Previously in the last chapter

I pushed open the metal door. The rooftop was surprisingly small to what I had imagined. Maybe there was enough space to spar, but for the most part, it was empty. Heck, the edge wasn't even fenced off, someone could fall from that. Except, Hunters in-training would probably have the coordination to not trip over the edge.

All thoughts were wiped from my head when I zeroed in on a girl with a ponytail sitting by the ledge. Her legs were dangling off the side of the building. She didn't react when I closed the door, or when I walked up to her. When I was a step behind her, she finally got to her feet.

I found her.

I found Pyrrha Nikos.

Chapter 15

"Hey. So this was where you were." I said.

It was nearly dark on the rooftop, but the gentle moonlight was bright enough for me to make out her delicate features. Like in so many pictures of her, Pyrrha was dressed in her typical outfit styled to resemble a fierce warrior. A sudden wind blew, ruffling her hair, and I wrapped my arms together keeping what warmth I had.

Pyrrha glanced briefly at me. There wasn't any annoyance or even sadness I was expecting, she was just resigned.

"Did my manager hire you to search for me?" She straightened when I confirmed her suspicions. "I did leave without warning. I'll apologise when I arrive back to him." She inclined her head. "Thank you for your services. I shall head back now."

I didn't even have a chance to speak, and she's already leaving.

Job done then?

It might be fine to leave it like this. From her attitude, I don't think she'll run off a second time. I found Pyrrha and everyone is happy. I'll get paid, her manager will have her back, and she'll return to her comfy life. By all rights, I should contact Mr Achilles and tell him the good news.

A quiet voice at the back of my mind made me hesitate though. Some indescribable torrent of emotions ran through me. An inexplicable tightness in my chest. A heart-wrenching ache. What was it exactly?

I shook my head. What am I saying? The answer is obvious. I've only gotten a small glimpse into her life and already I can tell that she's not happy.

I looked at her back as she walked away. The distance between us must've only been several steps yet to me it seemed like an endless stretch of space. I raised up my arm but words wouldn't come to my mouth.

"She has many co-workers but none spring to mind when I think of a personal friend."

"Pyrrha is apparently a very lonely person."

"We were on the far side of the court so I might be wrong, but when I met her eyes she looked, I don't know, like she wanted to talk to us. Like she just arrived home and no one was there to greet her back. That kind of thing?"

I don't want it to end like this.

She'll go back in the judging eyes of the public. She'll be strangled by her routine, alone without a chance to make connections. Maybe that's why she chose to attend Beacon, a new start means new people. She could leave her old past behind in Mistral and like the name, she could begin with a beacon of hope. Maybe it would even work, maybe she'll settle with her new teammates.

"Hold on," I caught up to her.

She pulled back and turned to face me with a look in confusion. "Yes? Is there something else?"

I wet my dry lips and said nothing.

"Well?" she pressed.

My throat dried. What if I was wrong? What if I was just projecting false issues on her? What if I just made it worse? Am I just creating problems out of nothing? All these thoughts tumbled in my mind like a wild tornado, but through the haze there was one clear idea. That I can't be the person who says 'it's fine' and call it a day. I don't want to be the guy that stands back as others gets bullied.

"Why did you leave in the first place?" I blurted.

Her movements stiffened for a second and that's when I knew I hit bullseye.

"I wanted to explore further and lost track of time. It was unprofessional of me and again, I deeply apologise."

I shook my head. "No, that's not the reason. Please don't lie to me."

Her lips pressed into a thin line and she fixed me with a serious stare. "I think I rather keep the reason to myself. I know it is your profession to dig up these sorts of information, but my personal feelings in the matter do not concern you." Her words were as sharp as a knife and I flinched from the force of them.

"They might not concern me as a detective, but they do concern me as a person. I know people don't run away for no reason. A lot of people hide away their thoughts and let it fester until it blows. So Pyrrha, I'm asking again because I want to help you about it."

She looked at me again, really looked at me and bit the bottom of her lip.

Hope welled up in my chest. Just maybe, I might be able to get her to open up.

My scroll rang out causing both of us to blink.

"Ah, excuse me." I fished the offending item out of my pocket and gave it a glare. She raised an eyebrow at me, and I smiled nervously back. I glanced at the screen. The caller ID was Mr Archilles himself, guess he's itching for information. I answered the call, lifting the scroll so the camera wouldn't face Pyrrha.

"Hello, Mr Achilles. How are you?" I greeted as his face appeared.

"I am fine," he grunted back, "more importantly, have you achieved any results?"

Pyrrha and my eyes met. There was a lengthy silence where everything and nothing was said. I knew she could perfectly hear every word, but I wanted to see how she would react to it.

"It's going well." I said, breaking our eye contact. Pyrrha's face fell. "I have a promising lead so do not worry about it. I guarantee that, at the very latest, I'll bring her to you by the end of tomorrow."

Pyrrha's eyes widened.

"Tomorrow?" He gave a measured nod. "Very well that is acceptable. Her scheduled appearance will be in two days time so she should have enough time to prepare herself."

"Excellent. I shall contact you whenever I have further news then."

He nodded once more and the screen blinked shut.

"Why did you-" She worked her words out.

"Not tell your manager I found you? Simple, I care more about your well being than my job. And anyway, my dad will skin me alive if he found out I abandoned a girl."

She sucked in a breath. Maybe I'm being optimistic but I do mean it. My job is a way of helping people, and there's no way in five million years that I'm dropping this.

She opened her mouth to say something but abruptly closed it again.

"You OK, Pyrrha?"

