The Best Laid Plans.

Terra found herself walking through the same damp and cold corridor, the same noise of the clicks of her heels echoing through the musty hall and the same excited squeals of rats as they scurried in the shadows. The same overhead lights flickered and the same broken bulbs still not fixed. However this time she was not merely heading to deliver a report, this time she was going to deliver a question, and she wouldn't leave until she had her answer. She finally reached the end of the corridor shoving open the large double doors, giving a resounding boom as they swung open banging into the wall. She entered the same clean room of the 'abandoned' warehouse. The few fellow members of the White Fang that were gathered around quickly looked up at her. She ignored their glares and quickly marched over to the man in charge.

"Terra, surprised to see you he-"

"Quiet Torchwick! You can skip the pleasantries and tell me the truth!" Terra's sharp voice echoed through the room, there was no other noise as all eyes were on the two of them.

"You'd be wise to lower your voice." The red haired man lowered his gaze at the woman, however she stood defiant.

"And you'd be wise to tell me what happened to Ricky's team, they're forty-eight hours overdue!" she demanded, her voice only growing louder.

"You mean the team that was supposed to rob Dust stores, they're all dead."

Terra's blood froze at those words. However it was not Torchwick who spoke them, it was a clear feminine voice. As she slowly looked left to the source of the voice she laid eyes upon a young girl, her young looks clearly placed her in the late teens. She was lounging on a leather sofa, legs crossed with her arms folded in front of her and a sly grin on her face, almost pleased with herself.

"What did you just say?" Terra spat.

The young woman glared back with her bright magenta eyes. Her stark white hair flowed down to her legs. She wore a long sleeved crop top that left her midriff exposed with a sleeveless, unbuttoned jacket over the top. Her hands, forearms, shoulders and legs were all covered with dark steel plated armour. She wore leggings and black high heeled boots and a revealing short skirt that exposed her upper thighs. A small cap sat on top her head. Her entire outfit was dark blue, with silver accents on her jacket, and on the frills of her skirt.

"I said they're all dead, each and every one of them, dead and gone." The young woman's grin grew wider as she watched the cogs in Terra's head turn at the news. "Of course I am terribly sorry," she spoke with a smile "I do know that Ricky was your fianc-"

"Shut your fucking mouth!" Terra screamed, the corner of her eyes became wet.

"Now, now, ladies," Torchwick spoke as he waved his hands at them signalling them to quiet down, "Terra, this is Blanc-"

"I don't care who this bitch is! You better wipe that grin from your face before I cut it off!" Terra glared at Blanc, whose expression didn't change.

"Oh? And how do you plan on killing me when you're already dead?" As Blanc spoke she raised her right and slowly flicked her wrist.

The wall behind her smashed apart, the noise deafening the room as a large circular blade crashed through aiming straight for Terra. But as it did the Faunus didn't waste a moment, quickly throwing off her trench coat she blocked the weapon with a set of her own. Now brandishing twin swords they clashed with the saw blade, sparks flying. Terra was wearing a tight fitting combat outfit, all a dark blue colour, it covered her torso and legs yet her arms were exposed. Using all her strength she pushed the blade aside causing it to crash into the wall behind her. Using the moment she swung a blade at Blanc, even though she was a good five meters away her sword extended. It detached into dozen of sharp piece held together by wire. The sword, turned whip, swung straight for Blanc's neck, however a second blade crashed through the ceiling pinning the whip to the floor.

Before Terra could extend her second blade, Blanc's first weapon struck from behind, the Faunus had to use her other blade to block it as spark flew yet again. The saw blade pressed down on Terra who found her strength waning as it pushed her sword arm back, Terra couldn't hold on for much longer, as Blanc's weapon threatened to cut her down a voice rang out.

"That's enough!"

Blanc who was so focused on killing her opponent blinked in surprise. Her weapons ceasing their attack and as they did Terra breathed a sigh of relief. Torchwick now stood between the two girls.

"Terra, you will not be attacking Blanc ever again, do you understand?" As he questioned her Terra brought her whip back into sword form, sheathing them both behind her waist.

"I do." She answered begrudgingly.

"And Blanc," the young girl glared up at Roman. "Please try and get along with my subordinates?" Blanc, who hadn't even moved during the fight continued to glare at him.

"Fine, since she managed to hold her own that earns her a little reprieve," Torchwick didn't look it, but he was relieved to hear her say that, "However, if she dares speak to me like that again, I'll cut that pretty flesh from her face and force feed it to you." Her bright magenta eyes never wavered from Torchwick.

"What a lovely threat that was, now, seeing as we're all friends again, shall we discuss the reason why you are here?" Torchwick spoke, looking between the two women.

"Is what she says true?" Terra mumbled, her strong posture vanishing into one of vulnerability.

"Sorry Terra but it is, it seems the Demon is back." Torchwick watched as Terra fought with her emotions, he was sure she'd break down and run out of the room, however after a moment of quiet sobbing, Terra wiped her eyes and stood straight.

"Then what's our next step." As Terra spoke, Torchwick and Blanc shared a look, both of them slightly impressed by her professionalism.

