This story utilizes a modified version of the Black Fist AU made by CC-2224 Commander Cody. All copyright legalities belong to Rooster Teeth Studios.

Hanta Tori's POV

Edward's enigmatic tendencies were starting to wear on my patience. The Noble had decided to 'go on a walk' after our detainment of Simon and Ozpin's subsequent excuses. I'd bet my last lien that he was reporting back to his masters, both in Spearpoint and the Grey Masks. Of course he wouldn't wait for my opinion on the matter, whatever experience Spearpoint provided him made Laura used to operating with a degree of autonomy.

Ozpin had requested that I meet him atop the Emerald Tower, a rather imposing structure even within the castle-like academy. To my surprise the elevator ride was rather short, only a minute from the ground floor to the headmaster's office. When the door opened I was surprised to see that the floor was not composed of wood or stone, but glass covering a number of giant gears. Before I could ponder the purpose of such a design my attention was pulled away by the older man behind his desk.

"Mr. Hanta, take a seat. We have much to discuss." I performed a short bow, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Now, do you have anything you want to tell me?"

"Only that I am upholding the oaths I swore to my homeland, and carrying out the mission placed upon me."

The headmaster smiled. "Well, the Brotherhood of the Shattered Moon certainly raised you as their own." I nearly attacked off muscle memory alone, only to hold myself back when Ozpin continued. "Though I had hoped the Shogun would be more open with me about his operatives I can't say I'm surprised. Would you tell me why you're here?"

There was no point in deception here. "The Shogun has received reports that you were harboring former members of the Black Fist and White Fang at Beacon Academy. I am to investigate and report back to him."

"Investigate what? Your reports seem to be accurate. Why not leave now?"

The sound of a ticking clock nearly deafened me, every moment seeming an eternity. "The definition of my mission was vague, to allow for some autonomy."

The famed Hunter sighed. "Very well. Tori, may I be blunt with you?"

I didn't bother hiding my confusion. "You may address me as you feel necessary Headmaster, as a privilege of your station." Ozpin seemed amused by my answer, a smile forming on his thin lips.

"What you are doing here, you and Edward both, isn't exactly in good faith. The Shogun and I aren't on the best of terms, and perhaps some of that is my fault, but my recruitment is none of his concern."

"With all respect due your station, in this matter you are wrong. International law dictates that the people you recruited are to be tried by Atlas, and other settlements who have been harmed by their actions. Vale had no part in the Highlands War, and your blatant disregard of our rights flies in the face of everything you claim to stand for." I felt the old man stare directly into my soul, though I did not know what he searched for. The ticking of his clock still rang in my ears. "Well? What do you have to say Headmaster?"

Whatever malice, if any, Ozpin felt towards me was well hidden. "I must say you're quite dedicated, an admirable trait in many ways. Even if it's often difficult to work with. Mr. Hanta, you have been given a chance to bring justice to those who may have escaped its grasp, and you also have the power to condemn those who deserve no such fate. Now it is your time to choose."

I stood there dumbfounded. "I am not sure what you mean Headmaster."

Ozpin just smiled. "You'll figure it out. Now, there is one other thing we need to discuss. Are you aware of Edward Laura's allegiances?" My silence was all the answer he needed. "I see… just ensure he stays out of trouble. The Inquisition has no business operating in Vale."

"Wait? Inquisition? What are you talking about?"

For once, Ozpin seemed surprised. "Oh… it seems you need to talk to your teammate." He sounded a bit sheepish.

"No I don't. You are going to tell me what this is about before I walk over to the CCT and share my discoveries with Atlas."

"Tori, there's no reason to be hostile. Ask Edward, if he doesn't cooperate I'll fill you in."

I made no effort to hide my suspicions. "If this is some kind of trick you will not hold this office through the week."

"Hopefully it will not come to that. Good luck Tori."

The stress of it all got to me. "I'll need it." This time Laura would speak straight or loose his tongue.

