White Knight Errant
A RWBY fanfic by Andrew Joshua Talon
DISCLAIMER: This is a fan based work of prose. RWBY is the property of Rooster Teeth and WB Animation. Please support the official release.
During the Semester Break...
The law offices of Dvalinn, Alviss, and Ottar was one of the finest in all of Vale, and had business in Mistral. They had worked with Pyrrha's family since she was born. Their offices were in downtown Vale in the Old Town District, which was filled with buildings in the architectural styles popular prior to the Great War, ranging from Valean Neo-Classical to Old Animaen. The exterior of the building was solemn gray, with bricks arranged in pillars, archs, and vaults to hold up the angled blue-green roof tiling. A large clock face shaped window decorated the top floor of the building, letting the afternoon light into the warm, earthy office filled with books, wooden tables, and carved stone statues and lamps.
The environs with their pillars and elegantly carved statues helped put Pyrrha Nikos at ease, to an extent. Mistralian architecture felt familiar, and it helped keep her mind on her task.
She sat in casual street clothes at the large, main table in the office. She winced as she squeezed her wrist, shaking it out as she dropped the pen onto the pile of paperwork. She looked across the table at the only other person in the room, who was filling the air with the sweet scent of South Sanus Tobacco.
"Any more?" She asked softly.
Hoss Dvalinn looked up from his own paperwork. He was a small but broad man, built like a gnarled, old tree trunk. His nose was long, poking past his long, flowing white beard. His hair was similarly white and flowing backwards, revealing his high forehead and keen blue eyes. He chuckled as he puffed on his pipe, sitting in his well tailored suit with his feet up on a spare chair.
"Just a few more, my dear, just a few more," he said. "Thankfully, she didn't pay much attention to the emancipation clauses in the various contracts around you. Means she didn't think you'd ever leave her."
Pyrrha bowed her head, shame filling her. Hoss puffed on his pipe a few more times, then reached out and patted her hand comfortingly.
"Now now. If anything, I'm glad you decided to separate."
Pyrrha looked up in surprise.
"Hoss?"
"I was your grandmother and mother's lawyer, my dear," Hoss said consolingly, "I got some idea of her moods, her… Tendencies."
He shook his head, before blowing a few smoke rings into the air.
"I did what I could. It was never enough," he admitted quietly. He shrugged. "Not enough to keep you out of a legal tower, away from all."
Pyrrha shook her head, looking at the old man with compassion.
"You shouldn't blame yourself," she murmured softly. "I… I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing-"
Hoss waved his free hand, scoffing loudly.
"Bah! Of course you're doing the right thing!" He shook his head. "Your mother needs help. Seriously needs help. This? This may help her finally get out of that crazy headspace, poor girl."
He grinned and winked.
"Besides… From what I've heard, a boy helped you take these steps?"
Pyrrha blushed heavily. She tapped her fingers together.
"Um… I-I mean…" She then scowled.
"Hoss… How much have you been investigating?"
Hoss chuckled and shrugged.
"Well, your mother wanted me to look into all your companions at Beacon. It was all quite legal, really. And they're all just fine." He frowned as he looked over some papers, picking up his reading glasses to focus.
"Though six months before your start at Beacon, Mister Arc went off the grid. You're aware of that?"
"Of course!" Pyrrha insisted, "He was trying to get to Beacon on foot. He had some… Misadventures, though I don't know all the details." She frowned.
"He isn't in any trouble, is he?" She asked anxiously.
"Not legally," Hoss observed, "But… Hrm…" He chuckled at Pyrrha's worried expression. "Oh no. Don't worry about it, Pyrrha. Honestly, it's just a lot of hokum and tall tales. Nothing to be concerned about! It's outlandish to think any one person could end up in so many ridiculous situations!"
Pyrrha's concerned face didn't change. Hoss leaned forward, puffing his pipe.
"All I know is that he's a good lad. Heroic. A bit prone to getting into trouble, but seems decent enough. His father and mother were great hunters. His father before dying at Rotofield, his mother retired to go fully into medicine shortly after."
"I know, I worked with her before," Pyrrha said softly, "My mother… My mother only wanted the best."
Hoss squeezed her hand.
"She wants what's best for you, Pyrrha. But she doesn't know what that is," he said, "She'll realize it, one day, or she won't. But what's more important is what you want."
He shook his head.
"But no. The lad's all right. Indeed, he seems to have some other female admirers."
Pyrrha glowered.
"I'm… Aware," she managed tightly. Hoss nodded.
"So… Are you going to go after him?"
Pyrrha flushed.
"I-I mean… I've made my… My feelings clear…"
Hoss puffed on his pipe and lifted his bushy eyebrows.
"And?"
"We… We've agreed to go on a date," Pyrrha said, "But… But he thinks I can do better. And he thinks I… I might be a little… Um…"
"Crazy?" Hoss quipped. Pyrrha flushed. He chuckled.
"Relax. I thought my wife was crazy, too. We've been together for forty years now." He leaned forward over the desk, his beard brushing over the papers.
"But you can't let him get away! You've got to fight for him!" He slammed a fist down on the table. "Like in any of your fights, you must visualize what you want… And how to achieve it!"
