Don't we all love cliffhangers?
Glad to see you guys enjoyed last chapter, I know I enjoyed writing it.
Here we go...
Qrow was man of many thing.
A huntsmen, a loving uncle and devoted to his friends and family, given the years spent with a lack of them. He had his flaws, like his drinking, and he had his regrets that would never leave him so long as he lived. Summer's death, that was the one he would forever have to live with.
But frankly, he was done playing Ozpin's games with Summer's girls.
He leaned back slightly as the deafening silence echoed throughout the office. Glynda's eyes were almost comically large, as if Qrow speaking out like this against Ozpin's wishes had never truly been considered in the Deputy's mind. Likewise, Ozpin's face had turned ashen as the Headmaster slowly raised himself from behind his desk. Qrow knew this was going to cause some issues between the two men, but as Qrow had said, he was sick of spying on his own damn niece. And for her part, catgirl simple gasped behind a hand as she took an uncertain step away from the two girls.
Speaking of which, both his nieces were staring at him with complete shock. Yang's eyes slowly drifted from Qrow to Ruby, then back again, and again, and again. He could easily see the gears turning in the impulsive blonde's mind as she likely started to compare Ruby to her memories and pictures of Summer. It did pain him to put this on her like this, but honestly? It was for the best, at least in Qrow's eyes.
However, it was Ruby's reaction that was the most clear.
The short, redhaired girl's silver eyes did not so much as blink as she stared at Qrow. However it was the expression on her face that betrayed her thoughts to the room.
Her face was twisted with shock, understanding, outright terror and, to some mild but understandable surprise, a hint of her previous anger, constantly changing with every second that went by.
Qrow understood.
Two steps back, to take three steps forwards.
Much like the two steps Ruby started to take towards the elevator.
Nobody reacted as Qrow stepped forwards and pulled the young Ruby into a tight hug before she could make a run for it.
"I'm sorry we weren't there for you." He whispered quietly. Ruby flinched as her body began to shake, but said nothing.
Behind him, Yang finally seemed to gather a semblence of rationality as she walked slowly before pulling her uncle and sister into the tightest hug Qrow had ever seen the brawler give. This was the straw that broke the back of the situation as Ruby went limp in their grip.
"RUBY!" Yang immediately reacted, prying her from Qrow's arms as she panickly fretted over the unconscious sister she hadn't remembered. Blake quickly moved forwards, but flinched as her partner's eyes went red and flickered at the cat faunus.
It hurt Qrow to see her sudden obsession. He understood why Yang would have forgotten about Ruby, given her age at the time, she likely repressed her memories given the trauma of being deprived a sister and a mother. He said nothing as Glynda, always the caring mentor despite her usual sternness, rushed towards Ruby, checking over the girl.
"She fainted. Likely couldn't handle the sudden reveal alongside her already exhausted state." Glynda informed them with a relieved sigh. Besides her, Yang was quiet as she held Ruby close, as if afraid that she'd disappear if she let go.
Qrow sighed before looking at Ozpin, who had slowly walked up next to him.
"This was long over put off, Oz." Qrow said simply as Ozpin stared down at Ruby. It was impossible to tell what was going through the timeless man's mind, though in all honesty, he didn't care.
Qrow had finally, after all these long, painful and nearly hopeless years, found the last remnant of Summer's legacy.
And he was going to die before he lost that again.
As the elevator slowly made it's way to the ground floor, Blake rubbed her arm, completely at a loss.
Yang had told her before that she lost her mother when she was a child, but never did she mention she also lost a sister. And now, her partner's uncle suddenly announced, Ruby was that missing sister.
She shook her head slight as she closed her eyes, trying to think.
It made sense. Ruby had been off for awhile now and something like this would certainly explain her explosive rant over Blake's own actions. But she had no idea how Yang must have been feeling. How would SHE feel if she lost her own mother and didn't even know her father existed, only to learn who Ghira was?
The thought made the faunus shiver slightly.
Next to her, Qrow carried Ruby in his arms, having convinced Yang to let him carry her back to their dorm room while she took a moment to compose herself. Her partner stood beside the huntsmen, a hand still firmly entwined with one of Ruby's. As the elevator finally dinged as it reached ground level. As they stepped out, Blake noted the place was curiously empty, given the time of day and The Breach having just happened. Blake would have expected more people to be here, at least to call loved ones to assure them that they were safe.
