Chapter #10: Together & Pyrrha's Plan

Yang

With Tai's first day back at work, Yang was noticing his absence. She got up and had breakfast with him and the twins, but it was hard since their usual intimacy was nullified by the presence of the other two girls. They couldn't get close and kiss, or even hug as it might look too suspicious. The only time she actually got to kiss him was when he went to his room to get everything before leaving.

Up there in the privacy of his room, he and Yang shared a deep kiss that would have to last until sometime after he returned from work and they got a safe moment to themselves. But as soon as he left, Yang felt alone and began to worry. She feared slipping back down into the abyss that she'd climbed out of with the help of her father by focusing on their training and the relationship they'd formed.

Father and daughter was the old status but still held true, yet when they were alone it was like two lovers completely infatuated with one another. Sometimes they'd fall into the father daughter roles but she knew he'd tried to break that habit since their first kiss. Having struggled with it until work, they hoped their farce had worked well enough to throw the twins off. It was hard going back to acting like just a father and daughter.

"Alright hold it there." Yang called out, stopping the sparring match between the sisters. It was insanely even, despite the fact that Melanie used her legs. They both had their strengths, but neither could really provide much of a defence against each other's specialty.

"We're going to focus on punching for now. Miltia, I know you need to learn how to kick better but first, since we're both more punching orientated we'll give Melanie a little bit of an advantage."

"What?! But I don't want her to be able to beat me." Miltia complained while her twin just laughed.

"It's not about winning or losing. We're improving your skills so that the both of you will be able to at least have more of a variety in your attacks and better defence where you're both sorely lacking." Yang countered.

"Don't worry sis, we'll both coach you on kicking." Melanie spoke up offering her own teaches that Yang quickly figured she could take advantage of too.

"Fine, but we're spending the same amount of time on both of us." Miltia growled. Yang and Miltia slowly began coaching Melanie. Miltia was the one giving demonstrations of what Yang described for obvious reasons.

Attacking with punches, only punches. It was basics for two of the girls, but complex stuff for Melanie who relied so heavily on her legs to do all the work. After half an hour of training Yang's brain was hurting with how Melanie just couldn't get a grasp on some of the most basic movements. Patience and repetition. She'll get it.

Yang showed what she could with one arm, but Miltia had to complete the demonstrations. Yang instructed Miltia on some basic patterns and for Melanie to copy her twin, these patterns were simple and slow, allowing Melanie to easily follow the motion. But there were still many times where she messed it up. Miltia would growl in frustration while Yang would interject with a gentle and encouraging voice that held suggestions, the main one that Miltia go slower until her sister felt confident to pick up the speed. This went on for a long while with small breaks.

Two hours passed with Melanie being taught just a few sequences and instructed to repeat the movements. It would at the very least give her a feel for throwing punches that were mostly just gaps and hooks but compared to her complete lack of using her fists in combat it was a good and normal start.

Yang knew it would be a very long and tedious process for the kicker to become somewhat proficient at punching, but that was her reason for asking Yang to teach her. But still those doubts crept into her mind as each time she felt like demonstrating she'd have to call on Miltia to step in.

After those two hours, she moved on to make Melanie practise some defence moves. For this she could join it and throw some strikes, but with Melanie only having to block one side it became clear that her involvement was a hindrance to Melanie's growth and she opted out for Miltia. It's for the betterment of my student. She told herself.

"Miltia, strike slowly and I'll correct her movements." And that's what happened for the next hour. Miltia was a slow slugger with Melanie struggling to even keep up with her at half pace. Her movements were all wrong and every now and then Yang would call a halt. She'd grab Melanie's guard and position it correctly before stepping back and telling Miltia to test it. The re clothed twin tested it rather hard each time, thankfully Melanie's aura took the majority of the damage.

That hour was filled with a lot of swearing from Melanie, her frustration growing to the point of anger before Yang called it time and demanded them to both stop and have an hour for lunch. It wasn't much, leftovers from dinner the night before, courtesy of Taiyang.

Excusing herself from the table, Yang made her way to the bathroom where she sent a quick message to Tai telling him that for the first part of the day she was helping Melanie with her attack and defence with only her arms.

Once she'd finished, and the twins had their turns in the bathroom they all kicked back until that hour was up. Yang was feeling refreshed and a bit better about everything. For that hour she'd been thinking about her emotions, how she'd been too busy teaching to think too much about her father and the fact he wasn't there. But that hour did make her feel alone as though just thinking about stumbling back to her former state sapped her strength.

