Chapter 15: Search & Destroy; Ruby Confronts Her Feelings!

Hey guys, Novaflame6_Badal here again! Hopefully you guys liked the last chapter. Welp, here we are! We're getting to the point where Ruby has to confess to Nova or she'll go crazy, but we'll just see what happens in this chapter... not spoiling anything lol.

I don't own dbz/kai/dbs or Rwby and their characters. Those are the property of Akira Toriyama/Toei Animation and Rooster Teeth/Monty Oum respectively. The characters of Tarro and Daikon are owned by my friend ComparedDreadx.

Chapter 15- Search & Destroy; Ruby confronts her feelings!

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Beacon Cliffside Docks

Team Rwby was still seen standing with rather shocked and stupefied looks at the two who were apparently joining them for the mission. None were more surprised than Ruby however, she was the most surprised out of anyone.

"What the- Turuk, and N-Nova?!," Ruby said shocked.

Turuk replied with a two finger salute and wave as both brothers smiled at the stupefied looks they received upon arriving.

"Yo.," Turuk said with a two finger salute and wave.

Nova just rubbed the back of his head and laughed nervously. He knew, they'd have quite a bit of explaining to do for this one.

"😅 Sorry about this. I was asked not to tell you we were coming with you, earlier. I'll explain on the way, okay Ruby?," Nova said rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Ruby snapped out of her stupefied look and responded still somewhat surprised.

"O-oh ok then..," Ruby said subdued.

Weiss gave them a look before adding her two cents on the matter.

"You two had better have a really good explanation for this.," Weiss said.

"Like Nova said, we'll explain on the way. There's a reason were here.," Turuk said.

Blake sighs, but then smiles. She couldn't be mad at her brothers. It was a pleasant surprise they were coming with them.

"Alright Turuk. I'm sure you have a good reason for being here, I trust you two to explain the real reason on the way.," Blake said relenting.

Yang didn't say much, she just smirked at Turuk.

"😏 Glad you're here, handsome~," Yang said slyly.

"😅 Err.. right.. Whatever you say, Yang.," Turuk replied Sweat dropping.

Oobleck then speaks up, now that everyone was accounted for. They could proceed now.

"Right then, now that everyone is here we can begin.,"Oobleck said before continuing.

He talks fast as per his norm while pacing in front of the students.

"Yes, I'm afraid those bags won't be necessary, girls, seeing as you've opted to shadow a Huntsman on what is now essentially a reconnaissance mission. I can assure you, we will not be establishing a single base of operations; rather, we will be traversing several miles of hazardous wasteland and making camp in any defendable locations we may stumble upon. I packed all of our essentials myself, plotted our air course, and readied the airship. And...," He says before zooming up to Weiss' face and continuing his rant.

"It's Doctor Oobleck. I didn't earn the PhD for fun, thank you very much!," He says before quickly zooming away.

Weiss looks over to Blake who is just as equally disturbed by this.

"Uh...," Weiss tries saying something before she's cut off by Oobleck.

"Come now, children; according to my schedule, we are already three minutes behind!," He says before adding as an afterthought: "schedule!," He said before zipping off to the docked airship mere seconds later.

Ruby speaks up, trying to sound upbeat and positive before becoming as depressed as her team halfway through saying what she did.

"Well, alright, then! Looks like we're going to save the world with Doctor Oooobleck- okay yeah when you say it out loud it sounds worse.," Ruby said positive at first before becoming depressed.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, when she looked it was Nova. She offered a small smile in return to him.

"Come on, it's not all bad. We're together at least, right?," Nova said as he put his hand on Ruby's shoulder.

Nora's voice is heard off screen immediately after Nova's comment.

"Save the world?," Nora's voice asked.

Team Rwby jumps in slight surprise upon seeing team JNPR approaching them.

"You're going on world-saving missions without us? I'm hurt... sad!,"Nora said being dramatic until her stomach rumbled at her. "Maybe a little hungry? That last one's not your fault, though, Ren...," Nora said.

Ren for his part, simply crosses his arms and turns away.

Nova chuckles at the interaction between Nora and Ren before Jaune speaks.

"Sounds exciting. Where ya going?," Jaune asked.

"🤷‍♂️Eh, just outside the kingdom.," Ruby said shrugging.

"Hey! So are we!," Nora said in response.

"Ren and Nora wanted to shadow the sheriff of a nearby village.," Pyrrha said walking up to the group.

She sees that Nova and Turuk are with Team Rwby, which confuses her.

"I have to wonder... why are Nova and Turuk with you guys instead of their own team?," Pyrrha asked.

Nova immediately answered that one before Ruby could say anything.

