Welcome to the next chapter of RWBY: Team DUSK, before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
Trouble in Beacon
At night, figures marched to a particular shop, where Dust was being sold, intending to burglarize it. Adorned in black-and-white uniforms, but the thing that made their statuses known to the people was the fierce red wolfhound marked with three claw marks on their backs and Grimm masks. At this time, there wasn't a soul in the area, making it a simple enough task to steal whatever their group needed. Each one of them was a member of the peaceful activist group turned violent terrorists, the White Fang.
Of course, as a terrorist group consisting of Faunus, most of their animal traits could be seen, however, some of them were hidden. An escape vehicle was parked a distance from their current position, intending on hauling all of the shop's Dust back to their assigned base. After stopping a good distance from the store, the initiates started to talk among themselves about their assignment's success right there.
"We're almost there brothers. And then we'll claim another one of Vale's dust shop's products for our own."
A male member stated, showing that the group shared a close bond.
"Yeah, though. I don't know how to feel about aiding those humans in their mission."
Doubt could be heard in the distaste in their colleague's mouths, something their brothers and sisters shared, having found their particular faction working alongside humans. It was odd for a faction wanting humanity's downfall to be working with humans. But, this was the decision made by their leader, whom their members followed, having witnessed his pure conviction. All this started the first time he met a mysterious woman joined by her male and female underling, threatening them with a power neither of them could explain.
"You're new here, so you weren't there when that woman came around the same time the traitor left. She and her two friends are part of a more dangerous group. Besides, it doesn't matter how it happens, this will be the spark that leads to the revolution our faction desires."
A fervent and spiteful tone could be heard from the lead member's mouth.
And that final statement was something neither of them could disagree with, as a matter of fact, the members all looked forward to their revolution. Everyone who joined the White Fang faction stationed in Vale, all felt the same emotions in regards to that. It was longtime coming for the Faunus, who have been ceaselessly oppressed and harmed by Humans for as long as even their grandparents could recall. Having prepared themselves, the White Fang initiates broke into the Dust shop, while the more experienced one watched.
As excepted an alarm sounded from the shop being broken into, but it didn't deter them, causing the members to continue receiving the Dust. As if to show how much their group had gotten used to such an act, their transportation of the Dust from the shop into the van was methodical. It wouldn't take them much time to have all the Dust taken from the shop, then the group could make their escape. However, what the group didn't count on was even though the area was secure and silent, someone was watching them.
On a roof, almost obscured by the shadows, someone was kneeling and watching the White Fang as they stole the Dust. Not intending on stopping the theft, instead simply watching their actions without making their presence known. Once the Dust was stolen, the White Fang members retreated into the van, then drove off in another direction. An unknown figure followed behind the group to see where their base was located. During that, it seemed as if the Vale Police Department responded to the theft, then stopped the van from proceeding further.
Of course, it turned into a dispute with the police attempting to stop them, however, dealing with the White Fang was something out of their league. The vehicle wasn't marked with the White Fang's mark so it didn't attract attention, however, if the members got out, then it wouldn't end peacefully. It looked as if two Human officers were about to get out of the car and the members seemed to be thinking about what to do.
"…."
Having no option, the unknown figure moved forward and then leaped off the roof, the outfit appeared to shine up with a purple light. At that, the figure seemed to float rather than simply fall due to gravity and landed closer to the police.
"What?"
"Who're…?"
Just as the police asked that question, the unidentified person knocked out the first policeman in a swift move, all without the faintest visible wound. The person then pushed the policeman back into their car without turning back towards his partner.
"Hey, what do you think you're…?"
Retrieving his gun, he witnessed the figure vanishing from sight, then soon knocked unconscious as the person vanished. Same as before, he pushed the policeman inside of the car, before closing the door behind them. Under the streetlight, the White Fang could see the person standing there as clear as day. A man based on their outfit, a black stealth form-fitting suit, with dark chest, shoulder, and knee guards, combat boots, a belt with two pouches on it, and tactical knives sheathed at the forelegs. But, the most notable thing was the full-faced fierce black-and-white mask, resembling a wolf.
"I-Is that…?"
It seemed as if the mask and appearance left an impression on the White Fang members.
"It couldn't be the Wolf, right?"
At the mention of that name, the White Fang members felt some hint of hesitance.
"It doesn't matter. It looks as if he plans on intervening. So, let's get this over with," the leader said, knowing their group was on a deadline and prepared their weapons. "It's one person against us."
[Right!]
Getting outside of the vehicle, the White Fang members armed themselves with their swords or guns, walking to confront the Wolf. The Wolf wasn't concerned, walking around the police car without hesitation, not appearing to care about the individuals approaching him. As soon as the first sword wielder approached him, the Wolf made no effort in dodging the first attack, grabbing onto their wrist and then performing an accurate throw to the ground.
"Ugh."
It didn't seem as if the sword user was hurt much, but they were disarmed as their weapon was tossed aside. He turned to find that the gun users remained back, pointing them straight at him, and pulled the trigger without even the slightest hesitation. Reacting to that, the Wolf moved back to avoid the rounds fired at him and then returned to an upright position. At that, two more sword users rushed straight at him, but the timing of their attacks wasn't the best. He avoided the second one, grabbing onto their arm, and then tripped up the third one, causing them to stumble forward.
In a quick maneuver, the Wolf swung the second sword wielder by their arm towards their colleague, sending the two backward. Despite fighting against the lone Wolf, the White Fang members were the ones who were at a disadvantage. It reached the point of some of them huffing from some hint of exhaustion from the battle, but then witnessed, the person who was more-or-less their leader being held up by the Wolf.
"What do you want? Why is someone like you here?"
He asked.
[I see that the White Fang has become bold, stealing Dust from such an area. Is there a particular reason?]
For the first time, the Wolf spoke. However, likely, because of the mask, their voice was modulated, to the point of it being impossible to tell their specific age.
"Tsk, like we'd ever reveal such information. I don't know if you're a Human or Faunus, but no matter you're not a threat to us."
The 'leader' replied, showing no intention of answering the question.
[Alright then. I guess I'll figure out the reason why later. So, let me ask another question.] The Wolf stated, seeing as he wouldn't be receiving even the slightest answer there. His grip on the 'leader' seemed to increase as he was lifted more into the air, then asked another more serious question. [Where's the boss?]
"And what would you gain from information about that human?"
The leader asked.
[Now, that's something. I didn't think that the White Fang would be working alongside a human.]
The Wolf replied, seeming surprised about that point, more so with how he turned his head.
"Trust me, it's temporary."
[Though, I wasn't referring to whoever this human is. I'm talking about the leader of the White Fang here.]
"…."
[Where is the leader of the White Fang's Vale Branch?]
Getting serious, the Wolf pulled the 'leader' much closer towards him, sounding dead serious, while the 'leader' remained silent. A sudden pause came from the Wolf, then found himself dropping the 'leader' on the ground, as something blasted them in the other direction. The 'leader' turned around to find a bulkier White Fang member in front of them, holding a large cannon pointed at the Wolf.
"Let's see the great Wolf get back up after that."
A deep voice came from the cannon user.
Just as the Wolf was sent backward, he suddenly floated in the air and landed back on the ground.
[I must admit that was some hit.]
