White Knight Errant

by Andrew Joshua Talon

Here, Jaune Arc gave up a lot more to become a Hunter. A lot of time, a lot of trust, and a lot of blood. What happens when his past catches up with him? The next update will be posted on October 11th!

20. Best Week Ever 1

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.

---

Volume 2 Begins!

---

"Jaune? Jaune! Come down here!"

He'd just finished packing his backpack, making sure Crocea Mors and his armor were strapped securely to it. He'd figure out how to smuggle them out later. He took one last look around at his room. The familiar posters from far off places Aqua and Tangy had sent him, the paintings by Verdy, the models he'd built with Orchid, the bookshelf packed with novels and comics Saphron and Coral had gotten him, the comforter Lilac had knit for him... All of it. One last time.

He headed downstairs, past the walls of photos and pictures of their many, many family members and friends. Right down to the living room. He saw his mother standing there in her usual green dress, her hair up in a ponytail, her glasses on. She glared at him, holding up an envelope as he walked up to her.

"Yeah Mom?"

"Don't you 'yeah Mom' me, what is this?" She demanded, waving the envelope at him. "It's from Beacon! An acceptance letter!"

Juane hid a wince. He had been getting the mail every day to avoid this, but of course the day he got distracted with packing was the day it arrived. "Oh, so I got in?" Jaune asked, trying to sound casual even as his mother began a slow burn.

"How did you get in?!" She demanded. "You were supposed to be studying for the Valean Medical Institute!"

"Yeah, I did," Jaune said with a shrug, not meeting her eyes, "I applied to both. Got accepted by both."

"If VMI accepted you,why in the Gods' name is this letter here?!" Mom demanded, tossing it down onto the coffee table. Jaune tried looking up into her eyes, but could only lock onto her frowning mouth.

"You told me you wanted me to get into VMI. I did that," he said carefully, "But I want... I-I'm going to go to Beacon."

"You're not trained to be a Huntsman!" Mom growled, "You're trained to be a MEDIC! That's why I unlocked your Aura-!"'

"I got in, I took the exam and I passed," Jaune stated flatly, reaching out to the envelope on the table "I-I'll figure out the rest as I go along, okay? I've got six months, I'm in great shape-"

Isabel snatched it back up, and her fist crushed the letter.

"You're not going to be a Huntsman, Jaune!" Mom snarled. "I won't let you throw your life away! You're going to VMI, and you're GOING to be a doctor!"

"Mom, I can help people!" Jaune insisted. "I can fight! I can be a hero-"

Isabel scoffed. "A hero? There are no heroes! Those are stories told to children so they will grow up to march to their death."

Jaune's face distorted as if he'd bitten into a rotten apple. "Would you say that to Auntie Arturia?! Or maybe Great-Uncle Adrian?" Jaune insisted. He bit his lip, but he was in too deep now. "Would you have told Dad there aren't any heroes?!"

His mother's shoulders shook. She turned her icy glare on him, slow and dangerous.

"Is that what you think he was?" Mom demanded, angry and bitter. Jaune's jaw dropped.

"M-Mom... Of course! Everyone said... You said-!"

"Your father could have retired!" Mom shouted. "He could have stayed here, worked hard, done some real good! But he just kept going out into harm's way! He... He was SELFISH!"

Jaune's jaw dropped as his heart felt like it was in a vice.

"M-Mom, you don't mean that-!"

"He went off to be a hero and he DIED," Mom stated, anger dripping from every word, "He could have stayed with us and done some actual good! But instead, he decided to be selfish and stupid!"

"He saved lives! Just like you!" Jaune shook his head back and forth.

"You and your sisters deserved a father! I deserved a husband! Instead all we have is a shiny statue and platitudes!" Mom shot back. "All I was left with was grief! HE WAS SELFISH! You don't get to be selfish, Jaune!" She waved her finger at him, as his eyes sought out the floor. "You're not going to throw your life away for your stupid, childish dream!"

Jaune's shoulders shook, as a raw rage filled him. His mother kept talking.

"You're going to tell Beacon you can't make it, you're going to get ready for VMI-"

"Why do all my sisters get to choose, but I have to be your vanity project, huh?!" Jaune demanded quickly, still not meeting her gaze, "Why can't you let me choose what to be?!"

"Because you'll choose wrong!" Mom shouted back. "You'll choose the same thing that killed your father! Do you want to be selfish and stupid like him, huh?!"

"He wasn't selfish," Jaune whispered. He slowly looked up into her eyes, fighting back hot, angry tears. "He wasn't selfish, and he wasn't stupid!"

"Jaune, you're not-!"

"YOU WERE!" Jaune snarled. His mother froze, staring at him in anger and confusion.

"Wha-What do you-?!"

"I heard you talking the night before he left," Jaune managed, between ragged pants as the rage seemed to claw its way out of him, "In my room! He asked you to come with him! HE ASKED! You said NO! And if-If you had gone, MAYBE HE'D STILL BE ALIVE!"

His mother's jaw dropped.

"Jaune, how could you-?!"

"You got him killed!" Jaune shouted, the tears falling freely now, "And now you're just a scared, bitter old woman who can't accept it!"

She slapped him. He staggered back two steps, his arms out for balance, but he stayed standing. He looked up, his face grim. His anger just solidified into a hard ball in his chest.

His mother was crying, guilt and hurt on her face. Her hand trembled. She reached out again.

"J-Jaune, wait, please, I didn't mean to-!"

He turned and ran. Right up the stairs. He grabbed his backpack and shouldered it. He threw open the window and leaped out, landing roughly just before his mother could burst into the room. He started running.

"JAUNE! JAUNE, WAIT! I'M SORRY!" He could hear his mother crying out from the window, "PLEASE! JAUNE!"

He stormed off into the night. And he didn't look back.

It began to rain. Even with the clouds enveloping the sky, he could still see everything illuminated by the broken moon. He could hear the roars of Grimm and the loud booms of a familiar rail gun sword. In an instant, he was in his armor and cloak, Crocea Mors held in his hands. He charged forward, now on a dark forest road.

He could see a tall figure in shining white armor ahead, swinging a gigantic blade with one hand as he fought through hordes and hordes of Grimm. He turned his head and stared into Jaune's eyes. Jaune's jaw dropped.

"D-Dad?!"

"Son," Nick Arc said, grim and disappointed, "You promised you'd never make your mother cry. You promised you'd be there for her when I'm gone."

Jaune's jaw dropped. His grip on his weapons became slack.

"Dad, I-I didn't-!" His eyes widened as he saw a truly massive Grimm tower up over his father from behind. "DAD LOOK OUT!"

Again, he tried to move, but a flood of black water erupted from around his dad. Jaune was knocked back. He fought against the current, but no matter what he did, he kept getting further away.

Yet his father's terrible words rang clear in his ears.

"You made your mother cry, son," Nick said softly, even as the giant Grimm bore down on him, "Didn't she cry enough when she lost me? When you lost me? How hard will she cry when she loses you?"

The Grimm fell upon Nick from behind as Jaune screamed.

"DAD! DAD, NO!"

His eyes opened. He sat up, breathing hard. He wiped his sweaty face as his heart pounded in his chest like war drums.

"Haa… Haa… Haa… Haa.."

The sun was just starting to peek out over the Valean mountains outside the window. Nora and Ren were snoozing in their joint bed on the other side of the Beacon dorm. And Pyrrha was cuddled up next to him, her arms around his waist. Her eyes opened up, widened in alarm when she saw his face.

"Jaune? Jaune, are you all right?" She asked softly.

Jaune sighed. He nodded to his partner.

"I'm fine," he said softly. "Really."

Pyrrha stared intensely at him. He gave her a small, forced smile.

"It was just a dream," he murmured. "I promise I'm all right. Thank you Pyrrha. I-I really appreciate it."

Pyrrha sat up with him, still concerned.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked quietly.

Oh yeah, talk to someone else with severe issues with their parents? What a great idea, his brain said sarcastically. No, this was his battle. He would face it, and wouldn't burden his teammates with it.

He shook his head.

"It's all right," he murmured. "Really. You go back to sleep. I've got to go get breakfast started for our first day, anyway."

Pyrrha's frown didn't change, but she slowly nodded.

"If you're sure," she said softly.

"I am," Jaune said. He smiled more genuinely at her. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"I…" She looked aside. "I had trouble sleeping when I was away," she admitted. "I hope I'm not causing your nightmares-?"

"No! No, of course not," Jaune said quickly, taking her by the shoulders to make her look him in the eyes. "This isn't your fault, really. Hell, they'd be worse without you."

Pyrrha blushed deeply, her skin nearly as red as her hair.

"Um… I-I think… Uh… Um…Ineedacoldshower!"

As though she now had Ruby's Semblance, she ran off like a shot for the bathroom, shutting it tightly behind her. Jaune watched her go, and sighed. He kicked the sheets off and stood up. He rubbed his face.

"Glad I showered last night," he muttered. He headed off into the common room. He reached out for his Beacon Academy apron, which he had left hanging on a peg near the kitchenette. His fingers met nothing but wood paneling. He blinked and looked over at the stove, where a familiar girl with blonde hair was already getting the pots and pans out.

"Yang?"

"Oh, morning Ladykiller," Yang said with a wink and smile. He flushed: She was in nothing but her sleep wear, which he thought he was used to. Her hair being up in a loose ponytail while she wore an apron though…

The hell? Why does that do things for me? He thought, as Yang continued to speak.

"I just thought that you could use an egg break, huh? I'm not a bad cook myself either, you know." She smirked and winked at him as she broke the eggs into a bowl, and mixed them up expertly.

"Wouldn't want you to burn out and end up with egg on your face, eh?"

"I… Yeah," Jaune said with a nod. He moved into the kitchenette. "I can help out-"

"Ohhh no," Yang stated firmly, grabbing him by the shoulders and guiding him out to the group table, "You've been serving us all this time. You should accept some service too, every once in a while."

Jaune let her sit him down in a chair. He nodded slowly, as she went back to cooking. He watched her, still blushing a bit.

"So," Yang said, as she began frying up some turkey bacon and beans, "You sleep okay?"

