[RWBY] Rusted Professor

[Avip_br]

Yeah Hydras would be an absolute bitch of a Grimm to fight solo. Glad Ozpin finally telling his allies

Click to shrink...

Usually, good stories with party dynamics similar to RPG adventurers emphasize the importance of fighting as a team, rather than focusing solely on anime protagonist vibes.

 

[Avip_br]

Thanks for the new chapter !
It's great to see a new chapter !
I hope to be reading much more of this greatly interesting story of yours !

Click to shrink...

Aaaah, thanks!
When I'm on the job feeling down this kind of comments make my day.

 

[Avip_br]

[#] I'm happy to see that most liked how Luna's actions are affecting the lives of the other characters.

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COMMENTS:



ThunderBasilisk:

Well, I hope Professor Luna keep working on team CRDL. With him drilling in good habits and not taking any shit from them, it's almost like they are tolerable and have some potential.

Avip:

I wrote like this, treating Old Jaune as a mature person. He might be broken in some instance by his time in the 'Ever After', but his desire to help hasn't changed. Right now he thinks that one of the best way to help others is helping his allies get better, like a teacher or professor should.



ThunderBasilisk:

Yeah Hydras would be an absolute bitch of a Grimm to fight solo. Glad Ozpin finally telling his allies.

Avip:

About the Hydra fight. Usually, good stories with party dynamics similar to RPG adventurers emphasize the importance of fighting as a team, rather than focusing solely on the main guy.

[#*#*# Chapter Start #*#*#]

[Point of view: Weiss Schnee]
​

I was expecting that the other members of team RWBY would spend their long weekend time wisely, reviewing material for the upcoming exams or perhaps practicing more combat formations that Ruby has been workshopping.

But Yang said, 'screw that', her words not mine. And then proceed to drag us to the Grand Vale Mall to buy dresses for the Beacon dance.

"Why not?" My team leader whines, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks.

"You gotta trust me on this one, Rubes." Insist Yang in a tired tone. "You cant use your red hooded cloak at the dance."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, already exhausted by the endless back-and-forth between Yang and Ruby.

"Yang, you're being unreasonable." I interject. "We can incorporate Ruby's cloak into a formal gown. I've seen designs from Vale's top tailors that could work for Ruby."

Ruby looks at me, hope sparkling in her silver eyes.

"You really think we can put a hooded cloak on a fancy dress?" She asks.

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Absolutely. Think of it as an accessory. We can-."

"Nope, not happening." Yang waves her hands, cutting me off. "This is also a great opportunity for team-bonding, Weiss. We're doing this together, and we're not throwing money at the problem like a snobby entitled rich little princess."

My eyebrow arches, as I stare at the blonde.

"He-he." Yang laughs awkwardly, noticing what she said to who she said, scratching the back of her neck and avoiding my gaze. "No offense."

"Hmph." I huff turning my face.

Yang's hands clasp together in a pleading gesture, her eyes softening.

"Come on, guys. Let's just do this together at the mall like a regular group of friends, okay? It'll be fun, I promise."

Ruby sighs, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Fine." She agrees dejectedly. "Let's get dresses that are hard to walk in and painfully uncomfortable shoes."

"Alright." I concede with a nod. "It might be interesting to see what the general public considers fashionable."

"Yes." Celebrates Yang, pumping her fist. "How about you Blake?"

The cat faunus of the team lowers the book she is reading while standing, her golden eyes peeking over the top.

"How about what?" Blake's questions, her tone bored, and disinterested as usual.

Ruby giggles, while I also do a poor job hiding the grin on my lips.

But sadly Yang's snaps.

"You know what." She says before grabbing Blake's arm.

"Yang, what are you-.?" Blake begins, her voice laced with sudden alarm.

But Yang ignores her partner and starts dragging her into a nearby shop. Blake stumbles, her book tumbling from her grasp. Her eyes widen, golden orbs darting around, taking in the racks of frilly gowns and sparkling purple accessories approaching.

"I will make you pretty, Blake." Yang grins, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and determination. "And you're gonna love it."

