A/N: I'm not dead. I've rewritten it. Not a whole lot has changed that significantly derails the story. plenty of deleted scenes, like flashbacks and other things, so it's shorter. I did switch up a few things, more details on first chapter.

Tomorrow would tell it all.

They passed the various halls. It wasn't busy by any means, as it was the weekend. Several more days and it would resume. The path between the dormitories and the cafeteria had plenty of traffic. She stopped by one, specifically that had been decorated. She entered a circular hall, and her eyes caught the memorials that had been set up in the corner.

"I heard about them," Naruto muttered. He said nothing else.

There was no else here, many people had already paid their respects. For the two that had been She stood in front, her eyes centered on the portrait of the person. Letters were littered around it, cards, and trinkets.

Weiss didn't know this person, a brown-haired, older boy who was in the third year. The other, a blonde girl in second year.

She had been messaged by Team RRYN to see if they were okay on the day of the attack, she supposed, they were acquaintances. Even Jaune had tried to reach her, everyone that she knew was fine.

She came here to play her respects, she didn't have anything to offer, no memory of him, except a promise. Weiss finished, and noticed him staring intensely at the portraits.

"Let's go, in case the bus arrives early," she said.

"I don't need to repeat the plan, correct?" Weiss asked. At the least, she hoped Naruto was attentive in this matter, if not in his schooling. She was pleased to hear that everyone didn't need too.

Naruto was the first to step off the airbus, he blinked at the droplets that met the city. "What kind of place do we want?"

Weiss frowned at the weather. A rumble in the skies, an ugly, bruised color. She didn't know it was going to rain, she had no umbrella. She led the way to their bus stop.

"It depends, places to hide, or to sneak in?" Blake said. There weren't many people around, no one at their stop, but other routes that led deeper had more.

"Whatever you think might be appropriate, let us try to minimize escape routes as well," she replied.

Blake stared, "They might be doing the same as us,"

"Which mean they would recognize you and Naruto,"

Blake pulled the hood of her raincoat over her features. Solved, the rain would only help. Naruto was busy staring at his surroundings.

"It's a good thing that the weather is with us," Pyrrha said. A bus pulled up that they all got on. It was quiet on the bus, only two other people that sat in front.

She tried not to stare at the other two in the bus. They could potentially be the one who had seen Naruto and Blake. They weren't looking at them when they passed them. They sat at the end.

"So," Naruto said. "All of you know my 'secret' now. I never really considered it one,"

Weiss stared at her scroll, her teammates were green, except for the one blank bar of aura. It made sense that he had possessed none, being from a different place. She still didn't quite know what to think of it yet, either way, she still had to keep it in mind.

"For some reason, it never occurred to me that you wouldn't be like us," Pyrrha said.

"Who was the first to find out?"

"I told Pie, then Blake. Don't tell anyone alright?" So, she had been the last, what did that say?

"The same could be said for my secret," Blake said. Everyone acknowledged it, though, keeping it was another matter.

Weiss started to speak in a hushed tone, "Let us avoid any open and populated areas,"

"Anything else?"

She nodded, "Let's split up, that way we can scout out areas faster, Pyrrha, you're with Blake. Naruto you're with me. We'll continue with the plan,"

They nodded their affirmations. It was a quiet ride that she spent looking at her scroll for suitable enough areas, it was a hard look.

"Why the residential district?"

"As he put it, 'a mutual ground' and I suppose this is it," Blake replied. Her arms and legs were crossed together.

Weiss looked in front, the bus driver eyed the mirror for a moment. She took a breath, trying to settle her nerves. "Did your former group move in?"

"I don't know, I left a while ago, but I wouldn't be surprised."

Weiss mulled it over, but she didn't think of anything new. Blake had chances to turn her over to the White Fang. What would a great captain possibly do in this situation?

"This is our stop," she stood. Naruto followed in step.

The rain picked up, and she was annoyed at the cold rain pricking at her exposed skin. She ignored and pressed on until she found the nearest store.

"What are we doing in here?" Naruto asked.

"so, you won't break our cover," Weiss replied. Trying not to show her annoyance, as it had nothing to do with him. "It's also raining,"

"Riiight, how am I doing that?"

