And things have changed. Yes! I've taken some inspiration from one of my favourite authors in the RWBY fandom, and my friend – College Fool. Originally this was going to be a large single piece, but well… in lore terms it was to be one week – seven days. And I want to echo that.

So starting today, and ending next Sunday (8 days, but the first is like a prelude to the 7) – there will be daily updates of this. One chapter a day. Those who know my writing style, and also my lessons on romances might even recognise the importance of the number seven. Well, we'll be working on that too.

So here we begin, a chapter a day until next Sunday's climax.

What Happens in Vacuo, Stays in Vacuo

A final shuffle of paper, a scratchy excuse for a signature a six-year-old child might have been proud of, and one great sigh of relief. It was over. And with that knowledge, Jaune Arc leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting shut.

"That's the last of it?" Ozpin asked with a sigh, slowly pushing himself from his seat as he massaged the back of one hand. The other four teachers could only glare at him, not a one of them fooled. Even Cinder seemed to be debating doing something particularly unpleasant to the man who'd sprung this last minute paperwork on them.

And for once, Jaune wouldn't have felt the need to stop her.

"That is it," Bartholomew confirmed, sighing as he cleaned his glasses with a small piece of cloth. "Unless you're about to spring some otherwise unknown paperwork on us at the eleventh hour?"

The galling part was that the Headmaster looked to be considering it, the hand holding his cane rubbing against his chin as he wracked his mind. After a few moments however, and a tense sip of coffee, he shook his head.

It was done…

The term itself was done, completed – a whole week's holiday for the students, mainly so that the teams from Mantle could start working on prepping the Amity Coliseum. But that wasn't what was important. What was important was that he, Jaune Arc, now had a full week off work.

No students, no madness, no criminals posing as teachers… nothing.

"So what is everyone doing with their time off?" Bart asked as he pushed some of the papers aside, leaning back and fanning himself with one hand. "I'd planned to go on an expedition in the Vacuan desert, but considering how hot things have been recently I've decided to go visit some relatives in Mantle instead."

"Similar for myself," Cinder Fall said as she neatly stacked her paperwork, "I'll be returning to Mistral for the week. I have some business to attend to and some… old friends to speak with."

Jaune's eyes narrowed, looking for the message hidden in her words. Old friends could be just about anyone, and there was no telling if she actually planned to leave Vale, or if it was just a cover. At the very least though she'd be away from Beacon – and that was the important thing.

"Unfortunately I'm required to attend planning meetings for the Vytal Festival with the Council and representatives from Mantle," the Headmaster said, "so rest assured that while you are all enjoying your hard earned holidays, I will be diligently working."

"And I'll be going along with him," Glynda nearly growled, emerald orbs mere pinpricks as she glared at the man. "Since we all know nothing will actually be achieved without my input. James will be there, and the last thing we need is those two butting heads."

"Bad luck lass," Peter chuckled, even as the others shared their own commiserations for the hard working woman, "I'll just be spending the week at home with a few bottles of Vacuan Desert Rose and an air-conditioning unit." The man closed his eyes, shivering in delight at the mere thought of it. "And it's going to be glorious."

"What about you, Jaune?" Someone asked. And suddenly, everyone's eyes were on him.

"Ah well…" he coughed once, "I hadn't actually planned anything… so I don't know." His entire time at Beacon so far had been one long effort in staying alive and employed. A whole seven days to himself, where keeping his secret safe wouldn't matter? He hadn't even thought he'd get this far, let alone what he would do once he was here.

"Well that won't do!" Peter slammed the table with a fist, sending vibrations down the table and even tipping over Cinder's mug, which spilled lukewarm tea into her lap. If looks could kill… well, she'd have been revealed long ago. "Er… sorry lass. Either way lad, you can't just waste your holiday time by not doing anything!"

"Oh, I'll do something," the blonde waved one hand as he tried to put some distance between himself and the simmering Cinder Fall. "Might go home and see the family, or just relax in Vale for a bit."

Any further conversation came to an end as the lunch bell rang across Beacon. While the last day didn't actually have any lessons, a chance for teams to make plans or get in some last minute bonding, the staff would still be working, including those in the cafeteria. The other teachers climbed to their feet and made for the doors, keen to get some food – or in Cinder's case – a fresh skirt.

It was as Jaune reached for the door handle, that a hand fell on his shoulder.

"Glynda?" He asked, looking back at the older woman who pulled him aside. "What's wrong?"

"I just wanted to suggest something," the blonde rummaged around in a nearby drawer, pulling forth a leaflet for him to look at. "You said you didn't have any plans for the week. It's just that… well, with me needing to babysit Ozpin, I won't be able to go on the trip I'd originally planned."

She couldn't be, surely not? And yet she held something out to him, a single piece of paper with details, flight – bookings.

