A Few Days Later

Beacon Academy

Weiss: Everything is nearly ready, but we can't get complacent!

Ruby: Weiss! Wait up!

Weiss, Ruby, and Yang, were walking together through the halls of Beacon academy.

Weiss read through the clipboard she had, with the requirements for the upcoming Vytal Festival Ball.

Weiss: No! You speed up!

Ruby and Yang picked up the pace, trying to keep up with Weiss.

Yang: You know, team CFVY said they'd be more than happy to take over the planning.

Weiss: No way! We're already so far along!

Yang shrugged.

Yang: See? I told you she'd say no.

Ruby: It was worth a try, I guess...

Weiss: Ruby!

Ruby: Yeah?

Weiss: You need to make sure we have enough tables for the ball.

Ruby: But, the auditorium has hundreds of tables for us to use.

Weiss: Double check! Yang!

Yang: I already made sure the sound system is ready, we just have to set it up.

Weiss: Excellent! You should take the initiative like your sister, Ruby.

Ruby sighed.

Ruby and Yang, now caught up, looked over Weiss' shoulder to see what still needed to be done.

While looking over the list, Yang noticed that the catering company was crossed off.

Yang: Hey, what happened to the catering?

Weiss: That? Oh, I cancelled it.

Ruby: What!? Why!?

Yang: I don't know if you know this, but the amount of food we need for the event is very high.

Weiss: Don't worry, Y/N said he'd do it.

Ruby: Y/N? But I thought you promised him that you wouldn't make him do that?

Weiss: I explained the situation we were in and he agreed to do it.

Ruby: Y/N agreed?

Weiss: Yes he did, look.

Weiss led the group to the kitchen and opened the door.

A strong scent of baking and food flooded out of the kitchen. Looking inside, the three girls saw Y/N baking shelf upon shelf of pastries.

What caught Ruby and Yang off guard was the fact that Y/N looked like a zombie.

Weiss: See?

Hearing Weiss' voice, Y/N looked her dead in the eyes.

(Y/N): Kill me.

Weiss: Later.

As quickly as she opened it, Weiss slammed the door shut.

Weiss: Moving on!

Ruby and Yang: ._.

Weiss: We need to select the correct table coverings that matches the theme.

Ruby: Weiss, when he said he "agreed", did he actually mean it?

Weiss: Yes, definitely.

He didn't.

Ruby and Yang sighed, clearly not believing their teammate.

As they continued walking with Weiss, Ruby didn't fail to notice that Blake wasn't there.

Ruby: Is Blake still not going to the dance?

Weiss: I haven't even been able to talk to her for the past couple days...

Yang: She'll come around.

Ruby: I hope so.

_____

_____

Beacon Academy Kitchen

Y/N grabbed another bowl and began to mix the dough with chocolate morsels.

(Y/N): -_-

The oven beeped, causing Y/N to grab an oven mitt and pull the now finished food out and replaced it with another tray of food.

Y/N continued to bake food until he heard a knock at the door.

Ren: Hello?

(Y/N): Oh, hi Ren.

Ren opened the door and saw all that Y/N was doing and already done.

Ren: Wow, this is quite the operation you have here.

Nora: I'll say!

Popping up behind Ren, was Nora.

(Y/N): -_- Hey guys. Is there something you guys need?

Ren: Actually, we came to help you. I heard that Weiss made you cater the event, so me and Nora agreed to help you.

Nora's eyes sparkled as she say the baked wonderland of Y/N's food.

Nora: *drools* Yeah... help you...

(Y/N): Nora, don't eat the food. But I'll take whatever you guys can give me.

Nora: Yay!

Ren and Nora smiled as they joined in, in helping Y/N bake.

Ren noticed the bags under Y/N's eyes as he continued to bake.

Ren: How long have you been baking in here?

(Y/N): Hmm... What day is it?

Ren: Thursday.

(Y/N): Oh. I've been here for three days.

Nora: You've been in here for three days!?

Nora had three cookies in her mouth as she spoke.

(Y/N): Stop eating the food, and yes.

Ren: Wow, I'm surprised you're still here.

(Y/N): Me too...

Ren: You're very patient, Y/N.

(Y/N): I am?

