Flame and Crimson: OC x Ruby (DBXV x RWBY)

Hey everyone, I'm back with another chapter! We'll be continuing where last chapter left off and we may even get some clearance as to what is happening to Pyrrha currently. Thanks to another story I've been reading called Yin and Yang, I got some inspiration regarding something that will take place between Yang and Roy a little later in the story, but that's just a side note.

Anyways, who do you think Hailfire will end up with? Here are the options so far (vote for which one you guys think would be the best option):

Giblet

Shallot

Neptune

Sun?(lol this one's a maybe)

Yatsuhashi

Those are the options I can think of, make sure to vote by PM or leaving a comment for which is the best option and maybe.. if you want why it would work with Hailfire's character. Onto the story!

Ps. I don't own Dragon ball super/kai , Black Clover, or Rwby and their characters. Those belong to their respective creators, I only own the oc's that appear in this story along with having permission from a friend to use his characters to be in my stories (those being Tarro and Daikon).

Chapter 14: Dance Infiltration; Cinder's Dark Machinations

Opening song- Naruto Opening 8- Re:member

Visuals: Main Cast of this story along with Berethon, Hyatan, and the professors at Beacon. The dark scenery in the above Opening, replace it with Mercury holding his head and the scenery shattering like glass as Khanna pulls him to the surface. He joins Odyn, Ruby, and Khanna as they walk towards their friends.

After the Opening, the scene is of random students mingling and dancing with each other. Off to the side, the camera pans as Professor Oobleck is listening intently as Professor Peter Port then heartily laughs over some anecdote that was unheard. Ozpin is seen to be standing with Glynda until General Ironwood offers her a hand to dance with him, which she accepts. Jaune then approaches Ruby and Odyn, who are seen to be standing near the refreshments tables up.on the second level.

"I see you guys are hiding at the punch bowl too.," Jaune said as he walked over to the two.

"Sort of.," Ruby said.

"We're just taking abit of a break. To be honest, I'm not the best at intermingling with people I don't know.," Odyn said.

"Same here. Fancy parties like this aren't really my thing.," Ruby said.

"Both of you too huh?," Jaune asked.

They both nodded.

" To the Socially Awkward then.," Jaune said raising his glass to meet theirs.

The blonde then smiled as the three raised their glasses of punch before clinking them together.

"Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss.," Ruby said.

Jaune shrugged.

"Eh, it's alright. I totally get why Weiss went with Neptune, he's pretty cool I guess.," Jaune said shrugging indifferent.

Ruby raised a confused eyebrow.

"What do you mean by that, Jaune?," Ruby asked puzzled.

"Well, come on, not many people can pull off blue hair.," He said.

"😅You do know you're talking to someone with Blue hair, don't you?," Odyn said sweatdropping.

Jaune felt himself sweatdrop at this.

"😅 fair.. point. I meant people other than Odyn.. actually never mind.," Jaune said suddenly feeling awkward.

Jaune then begins to drink his punch as Ruby and Odyn shared a look.

"Do want to tell him, or.. should I tell him?," Ruby whispered.

"I think you should tell him, it might be a little awkward if I told him.," Odyn whispered back.

Ruby nodded.

"Yeah.. you have a point there.," Ruby whispered.

Ruby cleared her throat and then spoke up again.

"Um.. Jaune that's what we're confused about.," Ruby said.

"Confused? About what?," Jaune questioned.

"Weiss came to the Dance alone.," Ruby said.

Jaune was so surprised by this that he spit out his punch in a stream of liquid.

"What the- huh?! What do you mean she came by herself?," Jaune asked.

"You said she came with Neptune right?," Odyn questioned just to be sure.

Jaune nodded.

"Yeah.," Jaune answered.

"We haven't seen Neptune anywhere around Weiss the whole time we've been here.," Odyn said.

Weiss is shown trying to coax the life out of a flower, but it wilts and she looks visibly upset that she failed.

"Weiss said she was too busy and had no time for things like boys.," Ruby said.

"Although if you ask me, I think that's just a front to mask how upset she is. She can't be having a very pleasant evening.," Odyn said in thought.

Laughter draws Weiss' attention to Sun Wukong, Blake Belladonna, and Neptune Vasilias as the latter entertains the others with some impressions and other silly faces. Jaune, shown to be observing as well, becomes visibly annoyed. He then speaks in a low growl.

"Hold my punch.," He said in a low voice as he began to stalk over towards Neptune.

Jaune hands Ruby his punch as he stalks off. She's about to drink his punch to when Odyn give her a look that said "really?".

"What?," Ruby asked.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You don't know where that glass has been.," Odyn said dissuading her.

"Fine.," She said setting the drink aside.

"Atta girl.," Odyn said making Ruby pout at him briefly.

As they watch Jaune make his way across the room, Ruby then poses a question to Odyn.

"You think he'll make it to Weiss?," Ruby asked.

"Perhaps, but something tells me he won't make it that far.," Odyn said.

"Why do you say that?," Ruby asked.

Odyn nodded towards a certain redhead making her way towards the balcony. They see Jaune stop short as he noticed her pass by and forlornly walk up the steps towards the balcony. Whatever his original intentions were, the blonde seemed to have a change of heart as he followed after the redhead.

"Aaanndd the heroine has arrived, the plot thickens!," Odyn said.

Ruby snorted at this.

"Hee Hee! Odyn, you're such dork!," Ruby said as she giggled.

"I know, but it's only when I'm around you little Rose.," Odyn said.

The two then returned to watching their other friends on the dance floor.

With Jaune

The scene shifts to Pyrrha on a balcony as Jaune approaches behind her.

"Uhh.. Hey Pyrrha.," Jaune said stopping when he reached the balcony.

Pyrrha then turned around to face him.

"Oh! Hello, Jaune.," Pyrrha said greeting him.

Jaune then approaches her as she stares over the balcony.

"Are you okay, Pyrrha? I haven't seen you tonight.," Jaune asked concerned.

She look at him briefly before turning back to the balcony.

"Arrived late, I'm afraid.," She said solemnly.

"Oh.. well, you look really pretty.," Jaune said.

Pyrrha then offered him a small, but genuine smile as she raised her hand to her mouth in pleasant surprise at Jaune's compliment. Her hand then falls away from her mouth.

"Thank you, Jaune. I appreciate that.," She said.

Jaune nervously is tipping on his toes as he looks around briefly.

"Your, uh..., date isn't going to beat me up for saying that about you is he?," Jaune asked a little pensive.

"I think you're safe for tonight, so you can relax.," Pyrrha replied.

Jaune rubs the back of his head as he scans the area.

"So... uh.... where is the guy, anyways? He's awfully late.," Jaune asked a bit nervous.

Pyrrha's head sinks low as she sighs before responding to Jaune.

"There is no guy. Afraid I'm here alone tonight.," Pyrrha said in melancholy.

Jaune chuffed at this. That was not possible, she was Pyrrha freaking Nikos! How could anyone not ask her?

"W-What? How?!," Jaune chuffed in bewilderment.

"No one asked me.," Pyrrha said.

He gestured towards her.

"B-But that's- You're The Pyrrha Nikos, how could no one ask you?," Jaune asked dumbfounded.

She looked him for a few moments before turning back towards the balcony.

"I've been blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place.," She said sighing.

She then turned back towards Jaune as she continued.

"Everyone assumes I'm too good for them. That I'm on a level they simply can't attain. It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people. That's what I like about you. When we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else. And thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. I guess, you're the kind of guy I wish I was here with. Someone who just saw me for me.," Pyrrha said sadly as she then began to walk way.

She then heard that same voice.

"You sure about this? You may never get another chance like this again with that boy you like. Do you really want it to end this way?," The voice asked.

Pyrrha sighed in frustration.

"No.. of course I don't but what I said can't be taken back. I don't know what to do.," Pyrrha told the voice.

"I'll tell you what you can do. You can go downstairs and talk to some people while you wait for him to come to you. I guarantee you'll find his answer to be pretty amusing.," The inner voice said.

Pyrrha then nodded, deciding to trust the voice she did as it instructed her to do.

Jaune tried calling after her, but Pyrrha had already turned the corner and vanished.

"Pyrrha, W-Wai-!," He said reaching towards her only for her to be gone already.

Jaune hung his head in disappointment that he couldn't stop Pyrrha. Neptune has appeared on the balcony, gesturing toward Jaune.

"Hey umm... Jaune, right?," The teen asked.

"Yeah, that's me.," Jaune replied.

"This party's pretty lame, huh? I mean, ballroom dancing. Pfft!," Neptune said.

"Yeah.," Jaune responded glumly.

"Cute girls, though, huh?," Neptune said gesturing back towards the dance.

Jaune then looked at him, anger beginning to rise. Was that all this guy cared about?

"Is that all you think about?," Jaune asked growling as he glared at Neptune.

Neptune put up his hands by his waist like he was shrugging.

"Huh?," He asked confused.

"Do you even really care about all the girls you're hitting on? How they feel about you?," Jaune asked angry now.

Neptune threw his hands up defensively to try and avoid a confrontation.

"Whoa man, where's this suddenly coming from?," Neptune asked surprised.

Jaune threw his hands up in frustration as he talked.

"How could you just turn her down like that? Weiss schnee asked you to the dance!," Jaune asked.

"Well.. I, uh..., look man it... just didn't work out, alright?," Neptune replied.

"What? You think that you're too cool, too many other options? Weiss Schnee of all people asked you to the dance. What in the world could possibly keep you from go-," Jaune started to rant before Neptune quickly answered him.

"I can't dance!," Neptune admitted.

"What?," Jaune asked surprised.

"I just.. can't dance, man!," Neptume said.

Jaune couldn't believe his ears, was he actually hearing that right? He had to make sure he'd heard that right.

"You can't dance?," Jaune asked double checking that he heard right.

"Yeah, that's what I said.," Neptune replied.

"But... You're so cool!," Jaune said.

"Thank you. I try really, really hard.," Neptune replied.

"Wait, so you would rather break a girl's heart than admit you can't move in sync with the rhythm of music?," Jaune asked.

"That about sums it up, yeah. I know.. kinda pathetic.," Neptune said.

"Well, I certainly feel better about myself at least., " Jaune admitted.

Neptune raised his hands in worry palm first.

"Please, just... don't tell anybody! Look, if you want Weiss, she's all yours. I don't want to get in your way, Jaune.," Neptune said.

Jaune turns back towards Neptune.

"Be honest Neptune, do you like her?," Jaune asked.

"Well sure. I mean, I don't know her too well yet... but yeah she seems cool.," Neptune replied.

"Then just go talk to her. No pickup lines, no suave moves, just be yourself. I've heard that's the way to go.,"Jaune said crossing his arms.

"Uh... yeah about that-," Neptune said motioning towards the lower level.

Both teens saw Daikon walking up to Weiss.

"Looks like someone found her already and.. it's... uhh... him.," Neptune said sweating.

Jaune inwardly sweatdropped. That.. would be a problem..

"Ah... yeah. I can see your point. Daikon can be... pretty intense, not to mention intimidating when he really wants to be. Hmm... well... what about (scans the room and finds Hailfire sitting by herself.) Hailfire? She looks like she could use someone to talk to.," Jaune said.

Neptune spotted the auburn haired Elf Maiden after following Jaune's line of sight. When he saw her, it almost felt like his breath was taken away for a moment. He hadn't noticed before, but the girl he looked at was really beautiful. Then a question formed in his mind. Where was the guy who was with her earlier? Looking around, he saw he was dancing with another girl.

"Hmm... yeah, think I'll go do that. Thanks Jaune, you're a pretty cool guy, you know.," Neptune said.

He approached Jaune for a fist bump, before the blonde obliged.

"Alright, don't lie to my face.," Jaune said chuckling.

The two of them bump fists and Neptune walks away.

Jaune then sighed, knowing he had to fulfill a promise to a certain redhead.

"Alright then! Now there's only one thing left to do..," Jaune said as he prepared to deliver on his promise to his teammate.

With Weiss...

Weiss is continuing to watch the dancing students while she picks at the White rose in her hand. She then hears footsteps approaching and looks up to see that it is Daikon in front of her. She is somewhat surprised that the saiyan would come to her of all people.

He was decked out a black blazer with a white shirt, a red tie, black pants (with the hole for his tail), a brown belt, and matching black shoes with his neatly combed hair.

"I'm surprised to see you alone, princess.," Daikon said.

Weiss just rolls her eyes, thinking he's here to make fun of her. Surprisingly, he didn't.

"Yes, well I'm much to busy for boys.," Weiss said.

"You can't fool me Schnee, that was a lie.," Daikon said.

Weiss sighed. He was right, she was just fooling herself. She really was looking forward to the dance, but she had no one to dance with.

"What do you want, Daikon?," she asked sighing.

Daikon cleared his throat and extended his hand towards her. Weiss' eyes widened at this, was he actually offering to dance with her?

"Since that fool Neptune isn't here... and.. you seem to really want to dance, I may as well help you out.," Daikon said.

"If you're doing this out of spite or just cuz you feel sorry for me, I'm not-," Weiss said before Daikon interrupted her.

"Look, I'm not very good with words. But I'm here because I felt like doing this... Don't get the wrong idea and doubt my sincerity. Besides...," He said.

Weiss was shocked and reached out hesitantly for his hand, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Daikon...," Weiss said trailing off.

"(Clearing his throat) Ahem! A Princess should never have to dance alone. Wouldn't you agree?," Daikon said.

Weiss sighed and for the first time that night, she smiled.

"That I would agree with, Daikon.," Weiss smiled.

Daikon slightly bowed as he offered his hand with his arm extended towards the heiress.

"May I have the honor of this dance then, princess?," Daikon asked.

"I suppose i can oblige. But, only if you're the one offering, Daikon.," Weiss smiled as she took his hand.

The two then walked towards the crowd of students as they began to dance shortly after.

Back with Odyn and Ruby...

Odyn and Ruby were seen watching the other members of their circle of friends have fun at the Dance while next to Yang and Roy. Flare was giggling as Baron spun her around, Note and Beat smiled at each other as they danced with each other, and Khanna was seen dancing with Mercury. That one raised some eyebrows within the group. They knew there was a connection between the two, but they still didn't know the extent of that connection yet.

Weiss is seen smiling and laughing as she dances with Daikon, much to the delight of her friends. Panning further around the room, even the teachers were getting in on the dancing... well two of them anyways. Those two being, Sybryh and Tarro, who were slow waltzing with each other. Penny is seen dancing alone while being guarded by two Atlas soldiers. Yang then spoke up.

"You know what, Rubes?," Yang asked.

"What, Yang?," Ruby asked.

"I think... we really needed this.," The Blonde said.

"Yeah, and you did a fantastic job planning this.," Ruby said.

"I appreciate that Rubes, but it wasn't just me. Weiss helped too.," She said as the teens looked towards the Schnee who seemed to be enjoying herself now.

Yang sighs and chuffs.

"Tomorrow it's back to work though.," Yang said a little disappointed.

There are fits of laughter from the lower level as Ruby replied to her sister.

"I'm sure we can handle whatever is thrown at us.. (noticed the laughter and the cause of it) Well... except for .. that.," Ruby said trying to compose herself.

Odyn and Roy saw the cause of the commotion and almost bust a gut laughing, instead opting to just turn away. They still couldn't help but to silently snicker though.

"Jaune, what the heck?!," Odyn thought inwardly laughing.

"You.. *snorts* didn't have to go that far..," Roy thought snickering.

Baron almost trips upon seeing what Jaune is wearing, much to the concern of Flare who has to cover her mouth to avoid laughing. Khanna and Mercury turn around to see the commotion and are seen giggling how ridiculous Jaune looks. Panning through the teens, Note and Beat are seen snickering, Weiss and and Daikon are trying very hard not to laugh, Roy and Yang are snorting and snickering, and Finally, Odyn and Ruby are seen to be laughing along with the other students at what Jaune walks up to Pyrrha in.

Pyrrha is seen smiling, then giggling, and finally laughing as she composes herself shortly after.

"Jaune?," Pyrrha asked trying not to laugh.

Jaune is shown to now be wearing a white dress with a blue ribbon.

"Eh... I did promise you. And an Arc never breaks his promise.," Jaune said shrugging.

"Jaune! You didn't have to!," Pyrrha said smiling then giggling before finally laughing.

"Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word.," Jaune said before continuing after extending his hand. "Now are you going to just stand there, or do you want to dance?," Jaune asked extending his hand.

Pyrrha takes the offered hand gladly.

"I would love to dance, Jaune.," Pyrrha said.

She's then swept off her feet by Jaune illiciting a cry of surprise from her.

"Oh!," Pyrrha said surprised when she's swept away by Jaune.

Nora then flails excited.

"Ren! This... is ... happening!," She said excitedly.

Ren looks at her confused.

"What is happening?," Ren asks puzzled.

Nora grabs Ren and drags him out onto the dance floor with Pyrrha and Jaune. JNPR performs a short but elaborately choreographed dance, culminating in Jaune spinning Pyrrha.

"I had no idea you were a dancer.," Pyrrha said.

"Yeah, well these things tend to happen when you grow up with 7 sisters.," Jaune said.

Jaune dips Pyrrha and then spins her away.

Weiss and Daikon are seen to be watching the dancers now as they danced themselves.

"So.. what made you come over to me, Daikon?," Weiss asked.

" Believe it or not, it was Jaune actually. He's a fool.. but, an honest fool and someone I can learn some things from. You have some real good friends looking out for you, princess.," Daikon said.

"Oh you and that nickname... but I uh... s-suppose if you're the only one calling me that, I can let it slide.," Weiss said slightly blushing.

"Music to my ears, Princess.," Daikon said smirking.

"Oh you...," Weiss said chuckling.

They then continued to dance as they looked at the other students in their friend group.

Jaune and Pyrrha continue to dance. Ren and Nora do a kind of disco dance, Sun and Blake join the mix and Penny and an Atlas guard are showing doing the "robot".

