The first thing I noticed about her was that she had cut her hair.

It was much shorter now, able to cover her left eye the same as her old hairstyle had, along with covering her ears, but that was it. She was still wearing the huntress gear I had last seen her in, but she had replaced the Mistrali wrappings with an actual crop-top that was colored amber like her eyes.

Those beautiful eyes…

I felt Ozpin withdraw, locking himself away somewhere deep within my mind. At least he knew to give me privacy for a situation like this. Not that I doubted that he would give it to me.

I closed mine and took a deep breath. Then I opened them again, she was still staring at me. Now, I knew that she planned on leaving from the beginning, away from Beacon and away from me, but that wasn't what I was mad about. It was the circumstances in which she left that made me upset. Maybe it was, at least in part, childish, but do emotions ever really make sense?

Standing there thinking about my reasoning wasn't going to do me any good, so instead I took the first step, speaking to Caine, "I need to talk with someone. I'll see you back at the house." I heard Caine say his affirmation, and that was all I needed to hear to know I could dedicate my full attention to the woman who stood rooted to the ground in front of the door.

Cinder's eyes widened, she looked ready to say something but I raised my hand. I was angry, upset, sad, but there was no reason to blow up like a child with a tantrum. I had long vowed that I would talk to her about this like an adult, after all, the act was itself not the problem so much as the when. She could have left a few days after I woke up and I would have not been angry at all.

I gestured towards the door and she turned, getting the message. Together we silently walked out of the bar. It was only when we were walking side by side down the street that I made my first comment, "You cut your hair." Entirely meant to break the ice.

She regarded me, not even trying to hide the emotional tempest raging in her mind, "You… look the same." Then, she caught herself, "N-Not that that's a bad thing." Ah, well, some things never change. Cinder took a deep breath, "Neve, I-I'm sorry. I… You were hurt badly, and you… did what you did for me. I should have stayed longer, but… I was afraid. I am afraid."

If only she knew what I had been going through, a more selfish part of me quipped. The rest of me, the less selfless part, said that she couldn't have known everything that happened after the fact. She was already gone, and holding it against her for eternity was going to do nothing but guarantee sadness and despair.

Instead, I resolved to make her understand. That, however, was not a conversation to be had while we walked down the street. Instead, I looked around. The house wasn't that private, sure we could have had some measure of it, but given how crowded it already was, and how much Shi no doubt would love to see her dear Auntie Cinder, I wanted to save that for later.

There was nothing in the lower levels for us, so we went higher, taking the steps. It was only after we found a park on the middle levels that was abandoned at this time of day that I finally deemed us to have enough privacy, standing off the beaten path and near a tree. When we finally stopped, I turned to look at her, "Afraid?" I asked, better to let her explain, I reasoned. I didn't want to say anything wrong.

Cinder stared at me, "How… How was I supposed to react?" She shook her head, "I found you on death's door, and I saw the blood on your blade…" She let out a shaky breath, "I kill people, Neve. I've done it five times now. I don't like having to do it, but I will if I need to, you…" She looked away, "You weren't supposed to have to do something like that. If I had just-"

I stepped forward and took hold of her wrists with my hands, "Stop." The icy feeling of anger was warming up and melting, quicker than I anticipated it to, "Cinder… That's not why I'm upset. I'm upset because… you were supposed to stay. Just for a while… I expected you to leave, but… Waking up to everyone but you and a note?" I closed my eyes and looked down, "I want to know that you'll be there for me in my darkest hour. Running away isn't the answer." I opened my eyes and looked up at her again, her eyes were glistening with the start of tears, and I was sure I wasn't any better.

I had been sitting on these complicated feelings for months now, I needed to let it out.

I swallowed a lump in my throat, "Shi's parents are dead." That news alone was like dropping an anvil on Cinder, her eyes widened and her tears carried out their threat and began to stream down her face, "Do you know who's been taking care of her? Who adopted her?" She mouthed the word 'adopted' to me, and I nodded, "Me. Her name is Shi Cadere now. Do you know…" My voice broke up as I continued, "Do you know how often she asked me about you? Where's Auntie Cinder, she'd ask… I have to tell her you're busy. She always looked so sad…"

Cinder's breath hitched, "N-Neve… If I knew… I-If I knew I would have-"

I nodded, "I know, but your scroll was disconnected. The System doesn't have a way for us to track each other after a few miles…" I continued, "I had help, Cinder. I'm not playing the distraught single… 'father' card here. I had my team, and everyone on Patch. Did you know we moved to Patch?" She shook her head and I managed a smile, "I think you'd like it there. It's… idyllic." I was getting distracted, so I tried to get back on track, "What bothered me wasn't having to take care of Shi… It was that you weren't there with me. Having to keep telling her you're off on huntress business… It made her worried, Cinder. Scared."

I took a deep breath as I watched her unbridled sadness take full root, "But… don't blame yourself for that. You didn't know. It's… unfair to blame you. I just…" I looked down, "I've had a long time to think about all of this. I'm still a bit angry at you, but… Through all of this. Do you know how many times people have told me to move on?" I looked up at her again, staring into her eyes, "So. Many. Times. Everyone said I should just give up on you, but I can't. I don't want to. I still love you, I just…" I swallowed, "It's hard to get over these… feelings. Will you be there for me next time something bad happens? If you're not, will you come back? That's the thing… I don't know."

Having aired all of my dirty laundry and all of the emotions I had been feeling for the past several months, I already felt a bit lighter. Now it was her turn, and as I let go of her wrists, she almost immediately returned the favor by taking hold of my hands. Tears were still staining her face as she spoke, "It's… It wouldn't be fair for me to say that I will always be there, but… I'll promise to find you if you ever need me, I won't disable my scroll like I did before… So long as you promise to do the same for me, I will try my hardest."

