Author's Notes: I think I underestimated this story, I've been on a bit of writer's break but in that time this story was bumped up to be the second most favorite DMC/RWBY crossover. I've gotten no less than three PM's from concerned fans (not including the one earlier today) wondering what's happening with the story, a flame review telling me there's too much drama and romance and not enough blood and violence (even though drama/romance are the genre tags) and another review directly after that telling the flame reviewer to take a hike.

I seriously did not know people cared so much about this story. It's for that reason why I Streggae dedicate this chapter to you guys all 16,000 words and all.

Chapter 11: A Night To Remember

What was everyone expecting stepping through the portal?

Well it certainly wasn't this.

"Where are we?" that question was asked by Neptune.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to casa de Sparda" Dante boomed extravagantly "or what's left of it anyway" he added softly.

Sun whistled as he looked around, they were in the common area. The roof had been broken apart to reveal an eternal orange sky. The paint had been stripped, there were debris everywhere and chunks of the walls were gone. In all it looked like the remnants of what could have been an extravagant mansion after being bombed by Dust missiles.

'We aren't on Remnant anymore'

Jaune looked down briefly 'Crocea? What happened to you?'

'I'm sorry. Reviving Autumn took a lot out of me'

'Yeah, how did you even do that?'

Before she could reply Dante spoke "alright people here are the rules, follow me" he went up the stairs while everyone followed "first off we're not on Remnant, as if that wasn't already obvious" he thumbed a window where everyone looked outside to see vast, orange-red nothingness and what looks like floating debris.

"Again where are we?" Neptune repeated.

"Limbo"

Sun and Neptune's mouths dropped "what?"

"Well demons aren't the only ones who can take a part of limbo for themselves. It's literally a free space, which brings me to the first rule. See anything below? No? Then you should know that if you do fall off it's an eternal drop through nothingness, you'll literally fall for the rest of your life."

The others looked on warily before walking along as Dante continued "rule number two, if you find a door you can't open, it means it's closed for a reason and you should leave it alone. Seriously if you try to force it open the door has a spell that sends the force of the attack right back at you so don't try, got it?"

"Good now rule number three" they entered a room with debris in the corner and torn red curtains hanging by smashed and/or shattered windows "if you see anything else moving in this place aside from the people in this group you have my consent to kill it."

While everyone was rendered speechless Nora saluted "aye, aye captain!"

"Why would there be anything roaming around?" Jaune wasn't nervous just curious, really he was.

"Well you see, the reason why we had to vacate the area is because there's a demon infestation. We tried to get pest control but, eh" he shrugged "you know demons, they're kinda like cockroaches, you squash one" he took out Ebony and shot at the ground, larger spider-like demons began skittering about "and you got a whole bunch crawl out the woodwork."

"EEEK!"

The scream was followed by six perfectly placed shots to the tiny demons. Everyone stared at the carnage before turning to the source of the shots. A panting, flushed faced and slightly trembling Pyrrha Nikos who was still aiming the smoking barrel of Milo took notice of their stares.

Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder "you alright there Pyr?"

"Yes I- ahem" she straightened her posture "I'm alright I just don't do well with….spiders" she said the word with such disgust you'd think it was the Grimm.

"Okay~" Dante said slowly "moving on."

\

Vergil was on his way to the library with a few books in hand when he was called by someone.

"Vergil"

Said boy suppressed the smile at hearing her voice, he turned to see the girl saunter up to him wearing her combat attire which seemed…unnatural for her. A brown open jacket showing her chest wraps, camouflage pants and heeled boots.

"Cinder, I hope we're still on for tonight"

"We are"

They both started to walk side by side.

"I missed you the other day."

"Ah yes, I had to go into Vale to sort out some business"

"I see, well I hope it went well."

"You could say that" she answered vaguely.

Vergil took a lingering glance at her, their eyes met and he spoke "that is your combat attire?"

"Yes it is" she said though he could tell she wasn't really happy with it.

"It doesn't suite you."

"Oh?"

"Neither does your uniform. They look out of place on someone like you."

She raised an eyebrow "and what, pray tell, do you believe would suite me?"

"Hmm" he tapped his chin "I would say a dress, red or black."

Cinder chuckled "how did you come to that conclusion?"

He shrugged "you seem the type."

They stopped a distance away from the library "this is where I turn off" he said when she made to go straight ahead to the visitor's wing.

"I suppose I will see you tonight" she stated with a small smile.

"Count on it. Should I pick you up?"

"That won't be necessary, I will meet you there."

"Alright see you soon" he turned off towards the library.

The moment his back was turned Cinder also turned, her smile long gone. She had approached him as part of the rouse yet that wasn't what really had her in a foul mood.

\

Cinder had just visited Roman, not only to check up on how the operation was coming along but to remind him and his little trollop of the pecking order. It was so easy to say you were going to do something but is an entirely different thing to actually pull through with a threat.

And Cinder's threats aren't threats but promises. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty especially with a man like Roman Torchwick under her. Unlike her though he wouldn't go in for the kill, why would he when he had the girl for it? Both of them understood though that she is willing and able to finish them and there won't be a place either of them could hide if they cross her.

Cinder's thoughts were cut short when her scroll went off, the number was unknown. Her eyes narrowed and shifted around the area without pausing her stride.

*Beep*

"Who is this?"

"Tsk, tsk Cinder" the voice froze her on the spot "not even a 'hello'? I am truly saddened by your callousness. It's unbefitting of a lady."

"How did you get this number?"

The voice on the other end scoffed "who do you think you're talking to?"

Point taken

"What do you want?"

"Oh it's not about what I want Cinder, though now that you ask…"

"I have places to be" she almost snapped.

"Hmph, okay, okay. You're just like Salem, so uptight. though in her case not so tight anymore" he chuckled rather perversely.

Cinder was practically seething now 'how dare he…'

"State your business or I'm hanging up" she said with much patience and control.

There was a sigh "very well, I just wanted to tell you that I have sent four of my agents to assist you."

She took a silent breath "when will they be arriving?"

There was a bout of soft laughter on the harder "Oh Cinder" she had the sneaking suspicion he was shaking his head as if amused by her question "my agents are already there."

Cinder's eyes widen. He had people infiltrate Beacon? How? When?

"Does Salem know you are fraternizing with the enemy?"

Cinder was now alarmed, he knew about that? She had only told Mercury and Emerald about it. Either Vergil had blabbed or his agent had overheard them speaking at some point, but when? The times she had seen Vergil, they were either alone or in the presence of Mercury and Emerald.

"Not that I don't see the method to your madness, keep your enemies closer and all that." The voice said wistfully "I also abide by that principle and a way for that to happen is if you get really close to your enemy. That's why my agents are enrolled at Beacon."

That's not as surprising as it should be to her because it only made sense.

"Had to keep an eye on old Oz and his little protégés."

Team RWBY she realized.

"And don't bother trying to find them Cinder, they'll contact you on my orders."

"And when will that be?"

"When I feel like it."

Before she could give a retort the line went dead, Cinder glared at her scroll sifting through but the number was untraceable.

She hated that man with all propensities.

\

Dante lead the group down an extravagant corridor which was mostly intact except for the decay.

"Sorry this place isn't up to scratch but you'll find everything gets like this if it's exposed to Limbospace"

They came upon a double door and opened them to reveal a circular room with doors all around it. They walked in the middle of the room where Dante addressed them.

"Okay people here's the deal, behind me there are ten sets of doors each representing a set of ten levels. These levels are distinguished due to the rate and type of demonsinside. The aim of Bloody Palace is simple; you go in kill everything thrown at you and proceed to the next level. If you find yourself about to die or feeling winded you can say a 'safe word' and you'll be transported out but don't worry about progress it'll just transport you back when you walk through the door."

"What's the safe word?" Sun questioned.

"Devil may cry, don't ask. Also, there's a grading system from D to SSS."

"Sounds like a videogame" Jaune commented.

Dante grinned "well, that's the idea. So anyway how are we doing this? All at once or we go in pairs or threes?"

The others looked amongst each other "who cares!" Nora yelled "I just wanna fight some demons already!"

Dante pointed at her "and that's why you're coming with me."

Nora gave a small cheer while Pyrrha observed the doors and her eyes landed on the one with the plaque 1-10 stamped on it. She looked to her partner who figured that's where her eyes would land.

"Maybe it would be better to start from the bottom."

He smiled uneasily "yeah"

Even though he could probably handle it who knows what a level one is like for Dante's family. So far they make killing Grimm like a literal art form.

Sun found himself torn, he seriously didn't know what to expect in these rooms, the safe thing to do was start at the first door but Sun is too awesome for that probable level of combat. Besides since when has he taken personal safety into account when making a decision?

Then 10-20?

"What do you think Nep?"

Neptune was thinking along Sun's line though he was only here to distract himself he too thought they could do with a challenge.

"I'm thinking door number 2" he finally decided.

"Psh, lightweights" Nora scoffed.

"Alright then it's decided. Oh and here's a few tips, demons are lot more durable than Grimm and they don't feel pain so always go for the kill. And please don't get yourselves killed" he stressed before heading over to his door.

"You're starting at level 30!?" Jaune questioned with incredulity.

"Hells yes, need to be this much to get a decent workout" he thumbed Nora "plus Nora came here to party" he looked to the orange haired girl "am I right?"

Said girl gave a very disturbing grin "let's break some legs!" she raised Magnhild's hammer form above her head.

"Please don't get yourselves killed" Dante urged before he and Nora went inside the door.

Neptune shifted uncomfortably "I'm starting to have second thoughts."

Sun rolled his eyes "dude, don't be that guy okay. Now let's do this." He whipped out his staff and hung it loosely around his neck like a three-section-staff.

After they left Pyrrha approached the door and turned to her anxious partner "shall we?"

Jaune looked to her then the door "yeah, yeah let's go" he unsheathed Crocea Mors.

'It's going to be fine Jaune'

"I'm sure you'll be fine Jaune."

With encouragement coming from the closest women in his life Jaune cracked a smile and entered with his two partners. It felt like he was flying through a swirling vortex but just as quickly as it started, it ended and Jaune found himself squinting at the direct sunlight.

Both of them found themselves on a platform. In the distance several more floating platform could be seen. The sky seemed to be painted on an afternoon yet no sun could be seen. Before they could observe anymore of their surroundings three pitch black vortexes opened on the floor before them.

From the vortexes three demons emerged. Their heads looked like a jester's, walked on peg legs with a blade for a right arm and a burlap sack for a body.

\

"What?"

Melanie stared at her sister whose gaze while not as fierce was still unrelenting.

"Like I said, why don't we like, stay for the dance tonight?"

"I know what you said sis but why would we do that? I finally got out of that crabby professor's 'punishment' so it's about time we left."

Honestly Melanie couldn't help but think they were just stalling with keeping them here until they accept enrolling.

"Well we're invited and when are we ever going to get another chance to go to an actual dance?"

Melanie raised an eyebrow "we go to parties all the time back at the Club."

Militia rolled her eyes "that's not a party, that's work and I'm talking about a party with people our own age where the place doesn't smell like cigarette smoke, people aren't drunk off booze and perverts aren't trying to cop a feel."

"Sounds boring" the white dressed girl said honestly before resuming her packing.

Militia scowled "really? You're honestly telling me you like, missed that?"

"…no" she sighed.

Maybe if they were older they could have seen the appeal in those kinds of things but they've been exposed to them many times, at a younger age that they just adapted to it. Besides with their jobs as bouncers/bodyguards they never really get to 'enjoy' what those parties had to offer. They weren't meant to because it wasn't for them, it was for the customer to enjoy themselves.

Come to think of it, when's the last time they enjoyed themselves? Like really enjoyed themselves without having to deal with all of Junior's or the club's crap?

She gave a look to her sister who was already grinning victoriously "I hate you."

"So that's a yes?"

She waved her hands "ugh fine! But tomorrow we're leaving!"

Her glare melted when Militia hugged her "thank you, thank you! You won't regret this I swear. Now let's go!"

"Wait what!?"

Militia scoffed "shopping, like duh. You're not really planning on wearing your combat dress are you?"

She was about to say yes but thought it over "of course not!"

\

For the record Neptune Vascillas was a lover not a fighter so it doesn't come as a surprise when fighting wasn't one of his favorite pass times. As his Gundao sliced through the reaper demon he could definitely see the appeal in a good fight.

It was a good distraction.

He ducked a scythe swing, spun and pierced his trident into its face before electrocuting it. As it turned to dust he spun again to block another swing and before he could retaliate an explosion of yellow blew it away from him.

"Thanks" he directed it towards his partner as he went to finish it off.

Sun was weaving his way past two more reaper demons back to back. Spinning his weapon in a three quarter staff form he performed a series of consecutive spins deflecting an attack and shooting it in the face, twirled and did the same before performing a back kick while blocking. His foot knocked the demon behind him a few feet as the block for the first turned to a deflection where he performed a roundhouse kick.

The body spun around and Sun separated his staff into gun-chucks and fired off a few rounds until it was dust. He did a backflip onto the shoulders of the demon that tried to blindside him and it looked up and into the barrel of Jingu-

*Bang*

The monkey Faunus landed lightly as his foothold abruptly turned to dust "done"

The moment the words left his mouth he ducked a blue ball of compressed electricity that hit a demon trying to sneak up on him.

"Dude!"

Neptune lowered his rifle and lifted his goggles "there, now we're even" he huffed lightly.

"The hell we are, I had that one."

"Then why did you say 'done'?" he raised a blue eyebrow.

Sun opened his mouth but shut it when the platform, a dark vortex appeared "another round?" he nodded to the vortex.

They were 4 rounds in and already they could see the contrast between the creatures of Grimm and demons. The things were like zombies, slow and nothing short of a headshot, decapitation or blow to the heart can kill them. Blunt force was practically useless unless you want to buy time to make a finishing blow and they are strong as hell.

In short, demons are a whole new kind of messed up. That's also why it was so rewarding when they killed them.

"Another round" Neptune agreed.

\

"Jaune!" Pyrrha shouted in worry aiming Milo's barrel on the demon behind her unsuspecting partner only to halt on pulling the trigger when he spun around, deflected the strike and stabbed it through the face in one fluid motion.

Pyrrha couldn't help but gape slightly at the action 'when did he learn how to do that?'

Pyrrha had a perfect memory of everything she had ever taught Jaune and what he did there was not one of them.

"Pyrrha look out!"

Emerald eyes contracted, years of training kicked in as her musings grinded to an abrupt halt. She spun out of the path of the incoming blade fired a shot into the demons head, spun Milo around as it transformed into a sword to deliver multiple slashes at another. She backflipped away and landed Milo already in javelin form and Pyrrha poised to throw only to pause.

"G-GURGH"

The jester demon spasm as a silver sword stuck through its chest. That same sword retracted and in one clean sweep lopped its head off. Though instead of blood, the demon released black smoke from having its burlap sack body punctured. It soon deflated like a hot air balloon before it disappeared.

Jaune paid it no mind as he addressed his partner "you okay?"

Pyrrha blinked "yes, I am alright, and you? Are you okay?"

Jaune actually grinned "yeah, I feel great!"

He looked great and she didn't just mean his features. He was actually performing better than one might expect someone with a meager few months of combat training to be performing. Hell, up until he went into the coma he never showed this much precision and skill with his weapon before.

It would be easy to right it off as his angelic powers surfacing and it definitely showed, Jaune was faster and stronger but the champion knew it was more than that. Jaune was using actual swordplay he shouldn't have any knowledge of.

So is this a part of his angelic power as well?

Does his sudden rise in skill also count?

If so just how deep is his change if it's not just physically but mentally as well?

When all is said and done and the process is completed will there be any trace of the Jaune she knew?

New worry started to encroach upon the champion's subconscious. This was broken when a gloved hand touched her bare shoulder.

"Are you sure you're okay Pyr?" concern was laced in his voice.

"I…"

"Look if you're not feeling up for this we can stop. Just say the word."

Pyrrha stared at him for a moment as if for the first time 'he's worried for my well being? Of course he is' she chastised but then shook her head.

"I'm alright Jaune, you don't need to worry about me."

Jaune looked hesitant for a moment but nodded "okay, if you say so."

They both walked unto the platform to advance to the next level.

\

The platform they were on was a barren rock located in the heart of the demon world. It looked a lot like the seventh circle from the Divine Comedy, hence the reason why they're surrounded by a river of boiling blood.

Dante said it before but his dad really outdid himself with this one, he could literally smell the blood. At first he wondered if it would distract Nora and to be fair the scenery did cause her to pause and curiously inspect the place. That is, until the demons started showing up and at first Dante was a little worried for her…for but about two minutes.

Dante always wondered what kind of a person would combine a war hammer with a grenade launcher. He got his answer and it was a 'Nora' kind of person. They both killed all their demons but the difference between them was that all of Nora's demons got reduced to a fine red mist and some chunky bits. She was like a one woman demon slaughter-machine.

No wonder they got along so well despite the short time they've known each other.

Despite their above average pace things didn't get Kra~zy until a pair lightning demons showed up. That's when Dante found out about Nora's Semblance

*KRA-KOOOM*

Dante ducked, if he didn't have a healing factor, he's pretty sure he would be fearing for his life, this woman had no restraints.

"Nora SMASH!"

*BOOM*

It was a first for him really, he actually stopped fighting a while ago and took to watching Nora fighting the horde though 'fight' would be too strong a word. Massacring would be the right word to describe what Nora was doing. It was like watching a kid on the biggest sugar high in history run around a glass house with a baseball bat.

"FOUR!"

A demons head sailed at least 100 yards before falling in the river of blood with a *splash*

"Damn, Ren's gonna have his hands full with that one don't'cha think?"

The question aimed at the demon corpse he was using as a stool wasn't answered.

Dante repositioned himself more comfortably on its back as he continued "yeah, I say he'll be wearing a dress within a-oh shit"

He covered his face when a grenade suddenly blew its legs off

'Why is it always the legs with her?'

"Another one bites the Dust…explosion!"

Dante turned to the cheering girl "that one was already dead"

"No way, I saw it twitch" she argued.

"It was twitching" he started "because it had my battle axe imbedded in its nervous system!" at this he jerked the Arbiter's handle and the demon's arm twitched a little.

"How come its still there?"

Dante blinked and got up to look at the legless corpse 'that's a good question actually'

He pulled out the demonic battleaxe with a wet squelching noise and watched as it disappeared. He turned to a frazzled looking Nora –whether it was from the electricity or exhaustion he did not know- and raised an eyebrow.

"You okay?"

She sucked in a breath "yeah I'm good. Still got two more belts"

Dante hadn't counted how many grenade belts she had but could guess it must be a lot since she keeps popping those suckers like candy.

"Okay but only if you take a backseat and let me work this time."

\

Amber was irrefutably bored, a few hours out of stasis and she was being confined to Ozpin's tower doing f*ck all. It's like offering a guy who's been marooned on a tropical island a coconut.

"Not that I'm ungrateful for your hospitality but can I ask why I am not allowed outside the tower?"

Glynda sighed with an apologetic expression "as you are well aware, we believe that those who ambushed and stole part of your powers have plans within Vale."

"Yeah I read about the Dust robberies."

Amber when she's not sitting by herself has been catching up on current events, apparently they've caught the 'mastermind' behind the whole thing Roman Torchwick, though Glynda among others thought it's more of a ploy.

"Correct we have reason to believe that among their plans they plan to finish what they started with you."

Amber's teeth clenched "they want the rest of the Fall Maiden power" she nodded and the maiden's eyes flashed "over my dead body!"

'That's the idea' Glynda morbidly thought.

She calmed down a minute when a thought as to what the older woman was implying struck "you believe they infiltrated Beacon?"

"It stands within reason that whoever did this may want to personally oversee your demise."

Amber found that hard to believe "so they'll pose as staff, using the Vytal festival as a cover."

"They could also be students" Glynda added fixing her glasses "it is possible."

She doubted that "what's this?"

"This contains all the list of transfer students and staff that are visiting for and participating in the festival."

Amber raised an eyebrow at her "The Vytal Festival? I don't think they would show their faces to the masses."

"Why wouldn't they" the elder blonde challenged "aside from you and their cohorts no one know of their identities."

Amber pursed her lips "wait what about that guy who saved my life, Qrow. I mean it was a pretty close call so he must have seen their faces right?"

Glynda scrunched her face at that "that is true" she began as if trying to find a way to explain "but Qrow's perception at the time was…skewed, don't ask."

"Okay" she said slowly.

Fighting the thoughts of strangling a bird Glynda continued "it would make sense for them to use the Vytal Festival to strike. The good news is that we have plenty of time and even if we're wrong only a few trusted individuals know about this place."

'That makes sense' she thought in acceptance and sighed looking at the tablet.

"Alright, I guess I should start since I only have…all day apparently" she said with dry humor.

Glynda nodded "I will leave you to it then."

"Wait" Glynda paused "what of the boy who resurrected me?"

It felt weird saying that since she wasn't technically dead. Does resurrection even count?

Well she was basically dead and now she's awake, scared but awake and not dying.

"Mr. Arc? I believe he is with his friends, why?"

"How exactly did he revive me? He said he healed me and Ozpin said he performed a miracle. Is it a Semblance?"

Glynda looked unsure of what to tell her and when she spoke she chose her words carefully "Mr. Arc to my knowledge has recently unlocked a power that much like your own is magical in nature."

Amber's eyes widened "what?"

"I'm sorry I am not familiar with it myself so I am not really the one to tell you about it. Please review the list and call me once you've identified them if at all" with that the woman exited leaving the Maiden to her task.

Amber looked at the Scroll but her mind wasn't really on it. The reason why she was interested to know about the boy, Jaune, was because of the circumstances surrounding her awakening.

'Maybe he can tell me who she is.'

Looking at the Scroll of pictures she sighed "let's get this over with."

Amber really hoped she would at least be allowed outside if she wore a cloak or something.

\

Deep within the confines of the library Blake, Vergil and Ren sat in a comfortable silence.

"I take it the mission to Mountain Glenn is postponed?" Ren suddenly spoke from his position.

Amber eyes flickered from the boy towards the platinum blonde in silent questioning.

Vergil sighed "for the moment, I still think it's worth investigating but since they are aware of our knowledge I don't think a reconnaissance team would cut it anymore."

"What are you going to do with the map?"

"I was thinking of investigating the places marked as part of our mission. In fact it's confirmed that it is our mission."

"Map?" Ren questioned.

"We found a map of possible demon hideouts" Vergil informed "from preliminary reports they are just a bunch of shady night clubs and privately owned warehouses. On paper they seem legit, then again anything does when you're dealing with demons."

Blake's eyes narrowed in thought "those warehouses, who owns them, the SDC?"

"No a private company called Star Industries."

"Tch"

Vergil shared a look with Ren, given her past in the White Fang it wasn't farfetched to say that she wasn't a big fan of the SDC but really?

"I'm still looking into it though so nothing is really concrete."

She hummed noncommittally, eyes tracing the lines of the book.

"Blake what do you think of the Schnees?"

Her bow twitched, she knew where this was going "I don't know what you mean?"

"Aside from Weiss I've never met another Schnee before."

"Neither have I" she countered.

"But you've been fighting them for years"

"He has a point" the words weren't spoken but Blake imagined Ren would say that, the way how he looked at her.

She sighed, what could she say? Yes she had an inherent distrust of anyone with that name not too long ago, hell she still did. She could now call Weiss her friend, it was obvious to her that there was some friction between her and her family. As for the others…

"Weiss father is president of the SDC and her sister is a specialist in the Atlesian military. There's also her younger brother and mother but they aren't really involved in anything."

That didn't answer his question but it was an answer nonetheless. Blake only knew what the public knew about them and refused to give her personal thoughts because she let preconceptions of the SDC ruin her.

"I see" Vergil sounded…disappointed.

What?

Blake eyed Vergil, wanting to ask but too afraid it would come off snappish.

Fortunately Ren spared her the effort "what do you think of them?"

"I think" Blake leaned forward minutely "that they are like every wealthy and powerful family out there."

"What?"

"Well I was doing some research on the SDC so of course the Schnees would come up and I found that they are very much a wealthy business family, at least the ones who are alive anyway"

Blake winced at that, she didn't take part in it but she still felt responsible by proxy for the assassination of some of them.

'Along with everyone else on the floor'

"It sometimes makes me wonder why people hate them so much but then again it is rather easy to ignorantly hate someone or something because of perceived notions"

Blake scowled a little "perceived notions?" for Vergil's sake she held her tongue, he was getting to a point she could feel it.

Vergil nodded gravely "yes, since the company is called Schnee Dust Company with a Schnee as president responsible for running the business, which means that naturally everything good or bad about the company rest solely on his shoulders."

Blake lowered her book "he could change it if he wanted"

Vergil gave her a look "you would think it would be so easy?"

"I'm sure if he tried to improve conditions in the mines"

"-then the workers would still be at risk. No offense but while the conditions aren't ideal I don't think you could make it any safer mining a volatile explosive in a cave."

Blake marked the page in her book "and the mistreatment of their labor force?"

"-isn't really his concern" Blake looked at him incredulously "with a company as large as his I'm sure he has laid out rules in which to properly treat the employees and even then it's up to security personnel to enforce those rules. In the end if the individual majority consist of those who are say…racist then…"

"Then fire them"

"Fire an entire separate labor force for misconduct? That wouldn't be good for profit which is what the business needs to keep running. Also from what I understand most dealing with security would have a few choice thoughts against Faunus because of a certain group"

"The White Fang"

"I never got the White Fang, I understand what they stood for in the past but what they're doing now, is just senseless violence for the sake of violence."

"Maybe they're tired of being pushed around?"

"Or maybe they convinced themselves that robbing and killing people would somehow benefit their people and lead to true equality. Frankly I don't see that happening and it's a wonder they don't either but anger often makes one blind and hungry for destruction."

Blake sobered at this "they're just misguided"

"All it takes to fire an arrow is to aim and let go and the SDC is a big target"

"Why are you defending them so much?"

"I'm not defending them. I'm just telling it what it is from an outsider's point of view. It helps that earth had a problem of this sort in the past."

Blake perked up "really?"

She'd heard cliff notes about their world from Dante and read Vergil's books but she didn't know about its history.

"Oh yes, earth has had a lot racism, bigotry, entire wars spanning decades and centuries were conducted from this and sometimes complete and total genocide of entire races for the stupidest things like the color of one's skin or their religion or simply because they're from a different part of the world."

Blake's mouth actually parted a little "the color of their skin? People actually start wars because of that!?"

"You have no idea, though it's not a major problem now, in fact racism is mostly abolished on earth, it's the exception not the rule and racism is universally labeled as offensive and people are ostracized because of it."

"How?"

As ridiculous as the reason is, the fact that they found common ground is what struck Blake. She understood that earth was much like Remnant without the Dust, Grimm or Aura so theoretically if she followed what they did then perhaps history will repeat itself.

"It's a process that up until a certain point would have happened here for the Faunus eventually except…"

He trailed off but Blake understood and so did Ren "the White Fang turned into terrorists"

"Exactly Ren, comparing earth's history with Remnant: they did fight in a war, they were herded to one place like animals which ended in them fighting back and there were peace groups. I'm sure that if that peace group didn't suddenly turn into a terrorist organization then there would have been more people supporting them, a few trials and tribulations, maybe an icon that represented your ideals."

He paused to imagine a Faunus Martin Luthor King Jr. "anyway going by earth years Faunus racism would have been completely forgotten in a few short decades. If that happened then the focus would have been more on internal security and of course, the Grimm."

Blake saw Ren's eyes widen as if realizing something but honesty she didn't know what and her mind was elsewhere.

She couldn't help but think 'we messed up'

They were doing it right, despite everything that was happening, they were doing it right! Nothing ever came easily, you had to fight for what you believed but there's an easy way and a right way and they were doing it! Then they decided to take freaking shortcut and fucked it up!

Her shoulders slumped, she used to think that Vergil and his brothers weren't hit with the oddity that were Faunus because they weren't human and fought demons but really it was because they come from that kind of world.

'Unbelievable…and all because we thought it would be better with violence.'

It seemed so stupid now, how would attacking innocent people ever make them equal in the eyes of human oppressors? It all just seemed like senseless violence and that only succeeded in fear, hate and anger.

"Cycle of hatred"

Blake's eyes trailed to Ren who had a pronounced frown with eyes narrowed in thought.

"It never stops" magenta eyes looked to the Nephilm "but that's the plan isn't it?"