Khanna and Mercury are still dancing with Emerald nearby as she's seen waltzing with a teen named Giblet.

"It appears all of the dancers have partners now.," Emerald said to cinder.

Giblet raised an eyebrow at this.

"Are you talking to someone?," Giblet asked.

"Hm? Just a friend.," Emerald answered.

"I see.," Giblet said.

Emerald then whispered into the mic of the headset she wore.

"I have to go soon, my partner is getting suspicious.," Emerald said.

"That's fine. I can manage on my own, you have fun Emerald.," Cinder said.

She then continued.

"How long do I have?," Cinder asked on the other end of the earbud.

"You should be home by midnight, just to be on the safe side.," Mercury answered.

Cinder is seen elsewhere holding two fingers to her ear.

"I'll keep an eye on the clock, then.," She said.

Ruby, having made her way to the balcony then notices someone on the rooftops after making her way out if the dance to get some fresh air. She's about to go in pursuit when she hears a familiar voice behind her.

"Is something wrong, Ruby?," The voice revealed to be Odyn asks.

She turns and notices the dark elf.

" Odyn, I uh... I think I saw someone. So I was going to see where they were going really quick.," Ruby said.

"Which way did they go?," He asked.

Ruby pointed in the direction of the Cross Continental Transmit Tower. Odyn nodded.

"I see, let's get going then.," Odyn replied.

"Huh? Y-You're coming with Odyn?," Ruby asked.

He looked at her.

"Well, of course I am. We all know what kind of trouble you can get into when you're on your own. And besides... your sister entrusted me with your care tonight.," Odyn said.

Oh, ok.," Ruby nodded.

She was inwardly happy that Odyn was coming with her, that meant she could spend a little more time with him. Both then moved to pursue as the chased down the mysterious person on the rooftops.

With Yang and Roy...

The blonde and the Red haired Elf are just watching the others silently. Roy then clears his throat as he speaks up.

"Ahem!," Roy said clearing his throat.

Yang looked at him as he extended his hand towards her. He turned his head away as a light tinge of pink adorned his face in embarrassment.

"Anyways Yang, I know it's... a little late but... may I have the honor of this dance?," Roy asked.

Yang smiled at him and took his hand.

"You know, for a prince you're surprisingly down to earth... I would be delighted for a dance, handsome~," Yang said.

The two then made their way to the dance floor. As they positioned themselves and started to dance Yang looked at Roy and noticed something, he'd gotten taller! Had he always been taller than her? Or did she just not notice? Of course it had been almost a year since she first met Roy, so naturally he would get taller.

"Is it just me, or have you gotten taller?," Yang asked.

"Hm, really? Strange.. I don't feel any taller.," Roy replied.

The two continued to dance with each other, Yang smiling at the red-haired dark elf as they did. She was glad she asked Roy to the dance. He was a very handsome young Elven man that she was sure eventually, all of the girls would be going crazy for. The blonde was simply one step ahead of them before he really matured physically, once he did, she doubted he could keep female attention off of him for very long. She'd had a hard enough time getting him on his own to ask him due to the constant crowd of girls following him, not that the boy noticed. This was partly due to them being too shy to go ask him before Yang did.

Off to the side, Baron and Flare were seen to be slow waltzing with each other. While Baron was calm, Flare was a blushing and nervous wreck. The reason Flare was blushing like crazy is due to the fact she was dancing with the boy she was developing very strong romantic feelings for. She didn't know him all that well yet, but she was looking forward to spending more time with him whenever possible going forward.

Because of her timid nature, Flare couldn't bring herself to act on her growing romantic feelings towards the dark elf just yet, even if she wanted to. Baron, meanwhile, didn't know all that much about Flare. He was willing to get to know her though. From what he could tell, Flare was a very kind and sweet faunus girl once you got to know her. The Elf could tell she genuinely cared for other people and went out of her way to help them at the first sign of trouble. Of course, she wasn't an idiot either. Flare could tell when someone had evil or not so great intentions and actively tried to avoid individuals like that. What he most appreciated about her was that she recognized the Elves as people and those people were being mistreated and persecuted just because they were different from humans.

Baron looked at her as they danced.

"B-Baron san?," Flare asked blushing.

"Is there something wrong, Flare?," Baron asked.

She stiffened and answered, still red in the face.

"W-Well uhh... u-um.. Y-You keep staring at me. I-I d-don't look weird or anything, do I?," Flare asked stammering.

Baron shook his head.

"No, you don't look weird. If anything, I couldn't keep my eyes off of you. You're really beautiful in that dress, Flare. I mean it. I'm not sure how I should act around such a beautiful girl like you, so I wasn't sure what I should say.," Baron said slightly blushing.

Flare's eyes widened and she blushed at the elf's words to her.

"B-Beautiful? M-me? I'm uh... n-not that pretty.," Flare said surprised.

"What are talking about, Flare? Of course you are. In my opinion... (looks around before focusing back onto Flare)you're the prettiest girl here, Flare. And I don't mean that lightly.,"Baron said.

Flare offered him a small smile as she felt her tail start to wag behind her. She was a little too embarrassed to say much , so she silently nodded at him as they continued to dance.

Meanwhile...

Outside the Cross Continental Transmit System Tower, Cinder (dressed as a cat burglar), stealthily approaches an armed guard. She flattens her hand and knife hands the back of the guard's head, knockingbhim unconscious. She drags him behind some bushes and enters the building.

Inside the building, Cinder approaches more guards.

"Excuse me, no one's allowed in this area. ," the first soldier said.

Cinder just kept approaching, despite the soldiers warning.

"Stop!," the soldier said.

The soldier opens fire when Cinder does not heed him. She charges in and manages to overpower him, punching the soldier then grabbing his arm. Cinder kicks another soldier and uses the first one's gun to take him out. She then kicks the soldier's knee and throws him against a handrail. Two more soldiers rush her wielding batons. Cinder flash-forges a pair of black blades from fire Dust and slashes at both of them. Batting the first aside, she advances on the second and strikes him before sweeping both legs out from underneath him. The first soldier recovers, but she blocks each swing with her blades. After blocking a kick she elbows, then shoves him to the floor. As he tries to get back up she flips over to kick him in the head, checking for more guards before moving on.

Two guards are shown to be on an elevator.

"Hey man, you know the Wi-Fi password?," Guard 1 asked.

"It's Beacon, but replace the E with a 3 and add a pound symbol to the end.," Guard 2 told him.

The elevator door opens to show Cinder waiting. One of the guards notices the fallen men outside. Both guards grow apprehensive as Cinder casually walks onto the elevator, the doors closing as she turns around. Thrashing sounds can be heard from outside the elevator.

With Odyn and Ruby...

Both Odyn and Ruby approach from outside and see the unconscious guards. The Dark Elf scowled briefly, he knew that whoever this thief was.. they'd have to fight them.

"Whoever this thief is... it's obvious they're quite skilled. I could take them pretty easily, but... I'm here to help Ruby. We'll have to be careful how we approach this.," Odyn inwardly mused to himself.

Ruby dials on her scroll to call her weapon, after which, she gasps when seeing the unconscious guards. The girl moves forward only to be stopped by Odyn. Confused as to why her friend would stop her, Ruby gave him a look calling for an explanation.

"Odyn?," Ruby asked confused as to why he stopped her.

"We need to be careful about this. Whoever did this to the guards is pretty skilled and most likely we'll have to fight them when we get inside.," Odyn said.

Ruby nodded. Odyn had a point there, they couldn't ever be too careful. After agreeing to be careful if they came across the thief, both Odyn and Ruby made their way inside the building to chase down the thief.

Back with Cinder...

Inside the building, the elevator doors open to show Cinder examining a Scroll. The two guards are knocked out.

"Hm? Oh! That could be handy!," Cinder said as she picked up a scroll before puttingbut into her pocket.

She pockets the Scroll and walks out of the elevator and toward the control consoles nearby. She hears a voice in her earbud, it's revealed to be Emerald.

"A party guest seems to be leaving.," Emerald said.

"Which one is leaving?," Cinder asked sighing.

Emerald is shown to be dancing with Mercury as they've temporarily switched partners. Khanna is seen briefly dancing with Giblet, as Emerald dances with the silver haired teen.

"It's Ironwood.," Emerald said.

Ironwood is shown to be walking out the door as Ozpin gives his send-off.

"Guess the General's had his fun for the night.," Mercury added.

A Random code appearing on a computer screen is shown to change into a Queen chess piece.

"Do we need to intervene?," Mercury asked.

The other monitors in the once darkened room, light up.

Cinder shook her head as she responded to her two colleagues.

"No... we're done here. They won't know what hit them until after we're gone anyways.," Cinder said shaking her head.

Cinder starts walking away when she notices the elevator doors open. Ruby is seen to be stepping out of the elevator, nervously brandishing her weapon. Odyn meanwhile is very calm as he exits the elevator behind her.

"Hello?," Ruby calls out as she stumbles die to her high heeled shoes.

Luckily Odyn catches her before setting her back on her feet.

"Is anyone here?," Ruby called out again.

"Ruby, relax. You're way too tense.," Odyn said.

