Seems that the last chapter we got to meet a new team and the other two members of team TPAZ. RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. I own the OC's, AU. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 9:Decisions

The next morning came as it was finally time for what everyone at Beacon Academy was dreading but came prepared for. The Beacon exams. A series of test from all the classes that the students took to test their knowledge so that the students would be prepared for the world ahead of them.

Zane and his team studied for this day and they all seemed ready.

"Alright everyone todays the day. Final exams, it'll be tough but I believe we can pull through"Zane said

"Nice speech leader you really think they'll all be this easy?"Eria asked smuggly.

"Well we aren't taking them all at once apparently. They seem to be three days each for each receptive class. It seems we have Port exams first then it'll be Doctor Ooblecks class. Then our days concluded"Onxyia replied

"Ughhh let's get going then before were late. I've studied my notes so many times their engrained in my brain"Rogue replied as the group made their way toward Professor Ports class for the first exam.

As they got to their class the tension in the air could be felt as all the students were already nervous for the exam. In front of each students are a blank sheet of papers and shown on the display are the names of several grimm in front of them.

Professor Port then walked infront of the classroom facing the students.

"Good morning class. I hope that you all got some rest because this will be one of your rigorous exams today. For this exam you'll need to select four grimms and write a descriptive essay on each on that you have selected. Note that we arent on a time limit for class but this will be about half of your regular school day. You may now all begin"Professor Port replied as the students got to work.

Zane examined the list of grimm carefully trying to find ones that he was familiar with that he knew. As he looked over the list he noticed two he knew enough information about that. Those being an Uras and Beowolf grimm. Then he began to write all he knew about them. As he did he glanced over at his teammates who were hard at work already.

Zane rubbed his eyes as he refocused on the task at hand as he continued to right about what he remembers about those two grimm. Then he moved on through the list trying to find two more. As he did he noticed geist which he knew a bit about from Scar little speech he gave when they first met him. Another one he noticed was the goliath that Port seemed to talk about alot.

Zane then got to work writing down as much down to finish this exam. The first exam of the day continued on till noon as students turned in their frist exam of the day.

"Now if everyone is done. You are all released for lunch. Then afterward head to your next room for the second exam."Port replied s the students began filing out.

"Man that exam made my hand sore"Zane said flexing his fingers.

"Well we have two more days of these exam. Who knows what we'll be doing"Eria added

"I think we'll all make it through this, although they'll be tough. It'll be worth it in the end"Onxyia added

Rogue had her hands behind her head"your not wrong but lets get something to eat i'm starving."Rogue said as their team headed toward the cafeteria.

Meanwhile Team JNPR was exiting the classroom heading toward the same direction as everyone else but they were stopped by Cinder.

"Excuse me."Cinder said getting the teams attention.

"Huh? Oh Cinder. Is everything okay?"Jaune asked

Cinder nodded"Yes everything is fine. It just I would like to speak with Pyrrha for a moment."she added

Ren however raised an eyebrow at this"Is their something you need to ask of her?"he questioned.

"Yes but I would like to talk to her….privatly"Cinder said placing a hand on her hip.

"I don't see the harm in that"Pyrrha replied before gesturing to her team"I'll catch up with you guys later. Save me something to eat okay"Pyrrha added

"Alright Pyr"Jaune replied as the three of them headed toward the cafeteria.

"Okay what is it you need to talk about?"the read head questioned.

Cinder however made sure that no one else could hear them but she wasn't comfortable in their current area.

"Not here. Follow me"Cinder added as she gesutred Pyrrha to follow. At first Pyrrha didn't know what Cinder was up to but she wanted to find out what it was so she followed her not sure what she got herself into.

After following Cinder for about five minutes they were suddenly in front of the elevator leading toward Ozpins office.

They both got in the elevator which headed upward to Ozpins office. Pyrrha didn't understand that why they had to go up to his office just to be out of view of her other classmates but it seems to be very important if Cinder is calling for this.

Then the elevator stopped and opened to Ozpins office the headmaster was waiting for them.

"I've brought her sir"Cinder replied

"Thank you miss Fall"Ozpin thanked as the two came in.

"Um….am I in trouble or something sir?"Pyrrha questioned nervously.

"I assure your not in any trouble . However their is another reason you have been called here today."Ozpin started as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Tell me Miss Nikos….do you know the story about the four maidens?"he asked

Pyrrha nodded"Of course sir. It's a well known one that almost everyone knows about it. Four children, young girls I believe were born and each of them had extra ordinary abilities far before the first semblance came into existence."Pyrrha replied

"Yes but however did you know that when one of them dies their abiltities live on in other people that they've come into contact with. Ones they've formed a connection with more important another female"Ozpin added as he rounded his desk.

