Darkvizardking: Not gonna I need to learn how to spread these out more, but particularly because I'm trying to get this past a certain threshold and if you know, then you know. Have no fear I will update others soon but I want to make sure I get the research right for a couple of them. But for now, we started this dance and let's play it out.

To the reviews!

Dragonkeeper10: Oh absolutely! But see that's the thing, Cinder thinks she's the only one in control, that the chess board is in full view and hers to play with but she doesn't see the full impact of someone that acts beyond the confines of said board. And I can't wait for it to get to the moment when the entire board is thrown in her face.

Otsutsuki no Yami: A few things, one, before he even went to Yharnam, he did in fact die, so he wouldn't have his chakra in the first place. Him entering that world was at best as a soul, one that fought and got a body back through his ascension into becoming a great old one. This serves a couple purposes, such as him not being a walking nuke in terms of clones and solving well, everything. It's still him, just shaped by the war and his time becoming wiser.

Ravage88atlas: There's nothing wrong with a long review, not in the slightest. First off I'm humbled by the praise and only hope to keep up to such lofty expectations. But to clarify yes, he's keeping parts of his past a secret due to just how outlandish it would be to hear for those that wouldn't be able to understand. Ozpin knows, and as such why he trusted his story to him. As for Weiss, all of the team will be feeling some after effect of madness, Weiss just has hers in the mirror due to not only her theme of each of her songs, but as a reflection of her more rebellious thoughts she has. This is due to while yes he faced and killed what is called the Moon Presence, a 'secret' boss within bloodborne that if you do so, that ending has you becoming a great old one. As for the queen, it's mostly just as a comparison because he's seeing the pattern of how events play out and of course he's got the red flags raised high.

Skrump: I'm glad you think so! I only hope to continue for the fans! And I'm not gonna lie. I have no clue why, but it disgusts me.

DravenaBelladonna2: Oh don't get me wrong, I have every intention that when he fully busts out the true power of the sword it'll be as grand as it's deserved.

As I started the last chapter, I will at least bring up what episodes will be covered in this chapter, starting with the title, and it's going all the way until the crazy train crashes in!

Chapter 5: Dance dance infiltration through the depths and back.

Weiss felt like she was in heaven, her eyes glancing up at her dance partner even as many people were whispering about them. Much like how Ruby could feel eyes on them, Weiss had that nagging feeling and while if any one of her father's people found out about this and it got back to him that the Schnee heiress was dancing with a faunus no less. Still, a voice in her head eased those fears. 'Why should he care what we do? This isn't Atlas, his influence means nothing here. He wanted us under his control, to make us hate people like him. And for what? To make us his toy. But we broke free of him by coming here.'

She smiled as she leaned into the dance, causing her teammates to see and while some like Yang and especially Blake were looking surprised, Ruby couldn't help but smile.

Mercury and Emerald step in time with the dance, the duo watching the time and Mercury couldn't help but smirk, whispering. "Looks like the heiress is having fun, if her dear old dad or the white fang saw this they'd blow a gasket."

Emerald could only nod, her mind focused on the plan, knowing at any moment Cinder would be acting her part.

Jaune sighed as he approached the punch bowl, having gotten to the dance a little later than the others and seeing Ruby on her own. "I suppose this section is for those of the socially awkward?"

Ruby couldn't help but giggle a bit. "I mean I suppose so, huh?"

Jaune glanced at the still dancing Weiss, a noticeable look of surprise in his eyes. "I guess Weiss was able to work up the courage after all wasn't she?"

"You'd think, but she spent so much time trying to get me ready for my date she didn't have the time to."

"Date? Wait, Ruby, who did you come to the dance with?"

She pointed at the dancing duo, at the blonde who as the song ended, slowly parted and gave a bow, Weiss still looking happy if a bit sheepish. "We wanted to go as friends, because it'd be his first dance just like it was mine. I was rather surprised that he asked me in the first place."

Jaune glanced around, thinking of the professor also had him thinking back to what he said at the dorm room. And his own words to Pyrrha the night before. "He really is incredible, isn't he? You'd think a guy like that would always have the right answers."

"I wouldn't say that Jaune, he's just been through a lot." She gave a sly grin worthy of her sister. "I didn't see Pyrrha coming in with anyone while we were dancing, maybe you should go find her?"

Jaune blanched as he thought back to what he said he'd do, thinking to go talk to the redhead to confirm it before anything else.

Naruto watched as Jaune headed for where Pyrrha went off to, whispering to himself. "Good boy Jaune, don't make the same mistake I did. She'll be needing you after all." Looking around, he noticed what looked to be a girl with orange hair, flanked by two Atlas personnel. "Now she seems familiar, right, Ruby did say she was at the docks with us that night, I should go and say hi."

As he made his way through the crowd, the guards noticed him first, the one with red tint to their armor stepping forward. "State your business."

Penny, seeing the man, smiled as she turned to face him. "Sal-u-tations! You must be the boyfriend!"

Naruto was very thankful he wasn't trying to drink anything as he was sure he'd make a rather large spit take from how blunt that was. And his cheeks felt like something would set on fire if they touched it. "And you must be Penny, Ruby has certainly said good things about you. I especially got to witness your prowess the other night."

The guards seemed to look a bit nervous, but Penny moved forward, taking the faunus' prosthetic hand in hers as she beamed. "And I'm so happy that my friend has someone!"

At her touch, and especially how close she was he could smell it, that scent of metal and oil. Much like Mercury and Ironwood but far more powerful, as if it was all she was.

He smiled kindly, curious about her as she oddly reminded him of the Doll, the same that gave him his arm and helped him through that treacherous city. "I just hope to be there for her right now, I, I can tell she's going to do great things in the future and I want to support her, and her team."

Penny looked at him in curiosity. "May I ask you something?"

"You just did but please, by all means."

"Is there a reason the general seemed so unnerved by you? He came back from a meeting with the headmaster and said you were a concern." The guards next to her looked surprised, the one with blue lines looking around if anyone was overhearing.

"Maybe because while I was at that meeting I had him thinking about a few things. I don't know if he's used to having someone actually questioning him on a regular basis."

One of the guards coughed, as if clearing his throat. "He's both the leader of our military and the headmaster of the academy. With respect, sir, he usually doesn't."

His compatriot smacked him in the arm, the helmet hiding his glare as Naruto merely smiles. "I see, thank you gentlemen. And miss Penny, it's been wonderful to meet you but I must get back to making my rounds, I still have at least two more dancing obligations to fulfill before tonight is over." He bows, still smiling as he headed back into the crowd.

The guard with red lines shivered, Penny catching him mutter. "I swear the guy looks like a vampire in that."

This still only added more questions about the man that Penny was sure had Ruby's attention, if the rise in heart rate she could detect the last time she mentioned him to her was anything to go by.

Blake was smiling as she finished a slow dance with Sun, looking relaxed for once, though she barely missed the sound of footsteps approaching her. "As much as I would hate to cut in, may I have this dance?"

Sun on the other hand was a bit spooked. "Oh, professor, I swear how do you keep sneaking up like that?"

"Plenty of practice Sun, you could say it was a necessity." He chuckled at the flushed state Blake was in, who silently nodded before a loud gasp erupted through the crowd as people started to laugh. That drew everyone's eyes as Naruto could only stare. "Just what in brother's name is he doing?"

The reason? Jaune had came back into the dance hall, only the difference now was him wearing a white dress. Pyrrha couldn't help but to burst out laughing.

"You didn't really have to!"

"What can I say? An Arc always keeps his word."

Blake and Naruto glanced at each other in amusement, Sun thinking to wisely leave them to watch the dance spectacle with Neptune.

Naruto smiled as he whispered to Blake. "Just think, you would have missed all this chaos if you stayed back and researched all night. Glad you came out?"

She nodded as the dance floor returned to normal slow dancing, her taking his hand as she whispered. "I am, so be honest, am I the second or third person you asked tonight?"

"Third, but I make sure to keep my promises." He started to lead through the dance, none noticing that Ruby had slipped away after the chaos of JNPR taking over the dance floor.

Ruby was staying outside the hall, giving herself some fresh air as she saw what looked to be a person running along the rooftops outside. While she couldn't get a good look at any defining features, she saw they were heading for the CCT tower. With the time it was, she doubted it was to make a call.

Cinder felt confident in her approach, the guests of the party being very well distracted by the festivities, including the headmasters of two kingdoms and a very pesky bat being caught up in the fun. Mercury and Emerald were doing well to keep eyes on all the party guests as she neared the CCT tower. Getting in was even easier, the people guarding the tower seemed to be the garden variety idiots she expected, one had even said the tower's passcode in front of her. 'Why Salem has had issues with Ozpin and his company for so long is beyond me if this is the level of competency he has.'