The Spearpoint Embassy Edward Laura's POV

The sound of a roaring engine filled the sparring arena of the embassy's training floor, and the Blademaster's chain macuahuitl came screaming towards me. Retreating a step, I raised my longsword into a position to thrust as the cycling blades roared by. It took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to scramble back from the weapon.

My opponent smiled as he saw through my plan and failed to fully commit to the swing, instead using the momentum of the aborted attack to bring the weapon around to my head. In an attempt to protect myself I blocked high, only for the rotating teeth to nearly rip my weapon from my hand. It was the great challenge of fighting large toothed chain-weapons, the rapidly rotating teeth made complex parries and blade binds nearly impossible. One's best hope for defending against such a weapon was evasion or a suit of plated armor.

Now I was solidly on the defensive, desperately backpedaling in an attempt to put some distance between myself and the Blademaster. Repeated impacts of the spinning blades against my sword made my hands go numb whilst trying to defend. Unfortunately my adversary's colossal skill advantage meant that a martial counterattack wasn't a viable option, especially with that damned macuahuitl.

I lunged forward with my longsword, looking to stab Master Gerit through the chest. As I predicted he parried the blade, the rotating teeth and angle of his maneuver ripped the weapon out of my hand. While he was occupied I channeled my aura into my left gauntlet and unleashed a burst of violet-blue lightning, the sudden arcane strike staggering his advance and allowing me to put distance between us. With the initiative back in my hands I drew the pair of messer hilts at my side and charged back in.

A pair of Dust imbued steel blades sprang forth from the handles as I lunged, feeling the blade of my weapon impact Master Gerit's Aura millimeters from his chest. Pointed teeth smiled as the blade retracted into the hilt, his macuahuitl meeting only air. The battle had reached a crossroads, if I could keep my weapons out of contact with with the rotating blades there was a chance I could slip past his guard.

With the situation being what it was I did the only sensible thing, concede. The officer seemed displeased with my choice. "You can't just call off the fight every time you're outmatched Laura."

"And what? Pray to Ewald that I can apply Fraus well enough to avoid contacting that monstrosity? A victory on my part would be nothing more than a fluke, serving only to inflate my own ego."

"Or you could discover a new means to circumvent my weapon." The blademaster's spotted feline ears twitched.

"The logistics of your weapon are but a single variable in a larger equation. Your Auratic power outstrips mine to a substantial degree, as does your physicality." I waved my hand casually.

"So you'll just run away when out of your league?" Quattro responded incredulously.

"I never said that." My smirk was all the warning the Faunus received. He went to raise his weapon as needle thin spike of ice emerged from my outstretched right gauntlet, terminating less than a centimeter from his eye. "In some cases it is perfectly acceptable for a gentleman to cheat."

My stratagem caused the older man great amusement if his laugh was anything to go by. "Damned magic, sometimes it's hard to believe that you're Ferro's pupil."

"In battle a warrior must continually assess the methods through which to dispatch their adversary. Take the path of least resistance." I quoted.

"Fair enough. Just remember that won't always be an option."

I rapped my gauntlets together. "Whatever you say Blademaster."

Master Gerit's demeanor shifted drastically, warm jest turning to a strict command. "Do not forget your limitations Laura. Arrogance has killed far greater warriors than you."

"Of course master." Like I'd forget.

For half a minute I was subjected to his gaze, as though he could see into my soul until the Faunus nodded and made his way towards the armory. "With me." While softer, his voice remained strong. Gerit's tail lashed too and fro with every step he took. "Do you feel that you've been given ample opportunity to study your classmates?"

"One day in, I can see why so many at Bellcia Castle think lowly of the Kingdom's tutelage. The majority of my contemporaries, those who prefer close combat to ranged tactics, are hyper-aggressive offensive heavyweights. They depend almost entirely on their ability to overwhelm their opponents with sheer offensive output without regard for defensive viability or transition. There's no standardization of weaponry or organized drills, severely limiting the ability of a tutor to assist those who are struggling." I hesitated before continuing.

The Blademaster stopped before the armory, turning in his weapon and motioning for me to do the same. "I'm sensing a 'but' here."

