Twilight Over Remnant

by Hakuorofan7

After the worst day of his life, Roxas leaves to start anew. Only to literally crash and burn upon arriving to Remnant. Now Roxas must deal with his new life at Beacon, foes old and new coming after him, a complicated love life, and other such issues. At least he can count on his teamates, his friends, and Xion by his side. Mainly based on JPDE. Roxas x harem

9. School Days

The screen flickered a bit, revealing quite a bit of dust on the screen. The author appears after beginning to clear it up.

*Really need to remember to clean this up more…*

Once things were cleaned off, the author waves at you.

*Hey guys Hakuororfan7 here and welcome back to another chapter of Twilight Over Remnant for the first time in over a year. Along with my fifth story to surpass the 100k word mark as of this chapter. Couldn't have done it without you.*

*Sorry for the delay, actually would have had this chapter out last month actually but between a death in the family and starting on another college degree I've had a lot to deal in with life and a lot of stories pushed onto a very long backlog. Things are more or less stable now. Can't promise anything on future updates of my stories in the near future.*

*And just a little fun tidbit but in the time between chapters Rooster Teeth closed down and opened back up right when I was originally going to have this chapter finished. A funny little bit of irony.*

*Before we move on I would just like to thank you all for being patient with me and for all the support. Hopeful more chapters to come for this story before the year is out.*

*Let's move onto the description then.*

*I do not own Kingdom Hearts, RWBY, or JPDE.*

*Finally, just sit back, relax, maybe put some music on, and enjoy. I'll see you all at the end of the chapter.*

The author snapped his fingers, getting the screen to turn to static as the chapter begins.

---

School Days

---

"Wake up partner." Jack said, gently shaking Roxas from his sleep. "Carrots and Penny are already up."

"I'm awake..." Roxas said with a groan, sitting up from his to see her grinning at him.

"Come on, let's get ready for another day and then breakfast." Jack said before giving him a questioning look. "Is Xion awake?"

"Don't think so?" Roxas said, concentrating on his connection only to hear a light snoring sound. "Nope, I'll check again in a minute."

"Right still getting used to that, well if Xion wants to talk after classes let us know and we'll figure something out if she is still asleep." Jack said, getting her partner to nod as he got out of bed and pulled out his uniform out of his bag.

Today was the second day of school. Jack and Evelyn seemed more subdued about it, but he could practically feel Penny's excitement radiating from her heart just as brightly as yesterday.

As Roxas went to greet Penny and Evelyn, he wondered if today would be like yesterday.

---

Roxas silently shook his head, realizing his prediction had been right.

"There are currently no available neighboring group of seats, we will all have to sit apart again." Penny said, double checking the classroom for any available seating. Compared to Port's classroom it was mostly bare around the seating area, the lecture area covered with various maps, charts, notes, and posters. Some connected together by pins and string.

"If someone hadn't taken so long in the bathroom..." Jack said, crossing her arms glowering at Evelyn.

Who merely huffed and glared back.

"You try wringing two giant fluffy ears dry quickly without hurting yourself!" Evelyn shot back, getting both of their partners to sigh.

Like Jack had said, Evelyn had taken quite a bit of time in the shower and Team JPER was late for breakfast. It was mainly quiet, but Xion had been amused by the whole debacle.

Hurriedly eating breakfast once again lead to them being almost late to their History of Remnant Class.

Penny scanned over the available seats once again before seeing one next to Ruby, her friend waving at her.

"See you all after class!" She said happily before the four of the split apart to look for seats.

Roxas spent a moment looking for an empty seat before finding one next to Blake. Both gave each other a small nod before sitting next to her.

"Good morning. Did your team arrived late too?" Roxas asked, noticing she was wearing the Beacon uniform this time while keeping her combat uniform's black bow.

"Good morning Roxas and no. Weiss spent the last twenty-four hours giving us all fashion advice when she could." Blake said, a small edge of annoyance in her voice.

Roxas had to blink because he thought that he saw her bow twitch too.

Still it seems like Team RWBY had their own sense of issues between teammates as well.

"I see." Roxas sighed out.

"Issues with your own team?" Blake asked.

"Mine and Penny's partners at each other's throats." Roxas said, before wishing to change the conversation. "Do you know what the professor is like for this class?"

"Professor Oobleck?" Blake said, musing for a few moments before shaking her head. "He's kind and knowledgeable like Professor Port. And his class is the exact opposite, you might want to get your notes out."

Roxas barely had anytime to process her words before the doors to the classroom were flung open.

Standing there was a very tall man with opaque, round glasses hiding his eyes and messy dark green hair. His whole appearance could best described as disheveled, his shirt and tie in disarray and wearing a mismatching pair of shoes.

"A good morning to you all students. I hope you hade an eventful break and that you've come back to the academy well rested and ready to tackle the well of knowledge that the teachers at Beacon are willing and prepared to impart to you." Professor Oobleck said before he zipped to the lecture area at speeds Roxas could barely track.

He briefly wondered if the man had a super speed Sembalance, quickly pulling out his notes.

Oobleck talked at speeds that could rival Penny when she wanted too.

"It's alright, he does slow down during the lectures." Blake advised.

"Today, children we will be reviewing the history of prehistoric Remnant and their approach to survival." Oobleck said, taking a sip from a cup of coffee.

Apparently the professor's idea of 'slowing down' was just slightly slower than his usual talking speed.

Roxas could hear Xion sigh in his head, both agreeing that this was probably going to be a long class...

---

"It's almost over." Blake whispered to Roxas, silently impressed that he seemed to be able to keep up with Oobleck for his first class.

Though it looked like he was just ready for class to end.

Roxas himself was just thankful that the professor stopped occasionally to ask student's questions or if any of them had one for him. He could barely track with Oobleck's speed and he was pretty sure might have missed a thing or two.

Needed to double check with Penny after class, the Nobody was certain she jad no issue keeping up with Oobleck.

The lesson itself had mainly been what Oobleck had described at the start, just describing what surviving records of prehistoric humans and faunus had done to survive the Grimm before the wider usage of Dust became a more available resource before permanent shelters and settlement could become commonplace.

Some were admittedly quite creative to Roxas for what they could do at the time.

Like those that settled on Solitas's coast had to learn to mix together what they could get from the sea to create a pungent odor to drive of most Grimm when the need to come inland arose. Constantly having to experiment after the Grimm grew used to the scent.

"So taking into account what've discussed in today's lessons, what knowledge can we surmise about the Grimm?" Oobleck said with a smile, zipping from one wall of the room to the other. "Despite all having to deal with the Grimm in antiquity, the only thing those ancient tribes had back then was to avoid hunting and forging at night. One such tribe harassed by Beowolves would cover themselves in mud before heading out, another would carry phosphorus should they travel in a Oppel's territory. What do these habits that had become laws among these tribes tell us about the Grimm?"

Very few had the will or energy to raise their hand in response to his question. With Roxas idly noticing one or two wrists looked to be throbbing in pain.

Oobleck looked at the raised hands for a literal split second before pointing at Penny.

"Yes Ms. Polendia?" He asked.

"Most Grimm bear the animalistic traits of the organisms they share a baseline appearance with. The ancient tribes of Remnant had to learn how to optimize their defense against Grimm through the animals they had to hunt or defend from." Penny said happily, getting the professor to grin proudly.

"Precisely! Grimm are creatures of darkness and nightmares that take the appearance and shape of things our ancestors feared and haunted in their dreams. No one knows the reason for this, but this fact gives every species of Grimm different characteristics. Rules they abide by so to speak, like how most Grimm can't fly without wings outside of a few different examples. Oppel who shares a bat's sight are vulnerable to bright lights while a Beowolf's share a wolf's sense of smell are hindered by the mud, allowing those tribesmen to escape their notice." Oobleck said as Roxas nodded and took notes on.

Yet another comparison between the Grimm and Heartless.

More so the Pureblood variants, Emblem Heartless mainly take and adapt characteristics of the world they emerge in. Pureblood Heartless's appearance are unaffected by the rules of the worlds and more resemble nightmarish monsters.

"Now, you all may be thinking of that as Hunters, this knowledge will be useless to you...but it can't be further from the truth." Oobleck said with a serious expression. "If you ever happen to be out in the field without your weapon, Aura, or Dust this knowledge and your wits could be the difference between survival and an untimely demise."

Silence reigned over the room, as the professor took a sip of his coffee. Allowing his words to sink in.

Roxas noted it was a little similar to Port's final words yesterday. Figuring it was the teachers trying to hammer the lesson in for their students,

Oobleck flipped his hands, getting the attention back on him as he smiled.

"And that's all the time we have today children! Our first week back will mainly be review, but we'll be getting into new material starting next week. Have a nice day!" Oobleck said, before he was gone in a blur.

The Nobody had to blink as the professor had zipped out of the class faster than he could track.

Shaking his head as he and Blake started to pack up their stuff.

"You were right about him, exactly opposite of Port." Roxas said, getting Blake to sigh.

"I just wish that he wasn't so hard to follow at times..." She said before looking at him curiously. "Still you managed to keep up pretty well for your first class with him."

"Have a teammate who can talk just as fast when she wants helps I guess." Roxas said, noticing Blake's mouth twitch upwards into a small smile.

"...I guess so." She said l and Roxas swore he heard her let out a small laugh before the smile vanished. The two of them got up from their seats and followed the other students out of the classroom.

"Anyway do you think that was his Sembalance or is Professor Oobleck just that fast?" Roxas asked.

Only getting Blake to shrug in turn.

"No clue, Ruby and Yang believe it's the coffee." Blake said.

"She might have a point, we could barely keep track of what he was saying except for when he slowed down for questions or to drink from that cup. Didn't he have a thermos?" Xion asked, having woken up early in the class.

And like her best friend, could barely keep up with the man's talking speed.

'Thought I glimpsed it, barely.' Roxas replied to her. 'How else did he keep drinking from the cup the entire time without running out?'

"True." Xion said.

"So how did it go for you?" Jack asked as the rest of his team and Ruby gathered around as they exited the room. Evelyn looking a little down.

"I could barely keep up, what about you?" Roxas asked his partner.

"Not that much different, with some training I think I can keep up." Jack said.

"Honestly if you can keep up with Professor Oobleck, nothing on Remnant can catch you by surprise." Yang said with a grin as she joined with the others.

Penny smiled at the others before noticing Evelyn huffing.

"Is something the matter?" She asked the rabbit faunus, getting her to shake her head.

"Just wondering how the rest of you kept up with that coffee drinking speed demon." Evelyn said, irritation bleeding through her tone and her ears twitched.

Her ears might have granted her greater hearing, but that didn't mean she could catch everything that was being said.

"If you missed anything Evelyn we can compare notes, I was able to record everything." Penny said, getting Evelyn to perk up.

"Really, thanks partner you're a life saver." She said, throwing an arm over Penny as the latter flushed at her partner's praise.

"I-It's no problem." Penny said, happy and trying to retain her composure as Evelyn let go. Before rotating her head a little to face Roxas and Jack. "Would you two require any assistance with your notes?"