"Uh, yeah," he murmured, "More or less."

She fixed him with a skeptical look.

"You sure?" She asked softly.

Jaune managed a nod.

"Just… Nightmares," he explained quietly. He shook his head. "I get a lot of them."

Yang nodded, as she flipped some pancakes.

"Yeah," she said quietly, "I still get nightmares over going out into the forest with Ruby. You know… Where Uncle Qrow doesn't show up in time and…" She looked into his eyes.

Jaune ground his teeth nervously. He glanced to the side, at the warm sunlight pouring in through the windows. He wrapped his arms around the back of the chair, and rested his chin on the top as he swung his legs around to hold onto either side.

"... Just… My fight with my mom, when I ran away," he admitted quietly. "I got accepted into VMI. I did the exam and everything. But I'd also applied to Beacon, and I got in. She found out and, well…"

He trailed off.

"How bad was it?" Yang asked, soft and neutral. Jaune shook his head, looking towards the kitchenette and not right at her.

"She said my dad was stupid and selfish. That he'd thrown his life away, and left us all alone. That I couldn't-shouldn't-do the same thing."

His eyes found the floor as the soft sound of bacon frying filled the air.

"And what did you say?" Yang asked, still quiet.

"I said some pretty horrible things back to her. Made her cry," he said. Yang didn't say anything, so he explained:

"Before my dad left on the mission where he died, I heard them arguing. My dad wanted my mom to come with him. She said she couldn't, she had to work."

He closed his eyes.

"I told her…" He took another deep breath, "I told her that if she'd gone with him, he wouldn't have died. That it was her fault."

Yang was silent, as Jaune stared down at the floor in his shame.

"I just… My dad promised me to look after everyone if anything happened to him," he explained. "I-I guess… With everything that's happened, I started remembering more of what we talked about. He was a hero. I always looked up to him, I wanted to be just like him… And I guess I just…"

He grit his teeth.

"I was such an asshole. How could I say that to my own mother…?"

He felt her hands rest on his shoulders. He looked back up. She looked down at him with a look of pure compassion.

"Hey. We all say stupid shit when we're angry," Yang said quietly, "You didn't mean it. I'm sure she didn't mean it either. I mean… When Mom died, my dad just fell apart. Losing someone you love just… It breaks you, and everyone breaks in different ways."

She shook her head. She reached out and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"And I'm sure that argument wasn't what you think it was," she continued, "I heard from someone that my mother lived in the woods, and I got it into my head that that meant some old shack on Patch. That… That nearly got me and Ruby killed. We're all stupid when we're kids, huh?"

"Y-Yeah," Jaune managed. Yang ran her fingers through his hair, and he shivered as he looked her right in her eyes.

She smiled.

"When she sees you become a badass hunter, she'll accept it," Yang said, "It's just gonna take time and hard work, okay? But it's your choice. She has to respect that if she loves you. And she does, right?"

"Yeah," Jaune said with a small nod. He found a smile on his face.

"Thanks Yang. I… I really appreciate it," he said.

Yang sighed and patted him on the shoulder.

"Yeah, well… I gotta look after you. Who's gonna pay for our date~?" She asked mischievously. Jaune flushed.

"Yang, seriously, I-"

She leaned down and kissed him on the lips. It was brief but warm. She pulled back, and patted him on the head.

"Don't overthink things," she advised softly, "You'll just go crazy. Try to go with the flow more, huh? And accept it when pretty girls want to do things for you."

"Pretty, dangerous, violent and crazy girls," Jaune muttered back. Yang winked and giggled.

"It would be boring otherwise!" She turned and headed back to the kitchenette, her hips swaying noticeably. Jaune slapped himself to get his eyes off her rear.

"Ugh… I'd be happy with boring!" He insisted.

Yang laughed mockingly, as she flipped pancakes onto several plates.

"Yeah, right! If you wanted boring, you wouldn't have become a Huntsman!"

Jaune held up his finger, opened his mouth… Sighed.

"I guess I can't argue with that," he muttered.

Yang laughed.

Neither of them noticed that the RWBY dormroom door had been cracked open throughout the entire conversation. They did notice when the door burst open. Ruby appeared in a burst of rose petals right in Jaune's lap, hugging him tightly.

"Hey Jaune! Good morning!" She said happily. "You doing okay?"

"I-Uh, yeah, fine," Jaune managed.

"I missed you so much!" She whined.

He smiled and hugged her.

"We saw each other last week," he chuckled.

"Yeah, but that was in the real world, not here!" Ruby insisted.

"Ugh, must you all make so much noise this early?" Weiss groused. She walked in and scowled at Jaune. "Arc! You're not cooking breakfast?"

"I didn't know you missed my cooking that much," Jaune deadpanned. Weiss scoffed.

"Certainly not! I just know you won't poison me," she cast a glare at Yang. The brawler snickered.

"Come on Weiss-cream! I wouldn't poison you! Not unless you left me in your will. Who else would bring home the bacon?"

"Ugggghhhh," Weiss groaned, sitting down. Blake crept in, sitting down next to Jaune, still reading a book.

"Morning Jaune, morning Ruby, morning Yang, and morning Weiss," she said in her usual deadpan. Weiss snorted.

"I would have thought working as a waitress might have taught you some manners."

"I would have thought being rich would have taught you some," Blake shot back. Weiss squawked.

"I am perfectly polite! You started casting aspirations on the character the day we met!"

"I was following your example," Blake shot back, making Jaune and Ruby snicker.

Weiss rolled her eyes. Pyrrha came in, drying her hair with a towel. She beamed brightly.

"Good morning everyone!" She then took the seat next to Jaune. Clearly trying very hard not to glare at Ruby. "Ruby, Jaune can't eat like that."

"Sure he can!" Ruby said cheerfully, "I can feed him!"

"I can handle that, thank you," Jaune said quickly.

Nora and Ren came in next. Nora grinned brightly.

"Oh boy! Lap sitting Day!" She cheered. She pulled Ren into a chair, and plopped herself down on his legs. "I call Renny!"

"I call Jaune!" Ruby cheered.

"Don't we get any say in this?" Jaune asked.

"Do we ever?" Ren quipped.

Laughter ensued. Even Weiss smirked a little. Jaune sighed and patted Ruby on the head.

"It's good to be back," he muttered.

---

Hei "Junior" Xiong hadn't gotten where he was in life by being stupid. He'd been brought up in the Xiong Crime Family, the heir apparent. His father had crossed Lil' Miss Malachite out of Mistral, and he'd died. Junior had thus ascended to the head of the family, and rather than take revenge, he had settled. The family was now subordinate to Lil' Miss Malachite's operation. Many in his family had grumbled over this, but Junior had worked hard to make sure they focused on the positives of this change in management.

Miss Malachite wasn't that demanding of a master: As long as you supplied her with information and her monthly tithes, she left you alone. Even provided muscle in the form of her daughters, and healthcare benefits. Even let him skim a little off the top if he'd done a good enough job.

As long as you were loyal and gave her accurate information, she let you handle your affairs.

Honestly, she was a better boss than Junior's Old Man ever was, and that was why Xiong Senior's passing hadn't resulted in outright rebellion.

Sure, if the old lady ever became a dictator or lost her edge, Junior was perfectly fine with overthrowing the old bat and taking over. Becoming a proper Boss again. But part of him really hoped that never happened. It was too much responsibility and brought too much heat down on your head.

Especially nowadays.

Miss Cinder Fall, the one-woman firestorm who had been burning up the mob scene of Vale, had stormed in with her crew and told him he worked for her now. He finished cleaning his glass, set it down calmly on the bar, and simply said that it wasn't his call. Lil Miss Malachite was the boss.

Cinder had stated he worked for her now. The Twins had tried to see to her then, but Junior had held up a hand. How in the hell would he explain things to Miss Malachite if her two daughters had gotten fried?

So he called up Lil Miss Malachite and told her the situation, all the while Cinder clenched and unclenched her fists full of flame, and sweat beaded on his forehead. Miss Malachite calmly told Cinder that if she wanted Junior's services, she had to pay for them like everyone else. With a sneer, the raven-haired beauty had dropped some lien on the table and demanded a meeting.

Junior had acquiesced, and for three hours, he was grilled on every little tidbit of information he had on Vale, its defenses, and Beacon.

Honestly, the whole time he'd felt a wrong breath or twitch away from death.

Finally, she was satisfied. She stood up, warned him and Lil Miss Malachite to stay out of her way, and left with her two cronies. It was only after he'd watched her leave the club from the security cameras he started breathing normally.

"Whiskey, neat," he muttered. A cool glass was passed to him, and he downed the drink in one go-Savoring the booze wasn't on his agenda.

He lowered his glass... And nearly choked when he spotted Roman Torchwick standing next to him.

"Roman?! What the actual fuck-?!"

"Shhh," Roman said, holding a leather-gloved finger up to his lips, "Hey, I was a master thief before I met Neo. People don't appreciate how hard it is to go around without being spotted on hard mode."

He poured himself a glass of the whiskey and drank it down more slowly. Junior stared in disbelief at Roman, as the redhead finished off the glass with a sigh.

"Ah, you always did have the good stuff, Junior."

"Roman... Again... What the actual fuck?" He asked. "Is that woman with you-?!"

"HA!" Roman barked in sad, sardonic laughter, "With me, he asks? Other way around, compadre. The lady's got me on a leash so tight my throat's in my asshole! I've only got a few minutes before she notices anything."

"What about Neo?" Junior asked, looking around in fear as he always did when that little psycho came up. Roman shrugged.

"She's getting ready for her first day of school," he said, "Wants to look pretty for her crush."

Junior stared, long and hard.

"... You want to cut the bullshit and explain why the criminal underworld of Vale went completely insane over the last year?" He demanded. "I know the Fire Bitch is tearing a bloody streak through every mob boss who doesn't play ball and you're acting like you need to breathe Dust. I also know White Fang's involved-And what the fuck, Roman?! Your reputation is in tatters as it is, why are you involved with fucking terrorists?!"

Roman sighed. He poured himself another drink.