She was so thankful when that hour had evaporated into the past and she could look forward again. To teaching and being taught how to better attack and defend whilst using her legs and Miltia would be in the same boat. I've got to move past my problem. Dad won't always be around; the girls won't always be around. I need to strengthen my mind and body at the same rate.

Just like with Melanie, they spent three hours on training their legs. Yang was more adept at it than Miltia thanks to her already reinventing her fighting style to compensate for her lacking an arm. Drenched in sweat and legs shaking, Yang was glad when the three hours were up. Even though she helped to teach, it was clear that Melanie was on a different level with how she used her legs and Yang had quickly fallen into the student role.

"Miltia, that was appalling. Yang, you've been practicing, haven't you?"

"I've had to change my style to incorporate more use of my legs." She waved her stump around to make a point to the twins. Miltia was in a foul mood again, but she was too tired to argue.

"Both of you need to work on your flexibility. You both have some powerful kicks, Yang more so, but you both lack the ability to move more fluidly." Yang nodded while Miltia spat on the grass.

"Ok geez. Can we go inside and have a shower already?" Melanie looked to Yang who just nodded. She was tired too, it wasn't as intense as some of her trainings with Tai but using just her legs for three hours had shown her there was a lot of improvement needed, that and her brain was still wrapping around some of the movements Melanie had shown her.

Wandering inside she let the twins go up to their room, Ruby's room and get their things for a shower. Melanie is good. Miltia is stubborn. If I can get them proficient in both of their weaker fronts, then I won't stand a chance against either or them. A slow realisation that they would someday probably outdo her in combat made her sad, but it also caused her heart swell. Her students would surpass her, she hoped that they would change their path and fight for good instead or sneaking around in the shadows committing minor crimes.

With a bark from the living room and the patter of many little paws Yang smiled. Guess we forgot to feed him. She bent over rubbing Zwei's head and made her way to the fridge to grab his food. As she was cutting the dog roll she heard a car pull up. She smiled holding the knife still until she heard Tai's footsteps on the deck. As soon as the door opened she was ready.

"Dad catch!" She yelled, throwing the piece of dog roll she'd cut off to Tai with Zwei chasing after the airborne meal.

Taiyang

Returning to work for the first time in over a month was a little daunting for Tai. The morning had been fine, breakfast with Yang and the twins. A kiss before he had to leave followed by a nice quiet drive to school. Only, as the morning dragged on he grew increasingly worried about Yang and how she was coping with two girls she was supposed to be instructing.

The first two periods went by with his anxiousness reverting to how he usually taught by the middle of his first class. He was the normal laid-back Mr Xiao Long that his students liked to have. None asked him what was wrong, why he was away for more than a month, but on their way out of his class there were a few telling him they're glad he was back.

Morning break went by far too quickly for the other teachers, but not quick enough for Tai as his co-workers wouldn't stop talking to him and asking him how Yang was doing. He answered a few times, telling them she was doing a lot better, but each time he stopped talking his expression would change to one of concern. He wanted to ring home, to talk with his little girl, his lover.

Third and fourth period passed quickly with the fourth being rather enjoyable as he took the class out for physical education. For a primary combat school, physical education meant teaching the students how to move more effectively or to set up a training course. Today Tai had taken the older class out and they all had their weapons, made by their own hands with the helpful knowledge of experienced weapon engineers.

Every weapon had some kind of gun, and most were swords, the most common weapon for any growing or adult hunter. Raven and Qrow were the first that jumped to Tai's mind, even though both had unique swords.

With the lunch bell resonating over the fields he called for them all to return the weapons to their lockers before they enjoyed their hour of freedom before the final class of the day. It was an hour that also proved to be a long one for Tai because as soon as he was finished with his food, his mind began to wander home.

"Tai." Came the voice of Signal's headmaster. "Sorry I haven't been able to catch up with you earlier. I've been busy, how are you finding it back at work?" Meral asked as he took a seat opposite Tai in the teacher's lounge.

"I was a little bit nervous coming back, but I got back in the groove before first period was out." He smiled softly.

"Good, good. The students haven't been bombarding you with questions I hope? I did ask them to keep their noses out of your business."

"No, the students haven't asked even once. It's the bloody co-workers that have been prying." Meral shook his head.

"I want to say that they've just been worried, and its true that most have. But I think there are a few that were jealous that you got that much time to spend with your daughter." Tai couldn't believe what he heard, some were jealous? Of the situation of his family? Anger boiled up and his cheeks and ears turned a light red. Meral saw this and leaned closer.