The gynoid figured they might have made some slight errors in their note taking.

Penny was still impressed that she needed to use a very slight increase in her processing power to keep perfect track the history professor's lecture. Scanning his coffee just revealed it to be a normal, yet highly caffeinated and calorie rich brew.

Perhaps he was one of the small percentage of those who displayed superhuman characteristics that function outside of or Aura, Sembalance, or inherited faunus traits. With Oobleck's seemingly being a reaction speed and possibly metabolism similar to a pygmy shrew.

Her uncle would very much like such data to analyze if that was true and the professor expressed an open interest to questions outside of class hours.

Priorities for another time, because Penny was ready incase her friends needed her!

Roxas and Jack could practically feel the eagerness rolling off of her, the both of them smiled at her.

"Wouldn't hurt to do so, I definitely think I missed some things." Jack said, getting her to beam in happiness.

"I'll double check too." Roxas said, and he swore Penny's smile seemed to brighten somehow.

"I would have suggested the same, it took us awhile to keep up." Weiss said as she joined up with the others and both teams exited the classroom.

Took them about two weeks to have learned to do the same for this class.

"Anyway Roxas, Penny can you both come with me for a minute?" Ruby asked, getting their attention.

"Sure what is it Ruby?" The Nobody asked, wondering what she wanted to do.

Or why Penny seemed to smile.

"Yeah, I thought we were going to lunch together Rubes?" Yang asked with a tilted head.

"I only wanted to check up on Twilight Rose with them for a minute and make sure everything is adjusted well." Ruby said, before getting flustered as Yang gave her a teasing grin. "There should be nothing wrong with it! I just wanted to make sure it is well maintained for class tomorrow as I don't know what they'll do later today!"

Yang looked like she wanted to say something about her sister's protests, but an aside glance from Blake silenced her.

"Well then don't take too long Ruby." Weiss said, giving her partner a small smile.

"Same goes with you two!" Evelyn said with a smug grin before starting to panic as Jack started to drag her off. "Not again!"

Team RWBY looked on in confusion as Jack dragged the protesting rabbit faunus in the direction of the cafeteria.

"Okay what is going on with your team?" Yang asked while crossing her arms, getting Roxas to sigh and Penny's face to flush a little out of embarrassment.

"You don't want to know." He said.

"An issue that we hope to rectify soon." Penny surmised as Yang just nodded and shrugged.

Not like she could say much about her own team considering their first few weeks together.

Yang began to walk off followed by Blake and Weiss, both teammates moving to the other side of the hall as the Schnee heiress started to talk again. With Roxas guessing she was trying to give fashion advice again.

Ruby's relieved sigh as she turned on her heels solidified that belief.

"Okay I think there should be an empty room up ahead, if no students have a project stored there no one will be able to disturb us." She said before her shoulders slumped. "If not Penny, can you think of somewhere else?"

"Affirmative, I already have a list of nearby locations or just heading back to our dormitories." Penny said, getting Ruby to nod as Roxas looked between the two of them as Ruby nodded.

"I just wanted to improve the condition of my baby's gun mode. Talked with Penny during the beginning of class." Ruby said, getting him to nod.

"No problem, you did make Twilight Roses but probably a little more of a heads up in the future." Roxas said, Ruby nodding eagerly.

"Can do! Alright, just let me get my tools and we'll meet at the room! Penny you remember where it is?" Ruby asked, practically vibrating in place.

"I've got it memorized Ruby." Penny said, Ruby nodding before she vanished in a blur of red rose petals down the halls.

Upon hearing those words, Roxas barely held himself back from laughing. However Xion's laughter echoed across their connection.

Penny looked at him, before she looked a little bashful.

"I reminded you both of Axel, didn't I?" Penny said as Roxas contained his laughter.

"For a moment, can't hear those three words together without thinking of Axel. His catchphrase certainly worked." Roxas said with a smile getting Penny to laugh this time. "Still we could have told Ruby at any time."

"True, but I wasn't certain if you decided to work at From Dust to Dawn today." Penny said.

"I was, maybe thinking of trying to work at the kitchens here tomorrow to see what it's like." Roxas admitted.

He inquired a little about that to Sky yesterday. He admitted one of his teammates works in the kitchens weekly and he was the team's main source of income outside of family or Sky showing up at the shop.

Pay wasn't as good but it did provide lessons on how to prepare food, so they were not complaining about it.

"I do hope that you enjoy it. And that it will at least alleviate some issues with our partners." Penny said, getting Roxas to nod.

They had mainly had food from the cafeteria for the past few days, but if they continued to live together and Evelyn's issues to Jack and her being in the kitchen the situation could get worse.

Plus the prospect of making their own sea salt ice cream was very appealing to both Roxas and Xion.

---

Ruby had appeared in a flurry of rose petals just as Roxas and Penny had confirmed the room was not in use.

It didn't take long for Ruby to get to Twilight Rose, Roxas leaning against the wall as Penny overlooked her friend at work.

"Ruby you've improved all you could on Twilight Rose's deployment performance with your current set of tools." Penny said, the rood hooded girl using a screwdriver on part of the Dust distribution system's inner workings.

"Penny I care for you, but when it comes to my baby don't underestimate me!" Ruby declared proudly. "If I say I can improve it, then I can improve it!"

Tightening one more screw, the red hooded girl placed the tool down and in a blur pieced together Twilight Rose back to its completed state. Placing it over her right hand and pulled back.

Its gun barrel deployed Roxas idly noted a little bit faster as Ruby smiled, flexing the gauntlet before it folded back in just as quickly.

"Yes, perfect!" Ruby said happily before zipping to the other gauntlet.

"I stand corrected, that was impressive Ruby." Penny said with a smile.

By her calculations Ruby could have only improved the deployment speed around 0.47 seconds faster than initial results at best. Somehow her friend defied those predictions.

Deployment speed was now 0.32 seconds faster than they initially were.

"Of course, it worked on my sweetheart so it will work on my baby too." Ruby said happily as she repeated the process on the other gauntlet before looking at Roxas. "You've been doing a good job maintaining them."

"I've been following your instructions, besides I figured you'd be upset if I didn't. Don't want them to fall into disrepair." Roxas said.

"You're darn right!" Ruby said in agreement.

Roxas just shook his head at her, working at a careful yet rapid pace.

Idly he also noted that Ruby had yet to ask for the repayment for making Twilight Rose back yet. He wasn't sure if it was from schoolwork or if there were other matters on her mind.

Figuring it was better not to pry, and he'll give her the ones he bought on Saturday with no classes and a break from schoolwork.

"Done!" Ruby said happily, breaking the Nobody from his thoughts seeing Ruby testing the gauntlet's gun mode before placing Twilight Rose into its case. "Things should be in order for class tomorrow, training, or until I can get an inspiration from my sweetheart again."

Considering she was constantly tinkering with Crescent Rose to improve her, Ruby was sure she'll probably ask to repeat the process at least some other time this month.

Maybe twice.

Or thrice if Yang asked her to help improve Ember Celica again. Her older sister did tend to ask when she wanted to make some improvements to her weapon every once in awhile.

"Thanks Ruby." Roxas said, putting Twilights Rose's case in its bag. "Guess we should head to lunch unless there is anything else?"

"Nope." Ruby said.

"Actually Roxas I'm want to inquire with Ruby about something. We'll be there momentarily." Penny asked, confusing the two of them before the Nobody shrugged.

"Sure, I'll tell your team that you'll be there soon Ruby?" Roxas said as he walked to the door.

Figuring that Penny just wanted to talk with her friend alone for a moment. They hadn't had a chance to do so in a few days. Honestly he probably would have done the same for Axel or Xion.

"No need, you being there first should be enough. But thanks." Ruby said, getting him to nod as he exited the room. "What do you want to talk about Penny?"

"I wished for your recommendations about confections and other sweets Ruby, you are the most knowledgeable person for the subject that I know of in Beacon." Penny said, pausing as Ruby's silver eyes gleamed and she grinned.

"Say no more! What do you wish to try." Ruby said, zipping closer to her friend as Penny smiled.

"Actually I was thinking of something more optimized for multiple people?" Penny asked, getting the red hooded girl to ponder for a moment before nodding.

"Sure, any other details?" She asked, curious what her friend had in mind.

---

After lunch Team JPER returned back to their dorm and had been working on checking each other's notes from History class.

"That should be everything Evelyn." Penny said as her teammates began to put away their notes.

"Finally, that was a lot quicker than I thought." She said, slumping at the desk as Jack and Roxas moved to put their school supplies away.

Took them just about 20 minutes to sort through any errors they made in their notes, Evelyn was certain it could've been longer. At least her partner was a diligent note taker and quickly ironed out any errors.

"Same, I'm going to head out early." Roxas said, pulling out the Black Coat from his bag.

"Don't you think that you should study a bit more Roxas?" Jack asked.

She knew he studied for a bit before Monday and this week's classes were mainly just review, but Roxas has barely been on Remnant for only a few days. Jack figured he would be alright for tomorrow's class at least, not so much the classes the rest of the week.

"Leaving now, I can probably end the shift by dinner. I'll have to double check, but I'll be studying this weekend for the most part." Roxas admitted as he put his coat on.

"Just text us when you get confirmation on when you get back, take care partner." Jack said with a smile.

Roxas returned it before opening a Corridor, walking into it and closing it up behind him.

Jack turned on her heels deciding to head to the library to study, before hearing the sound of shuffling as she reached for the door.

"Jack, can you please stay for a few moments? There's something I wished to talk to you both about?" Penny said, Jack turning to look at her and Evelyn staring at her partner curiously.

"What is it, and why did you wait until Roxas was gone to ask." Jack said, having a sinking suspicion that's what her teammate wanted to talk about.

Penny's reaction confirmed it.

"This factors not just Roxas, but Xion as well." She said, getting both Jack and Evelyn to tilt their heads in confusion.

Wondering what exactly Penny had in mind?

---

Roxas jotted down the events of the day with a small smile in his journal.

He had managed to leave From Dust Till Dawn shortly before dinner, it was a slow shift there according to one of the other students working there. Coming back through the Nobody found himself a little confused upon coming back to the dorm room.

Penny just seemed happier than usual while Evelyn kept giving a knowing grin every time she could.

Best he could gather from his partner was that the two of them talked with each other about something before she left the room.

After that it was mainly quiet, Jack and Evelyn staying far away from eachother minding their own business while Penny helped him and Xion study up a bit on the History of Remnant and fill up some gaps in their knowledge. It was probably their weakest of the main subjects.

"Done." Roxas said, looking over his latest entry before closing his journal satisfied with what he had written.

"Not going to write a title?" Xion inquired, getting Roxas to shake his head. "Just a regular day of school then, one of many to come."

'Hopefully, if anything comes to mind later I will. Did you do the same?' He asked, Xion letting out a quiet hum through their link.