"Junior? If I could tell you everything, I would... I mean, for a price. I haven't completely lost my mind. But I don't even know the full picture."

He finished the whiskey before he looked at Junior seriously over the glass.

"But since we're old buddies, I thought you should know the basic gist of what I've figured out so far."

"And that is?" Junior asked.

The jaunty smile and roguish tilt of his bowler hat was entirely at odds with the way Roman delivered the answer to Junior's question.

"We're fucked."

---

The main assembly hall for Beacon was packed, even more than it had been at Initiation. Jaune and Ruby had been lucky to get their teams there early, so they could get seats. Many other Hunters-in-Training had to stand in the back. The murmuring filled the circular room, magnified by the acoustics to be relentless. Even so, the eight friends were comfortable in their seats.

"Wow," Ruby murmured happily, looking around excitedly, "There are so many new faces! Oh hey! There's Sun's team!"

She stood up and waved happily.

"HI SUN! HI GUYS!"

Sun and his team waved in response, the monkey faunus grinning and waving happily while Scarlet and Sage gave more restrained waves back. Nora waved with Ruby with equal aplomb, before Ren gently pulled her down and held her hand to keep her docile.

Neptune shot Weiss a cheeky grin and wink. Weiss swooned in response, while her friends rolled their eyes.

"Oh, I didn't even begin to tell you about my vacation to Ponce with Neptune!" Weiss gushed to Yang. "Oh, it was so romantic! The sun, the sand, the waves-!"

"Yeah, sure, great," Yang stated with a sigh.

"Come on!" Weiss whined. "I'm-We're bonding as young women should! Over gossip!"

"Sun told me a lot," Blake volunteered. Yang leaned over and grinned like a shark smelling blood in the water.

"Oho~? And here I thought you were too busy with Jaune playing maid and butler~?"

"I-I was not," Blake muttered, even as Weiss's elegant eyebrows went up.

"Oh? Maid and butler, huh?"

Blake glared at Yang.

"Yang, don't you dare-!"

Weiss's Scroll beeped an alert. The Schnee heiress examined the pictures, then shot the smuggest look imaginable over at Blake. The Menagerie Princess glared, the slightest hint of red on her cheeks.

"Who-?!"

Ruby flushed, and tried to whistle innocently.

"RUBY!" Blake growled.

"You were so cute!" Ruby protested, pulling back behind her big sister for protection. Yang grinned broadly.

"Come on, Blake, if Coco tagged you, everyone already knows. Why not embrace it?"

"It's so undignified!" Blake groused, as Weiss flipped through the photos with a smirk.

"Shared, shared, oh yes definitely shared-Wait..." She frowned at one of the pictures and looked over at Jaune.

He was sitting on the other side of Ruby, looking through his own Scroll. Weiss's eyes widened.

"He was a butler too?"

"I think I said that," Yang deadpanned. Weiss giggled.

"I suppose my wardrobe pick was a good one, hm Arc?" She called out to him. Jaune rolled his eyes.

"No. Miss Perrito has actual taste and isn't just a frigid sadist."

"Why you...!" Weiss growled. Jaune shot her a smirk.

"What? Yours had those Godsawful tails! I'd have been tripping onto my face!"

"It would be an improvement over your current visage!" Weiss snarled. "Get a shave, you ruffian!"

"Aw, but I like his stubble, Weiss!" Ruby whined. She hugged Jaune and rubbed her cheek against his. "Heehee! It tickles!"

Weiss flushed deeply.

"Will-Will you stop that?!" Weiss hissed. "We're in public!"

"It is very ticklish," Pyrrha said happily, leaning in on Jaune's other side with a fond smile.

"Especially when you're kissing," Yang added with a smirk. Pyrrha's eyes flashed, but she nodded with a competitive smile.

"Oh yes-"

"Seriously?!" Weiss growled. "You're such a-a scoundrel! Neptune didn't act like such a shameless playboy, Arc! You could learn something from his sense of decorum!"

"I bet I could," Jaune sighed. He gently pushed Ruby and Pyrrha back. "Come on guys, Ozpin's starting."

"Later then," Pyrrha winked.

Headmaster Ozpin walked out to the podium. He gave a slight smile out to the crowd, one fatherly and comforting. It quieted down the students, though true silence only occurred when he tapped his cane.

"Welcome back, returning students," he spoke, "And welcome, friends from foreign academies. While we are all strangers to one another, we are united in the goals of safeguarding life on this planet. I know you have been told this many times before, in long, often rambling speeches..."

He waited for the laughter to die down with a small, indulgent smile.

"It is the truth. You are our future. The Vytal Festival is meant to showcase that future, and our unity against the darkness. So I will take this time to thank the Atlasian Military for protecting Vale during this time."

Ozpin snapped his fingers, and the ceiling vanished leaving clear blue skies over their heads.

No, wait, Jaune thought, making out the textures of the ceiling, Just a projection?

In a moment, the sky was filled with Atlesian airships. Numerous frigates, light and speedy, led the well-organized formation. After them came cruisers, large, long, and sleek. Finally, a quartet of battleships, huge and ominous, passed overhead.

There was clapping and cheering from several students Jaune presumed to be Atlasian. Weiss looked a bit proud herself, though far more restrained.

"In addition," Ozpin went on, "The newly reformed Valean Defense Force is joining the defense of Vale."

At this, several small airships of various makes, but all with red and gold coloration, flew by in a less rigid but still well-ordered formation. After that came a mixture of larger airships-At least two Valean passenger liners like the type that had brought the students to Vale, a few destroyers Jaune swore he recognized from old holos of the Faunus Revolution, and other assorted vessels he didn't recognize.

At last, a huge and familiar dagger-shaped air battleship, bright red with gold trim, flew overhead-Far lower and faster than the others, the wash of the vessel's engines making the auditorium shake and many students cry out in shock. Jaune spotted Scarlet roll his eyes, as Weiss scoffed in annoyance.

Huh, he held back a grin, Guess they met Silverhand, too.

THAT had been a hell of a weekend. The songs were never going to leave his head.

Ozpin, as always, remained unperturbed.

"The Vytal Stadium itself is being situated on the far side of Vale, to be prepared for the festival," he stated, "Until then? Study hard. Get to know your fellow students. And work hard! Dismissed!"

The auditorium was filled with noise again, as the students got up and began to head for the exits. Blake got out first and headed over to speak with Sun. Weiss headed over with her, to speak with Neptune with an excited look on her face. Nora and Ren took off as well, Nora chanting about not wanting to be late while Ren dutifully followed behind.

"Let's see... First class is Oobleck's," Jaune read off his scroll, "Let's get going. Don't want to be late."

"Oh geez, yeah," Yang shivered, "Definitely not to his class. Guy's a sadist if you're late!"

"Friend Ruby!"

Ruby turned and smiled warmly as a familiar orange headed walked up to them with a happy wave.

"Penny! It's great to see you!" She said happily. "Are you here with your team?"

"Yes!" Penny said cheerfully, "They are headed to their classes! It would be nice for our teams to meet yours, correct? That is standard Vytal Festival protocol!"

"Well, sure!" Ruby said with a beam, "That would be great!"

"Sensational!" Penny cheered. She looked over at Jaune, her smile unchanging, "Friend Jaune, would you also like to meet my team?"

"Sure Penny," Jaune said, smiling at her. The girl was weird, but she'd gotten them out of legal trouble despite barely knowing them. In all honesty, he wanted to get to know the girl better.

"Excellent! I am combat ready!" She said cheerfully.

Jaune felt a hand grasp his elbow, firmly. He looked back, a bit startled. Sure, he wasn't Blake, but he liked to think he'd gotten better about being snuck up on! He'd survived in Grimm-infested woods, for crying out loud!

He blinked stupidly. The girl in the Haven Academy uniform was stunning. Long, luscious black hair. A body to kill for (like most Huntresses, really). The face of a smug angel, and burning amber eyes. Flanking her was an equally beautiful dark skinned girl with green hair and red eyes, and a tall, cocky looking pale skinned boy with gray hair and eyes.

"Hello Jaune," she said, "Forgive me, but I heard you are headed to Professor Oobleck's class next?"

"That's right," Jaune said, mindful of how Yang's eyes were burning red and the sudden increase in static electricity around Pyrrha and Ruby, "Do I know you?"

Ah shit, right I'm-NO I'M NOT A DAMN HAREM LEAD! He thought to himself.

The woman tittered, and while it was meant to be beguiling... It set off warning bells in Jaune's head.

This chick's bad news...

"We're from Haven, and I'm afraid we don't know our way around," the woman continued, in a voice dripping with honey. She pouted. "Your cousin said you were a reliable sort-Could you show us the way?"

"Cousin?" Yang, Ruby, and Pyrrha all asked.

Out from behind the other members of the girl's team stepped a short, curvy girl with black hair and eyes in a matching uniform-But there was no mistaking that smirk.

"Mint?" Jaune managed. She nodded with a lick of a lollipop.

"I thought she lived in Vale," Yang said, her tone suspicious.

"Oh, she's Mistralian," the woman explained, "She was just taking some vacation time with her father here before she transferred for the festival. Would you mind helping us get our bearings?"

Jaune forced a dopey smile onto his face. The kind of thing he made before he ran out into the night towards Beacon. Because Roman's warning was ringing in his mind like an air raid siren.

"Sure thing! Anything for my cousin and her team," Jaune said cheerfully, "You know my name. Yours would be...?"

"Cinder," the woman said with a sensuous smirk, "Cinder Fall."

---

Having the Vale CCT right in Beacon did offer certain advantages when it came to telecommunications, Ozpin reflected. He was able to hold his conferences with minimal chance of any eavesdropping, utilizing the most advanced cyber and electronic security ever devised by mankind.

Even so, he still preferred face to face meetings when it came to anything of importance. To impress upon his comrades the gravity of the situation. It also helped him maintain his humanity, to really interact with the people he was leading in this fight for survival.

It was rarely possible to have them all in one place, but anyone who could show up was a boon to this aspect of the fight. He looked over them, whether physically here or not, with a sense of pride.