Blake blinked "what are you talking about?"

"If you're stuck fighting internal struggles then you can overlook what's happening right in front of you, even if it's separated by a wall."

"…you're talking about the Grimm"

"And demons alike" Vergil finished "it's easy to think that they are nothing but mindless creatures of violence because in truth that's only what we've seen of them. Take it from me, they come in all shapes and forms making it easy to manipulate things from behind the scenes."

If that was true then "it's all pointless" she realized "the war, the struggles, all of it was just a plot isn't it?"

"Divide and conquer" Ren added with a frown and Vergil nodded solemnly.

Blake leaned back soaking in the information, "and working with Torchwick? The Dust robberies?"

"Pawns to fuel the hatred, whatever they're planning can only end with the White Fang coming out as the villains that would only increase on the authorities cracking down on them more and that would include-"

"Faunus in general, further ostracizing them."

That made sense no one can really know who may or may not be part of the terrorist organization of a specific group of people. If that happened then it would be to a point where those who didn't hate humans would and join the fight against them.

That can't happen, Blake won't allow it to. The situation suddenly became much clearer; no longer did she have to prioritize between the demons and the White Fang. The problem wasn't unrelated at all, it stems from one thing. Indeed she and the White Fang have a common enemy and it isn't humanity.

"We need to make them aware, they need to know" the solution seemed simple enough though even Blake understood it wasn't so clear-cut.

"Easier said than done" Ren intoned solemnly.

"But not impossible" Vergil said a little optimistically.

"You have a plan" it wasn't a question.

He hummed in thought "not entirely, I still have much to learn about this world on both aspects. The good news is that we now have an idea as to who the real enemy is and now we can work towards ending their reign."

Blake nodded a little and went back to reading though try as she might her heart wasn't completely in it anymore.

\

"WHAT!?"

The shriek made everyone turn in annoyance, not that it was the first time.

Ruby looked as if he told her she had to go on a cookie free diet "what do you mean it wouldn't work?"

Nero, with fingers in ears sighed before regarding her with an exasperated look "like I said, I can't fit Crescent Rose with an Exceed system" he looked over Crescent Rose's blueprints "yep, definitely not possible"

"But-but…" Ruby scanned the blue prints again trying to find an angle "there's gotta be a way."

"Why the heck are you so hung up on this anyway? Who cares if you can't do Exceed? Why does it matter so much to you?"

They had been at this for hours now, so much so that the earliest signs of evening have begun to show. For Nero, once he had a second pair of eyes and Weiss' expertise on Dust, switching his fuel with the 'magic powder' was fairly simple enough. He didn't have to worry about damaging the metal since Red Queen was made to replicate a Devil Arm.

Eventually they got into how to fit Crescent Rose with an Exceed system. After Ruby stalled with Crescent Rose's blueprints (turns out only she and her uncle 'Qrow') and making him swear on a stack of Dust rounds to keep it a secret *rolls eyes* he went to look over it thoroughly.

What Nero saw actually shocked him and he's pretty sure even guided missiles are less complex than it.

Seriously, what the hell!?

Ruby pause to look at him and he half expected her to start gushing about how 'cool it was' on the other hand he expecting a viable explanation.

"Well, I thought it would help with getting through thick armor."

Nero blinked at her bashfulness "oh, well the only way I see that panning out is if you designed a new scythe from scratch" he rolled his eyes at the abject horror on her face "I'll help, least I can do" he added softly but Ruby caught it and grinned at him.

That's when the professor overlooking the forge came in "alright you two we're shutting down early today so you can prepare for the dance."

Two simultaneous groans were heard for two different reasons.

"Have we really been in here that long?"

Nero looked at the clock "apparently. Don't you need to get dressed or something?"

"You aren't going?"

Nero locked Red Queen in its case before giving her a deadpan stare.

"…right, dumb question." She rolled the blueprint up and slid it into a tube.

They both walked in silence for a while which must have been awkward since Ruby was fumbling to break it yet hesitant to say anything that could annoy him. Nero suppressed a sigh at this, he was actually getting used to her constant need to talk.

"Something you wanna say?"

She bit her lip "I was wondering what you were going to do since you're not going to the dance."

Nero shrugged "don't know, but anything beats going there"

"Why, what's wrong with going to the dance with all our friends, eating food, listening to the music, dancing and having fun?"

"First of all, I don't dance. Second, if this is like any party I've ever been at then at some point Dante will spike the punch. Third, the only loud music I listen to is on my headphones. And finally I'm pretty sure the highlight of the night for me would be watching you try to move five feet in a pair of heels without falling on your face."

Ruby blinked before muttering "I can walk in heels."

"Have you ever walked in heels before?"

"…no."

"No offense Ruby but I've seen what it takes to pull off heels and you don't" before she could retort he added "plus even if I did go, which I won't, I know Dante and your sister are going to use the night to tease us about being a couple."

"But we're not-" another deadpan stare and Ruby ended up giving a miserable groan.

She wasn't looking forward to that but still "Miss Goodwitch said that it was mandatory"

"Since when have I ever listened to her?"

Ruby gave him that, she's seen Goodwitch try and intimidate him before, all it got her was a challenging glare, which earned him a slap in the back of the head from Dante and a pointed stare from Vergil.

'Wait, that's it!'

"Sorry you're not going. I think Vergil was looking forward to seeing you."

"Are you…are you trying to guilt trip me?"

"What no! I was just saying…"

"No you were trying to guilt trip me and you weren't even being subtle about it" he added.

"I uh…"

"If you're going to try and emotionally manipulate someone try to make it inconspicuous"

'I thought I was. Okay, time to pull out the big guns!'

Suddenly she was before him "please go to the dance tonight"

Nero raised an eyebrow at her pleading, opened his mouth to reject it but snapped it shut at the last minute. His eyes widened and he tilted his head a bit as if trying to understand what he was looking at.

"I-"

'It's working!'

He blinked "are you asking me to the dance?"

Ruby's large puppy eyes shrunk in direct contrast to her blush and she recoiled "w-what!?"

She looked around for anyone who would have heard that before turning to find Nero already bypassing her.

'It was a distraction' she realized.

*WHOOSH*

Nero sighed with his eyes closed as the smell of roses assaulted his senses "what do you want Ruby?"

Said girl stood before him, arms crossed and scowl adorned, like a miniature red Weiss with way less intimidation than she realized.

"I want you to go to the dance"

"With you?" he smirked but Ruby wasn't having any of that.

Her frown still in place she replied "you need to socialize!"

Nero rolled his eyes "no thanks" he attempted to walk away but she blocked him "move"

She ignored this "as your friend it is my responsibility to ensure that you don't end up on the path to loneliness!"

"Aah~" he facepalmed

'I'm regretting that already.'

"Uh-huh, can you get out of my face now?"

Ruby's eyes narrowed challengingly "mark my words Nero Sparda, I'll have you socializing with people again and I'll start by bringing you to the dance" it might have been the light but Nero could have sworn her eyes were shimmering.

Oh so it's like that?

Nero stepped closer, towering over her and in the most condescending voice spoke "good luck."

Another gust and Ruby was gone leaving a trail of petals in her wake.

Now that she was gone Nero could finally ask the question 'where the hell did that come from?'

And before he could ponder this question his now sharpened eyes snapped to the bench where a single student was seated. With one leg draped over the other she leaned back on the bench and judging from the interested look she must have witnessed Ruby's little 'declaration of war.'

Funny, he didn't notice she was there until he sensed something coming from her direction. Speaking of she wasn't looking at him but at his cast, that in itself made him less than comfortable but the way she was staring was something that made him suspicious.

"The hell you looking at?" he scowled.

Green eyes blinked a little in astonishment before her lips curved in a half smirk. She stared intently at him for a moment before he scoffed and walk away.

"Whatever"

With his back turned Nero missed the way how her smirk widened and her eyes flickered to a mismatched pink and brown.

\

Later Vergil opened the portal and the six of them exited thoroughly exhausted, sweaty (and in the case of Nora and Dante) covered in smoke and smelling like gunpowder. Yet despite all this the air was pleasant, killing demons really works for a stress reliever.

"I take it things went well"

Dante grinned "oh yeah, kicking ass and taking names. Am I right?"

He directed the question to Nora who gave an equal grin "oh yeah~" they then did a swindle slap to solidify their friendship.

Three simultaneous shudders went off in the room and another far off in the library.

Vergil looked at Dante and Nora's grinning faces with the slightest hint of trepidation 'why does this bother me so much'

He soughed in his fist both to relieve his tension and to get eveyone's attention "I'm glad you all had a wonderful time. By the way you have" he spared a glance at his watch "68 minutes until the dance starts"

Nora gasp and before her teammate knew it she was grabbed "come on Pyrrha we have to get ready!"

"Nora wai-AAH!"

The door slammed shut as they zipped out and there was a moment of silence that was broke by Sun.

"We should probably get going, don't wanna be late for our dates-" at Neptune's glare he turned sheepish "uh oops sorry dude, it's weird being the only one of us having a date" Jaune gave them a skeptical look.

Neptune sighed "just go, I'll catch up when there's a few more people."

Sun did just that and opened the door to reveal "hey Ruby" the girl's hand was held up as if she were just about to knock.

"Hey Sun, hey Neptune, hey Jaune"

"Hey Ruby" the bluenette went by and so did Jaune albeit a little hurriedly.

When Jaune left Ruby closed the door "I need your help"

The twins eyed each other "regarding what?"

Ruby pushed her fingers together "it's about Nero"

"Aah" Dante nodded sagely "finally going to confess your feelings but you need our help right?"