I nodded, "I will, I promise." Yet, there was something else to say. Something else that might make or break this relationship, "There's… something else." I pulled my hands away, "Something that…" I took a deep breath, "Something that, if it makes you want to leave me, then… I understand." Cinder looked at me with worry and fear, yet she didn't speak. I was sure whatever she thought I was going to admit was nowhere close to reality.

I didn't even need to say it. I reached under my coat, grabbed ahold of The Long Memory, then I held it up for her to see it. She stared at it in bewilderment for a few seconds before she recognized it, and what it meant. She knew about Ozpin, Salem would have told her that much, if nothing else. Cinder stepped back and shook her head, "No… No no no no… He didn't."

I kept my facial expression as neutral as possible to avoid letting old emotions of frustration at Oz bubble back up, "He did. We don't know how it's going to affect me." I extended the cane and stared at it, "I told you how I'm different, and because of that, we don't know what's going to happen. If I will overtake him, if we will… meld into an entirely new person, or what. He said he doesn't believe he will overtake me as he did with his previous hosts." I glanced at her, "He's not present right now. He affords me privacy and… locks himself in whenever I need him to."

Cinder looked overwhelmed, "I…" She took a deep breath, "If I could reach inside your mind and strangle that man I would." She clenched her fists before relaxing. Instead of speaking, she walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. She channeled her aura and closed her eyes as she established an aura link.

Fear. Sadness. Worry. 'I don't want to lose you.'

If I could, I would guarantee her that I would still be me. That I wouldn't be changed at all by this, but that was naive. It was as if we were trying to stare at our reflections in water, Ozma and I, and yet when we looked, all we saw was each other. Dare we step into that pool together? Submerged into that water, who would we become? The new person that was us, what would he have? What would he be like? When he emerges, will he have nothing but questions? What, or who, will he see when he looks at himself in the mirror?

I linked my aura to hers and communicated.

Confusion. Melancholy. Uncertainty. 'I don't want to go.'

I felt Cinder's grip on my shoulder tighten.

Despair. Desperation. Hope. 'Then don't.'

If only it was that easy… I reached out and pulled her against me while the link held.

Unsteady Resolve. Fear. Hope. 'I'll try.'

The link faded and we were left holding each other.

We stayed that way for a few more moments until I loosened my grip and Cinder stepped back, only slightly, "I'm not going to leave you. Not as long as you're you." She managed a smile, "It will take more than an annoying wizard living in your head to keep me from you."

I smiled, "You have no idea how much of a relief that is to hear." I leaned forward and gave her a kiss, quick and chaste, given that we were in public. Was I forgiving her too easily? Maybe. Maybe not. Did it matter at all to me? No. "Ready to see the others?"

She nodded and I took her hand. Together we started to walk and I asked the question in a whisper so no one could hear, "So, you killed Leo?"

All she could do was nod, maybe she was worried I would judge her for it.

I just shrugged, "Eh. He deserved it."

After a walk in comfortable silence back to the house, I could hear that most everyone was out back. Cinder Fall, of all people, was nervous that the others would reject her. Maybe she thought that would somehow be the thing that drove a stake between us, I couldn't see any other reason as to why she would care what they thought.

When we headed to the backyard, around the house, we saw quite the interesting sight.

Qrow was barbecuing on a grill I didn't remember being there before, the smell of sausage was strong in the air. My team and Team JNPR were there, along with Ozza, Shi, and Peregrine. Everyone was there!

Shi was off on the right, further into the backyard, shooting at targets that Ruby had set up, Ozza was trying to get more acquainted with her trident by training with Pyrrha. Jaune was watching Nora try to wrestle with Aura while Ren was meditating. Violet was cheering them on while Lunus watched as Jeanne tried to mimic by pushing against Peregrine, pressing her head to the taller girl's stomach as she angled herself and tried to knock her over. In spite of making no progress, her tail was wagging like crazy. Caine was sitting in a tree, snacking on a hunk of cheese while watching everything that was going on.

I couldn't help but smile at the sights in front of me. Even if some members were newer, I had grown to feel like everyone here was part of our family. Our crazy, large family that was still anticipating Yang, Cobalt, and Weiss to join.

I cleared my voice and spoke out loud, "Hey guys! Look who's back!"

Everyone stopped and looked in my direction. At first there was silent surprise at seeing Cinder there, she was standing awkwardly and trying her best to smile, although it looked incredibly awkward, cute, but awkward.

The silence was broken when Shi gasped and, to her credit, put down her gunblade carefully before yelling, "Auntie Cinder!" and beginning to charge right at her. Cinder barely had time to prepare before she was tackled by the ball of energy that was Shi, her red panda ears twitching with what I assumed was delight as she loudly declared, "You're finally back!"

Cinder's already present smile grew, awkwardness gave way to warmth as she ruffled Shi's hair, "Yes, Shi. I'm back."

Funnily enough, it was Qrow who broke the silence, "Great! Welcome back, you're just in time for barbecue. Well, almost. It's not ready yet."

Everyone followed suit with their own greetings. Some, namely Jeanne and Ruby, raced over to give her a hug along with Shi, while the rest were content to approach and welcome her back into the family, or back to the party.

If only they knew how apt that second one was. Now that she was back I could see the bracelet had reappeared on her wrist while we were walking.

I could also see how she was being overwhelmed by almost everyone welcoming her back, but I figured she could handle that. Among the exceptions was Lunus, who was sitting on the porch and looking at Cinder with an uncertain look in his eyes. I could tell he felt like I really should have been feeling…

On a lighter note, the other two who weren't there were Ozza and Caine. I managed to catch sight of them, with Ozza having walked over to the tree Caine was sitting in before she planted her trident in the ground to lean on it. It was impossible not to notice the creeping red on her cheeks as she cleared her throat, "S-So, uhm… A block of cheese?"

