This is an important chapter for Cobalt, but it does not mean he has stopped growing at all. There are still way to many volumes for that to be the case. Also, this little bit in the beginning that sparks this return for Cobalt is not entirely my idea. It was originally in a fan visual novel called JPDE. A RWBY visual novel with another character with his own version of Mimicry just like the main character in Vale of Darkness has his own.

Just a reminder ,This story was inspired by Vale of Darkness . Though, there are slight difference between that characters Mimicry and Cobalt's Mimicry. This story is also inspired, but not tied down by that game. There's going to and has been some major differences between the two. Anyways, the little bit with Ruby is one of the date scenes in JPDE. Of course, I have changed the scene to fit the mold of Cobalt and Ruby. No, they are not dating yet.

Now, We're closer to the end of this A.U's Volume One. After this chapter I have a couple of missions for Cobalt to go on. Yes, I know, in canon the first years only go on missions in their second semester. Fortunately, I have my way around that rule. Plus, Cobalt isn't even planning on going on this second missions when it crops up. After those, we get into the Blake Arc.

There are about two or four more chapters I plan on throwing into a volume 1.5. 1-2 focused on little fun our Beacon teams will be having during the two week break between semester one and two. Then another one focused on Black Clock, a little bit more of his interference in the world, and a little change will incur with him. Oh yeah, and at that time, it will be revealed who he is. To the readers of course.

Sorry for the long A/N, but I wanted to explain a few things. Enjoy!

First Year's Dorms: Hallway

Cobalt was walking back to his room after coming back from another afternoon training session with Qrow. Of course, he was sore and tired. Fortunately, it was the weekend.

"This concludes my first week learning under Qrow. Wonder what I should do tomorrow?" Cobalt thought.

"I told you Yang! I look ridiculous in these!" Ruby whined.

"Come on, you look beautiful!" Yang tried.

Cobalt heard the shouting as he passed by RWBY's dorm room, so he decided to knock. "Hey, is everything okay in there?"

"EEEEPPPPP! Yang don't let him in! I don't want him to see me in this!" Ruby shouted worriedly.

Yang apparently disregarded her sister because she opened the door. "Perfect. Your just what we need. She'll listen to you on this matter."

Yang pulled Cobalt into their dorm room without his input.

RWBY's Room

Yang closed the door and Cobalt asked, "What's going on?" He looked around but couldn't find Ruby. "Wasn't Ruby in here?"

Yang sighed, "She's just locked herself in the bathroom because she doesn't feel comfortable wearing this outfit I bought her. The only problem is, it's the only clean thing she owns because someone forgot to do her laundry.

It wouldn't be a problem except someone put tickets on hold for the first screening of this movie she wants to see. If she doesn't pick them up today, then they will have to be resold. I'm sure you can get her out because I have tried to no avail."

Cobalt shrugged. "Uhm, okay. I'll give it a go… I guess."

Yang nodded, "Thank you. I'll be outside the room."

Cobalt walked up to the bathroom and knocked. "Ruby, you in there?"

"Go away! I don't want anyone to see me in this. Especially not you." Ruby stated through the door sounding rather embarrassed.

Cobalt sat down next to the door. "Okay, you don't have to come out, but how about we at least talk about the outfit?"

"I-I guess. It's just… This was a gift from Yang, but I look like a little kid dressing up in her mother's clothes. I mean, I'm just Ruby Rose. Ruby Rose is cute. She's not meant to look beautiful or yowza?" Ruby replied sadly.

"True, people would call you cute. I'd even you call cute; however, I'd also argue that your very beautiful." Cobalt replied blushing a bit.

"You… You really think so?" Ruby asked blushing a crimson red.

Cobalt smiled, "Yeah, and I'm sure Yang's present to you only makes you look even more so. Of course, I can't really judge what with you being in the bathroom an all."

For a few moments, there was silence.

"I… I suppose I could let you see me." Ruby stated.

Cobalt stood up. "Sure. Come on out and let me see this outfit that's got you so riled up.

Ruby slowly opened the door and came out. Cobalt froze exactly how he did when he saw her swimsuit. Ruby was wearing black pants, a yellow tank top, cut off at her stomach, and a lighter than usual, red, short sleeved over shirt.

Ruby sighed, "See I told you. I only look cute. I should just let the tickets go."

Cobalt quickly shook his head. "No, you look very beautiful. I bet all anyone who's called you cute before would think twice if they saw you in this."

"Really?" Ruby asked as her blush deepened.

Cobalt nodded seriously. "Certainly. Future Huntsman's Honor."

Ruby smiled. "Thank you, Cobalt." Again, there was silence. "Hey Cobalt?"

