Volume CRBN!

by Dancesnapple

Four individuals. Four different people of different walks of life resulting in an adventure. Hopefully, a bond that can last. Team CRBN (carbon). Features: OC Main character, main team has two OCs alongside a lovable crime duo, and some family drama on all sides. Features a 'soundtrack' element for the fic. ENJOY! Story begins on third listed chapter. Very slow start.

9. 7 Boy Blue Man On The Moon

Chapter Seven: Boy Blue. Man on the Moon.

Late day. The sun barely hovered over the horizon, obscured behind clouds with a rapidly darkening landscape. The darkening forests were split with a concrete road. Lights illuminate the highway as a black elongated car drives through.

In the front seat, a suited man with a black hat and sunglasses drives, eyeing the sign. 'Speed Up To 70 MPH for Grimm Hazard'. "Hmph." His foot pushes down, speed going up. Reaching down, he picks up a radio receiver. "Ma'am, I'll be speeding through a Grimm hazard area. Please be comfortable-"

"Grimm? I wanna see!" A high pitched, demanding voice shouts, voice coming through the front speakers.

A mature, commanding tone shouts the whiny voice down. "Keep bouncing incessantly, and I'll leave you to them!" A sigh came through. "And if your driving spills my drink, I'll have your guts for garters, Mr."

"Oh! Spill her drink, I wanna see-" He releases the switch on the receiver, saving his ears from the obvious child's pompous command.

The man glanced about, vigilant, moments passing as the road dips downward. Driving through, the limo speeds through, as smooth as can be until an object comes into view. An overturned civilian truck. He keys the radio on again. "Ma'am, it may get bumpy, there's wreckage on the road."

The older mature voice comes back in. "Oh, just leave it to country hooligans to try and make me late."

In the back cab of the limo, a snobbish sigh comes, a woman in a pearly white business suit glancing out the window in disgust. The woman has tan skin and saturated violet hair in a shoulder length cut, brushed only to one side. Reflective sun glasses cover her eyes.

Beside her, looking out the window, is a much smaller body, a child. A girl, in a pink sun dress and brown shoes. The little girl looks out the window, seeing the overturned vehicle pass on by behind them. "Oooo. That's so cool."

The adult scoffs, bringing a glass with a dark liquid up. "Oh, you see one liquored up hillbilly total his wrecker, you've seen 'em all." She takes a sip. "The only sight I've yet to see in life is George begging sweet mercy if he makes us late for another meeting!"

The driver's voice comes through a speaker inside the cab, calm and collected. "Wouldn't dream of it, Ma'am."

"Hmm." The woman glances down at her scroll for information. A map of the roads leading into the inner Vale territories, with a single route highlighted blue down into the heart of Vale city.

The car drives past a broken segment of the highway, a red splash on the ground, still liquid crimson. The tinted window hides the excited child. "Mama?" No response. "Mom!" Nothing. "Maaaa-"

A groan from the woman, losing her composure. "What is it?"

"I have to pee." The simple whine got a light scowl from the woman.

"Then hold it."

"But I'll die!"

"Much more dignified than that hillbilly wrecker back there." The woman side glances at the girl. Said girl simply quivers in place with a light whimper. "Ugh! Alright..." The woman sighs in defeat. "George, stop the car atop the bend ahead."

"As you wish, Ma'am." The limo rises up the next hill, exiting the canyon. Smoothly, it slows to a stop, The driver, George, exiting the car to reveal thick fur around the base of his neck, sticking out of the collar of his suit.

Coming round, he opens the cab as a little body comes out. The little chuckle from the kid man him sigh. The adult spoke from inside the car. "Go with her, George."

George looks back towards the girl slowly sinking into the woods. He flinches off from the vehicle. "Miss, get back from the woods!"

The girl voice shouts back. "I can't pee out in the open!"

"It's dangerous!" He yells back at the little girl.

Suddenly, the woman in the cab scoffs. "What? Are you both deaf and dumb? Go after her!" The man begins to march after the little girl, his face hardening as the elite woman snobbishly mutters. "Who ever heard of a faunus not liking the woods? Honestly!"

George follows after the girl, who weaves through the bushes. "Miss, please slow down-" as he gets whipped in the face by a branch. Getting around it, he looks down, finding nothing. He flinches around, snapping his gaze back and forth. "Miss? Miss, where are you?!" His hand reaches in as he removes a handgun.

He passes a tree, scanning ahead of him, but the girl oops out from behind the tree, sneaking off to the side. Moving through the branches, she starts taking in the sights. It wasn't long that she found a particularly hidden bundle of growth, shimmying through two bushes.

She pips out into a small open spot, grin set on her lips. Sucking in a breath, she stops with wide eyes. Before her sits... fabric? Some time of fabric, molded and crusty. The way the fabric sat with... blackened material ingrained and connecting the pieces.

What was weirder was that the grass around it was a lifeless shriveled tan, like straw almost. The grass was dead. That's when she put it together. This was a person! Or... a body, rather. Holy crap she found a body!

Sucking in a breath with wide eyes, the girl steps around in a circle around the body. It wore a dirty white cloak with a red interior. Next to it sat a metal contraption, some type of bladed weapon pristine! "Wow!" A grin forms.

She pauses. Wait. She needs to find a stick! Glancing about, the girl's eyes light up upon a fallen branch. One pink eye and one brown eye each widen upon seeing a shoe next to the branch. She glances up, seeing the dark shades spot by the tree. And she finds a boy.

Five Hours After Incident

Carmine sits in the corner between two large roots. His breathing is ragged, entirely curled in on itself. His staggered breathing and light twitches are the only motion, but the girl tilts her head upon looking further.

He's asleep, one hand over his head and one in hos lap, gripping a weapon, a large revolver much too big for the small boy. She then looks at his hands... covered in dried blood, blackened and cracking off.

She glances around the grass, finding blades of grass around with blood... some of it fairly fresh? But all in the dead grass long dried.

She tilts her head, lightly picking up the branch. Slowly, she pokes it at the boy, nudging his shoulder. She was not expecting the reaction.

Carmine's wild unhinged eyes snap open, all limbs flailing as he kicks out. The girl flinches back, the kick missing. Carmine jolts about, steadying himself in a loud gasp as he raises his gun towards the girl. He stares with bloodshot eyes, red in the face.

The girl blinks twice, tilting her head and raising her hands. "Uh, Hi?"

Carmine deeply inhales, eyes still wide, hands shaking on the gun grip. "G-g-g-" The boy twitches, unable to speak. Eyes raw of shed tears, his stare hardens. "Go away!" Throat raw, his breath chokes up, a feeble glare at the girl.

Before either can speak further, the bushes ten feet behind the girl shake open, George stepping through with his gun out. "Is that you, Miss-"

Carmine whips his aim wild towards the man, fear filling him as he pulls the trigger for two shots. George ducks away, through the bushes, and behind a tree. The shots miss entirely, hitting another tree and another bush in explosive bursts. "GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

The violent display didn't affect the girl, despite the wind from one bullet brushing the pink side of her bob cut hair. Rather, her grin widens as she leans towards the gun barrel. "So cool!"

She lowers to a kneeling position, now close enough to touch the gun if she wanted. The smile and complete disregard for the boy confuses Carmine. George's voice calls out from cover. "Miss! Get away from him. You must get to safety!"

The girl snaps her gaze back and forth between Carmine and George's cover. Back and forth again. Once more. She grins wide, looking the boy in the eye. "Oh, let me talk!" She sits down fully on the ground, shuffling back until she sits by the confused boy.

She coughs and chuckles before putting on a frown. "Oh no! He's not letting me leave. Get Mama!" The concern drops as she holds and contains a giggle.

"I'll be right back, Miss! Don't hurt her you thug!" George says as his voice retreats.

Carmine's mouth drops, snapping between the girl and the distance voice. "Wha-?" He looks back and forth. His emotions stutter, hampered by confusion. He shakes it off, glaring at her. "Go away!"

The girl's expression goes neutral, merely blinking at him. She looks down to the... well, it looks far too old to be considered a corpse. "In a minute." She inched towards the it, reaching towards it with a stick. "Is this a-"

The girl is roughly shoved to the side, landing hard on her side. Carmine stands over her, eyes wide, scared, furious, in agony. "DON'T TOUCH HER!" His ragged breath chopped as his eyes slowly trailed to it...

His balance was off, swaying forward and back with his eyes twitching. A shake of his head, as his off hand comes up... and he sees the crusted dried blood. A faint gasp turns to a whimper as he drops. His eyes clench shut, head dropping as he shook back and forth.

The girl winced getting up, pouting with a glare at the boy. The look softened up, seeing him curl in on himself. She looked back and forth between him and the corpse. Looking away in a pout, she gets up, shuffling over beside the kid. Silently, she drops into sitting Indian style.

Sitting to Carmine's right, her left hand comes up. Her eyes lock on the boy as she gentle pokes his shoulder twice. He chokes out a breath, clenching his eyes more. Waiting two seconds, she double taps again.

Slowly, he sucks in a breath, looking up at her, desperate. "What do you want?"

She raises a brow as her right hand waves around them. "... You find something cool in the woods, you poke it." Her eyes spare a quick glance at the body in front of them. "Sorry I tried to poke... her?" The boy's eyes strained at the mention, so she continued. "So, I'm poking you now."

His look dulled with confusion as she double taps his shoulder twice more. The nudges were now hard enough to lightly shake Carmine back and forth.

Double tap. Double tap. Carmine's jaw slowly opened, but nothing came out. Double tap. Double tap. Double- Carmine's free hand snaps up, swatting away the girl's hand both pokes. "Stop it! What's wrong with you?"

She simply giggles, holding a hand out. "My name is Neopolitan. What's yours?"

Neopolitan – Age 5

His wide eyes looked down at the girls' hand, then back to her. He shrinks back from her, looking at her suspicious. Despite the bloodshot eyes, the girl seemed utterly immune to his current state. Looking at her hand, his eyes trail to his own hand, dried blood still on it.

As his hand starts to withdraw, Neopolitan huffs at him. "It's rude not to shake." His wide eyes stare at her, incredulous, as he raises the hand, waving a particularly red spot towards her. However, she snatches the hand, giving a shake and a proud smile. "There we go."

Pulling the hand back, she simply wipes the hand off. Carmine just stares at her, but loses interest. Eyes narrowing, he trails back to the corpse. "S-sorry. Just leave me alone, please."

Frowning, the girl huffs. "Not... until you answer me."

He glares at her, face fallen. Drained and tired, hurt and alone, the last thing he wants to deal with is this... whatever the hell this is! "Carmine! Now, please go away!"