She laughed quietly enough that the slow wind obscured it. "Yes, yes, I mean I'm fine. It's just... I'm speechless. I never expected any of this and now that it has happened, I find myself at a loss of what to do."

I shrugged. "Do what makes you happy."

She smiled again. A deeper smile this time—one full of gratefulness. "Then can you spare some time to talk? I think...I think I need to get something off my chest," she paused, "and it's not exactly often I get a chance to chat with someone more famous than me."

I laughed. "I'm not that famous."

She quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? Mister clever detective doesn't realise his reputation? There's a limit to modesty."

Her words eerily echoed Coco's earlier, but I shook off the feeling of déjà vu. "If you say so."

A breeze blew between us and Pyrrha swept away a stray piece of hair.

"Every single day of my life since I won my first tournament, I've been given endless praises. I was the new upcoming prodigy; the next rising star. All of a sudden, the world had its spotlights on me and I went from a nobody to a celebrity. It was startling. I had fans asking for autographs and people constantly calling to interview me; it was all so overwhelming and I couldn't handle it. I had my parents hire a manager to deal with it all—Mr Achilles. I believe you know what sort of man he is. He dealt with it quickly and efficiently. For a moment, I could breathe easy and relax. Of course, my family were proud of me and for a time so was I. I was being recognised for the hard work I put into my training, who wouldn't be happy about that?"

She fell silent. I waited for her to regain her wits.

"Even if I was a tournament champion, I still had to attend school. I haven't seen my friends since the tournament as I was busy with my new status. I couldn't wait to meet with them again and tell them all about it. I remember that day had clear sunshine. I suppose I was optimistic, work was work but friends are what made the day infinitely better. I arrived to class with a bright smile and looked towards my friends. They were huddled together and I joined them. For a moment no one spoke. They all stared at me in awe as if I was an angel descending. I was uncomfortable with the treatment, but that faded away as they started babbling about my tournament victory. That was my first glimpse of what my life was about to become, but I was fifteen at the time and I wasn't the most mature person so I did let a little of the worship get to my head."

I couldn't help it. I let out a laugh. Pyrrha had the decency to look embarrassed.

"It's fine," I said, waving her concerns off, "everyone has something they're embarrassed about, especially when they're younger."

"Yes well," she coughed lightly, "suffice to say, I'd became popular. I loathe to admit it now, but I thought myself as the queen of Sactum back then or rather I actually was depending on who you asked. It wasn't anything that bothered me until one day, I think around a year later, a stray thought hit me. I can't exactly recall what I was doing at the time but I remember I stopping in my tracks. It wasn't a great revelation or anything of that nature, but it had occurred to me that I haven't spent much time with my friends outside of school. It was all training or planning for an upcoming event. What time I did have with them was always strained by my newfound reputation and my naive ignorance. It didn't bother me much at first. I was busy; it was understandable I would have to make some small sacrifices."

She clenched her fists until they were white.

"But the thought kept plaguing me. When I'm in the middle of a conversation, my mind would drift there. During my training or when I'm eating with my family, it didn't stop. I was starting to see just how shallow my relationships were. Before my fame, I could spontaneously invite my friends for some ice cream at a local parlour but now I can't even spend a day out without some friction there. I don't like to say it but I didn't have anyone I could really talk with."

I let out a heavy breath. This sounded more like a confession than a conversation.

"Somehow in the process of becoming the 'queen', I pushed away those around me. My old friends were now more like guards defending me from those deemed 'unworthy'. In other words, other people didn't dare approach me. I told them countless times to stop but it never changed no matter how much I explained. After a while...I gave up. I went day to day dutifully completing my tasks and before I knew it another year had passed. Telling you it now, I suppose it all sounds so trite, but who you associated yourself with, very much affected others view of you. I had an irrational fear that if I broke the status quo, I would lose all that I gained. I hid my fears well enough from my 'friends', I kept up the smiles, kept up my status and skills but I was locked in a prison of my own doing. I had no one but myself."

Her voice grew very small as she finished.

"This all still happens now, only on a larger scale. That's why I plan to attend Beacon academy, not because of its prestige or because my manager suggested it but because I wanted a new start, that's all I ever wanted." A pause from her. "I have to ask, how do you deal with all of-" She swung her arms about. "-this?"

It didn't take me to be a detective to understand her meaning. Despite that, I still confirmed what she meant.

"The popularity?" I asked. She nodded. I slunk back against the cold wall and really put my mind to it. Truthfully I never put much thought on it. It happened because it happened and rather than waste time, I rolled with it and moved on. If a fan comes up to me, I would smile and shake hands with them. I'm adaptable I guess? Yeah, sometimes it was annoying like when it got in the way of my investigations but I never felt isolated from anyone.

I guess I have Adam to thank for that. His bluntness does have its own charm.

I glanced over at her. I had her undivided attention. It sucked because it probably wasn't the answer she was looking for.

Or maybe it was?

Back when I was starting out, I had the company of some of my sisters before they left. In fact, I was too busy dealing with the fallout of my first case and the whole thing involving Blake that I didn't pay attention to the times where it was just me in the house. On the days where I did do my job, I would drop down on my bed utterly exhausted from all the work involved. But there were days where it seemed nothing happened, on those slow days it was boring being by myself. If events hadn't progressed as well as it did, and I never found Adam or I never hired a bodyguard, I might've really suffered from the isolation.

"Adam." I said at last.

"Who?" She looked at me a confused look.

"Adam," I repeated. "He's my bodyguard and even if the stubborn guy doesn't like to admit it, he's my friend. If I made some discovery, he would always be there to listen," I smirked, "even if he didn't like to."

