Koneko

(Y/N): Damnit Steff!!! Again!?

Y/N shouted at his employee behind the wooden door of the bakery.

Steff: Mr. MacMillan this isn't like last time! I swear!!

Steff gave Ruby and her friends an awkward smile before knocking on the door.

???: What's going on?

Another voice came from the bakery.

(Y/N): Steff brought monsters home again.

An audible sigh could be heard from the other side of the doorway.

???: Again Steff!? Wasn't the Leviathan enough?

Jaune looked at Steff.

Jaune: You brought a Leviathan here?

Steff glanced behind him.

Steff: Err....it was an honest mistake...

Ren: That... doesn't seem possible.

(Y/N): Yeah, that's what everyone thought too, until Steff actually brought one!

Ren: But there aren't even any bodies of water around that-

(Y/N): Look down!

The group looked down and found that the four of them were indeed standing in a large footprint.

(Y/N): It was a very stressful week!

Steff: W-well these guys aren't Grimm!

(Y/N): Well I know that! They're talking! Grimm don't talk!

Steff: Then you can let us in!

(Y/N): No!

Steff: Why!?

(Y/N): Steff! You brought zombies!

Nora: What? Zombies?

Ruby: You think we're zombies?

Steff: Can zombies talk?

(Y/N): Yes they can! There are literally dozens of types of zombie!

Steff: But-

Steff couldn't finish his sentence before the door swung open again revealing Y/N with a shotgun in his hands.

(Y/N): And there's only one way to get rid of zombies!

Everyone's eyes widened as Y/N aimed the gun at Ruby and the others.

Jaune: Woah! Woah! Woah! Woah!

Nora: We're not zombies!

Ruby: W-wait! Wait! Look!

Thinking fast, Ruby pulled out her scythe and held it in front of her.

Ruby: See!? I-It's us!

Y/N lowered his shotgun and narrowed his eyes at the group in front of him.

(Y/N): Hmmm....

After thinking for a moment, Y/N turned back into the bakery and brought out a bucket full of water.

SPLASH

Y/N threw the water at the four 'zombies' outside. What resulted was a very soaked group of friends.

Ruby: ...happy?...

Y/N's serious expression instantly changed to pure joy after confirming it was someone he knew.

(Y/N): Guys! You're here!

Nora: Uh... yes?

(Y/N): You guys look like zombies! Come in!

Ruby and the others stared in disbelief at Y/N's sudden change in behaviour.

(Y/N): ...we have showers in he-

Nora: ME FIRST!!!

Nora didn't let Y/N finish before she dashed past him and into the building.

_____

The Following Evening

A short while later--after taking a refreshing shower--Ruby and the others met in the bakery's kitchen toward the back of the store.

Wearing the spare clothes that were provided for her and her friends, Ruby stepped into the kitchen and stretched.

Ruby: Ah~ So much better~

Nora: I'll say.

Nora and Ren sat comfortably at the wooden table in the surprisingly spacious kitchen.

Ren: Yes, it's very nice to be wearing something dry for a change.

Jaune: Hey guys.

Entering the room behind Ruby with a towel in his hand was the final member of team RNJR.

Nora: Felt like all my worries washed away in that shower.

Jaune: I've never had a more satisfying shower in my life. Seriously. That was a really good shower.

Ren: Not just the shower, but this whole place is very nice.

Despite the building's worn outward appearance, the inside was well kept and organized. The kitchen was much larger than any of them expected. Multiple stoves, fridges, cutting tables, the kitchen had multiples of everything, and was stocked with nearly every herb and spice imaginable.

Nora: So this is where Y/N went huh? Makes sense I guess...

Ruby: Hey! That's right!

Reminded of Y/N's abrupt disappearance, Ruby's dissatisfaction rose again.

(Y/N): Supper is ready!

Coming out of another room, Y/N entered the kitchen with a platter with four bowls of hot stew.

As Y/N placed the platter on the table, Ruby stomped up to him.

Ruby: Hey! We need to talk about you-

(Y/N): I'm so happy to see all of you! I was beginning to think that my letters didn't reach you!

Ruby froze.

Ruby: ...letters?

(Y/N): Yeah! You know, the letters I've been sending for the past month that have detailed what I've been doing this whole time.

Ruby: ._. Y-yeah...

Ren: Well, the rest of us haven't been getting any letters so why don't you tell us?

Y/N turned to face Ren.

(Y/N): Sure!

With everyone now seated around the table, Y/N sat down with them.

(Y/N): Allow me to tell you the story of how I came here!

_____

_____

Patch

One Month Ago

Y/N sighed as he waved Tai and Ruby goodbye as they drove away.

Before he took so much as a step back to the bakery, something caught his attention.

(Y/N): Hm? What's this?

Pinned to a nearby wall was a hot pink poster with bold letters that read:

!!!SUPERNOVA SHOWDOWN!!!

Koneko is proud to host the Supernova Showdown

At the Festival of Stars!!!

First place will have the chance to meet members of the Barker's Brigade of Remnant!

As well as obtaining a sponsorship to join qualifiers for their ranks!!!

Y/N tore the poster from the wall and quickly stuffed it into his pocket.

(Y/N): This changes everything! I... I... I can't ignore this!!!

Immediately, Y/N ran back to the bakery he worked at and ran behind the counter and into the kitchen.

(Y/N): Hey Mr. Aziz! Are you here?

Mr. Aziz: Mr. Macmillan! Where have you been!? We've got customers!

His chef's apron covered in flour and sweat dripping from his forehead, Mr. Aziz turned around from the large oven to his newest employee.

Mr. Aziz: Quickly! We have more orders to complete by the end of the day!

(Y/N): Yeah of course! But look at this!

Reaching into his pocket, Y/N handed Mr. Aziz the poster he found earlier. After taking a moment to read the contents of the poster, Mr. Aziz looks at Y/N.

Mr. Aziz: Do you know what this is?

(Y/N): Yes. Yes I do.

Mr Aziz handed Y/N back the poster and turned to stare solemnly out a nearby window.

Mr. Aziz: Do you now?

Mr. Aziz sighed, not turning around.

Mr. Aziz: Many aspiring bakers dream of joining the 'brigade'. Few are considered. Fewer still join their vaunted ranks.