"Blanc here is the Lieutenant to Albec, she's here to capture the Demon and bring him before her Lord, and with him out of the picture we can remove the last thorn in our side.

"The Hunters at Beacon?" Terra asked to confirm, Torchwick nodded.

"Once they're dealt with Cinder can move on with her plan. And once she does, well, this world is gonna change." He added with a smile.

"It's strange to think that such grand schemes rest on us eliminating one hunter." Terra admitted.

"The Demon is our biggest threat to my plans; don't make it sound so simple." Torchwick added folding his arms.

"And stop calling him demon." Blanc snapped, visibly displeased. "You do know that he has a name, calling him something ominous like Demon, is only going to put fear into your men."

"It's not like I gave him the nickname." The man admitted.

"No, but you could at least start calling him by his real name, Alex Cross." As Blanc spoke, both Terra and Torchwick looked surprised.

"You found out his identity?" Terra asked, baffled.

"How did you find that out, I searched all academy records, no hunter that matched his description went to a combat school?" Torchwick admitted.

"Yes, yes, that's because Alex Cross wasn't at any official academies, it's because our dear Alex is from Foresight." Blanc's admission stunned the other two; she drew her scroll from behind her and threw it onto the table in front of her.

"So, that explains a lot. Academies only train their students to fight Grimm, yet he showed no hesitation killing my men, I assumed he was some vigilante, seems it's much worse." Torchwick spoke as he stared intently at the scroll; he extended it open, reading its contents.

Blanc waved her hand dismissively, "Yes I suppose you could say that's the bad news, or good news depending on your outlook," Blanc couldn't hide her excitement as she grinned, when she found out her target was not a mere hunter but a Foresight hunter…Blanc began to fidget in her seat as adrenaline pumped through her veins, it was the kind of fight she longed for, as she brought herself back under control she continued to explain, "however, the real good news is that he's alone here."

"Seriously, no team with him?" Terra spoke as she joined Torchwick in flicking through his file.

"I couldn't get the specifics but I think he's here as a guest to see the tournament next month. Regardless, if he's alone then I shouldn't have any trouble getting him alone, after that, well, leave the rest to me." Blanc's voice was beyond confident as both Terra and Torchwick looked at her.

"In that case, the students will be attending the town hall next week for a school dance. Unarmed and away from their school grounds, my men will make quick work of them."

"And the professors?" Blanc questioned

"Leave that to us, you'll have your prize and we'll have ours." Torchwick answered with a smile.

The three of them shared looks between one another.

Torchwick closed the file, "Alright then, let's get to work."

BREAK ONE

If someone was to say that Beacon's library was impressive, they'd be a few adjectives short of doing it justice. A large expansive room which dominated Beacon's eastern wing, with a large dome glass ceiling, natural sunlight spilled in giving the room a warm golden glow. Large, two story bookshelves covered the left and right wall, a ladder on wheels resting against each, allowing access to the higher shelves. Smaller bookshelves dotted in front of them turning the room into a maze of knowledge and learning. Two rows of desks lined each side as well; holographic monitors of computers could be seen shimmering. Either side of the main entrance were two stair cases which led you two a second floor balcony. Here even more books lined the walls all the way around, with a few desks at each corner.

The sound of students whispering, the slight audible click the holographic keys made when tapped on to simulate a physical keyboard, sounds of paper rustling as students flicked through their contents, only the occasional cough or sneeze disrupted this peaceful sanctuary.

On the second floor, in the far corner was a desk hidden with bookcases flanking three of its sides, it was here that Alex sat, dressed in his casual outfit of a black shirt and a pair of jeans with black boots on. His nose was buried in a book, a dozen more lay scattered across the table, each open in different states. A single arrow lay on the table as well.

Ever since the Eternity Forest, Alex had one issue that plagued his mind. His Semblance could kill Grimm, but the manner in which he used it…

Images flashed from his memories, the Aura spike, the pain, the flames spanning across the forest, the exhaustion, and the fatigue. It was effective, but unreliable, and far too costly. Alex thought to himself, If only there was a way to refine it.

Out of all his teachings, survival, crafting, techniques, weapon handling, martial arts, there was one that Alex found more fascinating than any other, Aura manipulation. Perhaps it was because of his unique situation with Arras, or perhaps it was seeing other hunters, stronger hunters, use their Aura and Semblance in ways he couldn't imagine. He remembered the time Jaune turned shields into projectiles.

The Aura was a manifestation of one's soul; the Semblance was a projection of the soul, a manifestation of a hunter's desire. Alex's Semblance which healed others yet killed Grimm could tell someone everything they needed to know about the hunter. Alex smiled to himself,

"Semblances seem less like powers and more like a form of psyche eval." He couldn't help but chuckle.

'Alright then, what does my speed say about me?'

"Maybe it means you like to run away." The hunter began laughing.

'I'll run my foot up your ass in a minute?!'

"How would that even be possible? In any case, who knows what it means in the end. It could be you just like moving at blistering speeds or maybe it's so you're quick enough to rush to a friend's side."

'Does that mean Yang like's taking damage? That's why she gets more powerful, because she gets off on it?'

"Yes Arras," the hunter chuckled, "Yang is a masochist."