"You're recognizable, since apparently, the leader saw your face,"

She went down the shopping lanes, trying to avoid the few people that wandered around. She had to remind herself that they would be looking elsewhere, but she couldn't leave it to chance. A surgical mask was the best thing she thought of that didn't involve a trip to another district. When she found a package, she took one out and handed it to him.

"Oh~ I get it now," he frowned and sighed. "Is there a scarf or anything?"

"I doubt they have much in a general store," she said. He looked around, eyeing the signs before giving up. "Now put it on, that way they won't recognize you while crossing the street,"

He put it around his ears and tightened the strings, "How doI look?"

"Sick. Now you must act it too, cough. Ugh, you don't have act like you're dying,"

His cheeks pulled back for a moment, "I didn't even think of this, what else?"

At least someone was aware. Another quick look around and she found that they also sold umbrellas. Basic, cheap, but protection from the rain at least. He didn't have a hood either, Pyrrha and Blake had been prepared.

"Pick one, I'll buy it. "she said. He mumbled his thanks and picked out an orange one.

They went to the cashier and bought it with her credit card. They exited and went down a street away from any malls or parks. She had a scroll with the map centered on their location she would have to do this, since Naruto couldn't read.

It was silent between them for a long while. Exceedingly so. He seemed content enough to stare at the buildings and cars passing by. Though, she wasn't particularly surprised.

"Let's talk about school," she said. The only sound was the pitter-patter of the rain, or the splashes as they walked over puddles. Not many braved the weather.

"Sounds awful," he replied.

"You're from another place,"

"Yep,"

"With that in mind, you can speak another language,"

"I guess," he shrugged.

Weiss smiled, an incredible confirmation, now he couldn't deny the next question. "Seeing as you can do that, there must be a form of writing that you can do,"

"Oh crap,"

He made it too easy. She pulled out her scroll to cross out a large section of a neighborhood. "I can't believe you hadn't been writing down notes,"

"You're really determined about this, It's," a pause, "annoying,"

Then, something that she hadn't thought of until now. It made her feel guilty, "Don't you miss wherever you came from?"

"I've already made my mind about it. I had no family anyways,"

He looked forward, at a building surrounded by fences, a large 'keep out' sign. If he said so, then she wouldn't pry further, besides, they had important tasks.

"Perhaps that's a suitable place," she said.

"Alright, lets break some rules,"

"It's for the greater good,"

"The greater good," he replied. They jaywalked across the street and made their way into an alleyway. No one was looking, so they climbed over the fence. Down another revealed a road, a back alley.

In the back of the building, they noticed no lights there were on. It looked to be abandoned.

He pointed to the window on the second floor, "I'll check if there's anyone inside," Like he had done it a thousand times over, he climbed over to the crack in the wall, then to a pipe before finding the window sill. He leaned higher to gather a view, and he placed an ear to the window.

Weiss kept herself busy by keeping watch. Down the empty, rain ridden alleyways, and through the fogged windows. It was hard to spot any movement from the constant pour, but she was certain no one was watching.

"It's empty," Naruto said, he had moved along the length of the windows and jumped down to meet her.

Weiss made her way to door and removed Myternaster, she slashed the chain apart. She threw the pieces somewhere near the dumpster. He was first inside. It was a workshop, a garage, to be exact.

They moved inside, and with her rapier drawn, she moved along and checked her corners for any movement. Naruto hadn't drawn his sword, confident in his own scouting. There were no cars, and any tools were collecting dust. Not as decrepit as she thought. There was a second floor, with a skylight on the roof.

"This looks like a good place," He said. There were places to hide, in the corners, the rooms, or on the second floor.

"A bit small, but I agree," Weiss pulled out her scroll and marked it down. One place had marked on the map by Pyrrha and Blake. They left the building and went on their way.

There back alley was also another suitable place, but it wasn't preferable with the apartments around. They got back on the street and passed by a couple of pedestrians.

"You looked super annoyed earlier, was it the rain?"

"Yes, that was a part of it,"

"A dress isn't so great for rain, guess our great captain can forget stuff too,"

"I'm so glad it's humorous to you. You weren't prepared either,"

"I didn't mind a little rain, but I don't mind if I'm dry either,"

Another lull, "If only we had rentals," she sighed. She couldn't find any available today, only being the other side of the city.

They came across a drained pool and with a courtyard. She marked it down. The rain began to pour harder. This was going to be long day. The rain hadn't let up, and the clouds covered the sky as far as she can see.

