GOMU GOMU NO!~ Holy crud did these chapters take longer than I wanted.
Alright, so first things first. I've delayed the time skip as there is still a great deal that I want to elaborate on before I take such a big jump. However, I have made up my mind when I want things to jump forward so don't worry as I do have a plan. It's a rough plan, but a plan nonetheless!
So, for anyone who's read my past versions of this story, I will be following the general arc timelines from Basil In Remnant. However, there will be many more sub arcs and major arcs in between, but this is more for plot and lore as I've also decided to create a proper timeline for this version of the RWBY world. But if I do make mistakes in my timelines please don't be afraid to call me out on it.
One last note, I know it sounds a wee desperate, but I'd really appreciate it if you guys left a review after reading through my work. It doesn't have to be overly thought out or detailed, but every tidbit helps whether it's positive or negative.
With that, have a wonderful day and happy reading everyone!
*Grad Reunion Arc. Part 1. Begins.*
Today was not a good day. Her heels dragging across the smooth pavement of the commercial district, one Glynda Goodwitch could be described as severely discontent. Her stern visage on full blast, the leader of GPPO racked her mind with a way to weasel her way out of the event to come.
The cause of the famed witch's distress was a simple, yet complicated affair. Blowing a stray hair behind her ear, Glynda continued her pursuit of calculated evasion. However, the question remained, what was the source of the witch's ire? To keep a long story short, it all occurred with a brief encounter with team STTQ...
"Oh, Oobleck, what are you and your team doing here?" Summer beamed an innocent smile.
"Abu!~" Yang greeted from a sling wrapped around the woman's neck and shoulder.
"It's rare to see you guys around the kingdom, especially you, Ms. Snooty witch," Qrow smirked at the blonde woman's glare.
"Have you all forgotten?" Port twirled his mustache as four questioning eyes veered towards him. "Our grad class reunion is this week. Honestly, I'd thought you'd be the most enthusiastic about it, Summer."
Tai smacked his forehead. "Of course! How could I miss that, the date is circled on the fridge's calendar back home."
"I wonder what kind of pranks we're gonna pull." Qrow grinned as Port's and Oobleck's eyes sparkled.
Before any elaborate planning could be done, Glynda took charge of the situation and withdrew her disciplinarian.
"Don't you lot get any ideas." She grimaced. "I'm sure Ozpin has taken extensive measures to prevent you from ruining our shared celebration. Thumbelina, you'll be sure to keep your boyfriend in check during the festivities right?"
The dust enthusiast adjusted her goggles. "I'm sure my little Ooberry won't do anything rash, after all, we have quite the date planned for this week, and I wouldn't want it to be ruined by an embarrassing prank gone wrong."
The green-haired hunter fixed his glasses and showed a warm smile to his lover. "Of course, not my adorable peachplum! I've devised the ultimate course that will guarantee your happiness!"
A light blush dusting both their cheeks, Oobleck and Thumbelina excused themselves for some much-needed elaboration. To fill the new vacancy of the group, a giddy man with yellow eyes hurdled over his team leader and landed right in front of Port.
"My, it is rare to see such a group of talented hunters and huntresses. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Tyrian laughed as he jumped beside Summer with a wicked grin.
"Oh, there you are, we've been looking for you Tyrian. How come you aren't answering your scroll?" The red reaper asked.
The brunette slapped his cheek. "Oh, silly me, I forgot to charge it this morning, I'm terribly sorry if I worried you."
"It's nothing to apologize for, but you really need to keep track of these things." Summer said with a smile.
Tyrian returned the gesture and shifted his attention to the remaining members of GPPO. "By the way, I heard that students of the new Atlas body would be attending this wonderful celebration. Naturally, my fellow classmates from Haven and those of Shade will also be present."
While the news was minuscule as a whole, one individual among the group felt her blood freeze.
"Oh, doesn't that mean Ironwood will be at the party too?" Summer felt a twitch of delight as a bead of sweat rolled down Glynda's forehead.