"Yes, though I had to constantly flip through the pages to make sure I didn't use the same one twice." Xion said as Roxas put away his journal. "Still are you looking forward to class tomorrow?"

'A little, besides Grimm Studies perhaps the one were most experienced at.' He mused, hearing Xion laugh a little.

"You're probably more looking forward to going to the kitchen's tomorrow. Admittedly I'm tempted to maybe try it out one day too." Xion said, trying and failing to hide her flushed face as it briefly flashed into Roxas's mind.

The thought to be able to make their own sea salt ice cream was very enticing to them both, Roxas's talk with Penny only adding fuel to that fire. Only Xion's lack of being able to taste anything being a dampener to those thoughts.

For the Nobody it was just one more reason to find a way to separate themselves.

'Guess I'll have to learn as much as I can for the both of us tomorrow.' Roxas said.

"And I'll be looking forward to it." Xion said before letting out a yawn. "Good night Roxas."

'Night Xion.' He said, feeling their connection close as he got up and started to prepare for bed.

Pulling out his Scroll and adjusting the alarm setting on it like Penny had shown him earlier. He and Jack didn't want a repeat of the previous two mornings three days in a row.

---

Thankfully the next morning there had been no issue for Team JPER, minus Evelyn glaring at Jack for all the alarms going off causing her ears to ring. She complained the first 10 minutes as they got ready.

Penny made a note to herself to exit rest mode a little bit earlier starting tomorrow to alleviate the potential distress for her partner from the alarms...or at least until her team could establish a proper morning routine.

As they approached the classroom Evelyn bounded ahead of them and into the doorway, poking her head back out with a grin.

"We finally made it on time for once, there's a few spots to sit together too!" She said, getting Jack to shake her head

"No need to shout." Jack said, them getting some stares from other arriving students as the rabbit faunus smirked.

Entering the classroom Roxas noticed it was very much more spacious than Port's and Oobleck's own. Looking very much like a smaller version of the amphitheater, the seats and desks assembled into four rows on the back of the room and in the center was a large circular platform that took up most of flooring.

Finding a spot in the second row seating, he also noticed no one was wearing the Beacon uniform.

Seems like everyone decided to forgo it in favor of their combat or casual clothing today. He decided to just wear the clothing Penny got for him minus his Black Coat for class.

The Nobody settled down in a seat between Jack and Evelyn as the remaining students milled in. A minute later Team RWBY entered in, Ruby erupting in a flurry of rose petals before appearing in the front row.

A few minutes later Glynda walked into the classroom, telekinetically closing the door behind her.

It slowly grew quiet as the Deputy Headmaster walked into the middle of the platform, scanning through the seats to see who was in attendance.

"Good morning children, I hoped that you all enjoyed and are well rested from your break because that will be the last extended break you'll be receiving for a long time." Glynda said, ignoring one or two quiet groans in the room. "Before we begin, I wish to inform you all that we have a new team of students in attendance among the first years. You may have already met them, but I'd like to make a formal introduction."

Most of the students began to looking all over the room, but those nearby Team JPER shifted their attention to them. The rest of class following suit soon after.

"Meet Jacquline B. Ivory, Penny Polendia, Evelyn Damerot, and Roxas. Team Jasper, led by Miss Ivory." Glynda said.

Roxas heard a few of the students around of them muttering about them.

What he could pick up was surprise for a new team joining so late in the school year. Some were just comparing him to Ruby due to their age and one or two comment's about Evelyn's clashing colors.

The rabbit faunus's eye twitching at hearing that.

"Wait that just spells JPER! Isn't there supposed to be an A and a S! Did I miss any of those!" A loud voice said from one of the rows behind Roxas.

Looking behind him the Nobody could find from where.

"No Nora." A calmer voice said with a sigh from around the same place. "You didn't miss any letters. There is no A or S."

"Now on the matter of formal introductions." Glynda said, silencing the class room before her gaze shifted to Roxas. "With this being Combat class, I believe a proper introduction would be for Team JPER to take the floor. Mr. Roxas would you please come down here."

He let out a sigh before pulling out Twilight Rose's case from his bag.

"Of course, be down there in a moment Ms. Goodwitch." Roxas said, getting the professor to nod and Penny smiled at him.

"Break a leg partner." Jack said with a smile as the Nobody made sure the gauntlets were securely on his hands.

"Wipe the floor with them!" Evelyn cheered.

"Good luck Roxas." Penny said as he got up from his seat.

"For your opponent." Glynda said, looking towards Team RWBY. "Miss Xiao Long?"

Some looked surprised hearing that as said blonde shot out of her seat.

"Alright, finally back in action!" Yang cheered happily as she hurriedly sped towards the arena.

While she was curious on just what kind of weapon Ruby made for him, a chance to spar with him just made this all the better! Honestly Yang would have been content just getting a chance to cut loose in class today.

But now, well things were getting interesting for sure!

Yang eagerly rushed towards one side of the arena, going twice as fast as Roxas was.

Up in the stands Evelyn started to look a little uncertain about this, it had taken meeting Yang to realize she was the blonde trading blows with the Invincible Girl the other day!

She wasn't sure how this spar could go...

Roxas and Yang arrived at the arena, the later smiling as she balled her hands into fists.

Pulling her arms back and in an instant the yellow bracelets shifted into a pair of large armored yellow gauntlets with black lines running along the edges, covering her hands and forearms. Located above her index fingers was a gun barrel sticking out, Roxas glimpsing a series of red shells.

"I get to pop your sparring cherry Roxy, you should feel honored!" Yang teased with a grin.

From the stands there were multiple groans, both Jack's and Weiss's being the loudest.

Evelyn looked more amused than anything.

Roxas's eye twitched, silently praying to Kingdom Hearts she wasn't going to repeatedly call him that. It was bad enough with Xigbar nicknaming him tiger...

He was broken from his thoughts as the rest of Yang's words registered and struggled to maintain his composure.

Days later and Evelyn's 'talk' still haunts him!

He was barely holding back the thoughts and in a corner of his mind he heard Xion letting out a nervous laugh.

"Sorry, but that was a bad pun. I'm struggling just the same, but it was just so bad..." She said, trying to hide themself over their link.

Xion was doing her best to cover her face with her arms in the Station of Awakening. Her face red from both the thoughts and in embarrassment. Cursing Evelyn and Sora.

Seemed like she inherited some of his sense of humor...

'Do you know how to respond to this?' Roxas asked her, holding back a groan.

"Maybe try punning her back, I don't know?" Xion tried suggesting.

"Cat got your tongue or something." Yang said, breaking the Nobody and Replica from their conversation. Noticing a little concern for her expression. "I know how stunning my words can be, but I'm starting to think you're going zombie on me here."

...He couldn't help it.

Roxas let out a strangled laugh that got Yang looking amused. Her grin widening as he shook his head.

The memory of his first mission with Axel at the forefront on his mind, it had been a long time since he had been compared to a zombie.

Perhaps he should take Xion's advice.

"Sorry, guess my mind hasn't risen from the grave yet." Roxas said before reaching into his jacket with a small smile with both hands.

Summoning his Keyblades and pretending to pull them out of it to the surprise of most of the students and especially Yang. Twirling them in his hand before training Oblivion at his fellow blonde.

"Maybe a good spar can bring it back to life. Think you could key-p up?" Roxas said, hearing Xion's muffled laughter from their link.

Yang stared at him for a moment before a wide smile spread across her face.

In the stands Weiss just shook her head and focused on Roxas's weapons.

"A pair of giant key swords, now I think I've heard of everything." Weiss said, being around Ruby she's heard the red hooded girl prattle on about all different types of weapons she wasn't that phased by it.

Besides she heard from her sister about a member of the Atlas Military using a fishing rod and somehow making it a terrifyingly effective weapon. But this was new.

Blake was just silently observing while Ruby looked a little conflicted.

On hand had she got to see the Keyblades and Twilight Rose in action, on the she would be rooting against her sister...

"I should be asking you that Roxy, I'll just knock you into shape then." Yang said, banging Ember Celica together.

"You'll be sore-y about it later than." Roxas said with a smile, Yang bursting out laughing at that one.

Maybe he was starting to enjoy this...Xion certainly was...

"Oh that's a good one! Going to have to use that later!" Yang said, only getting several more groans in response.

"There's two of them now!" Ruby cried out, burying her face in her hands.

"Damn it Yang..." Black sighed out.

Back with Team JPER Jack just shook her head while Evelyn looked amused.

"Could've been better, but not bad for your first time Roxas." She said with a grin.

Glynda looked between the two of them, mentally sighing. Really hoping Roxas didn't follow in Yang's footsteps. The horrendous puns were probably the least troublesome of Miss Xiao Long's antics, but the one that grated her nerves the most.

"If you two are quite finished." She said, the both of them seizing the other up.

"Well if you fight just as well as you pun, this will be fun!" Yang said, raising her fists and bouncing from foot to the other.

Roxas just nodded and brandished his Keyblades as Glynda stepped back, Scroll in hand.

"On my mark." Glynda said, tapping the screen as the room darkened considerably. A group of lights on the ceiling activated to illuminate the arena.

"Don't hold back on my account Roxy, show me what you got!" Yang said with a grin.

"Begin!" Glynda declared, starting the spar as the two of them rushed towards the other.

---

Yang pulled back a fist, but Roxas blitzed towards her faster than she expected. Shifting into a kick, finding it blocked by Oathkeeper as he struck her side with Oblivion.

Barely budging from the struck, Yang just smirked before retaliating as the Nobody pulled back.

Rotating his Keyblades over the other to block the incoming fist, finding it did little to deflect the impact as he flew back about a quarter of the arena. Grunting a little as he landed on his feet, speeding back towards Yang.

The Nobody ducked under her strike before the two found themselves in a little stand mate.

Weaving through and trying to strike the other with Keyblades or punches and kicks. Roxas managed to graze her with Oathkeeper once or twice, but it barely phased her.

Yang jumped back first, cocking back a fist as a casing was ejected from Ember Celica.

Managing to stop Roxas with a kick before delivering an uppercut to his chest, discharging the shell into his chest. Sending him flying into the air.

Roxas groaned, feeling slightly dazed before regaining his bearings as Yang jumped after him with a smirk.

Throwing Oathkeeper, the Keyblade barely missed her as she closed in.

Only for her eyes to widen as the grapple line from one of Twilight Rose's gauntlets deployed and wrapped around her leg. Reeling in Roxas as he pulled back Oblivion.

Striking Yang in the stomach as Oathkeeper clipped her shoulder on the return

Catching the Keyblade as they both landed on the ground. Roxas a little shakily on his feet while Yang half crashed onto the arena floor. However the grin never left her face as she started to pick herself off the ground.

Roxas let out a pained sigh as he took the chance to adjust the dials on Twilight Rose.

Silently thankful for Aura dulling the impact, because that would have hurt a lot more.

Already felt like a Guard Armor sucker punched his chest...

Yang recovered and got up on her feet with a chuckle.

"That's more like it!" She said happily, throwing her hands behind and firing a pair of shells.