"Tai."

"How could they be jealous? I lost my daughter. Yang lost her arm and her sister." His jaw clenched and his hands curled into fists.

"I know, and I made sure they knew the situation for you absence, there were a couple that didn't. Those that had approached me because of said jealousy wasn't because of your situation, but the simple fact that you were spending time with your family. They were the teachers that lost someone in the fall too. Not sons or daughters, but brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews." Meral took a sip from his coffee and sat back in his chair crossing his legs and watching as Tai relaxed.

"Sorry for causing a rift between your employees." Tai whispered.

"Don't be. Yang needed you and still does. I'm sure you've probably been worried sick about her since leaving for school this morning, right?" Tai just nodded and Meral chuckled. "Such a doting father. She's lucky to have you Tai."

"She's been getting a lot better Meral, it's just that when I told her that I was returning to work there was a little bit of regress that happened." He looked the message over on his scroll and smiled, glad that Yang had messaged him and glad that she was teaching like she said she would.

"I see. If she needs you Tai…"

"She's fine, for now anyway. We had a talk about it, many talks about it before today. She realises that she needs to get over this fear. Though it's lucky she has a couple of friends staying over for the next wee while." I hope those twins aren't being mean to my little dragon.

"Company from friends might help. But the offer still stands Tai. If you need to go to her, if she needs help. Give me a call and I'll fill in for you." Tai looked up with a shimmer in his eyes and a smile on his face.

"Thank you Meral. You have no idea how much you've helped just letting me be there for her."

"Don't mention it, I've already approved leave for three other teachers here, the first starts her leave tomorrow. Coffee?" Meral asked, getting to his feet and walking over to the coffee machine grabbing Tai a mug since Tai nodded and refilled his own. Other teachers are suffering too huh. They should go to their families, its not selfish to be with the ones or one you love.

The rest of lunch was small talk between himself and Meral, the headmaster inquiring whether or not he'd managed to find himself a date during his time off. Although the answer was a resounding no, Tai couldn't help but smile as he had found something more in his daughter than simply the bond of a parent and child.

As soon as the bell sounded for the end of the last class, Tai dismissed his students and quickly made it to his car, eager to get home to Yang. He didn't speed, but the excitement and nervousness he felt was almost compelling enough to make him do so.

Opening the door he wasn't greeted with a hello, a good afternoon, no. Instead his own daughter threw some dog food at him and their little corgi pattered after the flying meat. He caught it with one hand, a small smirk with a side of annoyance on his face before turning and tossing it out the door.

"Good afternoon Yang." He said placing his folder onto a chair around the table.

"Afternoon daddy." Yang chirped back sounding rather happy. Somethings happened, that or she's just excited to see me. He stepped closer to her as she put the dog roll back in the fridge and looked at her ass as she bent over. He smirked, listening closely for any sound of the twins. In the distance he heard a shower and smiled. They always waited for one another to finish before emerging.

He caught Yang as she stood, a hand on each hip making her jump in surprise but he didn't stop. He pulled her closer and leaned in going for a kiss, a kiss that she was hesitant about as he watched her eyes dart about. Caving to her own desires she put her hand on his chest and kissed him passionately, once more his beard tickling and scratching, not hurting but adding to the pleasure she felt.

Hands slipped around her hips and onto her ass, squeezing and picking her up ever so slightly before putting her down. Their kiss broke with Yang wearing an embarrassed smile.

"I missed you dad."

"I missed you too Yang."

"I'm all sweaty and yuck. I'm going to go have a shower ok?" Tai continued smiling and nodded, waving her away. He turned to go to the fridge when he heard a groan. Frowning slightly he looked at her. "Want to help me out? I need to wash my bad."

Tai felt his body heat up at the thought of showering with Yang. Sure he'd washed her back before but not since the twins had arrived, and never inside the shower at the same time. Blood ran south despite his desire for it not to do so. Oum dammit… physiological responses are terrible.

"We'll be keeping our underwear on dad, don't get too excited." Her eyes flashed to the crotch of his trousers before back to his eyes. The wink she gave him made his throat tighten. Underwear of not, he wasn't about to pass up this opportunity.

Locking the door to his room he turned to see Yang's golden locks disappear into his personal bathroom she'd started using for her own showers. He followed her in, pausing at the beside table where he had a picture of both Raven and Summer. Guilt panged his heart as he thought about what his to ex-wives would say about his taboo relationship. Don't look at me that way. We make one another happy.