"That stiff tin man? The only thing he's going to do is ruin the fun while gloating about his home kingdom's technological advancements." Qrow scoffed as did Tai.
"He's never been one for a good pun." The blonde added.
"Although, that does remind me, didn't the proud protege try to make a move on you the last time he was here, Glynda?" Port scratched his chin. "Many times now that I think on it."
All eyes on the witch, Glynda rolled her eyes and sighed. "While his skills as a huntsman are notable, I find his personality less appealing."
"Oho, is this some juicy drama that I've uncovered?" Tyrian butted in and skipped next to Glynda. Raising a hand to his cheek, the brunette whispered rather loudly.
"You know, there've been rumors that everyone who's attending is recommended to have a date."
"And why would that concern me?" The witch grumbled.
"Yeah, what's this about dates?" Summer quipped as she ruffled Yang's hair soothingly.
Tyrian waggled a finger. "There's going to be some sort of competition and people are saying that first place gets two tickets to Vacuo Springs, and we all know how lovely that vacation spot is don't we?"
Eyes widened at the announcement. The healing powers of the natural water source were the stuff of legend, legends that were backed up by personal experience as the members of STTQ and GPPO had visited them on a school field trip during their second year.
"Oh, and get this, it's a whole seven days with a rented hotel room! So make sure you catch a date for this Friday!"
Jaws dropped as the giddy brunette somersaulted away. Apparently, Tyrian had some grocery shopping to do but made sure to add a playful wink on his departure.
"Tai, we're going to win." Summer said firmly.
"Abu!~" Yang cheered with pumped fists.
"See? Our little sun dragon agrees with me." The red reaper clasped the child's wrists adding extra power to her fist pumps.
"It's a tad early to gloat isn't it?" Glynda huffed.
Summer's lips spread to a devious smirk. "I thought it was a partner's competition?"
"It's not hard to find a temporary partner. For example, you're rather skilled at finding lost bums, least we forget that odd card reader." The witch's remark earned a scowl.
"Hawkins isn't a bum!" Summer protested as a lightbulb dinged over her head. "Actually, why don't I tell Ironwood that you're still single? Or maybe you could take Qrow as your partner to the reunion?"
The ravenette shot Glynda a smug grin and pointed at her with his fingers shaped into a gun.
"I'd quit being a huntress before offering you or Ironwood a date."
Qrow stepped back in faux fashion. He broke into a chuckle that Tai and Summer eagerly joined in.
"Well, it's been nice seeing you all," Port clapped his hands and rested one on his leader's shoulder. "We still have some business at the HMA, and now we have to find Oobleck and Thumbelina. Till we meet again, STTQ!" Port chortled and left the three adults and blonde baby to their devices.
"How much do you wanna bet that she'll find a date by the end of the week?" Qrow snickered.
"Twenty lien," Tai replied.
"Guys, it's not good to bond over betting!" Summer grumbled, though her expression betrayed her words. "I'll bet fifty lien that she won't find one."
"Abu!~" Yang confirmed.
"You're on." The men skipped down the street with a jolly leader and baby trailing their heels. Their first destination, a grocery store that sold baby items.
/-/
"Why the worried face, Glynda? You'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning so much." Port shook his head playfully.
"This is much more serious than you think!" Glynda hissed. "If we're going to attend the grad reunion, then we both need to find a date."
Her eyes fixed on the stout gentleman beside her, a desperate but honest idea popped into her brain.
"Um, Glynda?" Port asked uncomfortably. His steps slowing to match his cohort's pace, his mustache twitched at her ominous glare.
"Why don't we attend the event? As respected friend's mind you."
The hunter scratched his chin. "While the offer is appreciated, I must decline. After all, I won't be attending the grad party till the end."
Glynda curled a brow. "Wait a minute, the day of the event, it's the day that you..."
Port raised a hand. "Yes, it's that time of year. I've already booked my ticket to Mantle, and the bullhead leaves that afternoon midway through the celebration."