Perhaps...Blake should do the same...
Her thoughts were pulled back to reality as a short girl in a white coat stood in the middle of the room. She had tricoloured hair that seemed familiar to Blake, but it was clear the woman was not here for a friendly chat, given the fierce glare on her face, and tip of a blade protruding from a umbrella in her hand. Blake's hand slowly edged towards Gambol Shroud, still on her back.
"N-Neo?" Yang suddenly spluttered, before her eye's turned red and heat started to emit around her as her bracelet on her free hand extended. Blake's eyes widened in recognition, however. Neo was the name Ruby and Yang had given about Ruby's si-
Oh...
Neo raised her weapon up, pointed at the girl within the huntsmen's arms. Her demand clear.
Much to her surprise, the huntsmen just laughed and smiled, almost fondly, at Neo.
"Hey Neo. Been awhile." Qrow announced, much to Blake and Yang's surprise.
The girl said nothing, though while her expression remained the same, Blake could have sworn she saw a flash of confusion and anger on her face before it disappeared as quickly as it came.
"You know, been a long time since I last saw you." Qrow continued as he started to walk towards the girl while Yang and Blake stared at him with perplexed stares, but dared not to interupt him. "Been a long time since Atlas, when a bunch of dumb kids made dumb decisions." He finally came to a stop, mere inches away from the unwavering blade pointed at his throat.
He smirked.
"Up for a trip to Patch?" He questioned, smirk still on his face.
What?
The same question must have gone through everyone's heads, as Yang echoed her word with a loud, "WHAT?!", while Neo said nothing as her eyes went wide with shock before narrowing once more. Qrow just chuckled.
"Yes, I'm being serious, and yes, I still remember how to read you." Qrow added as he simply walked passed strange girl, tilting his head vaguely in the direction of their dorms. Curiously, Neo's expression, while still maintaining a hard edge, had softened slightly in confusion as well as a slight hint of annoyance, for some reason. "Beacon's break is the week after the first year missions, but there's no classes in between that and frankly? Ozpin couldn't stop us from leaving even if he had a good reason to." Finally breaking eye contact and pausing, his back to the quiet woman's weapon still pointed at him, he chuckled again. "So, up for it?"
Blake and Yang slowly edged forwards, keeping their distance from this strange person as she looked at Qrow with a strange look, before narrowing her eyes and lowering her weapon slightly, though still at the ready.
Qrow's smirk grew wider in amusement.
"You're curious, don't deny it. Think of it as a bonding experience." He commented as he continued walking. Blake gasped as he seemed to walk through glass and the room around them fell apart, revealing people casually working and chatting around as noise suddenly rocked around the room. Curiously the girl had also disappeared completely, as if she was never there.
She couldn't resist the slight shiver that went down her back at the thought that this silent girl could hide them from so many people.
Quickly jogging to catch up, Yang already have moved forward to reach her uncle, she gave the older man a confused look.
"What was that all about?" She asked quietly, noting a few people giving them mildly confused looks. Which was understandable since it must have looked like they appeared out of nowhere.
Qrow continued to walk in the direction of their dorm room as he began to explain, "Me and Neo have some history, and it's pretty ironic that she picked up Ruby of all people." He gave her an amused smirk before adding, "Also, she is still here." Blake flinched and looked around cautiously, but couldn't spot her. "Semblence, though she certainly picked up a few tricks since I last saw her."
At this point Yang had levelled a confused and concerned look on her uncle.
"Uncle Qrow, why the hell did you just...invite her to Patch?!" Yang whispered frustratedly.
He shrugged.
"She'd have followed us anyway, besides, I owe it to her." The man explained.
Yang frowned, "Followed us? Why wo-" she cut herself off as her eyes narrowed. Qrow had the decency to shrug apologetically before she continued, "You want to bring Ruby home."
Blinking, Blake looked to see whether the huntsmen would continue, but frustratingly he just continued with his usual smirk. It was starting to get on Blake's nerves.
"You want to take advantage over the fact both Yang and Ruby don't have an need to be here to try and sort this all out, from an isolated place." Blake surmised as Qrow's smirk turned to her with an approving nod. Yang sighed.