Pyrrha hummed. She closed her eyes, and focused…
She was standing in the JNPR dorms, when Jaune busted the door open. She jumped as he entered, his eyes blazing.
"Pyrrha," he growled, "There's a problem."
Pyrrha stood up, shaking in excitement.
"Y-Yes, Jaune? What's the problem?"
He grabbed her, pulled her into a tight embrace, and kissed her deeply. Brutally. His tongue dominated hers as his hands roamed her body. She squealed in shock as she returned the kiss eagerly. He broke it, and nuzzled her before he spanked her. She squealed in delight.
"J-Jaune~..."
"The problem is that you're not my woman," he growled.
Pyrrha trembled and licked her lips. She looks into his eyes lovingly.
"Oh Jaune… I've always been your woman. Heart. Mind. Soul… And body~..."
"Pyrrha," Jaune husked, kissing her so hard she was left breathless. "Mmm… "
"O-Oh Jaune!" Pyrrha whimpered. "I give my everything to you… Because I trust you. I love you…"
Jaune smiled, nuzzling her back.
"I love you too, Pyrrha. You'll be mine, forever…"
He growled.
"Now strip… And spread 'em."
Hoss blinked and titled his head.
"Eh… Pyrrha?"
Pyrrha giggled, a bit of drool escaping the side of her mouth as she blushed.
"Pyrrha? You okay?"
Pyrrha blinked, and coughed.
"I-I'm fine!" She said quickly. "Just um… Visualizing!"
Hoss chuckled knowingly, and nodded slowly.
"Of course, of course… Maybe do that where you won't give an old man a heart attack? There's still a lot of paperwork to go through."
"R-Right! Right!" Pyrrha said, taking to the work with new energy. After all, the sooner she got this done? The sooner she could make her visualizations come true.
Patch was one of many islands that had been independent kingdoms before joining with Vale fully. Unlike Albion, its ambitions had not been imperial in scale, mainly due to the fact it was too small to have ever had a large population or significant resources. It had spent much of its time being controlled by various kingdoms. It had been invaded and traded hands so often the inhabitants had begun to see it as a kind of sport. Albion had built the Signal Academy when they'd invaded. Atlas had built better docks and an airfield during the Great War. And when they'd formally joined Vale after the Great War, they'd gotten modern equipment for their lumber industry.
Well, 'modern' for the time. Most of that machinery was left rusting or covered in flowers and grass. One such example lay near the Xiao-Long homestead, an old, rusted relic that Yang and Ruby had played upon in their childhood. It still gleamed, the remaining chrome bright as the noonday sun shone down upon it.
Yang and her father sparred in front of the ancient lumber vehicle, fists and feet crashing against each other as they fought furiously. Both were shiny with sweat, as their morning exercise had been going on since sunup.
Yang unleashed a punishing three strike combo of punches and a powerful kick, which drove Taiyang back. He took the strikes before dropping down to sweep her feet. She jumped up and dove like a falcon to strike her father in his lowered stance with a wide grin.
"GOT YOUUU-UGH!"
Her father caught her punch and swung her down onto the grass, slamming her down into the ground with a boom! Her breath was knocked right out of her as her father pinned her down.
He grinned down at her.
"Awake now, Little Dragon?" Tai asked. Yang scowled up as he stood up onto his feet. He extended his hand, and pulled her up. They walked over to the wreck of the old vehicle, where a wooden board had been placed to create a crude bench. They both sat. Tai pulled out some chilled water bottles from a cooler, and handed his daughter one before he popped the cap and began to drink.
Yang followed suit, letting the cool water wash down her throat.
They both slowly caught their breath, before Tai broke the quiet.
"So. Wanna talk about it?"
Yang set her empty bottle down, and stared back at the house.
"I don't know," she sighed, "It's… Complicated."
"So it involves a boy," Tai said with a nod. Yang flushed.
"N-No!" Yang said quickly. Far too quickly. Tai's grin grew.
"Same reason Ruby's in there reading Mistralian romance comics instead of technical manuals?" He asked, nodding towards their house.
"... Maybe," Yang admitted. She sighed.
She gave her father a brief summary of things. She tried so hard to not blush or stutter, but… Geez. All of a sudden, she was right back to being a nervous ten year old.
At the end, Tai nodded slowly, looking thoughtful.
He then smiled at her.
"So. You're both after the same guy, huh?"
"It didn't start out that way but…" Yang nodded.
"So? What's the deal?" Tai asked. "You've kissed boys before, if the school scuttlebutt is any indication."
"Dad!" Yang whined. Tai chuckled, and patted her on the shoulder. She pouted back at him.
"It's just… Ruby started crushing on him, bad," Yang said, "And she asked me to keep him from the other girls thirsty for him. But he…" Her eyes softened. "He's… Someone special. All those other things, I just did it because, well… That's what a popular girl does. I never caught feelings before."
"Love is stupid like that," Tai said with a nod. Yang groaned and rubbed her face in irritation.
"It's just ridiculous… He's such a dork, and then he whips out some badass from somewhere and acts like a man instead of a teen!" She punched a large dent into the rusted metal of the ancient lumber machine, growling under her breath.
