Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 38: Welcome to Argus
The streets of Argus felt alive with energy as the group made their way through the town, the coastal breeze carrying a sense of hope after the tension of their long journey. The transition from the eerie quiet of the Brunswick homestead to the bustling town was a welcome relief. Though tired from the road, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Shirou, Qrow, Oscar, and Maria pressed on, following Jaune, Nora, and Ren, who had already spent a day in Argus.
"We're almost there," Jaune said as he led them down a quiet residential street, his steps light and purposeful. "Saphron's been looking forward to meeting the rest of you."
Saphron's house came into view at the end of the block, a charming, two-story home with a well-kept garden that contrasted the cold military presence that dominated other parts of Argus. It was a home full of warmth and life, the kind of place that felt welcoming even from the outside. Flower pots adorned the front porch, and a small swing hung from a tree in the yard, swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.
The front door opened before they reached it, and Saphron stepped out with a bright smile. Her golden hair, much like Jaune's, shimmered in the sunlight as she waved them over.
"Jaune!" she called warmly, giving him a quick hug before turning to the rest of the group. "And these must be the friends you've been telling me about!"
Behind Saphron, her wife, Terra, stood holding their infant son, Adrian, bundled up in a soft blanket. Terra gave them a welcoming nod, though her expression was more reserved than Saphron's. Adrian, still too young to talk, rested peacefully in his mother's arms, his tiny eyes fluttering as if he might wake.
"Come on in, everyone," Saphron said cheerfully, ushering them toward the door. "You must be exhausted after all that traveling. We've got plenty of room for you to rest."
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the house immediately made them feel at ease. The cozy interior was a stark contrast to the cold, haunting atmosphere of the Brunswick homestead they had left behind. The walls were adorned with family photos—pictures of Jaune, Saphron, Terra, and baby Adrian on the beach, in the park, and celebrating various moments of joy. It was the picture of a happy, loving family.
Ruby looked around the room, taking it all in with a soft smile. "This place feels so... homey."
Weiss nodded, her eyes briefly landing on a photo of Jaune and Saphron as kids. "It's nice," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Nora wasted no time sprawling out on the nearest couch, her eyes half-closed in bliss. "I could live here," she declared, prompting a few chuckles from the others.
"Make yourselves at home," Saphron said. "Dinner's not too far off. You've got plenty of time to settle in."
Blake gravitated toward a photo on the wall, showing Saphron, Terra, and Adrian at the beach. Her ears twitched slightly as she glanced over at Terra, who was gently rocking Adrian in her arms. Despite the peacefulness of the moment, Blake couldn't shake the growing awareness of everything still to come—their mission, the dangers ahead. But, for now, the house offered a brief respite from those worries.
Yang, watching from a nearby seat, gave Blake a knowing look, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
As Terra and Saphron began to settle everyone in, Adrian stirred in Terra's arms, a soft coo escaping his lips. Saphron smiled, leaning over to kiss the top of his head. "Looks like little Adrian's waking up. He's not much of a talker yet, but he's curious about everything."
Blake smiled softly at the sight, feeling a small warmth in her chest. There was something comforting about the simplicity of family life here, a far cry from the chaos they'd been through.
As the group spread out in the house, finally able to relax for the first time in what felt like forever, there was a collective exhale of relief. The journey to Argus had been difficult, but for now, at least, they had a safe place to rest.
"We'll get dinner started soon," Saphron said brightly, "and trust me, after the day you've had, you'll be glad to eat."
Shirou exchanged a glance with Blake, already preparing to offer his help in the kitchen.
As the evening began to settle in, the warmth inside the Cotta-Arc household felt more comforting than ever. After getting a chance to rest, the group reconvened in the living room, and the familiar rumbling of stomachs made it clear that it was time for dinner.
Nora was the first to break the silence, her hand dramatically clutching her belly. "I'm starving," she groaned, sprawling across the couch as though the hunger was sapping her strength. "Please tell me there's food. I could eat a whole Grimm at this point."
Saphron laughed from the kitchen, her voice carrying over. "Well, I'm no professional chef, but I've got some things we can whip up. I hope you guys like pasta—Terra's favorite."