Her lips curved upwards into a gentle smile yet a tinge of melancholy dimmed its brightness.

"It looks like you have a good friend." she said meaningfully.

"Yeah, he's a good guy. Maybe I could introduce him to you later. He's a bit grumpy but once you get past that he's a real nice guy."

"He sounds like quite a character. I look forward to it."

"Yeah well, don't tell him any of the stuff I told you tonight. It's a bit embarrassing to admit."

She readily agreed.

"But what I'm trying to get at here isn't that there's some special method to deal with your popularity, that's not going to go away. Really it's the friends around you that make the path easier to walk and uh," I scratched my head sheepishly, "if you need a friend then I'm open to having more."

I offered a hand and hopefully a winning smile.

Pyrrha stared at my open hand for a second before gripping it more softly than I expected. Her hands were warm.

"Thank you." she said quietly.

We stayed silent, simply admiring the night sky.

"Ah, that reminds me. Where are you planning to sleep tonight?" I said curiously.

She startled before replying. "I am staying at a hotel room. My manager also has a room there. I was planning to return before it got too dark but now that he's expecting me tomorrow, I can't exactly head there." She glanced at me, uncertainty in her eyes.

"If you want, there's a spare room at my agency. It was meant for a co-worker of mine but, well she's at the hospital right now so it's empty."

She made an aborted motion before shaking her head.

"No, I can't possibly impose on you further. I'll head to another hotel and stay there for the night."

"Are you sure? I mean it's really no trouble."

"Yes, it will be fine."

I wanted to press the issue but then again, she might need some time alone to deal with everything that happened today.

"All right but I should at least get you some basic necessities. You're too easily recognisable to buy them without someone noticing."

Again, she hesitated before nodding. "That would be good. Thank you."

"No problem and I know just the perfect low-key hotel, just give me a sec to call Adam." I took out my scroll, finding his number. He picked it up after a few rings. From the background, I could tell he was still in the agency watching television.

Why do I pay this guy again?

Adam grunted as a way of greeting. "Everything OK? You've been gone for awhile now."

"Yeah, things are good. I found Pyrrha but she needs some stuff for the night. Bring the bathroom essentials and some pyjamas. Oh hang on a sec," I faced Pyrrha. "Do you have money to pay for a room?"

She pulled out a big, fat roll of notes from her pocket. "I believe I have enough."

I raised an eyebrow, eyeing the cash. "Yeah, no kidding." I turned back to Adam. "Bring some casual clothes as well, ones that might fit Pyrrha's size."

"Why?" said Pyrrha. "Am I not heading straight back tomorrow morning?"

"Actually Pyrrha, I was thinking that we should just hang out tomorrow. Forget about work, you know? Relax and have fun. Anyway, you and I look too distinctive so we're gonna go incognito."

"Are you sure, I mean I would love to but-"

"Go on," I encouraged, "let yourself have a break."

She wavered before smiling. "Oh, alright. One day wouldn't hurt."

"Awesome! Let's go and have some fun!"

Pyrrha giggled. "That sounds lovely."

I turned back to the scroll when Adam spoke up. He was raising his eyebrows.

"Jaune, you do realise I don't know her size."

"Make an educated guess, shouldn't be too hard right? Blake looks to be a bit shorter than her so find something bigger."

I heard a sigh on the other end. "There aren't any shops open at this time. Where the hell am I supposed to find woman clothes?"

"Ask my sisters?"

His face turned sour. "What kind moron do you think I am? In what world would anyone lend their clothes to a man my age?"

"This world?"

"Look, I'll just lend her some of my clothes."

"Yeah but your clothes kinda..." Adam glared at me. "...stand out."

"If you don't mind..." Pyrrha interrupted our conversation. "Perhaps if you supply some pyjamas for tonight and then tomorrow we could buy more fitting clothes."

"Sounds like a plan. You hear that Adam?"

"Loud and clear. Does she want Blake's or my pyjamas."

"What about Jaune's?" she asked.

Adam grimaced. "You want to use that monstrosity? I'm doing you a favour and discounting it for you."

"Hey!" I shouted. Naturally my cries went ignored by him. I really do wonder sometimes if he has an off button for his hearing.

"I'll borrow Blake's then." she said. "Oh and I must thank her later for this."

"Then we could visit the hospital as well then. Adam, meet up at the airport with a car ready. Oh and bring some of that leftover food in the fridge and my big trench coat, it's getting cold now."

"Alright I'll see you then."

The screen blinked shut and I shifted the scroll back into my pocket.

"We should head back as well," I said. "Professor Port is still around. He should be able to pilot us back home quickly enough."

She nodded and followed me along down the stairs.

Professor Port was where I last saw him by the main entrance. His eyes lit up and he approached us when he spotted Pyrrha.

"Quite the hound aren't you! It has been merely hours and you already sniffed out her location." He winked at me. "Had a long talk I presume?"

"Uh yeah we did I guess," I scratched the back of my head, "but we should really head back. It's getting late after all."

"Indeed, a diligent person knows when to rest. Very well, come, follow me. The Bullhead is this way."

We walked off towards where the bullhead landed earlier.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you Professor Port," said Pyrrha at once. "I didn't realise that my selfishness would cause you so much inconvenience."

"Nonsense, child." He chasted. "You may be dedicating yourself to a very serious profession but people, and especially Hunters, are allowed to have wants and needs."