"The rest of our teammates were called away on another mission, so they couldn't be here right now unfortunately. They were requested by Professor- I mean Miss Sala and Mister Rhubar to accompany them on a separate mission.," Nova said.

Pyrrha seemed to understand this as she nodded.

"I see.. That makes sense I suppose.," She said.

"When do you guys leave for your mission?," Ruby asked.

"We set out tomorrow.," Ren said.

Just then, Neptune's voice is heard as the blue haired teen and Sun Wukong approach the group of teens.

"Then you can party with us tonight! We're shadowing a crime specialist. All inner-city detective stuff. We get junior badges.," Neptune said.

Jaune is awestruck at this.

"We normally go to the city with you guys, which means stuff's always exploding and junk, so we thought this might be a better way to check out the kingdom when it's, you know... normal.," Sun said.

Nova and Turuk chuckled at this before Turuk spoke up in agreement.

"Can't exactly fault you for that one, Sun. True as it may be.," Turuk said.

"Well-," Ruby started but they were interrupted by Oobleck calling to them.

"Ahem! Four minutes, Children!," He said as he goes back inside the ship.

Their friends smile awkwardly at them.

"Well, uh... (Throws a thumbs-up.) Wish us luck!," Ruby says awkwardly.

With that the circle of friends disband, either back to Beacon or to their own separate missions.

Ruby looks to Nova, who notices her eyes on him. He sighs as he knows that it was time to explain the reasoning behind him and Turuk being here with them. As the group goes back to the docked ship, Nova and Turuk briefly explain why they were accompanying them on their mission.

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The scene cuts to the airship flying over buildings and streets amid deafening turbines.

Yang turns to Oobleck and voices her initial thoughts upon seeing him as the huntsman they were to shadow.

" I guess I just never saw you as much of a fighter.," the blonde said to Oobleck.

"I admit I fancy myself more of an intellectual, but I can assure you, as a Huntsman, I've had my fair share of tussles.," Oobleck replied.

"🤔Like the mushroom?," Ruby asks tilting her head in confusion.

"Those are truffles.," Blake said leaning over to her.

Ruby was still confused.

"Like the sprout?," She asked scratching her head in befuddlement.

"Those are Brussels, Rubes.," Yang said also leaning over.

The group then turned to Nova and Turuk before continuing their conversation with Oobleck.

"Before that... would the two of you mind explaining why you're here?," Weiss asked pointing an accusing finger at the two brothers.

"Should've known you'd be the one to point that out, Weiss.," Nova said.

"I have to admit, I'm curious myself.," Yang said.

"Well.. first off, you should know this was a mission given to my team directly from professor Ozpin.," He started.

"From the headmaster?," Blake asked.

Nova nodded to confirm their suspicions.

"What was the mission involving us?," Ruby asked.

"😅 How do I put this... It was more on Professor Glynda's recommendation but... your team has a tendency to uh... get into some less than desirable situations.," Turuk said sweating nervously.

"Point being, we were requested to accompany you to make sure you don't get into a situation too big for you to handle alone. The bulk of this mission is yours, we'll assist and back you guys up when needed.," Nova said finishing the explanation.

"So...," Yang started.

"In other words, you're here to keep an eye on us? Is that correct?," Weiss asked a little irritated.

"Weiss, you know that even if we weren't requested to do this we'd help you guys in a heartbeat.," Turuk said.

This did little to change the heiress' outlook on the situation though, that was until Ruby spoke up.

"Weiss wait! It's not their fault, you know... We should be glad to have some extra help for this. Besides, they said they'll leave the bulk of the mission up to us, they'll just help if they feel like it's needed.," Ruby said trying to convince her friend.

Weiss sighs at this, before relenting.

"Alright, fine Ruby. I guess we can't fault them for being forced to come here.," Weiss said.

The group then turned back to Oobleck and continued their earlier conversation.

"Sorry about that, professor. Just needed to clear something up. What were you saying earlier again?," Yang said.

"Ah yes! It's no trouble at all, ladies. Now about your earlier question... Given my expertise in the field of history as well as my dabblings in the archaeological surveys, our dear headmaster saw fit to assign me to this particular... assignment!," Oobleck said.

"What does history have to do with this?," Weiss asked.

"Why, what a preposterous question, you silly girl! Why, history is the backbone of our very society! And the liver! Probably the kidneys, if I were to wager.," Oobleck replied.

Weiss was rather confused by this as evidenced by her reply to this.

"🤨And that means..?," Weiss asked confused.

"The southeast quadrant outside of Vale is home to wild forests and deep caves, but it is also the location to one of the kingdom's greatest failures!," Oobleck said.

