Darkvizardking: Welcome ladies, gents and all in-between to another segment of this fun little story. I admit I took a slight break after that mass upload of updates and new stories but it's time to get back to it for the fun time ahead. Now that we've reached volume two, things will start to heat up in more ways than one. And, due to how I'll be handling it from here onward I'll be mentioning what episodes will be put into each chapter, both so I can make a nice framework and so I can space it out better. This chapter will cover the events of 'A minor hiccup, Painting the town, Extracurricular, and Burning the candle.'

Of course with a twist.

I swear I watch way too much Pointy Hat.

But let's get to the reviews!

Dragonkeeper10: Oh believe me, both Salem and her little doll have no idea the shit storm that's going to be headed their way.

Kalub092: Always glad to see someone enjoying my work! Hope I continue to impress!

Fatile: It was one of the things that bothered me about the story, how detached Ozpin was, figured someone that could stand on an equal ground would be good for now and later.

DravenaBelladonna2: Oh he has it, it's just buried deep in his inventory. It's comparable to Gilgamesh from Fate, he busts that out when he really needs to. Most of his kit is stamina based, with his next highest being arcane.

Chapter 4: A Shinobi operation, huntress style and a prelude to the midnight sonata.

A castle shrouded in mist and freezing cold snow, the fog separated it from the rest of Yharnam. As he stepped from the carriage that brought him here, he couldn't help but marvel at how empty the castle seemed to be yet feel the malevolent energy in the air.

"Doesn't seem like any one is home, so who sent the invitation?" As he turned back to ask the driver of the carriage, all that could be seen was a wrecked piece, the horses no more than bones in their briding. "Typical, this entire world is just designed to mess with me isn't it?"

With a sigh he started forward, towards the 'empty' castle as the frigid wind blew around him. Towards the cursed Castle Cainhurst.

Naruto jumped up awake in his bed, his hand to his head as he whispered. "The castle, why am I thinking of it now? Queen Annalise." Thinking back to the vampire woman, he couldn't help but feel his thoughts drifting to another person he knew. Someone else that until recently seemed just as cold, drowning in isolation. "Weiss, is that why you seemed familiar? If Jaques would have his way you'd be just as isolated wouldn't you? Well, I'm not going to let that happen."

He got up to do his morning routine, seeing it was still a little before sunrise. As he held a hand out to summon the threaded cane, he thought better of it and pulled what looked to be a rapier, a built in pistol along the blade of it. It was a weapon of Castle Cainhurst, Reiterpallasch, signifying his position as one of the last knights. In his other hand was a rather long pistol, close to looking like a rifle, a name engraved on the piece. Evelyn. As he holstered these weapons, he made his way out to greet the day.


Weiss couldn't help but glance at the clock while Port was speaking. Normally she'd be focused on class, but as she looked at the time her mind was elsewhere. It didn't help that Jaune was next to her, though she had long since tuned him out as he was trying to invite her out, her mind not only thinking about how boys would just clamor to her because of her family money, but a more secret thought had her wondering about a certain bat. It was the kind of thoughts that if her father found out he'd disown her on the spot. Something along the lines of romantic dates, nothing that anyone would feel was too scandalous but to her father? He'd never allow it. And a smirk silently crossed her face as she thought of how much it would piss him off.

The bell rang as the period ended, snapping her out of her thoughts as she and the rest of her team headed for the doorway. She turned as Jaune looked startled. "To answer your question, no." Before she headed out, Yang had a teasing smirk.

"You know, keep that up and it'll be no wonder why people call you Ice Queen."

Weiss looked away from the others. "Don't we have more pressing matters to attend to? We should go and get ready." She stepped away, Ruby curious to what was going on, Blake and Yang glancing at each other in suspicion.

None of them noticed that they passed by a certain bat's office, his ears twitching as he heard them talking. "Now I wonder what they're up to this time?"

By the time he had caught up to them, they had gone back to their dorm room and were in what sounded like a discussion.

"Alright, so Ruby and I will head to the CCT tower where I'll check on the Schnee Dust company records and find any connection to the recent robberies."

"Right, I know an informant that can give me some info on the shadier parts of town."

"And there's a white fang rally happening downtown, likely looking to recruit members after that fiasco on the docks. I can see what I can glean from their orders."

Naruto couldn't help but smirk at the sound of their plan, it sounded simple yet effective. As he was about to step in Sun leapt in through the window, giving Naruto a somber flashback to Jiraiya and his antics, though the sound of Weiss shouting at something he said broke him out of his stupor.

"What? I climb trees all the time."

"Honestly Sun, try to phrase things better." The sound of his voice caused everyone in the room to flinch, Ruby looking at him nervously. "H-hey professor, what are you doing here?"

"I saw you girls heading back here and wondered if you might be up to something. Seems I was right." He took a moment, his eyes glancing at each of them for their reaction though he couldn't help but see the outfits that were certainly different from their usual huntress gear. "I take it a new look to go out on the town with? Looks great."

Weiss beamed a bit with pride. "It was my idea, thank you for noticing."

"I'm not surprised, I can see there's a certain level of taste to it. Though that doesn't answer my question. You girls are planning an investigation, aren't you?" He looked them over, Blake being the first to flinch under his red eyes.

"We, we didn't want to get any of our friends involved. A smaller group would attract less attention."

Sun scoffed. "That's dumb, you should always get friends involved. Who's going to back you up if you get caught?"

"I couldn't have said it better myself. I knew there was a reason to like you Sun." Naruto had to give the monkey credit, he may come across as simple, but he wasn't lacking in tactical skill.

Yang bit her lip nervously. "Okay, so what now? Are you going to tell us to stop?"

Ruby looked to her sister in surprise, seeing the normally confident Yang being sheepish.

"Of course not. I'm going to help you out. I do like your plan, it's simple but you girls have a good idea. And Sun, do let Neptune in, I can hear him shaking on the windowsill out there."

He merely nodded as the girls looked surprised to see Neptune be brought inside the room.

Weiss sighed. "Alright then, I think we should rearrange the team ups." Her team couldn't help but notice the subtle glance towards Naruto when she said it, each of them being a little fidgety for their own reasons.

"Sun, you should go with Blake, Naruto you should also. The three of you are the only faunus among us and so you wouldn't stick out at the rally. Weiss and I will keep to the CCT idea. Yang, you take Neptune. This way no one goes off alone." To the surprise of everyone, Ruby was the one to speak up, Naruto giving her an approving nod at the fact she was still acting sensible, like a leader.

Yang couldn't help but hug Ruby for how mature she was being, but whispered something that made the young huntress flush as red as her cloak.

Sun moved to stand by Blake and Naruto, a cocky smirk on his face. "Guess we'll be teaming up again professor, hope to not disappoint."

"I hope not, but do remember this is more for infiltration and information gathering, I don't want anyone trying to do anything crazy." His tone changed, the light hearted nature gone as the professor was replaced with the Shinobi, and this was a mission. "We do what we can to find out information, and if it gets too risky our priority will be to run, understand?" Looking to Blake and Sun, both of them nodding. "Good, now let's get to our assignments Ruby gave to us."

Neptune couldn't help but feel a shiver down his spine at how serious this suddenly became, having a bad feeling about it.


Ruby looked to her scroll, checking the time as her and Weiss approached the tower. "You know, for how tall it is from afar it's always more impressive to see it up close."

Weiss glanced up at the tower, not knowing that Ruby had caught a glimpse of Penny walking around, the girl looking a bit fidgety in her own right. "But of course, it services every scroll in the kingdom, and helps to make for communication to the other kingdoms. All created by Atlas as a gift to the others after the great war." She beamed with pride for what her home had achieved, looking to her leader only to see nothing. "Unbelievable. Didn't even last a few minutes."

With a sigh she headed inside, thinking to at least get her work done in somewhat peace. Only for a more traitorous thought to cross her mind as she stepped into the elevator. 'Making sure to show off for the professor you mean? Aren't you wanting him to see how dependable you are too?'

For once the white haired girl was burning red as the elevator doors closed.


Ruby followed after Penny as she headed towards the side streets. Ruby took the moment to catch up to Penny, holding the girl by the hand to catch her attention. "Penny! It's good to see you, I was so worried when you just disappeared after that night at the docks!"

Penny seemed to flinch, glancing between anywhere else and Ruby. "I, I don't know what you mean by that." She seemed to hiccup as she spoke, trying to back away as she started to run. Ruby on the other hand was faster, holding her hand as she whispered.

"Penny please, those people we dealt with at the docks, they're still up to something, something bad that we don't have any ideas on what. Please, as your friend, I need to know what happened to you that night."

Penny sighed, her demeanor changing. "Okay, but we can't talk here, alright?"

Weiss walked through the grand, glowing lobby of the tower with pride, avoiding the central terminal and heading straight for the elevator doors, which slid open automatically and closed once she was inside. The voice of the CCT AI is projected from a panel near the door.

"Hello. Welcome to the CCT. How may I help you?"

Weiss glanced at the panel as she spoke. "I'd like to go to the communications room, please."

"Absolutely. Could you please place your Scroll on the terminal to verify your identity?'

Weiss retrieves her Scroll and places it as directed. 'Perfect! Thank you, Miss Schnee."

