked, pulling his mask up with a smile.
Jaune felt flustered for some reason, "Oh-uh, no! I. I just thought I saw something um. Enter your back?".
He didn't know what else to say about what he saw. Pyrrha was in his way but it looked like he saw some black wings appear behind her. When he slightly moved his head to see what it was, all he saw was Truck's silhouette.
"Enter my back?". Truci said turning around to show them the back of his hooded coat. "Jaune, you might be a little tire from our training. Let's end it here for today.". Pyrrha said concerned for her leader.
Jaune looked at Truci skeptically and with a big breath, he sighed, "I guess you're right. Sorry about the misunderstanding Truci.". He turned around and left with a wave.
"Oh, it's no trouble. See you two tomorrow.". Truci said waving back at them. "Bye!". Pyrrha waved back before she followed Jaune off the roof. Truci watched the two of them enter the building. When he saw them walk down the stairs, black wings grew from his back and he flew to the highest peak on the dorm roofs with his mask on.
"I swear I saw a pair of wings appear behind you. And the only place they could disappear was~, Truci's back!". Jaune tried to explain his theory to Pyrrha as they walked to their dorm room.
She chuckled at Jaune's seriousness. She laughed and said, "I knew you were a joker, but not to this level.". She slapped his back while they walked down the hall.
"Pyrrha, I'm serious!". Jaune said in a scolding tone. "You shouldn't doubt what these eyes saw.".
"Yes, yes!". Pyrrha waved it off, treating his actions like a long joke. When they arrived at their rooms, there was a small fight happening.
Jaune walked to Ren and asked, "What's going on?".
Ren let out a sigh, "It appears that Connie is fighting with Weiss. And Nora is trying to provoke them further.".
"Oh, so the usual then.". Jaune waved it off and marched into his room. Usually, he'd stay just to watch Weiss fight, in a not creepy way. More like an admiring type of way, if he does say so himself. He just felt tired, he felt Pyrrha was right about him over exerting himself.
When he opened the door to enter, something unexpected happened. Weiss crashed into him, slamming him face first into the door. Weiss got up without even apologizing to Jaune, instead, she yelled at Connie, "That was uncalled for. If I didn't use my semblance, I could have been seriously hurt.".
Connie smirked at her, "Yeah, if it wasn't for your semblance, right?". Connie was going to provoke the Schnee some more before her teammate said, "She's right you know? Just a bit about our past isn't that much, is it?". Lucille asked with widened eyes.
Connie wanted to argue but she couldn't. She knew Lucille was going to guilt trip her if she refused, so she gave in. "Fine, I'm sorry for exploding you like that.". Connie said to Weiss, rather rudely.
"Ha! Is that how the Pluvi]se apologize to others? It seems like their etiquette is quite lacking.". Weiss scowled and berated her.
'Okay, screw it! The guilt trip is more bearable than the Schnee's talking!'. Was about to retaliate but Virtus stepped in and said, "That apology might not have been the nicest but at least she apologized for herself.". He then eyed the silver-haired heiress and continued, "Unlike someone.".
Weiss couldn't find fault with it and she grits her teeth. With a bow and a slight lift of her skirt, she said sincerely, "I'm sorry for listening into your personal conversation without your permission.".
"And that! Is how you apologize to someone.". Weiss said as she walked away from Jaune, who was flat on the floor, back to her room.
"Hey, Weiss! Wait!". Ruby called for her partner and chased her into their room. Blake bowed towards her Faunus friends and also apologized. Yang followed them after giving a quick and short "Sorry".
"Aw~. It's over already?". Nora complained and stopped jumping around the hall. Ren walked into the room, lifting Jaune with him. "Nora, I'm making pancakes!".
"Wooh! Pancakes! Where's the syrup?". Nora asked rushing into their room.
Pyrrha turned to the three Faunus left in the hall, "Sorry for the trouble she causes. She's a real…". She took a deep and tired breath of air, "real. Handful!". She waved them off and headed into her room for some pancakes. If she's learned anything about Ren, she knows he can make pancakes in almost any place.
