A/N: Chapter 42 of REKT. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or teams of RWBY, they belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. What I do own are the characters and teams of my OCs: REKT, GTSY, KACE and DAZE.
Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.
Chapter 42: Lessons Learned (I)
Outside the coliseum...
"Huh? You just want to wander around instead of watching the double battles?" Kairos questioned when I dragged her out, my hand lightly gripping her sleeve. After my run in with my inner, more darker self I couldn't stop my hands from shaking; it was like some sort of ill feeling that I couldn't shake off. Efram and Timber looked like they wanted to come along, but the faunus just shooed them off after stating that they enjoy the matches. "Not feeling well? I came back, trying to see what was taking you so long, and you looked as if you saw something horrible...you wanna talk about it?"
"I...I just don't know how to explain it." I told her as we fell into step, kicking the stones along the cobble street with my feet. I had long since let go of her, knowing she'd be at my side and wouldn't run off. "Like it's something that couldn't be described with words...if that makes sense."
"No it does. Some things are just hard to explain and require a hands on experience." Kairos nodded her head in understanding. She turned to glance my way before adding, "You know sometimes I wonder just what goes on in that head of yours. You've kept so many things hidden inside, makes me think your head is cluttered."
"My mind isn't a place for anyone to scavenge around." I laughed and located a nice bench to sit down on. Leaning back against the sleek wooden frame I released a slow sigh and enjoyed the feeling of the warm winds blowing across my skin. I felt the bench move slightly, noting that my battle partner took a seat next to me. "I wish every day can be like this."
"What? Overly stuffed with a lot of people wanting to come and see kids beat each other into submission?"
"No, I mean pleasant and peaceful, like what we're doing now." I snorted with laughter at her words before explaining, "All we have been doing is going on missions, killing off grimm, attending class and just...living a student life. But have you ever wondered if there was something more than just being a student? More than just being huntresses? What do you think?"
"Honestly...I couldn't imagine anything other than being a huntress." Kairos replied after mulling over it, her brows creased to indicate how hard she was thinking. "It's an exciting life choice, you know."
"Mmmmm...I couldn't possible imagine what I'd be doing if I weren't a huntress. But then I think...what if my mother wasn't killed? What if I didn't come to Beacon? What if I had just stayed at home?"
"Well isn't that obvious? You wouldn't have met us. You wouldn't have made any friends and you wouldn't have known what's beyond your home. You would've just stayed and rise in rank until you took over your father's job as village exalt." She placed a hand over mine and I felt the instant warmth crawling up my skin. "If you ask me, I'm glad that you're here."
"Are you implying that you were glad that what happened back then happened?" I arched a brow with curiosity, hoping that my tone of voice wasn't accusatory. "A little insensitive, that was a part of my past self."
"Reina...what happened back then already happened, it's done and it's over. Some people will say, 'Your past shapes the present' or 'Whatever you do in the present will ultimately shape the future'. Think about it: Before an event could happen, the premonition of it happening exists. Once the event happens, the route that lead up to it disappears because it is in the moment. How can something that doesn't exist...affect something that is existing? "
"That's...!" I opened and closed my mouth with wonder, thinking about her words carefully. Why is that? Something that isn't existing...having any significant impact on something that does exist. It can't be possible can it?
"Therefore I think we shouldn't dwell so much on the 'what ifs' or 'what could have been' or 'what will be'. We have to think about the here and now, in the present. What we do currently shouldn't affect what happens later so, let's enjoy it while we still can."
"You're highly optimistic, but I guess it can't be helped. Thinking about things that are totally out of my control shouldn't have top priority, after all it gives me headaches."
"Then, lets take a picture. I feel like we haven't taken one since we first met...we never taken any now that I think about it." I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders, drawing me in close. Within my mind's eye I could see the faint outline of a Scroll hovering in mid-air before connecting to the outline of an extended arm. "Savor the moment and all. And we don't know when we'll have the next opportunity."
"That sounds really great right about now." I replied, a soft smile on my face and then I heard a 'click'. There was a 'ding' and I fished out my own Scroll from my pocket and saw that the faunus sent me a copy of the photo she took. "It's so beautiful."
"Your expression is just perfect. Definitely not photogenic by any means." She agreed, saving the picture and set it as her background saver. She grins cheekily as she hovers her device a few feet from me. "Look, now every time I open my Scroll, it's a picture of us."