"Glynda, I can't-" Take her holiday? Go, when it was what she had wanted for herself? "I'll… I can go with Ozpin…"

"Don't be silly," the woman shook her head, eyes stern, "the Headmaster's meetings will be with James and the Council, I need to be there. With me unable to be in two places at once… well, someone might as well take advantage of this." He took the paper, reading over it lightly. The flight showed it was to Vacuo, to somewhere known as Azure Cove. He didn't recognise the name, but then he'd never been well travelled.

A holiday, a proper holiday? The Arc family had been on a few of course, but those had always been family things – with loads of kids, activities and generally them making a mess. He'd never been on holiday on his own, wasn't even sure what you were supposed to do on your own.

But a week's relaxation did sound nice.

"You won't have to worry about cost either," Glynda continued, "it's all-inclusive, so once you're there, meals and drinks are free - as is room service and care."

All-expenses paid? Free food and drink?

"What about the cost to you, though?" He had to ask, despite that little voice in his mind telling him not to think about it. That he had already pretty much accepted it.

"Rest assured, I'll be claiming the cost back from the school, since it's work that will prevent me from being able to go." She shrugged once, before reaching out to lay a hand on his shoulder. "In the end it won't cost me a thing, and besides – you might as well get a holiday out of it."

"If you're sure then?" He gave her one final chance to change her mind, even as he struggled to control the grin on his face. She must have seen it, for she shook her head with a tiny smile – little more than an upturn at the corner of her lips.

"Have fun and come back rested. After a week with Ozpin I'll need you all to help restrain me."

Summer in Beacon was… well, a warm affair, to say the least. The heat wave struck him in the face the moment he left the shadowy corridors of the school and stepped out onto the lawns. Students in their hundreds lounged about, in varying states of torpor as they tried – and failed – to do anything.

The entire school had been gripped by the heat for the last week as the month of July ticked by. Maybe it was the lack of shade, or something to do with them being a floating school in a clear sky. But for whatever reason summer had turned its wrath on the school, leaving them to suffer in temperatures over a hundred degrees.

Teaching had become an exercise in endurance. One in which the students would futilely attempt to remain awake, while the teacher would struggle to stay standing. Even Oobleck seemed affected, simply letting out a sigh whenever another student's head would sway and collapse onto the desk.

Hell, he'd had to take a few to Kitsune, and even she had seemed unable to muster the energy to try anything. Simply rising from her seat, opening her mouth as though to say something, before slumping down with a cup of iced tea.

You knew it was serious at that point.

But I won't have to put up with it for much longer, he rubbed his hands together as he pushed his body onwards, ignoring the sweat trickling down his brow. Sure Vacuo would probably be just as hot, but it wasn't the same when you could just wear swimming shorts, and had drinks and shade on demand.

The closest thing to shade that Beacon had was beneath the few trees on the lawn. Which right now looked like hives of students, as far too many teens tried to fit in what was a limited – and apparently very valuable – piece of real estate. He could just about make out Team RWBY, sprawled out on a darkened piece of grass – looking almost lifeless. Yang had one arm outstretched, the other whipped across her eyes as her considerable chest rose in short pants. Poor little Ruby, who seemed to still be unwilling to part with her cloak, had her face to the ground – apparently trying to absorb moisture through her forehead. Weiss sat nearby, fanning herself with one hand, even as the other rummaged around in a rucksack – no doubt for more ice dust.

Blake? Jaune let out a jealous sigh, watching the girl as she lay spread eagled in the sun, happily basking in the intense heat as she slumbered away.

That just wasn't fair.

"Need… water…" a voice reached his ears, causing him to glance down at a grey-haired student, dragging himself across the floor and towards the Beacon fountain. One of the Haven students, judging from the uniform, the teen pulled himself up, before letting his body fall-face first into the water, legs dangling over the edge as the young man let out a long sigh of relief.

Yeah… Beacon was rough in the summer.

On the bright side, the intense lethargy felt by just about everyone also stopped any extra work coming his way, and his office was as empty as it had been all week as he pushed his way in. What to take, what to take? Obviously summer clothes, swimming gear… he could pick up anything he didn't have over there, especially with how generous the salary at Beacon was.

Still deep in thought Jaune wandered over to the fridge, pulling the door open and accepting a can of soda from the multi-coloured girl hiding inside.

"Thanks," he replied automatically, cracking it open as a pale hand reached out and dragged the door shut. The empty can bounced off the kitchen side a moment later, missing the bin by a good three feet and rattling round the floor. Blue eyes considered it for a moment.

Holiday, holiday~

One large suitcase, a couple of pairs of jeans, some spare shoes. He hadn't actually thought to bring any sunscreen or such to Beacon, but that was fine, he could pick some up at the terminal. With pursed lips he turned back to the suitcase, a shirt in hand – before pausing.