As he finished his sentence, Mr. Aziz reached into his apron and pulled out a small badge. No larger than the palm of his hand, Mr. Aziz held a circular golden medallion with the picture of a spatula and a ladle crossed over each other with a chef's hat above it.

Y/N looked at the small badge in surprise.

(Y/N): You're a member of the Baker's Brigade?

Mr. Aziz glanced at the badge before staring out into the distance again.

Mr. Aziz: At great cost Barnsby. At great cost.

_____

_____

Koneko

Present Day

(Y/N): So then Mr. Aziz let me quit and the next day I was here!

The group stared at Y/N expecting more.

(Y/N): What? Why are you guys looking at me like that for?

Ren: There isn't more to that story?

(Y/N): No? I found a poster that presented me with an opportunity to join the Baker's Brigade and decided to come here. I mean, obviously I needed to find a bakery to hire me when I got here a month ago, but otherwise that's about it.

Nora stopped eating her stew and looked at Y/N.

Nora: Wait, you're been here a month?

(Y/N): Yeah.

Nora: So you left the day after you found that poster?

(Y/N): Yep.

Nora: Uh.... how exactly did you get here so fast?

(Y/N): Dropship.

Nora: ...what?

(Y/N): Yeah, there's a dropship that flies from Patch directly here.

Nora froze, her spoon still in her hand as she stared at Y/N.

(Y/N): It was great! I got to stay in first class because it was empty!

Nora dropped her spoon.

(Y/N): They gave me a foot massage!

SLAM

A moment later Nora dropped her head onto the table. And began sobbing uncontrollably.

(Y/N): ...Did I say something?

Jaune sighed as he sank slightly in his seat.

Jaune: No, she just really... really likes the soup...

(Y/N): Oh.

Ren: I don't mean to back peddle but, what was that part about your boss saying 'great cost'?

(Y/N): Eh. I think he was overexaggerating. We're baking, not going on some crazy journey to save the world.

Ren: Right...

(Y/N): Well, anyway I'm happy you guys decided to come all the way out here to watch me participate in the Supernova Showdown! Though I remember inviting the rest of your family, Ruby.

Ruby: Oh. Uh... they... couldn't make it. Yang is... still Yang and dad had to... teach a class at Signal!

(Y/N): ...what about Zwei?

Ruby: Vet!

(Y/N): Oh. Poor Tai. Well, I'm glad you came anyway!

Ruby: O-oh! I-It's no... problem, really.

(Y/N): Man, I was dangerously close sobbing in a corner because no one I knew came out to see me.

Ruby sank slightly in his seat.

Ruby: Y-yeah... n-no... problem...

(Y/N): Yep. Totally break my heart.

Ruby: Uh...

(Y/N): Right in two!

Ruby: ...no... problem...

(Y/N): But you did come! So it didn't!

Ruby: Q_Q

(Y/N): Well, I'm sure that you're all very tired from the flight over so I'll let you guys rest! Just put the bowls in the sink when you're done!

With that, Y/N left the kitchen to retire for the night, leaving a guilt ridden-Ruby, a sobbing Nora, an exhausted Jaune, and Ren.

Ren looked around at his disheartened team members before taking another sip of his stew.

_____

_____

The Following Day

The first of the group to leave their room was Ruby. Yawning and stretching her arms, Ruby left her room and started walking back toward the kitchen they'd eaten in the previous night.

Ruby's senses were greeted by the smell of delicious pastries and desserts, and by the time she entered the kitchen she was practically drooling.

Already busily working, Ruby found Steff, Y/N, and an unknown woman.

(Y/N): Steff, how's that chocolate going?

Steff: Almost done. Still needs a bit of extra time to melt.

(Y/N): Alright.

As he turned his head to speak to the unnamed third member, Y/N noticed Ruby staring in awe at them.

(Y/N): Oh, morning Ruby!

Ruby broke out of her reverie and focused her attention at Y/N.

Ruby: Morning Y/N- er.... I mean Barnsby!

Woman: Who?

(Y/N): Oh, right. Amaz, Ruby. Ruby, Amaz.

Ruby: Nice to meet you.

Amaz turned around to reveal her light-green, scaly skin and yellow eyes. Her hair was rather messy but the eye was drawn mostly to her yellow eyes.

Amaz, much like Steff and Y/N, wore a worn apron and her face had some flour smeared on it.

Amaz: Oh! You're our 'zombie' visitor right? Nice to meet ya!

Amaz smiled displaying a toothy grin.

Ruby: So, what are you guys working on?

Amaz: Our 'ace in the hole'!

Ruby: Huh?

(Y/N): You know those supplies you brought yesterday?

Ruby: Yeah.

(Y/N): They were my nuts.

Ruby: ...what?

(Y/N): My nuts!!!

Ruby had to use all the strength she had so that she didn't burst out laughing.

Ruby: You're wha-

Y/N stepped to the side to show Ruby the large pile of almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

At his feet, were large sacks of said ingredients.

Ruby: Wow, that is a lot of nuts and seeds.

(Y/N): Yes. Yes it is! You see, these nut sacks hold within them the very key to our victory in the showdown.

Tears were forming in Ruby's eyes as she tried more desperately to keep herself from laughing.

And once we win, we shall use them to spread the bakery's fame all over the world's... back.

Amaz: You're doing that on purpose aren't you?

(Y/N): Yes. Yes I am, but the fact remains, this is our ticket to winning.

Steff: So it's just chocolate and nuts?

(Y/N): Yep! As simple as that!

Steff looked at the pile of assorted nuts and back to his large pot of chocolate.

Steff: So we just pour them in after the chocolate is fully melted? Seems simple enough.

(Y/N): Not quite. We must first caramelize them one batch, then roast the next one...

As Y/N thought about the measurements of his latest dessert Ruby was genuinely surprised by how well Y/N was running things in the store.

Ruby: I guess you really do enjoy baking huh?

Soon the others woke up and started walking into the kitchen.

Nora: Oh my gosh!! What's that amazing smell!?

Ren: Nothing like the smell of a bakery in the morning after a harrowing journey.

Amaz: Hey, look who woke up.

Y/N turned around and gestured to the table.

(Y/N): Good morning everyone, there's some biscuits and danishes on the table for you guys.

