Well, hello there.

I'll be honest, I didn't intend for this chapter to be a thing, but I needed a break from the book I've been trying to write as well as the real life that has been sucking the life out of me a little bit. It was a good break to have, and I hope you enjoy.

Does this mean I'm back? Only will be stopping by here or there, but I'll be around regardless.

Enjoy.

Ozpin sat in his office in silence, going over the various paperwork he was given at the start of the day. As headmaster, it was his duty to keep his students safe and secure, but also happy and healthy within the walls of his academy. His paperwork usually consisted of requisition orders that required his signature from various departments in his academy. Orders for materials for school projects that, in order to be delivered directly, required his permission. Usually, he would sign without issue, as he's been dealing with the same companies for years, now, but for newer student projects, he liked to make them give a reason and explain as to why they're doing what they're doing. Not only was it fun, but it was also educational for those involved.

Also, there were orders by the custodial workers that he almost never questioned, though he went over it thoroughly. He made the mistake once by not checking the list, and was stuck with a fully-functional pizza maker. Now, his students enjoy the best pepperoni pizzas for three dollars or less. As he read through his lists, pondering why the woodshop needed new table saw blades when the phone atop his desk began to ring. When this happened, it meant that his front desk clerk had someone ready to visit, or someone on the phone. He had no appointments, making this a sudden visit.

Uncommon, even for the hustle and bustle of his academy. If a student was in trouble he would at least be notified via email about it, or receive a call from his teachers. Some of them even texted him about it. However, walk-ins were very, very rare.

He picked up the phone and sighed, even though his mind was plagued with curiosity. "Yes?" He inquired, voice smooth and deep. Leaning back in his chair, his face went turned into a stern look, gazing at the door with an angered look as he listened to his assistant. "Okay, send her in, but notify Glynda that I'd like her to get here immediately. Thank you."

He hung up and rose to his feet, eager to welcome probably his most unwelcomed guest yet. As he did, the door pushed open, revealing a tall woman with long, black hair slicked back into a ponytail, red eyes locking onto his glasses as she held a suitcase in hand, dressed in all black with black boots, as well, her jacket zipped halfway down to show off her bust. She walked in and closed the door behind her before standing at attention, the briefcase in both of her hands as she respectfully bowed her head towards her former instructor.

"It's good to see you again, Ozpin." She said, respectfully, her voice smooth and calming. "Though, judging by the look you're giving me, I have a feeling this may not end well, for me."

"You'd be correct, Raven." The slender headmaster quickly retorted. "Happy as I am to see a former student, especially one as successful as yourself," She blushed at the compliment, dropping her head for a second as he continued, "I've seen what happens when a private investigator drops in unannounced. I can't possibly imagine why you're here, but…" He walked away from his desk and nodded to the chair, walking towards the far wall and opening a hidden fridge. "Please, have a seat. Would you like a drink?" Couldn't forget hospitality, after all. No matter how uneasy he was by her presence.

Raven turned down both the seat and the drink with a simple shake of her head, all while putting her briefcase down on one of the open chairs in front of his hickory oak wood desk. "Thank you, but no. I'm actually here for something that only you can help me with, Headmaster." She put emphasis on the title, causing the man to raise an eyebrow, keeping a stern look on his face. "You see, my office received a requisition for assistance by the Kingdom of Vale."

"Oh? Interesting."

"Just wait, old man, it gets better. You see, the department that got me on their side, was the Department of Child Safety and Protection."

"Interesting."

Red eyes blinked before returning a stern, sharp gaze into the very soul of the man before her. "You wouldn't happen to know why?"

Ozpin pondered for a moment, speaking aloud as he did. "Well, I can imagine that they're overworked if they're calling for a Private Investigator for help, and I can only assume that it's because they received a tip off about a student of mine that is potentially in danger." Raven nodded, as he was on point, "And you want access to this student's personal record so that you may ensure his or her safety, am I correct?"

"Almost. In fact, I can confirm that the student in question is a her. See, many years ago, this particular student was living in a foster home, and only recently did we discover the conditions of said home were less than desirable. This student in question ran away without a trace, and we have reasons to believe that this very student is enrolled here." Ozpin raised an eyebrow and stood back, keeping a stern gaze. "Ozpin, you know why I'm talking about, don't you?"