"I'm wondering," Naruto murmured, "What makes you want to be a huntress?"

"What made you a want to be a huntsman?" she countered. It was a basic question, she heard many students talking about why they chose this field.

"Well, I'm really good at fighting. So, I thought why not?"

"How modest of you," Weiss replied. It came again, "Before then?"

He smiled, "I wanted to stop people from being idiots, you know, they never stopped from fighting, I wanted no more of that."

"And you'd solve that by fighting?" she asked. He shrugged, and she felt she had to share now. "The legacy of my name has been sullied by my father, and it shall be known that another will restore it,"

He seemed full of smiles today, "So you being the captain is a part of that?"

"More like extra credit,"

"Ah, I get it. And what we're doing now?

She narrowed her eyes, but he wasn't paying much attention, "A step,"

He smiled, "I'm all for it then,"

They'd been searching for hours, but the rain hadn't let up. Her rain coat could only take enough, she felt the rain seep through, or perhaps condensation. Not to mention it was a constant white noise to her sensitive hearing.

She had enough. Pyrrha Nikos was a beautiful girl, a gifted fighter, but she wasn't good at this.

"How long will this farce go on?"

Pyrrha turned, wide-eyed, "excuse me?"

Blake rolled her eyes and continued their pace. "It doesn't take much intuition to know that our peerless leader asked you to keep a watch on me,"

"I– "

"There's no use denying it, or you can, it doesn't really matter either way," Blake interrupted. Pyrrha had stopped walking since she had declared it.

"She did," Pyrrha replied. "We spoke after what happened last week,"

"I wonder what our captain wants, I don't think she's doing this for me out of the kindness of her heart. Then again, I would trust myself over others to dole out justice."

Either way, it was a chance, or it would still end up going horribly wrong for her. Might as well do the best choice. Neither seemed great, just a lesser evil. Still, she made it this far. Staring at the door, waiting for huntsmen or the authorities to show up any minute.

"Perhaps she wanted to give you a chance," Pyrrha said.

Blake didn't agree with that optimistic outlook, but she didn't bother to argue. "Are we going to keep looking, or not?"

Pyrrha joined her, and they wandered the blocks of streets. There was a downpour, not many would hear them.

"So, are you going to tell Weiss?"

"She did say too, and she explained what you might do."

"What's stopping you?"

"I don't know," Pyrrha replied. "You're a kind person, Blake, you're here trying to make a difference. For justice, I think we can put aside our squabbles. I think if you both talked about it, you'd both agree,"

Blake gave a non-committal answer. Weiss' seemed to do that, but she kept her options close, and a change of heart wasn't out of the question. No matter what happened, it seemed to end up with speaking to the authorities. Unless she ran.

They were interrupted by a call, a group one judging by how both of theirs rang. Blake ignored hers, instead standing close to Pyrrha.

"Pyrrha? Blake?"

"We're here," Blake responded.

"Naruto, you don't need to do that, just, press the red button right there," Weiss said. Amusing. "Anyway, we've found more than enough. There's a hotel near Gladys Park, we'll be heading there, I'll send you the room number if we get there first,"

Blake looked over the map, there were several lines crossed over streets, places to avoid. Circles that denoted suitable areas, with a couple notes scrawled beside them. Judging by where Weiss was last, they would reach it first.

"Okay," Pyrrha said, "We'll see you there."

How lucky for them that the rain began to settle when they were done with the day. She hoped it was no omen. They found the nearest bus route that led to the park, then it was a short walk to the hotel.

Blake was surprised it wasn't a luxurious hotel, or at least something to Weiss' tastes. A basic neon sign placed vertically that spelled hotel. Though, perhaps the residential district wasn't the place for it. Weiss had messaged the room.

Pyrrha led the way through the lobby, the clerk paid no attention to them. They caught the elevator to the second floor and got to their room number.

Weiss was the one to answer the door, Naruto sat near the window, staring out as he drummed the table in a rhythm.

"Pyrrha, here's your room key. I managed to find a car rental, and they reserved a couple for pick up for tomorrow morning,"

It would have been useful today, but the attack had put a lot of things on hold. The rooms were merged together, judging by the open door near the entrance. They held the same things, but for now she kept in sight.

