Here we are at Chapter 14. For the one who requested it, I didn't want to spoil it, but yes, Navia will be in the story, along with other GI characters. Just wait and see. Now then, I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 14. Enjoy.

Chapter 14: Let Loose

After Ei told her teammates what she was doing, they all agreed to continue her mission together. Four heads are better than one, after all. They decided to first figure out where Roman might be hiding and who he's working with. If they can find Roman, then maybe they can find this mystery woman. However, Roman will no doubt be more cautious after their last attempt, so that's easier said than done. Ei had a feeling Ozpin knew what they were up to, but is letting them do it because he knows how important this is to Ei. Heck, Ei was going to do this anyway, even without his consent. Nilou wondered if they should get their friends involved, but Ei wanted to keep this quiet. At least for now. The team ultimately decided that if they need to, they'll ask Teams RWBY and JNPR for help. For now though, they have classes to take care of. If they slacked off, it would bring Goodwitch in. For some reason, even though she's a god, Ei is intimidated by the stern and serious woman.

In said professor's class, students are continuing to make efforts to qualify for the Vytal Festival Tournament. In one such duel, Candace is facing off against Pyrrha Nikos. The other students are excited to see this battle. One known as the Champion of Mistral, the other the impregnable shield of the desert. Both fighters use similar fighting styles. While many believe Pyrrha will win, there are some who think otherwise.

"So, I guess we get to see who the better shield will be, huh," Candace smirks, liking this challenge.

"I'm looking forward to it as well. Don't hold be on my account," Pyrrha replies politely.

The two ready their weapons and shields.

Glynda holds up her arm, "And... begin!"

Both charge at each other. Pyrrha jumps into the air with her sword reeled back. Candace blocks the blade and counters with her spear, but Pyrrha deflects it with her own shield. The two separate before Candace throws her spear at Pyrrha. Pyrrha flips over the spear and runs at Candace. Candace uses her gravity Dust to pull the spear back at Pyrrha's rear. However, the champion ducks under the spear and it returns to Candace's hand, just as Pyrrha swings her spear at her. Their polearms clash, both fighters attempting to push the other back. Pyrrha notices how Candace hasn't used her semblance yet. It's just like her with her own semblance. She doesn't like to use it too much either, lest people figure out the true secret of her tricks. They jump back and start swinging their spears at each other. Each parry and deflect the strikes of the other. Candace makes one thrust, but Pyrrha spins with her shield on her back to deflect it as she goes in for a strike. Candace blocks with her shield, but then Pyrrha switches to her sword and gets over her shield to strike at Candace's chest. Candace grits her teeth but holds her stance. Pyrrha changes her sword into its rifle form and fires a few shots at her. Candace runs forth with her shield to block the shots. She spins and swings her spear low at Pyrrha's legs. Pyrrha flips over the swing, but gets hit by a spinning back kick from her opponent.

So far, the pair remain evenly matched. It's looking like it'll be close; the outcome to be decided by their experience and sheer luck. To see who will make the first mistake. Candace spins over a swing from Pyrrha's spear; the latter backflipping away as Candace tries a counter. Pyrrha goes in with a few sword strikes, but Candace blocks them with her shield. Pyrrha flips over Candace, but when she lands behind her, Candace hits her with a backwards thrust of the pommel of her spear. Pyrrha is stunned, but only for a second. Just as Candace swings her spear around at her. Pyrrha leans back to narrowly avoid the swing and then backflips away for some distance. Candace goes on the attack and jumps into the air with her spear ready. Pyrrha deflects the spear with her sword and bashes Candace back with her shield, followed by a jump kick to her face. Candace stumbles, but brings her shield up just in time to block a shield charge from Pyrrha. Candace smirks before engaging her shield's special function. It changes form and blasts Pyrrha back with its hardlight Dust. Pyrrha rolls on the ground before righting herself back onto her feet.

"You're not the only one with a few tricks, super girl," Candace smirks.