Nora: Yeah! I don't think I've ever seen you lose your mind!

(Y/N): It takes a lot to get a rise out of me, really.

Ren: What's your secret?

(Y/N): Brain concussions.

Ren: What?

(Y/N): Going to my happy place.

Ren: ...Right.

The oven beeped and Y/N grabbed the tray out of the oven and put in on an open shelf.

Nora stared at the freshly made rolls with drool dripping from her mouth.

(Y/N): Don't eat them Nora.

Nora: Psh! I would never!

(Y/N): Uhuh...

As Y/N watched Nora, the door to the kitchen burst open.

Jaune: Ren! Ah! Y/N's here too! Perfect!

Jaune ran in between Y/N and Ren, accidentally knocking over some eggs.

(Y/N): Jaune, I needed those.

Jaune: This is an emergency!

Ren: What is it?

Jaune looked at Nora.

Jaune: Do you think you could give us a little privacy, Nora?

Nora: Uh...?

Jaune: Great!

Jaune quickly pushed Nora out of the kitchen before closing the door.

Jaune: Okay guys, this is really important.

(Y/N): What is this "emergency"?

Jaune took a deep breath.

Jaune: Girls.

Ren:...Girls?

(Y/N): *sigh* I don't like where this is going.

Jaune: Y/N, Ren, you guys are my best friends. The three of us have really bonded over the past few months and I consider you guys the brothers I never had!

Ren: As do I.

(Y/N): Jaune, you need to be more outgoing.

Jaune: So... I was... I don't know....

Jaune looked down, struggling to find the right words to say.

Jaune: I-I wanted your guys' advice on how to get girls.

There was a brief silence as Ren and Y/N thought about what Jaune asked them.

Ren: Um.... I don't know...

Jaune: W-what about you, Y/N?

When Jaune and Ren looked over to Y/N, his eye was twitching. A lot.

Jaune: Are you okay, Y/N?

(Y/N): Yep! *eye twitching*

Ren and Jaune: ._.

Y/N quickly shook his head to get his eye to stop twitching.

(Y/N): Shouldn't you ask... I don't know, a girl for advice on asking girls out?

Ren: That does seem like the logical way to approach this.

Jaune: You don't think I haven't tried that?

Ren: Jaune, calling your mom doesn't count.

Jaune threw his arms up in the air.

Jaune: Then I got nothing.

Y/N continued to stir the dough he had in the bowl in front of him and sighed.

(Y/N): Don't you have female teammates, Jaune? -_-

Jaune: That's a great idea! Ren, how did you and Nora... you now...

(Y/N): I meant ask them directly...

The door to the kitchen opened up and Nora peeked through.

Nora: Me and Ren aren't... together-together...

(Y/N): Really?

Nora: Yes, really!

Jaune: Nora! I said privacy!

Nora: Eep!

Nora quickly shut the door again.

(Y/N): What's going on, Jaune?

Jaune sighed and sat down on a nearby stool.

Jaune: It's Weiss.

Ren: Ah.

(Y/N): Oh, did she threaten you too?

Jaune: No! I-it's just... *sigh* I'm completely head over heels for her, and she won't even give me a chance. She's cold, but she's also incredible. She's smart, graceful, and talented. I mean, have you heard her sing?

(Y/N): I've heard her insults. -_-

Jaune: I-I just wish she'd take me seriously, you know? I wish I could tell her how I feel without messing it all up.

(Y/N): Sounds like you already do know what to tell her.

Jaune: I do?

(Y/N): Yeah, just tell her what you just told us.

Jaune: But what if-

(Y/N): What you just told us came from your heart, I can't think of any girl that would outright reject a confession like that.

Jaune looked away.

Jaune: But-

(Y/N): Jaune, I told you before, you have a good heart...

Y/N put a hand on Jaune's shoulder and smiled.

(Y/N): ...start using it.

Jaune looked at Y/N and a smile grew on his face.

Jaune: Thanks.

Ren: Wow, that was pretty good advice.

(Y/N): I watch a lot of romance shows.

Ren: You watch romance shows?

(Y/N): What's wrong with romance!? I'm allowed to watch it.

Jaune, now with the confidence he was looking for, made his way to the door.