He was tempted to put the photos face down, but in the actual room they wouldn't see a thing. Deep breaths Xiao Long. With that, he stepped into his bathroom to find Yang bent over. His mind went blank as all he could do was stare. She was perfect, toned legs showing the power in her calf and thigh muscles, and her gluteal muscles through her panties. As she stood even her back was toned, more on the left than the right but still very impressive and attractive.

Even as she turned he couldn't peel his gaze from her as he examined her near naked body until she was facing him. Her panties were black, but her bra was a bright yellow. Her eyes were lilac and narrowed giving him a provocative stare.

"Geez dad. When I usually strip in the bathroom it's just the shower that gets turned on." Tai opened his mouth but not a word slipped out. His mind was overcome with her beauty, and a pun that made him blush as she revealed she noticed his growing erection. Am I really that transparent? Look down he shook his head, it wasn't his expression but his body's natural response, for the most part.

He watched the water lather her beautiful pale skin as he undressed before joining his daughter in the shower for the first time. She turned to face him, wetting her hair in the process and using her hand to brush all of her golden locks behind her shoulders. Tai's hands went to her prominent hips and pulled her against him.

Unfortunately he'd forgotten about something causing his own underwear to form into a tent. Feeling her waist against it he shot his hips back blushing deeply. Fuck… she probably thinks I'm trying to get at her. Yang looked down though, examining the tent in her father's underwear, the tent she'd so proudly made him produce.

"Relax dad. It can't be helped when we're sharing a shower right?" He nodded and leaned in kissing her. They shared many short gentle kisses before Yang turned them so Tai was getting wet from the shower.

Tai was feeling both ashamed and aroused when he knew he shouldn't be, especially the latter. Being handed a bar of soap, Yang turned and pulled her hair over her front so Tai could wash her back without causing any damage to the mane that she deeply cared for.

Making soap suds in his hands, he pressed the bar to her back keeping it in one hand as he spread it all over her broad back. His hands traced down her spine to the top of her panties before diverging and coating her lower back with suds. Then up her sides getting a giggle escaping from her as he accidentally tickled her.

"That feels really nice dad, thank you." She whispered, barely audible over the rain that was the shower.

"Not problem my Sunny Little Dragon." He kissed the shoulder that ended with her stump before covering it with soap too. He'd already taken his time cleaning her back and shoulder blades, now he wanted to clean elsewhere. "Don't be scared Yang. I love you." He whispered before going somewhere he knew would test her.

His right hand covered with soapy foam ran down her right arm as he remained behind her. He could tell the moment she realised where he was going by how she tensed up. He hummed softly as his fingertips glided around the end of her shortened arm and curled around the stump. He held there for a time, waiting to see if Yang would yell or ask him to stop, but she never did.

He began to wash there, feeling the scar tissue while keeping the pressure very light. He didn't want to make her more uncomfortable. Hearing her breathe out and watching her head slump down exposing the back of her neck, something he would take advantage of with a tender kiss where her hair had parted allowing his lips to graze her bare skin.

"Dad… why?"

"Why?" He asked back, slowing the rubbing on the nub of her right arm. "Because I think you're beautiful Yang, every part of you. Even here." He rubbed a little faster just to make sure she knew his hand was still there.

There was silence between them for a moment before a chuckle. He wondered what she was laughing at before being taken by surprise as she turned and pushed him onto the cold wall where she bullied him into a deep smooch that took his breath away. His arms went to her hips and then ass again, staying above her panties for good measure.

To Tai it felt like several minutes before his darling daughter pulled back from the kiss she strongarmed him into. Her cheeks were profoundly red from her actions as she stepped back and cleared her throat.

"Now then, why don't I wash your back?" Bending down she picked up the soap only for Tai to take it swiftly from her grasp.

"I think not. You're the one who's been training. Now turn around and let daddy wash his baby girl." Yang pouted but obeyed his request, turning around allowing Tai to wrap his arms around her and press the bar against her toned abdomen. Fingers from his free hand rubbed her stomach, feeling the bumps that were the dips between her abdominal muscles. She is strong, so strong.

"Dad…. That tickles." Yang giggled making Tai smile.

"Sorry, I was just feeling your muscles. I'll wash your legs now." He stated as he knelt in the shower. With water running down his back, he used both hands to start cleaning one leg at a time.

