[#] I'm happy to see that most liked how Luna's actions are affecting the lives of the other characters.
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COMMENTS:
ThunderBasilisk:
Well, I hope Professor Luna keep working on team CRDL. With him drilling in good habits and not taking any shit from them, it's almost like they are tolerable and have some potential.
Avip:
I wrote like this, treating Old Jaune as a mature person. He might be broken in some instance by his time in the 'Ever After', but his desire to help hasn't changed. Right now he thinks that one of the best way to help others is helping his allies get better, like a teacher or professor should.
ThunderBasilisk:
Yeah Hydras would be an absolute bitch of a Grimm to fight solo. Glad Ozpin finally telling his allies.
Avip:
About the Hydra fight. Usually, good stories with party dynamics similar to RPG adventurers emphasize the importance of fighting as a team, rather than focusing solely on the main guy.
[#*#*# Chapter Start #*#*#]
[COVER]
[Point of view: Weiss Schnee]
I was expecting that the other members of team RWBY would spend their long weekend time wisely, reviewing material for the upcoming exams or perhaps practicing more combat formations that Ruby has been workshopping.
But Yang said, 'screw that', her words not mine. And then proceed to drag us to the Grand Vale Mall to buy dresses for the Beacon dance.
"Why not?" My team leader whines, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks.
"You gotta trust me on this one, Rubes." Insist Yang in a tired tone. "You cant use your red hooded cloak at the dance."
I pinch the bridge of my nose, already exhausted by the endless back-and-forth between Yang and Ruby.
"Yang, you're being unreasonable." I interject. "We can incorporate Ruby's cloak into a formal gown. I've seen designs from Vale's top tailors that could work for Ruby."
Ruby looks at me, hope sparkling in her silver eyes.
"You really think we can put a hooded cloak on a fancy dress?" She asks.
I nod, a small smile playing on my lips.
"Absolutely. Think of it as an accessory. We can-."
"Nope, not happening." Yang waves her hands, cutting me off. "This is also a great opportunity for team-bonding, Weiss. We're doing this together, and we're not throwing money at the problem like a snobby entitled rich little princess."
My eyebrow arches, as I stare at the blonde.
"He-he." Yang laughs awkwardly, noticing what she said to who she said, scratching the back of her neck and avoiding my gaze. "No offense."
"Hmph." I huff turning my face.
Yang's hands clasp together in a pleading gesture, her eyes softening.
"Come on, guys. Let's just do this together at the mall like a regular group of friends, okay? It'll be fun, I promise."
Ruby sighs, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Fine." She agrees dejectedly. "Let's get dresses that are hard to walk in and painfully uncomfortable shoes."
"Alright." I concede with a nod. "It might be interesting to see what the general public considers fashionable."
"Yes." Celebrates Yang, pumping her fist. "How about you Blake?"
The cat faunus of the team lowers the book she is reading while standing, her golden eyes peeking over the top.
"How about what?" Blake's questions, her tone bored, and disinterested as usual.
Ruby giggles, while I also do a poor job hiding the grin on my lips.
But sadly Yang's snaps.
"You know what." She says before grabbing Blake's arm.
"Yang, what are you-.?" Blake begins, her voice laced with sudden alarm.
But Yang ignores her partner and starts dragging her into a nearby shop. Blake stumbles, her book tumbling from her grasp. Her eyes widen, golden orbs darting around, taking in the racks of frilly gowns and sparkling purple accessories approaching.
"I will make you pretty, Blake." Yang grins, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and determination. "And you're gonna love it."
Blake's eyes widened in realization. She digs her heels in, trying to pull away from Yang's iron grip.
"Help! I'm being oppressed by a human!" Blake cries out, her voice echoing through the store.
Shoppers turn to stare, their eyes wide with a mix of amusement and confusion.
"Seriously, Blake?" Yang asks, rolling her eyes. "Are you really playing the race card on me?"
Blake's lips curl into a smirk, her eyes narrowing as she leans into the banter.
"I'll pull every card I've got if it means escaping this frilly, sparkly nightmare."
Yang laughs, a deep, genuine sound that draws a reluctant smile from Blake.
"You're not escaping, Belladonna. You're trying on dresses, shoes, and, as the brother gods are my witness, those kitty-themed hair accessories."
I watch the scene unfold, a small smile playing on my lips. Ruby stands beside me, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she takes in the spectacle.
"Should we help her?" Ruby asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I shake my head, my smile widening.
"No, let's see how this plays out."
Inside the store, Yang drags Blake towards a rack of elegant gowns. Blake whimpers as she finally accepts her fate.
"Fine, but I'm not wearing anything pink." She grumbles, her eyes scanning the rack of dresses with a critical gaze. "I want something black or at least dark purple with black details."
"Deal." Yang grins in victory. "But you have to at least try on whatever I pick for you."
Blake sighs, but nods in agreement. Yang begins to sift through the dresses, her eyes lighting up as she pulls out a stunning simple dark purple gown with intricate black lace detailing. She holds it up to Blake, her grin widening.