Jaune: Oh thank you!

Amaz: Oh right, your clothes.

Amaz bent down to pick up a large basket of folded up clothes and placed it on an open counter. Afterward she picked up the clothes and placed them side by side in a way that each pile belonged to someone else.

As she placed the final pile she glanced at Jaune and smirked.

Amaz: Nice 'Pumpkin Pete' jacket.

Jaune blushed slightly as he hurriedly grabbed his jacket.

Jaune: O-oh yeah, thanks.

Sadly for Jaune, he wasn't fast enough before Nora and Ruby noticed the cute rabbit on his jacket.

Ruby: Is that a bunny rabbit!? Pffff- Hahahaha!!!!

All the pent up laughter she'd suppressed earlier suddenly came flooding out.

Jaune: Aw come on, it's 'Pumpkin Pete'!

As Jaune died of embarrassment and Ruby died of laughter Ren turned to Amaz.

Ren: Hello, my name is Ren, and you are?

Amaz: Ah right, where are my manners? The name's Amaz! Nice to meet all of you!

Eventually, Ruby, Nora, Jaune, and Ren, finished their breakfast.

Nora burped loudly.

Nora: That was amazing...

Ruby: Yeah...

Ren: It was very good, I'm kinda curious how you made it.

Jaune: Hey yeah! Maybe you can teach us to how to make the-

(Y/N): No!

Y/N suddenly turned around from what he was doing and stared daggers at Jaune.

(Y/N): Everyone else, yes. Not you Jaune.

Jaune: What!? Why!?

(Y/N): We both know why!

Jaune sank in his seat.

Jaune: Well... I mean... I said I was sorry about that...

Steff looked at Y/N in confusion.

Steff: What happened?

(Y/N): Don't worry about it. However, Jaune is still banned from cooking.

Amaz dusted her hands off and leaned against a counter.

Amaz: Well, seeing as how you four used our showers, slept in our beds, used our laundry machines, and ate our food, the least you guys can do is help us.

Ren: That seems fair.

Nora: I mean technically you did the laundry...

Amaz frowned at Nora.

Nora: Okay yeah, we'll help.

Ruby shot up from her seat and saluted.

Ruby: Taste tester Ruby Rose reporting!

Nora: Aw I wanted to do that!

(Y/N): Ha! Nice try. You two are not 'taste testing' anything!

Ruby: Aww....

Nora: Party pooper...

Jaune: What do you want us to do?

(Y/N): Ren?

Ren: Yes?

(Y/N): Kitchen. You're the only one I trust in here.

Ren: No problem.

(Y/N): Jaune?

Jaune: Yeah?

Y/N pointed at the very large pile of dirty dishes.

(Y/N): Dishes.

Jaune slouched.

Jaune: Oh...

Ruby: What about me and Nora?

(Y/N): You two are running errands with Steff. I don't want either of you anywhere near the desserts for the competition.

Ruby laughed embarrassingly while Nora pouted.

(Y/N): Hey Steff, Ruby and Nora will help you with your run today.

Steff: Cool.

As Steff began walking toward the door with Ruby and Nora, Y/N suddenly stopped him.

(Y/N): Hold it!

Steff: Huh? What is it?

Y/N pointed at the stove.

(Y/N): Turn off the stove!!!

Steff: Ah!!! Okay, okay!!

Steff hurriedly ran back to the stove and turned the fire off the unused burner.

(Y/N): Steff, you gotta be careful! One day you forget to turn off the stove, the next second, BOOM! The whole building explodes!! Nobody here wants that!

Steff scratched the back of his head.

Steff: Sorry...

Before they left Y/N tapped Ruby on the shoulder.

Ruby: Huh? Yeah?

(Y/N): One more thing before you go. Make sure Steff doesn't come back with any monsters.

Ruby: Uh... sure.

(Y/N): Thanks.

_____

A Few Hours Later

Using the cart that they had brought to the bakery the previous day, Ruby and Nora helped Steff load the cart with various supplies and ingredients from the local stores and farms. Before long, the cart was nearly full.

After Ruby and Nora finished loading the cart, Steff stepped out of the store crossing off the last of their errands off his list.

Steff: Welp. That's just about everything!

Nora: Sweet! I'm starved!

Steff: Eating sounds good actually! I'm sure Barnsby and Amaz have finished making lunch by now.

Nora: Yes! Warm food!

Before the group began to pull the cart an old woman stepped out of the store struggling to carry a large bag of groceries.

Old Woman: Oh dear...

Her joints shook and just before it would seem like she'd fall over, Ruby dashed in and grabbed the bag.

Old Woman: Oh my, thank you dear.

Ruby: It's no big deal ma'am!

The old woman smiled warmly at Ruby and began to pinch her cheek.

Old Woman: You're such a good child.

Ruby: Thank- Ow! You!- Ow...

Thankfully the woman only pinched Ruby for a few seconds before letting go.

Nancy: My name is Nancy Wells. Are you a traveller here for the festival?

Ruby: Oh! My name is Ruby Rose and how did you know?

Nancy: I've lived here all my life and it's a small town. And I'm pretty sure I'd remember an adorable girl like you walking around!

Ruby smiled as she rubbed her sore cheek with her one free hand.

Ruby: Did you need help carrying this home?

Nancy: Oh, no. I actually have two kind men helping me. Ah, here they are!

Pulling a cart of their own, two well dressed men approached the store. The smaller gentleman marched in front with a list in his hand while the larger man effortlessly pulled the cart.

Mr. Big: Another lovely day! Wouldn't you agree Mr. Small?

Mr. Small smiled.

Mr. Small: Couldn't be better.

Mr. Big: Quite!

As the men approached, Nancy waved at them.

Mr. Big: Ms. Wells! We've gotten everything you needed!

Nancy: Oh thank you dears. With all my other employees working hard back at the bakery, there was no one left to help me with this.

Mr. Big: It is no problem at all! What sort of gentlemen would we be if we didn't help the elderly?

At this point Mr. Big noticed Ruby.

Mr. Big: Ah, hello young lady. And who might you be?

Ruby: Oh, I'm Ruby Rose.

Nancy: This kind young lady just saved me from a rather terrible tumble.

