Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
Since Qrow couldn't find any Hunters to help protect the relic, the RRNJL treated themselves and their newly arrived friends. The main course on the table is a large pot of Mistral soup with long noodles, eggs, thinly sliced slices of boiled pork, parsley and leeks. There was also a bowl of rice, tofu cubes, meatballs and tea, luckily there was another pot instead of the one Ruby broke.
The company around the table was very happy, the sound of laughter and pleasant conversation filled the dining room.
- How could it slip out of your mind like that?! - Yang chuckled as she was told that Jaune was forced to fight the ghost Grimm without a weapon because he forgot exactly when the smith would be ready with his weapon upgrades and new armor.
- Believe me, I asked myself the same thing. - Jaune just lowered his head with a smile and laughed awkwardly.
- But you solved it, - Nora was proud of her. - Mr. Muscle-head! You should have seen him go after a giant Grimm, face to face!
- Ah - Jaune just waved. – Lance also protected me a couple of times and Ruby exhausted it quite a bit.
- Me?! - Ruby didn't understand why Jaune was being so modest. – Do you remember Ren, how he went head on in the Kuroyuri battle, with that weird, giant Grimm?! Totally freaked out!
- I'm sorry, - Ren blurted out. – but I lost my mind at that moment.
- Oh, - Ruby realized that her friend had misunderstood what was said. - I didn't mean it! I meant in a good way!
- Oh, - Ren, as if he had just fallen for being praised, smiled in surprise but proudly. - thank you. - Everyone laughed out loud at his delayed reaction.
- No way! - Lance, after listening to how Mike stood on his heels against his mother. - Your mother constantly medicated you to make you weak and kept silent about the fact that your father is alive?
- Yeah, - Mike nodded. – and when there is time, I would like to go to the hospital to visit.
- I'll go with you! - Lance put his hand on his friend's shoulder. - We can go next morning.
As the dinner wore on, the good mood didn't let up at all, as Weiss was telling the story of losing her mind at a prestigious ball when a very uptight woman started berating the Beacon Hunters.
- I can't believe you seriously did this! – Ruby couldn't believe her ears when Weiss summoned an ice boar Grimm because of her.
- Yes, - Weiss's face turned beet red with shame and she buried her head in her hands. – exactly at a ball.
- At least that woman got what she deserved? - Yang hoped so.
- Of course not! - Weiss pulled away, she wasn't that violent. - Although I really wanted to then.
- Out of the question. - Nora crossed her arms skeptically - I can't believe this happened. - Suddenly something cold hit Nora's back and she heard a snort. When she turned, the same boar Grimm was behind her. - ARGH! - She jumped back in terror and fell to the ground but the ice Grimm just shook her head and just stood there while the others just laughed at Nora.
Dinner was over but the group hadn't finished talking yet and the topic had just turned to Yang's new mechanical arm.
- It's not like the real thing, - Yang stood up and showed off her new arm. – but I make good use of it.
- I'm testifying her statement! - Mike added. - He single-handedly destroyed a group of bandits!
- Amazing! - Jaune and the others stared at Yang's arm in astonishment.
- Incredible. - Ren didn't hide his pride either.
- It's good to see you in whole and ready to fight again. - Lance was always happy to have a reliable comrade-in-arms.
- Wow! - Ruby's eyes lit up as she stared at her sister's robotic arm and immediately jumped up to take a closer look. - As strong as before? – She started groping right away, not caring about propriety but Yang didn't mind, she missed her sister's directness.
- Hm, - Yang put her other hand on her hip smugly. - totally! – A knock was heard, the source of which was Nora elbowing her right hand on the table and staring defiantly at Yang.
- Do you want to bet?! - She clearly wanted to arm wrestling with her.
- Nora, - Weiss just rolled her eyes. - please. Now it's not the time... - In vain, Yang was already there and an amazing duel developed with Nora.
The two strong girls were trying their best to push each other down.
- Come on! - Jaune and Ren were clearly rooting for Nora. - You can do it!