"Do you plan on telling Dad?" She asked finally. Qrow, however, paused a step, before continuing his pace smoothly.
"No." He said simply. When Yang opened her mouth to reply he gave her a quick look that shut her up before continuing, "Your old man is many things, most of them good or at least well intentioned, but the last thing we want right now is him flying here and causing a scene before we can sort this whole mess out." Yang went to reply again, but stopped and looked down in reluctant understanding.
As they finally reached the dorm building, Blake was surprised when she noticed a rather dishevelled and clearly exhausted Weiss slowly walking towards the building, her face hanging low.
"One second," Blake quickly said before looking over at the heiress, "Hey! Weiss!" she shouted.
The Schnee in question suddenly snapped her head up, her eyes widening slightly as she spotted them. When Weiss' gaze turned to Qrow, or rather the girl in his arms, she stumbled as she suddenly sprinted at them. Blake could clearly see her struggling to put one foot in front of the other as she raced over to them, concern lining her face.
It was concerning just how terrible the normally immaculate Weiss looked. Her eyes were red, fatigue hung from her body like a cloak, and more than a few marks of dirt covered her clothes.
"What happened!? Is Ruby alright?!" Weiss gasped as she unsteadily paused in front of them. Blake quickly moved forward to brace the heiress, concern clear on her face.
"Ruby is fine, she just fainted." Blake explained while Yang gave Weiss a concerned looked. "What about you? Why do you look like your about to fall over?" Weiss froze as she glanced unconsciously at the unconscious girl. Blake gave her a curious look at her peculiar reaction.
"I...Ruby and I were discussing something and it...escalated...I went to the Emerald Forest to center myself." Weiss explained hesitently. It was clear she was hiding something, and Blake could bet that all three of them knew exactly what Weiss was talking about.
With a sigh, Yang looked over at Ruby before returning her gaze to Weiss.
"Probably the same thing that just happened to us..." Yang muttered quietly, though with Blake's hearing she could hear the faint confusion and disappointment in her partner's tone. Blake gave Yang a hard look to illustrate she knew exactly what she meant. Yang just sighed once more before gesturing up at the buliding besides them.
At her unspoken request, the four continued inside the building in silence.
Ruby felt the sun on her closed eyes.
With a groan, she pushed herself up from whatever comfy thing she was lying on and opened her eyes.
She was back in her dorm room...? On her bed...?
Ruby blinked.
A second later, she heard someone gasp.
Quickly blinking to clear the blur from her eyes, she was quickly blinded by bright yellow hair and pulled into a choking hug.
"I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'm so sorry..." The voice of Yang rattled off in her still exhausted head, but Ruby froze, as still as ice.
"Maybe you should give her a moment to orientate herself, Firecracker, also try not to smother her, she does need air." The damning voice came from behind the blonde girl, and Yang quickly released Ruby, letting her finally get a decent look at her surroundings. Sitting on Weiss' bed, was the heiress herself and Blake, while off to the side by the desk sat the owner of that voice. Finally taking a second to look at the one that jumped her immediately, Ruby could see Yang's watery liliac eyes staring into her own. The normally unflappable blonde was shaking slightly, as if cold or scared.
Ruby quickly found herself wincing as she reached up to grasp her head.
"W-What...what happened?" Ruby asked confusedly.
Blake was the first to speak, likely realising an unbiased opinion would be the best to explain.
"You fainted, Yang caught you and the Headmaster let us take you back here to recover." The faunus explained, looking over at Qrow and Weiss for a moment before continuing, "We ran into Weiss on our way back, and we've just been talking about what you told her."
Ruby's blood run cold instantly once again as she slowly looked at the girl who was supposed to be her partner.
"I was just explaining to them our conversation back at M-Mountain Glenn." Weiss elaborated, leveling an even glance at Ruby before looking away. Even if it was a passing look, she could see the concern and honesty in Weiss' eyes.
With a shaky nod, Ruby slowly felt her hand trailing towards the coat pocket that held her picture. Qrow and Yang shared a look before Qrow stood up and walked over to her. She flinched slightly as he came closer, and she could see the concern in the face of her ment-
Her...uncle...?
Weiss looked back at her. Ruby could see the conflict behind Weiss' eyes, but said nothing.