"And might I ask how this involves me in this?"Pyrrha questioned.

"The real question is Miss Nikos. How much involved would you like to be?"Ozpin asked which only seemed to confuse her.

"What do you mean sir?"she asked

Ozpin placed his drink down on his desk and cupped his hands together"we believe that their is a threat here in the school and I beleive their target is Miss Fall here"Ozpin added

"Why would they target her? No offense but she doesnt look anything special"Pyrrha added

"On the contrary Miss Fall has something that not most young huntresses have."Ozpin replied as he have a gentle nod toward Cinder

Cinder got what he was meaning as Pyrrha looked reiclty at her. Cinder closed her eyes for a moment as she summoned upon her maiden powers.

Her eyes burst opened as her power ignited as orange flames blazed around her eyes like a mask of fire.

Pyrrha was in shock that Cinder would have this kind of power within her. Cinder blinked which caused the flames to diminish from her eyes.

"Miss fall is our current fall maiden. Which is why I believe she'll be targeted. However this is also why I brought you here today Miss Nikos."Ozpin explained

"In the likely event that Cinder were to perish her power would need to be transferred to someone that Cinder can trust."Ozpin replied

"And you think I can be trust"Pyrrha replied

"Do you think otherwise?"the professor asked

"No its justs that i'm fallttered that you chose me and not anyone else."Pyrrha replied

"This is a serious matter. It I were to get killed I don't want this power to fall into the wrong hands. I didn't pick you because of your skills Pyrrha. I picked you because I know you have someone you want to protect just like I have someone I want to protect"Cinder explained

"I see where you're getting at"Pyrrha said as she processed the information given to her.

"So what your saying that you want me to be the next fall maiden if Cinder were to die"She added

" this is of course your own choice Pyrrha. You don't have to say right away."Ozpin said wisely.

Pyrrha crossed her arms a moment"If thats alright I would like to think about this before coming with a decision"The red haired girl replied.

"I understand. Please take your the rest of your day Miss Nikos"Ozpin said as Pyrrha left the office with much on her mind,

"I hope she comes to a decision soon Oz. Cause i'm afraid they'll make their move soon."Cinder said voicing her concern.

"Only time will tell. All we can do is wait."Ozpin said hoping that Pyrrha makes a choice.

Lunch went by rather quickly as the students headed toward their next class which would mean another exam for the day. This time the students were in Doctor Ooblecks class.

"Welcome everyone. Now I know that you all have been busy with studying and preparing for tournament. However you'll need all your knowledge for what is coming to you."Oobleck replied

"For this exam you'll need to give me a detailed on three subjects that you've learned throughout your time here."Oobleck said.

"However they must be very detailed. I cannot stress this enough. Now whenever you are ready you may begin. "Oobleck said as the students began their second exam of the day.

Ruby tried to recall the subjects that they went over the last four months. While The Great War would be an easy subjects to cover it would be difficult to describe in full detail so she'd decided to focus on a different subject. The subject on the faunus and their role in the world and how they were treated during their time. Along with talking about artifacts and what they were. How they were tools used to either boost aura, provide protection, hide users and many other things.

The rest of the time seemed to have flown by them as it was quiet in the room as the time continued on. By late afternoon to early evening the students had finally finsiehd their exam paper on the subjects that they have chosen.

"Alright everyone pencils down. The second half of the exam is over"Oobleck replied as the students let out a sigh of relief.

"Since it is now the evening I will release you all for dinner since I can image that you all must be hungry after working through such a task as this. However I want you all to be prepared for tomorrow and make sure you get plenty of rest"Oobleck reminded

"Class dismissed"he ordered as the glass filed out for the day and headed toward the cafeteria for their diner.

"My hands are kill me. Two written exams in the same day"ruby groaned

"Yeah I swear my hand felt like it was going to fall off"Yang added

"And these are just only the first two exams. Their still tomorrow as well"Blake reminded which only made the sisters groan.

"Hey no complaining. These exams are themselves a test. To test our endurance, a person in the fields need to remain vigilant at all times even when they tired. These exams are eant to test that as well"Weiss deduced.

"So in a way their giving us two test in one ."blake replied

"Well we still can't work on an empty stomach lets go get dinner then we'll head for bed. "Ruby added as her team headed toward the cafeteria for dinner.