"You're positive of the student's identity and you know that they are here, yet you're here because…?" The man's question was purposefully intended to force the woman's hand and put all of her cards on the table. It was an attempt to understand her true intentions and prepare a proper retort. Unfortunately, it won't be that simple, as Raven was known for her poker face. Why couldn't it be Qrow? At least he wouldn't be so cryptic. "It seems as though you have everything in order. I'm not sure what we here could do, other than ensure their safety within our walls."

Raven chuckled, her head dropping and shaking left and right slowly with her red eyes closed, until she picked back up with both eyebrows raised, not in a quizzical sense, but more of a surprised glance. "Don't play dumb with me, Oz. You're not that good at it." He raised a brow, unsure if it was a compliment or not, "I have a feeling that you know why I'm here." Now it was Ozpin's turn to return his intrigued gaze. "I came to you not as a former pupil to a former instructor, nor as an investigator to a headmaster."

"Oh?"

"I'm here as a parent, to a friend." Ozpin's eyes slowly became slits as he carefully examined the woman before him, noticing an entire mood change in her eyes, even her voice. Somehow, she became believable, and even made this interesting for him. Why would she come in under the guise of her occupation but say she was here as a parent? He wanted to know, so he nodded and pointed towards the empty chair in front of his desk, taking a seat at his. "Thank you."

"No problem. To say you haven't caught my attention now would be a lie." He leaned into his desk and propped his elbows upon the table top, nodding towards the woman. "Go ahead. Plead your case."

With a deep breath, and a long sigh, Raven began her solemn appeal. "Ozpin," She quietly said, "do you remember Summer? Summer Rose?" The man nodded, picturing a familiar, young, mature yet spunky lass, interested with nothing more than helping people, and was taken too soon. Raven chuckled and dropped her head again. "Of course, you remember. You permitted her daughter to attend here, earlier than most."

"That happens all of the time." He easily waved off. "We take the brightest minds from all over the world, no matter their age. In fact, that's what we did for Summer, if you recall."

Raven nodded, "A year younger than everybody, but smarter than those two years higher." Both chuckled at the memory of the woman, until red, pleading eyes locked onto the man behind the desk. "Ozpin, I found out something, the other day. And I can't tell you how I got this information, but I have it and it's time I capitalized."

"Oh?"

"Oz-… Headmaster. When we were kids, Summer and I made a promise. That no matter what, we would always stay friends and later in life, we promised that, whenever we had kids, we would always be there for them, as well as each other, no matter what. No matter the rime or reason, if anything happened to one, the other would take their place and be the mother the child never had. When… When Taiyang and I began having our problems, just after Yang was born… Summer stepped up. I wasn't mad, she was doing her job... What I asked her to do…"

Ozpin took a deep breath as the woman's gaze drifted into the desk, a blank look in her eyes as she reminisced. "She was Yang's mother for so long, and even mothered a child of her own. When she told me she was pregnant, I began to wonder if my relationship with Tai was dead and buried. I drifted away, and Summer drifted closer to him… And to… Her."

"To Yang?"

Raven nodded solemnly, "Yeah. You've treated her well, you know? Both of them…"

"What are you trying to get at, Raven? I know you didn't come here to spill your guts all over my desk."

The woman chuckled lightly and leaned back in her chair, nodding softly. "You're right." She clapped her hands together lightly and blinked at the man, who could swear could see a tear in those deadly red eyes. "Ozpin, I made a promise to Summer… No matter what, I would keep her baby safe. Just as she did for me… I broke that promise to her. I messed up, so, so badly. And whether by some miracle, or by your probably insanely intricate plan, she's here."

He nodded as her tapped the tips of his fingers together, eyes darting around in though. "I see. So, you come to me with the sob story of a lifetime and expect me to give in and give you everything you ever will need in life, including the privilege to see her during school hours?"

"W-w-well, no, not during school." She admitted, shakily, "Listen, I don't need to see her, now. I just need to make sure that she's safe. It was my job to ensure her safety the first time and I couldn't do that, help me make this right! Please! I'm begging!"