A short distance through the growth, an incredulous voice shouts. "I most certainly will not!" The violet haired business world stepped confidently around the trees. George walks behind her, pleading in posture.

"Ma'am, he has a gun with your daughter!"

"And his future is six feat under where he currently stands. Just stay away you useless scaredy cat!" She marches out of the bushes, finding her child pouting, and the other looking raw and spent, glaring hatefully.

The children notice, the mystery boy flinching back and raising that double barreled gun at her. His eyes widen, fear evident. "No! Go away!" His flailing threw his aim off, two staggered shots zipping past the business woman into the trees behind her... she didn't flinch, only narrowing her eyes.

A slender hand reaches up, removing the woman's sunglasses. Cold, hard brown eyes stare down at the boy. Carmine froze under the scrutiny, hands shivering. He felt cold just looking at the woman. What... was this? A cold sweat built as their eye contact continued, breathing building up.

Her eyes left Carmine, glancing at the deadened center of the clearing.

Carmine collapses, gasping as his eyes drop from the woman, body shivering. As if his throat had been clenched for a solid minute until released by her stare alone. Beside him, Neopolitan winces in sympathy.

"Boy, what happened here?" The woman's voice was even, with a dark undertone.

The redhead gulps, gritting his teeth as he raises his eyes towards her. Weird... that feeling wasn't there. Only then did the question process, eyes widening as he looks at the body. His breath shakes, stuttering.

"Eyes to me, boy."

His attention centers on her as they meet eyes again. Like a wave, he feels heavy, unnaturally hot. His breath heavy, he gasps.

Only an instant later, it was gone. No, not gone. It morphed into the opposite. His face regained some color, chest light. He felt somehow... free and in a grasp at the same time. The woman raises a brow, speaking slower. "Now speak."

Taking a moment, failing to make his first few words, he frowns and mutters. "G-Grimm attack..."

The woman raises a brow, glancing at the corpse. Just as before, the hold on Carmine loosens, normal weight within his thoughts and chest. She didn't give him the time to process. "This one... were they-"

"She!" Carmine snaps, eyes wide as he gulps. Stupid. Stupid decision.

It didn't hurt him, however. The woman huffs. "SHE then. I'm assuming she was traveling with you if you're that insistent?"

"Y-yes..."

The woman knelt by the body, side glancing when Carmine's grip on Heulin' Noon twitches. "How long ago did this occur?" Her voice now inquisitive, higher in pitch.

Carmine's eyes darkened. His eyes stung as he struggled to speak, yet in a snap, the feeling quelled. The woman's eyes were on him again. Frown remaining, he answers. "Today..."

"Hmph." George grunts, muttering only enough for the woman to hear. "Body is decomposing, naturally from the look. No sign of a corrosive substance."

"Anything is possible with Grimm these days." The woman shrugs at the guard's analysis. "Though thank you for your unwanted opinion."

"Apologies." George answers, stepping forward. He snaps his gun up, aiming at a wide eyed Carmine. "Sorry, kid."

Before the trigger pulls, Neopolitan steps between them, glaring. "Hey! He's my friend!"

"He held you hostage!"

The violet haired woman scoffs. "Oh please, Neo outsmarts you regularly. At this point, I should stop criticizing you and just complement her."

Neo's eyes brighten at the words, but George glances back at the boss. "Ma'am, we're going to be behind schedule, and the kid will just suffer out here."

Neo's mouth opens, looking between them before she grins. "Oh! He can come with us! Can I keep him?" The suggestion causes the boy to jolt back, eyes wary.

The woman scowls at her daughter. "Absolutely not! Dear god, the incident with the gerbil alone!" She sighs, glancing at Carmine. "Was this woman your mother?" Her question pulls the boy away from the moment, eyes spacing out.

"How would you feel about coming to the island of Patch?" A brilliant warm smile.

She's... really gone. His eyes drop, shoulders dropping. Arms hand limp, heart feeling a vice grip. Without a word, he shakes his head in answer.

The woman raises a brow, turning back to the corpse. She eyes the naginata on the ground by it. That makes things easy. It's a Huntress's weapon. "This woman was a Huntress, then?" Glancing back at Carmine. His eyes couldn't reach her. It was rather odd to watch the weight of the world bear down on a child's shoulders. No matter how many times one sees it, never does it not bring an unsettling feeling.

She continues. "And where was she taking you?"

What's the point in resisting? "... Vale... city."

Neo brightened. "See, Mama? We can-" She's silenced by a hard stare from the older female.

"How convenient." The woman turns back to Carmine. "Where in the City of Vale? You have family there?" Strangely, she saw conflict in the boy. He cringed at it, brow scrunched. With a heavy sigh, he nods mute. The woman groans, pinching her nose. "Well, one can't expect me to leave a child to starve and get eaten in the woods."

George double takes. "That's exactly what one wou- Wait, you did exactly that to those street rats in Haven!"

"A word more out of your mouth, and I'll have you scrubbing sand out of your sunken in eyes, Mr." She glares at the driver, stepping from the corpse with an attitude. "Besides, there's a world of difference between thieving monsters and country mongrels that lost the birth lottery." She then adds under her breath. "Besides, citizens of Vale certain have SOME money for a reward of such."

George lost all fight, looking away. "Oh, I see."

She glances at Carmine. "I'll be confiscating this weapon, dear. Take another pot shot and you'll be dropped at an orphanage in Vacuo."

At the boy simply remaining quiet with wide eyes, she snatches the naginata. A quick examination has the woman smirking. "Excellent make and craftsmanship." Finding a switch, the weapon folds into its holster form. "Ah, ha! Now, George, gather the belongings in these bags. Take them back to the car."

The faunus chokes back a sigh. "Of course, Ma'am."

"And watch the attitude." She warns. Next glare is for her daughter. "Get back to the car, NOW!" Neo giggles and nods, marching off. The mother shakes her head at the girl. "Girl's an ass... And you." Meeting Carmine's eyes once more. "My name is Misty Rhodes."

Carmine watches the driver gather Summer's bag, the pit in his gut sinking further. A moment passes before he glances back. "C-Carmine Uhlric... Ma'am?"

The business woman smiles, cocky. "Ah, manners at last. Now, follow Neo... after emptying that gun."

Carmine gulps, clutching the weapon close. However, his stare held no fire. Not enough will to argue. His arm raises into the air, both hands on the grip. He pulls three times. The first two pulls fire shots into the branches above. The third clicks, out of ammo. Arms dropping in defeat, Carmine turns and shuffles.

Stopping once, he looks over his shoulders, one last look... His eyes clench shut as he runs after the strange girl.

Exiting the woods slowly, Carmine found himself at the limo, Neo sitting inside the open door. Swinging her legs out, she stares at him as he stands out in the grass. "..."

"..." He remains in place, staring at the car.

Just moving to another person taking control of his life again. First with Killian. Second with Su-... Summer. He gulps, eyes trailing down. Images run through his head. A woman shot in the street. A man bleeding out on concrete... A blackened, decomposed corpse. Unbidden, the thought entered his mind. What would he lose this time?

On that matter... who the hell was this woman? Killian held nothing back, neither did Cal or Earl. She was sent by... Him. Sure, Roman spent most of his time berating Carmine and, well, anyone really. He never really got Roman's story, but can guess some parts.

This encounter was just... random? Fate? A spark of anger lit at that. Blood simmered. Fate implies something set this up, and if such a thing existed, the boy would surely go against it. No, better to think about it differently. Just another terrible situation coming after another.

What was the saying? Misery and dominoes of something. Either way, these people were going to take him to Vale... He didn't want to go to Vale, but just like Su- SHE said, there wasn't anything for him to go back to. Nowhere but to Him.

Flick against his head, he recoils in a yelp. He stumbles back from Neo, now in front of him. He snaps back in a glare. "Hey!"

She simply chuckles, grabbing him by the shirt and tugging him towards the car...

. . .

Eight days since the incident in Sanctuary, now. Four days since the last update from Jared. Four days since he called Summer. The sun shined through the windows, illuminating the office. The view looked over the entire city of Vale.

He'd been optimistic, of course. Well, as much as one could. News of a storm knocking out typical communications with the north west region turned out quite comforting, in a way. At the desk, Professor and Headmaster Ozpin sat, leaned to one side.

Most of the Hunter teams had returned in that time. The first years had been sent out on their hunts now that the third and fourth years have returned. The second years should be returning any moment. A thought occurred, that he really shouldn't be able to so casually switch between grading Hunter performance summaries and worrying about the death of his son.

Then again, shouldn't he? Every day feels like a repeat of another day, whether that former day was experienced through a different pair of eyes or not. Emotional attachment was natural, of course, but so to was detachment.

He'd always been aware of this, and detachment had always seemed to help in times of pressure. The best and brightest was sent, so it's only logical that they would arrive soon... right.

Although, it didn't make things easier when Mr Xiao Long called. OR Mr Branwen. Both Huntsmen were each equally confused on the disappearance of their former team leader overnight. Although, Mr Branwen seemed to accept the Professor's vague responses a little too well. If Mr Branwen managed to connect Ozpin to Summer's disappearance, he didn't outwardly show it.

The door to the office flies open, a man with thick glasses and spiked back hair slides in, fast. "Mr Ozpin, Teams SHRU and NETR have returned from their missions to the southern marsh hunts. Only one injury reported with NETR's member Raye. He's currently in the infirmary."

Ozpin looks up at the man, his features masking any reaction. He calmly takes a grasp of his coffee cup. "Thank you, Oobleck. I'm sure you require some rest after the hunt. I'll stop by and pay the student a visit."

Professor Oobleck nods, speaking swiftly. "Yes, yes, rest is good for the weary. Be sure to be doing the same, sir! Might I say, you're looking weary yourself!" With that, the man seemingly slides back out of the room, ever strange in his near super speed movements.

Ozpin blinks, mildly shocked. He brings up his scroll, screen blank and reflecting his image. Ah! Damn it. His eyes gave him away with the dark hued bags. Sleep seemed to be escaping him. With a sigh, he stood up from the desk, beginning his march out of the room.

However, he halted at the exit, staring once more out to the sunrise. It's strange to feel this way again. The first time since beginning.

. . .

This is weird. Even the commodity of sitting in a car feels somehow... new after the last week. Carmine sits in the leather seating. What the hell would he do after this? Go back to school? And what? No way in hell could he look anyone in the eye without questioning them.

Okay, so he wasn't exactly social before... Huh, he really, really is alone now. And it's all his fault. His mess up. If he wasn't a factor, none of this would ever have-

A rough kick to his leg snapped the boy out of his thoughts. Wincing with the sting, he glares up. A weird limo cab having seats across each side. Miss Misty and Neo sat in the traditional seats while Carmine sat across from them, seat facing backwards.

