Chapter 11 - Adversary or Ally
Vytal Festival
It was finally that time of the year. As mentioned earlier in the year by Weiss herself. It was time for the Vytal Festival and a time to come together. Remembering Ozpin's speech about how this was a time to celebrate peace and the end of the war. However, to celebrate peace, every team from every academy were going to battle it out in a tournament.
Because let's face it, peace is boring. Or maybe fighting is just very exciting. Whatever the reason, everyone is fighting.
"Okay squad, I know we've only been through very few dangerous situations." Josuke said as he huddled up with his team. "Besides training and our task with Professor Port. We haven't seen a lot of action out in the field." he said.
"At least we have trust. That's more than what most people ever have." Adam points out.
"I think knowing each other is enough." Squall said.
"That's the spirit!" Josuke complimented.
"I didn't say that in a good way." Squall replied.
Naruto chuckled as he slapped a hand on Squall's shoulder, "It means you're opening up at least." he said.
"Go open up to the wall." Squall muttered.
"Anyways, eyes up, cover each other when you can and I'll make sure none of us fall behind." Josuke said.
"Sounds good, last part could sound better, but good anyways." Naruto said before Team JASN walked into the arena.
At the arena
Upon arrival, the boys found themselves being cheered on by the crowd. The adrenaline was very infectious and most of the boys couldn't help but run in and wave at the crowd. Of course Squall shook his head and just kept his eyes focused on the enemy team who had also arrived. They were a strange bunch, but then again they were from another school so it's nothing unusual.
"Remember guys, we're not the stars unless we win." Josuke said as he kept everyone focused.
"I wonder what these guys are like." Naruto said as he saw the aura meter for both teams.
Teams SICS ("Six")
Shikamaru Nara
Ino Yamanaka
Choji Akimichi
Sai Route
The two teams moved closer to meet each other. When the surprise gimmick of each battle had started. The arena would be randomly changed to add some sort of obstacle, either to give an advantage or disadvantage to the teams depending on how they adapt. Team RWBY already fought earlier and their arena was set be half ice and half earth.
The field changed to one of mostly sand and earth, transforming the arena into a dry landscape. Once the teams were introduced and everything set, the fight began. With Team SICS breaking apart into two smaller teams.
"Naruto, Squall, you guys go after pineapple head and his friend." Josuke ordered.
"Got it, let's go buddy." Naruto said as they moved around to intercept their foes.
"Adam, keep only a slight distance from me. We don't know if the other two are close or distance ranged fighters." Josuke said as his hands started to change form.
As Naruto and Squall made their way towards Shikamaru and Choji. Squall's semblance told him about an incoming danger. Thus he signaled for Naruto to get them out of the path of danger. As a large tiger made of ink started to make their way towards them. Only for it to miss as Naruto grabbed Squall and bursted into petals. The tiger collapsed and Sai revealed his semblance was his ability to manipulate ink into the shape of animals where he then sent a swarm of birds at the pair.
"There's several of them following us." Squall warned.
"I have no idea who "them" is but I'll trust you. Actually, I think now is a good time to try a technique while doing this." Naruto said as he continued moving towards their assigned foes in Petal Burst.
As the birds came closer, the giant burst of petals that Naruto turned into had immediately duplicated. Causing the birds to break apart and follow each clone. Meanwhile Choji increased the size of his arm to punch one of the petals bursts only for it to explode into smoke. Leaving Shikamaru to calculate a plan with what they know.
"Keep trying to hit them Choji. One of them uses a speed semblance and the other can duplicate himself." Shikamaru said as Choji continued trying to punch each clump of petals.
Naruto stifled a laugh, "You hear that? They're onto us." he said sarcastically.
"While that plan is reckless, this actually gave me an idea. Just follow my lead and make more duplicates of yourself if you can." Squall said, mentally thanking that his partner is a massive wild card.
Back with Josuke and Adam, Sai focused his attention back onto Josuke and Adam as they came closer. Forcing him and Ino to take cover as Adam took pot shots at him with his gun. The lack of range weapons made things more tricky, especially once Adam was given a boost by Josuke who tossed him over their cover.
"Sai, you distract the other guy. I'll handle the bull guy." Ino said as she pulled out her weapon.
Ino ran up to Adam and extended her weapon, revealing it to be a plant based whip. Swinging it once at Adam, the faunus immediately swerved around it and chopped the rope like plant with his sword Wilt. Thinking it the weapon was destroyed, Adam continued running at Ino. Who then poured aura into her weapon to make the whip grow back before swinging it again at Adam who kept parrying and dodging blows.
'What the heck? Is this guy part rabbit or something?' Ino thought as Adam kept avoiding her attacks.
'Ruby is a lot faster than this.' Adam thought as he cut through the whip time and time again.
Narrowly closing the gap as he came closer to Ino. Meanwhile Sai was having as much difficulty with Josuke as his ink creations were not very effective. Since Josuke's semblance wasn't just healing, but mainly shaping things. Which allowed him to tear objects apart and put them back together, in turn this made him capable of healing others. As for the ink creations, they all started to fall into puddles of ink once Josuke broke them apart.
'Does he have some sort of destructive power in those gloves?' Sai mentally asked as Josuke finally came close enough to attack him.
Which Sai tried to block with a sword. Despite the sheer force Josuke provided, Sai struggled to maintain his sword.
"Impressive, for someone with no penis." Sai said making Josuke frown.
"Dude, that's gross." Josuke replied.
"It doesn't make it any less truthful." Sai said with a fake smile.
"Then Atlas must be desperate to let sex offenders join them." Josuke shot back.
Now Sai was almost stuck in the game of insults. However, has he did his best to avoid Josuke's heavy punches while keeping some distance. As Josuke didn't give him a lot of space and time to create more creatures with his ink. Leaving him with one more idea for an insult as to stagger Josuke.
"At least my hair is natural. Unlike the hairy bush you use as a wig." Sai said as Josuke stopped in place.