"Here, try this one on."
Blake raises an eyebrow, but she takes the dress from Yang, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric. She turns towards the fitting room, her shoulders set with resignation. As she disappears behind the curtain, Yang turns to Ruby and me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Alright, Rubes, you're up next. Let's find something worthy of my precious baby sister."
Ruby's face pale as she swallows hard.
She follows Yang to another rack, her fingers tracing over the various fabrics and designs. I watch them for a moment, a small smile playing on my lips. Despite my initial reservations, I have to admit that Yang's enthusiasm is infectious.
I watch Yang and Ruby casually talking to each other, their laughter echoing through the store as they sort through racks of dresses. The scene makes a pang of longing hit me, the sight of their sisterly bond reminding me of Winter.
My dear sister's stern yet caring guidance shaped me into the huntress, and lady, I am today. I miss her dearly, her unyielding support and constant presence in my life.
But even though I miss my older sister, I can't let myself get dejected. I always have to behave like Winter would: Honorable , resilient, disciplined and most important of all, dignified.
But as I finish my thoughts I freeze in place, as a woman emerges from one of the dressing rooms.
"I can't be." I whisper to myself, jaw dropped.
My eyes widen, shock coursing through me as I take in the sight before me. A woman that I recognize on sight scantily dressed in the most provocative garment I ever saw in my life.
The gown is tight, scandalously so, with barely enough fabric to cover her. It's a far cry from the elegant, sophisticated attire I'm accustomed to seeing her in.
I can't move, can't speak. Because the woman in that outrageous dress is none other than my older sister, Winter Schnee.
[Image / Winter came]
She doesn't see me, her attention focused on a brunette woman standing nearby. Winter approaches her, a small smile playing on her lips.
"So, what do you think of this one, Amber?" Winter asks, her voice confident, as if she isn't wearing the most scandalous dress I've ever seen. "He will definitely get the message."
The now named Amber turns to Winter, her eyes widening as she takes in the dress. She tilts her head, her gaze sweeping over Winter from head to toe.
"It's certainly eye-catching," Amber says, nodding. "But don't you think it's a bit much for the Beacon Dance?"
'WHAT?!' I scream mentally. 'She intends to wear that to the Beacon Dance?'
Puffing her chest, barely contained within the top of her dress, Winter waved her fingers chastising the brunette woman.
"You must remember. We're on a mission of utmost importance," Winter says in a tone far too serious for someone dressed like that. "We can't afford not to give our best."
"I know what you're saying, but..." Amber begins, searching for the right words. "But you look more like you're going to dance on a pole than at Beacon."
Before I could stop myself I spoke scandalized.
"How dare you?" I ask, catching the attention of Winter and her friend.
Both stare in schock at me, probably surprised by my sudden appearance.
Winter coughs into her hand, clearing her throat as she steps towards me, her cheeks still slightly flushed. She stands tall, her postura formal, though her eyes refuse to meet mine directly.
"Weiss," she begins, her voice steady and polite. "It's good to see you… dear sister, but I must admit, I'm surprised to find you here at the mall. It is a school day, after all."
I blink, her words taking a few seconds to finally register in my mind.
"I-I could say the same for you, sister." I stammer, my eyes widening as I gesture to her scandalous attire. "When did you arrive at Vale? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? What in the world are you wearing? And why are you wearing it?"
"A few weeks, classified, a dress for the Beacon Dance, classified." she answers without hesitation.
"Wait." I say raising my hands. "The reason you have to wear such a scandalous dress to the Beacon Dance is an Atlas Military classified information?"
Winter's eyes darts to her brunette friend who shrugs without knowing how to respond, Winter looks back at me and closes her eyes taking a deep breath before answering me.
"That's.. classified." She says dryly.
For the first time in my life, I look at my sister, suspecting that she is hiding something that has nothing to do with work.
While distracted Yang approaches me, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Weiss, what are you doing all alone over here?" She asks.
I open my mouth to respond, but Yang's gaze shifts, landing on Winter. Her jaw drops, eyes widening as she takes in my sister's scandalous attire. I turn to Yang, incredulity etched on my face.
"Be respectful with my sister, Xiao Long." I say in a cold threatening tone.
Without any hesitation or consideration Yang lets out a low whistle, forming finger guns with both hands pointed at Winter.
"Well, damn. Whoever you're after with that dress, they don't stand a chance."
Winter's cheeks flush, a soft pink hue spreading across her face.
"Thank you." She murmurs with a nod in response.
I stare at Winter, aghast.
"Wait." I demand. "Is this dress to seduce someone?"
Yang arches an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Come on, Weiss. It's obvious she's dressing to impress someone." She leans in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Or maybe she's got a side hustle you don't know about."
I gasp, shock coursing through me.
"Yang!" I snap, horrified.
Winter clears her throat, her eyes narrowing as she levels a stern gaze at Yang.