"I...mentioned the photo. T-To explain how I found out by accident." The Schnee explained. Ruby looked down, her gaze reaching where she kept it. With a shaky hand, she slowly pulled it out. Yang's eyes widened as she looked down at the image of a young Ruby and Summer. Qrow's own gaze took a saddened edge, which, given how he talked about Summer, Ruby could believe it.
"I...I'm so, so, so sorry, Ruby..." Yang quietly whispered, seemingly to herself, as a few tears began to fall down her teamma-
Sister...Yang was her sister...
Ruby felt her eyes ache as she felt something wrap around her back, despite nothing being there. She flinched, before forcing herself to quickly relax before anyone noticed. Qrow, however, just sighed.
"You know, I know you're there, Neo." The older man sighed. Everyone turned to him with shocked faces, then snapped back to Ruby when the mute girl appeared behind her, arms wrapped protectively around Ruby.
"N-Neo?" Ruby asked fearfully.
Qrow raised his hands peacefully before anyone could speak.
"She already knows, waited for us at the bottom of the Tower." Qrow explained. Ruby gave her sister a look and Neo sighed but nodded.
"Did...did you...?" Ruby whispered, but Qrow just gave her a reassuring smile.
"She just wanted to make sure you were okay. I promise." The huntsmen confirmed, making Ruby relax slightly as Neo gave the man a glare but otherwise remained still. Ruby noticed Weiss shake slightly at Neo's reveal, praying she wouldn't accidently say something.
At this point, Yang was merely staring at the two with a complicated expression on her face. Ruby quickly noticed and tapped Neo's hands. Her sister's grip tightened for a second, but Ruby nodded, and Neo released her, moving over to sit protectively next to her, gaze carefully moving between everyone in the room as Ruby leaned forward to pull Yang into a hug. The older girl sniffed before returning the hug, this time less intensely then before.
Their team and family gave the girls a moment of silence before Qrow coughed quietly, seeking their attention.
"I...know that there is going to be a lot to take in, for all of us." Qrow started, gesturing towards himself and Neo in particular, "But, Beacon goes on break after the first year missions, and seeing how your mission is done, I was going to suggest we take some time to try and...sort this all out..."
Ruby gave him a perplexed glance before Yang leaned forward slightly.
"He...We. We want to...take you back to..." Yang seemed to struggle with her words as she whispered to her, before finally finishing with a trembling voice, "your old home."
Home...
Qrow quickly saw her expression and spoke up.
"Only if you want to. I'd imagine it would be very hard for you, but even if you don't, you'll always be welcome." Qrow said with a affectionate smile. Ruby felt her heart pound in her chest. Neo placed a hand on her shoulder, despite the fact she was still entangled in a hug. Looking at her, Neo frowned, but gave her a nod.
No matter what, Neo would always have her back. No matter what...
There was a ringing from James' terminal and he quickly set aside the security forms Ozpin had sent him to examining in order to answer.
As a few seconds passed while he connected, he was surprised when the face of Winter Schnee appeared on the screen.
"Sir, Specalist Schnee, reporting as requested." Winter professionally saluted, despite being over a call. James nodded reassuringly as Winter dropped the salute and visibly relaxed, decorum and protocol observed. "Thank you for making the time for me, sir."
James waved her off.
"It's nothing, Winter. You're one of our best and even then, we've been working together long enough it's no issue to hear you out when you ask." James said casually, knowing the Schnee in her would never let her relax that much. It seemed her younger sister had managed to adapt far rapidly, likely due to the intense personalities around the heiress.
"Regardless, I appreciate your time, sir." Winter insisted as James just smiled and nodded for her to continue. "I recently recieved a call from my sister, in regards to her partner." Winter explained. James raised an eyebrow as Winter continued, "I understand you wish for me to travel to Vale for the Festival, I wished to ask for leave so that I may arrive sooner at my sister's request."
Weiss had asked her to come to Beacon? For something going on between her and Miss Roslinen? A familiar sense of paranoia came to mind, but he pushed it aside once more, cursing the lingering effects of Mettle once more.
But, considering what Ozpin had just told him, it would be somewhat pointless anyway.
"Unfortunately, due to her involvement in the Breach resulting in the end of Team RWBY's mission, the Headmaster gave them permission to go on their school break a week early, and apparently, the whole Team decided to travel to Patch for their relaxation." James explained, giving Winter an apologetic grimace. "According to Ozpin, they left just an hour ago." Winter's eyes narrowed slightly, before sighing.
