Here we are at Chapter 12. Let's continue this weird and wonderous journey. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 12. Enjoy.
Chapter 12: Monkey Business
It's been a few days since the incident in Vale. The White Fang members that attacked Weiss, Blake, and Dehya were arrested by the authorities. Apparently, from what they heard, a splinter group had broken off from the rest of the White Fang after some infighting within the organization. This was little comfort for them of course. The fact that they would try something like this in broad daylight showed that they were either that crazy, desperate, or just that confident. On the bright side, Weiss and Blake were able to set aside their differences and come to an understanding. Even Dehya was starting to have a better opinion of the Ice Queen. Blake told the others about her past and Team JNPR as well, but made them promise not to speak a word of it to anyone else. They promise her to do so, knowing that while things have gotten better between her and Weiss, Blake is still cautious around other humans. In other news, Ruby made a new friend: Penny. After getting things situated in Vale, Ruby called Penny her 'friend' and the rather unusual girl was quite ecstatic at that, saying they could do things all female friends do. This weirded the others out though. Anyway, things went back to normal for the most part and the girls were all back at Beacon, going through another round of classes.
"...Despite the fact that we use Dust in our everyday lives, and have discovered several different types, there are still a few things we don't know about this precious compound. How did Dust come to be forged? Why do they display the powers of different elements? Is there a deeper meaning behind their powers?" Dr. Oobleck asks as he gives his lesson on the history of Dust.
While some are mildly curious about these questions, others just look bored (i.e. Yang). However, one amongst them could answer this question. Ei, being an archon, already knew the true origins of Dust. Back when there were more archons on Remnant, they took pity on humanity in their struggle against the grimm. And so, they used their power to create the tool that would give them the edge: Dust. Dust was ultimately an extension of the gods' elemental powers. Her sister, Makoto, did the same thing when she was the Electro Archon, which is why electric Dust exists in this world now. Of course, the truth of this would fade in the sands of time as the humans of the past would die out and the stories they knew would fade as newer generations were born. Of course, Ei couldn't tell them that, considering her secret. She glances at Blake when this thought comes. How would her friends feel if they learned she was a god? She's come to like how they interact and wants to keep it that way. At least for a little while longer.
The lesson finishes up not long after that and the students exit to their next class.
"So, we have an assignment about the history of Dust and its due next week. After classes, let's head to the library to do some research. We must be proactive with our time," Weiss says.
Ruby groans, "Ugh, unless it's with weapons, I'm not that good with history,"
"Tell you what. If you put in enough effort on this assignment with me, we'll bake cookies together. Of course, you'll give me have of yours," Weiss says.
While she would never admit it, Weiss is quite smitten with Ruby's baking skills. Which Yang likes teasing her on from time to time.
That got Ruby's attention, "Really?! Okay, let's do it! To the library!" Ruby is about to race off to said library when Weiss grabs her cloak.
"After our classes, dolt," Weiss rolls her eyes.
Nilou giggles at their antics, "I've never seen someone so into sweets before. I like a good treat myself every now and then, but I don't like to each too much or else I might gain weight. I have to be very careful with my figure because of my dancing,"
"Well, I think you're lovely as you look, Nilou," Ei compliments her.
Nilou's cheeks turn pink at her words, "Oh, thanks Ei," she smiles.
Ei has found that she likes seeing Nilou smile. Candace watches them from behind as her golden eye glows for a moment and she smirks.
"This could be interesting..." Candace mutters.
"What was that, Candace?" Dehya leans in next to her.
Candace waves it off, "Oh nothing,"
The teams finish up their classes for the day and go about taking care of homework assignments and papers. Ei and Nilou head to the library to grab a few books on Dust while Dehya and Candace print out some studies from online. Once that's done, they head back to their dorm room to continue their work in peace. As they do so, a question forms in Dehya's mind.
"I'm not much of a bookworm, but I was wondering from Professor-," Dehya begins.