Connie, Lucille, and Virtus went back into their dorms. The main thought on all their minds was whether or not to apologize for forcing his past onto them. Even if it wasn't the most detailed of stories, they, mainly Connie, felt guilty for their actions. With a sigh, she said, "Let's hope this doesn't last too long.
The next day, everything was surprisingly normal. Based on their past experiences, they would have thought that Truci would be avoiding them, wearing his Grimm mask. It seemed like something he would do after experiencing their first fight with each other. At least one thing was, he would always go off by himself when they fought.
During Professor Oobleck's class, Connie noticed that everyone was acting so normal. Ruby, messing around while the professor was trying to teach. Weiss paying too much attention to the class. Yang looking bored and Blake taking notes.
Jaune was trying to follow along but got lost after the first minute. Ren took notes and as usual, it even had pictures. Connie suspected it was also for Nora since she was doing origami in class like usual. Pyrrha looked like Weiss taking notes, but less serious.
As for her team, Truci was taking notes and fooling around at the same time. She can't figure out how he does it. Virtus was like Jaune trying to follow along but unlike Jaune, he actually seemed like he was understanding it. As for her best friend, she… was fooling around Truci.
'Okay, maybe not everything is back to normal.'. She noticed that Lucille was more laid back after tell them about her past. Maybe she was truly embracing it, wanting to be 'average'. Connie personally didn't like it. Why would she want something so normal? She believed that the two of them could be something huge. And as much as she hated to admit it, even the muscle head and human on her team could reach great heights too.
"To end the class, I'll be giving you an assignment! I'd like for everyone to write me an essay on why you want to be a hunter or huntress. Why does being a hunter achieve your objectives or goals. This is due next week, think hard about it students. Class dismissed.". The green haired teacher said, dashing out of the room.
The class started packing their bags to leave the classroom. Professor popped back into the room to grab his coffee. "Remember class, why a hunter or huntress?". He asked before dashing off again. He tried to hide the fact he forgot his coffee in the room.
"This is easy. We basically figured this out yesterday!". Virtus said to his teammates. The two females turned their heads toward their leader, with slight discomfort on their face.
Truci smiled and said, "Yeah. This will be so easy.". The girls were confused at how easily he answered it. Alleviating their curiosity, Virtus asked, "What's yours Truci. You didn't really say one yesterday?". He turned his head to the two Faunus and winked. Basically saying, 'Thank me later.'
"To know more about myself and this world.". Truci said with a distant look. It was a look that made him seem like another person. It was their first time seeing him make that type of face. They were shocked but smiled. Maybe they were getting his trust, even if it's only a little.
"Great one!". Virtus cheered. He put his hand out and said, "How about we give a cheer for attempting to reach our goals?". He let out a large smile.
Truci put his in and repeated, "To learn more about the world and myself!".
Virtus followed and said, "To exterminate all the Grimm that bring chaos to the world.".
Connie smiled and joined in, losing all the guilt she felt for yesterday, "To show that Faunus are just as good as humans!". She adding in a mumble, "And to make my parents proud.".
Lucille slapped Connie's hand and shouted, "To be normal!". She then cheered bringing her arm up. The others also followed but stared at her. Even after hearing it once, they still felt shocked that she would want something like that. They then headed off to the library to start their write up together.
Jaune had a villainous smile on his face, he even started to laugh quietly to himself. His team looked at him oddly. "Jaune, a-are you okay?". Pyrrha asked him concerned.
He turned and looked at her with a wicked smile, "Hahahaha! It's finally my time to shine.". Nora, Ren, and Pyrrha took a step back from their crazed teammate. Jaune answered their confusion without being asked, "I'll get the best score on this assignment!". He cheered and headed to the library enthusiastically.
His teammates stared at each other before they followed him. "Five pancakes on him not getting the highest grade.". Nora said aloud.
"5 on Jaune's effort. Since you'll still eat the pancakes anyways.". Ran followed up on.
