Chapter 5: The Badge and The Burden

(Lazarus' POV)

Mom: You WILL NOT get anywhere near him!

The blades of my Mother's Scythes became engulfed in blue flames as she rushed at the Grimm, clashing attacks with it... I watched as the fight escalated in brutality, with the humanoid horned Grimm slamming my mother into the concrete... The cries of pain that came from her horrified me as blood splattered over my face...

Me: MOM!!!

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I woke up with a slight jolt just to see that I'm in my Team's dorm at Beacon Academy... So I was a part of a team now... Team LCOC and I'm teammates with three Guardian Beast Hybrid girls. I was about to get up off of my bed before I felt rustling next to me and heard a quiet groan. Then I noticed a descent weight holding my body down and a large lump under my covers. I removed them, only to see Cassandra sleeping in my bed, on top of me... I deadpan and looked at her

Me: Cassandra...

She groaned and her eyes fluttered open with a "Nya~". She sat up, rubbing her eyes in an innocent manor as the covers fell off of her, revealing what she was wearing...

Me: Cassandra... Why are you in my bed...?

She opened her right eye, all the while rubbing her left one before she grunted and yawned with an innocent look... I assume she was too lazy to use her telepathic communication...

Me: Uh huh...

Before anything else could be said...

Cassie: CASSANDRA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?

We both looked over to see a waken up Cassie, whose face was flushed with a bright red blush as she stared at Cassandra, sitting in front of me, in her "nightwear".

Cassandra: *deadpan while yawning* ...?

Cassie: Why were you sleeping in Laz's bed!? No, better question is, why are you exposing yourself to him like that!? I know Laz doesn't really care about those things but he's still a guy!

Cassandra: *deadpan while grunting*

Cassie: That doesn't make it right!

As the two bickered, I blankly stared at them, before looking at Olympia, who was surprisingly still asleep; she was probably a heavy sleeper...

I decided to leave the two "sisters" and headed into the bathroom to get ready for the day. After taking a shower and drying myself, I put on my new uniform, which, thankfully, Ozpin allowed me to just wear it without the vest and replaced it with a black hoodie. After getting ready, I exited the bathroom only to see Cassie still berating Cassandra...

Cassandra: *deadpan while grunting*

Cassie: You SHOULD care! So many things can happen when a guy and girl sleep in the same bed! And for the love of god, have some shame! Wearing that kind of "Pajamas" in front of Laz or ANY guy for that matter, you should be embarrassed!

I sighed and made my way towards the door, before clearing my throat, causing both girls to stop and look at me.

Me: I'll be outside, waiting for you girls to get ready. Wake up Olympia in the process.

And with that, I left the room and closed the door.

"BEING A LEADER CARRIES A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY."
CHAPTER 5: THE BADGE AND THE BURDEN

(Lazarus' POV)

After a few minutes, the girls came out in their uniform, but I noticed Cassandra growling a bit as she fidgeted with her uniform; Olympia chose to go with the thigh-high shocks while Cassia and Cassandra went with the normal knee-length socks.

Cassie: Oh suck it up, Cassandra. It's not THAT bad.

Cassandra glared at her with a slight growl before crossing her arms. I shook my head before looking at Olympia, who seemed really happy, but then I noticed something...

Me: Olympia. How did your wings fit?

Olympia giggled with delight before spinning in the spot and striking a pose.

(That pose)

Olympia: Magic!

We just stared at her...

Me: Right... Well, let's head to class.

Cassie: Don't you want to check up on your sisters?

Me: Huh... good point.

We walked down the hall way to Team RWBY's dorm room, which wasn't far at all. Actually, our rooms were quite close to each other. However, when we got there, the sound of construction equipment could be heard...

Cassie: Uh... Is this normal...?

I just sighed before knocking on the door. Immediately, I was met by my Rosie little sister, whose eyes brightened significantly upon seeing us.

Ruby: Laz! You're just in time to witness our best creation! *opens the door wider* BEHOLD!

We looked into the room where Weiss, Blake and Yang were, only to see their beds arranged like bunk beds... One of them was hanging by rope and the other was supported up by books...

Olympia: Ooohhh, Bunk Beds! We should do the same!