Neo huffed in boredom. "You don't talk much." A strand of pink hair fell over her face, making her blow it out.

"A trait you should pick up." The mother states off hand, staring into her scroll screen. Carmine's glare morphs, an incredulous stare sent at the mother. The woman meets the stare behind her sunglasses. "You have a comment, boy?"

Unconsciously, boy tenses and tucks his chin. His eyes narrow as he looks away. The movement didn't escape the watchful eyes. However, Neo's brown shoes kick up, cross, and rest on Carmine's knee like a foot rest.

He stares at the offending limbs before jerking his knee to knock them off. A harsh glare meets pink and brown amused eyes. "Stop it."

The girl tilts her head and looks at her mother. Said mother spares a glance before pulling opena compartment and fixing up an alcoholic drink. Neo grins and looks back at Carmine. "No."

George's voice calls over the speakers. "Ma'am, we will be increasing speed through the next 20 miles. We're currently thirty minutes behind schedule."

Misty huffs. "Oh who cares for speed limits. Speed the whole way. This wine won't last me with TWO children back here."

Rather than a verbal response, the three passengers lurch with the acceleration. Neo and Misty merely press deeper into the cushioned seats, but Carmine lurches forward, stumbling and landing face first into the edge of the leather seats between the females. "Ack!?" He yelps out in pain at the hit.

Pulling himself up, he steadies himself, glaring at the two. "Seat belts are important, dumb dumb." Neo states in a giggle.

Carmine glowers at her. "There..." He looks behind him, then back to her. "Aren't any!"

The tri colored girl's smile widens. "Why the back seats are better."

Misty groans. "This limo isn't sold with intent to go over twenty miles an hour in an inner city." Carmine's eyes widen, snapping to the window and the rapidly passing trees. A blur of greens and browns! Looking back with wide eyes, she huffs. "Like I'm going to travel in anything less than comfort. What am I? A pauper?"

"Scroooooge!" Neo whisper screams in a sing song tone. Carmine shakes his head, getting back in his seat across from the two.

The ride went on, Carmine warily watching Misty check her scroll. Briefly, he'd wondered about trying to call someone himself, it's a mobile scroll, communicates with CCT towers. A lack of those at hand was part of how things are currently.

However, that thought just took him out of it. What, would he call his school? Yeah, right. Sanctuary police? They knew his dad and, by extension, him. But they were too far to be of any use. No one who knew him could help him here. Well, save for him.

His thoughts drift off, away from the practical... A smiling face with dog ears, a confident man, the warm arms under a white cloak.

Bile builds in his throat, his hand snapping to his mouth before he lurches. His fault. It's his fault, chest heaving lightly as his breathing quickens. His hand pulls away, hyper focused senses locked on the red on the digits.

Slowly, he swallows down, feeling heavier as he clenches his eyes closed. Neo tilts her head at the display, looking at his hand. Well... a few specks of dried blood, most of it brushed off with movement. His sleeves remained tinted red at the end, possibly still wet, but not much.

To her, it actually looks kinda cool! So, she scoots to the edge of her seat, pulling her leg back. "You're playing with a time bomb." Misty comments off hand. "One that's staining my leather- George." She speaks for the intercom. "We'll make our pit stop a bit earlier than planned to clean up the boy."

"Indeed, Ma'am."

Neo shrugs, ignoring the adult speak. He leg still pulled back, she smirks. She kicks forward, RIGHT into Carmine's kneecap. Hitting wrong, Carmine's leg jolts forward by reflex, the boy jolting up. His back slaps into the seat, off balance and leaning off center.

His blue orbs wide, staring ahead, but not at her. Clouded over, his breath still chops as it's released. Slowly, painfully, his eyes find the girl, focusing more. He's here now. At least, for the most part.

A smirk plays at her lips. "You here, Dumb Dumb?" His eyes focus more, face relaxing into a grimace. He glances away, backing and settling more into the leather seating. Her foot nudges his leg again, getting him to stare at her toothy grin, eyes displaying a cocky mentality. "Wanna see something cool?"

A huff of breath comes out, Carmine remaining where he sits. With a slight narrowing of his eyes, he leans back, body heavy, as he closes his eyes.

Neo's cocky smirk morphs down, mismatched eyes scowling. She slides back, huffing and crossing her arms. Her jerky movement brings a pink lock of hair in her face. She harshly blows it out of her face.

It didn't take much to see how exhausted the boy was. Eyes clenched closed, his muscles relax, a lulling rhythm coming over him. Neo rolls her eyes as he falls asleep. A pout and eye roll later, Neo takes her attention to the window.

Hours pass, the Vale border coming into view. Neo sits, half lidded eyes in boredom. She asks dryly into a speaker. "Are we there yet?"

George's voice comes over in a whisper, responding studiously. "Just twenty more minutes until we hit the city limits."

"Ugh!" Neo sulks back, slouching.

True to their word, they'd stopped at a rest station, George taking Carmine to wash up his face, hands, and sleeves. That didn't mean Carmine didn't make things difficult, refusing to relinquish that annoying revolver. Almost paranoid with his attachment to it. Although, considering the circumstances...

They'd entered the inner Vale territories without issue, the roads paved expertly with several small towns going by at high speed. The boy had passed asleep again, though it was restless. Tossing and turning in the seat, arms hugging around himself.

Neo had taken from his lead, sleeping a few hours through the night, but somehow woke up before anyone else. Now, with the sky slowly brightening for the dawn, Misty lays back with a sleeping blindfold over her eyes.

"Nnh..." Her eyes snap to the source of the faint groan. Carmine's form twitches, eyes clenched closed.

Upon closer inspection, she notices that his arms have slowly trailed up, one hand on the opposite shoulder, the other over his face. He twitches, breathing increasing in pace. The moment a whimper comes, the girl leans over, swatting him on the shoulder.

The second her hand contacts his body, the boy's eyes snap open, a green flicker of aura outlining him. Carmine's semblance snaps, no more than rewinding a few microseconds... inside the moving vehicle.

His image flicks away, appearing in Neo's seat with an impact, shoving her out between the two sides of seats. The cabin shakes from the jolt, Carmine kicking out to a sitting position. Hyperventilated breaths, his wide eyes snap to meet Neo, who stares back with equal shock, though less confusion.

Despite the shake, Misty remains motionless. Both children glance her way, Carmine flinching back. Neo, on the other hand, waves it off. "She wears ear plugs. Now," She turns to Carmine, leaning in with a grin. "What was that?!"

The sudden interest makes Carmine jolt back in his new seat, but the girl stands up in the cabin. She leans towards him, continuing. "Come on? What was that?" His arms come up, lightly pushing her back as he looks around, for some type of escape.

Carmine's eyes clench shut, a slight shake going through him. He opens his eyes at Misty, seeing her still and breathing steadily. Back to Neo, he mutters with a shrug. "Mrr srmbrnn..." The jumbled mess makes the girl tilt her head, narrowing her eyes. "My semblance." He repeats slightly louder, still a whisper.

"Really?" He recoils in shock, eyes wide. "Wow, you're like Mama, Papa, and me!"

His nerves numb a bit, turning his attention fully on her with squinted eyes. "She has a semblance?"

Neo grins, though her eyes look... pained? "When she makes eye contact with you, and you feel that weird pit in your gut grow three sizes? Or when you suddenly feel weird?"

Recalling how he'd felt throughout his interactions with the woman... the unpleasant feelings when she demanded something... Not forced to give in, but...

Neo chuckles, pointing to her own eyes. A conspiratorial whisper comes out. "That's why the sunglasses. She can't turn it off." Suddenly, without warning, she's slouching and sulking. "Never ask for anything when her glasses are off."

The plain advice makes the boy gulp. Note to self, do not make eye contact... awe, but that's rude. Then her words catch up. "W-wh-... What's yours?"

She grins. "You wanna see something cool?" At his nod, she leans in, uncomfortably close. His gaze locks onto her eyes. Left orb pink, right orb brown. She blinks once, the boy flinching back pressing into the seat!

The colors swapped sides! Pink on the right, and brown on the left now! His reaction makes the girl swing back, sitting across from him in his original seat. She chuckles. "Your face! So great!" Her hand clutches her gut, containing some laughs rather poorly.

Carmine tilts his head, wary. "Weird..." slowly, he leans forward. "There more to it?"

Neo's mirth dies dramatically, giving a shrug. "I don't know yet."

Huh. Another young semblance. His first time meeting someone his age with one. Sure, his is more matured, but... it's nice. Without realizing it, his lips are curved up, a small chuckle coming out. "That's cool!"

Her smile comes back tenfold. "Right?"

His tired eyes trail off, glancing out the window. Seeing the houses zipping by off the highway gets a gawk out of him. The brightening sky was bringing on the sunrise. "We're in a town? Like a real town?"

Neo follows his gaze, the two inching up to look out the window. "George said we'll be there in a few minutes."

George's voice cuts in again in a whisper, over the speakers. "Now, just 8 minutes, Ma'am. City walls are up ahead. Please, wake your mother for me."

"Okay!" Neo states excited. Leaning to the boy, "She forced George to hold her hot coffee mug when he woke her once."

Carmine tilts his head, one eye widening. "There's a handle-"

"Wasn't allowed." She covers her mouth to contain laughter at the boy's wide eyes. Burning hands come to mind, Carmine sucking his lips in tight thinking of the pain. Neo shakes her head as she turns to wake her mother... who is glaring at her. "AH!" The girl flinches back into Carmine, the two falling into the car door.

Misty's eyes rest on the two children. "You're not nearly as quiet as you think you are, you gossip!"

Neo pulls herself up first, giving a nervous smile and looking away. "Uh, how long you been awake?"

"Long enough to know you have loose lips, Missy." She glances at Carmine. "Eyes on me boy." The boy raises his eyes to her. Sinking. His breath slows, constricted. That pressure as his palms sweat. "Tell no one what Neo said about me. Are we clear?"

The boy flinches, a bead of sweat trailing his jaw. He manages a stiff nod, body heating up uncomfortably, anxiety writhing through him.

It lifts from him as she slides her sunglasses back over her cold brown eyes. Unconsciously, the boy's shoulders collapse, a soft gasp of breath. Wordlessly, the woman glances out her window at her side. "Have you ever been to Vale, boy?"

Swallowing thickly, he shuffles back to a sitting position to the woman's right. Looking away, hand on his chest, he sighs in relief. Her question processes as he turns to the window. "N-no... My, uh, parents wanted to bring me to Vale after the school year."

