Chapter Seventy One: Neutral Ground

"Right. So next is a left at turnpike 37... Now forward four miles for exit 22." Carmine reads off a map in the passenger seat. The van swaps lanes, a city staking its place in the snowy outdoors. "Hey, can we stop for something to drink? I'm thirsty."

Roman, in the driver seat, twitches. "How much soda do you drink?! You had a two liter!"

"Pop! And hey, like I want to be lectured by you! How many beers have you had?"

"I have been nothing but sober today!" The conman scoffs. "Barbie is tossing anything with alcohol until we're done with this weekend." He grumbles. "Finally, it's soda."

"Pop!" Carmine forcefully asserts. "The full term is soda pop! Why the hell would I choose two syllables when I could just take one?! Neo, back me up here."

"The mute can't chime in on syllable usage, you nonce." Roman snaps.

Makara's voice weakly chimes from behind them. "Um, you're missing the exit."

The van screeches as Roman swerves them onto the exit ramp...

Team CRBN, or CRBNR when Carmine is hungry, arrives in the city. The Pillar of New Oblitus, the South Pillar city of the Kingdom of Atlas. A coastal city on low last in a peninsula. The city to one side is heavily populated and thick with industry and life. By contrast, the vast ocean beautifully rests on the other.

Fishing boats, transport ships, ports, and military naval vessels stretch out the entire scenery. The chilled environment adds a pristine majesty to the lay of the land. The typical industrial grunge that comes with these large cities isn't capable of taking hold when snowfall covers it freshly.

Moving from the highway into the city, Carmine begins directing the man again. In the back seat, the women perform inventory. Blair hums as she eyes a check sheet. "So, we're stocked on dust."

"Mhm." Neo hums.

"Extra clothes?"

"Mhm."

"Travel rations?"

"Mmmmmm. Mhm." Neo answers after twisting over the back seat to the back vehicle bed.

"Electronic maintenance?"

"Hmm?" Neo pokes her head up, raising a brow.

"Like my computer tools, Roman's maker kits, the signal scrambler." Blair rattles off.

"Mm." Neo ducks back into the supplies, zipping and unzipping. She pops back, thumbs up. "Mhm!"

"Medical and hygiene kits?" Blair ends.

"Hmm..." Is the only answer. Blair looks over to see Neo looking off playfully.

"What?" Her tone dips.

Neo perks, snickers, and creates a Shatter note in hand. She hands it to Makara in the seat beside Blair. The temporarily healed amnesiac blinks at it before reading. "It says... 'Everything but yours and Roman's contraception'."

"The-" Blair whips around, glaring a storm at Neo. The mute is simply sitting innocently, staring back and containing a light giggle. She knows Blair uses birth control, anyway. She doesn't use- WHY IS SHE THINKING OF THIS?!

The look on Neo's face says it all. To make her think of it and get embarrassed. A success given Blair's heating blush. Blair can only groan and return her gaze forward. Makara allows a small embarrassed chuckle as Neo hums her own laugh. "Hmm hmm."

. . .

The van comes to a stop in a parking garage, four floors worth. The lot is shared by several buildings, but is connected to a path to rental houses. The CRBN group exits the vehicle, mixed feelings abound.

"So, this wedding isn't until next week, but she wanted us here by tomorrow?" Roman starts up.

"She wanted Carmine, Neo, and I to come by tomorrow, yes." She glances over to Makara. "Do not worry. I am positive Rowa will love you."

The gray lavender haired woman gives a weak smile. "I've never been to a wedding before... to my memory. Even before AZRL, I have mostly mundane recollections."

Blair grimaces. "I am not one for them, but as Maid of Honor, I am to be expected as a part of it all." She sighs. "I sincerely hope the other bride's maids are not here yet." She looks over to Neo. "Be on good behavior for Rowa, or I will make you pay."

Neo gives an angelic smile... promising the opposite. She bounces lightly with her step. Being honest, she's quite excited.

Carmine frowns. "Wait, didn't you say her fiance is in the Atlas military?"

"Captain Arnold Dillon of the Ox Battalion. He's a graduate of Atlas Academy and wants to become a Specialist Agent. Though, from what I can tell, his skill set lies more in leadership roles, so he may get promoted over the more main line military duties."

"So, we can ask if he knows Captain Herron." Carmine snickers.

Suddenly, Blair rounds on the group. "Yes, and also say nothing, nothing, NOTHING about Ostium Mortis or New Malum!" All four mime zipping their lips. "It's probably best for Roman to hang back and not stir anything up."

The five move out from the parking garage towards the rental houses.

"Barbie, are you ashamed of me?" Roman snickers.

"No. I just know you."

"What are you expecting of me?" The conman continues to feign ignorance.

Carmine answers for her. "She's afraid you'll piss someone off and cause thousands in damages." He perks, like a teacher's pet answering a rhetorical question from an educator in the expected way. "Plus, you could get us in deep trouble by lying your ass off."

"When would I lie?" Roman fakes offense.

"Um... You did say you were sober today, but I saw you sneak a beer at the last rest stop." Makara chimes in.

"HA! Called it!" Carmine claps happy and points at the conman in cheer.

The conman takes no offense, smirking. "Right. Let's instead allow Silver Streak to put his foot in his mouth as the face of the party."

"Oh, come on. I'm not bad at talking to people." All four members of HIS team send dull looks at him. He twitches. "I'm not! Come on!" He huffs. "Which of these houses are they at? I'll go first."

"Building 2D." Blair answers. She turns to the left. "That one right there. Rowa's reserved it for the women and another for the men for the wedding party all this and next week."

Carmine smirks. "Then, AS LEADER, I shall be the face of the party." He ends with a scowl at Roman before turning haughty and marching to the building door.

Roman snorts. "5." Carmine strolls up to the door. "4." The boy hits the door bell for the well kept house. "3. 2." Carmine loosens up and plasters a smile. "1."

He points to the door as the others look...

The door opens-

Carmine opens his mouth. "Hel-" but before an invisible force grips his entire body. His body scrapes off his feet and flies forward, slamming him back first into the white concrete side of the parking garage! He screams out. "-LAAAAAAAH- ACK!" His breath blows out his lungs as he twitches against the invisible force constricting him.

"FUCK!" He wheezes out as the others all draw their weapons.

"Carmine Uhlric. You are under arrest by the authority of Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy." The blonde woman steps out from the house in her full gear... She adjusts her glasses as her green eyes glare at the group. "Command your team to stand down."

"Ack... Can't breath..." Carmine wheezes. "H-hi Glynda... AH! Damn it! One sec!" He blinks away, activating his Recall. He flashes into place back on the sidewalk, arms raising. "Okay, now wait just a minute- EH!"

His body is gripped under Glynda's semblance again as he realizes she's gripping his clothes with her aura. Mixing her aura with it to assert her will. Just as Blair can insert her aura into living flesh.

Solution? Aura shield. He flexes his as her power ceases its control of him. He shrugs her off and grumbles. "Okay, sneak attacks aren't exactly okay."

"Fighting two Beacon Academy Huntsmen on Patch is not okay either!" Glynda spits back, low in tone as she focuses on the boy.

"Glynda!" Blair draws Fluorescent Finish and slides between the Beacon blonde and the boy. "Do I have to put you down for good?"

"Oh, right. The other traitor." Glynda glares back.

"STOP THIS NOW!"

The other voice shrieks and pierces everyone's ears enough to make them cringe away from the open doorway.

