Chapter 7: Broken Routine

Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang surrounded Isaiah as he fell asleep after his emotional breakdown. He fell asleep on Yang's lap, and you could now see his chest's slow rise and fall, indicating he was in a deep sleep. Yang was slowly rubbing his head and brushing his fox ears. Ruby saw that Yang had gone into mother mode. She used to do the same thing to her whenever she was sad as a kid. Blake joined Ruby and Yang on the ground, and Weiss decided to sit on one of the beds.

"Why did he react like that when he mentioned his sisters?" Ruby asked, and it was clear she was very concerned for her friend and didn't like to see him in that emotional and vulnerable state.

"I'm not entirely sure, Rubes, but I have a vague idea why he reacted that way" Yang said as she looked down at Isaiah with a somber expression.

"He must've lost everyone he loved." Blake suddenly spoke up as she looked at her fellow Faunus. "He said he 'wanted them back' in a way that sounded like they were taken from him, meaning he couldn't just visit them easily to see them again." Blake then reached out to Isaiah's face to wipe away the remaining tears that had yet to dry up. "Which leaves only one other explanation…they must've all died." As Blake said that, the room's mood instantly darkened, and everyone felt sympathy for Team RWBY's honorary member.

"Oh, Isaiah…" Ruby says as tears begin to form in her eyes as she wraps herself around him for another hug.

"I had a feeling that's what caused him to break down like that. Emotions that strongly don't come out unless you've been holding onto them for a long time." Yang said as she slowly moved Isaiah's head off her lap and onto the floor, not to wake him up. Isaiah then shifted in his sleep as he lay on his side and was in a fetal position.

Ruby just felt so bad for Isaiah. She didn't know he was carrying that much emotional baggage, she didn't know him for that long, but she could tell he was usually very friendly and upbeat, like how she was. Then she realized how similar Isaiah and herself were in this situation. Both of them lost loved ones and are positive personalities. They were so many similarities between them, and she didn't expect this many similarities.

Yang then saw Weiss still sitting on one of the beds and hadn't said a word since Isaiah fell asleep and was staring at the floor.

"Weiss, are you okay?" Yang asked, which quickly got Weiss's attention as she looked up.

"I'm fine. Isaiah's emotional breakdown just reminded me of things. Nothing important. Just how his face darkened and seeing the emotions leave his eyes frightened me a bit." Weiss explained.

"It's okay, Weiss. Isaiah will be fine, everyone has a breaking point, and this was just his by the looks of it. It's clear that he was bottling his emotions in for a long time" Blake reassured Weiss.

"Well, I think we should all sleep ourselves. We have our first day tomorrow." Ruby said to everyone. "Oh wait! What about Isaiah?" Ruby asked as everyone then looked at the person in question.

"I think he doesn't deserve to sleep on the floor tonight. He can be on my bed with me tonight." Yang said most casually. Everyone looked at her like she had grown a second head. "What? Would any of you rather he sleep with you on your bed" Yang was met with silence. "See, point proven" Yang then walked to Isaiah, he was still fast asleep in a fetal position on the floor. "He looks so broken like this…" Yang said to no one in particular. She then picked him up in a bridal-style carry. She then walked towards her bed while carrying him and laid him down on one side. Afterward, everyone changed into their sleepwear and started getting ready for the night.

After everyone was done changing, everyone started heading to their respective beds. "Good night, Team RWBY!" Ruby cheerfully said to everyone. All of Team RWBY reciprocated the message. Ruby then walked over to Yang's bed and to the side Isaiah was lying on. She put her hand on his forehead and brushed his hair before saying: "You may not have your family anymore, but you have us, Isaiah." Ruby leaned down and kissed his forehead before saying, "Sweet dreams, Isaiah." Little did Ruby know that Yang was still awake and watching that moment. Now she had some powerful teasing ammunition on her little sister. However, Yang was a bit proud of Ruby's caring for Isaiah. She reminded Yang of Summer for a moment. Yang missed Summer, and she knew Ruby missed her even more. Ruby probably was trying to imitate her mother there. Yang suddenly felt something hugging her and saw that Isaiah had wrapped his arms around her waist in a hug. "~Looks like the fox is a clingy fox.~" Yang said with a chuckle, wrapping her arms around his waist. She used to sleep with Ruby like this whenever she was scared to sleep alone, or if she had a rough day, and this situation seemed no different, and shortly after, they all fell asleep.

