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A/N: NET IS BAAAAACKK!!!! Ready for another chapter!?


Qrow had his bad days but this had to be one of the worst.


After escaping to the Branwen camp together with Raven, they went their separate ways without a word. But the words need not be said.


Salem was coming for them. 


He had thought about trying to convince Raven to join forces but there was no point. Raven hated Oz and nothing would change her stance on that. She'll just spout the same thing over and over again, no beating Salem, and all her pessimistic bullshit.


Even with Salem having set her eyes on her, it'd be a cold day in hell before she'd even team up with Ozpin. She'd rather survive on her own.


Qrow scoffed. For all her talk about strength, she sure likes running away. 


He took refuge in an inn and patched up his wounds. While nothing too major, he was pretty sure he cracked a crib or two from that beowolf that dunked him off the air.


They're a lot stronger than the normal variant, Qrow thought, wincing as he wrapped his torso with bandages. He pulled out his scroll and called Oz. A new agent, a very powerful one had just entered the battlefield.


"Hello, Qrow. I hope you've brought good news."


Qrow snorted. He and good news never mixed well. "Hate to break it to ya, but the situation just got worse."


"How bad is it?"


"She's got a new piece along with new playmates."


A pregnant silence ensued as Qrow drank from his flask, calming the adrenaline rush he had just been into. Salem just casually pointing out his direction had sent his nerves into a rush for his life, and not the good kind.


"I'll call James and the rest to convene in this call. Give me a moment."


A few moments later, videos popped up on his scrolls to see Glynda, Jimmy, and Winter - why is that ice queen part of the call?


"Seriously, who invited her?" Qrow grumbled as he continued to drink.


"Qrow. Still drunk even at this important meeting?" Winter sneered. 


Qrow stared at her for a brief moment and chugged down his drink with an exaggerated head tilt to the back.


Winter's eye twitched dangerously but Glynda had interfered long before another fight broke out.


"Enough," she sternly commanded, cowing the both of them. Honestly, being uptight like that's never gonna help her bag a guy. 


"My apologies for interrupting your daily duties," Ozpin nodded and continued, "But the information Qrow has gathered is too important to ignore. I shall inform the headmasters of this new development after this meeting."


"What is it?" General Ironwood, leader of the Atlesian military and headmaster of Atlas Academy asked.


"Qrow, if you will."


He sighed before keeping his flask. "Salem's got a new agent."


Eyes widened on the screens and listened attentively.


"Do you have a description?" General Ironwood asked with hands clasped in front of his mouth. "Traits, characteristics, anything?"


"I couldn't get a good look at the kid's face but he wears a long jacket over his shoulders that's also some kind of wolf Grimm." He let that sink in before continuing. "The wolf Grimm's weird tongue morphed into a Seer and used it to contact Salem."


A morphing Grimm. 


"Go on."


"She calls him her Herald and he calls her mother." All eyes widened at that information.


"Are they perhaps biologically related?" Ironwood asked. 


"It could be she's adopted him," Glynda proposed.


"Didn't exactly stick around to find out. All I know is that Salem likes the Herald. She considers him her son."


That was disturbing information. They were well aware how magic was not a fantasy but real. And the only people in the world who were capable of magic were the Four Maidens, Ozpin, and Salem.


If he was her son, adoptive or biological, then it was very likely that the Herald was already capable of utilizing magic.


A terrifying thought.


"Continue."


"He turned his head around but I ran away the moment Salem spotted Ray and me." he withheld a slight shudder as he remembered her red eyes looking directly at him.


"Raven? What was she doing there with you?" Glynda asked.


"Hell if I know. Must've spotted the weird Grimm and decided to check it out. Anyways, I got mobbed by the rest of the Grimm and it was only thanks to Ray's semblance we both got out there alive." He paused and took a sip before continuing.


"They talked about the progress on something and the Herald completing his tasks splendidly. She seemed pleased." He refreshed his throat with a chug of his trusty flask. "She also talked about receiving some kind of gift."


"Did they make any specific mentions?" Ironwood asked.


"Nope. The conversation was vague, easily throws off people listening in." Qrow's eyes hardened before hammering in the nail on the coffin.


"But most importantly, the Herald's next destination is Vale."


Demeanors shifted and grew serious. 


"Are you certain on this?" Winter paused in her note-taking and asked. 


"Positive. She told him to watch out if he ever intended to visit Vale and not to approach Beacon for now."


For now.


"For now..." Glynda cupped her chin in thought. A foreboding statement that kindled the fierce sense of protection in her as a Huntress sworn to protect the public and her students.


"I shall speak with other available Huntsmen and Huntresses to increase security inside Vale and along the borders."


"See that you do. Thank you, Glynda," nodded Ozpin to her.


"And if it wasn't already worse, she's created new toys for her Herald." Curious eyes looked at him and urged him to continue.


"Beowolves with large insect wings. Stronger, bulkier. They can jump high and can fly. Dunno if there's an Alpha variant yet but it's probably worse than an Alpha Beowolf."


"Troublesome," Ironwood commented. Beowolves were of small threat whose only advantage was numbers. But now, a new variant had risen, an upgrade to the normal beowolves.