"Oh, it's my first time too!" Neo pipes up. The two kids share a glance, a teasing smirk meeting awkward confusion.

Misty's head tilts just enough to know her eyes rest on the girl. "Indeed, with good behavior until your woodland exploring." Her tone dry, lightly threatening. However, she directs her gaze back to Carmine. Even without her mystery semblance bearing down, just the woman's attention ran his blood cold. "Interesting."

Outside the windows, the limo began to rise up a hill, the lines of houses ending and giving way to grass and trees. Every quarter mile, a police cruiser with one or two cops would be seen on patrol. Carmine's eyes caught on each one, memories flashing of riding inside one.

His gaze starts to fall, but Neo shoves him from the side, giving them both a view. He gives a light scowl, but she doesn't take notice. The road levels out, the car reaching the peak of the hill. Neo grins back at her mother. "Can we stop to see?"

Misty sighs, checking her scroll. 6:13. An impressed tone comes forth. "Oh! We still have two hours before our meeting." She looks at the excited child next to the curious one. "Oh, alright! George, stop at the peak of the hill. It's the best view."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The car comes to a flat top, stopping on the side of the road. On the side, a small blue sign read 'Welcome to the City of Vale!' The flat top road ahead of the limo quickly dives down hill.

The limo door swings open, Neo popping out and sticking her landing. Taking a few steps, her mouth opens to an O face, eyes not the widest, but shimmering with excitement. "Oh wow! It's so much more colorful than home! Cool!"

Carmine steps next to the girl, looking out. His eyes widen, jaw slowly dropping. "Whoa..."

The massive golden orb in the sky was just rising over the horizon. Light beams over the hills to a massive city. And really, a MASSIVE city. A silver gray concrete wall starting just at the base of the hill extends out, circling the sea of buildings.

Multiple shapes and sizes and colors and styles mixed with architecture he could make out from there! The buildings end at a bay, the crystal blue ocean out extending beyond. It made Sanctuary's own docks look like a haggard joke!

But his eyes trailed up. Bulk head transports, air ships, and- is that a blimp? Yeah! THAT'S A FRIGGIN BLIMP! The letters along the side read off 'Vytal Festival Incoming!' Other ships of shapes and angular shapes went about on unseen preset paths.

However, a glimmer caught his eye. On the far end of the city, he could see it... a tall tower up to the sky, on a peak outside the opposite end of the limits. A spire with a shining top.

Carmine absorbs the view, honed in on it. His voice wavers, softly speaking. "Beacon Academy..."

. . .

The limo slows to a stop, just outside of a rest area within the city. The streets absolutely buzz with people going all directions. So. Many. People... Too many people.

The limo door opens as George guides Neo away. Misty sets her jaw, directing at the man. "The restroom and that's it! Don't lose her, or so help me... go." The man takes the little girl, who is smiling far too much after her mother's comment. They disappear into the building, leaving Carmine with the business woman.

He looked over to the sidewalk, seeing the hordes of people scampering to and fro. He'd always kept an eye on people around him. It always... bothered him when he found someone doing something wrong. Memory of a certain drug dealer running with a purse came to mind.

Carmine absent minded starts rubbing his jaw, looking around with wide eyes. Too many people. Too many doing different things. How could someone possibly keep track? How would cops do it?

Memory of an orange haired thief came to mind. That gave him the answer. They don't keep track. "You're gonna lose yourself, brat." Misty mutters beside him. He flinches, having honestly forgotten about her. Completely lost. The woman nods to the door. "You're gonna freshen up, and then we're having a little chat."

. . .

He exits the public restroom, eyes darting around wary. He freezes around the corner as a stranger walks past him into the same restroom. Carmine keeps his eyes on the man until he's out of sight, continuing on.

It takes a moment, but the boy takes a seat at a bench outside the building, on the end. Misty sits directly in the center of the bench, though the boy makes sure to have a space between them. The business woman is busy using her scroll as a hand mirror and applying some makeup. "You keep looking at every person, you'll only draw attention to yourself."

His lips pull to a fine line, face forward. However, a man walking on the sidewalk still catches his eyes. "I can't help it." He weakly defends. He looks around once. "Where is-"

"Probably giving George a run around the block." She comments off hand.

"What if someone kidnaps her?!"

The near shout is met with a dry stare. "Their loss as soon as she runs away from them." Misty finishes her makeup, putting it away. "Speaking of kidnapping and running away..." She turns to face him fully on the bench. "You don't move an inch until you explain how a young boy whose never been to his father's work city ends up in the woods away from any family with a Huntress. So, which was it? Someone took you, or you ran?"

The boy gulps, hands gripping tightly at his pants. His mouth opens, completely dry. "I-I..."

The woman nods. "Someone took you then."

He flinches. "How did you-"

"You're so submissive to standard authority, yet reacted violently to strangers. Sounds like someone took you." She rattles off. "I give you SOME credit for trying to keep quiet about it. So, second question, where are you really from?"

The boy's wide eyes stay on her for just a moment before giving to a frown. He glances away. "Sanctuary."

"Ah, the diet cola of cities. No wonder a crowd this small rattles you." She comments loosely before reaching to her side and pulling out a coffee cup. Just from the smell, he can tell the cup isn't filled with coffee.

He recoils, horrified. His voice comes out small, distant. "Crowd this... small?"

"Who is your father?" Her question hits like a punch, knocking him from the rising panic. She gives him a side eye. "You hesitated last night when we got you. The person we're taking you to isn't your father, is he?"

Carmine tries to meet her gaze, but he drops, looking at his knees. "He... is my father. Just... not my Dad."

Misty's eyes narrow behind her glasses before a frustrated sigh comes out. "Ugh! I'm helping an orphan. A whole new low to be essentially doing charity!" Shaking her head, rubs her temple. "And where exactly do I drop you off to forget this debacle?"

Hesitation is short. No possible way to get out of admitting part of it. With a sigh, he pulls his head up, looking to the distance. Even from here, with tall buildings around, he can see that spire.

Seeing his gaze locked, Misty followed it, eventually settling on that same spire. "Oh... Oh! Is that so?"

The two remain staring at the spire, a minute passing in silence. Carmine's eyes lose just a touch of light, focus lost. He finally breaks, looking away. However, Misty maintains, a slow smirk coming on. It remained so until George came up, breathing heavily and hoisting a smiling Neo with both arms around her.

"Ma'am! I apologize. Neo had snuck out a window in the girl's restroom and was trying to tail and grab a Faunus's tail, and she-"

Misty raises a hand to cut him off, smirk still in place. "Enough, George. I don't care about your problems."

The man tilts his head, slightly confused. "My-... you-... It's your daughter?"

Ignoring him, she rises and hands him her phone. "George, please notify Senior that our meeting will be postponed a few hours. We're going to find a bulkhead transport."

The guard recoils, jaw dropping. "B-but- Ma'am! What about the-" He looks around, coughing for composure. He starts again in a whisper to her ears. Carmine doesn't catch the words. Misty found whatever it was funny, as she grinned.

"Oh, Rocky dear won't mind if I find an alternative to Senior. That's all! Keeping options open." She looks at the three with a smile. "Come on, then."

. . .

The elevator rises, the sole inhabitant of the space lightly tapping his finger on the head of his cane. Ozpin's perfect posture remained, despite the clear lack of sleep. His eyes were shut, deep breathing coming.

The loud ding sounds, the container reaching the desired floor. The doors open as Ozpin marches out into his office, eyes still closed.

"You look like hell, Oz."

Light brown eyes open, surprise showing. Though, his body doesn't misstep. He halts, meeting red eyes. The man is leaning on Ozpin's desk with black spiked hair, a light scruff, a white tunic, red short cape, black pants. The cuffs of his shirt are rolled back to the elbow,showing the inner material shaded black. A sword is hitched on his back. He holds a flask in one hand, the other hand crossed over his body.

Ozpin met the gaze. "Ah, Mr Branwen. Things went well in Mistral, then?"

Branwen huffs, holding up one arm, bandages running down it. He takes a swig from the flask before capping it. "In one piece. Some of the local Hunters from Haven hadn't even known about the dust robbery chains. It's worrying"

Ozpin nods, walking around the younger man. "I'll be sure to make Leo aware." He glances away, checking some documents now on his desk. His report of the mission. "I hadn't expected you for another few days."

The man cocks his head, lazy red eyes locked on him. Ozpin meets the glance, seeing bags under his eyes as well. "I just flew in, unconventionally. Haven't slept in two days." One brow raised. "Never seen you anything less than ready. Is that related to having me on lookout for international criminals?"

Ozpin allows his eyes to close as he shifts down into his seat. Composure in place, he glances up. "I believe you've answered that yourself."

"So, Summer was called for a different lead. According to Tai, Ruby and Yang were flippant and stressed. You better have a good reason for getting her involved." Branwen then tilts his head, slight suspicion. "Was Killa working for Sa-"

"No." Ozpin sternly responds, hands tightening on his cane. A loose sigh escapes, shoulders dropping. "All this is a completely unrelated incident set about by Mr Gonzola. Summer was to neet up with and backup Jared Uhlric for a lead to the Northeast of Vale... 4 days ago."

The man's eyes widen, slightly recoiling. "The wolf guy? He's a ferocious one when motivated I hear, but what exactly had you pulling not one, but TWO retired Hunters for this?"

Ozpin sighs, the uncharacteristic show of exasperation pulling Branwen's attention. "The same matter that killed Jared's wife, Senaya Uhlric a week ago." The headmaster stood from his chair, once again walking around the desk and placing a hand on the other man's shoulder. "The tropic storms knocked out most CCT coverage that way, so we just need to be patient-"

A ring sounds off from the headmaster's scroll. The shrill generic tone, muffled in his pocket, gets both men's attention. He pulls it out, answering.

"You've reached Professor Ozpin." It was an audio only call, screen blank.

Oobleck's voice rings out. "Yes, sir, it seems that you have a requested meeting. We were contacted from the bulkhead dock in Vale for the request, and it's desiring immediate attention."

Ozpin raises a brow, glancing at a confused Branwen. "My door is often open to such appointments, and I'm available, but who is this mystery caller."

Strangely, the fast talking professor hesitates. "That's the reason for the warning. She's on her way on the Bulkhead transport, but... it was a miss Misty Rhodes to see you."

At the name, the two men recoil slightly. Seeing confusion in both their faces, they nod. "Very well. Please send her party through."

"That's the thing. She's coming alone." The headmaster and Hunter glance at each other once more. The unspoken word in their minds identical. 'What?'

. . .

Misty stood proud, straightening her violet hair to the side. She stood prim and proper inside the elevator, a confident smirk. With a purse over the shoulder, the only offset of professionalism was the dark sunglasses.