Mr. Big: A kindred spirit of kindness! A pleasure to meet you! I am Mr. Big and my muscular friend is Mr. Small!

Mr. Small: Nice to meet you!

Ruby: Hello!

After introductions Mr. Big noticed the bag of groceries Ruby was carrying.

Mr. Big: Would that be the groceries you needed?

Nancy: Yes.

Mr. Big: May I Ms. Rose?

Ruby: Oh sure.

Mr. Big took the bag of groceries and placed them gently into the cart.

Nancy: It's so nice to know that there is still an abundance of kindness in the world. In fact, I should reward you Ruby.

Ruby: You don't have to do that.

Nancy: I insist!

Nancy walked over to the back of her cart and grabbed a tray of muffins.

Nancy: Here dearie, take these as a reward.

Ruby: I-I couldn't!

Nancy: It's perfectly alright. These are actually extras that we had!

Ruby: Well, what about Mr. Big and Mr. Small?

Mr. Big: Worry not Ms. Rose, we actually are getting a reward of our own!

Mr. Small: Mmmmm~ Lemon bars.

Mr. Small drooled slightly.

Mr. Big: Correct! Ms. Wells has promised to make Mr. Small here, his favorite dessert later today!

Ruby: Oh, well thank you then!

Nancy: No, thank you for helping me! Have a good day dearie.

Ruby: You too!

Leaving the tray of muffins with Ruby, Mr. Big and Mr. Small escorted Nancy down the road.

Nora: Hmph. I'd have helped that old lady too if I'd known I would get free muffins out of it.

Ruby: ...did you want some?

Nora: Yes!

At the speed of light Nora scooped up three muffins and tossed them into her mouth.

Nora: Mmmmm~!!

Steff: Yeah, Nancy was always good at making muffins.

Ruby placed the tray with the remaining muffins into the cart.

Ruby: You know her?

Steff: Yeah! She owns her own bakery. 'Nancy's Home Baking' on the other side of town. She's actually competing in the showdown.

Ruby: She seemed really nice.

Steff: Of course, it's a friendly competition.

After gulping down the last of the muffins she was chewing on, Nora grabbed the handles of the cart.

Nora: Let's get back, it's lunch time after all!

Ruby: But you just ate three muffins...

Nora: Nora stomach want food!!

As the group started heading back, Steff started to ponder something as he glanced at the muffins in the cart.

Steff: Hmmm.... I feel like I'm forgetting something.

_____

Eventually, the group made it back to the bakery and began unloading the cart.

Ruby: Where do you need these?

Steff: You can put those by the eggs.

Ruby: Okay.

(Y/N): Welcome back, did you guys get everything?

Stepping out of the kitchen and wiping his hands with his apron, Y/N came to help unload the cart.

Steff: Yep!

(Y/N): Nice. I'll help.

His hands as clean as they could be, Y/N started walking to the back of the cart to grab more supplies.

(Y/N): Glad you guys are done so soon and without any monsters! When we're done we can have lunc- WAIT A SECOND!!!!!

Before he grabbed anything, Y/N suddenly began to shout, startling the group.

(Y/N): WHAT IS THIS!??!?!

Ruby: What is what?

(Y/N): THIS!!!!

Y/N picked up the tray of muffins.

Ruby: Oh, that's just some muffins I got after helping someone.

Y/N took a big whiff of the muffins.

(Y/N): This smell... this smelly, smell... These muffins are from NANCY WELLS AREN'T THEY!?!?

Steff: Oh. Now I remember what I forgot...

Ruby looked at Y/N terrified and confused.

Ruby: Y-y-yeah?

(Y/N): HERESY!!!!!!!

Y/N suddenly threw the tray into the sky and shot them with the shotgun from the other day.

BOOM

The tray then exploded... For no reason...

Ruby and Nora: ._.

Y/N glared at Ruby and suddenly grabbed her.

(Y/N): YOU'RE TRYING TO BETRAY ME, AREN'T YOU!?!?

Ruby: W-what?

(Y/N): WORKING WITH THE ENEMY!?

Ruby: S-s-she's just an old lady!

(Y/N): AH HA!!! SYMPATHY FOR THE ENEMY!!!! YOU'RE ARE TRYING TO BETRAY ME!!!

Ruby: A-a-aren't you taking this a little too seriously!?

(Y/N): NOW YOU'RE TRYING TO DESTROY MY MOTIVATION!?!? YOU ARE WORKING FOR HER!!! HERE TO DESTROY US FROM THE INSIDE OUT!!!!

Ruby: Q_Q Huh!?

(Y/N): DID YOU EAT ANY!?!?!?

Ruby: N-no!?

(Y/N): YOU BETTER NOT HAVE!!!

While Y/N was interrogating Ruby, Nora slowly started backing away, not making a sound.

(Y/N): ONLY TRAITORS EAT THE FOOD OF THE ENEMY!!!!!

Steff: Uh... Mr. Macmillan?

Before Y/N could continue, Steff tapped him on the shoulder.

(Y/N): YES!?!?!?

Steff: It was actually a coincidence. We ran into her at the store and she only helped Nancy put groceries into her own cart.

Y/N stared into Steff's eyes for a brief moment before unceremoniously dropping Ruby onto the ground.

(Y/N): Oh.

Y/N looked back down at a horrified and confused Ruby.

(Y/N): Why didn't you say so?

Ruby: Q_Q Huh???

(Y/N): Welp! Let's get the rest of this stuff inside!

As quickly as he burst his top, Y/N returned to a more composed state and started carrying the supplies inside.

(Y/N): Let's go! You want lunch don't you?

After Y/N headed inside Steff helped Ruby up.

Ruby: What was that?

Steff: Yeah... I forgot to mention that Mr. Macmillan gets a little... "intense" sometimes.

Ruby: Oh...

Steff: Yeah it's gotten much worse with the showdown just a few days away. Best not to think about it.

Ruby: R-right...

Though she was still slightly shocked, Ruby helped carry the rest of the supplies inside.

_____

After everything was said and done, everyone sat around the table in the kitchen and started eating lunch together.

Ren: You know, I've kinda been curious about something.

Amaz: Yeah? About what?

Ren: This place is called 'Bean's Baking Emporium', right?

Amaz: Yeah.

Ren: Will we ever meet Mr. Bean?