Caine seemed surprised to have someone talking to him for a second before he looked down at her, then at his block of cheese, "...I just like cheese a lot." He paused, there was an awkward silence for a few seconds before Caine cleared his throat, his own face dusting a bit red, "Do you… want some?"

Ozza seemed eager, if a bit surprised, at the offer, "Yeah! I mean, if you don't mind- I-If it's not okay, then I totally understand…" Rather than saying anything, Caine just released one of his gauntlet's chains, with the kama still folded up of course, then dropped it over the edge. He smiled down at her reassuringly, it was faint, but it was there. Ozza stared at it for a moment then she let go of her trident, which stayed plunged into the ground, reached out, and grabbed ahold of it.

Once she did, the chain glowed purple and lifted her up rather quickly, a speed fast enough to make her yelp in surprise. I was sure it would have garnered attention if everyone wasn't so busy with Cinder. Once she was brought onto the ground, she sat across from him on the surprisingly sturdy tree and laughed out of exhilaration. Caine's small smile grew as he held out the piece of cheese, which she took and began to snack on.

They started to talk and I turned my attention away, not wanting to spoil the moment by having one of them possibly notice me. By the time I looked back, everyone had eased off Cinder and began to return to their previous activities, except for Shi, who stayed by her side with a grin on her face.

Shi looked at me when she noticed me looking at the two of them, "Uncle Neve! We should go get ice cream to celebrate Auntie Cinder coming back!"

I smirked, "Are you sure it's not just because you want ice cream?" She pouted at me and shook her head aggressively, causing me to chuckle, "We can go tomorrow. It's almost time for dinner. Sound good?" Her pout turned into a grin in a manner of seconds as she nodded at me several times.

With that settled, I gestured to where Shi left her gunblade, "Why not show Auntie Cinder your new weapon?" Cinder looked at me and I smiled reassuringly, "She's not giving up on the maces, it's just until she's strong enough to use them. Then she'll have three weapons."

That got her to relax, meanwhile Shi seemed excited at the prospect, so she dragged Cinder off to tell her all about her gunblade.

I drew The Long Memory and stared at it. Now that I had some time to myself I started thinking. Maybe using the cane wasn't such a bad thing, I reasoned, if nothing else it gave me something to do with my hands when I wasn't doing anything.

I felt Ozpin return, and soon heard him speak, "The Long Memory is rather marvelous as far as designs go. It's been through a lot the past thousand or so years."

I extended the cane and leaned on it with one hand, 'If I didn't know better I'd have told you that there was no way it was a thousand years old. What happened to your staff? I've always wondered that.'

"Oh, it's still at Beacon. I've kept it hidden in my quarters ever since I established the academies. As my magic wanes, I've found there is little reason to use it. Part of me has always hoped that maybe someday someone would come along and be able to use it… That is a pipe dream, however."

I hummed, 'You had a daughter who could use magic once. I'm with Cinder, who's a maiden. If we had a child, would they…?'

"I suppose it is possible. Believe it or not none of my prior incarnations have ever had relations with a maiden. If your idea is correct, then maybe the staff will see use again someday."

I cast my gaze to my adopted 'daughter' and my girlfriend, watching as Shi regaled Cinder with the workings of her gunblade. It brought a smile to my face.

'Yeah… maybe someday.'

The rest of that afternoon was rather relaxed, and the next day Cinder, Shi, and I headed out to get ice cream. Could I say I had one-hundred percent forgiven Cinder and everything was back to normal? No, but there was no point in holding a grudge, I could waste my days being upset and brooding about what had happened, or I could move forward. Enjoy my days with her, what days we had, and work out the rest as it came.

Maybe it was partially for Shi's sake that I was so easy on Cinder, the girl wanted to see her aunt, and I wasn't going to stop that. A sad Shi was sure to spread a somber mood. That, and I wanted her to be happy.

The parlor we ended up at was apparently Valean, and it seemed totally unassuming on the outside.

The last person I expected to see when I walked inside was a familiar brown and pink haired girl, and the last thing I would have expected her to be doing was leaning on the other side of the counter. Neopolitan was wearing one of those old-timey paper hats that ice cream parlors used to have, other than that she was wearing her usual outfit. Cinder froze up more visibly than me, and it wasn't hard to read the complex emotions on her face. Confusion followed by worry and finally wrapped up in a nice healthy dose of anger. I patted her shoulder and gave it a squeeze, that at least caused her to not immediately try to light the other woman on fire.

Instead, the three of us walked up to the counter. Neo seemed momentarily surprised to see us accompanied by a little girl, but she seemed more immediately taken by how cute Shi was. Even Neo wasn't immune to her, apparently. She gave Shi an adoring look before holding up a sign and looking between Cinder and I, "Well aren't you two a sight for sore eyes. What can I get you? A taste of Neopolitan? ;)"

I huffed and spoke in a chastising tone, "Not in front of Shi, Neo. Cinder and I will take uhm…" I looked at the menu, "A… Valean Sundae." It promised a large bowl fit for two, so I figured that was good, "Shi wants some Strawberry." That prompted Shi to nod several times eagerly.

Neo smiled and her sign changed, "Ooh, yes daddy. ;) Coming right up!" She giggled and winked at me.

I groaned and rubbed my forehead. Cinder looked like she wanted to strangle Neo, but instead she settled for taking Shi's hand and guiding her back to a booth. Shi, thank God, had no idea what Neo was talking about and just went along with Cinder while asking, "Why was she calling Uncle Neve daddy? She doesn't look like she's related to him…"

Cinder sounded desperate to change the topic as they walked off, "You'll find out when you're older, Shi. Maybe. Actually, let's forget about it and wait for our ice cream."

