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.

74. 72 Families

So, this chapter spent so much time that I decided to split it in two. So, expect another chapter within just a couple days of this one. I had it in my mind that I NEEDED to be at a certain point and just kept going and going. Suddenly, I realized I was closing in on this being the longest chapter when... it really shouldn't.

Enjoy! More feels.

Chapter Seventy Two: Families

Three days of peace.

That sounds like an accomplishment. Carmine has to smile internally that the girls haven't slaughtered one another. He'd only seen Neo a handful of times throughout, though she and he were texting heavily. Gossiping, he realized. Neo was very eager with sharing compromising information gained.

Primarily covering Blair and Glynda's near constant arguments. Carmine had to wipe his brow simply reading how venomous that situation was. A part of him is glad that he has yet to dwell on the idea of schooling again. If Glynda was his professor, how much would she take out on him for being associated with Blair?

Luckily, Rowa was there. She proved to be the stubborn blonde bitch whisperer.

Speaking of Rowa... her husband to be was interesting.

The man was very intuitive, managing to keep up mentally with Roman. Roman seemed keen on carefully wording his responses, but Arnold appeared fairly satisfied with not crossing any lines. The man was clearly placing Rowa's wish for peace above his own personal curiosity.

That said...

"Wait, you guys voluntarily took a cruise with THE Captain Heron? And you survived? None of you are second string members that replaced the old?" Arnold comments in surprise while setting up a table on its legs.

Carmine snorts. "Right? I can't believe he's still alive, personally. He almost has a new ship every time we see him." The boy bears a grin as he pins a wreath to a wall from a high point. He's atop a ladder, decorating the walls.

The men side of things decided that they would set up the wedding venue a few days in advance of the wedding. Get things done and them party, right? Arnold's squad mates and groomsmen had fully come in. All of them were fellow Atlas soldiers, save for one SDC intern. With Carmine and Roman, that gave the crew a total number seven strong.

True to his word, Arnold didn't out much of CRBN to his friends, though they each seemed to peg the group over time. Sure, his best man Riley seems to give them off looks every so often, but the group seemed fine. Normal.

… Bros.

Riley, a chisel jawed man with brown cut hair, clean shave, huffs. "Heron could find a way to survive total societal collapse. Gnats like that always find a way." He holds up another wreath to pin up from below Carmine. The boy takes it. "My brother was one of his officers during the battle of the bay. He still gets some PTSD related attacks."

Across the room, Roman holds up a check list, rolling his eyes. Much as he isn't having a bad time, this is much too mundane. The hairs on his neck stand on end being around not one but four Atlas officers. Yet, he thrives under threat.

Maybe's that's why he's becoming Mr Popular... The SDC employee, a long haired man with a trimmed beard and glasses, peers at the same checklist. "Really? We're almost done?"

Roman huffs. "Good organization gets all things done." He looks down the list. "Tables and furniture in the main hall?"

"Check." Another man off to the side sits the last folding chairs at circular tables. The man was smaller than the others, at least ten years older, named Ron. Apparently, he was their commanding officer during Arnold's, Riley's, and the last groomsman's Atlas Academy training. Apparently, his active duty was discharged due to hearing impairment from an SDC equipment malfunction during a Grimm attack eight years ago. "Also, that shifty wench down the hall tried to claim they needed these for some high class brat's birthday in the west wing. Wasn't bout to let her fool me that easy."

Carmine raises a brow from his high perch. "Isn't that for a Make a Wish kid?"

Ron rasps an offended grunt as he waves his hand. "Whatever. Kid will have more birthdays."

"Make a Wish... as in the kid is dying..?" Carmine drones in a dull voice, sending a glower at the elder officer.

Roman snorts. "They got people to take care of the brats. Don't worry, Silver Streak." He flippantly waves off the boy.

Carmine frowns and shares a look with Riley. "I'm... gonna go check on them and make peace." He slides down the ladder as Riley nods.

"Yeah, Sarge here isn't exactly diplomatic. Good call." The more muscular man dutifully takes the attention as Carmine steps off. "Now, what else do we need?"

Ron huffs. "Besides better brass to ignore whiners. Eh?" The former officer grins and begins nudging Riley with his elbow.

"Sure, sir." Riley says awkwardly, but returns attention to Roman.

The conman hums, looking over the venue.

The wedding venue is taking place indoors. Apparently, Rowa despises the Atlas cold, but wanted a view. The hall Rowa and Arnold selected was a grand open ball room. One massive wall is a large curved window with an impeccable view of the bay. A stage is set so that the ocean waters can act as a backdrop. Lighting overhead and decorations gives the area a nature oasis type of atmosphere.

Roman clicks his tongue, noting the service bar area and then grimaces at the next item on the list. "Ugh... child entertainment. And that will be it."

Arnold sighs, a rare view of annoyance. "Yeah, not my forte, but Stern should have us-"

"-Covered?" Another voice chimes, another Atlas military officer steps in. He's larger, muscular and built like a Greek god. The man is bald with chocolate skin and a beaming smile. "Don't be like that, Arnold. Gotta be good with the kids for when you got yourself a couple."

Arnold snickers. "I'll just let Other Arnold do that, then. I can barely look after kids. Much less, multiple."

"Not with that attitude." Stern chimes before drawing attention to the massive box he'd hauled in. "The only kids at this wedding are gonna be the families' cousins right?"

"Only four now. I think little Abby is hitting combat school soon and not wanting to play with kids." Riley answers. "That a bounce house or a ball pit?"

Stern grins wide. "Ball pit. To set up in the far area where some of the mothers will be sat. No issues with being out of sight."

Ron scoffs. "Just give the kids some privacy. Let's us relax, and if they mess up, they learn something."

Roman suppresses a chuckle. He likes the older officer. He has a very self gratifying attitude. Like him. "Yeah, some stitches never hurt anyone."

"They quite literally do." Noah, the thin and smaller SDC intern with glasses, chimes in and hums. "But we can set the ball pit up the day of. We're basically done."

"Ah, ah ah!" Roman cuts off with a smarmy grin. "If its a celebration, nothing is complete until there's a show. I'm thinking pyro outside." Ron, Noah, and Stern all light up at the suggestion. Riley and Arnold look doubtful.

"I don't know..." Arnold frowns. "It would be a neat surprise, but also could end up burning the venue down."

Roman scoffs. "Please. I'm an expert in exactly this." Arnold gives a curt look. The conman grins wider. How far can he push this button? "Come now. Let me learn you a way to truly go out with a bang."

It was at this moment that Carmine returns, huffing and looking to see Roman as the center of attention. This... can only go badly. "Oh no... This can only go badly."

. . .

Elsewhere

Bzzt.

Blair side eyes the message from Carmine on her scroll and hums a laugh. "It would appear that the boys are done with normal preparations ahead of time. They are now getting to... surprises." Neo's head pops up from the corner.

The women group decided to go out for the day. Though, they were making a pit stop at the men's rented house, currently occupying its living area. Glynda watches like a hawk as Makara happily tunes, takes apart, cleans, and puts back together her weapon. Glynda raises a brow. "I dislike surprises."

"You get used to them with Carmine and Roman around." Blair dismisses the concern as she types a response to the boy. "Worst case scenario is Roman thinking of something he can take credit for... or using it as a setup to get something out of it."

Rowa pouts and gives a dark side eye. "Speaking of which..."

Blair's poker face answers. "No."

"I've been meaning to ask..." Rowa continues despite the rejection.

"No." Blair answers firmer. Glynda glances over with a hint of irritation.

"How DID you and that insufferable jerk end up together?" Rowa presses.

The confirmation of her sister's... physical relations bristles Glynda as she twitches into a frozen, rigid posture. Her slightly wider eyes pierce the back of her sister's head. "A criminal. I'm not surprised, given your previous scandalous choice of internship superior."

Neo appears by Blair, glowering at Glynda before sticking her tongue out and pulling her eye lid down in a mocking face. The girl drops it when Glynda sneers back. Neo, satisfied, allows a smile and blinks pretty to further annoy the professor.

Before her sister can slaughter her teammate, Blair sighs. "To put it simply, he knows how to make a set up. I'm fairly certain he lied to lure my interests."

Instantly, Rowa and Glynda twitch. "Oh, that's a wonderful basis for a relationship." Rowa sarcastically.

Smirking, Blair huffs. "It was akin to a game, I suppose. In his gambit, he proclaimed his own exploits juxtaposed to Carmine and Neo's obvious infatuation." Neo and Makara both perk. Neo's eyes blink white in color before returning to her dual colors. Blair gives her a look. "Are you about to pretend? Your adoration of the boy was clear immediately."

Neo has the decency to blush, but allows a smile. The sight admittedly brings a slight smirk to Rowa seeing it. "Aw, young love. But, don't get off topic. We're talking about you right now." She redirects on Blair.

The blonde huffs. "As I said, he overplayed his exploits to plant the bait that I was the only one experiencing nothing. I believe he was lying about his affluence in that area and wished to goad me into 'staking my claim' on him. Which..." She shrugs with a slight smirk. "Was partially my own gambit on reflection. Making him lay the cards out showed his own intentions. So, I feel we both think we 'won' that scenario."

"..." Glynda glowers, stone rigid, behind her sister.

Rowa blurts out. "You sound like it's a competition. You both 'won that scenario'?!" She uses air quotes with the words, incredulous in tone.

