Disclaimer: I do not own the blazblue franchise or the RWBY franchise they belong to their respective owners
(A/N) First I would like to announce that this story has its own TV tropes page. I would like to thank both UltimateDemonBeast65 and ssjSega for setting up the TV tropes page and adding content to it. If there's anyone who wants to add content to the TV tropes page such as tropes, awesome moments, tearjerker moments, heartwarming moments, or funny moments you are welcomed to do so. If there is a trope you want to add but not too sure about adding it. then PM me and I will clear up the confusion about the trope as best as I can.
Second allow me to explain how I'm handling Blake in this story. Because looking at the previous chapters and the TV tropes page. There might be a misunderstanding about Blake that I want to prevent. Let me make it clear that I DON'T HATE BLAKE. The reason I've written her the way I did was because in the main canon, it is very rarely that people call out Blake for the actions she has done as well as the flaws in her long-term plans. For example keeping secrets, feeling strongly about the Faunus and White Fang while doing nothing to defend Velvet, and defending the White Fang's actions knowing that they have killed people. It is fully understandable that she would leave because they became extremists. But it is rare that people call out Blake for always running and keeping secrets.
The main intent was for her to be defensive about the Faunus and her secrets but I wanted her to be better over the course of the story. I've also noticed that RWBY volume 2 and 4 is when Blake is at her worst especially with how she treats Sun in Volume 4. I want to get the negative traits out of the way early so she can develop better and faster. As for the reason she blamed things going wrong with the investigation because there were too many people. She said it mostly out of guilt, because the investigation was for the most part her idea and they wouldn't have been in that situation in the first place if it wasn't for her. It was briefly mentioned in the Aftermath Chapter and in a future chapter, there will be more details regarding her guilt. I also didn't intend for Blake to be seen as a racist towards humans. In the future, I will be more careful with how I handle Blake in this story.
Chapter 34 Debriefing
(Ozpin's Office)
Professor Ozpin is currently dealing with a headache at this current moment. The reason for the headache is because of two events. One that happened the night before and the current shouting match between Glynda Goodwitch and James Ironwood. When Ozpin has learned of the intruder in the CCT tower, he has a good deal of suspicion of what the person is after. Though the details of what the intruder was doing in the CCT tower is a mystery. One thing is clear and it is that the threat is here and is taking actions.
"The threat is here, it can't be more obvious! We need to start taking aggressive actions before it gets too late!" General Ironwood yelled voicing his thoughts on recent events
"You made that statement clear James. As you have done for the previous few hours." Professor Goodwitch said in tone of sarcasm
"You know, now what are we going to do about it? Or are you content with waiting for a chance to react?" General Ironwood said before the elevator doors opened up. After the elevator doors opened, Ragna and Ruby entered the office.
"Sorry we're late, but all of the buttons were accidentally pressed." Ruby told the three near Professor Ozpin's desk (oblivious to Ragna pointing at her)
"It wasn't me." Ruby said denying possible blame (While Ragna was still pointing at her)
"Thank you for coming Ruby and Ragna. Now how are the both of you feeling?" Professor Ozpin asked in a concerned and kind tone
"I'm doing OK I guess, though I'd feel a lot better if I was able to arrive in time to help Ragna catch that woman." Ruby told Ozpin before she chuckled nervously
"I'm just irritated that she got away." Ragna said while thinking about the faces he saw when he absorbed the intruder's aura. While Ragna was in thought, General Ironwood started to approach the two. While the General was coming, Ragna was on guard because he remembers Rachel's warning about the Murakomo Labs and the fact that the General as well as the Headmaster might be hiding something.