Upon the elevator's ascent, Weiss' expressions shift from pleasant to serious. Upon entering the room, four symbols are seen on a computer - twin axes and wreaths, three flying swords pointing down, a spear and shield inside a fragmented circle, and a precise winged shape, each representing the different kingdoms around the world.

Weiss walks up to the front desk where a holographic secretary appears in the seat. It

spoke politely as it turned to face her. "Welcome to the Beacon Cross Continental Transmit center. How may I help you?"

Weiss kept her tone even as she spoke. "I need to make a call to Schnee Company World Headquarters in Atlas."

"Absolutely.' The program acted as it patched in the call. 'If you could head over to Terminal three, I'll patch you through."

"Thank you!"

Weiss smiles and nods before walking over to her assigned cubicle-like computer, passing a few Beacon students in uniform - one of which is talking to her mother and asking how things are going back in Signal Academy. She sits at her own display, taking a deep, unhappy breath to prepare for the call ahead. The face of a short-haired brunette appears on the monitor with the Schnee snowflake rotating behind her. She does not realize who she is talking to until she looks up. "Thank you for calling, I, Oh! Miss Schnee! Good afternoon! Would you like me to patch you through to your father? I think your sister Winter might be here as well."

Weiss kept her tone pleasant. "No, thank you! I was actually wondering if you could find some files for me. I've compiled a short list." Weiss produces her Scroll, placing it into a slot on the keyboard, creating a series of noises as the Operator looks at the data from her side of the screen. "I see. If you don't mind... what may I ask is this for?"

"School project."

The operator seemed nervous as she looked over the documents. "Um... There are some sensitive documents on this list, ma'am."

Weiss kept a tone that would have made her father proud. "Well, then, I'll be sure to treat them with care."

"Right... Very well. The data is being transferred to your Scroll now."

"Wonderful! That will be all, then."

The operator looked at her with curiosity "Are you sure you wouldn't like me to patch you through to your father before you go?"

Weiss lost her smile, but she quickly replaced it. "Yes, I'm sure." Though that didn't stop the sneaking thought in her mind. 'If he knew the kinds of things we were doing, he'd pull the plug on our finances for sure. If he knew you were-'

She kept her composure as the operator spoke. "Well, then... Have a nice day!"

After the call ended, Weiss looked at herself in the reflection, a split second of her reflection smiling at her before it turned to normal. Weiss shook her head as she took her scroll back, a tremor going down her spine as a thought whispered in her head. 'So what now? Do you want to go see him? Maybe see if he'll praise you for doing such a good job? Something father never bothers to try?''

She did her best to shake her head clear of the thoughts, not seeing her reflection turning to look at her as she walked by a mirror.


Penny stood alone near a two-story building with patio furniture and she was looking around nervously when a hand grabbed her shoulder, causing her to jump. She turns to see Ruby grinning. She smiles in return. The scene moves to the two strolling down the street.

Penny kept her subdued but friendly tone as she spoke. "I wish I could help you, Ruby, but I don't know anything about those men."

"Well, what happened to you that night? We were all together, and then you just disappeared! Were you kidnapped?"

Penny shook her head, smiling. "Oh, no! Nothing like that!"

"Then where did you go?"

"I've never been to another kingdom before. My father asked me not to venture out too far, but... You have to understand, my father loves me very much; he just worries a lot."

"Believe me, I know the feeling.' (She grins and Penny grins back.) 'But why not let us know you were okay?"

"I... was asked not to talk to you. Or Weiss. Or Blake. Or Yang. Anybody, really."

"Was your dad that upset?"

"No, it wasn't my father...

Before she can continue, she and Ruby hear the sound of megaphones announcing something, turning around the corner to look at the platform in the center of a plaza where the holographic image of James Ironwood is seen before six AK-130 Androids, who are in turn standing in front of two large metal storage cases with the spear-and-shield emblem on their doors.

"The AK-130 has been a standard security model of Remnant for several years, and they have done a fine job. Wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree? (the clapping of the gathered audience causes the drones to take a jerky bow) But... the kingdom of Atlas is a kingdom of innovation, and 'fine'... Well, that's just not good enough, is it? Presenting... the Atlesian Knight-200! (the doors to the cases roll up, and six new, bulkier, shinier automatons stand at attention before knocking their obsolete predecessors down to the applause of the watchers) Smarter, sleeker, and admittedly, a little less scary. (the robots flex and pose as a demonstration) These models will become active later this year, but they won't be alone! Now, the Atlesian Military has always supported the idea of removing men from the dangers of the battlefield. However, there are still many situations that will undoubtedly require... a human touch."

The last line draws Ruby's attention, something odd tickling the back of her mind at how detached the word human was in that statement.

Penny: (nervously) Ruby..?

"So, our kingdom's greatest minds, in cooperation with the Schnee Dust Company, are proud to introduce... the Atlesian Paladin!

Ironwood's image is replaced with the hologram of a robotic white behemoth, featuring hinged piston legs, large guns for hands, and a rectangular head, standing at least twice as tall as the Knights below it.

"Now, we couldn't have them here for you today, but these mechanized battle suits will be seen defending the borders of our kingdom within the year!"

Ruby looked to be enamored by the technology, not realizing the armed guards around them. "Whoa...

Penny however was aware and looked quite nervous. "Ruby? Maybe we should go somewhere else."

At the side of the stage, two armored soldiers see Penny, pointing her out and calling in backup. Penny backs away and then breaks into a dead run, which snaps Ruby out of her weapon-awe-induced stupor.

"Penny! Wait! Where are you going?"

Ruby turns to look back at the soldiers chasing after her friend, and realizing Penny's situation, swiftly follows her in an attempt to catch up down the winding alley.

The Atlas Soldier gesturing to his partner as he spots the retreating duo. "Down here! She went this way!"

Penny and Ruby run across the street with the soldiers following them, though a honking car nearly runs one over. He manages to brace his hands against the hood, which somehow stops the vehicle, and his partner runs along after the girls.

Ruby is still trying to catch up with Penny, but a high stack of crates on a flimsy support is easily cut down by Crescent Rose, causing a wooden avalanche of boxes to block the path. Seeing Penny right ahead of her, Ruby leaps into the air and lands on the alley wall, ricocheting off to grab Penny around the middle.

"This way!" She grimaces before the two disappear in a flash of red and rose petals.

Ruby dashes away as fast as she can while carrying Penny, but the strain is too great, and they crash to the ground a short while later, with Ruby falling all the way into the street. She gets up slowly, and in her dazed state, she doesn't notice the large truck coming up from behind her until the honking is too late of a warning. She stands up just as she's about to be hit, but from out of nowhere, Penny pushes Ruby out of the way and holds her palms out.

In the split second where the two make contact, the ground beneath Penny cracks and crumbles into pieces, and the From Dust Till Dawn truck is lifted a little ways into the air by the girl's sheer strength. She puts it down, and the Shopkeep stares in awe at the crumples in his hood, just like the Huntress who got saved.

Ruby could only look forward, eyes wide, terrified, uncertainty in her tone. "Penny..?"

Penny looked to the shopkeep "Are you okay?"

Shopkeep could only nod obviously scared from the experience. "Uh-huh…"

Penny backs away, looking at Ruby's frightened expression, then at the bystanders murmuring to each other in an attempt to understand what just happened. In her panic, she runs from the Atlas soldiers still chasing her down and bumps into Ruby, knocking the poor girl out of her stupor as her friend tries to get away again.

"Penny! Come back!" She starts going after Penny as the people look at the destruction Penny caused with her bare hands and the soldiers find they had lost their target.

Penny was coming to a stop once she got out of the alleyway, looking around for where to run next. "Um... Uh...

Ruby finally caught up to Penny, exasperated from the lengthy exercise. "Penny! Please! What is going on?! Why are you running? How did you do that?!"

Penny looked nervous again, it filtering into her speech. "I-I can't! Everything's fine! (she starts to hiccup with each lie) I-I don't want to talk about it!" (*hiccup*)

"Penny, if you can just tell me what's wrong, I can help you!"

Penny started retreating from her friend, looking more nervous then before. "No! No, no! You wouldn't understand…"

"Let me try! You can trust me!"

Penny seemed to finally relent, coming up to Ruby's face desperately. "You're my friend, right? You promise you're my friend?!"

Ruby nodded, her eyes showing kindness as she whispered. "I promise."

Penny stayed silent for a second, then, looking down at her hands. "Ruby... I'm not a real girl."

Penny shows Ruby the toll of stopping the truck that would have killed her. Parts of her palm's skin have ripped away, revealing the gray metal underneath. Penny stares sadly at Ruby's face, now completely astounded by her friend's secret as all she can simply say is "Oh."

Penny on the other hand wasn't exactly her cheerful self, closing her hands and looking away. "I'm the first synthetic being to have aura. I'm, a machine. I'm not real."

Ruby shook her head as she held Penny's hands. "Of course you're real, you think just because you're made of nuts and bolts instead of squishy guts makes you any less real than me? You have a heart, and a soul I can feel it. That's all you need."

Penny looked rather confused, tilting her head. "You're taking this, strangely well. Why is that?"

"I have a teacher that I found out had bat ears and could fly, a teammate who turned out to be a faunus, and I plan to see the world. If I let the weirdness get to me I wouldn't be very good at it."