- Show her, - Ren supported. – the pride of the JNPR team!
- Come on sis! – Ruby was clearly rooting for her sister but Weiss just crossed her arms and stared at the two cocky girls with disdain. - You can't lose against a girl wearing a skirt!
- You wear a skirt too. - Weiss added.
- Weiss, - Ruby didn't even hear, just grabbed Weiss by both shoulders. – you're not cheering loud enough!
- Nora will definitely win! - Lance was next to the red-haired girl. - You didn't see what she was capable of on our way.
- No way, - Mike rather supported the blonde girl. – Yang's incredible strong! She wins this!
- Grrr… - Nora realized that Yang was very strong. – clearly like the real thing! I'm give you that!
- Yes… - It took a lot of effort for Yang to hold her own against Nora. – but it has a few new tricks!
- Like what?! - Nora grinned defiantly when she heard a click from Yang, and the next moment Yang's arm detached from her body and pushed Nora back against the wall, causing her to fall to the ground in pain. - Ouch...
- Then… - Jaune and the others were puzzled by the outcome. - who won?
- Yang pushed out Nora. - Lance stated.
- Oh... - Nora was a little dizzy, but came to her senses, tried to stand up but felt that something was in her hand. It's nothing more than Yang's severed arm. – AAARRRRGGHHHH! - She screamed loudly and threw the limb back to its owner, who caught it laughing.
Dinner was over and all that was left was washing up and cleaning up, which everyone did their part in.
- Ugh… - Jaune ate a little more than he should and gagged. – we ate everything... I think I'm going to be sick.
- Just calm down, Vomit Boy! - Yang remembered the nickname Ruby had given him on the first day. - We believe in you.
- Oh, - Jaune just rolled his eyes. – so now we're back to nicknames?! - He took the plates to the sink. - It's wonderful.
Everyone laughed at that but Nora remembered another.
- I mean, - She pointed at Weiss, who just giggled but tried to cover it up. – the Ice Queen likes it! – This made Ruby laugh out loud and Yang choked on her tea.
- I haven't missed you guys that much. - Weiss just rolled her eyes with a smile.
- My God! - Nora rested her chin on her hands, feigning surprise. - She likes that! What happened to your heart while you were gone?!
- Hey, - Weiss snapped. - you said that as if I were so terrible!
- Ah, - Yang just waved. – just someone who isn't easy to get along with. – Weiss just grimaced and Yang just stuck her tongue out.
- Speaking of nicknames, - Lance slyly glanced at Mike, who responded with an "Uh-oh, I'm coming" look. - what did Lynda call you? Stinky? Smelly?
- For Sweaty. – Mike admitted and his face turned red.
- Yes! - Lance and the others laughed too. - I miss her.
- Me too, - Mike and Lance remembered the faunus girl. - but she was so rude to me at the beginning.
- Yes, - Lance was also flooded with memories. – I often slept with my eyes half open so that one night she wouldn't eat you. – Another wave of laughter broke through the dining room.
- I wish we could have spent more time with her. - Mike missed her too.
- The thing is, - Ren spoke up. - we all grew up in our own way.
- Are you serious? - Ruby and the others' eyes turned to him.
- Well... - Ren also stared back into the past. – remember how you were in Beacon. Did you do something stupid or embarrassing? Or did you think you were perfect?
- Oh my God! - Weiss buried her face in her hands again.
- Maybe I was a bit hot-headed. - Yang admitted.
- You?! - Ruby looked at her sister in amazement, but finally she also admitted her mistake. - On the first day, I tried to go face-to-face with a Nevermore!
- Wow, - Lance thought of something. – do you remember how badly the team exam went for us?
- Unbelievable, - Mike thought too. – but it was Lynda who brought us together. She was always there and helped whoever needed it.
- But that would have been my job as a leader. - Lance remembered that too. - I was strong, but a pretty bad leader.
- And what can I say? - Jaune came back from the kitchen and bowed his head.