Tai chuckled again and nodded.
"So… What are you going to do?"
"I'm going on a date with him, aren't I?" Yang demanded. Tai leaned in.
"You don't actually have to," he said, "Nothing's making you. So…?"
Yang groaned again.
"I just… I do like him. And everything I could do when he was just some guy? I can't do it! Especially not when Ruby outright says she's going after him, too! I just… How can I…?"
Tai shook his head… And then slugged Yang in the shoulder, hard. The blonde woman yelped, and glared with red eyes.
"The hell was that for?!"
"What have I always said?" He asked. Yang blinked, confused.
"Huh?"
"About you and romance," he said gently. Yang's eyes faded to lilac as she considered the question. She then sighed in resignation.
"'As long as no one dies, no one is crippled, no one has an incurable disease, and you don't make a baby, everything can be worked out,'" she recited, like she was back in school at Signal. She shook her head. "Yeah, I know but-"
Tai grinned and waved his hand as the wind sent the grass into waves across the plain. It felt like they were on a ship in a vast, green sea. Just like it had when she was a small child, safe with her father and mother.
"But nothing. You two will still be sisters no matter who gets this guy. So remember that, huh? If he's worth it, he will understand. And if he's worth it? Do you really want to let him get away without finding out if he's the one?"
Yang bit her lower lip. Tai squeezed his eldest daughter's shoulder and smiled warmly, kindly.
"You deserve to find out if you can find some real happiness, Yang," he said softly, "You don't have to worry about taking care of me and Ruby anymore."
Yang glanced at him, then looked back down in guilt. Tai smiled sadly.
"It's all right, Yang. I'm sorry I… That was my fault. You should never have had to face that. But you did face it. You became so strong. I'm so proud of you. But don't let those circumstances hold you back from finding out if this boy can bring you some happiness, huh?" He shook her shoulder gently.
"Maybe you'll get married to him and have a dozen kids. Maybe you'll break up after a few weeks."
Yang glared out at the house, her eyes flashing red as she gripped the wooden board.
"Maybe he'll run out on me when we have a child and never talk to us again," she snarled.
Tai was silent for a moment. Yang looked at him, an apology on her lips-He held up a hand.
"Maybe," he said, "But even… Even with that? I don't regret it. I got you. I got Ruby. And you both got a real mother, as…" He sighed softly. "As short as it was… I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"Dad," Yang murmured softly. Tai smiled, and leaned in to affectionately bump her head.
"But… You owe it to yourself to find out. So don't hold back, all right? Be the brave little dragon I know you can be."
Yang slowly nodded. She managed a small smile, though she looked away. She blinked rapidly, keeping any tears out of her eyes.
Tai beamed, and pulled her into a brief, one armed hug. She didn't like being doted on too much, and he respected that. Which she loved about him.
"So… Who is he, anyway?" Tai asked. Yang blinked.
"Eh?"
"You didn't mention his name at all," Tai said, raising an eyebrow, "Someone I know?"
Yang winced.
"Er… Yeah. Kind of. Crybaby Jaune Arc? Remember him?"
Tai blinked rapidly. He hummed, looking thoughtful.
"Isabel's kid, huh? Hmmm..."
"I mean, you two are old friends, right?" Yang asked. "I remember her, sort of. Jaune's her only son, and he's doing great at Beacon!"
"Hmmm," Tai continued, still very thoughtful. Yang frowned in response, leaning in.
"Really, he-He's a good guy! I'm not even attracted to him because I think he'd piss you off! I-I think I'm past that! Dad?"
Tai shook his head, started out of his thoughts. He then smiled at her.
"So… Remember that last thing? About having a baby?"
Yang blinked.
"Eh?"
"About that last one... Being a teenaged mom is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as he marries you."
Yang's cheeks went red as her jaw dropped.
"Dad?!"
"I mean," Tai went on, "He's not the type to just run out, right?"
"I-No, he doesn't, but-!"
"And if he tries, his mother would make sure he wouldn't," Tai chuckled, "She'd break his legs if he tried."
"Dad? What the hell?" Yang demanded. Tai shrugged with a bright grin.
"What? I'm just saying, if you do become a teenaged mother, there are worse fates than marrying the son of a rich, famous doctor!"
"DAD!"
"What? Ruby's too young right now! Though I'll definitely tell her to give it her best shot too-"
"DAAAAD!"
The Chateau D'Aulnoy was one of the most storied and exclusive hotels in Ponce, a resort town on the western coast of Sanus about ten miles south of Vale proper. Perched atop a tall plateau with sheer cliffs surrounding it on every side, while overlooking a natural harbor, the town had started as one of numerous fortresses across Sanus. Its beautiful oceanside view and natural defensive position had made it popular for vacations and events for centuries-The treaty ending the Great War was, in fact, signed in this very hotel. A framed picture of the signing hung over the largest fireplace in the five star restaurant that dominated the lower level, a modern black and white Atlesian style cafe softened a bit by Valean touches: The warm dark wood paneling and mementos of history hung or arranged on tables in perfect harmony.