That left me to ask the obvious question, "Neo… What are you doing here?"

Neo responded by having the sign disappear, instead she took out her phone and wrote out a text before showing it to me, "Roman and I helped in the defense of the city when the attack on Beacon happened. The council gave us a pardon, so now we're laying low. We started a few ice cream parlors to keep the money flowing. Roman's on vacation in Vacuo right now. Should be for a few months."

That was a long vacation, but I supposed Roman wanted some time to himself. That and knowing him he was probably thinking of ways to scam or get money out of people while he was there. I nodded in understanding and her message changed, "I should be asking you the same question, you know. The last I heard about the Dragon Slayer of Beacon he was living on Patch, not in Mistral."

I crossed my arms, of course she would have heard about that, "We're on vacation, and doing a few jobs of our own. Can't stay in Vale forever, can we?" She shook her head and then glanced at Shi, then back to me, the unanswered question was clear, so I answered, "She…" I lowered the volume of my voice, "She lost her parents during the attack. I already knew her and her parents so I adopted her."

She nodded in understanding, the look in her eyes was one of empathy. The text on her phone changed, "Roman did the same thing for me. Although the circumstances were very different. If you're playing Papa, then you've gotta invite Aunt Neo to her next birthday! Roman will want to hear about this too, he might have some pointers."

I never thought I'd be taking parental advice from Roman Torchwick but honestly at this point in my life I was used to things being weird. So, I just nodded, "Feel free to tell him about it. He has my scroll number, he can call whenever."

Neo nodded and went about getting the ice cream we ordered, so I headed over to the booth where Cinder and Shi were at. They were sitting next to each other, so I sat across from them. Cinder smiled, although it was tense, "What was all of that about?"

I shook my head, "Neo and Roman are trying to go on the straight and narrow." I leaned in and whispered, "Between you and me I think they're just operating this place as a front, but I have no idea." Then I leaned back in my seat and returned to normal volume, "She wanted to know why I was in Mistral, I told her we were on vacation."

Cinder accepted that and Shi asked, "So how long are we gonna be in Mistral?" She didn't sound impatient, or like she wanted to leave. I was sure she was just happy to be along for the ride and was asking purely out of curiosity.

I hummed, "If everything's right, then until summertime. After that, well… I guess we'll see how things go." Did Ironwood still go off the deep end? If we managed to lock away the Relic of Knowledge, then was Salem still planning to attack Shade like in the original timeline?

If so, that meant the next place to go was Vacuo. That kind of weather was going to be hell, but at least aura would prevent heat stroke. It goes without saying, but I much prefer the cold to the heat. I was sure Cinder would manage just fine in the heat, and given enough warning the others would be fine too.

Man, was I going to be miserable though.

Ozpin sounded amused when he spoke, "I may know a few spells that can protect you from the climate more efficiently than aura can. If you reach for it, you should find the knowledge."

I had to resist the urge to sigh in relief in front of the other two, that would just look weird, 'Oh thank God.'

Oz sounded curious, "I've noticed you almost never say Brothers or Gods, is there a reason for that?"

Old habits die hard, and it is what I'm used to saying. Yet, I didn't exactly want to go into the intricacies of Earth's religions with Oz, that would be boring, 'It's an Earth thing.'

"I see."

After that, the three of us received our ice cream and went about enjoying it. Shi was absolutely over the moon to have Cinder back. Even if all three of us knew that Cinder would venture out again in her almost never-ending quest for the power to defeat Salem, she was here now and that was what mattered.

When we were done we left and started back to the house, Shi was intent on resuming training with Cinder just as she had done before and Cinder seemed eager to make up for lost time. I wasn't one to deny them, although that left me with my own schedule clear. Well, I thought that, but I also knew that the odds were more in favor of me getting pulled into something or other by the rest of the party.

Once those two were out back with some of the others, I headed inside. The house had become our home away from home, that was undeniable. I could only hope that wherever we ended up next would have a place half as accommodating as we had here although, if we ended up going to Vacuo we might have to bunk at Shade. I was sure simply revealing that I'm the new Oz to the headmaster would be enough to secure that.

"Although he might well challenge you to a sparring match as a result."

'Will he not believe me?'

"No, he will believe you. He will just want to take measure of you. After all, there's no doubt he probably heard about you killing a wyvern, even if that wyvern was rather small."

'Are there bigger ones?'

"Yes, unfortunately. Let's hope we never have to face one."

That was… unnerving. Yet, I supposed it made sense. For a legendary creature, the Wyvern I killed was almost too easy…

"If you manage to slay a bigger one, I think that will just be used as proof that you're a hero."

'Well, I suppose I have that to look forward to if I ever end up backed into a wall with a giant dragon staring me down.'

Not that I wanted to face a bigger Wyvern. No thank you!

I walked upstairs, intent on maybe catching up on some reading, and entered my bedroom. Then, I walked over to the window to open it and let the air in while I grabbed a book and prepared to sit down on the windowsill and read it.

No sooner had I made myself comfortable and started to read did my ear catch the sound of Jeanne talking below, "Peregrine! I uhm… I wanted to ask you something." I looked out of the window, and sure enough just below was Jeanne and Peregrine, standing outside, looking like they had been training together a few moments ago.

I decided that this was more interesting than reading more of Third Crusade, at least for the moment, so I watched. Peregrine managed an awkward smile, "What is it?" She was already staring at the shorter girl, and her voice sounded nervous.