Jaune: Thanks guys! I- oh hey Pyrrha!

Outside the door, waiting with Nora, was Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: H-hey Jaune...

Jaune: Well, excuse me, I have a date with destiny!

Jaune ran off, leaving his three teammates at the kitchen.

Pyrrha rubbed her arm as she watched Jaune run off.

Nora: Don't give up.

Pyrrha: I'll try...

(Y/N): Wait, why are you here?

Pyrrha was brought out of her depressed mood when Y/N asked his question.

Pyrrha: Oh! I-I just wanted to... uh... help bake!

(Y/N): But you don't bake.

Y/N narrowed his eyes and looked at the shelves of foods he made and noticed that many were missing.

(Y/N): What the-!? You guys just want to eat my baking!

Y/N looked at Ren who had some jelly on his mouth.

Ren: Uhhhhh....

(Y/N): Et tu, Ren!?

Nora: *Nom* Hmmmm~

In her hands, Nora was eating a couple pastries.

(Y/N): That's it! Out! Out out out!

Y/N pushed the remaining members of team JNPR out the door.

(Y/N): You guys are completely heartless! Using me to just get free snacks.

Y/N walked back into the kitchen and came out with a tray of freshly baked pastries.

Nora: Is that for us!?

Nora had a bright smile on her face.

(Y/N): No!

Nora's smile dropped.

(Y/N): Weiss' sister, Winter, expects me to constantly give her "samples" of all the pastries I bake.

Pyrrha: You have to send pastries to Weiss' sister?

(Y/N): Yeah! I do! The one time I was late with this she sent a squad of soldiers down here!

Ren: That... seems extreme.

(Y/N): It was! And I'm not sure who was more afraid, me or the poor soldiers that she sent!

Pyrrha: Are you sure we can't a just a few?

(Y/N): No! I bake for you guys all the time! Besides, you'll have plenty during the ball tomorrow!

Nora: Hmph. Fine.

Nora crossed her arms and looked away.

(Y/N): To make sure you three don't try anything...

Y/N pulled a key out from his pocket and locked the door to the kitchen.

(Y/N): This way, the food will be safe.

Nora shrugged.

Nora: Eugh...

Y/N glared at the three students in front of him.

(Y/N): Dont. Eat. The. Food. Got it?

Ren: Okay.

Pyrrha: *sigh* Alright.

Nora: Alright, I promise not to eat any of your food.

(Y/N): Great.

Behind her back, Nora had her fingers crossed.

_____

_____

A Little While Later

Y/N rubbed his face as he walked across the academy's campus.

(Y/N): Uuuuugh... This place has to be trying to kill me... -_-

Y/N yawned.

(Y/N): I'll bake a few more batches, then I'm going to bed.

As Y/N re-entered the building he ended up running into Blake, who was returning to her dorm room. She didn't seem to notice Y/N approach since she was lost in thought.

(Y/N): Hey, Blake.

Y/N's greeting brought Blake back to reality.

Blake: Oh, hello Y/N.

The two students looked at each other, had clear bags under their eyes.

(Y/N): You look tired.

Blake: I could say the same about you.

Y/N and Blake smiled at each other and the two started walking together.

(Y/N): So, where have you been the past couple days?

Blake: I've...

Blake hesitated for a moment.

Blake: I've been overworking myself.

(Y/N): Overworking yourself? With what?

Blake sighed.

Blake: With... research.

(Y/N): Is that so?

Y/N could tell that she was holding something back, but didn't press on it.

(Y/N): Well, don't push yourself too hard, you'll get grey hair and wrinkles!

Blake smirked.

Blake: Shut up, I already got an earful from Yang, I'm actually heading back to the dorm room. What have you been up to?

(Y/N): -_- Weiss is having me bake for the upcoming ball.

Blake: I thought she promised she wouldn't do that to you.

(Y/N): She did. Her older sister, however, didn't.

Blake recalled Y/N's first encounter with Weiss' older sister.

Blake: Oh. Then you have no choice then.

Y/N sighed.

As the two of them continued down the hall, Blake still had something on her mind. She glanced at Y/N occasionally, having difficulty deciding whether to ask or not. After thinking for a bit longer, she took a deep breath.

Blake: Hey, Y/N.

