Ruby woke up with a cool feeling on her cheeks they felt soggy her tears dried and anything cool would most likely hurt them, she decided it was best to stay snuggled up in her blanket.

She did wonder why her bed wasn't soft.

Or why she was as warm as she was.

She couldn't see anything anyway, she decided to move her hands forward, she felt another person around her, pushing herself back just enough to realize she was in someone's chest.

A toned chest, the chest of her friend Sora. She shot back looking up and past her friend to see if anyone was awake. In her wiggling Sora pulled her closer. As cute as it could've been she wasn't exactly in the best of situations to enjoy it.

Mentally or physically.

However, this was the first person she's ever felt differently about, she wasn't sure what about him made her feel this way. She figured it was because he was different. When she first saw him floating above her and her friends like a guardian angel as a protector, something so – different. She couldn't help but…

Admire? Respect?

She didn't know.

That reminded her of the one thing she as supposed to do before she met her new friend and dread filled her. She weaseled her way out of his grip and ran to the bathroom quickly changing out of her pajamas and into her battle attire.

"I'll be back." Ruby walked out of her room into the hall and toward the elevator. It took Sora a good five minutes lacking warmth to wake up. Groggy and irritable from the cool air he opened his eyes and quickly closed them.


"Yang!" He chastised "Oh, grow a pair, at least compliment me instead of calling me out!" She retaliated

"W- Why would I do that, I shouldn't even be seeing that much of you!" Weiss huffed

"For once he and I agree, I'd rather not make this a habit, Yang can you at least change in the bathroom?" Yang pouted

"But that means I have to walk – seven whole steps" Sora groaned

"I'm just going to go sit in the bathroom until this is over" covering his eyes he stood up walking slow as to not trip

"Am I near the door?" Yang smirked

"Come a bit further." Sora was mentally concerned

"I don't – shouldn't I be turning, right?" "Yang was starting to laugh

"Yeah two more steps" Sora took the steps asked of him standing shakily

"Grab my hand I'll help you the rest of the way, ok?" Sora reached out and time stood still.

"This, this isn't your hand." Sora exhaled through his nose hard.


Ruby came back about ten minutes later as the trio of girls gathered around her asking about what happened. Sora sat in the corner nursing a bruised cheek.

"I – could ask the same what…" Her eyes met the brunette in the corner

"He did something on accident again and you hit him, again didn't you?" Ruby asked skeptically her eyes narrowed

"Believe me, you don't want to know." Yang responded much to Sora's annoyance he rubbed his cheek and stood up

"Risky move" Weiss commented

"I think you handled it well," Blake reassured

"Are we just going to pretend I know what's going on?" Sora added in

"Has to do with some of those things I told you about earlier, Sora" Blake added cryptically

"It'll be ok Ruby, Oh I know what'll brighten your mood," She walked toward the door where a package lay

"When did that get there?" Sora stood up

"While you were unconscious" Yang commented off handedly

"Oh, that reminds me, here" Yang threw him a letter

"Had some seal on it so I couldn't open it" Sora pouted

"Why would you open my mail?!" Yang shrugged

"Well I couldn't open it so your secrets safe," Yang stuck her tongue out jokingly as she threw the mail at him

"I won't read your mushy love letter" Yang went back over to her own devices with her team who looked back to see a miffed Sora.

"I – don't have one!" He responded quietly.

"C'mon Yang you don't have to tease him so much you know?" Weiss began showing signs of laughter

Ruby was beside herself, she knew from her night interaction that he had someone on his mind despite his response.

To her making friends as hard as it was, was easier than dealing with her confusing emotions for him.

She just didn't know what exactly. This was foreign to her. She tried to be content but – apart of her wanted to press on and ask him.

Just what this person she was, her chest felt tight and a pit grew in her stomach for something unknown to her as she looked around the room to her elder sister who seemed to understand. With a knowing smile, she held out something familiar to her that made her explode with happiness.