"What, No!" she shook her beet red face "it's about the dance"

"You need our help asking him to the dance? That's even better!"

"Wha-but-I-I"

"Stop teasing and let her finish Dante" Vergil sighed.

Dante shrugged "alright I'll give her a break, besides" he gave her a devilish grin "the night's still young" a shiver ran up the young Huntress' spine.

"Right" Vergil interrupted "and take a bath, you smell like gunpowder, sweat and demon's blood"

*Sniff*

"Ugh, will do"

After her left Vergil addressed her "so what did you want to ask?"

"Well~"

\

"Hey Neptune"

Said boy looked back to see a familiar blonde haired boy "oh hey, Jaune right?"

"Yeah, that's me" they fell into pace together.

"So what's up?"

"Yeah, I didn't believe it this morning but, is it true you don't have a date?"

Neptune's friendly smile vanished "oh that" he sighed "yeah I don't."

"But what about Weiss?"

Neptune winced "yeah that didn't work out"

"Oh she turned you down huh?" Jaune could help but gleam some form of satisfaction from that.

Neptune saw that gleam and his pride would not have any misconceptious rumors floating around "yeah no dude. It was the other way around" now it was Neptune's turn to feel smug.

"Wait, you turned her down?"

"Yep"

"Why?"

The bluenette sobered "it's complicated alright."

"What's so complicated about it? Weiss is a smart, pretty talented and a very skilled Huntress-in-training. How could you turn that down?"

Jaune missed the way how Neptune shoulders slumped at every description of the girl "like I said, complicated."

Jaune clamped a hand on his shoulder "what did you do?"

Neptune shrugged it off and leveled his own glare at him "lay off man. I didn't do anything"

"No you did something. She seemed a lot angrier this morning and you guys couldn't even look at each other. What happened?"

"It's none of your business man"

That was the wrong thing to say because as soon as the words left his mouth a pressure built up caused his breath to hitch. Jaune's glare wasn't murderous but it radiated a kind of fury that was a lot more intense than anything the Mistralian had ever encountered.

"She's my best friend's partner and I'd like to think of her as a friend too" he got up in his face "and I don't like when people mess with my friends so talk. What happened, why did you turn her down?"

Neptune swallowed and despite the lack of physical violence, his hand twitched to his weapon but Jaune's eyes narrowed and caused him to stop. He looked around the hallway that was empty, everyone was probably getting ready for the dance.

"Look man, just let it go"

"I'm not letting this go" his arms folded "not until I know exactly why you turned down Weiss, so start talking."

Neptune looked around again but ultimately sighed in exasperation but remained silent.

"…Is-is it another woman?" Jaune was probing at this point and judging by the way Neptune's head snapped up in incredulity he had guessed wrong.

"Dude no and why is that the first thing that comes to your mind!?"

Jaune shrugged losing some of his edge "I don't know, you just…seemed the type I guess"

"Okay no I don't have a girlfriend or a side chick or whatever. I'm single"

"For now" he wanted to add but thought better of it.

"So if it's not that then why? Look man I'm just trying to understand why someone anyone would turn down a girl like Weiss I mean-"

"Can't Dance"

Jaune blinked…twice "uh-wha?"

Neptune curled his fist and gritted his teeth "I can't dance"

"…but you're so cool"

"I know"

"But wait, that's it?"

"What do you mean that's it?"

"I mean yeah sure you can't dance-"

"Shh, not so loud"

"Right, so you can't dance. What does it matter?"

"What does it-dude I can't take a girl to 'The Dance' and I can't dance"

"So what? There's like a million other stuff to do there, did you at least tell Weiss why you rejected her?"

"…"

"I don't believe it, you had an opportunity to go to the dance with one of the greatest girls I know and you blew it over something so…argh! Do you know how many people would kill to even be in her good graces?"

"Twist the knife why don'tcha" he muttered dejectedly.

It was then that Jaune realized something "you like her right"

Neptune blinked "well yeah, I mean, we talked for a few days and at first I thought she was just like every other 'rich kid' with a trust fund but she's"

"Amazing right?"

"…yeah"

"I found out the same thing. I think we're the only two guys who managed to figure that out about her. The only difference is you didn't make a bad first impression. See you still have a chance"

"You think so?"

"Oh yeah, I know Weiss might seem shallow"

Neptune gave him a look.

"Okay she's a little shallow but that's besides the point which is Weiss is smart and I'm pretty sure if you explained it to her she'll maybe understand"

"You think so?"

He shrugged "not really but I think she'll at least calm down if she knew why she was rejected like that. I don't think she handles rejection well"

"Yeah I could tell" he sighed "so I should probably talk to her then."

"Either that, or wait until she somehow pulls some strings and get you in the sparring arena" Neptune actually paled a little "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, trust me I have seven sisters and I've seen what happens to guys who reject them for dumb reasons" he sucked in a breath "it's not pretty."

"Duly noted"

'Wait a minute seven sisters? What the fu-

"So I'll see you around and with any luck we'll both have dates huh" Jaune held up his fist.

Neptune chuckled and bumped it "yeah oh I've been meaning to say congratulations man"

Jaune blinked "uh thanks?

"Honestly I didn't think you'd even notice her feelings at first."

Jaune could only blink "um"

"But then I thought, nah, no way anybody's that dumb not to realize when a girl has obvious feelings, especially when they're from the Pyrrha Nikos"

"…what?"

"Pyrrha you know, she has fee…lings" his eyes widened "oh dude you didn't know did you"

"Know what?"

"Uh never mind" he tried to pull away but Jaune had his hand in a vice grip.

"Pyrrha has feelings for me?"

After a few seconds of struggling Neptune gave up with a sigh "yeah dude, it's actually pretty obvious"

"Obvious, who else knew?"

"Before now? You and maybe Ruby"

"Oh come on!"

*Sigh*

"Jaune you are so dense"

'Even you too Crocea?'

There was a drag of silence as Jaune absorbed the implication of this new discovery.

"…we have a lot to think about don't we?"

"Yeah"

"…"

"…I should probably go before Sun uses all the hot water"

"Right see you later, I guess"

Jaune began trudging back the way he came with a single thought 'Pyrrha likes me. Like, likes me.'

"Jaune"

"Oh hey Ren"

"Is everything alright?"

Jaune was silent for a while "Pyrrha likes me"

The boy could only blink slowly at his leader "ah"

"Did you know?"

"It wasn't my place to say"

Jaune sighed "I know, it's just…wow."

Ren could only pat him on his back.

\

Nero had been enjoying his time in solitude, that is until a certain redhead showed up "how the hell did you even find me?"

Ruby Rose stood triumphantly before him, cape flapping in the wind "Dante kept a list of all your brooding spots on campus"

'Note to self, insert bullet into Dante's brain'

"Yeah well you found me, now what"

"Now this!"

A hand patted on Nero's shoulder drawing a shudder from the boy. He slowly turned around to see steely green-blue eyes peering into his soul

'Ah shit'

"Vergil"

"Hello Nero, you realize what is about happen now, do you really want to try and punch your way out of this?"

He was almost tempted to try but he quickly reminded himself that this wasn't Dante he was dealing with and while the younger twin would play along Vergil would put him down with swift and brutal efficiency.

"…no"

"Good, I already bought you a tuxedo"

'When did he get the measurements?'

"While you were asleep"

"Urk!"

"Thank you for the heads up Ruby"

"No problem"

"Don't you have a pair of heels to squeeze into?"

Ruby's reply was to stick her tongue out at him.

\

"Are you certain?"

Brown eyes glared at the unusually tense man "she almost killed me. Trust me that is her"

Amber's eyes smoldered as she glared at the picture, her hands would twitch ever so often and the temperature drifted upwards.

"Her name is Cinder Fall, her teammates one Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black and Poli-"

The rest of Glynda's words became muted as Amber's glare intensified, she looked at the half smiling face of the older looking girl wearing Haven's uniform.

She smirked cruelly and Amber felt her breath, her life her powers being siphoned off and as death encroach her as she passed out from exhaustion.

"Amber"

This snapped her out of her reverie and she looked on to see a concerned Glynda and a cautious Ozpin "I know what you're thinking Amber, however I cannot allow you to confront her."

This immediately set her off "the hell you won't! This is my unfinished business Ozpin"

"She defeated you before"

"No she set up an ambush and had me outnumbered 3 to1" her fists tightened "I'll be ready for her this time."

"She has your powers-"

"Only part of it!" she snapped and Glynda gave her a pointed glare causing her to recoil a little "I'm sorry about that but I will not stay here while you go after her."

Ironwood decided to speak "be that as it may, the truth is we do not know what this woman is capable of now. You say you were able to hold her and her companions off, even if for a while, however she has obviously had enough time to acclimate to the Maiden's power."

"As she is now I can say that at the very least she and I are an even match" as much as Glynda hated the fact that some upstart little thief with stolen powers could match her decade's worth of training and experience she could not deny the power of the Fall Maiden.

"Also there is the third party whom we know nothing of."

This sobered Amber a little, with her situation it was impossible for them to keep the evidence of angels and demons from her.

"We will assume that Cinder and these demons are collaborating together" there was some discrepancies to be sure but right then Ozpin's voice was so filled with conviction that no one could refute his claim.

"Alright what are we going to do about them?"

Ozpin's glasses gleamed under the light of the scroll "leave that to us"

\

Later That Night…

As expected the boys were the first to be ready, Ren Jaune, Sun, Neptune, Vergil and Dante dragging a disgruntled Nero all met up near the path to the auditorium.

"Seriously why the hell are you so against going anyway" a now annoyed Dante asked Nero.