"I will consult with Port on that matter." A boisterous storyteller he may be, but when Grimm was concerned, he was an expert on the subject.


Qrow closed his eyes, scouring his mind for any other useful info until a little detail came to mind.


"I almost forgot," eyes turned to him once more. "Dunno if it helps but the Grimm loves the kid."


Grimm and love? Was it some kind of twisted fan fiction?


"Explain," Ironwood said.


"The beowolves kept asking for head pats and licks from the Herald. They're acting like dogs when he's around, docile, and behaved. Sounds ridiculous, I know."


"Are you saying he can tame them?"


"I guess. His presence kept the others organized, behaved, quiet, and all that. And he wasn't even doing anything to them but they're all kissing up to him."


A brief silence echoed in the call as they digested the gravity of Salem's new agent and his capabilities.


The fact that someone other than Salem could tame the Grimm was ridiculous. But now, there was another one who could do her job in the field, organizing local Grimm, stretching out her sphere of influence even further.


"I see. Anything else to add?"


"Nope, that's all I got." He breathed a deep sigh and leaned back as he chugged down his flask. He was so going to drain the bars dry and get wasted. He'd had enough bad luck for today.


"By the way Oz, I'll be joining the others in their patrols. Hope you got no problem with that." No way was he going to leave Beacon unguarded, not with his nieces attending the school.


"Very well."


"In that case, let us summarize the report." 


Ozpin and the group listed down all important info Qrow had shared with them. With a newly recruited agent of fairly unknown capabilities, it was clear Salem was on the move. Every scrap of information, every possibility, down to the last details, was not omitted. 


Winter reviewed the notes with a thoughtful frown. "The information is as follows-"


"Sorry, but why is she here again?" Qrow pinched the bridge of his nose. Seriously, she isn't even part of this circle and she's already gained access to privy information.


Winter's eyes narrowed at him. "I was to be dismissed until you mentioned Vale was in danger and by extension, Beacon, the academy in which my sister is attending. While I do not doubt Beacon's security, my sister's well-being is at risk with the Herald's upcoming arrival. Do you have a problem with that?"


He blinked a few times until he realized they were both in the same boat, concerned for the well-being of their family. In his case, Yang and Ruby.


"Right, my bad. Sorry," he rubbed his face, slightly irked at the shocked looks shot his way, even Ozpin and Jimmy. "What's with those looks?"


"Have you visited a mental hospital?" Of course, it was Jimmy who asked.


"Is there another person talking inside you right now?" Ozpin asked.


"Qrow apologizing?" Glynda covered her mouth in horror. "What have you done with him?"


"Oh, get off my back. With that kind of attitude, no wonder you can't bag a guy." Oh, he just took the plunge off the cliff with his last words.


Ironwood, Winter, and Ozpin inhaled sharply at the barbed words. It didn't help when an audible snap was heard on Glynda's call.


"What did you just say?"


"Winter, summarize the report please," Qrow begged in an uncharacteristically formal tone.


"General Ironwood, sir, permission to withhold information until miss Goodwitch and Qrow settle their dispute? I will likely be interrupted."


"Granted." 


Qrow looked to Ozpin only to see him give him a solemn two-fingered salute. "Peace out, Qrow."


"Oh, screw all of you!"


It took a while before they properly disclosed all vital information and went their separate ways, ending with Qrow being promised a world of pain in Glynda's detention.


/-/


Meanwhile, the very subject of their conversation strode along with one of Vale's many sidewalks. 


After a long journey via Goliath Express, to which the Goliath was very happy to oblige, he had finally reached the city of Vale. 


Now for the first agenda of today.


"Getting mama some new books," he muttered as he looked up the many book stores available in Vale. 


The hairs on his neck rose as a cold breeze gently rushed past him. Io immediately morphed a part of her into a scarf for her partner to wear.


"Thank you, Io," he whispered warmly behind his scarf. He continued scrolling online until he found a store that just so happened to be near him.


"Tukson's Book Trade?" Reviews regarding the place were within very satisfactory ratings. Fortunately, it just so happened to be right ahead of the next turn.


"Looks like that place is our first stop then we can go to big sis Cinder."


Io growled inaudibly that no one but him can hear. 


"Big sis Cinder's not all that bad, you know. She's been nice to me whenever she visits the castle."


Io popped her eye open discretely from beneath the scarf.


"She makes weird eyes at me?" Io affirmed with a subtle nod.


"Don't worry. If anything happens, you'll be there to protect me," he said and softly kissed his scarf, earning a pleasing growl from Io.


Maybe he should buy her a small gift along the way. Gods know just how stressful it may be to manage so much. After his business here, he'll have to commission Dr. Watts for a new weapon.


He wonders if she'll like ice cream. No, maybe a fruitcake? 


"Io, ice cream or fruitcake?" His only response was another growl.


"Both it is." Though the ice cream would be for him and the fruitcake for big sis Cinder.


He hopes the ice cream stores have Neapolitan flavor. That was his favorite flavor.


/-/


Neopolitan, the notorious killer, and sidekick of one and only Roman Torchwick was on a break. Yes, break.