Rocketing herself towards the Nobody, Roxas barely ducked out of the way before she lashed out with a kick. Pushing him back a bit before swinging both Keyblades into her midsection.

Yang took a step back before firing another shell, Roxas rolling out the way and tossing both Keyblades at her.

Quickly moving out of the way, Yang ran behind Roxas and threw a haymaker he barely ducked under. Jumping back as she threw a jab, deploying both of Twilight Rose's grappling lines.

Grappling Oathkeeper and Oblion by the hilts, Roxas wrapped his finger around the grappling line and swung the both of them at her like makeshift whips. Yang avoided most of the strikes but got lashed once or twice by the Keyblades as they slowly retracted back.

One of Ember Celcia's gauntlets retracted into its bracelet form as Yang grabbed the line behind Oblivion. Jumping up and firing a shell from her other gauntlet, propelling herself forwards again.

Roxas quickly let go of the other grappling line, allowing it to reel in faster as Yang closed in. Oathkeeper returning to his hand before swinging it.

Yang grunted as the Keyblade's teeth struck her chin as her elbow struck deep into the Nobody's chest.

He was sent crashing further back and onto the ground as Yang messaged her chin.

Allowing him to get back up, Roxas coughing a little as he filled his lungs back up with air.

Taking a few moments to recompose himself and catch his breath. He had been wrong about earlier.

Yang didn't hit like a Guard Armor, she hit like a Darkside...

Retrieving Oblivion off the ground, Roxas glimpsed Yang pulled both of her fists back as she shifted the bracelet back into a gauntlet.

Firing off a shell from Ember Celica, the Nobody speed off as it impacted the spot he had previously been. Yang fired off another shot that Roxas dodged again as he rushed forward.

Swinging both of his Keyblades, Roxas managed to land several slashes on the older blonde until she threw a left hook. Barely pulling back and receiving a glancing blow to his shoulder, falling back a few steps as Yang threw another punch.

Dodging it and staying to strike with Oblivion before she threw both of her arms up to guard against the attack. Pushing him back and pulling her left leg back.

Aiming a round house kick to his side as Roxas spun Oathkeeper to defend himself.

The kick connected with the Keyblade, but to Yang's surprise a layer of frost started to spread on her leg. Hurriedly jumping back on her good foot she noticed a shift in both Oathkeeper and Oblivion.

Both Keyblades glowing a light blue with a shimmering sound, several wisps of mist drifting off them

Yang's eyes trailed off between them and Twilight Rose for a few moments, smiling and shook her head.

So that's why she worked so hard on them.

"Not bad Ruby, not bad." Yang said, stomping her foot onto the ground and shattering the frost off her leg. Grinning at Roxas as he spun both of his Keyblades. "Let's take this up a notch."

"Gladly." Roxas said, crossing them both over the other as Yang fired off another shell.

A small shield of ice formed from where Oathkeeper and Oblivion met and promptly shattered as the shell struck it, the Nobody barely moving from the spot before sprinting at Yang.

Delivering a series of quick slashes that she noticed felt like it had quite a bit more weight to them than before. Throwing a jab as he got close, Roxas rotated Oblivion to block the attack. Part of Ember Celica was coated in a thin layer of frost before she pulled her fist back.

It did little to stop Yang as she went on the offensive as she threw a series of kicks and punches at the Nobody. Him spinning both Keyblades to deter her, a small patch of ice forming on whatever struck them.

For a few moments it seemed like a stalemate before Roxas tried to slash at her with Oathkeeper, but Yang side stepped and delivered a roundhouse kick square in the back.

Stumbling back a bit before as he deployed one of Twilight Rose's grappling lines as Yang cocked back a fist. Latching onto her other gauntlet, he reeled in just as she fired off a shell and missed.

Rushing towards her, he swung Oblivion as Yang swung her fist. Both attacks clipping the other's shoulder before the grappling line let go.

Roxas unlatched the grappling line as Yang closed in on him, he tried to keep some distance by slashing at her. Yet she allowed herself to be struck before kicking his side.

Giving him an uppercut to the chest, discharging a shell point blank and sending Roxas flying into the air.

He quickly recovered mid air, landing on his feet a little ways away.

Yang wasted not time trying rush towards him, the Nobody trained both of his Keyblades towards the older blonde.

"Blizzard." Roxas casted, his voice barely a whisper as her fired a pair of ice crystals at Yang.

Her eyes widened for a split second, grinning as she shot off a pair of shells from Ember Celica at the spells.

Shattering the ice crystals upon impact, creating a small cloud of mist followed by both Keyblades flying through it.

Yang dodged Oathkeeper but Oblivion clipped her leg. Jumping back as Twilight Rose's grappling lines shot and grabbed both Keyblades by the handles.

Using them like whips again, Roxas swung them at Yang who ducked under them before he allowed the lines to reel back in. As they returned to his hands, Roxas restarted channeling ice Dust into them as another pair of shells were fired towards him.

Rolling out of the way, he found one hitting way too close to his feet as he jumped backed up as the older blonde rushed forward.

Blocking a punch with Oathkeeper, Roxas nearly doubled over as Yang kicked him in the stomach. Opening him up for her to deliever another pair of blows until Roxas spun his Keyblades.

She struck both of their teeth before the front of Ember Celica and her hands were coated with a small chunk of ice.

Taking this chance, Roxas jumped back as Yang shattered the ice and she chased after him.

Pouring a good portion of his magic into the Keyblades, pressing the tips together as he ran forward.

"Blizzara." Roxas quietly casted, a giant ice crystal forming at the end of his Keyblades as Yang threw a punch.

He jumped back as the crystal shattered and a cloud of mist enveloped Yang an a good portion of the arena. With her finding herself surrounded by a thick layer of mist everywhere, her left hand and forearm completely enveloped in ice.

Looking around, Yang started to break the ice with her free hand before hearing something coming up from behind.

Quickly raising the ice covered hand to block a thrown Oathkeeper, deflecting of the frozen gauntlet and breaking some ice off it as the Keyblade disappeared into the mist.

Wincing as Oblivion clipped her shoulder from another direction before it disappeared into the mist. Making sure to check her hair before shaking her head.

Nothing missing, for Roxas's sake at least.

Sticking out her frozen hand, she deflected Oblivion off it and shattered a majority of the remaining ice before going to look for Roxas.

Outside of the mist cloud Roxas caught Oblivion, adjusting one of Twilight Rose's dials as he ran around the mist.

He had encircled it twice already, throwing his Keyblades at different points to find or hit Yang while preparing for a counter attack. Nearly run out of Ice Dust mixing in with the spell.

A loud metallic clang followed by Oathkeeper flying out signaled Yang was probably close by, hurriedly running along the mist before throwing his Keyblades back into it before following them.

The mist started to thin out and he could sense Yang was close by another clanging noise, summoning the closest Keyblade back to his hand.

Oblivion reappeared as the mist dispersed, raising it to block a strike from Yang.

Who grinned as the Nobody jumped back before she could attack again.

She however closed the distance and struck his side with a kick, Roxas spinning Oblivion to parry another kick and punch.

Yang winced as the Keyblade's teeth struck underneath Ember Celica and her hand before grabbing the weapon. Pulling Roxas closer to deliver a punch to his chest. Shaking her hand as he stumbled back a few steps.

Grabbing Oathkeeper off the floor before he threw Oblivion at Yang as she leaned out of the way. Pulling back her fist as a casing was ejected from her gauntlet, Roxas retracting the fingers of his free hand.

From the stands everyone could hear one gunshot, Roxas was barely able to dodge the shell yet Yang had taken a step back like she had been hit.

Back in the area she blinked at feeling something strike her shoulder, before smiling at seeing a small panel settling on Twilight Rose's side.

Of course, Ruby did make them...

Extending her arm, Yang swatted away Oblivion as the Keyblade flew by. A grappling line wrapped around her gauntlet before Roxas started to reel himself towards her.

Channeling Fire Dust into the Keyblade as Yang pulled him closer. Training the tip to her stomach as he began to retract the line, Oathkeeper glowin with a red hue as Yang threw a kick.

Both found themselves with either a fire or foot impacting their stomach, sending both blondes sprawling away from each other.

Roxas was the first to recover with a groan, focusing to replenish his aura as the pain started to fade away. Propping himself up with Oathkeeper, he trained the Keyblade on Yang as she picked herself back up.

She shook her head before taking off running as Roxas silently casted Fire, the resulting fireball clipping her leg.

Dodging a few more fireballs, the Nobody used this chance to grab Oblivion off the ground.

Yang turned on her heels as the last two fireballs closed in, discharging a pair of shells that exploded on impact with the spells. Creating a smokescreen that they both ran towards.

Firing one more fireball into the smokescreen, he stopped channeling Fire Dust into Oathkeeper as Yang burst out of the smoke. Throwing a punch that he barely ducked under and swung Oblivion into her side.

Yang winced as she felt a cutting and zapping pain on her side, seeing sparks coming off Oblivion as Roxas slashed at her with his other Keyblade.

Repeatedly slashing, dodging, or parrying her strikes Roxas tried to give Yang no space to react. Her attempts to attack or block usually saw he getting shocked on contact by Oblivion.

A few moments of this later Yang managed to block a strike before planting a fist in his gut. Raising her arms to block some more strikes before throwing an uppercut, sending Roxas into the air.

He quickly recovered and dove down, striking Yang with both Keyblades at the same time.

She took a few steps back before jumping up as Roxas rushed towards her. Aiming at the ground and primed a shell to fire before dropping floor. Punching the floor and firing the shell.

Roxas was pushed back and into the air from the impact before Yang throw out her other hand, discharging the shell and propelling herself towards him.

Only able to land a strike to her side with Oblivion before Yang landed a haymaker that sent him crashing to the ground.

As Roxas started to pick himself up, the lights went back on in the room.

"That's quite enough. Mr. Roxas's Aura has entered the red. Miss Xiao Long is the victor of the match." Glynda said, getting Yang to cheer a little as the Nobody stood back up.

Making it appear like he was putting his Keyblades back in his jacket before they dispersed, pulling out his Scroll to double check.

Seems like his Aura had indeed entered the red if barely, Yang's was a good chunk into the yellow area and much further ahead.

"That was actually a pretty good spar Roxas, been a minute since I could cut loose like that." Yang said, walking up to him as he put the Scroll away.

"Same, you're pretty tough." Roxas said honestly, getting the older blonde to grin.

He meant it, pretty sure that she could out muscle Leaxeus from how hard she hit. Wouldn't be surprised if Yang could stop and push back a charging Large Body with a punch.

"Second best of Combat Class for first years, don't you forget it Roxy." Yang said, enjoying seeing the Nobody's eye twitching in annoyance.

After said annoyance passed, Roxas blinked at her admission. Yang was only the second best in their year?

Even if it was a spar she was tougher to deal with most of the Heartless he fought.

Perhaps the red headed girl he saw Yang sparring with the other day was the strongest. Briefly wondering compared to Yang, just how strong was she?