"That's quite enough, Ms. Xiao Long." Says Winter.
Yang's grin widens, her eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity.
"Okay, okay." She concedes, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But who's the lucky guy or girl? I don't judge." She winks playfully.
Winter's expression remains stern, her voice cool and composed.
"That is a personal matter, Ms. Xiao Long. I prefer not to discuss it."
Amber steps forward and gives Winter a side glance with a wicked grin.
Winter's eyes go wide, like she just read her friend's mind.
"Amber Sunstone." Says Winter in a low tone. "Don't you dare."
"His name's John Luna." Says the brunette.
The world seems to halt. A cold dread courses through me, locking my muscles tight as I look at my sister. Beside me, Yang's composure shatters, her jaw going slack. Neither of us can move; the weight of the truth pins us in place.
Winter turns to Amber, her eyes narrowing in a mix of surprise and irritation.
"Amber, why would you divulge that information?"
"What's the harm in telling your sister and her friend? You were acting like it was a state secret." Amber shrugs, lifting a shoulder in a loose, casual motion. "It's not like it's going to cause any real problems or unnecessary drama."
[Point of view: Professor Luna]
I stand in Ozpin's office, back straight, eyes fixed on the center of the room, waiting for the meeting to begin. To my left, Qrow yawns, stretching his arms wide, fatigue etched on his face. I cut him a sideways glance, my elbow connecting with his ribs.
"Come on, Qrow. This is serious."
"Fuck of, John." He grumbles, irritation flashing in his eyes. "It's not my fault Oz called a last-minute meeting so early."
"It's eight-thirty in the morning," I say, glaring at Qrow.
But Qrow just shrugs and yawns.
Before I can respond, the office door swings open. In strides Ozpin, calm and collected, coffee mug in hand.
Ozpin doesn't sit. Instead, he pulls out his scroll, taps a few buttons, and a holographic projection flickers to life.
Three figures materialize in blue.
Professor Theodore from Shade Academy, General Ironwood from Atlas Academy, and Professor Goodwitch from Haven Academy, her expression a mix of annoyance and fatigue.
Before Ozpin can utter a word, Glynda speaks up.
"I hope this is important, professor Ozpin." States Glynda through the projection. "I'm swamped with my current assignment. Babysitting without raising suspicions from Cinder Fall is more tiring than I thought."
Seeing Professor Goodwitch, rigid as ever, brings a nostalgic warmth to my chest. Without any care I turn to greet her projection.
"Morning, Glynda."
A swift 180, her annoyance morphs into warmth.
"Good morning John," She says almost singing. "It's so wonderful to see you!"
"Well, isn't this cozy?" Qrow snickers, a sarcastic smirk twisting his lips.
Glynda's eyes narrow, her voice sharpens.
"Branwen, always a pleasure." She says, her tone drenched in sarcasm.
Ozpin steps forward, entering the circle of people and holographic projections. His voice, steady and solemn, cuts through the tension.
"I extend my sincere gratitude to you all for responding to this summons on such short notice." The immortal wizard commenced in a heavy, somber tone. "I am aware that your schedules are demanding, but I would not have convened this meeting were the matter not of the utmost importance."
He pauses, meeting each of our gazes.
"You represent some of the most influential figures in all of Remnant, and more critically, you constitute the members I hold in highest esteem within my inner circle."
Qrow straightens, the fatigue lifting from his eyes, replaced by a sharp focus realizing the seriousness of Ozpin's tone.
"Jeez… What's this about, Oz?" Qrow asks, worried.
Ozpin sighs, weariness etched in every line of his face.
"I've kept secrets from you all, secrets I've held close to my chest. But it's time I reveal everything. I feel there is no point in hiding more details about Salem."
The room is silent, the air thick with anticipation as Ironwood decides to break the silence.
"I understand that you may have kept some secrets from us in order to keep humanity safe." The General says, crossing his arms. "What is the nature of these secrets and why did you decide to reveal them only now?
Ozpin glances at me, and I nod, encouraging him to continue. He sighs, then begins.
"Today I finally reveal to you all the origin of Salem powers, the final goal of the Queen of all Grimm and my real relations with her."
All eyes are on Ozpin. Ironwood leans in, brow furrowed. Qrow's gaze sharpens. Glynda adjusts her glasses. As Theodore keeps staring intensely.
"And the secret I dread the most sharing with anyone." Ozpin pauses for a second, swallowing hard, gathering courage to speak. "I must now inform you of the truth: Salem cannot be killed."
[#*#*# Chapter End #*#*#]
E ai gurizada?
[#] Winter and Amber joining forces, Ozpin being honest and exposing his secrets. The canon is truly null and void at this point.
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[#] Next chapters already on my 'P(@)TRE-ON':
Chapter 17 - Love Rivals
Chapter 18 - Worth of love
Chapter 19 - Best-day-ever!
Chapter 20 - Reverse Kabedon
Chapter 21 - Am I a DILF?
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr