For once in the whole time that she has stayed in Beacon, Weiss finally had a continuous peaceful sleep. Ash's massage last night lulled her to the peaceful slumber that she had always wanted to experience again. Her only regret was that she couldn't enjoy Ash's touch longer.

She opened her eyes the next morning roughly ten minutes before the alarm that usually woke up the team rang. The first thing she saw was the black glove that she could assume she had been holding for a while. The next thing she saw was Ash's form, sleeping next to her bed leaning on the bookshelf.

She reached out and caressed his cheek just as she had always done whenever she managed to catch him sleeping. It was only when she had seen Blake on the other side of the room that she remembered it wasn't at all any other morning she had before.

Weiss retracted her hand and let his hand go. Sitting up, she tried to remember whatever she could of the events from last night.

After each member of Team RWBY had taken their showers, Weiss asked Ash for a massage. After that, she had fallen asleep – a dream taking her immediately. However later on, her consciousness returned for a short time when she felt something tickle her nose for a brief moment. That tickle soon disappeared as someone caressed her hair.

Happy birthday Weiss, she heard. The voice was familiar, immediately thinking of Ash, but he's yet to call her by her first name only. Still, something major was missing. That's when she started to recount her dream.


A rumor of a princess trapped in a tower was the talk of the kingdom. The self proclaimed 'Strongest of the strong' all went to rescue the princess, but none of them ever came back.

A cloaked traveler stood at the base of the tower that was said to contain the princess, but as no one had ever come back from the tower, no one knew what prevents them from ever completing the mission. Nothing special stood out on the exterior of the tower, therefore whatever ended the lives of the many prior to the traveler is inside.

The traveler opened the giant wooden double doors of the tower and entered. The door slamming close as the traveler took six steps. The interior of the tower was covered in a layer of darkness; only some parts were illuminated by the torches close by. The traveler grabbed one of the torches from the wall and proceeded deeper in.

Only a few minutes in he reached a barren chapel like altar. At first, only silence greeted the room, but soon a part of the floor melted and gave way to a giant white armor rising through it before becoming solid once more.

The armor stood up, as if possessed by a spirit. The floor beside the armor melted like it had before, and out came a sword larger several dozen times larger than anything she had seen before. Grabbing it by the hilt with one hand, the armor raised it with ease. One could only guess that this was the reason for the deaths of those who had come before him.

The traveler produced his own blade, and prepared for what was sure to be a difficult battle.

The armor swung its massive blade downward at the traveler. The traveler jumped back to dodge to the mighty blow but pieces of the floor broke and flew at him. The shards grazed exposed skin, and ripped his clothing wherever they hit. The armor lifted its sword again and swung it to the side, forcing the traveler to jump back to retreat even more. Recovering from its swing quickly, the armor swung at the traveler again as he was helpless in the air. Having no choice, the traveler put his blade between him and the armor's sword.

The impact of the giant sword forced the traveler across the room, slamming him against a wall, cracking it. Blood came out of the traveler's mouth as he struggled to get up. But the armor is relentless, not bothering to wait for its opponent to recover, it charged.

It brought its blade downward at the traveler once again, aiming to finish him like all the others before him. The traveler pushed himself to the side, just barely dodging the attack.

Knowing that he had no time, the traveler willed his body to move. He ran towards the armor's legs and stabbed and sliced at it, hoping it would do anything. Unfortunately, the armor only found his efforts as nothing more but an annoyance.

The armor lifted one of its feet and brought it down to crush the traveler, only for its target to dodge it like most of its attacks before.

The traveler rushed forward, towards its feet, once again. He jammed his blade in the armor's knee guards and pulled it out making sure to bring the blade higher to cut it as he did. The armor fell to one knee, but made no sound. The armor swung its arm at the traveler, sending him flying to another wall again.

More blood came out of the traveler's mouth, his vision blurring. The armor stood up, and made its way to the traveler, blade in both hands. By some unreasonable force of will, the traveler stood up as well.

The armor swung its blade at the traveler, aiming to decapitate him, but the traveler jumped in to the air with unbelievable power. The blade flew by nearly fifteen yards below him, he wished for a surface where he could use to leap towards his enemy and thrust his blade through its helmet as he had done to its knee. He felt something solid at his feet and looked down to see a piece of the wall he thrown in to falling to the ground as he was, and thanked his luck.

Pushing off the piece of rubble, the traveler thrust his blade through a crack of the armor's helmet. It shook violently, letting go of its sword and swiped at the human hanging on to his blade for dear life. The armor slammed its fist against its helmet to kill the human, but the human refused to die. Broken bones, punctured lungs, and gashes didn't deter the human, but made him fight stronger.

The armor stopped its attack and fell to its knees. The traveler's sword slipped from the armor's helmet and the traveler fell to the floor, bleeding profusely. Some unknown strength filled the traveler's body, he picked himself up from the ground and slowly made his way to the princess' tower, his vision nearly gone, and whatever he could see had tint of red.

The traveler unlocked and opened the door before falling unconscious.

The traveler opened his eyes again and saw the caring face that only a princess could have. He smiled at her, as tears of joy filled the princess' eyes.

"Oh brave traveler" she said. "You are alive right?"

"Yes, princess," the traveler answered, his voice of hoarse from his injuries. "I am alive, but we must be going."

The traveler pushed himself off from where he was laying. The sounds of rusted armor cluttering echoed from somewhere close by. The princess' eyes filled with dread.

"I am afraid we are too late brave one," her voice shook as she spoke. "The cursed armor you have defeated earlier is alive once again."

"Then we leave through the window," the traveler told her. He produced a rope from his pocket and tied it to the bed. He threw the other end out the window and began to climb down, the princess following him. He soon reached the end of the rope, but there was still some distance between them and the ground below.

"What do we do now brave one?" the princess asked, hope leaving her by the second. Taking a breath to gather his courage, the traveler jumped.

"Jump princess, I'll catch you."

Hesitantly, she released her grip on the rope. The traveler moved in to catch her. She landed directly in his arms, and let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you brave one," the princess bowed in a familiar way. "My name is Ash."


Weiss smiled, silently wishing for a continuation of the dream later at night. Her eyes panned back to the sleeping figure of her butler and imagined him in a dress, like the 'princess' in her dreams. The idea of telling Ash to dress like a princess tempted her to no end, but it would be nothing more than her simply ordering him for her own personal gain.

"What's up with the perverted smile Weiss?" Yang asked from her bed on Blake's. Weiss looked up at her in shock. Yang pointed at her lip and Weiss quickly wiped her lips, finding a little saliva on it. "He fell asleep here huh? Doesn't look very comfortable."

"Do you know what happened?" Weiss asked her blonde teammate as she stretched within the confines of her bed.

"Sure," Yang said in a matter of fact tone of voice. She jumped down from her bunk and stretched her spine. "Woke up in the middle of the night and found the sweetest thing. The princess holding her prince's hand as she slept. Wanna see a picture?"

Yang grabbed her scroll from her bed and pulled up a photo of Weiss sleeping soundly, with Ash's hand in between hers. Ash had his head down as he did now.

"Delete it," Weiss demanded in a rather loud voice as she turned a slight shade of pink. Yang made no such effort to fulfill her teammate's demand, but instead put a finger to her lips.

"Shh, you're going to wake him up."

Weiss rolled her eyes at the blonde and knelt by the sleeping boy.

"Ash, wake up," she shook him slightly. "Ash, come on. At the very least, use my bed if you're going to keep sleeping."

Ash opened his eyes and looked up at Weiss. He craned his neck side to side, the popping of his vertebrae sounded throughout the dorm room.

"Miss Schnee," Ash's voice was a bit rough due to the stress on his Adam's apple. "I see. I fell asleep here."

"Didn't you say you had to go see Professor Ozpin for your room?" Yang pointed out. Ash nodded slowly craning his neck side to side once more, earning him a few more pops.

"I'd best go," Ash slowly stood up as Weiss gave him some space. "I doubt you'd feel comfortable taking a shower with a guy in the room."

"I'm sure Weiss wouldn't mind," Yang teased, with the heiress glaring at her. "What? I'm sure you guys have taken baths together before."

"That was before, Miss Xiao Long," Ash admitted, yawning soon after. Yang's arms slumped to her side as her blood, along with Weiss', rushed to their faces. The blonde stared at Weiss, half expecting her to deny the claim, but it never came. "Besides, should Miss Goodwitch find me here, I doubt I would be at Beacon for long. If you'll excuse me, Miss Schnee."

"Go ahead Ash," Weiss refused to look at the butler as he walked out of the door. Once the door was closed, Weiss very stiffly started fixing her bed.

"So Weiss," Yang said awkwardly. "What he said just now… Care to comment?"

"He was just helping me wash my back since my sister was unavailable at times," Weiss ignored the blonde and walked towards the bathroom door. "He was completely clothed and I… I…. I'm going to take a shower first. Wake those two up won't you? Let's just pretend he didn't say anything."

"Yeah. Let's do that."

"Thanks."

Yang couldn't help but wonder what Ash helping Weiss was her body seemed like. After one thought, she very quickly kicked the thought out of her head.


Ash made his way to Professor Ozpin's office, trying to remember the path that he and Miss Goodwitch took the day before. It wasn't long before he found himself in front his office. Ho knocked three times and waited for a response.

"Come in," strangely enough, it was Miss Goodwitch's voice that came from the other side of the door. Ash opened the door and found Miss Goodwitch alone in the spacious office. She turned and eyed him, as if inspecting every fiber of his being.

"Mister Valentine, I'd ask where you were last night, but I can guess," Miss Goodwitch walked over to Professor Ozpin's desk and pulled out a key from one of the drawers. Ash walked over and received the key from the young teacher. "Your room is the third door down the hall from Team RWBY's, as a request from Winter Schnee.

"As you joined Beacon late, you will be living alone. Therefore you are expected to have a tidier room than most of the teams. Your clothes have all been transferred there last night, and a package from Winter Schnee arrived for you as well. It's already been transferred to your room."

"Thank you Miss Goodwitch," the butler bowed to the teacher as he left the room. Ash made it only a few feet before the door opened.

"Oh and Mister Valentine? Do try and hurry. Classes will start soon."

Ash smiled at the teacher and nodded. Only minutes later, Ash was at his room. His clothes, mainly composed of formal suits, were already in the drawers. The only thing that stood out was a rectangular box in the middle of the room.

Curious as to what the eldest Schnee daughter has sent him; Ash laid the box on the ground. A small letter was attached to it. Picking it up, Ash started to read it.

Ash, Glynda informed me of your situation. Hope this helps.

Winter Schnee

P.S. Be sure to impress Weiss with what you learned up till now.

Ash smiled at the letter, and knew what to expect. He put the box aside and got ready for class just as Miss Goodwitch had advised him.

Soon, Ash exited his room in another a cleaner suit, his hair still slightly damp from his shower. Locking the door, Ash turned around to see none other than Cardin Winchester in his uniform waiting for him with a shit-eating grin

"How do you do Mister Winchester?" Ash greeted politely. "Do you have business with me?"

"As a matter of fact Valentine, I do," Cardin took out his scroll and pulled up a picture. He showed it to Ash, hoping to get a reaction, but was annoyed when he didn't. The picture showed Ash entering the Team RWBY dorm room with the owners of the room. "You know, a picture like this can surely spread a lot of rumors."

"I suppose it can Mister Winchester, but rumors can be easily cleared up."

"Unless it's posted on…say the net."

"Are you threatening me Mister Winchester?" Ash asked with boiling anger slowly building inside him.

"I'm merely trying to make a deal, Valentine," Cardin said putting his right hand on Ash's left shoulder. "You and I are going to have a rematch today, and you're just gonna 'trip.'"

"Ash?" Weiss called out a few doors away, wearing her Beacon uniform.

"See you later Valentine," Cardin called out as he walked away. Weiss walked towards her butler in concern.

"What did he want?" she asked with bitterness in her voice.

"He holds a photo of me entering your dorm room Miss Schnee," he answered. "He told me to throw the rematch that he'd challenge me to today if I don't want that picture to go up in the net."

"Ash, if you fail to defeat Winchester, Father will most likely…" Weiss couldn't finish her sentence, afraid of the possibility. "It's just a picture Ash, Winchester still has nothing to threaten you with."

"But the possibility of it ruining your image as well as your friends' still exists Miss Schnee. I can't take that risk."

"Ash listen to me, you will not lose to Winchester. Not now, not ever. Is that understood?"

"Yes Miss Schnee."

"You now no longer work for the Schnee family. Now you work for me only. I'll personally tell Father and Winter at a later date, is that understood Ash?"

Ash smiled at Weiss, now his only mistress and master. Weiss' eyes grew as she realized that she had never seen him this happy before. Ash knelt down on one knee.

"I, Ash Valentine, solemnly swear to serve you, Miss Weiss Schnee, with the best of my abilities until the day I die. Your enemy is my enemy, be it the Grimm, the White Fang, your father, or the world, I shall never leave your side. Should you decide to discard me, I shall still watch over you, protecting you from anything that may do you harm as I have always done."

Ash held out his hand, and gently took hold of Weiss' outstretched hand and kissed it. With this his pact to her is complete. He shall serve her from this day forth until the day of his death.

"Aww something happen?" From the RWBY dorm room door, Ruby stood in her Beacon uniform as well. "Do you guys do this everyday?"

"Mister Winchester holds a picture of me entering the RWBY dorm room," Ash admitted, getting back up on his feet. "He's threatening to upload it on the net if I don't throw the rematch that he'd challenge me to today."

"What'll you do?" Ruby asked, her expression now stern.

"I am to never lose against Mister Winchester, no matter the consequence," Ash answered, though a troubled expression soon appeared on him. "Though the end results bother me."

"We'll deal with it when the time comes," Weiss told her butler. "Right now, you're priority is to wipe the floor with Winchester."

"Yes Miss Schnee."

"Wow Weiss," Ruby said in awe. "I've never seen you act this way."

"I've never resented someone like this before."

"Oh Ash," Ruby called excitedly. "Is this your room?"

Ash only nodded in confirmation.

"Wow, so close to our dorm room too. We can have a sleep over here, and be back in our room in no time."

"Never mind that," Weiss said, shaking her head at her leader. "Let's go get breakfast. We have Doctor Oobleck's class afterwards."


Doctor Oobleck babbled on nonstop for over two hours lecturing his class about the Faunus hierarchy several millennia ago. Unfortunately, almost no one was paying attention to the caffeinated teacher; some simply were unable to keep up with him. The only ones really paying attention were Pyrrha, Weiss, and Ash. The rest were either asleep or doing something else to pass the time.

"The Faunus hierarchy was no different from humans'," he said as he zoomed across the classroom. "In fact it was the Faunus that introduced the concept of hierarchy to humans. With that in mind, it makes the racial tensions between humans and Faunus even more unsightly."

"Ruling at the top of the Faunus hierarchy, were the dragon-based Faunus. These Faunus were seen with wings protruding from their backs, thus being compared to angels of Oum."

"Wings?" Weiss asked, unknowingly.

"Yes, Miss Schnee," the professor answered, halting his rambling. "Is there something you wish to add?"

"No, professor," Weiss said with something clearly bothering her, but decided to not give it voice. The professor eyed her once, to see if she'd eventually say it, but let it go soon after.

She looked around, trying to avoid the professor's eyes, landing on Ash's eyes staring back at her. She held her gaze there for a while, surprised by the gloomy look of his eyes. It was if he wanted something from her.

"It was only three centuries ago that this feudal hierarchy was destroyed by the dragons themselves," Doctor Oobleck continued his lesson, despite a large percentage of his students ignoring him. "Why the dragons destroyed it, is unknown; truly regrettable. During the dragons' rule, there were no recorded acts of revolt. When the dragons destroyed the feudal system, does anyone want to take a guess what happened to the dragons?"

No one raised their hand, and for a minute, the professor only looked around the room.

"Velvet, care to take a guess?"

"I'm sorry professor," the timid Faunus said, her Faunus ears drooping down. "This is the first time I've ever heard of dragon based Faunus."

"That's unfortunate," the professor said, rather disappointed. "Anyone?"

"They were hunted down," Ash's voice echoed throughout the quiet room. All eyes landed on him, Weiss', Blake's, and Velvet's eyes growing large at the answer.

"Well well," the professor said surprised. "Very well done Ash. What else do you know?"

"The dragons were hunted down for sport. Hunted by the Faunus they ruled over, and much later on in the future, the humans as well. Their wings served as trophies for those who were successful in their hunts. Men, women, and children, no matter what the age or gender, their wings were ripped from their backs. For a time, another hierarchy began. The greater the amount of wings one collects, the greater their standing."

"Why?" Blake asked her teammate's butler, eager to learn more. "Why would they do that? You claimed it was for sport, but what started it all?"

"Now that's the question Blake," Doctor Oobleck told his student. Gaining the attention of his students once again. "Why would the Faunus—"

"Fear," Ash interrupted the teacher. The teacher looked at him, pulling the attention of the students away from the professor again. He quickly realized what he'd done.

"I apologize professor. I didn't mean to—"

"Continue Ash," the professor interrupted him, his eyes eager to hear what the student had to say.

"Yes professor," Ash took a breath before continuing. "What started it all was fear. Even when the dragons relinquished their power as rulers, they were feared because of their wings and strength that goes beyond than that of any other Faunus. The ability to fly with that kind of strength, at that point in time really was something to be feared. Instead of angels, they were then compared to demons. When the first dragon was murdered, the Faunus knew that the dragons could be killed. From then on, the dragons were hunted till endangered."

"'Endangered?'" Blake asked, with fear in her voice. Ash nodded.

"The last sighting of a dragon based Faunus was a little over a decade ago," Ash added, as he noticed Blake shaking slightly in her seat. "A dragon child was ran over by accident during a Faunus riot. Reports say that the child was killed by the impact."

Weiss' body stiffened, looking down to avoid any set of eyes; especially Blake's, even if she knew that Blake wasn't looking at her.

"So they're now extinct?" the professor asked, fearing he already knows the answer.

"One can assume."

"I see. That is a shame. Such a family, gone. Right under our noses as well. I thank you for sharing Ash, this has been… enlightening."

The room remained quiet for several excruciatingly long minutes before the professor spoke again.

"The rest of the class will be treated as a study hall, you may go when the chime sounds."

With that, the usually energetic professor slowly exited the room.

"I'm going to the bathroom for a bit," Weiss announced to her friends, no one could say a thing. Ash stood up to go with her, but stopped when she held up her hand. "I'll be fine Ash, I'll be back soon."

Ash remained standing as she exited the room as well.

"How'd you know all that Ash?" Jaune asked, turning pale as he felt more nausea than he did on airships or Bullheads.

"I've spent countless nights reading in the Schnee library and archives," Ash answered; obvious that he was choosing his words carefully. "I thought if I did so, I can help Miss Schnee in her studies. However, she never needed it."

"'As long as he thought it would help me, he'd do it even at the cost of his health,'" Ruby quoted, remembering how Weiss described her butler.

"If you'll excuse me," Ash excused himself, walking towards the door.

"Going after Weiss?" Yang asked, smiling at the butler.

"She never ordered me to stay," the butler responded looking back. A grin started to form on his new friends as they all called him 'smartass' in their thoughts. "Oh and Miss Belladonna, before I go. You should know that dragon child is still alive."

"But you said—" Blake started, her eyes gaining back the light that they had lost.

"I merely paraphrased the files," Ash interrupted. "I know because I was there that day."

Ash exited the room as Blake silently cried in relief.


Weiss exited the bathroom after emptying her stomach of her breakfast. Her eyes were red, her head still spinning. There, waiting patiently for her, was Ash, holding out a bottle of water in his hands.

She took the bottle and drank a few gulps of it, washing her mouth of anything she may have left behind.

"Are you all right Miss Schnee?" Ash asked softly.

"Ash, can you listen to me ramble for a bit?" Weiss asked as she handed the bottle back to him.

"Anything for you Miss Schnee."

"That child you mentioned earlier," Weiss said in a soft voice. "I knew him. I don't know him by name, but I knew him. That day was my sixth birthday. My father, Winter, and I – along with some nobles and bodyguards – were going across town to eat at a brand new restaurant that I've wanted to try. Then a boy with wings, probably my age, wished me a happy birthday."

"He was dirty. He was caked in mud, and I had the bodyguards get rid of him. They just threw him into an alley like he was nothing more than just garbage. I did it only because I didn't want the Schnee family to lose credibility. Before I knew it a riot began."

"I was so scared. I was pushed out in to the streets, and saw a truck speeding towards me. I thought I was going to die. But that dragon saved me. He pushed me out of the way. I was the reason that the guards hurt him, but in the end, he still saved me. Why?"

"Why do I deserve to live, when he didn't?" Weiss had tears in her eyes, and the threat of emptying her stomach again rose. Ash embraced her, trying to take in her sorrow.

"Miss Schnee," Ash called almost in a whisper. She could feel his chest vibrate when he spoke. "What would you do if I told you that I knew that child?"

Weiss pushed away from his chest by a small amount. Wanting to look in his eyes, while still close enough to feel his comforting warmth.

"You knew him?"

"Not only that, but I was there that day. That boy is still alive. It was only said he died in the reports to prevent any scandals connecting the Schnee Dust Company to the accident."

"Why didn't you say anything to me?" Weiss asked putting her head down, anger towards Ash building up inside her. She felt betrayed. Betrayed by the butler she made her own only a few hours ago.

"If I had said anything," Ash started. Weiss tried to push herself away from Ash, but the boy held her tight. "You would've felt guilty and more than likely would never want anything to do with me."

"I… I wouldn't—"

"Yes you would Miss Schnee, I've known you for a long time. I know you more than you realize. I simply could not tell you about my involvement in that event because my only desire is to serve you. I would not have had that chance if I had told you."

"Why do you go so far for me? We've never met before you were assigned to me, so why?"