The tall headmaster shook his head and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, but no-can-do." Raven was about to protest, but he held up a lone finger and stopped her cold. "Raven," He admonished. "You know I can't. The law in Vale prevents me from putting any of my students in harm's way."

"Ozpin-!"

"I don't like it as much as you!" He sternly snapped, "As headmaster, I have a duty to these students. I must keep them safe, no matter the cost. Physically and emotionally." Her face fell, more and more, arms dropping to her lap as failure began to set in. "Raven, I want to help, but there are legal issues that are stopping me from doing so. Unless I have some form of written or verbal proof from the party in question, I can face some serious ramifications for allowing you to simply walk up to the girl and say hi. And, should I feel that you are conspiring in any way, I am obligated to inform the authorities. I'm sorry, but I have my duties."

"But what if the party in question isn't around?"

"You know that, girl, you studied law for four years. It stays in limbo… I'm sorry, but you're stuck. Ruby Rose and her permanent records with Beacon Academy are off limits. Legally speaking."

Raven picked up her suitcase in a huff and rose to her feet, straightening her black overcoat as she did. "I see how it is, then." She tried to keep her composure, but her voice gave a hint towards her spite for the man before her. In her mind, she knew he was right, but this was the only way she could get to Ruby. This was really her only lead. "Legally, I can't come in and say that I need to see her, or her file… But what if… I got a warrant."

The man shook his head and laughed, rising out of his chair with his hands firmly gripping his oak desk, glaring daggers into the woman's soul. "Raven, we've known each other for quite a while, so I'll be blunt when I tell you this. You don't have a leg to stand on in this fight. There will be no way that I will hand those records over to you," His expression abruptly fell into an enraged look, his eyes becoming slits between their lids as he continued, "and I promise you that if I even think that you're going after my student behind my back, I will not hesitate to file an injunction against you and the firm you work for." He growled, enraged by the prospect of being bullied into giving in. "But please, I dare you to find a judge who will sign off on that. Go ahead and make it interesting for me."

Raven's harsh red eyes squinted as she nodded, accepting the gauntlet that had been thrown. She knew Vale's laws regarding child safety, and knew that this would be no easy task. Not only was he right in everything he said, but she knew the challenge could not be met. No judge in this kingdom would ever allow that. "We'll be in touch, then." She turned to walk out, but was met by a familiar busty blond with emerald green eyes and her hair done up in a bun, glasses perched upon her nose and a disheveled look on her face.

"What is the meaning of-"

She was cut off as Raven brushed by her, chuckling as she walked out of the now open door. "Glynda, always a pleasure."

Goodwitch stopped and watched in stunned silence as she did a double take, trying to see if her eyes deceived her. She watched Raven walked away, out the office and eventually the front door, then emerald eyes glanced back at the man behind the desk, who only smiled and shrugged. She walked in and closed the door, approaching the large, oak desk with a look of disdain and inquiry on her face.

"Headmaster Ozpin, what was she doing in here?!"

The large man shrugged again, shaking his head. "Oh, it was just a failed attempt to make a visit to one of our students."

"Wha- To whom?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Glynda." He turned to face out his window and watched a familiar black car drive away, down towards the straight-away lane that took you to the main road. His face slowly fell as he leaned back in his chair more and nodded carefully, anticipating his next move. Raven just moved her night in striking position of his queen. He can either be aggressive and fall for a potential trap, or… He can be more conservative and set up a trap of his own… "Glynda?"

"Sir?"

"There may be something you can do, after all…"

Yang leaned into the table and glared at her work, the page staying as blank as her notes were. It wasn't just this class, it was every class. Ever since her very heated discussion with her mother the day before, she had been pondering more and more about her friends. Well, one in particular. There was always something familiar about Ruby, but Yang could never put her finger on it.

All day, she couldn't stop thinking about it. About her. She never gave it too much thought in the past, but always believed that Ruby was somebody. Now, her whole perception of reality may have turned upside down in just a single afternoon. If it was just Raven telling her all of this, there was no way that she could have believed her, but both her dad and uncle corroborated the story.

