-Patch. Home. Morning-

-One Year Later-

-Ruby Rose's POV. Age 5-

"TAKE THIS!"

I swung my wooden scythe at Souma who dodge it with ease. I twirl it hoping that it would catch his leg. I turn to see him do a back flip.

I raise my wooden scythe to strike him from above, he stops moving and smile and pull out his kunai and block my attack. By doing so he kick my stomach pushing me back.

I use my scythe to slow my momentum after being push back. I look up to see Souma running towards me, he begins throwing his shuriken from between his fingers. I jump up and use my scythe to deflect this, Souma then smile and begins ricocheting the shuriken at my direction.

*Clank*

*Clank*

*Clank*

I quickly twirl my scythe to deflect his shuriken, after deflecting and dodging all of his shuriken I turn to see him flicker and disappear...where did he go?

"Remember Ruby, don't ever lose sight of your opponent."

I suddenly feel a presence behind me, I quickly turn to see Souma's Sharingan looking directly into my eyes. I twirl my scythe to hit him but he immediately grabs my hand.

"Got you."

I smile and jump to kick him, upon seeing this he tries to grab my leg but before he could. I use my Semblance to avoid it.

My Semblance is the same as mother, I leave behind red petals as I teleport from him. Without hesitating, I use my Semblance to run around him hoping that I could disorient him...Souma however, merely remain stayed calm and I swear despite me being faster than him...his eyes still focus on me as if I wasn't running...I purse my lips and decided to take action.

I teleport behind him and use the end of my scythe to strike him.

"Two can play that, dear Ruby."

As I was about to hit him, his body burst as he leaves behind black petals. Seeing this I immediately use my Semblance to avoid his oncoming fist.

I quickly ran towards him sending flurry of my attacks but he dodges them with ease and I have to block his attacks.

Each time as we're about to his one another; we use our Semblance to get ourselves out. Meanwhile on the other side of the field.

My heart is telling me that Souma is holding back. I want him to go all out...I want him to treat me the same as Yang. Speaking of which, she's with Uncle Qrow who is overlooking our training.

"*Whistle* Ruby is quickly mastering her Semblance despite obtaining it recently...the look in her eyes is nothing to scoff at either. She's prepared to go all out on him."

Uncle Qrow is sitting on a log watching the entire fight while drinking, Yang is watching while feeling slightly bored

"*Sigh* Yeah well despite that he's toying with her."

"Maybe so, but he's helping her by increasing her level of awareness. He's using his Semblance to teleport around her forcing her to do the same, restricting her next moves. She has to rely on her pure instinct now since her opponent is using the same type of Semblance as her. It's good practice to go against similar opponent with a fast-moving Semblance."

As we continue to dodge each other attacks, Souma decided to go on the offensive. He uses his Semblance and appear before me. I froze upon seeing him due to how fast he was. He raises his feet and kick me

I couldn't block in time as I felt a kick at the side of my stomach...he's too fast. As I flew from his kick, I see him performing hand seals. Jutsu!

"Fūton: Hanachiri Mai" (Wind Release: Flower Scattering Dance)

I see a large cyclone heading my way leaving behind black petals. I dodge the attack only to see multiple cyclones coming right at me.

I see Souma standing there waiting for me with a smile.

I purse my lips...I'm not giving up yet.

I immediately ran straight for him...his eyes widen upon seeing this, he then smiles gently. I use my Semblance and scythe to dodge and block his cyclones.

When I managed to get through it, I saw him standing there...I immediately leap midair and twist my body to strike him down.

*THUD*

As I managed to hit his body, But I felt something was off...wait...he's not there.

I see Souma slowly disappearing turning into a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

"*Gasp* GENJUTSU!"

But it was too late, I turn to see five cyclones coming right at me...I wasn't moving the entire time. I became slightly panic.

"It's over, sheesh that a bit harsh of his part. Messing your opponent's mind like that." Qrow said while pocketing his flask.

"..." Yang sat there in silence thinking the different in strength. Souma Uchiha is a genius without a doubt.

I close my eyes thinking it's over...but nothing happens. I slowly open my eyes to see the cyclones dissipate and Souma standing in front of me.

I then felt a poke on my forehead, I blink multiple time as I look at him. He is giving me a warm smile while gently caressing my head.

"You're improving Ruby, I'm proud of you."

I look down feeling both sad and happy...but I felt my face slowly turning red when he continues patting my head...I don't dislike this feeling.

"Hey don't feel down about the fight, you came at me with all you got. Frankly I'm impress how fast you're mastering your Semblance."

"He's right Rubes, you were so fast I could barely keep up with you."

We turn to see Yang and Uncle Qrow walk up towards us with her hands behind her head.

"Excellent work both of you, especially you kiddo just remember that not all five years old like yourself can pull what you did...and Souma, um...keep on improving."

I look at Souma who's laughing then slowly look away.

"So, Souma, next week you'll be moving to Signal Academy, right?"

Uncle Qrow ask to which Souma nods and looks visibly excited.

"Yup, I've checked out the dormitory the other day with dad. It's pretty cool."