Pyrrha smirks back, accepting the challenge. She throws her shield at Candace, who knocks it into the air. Pyrrha jumps onto Candace's shield and uses it as a spring board to leap into the air as her shield flies back to her. Pyrrha fires off shots from mid-air, but Candace blocks them by spinning her spear around. As soon as Pyrrha lands, they both throw their spears at each other. The two weapons turned projectiles slide right past each other, sparks flying, towards their targets. Candace slides under Pyrrha's spear while Pyrrha flips over Candace's. As their spears go past them, both girls use their semblance/Dust to pull them back in. Both end up back-to-back against each other, their shields up. They grab their spears and swing them around, colliding with each other. However, Candace thrusts her shield forth and hits Pyrrha's arm with a hardlight wave, knocking her spear out of her hand. Candace thrusts her spear at Pyrrha's head, but the champion fighter uses her semblance to slightly move it off target, allowing her to get within Candace's reach. She hits Candace in the stomach with the side of her shield, following it up with a roundhouse kick to knock her back. Candace slides across the floor while Pyrrha retrieves her spear.

Pyrrha charges at Candace this time, her sword ready. However, when she gets close and makes a swing, she spots Candance's golden eye glowing. Candace throws a knee into Pyrrha's stomach. She then swings her shield into her face and spins around to swing her spear, sending Pyrrha flying back. The two get ready to fight again until they hear a bell go off.

"Time's up. The match is over," Glynda declares. Both fighters are surprised they ran the time limit but holster their weapons anyway. Glynda looks to the monitors, "And the winner is..." the monitors show Pyrrha and Candace's aura levels. They're both the same. "It's a draw," Glynda declares.

"So much for a definitive winner," Candace mutters.

"Excellent performance. Both of you. As long as you keep this up and your teammates perform just as adequately, you two should have no problem qualifying for the tournament," Glynda says.

Pyrrha and Candace walk up and shake hands, "I guess I'll have to watch out for you next time," Candace smirks.

"Same to you," Pyrrha replies.

Pyrrha was probably the most surprised out of all of them. All her life, she completed any challenge that was put in front of her. Defeated every opponent that stood in her way. And now, she met someone who could match her step for step. To make her fight seriously. It was both liberating and exhilarating.

"But... I have a feeling that if it were someone else from my team, the outcome might've been different," Candace says before walking back to her team.

Pyrrha watches her go and looks up, her eyes falling onto her leader, Ei. Was Candace implying that Ei is even stronger than her? If that's truly the case, then she must be careful should they face off in the tournament.

...

Later that evening, Weiss is just coming back from the library after finishing up a paper for a class... that's not due for three weeks. Well, no one can say she isn't an overachiever. As she's walking back, she spots Nilou dancing in one of the school fountains. The water from the fountain flows out from the fountain, making it look like little sparkling stars are floating around her. Weiss didn't want to interrupt her and was about to leave when Nilou spins around and spots her.

"Oh, Weiss!" Nilou greets her, making the water recede. "What are you doing here?"

"I was coming back from the library after finishing a class paper. I'd ask what you're doing, but I have a fairly good idea," Weiss smirks.

"Yeah, I just like to dance. Plus, it really helps calm my mind," Nilou replies.

"Well, I won't keep you. I'd better-," Weiss is about to leave when Nilou stops her.

"Hey, would you like to dance with me?" Nilou asks out of the blue.

"Huh? Dance?" Weiss raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah. I heard you can dance too. I'd like to see it. Besides, it can really help you relax after a long day of classes," Nilou says.

"I... I'm not sure I'd be up for-," Weiss tries to refuse.

Nilou takes her hands, "Come on. It'll be fun!" she shows a big smile.

Weiss can't seem to fight her enthusiasm. Weiss sighs and nods. Taking off her heels, Nilou brings her into the water of the fountain that rises just past their calves. Nilou starts dancing and soon Weiss follows suit. However, her way of dancing is much different from Nilou's. More like a ballerina. Slowly, water droplets rise up around them thanks to Nilou's semblance. As they dance within the fountain, Weiss can't help but feel refreshed. Whenever she performed at concerts back home, it was under her bastard father's watch. Every movement, every note in a song. Everything had to be absolutely perfect. To show off the superiority of the Schnee family. When she was a little girl, she used to love singing and dancing. They were two of her favorite hobbies. Her father ruined that for her. He turned them into chores for no one's benefit but his own. But here, away from his prying eyes. From his self-centered garbage. Here, she could just let loose and relax. To be herself again. She found herself feeling so free right now as she danced with Nilou. She didn't care if she got a little wet in the process. She danced and twirled along with Nilou. Nilou was already enjoying herself, but she's glad she could help Weiss have fun too. Weiss was always so serious and high-strung. Nilou simply wanted her to relax every now and then.