Sai took this as a chance and immediately turned his sword around. Revealing the bristles of a paint brush as and started drawing on a sheet of paper. However, instead of stunning Josuke with embarrassment. He only made Josuke stand still as pure rage surrounded his body. His purple colored aura started to glow bright before he charged head first at Sai. Completely ignoring every ink animal as he intended to injure Sai with no sign of exhaustion as Sai kept putting distance on himself.
The result of of this fight was inevitable.
Back with Naruto and Squall
Choji started to looked tired and disoriented as the petals still surrounded the air above him. By now, Shikamaru already predicted the possibility that their foes were testing them. Before the Atlas student could pull his partner back, Squall already jumped out from one of the petal clouds. Which Choji tried to stop by blocking with his arms. Only for another Squall to appear from a second cloud of petals.
"Choji, it's a trap!" Shikamaru yelled before pulling out his trench knives.
In an attempt Squall's gunblade, Shikamaru found himself flying back due to the impact of the weapon's secondary function. Meanwhile the Squall Chojo tried to defend against had blown up into smoke. Naruto then came out of cloud of petals and wrapped Choji's enlarged arm with his chains before pulling himself closer to deliver a heavy kick to the torso.
Choji managed to hold his ground due to his heavy stance. Before enlarging both arms and trying to Naruto his fists. Resulting in Naruto replacing himself with a random rock. Once behind his large opponent, Naruto transformed his entire right arm into a pink and blue gauntlet and smashed his fist against Choji's back. Giving him the much needed strength to send him crashing into a pile of rocks.
"That's gotta hurt Bart!" the voice of Professor Port said on the loud speaker.
"You call that pain? Then what do you call the agony caused by Mr. Higashkita?" Doctor Oobleck asked as Sai could be seen flying across the battlefield.
Naruto briefly looked up at the aura meters. Sai was already to nearly a third of his aura thanks to that last punch. It didn't help that Naruto could hear several large rocks being shattered due to Josuke running angrily towards Sai to finish him off. Along with the fact that he used Crazy Diamond to cover most of his body.
"I gotta thank Josuke for being a good friend. I wouldn't be able to use his semblance without him." Naruto said before Choji came back.
Now in the form of a giant sphere, "Roll! Roll! Roll!" he yelled as he tried to flatten Naruto.
'Oh crap!' Naruto thought before extending the semblance to his arms and feet.
Where Naruto then buried his feet into the ground and extended his arms as Choji came barreling towards him. Resulting in Naruto barely being able to slow Choji's attempt to flatten while being pushed back by several feet. All the while, Squall seemed to be have minor issues with Shikamaru who kept trying to push him back with his trench knives. Which seemed to be creating blades made of win, but luckily he seemed to be a very slow fighter.
As Squall managed to use the impact ability of his gunblade to repeatedly stagger Shikamaru before. Disarming him and kicking him into a rock wall. Squall then aimed his the blade of his weapon at Shikamaru's neck.
"I think that's enough from you." Squall said.
"Wrong, you're the one in check." Shikamaru said as he quickly put his hands together.
Where the shadow under Shikamaru started to move and connected to Squall's own shadow. Causing the swordsman's body to go stiff. Squall tried to shake his body only feel like all of his nerves were working against him. Squall helplessly watched as Shikamaru slowly stood up and made his body move almost in the same manner as Shikamaru's. Followed by Shikamaru making Squall mimic his movements and drop the gundblade while picking up his own trench knives.
Before Shikamaru could call for a victory of his own. He suddenly found himself being forced to dodge thanks to Choji.
"Shikamaru! Look out!" Choji yelled.
Shikamaru soon found himself having to avoid Naruto's sword as the Belmont tossed it in an attempt to save Squall. Shikamaru's fight or flight sense had kicked in and forced him to jump away as the sword embedded itself on a nearby rock. Sadly for the pineapple haired shaped teen, he was forced to let go of Squall during the dodge. Letting Squall to run free as he picked up his partner's weapon and launched the chain at Shikamaru before he had the chance to use his shadow manipulating semblance.
'His semblance is like Sun's. He needs to keep focus from but can't handle his target for long.' Squall thought as the chain wrapped itself around Shikamaru.
Shikamaru struggled to break free of the chain before being rapidly pulled close by the sword's chain. Where Squall quickly sliced up Shikamaru before breaking his aura shield and knocking him unconscious.
"And Shikamaru is out!" Oobleck yelled.
*BOOM*
"So is Sai, that was quick." Oobleck adds as Squall looks up.
Both Shikamaru and Sai had around 5% of their aura left. Choji was also burning his own aura to about 20% and burning it rapidly as Naruto struggles to keep Choji in place. Squall looks around for a way to help his partner without getting caught in Choji's attack. Only to feel a small migraine in the form of Josuke who was still feeling angry at Sai for disrespecting his hair earlier. When Josuke seemed to be a little bit calmer, Squall grabbed his attention.
A minute later
"ROLL! ROLL! ROLL! ROLL!" Choji continued to shout as Naruto struggled to stay in place.
'Maybe now is a good time to let go.' Naruto thought as he quickly moved out of the way.
Choji didn't release his form and smashed through several rocks before eventually turning right around. Just before he could make his way to Naruto again, Josuke arrived and gave his next command to Naruto. Once Choji was close enough, Naruto formed a couple of hand signs and slammed his palms into the ground. Where he he created a tall thick wall. Which Josuke proceeded to reshape into the shape of a smooth curve that made Choji move towards the opposite direction.
Where Naruto then grabbed Josuke and used Petal Burst to move towards Adam. With great speed, Naruto arrived and dropped of Josuke who ran up to Adam with his armored fist cocked back. Adam stood his ground and raised his sword to block the punch, resulting in him taking the kinetic energy.
"You know what to do Adam." Josuke said as he moved out of the way.
As Choji arrived, Adam took a deep breath and exhaled as he used his semblance to slice at Choji. Causing the sphere shaped Atlas student crash as the sword slash cut him. Ending with Choji releasing his semblance and crashing into a stone pillar and losing consciousness.
"Choji is also out, that leaves Ino alone." Port said as everyone turned to Ino.