"I see, I'm sorry for being ignorant."
The man shook his head. "No need to apologize! It's simply a time that I need to reflect on my past actions so that I don't repeat the same mistakes."
The witch sighed. "Port, if you ever need anyone to talk to..."
"The sentiment is always welcome, but I feel that this is a matter best done in solitude." Port smiled warmly.
"Hm, perhaps it's best we should adjourn today's activities."
"Oh, and why is that?" Port asked in shock.
"Oobleck and Thumbelina are obviously out of commission, and it appears you wish to arrange your affairs before you depart for Mantle."
"And you need to find yourself a worthy date by the end of the week," Port added.
Glynda choked on her breath. "T-That's beside the point! I'm merely being considerate of my teammate's current circumstances. Is that clear?"
The mustached gentleman did his best to not break into cheeky laughter. "If that's what you want me to believe, then I trust you wholeheartedly."
His leader shot him a look as if daring him to say anything else, but the man simply nodded and politely excused himself. Now alone to contemplate, Glynda scoured her brain for any potential dates that wouldn't break past the friendship line.
"... Damnit."
No one came to mind. Flicking her scroll's friend list for a possible answer, Glynda's face drooped as only a handful of names appeared. With Oobleck and Tai out of the equation, only Qrow and Ironwood remained, and as stated before she'd rather lose her job than ask them for a date.
Massaging her temples, the witch wandered into a cafe. She couldn't accomplish anything with a vexed mind, and she knew better than to try and push through on an empty stomach.
Positioned away in a corner of the cafe, Glynda enjoyed the view by the windowsill as the time-shifted from morning to afternoon.
"Hey there gorgeous, is this seat taken?" Asked a well-dressed gentleman. His features chiseled and slick suit complimenting his broad frame and glossy brown hair, he was a very attractive man, and by his tone, he knew how to flaunt it.
"Unfortunately not." With a flick of her finger, the huntress activated her semblance and the seat across from her was tucked in.
The businessman coughed into his hand and tried to pull out the seat, but when it didn't budge, he grinned awkwardly and left without uttering another word. Watching his retreat, Glynda sighed and pushed up her glasses. While the man could've filled in the spot of her date, she wasn't that desperate to deal with the trouble that would surely follow afterward.
It would start with a friendly greeting in the auditorium, then dance on the main floor, which would quickly shift to asking for more dates and unwanted attention. Not to mention his poor first impression, his first sentence alone was a red flag that would not be ignored.
"Your order, Miss." A waiter greeted with a smile and plopped down a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee and a blueberry muffin. Distracted by food, the huntress set aside her petty troubles and thanked the young teen.
A cafe au lait to be exact, it was the only beverage that Glynda praised. With the steamy aroma coupled with local sweet milk, the huntress eased into her chair and pulled out her scroll.
"Perhaps I should avoid the celebration altogether." She shook her head. It'd be mandatory to attend as Oobleck and Thumbelina would be curious at their leader's disappearance, and Port was taking out valuable time to see his former classmates. No, as a responsible member of Beacon's hunters, Glynda would be sure to present herself in the most pristine manner possible.
Save for a few touch-ups of makeup, as just the right amount of color did wonders for one's appearance. Staring into the swirls of her mug as if it held all the answers to her conundrum, a ring from the cafe's television garnered her attention.
"With the morning news good and done with, allow us to give the spotlight to our fellow allies of Atlas." A man adorned in a gray suit raised a hand toward a small window that expanded to take over the entire screen.
The image of the SDC's logo on full display, it transitioned to a posh, slim man, dressed in a white suit and pale blue tie. His black hair slicked back with a few white strands, an assistant stood by with a tablet in hand.
"It is with great horror, that we of the SDC had to bear witness the tragedy which fell upon our fellow man." He said.
"Which is why as the new head of the SDC, I Jacques Schnee have collaborated with the Valesian council to transport all necessary materials for the agricultural district's reconstruction." He paused and motioned for his assistant to step forward.