"Oh, r-right!," Ruby said as she calmed herself upon feeling Odyn's hand on her shoulder.

Cinder smirks confidently then rises from her hiding place and steps out toward Ruby.

"Excuse me? You know, it's not a masquerade party, so why don't you take off that-!," Ruby said but is interrupted.

"Ruby, look out!," Odyn said warning her.

Cinder produces a container of dust from her belt expelling a cloud that glows. Condensing into glass shards that go flying at Ruby. The dark elf acts quickly and shields Ruby with a barrier of light magic. Cinder clicks her tongue at the this and then charges towards the girl, only to have her dust dagger blocked by Odyn's sword that he unsheathed from his back. Cinder is seen struggling against Odyn's superior physical strength before she jumps back again to distance herself.

Ruby jumps forward with her scythe as A battle ensues, the girl defending herself while she opens fire at Cinder. Cinder blocks each shot with her hand as parts of the outfit glow. She once again summons a pair of blades, Ruby launches herself forward but Cinder dodges. Just as Cinder is about to attack again, Odyn comes barreling in with a heavy swing of his sword. He barely manages to miss Cinder as the blade impacts the floor, creating a small crater in it. Cinder once again, summons a pair of fire dust blades as she runs towards Ruby. Ruby launches herself forward but Cinder dodges. Her eyes and outfit glowing again as she combines the blades into a bow and fires three arrows.

Before the arrows could hit, Odyn quickly snaps his fingers as a trio of daggers made of light intercept the arrows. This results in a few small explosions, the gusts of wind causing Ruby to stumble back. Cinder clicks her tongue again before she has to dodge and weave out of the way of Odyn's fists. Each of his blows narrowly missing her face or some other part of her body, she did feel the wind from the blows as she hopped back before glaring at the two teens.

"Tch, this is getting annoying! I wasn't expecting there to be another one with the girl... and.. he's strong too.," Cinder inwardly complained.

Their fight is interrupted as the elevator door opened revealing Ironwood. Odyn chases after the thief and narrowly missed hitting her as his foot impacts where she once stood. He clicked his tongue, annoyed that he let her escape.

While both teens were glad to see Ironwood, they noticed Cinder had very strangely disappeared.

In a hallway, Cinder discards two bracelets and her mask to change from her stealth suit into a black dress and enters the dance. Two guards following her crush the bracelets underfoot and are visibly confused at the sight of the crowded dance hall. The screen pans over various people including Neptune dancing and having a good time as they walk back out.

Khanna and Mercury are seen to be dancing together again as Cinder taps her shoulder, causing the elf to look over.

"Oh, do you mind if I cut in?," Cinder asked.

Khanna said nothing, she just stepped aside as she eyed Cinder. Mercury looked over to Khanna, she smiled at him.

"Don't worry about me. I'll just go and get us some drinks, alright?," Khanna said.

"Uh.. s-sure.," Mercury said.

"Is there a problem?,"Cinder asked.

"No. You just look similar to someone I really don't like being around my friend. Make sure to save him for when I get back, okay?," Khanna said.

Cinder nodded.

"Certainly. I wouldn't want to cut in on your date. I'd rather not be reduced to a third wheel.," Cinder replied as Khanna walked away.

"See that you don't.," Khanna added as she walked off temporarily.

Cinder looked back to Mercury.

"Is that pretty thing your girlfriend, Mercury?," Cinder asked.

"I.. don't know. She's very pretty though.," Mercury said.

"I see.... Do you you like her?," Cinder asked.

"I'm... not sure. I guess.. it would be hard to say that I don't enjoy the time I spend with Khanna... and.. she's uhh...," Mercury trailed off trying to find the right words.

"No need to explain Mercury. That elf friend of yours is very beautiful young lady, I can see why you're fond of her.," Cinder said.

"Anyways, how was your evening?," Mercury said switching back to the main topic of their presence at Beacon.

"Mmm... a bit more eventful than I anticipated.," Cinder said.

"Should... we be worried?," Mercury asked.

"Hardly... They'll be scratching their heads long after we finished what we came here for.," Cinder replied.

"Most of them anyways.," Mercury added.

Cinder raised an eyebrow at this.

"What do you mean by that?," Cinder asked curious.

"Well... It's not just Khanna, but the other Elves who are with her normally too... they pick up on things other people tend to not notice right away. And they plan even two and three steps ahead to anticipate what their enemy will do. All of the Elven students are sharper than we've given them credit for. If we're not careful, they could be on to what we're here for.," Mercury explained.

"I see.. I guess we'll have to be strategic about what moves we make if these Elves are as sharp as you're telling me they are.," Cinder replied in thought.

"What now?," Mercury asked.

"Enjoy the rest of the night, of course. After all, it is a party.,"Cinder said.

Cinder then noticed Khanna coming back towards them and she smiled.

"Speaking of.. why don't you enjoy the rest of the night with your girlfriend over there, she is waiting for you.," Cinder said as they finally stopped dancing.

Mercury was confused at first before Cinder gently shoved him towards Khanna.

"Thanks for letting me borrow him for a bit, he's all yours now.," Cinder said as she walked off.

Mercury then looked at Khanna, he felt like he was caught in a daze when he saw her outfit. Khanna had let her hair down so it flowed down just past her shoulders, it sparkled with her makeup. She wore an ocean blue dress, with matching shoes, a brown necklace, and jade colored earrings. She stared at the boy, confused by his behavior towards her. She snapped him out of his daze by waving her hand in front of his face.

"Hellooo? Merc?," She asked waving her hand in front of his face.

Mercury shook his head as he snapped out of the daze he was in.

"Huh? Oh,sorry K-Khanna.," Mercury said blushing.

Khanna raised a puzzled eyebrow at this.

"Are you feeling okay, Merc?," She asked.

Mercury nodded his head.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. You just looked... uh... r-really B-Beautiful in the dress you have on. It.. uh.. caught me by surprise.," Mercury said.

Khanna smiled at him as a small tint of pink adorned her cheeks at the compliment.

"T-Thanks I suppose. You look really handsome yourself.," Khanna said as the two teens temporarily looked away from each other due to their red faces.

"C-Come on then. Wouldn't want to miss out on the dancing, would we?," Khanna said still blushing.

Mercury then offered his hand to the dark elven maiden.

"Well then... uh... Could I have the honor of this dance with you?," Mercury asked.

Khanna smiled at him and gladly accepted his hand.

"I would be glad to, merc.," Khanna replied to him.

From a distance both Emerald and Cinder watched as they had found new dance partners.

"Could.... Mercury be regaining his memory? Nah, that's impossible. We sealed it away, so he'd never be able to access it again...," Emerald thought.

"But... if he is, then.... What are you going to do Mercury?," Emerald mused as she thought on the possibility of Mercury regaining his memories.

"I'll... have to be careful with these elves... they're no fools. In fact I think they've already begun to suspect we're planning something.," Cinder inwardly thought.

With Odyn and Ruby...

The two teens exit the CCT and are walking back to the dance. The dark elf could tell that Ruby was upset they didn't catch the thief, so he ruffled her hair slightly to cheer her up. Ruby looked up at him, the dark elf she was developing feelings for, was trying to cheer her up.

"Hey, cheer up Ruby, we'll catch her next time.," Odyn said.

"But what if she gets away again?," Ruby asked frustrated.

"Then we'll deal with it when we get to that point.," Odyn replied.

Ruby sighed, she knew Odyn was right about this. It just frustrated her that she kept letting the villains get away when she had the chance to catch them.

"Yeah... You're right as usual, Odyn.," Ruby said smiling at him.

It was silent the next couple of moments as they made their way back towards the dance.

5 minutes later....

Odyn and Ruby both arrive back at the Dance as the party seemed to still be in full swing. The dark elf noticed that Ruby was watching her friends as they danced. Ranging from Blake and Sun dancing to Weiss dancing with Daikon, brief flashes of her friends were shown to be enjoying themselves.

Without her noticing, Odyn walked around, so he was now in front of Ruby. He then extended his hand as all of the dancing students watched the interaction.

"I know it's a little late, given everything that's happened tonight but... may I have the honor of one last dance with you Ruby?," Odyn asked the girl.

Ruby was now blushing at this with steam rising off of her head. She didn't know why, but suddenly, she felt really nervous. At the same time though, she felt like she could trust odyn. He'd never let her down before and was always there for her since day 1 at Beacon.

"Odyn...," Ruby said softly and offering a small smile towards him in return.

She then continued, her heart pounding rapidly like a drum in her chest.

"I-I'd b-be gl-glad to dance with you. You know what my answer would have been without even asking me.," Ruby said blushing.

Odyn smiled at her knowingly.

"I'm aware, but I still like hearing you say it little Rose.," Odyn said as he took her hand upon guiding her to the dance floor.

A loud chorus of "Awww's" was heard as the two teens began to dance with each other. Upon noticing the attention they received, steam began rising from Ruby's head and she was seen with a very noticeable blush on her face.