"I don't know who you are underneath that mask, but we're not the type to turn on our own."
[Didn't think so. I'd say that an admirable quality.] the Wolf said, reaching behind their back and retrieving a brand new item from behind him. [It's a shame that the group who fought for peace turned into this.]
A sympathetic tone came from the Wolf, as he held the two handheld items in his hand, as the cannon user held his weapon straight at him.
"There's no need for no sympathy. Since the old methods didn't work, the High Leader came to the conclusion the new methods would provide more results. And Adam Taurus is opening the chance for a true revolution," after that declaration the Cannon User charged and aimed their weapon straight at the Wolf, who remained in the same spot unfazed. "And the irony is that it's the human's fault in the first place!"
Shine!
It released the blast straight at the Wolf again, then unfurled the handheld items in his hand to unveil a katana. He then slashed the blast as an explosion sounded from the clash, the Cannon user smirked, believing that he dealt with the trouble. But, then looked to find that the Wolf seemed to have protected himself, producing a gravity field from the suit he wore.
[And that's why, it's such a shame.]
At that, the Wolf propelled down and proceeded to fight against the Cannon user, handling both two swords in his hand with ambidextrous skills. It'd be impossible for the Cannon user to continue handling fighting with someone at this close range and wielding a cannon. Blocking the sword with the cannon, he swung the weapon in his hands, which forced the Wolf to block it. Gaining enough distance from him, the Cannon user transformed the weapon right into a large single-bladed battleaxe.
Having that weapon out, the Cannon user started rushing at the Wolf with the battleaxe, showing himself to not be an amateur. Despite the difference in the weapon, he and the Wolf kept fighting with one another at close range, the latter seemed to be handling fighting against the battleaxe without much issue. Using this to their advantage, the White Fang members prepared for their departure.
Getting a signal from their teammates, the Canon user gave a wild smirk, then swung the battleaxe again, which knocked the Wolf in another direction. But, landed without issue, however, that wasn't the man's intention as the weapon was trained on the unconscious policemen. Not hesitating, the Wolf rushed straight toward them just as the Canon user fired off another blast. Leaping into the air, before the Wolf landed in front of the police car, their suit shined with a purple light. Differing from before, it produced a much wider gravitational field, which acted as a barrier, protecting the three of them.
After things settled down, the Wolf looked to find that the White Fang escaped from the area, with the policemen waking up. Noticing that, he leaped into the air, seeming to float as he scaled the vertical walls, before landing on top of the roof.
[I've managed to confirm some things. It's not all that useful, but this seems to be the second time that the White Fang has stolen Dust in Vale. It doesn't seem as if they're interested in money. But, it's odd that they'd do such a thing without waiting. I'll need to wait and see how things progress. Who knows, this could turn into a fight with a group of Huntsman.] The Wolf said, speaking his mind out loud. [And that guy took such drastic measures to ally with humans. Well, looks like things are getting interesting in Vale.]
At that, the Wolf looked down to find that the policemen has awakened, then proceeded to report was happened, while on their night patrol. Seeing such a thing happening, the Wolf decided to leave the area without letting their presence known to the policemen.
The next day, in Vale, there was a spectacle happening there, where the people were decorating for the upcoming Vytal Festival. As expected, citizens were looking forward to the festival, as signs, streamers, balloons, etc. were being put in anticipation. Numerous people, old and young were assisting in the preparation for the festival which would be taking place in their kingdom while welcoming those from other kingdoms. Beacon Academy students were looking forward to it, one of them being—
"The Vytal Festival! Oh, this is absolutely wonderful!"
Weiss looked on in astonishment while watching and raising her arms in amazement.
Looking on at their usual cold and calm teammate, the other members of Team RWBY looked on surprised, and a bit weirded out. Weiss looked as if she were a child moving about, after their parents took them out to a carnival, no one aside from the leader could respond first.
"I don't think that I've ever seen you smile this much, Weiss," Ruby stated, smiling awkwardly before frowning. "It's kinda weirding me out…."
"How could you not smile," Weiss turned around to face her teammates. "A festival dedicated to the cultures of Remnant! There will be dances! Parades! A tournament! Oh, the amount of planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathtaking!"
"You really know how to take a good thing and make it sound boring," Yang stated, crossing her arms underneath her breasts. "You're probably looking forward to the dance with Dani, aren't ya?"
"Quiet, you!"
Weiss turned around to face Yang while wearing a casual look, not wanting her emotions to show much.
It wasn't long until their group found themselves right near the docks, with the sounds of the approaching ships reaching their ears. It was a confusing location for the four Huntress-in-Training to be on a Friday, more so since the preparations for the Vytal Festival and other activities could be more appealing. And that was a feeling, that the three members of Team RWBY could understand.
"Remind me again why we're spending our Friday afternoon visiting the stupid docks?"
"Ugh, they smell like fish!"
Both Yang and Ruby voiced their distaste for the situation, while the leader covered her noes. Blake, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind the smell of fish but didn't let that expression show to the others.
"I've heard that students visiting from Vacuo will be arriving by ship today. And, as a representative of Beacon, I feel as though it is my solemn duty to welcome them to this fine kingdom!"
Weiss stood there wearing a dutiful expression, but her friends and teammates didn't seem to buy that, which is a fact that Blake was aware of.
"She wants to spy on them so she'll have the upper hand in the tournament."
Blake bluntly pointed out, as their team began moving again, but Weiss didn't let that truth come out.
"You can't prove that," Weiss scoffed, voicing the falsehood behind that comment. "If I wanted to do that, then I'd have asked Sandra about the students at Vacuo."
"Well, considering the first time that we met Sandra. Do, you think that she'd care about the other students back at her training school," Yang pointed out, then turned a teasing smile at Weiss. "Who knows, you probably tried to ask casually but didn't get anything."
"…."
Weiss didn't respond, but simply looked as if she were still taking in the environment.
During this, Ruby found herself glancing in another direction randomly and found something interesting. The Vale Police Force was standing in front of a Dust Shop with caution tape blocking the shop's broken window, then walked over to a Detective writing on a pad.
"Whoa," Ruby voiced her surprise. "What happened here?"
Garnering their attention, Team RWBY seemed to stop walking and listened in on the conversation between them, where the Police and Detective talked about the incident.
"Robbery. Second Dust shop to be hit this week," Detective #1 stated to his partner while walking over. "This place is turning into a jungle."
"That's terrible."
Yang sighed, sympathizing with the situation and incident.
"They left all the money again."
Hearing a comment from Detective #2, caused surprise and confusion from them.
"Huh?"
Ruby seemed to notice that sounded weird for a robbery.
"Yeah, just doesn't make a lick of sense. Who needs that much Dust?"
Detective #1 asked, confused about the situation.
"I don't know, an army?"
Detective #2 suggested, causing his partner to come up with a response.
"You thinking the White Fang?"
Detective #1 asked, having no answer aside from that one.
"Yeah, I'm thinking we don't get paid enough," Detective #2 removed his sunglasses, seeming to pinch his nose. "I heard some report that Wolf character was supposed to have been here too."
"Great, that's all we need too, a vigilante. He's been operating between Vale and Mistral from time to time, but he hasn't moved in a long time."
Detective #1 stated, sighing at the thought of that.