Who was currently facing Squall after Adam traded places with him so they could defeat Choji. While not as swift as Adam, Squall was able to handle Ino's whip lashes while eventually grabbing the whip itself with his arm. Immediately regretting it as thorns came out of the rope, but found himself managing to hang on. As Squall pulled Ino closer and slashed at her with his gunblade and activating it's impact function again.
Ino found herself skidding back and losing grip of her whip. Before she could get back up, the earth swallowed her up to her neck. Leaving her stuck in place to Squall's mercy.
"What the? How?" Ino asked.
"Ask the ground." Squall said.
Ino groaned as she looked down, "This seriously sucks." she whined. "I surrender." she said.
"And the winner is Team JASN of Beacon!" Oobleck announced as the crowd cheered for them.
"We did it! I love you guys!" Josuke cried out as he pulled everyone together.
"This hurts!" Naruto whined.
After the match
Josuke was still giddy, "Okay that was badass, but it's not over. We still have two more matches to win." he said.
"Only two of us can fight in the next match." Squall pointed out.
"We won because Josuke was able to understand our abilities and how to combine them." Adam said.
"So that means he literally knows best for what to do next." Squall said.
Now Josuke was nervous, "Can't we put it to a vote?" he asked.
As the group tried talking over their strategy. They heard a loud popping sound nearby. Where they saw some green haired girl with red eyes covered in paint. Naruto scratched his chin as he realized he recognized that girl. She is a teammate of that one girl, Cinder.
"I wonder…" Naruto cut himself off as he saw Ruby's team nearby.
Naruto snickered, he realized that Ruby pranked that girl. No doubt with the exploding wallet Ruby made in case someone tried to steal from her. He took inspiration to make gadgets from Ruby, Ruby took inspiration from him to prank others. With that in mind, Naruto walked up to Team RWBY as they were eating at one of the food tents. Before they said anything, the tent owner threw Weiss' credit card at the counter like a shuriken.
"Declined?" Weiss asked with wide eyes.
"I think I'll cover this." Josuke spoke up.
"You will?" Weiss asked, still looking surprised.
"Yeah, food is on me. You guys order whatever you want too." Josuke said to his teammates.
"Sweet, free ramen." Naruto said as he took his seat.
Yang was about to change seats to move closer to Naruto. Only for Ruby to get in the way while pretending that she didn't notice Yang's brief excitement. All the while purposely trying to take the attention of her adoptive brother.
"That was an awesome fight big brother. You guys had so much sync." Ruby complimented.
Naruto chuckled at his sister's reaction, "Like Squall says, we all know each other well. So we can work together when dealing with foes. Even more so when we're separated." he explained.
"Kind of a cheap tactic when you have superpowers." Squall said.
"Sometimes power isn't enough, it's about know how to use it buddy." Naruto said as his ramen arrived. "And having a great leader who pays for your food." he added.
"One bowl only Naruto." Josuke suddenly said.
Naruto glared at his team leader, "Hey, I wasn't taking advantage of you." he said.
Squall then looked at Blake who was next to him, "I think you are making it less obvious everyday." he said as Blake ate a bowl of raw fish.
"Hey speaking of which, who's fighting for you guys in the next round?" Ruby asked.
"It's a secret." Naruto answered making Ruby frown.
"It's not a secret if we don't know." Squall said as bluntly as possible.
"Well now they know that we don't know. We could have left them not knowing that we don't know who we want to send in. Because we know it's a duo's but don't know how to prepare for the fight with rules we do know." Naruto explained making almost everyone stop and look at him in confusion.
Yang was the only who smirked, "Now I know what you don't know, but I will let you know that we know who is fighting on our team in the next round. However, you're not allowed to know that." She said in an equally confusing manner.
"Really Yang? Flirting with Naruto in front of me?" Ruby asked, making Yang blush.
Naruto then covered Ruby's mouth, "Okay Ruby, I think all this talk and lack of eating is making you crazy." he said as Ruby squirmed.
"I swear, if I blink. The both of you are going to be carrying a baby bundle. I am not ready to be an auntie!" Ruby exclaimed.
Unknown to nearly everyone, Naruto told Ruby that girls get pregnant if the boy they like gives them a kiss on the lips. Which she still believes along with still believing that she'll get an infection like cooties if a boy sees her naked.
"Ruby that's not happening!" Naruto said indignantly.
"Besides, if that did happen. I already named my baby's godparent." Yang said.
"I did too, for my kid I mean." Naruto said suddenly.
Ruby looked annoyed and disgusted.
"It's Blake/Squall." The two said at the same time.
Squall dropped his utensil to shake his head at Naruto while Blake nervously looked at Squall. Meanwhile Weiss looked very tired and annoyed.
"Is everyone dating? It's already obvious that Nora and Ren like each other, Naruto and Yang are another thing, but the quiet ones? Who does that leave me with?" Weiss asked.
"Hey Weiss, can you pass the sauce?" Josuke interrupted.
"Sure thing." Weiss said while momentarily distracted.
Later that evening
At the landing pad, Weiss excitedly awaited for the next Atlas military drop ship to arrive. Where several of the Atlesian Knight androids came out flanking an Atlas officer who looked like an older version of Weiss. This woman is none other than the older sister of Weiss and younger sister of Jiraiya, Winter Schnee.
"Winter! I'm so happy to see you!" Weiss yelled as she ran up to her sister. Winter silently gave Weiss a stern look, "I mean, your presence honors us." she said dropping her excited personality.
Winter barely acknowledged her sister and instead looked around, "Beacon, it's been a while. The air, it feels different." she said.
It could be some weird soldier talk that Winter was giving or she likely has no idea what the seasons feel like as Atlas is always filled with snow. A natural tundra on the worst of days. Weiss decided to change the subject.
"So, what are you doing here?" Weiss asked.
"Classified." Winter quickly answered.
"Right well, how long are you staying?" Weiss asked as they started walking.
"Classified." Winter repeated, but slightly more aggressive.
"Of course." Weiss said becoming quiet again. Yet her little sister senses were still active, "You are going to love Beacon and Vale. Their government and school are completely separate and…"
"I am already familiar with Beacon and this Kingdom's Bureaucracy." Winter said as if she hated Vale's government system.
