Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't

Chapter 46: Mission Day in Mantle

Dr. Pietro Polendina's lab thrummed with the gentle hum of machinery and the rhythmic clinks of robotic arms assembling parts. The air carried a faint metallic tang, mingled with the sterile scent of antiseptic and oil. Amid the controlled chaos of whirring gears and flickering monitors, Shirou stood near the center of the lab, adjusting the straps of his new gear.

The outfit was striking—a sleek, modern tactical design with a black base and red accents that complemented his auburn hair. His long black coat, lined with a vibrant red interior, billowed slightly as he moved. The high collar framed his face, while several functional straps and buckles across the chest added both practicality and flair. Black, fingerless gloves adorned his hands, giving him a lightweight and efficient look, while his slim black pants were tucked neatly into sturdy high boots, their straps reinforcing the rugged style. A wide utility belt with multiple pouches wrapped securely around his waist, completing the outfit's functional design.

The door slid open with a soft hiss, and Qrow Branwen entered, his boots clicking faintly against the metal floor. His sharp crimson eyes immediately locked onto Shirou's hair and outfit, his expression flickering between amusement and concern.

"Well, I'll be damned," Qrow muttered, leaning against the doorframe. "Didn't realize you were auditioning for Mantle's Next Top Huntsman." His eyes lingered on the white streaks in Shirou's auburn hair, the teasing edge in his tone softening. "What's with the new look?"

Shirou turned to face him fully, his lips curving into a faint but genuine smile. "A fresh start, I guess."

Qrow pushed off the frame and approached, his gaze sweeping over Shirou's ensemble. "Looks sharp," he admitted, though his tone turned graver. "But that hair—what happened? You okay, kid?"

"I'm fine, Qrow," Shirou replied, adjusting his coat's collar. His tone was steady, though there was a depth to it that hinted at unspoken truths. "Better than ever, actually."

Before Qrow could press further, Clover Ebi strode into the lab with his usual confident and composed demeanor. His Ace Ops uniform was pristine as always, exuding authority and professionalism.

"Looking good, Shirou," Clover said with a nod of approval. "That gear looks like it'll hold up well in the field."

"Thank you," Shirou replied, his tone polite but focused.

Clover's eyes flicked toward Qrow, whose expression still carried a faint trace of doubt. "Everything good here?"

Qrow crossed his arms, his gaze briefly shifting to Shirou's swords. "Guess we'll see."

The whir of wheels announced Dr. Pietro's arrival as he hovered into view, his small frame radiating pride. "Ah, Shirou! You wear that gear well. I designed it to maximize mobility and durability—you'll find it holds up even against the toughest Grimm!"

"I appreciate everything you've done, Doctor," Shirou said with a small bow of gratitude.

Pietro waved off the thanks with a smile. "Nonsense! Just be sure to bring it back in one piece. If it doesn't feel right, come back, and I'll make adjustments."

As Shirou moved to follow Clover, Qrow placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, kid," he said quietly, his voice unusually soft. "If something's going on—anything—you know you can talk to me, right?"

Shirou met Qrow's gaze, his expression calm yet unreadable. "I'll keep that in mind."

Clover clapped his hands lightly, drawing their attention. "Let's move out. The others are waiting, and we've got a Dust Mine to clear."

The air around the Dust Mine was cold and heavy, carrying the faint scent of sulfur and disturbed earth. Jagged rocks and deep trenches surrounded the mine's entrance, the ground scarred from years of extraction. A faint mist clung to the area, creating a hazy atmosphere that muted the colors of the rugged terrain.

The transport came to a smooth halt, its engines hissing softly as they powered down. Shirou disembarked alongside Clover and Qrow, his boots crunching against the gravelly ground. He adjusted the belt at his waist, the light clink of pouches punctuating the movement.

The mine entrance loomed before them like the mouth of a slumbering beast, its dark expanse promising danger within. Steel supports lined the entryway, rusted and worn from decades of use, while faint echoes of machinery hummed deep inside the tunnels.

Shirou's brow furrowed as an unshakable unease prickled at the edges of his senses. The air felt too still, as though the world around them was holding its breath. His hand instinctively hovered near his side, ready to trace his swords if needed.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Qrow asked, his voice low.

Shirou nodded, his amber eyes narrowing as they swept over the mine. "Something's off. I can't explain it, but it feels… wrong."

Clover stepped up beside them, his expression calm but focused. "Keep your guard up. We'll do a full sweep once everyone arrives."

The distant hum of engines broke the silence, drawing their attention skyward. An airship approached, descending smoothly and kicking up a cloud of dust as it landed a short distance away. The ramp lowered, and Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Oscar emerged, accompanied by Ace Ops members Elm and Vine.

"Shirou!" she called out enthusiastically, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Look at you, all stylish and mysterious!"

Shirou smiled faintly, though the weight in his expression didn't go unnoticed. "Good to see you too, Nora."

Jaune followed at a slower pace, his blue eyes immediately locking onto the white streaks in Shirou's auburn hair. Concern flickered across his face as he stepped closer. "Shirou… what happened to your hair?"