Meanwhile outside of the school Pyrrha who was currently sitting on a bench watching the sun go down was still taking in what Ozpin and Cinder told her. Not only that Cinder was the fall maiden but Ozpin said that their is a threat here at the school that is targeting Cinder for her power.

But what surprised her more was that Cinder had selected her to wield its power if Cinder were to perish. Many questions ran in her mind like who was this supposed threat? Or why did they pick her and not someone else? Or even better what was the threat?

Pyrrha tried to shake away the questions but they still remained in her head not wanting to go away.

"So heres where you've been"A familiar voice as she already knew who it was.

She turned around noticing Jaune was right their looking at her. He was holding a tray of food for her and one for him.

"You said save you something to eat. You wanna tak this one cause my arms are starting to get sore"Jaune joked as Pyrrha smiled taking her tray of food. A simply tray of mashed potatoes, with green beans, and a bit of turkey. Everything for a growing boy and girl.

"Thanks"she simply thanked

"No problem"he said as he sat down right next to didn't speak until their meals were done.

"That was a great meal."Jaune said, having now a full stomach for tomorrow. Pyrrha however didn't have the same energy as him and just stayed quiet.

He noticed this and decided to prod a little." so quiet Pyr?"he questioned.

Pyrrha simply ignored him as she looked up at the sky and falling leaving that fell off the trees their brown leafs flurrting in the air like nothing destined to only land to the ground.

"Jaune. I have a question to ask and I want you to answer truthfully"Pyrrha said which kinda surprised her boyfriend a little.

"Alright"Jaune said calmly.

"If you were tasked with something that a person trust you with a choice to make. Would you make that choice?"Pyrrha questioned.

Jaune thought for a minute at her question pondering what to say at first

"Well…thats a tough one. But I would say as a future huntsmen. That we have an obligation to do the only thing that we can do in our world"Jaune said wisely it seems.

"And what obligation would that be exactly?"Pyrrha confused what her boyfriend meant.

"An obligation…to try"Jaune said

"to…try"Pyrrha replied softly.

"Try and make our world better for everyone. Try and do what we believe is right. That all we can do is try. Even if we live or when we die that is all we can do is do the very best that we can"Jaune replied

"The best we can"Pyrrha muttered to herself as she got up from the bench and so did Jaune

"Thank you Jaune for that answer"Pyrrha replied as she gave him a kiss on the cheek before she took her tray and headed back inside with now something to think about. Jaune smiled as he walked inside too.

It was the evening as all the students had returned to their dorms and properly changed into their night gear but Zane decided to discuss something very important with his team.

"Alright whats up Zane? You wanted to discuss something?"Rogue asked as she threw up a small ball like device.

"Yes and you seem pretty serious right now despite your usually antics"Eria commented surprised that her leader looked serious.

"Yeah their is something. We gotta discuss battle formation we never got to that."Zane replied as placed down some objects. Poker chips one colored red, another blue, one white and the other black.

"Hmmm your right but what should we go over? I think we all do pretty well in our own way"Onxyia said

"Yeah but we need to use all of our skills we have for a formation and every member has their own role to paly. Kinda like your betting on something"Zane said as he placed four poker chips on a chess board.

"What are you on about?"Eria questioned looked as each chip was set up. The two chips colored blue and red were placed side by side. They were behind the black poker chip while the white one was in the back. Then she noticed letter on each one, blue had an E, red an R, White an O, and black a Z. But he placed another set of eight poker chips on the other end of these ones.

"Okay each team is set up in a different formation so what?"Rogue asked

"Well the team here is Team JNPR. The two green are Ren and Nora since those two seem to work on rushing and attack their enemies. While Jaune the white chip, is defensive and protects their main asset being Pyrrha which is the black chip. If they lose their strongest player at the start their done for."he replied

"While here we have Team RWBY. Ruby seems to rely on supporting her teammates from long range noted by the red chip. Yang and Blake are the blue chips since both are skilled fighters. Yang getting up close and Blake for her ability to overwhelm her opponent with her quickness and clones. Then their Wiess represented by the white chip and she provides support it seems with her glyphs."he continued

"Okay i'm lost what does this all mean?"Rogue asked confused

"Same here, what are you on about Zane?"onxyia questioned as her ears twitched.

"Heres the thing they each cover their own weakness and strengths. Ren and Nora focus on fighting while Jaune defends Pyrrha since shes the most valuable asset for their team"Zane replied

Eria then seemed to understand what he meant it seems"okay I think i'm starting to see now. You mean how each of them are tailored toward specific skills along with covering each other weaknesses."Eria commented with Zane nodding.