Having heard the comments from the two detectives, Team RWBY proceeded with their conversation. But, this time around, it wasn't all that positive.
"Humph! The White Fang," having nothing but negative feelings on the manner, Weiss pointed her attention right toward the air, while closed. "What an awful bunch of degenerates!"
"What's your problem?"
Blake seemed offended about that comment, she turned over toward her teammate, seeming much more hostile compared to usual. Her reaction had surprised Ruby and Yang, neither of whom have seemed Blake react to such a situation before. Seeming confused about that comment, Weiss turned her attention towards Blake, wearing a confused, but self-assertive look.
"My problem? I simply don't care for the criminally insane."
"The White Fang is hardly a bunch of psychopaths," Blake stated, crossing her arms, while looking to be a little bit more serious "They're a collection of misguided Faunus."
"So then they're very misguided," Blake countered, almost seeming to lose control of herself, but that didn't seem to stop her. "Either way, it doesn't explain why they would rob a Dust shop in the middle of downtown Vale!"
"Hmm... Blake's got a point," Ruby stated, wanting to bring some peace between them. "Besides, the police never caught that Torchwick guy I ran into a few months ago... Maybe it was him."
"That still doesn't change the fact that the White Fang are a bunch of scum," Weiss said, showing more contempt for the White Fang, something which fed Blake's growing anger. "Those Faunus only know how to lie, cheat, and steal."
"That's not necessarily true," Yang stated, not knowing what was happening between her teammates, but then the previous comment caught her attention. "But, didn't the Detective mention a Wolf too?"
"Yeah, they said he was some vigilante, who operated in Vale and Mistral," Ruby stated, then came up with some kind of potential answer. "Hey, Daniel spent three years in Mistral. So, wouldn't he know about…?"
"Hey, stop that Faunus!"
Each member of Team RWBY turned around in the direction of that voice, then ran to see what was happening in that area. There, the four women looked to find a golden-tailed male Monkey Faunus their age running down the lining of ships from two sailors. He was a tanned young man with spiky light-blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing an open loose-collared white jacket with no undershirt, unveiling a muscular physique, blue cargo pants tied with a white belt, with white bandages on his legs; in addition to red wrist bracers over fingerless gloves.
From appearance alone, he looked rather athletic as he leaped at the two sailors who were about to catch him.
"Thanks for the ride, guys! Haha!"
The Monkey Faunus thanked them, while cheerfully laughing.
"You no-good stowaway!"
One of the sailors called out.
"Hey! A no-good stowaway would've been caught," the Monkey Faunus stated, hanging off a lamppost using his tail while peeling a banana. "I'm a great stowaway!"
"Hey! Get down from there this instant!"
Detective #1 from before, who noticed the situation went to detain the Monkey Faunus, who was casually eating the peeled banana, all without a care in the world. Ignoring the comments made by the detective looking to detain him, while tossing the banana peel at Detective #1 and laughing. He then swung himself up, crouching down on the lamppost, then started running from them. Growling, Detective #1 swatted the peel away, then proceeded to chase after him.
Just as the Monkey Faunus ran passed Team RWBY laughing, he turned in the direction of Blake, almost as if he noticed something about her. Giving a friendly smirk and wave, the Faunus continued running without a care in the world. Each of the four women looked surprised about what just happened, not noticing the look he aimed at Blake.
"Well, Weiss, you wanted to see the competition, and there it goes…."
Yang pointed out but was then stopped by Weiss' interruption.
"Quick! We have to observe him!"
Weiss stated, pointing her finger in the direction that the Monkey Faunus went.
At that, she, Yang, and Ruby started chasing after the Monkey Faunus, leaving Blake behind, who was still caught in thought about the incident. She wondered about what that meant, with the thought about whether or not, he was aware that she was a Faunus entered her mind. However, Blake recovered from that confusion, then proceeded to follow after her teammates, who followed the Monkey Faunus.
"Not that I'm not interested in meeting the locals here. I don't think that this is the right time," the Monkey Faunus stated, turning a corner. "Oops, excuse me!"
Just as Weiss turned the corner, she ended up bumping into someone and then falling on top of them. Looking to find the Monkey Faunus moving to run across the street, scaling a wall, then maneuvering using the rooftops as a means of escape.
"No, he got away!"
Weiss whined and complained as Ruby, Yang, and Blake caught up with her to find the odd situation the heiress caught herself in. All three of them titled their heads over toward the side, while Weiss stared back at them with a confused look.
"Uhh…. Weiss?"
"Huh?"
Weiss looked to find Yang pointing her finger down toward the person she ran into, who despite being pushed to the ground wore a bright smile. Looking their same age, light-skinned and with freckles, she has short orange-haired, curled near ends, and bright green eyes. Dressed in an old-fashioned shoulder blouse with frills, mixed between a gray and green added onto it, black thigh-high leggings with green stripes, and black shoes.
"Sal-u-ta-tions!"
"Uh, sorry?"
Weiss hastily got up, while the young girl greeted them, who despite being knocked to the ground did not react to the occurrence.
"Um…. Hello."
Ruby greeted back, almost unnerved by the optimism.
"Are you…. Okay?"
Yang asked, staring on confused about the same thing.
"I'm wonderful! Thank you for asking."
She replied, still not removing the same cheerful and optimistic smile.
Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang glanced at one another bewildered by what was happening right in front of them. It almost looked as if, the four were deciding which one of them would ask the question.
"Do you…wanna get up?"
Yang asked, causing the orange-haired girl to think to herself.
"Yes," as if it was nothing the orange-haired girl leaped up back to her feet and stepped back a little, then saluted to the four young women. "My name is Penny Polendina! It's a pleasure to meet you!
"Hi, Penny. I'm Ruby Rose."
"I'm Weiss Schnee."
"Blake Belladonna."
"Are you sure you didn't hit your head," Yang bluntly asked but then received a nudge to the shoulder from her friend and partner. "Oh, I'm Yang Xiao Long."
"It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Penny stated, repeating her previous comment.
"You already said that."
Weiss said, looking oddly at the young girl.
"So I did!"
Penny said, still not losing her smile.
Each member of Team RWBY looked on at Penny, almost as if there was something wrong with the orange-haired girl. Not knowing what to do, each one of them looked to one another and seemed to have come up with the same conclusion.
"Well, sorry for running into you!"
"Take care, friend!"
Ruby called out, hearing the phrase "friend" seemed to have sparked a reaction from Penny, but that remained to be unnoticed. After getting some distance from Penny, there was already a conversation that sparked about what just happened.
"She was…weird…."
"Yang."
Blake said, turning her eyes directly towards Yang, who shrugged her shoulders as if to say: "I'm sorry."
"Now, where did that Faunus riff-raff run off to?"
Weiss asked something which sparked another reaction from Blake.
"What did you call me?"
Penny asked, suddenly appearing in front of Weiss without making a single noise.
Because of that sudden appearance, Weiss looked back and forth in shock, surprised that Penny could get right in front of them without either of them noticing. Hearing that question from Penny caused Yang to immediately think that she was referring to her.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think you heard me!"
Yang apologized, still surprised she appeared in front of them like that.
"No, not you, Penny stated, moving passed the three older young women and found herself standing in front of the surprised Ruby. "You!"