Weiss looked to them both, a silence descended on them, "I'm going to get food for us, so I'll be back."

She left, and Blake felt she could relax without her here. She sat down on a sofa, the only sound being the rain hitting against the window that Naruto seemed to enjoy staring at. Pyrrha set down her gear that she brought and busied herself with it.

Her shield wasn't the subtlest thing to carry around, and her armor she kept in a bag couldn't be comfortable after some time. Pyrrha busied herself with it, drying the pieces with a cloth. Blake brought out a book, finding it disappointingly damp. It was Naruto that broke the odd silence

"Pyrrha? Mind if I speak to Blake alone for a little?" he asked. Pyrrha's eyes flickered between them. "I mean, we're only talking, you can take the scrolls– "

"No," Pyrrha replied. "It's fine, really. I'll just take a shower,"

She gathered her gear, and went into the other room, before long the shower was running.

"You got rid of my chaperone," Blake muttered.

"huh," he blinked. "I was just thinking that you would be more willing to talk without her. Anyway, so far so good I'd say. Been a whole week, and no huntsmen have come to get you,"

He was awfully optimistic despite how glum he looked all the time, "I suppose it lasted this long, that still leaves the end. I'd like to plan for that, worst-case scenario I get imprisoned,"

"That wouldn't be right,"

"Lots of things aren't right, but they still happen anyway. I'd rather not waste away locked up," the good thing is what kind of evidence would they have to put her away?

"Well, I would do something about it,"

She leaned back, eyes narrowing, "You do know what you're talking about?"

"Of course," he replied. He fiddled with his thumbs, "I don't know how to say it, but I only know what I know, and that's doing right,"

"I don't really understand,"

"You're trying to better yourself," he shrugged. "Like I've been saying, talk to Rice,"

Blake mulled over his words and their implications. She'd rather not talk to Weiss, it probably wouldn't lead anywhere. Then his words came to mind, but she didn't bother to delve on them, "For your sake, let's hope it works out. I'd hate to be right,"

"I hate to be wrong,"

Tomorrow they would know, after all.

"Can you keep your feet off the dash? It's not safe," Weiss said. "It's also a rental,"

It was too bad that he couldn't find any sturdy sandals. It's what he was used too, but these shoes would have to do. He pulled out his scroll and tried to fiddle with it again. Their group communication. Each portrait highlighted whenever they talked.

"Blake, did you manage to set it up?"

"I did, how does it sound?"

"A little muffled, but it'll work."

"Okay, I won't be able to hear you once I'm apart from Pyrrha,"

This technology was different than he was used too, and he didn't understand the words on the screen. The symbols were straightforward once he knew what they did.

Pyrrha appeared on the screen, a video feed. She stared ahead, as she was the one driving. S

"I can see you, looks alright," he muttered.

He could hear the hum of the car's engine that ran from her video, "we're almost there" Pyrrha said. She put down the scroll, pointed toward the roof, he saw them at the edges of the screen.

Weiss turned the engine on, but they were still parked. All they had to do was wait and race to where the meeting might be held.

Naruto bounced his leg restlessly, he looked out the window. It was still raining from yesterday. Nestled by the passenger door, he gripped Kusanagi by the pommel, knuckles going white.

"We're here," Pyrrha said. Breaking him from his thoughts.

"It begins," Weiss said.

Blake exited the car, her door slamming shut. The pitter patter of the rain, the incoherent mutters of the crowd, the brushes against the microphone.

Through the video feed, Pyrrha kept it centered on Blake through dark tinted windows. She stood in front of a café for some long minutes.

"Did you talk to Blake?" Pyrrha asked.

"No, I've been busy with trying to plan,"

He frowned, but it was too late now. Blake wasn't going to be locked up, he was going to make sure of it. For now, he'd focus on this.

"Well, it looks like you guys are serious," A muffled voice said. Their attention was brought to the screen. It was hard to see; a lightly bearded man had a cigarette to his mouth. He took a drag and blew it out.

It didn't seem like the man he had seen last week.

"We were exclusive, you joined, or you didn't," Blake replied. The man hummed.

"I sure recognize you, even without the mask," he tapped his forehead. "You were right beside that leader of yours,"

He noticed Weiss clenched the scroll tightly, she grimaced. Naruto refocused on the video, where Blake had crossed her arms, "Not now,"

"Of course, names Morde,"

She introduced herself, "Now, where too?