Beside her within the elevator, Professor Oobleck stood, rapidly flipping through a notebook. His rapid speech flew out, though the woman paid no obvious attention. "Now, I'm sure you're aware that Headmaster Ozpin is a very busy man, and should your business interfere with his duties, he may end the meeting at his own discretion. Anything said within this meeting will be purely confidential, and should word escape of anything said within-"

She finishes. "It shall be considered conspiracy on my part, and I should expect problems posed by Hunters. Please..." She turns to him, almost mocking. "I've experience talking to powerful men." Her head tilts down, her eyes peeking over.

Oobleck maintains eye contact, straightening his glasses. "You'd do well to contain that semblance, Mrs. Rhodes. It will not work on us here."

Her mouth pops open, face losing a touch of control. She moves to respond-

DING!

"Ah, here you are, Ma'am." The door into the elevator opens. Oobleck gestures forward. "Have a pleasant talk..." He trails off, smile maintained as Misty glowers at him.

Reluctantly, she steps out, grumbling. "Someone talks down to me again, and I'll burn this place to the ground." She walks a few more steps, only for the spaghetti strap of her purse to snap. She snatches it out of the air before it hits the floor, narrowing her eyes at the broken strap.

A rough voice calls out lazily. "Well, isn't that unlucky." She snaps a glare up to see Branwen, standing before her with an ever so slight slouch.

"Well, there's a touch more weight in it than usual." She stands straight, removing her sunglasses with a smoldering gaze. "And mind your familiar tone, Mr..."

He snorts, still with a grimace, before shaking his head. "Sorry, respect is earned around here." He turns to walk through the second door into Ozpin's office.

"I've earned more than you ever will..." She states, voice dripping venom.

He huffs a laugh. "What you do isn't 'earning'." He turns with a smirk. "Sorry, I shouldn't say it that way. "What your HUSBAND does isn't earning."

The two enter the room as she eyes the white/silver haired man at the desk, waiting patiently in his large office chair. Her eyes sneak a glance at the, well, frankly awe inspiring view of Vale through the glass. However, her focus goes to the man.

Ozpin speaks up. "Welcome, Mrs Rhodes. I trust Professor Oobleck and Huntsman Branwen have made for adequate company?"

She blinks, recognition hitting. Branwen. QROW Branwen. Notorious as Ozpin's golden boy of an agent. She gazes at Qrow, narrow gaze filled with barely contained irritation. Still, her tone remains civil. "Oh, trust me. Even adequate, I don't frankly want to be here."

The unspoken agreement was clear in Qrow's eyes. They don't want her here. Ozpin remains composed, though it seems the man has been skipping sleep a touch too much. Misty raises a brow at this. Ozpin nods at her "Well, perhaps you can enlighten us to the purpose of this visit?"

Misty nods, standing as tall as she could to maintain control over the situation. Though, granted, the man's passive stare was... unsettling. Of course, even she had to second guess her decision here... "I arrived in Vale just this morning on business. I came here because of an incident that occurred on the road."

Qrow raises a brow, pacing around to stand at Ozpin's shoulder. "Doing due diligence to notify Hunters? Noble, so why don't I believe you?" She turns her glare square on him, but he gives not a single care. "I'm assuming Grimm then. Cause if it was anything else, you wouldn't spare more than a glance."

"It does involve Grimm actually, but that isn't the point of the visit."

"Surprising." Qrow mutters sarcastically.

"It was the aftermath of a rather unique Grimm attack with only one survivor. The body we found was decomposed, but we were told that the victim had only been dead since earlier that day. It was as if the body had decomposed naturally for two straight weeks."

That hooked the two. Ozpin and Qrow meet glances, confusion showing on the Huntsman. Qrow speaks first. "I don't think I've seen a Grimm do that. A unique type?"

Ozpin glances out in thought, hand to his chin. "Such a Grimm would be rather dangerous to deal with if that's the case."

"Be that as it may, even that isn't the real reason I'm here." Misty comments. "I trust you'll ensure travel remains safe, but I'm actually here regarding the survivor of said event." She comments, reaching into her large purse. Slightly smaller than a pillow, the container was stuffed.

She unbuckled the bag, reaching in and withdrawing a mass of metal, black and white in color. As Qrow and Ozpin's eyes widen, shock clear, Misty flicks the box, morphing the transforming weapon into a naginata. She presents before her Summer's weapon, Ivor Hallow.

Seeing their reaction, Misty smirks. That got some attention for sure!

Qrow's jaw clenched, anger filling into him as he stepped forward. Only for Ozpin's cane to fly in front of him, halting the man. Qrow stops, but seethes.

However, the cold tone that came wasn't from Qrow, but Ozpin. "Where's the boy?"

Still smirking, she puts her eyes on Qrow. "I had nothing to do with what happened. Frankly, the boy still hasn't told me everything. He's pretty traumatized." Her gaze moves to Ozpin. "And don't worry. The boy is with my driver. My daughter has been keeping him company." Misty shrugs, looking perplexed. "I guess she's been needing social interaction too."

Qrow's glance falls to Ozpin, tilting his head. Confusion dulls the rage building. "A boy?" Seeing no response from his leader, Qrow puts the pieces together.

Ozpin leans forward just a few inches. "Tell me where Carmine Uhlric is, and I will be very appreciative."

Uhlric. Qrow's eyes widen. Senaya Uhlric killed a week ago. Summer called to assist Jared Uhlric. Now, a Carmine Uhlric? A kidnapping! That's how Oz convinced Summer to help...

Misty shook her head this time. Her smirk grew. "To be honest, I was just going to drop the kid off and let that be my good deed of the year, but when opportunity sits before you..." Expression morphs to a full grin, eyes with a dangerous glimmer. "You seize it."

Ozpin's eyes narrow dangerously. "... what are you asking for, Mrs Rhodes?"

Her grin morphs to a false innocence. "Oh, not much. I just want one hour." She glances around the room, acting as if she were asking for a petty favor. "For one hour, in 15 days, I want you to clear the docks district of all Hunters, police, and dock workers, from 2 am to 3 am."

Qrow narrows his gaze, taking an aggressive step forward. He didn't buy it for a second... whatever this frigid bitch did to Summer...

But Ozpin stands at his desk, slowly. The headmaster's gaze could bore a hole through the woman's own brown orbs. "You realize... a deal like this would make you an enemy of this state, no different than your husband."

She chuckles. "Oh, absolutely. Rocky will be pleased when he hears he doesn't need locals for his first step into this City."

"Rather loose lips you have." Qrow mutters, voice low, tight.

She turns her gaze to him, a large cheshire grin. "And what honorable men you'll be to keep to your word on this deal." A chuckle escapes her lips as she raises Summer's weapon. "Oh, and I'll be keeping this. You have NO idea how much unique Hunter weapons sell for." She flicks the weapon back into its contained form. "So... do we have a deal?"

"Hell no." Qrow spits out. "First, you hand that weapon over and tell me what you really did with Summer. I don't believe a word of what you've said-"

"Qrow!" Ozpin's shout, full of command, stuns the Hunter from his statement.

Only lasting a moment, as he turns on the headmaster. "Oz, don't tell me you're considering this!"

"And what would happen to the child? What decision do you feel Summer would make?" Ozpin contained a wince at those words. If what Misty said is true... then he'd be using the name of a dead woman against her loved on. Still.

The words take effect, Qrow's eyes falling away from the headmaster's gaze. Submission. But, submission with anger. The two men slowly turn their heads to the smug woman. She grins back. "So?"

. . .

Ozpin and Qrow stand together in the courtyard of Beacon Academy. The wide concrete pathways cutting through bright colored green grass and an odd tree here and there. The beautiful white columns, archways, and architecture decorate the area.

The two stand before an ornate grand fountain in the center of the area. Ordinarily, students would be flitting out and about. However, Ozpin was thankful that this would occur during the morning classes.

Misty had marched a ways down the small road to make a scroll call, asking her guard to bring Carmine to the campus. As such, Qrow took this chance, grabbing Ozpin by the shoulder as he leans in. "Explain this to me. Please."

Qrow's momentary glance away made the Huntsman's eyes narrow. The headmaster states plainly. "We are saving the life of a child, Mr Branwen. This is the way it is."

A stiff scoff came from the younger man. "Don't give me that. I know we always help anyone in need. That's never not been the case, but don't tell me ALL this happened, including requesting favors across continents, just for a single child. Who is this kid?"

Ozpin's eyes remained on the violet haired woman a distance away. A quick judge of distance shows she couldn't possibly hear their conversation. The headmaster sighs.

"I've never heard you sigh before either." Qrow mutters. "This kid means something to you personally. He's why you haven't been sleeping."

"How perceptive of you, Mr Branwen." Ozpin glanes over, eyes tired. His eyes close slowly. "I haven't seen the child in six years, myself. Should be six and a half by now." He waits a second for Qrow's eyes to show recognition, realization. Sparing the man his time, the headmaster speaks again. "Carmine Uhlric is my biological son, Carmine Ozpin."

Qrow's eyes remained on the man, mouth parting. Ozpin rose his hand to remove Qrow's grip off his shoulder. Wearily, he looks back at the stunned Huntsman. "So, yes. One might question the amount of resources put to this task. But, you'd also do well to consider that it was this small fact that lead an infamous murderer like Killian Gonzola to kidnap him."

"Your own child..." Qrow mutters, trailing off. "That's why Summer agreed." A look of understanding, voice tight. "Of course she would if that's the case."

"... I'm sorry, Qrow. I truly am."

The two men glance up, Misty approaching them once again. "It should be only a moment before they arrive." She groans. "Apparently, my daughter stole my guard's keys and planted them on the boy for, quote unquote, 'funsies'."

The two men tilt their heads, Qrow's attention split, still processing what he's been told. Ozpin, on the other hand, raises a brow. "Pardon?"

"Each and every time the boy is left to himself, he spirals so deep in his mind. I swear, every time it makes me want to have a dog to tell me the kid's down a well. So, my daughter pesters him out of it with... name a thing!" Her sardonic tone gets Ozpin's eyes to narrow. She responds with a risen brow, ignoring him.

. . .

Well, having seen the city from a hill top view, ground view, and now an air view, Carmine could easily tell which won out. A view from the sky was certainly the most beautiful. At a window inside the bulkhead transport, he stares out over the city, eyes wide with awe.

Beside him, the pestering girl was also captured. Though, she seemed more thoughtful than impressed. Tilting her head, she wondered aloud. "Not much different than leaving Atlas. Huh. A lot more colorful!"

Carmine tore his eyes away from the city, glancing at her. "You've been to Atlas?"