Penny giggled as her cheerfulness returned. "That teacher, is that the blonde I saw fighting at the docks? The boyfriend?"

Ruby nodded until she realized the last bit, her face a bit red. "That's still not, I mean, we're going to the dance together but,'

That didn't stop Penny from hugging the girl, feeling the strength behind the thin looking arms and now having a much clearer picture. "Oh Ruby that's great! I know! I'll see if I can go to it too! I would love to meet a new friend! Hopefully father will allow it."

She let her go, Ruby catching her breath. "I hope so, but, why wouldn't you be able to? Why were the guards chasing you?"

"Because, father wants to make sure I'm safe until I'm ready."

"Ready? For what?"

"General ironwood says I'm meant to help save the world."

"Save the world? From what? We're in a time of peace."

"Odd, that's not what the general said, plus, he seemed a bit perturbed after he met with your headmaster. I'm not sure why. He wouldn't say anything."

What sounded like the soldiers running was getting closer. Penny for her part looked to almost panic, grabbing Ruby and lifting her up to a nearby dumpster.

"Penny! What are you doing!? Stop, I can help you!"

"It's okay Ruby, they're just worried about me. I'll be taking part in the festival to help gauge how effective I am. Just stay here, the general doesn't want anyone knowing about me. Not yet at least."

With minimal effort, she tossed the younger girl into the dumpster, closing the lid a bit as she started at Ruby. "Please, promise me you won't tell anyone about this, about me."

Ruby nodded as she whispered. "I promise, but maybe you could meet the professor, I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

Penny smiled as she whispered "Maybe, but for now, stay here." She could hear the guards coming up behind her as she closed the lid, her back turned to it as Ruby peeked through a crack. One of the soldiers reached Penny, looking a bit out of breath.

"Sal-u-tations officers!"

"Why did you run away? And where's the other girl that was with you?"

"What other girl? I was by myself all day." She lightly hiccuped, but the guards either didn't notice or comment on it.

"You shouldn't cause a scene, you know how the general worries."

"Are you okay? Any damage from that truck?"

She turned her palms over to show her hands. "Just a scratch, but I made sure no one at the scene could see this." This time, no hiccup came out.

One of the soldiers sighed. "You know your father isn't going to be happy about this, right?"

"Please, just come with us ma'am, the general has been a bit on edge and the less stress the better."

Penny nods as she follows after them, Ruby watching them go until she hears the sound of a rat scurrying inside the dumpster, causing her to freak out and drop the lid on her head.


Yang stopped her bike as a shadier part of Vale, a spot she once visited before prior to starting at Beacon. Back then she was also looking for information, but more for a personal reason. Now? She had a job to do, even if the person riding with her wasn't who she hoped for. She sighed as she took off her helmet, stepping off her bike as Neptune followed suit.

"Come on, my 'friend' is inside here. Just let me do all the talking."

Neptune nodded, though something was bothering him. "I'm going to be blunt, but I'm guessing I wasn't your choice to ride down here with was I?"

Yang froze uncharacteristically, her long hair helping to shield her beet red face. "Why are you asking now? But honestly I first thought it was just going to be me."

"Uh huh, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say you were hoping for the bat to be your dance partner?" He could hear the music from the club, if only faintly.

He stepped back as a red eyed Yang glared at him. "Don't you dare say a word. Got it?"

"Okay, no teasing, but seriously, I got the vibe that all of you were hoping for it when Ruby shuffled the teams."

Yang rolled her eyes as she whispered to herself. "That obvious huh? I wonder how they're doing."

She headed inside, Neptune wisely quiet as Yang merely walking in had the guards acting oddly scared, men armed with guns and weapons heading in. What looked to be the doors to the club were shut on their approach, and Yang, still a bit testy from the earlier conversation, blasted the doors open.

"Hello boys, miss me?" She tried to sound as sassy as usual, to the sound of clicking guns being made ready to fire.

Neptune glanced around her. "So, you want to define 'friend' for me?"

Only for a larger man, likely the owner who very much remembers Yang from her last 'visit' to run forward. "Put your guns down! Now! No one and I mean no one gets it in their head to try!' As he saw his men lowering their weapons, he looked to Yang, a mix of fear and confusion on his face. 'Blondie, you're here, why?"

Yang marches forward, grabbing Junior by the arm as she spoke. "You still owe me a drink, and now we need to talk."

Neptune could only stare as he grumbled. "I swear that guy is a lucky bastard. Bet he doesn't even know it."


Blake for her part was examining three scratch marks on an alley wall, Naruto sneezing softly a bit away as the mist shifted his clothes. Gone was his usual suit for a replica of what Father Gascoigne wore during their fight. A hat perfectly hiding the bat ears until he removed it.

Sun for his part was confused. "Nice duds, but why the changeup?"

"Well, the girls wanted to change, so I figured I might as well join in on the fun. Plus, I have been seen around town before so even the slightest change will throw off how people see me. Add in the fact we'll be wearing these?" He slipped on the grimm mask they were handed as they entered, Sun looking confused at the mask.

"What I don't get is, if they believe what they're doing is right, why had who you were?"

Blake looked painted as she thought back to it. "Humanity wanted us to be seen as monsters, so we decided to at least look the part."

"But with grimm masks? That's, kinda dark."

"So was the guy that started the trend." Naruto caught the pained tone in her voice, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving a comforting squeeze. She let a small smile slip through as they blended into the crowd, staying grouped together as they looked towards the stage, one of the known lieutenants of the white fang stepping forward on the stage. A curtain that had the symbol of the organization, a beastly head with three scratch marks behind it unfurled behind him.

"Thank you all for coming. For those of you who are joining us for the first time tonight, allow me to introduce a very special comrade of ours! I can assure you, he is the key to obtaining what we have fought for for so long!"

The dark pants and brown shoes step forward before the orange tip of the Melodic Cudgel taps on the stage. The camera pans up to reveal none other than Roman, smiling confidently even as the crowd starts protesting.

Roman looked out to the crowd, waving mockingly despite their growing glares. "Thank you, thank you!' As he speaks, Neopolitan walks out from behind the sheet, standing by and watching the crowd. 'Please, hold your applause!"

A faunus with antlers, likely a deer, started pointing at Roman from her place right in front of the trio "What's a human doing here?!"

Roman looked to be unphased as he kept his cheery demeanor. "I'm glad you asked, 'Deerie'! Now, I'll be the first to admit, humans... are the worst. (Salutes as an example.) Case in point. So, I understand why you would like to see us all locked away, or, better yet, killed!

Sun tilted as he started leaning over to Blake. "So, is he going somewhere with this?"

Naruto scowled "He's playing to their hatred, it's certainly effective."

"But, before the claws come out, I'd like to mention the fact that you and I all have a common enemy: the ones in control, the people pulling the strings, the dirty, rotten humans that run our kingdoms! (As the crowd changes their tune and starts agreeing with him.) Government, military, even the schools: they're all to blame for your lot in life! (Lets the crowd cheer as the heroes share a look.) And they're all pests that need to be dealt with! Fortunately, I'm the best exterminator around... No offense to any rodents in the room."

With a snap of the fingers, the curtain falls, and the whole mass of Faunus applauds at the sight of the Atlesian Paladin-290 behind it, the mark of the White Fang painted on its shoulder.

Sun looked surprised, a gasp escaping his lips. "Whoa, that's a big robot...

Blake looked very concerned "How did he get that?"

Naruto narrowed his eyes, subtly taking a picture of the robot with his scroll. "I don't know, but I bet Ozpin and ironwood would absolutely love to know."

Roman continues "As some of you may have heard, this right here... (Taps the giant mech) ...is Atlas' newest defense against all the scary things in the world. And thanks to my "employer", we've managed to snag a few before they, uh, "hit the shelves". Now, many of your brothers have already moved down to our new operation in the southeast. If you'd rather stay within the city, that's fine... But if you're truly ready to fight for what you believe in, this is the arsenal I can provide you. Any questions? (The White Fang's roaring applause tells him the answer.)

Blake looked concerned, noting that Naruto was staring forward. "We should get out of here."

The white Fang Lieutenant started to wave the crowd forward, beckoning them towards the stage. "Will all new recruits, please come forward!"

Sun could feel the crowd starting to move the line as it surges forward with the trio having to follow. "Welp!"

Naruto sighed as a hand reached towards his rapier. "We might need a distraction."


Back at the Club, Junior puts down his glass as he sits behind the bar separating him from his interrogator.

"I don't know!"

"How can you not know?"

Junior sighed as he looked to grow more frustrated. "I haven't talked to him! I haven't even seen him since the night you first came in here.' (Leans over to point in Yang's face.) 'He paid up front, I lent him my men, and none of them ever. Came. Back."

Neptune moved, rushing to Yang's side to raise a question of his own. "So where did they go?"

Junior just stared, after a long pause spoke "What kind of stupid question is that? They never came back!' he looked at Yang. 'Who is this guy?"

Yang scowled as she pushed Neptune out of the way with one hand. "Don't worry about him; worry about me' Neptune straightens and stands to attention at the sound of her tone 'if I don't find out what I want!"

Junior sighed "I already told you everything! Torchwick hired my boys, and I guess he wasn't happy with them, which is something I can relate to!" He shouts this at his own men, who grumble and walk away in response.