As the pair continued to walk, Ruby passed by and ran up to Weiss, "Hey Weiss, who's this?" she asked.
"Classified." Winter said making both girls sweat drop.
"My sister Winter. Winter, this is my friend Ruby." Weiss said ignoring that last part.
"So you must be the leader of Team RWBY. Weiss frequently mentions you in her letters" Winter said as she looked at Ruby.
"That's right, it's a cool name right?" Ruby asked.
"I am underwhelmed." Winter said offending Ruby. "With how disappointing your last fight is. I cannot help but wonder who decided to name you leader." she said unknowingly entering a war zone.
"And I suppose you were a successful leader in your academy years?" Ruby asked as she crossed her arms.
Winter briefly lost composure, "Not exactly, no…" she tried to say.
"So you were at least respected?" Ruby asked while mentally smirking.
Weiss looked back and forth between her sister and Ruby.
"In a way." Winter said while trying to think of an answer.
Ruby tilted her head, "Oh really? Well, that's too bad. I guess I can't rely on outdated and unreliable experiences to improve." she said sarcastically.
Winter was starting to reach her limit with this girl, "I think my sister could have made better choices in friends." she said indirectly hurting Weiss.
"And I think your approval isn't worth it. Jiraiya may have been eccentric, but at least he was kind." Ruby said.
And the thorns have dug deep into Winter.
"He also seems to know how communicate without putting others down." Ruby adds leaving Winter feeling stunned.
Now that thorn stabbed Winter in the heart. The atmosphere was so tense, the air felt as thick as paint.
"I think I should go, sorry for taking up your time Weiss." Ruby said as she started walking away.
Until Winter snapped out of her daze, "Rude girl, do you think you can talk to an officer like me like that? Where do you think you are going?" she asked angrily.
"Classified." Ruby answered, further annoying Winter. "I think as a soldier, you would understand that." She said.
As Ruby left, Winter could not help but feel angry and offended by the girl. It didn't help that Ruby challenged her leadership in the academy versus Team RWBY's. Mainly because Winter was never selected as the leader of her own team and it didn't help that Weiss inherited her sister's attitude so Winter herself was more or less a brat as a teenager. Now, Winter really had a bad opinion of the girl and thought she was ruining Weiss.
"I think you should limit your social interactions Weiss. That girl has no respect for others and is too immature." Winter said.
Now Weiss had enough, "For your information, Ruby is my friend and helped me better myself. Now my team made it to the second round. I know she probably looks like a brat to you, but Ruby is the nicest person here." she said making Winter raise a brow. "I suggest your don't say anything ill about her. So sorry for bothering you Lieutenant Schnee." she said before leaving her sister.
Winter was surprised by her sister's reaction. A part of her was angry by how Weiss was quick to turn on her and she blamed Ruby. Yet, another part of Winter was mentally kicking herself. Even as a soldier here strictly on business, Weiss still showed courtesy and respect to her. What's worse is Weiss looks up to her like an idol and all Winter did was put her and her team down when they won the first round of the Vytal festival.
"I'm sure Weiss will need time to cool off." Winter said to herself before moving on.
With Ruby
Ruby was pissed, she hardly knew about Winter beforehand but she knew Weiss looked up to her sister. Initially, she expected Winter to be an uptight person since she is an Atlas officer as well as just being an older version of Weiss. Yet, that woman only showed up to be cold and criticize her team.
Ruby sighed to herself as she started walking back to the dorms. She feels like she screwed up and made Weiss mad. She hoped that by cutting the potential fight at that moment would avoid escalating things with Winter. Especially as to avoid embarrassing Weiss or making her mad. Regardless of her rank and position, Ruby couldn't care less about Winter than she does for her friendship with Weiss. Ruby stopped thinking as she suddenly felt a chill.
"That's weird." Ruby said to herself as she almost shivered.
The temperature is average in Vale today. In recent days, it wasn't too hot or cold and Ruby isn't like Winter who doesn't recognize different climates and changes in weather. No, something was definitely off. Especially around the neck area for Ruby despite wearing a hood and a sweater.
"It's been too long, little girl." said a familiar voice that made Ruby jump with surprise.
As Ruby suddenly avoided a giant trail of ice. Looking around the ice, Ruby saw a familiar blue haired woman in an Atlas uniform. The gleeful battle lusted eyes were not very hard to forget. Ruby wanted to scream before finding herself on the defensive.
"So that's the face you were so keen on hiding. Lesson number one little girl, if you are going to hide. Hide your outfit as well, it makes it easier for you track." the woman said before viscously slashing at Ruby at high speeds she could hardly keep up with.
Ruby needed to escape and quickly bursted into petals in an attempt to run. Where the woman immediately tried to slash at her only to miss as the petals broke into small groups and moved around her before joining together again. Not wanting to let her prey escape, the Atlas officer slammed her hand into the ground. Generating a road of ice before creating a large wall that blocked Ruby's path.
Seeing her path blocked, Ruby took out a short sword and stabbed it into the ice in an attempt to keep running. Only to narrowly avoid impalement from her attacker's sword. Luckily, the attacker's sword was stuck in her own ice and it took her a solid moment to try and take it out. Before Ruby coated her arm with her Titan crystal and delivered a blow to the woman's cheek. Despite the heavy impact, the woman only stumbled back a few feet as her azure blue aura started to glow.
The Atlas officer let out a faint smile, "I see, not every huntsmen is open to fighting with their fists these days." she said.
"Leave me alone crazy Atlas lady!" Ruby yelled as she kept running.
"That's not my name little girl." the woman said as she chased after Ruby. "I am Major Esdeath Partas!" she yelled as she summoned another wave of ice at Ruby. "Actually, as of now, I am the Colonel." she said before swinging at Ruby.
Who once again bursted into petals and moved behind Esdeath. Where Ruby then generated another weapon to engage Esdeath in sword combat. Despite the great speed Esdeath has, Ruby was able to keep up when putting herself in a better position. Allowing her to reach a near equal ground as she made Esdeath move back a couple of steps. Not realizing that Esdeath was growing more and more excited by the minute.