Alex knew that Semblances don't stay at their given form. Through hard work, training and luck, a Semblance can change and grow, much like the person themselves. It was difficult to measure a person's Semblance and how strong it was based on its first form. A hunter wrote a book, he called a newly formed Semblance, Stage one, for every additional feat that a Semblance can perform, you raise its stage.

"When Ashton first gained his Semblance, he could only manipulate the weight of an object as long as he was touching it. But now, as long as he stays close to the object he can continue to manipulate its weight long after he's let go. So in that regards, his Semblance is Stage two. It didn't evolve or grow, he trained his Semblance to do that, so with training you can actually decide on what your Semblance can and can't do."

'And your plan is to do the same. Decide on what you want your Semblance to do, and then train until you succeed?'

"Exactly, spreading flames all over the forest was costly, and it took both of us to accomplish, but, if my flames directly attacked each Grimm individually, it would reduce the amount of Aura I'd need to use."

'And your plan is to have your flames take the form of arrows?' Arras was all for his partner growing stronger, but he couldn't help feel like Alex was biting off more than he could chew.

'So not only do you need to control the flames, you need to have them take shape, have the flames exist even after they've detached from your body AND control them to attack individual targets? Sure, why'll you're at it have them broker peace between humans and Faunus, teach the White Fang how not to be sociopathic douchebags, and eradicate the Grimm thus bringing an end to conflict all together.'

"I get it Arras, I'm asking for a lot here, but if I want to grow stronger and use my Semblance' ability to its maximum, then I have to do this." As Alex spoke his resolve, the air around them turned to stony silence. For a few moments Alex waited motionless until…

'Fine, I'll help you, but I'm not doing it because I like you or anything, idiot!'

"Uhh, what the hell was that? For a minute there I thought Weiss was in my head."

Arras barked with laughter, 'That's exactly who I was mocking, kudos for picking that up. So should we get started?'

Alex placed the book on the table, and raised his right palm up in front of him. Within a second a small green fire burnt upon it, the hunter watched the ember flicker and dance. Alex could feel his flames, like they were a part of his senses, he knew he could do this, all it took was focus.

"Stop." He muttered his command, the flame continued to flicker. "Stop." He added louder. The flame began to slow as if played back in slow motion; Alex steeled his mind and focused, glaring at the flame. "Stop!" he barked, the flame slowly danced for a few more seconds before freezing in place. The joy on Alex's face was too obvious as he broke into a childish grin.

"Aha, I did it!" he exclaimed, the flame began to move.

'Focus!' yelled his partner. Alex quickly steeled his mind, bringing the flame back under control. Looking passed it he stared at the arrow on the table.

"Right, first things first, the shaft." His comment was greeted by a snicker from Arras, "Grow up will you." Once again Alex pushed all other thoughts from his mind and focused on the flame, an image of an arrow was the only thing he thought of, that and one command, "Take form." The flame began to roll over and swirl, painfully slow, the flame turned in on itself, forming a thin shaft. Alex let out a sigh and the flame came apart.

'Focus dammit!' barked Arras. Snapping back, the hunter brought the flame back under control.

'This is a lot more exhausting than I thought it'd be' he admitted.

Hours passed, the sunlight grew brighter as it reached its peak, cutting swathes of orange light around the library, and grew dim as it began to set. With only food and bathroom breaks taking up his time Alex finally reached the end of the day. He stared at the fruits of his labour, an arrow made completely out of green flame hovered in his hand, a green sliver connecting it to him.

'Well done Alex, an entire day it took, but at least you managed to create an arrow ONE HUNDREDTH OF ITS SIZE!' he screamed in frustration.

Alex smiled sheepishly at the arrow which easily fit in his palm, "Well, it's progress at least." The hunter sighed; he couldn't fool himself for very long. The hope of creating hundreds of full sized arrows, existing free from his body, attacking individual targets, seemed like a long way off.

"Well, we just try again tomorrow." He added, psyching himself up, his partner could only sigh.

'I think I need a break already."

Four days had passed since Alex had started his 'training' from the crack of dawn to the suns last rays, Alex would spend his time in the quiet confines of the Library, continuing to master his Semblance. His interactions with the others had become an afterthought, no more than small conversations or a few messages.

Needless to say, those who knew Alex were beginning to worry, and when that worry reached the headmaster, well, he took it upon himself to invite the young man to coffee in his office, in the early morning.

BREAK TWO

"A school dance?" Alex questioned as he looked down into his coffee. The young hunter was stood on the balcony of Ozpin's office, enjoying the scenic beauty of an early morning sun bathing the land in golden rays. Unlike last time the atmosphere in the office was a lot more relaxed, though that could be accredited to the lack of Goodwitch glaring at him, and the fact that instead of being questioned, Alex and Ozpin were having a normal conversation.

"The school dance is an excellent opportunity for students of all years to mingle. There will be another school dance during the tournament, but this one is just for Beacon. I think you'll find a lot of fun to be had." Ozpin explained looking at the young man.

Alex gently swayed his coffee before taking another sip, its warm flavour pouring through his body. Alex always experienced an hour or two of fatigue after his morning exercise, and nothing but mental and physical exhaustion by the end of his training, but after a few sips he could feel his senses coming back to him.