Out from the house, a furious looking Rowa steps out in her Huntress uniform, but no weapon. The violet haired woman stomps her way between them all, leaning to Glynda. "I gave you a warning! Get in there and sit down or leave! That was the deal!"

Glynda glowers back at her former teammate, huffing and looking away. "I remember you stating terms. Not me accepting them."

"This isn't Vale! You can't hunt them without Atlas approval, and last I checked Atlas isn't hunting Team CRBN." Rowa places both hands on her hips.

"I could call the General and get approval within ten minutes. I'm sure he would not disagree." Glynda says candidly.

"Glynda, I swear to the Brothers!"

"They're CRIMINALS!" The professor snaps.

"Hey!" Carmine yelps out, taking offense. Rowa and Glynda both tilt their stares towards him. He immediately shrinks back. "Um... Go ahead."

Glynda huffs and glares at her friend. "Are you truly willing to sit here and allow them to not answer their crimes?"

Blair snorts, sheathing Fluorescent as she approaches. "Keep in mind, our 'crimes' were committed as a result of Ozpin illegally asserting parental control of a child he doesn't claim."

Both Rowa and Glynda visibly flinch and look around at the shout. Rowa looks more uneasy at that. "Blair, we're still outside-"

The CRBN blonde scoffs. "I've done an aura detection of the area. The only people nearby are already in the house, Rowa. Everyone out here knows."

"Um. Knows what?" Makara asks weakly. This garners both Rowa and Glynda's attention as well.

Still, the snap back from Blair tempers Glynda lightly as Rowa's following glare makes her back down. "I will abide this for now, but we are going to talk about this."

Rowa grumbles. "Yes. We will. And you will learn to deal with it."

With that, Glynda spares a critical eye over all the CRBN crew. She huffs, turning and entering the house from whence she came. This leaves the five CRBN members outside with their wedding host, Rowa Carson. She looks over, clearly frazzled, but after a moment, manages a genuine and soft smile.

"Thanks for showing up. It's good to see you all again, impending arguments aside." He smiles brighter and closes the distance between herself and Blair reaching out and giving the blonde a soft gentle hug.

She squeaks lightly in shock when Blair reciprocates it...

As they pull away, Blair smiles. "I made you a promise, so... I'll bear the brunt of whatever consequences come." She glances away and mumbles low. "It's... very nice to see you, too."

That makes the violet haired woman beam a beautiful smile back. "Aw..." She wipes a fake tear away. "I know I said this at Beacon, but... You're finally a person!" She cries out with a brilliant grin-

Pat.

Blair's open hand slaps over Rowa's mouth as she looks with a dull glower. "Okay, that's enough of that." Yet, somehow, the abrasive turn makes the violet haired woman more giddy. When Blair's hand pulls away, Rowa looks somehow even happier.

"Make me feel like a teenager again." She giggles and turns away from Blair, finding Carmine. Rowa gasps, the two actually close in height. He's only a few inches smaller than her. "Oh gods. You've grown so much more since we last saw each other, Carmine! So handsome!"

"P-pardon..? Ha..." He tries to form a response, but instead chooses to grin stupidly with a mild blush. "Thanks for the save. I hope there's no more problems over the coming week. Thank you for having us."

"So polite too." Rowa grins wide, then leans into Blair. "Still not too late for you to groom him instead of being with that mobster."

Blair jolts, eyes wide. "ROWA!"

Rowa frowns suddenly and looks to the orange haired elephant in a bowler hat. "Speaking of which..."

Roman smirks and tilts his hat down from his head in a grand manner. "Ah, Miss, soon to be Mrs, Marionette. You're almost as lovely as Barbie."

The suave nature bleeds right off and into the gutter as far as Rowa is concerned, glowering at him. "Yes... Well. Appreciation for you driving them here." She narrows her gaze. "If a single thing goes wrong, I will be assuming it's you."

Roman dramatically places his hat back atop his head and flippantly scoffs. "Well, that's just being base line intelligent. That's how I know you're good company."

"Right..." Rowa responds. She leans to Blair again, tone whining. "You can do better... Please, Arnie can totally hook you up with a Lieutenant."

"Get over it, Rowa." Blair answers in a heated blush.

The violet haired woman sighs and smiles, finding Neo. She brightens considerably as she approaches the mute. "Oh my gosh, Neo? You look gorgeous!" She opens her arms to invite a hug, but stops. "Promise not to pickpocket me?"

Neo grins and closes the distance to give the hug. Both women separate after a moment. Neo thumbs to Blair and Roman before miming a gag motion. Translation: Those two make me sick sometimes, too. You're not alone.

"Oh, I know. I hate it. Can't you torment them and make it stop. You have a responsibility to do it in my stead."

Neo throws her hands up in a wide gesture, then rolls her eyes and shrugs. Translation: I can't do a thing! What can anyone do?

The woman smirks and continues to converse with Neo.

Aside, Carmine leans to Blair, whispering. "Neo and her are oddly closer than I expected."

"Apparently, Neo stole her number from my scroll a few times and has texted her." Blair answers. "They bond over both being my partner at different periods, so they feel responsible for me. So ridiculous."

Rowa look up from Neo, meeting eyes with Makara. The two women of the same height lock eyes. Steel blue meets hazel. Violet hair meeting grayed lavender. Rowa blinks and cocks her head, but smiles warmly. "Hello there. I don't believe we've met. My name is Rowa Carson, soon to be Rowa Carson-Dillon with a hyphen." She happily extends her hand.

Makara blinks at the kind meeting, a touch hesitant and sending a worried look to Blair. When the blonde smiles back, the woman calms and smiles, taking the hand shake. "Hello, Rowa. It's lovely to meet you. I am Maka Rivera, but I'm currently living under the name Makara Riva if you don't mind."

The violet haired woman cocks a brow at that, but shakes her head. "I don't mind at all, but I will be curious. What's your story?"

"That can come later." Carmine answers with a wave. "For now, consider her Team CRBN's fifth member." The inclusion of her makes Makara's smile grow slightly.

Rowa blinks at that, immediately looking to Blair. "I'll expect the details on that, but right." She smiles for the woman. "A friend of theirs is a friend of mine. It's lovely to meet you."

Roman snorts. "Yet, I'm excluded in that sentiment."

"Yes. You are." The Huntress answers firmly.

. . .

Inside the house, Rowa flounders and closes several doors. Carmine was barely able to see the frills of a dress maybe? The Huntress returns to the living room, mostly blank furnishings a few levels above a hotel suite. Glynda is still sitting in a prim and proper posture, refusing to look at them.

The tension of her placement isn't lost, so Rowa stands between them. "Make yourself at home. Drinks for anyone? We've been here three days already, so we've stocked cold on soft drinks, alcohol, and more dairy than I care for."

Roman taps his cane with his step and starts. "I'll go with a chocolate milk to be tame." He sends a light glower at his teammates for the earlier conversation. "Also, to make the request before I'm excluded."

"Hmm." Rowa spares any further response to the man, turning to the others.

Blair answers. "I can assists. No point in our bride to be to cater five of us at once. I'll have wine." She sends a side glance at her sister. "I'm sure I'll need it."

"Some pop is fine. Surprise me." Carmine answers. He thumbs to Neo. "If you got anything flavored beyond the basic stuff, she likes it."

Neo compounds this with a thumbs up. Ever willing to poke a bear, Neo looks to the seats... choosing a chair RIGHT next to Glynda. She gives a robotic smile and sends a look to the woman. Still, the professor has yet to respond.

Makara gulps. "I would like a clear cola if you have it?" She sounds unsure. Rowa nods and leaves the room with Blair to the kitchen.

