An Aura of Hope: A RWBY Fan Fiction

Chapter Sixteen

"... and so ended the historical war between the students of our beloved school and Cinder Fall. Remember students, even though these events happened very recently, it is vitally important to learn from them. Because history is important, ladies and gentlemen. If you don't learn from it..."

"You're destined to repeat it," monotoned the class.

"Very good, class. I want a three page report on this topic on my desk by next class from all of you. Class dismissed," said Professor Winchester.

I packed up my stuff and followed my team out of class. Vi and Avery chatted about random things, Riker pored over his notes on the battle strategies, and I walked in silence in between Riker and Avery. Just another average day for team RAVJ.

Classes were almost over for the semester, so most of our free time was spent studying. The only exceptions were when we ran into team VARA. Valerie's team always seemed ready to pick a fight with me, which probably meant Val had confided our relationship to them. But the situations usually ended with teacher intervention before anyone on either team could throw a punch. We always had to hold Avery back afterwards, though. She was always ready to end things permanently rather than let a teacher temporarily defuse the situation.

Today seemed to be VARA free, so we headed right to our dorm. I plopped down on my bed and started working on Professor Winchester's report.

"What about you, James?" asked Avery.

"What about me what?"

"Got any plans for winter break? Vi and I are staying here, Riker's heading home in Vale, what about you?"

"Oh, uh, I guess I'm staying here. Can't really get to Atlas and back and have time to hang out with family."

Avery's face brightened. "Really? Awesome! The three of us could actually hang out without classes to worry us!"

Vi seemed bittersweet about it. "Well, I guess it could be fun, but I'm not going shopping, Ave. You can't make me."

"Well, I don't know about hanging out. I kinda want to see if Professor Rose has any leads on Yang. It's been months now and we haven't found anything about it. I'm worried about the Professor. She's been really panicky about the whole thing and it's been getting worse. I heard that Blake Belladonna and Weiss Schnee are working on it, too, and even they are getting restless, and they have basically entire armies at their disposal. She gave me a place to stay when I was going to have to sleep on the streets. I feel obligated to help find her," I said.

The room went silent. "S-sorry. Kinda went on a rant there, didn't I?"

Avery came and sat down next to me. "I'll help you, James. We'll find her. But for now we need to focus on exams coming up."

"I'll help, too," said Vi. We all looked over at her, surprised that she would go out of her way for someone she didn't know. "I-I mean, it's not like I have anything better to do."

I smiled at her. "Thanks, Vi."

Riker piped up next. "Hey, don't count your team leader out of this. Just give me a call if you want any help from me and I'll be here in a flash. A concern of my teammate's is a concern of mine."

"Thanks, guys. All of you. It means a lot. But for now, let's focus on studying."

"Right. Team RAVJ, to the books!" shouted Riker.

We yelled back in agreement and started studying. Vi quickly gave up and fell asleep.

The thought kept nagging at the back of my mind, though. Where the hell is Yang?