"I suppose it is, but..." Blair trails for a moment, finding the right words. "He's intelligent." She latches on. "Not in the scientific way, but socially aware. He covers a base that I've never truly cared for, yet is intuitive enough to hit back in discussions." She stares off, allowing a small ghost of a smile. "It's challenging, every conversation. In a good way. Knowing I'm dealing with an equal. It's so... interesting, despite me telling myself different for the first couple years."

Rowa and Glynda share a wide eyed reaction at that. Glynda's features still show skepticism, so Rowa asks for her. "Alright... but, is he really... good? I mean, far as we could tell on Menagerie, he's insufferably selfish and demeaning."

"Uncouth, ill morals, and untrustworthy." Glynda adds.

Makara frowns as she finishes attaching the final piece of Almighty Circuit. She turns around. "I believe Roman is exceedingly kinder than he gives off."

At both the Huntress glares, Neo snorts beside Makara and nudges the amnesiac to continue.

"I mean... I'd be dead right now if not for him choosing to save me over obtaining information on AZRL." The lavender haired woman answers. She continues after a moment. "I can also tell how he keeps Carmine grounded in the moment, how he reads Neo better than anyone, and his relationship with Blair is clearly healthy to... me..." She peters out upon the other women fully focusing on her.

She decides to put her weapon away so they can leave. As she goes, she unwittingly answered one of Rowa and Glynda's glaring questions. Which, maybe they can simply ask her. "Must have been a crazy story. What happened?"

Makara freezes, looking at Blair and Neo. Despite Neo's trepidation, Blair is the one to sigh. "They've tried to interrogate me, but got nothing. It's your secret to tell. Plus, her husband to be isn't around, so explain whatever you wish." Blair gives a more pointed look. "It's your information to give out. Not mine."

The lavender haired woman purses his lips and takes a calming breath. "I... was a series black trainee for AZRL with high marks. A... missed opportunity due to a failure on a specific mission." She grimaces, hand rubbing her head. "I was bitten by a Grimm, and my body reacted worse than expected. I contracted... Aur... stigma?"

Both Glynda and Rowa react to that instantly.

Aurstigma is one of many illnesses that could be accumulated in their line of work. Glynda recalls helping organize medical based class activities for the third years at Beacon. Professor Peach is the educator in that regard, but Glynda knows the gravity of the different ailments. Aurstigma has no cure known, and the longest one has managed to live with it is eight years. The shortest life span post illness was recorded at six months.

Rowa was slightly more familiar. Her electives at Beacon centered on a psych background. She wanted to have the capability of helping people both physically with her Hunter jobs as well as mentally afterward if needed. She was well aware of the mental decline that could occur with Aurstigma.

She deflates before the lavender haired woman. "I'm so sorry. I initially thought ill of you when some things weren't clicking. Forgive me."

Makara flinches at the change in tone. "No, no. It's fine. I didn't really notice it." She then looks away. "Or if I did, I've forgotten it already."

Glynda can't contain the retort. "Should you not be in the hospital then? Being out on the road with no adequate medical oversight can only exacerbate your condition."

Despite Blair's tensing, Makara answers in complete open kindness. "Because right now, being with Team CRBN is the only place where I feel in control. Control that they gave me." Glynda is taken aback by that, but Makara merely smiles for her. "They gave me the choice of going to the hunters to find my home or to find it with them. They were clearly the better option, no offense. Both for my own safety, and my own agency."

Even Rowa feels attacked, raising a brow. "Your safety? Did you do something we wouldn't appreciate?"

Makara shrinks slightly at that. "I... actually cannot say. My memory of my infection was certainly during an AZRL training exercise, but I am fuzzy on those details. I may have been involved with something you would find me guilty for, but I cannot be certain anymore." Makara grimaces. "That also was not where my intention behind that statement was."

"You mean your intention wasn't relating to any guilt on your part." Rowa parses out. "Meaning you were calling out corruption on the authorities." She hits the nail on the head, going by the CRBN reactions. "Where did you meet Team CRBN? Did it happen to be in..." She pauses, sparing a look to Glynda, allowing the blonde huntress to suck in a breath.

"You all were responsible for the SDC raid in New Malum!" Glynda fumes out, alarmed.

Rowa holds up her hand, all conversation halting before a fight breaks out... again. "Just... care to explain?"

"One of the SDC's top three scientists is also AZRL's top doctor." Blair states. Both Huntresses turn to her, stunned at that. "We know for sure. Carmine fought him, and he's expressed interest in Carmine's magic." Her gaze narrows while her arms cross, as if challenging their disbelief. "Makara was subjected to an experiment in his lab."

So THAT'S the part where they're inside Atlas.

Glynda double takes, frowning. "But... We KNOW General Ironwood. We can help expose whoever is-"

"Does General Ironwood have free reign over the SDC?" Blair counters. "No. He does not. The SDC is the primary contractor of arms for the military, and absolutely will not tolerate said military attempting to investigate or limit them. If they do so, the Atlas military will crumble."

Rowa finishes. "And bringing it up in any official capacity will tip AZRL off to cover their evidence..." The grimace that pulls betrays her unhappiness at the information. "And considering you all haven't been identified in the Malum investigation officially, I have to assume then that AZRL wiped any evidence there as well. Anything identifying you would also open avenues for further questions."

Neo snorts. She conjures a sign for the parties present. 'Especially since they should have had plenty of cameras to see me fighting one of the SDC's poster children. I wasn't able to be subtle in the getaway.' Glynda and Rowa share another look. Neo hums a laugh. "Hmm Hmm." They see her cocky smirk as she changes the shatter sign. 'Please continue criticizing us. We can keep proving you wrong.'

Glynda glares at the child. "Before I rip that smugness out like one of my own insubordinate students, what exactly are we doing today, Rowa?"

"Well, my first thought was brunch then a movie. End the day after that with letting Neo or Makara choose something to do." Rowa sighs. "Bonding exercises, but... if we keep going, I feel you'll rip Neo apart." At Neo's offended look, Rowa purses her lips. "You know what you're doing, and Glynda can still absolutely murder you. Unless you've overtaken Blair as a young prodigy?"

Blair twitches slightly at the topic. "She and Carmine are progressing ahead of their typical year." She deliberately doesn't comment on how neither can stand up to her, which would admit to the underlying point. "Don't belittle them by comparison to the common students." She ends with arms crossed as she huffs.

The bite in tone pulls Rowa and Glynda back to focusing her. A short uncomfortable pause fills the air before Rowa eases. "Alright then. So... how bout movie first to calm us down? We can go grab food after."

At that, Neo skips around with a grin. She practically shoves her scroll in the bride's face. A list of film screenings at nearby theaters. Rowa smiles for it. "Alright, Neo. You choose."

"Mistake." Blair mutters, but Neo is already grinning giddy. As Neo begins to pull Rowa and Makara towards the van, Glynda and Blair catch the others' looks. A slight uncomfortable silence pulls, but quickly gives way.

"I sincerely hope she does not choose horror films. Such films aren't effective when you live that field." Glynda speaks in a conversational tone. She's actually trying?

"It'll be worse." Blair answers her sister. "Neo's ironically of a mind that group film watching is best with a sub par production. She and Carmine make jokes at the showing's expense."

Glynda grimaces. "Forgive me, but she is mute." She raises a brow. "How does she participate in mid film, audience outbursts that it would entail." Blair smirks at that, but the two remain passive as they travel.

. . .

As it would turn out, Neo's form of audience participation was quite disruptive...

Considering her Shatter illusions could create illustrations and messages ON the film screen, it was not a surprise. She developed the habit so people would not have to look away from the screen to interact with her. Still, her Shatter messages appearing on the screen like subtitles created a certain atmosphere.

Unsurprisingly, the group of women were called out for disrupting the movie. It was an awful RomCom with a lead actor that had... particular physical features worthy of comment...

Rowa exits the theater, trying not to doe of laughter. "I-I mean-. Neo, he looked fine." Her shoulder twitch with contained laughter. "His ears weren't that distracting"

Neo is walking in from of her with a quivering lip line. Her own mirth is clear. She signs with both hands. "I've literally fought a bat faunus who saw with sonar with less distracting ears than him. They were radar dishes!"

"Oh, come on! They weren't nearly as bad as his eyebrows." Rowa counters, cracking a smile. She sends a bashful look over her shoulder to the remaining three behind them. "Legitimate bushes on the face. I couldn't imagine having them."

Glynda blinks, tense. "I would have enjoyed seeing the second half. Now, I unfortunately know what it's like to be ejected from a theater like a ruffian."

Blair has a much more relaxed posture. "Honestly, I'm just glad we got to negotiate for our money back. I thought it was over after the bedroom illusion Neo cast on the screen."

A melodic laugh comes with Makara, grinning with a dopey smile after them. "My favorite part was when the voice didn't match the screen. It was so cute and silly!"

"Dubbing at its finest. That was so worth it anyway." Rowa cracks the grin. "The boys don't have anything on us when it comes to having fun."

POP!

A loud fireworks burst sounds through the city. Attention pulls from the bystanders on the streets and the five women. Over some towering structures in the distance is a puff of golden smoke with flare burnouts falling from it.

The women all blink and share looks. Blair sighs. "If I was a betting person, which is solely Roman's domain, that would be our boys."