The other day Souma, Yang, Dad and I went to Signal City to check out his new place and it looks comfortable. His dormitory wasn't far from the academy and he has access to restaurant and a shopping mall that are nearby. All in all, it is a good place.

Yang and I however look down feeling sad that he'll be leaving us soon.

Seeing this Souma immediately place both his arm around us smiling widely,

"Come no, what's with the long faces? I told you didn't I, I'll visit during the weekend. Let's go home, I'm beat. How about I'll cook us some curry rice for lunch."

Our eyes begin to sparkle when we heard him say that. Lately Souma's been cooking our lunch and dinner when mom's away...not that dad's cooking is bad or anything it's simply his is better than dad causing him to feel dismay.

"CURRY RICE!" Yang and I yelled in an excited tone.

Souma smile widely and nod.

"Yup, you girls have been putting a lot of effort into your training that it's making your dear old brother cry tears of joy. Now then I've to prepare since making curry takes time, Uncle Qrow are you coming for lunch or you going to spend your day drinking again."

He smiles while gritting his teeth...ah Souma has been slightly annoyed by Uncle Qrow's drinking habit over the years. Uncle knows this and continues to tease him.

"Well...since you offer, I might as well. Also haven't you heard of respecting your elder."

I see Souma looking around with a grin on his face.

"Oh, what elder?"

*BONK*

Souma's holding his head in pain when Uncle Qrow hit his head. Yang and I laugh as we walk back watching him rub his head while grumbling about drunkard fool.

I leap onto Souma's back hoping he'll give me a piggyback.

He smiles and securely holds me.

-Home. Afternoon-

-Yang Xiao Long's POV-

*Humming*

I'm currently siting in the dining room while watching Souma preparing lunch for us, he's humming a tune that I'm not familiar with. Ruby is sitting next to me as we see him wearing an apron while chopping vegetables.

For some reason he looks handsome doing it. I quickly shake my head as my face slowly turns red... I turn to face Ruby only to see the same expression her face as she turns red. She's mesmerized by him as well...well who can blame her.

As we grew older, we've begun to notice that Souma have become quite handsome as of late.

Ever since the Nightmare incident Souma had, Ruby's been pretty attached to him by the hip and Souma have the tendency to spoil her from time to time. One time when we were at Signal City, Souma held her hand the entire time to ensure she wouldn't get lost...I can only laugh wryly when I saw how protective of him towards her. I won't lie saying I wasn't jealous.

"...Umm...Souma do you need a hand?"

Ruby meekly ask as she walk towards him...he looks at her while smiling.

"Hmm, sure Ruby, you can help me wash these potatoes. Thanks"

I got slightly annoyed by how close these two become...dang it, Ruby can be pretty cunning.

"I WANNA HELP TOO!"

I yelled as I quickly stand next to him which caught off him off guard.

Ruby looks at me while cutely pouting...two can play as well little sister.

"Oh...ok then, thanks Yang didn't know you had interest in cooking. You can help me prepare the chicken."

The moment he said that, I have a blank expression on my face...I have zero clue how to do it. When he saw my face, he chuckles lightly.

"Alright how about you wash these instead and I'll handle the chicken."

I smile and nod and soon Ruby and I are washing the vegetables.

"Look at us, the three of us are cooking. We rarely do this wouldn't you say. Now where did I put that spice?...hmm"

Meanwhile I see Qrow in the living grinning as he watches us.

"So, the two of you are cooking huh? Ahahaha well Souma, aren't you a lucky guy."

Ruby and I got slightly embarrass by it when we realized what he meant.

"Hmm, of course I'm very lucky to have them."

He said with a sincere tone...ah what's this aura of blinding light behind him. He's too pure.

"Right..." Uncle Qrow merely laugh wryly at his innocence.

"They fact the two of you are taking the time to learn makes my heart warm. When you girls do get married, your husband will realize what a lucky man he is to have you."

Our face immediately turns red when he said husband.

I hear Ruby speaking softly to herself...she didn't realize I could hear her.

"I wanna marry you though..."

She said it with a straight face...Eh!?...Did my sister developed a brother complex?

Hmm for some reason my guts feel bad...am I sick?

-Qrow Branwen's POV-

I'm sitting in the living room while drinking as I watch this strange situation unfold...three kids are cooking lunch while I'm just here doing nothing...for some reason it hurts my pride...though I have to admit Souma can cook far better than Tai could.

I remember our time in the academy where he would cook for us during our mission...Though most of them are bad memories such as I puking most of his cooking...Raven simply look away and search her own food while Summer however managed to ate it with a straight face. Good times...I guess.

Though what interest me is that the two girls that are entering puberty this early on as they are discovering their feeling for him. Hmm, well when you're looking at their perspective Souma is quite a dashing young man. When he becomes a teenager, I won't be surprise if he becomes popular during his days in Beacon Academy.

I recalled Lily constantly asking me about him...now that girl rarely take an interest in other people and prefer focusing on her studies, training and spending time with her closest friends. I guess he had made an impact on her somehow after they fought. I told her to wait patiently, boy will she surprise to see him next week.