I slowly awoke from my slumber. I first noticed that my arms were wrapped around someone and then realized that my face was close to someone's chest…' Wait a minute…my face was close to someone's chest!'

I quickly rose from the bed to sit up and, in my attempt to do so, was quickly brought back down to lie on the bed. I then looked at who was holding me, only to see strands of goldilocks and violet pupils staring at me. My face must be as red as a tomato because my cheeks are steaming hot from embarrassment. Yang had a shit-eating grin on her face as she said, "~Did you sleep well, clingy fox?~"

"YANG! What the hell! What happened? I know I didn't fall asleep on your bed last night! I even said I would sleep on the floor last night!" I yelled out of pure embarrassment, which caused the rest of Team RWBY, except for Weiss, to wake up. Ruby let out a long yawn as she stretched her arms and back while sitting on her bed with her legs hanging off the edge. Blake awoke with a start and put her hands on her head where her bow was. If anyone noticed it, then no one said anything about it. She then sent a slight glare in my direction.

"Sorry for waking you guys up, but can someone explain why I was asleep in Yang's bed with her?" I asked all of them, trying to figure out why I was even in a bed after I said I would sleep on the floor anyways.

"Well, after you broke down last night, you fell asleep in Yang's lap. She then thought you deserved to sleep in a bed after the terrible end of your day." Blake explained to me what happened last night.

"Yeah, we were all worried about you. Are you really okay, Isaiah?" Ruby asked as she quickly moved in front of me. "I broke down terribly last night, didn't I?" I asked no one in particular as I moved my legs off the edge of the bed and had my face in my palms. I'm usually good at keeping my emotions in check and not letting them out as much as I did last night. Although, considering what I've been through the past week. It's not surprising all the stress would make me break. Being sent to a whole other world and nearly having my aura broken as I was being slashed and bitten would destroy any mental fortitude I had left.

"Yeah, you crashed and burned last night." Yang said as she moved to my side and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You even scared Weiss because your face lost all emotions when you zoned out." That was something I didn't expect and felt terrible about. I didn't think Weiss would even care at all, to be honest. "It was like all the light in your eyes was momentarily gone." Yang finished explaining.

"I'm sorry I made you guys worry. It's just…I've been through so much and such a short amount of time, and I couldn't keep it together anymore…" I said as I had to wipe some tears that were beginning to form.

"Well, just like Ruby said last night to you while you were still asleep. 'You may not have your family anymore, but you have us, Isaiah.'" Yang said as I looked at her before looking towards Ruby, and she had a blush on her face for some reason.

"YANG! You were still awake?!" Ruby screamed out of pure embarrassment.

"Yes, I was little sis. I even saw the little kiss you gave him on his forehead as well" Yang said, and I felt the heat in my cheeks begin to resurface. Ruby then fell back onto her bed and put her pillow on her face before she started screaming once again out of embarrassment. Shortly after, I heard Yang laughing her head off while I listened to a faint chuckle from Blake's direction. 'I wish I wasn't a Faunus sometimes so I wouldn't have to know she is enjoying this as much as Yang.'

"Ok, I'm regretting letting my emotions out now." I said with exasperation.

"Aww, don't be like that, Mr. Fox. We got to see another side of you last night. Although it was a sad side, it was still something new." Yang said in her playful tone. I'm going to have to get used to this soon enough.

"Yeah, I usually don't like letting people see that side of myself. However, I think I'm fine with it as long as it's you guys." I said while rubbing the back of my neck and not making eye contact with any of them. I was quickly out of breath as I was tackled by something. I then realized it was Ruby again, and she was vigorously hugging me. 'JESUS CHRIST, SHE IS STRONG!'