"Me? I-I don't know. I, what I, um, uh…."
Ruby asked, looking startled by the intense look being given to her.
"You called me 'friend'! Am I your friend?"
Penny asked again, almost wanting to confirm that for herself.
Ruby found herself in an awkward situation, where someone she didn't know for that long, let alone that well was in front of looking serious. As Penny looked to have wanted absolute confirmation about Ruby's response to their so-called 'friendship', she turned to find Weiss, Blake, and Yang shaking their heads and waving their hands.
"Uuuum…," after looking to the others from her team, Ruby had no real reason to reject it. "Y-Yeah, sure! Why not?"
"Sen-sational! I'd managed to make my first official friend," Penny declared out loud, happiness being heard in her tone. "We can paint our nails, try on clothes, and talk about cute boys!"
"Oh, is this what it was like when you met me?"
Ruby asked, while Weiss stopped back up and began brushing herself off.
"No," Weiss replied, much to Ruby's happiness, but then. "She seems far more coordinated."
"Ugh."
Ruby seemed harmed by the comment made by Weiss, while Yang decided to push the conversation forward as her sister and Penny became 'friends'.
"So... what are you doing in Vale?"
Yang asked.
"I'm here to fight in the tournament."
Penny, replied, placing her hand on her hips.
"Wait, you're fighting in the tournament?"
"I'm combat-ready!"
Penny replied, saluting in front of them.
"Forgive me, but you hardly look the part."
"Says the girl wearing a dress."
Blake countered something which caused Weiss to cross her arms and stare at her teammate.
"It's a combat skirt!"
"Yeah!"
Ruby added, appearing beside Weiss to take her side, as fellow "skirt sisters", the latter held her hand in a low position, with the former performing a low high-five.
"Wait a minute," almost as if Weiss realized something she walked over, then grabbed onto Penny's shoulders. "If you're here for the tournament, does that mean you know that monkey-tailed…rapscallion?"
"Who...?"
Penny looked confused about the comment made by Weiss, but this seemed to have stirred up Blake more.
"Why do you keep saying that?!"
Blake couldn't hold herself back and called out to Weiss.
"Huh?"
"Stop calling him a rapscallion! Stop calling him a degenerate! He's a person!"
Blake stated, walking up in front of Weiss and didn't hide the emotions felt about the heiress' comments.
"Stop what? He broke the law. Give him time," Weiss stated, wearing a spiteful look. "He'll probably join up with those other Faunus in the White Fang!"
"You ignorant little brat!"
Blake exclaimed, then started walking off in anger.
"How dare you talk to me like that?! I am your teammate!"
Weiss exclaimed back.
"You are a judgmental little girl."
What in the world makes you say that?"
"The mere fact that you would sort that Faunus boy with a terrorist group solely based on his species makes you just as much of a scoundrel as you believe him to be!"
As white and black-haired young women kept having their back-and-forth with one another, Ruby and Yang, joined by Penny both looked back and forth between them.
"Um, I think we should probably go…."
Yang said, feeling uncomfortable right now while leaning closer toward Ruby.
"Where are we going?"
Penny asked, immediately appearing behind Ruby, surprising the two with the orange-haired young woman's ability to sneak up on them.
"Oh, um, Penny we were thinking of returning to our dorm rooms at Beacon. And I don't know whether or not you're allowed to come too."
Ruby replied, not knowing what else to say.
"Oh, right that makes sense. I'm still new to Vale and thought that it'd be amazing to look around the city for just a little bit," Penny stated, then gasped as if out of realization. "I didn't clarify this before, but I'm actually from Altas. So, I'm not sure that the Faunus that I ran into came from there too."
"Oh, you're from Atlas too?"
Yang asked surprised about that comment, something which caused Penny to nod her head.
"Oh, so is…."
"So you admit it! The White Fang is just a radical group of terrorists!"
"That's not what I meant, and you know it!"
Ruby was interrupted by the continued argument between Weiss and Blake continued without seeming to end at all.
"Eh, I think that we should get them out of here before we attract any more attention."
Yang suggested something which Ruby agreed with.
After that, Ruby grabbed onto Weiss, while Yang grabbed onto Blake, then proceeded to grab the two back to the team dorm room.
"See you later, Penny!"
Acting kindly, Ruby said her goodbye to Penny, while grabbing her partner off. Surprisingly enough, the two were so engrossed in the argument, neither registered they were being dragged off.
"Bye, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang!"
Penny replied, cheerfully waving her hand.
Despite being left alone, Penny didn't lose her smile, while she continued walking around the streets of Vale, with no care in the world and humming.
"I made my first friend here~ I thought that it would be harder to make friends here. But, I have something to tell Dad after we talk next time," Penny cheerfully spoke as she continued walking as if she were dancing. But, then a thought crossed her mind and stopped. "Oh, she said her name was Weiss Schnee. Oh shoot, I should've asked if she knew someone named Daniel Norden."
As that was happening, the same as Team RWBY, Team DUSK was doing the same thing, which was looking at their preparations for the Vytal Festival. Differing from them though, there wasn't an argument going on between them, instead, there was a conversation.
"So, with the start of the Vytal Festival that means we'll be seeing students from the other schools soon, right?"
Alyssa asked as the team walked together.
"Yeah, students from Haven Academy, Atlas Academy, and Shade Academy," Daniel replied, listing the number of academies that'll be coming to Vale to compete. "So, that just means there's going to be one big turnout, but the thing that they'll probably be looking forward to is the tournament itself."
'It is an opportunity for the various teams to show what they could do against other schools. Besides, for some of them, it might be the first or last chance to compete.'
Hunter signed.
"No doubt. Though I'd imagine that there might be some trouble with four academies are going to be coming together in one place," Sandra pointed out, gaining their attention. "In Vacuo, the students there look down on all the people from Atlas, Mistral, and Vale. There, it's survival of the fittest, and almost everyone takes that to heart, compared to people here who can be a bit lax in their eyes. So, don't be surprised if someone there starts to talk down to other students here."
"Yeah. I can imagine that happening with some people from Atlas, where some can be serious snobs."
"That reminds me, aren't your cousins coming here too?"
"Yeah. I'm sure looking forward to that meeting. I haven't seen them in a while. I can't wait to introduce you guys to them," Daniel replied, looking forward to meeting his cousins after all that time. "I wonder who's on their team aside from them."
"I wonder how it's going to feel meeting Daniel's cousins. I doubt that they'll be as, let's say cheeky."
"I'd be offended if you weren't right," Daniel jokingly said something which caused them to laugh at the fact that he didn't mind such comments. "My cousins might be a bit more well-mannered than I am sometimes, but it doesn't mean that they're pushovers either. As I said before, Diane once punched out the guy who broke her heart after pushing her too far. Gil's smart and practical, I don't doubt that he's been proving himself as a good leader. Gwen, my youngest cousin hasn't started yet, but she's got a natural talent too."
Hearing Daniel speaking about his cousins, made it sound as if he were talking about his younger siblings rather than cousins. It also often reminded them that he doesn't have much experience in being the one treated as the youngest sibling.
'I can't wait to meet them.'
Hunter signed, feeling interested in meeting Daniel's family after hearing much about them.
"Yeah, though, I don't if I'll end up seeing…."
"Oops, excuse me!"