- Well, - Ren smiled nonetheless. – this awkward feeling, the desire that you would like to go back in time and tell your past self that "don't be so stupid" is just proof that you are no longer the person you were then. You are smarter, kinder and stronger. But you still haven't grown up. Neither have we. - Unbelievably, Ren, who had always been quiet and reserved when it came to group conversation, was now doing most of the talking.
- Apparently, - And this dawned on Ruby. - Ren can be pretty deep when he's in a conversational mood.
- Wait! - Nora jumped up and confidently pointed to herself. - I remember that I was quite good at school!
- Even at the ball? - Yang remembered. - When you poured yourself and everything around you with punch and...
- YES! – Nora awkwardly turned on the music on her Scroll, which she recorded so loud that it drowned out Yang's voice. - Exactly the ball and our dance! Thanks Yang!
- Speaking of the ball, - Lance laughed and turned to Ruby. – do you remember that disaster, which can only very graciously be called a dance?
- My goodness! - Ruby blushed and buried her head in her hands.
- I have many knighthood qualities, - Lance scratched the back of his head awkwardly. – but dancing isn't among them.
- I think you would make a cute couple. - Mike joined.
- It probably wouldn't have worked. – Lance remembered when he thought about trying to get together with Ruby and the answer was still the same. He respected her as a leader, but he had no such feelings for her. He loved her only as a friend.
- I don't think so either. - Ruby raised her head and looked at Lance. - We shouldn't complicate things. - Ruby also respected Lance as a warrior and protector but she also only saw the Red Knight as a friend.
- I remember, - Lance remembered one more thing about the prom. – there was only one thing more embarrassing than our dance. - He looked at Jaune, who was also not left out of the humiliation. - Jaune showed up in a girl dress! – Everyone started laughing loudly at that, and Jaune just leaned against the door frame and sat down awkwardly.
- Uh-oh.
- Anyway, - Yang didn't understand one thing. – why did you show up in a dress?
- I couldn't believe, - Jaune answered after the awkwardness passed. - that no one dared to ask Pyrrha out and I promised her that if she came to the ball alone, I would appear in a dress. - Jaune remembered Pyrrha. - She was the only one who believed in me. - He smiled bitterly. - I don't know what she saw in me. I was just a stupid fool who didn't understand anything but she still cared with me. She taught and practiced with me, even though no one was willing to do so. - He sniffed. - I wish I had died instead of her. I wish…
- Enough! - Ruby snapped up and stood facing Jaune. - Don't blame yourself for what happened! Pyrrha has decided to do whatever it takes to protect her friends! She hoped if she had, just like a glimmer of chance to win, then she had to try!
- Ruby… - Jaune looked up at her in amazement.
- Don't blame yourself, don't be irresponsible and most importantly, don't wish you had died! The only thing you can do for Pyrrha is to protect those she died for, keep fighting for what she believed in and make her memory proud!
- We don't blame you, Jaune. – Weiss stood next to Ruby and extended her hand to help her up.
- Thanks. - Jaune accepted. - I will do my best to be the man Pyrrha thought I was.
- Well, - Weiss smiled as she looked into Jaune's sad blue eyes. - you're making good progress.
- You just don't like him?! - Yang noticed how Weiss was staring at Jaune.
- What?! - Weiss just blushed and started shaking her head. - No way! I mean... - She started to wringing her fingers nervously. - I just wanted to reassure him! – She stated. – That's all! - She closed her eyes and turned away.
- Just for you know, - Jaune just smiled pleasantly. - I'm a natural blonde. - Weiss turned completely red before Ruby and Yang just burst out laughing.
Ruby, Weiss and Yang remembered that sentence. It was the first lame pick up line Jaune had tried to use to impress Weiss in Beacon but the white-haired girl had always rejected him in a cold way. Both of them have changed since then, Jaune became wiser and more mature while Weiss is kinder, humbler and more devoted. Those lame pick-up tricks Jaune pulled in Beacon looked cute to her in retrospect.