Left alone with Glynda, Carmine eases on a chair across a coffee table from the academy professor. He has mixed feelings as he meets her harsh gaze. On the one hand, she's obviously VERY pro Ozpin's authority. On the other, he knows she wants what's best. So... diplomacy. "Been a while since I've been there, so I'm curious. Are this year's students as... wild as five years ago?"

Glynda's harsh gaze remains, but her voice comes much softer than. "I must admit, the current crop is lackluster. The next group we get would be yours if you'd come back." Carmine tenses as she pauses, but Glynda moves on. "Your age group's applications are interesting, for better or worse. Some rambunctious individuals with tastes in over-sized, overly destructive weaponry."

Roman snorts. "Rambunctious, she says. Like an elder lady."

"Over-sized, overly destructive weapons, you say?" Carmine echoes immediately, with a coy relish to his tone.

Thankfully, Glynda responds positively. Well, as positive as one can interpret. "One talented girl utilizes a hand case that transforms into a mini-gun."

Carmine goes unresponsive upon hearing that. He simply stares frozen as Makara pokes him. No response. Roman huffs. "You found his turn on. Great." He looks to Neo, patting her. "Sorry, Neo. Looks like he has eyes for another."

That gets Glynda's attention on the man... She glares death at him, but he appears unaffected. Instead, she eventually looks to Makara, taking in her full attire and weapon slung behind.

Said lavender haired woman shrinks under the critical glare. It's so similar to Blair's, yet more... something.

More judgmental.

Makara tries a smile. "H-Hi. You are Glynda?" She gulps and smiles brighter. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Anything informed by my sister is woefully inadequate, let me assure you."

"Actually... she was tight lipped over it. Carmine talked." Makara corrects.

The blonde returns her gaze to Carmine, who froze. "Nothing bad... Although that outside might add some bad things."

"Vindictive, are you?" Glynda narrows her gaze on him. "Not an admirable trait to develop."

His turn to narrow a gaze, heating up. "And you call whatever you feel for Blair something else? How are you any better?"

Ah... so he talks back now. That's not good. "It would seem that Blair is not guiding you well." Glynda retorts, dodging the accusation levied.

"Exactly the response I'd expect from someone riding Ozpin." The boy contains a growl, but his vein bulges in irritation. "I can just feel the safe space of choice under you." Glynda's gaze narrows on the boy, managing to make his gut queasy. Yet, he maintains himself. "I deal with Blair every day. You gotta try harder to scare me."

"..." She maintains her glare on the teen, silence filling the space. Each dragging second begins to eat at his awareness.

Come on... Say something. But nothing comes out of his rapidly drying throat.

Just silence and a chilling glare...

Stop it... stop it-

Knock. Click click.

The sound of the door shifting and opening makes Carmine bounce from his seat in fright. He settles, seeing Glynda still eyeing him. Her poker face gives nothing away, but some part of her has to feel satisfied in his breaking composure under her gaze.

A man enters the house holding a large basket with ribbons hanging out. The top is contained in a colorful wrap. The man is dressed functionally, with a white collared button up over dark pants and boots. Each article of clothing has golden trim, and his shirt has an insignia of a black sword downward through a golden triangle. Under it is his military rank, two golden pillars connected by two thin gold lines between.

He has side swept, short blonde hair with a cow lick on the left side, a light tan, and chocolate brown eyes. The man smiles brightly and calls out. "Hey~, Pumpkin Piiieeee!" He draws out the sound in an almost sing song voice. He shifts the door closed with his back, too focused on being careful with the basket. "I got the wreaths. We officially have all our supplies!"

He pauses as he takes in the room full of extra bodies. Suddenly, Glynda grimaces, a curious reaction. Until he adds on.

Smirking, he looks to Glynda. "Alright. Pay up, Glynda. You owe me ten Lien."

Before anymore can be said, Rowa and Blair move in from the kitchen, the violet haired woman with a spring in her step. "YES!" She quickly distributes drinks for Glynda, Neo, and Carmine. Meanwhile, Blair sets drinks for Roman and Makara, then sets her own and Rowa's. "Do they have the rare Mistrali winter leaf?"

The man smiles a dimpled sweet grin. "Do they..?" He gives a cocky sarcasm. "What do you take me for?" He offers a lean for her to peck a kiss on him. He then sets the large basket on a side table. "I see Glynda owes me money. These are your friends, I see." A short pause before he blanks and looks to her. "These are them, right? I'm not celebrating too soon?"

Rowa snickers and pats his shoulder. "Yes, these are them." She turns to everyone, presenting the man. "Carmine, Blair, Neo, Makara... Roman... this is my soon to be husband, Arnold!" She looks slightly wary after though.

He chuckles. "I also go by El Cap-i-tan!" He grins for them. However, it falls a bit when he gets a knowing look. "So, this is the illustrious Team CRBN?"

"..." All of Team CRBN sits silent before Carmine snorts. "Pft. What? We're not them. Those guys are assholes- OW!" He recoils from a rogue swatting of a counter coaster tossed by Glynda's semblance.

"Language. Even if you're speaking partial truths."

As he glares at the woman, Arnold perks and offers. "Rowa's told me plenty about you all. That and- well- You kind of caused a huge stir across command over the last couple years. Though, I'm not privy on many details why or how."

Carmine, Blair, Makara, and Neo all put on poker faces as Roman smirks and offers his hand from his sitting position. "I assure you, we've done nothing wrong." As several simultaneous twitches go off in reaction to this egregious lie, he adds. "Here. In Atlas, I mean."

Okay, still an overt lie, but easier to defend.

Arnold accepts the handshake and appraises the members. "So, if I go off of descriptions..." He looks to Blair and smirks. "You're definitely Glynda's twin. Blair. I'm sure you're both just as deadly and charming as her."

"I assure you I surpass her in both categories." Blair accepts his handshake. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"And exactly the same response she gave me." Arnold retorts, instantly causing twitch anger to flash across both the cold blooded blonde women. He then looks to Roman, turning neutral. "And you're a wanted man."

A tensing of muscles shows.

"In Vale, anyway." Arnold clarifies. "Technically, you're all wanted in Vale, Rowa told me that part." All five CBRN members snap looks to the violet haired woman.

She puts her hands on her hips. "What? He's gonna be my husband. It's fine."

The man chuckles. "I mean, even if they were wanted here, I've been told in no uncertain terms that should I threaten this wedding, Pumpkin Pie here WILL wear my organs as a fashion statement." He maintains a happy disposition as the group gets a first hand look into Rowa's... threatening side.

Said woman smiles wide. "I'm really excited for my wedding." Her eyes then lose light as they hollow out. She gazes over them all. "And none of you are going to let your petty squabbles ruin it... Right?"

All present shake their heads quickly.

Arnold then looks to Neo. "I've seen your messages pop up on her scroll! Neo, right?" Neo purses her lips, so he clarifies. "Oh, just the previews. I haven't actually read the conversations. I'm a gentleman."

Neo raises a brow. Roman snorts. "Oh, I'm gonna find his bad bones within the week."

Rather than acknowledge Roman, Rowa places a hand on the sitting Carmine's shoulder. "Control your partner, please. Else, I'll have to throw him out of the wedding venue."

"Will do..."

Arnold takes that initiative to turn to Carmine. "Which makes you Carmine."

"Yep!" He retorts excited, offering his hand.

However, Arnold continues. "The stubborn, bull headed opinionated boy who will plow through rules for his beliefs. Sweet but with a foul mouth?"