"Heh, you're very sweet. To think you'd end up as my partner, I feel lucky." I pocketed my device and leaned my head against her shoulder, a permanent smile on my face. "I'm glad I got to meet everyone here as well."
"Annnnd what a devastating loss! Such an upset here today!"
"Hmmm?" Lifting my head I noticed a floating screen in the distance with Professor Port's face on it. He had a frown upon his face as he went through the battle, analyzing every move on a step-by-step basis. "Oh, did the double battle finish already?"
"Yeah...the battle shouldn't have ended so fast. Who was fighting?" Kairos gazed up at the screen as well, her eyes widening with surprise when she watched the bits of fighting videos that were captured by the cameras. "Mercury and Emerald versus Coco and Yatsuhashi? I don't miss the arrogant smirk on that man's face at all, what I wouldn't give to pound his face into the ground."
"But Coco and Yatsu lost against them, the strategy of splitting the team up seems to be a great tactic for the double battles. Not only that, those two aren't like any normal hunters...I should know since I did throw hands against him once." I remembered fighting against Mercury back in Glynda's class and I unconsciously curled my hands into fists. "That man...he's dangerous and I wouldn't want to fight against him again."
"Although...don't you think it's weird how a strong team such as CFVY fell so quickly?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking, something feels a little off ever since that random picking came about. Does that mean we'll have to gather information about those two contestants?" I stood up and extended my hand. Kairos smiled, holding my outreached hand and rose to her feet.
"Yeah, let's see what we can find about Mercury and Emerald. It may not be much to begin with anyways because they mainly keep to them damn selves."
Somewhere else...
Kairos and I weren't the only ones who didn't witness the double battle, Weiss was still with Winter so she had a much better reason to not be with her team. She sat at the table, bringing her cup of coffee to her lips. Winter sat across from her and brought her own cup to her lips. Both Schnees took a sip, set their cups down and sighed simultaneously. Realizing what they did they just laughed like sisters do.
"Wait so you're telling me that you're leaving? Why the rush? Can't you stay just a little while longer?" Weiss asked, looking at her older sister with confusion but also pleading for her to stay. "It feels like you just got here..."
"Yes, that's right. I was merely needed to oversee the transport of additional units to Vale." Winter answered, folding her hands over the table and looked at her sister in a calm collective expression. "Our last shipment was lost due to an ambush. I do believe you had a run-in with it's cargo, actually. "
"Eeeh? You don't mean..."
"It's fortunate those Paladins were still in the prototype stage. Otherwise, your team and perhaps another team may not have fared so well."
"...so you've heard about that too..." Weiss sighed, looking down like she was ashamed. "I guess nothing goes undetected by you huh."
"Weiss..." Winter reached over, placing a gloved hand over her sister's and getting her attention. "You've done...well...out here on your own. I'm proud of you and you should be too."
"Thanks Winter, I really appreciate that." Weiss smiled slightly, her chest swelling at her sister's praise.
"I'll be honest, it was quite amusing seeing Father's face the day you left for Beacon." Winter chuckled, withdrawing her hand and leaned back in her chair. "Wish I could've snapped a picture and sent it to you. But protocol as well as keeping a professional appearance dictated otherwise."
"Don't worry Winter, I can't wait to show him what I've learned." Weiss commented, crossing her arms over her chest with pride and confidence. "He'll no doubt be blown back by my growth!"
"Oh? And what do you think you've learned?" teased Winter, grinning at her sister.
"What do you mean? I'm getting better and better with my glyphs. I've even started time dilation and used it in my team's recent events."
"And what of your summoning?"
"I..." Weiss looked down, avoiding Winter's gaze. She was hoping the topic wasn't going to be brought up, but of course the older sister had to make sure her younger sibling was proficient on all levels. "You know I can't."
"Don't be ridiculous. Every Schnee has the ability to Summon. We've done so for generations."
"I've tried!" exclaimed Weiss, almost venting her frustration to Winter. She waved her arms about automatically before saying, "It's just...It's the one thing I'm having trouble with!"
"We Schnees are unique. Unlike many, our Semblances is hereditary. But that doesn't mean that it will come easily." explained Winter, keeping her voice light and not to rile Weiss up. The younger of the two seemed to have cool down, drinking in her every word and holding on to them. "Your Semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become." Holding up a hand she conjured a glyph, watching it with a critical eye as she continued her lesson, "But if you only focus on one aspect of it...if you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible..."