A solemn look crossed Ruby's face before she answered.

"Mountain Glenn.," Ruby said.

A look of realization crossed Weiss' face as she spoke in recognition of the place Ruby mentioned.

"That's right! It was an expansion of Vale... but in the end it was overrun by Grimm and fenced off from the rest of the city.," Weiss said in realization.

"Correct! And now it stands abandoned as a dark reminder.," Oobleck said.

This was news to Nova and Turuk as they'd never heard of this part of Vale's history. The reason being, they were pretty sheltered for awhile before coming to Beacon.

"And a likely place for a hideout.,"Blake added.

" Precisely!," Oobleck said smiling and adjusting his glasses.

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The scene then cuts to The airship coming in over a spot of street amidst the ruined buildings and structures of the ruined area. It hovers right above the ground as Yang, Blake, Oobleck, Weiss, and Ruby all jump out of the craft with weapons drawn (minus the doctor, who simply holds his coffee canister) while Nova and Turuk hover to the ground with their ki surrounding them in clear white auras. The ship flies away from the destruction shortly afterwards.

Oobleck then calls the attention team Rwby, along with Nova and Turuk.

"Children! You still may be students, but as of this moment, your first mission as Huntresses and Huntsman has begun! From this point forward, you need to do exactly as I say! Do you understand?," Oobleck said.

He suddenly looks directly at Ruby before he speaks.

"Ruby! I thought I told you to leave all of your bags back at school.," Oobleck said interrogating her.

"But, uh, you hadn't told us to listen to you yet. So I didn't.," Ruby answered.

"(To himself briefly) She's not wrong... Very well, Ruby; leave your bag here, we can pick it up upon our return.," Oobleck replied.

Ruby suddenly got nervous, due to knowing what was in the bag.

"But I, well uh-," She said nervously before Oobleck interrupted her.

Nova looks over to her and communicates to her through a mental link.

"(In mind) Ruby.. you'd better do as he says. Neither of us want you to get in trouble.," Nova said telepathically.

"(Through mental link) But Nova-!," She started.

"(Telepathically) What's the worst that can happen? He finds your dog? Not like he can leave him since you brought Zwei all the way here.. I'll stick up for you, but this is one where my hands are tied.," Nova said through the link.

"(Telepathically) [sighs] Alright, I'll do it. But... only because you're the one asking me, Nova.," Ruby said through the link.

Ruby sets the bag down and steps away from it before looking at the professor.

"Young lady, what in the world could you possibly have in that bag that could be so important to bring it with...," Oobleck said before stopping as the bag's zipper opens and out pops Zwei's head, causing everyone to stare at the uninvited guest.

"Get back in the bag, Zwei...," Ruby says whispering through the side of her mouth.

Zwei merely barks in response.

"We're here to investigate an abandoned urban jungle teeming with death and hostility, and you brought... a dog?," Oobleck says in question.

Ruby is unsure of how to respond and merely offers a weak reply,knowing she's not getting out of this one.

"I, uh...," Ruby says weakly.

"🤦‍♂️Hoo boy... this might get a little sticky.,"Nova sighed.

However, he's surprised by what happened next.

"Genius!Canines are historically known for their perceptive nose and heightened sense of sound, making them excellent companions for a hunt such as ours!,"Oobleck says as he backs away long enough for Ruby to give a very confused shrug.

He speeds past and snatches the pet away from Ruby as he explains the reasoning behind his sudden fascination for the dog. Ruby would've tumbled to the ground, if not for Nova catching her as Oobleck spins Zwei around in the air. Zwei barks happily in his hands as he's spun around by the professor.

Nova, Turuk and the rest of team Rwby have surprised and stupefied looks on their faces as they watch what just took place.

"I'm... So confused...,"Turuk said.

"I'm not even sure what just happened either... I'm lost here...," Nova said equally as confused.

"🤷‍♂️ Sorry Nova.. not even I know what to say to that...,"Ruby said also a little confused.

Ruby recovers after being stunned at the unexpected reaction and grins.

"I'm a genius!," She said proudly.

Weiss and Yang both facepalm at their grinning leader.

"So, what are your orders, Doctor?," Blake asked trying to bring the focus back to where it needed to go.

"Ah, yes, straight to the chase; I like it!," Oobleck said.

He suddenly lets go of Zwei, suspended in the air for less than a second before dropping down, to put his hands behind his back for a serious pose.

"As you've been informed, the southeast area has been marked as a recent hot spot for Grimm activity. Now, there are several possible explanations for this behavior, one of which being... Grimm.," He explained.

Ruby is just confused as her teammates at this for the redundancy.

"Uh, what?,"Ruby asks confused.