Carmine freezes. His mind goes still, echoing the words in his head. His eye twitches. "Pardon the fuck outta me?"

"Boosh!" The Atlas man pumps his fist at being correct. As both Blair and Glynda glare at Carmine, quelling his rage, the captain looks to Makara. "And... you're new." He blinks at his fiance. "Honey, this another old friend of yours?"

"New, but we can account for her, I'm sure." Rowa waves off any concern. "Now! Ground rules, children!" She glares between the six guests before her. "Guys will be staying in the next house over. The wedding is in eight days. Girls will be staying here. In free time, feel free to interact with each other, but for the most part, a few of these last days are going to be spent with your group."

Everyone frowns, save for Glynda who appears to have expected the announcement. Blair looks between them. "What... activities are left to do? If we finish them soon-"

"Ah. Ah. Ah!" Rowa wags her finger for her former partner. "Nothing is being rushed. The only reason to be antisocial this week and next is if you genuinely are getting overwhelmed. In which case, come to me. I'll judge your credibility."

At that, Blair deflates. Glynda, surprisingly, huffs. "I tried with her this morning on this subject." She grumbles. Blair grimaces further at hearing her sister had the same objections.

"To answer your query of activities... the men need to get sized for their tuxes, and women their dresses. Also, both myself and Arnold wanted to have our bachelor and bachelorette parties on this weekend working up to the wedding day. We MAY allow some intermixing since obviously you guys know me more and may not gel with Arnold's squad mates-"

Immediate groans from Roman sound off as Carmine looks off into space, frightened.

She continues. "BUT everyone is going to have fun. We're all friends. Any questions?"

Immediately, Carmine raises his hand. "So, Arnold is keeping quiet about us because 'make wife happy'. Are his squad mates going to work out with Roman?"

"They're not going to be bad about it." Arnold cuts in. "Plus, like I said. Nothing is officially against you in Atlas yet."

"That 'yet' concerns me." Carmine retorts, alert. He shares a glance with the others.

That's right... how the flying blue hell is there not an investigation after breaking into the hospital in Malum? Surely they were identified later on? What the hell?

"Finally!" Rowa claps her hands. "All weapons in. Now!"

Uh...

"Absolutely not." Blair retorts immediately.

"What is this now?" Glynda does so as well.

Rowa holds her hands out. "All girl's weapons will be held at the boy's house. All boy's weapons will be held at the girl's house. No one will have their weapons available. That way, NO ONE will draw into violence if there is a disagreement." She glares extra hard at Blair and Glynda. "Got it?!"

Roman and Neo both look at one another. "Um... I think I may have a twang in my knee. Might just need to hold on to-" He tries, brandishing Velvet Valentine.

"Bullshit." She cuts him off. She then raises her brow at Neo.

The mute smiles sweetly, holding Hush in a twirl over her shoulder. She points to the sky, then mimes something falling. She ends, clutching her arms. Translation: But what if it rains or snows? I'll be too cold.

Rowa smirks, but still sets a look. "Nice try, but also bull." She holds her hand out. Neo's head drops at that. Damn it.

Carmine sighs. "Remove." His call out flashes his armor. The pieces disconnect, falling from his form onto the hardwood floor. He then releases the clipping of Heulin Noon's holster. "Even if it has emotional significance?"

"Do any of your weapons not have that?" Rowa retorts. A short look between the CRBN crew told her the answer. "Yeah, No."

. . .

In a minute, Carmine had relinquished Heulin Noon and his Buster Armor. Roman relinquished his cane, looking quite sour. Rowa took the weapons away, but then looks to Carmine. "You're not about to Recall this back, are you?"

The boy blinks and pouts. "No..."

Blair sighs. "Carmine, just let Makara use her semblance for Rowa's comfort."

"WHAT?!" He whips his head towards her. "You can't be serious! I JUST recently had to reset everything, and it's a pain in the ass-ow!" This time, it was Neo who hit him before either Blair or Glynda could. "Why?!"

Neo signs for him. "Would you rather they did it?"

He scowls at the girl, head sinking. "... Right. Thanks." He looks to Makara. "Go ahead."

"Hmm?" Makara perks, then smiles politely. "Oh!" She shifts from the couch to the boy's seat, holding her hands upon him. "Ah... Control!" A pulse of dark yellow washes over the boy. A light flinching of all material in the room quakes, but quickly resettles.

Arnold, Rowa, and Glynda all three flinch defensively by reflex. "What was that?" Arnold asks, alert.

Carmine glowers as he looks at them. "Her semblance disconnects aura implanted in foreign objects. My connection to my armor and gun is gone, so I'll have to spend hours resetting everything after we're done on this trip."

"Sorry." Makara chimes in, despite the beautiful smile on her face. She'd been quite excitable about her Chaos semblance since rediscovering it the prior month.

"I don't believe you." He retorts.

Rowa and Glynda exchange looks. "Girl is a direct counter to our semblances." Rowa smirks. Though, Glynda only scowls at that. "Come on. You can't tell me it doesn't excite you. You're too competitive for that."

"We aren't children anymore. Do you even realize how many disorderly children of such temperaments I quell on a daily basis?"

"You just enjoy being in on it. Don't lie." Rowa adds with a smile.

"Yes. Don't lie, Secretary." Roman adds, condescendingly with a smirk.

Instantly, Rowa and Glynda both glare at the man. The violet haired woman glowers. "Additional caveat. I'm allowed MY weapon."

"Hmm. Imbalanced. Now I'm liking your thinking. It's smart." Roman quips with a grin as he looks to Arnold. "Lucky guy."

Arnold responds positively to the smarmy quips. "Oh, I already know I am. The tailor Riley picked out closes in three hours, so I'd like to get it over with." He looks to Blair, Makara, Neo, and Glynda. "So, could we get your weapons, ladies? Per Pumpkin's request?"

Neo sulks, handing off Hush to Carmine. She pouts at him, so he gives a sympathetic nod, taking it. He then looks to Blair. The scientist is still glaring hate at the situation, but slowly offers her weapon for Carmine alone. The boy hooks Fluorescent Finish on his waistline, then holds up Hush like a normal umbrella.

Makara sulks lightly, but gives Almighty Circuit to Roman. She holds up a hand as if asking to speak. "Um..?"

"What's wrong?" Rowa perks at the strange concern.

Slowly, Makara lowers her hand. "Is it okay if I get to do weapon maintenance on Almighty Circuit once a day at least?"

Glynda frowns. "That's a touch suspicious-"

"Let her. It's non negotiable." Blair cuts in with a growl. "Medical reasons." She offers, but doesn't elaborate. Both Glynda and Rowa take pause at that.

"O... kay? Sure. It's fine." Rowa nods for her, then looks to Glynda. "Well?" The blonde grumbles as she removes her riding crop weapon.

Carmine raises a brow. "I'd never bothered asking before, but that's an odd choice of weapon. Why did you choose something that has no close combat option?"

Glynda pauses her green eyes on the boy. With barely withheld strain, she answers. "Disciplinarian is a focus. Both aura and dust can be conducted through it, and my semblance can be used at any range. Even if long range is my specialty..." She swipes the crop at the boy, the strap end striking the seat by the boy's hand, spooking him. "I am more than capable. Accept that warning."

As she passes the crop to Arnold, Blair speaks up. "Remember how I differentiated her semblance from traditional telekinesis, Carmine?" That makes Glynda freeze, eyes contracting.

"You what?" Glynda hones her focus on the two.