"Ragna, Ruby, the both of you have done a task that is worthy of a Huntsman and Huntress. The both of you saw a threat and took immediate action. It's that type of initiative that makes me confident in the next generation of protectors." General Ironwood said praising Ruby and Ragna
"Like how your confident in the capabilities of your army to bring it here. Makes me wonder what we could be expecting if your have to bring an army to Beacon." Ragna told General Ironwood in a bold tone (ignoring the disapproving gaze of Professor Goodwitch)
"Hahahaha I see that your concerned about the state of the Kingdoms. But I can assure you, bringing my soldiers is a necessary precaution. After all, the Vytal Festival is an important time and I want to make sure that all manners of security measures are taken." General Ironwood told Ragna
"Yet an intruder was still able to . . . ." Ragna said before Ruby covered his mouth
"I think that Ragna is still taking it hard that the intruder got away." Ruby said while stopping Ragna from angering the General
"It's no problem Ruby, but I can assure you two. We are doing everything we can to protect the citizens of Vale and the students. I know that the arrival of my army can give off the wrong impression. But trust me, Vale deserves the best protection they can get from me." General Ironwood said
"General Ironwood has informed us of the events that occurred last night. Since the both of you saw the intruder. We were hoping that either of you might be able to recall something that might help us learn something." Professor Ozpin told Ruby and Ragna
"When I fought her I saw that she used some fire dust. I was able to overpower her for a bit. But when Ruby came, she blasted a fireball at Ruby and I blocked it with my sword." Ragna briefly explained while leaving out certain details
"After Ragna blocked the fireball, she used a flash bomb to block our sights and she escaped." Ruby told the three confirming Ragna's story
"That sounds like the same person I fought on the night I met Ruby." Professor Goodwitch said
"Hey Ruby, would you care to elaborate?" Ragna asked Ruby in a low tone
"On the night I stopped Torchwick's goons from robbing a dust store. I met Professor Goodwitch, and she helped me. When Roman was getting away, a strange woman came along and used her abilities to hold off the Professor." Ruby briefly explained to Ragna
"This can't be a coincidence, now I know that there is a lot more to this. The Headmaster knows something, I can't explain or prove it. But a connection exists somewhere and I know the first place to look." Ragna thought to himself
"Do you think that there's a connection to Torchwick and the White Fang?" Ruby asked
"We don't have any evidence to confirm a connection of any kind. But I do admit that it is possible." The Headmaster said in a thoughtful tone
"Then you guys probably have an idea of some kind as to why the intruder came here?" Ragna asked in an observant tone
"There could be any number of reasons as to why the intruder came here." Professor Ozpin said in a tone that is a mix of observant and defensive after hearing Ragna's question
"Wait, Ragna tell her what she said about the Southeast area of Vale." Ruby said in a demanding tone to Ragna. After seeing the hidden message in Ruby's eyes, Ragna decided to go along with it and sees where it goes
"Oh yeah that's right, the intruder said something about the Southeast area of Vale. I told Ruby about it on our way here. I didn't put too much thought into it which is why I didn't mention it. But looking back on it, I think that it has some kind significance." Ragna told the the three people hoping they wouldn't catch him in the lie
"Ragna, in the future please make sure to mention every detail that you can think of. Any kind of information no matter how small or trivial could hold a great deal of importance." Professor Goodwitch told Ragna
"I'll make sure that I remember better next time." Ragna said before giving a quick glance at Ruby
"Thank you both for your cooperation on this matter. Now why don't you both go and spend time with your friends and teammates. Also please try to bear some discretion on this matter." Professor Ozpin told Ruby and Ragna before they decided to leave
(A few minutes later in the Hallway)
"So Ruby, why did you want me to mention the Southeast area of Vale?" Ragna asked in a curious tone
"Well I picked up on a tip that there's something going on in the Southeast area of Vale. I figured that they should know about it. Thanks for catching on quickly." Ruby said in a grateful tone
(Ozpin's Office)
"I've received several reports of some strange activities within the Southeast area of Vale. There's been a small number of White Fang members spotted near the area as well as the Abnormal Grimm. We send as many troops as we can and end this once and for all." General Ironwood said voicing his idea
"Why must your answer to everything be a careless display of military bravado. You treat it as nothing more than a measure of di . . ." Professor Goodwitch was saying
"GLYNDA!" Professor Ozpin said cutting her off