General James Ironwood, the commander of Atlas' military. The stern, tall man was impeccably dressed in his white and blue uniform, the very image of professionalism. His aide, Specialist Winter Schnee, beautiful and deadly and cold as her namesake. Glynda Goodwitch, Ozpin's loyal, faithful, impeccable second in command. Beautiful, stern, powerful and efficient.

And one more newcomer… Who was drinking from a bottle of rum.

"Ah, that's the stuff," Captain James "Jim" Silverhand said, as he lowered his bottle. He gave a jaunty wink and grin at Ozpin. "Thanks Ozpin! Knew you wouldn't hold out on me!"

Ironwood scowled deeply at the pirate captain as he sat with Glynda and Winter on the other side of the Headmaster's desk.

"Ozpin," he began, "Would you care to explain why one of the most wanted pirates on the planet is here?"

"Haven't you heard?" Silverhand asked with a smirk, "I've been pardoned. Reformed. I'm on the up and up!"

Schnee wrinkled her nose in distaste. Goodwitch's eyes narrowed. Silverhand shrugged.

"Plus, we are talking about security here, right? If my son's going to be here, I should be involved in the arrangements."

"By all rights I should arrest him on the spot and drag him back to Atlas in chains," Ironwood growled. Silverhand smirked, his metallic hand resting easily on the hilt of his cutlass.

"That would be a neat trick, considering you've never been able to before-"

"Enough," Ozpin stated firmly. He shook his head. "In the end, we are all on the same side. Against the Grimm. And he has been pardoned, James. No need to provoke an international incident."

Ironwood still glared daggers at the slovenly pirate. Silverhand smirked.

"That said," Ozpin stated, "Jim, you will be courteous and polite."

Silverhand pouted a bit, but pulled his boots back and sat up straight in his chair.

"Yessir," he said.

"Now," Ozpin stated, "While the Atlasian fleet will secure the airspace above Vale proper, the Valean Defense Force will maintain watch over Beacon and the Emerald Forest."

He held up a hand to forestall Ironwood's objections.

"This is purely for practical reasons, James," Ozpin said, "The citizens are familiar with Atlasian ships and will not be alarmed. Former pirate ships could very easily be cause for alarm."

Silverhand pouted a bit. Ironwood scowled, but slowly nodded.

"The other militias and PMCs being integrated into the VDF will be camped out in the same area," Ozpin stated, "Making use of the old VDF base for training. This will, in turn, free up our students for more field missions."

"Are you sure that's wise, Ozpin?" Glynda asked calmly, "While field experience is all well and good, the increased Grimm activity means it might be much more dangerous."

Ozpin nodded. She was never one to shy away from speaking her mind, after all.

"I am. I believe the VDF and Atlasian forces will be a boon in that regard," Ozpin replied, "They will be able to provide back up and air support far more quickly than we could. The increased Grimm activity means there will be no shortage of training opportunities, but it can be done with increased security for our students."

"Sounds good to me," Silverhand contributed, "Robin and Ali are old pals of mine. They can handle the ground security."

"Indeed," Schnee deadpanned, "And in what hive of scum and villainy did you first meet?"

"Schnee," Ironwood admonished quietly. Silverhand smirked back, and leaned forward.

"Vale University Drama Club," he said, not missing a beat.

Winter blinked in confusion.

"He's not kidding," Glynda sighed.

More details were worked out. Silverhand, as the defacto commander of the VDF, made several useful and insightful recommendations on where they could assign the students first. Ironwood managed to stay professional enough to work out patrol and refueling schedules between their two fleets. Schnee even helped by working out a patrol and training rotation with the PMCs, and Glynda shared her knowledge of Vale's terrain and local Grimm patterns to work out potential areas for students to go on missions first.

Overall, the meeting ended in success, as they accomplished a great deal. Even with the occasional snarky remark between the participants. Most of them thanks to the pirate captain.

At last, James and Winter rose. Glynda did too, walking around to stand at Ozpin's side. Silverhand stood up, and stretched with a loud groan.

"Well, I'll be happy to tell Rufus we're actually getting somewhere," SIlverhand said with a grin. He winked at Glynda. "Before that, I'm getting a drink. Care to join me, Professor Goodwitch?"

"No," Goodwitch stated, calm but hard as steel. Silverhand looked over at Winter.

"Specialist Schnee?"

Winter scowled.

"After the disaster you caused in Ponce? Never!"

"I would hardly call that a disaster," Silverhand protested, "We paid for all the damages! I had my men clean up the glass!"

"Even so!" Winter growled. Silverhand laughed and held up his hands.

"Fair enough, fair enough! After all," and here he looked out the window at the distant form of his red ship, a wistful look on his face, "There's only one Lady for me."

"An obsolete hunk of junk," Ironwood snorted. Silverhand turned to Ironwood, the first spark of genuine anger burning in the captain's eyes.

"You may insult me as you wish, General," he stated, "But you will respect My Lady."

He grinned.

"Besides, as I recall, my hunk of junk was able to pull out of a dive in Niddhog Canyon… And your shiny new bucket of bolts didn't."

Ironwood grit his teeth and clenched his fists.

"You're fortunate none of my men died that day," he hissed.

Silverhand nodded.

"You could thank me for that: I did stick around long enough to give you some air support."

"It was unasked for and unneeded!"

"Unasked for? Sure, but unneeded? I don't think so-"

"Enough," Ozpin stated firmly, "Jim? No more provocations. You took an oath and are now legitimately employed. Please stop acting like a child."

Silverhand sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Fine," he muttered. He headed out to the elevator first, singing something under his breath. The elevator doors slid open, and he stepped inside. With a last bow and tip of his hat, the doors closed and he was gone. Ironwood gave Ozpin a glare.

"Really?" He demanded.

"In the end," Ozpin said, steepling his fingers, "He is doing all of this for his son and crew. And in the face of Salem, we need all the help we can get."

Ironwood sighed heavily. He nodded.

"Granted," he muttered, "But I don't have to like it."

James, Winter, and Glynda sat back down. Ozpin activated the full defensive suite for the room: Sealing the doors and windows, and cutting off any electronic noise more significant than stray electrons.

Holowindows appeared around the table. Headmaster Leonard Lionheart appeared, looking nervous as usual in his luxurious Haven office. Another window showed the face of Taiyang Xiao-Long, still a bit scruffy but in good spirits in his family home. Behind him, a gray corgi rolled around cutely on the carpeted floor.

A third window appeared, this one showing the cockpit of a private Bullhead. Qrow Branwen and Isabel Arc were sitting in the pilot and co-pilot seats, looking expectant.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Ozpin stated, "It is good of you all to join us. Doctor Arc has only recently joined us, but she is fully committed to the mission. And given the situation, I felt that expediting her membership was prudent."

"Hello," Isabel said politely. She nodded to James and Winter. "James, Winter, it's good to see you well."

Ironwood gave her a slight smile.

"Isabel. Glad you have finally joined us."

"There were… Some issues," Isabel admitted, while Qrow's face became stony. "Nevertheless, now that I know what we're up against? I'm all in."

"Good," Ironwood said with a nod. "Ozpin said you had crucial information for us."

"We do," Qrow added.

Isabel uploaded the scans of the medical results. Lionheart's face fell as he got a good look at them, and listened to Isabel's explanation.

"You mean to tell me that someone's been fusing humans with Grimm?" The lion Faunus asked, looking sick to his stomach.

"Unfortunately yes," Isabel said.

"Do we know who might be behind it?" Taiyang asked, looking deeply concerned.

"There's only one person I know who might have been able to pull this off," Isabel reported, "A Doctor Merlot of Atlas. James, you're familiar with him?"

"I was, to a point," Ironwood admitted, "It was Special Projects, part of the Research Directory. At the time I wasn't as highly placed, but the project was very popular. Doctor Merlot's disappearance was very abrupt, and the project shut down soon after."

"How are you sure it's him though?" Lionheart asked. "Surely other research projects into Grimm hybridization have been done."

"Yes, but the results matched the projected outcomes from Merlot's public scientific papers almost exactly," Isabel replied. She shook her head. "That can't be a coincidence."

"So, either Doctor Merlot is still alive, and active, or someone has his research and has taken it to its final conclusion," Ozpin said, "To what ends or purposes, we can't determine. It is clear he was not sharing all that he had accomplished with Atlas' government or military. That Spider-Grimm was too advanced to have been nothing but a one-off or a mistake."

"Which means we need access to all of Merlot's research and financial data," Qrow stated, "It's the only way to get a lead on where he or whoever's using his research might be."

All eyes turned to Ironwood. The general sighed.

"Much of the project was classified and buried in the ten years since he vanished," he admitted, "A great deal of it was lost in a lab explosion in the Scientific Directory two years ago. I'll dig up what I can, but I would suggest you contact Willow Schnee of the SDC."

"My mother? Why?" Winter asked, confused.

"She served on the grant committees for the SDC at that time," Ironwood explained, "And Merlot got a great deal of backing for his public research from them. They were interested in the possibility of using Grimm in Dust mining operations. Nothing came from it, but those records should still exist."

Winter nodded and looked to Isabel and Qrow.

"I'll see what I can do," she said, "But I was disowned."

"Any help would be appreciated," Isabel said with a compassionate look. "This Grimm didn't appear to be able to swim, so it likely came from Vale. Meaning that Merlot or whoever is using his research likely created it here."

"We'll cross reference it with financial records here as well," Ozpin decided. "Leonardo? Have you anything to report?"

Lionheart shrugged.

"Just that the re-establishment of the VDF is making the Mistralian Council nervous," he reported, "Are you certain it's needed? We know Winchester is a blowhard, and anti-Faunus-"

"As has been said, we need all the help we can get," Ozpin said calmly, "And while I cannot argue against the first, the second I will protest. He is not anti-Faunus, Leonardo. He can be trusted."

"If you say so," Lionheart muttered.

"You aren't thinking of adding him to our group, are you?" Glynda asked with a frown. "Not before he's fully vetted."

"I may consider it in the future, when we are certain of his motives," Ozpin said. He nodded to Ironwood. "Having another member of a Kingdom Council would be very useful."