"Yeah." Carmine answers. He recalls that event years ago. In front of the Beacon fountain, exploring his own semblance. "You said her infusion of aura can control bonds of materials. Controlling from the inside rather than the out."

Blair nods. "Similar to when I use Fluorescent with my own blood for enhancement, semblances like ours require heavy focus. Using a tool to center that power makes it extensively easier, and such tools are rarely able to maintain rough physical striking. Typically only smaller end swords can ever achieve both goals, and that required rare materials for me to circumvent."

Carmine nods. "So, the crop, er, Disciplinarian... on the nose there. I like it... lets her semblance cut loose the most. That's actually really cool." He ends, offering a small grin in the way of the weapon before hazarding a look to Glynda.

The blonde professor glares back, then to Blair. A short pause in the room becomes uncomfortable as she processes the interaction. It was... almost a healthy educational experience.

Rowa claps to grab their attention. "Perfect! The dress shop I picked out has longer til it closes, but it's across town." She looks to Blair. "Do you want to drive or me?"

Blair raises a brow, but nods. "I can drive." She looks to Roman. "Keys." Roman hums and tosses the van keys over to her.

Everyone finishes their drinks before splitting off: Guys and girls separate.

. . .

Blair quickly deduced that the reason Rowa wanted her to drive was to keep her occupied on her surroundings. Rather than the other vehicle occupants. Neo rides in the passenger seat, being obstinate about riding close to Glynda. The back seat is organized with Makara behind Blair, Rowa in the middle, and Glynda behind Neo.

All to keep the sisters away from each other...

A part of Blair wants to relax, but the other part of her knows that Glynda is serious. She wants to follow Ozpin's order. The only thing holding her back at this moment is Rowa's stance. Would Glynda ruin their friendship to follow Ozpin's bunk order?

She actually doesn't know.

The conversation is sparse. It's almost entirely Rowa as the medium interacting with them all. The group arrived at the store with no further issue. Rowa presents them with the large and grand store, Chatel Adel. It was filled with different customized fashions, ranging from the lavish affairs to pomp aggression. The styles presented seemed to focus on either shrouded natures or complete expression.

Blair notes at least a couple glasses and sunglasses sections with pairs costing upwards of two thousand. "How did you come across this place?"

"Glynda asked me not long ago to present a ranged combat tactics seminar to students at the combat schools." The violet haired woman starts. "While in Pharos, there was a young talent that needed... humbling to say the least. But! She had some unique tastes in style. Turns out, this chain is run by her cousins. There are three locations currently. This one is the only one in Atlas." Rowa chimes. "They're based out of Vale."

"Interesting. Did they manage to get you discounts?" Blair eyes the expensive clothing abound.

At that, Rowa sulks. So, Glynda answers. "You're underestimating how much humbling would be needed of Miss Adel. I was not lying when I said Carmine's grade group is going to be a handful."

"Shush. You make me sound broke. Last I checked, at least two of us were pretty well off." She looks to the CRBN women. "I actually don't know how much you guys make."

Glynda turns and glowers at Blair. "Yes. How much do you make illegally posing as Hunters?"

Blair accepts the challenge and gives a neutral tone. "More than you, judging from that self centered tone."

"Stop!" Rowa huffs, grabbing each sister by a shoulder to halt any further backhanded responses. She waves a hand up. "Hello! Can we get someone here?"

A woman in a mixed work dress of cream and brown approaches with a smile. "Hello there. How may I help you?"

Rowa smiles wide, though the irritation from the blondes behind her shows in a few twitches. "I need five fittings done. Under the reserved name Carson-Dillon."

The woman grins wide. "Absolutely. Who would you like to do first?"

Without missing a step, Rowa grabs and wrenches Blair forward. "Her first, under Gale."

THAT makes Blair's expression double take. The only person who keeps bringing that name up was a certain green haired homicidal maniac! Rowa must have sensed the question, so she quickly shushes the blonde.

Instead, Blair sighs and looks to Neo. "If I catch you with something that isn't yours, it'll be your wallet that gets emptied for it." The casual statement causes Glynda to twitch a glare forward. Only their group caught it, subtle enough for the employee to miss it.

As Blair leaves, she catches and sends a cold gaze back at her twin. This sets Glynda's blood boiling. Sensing this, Rowa snatches the professor's arm and jerks her in. Placing a smile on her face face, she waves off Neo and Makara. "You two look around. Neo, please for me behave, okay?" Neo gives a sly smirk to Glynda, further lighting the fire beneath the professor, but gives a polite smile and nod for Rowa. She immediately sets Glynda on edge by turning and looking to silk based pieces.

Pulling Glynda to the end of the store, a corner bereft of more expensive items, and of peering customers. The woman rounds on her friend. "Alright, I guess we'll have to do this here. Glynda, I KNOW Ozpin's orders, but I need you to sit down and air out!"

The blonde snaps back. "This is a conversation befitting some level of importance. We cannot have it in a beauty shop!"

"Glynda, one week. Just lay off for one week and let work take over later. I know Carmine has magic-"

The professor sets a glare upon the woman, cutting her off. "... So Blair has informed you of their situation. From her flawed point of view, I'm sure."

Rowa grimaces, but nods. "And I understand them for it. I understand he has magic, but the kid made a choice to not be at Beacon. He chose to be with his... well... family of sorts. And the kid needs a family."

"That boy's choices yield consequences beyond himself. If... she... ever finds hims-"

"SHE has literally always been around. Always been a threat. That alone doesn't justify locking up and restraining a kid from the outside world... I respect Ozpin as one of, if not the single greatest man in history. But, Blair has a point. Ozpin didn't choose to raise him. If choices yield consequences, then this is a consequence of Ozpin's actions. Not Carmine's OR Blair's."

Glynda narrows her gaze on her friend, breathing in and out to stop from fuming. "You've no idea the actual gravity of the situation, Rowa. This is not some natural disaster to weather out and continue forward. Situations change, and in dealing with the changes, many compromises have to be made!"

At the mention of change... Rowa stops. A silence falls between them as they look to Blair leaving one of the fitting rooms in a beige dress. An example dress showing the sizes they wish to test out. The violet haired woman grimaces and sets a look on her friend.

"What happened? Something happened, and you're wound tighter than I've ever seen you." At Glynda's silence, she steps closer. "We were on a team. Our academy teams, to all of us, became our second families. No secrets, cause gods know I've already has to yell at Blair about doing exactly this. Tell me what happened."

"..." Glynda's face tightens at the push.

"Please-"

"Fall's been compromised." Glynda whispers out. Quieter than either thought they could hear.

Silence befalls as Rowa's thought process grinds. She tries to interpret that information, eyes scrutinizing Glynda for any sense of falsehood. "What?"

Glynda looks off, downcast, but leans in. She whispers directly into Rowa's ear. "Two weeks ago... Qrow was tracking one of their operations. He was too late. He arrived on the scene to find her in agony..." Glynda stops at hearing Rowa suck in a gasp. "Amber... isn't going to recover."

Over with Blair, the blonde finishes her fitting with the female employee. She nods in appreciation as she moves to Neo. "I believe it is your turn."

The female employee smiles for Neo. "Which member of the party is this?"

Now under the impression that Rowa used pseudonyms, Blair pauses before recalling. "The other Carson."

Neo smiles, catching on. She remembers now. Rowa helped fake her identity into Signal, giving her the same last name. Seems they're doing the same. She nods and hops forward as the employee reads off. "Okay... Vanille Carson?"

"Mhm!" Neo hums with it as she moves with the employee to get measurements. At the employee's slight confusion, Blair adds on.