"I think he'll do well on this one.". Pyrrha said supporting Jaune. "Highest grade well?".
"No. But good regardless.". Pyrrha responded to Nora.
Following Jaune's enthusiasm, Ruby skipped to the library chanting, "High marks, high marks.".
"Just because you know what to write, doesn't mean you'll get a high mark Ruby.". Weiss said, ruining all her excitement. Ruby turned to look at Weiss with puppy dog eyes, "I won't?".
Weiss looked at her and started to feel guilty. "W-well! If I edit it then you might as well get a perfect grade!". She triumphantly said.
Ruby jumped and hugged her, "Thanks Weiss!". Weiss grumbled with reluctance but still let Ruby hug her.
Blake had a tense face as the walked with her team to the library. "What's wrong Blake?". Yang asked noticing her rather worried face.
"I don't actually know I'm going to write for this assignment.". She answered her.
"Don't think about it too much. I'm sure a reason will come around and hit you in the face.". Yang said punching the air.
Blake held her left cheek with her left hand and joked, "I definitely hope it doesn't.".
Being the last team to arrive, she noticed that team TCLV was already typing away. While team JNPR was also working, but it seemed like Pyrrha was the only one actually doing work. Nora was hyper like usual and Ren and Jaune were trying to stop her.
Ren because he's Ren and that's his job. But Jaune because he wanted to properly concentrate on his 'best piece of work'.
Ruby and her team sat further away from Jaune's and closer to Truci's. Only because they knew what it felt like to get kicked out.
When they got sat down Ruby started typing away like a mad Zwei or maybe a caffeinated Nora.
Blake looked at her with slight shock. She has never seen Ruby work this quick on a school assignment, ever.
"Hey, Ruby. Why do you want to be a huntress?". Blake asked her. Weiss kept typing but keep an ear out for her leader's motivation. Yang just smiled since she already knew what Ruby would say.
With a wide smile, she said, "It's because of the heroes on the books. Whenever Yang read them to me, I would always be amazed by the main character.". She said with some emotion. "It's so romantic. What's better than helping people? And as a bonus, I get to see the world!". Her eyes seemed to sparkle when Blake looked in them.
Ruby had no doubt that being a huntress was what she's meant to be. Unlike her, she doubted herself. She wanted to be a huntress, to do good in the world. Blake turned her face away from Ruby and looked at her blank screen.
"What about you Yang?". Blake asked the blonde who also seemed to be typing something.
With a serious face, she said, "It's to find my mom. I want to ask her why she left us. To do that, I'll need to become a skilled huntress.". Blake was pretty surprised by her confession. It seemed like a personal topic and it normally wouldn't be something you'd openly tell others that easily. "Plus being a huntress is filled with adventure! With a side of hero business.". Yang broke her seriousness with a laugh.
Blake then turned to Weiss and the heiress picked up on her queue, "I have to honor the Schnee's name. Since I have the ability to fight Grimm, it became my duty to be a huntress.". Blake seemed convinced at her teammates resolve and goals. She felt like she was lacking what it took to be a huntress.
"I. I don't really know why I want to be a huntress. When I joined this academy, it was to do more good for the world. Fix all the inequality, all the wrong in this world. I thought being a huntress would be the solution to that.". Blake paused and thought about the project. "But how? Why? How would being a huntress effect and change how the world thought? That's what's been troubling me.".
She looked stared at her blank document. "All my life, I participated in what I thought was right. Faunus rights movements, protests and I even ended up joining the White Fang.". She paused and seemed to have a flashback to when she did this.
"This started to change while I was in the White Fang. Our actions became more violent, more criminal. It was gradual, so I didn't notice at first.". Blake sighed.
"Until I noticed a friend of mine change. His name was Adam. We had similar goals, to bring equality to the world. But as we went on more missions, he started to change. Before I knew it, he was a completely different person.". Blake started to shake a bit.
