Sorry about the lack of update guys but midterms came up and then there was Dark Souls 2. Not to mention Kawaii Kon is coming up next week here in Honolulu. Can't wait to see the RWBY cosplays.

Partners

Sanctum

"Okay Jaune, one more time."

"Yeah, hold on. Just lemme catch my breath for a bit, Pyrrha."

In one of Sanctum's many combat rooms, partners Jaune Arc and Pyrrha Nikos were currently sparring. They had recently been assigned together as Reaper pilots together several months back when they discovered that they were quite compatible with each other. This came as a surprise since Jaune was considered physically inferior to the famous red-headed athlete from Mistral. When he first joined to train as a Huntsman, Jaune had no idea what he got himself into. Sure, he wanted to fight for Remnant just like his close friend Ruby but he was so hyped up about it that he didn't really think it through. Fortunately, he put his mind to it and started to train as hard as he could. Now, despite being a bit of a goofball from time to time, he is considered a skilled Hunstman along with Pyrrha. It surprised him to find out that he would be piloting the Reaper known as the Argo Knight. The two have a Grimm kill count of one Beowolf, but the speed and skill with which they dispatched it gained them much praise from their peers.

"By the way, have you heard about that recent attack near Vale?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yeah, I heard about that. The Grimm was stopped but there was also a KIA, I heard," Jaune replied. "I hope it wasn't someone I know."

"Don't worry, I'm sure your friends are fine," Pyrrha said. "Also, I'm not too sure about the details, but apparently the Grimm that attacked was stronger and tougher than previous ones."

"I thought it was just an ordinary Beowolf?"

"I guess it was no ordinary Beowolf then. If the Grimm are getting stronger, then we have to retaliate somehow. Unfortunately, our resources are limited and Reapers aren't cheap to produce," Pyrrha pointed out.

"Not to mention the cost of all the Dust we're using," Jaune muttered.

At that moment, their scrolls began to beep. They opened their devices and read the message that was sent to both of them.

"Hmm, Marshall Parangosky wants us to meet up with her," Pyrrha stated. "New orders for us."

"Welp, better get going then," Jaune said.

The duo got a change of clothes and made their way over to the Marshall's office. Just as Jaune was about to knock on the door, a voice from within said, "You two may enter."

Jaune and Pyrrha glanced at each other, both thinking similar thoughts; How does she always do that?

"I still think the rumors were true about her," Pyrrha whispered.

"Come on, there's no way that she was a government spook," Jaune whispered back. "She seems too nice. Wouldn't they be all serious and cold and emotionless?"

Jaune opened the door. "Ladies first," he said while motioning for Pyrrha to enter. She simply rolled her eyes with an amused smile and walked in. The two took a seat in front of their commanding officer who was seated at her desk.

"Hello Mister Arc and Miss Nikos," Parangosky said. "Would you two care for some coffee?"

"Uhm, sure?" "That would be nice, ma'am," the duo said simultaneously.

Parangosky simply smiled and poured the two hunters fresh coffee that she brewed earlier herself.

"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I called you here so I'll just cut to the chase," Parangosky said. "I have good news, and bad news. The good news is the Grimm seem to have stopped attacking around the Mistral region."

"What's the bad news?" Jaune asked.

"Well the bad news is, Grimm are going to enter more frequently and the area most likely to be hit by all this is Vale," Parangosky answered, taking a sip of her coffee. "That is where you two come in."

"Ma'am?"

"I'm transferring you and Argo Knight over to Beacon headquarters," Parangosky clarified. "Ozpin could use the extra hands."

"Beacon? Are you sure? What if Mistral needs us?" Pyrrha asked.

"Worry not, Miss Nikos. Your homeland is capable of taking care of itself. You should know how tough your people is. Besides, I believe Jaune is looking forward to a reunion with his friends at Beacon. Also, you are acquaintances with Weiss Schnee, am I correct?"

"Weiss is at Beacon?" Pyrrha gasped at the mention of one of her old time friends.

"I'm...not sure what to say, ma'am," Jaune said.

"You can thank me later," Parangosky chuckled. "Your transport is already prepped and ready to leave on your go. Have a good day."

"Yes, ma'am."