Her footfalls were nearly silent, the suit she had designed doing the work for her as the mask she wore to hide her face helped to blend with her ebony hair.

What she wasn't expecting for a little red glitch in the plan, having not only seen her going in but finding the unconscious guard among the bushes. In the time it took for Ruby to arrive, she had a scroll connected and already hacking into the system.

"We have a guest leaving ma'am."

Cinder touched her earpiece, whispering but it being picked up by the mic. "Who is it?"

"Ironwood."

"Guess the good general has his fill of fun for one night. I shouldn't be much longer." She looked at the elevator as the doors opened, immediately ducking behind the nearest cover as Ruby stepped out, still uneasy on her heeled feet but held Crescent rose at her side.

"Hello? Is anyone here?' Cinder for her part recognized the voice, remembering the robbery she helped Roman escape from, confident she could take on one little huntress as the scroll beeped with a completed action. As she reached up to grab it, Ruby noticed her and first saw the mask. 'You know, this wasn't a masquerade party, can I see your invite?" Her grip tightened on her scythe, eyes narrowing at the figure in black.

Cinder for her part stayed quiet, merely smirking as she grabbed the scroll, dashing before what looked to be glass formed in her hands, creating a bow and arrows already notched. What made Ruby curious was the sight of the clothing ignited in places, showing that dust was infused into the suit. At their release, Ruby slashed at the air, moving faster than Cinder expected her to and knocking them off course.

Cinder grabbed at a container of dust, tossing it her way as the glass exploded, acting as shrapnel that made Ruby duck for cover, her scythe turning into it's sniper form as she moved out of cover to take a shot.

A ding signals another elevator opening, Ironwood stepping in as he sees the battle, calling for guards to chase after Cinder who takes the moment to escape, running out of the room, her mission well and truly completed.

Blake was smiling as she glanced up at Naruto, her eyes still looking tired but much more relaxed. "I have to say, it's been a wonderful time so far. I'm glad you all pushed me to come out for this."

"And just think, tomorrow the work will continue, with hopefully fresh eyes. I know you all have missions starting then, I just hope your first mission goes better then mine did." He smirked as she noticed the look of a fang among his teeth.

"Oh it couldn't be that bad."

"Blake, you have no idea."

Her ears perked behind her bow as she felt a tap on her shoulder, a grinning Yang beside them as she had entered the dance floor. "I'd hate to intrude, but may I cut in?"

Blake nodded as Naruto couldn't help but tease. "Oh? And who are you hoping to dance with, me? Or her?"

Yang bit back a blush, not used to being on the receiving end of such jokes. "You of course, I did fulfill my promise to Blake, though if she wants to dance again after I'm not going to turn her down." She winked at the cat, Naruto gently taking her hand as Blake backed away, still looking a little flustered at the attention while bowing and went to search for Weiss, finding her near the refreshments.

As soon as Blake left and Yang let the motions of the slow dance take hold, her cocky attitude seemed to melt away as she smiled. "You know, when I thought coming to Beacon would be amazing, I wasn't sure just how much."

"Is that so? Is it because of the school or the people in it?"

She stood at his height, especially in the heels as she smiled. "A bit of both. Especially since I get to enjoy it with my baby sister, I even got to see her attend her first dance. By the way, you two owe me pictures. I hope you know that."

"Well if that's the price I have to pay, no doubt your father will want to see his girls all dressed up. Even if Ruby isn't the biggest fan of it."

"Yeah, she's always been a bit of a tomboy, more comfortable in combat boots than heels. How Weiss got her into that dress I'll never know."

"I think it suits her. It's what makes her comfortable and I wouldn't want her to change who she is." His words were soft, the red eyes focused on Yang despite the crowd.

"You really do care about her, don't you?"

"I do, I want to see her grow into the person she wants to be, just as I do with each of you."

"Oh really? Got your eye on all of us do you?"

"I suppose that will depend on how you want to view it." He kept that teasing tone, but even Yang could see that his words were sincere. She could feel her heart beating in her chest as she unconsciously leaned a bit forward.

The doors to the hall opened as Naruto felt it, his eyes glancing at the woman in a black dress who stepped in, mere minutes before midnight. His senses screaming at the sheer malice that was buried under that facade of calm and seduction. It was like feeling a burning fire, it's unending hunger ready to consume all that got too close.

Yang saw the look in his eyes, wide and then narrowing in suspicion as he held Yang closer, almost protectively on instinct. "Hey, are you okay?"

Her voice snapped him out of his trance, nodding quietly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry I guess it was just nerves."

Mercury looked to be enjoying the fact he was dancing with Cinder, neither having seen the red eyes looking at them from the crowd.

"And how has your night been?"

"A little more exciting than expected."

"Anything we need to worry about?"

She smirked as she shook her head. "No, they'll be scratching their heads long after we finished what we came for."

"So, what now?"

"What else? We enjoy ourselves, it is a party after all."

Ruby sat as she was approached by Ironwood who was curious, the computer screen Cinder was at flashing a queen chess piece before turning itself off.

The morning after such a pleasant evening didn't start as such, Ironwood, Glynda and Ozpin all within the headmaster's office, Naruto looking out the window as he could hear them arguing.

"They were here Ozpin! They were here!"

"We're well aware of that James!"

"I'm so glad that you're aware! What I want to know is what we're going to do next! Are we really just going to stay the course and ignore what's right in front of us!?"

Naruto's ears twitched at the sound of the elevator opening, seeing Ruby stepping out of the elevator in her normal gear, something that she seemed far more comfortable with now that he got to compare it to how she was last night.

"Sorry it took so long, someone accidentally hit all the buttons on the way up here.' She glanced away and Naruto couldn't help but find it cute. 'It wasn't me."

Ozpin stayed at his desk, smiling kindly. "Thank you for joining us Ruby, how are you feeling?"

"Would be a lot better if my bad guy catching record wasn't zero to three." At the sight of none of the adults looking amused, "Okay so that's the tone we're going for."

Ironwood stepped forward, looking ever the military man he was and that in of itself was surprising to Ruby. Though she could see Naruto smiling at her from his place by the window, back in the usual suit he wore. It showed that last night was a special occasion.

"I for one would like to commend you miss Rose. You did exactly what a huntress is meant to be, you saw the threat and you took action. And you did the best you were able with what you had available."

Ruby stood as straight as she could, nodding quietly. "Thank you sir."

"The general has provided us with what he knows of the events of last night, if you can add anything now that you had a chance to rest on it, we would like to hear it.

Glynda seemed to be taking notes. "Was there anyone with her, did she look familiar in any way?"

"Not that I could see, she wore a mask and she was using glass. I don't think it was her semblance though, her outfit seemed to light up like dust was inside of it whenever she tried to attack with it."

"Other than the glass, that sounds like the woman that interfered with trying to arrest Roman Torchwick the night we met." Glynda looked like she was putting pieces together.

Ironwood seemed to have a different idea. "Weaving dust into clothing is an age-old technique, anyone could do it."

"You say that General but isn't it also rather risky? My understanding is that you need a rather large supply of it for the outfit you're wearing. And hasn't Vale been rather scarce lately from all the robberies?" Naruto seemed to look to Glynda, the older woman looking grateful.

Ruby was catching onto the conversation. "Do you think it could be the same person?"

Ozpin had a glint in his eye. "It's possible, and we do have reports that indicate the White fang and this criminal might have a stronghold in the southeast."

"Along with other things at their disposal." Naruto glanced at Ironwood, who looked away from the implications. Though Ruby was feeling proud that her team's investigation was being taken seriously.

"If there is anything else miss rose, I suggest you and your team get ready, there is mission selection later today isn't there?" Ozpin kept as kind a look as ever, even as Ruby backed away he couldn't help but notice the look the young huntress had, focused on who was behind him.

Once she stepped into the elevator and it started to leave, Ironwood turned to Ozpin. "You see? We should send as many troops to the southeast as we can, find out what's going on and eradicate whatever forces are there!"

Glynda looked disgusted at the mere idea of it. "Why must everything you do always end in some grand display of military bravado! You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di-'

"Glynda!"

"Well he does."

"I have to say, I'm not sure what I'm surprised at most, that you actually were able to make Glynda be crass for a moment or that I find no reason to argue with her. Still, remember what I said about hammers and daggers?" Naruto kept a teasing smile to his face, the cane he so readily holds was now a massive warhammer.

"They're right James. As much as I'd love to end this once and for all, this isn't just about Vale, or Beacon. When we don't know what the endgame could be we shouldn't be hasty. We don't want to cause a panic, because that will only draw in the Grimm."

Ironwood looked appalled, his eyes narrowing. "I've served you faithfully for years, but if all you're doing is to just sit and wait-"

"It is not!' Ozpin stood from his chair, looking the closest anyone had seen to angry. 'You're a general James, when you go to war who do you send first? The flag bearers or the scouts?"