Jeanne responded by clearing her throat and grabbing her left forearm with her right hand, "Well…" Her tail wagged slowly behind her, "I was wondering if maybe you'd want to catch a movie with me later, then we could go on a walk in the park!" The mere idea made her tail wag faster, "I-If you want, it could even be… A… A date."

I raised an eyebrow as I continued to watch. Peregrine fidgeted, wringing her hands and looking away, "U-uhm… Jeanne…" She sounded like she desperately wanted to, but something was holding her back, "I've told you before about… my semblance. If I slip up, I could hurt you badly. A hug could crush bones and I… I don't want that for you. I wouldn't be able to give you what you need, even if… I think it'd be nice."

Jeanne rapidly shook her head, "I can handle it! You're careful, aren't you?" Peregrine nodded hesitantly, "Peregrine, ever since you saved me that day in Vale I've thought you're the coolest person I've ever met! Cooler than Neve, and he managed to shoot me out of the sky with an arrow while I was flying at like several dozen miles an hour! Cooler than Lunus, and he surfs on a buzzsaw! Cooler than Violet, and she- well, okay, that one isn't so impressive, but you get the point!"

She took a deep breath and looked straight into Peregrine's eyes, "Nobody deserves to be alone like that, and I don't want you to be alone. I want to be with you!" She blushed a darker red and looked down, "It's not fair… Not for you and not for me. So… I want to try."

Peregrine closed her eyes and took a deep breath, seeming to be collecting her thoughts before she opened them again, "Okay." She managed a nervous smile, although it grew as Jeanne looked up in surprise, "Let's give it a try."

Jeanne launched herself at the taller girl and gave her a tight hug. Her tail was going the fastest I had ever seen it go, and that was saying something! After their hug, they started walking away and I was about to turn back to my book when I heard Caine's voice not too far from me, "You know, I'm supposed to be the one that eavesdrops."

His sudden appearance caused me to jump a bit in surprise before I relaxed and looked at him, "Ah, Caine. Sorry, I was just… eavesdropping." There was no point in lying, he knew what I was doing, "How long have you been standing there?

Caine smiled softly, "A few minutes. I wanted to talk to you about the lamp, I didn't realize you had a front row seat to one of your teammates' love lives." I huffed and he covered his mouth and stifled a laugh. It came out more like a giggle than anything else, "Anyway, if you have a few moments…"

I nodded and looked behind him, the door was shut. I must have left it open when I started reading. Oops. He gestured at my satchel and I got off the window sill, closing it and drawing the curtains closed before I produced the lamp, "So… what about it? Do you think we should ask it a question?"

Caine nodded, "Raven told me about Salem before, she's unkillable, isn't she?" I looked at him in surprise before he shrugged, "Who do you think asked Jinn the first question of this century? Raven wanted to know what Ozpin was hiding from her. She saw… a lot of interesting things, and she told me about them before I left to get the lamp. That was after my visions had started."

I nodded in understanding and he continued by regarding the lamp, "Why not ask the lamp if you can stop Salem? I know Ozpin once asked if he can destroy her, but I don't think that's the right way to word it. Besides…" He regarded my talisman, "Who knows what that thing around your neck is hiding?"

That… was a valid point.

Oz seemed to agree, "We don't know the true depths of your relic. Given its extreme magical potential, maybe there's something it will be able to do?"

I shrugged, "Alright, I guess. I just have a question for you, Caine." He raised an eyebrow and I asked, "Why not just use one of Jinn's questions to ask about your visions?"

He shook his head, "I'm not so selfish. I figured if I could ask Jinn herself, instead of the lamp, she might tell me. That way, it wouldn't use one of her questions to get the answer. I know she knows, not just the lamp, but she won't tell me."

Oz sounded impressed, "That is very admirable."

I had to agree. I didn't know many people who, when faced with the possibility of gaining any knowledge they wanted in the world, especially pertaining to a problem they're facing, would come to the conclusion that there were more important things to ask about. 'Yeah, it is…'

I smiled, "Alright, Caine. Let's do this then." I called her name, "Jinn!"

Time stopped, the room filled with blue smoke, and then Jinn appeared, smiling down at us, "Well, well. Good to see you again, old man." She said this looking at me, I knew she was referring to Ozpin. Then, she looked at Caine and gave a coy smile, "My my. Finally using the lamp's power, are you?" He nodded and she continued, "Not going to ask about your visions?" He shook his head and she chuckled, "I expect nothing less from you." She looked between the two of us, "What is the knowledge that you both seek?"

I took a deep breath and then asked, "How do I defeat Salem?"

Jinn had returned to her lamp and I was left torn. As I stared out the window, I heard Caine's footsteps before he put a gentle hand on my shoulder, "...Don't look so distraught. We don't have to do it that way. It's just one way to defeat her. She said if we show the gods that humanity is capable of uniting and presenting a unified front against Salem, they will make the world whole again. Then, Salem will be powerless."

I sighed, "Easier said than done." Yet, I managed a smile, "You're right, though. Maybe we can… unite humanity." I hummed, "Telling the world about Salem might be necessary, though…"

"Neve…"

'I don't suggest that lightly.'

Caine hummed and squeezed my shoulder, "I'll leave the planning to you, I'm… not exactly a man of words." He looked away for a moment before looking back, "But… I won't tell anyone. If you need to talk about it, just… Look for me." He smiled awkwardly, his mouse ears twitched, barely noticeable under his hair, "I can listen."

I smiled back at him, "Thank you, Caine." It meant a lot to have someone I could talk to about this if I needed, because I was sure as hell not going to tell anyone myself. I didn't need people worrying, and that's exactly what they would do if they heard the truth.

He nodded and after a few minutes of just standing there together we parted, I stayed in my room while he went to his. Once he was gone, I grabbed my talisman and looked at it, "How can one thing be such a boon and yet be so troublesome?"