"Ultimately these students are training to fight a different war. The greatest threat they expect to face are the Demon hordes, not their fellows. As the Kingdoms do not integrate their Hunters with their militaries as completely as we do, standardization and consistency is not their top priority."

Gerit's smile broke through a dour mood of his own creation. "Very good. You're learning. Continue your present course of action, maintain your cover. You will maintain your status as our liaison within the Order of the Grey Mask. Assist them in tracking down the Fist and Fang fugitives within Vale. Once found leave them to the proper authorities, Atlas holds the right to extradite them for trial."

All it left was one question. "And the Grey Masks?"

"As long as they adhere to the terms of our agreement there will be no reason to act against them."

"But the Black Rider-"

"Is not a threat. Grandmaster Cain has mastered the power within him, no matter how Heretical it may be."

"They're a Rouge Order, a single vote saved them from being declared Insidias Hominum-"

"Their status is irrelevant. They came offering us assistance in this matter. You are to assist them in all ways possible, unless their orders would require you to break your vows. Is that understood Apprentice Laura?"

"Yes Master Gerit."

"Return here after the conclusion of your classes tomorrow. Master Ferro has requested weekly updates on your capabilities, and I shall accommodate. Dismissed."

Bowing, I retrieved my saber and revolver from the armory. A spell of distaste ran through me as I sheathed the weapons. To handicap myself with superfluous acrobatics and sloppily integrated gunplay was an egregious mockery of my abilities, my training, and my mentors. My only solace was in the advantage this deception would bring, as I could almost imagine the shock my adversaries would experience once I revealed what I was truly capable of.

Stowing the tools of my falsehood I went to observe the arena's other occupants. A smile came to my face as I saw a martial arts demonstration, though it disappeared the moment I saw who took part. A single man, clad in a simple tunic and a pair of loose fitting trousers, utilized a quarterstaff to fend off the sword bayonets of three Guardsmen. It was obvious that neither side was trying to harm each other, the man limited his blows to mere taps and the guardsmen never attempted to truly swarm their 'adversary.'

A calm, sagely, voice emanated from the man's throat. "Distance is both an enemy and ally. A long weapon may keep a single enemy at bay, several if you are skilled. However-" the guardsmen surged forward, one used the the bayonet and barrel of their weapon to bind the staff whilst the other two rushed their opponent. The first to reach him tripped the speaker and threw him to the ground whilst the second planted a boot on his chest and forced the speaker to stare down a rifle barrel. "If you cannot maintain this distance your weapon's length becomes a liability." Half a dozen observers nodded and muttered in agreement. "Corporal, you may remove your boot from my chest if you'd like." The soldier nodded and hastily retreated from the speaker. "Is there anything else which requires explanation Private?"

"No Sir. Thank you for your time."

"It was a pleasure." Varian finished. The Komodo Faunus turned to return the staff to the armory when he saw me. I made my own way back to the armory to await him. Once he arrived I tried to draw a sword that wasn't there. "Apprentice Laura, it has truly been too long. When did we last meet?"

"One year ago, when I had you arrested for Treason and Heresy."

"Ah, good times. Your blade at my throat, my claws against your stomach. That beautiful sister of yours, ready to incinerate me should I twitch." A forked tounge shot from his mouth, covered in paralytic saliva. "By the Gods I've missed speaking with you."

"Which madman let you out of prison. I'd love to have them tried for Incompetence."

The ex-convict laughed, his serpentine eyes twitching with amusement. "And just who would try the King."

I couldn't believe my ears. "What?"

"I recieved a royal pardon. The King himself allowed me to walk from the dungeons of Bellcia Castle a free man."

"Liar. The King was the first to request your execution."

Varian nearly laughed aloud. "Well His Highness, in all his mercy, must have undergone a change of heart." The damned reptile pulled a letter adorned with the Royal Seal, broken of course. "By order of King Alexander Darius II, Detainee Varian Hollow is to be set on probation, the duration of which is to be carried out at the Valen Embassy under the honorable Slate Garnet." The traitor noticed ire with a smug grin. "Do you have a problem with that Edward?"