Especially once Ruby blocked her next attack and put some pressure onto Esdeath. Before the promoted Atlas officer could counter, Ruby quickly pulled out a knife from her back and slashed at Esdeath's adbomen before being kicked in the gut. Upon skidding to a halt, Atlas rubbed the area where Ruby cut her and smiled at the damage to her clothes.
"You would make a good Atlas soldier." Esdeath complimented.
"I'm not joining the army! No one tells me what to do!" Ruby yelled as she thrusted her arm.
Esdeath quickly found herself on the defensive as Ruby somehow used the power of her semblance to move her arm rapidly. It was hard for the crowd to see as all they saw were brief moments of petals appearing and disappearing. As Ruby's arm was outstretched and thrusting her sword at Esdeath who quickly parried each attack before slipping up and having several cuts appearing over her body.
"I think you had enough fun little girl." Esdeath said before creating a wall of ice to stop the attacks. Then moving over the wall and jumping right at Ruby, "Because I've been going to easy on you." she said before striking Ruby in the shoulder.
However, instead of blood coming out or Ruby's aura lighting up. Esdeath felt like she had hit her sword against a boulder. Before she found the back of Ruby's sword hitting her in the stomach and making her stagger backwards. Then moving back once again as Ruby tried to go for the stab.
Esdeath grinned as Ruby was still too energized by this point, "Let's see how fast you move after this." she said with a predatory stare.
Once again, Esdeath manipulated the ice around her to generate a wall. Before making it completely surround Ruby in a dome. Where Esdeath jumped in and continued her attack only for Ruby herself to shatter the dome and send Esdeath skidding back. Once Ruby came close enough to strike Esdeath again, the blue haired woman disappeared. It was so sudden and out of nowhere, as if Esdeath just seized to exist.
Ruby didn't trust how silent it became for a moment before bursting into petals again as Esdeath tried to attack her from above.
'What the heck? Can this lady teleport like Naruto?' Ruby wondered before the woman tried to strike her with her sword again.
Only being stopped by someone intervening.
*CLANG*
"Move out of my way, Branwen." Esdeath said.
"And let you strike my niece? I don't think so you crazy bitch." said the man who blocked Esdeath's next attack.
Ruby's eyes widened as she turned her head to face the man who stopped Esdeath. Carefully watching as she saw a dark haired man with red cape and scythe. As Esdeath reluctantly stopped her assault and backed away. The man turned around and looked at Ruby who looked shocked.
"Uncle Qrow?" Ruby asked in a whispery voice.
Qrow looked at Ruby with wide eyes, "Hi Petal, you got so big." he said.
Ruby suddenly grabbed onto Qrow and hugged him tightly. Closing her eyes and wishing that this isn't some dream. Qrow hugged Ruby back after having missed her for so many years. All the while Ozpin came and tried to tell the crowd to disperse while having to talk to James about letting his subordinates run loose.
Later, Team RWBY's Dorm
After catching up for the first time in years. The uncle and niece duo started bombarding each other with questions. It wasn't like Qrow to ask another person multiple questions like a child on a sugar rush, but he desperately wanted to know how his niece was.
"Where have you been? Who's been taking care of you? How's your health? Is anything missing or broken? I swear, that stupid tin man can't keep his own soldiers in mind!" Qrow yelled.
"Calm down Uncle Qrow, I'm alive! Ruby Rose is a survivor of the wildest parts of Remnant! Having gone through many cookie withdrawals. So many that my body felt like it was in economic depression." Ruby said with a prideful start and ending on a depressed note.
Qrow sighed, "I know I was saving these, but you probably want them now." he said while pulling out a box of cookies.
Ruby had stars in her eyes as she slowly reached, "Gimme!" she commanded.
Only for Qrow to stand back, "Not yet Ruby, you still need to answer me. No jokes kiddo. Yang wouldn't stop crying for a week when we found the house burned down." he said.
Ruby frowned, "Can't story time wait?" she asked while trying to reach for the cookies.
"Ruby." Qrow said sternly.
Ruby pouted, "My big brother found me after Yang left me. He took real good care of me." she said.
"What? Ruby, I know for sure that Tai never had a son. I know Yang is a tomboy, but that's different." Qrow said.
"He's not my real brother, he's the son my aunt." Ruby replied.
"Your aunt? Your aunt who?" Qrow asked sounding suspicious.
Ruby pulled out her photo, "Aunt Kushina!" she said proudly. Qrow snatched the photo out of her hands, "Hey! You can have my photo but I can't have my cookies?" she asked before Qrow handed them over. "Yes!" Ruby said as she started eating.
Meanwhile Qrow was shocked as he looked at the photo of Kushina and Summer. All the while he had flashbacks of being pranked and teased by Kushina. Along with that wimpy husband of hers, Minato Belmont. Still, he never checked in with Kushina. He considered trying to ask her for help with Yang but only learned about the Belmont residence being destroyed along with the town they lived in by a Grimm rampage.
'If anyone really hated my sister, it was Kushina. She never blamed Yang for anything. Still, her kid is really here?' Qrow wondered.
"Uncle Qrow, I've been wondering." Ruby said as Qrow's attention was taken away from the photo. "Where were you? I was by myself until big brother found me." she asked.
Qrow sighed, "I was on a mission. An accident happened and I woke up after a few months. After that, I tried to looking for the two of you. Yang, I found her after getting some leads on Raven." he explained making Ruby frown. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
"No." Ruby lied.
"Ruby." Qrow said challenging her.
"I don't like her." Ruby said, but there was a lot malice she was hiding.
Qrow sighed, "I don't like her either. Yang wasn't exactly living a happy life when I found her. Raven gave birth to her, but she was more like your mother, Summer." he said.
Ruby stopped eating for a moment, "I was mad when I saw Yang after so long. I wanted to avoid her and everything, but after everything. I'm trusting her again." she said.
"That's good to hear kiddo, I know you must have been traumatized, but Yang would always beat herself up you know. She thought you were dead." Qrow said.
"I'm still taking my time trusting her." Ruby said while glaring at the baked goods.
