First Year Dorms, After Training with Qrow…

"I didn't think it was possible, but my body hurts even more than this morning." Cobalt thought as he made his way to his room.

He was walking by the kitchen when Ruby ran out, with a cookie in her mouth, coming to walk with him. "Hey Cobalt."

Cobalt smiled. "Hey Ruby, your uncle is a real monster, you know that?"

Ruby smiled. 'He may be tough, but the results speak for themselves."

Cobalt nodded his head. "True. I mean you did get into Beacon two years early."

Ruby blushed. "Cobalt, would you like to hang out? Maybe, do something?"

Cobalt smiled apologetically. "Sorry Ruby, but I already made plans to help Russel and Cardin." Ruby frowned. "Though I do enjoy a good swim. Maybe we could hang out in the school pool once I get back."

Ruby smiled, "Okay. I'll be ready for when you return."

She then took off.

Cobalt smiled and never noticed Yang who had been trailing them. "Alright, it's time that I finally step in. I'll let him go out, and when he returns, we're going to fight. I'll give him a call to set it up."

Cobalt's Room

Cobalt had a notebook for Cardin detailing the styles and uses of the weapon he had in mind, and he had the package containing the weapons for Velvet. He was just about to leave when his sunglasses appeared, he heard 'This will be the Day', and Yang's picture appeared.

"Yang, if this is about your mother, I don't know where she went. She stepped into some portal and vanished." Cobalt stated upon answering the call.

"No, this isn't about that Cobalt Sky." Yang stated completely serious. "This is about Ruby. I know she likes you and you seem to have feelings for her."

Cobalt blushed embarrassed. "What gives you that idea?"

"Hey, I may not have dated before, but I notice things. Your mood has lately been brightening when Ruby shows up." Yang replied.

Cobalt sighed. "Alright, you caught me, but I'm still unsure if I even want to start any type of relationship. Before you go all mama Yang on me, it's not a problem with her. It's my problem that I'm still trying to sort through myself."

Yang chuckled. "You see, Ruby is my little sister. Basically, if you want to date her, you must prove yourself to prove yourself to me. We're going to fight. You win, and I'll give you my blessing."

"If that's what it takes, then I'll fight you. We'll meet up, alone, in the amphitheater once I'm done helping Team CR. I'll call you when I'm back." Cobalt stated firmly.

"You better, or I'll come looking for you." Yang stated before hanging.

Cobalt walked over to his cabinet and pulled out a note book labeled Teams of Beacon. "I am serious about winning this I'll take this along and study her section on the way back."

Cobalt left the room.

Teacher's Wing, Qrow's Room

Yang put her scroll away and knocked on her uncle's door.

Qrow answered. "Hey firecracker, what do you want?"

"Uncle Qrow, it's happened. Ruby has developed feelings." Yang seriously stated.

Qrow immediately pulled Yang into his room slamming the door closed behind her. "Who is it!?" He then dangerously asked, "Do they have feelings for her?"

"They do, and its Cobalt." Yang replied. "I've just challenged him to fight. It's his last step with me if he wants to get closer to Ruby."

"So, he hasn't told her about his feelings? They aren't dating?" Qrow asked.

Yang shook her head. "Not yet."

Qrow took a drink from his flask. "You challenged him first Firecracker, so I'll let you have first go; however, I get him next." He then pointed to her chair. "Also, your going to tell me everything you know about him."

Yang nodded and took a seat.

Qrow joined her. "I am starting to like you kid, but not just anyone gets to date my nieces. Especially if you're their first. You better believe I'll be telling Tai about this. If you have any intention of dating Ruby, you must deal with him to."

Bullhead Docks

Cobalt arrived at the docks and found Cardin and Russel waiting for him. Cardin was no longer wearing his armor. Instead he carried a large pack which likely contain all his armor pieces and his weapon.

Russel smiled. "Hey Sky. About time you got your ass down here."

Cobalt shrugged. "What can I say? Apparently, I'm training a lot harder than you are Thrush."

Russel grinned. "Sounds like a challenge Sky."

"Maybe it is." Cobalt grinned. "Or, maybe there's no challenge to be had in the first place."

Russel chuckled. "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who kicks whose ass in Glynda's class then."

Cobalt then walked up to Cardin and gave him the weapons notebook. "You'll want to get yourself a pair of claw gauntlets to practice with. I'll call my grandfather later and see if he can whip up a more effective version of the weapon for you."

"Claw Gauntlets? You think that's the best weapon for me?" Cardin asked curiously.

