Chapter 3: Welcome to Beacon
Author's Note: Here's the third chapter of my RWBY/Batman crossover story. The final episode of Volume 3 is coming tomorrow for non-sponsors like me. Rest in Peace Roman, you son of a gun. I hope Neo avenges you (or at least tries). Anyway, enjoy this chapter.
I do not own RWBY. It belongs to Monty Oum (R.I.P.) and Rooster Teeth.
I do not own Batman. He belongs to DC Comics.
An airship was on its way to Beacon Academy, transporting the school's newest batch of freshman students. Inside the airship was Ruby Rose. In the previous night, she was admitted to the school by its headmaster Professor Ozpin. She was admitted two years earlier than her peers. She's currently talking to another freshman, a blonde girl who happens her older half-sister.
Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie were watching from not so far away. They were specifically watching Ruby, considering they met her as their vigilante counterparts. Ren couldn't believe that Ozpin allowed the girl to be admitted earlier than she should. Nora felt happy for the girl, but was a bit concerned for her as well.
"Do you think it was a good idea for Ozpin to admit her into the school? I mean, she's two years than she should be for the average hunter-in-training student. She's needs proper training before entering a school like Beacon," the male teen stated.
"Hey, we didn't get proper training as well," Nora countered.
"We didn't go to a training school like Signal Academy, but we spent the past year fighting criminals and members of the White Fang. Plus, we trained ourselves and survived on the streets before we received the note," Ren pointed out. "There's also an entrance exam. If she passes it, then I'll be impressed." They see a male, blonde teen run pass them, looking as if he's about to throw up.
"I doubt he'll be able to pass," Nora commented. The two then watched a television screen, which showed a news report.
"The robbery was led by nefarious criminal, Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police Department," reported the newswoman Lisa Lavender. Ren frowned. He didn't like to be reminded about his failure at capturing Roman. "This Saturday's Faunus Civil Right Protest turned dark, when a couple members of the White Fang disrupted the ceremony. However, they were quickly apprehended by the vigilantes Batman and Nightwing."
"Hey look Ren, there's us," Nora whispered to her friend, pointing at the screen. The news report shows footage of Ren and Nora, as their vigilante alter egos, arriving at the event in their respective vehicles. The White Fang members attacked them but were quickly defeated. The two vigilantes left as soon as the cops arrived. Other students were watching the footage in excitement.
"Oh my god, they're so cool!" Ruby squealed with stars in her eyes. Two vigilantes were her heroes and last night, she got to meet them. Though it was only quick, she got to fight alongside them.
"They sure are, though Batman looks sexy in that suit of his. I wouldn't mind if he shows me what he has underneath," her sister commented.
"Yang, gross!" Ruby shouted while blushing.
"What? I was just wondering who he is," Yang snickered at her sister's reaction. "Although, I bet he'll look handsome." Their conversation was overheard by Ren and Nora.
"Hey look Ren, you got fans. I wish I had fans," Nora said.
"They're Batman's fans, not Lie Ren's fans," Ren corrected her. "Besides, I have no time to deal with fans."
"Don't be so brooding. Only Batman can be brooding," his childhood friend told him.
"Ooo, did you say Batman?" the two friends heard Ruby squeal.
"Great, you attracted attention," Ren muttered to Nora.
"Hi, I heard you say something about Batman," Ruby said as she suddenly approached the two with Yang following her.
"Sorry about my sister. She's such a fangirl. She's always like this ever since she heard stories about Batman," Yang explained.
"I can see that," Ren replied as he was starting to become uncomfortable.
"What about Nightwing?" Nora asked.
"She's cool. It must be amazing to be Batman's sidekick," Ruby answered. Nora's eyes twitched.
'Sidekick?' Nora thought. It has been established by Ren and Nora that they were going to be equal partners, not mentor and sidekick. Ren calls the shots, but he does see Nora as an equal instead of a sidekick. Nora was pretty upset that Ruby referred her alter ego as a sidekick. A hologram of GlyndaGoodwitch suddenly appeared on the television screen.