"Adam changed into someone who didn't want equality for the Faunus, he wanted to dominate over humans. That's when I ran. I ran away from him and the White Fang. So I ended up here, now questioning how being a huntress will help my cause.". Blake seemed to silence the library, minus the typing from Jaune and Ruby.
Yang spoke up from the silence, "It's the same for me. I said I'd find my mom and ask her why she left. But what do I do after that? Drag her back to live as a happy family after she abandoned us for years? Or just leave and work as a huntress, doing nothing after I hear what she had to say.". Yang started to get emotional and her hair started to flare a yellow colour.
"I know I want an adventure with my journey, but do I want my whole career to have an adventure as it's top priority after meeting my mom?". Yang asked, falling into the realm of doubt. "I'm not like Ruby who's wanted to be a huntress since she was a kid. I'm here because being a huntress… just seemed to fit my needs.".
Weiss pat Yang's back and reassured her, "You get to help people along the way.".
"As I said, it came with the job.". Yang said with a shrug.
"At least it's something you decided. I'll be honest, I came to Beacon so I didn't have to be in Atlas.". Weiss told them.
"My father hasn't really made the most… proper choices.". She started. Blake scoffed, "That's an understatement.".
"He also makes me do things I don't want to do.". Weiss said slowly when she was about to continue Yang interrupted, "Oh… sorry, Weiss. I had no clue you lost yo-".
"No, you dolt!". Weiss said with a blush. With a cough, she ignored Yang's comment and said, "He forced me to perform, just so he shows off the family's talents. I hoped that being a huntress could prove him wrong. I'll show him there are better ways to prove honor our name than to please the rich.".
Ruby started giggling to herself. "I'm going to so well on this.".
The three older teens looked at their teammate and laugh, "Guess we should at least write something.".
"Ren! Ren! Ren! Why do you want to be a hunter? I wanna be one to beat up all these bad Grimm with my hammer!". Nora said about to pull out her weapon and swing it around.
"It's something nobel, what else is there than that?". Ren said with a tone like it was obvious. He fell silent in thought, thinking if it was only just that.
"That's is quite the reason Ren. That's why I'm here too!". Pyrrha joined in, more enthusiastic and serious than usual. She spoke with eyes that looked towards the future, "I felt like I was destined to be a hunter, a great one at that. And as I grew older, it seemed to be true. I was growing stronger with time and slowly becoming the huntress I've always wanted to be.".
She paused, like she was contemplating something. "No matter what happens, I want to become a huntress and fulfill my destiny.". She said typing her paper faster.
Ren opened his mouth but slowly closed it again. He wanted to add something about his own goals, but he couldn't let it out. He felt that if he did it would sound disrespectful. Disgraceful, even! A goal like revenge…
Nora seemed to notice something wrong and "Boop!", tapped Ren on his nose. Ren was left slightly shocked before he looked at her and smiled.
"Great goals and all, but to me it just sounds like something you'll get to. Not much of a goal if you ask me.". Jaune said hypocritically. "If you ask me, my goal will totally outshine everyone's and earn me that highest grade. I can just picture it, 'Jaune Arc, the hero of Remnant'". His eyes seemed to shine the way that Ruby's did while talking about weapons.
His team sighed at his optimism or maybe it delusion was the better word. They trusted his leading abilities and quick actions over his ability to write a good paper. Not to mention how he could be so confident in something that he wasn't that good at.
When everyone got their grades for their essay back, this was held true. Weiss ended up getting the highest grade followed Pyrrha, much to the demise of Ruby, Jaune and Connie. And the pancakes that were bet… ended in Nora's stomach anyways.
Extras
Ruby was exploring Beacon Academy. It was a larger school, even after all this time she still hasn't been everywhere. She still didn't explore the roof to the dorms yet, so that was her next destination. It was that or studying and oh does she despise it.
When she got there she heard someone talking to themselves. "That one looks like a dragon and that one's an Ursa.". The voice mumbled. She was curious so she looked into the sky and there was a cloud that looked exactly like an Ursa.