"Yeah?" Cobalt asked.

"If it's not too much trouble, would you come with me to get these tickets?" Ruby asked. "I'm still… a bit self-conscious."

Cobalt smiled, "Of course."

Beacon, Night…

Cobalt and Ruby had returned.

"So uhm, thanks for accompanying me. I was almost able to ignore the glances." Ruby stated gratefully.

Cobalt furrowed his brows. "If you ask me, a couple stared to long."

Ruby smiled. "Not after you glared at them, they didn't."

Cobalt sighed, "What can I say. I suppose I got a little protective."

"Protective or… jealous?" Ruby wondered to herself as a light blush returned to her cheeks.

Cobalt turned to her. "What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing. Anyways, open your hand." Ruby stated.

"Okay." Cobalt did as he was told and Ruby placed a ticket into his open palm. "You got me a ticket to?"

Ruby smiled, "Yeah, I got five tickets total. I thought this would be a fun activity for all of team RWBY to do together. You are part of team even if you do lead your own, right?"

Cobalt nodded, "Right, so when are we going to see this?"

"Next week on Saturday." Ruby replied.

"I'll be there." Cobalt stated.

Off in the Distance

Yang and Blake were watching the events unfold.

"Why are we here? I thought you gave Cobalt permission to date Ruby?" Blake asked.

"I gave him permission, not that they're dating yet, but I still want to watch out for my sister." Yang stated as tears came to her eyes.

Blake didn't know why Yang insisted she had to come. Who was she kidding? She did. Weiss was out studying, and Yang said she wanted one of them to help her tail the pair. The only problem was that she wasn't cut out for this touchy stuff yet. Still…

"Hey, are you okay Yang?" Blake asked.

Yang wiped her eyes. "It's just. I've been the one to raise Ruby for so long, and now it's looking as though she no longer needs me."

Blake patted Yang's back while thinking about what to say. "Uhm, well of course she still needs you. You're here sister, right? Even if she ends up dating Cobalt, it won't change the fact that you're her older sister. And uh, she does think the world of you."

Yang smiled. "I guess that's true. Thanks Blake."

Cobalt's Room

Cobalt walked into his room and looked at the ticket with a smile. A frown immediately replaced it.

The manager moved to his desk. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. Keep her distanced from the place in my heart others now have." He walked to his window and stared outside while sighing. "Maybe it's time I finally visit Sky Village once more.

It's worth a shot." Cobalt looked at the box containing every letter he'd written to Steel. "It might be time to stop focusing so much on the past and instead focus more on what I have to protect now." He nodded having decided on his course of action. "Tomorrow I'm taking a trip."

He then called up his grandpa. "Hey kiddo, you are doing well?"

Cobalt saw that his grandpa was working in one of the labs. There were metal limbs and pieces everywhere, yet they seemed different from what he usually used to build robots and even androids.

The leader of Azure merely shrugged figuring his grandfather was working on another one of those projects he'd picked up since Cobalt left home. "Yeah, I'm doing fine."

Lloyd frowned, "You sure?"

Cobalt closed his eyes. "I'm doing really good. I just… do you think you could have an air ship here tomorrow. I think it's time I finally visit Sky Village."

"If that's what you need, I'll be there to pick you up myself." Lloyd stated completely serious.

Cobalt shook his head, "Grandpa, you don't need…"

Lloyd chuckled. "I appreciate you looking out for my work, but you're far more important that anything else I'm working on. I'll meet you at Beacon's docks at 8 tomorrow. Sound good?"

Cobalt smiled. "Thank you, Grandpa."

Lloyd smiled. "No problem. Anything for you."

They hung up, but Cobalt still had one more call to make.

JNPR's Room

Ren was relaxing on his bed while Nora listened to some music.

He then got a call from Cobalt. "Hey Ren, I need to take a rain check on our usually training for the next two weeks."

Ren recognized this tone. It was the exact same tone Cobalt had whenever he'd tell the group about his past.

"Cobalt, are you alright? You don't sound like your usual self." Ren asked concerned.

Cobalt chuckled. "Don't worry about it man. I'm just taking a trip tomorrow morning, and next week I'm going to the movies with RWBY. If I can make it to tomorrow's training, I'll call you, okay?"

Cobalt hung up.

Nora looked at Ren, "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah, Cobalt's do something tomorrow." Ren got an idea. "Nora, I'm going to be making a few calls. Think you can be up early for a little trip tomorrow."

Nora nodded. "You got it."

Cobalt's Room, Morning…

Cobalt was dressed, and he looked at Guard who was sitting behind him wagging his tail. "You want to come with me?" Guard barked in agreement causing Cobalt to smile and pet him. "Alright buddy, you can come."