"Well he does." Professor Goodwitch said
"Glynda does have a point James, I would love to end this once and for all. But the fact of the matter is that we don't know the bigger picture to the enemy's plan. For all we know, we could be playing right into their hands and I don't want to take careless actions unless we know for certain." Professor Ozpin told the General
"I've served you faithfully for years. But if your telling me to hold the defenses until an opportunity to attack comes. Then I honestly feel that it will be nothing more than a waste of time." General Ironwood said in a grim tone
"It is not James, but please remember that we can't approach this carelessly. Remember, if the enemy was bold enough to take action despite you bringing your army to Vale. Then what does that say about the strength the enemy possesses. Or did not put too much thought into how Azrael was able escape?" Professor Ozpin told General Ironwood
"I'm still looking into that Ozpin. It took the coordination of Atlus and Sector Seven, as well as a good number of Huntsman, Huntresses, and soldiers just for us be able to imprison him. I was there that day and I still remember all those deaths and his brutality. Kokonoe even told me that at the time, he was at around 25% of his full strength. Ozpin threats such as that must not be given the chance to act again." General Ironwood told Professor Ozpin
"You're a General James, so when you prepare for war who do you send first? The Flag bearers or the scouts?" Professor Ozpin asked the General
(Southeast area of Vale)
Roman is currently in the Hideout waiting for the next order from either Hazama or Cinder. Roman has calmed down ever since that fiasco a few weeks ago and for the most part everything has gone back to normal. When Hazama told Roman the plan, Roman had to admit that it was bold as it was impressive. Hazama even explained further that if the plan succeeds, it will make his string of jobs in the future a lot easier. But if it fails, Roman would be spared the backlash from Cinder. Roman saw it as a win-win situation and agreed to it while also agreeing to not tell Cinder anything to prevent her from potentially overacting. As Roman was planning his next move while Neo was standing nearby, his Scroll started to ring and Roman answered it.
"Hello?" Roman answered
"I've gotten an update on that plan I talked to you about. Soon you'll be treated to some guests thanks to a little info I leaked. Are things prepared on your end?" Hazama asked over the call
"Things are ready, right now we're just staying put like you suggested." Roman told Hazama
"Excellent, now you just need to wait and play your part perfectly. I know it's a lot to ask considering what those kids put you through. But the payoff from this will be worth it." Hazama told Roman in a satisfied tone
"I have to admit, when I first met you I thought you was just a glorified researcher who's working for the Atlus Military. But your very sneaky, deceptive, manipulative, and secretive, I could learn a lot from you." Roman said giving Hazama a good deal of praise
"Trust me Roman, if you knew at least half of what I was capable of. Then you'll know that I'm holding back a lot. Cinder shows promise but also arrogance, which is why I'm going through with this plan. It'll teach her a lesson in humility and get things moving along the way it's supposed to be. If she has a problem with it, then she should take it up with me." Hazama told Roman over the Scroll
"Then it'll make the climax more interesting to watch." Roman told Hazama maintaining his impressed tone
(Team RWBY's Dorm Room)
After Ruby parted ways with Ragna, she immediately went straight for her team's dorm room. After she entered the room, she brought her teammates up to date about everything that happened during the meeting. She even went as far as to tell them about Ozpin's suspicions about a connection existing between the intruder, Roman, and the White Fang. Ruby's teammates listened to each detail intensely, and after hearing what happened they were in a brief thought with what happened.
"That was cutting it close Ruby. It's a good thing that Ragna caught on and Professor Ozpin, Professor Goodwitch, and General Ironwood didn't catch on to the slip-up." Weiss told Ruby
"Considering the circumstances, I think Ruby and Ragna did great." Blake said before she ended up in deep thought about something before speaking further
"Everyone, there's something I have to tell you all." Blake said getting everyone's attention
"I've done some thinking recently and I realized that for the past few weeks I've been hard to deal with." Blake told her team
"Blake, you had a lot on your mind and you were dealing with a lot of stuff. I know that it wasn't easy, but I'm glad that you trusted us to try to help you." Yang told Blake in a comforting tone
"But that's not supposed to excuse how I've been acting. When I blamed the investigation going wrong because we had too many people with us. At the time I honestly felt guilty and I realized something. What I realized is that I was just trying to run away from the guilt I have at not being able to do anything regarding the White Fang. I'm really sorry with how I acted and I'm going to work on getting better. I still want to do something with the White Fang, but I won't let it consume me again." Blake told her teammates in a tone with resolve