"Indeed," Ironwood said, a small bit of annoyance in his tone, "But caution is warranted. Indeed, I would have liked to have been informed that Isabel was joining us beforehand."

"She figured it out herself, James," Qrow said dryly, "I had to bring her in after."

"Indeed?" Ironwood asked, raising an eyebrow. Isabel stared him down.

"I'm pretty deep in as it is," she said, "And if I were a spy? My cover is way too good. After all, what kind of idiot would join the bitch who murdered her husband?"

Ironwood was silent for a moment, before nodding slowly.

"Agreed. My condolences."

Isabel nodded gratefully.

Ozpin looked around.

"Anything else?"

There wasn't. Ozpin nodded.

"Good. Until our next meeting."

Ironwood, Schnee, and Goodwitch headed for the elevator, as Ozpin released the locks. Isabel, Qrow, and Lionheart's holographic screens vanished.

Ozpin waited for the elevator doors to shut. He resumed the lockout, and turned to Taiyang.

The blond man sighed and shook his head.

"I appreciate being included, Oz, but I don't think I had a lot to contribute-"

"Your daughter's eyes are active," Ozpin stated blandly.

Taiyang froze. He turned a calm look to his former Headmaster, and slowly nodded.

"Yes," he said, "She told me."

Ozpin nodded.

"Then-"

"Let me make one thing clear, Ozpin," Taiyang stated, his eyes burning even as his tone remained calm, "I am all in for fighting this war. For saving humanity. But my daughter isn't a weapon, she's a person. And she should be treated as such. I don't blame you for what happened to Summer, but she went into this with eyes wide open. That will be the same for Ruby. Understand?"

Ozpin was silent. He saw the burning, paternal anger in his eyes. It was a familiar feeling to him, one that had brought him much joy and pain over his long eternity.

He slowly nodded.

"I understand, Taiyang," he said, "I won't push her into anything she's not ready for. However… You won't begrudge me keeping an eye on her, will you? Others know about her lineage. They will be interested in her."

Taiyang sighed, and nodded. His corgi hopped into his lap, and Taiyang pet him.

"I know. She's got good friends looking after her there. But I'm warning you, Ozpin. Don't push it."

"I won't," Ozpin said calmly. Taiyang nodded.

They talked about a few other things, such as getting Taiyang out for the Vytal Festival, before the call ended. Ozpin released the lockouts, and contemplated the warm, late morning sunshine.

He wasn't going to put Miss Rose in a gilded cage, no. He had learned his lesson with Amber. At the same time, Amber's experience necessitated that he take some direct action.

A student who was close to her acting as his eyes and ears would do nicely, but which one? He looked through the files.

Miss Schnee was unlikely to do so. She would ask too many questions. Same with Miss Belladonna, and she had her own issues to address. Her big sister was right out for obvious reasons.

Team JNPR then? Miss Nikos had seemed pliable, and was still a top candidate for the Maiden Powers. Her abilities were not in question. However, the fact she had recently broken off ties with her mother meant her psychological profile had changed.

That would require more thought.

Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie were too tightly bound to consider this. Miss Valkyrie herself was far too flighty and unpredictable.

Which left only one option, really…

---

"Why thank you Jaune," Cinder simpered, as they filtered into the classroom. She turned a smoldering smile on him, "You saved us a lot of time."

"Oh, it was nothing, don't mention it!" Arc said with a nervous smile. His partner Pyrrha ushered him away, her own smile very tense. It gave Cinder a bit of pleasure to see her petty distress, but she soon put it out of her mind. She grabbed some seats with Emerald, Mercury, and Neo in the far left hand side of the classroom. Professor Oobleck zipped in, and immediately launched into a lecture Cinder didn't pay any mind as she contemplated her surroundings.

Cinder Fall had never attended a regular school. Her life had not allowed it: She had been taught at home, just enough to read, write and do basic math by her contemptuous excuse of a family. She had once envied the children in the village who got to go to school. Who got to go and socialize, learn together, and gain a common understanding of the world.

Now, experiencing the real thing, she found her contempt increase. Such coddled, lucky little brats. Being taught in comfort while she had to suffer.

The Grimm inside her flexed. It caused pain, but pain was good. Pain brought her more power. And power was all she had ever desired.

Even so... Some prices for that power were more annoying than others. Such as having to put up with Professor Oobleck's high paced lecturing while sitting on this uncomfortable bench.

"... Which is why we have the Vytal Festival!" He summed up, pausing only to sip from his ever-present coffee mug. "Excellent question, Miss Rose!"

"Eh? Oh, uh, thanks Professor!" The young girl chirped, looking like she regretted ever asking the question in the first place. Cinder kept her face as neutral as possible, but inwardly she scowled. The carefree look on that annoying little brat's face burned her something fierce. Somehow, this teenaged imbecile kept interfering in her plans. Not enough to impede them, but she was making it more difficult. She'd have to deal with her properly.

"Now, while the two-week semester break was relaxing, and relaxation is vital to anyone's physical and mental well being," Oobleck rattled off, "I believe it is crucial to keep on your toes! Thus we will have a random question-and-answer session right now! MISTER ARC!"

The blond idiot who had guided them to the classroom jumped. Pyrrha Nikos, his partner, smiled encouragingly at the dope on his left side, while on his right, Rose's older half-sister grinned and winked.

"Yes Professor!" Arc cried.

"Here is an easy one: What is Healing Dust?" Oobleck prompted.

Arc cleared his throat, relaxing.

"Healing Dust is an artificial mixture of several Dust strains and compounds to allow for the transfer of Aura from one person to another!" He said cheerfully.

"I would hope the son of the inventor of said Dust would know that much," Oobleck observed, "Explain how it works!"

"Basically," Arc went on, "It's Dust that filters out the parts of Aura that another person's Aura would reject, boosting their healing with a kind of 'neutral' Aura energy. It can be applied to the whole body to enhance general wellness, or focused on specific injuries to heal them faster."

"What are the limitations of Healing Dust?" Oobleck continued his interrogation. Arc winced.

"Well, you have to have an unlocked Aura to use it," he said, "And the transfer efficiency is pretty low-Most of the time, only a tenth to a quarter of the Aura a person uses gets into the other person's body. My mom's managed fifty percent but that's really hard."

"Yet the use of Healing Dust increases the chances of patient survival by what percentage?" Oobleck pressed. Arc screwed up his face in mild concentration.

"A 300% chance on average."

"Exactly why it is worth it! Not unexpected, Mister Arc, but good to know!" Oobleck said. "Moving on! Mister Lark, can you tell us..."

Cinder gave Arc an appraising gaze as he leaned back, looking a bit embarrassed at the sudden increase in attention he was getting. Nikos was blushing while gazing at him in adoration, while Rose and Xiao-Long looked at him with similar affection. Hell, even the Schnee heiress and Princess Belladonna were eyeing him. As were several of the other exchange students.

Neo was smirking at him, but the little psycho did that to lots of people. She was probably imagining how much fun it would be to keep Arc alive while she sliced him up.

How a reprobate like Roman Torchwick had become an 'uncle' to this fop was an intriguing riddle. One that Cinder might need to unravel.

After all, Isabel Arc's revolution in medical Dust healing made her a person of interest to Mother. Perhaps her son would be a useful hostage when the time came.

It's not like the idiot was dangerous or anything.

---

It wasn't like Pyrrha would ever begrudge Jaune positive attention. In her opinion, he deserved it. He should have more people see him for his talents and skills. His goal was to be a great hero, just like his ancestors! Just like his parents!

It was also nice… In principle… That Professor Oobleck had given Jaune a question that let him toot his own horn, so to speak. He'd done the same for many other students, herself included.

Pyrrha was familiar with such tactics in press conferences. Oobleck no doubt was hyping up his students in front of the transfers. He'd even gotten the stoic Ren to talk about his Mistralian background.

However, Professor Oobleck's tactic had gotten Jaune surrounded by transfer students after class: Most of them female, and all blocking his friends from saving-er, walking off with him.

Very pretty females, at that.

"Gotta say, your mom is awesome!" A cat Faunus girl named Neon, from Atlas, gushed as she clung to Jaune's arm. She was part of Team FNKI ("Funky") from Atlas, and seemed completely out of place amidst her far more serious and subdued teammates, what with her multicolored hair and bubbly personality. "I remember when she gave a lecture to our class on how to use Healing Dust! She was so nice!"

"Uh, yeah, that-that's great," Jaune said with a slightly tense smile. A smile that was agitating Pyrrha, Yang, and Ruby.

"Yes!" Penny contributed happily, "Friend Jaune, your mother's techniques helped me a great deal!" She paused. "As I am a normal human girl! With Aura! Like a normal human!"

"Sure thing, Penny," Jaune said with a weary nod. Another attractive girl with purple hair and green eyes also approached him, her smile filled with confidence and sensuality. Pyrrha could hear Yang grinding her teeth nearby.

"Hey! I'm Nebula Violette, with Team NDGO out of Haven," she cooed, "Healing Dust is always so hard to use. Would you be willing to help teach us how to properly use it?"

"Uh," Jaune tried, "Maybe? I've got a pretty packed schedule…"

He was already backing away from the far too forward girl, even as Neon held on. He bumped into someone behind him, and spun around. He freed his arm (Much to Pyrrha's joy and Neon's disappointment), but his shocked expression filled Pyrrha with dread.

Because he clearly recognized the blushing, busty dusky skinned redhead girl stuttering before him.

"May?" Jaune asked in amazement.

"I…. Oh… H-Hello, Jaune," she managed with a shy smile. "It-It's been a while."

"Sure has!" He laughed. "It's great to see you again! How's your village?"

"O-Oh, fine," May managed. She looked like she would rather be hiding-The lick of her hair covering one of her eyes and the beanie over her head, plus her retreating body language, all belied the fact that the girl was stacked. Enough to rival Yang and herself!

"Uh oh," Blake murmured, "She's trouble."

"Really?" Ruby whispered back. The secret cat Faunus nodded.

"The shy, big boobed childhood friend? Always trouble in these situations," she said.

"Totally agree," Nora contributed, as Ren stayed far back from the drama, "Her boobs hide deadly secrets!"

Yang growled.

