I've noticed quite the trend since Volume 1.5 began. I've really gotten into doing a dual thing here. The Chaos Syndicate is doing work and our young heroes have no idea what's really going on. The preparation and training (In Ivory's and Elfman's case, yes they will have their parts to play) that they're undergoing. I just find it crazy that such things are coming from me, and I wanted to share these thoughts with all of you.

I would like to note that this is going to slow once Volume Two really gets going, but that's not to say we won't visit certain groups from time to time. It's just that the students are going to get involved like they usually do. Anyways, Enjoy and don't forget to review please!


Beacon

Tai and Cobalt made it back to find Qrow waiting in the courtyard. "Alright kid run along. I need to have a few words with him."

Cobalt nodded. "Yeah, I need a shower and some of my sap sweets." The manager walked towards the dorms. "Maybe a satisfying meal as well."

Branwen took a drink from his flask. "So, what did you think of him?"

Tai said, "He didn't stand down, fought smart, and came up with quite a few surprises. There are still things I need to see from him before I give my full permission."

Qrow chuckled. "You do realize your permission likely wouldn't impact his decision to date Ruby, right?" Tai choose not to comment. "Anyways, I don't think the kid will have a problem passing you next test. He's a special sort like his father. Not like a certain blond I know."

"Speaking of Onyx, you have been training Cobalt, right?" Tai asked.

Qrow nodded. "You don't have worry Tai. I've taken part of Onyx's last wish seriously. I've even taken his training far beyond what I intended with the enemies coming out of the wood work."

Tai nodded. "How have Ruby and Yang been?"

"Yang is Yang. She's started training a bit more than usual, but nothing else out of the ordinary. Ruby has changed a lot though. She's made quite a few friends and come out of the shell. She's started training with me at the same time Cobalt goes to train with Ozpin." Qrow relayed.

"What of Raven?" Tai asked.

Qrow replied, "Hasn't tried meeting her daughter. More concerned trying to 'recruit' a few students. Cobalt included. Went after Nikos last night. I've warned her off though. Likely won't try anything else, but I'll keep my eyes open."

"You better Qrow. I can't be here like you can…" Tai began.

Qrow sighed and looked at the sky. "Tai, you know I can't be everywhere at once. I'll do my best, but there's no way to guarantee their safety. Not in times like these."

Taiyang sighed. "I know. It's just the thought of either of them getting hurt… All those reports you've sent my way…"

Qrow nodded. "I know Tai. The worlds becoming dangerous as the days go by, but that's why we can't hold them back. They need to grow themselves. We can watch over them, but we can't do everything for them. Life no longer works that way."

Tai closed his eyes and sighed. "You know, for being an old, dusty drunk, you make a lot of sense sometimes."

"For being a blond, play boy you make a damn good father." Qrow returned.

The two former teammates shared a smile.

The First Year Dorms

Cobalt entered the building and found Rain, Coco, and Ruby waiting for him.

He chuckled. "Good to see you took my advice…"

Ruby, very impressed, suddenly shouted. "Wow, you actually survived!"

Cobalt laughed knowing that it was kind of insane to not only survive a punch like what Taiyang could produce, but still be able to fight a while after. "Again Ruby, thanks for the boost in confidence."

Ruby blushed embarrassed. Honestly, she was greatly impressed, but she could see how this could be insulting to the person she was dating. Rain and Coco were immediately at his side.

"He looks fine." Coco stated.

Rain added. "How can we be sure?"

"We should bring him down to the medical ward." Coco concluded.

Cobalt stepped past them. "Okay, when did you two become so close. Didn't she pull her weapon on you Rain. Sure, she didn't fire it, but still…"

Rain continued to observe his cousin. "Eh, we worked it out while you were in Vale last night."

Coco nodded. "Yes, we both have a desire to see you live. Quite the bonding material."

Cobalt sighed and walked over to Ruby smiling. "Don't worry Ruby. I know you've only been meaning the best when you say these things. Don't look so upset when I'm simply playing around."

Ruby smiled feeling better after seeing Cobalt smile.

"We could take him to Glynda. Maybe he needs the hospital." Coco stated.

Cobalt sighed. "Now I'm getting the feeling that you two are playing with me."

Rain waved it off. "Whatever gave you that idea cousin. We're completely serious."

Cobalt walked off. "Alright, I'm returning to my room. You two have fun playing whatever game this is."

Warehouse in Vale, Night…

Mercury and Emerald walked up to Roman, who was lightning one of his cigars, as White Fang grunts and Knights moved a rather sizable amount of dust from the air ships to the rest of the dust gathered behind Torchwick.

"Hello kiddies, have fun on your little outing." Roman stated with a smile.

