Team SNNL had returned to Beacon via Bullhead after a quick stop for lunch. Everyone else kept their silence with Selina grumbling under her breath while nursing her migraine, even Nora.

Pyrrha was stuck musing on her partner's unusual behaviour; she knew she should disregard her as before but simply could not bring herself to. Selina was too intriguing; brash, blunt, boisterous, but also willing to help. To do the right thing.

As they stepped out of the Bullhead, Nora sidled up to her with a knowing look. "Something on your mind, champ?"

"Not particularly. I just wonder why Selina ended up helping with Blake despite disliking her so much."

"I mean, Weiss got her with that Ghira guy, right?"

"Perhaps," she allowed. Yet this did not feel quite right. "I doubt that was all there is to it, though."

Nora hesitated, likely unable to formulate a response. She glanced to Ren, who took over for her: "Maybe that was just the tipping point?"

"I can hear you, you know?"

Indeed, Selina was walking a scant few metres in front of them. Pyrrha averted her gaze just like the other two, feeling a little like when her mother once caught her with the hand in the cookie jar. The other woman's unimpressed stare soon swivelled away again; Nora took this as permission to ask questions and spoke for all of them: "So what was it? Why'd you help out?"

Selina heaved a sigh at that. "'Cause Weiss was right, kinda. More right than she knew. I know Ghira, he'd be disappointed with me. Not for ignoring Blake, but for not doing the right thing out of spite. And I wanna be better than that."

"Even with the migraine and stuff?"

"Yeah, even if it hurts. I try to put my money where my mouth is. Make way, losers."

She interrupted herself to elbow team CRDL's L, Sky Lark. The quartet were milling around in front of the entrance. However, much as usual, Selina's commentary was not taken well; the whole team formed something akin to a living wall around their leader and blocked their path.

Cardin Winchester was, if nothing else, huge. His team sat in the middle of the pack for combat rankings, but they had good synergy. Sky, Dove Bronzewing, and Russel Thrush were all more lanky; Cardin brought the bulk and power to their fights while those three snuck in hits and went after speedsters.

Cardin sneered down at Selina. "What's up, poochie? Did someone steal your favourite bone?"

His trio of idiots grinned at the jab while Selina was unimpressed. Perhaps her current pain just jaded her, considering that even Pyrrha felt a tiny bit intimidated despite not being the one Cardin towered over. She unconciously aligned herself behind her own leader, Nora and Ren followed. They waited for orders but Selina did not start anything. She simply shrugged. "Nah, and don't call me poochie."

"Aww, the little animal whimpers. Do you want pets? Maybe if you roll over."

Nora bristled and Selina grimaced. While Cardin's grin grew wider, Pyrrha began to wonder if this could have been her in his place. Then however, Selina made a dismissive motion.

"Nah, I'm good."

"Hey, let's break his legs!"

Nora's shout wiped the grins off CRDL's faces. They tensed up in expectation of a fight, likely aware they could not win. Nothing came of it, unfortunately; Selina lightly clapped Nora's chest with the back of her hand. "Down girl," she said, though her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Cardin regained his bravado: "Heh, like you posers would even try! The only reason you're acting tough is Pyrrha!"

Now it was for her to bristle, but she received the same reaction from Selina as Nora. It was annoying and she considered ignoring her leader's order. Before she could come to a decision however, Selina somehow managed to fake a laugh. "You can just say if you wanted to hang out, y'know? I know there's hotties on this team."

Somehow all the tension died in an instant. Cardin was the most confounded, but none of them had seen that coming.

"Hold on," Pyrrha begged, "what-"

Yet Selina just kept going. "But sure, I can get us a ball from one of the upper year teams, we can play some football tomorrow. Better be ready to get your asses kicked! Tata!"

And just like that she strolled away. It spoke to the effectiveness of her response that CRDL could only stare after her in befuddlement. Pyrrha almost did the same before remembering whose side she was on here. Quick strides brought her back to Selina's side.