"It's fine Blake, just don't forget that you're a valued member of team RWBY and an important friend to us. So if you ever need help with something, don't hesitate to let us know. Because we'll help you no matter what." Yang told Blake in a kind and reassuring tone
"This is heartwarming, we should have a huge team hug." Ruby said with enthusiasm
"NO!" Blake and Weiss said at the same time
"But why, this is the perfect time for it?" Ruby asked in a disappointed tone
"Group hugs are too cliché, like in all those feel good shows." Blake answered
"I also don't do them because they look awkward and weird." Weiss answered agreeing with Blake
"Which makes them all the more memorable." Yang said before she pulled Weiss and Blake into a hug with Ruby joining in. Though Weiss and Blake were reluctant initially, they eventually gave and internally admitted that the group hug felt nice. After team RWBY hugged for a for seconds, Yang had a thought of a realization before letting everyone go
"I almost forgot, Dad sent us a package and I thought it would be fun if we opened it together." Yang said as she was getting to the mailed package
"Oooh something from home, gimme gimme gimme." Ruby said in an excited tone before she used her semblance to quickly run towards Yang to get the package (Only for Yang to stop her from going further). When Yang opened the package black blob fell out of the package. When the black blob fell, it formed into a small black and white dog. When team RWBY saw the dog each of them had a varied reaction
"ZWEI!" Ruby said in a tone of excitement
"He sent a dog?" Blake asked Ruby and Yang
"Through the mail?" Weiss asked as well
"Oh he does stuff like this all the time." Yang briefly answered Weiss
"Your father or the dog?" Blake asked while keeping a moderate distance from Zwei. As Weiss and Blake was looking at Zwei, while Ruby was playing with him. Yang saw a letter and proceeded to read it to her team.
"Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days. So I'm sending Zwei for you to take care of. Enclosed is all the food you should need. Love you both, Taiyang." Yang read to her teams. When Yang held the box that Zwei came in upside down. A large amount of dog food poured out.
"You mean this dog is going to wive with wus forevah oh yes he is, yes he is." Weiss said in a cutesy tone
"Please keep it away from my things." Blake said as she was keeping distance on her bed
"We won't have to register for our field mission until tomorrow. So we can spend the day having a lot of fun with wonderful Zwei." Ruby said in an excited tone while spinning with Zwei
(Beacon Library)
When Pyrrha woke up in her dorm room. She noticed that Jaune wasn't in the room and tried to call his Scroll but there was no answer. The events of last night is still fresh on Pyrrha's mind and she decided to spend some time studying alone in the library. Seeing Jaune and Noel kiss each other, has hurt her but she couldn't bring herself to think ill of Noel. The reason is that Pyrrha has feelings for Jaune as well since the beginning, but was too shy and nervous to act on it. Pyrrha also quickly noticed that Noel started to have feelings for Jaune as well. But quickly saw that Noel was taking the initiative in trying to develop things further. Though Pyrrha is slightly hurt by the development, she sees that in hindsight she should have acted sooner than Noel did.
"I should have acted sooner, if I had then maybe I would have. . ." Pyrrha thought before she quickly regained focus on her studies. After Pyrrha proceeded to continue reading the book. She noticed that someone was pushing her book down with a finger. When Pyrrha looked to see who it was. She saw that it was Makoto with a sneaky grin on her face
"Makoto, is everything OK?" Pyrrha asked in a concerned tone
"Well to be honest, there are a few things wrong." Makoto answered
"I'm sorry to hear that, is there something I can help you with?" Pyrrha asked in a concerned tone
"Why yes there is actually, but I need you to come with me. This is something I would rather for us to do in private." Makoto told Pyrrha
"Um OK." Pyrrha responded in a confused tone before she left with Makoto
"By the way, have you seen either Noel or Jaune? I haven't seen them since last night and I'm a bit worried." Pyrrha asked Makoto
"Noel came back last night and was sleeping soundly before I left. Don't know what happened with Jaune though, he might have lost his key again." Makoto answered as the two of them were leaving
(Beacon Rooftop)
It didn't take both Makoto and Pyrrha long to get to the Rooftop. This location holds significance for Pyrrha. Since it is the place where her and Jaune train together and where Jaune told Pyrrha the truth of his transcripts. Pyrrha was slightly surprised that Makoto chose this location. But didn't think too much on it since it's open to the students of Beacon.