Blake's eyes widened in realization. She digs her heels in, trying to pull away from Yang's iron grip.

"Help! I'm being oppressed by a human!" Blake cries out, her voice echoing through the store.

Shoppers turn to stare, their eyes wide with a mix of amusement and confusion.

"Seriously, Blake?" Yang asks, rolling her eyes. "Are you really playing the race card on me?"

Blake's lips curl into a smirk, her eyes narrowing as she leans into the banter.

"I'll pull every card I've got if it means escaping this frilly, sparkly nightmare."

Yang laughs, a deep, genuine sound that draws a reluctant smile from Blake.

"You're not escaping, Belladonna. You're trying on dresses, shoes, and, as the brother gods are my witness, those kitty-themed hair accessories."

I watch the scene unfold, a small smile playing on my lips. Ruby stands beside me, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she takes in the spectacle.

"Should we help her?" Ruby asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I shake my head, my smile widening.

"No, let's see how this plays out."

Inside the store, Yang drags Blake towards a rack of elegant gowns. Blake whimpers as she finally accepts her fate.

"Fine, but I'm not wearing anything pink." She grumbles, her eyes scanning the rack of dresses with a critical gaze. "I want something black or at least dark purple with black details."

"Deal." Yang grins in victory. "But you have to at least try on whatever I pick for you."

Blake sighs, but nods in agreement. Yang begins to sift through the dresses, her eyes lighting up as she pulls out a stunning simple dark purple gown with intricate black lace detailing. She holds it up to Blake, her grin widening.

"Here, try this one on."

Blake raises an eyebrow, but she takes the dress from Yang, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric. She turns towards the fitting room, her shoulders set with resignation. As she disappears behind the curtain, Yang turns to Ruby and me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Alright, Rubes, you're up next. Let's find something worthy of my precious baby sister."

Ruby's face pale as she swallows hard.

She follows Yang to another rack, her fingers tracing over the various fabrics and designs. I watch them for a moment, a small smile playing on my lips. Despite my initial reservations, I have to admit that Yang's enthusiasm is infectious.

I watch Yang and Ruby casually talking to each other, their laughter echoing through the store as they sort through racks of dresses. The scene makes a pang of longing hit me, the sight of their sisterly bond reminding me of Winter.

My dear sister's stern yet caring guidance shaped me into the huntress, and lady, I am today. I miss her dearly, her unyielding support and constant presence in my life.

But even though I miss my older sister, I can't let myself get dejected. I always have to behave like Winter would: Honorable , resilient, disciplined and most important of all, dignified.

But as I finish my thoughts I freeze in place, as a woman emerges from one of the dressing rooms.

"I can't be." I whisper to myself, jaw dropped.

My eyes widen, shock coursing through me as I take in the sight before me. A woman that I recognize on sight scantily dressed in the most provocative garment I ever saw in my life.

The gown is tight, scandalously so, with barely enough fabric to cover her. It's a far cry from the elegant, sophisticated attire I'm accustomed to seeing her in.

I can't move, can't speak. Because the woman in that outrageous dress is none other than my older sister, Winter Schnee.

[Image / Winter came]

​

She doesn't see me, her attention focused on a brunette woman standing nearby. Winter approaches her, a small smile playing on her lips.

"So, what do you think of this one, Amber?" Winter asks, her voice confident, as if she isn't wearing the most scandalous dress I've ever seen. "He will definitely get the message."

The now named Amber turns to Winter, her eyes widening as she takes in the dress. She tilts her head, her gaze sweeping over Winter from head to toe.

"It's certainly eye-catching," Amber says, nodding. "But don't you think it's a bit much for the Beacon Dance?"

'WHAT?!' I scream mentally. 'She intends to wear that to the Beacon Dance?'

Puffing her chest, barely contained within the top of her dress, Winter waved her fingers chastising the brunette woman.

"You must remember. We're on a mission of utmost importance," Winter says in a tone far too serious for someone dressed like that. "We can't afford not to give our best."