Cobalt nodded. "You got the strength, and Russel can train your speed and stamina. Combine everything with that notebook, and you'll prove more of challenge than could have with the mace you used before."

Russel elbowed Cardin in the side. "Now would be an opportune time to thank someone for doing such a kindness."

Cardin bowed his head. "Oh, uh…Right." He looked at Cobalt. "Thank you for this and your help. I mean it. I greatly appreciate it."

Cobalt smiled. "You are welcome." He then saw Coco and Fox approaching them. "Of course, this little outing is about more than getting you a new weapon. You also wish to change your appearance, but that's exactly more forte. Fortunately, it is my big sisters."

Coco and Fox stood side by side before the three first years. Coco then walked forward coming to stand before Cardin.

She lowered her sun glasses to get a good look at him. "So, your Cardin Winchester. You bullied Velvet, Bun Bun, so I don't like you." Cobalt cleared his throat. "At the same time, my little brother believes you've changed. That is why I am willing to help you; however, this gets me personally involved, so you better no be lying. If you are, then you're going to have some serious problems. Got it?"

Now Cardin was not one to be intimidated easily, but this girl was something else. Even worse than Cobalt who he could stand up to even during those times his classmate had almost broken his hand.

Cardin gulped. "Yes, ma'am! rest assured that I am trying to change, but it will take time to fully get away from my father's influence."

Coco slightly smiled and pushed her classes back to their normal position. "As long as we understand each other. Now, what kind of budget are working with?"

Russel opened Cardin's bag. "Whatever selling all this can get us."

Not only did that bag contain Cardin's armor and mace, but it also contained his other clothes.

Cobalt chipped in. "If that's not enough, I'll throw in the difference."

Coco shook her head. "No, these are some high-quality items. Selling them off will be easy and give us more than enough." She began walking towards the ship with Fox. "Let's get this show on the road."

"Before that, I have a gift." He threw the package to Coco. "Tell Velvet thanks for being my first date."

Coco smiled warmly. "Sure thing."

She and Fox then boarded the air ship.

Cardin looked at Cobalt. "Your sister is terrifying."

Cobalt shrugged and followed her. "I never her saw her that way. Even before she became my sister."

Cardin and Russel eventually followed him wondering what they got themselves into.

Vale: A Salon

The group stood in the waiting area of a standard salon. You had girls and guys working on everyone's hair. You had products to buy so one could maintain their styles. There were those chairs in front of mirrors and near sinks. Everyone was waiting for Cardin to get his hair done except for Fox who'd gone to sell everything in the bag.

Coco turned to Cobalt, "You know, it's not to late for you to style your hair little brother."

Cobalt smile. "Thanks, but I like my style as is."

Then Cardin walked over to them. His hair was still its usual, burnt orange color, but it now stood up. It took a moment, but Cobalt eventually saw that it'd also been trimmed.

Russel smiled, "So, that's how your hair naturally is."

Cobalt turned to him. "You mean you never saw it like this?"

Cardin shook his head sadly. "He wouldn't have. My father drilled it into me that my hair should always look presentable. That I should be ashamed of my hair."

Coco chuckled. "That's stupid. Sure, it's fun to try new styles, but you should always be proud of your hair."

Cardin smiled. "Honestly, taking care of that mess was a lot of work. I didn't just have to comb it back. It required a lot of gel to get it that way. I think I will enjoy my hair as it is now."

Fox entered the store no longer carrying the pack.

He passed a card to Cardin. "They put all the Lien on this debit card."

Coco smiled. "Good. Pay for the job they did on your hair, and we can really get started."

Hunter's Garbs

Hunter's Garbs was a store meant for Hunters, but that didn't mean they didn't do other request or stock normal clothes. It's just that most of their clothing was meant to last against Grimm and come out looking good even after training.

Cardin came out of the changing stall wearing the outfit Coco picked for him. His new outfit consisted of a dark red, sleeveless shirt and matching pants with a black belt. He also wore black gloves and a light, black, padded chest piece. The outfit seemed to perfectly fit Cardin.

Coco nodded. "There we go. A simple outfit that is pretty much the inverse color scheme of what you used to wear. The padded armor should offer a good amount of protection while not slowing down the style of combat you'll be learning."

Cardin rotated his arms and moved around a bit before smiling. "I think I could get used to these."

Swords and Shields

The group was in a small shop selling numerous weapons. Mostly it was frequented by those going into combat school, but that didn't mean there weren't a few diamonds if you knew where to look. Cobalt was one such person. He was currently digging through a barrel of weapons.

"Sky, what are you doing?" Russel asked.