"I'm the big boobed childhood friend!" She declared, low but angry.

"But you're not shy," Blake argued, "That's a trap meant to entice his protective instincts."

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes. Yang grit her teeth. Ruby had murder in her silver irises.

"We'll have to work together on this," Blake murmured.

Weiss, who was hoping to go see Neptune for lunch, sighed.

"All right, anything to end this blockade," she grumbled, "All over Arc, of all people."

Yang boldly charged in, 'accidentally' shoving past several transfer students. Pyrrha secured her right flank, and Ruby her left. Weiss and Blake kept the wedge going, letting Nora and Ren escape to the door.

Yang moved between Jaune and May with a fiery smile.

"Hey, sorry, we gotta get going!" She said cheerfully.

Pyrha then grabbed Jaune's other arm, smiling just as widely.

"I-Indeed," Pyrrha managed, "After all, my boyfriend and I were planning on eating together."

"BOYFRIEND?!" Several girls gasped, Yang, Weiss, Blake, and Ruby included. Yang grabbed onto Jaune's other arm, as Ruby got onto his back.

"We didn't agree to that!" Yang hissed.

"Yeah! That's not fair!" Ruby whispered angrily.

Pyrrha tried to speak, but what she had said, so boldly, had made her face turn bright red and her brain melted. She was giddy with excitement! She'd said it, she'd done it!

Jaune sighed. He gave Pyrrha as gentle a look as he could.

"She's exaggerating. I'm single, it was nice to meet you all, let's go to lunch," he stated. Pyrrha's face fell, and even further when he gave May a friendly smile. "It's nice to see you again, May."

"N-Nice to see you too, Jaune," May managed, looking very intimidated by the three young women.

"Y-Yeah! Let's go to lunch, Team RWBY!" Ruby announced. She beamed at Jaune. "With you, right Jaune?"

"Naturally," Jaune deadpanned, with a small smile. Yang glared hot death at Pyrrha. Jaune sighed.

"I'll see all of you, relax, just give us a minute," he said with a smile. Yang slowly nodded, still glaring with red eyes back at Pyrrha as she wrangled the protesting Ruby out the door.

Jaune followed, Pyrrha letting him pull her along. Her emotions were in such a frenzy right now! But she fell back on her instincts, trying to keep herself controlled.

They had to duck around at least two corners before they lost the other students. Jaune sighed heavily and looked back at Pyrrha. She opened her mouth, but he beat her to the punch.

"Sorry about that," he said, "I mean… My mom was always so busy, but I had no idea she had, you know, fans! I thought you'd be more popular!"

"I… I um…" She shook her head. "I'm sorry about the girlfriend thing. I-I just… It popped out, and I lost control…"

He loved her when she was honest, but she'd gone too far! She thought she was better! She knew she could do better! She didn't want to come off as-as crazy!

"Pyrrha," Jaune said firmly, "It's fine. Okay? May is just a girl I met when my parents took me to Vacuo when I was seven. We met, we had some fun, she still has the same beanie and hair style. She was nice, but that's all it is, okay?"

Pyrrha bowed her head, deeply ashamed.

"I… I'm sorry," she mumbled. Jaune's face softened, and he hugged her.

"Hey, it-it's okay," he said, "We're all working this out together. Hell, I didn't know what to do with all that attention. I was kind of frozen, but… You were there for me." He beamed.

"You're not alone, Pyrrha."

"Thanks to you," Pyrrha insisted quietly. She looked him right in the eyes, even as her heart raced, "I-I think… I think I…"

She closed her eyes.

"I think I might love you. F-For that."

Silence. She slowly opened her eyes, worried about what she might find. Jaune was still there, still holding her… Blushing hard.

She smiled like the sun. Jaune coughed.

"I uh… I-I care about you too, Pyrrha," he said, "A lot. Like I care about Yang, Ruby, Nora, Ren, Blake…" He shrugged. "Even Weiss. Most of the time."

"I… I care about them too," she insisted. Jaune nodded.

"I know," he said softly, "I'm honestly… I was really happy when I saw you hanging out with them. I…" He sighed. "I'm not a psychologist, but when you volunteer at hospitals as much as I have, you pick stuff up."

He paused again, gathering his thoughts.

"Your mom… Your mom seemed like she wanted to be the only thing in your life," he said, "And I don't want to just-just replace her. Exchange one master for another. I just… I just want to be one good friend in your life. Of many good friends."

"I-I…" Pyrrha bit her lower lip, so moved her eyes felt wet. He did understand, he did!

"I'm… I'm not sure I know how to do that. To make those connections… To find people who care for me-"

"You're doing fine," he insisted. "Really, but it'll take time, right? I know you can do it."

He gave her a wry smile.

"Then, well… You'll find a better guy than me, and won't have to settle."

Anger spiked in her chest. She hated when he was so down on himself, hated hearing him joke about it. She mustered her courage and hugged him tightly, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"This isn't settling. You're the kind of guy i always wanted to spend time with, even when everyone told me I wasn't allowed. If I'm allowed to want things for myself, then i can decide who is good enough."

"P-Pyrrha," Jaune whispered. Pyrrha pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes.

"We all care about you, too. And you hurting yourself hurts us, too."

Jaune winced deeply. She kept going.

"So if you want to help me be better? Help us all. Then we get to help you, too," she said firmly.

A dark look passed over Jaune's face. He was no longer the long suffering team leader. He was an older man, who had seen and suffered much. His eyes were seeing nightmares-Nightmares he had never told her about, but she knew how he suffered.

"Maybe I don't deserve to get better," he murmured softly. Pyrrha shook her head.

"You do," she said, "I'll make you-We'll make you see it. Promise."

Jaune sighed. He slowly nodded.

"I guess it is that bad, when everyone talks to me about it," he said quietly.

"Don't focus on it," Pyrrha advised quietly. "Focus on the fun we're going to have on our date. And… And the fun you'll have with the others."

"If you'll focus on the fun you'll have with the others, too," Jaune said, "Okay? We're still on for our dates. We'll have fun. I promise. Just... We're not going to get married or anything, okay? Don't stress so much over it. You aren't rivals with Yang or Ruby or-Professor Goodwitch?!"

Pyrrha's jaw dropped in astonishment.

"Her too?!" She cried. "She-She seduced you?"

"Wha-No-!"

Of course he had! If Jaune was this wonderful of a man, enough to attract all this female attention, of course older women would also follow him! Pyrrha could see it now! How harsh and unrelenting Professor Goodwitch was to Jaune in class! It was the perfect cover for her amorous intentions!

"The beautiful, mature woman-Of course she would fall for you!" Pyrrha sniffled, "! I-I knew I had competition, but her too?!"

"No Pyrrha, I'm not-!"

"Ahem."

Pyrrha slowly looked over her shoulder. Professor Glynda Goodwitch stood there, stern as always, but her lips were twitching ever so slightly.

"Thank you for the compliment, Ms Nikos, however misplaced. Mister Arc? I need a moment of your time, please."

"Ah, sure Professor, thanks," Jaune managed with a nod. He looked Pyrrha in the eyes. "For the record, no, I'm not dating the Professor." He looked back at her. "No offense, Professor. It uh… I mean, you'd never date a student, after all!"

"Certainly not one as much trouble as you, Mister Arc," Goodwitch deadpanned, her lips twitching slightly again.

"It won't take long. You should get to lunch, Miss Nikos."

"Of-Of course, Miss Goodwitch," she said. She paused and kissed Jaune deeply. It was an impulse, based on nothing but petty jealousy… But it felt so good.

She broke the kiss and smiled lovingly at his dazed expression.

"Yang got one today, I should get one too," she whispered with a soft giggle. She turned and headed off. Jaune watched her go, blinking.

---

Silence fell for a moment, before Jaune turned to Goodwitch awkwardly.

"I uh…" He coughed. "So... Um... You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yes," Goodwitch stated, "I'll make this brief: Is your team entering the Vytal Tournament?"

Jaune blinked.

"Well... I mean, Pyrrha mentioned it. And I guess it makes sense to compete in the team section, since RWBY is too, but..." He winced. "I'm really not where I think I need to be. I don't want to hold the team back."

"I believe you'll do better than you think, Mister Arc," Goodwitch stated calmly. She shook her head. "I am not ordering you to do so. Just because your teammate is believed to be a shoo-in for the championship is no reason to push her. However, I am fairly confident that after your showing at the docks, you will not be a hindrance to your team at all."

She smirked slightly

"Indeed. I believe you will provide extra motivation for victory."

Jaune nodded slowly.

"I... Yeah, I guess. The problem is, my most powerful skills are..." He trailed off and fidgeted uncomfortably.

"Bent for lethal applications?" Goodwitch prompted. Jaune winced and looked aside. She reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder. He started and looked up at her.

"I understand the burden of learning control," Goodwitch said softly, her face compassionate, "I do. I believe you have the potential to master your abilities. If you need extra help, I will do what I can to provide it."

"Professor," Jaune murmured. She smiled gently.

"Take it from someone who had to work very hard to master her own powers when she was your age," she said with a nod. "Besides, with everything going on, I need as many capable Huntsmen and Huntresses as possible."

Jaune gulped. He wasn't sure about this. He wasn't. But since he was here... Since they were alone...

"About the transfer students," Jaune began, "I uh... I mean..."

Goodwitch stared at him.

"Yes, Mister Arc?" She asked.

Shit, what do I even say? Jaune thought frantically, 'Hey, my arch-criminal buddy warned me that dangerous criminals are infiltrating the school?'

He didn't think Neo would be keen on coming clean. Besides, he had no idea what they were even after. Only that it scared Roman. That didn't give him any clues though, probably because Roman was also mostly in the dark.

But he had to do something.

"I... I mean, I don't have a lot to go on, and I kind of can't reveal the source, but..." He worked his jaw, "Some of them... Aren't what they seem. They might have connections to... To the dock incident."

Her stare was impassive, but not dismissive. She slowly nodded.

"I see," she said quietly, "Which ones?"

"Cinder Fall's team from Haven," Jaune said softly. "Again, I... I don't have anything to go on that I can talk about-Geez, that sounds like crap, doesn't it?" He muttered to himself. Goodwitch shook her head.