The boy finally managed to pull his arm away from the elder boy and shoved it in his pocket "why the hell are you still here? Isn't Yang supposed to be greeting people at the entrance or something?"

Dante merely scoffed "oh please, you just want me gone so you'd have a chance to escape. Besides I still have 30 minutes before she and Weiss are free anyway."

At this Neptune turned to his partner "I'll meet you at the dance"

Sun shrugged "sure thing" they exchanged a clap and hug and Neptune walked off.

Before he did though he exchanged a meaningful nod with Jaune glanced at him from the corner of his eye. The blonde fixed his bowtie for the fifth time that night and swallowed dryly for the twelfth time.

"Calm down Jaune" Ren advised.

"Easy for you to say" Jaune hissed quietly "it's not like you found out your partner secretly has feelings for you!" he paused "or maybe you did. Come to think of it how did you and Nora end up being a couple anyway?"

"Yeah Ren" Dante piped up teasingly "how did that happen?"

To Ren's credit he kept a straight face much to the Nephilm's disappointment "Nora and I aren't actually 'together-together' as she would say."

'Bullshit' came Nero and Dante's immediate conclusion.

"Really, I mean you guys are always close" Sun spoke.

"And she sleeps in your bed sometimes" Jaune added.

Ren averted his eyes at that until Vergil spoke "Ren, do you have feelings for Nora."

Ren could only stare and at that moment he had definitive proof that Vergil was related to Dante.

"WE'RE HERE~"

Speak of the devil

The proclamation was followed by the arrival of the four ladies to which all the boys' attention were stuck to.

Ren didn't outwardly react when Nora strolled up in a pink dress and latched onto his arm before half dragging him away with a half hurriedly "come on."

"I knew you'd look better in a tie" Blake complimented.

Sun inwardly cringed as he adjust the tie 'stupid neck trap'

He and Blake walked off together leaving Jaune and Nero to awkwardly greet their date. In Nero's case stumble as Dante actually pushed him towards Ruby just as she almost tripped in her heels. The result was Ruby bumping into Nero's chest using both hands to brace herself while Nero held her shoulder.

Silver eyes peered at him "um, thanks"

*Click*

Two heads snapped around to see Dante with his scroll out "guess who's got a new screen saver?"

"You son of a" he reached around to grab Blue Rose only to grasp air.

Shit, he really needed to do something about that.

Pyrrha giggled drawing some attention to herself "well, well, well let's not forget about team Arkos over here"

*Click*

Speaking in the gayest tone he ever had "Pyrrha, love what you've done with your hair, very nice."

Pyrrha indeed changed her hair for the night, letting loose from her ponytail and styled it to have curls at the end.

'Very nice' Jaune thought then paused, was the fact that finding out Pyrrha had feelings for him affected his perception of her?

Yes, yes it did.

Still Jaune held out his elbow "shall we?"

Pyrrha beamed at him but latched on and went away completely ignoring the sound of Scroll shuttering.

"Whelp, my work here is done" Dante commended looking at the pictures he managed to take "let's go Verg."

"I'll meet you there"

"Why, you waiting on a date?"

Vergil smirked

"No way, you actually have a date? When the hell did that happen?"

Vergil shrugged "who knows?"

Dante's eyes narrowed "uh-huh. Well when she shows up be sure to introduce me."

"Count on it brother and try not to be too jealous."

"You smug little…" the younger Nephilm shook his head and meandered away but paused a little when he saw Nero watching an embarrassed Ruby who looked like she was walking on a tightrope.

The boy swatted at him "the hell?"

"Didn't mom tell you it's a man's job to assist a lady?"

With that advice he left Nero to his grumbling. The boy really didn't want to go, if only to defy all of them and looking at Ruby trying (and failing) to walk five steps without stumbling was as good a source of entertainment as anything that would be in the party.

He sighed "I know I'm going to regret this"

"Ow, stupid-" she hissed, stumbling again.

It was official, Ruby Rose hated heels. They hurt her feet, it's hard to walk in and if she were to be honest she was this close to-

"Told you, you can't pull off heels"

"Ah-Nero!" she straightened "hey uh, what's up?"

"You roped me into going to the stupid dance, congratulations" he began walking to the door albeit slowly.

Ruby frowned trying to keep pace with difficulties "it's not going to be as bad as you think though"

"Oh and what do you plan to do for the night? Stand in a corner drinking Punch because I know you're not doing anything else."

Ruby fumed but remained silent, glaring at the accursed things on her feet. Truthfully Ruby didn't know what she would do but now everything she could have done was effectively thrown out the window because of her footwear.

Seriously, why the heck couldn't she wear her favorite pair of boots? Not like they would clash with the dress and she could at least walk in them, yeesh.

Just as she thought this her heel caught in the space between the cobblestone path and she lurched. She managed to catch herself but found some assistance with a hand grasping her shoulder and setting her straight again.

"Thanks for that"

The boy rolled his eyes and positioned his shoulder "here"

Ruby stared in confusion causing the boy to sigh.

"Look, you're going to at least take another five minutes to get through that door and while I could just turn back I really don't here you and Dante whining about it later on. So do us both a favor and give me your hand so we get there quickly. The sooner I get this over with the better."

Ruby bit her lip, on one hand he had a point on the other hand the implications would be…disastrous.

After a moment she nodded "okay" she awkwardly looped her hand around his elbow.

"Relax" he practically groaned "don't be afraid to put your weight on me, trust me I could lift ten of you with one hand."

Again she complied leaning closer and Nero's eyebrows shot up, he wasn't expecting to feel that sensation from her.

His cheeks momentarily stained red 'I guess she is related to Yang after all'

"Try and keep up."

And together they walked off leaving Vergil alone, he looked back at them with an amused smile, which promptly dropped after a moment when he sighed and looked to the shattered moon.

Things were going to get worse before they get better and on that note he sighed sadly one last time before his gaze steeled and he fished out his scroll.

\

'Alright come on, you can do this okay, it's not that bad' Neptune thought as he hid- positioned himself behind a few well placed balloons conveniently in Weiss Schnee's blind spot.

'Whelp, I never thought I would have ended up in this situation.'

'This situation' being him about to publicly be humiliated but throughout all the things his conversation with Jaune had brought up, he'd agree that she at least deserves an explanation as to why he rejected her.

It's not like she'd spite him by spreading around malicious rumors now, would she?

'Why am I doing this again? Oh right because if I don't I'll get my ass kicked by a Huntsman with angelic powers.'

Neptune took in a deep breath "think warm thoughts' with that he steeled his resolve and walked over to the heiress making some last minute flower rearrangement that even to Neptune seemed wholly unnecessary.

"Hey Weiss" Neptune absolutely refused to stutter. He was the epitome of cool, he would not stutter, relinquish eye contact or break out into a cold sweat. Neptune absolutely refused to show weakness in the matter of utmost urgen-

Weiss turned around.

Why am I doing this again?

"Neptune" the girl appraised him, revealing nothing though he could have sworn he saw something in those pale blue eyes before it was masked by a cold indifference "what is it that you want?" she folded her arms.

Neptune couldn't help but admire her restraint, obviously she was more than upset with him if that creeping coldness wasn't any indication but she kept it in check.

For that the least he could do was let some of his anxiety show "I know I'm the last person you wanted to see tonight" he paused to allow her a snort or snide comment, none came, she just stood there with an almost bored expression.

'Harsh' at least with the other expectation he could ascertain how angry she was right now.

"I just wanted to apologize for the other night" her eyes narrowed "I'm not trying to make up or ask your forgiveness or anything like that" he quickly said. Neptune by heart was a realist, leave the optimism to people like Sun or Jaune "but you at least deserve to know the real reason I did reject you anyway."

He could see the interest in her eyes almost as much as the skepticism "before you ask, no I don't already have a girlfriend and I wasn't just talking to you for kicks either" he might as well get past those stereotypes right now "the truth is" and he looked around before continuing t which Weiss raised her eyebrows"I can't dance."

The delicate eyebrow was lowered and a very unladylike "what?" was her reply after a few moments.

Neptune sighed and looked her in the eye this time as he repeated slowly "I can't dance" he gave another sigh and shoved his hands in his pocket "look Weiss I know how this works alright and I know you probably wouldn't go for the guy who couldn't-" Neptune never got to finish his sentence-

*Smack*

On account of the hit she gave him that was not a slap.

"Agh"

But was a surprisingly hard punch to the face, that he never saw coming.

As someone whose been punched in face before he could definitely say that 'she's got a mean right hook.'

Weiss would beg to differ as she held her wrist but the annoyed expression was directed squarely at him.

"How dare you…" she spoke in a low dangerous tone "try and blame me for your own insecurities."

"Huh?"

"How would you know who I would or wouldn't 'go for' as you put it?"

"I-"

"Be quiet" and his mouth snapped shut "let's get something straight here Vascillas, we've only known each other for little under a month. You don't know a thing about me so don't you ever presume to know what I would or would not do in a situation. I don't presume to know you" she gave him a once over "though I could take a guess. The bottom line is I could care less that you can't dance."

He couldn't help but shuffle awkwardly as he glanced around for any eavesdroppers, there were none.

Strike one!

"But apparently you do" her voice cut through his worries like a knife and he could see the disappointment.

"Uh, I messed up didn't I?"

"Clearly"

"Right" his shoulders slumped a bit, any confidence he'd built for the talk was utterly spent and he seemed very Jaune-like right then and there "I'll just get out of your hair then".

He went to turn away only to stop when she said "wait."

Turning around he saw Weiss staring at him intensely "where do you think you're going?"

"Well I-I" he fought for words but found none.

Strike Two!

"It doesn't matter" she stepped closer "what matters s that you humiliated me and for a very asinine reason."