Emerald was shocked. "How did you…"

Shade appeared behind Roman. "You are not as successful a thief as you think Sustrai. One thing you need to learn is that there is always someone better than you weather it be in thieving or combat."

Mercury simply glared at the man. "If Roman was tasked with taking care of Tukson, then how come you weren't sent to handle it."

Roman pointed his Melodic Cudgel at the pair. "Simply put, it's all about trust. Why do something myself, or deploy my own men, when I can trust the two of you to handle my jobs for me."

Mercury was getting very annoyed with Roman and Shade was not helping in the slightest.

A silky voice said, "Roman, we may be working on a more even field, but do remember who oversees everything going on. Do not antagonize my people."

Roman smiled amused. "Of course, Cindy. I am but a humble servant here to do my part in making sure your plan, whatever it may be, goes off without a hitch."

"Cinder!" Emerald exclaimed with excitement.

Mercury merrily shook his head at his partner's excitement at seeing their boss. Yes, that was all Cinder was to him. The benefits of working for her were staying alive. It did help that she had provided interesting fights, but that was such a small comfort.

"Quiet Emerald." Cinder stated with contained anger. "I specifically remember telling you two to keep your heads low while we were in vale."

Emerald tried reaching for an excuse. "I just thought…"

Cinder interrupted. "Do not think. Obey."

Mercury decided now was the perfect time to diffuse her anger. "Well, I made friend out of it, so that's something."

Emerald glared at Mercury while Roman laughed.

Cinder merely looked at him dangerously. "I hope you would not bring this up if it were not pertinent, Mercury."

Mercury crossed his arms. "I wouldn't dream of it. I had a run in with someone named Cobalt Sky. He perfectly fits the description you gave from that night you and Roman robbed From Dust till Dawn.

Spiky sky-blue hair, blue and sliver clothing, and twin katanas." Emerald was shocked as she hadn't realized that guy was the one that attacked Cinder that night. "What's more, he's become a manager of three teams at Beacon."

Roman has stopped laughing. "So, you had a run in with Blue."

"Yes, this Cobalt could be a major variable in play against our plans. If he's as connected as you say, then maybe something could be scrounged up from this disobedience." She turned to Emerald and Mercury.

"Emerald, when we get to Beacon, you will handle observation of all teams while Mercury infiltrates Cobalt's inner circle. Mercury, you are to gain his trust and friendship. Anything of interest, is to be reported to me immediately. The rest of the plan is unchanged."

Emerald was in shock and disbelief. Infiltrating was her thing. She would not argue though. Cinder's word was law to her. Mercury, on the other hand, cursed his actions and for speaking up. Socializing was never his thing.

Still, he would obey for no other reason than arguing was an effective way to end up on Cinder's bad side. That was somewhere Mercury did not want to be. The conversation was over, and Cinder left Emerald and Mercury there for now.

Beacon, Morning…

Cobalt walked out the door only to find Taiyang waiting for him. Ruby instantly sped through the door bumping into Cobalt, but he was steady enough to keep them both standing. He learned his lesson after Sakura knocked him over yesterday.

Tai smiled lovingly when he noticed Ruby. "There's my little girl. Come give your old man a hug."

Ruby looked from her dad to Cobalt and blushed embarrassed. "Dad! Don't embarrass me!"

The leader rolled his eyes and pushed Ruby towards her father. She looked back surprised only to find Cobalt ushering her forward.

Ruby walked over and hugged her father. "I've missed you dad."

He chooses to ignore the kind gesture Cobalt did. He must stand firm.

"There's my sweetheart." Tai stated before letting go.

Yang had walked out already amused at the scene.

"There's my sunny dragon. Come give me hug as well." Tai stated.

"I think I'll pass. I'm more content to watch this go down. Though where's Zwei?" Yang asked.

"I was more concerned getting out her as fast as I could that I didn't think about bringing him. I actually left him with one the teachers back on Patch while." Tai stated with a chuckle.

His demeanor suddenly became serious as he approached Cobalt carefully observing him, with a cautious eye, whereas yesterday was more about testing him.

"So, you're Onyx's and…" Tai began.

Cobalt held up his hand. "Please don't say her name sir. I do not think favorably of Sakura. While it is true that my father was Onyx, my dad was Ike former leader of Sky village. My mom was Aqua. They weren't together for obvious reasons, but I still saw them as my real parents."

Tai nodded. "My mistake. I am aware of your situation as Qrow, Ruby, and Yang have told me much about you. What are your intentions towards my daughter?"

"Mr. Xiao Long, I'm not sure where this road will lead, but I know I care deeply Ruby. Rest assured that I will act as a proper gentleman while not holding her back from growing as a Huntress." Cobalt explained.

Taiyang was glaring at Cobalt, and if looks could kill, then the leader would be face down by now.