She grins at him. "Oh, I live there. It's super boring though." She waves one arm towards George, who sits nearby eagle eyed on other passengers. "If not for George, I'd never have fun."

"Hmph. 'Fun'." George scoffs and mutters under his breath.

Neo glances out the window, gaze brightening. "Wow!" The two kids watched with awe as Beacon Academy drew closer by the second. The pearly white buildings drew their attention.

"Yeah... wow." Carmine chokes out.

Mere moments later, the ship jolts, locking onto a landing platform. George stands up, not having bothered with looking at the view. "Now, Ma'am and other child, let's reunite with Mrs Rhodes."

His stomach sank. This... this was it. After everything, this is where he meets... him. He felt cold, prickly. His arm absentmindedly crosses and rubs his opposite forearm. A thick swallow, he turns to his bag beside him. The bag Summer had as well...

A meager poke to his side jolts his head around. He snaps back to find Neo, off the seats by the window, tilting her head and waving her head. "You have ears, Dumb Dumb? Come on!" The words came out with no malice, but simple excitement.

His mouth parts, but nothing comes out. However, his silence isn't able to last as the girl reaches up and grabs his pant leg. She pulls until he starts to stumble over and- "OOF!" Both kids yell as Carmine tumbles off the seat onto Neo. The two land in a crumpled heap, each wincing.

Jeez, Neo the bully...

The two kids get up, a grumbling boy and annoyed girl. George turns to see the display, hand immediately slamming his forehead. "Would. You. Please. Stop making this difficult?"

Neo perks up, double taking between the Carmine and the man, a smirk forming. She swiftly snatches Carmine's bag, holding it up as she looks at him. He stares back wide eyed, just about to demand it back. "Well? Come on!" She says while taking off in the direction of the transport exit.

Carmine's eyes widen in horror, then fury, as he sprints after her. "Hey! HEY!"

The two speed past the guard, George sighing and shaking his head. He follows after with a groan.

. . .

The tense trio of adults stood side by side, simply eyeing the road towards the landing dock. Ozpin stood center, Qrow to his right and Misty to his left. Each loosed different emotions.

Misty huffed, eyeing her scroll once again before continuing her glance down the road. Impatience was setting in as her lips formed a tighter and tighter line. Subtly, her eyes narrow, grip tightening on her scroll. What the hell were they doing to be late?

Qrow, on the opposite side, did his best to keep his eyes forward. Yet, he couldn't help trailing back to the woman's purse bag. He felt... shock definitely, but anger, disbelief? No. This had to just be wrong. The moment they were done here, he'd go out and find Summer to confirm his suspicions.

Then Ozpin. Ordinarily, he would be the impervious picture of stoic wisdom, but the slightly hunched shoulders, tired eyes, harsh grip on his cane, even the light twitching of his index finger on the top of said cane showed. Fury, anger, and more... directed upon himself.

However, all three snapped their attention at the pink and brown haired girl sprinting from around the entrance of the road. Running towards them, Neo's eyes lit up with a grin while waving. "Mama! Don't worry, I brought him!"

Sprinting around the entrance after her was the boy. Bright crimson hair with inch long silver/white tips. Carmine growls as he chases the girl, just five feet behind her. "Give it back!"

Ozpin's eyes widened, taking the boy in. The particular hair pattern was a dead giveaway to his identity, but now, seeing in person for the first time? He can see it. The boy's eyes were his mother's, but his face favored the headmaster himself. His jaw tenses, held shut.

Neo slides to a stop before the adults, twisting around in place- and loses her grin as Carmine slams right into the suddenly stopped girl. The two's heads bonk off each other, each sounding a 'CAH'! They hit the ground in a heap on each other.

While Misty groans and face palms, Ozpin simply blinks in surprise. For the first time in days, he feels his lips curl up. Only a slight movement, but movement either way.

The two kids roll apart, rubbing their heads and sitting up. Carmine glares murder at the girl. Neo meets his gaze, wincing and giving a huffing pout. "Fine, sorry." He holds the bag out towards the boy. "Here."

Within a second, Carmine snatches the bag from her roughly. He opens the bag, checking through it. He only cared about one item, sighing in relief upon seeing the silver revolver.

Ozpin and Qrow each see the weapon in the boy's bag, stark frowns forming. Jared's weapon. The two spared a glance towards one another, Ozpin's eyes hollow at the grim detail. Qrow stood, confusion returning in full.

However, the kids still hadn't minded them. Carmine looks back at Neo, scratching his head awkwardly. "T-thank you. S-sorry."

Polite? That's a good sign. Ozpin watches as Neo nods at the kid before looking away down the road. The Faunus guard catches up to them, breathing heavily. He buckles over, hands on his knees. "I'm so- hah- so sorry, Ma'am. Miss Ne- whew! Miss Ne-"

Misty huffs, cutting the man off. "At this point, I can't tell who between you and Neo is the little girl. Enough excuses." She addresses Carmine. "Well, boy, this is where we part ways."

He froze. Carmine's hand stopped on his head, eyes wide and frozen in place. Right... he's here. This... is it.

The boy gulps down the building lump in his throat. A shaky breath came out as he tilts his head up. The first one he notices is Qrow, noting the interested look. Though, his eyes also found the large sword locked to the man's back.

But, he moves on to the other man. His breath hitches as blue eyes mean a light brown. The man had silver hair... sharp features. Looking like the picture of passive, yet commanding presence. Ozpin's lips curve up slightly as he lowers down, kneeling before the kid.

"Hello there, Carmine. It is my pleasure to finally meet you." He speaks soft, a warm tone coming out. Maintaining eye contact he tips his head towards the boy. "Would you like some help?"

Carmine's wide eyes remain on him, but he manages a stiff nod. One hand on the bag, the other takes Ozpin's as the man supports the kid back to his feet. Uneasy, Carmine pulls his gaze away, looking over to Neo. He holds a hand out to her.

She sends him a snooty smirk, taking it as he pulls her up from the ground. Still kneeling, Ozpin's smile grows as Carmine's attention draws back to him. Nervous, shy. "You're safe now. Trust me when I saw that this is the safest location in this entire kingdom. You have my word."

The redhead gives a stiff nod again, eyes falling as he does so. "O-... -kay."

Ozpin then gives a glance to Neo. "And looks like you did a fine job making a friend along the way." Behind Ozpin, Misty's eyes bore into the headmaster. "Seems like an adventurer herself. Am I looking at a future Huntress?"

Neo beams at the man, mouth dropping open. "Really?! That sounds so cool!" Her head snaps towards her mother. "Mama, can I-"

"No." The stern order cut the warmth of the conversation short. Misty glares at Ozpin as the man glances over his shoulder back at her. The man held a ghost of a smirk. She understood his unspoken message. She messed with him through his son, so he's trying to plant a seed in her daughter.

Well, two can play at that game. She turns to Carmine, continuing with a sudden smile. The sweetest she can muster while her eyes are covered again by her sunglasses. "Oh, Carmine, this is goodbye. Remember, if you're ever in Atlas and need a hand, don't hesitate to call on me."

"Sorry, I'm good." Carmine answers plainly, taking the group by surprise.

Thrown off, she tilts her head, jaw loosely hanging. "Wha-"

"I don't trust you." The boy says with open innocent eyes. He swallows thickly before stating clearly, albeit quietly. "But thank you, Ma'am."

Her thoughts screamed. 'You unappreciative little bastard!'

At her side, Neo bursts out in loud laughter, doubling over and pointing childishly at her mother. "HE GOT YOU!" Looking around, she could see the now ever slight smug look on the headmaster, as well as the snide smirk from his right hand brute, Qrow.

Misty glares back at her daughter, eyes peaking under the glasses. "Neo!"

The pressure from the business woman's semblance took hold, Neo choking out her last laughs before awkwardly petering out under the gaze. The little girl breaks the gaze, though still smirking.

The display broke Ozpin's and Qrow's shortened mirth, both frowning at her. That didn't deter her from glaring back at the silver haired man. "Remember what we agreed upon, Professor Ozpin of Beacon Academy."

Ozpin narrows his gaze, nodding. "Very well. As you too should remember what the future may bring, Consigliere Mistena Rhodes of Atlas. Give Brock my regards." At his side, Qrow steps up, hand sliding to his weapon grip.

She scoffs, turning away as she begins to walk away down the wide concrete road. "Come, Neo! George, you better be ready to drive, Mr! We have a schedule to keep!"

George sighs before looking at the little girl. "Come on, Miss Neo."

The little girl turns back to Carmine, the two meeting glances. She smiles, a blink making her eye colors swap sides again. "Bye, Carmine!"

The boy's lips curled to a smile. "Bye, Neo."

She turns away, sprinting up next to her mother as she began to pester her about whatever the day might bring. The three unwelcome guests soon disappear, leaving Carmine to the two strangers beside him. Ozpin smirks at the retreating girl. A sign of... proof, as it were. That everyone is innocent at some point in their lives. Even the daughter of someone... less than reputable."

Left alone, the boy looks back at the men, nervously. "Um..."

Opzin's smile disarms the nerves. "Yes... Carmine, it should go without saying that there is much to discuss, but that can wait until AFTER you've rested and freshened up. Come and I'll get you some food as well."

At that moment, Carmine's stomach whines, just slightly. His hand grips his gut lightly, eyes trailing down. He nods. "O-okay." With that, the three turn around, heading towards the main halls of Beacon.

. . .

Jeez, the halls were so... clean! How are they so clean? The boy's shoulders hunched, surrounded by such technology at the elevators, locked doors. It's just so new. Overwhelming.

Currently, the boy stood in said elevator, legs nearly buckling at the speed of its ascension. By his side, Ozpin stands. The door opens, leading the two into Ozpin's office. Inside, Qrow leans against the desk, a warm cafeteria tray of food and a drink by his side. In front of the desk is a chair.

Carmine shrunk under the stare of the red eye'd man. That's just... not a comforting color to look at, though the guy also looks really cool! "Grab some food Carmine. It should help us relax while we discuss things."

Carmine looks down, stepping towards the chair and sitting down. Even freshly showered, he felt heavy and almost sick at the thought.

However, his eyes caught a light. Sunlight. He turns his head, gasping. The windows around the room gave way to a view of all the city of Vale in the grand distance! Everything he'd seen til now, everything he'd admired, all enhanced and eclipsing all other views in one moment. "Whoa..."

He flinches as the tray is lightly handed to him. Qrow smirks down at the kid. "It's a good view, isn't it?"

The boy can only nod numbly before accepting the tray. Hmm. Chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. A juice box accompanies the tray as he lays it on his lap. Without waiting, the boy starts taking a few bites quickly.