'Humiliated? ASININE!?' he thought, nervousness replaced by outrage.

"Worry not though, I won't hold it against you" she said imperiously.

Neptune was suddenly feeling wary "um, okay so we're cool then?"

Weiss nodded with a smile, a very dangerous smile that had Neptune feeling cautious "yes we are very cool."

It might just be his imagination but Neptune could have sworn he saw her breath at that last word 'was it always this cold.'

"In fact I will even help you?"

Neptune blink, forgetting the cold for a minute "y-you will?" a feeling of dread crept upon him.

If anything Weiss' smile widened a bit and she nodded "of course I can't have my date not being able to dance" she rolled her eyes when she saw his dart over the vicinity "as such I think a lesson is in order."

That dread further permeated and Neptune swallowed "you mean right now?"

There was a glint in her eyes as she replied "why that is a wonderful idea Neptune" the boy paled "unless you would rather not afford my assistance and continue on by yourself."

And at this point Dante would comment that she had Neptune 'by the balls.' She gave him the ultimatum that would either make or break their relationship. There was no turning back, no negotiation, he would either take her offer, starting an intimate relationship with her and be humiliated in public or walk away, retain his image but effectively botch any further interaction with Weiss.

Objectively he should walk away as no one girl would be worth the fallout his reputation would take in the wake of that decision. Not to mention the uncertainty of a relationship with her in the first place, not even taking into account the distance but also the political backlash of being Weiss Schnee's boyfriend.

Subjectively he liked Weiss, he liked her snow white hair, perfect pale skin, her various dresses that gives her a aristocratic image, the scar that perfectly depicts the warrior in said princess-like image. He liked her attitude, he liked her intellect, (and even though it's a blow to his male pride) he liked the fact the she was able to put him in his place and he liked the fact that she's put him in a position to actually think about this decision in the first place.

In the end he thought 'fuck it'

Strike Three!

And said "thanks I'd like that"

The smile that adorned her pale features was worth the oncoming humiliation before she said "great!" and dragged him onto the dance floor.

Somehow through the throng of people just filling in he spotted Jaune Arc who sported a small smile. The blonde nodded respectfully at him and Neptune returned the gesture then he saw Sun's expression and kind of sis a half shrug to which the monkey Faunus did a small salute.

\

"What are you doing?"

Sun looked at his date "just saluting a fallen soldier"

Blake raised an eyebrow at that but then she saw the blue haired boy being dragged through the crowd by her teammate with a smile that, if Blake were to be honest, frightened her. Blake's sympathy goes out to him.

\

Meanwhile, if Jaune were to somehow attain the power to go back in time he would use that opportunity to punch himself in the face for every time he flirted with Weiss in front of his partner. Now that he actually knew what to look for Jaune found himself wondering how he missed the now obvious signs that Pyrrha was interested in him.

Personally he blamed his family, between his father's advice, his mother's coddling and his sisters' unique personalities it's a wonder he couldn't differentiate between a girl giving subtle signs of interest and just being a really good friend. He made the mistake of messing up those signs once before and he didn't need his already 'stellar' reputation with the ladies to be any worse.

"Jaune, are you okay"

'There it is again!'

He's heard that same phrase from so many different girls (namely his mother and sisters) that he wouldn't think much of it but there was just something extra when Pyrrha said it. Maybe he's just over thinking things because he knew about her feelings or maybe she's just concerned about his weird behavior, he didn't know.

What he did know was 'all you need is confidence son.'

He had to give his father props for the vagueness of that advice, from a strategist point of view he did a good job a inspiring quote without actually answering his question back then. Take what you will from those words and use it wisely, Jaune didn't and ended up making an idiot of himself. Now he knew better, now he knew when to use that advice because now he had a reason to be confidence and now he knew what confidence is.

So he gave Pyrrha a sincere smile "yeah I'm alright" and with a flourishing bow "my I have this dance milady?"

Pyrrha giggled into her hand before daintily accepting his hand "why yes Mr. Arc I would love to."

Ignoring some of the nonplus looks he whisked her away while maintaining the smile on his face. If there was one thing Jaune was very confident in it was his skills on the dance floor.

\

"What's taking them so long?"

"Relax, he's probably just stalling"

Yang turned her lilac gaze towards her date for the night and wondered not for the first time how he could be so calm. Yang herself should also be calm but there was something about leaving her alone with Nero that made her sibling instincts flair up as if knowing he was a…a threat.

'Gods, is this what dad feels like?'

Yang wasn't nearly as unreasonable as to think anything would actually happen. Nero didn't think of Ruby that way and she had a feeling Ruby wouldn't think that way of him for a while to come. So far it's a journey for both of them and if Yang were to be honest that isn't the part of their friendship that has her instincts set to keep her at a distance.

There will always be a part of Yang that wouldn't trust the little brat (and for good reason), not just for the obvious but there was a deep underlying reason for it. People don't act like Nero because of simple teenage angst, she has been and still is an angst-filled teenager and from what she's seen of Nero Yang couldn't help but feel there was something wrong with him.

There was something wrong with the three of them on a whole and not just because of their heritage.

"Here they come" Dante interrupted her thoughts

She saw him take out his scroll just in time for the doors to open and what Yang saw put her previous thoughts on pause. There standing right before her was her not-so-little sister holding onto or more like leaning on Nero's shoulder. Nero himself seemed to be making a conscious effort to be mindful of Ruby which confused her until she saw her stumble in her heels causing him to react in a vaguely concerned way, right before straightening up and pretending that didn't happen.

Yang felt her lip quirk, she knew she should be the 'older overly protective sister' but for some reason seeing not only Ruby but also Nero fumble his way gave her…hope? Was that the word or was it perhaps satisfaction? Then it finally dawned on her, why Dante wasn't overly worried about Nero as she was with Ruby. It wasn't because he was a boy, it was because Dante knew that deep down, beneath all the angst, attitude and demonic power he was just like Ruby.

A socially awkward 15 year old stumbling through adolescence, basically two sides of the same coin. He couldn't take advantage of Ruby not because he didn't want to but because he literally couldn't. In fact she could even go as far as to say that Nero is as harmless as Jaune with the added benefit that he could actually have her back in a fight.

The only real problem was his unresolved issues and the fact that they'd get in more trouble but (and its somewhat depressing to admit it) that is something completely unavoidable with her and her team in general. Between criminal masterminds, terrorist organizations, supernatural conspiracies and regular teen drama Yang realized she's out of her depth here.

She realized this a long time ago but some part of her just wouldn't let it go but now seeing that the person closest to her age who may or may not become someone truly important to her, actually shows he care…well what should she do about that?

The only things she can "oh my god, you guys are so cute!" be the supportive sister she has been.

It was then they looked to the other 'couple' and frown/pout as they approached and Ruby relieved herself of Nero's elbow to approach her sister "how does Weiss fight in these things?"

"Dante get that camera out of my face before I shove it-" Nero actually cut himself off, breathe in deeply and walked away with a hand in his pocket and a noticeable slouch towards the balcony.

Dante turned towards them and sighed "I should probably keep an eye on hi-"

"I got it" Ruby interrupted, taking careful steps in Nero's direction.

"You might wanna grab some punch before you go" at her questioning look he added "just trust me alright?"

Ruby nodded and kind of half walked half wobbled away with a mutter of "stupid lady stilts"

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing" he replied innocently.

Yang's eyes narrowed "Uh-huh just remember I'm keeping my eye on you"

"Yeah sure, I'll be at the punch bowl if you need me" he waved her off while whistling a tune.

Yang stared after him until he disappeared into the crowd and turned back to what she was doing, greeting people with a smile.

Though that smile was almost wiped off at the next pair to enter "what are you guys still doing here?"

Melanie was starting to regret her decision to come here already "obviously we're here for the dance" she answered in annoyance.

Yang was oddly enough not bothered by her tone "I thought you two would have left by now."

"So did I" she glanced at her twin who seemed preoccupied with eyeing the crowd.

She must have found what she was looking for because her features brightened a little before she said "I'll catch up with you later Mel, have fun!"

"What!?"

But she was too late and her twin was gone to where she knows not.

"Looks like you just got dumped" Yang smirked.

"Shut up, it's your fault we were in this mess anyway"

"Hey I wasn't the one who threw the first plate" Yang defended.

"I'm not talking about that, ever since you showed your face at the club our lives have gone down the drain."

Yang's brows furrowed a little "you know if it weren't for me and Dante you would still be serving a bunch of demons" she continued in a somber tone "trust me you don't want to know what happens to normal people after hanging around them for long."

Melanie stared at her for a while before sighing "whatever" she glanced around a little "where is Dante anyway?"

Yang was instantly suspicious "why do you want to know?"

Melanie rolled her eyes "are you kidding me? He's the only other person I know here and I'm not in the mood to meet new people."

Yang raised an skeptical eyebrow but answered anyway "he's by the punch bowl"

Melanie folded her arms and walked away with her nose up in a very Weiss-like manner.

'Weird how those two haven't met each other'

\

Mercury fixed his tie for the sixth time that night and for some reason it annoyed the hell out of Emerald.

"Would you stop messing with it already?"

The merc simply grunted "why don't you mind your own business. I don't see you having any problems"

"Speak for yourself" she said playing with the hem of her skirt.

'How does Cinder fight in these things?'

Come to think of it how do most huntresses fight in dresses anyway? Oh sure they're called 'combat skirts' but seriously, and for girls who do physical combat, how can they fight properly when they could be exposed at any moment. As a thief Emerald didn't wear skirts because of practicality but personally she was just uncomfortable in the damn things.