Like some lazy cat, Neo was sprawled across his clothes, half-in the suitcase as her head lolled back onto the cool bedsheets. She stretched for a moment, kicking out some of his neatly folded jeans as her eyes cracked open to watch him.

"Sorry Neo," he chuckled, reaching down to lift her up. The girl allowed him that, though her head tilted to the side when he set her aside and continued packing. She watched him through it, the gears in her head seeming to turn as he went from cupboard to suitcase and back again. On the third route, he turned back to see her rummaging around in his carry luggage.

"…!" She turned about with a wide smile, holding the booking form out to him.

"Yep, I'm off to Vacuo," he nodded as he zipped the case shut, "only for a week though. Neo?"

She was gone, the booking details the only thing left in her place.

Huh, guess she had places to be. Ah well… holiday~

The door slammed shut as he let himself out, right at the moment a multi-coloured girl appeared in the room, small suitcase by her side.

"…?"

Ah… sweet, fresh air. The scent of salt and the ocean, of food being cooked on an open fire – of… of… discarded trash, burnt cigarette ends and sick.

"Blurghhhh!" Jaune hugged the trashcan with both hands, entire body arched above it as he finally vented what had been hours in the making in a crowded commercial transport. People walked past him, giving him dirty looks as they tried to keep a wide berth of the struggling teen.

"W-welcome sir," a feminine voice said, drawing his eyes up to a young blonde girl who seemed to be trying to keep a discreet distance from him, without making it too obvious. "Welcome to Azure Cove, premier holiday destination… do you have a reservation?"

"Ugh…" a quick wipe with the sleeve of one hand, as he drew forth the papers from earlier. The woman accepted them delicately, between two fingers as though afraid to catch something.

"Ah, Mr Arc. Rest assured, Miss Goodwitch has made us aware of the switch – we've prepared a cabin for the duration of your stay." She clapped once, and a pair of young men came to collect his bags, carrying them away even as a glass of some exotic fruity drink was placed in his hand. He couldn't taste it past the vomit, but he appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.

At the same time the second man came up and placed a small red band around Jaune's wrist, clicking it into place.

"This band will enable you access to anything at the resort that would otherwise have a cost," the woman explained, "all the staff are trained to recognise them – and if they should not, just flash it in their direction. Now, if you'll excuse me Mr Arc. I have… a cleaning crew to call."

The blonde Professor laughed nervously at that, wandering away while they were distracted. Now that he had something other than rejected food swilling round his mouth, he could actually take a second to enjoy the scenery, looking round with a wide grin at the resort. The entire venue was hidden away in a small cove on the outskirts of Vacuo's capital, which could be seen on the horizon. Crystal clear water rushing up onto clean sand, with the resort itself actually being a huge circular structure made of wood and thatch.

Through the open sides of it he could already see a number of bars and restaurants, as well as shops and kiosks. From the map he'd been able to look through on the flight – before it became an impromptu sick bag – the centre of the resort was actually a swimming pool, with an open roof leading up to the blue sky. Add onto that the latest in anti-Grimm weaponry, not to mention sensors and alarm systems that could detect Nevermore at two miles' distance?

Well… there was a reason Azure Cove was a place reserved for the rich and famous.

He just hadn't realised Professors of Beacon ranked among them.

Though perhaps he should have. Hunters represented the future of the Kingdoms after all, the pinnacle of combat against Grimm. Those who were responsible for their development, their very survival? Well, it only made sense that they would be well paid for such a service.

He couldn't exactly complain… apart for the whole him being a liar thing.

But I'm not a liar here, am I? He thought to himself, sitting down on a deck chair as he watched people frolic in the nearby pool. There was a wide range of ages, though most were adults or older – businessmen and women, high flying executives enjoying their holidays. There were a few others his age though, and some younger. Maybe heirs, heiresses, celebrities or simply family of those more well off.

This looked like the kind of place the Schnee family would love to visit… he just hoped he wouldn't come across Winter.

Some light giggles caught his attention, drawing his eyes to the pool's edge where a few young women were looking at him, whispering among themselves. His initial response was to panic, they looked to be about the same age as his students – between the ages of 17-20, and that was no-go territory. But a second later he remembered that he didn't have the same rules away from Beacon.

Holy shit, he could actually date…

Oh wait… I don't actually know how to… that was right… all his success at Beacon, effectively boiled down to the fact that he was a teacher. Well, apart from Cinder, if that could ever be called success, and not mind-breaking horror.

Nonetheless, Jaune raised a hand in a wave – offering a small smile, even as they turned to one another and giggled.

"Mummy, why is that man wearing a coat and a sword?"

"Don't go near him Timmy!"

And suddenly everything made sense, he thought to himself as he looked down on his dark blue trench-coat, and Crocea Mors, which was still strapped to his side. He'd gotten so used to it that he didn't even feel it anymore.