"-Doctor," Candace corrects her.
"Yeah, yeah, 'Dr.' Oobleck's class. We use Dust all the time. It's fuel, ammunition, power. But, I guess I'm a little curious. How do you guys think Dust came to be created?" Dehya asks.
"Hmm, I never wondered about it much. I thought it was like how normal minerals were and just always existed on Remnant," Nilou replies.
"I figured it was different compounds forged together to make Dust by humanity's ancestors and that's how they spread across the world. Of course, we've seen how destructive Dust can be and I just thought they did something foolish and caused destruction that almost killed them all," Candace adds.
"What about you, Ei?" Nilou asks.
Ei thinks for a moment, "... I don't know if this is true, but back home, we have a little story. It was said that the gods created Dust as they took pity on mankind in their struggles against the Creatures of Grimm. They gave a piece of their power to the humans and that power took on the form of Dust. The humans of the past would worship the gods for their gift, but as time passed, that worship would die out and the gods eventually left Remnant and returned to the stars above. Of course, it's just a story," Ei explains.
"That sounds like quite the interesting tale," Candace rests her chin on one hand.
"I'm getting more and more interested in your home every day, Ei," Nilou claps her hands.
"I'm glad to hear that. But, stories won't be enough to pass this assignment. Shall we continue?" Ei says.
With that, the team continue with their work late into the evening. They get most of it done before deciding to call it a night. Deep down, Ei would like to show them her home, but she knew that would also mean revealing her secret. She's come to like living as a human. It's brough many new experiences that she never could've felt back when she isolated herself from the world. Of course, that brings a new problem. As an archon, she would far outlive her new friends. She's familiar with that pain of loss. It was what made her retreat to the Plane of Euthymia in the first place. But, she's here to change that, to change herself for the better. Still, she'd like to enjoy these moments, just a little while longer.
...
A few days later, Ei finds herself in Vale again, only this time with Nilou and Blake. She realizes she hasn't had that many interactions with the Faunus. It seems Blake is becoming more open with everyone after they learned she was a Faunus, which Ei is thankful for. As for their reason being in Vale... Apparently, when Ruby found the basic tools Ei was using to maintain her naginata, the weapon lover would have none of that and gave her a list of tools up to get for herself. Ruby would've gone with her, but Weiss put a stop to that. The heiress said they had schoolwork to study on and would not let the leader of Team RWBY go, much to Ruby's sorrow. So, Blake and Nilou went with her instead.
"I honestly thought the tools I was using were adequate enough," Ei notes.
"Eh, they were okay. I think it's just that Ruby is crazy when it comes to weapons. Kind of like how Weiss is with her grades," Blake notes, making Nilou giggle.
Ei holds up a piece of paper, "Okay, the shop where we can get what Ruby specified should be around the corner,"
They come around the corner, only to stop when a boy with blonde hair, wearing an open shirt and having a monkey tail runs and jumps over them.
"Whoa!" the boy lands behind them. "Sorry about that, I almost ran into you guys,"
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Nilou asks.
"Oh, uh, you know, just trying to ditch the guys from the boat I stowed away on," the Faunus says with a goofy smile like it's no big deal.
"You... stowed away on a ship?" Blake asks, perplexed.
"Yeah. Hey, I'd like to talk later, so I'll see you around. Don't go too far. By the way, I'm Sun. See ya!" Sun says, winking at Blake before booking it.
A moment later, two guys run past them, "Did that Faunus run this way? I feel like he did!" they say as they run by.
The three girls watch the scene unfold, "Am I the only one who was confused by what had just transpired?" Ei asks, getting nods from her friends. "I see. Good,"
"Perhaps we should get moving and finish what we came here to do," Nilou says.
They continue on their way, but not before Blake glances back in the direction Sun went. After they finish their errand, they make their way back to the landing platforms to return to Beacon. However, as they do, they find a certain monkey Faunus waiting for them, snacking on an apple.