He started up high, pushing at her inner thighs until she gave him a wider stance. From there he started from just below her panties and massaged the soap all the way to her ankle before coming up and starting on the other. Yang shuddered and he swore he heard a small gasp slip from above. Grinning to himself he spent a little longer down there, giving both legs more attention that they needed to be clean.

He washed one hand so it was free of soap before brushing her hair behind her shoulders and more to one side before rubbing the soap on her chest, above her bra of course. He finished washing her chest, but by then he was harder than ever from almost fondling his daughter's bra protected breasts. Do it Taiyang… make her aware of what you feel.

Letting the soap fall to the floor of the shower, Tai guided his hands to her ribs where they remained for a time as he contemplated whether or not to act on his desire. Looking over Yang's bare shoulder he had a great view of her cleavage and the wet skin that disappeared into the bra.

With a slow motion he raised his hands, sliding them up her sides until he felt the fabric that was her yellow bra. He didn't stop there and Yang didn't object either. His fingers began to form to the shape of Yang's bust until he was cupping the bottom of her breasts. His own breath was short with his heart racing, but it was nothing to the ragged breaths he heard from Yang.

"I love you Yang. Much more than a father should." He turned his head to the side and kissed her exposed neck on the righthand side. The squeak he received sounded terribly hot as Yang tilted her neck to the left, giving him a greater plain of skin to kiss, and kiss he continued to do.

"I love you too Dad... Tai." Hearing his own name fall from her lips was enough for him, he stopped holding back and moved his hands up until he had the best hold he could find. Yang let out a moan, not even trying to hide it this time as Tai gave her breasts a gentle caress through her bra.

He moved his mouth to the crook of her neck and began to suck and lick as his hands continued to grope his lover. They're so big… Oum this is so wrong. Wrong or not, Tai didn't stop for a second, and when he felt her nipples poking through her bra he got more excited.

Pulling her back against his chest he moved his hips to hers, his hard member pressing against her thinly covered cheeks. His gruff moan was nothing to Yang's sexy whimper as her hand came over his and help him massage her own breast.

"Tai… Tai!" She moaned louder, rotating her hips a little to better feel his cock against her ass. Tai's mind was a haze of lust and shame. Shame because it was his daughter, but lust because everything they were doing, the other seemed to be feeding off and not once had either shied away.

Yang arched her back and rocked her hips until his cock was flat against his stomach, the tip protruding from the top of his underwear. Rubbing it up and down using her rear end, Tai took the opportunity to gently run his thumbs over her stiff nipples, protected only by a single layer of fabric. The way she shuddered and moved her hips away from his before she leaned back against him completely surprised him. My girl is sensitive there… or was it just because it was the first time? He wondered as he moved his hands back to her hips and kissed her cheek.

He let Yang rest there as he watched her chest heave. She was the most beautiful thing on Remnant to him, the perfect woman for a man long past his prime. She's too good for you isn't she Tai. He chuckled to himself and turned her head by taking her chin into his hand and kissed her lovingly on the lips.

"It's about time we got out of her Yang." Yang groaned and shook her head giving him puppy dog eyes. "The twins will get suspicious. Come on, out." He said smirking.

"Hmph! Fucking ass… you owe me big time old man." She growled, stepping out of the shower before him and grabbing her towel. The look she shot back at him was similar to the ones he knew well, looks both of his ex-wives had given him after he'd teased them sexually and denied them a release.

"I'll make it up to you when we're ready honey." Fuck. He scolded himself but Yang's glare had softened, partially replaced by a smirk.

"Honey is it. You can do better than that… and I was right, it wasn't just the shower that was turned on." She winked, Tai groaned. But following her eyes she saw the tip of his cock poking up from his underwear and panicked to push it back down into cover.

By the time he looked up Yang was gone, the door to the bathroom closed once again allowing him the privacy to wash himself. Once finished her stood under the water for a moment looking at the palms of his hands, hands that had been groping and massaging Yang's well endowed bosom. If I end up in hell… its been more than worth it. Chuckling to himself, he finished with the shower and headed out with his towel.

Pyrrha

Pyrrha waited until the start of a new week before she asked her team to meet her after she and Velvet finished training that day. Velvet had things to do with her team and it had given her enough time to come up with some sort of plan with the information she gathered from her meeting with Glynda and Qrow.

Cinder and Mercury was dead. The newest fall maiden, the false maiden Glynda had labelled her since she stole the power, was dead. Qrow had told her how Mercury covered for his friend Emerald after she killed Ruby, giving his life so the murderer could escape. Of course, the boy had only lasted a short time against an enraged Qrow, but long enough for Emerald to disappear.