Such a bright light...! Weiss flinched, shielding her eyes when the glyph shined. Feeling like it died down she looked to see a giant ice Beowolf towering over Winter. The animal knelt beside its creator, allowing her to pet its fur and a throaty purr rumbled within its chest. That's...! One of Winter's beowolves that I trained against when I was younger. They haven't changed a bit!
"Then you'll never truly grow. Try to be a little more open-minded." Suddenly the Beowolf turned its snout into the air, sniffing diligently. With its tail swishing back and forth it left Winter's side and disappeared.
"Umm...are you sure it's okay to let that thing run around?" asked Weiss with concern. "What if it attacks someone?"
"It probably saw a squirrel or something...no worries, it'll come back momentarily. Most of my summons never leave my side for more than thirty minutes." Winter waved a dismissal hand before standing up, gesturing Weiss to follow suit. The younger of the two slowly rose to her feet, giving her elder a curious look. "In the meantime, we'll work on your summoning technique."
Back in the room...
"You'll never beat me old man! I'm gonna whoop your butt today!"
"Heh, you're nothin' but talk, kid. Let's see what you got."
"You can do it, Ruby!" Yang cheered as she, Ruby and Qrow sat inside their room playing one of the brawler's favorite fighting game. The blonde bombshell was really excited to see her uncle when he walked through the door, wrapping her arms around him in a bear hug. However when it came to playing games, she viewed him as a rival. "I believe in you!"
"Soaring Ninja wins!" The game announcer proclaimed ten minutes later, much to Ruby's horror and Qrow's ecstatic elation. "Total annihilation."
"Ouch...another win for Qrow." Yang said in a deflated tone, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. "Call about having a lucky streak..."
"By the way, don't you ever cal me 'old'." He stated cheekily as Ruby pouted in defeat. "Makes me all riled up."
"My turn!" Yang all but knocked Ruby aside, the game controller settling in her hands. She turns to her uncle with a cocky grin. "I'm feeling the heat now, Qrow! Prepared to get destroyed!"
"New challenger approaches." The announcer for the game spoke. "Ready? Fight!"
"Now, where was I?" Grinning, Qrow looked back at the screen with his fingers eagerly and furiously mashing the buttons. Yang was just as furious, her tongue sticking out of her mouth in sheer concentration.
"You were telling us about your last mission!" Ruby bounced back, wedging herself between her uncle and her sister. "Don't you dare leave out any details! I wanna know everything!"
"Right, right. I remember now. I come across a small village in the swamps west of Mistral. The moment I stepped foot into town, I knew something wasn't right." Qrow recalled, smirking when his fighter avatar uppercutted Yang's and dealt a lot of damage.
"What were you doing there?" asked Ruby, enticed by his story and ignored the swear word that left Yang's mouth.
"I needed information. Tired from battling Grimm along the way, I decided to start my search at the town's inn. The place was crawling with low-lives and thugs, even a few Huntsmen I could only assume had been hired by less than reputable people for less than respectable jobs." Qrow continued to regurgitate his story, his fingers moving on autopilot and hitting all the right buttons. "And that's when it happened."
"What happened?" asked Yang, trying to pay attention to both the game and the story. After three minutes of silence she said, "Don't keep us in the dark and in suspense! Spill the beans!"
"I was defeated...by the mere sight...of the innkeeper's skirt length!" He sighed dramatically before proclaiming, "Honestly I wished they were a tad shorter."
"Damn it!" Thrown off, Yang stumbled in executing a combo attack and Qrow went in for the final kill.
"Soaring Ninja wins! Total annihilation!" The announcer made the final judgement, the words 'KO' flashing brightly on the screen.
"Heh, that's another victory for me." Qrow smiled, setting down the dog pillow that Yang threw at his face. "How'd you like that, firecracker?"
"You're the worst!" She snapped, watching as he and Ruby snickered at her expense. "I can't believe you! I thought you got wounded for like a second there!"
"Fine, best two outta three since you're acting like a sore loser?"
"That's it! I'm gonna win for sure!" Feeling her inner fire getting prodded by a stick, Yang was for sure going to beat Qrow and gripped the controller tightly.
"By the way, Uncle Qrow, did you get in trouble with Ozpin?" Ruby asked as she moved to sit on Weiss' bed, interrupting their little banter. "You never said anything about your meeting with him after...messing up our courtyard."