Everyone stopped and cooed at Odyn and Ruby. Simply put, the students there thought they were the most adorable pair they'd seen. The silver eyed girl was becoming more and more embarrassed at everyone staring at her and odyn (odin) as they slow waltzed. She looked up at the elf, who seemed calm.

"Hey, O-Odyn?," Ruby asked still blushing.

Ruby had her left hand on Odyn's shoulder, while her right hand was held and intertwined with the dark elf's own. Odyn had his left hand on Ruby's back, while his right hand was intertwined with Ruby's fingers. He looked down at the girl and smiled, further accelerating Ruby's heartbeat inside her chest.

"Yes, what is it Ruby?," Odyn asked as he smiled.

Ruby looked down briefly in embarrassment before she spoke again, though one could tell she was too embarrassed to look him in the eyes.

"T-There's something... I've wanted to tell you for a long while now.. uhh... really since we first met.," Ruby said stammering.

"Oh? Do tell then. I'm curious what this thing is you've wanted to tell me.," Odyn replied.

Ruby steeled her nerves and then spoke.

"W-Well uh... ever since I first met you... I've gained a new perspective on people.. and started thinking about my own life up until this point. Every time I was down on myself or felt like giving up, you were always there to support me... to admonish and encourage me not to quit. And... I've come to realize something.. I am truly fortunate to have met you, odyn. I'm grateful for a best friend who I can turn to whenever I'm overwhelmed and need a pep talk.

You're one of my best friends, Odyn. B-But I've also began to wonder about something, really think about what out friendship means...," Ruby said.

" And what is that something you've been thinking about, Ruby?," Odyn asked.

"W-Well I uh.. er... I mean... s-sometimes I just wonder if we couldn't be something more than just close friends...," Ruby said.

"Ruby... do you mean like... "that" more?," Odyn asked.

Ruby nodded.

"Y-yeah...," Ruby said blushing.

"I.. appreciate you telling me that, Ruby.,"Odyn said.

"N-No Odyn, you misunderstand. I uh... what I want to say is...," Ruby said stammering and slightly panicked.

"What is it you want to say, Ruby? I'm listening.," Odyn replied.

Ruby is blushing an even deeper shade of Red as she hears her heartbeat increase knowing what she was going to say. If she didn't tell him now, Ruby knew she'd regret not telling Odyn how she really felt about him.

"I-I l-like you, Odyn. And... I like you as more than just my best friend, you.. mean alot to me.," Ruby said red in the face.

Odyn's eyes slightly widened as he heard the girl's words.

"Ruby... I... uh... wow. Kinda... don't know what to say to that. I really care about you too, but um... is it okay if I can't give you an answer right now? I'll.. need time to really think about this.," Odyn replied.

Ruby smiled at him.

"Of course that's okay, O-Odyn... T-Take as much time as you need to, just know I'll be waiting. I'll wait for as long as you need me to until you come up with an answer.," Ruby said smiling.

Odyn nodded and the two continued to dance along with the other students as well. The camera then pans out away from the party, showing what other members of the three teams were up to. Jaune and Pyrrha were at a table laughing, Mercury and Khanna were seen by the punch bowl, Flare and Baron were seen talking to Weiss and Daikon, Note and Beat were laughing with other students at some jokes, Yang and Roy were dancing still, Hailfire was with Neptune as they continued to talk, and Sun was seen to be still waltzing with Blake.

As the camera fades out from the school, one last shot inside of a building with computers then shows an image of a black queen chess piece. The scene then fades to black.

Later....

After the dance concludes for the night, all of the students then head back towards their dorms. The girls had agreed to meet up first thing in the morning to discuss the surprise development between Ruby and Odyn at the Beacon Dance.

Odyn and Ruby are the last ones seen in the hallway as they say their farewells.

"I had fun tonight.. th-thanks for accepting my invitation, O-Odyn...," Ruby said blushing.

"Y-Yeah... no problem. Anyways... I'll take some time to think about... "that" before I give you an answer. I do hope that's okay?," Odyn responded.

"Sure. It's fine by me.," Ruby said.

Ruby smiled at him before continuing.

"Just know that I'll support whatever decision you make, Odyn. If.. you decide that you don't want this, I'll respect your choice. It'll hurt, but I'll support you if that's your decision. Or... if you come to the decision that you do want to be more than just best friends, I'll support your choice then too.,"Ruby said.

Odyn sighed as he smiled at her.

"Ruby.. you know I really don't like seeing you with such a forlorn and worried look on your face. You've just... given me alot to consider and think about. I promise that you'll have a proper answer in a few days.,"Odyn said.

Ruby smiled at him. She appreciated that about Odyn. He was willing to be straight to the point with her, while not hurting her feelings.

"Thanks, Odyn.," Ruby said.

He smiled at her again, turning towards his team's dorm room.

"Goodnight, Ruby.," He said.

Ruby waved him over before they parted for the night.

"Wait, Odyn! I uhh... forgot to give you something.," Ruby said blushing still.

Odyn turned and walked over to her.

"What is it, Ruby?," He asked.

Ruby nervously fidgeted as she handed him a necklace with compartment for a photo.

"Thank you, Ruby. I will treasure this.," Odyn said.

Ruby fidgeted again as she moved towards him. With her heart pounding and a furious blush on her face, Ruby stood to her tiptoes as she wrapped her arms around the elf's neck.

"Also...," Ruby trailed off as she inched closer to his face.

Ruby then closed her eyes as she gave Odyn a kiss on the cheek, surprising the dark elf teen and thise who secretly watched them. She then pulled away from him as she spoke up again.

"I-I wanted to thank you, for helping me all this time. A-and I uh... f-figured this was the best way to do that.," She confessed nervously.

Odyn said nothing, he was honestly stunned Ruby would do something like she did just now.

"U-um.. well g-goodnight, O-Odyn.," Ruby said as she waved to him before turning the knob to her door and stepping inside of her room.

"Uh.. y-yeah... goodnight.," Odyn said still holding his cheek in shock.

He also then, turned in for the night. Turning the knob to his dorm room, the elf entered and closed the door afterwards.

Inside of her dorm room, Ruby slid down her door while covering her face with her hands as steam rose from her head.

"I can't believe I just did that to Odyn, I'm so embarrassed! What have I done?!," Ruby thought inwardly panicking.

Time skip, the next morning...

A shot from overhead of Beacon Academy is seen, the next day following the Beacon Dance. It then zooms in and cuts to inside of Ozpin's office where James Ironwood, Glynda, and Ozpin are discussing some things.

"They were here... Ozpin, they were here!," Ironwood said raising his voice.

Ironwood angrily slams his fist against Ozpin's desk.

"We're very much aware of that! Thank you, James.," Glynda said annoyed.

"That's Fantastic! You're aware! Tell me Ozpin.. are we going to do something about it, or, should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us?!," James said frustrated.

Before anything else is said, an alert sound plays in the office signaling that someone has arrived on the elevator. The three professors turn and see that Ruby and Odyn have both arrived in the office.

"Come in.,"Ozpin said.

Both teens step forward and enter the room.

"Sorry it took so long. Someone accidentally hit all the buttons on the elevator on the way up here. It wasn't me.," Ruby said.

This earned a snort from Odyn, much to Ruby's annoyance.

"Wasn't you, huh? I guess you just happened to want to know what all of the buttons on the elevator did then, out of curiosity?," Odyn replied.

Ruby pouted at this.

"Odyn, you're supposed to be on my side here!," Ruby said cutely pouting.

"Sorry Ruby, not even I can defend you on that one.," Odyn replied.

The three professors chuckled at the interaction between the two teens, it was pretty obvious the two of them had grown quite close.

"Thank you for coming, Ruby, and the same to you as well, Odyn.," Ozpin said.

Ozpin spoke up again.

"How are you feeling?," He asked.

"Fine, I guess. I'd feel alot better though if my bad guy catching record wasn't 0 for 3.," Ruby said.

Everyone stares silently while Odyn just slaps his forehead with his palm.

"🤦‍♂️," Odyn groaned at the poor choice in words from Ruby.

"Okay, so that's the tone we're going for. Got it.," Ruby said.

"Yeah... maybe you should've used a better choice in how you worded that. Of course they'd give you a look like that.," Odyn whispered to Ruby.

"😅 oh... yeah, guess I should have said that differently.," Ruby whispered back as she sweatdropped nervously.

Ironwood walks forward, completely ignoring Odyn as he approached the silver eyed girl.

"Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being a Huntress is all about. You recognized a threat. You took action. And you did the very best you could.," Ironwood said.

"Thanks Sir, but aren't you forgetting someone?," Ruby replied.

"I am?," He asked confused.

"Yes, you are. You completely ignored Odyn! If it wasn't for him protecting me from that masked woman, I might not even be here right now. He deserves just as much credit as I do for this!," Ruby said a little bothered by Ironwood's actions.

Ironwood then turned to the teen and realized Ruby was right. He quickly bowed his head in apology.

"Ah, yes and you as well Odyn. You'll have to forgive me for failing to acknowledge you and your efforts, Albanar. Please know that was never my intention to do so.," Ironwood said realizing his mistake.