Pyrrha was the first one seated in one of Vale's parks. Looking out over a small lake from the bench she was sitting on she watched the ducks swimming and dunking for food. Watched the small children feeding some ducks bread and others enjoying the last few weeks of autumn.

"You feeling ok partner?" She looked to the side and smiled seeing Jaune dressed in some casual attire. Jeans, a different hoodie for once.

"I'm fine, just looking at all the happy faces." It was likely one of the last times she'd see some many in one place. Whether her plan would be supported by her friends or not, she'd decided on her path.

"Calling the team out like this, its got to be something exciting like you re-joining us on the field." His face darkened. "Or it's something more serious."

"The latter… sorry Jaune, but you'll have to wait until Ren and Nora join us."

"That's fine, guess I'll get ready for something shocking." He said with a forced smile. Pyrrha nodded her head giving the same expression and looking at her shoes.

It didn't take long for the other half of their team to arrive, hand in hand the young couple made their way to the bench, Nora skipping and dragging Ren along behind her. She looked so happy with herself while Ren seemed to have lost some of his neutral expression he always used to wear, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I'm sorry everyone.

"Pyrrha!" Nora yelled, skipping and hopping into a hug with the redhead just as she got to her feet.

"You seem rather chirpy."

"That's because you've got good news! You're fighting again right? Jaune told us once you beat Velvet you'll be joining us again, meaning you've beaten the bunny." She gave toothy grin while Pyrrha returned a sad smile.

"Nora, it's bad to jump to conclusions. Why don't we just let Pyrrha explain why she gathered us here." Ren interjected, pulling Nora back to him and putting an arm around his girlfriend and kissing her cheek causing the bomber to blush.

"Oum, so much PDA." Jaune complained.

"PDA?" Pyrrha asked with Nora and Jaune laughing at her question. "What?"

"Public display of affection." Ren answered. Pyrrha blushed at her lack of knowledge and thought back to her and Velvet. They'd done a little of this PDA over the few weeks now.

"That aside, why don't we go to one of the picnic tables so we can all sit together." Jaune suggested. It was a good idea that saw them all heading to the nearest free one, one away from others but close to the lake.

Jaune and Pyrrha claimed one side while the couple claimed the other and remained close together. At least if they both say yes, I won't be tearing them apart… unlike myself and Jaune. She hadn't talked to Velvet about her plans just yet, and Jaune would certainly need to inform Camilla about what he might end up doing.

"So, what have you called us here for Pyrrha?" Ren asked wanting to get straight to the point. She looked them all in the eyes one at a time and sighed.

"I had a meeting with Professor Goodwitch and Ruby's uncle Qrow." The semi-relaxed atmosphere changed immediately, it was impossible to miss since Ruby and her uncle were mentioned. "I learned some things that neither want me to tell anyone, but things that I'm going to have to tell you if I want you to come with me."

"Go with you?" Jaune questioned.

"Oooo where are we going?!" Nora asked excitedly while Ren remained silent and watchful of Pyrrha. It was something that had always made her a little uncomfortable in the past.

"I'll be heading to Haven with or without you all. And before I tell you more I need you all to swear to me that you won't breath a word of this to anyone else… especially Yang or her father. That's the condition. Accept it or leave the table." She waited for nearly a minute as everyone remained silent. Ren and Nora shared more than a couple of looks but neither said anything to each other or to her or Jaune.

"I think that's your answer Pyrrha. Now tell us why." Jaune said placing both of his hands on the table and interlocking his fingers. Nora seemed to be holding her breath while Ren was just transfixed one Pyrrha, waiting for her reasoning.

"I believe… That Ruby's killer is from Haven, specifically their academy." She could see the realisation dawning over Nora, her excited blue eyes changing to a fearsome blue with an accompanying smile. Her and Ruby had been pretty close, both so full of energy and wanting to do the right thing.

Ren had simply closed his eyes, probably taking that information in. Jaune had lowered his head and held his forehead and he shook a little. She reached over rubbing his back and feeling the heat from him.

"I'm sorry. I know its…"

"Who is it?" Jaune asked aggressively as he turned to face her. His blue eyes burned with something Pyrrha hadn't seen before, something that made her hear beat faster. She looked to Nora and Ren, both now staring at her wanting to hear the answer too.