"I believe that everything is governed by destiny, Miss Schnee," Ash asked as he held Weiss closer. "I believe that I was born in to this world for the specific reason of serving you. Right now, I can't think of anything I'd want more than to stay by your side."

"Ash, that doesn't answer my question. Even if something as unexplainable as destiny is involved, there's no reason for you to stay with me at all."

"I didn't know I needed a reason Miss Schnee," Weiss looked up at the butler as much as she could, finding the warm smile that he always wore for her. "All these years, I've never had a reason that would satisfy you. My only reason for serving you is to stay with you."

"You really don't understand Ash," Weiss said smiling. She pulled herself closer to Ash, burying her head in the crook oh his shoulder. "I am satisfied with your answer. I just don't understand why."

"Uhh," a voice made itself known to the two. They turned, and saw Ruby standing there, scratching her head, and not knowing what to do. "It's already time to go. I was going to call out sooner but uhh…"

Weiss quickly peeled herself off of Ash and marched towards Ruby. She glared at her, sending a chill down the fifteen year old's spine.

"You didn't see any of that," Weiss told her with venom in her voice. Ruby couldn't help but notice the pink tint of Weiss' cheeks. With that she marched towards their next class, leaving her team leader and butler.

"Listen Ash," Ruby turned to the butler who only chuckled as he watched his mistress march away. "I had a dream last night, and I could've sworn it was real. But I'm just gonna ask anyway. Do you love Weiss?"

"Miss Rose," Ash started. "Miss Goodwitch is behind you."

Ruby turned to see Miss Goodwitch readying her riding crop.

"Miss Rose, Mister Valentine, I sure do hope you're not thinking of skipping my class."

"We were just heading over there. See you Ash!"

And with that, Ruby activated her semblance and disappeared, leaving behind a flurry of rose petals.


"All right students," Miss Goodwitch said her voicing showing a slight frustration. "Let's get started immediately. There's no better time than the present."

"Miss Goodwitch," Cardin called out, smirking at Ash. "I want a rematch with Valentine."

"I'll allow it Mister Winchester, if Mister Valentine accepts."

Ash looked to Miss Schnee, and she gave a nod. Cardin didn't miss this and smirked.

"Am I able to grab my gear, Miss Goodwitch?" Ash asked. The teacher looked at him with a confused look for a brief moment before she realizing what he spoke of.

"What gear?" Cardin asked, unnerved. "I thought he came without a weapon?"

"You may go Mister Valentine," the professor ignored the muscular student. "You have five minutes."

Ash exited the room, leaving a confused student body with the exception of Ruby. Cardin made his way to the front of the room and called his locker, grabbing his mace and armor inside when it arrived.

"Weiss," Ruby mewed excitedly. "Ash has a weapon! I wonder what kind of weapon it is. Could it be a transforming great sword-rocket launcher? Maybe it's a rapier like yours."

"He must've learned how to wield one when he was with Winter," Weiss guessed, slightly disappointed that neither Winter nor Ash informed her.

"It would be so cool if it was the great sword," Ruby continued not ignoring her partner's comment. "No, it doesn't fit him. He's not the correct build."

"Ruby," Jaune criticized her. "You have Crescent Rose. A gigantic sniper-scythe and you judge him by his body build?"

"… You make an excellent point," Ruby said in a whisper, going back in to her thoughts about Ash's weapon.

A few minutes later, Ash walks back in the room with a rather regular sword, with the Atlas symbol in the guard, in its white sheath strapped across his back, and a white metal bracer on his left arm extending from his wrist to his elbow, along with the glove he used to fight Cardin the glove he fought Cardin with before, along with a matching one on his right hand; all of it on top of his usual formal suit.

"Yeah," Ruby said rather disappointedly. "That fits him more than a great sword. Was kinda hoping for more though."

"Well let's not judge it yet Ruby," Pyrrha pointed out, examining whatever part of the weapon she could. "The weapon hardly matters, it all depends on how he uses it."

"I've known Ash for a long time," Weiss told them all. "The only time that he could've had training was when he was with my sister. Even then, that was only for a few months."

"A few months should be enough," Ruby asked albeit a bit nervous. "Right? Right guys?"

No one answered her.

"All right," Miss Goodwitch announced. "You two know the rules. Begin when ready."

Ash drew his sword, a double-edged steel blade, and stretching three and a half feet long, with his right hand and simply kept it at his side, the tip pointing ahead towards Cardin.

Cardin ran to Ash, and swung his mace down. Ash didn't move to dodge the attack, making the bully smile.