"Petal." Qrow said.
"She's trying to seduce my big brother!" Ruby shouted.
"Wait what?" Qrow asked.
"You won't believe me anyways uncle Qrow. You're old and can't see whenever they start flirting or how close Yang tries to get with him, physically." Ruby said.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear any of that. I already have my own kid." Qrow said surprising her. Which he noticed, "Did Yang not tell you?" he asked.
Ruby looked suspicious before looking at the door.
A few seconds later
Josuke was playing his video games by himself when Ruby suddenly kicked opened the door, "I'm not eating your ramen! I swear! It was probably Jaune!" he yelled as he dropped his controller and raised his hands.
"Where's Naruto?" Ruby asked.
"Oh it's you Ruby." Josuke said as he calmed down.
Suddenly Ruby lifted him by his jacket, "Tell me where he is!" she commanded.
"I don't know, maybe he got Squall or Adam to hang out with him or maybe he's hanging out with Yang again!" Josuke yelled in panic.
Ruby dropped him on his butt, "I knew it!" she exclaimed.
Qrow suddenly got a message on his scroll, "Kiddo, I gotta run. I'll see you later okay?" He asked.
"Okay Uncle Qrow, I'll find and separate Yang from Naruto." Ruby said before speeding off.
Qrow sighed, "Of course, Kushina named her son after food." he said before looking at Josuke's confused face. "Nice hair." he said before leaving
Josuke smiled, "That guy was cool, but what's up with Ruby?" he asked before continuing his game.
In Ozpin's office
There is a lot of things that had occurred in Qrow Branwen's life. Starting with living among bandits and criminals in the woods and later joining Beacon to become a huntsmen. Though initially, to learn so he and his sister could help the tribe fight stronger individuals so they can continue living off of looting others. Qrow's life became a mess.
From having a semblance that triggers literal misfortune. Occasionally seeming small when annoying occurrences such as tires popping to the woman he loved nearly dying after losing an arm and an eye. Then there was losing Summer and Tai, his closest friends who he saw as family. Of course there was Raven who didn't think twice about abandoning her own daughter and never once appearing in her life except to manipulate her and take her from Ruby. Most likely to spite Summer who Raven felt inferior towards.
Now, when Qrow thinks once of his nieces died. He comes back to Vale and learns that Ozpin accepted Ruby as one of his students and never said anything. More than anything, what infuriated Qrow was the news he heard about Ironwood shooting Ruby. Which he didn't ask Ruby about because he was rather emotional in that moment and would have likely made her uncomfortable if he asked. Thinking about all of this, Ozpin stomped into Ozpin's office with the intent to give Ozpin a piece of his mind.
With Ozpin sitting behind his desk with a stern face, "Ozpin, why the hell wasn't I told about my niece!?" he screamed.
"You were on a mission Qrow. I could not jeopardize that if you were distracted." Ozpin said with reason.
"To hell with your mission Ozpin! My own niece! My only only other ties to Summer and Tai was right here! Right here with you for an entire semester Ozpin! That's half of an entire year!" Qrow shouted as his temper started to quickly rise.
"I understand that Qrow, but as I said…"
"No, you listen to me Oz! Do you know how it feels!? To think every day, every night, about the most precious people in your life just dying!?" Qrow asked.
A flash of various friends and families throughout "Ozpin's" life started to flash. Ozpin can see where Qrow is coming from and understands his anger, but the headmaster stood his ground. By now, Glynda was about to step in to mediate only for Ozpin to signal her to stay put. Where Ozpin let the man continue to rant until he exhausted himself.
"My life is already a mess and I can't take it when someone isn't giving me a whole truth." Qrow said as his rage started to slowly fall.
"That I can quite understand Qrow. However, while there is reason for you to be angry. What we do is the for the future of Remnant." Ozpin said as he stood up. "Our mission overall is to make sure everyone does not have to worry about losing their families and way of life." he said.
Qrow gazed at Ozpin as if it looked deep within the headmaster's soul, "Ozpin, when I decided to join this cause. It was because I believed we can make a difference. Because I believed in you and I chose to be loyal for all these years without asking for anything in return." he said as his fury started to rise again. "I made countless sacrifices for and the least you could do is be considerate for all the years of service and risks I've done for you!" he yelled.
Ozpin refused to show any weakness. He wouldn't show it, but the headmaster did feel a pang in his heart because Qrow questioned his gratitude for his service. Ozpin wanted to explain himself, but was interrupted by Ironwood entering his office.
"I see Qrow is early despite the fiasco from earlier." he said.
When suddenly, Qrow punched him right in the jaw. As Ironwood arrived, Winter had been right behind him and she saw the violence unfold. Ironwood's most loyal soldier ran to her general's side and tried to help him up while glaring at Qrow.
"Punctual, but not sophisticated. You're walking on a thin line of treason if you were one of my soldiers." Ironwood said before glaring at the Branwen.
"Like your soldiers would be loyal if you were openly shooting them without second thought." Qrow said surprising both Ozpin and Ironwood. "That's right, you think I wouldn't know and you can move on like nothing happened?" he asked.
Winter herself refused to believe it, "How dare you make up such…"
"Winter enough, this is a private meeting. Go wait outside. There's still one more person we're waiting for." Ironwood said.
Winter wanted to object, but she was too loyal to disobey or talk back. As the former Schnee heiress walked out, she opened the door. Eyes full of shock and immediately turning into annoyance.
"Jiraiya?" Winter asked.
Jiraiya immediately grabbed his hair braid and placed it over his nose like a moustache, "No, you confuse me angry lady.I am Giovanni." he lied.
"Jiraiya, I do not have time for your stupid…"
"Let him in Winter, we've been waiting for Giovanni's arrival." Ironwood said much to Winter's disbelief.
Where she watched her older twin walk in, "Have a good day Ms. Winter." Jiraiya said while doing a fake accent.
"What could someone like you have to talk about with General Ironwood and the Headmaster of Beacon?" Winter questioned as she gave Jiraiya an irritated glare.
Jiraiya smiled at her question, "That is a classified matter Specialist." he said before closing the door on her face.