A sudden energetic tone came from above them, as the same Monkey Faunus that Ruby and the others ran into, leaping from off the roof. Not expecting that anyone would be there, he leaped off the roof in an attempt to get a breather of some kind. His thoughts were that if he simply leaped off the person's shoulder while apologizing his landing would be the simplest. But, the Faunus' expectations fell short of what happened next.
"…eh?"
In that instance, he thought that it was weird that he was staring at the blue sky for some reason.
It was then that he realized at that moment, Daniel grabbed onto his arm and then toss him towards the ground in another direction. Seeing such a thing sparked an immediate surprise from Hunter, Sandra, and Alyssa, but more so as neither knew who the person was.
"Oops, I acted in reflex."
Daniel replied in an almost matter-of-fact tone.
"Here we go."
Surprisingly enough, the Monkey Faunus reacted athletically, recovering in the air, and landed in an energetic pose.
"…."
"…."
"…."
"…."
At that, the members of Team DUSK stared at the Monkey Faunus with a surprised look, who recovered without a loss in expression.
"Hahaha, that was one big surprise," the Monkey Faunus stated, wearing a bright smile on his face, then suddenly appeared beside Daniel with a jovial look. "I didn't expect that the guy I'd accidentally leap off of would end up being the person who dropped me."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I tend to react like that."
"No problem. I was kinda my bad in the first place."
"Where did that Faunus go?! He leaped off the building!"
"Let's check around the corner."
"Seriously, they're still chasing me? I thought after seeing a guy scale a building would make someone give up. I guess that the police here are serious," The Monkey Faunus had stated, preparing to leave. "Welp, that's my cue to leave! I'll see you guys later!"
"Wait, what did you do to be chased?"
"No reason to be serious. Promise, though one of them might be because I tossed a banana peel at one of em."
At the Monkey Faunus' comment, Daniel stared at him and could see that he was being sincere in that instance.
"Alright, Sandra."
"Got it."
"Wait, what does that…whoa?!"
Before the Monkey Faunus could finish, Sandra grabbed onto his shirt and began dragging him in the direction of the brick wall on their right. As he was forced against his will, he was surprised to find that he and Sandra walked directly into the wall. Just then, the detectives walked around the corner to find Daniel, Hunter, and Alyssa right in front of them looking casual.
"Hey, did you happen to see a Faunus?"
"One with a golden tail?"
Both detectives asked, seeming almost exhausted having chased him around the corner for quite some time.
"Hm, yeah, he went that way?"
Daniel honestly replied, pointing at the same wall that Sandra and the Faunus phased through.
After looking between one another, then Daniel and then the wall, wearing a wondering expressions on their face and sighed.
"He scaled the wall again!"
"Ugh, forget this. It was just one Faunus and we were preoccupied with other things in the first place. Banana or not, he looked to be just another student."
Deciding to leave the stowaway alone, the two Detectives choose to leave the situation involving the culprit alone, seeing it as unnecessary. Sandra peaked her head out to find that the two detectives did leave from there which meant the two could leave.
"Alright, you're free. Or whatever."
"That was awesome," immediately, the Monkey Faunus found himself laughing as he experienced being inside of a brick wall. "Never in my life did I ever think that I'd know what it felt like to be inside of a brick wall. I'm guessing that was your Semblance."
"No, that's something that I randomly do."
"Is that so?! That's awesome!"
Not minding Sandra's sarcasm, the Monkey Faunus went along with it, while laughing.
"Ugh, I can tell that you can Daniel will get alone. And I just got used to being around him."
Sandra commented, glancing to the side, half-serious, half-teasing about that comment.
"Hurtful, but I can see that. So, who's gonna introduce themselves first."
"Well, I'll beat ya to the punch. The names Sun Wukong. I'm a student from Haven Academy."
The Haven student now Sun Wukong named himself while directing a thumb at himself.
"So, since he started first. My name is Daniel Norden, a Beacon Student. My partner here can't speak and signs to communicate, but his name is Hunter Upson."
"…."
Hunter waved his hand, greeting Sun.
"My name's Sandra Skye. A Beacon student too."
"And my name is Alyssa King. Her partner."
"Well, it's awesome to meet you guys. And thanks for helping me with that little situation I was in."
Sun replied, scratching his head.
"So, you stowed away. Are your teammates with you?"
"Oh, well, you see," Sun looked almost surprised about that comment, having heard Alyssa's question. He'd then cheekily scratched the side of his cheek. "I'm the leader of my team, Team SSSN. I kinda arrived here ahead of them through that ship."
Hearing that comment caused the members of Team DUSK to stare at Sun confused about the meaning behind those words. The person in front of them was, in fact, the leader of a team, but instead of arriving with them, he stowed away on a ship.
"You're a terrible leader, aren't you?"
Sandra bluntly asked something which caused Sun to laugh.
"I'd like to think that I'm a cool leader."
Sun replied confidently, something which caused obvious doubt in Sandra.
"Well, we went out to see the Vytal Festival and then ended up meeting a stowaway, who abandoned his team," a humorous tone came from Daniel, with Sun nervously laughing at that. "So, I can say that this day was, in fact, a worthwhile experience."
"Well, I'm glad that I could bring some happiness to you guys."
Sun stated, almost sounding proud of himself.
His good-natured comment nearly caused the members of Team DUSK to wear some kind of smile on their faces.
Returning from Vale, Team DUSK separated from Sun, who wanted to see much more of the capital before doing another. But, the team of four wondered if the Faunus had the desire of doing something mischievous to pass the time. Stepping off the airship, the group encountered Team CFVY heading in the same direction as them, causing an immediate greeting between both teams.
"Yo, Team CFVY."
"Well, if it isn't a group of one of our favorite underclassmen," Coco stated, waving her hand at the team before a flirty wink was aimed at a flustered Sandra. "And hello, Sandie."
"Uh, I hate that nickname," rather than sounding to have hated the nickname, Sandra instead looked flustered as soon as Coco called her that. She turned to find a smile plastered on the faces of her three so-called friends and teammates, something which caused her cheeks to look flushed. "D-Don't get any ideas."
"Oh, come on. Don't get all flustered, Sandie," Coco stated, wrapping her arm around Sandra's shoulder, wearing a cheerful smile. "I'm just showing how much I have begun starting to like you more."
"Ugh, please stop."
Sandra was adorably flustered by what she was hearing from Coco, who continued speaking without hesitating in the slightest.
"Coco has been like this about Sandra for some time. I haven't seen her this invested in someone," Velvet stated, then found herself looking straight at Daniel and the others. "I was surprised to see you guys coming back as we were preparing to leave."
'So, where are you guys going?'
Hunter signed.
"Oh, there was this restaurant that Coco found online and made reservations for the day. So, we're planning on going out before heading to the restaurant."
"That's cool," Daniel stated, interested in what restaurant had Velvet that excited. "Well, just got back after seeing the preparations for the Vytal Festival. "By the way, I should warn you to know that you might run into a flamboyant Monkey Faunus named Sun Wukong."
"Well, that just sounds fun."
Fox pointed out, almost interested in meeting this 'flamboyant' Faunus.
"What can I say? I always mention anything fun wherever I can."
Daniel stated, holding out his hand in front of Fox, who returned the gesture and high-fived.