I mostly stayed out of their conversation, answering minimally when brought into the conversation, but I listened intently to every word. I'm glad that professor Port didn't ask any further probing questions on Pyrrha's disappearance. It would only complicate matters. Professor Port will probably inform the higher staff like the headmaster but nothing really transpired so there shouldn't be any issues. Soon enough we reached the bullhead and settled ourselves into our seats. Before long we were in the air again.

At this time of night, the airport was not empty but something approaching it—which was good for us. Didn't want to draw any attention to ourselves after all. People didn't want to travel the skies at night when a giant man-eating bird could hide in them. Sunlight is a blanket of safety to the civilians. Course hunters disregard common sense like that all the time.

By the time the ride ended, I practically threw myself out the doors. I landed on fours on the hard gravel and I took a deep breath. Pyrrha kindly rubbed my back and I gave her a weak smile. Adam, having already arrived and leaning on the car, snorted at my utter lack of composure.

"Not good in the air?" she asked.

"About as well as a fish out of water." I hugged the ground. "Oh gravel, I missed you so much."

"You know, you're not what I imagined to be. The stories I hear picture a suave man with eyes sharp enough to cut yourself on."

"You mean I'm not suave? I have to insist that I'm the most charming man you'll ever meet. My fan-club says so."

She giggled. "According to my fan-club, I'm a brute who'll punish any who dares look at me the wrong way. I don't believe that accurately describes me but it may be best to think twice where you tread."

I huffed out. "Fine, don't believe me. Just because I'm not pulling out my charming public persona doesn't mean regular old me isn't enough to win over a girl's heart."

"Persona?"

"Oh right! You don't know." I got off the ground and dusted away the dirt clinging to my clothes."Basically, I just act like someone who knows what they're doing. Half the time I'm just making educated guesses. It's a real wonder how I succeeded for so long really." I shrugged my arms. "I'm stuck with it anyway ever since my first case with the murder of that blackmailer."

"Speaking of which," she turned towards me, a gleam in her eyes. "I'm interested in hearing your side of it. I fear the papers wouldn't do it justice."

"Eh, I'll tell you tomorrow, it's kind of a long story." I glanced over at the impatient Adam. "Let's get in the car. Adam's looking more annoyed by the minute."

"You bet your ass I am!" He shouted. "It's freezing out here!"

I hurried my way over after I said my goodbyes to professor Port. I asked him to keep a tight lid on what happened today and he assured me he would.

"Here's your damned food and trench coat," Adam tossed it my way and I handed them to Pyrrha. She looked at the items blankly.

"To hide yourself and dinner for tonight. Fork is already inside." I explained. "Don't want anyone recognising you yet and you don't exactly look warm in your outfit."

She accepted my reasoning and donned my trench coat. I had to stifle a laugh. It was like a child struggling on some oversized clothes. At least it hid her figure well.

I dutifully got in the car and Pyrrha followed along.

"So Pyrrha huh?" said Adam

"It's a pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to drive us."

He gave an indifferent shrug. "Someone's got to. Jaune can't drive so it has to be me." He turned the keys and the car rumbled to life. "Where are we headed?"

"Vale lodgings, our dear taxi driver." I said, after we slid on our seat belts. "Nice rooms, out of the busy streets and not many people go there. It's in the quiet neck of town. Should be the perfect place for the night."

I know because that's where Blake hid after she defected from the White Fang.

We had to drive through the long tunnel in the mountain before we reached the main roads. A remnant from the days of the war where it was used as a shelter from attacks of both man and grimm. Even now, it can temporally act as an emergency refuge in case fighting broke out.

Pyrrha didn't seem to be in the mood to talk and rested her head on the window. Orange lights flashed by in quick succession shading her visage. A girl lost in thoughts came to mind when I looked at her, not unlike Blake in her silent moments.

I didn't want to disturb her so I chatted with Adam. Before I knew it, he pulled into the recognisable street that housed the hotel. He parked the car and got out along with Pyrrha. I stayed in.

"You're not coming along?" asked Pyrrha.

"Nah, I don't want to draw attention to you. Too easily recognisable, remember? Just stay hidden in that coat and let Adam do the paying."

"So I have to settle everything?" He raised an eyebrow. "Typical."

"Hey, no cheekiness from you today. We're on a mission."

He sighed and adjusted the contents of the bag that contained the toiletries and pyjamas.

I turned to Pyrrha. "We'll pick you up at around 9 am with better suited clothes. You have mine and Adam's number so don't hesitate to call us if you need help."

"Yes, thank you again." She smiled before following Adam in.

I sat bored as I waited. There weren't many people milling about outside in the street. A late night jogger, an occasional car passing by. I spotted a man in a thick dark coat sitting on the bench fidgeting with something in his hands. It was too dark to make out what it was.

Eventually Adam came back, breaking the monotony.

"How'd it go?" I asked as he entered.

"Went fine. She handed me a roll of cash. I don't know what she did to get it but she can sign me up for it."

"Comes with winning tournaments I guess." A loud yawn escaped my throat. "Man, after a day like today I'm beat. I think I'm gonna hit the bed when I get back home."

"Yeah, I think I'll do that as well."

Adam dropped me off outside the agency. After I bid him farewell, I checked my scroll for any messages. During the plane ride, Pyrrha and I exchanged numbers. There were two unread messages, one from Pyrrha and funnily enough one from Ram, the journalist I met earlier today.

How did Ram even get my number? This is my private scroll for personal use.

I brushed off the thought in favour of Pyrrha's message. I half expected her to send one. I clicked the text and it popped up in the usual animation. It read:

Hello, Pyrrha here. Thank you again for what you're doing, I appreciate the effort you're taking for me. I forgot to mention but please don't say anything about the topic we talked about on the roof. It is a private matter and not something I would like spreading.