"Hello and welcome to Beacon," Glynda said.
"Who's that?" Yang asked.
"My name is GlyndaGoodwitch," the hologram stated.
"Oh," the blonde responded.
"You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy! Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsman and Huntresses, it's your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world," Glynda presented. The hologram then ended.
"That was interesting," Yang commented. She then looked at Ren and Nora. "By the way, my name's Yang Xio Long."
"Lie Ren," Ren introduced himself.
"Nora Valkyrie," Nora introduced herself as well.
"By the way, this is my sister Ruby. Hey Rubes, come introduced yourself," the blonde told her sister, who was staring out through the window in admiration. Yang went to go with her half-sister while Ren and Nora left to a different area of the airship. They see the blonde boy from earlier accidentally throwing up on the sisters' shoes. The two childhood friends witnessed the incident.
"I definitely don't want to be on the same team with him," Nora said.
"Ditto," Ren agreed. The airship landed at Beacon Academy, and the incoming freshman students stepped out. Ren and Nora left to look for Professor Ozpin. The two were going to talk with the headmaster about their deal.
Flashback
"I have a proposition for the two of you," Professor Ozpin told them.
"What kind of proposition?" Ren asked.
"For the two of you to attend Beacon Academy," the headmaster answered.
"Sorry, but we have no aspiration to become Hunters and Huntresses," the male teen replied.
"I am aware of that, but the reason I want the two of you to attend my school is because I want to help you with your goals," Ozpin explained.
"Help us? We're doing great," Nora stated.
"In the beginning, things will start easy. As long as the journey continues, harder challenges awaits," the headmaster responded. "You two can't do everything on your own. There will be times when you'll need some assistance. That's where I come in. I have the resources necessary to help you two continue your crusade. The only way I can do that is for you two to pose as my students, otherwise people with power will start to become suspicious."
"You make some good points, but why help us?" Ren asked.
"Because I see potential in the two of you. Homeless teenagers like you two usually ends up living a life of crime, stealing and participating in gangs. However, you're different. Instead, you choose to help people and fight crime and villainy. That's why I'm helping you two," Professor Ozpin explained.
"How did you find the cave?" Nora asked.
"Simple. All I did was follow your vehicles," the headmaster answered, "So, de we have a deal?" Ren and Nora gave each other a look to see whether or not to accept his offer.
"You got a deal Professor Ozpin," Ren told the headmaster. Ozpin gave a sincere smile and shook hands with the two.
Flashback End
"So where is Professor Ozpin, the Great and Terrible?" Nora asked.
"I believe he's at the school's clock tower," Ren replied, pointing at the tall building. "We should hurry. I heard there's going to be an assembly at the school's auditorium." Both of them quickly headed towards the clock tower. Once they arrived through the building's elevator, they entered the headmaster's office. Ozpin seemed to have been waiting for them.
"It's about time you two arrived here. I assume your travel was enjoyable?" the headmaster asked.
"We did meet some…interesting people," Ren replied.
"That's good to hear. As you both know, you're posing as my students as a way to make your career easier to handle. I provide you with technology and resources, and you two put criminals behind bars. As you are at the field, I will be assisting through communication. I'll be your Oracle, giving you knowledge and information needed help make your missions completely successful," Ozpin explained.
"What about our stuff back at the Batcave?" Nora asked.
"I created a quicker and shorter route from Beacon to your headquarters," the headmaster answered. "Incoming students will receive new scrolls. You two will be getting an additional personal set." Ozpin handed the pair their scrolls. Unlike most scrolls, theirs are black. Ren's scroll has a black and yellow Bat-symbol on the back of his while Nora has her blue Nightwing symbol on the back of hers.
"Thank you Professor," Ren told the headmaster. "Hopefully our new school life won't interfere with our career."
"You're very welcome. Don't worry, I'll make sure that your careers come first. Now, I believe you two should go the school auditorium. I have a speech to prepare for," Ozpin replied with a chuckle. The two teens nodded and hid their scrolls in their pockets. They left the headmaster's office and headed toward the auditorium.