Yang sighed as she stood up. "Come on, Neptune." She turns from the bar and walks away.

Neptune moved to follow with his hands in his pockets. "So, we get everything we need?

"Well, we got everything we can. Hopefully the rest of the team is having better luck."


Naruto scowled as he looked to the stage, seeing how Roman was watching the crowd and whispered. "We need to do something fast, he's going to see us and then this crowd will be on us."

Blake glanced around as she saw a fuse box. "Maybe, but I doubt he can see in the dark. When I cut the lights, can you get us out?"

Sun was watching as he saw Roman glancing their direction, first catching him then Blake, but paling a bit as he finally recognized Naruto in the crowd. "He sees us."

"I can, it'll be a little difficult with the two of you but I'll manage."

"It'll have to be good enough, now!" She turned, firing her pistol at the fuse, blowing the lights out as Naruto grabbed them both by the waist and unfurled his wings in the growing chaos.

The sound of the robot powering on as a window was broken through, Naruto moving fast over the streets as Roman, inside the mech, chased after the trio. "I've got my hands full, does anyone want to get the others on speedial!?"

Blake focused on her scroll as she called the others, Sun was watching the giant robot chasing them down.

Everyone from Weiss at the CCT tower to Yang at the entrance of the club answered at once, all of them hearing the crashing sounds in the background as Blake shouted. "We've got trouble! Torchwick has some Atlas tech and he's chasing after us with it!"

Sun was looking panicked as he shouted. "It's like a big robot, and he's inside of it but not like it ate him or'

"For fuck's sake Sun! Everyone, Torchwick is piloting a giant robot, I've got Blake and Sun and moving this to the highway, hoping to find a spot we could fight him properly. If you see us, follow the path we leave behind!" Naruto's voice broke through the call, his grip a bit stronger than either faunus he was carrying had expected it to be, but even Sun could tell he wasn't used to having to carry people like this yet.

As they passed over the highway, cars were moving on their evening commute, but the sight of people flying over them moments before a mech ran down the lane had people steering clear if they could, some cars being knocked back from the force of the hulking machine.

The rising sense of panic amongst the drivers messed with his senses, something Sun was able to notice as he looked, the roar of a motorcycle behind them as part of their backup arrived.

"You okay? Look if you need to drop some weight let me down, I'll help out, Neptune is down there with Yang. They might need cover!"

Naruto glanced down and saw a few of the cars that were driving faster. "You're a crazy one aren't you? Well, I'd be a hypocrite if I said I wasn't looking forward to this! Show me what you got!" He flew lower, dropping Sun off on the roof of a car as he used his now free hand to grab Evelyn, firing a few rounds that Blake would swear smelled of blood at the mech.

Sun for his part clapped his hands together, ethereal clones spawning as they leaped at the bot, trying to attack at the joints.

Yang for her part saw Blake being carried, the faunus having to wrap her arms around his neck to help keep her steady since his arm was occupied. She tensed and couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, gripping the throttle and inadvertently throwing off one of Neptune's shots as she sped forward.

Blake looked to Naruto, glancing at a ramp as they were getting close. "Down there, we have about a minute or two out to an off ramp."

Naruto looked to where she was pointing, but saw an empty area with flashes of red and white moving in the distance as he grinned. "I got an idea, do you trust me?"

She nodded as she whispered. "I do." In the chaos of the action, one would be forgiven for not noticing her tone or the faintest hint of red on her face.

He turned and saw the chaos on the freeway, Sun and Neptune trying to distract the mech had cost them as the both of them were knocked off their respective rides, falling over the side of the highway. "Hey Torchwick! You want to lose to kids again!? Why not try out that oversized tin can on me!?"

Roman shivered in the machine as he saw those red eyes, the moon hovering behind the winged figure that ruined his plans once. The gun gleaming as another shot was fired, the hull of the mech feeling the brunt of the impact. Not for the first time that night he questioned just why he took that offer from that she-devil in the killer red dress.

Weiss for her part landed on the freeway, the charging mech looking ready to bowl her over.

A shot coming from Blake temporarily knocked out the camera feed, leading the criminal to charge into a ice pillar formed by Weiss, breaking it and spilling over the side of the highway, the machine landing in an empty field as Yang jumped after it on her bike.

Ruby watched with excitement as the action played out through her sniper scope, seeing her friends converging on their location as Naruto reached them first, dropping off Blake who seemed eager to go, drawing the cleaver sheath of her weapon along with putting it back in the katana form.

Weiss saw the rapier at his side, curious if he planned to use it before it seemed to shift, the gun taking over as he held both firearms in hand as he hovered over them. "You girls ready? Knowing Ironwood that thing is likely going to be armored well. I can provide you with cover fire as we go."

Ruby nodded as she watched the mech drop. "It's their latest, so how did he get one?"

Weiss scowled as she thought of her kingdom's tech being used against them. "I suppose that will be a question for when we catch him."

Yang sped forward as she parked her bike behind them. "Let's crack that tin can and make him talk." She punched to get her gauntlets to change, a fire to her already.

"Then let's get started, Ruby, if you'll do the honors?" The click of his pistols ready to fire, a shot ringing out as Ruby gave the first order.

"Freezer Burn!"

With practiced ease, Weiss created another ice patch under the mech but this time Yang acted, slamming her fist into it and causing a flash of fire. The resulting explosion of mist covered the area. Roman was glancing around, the sound of the near constant pistol fire was helping to cover the sound of the girl's movements. Beams start to come out of the mech, showing the use of it's laser sensors.

A faint figure dashed through the mist, an arm swinging only to phase through a clone of Blake, Yang dashing by and punching the leg of the mech to try and destabilize it. Ruby swept by, her scythe carving into the steel of it's shoulder.

"Checkmate!"

Her voice echoed in the mists again, this time prompting Weiss and Blake to jump into the fray, slashing at it's feet as the sensors tried to find them. Weiss leapt up to the face of the mech, her rapier stabbing into one of the sensors as Blake nearly found herself underfoot. Weiss had her rapier up, only for a black blur to scoop up Blake. Said faunus girl once again in Naruto's arms as he swapped his rapier out for something that seemed to be a thin blade, with a larger blade on his back.

He put her down in time to see Roman firing rockets at the group, Weiss focusing her blade and a large glyph formed under the duo, it taking the shape of a clock speeding forward.

With the dust infused enhancement, the duo started to slash through the missiles, becoming a flurry of blades as the missiles exploded around them.

Naruto for his part looked to be having a great time, and oddly feeling the same sensation as when he used his quickening. 'I'll definitely need to talk with Weiss about dust more, that was amazing!'

Roman however was getting more irritated with these brats, not seeing the bat taking off into the air as a voice shouted.

"Hey Ruby! Let's show this crook how the law dances!"

Naruto floated in the air, his scythe out as he grinned, and Blake could swear she saw him having fangs.

Ruby for her part had an uncharacteristic grin as she readied crescent rose. "Sure! Let's call this one 'Moonlit Rose'!"

As if by some unseen signal, the duo sped forward, racing towards the mech as Blake and Yang readied themselves. Weiss watched as the area was filled with rose petals, the two scythe wielders moving in odd synch, blurs of black and red carving into the armor of the mech, weakening it and attacking the joints. Roman was having warning signs blaring as the suit lost it's arms, both cleanly severed from the main body.

Ruby, being grabbed by Naruto and lifted up, shouted out what would finish the fight.

"Bumblebee!"

Yang looked to be burning by this point, her emotions at a peak as she charged forward, Blake giving her covering fire to distract the sensors, before throwing her weapon at Yang, the ribbon tying the two together as she made a swinging motion.

Yang allowed the force of the swing to propel her forward a fist ready as she put the full force of her punch into the cockpit of the mech, breaking the weary machine apart and sending Roman flying.

"Damnit, I just got that thing cleaned!"

He saw that the group was closing in, and while internally he was sweating, outwardly he kept a calm appearance. "Well, it's been a lovely evening, but I'm afraid I must be going. Brats, ice queen.' As he spoke Neo stepped out from behind him, seemingly out of nowhere in a fashion that had Naruto curious. 'Neo, if you would?"

Said girl bowed, smirking as her umbrella unfolded, blocking them from view. Yang, still riding high from the fight charged at the criminals, her punch impacting the umbrella only for the image of them to shatter, leaving no trace of them.

"Well, I can say that was, unexpected." Naruto scowled as he had watched the events take place, seeing the criminals running away the moment Roman started to speak after the mech was destroyed through the use of his Insight.

Yang stretched a bit to try and relax. "Guessing he got himself a new henchman? Going to assume her semblance was what helped them get away."

"Yeah, you could say she made our plans, fall apart?" Weiss looked a little apprehensive, though Naruto couldn't help but smirk as he dropped to the ground, but not putting his wings away just yet.

"Well well, the Schnee heiress cracking jokes? Will wonders never cease?" He couldn't help but tease the girl, a faint red to her face.

"I figured it was a good time for it."

"It was, just wasn't very good." Yang turned and walked away, though Ruby patted Weiss' arm as the group started to leave.

"You'll get there."

"Yang, you are never one to talk."

"Blake! Really?"