As for the clothes you'll purchase for me, my preference and sizes are...

The text went on detailing on more personal stuff. I just knew some hardcore fans would pay big bucks for info like this. Once I buy the clothes I better delete this text just in case someone catches it. It goes without saying but I won't be spilling the beans on her personal life.

As for Ram's text:

Greetings my fellow detective! I would've waited for your reply but I just got too excited! I had to take the initiative. What's the saying? He who strikes first, wins? Something like that anyway. It's just you lead such an amazing and exciting and wonderful life, I love hearing about everything and anything and I can't stand waiting another minute of it. My hand just twitches, bugging me to write a story down.

I would be absolutely, positively 100% be delighted if we could meet up for an interview. Respond soon! I would hate it for me to be left checking my scroll every five minutes in hopes of a reply.

An interview? It's not like I'm opposed to it I guess. Shouldn't hurt to humour her. I'll send a proper response tomorrow morning when I'm not as tired. I am curious to how she got my number so I'll ask her when we meet up. Worst comes to worst and she leaks it, I'll buy a new scroll.

I shut the door behind me and clipped off my shoes. I stretched my back, feeling the satisfying clicks in my spine and headed off to bed. I need to be refreshed to face the coming morning.

The cloudless morning arrived bright and sunny. I sent a text to Ram about meeting her tomorrow. About 20 seconds passed before I got a reply from her. She really must've been looking forward to my interview. We set a time for it and promptly pushed out of my mind. Pyrrha's not the only one who could use a break.

Grabbing a new jacket, I called Adam to pick me up. Of course since I didn't want to be disturbed today, I disguised myself in my incognito form. I still had Crocea Mors hidden under my jacket in case of an emergency but no one could spot it. To the average eye, I would be some brown haired man who limped slightly. One of my pre-selected identities. I walked a few streets over from the agency, checked if I was being tailed and finding no one got in Adam's car. Adam, being used to my disguises, didn't bat an eye at my sudden entrance.

"I never thought there would come a day where I would go clothes shopping for girls with you." said Adam. He shook his head. "I've reached a new low."

"Don't be such a drama queen. I'm paying for everything. My bank accounted is way too loaded anyway. It'd be nice to splurge."

"Of course you complain about too much money." Adam turned the key and the car rumbled to life. Seconds later and we were on the road. "You're not going to make me carry all the bags, are you?"

"Uh, maybe? I'll carry some at least."

"I just wish you learn how to drive already and save me the hassle."

"I'll get to it eventually, it's on my to do list at least. You know where that paintballing centre is? The one where we could use our own weapons and aura? I think we should all go there."

"I know where it is. I passed it often."

"And I was thinking. We should be on different teams."

He turned his quizzical face at me. It was a bit odd since we were always a pair. Everywhere I went, he would usually follow.

"You sure you want to go into a match with me? I may use a sword but I know my way around the gun as well. You won't stand a chance."

I glowered at his smirk.

"You say that now, but I've been training quite hard recently. Who knows, maybe I don't need a bodyguard anymore?"

"Haven't you only been taught by that Goodwitch woman for a day and only on basic stances?" He looked at me like I was an idiot.

"A day is all it takes."

"Keep blowing all the hot air you want. In the end, I'll personally show you where you stand."

"I'll even bet on it." Adam raised an intrigued eyebrow. "If you score higher than me I'll give you a pay rise."

"I'll hold you on that. You're going to regret making such a foolish decision." Adam pulled the car to a stop and we headed to the rather exquisite shop called 'Wands and Weavers'. "Wait, are you using me as an excuse to dump your excess money?"

Clothes shopping was what I expected—pretty boring really. Find some high end shop at the city centre and looks for something appropriate. Turns out Pyrrha's preference in clothing are pretty tame making it easy to find ones she'll like. I hope so anyway, I could send a few pictures but somehow I got the feeling she would be fine with anything I picked. I did it anyway and waited for her response on my scroll. Meanwhile Adam picked out another suit that was nearly identical to the one he likes wearing at the agency. He'll probably go into a long tirade about the fine difference if I pointed it out.

It might be early but the shop was moderately busy for such hours. My eyes roved around the collection of goods. Shelves of overpriced fabric, sorry I mean clothes, was sorted neatly in piles. A few people stared longer than necessary at Adam but it bothered him about as much as pebbles on the ground.

My eyes drifted to a collection of hats, hung neatly on hooks. One, a baseball cap, caught my eyes. I grabbed it off the hook and paid for it along with the rest of the clothes, including Adam's brand new suit. I stood rigid as the female cashier reached my purchases of bras and underwear. She flickered her furrowed eyes at me and I didn't dare meet them. She stared seconds longer and the heat in my cheek rose. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, she reluctantly scanned the items in. I let out a sigh of relief when we left the store. That was an experience I didn't want to go through again.

I texted Pyrrha that we'll be arriving soon and Adam drove us off. Adam led me to her room and knocked on the door. It clicked open and she peered out. Recognising us, she let us in. Blake's pyjamas did in fact look a bit small on her. The nightwear barely reached over her ankles. I passed her the bag of purchases and she peeked at the contents.

"It's all in there." I said. "If you don't like it we could return it."

"No, it's fine. These are perfectly good to wear." She thanked us again and went to the bathroom to get changed.

"You got her breakfast?" I asked.

"Right here." Adam pulled up a bag of bagels and sandwiches. I didn't know what fillings she'd like so we simply bought every single mixture.

"Good, I can't believe I forgot to get breakfast. Good thing you reminded me."