The others quickly took notice as well. Ren, standing a step behind, raised an eyebrow at the noticeable change. "Trying something new?" he asked, his tone neutral but curious.

Nora leaned in closer, her bright eyes wide with fascination. "It's cool! Like, 'lone-wolf-hero' cool! But…" She hesitated, her playful demeanor slipping slightly. "You okay, though?"

Oscar, standing beside Jaune, studied Shirou with quiet thoughtfulness. "It's not just a style thing, is it?"

Shirou's smile softened, his tone calm as he reassured them. "I'm fine. The white in my hair… it's complicated. Let's just say it's a reflection of where I've been and what I've gone through."

Jaune frowned, his concern deepening. "Where have you been? Shirou, if something's wrong, you can talk to us. We're friends—we're supposed to have each other's backs."

Nora nodded vigorously. "Yeah! We're all in this together, right? Even if you're not officially on our team, you're still part of the group!"

Shirou met their eyes, his own amber gaze steady but touched by gratitude. "I appreciate that. Really. But it's not something to worry about. I'm better now than I was before, thanks to some time with Dr. Pietro."

Ren crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as he considered Shirou's words. "So, staying with him was about more than just recovery?"

Shirou gave a small nod. "He helped me work through some personal issues—things I needed to face before I could move forward."

Oscar smiled gently, his tone understanding. "Sometimes, taking a step back is the only way to move ahead."

Jaune still looked uneasy but nodded slowly. "Alright. Just… don't keep stuff like this bottled up. We're all dealing with things, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone."

Before the conversation could continue, the sound of engines once again filled the air as another airship descended nearby. Shirou glanced upward, catching sight of Team RWBY and the remaining Ace Ops members stepping off the ramp.

The low hum of engines filled the air as another airship descended, kicking up swirls of dust that mingled with the already heavy mist. Its sleek, angular design reflected the industrial tone of Atlas, glinting faintly in the overcast light.

As the airship touched down, the ramp lowered with a soft mechanical whir. From within emerged Team RWBY, accompanied by Ace Ops members Marrow and Harriet. The sight of the vibrant, determined team was a welcome contrast to the muted, ominous surroundings.

Ruby was the first to step off the ramp, her red cloak fluttering behind her as she surveyed the scene with wide silver eyes. She quickly spotted the familiar group gathered by the mine entrance and gave an enthusiastic wave.

"Hey, everyone!" Ruby called out, her cheerful voice cutting through the tension. She bounded toward them, her Crescent Rose folded neatly on her back.

Yang followed close behind, her usual confident smirk in place as she adjusted the gauntlets on her arms. Her golden hair shone even in the dim light, a beacon of energy in the otherwise dreary environment. "So, this is the infamous Dust Mine, huh?" she remarked, her lilac eyes scanning the area. "Not exactly a welcoming vibe."

Weiss descended the ramp gracefully, her pristine white combat dress unruffled despite the dust swirling around her. Her icy blue eyes darted toward the mine entrance, narrowing slightly as she took in the foreboding surroundings. "I suppose we shouldn't expect anything less from a place like this," she said, her tone measured but tinged with unease.

Blake was the last to emerge, her movements quiet and deliberate as her amber eyes swept the scene. She carried herself with a subtle tension, her ears twitching slightly as she caught the faintest sounds of activity—or perhaps, the unsettling absence of it.

Marrow and Harriet brought up the rear, their focused expressions indicating they were already assessing the area for threats. As they reached Clover, Marrow gave a quick salute. "Reporting in. No issues on the approach."

"Same here," Harriet added briskly. "What's the status so far?"

Clover nodded, gesturing toward the mine entrance. "We're holding position until everyone's assembled. Stay sharp—we've got a strange energy in the air."

Meanwhile, Ruby and her team made their way toward the group of familiar faces. Her gaze landed on Shirou, and her expression brightened with recognition.

"Shirou!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes lighting up. "It's great to see you!"

Yang grinned as she joined her sister, giving Shirou an appraising look. "Whoa, nice gear! You've really leveled up the whole 'brooding swordsman' thing, huh?"

Weiss approached with her usual poise, but her gaze softened slightly as she noticed the streaks of white in Shirou's hair. "Your new look suits you," she remarked, her tone as cool as ever but carrying a note of genuine approval.

Blake lingered a step behind, her amber eyes lingering on Shirou's hair. Her ears flicked slightly as she observed him.

As Team RWBY joined the rest of the group, Shirou's attention was drawn to Blake, her presence commanding his focus in a way he didn't fully understand yet. She moved with her usual quiet grace, her amber eyes scanning the group before finally settling on him.

"Shirou," Blake said softly, her voice almost lost amidst the hum of preparation around them. "You look… different."

Shirou straightened slightly, caught off guard by her directness. Her perceptive gaze lingered on the white streaks in his hair, and though her tone was calm, he could feel the concern beneath her words.

"Yeah, I guess I do," Shirou replied, offering a small, sheepish smile. "It reflects… where I've been. But it's also a sign I'm moving forward."

Blake tilted her head slightly, her dark hair framing her face. Her cat ears twitched almost imperceptibly as she took in his words, a contemplative look in her eyes. "Moving forward is good," she said quietly, her voice laced with understanding. "It suits you."