Her routine had been usual. Bail Roman out during dust heists, he and the White Fang talk stuff out, overseeing the workers doing their job properly until eventually, she began to tire of the monotonous tasks.


Bullying the grunts during their work didn't bring as much excitement as before either nor did slicing up unfortunate idiots who thought she was a lonely damsel in need of some loving.


That, and mister legless and crop-top couldn't shut up with mocking Roman about his incapability to beat up a kid, especially Little Red. Had she had her way, she would've long killed them off already. They'd never see her coming.


She needed a vacation from all that boring stuff.


So here she was, walking along Vale's sidewalk towards her favorite ice cream restaurant. That dreary warehouse was not a suitable playground for a delicate young girl like her.


As she entered the peacefully quiet restaurant, she breathed in the heavenly smell of sweet flavors carried by the cold air of the AC unit within. 


Her eyes sparkled at the collection of several ice cream flavors in display but her eyes were set on the greatest prize, the large triple scoop Neapolitan-flavored ice cream sundae!


Her heterochromatic eyes flickered between brown and pink, the excitement palpable within them. She quickly stood in line behind the strange blonde kid in a suit.


"Here's your Triple Scoop Neapolitan Ice Cream, sir!" The lady behind the counter said with a smile.


"Thank you, miss." The blonde returned the smile with gratitude. 


"That was our last one sir so savor it!"


"I will, miss. Don't worry." 


Neo's whole world ceased to flow in time. What...? What!?


Disregarding all manner of playful etiquette, she frantically waved to the cashier. Being a regular made her easily recognizable to the workers with her colorful attire speaking for itself.


"Ah, miss Neo! Sorry, that was the last Neapolitan ice cream for today," the cashier apologized deeply. 


One needed no common sense to recognize the despair that marred Neo's normally playful exterior.


She couldn't go to any other ice cream stores, no way! This restaurant served the best of the best of Neapolitan-flavored ice creams and she deserved nothing but the best! 


Trying to hold on to hope that the cashier might be able to do something, she frantically typed on her scroll and relayed the message. There had to be something she could do!


"I'm sorry, miss Neo," she bowed deeply. "The next resupply comes this weekend and the rest of the flavors are for the other ice creams."


No...


T-the last of the large triple scoop Neapolitan Ice Cream was no more! Her dessert, her flavor, her ice cream, gone just like that!


And she'd have to wait until the weekend. No, she couldn't wait a week! 


Sadly, the old extortion method wouldn't work here. She was just so nice. The cashier was kind enough to always save a portion of Neapolitan ice cream for her until the manager reprimanded her and nearly fired her.


It took a bit of convincing to change his mind, courtesy of Neo. Blood and a soiled pair of pants were involved.


She couldn't blame miss cashier. But she was utterly disappointed and her day was ruined. Guess she'll just have to order a strawberry flavor that was not Neapolitan if only to taste a semblance of it.


She was snapped out of her depression cloud when something ice-cold was pressed against her cheek. How dare this little-


She was just about to kick the intruding object until the whiff of Neapolitan ice cream invaded her nostrils, immediately calming her down.


The large glass sundae cup pulled back and she saw the blonde boy who had ordered ahead of her a while ago.


"I couldn't help but notice the commotion," he said. "I can tell you really like this ice cream."


She pouted at him. 


"Would you like to eat with me?" The kid then flashed her a cute smile. "I find that eating with a companion makes food taste better, at least that's what mama says." 


Neo's world, which had been gray and monotonic, had its colors slowly returning to the glory of springtime. Her eyes shifted between brown and pink.


"I can't exactly finish all of this so," he tilted his head at the large ice cream sundae cup that he held, "Wanna eat this with me?"


Neo's eyes turned pink as a happy smile overtook her lips. Her happiness sparkled around her face it was almost too bright to look at.


"You don't talk much do you?" He mused.


She stuck out her tongue and shook her head. This innocent-looking kid was sharing his Neapolitan ice cream with her. No way was she ever going to forget this favor.


"Come on, let's sit at my table." He walked her towards his table.


"I almost forgot." She turned his head towards him. "My name is Y/N." 


Without letting go of him, she rapidly typed in her scroll and showed him.


Call me Neopolitan. ;)


Y/N gave her a look over, slightly blushing at the small reveal of her tantalizing hips, prompting a teasing smirk to form on her face.


Seems like he isn't too innocent. Good.


"So you're a walking ice cream pun?"


You know it. She nodded with a smirk. 


They reached their seat with Y/N pulling the seat back for Neo to sit on. 


She shook her head and wordlessly, gently pushed him onto his seat and to his abashed fluster, sat on his lap.


"U-um," his eyes were darting all over the place, especially the cat-calling residents all around him. With nowhere to hide, he tried to hide using Neo's body as a shield which only made it worse as the cat-calling got slightly louder.


Neo couldn't resist the amused smile that stretched her lips. This kid was just too cute!


"A-are you sure it's okay for you to sit like this?" He stuttered, asking her in concern.


Neo blinked for a moment and typed her reply.


You're the one embarrassed yet you're asking me if I'm

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