"Always happy to point out your flaws."

A few minutes went by and Pyrrha came out in her new clothes. Her hair was let down instead of her usual ponytail and she was sporting jeans and a loose jacket over her pale grey shirt.

"Here." I handed her the baseball cap I bought earlier. "Think of it as a gift."

"Oh! Thank you." She tucked her hair and placed it neatly on her head.

I gave her a once over. She was still recognisable as her image but her fashion style was different enough to put away any initial thoughts of relation. I picked muted colours because they don't stand out but that didn't diminish any of Pyrrha's sense of presence.

Must be the power of stardom.

"Looks good," I said, smiling, "but you're still too recognisable with your hair. Maybe put it in a bun or braid it?"

She took my suggestion and balled her hair. She stopped for a second, before she began to braid her hair.

"It's been years since I braided my hair—not since I was a child," she explained, "I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to see what I looked like now."

Her braided twin tails hung on both shoulders, letting a trail of criss-crossed hair reach past her chest. She looked...more childish? More innocent? Her eyes had the gleam that I would come to expect from Ruby. It was hard to pinpoint, but the air around her changed.

She finished up by placing her baseball cap back on.

I blinked, not comprehending the transformation in front of me. Was this still the same girl? The only indication of her previous state was her red hair and intense green eyes.

"Are you hungry?" asked Adam. He held up the bag of food. "We bought far too much for us to eat."

She eyed the bag like a hungry wolf. Adam took one look at her then the bag and quickly passed it over to her.

"Take it." He said.

She glanced at him as if asking for permission before devouring the bagel in the most ladylike fashion possible. It was gone within seconds. The sandwiches were her next victim and they too were eaten in moments.

Wow is she starving.

"Jaune," whispered Adam, "she's on her seventh sandwich."

"Hunters do need a lot of energy." I whispered back.

"But seven sandwiches."

"OK," she said a little breathlessly. "I'm ready to leave."

As it turns out she ate all but two sandwiches and three bagels. There were originally ten each. I suspect it was because she left them for us or she didn't like them. Maybe both.

"Uh, right. First, we're gonna visit Blake who is at the hospital. You and Adam will head first then once the coast is clear I'll come after. If anyone asks if your Pyrrha Nikos, smile at them and say 'I get that a lot'. They'll just assume you look like her and not the actual person. It's a trick I sometimes use because nobody believes they're lucky enough to meet a celebrity when they're walking down the street."

"Won't the staff question my presence there?" she asked.

"It's fine, Adam and I have been there so many times that they won't really question us bringing a friend." I lost count of how many time I visited Blake now.

I told her the plan for the day and she happily agreed to go paintballing. We helped her gather her possessions and left the hotel.

Adam dropped me off a block or two from the hospital. I waited five minutes before following on. I left my brown wig in the car. It's not really right to disguise myself at a place of healing.

A few fans, autographs and pictures later, I arrived at the entrance to the hospital. On my way there I saw a man in a car fiddling with his camera. Probably waiting for me. Funnily enough he didn't even glance my way as I walked by his car. I suppose people sometimes lack awareness of their surroundings.

I greeted the lady at the desk with a smile.

"Visiting Blake again?" she asked as she shuffled some papers. "She's a very lucky girl."

"Got to take care of my employees right? I take it that she's still in the same room?"

"Correct as always. I believe your friends are already there."

I said my thanks and headed up the now familiar stairs. I knocked the door twice before ducking my way in. Pyrrha and Blake was in a middle of a conversation. They stopped at my entrance. Pyrrha smiled warmly at me and Blake...

There was something hot and cold in her eyes. A guarded expression that reminded me all too well of when I first met her. Like a dagger, gleaming in the moonlight about to strike with blurring swiftness. For a moment, my legs tensed ready to leap away from the oncoming attack.

Then it disappeared.

I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

What in the world was that?

"Jaune?" It was Adam. He was frowning at me.

"Huh yeah?"

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Just a bit annoyed by my fans again. I had to write more autographs."

"Right..." I can tell Adam was suspicious, but he let it go.

I looked at Blake again but she was the same as always. Her eyes largely indifferent to the world around her. Did I imagine it?

"Jaune, you're friends with Mr Schnee right?" said Blake. I scrambled at the fact that Blake initiated a conversation, which was rare even before being hospitalised.

"Yeah, he likes to invite me to parties. I even met his daughters a few times. He's a pretty stoic guy but he sees me in good light."

"And it's always been that way since your first case?" she pressed.

"Y-yeah. Do you remember anything about it?"

"Only what I know from the newspapers I've read."

"You still haven't told me how the case went." said Pyrrha. "Maybe now would be a good time for you to tell?"

"Sure," I said, "we got time."

I glanced at the clock. It was early but if we want to be on time for my appointment we would need to be at the paintball centre in about an hour's time.

"We should get going. We do have a planned trip to the paintball centre." I reminded.

"Of course," said Pyrrha. She turned to Blake. "It was a pleasure talking to you. I wish you well in recovering your lost memories."

"Thank you." said Blake simply. Adam led his exit with Pyrrha following along as planned beforehand. It was now just me and Blake in the room.

I discreetly observed her, looking for signs for anything off. When I first talked to her, she was a closed off girl. Her thoughts and emotions were difficult to discern, but I knew she had good intentions. Otherwise she wouldn't have risked so much to contact me and defect from the White Fang.