They traded a few places, until they came upon an agreement. Strangely enough, it was the garage that they had been too first. They separated and agreed to follow.

"That's a straight shot for them," Weiss muttered, he started to drive the car, "I doubt we'll be able to make it before them,"

"It'll work out," Pyrrha said.

They hit the first red light, Weiss gripped the wheel, "We planned for this,"

Blake returned to the car, a deep sigh. "Follow that car, see it? The red one,"

It was silent, only the hum of the car and the passing traffic. He could tell everyone was preparing what they came for, as he was doing the same. They hit another red light, the traffic surged to stop. Naruto peered outside the window, it seemed awful slow. He looked to the rooftops and imagined himself running through the cold rain.

"Where are you?" Pyrrha asked.

"We're almost there,"

"Okay, we have to go," The last thing he saw from the video was them putting on masks. Apparently, in similar style of the White Fang.

"Be safe," Weiss sighed as the they both dropped from the audio.

He thought about the split up. Stick together, but there would be no surprise attack. In this approach, Blake and Pyrrha were vulnerable. What bothered him was that he didn't know which was best.

"To let you know, I'll be calling the authorities," Weiss replied.

He shrugged, it didn't matter too much. "Give her a chance," it was all he could say. She didn't reply, only pulling out her scroll.

They parked down by the street, near the alleyway. By the time they got out, she was done speaking. There was no one around, and he was the first to the reach the alleyway. He peered down but saw nothing.

He felt his heart start to hammer in his ears, the tips of his fingers being electrified. He felt goosebumps, and it was enough to make him shiver.

"Let's hurry," she rushed forward.

He almost felt breathless, he remembered how the door creaked and groaned, "How are we supposed sneak in?"

"There might be roof access, but our best bet is the sky light," she unsheathed her weapon, they were close. They stopped before another alley, checking it before moving on.

He could die here.

He stopped for a moment but pressed forward. Weiss completed some movements, and up ahead, by the building a glyph appeared on the ground.

"Go first, step on it, then jump. Try to land quietly,"

Naruto didn't hesitate. For that moment, it felt like he had chakra again. He was in the air, higher than the building. His momentum stopped, and he came down, like instinct, he made his landing silent.

He itched for it. His skin felt each droplet of rain, he could hear the drowning white noise of the rain.

There was a skylight, a generator, and a latch. They could do a stealth approach if it was unlocked. Weiss landed behind him and he motioned to follow. He pulled slightly, and it gave way for a stroke of luck. It was dark inside the simple storage room. Numerous shelves littered the entire wall, and another closed door, but it was empty.

Weiss went down first, and he followed. When he closed the latch, he could hear them.

"I know not what awaits us, but for those taken by Grimm, there will be no rest."

Weiss turned the knob, but the door squeaked, and she stopped immediately. It felt a whistle to his ears. They stopped breathing.

"We shall help each other, in whatever way, money, men, or resources. To take or to give–"

The person continued to talk, and nothing was out of place.

Weiss closed her eyes, took a breath, she pulled it fast. Not another creak. Enough room to go through. Now, the voice echoed in the shop as they crept closer. There was no one on the second floor.

"I offer a partnership, and we shall work together to save all those souls, such as those the week before– "

He didn't know what came over him, one moment, he was crouching, the next, he jumped over the railing and landed behind them.

Pyrrha and Blake were on the other side. Masked and tense, they could only stare.

"What the fuck are you on about?" Naruto asked. Everyone else turned to him, three of them drew their weapons. He recognized the mask, the one right before the explosion. He was the one stood atop the roof and waved to him.

"I know you," he said. His voice was deep, and smooth. "You avoided salvation,"

"I think you don't understand what that means pal,"

The man waved his hand, the others lowered their weapons, but kept it in hand. Morde, was the only one who had no mask. His companions kept a careful eye on Blake and Pyrrha.

"None of you are a part of the White Fang, at least not anymore,"

"You think you're saving people? I don't think I've met anyone more deluded,"

"Youthful ignorance is a sight to behold," the man replied. Naruto could see the green eyes behind his mask. "I was not gifted with any vision, nor had it come with a reverie. I have seen it with my own eyes. No more shall be offered,"

"You're crazy," Naruto said. He drew Kusanagi, and everyone followed his action. He couldn't even make out what they used their weapons for, firearms weren't out of the question.