Y/N glanced over at Blake.

(Y/N): Hm? Yeah?

Blake: I... I wanted to know about something.

(Y/N): What is it?

Blake: What did you do before you came to Vale?

(Y/N): Oh, uh...

Y/N started to sweat slightly.

(Y/N): W-why the sudden interest?

Blake: I just... wanted to know.

(Y/N): This wouldn't have anything to do with your "research", would it?

Blake: I...

Blake sighed.

Blake: It'd be better If I just came clean. Back when you and Ruby were talking in your room, I could hear the whole conversation.

(Y/N): Wait, what?

Y/N looked at Blake, who pointed to her bow.

Blake: Faunus, remember?

(Y/N): Oh.

Blake: I didn't tell anyone! I'm just... I just want to know...

(Y/N): About the scars?

Blake sheepishly looked at Y/N.

Blake: Y...yeah.

Y/N sighed and scratched his head.

(Y/N): If you heard our conversation, then you heard the part where I said, "I don't really like talking about them".

Blake: Yes, I heard that part too... But I... I just want to know if...

(Y/N): If?

Blake grabbed Y/N by the arm and pulled him to the side of the hall, and after taking a quick look around to make sure no one was around, she continued.

Blake: If it had anything to do with the White Fang.

(Y/N): The White Fang, what?

Blake: You can tell me. Are you a defector? Or... or a spy? Or... or...

Blake's voice began to trail off as she tried to force out the next couple words.

(Y/N): No, I didn't get them from the White Fang. The first time I've ever run into them was back at the docks in Vale.

Blake: I see...

While Blake was slightly relieved to hear that the White Fang weren't responsible for whatever happened to Y/N, new questions on where he actually got them started to float in her mind.

Y/N noticed that Blake still had a concerned look on her face.

(Y/N): You don't have to worry about me, your "training" will protect me.

Blake: Right.

A small smile began to grow on Blake's face.

(Y/N): Don't be so broody. You'll get all wrinkly and stone-faced, and I don't think Sun is into that.

Blake: Shut up.

Blake lightly hit Y/N in the stomach before continuing down the hall. Blake liked Y/N, she had met plenty of people in her life and she was glad to have Y/N as a friend. But she still couldn't shake her feeling of suspicion on him.

Eventually, Blake and Y/N found their way in front of the entrance to the kitchen.

(Y/N): Welp, this is my stop. I'll see you later.

Blake: Alright, see you later.

(Y/N): Hey, get some sleep. You look like a zombie.

Blake chuckled.

Blake: So do you.

(Y/N): Yes, but I'm not going to the dance with Sun. If you show up like that, he'll never let you live it down.

Blake smiled as she rolled her eyes.

Blake: Don't worry I will, you just focus on getting sleep yourself.

Y/N smiled and waved goodbye and pulled out his key.

Blake turned around and began to walk away. As she did so, she could still hear Y/N when he started talking.

(Y/N): What the!? Why's the door unlocked?... Wait a second!

Y/N kicked down the door and saw Nora gorging herself on the pastries he made.

(Y/N): Nora!!!!

Nora froze, with a cinnamon roll a few inches from her mouth.

Nora: o_o

(Y/N): Don't you dare!!!!

Nora looked at the cinnamon roll.

(Y/N): Don't!!

Nora glanced at Y/N and then back to the cinnamon roll.

(Y/N): Nora!!

Nora began to sweat.

Cinnamon Roll: Eat me Nora...

(Y/N): Don't!!

Cinnamon Roll: Search your feelings...

(Y/N): You!!

Cinnamon Roll: It is your destiny...

(Y/N): Dare!!

Nora started to drool.

Back outside the kitchen Blake turned around, curious at the shouting going on in the kitchen. Blake found herself startled when she could hear screaming coming from the kitchen.

(Y/N) AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

Nora: AAAAHHHH!!!!

Blake rushed to the kitchen and peeked inside. What she saw made her freeze in a mixture of horror and comedy.

Looking inside, Blake saw Y/N trying to stuff Nora into a large pie.

(Y/N): I told you not to eat my pastries!

Nora: Noooo!!! I'm Sorry!!

(Y/N): So, you will take their place!! The main course shall be "Nora Pot Pie"!!!