Rowa flares up. "Better not! Arnold isn't about to let himself get caught up in something THAT stupid."

. . .

The boys all stare into the impromptu firework cloud above them. A freshly bought cannon no bigger than a lead pipe smokes with the fresh trail of the firework. All present are shocked and horrified that it went off.

Except for Roman and Ron. The older ex officer chuckles into a cackle. "Hey, what do ya know? It works."

"Damn it, Roman!" Carmine shrieks.

The conman snorts, standing pointedly away. "I did nothing wrong! Blame the archaeologist." He thumbs to Noah who holds the tiny expended can on. "Only person here without trigger discipline."

Noah opens his mouth to answer before stunting his response. "I- wha- Hey! I'm an anthropologist."

His protest falls on deaf ears, a whistle catching their attention to approaching police officers. Arnold slouches. "Oh, Pumpkin will have a field day with this one."

"No she won't." Roman swats the mini cannon out of Noah's hands and into Carmines. "Go on Silver Streak. Young kid mistake. Get out of jail free card."

Carmine sucks on a breath in fuming anger. "Uh, Bullshit! This was YOUR idea."

Roman slaps his shoulder and smirks. "Come on. Gotta become a man someday. Take responsibility."

The boy's voice begins to crack as it raises. "It's not my responsibility-!"

"It's a good argument. Officers are lenient with silly mistakes with kids who have military around him." Riley chimes in. Arnold is already slouching and grimacing. "It'll be sold as a young mistake."

"But-" Carmine's drowned out.

"All in favor?" Roman grins wickedly as he makes the call. "Blame the kid? For."

"For." All the others speak up save for Arnold.

"Abstained." Arnold says. "Pumpkin is gonna hang me for this."

Roman smiles at Carmine. "Good on you to take the fall."

"Ah... ah-" Carmine cracks groans out his gaping mouth as police approach them. He slaps his arms over his face, twitching in radiating anger. "Gah-guh-GODS DAMN IT!"

. . .

The ringing of a restaurant front door's bell rings as the women have found themselves in a restaurant. Seating themselves in a semi circle booth, they seek out menus. From left to right, they order as Makara, Neo, Blair, Rowa, and Glynda. Blair accepts a menu from their server, noticing happily that the server has an extra set of deer ears. A faunus.

"I'll just have to bust him up for being stupid later." Rowa comments, still on the topic of the boys setting off a firework in the city!

"This place hires faunus." Blair voices. Catching Rowa's eye, she expands. "This place is much nicer than I would expect of that in Atlas."

The bride snorts. "I looked this place up beforehand. Oblitus has a fairly low faunus population compared to the other cities, so the separation laws are much harder to maintain. Not worth the money, so they caved a decade ago and allowed faunus to integrate to most service industry businesses." She grimaces after as Glynda finishes.

"Good luck locating a faunus that gets promoted in these places..." Glynda has a hint of irritation at the statement. Finally, Neo smiles at something the professor said. An honest smile instead of a mocking one. "Prejudices are ill conceived and serve little purpose, but tolerating the intolerant is unfortunately the winning play."

"Convince Carmine of that." Blair adds, sparing a look at Neo. "Show him someone intolerant, and he'll need to be chained down from becoming an attack dog."

Neo smirks and rolls her eyes, signing. 'Dumb Dumb, sit'.

Rowa shares a look with Glynda. "Really? He's that much of an attack dog? Everything I've ever seen, even since back at Beacon, is nothing but respectful." She then shrugs. "I mean, besides getting smarter with quipping comebacks and his cursing issues."

At that, Blair sighs. "There are... two Carmines. The first one is that respectful boy that is thoughtful, albeit silly. A boy who is lacking in self esteem, takes blame when he shouldn't, and goes out of hos way to hear out others. Flawed, but well meaning." Blair smiles lightly. "He is the center balance between all our team's bad qualities."

She looks at Neo, the girl smiling back. "He ties us all together. I believe if not for knowing each of us prior to our team's creation, we would have fallen apart immediately. He and Neo are almost connected beyond anything I've seen." Neo blinks white before recovering and looks with a raised brow. "He is the tether that stopped Roman's callous nature. And, utmost, he is the person who grounded me in my morality."

A pause comes over the table as the server comes back. They each spare soft glances at Blair before receiving their food. The five are suddenly left with their food, but the topic still weighs heavy.

It's Makara that asks. "I've witnessed plenty of what you say, but I've only a faint glimpse at this 'other' Carmine you refer to."

Blair loses any mirth, eyes downcast. Neo sees the shift as her mood takes a similar swing. The blonde looks to Neo, raising a brow as if allowing her the go ahead. Neo sighs and begins to sign with her eyes closed. "He hurts. He hurts for things outside his control and blames himself. It makes him feel weak. Then, he uses anger to push past those thoughts and Dumb Dumb feelings."

"It isn't like when he's angry at Roman or Neo." Blair adds after, letting Neo cease signing to start eating. "It's almost instinctive. He's easily reminded of things he'd rather forget, and will plow ahead to run from those thoughts. It's gotten him into more than one fight before." Blair looks to Neo again. "He's healing, and we've each picked up on how to help him in our own ways. Still, it's a process."

"He never argues or calls you out?" Rowa asks with a smirk.

Blair's lip curls slightly. "He has... But, he knows better."

Glynda and Rowa both are taken by the sheer dripping pride they feel off her tone. It's almost... possessive. Rowa gives a coy look to Neo, catching the mismatched gaze. "Well, outside of gushing over your leader, what about Neo here? Or do you want her away while that gossip happens?"

Neo freezes, deep in thought before she gives a sly look beside her. The blonde begins exchanging a series of looks, a silent conversation between them. As the looks continue, Neo gets more huffy and looks off with a forced cocky smile. She signs. "I'm perfect."

Rowa could tell that chemistry. It was coy, teasing. One side defiant to admit the embarrassing part while the other made it clear that those parts existed. She saw it a lot at Beacon, except it was verbal.

Her eye side glances at Glynda, seeing a neutral face. Yep! She can tell as well. Blair's and Neo's relationship is very akin to that of a sibling relationship. Although, it almost seems further than that. Blair is clearly the mother hen of the group's team. THAT makes her wonder just how Blair thinks of these kids.

Blair's hum response to Neo's declaration of perfection betrays her disagreement. "To get the negatives out of the way, Neo enjoys harassing others. Carmine is her favorite pick. Her tendency to require manipulation of others, even in small ways, gives her a sense of control. Without that, she feels insecure. Vulnerable and unsafe. She distrust easily without that give."

Neo tenses. The response is... a lot more blunt and hurtful than she expected.

"Furthermore, while there are very few subjects that will override her focus, introduction of those subjects will derail her self preservation. Almost to the same degree as Carmine's own anger issues." Blair maintains a smile as she speaks, eyes locked on the younger girl.

Blair continues. "However, her flourishing talent and outstanding focus more than makes up for any flaw." Neo loses her breath, but looks away as a blush forms. "Her protective nature mixed with her inquisitive and perceptive qualities makes her a life saver in any situation. I dare say she is the most supportive and nurturing member of our team."

Neo flinches her gaze up, looking overwhelmed with the praise.

This... wasn't a sibling style thing, Rowa observes. Her mouth parts shocked at what she's seeing. It confirms what she already knew, but to a much deeper degree. It's almost as if...

As if Blair is Neo and Carmine's surrogate mother.

No. Not as if. She absolutely is! She's completely embraced it, even!

Blair finally notices the huntresses both staring at her. An indignant blush forms as Blair huffs. "So? Any other interrogation questions?"

Rowa can only blink, stuck in shock. However, Glynda interjects softly. "What of yourself?" She raises her brow. Her green eyes find Neo. "Perhaps you could give us your own evaluation of my sister?"

The girl contains a snicker and smiles back at the huntresses. It's controlled, cocky. The teen conjures a sign in her hand, showing them a picture. It is a Shatter image of... a brain. She then flips the image as the other side depicts, in jest they assume, a large hen sitting over baby chicks. The hen has Blair's blonde hair framing the side of its face, while the baby chicks each have the hair features of the remaining CRBN team.

The table erupts in laughter, save for Glynda and Blair's silent responses. Though, Glynda allows a soft turn up of her lip. Blair, on the other hand, hunches up at being the center of amusement.

Neo catches this and breaks the illusion. She raises one hand to lightly rub the woman's back in a comforting way. Her off hand forms another Shatter sign. This time, the picture is a tightly wound coil. Blair scrunches her face in response, but Neo maintains a slightly warmer smile.

On the one hand... the scene was quite heart warming to the huntresses.

On the other hand, both Glynda and Rowa knew Blair. Blair was excellent with pressure and stress. Yet, seeing her so close to being broken by it a few nights ago was alarming. Seeing her almost forcefully unwind thanks to her team was a sight so rare to the two, even Glynda feels her heart ache seeing it.

They knew Blair left something out that happened to her, but she'd yet to say it. They needed to coax it out of her.

So, Glynda does something she never thought she would suggest.

"Shall we play a game tonight?" The professor suggests, warning shocked glances.

As Blair and Neo blink back, Rowa chimes in. "Oh? What idea do you have?"

Glynda sighs, lip quivering in disgust until she thinks of it differently. A curt, polite smile comes on.

. . .