At a table with white silken cloth covering it, drinking the finest imported Mistralian tea, Weiss Schnee took in the ambience and luxurious surroundings with an unusual smile. Oh yes, the hotel overlooked the beaches below the cliffs, where vacation goers of every description enjoyed the surf and warm sands of the beach. The town itself matched the pure white granite of the cliffs, shining like a pure beacon of hope. On the opposing side of the hotel, you could watch people going about their business on the cobblestone sidewalks or driving cars on the narrow paved streets, an endless bustle of every kind of person imaginable. Atlasian businessmen, Mistralian nobles, Valean tourists, human and Faunus alike.
Yet it all paled in comparison to the company that joined her at the table. Her elegant, beautiful, refined older sister, Winter, who gave Weiss a gentle smile over her own cup of tea.
"I'm so happy to see you again, sister," Weiss said warmly, sipping her tea before continuing, "How did you get leave on such short notice?"
Winter shrugged, carefully brushing a stray silver hair back behind her ear.
"Well, since the Vytal Festival is taking place in Vale this year, my duties give me many opportunities to visit," she said. Her smile grew by just a hair.
"You look very well, Weiss. I am glad to see it."
"Thank you Winter," Weiss said with a soft nod, "It has been an… Eventful first semester."
Winter cocked an eyebrow.
"So I have heard," she observed. Weiss winced instinctively. Winter shook her head.
"That was not meant as a criticism, Weiss," she said gently, "I am very glad you came out of those situations unharmed." She let out a small sound that would have been an outright chuckle from a non-Schnee.
"Indeed, I am reminded of my early missions as a Specialist."
"Really?" Weiss asked with eager eyes. Winter nodded.
"Yes. I had asked for no special treatment. My commanding officer took that as a sign to throw me into the meat grinder. I had to escort several important dignitaries through the Jotun Pass District."
Weiss's eyes widened in shock. Winter nodded.
"Yes. There are an unfortunate number of A to Triple-A ranked Grimm there," she said, "For reasons still not fully understood. My team ran into an A-Ranked Jormungandr on our second trip."
"Oh my," Weiss murmured.
Winter chuckled again.
"Do not be alarmed, sister. Obviously we overcame it, but it was a formidable foe," she said with a nod. "My commander was shocked when we brought the remains in. He recommended me as General Ironwood's attache after that."
"Of course, nothing but the best for my sister," Weiss said with a smile. Winter nodded back, waving a hand in a tight, controlled manner.
"There is no need to gush. Besides, I came to talk to you. How are you doing, sister?"
"Oh, uh, very well," Weiss said quickly, "I came in first place overall in academics. My combat class scores were exceptional, though I am finding that I need more work in a few areas."
"There is no shame in that," Winter consoled, "You cannot act without solid information, after all."
"Yes sister," Weiss said quickly, "I strive to improve every day."
Winter sipped her tea, studying Weiss across the table.
"And how is your team?"
Weiss held back a grimace through long, long practice.
"... They are… Difficult at times," she said, "There are some… Personal issues between us. Nothing I cannot handle."
"That is an improvement from the letters you sent at the start of the semester," Winter observed dryly. Weiss flushed.
"It was… A difficult transition," she admitted, "Vale is not Atlas. That has become clear."
"Mm," Winter agreed, "I am glad of it though, Weiss. You should go out into the world, meet new people, and experience new ways of thinking. Being in the military opened my eyes to many new possibilities." She smiled gently.
"It lets you become more than you are."
Weiss nodded.
"Yes sister."
Winter smiled softly as Weiss sipped her tea.
"And it seems to have let you find a boyfriend?"
Weiss was far too refined to ever spit out her tea in shock, but she did swallow with some difficulty. Winter's eyes glinted with some mischief, which was astonishing.
I suppose the military really has changed her, Weiss thought in a detached way, if she can tease me…!
"Oh, uh, well, we're not quite that official," Weiss said, "Not yet. We have agreed to go on some dates, per proper courting etiquette."
Winter smiled and nodded.
"I'm glad to hear it. When do I get to meet Mister Arc?"
Weiss's eyes widened.
"Wh-What?! Arc?" She gasped.
"Your letters have been filled with information about him," Winter said, blinking curiously, "I had assumed you were dating."
"No! No, of-of course not!" Weiss insisted, setting her tea down to avoid upsetting it. She scowled, picking up a pastry and taking a bite. Her cheeks blazed red.
"He remains the savage, unrefined, violent, ridiculous barbarian he started as!" She grumbled. "Always teasing me, mocking me, doing as he pleases and carrying on in a ridiculous manner! Somehow he got Pyrrha Nikos-Pyrrha Nikos!-to obsess over him! My team leader and her older sister are also infatuated with the lout! No, I want nothing and have nothing to do with Arc! At all!"
Winter stared at Weiss with perfect Atlaesian stoicism. She then nodded and took a refined bite of her own pastry.
"I see. Forgive me sister. You wrote so much about him, I simply assumed-"
"No! Nonono, it's perfectly fine!" Weiss said quickly, quite flustered, "I-I was perhaps not writing as clearly as I could! That savage brute-There wasn't a day that went by he wasn't irritating me! Quite intentionally! He fights like a rude, unrefined brute! Always going about without a shirt! Cooking food he's captured in the wild like a savage! Insinuating I have feelings for him! Bah!"