"She's mute, so please be patient with her. And Vanille... be good." The amber eyes sharpen. Of course, such threat was lost to Neo in the moment. Soon as the mute was gone, Blair turns to Makara, who looks at a silver dress. "Shall we find something for you as well? I'm certain they have warmer options."

Makara blushes at the caught interest. She smiles bashfully. "Oh, um... I mean, I shouldn't. I'm intruding on the wedding as is..."

Unimpressed, Blair huffs. "Rowa is a social butterfly. She will want you to be engaged with the festivities with or without your consent. It's best to just humor her." The blonde then glances over the various shelves and stands to see her two former teammates close at the corner of the store. "Speaking of which... Keep an eye on Neo for a second. I'll grab her to help you."

Blair begins to march over to the conversing Huntresses.

Rowa pulls away from Glynda, whispering. "Wait, but... so, if Amber is... But, if she's not dear, how can't her power restore her?"

Glynda grimaces. "They were attempting to remove her power... WHILE she was alive. They were removing her choice of who to pass the power to."

That sinks Rowa's gut down.

"The situation has changed." Glynda speaks low, grim. "Her life is over... All we can do is suspend her within Beacon until Ozpin finds a way to safely transfer her remaining power within a new host. If she passes before then... it is likely her power will seek the current holder of her... 'other half'." She clenches her teeth and fists tight. "Until we finish creating a way to do so, we've barely any comprehension of how to proceed."

The professor then looks Rowa in the eye. "So, if they can remove power from Amber, then please... Do tell me why on Remnant we should allow that boy who barely understands his power at all free reign? He is a ticking time bomb in this conflict that needs to be dealt with now! Not tomorrow. Not a week from now. Not next year."

The two stand in silence, Glynda allowing Rowa to process the sheer horror of the implications. As she does so, face down and drained of color, Blair approaches. The scientist narrows her gaze as she steps in. "Am I interrupting?"

Glynda glances up. Not with the venom she's been displaying. More tired, yet thought out. Perhaps airing her grievances alone allowed for a cooler head and explanation. She spares another look to Rowa. "Classified information, but... I'll await her response at a later time. Shall I go for my fitting?"

Blair scrutinizes her sister, but slowly nods to the area of the dressing rooms. "Neo is being handled now... I wished to discuss the issue of Makara... and our names."

At that, Rowa starts. She shoves down her thoughts for now. She breathes out and smile. "Ah, right. Obviously, Makara and Roman won't be part of the official wedding party, but..." She sighs. "Of course they're allowed in the venue. We'll help her pick out something after we've been measured."

That gets a small smile out of Blair. "Thank you. We will pay for her. She's not accumulated much in the way of funds since she's only been with us a scarce few months."

Glynda almost speaks, but stops herself... then decides to speak anyway. "Where did she come from?" Blair almost looks surprised by the conversational tone. It wasn't a tone laced with hostility. "Is she a tag along? Or..?"

"A rescue." Blair states softly. Both Huntresses stiffen at that. "Roman's doing actually, but if you want more, ask her." She then allows a small smile. "She may be temporary, or permanent, but we've accepted her as a member all the same. Carmine has this asinine concept of using her last name to call us... Team CRBNR when he's hungry."

Rowa snorts at that, fully putting Glynda's earlier revelations down for the moment. She giggles. "That's good. Should hire the kid to name the new teams. Did you know Atlas named a four man squad Team freezer, but with an I?! It was F. R. I. Z."

Blair hums. "Knowing him, he'd just make it food themed and call them team fries."

All three manage a chuckle at that... then stop realizing that the exchange was... nice. Pleasant even.

Before it can go further, Glynda clears her throat. "I shall go get measured." Leaving one last glance at Rowa, she adds. "Don't forget or down play what I said. Please." Her tone drops before she marches off from the remaining two.

Blair watches her go before addressing Rowa. "Should I be worried?"

The woman grimaces. Glynda's words weigh heavily as she realizes that the answer is yes. "Honestly... yes. There's... a lot to think about."

Blair lets that slide, moving closer. "I see. In most situations of emotional matters, Carmine would avoid and evade these matters with distractions." Rowa peers up, curious, so Blair continues. "Roman would meticulously plan a way to avoid it entirely. Neo would observe the flaws in other's answers and find a way to indirectly address it." Blair starts toying with the fabric of a hanging dress to the side as she speaks.

"And what about you? How do you handle emotions these days?" Rowa answers playfully. "Still shutting down and giving nothing?"

Blair allows a small smile. "... No. Actually. Though, I'm still tempted every so often." She turns as the two lean against a shelf side to side, shoulders touching. "I'm... getting there."

Rowa blinks at her, enjoying this... strangely affectionate Blair. "Yeah... What happened to you?" Blair's small smile washes off. "You returned and even deepened that hug earlier, and you're volunteering contact here." The violet haired woman smiles. "I'm in shock. It's nice, though."

The blonde frowns. "I... Something happened... I will inform you later, but suffice to say, my actions have been more... reflective of late." Her withdrawn shift pulls her away slightly.

"I'll be eager to hear." Despite the tone, Rowa couldn't help but smile at the change. Even if she doesn't like what she'll hear later, she can hold on to the result.

"On other topics." Blair turns, a suspicious glower. "Our names..."

. . .

Across town. At a men's suit store.

"She came up with undercover names for all of us?" Carmine perks, politely smiling next to the dapper blonde man. They are against a wall in a men's tailor store, Roman off in the back. "I really need to get her something to splurg on. What's her favorite dessert?"

Arnold laughs. "Oh, she makes all her favorites, but she never says no to good chocolate tarte. Pretty sure there's a shop up the road that sells whole cakes of it."

Carmine resists salivating. The glutton he is. He shakes his head. "I'll have to see if they have a vanilla version. But anyway." He coughs and raises a brow. "How did she get our fake names down? I know she made Neo's and I's about six months ag-" he pauses...

He just told the man his soon to be wife broke the law blatantly.

Instead, the blonde smirks. "Hard to believe you're essentially doing espionage. You need to watch your wording, buddy." He chuckles at Carmine's blush.

"Rowa's a friend, so I just..."

The man holds a hand up. "No worries. Yes, Pumpkin had yours and Neo's, or Vanille's I should say, down pat." He shrugs, thumbing to Roman. "When I had to add Roman's name to the suit list, I took a guess. I think I got it in one." He smirks. "Too bad I can't brag about it or risk Pumpkin liquidating my insides."

At his statement, Roman steps out, a frown adorning him. "I would like to know how that 'guess' came about."

Behind him, a tailor steps forward. It is an older man with a neatly trimmed beard. He smiles. "Alright, Mr Delarge. We're ready for the next one."

As Roman silently stews over his name... the same name he'd used in Malum, Carmine marches up with a polite smile. "That'll be me. Maxwell, Zane." The tailor beckons him on as he moves off.

This leaves Roman, former criminal lieutenant and labor servant with Arnold, current Atlas Captain and seemingly perfect good boy. The conman stops and sizes the guy up. Some of the man's responses weren't within that perfect mold. The guy was straight laced on the outside, but he seemed to have a coy sense to him.

How interesting. Maybe they can have something in common. "So, explain this guess? How does Delarge describe me? Although, if you're hitting on me, I'm afraid both Barbie and Marionette would be displeased."

"That, and I am quite positive that you and I are in different leagues." Arnold retorts cheeky.

That brings a grin to the conman. The guy has some quip in him. "Good of you yo recognize that. I am quite flawless, I know."