"I understand, sir. Regardless, I would still wish that, if possible, I may take leave to come to Vale regardless, should my sister happen to return to Vale for whatever reason." Winter pressed on.
While normally a Specalist's workload was usually full, dealing with assignments, training students at Atlas Academy and other positions that required one of Atlas' elite, Winter was an efficient worker, and he already had her schedule cleared in preperation for her coming anyway.
"That shouldn't be a problem at all, Winter. I'll ask Ozpin if he can prepare some quarters here at Beacon for you." James declared with relaxed smile. Winter shared a appreciative one with him.
"Thank you, sir." Winter replied.
"Did Weiss happen to explain why she wished to see you?" James asked curiously.
Winter paused with a frown, before she spoke.
There were some days that Mercury hated working for someone clearly a bit batshit insane in the head. Hell, he knew he was a bit fucked up, but honestly, being an occasional malicious hitman with a sarcasm streak was nothing compared Cinder Fall and hell, even Emerald.
Emerald was simple. She worshipped the ground Cinder walked on like it was the word of a God itself. But, even if he thought it could be a bit pathetic how much she clinged to Cinder despite clearly only being a tool to the woman, he could understand it. If Emerald was being honest, then picking someone off the street and giving them a purpose? He could believe it.
Cinder on the other hand? He had no idea.
She acted like the mastermind she, admittedly, was. But planning to cause a high level Grimm attack on Beacon and Vale, to gain some magical power that granted control over nature. Okay, that made sense in Mercury's mind, even if it was a bit fucked up attacking a Huntsmen Academy, he could get behind it. But that...thing...in her arm? The fact she would disappear for hours on end before coming back with new orders? And repremandings when they asked? It wasn't like she hadn't plotted in front of them before, but every time this happened, something big would come up or change.
And now she had been gone for a few hours and Mercury was feeling like something big was about to have to go on.
Sitting on her bed, Emerald read something off her scroll while he reclined on his own.
"So, what do you think Cinder's going to throw at us now, Em?" Mercury suddenly asked. His partner, sighing with annoyance, looked up to give him a bored glare.
"Whatever Cinder tells us to do, Mercury. You know how this works." She said with a tone of finality. Like that ever stopped him.
Mercury scoffed, "Yeah, and considering the Breach wasn't nearly as effective as she wanted? Come on, you know something messed up is going to have to happen now to make sure everyone is nice and terrified."
With a groan of annoyance, Emerald lightly tossed her scroll aside.
"Does it really matter? She'll probably just get the White Fang to bomb some public places." Emerald offered but Mercury shook his head.
"Na, if that was the case, she wouldn't have done her usual disappearing act." Mercury explained. Emerald went to speak but he continued, "Besides, we both know when she disappears like this, something comes up. When we hunted down that Maiden? Getting told to come here?" Mercury raised his hands to his sides. "Come on, something is going to happen, and honestly? I'm not excited to see what big thing is going to get involved."
With a frown on her face, Mercury smirked internally as the mint-haired girl couldn't give him a response immediately.
Despite that, she eventually shook her head.
"Doesn't matter, we do what we are told, and follow orders." Emerald declared before picking her scroll back up, clearly ending the conversation.
Placing his hands back behind his head, Mercury let his mind wander for a moment before a thought came to him.
"Hey Emerald..." Mercury started with a curious tone.
With another groan, the girl looked up with a frown.
"What?" She snapped.
"Do you think...Cinder might be working for someone else?" He offered to his partner. To his surprise, Emerald went to reply, then paused, a thoughtful look across her face.
"Why do you ask?" Emerald asked with narrowed eyes. Mercury shrugged.
"I mean, like we were just talking about, she always disappears for hours before coming back with the next major step. I mean, we've been around when she organised things with Roman or the Fang, but she never lets us get involved when she runs off like this?" Mercury explained, gesturing towards Emerald. "And remember that disgusting thing in her arm?" Emerald shivered, likely remembering whatever that thing had done to the maiden.
She looked over at Mercury, uncharacteristically interested in what he had to say.
"So? What do you mean? I agree, that...thing is freaky...but still." She questioned, but Mercury just shook his head.