"So, how was that for first impressions?" Nora asked.
"He seems to show why we should trust him. Hopefully he's the only one who knows our identities," Ren answered.
"If he wants to help us, then he wouldn't tell anyone else. You heard him. He doesn't want to raise suspicion," Nora tried to reason.
"I know. Right now, we have to deal with the fact that we're going to be put into teams," Ren told his childhood friend. "That's how all Huntsmen work. We need to make sure we're on the same one."
"I just realized, how are we going to be Batman and Nightwing if we're going to be on a team with two strangers?" Nora asked.
"I'm thinking on that," Ren answered. "We're dating."
"What?!" Nora responded in surprise.
"It's our cover-up. Whenever we go out on patrol, we'll just tell people we're on a date. No one will push their noses any further," Ren explained.
"Oh. Good plan," Nora said, with a small blush on her cheeks. 'No. Bad Nora!' The orange haired girl shook her head.
"Are you feeling okay?" Ren asked her, seeing his friend shaking her head.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Nora quickly responded. The two of them arrived inside the main school building. They joined the other freshman students at the auditorium. "Hey look, there's Ruby and Yang. They're with…Weiss Schnee?" Ren looked at the direction his friend was looking at.
"Weiss Schnee, heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. It seems she's deciding to become a huntress," Ren stated. "The train that we captured Adam on is owned by her family's company."
"There's the boy who threw up. Man, he's doing a terrible job at impressing the heiress," Nora stated. "It's cringe worthy. Oh look, it's Pyrrha Nikkos, the four time champion and star of the Pumpkin Pete's cereal."
"Really? Considering a citizen of the Kingdom of Mistral, I thought she would go to Haven Academy. Then again, she would be constantly swarmed by fans," Ren responded. His eyes narrowed when he saw someone he haven't seen in months. "Nora, remember Adam Taurus' partner you fought on the train all those months ago?"
"Yeah," Nora responded. "Why'd you ask?"
"Because she's here. Check your scroll to see if I'm not mistaken," Ren told her. The orange haired girl took out her new scroll and activated. The scroll confirms that the tracker is still active and is located where the former White Fang member is.
"She's the real deal. So this is what she meant of living a new life. She decided to become a huntress," Nora stated.
"I don't know what Ozpin was thinking. She needs to pay for the crimes she committed during her membership in the White Fang. I'm bringing her in," Ren declared as he made his way to the Adam's former partner. However, Nora stopped him by grabbing onto his arm.
"You can't. You're going to exposed yourself in front of everyone. Besides, she might have changed," Nora reasoned with her childhood friend.
"Criminals don't change Nora. That's a fact you should already know," Ren told her.
"I have a feeling that she's different. Trust me," Nora replied.
"Fine, but if she reverts to her old lifestyle, I won't hesitate on bringing her in," Ren said.
"Deal," Nora responded with pride. It was then that Professor Goodwitch addressed the new students. She then gave the microphone to Ozpin, who then gave his speech.
"I'll keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge-to tone your craft and acquire new skills-and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of your people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose-direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step," the headmaster presented. He then left the stage and the auditorium.
"That was…interesting," Nora commented. It was then that Glynda announced that students will be given a scroll and will sleep in the auditorium.
"I prefer having my privacy," Ren muttered as he heard the announcement.
"Don't worry. I bet Ozpin will have us go on patrol. There might a crime waiting to happen," Nora assured. "Besides, I bet we'll make new allies here."
"Batman will only work with Nightwing, and Ozpin to an extent. I rather have it stay that way," Ren told her. He rather not work with the other students as his alter ego.
"What about Ruby Rose and Professor Goodwitch? They worked with us when we were as our alter egos," Nora pointed out.
"That's because they interfered. Because of that, Torchwick escaped," Ren argued. His Batman scroll began beeping, causing him to quickly take it out and silence it. "Remind me to put this thing on vibrate." On the scroll was a message from the headmaster, urging him and Nora to come see him at his office. While there were a lot of students in the auditorium, the two teenager were able to use their expertise in stealth to make their way out of the auditorium. It was then that they arrived at the office.