I wonder if he's aware of Yang and Ruby's feelings for him...the boy can be quite dense but there are times where he can be...frighteningly perceptive. Is it because of his Sharingan? Maybe he's aware of it, maybe he doesn't want to pursue that kind of relationship...ah hell what am I thinking about they're kids for gods sake.

I scratch my head and continue drinking.

-Souma Uchiha's POV-

The girls...are rather competitive when it comes to cooking as they keep on asking me what to do next constantly...they're trying to outdo one another. Hmm, I'm not blind to see what they're doing. I know that they've developed some strange attachment for me even though they don't realize it yet.

What made me aware of it was during last year the two of them were acting...weirdly than usual.

Yang can be rather aggressive when it comes to getting my attention with one-on-one sparing session and I've noticed that after I took a shower, she would try to peek at my abs. I have to admit she looks cute when she tries to play it off when I caught her. Though she can be very annoyed if I spend more time on Ruby than her. She would bite my head while bear hugging from behind.

Ruby on the other hand is more to a sibling love...that day...after having that Nightmare, I've to admit I've developed a fondness for her for what she did that night. I don't think she's aware of it though and simply does it because she wants to be with her brother...though she likes it when I spoil her more than others.

Other than that, my feelings for them are strictly siblings as I don't want to jeopardize what we have even if it escalates in that direction. I want to focus on my dreams on becoming the world greatest Huntsman and finding the truth about my origins and clan...as well as my Sharingan.

Though...I have a feeling we might develop that way in the future...*sigh* because besides mom and dad...these two means the world to me as they showed me love and help me overcome my fear of loneliness. And I am willing to kill if it means protecting them. At that moment my eyes turn cold at the thought of someone harming them.

"Souma?"

I snap out of it when I heard Ruby call out to me.

"Huh? Yes?"

"Are you alright you're looking at that chicken weirdly?"

"Ah sorry got distracted. Are you done washing? You can help Yang prepare the vegetables."

She smiles and nod and we turn to see Yang struggle as the sink sprayed water all over her...how does that even work?

-Qrow Branwen's POV-

I look at Souma as he held that knife, I've noticed his eyes turn cold for a moment there until Ruby called out to him.

Yup...he definitely has feelings for them, he slowly reminds me of Raven when she pursued Tai.

I take a drink from my flask...Raven...

-Mistral. Branwen Tribe Camp-

-Raven Branwen's POV-

I'm currently inside my tent enjoying a nice cup of tea. I can hear my men outside either working or training for the upcoming raid on a nearby village. Hmm, soon we'll have to move to Atlas before they block this side of the map.

As I was placing trinkets on the map for future planning, I hear someone calling for me.

"Enter." I said and soon a burly man wearing nothing but a bandanna and brown pants enter.

"What is it? You know I hate when someone disturb me while I'm drinking my tea."

The man begins to sweat nervously and my cold red eye glare at him.

"This better be important." The man soon gets a better grip on himself and explain himself.

"It is important chief. We received reports on the boy that you wish to keep an eye on."

My eyes widen when I heard what he had said. I see so reports are in.

"Well go on, no point in standing there like an idiot. Give me the report!" I berate the man for wasting my time.

"Yes Chief! The boy Souma Uchiha will be enrolling to Signal Academy in a week. I have his current address on the dormitory of his he'll be staying. Other than that, Ozpin is still in Beacon Academy while General Ironwood is handling the matter with Vacuo's Council."

He stood there a good minute as I close my eyes thinking my next step.

"Um...Chief, a question if I may ask?"

I partially open my eyes as I see the nervous wreck before me...honestly where do I find these people?

"Yes...what is it?"

He clears his throat and begin asking question.

"I understand the significant on obtaining information on Ozpin and General Ironwood...but why the boy? Why is important to you?"

I close my eyes once more while drinking my cup of tea.

"Why is the boy important to me you ask? Simple, the boy is beyond any children of this world. Ozpin and the general would agree with me. I've seen what he could do, to be able to bend the elements like magic...and his eyes... his eyes don't belong to this world. His eyes exude power beyond imagination. So, you who stand before me...a murderer and a thief of this tribe but to the boy, you're next to nothing...somewhere in the future..."

I stand and proceed to place a small toy solider on the map. Specifically, Patch...

"The boy will make a name for himself and topple all logic and reason...and I want to be on the winning side."

The man begins to sweat nervously as he looks at the picture of Souma Uchiha with his family at Signal City.

"You wish to recruit him Chief?"

I sat back down and close my eyes.

"Leave. Train with the men, the upcoming raid will soon be upon us."

The man quickly bows and leaves my tent. I look at my map once more at the toy solider...hmm.

Ozpin, General Ironwood, Salem and my old team...did destiny planned all of these? If so...I curl my fist thinking that this world will endure a war beyond Ozpin and Salem...my entire existence was screaming to run away from the boy when I last spied on him...I despise this sense of weakness in me.

TO BE CONTINUE...