"This spot is pretty good for us, it's nice, relaxing, and secluded. So nobody will be able to interrupt us as long as we don't draw attention to ourselves." Makoto told Pyrrha while looking onto Vale with a gentle breeze on her face
"Makoto, is there something bothering you? Because I get the feeling that there is something important on your mind." Pyrrha asked in a concerned tone
"Pyrrha, I know what you saw at the dance last night. Looking back on it, I don't think that Jaune and Noel know that you saw them. Also now that I think about it, you have feelings for Jaune. So I have to ask, are you angry at Noel?" Makoto asked Pyrrha in a concerned tone
"Well to be honest, I am a bit sad about what happened, but I can't be mad at Noel or Jaune. Because the more I think about it, the more I realize that Noel has been active in trying to be with Jaune. I was as well, but I just didn't have the initiative that she did." Pyrrha answered Makoto
"Well, Noellers didn't have that initiative either. To be honest I pretty much had to push her to go for what her heart wants. So if your going to be mad at someone, then be mad at me and don't take it out on Noel." Makoto told Pyrrha in a bold tone
"Makoto if you called me here to tell me not to be angry with Noel. Then I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. Despite what happened, I still consider you and Noel to be good friends to me. As for Jaune, he is still very important to me. I know that he is with Noel now, but I don't want to stop caring for him. His happiness is the only thing that matters and I will be there for him no matter what. Besides Noel is more preferable than the other girl he wanted to ask out." Pyrrha said while thinking of Weiss
"That's good, also there's another reason I brought you out here. The other reason I brought you out here is to tell you that I know exactly how you feel." Makoto told Pyrrha while looking out into Vale
"You do?" Pyrrha asked before Makoto spoke further
"Yes, I see that we are very similar when it comes to our feelings. Especially when it comes to the traits of the people we like. You and I like blondes and the person we both like has a really nice personality. It's obvious that you like Jaune, as for me I like . . . . . Noel. I like Noel like how you like Jaune." Makoto told Pyrrha in a calm tone
"Oh . . . . OH! I see, you really like Noel huh?" Pyrrha said surprised at the realization about Makoto
"Yep and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone. I get enough problems about me being a Faunus. But if the wrong kind of people know that I prefer to be romantically involved with people of my own gender. Then it'll make my school days and the school days of people I care about a living nightmare. Besides, it would be very awkward for Noel knowing how I feel about her." Makoto told Pyrrha
"I see, well thank you for trusting me with something so personal Makoto. You have my word, I won't tell anyone." Pyrrha told Makoto in a comforting tone
"I'm not finished, you see I know that I can't be with Noel the way I want. However, I've learned a long time ago that I can be with her the way she needs. If I can't be with her as a lover. Then I know that I can be there with her as her best friend who will always have her back. In hindsight, you still have a chance if things don't work out between those two. As a matter of fact, my semblance is a reflection of my epiphany regarding my feelings towards Noel." Makoto told Pyrrha
"What do you mean by that?" Pyrrha asked
"Most people who've seen me fight knows that super strength is my semblance. What they don't know is that there is a side ability to it. If someone I care about is in my thoughts, then it increases my super strength and strengthens my aura. The true name I gave my semblance is Focus Bond. So I want you to know that I understand how you feel and if you want to talk about it. Or just complain how there aren't many good people around, then let me know. Besides, Noel's happiness is also important to me, and even though Jaune can be a clumsy, oblivious, goofball, I know that he'll do good by her." Makoto explained to Pyrrha
"I understand, thank you Makoto. I really appreciate the advice and the trust you have in me." Pyrrha told Makoto in a grateful tone. After a few seconds, Pyrrha's scroll had ringed and when Pyrrha looked at it, she saw that it was Jaune. Pyrrha quickly answered ithe call hoping that Jaune is alright.