"Zwei!" She squealed with happiness cradling the puppy who yipped and licked in excitement

"A puppy?" Sora moved a bit closer, the puppy in response licked his hand happily hopping out of his owner's arms and licking him wildly, causing the brunette to laugh hysterically.

"That tickles!" Sora cried out in between laughter, Ruby crawled up to her pet and attempted to grab a hold of her dog only for it to slip away and cuddle into Sora's chest, she reached forward too far as the dog playfully dodged and rolled onto his back backing as he did. She fell forward using her hands as a brace on either side of her friend. Ruby slowly opened her eyes and stared directly into those shining orbs below her.

For a moment, she felt the urge to stare as he looked into her eyes with that warm smile he would present her, made her uneasy.

"So, what's this all about anyway." Sora asked after catching his breath and placing the puppy in his lose grip


In Ozpin's office bickering was had over the previous conversation that still wasn't dropped and it was giving the man a migraine

"You intend to send that kid as a messenger? You're going to involve someone who might potentially be the greatest – if your words and tests are anything to go by military strength we have at our enemy with little to no proof of them being where your students say they are."

"On a hunch" General Ironwood gave the most miffed expression he's probably ever given the man before him, friends or not this was Ludicrous.

"I have no way to be sure of him I have no way to know if he's truly going to live up to my expectations he could surpass them or supersede them, however I do know this. If we never give him a chance to prove to us what he can do. We'll never know it's a gamble and I'd have to not only bet on him but one team alongside that." Ozpin paused for a moment to collect his thoughts.

"You say we're at war. What's a war without strategy, without risks if we lay over and accept it this is truly lost." His calculating eyes met Ironwoods harsh dark eyes

"He's just one key to this fight, and a bigger one than we can afford to lose, my friend"

"I don't want to acknowledge the white fang as victors this day, peace will come, this is the first step." Ozpin sat back composing himself with a sigh

"I must put faith in them, my students"


"So, that group you used to work for, White fang" Blake nodded

"They want equality but that turned into bloodshed. An all-out war and you've been following this trying to snuff it out because-"looking to each girl

"You want to cease the conflict before it becomes a full-fledged war, you think it'll be fun, you think it'll help bolster you and help you live up to your family name and help your other goals, and you – you just want to do it because it seems like the right thing to do." Sora stopped on Ruby his eyes held more maturity than any of them were expecting to see from him – effectively killing the mood however he was holding Zwei and petting him akin to an evil villain would.

"Ruff" Sora looked down to the puppy

"I agree Zwei. No matter the reason we can't let them do this alone" He looked up with a smile

"I'll help you guys out, just leave it to me!"

"What do you even mean it's too dangerous!" Weiss threw in

"Really, this is too dangerous?" Sora emphasized

"fighting against hordes of enemies who can eat your heart, is dangerous, fighting against a titan taller than buildings is dangerous, fighting a fallen angel that you can't even defeat and isn't trying – is sure as hell dangerous. This?! Nah this'll be easy" Sora held a thumb up

"What the hell kind of life is outside of Vale that you've faced all of that and lived?!" Blake this time asked

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you" Ruby shot forward ecstatically asking questions, Blake however was giving the teen a skeptical eye.

"You're like a real hero, Sora!" He smiled sheepishly eyes lighting up with the compliment. She wanted to know more.

However, the intercom ruined her chances. They had to leave.

"He left enough food for Zwei at least, that's what dad said" A giant pile flooded out of the envelope like magic the puppy barked happily.

"We can't just leave him here, what if he gets lonely?" Ruby pouted

"It's at worst going to be a week we don't know but I'm sure Sora will be ok with him" Weiss added despite her want to coddle the pooch she kept her hands to herself the teen in response pointed an accusing finger

"You know I should be out there, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened to you" Weiss' eyes lit up for a moment growing more perplexed as she tilted her head to the side

"Well, I'll give you more points than Jaune. You aren't as annoying and you're more capable but I'll pass. Not my style" Sora gave her an incredulous look, mouth slightly agape.