"I know what you're saying, but..." Amber begins, searching for the right words. "But you look more like you're going to dance on a pole than at Beacon."

Before I could stop myself I spoke scandalized.

"How dare you?" I ask, catching the attention of Winter and her friend.

Both stare in schock at me, probably surprised by my sudden appearance.

Winter coughs into her hand, clearing her throat as she steps towards me, her cheeks still slightly flushed. She stands tall, her postura formal, though her eyes refuse to meet mine directly.

"Weiss," she begins, her voice steady and polite. "It's good to see you… dear sister, but I must admit, I'm surprised to find you here at the mall. It is a school day, after all."

I blink, her words taking a few seconds to finally register in my mind.

"I-I could say the same for you, sister." I stammer, my eyes widening as I gesture to her scandalous attire. "When did you arrive at Vale? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? What in the world are you wearing? And why are you wearing it?"

"A few weeks, classified, a dress for the Beacon Dance, classified." she answers without hesitation.

"Wait." I say raising my hands. "The reason you have to wear such a scandalous dress to the Beacon Dance is an Atlas Military classified information?"

Winter's eyes darts to her brunette friend who shrugs without knowing how to respond, Winter looks back at me and closes her eyes taking a deep breath before answering me.

"That's.. classified." She says dryly.

For the first time in my life, I look at my sister, suspecting that she is hiding something that has nothing to do with work.

While distracted Yang approaches me, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Weiss, what are you doing all alone over here?" She asks.

I open my mouth to respond, but Yang's gaze shifts, landing on Winter. Her jaw drops, eyes widening as she takes in my sister's scandalous attire. I turn to Yang, incredulity etched on my face.

"Be respectful with my sister, Xiao Long." I say in a cold threatening tone.

Without any hesitation or consideration Yang lets out a low whistle, forming finger guns with both hands pointed at Winter.

"Well, damn. Whoever you're after with that dress, they don't stand a chance."

Winter's cheeks flush, a soft pink hue spreading across her face.

"Thank you." She murmurs with a nod in response.

I stare at Winter, aghast.

"Wait." I demand. "Is this dress to seduce someone?"

Yang arches an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Come on, Weiss. It's obvious she's dressing to impress someone." She leans in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Or maybe she's got a side hustle you don't know about."

I gasp, shock coursing through me.

"Yang!" I snap, horrified.

Winter clears her throat, her eyes narrowing as she levels a stern gaze at Yang.

"That's quite enough, Ms. Xiao Long." Says Winter.

Yang's grin widens, her eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity.

"Okay, okay." She concedes, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But who's the lucky guy or girl? I don't judge." She winks playfully.

Winter's expression remains stern, her voice cool and composed.

"That is a personal matter, Ms. Xiao Long. I prefer not to discuss it."

Amber steps forward and gives Winter a side glance with a wicked grin.

Winter's eyes go wide, like she just read her friend's mind.

"Amber Sunstone." Says Winter in a low tone. "Don't you dare."

"His name's John Luna." Says the brunette.

The world seems to halt. A cold dread courses through me, locking my muscles tight as I look at my sister. Beside me, Yang's composure shatters, her jaw going slack. Neither of us can move; the weight of the truth pins us in place.

Winter turns to Amber, her eyes narrowing in a mix of surprise and irritation.

"Amber, why would you divulge that information?"

"What's the harm in telling your sister and her friend? You were acting like it was a state secret." Amber shrugs, lifting a shoulder in a loose, casual motion. "It's not like it's going to cause any real problems or unnecessary drama."

[Point of view: Professor Luna]
​

I stand in Ozpin's office, back straight, eyes fixed on the center of the room, waiting for the meeting to begin. To my left, Qrow yawns, stretching his arms wide, fatigue etched on his face. I cut him a sideways glance, my elbow connecting with his ribs.

"Come on, Qrow. This is serious."

"Fuck of, John." He grumbles, irritation flashing in his eyes. "It's not my fault Oz called a last-minute meeting so early."

"It's eight-thirty in the morning," I say, glaring at Qrow.

But Qrow just shrugs and yawns.