Leaving behind Winter who could not be any more annoyed by seeing all of her least favorite people ignore her.
With Naruto
Once again, with his own teammates going their separate ways to go on break and Ruby catching up with her uncle. Naruto sat in the middle of the field in lotus position. Almost as if he wanted to reach Nirvana or some form of higher understanding. Naruto closed his eyes and relaxed his body in order to avoid stressing himself out. Especially with another match taking place tomorrow.
'And Josuke picked me because my semblance lets me adapt the best. Though the downside is I can't reach everyone else's true potential.' Naruto thought as even his own semblance had a limit.
As Naruto meditated, all of his senses had lowered to the area surrounding him. All he could feel was the wind moving over him and the grass. Along with any small animals like birds and squirrels in the area. Things seemed quiet and peaceful, that is until he felt a loud pulse and the sound of an animalistic growl. Without being able to see, Naruto could feel a large creature standing over him. Being able to see in a way without using his eyes, a creature as big as an Ursa yet more ferocious than an Alpha Beowulf snarled over his shoulder.
The creature looked like it was ready to spill blood as it grasped Naruto's shoulder. Instead of harming or threatening Naruto, it turned it's head as if to signal Naruto as to look towards another direction. Naruto opened his eyes and looked over his shoulder as he intended to find out what was threatening him from a distance.
'It's not Grimm. At least, not completely.' Naruto thought as he stood up.
When suddenly a familiar face, "I didn't realize that I got your attention." they said.
Naruto took a moment to remember their face, "You're Cinder." he said.
"I'm glad you remembered my name." Cinder said as she stepped out of her hiding place.
"Did something happen?" Naruto asked as he pointed around her face.
Cinder briefly glared as she reached for her face, "A slight mishap." She said.
The "mishap" Cinder is mentioning, it's a black eye. Well, a recovering black eye she received when Ruby spotted her in the comms tower. Thanks to the girl's strength from one of her Titan forms along with hardening her fist. Ruby's punch felt like a cinder block collided with Cinder's beautiful face. A black eye didn't exactly fit with the black dress she wore at the dance that night, but luckily it was too dark for most people to notice.
"I can fix it if you want." Naruto said making Cinder curious.
"How so?' Cinder asked.
"I can borrow someone else's semblance." Naruto said as his hand changed into Josuke's Crazy Diamond.
"How does that work exactly?" Cinder asked.
"My teammate's semblance can heal people as well as fix objects." Naruto answered.
"No, I meant your own semblance. Do you take abilities or how does that work?" Cinder asked curiously.
"I sort of copy it." Naruto said as he limited the truth.
All the while, Naruto can feel Squall's Danger Sense telling him that Cinder is a threat. It was strange, because unlike Squall who explained most of his semblance's properties. Naruto knew that Squall's semblance was mostly his mentality and his occasional hostility was due to his lack of trust creating a feel of negative thoughts. In other words, without trust in those around him, his semblance confuses it with paranoia and marks everyone as a threat.
Even then, Naruto only had neutral feelings for Cinder. Even if she was a potential danger behind that pretty face.
"I think I'll accept your offer then." Cinder said as Naruto gently touched her face with Crazy Diamond's hand.
Cinder winced as she felt the bulky and rough hand touch her. Then feeling an odd sensation as her body starts to absorb the blood caused by the damage Ruby caused. Making the dark mark go away completely. As Cinder was healed, Naruto could feel a familiar signature coming from Cinder's body, but not Cinder herself. Like something else is at play or maybe someone else is watching her.
That's when Naruto suddenly grabbed Cinder's shoulder. Where he used Crazy Diamond again to check her body for irregularities.
"What are you doing?" Cinder suddenly asked.
"You looked like you had a stiff shoulder." Naruto lied.
"Okay." Cinder said awkwardly while wincing. "It really is stiff." she said, unaware of what was causing the pain in her body.
She had an idea, but couldn't confirm it without potentially exposing herself. As Naruto was starting to investigate what he found to be so threatening. All Naruto could do in this seemingly fruitless adventure was step back and think.
"I think you're good and look, you can still win the Miss Vytal pageant hands down." Naruto said while keeping a friendly facade.
Cinder stifled a laugh, "And you're still a charmer. I still wouldn't mind that date over coffee." she said before leaving.
Naruto nodded while thinking about what happened. Cinder was clearly spying on him for a reason, not only that, but there's something around her that's a danger to him and others. That's not including the fact that all Naruto did was heal Cinder, give a bland explanation of his semblance and most importantly, Cinder not explaining what she was doing here. She just walked off like it was the end of a normal conversation. Before Naruto could worry about his suspicions, he was attacked.
By none other than his sister figure, Ruby Rose.
"You cheat! Now you're getting with other girls!?" Ruby asked angrily.
"Ruby, I am in the middle of something!" Naruto argued.
"I can't believe you! I thought Yang was seducing you, but it was the other way around! Take your lumps like a man!" Ruby yelled as she tried punching her brother.
"Ruby! I was not doing anything!" Naruto shouted.
"Yes you were! I saw you kiss that girl!" Ruby shouted.
From her point of view, when Ruby arrived to look for Yang and possibly Naruto with her. He found Naruto touching Cinder's face and it looked like he was pulling her in for a kiss. So now Ruby was confused and trying to punish her adoptive brother for a misunderstanding. Luckily, Weiss decided to save Naruto.
"Ruby!" Weiss yelled.
"Huh? Weiss?" Ruby asked.
Weiss suddenly walked up to Ruby and pulled on her cheeks, "Ruby, you are getting too much attention on yourself!" she yelled.
"Ow! Stop!" Ruby pleaded as her cheeks started to hurt.
"Why can't you learn to keep a low profile? That last stunt might have earned attention from the wrong people." Weiss said as she kept pinching. "Just look, I already feel threatened by the fact that the Atlas military is here." she said.
Meanwhile with Ozpin's Group
Ironwood presented a hologram of Beacon, "When everyone looks up at the sky. The people will feel safe knowing my military is here. Especially if and when that "Titan" comes back." he said confident in his own words. "It is my duty, to keep everyone safe." he adds.