"Awwww, Isaiah. We're happy to hear that. She said with a wide smile saying. "Also, if you ever want to talk about anything. Anything at all. You can always talk to us. We're teammates. We're supposed to have each other's backs."

"Likewise." Blake stated and said nothing more.

"Same here!" Yang said as she wrapped her arms around my shoulders again and gave me a noogie. I couldn't help without letting out a very audible laugh. After Yang was done torturing my head, I looked at them and said, "Thank you…all of you. I'll try to take that advice to heart" I then look to the remaining team RWBY member who isn't awake. 'I have no idea how she's still asleep, but we have classes soon.'

"Ruby" I call out to her.

"Yeah?" she replies.

"You have a whistle, right?" I ask her.

"Yes, why you ask?" she replies with a question.

"Use it, It's about time she wakes up, and we need to accomplish our first order of business as Team RWBY" I say as I point at Weiss while I have a shit-eating grin.

We all dressed in the official Beacon Academy uniforms, and then the typical scene of reorganizing the dorm room played out. It was pretty hilarious seeing Weiss flailing like a fish when Ruby woke her up. Although knowing the tension between them is coming up, not looking forward to that. We were then in Professor Port's class, and he was going on about the Grimm and telling awful jokes like at least Yang's jokes were funny. Ruby was bored out of her mind as I looked at her; she was slightly falling asleep. She began to doodle on a piece of paper, and then I saw her laughing with a snort to it. I knew precisely what Ruby was drawing. I looked at Weiss, getting annoyed with every second that passed. I wanted to intervene but knew they needed this to help the cohesion of Team RWBY.

"So, who among themselves believe they embody these traits?" Professor Port asked the entire class. Weiss instantly raised her hand into the air, volunteering herself as tribute. "I do, sir!" Weiss proclaimed. "Well then, let's find out, shall we?" Port said as he looked toward a metal cage with glowing red eyes staring out of it and trying to break free from it. It's a boarbatusk, just like it was in the show. Weiss then left the classroom to change into her combat uniform. She shortly came back into the classroom with Myrtenaster in hand. She got into a stance and was combat-ready.

"Go, Weiss!" Yang cheered.

"Fight well!" Blake joined her.

"Yeah, represent Team RWBY!" Ruby cheered loudly.

Weiss then lowered her sword with clear annoyance on her face. She turned to Ruby and said, "Ruby! I'm trying to focus!" Ruby looked sheepish and said, "Oh, um…sorry…"

"Alright!" Professor Port announced as he continued. "Let the match begin!" Professor Port swings down and breaks the lock on the cage, dropping the cage door and revealing the Boarbatusk inside, which immediately charges at Weiss. She uses Myrtenaster to deflect its attack and roll to the side, readying herself for its next move. The Grimm stands a distance away from its enemy, studying her. "Ha-ha! Weren't expecting that were you!" Professor Port laughed at Weiss for underestimating her foe.

"Hang in there, Weiss!" Ruby called out to Weiss. I wanted to stop Ruby from frustrating Weiss anymore, but I needed this conflict between them to happen. It's for the greater good of the team. Weiss is now speeding towards the oncoming Boarbatusk, sticking her blade straight at its skull until they meet, and Myrtenaster is trapped in the beast's tusks. Weiss is still hanging on to the hilt and is tossed around as she struggles to get the rapier back.

"A bold and unique approach. I like it!" Professor Port exclaimed like a commentator at a sports event. "Come on, Weiss, show it who's boss!" Ruby shouted in full support of Weiss. However, Weiss didn't take it that way. Weiss turns to glare at Ruby, only for the Boarbatusk to turn its head and rip the sword from her grip. Myrtenaster lands far away from its master, who is knocked back by the creature's tusks.