Glynda rolled her eyes. It was no surprise that the SDC would be the first to take action in providing aid for Vale as business between the two kingdoms had been on the rise ever since the Vytal festival two years ago.
The assistant spoke next, describing the list of metals and dust which would be transported. The majority of it was dust, but seeing that the SDC held a bulldog grip on the industry, it was expected.
"Thank you, Kathy. In terms of payment, I have graciously approved of adding a sixty-five percent discount on all purchases." Jacques declared with a prize-winning smile.
"Hmph, of course, there has to be some profit. Honestly, what does Atlas take us for?" Glynda sipped her coffee and almost spit it out as another figure joined the head of the SDC.
A young man, he wore a white overcoat with a gray undercoat, black sweater, a red necktie, and a white glove on his right hand. His suit pants shared the same color as his overcoat and were tucked into silver boots accented in gray.
On the bottom of the screen, the name James Ironwood was written in bold letters.
"Thank you for those kind words, Jacques." The new presence ran a hand through his short ebony locks.
"In terms of transport, we of the Atlas military have provided four airships that will make two trips. The first arrival will be for materials and dust, then a team of engineers and a skilled workforce will arrive shortly after."
James pointed to a statistics board in the background which relayed the dates and precautions he'd taken along with the current headmaster of Atlas.
"We are expecting to begin operations after Beacon's four-year celebration. Until then, we of Atlas eagerly await for our opportunity to aid our fellow allies in the Valesian kingdom." The proud military student smiled and waved with Jacques as the shared message was adjourned.
As the screen faded back to the typical news, Glynda could only groan at the idea of James being around during the agricultural district's reconstruction. It's not that he was a bad person by any means. In fact, James' devotion to advancing Atlas' technology, and by extension the other kingdoms, had contributed a great deal to fending off the Grimm and supplied them with new hopes of expansion.
Then again, considering the downfall of Mountain Glenn a decade ago, it was clear there was much work to be done before Vale could stretch its borders.
Taking another sip, the witch frowned as her coffee had cooled down during the lengthy announcement, but at least her muffin had given her some satisfaction.
Her meal done with, Glynda left a generous tip and exited the cafe. Once again on the hunt for an unknown solution for her upcoming grad conundrum, a sigh of defeat slipped through her frowning lips.
At times like these, the witch cursed her shortcomings in terms of friendships, but in fairness, she didn't want to associate herself with hunters whose only goal was survival or greedy self-gain. To her, the definition of a huntress was a person dedicated to protecting those too weak to defend themselves and to provide a caring hand in guiding the next generation of citizens who'd uphold the upstanding morals of the kingdom to a tee.
But such things were often an exception among the world of hunters. She'd heard too many tales of strong individuals who threw away their moral code for wealth and fame, but not her. Glynda was determined to set the standard and made sure to fully commit to this idea every time she got out of bed.
Now walking beside the wooden fences of the commercial district's park, the witch decided to visit the lush greenery, hoping the fresh air would clear her muddled brain.
A few steps in, and it was already obvious that many eyes were upon her. Some men had the decency to look once and be done with it, but others decided to linger their stares, doing poorly to hide their perverted thoughts.
Glynda did well to ignore them, as she'd come to accept that she was considered a great catch or however Qrow put it. Then again, the witch did do her best to appear presentable at all times, after all, it was necessary for a huntress to look their best for the public as it gave an air of confidence and certainty when panic threatened to take over the populace.
Halfway down the trail, she passed a long line of square shrubs that created a pathway to the quieter sections of the park where you'd find patient book readers and artists engrossed in their endeavors.
However, her mind drew a blank as her bright green eyes landed on a familiar stoic figure. There, tucked in a pocket of the quiet area, was a man with pale skin, long blonde locks, and crimson eyes. Sporting his usual navy colored cloak, its ruffled collar extended just below his chin.
"Hawkins..." Glynda muttered, her feet moving on their own as the gears in her head began to grind.