At the mention of food, Shirou stood from his seat, quietly making his way toward the kitchen. "I can help," he offered. "Cooking is something I've gotten pretty good at over the years."
Saphron smiled warmly, but Terra, standing at the counter chopping vegetables, glanced at him with a bit more skepticism. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I've got it covered," she said, not unkindly, though her protective tone was clear. "You're our guests."
Shirou nodded, understanding her hesitation. "I won't impose, but I don't mind lending a hand. It would be nice to contribute, especially since we've taken over your home."
At this, Ruby piped up from the living room, "Shirou's cooking is amazing! He's made us meals before, and trust me, they're the best!"
Weiss, who had been sitting quietly next to Blake, nodded in agreement. "You really should try it. I think it might surprise you."
Even Nora, still lying dramatically on the couch, perked up at the mention of Shirou's cooking. "If Shirou's offering, please let him cook! I've been dreaming of his food since the last time!"
Terra still seemed unsure, but seeing the excited and confident looks from the group, she relented with a small sigh. "All right," she said, stepping back and gesturing toward the counter. "I suppose I can watch and see what all the fuss is about. Just don't burn my kitchen down."
Shirou smiled and stepped up to the counter, rolling up his sleeves with quiet precision. He took in the ingredients Terra had laid out—fresh vegetables, pasta, herbs, and a few cuts of chicken. It wasn't anything overly complex, but in Shirou's hands, simple ingredients could become something special.
As Shirou began prepping the ingredients with expert ease, Blake suddenly stood and walked over to the kitchen. "I'll help," she said softly, picking up a knife and moving to the other side of the counter. "It'll go faster if we work together."
Shirou glanced at her, and their eyes met for a brief moment. "Thanks, Blake," he said, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible warmth. The connection between them was growing, even in these quiet moments.
The others watched from the living room, the soft sounds of chopping vegetables and boiling water filling the air. Yang, who had been watching Blake and Shirou interact, leaned back against the couch, a subtle mix of curiosity and something unspoken in her eyes. She didn't say anything, but the closeness between the two was becoming more noticeable to her.
As the kitchen buzzed with quiet activity, Terra leaned against the counter, still watching closely. Though she had initially been hesitant, she couldn't help but be impressed by Shirou's skill. His movements were deliberate, confident, and smooth, like someone who had spent years perfecting his craft. The way he handled the knife, slicing vegetables into perfect, even pieces, and seared the chicken to a perfect golden brown, was like watching an artist at work.
"Wow, you're really good at this," Terra finally said, unable to hide her growing admiration. "Where'd you learn to cook like that?"
Shirou smiled softly, his hands busy at the stove. "It's something I picked up a long time ago. Cooking... it helps me focus."
Blake, standing beside him as she chopped the last of the vegetables, nodded. "He's cooked for us before—he's always looking out for everyone."
There was a comfortable silence as they worked together, and the scent of fresh herbs and sizzling chicken filled the room. Soon, the rich aroma of pasta with a light, flavorful sauce wafted through the house, drawing everyone's attention.
Saphron poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes lighting up. "Smells amazing in here! You sure you don't want to stay for a week and do all the cooking?" she teased.
Shirou chuckled. "If it helps."
The group began to gather around the dining table as Shirou and Blake plated the meal. Ruby, ever the enthusiastic food lover, was practically bouncing in her seat as she waited for the first plate to land on the table.
"Here you go," Shirou said, handing out plates. "Nothing fancy, but it should be good."
Nora inhaled deeply as her plate was set in front of her. "Smells like heaven," she sighed, her hunger momentarily forgotten as she savored the aroma. "Let's eat!"
As the others began to dig in, Terra hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. Her eyes widened as the flavors hit her palate, and she glanced up at Shirou, clearly impressed. "Okay," she admitted, smiling despite herself, "I stand corrected. This is fantastic."
Saphron, equally delighted, smiled at Terra before turning to Shirou. "You might have just earned yourself a permanent invite to our family dinners."
Blake, sitting beside Shirou, gave him a small smile. "You really outdid yourself," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Shirou only nodded, his eyes soft as he looked back at her. "It wasn't just me."
Yang, sitting across from Blake and Shirou, took note of the quiet exchange, her expression unreadable. But there was something in her eyes that suggested she was seeing the bond between Blake and Shirou grow in ways that she hadn't before.