That was when I heard the familiar voice of the Assistant behind me, "The Brothers love to make everything have a catch." I looked back and sure enough there she was, although his outfit had changed.

They were wearing an azure blue sundress and their usual pair of running shoes, the dress, much like the rest of them, was emitting small amounts of blue smoke. She smiled, "Like the outfit? I figured I'd change it up for once."

I blinked a few times, I wasn't going to lie and say that it looked bad, she looked incredibly cute in it, even if the blue smoke and ethereal appearance was a bit distracting. Yet, I wasn't going to tell them that, they would never let me live it down, "It's… nice." I tilted my head, "You know I never really got to ask, but uhm…"

They cut me off, "Ah ah!" They held a finger up to my lips, their tone was joking and lighthearted as they said, "I know exactly what you're going to ask. No, we can't date, it would like… jeopardize our business relationship or something."

That was not at all what I was going to ask!

Yet, with the finger they had put on my lip, I noticed an azure blue ring, I furrowed my brow and once they removed their finger, I started, "I was gonna ask… Nevermind, what's that about?" I gestured to the ring.

She sputtered, "Psshh! What, this? I just like to accessorize!" She regarded the ring with a smile, "Looks good, doesn't it?" Then, they shook their head, "Wait! I'm getting distracted!" He put his hand on his hip and used the other one to point at me, "I was trying to tell you that nothing is without a catch! Peace isn't something that you can just get, it has to be fought for!"

She lowered her finger and gained a more serious expression, "For real, though, what you saw…" Assistant sighed, "I wish I could tell you about it but I can't. All I can say is… Don't get so hung up on it!" Quick as a flash he was back to smirking, "You've got a lot to do, anyway."

I wasn't sure if that made me feel any better or not, but I knew she was right. There was no point in moping about something in the far future. I managed a smile, "You're right. There's still a lot to do."

They nodded and grinned, seeming satisfied with my words, "Damn right there is! Now get to it! You've got guests, or rather, housemates!" Then, they puffed away.

Just in time, I heard Ruby's shrill voice from all the way in my room, "Weiss!"

So they finally arrived.

I left my bedroom and headed downstairs, sure enough everyone was gathered around Weiss and Cobalt. Weiss was wearing the outfit I recognized her changing to around this time in the original timeline while Cobalt wore the same armor that he had worn during the attack. Ruby was hugging the Ice Queen, and for once Weiss seemed all too eager to return the hug.

Now we were just missing two members of Team RWBY. I was sure Yang would be along given enough time. That left Blake, after she took care of things back home. I was looking forward to having my sparring partner back, so I just hoped she'd be back sooner rather than later.

After all, while I wanted to talk to Raven alone, I knew that we were going to need all the help we could get. Raven was just a stepping stone, if we could get her to lock away the relic, then we needn't worry about what happened at Atlas from coming to pass…

Although things were going to be completely different anyway, I was sure, and the worst part was, Atlas was the last memory I had of this world. I had read about Vacuo, but I'd never seen it. I hadn't seen the Dragon Continent, other than Evernight Castle if it was truly located on that continent, and there was so much that was still uncertain.

I joined the others in welcoming Weiss to our ever-growing party. At this rate we would have a small army, capable of storming Evernight ourselves. If only it were that simple. Besides, Cobalt mentioned that he would need to go back to his team before long. They had been split apart just the same as everyone else, but he wanted to bring them together. He promised to answer the call, should we need him. Weiss seemed disappointed, but she ultimately also seemed to understand. After all, she went through so much to get back to her team, it was only right that Cobalt linked up with his.

Later that night, I was sitting in my room reading the book that I never got to actually read earlier when I heard a knock on my door. I almost sighed in exasperation, at this point I would never finish this book, "Yes?"

It was Cinder, "Neve, may I come in?" She sounded like she was asking more as a pleasantry than as an actual question. Not that I would ever say no to her wanting to come into my room.

Well, I supposed the book could wait… "Come in!" No sooner than when I said that, I felt Ozpin vanish once again. It was a good thing he knew what privacy was…

Cinder opened the door and stepped inside, wearing a silk pajama top and bottom, both colored orange and gold, much the same color palette she favored with her dress. She walked over to my bed and sat next to me, a small smile on her face, "How long has it been since we've been together like this?" She rested her head on my shoulder, melding her form against mine and prompting me to wrap an arm around her waist.

I smiled, "Too long." She moved slightly, then I felt her breath on my neck before she kissed it, sending a shiver down my spine, "Feeling feisty, Cinder?" I asked teasingly.

She sounded a bit sheepish, "It's been a long time… Can you blame me?" I shook my head, no I really couldn't, because I was feeling the same way. I moved slightly so I could get a better angle and then leaned down, locking my lips with hers. She melted into the kiss and returned the favor. We were both filled with passion, neediness, and above all else desire. I felt the same proverbial electricity coursing through my body as I did when we first kissed up on that burning tower, and I knew it was the same for her.

We only pulled apart once we ran out of breath. Cinder placed her hand on my cheek, "You know, I've been dreaming about you." That was so out of left field that my already red face darkened, she took my silence as urging to continue, "It's… hard to remember all of the dreams, but one sticks out. We're married and living in a house, I don't remember where, but…" Her own face heated, "We had two children. It…" She looked away, "It's a nice dream. I remember being disappointed when I woke up and found it was just that, a dream."

We were both nowhere near ready to have kids, but that did raise the question… I reached up and placed my hand over the one she had on my cheek, "Do you… want them someday? Kids?"

Cinder looked back at me with wide eyes and something akin to subdued horror, "I-I… I don't think I'd be a good mother…" She looked down, "My life has been punctuated by taking others' lives… To create life, it… I don't think I'm worthy."