Cassie: And change our sleeping arrangements into awaiting deathtraps? I'll pass...

Me: Well at least, their creative with their work. Good job.

Yang: Aww, thanks bro!

Ruby did an adorable giggle as Blake looked at Cassie, who looked back at her before turning away... Blake downcasts at the gesture...

Me: Hmmm...

Ruby: Alright! Our second order of business is...! *slumps down on Weiss' bed* Classes... Now, we have a few classes together today. At 9, we've got to be-

Cassie: Wait... did you just say 9...?

Ruby: Umm...

Weiss: IT'S 8:55 YOU DUNCE!

Weiss was the first to speed out of the dorm room. We, along with Team JNPR, peaked out from the dorms before...

Ruby: U-Uh, t-to class!

Jaune: C-Class...?

We immediately began to bolt out of the dorm room with Team JNPR close behind.

Jaune: WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!

When we caught up to Weiss, Cassandra suddenly extended her two Tentacles and huddled all of us towards her.

Me: Cassandra what are you-

Cassie: NO! DON'T YOU DARE-

Suddenly, we all ended up in a pile on the floor at the door of Professor Port's class. I heard the class laughing as we all groaned in pain...

Cassie: -Do that...

Blake: Cassandra... Please don't ever do that again...

Cassandra: *grunts in agreement* ......

Then... Olympia happened...

Olympia: That. Was. So. COOL!!!

We all, including Ruby groaned at that. After that whole situation, we were seated in class; Team RWBY sat in front of us, while JNPR sat behind us.

Port: Monsters Deeeeeemons... Prowlers of the night! Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names, but I merely refer to them as prey! Ha-ha.

As Port told his stories, I got lost in thought. Cassie next to me, was reading a book while Cassandra fell asleep on my shoulder. Olympia on the other hand, was seemingly paying attention, but was drawing scribbles in her book. He tried with the joke but no one laugh. In fact, the joke was so bad, that it awoke Cassandra from her slumber with an annoyed growl. Heck, he even woke up Ruby, it was that bad...

Port: Uhh... And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy! Now, as I was saying, Vale, as well as the other three kingdoms, are safe havens in an otherwise treacherous world! Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than to tear you to pieces! And that's where we come in. Huntsmen! Huntresses!

Port winked at Yang, who cringed, uncomfortable. I heard slight growling next to me and when I looked, I saw Cassandra glaring at Port.

Port: Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves! From what, you ask? Why, the very world!

Suddenly Olympia stood up and raised her fist into the air...

Olympia: Ayyyy-yep!

We all looked at her, only for her to start blushing from embarrassment.

Me: No... Just no.

Tapping her index fingers together in embarrassment, Olympia sat back down before slamming her head into the desk to hide her reddened face.

Olympia: *muffled* Ooohhh why did I do that!? Now everyone's gonna think I'm THAT kind of kid!

Port: That is what you are training to become. But first, a Story. A tale of a young handsome man... Me! When I was a boy...

I sighed...

Port: Despite smelling of cabbages, my grandfather was a wise man. "Peter" He told me...

Ruby: Psst!

Me and my Teams attention was grabbed by Ruby, who while snickering, showed us a poorly drawn picture of Professor Port, named, Professor Poop. Yang, Blake, Olympia, Cassie and Cassandra began to giggle at it while is shook my head with a slight smile at my little sister's childish antics. Weiss on the other hand, was not happy.

Port: Ahem!

We immediately snapped our attention back to Port, who was eying us before he continued his story.

Port: In the end, the Beowolf was no match for my sheer tenacity and I returned to my village with the beast in captivity and my head held high celebrated as a hero! *bows*

Cassie: *mumbles* Yeah, yeah. Very believable... Just get on with the lessons already...

Port: And the moral of the story, a true Huntsman must be honorable. A true Huntsman must be dependable. A true Huntsman must be strategic, well educated and wise. So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits.

Immediately the hand from a very angry Weiss went up.

Weiss: I do sir!

Port: Well then, let's find out. Step forward and face your opponent!