Before I can respond, the office door swings open. In strides Ozpin, calm and collected, coffee mug in hand.

Ozpin doesn't sit. Instead, he pulls out his scroll, taps a few buttons, and a holographic projection flickers to life.

Three figures materialize in blue.

Professor Theodore from Shade Academy, General Ironwood from Atlas Academy, and Professor Goodwitch from Haven Academy, her expression a mix of annoyance and fatigue.

Before Ozpin can utter a word, Glynda speaks up.

"I hope this is important, professor Ozpin." States Glynda through the projection. "I'm swamped with my current assignment. Babysitting without raising suspicions from Cinder Fall is more tiring than I thought."

Seeing Professor Goodwitch, rigid as ever, brings a nostalgic warmth to my chest. Without any care I turn to greet her projection.

"Morning, Glynda."

A swift 180, her annoyance morphs into warmth.

"Good morning John," She says almost singing. "It's so wonderful to see you!"

"Well, isn't this cozy?" Qrow snickers, a sarcastic smirk twisting his lips.

Glynda's eyes narrow, her voice sharpens.

"Branwen, always a pleasure." She says, her tone drenched in sarcasm.

Ozpin steps forward, entering the circle of people and holographic projections. His voice, steady and solemn, cuts through the tension.

"I extend my sincere gratitude to you all for responding to this summons on such short notice." The immortal wizard commenced in a heavy, somber tone. "I am aware that your schedules are demanding, but I would not have convened this meeting were the matter not of the utmost importance."

He pauses, meeting each of our gazes.

"You represent some of the most influential figures in all of Remnant, and more critically, you constitute the members I hold in highest esteem within my inner circle."

Qrow straightens, the fatigue lifting from his eyes, replaced by a sharp focus realizing the seriousness of Ozpin's tone.

"Jeez… What's this about, Oz?" Qrow asks, worried.

Ozpin sighs, weariness etched in every line of his face.

"I've kept secrets from you all, secrets I've held close to my chest. But it's time I reveal everything. I feel there is no point in hiding more details about Salem."

The room is silent, the air thick with anticipation as Ironwood decides to break the silence.

"I understand that you may have kept some secrets from us in order to keep humanity safe." The General says, crossing his arms. "What is the nature of these secrets and why did you decide to reveal them only now?

Ozpin glances at me, and I nod, encouraging him to continue. He sighs, then begins.

"Today I finally reveal to you all the origin of Salem powers, the final goal of the Queen of all Grimm and my real relations with her."

All eyes are on Ozpin. Ironwood leans in, brow furrowed. Qrow's gaze sharpens. Glynda adjusts her glasses. As Theodore keeps staring intensely.

"And the secret I dread the most sharing with anyone." Ozpin pauses for a second, swallowing hard, gathering courage to speak. "I must now inform you of the truth: Salem cannot be killed."

[#*#*# Chapter End #*#*#]
​

E ai gurizada?

[#] Winter and Amber joining forces, Ozpin being honest and exposing his secrets. The canon is truly null and void at this point.

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[#] Next chapters already on my 'P(@)TRE-ON':

Chapter 17 - Love Rivals

Chapter 18 - Worth of love

Chapter 19 - Best-day-ever!

Chapter 20 - Reverse Kabedon

Chapter 21 - Am I a DILF?

[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr

 

[Sir_dood134]

Chapter 21 sounds hilarious.

 

[Avip_br]

Chapter 21 sounds hilarious.

Click to shrink...

Qrow dragged Luna to a speed dating event

 

[ThunderBasilisk]

Chapter 20nis gonna be funny as all hell. And the girls are scheming. Surely hilarity won't arise from this. Can't wait to see how his secret group reacts to the information..

 

[Aeden Emrys]

Thanks for another great chapter!
It's great to see a new chapter and I hope to be reading much more!
I will be on the lookout for the next great chapter of this greatly interesting story of yours!

 

[Bookeater]

I like that picture of Winter. I hope the message get through John thick skull.

I always felt like capturing and launching Salem out of orbit would be the best way to deal with her.