Ozpin takes his seat at his desk, Qrow leaning against the side of the desk. "How is it?"

The boy pauses, shrugging once before muttering. "It's good, sir."

The headmaster nods, tilting his head. "I'll be direct, Carmine. Are you aware of who I am?"

The boy's fork in hand freezes. Head tilted down, his eyes glance up. Tense, the boy's eyes flick to the Huntsman beside the man. He glances back to Ozpin, merely giving a meek nod.

Ozpin contains a smirk. The boy took Qrow's presence into account? That's quite intelligent. Still, better to ease the boy's guard. "Ah, it seems it slipped my mind. This here is one of my top agents, Huntsman Qrow Branwen. You can trust him. He was teammates with the woman I sent to rescue you, Summer Ro-"

CLANG! The fork dropped into the tray, bouncing off loudly onto the floor. The sound echoes in the mostly open room.

The two Huntsman oddly flinch at the unexpected sound, finding the child starting to shake... violently.

Carmine's wide, almost unhinged, eyes darting to the floor. Ozpin and Qrow share a glance, this time Qrow speaking. "What happened to Summer?"

The boy cringed, nearly dropping the tray onto the floor. Qrow steps from the desk quickly, smoothly snatching the tray and placing it on the floor. Upon seeing Qrow's hand, Carmine flinches back, arms wrapping himself.

Heart beating like a drum, it feels as if his chest would burst. His throat hurt, trying to stop rapid breaths building. "S-s-s-s-" A weak sniffle leaves him as he tries, failing to speak. Qrow raises a hand to try, slowly, keeping his face restrained, comforting. Only, the boy recoils back, the chair scraping on the floor and nearly tipping. He winces loudly, breath starting to hyperventilate.

Ozpin spoke softly. "Qrow, please leave." He's out of his chair, stepping slowly towards the two.

Qrow double takes to Ozpin. He gives one last glance to the boy, seeing wide fearful eyes. Eyes afraid of him? A wheezing sound comes from the boy, trying to speak. "S-.. S-.. sorry." He choked on the word as it came.

Qrow composed himself, moving back slowly before moving to the exit. Carmine's eyes stay locked on him as he leaves, tears threatening to pour. "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry." He chokes out in an impossibly quiet voice.

Qrow's steps slow as he leaves, sparing one glance back. He sees Ozpin, the man giving a nod. With that, he leaves. Seeing his disciple leave, Ozpin kneels before the boy. Speaking low, but clear, he prods. "Carmine?"

The boy jolts, eyes back on the headmaster. "-ry. I-I-I-!"

The damn was breaking, clear as day. Ozpin's mind went to the girl with pink and brown hair. Seems she may have been distracting the boy from this the whole time. Prolonged, or put a bandage on the break. "Sh..." His hand gently reaches out, making contact on the child's shoulder. "It's okay."

Carmine resisted, shaking his head. "N-no it's not!" His voice finally finding the strength to yell in the man's face.

Ozpin frowned, staying close by as a minute ticked on. "I'm sorry, Carmine, but if I'm to understand this, I'll have to hear everything. Please, from the beginning, tell me everything."

His breathing was hard, but found a steady rhythm, Carmine's brow scrunching as he closed his eyes. Another minute passed as he gathered himself. "I'd... gone to the hospital to ride home with M-Mom." He mulled there, surely remembering the details a bit more... vividly than Ozpin heard them. "There was a man. One of the ones who took me... He was the nice one. Helped me grab some papers from school."

Ozpin rose a brow at that. Something to ask later.

"We went home, and they attacked the house. M-Mom had me go to the attic safe room. I heard them fighting. The same guy from the hospital found me and... he knocked me out when M-M." He swallowed. "When my M-Mom was-"

"I see." Ozpin broke in, sparing the kid having to say so. "What happened when you woke up?"

Carmine shrugged, shaky hands rubbing at his arms and jaw. "I-I woke up on a boat. They took turns watching me. All but the... the boss."

"Killian Gonzola." Ozpin added helpfully.

"Yeah." Another breath to collect himself. "The big one was super strict. Would make me work for them. The small one..." He absentmindedly rubbed at himself more. "... hit me. He hit me a lot. I-I don't understand why."

Unconsciously, the headmaster's off hand clenched to a fist, tight enough to hurt. A calming breath came and went, but his eyes were hard. "And the 'nice' one?"

The boy seemed to calm a bit at that. "R-... Ro...Ronin?" He tried sounding the name out from memory. "Roman! He talked a lot, mostly giving me advice to make things easier. He liked making fun of me... and the other two. Mostly the small mean one. He would step in when the mean one was..."

Ozpin's brow rose. Hmm. Interesting. "I see. So this 'Roman' helped you?"

"He remembered to feed me." Carmine offered with a shrug. "Then the big ship from Atlas attacked. I tried to escape to the Atlas boat, but they had beaten the soldiers anyway... The mean one was about to kill Roman, until I said something." Carmine looked at the headmaster, genuine confusion and anger coming forth. "Why? Why would the mean one try to kill his teammate? Roman even saved him during that, too."

The man frowned at the question, softening. "Good deeds often go unthanked within the criminal world. Although, even in the criminal world, most are above what these men were doing. I would think this Roman likely at least held a higher moral standard than the others, and they did not appreciate that."

Carmine grimaced, looking down. "That's... wrong."

"It is. It very much is." Ozpin agrees with the boy. "What happened next?"

Nodding, the boy continued. "The boat was damaged by the Atlas ship. Uh, stopped in a weird... village place? They called it an outpost. They needed to fix the boat. That's when the bo-" He coughed, closing his eyes to focus for just a moment. "K-Killian? Killian decided that Roman's part was done. Had him leave after he called for someone else to meet him somewhere."

"Your father." Ozpin stated, though the words came out a touch bitter. "Jared was the one to receive that call. He'd been searching for you during that time. He told me he received word from a defecting member of their crew. That's when I contacted..." He hesitated, wondering for just a moment how to proceed. "I contacted Mrs Rose to help Jared rescue you."

Carmine's eyes widened more, darkening at the same time. "I-I... I got angry. I tried to run away from them, and that's when Dad and S-... when they showed up. They started fighting. I couldn't hardly tell what was happening anymore."

Ozpin nodded. "Then how about the next part you do know?"

The boy grimaced, face contorting in pain. "The mean one... He left the fight to get me. He-" The boy choked a moment, swallowing. "He was going to hurt me, but Dad shot him. K-K-Killed him." He shuddered, shaking his head. "I found that S-Summer had killed the big one, too, but... Kill-" A thick swallow of building bile in his throat. "And Dad-"

Ozpin's hand remained on Carmine's shoulder. "Your father didn't make it? Did he?" He spared a glance to the bag, sitting on his desk. Heulin' Noon inside. It hadn't taken much to deduce that much. "What happened next?"

"S-Summer scared the boss off... It was just us." He took a deep breath. "She... buried D-Dad." The boy sniffled as he wiped his face. "Something was wrong with the scrolls they had. All broken in the fight. So, me and Summer tried to walk back. Following the tracks, yeah?"

Ozpin nodded. "The tracks were broken. I was aware of that much. It's why I still had hope for you." He offered as much a comforting smile as he could. "But, as for what Mrs Rhodes informed me of."

Carmine froze again, eyes wide and breathing quickening.

"I'm sorry, but I must ask this. Please, be as thorough as possible. Was there a Grimm attack?" He asked softly.

A mute nod.

Damn... Then. "Do you recall Summer naming the type of Grimm it was?"

The boy opened his mouth multiple times to speak, head reeling. "Ne- something." His voice was quieter, barely a whisper.

"Is the Grimm still out there?" Ozpin decided to take the focus off of Summer. Better to give him a second to focus more on one thing than the girl that triggered him.

Carmine shook his head. "There was a white light... and it was gone."

Ozpin smirked at that. That meant Summer killed it. But, that made this last question difficult. "What happened to Summer?"

The boy shook, jaw tightening. His eyes shut, shaking his head. "I'm sorry..."

"Carmine... I need to know. Please. Nothing will hurt you if you tell me." The man pleads softly.

A bit hesitant, the boy spoke with his eyes closed. "S-she was hurt... by the Grimm, and-" He paused. "I'm sorry." He shook his head for a moment, voice coming out stiff. "I told her about my semblance. I can control time and-" Another choke.

Ozpin's brow furrowed. "... and what?" He'd been told of Carmine's semblance being related to time. But what-

His eyes widened. Oh no...

"She was perfectly healthy throughout her entire pregnancy." Words spoken from his own mouth years before. "But after she had him, it was as if her insides were that of a elderly woman." Ozpin's blood ran cold. "Her organs and makeup were... aged."

The boy was already struggling to speak. "I thought I could-... I mean, I knew I could heal her, and I-I don't-" Ozpin's off hand grips Carmine's other shoulder, steadying the boy. Carmine's eyes snapped open, locked on the man.

Ozpin's brows were lifted, frown in place. It was the same thing. "I see. I understand what happened." His own throat was tight, but he kept his tone soft. "Thank you, Carmine."

The boy cringed, but kept eye contact. His voice remained small, eyes holding fear. "What's going to happen to me?"

Well... if Ozpin responded honestly, he was going to offer the boy to the Rose family, but no. He couldn't now. The boy was set off immediately upon her name. But if not that, then what? He held eye contact. "What do you want to happen?"

The boy looked about, conflicted. Hesitant and shy, he met the eyes of the man again. "... Are you really my... real dad?"

He pondered the wording there for a moment, lips curling up. "I don't think I should be called that... But I am your biological father."

The boy swallowed nervous again. "Please... Don't give me to someone else." The boy choked. "I don't want make anyone else die."

Red flag. Ozpin's eyes widened, horrified to hear such a thing come from the child. Although, a small part of him couldn't come up with anything to say about it. One thing was certain... he wasn't capable of raising this boy back when he was born, and he still didn't believe he could. But, it seemed there was no longer a choice.

At that, Ozpin wondered, speaking a thought out loud. "Carmine... I was told once by your dad that you wanted to become a Huntsman. Is that correct?"

The boy nods slowly. Although, his expression turns down for a moment. "Yeah... Yeah, I do."

The man released the boy's shoulders, smiling. "Then I think I can make something work for you. You can count on me." He surely hoped that sounded more confident than he actually felt.

He picked the fork up off the floor, placing it on his desk as he put the tray of food on the desk. Going through his desk contents, he found a second utensil. A small stash for eating in his office on late nights. With a motion towards his own chair, he beckons the boy. "Come. Finish eating here while I make arrangements."

The boy blinks, surprised, but does as told, sitting at the desk with the food as Ozpin leaves the room.