Eventually, he sighed. "Alright, I won't stand in your way. You have my permission to date Ruby." Ruby had the biggest smile on her face. "Although, you hurt her, and yesterday will only be a warmup of what I will do to you."

Cobalt gulped. "Trust me sir. I would never intentionally hurt my friends, and that goes double for Ruby."

Tai nodded. "I'll be sticking around until second semester begins, so we can become better acquainted."

"If that's the case, you could come stay in my room." Cobalt offered causing both Ruby and Yang's mouths to drop in shock.

"Really now?" Tai asked.

Cobalt nodded. "Yeah, I got plenty of room and staying with Qrow, likely, isn't an enjoyable experience even if you did share a room at one point. At the same time, I will not give up my bed, but I do have a couch."

Tai was thinking about it.

Ruby turned to Cobalt. "What are you doing?"

"I'm being hospitable and figured he'd stayed with Qrow last night. Don't get me wrong, Qrow is pretty awesome, but given his tendency to drink, I imagine his room reeks of alcohol." Cobalt explained.

"I don't think she meant it that way Cobalt." Yang stated.

Cobalt nodded. "Ah, well I am going to have to get used to him being around. He certainly seems like a very loving father that wants to continue being apart of your lives. Even if he doesn't like me, we'll still need to learn to tolerate each other." He looked at Ruby. "I wouldn't want to put unnecessary stress on Ruby or make her cry if me and him can't at least get along."

Ruby felt a very warm feeling in her heart at those words. "Thank you, Cobalt."

Tai found himself smiling. It was getting hard to play his part as the over protective father when the boy interested in his baby girl seemed to care so deeply for her.

He dropped his smile. "Alright. I'll accept." He smirked. "I could show you my girl's baby pictures as we attempt to bond."

Yang and Ruby were shouting at their father. "No dad, you are not allowed to do that!" He chuckled.

"Come on girls, it's been such a Xiao Long time since I've seen you. I've got to make sure our bounds are nice and Tai-ght.

"Those are awful!" Ruby whined.

Yang was chuckling. "Come on Ruby don't get so red in the face. We're simply having a Yang-ing time."

Tai held up his hand. "Nice ones Yang."

They high fived.

Cobalt began walking away. "Right, well I'm going to go see what Coco's up to."

Ruby shouted. "Cobalt, you can't leave me with them!"

He turned around. "I think you need some quality family time." He went on his way. "See you around Ruby."

Cobalt took off running. "Cobalt!"

Cobalt's Room, Night…

Cobalt had started up this fighting game Ruby got him into and was playing through another character's single mode when Tai stepped out the bathroom dressed in a fresh set of clothes. He looked at the screen with interest.

Cobalt paused the game. "You want to play?"

Tai smiled. "You think you could keep up?"

Cobalt smirked sensing the challenge. "I've played my fair share of games since coming to Beacon, and a small few before as well. If anything, I should be asking if you can keep up old man."

There competitive spirits were sparking. Neither of them was going to back down from this challenge. Tai grabbed the second seat after grabbing the second controller as Cobalt switched to the multiplayer section of the fighting game.

Cobalt's Room, Early Morning…

Cobalt woke up and found that he'd passed out on the couch. As had his temporary roommate with one cushion of space between them. He then turned to find that the screen was still on, but the console had shut itself off.

That was a shame considering there was a paper, on the coffee table, which clearly displayed that they were tied. They'd been in the middle of another one when they just couldn't keep playing. They had both had a busy day yesterday, after all. Cobalt simply got up, without disturbing his temporary roommate, and left the room deciding to attempt that recipe he got from Dia some time ago.

Kitchen, Some Time Later…

Cobalt had just finished making his third batch strawberry, chocolate chip cookies and had put them in the container with the rest when Tai entered the kitchen.

Taiyang spotted the cookies, after smelling them, and had a small smile on his face. "You know, those cookies are only going to endear Ruby to you more."

Cobalt chuckled. "I know, but I didn't go around looking for a recipe. This was given to me as payment for this mission I did a while back. I'm just now getting around to making them. So far, they've turned out pretty good."

Tai smiled, "Cobalt, mind taking a seat."

Cobalt nodded. "Sure."

He sat across from Tai. "I want to know what you like about Ruby?"

"You know, I've answered such a question twice before, yet I'm not entirely certain I've answered it the exact same way either time. That's because there are many things I like about Ruby.

She's kind, smart, and strong. Even on some of my worst days, she can still bring a smile to my face. Her ideals of being a Hunter, her love of weapons, and that determination she has. She constantly worries about me." Cobalt replied.

Tai sighed before smiling. "Despite my best efforts, I find myself liking you a lot. It doesn't help that I was once friends with your father and dad. Clearly, you're a lot like them. Just one final warning though. You're the first boy I'm allowing close to Ruby. Don't hurt her."