"Oh my! What will you do now without your weapon?" Professor Port questioned her. Weiss looks up just in time to see the Boarbatusk charge again, rolling out of the way just in time to avoid getting trampled and making it crash into a desk. Weiss rushes at her sword and slides to get it back in her hand. "Weiss! Go for its stomach! It has no armor underneath-" Ruby suggested to her partner before being cut off by her as Weiss screamed, "STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!"

Ruby looked hurt at Weiss' rebuttal. Meanwhile, the Boarbatusk leaps into the air and rolls into a ball, spinning rapidly in the air and landing on the ground, consistently gaining speed until it launches itself at Weiss. It comes closer and closer, but Weiss activates one of her blue-white circles and blocks the roll, leaping up into the now-black snowflake symbol and turning it blue again so she can drive Myrtenaster into the Boarbatusk's stomach. It squeals and falls silent while Weiss gasps in relief.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Professor Port complimented. "It appears we are indeed in the presence of a true Huntress-in-training!" Weiss stands up at attention from her exhausted position, and Ruby continues to frown. "I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Be sure to cover the assigned readings, and... stay vigilant!" Professor Port warned the entire class. "Class dismissed!" He said to excuse everyone from the class. Weiss glares in our direction before she turns away, walking hurriedly to the exit past all of us.

"Sheesh, what's her problem?" Jaune said as he watched her storm out of the classroom. Team RWBY all looked at each other with the same question on their mind, except for me. I already know what's causing her to be like this. I have to let things play out, and it'll resolve itself—no need to interfere. I say just as much as I begin to explain to them all: "Guys, don't worry. It'll be fine. A newly formed team with different upbringings and polar opposite personalities will always have road bumps at the start. We must let things play out, and the problems will resolve themselves." Team RWBY looked in my direction, and when I looked at Ruby, it was apparent she was still upset about Weiss lashing out at her, and she made it known she was still upset about it by saying: "I still don't like leaving it like this, I need to talk to Weiss".

"Ruby, wait!" Yang yelled out to Ruby, but by the time she finished her sentence, Ruby had already used her semblance to dash out of the classroom to pursue Weiss. I then put a hand on Yang's shoulder and said, "It'll be fine, Yang. Trust Ruby, ok?" I said with a smile, and she looked like she wanted to argue, but I cut her off before she could. "If you believe Ruby truly deserves to be the team leader, then you should trust her judgment, and the same goes for everyone else on the team."

After listening to my advice to let Ruby figure this out on her own, Yang reluctantly sighed before saying, "Yeah, you're right. It's just I never want Ruby to be treated unfairly. I've always been like that with her since we were young." Yang said with a nostalgic look on her face.

"I understand entirely, Yang, I had younger siblings of my own, so I can understand the protective nature you have for Ruby." I reassured Yang, and she looked at me, interested in what I had just said. We then got up from our seats and started heading toward our next class.

"Now that I think about it, how many siblings do you have? You mentioned you had sisters as in plural last night." She asked, and I chuckled since I'd been asked this question many times. "I have six siblings if you are only counting the children that came from my mother; however, if we are talking about the siblings from my…father…then I would have ten siblings combined from my mother and father." I explained as Blake and Yang looked at me with wide eyes, clearly showing they were not expecting me to have so many siblings. I then continued explaining to them about my family dynamic. "On my mother's side, I have four older sisters with one younger sister. I also had one younger brother. I was my mother's first-ever son after she had four daughters in a row."

"Wow, I never thought you had such a huge family. I wonder how crazy your guy's parties were if your mother alone had that many children." Yang said with a chuckle, probably imagining how chaotic our family was. She honestly probably wouldn't be far off. My family is all full of nut heads.

"What about your father?" Blake suddenly asked and froze me in place.

"I…I'd rather not talk about him, come on, we're going to be late for class" I said as I quickly started moving again, not waiting for them. I don't know if they were following me, but I didn't want to stay there and explain that can of worms.