"And let's not forget dear general, we don't know what kind of tech they may have, or any defensive measures. If you sent your troops in, there could be casualties." Naruto leaned back, his hammer gone and the cane returned.

Ironwood clenched his teeth, remembering that a mech was stolen, and yet there weren't any leads on who did it, or how much was actually taken as reports had gone missing. "Fine, who do you have in mind?"

"So what you're saying is they're listening." Weiss looked curious, the team having grilled their leader about the meeting since she stepped into the dorm room.

"Seems like it, I'm not sure if it's Ozpin himself or not but at the very least our work is being noticed."

Blake looked a bit pensive. "I don't think we shouldn't consider ourselves lucky. Having a professor working with us is likely the only reason we aren't in trouble for bending the rules like we have, it could even be considered pretty bad on all of us otherwise."

Ruby sighed as she sat on her bed, not noticing a package had arrived for them yet. "So him coming to Beacon really was a blessing wasn't it?"

None of the team needed to guess who she was referring to, it being the one on all of their minds lately.

Yang, sensing the growing tension in the room, went for the mail, speaking as she did so. "Well, we know that we have a mission we can try and get today, whoever they have is shadow we should try to get them to go with us on a mission to the southeast." 'Hopefully having our favorite bat joining us on that mission.'

She started to open the cylinder package, the address on it indicating it was from Patch. "But, I think I have something to cheer you up! Dad sent us something!"

Ruby immediately sat up on the bed, watching her sister open it in fascination. "Oh, something from dad! What could it be!?"

As the container opened, something furry seemed to slide out of it and plop down on the rug. The girls couldn't help but lean in, Yang and Ruby looking more excited as the shape turned to them, showing it was a dog. One familiar to them as it barked.

"ZWEI!!"

Weiss looked shocked, and Blake jumped up to Ruby's bunk to get away from it as fast as possible.

"He sent a dog through the mail!?"

Yang seemed to just shrug. "Yeah, he does this sort of thing all the time."

Weiss for her part started to warm up to the little dog, it didn't hurt that the little corgi was beyond adorable to the heiress.

A letter came out of the package, along with a pile of cans for dog food and a can opener. Yang merely opened the letter, reading it out loud. "Dear girls, I'll unfortunately be away from home for a little while, so I'm sending Zwei to you along with some provisions to help take care of him while I'm gone. Hope Beacon is going well, love dad."

Blake could only stare at the cylinder that everything came in, then at the larger pile of cans. "How did he get it all to fit in there?"

The sound of the speakers flaring up, Glynda calling the first year students to the auditorium for a speech from Ozpin.

"Well, it sounds like it's time to get going." Yang was first at the door, Blake quickly running after once it was open to get away from the small dog.

Weiss looked concerned at the corgi. "Is he going to be okay?"

"Yeah, he'll be fine. Zwei's a pretty resourceful dog he can handle himself."

Ruby glanced at the pup, an idea crossing her mind as everyone else left.

Ruby carried a large backpack as she entered the auditorium, the students gathered together as she placed it with the rest of her team's luggage.

Once Glynda had gathered the attention of the students, Ozpin stepped forward to speak.

"Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best."

Having said his peace, Ozpin moved from the stage, and team RWBY noticed something, or rather a lack of someone who seemed to be by Ozpin's side since the school year started.

Before anyone could mention it the screens rose from the ground, flashing different mission boards separated by region. Some were close to the city, within the city or to the lands outside of it.

Ruby looked around at the different missions, checking for ones that primarily focused on being in the southeast. "It's good thing we can shadow a huntsmen for this, maybe,'

She stopped speaking but the others knew what she meant, each secretly hoping their favorite bat would be the huntsmen they'd get to 'shadow'.

Weiss found a screen with a mission that would fit the bill. "Here, quadrant 5 has a Grimm extermination mission."

Blake glanced over her shoulder, checking a map. "And it's in the southeast."

Ruby nodded as she input the team name to register it for the mission, only for it to be denied due to first years not being able to take such a mission.

Weiss bit back a scowl. "Well, that could have gone better."

Blake had a minute drop in her ears. "Anyone have any other ideas?"

Ruby grinned with enthusiasm. "We mail ourselves there!"

"I admit, that's one option." Ozpin was behind them, his ever kind smile still present as he sipped from his mug. "However, we had determined that that area would be too dangerous for first year students. It does seem to be a rather popular region. Though I have a feeling that you four will be heading that way no matter what."

The girls couldn't help but look at Ruby, who seemed sheepish under their stares.

"I admit, I'm still rather curious how you all managed to find your way to the docks last semester. And about finding out about the hideout in the southeast. As well as reports of robots and rose petals at a dance club some time ago. In fact, I wouldn't have any idea if it weren't for a certain little bat who's been keeping an eye on his students." He couldn't help but be amused at the sight of the team each not looking him in the eye, a slight bit of red to their cheeks.

"So, here's what we'll do. I'm trusting you four, on word of our mutual friend and the fact he's been helping you train outside of class. It's for this reason that while we're not going to let you break the rules, we can certainly bend them." He started to type on his scroll, the screen changing from a denial to an acceptance.

Ruby nodded, smiling happily. "Thank you professor, we won't let you down."

Ozpin for his part looked stoic, his tone deathly serious. "Do not thank me for this. Teamwork and persistence have carried you far. But you must understand, the things that await you beyond the protection of the Kingdom will not care. Stay close to your Huntsman at all times, and do exactly as he says. He will be leading you on this mission, and he can have you sent back to Beacon, if he finds your skills to be unsatisfactory. Good luck."

He stepped away, leaving the team to collect their luggage and reflect on how serious this would be. As they made their way to the landing zone, a few students ran towards a landing bulkhead.

"Hey! Team CFVY is back!"

Several students rushed up to the team of upperclassmen, likely friends and those that knew them.

Blake caught sight of Velvet, the rabbit ears making it easy to catch her in the crowd. "Velvet! Are you guys okay?"

She turned to them, her ears hearing them and the flapping of wings over the crowd. "I'm fine, I had Yatsuhashi looking after me." Said large man was walking by them, his sword strapped to his back.

Weiss shared the rest of the team's concerns. "Your mission was supposed to be over a week ago! What happened?"

She seemed to shrug it off, before seemingly staring into space. "Nothing really happened, there was just a lot of them. So, so many of them.' She caught the worried looks of the team, that flapping getting louder as Coco noticed someone approaching.

"Naruto dear! Did you come to greet us!?" Said professor landed behind them, not getting a moment before he felt her tackle him. "How was the dance!? Did you go!? Did you at least wear a nice suit!?"

"I admit I didn't expect you to arrive, but the dance was wonderful.' He took out his scroll, showing pictures of the ballroom that none of them ever noticed him taking. As he was showing the photos his clothing changed to the regal suit he wore to the dance, Coco giving him an appraisal.

"And you wore this to the dance?"

"I did. You could say I got inspired." She certainly didn't miss the glance he had towards team RWBY, a sly smile on her face.

"I would say so, I want to hear all about it once you get back. I'm assuming you're going on a mission?"

"You could say that." He had a cheeky grin of his own, seeing the girls meeting with Oobleck, the 'official' huntsman they'd be working with. Though the large man of team CFVY seemed to stare him down, before giving a respectful nod.

"Alright everyone! Who's ready to fight for their lives!?"

Their stunned silence was their only answer for a good few minutes.

Weiss was the first to come to her senses. "Wait, Professor Oobleck?"

Oobleck started talking fast, per the norm, as he paces in front of the students. "Yes, I'm afraid those bags won't be necessary, girls, seeing as you've opted to shadow a Huntsman on what is now essentially a reconnaissance mission. I can assure you, we will not be establishing a single base of operations; rather, we will be traversing several miles of hazardous wasteland and making camp in any defendable locations we may stumble upon. I packed all of our essentials myself, plotted our air course, and readied the airship. And... (Zooms up right to Weiss' face.) It's Doctor Oobleck. I didn't earn the PhD for fun, thank you very much!" (Quickly backs away.)

Weiss couldn't help but glance at Blake, her eyes just as wide in surprise and a touch disturbed.

Ruby felt a hand patting her head, which helped to break the rest of the group out of their stunned state. "You girls alright?" Naruto smiled kindly as he stepped up to them, a waving Coco looking at the group with a look that distinctly said 'I'm getting the details later' as she left.

Oobleck fixed his glasses, looking for once caught off guard. "Professor, I wasn't aware you were taking part in this mission?"

"Call it a bit of help, I have a recon mission to the southeast, roughly the same quadrant. So in terms of chain of command you're still leading their mission. It's just if I happen to be around," He let the words hang in the air, Oobleck catching quickly.