"Emerald Sustrai." She went on to explain how Ruby had managed to kill Cinder who had been about to finish her off, leaving out the part about the silver eyes. Then about how Emerald had killed Ruby to avenge Cinder before Qrow showed up and dispatched Mercury as Emerald made her escape. All three were shocked into a stupor, unable to truly comprehend or truly believe what she'd just told them all.

Pyrrha looked down at her own thighs to find them shaking softly. She rubbed them slowly and took a few deep breaths as she needed to gather herself since she still had things to tell them. Can I really tell them about the maiden powers, about silver eyes? There was still so much that she didn't know about, Glynda and Qrow had said as much. What else were they hiding from her.

"When are you leaving?" Ren spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Once I'm able to beat Velvet I will begin training earnestly to become even stronger than I was when Cinder bested me. Once I'm happy with my skill level, I will not hesitate to begin my journey to Haven." Ren just nodded before Nora raised her voice.

"Do you really think Emerald will be there?" Pyrrha shrugged.

"I don't know if she'll be there or not. But that was the school she and her team registered with. If there's anything being hidden there I will find out." Her emerald eyes flickered with Nora's, both girls sharing a bright smile. Pyrrha knew that she had Nora on her team, and Ren would likely not leave her side.

"I'm in." Was all Jaune said from beside her.

"Jaune, you can think about it. You have Camilla after all." Pyrrha spoke softly, not wanting to upset her partner and friend.

"Camilla be damned. If there's even a small chance that we find that… that monster, then I'm in. Ruby was our friend. She was younger than us too but she gave me the courage to keep pushing forward along with helping me grow as your leader. I want to bring her killer to justice, by whatever means." That fire in his eyes scared Pyrrha a little bit, but she wasn't about to refuse Jaune the opportunity to chase after Emerald, even if Haven turned out to be a dead end.

"That settles it then. JNPR will head for Haven once Pyrrha is confident enough in her ability. In the meantime, I suggest we all begin training more intensely too." Hearing Ren, the most level headed one out of the group say that was a relief. She came in thinking that maybe she'd get one of her friends to come along, but all of them was a grateful surprise.

"It will be dangerous. Interkingdom transport has been heavily restricted, especially from Vale and Atlas considering what was broadcast." Pyrrha told her friends.

"That's why we'll be training hard too! We can always walk, plus we're all awesomely strong. No Grimm would stand a chance." Ren smiled at his girlfriend's energy and confidence. But Jaune was still simmering beside her. It wasn't the Grimm that concerned Pyrrha however, it was this unknown figure who had been commanding Cinder and others to hunt down the silver eyed warriors that she feared.

"Is there anything else you can tell us right now Pyrrha?" Ren asked softly.

"No, right now I've said all that really matters." She was lying, there were dangers she should tell them about but she couldn't bring herself to pull her friends into that world she'd only just been introduced to. Not yet anyway. "I need to talk to Velvet about this too. Jaune, talk to Camilla, and don't just Damn her. She's someone special in your life."

Jaune looked up at Pyrrha angrily, but the fire had already begun to dissipate. He gave a sombre nod and got to his feet slowly. Ren and Nora were already talking and from what Pyrrha could hear it was about training. Jaune grabbed her arm and looked hurt.

"Trust us Pyrrha. If there is anything else, anything at all we should know about… we won't hate you for it." Pyrrha smiled and nodded.

"There are some other things. But for now, I'd just like you all to absorb what I've said and think your decisions over. When the time comes for me to leave, I might share more." She didn't like keeping things from Jaune, from any of her friends. It felt like she was betraying them but giving them too much to think on after that devastating information would have been irresponsible of her, at least from her point of view.

Pyrrha hugged Ren and Nora both and told them to keep one another safe and honest, and to keep an extra close eye on Jaune since he seemed to be the most devastated one there, at least on the surface.

Once she was done and they'd said their goodbyes, Pyrrha went back to her apartment and spent the remainder of the day thinking about and going over the motions to her new moves. As dinner approached she figured Velvet would be there shortly. She prepared another healthy meal with the intent of telling Velvet that she'd be leaving for Haven in the future. A future she hoped wasn't too far away.

"Mmm something smells good!" Came a delightful tone from the entrance to Pyrrha's apartment. The champion smiled, glad her girlfriend was home but worried about what she would say about her plan to leave for Haven.

"That would be dinner. It has carrots in it." Pyrrha called back getting a joyous squeal as payment. So adorable.

"I love carrots." Velvet chimed as she entered the kitchen and hugged Pyrrha from behind. She felt the rabbit ears fall against her back and head making her smile.

"That's why I always include them when I cook."