Nora: Noooooo!!! Ahhhhh!!!

Nora was covered in dough and jelly and the lower half of her body was already in the pie tray.

Blake: ._.

Nora noticed Blake peeking in.

Nora: Blake! Help me! I don't want to be a delicious center piece!!

(Y/N): *incoherent angry chef noises*

Blake stared for a few moments more before closing the door and walking away.

Blake: ... I should go to sleep now...

_____

_____

Later That Night

Ozpin's Office

Qrow: It's not good Oz...

Ozpin was sitting at his desk, on a call with Qrow.

Qrow: The whole town, gone.

Ozpin leaned back in his chair and folded his hands.

Ozpin: You're right, it isn't.

Qrow: Why would they do this? To cover their tracks?

Ozpin: To cover up what? The energy spike could be detected by anyone, Atlas' presence being the sign.

Qrow: Then why? These people didn't do anything wrong.

Ozpin thought for a moment, trying to figure everything out.

Qrow: Oz, when Ironwood finds out about the kid...

Ozpin: I'm concerned as well, Qrow. Return to the academy, I have a feeling that our enemy will be making their move soon.

Qrow: What about the kid?

Ozpin: I've managed to buy us some extra time, but our primary concern will be when Ironwood comes.

Qrow: Alright, I'm heading back then.

The call ended and the screen disappeared, leaving Ozpin alone in his darkened office.

_____

_____

The Following Night

Vytal Festival Ball

The large auditorium was filled with students and staff socializing and dancing with each other. The entire auditorium was beautifully decorated and the music was perfect for the party go-ers.

Amongst the crowd of attendees, Ruby carefully and slowly, waddled toward the catering tables.

Ruby: Ergh. Stupid lady stilts.

Ruby eventually made it to an empty chair by the food and dropped herself onto it.

Ruby: Oof! *sigh* Finally.

Ruby rubbed her ankles and looked to the food next to her.

Ruby: Mmmm~ Y/N's cooking.

As she reached for the food, she was startled when Y/N began to shout at her.

(Y/N): One per person!

Ruby: Ah! Y/N!

(Y/N): You can come back for more, but you can only grab one at a time!

Taking a second look, Ruby noticed that Y/N wore a suit and tie, but also had a white apron around his waist. However, what stood out more was the extremely tired look on Y/N's face.

Ruby: Y/N?

(Y/N): One per- Oh...

Y/N rubbed his eyes and yawned.

(Y/N): Hi Ruby...

Ruby: You look absolutely exhausted.

(Y/N): -_- Yeah, I know. And you look... Wow, I'm surprised you're wearing a dress.

Ruby wore a red dress with black lace and pumps.

Ruby: Oh, well, you know, as team leader it makes sense that I'd... *sigh* ...have to come.

(Y/N): Well, you look very nice.

Ruby blushed slightly.

Ruby: Thanks. So...

Ruby looked over the large table covered in different pastries and appetizers.

Ruby: Wow, you really had your work cut out for you.

(Y/N): I would've been done sooner had certain people not eat what I already made.

Ruby: Ah, the struggles of being a great chef.

(Y/N): -_- Yeah... So, where's your date?

Ruby: Oh, uh... I don't have one.

(Y/N): Oh, why's that?

Ruby: I'm not really the kind of person that does...

Ruby gestured to the dance.

Ruby: ...all of that.

(Y/N): Ah, not a dancer huh?

Ruby: Nope. What about you?

(Y/N): Well, I can't have one, seeing as how I'm in charge of the food for the whole event.

Ruby: That's too bad, who were you going to ask?

Y/N smirked.

(Y/N): Wouldn't you like to know?

Ruby: Aw, come on, you can tell me.

(Y/N): Nope!

Jaune: Hey guys.

Approaching the table came Jaune, with a cup of punch.

Ruby: Hi Jaune.

(Y/N): Hello.

Jaune: I see you guys are hiding by the food.

Ruby: Yep.

(Y/N): I'm supposed to be here.

Jaune: Right...

Ruby: I'm sorry about Weiss.

Jaune: It's alright, Neptune is pretty "cool" I guess. I get why she went with him.

Ruby: What are you talking about?