Beacon

"Where is that girl?" Weiss muttered to herself. "And why did she just run off like that?"

Currently, Weiss was in search of her newly made...acquaintance. Friend is such a strong word. She would have contacted the younger girl through her scroll but alas, they haven't shared any contact info with each other.

"I know I wasn't the most sociable with her but I need to know these kind of things if I am to be a Huntress. I can't pilot a Reaper if I have a disagreement with my future partner, whoever they may be," she continued.

"Hey, Weiss. What are you up to?"

"Hmm? Oh, hey Ruby. Nothing much, just looking for...," Weiss stopped and blinked. "...you."

Both girls simply stared at each other. Ruby started, "Well, here I am- "

"What on Remnant?! Don't just go sneaking up on me like that! How did you even do that anyway?" Weiss yelled.

"Riiight. Nice to see you to. So, what did you need me for?" Ruby asked.

"You still didn't answer my question about your partner, Rose," Weiss stated. "You just stood up and left me. Quite rude, I might add," she said with a 'hmmph' and crossing her arms.

"Oh," Ruby's face turned solemn. "Like I said, we're not together anymore."

"But why? I've studied an trained to become a Huntress like you but I do not want to run into the same partnership issue that you're facing right now."

"Oh, now you want to talk to me?" Ruby was fed up with being pestered. "What about all those times I tried to start a conversation with you, huh? YOU just blew me off but when you need something, that's when you try talking with me."

Weiss had a look of shock on her face. She was right, she had been treating Ruby like a nuisance. Unfortunately, her pride wouldn't let her apologize or admit her mistake. "Look, I just need information since you obviously have more experience than me in the field. Unless it's possible to operate a Reaper with only one pilot, I wo- "

"You really don't want to end up like me? Train harder, then maybe you can save your partner!" Ruby yelled.

Silence followed as Weiss processed the words in her head. "Your partner is... I didn't mean to..."

Ruby sighed and ran her hand through her hair. "Sorry for snapping at you, it's just..." she bit her lip. "She wasn't just my partner, she was also my mother." Tears were beginning to form in her eyes before she turned away from Weiss.

"Oh, I.." Weiss started. "I'm sorry," she finally admitted. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. I guess we're the same then," she muttered the last part quietly while touching her scar. She hoped Ruby didn't hear that part but at the same time she secretly wished Ruby did.

"Yeah. No problem, I guess," Ruby responded after wiping her eyes. "So umm, this is awkward now."

"So I see," Weiss retorted but with noticeably less bite in her tone. "I guess I should leave now, if that's okay with you."

"Wait, hold up now," Ruby called out, stopping Weiss mid-turn. "You said you wanted to learn to become a Huntress, right?" Weiss gave her a confused look before Ruby continued, "Well, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't offer help?"

"That...would be nice," Weiss said. Then she registered what Ruby had said earlier. "Wait a minute, by no means does this make us friends."

"Aww don't be like that. After today, you'll be like 'Wow, that Ruby girl is really, really cool,' and what not," Ruby said in an exaggerated tone.

"Just hurry up and tell me how you're going to help me, dunce," Weiss snapped back. "And those are not the words I would use."

"Oh, so you admit that you will be my friend?"

"What? I- No, that's not what I meant!"

"Suuure. Anyways, come with me to the combat room. We're gonna have some fun," Ruby said as she walked off.

Eye twitching in annoyance, Weiss let out an exasperated sigh as she begrudgingly followed her newly made... friend.

Watching the two girls from around a corner were four pairs of eyes.

"Well, told you it wouldn't take them long," Yang said. "Guess you owe me 5 lien."

"Technically," Blake shot her partner a glare, "they aren't friends yet. So I don't owe you anything."

"Aww don't be like that kitten," Yang laughed.

"Blake is correct though," Ren stated. "Your sister is just going to help her. Although, I do feel like they will be friends sooner or later, if not today."

"Looks like you owe me 10 lien," Nora cheered. "Woohoo."

Ren and Blake simultaneously sighed.

Next chapter will have Ruby and Weiss actually bond with each other and hopefully there will be some action, too. Also, I just read a certain fanfiction earlier and I feel all gloomy because there wasn't a happy ending. Damn you, Cinder.