"Yes, really, and Ruby? I think Bloody rose would be a much better name."

"Noted, guess if we're going to work together like this more often I think we should try to make other names up?"

Naruto was listening to the conversation, sending a message to Ozpin, the photo of the mech attached. 'We're going to need to have a word with Ironwood about this. Someone is helping the Queen filch from the toy chest.'

A moment later, he got a response. 'Noted, I assume another late night mission with team RWBY?'

'Yes, but you know as well as I do they're going to find trouble like it or not. The least I can do is help them with it.'

'Says the man that wanted to let them grow on their own, getting close are we?'

He had to fight back a blush as he read it. 'And so what? I know they're strong, and neither they nor you know just how strong I really am.'

He closed the scroll as he saw Ruby leaning towards him. "Yes?"

"Sending a report to Ozpin?" This got the other girls to notice.

"I am, the fact that someone managed to get a piece of hardware like that out from under Ironwood is a problem, one that needs to be handled. Wouldn't you agree Weiss? It's from your home."

Said girl was checking her weapon, seeing how much dust she had left. "Without question, the sooner the general has that leak plugged the better."

Naruto put his scroll away, feeling a growl from his stomach. "Fuck it's late, anyone else hungry? I'll treat for what was essentially a successful mission."

The second he said that, the hungry looks instantly made him regret it, having a very good idea just how bad it was to be Iruka for a meal at ichiraku ramen and his stomach.

"By the way, anyone else see Sun and Neptune?"

Unbeknownst to them, the duo had found themselves at a noodle stand, the man best known around town as the Shopkeep running it, enjoying a meal as Sun's scroll went off. Said faunus

answered it and held it with his tail. "Hey guys, how'd it go? What, he got away? Damn, but hey you guys made it out okay right? Sweet, listen Neptune and I found this awesome noodle place and-'

The sound of wings and a motorcycle in the background as Sun heard the scroll change hands. "Did you say noodles!? I haven't had that in so long! Where is it!?"

As Sun gave directions, he saw half the group coming down, Naruto holding Weiss and Ruby as he gently put them down, looking at the ramen with a hunger no one had seen from him ever. Weiss noticed his fangs were out, drooling even as her eyes grew wide at the sight of it.

"Sir I will take the biggest bowl of meat ramen you can make." For once in many years, the Shopkeep had his eyes open wide, the sound of a cash register going off.

Yang and Blake arrived a minute later, seeing the blonde eating with practiced ease from the largest bowl they had ever seen, Ruby and Weiss having one that was more normal sized.

Sun and Neptune were trying not to stare as Yang and Blake joined, Blake getting one with fish and Yang thought to match what the professor among them was eating, though the Shopkeep shook his head, getting her one half the size as he pointed at the blonde, who already was halfway through his bowl and yet still going.

Weiss had moved to take out her card, only for Naruto to have already slid lien onto the counter, a look of bliss on his face as he ate. He stopped for a moment to speak. "Don't worry Weiss, you can cover the next one if it bothers you. Honestly, a mission like this? It's the most fun I've had in years."

The meal started to wind down as it was getting late, Naruto true to his word had paid for the meal, even for Neptune and Sun. 'You guys still helped out, the least I can do is pay for a meal, plus you found my new favorite place in all of Vale.' To say the Shopkeep looked to be in joy at the new customer was an understatement.

In Beacon Tower, Ozpin was starting a call that would lead to a much less pleasant conversation. "Hello James, we need to talk."

Naruto himself turned in for the night, having dropped the girls off at their dorm as he thought back to what Ozpin had mentioned. "I guess I really am getting attached to those girls huh? I feel proud, I wonder if this is what Kakashi-sensei felt like before the team fell apart like it did." He detached his prosthetic arm, laying down as his shadow shifted along the wall as he fell into a dreamless sleep.

In the dorm room for Ruby and the team, each had started to fall asleep after getting ready for bed, some of them having their minds focused on what they learned, and letting it consume them with more questions. As for Yang, she was still up, looking at the ceiling as she thought back to the chase and seeing Naruto and Blake flying in the air together, held close and the thing that bothered her most was that she felt jealousy gripping her heart.

But the true question, which faunus was she more jealous of?


Pyrrha stood in the center of the combat arena, Cardin and his team surrounding her, weapons drawn as the class and their guests watched from the bleachers above. Goodwitch and Naruto standing to the side as a silent signal began the fight, if it could even be called one. Watching the young woman effectively destroy the squad on her own was both cathartic to those that still had resentment towards the known bullies of the school as well as driving home the sheer difference in skill the redhead had over most of the class.

Glynda approached the down Cardin, looking to her scroll to record the results. "And that would be the match, congratulations miss Nikos."

Cardin, seeing his team getting up as shaky as he was, used his mace to prop himself up a bit. "Lucky shot."

"Which one Cardin? The first one or the five after?" The sound of the bat faunus as well as the laughter of the class made his blood boil but the red eyes that he knew were staring at his back made him bite his tongue, leading his team out to the locker room.

"I know that will be a tough act to follow but we still have time for one last match, do we have any volunteers?' She scanned the crowd, seeing Blake who didn't look so good, bags under her eyes from apparently not sleeping well the last few days. 'Miss Belladonna?"

Said girl looked surprised to be mentioned, her reaction getting Naruto shaking his head at Glynda. "I don't think she's in any condition right now, would anyone else like to try?"

To the surprise of everyone, Mercury raised his hand. "I'll do it."

Glynda looked surprised, glancing at his name. "Mercury Black was it? Alright, let's see if we can find you a suitable opponent."

"Actually, I would rather fight her." He stood up, looking right at Pyrrha as he spoke. Naruto on the other hand couldn't help but narrow his eyes a little, feeling the underlying sense of malice coming from the teen despite his seemingly calm and carefree attitude. 'I hope this isn't another Kabuto situation.'

Pyrrha for her part looked surprised, wondering where this was coming from.

"I'm afraid Miss Nikos had just finished her match, I'd suggest we find someone else." Naruto bit back a scowl, wondering why he seemed so intent, not missing Pyrrha taking him up on his challenge.

He watched silently as the match, if it once again could be called that but for a much different reason then the previous one.

The way the teen seemed to move, his attacks focusing on his leg work and once the boy was close Naruto swore he smelled something familiar, the scent of oil and metal being diluted by the sweat being built up by the fighting. At first he thought it was just the sight of his boots, the metal on them being prevalent but the scent of oil? His scowl only worsening as he saw the end of the match, Pyrrha subtly moving a kick away from her head using her semblance and backing away to grab her weapons, a charge being halted in surprise as Mercury spoke.

"I forfeit."

Naruto gripped his cane a bit tighter, the scene giving him flashbacks to the known spy and traitor and it had him on edge.

Pyrrha stumbled a bit in shock. "You don't want to even try?"

He shrugged, "Why bother, you're a world renowned fighter. I can see now that I'm out of my league."

Glynda sighed as she pronounced Pyrrha the winner once again, a parting announcement about the upcoming dance being this weekend had Naruto giving a subtle glance to Ruby, smiling and giving a wink to her. This had the girl smiling back, slipping away with her team as they tried to talk to Blake on their way out. Once the students were gone however, he scowled and turned to Glynda.

"Something about that last match didn't sit right with me."

"What do you mean? It seemed rather straightforward to me."

"Glynda, he was lying. Especially about being way below her league, if he pressed the advantage and took her out without her weapons he would have won easily. He was holding back."

Glynda saw the look in his eyes, as if he had seen this all before. "Well, I suppose if that's what you see I can't deny it. I'm going to assume you'll be keeping a closer eye on the team?"

"Without question, this is all shaping up to be very familiar and I don't like it one bit."

"Well for now I think we should finish your dancing lessons, you don't want to embarrass miss rose this weekend do you?"


Blake was sitting in a chair, looking annoyed at her team as they had her surrounded in the dorm room. After they had left class, Sun had tried to ask Blake to the upcoming dance, but with her sleep deprived mind she had shut him down in a manner they didn't think she would, doing it rather harshly even for her.

"Blake, we want you to go to the dance."

That single sentence has her frayed nerves even more on edge.

"That's ridiculous! Why should we worry about some stupid dance when the white fang is out there doing brother's know what!?" She had her hand pointed at the window, her eyes wide and nearly frantic.

Yang for her part gently touched her partner's hand, lowering it down. "No one is telling you to stop, just to take it down a notch. You haven't been yourself since we started this investigation."

Weiss started to count on her fingers as she listed off. "You haven't been sleeping, barely eating, and your grades are slipping, don't think Goodwitch hasn't noticed you haven't participated in combat class the last few days. Naruto covered for you today but she's going to be suspicious."

Ruby nodded in agreement, a soft smile on her face as she tried to calming. "Thanks to your stakeout at the rally, we know they have an operation going on in the southeast. And you heard Goodwitch, we start missions on Monday."

"And I looked over the company records, all of the robberies are focused on Vale alone."

Blake still seemed to ignore their words. "I still say the dance is a waste of time, while we all sit on our asses and party, they could be out there! There's still so much we don't know!"

Yang didn't seem to lose her confidence. "Oh come on Blake, besides, Weiss and I will be planning it!"

"What!?"

"Team CFVY had a delay on their mission, so they won't be able to be back in time to handle it."