I reached my free hand up to gently lift her chin, "Cinder… You're a wonderful woman, you've made mistakes in your life, but so have I… If that time ever comes, I think you'll be worthy. It might take effort, but… I think you could pull through. You're strong."

Cinder's eyes glistened and she smiled, "Some day, then… Maybe. We have a lot to do before that, though…" I was in full agreement with her, and to show that I leaned forward and kissed her again. She reciprocated hungrily, pressing into me as she did so, her hands gently pushed on my shoulders and guided me to lay back on the bed. She followed, laying onto me.

I felt heat spreading through my body, butterflies swarmed and my breathing grew heavy. Cinder moaned softly into the kiss, and there was no awkward pause this time, instead she just seemed intent on going further, pushing her tongue into my mouth. I reciprocated by both pushing my tongue into her mouth and grabbing ahold of her rear with one of my hands. The other traced along her back before wrapping fully around it, holding her in place. Even if I wasn't certain how far that moment would go, but whatever it was, I knew we'd only go as far as we both wanted to.

However, a gentle knocking on the door pulled us sharply out of the moment. Cinder sat up, straddling me as she looked back and frowned. Shi spoke on the other side, "Uncle Neve, is Auntie Cinder with you?" Cinder looked down at me and I just smiled, shrugging.

She got off me and we sat up, I whispered to her, "I don't know how far you wanted to go, but… We won't exactly be able to do anything here. Too many people, too many ears."

Cinder looked flustered as she nodded, "I…I don't know how far I wanted to go, but…" She smiled, "We'll test those boundaries some other day, hmm?"

I maintained my smile, "Of course. I don't know either, so… We'll find out later." On that mysterious 'other day', I was fully content with that.

I know there are certain moments that I have written about already that will need to be redacted from the final version of this book, for the sake of who might be reading it…

Of course, this copy will remain with me, and if you're somehow reading this, well… Clearly, either I didn't care if you saw those moments, you stole it, or there's some interdimensional fuckery at play. The third option is confusing, so I'll just say you stole it.

Cinder walked over to the door and pulled it open, sure enough Shi was on the other side. Her face lit up when she saw Cinder as she asked, "Auntie Cinder! Can I sleep in your bed tonight?" She was already wearing her pajamas, a dark orange nightgown that Cinder made for her some time ago.

My smile grew as I watched Cinder look a bit baffled, and yet she didn't refuse the girl, instead she gained a smile of her own, "Of course, Shi. Go on ahead and get in bed, I'll be there soon." Shi looked incredibly happy with that, so she ran off to get into bed. Cinder walked back to me after shutting the door and sat down on the edge of the bed, "Has she always been so clingy?"

I shook my head and sighed, "Ever since she lost her parents, she's afraid of being alone. She'll sleep in her own bed, but… Some nights, she has to sleep in someone else's, otherwise she wakes up thinking she's completely alone. Honestly, I'm worried for her. It's still so recent, I know, but eventually it'll need to be addressed." At least, if it stayed that way.

Cinder nodded, "That… makes sense." She leaned over to me and gave me a kiss, "I'm going to go to bed then, goodnight Coffee Boy."

I chuckled, "Goodnight, Frappe Girl." She looked momentarily surprised at the nickname before she giggled. After that, she stood up and left. Once the door was closed I laid back on my bed and stared at the ceiling, not quite ready to sleep yet.

'Oz, you're clear.'

It took a few moments, but eventually I felt him return, "Very good."

When he did, I hummed, 'You know, I have started to get access to the memories of your time at Beacon.'

He sounded intrigued, "Oh? What, exactly?"

'Well, I remember my team. Your team, I mean. There's you, Lucian Ozpin, then there was Glynda Goodwitch, Citron Greyson Merino, and Venrou Yue-Long. Team LGCY, Legacy. I'm still surprised that you attended at the same time as STRQ, but then again you never did look that old.'

"The benefits of having access to the memories and abilities that I do. After I fused with Ozma, my already prodigious growth skyrocketed. By the end of STRQ's time at Beacon, I was already headmaster, after all."

'You also had Violet's grandpa and Ven's dad on your team, were you there when he adopted Violet, then?'

"I was close, but I kept my distance. By then, our team had already graduated, and I didn't want to interfere too much in his private life. That, and I was very busy. Glynda and I did go on a few missions, but we had already tied ourselves so closely to Beacon that our time out in the field was minimal."

A thought occurred to me, 'You know how I've been writing about my own journey? What if I wrote about yours, some day?'

"I'm honored that you would, any particular reason?"

I shrugged, 'Some things are best committed to paper so that they're never forgotten. I'm sure your time at Beacon has more than a few interesting stories to tell.'

For once, Oz actually sounded kind of excited, even if he kept his usual calm demeanor, "That it does, I look forward to seeing what you produce, then. What would you call this story?"

'You've always liked those cogs and gears and stuff right?'

"Indeed."

'How about… Clockwork Legacy? Or maybe False Continuum?'

'Hmm, both are fitting names. I like them, whichever you choose.'

I smiled, "Good. I'll see to that whenever we have the time, and whenever I get enough of your memories."

After that, I got under my covers and started to go to sleep, Oz retreating again so I could do so in private.

Writing about Oz's life was going to be an interesting venture, but it was also, literally, a story for another day.

(The following is not apart of the book 'Shattered Assumptions')

Somewhere in a Remote Village in Northern Mistral

Raven Branwen was many things. A murderer, a thief, a Beacon graduate, a wanted criminal in all four Kingdoms, dodger of alimony payments, and an (admittedly very shitty) mother. One thing she was not, however, was someone who got played for a fool. So, when the supposed Summer Maiden and her cronies got in contact with her, she knew she was going to have to take every precaution before meeting them.