Public Gymnasium

A sounds of sneakers and sports balls impacting the floors echoes out through the large gym room. The women find themselves at an indoor ball court. Rowa grins wearing black shorts and a deep purple tank top. "It pays to have a membership and be a huntress. People clear out quickly."

All the women are in gym attire. Blair wears black leggings as a white tight t-shirt. Glynda wears a matching look, save for long sleeves instead. Neo wears brown boy shorts and a white tank top, pink bands around her arms. Makara is dressed the warmest, in gray sweat pants and blue long sleeves. The group seemed uncomfortable, but Rowa seemed eager for whatever Glynda wished to suggest.

"Alright." She clasps her hands together. "Glynda. Your lead. What do we got?"

Glynda is stone faced and holds up her hand. Five straws are in hand. "First and foremost, we shall decide on teams. There are three lengths of these straws. The long pair shall be paired together. The short pair the same. The moderate straw shall note our referee until we start a new round."

Makara perks. "This seems fun." She reaches first, prompting the others to do the same.

Blair wrinkles her nose at moderate length straw. Neo and Rowa each have long straws. This leaves Glynda and Makara with the short straws. Makara gives a nice smile, which Glynda does not properly reciprocate.

Rowa and Neo high five with shared grins. "Kay. Now what?"

The professor gestures for two goal rings on opposite sides of the court. "Best of three rounds. Each team claims one end of the court. You may only utilize your semblance on your own side. You win a round by getting the ball through the opposing team's goal. Whatever means they can to take the ball and get it through the enemy team's goal is permitted, within reason."

Blair hums. "I see that I am perfect to spot cheaters, then."

"Quite." Glynda adjusts her glasses before continuing. "We can use any ball of choice-"

"Tether ball!" Rowa shouts out with a fist pump. She quickly moves to find one, leaving them. Instantly, Glynda sighs.

Makara shares a look with Neo. "This sounds like fun. Go easy on me?" Neo stops to think, side eyes Glynda, then gives a curt look back... She shakes her head. Makara deflates slightly at that, sweat dropping off her nervous. "Oh... I see."

Rowa returns with a volley ball attached to a long rope line. "Alright! Let's play!"

"That ball screams biased towards your semblance." Blair comments. Rowa blushes lightly at the point being made. "Uh... bride's advantage?"

Both sisters give dual glowers at her, but soon cave. Blair sighs. "Alright. Each game end, we change up teams. Let's play."

. . .

The games went by, soon engrossing the women into a torrent of competition! Smiles and laughs started to fill the air, on either side. Rowa and Neo defeated Makara and Glynda. Blair and Makara defeated Neo and Glynda, with the short girl sabotaging the professor. Rowa and Blair crushed Neo and Makara. Likewise, Glynda and Rowa defeated Blair and Neo.

Leading to the final game...

Neo sits, flush from workout as the referee as she eyes the court. Makara and Rowa are teamed to one side.

The sisters were opposite... Blair and Glynda teamed together. The blondes almost ignore each other save for one aspect... They both are competitive and want to win.

Rowa grins wide. Her hands mime puppetry as her Marionette semblance controls the tether ball! The ball swings and moves through the air, its rope twisting and changing to shift its momentum! Blair attempts to catch the ball, but Rowa controls the ball to move over the blonde!

Rowa turns, controlling the ball into the air as she cups her hands. "Serve up!"

Makara eyes both Rowa and the airborne ball, calculating the angles in a second before charging. She leaps off her partner to meet the ball mid air. The woman spikes the ball with her hand for the blondes' goal side! Pinpoint accuracy.

Blair watches the ball close in on her goal. "Defense!" Her eyes close in focus. Rowa gulps, turning off her semblance. Blair had caught her manipulating the ball on the opposing team's side against the rules multiple times already.

"I got it!" Glynda shouts, planting herself in front of the goal! She cross blocks, the ball striking with impeccable force! It repels off before stopping in the air. Glynda cuts her eye forth. Her turn with her semblance.

Blair grabs Rowa, hip tossing her in a yelp onto the blonde team's side so she cannot use her semblance. The opening made, Glynda uses her telekinesis to launch the ball.

Makara gasps as the ball flies past her. Her aura pulses as she raises her arms. "Control!" The aura radiates as Glynda's aura and semblance is expunged from the airborne ball. It drops, losing force, and misses the goal! Rebounding back, Makara takes the ball.

Blair rises to intercept, Rowa rising behind her and giving chase. From the blondes' goal, Glynda sees the play coming, bursting into a sprint towards the three.

With Blair, she rushes Makara. The sniper looks by Blair to Rowa further off. Smiling, she uses the roped tether ball to lasso spin the line. She lasso throws the ball, bouncing it between Blair's legs to Rowa behind the blonde. Unfortunately, Blair manages to snatch the rope before it fully passes under her.

Rowa catches the ball, channeling her semblance through the rope and controlling it! The rope coils and binds Blair's hands at the wrist. Sending a smirk at Makara, the lavender haired sniper grins and shoulder checks Blair from behind to knock forward.

Before Rowa can whip Blair aside, Glynda arrives, following Makara's example. The professor rams into her friend, breaking Rowa's concentration on her semblance in a yelp! Rowa stumbles directly to Blair. Makara gasps and rushes in, sure it'll become a dog pile for the ball!

The CRBN blonde reacts, freeing her hands from the rope. Jerking the rope for more line, Blair manages to wrap the stumbling Rowa's arm and jerk her along. She then deflects Makara off, using more of the rope to wrap the sniper's arm at the shoulder.

Blair then twists, both the violet and lavender haired women pulled into her back. She heaves the yelping women over her shoulder in a throw, slamming them in a heap right on the middle court line. The sisters share a look as Blair jerks the ball from the heaped women. She passes it to Glynda.

Glynda flourishes her arms, catching the ball with her semblance before throwing it up! She then cups her hands for Blair. The CRBN blonde boosts off the professor's hands into the air, flipping and kicking the ball!

The flip kick rockets the ball across the court as Rowa and Makara stumble up. "No!"

The ball hits the goal...

Neo blows a loud whistle from her sidelines. She holds up two Shatter signs. One reads 'Team Purple: 1.' The other breaks and reforms, reading 'Team Blonde: 2. Winners!'

Shatter confetti bellows out and breaks around the four players while Rowa offers a hand for Makara, Blair doing the same. Makara takes both hands and is pulled up as Glynda quickly suppresses a hint of a smile.

Rowa huffs for breath and glowers. "Okay, you two are never allowed to fully make up. You're too powerful as a team." She jokes, eyeing the sisters. "Both play rough!" She rolls her shoulder with a dramatic wince.

Makara grimaces. "I prefer ranged for a reason. Ow." She giggles. "But that was so much fun!"

Blair and Glynda share a look before each looking away. Neo pops up, gaining a dull look. She silently groans and snatches each blonde at the wrist to raise their hands! Unfortunately, for height reasons, Neo raising both winners' hands only raises them to head level. She also feels the momentary resistance from Glynda, but she allows it.

Blair allows a smirk. "Thank you, Neo." She spares a small glance to her sister. "This was... fun."

Glynda purses her lips and looks away. "Yes, well... this was a game exercise used at Haven. Headmaster Lionheart uses it for team building. I heard Signal is adapting it themselves." She crosses her arms after pulling them from Neo to regain full composure.

Rowa laughs, checking her scroll. "Hey, let's head back to the house for the day. Getting late." She gasps. "Who wants to pick out another movie for the night?" Neo immediately perks, but pauses. She grabs her own scroll, searching through for a moment.

The teen holds her scroll up for Rowa, who looks it over. "An FMV game?"

"A what?" Blair and Glynda both snap at attention in unison.

"A full motion video game." Rowa reads. "A touch screen game that has each scene and story piece filmed live action while the game section is connecting pieces of information to progress." She looks at Neo. "An investigatory mystery game. So, like a mystery movie where it only progresses if you figure it out ahead of the characters."

"That sounds like fun." Makara chimes in with a smile.

Blair nods to the lavender haired woman. "And it will keep your mind sharp. Sure. Let's get that. Neo will buy it." Neo deflates slightly, but sighs and nods. She noticed Rowa frowning at her own scroll.

"Is something the matter?" Glynda beats her to asking.

Rowa gives an uneasy smile to Blair. "Um. Arnold just messaged... So, question regarding your team's two wards. Has Roman already corrupted them with any drugs or alcohol?"

Glynda snaps a storming look at her sister. Blair freezes. "No. Neither have ever taken illicit drugs. Roman managed to get Neo drunk once." Glynda's glare increases a burning cloud of hate. Meanwhile, Rowa gives Neo a once over. "However, Carmine has never had such experience. Why?"

Rowa gives a shaky smile. "Well, Arnold just wanted to check... By the end of tonight, the boys might manage to break that for him."

Blair shakes her head. "Carmine may taste under peer pressure, but he's responsible enough to be the adult in the room if need be."

. . .

Now back at their collective house, the men all occupy a living area, drinks around. Ron is cracking the cap off another bottled beer and sliding it down for Carmine . The boy recoils with a wrinkled nose. "Uh, yeah no. I don't-"

"Come on~. A reward for taking the fall with the cops!" Ron urges with a lackluster level of understanding. "Hang with us, and you'll be a man."