"I see, I suppose this is another one of Ozpin's ideas?" He glanced and noticed that team JNPR were talking with team RWBY about their missions.

"You can say that, he felt that if the area they were heading into was as dangerous as expected, you all might need a little backup. Not to doubt your skills Doctor, but being over prepared is better than under yes?"

Oobleck could feel a chill down his spine, the memory of him and his fellow teachers stepping in to watch arguably the two strongest men in Beacon, maybe in Vale clashing for a sparring match was still very much at the forefront of his mind. "With your strength behind us I suppose it will even the odds. But, are you here just because you want to help, or because you're worried for them?"

"A mix of both. I know they're strong, I have no doubts about it. I've been training them after all, but I can't deny I freeze at the thought of them not possibly coming back. Call it selfish maybe." He glanced at them, seeing Ruby waving at them as she seemed cheerful, despite the impending mission.

"No, I think it's best to call it being human."

That got Naruto smiling, his shadow unknowingly shifting below their feet as he thought. 'Maybe so, but I'm not exactly human anymore. Haven't been for a long time.'

"Maybe you're right doctor, I think we should get moving. We likely will have a lot of ground to cover and it'd be best to start our first camp before it got dark."

Oobleck nodded, calling team RWBY to head for the bulkhead, leading the friends to separate, not expecting what would await them in this mission.

Naruto grinned, seeing the retreating back of Sun. "Oi! When we get back, we hit that noodle place! Boys night out!"

The men of the rather strange friend group shouted in glee, excited to have something to look forward to.

We see the bulkhead as it flies over the city, the wind rushing by as the collective group held onto hand guards, keeping themselves standing as Naruto looked a bit weary, clearly not too used to flying outside of his own power, Blake rubbing his back to which he looked to appreciate.

Yang glanced over as Oobleck, "I guess I just never took you as much of a fighter."

He scoffed "I admit I fancy myself more of an intellectual, but I can assure you, as a Huntsman, I've had my fair share of tussles."

Ruby tilted her head in confusion "Like the mushroom?"

Blake was leaning over this time. "Those are truffles."

Ruby was still scratching her head in befuddlement. "Like the sprout?"

Yang leaned in. "Those are Brussels.

Oobleck merely continued. "Besides, given my expertise in the field of history as well as my dabblings in the archaeological surveys, our dear headmaster saw fit to assign me to this particular... assignment!"

Weiss looked confused. "What does history have to do with this?"

Oobleck turned sharply on Weiss, giving her his attention "Why, what a preposterous question, you silly girl! Why, history is the backbone of our very society! And the liver! Probably the kidneys, if I were to wager."

Weiss looked confused still from the explanation. "And that means..?"

"The southeast quadrant outside of Vale is home to wild forests and deep caves, but it is also the location to one of the kingdom's greatest failures!"

Ruby looked forlorn at the thought. "Mountain Glenn."

Yang picked up where they were going. "That's right! It was an expansion of Vale... but in the end it was overrun by Grimm and fenced off from the rest of the city."

Oobleck nodded, almost treating it like one of his lectures. "Correct! And now it stands abandoned as a dark reminder."

Blake looked down below at the scenery. "And a likely place for a hideout."

Oobleck merely adjusts his glasses and smiles. "Precisely! And it's why we're here."

Naruto for his end stayed quiet as he listened, his senses feeling the emotions of people back in Vale getting smaller. It was good since he had the idea that if there were anyone in the abandoned city he'd be able to find them.

That was the idea, until they actually touched down within the abandoned city.

As the group dropped down, each having their weapons ready as if expecting a fight from the get go. Oobleck sipped his coffee and was about to speak when everyone heard a wretching sound.

Naruto was leaned over, dry heaving as his senses felt the lingering sorrow, fear and hatred in the area. It was different from feeling the city of Yharnam, that was filled with insanity and bloodlust. Even the battlefield of the fourth Shinobi war was easier to handle as there were pockets of confusion and some were grieving but it was left to the wayside for the purpose of focusing on battle.

This? It was an area steeped in the sorrow of those that died, he could hear the echoes of their dying screams. The fact it hit him all at once was what caused his stomach to wretch, a slight bit of vomit that came out clear, the scent of brine reaching Blake's heightened sense of smell.

Oobleck was the first to react. "Good heavens!? Are you alright!?"

Ruby rubbed at his back, trying to help him feel better, even Zwei, who Ruby had hidden in her bag popped out to show concern.

"This place, the idea that this land is seeped in the blood of the dead, it's overwhelming. I was hoping to find them since there would be no other people but that idea went right out the window. I'll be fine, I just need a moment and-' He looked up and saw the dog in his face, it barking and licking his cheek. 'Ruby, when did you get a dog?"

Oobleck caught the fact she not only had her bag with her still but also had a dog. "Young lady, not only did I say not to bring any excess bags with us, but you not only did so but brought, a dog?"

Ruby froze as she looked to Zwei, her eyes wide. "I, I uh,

Oobleck on the other hand looked ecstatic. "Genius! (Backs away long enough for Ruby to give a confused shrug before speeding past and snatching the pet away from Ruby, who tumbles to the ground as Oobleck spins Zwei in the air.) Canines are historically known for their perceptive nose and heightened sense of sound, making them excellent companions for a hunt such as ours! (Zwei barks happily in his hands.)

Ruby, after being stunned by the unexpected reaction, she proudly states. "I'm a genius!"

Weiss and Yang both facepalm at their grinning leader.

Naruto on the hand wiped his mouth, chuckling. "Oh Ruby, don't ever change."

Blake turned to the leader of this mission. "So, what are your orders, Doctor?"

Oobleck coughed a little to compose himself. "Ah, yes, straight to the chase; I like it! (Suddenly lets go of Zwei, suspended in the air for less than a second before dropping down, to put his hands behind his back for a serious pose.) As you've been informed, the southeast area has been marked as a recent hot spot for Grimm activity. Now, there are several possible explanations for this behavior, one of which being... Grimm."

Naruto scowled as he saw the beast, his hands out as the blades of mercy formed in his grip, hearing them talking about letting the creature lead them back to where it's pack might be. "I don't think that's going to be possible Doctor, we've got beasts incoming."

His tone was different from the pleasant tone he usually has, none knowing that his mind wasn't there, but back in Yharnam. This city looked similar enough in his mind, having beasts that could pop up from any angle. A roar in the distance coming from Beowolves had him snarling. "Get ready! We can start the search after we put them down!"

The girls kept their weapons at the ready as the incoming horde got closer. Ruby looked to their animal companion. "Cover your ears Zwei!" Said dog curled into a ball, laying his little ears flat as the fighting started.

Yang was first to start the battle as she charged, her fists flying as she started to punch at a beowolf, knocking it back and into others.

Blake stood as others approached, one taking a swipe at her only for it to hit a clone, the head splitting in two as she readied her blade for another, not even looking at the dissolving body as she slashed at the others.

Weiss for her part ran to a wall, using it as a springboard to take out one as four more lined up. Taking the chance, she rushed forward, carving through the line of Grimm in a single shot.

Ruby had her sniper scope ready as she started to fire, taking out Grimm as they encroached.

Naruto seemed to do things like Yang but with a bit more finesse, having to weave through claws and slashing through their heads in a style similar to a dance. The twin blades seemed to ring in the air as he looked to do it on instinct alone.

Soon enough the beasts were left smoking as their bodies dissolved, Ruby looking proud. "That was a piece of cake."

Oobleck on the other hand shook his head. "I wouldn't get ahead of ourselves, that's likely just to be the first fight of many."

And indeed it was, the majority of the day taking place as they searched sectors of the city, Grimm coming in and causing fights, but at the end of each Oobleck had a question for most of team RWBY. Why did they become a huntress? Each having a different answer for him.

For Yang, it was about enjoying adventure with the added bonus of being able to help people along the way.

For Weiss, it was about upholding the family honor in a way she thought fit best once she saw she had a talent for fighting.

For Blake, it was about standing up to the injustice of the world. But when Oobleck questions how she'd do such a thing, she didn't have an answer.

Naruto watched and listened as each girl was questioned, knowing full well that such things were going to come up at some point. Everyone had their reasons for fighting after all.

It wouldn't be until near dusk that they set up camp, Naruto helping the girls do so as he seemed to finally relax. Blake glanced his way as she was curious about his behavior. Granted she wasn't the only one as Weiss and Yang were also curious.

Oobleck and Ruby were having their own discussion off in the distance, the girls having an idea on what they might be talking about as it was what they were asked all day.

Naruto sat down as he did something he hadn't done in a while, meditate. He could still feel the lingering presence of the negativity that was attached to the land, thinking to help calm himself. He knew that his fighting style was more like he was as the Hunter then what they knew, and he was slightly worried that if he went back to that way of fighting when human opposition came it would cause problems. Huntsmen didn't kill a majority of the time after all.