The Atlas man snorts. "You're as full of yourself as Pumpkin said." He sends a critical eye on the ginger. "But, on the name thing, it was a guess. Most of the intel we have on you guys is assumptions, that when there's no answer to a situation yet it revealed something corrupt, maybe it was Team CRBN."

Roman snorts. "Good for reputation building."

Arnold smirks. "So, when half the investigation material dried up across all of New Malum months back, the only detail that was made available to other officers was a witness that knew of a doctor who they'd only ever seen that day. Went by Dr Delarge." He looks at Roman, looking for anything to give him away.

Roman maintains a smirk, holding up perfectly. If Killian Gonzola couldn't make the conman flinch at 16, this Atlas pretty boy wouldn't manage it. "Sounds like someone infiltrated them. Stealing drugs from a medical facility?"

"Or breaking into an SDC facility." Arnold finishes. He lets a frown come on. "Now, Team CRBN has mostly been dismissed as a possible culprit due to their past behavior. But, I had the hunch that it was you guys."

"Ever heard of cameras? I find it hard to believe old Schnee wouldn't think of that." Roman chimes back, flippant. As if it was obvious.

"Funny thing." The captain chuckles. "Quite literally all camera footage, both around the facilities and in traffic footage across the city was wiped. Inside jobs. Go figure." Roman resisted the urge to react to that. So, that's why they hadn't been put on Atlas's hit list. AZRL deleted everything for their own protection. "Now, I'm not familiar with this... AZRL? But, from the MO I've heard, sounds like something that they would do as well."

"Well, isn't that quite a tale." Roman smirks. "But, nothing sounds familiar there."

Arnold clicks his tongue, clearly not buying it, but letting it go. "Darn. Another dead end." He chuckles. "Oh, well." He chuckles. "Finally, Rowa said something about Blair being a creature of habit. For her reserved name, Rowa said she used the same alias Blair would use any time their team would force her into role play."

Roman snaps his look on the man. "Come again?"

The man flinches back. "Not that kind! Apparently, another team roped them into a table top game once. Fittingly, Blair apparently played a witch doctor... one time." He snorts. "Rowa said she played one session and scared the other team's members. Then she told Rowa role playing games are wastes of time."

Roman chuckles. "Oh, my. I need more third hand Barbie stories. That sounds like her."

Arnold snorts. "There will be plenty of time for story telling tonight with the boys. Riley, my buddy from the academy, is bringing the others tonight. We got a game broadcast to watch later and beer."

The conman scoffs. "Oh, we'll have to make a stop then. You Atlas snobs don't even know what good time means."

. . .

Blair stares back at Rowa, pursed lips and annoyed. A flush of embarrassment hit after being told that her code name existed longer than she remembered. "I completely forgot about that. It did not even occur to me that I'd used Gale as a false name before."

Rowa bops the woman lightly on a shoulder. "You're a creature of habit. That hasn't changed." Both women perk when Neo skips over with a smirk. "Hi, Neo. Glynda finishing her measurements?"

Neo smirks and nods. Red flag.

Blair narrows her gaze at the girl. "What is it? You have that look."

"Something good?" Rowa asks.

"Something to stir up problems." Blair says.

Neo feigns ignorance with a sweet smile. She blinks, colors in her eyes swapping pink and brown. The teen then looks to Blair and chuckles. The blonde begins to glare, so the mute makes a shatter note. She passes it to Rowa, letting the woman read it.

"Hch!" Rowa slaps her hand over her mouth, containing a laugh. The woman then looks flustered at the teen with a twitching grin. "Did you spy on them both?"

Alert, Blair glares death at the girl. "Neo! What did you do?" She swipes the shatter note, reading quickly-

It breaks before she reads the second half.

However, she recognized the first half. She sends an off look at Neo. "Were those... my measurements?" At Rowa's squeal laugh and Neo's silent enjoyment, the scientist is confused. "Firstly, invasion of privacy. Secondly, why?"

Neo grins wide. She makes a smaller sign and holds it up. 'Breast Bust: Glynda 1. Blair 0.'

Blair's eyes snap wide, face flushing red in furious anger and embarrassment. "YOU!"

"What is this?" Glynda speaks up from the side. She narrows her gaze at Neo while the teen freezes like a caught thief. Fitting. "Also, I noticed your presence. Shall I presume it has something to do with that?"

Neo and Rowa turn to one another, containing laughter. Rowa shakes her head violently. "No. Don't. Funny or not, it won't end well."

However, fitting of having just minutes ago brought up an old tine table top experience, Neo picks the chaotic neutral option. She turns the shatter sign for Glynda to read. The professor stiffens, reading the personal information that seemed to 'award' her a fictional point. "I... will refrain from lashing out. But..." A spark of purple aura emanates from her clenching hand.

Neo's eyes contract as she slightly shrinks under Glynda's towering threat. However, she's one to poke the bear. So, she updates the shatter sign.

'Breast Bust: Glynda 1. Rounded Bottom: Blair 1.'

"PftHAHAHA!" Rowa collapses and cackles as both terrifying blondes pause at the body comparisons.

Ever subtly, Blair's eye peers around herself. Glynda's tense fury builds as she slowly crosses her arms over her chest. Both actions still ignite further mirth from Rowa. The bride to be quickly gets between them. "Alright, alright. Calm down. Neo, stop please." She looks away to find Makara to the side.

The impaired woman is peering over a fur lined dress. Its primary color is a deep blue with groomed light brown fur stitched in around the arms like cuffs and at the collar. Her hazel eyes are alight at the warm looking dress.

Rowa sighs and turns around. "Right. Blair, Glynda. Opposite sides of the store. No fighting. Time for my fitting." She side glances Makara and decides to approach. "Hey, Makara? Wanna join and get some measurements? We can get that kind of dress there ordered for you, too."

The lavender haired woman perks. "O-Oh. Thank you... Uh.."

Rowa blinks at the woman, tilting her head. "You okay?"

"Rowa." Makara says, slightly louder than needed before shaking her head. A fluster comes over. "I'm sorry! Small moment there." She looks away bashfully.

The huntress slightly wrinkles her nose at that. Did this woman... forget her name? That's pretty rude. Still, she shakes it off, so Rowa escorts her over.

Noticing this interaction, Neo and Blair share a look. They... might need to explain this.

Luckily, there would be no further complications for the evening... hopefully.

. . .

Night time

The darkness shrouded the town as both parties had returned to the houses.

However, soon as they settled in, Makara stands nervous as she fiddles with her fingers. "Um, R... Rowa?" At the woman's perking, Makara seems more nervous. "Would it be okay for me to go and perform my weapon maintenance now?"

Rowa blinks at the girl, slightly perturbed. "I... Yeah, I can't stop you. Just be safe moving around-"

"Neo, go with her. You can also report what the boys are getting into. I shudder to think what Roman may try to get Carmine to do for the sake of 'partying'." Blair adds. Neo winks and skips up to the adult woman at the doorway. Blair looks over. "Which building are they in?"

"Six doors down." Glynda answers, looking to Makara.

The pale lavender haired woman perks before smiling in appreciation. "Thank you, Gena."

The professor holds full composure, adjusting her glasses. "It's Glynda." Her gaze pierces the woman, who pales and shrinks under the look. Before Makara can mutter an apology, Glynda cuts her off. "Do not apologize if you're not going to commit it to memory."

"Stand down!" Blair snaps from the other side of the room. She softens her look towards Neo and Makara. Nodding to the door, she hums. "Get on. I'll talk with them." Neo scowls at Glynda, but nods, taking the shrinking Makara off and out of the house. The former teammates are left alone.