After all, while Caine had stolen the lamp on her orders, and she was ready to give it to Salem if it meant she would leave the Branwen clan alone, this new piece on the board was an unknown quantity. A variable that had not been accounted for before. Her clanspeople had done research into her. She was a leader of the White Fang and known terrorist. Raven knew that if Orchid did decide to attack her, she would need to be ready.

Raven was confident she could beat her, of course, she had her powers for a lot longer and was undoubtedly much more skilled with them than the other woman was, but it never hurt to be prepared. So, when she went to meet the woman on the roof of a building in a village she had previously been scouting out for a raid, she had Vernal and a couple other clansmen come with her.

Orchid wasn't alone either, she had two of the tallest men that Raven had ever seen standing on either side of her, and a girl with what looked like a journal sitting on the roof further back, idly writing in it. One of the men wore armor that obscured his features, while the other was wearing a coat and regarded her with a neutral expression.

The Summer Maiden was wearing the trademark Grimm mask of her group, as well as the uniform of that group. Raven recognized it well enough, more than a few members of the White Fang had tried to cross the Branwen clan before, and all of them met the same fate. Food for the wolves.

Orchid smiled a deceptively amicable smile, "Raven Branwen. You're something of a legend, did you know that? It's a pleasure."

Raven wasn't one for pleasantries, especially from one who sounded like she knew a thing or two about well-placed and honeyed words. She placed a hand on her hip and regarded the other woman. Raven was also wearing her mask, hiding her own features, "Orchid Grove. What exactly does a member of the White Fang and self-confessed member of Salem's circle want with me?"

The honeybee faunus smirked, "Oh, just one thing, and I think you're the one who's most equipped to give it to me. After all, you're the one who has the Spring Maiden on your side." She regarded Vernal for a moment before returning her gaze to Raven, "I don't want her, though, before you worry."

Raven scoffed, "You would be a buffoon to ask for her, because you won't get her. Now what is it you want? The Relic of Knowledge for your master?"

The Clan Chief would never admit that she was surprised, and a bit taken off guard, when Orchid instead burst out into laughter, doubling over. It sounded melodic and warm, everything that the woman was purported to not be, "Oh no, no!" She stood up straight again, "I don't give a damn about your relic. Salem has waited millenia, she can wait longer for that."

The giant man in the coat sounded uncertain, he spoke in a wary tone with his gravelly voice, "Orchid…"

Orchid looked at him, "Oh relax, Hazel. As if you're one to talk. You're not in this out of loyalty to Salem, are you?" She didn't allow the man to respond before she answered her own question, "Of course not. You only care about Ozpin, and you will get him, don't you worry about that, big boy."

Hazel remained silent and unmoved by Orchid's flirtatious nickname at the end, while Orchid herself turned her attention to Raven, "Don't you worry your pretty face either, Raven. You didn't take the genie out of the bottle for no reason. I can guarantee that Salem will leave you alone for at least the rest of our generation… So long as you play along."

Raven was getting annoyed at the circles Orchid was talking in and responded by crossing her arms, "So what do you want? You're wasting my time." She wasn't going to give the other Maiden the satisfaction of knowing that the idea that Salem would leave the Branwen tribe alone for the rest of her days was a massive relief to her.

Orchid smirked and began to pace back and forth in front of her bodyguards while gazing at Raven, "Simple. Mistral is playing host to a whole group of Beacon students right now. Among them is the Dragon Slayer, Neve Cadere. He will no doubt approach you when you return to Mistral and ask you to return the lamp to its rightful place. I want you to do just that… for a price. Put the lamp back, get him alone, and then capture him. When you do, tell me, and I will tell you where to bring him so I can take him captive."

Raven frowned, "Why?" She wasn't opposed to doing this, but it was odd to her that the other woman would want to single out one among the pack and capture them. It seemed more trouble than it was worth.

The Spring Maiden grinned and spoke in a sickeningly sultry tone, "What? A girl can't want a new plaything?" The tone in her voice made even Raven uneasy, yet Orchid continued, "Right now, he appears to be the leader of that cavalcade of do-gooders, just based on things I've heard from civilians I have… encouraged to speak. They also told me something very interesting." She looked at Hazel and then back at Raven, "Some people claim to have seen him walking and fighting with a cane. A cane with a clockwork design. Do you know what that means?"

Hazel growled under his breath, "Ozpin…"

Orchid giggled, "Exactly, my dear, exactly." She returned to addressing Raven, "There's no doubt in my mind that he is a tough fighter, and we aren't certain if he is the new Ozpin, but that's exactly why I want you to capture him for me. So that I can see him and find out for myself. Then…" Her already existent grin turned predatory, "I will break him. Ozpin or not, he has been too troublesome to allow to remain free. Yet, killing him would be a waste. There's so many better ways I could use a man like that…"

Raven saw that Vernal looked a bit sick and uneasy. She couldn't blame the girl, were she now who she was she would have felt just as uneasy. Yet, whereas Raven didn't like what Orchid was implying or planning, she did like the idea of keeping her clan safe. That was why, in spite of scowling under her mask, she said, "Fine. You'll have your quarry brought to you on a silver platter. Once my people return to our main camp, I will seek him out and find a way to capture him."

Orchid stopped pacing, her grin never faded at the news. Hazel shifted, it was unclear what he was feeling, but Raven was certain he wasn't pleased. The man in the armor was unmoving and impossible to read, while the girl with the journal never looked up from whatever she was writing. After a few moments, Orchid spoke, "Very good, Raven…"

"...I think this will be the start of a very productive partnership."