Cobalt smiled, but he didn't stop digging. "Digging up the best weapons." He stopped when he found exactly what he was looking for. "Such as exactly what we're looking for."

Cobalt pulled out a pair of black metal clawed gauntlets. He then tossed them to Cardin.

"Those are the best claw gauntlets you can find. The only way to get something better would be to craft it yourself, get it from my grandpa, or find a master black smith." Everyone was staring at Cobalt who was proudly smiling.

"Don't look so surprised." He brought a blue dagger to his right hand before returning it. "I do need to know quite a bit about weapons or Elemental wouldn't work as well as it does. Learning what was required for my weapon, lead to picking up a few more helpful skills on top of that."

Coco smiled. "My little brother's such a weapons wiz."

Cardin went and paid for the weapons. Since Cobalt found them in the barrel, there was nice discount added to the final price.

Air Ship to Beacon

Cobalt was sitting on the ground going through his Beacon Teams Notebook.

"What are you reading?" Coco asked as she sat next to him.

"This is essentially my Beacon Student guide book. It contains information, organized by team, on everyone's fighting style and Semblances. I'm reading my Yang section." Cobalt replied.

"Why are you reading it?" Coco asked.

Cobalt replied, "Last night I was forced, by a pain my butt, to come to terms with my feelings for Ruby."

"So, my little brother has been developing feeling?" Coco teased.

Cobalt chuckled. "Embarrassment doesn't work on me just it doesn't work on you Coco."

Coco shrugged. "Figures, but why are you reading about Yang then?"

"She's protective of Ruby and pretty much won't approve of me dating her unless I can beat her in a match. I'm confident I can do so, but it doesn't hurt to be sure." Cobalt replied.

"How come you haven't told Ruby how you feel? Do you plan on telling her how you feel?" Coco asked.

Cobalt looked at the ground. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I think I'm doing this, so our relationship will be smoother if I do tell her."

"What are you unsure about?" Coco pressed.

Cobalt sighed sadly. "Look I… I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my grandfather, you, and now Aunt Glynda will leave me like so many others have in the past. Don't get me wrong. I fear losing my friends, but those that get closer only have my fear for them increased.

I'm not sure if I want to bring a crush into that realm of fear. Maybe in the end… that's why things went no farther with Velvet, yet I can't say that's true since I didn't have any feeling for her beyond friendship. I don't know, I guess…"

Coco hugged Cobalt. "It's okay to feel that fear, but you can't let it control you. Stop you from finding possible happiness. Maybe someday you will lose one of us. But it's always better to take that leap instead of wondering what could have been."

Cobalt hugged her back. "I'll take that into consideration."

They parted.

Coco smiled. "Tell me, what do you like about the little prodigy? When did you first realize you had a crush on her?"

Cobalt thought about it. "Every time she's around, I find myself smiling. She's so full of life. She can inspire people. She's goofy, kind, and strong. When did I first realize I might like her in that way? It was just a common study session.

We have a lot of those because I wanted to make sure she could be the Huntress and leader she could be. So, I guess it was a gradual thing. Seeing how hard she worked to improve herself. It inspired me to work hard to. She inspires me to strive farther than I already was."

Coco put a hand on his shoulder. "I think with that attitude, you'll make her very happy." She then handed Cobalt three cookies covered in plastic wrap. "Also, it would be a clever idea for you to eat these. There's no use in fighting if your Aura isn't back at one hundred percent."

Cobalt gratefully accepted the cookies. "Thanks, big sis."

Beacon, Bullhead Docks

Cobalt walked away from the group. "Well, I have somewhere I need to be. Cardin, don't forget to apologize to those you've wronged and train well."

Cardin nodded, "Right, thanks for everything Cobalt."

Cobalt walked on and eventually brought out his sun glasses calling up Yang. "I take it you've returned to Beacon."

Cobalt replied, "Yeah, my errands are done, and I'm heading to the amphitheater as we speak."

"I'll meet you there. Remember, if you can't beat me, then you don't have my blessing to date Ruby." Yang stated.

"I'm aware of the terms, but rest assured that I don't intend to lose." Cobalt seriously stated before hanging up.

Amphitheater

Cobalt entered to find Yang waiting for him. He also noticed a crow sitting up in the rafters, but choose to ignore it as he came to stand across from the blond.

"I'll give you this. You got guts for even showing up." Yang stated with a smile.

Cobalt smiled in return. "I've felt all types of fear before, but I've never once completely run away. I plan on continuing to do so." He got into a wide stand. "Anyways, let's get this fight started."

Yang deployed her weapons. "You should just bring out your swords now; otherwise, this will all be over far too quickly."