Ash grabbed his sword's hilt with two hands and moved it to block the mace. The blade connected the mace's handle just below the head. Ash overpowered Cardin, forcing the mace to the left, and left it to crash on the floor.

Cardin was stunned, originally thinking that his threat to the butler had an effect. Ash turned his body to the right and brought his blade across the larger teen's chest. Cardin's armor and Aura preventing him from getting wounded. Cardin's body reeled back a few yards due to the force.

"You really don't care do you?" Cardin asked, as he regained his balance. "You'll regret this Valentine. Everything will be your fault."

Weiss grit her teeth, as she listened to Cardin. In truth she had no idea how to prevent Cardin from keeping true to his threat.

"Miss Schnee has ordered me never to lose to you Mister Winchester," Ash told him, his expression contorting in both anger and frustration.

"Then whatever happens next is your fault," Cardin smiled, knowing that he had won.

Cardin recklessly charged his opponent again, swinging his mace from the side. Ash accepted the challenge and charged towards the larger teen as well, swinging his sword from the opposite side of Cardin's swing. Cardin fought against his momentum and spun, just dodging Ash's blade and slamming his mace to the back of the butler's head.

The force of the blow, added to his momentum, forced Ash to the ground and decreased his Aura by fifteen. Cardin stood over a dazed Ash and brought the mace down on his back. Ash's body was forced to the ground, the excess force of the blow cracking the floor below Ash's body. Cardin raised his mace again, but before he was able to swing it, Ash turned his body and brought his weapon across Cardin's cheek, making sure to turn it to the side, mimicking a blunt weapon, before it connected with the bully.

Cardin was forced to the side and was slightly dazed by the blow, and as he recovered, Ash got back on his feet, silently thanking his Aura. Cardin recovered from his daze and faced his opponent again. Cardin blinked and found Ash immediately cleared the distance, already swinging his sword towards Cardin. Unable to react in time, Cardin was helpless, the blade going across his chest again. Using the momentum of his attack, like yesterday, Ash spun around cutting Cardin once again across his chest, then another before kicking him away.

Cardin regained some of his composure, enough to swing his mace down on Ash. Cardin found himself smiling, but that smile immediately disappeared when he caught glance of Ash's eyes.

There was nothing but anger and hate in Ash's eyes. Ash pulled his body back and raised his armored left hand to meet with Cardin's mace. The large weapon was forced back, rending Cardin open to any form of attack.

Ash drove his blade across Cardin's stomach as if trying to split the teen in half. Cardin's midsection was forced back, causing his upper body to lurch forward. Pulling his blade back, Ash smashed his left fist to the back of Cardin's head. Before Cardin's body could hit the floor, Ash grabbed him by the neck. Ash lifted the large body well above his head.

"There is more than one way to silence someone Mister Winchester," Ash said in an ominous tone of voice. He pulled his blade back behind him and pointed the tip to Cardin's throat. The notion caused the audience to shiver in fear, seeing Ash in a new, darker, light – especially Weiss.

"ASH!" Weiss exclaimed before the butler could follow through with his attack. The look of hate on his face when he turned caused Weiss to flinch. Her own fearful expression forced Ash to realize that it was he that caused his mistress the distress that she's feeling.

Ash threw Cardin's body over the boundary of the arena, the larger body falling limp to the floor. The monitor above them read that Cardin's Aura meter was just above thirty percent, while Ash's stayed above half.

"The duel is finished," Miss Goodwitch announced, glaring at the supposed winner. "I'm severely disappointed in you Mister Valentine. Please remember that anger blinds you next time you fight someone."

Ash returned to his seat as the member of Team CRDL carried their leader back to his seat.

Like last time, Weiss was standing when Ash was returning to his seat. Only this time, her expression was the combination of disappointment and fear. Ash knelt down on one knee as he reached Weiss.

"I apologize Miss Schnee," he said, his voice dripping with guilt. Weiss tried her best to form a smile.

"What are you apologizing for Ash?" she asked, unconscious of the fear severely apparent in her voice.

"I apologize for scaring you Miss Schnee," he answered, standing up. "I'll excuse myself."

Ash walked towards the exit before being stopped by the professor.

"Mister Valentine, you are to report to Headmaster Ozpin's office later tonight."

"Yes Miss Goodwitch," Ash left the room, his destination no one knew.

"Weiss?" Ruby asked carefully, watching her partner slightly shiver in fear. "Are you ok?"

"I don't know," Weiss answered, wrapping her arms across her shoulders in vain attempt of stopping herself from shivering.