Steff: Oh, that's actually me.

Jaune looked at Steff, surprised.

Jaune: Wait, doesn't that mean you're the owner?

Steff: Well technically this place belongs to my father, but he gave it to me when he retired.

Ren: But you called Y/-... I mean Barnsby 'boss'.

(Y/N): What again?

Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): Steff you need to stop calling me 'boss' you are literally the owner of this place.

Steff: Yeah, but you managed to bring us all the way to the finals of the 'Supernova Showdown', which isn't something we've managed to do for years.

Amaz: That and you're kinda hardcore in the kitchen.

(Y/N): Oh come on, I'm not that hardco-

DING

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of the nearby timer going off, causing Y/N to jump from his seat.

(YN): It's done!! It's done!!

Y/N ran to the blast chiller and pulled out a tray and began to smile.

(Y/N): It's complete! Hahahaah!!! IT'S DONE!! MUHAHAHAHA!!!!

Amaz took a sip of her tea as Y/N began to laugh maniacally.

Amaz: "Not hardcore" my ass...

Y/N brought the tray over to the table and placed it down.

(Y/N): Behold! 'Chocolate Bark'!

Everyone looked down at the cooled tray of chocolate and nuts.

Ruby: 'Chocolate Bark'?

Amaz: It's just chocolate and some assorted nuts. This is what you've been hyping us up for, for the past week?

(Y/N): Try it. Break a piece off and try it.

Nora: Don't mind if I do!

Ruby: Me too!

Ruby and Nora broke pieces off and began to eat them.

Amaz: Well?...

Nora: It's... 0_0

Ruby: 0_0

Ruby and Nora froze.

Amaz: Hello?

Amaz waved her hand in front of their faces with no response.

Ren: Huh, is it bad?

Ren broke off a piece and took a bite.

Ren: 0_0

Just like Ruby and Nora, Ren froze.

Jaune: Uh... guys?

Amaz: Alright, let's see what the big deal is.

This time everyone else, apart from Y/N, broke a piece off and took a bite.

Amaz: 0_0

Jaune: 0_0

Steff: 0_0

As everyone froze Y/N had a very wide and very smug smile on his face.

(Y/N): Told you.

Amaz: 0_0

(Y/N): This shall be our key to VICTORY!!!! Now then...

SLAP

Y/N slapped Amaz.

(Y/N): Wake up!

Amaz: Ah! Hey!

(Y/N): You too!

SLAP

Steff: Ow.

(Y/N): Ren, you're helping too.

SLAP

Ren: Ow.

(Y/N): We gotta make more of this. As for the rest of you, this is the only tray you're allowed to eat. The rest is for the contest.

After they left, only Ruby, Nora, and Jaune were left at the table. All of them are still gripped by the flavor.

_____

_____

That Night

After spending the rest of the day working on Y/N's 'Chocolate Bark' everyone retired to their rooms to get an early start the following day.

Even outside very few people were still awake at this hour.

Everyone was sleeping soundly except for one person...

Slowly creaking the door open, Nora peaked out of her room to make sure the coast was clear.

Stepping on her toes, the red-head silently stepped out of her room, careful not to make a sound.

Putting her ear on each door, she could hear everyone's snoring and confirmed that no one would disturb her.

Nora: Everyone's asleep. Excellent.

Using the dexterity of a person who has snuck into the kitchen for a late night snack for most of their life, Nora silently crept into the kitchen.

The only sound inside was the sound of the large refrigerators in the back.

In stark contrast to her personality, Nora scanned the room for alarms. When she didn't see any she approached the fridge.

Before she touched it however something caught her eye.

Her caution was rewarded.

Attached to the fridge was a motion alarm attached to the door, likely set to go off should anyone try to open it without the code.

Nora smirked to herself. While on the outside she showed an air of brute force and insanity, only Ren truly knew that Nora--when she set her sights on something--could overcome even the most complex of obstacles with savant levels of efficiency.

Gently feeling the sensor, Nora removed the cover and, in the cover of darkness, expertly disarmed it.

Nora: Hehehe...

With the alarm disarmed, Nora opened the large fridge to reveal tray after tray of the 'Chocolate Bark' that was made earlier in the day.

Nora licked her lips.

Nora: Mine.

Before her hand could touch the tray a voice came from one of the dark corners of the kitchen.

(Y/N): What are you doing, Nora?

Nora: Gaaah!!!

Nora yelped in surprise and turned around.

Looming in the darkness with an expressionless face was Y/N, his eyes staring into Nora's.

Nora: Y-Y/N! H-h-hey!

Nora quickly shut the door and gave a nervous smile to the teen.

Nora: T-t-this is the regular fridge!

Nora chuckled nervously.

Nora: I-I-I was just... here for some water!

Nora stumbled to the smaller fridge not noticing that Y/N silently drew closer.

Nora: Y-y-yep! Just thirsty! I-

(Y/N): Shhhh....

Nora turned around to see Y/N was now a mere few feet from her, his expression unchanged, scared the young Huntress-in-training.

Nora: O-o-okay! You caught me! I-I-I'll head back upstairs!

(Y/N): No...

Y/N didn't raise his voice, he didn't even seem angry, merely an unnerving calm.

Nora had a flashback back to when Y/N catered the dance back at Beacon.

Nora: C-c-c-come on! I didn't even touch anything! I-I-I swear! This isn't like the last ti-

(Y/N): That was for charity, Nora. For charity...

Nora: I-

(Y/N): I can't have you ruin this for me. This is my chance, Nora, my chance and moving up in the world.

Y/N resumed his silent steps toward the terrified girl.

Nora: W-w-what are you doing!? W-w-what are you going to do to me!?

Y/N's voice lowered to a whisper.

(Y/N): I'm so close, Nora. I can't let you ruin this.

Nora fell to the floor, her back against the fridge.

Nora: W-wait! Wait! I promise I won't eat any pastries! I-I-I swear!

Y/N outstretched his hand.

(Y/N): You're right...

Nora: Wait!

(Y/N): ...you won't.

KRACK-KOOM!!

Lightning flashed outside as Y/N went back to the bedrooms.

Alone.

_____

_____

The Following Morning

Convinced to wake up early, Ruby, Jaune, and Ren, came to the kitchen with Steff and Amaz.