- I'm so sorry, - Weiss remembered how rudely she treated Jaune. - how I behaved with you.
- Don't worry for it. - Jaune just sighed as if he wasn't angry.
- Hey, - Qrow could be heard yelling angrily from the living room. – how can 8 kids make so much noise?! - He came into the dining room with Oscar by his side.
Everyone stared at Qrow and Oscar or Ozpin, hoping for answers.
- Come to the living room. - Ozpin invited them, he was in charge.
The young ones followed the old ones and they all sat down on the sofas or armchairs that had been prepared, but no one spoke. There was an awkward silence, even the ticking of the clock could be heard.
- So, - Weiss was the one to break the silence. – the Maidens, the magic, Salem, are they all true? - Qrow grunted nervously as Yang revealed to them what Raven had said.
- Ms. Xiao Long, - Ozpin spoke for her. - is that all your mother told you?
- Pretty much. - Weiss spoke up.
- No, - Mike thought of something. - she also said when she pulled down Qrow's pants in front of the class when…
- Hey, - Qrow quickly stopped him. – that was really a d*ck move on her part! - He smiled evilly that he was the one revealing an embarrassing story about Raven. - Perhaps, did she tell you about the time she got itchy, red rashes on her butt?
- Well... - Weiss, even though she felt that they were a little off topic, she was still curious about this.
- One day, - Qrow continued. – I got home to find her rubbing her butt across the carpet like a dog with her skirt down! - Qrow, as he remembered, had a good laugh. - She didn't notice that I came in, recorded her with my Scroll and uploaded it to the Internet!
- That's why you're always giggling, - Ruby thought of something. – when Zwei scratches like that too?
- And what did you do to her? - Suspecting Yang, she asked Ozpin.
- She broke my Scroll, - Qrow thought she was asking him, so he continued the story. - Summer scolded me but Tai bought her an ointment, which she used for a week and…
- Not you! - Yang angrily stopped her uncle and turned to Ozpin. - You! What did you do with Qrow and my mother? – The awkward silence turned into shocked silence and all eyes turned curiously to Ozpin.
- What is he talking about? - Jaune asked.
- Oh, - Qrow just rolled his eyes tiredly. - great.
- Hmm, - Ozpin mused. – it's not a secret I thought you'd share easily with anyone. - He turned to Yang. - Your mother must have trusted you a lot. – Yang's gaze didn't soften and still demanded an answer and Ozpin realized that there was no point in delaying. - My reincarnation ability is a curse but it also has some advantages. Such are the Maidens, who have incredible magical powers. - He stood up leaning on his cane. - With the same power I was able to give the Branwen twins such power, - He began pacing up and down in front of the others. - allowing them to see more so they can move freely without the burden of their bodies, so… - He stopped next to Qrow and gave the answer. – I gave them an ability to turn into a bird. - He laughed a little and shook his head. - It's pretty ridiculous when you say it out loud.
As he said this, they all looked at him in shock and confusion, as if they were trying to process this bizarrely new information.
- My uncle... - Ruby also managed quite slowly.
- Turned them to… - Ren was the first to try to say it out loud. - bird?
- Now you just kidding with us! - Nora didn't really want to believe it.
- Cool. - Lance added.
- Oh, really, - Mike remembered the question he asked Raven but he didn't get an answer. – have you ever thought about performing in a circus or in videos?
- Yeah, - Qrow sighed. - turned us into birds. This isn't a joke. Yes, it has advantages and no, we haven't thought about it. We had to keep it a secret.
- He's right! - Weiss spoke up. - We saw Yang's mother transform before our eyes.
- Why did you do this?! - Yang demanded an answer. – What's wrong with you?
- Yang, - Qrow was the one who called out to his niece. - that's enough! We decided! We wanted this!
- May I? – Ozpin asked Qrow for permission, who just nodded and walked towards Yang. - Giving them such power wasn't an easy thing to do. And I assure you, I didn't do it for fun. I needed all the help and advantage I could get to find out the details of Salem's plans, to help me find the Maidens if something was wrong with them.