"Grimm. A creature of Grimm approximately one hundred yards from us at this very moment.," Oobleck pointed out.

"What?!," Yang said surprised.

She turns to look like the other girls at the lone Beowolf wandering into the street, joining them in unleashing their weapons.

"Wait you guys!," Nova said trying to warn them before Oobleck spoke up.

"Stop!," he said warning them.

They were confused at this, wondering why they were being told to stop.

"Huh?," Blake asked confused.

Blake lowered her weapons, like everyone else that had stopped their advance to listen.

"There are a number of reasons why Grimm will congregate in this particular area, the most likely of which will be their attraction to negativity: sadness, envy, loneliness, hatred. All qualities that are likely held by our hidden group harboring ill intent.," The professor explained.

"So... What now?," Ruby asked curious.

"We wait. We track. If this specimen leads us to its pack, that pack may subsequently lead us to our prey.," He said.

"And... How long do we wait?," Blake asked.

"It's uncertain. Hours, days, weeks. Why, lone Grimm have been known to stay isolated from the pack for months - and there's the whole pack.," Oobleck told them.

His sudden realization is true: Five Beowolves are already following the first.

"What?," Weiss said confused.

Nova spoke up voicing his concern.

"I think Doctor Oobleck may have a point guys... we shouldn't stay here.," the dark teen said.

"And now they've seen us.,"Oobleck said stating the obvious.

"What?!," Weiss says louder.

Oobleck is now practically yelling at this point to get his point across.

"AND NOW THEY'VE SEEN US!,He said coming right up to Weiss' ear to shout.

"I take it tracking them is out of the question?," Ruby asked.

"An accurate assumption, yes.," Oobleck replied.

"So... What's the plan, then?," Yang asked slightly nervous.

The team turns to their teacher as the creatures close in, black bars converging dramatically over the approaching animals.

"Show me what you're capable of.," He said.

The girls then look to Nova and Turuk.

"Don't look at us, we're just here as insurance incase anything bad happens.,"Turuk said.

"This is your team's mission, we'll back you up if the situation calls for it.,"Nova said.

He then walks over to Ruby and smiles at her.

"If you remember our training together you should do fine." Nova encouraged the girl.

Ruby offered a wide smile towards the teen. She appreciated him encouraging her like that. It was one of the things which she found endearing about the teen. And also.. when he encouraged her, it felt... special somehow.

"T-Thanks N-Nova...," Ruby said silently as she blushed.

She then swings Crescent Rose to prepare it for shooting.

"Cover your ears, Zwei!," Ruby shouted as the dog does so and curls up into a ball.

Black lines race across the screen as a single Beowolf and smiling Yang run towards one another, ending with the blonde knocking it out in one fiery punch as they pass. Several stop chasing after the party girl to focus on Blake, who stands and waits with hand on her hilt until one of the enemy swipes at her afterimage, the real deal slicing her would-be attacker in half before slashing through another and cutting down on one more.

Behind the Faunus, Weiss runs from several black-coated beasts before jumping in the air and taking one down with Myrtenaster. She dashes towards them with rapier held high and slays four of them in a straight line until she stops. A wave of Beowolves are converging on Ruby, but the scythe wielder shoots multiple bullets at the oncoming force... while Zwei is busy chasing his own tail. He stops to watch his owner fire forward and, after a dramatic mid-air stare-off, cut the single remaining Grimm in two.

Just as Ruby begins to walk away, another grimm appears and tries to jump her, only for the girl to spin around and surprisingly kick it in the face. This allowed Nova to knee it in the stomach and grasp its head before disintegrating it with a point blank blast of ki. The others gave her odd looks for a second before moving on from the display. They'd come back to this later though.

"Heh. Piece of cake!," Ruby said lifting her weapon.

The professor was quick to respond to this though.

"Do not celebrate yet, for I am certain this is the first bout of many.," He said sagely before adding to his thought. "Shall we continue?," Oobleck asked.

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Continue they do, as it cuts to Ruby cutting through the scene change, Blake slicing the previous shift, and a random slash going to the view of Oobleck rooting through a plant as Grimm parts fall around him. He is center in the faces of tired Huntresses.

As the newest batch of slain monster corpses start smoking, he happily cries:

"Excellent work, girls! Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any signs of criminal operations in this sector. Oh, well! Moving on!," Oobleck said.

As they follow Oobleck, with Ruby sheathing her scythe and beckoning Zwei to follow, she irritably asks him something she's been meaning to say for awhile.

"Hey, Doc, y'know, I was actually looking forward to seeing a "pro Huntsman" in action. Like, fighting, or at least, helping us fight?," Yang asked irritated.