Jaune yawned as headed toward the kitchen.

Jaune: Did we have to wake up this early?

Amaz: Yep! With the showdown tomorrow it's all hands on deck as soon as possible!

Amaz struggled to suppress a yawn herself.

Amaz: At least that's what Barnsby said...

Ren: Well he does have a lot invested in this.

As the group entered the kitchen they were greeted by a slightly different smell than the usual, though still delicious.

Ruby: Mmmm~ What's that smell?

Amaz sniffed the air and shared Ruby's curiosity.

Amaz: Yeah, I'm not quite sure myself.

The group turned the corner and found Y/N washing some dishes, on the window sill near him was a large freshly baked pie.

Ruby: Morning Y/- Barnsby!!

(Y/N): Good morning.

Y/N glanced behind him and smiled as everyone entered the kitchen.

Ruby: What did you make?

Y/N turned to look at the pie and his face turned dark.

(Y/N): A pot pie...

Amaz raised an eyebrow.

Amaz: You know how to make those?

(Y/N): Yeah, it's a recipe I picked up... travelling.

Amaz: Huh, I didn't know that.

As they entered the room, Ren looked around and noticed someone was missing.

Ren: Hey, where's Nora?

Jaune: I thought she'd be with you.

Ren: I thought so too, but I didn't see her this morning.

(Y/N): Oh, Nora? I sent her to... get supplies in the next town over.

Ren: Oh.

Ruby seemed confused.

Ruby: You sent her out at night?

Y/N dried his hands and glanced at the pie cooling on the window again.

(Y/N): I sent her earlier this morning. Come on, let's eat breakfast.

Y/N gestured to the table with stacks of pancakes.

Amaz: Awesome! I'm starved!

Jaune: Yeah, breakfast sounds good.

As everyone headed toward the table but Ruby remained confused.

Ruby: Without telling anyone?

_____

Following a short breakfast, Y/N, Steff, Ren, and Amaz returned to cooking and managing the store while Ruby was sent off to retrieve more ingredients from the store.

Jaune, still banned from any form of cooking, spent his time cleaning the dishes.

Dropping another pile of pots and pans into the sink, Steff looked at Jaune with pity.

Steff: If it makes you feel better, this is important too.

Jaune: Q_Q thanks...

Steff headed back toward the front of the bakery to help Amaz at the register. Leaving Y/N, Jaune, and Ren, in the kitchen.

After Steff left, Jaune continued scrubbing, having a particularly difficult time with some burnt chocolate.

Jaune: Come on, come off already!

Forced to exert more effort, Jaune positioned the pot in a way that he could use his whole body to help him scrub.

The resulting scrubbing caused him to notice something in the corner of his eye.

Putting the pot down and turning toward the nearby closet, Jaune noticed something inside. Curious he approached the door, opening it, he found Nora's hammer leaning against the wall.

Jaune: What?

Y/N noticed Jaune's snooping and glanced back at Ren.

(Y/N); Hey Ren, go take the tray of fudge to the front.

Ren dusted his hands off on his apron.

Ren: Sure.

Jaune picked up the large hammer, confused?

Jaune: What's this doing here? Nora never goes anywhere without it.

(Y/N): You're right.

Jaune didn't hear Y/N walk into the doorway.

By the time Ren returned to the kitchen, he only saw Y/N finishing the dishes.

Ren: Where's Jaune?

(Y/N): Oh, I sent him to... repay a debt.

Ren: Oh, okay.

Soon after Ruby knocked on the backdoor and came in with a sack of flour.

Ruby: Hey guys! I got the flour!

(Y/N): Thanks! You can put it over by the counter.

Ruby: Got it!

As she put the sack down, she noticed the missing member of the group.

Ruby: Hey where's Jaune?

Ren: Y/N said he sent him to 'repay a debt'.

Ruby: a debt? What kind of debt?

(Y/N): Don't worry... he's fine.

Ruby: Uh, sure?

Ruby's confusion was slowly turning into suspicion as Y/N gave more nonanswers for her questions.

Waiting for them to be alone, Ruby tapped on Ren's shoulder as he was mixing a bowl of chocolate.

Ren: Yes?

Ruby: You don't find this whole thing weird?

Ren: Weird? How so?

Ruby: First Nora had to, "go get supplies", and now Jaune had to, "repay a debt"?

Ren: For what reason would Barns- I mean Y/N, have to lie?

Ruby: I don't know...

Ren looked back at the bowl and added a small amount of sugar.

Ren: Don't you think that you're being paranoid?

Ruby: Well, did you see Jaune leave?

Ren thought back to earlier in the day.

Ren: Hmmm... No, no I didn't.

Before the conversation could continue, Amaz called Ren to the front.

Amaz: Hey Ren, could you get us some fresh trays up here?

Ren turned his head toward the front.

Ren: Sure!

After he placed the bowl down he grabbed a stack of trays and began walking toward the front, leaving Ruby in the kitchen.

Ruby: Something isn't right... *munch*

Ruby stared suspiciously out the window as she took a bite out of an extra cookie she'd found.

_____

_____

The Next Day

The sun was barely cracking over the surface before Y/N knocked on everyone's doors.

(Y/N): Wake up! Today's the day!

Ren opened the door to this room, still very tired.

Ren: Do we have to wake up this early? The competition isn't even until this afternoon...

(Y/N): Yes! The early bird gets the worm!

Amaz: The "early bird gets the worm"?

Amaz stumbled out of her room next, miserable at the early wake up call herself.

Amaz: What does that even mea-

(Y/N): I want the table closest to the judges' table! It's first come, first served! Now let's go!!!

Groaning, everyone eventually got out of their pajamas and into their regular clothes, heading into the kitchen soon thereafter.

As they made their way to the kitchen once more, Ruby noticed Jaune and Nora were still missing.

Ruby: Hey, did anyone see Nora or Jaune come home last night?

Ren: Huh, I didn't see them come home.

(Y/N): Oh, yeah... the supply run would take Nora a whole day to travel there and back. And Jaune... he... came home really late last night and had to leave earlier. Yeah, that's right...

Ren: Oh, well there's our answer.

Ruby narrowed her eyes at Y/N.

Ruby: Something isn't right here.