'I could get use to this' he quietly thought to himself.

"You academies sure do like your little social events, don't you?" he spoke as he finished the last of his beverage.

"Of course, it's a good way to forget about the troubles you have and just have fun. In your case it would be good to see your friends again and not stay cooped up in our library, of course most or our students use it as a reason to ask the person they like on a date." Ozpin finished his sentence giving Alex a suggestive look. The hunter visibly recoiled.

"Why are you looking at me like that, I have no interest in asking someone out!"

"Oh, I only assumed with all of our female students you've been talking to, one of them would have caught your eye. Young Ruby, or perhaps Weiss, maybe even Blake or Yang, Bell, Miranda, even Amelia. You wouldn't enjoy the chance to dance with one of them?"

Alex sighed for a moment, "Of course I would but when I think like that a pit forms in my stomach. If I got the chance to ask someone out I'd be so happy, but then I think of my friends, my teammates. I think 'Where are they now, are they okay, maybe mad that I left without a word? Or maybe they're all dead and I don't even know.' When I start to think like that I always have the same thought, 'Do I really deserve to be happy when people I care about could be suffering?'

Ozpin nodded, understanding the man's situation. He looked out across the city; noises of society waking up began to fill the air. The cerulean blue sky stretching towards the horizon as the golden sun added warmth. "If that's the case then you have all the more reason to be happy." Alex looked at the professor in surprise, "You're right, there is a lot of suffering in this world, so those of us who can enjoy happiness have to, not just for themselves, but for those who never had the chance." He turned to face the young man, "If your team was here, what would they tell you to do?"

As Alex thought of an answer he looked back into Ozpins office, he could practically see them now.

"A school dance sounds like a lot fun, we're all going right!?" Ashton's excited face as he looked around with bright hazel eyes.

"Of course we are, though if you step out of line just once I will hurt you." Razlov crossed his muscular arms, glaring at Zinear who was stood opposite Ashton. The mercenary merely waved him off.

"Relax big man, I won't cause trouble, once I've picked up a few girls I'll be taking them back to my room anyway." He added giving Alex a wink that said, 'Don't worry; I'm just saying that to wind the big guy up'

"That's exactly the kind of trouble I was talking about!" bellowed Raz rising to the bait whilst Ashton tried to hold him back.

"Of course, of course, only the best behaviour out of me." Zinear added, waving him off.

Razlov sighed and relaxed, "Well then Alex, what are we waiting for?"

The three of them looked him in the eye, each of their smiling faces hurting his heart as he missed them.

"They'd tell me to go." Alex finally answered; his shoulders sagged as he sighed. "Fine, I'll be there, but don't expect me to come with one of the girls."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow as he smiled, "Oh, if you're not bringing a girl does this mean the rumours of you and Mr Arc are true?"

"That's it I'm leaving." Alex tried to hide his smile at such a quick witted joke by the old headmaster.

"Feel free to come by for coffee again, my office is always open to you Alex." He called out as Alex made his way to the elevator. The hunter merely held his hand up waving goodbye.

The atmosphere at Foresight wasn't depressing per se, but it was definitely more tense and sharp, like someone having to be on edge constantly. Even after so much time spent Alex still found the cheery glowing atmosphere of Beacon to be alien to him. Students bustled to and fro, their chatter filling the air as the talked about hobbies, hunting and life. As Alex strode across the courtyard passed the hunter statue he could hear some snippets of conversation from nearby students.

"You finally caught up on Kingsfall?!" Eagerly asked a nameless student.

"Sorry man, swamped with studies." Replied his friend as he shook his head.

"No worries, we should do a marathon of it though this weekend!"

As Alex continued to stroll more and more conversations filled the morning air.

"I need to head into town soon to refill my dust." Commented a young girl as she lazed on the grass enjoying the sun.

"I'd wait if I was you." Replied another girl sitting opposite her, she lay flat on her back, her arms stretched out at her side, "They're still clearing up that construction tower that collapsed, a bunch of the roads are still closed."

Young life, fast and full surrounded the hunter, but even as he enjoyed the atmosphere his mind wandered.

'Should I invite someone to the dance?' Ozpin's words lingered in his mind, he was going to go to the dance, that he had set his mind too. However asking someone to go with him was another obstacle entirely. Not only that, but he also had to decide on who he would invite.

'Don't bother with the hoo-ing and haa-ing, we both know you're gonna ask top heavy to the dance.' Arras's voice filled the hunters mind, and as it did Alex visibly recoiled.

'What makes you automatically assume I'd pick her?' he questioned.

'Don't act surprised, I live in this body too you know, I know exactly how she makes you feel.'

'Well maybe I'll surprise you and bring someone else.' Alex added as he folded his arms in a huff.

'Fine then, maybe you should ask Blake then' Arras's voice practically dared the young hunter to do it. However Alex's pace slowed.

'It is strange, whenever I'm around Blake, I feel really happy, do I have feelings for her, but of course there's Yang, I'm not reall-'

Alex stopped mid thought; even so he never stopped walking nor changed his stance.