He could faintly hear the girls setting down for bed as Ruby volunteered for the first watch.

"Hey Ruby, did Oobleck ask you why you became a huntress?" Yang stopped her before she could reach the perch, only for Ruby to shake her head.

"No, he didn't, should he have?"

Yang gently let go at Ruby's answer, looking a bit down at the fact the youngest of them seemingly wasn't questioned about why she signed up.

At the docks of Vale, Ironwood could be seen standing, still dressed in his full military uniform. His gaze focused off in the distance as questions ran through his mind, of Ozpin and his actions. Of why the old man would hire someone so strange just at the start of the year. The presence of the faunus was unnerving to the man, and not for the nature of his race but something else seemed off.

"Just what are you hiding Ozpin, who is this guy you brought in and what is he?"

The clicking of heels broke him out of his thoughts. "Having trouble sleeping?"

He glanced back to see Glynda was approaching, a smile of his face as he started to rub the shoulder of his prosthetic. "A bit, arm was acting up."

"So you got up, got fully dressed and decided to stare menacingly into the distance?" The fact she noticed he was glancing to the southeast at times wasn't lost on her. She stepped closer as she whispered "What's wrong, honestly?"

He sighs as he lets the false attitude drop. "I've trusted him for years, we both have. Why does it feel like he's keeping us in the dark?"

"Don't be ridiculous, you know that we aren't the ones in the dark."

"And that makes it worse! I refuse to believe a man that I've trusted for years would act so passively."

"But he hasn't, can't you tell?"

This catches him off guard. "What do you mean?"

She smiled softly. "He got us help, and I believe you met them. He's a strange one sure, but the students adore him and he's been helping to train those he can. James, for all your talk of trust, perhaps maybe showing it will do some good. Ozpin has the kind of experience we all lack."

The moon was still shining down on the abandoned city of Mountain Glenn, a beowolf digging through rubble as it glanced up at the feeling of something looking at it.

Ruby was watching it through her scope, perched as her team had laid down for the night until it came time for someone to relieve her for watch. Oobleck was resting a bit away from the fire, giving the girls their space.

Naruto was also resting, but if anyone looked at him they could tell he was like a coiled spring, ready to jump at a moment's notice. Like the others, he had his weapons at his side.

Yang, being the most restless, opened her eyes. "Blake, are you awake?"

Said faunus turned her head in her direction. "Yeah, I'm awake."

"Why do you think he asked us about being a huntress? Like, what was he trying to say?"

"Maybe he was just curious."

"You think so?"

"No."

Yang sighed, not noticing a red eye watching her as she looked to Weiss.

"Hey Weiss, you awake?"

Said girl looked frustrated for a moment. "Of course I'm awake! You two are talking. And I think he... When I said I wanted to honor my family's name, I meant it. But, it's not what you think. I'm not stupid. I'm fully aware of what my father has done with the Schnee Dust Company. Since he took control, our business has operated in a... moral gray area."

Blake scoffed "That's putting it lightly."

"Which is why I feel the need to make things right. If I had taken a job in Atlas, it wouldn't have changed anything. My father was not the start of our name, and I refuse to let him be the end of it."

Blake stared up at the ceiling, the cracks looking like a rose in her mind. "All my life, I fought for what I thought was right. I had a partner named Adam. More of a mentor, actually. He always assured me that what we were doing would make the world a better place. But of course, his idea of a perfect future turned out to be not perfect for everyone. I joined the Academy because I knew that Huntsmen and Huntresses were regarded as the most noble warriors in the world. Always fighting for good. But I never really thought past that. When I leave the Academy, what will I - how can I undo so many years of hate?"

Yang smiled as she tried to speak to cheer her up. "I'm sure you'd figure it out. You're not one to back down from a challenge, Blake."

Blake sat up, her eyes looking wide in anger, but not at any of them, but at herself. "But I am! I do it all the time! When the others learned I was a Faunus, I didn't know what to do, so I ran! When I realized my oldest partner had become a monster, I ran! Even my Semblance! I was born with the ability to leave behind a shadow of myself; an empty copy that takes the hit while I run away!"

Yang sighed as she laid down, looking towards Ruby who was still on her perch. "At least you two have something that drives you. I've just kinda of always, gone with the flow, y'know? And that's fine, I mean, that's who I am. But how long can I really do that for? I wanna be a Huntress, not really because I want to be a hero, but because I want the adventure. I want a life where I won't know what tomorrow will bring. And that'll be a good thing. Being a Huntress just happens to line up with that. I'm not like Ruby, she's always wanted to be a Huntress. It's like she said, ever since she was a kid, she'd dreamt about being the heroes in the books. Helping people and saving the day, and never asking for anything else in return. Even when she couldn't fight, she knew that's what she wanted to do. That's why she trained so hard to get where she is today."

Weiss glanced at their leader. "Well, she's still just a kid."

Blake smiled a little. "She's only two years younger. We're all kids."

Yang chuckled, a smile to her face. "Well, not anymore. I mean, look where we are! In the middle of a warzone and armed to the teeth!"

Blake leaned back "It's the life we chose."

Weiss glanced at Yang, leaning on her elbow. "It's a job. We all had this romanticized vision of being a Huntress in our heads! But at the end of the day, it's a job to protect the people! And whatever we want, will have to come second."

Even though she said that, she couldn't help but glance at their common friend, trying not to stare.

"You know, it might be a job, but having people to fight for, or a reason to fight isn't that bad." At his voice, the girls sat up immediately, Blake nearly going for her weapon but realized what was happening.

"Sorry, did we wake you?"

"No, I was awake, I heard it all."

Yang bit her lip, a sense of curiosity over taking her. "Well, since it's the question of the day, why did you become a huntsman?" This had everyone listening, from Ruby at the perch to Oobleck, who still pretended to be asleep to hear it.

He sighed as he lifted his hat. "Well, I suppose that question was going to come up, but I won't lie, it's not glamorous in the slightest. To put it simply, it was a favor from an old friend."

When he saw their looks of confusion, he continued. "The village I was from was known to train warriors, not unlike huntsmen and huntresses but not in the way you'd expect it to be. We did everything from bodyguard work to scouting. 'And assassination but I doubt they'd enjoy hearing that part.' However, what it boiled down to was I was good at fighting, I won't deny the fact that I wasn't the most skilled person when I was younger, hell at our academy I was considered the class clown."

That got a reaction from them, Weiss finding it hard to believe, Yang imagining the hell he likely raised and Blake was having an odd thought, one that made her think of one of her books, only to immediately fight back a blush at the more 'mature' aspects. Ruby was listening in and smiling, enjoying the story.

"I told Blake about a conflict I had with someone I considered a brother, and that wasn't the only fight I had that day. You could say, we suffered a war. Not unlike the great war the Kingdoms went through as it was a war of ideals. Thankfully we were able to stop a group of radicals from their goals. After that conflict ended, I got approached by a friend of Ozpin's and was asked to come to Beacon, I didn't expect to be offered a job here but after a spar Ozpin decided I was good enough to be part of the staff."

Oobleck had to fight back a shiver at the memory.

Blake narrowed her eyes, a dim glow in the firelight. "You never said where you were from. If there was a war among the kingdoms, it would have made for big news."

Naruto smiled, looking playful and close to a certain cat. "That's my little secret kitten. Though, I do promise I will tell you one day. Hopefully by then you'll believe what I have to say."

She couldn't fight back against the slight blush that was on her face from the nickname, catching Yang giving her a teasing look of her own. Weiss for her part looked both surprised and a little jealous, a thought coming to her. 'See how he acts with them? You want that for yourself don't you? To have that kind of attention?'

Ruby couldn't help but giggle softly at her team, glancing his way as he winked at her under his hat. "I think someone needs to relieve Ruby of her watch, who wants it?"

Yang raised her hand, getting up as she not only felt awake but had a few things to think about. Ruby moved to take her spot, laying in the sleeping bag as Zwei cuddled up next to her.

It would be an hour later Zwei would get up, having Ruby stirred from her sleep as she tried to get Zwei to relax and lay back down. Only Zwei was persistent to go outside, Ruby having to follow him as she left the campsite.

By the time she caught up to him he had his leg up, choosing to 'mark his territory' on the ruined building. Because of this she didn't notice that a pair of white fang guards were around the corner on a patrol.

"Zwei, this is a wasteland, you could have done that anywhere!" She whispered, looking a little frustrated.

However a bark from the little dog caught the attention of the guards, making Ruby have to duck behind cover to avoid being spotted. Despite the situation she couldn't help but find a sense of glee, ironically having something happen that Blake said earlier about how they kept stumbling into situations and getting lucky.

She noticed them leaving as she thinks it would be perfect to have the guards lead them back to their base.