Ruby Rose, her best friend, was really her long-lost half-sister.

A lot of truths were revealed that day, none of which resonated more to Yang than the fact that Ruby lied to her. That hurt more than anything, as Yang always told the young teen that she could tell her anything, no matter what. That she would always be there for her… But her trust was thrown carelessly out the window… It was almost a pleasure to help her mom out when she came to her for help on anything and everything about Ruby. But, even so, Yang could not stand by and tell the woman everything.

As hurt as she was, she still had a duty to protect Ruby. Not that the girl would be in danger in Raven's claws, so to speak, but Yang never trusted her mom. Besides, she wanted to get to the bottom of this conspiracy personally. Currently, she was in math class, her second to last of the day, and had stayed surprisingly distant from her friends all day. So much so that it began to worry Ruby. She sat next to the blonde all day, trying to get any form or reaction, from a chuckle to an angry cry of vengeance, but alas, nothing. There was nothing Yang could say to the teen, nothing that she wanted to say, at least. If she opened her mouth for anything, it would be to curse out the brunette for everything she stood for in life.

And that just wasn't her.

She shook herself from her stupor as Pyrrha nudged her slightly, but sternly. The athletic redhead always had a way to break silence, somehow. "What?" Yang sternly inquired.

"You've been blowing us off all day." Pyrrha huffed, "Come on! I thought we had fun this weekend?" They stayed to a low whisper, as not to disturb the others around them, but both Ruby and Blake eavesdropped on, the former concerned with the response. Being the last two at the house, they wondered if they did something wrong before they left. "You're worrying poor Ruby to death over there with your cold shoulder silent treatment crap."

"Is everything okay, Yang?" Ruby inquired, with batted breath and an intrigued, yet worried, mind. "We aren't in trouble… Are we?"

Yang considered this for a moment, her mind racing for an excuse. As mad and angry at young Ruby as she was, the teen didn't deserve this. After all, it was probably self-preservation. "Yeah. It's fine. I just got a visit from my mom yesterday and it… Well, it didn't do too well for my psyche. I'm just trying to cool off, but… You know how I can be after that…" The group accepted the excuse, but it still left a worrying impression on a certain silver-eyed teens face, which caught Yang's lilac eye. "I'm fine, Ru. Honest."

The teen nodded and went back to her work, leaving Yang to her thoughts. Sure, she was mad at everyone. Her dad for being so secretive, her friend for being a liar and her mom for… Well, being her. But she still didn't have a right to treat everyone like crap. She thought about how she was going to go about with this, and wanted to talk to Ruby before Raven could get to her, but didn't know when or where to begin…

She mindlessly began her work, vigorously writing down the equations, noting that the tension around her began to boil over. She felt worried silver orbs glance over from all sides, but refused to acknowledge them as she continued to think to herself. If Ruby really was her long-lost sister, as her mother and dad said, then what would Raven want to do with her, anyway? Both her and Qrow seemed interested in the teen, and yet, both refused to say why. This worried Yang, so she purposefully and adamantly withheld information from them to protect her friend. Betrayal sits below safety, for Yang. She may be upset, but she couldn't put her friend in harm's way.

Then again, would Qrow really hurt her? She wasn't sure about her mom, but Qrow of all people wouldn't go that far against a child...

Maybe Blake was right… Maybe she was a better trained guard dog.

Of course, this also meant she had an obligation to warn her friend about a possible danger growing from within her own family. What to do? If she warned Ruby straight up, right here right now, she'd have to admit to everything she knew… If she waited, it could be too late. The question was, did she want to trust a liar, or her treacherous, untrustworthy family… Who, in retrospect, always lied to her, well more than Ruby has, as far as she knew… Trust one liar or another, both of whom are family…

What to do?

Her questions were left spinning in her mind as the bell rang out, causing the busty blonde to pack away her work, which was now added to the growing list of homework for the day. Four classes down, six sheets of homework. How did that work? Yang shook the thought free from her mind and brought her bag up on the table as Pyrrha and Nora left with the rest of the class, saying they'll be waiting in the next class. The former was annoyed with Yang's negative attitude, and the blonde would accept any and all hate. After a great weekend, her friends didn't deserve any of this. Now they think she hates them, when she doesn't. In fact, she didn't know what to think.

