HELLO AND WELCOME BACK! We will now start of Volume 3 of Reaper of Grimm, and this time... more changes will be implimented.
I will remind people of a spoiler at this time: Cinder does not get a chance to rig the matches for the Vytal Tournament.
Again I will ask for reviews concerning matchups. Specificaly 2v2 and 1v1 matchups that don't conflict with each other.
This will also determine the fate of Penny. I'm still open-ended with her fate as it is right now. So however the matches end up can save her life as it is now. If not, I have backup plans for her. (Note: Volume 7's release and subsequent reveal of Penny's canonical fate is something different. I'm mainly talking if she survives Volume 3 or not. Again, I leave it to you, readers!)
I will also apologize about an earlier claim that has been proven false: Raven was there when Ruby activated her Silver Eyes. However, that alone does not OFFICIALLY Retcon Salem's statement. I explained it before and until that gets OFFICIALLY debunked by the Creaters, by them ACTUALLY SAYING THOSE WORDS, then what I have said holds true. More importantly, they will be true for this Fanfiction, especially considering... well, that's my own interpretation and I have no shame or regret implementing that interpretation into this fanfic. Trust me, less sane ideas have been just thrown in there for the heck of it without any regard for the integrity of the characters or the show. Just saying!
Special shoutout to jonj1762 for coming up with the name for CFVYRN (Coffee Urn)! That was a 200IQ play, so Kudos!
Disclaimer: RDF1 doesn't own RWBY, WATCH THE SHOW!
Hope everyone is staying safe in the current day and age of the Global Situation.
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
Ruby appeared in the Courtyard, CFVY waiting for her.
"So, you... lied to me Fox," said Ruby.
"I didn't lie..." countered Fox, "I said I couldn't help you with Raven and that was true. I couldn't ask Coco to contact her leader about a family issue. Raven was your responsibility. If I interfered or helped, it wouldn't have made the moment real. It would have been anti-climatic. Besides, from what I hear, you actually unnerved her enough to not risk death. Kudos."
"I told her the truth. The fact that she is the current Spring Maiden would have complicated things. Though I know Raven would be smart enough to pass on the powers to Vernal, who would be pissed at me for killing Raven over a 'trivial' matter."
"It's all a matter of perspective," said Velvet.
"I had no reason to tell you about my connection with Raven," said Coco, "You may have my respect, and I consider you an ally, but I still consider the Bandits my first family. CFVY being my second."
Neo appeared and handed a letter to Ruby.
'Raven abandoned me, and the orphanage let me die. Forgive me if I don't want to see her any time soon.'
"I don't blame you," said Ruby.
"Neither do I. But I doubt it was personal, no matter how it feels to you. Though for what it's worth, I'm sorry," added Coco.
'I don't blame you, Coco,' Neo signed.
"So... we have three Reapers of Grimm and three VERY good Hunters in training. What say you we slay some Grimm?" smirked Ruby, a bit evilly.
Fox and Neo shared that same grin with Ruby as Coco, Velvet, and even Yatsuhashi looked a bit excited at going Grimm hunting. Team CFVYRN headed out for some 'extra curricular' training, looking forward to what comes next.
(Recap End)
In the days since the Family Reunion, Raven had been held to a few rules, mainly by Summer, in order to keep her Bandit Life unchanged. First, visiting Patch Island a bare minimum of once a month. Second, help Ruby and Yang improve their speed against a Huntress who wouldn't hold back against them other than taking their life. This training was technically extended to Weiss and Blake as well, but not exactly mandatory. Additionally, this training took place with Raven at the Bandit Camp, since it was the most convenient. Third, help take down Cinder and whatever she plans to do for the City of Vale and Beacon Academy.
Raven, predictably, wasn't too enthusiastic about these rules, but metaphorically swallowed the bitter pill that would abate Summer's Wrath should she die anytime soon. She chose not to be there for Yang for the first Seventeen Years of her life, and the first Fifteen of Ruby's; she wasn't allowed such a choice anymore, at least for the moment. Tai did his best to help Raven, but it was awkward with his Ex and slow going.