" Ah, but I am in action! Scouring the ruins of this once-great city for any signs of irregularity! (He turns towards the teens before continuing) Not every mission is filled with daring and heroism, girls. Sometimes it's just a heightened form of extermination!", He says over his shoulder.

Viewing Yang's reluctantly-accepting face as well as Oobleck's serious rebuttal, the professor speaks again.

"Remember, this is a job, and you all signed up for it. I do hope you understand that.," Oobleck said.

Turuk put a hand on Yang's shoulder and gave her a look that told her the professor was right.

"He's not wrong you know, Yang.," Turuk said.

Yang relented and awkwardly replied to Oobleck's rebuttal.

"Well, yeah... O-Of course!," Yang said trying to sound more resolute in her answer.

"Hmm...," Oobleck said while the camera zooms in on his opaque glasses.

"I'm sure they'll understand the purpose of this soon, professor..," Turuk said.

"Yes. I do hope you are right young man, for their sakes.," Oobleck said.

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The scene changes to the view of another victory for RWBY and their mentor amid the noise of fired shots, but switches again to Oobleck and Yang away from the group.

"Tell me, Yang: Why did you choose this line of work?," Oobleck asked.

"Huh? (Under Oobleck's gaze, she answers) Well, to fight monsters and save-," She started before being cut short by the professor.

"No, that is what you do. I want to know why you do it. The honest reason as to why you want to be a Huntress.," Oobleck said further clarifying what he meant by his question.

Yang considers this, and after careful consideration, she answers.

"The honest reason? I'm a thrill-seeker. I want to travel around the world and get wrapped up in as many crazy adventures as I can. And if I help people along the way, then that's even better. It's a win-win, y'know?," Yang answered.

"I see..," Oobleck said in thought.

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One claw-scratch transition later, Oobleck is sitting on a high windowsill writing in his journal while Weiss fights off Beowolves below.

"And you, Miss Schnee? A girl born into fame and fortune such as yourself certainly doesn't need the extra work. So... why choose this over a cushy job in Atlas?," Oobleck asked.

Weiss impales the last of her foes on her blade, then proceeds to drop the body before answering the professor.

"It's exactly as you said: I'm a Schnee. I have a legacy of honor to uphold. Once I realized I was capable of fighting, there was no longer a question of what I would do with my life. It was my duty.," She answered.

"Interesting.," Oobleck said in thought as he considered the schnee's answer.

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Oobleck jumps down into the next scene, where Blake slashes a door down and releases a swarm of small Nevermores from the building, which she back-flips under before she shoots them all with her blade's pistol form.

As the professor examines the inside of the doorway, he approached the cat faunus with the same question that he posed to the previous two members of team Rwby.

"And what about you, Blake? You seem to carry yourself with a sense of purpose.," Oobleck asked in thought.

"Well... first would be to help out my brothers, they're my family and family looks out for each other.  Also.... There's too much wrong in this world to just stand by and do nothing. Inequality, corruption... Someone has to stop it.," Blake answered.

"Very well. How?," he asked.

Blake finds that she suddenly can't answer that question.

"I.. uh....," Blake says as she fumbles for words.

Oobleck "Hmm's" to himself, then dashes away, leaving Blake to bow her head in troubled thought.

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Later...

Later, Ruby is using her weapon in the most practical fashion and lifting a whole turkey on the sharp end of her gun to tease a jumping and flipping Zwei with. That is, until she spots her teacher watching, quickly sheathing Crescent Rose.

"Sorry! Uh... Are we ready to keep going?," Ruby asked nervous.

"Nope! I believe that will have to do for today. It's going to be dark soon.," He says in suggestion.

Oobleck tosses his bag to Yang, who makes a noise when she catches the bag. The professor then turns back towards them and speaks again.

"You three, set up camp in that building. Oh, and please do make sure there are no more of those... creatures. Your leader and I are going to secure the perimeter. Come, Ruby.," He said.

They start walking away from the rest of RWBY, who each look at their leader, knowing what she'll be asked.

"(As Oobleck and Ruby round the corner of a building, she sees something off-screen that makes her say:) Whaaaa...," she starts before getting a second look at what she sees.

The camera allows the audience to see the wide forest stretching below the ruin, and in the midst of it, a line of giant elephants with the black and white features of animals of darkness marching through the trees.

"What is that? It looks awesome!,"Ruby said excitedly.

"That, my dear girl, is a Grimm.,"Oobleck answered. 

"(She stares at the lumbering mass of monsters in amazement and awe before pulling out her gun, saying) Let's go Kill it.,"Ruby says.