Upon leaving exiting, he finds Qrow, leaning against the wall with his head down. Right. "You heard?"

The gruff voice came out strained with a sigh. "Barely... but yeah..." He turned to face Ozpin, rims of his eyes red, threatening a sight Ozpin hadn't seen from the man before. "I- uh... I'll.. try to go where it went down. Uh..."

Ozpin grimaced, nodding. "I'm sorry, Qrow. I really am." He waited a moment before adding. "I hope you find her. Hopefully, she can at least have a proper burial."

"Yeah." The Huntsman's voice cracks as he speaks. "I'll... I'll let Tai know, too. And Raven, if I can find her." He begins to walk away towards the elevator.

"I take full responsibility for this." Ozpin's sudden words make the man halt. "All of it. Jared, Senaya, and Summer's lives are on me."

Qrow snorts. "You always told us that we make choices. They each made their choices." He began walking again. "Take care of that boy. He's part of Summer's legacy now."

As the Huntsman disappeared into the elevator, Ozpin nods. "Good." He sighs, fists clenched, voice tightening. "Good."

. . .

The Next Day

A door slid open into a wide white room. The floor of the massive area was in a hexagon pattern, the shapes decorating the walls and ceiling as well. Ozpin walked into the room, Carmine in tow. The boy looked around, seeing nothing by the six sided shape at every spot.

"What is this place?" He asked curiously.

"This? This is an advanced training arena." Ozpin advised. "This is where certain senior classes for fourth year students come for advanced combat class. This is also where many of Beacon's professors come to hone their own skills in their off time."

Advanced? There's nothing here! The kid wanted to voice that concern, so he opens his mouth-

"You're wondering about how there's nothing here, correct?" Ozpin asks, a small smirk in place.

The boy's cheeks blush with embarrassment. "Uh... yes?"

Ozpin comes to a corner, pressing one of the hexagon shapes into the wall, revealing a terminal. Ozpin begins punching in multiple commands in rapid succession as the cracks between the shapes light up across the room.

Carmine yelps as he jolts back. Some of the shapes start rising from the ground as columns. Each shape is a column! They adjust their heights, some sinking and others raising. The shapes along the walls also move, some inward, some out. The ceiling too! In seconds, the entire environment, while looking more like an odd staircase, has changed.

Ozpin smirks as he inputs a new command. All the shapes of the room sink/raise back into place, creating that perfect giant square room again. Carmine's face lights up in wonder. "That's so cool!"

"Quite." Ozpin answers with a grin. "You will only be allowed in this room whenever we're together, and much of our time together will be spent here."

Carmine's head tilts, brow raised. "O... kay?"

A new command entered. A line of hexagon shapes rise, creating a waist high wall splitting the room into two sides. Meanwhile, hexagonal columns on the walls extend out, only a few on the other section of the room. They extend to the opposite wall, showing large gaps in the sideways columns. The gaps had pictures of Grimm inside...

Just a few seconds, and Carmine recognized the general layout. "A shooting range?"

Ozpin's smile remained. "Correct." He turned to the boy, hands resting on his cane. The picture of authority. "Carmine, answer me this one more time. You wish to become a Huntsman, correct?"

Carmine straightens himself, eyes narrowing. "Yes."

"And you wish to remain here?" Ozpin answers bluntly.

The boy hesitates, confusion entering him. "I... don't have anywhere else to go, and I don't want to be a problem to anyone else."

Ozpin hated the word choice... but it was an answer, still. "Then from this day forward, Beacon Academy will be your home." Carmine's eyes widened at this, attempting to stand straighter.

He continued. "You will, for lack of a better term, be home schooled by myself. However, you must understand the duties I have as the Headmaster of Beacon. For that reason, no one may know of your relationship with me."

Carmine recoils at that, jaw dropping. "But... I mean, then what-" He stops. He recalls the words of his kidnappers. The whole reason that happened was all because of this relationship. "But what about people seeing me?"

"On paper, you will be part of a special assignment program, given parental permission to live at Beacon for special schooling due to your aura and semblance." Ozpin squares his jaw. "Also, to others, it will seem this permission was granted before your parents' passing."

Carmine's eyes widen, taking that in. He tilts his head for a moment, but eventually nods.

"You will remain as Carmine Uhlric, as that is who you are. And, given the tragedy of your family, no one will question why the Academy would let you live here full time." Ozpin's voice softens. "As we speak, I have set about contacting the officials of Sanctuary."

The boy perks at that. "What?"

"All assets belonging to Jared and Senaya Uhlric are yours by inheritance. All items from your previous home, as well as an estimated worth of property, will be placed into an account you will have here at Beacon. Do you understand everything so far?"

The boy stood for a moment, dumbstruck. He blinked as he shook himself out of it, gulping down. "Yes. But..." It didn't sit well. Somehow, it didn't feel correct. "What do I call you?"

Ozpin's official smile drops, only slightly. "In the presence of anyone outside the two of us and Qrow Branwen, I am Professor Ozpin." His face remains stoic, though his eyes lose just a little light in them. "Although, if I am to become anything more than that to you, you may say so when we are alone."

The headmaster continues. "Also, please understand my own duties as headmaster of Beacon Academy. Much of my time and effort will be taken up by the various activities. I will not always be present to train you. In my absence, I will leave assignments for you to keep up with your schooling." The silver haired man smirked slightly. "I'd heard from Jared how gifted you were, despite a sincere hate for studying."

Carmine pouts at that. This guy already knew him this well? Jeez. It's like... It's like he's always been here. "I understand..."

Ozpin nods back. "Good. Then, let us begin." His hand reaches behind his back, drawing out a standard issue handgun. "I trust Jared has taken you shooting before, so I wanted to gauge your aim if you wouldn't mind."

The boy squinted at the gun, face scrunching. He takes the weapon, finding it big, but not a familiar kind of big. He frowns with it. "Um... can I choose my own gun?"

Ozpin blinks, surprised, but soon realizes exactly what the boy means. He smiles, warm. "Yes. You may."

The boy's lips curled to a smile as well. "I'll be right back." He ran towards the door, sliding it open and running down a hall.

Ozpin's smile faded. It wasn't right that it would be this way, but... there was a small satisfaction in this decision. He just hopes it was the right one. (Acoustic guitar melody begins)

The door opens, Carmine entering. Sure enough, in his hands is Heulin' Noon, his father's gun. He walks up to the waist high wall in the center of the room slowly. ("My child arrived just the other day.")

Ozpin turns, entering a command to lower the mini wall for Carmine's height. The mechanical whirl sounded as the line of hexa columns lowers. ("Came into the world in the usual way,-")

Carmine holds the gun tilted, fidgeting with the cylinder until it finally pops aside enough to load. The hexagonal shapes atop the wall open, revealing dust shells of varying type. ("But there were planes to catch, bills to pay.")

"Whoa..." The boy comments with wide eyes, grabbing red dust shells and inserting them gingerly. ("He learned to walk while I was away.")

He pops the cylinder in place, pausing. He takes a sigh. Eyes opening as he looks at the targets, he raises the gun. ("He was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew he'd say, 'I'm gonna be like you, Dad'."

The gun trained on the target, held in unsteady hands. Hands that barely kept a grip of the metal material. Ozpin watched on with curiosity, waiting. ("'You know I'm gonna be like you...'" Melody stops)

. . .

BOOM! The target blows through, the image of a Grimm disintegrating.

6 Years Later

The same revolver aimed at the target, both barrels smoking. The wall for the shooting range was taller, normal sized. Behind the wall stood a figure, twice the height the boy had been.

Cobalt blue shoes, black pants with a blue line down each side, a holster strapped to the left thigh. The top was a sleeveless gray zipper hoodie, a metallic blue stripe pattern lining the zipper and shoulders. A long silver sleeve covers his right arm, but no sleeve on his left. His left hand holds the gun up single handed.

BOOM! He fires another double shot, the recoil still bouncing the whole single arm back. He lines up another shot. BOOM! A flick of the wrist as the cylinder pops out. He begins feeding shells into the weapon.

He sighs, lightly tossing the gun into his right hand and aiming with it. BOOM!

The sides of his head were buzzed, but the top of his hair was longer, parted at the middle and ending at the ears. The buzzed sides were still crimson, but the last inch of the top hair was a silver white. The preteen's blue eyes narrowed on the target, a few freckles here and there dotting his upper cheek.

Carmine Uhlric

Age – 12

Six Years Til The Day

The door slides open behind the boy, but he doesn't bother turning. "You're late again." He swaps hands on the gun, flicking the cylinder to reload the two shots he'd just fired.

Ozpin enters the room, turning and interacting with the terminal. "Apologies for the delay. Good news though is tonight we can go an extra hour."

Carmine turns around. He now comes up just short of his father's shoulders. He raises a brow. "I can't believe that."

Ozpin syncs his scroll to the terminal, inputting the desired settings. The room begins to shift to a plain flat surface. The headmaster marches to the center of the room, across from Carmine. "Can't or won't believe me?"

"Yes." The boy answers like a smart ass. He brings the revolver up. "Now, can we spare, please?"

The entire exchange, the boy's face was in a permanent scowl. However, Ozpin maintained his mask, impassive. "Very well." The hexagon under his foot rises, raising the Headmaster up six feet from the ground.

On the far wall, the images of Ozpin and Carmine were placed across from one another. Beside each image was a bar, filled with green, measuring their aura. Standing atop the pedestal in the center of the room, the headmaster faces the boy. "As always, the goal is to manage to take down a quarter of my aura. Any manner doing so will do."

Carmine widens his stance, training the gun on the man in front of him. "I got it." He said, keeping most of his impatience out. Most...

Ozpin nods at him, eyeing the gun aimed at him. "Very well... Begin-"

BOOM! The gunshot rings before the word finishes. The spar begins.

Aw, finally met Are-The-Father. So, this chapter is essentially the end of Carmine's child backstory. No more traumatizing him... for now. Also, NEO!

The Nelo last chapter was a Grimm of my own. Similar to the Imp from Volume 4, it's humanoid with bonus abilities. It's general style is similar to its namesake from the Devil May Cry series, Nelo Angelo but with different abilities.

Next, I never went into the inspiration for Killian 'Killa' Gonzola. Should surprise no one that it's Bender Bending Rodriguez from Futurama, given that both his henchmen were based off Futurama robots as well.

For this chapter, we really just have Neo's mom and reference to her father. I'll simply say that they're both based off unique Ice Cream names.

Oh, and the song choice this time was the first verse of Cats in the Cradle, as also inspired this chapter's name.

Join next time, in Chapter Eight: Once Heard.