"Wow! Why does that one look like Connie?". The voice yelled. Ruby searched the sky and didn't see one that looked like her friend. She looked around the roof but didn't see anyone. With only one other place the voice could be, she jumped onto the inaccessible roof.
"Which one?". Ruby asked the boy relaxing on the roof with his hood up.
He raised his head, turned around and saw Ruby. A small blush grew on his face when he said, "Uh… hi Ruby!".
"Which one looks like Connie, Truci!". She asked again. "The one beside the dragon and above the strawberry", he blurted out.
"Strawberry?". Ruby's eyes seemed to twinkle. She jumped to his side and laid flat on her back beside him. She was scolding herself for not seeing a strawberry in the sky.
"Oh! I see the strawberry!". She looked at him like she saw something so amazing.
"Yeah…". He replied, feeling a little embarrassed someone caught him with his bad habit. While he was training at Beacon, he would usually go onto the rooftops and look at the sky. Without any friends, he ended up talking to himself sometimes.
"Hey, you're right! That does look like Connie! The two points look like her ears and it looks like she's holding a staff.". Ruby exclaimed amazed at how Truci could define the clouds.
"Yeah if it wasn't for the staff and short hair, I would have thought it was Blake.". Truci replied with a laugh.
"Yeah. I saw that too! The ears look like a bow". Ruby shouted. Truci laughs what she just detailed. If only she knew.
They continued to watch the clouds before Ruby asked him, "Hey, how do you run your team?".
Truci looked at her confused, "How do I run it? Well, the first step would be to… trust them…".
"Oh, that's easy. But I meant, how do you lead them?". Ruby asked with her eyes filled with anticipation and hope.
Truci looked at her silver eyes and couldn't help but be in a daze like he was caught in a state of hypnotism. When he got out of it he told her, "I can't decide that for you. It depends on your own style.".
He smiled at her and messed up her hair, "Just do what you think is best.". Ruby smiled back before she realized he was still messing up her hair.
She pushed his hands away and yelled, "I told you to not do that a bunch of times already!".
"Oh, did you?". He laughed, still trying to mess her hair up. "Okay, fine. I'll stop. Now it's my turn to ask a question.".
Ruby looked at him curiously. She didn't think that Truci would want to ask her a question, she always thought that he always had everything under control.
"Should I dye my hair?". He asked, messing his hair to be visible to him.
Ruby wanted to face plant onto the roof tiles, even though she was already lying on her back. That type of question was something that she would have asked! "Why?".
"Well, as you can see. I'm always in black. I just thought it would be a nice change to dye it white or something.". Truci told her.
"Hahaha. I had no clue you were so childish Truci! That sounds like something a middle schooler would do!". Ruby rolled around on the roof, dying of laughter.
"Guess, I shouldn't then. What about you? Would you want to dye your hair?". Ruby still had some laughs in her but she stopped to give it a serious thought.
Her eyes widened like a lightbulb just lit up above her head. She turned her head towards him and said seriously, "Truci, I take back what I said about it being a childish idea. I'll be right back. I need to call a team meeting!". And like that, rose petals surrounded her and she left the rooftops.
"Damage control or comedy show?... Yeah, that's not even a question.". Truci told himself and followed Ruby off the roof.
A/N:
First, sorry for the late update. Truth be told this was near done after chapter 3 but it got delayed because of my midterms. Finals are also closing in so the updates will be slower for the next month, hopefully, I can make up for it in late December.
Anyways, I skipped over the last two episodes of Season one since it would have ended the same with minor changes. The only changes I would have made would have been Lucille helping out and Ruby finding out she was also part of the White Fang. Which lead to Ruby's teammates finding out too.
As for this chapter, I explored more of the characters pasts and objectives. To be honest, I really liked the way they did this in the show. I just wanted to introduce it earlier here and change a bit of the more broad or static goals of team RWBY. Also, as for pacing, the chapters will start to slow down. I also felt like it was going by quite quickly but the first volume is relatively short than the other ones, I'll also be taking some things from the manga for the transition from volume 1 to volume 2.
Hope you enjoyed and leave a review!