Jaune: Well, I mean, how many people can pull of blue hair?

Ruby: No, I mean, Weiss came alone.

Jaune was surprised to hear this.

Jaune: What?

Ruby glanced over to Weiss, who was trying to fix some flowers on a table.

(Y/N): Yeah, she came in here when everyone was still setting up.

Jaune: I don't understand.

Ruby: Yeah, she said she had too much to focus on to worry about boys.

Jaune looked around and saw Neptune laughing with Blake and Sun, causing him to grow angry.

Jaune: That jerk...

Before Jaune could storm off to Neptune, Y/N pulled him back.

(Y/N): She isn't the only one that came alone.

Y/N pointed to Pyrrha who was glumly walking outside by herself.

Jaune: But, I thought-

Y/N patted Jaune on the back.

(Y/N): Go.

Y/N nudged Jaune forward in the direction Pyrrha went, causing him to walk after her.

Ruby and Y/N watched Jaune disappear around the corner after his teammate.

Ruby sighed.

Ruby: Y/N, why are we so awkward?

(Y/N): Young age? Hormones? Weapons bigger than our bodies?

Ruby: Yeah, me too.

(Y/N): Which one?

Ruby: So, who were you going to ask?

(Y/N): I'm not telling!

Ruby: Aw, come on. Please?

(Y/N): Tell you what, you tell me who you wanted to go out with and I'll tell you mine.

Ruby: I... err... uh...

Yang: Ruby's choice was *giggle* indisposed.

Ruby: Yaaang!

Yang, wearing a white dress, slid up next to her sister, seemingly from out of nowhere.

Yang: So, you guys are talking about dates huh? Oh! Who were you going to ask, Y/N?

(Y/N): If I'm not telling Ruby, I'm definitely not telling you!

Yang: Come on! Tell us!

(Y/N): Nope. Not happening.

Yang: You're no fun.

(Y/N): Whatev- Hey! One per person!

Y/N glared at the student that tried to grab two plates.

Cardin: Gah! Sorry!

After putting one plate back down, Y/N looked back at Ruby and Yang.

(Y/N): Whatever...

Blake: Hey guys.

Sun: Enjoying the party?

Blake and Sun joined the small group next to the food tables.

Ruby: Yeah.

Yang: Definitely.

(Y/N): Sure...

Sun noticed the bags under Y/N's eyes.

Sun: Are you okay? You look like you haven't slept in days.

(Y/N): That's because I haven't...

Ruby: Wait, you haven't slept in days?

(Y/N): Yeah, I had to bake for the whole event, remember?

Blake spotted a large pie on the table and concern filled her mind.

Blake: That isn't... Nora, is it?

(Y/N): -_- No...

Blake let out a sigh of relief.

Blake: That's good.

(Y/N): The oven doesn't have a lock...

Ruby: Do I want to know?

(Y/N) and Blake: No.

Ruby: Right.

Sun: So, what were you guys talking about?

Yang smirked and Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): Absolutely noth-

Yang: Y/N was going to tell us who he was going to ask to the dance.

Blake: Really? Who was it?

(Y/N): I'm not saying, how many times do I have to say that!?

Yang: Come on! You're among friends here!

(Y/N): Fine!

Yang: Yes!

Everyone's attention was on Y/N.

(Y/N): I was going to ask Ren.

Everyone: Really!?

(Y/N): No! I'm not answering!

Yang: Awwww.

Sun: Are you really not going to tell?

(Y/N): Nope, and... what is that?

The conversation was interrupted when Y/N noticed a commotion in the crowd of the party. Turning around, everyone noticed Jaune coming in with a white dress with a blue ribbon.

Yang: No. Way.

Blake: Wow.

Jaune approached Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: Jaune?

Jaune: A promise is a promise, right?

The group watched as Jaune and Pyrrha began to dance together.

Sun: I've seen a lot of strange things, but this, is something entirely new.

Blake nudged Sun.

Blake: Let's join in.

Sun smiled.

Sun: You got it.

Blake and Sun joined the growing crowd of dancing students.

Yang: Well, you don't see that every day.

(Y/N): I'm still trying to figure out where he got that dress.

Yang: I'm not. I'll see you two later.