"There's no need to be so cross with yourself, General. It was an honest mistake. And frankly, I don't blame you since that's how my kind are treated by a majority of humans. All I did was simply assist Ruby in her efforts, she did most of the work.," Odyn replied.

"Odyn, you mustn't say that! If it wasn't for you protecting me from that masked woman... I don't know whether I'd be here or not right now! Please... don't say things like that about yourself!," She said upset.

Odyn looked at Ruby before wiping her tears from her eyes. His eyes softening as he looked at Ruby.

"I'm sorry Ruby, you'll never hear me talk that way about myself or my people ever again. Thank you.," Odyn replied.

"Y-You're welcome, O-Odyn.," Ruby replied.

Ozpin cleared his throat, gaining the attention of both teens.

"Now, the general here has already informed us of the events that... transpired last night, but now that you've rested, we were wondering if either of you had anything to add.," Ozpin said.

"Say for example... was anyone with her? Or did she look familiar to either if you at all?," Glynda added.

" I... I don't know. She was wearing a mask, and she never said anything to me. But I know she fought with glass. I don't think that was her Semblance, though. Her clothing lit up whenever she attacked.," Ruby replied.

Glynda adopted a thoughtful position. The way this woman fought.. it was almost as if...

"Save for the glass.. that sounds nearly identical to the woman I fought when we met Ruby for the first time.," Glynda said in thought.

"Embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique. It could have been anyone.,"Ironwood reasoned.

"Wait, are you saying this girl is connected to the White Fang?," Ruby asked.

"It's very possible that's the case. However, we still lack the the required evidence to link the two parties together at this point.," Ozpin replied.

"Actually Headmaster... I think I may know something about that.,"Odyn replied.

"Oh? You do? Well then, let us hear it. "Ozpin asked.

Odyn nodded as he continued his explanation.

"I overheard her saying something along the lines of a hideout in the Southeast somewhere. Just outside of Vale.," Odyn said.

"Interesting.,"Odyn said in thought.

Glynda was confused, as evidenced by her response.

"I thought you said the intruder never-," Glynda started to ask but was cut off by Ozpin.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby, and you too Odyn. Why don't you two spend some time with your teams? You both have a big day ahead of you.," Ozpin said.

"Anytime, professor.," Ruby said as she walked towards the elevator.

"Oh and miss Rose?," Ozpin called.

"Yes?," Ruby asked.

"Do try and be discreet about this matter, alright?," Ozpin replied.

"Yes sir!," Ruby said nodding her head as she continued towards the elevator.

She noticed Odyn wasn't following her and looked towards him confused.

"Odyn?," She asked puzzled.

"You.. go on ahead, Ruby. I get the feeling the Headmaster wants to speak to me about something. I won't be long.," Odyn said.

Ruby sighed, but then smiled at him in understanding.

"Well.. alright, just don't keep me waiting too long okay?," Ruby replied.

"Promise.," Odyn said.

The silver eyed girl then turned and left the office, taking the elevator down after the doors closed. The dark elf then turned towards the trio of teachers.

"Tell me, Headmaster... you wanted to speak to me about something?," Odyn asked.

"Yes I did. I'm glad to see your quick on the uptake, of course I should expect nothing less considering your lineage.," Ozpin said.

Ironwood raised an eyebrow at this in confusion.

"Ozpin, what do you mean by that?," Ironwood asked.

"Hmm.. I suppose the time has come to tell you both, James, Glynda.," Ozpin said.

"Tell us? Tell us what?," Glynda asked.

"This young man before us is the eldest son of the High King and Queen of the Dark Elves. In other words...," Ozpin said.

"He's Elven royalty?!," Glynda asked surprised.

"I.. see. Well then perhaps I should-," Ironwood began before Odyn stopped him.

"General, please don't. It would feel awkward if you treated me differently now.," Odyn said.

Glynda cleared her throat.

"I.. I see... so mister Odyn's name carries that much weight to it.," Glynda said in realization.

She then recomposed herself and answered the teen's question.

"Actually Odyn... We were hoping Yourself and your team could take on a new mission for us. If you don't mind.," Ozpin said.

"Certainly. But why us?," Odyn asked.

Glynda spoke this time.

"It is because of your familiarity with team Rwby that it has to be your team. As you know Ruby and her team have a tendency to get into some... rather troublesome and less than desirable situations.," Glynda said.

Odyn said nothing, he simply listened.

"We would like you and your team to accompany team Rwby on their next mission.," Ozpin said.

"So... you want us to babysit them?," Odyn asked.

"Think of this as less of babysitting them and more of an opportunity to truly help your friends this time.,"Ozpin suggested.

Odyn thought about it for a few moments, then responded.

"If you put it that way... then.. I suppose we could accept it.," Odyn said.

"Wonderful! We thank you for your time, Odyn. Be sure to let your teammates know of this.," Ozpin said.

"I'll be sure to do that, sir.," Odyn replied .

"However you go about doing so is up to you, just make sure team Rwby isn't aware of your involvement with their mission. At least, until it's time for them to know anyway.," Ozpin said.

Odyn nodded and then walked towards the elevator before taking it down and out of the office.

A few minutes later...

Ruby was seen waiting patiently by the elevator doors when she heard them open, signaling Odyn's arrival. She then walked over to his side as they started to make their way towards the dorms.

"Sorry about that Ruby, did you wait long?," Odyn asked in apology.

"Hee Hee! No, I didn't. I've only been waiting for a few minutes, Odyn.," Ruby replied.

"Okay, good.," Odyn said relieved.

They walked in silence for a few moments before Ruby spoke up again, her hands behind her back.

"So... what did you talk about?," Ruby asked.

"Oh, that. The Headmaster just wanted to discuss something with me privately is all, nothing major.," Odyn replied.

Ruby looked to him with a little bit of a worried expression on her face.

"You're... not in trouble, are you Odyn?," Ruby asked concerned.

The dark elf chuckled and then smiled at the girl.

"No, Ruby. He just wanted to talk to me about something.," Odyn replied.

"I see. That's good you're not in trouble.," She replied.

She spoke again soon after.

"Can you tell me what you did talk about at least?," Ruby asked.

Odyn chuckled.

"No, Ruby.," He said.

"Not even a little?," She asked.

"Nope," He replied emphasizing his point.

"Pretty please with a cherry on top?," Ruby asked again.

"Ruby, you know I can't do that.," Odyn said.

Ruby then cutely pouted with her cheeks slightly puffed while she looked to the side.

"You're not being fair, Odyn.," She said pouting.

"I'd tell if i could, Ruby, you know that.," Odyn said.

Ruby sighed in reluctance. Odyn did have a valid point, even if she didn't want to admit it.

"Okay, Fine..," Ruby said still slightly sulking.

"I'm just not at liberty to say right now. I'll tell you eventually, just.. later, okay?," Odyn said.

"Alright, if you say so Odyn. I guess i'll have to drop the issue for now.," Ruby replied sighing.

"Also.. Ruby about the other thing..," Odyn said trailing off.

Ruby understood what he meant as both teens began to blush. Odyn walked up to Ruby and hugged her, which surprised the silver eyed girl.

"O-Odyn?," Ruby asked surprised at the sudden gesture.

"Just give me a little longer. I promise I'll have an answer for you soon, alright?," Odyn said.

Ruby returned the dark elf's gesture as she spoke.

"Odyn... like I told you, I'll wait for as long as you need me to. And uh... actually I have something really important to tell you later, if you have time then.," Ruby replied.

"Thanks, Ruby. And yeah... i-I also have something I feel I should tell you later. It's something I've been meaning to tell you for awhile now.," Odyn answered.

The two teens had arrived at their respective dorms. They knew they'd have to say farewell for a bit. They bid each other farewell for time being as Ruby then turned the doorknob to enter her dorm room, while Odyn walked away and likely entered his own team's dorm room.

As soon as she entered, Ruby sighed. But she felt her heart pounding as the heat rushed to her face. She needed a minute. Her three teammates rushed up to her, but saw she stood still.

"Rubes, you okay?," Yang asked.

She nodded.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just... needed a minute to calm down is all.," Ruby replied.

"What happened?," Yang asked.

"Uh well, umm... see it's like this...," Ruby said as she began to explain what happened in Ozpin's office.

Back in Ozpin's office...

"Well there we have it. We send as many troops as we can to the southeast, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any forces that stand in our way.," Ironwood said.

Glynda growled in frustration before Sybyrh, who had stayed silent the whole time decided to speak.

"General, if I may say something...," Sybyrh said.

"Certainly.," Ironwood replied.

"Are you forgetting what I previously mentioned to you? Force won't solve our current predicament. And yet.... you humans seem to heave common sense out of the window! Military bravado will get you nowhere! Not every answer has to be a triumphant show of military muscle or... due have more muscle than actual brains? Tell me if I'm wrong, General.," Sybyrh told him angered.

Tarro sighed and looked to Ironwood with a disappointed look.

"She's not wrong, General. Sybryh has a valid point.," Tarro said.

"James, I know it may hurt your pride but.. I agree with miss Sybyrh on this one. As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this may go beyond Vale. Beyond Beacon. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic.," Ozpin said.