'You've notice it too, someone is following us.' Arras remarked, there was no doubt, the unmistakable feeling of someone's eyes on the back of neck.

'Can you tell where they are?'

'Seriously? With all these students around it would be like trying to find a needle in an inferno.'

'Then we just need put out the fire.' Alex paid extra attention to his body language, he kept at his normal pace ad made no attempt to look behind him. He made his way out of the crowd towards the back end of Beacon, here, there were staircases that lead to the rooftop, of course in Vale's baking summer heat, no one in their right mind would spend time up there, and this of course meant that the stairways were perfectly empty.

As Alex made his way up one, he turned to head up the next however this time he stopped and waited. Pressing his body against the wall he held his breath and focused on his hearing, no doubt that someone was following him. Alex began to frown, the footsteps were loud and clunky, they were clearly a man's but whoever it was, was hardly a master at tailing.

'His Aura is also weak, if this is the spy the Organisation sent into Beacon then he's not a very good one.'

'No matter, I'm not taking any chances.'

As the man reached the top of the staircase, Alex's hand darted out, snatching the man's wrist he quickly pulled him around, slamming him face first into the wall before pulling his wrist up behind his back and pressing his left forearm into the back of the man's neck, pinning him to the wall.

"OW, OW, OW, hey no need to be so rough!" barked the man in pain, his voice light, lacking the gruffness a man's shout should have.

It was clear to Alex immediately that the man was no hunter, not only was his aura weak as Arras pointed out, but he held little strength in his arms. He was scrawny compared to most hunters; he had short dishevelled brown hair with a set of square glasses. He was also smaller than Alex, and wore a uniform that was not Beacon's; in fact Alex didn't recognise it at all.

"Let's start with the basics." Alex began, pressing the man harder into the wall, though he wasn't applying much pressure the man wailed like the world itself was pinning him down.

"Alright, alright, tell me what you want to know!" the man's words were spoken through gritted teeth.

"Who are you and why are you following me?" demanded the hunter.

"To answer that you're gonna have to ease up on me brother, my scroll in in my inside jacket pocket."

Alex hesitated for a moment, "I'll get it for you." Alex slowly pulled the man back, as he did he reached inside the man's jacket with his left hand, pulling out a scroll. He tapped on it so it expanded out to the size of a book.

"Identification of owner." Spoke Alex's hostage.

"Owner. Michael Kato, seventeen years of age. Currently a student of Cera Academy." a woman's voice spoke from the scroll, though she delivered her answer in complete monotone.

"Cera? Isn't that the Academy for bright gifted children?" Alex asked, drawing on what little information he had of the academy.

Cera Academy, a school for the gifted geniuses of the world, their ideas helped shape the world, from the Cross Continental Transmit System to allow the four kingdoms to communicate with one another, to the handheld scrolls that Alex held in his hand and had strapped to his wrist right now. You could consider Cera to be the polar opposite of Foresight. Where Foresight seeks strength though physical prowess, Cera seeks strength through intellectual ingenuity.

"You're scroll, how is it doing that?" he asked.

"Oh that? I made this scroll myself; it has a built in virtual AI, named MIRA. She's programmed to scour the networks for any and all information and then correlates them to answer any question given to her. Hey MIRA, what is my greatest work so far?" the man practically beamed with excitement.

"Michael Kato's work has been well received by all scientific bodies. To date his most successful project was the vertical take-off and landing system installed on all Atlesian military aircraft." the woman's monotone reply was a little unnerving.

Alex could only blink in surprise at the answer given to him. "You mean to tell me you designed the engines for Atlesian aircraft?"

"Well not to put to broad a point on it, but yes." The man was grinning broadly at Alex's surprise.

"Well then, MIRA, what is Michael Kato's combat capability?"

"Michael Kato has not received any training in hand to hand, weapon or self-defence. He has not trained in any hunter academies, and to date, Michael Kato has only failed one subject in his life, Physical Education."

"Oh, that last bit hurt me." Michael whined.

Sensing no threat from the young man, Alex released him. Turning to face the hunter, Michael rubbed his wrist. "All this still doesn't answer my second question. Why were you following me?"

As the question left his lips something changed in Michael, he lowered his head, glaring up at the hunter as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I thought you'd never ask." The man lunged an outstretched hand, almost hitting Alex in the diaphragm, the hunter quickly stepped back assuming the worst, however once he saw it was an invitation to a handshake he relaxed, taking the sweaty hand in his own.

"Pleased to meet you brother, I'm Michael Kato!" Alex blinked in surprise at the random greeting and the man's sudden change in personality.

"I know, you've already introduced yourself." frowned the hunter.

"MIRA introduced me, it's only proper I introduce myself to a fellow comrade."

'Comrade? Can we kill him yet?'

"Are you going to answer my question or not?" Alex removed his hand, cleaning the sweat off by wiping it on his jeans.

The young man began pacing back and forth as he spoke. "Do you know that there is in fact a power struggle happening at this very academy? Don't be surprised if you don't, the enemy here is clever."

"Enemy?" asked Alex, uncertainty in his voice, "What are you talking about?"

"They lurk among us, faceless but ever watching, you cannot trust anyone here!" the man spoke making wild hand gestures.