"Am I speaking a dead language? No!" Carmine grumbles as different alcoholic beverages open around

them.

"Man, get the good stuff. Back shelf of the fridge." Stern calls out to Riley. Riley moves for the kitchen while Arnold comes in with his scroll looking perky.

Roman immediately seizes the change in atmosphere, moving the bottle closer to the boy with a smarmy grin. "Don't be stiff, Silver Streak. You literally have the best possible company to experiment."

"No, I don't! You're here. Everything is instantly worse in terms of supervision." The boy heats up. "Seriously, how am I the adult here?"

"Look, I get that you're upset about taking the fall with the fireworks-"

"One thousand Lien fine, you ass!" Carmine cuts off and snaps.

Ron chuckles beside Roman. "He talks like a real man, don't he?"

Roman chuckles and gestures his thumb to the boy. "Too bad his substance is still whiny." His grin grows. "Barbie won't kill you for partaking, kid. She didn't blow up when I got Neo sloshed."

"We have very different memories of her reaction." Carmine exclaims.

Riley steps in with more bottles and a cool look. "Being perfectly frank though, you really couldn't be in better company for a first drinking experience. Who could ask for better than three Atlas officials, a Veteran, scientist, and one of your friends?"

Carmine glowers. "Putting it out on paper leaves out A LOT of context."

Roman snorts. "Alright. I'll pay you back the money you were fined, and an additional 20 Lien for every drink you taste OR finish. How about that?"

That brings the boy to pause. His gaze narrows. "Really? You're issuing a bribe with officers IN THE ROOM?" He sees no reaction outside of smirks from those present. This makes him ask annoyed. "Why am I the only one that's normal here?"

Ron cackles and takes a drink. "Kid, what we're doing IS normal for a lot of people. You're the one comically altruistic."

"It's not altruism. He just gets angry at people who don't conform." Roman flippantly scoffs.

"I get angry with idiots!" Carmine grumbles. He then looks to Arnold. "Any help?"

Arnold looks like a deer in headlights and lightly waves his scroll. "Pumpkin just said to keep you from getting too bad. They seemed neutral to concerned about it."

Carmine can FEEL Roman's predatory grin at the situation without looking. "So, Silver Streak?"

Carmine feels a room full of pressuring eyes on him. He shrinks slightly, ignoring the squirming feeling in his gut. As with all things, he overcomes with anger. Scowling, he retorts. "30 for every drink."

"Done!" Roman slaps the table and snaps for a drink from Noah!

The boy grumbles and accepts the bottle he'd previously turned away from Ron and smells it. It's awful. Well, down the hatches. He takes a drink of the beer- "Pftew!" He chokes on it and pulls the bottle away. Swallowing, he gags. "That tastes like garbage!"

Roman snickers with Ron. "And he's out on the Boor's."

"Because only a true scumbag likes Boor's." Ron speaks as he and Roman clank their bottles together. Both are drinking the very same type of beer. Ron waves on for Stern. "Bring on the next brand. Something fruity! We can get to the whiskey testing in a minute."

Carmine pales, beginning to realize just what he's agreed to. Roman's smile is all too sweet.

. . .

Back with the women, Blair groans. "Well, perhaps a bad experience too can be a learning tool. He's among good company to learn the lesson I suppose." Neo snickers beside her as the five gather their items to leave the gym. As they move, Glynda catches Blair hanging back a moment. She narrows her gaze at her sister.

Blair lingers in place, hand balled into a fist held to her chest. Clenching tight, her eyes are closed while aura pulses in her hand. A use of her semblance. Yet, for what?

Upon finishing whatever it was, her sister opens her amber gaze to look back tired. Her surprise at being watched morphs to hostility. "Is there an issue?"

Glynda shakes her head lightly, hiding her own surprise. "No issue thus far." After Blair gives a doubtful look and moves on, Glynda is left confused. Blair's semblance lets her sense auras around her. Why would she be surprised at Glynda remaining behind with her? She should have noticed that easily...

So what was she checking?

. . .

Settling in for the night, the women were filled with a brush of energy. Even the blondes managed to get a hint of joy from the activities. Like she suggested, Neo had gone and bought the mystery game and gotten it started. Neo's perceptive nature made for a master at the mechanics, finding contradictions between the in game interviews.

Makara took an instant interest due to her forgetful nature. So, the amnesiac woman ended up the Watson to the mute girl's Sherlock. Despite the woman being several years older than Neo, almost directly between the girl's and Blair's ages, she seemed to be sweet enough to charm both ends of that spectrum.

Rowa made it her job to force Glynda and Blair to participate. The bride to be was certainly having fun, and even Glynda had a mild upturn in mood. It was almost a mix of feeling like a student with her team again on top of watching other students enjoy themselves. Granted, she typically despises such over the top activities, but her teammates were always the exception to that.

Which brings her attention once again to her sister. Blair was the most detached from the experience. Despite being overly attached... attached for her, that is... to her team members, she keeps disconnecting from the moment. Her gaze zones out, attention elsewhere.

Then she notices Blair do it again. Clenching her hand with a spark of violet aura, eyes closed. Then being spooked upon realizing she's being watched.

. . .

Carmine spits out the liquor from his mouth! He lets his tongue hang out, glaring hot death. "Get that away from me! Jeez. Why is all beer terrible?!" A chorus of laughter rings around him.

Riley takes the glass away. "Actually, that one was whiskey. More for Stern."

The black man smiles kindly. "Hey, at least the kid downed a glass of wine. He can enjoy the finer things in life."

Ron scoffs nearby. "The finer things. So he's a woman. Pft. I'm telling you, he's either a rum boy or a fruity chaser."

Indignant, the boy huffs. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize drinking what looks and tastes like ACTUAL piss is a worthy thing." He drawls sarcastically. "Or are you going to tell me you do it because it's sterile, and you like the taste?"

"Easy, Patches." Roman quips, bringing another bottle up. "Alright. Let's bring out the big gun." He pours a shot of the new drink and slides it across the table to Carmine. "Down the hatches."

Carmine glares at the drink. This own is almost orange. Hmm... He takes it and sniffs it. The alcohol is there for sure, but he catches whiff of something spicy. He raises a brow and takes a sip.

"..." The men all watch for the boy's reaction.

He smacks his lips and goes through the taste, face scrunched. The boy looks confused... then downs the remainder of the shot. He sets the glass down as he swishes the liquid in his mouth, ascertaining the taste. "That's actually really good!"

Roman snorts. "Looks like the old crone is right."

Ron jerks up in a cheer. "Of course, I'm right! What did I tell you? He's a rum boy!"

Carmine looks at the bottle unsure. "Rum?"

Arnold smiles broadly. "Some Captain's Spiced Rum. It goes great mixed with soda."

The boy perks. "Mixed with pop, you say?"

Roman groans and moves the rum bottle closer to the boy. "Alright! Now that we have the kid sorted, we can finally play!"

A chorus of cheers roars as Carmine's focus is on pouring a glass of soda pop, then splashing the run in to mix. Maybe... drinking wasn't SO bad?

. . .

The atmosphere in the girl's house was not quite as festive.

Glynda nudges Rowa subtly to nod to Blair the third time she notices her sister bring her hand up. Blair already starting to perform some type of unknown scan with her power. Upon seeing it, Rowa frowns. Right, this is as good a time as any. She reaches out and lightly grips Blair's shoulder.

Blair jolts, eyes open in a panic as the aura zaps out of sight. Before she can swing at her friend, Rowa placates her with an hand up in surrender. "Easy there! Easy."

The blonde starts to realize where she is and calms down visibly. She frowns. "What is wrong?"

Rowa frowns. "That's what I was going to ask." She sits by Blair on the couch, clopping by her friend. "Right... Sorry, not sorry, but we're doing this now." Setting her gaze on Blair, she leans back as if patiently. "You wanna tell us what's had you off kilter now? What's bothering you?"

Neo and Makara pause the game as suddenly four sets of eyes are all on Blair. Glynda even looks to the other two. "Just to be clear, you two have noticed Blair's behavior as well?"

"My behavior?!" Blair raises her voice, indignant.

Makara frowns and shrugs. "I've had questions, but..."

Neo nods and sighs. She rises and approaches the couch, lowing to a crouch on the balls of her feet to stare at Blair. The blonde grimaces, silently protesting Neo's inquisitive look. Neo's brows raise and eyes blink in silent communication, tilting her face to maintain a look when Blair slightly turns down.

The mute sighs and looks to Glynda and nods. She snaps her fingers towards Makara. The amnesiac woman nods. "Right. I have not known her nearly as long, but I believe this behavior started at least a month ago at-" Blair and Neo both jolt, realizing the woman was about to blurt out the location that need not be specified. Unfortunately, too late. "-Ostium Mortis." Makara gets the name out, pauses, then jolts and slaps a hand over her mouth! "I-I mean."

Rowa's jaw drops, gape. Tiny, high pitched squeaks of exclamation come out as she and Glynda process just what the girl admitted CRBN's involvement in...

The explosion doesn't come immediately. No, instead Glynda pitches the bridge of her nose, pushing her glasses up. "... You have very little time to explain."

Makara shrinks as Neo and Blair each glare her way. "I'm sorry. I forgot we weren't supposed to mention it..." Neo face palms. Note to self, never let Makara speak on the issues.