As Yang zipped her backpack up, a force attached itself onto her back, it's arms wrapping around her torso and squeezing her lightly. She was about ready to knock the living daylights out of this person, out of instinct, but stopped herself when she turned and saw the top of a head, with short, brown hair.

"Yang?" Called a meek voice, quiet enough that only they could hear between the rabble of the exodus around them. "Whatever we did to make you mad… I'm sorry…"

The busty blonde took it to heart and smiled softly, sighing deeply as she picked up her right arm and brought it upon Ruby's head, rustling her hair lightly and shaking her own head. "It's not you, Ru, I promise." She lied, keeping the peace, "It'll be okay." Now that was the truth, as she pulled herself away from the embrace. "I'm just going to be on edge for a little while, is all." Ruby nodded and threw the bag over her shoulder before walking past her friend. "I'll be right behind you!" Of course, she'd walk out with her group, if it wasn't for a stern gaze from familiar amber eyes staring her down, challenging her. "Something to say, Blake?"

The bow-wearing teen stepped forward and glared daggers, her eyes nothing more than weary slits and her voice was low and ominous. "You may be able to fool them, but I'm not so easy to get by."

"Oh?"

Blake nodded as she received an equally hateful glare from the busty blonde, who matched her height. "You're really bad at playing dumb. You've been glaring daggers at Ruby all day, so you better spit out whatever is bothering you, or get over it and move on." She quickly stepped to the side and walked away in a huff, but was stopped by a firm grip on her arm. Blake turned with fire in her eyes, ready to snap at the blonde, but Yang got the first word.

"Not that you'll care, but I've been holding back a lot of aggression today, a lot of my feelings." The blonde sneered with an unusually angered tone. "But Ruby is my friend, and I can't protect her on a day to day basis, so I'm going to trust you to do that."

"What are you talking about?" Blake quizzically inquired, trying and failing to free herself.

Yang shook her head and sighed, "I can't tell you too much, but I want you to keep a sharp eye out for Ruby, okay? Please?" Amber eyes stayed locked onto lilac orbs, but saw sincerity and honesty in the warning. It wasn't a threat at all. "Someone will be looking for her, and I don't trust either of them…"

"Why is that?"

With a heavy, almost dejected sigh, Yang replied: "Because they won't trust me."

"Well?" A grainy voiced man called out, bringing the woman back from her stupor as she stared blankly at the ceiling. "Now what?"

"Well, I have a few more leads I can take, before the river dries." She said, her voice dejected and low, sighing heavily. "There's that one couple that Yang told me about, the one that Ruby's constantly raved over… There's that one girl, Blake, the new one, though she seems to be as heavily protective as Yang was, as well. But that's all we have to go on."

"Ah, this might be tough, then."

She nodded, her head held high, both physically and metaphorically. "Yeah, it will be. Interesting, to say the least, this'll be the first case in a while that'll give me trouble. It's already a pain in my ass, just because of Ozpin and his stupid knowledge of Vale's legal system, threatening to get involved if he suspects we're interacting with Ruby in any way."

"He went that far?" The man inquired with surprise, eyes growing wide when his sister nodded solemnly. "Well, you knew from the start you weren't going to woo him, but that really puts the pressure on us. The man has eyes everywhere, somehow."

"Yeah, that's true. Still didn't hurt to try, right? Now, though, he's going to be more protective and mindful of his student. He's adamant about her safety… Well, everyone's safety, but he knows now of what we're trying to do."

"Played your hand too early and only showed a pair of deuces. And he won't accept any of our shenanigans on his property, anyway." Raven nodded slowly, causing her twin to sigh. "You're right, this will be tough. But, this is your cold case. You need to figure out a way to finish it, on a happy note."

"And you said you'd help when I needed, right?"

"… True."

She spun her chair around and raised an eyebrow at her twin with a small smile, setting her mug down on the desk in front of her. "I may call on you, soon. You're expertise will be needed in the near future, I think."