She shook her head.
"Which I do not have for him! No romantic feelings whatsoever!" Weiss said quickly.
Winter slowly nodded.
"I see," she murmured. Weiss grumbled a bit.
"I cannot believe he is Isabel Arc's son, it seems impossible!" She huffed.
"So you aren't dating him?" Winter asked, her tone a bit skeptical. Weiss furiously shook her head.
"Not in the slightest! I am dating Neptune Vasilias! Er, well, we will be! He is a wonderful, handsome, caring student from Haven! He protected me from danger! He compliments me! He is refined and debonair! Far better than Arc! That lout!"
"I see," Winter said with a nod, "I only bring it up because I looked into your finances, sister. Did you pay for Mister Arc's upgraded armor and weapons?"
Weiss flushed deeply.
"I uh… He did fight bravely for our teams," she murmured, "He also saved my team leader's life. He is an effective leader, despite being an utter scoundrel. If he is to be associated with me, I thought he should go around in better attire than rags and rusted armor. RWBY and JNPR are sister teams. How he looks reflects on us all."
"I see," Winter nodded.
"There's nothing going on!" Weiss insisted. "I am just being a good teammate!"
"I was going to point out that you should be careful in how you do such things, Weiss," Winter said gently, "After all, you did pay for Atleasian fox fur lining."
Weiss scoffed.
"So? It is traditional for Atlaesian Knights to wear such fur," she stated, "He needs all the help he can get to look like anything other than some sellsword brigand."
Winter's smile grew by just a bit.
"It is also a traditional gift for ladies being courted by knights to give such warriors fox furs," Winter pointed out. "Foxes mate for life, after all. You are essentially 'claiming' Arc as your own."
This time Weiss really did choke on her tea. She coughed, and quickly regained her composure before anyone could stare at them from the other tables.
"I… I was not aware of that, sister," Weiss mumbled in embarrassment. Winter laughed softly.
"It is all right, sister. It is a very old tradition, and I only wanted to tease you a little," she said, "You are most charming when you blush."
"Sister!" Weiss hissed. Winter smiled, and Weiss's heart grew lighter.
How long had it been since it was just them together, relaxing, having fun? Weiss honestly couldn't remember.
"I will be more careful in the future, sister," Weiss insisted, "I-I would not want Father or anyone else to think I am… Easy."
"Of course not," Winter said with a nod, "But if you are being courted by another man, you should make it clear that it was only a misunderstanding with Arc."
"Of course it's a misunderstanding!" Weiss cried, "He's-He's probably-Ooh! I bet he knew that tradition! He's probably laughing right now in the armor I bought for him! That devious scoundrel! He actually flirts with me just to annoy me!"
Weiss sighed happily.
"Not like Neptune! He compliments me so sincerely, so poetically! He also plays hard to get! Oh, just like the courtly tales of Old Atlas! So mysterious, so…" Her eyes widened as she locked onto a figure passing outside the windows.
"Oh! There he is!" Weiss said. "If you'll excuse me, sister?"
"Not at all," Winter said, rising and leaving some lien on the table.
Weiss hurried out as elegantly as possible, emerging on the street with a wide smile. She spotted Neptune, and nearly swooned.
He was dressed for the beach, in perfect form fitting gold and red trunks and an open white button-up shirt. His body was… Oh, Weiss blushed so hard over it! He was magnificently built! Slender but still well defined and muscular!
He was talking with a pair of black-haired ladies in scandalously brief bikinis. Weiss's eyes flashed in anger.
How dare they try to steal Neptune's attention from me!
"Neptune! Neptune!" Weiss cried.
Neptune turned away from the ladies, his eyes widening in shock.
"Weiss? Uh, hey Snow Angel!" He said, quickly shifting to a charming smile, "What brings you here?"
"I am taking the semester break here with my sister," Weiss gushed, moving through the crowds to stand in front of Neptune. She nervously adjusted her hair as she tried to not look like she was… Appraising him. "Er, why are you here?"
"Oh, well, Sun's uncle was so impressed with us finding Blake that he gave us money to spend time here for the break," Neptune explained. He winked. "My good fortune to find you here, huh?"
"The best fortune!" Weiss insisted. She took his arm, and turned to see Winter walking up. "Sister, this is Neptune Vasilias! Neptune, this is my sister Winter Schnee!"
Neptune looked Winter up and down, and gave her a wink and cocky grin.
"Very nice to meet you, Winter. I see good looks certainly run in the family!"
Weiss giggled. Winter's expression became a bit tense.
"I see," Winter said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Vasilias. How are you finding Ponce?"
"It's great!" Neptune laughed, "Beautiful, really! I've never been here before!"
"Oh! Please, let me show you around!" Weiss insisted, tugging on Neptune's arm, "I've been here for vacations several times and… Uh…" She looked awkwardly over at Winter. "Oh dear, Winter, I-"
Winter smiled slightly and shook her head.