Blair sighs. "So, AZRL-"

Glynda cuts her off. "Is tied to the civilian ferry robbed by pirates outside the archipelago?"

Frowning, the blonde tries again. "No, but-"

"Was tied to the torrent of investigations resulting from the film festival coming from the destroyed CCT station atop one of the island peaks?"

"Actually, yes for that one."

Rowa groans and holds up her hands. "Wait." Her hands slap together for attention as she calms herself. "Reset... explain."

"Yes, explain how the island leader with a fully illustrated life within the islands was found murdered down the slope of the mountains. Explain how he was connected to AZRL." Glynda states heated. However, she mildly slows her push upon noticing a flinch in Blair's hands...

Neo claps her hands in a loud smack to stop them long enough to let Blair breath. She looks to her teammate, grimacing.

Blair sighs. "Thank you, Neo." She takes a deep breath. "So... to start..."

. . .

The explanation took some maneuvering. She started with them receiving the intel that Aline Zandril originated from the islands. From there, she recounted Roman's discovery of Zandril's family home on the dead mountain, subverting both island and Atlas regulations. She then moved on to explain, with Neo's input, the events on Isla Vallis at the festival. All ending with Spyyra's rampage after them up the mountain.

This led to explaining as well as possible Roman's deal with the Hangman pirates to give them an out. Knowing that Carmine, Neo, and Makara only survived because of it seems to appease Rowa sufficiently. Glynda remains stone faced the whole time.

However, Blair tightens her posture hearing the final question. "So, that covers the pirates and the festival, but what occurred that resulted in the island leader's death?" Glynda presses. "I notice that by elimination, you must be the one who fought him. Am I correct?"

Blair grimaces. She explains that Setante was Aline's best friend. That he was involved with AZRL's inception over 60 years ago. That he returned to the islands to maintain and protect the home that both of them still cherished, but also to get Setante's helpful influence away from how far Aline wished to go.

Each word about the reason AZRL formed, to kill a witch, hits hard to both Glynda and Rowa. Each mention of their rise to power, the rise of AZRL, all to murder someone who fundamentally, unbeknownst to they or CRBN, cannot die. At the very least, by normal means.

"... So after he got his answers and learned what he wanted from me, he had no reason to keep the charade. Especially since he called for Spyyra to attack the kids on Isla Vallis... He initiated a death match as his final curiosity." Blair ends in a hollow voice. "So, we fought, and I killed him?" Her voice remains neutral all until dipping up at the word 'killed'. As if she is trying to convince herself.

Her uncertain tone catches both huntresses by surprise, but Neo and Makara know there was more. They SAW Blair after the fact. It wasn't just a fight. She was in shock! Hurt on a base, emotional level. And she'd yet to say exactly why.

But that's what Rowa and Glynda are keen on dragging out of her. Neo moves to the other side of Blair on the couch. A small move, but a comforting one. Blair doesn't say anything, but slightly eases. She'd been stone rigid for five minutes.

"I have multiple questions, if you don't mind." Glynda starts.

"I'd expect nothing less of you."

"The Cu de Culann of Ostium Mortis was only thirty five years old. You said he was around for AZRL's inception. You are not a fool, and have a basic notion of math, so connect those dots for me." Glynda speaks clearly, commanding.

Like she's the one in power in the situation. Blair's muscles tighten instinctively, but she quells any need to rise to her sister this time. "You are correct. His then current body was thirty five."

"Current?!" Rowa jerks up. Neo and Makara both twitch at the wording as well. She gives a quirked look to her former partner. "Hold up. The guy was documented for years as a local talent and fighter from the islands. He never even stepped off the islands from what Arnold knows about him."

Blair huffs a wry chuckle. "The man told me himself. His current self was thirty five. His original self would be in his 70s." She shivers lightly, despite the forced small smile at their surprise. "I fought his third incarnation."

"Start making sense, now!" Glynda commands. Rowa turns to admonish her, but both halt upon seeing a reflective glisten in the other blonde's amber eyes.

After a moment, Blair continues. "I... I only won because he was curious." Her voice begins to quiver, gaze locking on the wall. "He... I... WE have the same semblance. The differences were so minor... He showed me... He s-showed me h-how he d-did it." Neo feels her begin to shake. "How to... take someone over... erase them with our semblance from... to replace them. He showed me how to cheat death!" Her voice was beginning to raise, becoming alarmed.

"Whoa whoa! Blair. Easy." Rowa lightly grips Blair's left wrist and shoulder, trying to help. However, panic starts to fill her as well. This? This was something she never, not once, could have imagined from her friend. "We're here. It'll be okay-"

"That's the issue!" Blair stands up, shouting at the top of her lungs as, for what seems to be the first time in her life, streaks of tears begin to show. "I'm prepared for death. We ALL were prepared thoroughly by our training and duties at Beacon! But what that BASTARD threatened-" She chokes up, her words clogging her throat.

As Rowa, Makara, and even Neo look on horrified to see the proud woman crumbling before them, Glynda remains stone faced. The professor's hands do suddenly tense into fists.

Blair's eyes squeeze shut, posture downcast as she struggles to get her breathing under control. Rowa recovers and speaks slowly. "Analyze." She slowly stands and moves closer to her friend. "Quell your emotions, analyze your experience, listen to what others think, and decide the next move yourself. You've told me that's how you deal with issues for years. Just... Step by step."

Glynda catches on. "Quell your emotions by focusing on something that calms you. Something untainted by the experience."

Slowly, Blair huffs a breath for control. Without realizing when, her hand had found Neo's arm. The short girl was beside her. Neo even feels Blair's aura brush against her own aura shield. Neo focuses herself, but even trying, she can't seem to open herself to Blair's aura the way she learned to for Carmine back on the islands.

Still, Blair gets herself under control. "Quelled..."

"Now?" Rowa gently urges.

"Setante's semblance was virtually identical in principle to my own... He lived multiple lifetimes despite dying twice. His method of surpassing death was to implant his aura within his opponent, something his semblance could do even better than my own. The moment his main body should perish, his full aura would then subvert and take over the person he'd placed hos aura inside."

She's still shaking, oblivious to the horrified looks on the others. Her words continue. "He... took interest in my semblance. Wanted to see just how close our powers were." She takes a moment to take a deep breath. Her hand on Neo tightens. "Too close. His curiosity to see if I was like him won out, so he let me learn. Had he done what he planned from the get go, I most certainly would be dead... and he would be wearing my face as he killed my team."

Neo's face falls, and she notices Blair begin to spiral in herself. "My face... without any of the life it once had, would be the face that'd kill Neo. Roman... Carmine. That it would all occur after my mind and memories would all be erased and ripped away." She shakes her head. "I can still remember how it felt when he tried it."

Blair glances up to Rowa, choking up. "Have you any idea, what it feels like to watch the totality of memories of a man enter your subconscious, while all your own bubble to the surface. To feel the minds mold together as bits and pieces get squeezed out, fizzle, and pop away one by one."

Silence falls over them.

. . .

Carmine frowns. He can't tell why, but he feels something wrong in the world around him. He glances around the table of drinks, the laughter of the Atlas men. To his surprise, even Roman seems to have picked up on this. Roman meets the boy's eyes with a grimace. Something is off.

Dour.

. . .

Minutes passed as Blair slowly calmed down. She lightly shrugs, unable to keep the tension any longer. She glances up, tired. "I only won when I used my power to exterminate his. By doing what he was doing." She gulps. "I won by proving I'm capable of the same monstrous abomination of an ability as him."

As Rowa, Neo, and Glynda are silent, Makara speaks up. "It's very scary inside your own mind. When it's unstable." Blair slowly looks over to the amnesiac. Makara smiles kindly. "I know it may not be the same. You were aware of the opposing force as it did so. I have to deal with it happening at random, in small bits at a time. But, I know at least part of how scary that must have been."

That... helps. Blair's brow eases, face pulling down. "I... am sorry that you had to make the comparison. That thought hadn't crossed my mind if you could relate. That was short sighted of me."

Makara shakes her head. "Don't be. I'm happy for you, because you managed to find a focus to resist it, right?" Blair blinks tears away as confusion takes over, so Makara elaborates. "That's the point of the weapon maintenance and mind exercises for me. I assumed you found a focus to preserve yourself against that horrid man."

Blair perks slightly at that. "Yes. I did." She looks away. "It was you all." She speaks low. Quietly. Embarrassed. The others look up as she adds. "Carmine. Neo. Rowa. Roman. Glynda, and Cella..." She gulps. "All the people who I can say for certain that I love."

Glynda snaps to attention at that. Neo and Rowa each share a look. Had... Blair ever used that word before for someone? Glynda feels... something warm from that.

"Despite that." Blair frowns, her free hand gripping her head. "I cannot help but think that maybe, somehow, he's still inside me. He's still hiding about within my conscious." She shivers. "He's biding his time until I am just unaware enough to..." She shakes her head.

Instinctively, her hand reaches up over her heart. The dark violet haze of her semblance pulses over her heart. That's it! She's scanning herself and only herself. She can't help but keep scanning to make sure he isn't there. That he isn't inside her, ebbing at her.

Finishing this scan for the what may as well be the hundredth time, Blair sighs. "I apologize for my... inability to process this." She sits back down, deflated. "So... inform me of what you think of it please."