They kept silent, following the duo until they reached a ruined building with a pair of metal doors, Zwei peeking out the corner nearby as Ruby whispered. "Did they go in yet? One bark for yes."

The sound of closing doors covered the sound of a bark, making sure they weren't heard. "This is great! Now we can let the others know what we found." She pulled out her scroll, seeing the 'low signal' notice on it. "Crap, well at least we know where to go, we need to go get the others."

She started to move back towards camp, Zwei close behind as the ground started to crack under them, the worn and old asphalt slowly giving way. Ruby had just enough time to scoop up Zwei and throw the little dog away from the cracks as she fell through the hole, the little corgi watching and whimpering as she fell. "Go find the others!"

Her words echoed a little as she fell, but the small pooch barked and ran back towards camp, following her command.

Ruby landed on what felt like the roof of a building, deep in an underground cave. However her little entrance didn't go unnoticed, as as she sat up a pair of white fang guards had found her.

"Freeze!"

"Where the hell did she come from?"

Ruby backed away on their approach, finding herself stuck on the edge of the platform she had landed on.

"You're a long way from home little girl."

On instinct she reached back for her scythe, before remembering that it landed on the ground before she fell, and was still up there. One of the men grabbed at her arm, a look of anger in their eyes like they showed to all humans. "Hey, hands off!"

She pulled away from his grasp, and gave a swing to his jaw. It knocked him back a little, which was an improvement compared to what she'd do without the extra training her team did.

However the retaliation knocked her to the ground, hearing one of the guards mutter "The boss is going to want to see this." Before a boot hit her head, knocking her out cold.

Yang yawned as she turned back to the campfire, looking at Weiss as she spoke. "Hey Weiss, it's your turn to-. Wait, Ruby? Where's Ruby?"

Oobleck immediately jumped up awake, a pair of red eyes looking around frantically in slight panic. "Yang, what did you say!?"

Zwei ran into the room, barking wildly and looking like he wanted them to follow.

"Everyone, grab your weapons! I think she's in trouble!"

A feeling of malice washed over them, it being palpable to even them. "Oh, if they hurt her, someone will be." His fangs grew in response to his anger, his red eyes having a glow to them.

Ruby awakes to the two White fang Guards who caught her dragging her by both arms through the underground city. All around her, White Fang members are at work, doing various things such as piloting a Paladin to carry large shipping containers. There is a loud sound nearby as one of the White Fang members drops a large device.

"Hey, be careful! What are you trying to do, blow us to the moon?"

"Sorry sir!"

Perry, the guard with the glasses, spoke up. "Hey boss! Found something you might want to see!"

Roman spoke from inside of a railcar. "Is it good or bad, Perry? Because let me tell ya, I have had a day."

"Uh, it's a little girl?"

Roman leans out through the doorway and pales as he sees Ruby. "That would be bad."

Zwei leads Oobleck and Ruby's teammates to the hole that Ruby fell into, and Yang spots Crescent Rose next to the hole.

"Ruby's scythe!"

Blake pales as she notices it. "Oh no."

Weiss looked worried. "Do you think she fell?"

Oobleck looked up from his thoughts as he whispered. "Fell?"

Naruto tensed as he heard them speak, looking at the hole in the ground as he snarled.

"Down there."

Oobleck looks down at the hole. "Oh my. Of course! Of course, OF COURSE, OF COURSE!

Blake looked surprised. "What is it?"

"How could I be so stupid?!"

Yang kept glancing between the silent Naruto and the frantic Doctor. "Dr. Oobleck, what's wrong?"

Oobleck started to speak like it was a lecture. "Mountain Glenn! Yes, an expansion of Vale that was inevitably destroyed by creatures of Grimm! Previously home to thousands of people! Working people commuting to the city, the main city! Developed a subway system to the inner city! Grimm attacks increased! Population in danger, now desperately searching for shelter! City evacuates into the metro tunnels and what do they find? The southeast quadrant of Vale is known for wild forests and deep caves!"

"Doc, what are you saying?"

Oobleck started to sound more frantic. "My dear, we're not just looking for an underground crime network, we're looking for an UNDERGROUND crime network!"

Blake stared at the hole as if it just clicked. "They've been working in caves?"

Oobleck shook his head, still speaking fast. "No, no, Mountain Glenn was Vale's first serious attempt at expansion. It worked for a short period of time, thanks to an aggressive perimeter defense, and unique transportation; the city developed an elaborate subway system to carry citizens safely from the new territory into the main Kingdom! Sadly, without the many natural barriers Vale had to protect its borders, Mountain Glenn was doomed from the start! As the end drew near, the citizens of the territory made one last attempt at survival: They took up shelter beneath the city! In massive caves that they had cleared out for the subway. And they had cut themselves off from the surface!"

Yang kept glancing at the hole "An underground village?"

Oobleck started down into the hole. "In a manner of speaking, yes. A safe haven. Until... an explosion opened the mouth of another cavern, filled with subterranean Grimm. After that, the Kingdom officially sealed off the tunnels, creating the world's largest tomb. If Ruby is down there, (Oobleck deploys Antiquity's Roast) we must find her…"

Weiss turned to look at each of her teammates, noticing that someone was missing. "I think we should hurry. Because if she is, and well, he just went in there."

Blake shivered, more than once feeling pity for the members of the white fang that were down there.

Ruby felt herself being tossed down, seeing a laughing Roman standing over her. "You know, it's nice to know that you're a lot more manageable without that oversized gardening tool of yours."

She scowled at the insult to her creation, rushing at him to try to swing, only for him to sidestep it, making her fall to the ground.

He kept laughing in clear amusement. "Oh Perry, you're right I did need this."

The guard raised his thumb, showing he was also amused by all this.

Roman aimed his cane, the end open to fire as he stared her down. "As fun as this is Red, tell, how did you find this place?"

Ruby, her first thought was to escape but something seemed to change her mind, a more rebellious thought. "Would you believe it was luck? Your guards were so loud while my dog was out taking a piss."

Roman glared at the guard. "Your people really need to learn the art of subtly you know Perry?"

Ruby took that moment to speed away, not expecting Roman to use his cane as a grappling hook, pulling her back by her hood. "You know Red, you think you're so slick."

The sound of echoed wings and explosions came from behind them, the wings making Roman shiver.

"You have five seconds to let her go, or else this starts to get very unpleasant."

Roman turned as multiple explosions started to go off around the area, the white fang scrambling as Ruby took the chance to get away, running towards her team. "You pesky little bat!' He turned to his guards 'Screw this! Get the train moving! Now!"

Naruto fired in between them, his red eyes glowing as he could feel the malevolent energy of the area, it even worse down here where the deaths occured. "Now I know the man who lost isn't going to run away again is he? This would make what, three times now?"

Roman glared as he glanced at the train, firing at the floor to make a smokescreen while running at the railcar he was staying in, shouting for the train to start going, even going on the loudspeaker to announce it, making every white fang member scramble to get on the train with their equipment.

Naruto was about to charge at the train, hearing the girls and Oobleck were catching up. "They're starting to move! We need to get into that train!"

Oobleck started at the train in surprise. "But there's nowhere for them to go? The tunnels are sealed!"

Yang looked at the tunnel, seeing the train starting to go as Naruto grabbed both Weiss and Ruby. "Maybe but they are heading somewhere, so we know what we need to do."

Ruby nodded as she held onto him, Weiss trying not to enjoy it but even Blake could notice. "Yeah, we need to stop this train."

The train was moving through the tunnels, one of the guards hearing a noise as he saw rose petals fluttering by. "Shit they're on the train-"

His words were cut off as Oobleck knocked him out, the team boarding the train.

A guard rushed to the conductor's car, Roman and the guard known as Perry manning the controls. "Boss, they got on the train!"

Roman glared at the grunt. "Well, grab some of the cargo and get them off the train!" He sighed as the grunt ran off, "I swear, animals every one of them."

Perry looks at him awkwardly.

"No, not you, you're great."

Ruby and the others got to the top of the train, Naruto using the beast claws as he stabbed into the roof.

Oobleck urged them forward. "Hurry everyone, we need to get to the front!"

They started moving as Weiss noticed an open hatch on the roof. "Um, professor."

Naruto and Oobleck both looked at her, Naruto looking down at the bomb that was nestled in the opening. "That's not good, we should keep moving. Blake, you're one of the more mobile, cut the coupling."

She nodded, moving as she dropped to cut it, only for the car to detach on its own. "Uh guys, it did it on it's own!"

Yang tried to crack a joke. "Wow, he really didn't want us on the train did he?"

Naruto scowled as he watched it leave, seeing it blow up as the walls crumbled. "Doctor, how did Mountain Glenn fall? Grimm pouring into the tunnels after an explosion?" He had a sinking feeling, and with the girls paling at the implications they caught on. Oobleck staring in horror.