After that simple exchange, Team DUSK allowed Team CFVY to continue with their business, with the second year looking back at their underclassmen.
"Well, don't we have some interesting first-years this year? I honestly can't tell which one of them I like more."
Coco pointed out, something which the others could agree with.
"No doubt, there's one first-year, who skipped two grades after impressing the headmaster."
Yasutsuna stated, referring to Ruby.
"I quite like Team RWBY, JNPR, and DUSK. I never thought that I could've ever talked this well with people outside of this team."
"Yeah, those guys sure made one hell of a debut during the entrance exams. I mean, taking down a Nevermore, Death Stalker, and Behemoth on their first try as teammates isn't nothing to sneeze at."
Velvet and Coco seemed to have loved their team too.
"Well, among them, I think that Daniel there's more to him than being the leader and comic relief for his team."
Fox pointed out.
"You think so. I happen to often hear that Daniel is somehow involved in more things than an adult that last time our group was together."
Yasutsuna added.
"Well, that and there's the fact that he knew that I was blind. Most would think that I couldn't function or do much despite that. Not that I care, I often use that as a joke. But, then he waited for me to give a high five once, knowing that I could do it without trouble. It's kinda embarrassing to have been read by someone younger than you."
"Well, don't worry about that," Coco stated, smacking Fox on the butt without hesitation, surprising him; not that it wasn't a reoccurring thing. "The first-years tend to be a unique bunch. At least, that's what Professor Glynda told us before, right? So, let's not be late for our reservation."
At their leader's comment, the group found themselves following behind Coco onto the airship leading to Vale, all without questioning that.
Returning to the dorm room, Daniel found himself falling onto his bed, and stretched himself out, while staring at the top bunk. Same as him, the members of his team found themselves slouched on their beds, groaning, feeling a comfortable sensation from their beds.
"Ugh, we've been moving around Vale so much that we reached this point."
Alyssa stated, feeling as if she didn't want to move again.
"It might have something to do with the fact that we ran into that flamboyant Sun. I don't think that I've ever met a person that energetic in my life."
Sandra agreed, but for somewhat of a different reason.
"He wasn't bad. I just don't think that you're quite used to socializing with people like that yet."
"I'm better off with the flamboyant people that I know now. Adding someone else onto the list is tiring."
Sandra complained, almost as if she were playing a complaining child.
"You'll adapt to him too enough, Sandie," Alyssa teased using Coco's nickname for Sandra, but then complained as she felt something kicking her butt. "Ouch."
"Oops."
Sandra feigned apology, while using her Semblance to phase her foot through Alyssa's bed to kick her in the butt, but not that hard.
"Daniel, Sandie kicked me~"
Alyssa feigned innocent, sounding as if she were a child complaining to their dad.
"Girls, get along," Daniel played along, while crossing both hands underneath him, and heard a familiar snoring. "I think that Hunter fell asleep. Alyssa care to confirm?"
"Yep, he fell asleep. And as usual, he looks sooo cute when he's sleeping."
Alyssa, who slept on the top bunk, turned around to find that Hunter fell asleep, almost minutes after getting into bed. It was almost cute seeing how fast their Deer Faunus teammate sleeping with an almost innocent look right on his face. The members of Team DUSK often thought about taking photos of the sleeping Hunter, but then the three realized that it'd simply succeed in embarrassing him.
"Well, aside from watching Hunter as he sleeps. I do think that we should think about what to do for the battles at the Vytal Festival. It's going to be full of students from the three other academies and those from here too. I don't doubt that we've been getting better at fighting as a team," Sandra pointed, staring at the roof of her bunk bed. "I don't think that it'll be an easy task fighting against some of the upperclassmen who might enter the tournament too because it'll be their last chance to compete before graduating."
"Yeah, I can imagine that Coco and Team CFVY would be in the same situation, considering their group has been together longer than us. There's the fact that someone as reasonably strict as Professor Goodwitch favors them much more than most teams," Alyssa pointed out, then found herself almost sitting up. "There's also my asshole brother and Team MAJY. I don't doubt that they'll be entering the tournament too."
"There's also Daniel's cousins too. So, is there a potential counter against their Semblance? I mean, doesn't your entire family share the same Semblance."
"Well, you're not wrong. My cousins and I share, the same Semblance as our parents, who inherited Runes from our grandfather. But, it's a little bit different, at the same time," Daniel stated, leaning up in his bed, while holding a hand up, manifesting a total of 18 runes. "I explained that using Runes, we could summon a total of twenty-four, but the runes don't manifest at the same time. Also, the order in which they manifest is never the same as someone else. My uncle said that it's almost as if the runes manifest in response to personal growth, or self-discovery. But, the last rune is always the same, which is the most significant."
Daniel's explanation seemed to have caught Sandra's and Alyssa's attention.
"You know, I think this a lot. I thought that my Semblance was weird because despite having it since I was still a kid, I don't know how I phase through things. It just tends to happen," Sandra stated, not realizing the nature of her Semblance, Phasing despite learning to control and extend it. "But, yours just seems overly complex. Based on how you explained, you need to go through several steps to learn to use it. I mean, you said before that each rune has its meaning and effect, but rearranging them changes its meaning and effect."
"You're telling me. My mom once told us that our Runes has the potential to be one of the most versatile kinds of Semblances on Remnant, because of my grandfather. But, it's such a pain in the ass to learn and train. You need to know so much to simply use it at a basic level. And the process of arranging them has to reach the point of it almost being instinctive. Though, the results almost make it worth it," Daniel stated, reiterating that fact, as some runes were arranged in a specific order, which produced a small flame. "I can do things like this. But, even then, almost everyone in my family has their own Rune style. So, even if I use it in one way, my cousins use it in an entirely different way."
"Ah, I see. I can see that," Alyssa stated leaning onto her bed in thought. "But, I'm glad our Pendragon is a little bit less complicated. I can simply make myself stronger than I normally am."
"Well, you never know. A Huntress that I met in Mistral, who teaches at Haven once told me that a Semblance can evolve under numerous circumstances. Its sole limitation would be misunderstanding its nature and believing it cannot develop. And trust me, she is someone experienced in using her Aura and Semblance."
"Well, I guess that we're forced to take our leader's advice to heart."
Sandra stated sarcastically, wearing a casual smirk.
"Well, I'm glad that Sandie is taking my advice."
"Don't push it, Dani," Sandra countered, picking up her Scroll and going through the music selection. "Oh, I think a new song from this band is about to come out next week."
"It's so cute hearing her interest in music."
Alyssa whispered to herself so that Sandra wouldn't hear her.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Daniel heard his Scroll going off while wearing a smile on his face.
"Oh, I wonder who it is. Is it Team RWBY or JNPR," Daniel asked, before noticing the caller ID and looking surprised after reading it. "Alright, I'll be back."
"Oh, it is someone important? Weiss? Yang? Ruby?"
Alyssa, ever the extrovert wondered who the person on the other end of the line was.
"Hm, I wonder whoever could be calling the simple, but awesome Daniel Norden."
Daniel playfully wondered out loud, playing off Alyssa's question as their team leader walked outside of the room without giving a genuine response.
"Not gonna follow him?"
Sandra asked while going through the recent music update.