"Looked like some kind of parasite Grimm thing." He began, pointing at his own wrist for effect. "How did she get that in there? Or where did she get it to begin with? Or..." He purposefully trailed off.
"Or who gave it to her..." The thief finished, a frown coming to her face that spoke leagues of her own curiousity.
Suddenly, the door opened, and the head honcho herself walked in, a frustated grimace on her normally seductive face.
Not that he would want that. He'd seen what happened to the last moron that tried to hit on her.
"Ma'am." Emerald said loyally, standing up for her owner's attention like a pet would. Cinder however, just sighed and took a seat at the desk. "Do you have any orders for us?"
The black-haired woman just opened her scroll and started swiping through it in silence for a moment while Emerald awkwardly stood at her bed. Pinching the ridge of her nose, Cinder put away her scroll before looking at her minions, as she likely thought them as to Mercury.
"I don't have any new assignments for either of you. Thankfully, I've called in a favour that will allow us to get over this little hiccup in the plan in time." Cinder announced with a frustrated sigh. Emerald nodded before returning to setting on her bed. Mercury said nothing, but nodded anyway.
"So, ma'am, anything we need to know about this in case we need to get involved?" He asked curiously, expecting the usual, 'Don't think, Obey', but amazingly, Cinder actually responded with yet another sigh.
"No, he may be a complete pain to deal with, but he is good at what he does, even if I want to incinerate his face to ash at times..." Cinder trailed off as she got up and walked towards their bathroom, grabbing some clothes in the process. As the door locked behind her, Emerald and Mercury shared a glance at each other.
Who know idle thoughts would turn into something like this?
"Oh. I see..."
"My apologises, Miss Polendina. I'm sure Miss Roslinen and her team did not intend to leave so quickly, however given their circumstances I felt it prudent to let them leave for a chance to recover after the Breach. If you wish, you can access the CCT and call her, you may at your leisure."
Penny nodded sadly but understandingly. She didn't quite understand the feeling, but considering her research into the subject, she had labelled it as such until she learned otherwise. It was a shame she couldn't spend more time with Ruby, but she could understand a traumatic event require mandatory leave.
"Thank you, Headmaster." Penny said as she turned around to leave the Headmaster's office. As she pressed a button to the decend, she immediately sent a text to her father, informing him that Ruby and her team had already left and would be coming back to the flagship. A few seconds passed before her father's response scrolled into her heads up display, expressing his sympathies but suggesting she explore Beacon a little rather than just returning to his side.
Her main processor, well, processed this information, before determining that exploring Beacon would not negatively impact her body and maybe help learn from regular people a bit more. With smile, she 'shrugged', as people did, before walking out the elevator as it arrived.
Something hit into her, knocking her on her back again.
She saved this detail for later analysis. Perhaps it was a Valean welcoming?
"Ooh, I'm sorry, totally didn't even think to let anyone exit." A voice came from above her as the pressure on her frame lessened. Remembering her encounter with RWBY, she quickly flipped to her feet, earning an impressed nod from the person in front of her.
Ginger hair, like her own curiously, armoured corset, pink skirt, detached sleeves. Turquoise eyes focused on her while Threat Assessment examined the weapon on her back to be registered as Magnhild belonging to one Nora Valkyrie, Beacon Academy first year student, assigned to Team JNPR.
"Don't worry, I'm combat ready!" Penny said confidently. A reminder appeared on her HUD. "Hello. My name is Penny."
"Heyya, name's Nora! Nora Valkyrie." Nora introduced herself with a wide grin, before getting what Penny had listed as a curious expression. As Nora Valkyrie- another reminder appeared that last names were not nessecary, went to speak, another voice came from behind Nora as a tall girl with blood red hair walked up behind her. Analysis immediately offered Penny information on the newcomer, listed Pyrrha Nikos, four time Mistral champion, Beacon Academy first year, also assigned to Team JNPR.
"I'm sorry." Pyrrha said with an apologetic smile before looking at Nora. "Nora, did you run into someone again?"
Nora gave her teammate an embrassed smile before rubbing the back of her head. Pyrrha sighed but looked over at Penny.
"Again, I'm sorry about Nora, she can be quite energetic at times." Pyrrha explained with a practised smile. But Penny just shook her head with a smile.