 

[Avip_br]

I always felt like capturing and launching Salem out of orbit would be the best way to deal with her.

Click to shrink...

Thats an classic for dealing with imortal foes, Jojo 2 did that i think.

Kamen Rider wizard sent an enemy to the sun where he keeps dying and and coming back.

But I think maybe an black hole would be the safest bet.

 

[Avip_br]

[#] Cat is out of the back, Luna is a time traveling Jaune Arc.



[#] You can join my discord server: discord.gg/52MmzuEQhR



[#] If you like my stories, join my 'P(@)TRE-ON' for just 1 buck a month to read 5 chapters ahead.



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COMMENTS:



Bookeater:

I like that picture of Winter. I hope the message get through John thick skull.

I always felt like capturing and launching Salem out of orbit would be the best way to deal with her.

Avip:

That's a classic for dealing with immortal foes, Jojo 2 did that I think.

Kamen Rider wizard sent an enemy to the sun where he kept dying and coming back.

But I think maybe an black hole would be the safest bet.



FaolenBookWolf:

Cue the catfight, may the best girl win!

Avip:

And who is she? Sound on the comments, next chapter I tell who won.

[#*#*# Chapter Start #*#*#]

[Point of view: Ruby Rose]
​

Unfortunately, our trip to the mall was cut short

We ran into Weiss's older sister shopping with a friend, which, for some reason, put both my partner and my sister in a little of a bad mood.

"THIS IS BULLSHIT!" Yang shouts, punching a pillow.

"Truly outrageous!" Weiss yells, pacing around the room.

Maybe they are in more than just a 'bad mood.'

"Can't you just tell me what happened?" I plead, genuinely worried about them. "Why are you both so mad?"

Both stop and turn to me, answering in unison.

"Nothing," say Weiss and Yang.

"There's definitely something going on," I growl, frustration bubbling over.

Yang and Weiss exchange a look, their expressions mirroring each other's discomfort, but they keep their silence.

Blake, however, leans back, a smirk playing on her lips, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

She's enjoying this, like, like the cat who got the canary.

"Blake, you know something," I accuse, pointing a finger at her. Her grin only widens, maddeningly smug.

"It's nothing, Ruby." Yang sighs, running a hand through her hair. "Just drop it."

"Yeah, just mind your own business," says Weiss huffing, her arms crossed.

I turn to Blake, pleading. "Blake, come on. Give me a hint, at least?"

"Let's just say, they have more competition than each other." Blakes says chuckling.

"Competition?" I repeat, confused. "Competition for what?"

Blake's lips part, just a breath away from spilling whatever secret has got Yang and Weiss twisted up like pretzels.

Then, Yang's hand slams onto the table, her knuckles cracking.

"Say one word, kitten, and I swear I'll turn your entire book collection into kindling."

Blake doesn't even flinch. She just arches a brow, all cool and collected.

"You're bluffing. You'd never burn books."

Weiss cuts in, smooth as silk, flipping her hair over one shoulder.

"How about I send a very detailed inventory of your reading material to the Beacon faculty." The heiress takes a step closer with a wicked smile on her lips. "And, oh... maybe even your parents."

Blake's golden eyes flick to Weiss, then widen.

"Including the dark romance titles." Weiss leans in, sweet as poisoned honey. "The ones with the very creative and detailed descriptions of-."

"Okay!" Blake slaps her hands over her ears, face flushing. "I won't say anything!"

"Wait, what?" I bounce between them, hands flailing. "What's in the books? Why does Blake's parents knowing scares her? What's the secret?"

Blake exhales through her nose, then turns to me with exaggerated sympathy.

"Ruby, I wish I could tell you," she sighs. "But some things aren't worth the blackmail."

"Dramatic," Yang snorts.

"And accurate," Weiss smirks.

"Fine." Blake glares, then slumps back on her bed, defeated. "But when you two are suffering against your new rivals, don't come crying to me asking for help."

I throw my hands up, my voice pitching higher than I mean it to.