"I mean all of you, princess. If I'm with you this won't even last a week I bet!" He thumped his chest in bravado

The ice queen sighed resigning and leaving her teammate to him to his own devices left the room. Sora smiled triumphantly walking behind her

"Well, he has enough food I'm sure he'll be fine, dad wouldn't do something without a reason" Sora looked back a bit of a glint of mystery in his eye


"You must have a great dad" his words left an infliction of something more.

"Well, he's great yeah but he's a worry wart" Yang responded with a laugh wrapping her arm around her sister

"What about your mom – or mom's I think?" He scratched his cheek in thought of wording and both girls – even Blake's expressions fell to a sullen one

"Ruby here her mother died my mother, no one's seen her since I was born" Sora wore his expression on his sleeve

"Oh, I'm so sorry I-"Yang raised her hand

"It's ok, you had no way of knowing" Yang smiled a bit

"Ruby is all I need to get through most things, as long as she can reach her dream, and I can have fun along the way, what else could I ask for?" Both girls smiled as Yang squeezed her sister tighter.

"I've never known mine" Sora responded quietly Blake picked him up however.

"Your parents?" Sora perked up knowing full well she heard

"My dad, I've never known him. I was an only kid so I didn't have anyone else around, all I had was my mother but – when" He paused swallowing a lump in his throat he didn't realize he had

"When Xehanort attacked that was the last I heard of her" A grim air filled the hall as he spoke. Unsure of how to feel Blake apologized

"It's alright, Blake you had no idea, I'm here with you all this is more than enough to make up for what I've lost."

She doubted this. As Weiss placed a careful hand and a firm squeeze on his shoulder, it was clear they all felt that way.

As they entered the crowded amphitheater it felt thick with tension.

"When did you – bring that backpack?" Ruby froze

"Girls got to bring necessities you know!" He cocked his head to the side

"But, I've never seen you wear makeup or using a lot of expensive products like Weiss" Ruby panicked

"Well maybe I want to impress someone!" Sora cocked a brow

"N- I'm trying to impress –" She looked around quickly she didn't see anyone and her eyes met the floor biting her lip.

"I'm trying to impress someone!" It sounded forced incredibly so

"I've never seen you –" He paused Ruby's eyes met his and he felt himself feel something, she looked sad.

"Never mind sorry I won't pry, good luck I'm not great with that kind of stuff but if I can help tell me!" As they split off Ruby couldn't help but berate herself for lying

"What's wrong, Ruby?" Weiss walked over as she placed her bag down

"I – panicked when Sora asked about the bag and one thing led to another and" She sighed

"I told him I'm interested in someone to get him to stop asking questions" Weiss was trying to hold in her laughter

Ruby stood there pouting, Weiss, whipping a tear away as she calmed down she smiled

"I think you have something you need to clear up with him– you have something you need to say, right? Don't hold it in" Weiss smiled in sympathy Ruby latched onto her friend

"I knew we were best friends Weiss!" Weiss flinched back

"Hey, let go this isn't the time, or place, and I didn't agree to this hug!"

"Ruby, Weiss, come on Ozpin is about to start" Blake's words tore Ruby away from her friend

Blake's words rang true as Miss Goodwitch began shushing student's moments later Ozpin began speaking.

Sora didn't understand the gravity of his words before, this world seemed in more peril than he thought - granted this was everyone choosing what to go for in terms of representation but when it came to the missions and shadowing it seemed this world was teeming with danger and more of those Grimm he fought his first day here which reminded him of heartless. Listening to words that didn't have as much of an effect as the person next to him or anyone else in the room for that matter. He did feel a need to try his best.

The group gathered around Ruby after the speech was had Sora was still bewildered over how much danger they could really be in, and kept mowing over things in his head.