And the reason why she was practically forced to wear something like freaking dress was so stupid she had half a mind to throttle the nearest thing that pissed her off, her eyes flickered to Mercury adjusting his tie again.

Yet another thing to be feeling upset about, of course she understood the reason behind it but Emerald had to ask herself 'why the hell am I going to a school dance with this asshole?'

Its times like this in which she envied Cinder, not only was she unbothered with the dress she wore but she would be spending her time with more tolerable company. Then again anyone would be more tolerable than the merc, even the ice-cream midget who was currently on the enviable mission of infiltrating the CCT.

'Lucky bitch'

Emerald would've loved to be there right now and was even the first to volunteer but it would've been weird if there whole team didn't show up. whatever, as long as they didn't have to talk to those preppy Hunter wannabe's she could grin and bear through the night.

Then there's the added bonus of knowing they were about to pull one over their eyes with the CCT though if she were honest she would much prefer Cinder to be the one doing it than silent-but-deadly. The last thing they need is murder mystery case on their hands.

Then they stopped or more specifically Cinder stopped and she and Mercury followed suite.

"Headmaster"

At that word she felt Mercury tense and she unknowingly did the same, the trepidation in Cinder's voice wasn't imagined and looking past her at the man standing before them she couldn't help but feel something akin to fear. Ozpin the somewhat eccentric headmaster of Beacon Academy, she's seen him around campus before, she's seen photos and in each one he always somehow maintained an air of content. He was always seen with a small smile that seemed paternal, even grandfatherly if you were young enough.

This was not that man.

Ozpin's expression was stone-faced, devoid of any and all emotions. Though he was still immaculately dressed with his spectacles present, he held his cane gripped by both hands before him as he stood tall and peered at them.

"Is there something I can help you with?" the trepidation in Cinder's voice was not imagined.

Something was wrong.

"You overstepped your bounds" he began "we know who you serve Cinder"

Emerald couldn't see Cinder's expression but she could see her hands curl into fists before the ground shifted and rose to bind all three of them in concrete.

"It would be in your best interest not to resist" Glynda Goodwitch walked out from the shadows, riding crop directed at them as she regarded all three coolly.

Emerald was panicking now but it wasn't over and at the multiple gun cocks and red dots started trailing their bodies she knew it was all over for them.

"We have you all surrounded" General James Ironwood himself with pistol pointed at them along with several soldiers and snipers.

They were officially screwed, fighting one of these three veterans would have taken all Cinder's skills but all three? Emerald wasn't delusional enough to think her boss could take on all three, at least not as she is now.

And Ozpin summed up her thoughts in two words.

"It's over"

To her shock though, Cinder started chuckling, it was low at first and the only sign was the sudden movement of her shoulders before she started to straight up laugh in their face.

"No Ozpin, it isn't over, it is just beginning" her tone was light and Emerald shared a strained yet confused look with Mercury, he too had no idea what was going on and judging by the layer of concrete on his feet they did their homework.

So if he wasn't their scapegoat what was-

Before her thought was completed the world warped before their eyes.

\

"Punch?"

Nero still leaning over the rails looked to his left to see a cup of the fruity drink then he looked into the eyes of the pale faced slightly smiling girl and raised an eyebrow.

"That depends was Dante around the Punch bowl?"

Instead of relief he clicked his tongue but took it anyway "too bad, I could use a drink"

Ruby did not know or wanted to know what that meant and took a leaning position over the rails "so~"

"Five minutes"

"Excuse me?"

"That's how long I'm going to bother staying until I get out of here" he watched her from the corner of his eye "unless you have some brilliant idea of what I can do."

"Oh, uh~" she looked to see everyone dancing and/or laughing inside "I guess not" she said sadly.

Hell, with the way things are Ruby isn't so sure she was going to stay much longer either. Movement caused her to turn around and see Nero standing on top of the rails.

"See ya"

"Wait"

"O~kay"

"I'll go with you"

"Really? You're not going to stay and have fun with your sister and some soon-to-be-drunk 17 year olds?"

Ruby blinked at that "no and I can't really do much in these things."

He shrugged "alright then, let's go" hopped down.

Ruby looked down at her heels in irritation to which Nero rolled his eyes and after adjusting the swing picked her up by the waist and swung her to the ground. It was such a smooth and fast transition that Ruby could only let out a faint "eep" before she planted on the other side of the rails.

"Let's go"

Ruby stood there dumbfounded for a moment before shaking her head "right, so where are we going?"

"Dunno, but it's probably best to get as far away from there" he thumbed the party "as possible."

"Why?"

Nero glanced at her "ask your teammates tomorrow morning."

She might just do that.

"Whoa!"

Her heels caught on something and she almost tripped to which Nero grumbled "okay that's it" and proceeded to use his foot and break her heels to make the shoes instantly flat "you'r welcome by the way."

"Why did you do that?"

"Because you were already clumsy why add to it?"

"I'm not clumsy."

He didn't even deign to give that a response and walked away.

Ruby hurried after him picking up the broken pieces of the heel "Weiss is going to be really angry you did that. She got me these for this night"

"So I don't give a f-" he cut himself off and stopped walking before running.

"Hey" Ruby was quick to follow and though she felt sorry for Weiss gift she was silently grateful for what he did.

She slowed down a little when she saw where he was headed 'the CCT?'

If she was confused then she was even more confused by the fact that the front was empty 'aren't there supposed to be like soldiers guarding here'

Then she saw Nero kneeling behind the bushes "what's wrong" she gasped upon seeing the unconscious guard with the cracked visor.

Nero eyed the building and adjusted his sling "you better call your locker" he said taking out his scroll.

"Way ahead of you" she said already putting in coordinates.

\

'What the hell am I doing?'

That was the question Cardin asked himself as he leaned in a secluded corner of the ballroom watching as everyone else had fun.

'I should've left with the others, let Dove handle this crap'

A few moments ago his team decided to ditch the party, he decided to stay (god knows why) and now he ended up sulking in a corner.

Why?

Because of the same reason why any guy would jeopardize himself for no logical reason, that blue haired guy is a good example. Yep all because he got it in his head that he would somehow end up with a-

"Hey you"

Speak of the devil.

His head swerved to the left to see the short hair, short girl in a red dress with black highlights "you made it" he sounded disbelieving.

"Well yeah, didn't I say I would be here?"

'Doesn't mean you weren't lying' he gave her a wry smile.

"So like, wanna dance?"

"Uh, sure"

"Hey, you need to like lighten up Cardin. You're only young once you know."

"…yeah" he said smiling a little more confidently while eyeing some of the disbelieved looking people around.

For some reason it irked him 'like they never saw a guy with a girl before'

Or maybe it was because it was Militia, that was definitely it but you know what? Screw those guys and screw his team, backstabbing bastards. Here he is on the dance floor with the hottest girl he knew that actually gets him, there is literally nothing that could go wrong here.

Then his eyes caught Jaune's as he and a dazed looking Pyrrha danced closer. They stared for a moment before the blonde gave him a respectful nod which Cardin returned. That was the first time they interacted since he saved his life and Cardin found himself grateful to him.

\

Underneath the Headmaster's tower was a room fitted with all manner of convenience to occupy someone's need including a holo-tube, refrigerator, coffee machine and even a minibar and yet all of this was ignored by the room's occupant. Amber wasn't one for modern conveniences in the first place, one would think it was because of her powers but really she preferred nature.

Amber was the type of woman to take a stroll than watch TV, feel the wind on her face as opposed to air-conditioning and riding her horse to driving. The bottom line is

'I shouldn't be here' she thought pacing 'I should be out there fighting with them. At least I want to see the look on her face.'

Suddenly she stopped 'what was that?' she looked about the room while taking out her staff.

There was something else in the room with her, she could feel it like the prickling on her skin. It made her uncomfortable, she knew it was something dark, something magical but what she wasn't sure.

*Clank*

She spun around the fire crystal on her staff pointed at the source of the disturbance. What she saw was a literal crack in the wall but that couldn't be right.

*CRACK*

It became more pronounced and soon the crack started traveling to the ceiling but Amber felt something else going on and soon realized that the entire room was changing. Black ooze like soot developed on the ground, the air was tinted darker, she saw the refrigerator compacted like something big stepped on it, the mini bar exploded yet the contents floated in mid air, the paint peeled off and the room and finally with a twisted cracking noise the room expanded.

At this point Amber was shaking "wh-what is this?"

"Amber" it was a rasping noise coming from the very air itself.

Her eyes widened with fear "who are you? What do you want from me!?"

There was a grotesque cracking noise and she gasped when monstrosities started to claw their way out of the ground. She looked to the door only for it to seal itself and the monsters within and finally she got her answer to the previous question she asked, carved out in the very walls of her once thought secure room.

Your Death

To Be Continued

Author's Notes: and the award for longest chapter to date goes to…

Lots of things covered here, mostly fluff and some other stuff I like to write multiple scenes since I kind of get bored sometimes and having characters of different perspective spices things up.

Relationship-wise Dante and Nora are now bros, Blake has her priority straight as she and Vergil have unwittingly roped Ren into a conspiracy (Ren- "I thought we started this club to read books"), Jaune and Neptune are now bros, the former now aware of Pyrrha's feelings for him, the latter now reconciled with Weiss, Nero ended up going to the dance with Ruby (arguably my favorite pair to write, Devil's Rose 4 life!) and in the spirit of Shrek Cardin actually gets the girl.

Now unfortunately this will be the last chapter of the year and also this will be the last chapter even remotely close to canon. Remember when I said there was going to be a divergence? Whelp this story just went off road and yes I am going to be including stuff from Vol. 4, so until next time.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.