"It's perfectly fine, Weiss, we'll meet back at the hotel," she said gently. She then turned a stern, deadly look on Neptune. "I'm sure Mister Vasilias will bring you back promptly for dinner, with no problems or issues, correct?"
Her piercing glare seemed to go through Neptune, who coughed and nodded quickly.
"Of course, Winter! Don't worry about anything! I'll take good care of Weiss! I'd never let anything happen to my Snow Angel!"
Weiss giggled. From his lips, such a corny nickname became so endearing.
Winter stepped up closer to Neptune, glaring into his eyes. Her hand rested on her saber.
"Good," Winter stated, "I am an Atleasian Specialist, after all, and Weiss does face many threats given her identity. I am very… Very… Good at eliminating threats."
Neptune gulped.
"Y-Yes… Absolutely, ma'am," he murmured.
Weiss felt a tinge of annoyance with her sister. She hid it behind her most charming smile and tugged on his arm.
"We will see you at dinner, sister," Weiss said, "Come along, Neptune!"
"Sure thing," Neptune said, letting Weiss lead him away. Weiss still felt Winter's glare as they headed into the busy throngs of people. She huffed quietly.
"I'm sorry about that, she's very protective of me," Weiss explained.
"Uh, sure, no problem," Neptune managed.
Weiss beamed at him.
"Not to worry though! Come, let's go have some fun!"
This was already shaping up to be the best vacation Weiss had ever taken! Her sister was here, her paramour was here, and best of all? She didn't have to deal with her ridiculous teammates!
Especially not Ruby, Yang, or Arc.
Allerleirauh was in the Old City District, in the neighborhood of Goldentine. It was one of hundreds of buildings built out of the ruins of older Valean walls, structures that had lost relevance as new walls were built for the ever expanding city. The buildings were in the classic Sanusan Federalist-style-Simple brick in sleek, Platonic forms with ellipses and great Valean Eagles. It was a style that had become huge in the Post-Great War building spree, and Allerleirauh was an epitome of the movement, with red brick, dark blue shutters, and an elegant roof crowned with ceramic eagles spreading their wings against the dark blue cornices.
Blake entered through the front door, the bell ringing faintly through the tailor's shop. She looked around for a moment, and walked up to the front desk.
"Hello?" She asked quietly.
"Hello Blake."
Blake was too old a hand at this to jump, but she spun around with a glare as Katherine emerged from a clothing rack.
"Hello Aunt Kitty. Where is everyone?" Blake asked.
"They had to see to something important," Kitty said, "So I volunteered to keep watch on the shop. Oh! I guess I forgot to turn the sign to 'Closed', silly me."
Blake scowled at her as Katherine walked up to the door and turned the sign in a theatrical manner. She looked back and winked at the teenager.
"Oh don't make that face. I have to make my own fun, don't I?" She asked.
"Hello Aunt Kitty," Blake managed. "I…" She clutched at her arm, suddenly nervous. "May we… Can we talk?"
The older woman stared intently at Blake, as though casing a safe and how she might break it open. She at last nodded.
"Certainly. Come along to the back, dear."
They came to a small kitchenette, one cluttered with dishes, photos, pots and pans. Blake sat at the small wooden table nervously, as Katherine pulled together some coffee, heated the water, and then brought it all over with the grace and precision of a runway model.
The older cat Faunus finally set the mugs down and poured Blake and herself some. She divvied out the sugar and cream, practically flooding her own cup with the stuff before she sipped the brew. Blake nervously sipped her own, before looking up into Katherine's eyes.
"Aunt Kitty, I… I called my parents," she said softly. "I… I talked with them."
Katherine was silent. Blake took that as a good sign to continue.
"I… It wasn't easy," she mumbled, "But… They're happy I'm at Beacon, and not with… With the White Fang anymore. We had a very long talk and…"
She sighed and closed her eyes.
"I keep feeling like I have to go around and apologize to a lot of people," she admitted.
Katherine nodded slowly.
"If it helps," Katherine said quietly, contemplating her coffee, "I made plenty of mistakes when I was younger, too."
Blake started, as Katherine smirked.
"You don't become the world's greatest thief without a lot of missteps," she said softly, "Some for love, some for patriotism, some for greed… Most of them just because I was stupid."
"I don't… I don't think I was stupid to fight for Faunus rights," Blake groused.
"You weren't, dearie," Katherine said kindly, "You still aren't. But the nature of the battle has changed. And the people caught in between don't care about politics."
"That's what my father said," Blake mumbled. Kitty tittered.
"Oho! The old bear can learn!"
"Auntie," Blake growled. Katherine smirked.
"Take it as a compliment, dearie. I know it feels hopeless right now, but I've been there plenty of times. Given that I'm still here, I was wrong."
She leaned forward.
"It's all right to be wrong. As long as you learn from it," Katherine murmured, "Take it from me."
She pulled up a sleeve of her house dress, showing off a long, jagged scar on her otherwise perfect skin. Blake's eyes widened as Katherine chuckled.
"This I got when I learned I used the wrong amount of Dust to crack open a safe," she said with a nod, "Still got out with the loot, but it was a LOT harder when you're trying not to bleed out. Lesson learned, mm?"