"Jaune, are you alright? You didn't come back into the dorm last night and I got worried." Pyrrha told Jaune
"I'm fine Pyrrha, its just that I lost my key and I spent last night looking for it. I found it and I had just got cleaned up after changing my clothes." Jaune told Pyrrha over the Scroll
"You lost your key?" Pyrrha asked in a slightly surprised tone that is also relief
"Told you." Makoto quickly said in a teasing tone
"By the way, can I talk to you when you get the chance. I have to find Makoto because I want to talk to her as well." Jaune told Pyrrha over the Scroll
"I ran into Makoto a little earlier and we're together right now. We'll meet you in our dorm room soon." Pyrrha told Jaune over the Scroll
"Great, thank you Pyrrha." Jaune said before he hung up
"He sounded nervous, I hope everything is OK." Pyrrha said in a concerned tone
"Well we know he's safe, so that's something. We'll find out more when we get to the dorm room." Makoto told Pyrrha before they left together
(Team JNPR's Dorm Room)
"Hey ladies, so how are the both of you doing today?" Jaune asked in a very nervous tone
"Jaune, are you alright? You seem to be very nervous about something." Pyrrha asked Jaune
"Wha . . . . I'm not nervous Pyrrha, what gave you that idea?" Jaune asked only to realize that it was a bad idea
"Your sweating a lot despite it being a little nippy in here." Makoto told Jaune
"Your legs are constantly shaking as if your afraid of something." Pyrrha told Jaune
"You keep taking a lot of breaths like you've done something that your scared about." Makoto answered as well
"Do we really need to go on?" Pyrrha and Makoto told Jaune in a unison
"Alright, alright I get it. It's just that I'm about to ask something and I don't know how to do it." Jaune told the two girls
"Jaune, whatever it is you can trust us. Just know that I will always help the best way I can." Pyrrha told Jaune in a reassuring tone
"Well . . . . OK here it is. You see, me and Noel talked last night and we decided to go out with each other." Jaune told Pyrrha and Makoto
"I see, well that's great for you two." Pyrrha said trying to be optimistic
"I agree, I can't explain it but you two seem great for each other." Makoto told Jaune
"Well that's the thing, you see I don't have any experience with relationships and to be honest I don't want to screw it up. So I figured that since you've always been great with helping me Pyrrha, and that your Noel's best friend Makoto. I was hoping that you two can help me out with this. I want to do the best I can for her and honesty can take me so far. So could you two help me make sure I don't screw this up?" Jaune asked Pyrrha and Makoto in a pleading tone. After Jaune asked, Pyrrha calmly stood up after taking a quick look at Jaune. When she got closer to Jaune, Pyrrha gently put her hand on his shoulders and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Sure Jaune, I'll be happy to help you out with Noel. I'm confident that you'll be able to make her happy. But I don't mind supporting you." Pyrrha told Jaune while giving him a reassuring smile
"Yeah, that goes double for me." Makoto said in an enthusiastic tone
"Thank you, I really appreciate this. Well, I have to get going, I didn't get a chance to eat and I'm starving." Jaune said before he left the dorm room
"You know, I'm glad for those two. But . . . ." Makoto said causing Pyrrha to look towards her. When Pyrrha looked at her, she saw some tears running down Makoto's face
"I was telling the truth when I said I made peace with the fact that I can't be with her the way I want. But it doesn't change the fact that it still hurts. So close and yet so far huh?" Makoto said while doing her best to hold back her tears
"You know Makoto, if you want to talk. I'm willing to lend you my support as well." Pyrrha said in a kind and reassuring tone
"Thank you Pyrrha, I appreciate this." Makoto responded in a grateful tone
(Beacon Hallway)
After the meeting with the Headmaster, Ragna decided to think of a plan to confirm the suspicions that he has. When Ragna absorbed the aura of the intruder, he saw a brief image from their minds. From that image are the silhouettes of three people and the images have been bothering Ragna for a while. When Ragna thought harder about the images, one of them has what looks like an eyepatch, while the other two have very familiar hairstyles. When Ragna looked back on that image it felt familiar to him and after doing some thinking came to a conclusion. Ragna realized that there is one person he knows who has an eyepatch, who is also connected to the strange things that's been going on. It was at that moment that Ragna decided that he should confront the person he suspects. He knows that he doesn't have any evidence and that it's a long shot. But if it turns out he's right then he would have found the threat, if he's wrong then he'll look like an idiot. After doing some searching, Ragna made it to the intended destination.
"Looks like this is the place, alright its do or die." Ragna said before he proceeded to knock on the dorm room door. When the door opened up, he saw that it was Cinder who answered
"Well isn't this an unexpected surprise, to what do I owe for this visit?" Cinder told Ragna in a calm tone.
