Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't

Chapter 67: A Day at the Orphanage

Within the austere confines of General Ironwood's office, an air of restrained anticipation pervaded the space. Shirou, Team RWBY, and Team JNPR stood in disciplined attention, awaiting the General's address. Ironwood, his demeanor a perfect synthesis of authority and quiet appreciation, surveyed them all before speaking.

"Your collective efforts have not gone unnoticed," he declared, his voice resolute. "You have displayed exceptional fortitude and efficiency in the field. As a result, I am granting you an extended reprieve from duty. You are to take the next several days to recuperate and regroup."

A beat of silence ensued before Ruby's eyes widened in incredulity. "Wait… we actually get time off?"

Ironwood nodded. "You've earned it."

The reaction was immediate—a chorus of relieved sighs, subdued yet palpable excitement. Nora, irrepressible as ever, let out a victorious cheer, while Jaune, visibly relieved, ran a hand through his hair. Even Weiss, so often composed, permitted herself the briefest flicker of a smile.

Ren, ever measured, offered a respectful nod. "Thank you, General."

Ironwood allowed a small, rare smile. "Dismissed."

Back in their dormitory, conversation turned lively as plans for their unexpected leisure time took shape. Yang and Ruby debated an excursion into Mantle; Nora, predictably, campaigned for an all-day pancake feast. Amidst the discourse, Shirou, silent yet purposeful, began assembling ingredients in the compact dorm kitchen.

Nora, ever perceptive when food was involved, leaned over with a grin. "Whatcha making?"

Shirou, focused on measuring flour, replied evenly, "I promised to visit the orphanage in Mantle. Thought I'd bring cookies for the kids."

The room quieted for a moment before Ruby clapped her hands. "That's a fantastic idea! Let's all go with you!"

"Yeah!" Jaune agreed enthusiastically. "They'd love to see us again."

Spurred by collective enthusiasm, the team embarked on an impromptu baking session. The kitchen transformed into a whirlwind of activity—Nora and Yang engaged in an ill-advised egg-juggling contest, Weiss sternly reprimanded Ruby for sneaking bites of dough, and Blake, ever the observer, smirked as she subtly pilfered a stray chocolate chip. Even Ren, normally the embodiment of restraint, chuckled as he oversaw the oven operations.

By the session's end, an impressive assortment of cookies had been prepared, ready for delivery. Shirou, ever meticulous, ensured each batch was perfectly baked and carefully packed for transport, while the others marveled at the sheer volume of sweets they had managed to create in a single afternoon.

A crisp breeze greeted them as they arrived at the orphanage in Mantle. The moment they crossed the threshold, a chorus of youthful voices rang out.

"Shirou! Jaune!"

A horde of children swarmed them, laughter echoing as small hands tugged at sleeves. Shirou, his usual composure melting into warmth, ruffled a boy's hair. Jaune, meanwhile, found himself under siege as two energetic children clung to his legs.

One of the caretakers approached, her expression one of gratitude. "It's always wonderful when you visit."

The team wasted no time immersing themselves in activities. Jaune and Oscar were immediately drawn into an animated game of tag, their laughter intermingling with the delighted shrieks of children. Ren settled into a quiet corner, his voice a steady cadence as he read to a group of wide-eyed listeners. Nora and Yang, ever the entertainers, performed exaggerated antics that left the room in stitches. Blake and Weiss gravitated towards the older girls, engaging in discussions of literature, while Ruby thrilled the younger ones with bursts of speed from her semblance, trailing rose petals in her wake.

As the visit continued, Shirou took time to assist with small tasks around the orphanage—repairing broken toys, helping with minor maintenance, and listening intently to the caretakers about their ongoing needs. It was a reminder of why he had chosen to come, of the impact even small gestures could make in the lives of those who had little.

As the afternoon waned, the children gathered around Shirou, their eager expressions expectant. Even his friends, drawn by curiosity, took seats around the storytelling circle.

"What story do you have for us today?" one child asked.

Shirou considered before nodding. "Tonight, I'll tell you about some more legendary heroes."

He began with Muramasa, the unparalleled swordsmith whose blades were said to thirst for blood. He spoke of the swordsman's tragic legacy—that his weapons, while masterpieces, were thought to bring misfortune upon their wielders. The children listened in awe, some glancing at Shirou's own swords, wondering if they, too, carried the weight of destiny.

Next, he recounted the tale of Joan of Arc, the warrior-saint who led an army to victory with nothing but faith and an unyielding spirit. He described how she was guided by visions, how she defied kings and generals alike, and how she met her fate with unwavering courage. Blake, sitting nearby, found herself deeply moved by the tale of a woman who fought against impossible odds.

Then came Sir Roland, the noble paladin of Charlemagne, who stood his ground in the face of overwhelming foes. Shirou narrated the legend of Roland's final stand at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, where he refused to sound his oliphant until it was too late. His bravery resonated deeply with Jaune, who listened in rapt attention, silently comparing the paladin's noble sacrifice to his own aspirations as a huntsman.

Lastly, he told the story of Siegfried, the dragon slayer, whose battle against the mighty Fafnir granted him near-invincibility. He described the cunning, the sheer bravery, and the ultimate betrayal that led to Siegfried's downfall. Ruby gasped in excitement at the thought of fighting a dragon, while Yang nodded in approval at the hero's fearlessness.

As Shirou concluded, a small voice piped up, "Will you tell us more next time?"

Shirou smiled. "Of course."

His friends exchanged glances, realizing that they, too, had been captivated by the stories, drawn into a past where legends shaped the world.

As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, goodbyes were exchanged. The children, clutching their cookies as treasured possessions, waved with fervor.

"Come back soon!" they chorused.

Ruby beamed. "We will."

With warmth lingering in their hearts, the team set off for Atlas Academy.

Upon their return, Shirou and Blake took charge of preparing dinner, working in seamless tandem. As they moved through the motions of cooking, they reflected on the day, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Meanwhile, Weiss's scroll buzzed. Seeing the name displayed, she sighed before answering.

"I trust you had a fulfilling day?" Jacques Schnee's voice carried a measured politeness.

Weiss narrowed her eyes. "What do you want, Father?"

Jacques chuckled lightly. "Simply to inform you that I have finalized all arrangements for Miss Belladonna and Mr. Emiya's upcoming date. Reservations, activities, all meticulously selected."

Weiss arched a skeptical eyebrow. "Why are you so invested?"

A pause. Then, in an uncharacteristically sincere tone, Jacques replied, "Because I am grateful—to him, to all of you. This is simply a gesture of appreciation."

Weiss scrutinized his words, searching for deception. Finding none, she exhaled. "Alright. Thank you."

Dinner was a convivial affair. The team shared stories, laughter, and reflections on the day's events. Weiss found herself smiling more than usual, Blake and Shirou quietly enjoyed the meal together, and Nora animatedly recounted the children's reactions to their antics. As the evening wound down, they all felt a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing they had brought joy to those who needed it most.