Rowa frowns. "Not to take a side, but... I agree with Glynda. It doesn't seem like your friend is even trying to remember our names. A bit disrespectful."

Blair glares back. "It's not her fault. It's outside of her control." She pins a stare on both of them. "Like I said earlier. Medical orders."

Rowa and Glynda each share a look, but don't quite look convinced. Rowa gives and raises both arms defensively. "Okay, okay. We still don't know her deal."

"A running theme when my sister is around. Being out of the loop." Glynda grumbles.

"Oh, please don't start."

"Too late. Be true to yourself, Rowa. Everything really would be a whole lot easier if Blair would be honest." Glynda snaps.

Blair almost snarls back. "I am being one hundred percent cooperative!"

"Perfect. Now, do inform me what your team has been up to. Promptly, now." Glynda huffs, crossing her arms. "You can start with why you have a civilian as a temporary team member. I presume that Makara is a rescue from AZRL, yes?"

Realizing she's caught in the trap, Blair shifts the subject. "You're making assumptions."

"And you're obscuring problems. Give me an answer, because this issue is new. What is the situation with that woman? Why has she not been turned in to the authorities to be returned home?" The professor presses.

Rowa groans and steps between them. "Girls, cool off." She looks between them. Before Glynda can snap, the violet haired woman does so first. "I said COOL OFF. Not stop! I want answers too, but not like this." When Glynda shifts back, she looks to Blair. "Alright. All cards on the table. Is she a capture from AZRL?"

Blair narrows a glare at the two, huffing. "You are correct."

Before Glynda can inflame the conversation, Rowa continues. "Alright. Medical orders. Explain."

However, the scientist clams up. "Doctor patient confidentiality."

Glynda sucks in a breath. "That statement makes me want to gag coming from you. Confidentiality is an excuse for you not to let others in."

Rowa face palms, but Blair sighs. "You're right." Both her former teammates freeze, but Blair continues. "Were I to count, the number of people I truly care about confidentiality ranks lower than ten. Outside those few, I could not give a care about it. So, yes. I will use that principle to protect them."

"And what you're doing is protection?" Glynda says, the surprise in her voice not hidden. "From us?"

"If needed." Blair answers coldly. Before they can respond, she continues. "I fully trust Rowa with my life, and against my own general opinion, I do not see you as a fool. However, we now know that reliance on authority and openness is libel to cause failure. There are too many faults in the system."

The odd admission of confidence from her sister holds Glynda's tongue. This lets Rowa hone in on the issue. "AZRL is inside Atlas. Aren't they?" At Blair's pensive look, Rowa gulps. "Blair?" Glynda joins the look, attentive.

Blair sighs. "Not yet. But we know that is their end goal now." Blair sits and rests her head into her hand. "We have confirmed that their previous goal was denied from them. They wished to taint and control the criminal underworld of all the kingdoms, but getting exposed by us ruined it." She grimaces.

She continues. "Mistral is a wild west. We took out their ingrained infrastructure, so it's too resource heavy to reclaim for them. They've been beaten out of Vale thanks to all our efforts combined. Vacuo has ousted them, though we all know the blood bath that required..." A tense silence comes over them. All of them recall the fourth face that is missing from them.

"Atlas is strict. But, they are seeking to engineer a position for themselves within the upper classes. After becoming protected by the upper class, Atlas's military will have to look the other way or lose itself. If they succeed, then AZRL will be unable to be fully dismantled. They will be untouchable, barring war between the kingdoms themselves as they rebuild."

Glynda and Rowa share a worried glance. Rowa can see it. Whatever worry that Glynda informed her of earlier, this is also a critical threat. Atlas is by far the strongest of the four kingdoms, militarily. Planting a threat that could grow indefinitely inside it... That is unacceptable.

Even Glynda has to sympathize with Blair's position at that.

Yet still. Even a compromised Atlas may not be as big a threat as that damned cult. Not as they are getting now...

"I get it, you know?" Blair says, tired. She looks at Glynda now. Her amber eyes are exhausted. "I get that Ozpin and the kingdoms are concerned over that woman." Both Rowa and Glynda flinch at the mention of her. "But we have chosen our opponent. They must be fought OUR way. Not yours."

Rowa grimaces. She looks to Glynda, who appears apprehensive for once. "Well, I still have questions of her, but can you leave it at that for now?"

Glynda remains pensive, looking at her sister and asking softly. "You've never looked this tired." She steps across the room, crouching in front of the scientist as both sisters look each other in the eye. She seems to make a decision and nods for herself. "I won't relinquish my position, but I sympathize."

Blair perks slightly. Light returns to her gaze.

Glynda crosses her arms and huffs. "We can continue this in a more civil way. I won't be as forceful verbally. But..." She spares a look at Rowa. "If we cannot reach an agreement before the wedding, then know the moment she's married, it is an open contest."

A ghost of a smirk comes to Blair. "It's been too long since I've gotten to fight you. Beating you is always fun."

The professor huffs, but almost a snort. A laugh? "You must have brain damage if you call those times 'beating' me."

This brings a laugh out of Rowa. Her gut twists. The information about Amber, the Cult of Salem having a half maiden. It burns in her to agree with Glynda and bring Carmine back to Beacon. Yet, AZRL having a firm grasp tightening in Atlas might be an even greater threat. She needs to decide which of her friends to side with before this is over.

They aren't enemies. They're former teammates. Friends. Sisters...

Rowa smiles and clasps her hands. "We'll figure it all out. Together." She then looks fully to Blair. "And to bring this conversation full circle... Medical orders. Right. Is there any accommodations I need to make for you guys at the wedding?"

Blair raises a brow. "Que cards to allow Makara to retain information better." That makes both huntresses share a look. "An area for smoking so Roman doesn't whine later. Drinks with less salt for Neo. Her throat getting dry can cause irritation on internal scars." She fixes Rowa with a look. "Please tell me your catering has an abundance of meat options for Carmine? Because you will need to choose one. Meats or vanilla flavors. He's a food slob."

Rowa snorts. "We'll have you covered. What about you?"

The blonde raises a brow. "Southern Sanusean Greene." Deadly serious. Her cutting eyes flash with a desire for her favorite beverage.

Her violet haired friend laughs. She looks to Glynda, who huffs with a smirk. Glynda raises a hand and her semblance flashes violet. Slowly, a full unopened bottle of a soft glowing aqua green glow. Glynda bobs her head to the kitchen. "You are already covered."

Blair stares wide eyed, slack jawed, as she reaches and snatches the floating bottle before her selfishly. She then composes herself and holds it up. "We're sharing this one. Now." She smirks.

Rowa gets up excited. "Yes! We're gonna get trashed. We need it."

Glynda loses some mirth. "Must we?" At both Rowa and Blair's side glances, the professor sighs. "Get the mixers too."

"Woo!" Rowa celebrates. Within minutes, the three former teammates gorge themselves on the expensive brandy.

In doing so, they leave a fourth glass filled through the night. Untouched. An unspoken acknowledgment from the three to who was missing.

So, yeah. This is more or less a fluff chapter with Team CRBN at Rowa's wedding. We're drawing close timeline wise of a year change, so getting closer and closer to big things! Just some mushy feelings and drama with Blair vs Glynda with Rowa, Neo, and Makara now involved. Dealing with the aftermath of Setante nearly killing her and taking her psyche.

We'll get through this little fluff arc next time. In chapter seventy two: Families.