(AN1)
Things kept up like this until the start of the Vytal Festival.
The Vytal festival certainly lived up to its expectations, if the cheers from the stadium were any indication. Team RWBY were actually holding their own well against ABRN, basically having their best fight yet, using Teamwork. Despite their best efforts to end it quickly, even managing to knock out Reese, Arslan was the cornerstone of their team. Though, as they were trying to regroup, Weiss made a slide for Yang to build up momentum on, followed by Blake passing her Gambol Shroud to her for a Bumbleby Maneuver, and Ruby added in her Crescent Rose as a Sling Shot to propel Blake forward, allowing more momentum for Yang to blast ABN into the Fire side of the battlefield before an explosion went off from the impact, resulting in Red Aura levels. Winner: Team RWBY.
(AN2)
On their way to the fairgrounds, they were discussing who would move on to the next round. Ultimately, Ruby and Yang were chosen, given their extra training from Raven. As they were moving through the fairgrounds, discussing where to eat, a familiar voice spoke up.
"Yo!" said Emerald, getting their attention with Ruby's wallet full of Lien, "It'll be hard to eat without this."
"Emerald, did you just pickpocket me?" asked Ruby, showing a bit of a smirk.
"I wouldn't say that..." sweatdropped Emerald at being found out while returning said wallet, but chuckled to ease the tension, "You could have just dropped it, right?"
"I've seen you're slight of hand before, when you're not trying that is," chuckled Ruby, to ease Emerald's worries, "It's a nice reminder to keep on my toes. Just don't try to make a habit out of it."
"Hey, skills are meant to be used, right?" replied Emerald, going along with Ruby's lead, "Besides, slight of hand wouldn't work against ABRN the way your teamwork did! Congrats!"
"Thank you," said Weiss, "We've been practicing for weeks for this Tournament. I'm glad it's paid off."
"What about your team?" asked Blake.
"It was a bit less even," said Emerald, remembering how her team, CNME, basically curb-stomped their opponents, "Mercury and I are moving on to the next round. Who have you picked?"
Yang was about to mention something, when Ruby raised her hand, "That should be kept a secret. It wouldn't be fun if you know who to expect, right?"
"I suppose so," said Emerald, playing off her disappointment.
"We're about to get lunch," added Blake, returning to their original topic before Emerald joined their conversation, "it'll be nice if your team could join in."
"It's weird how little we see of them," commented Yang, though not offensively.
"They're not big on larger groups. They're... socially awkward," informed Emerald, turning to look at her partner, Mercury.
Case in point, Mercury was looking through shoes, even smelling them. Ironic since he had gun boots.
"I can see why," apologized Yang.
"Anyways, we're gonna grab some grub," finished Ruby, "Enjoy the festival!"
"Same to you," responded Emerald, before walking off to join Mercury.
Ruby sighed as RBY continued to the stand, while Weiss ignored a call from her father before catching up.
"So, what was that about her slight of hand, Ruby?" asked Blake, as they continued towards a particular food stall.
(AN3)
"She's a thief. Raised on the streets, learned how to survive for years before Cinder found her," answered Ruby, "It's why she's loyal to Cinder."
"I can imagine her reaction after you..." Yang didn't finish, but did a slicing motion on her throat to get across her message.
"She'll be broken, for sure," nodded Ruby as they approached the stand.
"I'll have the regular," ordered Yang after everyone sat down, getting a large bowl of Ramen.
"I'll have my usual," added Ruby, getting a Veggie Ramen.
"Anything with no Salt?" asked Weiss, getting a no salt version of Yang's Ramen.
Blake gave the owner a knowing look while nodding. The owner, who was also the Dust Store owner who's shop Ruby was visiting when fate intervened, nodded back with a smirk and zipped into the back to bring out a special Salmon Ramen. Blake was drooling over the sight of it.
(AN4)
Weiss attempted to use her Credit Card to pay for the food, but it was declined. Ruby then waved her hand, pointed to herself, then gave him a thumbs up with a smile. He nodded and let them be.