As she left, Yang gave her sister a wink and handed her a small box.

Yang: (quietly) Here you go!

Ruby: (quietly): What is... oh.

Yang: (quietly) Good luck!

Ruby: (quietly) Shut up!

Ruby fumbled with the small box and looked at Y/N.

Ruby: Hey Y/N, do you wa-

(Y/N): One per person! I don't care if everyone is breaking out into dance, one per person!

Ruby grabbed Y/N by the arm.

Ruby: Let's go.

(Y/N): What? But... the table... the food!

Ruby: You need a break, let's head outside.

Ruby started to pull Y/N outside.

(Y/N): One per person!

_____

_____

Beacon Academy Outside

The cool and quiet air outside of the auditorium was a complete contrast to the lively party inside.

Y/N leaned against a rail and let out a huge sigh.

(Y/N): Ugh... If I ever see another oven again, it'll be too soon.

Ruby: Yeah, you looked like you needed a break.

(Y/N): Thanks.

Ruby: No problem. I actually have something for you.

(Y/N): You do?

Ruby smiled.

Ruby: Yep!

Ruby pulled out the box her sister gave her.

Ruby: Tah dah~!

(Y/N): What is it?

Ruby: Open it!

Ruby handed Y/N the box.

(Y/N): Okay...

Y/N opened the box to reveal two unpainted arm guards.

(Y/N): Are these...?

Ruby: Yep! Your weapons came in!

Y/N pulled out the arm guards and fitted them onto his arms.

(Y/N): Oooh... So how do I- Woah!

Y/N clenched his fist and a large rectangular shield formed from his arm.

(Y/N): Now this. This I like.

The shield was unpainted like the arm guard, but was large enough to cover all of Y/N's body. When he relaxed his hand the shield collapsed back into the arm guard.

(Y/N): This is great!

Ruby: The shield can be exchanged between your arms so you always have one free hand!

(Y/N): I don't know how to repay you.

Ruby: You don't have to, at least now you won't be defenseless anymore.

Y/N smiled at Ruby.

(Y/N): Thanks, really.

Ruby: No problem.

Ruby smiled as she watched Y/N get used to his new weapon until she noticed something in the background.

Ruby: Huh?

Jumping across the rooftops, Ruby noticed a figure heading toward the communication tower.

(Y/N): Something wrong?

Ruby: Uh, no, but...

Ruby started running toward the communication tower.

(Y/N): Hey, where are you going?

Ruby: I just remembered something, I'll see you back at the party!

(Y/N): Alright...

Ruby disappeared around a building, leaving Y/N alone.

(Y/N): -_- Hm.

Y/N looked back at his arm guards.

(Y/N): I can't believe it took me this long to get a shield... *sigh*

Y/N formed the shield on one arm and brought the other closer to it. Automatically, the shield transferred to the other arm, like a magnet.

(Y/N): Oooh. Very nice.

Shifting his hand, the shield collapsed once again.

(Y/N): Cool. What else can this thing do?

Y/N continued to fiddle with the arm guards, trying to discover all the uses it has. Eventually he found out the shield was not only detachable, but could be recalled back to his arm at his command.

(Y/N): These would work well with my gloves... if I still had them... -_-

Y/N wasn't paying attention and time passed fairly quickly. He stared at Remnant's moon, which shone brightly in the night sky. After a moment, Y/N began to head back to the party.

(Y/N): I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

_____

_____

Author: 

Hello everyone! I just wanted to give a huge thanks to everyone that took time out of their day to read my stories. And even more thanks to everyone that chose to follow me, it's immensely flattering, and I have difficulty finding the right words to say to all of you. Thanks!

On to the news, right now it is 12-19-2018 (Dec. 19, 2018) and next week I am going on vacation with family, so I don't think there will be a release next week. 

However, there is good news. The next part of the story is something I've been looking forward to since I started writing this story. 

To give you a hint: Things are going to go down... way down.

I'm really excited to write the next section of the story, so you can look forward to that! I know I am!

Anyways, I hope you all are having a great day/week/month/year! And Happy Holidays!

Also, HUGE thanks to PotatoesMunching for his amazing fan art of my story!

https://www.wattpad.com/story/169079837-fan-art

Go check it out! I love it!