Life wasn't just about accomplishing goals. It was about living for the moment and living a fulfilling life too. Times like these are what make that possible. The two dancers twirl around each other before coming around, clasp their hands together, and finish with an elegant bow from both of them. With the dance over, the water floating around them floats back down to the fountain where it belongs.

"Heh-heh, that was a lot of fun," Nilou cheers.

Weiss laughs, "Hahaha, I admit, you may have had a point. It's nice to dance for myself and no one else for once. Not for money or status. Just for fun... I guess I forgot what that felt like for so long,"

"I'm just glad I could help you relax a bit. Dancing has always been such a joy to me. I figured it couldn't hurt to spread that joy a little," Nilou shrugs her shoulders.

"Indeed. But..." Weiss looks and finds her dress is somewhat wet now. "Maybe next time, we could do it without getting soaked?"

"Oh, I'll take care of that," Nilou activates her semblance again and pulls out the water from the clothes and on their skin, making them nice and dry again.

"That semblance of yours sure comes in handy. And thanks for not taking out so much water that it would make my skin and hair too dry," Weiss notes, checking herself over. She puts her heels back on. "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if I see you doing a few shows at the Vytal Festival,"

"I would like to try to, but we'll be busy with the tournament, so I'm not certain yet. I would like to see the Zubayr Theater there as well. Then, we could really put on a show that dazzles everyone," Nilou clasps her hands.

"Well, if that happens, I'll be sure to see it," Weiss offers.

"Thanks! I'd really appreciate it. Well, I'd better get back. Have a good night, Weiss," Nilou makes her return to her dorm.

"Good night, Nilou," Weiss returns the gesture before heading back herself.

Nilou returns to her dorm room, finding herself quite tired from the long day. When she walks inside, she finds Dehya and Candace already asleep. She walks straight to the restroom, not noticing that the light is still on side. She opens the door and freezes in place. Standing in the restroom is Ei, devoid of any clothing while apparently wiping herself down with a towel after a hot shower. Ei stares back at her when she notices the new entry. Nilou's eyes find themselves roaming over Ei's near perfect body. How the water droplets slide down her arms and perfectly toned legs. How Ei's hair, free from its usual braid, falls across her back. Nilou's eyes stop when they roam towards Ei's upper body, and she finally realizes that she's been staring.

"Nilou, did you need to use the restroom?' Ei asks calmly, not understanding the situation.

Nilou's face turns bright red, "Ah! Sorry, I didn't mean to stare!" she quietly shrieks and closes the door.

Ei simply remains confused. They're both young women, so what does it matter if they see each other naked? Nilou on the other hand, can hear her heart beating loud and rapidly. Even after Ei finished drying off and getting her pajamas on; when she came out Nilou refused to look at her and quickly ran into the restroom to clean up herself. Ei remained confused, but decided to leave Nilou be.

"She's probably just tired," Ei thinks before going to bed.

...

The next morning, everyone is having breakfast in the cafeteria, but...

"Hey, Nilou, you okay? You look really messed up this morning," Dehya asks.

Sitting next to her is said dancer, who has dark circles under her eyes. Nilou was unable to get much sleep last night.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't sleep much last night," Nilou tries to play it off.

She can't tell them. There's no way she can tell them that the reason she couldn't sleep was because every time she fell asleep, her mind would show her images of Ei and she'd usually be anywhere from half naked or barely wearing anything at all. She would wake up each time the dream was about to escalate. It ran throughout most of the night.

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay for classes today?" Jaune asks, sitting across from them.

"Yeah, I just need to drink some coffee... with maybe at least five sugars in it," Nilou replies, trying to stay awake.

"Here, have some of mine. It's got cream and five sugars in it," Ruby offers Nilou a cup.