"No, you don't think, that's madness!"

White fang guards started to get on the roof, Naruto growling. "Madness or not, that's likely their plan. Girls, I need you to get to the front of the train, try and stop it at any cost. Because if this thing gets to Vale, they'll attack from underneath!"

Ruby turned to her team. "You heard him, we need to hurry.' She glanced at the professor and doctor. 'Think you can handle it topside?"

Naruto looked infuriated, glaring at the guards. "We got this, just be safe alright?"

She could see the look of worry in his red eyes as he glanced at the team, before he charged forward. Oobleck, not wanting to miss out, followed after. Zwei whimpering as he saw them moving, and Ruby smiled. "Go on, I know you want to."

Zwei barked in happiness as the little corgi charged into battle.

Ruby could see Naruto was already fighting off a horde, his fists were flying with ferocity as guards were getting knocked off the train. He seemed to move like a blur, Ruby giving him covering fire as some of the guards tried to sneak attack him from behind. His hat was off, letting his ears show as his red eyes glowed in the dim light.

Oobleck had his thermos in its weapon form, a flame out the tip of it as he used it as a flaming club. Zwei barked as one of the Paladins climbed onto the top of the train, the dog jumping up and curled into a ball. As if by some unspoken agreement Oobleck swung his club like a bat, turning the dog into a flaming fireball that knocked into the mech, the dog barking at the mech as it fell off the train from the force of the attack. Another mech climbed onto the train, greeted by fireballs as Oobleck jumped in front of the tiny dog.

Down below, a crash could be heard as the mech was knocked off the train, Weiss reaching into her belt and pulling out a mag filled with dust vials. "Blake, I think you'll enjoy this."

The faunus nodded as she slipped the mag into her hilt as the group moved forward, only for them to be halted as Neo dropped down from the ceiling, her impish smile still present as she stared them down.

Yang growled almost animalistically as she glared at the girl. "She's mine, you two go on ahead."

Blake and Weiss glanced at her in slight concern, but ran forward, trusting their teammate. Neo tried to block their path but had to jump back due to a pair of shots from Yang and her weapon.

Neo glanced at the taller girl, her smile still present but now holding a hint of malice to it.

As the now duo broke into the next car, the large form of the lieutenant impedes their path, his weapon a massive blade with a built in chainsaw.

Weiss scowled as she whispered to Blake. "Go on, I'll catch up after."

She nods as she rushes forward, the lieutenant swinging his revved up blade only for it to be deflected by the cleaver sheath of the younger woman's blade, giving her the opening to dash ahead.

Weiss was immediately moving, using the opening to land several strikes on his larger form and knock him down. Her weapon had the dust vials spinning as he stood back up, looking oddly pleased.

"To think, today is the day I get to kill a Schnee."

She glared at his bigger form. "If you think it's easy, just try it." 'It'll be a big mistake.'

Blake charged into the next car, glaring as she spotted Roman standing in her way.

"Hello kitty cat, did you miss me? You know we really need to stop meeting like this. People are gonna talk."

Her face was one of disgust, charging forward as she slashed in his direction, making use of the dust to create a fire clone on his counter, it blowing up and knocking him to the ground. He felt a heeled foot stomp on his chest as her blade was at his neck.

"Crack all the jokes you want, but there's only room in my heart for certain people. And neither of them are you."

Roman chuckled nervously before smiling. "Oh come on, why are we even fighting? I saw you at the rally, we're on the same side and you know it."

Behind her each of the fights was starting to take a turn for the worse, Yang was slowing down due to fatigue and Weiss was knocked out by a lucky shot from the lieutenant.

Roman was still smirking. "Still so feisty, so, what's the plan here? You think that little bow up top is going to make people forget who you were? Erase away what you've done?"

The lieutenant barges into the room, tossing Weiss' unconscious form into the car. Blake, tired of hearing Roman speak, kicks him in the head and a stray thought enters her mind as she charges at the larger man. 'Maybe not, but we have those who already accept us, and that's enough.' A pair of blondes come to mind as she grabs Weiss, the larger man slashing at a clone of her that encased the sword in stone to give them time to escape.

Meanwhile, Neo is seen pulling a hidden blade from within her umbrella and approaching the unconscious Yang. She prepares to deal the finishing blow, grinning sadistically while doing so. Suddenly, a masked warrior - raven-haired and clad in red and black - comes out of nowhere and knocks Neo back. Neo's eyes change from brown and pink to white, mirroring her fearful expression. The mysterious swordswoman slowly draws her sword again - long and crimson red - and holds it up, prepared to strike. Neo, realizing the imminent threat before her, wastes no time and disappears in a flash. The swordswoman looks down at the still unconscious Yang, and slashes her sword to the side, opening an eerie red portal. She walks away from Yang and into the portal. At that moment, Yang regains some consciousness and slowly gets back up. As she opens her eyes again, she gets a brief glimpse at her rescuer before the woman disappears. Yang rubs her head, still reeling after just regaining consciousness, before standing up and leaving, heading to find her team.

Ruby, Naruto and Oobleck were still on top of the train, mechs still heading towards them. One charged at Oobleck, only for the nimble teacher to go above it, blasting fire into the engines, causing the machine to falter. Ruby, seeing the chance carved at the mech's feet, making it tumble off the train.

Naruto had his own mech to deal with, having brought out the burial blade for a larger target. With precision he swiped at it's legs, the otherworldly blade slicing through the metal cleanly and making it fall off.

Oobleck glanced at the approaching mechs, seeing more coming. "You two go on ahead, I'll keep them busy."

Ruby looked worried, Naruto patting her shoulder as he smiled. "He's a professional Ruby, he's got this."

A barking Zwei looked at the retreating Oobleck, looking like he didn't want to leave. She merely smiled, "Alright, go play Zwei."

The dog barked as it ran towards the ensuing battle. Naruto picked her up, his wings unfurled as he sped them both to the front of the train, landing as the group could see the wall approaching.

"Weiss, we'll need a shield, got us covered?" His tone seemed more relaxed, especially once they got closer to Vale and away from the lost city.

Ruby glanced at Weiss, who nodded and covered the five of them in an ice shield as the train impacted the wall, causing a large explosion.

Ruby found herself on the surface, within the same town square that Ironwood gave his presentation a while ago. However the only sounds she could faintly hear were blaring sirens, her head clearing from the ringing in her ears. Weiss was against some rubble, her expression while pained was that of her being okay, getting up with Naruto helping her do so. Yang and Blake were helping each other up, both looking shaken as they seemed okay.

Naruto looked around as the civilians stared at the crash site, his words screaming out. "EVERYONE, GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"

It was at that moment a giant serpent head burst from beneath the ground, a king taijitu grimm had emerged, like many of its fellows that followed after the train, but the big serpent got there first.

Ruby shook her head clear as she could hear the panic in the screams, standing up as she watched Naruto put the scythe away. "I hope you girls are ready, because it's not time to sleep yet. We have more work to do." A portal of mist is behind his head, a sword handle sticking out of it.

A day prior, Jaune woke up to what sounded like Ruby calling him on his scroll, only for the interference to end the call early, thinking nothing of it as he went back to sleep at the time, but later on it had him worried.

His concern still showed even as the team was heading for the bulkhead. Pyrrha tried to comfort him. "Jaune, they'll be fine, the professor is with them and Doctor Oobleck was assigned to their mission."

Nora seemed more easy going. "Besides, maybe it was just a butt dial?"

Ren nodded in confirmation. "You have to admit, team RWBY has always acted exceptional in the field, plus they have backup with two of our teachers. And I dread the day anyone crosses their path with a certain bat watching over them. We should focus on our own mission."

Jaune could see the wisdom in his teammate's words, he hadn't seen their teacher fight full on but from knowing he could keep up with Yang sent shivers down his spine, the woman could be scary when she wanted to be. Plus, Jaune wasn't a fool, he could tell that the bat very much cared for team RWBY, if his actions at the dance were anything to go by. "Maybe you guys are right, I-"

His words were cut off by the sound of sirens coming from the city, Nora covering her ears and Ren looking to her in concern, knowing full well what that sound could mean.

Jaune glanced at the city. "Guys, we need to head into the city. I'm sorry Ren but we'll have to tend to the village at another time."

He led his squad into the bulkhead, Ren looking melancholic as he got on. As it took off however, Cinder and her team saw the chaos and Emerald spoke up. "You don't think?"

Mercury scoffed, motioning to the city. "Well it sure looks like it."

Emerald looked a bit panicked. "But it was still days away!"

Mercury glanced at Cinder, who was watching the events. "So, what do we do?"