Cobalt instead put his hands in his pockets. "I won't need my weapons. At least not yet. You and Weiss may use distinctive styles, but there is one thing you share with almost everyone in the first year. That's for after this though. This is now. Come at me when you're ready."

Yang charged at him aiming a punch at his gut, but Cobalt did nothing. He took the hit. Yang followed up with a flurry of punches. She wasn't going to let up. She would take this seriously even if Cobalt wouldn't. She eventually ended her assault by punched him in the fac.

Cobalt was spinning straight into the ground, but he got back to his feet grinning. "Looks like it's time to end this."

Yang was confused, 'What are you talking about?"

Cobalt simply said, "Check your scroll."

She did and was shocked to find that Cobalt's Aura was already in the yellow "What? I didn't hit you that many times!"

"True, but there is reason for it being so low. I mean, you do remember the second part to my Semblance, correct?" Cobalt asked.

Yang was surprised, "You're saying you've acquired my Semblance?"

"Correct. I also have a move that requires great Aura control. While I have yet to master that, I have mastered something that would normally be a hindrance to a Hunter. I can weaken my Aura without dispelling it completely.

To a Hunter with your Semblance, it's of immense help. The more damage to my aura the stronger my attacks. You've just drained a ton of my aura which means the output is about to skyrocket." Cobalt informed.

Cobalt banged his fist together and his hair glowed. He then charged in drawing his katanas and laying into Yang with several fast strikes. The manager then jumped back, sheathed his blades, and deactivated one of his latest acquired Semblances.

"That's the match." Cobalt stated.

Yang fell to her knees shocked as she checked her scroll finding her Aura past the 15% mark. "You planned this from the beginning?"

"I actually had several plans in place, but this was the one I decided to go with." Cobalt sighed. "Look, I'm going to say this now. Almost every first year is getting too predictable. That only succeeds in giving me another weapon to use.

I told you, my eyes can see a fighting style and began to piece it together. The less I see, the more my mind fills in. The more I see, the easier it becomes to win. Winter and Weiss' style are what led my backward sword style.

Honestly, this is a good lesson for all of you to learn now. I mean look at the Grimm Yang. They learn. The predictable end up dead. That's why I strive to be as unpredictable as I can be. Even if I do have my favorite styles, I have more that I can fall back on.

In addition, it's becoming harder to grow, so spread the word. Take away this weapon. I can't guarantee any of you will win against me, but hey it worked for Pyrrha. The fact that she figured all this out is what made me declare her my rival."

Cobalt began walking to the exit, but he turned to Yang before leaving. "I know I have your blessing now, but please don't tell Ruby I have feelings for her yet. I have something I need to work through before I can try going out with her."

Yang was deep in thought over what Cobalt said, but she nodded.

Cobalt smiled. "Thank you, Yang. I promise, if I ever ask her out, I'll do everything I can to make her happy."

Cobalt left, and the crow flew out one of the upper windows.

Lelouch of Zero:Team Azure is both simple and appropriate for all the reasons Fox mentioned. Also I totally ship CocoxFox, it never really occurred to me before but I like it. Friendship problems solved and Cobalt is starting to have feelings for Ruby, will they end up together or is it another possible miss, I don't know and it's still too early to tell but I look forward to seeing how it plays out. With all this happiness I'm sure nothing bad will happen in the near future...nothing at all. Awesome chapter.

Quillion9000: I just figured Fox and Coco would make a good couple. Thanks for talking about the name. I was searching for a proper name for his team for a while now, and it made sense, what with all the craziness, that he hasn't really thought about it. Then I started just searching the colors, and blue goes with what Cobalt value trust and loyalty. Maybe he will be with Ruby, but he has to work some things out His past has scared him. Yeah... nothing bad will ever happen. In chibi Nora's words: EVER. Especially not in Volume 3. It's just going to be a nice tournament with no character deaths at all.

Lelouch of Zero: Qrow training is quite a bit different than what we saw Cobalt go through growing up, it's good to have variety. It's an interesting choice for Cardin to get a new weapon, I look forward to seeing what Cobalt, Coco and Fox come up with for him. Also giving Velvet a backup weapon is just an all around good idea. Apparently Coco forged Fox it her perfect boyfriend...that makes way too much sense.

Quillion9000: Yeah, Cobalt's going to get to get his ass kicked a lot, but he will grow from these ass kicking's. In the next chapter, after this one, there's going to be a serious fight... slaughter... fi... no it's going to be a slaughter. Cobalt can just never catch a break. At least Volume two and three should be easy because nothing bad ever happens... EVER!