The leader grabbed his box containing every letter he'd ever written to Steel and left the room with his golden wolf following him.

Bullhead Docks

Cobalt walked to the docks and was surprised to find Glynda, Coco, Ren, and Nora there as well.

"Hey Cobalt, where are we going today?" Nora asked.

Cobalt was admittedly shocked. "You four showed up because you want to come with me?"

Glynda nodded. "Mr. Ren, contacted myself and Mrs. Adel. He informed us that you would be doing something important and figured you should have those closest to you accompany you. I did say that I wanted to be there for you, and I meant it."

Coco put her arm around Cobalt. "He made sure to keep the number small. This way not to many people would have to know about this part of your past to soon. We all agreed considering how painful it's been for you to open up about other aspects of your past."

Cobalt felt incredibly touched. "Thank you, Ren." Who was he to deny them after what they said. "We're going to visit what was once my home. The village where my biological mother abandoned me." He noticed his grandfather's air ship. "Just as soon as my grandpa docks."

Ren, Nora, and Coco turned to watch the air ship dock. The ramp came down and Lloyd stepped out. He no longer had his moustache having shaved it off. This left him with only his white lion years on his head.

His white lab coat was now open revealing beige pants and a white T-shirt. On his back he carried his lance. Even though his age was catching up with him, his Aura made him look sixty, and the way he carried himself seemed to take another ten years off.

Cobalt ran over and hugged him. "Grandpa, it's good to see you again."

Lloyd chuckled as he happily hugged his grandson. "I'm glad to see you to." He pulled back. "My how you've grown these past few months." He then turned his gaze to Glynda. "What are they doing here?"

Cobalt smiled. "Turns out I got a lot of people that worry about me. These are just a few of the closer ones. My Aunt, my sister, and my partners." Guard barked. "Of course, my buddy. They all want to come with and make sure I'll be okay."

Lloyd smiled at the assembled group. "Well I'm glad my grandson has found so many people that care for him. Come aboard, and we'll get this trip underway."

Aboard the Air Ship, Cockpit

Lloyd and Glynda sat up front with the door leading back closed. They'd been sitting in silence for a while now.

"Lloyd I…" Glynda eventually began.

"Glynda." Lloyd interrupted. "Cobalt told me about your meeting that morning. I only want to know if you meant it? I want know you'll be there for him if he needs you."

Glynda nodded. "I will. You have my word."

Lloyd nodded. "Then, I'm okay with you being in his life."

Glynda smiled. "You know, you raised him well. I'm sure Onyx would be proud of his son."

Lloyd shook his head. "Ike and his people raised him well. I just finished it out for them. Anyways, I do have another question." Lloyd went into grandparent mode. "What's his ranking in your class?"

Glynda smiled proudly. "He comes in second right behind Pyrrha Nikos."

"Knowing him, he's shooting for the top of the first year." Lloyd stated proudly.

Passenger Section

Since Lloyd's ship was private, there were several seats for people to sit in. Nora was currently playing with Guard.

"So, why didn't you tell us your grandfather was Lloyd Grail?" Coco asked.

Cobalt shrugged. "Nothing to serious. I just didn't want to ride on his fame. I wanted to carve out my own name at Beacon. Ruby knows, but only because I had to retrieve a book. Like I told her, I'm not opposed to talking about him."

"It does explain how you've grown so strong. Lloyd Grail is noted in several history books as a top tier Hunter. He did so in a time when Faunus were treated worse than they are now." Ren relayed. "Most tend to say that it was his actions that got the Faunus a good start before the White Fang came into existence."

"Really?" Nora asked stopping in her tracks.

That was the perfect opportunity for Guard to jump at her knocking the girl down. He then ran off with Nora giving chase. The hyperactive girl having forgotten her question.

"So, can you tell us about your village previous village?" Coco prompted.

Cobalt smiled. "In the beginning, I was the villages child, but some of them stepped back from the active role of raising me as time went on. So, I ended up with a couple of uncles, a mother, and a father.

Though my childhood was a little different considering my mother and father weren't together. Then I eventually gained a brother who was related to me about as much as you are now Coco. I've talked about him before, but not much in all honestly.

He was the one with the dream of being a Hunter. Not only that. He wanted to be the best Hunter of Remnant. Before my promise to him, I wanted to be nothing more than a simple guard to protect the people that had given me so much."

He chuckled. "I really looked up to my uncles for that reason. They were the ones that began our combat training. They taught me the basics of swordsmanship." The leader sighed. "After I lost my village, I did what I could to honor them. The silver on my clothes is to honor my brother.

