-Lapis-

I look from the councilors and headmasters to Ozpin. "Forgive me, Professor, but I'm afraid I don't understand." I say.

"I've recently suggested three exhibition matches be added to the Tournament. As such, the councilors and headmasters asked if there was someone of renowned fighting prowess to be in these fights and I recommended you, Miss Lazuli." He explains.

"...Well, I'm honored, but surely someone like Pyrrha is more deserving." I say.

"Unfortunately, Miss Nikos has already declined, I'm afraid." The Mistral Councilor says.

"Plus, all of Remnant is aware that during your hunt for the destruction of the Grimm, you've competed in local fights like the Tournament matches." I hear a man say. I look and see it was James Ironwood, headmaster of Atlas Academy and general of the Atlesian military, who spoke.

I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. "...With all due respect, it's not something I like to brag about, General." I say then look at Ozpin. "Would these matches be set up similar to the Tournament matches? Teams, then doubles, then singles?"

"Do you think you could handle it?" He asks.

I smirk slightly. "If I can handle a full pack of Beowolves, then yes I can, sir." I say then my smirk fades. "...But can I have some time to think it over?"

He nods. "Of course. Take the rest of the day to think it over." He says.

I nod back then leave the office, thanking everyone for their time.

Once outside, I sit somewhere by myself for a bit.

"Me? The main fighter of Ozpin's recommended exhibition matches? I mean, I get I have a reputation, but...how could that automatically make me the best choice?" I think to myself.

"Lien for your thoughts?" I hear someone ask me. I look up and see Velvet. I smile softly and pat next to me then she sits down.

"I'm mulling something over." I reply.

"And what's that?"

I sigh then look at her. "Ozpin recommended me for three exhibition matches he's pitched for the Tournament."

She smiles. "For a warrior as renowned as you are, that must be a big honor."

"...It is, but..."

"You don't know if it's for you."

I nod.

"I know we don't know each other well yet, Lapis, but I can tell you're not the type of person to back down from a challenge. Trust yourself to make the decision you're comfortable with."

"Beautiful and wise. Just what I like in a person." I think to myself, since I go both ways when it comes to sexuality, like Blake. "Thanks, Velvet." I tell her then stand up and head back to Ozpin's office.

-3rd person-

Mercury saw Lapis walking and glared at her. That lousy Faunus beat him in a fight and he'd be damned if he wouldn't have his retribution. He used his boots to knock down a tree heading towards the wolf Faunus. She looked at it and gasped then someone tackled her out of the way. Mercury got mad when he saw who it was.

-Lapis-

I look at my savior...and see it's Cinder. "Thanks for that." I say to her.

She smiles softly and stands up. "No problem." She says as she helps me to my feet. "You helped me. I figured it's the least I could do to say thanks."

I smile and nod then continue on to Ozpin's office.

Once in the office, he looks at me. "Ah, Miss Lazuli. Come to a decision already?" He asks.

I nod. "And like I said, if I can handle a pack of Beowolves, I can handle a teams, doubles, and singles exhibition match." I say. "I'll be the main fighter of the matches.

He smiles softly and nods. "I'll inform the councilors and headmasters." I nod then move to leave the office. "And Miss Lazuli?"

I look at him. "Yes, Professor?"

He smirks. "While your mission of Grimm eradication is admirable, I'd recommend you have someone by your side to ensure you don't fully lose your soul. Not just a friend like Blake, but someone else as well. Someone you can see yourself spending the rest of your life with."

I blush as I think about Velvet but nod. "Thank you, Professor." I say then leave the office.

I walk into the Team RWBY dorm and see Blake reading on her bed. "Still a bookworm, I see."

She chuckles. "Yang, Ruby, and Weiss are out in the city but they said they'll be back in a few minutes." She says.

I nod then lounge next to her. "Can I tell you something?" I ask.

She nods and looks at me. "What's up?"

I take a deep breath. "Before Veronica and I got as close as we did, there was another Faunus I had my eyes on as well...and I'm confessing this to her right now."

"...Me?"

I nod then look at her to see her blushing. "But like I pointed out, you like Yang and I'll respect that."

"Lapis..." Blake starts but I shake my head.

"It really is okay, Blake." I assure her.

She slowly nods.

-3rd person-

While they relaxed, Mercury and Emerald were with Cinder.

"Why'd you stop me from injuring her?!" He snapped at Cinder.

"Because you need to let go of a petty grudge." She replied.

Emerald and Mercury looked at each other in shock. They remembered Lapis saying a side effect of suppressing Cinder's trauma could make her a different person, but they didn't imagine it'd be so drastic and fast.

The mint green haired thief and grey haired assassin stepped out into the hallway and closed the door.

"Now what?" He asked.

"Plan B." She replied then pulled out her scroll and sent a message to someone as bad as Cinder was...if not worse.

"I'll be there." The recipient soon answered.

That's chapter five.

Who could Emerald have asked for help from? Find out in the next chapter.

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