The rest of the day was uneventful, Weiss returned to class with all of us, although she didn't say a word. After our classes were over, we all went our separate ways for the remainder of the day before we all returned to our dorms and started settling down. Yang and Blake were asleep, and I was still reading remnant fan fics on my scroll. Mostly reading fan fics of the fairy tales of the Remnant. Although, I missed the franchises from Earth. They just had more substance to them than the ones I've found so far on Remannt.

While reading, I heard snoring from one of the top bunk beds and saw Ruby snoring away. I let out an audible chuckle before I heard another sound coming from somewhere else. Weiss walked into the dorm room with a mug in hand, and I realized the following scene from the show was playing out here. I quickly pretended to be asleep. Weiss lifts the blanket of Ruby's tent. She finds the occupant with her head resting on notes, a pencil in her hand, and open books around her. Looking amazed at Ruby's determination, Weiss clears her throat and gently shakes the other girl awake, who takes a second to regain consciousness and starts flailing in surprise.

"Weiss! I-I was studying, and then I fell asleep! I'm sorry…" Ruby tried to explain before she was quickly silenced as Weiss placed a hand over Ruby's mouth and put a finger on her own so Ruby understood the need to lower her voice. Weiss looks near Ruby's pillow and spots an empty Beacon coffee mug. Weiss then lowered her hand and said. "How do you take your coffee?"

"I… I don't…" Ruby hesitantly says before Weiss cuts her off.

"Answer the question!" Weiss said in a loud whisper tone.

"Uhh, cream and five sugars!" Ruby responded in a nervous tone

Weiss sighed before saying, "Don't move. Weiss ducks under her own bed and comes up a moment later with a fresh cup, offering it to Ruby. "Here."

"Um…thanks Weiss" Ruby thanked Weiss with a smile.

Weiss smiled before an apologetic look appeared on her face. "Ruby, you have what it takes to be a good leader." Ruby smiled appreciatively as Weiss continued. "Just know that I will be the best teammate you'll ever have!" Weiss proclaimed as they shared a smile. "Good luck studying!" Weiss ducks under, only to come up and point at one of Ruby's papers. "That's wrong, by the way." She ducks under again, and her voice comes from the doorway this time. "Hey, Ruby?" Weiss called out to her.

"Uh-huh?" Ruby responded.

Weiss stands at the doorway with her hand on the knob. I always wanted bunk beds as a kid. Weiss then closed the door. Ruby had a wide grin on her face, satisfied at the progress with her partner. I had a smile of my own. Satisfied knowing things are staying the course. Hopefully, they'll stay that way for as long as possible.

Hey guys! Welcome back to another chapter of "The Voidwalker"

Sorry for taking so long to upload this chapter today. Procrastinated on the finishing touches of this chapter, I hope you liked the chapter even though only a little happened. Team RWBY speculates about Isaiah's past experiences. Yang is the usual teaser of the group. Weiss and Ruby's little road bumps with each other. Just trying to get closer to the end of volume 1, so I don't have to worry about the important character bonding moments that help establish their character cohesion.

Also, I'm now going to answer questions you guys have in the reviews and just comment about the reviews people make on this story. So let's start doing that right here:

Vmoneywashere: Glad you like it so far. I'll try not to disappoint.

Walkmanapprenticewordsmith: Isaiah's weapon is a dual-wielding katana that can combine into a dual-sided spear/staff. Once it's in its dual-sided spear/staff form, it can transform into a bow to shoot dust arrows. It also has gravity dust integrated into them, just like Maria Calavera's weapons which are dual scythes that she named respectively 'Life and Death'. Isaiah's weapon is heavily inspired by hers, with just some unique differences. Sorry for any confusion about his weapon. I'll have to go back and rewrite the explanation about his weapon sometime.

Nullblaster: Yeah, Ozpin can be dick. Honestly might have let a bit of my own bias on his character seep its way into my writing of his character a bit, lol.

Akurar: You're welcome! Sorry for taking a whole year, basically, to get chapter 3 out! So very sorry.

ER-47: Thank you for the compliment. Although I genuinely think my story is far from deserving of being called a 'Great Story' just yet. I'm still a beginner writer and still have a lot to learn.