Black, white, and gray were his favorite colors. In a way, it sorts of made me carry on his wish. I strive to be the best. My last name, was originally Stone like my biological father who died before I was born if the letter my mother left is anything to be believed.

I had my Lloyd change it to Sky to honor the entire village. I guess, in a way, I also strive to be the best, so the name Sky will live on in some form. This way. Sky Village won't become another lost village with no importance."

Ren sighed, "Mark this as something else, you, I, and Nora have in common." Cobalt looked at him. "There was a time, long ago, when I lived peacefully in Kuroyuri. A Village near Mistral." He took out a hidden dagger. "My mother was very kind, and my father had his strength.

He wasn't by any means a Hunter, but when it came down to it, he fought. He fought, so I could live. He gave me this dagger before sending me away. Nora was just an orphan at the time. In the end, my village fell. We were the only ones to survive.

We wouldn't have if not for my Semblance to mask negative emotions. With it, I did the only thing I could. I took Nora, and we ran. To this day, I don't know what happened to my father. Hunters have investigated the village but found no trace of him."

Cobalt shook his head. "I'm sorry to hear that Ren. Were the years between then and now better?"

"We had each other." Ren nodded. "If you'd allow me. I believe there are some words I can share that might help you as they have helped me."

"I'm all ears." Cobalt replied.

"No matter how hard you try, you can't forget the past. The only thing we can do is choose to live with it or choose to live without it." Ren informed.

Cobalt nodded. "Choosing to ignore it, only proceeds to make you weaker because you're denying what comprises you."

Coco chuckled. "Man, you two really need to lighten up."

Cobalt smiled. "Maybe we do." Both Ren and Cobalt nodded at one another. "Maybe we just have."

Sky Village

Cobalt led the small group through the gate of the village. Unlike the last time, which was the last time he was there, the buildings had been repaired and the graves had been done better. Of course, Cobalt knew this. His grandfather had kindly done this for him so long ago.

Cobalt looked at all the buildings as he continued onto the graves alone. The others had decided to give him his space as they scattered around the village. Eventually, he came to stand before the grave. He bowed his head before them, for a moment, out of respect.

The manager then walked up to Steel's graved and placed the box next to the head stone. "Hey Steel, heh, you know that's how most of those letters I wrote started. I still can't remember when I began writing these, you know? Though I have admittedly written a lot of them.

I think I no longer have a need to. I have people that can back me up now." He chuckled. "Don't worry. I don't ever plan on forgetting Sky Village. I've… I've been moving past a lot of the blocks I set up, and I hope to continue doing so.

I want to become one of the strongest Hunters, and I can't do that if I subconsciously limit myself. I'll continue to live. I'll continue to grow. I'll be comforted by the thought of all of you backing me. I hope, you're all proud of the man I'm becoming. See you around."

Cobalt walked away from the graves. He wasn't sure if he was ready to try a relationship with Ruby, but he at least felt better now. For the time being, that was good enough for him.

Vale: Warehouse, Night…

Roman sat at a table with Sea. "So, you said you had more information regarding Cobalt?"

Roman smiled. "Right down to business it is then? No gifts this time?"

"I think our little arrangement has gone beyond that point. Depending what you give me, it may advance further." Sea replied. "Now, I'd like your information on the young Lord."

Roman light a cigar. "It's not looking good. Your boys on the inside were ousted and killed. It's hard to say who did it. Could have been Blue, could have been the reason you're going to have a tough time getting at him, or could be another party entering this little game."

"Go on." Sea prompted.

"One Qrow Branwen has taken the mentorship role for Blue. On top of that, there are no trips planned out of Vale until the missions during second semester. In the end, you'll have more chances than you think to capture him.

People like Blue and Red aren't the types to butt out of business like ours. They'll find their ways to meddle, and those will be your chances to get him. Foreseeing some good luck, they'll be your only chances… for now." Roman replied.

Sea stood. "Well Roman, I think you've earned a little deal that will extend beyond the means of the overall goal here. I'll get working with my queen, and I should have a proper proposal to present before Cinder and her disciples return. Do keep in mind that working with the Order of the Grimm is still working with Cinder; however, we do protect our people whether they be Grimm infused, Human, or Faunus."

"I'm fully aware and have no problem with what you hope to accomplish. My problem was status in all of this. Everyone wants useful, but people like Cinder tie up lose ends the moment they're not. Your order is different. You only kill the criminally stupid. Those that put your order in jeopardy by their words." Roman stated.

Sea nodded, "I know full well you're not like that roman. Once the job here is completed, and we come to an agreement, we'll gladly leave you in Vale to do as you please unless we need information."