---

Up in the stands, Blake turned her head to see her teammate's reactions.

Weiss looked lost in thought like she was moments earlier while Ruby was beaming at both combatants. Figuring she was happy Yang won and her newest creation's performance.

Blake wasn't sure how the spar wasn't going to at first, from what she knew he was just a little younger than Ruby. Believing that like her he'll probably would have better than most of the first years.

What she didn't expect was for him to pushed Yang to get serious.

Knowing her partner well enough Yang usually held back during sparring with most of their year to extend the duration of a fight. Having witnessed Yang do so in most classes during the latter half of the previous semester...and failing...

Glynda had often told Yang to pace herself after the fights.

But after the first time he sent her to the ground, Yang stopped holding back.

Aside from that, what got her curious was his weapons.

The 'keys' Blake figured were probably some form of sword breakers considering the teeth were actually more like Weiss's Myrtenaster. A pair of Dust activated sword though definitely seemed less refined than it.

Ruby's creation was a means to help it, and while using the grappling lines and these 'keyblades' as makeshift whips his handling reminded Black of herself first practicing with Gambol Shroud.

Otherwise he handled them just as well as anyone else in class, his use of Ice and Fire Dust were something she could even see Weiss using as well...

Wait, and she saw had heard the sound of two gun shots going off at the same time and Yang's reaction...

"Ruby." Black said, getting both of her teammate's attention. "What you built for Roxas. You based it on our weapons, didn't you?"

Weiss blinked before they both looked at Ruby, her expression a mixture of proud and embarrassment. Ultimately she settled on proud.

"Penny and Roxas said I could add anything to Twilight Rose. Originally it was just the dials for a Dust distribution system, before I started to think of our weapons. With how well we've been working together, I figured it was best to incorporate the traits that complimented each other. And it worked out perfectly." Ruby said with a beaming smile.

"I'll admit it did, but you couldn't make something without a gun mode." Weiss said, shaking her head with an amused smile.

"Indeed, but you also snuck a peak at Gambol Shroud's ribbon again." Blake said, getting her team leader to pout. "Thought so."

---

"Excellent form as alway Miss Xiao Long." Glynda said, walking up to two before waving her riding crop. The casings littering the arena floor were levitated off of it and into a bin on the other side of the room. "I've seen you've learned to pace yourself over the break."

"Right that's absolutely what I was doing." Yang said with an awkward grin.

Glynda studied her for a moment before looking at Roxas.

"Mr. Roxas, I presume you've had limited experience with a close range combatant like Miss Xiao Long?" She asked.

"Once before." Roxas said honestly.

Even then Pete's form had relied on brute strength and was sloppy compared to how Yang fought. He and Axel probably could have dealt with him tight there if not for the cave in.

"I thought as much, I recommend that you practice more with your auxiliary weapon. It will take sometime before you can reach Miss Xiao Long's level, but your instincts and adaptability were commendable. Especially against an unknown opponent, adapting as quickly as you did each time." Glynda said, getting the Nobody to nod.

Honestly the deputy headmistress had no idea on how wel he would perform in a spar. What she had witnessed in the initiation was a style best suited for fighting Grimm or Heartless in his case.

Usually in the field they tend to have difficulty with more human like opponents they have difficulty adjusting, she'd seen the same problem with students from more Grimm stricken areas.

Pitting him against Yang was a means to test those waters and he performed admirably.

That left just left one more member of their team to observe.

"Now then, for the next match up will be Miss Polendia and Mr. Winchester." Glynda said as Roxas and Yang began to walk off the arena.

Yang looked back at the younger blonde with a small before moving close to him.

"That was a good fight, especially since Ruby literally made those in a single day. Can't wait for round two." Yang said with a grin, gently tapping Roxas on the arm and walking towards her team.

He shook his head with a smile, making his way back to his team. Penny beaming at him as the two of them.

"Good luck Penny." Roxas said, getting her to nod.

"Thank you." She said, giving him a nod in turn before continuing down to the arena.

"Not bad partner, not bad. Could have done without the puns." Jack said as Roxas moved back to his seat. "Take it that you were experimenting with a few things."

"Including pulling out your Keyblade like that, going to steal that for later." Evelyn said with a grin.

"More or less, that one was a suggestion from Penny. Better to figure out here than with the Grimm." Roxas said with a shrug, getting Jack to nod.

"True." She said before all three of them looked down in the arena, Penny deploying her Floating Array while her opponent hefted a large mace over his shoulder as he entered from the other side.

"Oh this was going to be fun." Evelyn said with a grin, leaning on the edge of her seat.

---

Evelyn had been right...for about the first 30 seconds.

Afterwards Penny had completed lay decimated her opponent with Floating Array, he barely getting any hits in before his Aura entered the red. Still Evelyn appeared entertained despite how short it had been.

Follow it were a few more matches until the end of combat class, none as intense or as quick as either of Roxas's or Penny's were.

The former even heard some whispers about comparing his team with RWBY and JNPR as they exited the class room. He could only guess that this other team held the strongest person among the first years of they were be compared to Ruby's team.

After class Team JPER returned to their dorm with Jack and Penny leading a small study session before Roxas decided it was time to head towards the kitchens.

"You heading out too carrots?" Jack said as he was about to reach the door, getting Roxas to turn to see her placing her hat over her ear.

"Just heading to Vale to pick up some tools for my kit, maybe I'll get a cook book for Roxas. He'll have more use for it than you." Evelyn said with a teasing grin.

Jack start to fume while Roxas shook his head as Penny got between the two of them.

And again with this...

"Take care Roxas." Penny called out with a smile as he opened the door.

"Thanks Penny." He said with a smile, closing it behind him.

All three of them waited a minute, Evelyn quietly creeping close to the door. Leaning close as she pressed her free ear to the door before nodding.

"He's gone." Evelyn said with a grin, both Jack and Penny nodded. The later frowning at her partner.

"Evelyn, why did you say that." Penny asked as the rabbit faunus smirked.

"Well it worked and is true." Evelyn said, before raising her hands up as Penny frowned more. "Fine I won't say anything for the rest of the week."

"Better not push it carrots." Jack said, feeling a little peeved. "Penny what did Ruby say?"

"She'll pick it up same time tomorrow. I've already assigned resources to distract him if he deviates from the schedule, I'll send the lists." Penny said while pulling out her Scroll.

"And I'll get the rest of the supplies, can't wait to see the look on his face tomorrow." Evelyn said with a grin.

Jack nodded as Evelyn left their dorm, Penny smiling at both of her teammmates and sending a notification to Ruby.

Everything was going exactly as she calculated.

---

Roxas had traveled to the back of the cafeteria after seeing a pair of students entering a door near the kitchen area and followed after them. Seeing them walk into the kitchen as a cook noticed him near the door.

"Excuse me is there something that I can help you with?" He ask, getting Roxas to nod.

"Yes, I was going to ask about working in the kitchens" Roxas asked, getting the cook to smile.

"We're always looking for some new hands, it takes a lot of effort to feed all you kids daily. Let's get you started." He said before the both of them entered the kitchen.

A few minutes later and after meeting the cafeteria manager, Roxas was wearing a black apron over his clothes and messaging his team he got the job. Just waiting for one of the other students to show him the ropes, so to speak.

The Nobody didn't wait long as he could sense someone approaching him.

"Guess you're the one manager asked me to help out." A male voice said, Roxas putting away his scroll as he turned to face the speaker.

A taller boy with light brown hair combed to the left side and squinted eyes, wearing a tan shirt underneath the black apron.

"Didn't expect you to be from the new team, Dove Bronzewing." The now named Dove introduced himself with a nod

"Roxas." He said, the older teen nodding before gesturing him to follow.

"Alright your first job will be to help me unload the create and sort out the spices inside for use tonight." Dove said as the two walked towards the back of the kitchens. "Normally the deliveries come in earlier in the week, but they didn't expect a shortage of spices and had to rush orders. Otherwise it should be calm shift "

"Rushing to prepare dinner for everyone I take it." Roxas said, getting the older boy to shrug.

"More or less, sometimes there are the occasional accidents or a crow sneaks into kitchen and steals a bunch of pastries." Dove said, the Nobody giving him a curious look. "Yeah I still have a hard time believing it after witnessing it."

"At least it isn't a Nevermore." Roxas said shaking his head, remembering studying about them.

One of the more common Grimm and usually a more of annoyance, now bigger than a crow. However they could grow quite big with time.

According to Penny, Ruby and her team faced an Alpha Nevermore as big as a plane during their entrance exams.

Dove muttered something under his breath before shaking his head.

"True." He said before looking back at Roxas. "You signed up in order to learn how to cook?"

"Pretty much, you too?" Roxas asked, Dove shook his head.

"Nope, already knew how. Most just sign up in order to learn. Anything in particular you wish to learn make?" Dove asked.

"Sea salt ice cream, something from where I'm from. Don't know how to make it, but I want to try cooking in general." He said.

For the first time since meeting him, Dove's expression changed into one of confusion. Briefly pausing and bringing a hand to his head.

"Huh, going to have to try that." Dove said before shaking his head. "Most of the cooks are willing to share advice on how to prepare meals when they aren't busy. I could give you some tips for when you start."

"Sure." Roxas said as they arrived at the crate. "We'll talk as we work."

"Makes things go faster sometimes." Dove said as he pulled up the list on his Scroll. "Let me double check what to put on the racks before we move this thing."

Roxas just nodded as he went to one side of the crate before they went to work.

---

Around half an hour before dinner all the students helping in the cafeteria departed from a side entrance for the kitchen as they got paid.

Like his first shift at From Dust to Dawn it wasn't all that bad, but Roxas was constantly on his feet. Fetching ingredients or utensils and didn't really prep any food.

Aside from talking with Dove and one or two cooks he didn't learn much, perhaps he'll have more luck tomorrow.

The rest of the day had been mostly quiet aside from the group chatting a bit with Xion before going to bed.

When he next opened his eyes he was in the Station of Awakening, seeing Xion holding her hands over the burning wood in the floor. She briefly look back at him as he sat next down to her.

"You didn't say anything about coming to see me tonight." Xion said as Roxas shook his head.

"Thought you pulled me in here...we still don't know practically anything about this place." Roxas sighed out, getting the Replica to nod.

"Fair enough, wouldn't be surprised if you get pulled in here once again without knowing." Xion said before smiling. "Don't think you'd mind too much."

"I suppose." Roxas said with a smile of his own. "Just happy with a chance to see you again."

"Same." Xion said with a smile. "Today was a little exciting, shame about the the cooking though."

"Going to be a slow process, rather not risk asking Jack or Evelyn." Roxas said, getting Xion to laugh a little.

"Right, things are bad enough between the two of them already." She said before shaking her head, looking at the Nobody with a grin. "You enjoyed the banter with Yang."

He looked away for a moment, shaking his head with a sigh.

"Yes, but you were the one laughing all the way." Roxas countered, Xion's face flushing in embarrassment.