"I… Yeah," Blake murmured. Katherine smiled, pulled her sleeve back down, and shrugged.
"Enough about me. How are you? Are things better with your team?"
"Yes, we're on semester break," Blake said, "Yang and Ruby went to see their father in Patch, Weiss is meeting her sister in Ponce. Pyrrha is off doing business things…" She shook her head.
"I don't know what Jaune, Nora, or Ren are up to."
"I do," Katherine said, "I was going to ask about it, actually."
Blake perked up in concern.
"Are they all right?" She asked.
"Yes, yes, just fine," Katherine said, waving a hand dismissively, "But uh… You are staying somewhere, right?"
Blake nodded.
"Yes, a-a safehouse in the warehouse district."
"Good!" Katherine said cheerfully, "Bit isolating though, isn't it?"
Blake shook her head.
"I… I think maybe we need time apart," she murmured.
"Perhaps some," Katherine agreed, "But how often have you isolated yourself? How much has that affected how you see things?"
"What do you mean?" Blake asked, blinking. Katherine reached out and squeezed Blake's hand.
"I learned better ways of dealing with things thanks to connecting with my friends," Katherine said, "And learning through new experiences. Being a total loner locks you into your own mindset, never appreciating others. We need time to ourselves, but we also need to connect with others. And if you're going to be a princess, you should learn how to better connect with other people, yes?"
She winked.
"Might also help you learn how to better accomplish your goals, if you relate to normal Faunus and humans for a while, hm?"
Blake slowly nodded.
"I… I suppose that's true," she said, "But what does that have to do with Jaune, Nora, and Ren?"
Katherine beamed, picking up the empty coffee mugs and dumping them in the sink.
"I'm glad you asked! Come along!"
The Old District had several notable features. The statue of Dorothy The Gale, the Aura empowered lady who had led her team to defeat the Dark Witch of Vale in the distant past. She had wielded a wind-based Semblance, swinging a large polearm with a broom-like fan on the front while wearing a light blue dress, and had been the inspiration for countless Huntsmen and Huntresses. Alongside her was her loyal black hound Toto, a fearsome looking creature that had fought like a demon. Engraved into the pillar that held Dorothy up were smaller but no less detailed statues of her companions: Leo Hardt the Fearless, a lion faunus and the first King of the Faunus to be recognized by human rulers. Ambrose Crane the Clever, a Mistralian ninja whose broad-brimmed hat and homespun clothing made him resemble a scarecrow. And Zinn Holzhaut, the Tin Knight, wielding his mighty ax.
City planners and politicians had long sought to move the statue from the Old District into the more modern sections where the new Council Hall and Capital Buildings had been built post-Faunus Revolution, but prolonged court battles and protests had kept the Lady of the Western Wind and her companions right in front of the original courthouse. The Emerland Courthouse, which now served as the Emerald Mall after extensive renovations.
The Emerald Manse too was a big attraction. This was the second home of the Warrior King Oz, a Gothic-style manor slash fortress in the middle of Verdant Park. He had used it as a meeting place to do business closer to the city, as his castle that was now Beacon Academy was quite some distance from the town center. It was still used as a government building to this day, though it was slowly transitioning to more of a museum. It had become city hall when Vale transitioned to democracy, then the Department of Commerce, and now was little more than a DMV and general civic record keeping building. The beauty of the green pillars, cornices, and gargoyles made it a popular place to work and visit though.
Finally though was Berdea Coastal Park. The marshes and wetlands were a popular place for boating, fishing, hunting, camping, and many other outdoor pastimes. It was within walking distance of Allerleirauh, though why Katherine was taking Blake there was beyond the younger cat faunus…
Until they entered the grounds proper and spotted three familiar Hunters-in-Training sitting around a campfire. A pot of stew was boiling happily over the flames, while some well made shelters covered their belongings.
"Jaune? Nora? Ren?" Blake asked, shocked and bewildered.
Jaune looked up and waved. Nora followed suit. Ren nodded respectfully.
"Hey Blake! Hey Mrs. Zapatos!" Jaune said happily.
Katherine sighed.
"You know," she said, "You could just ask to stay with me."
Jaune shook his head as he sharpened his sword.
"What? No, of course not!" Jaune insisted. "We wouldn't want to impose!"
"We have no money for lodging under the scholarship terms," Ren said blandly.
"And camping out can be fun!" Nora cheered. "Ooh! Ooh! Let's sing a song! How about 'The Campfire Song?'"
"We did that a hundred times already," Jaune groaned.
"But we're getting so good at it!" Nora whined.
Katherine smiled and winked at Blake, before looking to the three homeless students.
"Actually, I do need your help," she said. "Blake needs your help."
Jaune looked at her, immediately concerned. She had to admit, she liked how quickly he reacted like that.
"What's wrong?"
"Blake is doing some part-time work at my sister-in-law's bakery and cafe," Katherine said, and Blake knew well enough to not react with shock at that. "She has little experience with doing normal work. The kind that doesn't involve killing Grimm. They're very understaffed. You would get to work, and get to stay in their spare bedroom over the bakery. What do you say?"
Jaune looked over at his team members in some concern. Nora, suddenly serious, held up her hand. Katherine smiled.