Team RWBY were standing in the pavilion, Naruto in the center as he grasped the sword. "Focus on making sure the smaller ones don't target civilians, I'll handle the bigger prey.' As he pulled the blade out of the mist, a glow overcame the large blade as he said what oddly sounded like a prayer. 'By this holy sword, I cleanse the beasts with flame, and in the dance of the midnight hunt, the moon shall give those seeped in the darkest insanity the chance to find peace!" He held the sword in front of him, as did Ludwig in that chamber filled with blood and corpses. The glow seemed to shine in a way that made Grimm flinch, some of the younger ones taking a step back. To them, the image of a large, twisted beast stood behind them, invoking something the dark creatures never experienced before: fear.

Ruby and the others saw this grand display, the great snake in front of them roaring as if to challenge the hunters before it. This gave the Grimm the courage to rush forward, sparking the conflict in the streets. Naruto lunged right for the giant snake, a roar matched by the sound of Nora dropping in as both hammer and sword impacted the creature, the black head crushed by the hammer as the white one was cut off.

Ruby and the others weren't sitting idle, as while they were being encircled Ruby got to work with her scythe, cutting through swathes of Grimm. Yang leapt into the air and started blasting Grimm with shots from ember Celica, only for nevermore to slam her back down to the ground.

Blake cut down a beowolf that got too close before switching her weapon to its pistol form, firing in automatic mode to try and cut down the incoming horde. Weiss was carving through Grimm with either the blade of her weapon or crafting ice spikes to impale them from below.

Nora felt herself being held up by Naruto as he brought her to the ground, his serious attitude breaking for a moment as he whispered. "Don't worry, next time let's see if Ren can be so lucky."

This caused the hyperactive girl to grin, seeing her team coming in and starting their own fights. The moment he let her down on the ground she was already looking to charge in, before he grabbed her shoulder. "Just know, this might be temporary." He kept his sword, only for a metal rod to appear in his other hand, the ball on the end sparking as Nora had a maniac grin.

Ren would see his childhood friend sparking as she rushed past, her movements a blur as Naruto chuckled evilly. "You know, you might be a terrible influence on her."

"Oh come now, you know I only seek to make you all the best you can be. Now get moving, we have beasts all over the shop, can't let them do as they please!" His smile was still very much one filled with maniac glee as he lifted the large sword, a slash cutting through several Grimm with what looked like a blade of moonlight before he charged into the horde.

He passed by Jaune as he saw him kill an ursa major on his own. "Atta boy Jaune! You got this!"

Sun and Neptune arrive on the scene, Sun seeing the fierceness of their friends as he grabs his staff, a large shadow overhead as the Atlas military bring in their ships, dropping in containers filled with the newer drones and Ironwood's own personal flag ship.

The ships started to provide cover fire as the drones got in formation, making streets lined with Grimm into firing lines.

Cinder and her team arrive, a mere glance has them charging forward, Mercury and Emerald handling their own portion of the horde, though they saw Naruto flying around and carving through Grimm, a manic look in his eyes along with the glowing sword. He looked every bit the dancing beast, a beast beneath the moonlight with that blade.

Mercury looked unsettled. "I really hate that guy."

A metal fist burst from the ground, Oobleck piloting one of the paladin mech's, Zwei leaping out from on top of it and charging into battle.

An airship arrived in the brewing chaos, Port along with team CFVY dropping into the streets. Yatsuhashi saw their mutual friend with his blade and not wanting to be outdone, slammed the large orange blade of Fulcrum into the ground, cracking it and knocking Grimm back in the process.

Coco also saw the glowing slashes, smirking to herself. "The guy knows how to be flashy, that's for sure. But now,' she saw as her teammates took out some Grimm on their own, a beowolf charging at her, only for her to respond with a kick to its crotch. The beast crumpled to the ground, her leaning in as she fixed her glasses. 'You destroyed my favorite clothing store, prepare to die."

It tried to swing at her, but she batted it away with her bag, and with a surprising crash she swung it like it was a hammer, crushing the skull into the ground.

She turned to see Velvet about to open her weapon. "Hey, you've been saving that all semester. Don't waste it here, we got this." She turned to an oncoming horde, her bag turning into a mini-gun as she opened fire, the rounds cutting through several Grimm on land and nevermore in the air.

The rubble started to move on its own as Glynda arrived, the rubble crushing some Grimm that were trying to get out of the hole as it was sealed back into place.

The cleanup effort after the hole was sealed took very little time, between the atleasian ships, the huntsmen and huntresses on the ground, all that was truly left was handling the city. Roman found himself captured by the military, being dragged onto their ship by some of the drones.

Naruto laid back, sitting with team RWBY on a ledge overlooking the recovering city and the sunset. "You know, I was wondering if your first mission was going to go well, but you could say it went off the rails?"

Yang groaned as she laid back. "Damn it you beat me to it!"

Ruby giggled as she playfully smacked his shoulder. "You're terrible you know that?"

Weiss glared at Yang. "That was your influence, you know."

It only had the blonde brawler smirking. "I say it's a good influence, thank you very much."

That got the girls laughing, making the only male among them smile as he heard it. "Still, in all seriousness you girls did well. A criminal was arrested, a terrorist cell thwarted. I mean sure there's property damages but that comes with the territory. I give it a few days before Glynda has the place looking like nothing happened."

Blake looked both pleased but saddened. "We didn't get every answer solved, like who brought torchwick to do all of this, or who the woman Ruby ran into was."

Weiss sighed. "Not every story is going to have a neat and tidy ending, there's bound to be loose threads somewhere."

Naruto sat up, looking at the city. "That's true, but if something does happen I think you girls are more than ready to handle it. And of course if you need me, I'll be there."

Weiss seemed pleased at the praise. "So, what should we do now? I would suggest training for the tournament but I think we have that covered."

Ruby seemed to think about it. "Well, I don't know about you all, but I could use sleep in a proper bed."

That had everyone feeling how tired they were, each getting up and groaning at their sore bodies.

Naruto stretched a bit, seeing Yang, Weiss and Blake heading to bed, tiredly giving the bat a hug and wishing him good night. Ruby on the other hand didn't let go right away, whispering to him.

"I'm glad you're here. When I was in that cave, I felt scared for a minute there but then I remembered you, and knew you'd be coming so I acted in a way you would."

He gently patted her head as he smiled. "I'm glad I'm here too, otherwise I would never have met you all."

She giggled as she hugged him tighter, Zwei barking at the duo as if to say 'you need sleep too'

"I think we should get to bed, I'll walk you to your dorm."

She merely nodded, Zwei happily following along as they made their way inside.

Ozpin sat in on a call with the council of Vale, being berated by them over the incident, how they didn't think it fit for the Vytal festival to be held if security was going to be so lax under his care.

He stared at the screen as they named Ironwood as head of security, before closing their end of the call to leave the two headmasters alone.

James sighed. "This is the right move Ozpin, I will work to make sure our people are safe. You have my word. You can trust me." The call ended after that, leaving Ozpin to scowl as he whispered to himself.

"I do James, but when are you going to allow others in so they can do the same? You can't control everything in the world. I learned that lesson a long time ago."

Memories of a long passed age flooded his mind, reminding him of his mission, of his curse.

Ironwood stood in his ship, having just ended the call. "You brought this on yourself, old friend." A screen next to him showed some of the fighting, Naruto slashing through Grimm with a maniac glee. "Who are you, to be so skilled, so, strange, with weapons none have ever seen." He could feel Mettle was starting to act up, but he fought it back down. Now wasn't the time, he had an interrogation to run.

Cinder met with Mercury and Emerald on a rooftop, a smile on her face as she looked pleased. "All in all I consider today a success."

Emerald scoffed, looking at the city. "Those stupid kids made a real mess of things."

Mercury looked to Cinder. "Alot of faunus didn't make it out of those tunnels. Are you sure they'll still listen to us?"

"No, but they'll listen to me."

A hand grabs the lip of the rooftop, a man in black rising up. A sword in hand, red hair and white Grimm mask on his face. It was Blake's old partner and mentor, Adam Taurus.

Naruto laid down in his room after making sure the girls were in their dorm, a sense of relief finally overtaking him as he relaxed. "I swear those girls, they'll either be the death of me, or," He let himself smile as he thought to them, what reason they had to fight. His mood soured a little as he recalled how he felt when Ruby was missing, the sense of panic.

A single thought crossing his mind as the same panic came to mind if any of the other three were in her situation. 'Admit it to yourself, you're falling for these girls, aren't you?'

As he closed his eyes, he couldn't find a reason to argue against the thought. But that would be a thought for another day.

Darkvizardking69: And with that we got through by far the chunkiest chapter of the story to date but volume two is finished! The next time we come back to this story is the start of volume three and the Vytal festival arc! And if you know what's about to come, oh boy, shit is about to get crazy! Just know this, things will still occur and some things may change, but I have big plans for this arc, and the ripples that will be caused by it. Both in good and bad. But until next time, stay tuned!