"Hey! I had a feeling I'd meet you guys around here. Glad I caught up before you left," Sun waves.
"Sun, correct? Why were you waiting for us?" Ei asks.
"Well, I'm not from around here and my friends haven't arrived yet, so I'd thought I'd make some new friends to pass the time. Plus, you guys seem really interesting, especially you," Sun points at Blake. "Gotta say, I think you'd look better without the bow," he says.
This makes Blake get defensive and she glares at him, "What are you talking about?"
"Come on, I know there are a pair of ears under that bow. I have a sixth sense for this stuff. I'm not trying to be mean or anything," Sun replies.
Blake groans, "Ugh, is it really that easy to notice? You're the second person who's a Faunus to figure that out. However, the bow stays,"
Sun waves his hands in surrender, "Hey, it's cool. So, what are your names? I told you mine,"
"I'm Blake. This is Nilou and Ei," Blake introduces them.
"Hello. So, if you can tell that she's a Faunus, then does that mean..." Nilou looks up at her horns.
"Oh yeah, I know those aren't real. But, they're pretty realistic," Sun notes.
"And... you're not mad about that?" Nilou asks tentatively.
"Why would I? I'm sure you got your reasons. Besides, if she's okay with it, then I am too," Sun points at Blake.
Nilou breathes a sigh of relief, "Well, thank you for that,"
"So, Sun, where are you from?" Ei asks.
"I'm from Mistral, though I originally grew up in Vacuo. My team and I are competing in the tournament for Haven. I got here before they did because I wanted to get here as fast as possible," Sun explains.
"And that's why you decided to break the law and stow away on another ship without proper procedure?" Ei crosses her arms. "If Sara were here, she'd give him one of her tirades before bringing him in and locking him up."
"Hey, don't make me sound like some villain. I'm not a bad guy, I swear," Sun defends himself, but the girls just stare at him. "Come on, give me a break here. I'm cool, honest!"
The girls decide to give him a break, "Fine, we won't rat you out. But, if we get in trouble because we helped you, you're on your own," Blake says.
She doesn't need the authorities looking into her past and finding out she used to work for the White Fang.
"Cool. I knew you guys were awesome. Well, I'm sure you have places to be, so I'll see you around. I gotta go snag me some more food," Sun says, winking at Blake again before leaving.
"Does he always break the law without a second thought?" Blake asks.
"Shouldn't we report him to the police?" Ei asks.
"Probably better to just leave it alone. We have enough drama already," Blake replies.
"Come on, we should head back to Beacon," Nilou suggests, and they head to the airship before it leaves.
...
Late in the evening, Team RDCN are in their dorm room, already changed into their pajamas for the night. When they got back and showed Ruby that they retrieved what she asked of them, the weapon nerd got right to work giving Ei some pointers on proper maintenance of her naginata. She also asked if Ei did the same thing with her sword, but Ei told her no. Since her sword is a manifestation of her power, it doesn't require maintenance like a normal weapon. In their dorm room, Nilou is brushing Ei's long hair to help out.
"I'm amazed you've kept your hair like this without much issue before, Ei. Having long hair can be a bother at times. I have long hair too, but not as long as yours," Nilou notes.
"Yeah, I can get major bedhead at times if I don't take care of it," Dehya notes.
"That's why I keep my hair short except for a few strands," Candace says while reading a textbook.
"Well, I guess the thought never crossed my mind much. Though, I appreciate everyone's help in this regard," Ei says.
"Hey, if we don't look good, then who will, the boys?" Dehya jokes before pulling out a small, handheld mirror and inspecting herself.
"Huh, I didn't realize you had a mirror like that, Dehya," Ei notes.
"Hey, I know I'm not the most feminine around here, but I AM still a girl, after all," Dehya retorts.
"If only you could act more feminine at times, though I suppose that's one of your finer qualities," Candace giggles, making Dehya rolls her eyes.