>>Time Skip brought to you by Chibi Cassandra kissing Chibi Olympia, Teams RWBY and JNPR, who all had massive blushes on their faces before telepathically communicating with all of them.<<

Weiss came back from the locker room in her normal combat gear and her rapier, Myrtenaster, before going up to the stage. When she did RBY cheered for her but she just glared at Ruby specifically. Professor Port proceeded to unleash a Boarbatusk from a cage at her as she engaged it but it was giving her a run for her money, even temporarily disarming her. Ruby attempted to give her advice such as striking the belly of the Boarbatusk as it wasn't armored but Weiss just shushed her; ironically enough, she actually took the advice and stabbed the belly of the Boarbatusk, killing it. She gave Ruby another glare before leaving to put away Myrtenaster and to change back into her uniform.

Jaune: What's her problem?

Ruby: I don't know... but I'm about to find out. I'll see you guys back at the dorms.

Ruby went to chase after Weiss. We all looked at each other before I stood up.

Me: I'll go check on them.

After leaving Port's classroom, I immediately heard the argument between Ruby and Weiss.

Ruby: Weiss!

Weiss: What!?

Ruby: What's wrong with you? Why are you being-

Weiss: What's wrong with me!? What's wrong with you! You're supposed to be a leader and all you've been so far is a nuisance!

Ruby: What did I do!?

Weiss: That's just it! You've done nothing to earn your position! Back in the forest, you acted like a child and you've continued to do so!

Ruby: Weiss, where is this coming from? What happened to all of the talk about working together? I thought you believed in acting as a team...

Weiss: Not a team led by you. I've studied, and trained, and quite frankly, I deserve better. Ozpin made a mistake.

With that, she walked away as Ruby looked down, on the verge of tears... I walked over to her and pulled her into a hug...

Ruby: *tearful* L-Laz...?

I sighed...

Me: You know, a Schnee saying those things to people they think are below them are second nature now...

Ruby: Laz... I-Is she right...? Did Ozpin make a mistake?

???: Well that could have gone better, don't you think?

We both turned around, only to see Ozpin standing there with his mug.

Me: Professor?

Ozpin: I'll talk with your sister, Mr. Rose. I think you may want to talk to her teammate.

Me: ...Right. I'll leave my sister to you.

Ozpin nodded at me. I looked down at Ruby.

Me: I'll go talk to Weiss. But just know, that I think you'll be a great leader in time.

She smiled at me with tears in her eyes.

Ruby: Thanks Laz... That means a lot.

I gave her a smile before planting a kiss on her forehead, causing her to giggle.

(3rd Person POV)

Lazarus left his sister with Ozpin and went to find Weiss. After some time of walking, he heard two voices, which sounded like Port and Weiss. He followed the voices to find Port speaking to Weiss on a balcony.

Port: I see a girl before me who has spent her entire life getting exactly what she wanted.

Weiss: That's not even remotely true... Well... not entirely true...

Port: So the outcome did not fall in your favor. Do you believe that acting in such a manner would cause those in power to reconsider their decision? So instead of fretting about what you don't have, savor what you do. Hone your skills, perfect every technique and be not the best leader, but the best person you can be.

When Port left the scene, Weiss sat on the bench and looked out to the sunset. That's when Lazarus decided to make himself known.

Lazarus: You know, he's right.

Weiss sighed without looking back at him.

Weiss: What are you doing here, Lazarus?

Lazarus: *while walking towards her* I came to talk to you about the whole, leader situation, but Port already beat me to it. So frankly, I don't need to tell you anything.

Weiss: I assume you heard everything?

Lazarus: I did.

Lazarus stopped next to the bench Weiss sat on and looked out into the sunset with her.

Lazarus: You know... I understand your point of view. After having everything handed to you with the snap of a finger, you expect to get what you wanted here. But unfortunately, that's just not how things work here... Me on the other hand, I never expected anything. After being treated like low class garbage for so long, I eventually got numb to that feeling.

Weiss just sighed.

Lazarus: I know Ruby can be... childish at some times, but that's just her personality. Leader or not, she's always going to have that innocent, child-like personality, because it's what makes her, her, and no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to change that fact about her. If you tried to, you'd be trying to control her life.

He looked at her, only to see her lowering her head.