"Quite frankly, Yes. You should be rotting in a cell. The destruction of three Bound Blades, two injured, half a dozen people dead, That's unforgivable."

A light sparked from behind those cold eyes. "If you fell so strongly about it then challenge me to a duel."

There was no hesitation. "It would be my pleasure."

Solum Latro's POV:

It had been some time since classes had ended, and by the Gods it was boring. All my weapons had been cleaned, belongings put away, and ceiling tiles had been counted, now all that was left was to find something to eat. Thanks to the layout of Beacon it was nearly impossible to get lost, with the circular arrangement allowing students to find their bearings by walking in one direction.

Within twenty minutes I had found the dining hall. By now dinner had just begun, and about a third of the first years were in line. The line moved quickly and it didn't take long for everyone to start looking for a seat. Driving herds between the Kingdom's borders had taught me that it was best to wait before you start making friends. If you get a feel for who you're working with before you pal around you're less likely to step on a hornet's nest.

While looking for a place I saw the Faunus girl from Goodwitch's class, Sienna if memory served. "May I?" I gestured to the seat across from the redhead.

"I'm waiting for someone." She replied without a glance.

"No problem, see you later." To my disappointment, she just rolled her eyes.

Having been shot down I looked for someone else to eat with. Fortunately May and Topaz were sitting down further down the table.

Topaz noticed me first, a smile on her face and a cola in her hand. "Poor poor Solum, no luck with the ladies?"

"Not now, not yet at least." I did my best mockery of the 'dashing rouge' look.

"Long as you aren't stalking her." May cut in. "This isn't a crappy romance, and I don't want to have a teammate with a restraining order."

"You honestly think I'm that kind of guy?"

"I think I've known you for one day."

Topaz nearly spit out her drink. "Daaaaaaamn, that's cold. Didn't think you had it in you."

"I try." May responded, thoroughly pleased with herself. At that moment, in the middle of my verbal beat down, Tori sat down with a Tupperware filled with sushi. Topaz's eyes went wide.

"Where'd you get that?"

My partner had already started eating, and didn't speak until he had finished the first piece. "Made it."

May almost looked offended. "You can make sushi and didn't tell us?"

"You never asked." Tori responded gruffly.

"Tori, relax. What's got you so on edge?"

My partner took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then released. "Nothing. I apologize for my demeanor May."

"It's fine, but what's got you going like this?"

The anger returned to Tori's face. "Edward's too used to working alone. After sparring class we made a citizen's arrest on an individual whom we suspected of being a Black Fist war criminal. He and I successfully detained this individual and called Ozpin to turn over to the proper authorities. Apparently Ozpin already knew of our detainee's past and had accepted them into Beacon in an attempt to begin reform."

"Who is it?" I asked, with just a hint of venom in my voice.

"I'm not at liberty to say. Ozpin swore me to secrecy." I noticed that he didn't say anything about Edward though, interesting. "Can you at least say which piece of shit judge acquitted them?"

"If I knew I would tell you." To my surprise, there was quite a bit of rage in Tori's tone. "If if we're up to me I would have the bastard expedited to Ishiyama Hongan-Ji." I could've cut the tension with a Bowie knife as fury bleed from my partner and I.

May finally spoke up. "Guys, I get it, we're all a little frustrated. I'll talk to Edward later. Then we can talk to Ozpin, when we've all calmed down." May's soft voice held a hard edge. "Until then, we all just sit back and relax. Got it?" Topaz watched with a slight smile on her face.

Tori spoke first. "Whatever you say." It was all I could do to grunt. Ozpin better have a damn good excuse for this.

A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus and he relatively short chapter. My life became quite busy, part time job, college, etc. I have made a few changes to the previous chapters, streamlined things just a bit. If any of you have questions the beginning of the next chapter will essentially be a Q&A for any questions you all have. Thank you for your patience.

-Wa7chface