"Okay, what rivals?" I ask. "Who are we even talking about? I'm the leader of Team RWBY! I should be the first to know if there's some kind of threat or-."

Yang groans, rubbing her temples like I'm giving her a headache. "It's not that kind of rival, Rubes."

"What kind then?" I ask, frustrated.

"L-o-v-." Blake tries to spell.

"SHUT UP, BLAKE!" Yang and Weiss yell.

[Point of view: Ozpin]
​

I told them everything. John's secret identity, Salem's origin, her powers, and my entire history with her.

It comes as no surprise that everyone in the room is stunned by the news. Qrow takes it better than the rest, he already knew John's identity, though he didn't know about Salem's immortality.

The holographic projection flickers, casting shifting blue light across the faces of my most trusted allies. I take a slow sip of coffee, the bitter warmth grounding me as I watch the reactions unfold.

Theodore leans back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes are sharp, calculating.

{So... Salem is not just the most powerful magic user with control of all Grimm, she is also immortal?} Theodore states dryly.

Qrow, on the other hand, lets out a bark of laughter, rubbing a hand over his face.

"And don't forget my favorite part," Qrow adds, chuckling. "This shadow war that mankind and faunuskind have been fighting in his behalf is actually just the most fucked up lovers' quarrel ever." He takes a long swig from his flask, the one he always carries, then shakes his head. "No wonder you've been so damn cryptic and dramatic."

Ironwood doesn't move. He just takes a deep breath before speaking.

{This changes nothing,} he says, his voice steel. {If she cannot be killed, then we contain her. We starve her of resources. We-.}

"Thank you, James, but..." I cut in before the general can spiral. "This isn't a strategic briefing. Not yet, at least."

The general crosses his arms in discontent just as a flicker in the hologram catches my attention.

I turn my head, and that's when I see it, the way Glynda's hands tremble where they grip the edge of her desk. Her knuckles are white, her breath coming too fast.

'This isn't the composed, unshakable woman I've known for decades,' I think, astonished. 'Did my lies break my most trusted ally?'

"Glynda-" The word barely leaves my lips before she cuts me off, her voice raw and jagged.

{John Luna is Jaune Arc?} she shouts, sounding more like a statement of fact than a question.

"Yes, John Luna is the future version of Jaune Arc that came to our time." I elaborate to her.

{I'm sorry, Headmistress Goodwitch,} Theodore starts, blinking bewilderingly. {We just learnt that humanity's greatest enemy is an immortal ex-lover of Ozpin, and you're… how can I say…}

{And of all the things to fixate on,} General Ironwood adds, {you choose the fact that John Luna is some time-displaced, future old student of yours?}

{You don't get it,} Glynda says, holding back tears. {I was so hopeful for John…}

Glynda's outburst prompts Qrow into laughter, while James shakes his head disapprovingly and Theodore gives an exasperated sigh.

"Oh, this is rich," Qrow wheezes, wiping at his eyes. "The teacher has the hots for her student." He slaps his knee, laughing it off. "Sounds like porn movie."

I can see the conflict in her eyes, the betrayal, the disappointment. But beneath it all, there is something deeper. Something that looks like grief.

John steps forward. His voice is a whisper, but it carries the weight of decades she doesn't know he's lived.

"Glynda."

She doesn't look at him. Her jaw tightens, her gaze fixed on the flickering hologram of the table between us.

"I want to apologize." He says, his tone sincere. "I never wanted to deceive you."

Qrow snorts, but a sharp glance from me silences him.

John exhales, slow and measured, before continuing.

"You were one of the people who made me into a Huntsman worth respecting. You pushed me when I was lazy, corrected me when I was wrong, even when I didn't believe in myself." His voice roughens, just slightly. "I owed you the truth, and I failed you."

Glynda's shoulders tremble. For a moment, I think she might break. But she lifts her chin. Her eyes are bright, but her voice is steady when she finally speaks. {Yes, you did failed me.}

The words hang there, heavy.

John doesn't flinch.

She swallows hard, her fingers finally uncurling from the desk.