Lazarus: There was a reason why Ozpin let Ruby into the academy two years early and I think part of this is because she has that positive spark that never dims, no matter how bad the situation may seem. That kind of spark is what we need to be honest in this dreary world... Ruby will soon shape into a fearless and honorable leader... But in order for her to do that, she'll need her teammates... Including you, Weiss.

Weiss finally looked up at Lazarus, who had his arms crossed as he looked out into the sunset.

Lazarus: Being a leader carries a lot of responsibility. The responsibility for each and every one of your safety, falls in Ruby's hands. One wrong move could put any one of you in danger. And then that burden's now placed on Ruby's shoulders. But that's why she has you, Blake and Yang, to share that burden, so she can better herself. If I made a wrong order, and Cassie, Olympia or Cassandra got hurt, I would never forgive myself...We've only been a team for one day and I already feel more attached to them than ever...

Lazarus patted Weiss on her head, causing her to look back at him.

Lazarus: Weiss, Ruby's trying her best. But if you want her to become that leader that you think you deserve, then help her. Help her become that leader. She's your partner after all and partners stick by each other's side and help one another no matter the situation.

Weiss had no words as she seeming pondered the things Lazarus told her, before looking back at him with a small smile.

Weiss: Right... Thank you, Lazarus. I'll go make it up to her.

What Weiss wasn't expecting however, was to see the stoic vampire smile at her. Seeing his lips curve upwards into a smile caused her eyes to widen.

Lazarus: You're welcome. Well, I wish you luck, Weiss Schnee.

Patting her head again, he walked back into the building. Weiss watched as he went, before the image of him smiling at her flashed in her head, causing a massive blush to appear on her face.

Weiss' thoughts: He just... smiled at me...

>>Time Skip brought to you by Chibi Ruby chasing Chibi Cassie, trying to touch her tails<<

In team RWBY's, the entire team, minus Weiss, who wasn't in the room were asleep. Ruby had a textbook open and an empty coffee mug on the bed. Suddenly, Weiss woke her up.

Ruby: Weiss! I-I was studying, and then I fell asleep! I'm sorry...-

Weiss shushed her by putting her hand over her mouth before making a "shush" gesture.

Weiss: How do you take your coffee?

Ruby: I... I don't...

Weiss: Just answer the question!

Ruby: Uhh, cream and five sugars!

Weiss: *sighs* Don't move.

Weiss ducked under the bed before coming up with a fresh cup of coffee, handing it too Ruby.

Ruby: Um, thanks Weiss.

Weiss smiled at her before looking apologetic.

Weiss: Ruby... I think you have what it takes to be a good leader. Just know, that I'm going to be the best teammate you'll ever have! Good luck studying!

Weiss ducked back under before going back up again.

Weiss: That's wrong by the way.

Ruby: Gah!

Weiss opened the door and was about to leave before looking at Ruby.

Weiss: Hey, Ruby...

Ruby: Uh huh?

Weiss:... I've always wanted Bunk Beds as a kid.

She left the door room, leaving a happy Ruby. Weiss closed the door before an image of Lazarus smiling at her flashed through her mind. She then blushed but at the same time, smiled while holding her chest.

Weiss: Thank you, Laz...

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Lazarus had just entered his teams dorm, only to find Cassie and Olympia already asleep. But Cassandra was sitting on HIS bed, in her "Sleepwear". Realizing what was about to happen, Lazarus sighed before going into the bathroom and changing into his sleepwear. After that, he came back out and went towards his bed before looking at Cassandra with a deadpan.

Lazarus: Cassandra...

Cassandra: *grunts with a "huh"* ...?

Lazarus: You know there are four beds for a reason... right?

Cassandra: *grunts while nodding*

Lazarus: Are you not going to make use of that reason?

Cassandra seemingly pondered on his words before smiling innocently at Lazarus. She shook her head with a "nope" sound before lying down on his bed, causing Lazarus to sigh.

Lazarus: I thought so... Welp, good night...

He said while lying down on his bed, with Cassandra inching next to him. She hummed in response before they let the need for sleep take them over.

END
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Has Weiss started to fall for Lazarus? Well we'll find out soon enough.

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