Ironwood grit his teeth in frustration.  He knew the elf in the room was probably right, but why did it have to be this way? They should be aggressive not just wait back and see what the enemy will do! It would be too late then.

" I have served you faithfully for years... but if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses, and wait—!," Ironwood angrily replied until ozpin cut him off.

"It is not! You're a general, James. So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts?," Ozpin asked as he abruptly stood from his chair.

"Consider this, human. If we go with your plan.. what do you think will happen? Two things... One: The enemy will know we're onto them, giving them time to counter our move accordingly. And two: We lose the element of surprise with such a large force, plus it may send the wrong message to the populace here. This is Beacon's problem, Not Atlas's. Understood, Human?," Sybyrh said with a glare.

Ironwood stood up to the elf before promptly being reminded of who this elf was.

"And who do you think you are to talk to me like that, elf?," Ironwood said glaring at her.

Before they could do anything, Sybryh quickly drew her blade so it was mere inches from his neck. This surprised the General as he then looked into her burning eyes and suddenly remembered  that this... was a Dark Elf he was dealing with. And one who was quite skilled in combat.

"Easy there! No need for violence, Arkham.," Tarro said trying to diffuse the tension between them.

"In the future, James.. I wouldn't advise you do that... Sybyrh here is a Vice Commander of the Royal Elven Guard after all.," Ozpin warned with a sigh.

Glynda and Ironwood both widened there eyes at this as the both of them then calmed down so they could continue their discussion calmly.

Back with Ruby...

"That was a risky move.," Weiss said.

"No, I think you handled it as well as you could have.," Blake said.

"I hope so.," Ruby said.

"I guess it was a good thing you were with Odyn, he covered well for you. He may not look it, but he's a pretty smooth negotiator.," Yang said.

"Yeah... he is.," Ruby said feeling her face turn red again.

"Are... you okay, Ruby?," Weiss asked concerned.

Ruby sighed before tightening clenching her hand into a fist over her chest. She had to tell them, there was no avoiding it.

"There's something else you want to tell us, isn't there?," Blake asked.

Ruby nodded.

Yang spoke up, already guessing what it was about.

"This is about Odyn, isn't it Rubes?," Yang asked.

"Y-Yeah... it is.," Ruby said feeling her heartbeat increase.

"What is it about him you want to tell us?," Weiss asked.

Ruby took a deep breath before speaking again.

"I uh... Yang, Weiss, Blake, I-I think... it may be a little difficult for me to be around Odyn going forward.," Ruby said with her face flushed.

"Why is that, Ruby?," Weiss asked.

Blake looked at Ruby and had an idea of what she was going to say to them.

"Ruby, you can correct me if I'm wrong here but.. You're.. You're in love with Odyn, aren't you?," Blake suggested.

Yang and Weiss both had surprised looks on their faces at this and were looking for Ruby to deny it as she normally did. That moment never came though, instead Ruby nodded.

"What, since when?!," Weiss said shocked.

"Y-yeah.. I am.," Ruby answered albeit hesitantly at first.

"Rubes... when did you realize you had feelings for him?," Yang asked.

Ruby sighed.

"I think deep down I.. more or less knew that I liked him in that way. I just.. couldn't accept that in my head though. Well, that was until I went with Odyn to see his parents. Her majesty was the one who helped me realize how I really felt about her son, I'd been denying it up until that point.," Ruby admitted.

"Wait..," Yang started.

"By her majesty, do you mean The Queen?!," Weiss asked in realization.

"Yeah... she even told me that she'd seen me falling in love with Odyn long before I even met him.," Ruby said.

"You mean.. she saw into the future?," Blake asked.

Ruby nodded.

"If you remember what Odyn and the others told us, the Dark Elves have the ability of Foresight. Meaning they can glimpse into a possible future before events leading up to it even occur.," Ruby explained.

"Have you told him yet, Ruby? About how you feel about him?," Weiss asked.

"I did... sorta last night at the Dance.," Ruby said nervously laughing.

"What does sorta mean?," Blake asked.

"I did tell him that I liked him as more than just my best friend, but...," Ruby said trailing off.

"You're not sure if he got the entire meaning if your words.," Weiss said finishing Ruby's thought.

She nodded.

Yang then smiled as she spoke.

"Rubes, you don't have to worry. Considering this is Odyn we're talking about, I'm pretty sure he understood what you meant. Elves are pretty smart from what I've seen.," Yang said.

"Did he say anything to you after that?," Weiss asked.

"W-Well... he said he needed some time before he gave me an answer. And on the way back here from professor Ozpin's office,  he said I'd have my answer soon.," Ruby said.

"I'm willing to bet he feels the same way you do, Rubes.," Yang suggested.

"Then why wouldn't he tell me that?," Ruby asked.

"Mist likely, he doesn't know how others around us would take the news. I think he just wants to hear you say those words you want to tell him yourself. And...," Blake said before Weiss continued her thought.

"Odyn probably wants you to be the first one who knows how He feels about you.,"Weiss said.

"Okay.. but.. how do I go about telling him how I feel?," Ruby asked.

"Don't worry Rubes, that's why we're going to help you.,"Yang said.

The four girls all smiled at each other,  Ruby could finally relax knowing her friends and sister would help her.

"Ooh, I know what else will cheer you up!," Yang said.

Yang produces a cylindrical package the length of her forearm.

"What's that?," Ruby asked.

"I don't know yet. Dad sent it to us. I thought we could open it together!," Yang said she shrugged.

"Ooooh! Something from home!," Ruby said excitedly.

Ruby zooms over to Yang and wraps herself around Yang, trying to take the cylinder from her. The package opens, and another cylinder, hairy and black, falls out onto the floor and starts to shake. The object suddenly transforms into a corgi. Team RWBY leans in, staring at it. Once it unfolds, it was revealed to be a small... dog?

The animal barks twice. While Weiss and Blake continue to react with great shock, Ruby and Yang react excitedly, with Ruby jumping in the air. Ruby, still airborne, is depicted among a changing blue background and four shots of the dog, two full body shots and two headshots. She then poses as she shouts the dog's name.

"Zwei!," Ruby said excited to see her favorite pet from home.

Blake, meanwhile looks a little uncomfortable and confused.

"He sent.. a dog?," Blake asked mildly confused.

"And in the mail no less?," Weiss asked equally as confused.

"Ah, he does stuff like this all the time!," Yang said grinning.

They look around trying to locate Blake who has suddenly disappeared.  The camera pans over to reveal Blake on top of Ruby's bunk bed.

"Your Dad or the dog?," Blake asked from the bunk.

"Are you telling me that this mangy... drooling... mutt is going to wiv wif us foweva? Oh, yes he is, yes he is! Oh, isn't he adorable!," Weiss says now in incomprehensible baby like talk.

"Please keep it away from my belongings.," Blake said.

An announcement then played over the speakers at the school.

"Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater?," Glynda's voice announced over the intercom.

"Well, we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for the week.," Weiss suggested.

Ruby sets Zwei down and he walks over to Blake still on the top bunk, and barks.

"Look, there's a letter!," Yang says as Zwei waddled over so he was now in front of the Blonde.

She continued reading the letter.

"Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days, so I'm sending Zwei to you to take care of. Enclosed is all the food you should need. Love you both, Taiyang."Yang read aloud.

Dozens of cans of dog food spill out of the small package, piling up around Zwei.

Weiss was confused by this, wondering what the small dog was supposed to do with the excess amount of dog food.

"Alright, what is he supposed to do with that?," She asked.

Just then, a can opener drops out and bounces off of the dog's head.

"Welp.. I think that settles it! We need to go, Zwei will be here when we get back.," Yang said.

Weiss then pets Zwei as she leaves her speech deteriorating into baby talk again.

"Oh, I'll miss you so much, we're going to be best friends, I can't wait to see you.," Weiss said as she leaves.

Meanwhile, Blake jumps down from Ruby's bunk and jumps across the table, avoiding Zwei.

Ruby turns towards Zwei with a sneaky smile on her face, but feels like someone is behind her. She turns and it's revealed to be Odyn standing there in the door with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Oh, hi there odyn. Ha ha.," Ruby said laughing nervously.

"And.. what exactly are you planning to do with that bag you have with your dog in it?," He asked.

"Oh.. well uh...," Ruby said trying to find the words to explain.

Odyn turns his back to her before he speaks again.

"I'll cover for you this time, Ruby. Just.. don't expect me to be able to save you if your dog comes out of the bag, okay?," Odyn said.

"Right!," Ruby said.

"You'd better catch up to your team then. I'll see you in the amphitheater in a bit.," Odyn said.

Ruby then ran past him carefully with the bag on her back, the dark elf sighing and chuckling as he and his teammates followed.

Amphitheater...

Ruby is wearing a large backpack as she enters the auditorium with other students. She then puts it down next to other students luggage before rejoining her team, who are standing in front of Team JNPR, OHRF, and KDBNB.

"Quiet! Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin.," Glynda announced as the students finally quieted down to listen.

"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.," Ozpin said before walking off of the stage.

Ozpin steps away as the students all begin to file out of the amphitheater.