"Why don't I like the sound of that, Rae?" She chuckled lightly and turned her chair back to the window, watching the sun set over the cities skyline. "Oh, we're going to stick it to Oz, aren't we?" She glanced at him and winked, causing him to grin and rise from his seat. "Great, love making an enemy of our greatest ally."

Blake sat back in her car and rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze of the sunshiny day embrace her, as her passenger did the same. Ruby stretched her muscles far as she patiently waited for a chill breeze to fly in her face, her plan being to hang her head out the window like a dog all the way home. It wasn't every day where Vale had a sunny October day, usually it would be cloudy, rainy and depressing. Nope, not today. Sun shining, singing birds, and they were free of bad attitudes.

Which was actually what Blake had on her mind, and she wanted to bring it up here. "So," She began, starting her car, "How about Yang, today, huh?"

The car began to roll backwards as the raven-haired driver peeked back to ensure nobody was in her way as Ruby rolled her eyes and huffed. "I know, right? Like, she's usually in a bad attitude after her mom visits, but never like this… No, she was holding a major grudge, today… I wonder why."

'Now's your chance, Blake.' The faunus told herself. "Ruby…"

"Yo."

"Yang said something… During fourth block."

"Yeah, I know, I heard her." The teen replied, easily, her hands hidden behind her head as her right leg sat atop her left knee. "She said she'd be on edge a while."

"No, after class…" The red-themed passenger raised an eyebrow with interest. "I stayed after to kinda have a word, let her know that she needed to cool off and fast, because she was being a bummer." Not the whole truth, and the disguised teen kicked herself for it, but she continued anyway. "She told me that you need to be careful."

"About what? Did I do something else while sleep-"

"No, no, stop." Silver eyes went wide with surprise at the harsh words from her friend, causing the younger teen to pay closer attention. "I don't know what it was, but Yang seemed like she knew something- something she wasn't supposed to know. She didn't like it and didn't know how to tell you." Blake finally pulled out to the main road and got up to speed quickly, though she kept one eye on the road, the other on the passenger, reading the reaction from the teen. "It wasn't you, but it definitely seemed like she knew something or someone was coming and she obviously didn't trust it or them… To be honest, I wouldn't either."

Ruby shook her head incredulously and huffed, "So, what? Am I supposed to cower away and hide until this blows over?" In a pout, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared daggers into the driver, who seemed to take exception. "Because that's the last thing I want to do."

Blake shook her head and furrowed her brow. "No. We're just going to have to be extra careful. You never know, those same people who threw you in that home all those years ago may come back for you. She may know something of it…"

"But… How?"

The faunus shook her head and shrugged. "I don't know, maybe she obviously knows something we don't. Maybe she was approached by someone after we left. Regardless, we can't let this get the best of us. We'll play everything by ear and be cautious, and we'll definitely have to keep an open line of communication with Yang. I have a feeling she'll help us far more than hurt us."

Ruby nodded but stayed quiet as she watched the world go by, a sense of worry on her face. She was grateful for Blake telling her this, but wondered just what Yang knew and how much and how she knew it. Was it really the same person who put her there at the home? If so, she didn't want to hide. No, she needed to face her, one last time…

But how did she know Yang?

Blake once again glanced over as she came to the last red light before home, noticing the oddly focused look on her passengers face and finding herself intrigued. "You know something about this too, don't you?"

Ruby looked up and shook her head, sighing as she did. "It's nothing, Blake." She lied, returning to the world outside her window. "Nothing at all..."

Ah, don't you love a chapter full of conspiracy? Nobody can trust anybody and everybody is a liar, but who's telling less of a lie? You decide!

Honestly, this wasn't my best work, but I wanted to set up the new arc, even though there was more that I wanted to do. It still won't be focused on just Yang, Ruby and Blake, we have a letter missing in our team, don't we? Don't worry, we'll be seeing her more, soon. Very soon, I promise.

I want to thank you for sticking with it so far, as I'm really bad at uploads. Actually, I'm just bad at getting these done. Still, I hope you enjoyed!

Until Next Time!