"There are many students with... Complicated backgrounds, Mister Arc," Goodwitch said, and Jaune immediately thought of Blake, "You don't have to reveal anything you're not comfortable with. But you're certain they are involved?"

"Positive," Jaune said firmly. "I don't know what they're after. I just know they're connected somehow to the dock incident, and maybe others. Though uh... Mint, the short one? She's trying to get out of it."

Goodwitch raised an eyebrow. Jaune shrugged sheepishly.

"She's... Kind of like my cousin? It's... Complicated."

"Indeed," Goodwitch observed. She sighed. "I will take your information to the Headmaster."

Jaune's eyes widened.

"Really?"

Goodwitch nodded.

"Yes, Mister Arc," she said, "And in the meantime? Please keep your eyes open. Let me know if you learn anything else."

Jaune nodded, feeling a weight leave his shoulders.

"Thank you, Professor," he said gratefully. She again gave him a small smile. He had a feeling she didn't do it often.

"Now, you should run along to lunch."

She arched a sardonic eyebrow.

"Unless there's anyone else you have to kiss goodbye?"

Jaune wisely shook his head.

---

Pyrrha knew that Yang was going to be waiting for her outside the cafeteria hall. Honestly, she preferred it. Ruby's puppy dog eyes would have made her feel even worse. She felt bad enough that the blonde was glaring at her as she approached. The sunlight and bird song helped her to calm herself, as she stopped a few meters away from the blonde brawler. There were other students nearby, but all far enough away to not eavesdrop.

"Sorry," she said quietly, "I... I panicked."

Yang still glared. Pyrrha shook her head.

"I want... I want to do this fairly," she said softly, "I really do. That wasn't fair to you or Ruby."

Yang very slowly nodded, the tension mostly leaving her body.

"I get it," Yang said quietly, "Honestly? You're a lot like her."

"Ruby?" Pyrrha guessed. Yang nodded.

"She's... Not exactly very social herself," she said, "And hell, this is her first crush. I... I know it might end in heartbreak. I just want to make sure she's given as fair a chance as possible. You know?"

Pyrrha slowly nodded.

"Thank you," she said with a small smile. Yang sighed, and then smirked.

"Of course, now Jaune's got a reputation as a lady's man," she said, "If he's got at least three beauties after him. So hey, it's not all bad."

"Oh dear," Pyrrha winced, "I-I don't think he'll like that."

Yang chuckled. She lowered her arms and smiled softly.

"Well, it's not like it's wrong, is it?" She asked with a smirk.

Pyrrha couldn't help a small giggle. She shook her head.

"And... May is apparently just a friend to him," Pyrrha said.

Yang snorted.

"Yeah, because he knows how everyone genuinely feels," she stated. She sighed. "Blake may get most of her relationship knowledge from her smut books. But she's right. So... Let's work some things out with Ruby, huh?"

Pyrrha nodded.

"And... And Jaune is taking you out this week," Pyrrha stated firmly. She flushed. "I-I'll make sure of it."

Yang flushed. She rubbed the back of her head nervously.

"Heh... Well... I'll make sure it goes off with a Yang."

Pyrrha winced. Yang grinned.

"What? It'll be fully Pyr-reviewed!"

Pyrrha winced harder.

"Please stop."

Yang grinned.

"Never!"

---

In the cafeteria, Ruby was trying not to sulk but it was honestly really, really hard. Weiss had gone off to eat with Neptune, and how they fawned over eachother was nauseating even at this distance. Blake was sitting with Sun and his team. For some weird reason, she was just reading a book and occasionally nodding to what he said. Sage and Scarlet were talking about something that Ruby really didn't care about.

Nora and Ren were eating with her at their usual table but were deeply involved in a conversation about soufflés that even she couldn't follow. Yang had run off, and Pyrrha and Jaune were gone.

Right after Pyrrha had to make that announcement...

It was so frustrating, and she picked at her mashed potatoes with a deep pout.

"Hello Friend Ruby!"

Ruby looked up and managed a weak smile at the orange haired girl.

"H-Hey Penny."

Penny sat down with her, perfectly folding her hands in her lap. It was so much like Weiss Ruby nearly let out a snort.

"Hey Penny," Ruby said. Penny tilted her head.

"Are you all right? You are showing signs of depression and sorrow."

"I, well..." Ruby sighed. "I'm just unhappy."

"You are having... Difficulties?"

Ruby nodded.

"Um, well... Yeah."

Penny nodded again. She hummed.

"Based on my research, it is likely to do with Friends Jaune, Yang and Pyrrha?"

Ruby flushed.

"I... Yeah, it is," she said.

"Further analysis suggests that you wish to tell them something, correct?" She asked.

Ruby actually beamed, feeling very relieved.

"Yes! That's amazing, Penny!"

The Atlasian girl beamed back, nodding eagerly.

"Of course! I am an effective observer and analyzer of human behavior!" She paused. "Since I am a perfectly ordinary human girl myself!"

"Er, well, sure," Ruby said, blinking curiously. "Why do you keep saying that?"

"Because that is what I am!" Penny said cheerfully.

Ruby thought about it, then shrugged. Given how weird she was, it would be pretty unfair of her to call Penny out on it.

"So... What do you think I should do?"

"May I suggest you speak with your friends directly about the matter?" Penny said, tilting her head back the other way, "Would that not be the most efficient way to do it?"

"I-I mean... I wish I could but there's a... A lot of issues involved..." Ruby trailed off into a mumble. Penny hummed.

"Are you not scheduled for a social outing with the possibility of romance, aka, a date, with Friend Jaune? Can you not tell him at least?"

Ruby blushed deeply.

"I-I uh... Um... Y-Yes, but um... I just... I don't know if I should wait, or if I'll even be able to tell him then," she said.

Penny hummed.

"Navigating social situations is very difficult," she observed.

"Totally," Ruby sighed.

"I often have issues with that myself, Friend Ruby," Penny said. She smiled and laid a hand on Ruby's shoulder, "My father tells me to never give up! The more I interact, the more I learn and the better I do! It is the same with you, since we are both ordinary human girls!"

Ruby smiled warmly at Penny.

"Thanks Penny," she said with a nod.

Ruby saw Yang and Pyrrha entering, both looking much happier. She forced her smile back at them as they approached, even with how awkward she felt. Sure, she was jealous of Yang and Pyrrha being... Being so much more brave than her. More socially adept, with better figures and-

"Ugh, that's not helping," Ruby muttered. In comparison, telling someone about the Silver Eyes thing felt easier.

"Hm," Penny hummed, "I believe there is still tension between you and Friends Yang and Pyrrha."

"Yeah," Ruby sighed.

"Then you require an... Icebreaker, yes?" Penny suggested. "Or perhaps a cathartic release of emotions?"

"Errr..." Ruby shrugged. "Sure?"

Penny beamed.

"I believe I have a solution!" She declared as Pyrrha and Yang sat down across from Ruby.

"Hey Rubes," Yang said, "Pyr and I talked and we think that-"

Penny then took hold of Ruby's mashed potatoes and threw it into Yang's face. Ruby and Pyrrha's jaws dropped. Penny still kept smiling, as the bowl of potatoes fell from Yang's face. The blonde blinked... And then her eyes burned red and her hair flared gold.

"PENNY WHAT THE FU-?!"

"I declare a food fight!" Penny cried, "For the purposes of cathartic release! Friend Nora, Friend Ren, aid Friend Ruby against her sister and Friend Pyrrha!"

"WHAT?!" Ruby tried. Nora grinned and picked up a bowl of pea soup.

"CAN DO!" Nora cheered. She threw the bowl right at Pyrrha. The redhead ducked the shot, as did Yang... But Weiss didn't.

Splat!

"NORA?!" Weiss sputtered, even as her boyfriend, Neptune, tried very hard not to laugh, "WHAT-WHAT IS THIS-?!"

"FOOD FIGHT!" Nora bellowed, along with Penny. Weiss sneered.

"I'm not going to participate in such an immature, petty-!"

Sun grinned and picked up a bunch of bananas.

"Finally! Something fun to do!" Sun grinned. "TEAM SUN! ATTACK!"

Ruby felt numb. Like everything was happening to someone else. Yang grabbed a plate and blocked the volley of peeled bananas Sun threw like a machine gun. Pyrrha formed a shield with forks, knives and spoons. Nora threw bowls of pudding like grenades, as Weiss shrieked and dodged.

"YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS, PENNY!" Yang roared.

Penny grinned.

"Catharsis has commenced! Wonderful! Let us expand the fight to heal more relationships!"

"NO PENNY NO!" Ruby cried. She yanked a bowl of creamed spinach out of Penny's hands. "You can't just-!"

Penny let go and the bowl of spinach went sailing over the table. As if in slow motion, Ruby watched as Pyrrha turned to deal with the approaching projectile... And missed her deflection as it went right into her face.

Ruby couldn't help a snicker.

"RUBY!" Pyrrha cried out in shock.

"Hooray Friend Ruby!" Penny said cheerfully, "You are engaging in catharsis!"

Ruby grinned and picked up a loaf of Valean bread she spun around like Crescent Rose.

"I sure am!"

---

Jaune approached the cafeteria, a small smile on his face.

He had managed to do some real good. Next to that, some social embarrassment seemed like nothing.

He would talk with his team, his friends, and sort all of this awkwardness out. Pyrrha was right, they had the dates to look forward to.

After all, this wasn't some Mistralian romcom comic. Everyone was perfectly reasonable.

He opened the doors to the cafeteria, a smile on his face...

And a key lime pie hit him right in his smile.

His arms fell down, as the pie slid off his face and splattered onto the floor. He blinked the cream out of his eyes and gaped at the full food melee now going on.

With RWBY and his team smack bad in the center.

He sighed heavily.

"Yeah, okay... That's on me," he muttered.

---

Professor Goodwitch eventually had to come in and break up the food fight. Making all of the desks and benches float with her furious gaze burning with power was more than sufficient to stop the chaos. Damn, was she scary.