"Thank you, Ruby," Nilou gratefully accepts the cup and nearly chugs it back, hoping it'll wake her up.

"Nilou, if this is about what happened last night, then allow me to apologize. I didn't think it would cause you such stress," Ei bows her head.

Nilou starts to turn pink again, "No, no, it's not that at all! It's not your fault, Ei!"

Ei is certainly not helping the situation.

Yang sees this and smirks, "Oh, and what exactly did happen last night, hmm?"

"It's nothing! Nothing happened last night!" Nilou waves it off, now wide awake but for all the wrong reasons.

"Certainly sounds like nothing to me," Ruby notes.

"Well, when Nilou returned to our dorm room last night, she-," Ei begins until Nilou puts her hands over her mouth.

"Ei, please, I beg you, just stop talking for now," Nilou begs.

Ei is wondering what has Nilou so flustered. However, as a good team leader, she decides to respect her teammate's wishes.

Yang is about to pry further until a book hits the top of her head. She rubs her head and looks at her partner.

"Hey, what was that for?!" Yang pouts.

"For being a pest. Leave them alone, Yang," Blake replies, going back to the page she left off in the book she hit Yang with.

"Aw, you're no fun," Yang mops.

"Anyway, we got that two week break between semesters coming up. What are you guys doing for that?" Ruby asks.

Weiss rolls her eyes, "Unfortunately, I have to head back to Atlas because of my father. He wants me back under his thumb even if it's only for a few weeks. Something I'm not looking forward to,"

"Why can't you just not go, Weiss?" Ruby asks.

"Because my father has a mean streak. Believe me, I'd rather be anywhere but there," Weiss groans.

"Then why not stay with us?" Yang offers.

"Huh?" Weiss cocks an eyebrow at the blonde.

"Yeah, we already invited Blake. She said that she was just going to hang out at the school during the break. Besides, we have plenty of beds at our house. One more guest won't matter," Ruby says.

"But, if I don't go back, then-," Weiss tries to refuse.

Ruby places a hand on her own, "Weiss. It's okay. Forget about your father. He can't control how you live your life. We're friends, and we'll always have your back,"

Weiss can't find a rebuttal, not after seeing the earnest and caring look in Ruby's eyes.

Weiss sighs, "Alright, I concede. I suppose spending the break with you will be better than back home. But, what about your parents?"

"Our mom passed away when we were little, but our dad won't mind. They actually graduated from Beacon. Even were on the same team," Yang waves it off.

"Really. I wasn't aware," Weiss never knew that about their family since she never asked. "Well, as long as you're sure, I'd be glad to accept your invitation,"

"Yay, slumber party!" Ruby cheers, making Weiss roll her eyes with a smile.

The rest of the meal goes by quickly with talk of break plans. However, on their way to their first class, Ei pulls Nilou aside for a private talk.

"Nilou, about you not sleeping well last night; I apologize," Ei bows her head again.

"What? Ei, it wasn't your fault," Nilou waves it off.

"But it must've been. I can imagine seeing me naked like that must've startled you. I suppose I'm not very stunning as far as women's feminine charms go," Ei replies, not knowing how wrong she is.

"What, no! That's not it at all!" Nilou exclaims and takes a breath to calm herself. "Yes, it did startle me, but... it wasn't because you're ugly. You're not, believe me. I was startled... because I thought you were beautiful," Nilou says, her cheeks turning pink again.

Ei is surprised by Nilou's confession, "I see... Well, I'm happy that you think so of me. I admit, I'm not well versed when it comes to what most normal women do. If I ever need your help in this, may I ask for it?"

"Yes... Of course," Nilou replies.

"Thank you," And with that, they continue on to their class. "But Nilou, I always thought you were beautiful too," Ei says like it's nothing.

And Nilou is back to blushing and feeling embarrassed. At this rate, Ei will be the death of her.

And that's the chapter. Some more nice moments between Ei and Nilou as they grow closer in the story. Also, I wanted a moment where Weiss and Nilou danced together since they both have talent in that regard and I thought it would be a nice bonding moment between them. Plenty more to come. What will the gang be doing during the break? Until then, please Read and Review.