"Well I've been doing some thinking and now that I think about it. I never did get the chance to properly welcome you into Beacon." Ragna answered
"Is that all, don't you be concerned about it Ragna. A lot of the Professors and Beacon students made sure to make us feel welcomed and we will not forget such kindness." Cinder told Ragna
"Well that's no excuse for me being rude, now come along with Emerald, Mercury, and wait where is your fourth team member?" Ragna asked in a slightly observant tone
"Nu is sleeping, she's always been a bit fragile so her physical activity has always been limited." Cinder told Ragna
"Really, well don't you think she should be in the hospital. Where are you guys from again?" Ragna asked
"We're from Mistral Ragna, it may not look like it but we are keeping a close eye on her for her own well-being." Cinder said
"Oh I understand that but now that I think about it, I find it a little hard to believe that she's frail. I've seen her fight and she's pretty strong. Even against the intruder last night." Ragna said causing Cinder to look at him with an observant gaze.
"What intruder are you talking about?" Cinder asked in a now cautious tone
"Last night after the dance, I left to blow off some steam and an intruder entered Beacon. I had some trouble with him but Nu helped me out. I didn't tell the Headmaster because I got embarrassed by the fact that he got away." Ragna told Cinder
"That is odd." Cinder said maintaining her neutral expression
"There is another thing, the intruder mentioned your name. It might be a coincidence, but I have a few questions for you." Ragna told Cinder while observing her
"Ragna I have nothing to hide, I was with Emerald and Mercury this entire time. I'm sorry that the intruder got away, but I fail to see what questioning me will accomplish." Cinder told Ragna in a cautious tone
"Oh it will accomplish a lot." Ragna said as he was grabbing his sword
"Are you threatening me to answer your questions?" Cinder said while mentally on guard
"Not exactly." Ragna said before he released his seal and quickly swung at Cinder. The surge of fear that Cinder felt almost overwhelmed her, but she focused on Ragna and summoned her twin swords out of reflex to block Ragna's attack. When Ragna looked at the twin swords, he recognized them from the night prior and made a realization. The intruder is Cinder herself
"I also find it strange how you are the only one who keeps her weapons and semblance a secret from everyone. Especially during the days when we have sparring classes. Which leads me to believe that your actively trying to hide your abilities. But not for the tournament, but because your hiding from someone in this school, most likely a Huntsman." Ragna said before he jumped away from Cinder.
When Ragna was looking at Cinder, she gave him an observant gaze. Ragna expected her to have a major breakdown, to say or do something that would imply a panic. But Cinder was completely calm despite the recent development. This calmness bothered Ragna, due to the implications that Cinder still has control of the situation. After a few seconds, Cinder dissolved her swords and started clapping at Ragna.
"Not bad, you made some very good assumptions. Unfortunately for you, you don't have the evidence to back up your wild claims." Cinder told Ragna
"Your abilities are proof enough." Ragna said in a bold tone
"Keeping the details of my abilities close to the chest is not illegal or suspicious. Besides, it's very much possible for two different people to have a similar semblance." Cinder told Ragna maintaining her calm tone and attitude
"True, but it would be too much of a coincidence that nobody will believe, especially if you think about the timing." Ragna told Cinder
"Are you sure you want to risk wasting the time of the police with a false arrest. I mean, if I get arrested for something I didn't do. Then it'll take away the protection from the people that needs it. For example, the students here at Beacon, The civilians of Vale, or two certain people. I believe their names are Celica and Saya." Cinder said causing Ragna to be upset at the name drop
"What did you just say?" Ragna said trying to maintain his rightful anger
"I'm just saying that the police and the military will be shorthanded if they arrest me under a false charge. Which will make it harder for certain people to be safe, after all strange and unfortunate things happens all the time." Cinder said in a confident tone. A brief second later, Ragna grabbed Cinder by her hair and pushed her against the wall while holding her. Emerald and Mercury tried to stop him, but Cinder motioned them to keep a distance
"Listen to me bitch, because I'm only going to say this once. If you do anything that puts my family in danger. No Kingdom, no Huntsman or Huntress, and no creature of Grimm will be strong enough to protect you from me. Do you get that!" Ragna told Cinder in a tone full of anger
"There's something you should know about me Ragna. I don't threaten and I don't scare easily, besides you can't prove anything." Cinder said while making her eyes glow. After a brief moment, Emerald and Mercury approached Ragna
"Let go of her Ragna." Emerald told Ragna
"Yeah, you can't go around throwing wild accusations around. It's not good for the people involved, and that includes you." Mercury told Ragna. After a brief second of thinking, Ragna let go of Cinder and proceeded to walk away
"Thanks for the chat, we should do it again sometime." Cinder told Ragna in a mocking tone causing him to punch the wall and put a dent in it. After Ragna left, Cinder decided to make a call on her Scroll
"Hazama, there's a security footage you need to get rid of." Cinder told Hazama before she proceeded to explain the new development that occured
(Beacon Courtyard)
After confronting Cinder, Ragna made his way to the courtyard to reflect on what he's learned. Ragna is fully confident that Cinder was the intruder, but from what he's learned, he can't do anything about it. Ragna hated to admit it, but Cinder has made several good points about how she won't be charged with anything without strong enough evidence. As of right now Ragna has no evidence, no witnesses, and he doesn't have anything to disproves Cinder's fake alibi. Not to mention that Cinder is right in that keeping her abilities a secret is not illegal and that it is possible for two different people to have a similar semblance. Ragna wants to take immediate action against Cinder, but he also realized that doing so would put Celica and Saya in immense danger. The fact that Cinder knew who they were is proof that Cinder had help. Which came with the infuriating realization that if Ragna does anything careless against Cinder. Then it will be a repeat of his biggest mistake 8 years ago.
"DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT. She's right, I hate to admit it but she's right, I can't do anything to her." Ragna said as he was pounding the ground
"If I handle this the wrong way then Sister Celica and Saya are as good as dead. But I can't leave her alone to do what she pleases. Damn it there has to be something I can do." Ragna said to himself
"There's no way she could have pulled this off by herself. So if her teammates are of any indication, then she had some help. I need to get to the bottom of this, where is that rabbit when I need her? Cinder also knows about the Murakumo labs, if I can get her to talk then I can find out what happened to Nu. For now I should focus on what Cinder and her allies are after. But where do I even start to look into that kind of detail? Professor Ozpin and that General are hiding something, so until what it is I can't trust them. I can't tell anyone because I might end up putting them in danger. We couldn't even handle the Mad Dog Azrael and if there's a connection then people could get killed. I hate to do it, but I have to keep everyone in the dark for a lot longer. If only I had a hint or an idea that can . . . ." Ragna said before he noticed Jin walking through the walkway. When Ragna looked at Jin, he remembered a detail that made something click inside Ragna's mind. Every few days, Jin would leave the dorm room past midnight, and comeback a couple of hours later. Though Ragna hated to admit, Jin has proved to be very intelligent and came to a decision.
"Damn, well it looks like I'm desperate enough to ask Jin for help." Ragna said making the decision to speak to Jin as soon as possible (with a great deal of reluctance)
(A/ N)
To prevent some confusion, allow me to explain how Ragna was able to get the silhouettes of Cinder's teammates in the previous chapter. Ragna's semblance Aura Eater gives him the ability to absorb the aura of other people. Though in some cases, he is able to absorb the person's memories. The ability to absorb some of the memories has been awakened from his fight with Nu. It was able to be awakened because, Nu's presence without her aura being sealed made Ragna's aura a lot stronger than it normally is. Though the amount of memories Ragna is able to absorb, depends on the person's mental defenses. Which is why Ragna doesn't know the full details of Cinder's plan and all he got was the silhouette images of Cinder's team.
As for the reveal of this chapter, Makoto is a lesbian in this story. I've read an interview a while ago that Makoto is intended to be a lesbian in the main blazblue games. It is also implied that Makoto has romantic feelings for Noel in the main games. That interview and the implications helped motivate me to have Makoto be a lesbian in this story. But I also wanted to make sure that I don't shove her orientation in people's faces. I've seen it too many times when shows, video games, or stories handle an LGBT character poorly and it is very rarely when it is handled properly. Also if there are any concerns, I WILL NOT MISTREAT MAKOTO, she is one of my favorite blazblue characters and I fully intend to treat her with respect.
Also, in case anyone tries to figure out the planned LGBT pairing for this story from this reveal. There are several LGBT characters in this story that has already appeared, Makoto is just the first one I confirmed.
I have to announce that the next side chapter won't occur until I get to the end of the volume 2 portion of this story. I also have to announce that the fanservice chapter I have planned might either be in the volume 3 portion of this story. Or worst-case scenario, the fanservice chapter might get cancelled because of pacing concerns. It might end up being a one-shot but I'm still thinking about it.
So read and review
Thank you