"Hm, I would. But, if Daniel does something like that, then it's gotta be private."
Alyssa replied, showing an understanding look, despite being interested in the call.
"Even though we've been a team for some time, there are still some things that we don't know about Daniel. Well, I mean, we know pretty much about the things that he's comfortable with sharing, even the fact that someone tried to kill him. But, there's something serious that he hasn't told us."
"Yeah, I can tell. But, I doubt that Daniel is the kind of person who hides something without a reason."
Clap!
Alyssa and Sandra looked surprised to hear a clapping sound, then turned to find that Hunter woke up and sat up straight in his bed.
"Oh, Hunter, you're up. Were you listening in?"
'Yes, I was kinda awake for three minutes.'
"And you didn't respond earlier, because…?"
Sandra asked, moving so that she could look at Hunter.
'I wanted to catch Alyssa trying to take a photo of me asleep.'
Hunter signed, causing Alyssa to gasp.
"How mean. Am I the kind of person who would do such a thing to our shy teammate," Alyssa asked, wearing her faux innocent face. She then received a look from Hunter and Sandra who phased through her just to stare at her partner. "I might've thought about going along with it, about one minutes ago."
Hearing that response, Hunter and Sandra chuckled about Alyssa's honest response.
During that, Daniel found himself sitting on the dorm's roof, making a perimeter of runes meant to soundproof that particular area. Seeing as things were completed, he answered the phone, having received the usual initial call.
"What's up, Doc?"
Daniel asked jokingly while answering the call.
[Hahaha, I haven't heard that joke in a while. You never change.]
"Well, why change anything when my personality and sense of humor are just so fitting for me," Daniel replied in a friendly tone while beginning to walk around. "My sarcasm and jokes attract so much attention from the people that I've ever met before."
[Well, correct me if I'm wrong. You're sense of humor towards most people often ends with them wanting to fight or attack you. A lot of them happened here in Mantle. And I can only imagine Mistral.]
"Well, it still gets reactions nonetheless," Daniel stated, not minding that comment while continuing to talk to the "Doc" on the other end of the line. "So, what does one of the greatest men and minds on Remnant want with the one-time protegee he took under his wing."
[Ah, I've missed sharing a conversation with that young man, who'd often help me around my shop. I recall all the times that you'd suggest some new invention. I know that you are likely preoccupied with things, but…I might be a bit overly worried here. I just wanted to inform you that my daughter has arrived in Vale.]
"Is that so?"
Daniel asked, surprised about that comment and aware of it.
[I know that it might be asking a bit much from someone with enough on their hands. But, Penny doesn't have any experience in the real world and she wants nothing more than to make friends.]
"Well, it seems as if someone forgets our promise. I said that I'd be her friend."
[Ah, I know, I know. I'm sorry, I just can't help being worried.]
"That's fine, Doc. No matter what anyone else says in Atlas, you're a proud father."
[Hah, thanks for that. And thank you, Daniel.]
"Nah, Doc, you're one of the people that I have to thank most of all."
Daniel stated, wearing a genuine smile on his face while speaking to the man who was Penny's father.
Finishing that conversation, Daniel hung up the phone and removed the soundproof barrier that he created so his conversation wouldn't be revealed to others.
"Well, this is getting a little more interesting. First, I meet a stowaway Faunus that abandoned his teammates to come to Vale ahead of them. And now my old teacher's daughter has arrived too," Daniel said, wearing a smile. "I wonder what else is going to happen today?"
Seeing as things from that end finished, Daniel found himself walking back inside the dorm room, thinking over the phone call that he received from the scientist who acted as a mentor and confidant. Deciding to return to the dorm room, Daniel was heading in the direction of his dorm room. Amid that, he looked to find someone running at full speed toward him.
"Eh," Running at him at full speed was Blake, who seemed to be panicked about something. "Blake? Hey, Blake did something happen?"
"…."
Blake looked to have been contemplating whether or not to stop, slowing down but then continued running at full speed to wherever she was heading. Not knowing what happened and noticing Blake's distress, because of all the signals she was giving out, Daniel decided to follow.
"Blake, I know you can hear me. Did something happen? I know this wasn't a causal argument between friends," Daniel said, continuing to run after Blake, then propelled forward in a sudden burst of speed which allowed him to catch up to her. He reached his hand out in an attempt to grab onto her wrist. "Come on, Blake talk to me here."
"…."
For a second, Blake turned around to look at Daniel with a sad, almost confused look, surprising him. It wasn't all that long until she used her Semblance to escape from Daniel's grasp, leaving behind a shadow. He then looked to find that Blake vanished, seeming to have propelled herself forward by activating Shadow.
"Jeez, what happened this time?"
Daniel scratched the back of his head in thought about what happened in Team RWBY's room. He hasn't seen the team the until this time around, because the group headed out first.
"BLAAAAAKE…."
"Huh, is that?"
Daniel turned his head to find a familiar person heading straight toward him without stopping while producing a cluster of rose petals.
"Oh no."
Daniel looked worried as he was tackled to the ground, causing him to fall into his back, and was planted onto the ground with his arms spread out. Ruby, who began rubbing her head, having run headfirst into Daniel's abdomen, found herself straddling him.
"Oh, Daniel! I'm so sorry!"
Ruby apologized realizing that she'd run into Daniel.
"You know…if I was someone else…that might've hurt…more."
Daniel groaned, almost sounding winded.
"Daniel, are you alright?"
"…."
Ruby looked down as Daniel was attempting to recover from that headlong charge straight into his abdomen.
"Um, so, mind explaining, Rubes?"
Ruby, who hadn't gotten off of Daniel turned around to find Yang and Weiss standing beside her wearing a look of confusion.
"I ran into Daniel."
"Well, I can see that. But, dear little sister, you might be curious about love, but that doesn't mean you have to be so bold in the middle of the hallway."
"Eh?"
Ruby innocently asked, not realizing the issue with straddling Daniel in this position.
"Ruby, please get off of Daniel."
Weiss stated, not in the mood for their usual back and forth.
"So, Dani, care to explain."
"…Blake ran off. …Ruby crashed into me…full speed…head first. …no aura."
"Ouch."
Yang stated, not wanting to know the feeling of being crashed into by a speed-type Semblance user at high-speed without aura protecting you, while theirs is engaged.
After Daniel engaged Aura, it worked on healing whatever damage was done, then he stood back up while letting a breath escape from his mouth.
"Ouch, I felt as if I got hit by a Cannonball."
"Hey, that's not very, huh…," Ruby paused a bit, then thought about that name wearing a curious look. "That could make a cool team name. Thanks, Daniel."
"You're welcome. I'm so glad that I could contribute to that," Daniel joked, rubbing his abdomen, where he just got hit and breathed. "Alright, what happened with Blake?"
"…."
"…."
"…."
Daniel looked on as Ruby, Weiss, and Yang remained silent while looking awkwardly. It didn't take all that long for him to realize that something serious happened. He could tell that Ruby and Yang didn't know what to think about whatever happened. And then he turned his attention over towards Weiss, who'd looked the most apprehensive of the entire situation. Daniel could tell that she was fidgeting about, almost caught in thought about whatever had happened between them and Blake.