{All this time I thought you were someone different.} A bitter laugh escapes her. {And you were playing me.}

"My original identity was a secret, but who I am isn't an act, I promise," John says.

Glynda finally meets his gaze. A tear runs down her cheek, but her eyes already show relief. {You should have told me from the beginning.}

The tension in the room eases like a drawn bowstring slowly loosening. I take a sip of my coffee as Qrow stretches his arms behind his head, grinning like a man who's just been handed the keys to a vault.

"So," he drawls, "what do we call you now? Professor? Jaune? Old Man Arc? The Rusted Professor?"

John exhales through his nose, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. He rubs the back of his neck, the way he always did when he was younger, when the weight of expectations pressed down on him.

Some habits never fade, no matter how many years pass.

"John Luna is fine," he says, voice steady. "I've already made peace with my destiny, so I will continue living in this world as Professor John Luna."

"Fair." Qrow snorts pointing his thumb at Glynda. "So, you gonna hit that, or what?"

The coffee cup pauses halfway to my lips.

Qrow's words hang in the air like a dust explosion.

Glynda's face flushes crimson. John's jaw drops, his expression caught between horror and the desperate need to vanish into thin air.

I set my cup down with deliberate slowness.

"Qrow," I say, admonishing the man-child. "That was crass, unwarranted, and most of all, entirely none of your concern."

He blinks, pointing at himself with feigned innocence.

"John is a virgin and Glynda desperately needs a roll in the hay. I'm just saying they could help each other-"

{Enough!} Glynda cuts in, her word landing like a blade.

"Alright, alright, sorry!" Qrow says, throwing his hands up, his flask sloshing. "But come on… you know I'm right."

The room erupts, everyone on the call shouts in unison..

"SHUT UP QROW!"

[Point of view: Professor Luna]
​

The hallway lights flicker overhead, casting long shadows that stretch and warp with each step. My boots scuff against the polished floor, the sound swallowed by the weight of the day.

I feel so tired… not from teaching or fighting Grimm, but from the strain of truths finally laid bare.

Glynda's face lingers in my mind. The way her hands trembled when she spoke. The way her voice cracked, not with anger, but with the raw feeling of betrayal and disappointment.

I rub my temples. "I really should've told her sooner," I mutter, frustrated.

I stand at my door, but before I can reach the handle, someone calls for me.

"Professor Luna!" a familiar feminine voice cries out.

I turn to face Ruby standing a few steps away. Her red hood shadows her face, but the tension in her shoulders gives her away.

"Good night, Ruby." I step toward her. "What's wrong?"

She hesitates, fingers twisting the hem of her cape.

"I-I'm having some t-trouble with my team," she stammers, avoiding my gaze. "Most teachers don't actually live at Beacon, so... I didn't know who else to ask for help."

The weight of her words hits me differently, dragging up memories. She has the same lost look I once had, it's like staring into a mirror from years ago, at another life. Right now, she reminds me of myself during my first weeks at Beacon.

A soft smile creeps onto my face. It isn't because I take any pleasure in seeing her so vulnerable, but because I finally have the opportunity to return the favor to the very person who helped me back then.

But first, I need to remind her of boundaries.

"It's past curfew." My voice comes out firmer than I intended. "Having you in my quarters this late... it isn't appropriate."

Her shoulders slump like I've cut the string holding her up. The red hood bobs as she nods, rapid, too eager.

"R-right, of course. I'm sorry, I didn't think-." Her fingers tighten around the fabric of her cape. "I'll just go."

"But," I say, lifting a hand to cut the silence before she takes another step. "Even though it's improper, I will help, if you still want it."

Her head snaps up. Her silver eyes shine bright as she locks onto me.

"Please," Ruby says, relieved. "But... won't we get in trouble?"

"I'll take responsibility if anyone asks." I fold my arms. "But this isn't a precedent, Ruby. You don't make a habit of knocking on my door at this hour."

"I won't," she promises, nodding.

I open the door with a quiet click and step aside, gesturing her in. Ruby hesitates, just for a second, before slipping past me. Her boots leave faint scuff marks on the wood floor.