After a quick breakfast the group loaded up the cart with the trays of 'Chocolate Bark' and cooking supplies.

Before they left, however, Y/N pulled Ruby aside.

(Y/N): Hey Ruby, can I talk to you?

Ruby: Uh, sure.

Still suspicious of him, Ruby approached Y/N cautiously.

Ruby: What is it?

(Y/N): I need you to do something for me.

Y/N pulled out a map of the town and pointed to a house.

(Y/N): I need you to climb onto the roof of this building.

Ruby looked at the map confused.

Ruby: You want me to climb a building? Why?

(Y/N): I need you to... trust me on this.

Ruby: I don't know...

Ruby looked at Y/N with suspicion.

Y/N stared at Ruby blankly.

(Y/N): ...I will stop baking you cookies on the side if you don't.

Ruby: You wouldn't dare.

Ruby glared at Y/N as she took a bite out of another cookie.

Y/N sighed as he handed Ruby the map.

(Y/N): -_- Just go.

_____

Having no choice--her cookie addiction used against her---Ruby began to head toward the building marked on Y/N's map.

Despite it being early morning much of the town was already out and about. Vendors and stores, both local and from out of town, were already opening their doors for the waking populace.

As she continued walking Ruby found herself at the same road Nora showed her a few days ago, 'Star Road'. Even here there was staff already setting up the various carnival booths and activities.

There was even another 'Marvin Moon', who waved at Ruby as she passed by.

Ruby: Oh, hi!

Eventually, Ruby found the building she was looking for. A simple two story building that overlooked a busy road for the town. If she were to look down the street Ruby could see the stage for the showdown being set up.

Scaling a two story building was simple enough for the Huntress-in-training, but now that she was here she wasn't sure what she should be doing.

Pulling out her Scroll, Ruby tapped on Ren's icon and let the phone begin to ring.

Ren: (on phone) Hello?

Ruby: Hey Ren! How's everything going over there?

Ren: (on phone) Oh, hey Ruby. Everything's going fine, though Y/N is a little upset.

Ruby: Why?

Ren: (on phone) Apparently we weren't the only ones who decided to wake up early...

Ruby: Oh...

Ren: (on phone) Yeah. What are you doing Ruby?

Ruby: Y/N sent me to climb a building.

Ren: (on phone) He sent you to... climb a building? Why?

Ruby: Well, that's why I'm calling. Do you think you can give him the phone?

Ren: (on phone) Uh... sure. One second...

Ruby overhead the sound of shuffling before a voice became more audible.

???: (on phone) You have no honor!!!!

(Y/N): (on phone) At least I had honor to lose!!!

Ren: (on phone) Hey, Barnsby?

(Y/N): (on phone) Yeah?

Ren: (on phone) Ruby.

(Y/N): (on phone) Oh sweet!

Ruby heard more shuffling and eventually only could hear Y/N.

(Y/N): (on phone) Ruby?

Ruby: I'm here.

(Y/N): (on phone) Great. Now I need you to confirm the building directly across the street from you.

Ruby turned her head to see the building Y/N was referring to.

Ruby: You mean, 'Nancy's Home Baking'?

(Y/N): (on phone) Yes! That's the one! Do you have your scythe?

Ruby started to grow concerned.

Ruby: Yeah?

(Y/N): (on phone) Great! Now I need you to use the scope to look inside.

Ruby: What? Why would I-

(Y/N): (on phone) Hey Steff, do we still have left over raisins and oatmeal?

Ruby: Okay! Okay!

Reluctantly, Ruby put her Scroll on speaker and pulled 'Crescent Rose' out and shifted its form into its rifle configuration. Looking through the scope she looked into the bakery across the street and found a familiar face.

Ruby: Hey it's Nancy!

(Y/N): (on phone) She's there?

Ruby: Yeah! It looks like she's grabbing a tray of something.

Looking through her scope, Ruby saw Nancy happily pull a tray out of the oven and place it on a nearby table.

(Y/N): (on phone) Okay Ruby, this is important.

Ruby: Yeah?

(Y/N): (oh phone) Shoot her.

Ruby: ...

Ruby blinked.

Ruby: ...excuse me, what?

(Y/N): (on phone) Right in between the eyes.

Ruby: 0_o What!?

(Y/N): (on phone) You heard me! Shoot her!!

Ruby: WHY!?

(Y/N): (on phone) She wins every year! The judges have an obvious bias for her!

Ruby: You don't think that's a bit of an extreme reaction!?

(Y/N): (on phone) She doesn't even need a win!! I do!!!!

Ruby: That is not an excuse for murder!!!

(Y/N): (on phone) I'm not murdering anyone! You are!

Ruby: No I'm not!!!

(Y/N): (on phone) Ruby, don't you want me to be happy?

Ruby: Y-yeah?

(Y/N): (on phone) Then shoot that sweet old lady in the head.

Ruby: No!!!

As their argument continued, Nancy locked the door to her bakery and started to walk down the street toward the stage with the tray in her hand.

(Y/N): (on phone) Don't you do this to me!

Ruby: I'm not going to shoot an old lady for you!

(Y/N): (on phone) She's already old! All you're doing is just speeding things along!

Ruby: That actually makes it worse!!

(Y/N): (on phone) Fine! Make it look like an accident! Shoot a gas tank or something!

Ruby: No! I'm not going to murder anyone!

(Y/N): (on phone) Are you worried you'll be caught? Don't be, no one will figure out it was you!

Ruby: That is not what I find wrong about this!

(Y/N): (on phone) Damnit, Ruby just-

Steff: (on phone) Hey Nancy! Good luck in the competition!

Nancy: (on phone) You too Steff!

As their argument continued, Ruby overheard Nancy on Y/N's side of the call.

(Y/N): (on phone) What!? WHAT!?

Ruby: Oh no! I missed my chance! Schucks! Oh, well!

(Y/N): (on phone) Ruby! You-

Ruby hung up the call and sat up on the roof.

Ruby: ...well, now what? Oh, I know!

Seeing as how town was waking up and the booths of the festival didn't have any lines yet, Ruby decided that she'd spend the day having fun.

Especially since she wanted to let Y/N cool off.

_____

_____

Hours Later

Ruby: Bye Mr. Moon!