"Does that mean I shouldn't trust you? If so, then how do I know you're telling me the truth?" Alex questioned folding his arms. Michael stopped pacing, his face twitching as he found himself at a loss. Alex almost jumped as the man spun to face him.

"Damn, you're a lot smarter than you look. Probably."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"When I first arrived here I noticed something very peculiar." Michael began to pace making wild hand gestures again, completely glossing over his earlier insult. "And do you know what that was? Women!"

Alex could only blink at Michael and his random outburst. "Women?"

"Women." He affirmed.

"I thought people from Cera academy were supposed to be smart?" Michael leapt back, fear and fury in his eyes.

"How did you know I was from Cera academy?!" he blurted out, recoiling from the hunter in panic.

"Are you serious!? You told me like five minutes ago!" Alex was now beginning to raise his voice in frustration, completely unable to handle this man.

"There are only two explanations, either I did tell you and I've completely forgotten, or, you're a spy! A PSYCHIC SPY!" he thrust an accusatory finger at Alex, who slapped his hand away.

"I am not a psychic spy! And you told me about Cera!" he bellowed back.

"I wouldn't know, I'm not psychic." Michael added huffing with his arms across his chest. An awkward silence filled the void between the two. "Unlike you."

"Will you give it a rest already!? If I listen to your damn conspiracy about women will you leave me alone?" Alex was shouting at the man at this point. Michael however took on a serious and grim look.

"I believe that this school is the site of a feminist infiltration. Upon my arrival I noticed a large disparity in the number of men and woman. Should the fight turn ugly, they will clearly have the advantage of numbers. Targeting a prestigious academy such as this is cunning, as expected of a worthy foe. They will lure you in and kill you, just as they once killed me." Michael's voice trailed off, ominously.

"Are you sure what you're talking about isn't just a coincidence? Also I think the gender margin is in their favour by a fraction, nothing to worry about." Even as Alex explained the situation in a way a child would understand, Michael just shook his head.

"The build-up of military force is the first sign of war; this is a clear indication of their intention. They will use their looks to deceive you; can you explain their fine physiques?"

"They're huntresses; a strong body is needed, so of course they'd all have great physiques."

"And what of their adorable faces?" he added.

"A happy coincidence?"

Michael could only shake his head in disappointment. "Do not be fooled my brother, I have seen you with our enemy, even though so many of their top agents surround you, I see you resist their…assets."

'Does that mean what I think it means?'

"With you so close to our enemy, you could be my eyes and ears, I am sorry I have to ask such a dangerous task of you." Michael looked away, almost pained, like a commander sending a good soldier to die.

"You want me to hang out with beautiful girls and then tell you if I hear anything about their plan to overtake the school?" Alex asked to confirm.

"Such a dangerous task." He repeated.

The hunter rolled his eyes, "Sure, why not, I'll be your eyes and ears."

"You're a good man Alex, listen, sorry about calling you a psychic spy. Sadly that's just the reality we live in."

'I get the feeling his reality doesn't share many similarities with our reality'

Michael brushed himself down and began to walk away, "Remember to never let you're guard down," he turned to face Alex as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "They are always watching." With that ominous message Michael retreated down the stairs and out of sight. The silence was welcomed as Alex stood alone trying to make sense of what happened.

"Why? Why do the crazy ones always find me?" Alex yelled.

'I really hope we never see him again'

BREAK THREE

Given the last two conversations Alex had he decided on his next plan of action. Even though the people who gave him the advice were worlds apart, both talks with Ozpin and Michael had the same message.

He needed to get closer to the girls, well, one girl in particular. Finding his feet wandering on their own Alex soon found himself out team RWBY's dorm room. He raised his knuckles and paused for a moment in hesitation.

'What if she isn't alone? What if I have to ask her in front of everyone? And what if she says no?' Alex shook the thoughts loose. While the worries swirled in his head he had no reason to pay attention to them, after all did it really matter? In his mind he knew; 'One way or another I'll be leaving soon, so who cares what happens.'

He wrapped his knuckles gently on the door. There was the clear noise of someone fumbling on the other side. The door gently swished open, and Alex's breathe caught in his throat.

The late morning ray's bathed behind her illuminating her golden locks, as she locked her bright magenta eyes with his own, he suddenly felt his palms become sweaty.

"Alex!" her genuine smile sent an earthquake through his heart. "Hello? Remnant to Alex?" she asked waving her hand in front of his eyes. Alex quickly snapped back to reality.

"Oh sorry, kinda went somewhere else there for a second." Yang merely snickered, "Mind if I come in?"

Yang stepped aside letting the young man in. She closed the door setting herself back on her bed. "What's up? Haven't seen you in a while, thought you were still burying yourself with your training?"

Alex sat down next to her, looking around their dorm, noticing that it hadn't changed much. "Yeah I was but Ozpin wanted to speak to me about something. Say, you know about this school dance?" even as he asked he still chose to look around the room rather than make eye contact.

'This is a bit harder than I thought it'd be.' He quickly thought to himself.

"I know of it." She added, unbeknownst to the young man, she already knew where this conversation was going, or at least she hoped.