"True, guess I inherited a little from Sora. We both did." She said as Roxas faced her. "Despite the two of us being further apart from him, there are still traces within us both. Might have to be how you and Naminé came to be."

"Perhaps." Roxas sighed out, shaking his head.

As much as he hated to admit it, Sora was still his Somebody. Despite him and Xion being their own people, it would make sense they inherited more than the Keyblade.

He had to wonder how much...

"Surprisingly not that much with you, there are similarities but a big difference." Xion said, getting a dry chuckle from the Nobody.

"Guess you can see it on my face. I only got flashes, you were made with his memories." Roxas said, noticing her start to frown. "Something the matter?"

"Yes, it's just I think I've been start to lose them. Sora's memories that is. Most of the ones I've been holding back, it's just tiny gaps here and they're barely but noticeable." Xion said, thinking about for a few monuments as an idea came to mind. "I think Sora could be starting to wake up."

"Really?" Roxas said, surprised by the news.

He remembered Riku saying that part of why Xion's existence was part of the reason Sora couldn't wake up.

If what she was saying was true, then the issues concerning his memories was starting to be resolved. And Xion was made from those very same memories...

Before he could say anything, she just smiled at the Nobody and shook her head.

"There's nothing to worry about Roxas, it's only his memories returning to where they belong. Though I doubt they all will go away." Xion said, before sighing at the end.

His memories of Castle Oblivion had to go somewhere, the discarded links forming new chains.

"If there is anything wrong I would have told you Roxas." Xion said before frowning. "Yet I might miss some of them."

"Then you could tell me about them, that way one of us will remember." Roxas said, getting her to smile.

"Maybe one day, but thank you Roxas. And It's only small fragments missing now, if that is all Sora is getting back now I believe it will be a long while before he could even awaken." Xion said before sighing out.

"Just let me know if anything else happens Xion." Roxas said, feeling a little relieved.

Xion hummed to herself for a few moments before shrugging.

"Roxas if there is I would tell you immediately." Xion said with a smile. "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about, like what we could learn in class tomorrow."

She held back a laugh as his expression seemed to brighten a little. He did seem interested in learning more about Dust.

Looks like he was adjusting to life on Remnant just fine, for now at least.

With her memories from Sora slipping away, Xion was certain that it was a good sign at least. Perhaps if there was a way to separate herself from Roxas they could coexist with their Somebody again, like before Castle Oblivion minus her possibly killing Sora or Roxas unknowingly.

A wish that seems just like distant dream for now.

Took her a few days to notice the gaps in Sora's memories, it could be weeks or months before he could awaken on his own or they're completely gone from her.

Well, she wasn't in a hurry for anything at the moment.

Except for maybe finding a better way to communicate with others or finding a better way to experience the outside world from within Roxas. She was hoping to be able to talk with her new friends face to face.

For now Xion was more than happy with any chance to be able to talk with Roxas face to face like back in those simpler days...

---

Roxas opened his eyes with a groan, raising from bed. Rubbing his eyes as light filled his vision.

The glare vanishing to reveal Evelyn very close to his face while grinning.

"Evelyn…" Roxas groaned out.

"Good morning sleepyhead!" She yelled, startling him awake as she jumped back. "FYI I wasn't observing you."

"Was something the matter Roxas, you didn't seem to get the optimal amount of sleep last night. You kept turning in your sleep and we couldn't wake you?" Penny said worriedly as Roxas sat up in bed, noticing that she and Evelyn were already dressed and no sighting of Jack.

Guessing that she was probably already changing or had already left.

It only felt like he was talking with Xion for a few minutes, then again he wasn't sure how time worked in the Dive to the Heart. At least when he wasn't awake that is.

"I did, was just talking with Xion." Roxas said, shooting up from bed and grabbing his clothes.

"Perception of time is slower in there without your real world connection, the inversion of a dream?" Penny hypothesized, getting the Nobody to nod.

At first hearing about this Dive to the Heart baffled the gynoid, but data was not something unfounded on Remnant. Mental, soul, and dream scapes existed and could be shaped or interacted with the right Sembalances although extremely sparse to the point of borderline mythology. Records of the Nightmare Grimm and their effects were equally as rare and gruesome.

Yet Penny filed it under as just another detail from beyond Remnant, with Roxas only having access to the same amount of information she had.

"Maybe." He said with a shrug, grabbing his uniform together.

"So, what were you two talking about?" Evelyn asked with a teasing grin.

"Something that is best described for when we're all ready." He said, getting Evelyn's expression to fall. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

"Then you better get changed partner, though leave the tie." Jack said, walking from the kitchen and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Is there anything we should be concerned about."

Wincing as a bit of static noise filled his ears before the warm feeling washed over him.

Roxas wasn't sure he could ever get used to this feeling...

"No, nothing you should worry about as I had also assured Roxas. But it is something everything should know." Xion said as she cut the connection.

Jack only nodded and removed her hand as Roxas went into the bathroom to change.

"What is going on?" Penny asked as their team leader shook her head.

"Don't know, whatever Xion had to make sure he was okay." She sighed out as Penny nodded.

Hoping that whatever they wished to talk about wasn't related to today.

---

Penny was relieved that there was nothing to worry about..well mainly.

Both Roxas and Xion self admittedly weren't normal by Nobody or other worldly standards, but Penny did not calculate the latter would be undergoing what she could equate to clearing her RAM cache. Only at a glacial pace to enhance her and Sora's performance.

She was more than familiar of deleting redundant memories, the thought of a similar process happening to Xion was worrisome. Even if the memories disappearing were redundant and originally harmful.

Jack and Evelyn shared in that worry too despite Xion's efforts to reassure them. Took some convincing before everything settled down.

And she already told Roxas he'd be the first to know if anything does change.

Penny was relieved to hear it, but had found the time to be too coincidental.

Unless of course the process had been going on since their arrival in Remnant like both Roxas and Xion figured. Estimating that both possibilities were perhaps right.

While Penny was relieved that Xion was okay, though she had to process how to file away this information over breakfast.

They were a little late to breakfast and coming to the classroom, thankfully still on time but once again nowhere for all four of them to sit together. Barely any seats where they could sit in close proximity with eachother as well.

"If we keep doing this, we'll know the names of every student in school by next week." Evelyn said with a grin, briefly looking back at her partner and Roxas and waving. "See ya after class!"

Breaking off from the team, bounding off into an empty seat. Jack following after her, shaking her head with each step.

Roxas and Penny split up, the Nobody scanning around the room for an empty seat.

Noticing some equipment to handle Dust like he had seen in From Dust to Dawn, but felt something different about this classroom.

All the other he's been to this week seemed to have touches of the those teachers, it this one seemed different. Outside of the equipment, there didn't seem to be any of that.

Not even any details at the desk.

Evidently Roxas saw that he wasn't the only one looking around.

"Mind if I sit here?" Roxas asked, snapping Weiss to attention. Glancing between him and the empty seat before smiling.

"Good morning Roxas, it's free. You can sit." She said with a small smile as the Nobody slid into the seat next to her.

"Thank you." He said.

"Of course. And I've noticed that your team has a habit of skirting the line of being tardy for most classes. Hopefully this won't become a habit for your team." Weiss said with a smile. "Do you have a heavy sleeper on your team too?"

"Had some difficulty sleeping last night, but no. Guess this all too new for us. Today it was just me, Tuesday it was just someone taking too long in the bathroom. We're not trying to be late, even seeming alarms to wake up earlier." Roxas said, Weiss letting out a small laugh.

"We've been there before a few times. You'll fall into a routine soon enough with everyone pitching in." Weiss offered.

Back in the early days only her and Blake seemed to wake up early to prevent them from being late. And even then there were some close calls.

Weiss will never admit it but she did lose track of time in the shower once during that first week, it was an adjustment from what she was used to. Though she also fought with Yang for the shower back then.

Begrudgingly she had to respect the care her blond teammate puts into her hair.

"That's the plan at least." Roxas said, breaking Weiss from her thoughts. "Weiss I wanted to ask was did this class's appearance change since the last semester? You seem to be looking around a lot."

She could only sigh at that.

It was really that apparent.

"Yes, if only a little. Still the classroom feels empty without Professor Peach teaching it." Weiss sighed out, getting Roxas to tilt his head.

"So the current teacher is a substitute?" He asked, Weiss nodding with a small smile.

"Professor Peach is on leave, I'm not sure when she'll be back. I've heard it could be a few weeks or up to two months. Dust class is my favorite subject and learning under her was nothing short of awe-inspiring. So much I chose to sit away from Ruby in this class." Weiss said, before looking away from the Nobody. "Any other class and I'd have no problem, but I'm ashamed to admit sitting close to her cause me to lose focus easily."

Roxas got the impression that Ruby might not have been the biggest fan of the class or something else.

Perhaps it was just like Yang with Grimm Studies, she didn't seem to like the class for...somewhat understandable reasons. But with Combat class she was all to eager to spar.

Dust class seemed just as important to Weiss.

"Maybe you can tell me more of what is like under Professor Peach?" Roxas said, getting Weiss to perk up a little.

"Of course, maybe some other time. The teacher should be here soon." Weiss said.

"Got it, and I'll try not to disturb you." Roxas said, pulling his supplies out of his bag.

"Much obliged." Weiss said, giving him a beaming smile. "But Roxas if you need any help understanding anything, don't be afraid to ask. I can show you some of my notes from the last semester after class."

"I would like that Weiss, thank you." Roxas said, grateful for the assistance.

"It would be my pleasure." Weiss said curtly as the two started to get ready for class to start.

---

Jaune groaned was he clutched the back of his head with both hands, resisting the urge to slam his head onto the desk.

"This is so unfair!" He groaned out while Ren silently shook his head. "The guy in the library I could understand, he looked cool and actually put in effort in their first encounter before hitting on her!"

"Yes Jaune." Ren said, just agreeing with his team leader. Having already heard enough about this the other day.

Grateful that Pyrrha and Nora were on the opposite side of the classroom as Jaune continued to talk. Especially for the former's sake...and in the chance Nora probably would've snapped at the blonde's denseness.

Honestly Ren had some difficulty in telling Nora's reactions, going between finding it entertaining or aggregating. Depended on her mood that day.

Pyrrah's feelings were more of a quiet discomfort that was clear to everyone but Jaune.

"But this one isn't even trying to hit on her?! He wasn't trying to flirt or court her!" Jaune said, burying his head in his hands again before looking at his teammate. "Or was it Ren?"

"No other was not Jaune, they are most likely being polite with each other." Ren said calmly, hoping to diffuse the situation.

It only got Jaune to look between his teammate and the pair of Roxas and Weiss a few rows down. Sighing and shaking his head.

Maybe Ren was right, but he couldn't quite figure it out.

The new kid had gotten on Weiss's bad side the first day they met, but managed to get chummier with her in thirty seconds than he had been trying months for. Seeing them grow closer together now wasn't helping his nerves either.