As dinner continued, laughter and conversation filled the room, the group momentarily forgetting the heavy burdens they carried. For just a little while, they were able to relax, share stories, and enjoy a home-cooked meal together—something that felt almost foreign after all they had been through.
The night felt lighter, the bonds between them stronger, and as they finished dinner, the feeling of being a family, even if only for the moment, settled over them.
With dinner plated and everyone seated around the table, the Cotta-Arc household buzzed with warmth and camaraderie. The long journey had left the group exhausted, but the simple act of sitting together for a meal seemed to lift their spirits. Saphron and Terra exchanged amused glances as they watched their unexpected guests dig into the food with gusto.
Nora, who had been the most vocal about her hunger, wasted no time. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, her mouth half-full as she shoveled in another bite. "Shirou, you're a magician in the kitchen. How did you get the chicken this perfect?"
Shirou smiled modestly from his spot next to Blake. "It's just practice," he replied. "Glad you like it."
"Like it? I love it!" Nora said with a grin, making a point to clank her fork against her plate in appreciation. Ren, sitting beside her, offered a small smile as well, clearly enjoying the meal but content to let Nora be the more vocal of the two.
The atmosphere around the table felt different—lighter. The tense days spent running from danger and dealing with heavy truths had worn them all down, but now, in this cozy Argus home, there was a sense of normalcy that none of them had experienced in a while.
Weiss glanced around the table, taking in the scene. The contrast between the cold halls of Atlas and this warm, inviting home wasn't lost on her. She knew the mission ahead was serious, but moments like these reminded her of the importance of sticking together. "Thank you for letting us stay here," Weiss said, addressing Saphron and Terra. "It's been a long trip, and having a place like this means a lot to all of us."
Terra nodded, her expression softening. "It's no trouble at all. Jaune's talked a lot about you guys. He cares about his friends, so we're happy to help."
Jaune, who had been quiet up until now, smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, well... I figured you all deserved a little rest after everything."
Ruby beamed at Jaune. "We really appreciate it. You've been doing a lot for us lately." Then, her expression grew a bit more serious as she added, "And we'll need to be well-rested for what's ahead."
Weiss shifted uncomfortably at the reminder of their upcoming journey to Atlas, her mind already turning over the challenges they would face trying to gain passage into the city. "Speaking of which," she said, changing the subject, "Jaune, Nora, Ren, did you have any luck talking to the military about getting to Atlas?"
Jaune sighed heavily, setting down his fork. "Not really. We went to the military post earlier today, but the commanding officer wasn't exactly... cooperative."
Nora crossed her arms, a frown forming on her face. "She was rude! Denied us flat out. Wouldn't even let us explain why we needed to get to Atlas. It's ridiculous."
Ren, who had been quietly eating, added, "The officer, Cordovin, didn't even want to listen. She's very by-the-book and seems to have a deep distrust of outsiders."
Blake, who had been quietly listening, frowned. "That's not good. If they're not letting anyone through, then we'll have a hard time getting to Atlas ourselves."
Weiss nodded, her expression tense. "I was afraid of that. Atlas can be... difficult to deal with, especially under military control." Her gaze grew distant as she thought about home, her family, and what awaited them there.
Yang leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest. "Great. So we've got another roadblock to deal with before we even get to Atlas."
Shirou, sitting beside Blake, quietly observed the conversation, his brow furrowed slightly in thought. He had already seen how difficult the world could be, and it seemed this journey was going to be no different. However, his protective instincts flared when he thought about what might happen if they encountered this Officer Cordovin, especially given Blake's history with the White Fang.
Blake glanced at Shirou, as if sensing his thoughts. She gave him a small, reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She knew he would do anything to protect her, but this situation was more complicated than simply fighting their way through.
Saphron, who had been listening quietly, tried to steer the conversation back to a lighter note. "Well, whatever happens, you'll have a place to stay here as long as you need. We might not be able to get you into Atlas, but we can offer you a safe place to rest."
Terra, sitting next to her, nodded in agreement. "And we'll help however we can. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plates."