- Okay, - Ruby thought. – have you done with anyone else? Like General Ironwood or Professor Goodwitch?
- Whatever advantage it could have been, - Ozpin replied. – unfortunately, it's not that simple. My power is not the most reliable and honestly, it decreases with each reincarnation. The power I gave to Qrow and Raven was to help others and not to scare you. The thing is, centuries ago, I similarly sacrificed vast amounts of magic to endow 4 young women with similar abilities, hoping that they would use my gift for good. They were the first Maidens. - They could feel the regret in his voice, then he turned back to Yang. - Ms. Xiao Long, I never intended to lie to you or any of you. There are just some things I'd like better… I'd rather sweep them under the rug. - He looked towards Qrow. - That's what you said, didn't you?
- Yeah, - Qrow nodded.
- Everyone has a choice. - Ozpin continued. - And the Branwen twins choose to accept the power and responsibility that comes with it. Later, however, one of them abandoned her duty just to feed her own selfish interests. - He looked over the young ones. - You all have a choice now. If any of you want to leave, now is the time to decide. - He turned around. - There's no shame in it and I'm not forcing any of you to stay. - No one answered, which made him think everyone was staying. - Very good... - He turned back but Yang stood up.
- Yang? - Ruby feared the worst that her sister would leave them but Yang spoke up.
- If Ruby stays, - She looked at her sister. - then me too. One thing I know for sure about her is that she always knows what the right decision is. - She looked at the others as well, then turned back to Ozpin. - But if you want us to continue helping you, if our lives must continue to be risked, then don't lie anymore. - No more half-truths, nor that "from a certain point of view" bullsh*t.
Ozpin and Yang looked at each other for a while, Ozpin turned to Qrow who just shrugged and then turned back to Yang.
- I understood. - Ozpin replied.
- All right, - Jaune took over after another moment of silence. – so, what happens now? I mean, what can we do?
- Hm, - Ozpin mused. – isn't that a very difficult question? To which, - He smiled and looked at the young ones. - I'm sure I'll be able to give an answer tomorrow.
- What do you mean? - Jaune just shook his head.
- The road ahead, - Ozpin continued. – it will most likely be fraught with difficulties, however, it has been too long since you were together. – He put a hand on Yang's shoulder, who relaxed a little and trusted the headmaster. - Please rest tonight and enjoy this moment. - His eyes suddenly glowed yellow and as soon as he noticed that his hand was on Yang, he immediately jumped back. It was Oscar again.
- Oh, - Nora, as if she had discovered the opening of a huge mystery, cheered up. - I found out! Raven and Qrow! - He looked at the others with a broad smile. – They're birds! I cracked it! - She clasped her hands behind the back of her head, crossed her legs and leaned back. - It fell to me.
- Yes, Nora, - Lance just smiled that it had taken the redhead so long to figure it out. – you can imagine, how hard was it for us too.
There was an awkward silence on the transport plane, even as they left the Wastes of Darkness and crossed the border of Mistral. In the passenger compartment, Neo sat angrily, arms and legs crossed, next to Emerald, who didn't really enjoy the silent girl's company but understood why she wasn't traveling with her boyfriend, Roman.
- Is everything okay between you? – The green-haired girl was interested and the multicolored-haired girl just stared at her with a piercing look. - I heard you and Roman had a bit of a fight. - Neo still didn't say anything, she just continued to look at her with her brown and pink eyes. - I just hope it won't hinder the mission.
On the other side of the passenger compartment, Roman and Mercury traveled together, although it was clear that they didn't like each other.
- Why do I have to travel with you? – Mercury inquired, he clearly despised Roman.
- Because, - Roman waved, although you could feel the disgust in his voice. - We're such good buddies.
- Quiet back there! – Cinder, who drove the plane, angrily turned back to her passengers. - Half hour and we'll arrive! Hold on until then!