"So, Weiss and I got asked to pick up where they left off! It's going to be great! We can make sure it's a perfect night!" Her energy was infectious, Ruby and even Weiss getting swept up in it.

"Just one night to relax, and we can get back to it, ready and rested, so, what do you say?"

Blake on the other hand still stayed quiet, getting up and heading for the door. "We can't waste time, which is what we'll be doing. If you need me, I'll be at the library."

She shut the door behind her as Ruby collapsed on the bed, reaching for her scroll as she muttered to herself. "If she won't listen to us, maybe there's someone she will listen to. Maybe he'll be able to talk some sense into her. I just hope he isn't busy."

Yang for her end was distracted by the sound of the door opening, Jaune singing and having it slammed in his face.

"And that is definitely why they call you Ice Queen. How can you get a date for the dance like that?"

"I'll have you know I've dealt with boys trying to get my attention because of my name and money for years, besides, I already have a date planned."

"Have you asked them?"

Weiss seemed to uncharacteristically fluster. "N-no, not yet."

"Well Weiss if you don't you might be the only one of us who doesn't." Ruby offhandedly said, not realizing who else was in the room still as she typed her message out.

Yang on the other hand didn't miss the implications, nor did Weiss. "Ruby Rose, little sister of mine, are you telling us you have a date?"

Her tone immediately got Ruby on edge, blushing a deep red. "M-maybe, don't you dare tell dad!" Her thumb brushes the send message button on her scroll.

"Excuse me!? I will if you don't tell me who! Did you ask them!? Did they ask you!?"

Ruby for her end seemed to get a burst of confidence that neither girl expected. "We asked each other at the same time! And we swore not to say anything until then! If you want to know so bad you'll just have to wait!"

Weiss for her end was stunned, seeing Ruby, the one she originally coined as a child being so, adult about this, was surprising. Yang was torn between proud that her sister had found a date, concerned that she wasn't telling her anything about it, and yet suspicious about all of it. However, she also had to worry about Blake.

"Well, if you do have a date then I'll make sure you make a good impression! We should add shopping to our list of preparations, right Yang?"

The fact there was only silence from the normally excited girl was telling.


Naruto was doing a fly by around Beacon, the shattered moon above him looking both beautiful and reminding him both of his original world and his time in Yharnam.

"A complicated thing you are, how in creation did you get shattered like that? Well, at least this is one moon I haven't seen turned red just yet." His red eyes looking up at the moon, a stirring in his soul as he remembered the power he took when he became what he was, the large Moon Presence he slayed. "I wonder…"

His ears twitched as he heard someone talking below, catching the end of a conversation Jaune and Pyrrha were having on the same roof they always used for their nightly training.

"If you show up to the dance without a date, I'll wear a dress."

He lowered down in time to see Pyrrha reaching out to Jaune, the boy not turning to see the upset look on her face as he went back inside.

"Sounds like that wasn't a pleasant conversation, was it?" His soft voice reached her ears as she turned in surprise.

"N-no, I, I mean, he just-" Her eyes grew wide as she was pulled into a hug, a whisper reaching her ear.

"It's alright, I've been in the exact place you are right now. Caring deeply for someone who seems to have their heart set on someone else who doesn't give them the time of day, right? It hurts, doesn't it?"

She nodded, not speaking as he rubbed her back gently. "Every time, but how can I say it?"

"You only have three options. One, you support them and try your best to let them see that you feel that way about them and hope they notice. Two, be there for them when their heart gets broken eventually. Or three, you move on. But I don't think the third one is for you, is it?"

She shook her head, staying quiet as she heard him speak, though she could feel herself getting better emotionally and her resolve coming back.

"It doesn't help that Jaune is basically me, it's something I still kick myself over to this day. Maybe he'll come around, maybe he won't, but that's his choice. I want you to think about that okay?" He smiled as he let her go, giving her a tap on the forehead as if to tease.

She couldn't help but smile as she rubbed her forehead. "You know, I can see why Ozpin would choose to make you a professor. You have a sort of wisdom like he does."

"It's called the road of life Pyrrha, and I've walked it for what feels like a long time. I've learned a lot from those experiences. Helps that you guys remind me of either myself or people I knew."

"If I may ask professor, who do I remind you of?"

"Promise you won't find this weird?"

"I only promise to try."

"You remind me of what I know of my mother."

She couldn't help but be confused. "What do you mean know of? And how do you mean?"

He chuckled as he patted a seat next to him on the edge. As she sat down he continued. "I never got to truly know her personally, as my parents died the day I was born, but I have spoken with people who knew her. From what I was told, she was fierce, loyal, and absolutely scary when angered. Helped that when she was in school, she at first didn't think much of a blonde and blue eyed idiot. Thought he was a wallflower that wouldn't be much. But, on one mission he ended up saving her life. From then on, she ended up falling for him. And well, here I am."

Their conversation continued long into the night, Pyrrha listening to every word until it was time for her to return to her dorm, a lot to think about. Though, she did give him one final thought of the night.

"You know, I can see why Ruby and her team think so highly of you."

"Yeah? Well between you and me, that feeling is very mutual."


"And then, there's Pyrrha Nikos."

Emerald scowled as she thought of the girl, her, Mercury and Cinder in their dorm room as they planned. Cinder was sewing a black dress, listening as her underlings talked. "The invincible girl?"

Mercury didn't look away from the comic he was reading. "She's smart, but I wouldn't call her invincible."

Cinder barely broke the pace of her sewing, a purr to her voice as she spoke. "Oh? Do tell."

"Her semblance is polarity, but you wouldn't tell just by watching."

"After she made contact with my boots she was able to move them around however she wanted. But she only made slight adjustments."

"It's just enough for people to think she's invincible. She doesn't broadcast her power so it leaves people at a disadvantage."

Cinder seemed to keep a thoughtful expression, a smile to her still. "People assume she's bound for victory but instead she's taking fate into her own hands. Interesting, add her to the list."

Mercury grinned as he glanced in Cinder's direction. "You should be able to take her no problem."

Cinder still seemed in thought. "And what of that professor? Do you think he'll be a problem? He's been helping to thwart Roman's side of our operations a bit."

Emerald and Mercury glanced at each other, Mercury looking pensive. "Not sure, from what older students talk about him, he's a mystery, just showed up at the start of the year. The guy seems like a walking armory from the reports and Roman's ramblings."

"And his semblance is something no one has any idea on, all anyone could guess is it involves mist somehow."

Cinder seemed to smile, a wicked gleam to her eye. "If the little bat has just that under his hat, then it'll be easy to clip his wings."


The next day Ruby was sitting at a table, looking at her scroll as she vaguely heard Weiss talking, asking about tablecloths.

"Sorry Weiss, but aren't they the same?"

Said tablecloths were just slightly different shades of white.

"I don't know why I asked."

"To be fair Weiss, I doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference unless their outfit style was made of various kinds of white like you do." Her deadpan stare was surprising, though the fact she even said it at all even more so.

Yang, carrying a speaker bigger than herself, felt herself nearly trip on a wire as Naruto helped her steady herself, none of them hearing him come into the room. "Easy there firecracker, wouldn't want to explain to Glynda why we had to get another speaker."

Ruby immediately sat up, her eyes wide. "What are you doing here?"

He tipped his hat, in his usual outfit they had grown accustomed to him wearing. "Glynda asked me to come check how you girls are doing, seeing as Coco and her team couldn't get back in time. Is everything going to be ready by Sunday night?"

Weiss seemed much more lively as she started to go over the decorations, pointing out what the plans were. It was a side of her that, while focused on what Ruby and Yang would consider 'boring', it was nice to see her being cheerful. Even if it was off-putting compared to how she usually was.

The two sisters shared a look, one that said a lot for very little. 'Does she plan to ask him to the dance?'

Ruby for her end was curious considering she had already had him as a date, even if it was a 'as friends' date.

Yang was different, both wondering the same question and if Weiss was going to be competition for not only Ruby's crush, (which she knew Ruby would deny without question) but her own tangled emotions.

As Weiss finished showing him the gym, she noticed him taking out his scroll. "Ruby, sorry I didn't get your message till late last night but you're right, Blake's actions are a concern."

If Weiss was a little hurt by the change of subject, she wasn't going to show it. "You've seen how she is in class, she's not acting like herself."

"Yeah, she's been letting this investigation get to her, and it's a problem. She even snapped at Sun when he asked her to the dance." Yang stretched a bit as she spoke.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at that, hearing the normally calm Blake acting like that was very much a concern.

"I don't suppose you girls want me to talk to her?"

Yang leaned in as she wrapped an arm around his. "Actually, I might have an idea on that, if you're willing to hear me out."

"Well, I'm all ears." A grin on his face as his hat vanished, letting his ears stick up.

Ruby and Weiss were looking both shocked and appalled. 'Oh no there's going to be two of them now!?'

Yang had to fight back a look of manic glee, getting herself to focus. "That we can handle as we walk, but I gotta ask, do you have something to wear for the dance? I know I've got something that will be turning heads."

Weiss snapped out of her shock as she looked to Ruby. "We do need to get you a proper dress for it too.' She immediately turned to Naruto. 'And I do hope you'll be wearing something for the dance, a proper suit I hope?"