Jaune first thought was maybe Weiss liked someone a little younger her, but she had been receptive to Neptune's flirting and he looked a second year student. He was glad for the reprieve as most of the students for the Vytal Festival had returned back to their academies with the official start of the new semester.

He didn't need two reasons to dread when they would return soon...

And it couldn't be that she just liked him for being able to help out. Jaune noticed from when their teams studied together Weiss had a knack for teaching academics, even if she begrudgingly helped him out a few times with a problem he would be stuck on. Besides his feelings Jaune was generally grateful for the help.

Only asking her for help for the problems he generally had trouble with seemed to improve things between the two, if only slightly.

Maybe Ren was right, and they were just being polite to each other.

As the teacher arrived in the room, the leader of Team JNPR could only shake his head.

"What am I doing wrong man?" Jaune asked Ren with a sigh. His teammate staying silent as the class begun.

---

Dust class ended with little fanfare, the teacher leaving before the students started to mill out of the classroom. The class itself was more of a recap for the different types of Dust and uses in combat.

Stuff Roxas had mostly gleamed from the textbook before the class.

Feeling a little disappointed, not sure if his expectations were tampered from the class itself being merely a recap or from his conversation with Weiss. Next week that could easily change.

"Guess I'll take you up on that offer Weiss." Roxas said, getting her to smile.

"Wonderful." Weiss said, quickly looking around the room before extending her hand. "Now please hold out your Scroll."

Following her lead, Roxas held out his Scroll as Weiss's fingered pressed at the screen a few times. Handing it back to the Nobody, he noticed a new contact had been added.

"This is your number." Roxas said, getting Weiss to nod.

"Oh come on!" Someone shouted out.

Weiss looked annoyed and frowned, her and Roxas briefly looking for the source of the voice.

Unknown to them just missed Ren half dragging his team leader from the classroom's door.

"What was that about?" Roxas asked, the Schnee heiress shaking her head.

"Perhaps one of the other students got some bad news." Weiss said, mentally praying to the gods it was only that. Her smilie returned as she faced Roxas s the two of them started to walk towards the entrance. "If you ever wish to review those notes, ring me up and we'll discuss when either of is available to meet up."

"Of course, and thanks again Weiss." He said as her pace quickened a little.

"Until next time." She said, exiting the room first.

Roxas followed after her, finding a few students milling about the hallway and Penny waving at him. Figuring the other two had already started to the cafeteria before them.

He waved back as the two began to walk towards the cafeteria.

"Did you enjoy the class Roxas?" Penny asked, getting him to shrug.

"Somewhat, thought there would be a little more to it. Then again it's only the first class." Roxas said. "Weiss also gave me her number so we could find a time to study Dust later."

"Truly?" Penny asked, blinking in surprise.

In all her calculations she had thought either Weiss or Blake would be the most difficult to befriend due to their dispositions. She had to update her data on Weiss the other day with how friendly she was to Roxas.

Yet this was not something she had predicted, Ruby said it had taken a bit for the two to become friends.

Still she was happy for him.

"I believe that Weiss might consider you a friend." Penny said with a smile he mirrored.

"I was beginning to think the same." Roxas said.

"Have you considered a time to study with her?" Penny inquired.

"Tomorrow I think I'll give her a call and we'll see how things go from there." Roxas said, getting Penny to nod. Happy that he gained another friend and hiding her delight from the Nobody.

Perfect, things could still proceed as scheduled.

---

Both of them caught up to their teammates at the entrance of the cafeteria. After lunch and a bit of studying they returned to their dorms. Roxas heading out a bit with Evelyn once again keeping her ear on the doorframe.

Penny held a finger over her Scroll's call button and Jack leaned against the wall. After what felt like a minute, Evelyn grinned.

"He's gone." She said in a singsong voice.

Penny pressed the button and set the call on speaker as Evelyn looked over her shoulder, Jack got up and moved towards the door as the Scroll rang. After a ringing twice, the call came through.

"So Roxas left already?" Ruby asked.

"Yes, and are you already at the docking bays?" Penny asked, her audio receptors picking up the faint sounds of an airship in the background.

"Wanted to make sure that I was back by dinner, it's packed here. Hopefully it's not as bad in Vale." Ruby said. "Is the package ready for pick up?"

"Received the notification 2 minutes ago." Penny said.

"And I got your payment yesterday, thought that you would have asked for cookies." Evelyn said with a teasing smirk.

"Strawberries are just as good. And I've got to go, they are calling for my flight right now. I'll call back after I get back, bye Penny!" Ruby said as Penny smiled.

"Goodbye Ruby." She said before ending the call, smiling. "Everything is going as planned."

"Have to say Penny you've getting better at playing sneaky~." Evelyn said, giving her partner a coy smiling.

Said gynoid's face flushed red and looked flustered as Evelyn laughed, Jack could only shake her head at the rabbit faunus's antics.

"I-I'm wasn't trying to be sneaky." Penny stammered out, trying to regain her composure.

"Penny, Penny, oh Penny." Evelyn said, grinning as she closed in on the girl with every word. Her partner taking a few steps back, but that didn't stop Evelyn at all. "You can not deny your sneaky side. There was Twilight Rose last week and now this, it is useless hiding it. You've learned a lot in tricking others or how to keep things quiet while everything plays out under Roxas's nose. If this keeps up at this rate…well I believe you can picture it."

Evelyn let out a little laugh as Penny struggled to regain a neutral expression.

It felt like her CPU was going to crash as Evelyn took another step closer…and was promptly dragged a few steps back.

"Knock it off carrots." Jack said, giving the back of Evelyn's shirt one more tug back. Flailing her arms about.

"Fine, just let me go!" She protested loudly and Jack complied.

Quickly fixing her clothes as the blonde walked towards the door.

At least she wasn't dragged to the kitchen again…Evelyn banished those thoughts away.

Penny let out a sigh of relief as her partner looked a little sheepish.

"I'm heading out for a minute, need to get something else for tonight." Jack said, confusing both of her teammates.

"But Evelyn got everything else required already, what more do we require?" Penny asked.

"Nothing much, but Xion gave me the idea this morning. " Jack said, Penny realizing what her teammate was thinking of.

"I also believe they'll like it too." She said, getting Jack to nod before she left the dorm. "And Evelyn..."

"Sorry, you're just so fun to tease!" Evelyn said, getting the gynoid's face to flush in embarrassment. Evelyn giving her a smile. "I'll take things down a notch, but I can't promise anything."

Penny just nodded with a sigh, her partner grinning and placing her hands behind her head.

"Still I can barely wait to see their reaction's later, well Roxas's anyway." She said eagerly.

"Indeed, I can barely wait either." Penny said with a smile, Evelyn could practically feel her happiness rolling off her.

Knowing how much Penny had planned and coordinated to get the ball rolling for tonight, it seemed the positive energy from her was infectious. While she originally wanted Roxas as her partner, Evelyn was glad to have such a cinnamon roll like Penny as one.

Leagues better than if it had been Jack anyway, that mission was a complete fiasco...

"And Penny if you need any help with any future plans, well I'm always free to offer suggestions." Evelyn said, giving Penny a knowing smile before walking off to the other side of the room.

She stood there, processing what her partner said...before filing away the suggestion for the near future.

Maybe she could take Evelyn up on her offer.

---

Team JPER walked down the halls back to their dorm, Roxas idly noted his teammates were trailing behind him a little. They had been acting a little off since dinner, but he and Xion couldn't figure out why.

Or why that Penny's heat seemed to be shining so brightly?

That was the best way he could describe it.

Working in the kitchens today had provided a bit more fruitful. He still didn't get to assist in preparing the meals, but the cooks had a bit more time to offer advice or show him how to properly use cooking tools while preparing food.

Coming back to the before dinner, Roxas noticed that his teammates were trailing was acting a little off. It wasn't really noticeable until right before they left the cafeteria.

His confusion only growing one they reached their dorm room, sensing a very familiar heart located in their kitchen.

"Why is Ruby here?" Roxas asked, turning to face Penny who just smiled on him.

"Ruby said that there was a matter she wanted to discuss with us after dinner. All we know that it was a surprise." Penny said, hiccuping as the Nobody stared at her for a moment before shrugging.

Jack just shook her head as Roxas turned to the door. Evelyn looking amused and shaking a little from trying not to laugh.

Opening the door he was the first person in the door followed by the others, walking towards the kitchen area before noticing the lights in the kitchen were turned off.

"Ruby what are you doing?" He asked with a frown, knowing that she was hiding somewhere.

Flipping the light switch, Roxas jumped back as the red hooded girl jumped in-front of him with a grin.

"Surprise!" Ruby shouted, her voice joined by Penny and Evelyn and startling both Roxas and Xion.

Looking around at the three of them before spotting something on the dining room table, what looked like to be an unfolded box with a plate in the center with a brown and tan colored cake. On top of it was a series of cream swirls along the edge of the cake and two candles in the middle of it all.

It took a second for everything to click for the Nobody.

Something that he remembered Axel once talking to him about how people celebrated with others, what they would do once they turned another year older.

"It's been an entire year, I can hardly believe it." Xion said, her tone sounding a little wistful.

'Neither can I.' Roxas replied back, both could hardly believe it.

Today was Day 365.

A full year since he first came into existence.

A full year since the process to create her started.

The first full year of their lives, a concept that was completely foreign to them. It had been quite a long year at that too.

"Happy birthday partner." Jack said, placing her hands on his shoulder and breaking both Roxas and Xion from their thoughts. Seeing that she was smirking at him. "And don't say this is all a bit of rubbish such as it's just another day. Penny figured as much when she told us. Did a bang up job planning everything."

Said girl looked a little embarrassed at Jack's praise, but her smiling never faded.

Roxas looked her for a moment, chuckling and shaking his head.

Penny had planned all of this just from their conversation Monday…he didn't have the words to describe it.

"I won't, not after this." Roxas said, a small smile on his face. "Thank you Penny, everyone."

"It's no problem, I just wanted for your first birthday to be something worth celebrating. Even if it's also to celebrate your start on Remnant, today is a day to look back on the year before and look forward towards the one to come. A day no matter how small the celebration, it's best to be done with those close to you." Penny said happily, getting Ruby to nod as she zipped to the other side of the kitchen.

"She's right, on my birthdays they were usually not as big as how Yang likes to throw them but they were always the happiest." Ruby said with a smile, throwing open the cabinets and getting the plates and utensils.

According to Penny only the two of them were allowed to handle everything in the kitchen.

Something Jack and Evelyn backed up quite forcefully.

Ruby decided it was something best left alone.

But hearing what Penny had planned for Roxas reminded her of her own birthdays.

Far as she could remember, she wasn't the best at making friends unlike Yang. Something that carried into Signal and didn't really change until coming to Beacon. A fact that Ruby had been okay with.

Usually it would just be her, their Dad, Zwei these past few years, and Uncle Qrow. No matter where he was on missions at the time, he would always find time to come to Patch for her and Yang's birthdays. Even if he was late half the time.