Shirou's smile softened at her words. The sincerity in her tone, combined with the faint blush dusting her cheeks, caught him off guard. "Thanks," he said, his voice warm. "That means a lot."

The quiet moment between them stretched, filled with unspoken words and a connection neither fully knew how to define. But before they could dwell on it, Blake shifted slightly, her gaze turning toward the others gathering near Clover.

"Shirou," she said hesitantly, her voice quieter now, as though she were speaking more to herself than to him. "How do I look?"

Shirou blinked, momentarily startled by the sudden shift in the conversation. He hadn't noticed until now, but Blake's hair was shorter than it had been before, falling just above her shoulders. The new length framed her face in a way that highlighted her delicate features, drawing attention to her expressive eyes and cat ears.

"You… you look great," Shirou said, his voice uncharacteristically earnest. He cleared his throat, realizing how unpolished he sounded, and added, "The shorter hair really suits you. It… it makes your ears stand out more."

Blake's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and her amber eyes darted away momentarily before meeting his again. "You think so?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and shyness.

Shirou nodded, his own face warming slightly under her gaze. "Yeah, it's… beautiful."

The word slipped out before he could stop it, and the realization made him glance away, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

Blake's ears twitched again, and she gave him a small, genuine smile—one that seemed to light up her entire face. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, they stood there, caught in a quiet bubble of mutual appreciation and bashful tension. Shirou could feel his heart racing, and he wondered if Blake felt the same.

"Let's join the others," Blake finally said, her voice steady but still carrying a hint of that lingering blush.

"Right," Shirou agreed, his tone slightly flustered as he fell into step beside her.

The cold wind howled through the desolate expanse of the abandoned Dust Mine, its once-bustling facilities now a skeleton of rusting machinery and dilapidated buildings. The mine had been deserted for years, deemed too dangerous for workers after a series of collapses. It now served as the staging ground for the Amity Communication Tower project—a critical operation for restoring global communication. But before construction could proceed, the area had to be cleared of a new threat: Grimm.

Standing around a hastily set-up holographic projector, the teams huddled together, their breath visible in the chill air. Clover Ebi tapped the projector, displaying a 3D map of the mine's tunnels.

"Listen up," Clover began, his voice cutting through the wind. "This mine's been abandoned for years, but something's been stirring up the Grimm recently. Our scouts confirmed a significant infestation inside, led by a Geist. This one isn't like the usual kind. It's taken over chunks of the mine itself—rocks, metal, and worst of all, refined Dust. That means it's volatile and extremely dangerous. One wrong move, and it could set off a chain reaction that destroys the entire site."

The gathered Huntsmen and Huntresses exchanged uneasy looks.

Clover's tone hardened. "We're here to clear the mine, secure the site, and eliminate the Geist. The Grimm inside are just as much of a threat as the unstable environment. Watch your step, and don't take any unnecessary risks."

He gestured to the holographic map, zooming in on the tunnels. "The mine splits into three main routes, all leading to a central chamber where we believe the Geist has entrenched itself. We'll split into teams to cover each route.

"Team JNR, you'll take the left route with Elm and Vine," he said, looking at Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Oscar. "It's the least stable section, with multiple cave-ins reported. Elm's strength and Vine's precision will help, but it'll be up to you to clear the Grimm and keep the path open."

Jaune nodded, standing a little taller. "We're ready."

"Nora and I will keep an eye out for collapses," Ren added, his calm demeanor steadying the group.

"Good," Clover said, turning to Team RWBY. "You'll take the right route with Marrow and Harriet. Scouts reported heavy Centinel activity in that section. Their numbers are higher than normal, so expect them to swarm. Harriet's speed and Marrow's semblance should help you control the battlefield."

Ruby saluted with a grin. "Understood! We'll handle it."

"Blake," Clover added, his tone softening, "we're counting on you and Yang to watch each other's backs. This section is narrow, and teamwork will be key."

Blake gave a firm nod, her golden eyes glinting with resolve.

Finally, Clover turned to Shirou and Qrow. "You're with me on the forward route. It's the most direct path to the central chamber, but also the most dangerous. The Geist has likely fortified this route, and if it has any tricks, this is where we'll face them. Shirou, I've seen what you're capable of. Show us what you've got."

Shirou met Clover's gaze, his expression calm yet intense. "I'll do what's needed."

"Good to hear," Clover replied. "Remember, this mission isn't just about clearing Grimm. The Amity project depends on this site. If we fail, Mantle and Atlas lose their shot at restoring communication—and maybe more."

He took a step back, addressing everyone. "Stick to your teams, trust your teammates, and focus on the mission. If the situation gets out of hand, retreat. We'll regroup and re-evaluate. Any questions?"

The group stood in silence, their resolve clear.

"Then let's move," Clover said. "We've got a mine to clear."

As the teams split off toward their respective routes, Shirou tightened his grip on his bow. He glanced at Qrow, who offered a faint smirk.

"Ready for a fun walk through Grimm territory?" Qrow asked, his tone dry.

"Always," Shirou replied.

And with that, they stepped into the darkened tunnel.