"I'm afraid your sniper rifle will do nothing more than agitate a Grimm of that size.," Oobleck said in reply.

"But... What if it attacks us?," Ruby asked.

Oobleck silently chuckled at the girl before answering her question with a smile.

"Fret not, Ruby; those Goliaths are not concerned with us. Ruby, not every Grimm is mindless, or rather not every Grimm is still mindless. You see, the Grimm you see before you are so powerful, so superior to the Grimm you fought, that they've undoubtedly lived hundreds of years, and in that time between killing humans and attacking our borders, they have done one important thing: They've learned. They've learned that when they attack our borders, they're likely to die, and what we lack in strength, we make up for in will, and that killing one human will only bring more.," The professor explained.

As he says this, one Goliath swivels its thick neck to look at the figures watching their procession, eyes glowing as fiery red as any other Grimm.

"Then why are they still so close to the city? What are they doing?," Ruby asked in thought.

"Waiting.," He said in explanation.

As he says this, the Goliath turns its head forward again and moves on with its kin. Oobleck turns around and walks away as well, and Ruby puts away her weapon, not moving.

"Doctor Oobleck?," Ruby asked.

He turns toward her.

"Hmm?," He asks in question.

" I was wondering...," Ruby began.

Oobleck stops walking and turns back to having already figured out what the girl would ask him.

"Wondering why I've been interrogating your teammates all day?," He asked guessing that was what Ruby would ask him.

"A-Actually, I was wondering... Why did you want to become a Huntsman?," Ruby asked.

Oobleck thought for a moment before he spoke again.

"Look around and tell me what you see.," He told her.

Ruby does as instructed and takes a quick look around them.

"Lots of old buildings, uh, empty streets...," Ruby answered unsure of where the professor was going with his answer.

" I see lives that could have been saved.,"He answers before he continues his answer while walking alongside Ruby again with Zwei following at their heels.

"As a Huntsman, it is my job to protect the people, and although I am capable of doing it with traditional weaponry, I believe I can make a much larger impact if I do it with my mind. As a teacher, I'm able to take knowledge, the most powerful weapon of them all, and place it in the hands of every student that passes through my classroom. I look at this wasteland, and I see lives that could have been saved, but I also see an opportunity; an opportunity to study these ruins and learn from this tragedy, and therefore become stronger. (Stops for his final answer) I am a Huntsman, Ruby, because there is nothing else in this world I would rather be.," He answered before he continued walking.

______________________________________

Back with the others...

Back at the building, the team has done as instructed, building a fire in the center of the room and huddling around it or standing up.

" I can't believe we didn't find anything...," Yang said.

Blake spoke up after this.

"We've always been fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. I guess we can't always have luck on our side.," Blake said with a small smile.

"That's not what I meant.," Weiss said off topic.

This confused the other two girls until Weiss explained what she meant.

"Huh?," Blake asked confused.

"Earlier, about... upholding the legacy. There's more to it than that.," Weiss said.

"Yeah... No, me too. I mean... I don't know.," Yang said.

"I don't know, either. I know what I want to do, but I figured I'd always take things one step at a time.," Blake said.

"Well, it doesn't matter. We know why we're here. Right?," Yang said.

The girls all stood in silence for a brief moment before looking towards Nova and Turuk.

"Speaking of which, I have been wondering about something...," Weiss said before continuing.

"Same here.," Yang said.

Blake was curious as well when she'd never heard the reason her brothers aspired to be Huntsman before.

"I am curious as to why the two of you chose to become Huntsman. You have never mentioned the reason before now, so... why did you?," Weiss asked as the 3 girls listened.

"Why did we choose to become Huntsman?  Well... I guess we define what Huntsman is as a little different from what you all do.," Turuk said.

"It's not so much we want to become Huntsman as it is we want to learn. We want to learn what it is to truly become strong. If that is to help and defend those who cannot defend themselves... we'd like to do whatever it takes to become strong enough to defend that which we care for, those people we care for.," Nova said.

"We'll admit that part of us really wants to push our limits and see how we stack up against overwhelming odds, but we also just want to protect what matters to us. And hey, if we can protect the world and save everyone while doing so... then I'd say that's a win for everyone.," Turuk explained.

The teens were silent as they considered the brothers answer.

Oobleck and Ruby suddenly come rushing into the room, breaking the silence.

"Ah, wonderful; a textbook campfire!," Oobleck said.

Ruby comes out from behind Oobleck, followed by Zwei as she comes and sits down next to her sister.

"Fire! Ah... so warm...," Ruby said relaxing by the fire.

"Very good! Eat your dinners and hurry to bed. We have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow and we'll need you to take turns keeping watch over our temporary abode. Any volunteers for first watch?," Oobleck said asking his question at the end.