If it really gets that bad, will I have the power to protect my friends? He knew they were strong but if Xehanort or god forbid anything else came along like heartless they would be in trouble.

It seemed to him the mission they wanted to do was locked off Ozpin made his presence known to the group eyeing Sora as he did.

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't allow my students to do something so haphazard however –"He looked over all of them

"Someone needs to send a message, he pressed a few buttons and they were cleared for the mission, with glee they went toward the machine as Ozpin pulled Sora away.

"As far as today onward goes, I'd like you to watch over them those girls - trouble seems to follow them and that man your after might be coming after them as we speak, he seemed fixed on my charges just as well as you, I know I'm asking a lot of you but you're all I have to rely on with your power…" Sora looked up to the man worry filled him but he smiled none the less

"Xehanort is my focus and even if you said nothing to me, I'd still go along with them. A dangerous mission means that he's likely to be there. I can't give him a chance to harm anyone!"

Ozpin smiled one of relief.

"Welcome aboard Sora, I expect wonderful things from you in the future" What

He wouldn't be here forever just until he could defeat Xehanort or at least get him to leave this land he didn't know how to break it to him. He clasped the letter he received as he looked toward his group

"More worlds need me, I can't always be around I can't be what you want me to be forever but for now – I can"


Greeted with old friends that for Sora he was just recently meeting stood back awkwardly as they conversed.

"Feeling a bit secluded? I get that" Jaune stood next to the brunette

"I'm fine I don't have a lot in common with you all yet, I've just spent my time with them" Sora stated

"You will, hey uh – think you could apologize to Weiss for me? At one point, I had a thing for her and I kind of annoyed her, but I think I've got my eyes on someone else" Sora cocked his head off to the side

"Ruby?" It was a question that caught him off guard and made the blonde laugh

"What?! Sora no, how could I?" Silence filled the two of them

"But then –"Sora cocked his head to the side

"I kind of thought after you showed you might get her to realize there is more than fighting needed to be a hero or a hunter" Jaune added a bit cryptically

"I always thought being strong was all I needed to be and I wasn't, i'm still not but after Pyrrha helped me I've slowly started to improve because I had people I cared about I started to get better"

"My point is, she needs someone to push her to be stronger I feel with you being here she'll find that in you a reason to push herself and get stronger" Sora looked at him with a sense of respect he didn't think or know he'd receive from the blonde, he was smarter than he gave him credit for.

"So, who do you like?" Sora asked breaking the silence

"Oh c'mon dude I can't tell you I'll jinx it!" Jaune waved him off

"Break a leg out there, if any of you come back unconscious I'll know it's too tough out there and hide in my room until you take care of it." Sora gave him a perplexed look Jaune smiled for a moment then laughed

"Good luck, Sora" Jaune walked back to his team, Weiss called Sora back as he gave one last look to his friend

"Sorry that took longer than I expected," Sora smiled sheepishly

"It's ok, Ruby was gushing to Nora the whole time about your weapon" Ruby raised her hands in defense running in between them with a pout

"I did not! Maybe a little, but not the whole time!" Sora smiled he wanted to say something but they were interrupted

"You ladies are five minutes late and therefore off schedule we don't have time for lollygagging come on now children!" They looked ahead to see Dr. Oobleck

"You also won't be needing those bags I've provided all rations provisional's you'll need" Ruby grew worried catching this Sora walked ahead

"You can't prepare for everything right?" He asked

"Sora, I've considered everything, leave your possessions here!" Sora grew frustrated

Ruby's bag started to move. As she clearly ignored his words and hopped onto the helicopter


You've got to be kidding me

After an elongated speech, they were permitted to the helicopter, Sora knew the man could talk but jeez could he really talk they boarded the helicopter as most of the other teams did.