"Yeah we need to set up a battle foramtion just incase since one of the classes is combat."Zane said clearing the board but left the one with their initials on it.

"From what I've seen each of us are great in certain areas. Onxyia you rely on using your semblance to imbbolize and confuse your enemies. Which makes you perfect for providing support to us from the back along with long range cover"Zane said

Onxyia eyes widen a little at that suggestion"your not wrong but what about the twins?"She asked tail swaying.

"Rogue with Ember you can create flames to slow down our opponents. Along with making obstacles to slow them down. Along with Eria she can slow them down as well with her ice. But Rogue you able to defend Onxyia while Eria quick enough to attack our opponent and retreat."Zane continued

"Oh okay…so I could support Onxyia and make sure no one takes her out"Rogue said with Zane nodding.

"Hmm I do understand with my semblance I could move around quickly by freezing the ground but what about you?"Eria asked

"Thats the tricky part, since my semblance drains pretty fast. It be better if I was in the middle. Since I can provide some offense and defense at times. If I limit the use of my semblance and with Onxyia semblance providing distraction we could focus on their strongest player. "Zane said, placing the chips white behind the black with the blue on the right and the red on the left.

"You think this will work?"Eria questioned

"Honesty I don't know but we should have some manuvers like we did with the fight with Piper slingshot for example"Zane said to the confusion of Onxyia.

"The what?"the wolf faunus asked

"Oh when we fought Piper Zane made me make a large rock ramp then Eria froze it over. Then launched him in his titan form toward her. You got another one?"Rogue asked

"Maybe but for now let focus on our formation. And make adjustment for when it doesnt work"Zane replied

"Hmmm i'm impressed thought you were just some jokesteer but you've become a proper leader"Eria commented.

Zane laughed a little"well I had some good teachers what can I say"Zane replied

"Well i'm pretty sure this can work lets get some sleep. We got other exams tomorrow"Onxyia said as they all agreed to head to sleep.

Meanwhile in Vale City Roman had some work he was doing. More importantly he was doing some recon for the job that he was given or more like forced to take. He however didn't have a backup plan. Something in the back of his mind told him something was going to happen and he wanted to be prepared.

In his hands are his documents that were the adoption paper of Vance,Lazuli and Neo. Along with Zane and Zoey that Nadia trusted him had to make sure these documents were safe and he knew just the person to trust them to.

He entered an old gym and there in the ring was a certain boxing instructor messing with the training bot. He then looked over at Roman surrpsied to see him here.

"Roman? What are you doing here you know they have a bounty on your head man"Colt said getting out of the ring.

"Yeah I know but I have something I want you to give to Nadia when you see her again"Roman said which confused Colt.

"Torch shes back in Vale I heard just give her them yourself"Colt said

"I can't but I trust you will deliver them to her. If you can find her head to Menagerie that where she lives now"Roman replied

Colt wasn't surprised by that"well I expect her to help her friend out in Vacou. But Menagerie was my second guess."Colt added

"Hmm but what do you want me to deliver to her?"Colt asked

Roman then pulled out several files in a folder giving it to him. The boxer took it examining them and they were adoption papers.

"Torch why are you giving me their papers?"Colt questioned with a worried look.

"I want you to keep them safe for me and if anything happens to me. I want you to deliver them to her and make sure to protect my kids"Roman replied

"What do you mean by that man?"colt questioned with a strange look.

"I'm not sure something that it certainly not good for you, me and everyone else in the city. It'll be probably be around the festival. Be prepared to leave at a moments notice and try and get my kids out of here"Roman replied

As the two stood their for a bit Colt crossed his arms staring at Torchwich sighing. "I'll make sure your kids are safe and do my best to get them out of here. I'm also guessing you want me to hide this from Nadia"Colt asked with Roman nodding.

"Thank you for everything friend"Roman said catching Colt a little off guard. Colt then nodded at the man as he left his gym. Then Colt looked at the papers in his hand and wondered what exactly is happening.

As Roman lefted the gym he hopefully knows what he was doing if he was someone going to hijack one of those ships since he was pretty much forced to do it.

He let out a sigh"I've got a bad feeling about all of this. I hope that i'm wrong."he said as he made his way back to the warehouse so he could get some sleep and come up with a plan.

This is a wrap of the chapter but it seems the jokesteer has a serious side to him. I hope you've enjoyed this series so far.