Back to Weiss and company
"You and everyone else will be put in danger!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Big brother! Weiss is bullying me!" Ruby cried.
"I think Weiss has a point, besides this is a learning lesson. Not bullying." Naruto said as Weiss smirked.
"AHHH!" Ruby yelled as Weiss kept tugging on her cheeks.
Unaware that Esdeath was watching them, "So childish, that girl is going to make far if I can get my hands on her. Though I suppose I'll have to settle with my trophy for now." she said as she had Ruby's mask on hand before leaving.
Because Esdeath knew that under that childish innocence on the surface. She could almost sense a warrior like attitude within Ruby. The very one she hides and holds back from the public eye. Especially now that Team RWBY knows her secret and the dangers of it now that Ironwood is keeping Vale under heavy guard.
'Still, where is that Grimm? Can that Rose girl summon or command them?' Esdeath wondered while thinking back to when she met Ruby.
Only then, Esdeath only remembered the mask and the hood she wore.
TO BE CONTINUED…
RWBY CHIBI - With Special Guest Star: Grail-Kun!
#1.1 You Are So Hopeless
Weiss came in crying and fell to her knees, "Grail-Kun! Grail-Kun!" she cries out.
"What's wrong Weiss-chan?" Grail-Kun asked.
"My sister Winter is here is here and all she did was insult Ruby and I! She thinks we're both failures!" Weiss answered.
Grail-Kun sighed, "You are so hopeless Weiss-chan." he said before throwing a kitchen knife in front of her.
"Huntress Improvement Device!"
Weiss looked confused until Grail-Kun whispered into her ear, "You can make your sister shut up after you kick her ass." he said.
#1.2 You Are So Hopeless
Nora came in crying and fell to his knees, "Grail-Kun! Grail-Kun!" She cries out.
"What's wrong Nora-chan?" Grail-Kun asked.
"Renny won't notice me as more than a friend! He's just acting quiet and won't make the first move!" Nora answered.
Grail-kun sighed, "You are so hopeless Nora-chan." he said before throwing a kitchen knife in front of her.
"The Seducer's Special!"
Nora looked confused until Grail-Kun whispered into her ear, "Cut off Ren's legs and he can't run away from his feelings." He said.
"That might actually just work!" Nora said as she picked up the knife.
#1.3 You Are So Hopeless
Ozpin came walking in with a sigh, "Grail-Kun. Grail-kun." he called out.
"What's wrong Ozpin-Kun?" Grail-Kun asked.
"I've lived on this planet for only a few decades yet so many lives including my own have lived through the worst. Because Salem continues to exist and I have no way to stop her." Ozpin explained.
Grail-Kun contemplated giving Ozpin a generic kitchen knife, but instead tossed something else into his arms.
"Enuma Elish!"
"It's not the poem, it's a weapon capable of cleaving the planet and potentially killing gods and immortals. No guarantee the world will be easier to live in." Grail-Kun whispered.
"This will do very nicely." Ozpin said and while he could potentially kill Salem for good.
The Grimm will just be less organized and there's still no way to stop them from spawning. What a waste of time.
#1.4 You Are So Hopeless
Caboose came running in, "Grail-Kun! Grail-Kun!" he yelled.
"What's wrong Caboose-kun?" Grail-Kun asked.
"Church is getting mad at me for not following basic instructions. Except it's not my fault because he's too wordy and the instructions are too hard to read." Caboose explained.
Grail-Kun sighed, "You are so hopeless Caboose-Kun." he said before dropping a large stack of cash.
"A Giant Stack of Cash!"
"The heck is this?" Caboos asked.
"You can use it to pay for brain surgery and make yourself smart." Grail-Kun whispered.
"Hm, can I use it to buy snacks instead?" Caboose asked.
"I don't see why not." Grail-Kun answered.
#2 - Cinder Is Best Girl?
As Naruto healed Cinder and felt something pulsing inside of her. Seeing that something malicious was inside of the woman. Naruto bit down on the woman's neck like he was a vampire. Cinder tried to scream but Naruto covered her mouth with his hand until a strange parasitic Grimm came sprouting out. The creature tried to crawl away but Naruto killed by stabbing it with his sword.
"That's done, now I healed your face and your body from that worm thing." Naruto said before looking at Cinder.
Who was panting and covered in sweat as the sudden bite made her panic. Only while Cinder felt no pain in her body and actually felt a bit more light thanks to the removal of the parasite. Cinder looked quite satisfied for some reason.
"I have no idea why you did that, but that was fun in a way." Cinder said making Naruto blush. "I wouldn't mind if we meet again." she said.
When suddenly, Ruby tackled him down, "He won't because I don't approve!" she yelled.
"Neither do I!" Emerald yelled as she dog piled Naruto too.
Though both girls were attacking Naruto for the opposite reasons.
A week later
Ruby was sulking as she stood by Weiss, "I still approve." she said.
"Ruby, you need to let your brother have his own freedom." Weiss said.
All the while Naruto and Cinder walked away, hand in hand. Looking like some adorable teen couple from some sitcom. It did help that Naruto somehow turned Cinder into a genuine good person during the past week.
"See? They look cute." Weiss asked.
Meanwhile, Blake was holding back a jealous looking Yang, "Down girl! Down!" she commanded.
Mercury and Neo were doing the same with an angry Emerald, "This isn't working! Call animal patrol!" Mercury yelled while Neo pretended to dial a number on her imaginary phone.
"Oh my Oum! I forgot to mention this secret evil plan that this evil witch wanted us to do!" Cinder told her new boyfriend who looked wide eyed.
Suddenly Chibi R0tatcid appeared, "Unlike you! I don't forget things. Like the World of Remnant Secret!" he announced.
Secret: While Winter Schnee is a capable and respectable soldier in the Atlas military as she's a good leader and able to follow command with no hesitation. Winter has no idea what socialization is and any compliment she gives may indirectly sound like an insult as her communication skills are very poor. While Winter has an amazing career ahead of her, Winter's personal life is non-existent if not a disaster already.