A short pause fills the air as the other four share glances. "First and foremost, you must find peace of mind in some form." Rowa says, uneasy. Her psyche side study back at Beacon helped some ways to calm people, but dealing with trauma is never easy.

Her gut sinks thinking of trauma. Because that's what this is. Her friend before her, previously a solid rock of pride and stability, is traumatized.

"Surely, there's a way to prove that he's nowhere near you? I mean, you were poised to become an expert in all things pertaining to aura and semblances! There has got to be something that could bring you peace of mind. Prove that your aura is clean."

Blair sighs. "Already have... In fact, I discovered something with him." Her tired, red rimmed eyes glance at her friend regaining some form of academic composure. "As it turns out... my method of acquiring semblances via the blood samples only works with the blood of someone alive."

Glynda raises a brow. "That certainly puts a hole in your old ideas of accumulating abilities to store. Use the wrong one, and it would fail then?"

"Exactly." Blair nods. "I... siphoned some of Setante's blood from my clothes and attempted to utilize the semblance through his. I-" She flicks her gaze up to Neo. "I had asked you to stand in place for a test and see if my semblance got into you last month, not long after we all recovered."

Neo frowns, realizing that a 'random experiment' was actually a crucial exercise for peace of mind. She signs. "It didn't work. So then he's dead."

"I wish it were that simple." Blair sighs. "That SHOULD be the case, but he was able to mask his aura as anyone else's, as well as project it out at a range far beyond anything I have ever approached managing." She digs her nails into her palms in a tight clench. "It's possible he could have tampered with the result from within me. I cannot be certain simply using that method."

Makara speaks up next. "Then, assert your control, like you've instructed me to do. Home in on..." She pauses, trying to think of how Blair herself explained it to her. "Core ideas! Home in on core ideas that define you, and you can feel in control."

"Yeah, practice what you preach." Rowa speaks more chipper. "I don't believe for a second that you would let anyone control you." She even gives a cheeky smile to Glynda. "Isn't that part of you two's problems?" Glynda glowers dark while Rowa holds up her hands in surrender. "Sorry, not sorry."

The expression makes Blair pauses. "Hmm... I suppose you have a point." She allows a breath. "Again, I apologize-"

"Now, that's enough of that." Rowa cuts her off with a stern expression, gently gripping her friend's hands. "Is there anything else you need to tell us about what's wrong?"

Blair purses her lips. "Besides the eminent fight that will eventually occur when Glynda wishes to try arresting me, no." The words, while serious, are delivered with an undertone of normalcy. Humor.

Rowa snorts. "Well, I'm sorry we can't exactly make this go away, but I'm fairly certain all of us know one thing." She gently pats her hand atop Blair's. "You're Blair Goodwitch, and no one controls you." A forceful, prideful tone comes from the woman, taking Blair by surprise. "All agreed?" Rowa asks the room in a light tone.

Neo snorts, smiling for Blair. Makara shares her own kind grin. "Of course."

Eyes turn over to Glynda, the professor realizing they're expecting some sappy, emotional support response. As if. "Unfortunately, she's right." She speaks in a strained tone. "If not Ozpin, our family, nor I could ever control you, I trust that to be the case forever."

Despite the struggled tone, Blair feels a bubble of warmth at that. A quick look away, she covers a quiver before gives a cocky response. "I will take that as an admission of weakness on your part." Glynda allows a slight curl of a smile. Blair's spirited enough to pick a fight, so she'll be okay.

"A small sacrifice of an admission considering you are utterly incapable of civility except with criminals."

"Livelier company has certainly yielded results. Now, tell me. How is it running a single spot career maintaining a status quo?" Both sisters dismiss any emotion from their expressions, glaring back at one another with renewed vigor.

The two begin with as Neo and Rowa share a look. Smirks are traded. It's not a resolved issue, but... they got the point across. Comfort and belief.

. . .

Carmine raises a brow. "Huh... guess red light has passed." He stares off feeling better. "You felt something, right?"

Roman snorts. "I felt nothing." He smirks, ignoring with relief at the feeling disappearing. "Just because you're special doesn't make us all have fanciful notions. Now, mind back on the drinks."

Both CRBN men turn full focus on the drinking game before them. Two people at a time square off at a time. Currently, Ron is sitting strong as Stern is already losing ground.

Carmine grimaces. "This is gonna get dumb, isn't it?"

"Oh, I hope so." Roman speaks up with a grin.

. . .

The night passes on, the girls beating Neo's game, laughing and allowing an easiness to settle in. Blair even keeps herself from scanning anymore, deciding to trust the others. The fun lasted through until Rowa had the idea, from Neo, to have all five of them sleep on the living room. Grabbing blankets and moving furniture around, Neo suddenly stops when she notices several articles of fabric organized into a message on the floor.

'Speak with me in the kitchen.'

Neo raises a brow. No one was close to her in the room. She looks around. Blair is in the restroom, Makara is selecting something to leave on TV while they settle in. Lastly, Rowa is shifting the space to make room for five people to sleep.

That would leave... Wait! The message has changed! She double takes. 'Please.'

Moving the fabrics would require telekinesis... Neo grimaces and rolls her eyes. She gets up and gestures for drinks towards the other two present.

Rowa raises a brow and shakes her head. "No thanks."

Makara perks at Rowa's answer and gives a light smile. "I'm okay. Thank you!"

Neo nods and leaves the room to the kitchen... where Glynda sits at an island counter with a critical eye. The girl maintains her blank, mildly teasing look as she approaches and cocks her head. As if to mock the woman into starting.

The professor is unaffected. "If you're done with the childish antagonism, I would like to make this brief." Neo heats slightly at being directly placed lowly before the teacher. "I merely wish to ask one question of you. It would be appreciative to receive an honest answer." A silence answers. Not just Neo being mute, but her simply blinking a blank expression.

Interesting. So, Neo shrugs and nods. Not a big deal. If it's something ridiculous, she'll just walk away.

Nodding back, Glynda speaks directly. "I wish to ask you what each of your teammates means to you." She phrases is as a demand rather than a question, but that doesn't stop Neo from blanking on an answer. "Of course, I ask primarily for Blair's sake, but I would appreciate a full answer."

Neo purses her lips, her stare slowly trailing down. She thinks hard as a lip quirks down. She tries to sign, but stops before Glynda can make out the first word.

Glynda hums. "I'll break it into parts for you. How do you feel about Blair?"

Instantly, Neo's lip curls up, but her eyes still look guilty. She slowly signs. "What's a cross between a sister and a mom?" She gives a silent chuckle at Glynda's raised brow. "I was hostile to her the first few times, but I trust her with everything. Even more than I trusted my... family..."

The pause in signing before finishing catches Blair's attention. She frowns at that. "I am aware of your birth family. Their history. You mother is currently..." She pauses, seeing Neo's gaze harden. The professor stops and hums. "-Is irrelevant to you now, I understand."

Neo smiles, appreciative to drop the conversation.

"How about Carmine? After AZRL is dealt with, do you plan on going to the academies?"

The mute girl's smile drops instantly. She looks hard. "You've already decided that's his life?"

Wait. Back pedal. Glynda realizes her overstep too late. "No. It is my presumption that once the current crusade is done with, that he would wish to continue to become a full fledged huntsman." She sets a look back on the girl. "If that is the case, would you consider the same? Despite your year difference in age, I believe you could both remain together easily."

Neo frowns and shrugs. "Former mob boss's daughter becomes hero. Right." She snorts derisively. "But, if he goes, I go." She meets Glynda's gaze evenly, knowing the professor is expecting more. "He's... my first friend. Thinks I can be greater than I am while thinking little of himself or his effect on me. I want to make him proud."

That pulls a soft smile from Glynda. "That is a much more noble stance than I expected." The smile wipes away. "Though, if you do become his partner AND come to Beacon, I will likely ensure placing barriers between your sleeping areas."

The fact that the professor so bluntly implies such a relationship instantly burns Neo red as a tomato.

"You would be far from the first students to attempt such relationships on school grounds." Glynda glares down at the mute. "So I suggest you behave should that time come." Neo gulps and looks away, showing she gets the point. "At the very least, I can tell it is a genuine connection rather than a passing fancy like most teenage fancies."

Neo looks up embarrassed. She signs again. "He sees me. I see him." She cracks a smirk.

Glynda gives an exasperated look. "Just do not make him a troublemaker." The girl snorts. Glynda doesn't need sign language to read her face. Translation: No promises.

She does sign back. "He'll still be straight laced, I'm sure."

As if the world wished to contradict her...

. . .

At the men's house, Noah is passed out on a bed with the room door open. Meanwhile, Stern is passed out draped along three chairs, snoring. Both passed out? Yes, because this was no natural slumber...

Riley sits on one side of the table, eyes glossy and posture slouched. In front of him on the coffee table is his olive colored shot glass and his nearly empty whiskey bottle. He slowly shakes his head. "Oh course this is what happens..." He grumbles as a sour drunk.

"Come on!" Ron sways from the side, hooking his arm over the larger man. Ron is clearly off his game, a drink in mind. "You can totally win! What are you? A man or a mouse?"

"I can't." Riley growls, not appreciating the shaking.

"You can! You're an officer-"

"I said I'm beaten."

"You're gonna let yourself be beaten by a twelve year old?" Ron gestures across the table.