Jaune sighed as he sat with his teammates, Sun's team, and Penny Polendina in a mostly empty classroom. They were all separated, and not allowed to sit together. Vella Moisia sat at the teacher's desk, her eyes down on her Scroll. The teacher's assistant was probably a better choice for monitoring them than Professor Goodwitch. The look she gave him...

Right after she shared those kind words with him. Geez...

"You all right?" Whispered his partner.

Pyrrha sat down next to him, silent. He shrugged.

"Just didn't think we'd be in detention right on the first day back," he muttered. He glanced at her. "You all right?"

Pyrrha nodded, blushing a bit.

"Just fine," she said quietly. She looked over at Blake, who nodded. She gave her a small smile, before glancing back to Jaune. "You should ask Yang out this Friday."

Jaune blinked.

"It's our first week back-"

"Perfect time for it," Pyrrha insisted, "Or-Or so I've been told."

"I mean... I'm not rushing things am I-?"

"No," Pyrrha cut him off again, flushing as she did so. "No, you aren't."

"You would say that," he sighed. Pyrrha smiled softly.

"I just... I understand how she feels," she murmured.

"Miss Nikos, back to your seat please," Vella said gently. Pyrrha nodded and rose. She beamed at Jaune, as she walked over to her seat and resumed her studying. Jaune gulped, and looked over at Yang. He sighed, and gave her a smile as her eyes met his.

"This Friday work for you?" He mouthed to her.

Yang beamed and nodded. Jaune beamed back. He did like her smile, really.

He looked over at Ruby, to offer a reassuring look. She smiled back too, albeit a bit more guarded.

That said, he noticed a lot less tension between her, Pyrrha, and Yang. Which he hoped would become the norm.

He was not a damn harem protagonist!

"Jaune."

Jaune nearly jumped at the soft tone and looked to his side. Blake had sat down next to him, silent as always.

"Uh, yeah?" He murmured.

She handed over a piece of paper to him.

"Your date is all setup," she said.

Jaune opened the paper and stared in shock. He looked over at her.

"I... Really-?"

"Yes, really," Blake stated firmly. "Your other dates will be set up too. We've taken care of everything."

Jaune glanced over at Sun, who gave Jaune a thumbs up and a grin. He also saw Neptune, who glared hot death at him.

"Just make sure she has fun," Blake murmured, "She is my partner, after all."

"I will," Jaune said with a nod, "Promise."

Blake stared intensely. Jaune stared back.

"You should at least act like you're looking forward to it," Blake murmured. Jaune sighed.

"I am... I just..." He stared over at Yang, then Pyrrha, and finally Ruby. Blake elbowed him lightly.

"We'll get through this together," she murmured. "Don't tell me all your words about hope were for show."

"They aren't," Jaune insisted.

"Good," Blake murmured.

"Miss Belladonna!" Vella called out. Blake smiled, nodded one last time to Jaune, and rose to head back to her seat. He sighed softly, but he wore a small smile.

Maybe he should just try to focus on the good things in his life. It was what he was fighting for, after all.

Even if he didn't deserve it... They did.

---

Omake: Cardin and Velvet Reunite

---

The whole damn day had been filled with nothing but crap. Having to wrangle his team to get to the assembly, having to run around and dodge all these new transfer students-It was rough and Cardin had nearly had his fill. Sure, seeing the airships flying overhead was pretty awesome, but they paled in comparison to what he really wanted.

Finally though, lunch time came around. He headed out onto the quad, and scanned around.

He spotted a familiar pair of brown bunny ears, and jogged over towards her. Velvet looked up and beamed from the picnic table she was sitting at.

"Cardin!" She cried. He grinned back confidently as he slowed to right in front of her. She stood up, her cheeks flushed.

"Miss me?" He asked. Velvet hesitated... Then pounced, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to kiss him feverishly. He was momentarily stunned, but returned the kiss eagerly as he held her around her waist.

The kiss was hot, wet, and electrifying. She pulled back only to catch her breath, panting softly as she looked him in the eyes.

He wanted to say something suave and witty, like "I'll take that as a yes."

"... Humwha," he managed.

Velvet flushed again.

"S-Sorry! I just... I really missed you," she said with a wide grin. He kissed her again happily, and she hummed in joy against his lips.

Somewhere in between the hormones and the warmth and wait that's her chest holy shit those are her boo-NO! Cardin managed to get control and pull back.

"I uh... We uh..." He gestured to the food she had at the table. "Lunch?"

"OH! Oh y-yes, yes, sorry!" Velvet stammered. They separated only a little, Cardin keeping an arm around her waist. They sat down and ate the lunch Velvet had prepared. They were really good sandwiches again.

"Mmm... Reubens?" Cardin asked, after swallowing. Velvet nodded.

"Yeah! I wanted to experiment-How are they?"

"Great!" He said cheerfully. "I like the-the sauce. It's really tangy!"

"I'm glad!" Velvet beamed, taking another bite, "Human taste buds are actually stronger than Faunus ones, so-so I sometimes have trouble adjusting the flavors to not be overwhelming. Daichi, uh... Heh. He didn't react well to a spicy meatball sandwich."

"How bad?" He asked. Velvet winced.

"Ummm... He had to down a whole gallon of milk?"

Cardin snickered and shook his head. Velvet pouted.

"It's not funny! He erased the memory... And then the same thing happened a week later!"

Cardin was laughing so hard he had to cover his mouth to avoid spraying her with crumbs. Velvet's lips twitched, and she soon joined in.

"Hahahahaha! Hahahaha!"

They managed to calm down. Cardin beamed at his girlfriend happily.

"So, uh, how was your break? You said you were helping your family out."

"I was! I was!" Velvet nodded. She held up her Scroll. "My mom's almost done with her pregnancy, so we're all kind of on edge. I'm kind of glad she didn't have the baby when I was there. Every time she does, it's such a panic! I-I kind of just want to avoid that mess, and just show up to see the new baby, you know?"

She winced.

"Oh, that sounds terrible..."

"I mean, if it had happened, you'd have gone with her anyway, right?" Cardin asked. Velvet nodded.

"Yeah! I just... You know... It's just exhausting and stressful. My dad's bald from how he stresses over every baby, but he's always so happy..." She chuckled. "I am looking forward to it. Just hope to avoid the hassle this time."

"Mm," Cardin nodded. "I guess you didn't catch the latest Grimminator movie?"

Velvet made a face.

"Ugh, no. It's gone way past the soulless cash cow phase."

Cardin gaped.

"What?! No way! This new director-He-He's like, doing his own cool thing, but he's also kind of paying respect to the old stuff-! It's great! And they use the catchphrases but it makes sense! It's not just key jangling this time!"

"I don't know," Velvet hummed, "I think the original is still the best."

"Well yeah, but that doesn't mean you can't do new things with it," Cardin argued. He shook his head and groaned. "I'm dating a film snob."

"Nuh uh, just dating a girl with taste," Velvet grinned, nuzzling up to him. He sighed.

"Yeah, all right. But we're seeing it, and I'll prove to you it's actually good!"

"All right," Velvet said with a beam. She then hesitated.

"Uh... Oh... Um..."

Cardin frowned.

"What is it?" He asked. Velvet shook her head, as her ears twitched.

"It's... No big deal," she said, "Just... My parents asked about... Me having a boyfriend, and-and all."

Cardin paled a little. He slowly nodded.

"O-Oh... Um... Me too... For a girlfriend, I mean."

Velvet nodded.

"Yeah... Uh... I-I didn't... I didn't tell them you were, you know... Human," she admitted. She winced. "I am so, so sorry Cardin! I-I don't mean-I'm not ashamed of you but-!"

"But it... You're not ready," he said. She nodded. He sighed. "Yeah... Same."

He held Velvet in his arms, silent. She just cuddled against him. They both listened to the sounds of birdsong and the faint roars of airship engines far away.

"... They... They were happy I wasn't dating Hex," she said. Cardin glared.

"Did he try anything-?!"

"No, no," Velvet said, rubbing his bicep to calm him, "He just gets weird and creepy on DustNet. We all blocked him. But... I-I mean..." She sighed.

"I don't know how... How to break it to them," she explained.

"... Me neither," Cardin admitted.

She was silent as she rested her face against his chest. He reached up and gently stroked her ears. She trembled, and then hummed happily.

"We'll... We'll figure something out," he said.

"Yeah..." Velvet sighed happily, "It's... It's not like we have a hard deadline... Or anything..."

Cardin grimaced. She looked up into his eyes, concerned.

"Cardin?"

"Um..." Cardin took a deep breath. "My dad and mom attend the... The Beacon Dance, every year. They'll... They'll be here."

Velvet stared in silence. She then blushed.

"Oh... So um..." She bowed her head. "You know... You know, you don't have to... Have to take me."

Cardin blinked.

"Wait what?"

"You... You could just go with someone else," she muttered, "I... If things might get that bad-"

Cardin scowled. He grabbed her chin and tilted her face up, so her eyes met his.

"Do you really think I'm some kind of asshole who would do that?!" He demanded. Velvet flushed.

"I-I just want to-I don't want to make trouble-!"

"Look! If I do take a girl to the dance, it'll be my girlfriend, understand? I'm not some-some coward or jerk!" He growled. He then hesitated and got a handle on his emotions. He thought it through.

She's... She's trying to spare my feelings? Give us more time...? Geez... She's too nice... Damnit... I...

"I mean... Um..."

He tried to articulate that he appreciated her making that sacrifice, but... He wasn't going to do it because he wasn't some coward. He was further going to say this wasn't one way, that he wasn't going to hide her or be ashamed of her. There was time before the dance, maybe they could sort something out.

He was going to say all this... But a shiny eyed Velvet had started kissing him again and his tongue was otherwise engaged.

"Mmph?!"

"Mmm!" Velvet mumbled. She pulled back and beamed at him. "I... I'd love to go with you!"

"... Cool," he managed.

Goddamnit, why can't I think straight when I'm around her?! His brain demanded.

She kissed him again, and... He had his answer.

Enough that he didn't even worry about the loud sounds of violence coming from the cafeteria building.

---

Welcome to Volume 2! Hope you enjoy it!