"Well, what the hell," Daniel uttered under his breath while scratching his head. Based on his understanding, their reactions could mean one thing. "You know guys, there's nothing all that wrong with Blake being a Faunus."
"It's not the fact that Blake…is…a…Faunus."
Weiss started, then her mind started catching up with what Daniel said.
She wasn't alone as Ruby and Yang stared at Daniel wearing a surprised and confused expression on their face at the fact that he just said that.
"You knew?"
Ruby looked surprised at the fact that Daniel knew that.
"How did you find out?"
Yang asked, looking at Daniel.
"No, the better question is when did you find out?"
Weiss asked, crossing her arms and looking forward.
"Well, does that matter in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't it matter that more that we find…."
""Yang.""
As Daniel was trying to escape from the situation, Ruby and Weiss called out to Yang, who started to approach him with a fierce look.
"No, no 'Yang'. Stop resorting to Yang whenever…."
"Come on, Dani~ Let's have a talk~"
"Don't talk to me in that tone, Yang. Because it makes me…worried," As Daniel was preparing to run off, and then he felt something stopping him from moving, which was revealed to be one of Weiss' glyphs. "Come on, is all this necessary? I know Blake might be gone at this point, knowing how fast she can move around. "
[Yes!]
Ruby, Weiss, and Yang answered, then the blonde-haired brawler got Daniel into another grapple. Yet again, this is something that caused her breasts to be pressed against his back.
"Come on, is there a need for this?! Why am I always caught in these situations?!"
Daniel asked, feeling almost panicked.
"Just answer the question, Daniel."
"How long did you know?"
Ruby and Weiss asked, both of them seeming to preparing to tickle torture him.
"Can I plead the fifth?"
"You have no rights here, Dani."
Yang stated.
"Am I back in Mistral again?"
"You're stalling."
Weiss replied.
"But, no answer I give will make the situation better," Daniel replied, not wanting to answer that question, but then looked to find Ruby and Weiss staring at him. He'd glanced over to the side, looking almost nervous to give them an answer. "I might've known the first night we met, but it's not like she told me. I found out."
"…."
"…."
Ruby and Weiss stared at Daniel with a blank look. He couldn't see Yang's expression, but he could guess the kind of expression she was making; however, that must not be the most rational one either.
"Ruby."
"Yes."
Weiss and Ruby seemed to have come to some agreement.
"I know those looks, but there's no need to resort to…."
""Tickle Torture.""
"Oh gods, what did I do to deserve this?!"
Daniel asked, being tickled by Ruby and Weiss, while Yang continued holding him down so that he couldn't get out of this situation. He kept thinking about what would happen with Blake, who was running off. But, because it was simply her being a Faunus, then it made no sense that she'd run off like that.
"Hahahahahaha! Come on, please at least hear me out?!"
"Go for the sides. Those have to be a weakness!"
Ruby stated while she and Weiss continued tickling him.
"Hahahaha! W-Why has this become a thing?!"
Daniel asked while he was receiving the tickle torture from Ruby and Weiss.
"Well, well, Dani sure is a lucky boy. You're getting attention from three women."
Yang teased.
"Why am I the main focus here?! Hahahaha, I'm being unfairly abused!"
As Daniel continued to endure the tickle torture while laughing uncontrollably.
"Hmm, think of this as stress relief. So, please contribute to the cause."
Yang stated jokingly in Daniel's ears.
Meanwhile, Blake found herself in an odd predicament, which made her rethink the reason that she came to this school in the first place. Aside from being a Faunus, she was a member of the White Fang, from a young age she fought for equal rights and her father was the former High Leader. Even after turning into a more radical group, it held a special place in her heart. So, Blake fought and even stole from time to time to survive and fought so that the Faunus could become equal. However, she realized that it'd be impossible for the White Fang's current status.
To make things right, she decided to become a Huntress to do the right thing and fight to defend the people who needed it. All while hiding the fact that she was a Faunus, and pretending to be Human. But, in the argument which was between herself and Weiss, she not only revealed herself to be a Faunus but a member of the White Fang.
"It's not as if I can't see things from Weiss' perspective, but…hearing her talk about the White Fang and a Faunus like that made it hard to not get mad. And I ran before anything else," Blake was caught in her thoughts, while she continued looking forward unable to think. "I ran from Daniel too. Huh, I wonder what he would think if he knew I was part of the White Fang."
"So, where do you plan on going? I can tell that whatever happened between you and your team was serious."
Blake wasn't alone right now, as she walked alongside, or the same Monkey Faunus her group ran into ended up becoming an unwitting partner. Neither of them was in Beacon Academy right now, having taken the final airship for the night. It meant that the members of her team or friends would be following her for now, something which Blake needed right now.
"You know, I ended up getting this sweet deal for a room here in Vale. I'm an earlier arrival, so that means that the rooms at Beacon Academy shouldn't be ready for us," Sun said, moving around, while Blake continued walking straight and didn't utter a single word. "It has a bed, but I don't mind sleeping on the couch. I guy shouldn't let the lady sleep on the couch, right?"
"…."
Again, Sun didn't get a single response from Blake, but that didn't stop him from talking. During this, Blake kept on thinking about what she would be doing right about now. No matter who she was, it didn't cross her mind that her friends would sell her out, more so without an explanation. At the same time, Blake couldn't yet return to their room without something. But, she wasn't aware of what that thing was.
A/N: Well, this is the end of the next chapter of RWBY – Team DUSK, it has been a long time since I last updated this one. But, I got to it and moved to the next step of the canon. I have been doing the last couple of chapters to build up the relationships more. I said before that it's been hard measuring the passing of time in RWBY, but I like to think that I've been doing a good job thus far. Plus, nonetheless, I feel as if I have to move things along since a lot of stuff that happens in Team DUSK requires me to. But, I still do have a lot of original chapters planned down the line too. Since that little explanation is done, let's get to this chapter.
At the beginning of the chapter, it seems as if a mysterious masked figure encountered the White Fang, who, in turn, called said figure, The Wolf. The Wolf fought off the White Fang, who was stealing Dust while inquiring about their plans and the location of their leader in Vale.
During the preparations for the Vytal Festival, I introduced two of my favorite characters outside of the main characters. Hailing from Haven Academy, the happy-to-go-lucky Faunus, Sun Wukong, making his usual debut. Coming from Atlas Academy, Penny Polendina, one of the most adorable Andriod in media. Just letting you know, I love characters who despite being machines, but who're more Human than that actual Humans. And it seems as if Penny is aware of Daniel.
Team DUSK ended up meeting Sun, who was still being pursued by the detectives, and received aid from Sandra using her Semblance. Of course, the group hits it off with Sun, even though Daniel did end up tossing him after he leaped off his head. Although, I don't think that Sandra can deal with Daniel and Sun in the same place at the same time. Moments after returning to their dorm room, Daniel receives a call from Penny's dad, who he affectionately called "Doc". I'm sure most remember Pietro runs a shop in Mantle, and Daniel often spends most of his time in Mantle compared to Atlas.
I should note that Daniel quoted the infamous catchphrase of Bugs Bunny.
Well, the chapter ends up with the situation with Blake coming out and Team RWBY giving Daniel the usual tickle torture in an attempt to relieve stress. And Blake thinks about the decision she made while walking alongside the unlikely friend/ally, Sun Wukong.