"I, Soterios, will save you," he reached behind his back. A strange whip, but it was no rope, instead it pieces of blades were strung along the length. He could only ask himself on how that worked.

"Your name won't matter after today,"

White glyphs appeared above, a hand grasped his shoulder, the other palm facing forward. It was chaos as missile fired at these maniacs. He flinched from a flash, a bang and his ears rung.

Something whipped toward Weiss, and he met it with Kusanagi to knock it away. The bladed whip, it wrapped around the edges and pulled him forward. It nearly knocked him off his feet.

It didn't make sense, but there was no time to think.

Soterios leapt forward with his underling, he angled his pommel, a white flash. Something stung him, hot and wet. Weiss met the other with her rapier in hand.

It was his turn to pull. He lurched him forward, and with a fist held high, smashed his stupid mask. Soterios hit the ground.

Weiss was in trouble. Knocked back with a kick, she was wide open. He threw a shuriken, it didn't sink, instead a blue shimmer deflected it off his head. The man flinched, as if it sunk.

"What th–"

His legs were swept and fell on his back. Knocking his breath away. A long blade descended on his neck. His body moved of its own accord, his hands twisted Kusanagi, laying flat along his body to his face.

It's death edge blocked, instead it was a cold slap to his face when it reached him. He saw stars, but he kicked where Soterios stood. His foot connected, and he rolled backward and onto his feet to meet him again.

Naruto swung, and made the man lose his weapon. He was left open for the kick and his opponent was blown through glass and into a room.

His arm felt sore, and his ears still rung. He should be moving faster, he should be hitting harder. Naruto shook his head to get back his senses.

Something was thrown out, a small black orb with smoky tendrils. It collapsed in, disappearing. He no longer felt the floor, and he was pulled toward it, as well as everything near it. Glass shards and dust. He covered his face, and he lost the grip of his weapon.

He went through the broken glass, pulling him toward the wall. He angled his knees and hands, catching himself before gravity returned. A revelation, it was like Nagato.

Naruto heard a muted yell, and he caught Soterios' fist. They traded blows, but for each time he managed to hit, a dark shimmer of aura appeared. What the fuck was this aura business?

They ended in a grapple, trying over power one another. He pushed him back, but the grip still held strong.

Flashes of red and blue.

"It won't end here!"

Naruto headbutted him, cracking the mask; he should have learned the first time how hard one can be, like concrete.

Soterious let go and managed to get under him. Naruto then felt how it was to be used as a wall smasher. He was thrown through a wall.

He recovered, only to witness how he summoned that strange ability.

Two hands hovered over his chest, dark smoky orbs formed in the palm of each hand. Like he was trying to grab his heart. He threw both, one ahead, and behind him.

Naruto knew what would happen, he hung onto a beam. He felt himself being pulled like last time. Shaking off his disorientation, Naruto peered behind him.

Several moving bodies littered the floor, everything had been thrown around. He noticed Weiss first, staggering to her feet, her light blue eyes found him. "Go get him!" she commanded. She focused on the others.

It was good enough for him. He ran after Soterios, clambering over the collapsed heap of the second floor and through a hole in a wall.

He noticed several people running down the alleyway, and he was about to give chase. Someone else was there to meet him, blocking his way. An older woman, olive-toned skin and brown hair. A couple others pointed their weapons at him. She held a staff in her hand, edge first in the concrete ground.

She said something, lips moving, but he only heard the constant ringing in his ear.

"What?" he yelled.

She said it louder this time, "I said, don't move, or we'll shoot,"

It was the authorities. There was still a light drizzle in the alleyway, and flashing lights reflected off the windows.

"Someone's running," he said breathlessly. He grimaced, he could have caught the bastard.

"My partners are already on it," she replied. The woman hummed, and motioned to her forearm, "You're bleeding,"

He patted it, but it didn't hurt. "It's not mine,"

A voice came from inside, "Madam! these younger ones are claiming to be from Beacon academy,"

"Really?" the woman said, "I went there too. I wonder what Ozpin has to say about all this. It'll take a moment to confirm if it's true, team name?"

"NPBW,"

A smile, "For now, you can call me Amber,"