"Nah, me and Oz go way back so there's no way he'd punish me too badly. We cool."
"Pffft. Cool enough for old guys." Yang snickered, causing Qrow to glare at her.
"Not funny."
"What are you doing here anyway? Mind telling us about that?" Ruby asked, tilting her head to the side. "I thought Dad said you'd be away on a mission for, like...ever."
"Yeah, what's all that about?" Yang agreed, getting ready to pummel her uncle's character with her own as they took their stance on the virtual screen. "Don't tell us that your age is catching up faster than we originally thought."
"Well, a professional huntsman like myself, is expected to get results as soon as possible. Also don't jab at my age, you kids need to learn how to respect your elders." Qrow huffed, paying attention to the game once it started.
"Yeah, we get that since we're professionals too!"
"Oh really?" An eyebrow raised at Ruby's statement. "You two? Professional huntresses?"
"Uh yeah! Read the news sometime!" said Yang, her fingers moving as she mashed buttons. "It'll get you up to date in no time at all! We totally saved Vale with the rest of the gang while you were gone."
"That's funny, because I heard Vale suffered a Grimm attack after you almost managed to stop a train. Not only that, the Grimm attack is highly connected to one of you kids that I have yet to figure out." Qrow smirked when he swept his competitor with another annihilation and stated, "Sadly they don't give out medals for 'almost'."
"They do, and they're called silver!" Ruby stated while Yang busied herself with glaring daggers at him for winning.
"Well we managed to take down Roman Torchwick. He's locked up in Ironwood's ship and crime has been down ever since." Yang said cheekily, making a note to challenge her uncle to another round when he isn't busy. "That's basically a bounty mission and we nailed it."
"Sure, you may be acting like huntresses, but you aren't thinking like one." He advise them, setting down his own controller to look at them, "You really think four girls and their friends could end all crime in a kingdom?"
"I mean, I did until you said that in that way." Ruby said, staring off to the side while twiddling her fingers. "Way to lower self-esteem, Uncle Qrow."
"Violence hasn't dropped since Roman got nabbed. It's stopped. Completely. No White Fang activity anywhere around the city." Qrow told them sternly, almost getting into his lecturing mode. "You cut off the head of a King Taijitu, but now the second head's calling the shots. That's what Ironwood can't get through that thick metal head of his."
"You...know the general?" Yang questioned after sharing a look with Ruby. "That's something I never would've guessed."
"Hey, I know everybody to some extent. My job isn't the kind of job where I sit on my ass. I move from once place to another and so I must rely on communicating with others. Remember, you're talking to a member of the coolest team to ever graduate Beacon!"
"Really!?" Yang asked as Qrow reached into his back pocket and whipped out a picture that had an old coffee stain on it. Her eyes immediately honed in on the woman next to her uncle, her eyes widened in recognition. The woman wore the same armor back during the train incident but also when they were attacked at the noodle shop. The smile on the face that wasn't covered with a mask, reminded her of her dream encounter as well but she didn't voice that thought. That's...Mom at a younger age?!
"Team STRQ, the very best to have ever come out of this school. That's when I met your parents." Qrow sighed, reminiscing about his days. He noticed where Yang was looking and quickly moved his thumb till it covered up Raven's face. "We were pretty well known back in the day, definitely not blowing my own horn."
"Well known for crummy fashion sense. Is that really what you guys dressed as back then?"
"Hey, we looked good! Fresh even. I have a number of inappropriate stories that'll back that up. You'll know when you are a little older." He put the picture away, seemingly shocking Yang out of her trance. "Now those would be the days I'll enjoy to the fullest extent."
"Ew, gross. Keep them to yourself then! Yang and I need to hold onto our innocence!" Ruby fake gagged as her uncle stood up and stretched his arms over his head. "Wait...where are you going?"
"I'm too old to be hanging out with a bunch of kids, you know. You're gonna cramp my style."
"Yeah right." The younger of the two siblings smiled as she and Yang watch him approach the door, opening it up to the hallway. "Between you and Dad, I'm gonna say you got the best style!"
"And don't you kids forget that. Just remember, you two still have a long way to go." He turned around, lecturing them with a finger in the air. "And don't think for a second that graduating means you're done. Every day out there is worth a week in this place." He smiled when he could see the bright smiles on both of their faces. "You two are gonna go far, but only if you keep learning. If you never stop moving forward." Waving his hand in farewell, he left the room.