I move straight for the counter, filling the kettle with water. The rhythmic clink of the stove igniting fills the silence.

"Sit." I nod toward the couch, my back still turned as I prepare a hot beverage for us.

She perches on the edge, fingers drumming against her knees. The kettle hums, steam curling from its spout. I pour, the dark liquid swirling into two mismatched mugs, one chipped at the rim, the other bearing a faded Beacon crest.

The mug thuds softly against the table between us, steam rising in lazy curls. Ruby's eyes widen before I even finish sliding it toward her.

"Oh! Sorry, I don't actually like coffee," she winces, looking like she's just admitted to kicking a puppy.

I bark out a laugh. The sound startles her, which is good; she's too tense.

"No problem." I lean back, sitting opposite her and grabbing the second mug from the counter. "Because I didn't make coffee."

Her eyebrows shoot up as I nudge the mug closer. The scent of chocolate and cinnamon fills the space between us, rich and inviting.

"Hot cocoa?" Her voice lifts, skeptical but hopeful.

"With extra marshmallows." I tap the rim. "Drink it up. You look like you need it."

Her face brightens as she takes a sip, then another, slower this time, savoring it. A quiet mmm escapes her, the sound so genuinely pleased it pulls a chuckle from me.

"Good?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Really good." She nods fast, a cocoa mustache forming above her lip. "There is more than cinnamon and marshmallow in this. What's the recipe?"

"Trade secret." I tap my temple. "But I'm glad it meets your standards."

Ruby grins, hugging the mug like it's a lifeline. Her happy face almost makes me want to talk about lighter things, but she came to me helpless. She needs help.

"So…" I start, getting her attention. "What happened?"

As soon as she remembers why she came, her mood sours. Ruby's fingers tighten around her mug, the cocoa sloshing dangerously close to the rim.

"Weiss and Yang are angry," she starts.

"Weiss and Yang are fighting?" I ask, curious. "They do have conflicting personalities, but I didn't know it was that bad."

Ruby shakes her head, disapproving of my comment.

"That's the weird part. They're not fighting each other." She looks up, silver eyes flicking to meet mine. "They're both mad, together, at other people."

"That's new," I say, blinking in surprise. "And who are they mad at?"

I lean forward. Ruby hesitates, but finally spills the names.

"I don't totally get it, but… I think it's Weiss's older sister, Winter, and her friend Amber."

The names make my eyes wide with surprise.

"Wait, Winter and Amber?" I repeat, my voice tighter than I mean it to be. "What'd they do to set them off?"

Ruby blinks, tilting her head.

"I don't know. They were just… buying clothes at the mall, I guess? And then Weiss and Yang got all huffy and said they were going back to Beacon early…" She shrugs, cocoa sloshing again.

My brain pieces it together before she even finishes talking.

'This doesn't make any sense,' I think in silence. 'Weiss adores Winter, and Amber doesn't even know the members of team RWBY.'

While I'm lost in my mind, Ruby keeps talking. I listen without paying much attention until she adds Blake's name.

"-and Blake tried to explain, but she only said that Weiss and Yang met their rivals."

"Rivals…" I mutter.

"Yeah," Ruby confirms. "But if they aren't opponents for a fight, what kind of rivals could they be?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose, stifling a groan as I finally realize why they are mad.

"Dear Gods," I groan. "Why me?"

Ruby stares at me in confusion, not realizing "I'm" the reason Weiss and Yang are in such a bad mood.

"Why is my life so complicated?" I ask myself in a groan.

[#*#*# Chapter End #*#*#]
​

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[#] Oh Luna, your life is such a mess, you have to deal with many women lusting for you… I hate and envy you.



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[#] Next chapters already on my 'P(@)TRE-ON':

Chapter 18 - Worth of love

Chapter 19 - Best-day-ever!

Chapter 20 - Reverse Kabedon

Chapter 21 - Am I a DILF?

Chapter 22 - Not again



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[Bookeater]

Well, look like the Luna Bowl is entering the next quarter of the match.