Some people found it unnerving to keep quiet when there's company but for Blake that was just who she is. I didn't find that silent, introverted aspect of her uncomfortable at all—rather I found it reassuring. It's so her that it would make me uneasy if she started acting like Ruby or Yang. Still, it would be nice to see her smile more often. Come to think of it, when was the last time I saw her smile. I wracked my brain for any memory of the event but I came up blank.

I have got to change that.

"Don't you have to leave? I'm sure they are waiting for you." Blake's voice cut me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me." I smiled at her and prepared to leave. Before shutting the door, I twisted to face her.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Can I see you smile?"

"..."

She looked a little lost for words. Thinking on it now, it is a bit forward. I don't want to make her awkward or uncomfortable. Then, like hooks were being dragged up her lips, she formed an approximation of a smile. It was quite possibly the most evil smile I had the grace to see. The kind where you flash to your enemies just as you're about to grind them to dust.

In other words, Blake is not very good at smiling. It's kind of sad and funny at the same time.

"Huh, well then." I said. "I won't be forgetting that any time soon."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She frowned.

"That I won't be forgetting it? It's rare to see you smile, that's all."

She kept silent.

"I have to be off now. Recover soon, the agency needs you."

She hesitantly nodded and I shut the door. Now to meet up with Adam and Pyrrha.

I should probably say that I have never paintballed before. Never had a chance to when I was a kid and it never really crossed my mind until I saw the poster for the opening. There was the option of the funfair but I picked paintballing since it was the closest I was ever going to get for a simulated combat without any risk of death. Despite being my day off, I am a weak fighter and I know I can't rely on Adam forever. I am going to lose this but I need Adam to take this seriously so I know just how far the gap between us is.

We walked in and the receptionist greeted us. Once we made our payment we were herded to the changing rooms with our camouflaged uniforms. A quick change later and we were waiting for Pyrrha to come out. I had ditched my disguise since keeping a fake wig on while running was just a pain.

"Do you think she ran into some trouble?" asked Adam.

"I hope not. I told her to call us if she does."

As if summoned, she appeared out the doors with her new uniform. She already had her headgear on and was already wielding her new paint gun.

But that wasn't what caught my eye. A shorter girl was trailing behind her and upon spotting me waved excitedly at us.

"Ruby?!" I shouted. Wearing the camouflaged uniform like Pyrrha, she dashed towards us.

"Hey guys, what are you doing here?" said Ruby as she smiled.

"Same reason as you I bet." I returned a disbelieving smile. This girl really has some strange luck.

"Did you guys see the new aura allowed paintball match as well?!" She squealed when I nodded, jumping a few times. "My uncle and sister is here as well and I can show off how much I improved this year. Where are they anyway? They should be nearby." She searched the area. "Have you guys seen them? My sister is blonde, taller than me, likes making puns. Uncle wears a cool cloak and is probably drinking something."

"Sorry. Me, Adam and Eve over there," I pointed at Pyrrha who was going by Eve for now, "just got here."

She sighed. "It's fine, they'll show up when they need to." Her eyes darted to my weapons, Crocea Mors. "Bringing in the classics? They're awesome as well."

I lifted Crocea Mors up. "I think I'm just going to bring my shield. I can't carry a paintgun, sword and shield in two hands."

"Is Adam using his sword again?" asked Ruby.

"Yes," replied Adam, "it would be a waste to not use it."

"And Eve?" Ruby gave a pointed look at Pyrrha.

"I'll be using the standard gear. Unfortunately my weapons are out of commission."

"Oh no," cried Ruby. "They're not damaged are they?"

"No, nothing like that. I simply don't have them on me right now."

"Ah OK," she breathed a sigh of relief. "So how did you meet Jaune and Adam?"

Pyrrha caught my eye and I nodded. "We met during a case." said Pyrrha. "He helped me out with a problem I had and from there we decided to go this paintball centre."

"Yeah, it definitely looks fun right! Oh I hope I can look over all their weapons, they're so cool."

She had stars in her eyes now. I laughed and shook my head. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

"Hey, stop running off all by yourself. You're giving me a headache." A man voice cut into our conversation. He had black slick hair and a small stubble. He glanced over at me and dismissed me with a snort.

"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby ran up to him and hugged him tightly. If Ruby had a tail, it would be wagging right about now. They broke off but Ruby couldn't stay still.

"Who would have thought the great detective would grace us with his presence?" The man said as he took a sip from his flask of...alcohol? "Tell me, is Schnee proud of his dog wagging his nose."

"Are you referring to me?" I asked, a little offended.

"I don't see any other dogs here."

"Uhh," I wasn't sure how to respond. There were people who hated me but they never displayed it this blatantly.

"Uncle Qrow!" scolded Ruby. "Don't be mean to him. He's only here to have fun."

He gave a dramatic sigh. "Only because you asked." Then he lumbered away but not before shooting one last glance. "You're playing now right? I'm sitting this one out then. Don't worry, I'll be watching on the cameras."

He headed off to the show room where you could watch live paintball matches.

"Wait!" called Adam, surprising me. Qrow lumbered to a stop.

"Yeah? What do you want?" Qrow looked over his shoulder.

"Have we met before?" Adam scrutinised him. He looked tense, like a fight could break out.

"No, we haven't." With that he disappeared round the corner.

"Sorry about that." said Ruby. She had her hands twisted in a bundle. "He's usually more nice than that, he's just a bit..."

"Drunk?" I said.

"Blunt?" Offered Pyrrha.

"A complete ass?" said Adam.

We all looked at Adam.

"What? He did come off as a smug prick."

"No, uncle Qrow is just... uncle Qrow. He's just the way he is." Ruby wilted into herself. "He's not being mean on purpose but more out of habit."

Adam snorted. "As if that makes it better."

"Hey!" screamed Ruby.

"Look let's go have our match now." I said, before the situation could spiral more out of control. "Your sister is waiting isn't she."

Ruby shot a look at me and nodded.

"Yeah let's go."

I elbowed Adam hard on the way out.

The open field was big enough to rival the courtyard at Beacon Academy. Unlike the courtyard, there was a random scattering of sandbags built into a wall waist height. Trees and foliage filled the outskirts and small wooden buildings were placed near the centre. I hefted up my paint gun and rested it on my shoulder. A crowd gathered around the marshal.

Ruby swivelled her head, her Crescent Rose shaking inside its pouch. I guess she modified it to fire paint balls instead of bullets. "Where is she?"

"Your sister?" asked Pyrrha. Pyrrha was equipped with the standard sword and gun, which hung by her side.

"Yeah." Ruby bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder again.

"Is that her at the back?" Pyrrha pointed off into the crowd.

Ruby's gaze followed her arm and waved at someone who I couldn't see. "Hey over here!"

My attention was instead drawn to two people who I had met last night.

"Didn't think I would meet up with you so soon." I said with a frown. I still remember the bitter taste she left in my mouth from our conversation. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you're following me around."

Coco shot me a cruel smirk. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm only here to test out my new weapon."

I looked over her again. She was still wearing shades but ones that was different from yesterday. Her uniform clearly was designed to appeal to the eye but it didn't diminish the practicality of it. What stood out most wasn't what she was wearing but what she was holding.

"A purse?" I asked.

"Coco, who are you talking to?" We turned to face the man beside Coco. He towered above me, above Adam even and still had enough height to spare to strap a sword taller than me on his back. Velvet popped up behind him and waved at me. I happily waved back.

"Jaune Arc," said Coco, "no one to worry about in a fight."

He gave me an appraisal look.

"Certainly, he does not seem well suited for combat." He faced Coco. "Perhaps we should not take this battle seriously. We are only here to test out your weapon."

"Maybe not seriously but we can have some fun on the way." The fourth member of their group spoke out. Scars criss-crossed his arms and his eyes appeared completely white. That might not mean he's blind but judging by the fact he doesn't make eye contact, I'm guessing he is.

"All right listen up folks." said the head Marshal. Once he made sure everyone's attention was on him, he carried on. "We're going to establish a few rules now. First if the marshal blows his whistle, everyone stops what they're doing and head back to the centre. No exceptions. This is an aura allowed match so semblances and aura techniques are permitted. If your aura drops below 20% then you're out. The paintballs are set to explode when it makes contact with your uniforms so make sure you don't get hit. Once you're out, your paint gun automatically stops working. A marshal will escort you out. No one may attack the Marshals or the ones who are already out. You try it and our marshals will make you regret it.

"This will be an all against all team match. There are three teams and each team has four members. As usual, each team has their own leaders. Those who want to be leaders raise your hands now.

I raised my hand up. Several raised their arms but Ruby, Adam and Pyrrha kept their hands down.

"You don't want to be a leader?" I asked Pyrrha.

"While I am adept at one on one combat, I have no experience leading a team so I would not be suitable."

"Alright, those who raised their hands up come forward."

I walked up and stood next to the Marshal. Coco followed, her hair whipping to one side as she strutted by. Lastly was...

"Yang?!" I called out in disbelief.

Though she was dressed in the camouflaged uniform, that distinctive hair would give her away anywhere. She waved lazily at me.

"Hey, you finally got my name right." said Yang. She raised an coy eyebrow. "What with that look?"

"I haven't seen you since my first case. You haven't even contacted me since then. Give a guy a break when he thinks a girl is not interested."

She shook her head good naturedly. "I've been busy with my own things and once you became more famous people started annoying me about you. They recognised me from your first case and really hounded me. At first I turned them down but some are persistent. They stalked me everywhere. Couldn't go out without some annoying reporter bothering me. This one pipsqueak of a reporter was super annoying, kept running into her everywhere. She was pretty intense about the whole thing. May have broken a few walls dealing with her nonsense." She shrugged like it was no big deal, which when talking about Yang might not be a big deal. "After that, I decided that I wouldn't contact you until the whole case cooled off."

Pipsqueak, could she be talking about Ram?

"Oh," I frowned. From the sounds of it, she had it pretty rough. I didn't even consider what she went through during that time. "I'm sorry, I didn't even think to-"

She lifted a hand up, forestalling my reply. "Save the apologies. I'm over it now."

"But-"

"If you're really sorry then you can pay me back by giving me a good fight. My team versus your team."

I smiled. "Sounds good. I'll make sure to take you down."

"Heh," Yang smirked. "good luck with that. You'll need it."

"Hate to burst your parade, but none of your teams stand a chance against us." said Coco. Yang's eyes narrowed, her cocky grin widened, and I feared that we might start the match too soon. "I love your hair though, what did you do to make it shine like that?"

And just like that Yang's determination was blown away.

I rubbed my temples as their discussion devolved into comparing shampoos.

A whispered good luck from Velvet was the last thing I heard as we split apart into our teams.

AN: Hello everyone and at the time of publishing this chapter it is December 25 so Merry Christmas to all. It's been a busy year for me due to university and it'll probably get even busier so no promises when the next chapter is released. Now I want to thank Kegi Springfield for his lovely fan art of Jaune and Adam. Search up RWBY Fanfic Fanart: Subordinate by Kegi Springfield and you'll find it in the first link. You have no idea how happy I as when I found it. Thanks again Kegi Springfield!