RWBY||Return of the Riftwalker

Chapter 2: Broken Normalcy: Part 1

Ruby frowned. According to Sincline, the only memories he had were those following his first ship's creation, so how could he have more memories without knowing he had them? "Alright... but that warning... could it be about the race? What if—?"

"I'll let Ironwood and the others know about it," Sincline assured, pulling his shirt on before doing the same with his jacket. "If something happens, we'll be ready. And if nothing does..." He slipped his socks on and strapped on his boots. "At least people will still get a show."

Timeskip

"A warning..." Ironwood mused, his brow furrowed as Sincline and Ruby exited Beacon and made their way down the corridor, their boots clicking against the floor as the sun slowly rose over the eastern wall. Accalia trotted at their side. Even though he was speaking through Sincline's Scroll, the General's voice was as clear as if he were standing next to them. "Well, whether it's a dream or not, we'll take the necessary precautions."

Sincline nodded. "That's probably for the best," he affirmed. "I'm not sure how or when, but my instincts are telling me something is going to happen during the race. Make sure the other pilots are aware of the possible danger."

"I'll make sure they know. And Sincline?"

"Yeah?"

"Good luck with the race... and with THAT."

"Wait, what—?" The connection cut off... and that's when two familiar arms wrapped around Sincline and Ruby from behind, causing their eyes to widen in absolute horror. Oh no.

"Hello there~" Yang grinned, her blond hair waving in the wind as her lilac eyes flashed with evil delight. "We're baaaaack~" If possible, she hugged them even tighter, causing Sincline's ribs to somehow crack... again.

"I tried to stop her," Mercury said apologetically... but the smirk on the grey-haired assassin's face betrayed his true thoughts on the matter.

"Yaaang... air!" Ruby whined, and Yang finally released them. As one, they both collapsed, Ruby falling onto Sincline. Why does she always have to do that? Ruby wondered, wincing as she rubbed her side.

"Are you two alright?" Blake asked, fighting back a laugh at the sight of both of them lying on the ground. If she were being honest, watching the 'Defender of Remnant' get taken down by a surprise hug from Yang was fairly entertaining.

"Yeah... just give me some time to start breathing again," Sincline coughed as he pushed himself to his feet and pulled Ruby up beside him. He stretched, bones creaking as they shifted back into place. Why does this happen every single time? he wondered. Heels clicked sharply against the floor, and they all turned to find....

"Weiss!" Ruby said happily and promptly tackled the Heiress in a hug... much to her partner's irritation. "You're back!"

"Ugh! Let go of me, you Dunce!" Weiss snapped, cheeks reddening in embarrassment as she shoved her silver-eyed teammate away, earning a laugh from Sincline and Yang while Blake fought back a giggle.

Ruby pouted, puffing her cheeks, but finally relented and let go of the Heiress. "Fiiiiine... but why are you here, Weiss?" she asked curiously, her pout subsiding as Sincline patted her on her shoulder.

Weiss huffed, crossing her arms. "Did you really think I was going to sit back with Winter all day in the control room while you raced?" she asked skeptically. While she had enjoyed a day alone with her sister, she wasn't going to miss the premiere of Atlas's new fighters. And she would not admit that she was also there in support of her teammate... despite the fact that they all probably knew that.