"I said it best yesterday, but if you need confirmation now, then I would never intestinally hurt her." Cobalt confirmed.

Tai looked into Cobalt's eyes for a few moments before nodding. "Okay, I believe you."

"Cookies!" Ruby shouted before running in attempting to get a cookie.

Cobalt got there first and lifted the container over his head. "Ruby, no. You haven't had breakfast yet."

Ruby tried jumping up to the container, but Cobalt was too tall for her to do that. "I love cookies, and those smell like strawberry and chocolate chip. You must give me one."

"No, at least eat breakfast first!" Cobalt shouted before running off.

Ruby immediately gave chase. "I will have my sweets!"

"I made them! They're mine! I'll share them with you as soon as you have proper breakfast!" Cobalt shouted.

Taiyang laughed and shook his head as the rest of the first years were awoken by shouting coming from both Cobalt and Ruby.

Team CR's Room, Some Time Later…

Russel had just returned from some training when his scroll rang, and he saw that it was his father's number. "Hey dad, what's up?"

Dusty replied, "Hey Russel, I wanted to ask, have you seen any signs of Shade around?"

Russel replied. "No. I haven't seen him since that night at Raptor's manor. Why?"

Dusty sighed. "I didn't tell you about this because I didn't want you to worry, but I had another run in with Shade. He was working a job at the docks."

Russel was shocked. "What!?"

"That's not all. He's much stronger than the last time either of us faced him." Dusty continued. "I had to go as far as the freeze him to get away."

"No dad, you don't understand. That night, Cobalt, the guy I told you about, he was there as well as several other classmates. If Shade were there, then he's working with the White Fang, Torchwick, and the Order of Grimm." Russel informed. "I'm relieved you're okay."

Dusty was shocked. "This is… troubling. What are they all doing operating in Vale. I have to step up my patrols, and I'll have to Junior's to see if he has any information on this."

"Dad, I know you consider yourself Vale's protector, but please be careful, okay? I don't want to lose you." Russel stated.

Dusty chuckled. "Look at us. Worrying about each other instead of ourselves. Don't worry Russel, I'll exercise more caution from here on out. You just focus on becoming a Hunter."

Russel nodded. "Okay dad. I love you."

"Love you to buddy." Dusty stated before hanging up.

Russel flopped down on his bed and sighed.

Roman's Warehouse, Night

Roman received a call on his scroll. "Yes?"

"Hello Roman. My name is Angel. I believe you should be expecting me." Angle replied.

Roman stated. "Yes, I was expecting you to arrive yesterday."

"Sorry about that, but I got a last-minute mission from Queen Crimson. I will be there tomorrow. In the meantime, I have an order for the Knights that is to take affect when you reach the next location. They are to turn the dust into bombs for the backup plan. I'll be sending schematics for them the moment we end this call. Angel stated.

"Very well." Roman stated before the call ended.

Almost immediately after, messages began to come in from the same number.

Shade then appeared with his back to Roman. "I'm heading out."

Roman smiled. "Just make sure no one spots you and be back before the Breach."

Shade walked away. "Only those that get away ever spot me. That number can currently be counted on one hand."

Vale: Outside Junior's Club

Angel put her scroll away and turned her gaze to the club across the street. She was a young woman, around Sakura and Ruby's age, with short, jet black hair and black irises. This Paladin wore a black, one-piece body suit underneath white armor with a Griffon Grimm's face painted on the chest piece. On her back sat a double-bladed scythe. A smirk crossed her face as she walked across the street.


Lelouch of Zero: Honestly, I didn't expect the meeting between Sakura and Cobalt to work out as well as it did, plus I can't say Crimson is completely stupid now since she gave her daughter a pretty good cover story. Also R.I.P. ice cream. I didn't realize Drake's knowledge cut off so soon, that certainly complicates his usefulness to an extent. If Calem did sit back and let his previous self go about helping the good guys without interference, then he would be a pretty boring villain, and boring doesn't fit his design.

Quillion9000: I can always count on you to review Lelouch.

Well, he had enough sense to recognize that Sakura was not her mother. So, at the very least he's willing to give her a chance to be family, but she has a longer road to go than someone like Rain. He's certain knowledge of the future cuts off. As I have hinted he has lived numerous lives at this point. That gives you time to try a lot of things. Take different paths. His true knowledge is lacking, but his knowledge of future plans isn't.

At the same time there are people he has never seen in any of time he's lived through such as Calem and the Order of Grimm which are unique to this reset of Remnant. As for Calem, well he's not going to directly interfere with Drake. If he were, he would have just killed Drake after being him. No, Calems going to have his own agenda and goals that will mess with the other side. A small job in Volume 2 for his students with him overseeing and a large part to come during volume three for himself and his newest students.