Marvin Moon waved goodbye as Ruby--carrying hundreds of pounds of candy--made her way back to the bakery.

Ruby happily licked her candy smeared lips as she skipped home.

Ruby: So awesome! Marvin Moon was so nice too! He gave me more candy than anyone else!

As she stepped into the bakery, Ruby came across another problem.

Ruby: Hmm. Where should I put all of this?

Wanting to head back out to enjoy more of the festival, Ruby decided to just throw everything in the closet in the kitchen.

However, when she opened the door she noticed something inside.

Ruby: Huh? What's that?

Putting her bag of candy down, Ruby stepped into the closet to get a better look at what caught her eye.

To her surprise she found Nora's hammer leaning against the wall.

Ruby: What's this doing here? Nora would never leave... this...

Suddenly, things started clicking into place in Ruby's head. And it painted a grim picture.

Ruby: Wait, Ren!!!

Knowing how far Y/N was willing to go to win, Ruby knew that should he lose the competition, terrible things would follow.

Using her Semblance, Ruby flew out of the bakery and dashed toward the Supernova Showdown stage.

Ruby: Please be okay Ren! Please be okay!!!

In no time at all Ruby managed to run across town and made it all the way to the showdown's stage. Surrounded by a huge crowd, dozens of tables were set up to accommodate the many bakers that had decided to attend the competition.

Ruby: Where are they? Where are they!?

Ruby desperately scanned the crowd for a familiar face and, fortunately, found Ren, Steff, and Amaz, at their table.

Running through the crowd, Ruby ran up to the table out of breath.

Ruby: *huff* ...guys!... *huff* ...are you... *huff* ..okay?

Ren: Ruby! You're here!

Amaz: A little late though...

Catching her breath, Ruby composed herself.

Ruby: You're all okay!

The three of them looked at Ruby in equal confusion.

Ren: Why wouldn't we be?

It was at this point that Ruby noticed the silver trophy on their table.

Ruby: What happened?

Amaz: Oh that? We got second place!

Amaz smiled proudly at their achievement.

Steff: This is so cool! We've never gotten such a high place before! Hell, we've never managed to qualify before!

Ruby: You guys are okay with second place?

Amaz: Well, yeah. Do you have any idea how difficult it is just to be in the top three this year?

Ren: It was thanks to the 'Chocolate Bark' that we managed to place.

Steff: I'm going to make it our bakery's signature food!

Ruby: Who did win?

Amaz rolled her eyes.

Amaz: Same woman that wins every year.

Amaz gestured over to the crowded table nearby.

Amaz: Nancy.

Ruby looked over at their table to see a large golden trophy sitting atop it.

Ruby: O-oh... how did Y/N take it?

Steff: As well as can be, I guess...

Ruby: What do you mean?

Ren: He fell to the ground and sobbed uncontrollably for a solid thirty seconds straight...

Ruby: Oh, that doens't seem too-

Ren: ...while the judges were handing him the trophy on stage.

Ruby: Oh.

Amaz: As graceful in defeat as a belly-flopping elephant.

Taking a second look at the winner's table, Ruby noticed someone missing.

Ruby: Where's Nancy now?

Steff: I think she went home to get something, why?

Ruby: And where's Y/N?

Ren: I think he went to congratulate her.

Ruby: Wait, Y/N isn't here!?

Ren: No. And I know what you're thinking, and there's no way Y/N would let something like this get to him to the point where he'd hurt someone over it.

Ruby: Ren, think about it. Nora disappears, then Jaune, and then earlier today he wanted me to shoot Nancy!

The others looked at Ruby in surprise.

Ren: Well, Nancy showed up for the competition, so that can't be true.

Ruby: Arrrgh! Why are you being so difficult!?

Ren: I just can't see Y/- Barnsby hurting someone without a real reason.

Ruby thought for a moment, frustrated at getting nowhere, before something came to mind.

Ruby: Alright Ren, one last question.

Ren: Sure, go ahead.

Ruby: How did Barnsby manage to convince Nora to leave on a pancake day?

Ren: ...

_____

Ren: He asked you to shoot someone!?

Ruby: I told you this whole thing was weird from the start!

Running as fast as they can through the busy roads, Ruby and Ren made their way to Nancy's Bakery.

Ren: Wait, then what happened to Nora and Jaune?

Ruby: I intend to find out!

Turning a corner, Ruby and Ren found Y/N walking ominously toward Nancy as she entered her store, carrying a white box.

Ruby: Stop right there!

Y/N came to a halt as Ruby and Ren both drew their weapons.

Y/N silently turned to face them, his expression remaining cold.

(Y/N): What are-

BOOM

Before anything else could occur, Nancy's Home Baking suddenly exploded, shocking everyone.

(Y/N), Ruby, and Ren: 0_o HOLY CRAP!!!

People ran for cover as flaming debris landed in the street.

Ruby: W-what did you do!?

(Y/N): I didn't do anything!

Ren: Then what was that!?

(Y/N): I really don't know!!!

Ruby: Liar!

(Y/N): I swear! I'm telling the truth!!

Ruby: Then where's Nora!?

(Y/N): What do you mean!? I really did send her on a supply trip!

Ruby: You li-

Nora: Holy cow what happened!?

Ruby and Ren: ._.

Ruby and Ren turned to see Nora pulling a cart behind her.

Ren: Oh. Hey Nora.

Ruby: T-then what about Jaune?

As she said this Marvin Moon came running down the street.

Marvin Moon: What happened here!?

Ruby: W-what?

The mascot then removed his costume to reveal Jaune underneath.

Jaune: What's going on!?

Ruby: ...wait, if Nora is... over there... and Jaune is over here...

Ruby turned to the smoldering ruin that used to be 'Nancy's Home Baking'.

Ruby: ...what just happened?

_____

_____

Author: 

I took the week of Thanksgiving off. I'm gonna blame the delayed release on that. And work.

Also, holy crap 1 million reads!!!! That's amazing!!! I'm actually still surprised I got over 10 thousand!! 

Seriously, thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their busy lives to read this story! Even if it was only certain chapters or parts! 

I don't know what to do for 1 million reads though, so have some fan art from the discord!

(This spot is for the name of the artist(s) whom I forgot to ask for and will inevitably be told about. Thank you in advance.)