"I thought you'd be well sick of them by now since I do the same."

"They're healthy and taste good raw or cooked. Plus, I like seeing your eyes light up when you see them." There was an embarrassed huff from behind her. "Can you set the table? Its nearly finished."

"Sure thing Pyrr."

With the table soon set, Pyrrha brought out the bowl she'd tipped the meal into. Carrots cut into thick strips, green beans, sliced onion, sliced mushrooms seasoned with salt, white pepper and garlic salt. Velvet's ears stood on end as she leaned over taking in a deep whiff of the aroma.

"Mmm smells yummy. What's it called?"

"It's a Green Bean and Mushroom Medley. I followed the instructions but its my first time making it. I hope it turned out ok." She bit her lower lips as Velvet dished herself out a large portion leaving the rest for Pyrrha. She didn't take all of it, she made enough for the rabbit to take some for lunch the next day if she did enjoy the meal.

Pyrrha didn't take a bite to eat, she was too busy waiting to see Velvet's reaction to see if she'd done good or messed it up. Be good, be good please. She begged as Velvet took her time with the mouthful she forked into her gob. Ears flickered and her eyes widened, dancing with delight as her mouth formed into a smile. Pyrrha let out a sigh and mentally patted herself on the back.

"Oum that's amazing! You have to cook it more often!" Pyrrha giggled at her girlfriends demand but did nod.

"Of course, and I made enough for you to take some for your lunch tomorrow." Velvet smiled even more as she tucked into her dinner with Pyrrha following suit.

It wasn't until they'd both cleaned off the plates that Pyrrha brought up the subject of her leaving for Haven with potentially the rest of her team. Velvet ears had flopped over by the time she'd explained that she had a reason for going there and that it was important.

"I'll tell you if you keep it a secret, but I need to do this Velvet." Pyrrha gazed at Velvet, her arms stretching across the table to try and take Velvet's hand in her own.

"What happens after you find what you're looking for? Are you staying there? Are you leaving me?" Velvet's brown eyes that had shown such joy during and before their meal were now the complete opposite, afraid and sad to which Pyrrha knew exactly why.

Pulling her hands back she rose from her seat and walked around the table until she was beside Velvet. Squatting down so she was looking up at the rabbit she slowly shook her head while retaining eye contact.

"I'm not leaving you the way you're thinking Velvet. You're my girlfriend and whatever happens in Haven I intend to return here to your side." She saw the relief on Velvet's face and gently placed a kiss to her lover's lips.

"I really like you Pyrrha."

"Only like me? And here I am falling in love with my cute guardian bunny." This got Velvet blushing and Pyrrha giggling as the Faunus wrapped her arms around her neck and slipped from the chair to sit on her lap as Pyrrha's legs folded so she was sitting on them.

"Why don't you want me to go with you? I'm strong… I can beat Jaune and Ren… You currently."

"It might be dangerous Vel. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Then it might be dangerous for you! You're not healed! You can't go." Her ears flopped over again as she hid her face in the crook of Pyrrha's neck.

"I'm not going until I can beat you in one on one combat Velvet. Even then I'm going to train for a short time more to improve my abilities even further. I plan to go there stronger than ever." He voice was soft but stern, determined and truthful as she tried to let Velvet know, she'd be going in the peck condition of her life, at least so far.

"Fine… and there's no way I can change your mind?" Pyrrha thought about it and shook her head.

"No. I'm sorry." Velvet shuddered against her and kissed her neck.

"Don't be. It must be very important for you to feel so strongly about it." She pulled back and looked Pyrrha in the eyes, brown to emerald as she forced a smile. "Just make sure you come back to me ok?" Pyrrha's eyes widened with surprise.

"You don't want to know why?"

"I do. But if you don't want to tell me then I understand. Just come back here. I'll be waiting." Pyrrha's heart ached with love for her Faunus lover. Velvet… Velvet. She kissed the rabbit passionately, pushing her head back until there was a thump.

"Ow! Pyrrha… At least move me away from the table."

"I'm so sorry Vel! I'm sorry, are you ok? You're not going to have a lump?" Pyrrha asked in a panic. While she reached around to check Velvet's head for any damage, Velvet to push her onto the floor with her own strength.

"I'm fine. Just a little bump on the head. Now relax and make it up to me by responding in kind." Pyrrha wondered what she meant until her lips were smothered by Velvet's. Her mind went numb and her arms instinctively wrapped around Velvet's waist keeping her close. Thank you. I love you, Velvet Scarlatina.