Ruby lifts an arm while still looking into the fire, simply answering.

"Yo.," Ruby answered.

Oobleck rushes off, and Ruby gets up to go over to her lookout point. Before she can get very far though, Nova walks over to her, along with the others. As Ruby is passing her, Yang stops her and asks her a question.

"Hey, did Oobleck ask you why you wanted to be a Huntress? I mean... what did you tell him?," Yang asked.

"Hmm... No, he didn't. Weird. Oh, well; good night, guys!," Ruby said.

Before she could leave though, Nova put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. She turned to look at him.

"Wait, Ruby.," Nova said.

"What's up, Nova?," Ruby asked.

Nova rubbed the back of his head for a second before speaking up again.

"Do.. you have a few minutes? There's.. uh... something I feel that we need to talk about.," Nova said.

It took Ruby a few minutes to really understand what Nova was eluding to, but when she did, her face became red as she shifted around nervously.

"O-Oh.. Uh... well in t-that case, I um... h-have something I've been meaning to talk to you about N-Nova.," Ruby said blushing.

The two then walked off as the others watched.

"😏 I knew the two of them would have to have "That" talk eventually.," Yang said slyly smirking.

The others looked at Yang quizzically before they eventually understood what Yang meant. They all smiled at this.

A/N: kind of a retcon for the original episode's ending but I have to make it a little bit different. 😆

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With Ruby and Nova

Ruby meanwhile, is sitting in the vacant windowsill of the room as Zwei goes over to her upon hearing the howling of Beowolves. She pets her pooch on the back.

"Don't worry, thing will get better tomorrow.," She says to her pet.

Nova comes over and also pets the dog on the back. Zwei seems to like the feel of Nova's large hand on his back as he pants happily while the dark teen strokes his fur. He smiles at the dog, then looks to Ruby.

"So... uh... you had something you wanted to tell me later? And well... it's later now.," Nova asked.

Ruby felt her face flush a dark shade of crimson as her heart began to pound in her chest. She took a deep breath and sighed before speaking. Ruby knew what she had to say, she needed to let him know how she felt about him. As much as she was nervous to, she had to confront her feelings for Nova now.

"Uh.. u-um N-Nova d-do you have a g-girlfriend or anything at the moment?," Ruby asked nervously.

Nova raised an eyebrow at this, that was an odd thing for Ruby to ask him out of the blue.

"Um.. No, I don't have one. Why do you ask?," Nova replied.

Ruby's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she tried and succeeded in steeling her nerves and pounding heartbeat in what she was about to say.

"W-well.. u-um... Nova you've been there for me over the past year and a half whenever I needed someone to talk to about anything. Any time I was feeling down, you knew just what to say for me to feel better.. You have been one of my best friends and... someone I feel that I can count on any time I need  help. You're very kind, always put others first, you listen to others, and... you're very sweet to others you care for..  I-I consider myself lucky to have a friend like that in you...," She said trailing off with her face as red as a tomato. 

Nova smiled at the girl before attempting to say something, only to have Ruby silence him by putting her finger on his lips.

"I wasn't finished yet Nova... let me finish first.," Ruby said.

Nova then nodded, signaling for Ruby to continue.

"That said, sometimes I wonder I-if we  couldn't be m-more than just friends... like.. maybe we could be more...," Ruby said still blushing profusely.

"Ruby, what are you trying to say here?," Nova asked.

"I-I guess what I'm trying to say is... N-Nova I  uh... I l-like you... as more than just a friend. No, that's not right... uh u-um I l-love y-you... I-I'm.. (sighs deeply for what she says next) I'm in love with you, N-Nova Belladonna! W-Would you be my b-boyfriend?," Ruby asked steam rising from her head.

Nova's eyes widened in shock and surprise, he wasn't expecting that from Ruby.

"😳Did... Ruby just say she loves me?," Nova thought in shock.

Nova tried composing himself, but was still in complete shock over what Ruby just told him. He found that he couldn't help but blush himself.

"I uh... W-Wow Ruby... I don't know what to really say to that.. except for one thing.," Nova said blushing.

"R-Really, what is it?," Ruby asked still red in the face.

Nova leaned his forehead against Ruby's own and smiled while still blushing.

"I feel the same, Ruby.," He answered.

Ruby's eyes widened in shock and happiness.

"Y-You d-do?," Ruby asked still surprised at her crush's answer.