And… everyone was looking at him… Great.

"Guess this is my cabin then," Jaune pushed the door open, letting out a long whistle as he looked inside. Cabin was definitely the correct term, for rather than a hotel room he had an entire wooden structure to himself, balanced on stilts in the shallows of the ocean. With a thatched roof, and surrounded by wooden platforms to walk on, it was like a floating house.

"Pretty swanky, sheesh…" a huge bed, a massive tv, a number of different rooms – which he could figure out later. Hell, there was even a massive window looking out over the ocean, which seemed to expand far off into the distance – not a single manmade structure in sight.

Not to mention the air-conditioning, which was even now blowing cool air into the room.

I need to do something nice for Glynda when I get back, to think I don't even have to pay for any of this…

For now, it was time to relax, and with a grin he opened the fridge, accepting a can of beer from the multi-coloured figure inside.

"Thanks," he said as he cracked the can open, taking a long drink.

Wait…

The fridge was yanked open once more, small automatic light inside flicking on. Rows of drinks, some chocolate bars… nothing unusual.

Okay… I'm clearly imagining things…

He was just too used to how things were back in Beacon… that had to be it. This was his holiday, his time off – and there was no way anyone from Beacon could ruin it for him. With a great sigh he sat back on the bed, muttering a quick apology to the girl he nearly squashed.

Before placing a single hand on his forehead, and heaving a great sigh.

"Tell me you're a figment of my imagination, I beg you."

The girl only waved, a huge smile twisting her face as she sipped from her own can of expensive beer. Sprawled out over his bed with her head propped up against the pillows, the bane of his life herself…

"Damn it Neo… how did-" ah teleportation, of course… it really was a fairly bullshit ability, all things considered. The reasons as to why Cinder didn't just include her in all her nefarious plans were many. Hell, with Neo's ability to get into wherever she wanted, there was the question of why the girl even followed anyone's orders at all.

And if Cinder couldn't control her, if Roman couldn't either? What chance did he have?

"I'm not buying you anything," he finally spoke, sticking to the one thing he could. "You have to get your own stuff while you're here."

She waved one hand, letting her sleeve fall down to show her wrist. It didn't have anything on it at first, but a second later there seemed to be a flare of light, as a red band constructed itself out of nothingness.

Tch… cheater…

"Okay, let me get this straight," Jaune sighed, leaning across the table even as the diminutive girl waved down another waiter. There was already a number of empty bowls before her, not to mention the many half-finished brightly coloured cocktails.

"Another round, madam?" The tired-looking man replied, eyes closed in a futile search for patience. Jaune could understand why… the man hadn't actually been able to leave their end of the bar, since Neo would ask for a refill every ninety seconds or so. "I shall be back momentarily."

"Neo, please – listen, this is serious."

The girl sighed, crossing one leg over the other as she propped her head up in one hand. He knew from experience that it was her serious-face… which was pretty much also her I'm bored face. Mainly because she found them both to be the same thing.

"Neo, look… I'm not saying you can't stay," because I can't get rid of you, "I'm just saying that this is meant to be a holiday. That means relaxation, normal stuff – not… not the kind of crazy you're normally into. We need to blend in, mingle…"

"And I'm not saying you can't do that," he was quick to add, as she raised one brow in both threat and question. "I just thought it important to point out, you know?"

"Your… ice-cream…" a voice droned from nearby, as the man from earlier knelt down with six bowls of ice-cream and three different cocktails. Each was aligned opposite Neo, while a single small glass of wine was placed beside Jaune.

"Thanks," Jaune waited for the man to wander off before he turned back to Neo, "so what I mean is you can't be teleporting everywhere… no crazy illusions that could hurt people, hell no hurting people in general!"

Neo raised one brow, holding her hand out with the thumb and finger less than an inch apart.

"No! Not even a little bit. Ugh… waiter – Vacuan Desert Rose please," a moment's thought, "actually can I get quite a lot of that."

"…!"

"Ugh… and some ice-cream… a lot of that too."

Heaven help me…

You know… I really approved of the last episode, I liked it a lot. Maybe it was easier for me because I hated that pairing, but also didn't really find her engaging. But I also loved Blake and Yang's responses – which felt very natural for them. My mini-prediction? Neo will come back as a goodie in the next season, seeking vengeance for Torchwick! She'll even be the one who kicks Yang into action, and gets her back on track - hoo-rah!

Raven at the end there? Have to wonder… was that her way of checking up on Yang?

Either way… a bizarre thing to release before valentine's day, lol. I just love the idea that they're all super moody in the Rooster Teeth office and are like "A holiday of love? I think not!"

Ah well. Jaune, Ren, Nora and Ruby. I guess that makes them Team JRRN – or Journey.

Apt, perhaps ;)