The conversation continued, with the group recounting their experiences—both the lighter moments and the more difficult ones. Ruby excitedly told Saphron and Terra about some of their past adventures, while Nora interjected with her usual high-energy commentary, making the group laugh. Even Qrow, who had been brooding silently at the far end of the table, chimed in with a few dry remarks that earned chuckles.
At one point, Adrian, who had been quietly resting in his mother's arms, let out a soft coo, causing everyone at the table to pause and smile. "Looks like someone's enjoying the company," Terra said fondly, rocking him gently.
Blake smiled at the sight, her heart softening at the peacefulness of the moment. She caught Yang watching her, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. There was something unspoken between them, a silent understanding, but neither of them said anything.
Eventually, as the meal came to an end, Ruby stood up and stretched, her arms reaching high above her head. "Thanks again for dinner, Shirou," she said brightly. "That was amazing. I think we all needed that."
"Agreed," Jaune added. "It's been a while since we've had a meal like this."
As the plates were cleared away and the group began to settle in for the night, there was a collective feeling of anticipation for what lay ahead. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for tonight, they could rest in the comfort of family and friendship.
Before heading off to bed, Ruby spoke up, her voice quieter now. "Tomorrow we'll need to talk about what we learned from Jinn... about Salem, and Ozpin." Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the secrets they now carried.
The room fell silent for a moment, everyone realizing the gravity of what was to come. It wasn't just the mission to Atlas—they were all facing something much bigger. But for now, they could hold onto the bonds they had formed, knowing they would need that strength to face the storm ahead.
The next morning came early, the pale light of dawn filtering through the curtains of Saphron's cozy home. The group stirred from their makeshift sleeping arrangements, knowing that the challenges awaiting them were far from over. After a quick breakfast, they prepared to head out to the military post, the tension from the previous night's discussion still hanging in the air.
Saphron and Terra waved them off from the doorstep, Adrian nestled in Terra's arms, his soft coos providing a brief moment of levity. "Good luck!" Saphron called out. "Just remember—you've got a place here if you need it."
"Thanks, Sis," Jaune replied, giving her a quick smile before following the others. Ruby led the group toward the military post, her cape fluttering in the crisp morning breeze.
The city of Argus was waking up around them, its bustling streets lined with shops opening for the day, but the group's mood was far more somber. They knew the confrontation at the military post was inevitable, and the uncertainty of how it would play out weighed heavily on their minds.
As they approached the large, imposing structure of the military post, its steel walls and reinforced gates loomed ahead. Armed guards—Argus's infamous Nubuck soldiers—stood at attention, their sharp eyes trained on any potential threat. The group exchanged uncertain glances, but Ruby pushed forward, her determined expression masking any doubts.
"I'll take the lead," Weiss said, stepping forward with an air of authority. "Let's just hope they're willing to listen."
At the gates, a pair of Nubuck Guards eyed the group warily as they approached. The guards, clad in the familiar navy-blue uniforms of Argus military personnel, stood stiffly, their expressions impassive.
"Halt," one of the guards commanded, stepping forward. "State your business."
Weiss, with a composed yet commanding tone, spoke up. "We need to speak with your commanding officer. We're seeking passage to Atlas on important business."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed. "The military isn't granting entry to just anyone. Only authorized personnel are allowed access to Atlas," one of them replied curtly, crossing his arms over his chest.
Yang, growing frustrated, clenched her fists. "We don't have time for this," she muttered under her breath. "We're not just anyone."
Before Yang could say more, Weiss placed a hand on her arm, silently urging her to remain calm. "Please," Weiss continued, her voice steady, "I'm Weiss Schnee, and this is an urgent matter. I'm requesting an audience with the officer in charge."
At the mention of Weiss's name, the guards' expressions changed slightly. It was clear that they recognized her—likely due to her status as a member of the prestigious Schnee family. Still, they remained guarded, their gazes flickering between the group.
After a moment of hesitation, the lead guard gave a short nod. "Wait here," he said before turning on his heel and disappearing into the compound.
The group stood in tense silence, waiting for the officer's arrival. The military post loomed large and unwelcoming, its cold exterior reflecting the atmosphere of Argus's heightened defenses.
Maria, standing near the back, leaned on her cane and narrowed her eyes, her sharp gaze taking in the post's surroundings. "Something feels off about all this," she muttered quietly, more to herself than anyone else.