"We've been tasked with looking for a den of Grimm, the place you mentioned before, mount Glenn it's where humanity was driven back to where we stand today – but" Sora finally looked to the group as the helicopter slowed its pace.

"We've put a lot of faith in you, you who bested Pyrrha Nikos you're stronger than we know, with you we stand a chance at winning. That weapon you hold if what they say holds true you are our best bet right now" He felt pressured to go beyond what he felt capable all he could do was nod.

"Remember this is reconnaissance no action should be needed unless backed into a corner" Sometime after they landed hopping out weapons drawn for no other reason than to be ready and to not let your guard down. Sora was the last off – his reasoning? Trying to figure out if he even brought all of his keychains. Fumbling around he found the chain he received from Ruby placing it in his pocket he put on Oblivion hopping out and onto the ground below taking note of how desolate the area before them was.

"Now listen well ladies – Sora, you all may still be children but from this day on you'll be taking your first steps as a huntress – you a hunter, you need to do exactly as I say. Do you understand?" He looked to Ruby

"I thought I told you to leave your possessions at home?" She flinched

"To be fair you didn't tell us to listen to you, so I didn't" Ruby stated

"She's not wrong" Sora tried to hold in his laughter

"Leave it here, will pick it up on our return" He ordered

"But –"Sora stepped forward

"Hey, one bag can't be that bad, right? You've put a lot of faith in me, so I'll just do more work it's not a big- "

"It's not about who does more Sora, I'm in charge if something happens under my watch I can take action to remove all of them this school and with that you will be taken in under more harsh treatment, what freedom you have is because they are here, Ruby put the bag down" He commanded.

Sora understood that if it wasn't for what he did for Ruby and her team at that mountain he'd probably be poked and prodded like an animal – hell he probably would've died that day.

He couldn't let that kindness go to waste.

"You entrusted me that means you should trust my team too. If it's that big of a deal I'll take care of everything else, just show some leeway?" Sora once again pleaded Before he could do much more Zwei popped his head out of the bag. They froze

"Get back in the bag" Ruby whispered Sora facepalmed

"We're here to investigate an urban jungle teeming with death and hostility and you brought a dog?"

He exploded in happiness

"Dogs are man's best friend and are great for sniffing out danger and locating enemy threats with their sensitive ears, genius!" Ruby was proud

"I'm a genius" everyone but Blake covered their faces

"So, what are your orders Dr.?" Blake cut to the chase

"Recently this area has been a hotspot for Grimm activity there are several reasons for this one of which being Grimm"

Silence

"Uh, what?" Sora looked to the doctor

"Is…that a joke?" Sora asked quizzically

"Grimm approximately 100 yards from us at this moment" They pulled weapons but were asked to stop he explained that Grimm were attracted by a mix of negative emotions and were probably attracted by the hidden group around the area. They needed to wait, and hope to be led to the group and eventually to the masterminds

"Grimm are led by negative emotions…so that means"

"They were led to me because of my negative emotions and…the kayblade amplified that?"

"These Grimm seem exactly like the enemies I've been facing, heartless, they feed off negative emotions as well, but only my weapon can take them. So, if you see any don't attack them!" Sora commanded

As heartless spawned from the ground Sora raised his hands as the heartless lunged at the Grimm fusing into some orange eyed monstrosity.

"Heartless are of a hive mind, if Grimm aren't then…"

"Seems we have more of a problem then we initially thought."

"These Grimm seem exactly like the enemies I've been facing, heartless, they feed off negative emotions as well, but only my weapon can take them. So, if you see any don't attack them!"" Sora commanded

As heartless spawned from the ground Sora raised his hands as the heartless lunged at the Grimm fusing into some orange eyed monstrosity.

"Heartless are of a hive mind, if Grimm aren't then…"

"Seems we have more of a problem then we initially thought."

This was going to be longer, much longer but I'm going out of town in a day so. I finished this a bit sooner and had to cut some corners, next chapter will be longer. Sorry bout that.