"That is no problem! I'm combat ready!" She declared confidently. It wasn't like her body, combined with aura, would suffer notable damage from a bodily impact. "I was just speaking with the Headmaster about Friend Ruby, but it turns out she has already left." Penny added with disappointed smile. At least she hoped it was registered correctly. However, considering the looks of understanding and sympathy the two girls in front of her, she had correctly implimented it, much to her pleasure.
Progress always made Penny and her father pleased.
"Oooh, hang on, you know Ruby?" Nora spoke up suddenly, a wide grin on her face. When Penny nodded, her grin stretched even more across her face. "Hey, we're friends with Ruby's team too! Sister teams!" Nora proudly declared before adding, "Wanna hang out, mutual friendo?"
Pyrrha's eye's widened slightly, and went to speak, but Penny was enthused that she had made another friend.
One that was already friends with her already existing friend!
"Certainly! What do you have in mind, Friend Nora?" Penny happily asked. Pyrrha just winced and gave Penny an apologetic smile again.
Nora's grin took on a edge that her father had listed as eager.
"Wanna spar?"
"Sure! I am, after all, Combat Ready!"
With a crack of her neck, she stepped into her tent with a frown.
The raid had gone well, but she was feeling something nagging in the back of her head today, unusual from how it normally felt.
Tossing Omen onto a table, Raven Branwen took a seat, before leaning back, closing her eyes, and focusing on the harmless pressure in the back of her mind, reaching out with her semblence, her Kindred Link.
Not for the first time, Raven cursed the name.
Vernal, of course, was wandering around their campsite, likely beating the lazier bastards into setting up properly. Not that she would have expected anything less.
Tai, and did that make her feel a pang of guilt even now, was still at Patch, at th-his home. Given the date, he was likely cleaning up a bit for h-Yang to get back after her first mission at Beacon. Another pang of guilt hit her, but she pushed it aside with ease as she turned her power towards the girl.
Curiously, she moving fast. Must have been already on the way back to Patch given the direction. A fleeting sense of pride that she had already finished her mission raced through Raven, before she felt her body tense up.
While Raven couldn't feel exactly who or how many were around Yang, there was a curiously familar aura that intrigued Raven, but what set her off was the fact there were two other people near Yang. One, understandably, was her fool brother. The other however...
Raven's eyes opened as she frowned heavily as she got up and clipped Omen to her belt.
The hell was that traitorious bitch doing, reappearing for the first time in years, near them...?
Taiyang Xiao Long whistled pleasently as he went about cleaning up his kitchen. While it was certainly quieter than he was used to in the afternoon, especially with Zwei at Beacon for the time.
Placing away a few plates before draining the sink, Tai wiped his hands off on his shorts before placing a frozen roast in the sink to defrost for later. He'd probably save some for when Yang got home sometime in the next week.
Tai felt a proud smile cross his face. Yang had gotten into Beacon with flying colours according to Ozpin, though as always her temper continued to play a problem on her ability. Still, he was proud his baby girl could experience the same thing he could when he was her age.
Summer and Ruby wo-
Shaking his head, he walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch with a sigh. Maybe he'd need to visit his psychologist again, but he couldn't really blame himself for thinking about them more often these days, especially with Yang at Beacon. Ideally, he wondered if maybe he should call her, just to check up on her, see how things were going.
Nodding slightly, he pulled his scroll from his pocket and set a reminder to call both of them, before tossing it next to him and grabbing the remote. Clicking his TV on, he flicked through channels for a minute, looking for something to sit back and relax to.
It was quiet, he thought to himself. Usually, his days would be spent teaching at Signal, teaching and spending as much time he could with Yang, playing with Zwei and tending his garden. Now that half of that was missing, he found his days a lot more free. A faint sense of melancholy came to mind, which he quickly figured that it came from the fact his child was all grown up now, living her own life. Maybe if Ruby-
Tai shook his head, quickly dispelling the thought before he'd get stuck in that losing fight again. Thankfully, the sound of a vehicle echoed through out the woods around his cabin. Normally people didn't come out his way unless they were friends of the family or looking to ask him to hunt down some Grimm on the island.
He got up with a stretch. Perhaps some casual Grimm beating would be the best way work away the dark thoughts. Look up at the roof, he shrugged. No need for his weapons this time. Turning the TV off, he went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, munching on it as he waiting for whoever was coming by. Considering Yang's friends were also at Beacon or other academies, and his own friends called ahead of time, it was probably some Grimm wandering a bit to close.