Ruby glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
Maria shook her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know how military types work. And if who I think is in charge here really is in charge, this won't be easy."
Before Ruby could ask further, the sound of footsteps drew their attention back to the gates. The lead guard returned, flanked by more soldiers. But the most striking figure was the woman walking at the center of the group—a stout, commanding presence in a decorated military uniform, her every step exuding authority. Her short gray hair was cut in a severe style, and her sharp eyes scanned the group with clear disdain.
"Ah, there she is," Maria muttered darkly. "Caroline Cordovin."
Officer Caroline Cordovin's reputation preceded her—known for her strict adherence to rules and her rigid military mindset, she was not someone easily swayed. She was, in many ways, the embodiment of Atlas's staunch military tradition.
Cordovin stopped a few paces from the group, her eyes locking onto Weiss with a hint of recognition before sweeping over the rest of them, her expression tightening in disapproval.
"Well, well," Cordovin began, her tone dripping with condescension. "I was told there were a group of... unsavory characters requesting access to Atlas. Imagine my surprise to find you here, Miss Schnee."
Weiss held her ground, her back straight as she met Cordovin's gaze. "We need to get to Atlas, Officer Cordovin. This is an urgent matter—"
Cordovin cut her off with a dismissive wave. "I don't care how urgent you think it is. Atlas is not open to travelers, especially not to a group like yours."
The group bristled at the blatant insult, but Weiss remained calm. "We have important business that requires an audience with the Atlas Council."
"And I have important business keeping Atlas safe from outside threats," Cordovin shot back. "Which includes denying access to outsiders, particularly those with... unsavory backgrounds." Her gaze landed pointedly on Blake.
Blake, standing beside Shirou, felt the weight of Cordovin's eyes on her and the unspoken prejudice behind them. Her jaw clenched, but she didn't look away. Shirou, noticing Cordovin's scrutiny, instinctively stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of Blake.
"Blake's not a threat," Shirou said, his voice firm but calm. "We're here together, and we all have the same goal."
Cordovin's eyes flicked to Shirou, her lips curving into a thin, humorless smile. "A Faunus sympathizer, I see. How noble of you." Her tone was dripping with sarcasm.
Shirou's expression didn't waver, though the tension in his posture was unmistakable. "We're not asking for special treatment. We just need to get to Atlas."
Cordovin snorted. "You expect me to allow this group entry into Atlas?" She gestured dismissively at the group. "Miss Schnee, you may return to Atlas if you wish. But the rest of you? Absolutely not."
Weiss opened her mouth to argue, but Maria stepped forward, her cane tapping sharply against the ground as she moved. "You haven't changed a bit, have you, Cordovin?"
Cordovin's eyes narrowed at the sight of Maria, clearly recognizing her. "Little Miss Calavera," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "I thought you'd retired."
"I did," Maria replied smoothly, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "But I didn't retire from common sense, which you seem to be lacking. We're not asking you to bend the rules—we're asking you to use your brain."
Cordovin's face flushed with anger, and the tension in the air thickened. The soldiers standing by looked ready to intervene, but before the situation could escalate further, Jaune and Shirou both stepped forward, placing themselves between Maria and Cordovin.
"Let's not make this worse than it already is," Jaune said, trying to keep the peace.
Shirou nodded, his voice steady. "We don't want trouble. We just want to get to Atlas."
Cordovin glared at them, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You're not going anywhere near Atlas as long as I'm in charge."
With that, she turned on her heel and marched back into the military post, her soldiers falling in behind her. The gates closed with a resounding clang, leaving the group standing outside, frustration and defeat hanging in the air.
Blake exhaled slowly, tension she hadn't realized she was holding draining from her shoulders. "That could have gone better."
Yang crossed her arms, her face twisted in frustration. "Couldn't have gone much worse."
Weiss, looking dejected, shook her head. "I should have known Cordovin wouldn't make this easy."
Ruby, ever the optimist, tried to rally their spirits. "We'll figure something out. We always do."
As they turned to head back to Saphron's house, the weight of their mission felt heavier than ever. But they knew this was only the beginning of the challenges they would face on their journey to Atlas.