Still those were some of the best times, and Ruby was at least happy to help Penny bring that out for someone else.

"Like we are going to let you miss out on your first birthday!" Evelyn said, bounding over to her dresser as everyone gathered around the dinning table. Quickly returning to the table, placing a wrapped package on the table and looked at him with a grin. "Go ahead, open it."

Roxas looked between his friend and teammates briefly, Penny smiling at him eagerly as he reached for the package.

Feeling it briefly, tearing away the wrapping he smiled at what was inside.

A leather bound cover with a clasp, flicking it open with his finger Roxa briefly scanned the blank pages before closing it.

It was a new journal.

"Thank you." Roxas said, getting his teammates to smile.

"Know that you're still using your old journal, but we figured that you'd like it either way." Jack said, Roxas nodding with a small smile

"I do." Roxas said, placing the journal in his bag as Ruby grabbed the lighter as they all gathered around the cake. "And the second candle, it's for Xion isn't it?"

He had been wondering about for a bit, settling on that guess. Something which Ruby nodded with a small smile.

"You two were both created today, although she can't be here...you still can't leave this world to see her?" She asked a little worriedly as the Nobody sighed.

"It's far too recent with the Organization searching the worlds out there and I know Xion is far safer away from them than I am. I wish to see her soon, and I hope you get to meet her one day." Roxas said half truthfully. "She would be happy to get to know you one day Ruby ."

Hoping that one day the two of them could meet in person.

"We should really tell Ruby the truth about us soon." Xion sighed out sadly.

'Want to tell her right now.' He replied, more than ready.

However an image of Xion shaking her head flashed through his mind.

"No...let's save it for another time." Xion said, before he got the impression that she was smiling at him. "For now let's blow them out together. And afterwards let's light one back up for Naminé."

Roxas just nodded as Ruby smiled.

"I hope we get to met her soon too." The red hooded girl said, smiling as she Lito the candles.

Taking in a deep breath, Roxas blew out the candles in an instant.

Evelyn shook her head, a small smile on her face as she put her Scroll away and leaned towards Jack.

"Did you get it?" She asked.

"Think Penny beat you to the picture carrots." Jack said with smirk, both noticing Penny happily placing her Scroll down. The rabbit faunus just shrugged as her partner leaned closer to Roxas.

"Did you make a wish?" Penny asked.

Only to be surprised as he shook his head.

"No, why would I make a wish when it already came true." Roxas said with a smile.

They were creating a new life for themselves and surrounded by friends, there was nothing more than he could ask for. Except for one day finding a way to fulfill it for Xion as well.

Penny smiled as Ruby got the knife and started to cut into the cake.

This was not something either Roxas or Xion expected the night to play out. But both of them couldn't be happier at this pleasant surprise.

---

Naminé sat in her room, quietly sketching away in her notebook.

DiZ had locked himself in the basement again, either to improve their security or looking at methods to speed up waking up Sora on his own. Last she knew they were at 6.3% percent of the way there.

Untangling the memories from Xion without harming her or Roxas was a difficult and slow process.

At best Naminé could describe was that over the past few days things were going at a snails pace.

Training with Riku once a day, working on fixing the memories of everyone, and just being around the DiZ in general had her nervous. Progress on the first two was minimum and being in the man's presence was not helping her nerves or speeding things up at all.

Sketching and drawing always calmed her down or gathering her thoughts, but lately she's been spending most of her spare time this week on her hobby and was running out of spare paper.

And Naminé was not going to risk asking DiZ for a spare sketchbook anytime soon or trouble asking Riku for one.

Perhaps she could use some of her older drawings to make a new one?

Naminé placed her finished drawing on the table and got up from her chair to test that out, only to stop as a Corridor opened up in the room.

Riku stepped out of it, closing it behind him as he reached into his bag.

"How are you doing this evening Naminé?" Riku asked as she nodded.

"I'm alright, haven't seen DiZ in hours." Naminé said, Riku just chuckled at that.

"Doubt we'll see him again until tomorrow." He said, pulling something from his bag. "Happy birthday Naimné."

She could only blink in surprise as she saw that he had a sketchbook in his hands. Has it really been a year, it felt like so much longer ago. Time seemed to move a bit slower in Castle Oblivion, the loneliness and the Organization arriving didn't help as well.

But Naminé supposed this was a day Riku wouldn't forget if he could.

"Thank you, Riku. So it has been a year." Naminé said, smiling happily as Riku handed her the notebook. "How did you know?"

"Noticed that you were running out of space, figured I would get you a new one." He said with a small smile. Reaching into his bag, pulling out some sea salt ice cream and getting her to laugh. "What, I thought you liked this?"

"I do, I just half expected you to pull out a sea salt ice cream cake." Naminé, letting out a melodic laugh as Riku's face fell. "You looked for it."

"Tried every single bakery in Twilight Town, not a single one." Riku sighed out. "But I'm glad to see you so happy Naminé."

And she was, this was happiest that Naminé had been all week.

Silently hoping that Roxas and Xion were having a happy birthday day as well.

Plus wishing that this next year will be a whole lot better than her first year of life. Between Riku, training with her Keyblade, and the knowledge of her other halves creating a live for themselves maybe she could think more about what to do after Sora, Donald, and Goofey wake up.

Naminé was broken from her musings as she felt a drop trailing down her hand.

Maybe she could begin after eating the ice cream before it melted away.

---

Penny smiled as she briefly looked up from her Scroll to see a small more of light form at the end of Roxas's finger. Placing it down on the candle, holding the light of per the wick for a few seconds as it started to smoke.

Catching fire and Roxas dispersed the light before blowing it out.

He did say he and Xion were going to do that for their counterpart Naminé.

Still everything went accordingly.

Ruby had been right, using a sea salt caramel and chocolate cake had been the perfect call. Though it seemed a little rich for Jack's tastes.

At least there were a few slices that left. Evelyn even joking they wouldn't be surprised to find Ruby here again tomorrow.

She didn't even deny that either.

It as a shame she had to leave early, Ruby had only really stuck around for cake and the initial celebration before returning to her team. Yet everyone was glad that she had attended at all.

Everything had gone perfectly, all except one last detail she left out to everyone else.

One she was saving for Roxas and Xion tomorrow, after making a few calls.

She'll finally tell them.

"Penny." Jack said, snapping Penny from her thoughts.

Looking up from her Scroll to see the blonde looking at her worriedly.

"Is there something on your mind? You've been staring at your screen for a minute now?" Jack inquired as Penny smiled.

"Sorry, just got a message that a relative will be in Vale briefly tomorrow. Probably try to meet them if I have the time or after using the CCT to call home. Or try to call me first, he tends to get lost in his research." She said honestly, getting Jack to nod.

"Got it." Jack said with a bemused smile, handing Penny a wrapped package. "Now how about we finish this plan of yours."

Penny's smile widened as she hid the package behind her as the two walked towards the kitchen.

Evelyn nodded as Roxas looked between them, the rabbit faunus placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Did you enjoy the show Xion?" She asked as static filled his ears as an image of Xion shaking her head flashed

"I do, just wish that I could actually taste it. And a little more warning next time for Roxas's sake please." She sighed out, getting Evelyn to chuckle as said Nobody have her a pointed look. Also feeling like Xion was giving her one as well.

"Fine." Evelyn said with a huff, before grinning as Jack and Evelyn placed their hands on Roxas's arms.

"Well we have one more surprise for you." Jack said as Penny placed the package in Roxas's hands.

He smiled at the other end of line of the connection went silent for a moment before a warm feeling washed over their Aura and the faint image of a smile.

Opening it for Xion, both saw there was an actually two books on top of the other. The larger one was an exact copy of his new journal and the other was a thinner notebook. One just for her and the other they both figured was probably from their talk this morning.

"Everyone, thank you." Xion said, truly grateful for the gifts before letting out a small laugh. "Though I can't really use this gift right now."

"It was for when you finally gain a new body or you and Roxas to share until then." Penny said with a smile.

"I don't mind writing in two journals if that is what you want Xion." Roxas said honestly, only getting the image of her shaking her head flashing through their connection.

"No, we already do that with your own journal lately. It can wait until we are truly separated…but not completely blank. Can you please write a quick entry Roxas?" Xion said, the Nobody smiled as he pulled a pen from his bag.

"Certainly, anything you want to add?" He asked.

"I'm happy with whatever you wish to write." She said, cutting off the connection as everyone removed their hands off Roxas.

He flipped open the clasp and started to write on the first page, already having an idea in mind as he jotted it down in under a minute. His teammates leaning in as he put the pen away.

"What do you think?" Roxas asked.

"It's perfect Roxas, thank you." Xion said, her smile only matched by Penny's.

Today for both Roxas and Xion had thought that it was just going to be another day adjusting to their new lives. And that was going to be true for tomorrow. Yet thanks to Penny, Jack, Evelyn, and Riby it was perhaps one of the best nights ever.

Something they hoped would be the first of many to come.

Which Xion felt Roxas had managed to capture perfectly in the first entry of her new journal.

Day 365: A Year Later

To a brighter future together with everyone.

Xion hoped one day in the near future to be able to experience it herself. Until then, she'll strive forward with Roxas until that future can become a reality. With him and their friends at her side.

---

The screen flickered for a bit before the author reappeared.

*Hey guys Hakuorofan7 here and I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter.*

*In this chapter it is mainly Roxas, Penny, Evelyn, and Jack adjusting to classes in Beacon as the days go by. With Roxas exploring a bit more of what he wants to do on Remnant and inadvertently triggering Jaune's jealousy by befriending Weiss to such a degree. With his fellow blond still trying to figure out if Roxas was intentionally hitting on her or not. That is a problem that will be dealt with soon enough.*

*Next was the highlight of the chapter for me, Roxas vs. Yang.*

*Honestly a tricky fight to write but a fun one. Honestly at this point in the story she and Pyrrha have the best chance of out right beating him in a fight. For Yang it's her ability to take a hit and strike back twice as hard, like here in the fight. Roxas was also using the chance to experiment in mixing Dust and Twilight Rose with his usual abilities, but still gave it one heck of a fight.*

*As going to have to credit warrior of six blades helping me out with the little pun off between them. Xion might find them amusing, but Roxas will probably reserve them for Yang as long as she keeps calling him Roxy.*

*Finally the moment I've been waiting a long time for, Penny's surprise birthday for Roxas and Xion. A nice little event and one she's been planning in the background of the chapter, knowing that the two of them wouldn't have celebrated on their own. Something the both of them are happy for. Along with a little update on Naminé and the progress of Sora, something it will be a bit before we see them again.*

*That should be all for now.*

*Next chapter sees Team JPER attend their final class for the week before Roxas goes to study with Weiss. With the main focus on the chapter being on Penny as she meets with someone before finally sharing her biggest secret with Roxas. Hope that you all enjoy the chapter when it comes out.*

*If you have any question leave a review or PM me and I'll get back to you when I can. So until next time, ciao!*

The author waves goodbye as the screen fades to black.