"Nice speech," Ren told the headmaster.
"Thank you, I do try my best," Ozpin replied with a chuckle. "It occurred to me that you two usually fight crime during the night."
"That's because criminals usually commit crimes doing the night," Ren stated.
"That and it's also when they're superstitious and cowardly, perfect for Ren to scare them as Batman," Nora added.
"Then we our schedule," Ozpin responded.
"What schedule?" Ren asked.
"During the day, you two are Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie, students of Beacon. At night, you are Batman and Nightwing, vigilantes of Vale. It's the perfect balance," Ozpin stated.
"Sounds good, what do you think Ren?" Nora asked.
"I'm fine with it, as long as the school life doesn't interferes with our goals," Ren replied.
"Very good. As you know, students are given a scroll that allows communication and the ability to summon lockers that contains their weapons along with other abilities. Your scroll can do the same thing, along with exclusive features you can add," Ozpin explained to the two.
"I suppose we have personal lockers for our alter egos as well?" Nora asked.
"Indeed Ms. Valkyrie. Batman's and Nightwing's lockers contains their weapons, gadgets, and their costumes. I personally placed them there. Don't worry, the lockers are back in your Batcave. Your scrolls can also call in your vehicles in case you need them," the headmaster stated.
"Thank you Ozpin. We're grateful for everything you gave us," Nora told him.
"There's no need. I'm believe you're wondering how this would work considering you're going to be placed in teams?" Ozpin asked.
"We already have that covered. Whoever is going to be in our team won't know about our secret identities. Instead, we'll have them think that Nora and I are in a romantic relationship and will believe our patrols are dates." Ren explained.
"Creative I might say," Ozpin responded. He then received a message on his main computer screen. "It appears there's a robbery in progress in which I believe Batman and Nightwing are needed. There's a floor above the basement level in which you two can use."
"We'll be right there," Ren said as Nora nodded. The two entered the elevator, which took them to their destination.
"How are we going to summon our lockers?" Nora asked.
"By doing this," Ren responded. He pressed a button on his scroll, and an underground tunnel opened up. He then sent the coordinates of their location to his locker. Within seconds, Ren's Batman locker made its way through the tunnel and appeared in front of the partners. Unlike the student lockers, these lockers were custom made to propel forward as well as upward.
Nora did the same, and her locker appeared. Once they changed into their costumes and placed their gadgets on, both used their scrolls to remotely control their respective vehicles. Once their vehicles arrived, the two drove through an opening that Ren opened up that led to the city.
"Batman, can you hear me?" Ozpin's voice asked through the scroll. The vigilante placed the scroll on a holder.
"Loud and clear," he responded.
"Good. The robbery is taking place at a Dust factory a few miles outside the city. The ones committing the act are members of the White Fang," Ozpin reported.
"The White Fang, they're starting to become more active even though their leader is still in Blackgate. I don't know whether to call them fearless and brave or idiotic," Batman commented.
"They're truly determined with their goal. Whatever use they're planning with the large quantities of Dust, it's not going to be good. You and Nightwing need to stop them," the headmaster responded.
"On it, Ozpin," Batman replied.
"Please, when you're out in the night, call me Oracle," Ozpin told him. The communication ended, and Batman sped up with Nightwing following him. They soon arrived at a small Dust factory where they saw members of the White Fang loading Dust onto an airship. Their eyes widened behind their Grimm masks when they saw the two vehicles fasting approach them.
"Shit, Batman's here!" a grunt member shouted.
"Open fire!" another member ordered. They began firing their guns at the Batmobile, but the vehicle's durable armor protected itself from the shots. Other White Fang members began firing at Nightwing, but the female vigilante used her motorcycle's speed and agility to dodge the shots.
The Batmobile stopped and opened up, with Batman leaping out and tackled a member of the White Fang. Other members of the terrorist organization fired at him, but the vigilante dodged the bullets. He took out a couple of Batarangs and threw them at their weapons. The projectiles pierced the firearms and sent an electric shock through the weapons onto their owners. They collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Meanwhile, Nightwing was handling her fair share of White Fang members. She leaped from her motorcycle and landed a jump kick on one, knocking him out. Other members took out swords and other blades and began approaching her in a deadly manner. Nightwing merely smirked. They didn't scare her.