OHRF are seen talking to KDBNB while Ruby and her team plan for which mission to take.

"This is perfect! All we have to do is shadow a Huntsman working in the southeast!," Ruby said excited.

"Yeah! We'll follow them around all day and then at night, we give them the slip!," Yang added.

"Hmm.. perhaps we should check the one called "search and destroy" then?," Weiss suggested.

"I don't see why not.," Blake said.

Team RWBY approaches a hologram screen.

"Which one do you think they'll take?," Roy asked as team OHRF watched from a distance.

"If I had to guess, Lord Roy... I'd say whichever one has to do with Grimm.," Hailfire said.

"I'd say that's an accurate guess. And you're probably right, Hail. " Odyn said.

Flare just nodded in agreement as they watched what the girls did next.

"Here we go! Quadrant 5 needs Grimm cleared out!," Ruby said pointing to a mission.

"Well, it's in the Southeast! Exactly where we want to go.," Blake said.

"Sounds perfect to me!," Yang said in agreement.

Ruby selects it and types in her team name. However, the screen says that first years are not allowed to take this mission.

"Oh wonderful!," Weiss said annoyed.

"Any other ideas?," Blake asked.

"Well... we could mail ourselves there!," Ruby suggested.

"That's certainly one option.," Ozpin said chuckling as he suddenly appeared behind them.

Team Rwby slightly flinch in surprise,  how does he keep doing that?!

"Unfortunately, we determined that the concentration of Grimm was too extreme for first-year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaking suspicion that you four will make your way there no matter which job you choose.," Ozpin said in explanation.

Weiss, Blake, and Yang glare at Ruby, who nervously rubs her head.

"😅 what makes you say that?," She replied nervously laughing.

"I'm still curious how you all found yourself at the docks last semester. I'm interested to know how you really learned about a hideout in the southeast. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and rose petals in a dance club some time ago.," Ozpin ranted.

"Uh.. well...,"Ruby said before Ozpin continued.

"I doubt I'll ever find the exact answers I'm looking for. So how about this: instead of waiting for you all to break the rules, why don't we just bend them?," Ozpin suggested.

Ozpin selects some things on his scroll, and the hologram screen makes a noise.

"🤦‍♂️ Of course he'd do that!," Odyn thought inwardly slapping his head with his palm.

"Thank you professor, we won't let you down!," Ruby replied.

"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. Also... Miss Rose...," Ozpin said.

"Yes?," Ruby asked.

"I've arranged for your team to have some bodyguards with you on this mission.,"Ozpin told her.

"Um... bodyguards, sir?,"Ruby asked puzzled.

"I know you girls can defend yourselves all by your lonesome. However... you can never be too careful these days with the amount of Grimm outside the kingdom. They'll be there too assist you in case things get too dangerous, and.. they're people you girls know quite well in fact.," Ozpin said.

"Thanks for the heads up professor., "Ruby said as she went to catch up with her team.

Odyn and the others walked out and past Ozpin, who knew they were there watching team Rwby.

"From this point, it's in your hands. I have done my best to cover up your involvement with their mission,thus far. Now it is completely up to you.," Ozpin said.

"Understood, Headmaster.  We'll keep an eye on them.," Odyn said as he and his team silently followed team Rwby.

Ozpin turned as he whispered under his breath for their success.

"Good luck to you four.," He said quietly as he watched the teens walk off.

Elsewhere... Beacon Docks...

Team RWBY have left the auditorium and are on their way to the airship that will take them to Quadrant 5.

"That... wasn't exactly what I had in mind for uplifting before a mission.," Yang said.

"It may not have been what we wanted to hear, but it's the truth.," Blake said.

"It's gonna to be tough, but I know we can do it!," Ruby said encouraging her teammates.

A student runs past the team.

"Hey look! It's team CVFY,they're back!," a random student said.

Beacon students gather around to witness the return of Team CFVY. Blake goes up to Velvet to see if she's okay.

"Velvet? Are you okay?," Blake asked in concern.

The rabbit faunus offered Blake a small, but tired smile.

"I'm alright. I had Yatsuhashi to watch my back.," Velvet answered.

"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago! What happened?," Weiss asked worried.

Velvet spoke,but when she did.. it sounded as if she was physically drained.

"Nothing happened. It was just ... there were just so many...," Velvet said tiredly.

She then notices team Rwby's worried expressions.

"Oh, but you don't need to worry too much. You're only first years so you're just shadowing a Huntsman. You should be alright,  since that's pretty much all you're doing.," Velvet continued.

" Right.," Yang said.

"I should go now, you all be careful.," Velvet said as she walked off to rejoin her team.

Not to be deterred by this, Ruby gained a rather determined look as she encouraged her teammates.

"We can do this. We've never backed down before, and we're not going to start now.," Ruby said with a determined look on her face.

"Right.," Blake said as the others nodded.

"It won't be just us out there! We'll be fighting alongside a genuine Huntsman after all!," Ruby said positively.

"Yeah!," Yang agreed.

Timeskip: Beacon Docks

The scene then transitions to the docks where team Rwby is standing with varying degrees of stunned expressions, after having discovered who they're shadowing. It was none other than Professor Oobleck.

"Why, Hello Girls! Who's ready to fight for their lives?," Oobleck asked.

Weiss felt her eyebrow twitching as the girls processed the reality they were faced with.

"You.. can't be serious...," Weiss said perturbed.

"This has to be a joke..," Yang thought.

"Why him of all people?," Blake thought.

Oobleck raised an eyebrow in confusion,  was this all of them? He was told there were 4 more teens coming.

"Is... this all of you? I was told to expect 4 more students.," Oobleck asked confused.

"Uh... 4 more?," Yang asked.

"I'm pretty sure it's just us.," Blake said.

"We're the only team taking this mission, right?," Weiss said confused.

"What do you mean by.. 4 more, professor?," Ruby asked puzzled.

"I was told the four of you would be getting bodyguards for this mission who would be assisting us.," Oobleck replied.

"Bodyguards?," Yang asked.

The girls heard footsteps approaching and turned in shock and surprise to see none other than a familiar Quartet of teenagers.

"He's talking about us.," Odyn said.

"The four if you do tend to get into troubling situations of late.," Roy added.

"We're just here to help avoid any trouble like the last couple times.," Hailfire chimed in.

"Plus, we'll leave this mission mostly up to you four. We're just here to help however we can.," Flare said.

"And step in when we feel like we need to.," Odyn said.

"Wha- wha-? O-Odyn?!," Ruby asked surprised.

The screen then fades to black.

Ending theme: Black Clover ED 6- My Song/My Days: SOLIDEMO

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Sorry this one took so long to get out, it being 3 days before Christmas.  So consider this an early Christmas present. Well... Ruby finally admitted that she's in love with Odyn. Her confession will be soon, but not too soon. Since the next chapter will be mostly them getting to Mountain Glenn and scoping it out before dealing with Roman, I don't think having her confess right now would be ideal. Maybe if the situation in the story allows for it.. I don't know...

I also thought you guys would appreciate some of the other ships getting some spotlight.  Blake's pairing will have to develop a little differently since she still has that chemistry with Sun. As for Hailfire, I'm leaving that up to the poll for now before deciding. Flare, I'm figuring to keep with Baron since he seems to be the most natural fit for her. I still don't know what to do with Emerald though lol I think she should stay evil, but then I think maybe I'll go in a different direction with her. I keep going back and forth about it, hence my dilemma with her.

As for what's going on with Pyrrha... that I'm planning to delve into more when the story reaches volume 3 of Rwby cannon (which should be in a few chapters). Now, I'm thinking about the first opening for when it gets to  volume 3 of Rwby cannon. Here are the options:

Option 1:Tales of Arise opening 1: Hibana

Option 2:Jujutsu Kaisen opening 2: Vivid Vice

Option 3:Twin Star Exorcists opening 2- Re:call

Those are the options for the first half of Volume 3, the second half I already have an opening in mind for that. Feel free to PM me or leave a comment regarding which opening I should use next.

Now, a quick poll before we go:

When should Ruby confess her love to Odyn?

1. Right before Ruby encounters the White Fang, while she's on watch for the night.

2. Following Roman's arrest in Vale

3. Before the Vytal Tournament begins

4. During the Vytal Festival.

That's all for now. Be sure to vote for both of the above polls. PM me or leave a comment in the reviews with your picks. I'll make sure to try and get out one more chapter before the new year, we'll see. Until the next update, see ya!

Preview:

Ruby: oh uh... guess I'm doing the preview for next chapter huh?

Yang: looks like it, Rubes.

Ruby: ok.. I was surprised Odyn and the others are here but.. what exactly are they doing here? And.. what do they mean by bodyguards? Does this mean...

Yang: looks like you'll get your chance to be alone with Odyn, Rubes. Go for it and tell him how you feel about him! We'll cheer you on, Right guys?

Weiss/Blake: Right!

Ruby: thanks guys! I'll tell him how I really feel about him! Next time, Chapter 16: Mountain Glenn; Ruby's confession part 1!

Weiss: Make sure you keep an eye out for it!