"Yeah turns out people ask others out on a date." He spoke quickly.

"Really?" she asked, she knew full well but his nervous demeanour was just too cute to her, she wasn't going to make this easy for him.

"Yeah, so umm...if you want, I mean if you'd like…err…you wanna go-"

Yang cut the man off by standing up. "Sorry to interrupt, I'm just really thirsty, you want a drink?" she asked walking towards the kitchen.

"Oh, err water thanks!" the young man was completely blindsided, mere habit allowed him to respond to her out of the blue question. When the kitchen door shut, Alex let out heavy sigh, the tension since he entered had slowly been building, suddenly the room felt less stuffy. The young hunter stood and paced back and forth.

'Its fine, this is easy. I was on the cusp of asking her so when she walks back out just drop it on her and one way or another I'll have my answer.' He slapped his cheeks to psyche himself up.

The hunter jumped when the main door opened and a familiar raven haired girl walked in, she was wearing the school uniform and clutching a book to her chest. When she spotted Alex she smiled, the hunters heart began to race again.

"Oh, good morning Alex I didn't expect to find you here." Her soft voice held genuine happiness to see him.

"Oh, yeah sorry, I was actually in the middle of-"

"A good thing you are though, I have something important to ask you?" she quickly dropped her book onto her bed before standing in front of the hunter.

"Oh really cause now might not be a-"

"Did you know we're having a school dance next week?" she asked, her amber cat eyes staring expectantly at him.

"I know of it." Despite appearances, Alex was internally screaming.

"That's good, cause I was hoping you'd be my date, what do you say?" she added this with a bright smile that froze his thought process. The gears in the man's mind had well and truly ground to a halt. He came here to ask out Yang, and now in some odd turn of events it was now Blake asking him out.

"I…" Alex began to speak but the words immediately left him. He didn't even know what to say. Yes? No? He didn't care if Yang turned him down but now that he was on the other end he couldn't bring himself to do it. But he couldn't say yes either, Yang was on the other side of that kitchen door.

'Quit stalling and just go with the both of them!' his partner's suggestion was not helping his situation.

Before the hunter could be tormented any longer Yang burst through the door, her laugh was loud and hearty and she clutched her sides as she struggled to point at the man's gawking face.

"You should see…you're face…just look at you!" the young girl was in such a state she could barely string a whole sentence together. As Alex slowly craned his head away from her, he turned to Blake, who was trying to stifle her own laughter, however the tears stinging her eyes was betraying her attempt to hide her amusement.

"ARE YOU BOTH SERIOUS!" Alex practically bellowed the walls down taking the two by surprise. "I work up the damn courage to come here and ask you out and you turn this into a joke!" his voice left little to be discussed. Immediately the two girls realised they may have crossed a line. Yang straightened herself.

"Sorry, I messaged Blake when I went to the kitchen, it was all my idea. I am sorry." Her voice trailed off as regret began to sink in.

"It wasn't just her fault," Blake protested, "I went through with it; we're both to blame here."

Alex glared at the both of them, before slowly folding his arms, "No matter how you look at it that was cruel, even for you Yang." At his words Yang could only hang her head. "So it stands that both of you are going to make it up to me, by both being my date!" he added with a smug grin.

"What?" they both asked in unison, even Arras asked it at the same time.

"You heard me, to make up for that prank Yang, you will be my date, and it's only fair." He looked to the golden haired huntress.

"I mean, I suppose so…" Yang's voice trailed off once again.

"And Blake, sadly I can't be your date, but you can be Arras', after all we both need a date and we know Yang and Arras don't get along." He voice was firm, leaving no room for discussion. Blake could only nod meekly.

"I have no issue with that, but, both of us? People will-" Blake was about to explain when Alex spoke over her.

"They'll what? Gossip about us? Who cares, it's really just three friends going together, I mean, unless there's a reason you think us three shouldn't hang out?" the girls lack of counter meant that the issue was settled.

"Fantastic, well I think that went a lot better than expected. I guess if I don't see you this week, I'll see you at the dance. Until then." With his final words he left the room. The girls both looked at each other in shock.

"He's right," began Yang, "That did go better than expected."

"He said I should be Arras's date, do you think he knows?" Blake asked as she stared worriedly at the door.

"I doubt it," shrugged the huntress, "lucky coincidence, now what should we wear."

Alex knew full well that when you're looking forward to something, time drags to a crawl. He was never surer of this fact than the past week. Even though he threw himself back into his training, each day felt like a lifetime as he painstakingly waited for that fateful day to arrive. The day of the school dance.

Even though he spent most of his day studying he wasn't entirely oblivious to what needed to be done. The day after the girls prank he messaged them to confirm they were both okay with his idea. He was a little surprised when they both said yes. Next was his outfit, Alex had never been to such a formal party before that meant a suit. As much as he didn't want to, he needed help. Lucky for him a chance talk with Kai had him sorted. The model, turned hunter, took him to a tailor, where he was able to be fitted for one.

After that, was the night of the big event.

Alex pressed his tie further up his neck, tightening it as he looked at himself in the mirror. He turned each side to get a good look at it. The matte black fabric of the trousers and jacket held not a single crease; the black shoes glimmered in the light showing off their well-polished exterior. It was all very snug and he couldn't help but smile to himself.