One of them ran towards her and swung his sword at her. She dodged and gave his gut a kick that sent him back crashing onto the ground. She took out her Eskrima sticks and used her semblance to charge them with electricity. Another White Fang member came at her, but she avoided his attack and swung her weapon to smack him at his face. The hit and the electricity was enough to make him lose all of his aura level and go unconscious.
"You'll pay for that human bitch," another White Fang member growled. Nightwing frowned and motioned her opponent to come fight her. Her opponent charged, but the female vigilante got the better of him and threw him into the air. In midair, the White Fang member was grabbed by Batman by the neck and had his back slammed onto the ground.
"That's for my partner," the vigilante growled at the terrorist. Batman didn't like it when criminals insult his partner. It just makes him snap. It wasn't long until the rest of the White Fang members were beaten unconscious. It appeared that the two vigilantes have scored a win for themselves.
"It appears that's all of them," Nightwing said.
"Not all of them," a new voice said. Both vigilantes turned around to see a figure flying in the air. The newcomer was wearing a black bodysuit with the abdominal and elbow areas being a golden color. On the upper left area of the figure's chest was the symbol of the White Fang. The figure was also wearing a gold mask with red bug-like eyes and antennas. The figure was wearing black and gold gauntlets. Attached onto the figure's back were actual gold and black colored bug wings, indicating that the newcomer is an insect Faunus (Author's Note: This is Firefly's costume design from The Batman. Instead of a jetpack, this Firefly has actual firefly wings).
"Who are you," Batman demanded.
"I'm not going to tell my real name, but you can call me Firefly. I was told to help my brothers and sisters in the White Fang in case you two showed up," the newcomer answered. He pointed his right arm at them, and the gauntlet released a ray of heat and light energy at the duo. They dodged the attack, and the ground they were standing on was now on fire. "Did you like it? My semblance allows me to illuminate light energy into a condensed and heated form, allowing me to burn everything as much as I desire."
"Batman, how do we defeat him?" Nightwing asked her partner.
"He has a flight advantage, so we need to bring him down," the vigilante responded. He threw a Batarang at Firefly, but the villain flew out of the way. The Faunus blasted another ray of heat and light energy at the vigilante.
"Burn Batman! I want to see your bones charred," he shouted. Batman dodged another blast. "I bet you never faced anyone like me! I bet Adam wasn't that much of a challenge was he?"
"You're right. Adam wasn't that much of a challenge, and I haven't fought anyone like you. However, that helps," Batman replied.
"How?" Firefly asked.
"Because now I can be prepared for people like you," the vigilante answered. "Nightwing now!"
"You got it!" the female vigilante responded. She quickly took out a stun gun from her right gauntlet and fired two small dart-like electrodes that struck the Faunus' wings. 10,000 volts of electricity was sent to the Faunus, causing his to scream in agony. His aura levels completely went to zero and his wings were barely able to function.
"Now then, let's see if you're able to be a challenge for me now," Batman told the villain. Firefly threw a punch, but the vigilante dodged. Batman threw a punch that struck the villain's head. Firefly, now dazed, tried to run, but Nightwing stood in front of him.
"Where's your hurry?" the female vigilante asked. Firefly tried to hit her, but Nightwing anticipated the attack and kicked him between the legs. The villain immediately fell to the ground, moaning in pain. Batman immediately grabbed Firefly and picked him up.
"Now, you got a few things to tell me," Batman told him.
"Go to Hell. I won't say anything," Firefly replied.
"We'll see about that," the vigilante said.
Author's Note: Our first Batman villain has been introduced. Quick note, any Batman villain who has an animal theme gimmick (Killer Moth, Catwoman) or is part animal (Man-Bat, Killer Croc) will be a Faunus in this story. What will Firefly tell Batman (Ren)? Find out on the next chapter.