"Cardin said he'll delete the picture," Russel Thrush of Team CRDL announced to them, before going back to his seat.

"What picture?" Nora asked openly, unsure of who might know the answer.

"Cardin had a picture of Ash entering our dorm room last night," Ruby answered trying to calm her partner at the same time. "He used it to threaten Ash in to losing this rematch. But Weiss told Ash that he couldn't lose to Cardin."

"Why would the picture be a threat to Ash?" Jaune asked, looking at the door the butler exited from.

"Cause it could hurt the Schnee name," Yang answered, when the revelation hit her.

"I have to find Ash," Weiss announced, fear still apparent in her voice.

"Weiss," Ruby said in concern. "You can't even stop shaking."

"Give him time Weiss," Yang offered. "He'll be fine."

"No!" Weiss immediately rejected. "You don't understand Yang, Ash suffers more than anyone else in situations like this."

"Weiss," Pyrrha this time tried to convince her. "What's hurting him the most right now is you. You're scared of him. He left for you."

"Don't you think I know that? That's why I have to find him. I don't want him to leave."

Weiss exited the room, not caring about her professor's complaints against it.

She wandered around for a while, searching everywhere Ash might be. It was soon that she found herself at Ash's room. She gathered her courage and knocked.

"Ash? Are you in there?"

"Yes," Ash's voice sounded defeated from the other side of the door.

"I'm afraid of you Ash," she confessed. "I'm so afraid that I can't stop shaking."

There was no response.

"I could have never imagined that in the few months that I wasn't with you, you turned in to such an terrifying person."

Again, there was no response.

"Ash, open the door."

She waited, and waited, the minutes flying by her.

"Ash, open the door now. That's an order."

The door creaked open slightly. Weiss pushed the door wide-open and found Ash sitting by a large rectangular box.

"Ash?"

"Miss Schnee, tell me what to do."

"What?" Weiss asked unsure of what he had meant.

"Order me. Command me. Instruct me. Direct me."

"What's in the box?" she asked, ignoring what he was saying.

"The sword and bracer that Miss Winter sent me," he answered dispiritedly. "It was to help me. I was thinking of sending it back."

"My sister won't appreciate you sending it back, you know that."

"I do not care Miss Schnee," Weiss stood shocked. Not once had he ever uttered those words, but here he was now, on the verge of insulting her sister by refusing her help. "If having these only leads to me terrifying you, then I'd rather not have them. It matters not if the decision leads to my death."

"It does matter Ash."

"Not to me," he countered immediately.

"What if we happen to land ourselves in a dire situation, and you having a weapon to wield is the only difference between life and death?"

"I trained in hand to hand combat well before swordplay Miss Schnee. I will be able to secure your safety, even at the cost of my own. I am expendable Miss Schnee, one that was born to be your sword and shield."

Weiss leveled herself with Ash and embraced him.

"Never call yourself expendable again."

"You're shivering Miss Schnee."

"Cause I'm afraid of you."

"Order me to leave Beacon. That way, you wouldn't have to be afraid anymore."

"Would you like that Ash?"

Tears dammed her eyes, feeling her heart about to break if he answers 'yes.' Ash's body shook within her arms. The heiress dared not look at him, as she feared her tears would fall.

"No, Miss Schnee. I would not. I wish to stay with you."

"Then stay," Weiss told him, her heart beating faster. "Stay here with me, always."

"Thank you Miss Schnee."

"You overpowered Winchester so easily, how'd you do it?"

"I was angry," he answered hesitantly. Ash looked up at his mistress in deep regret. "All I wanted was to end him, to ensure that your name doesn't become stained by rumors. However, it looks like I was the one that stained your name instead."

"Don't burden yourself with such a trifle matter Ash. No one would have believed Winchester."

"I appreciate it the gesture Miss Schnee, but you don't have to lie to me."

"Lie?" Weiss asked, unsure of what gave it away. The Winchester name had power to it. While not as much as the Schnee name, it would have dealt damage definitely.

"Your eyes quiver and your nose flares when you lie," the butler had a small smile when he said that, but it quickly faded.

"They do not," Weiss complained, releasing the butler from her embrace and standing up. "I am a noble lady, I do not lie."

Ash laughed, albeit a bit brief, but it was enough to relieve the heiress, causing the tears in her eyes to flow ever so slowly. Ash stood up and embraced her.

"Thank you Weiss," he whispered softly.

The heiress could do nothing but wrap her arms around the boy as well, relishing the fact he had finally called her by her given name. And when he kissed her forehead, she could do nothing but sigh in content.