"Weiss, I do have other clothes. This suit is just something I'm most comfortable in, I've had it for a long time and it's gotten me through a lot so I made it my huntsmen gear."

Weiss nodded, her eyes looking him over as if taking his measurements. "I could help with getting one if you want?"

"I do appreciate the sentiment Weiss but a good suit would take time to have done if you're going for a custom job. Besides, I already have a couple outfits in mind." He was telling the truth, of the outfits he had collected, at least two came to mind for a more 'formal' setting.

"Alright, just, we'll try to make sure it's a fun night."

"I don't doubt it, Weiss.' He could feel Yang pulling him along as Sun and Neptune entered the hall, glancing back. 'And Weiss? The hall looks good so far, you've got this."

Neptune nudged Sun at the sight of Weiss beaming from the praise. Ruby giggling at the idea of having blackmail material on the heiress. Guess this was why Yang always found it fun to hold stuff over her.


Naruto followed along as Yang explained her plan on their way to the library, holding up a laser light. "Okay there is no way that will actually work. First off, I don't know if it's true that all cats do it. Second, where did you even get one?"

"In order, you don't know that, we're about to find out, and a girl has to have her secrets!" She couldn't deny that it was fun, a stray thought of 'this is the first time you've been alone together, with none of the others around.' Let it be known that a shiver went down the blonde brawler's spine at the thought.

"Okay, so we take her from her work, and then what?"

"The three of us have an interesting conversation. And, well I figured you'd be able to add some of your own wisdom to this, you always seem to say the right thing."

"Alright, though I do have to meet Nora a bit later."

"Huh? Why's that?"

"She said she had a question and wanted to see if I could help train her semblance."

"Really? Wait can you? Isn't her semblance something about electricity?"

"In order, yes, yes, and yes it is. And before you ask, I do have just the tool and an idea."

He grinned at the use of her own bit against her, Yang for her part felt her heart race.

"Okay but don't let Ruby know, she might take it the wrong way."

"Yang, I think we both know that Nora has it bad for Ren."

"Yeah but does he?"

"If she had her way he wouldn't be so dense. I'll give it to her, she's very determined." And for some reason he wouldn't feel like slapping himself about that until later.


Blake was in front of the computer within the library, still looking tired but focused on her research. A red dot blinked onto the screen, slowly moving and her eyes followed after it, watching go up and down and her eyes still followed as she watched it move down the desk and into the aisle.

She tried to get up as calmly as she could, not wanting anyone else to see what she was doing and following after the dot as it moved towards some shelving, stopping as she felt Yang take hold of her wrist. "We need to talk."

Unbeknownst to the group, in the JNPR dorm room as Ren steps out of the shower with nothing but a pink towel on, Jaune grabs the other teen's wrist. "We need to talk."

Naruto sat on the desk in one of the lecture halls, thinking back to the halls he moved through in Byrgenwerth, only no slime creatures dressed as students. 'You know it's really good lighting in halls like these.' He snapped out of his thoughts as he saw Yang leading Blake into the room. "Oh do not tell me it actually worked."

Blake glanced away, a blush of embarrassment on her face.

"Oh you are kidding me."

"Alright, so you got me here, what is it you want to say? Because if you're going to tell me to stop you can save your breath."

"Blake, no one is telling you to stop, just to try and slow down." Yang had joined Naruto on the central desk, the male blonde looking both perturbed by how bad it was and getting very vivid flashbacks of a certain Uchiha.

"I don't have the luxury of slowing down!" Blake was pacing, looking to be getting more irritated.

"Blake, it isn't a luxury, it's a necessity."

"The necessity is stopping Torchwick!"

"And we're going to! But first, just sit down and listen to us? Please?"

Naruto sat quietly as he listened to Yang tell her tale, of how her mother was the first love of her father's life, as compared to Ruby. In a twisted way it made sense that a young girl would be curious to know about her mother, of how she risked both herself and her younger sister to potentially die if it weren't for the intervention of who he'd assume was Qrow, considering the description of the man.

As Yang was speaking, she was facing the chalkboard, drawing what looked to be an eye, likely the symbol her mother went by.

"Yang, I'm sorry that happened to you and I get what you're trying to say but this is different, for one I'm not a child and this isn't just some search for answers! I can't just-"

Yang was still facing the board, fists clenching slowly. "I told you I'm not telling you to stop! I haven't! To this day, I still want to know what happened to my mother and why she left me, but I will never let that search control me. We're going to find the answers we're looking for, Blake. But if we destroy ourselves in the process, what good are we?

"You don't understand! I'm the only one who can do this!"

"No, you don't understand!"She turns around sharply to reveal red eyes and the sound of flames. "If Roman Torchwick walked through that door, what would you do?"

"I'd fight him!"

"You'd lose!" She pushes Blake away, to help prove the point.

"I can stop him!" She tiredly tries to do the same to Yang, but she doesn't even budge.

"You can't even stop me!"

She pushes Blake again, knocking her to land on the desk. Yang, still angry-eyed, walks toward Blake as she gets up, but then does the unexpected and embraces her in a hug, her eyes going back to their normal purple.

"I'm not asking you to stop. Just please, get some rest. (pulls back to look at her partner) Not just for you, but for the people you care about, and who care about you.' She steps away and starts walking past the startled Blake, who turns when she says over her shoulder. 'And if you feel like coming out tomorrow, I'll save you a dance."

Naruto couldn't help but smile as he started to roll up his sleeve. "Blake, on the first day of school you asked me how this happened to me, and I was rather vague on the answer." This time both Yang and Blake had his attention.

"It happened because a man I called a brother got the crazy idea to start a revolution, betraying the people of my home all because of his obsession letting him get carried away. I don't need to tell you Yang how obsession can lead to ruin, you already know that. Blake?" He could see the haunted look in her eyes at the idea of man turned crazed by the idea of a revolution.

"I won't lie and say we settled it peacefully, he was going to cause untold chaos with his plan, put the friends I had in chains and make them work for him, so we ended up fighting, and he lost his life in the process.' 'And so did I, but I doubt they'd ever believe it.' 'It wasn't until a kind woman helped me by giving me this arm and the knowledge to help maintain it. Because of this i remade myself, and went on a journey to become the very man you see before you. Do I regret it? Of course not, it's led me here and getting to meet you all."

Both girls looked at him wide eyed, but for the particular reason it was hard to say.

"I just want you both to think about it, let that be my lesson for you today.' As he stepped off the desk, pulling his sleeve back down and smiling at them. 'Also, you can consider me as part of that whole saving a dance thing. I look forward to seeing you both tomorrow night." He stepped out of the room, vanishing into mist the moment he was out of their sight, leaving both teens with more to think about.


He arrived at JNPR's dorm room, vaguely hearing the tail end of Jaune talking to Ren, knocking on the doorframe as he leaned in. "Hello? Nora I'm here about that idea you had for training your semblance and what the hell am I walking in on?"

He stared blankly at the fact Jaune was sitting on the bed with Ren, who at this point was still very naked and his eyes silently were screaming 'Help me!'

"P-professor! I, was having a talk with Ren about, well, girls."

"Did he have to stay naked the whole time?" His eyebrow raised as he saw Nora was glancing at Ren, a look to her eyes that showed while she liked what she saw she was also likely used to it.

"Okay that, well I may have misjudged when to start that conversation."

"Jaune for brother's sake let him get dressed and we can talk about it."

"Sure, sorry Ren."

"Don't worry Jaune, it's fine." He turned, mouthing the words 'thank you' to Naruto who nodded as the teen went for his clothes and headed into the bathroom to get dressed.

"So Jaune, I'm going to guess this involves Weiss?" He stepped inside, idly noticing Pyrrha was listening in, biting her lip as she looked like she was ready to say something before he entered.

"Y-yeah, I, I mean it's like I told Ren, she might be cold but she's incredible. She's smart, graceful, talented. I, I think I'm head over heels for her."

Naruto could only see himself as Jaune spoke, his younger self constantly chasing Sakura despite everything and everyone telling him it wouldn't work, that she wouldn't feel the same.

"And do tell Jaune, what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if her eyes are on someone else?"

The blue eyed blonde seemed to stutter, as if he was trying to find the words but Naruto wasn't finished.

"And what if you do go and try to win her affections, only for her to completely ignore every attempt you make, but you don't let it stop you? Going over and over thinking it'll change one day because you're way too stubborn to stop now and that you'll never even consider the idea that there might be someone else that was right there all along and was waiting for you to realize it yourself but you're being way too dense to even consider that fact?"

By this point Ren had returned, the entire team looking at their professor in shock, both from the fact the normally calm man went on a very specific rant and how much he looked to be kicking himself as he pinched his own nose.

"Um, sir, are we still talking about me and Weiss?"

That shook Naruto out of his state of mind, sighing deeply. "Yes Jaune we are, but do understand something. I have lived a very strange life, and that life has brought me to this school. Right now? Looking at you is like looking at a mirror to my younger self and I'll be honest, that was advice I very much wish I could be giving my younger self but instead? It's you. Now I can't stop you if you want to do things your way but if my words hold any weight to you, just think on it okay? Nora, I have an idea if you want to try and practice with your semblance in a safe environment."