"What is this about?" she demanded more than inquired, previous annoyance warring with bafflement.

Unfortunately, all she got was a grumble. Selina power-walked to their dorm where she kicked off her shoes, threw off everything but her panties, and climbed under the covers. "We'll talk when I'm feeling better," she told the team and curled up, back turned to them.

Pyrrha had half a mind to shake her for an actual explanation. She wrestled the urge down and slowly followed her other teammates out of the room.

Once outside she admitted it: "I still do not understand."

Nora shrugged as well. Ren's eyes were narrowed in thought, though. "I think I get it," he told them. Both women immediately focussed on him as he explained: "Selina likes her aggressive approaches. So instead of giving Cardin the fight he wants, she throws him a curveball." Which was impressive when considering her state, though Pyrrha found the logic sound.

Then Ren averted his gaze. "That aside, do you know how football is played?"

That was indeed a good question. She knew some of the rules but never got to play. Much the same went for her teammates; Nora played a few times in past years while Ren watched, but she was rusty at best. So they decided to spend Selina's naptime with research on their Scrolls.

Much to her surprise, Pyrrha felt strangely excited to play.

SPBY returned some time later and split up. While Weiss and Penny went to see Professor Goodwitch, Blake and Yang headed to the cliffside for a call long overdue. Every step made Blake's feet feel heavier, dread growing ever stronger. She was scared, embarassed, and ever guilty. It was her fault things came to this. That was probably the worst about what Selina said the previous day; she was completely right.

"Come on, I'm here. You can do this."

Yang's gentle encouragements helped her overcome the first hurdle. She slowly dialed the correct number, then her partner cheekily pressed video call. Yang held her hand while the call connected. Every anxious moment was agonising, Blake would rather jump off the cliff. But somehow she made it through.

A click sounded, then a painfully familiar voice: "Belladonna residence, who... oh."

Blake held her breath, well aware that her disheveled self was now visible to her mother. Seconds passed in absolute silence, then the corresponding video feed opened. A wide-eyed Kali was revealed to them, still caught in surprise. Yet her features slowly brightened.

"Oh Blake, there you are."

She was so happy to see her, something Blake acutely felt she did not deserve. Her mother did not care for any such notions, she simply smiled. "Let me look at you. You've grown so much."

Blake squirmed nonetheless, face flushed and ears drooped. She had always failed to hide from her mother's knowing gaze; today too, Kali soon picked up on her state of mind.

"Did something happen?"

Such a simple question it was, but in the end it broke what composure Blake managed to retain. She slumped and started to stammer, uncertain where to begin or what to say. That was until a firm hand wrapped around her shoulder. Blake shut up, not that Kali needed the change to notice. "And who is that?"

Yang poked her face into the camera with a wink then. "Yang Xiao-Long, at your service. I'm Blake's moral support and hug dispenser."

Her cheeky comment eased Blake a little, but Yang's presence did more so. Kali chuckled warmly and offered her partner a nod. "Well met. I see Selina downplayed how sassy you are, not that I'm surprised."

"Wait, she talked about me?"

"Of course. You left an impression, dear."

"Wait." The mention of Selina reminded Blake that the other faunus girl was in contact with her family. Realisation slowly dawned on her, but she had to know for sure. "If she told you about Yang, then, I mean..." she knew what she needed to ask but words escaped her. Thankfully, Kali caught on in moments. Her sad smile was all the answer she really needed.

"Yes, she did tell me you were there the day after Initiation," her mother said. Blake deflated; humiliated, angry, but most of all guilt-ridden. Kali frowned at that. "Yang, dear? Please dispense a hug for me."

"Can do!" And just like that, the squawking Blake was squished against Yang; she barely managed to hold onto her Scroll. It took a minute, but she really came to appreciate her partner's presence here.

Once Blake managed to calm down, Kali leaned forward. "Now," she cut off the previous subject, "tell me how things have been. I have time."