"What was that?" asked Weiss.
"That was cashing an IOU," said Ruby, "Remember, I saved his Dust Shop from Torchwick with minimal property damage that his insurance was able to cover."
"That was noble of you," said a familiar voice as JNPR showed up, "And that was the reason you were bumped up two years?"
"Pyrrha!" grinned Ruby, "Kinda. There's more to it than that. Join us and I'll share."
JNPR wasn't going to say no to spending time with friends.
"And then Ozpin asked me if I wanted to come to his school, to which I gave an enthusiastic yes," finished Ruby, "He said okay, and I got an early transfer."
"Silver Eyes and a Scythe?" pondered Pyrrha after everyone had finished their meal, "You wielding a Scythe like that makes you like the Grimm Reaper, but I've never read anything about Silver Eyes."
(AN5)
"To be fair, I'm an unintentional and unofficial third generation Grimm Reaper, if only by inspiration. My Uncle Qrow is one who taught me how to use a Scythe," explained Ruby, "But as for the Silver Eyes... It's more of a bloodline trait. I inherited them from my mom, Summer Rose."
"Team STRQ is one of THE best teams to graduate from Beacon," smiled Pyrrha, "Your parents were definitely in a league of their own."
"Our Parents AND Uncle Qrow that is," amended Yang, "I've been hearing rumors that Ruby is Qrow's daughter and that's just ridiculous."
"I know, right!" added Ruby, "Yang and I are Half-Sisters. The only way Qrow is my father is if Qrow is Yang's father too, and we know THAT's not true. Plus it kinda insults Taiyang as our Father, who's raised us nearly all on his own for the most part."
(AN6)
"Would Team JNPR please report to the Arena, like they were supposed to..." announced Professor Port, "several minutes ago!"
"This is your second warning. If you're not in the stadium in the next five minutes, you forfeit the round," added Doctor Oobleck.
"Yikes, that's us," said Jaune, as Team JNPR got up.
"Best of luck guys," said Blake.
"We'll be rooting for you," added Weiss.
"And we look forward to facing you in the finals if not before!" challenged Ruby.
"I look forward to it as well, Ruby," replied Pyrrha as JNPR headed off.
"So... Ruby," spoke up Blake, "What exactly is so special about Silver Eyes, especially as a Bloodline trait?"
"That, my dear kitty cat, is a story for another day," replied Ruby slyly, "It requires more of a demonstration than an explanation. By the Brothers may something like that never happen.
With that, Team RWBY made their way to the stadium, to cheer on their friends as they are in the next fight.
(AN7)
(Chapter End)
Volume 3... has begun!
Author Notes...
AN1: Well... unless a RWBY Manga has actually explored Tai and Raven post Volume 5, it's rather vague, but would more than likely be slow and awkward.
AN2: I didn't see the need to change this fight. This is why I'm largely asking for doubles and singles suggestions to shake things up.
AN3: Given Emerald and Mercury's conversation after this encounter, consider this a counter conversation.
AN4: Ramen is the food of the gods after all. Don't believe me? Just ask Naruto! (LOLZ!) Side note, I have taken to using Ramen noodles as a substitute noodle for regular spaghetti noodles to help my budget. It's... definitely helping the budget.
AN5: And more references/foreshadowing to Maria. Unfortunately, I have no way of incorporating her into the story early other than these references. So don't expect to see her for quite a few chapters.
AN6: Hint Hint, FNDM, Hint Hint! (Sorry, this still bugs me to this day that some people are still believing this debunked theory after all this time)
AN7: Intentional...? Maybe... maybe not. But Ruby just jinxed it all the same! LOLZ!
One more reminder! After the team round, meaning after the next couple of chapters, there are the Doubles Rounds. If you want to see some original matchups, let me know in a review or PM. Times running out (ironically despite the months I've waited to start up this Volume), so get your choices in soon! I'm taking 2v2 suggestions and 1v1 suggestions that don't have a team that lost in the 2v2 rounds.
Thanks for reading.
Until then...
Later,
RDF1