A moment later, Nilou finishes brushing Ei's hair, "There, all done,"
"Thank you, Nilou. I'd like to repay you for this if I can," Ei says.
"Oh, it's no big deal," Nilou waves it off.
"I'm afraid it isn't. I don't like leaving debts unpaid. There must be some way I can repay you," Ei replies.
"Just let Ei brush your hair. Then it's quid pro quo," Dehya suggests.
Nilou hums in thought, "Well... I suppose that's okay, if you're so adamant about it," she hands the brush to Ei.
"Thank you. Now please, allow me," Ei sits behind Nilou and starts brushing her red hair.
Candace's golden eye glows for a moment again and she smirks knowingly. However, it would be apparent that Ei is not as good at taking care of someone else's hair as her own. Before Nilou's hair is damaged, Candace steps in and helps them both. Ei felt bad about it, but Nilou told her not to worry. Even a secret Archon has their weak points.
...
The next day, Ei and Dehya are just leaving a class they share with Jaune and Pyrrha. Walking through the halls, they discuss Jaune's training with Pyrrha.
"He's been getting better with each night of training. I am very proud," Pyrrha says.
Jaune rubs his head, "Not sure you can call it improvement when I haven't landed a single hit on you, Pyrrha,"
"But, your control over your aura has improved, and you're lasting longer in each of our sparring matches. I'd say that's a great improvement," Pyrrha says.
"She's right. No one is a great warrior from the beginning. It takes time, training, and discipline to forge oneself into a strong warrior. It was the same for me back home," Ei adds.
"Exactly. Which is why we'll continue at our steady pace. We'll have you ready for the tournament in no time," Pyrrha says.
"I've noticed a lot of students putting in extra hours of training. They must all really want to compete in the Vytal Festival Tournament," Nilou notes.
"Not every team from the four academies will get to compete. Only select teams. The teams arriving from the other schools are their chosen fighters. Since we're hosting it in Vale this time, we have a little extra time to make our selection and get in. I heard Professor Goodwitch will be deciding which teams will qualify through her class," Pyrrha explains.
"The students from the other academies will also be participating in our classes as well while they're here. I wonder who we'll meet. Though, they won't be arriving until the next semester," Nilou notes.
They continue on to their next class on what appears to be another normal day in Vale.
...
Meanwhile, somewhere in Vale, a woman with long gray/black hair tied back in a low ponytail, pale skin, and is wearing tight black pants and a straight corset-type gray shirt with two long tails and red undertones. She sits cross-legged at a round table while sipping a cup of tea. A moment later, a young boy and girl, their faces masked by shadows, appear and bow before her.
"Father, we have returned," the boy says.
"Well? Have you uncovered anything?" the woman asks, not turning to look at them.
"We have, Father. It seems she has set up operations here in Vale and is using the local criminals as hired muscle. She's made contact with both the criminal Roman Torchwick and the White Fang splinter group," the girl responds.
The woman sighs, "I always wondered about her strength of character, but I believed her devotion to Her Majesty was like my own. To think that she would break off from our mission of finding our master just to pursue her own goals. Perhaps we misjudged her. Have you located her yet?' the woman asks.
"Not yet. Our apologies, Father," the boy says.
"It is of little consequence. Many eyes will be on the city for the Vytal Festival. We must be patient. However, one those eyes turn to the tournament, that is when we'll have more freedom to move about. For now, continue with your reconnaissance," the woman commands.
"Yes, Father," the boy and girl leave the room.
The woman opens her eyes, revealing black eyes with red "X"-shaped pupils, "Soon, we will find you, Your Majesty. So that we may serve you and your vision once again. Soon..." she says before finishing her tea.
And that's the chapter. The gang meet Sun Wukong, who makes quite the impression. Meanwhile, new players are coming to the board, but who are they exactly? Are they friend or foe? Until then, please Read and Review.