Meanwhile, Weiss and Penny finally finished explaining the events that transpired to Goodwitch who had listened with her customary frown, though it was not directed at them. In the end she allowed the pair to board the elevator behind her office.

The headmaster's office was situated at the top of Beacon's highest tower, circular and tastefully decorated. Weiss almost stopped to admire the incredible sight that almost compared to standing at the edge of Atlas. Windows opened to all four cardinal directions, though the elevator shaft in the room's center blocked a perfect sight.

Ozpin himself sat behind a large desk above which an assortment of gears clicked into each other endlessly. His hands were steepled, supporting his sharp chin. Wise eyes studied the pair over his shaded spectacles. Weiss dropped a curtsy out of habit; being in the headmaster's presence always made her feel like she stood before a sage.

"Ms. Schnee, Ms. Polendina. Glynda already informed me of the pertinent points. You were given a message for me?"

His prompt implied well enough that he had little time. The small stack of unfinished paperwork on his desk only added to it. Weiss stepped forward and placed the note in his offered palm. He glanced down before allowing himself a soft huff.

"Ah, I see. Now I do hope the two of you will remain on the straight and narrow despite today's encounter. I know well how convincing Mr. Torchwick can be." Yet while saying so, he threw Weiss a little wink. She could only stare dumbfounded while her aged headmaster studied the message.

After taking a step back to Penny's side, she could not help but indulge her curiousity: "May I inquire what it says?"

The slip of paper vanished into a drawer and Ozpin smiled enigmatically. "Oh, Mr. Torchwick saw fit to inform me of an... irregular element in Vale's criminal underbelly. One that is either ruthless or thoughtless enough to threaten him directly, I imagine."

This told Weiss little. She could not quite tell if it was a dismissal or an invitation to ask questions. While she still attempted to figure this out, Penny spoke up instead: "I am still confused, Professor. You know Mr. Torchwick too, so why was he not arrested yet?"

Her inquiry drew Ozpin's attention away from Weiss, who relaxed somewhat. Penny was studied for a long moment with that same polite interest, though the girl herself felt like he saw into the depths of her soul. His tone remained conversational when he answered: "We have a bit of an informal truce, Ms. Polendina. Out of curiousity, are you aware of how many children and teenagers in Vale live in foster care? Or how many orphanages there are?"

"I am afraid not, sir? How is this relevant?"

"About ten thousand in foster care," he answered without acknowledging Penny's confusion. "Now were you aware that about sixty percent of these youths are sponsored by Roman Torchwick? That he spends great amounts of money on the two remaining orphanages in Vale?"

His words drew Weiss's brows into her hairline and Penny was just as surprised. The headmaster nodded sadly. "What you have to understand is that we could have removed him many years ago. However, Mr. Torchwick is quite skilled in making himself a bad target. Whether his altruism is actual kindness or calculus, he undeniably makes Vale a kinder place to live. Human and particularly child trafficking is at an all-time low, he mercilessly tips off the authorities whenever he notices such elements. He stamps down on trade of hard drugs while his own dealers trade in the less dangerous ones. And somehow, despite stepping on as many toes as he does, he rearranged Vales shadows into a carefully balanced tower where he himself is the only load-bearing beam. Remove him and it all comes crashing down into anarchy."

Silence hung over them for a long moment once the short lecture ended. Weiss's head spun as she tried to make sense of a man embroiled in crime also being a philantropist. She wetted her lips. "So he holds Vale hostage?"

A fond chuckle was his answer. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Yet we are powerless to act for fear of making everything worse and he knows that. Mr. Torchwick walks the streets in broad daylight without repercussions. His power lies in his position and for the last ten years, the city has not been worse for his presence. Which is why this," he motioned for the drawer the message went into, "is concerning. If he truly is being threatened by someone who cares naught for the precarious balance he created, this could spell trouble. Unfortunately for them, he is far craftier than they seem to expect."

"Should we help then?" Penny chimed in. Still thoroughly confused but determined. Ozpin shook his head.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but there is no need. I have it handled. Although, Ms. Polendina?"