"Yeah. I'm not entirely sure when it started, but I... have been thinking alot about you recently too. You.. became so much more than my best friend to me.. I began to feel as though you were... irreplaceable. Looking back on it now, from the first moment we met, I somehow find it hard to imagine my life without you and your friends.. but more specifically, you in it Ruby.," Nova said rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Ruby was still wide eyed, listening to Nova give his answer. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

"N-Nova a-are you saying what I think you are?," Ruby asked feeling her heart pound even faster than before.

Nova still rubbed the back of his head nervously and grinned as he spoke. That smile of his, Ruby just couldn't help but to adore it.

Nova pulled Ruby towards him as he smiled at her while still sporting abit of a blush. He leaned her head against his as he spoke.

"Yeah, you betcha I am. I'm also in love with you, Ruby Rose. I think- no, I'm certain I've felt this way for awhile now.," Nova answered.

"😳 N-Nova I...," Ruby started but found that she was unable to finish her thought.

"And to answer your question Ruby... I'd be honored to be your boyfriend. If you'll have me, that is.," Nova said.

Ruby felt her cheeks turn red as she steeled herself for what she was going to do.

"N-Nova? C-C-Could you close your eyes for a minute? T-There's something I want to give you. You know as.. thanks.," Ruby asked with her face deep red in color and steam rising from her head.

Nova didn't question it and did as Ruby requested of him.

Ruby closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Nova's neck as she inched closer to her boyfriend's lips. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she closed the gap between their lips.

A year ago, Ruby never would have imagined this. She was kissing the boy she loved, her dream had come true.

Nova felt something soft on his lips, but didn't open his eyes. He was intent on keeping his promise to Ruby.

The girl broke the contact, but still had her arms around Nova's neck. She sighed before she spoke.

"Okay, you can open your eyes now.," She said.

Nova opened his eyes and was initially surprised to see how close Ruby was to him. Somehow though... he didn't mind.

"I felt something soft, but it was nice. What was that?," Nova asked oblivious.

Ruby smiled at him, her face still red.

"Well N-Nova... to answer your question..," Ruby trailed off before taking Nova by surprise.

Ruby pulled herself up to Nova and once again closed the gap between their lips and kissed Nova.

Nova's eyes widened, but then softened and closed as he wrapped his arms around Ruby's back as the two shared the kiss.

Both teens broke contact as Nova was still in shock at what just happened.

"R-Ruby um.. w-wow...," Nova said shocked.

" Hee hee Do you like my answer then, Nova?," Ruby asked giggling at the stupefied look on Nova's face.

"I uh... could get used to that kind of answer I think.," Nova managed to say still slightly shocked that Ruby would be bold enough to kiss him.

"So um... Nova, since we're you know a c-couple now, d-do you mind if I call you something?  Like a nickname?,"Ruby asked stammering.

"Yeah, sure thing Rubes.,"Nova said but then covering his mouth as Ruby's eyes widened.

"W-what did you say Nova?," Ruby asked still red in the face.

"Oh! Sorry, it slipped out. I know that's what your sister calls you so I can refer to you as something else.,"Nova apologized.

"N-No it's fine N-Nova... (she blushes again) It actually made me really happy to hear you call me that. C-can you call me that when we're alone though?," Ruby replied.

Nova nodded as the two sat there with Zwei watching them as they gazed out at the horizon. They looked at each other. The two of them staring deep into the others eyes.

In a surprise move, Nova took the initiative this time and leaned in close to Ruby. Ruby closed her eyes, as Nova leans in and kisses her on the lips.

The scene then pans slowly above the two to the moon in the sky above as the camera then fades to black.

End chapter...

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Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.  As you can see.. it finally happened! Nova x Ruby officially came to fruition.  Next chapter the others will find out about it and you can expect Yang will be teasing Ruby about it with the others asking what happened between her and Nova.

Turuk x Yang will get some screen time over the next few chapters as well as we are heading into volume 3 within the next 2-3 chapters. I plan on implementing something Spector45 mentioned in regards to Turuk x Yang, so that one will develop over the next 2 volumes. Blake I'm thinking will still struggle with telling her brothers who their parents are until sometime just before volume 3's finale... that being the fall of Beacon. 

As for Blake... I know what I said about her and Sun's relationship, but now I'm considering maybe... an alternate pairing for her? Though, that won't be a main focus.. just something on the side that will be hinted at and may or may not be explored in depth.

These pairings will stay as is for now:

Scarlett x Mercury,   Daikon x Weiss, Aiko x  Jaune/ Shallot? (We'll see which one wins lol)

Anyways sorry it took so long to update this story guys! Next update won't take nearly as long! Next episode will start off with Ruby and Nova first then it'll be the normal transition of perspectives from there. See y'all next update!

Next time: Chapter 16- Mountain Glenn; Protecting what matters most.