"Yes Nora?"
"Would we be able to make pancakes?" She asked.
Katherine's lips twitched, as she kept her amusement in check.
"They have a very extensive pancake menu, as it turns out," she said.
Nora grinned.
"I'm sold!"
Ren nodded.
"It sounds agreeable," he said. "No offense, Jaune, but I have gotten used to showers and indoor plumbing."
"You and me both," Jaune chuckled. He walked up to Katherine and nodded. He turned to Blake and smiled kindly. His manly, rugged scent washed over her nostrils.
"You all right with us as fellow employees, Blake?"
Blake nodded slowly. Honestly, her Aunt Kitty was right: She'd been isolated for a very long time. Maybe trying something new like this would help her mission… And help her.
"Yes, please."
Jaune grinned at Katherine.
"Well, I guess we're all in, Mrs. Zapatos! So… What kind of bakery and cafe is this?"
Katherine smiled, far too smugly.
The Just Right bakery and cafe was a very popular business, located in Goldentine proper. It had a more streamlined architectural style, meant to evoke the dining cars of trains that were popular in the years before and after the Great War. Chrome dominated the exterior, in sleek Neo-Futuristic design language. Inside, it was more organic: Wooden booths and tables, seastone tiling on the floor, and well placed bookshelves and plants to give it a homey feel. The wooden furniture inside was similarly shaped to work with the design language, adding organic warmth to the bakery's rocket age lines.
Coco Adel stepped into the diner, chatting amicably with a friend from outside Beacon. They turned… And stopped in shock.
Blake Belladonna, wearing a Valean Maid outfit, sighed as she stood in front of them.
"Welcome to the Just Right Bakery and Cafe, Nyah. We are trying out Mistralian style maid and butler service for our servers, nyah. Please follow me to be seated, nyah."
Coco blinked. She then held up her Scroll. Blake's glare intensified.
"Don't you dare-"
Click.
"COCO!"
"I don't know what she's upset about," Nora commented cheerfully, in her own maid outfit, as Ren (in a butler's uniform) flipped pancakes behind the counter, "This is the best job I've ever had!"
"It's the only job we've ever had," Ren reminded her.
"WINNER BY DEFAULT!"
Jaune, at another booth, was serving Katherine and the blonde proprietress of the establishment coffee in his own butler uniform. The woman was tall, muscular, and had curly, blonde hair in a well kept bun. She was dressed in a blue dress with poofy sleeves, over which was a clean but well worn white apron. She snorted as Jaune poured them coffee and presented her with pastries.
She sipped the coffee, then carefully chewed the pastry as Jaune waited. She nodded with a smile.
"Not bad, lad. I think you, Pinkie, and Greenie will work out," she said, then nodded over at the frustrated Blake, "But you sure the Kitty Princess is up to this sort of work?"
"She'll be okay, Mrs. Perrito." Jaune insisted.
"Just call me 'Goldie', lad, everyone else does," Goldie chuckled, "Still, you sure?"
"We'll all help her, promise," Jaune said with a confident smile.
"Indeed," Kitty said with a smile and a sip of her coffee, "And it will be hilarious."
Omake: Disillusioned Jaune
"Look, come on, it'll be great," Yang giggled. Blake gave her partner and friend a dubious look as they approached Team JNPR's dormroom door.
"Your sense of humor leaves much to be desired," Blake deadpanned, "And why me?"
"Because Weiss and Ruby would blush and fret too much and give it away," Yang grinned. She knocked on the door. A few moments later, Jaune opened it, looking quite nicely tousled in his Beacon brand boxers and T-shirt.
He still just bought most of his clothes from the school store, all because of the student discount. Honestly, for a guy with seven sisters you'd think he'd be more fashion conscious.
"Ladies," Jaune managed, yawning, "It's way too early to wake up on the weekend..."
"It's an emergency, Crybaby," Yang said, her face now urgent and embarassed. Blake marveled at her acting skills as she managed to look just worried enough that someone could buy it. It helped that Jaune was still groggy.
"What?" Jaune asked.
"We've got extra lessons this morning, and we were going to go into Vale for supplies, but we're all out," Yang said, "Since you're going in, can you pick up some shopping for us? We'll pay you back."
Jaune rubbed his chin stubble. It was kind of attractive how he would forget to shave. He couldn't grow a full beard yet, but the five o'clock shadow did make him look more... Mature. It was also amusing to see Weiss get flustered over him.
"Okay, what do you need?" He asked.
"Just some basic necessities," Yang said, "You know, some of Ruby's favorite gun oil, some of my favorite shampoo..."
She couldn't help her tiny, victorious grin.
"And pads and tampons. For all of us."
Jaune blinked. He blinked again. He then heaved a sigh, rummaged around on a desk near the door, and held up a notepad and pencil.
"Size, shape, color, brand, number?" He asked blandly.
Yang blinked, as did Blake. Jaune didn't so much as twitch.
"I-Wha-?"
"Seven. Older. Sisters," Jaune stated firmly.
Yang slowly nodded.
"I... Guess that's fair?"
Blake hid her face. It wouldn't do for them to see her try and not laugh.