Carmine, face flushed hot with the haze of alcohol, hiccups and giggles as he lightly teases the open bottle of rum. Roman is on his corner, devil on the shoulder. "Now, now. Silver Streak is at least thirteen." He says with a wink despite his own inebriation.

The boy scoffs and pushes the snickering conman away. "Shhhut up! I'm almost seventeen, ass-" Hiccup. "-hole..."

Ron continues to jostle the larger man. "Come on. You can win."

Riley glares. "No, I can't... because you found-" His voice suddenly raises to a violent growl, screaming. "-THE ONLY KID IN A THOUSAND MILES WITH A GUT MADE OF STEEL!"

As if to punctuate, the group all looks to Carmine, who sways lightly in a blank stare. He lurches with a mighty burp, ending with a light giggle. "So, everyone is going the way of Arnold?"

The group looks to the side, finding a knocked out Arnold on the floor, snoring face down.

Ignoring this, Ron turns to Riley to further egg him on. "Look. I realize that you suffer from having... a vagina." He says in a mocking tone to insult the man. Maybe calling him a woman will finish the job? He then gestures down. "That you have between your legs in lieu of a penis-"

The larger man shoves him back. Riley groans and sets himself straight. "Alright. One more shot with the punk." Ron slaps the man's back in support.

Roman snorts. "Fifty Lien on the boy."

"Wimp stuff. Two hundred!" Ron counters.

"Deal!"

The delirious boy darts his gaze around before finding the man and smirks. He places a hand over his heart. "You face Carmine..?"

Riley sets a scowling jaw. "Yeah-"

He's cut off by the teen. "The lord of Rum!?" His arms fly out before he slouches and grabs the rum bottle. Roman goes ahead and guides the boy's hands to fill his blue tinted shot glass with the rum. As he does so, Ron assists Riley with his own whiskey.

The two raise their shot glasses and clink them together. Then down the hatches!

Both down their drinks and immediately get soothed by their respective cheer leader in the form of the greediest members present. Riley's vision doubles as he sways. A struggle to keep it down. He merely sees a blur across him at the table, seeing Carmine still up. He glares forward, then to his bottle of whiskey.

The tiniest of amounts remain at the bottle of the bottle.

Carmine grins manically. His voice squeaks out like a devious imp. "One sip left!"

The now gruff man lurches, but manages a throaty. "Shut it, punk!" He shakes his head, grunting out. "Ugh!" He begins to pour the last of the whiskey into the shot glass.

Carmine gets his next shot with a predatory grin. He hiccups again as he raises the shot. Then, without waiting for Riley, he downs the spiced beverage. The soldier flinches as the boy groans with the drink, taking a moment. Please go down. Please go down. Please go down!

The boy gulps and looks forward with a soft smile. He hiccups, but recovers.

SHIT! Riley fights the sink in his gut and raises his own drink. Now, he HAS to drink or back down. He takes it back and down the hatch-

He chokes. His vision sways. The beverage refuses to drain down his throat. He lurches, and the liquid spurts from his lips. The man's equilibrium gives out as he slips back in a groan. Defeated.

"Yes!" "No!" Roman cheers as Ron slaps his own leg in frustration. Roman grins as he receives two hundred Lien from the veteran. "Good going, Silver Streak-"

Carmine bursts to his feet, nearly throwing the conman back. The boy jabs his pointing hand at the collapsed man across the table. He shouts in the full power of his lungs. "I CANNOT BE BESTED! THIS IS MY REALM!" His aggressive gestures sway him as he slips and begins to fall back. Eyes wide, he falls over the couch end. "Wha-! AH!" He hits the floor behind the furniture, out of sight.

Roman snorts and lets loose a cackle! "Ha! Okay! You hurt yourself there, Silver Streak?"

A wheezing stressed sound of an f draws out long from behind the couch. Carmine clearly landing painfully. "-ffffFFFFFFUCK!"

. . .

Neo gives a light smirk and shake of her head. "He's just a loving dork."

Glynda nods. Her own opinion of the boy was that of a potentially nigh flawless student. She just didn't wish for him to keep developing bad habits. His mouth is the least of those. His anger issues described by Blair is another concern, mixed with his mental scars she's become acutely aware of since becoming Ozpin's right hand at Beacon.

That just leaves the sinking in her gut. "And what of Torchwick? What has he added to it all?"

Neo blinks in surprise. She processes the question before smirking. "He understands me."

Raising a brow, Glynda presses. "I thought Carmine understood you. Was that not what you just said? That he sees you."

She nods then shakes her head. She signs. "Carmine and I have always managed to notice things in each other. Helps us help each other. But Roman is the only person who could ever fully understand each step of how I think." She smiles down, hands resting on the counter as they continue signing. "Comes with the background."

Glynda clues in on that. "I see. So he is also from a former crime family, AND formerly of AZRL?"

Neo instantly freezes, a fierce glare spiking up. She stands from the seat at the counter, shifting away with a glower. The accusatory glance is easy enough to translate.

"My query merely exists because of Blair." Glynda states clearly. "I wish to understand just how she's come to feel so attached to you all. This is all."

Neo sneers and signs. "Just convenient in case you need to psychoanalyze Roman in the future, or the rest of us?" The short girl narrows her glare. "If any of them are harmed by anyone, including you or your boss, that person responsible will live only long enough to regret it. Period."

Glynda takes the threat without flinching. "And you're quite comfortable making open death threats?"

The girl smirks, the fire not leaving her eyes.

That is concerning. Glynda frowns. "Sometimes your age makes me forget. You've already killed before. Of course you're willing to threaten death."

Neo snorts. She recalls using Carmine's gun on Miguel in Sanctuary, or the thug that she impaled for trying to smother Carmine when he was comatose in Vale! Being a fifteen year old doesn't change that she has blood on her hands. Blood she isn't happy over, but she doesn't exactly care about either. She signs slowly.

"There is only one man on this world I wish death upon. Everyone else I'm willing to kill makes the mistake of targeting them."

A tense pause hangs in the air before the girl is disarmed by something. Glynda nods. Neo blinks confused by it.

"There is a saying among the hunter culture among the kingdoms. That your team that you are placed on is not merely a set of classmates. That your team is your second family." Glynda speaks solemnly. "But to those unfortunate enough to never experience a true family, their team is their first family."

Neo snorts. That's ridiculous. She loved her father... didn't she? She pauses, frowning as her eyes trail off. She... did. She loved him. Of course, she loved him. But, remembering him, does she still love the man he was? She narrows her gaze at that. No, she totally had a true family before... Barring her mother.

Her gut sinks. Well, there was George! Her heart clenches a bit recalling the faunus. She grimaces, wondering if a butler truly does count as her family figure.

Watching Neo get lost in this thought, Glynda steps from the counter. "I suppose I am grateful for it. To know that you and perhaps even Torchwick are experiencing those same bonds. It makes me more confident in your team's position." She begins to walk back to the living room. "Thank you for answering my questions, Neopolitan."

Glynda marches back, Neo soon following after. Soon, the women found sleep for the night. All while ignorant of just how thrashed the men were... The groups continued to bond and enjoy their time ahead of the wedding.

And here is the split. Next chapter is entirely the wedding day.

So, here I discuss a bit of... insecurity on my part.

Notes and message from author:

From the beginning of this story, I knew for a fact that I would have an uphill battle getting readers for an OC lead story. At least a few people have enjoyed Carmine, and that is the biggest goal. To not have him be a Gary Stew and overcome the problematic parts of his inclusion in this universe.

Admittedly, making him connected to Ozpin didn't help that, as it falls under a stereotype of OC's that likely has deterred readers.

However, this insecurity is doubly so for Blair. Blair, the character, was thought of since my first thoughts of this story, but she was not originally intended to be related to Glynda Goodwitch, much less her twin...

Blair, in conception, was originally going to be a faunus, and that would have played off of Carmine's appreciation of faunus. However, I was worried that Blair would come off too much like Blake, maybe thought of as a carbon copy. Being a sneaky, against the rules, incredibly intelligent faunus with a B name? I worried that having that would have made it worse.

So, if I was afraid of a comparison to Blake, why did I instead lean into a direct comparison with Glynda Goodwitch then? Even more explicitly, even?

Well, two reasons.

First, there was to be a mirror between Carmine's position and Ozpin's. Comparisons to Ozpin are made at different points in the story. Ozpin, in canon, recognizes that he's made many mistakes, so part of Carmine's self blame is to be an allusion to that aspect of Ozpin's. I wanted Carmine to have his equivalent to Glynda.

Second, I thought if it was something to directly lean into, that might overly emphasize the differences between Blair and Glynda and hopefully... HOPEFULLY... open story opportunities.

This thought process lead into the creation of their team, Rowa, Beacon Academy as the back story, and more. All in all, I chose to lean directly into it to push for something I hoped would be worth it.

And... I have no idea if it worked, to be honest. These last few chapters have pulled into a focus on Blair, and in writing for her, I've been reminded of that insecurity of how she's come across.

The focus on this wedding event may also be influenced by real life events as one of my best friends got married recently. The sort of "the group rents a house and hangs out for a week" is actually a literal thing my friend group does, and these things always come before said event. So, I intended the entire stop for the wedding to be one chapter, and it ended up becoming three.

I sincerely hope it hasn't bothered anyone.

End of note.

All that said, we end the wedding next time in chapter seventy three: Perfect Image.