- Hm... - Roman smiled slyly. - I have to pee. Could you put the plane down until then? - Everyone stared angrily at Roman. - What? - But he just blinked innocently. - I drank a lot of water before leaving and now nature is calling.
- Wait another half hour. - Cinder instructed.
- And if it doesn't work out? - Roman continued. - Should I pee on Mercury's metal legs?
- Try that! - Mercury raised one of his fists in warning.
- Hey, if we don't stop to pee soon, I'm not gonna just try! – Roman started to get on everyone's nerves, but Neo just rolled her eyes, got up and went to the engine room to be away from Roman.
- Seriously, - Emerald too. – can't you hold back a little longer?!
- Maybe, - Roman suggested. – we can open the plane's door and I can leak out but I can't tell if I'm urinating on someone. Don't you have a bucket or an empty soda bottle here?
- You are disgusting! - Cinder shouted back.
- If Cinder's not gonna put down the machine I don't really see any other alternative. - Roman shrugged.
- We're approaching the target. - Cinder stated. - Looks like our doctor arrived a little early.
- If I can't let the waste oil out, no doctor could help me. - Everyone shook their heads at Roman's comment but when Cinder put the plane down, Neo came back and managed to calm her down a bit. - I suppose you didn't find a toilet back there? – Roman said laughing, while the petite girl just rolled her eyes tiredly.
The plane landed in a forest clearing, where another plane was already waiting for them. They all got off and headed for the plane's exit. It was good for everyone to finally have solid ground under their feet but Roman was the happiest, who could finally go into the bushes to take care of his urgent business.
- They say, - He pulled up the slip and sighed with relief. – a good pee can equal a good f*ck.
- Can we finally move on? - Cinder stared impatiently at the ex-gangster leader, who was just twirling Melodic Cludgel on one of his fingers.
- Coming! – Roman joined the team but Neo clearly avoided him.
- You didn't hurry. – Watts was sitting on the ramp of the other plane and seemed to have been waiting for a while.
- But we were in such a hurry, - Roman only spoke with false disappointment. – that even I almost peed myself.
- Where is the Branwen tribe's camp? - Cinder didn't even react to Roman's comment.
- A few kilometers away. – Watts pointed in one direction before the team started to go there.
- Then, - Roman spoke up, feeling a little uncomfortable that he was once again following Cinder without knowing the details of the plan. - what's the plan?
- We're going in, - Cinder began. – we introduce ourselves, say what we want and if Raven doesn't agree, we exterminate her tribe.
- Let's try to be a little diplomatic! - Watts warned them. – Raven has amazing power, the Spring Maiden is on her side and the tribe is heavily outnumbered against us.
- I agree with with a Mr. Mustache. - Roman stood next to Watts.
It didn't take them ten minutes of walk, before they saw the walls of the camp built from wall to wall and the gate where some bandits were guarding.
- Go ahead. - Cinder said and Emerald and Mercury were the ones who started walking towards the gate.
- With pleasure. - The two young ones carried out the order with pleasure.
- Why are they the only ones going? – Roman was interested. - If what you said is true, about the relics and the Maiden and Raven, then I don't think violence will be necessary.
- I have to agree with Mr. Torchwick. - Watts adjusted his tie. - If all goes according to plan, Raven can be a valuable ally. It wouldn't be a wise decision to start our relationship by force.
- She must know, - Cinder's eyes narrowed in anger. – that she has no choice. That she can't run away from us and we have to make sure she understands that all resistance has no use. - Neo just showed one thumb and nodded at Cinder, indicating that she agreed with her. - Thank you. - She smiled evilly at Roman. - It looks like your girlfriend doesn't agree with you.
- Hm, - Roman just grimaced and crossed his arms. - let's just go inside.
After a small skirmish, after Emerald and Mercury beat down their gatekeepers and more guards came, the rest of the team showed up.
- Take me to your leader. – Cinder ordered the bandits, who obeyed by fear.
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