Penny straightened up upon being addressed. Though still with some humour, Weiss could hear the rebuke in his words: "You may want to keep a closer eye on your unconventional friend."

He pointed to a spot behind them where Ghost sat. Penny made a surprised noise and scooped him up while the headmaster went on: "He climbed Beacon's cliffside an hour ago and wandered the grounds, then rode the elevator here. I can not even fathom how he made it past Glynda."

Though surprising, Weiss saw an opportunity in Ozpin's lack of anger or the like; she seized it immediately: "Actually, do you have any idea what he is? Penny insists he is not a Grimm, but his nature has us all stumped."

Ozpin sipped from his mug in response. Weiss felt almost naked under his gaze, as if readied for dissection. He closed his eyes to think then, releasing her from the spell.

"It is rare I find myself without an answer, but today is such a day, Ms. Schnee. Your 'Ghost' is without doubt a being similar to the creatures of Grimm, yet not one of them. Perhaps we face merely an aberration, but a completely separate lifeform is equally likely. I am afraid that is all I can tell you."

"I see. Thank you for your time, headmaster."

He inclined his head with a faint smile and Weiss ushered Penny into the elevator. Once they left, Ozpin leaned back in his chair. Only to himself did he admit that Ghost was not the sole conundrum in the room. Penny Polendina intrigued him ever since the day James came clean about her existence; she was created on his fellow headmaster's own initiative. Moreover, something like Penny was unprecedented; not even Ozpin himself could have created an automaton with a soul.

In truth the technical or mechanical aspects did not interest him as much. It was the ethical side that worried him. James wanted a disposable weapon and got a person. At the very least they were in agreement that Penny deserved to be treated as the latter.

Down below the subject of his considerations reunited with her other teammates. Yang seemed fine but Blake's eyes were puffy; unfortunately, the flat look Weiss graced her with drained most of the relief of catching up with her parents.

"Now," Weiss declared," we will speak."

It was not a pleasant conversation for anyone involved, but by the end they at least cleared the air. Blake had to admit she was and remained a member of the White Fang. She had been sent to Beacon for a proper education and to grow stronger for the cause. She honestly had no desire to sabotage this opportunity for a cheap shot at Weiss. Although, and this she kept to herself, she had considered it many times over the first week.

The next day Blake went to apologise to Selina as well. Her fellow faunus still rubbed her forehead on occasion but waved Blake off. "Meh, it's fine," was all she said. And that was that, apparently. Then she strolled off to talk to Team CFVY, Coffee, about a ball for some reason.

Blake felt a little weird to walk around with her ears on display after hiding them at first. Thankfully nobody said anything about it. Cardin scoffed and his gang of jerks pointed, but none of them got to start anything. Not that they had the time, seeing how Selina returned with a perfectly round football under her arm.

"Alright, big guy," she chirped with great cheer. "Time to get your asses beat!"

"Buncha losers who get ordered around by an animal?" he snarked back. "No problem. Let's go, guys!"

His cronies followed with laughter.

Blake could not help but hold Selina back. "I still don't get why you do this. He's a racist and keeps doing this."

The other woman made to roll her eyes, but then she simply sighed. "Talk to your dad again. You don't change peoples' minds by hitting them, that just makes 'em fight back." Her piece said, she walked away.

While Blake stewed over those words, Selina led her team into a spirited match four on four. With Pyrrha and Cardin as goalies, the other six went head to head. They swiftly gathered an audience of students and soon enough Professor Port arrived to referee. He called the match after ninety minutes and with surprisingly few fouls. It ended on a draw, 2-2.

All eight were drenched in sweat but grinning. Selina faced down Cardin without fear."Well, well. Looks like we need another match to figure out the winner. How about same time next week?"

"You're on, poochie."

Blake could only shake her head at that. Nonetheless, she still noticed that the insult had less heat to it than in the past. Perhaps Selina was right and she needed to call home again.