Arras let out a cat call whistle causing the hunter to smile.

'To think you got us both a date tonight, I'm..actually a little choked up here' Arras feigned sniffles.

"Yeah yeah, just remember, I can easily revoke that by not letting you out."

'Aww man, c'mon!'

"I know, I know, just, if I do, don't pick fights, especially not with Yang." Before Arras could respond there was a knock at his bedroom door. "It's open." The door slid open as Jaune walked in, wearing a three piece of his own.

"Everyone's outside, c'mon it's nearly half seven. Niiice!" Jaune complimented as Alex turned to face him. "Did anyone ever tell you, you clean up well?"

"Well as a man with two girls, I can't look sloppy." Alex couldn't even hide his satisfaction with that sentence.

"Yeah yeah, rub it in; c'mon Weiss will scream our ears off if we're late."

With that the two men quickly paced through Beacon, most other students had already left; only a few stragglers were walking the hallways. It was clear by the atmosphere that there was excitement in the air. As Alex walked he admired the outfits of the others; especially the girls. Most men were wearing a suit, the odd man wore something a bit more extravagant, but it was the girls that really stole the show. Long flowing dresses, in all manner of colours, some with short skirts or a little more sensible. Elaborate headdresses and expensive jewellery dotted their body.

As they left the main door into the darkening night, the sun desperate to shine its last rays before it was replaced by the moon. A large limo was waiting near the main road with a few familiar faces stood nearby, however before Alex could get a look at anyone, two particular girls had already taken his focus.

Yang and Blake were talking when he slowly approached them, his jaw couldn't actually drop, but if it could, he'd be eating cobblestone.

Yang wore a pure golden sequined dress; it covered her shoulders, leaving her toned arms exposed, and ran all the way to the base of her feet. Its tight fitting fabric hugged every inch of her toned body and ample assets, Alex could merely gawk in awe. As for Blake she wore a black dress that covered from her chest down to her feet, it was held up by four straps, though only one was on each shoulder, the other two hung off hugging her arms, the dress opened up at the bottom, flowing beautifully in the night breeze.

"Well?" Yang asked expectantly. Alex could only blink in wonder.

"I…I don't deserve both of you." Came his stammered reply. Both girls smiled.

"Of course you don't silly, however we are willing to make an exception for you, so make good use of it, because you'll get both of us once." At Yang's tantalizing words Alex stepped forward, and then immediately froze.

"Aww sh- I mean, I forgot my scroll." At the hunter's words everyone looked at him.

"Is it that big a deal?" inquired Jaune.

"It is to me, look, I've held you up long enough, you guys go on ahead and I'll catch up as soon as I can."

"We can't go on without you, we'll wait." Added Blake, a few others nodded their agreement.

Alex leaned into the Faunus, "I have Arras remember?" Blake blinked, before nodding in understanding. As the excited chatter of the others faded into the back of the limo, Alex walked back into Beacon. This time the Academy was practically deserted, he wouldn't be surprised if he was the last person there. As he entered his room he flicked on the lights and began his search. As the minutes ticked by Alex became more frustrated. He checked clothes pockets, bathroom, under the bed, the couches.

"Where the hell did I put it?" he asked himself hoping the answer would seemingly materialize.

'You know I was wondering why you sent the others ahead instead of just letting me warp you here, grab the Scroll and warp back in like, ten seconds. Now I see why?'

"Not helping Arras."

'You made your bed before we left.' At his partners words Alex quickly moved to his bed and threw over the covers.

"There you are!" he practically kissed the scroll as he placed it in his back pocket.

Once back outside into the cold night air he looked up to the moon. He stood for a few minutes of silence as the let a soft calm wash over him.

"This is gonna be fun isn't it?"

'A good old night to remember.'

"Excuse me?" a soft girls voice called out from the behind the courtyard statue taking the hunter by surprise.

'Holy hell, I couldn't even sense her.'

"I'm surprised someone is still here, shouldn't you be at the dance?" he asked as the girl slowly walked around the fountain. As the moonlight hit her, he finally got a good look at her features. Her stark white hair flowed down to her legs. She wore a long sleeved crop top that left her midriff exposed with a sleeveless, unbuttoned jacket over the top. Her hands, forearms, shoulders and legs were all covered with dark steel plated armour. She wore leggings and black high heeled boots and a revealing short skirt that exposed her upper thighs. A small cap sat on top her head. Her entire outfit was dark blue, with silver accents on her jacket, and on the frills of her skirt.

"Silly, I'm not a student here." Her voice was soft and gently, yet even so the uncertain situation put Alex on edge.

"Is that so, I don't suppose you have a name do you?" as he asked the girls beautiful soft features turned to a gratifying smile, the eyes filled with a mixture of lust and menace.

"My name is Blanc, and I'll be your date tonight."

A/N Sorry for the delay, hopefully this long chapter will make up for it.

As you can tell the next chapter is all action so I hope you look forward to it. Fight scenes are a challenge to write, but they are also the most rewarding.

Thank you so much for reading my story - Until next time!