Said girl who had long since taken off her headphones during the discussion nodded as she went for her own gear and stepped out of the room while Jaune, still determined to at least try, left after them.

Leaving both Ren and Pyrrha alone in the room, both stunned until Ren broke the silence. "I don't think anyone expected that to happen."


Jaune, having a white flower in hand went looking for Weiss. As he saw her alone he moved to try and talk to her only to hide as he saw her approaching Neptune.

"Hey, Neptune? Is it possible I can ask you something?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I was wondering if you could give me some advice about asking someone to the dance?"

"Really? Do you have someone in mind?" The tone certainly carried a touch of surprise, but the blue haired Vacuo student was silently thinking 'Yep, bat boy has the whole team hooked and I doubt he knows it.'

"I do, I just don't know how I can muster up the courage to ask. It's like every time he's around I freeze up when I want to say it."

Jaune for his part couldn't help but think on Naruto's words, kicking himself for letting him get his hopes up and silently leaving, not hearing the rest of the conversation.

"Do I know this certain someone? Is it maybe a certain bat we all know?" He whispered the last part, getting all the answers he needed when the girl turned a bright red, confirming his suspicions.

"M-maybe, oh please don't tell me it's that obvious?"

"To someone that knows what to look for like me? Sure, to him? Maybe not. Weiss, I'll be blunt for a minute. The only thing you can really do is ask. Worst thing he could do is say no right?"

She nodded as she was thinking to herself. "You're right, and I know if anything I'll see him there tomorrow night. Thank you Neptune."

"Any time Weiss, and hey, if he does turn you down i-" he saw she had immediately walked away before he could finish speaking, sighing. "He is a lucky bastard indeed."


The night of the dance arrives, Yang standing in a short white dress with black heels as she gets ready to greet the people entering from behind a podium, first seeing Ruby as she walks in. "Oh you look beautiful!"

Ruby for her part was wearing a red dress with black lace, a belt and pumps. "Yang, can we have a serious discussion in how Weiss fights in these things?"

"I think that's a kind of art form in of itself Ruby, something I think she's just very good at by necessity." Yang glanced at who had come in with her, her eyes wide in shock.

Naruto for his end wasn't wearing his usual suit, instead wearing a lavish red and black suit, with red for the sleeves and interior, gold embroidery along the edges of the long coat, a white neck piece at his neck.The outfit inself was something that by rights looked more comfortable on a royal than anything else. (1)

Yang was looking absolutely stunned by it, her mouth open as she looked between the two, her heart racing as he was wearing something that had blended the four colors of their team together, but then there was the fact that they arrived together.

"Ruby?"

"Yes Yang?" She was still trying to balance herself, only for Naruto to gently hold her arm to let her balance off of him.

"I admit defeat this time." She narrowed her eyes, smiling as she looked him up and down. "But promise me I can at least get a dance later?"

"I don't see why not, do you?"

Ruby nodded as she glanced between the two blondes. Though she couldn't help but get a bit of satisfaction as she held onto him in need from being a little clumsy in shoes she's not used to wearing.

"I still want to have words with Weiss after this."

Outside, Sun looked to be having a slight war with a tie, wearing a black jacket as he fought with it to get it right. "Stupid neck trap!"

"I knew you'd look better in a tie." A smirking Blake moved closer as she helped to fix his tie, covering the bags under her eyes with eyeshadow as she wore a purple dress, a teal bow replacing the black she was usually wearing.

She took his arm in hers, making him smile. "So, this mean we're going, together?"

"Technically, though I do have my first dance reserved."


Naruto silently watched as he saw Blake and Yang dancing, a smile on his face as he saw them both enjoying themselves. He glanced to Ruby. "Want to give it a try?" He held his hand out to her, prompting her to flush a bit but nod, whispering.

"If I step on your shoes by accident don't hold it against me okay?"

"Don't worry, I won't." He couldn't help but tease, though he started to fall into the routine that Glynda had taught him, Weiss watching from outside the dance floor and having very different thoughts than one would expect.

'Just look at him, even father would have a hard time finding fault with him if he ever showed up in Atlas looking like that. And anything he could say would look very negative.' She didn't realize that her reflection was watching her from the window, almost leaning in. 'He always looks so dashing, and with how graceful he's being with her he could fit in with high society.'

It was true, he was stepping with practiced ease, leading Ruby for once as they danced, some of the other people stopping to watch in surprise. Though Ruby did notice how people were watching.

"They're staring at us."

"So? We're here to enjoy ourselves and so are they." He leaned in a bit, being taller than her as she smiled up at him, not noticing that Blake and Yang had split off, Blake dancing with Sun as Yang joined Weiss near her table.

"I'd say tonight was a big success, wouldn't you say so Weiss?" She looked to her teammate, seeing her staring off at the dance floor. She looked to see her sister and not so secret crush dancing together.

"I would say yes, Blake got to come and have fun for once." Yang took note of how, off Weiss looked, like her mind was elsewhere.

"Hey, Remnant to Weiss? You in there?"

She shook herself out of the thoughts she was in, involving her dancing with him at one of her father's parties, showing him up and no doubt infuriating the man to no end.

"I am, I'm fine just, wow. To think she not only got him as a date to the dance, but she beat me to it." Her eyes grew wide at the cat-like smile Yang had, a flicker of playfulness in her violet eyes.

"So, you were hoping to ask him too huh? Is there anyone else on the team that didn't have that thought?"

"Trying to say you weren't?"

Yang bit back a retort, seeing Ruby and Naruto stepping away from each other as their dance ended, but couldn't help but notice a glint in each other's eyes, a fondness there she questioned if it was just them being friends or so much more.

"Well Weiss, if you want to go dance, there's your chance at it. I have to go bug my little sister about this." Before Weiss could even turn to speak, Yang slipped into the crowd, heading Ruby off as the younger girl headed for the punch bowl.

Naruto, seeing Weiss was standing alone, went towards her, being greeted by some of the students as he went, getting some looks but they didn't seem malicious, just confused for some.

Weiss felt her breath hitching as she smiled. "So, I'm going to assume you came to get a dance from me?"

"I might be, if you'll do me the honor."

"Well how could I say no to such a generous offer?"

Ozpin was watching along with Glynda, the older man smiling at the way the night was going. "He really has gotten quite close with team RWBY hasn't he?"

"It would seem that way, he has put in a request to be the one that shadows them for their mission on Monday."

"I'm tempted to let him, though for now we should focus on enjoying the festivities." He looked around the room, Yang finishing a conversation with Ruby that had her burning red, Weiss dancing and her expression was unreadable for anything other than joy.

It brought the old wizard a sense of calm and comfort, knowing that the next generation was shaping up. "I think miss rose could use a bit of a pep talk, do try to relax for once Glynda?"

Said woman moved to speak, only for him to already be gone.

Ruby sat at a table, still feeling uncomfortable in the shoes but her heart was moving a mile a minute. A sensation she was used to in the middle of combat but not like it was now. And she wasn't entirely sure why but she had a feeling the dance partner she just had was the cause.

"You seemed to have been enjoying yourself out there, Miss Rose. I see Glynda really did teach him how to dance pretty well." The sound of her headmaster's voice made her turn, nodding as she looked to her feet.

"I, well I can't say it wasn't fun, just not exactly a fancy pants dancing girl. Not like Weiss at least." She could see them both on the dance floor, Weiss very much enjoying herself.

"Well she is used to such events, being from high society in Atlas. But no matter if we want to or not we can't always spend our lives on the battlefield. Sometimes it's good to take a moment and enjoy the smaller things in life."

Ruby nodded as felt herself relax, despite her discomfort. "That's a lesson that's been going around a lot lately. It's great that we have such good teachers."

Ozpin saw where she was looking, a whisper to her. "Oh? Are you sure it's not just one in particular? I see to recall another blonde and a girl just like you spending time together in my school when they were in their first year here."

Ruby bit her lip as the insinuation wasn't lost on her. "You mean mom and dad, right?"

"I do, though Tai and Summer were together after they finished their time here. Still, I can't help but see the similarities. I hope you can forgive an old man for being lost in nostalgia."

"It's okay professor, I think I see what you mean."

The doors to the dance hall opened, Yang back at the podium to greet the new arrivals. "You guys made it just in time!"

Mercury and Emerald step into the room, both dressed in ballroom style outfits as Mercury smiles. "Oh, we wouldn't miss this for the world."

No one noticed Naruto looking in their direction the moment they stepped in, a glimmer to his red eyes and his fangs slowly growing.

'If you two cause any trouble, do ANYTHING to ruin tonight, I'll be on the hunt. I swear it.'


Darkvizardking: And that will cut it for now folks! Damn this was a meaty one but I figured to try and make longer content to compensate for how things get spaced out. I know people have been loving these from the overwhelmingly positive responses so be sure to stay tuned, I have more and there's plenty of chaos to be had!

Likely to any questions regarding the fangs, it's to emphasize the vampire part of his faunus traits. Blood is a factor in healing himself and restarting his aura recovery as seen previously but he doesn't need it to survive. Think like Alucard from Castlevania, and quite frankly I like how this is shaping up.

(1 for reference it's the Knight set found in Cainhurst castle. It's the fanciest looking set I could find and figured it would make for great formal wear as well as still being combat ready. Penny is infectious with her optimism I swear.