And it's never smart to fight on an empty stomach if you don't have to.
From the corner of his eye, Tai saw a familar blue van coming to a stop through a window, stopping just out of sight from his angle through the window.
Huh, maybe Celadon had a delivery for him?
With a smile on his face, he polished off the apple, core and all, and made his way to the front door. Faintly, he could hear young voices speaking through wooden walls of his cabin. Tai shook his head amusedly. Celadon did like taking the younger people on Batch for rides in her van.
As he moved towards the door, he grabbed his keys from the living room tabled and pocketed them.
Finally reached the door, he heard the familar sound of barking. With a curious tilt of his head, he opened his front door.
As the door swung open, Tai's eyes took in the sight before him.
Celadon was waving at small group as she got into her van. She noticed Tai and gave him a friendly wave, which he returned, before turning his gaze back on these strangers at his house.
Curiously, his attention was first drawn to Qrow. His teammate and close friend turned around and suddenly had a apprehensive expression on his face. Tai's attention, however, quickly was drawn by the familiar sight of his baby's bright yellow mane, that quickly revealed Yang's surprised face. Around her, were a trio of other girls, likely her team, that also turned around save one.
The first, most notably, was clearly a Schnee. The second oldest if he remembered correctly, with the family's characteristic white hair. Curiously, she had a notable scar across her eye. Strange, at least to him, that someone that was a Schnee would have such a strike mark on her face. Judging by the Dust rapier by her side and the fact she must have been at Beacon, however, she clearly was quite the capable huntress, like her older sister.
The second was a girl with black hair, some kind of cleaver on her back with a pistol built into the hilt. She also had a bow on top of her head, which he'd admit she looked rather good with. Actually, it was a bit strange, but he could have sworn he had seen it flicker at him when he opened the door...
However, when his gaze fell on the final member of Yang's team, he felt his smile fall as his eyes narrowed.
While he couldn't see much of them, he could tell she was a girl by her body structure. His eyes, however, focused on the red cape on her back and the dark hair, that brought back too many sad memories. While her face was still hidden, facing away from him as Celadon's van began to drive away, he could make out a fancy dark red coat and black combat skirt, while on her back was some kind of weapon forming a boxy shape. Likely mechashift.
Tai had to drag his eyes away from the girl as Yang and Qrow walked over to him.
"Yang, how have you been? Enjoying Beacon?" Tai asked as the two came close, forcing his voice to remain level.
Yang simply continued walking up and gave him a tight hug, not saying a word.
"Well, miss me that much?" He joked, feeling Yang giggle slightly against him as he returned the hug and looked over at Qrow. "So, you two are back early, already finished your mission that fast?"
The other huntsmen had a slight grimace on his face, and nodded.
"Yeah, we'll talk about that later though. Oz let me take Yang's team home early since they finished up so quick. Haven't you heard yet?" Qrow asked with a raised eyebrow.
Huh, had something came up in the news?
Tai shook his head in response. "I've been up to a bit of practise and cleaning, haven't checked the news today." He looked back at Yang, who was still holding him in a tight hug. "Okay, as much as I love you, you're not usually this clingy." Tai joked again, but this time Yang didn't react. Looking at Qrow with a frown, the alcoholic sighed, reached for his flask, then paused with shake of his own head.
At this point, he realised the other three girls had walked up to the door, though curiously, the red coloured girl refused to meet his eyes and was shaking slightly. He quickly glanced at Qrow again, who refused to meet his gaze. He looked between the other two girls, Bow and Schnee, who also refused to meet his face.
Finally he rested his confused eyes on the last girl once again.
Slowly, she raised her head to meet his eyes.
Blue eyes met silver.
Tai's eyes went as wide as they possibly could as his mouth fell open.
"Hi...it's me...R-Ruby..."
Yes, I am a monster.
So, we've reach something of a relaxation arc. There are schemes going on in the background as well as more positive interactions. The next couple chapters will be focusing on Patch between RWBY, Qrow and Tai, with the occasional cut to other characters, before we get back into the main plot.
After all, you can only take so much stress, and seeing how they have a regular school holiday, might as well start making strides.
