A/N: Once again, I cannot thank you all enough for the support you show for this story. It is so much fun for me to be able to interact with all of you. I hope you all continue to show your support for the story and have a wonderful day. Rhino out.
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Seeing a new message from Sienna, Topaz excuses himself from Qrow and Oscar/Ozpin. Walking a little ways off he looks at the message.
{Thank you for the tip about the attack that will happen on Haven. I have moved every White Fang member that still follows my command away from the area. If you find any member in the attack you have my direct permission to do as you see fit. Even if the need to kill them arises. Do be safe though, it would be a shame to lose such an interesting person.}
Shaking his head at the rather carefree message, Topaz makes his way back over to his friends. He watches Nova push himself to get back into shape as soon as possible, and Scarlett in a very light spar against Ruby. Scarlett dodges a punch here, blocks a kick there before stumbling back and falling to the ground.
Ruby: "Are you ok Scarlett?"
Scarlett: "I'm fine, just not used to fighting after so long sadly. The muscle memory for what I want to do is still there, I'm just not capable to do it yet."
Topaz: "Don't rush it too much Scarlett, and you too Nova. I would much rather see you guys back at your peak condition before you start fighting again."
Scarlett: "Probably not going to happen, but thanks Topaz."
Walking some more, Topaz finds Neo and Ariel sparring off in the distance. Ariel goes on the offensive lashing her blade whip towards Neo. Neo blocks each strike with practiced ease, slowly making her way closer to Ariel. Getting within striking range, Neo makes a quick stab towards Ariel who dodges the strike by rolling forwards and swiping Neo's feet out from under her. Quickly using the loss of balance to her advantage, Ariel quickly mounts Neo and cocks her fist back.
Ariel: "Yield."
Neo puts her hands up and nods her head, showing Ariel the predetermined signal of her yielding.
Topaz: "Taking things a little quick there are we Ariel. I know we are all in a relationship but I didn't think we were at that point yet."
Ariel looks confused at Topaz's comment before looking down at Neo, who she is still straddling. Neo has a slight blush to her face and Ariel quickly realizes her other hand is resting on Neo's chest. Quickly jumping back with a blush of her own Ariel apologizes to Neo while Topaz laughs.
Ariel: "I'm so sorry Neo, I didn't mean it. We were sparring and then it happened without me realizing it."
Topaz: "Wow Ariel, I know we've been told to do anything necessary to win a fight, but I didn't expect to see you resorting to groping to win against Neo."
Ariel: "No, I didn't mean to. I-"
Topaz: "I'm kidding Ariel. It happens sometimes. It's not every day I get to tease you to such an extant so I'm taking full advantage of it."
Ariel: "You're an ass sometimes you know that right?"
Topaz: "Yep, yet you still love me."
Ariel: "Sadly."
Topaz: "Love you too."
Neo stands up and walks right over to Ariel and Topaz. Her eyes sparkled with the laughter she was holding. Looking at Ariel she gave a fake pout before hiding behind Topaz. Ariel looks shocked for a moment before breaking into laughter. Topaz gives each girl a kiss before continuing on the check on everyone else.
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It's been a week since Ariel and Neo's little incident, and the entire group has made subtle improvements to their combat. Scarlett and Nova are almost back to being physically fit. They've started sparring against each other to improve themselves, but they still aren't back to the level they were before Beacon fell. Pyrra has begun to carry around small knives with her to use her semblance to its fullest potential while fighting and Weiss has gotten down her summons to be almost instant. Walking up to Yang and Ruby, Topaz sees Ruby tinkering with Crescent Rose.
Ruby: "Hey Yang, could you give me a hand for second?"
Topaz watches as Yang takes off her robotic hand and gives it to Ruby.
Yang: "I expect that back later."
Ruby: "Really Yang."
Topaz: "That's a handy joke, isn't it Yang."
Yang: "See, Topaz gets me Ruby."
Ruby: "You two are the worst."
Topaz: "Only to those who don't understand humor."
Yang: "You used to hate my puns."
Topaz: "Didn't hate them, some were too forced to me. But I had to give you one with the hand joke."
Yang: "Respect."
While they joked around, Qrow walks in an calls for everyone to gather.
Qrow: "Alright everyone, Professor Lionheart just called me and let me know he was able to get the council to approve of some huntsman to protect the school. To be honest with you, it's fishy. Oz and I aren't expecting anything good from it. We will go in to meet them tonight geared up and ready for anything. Topaz, I want you and Ariel to make your way onto the roof just in case."
Topaz: "Works for me. Neo, I would like for you to stay here and make sure Scarlett and Nova are out of danger."
Qrow: "Get ready, I don't have a good feeling about this visit."
Everyone heads their separate ways to prepare for the night to come. Topaz makes his way over to his gear and sends a quick message to Sienna to let her know of what's going on. Grabbing his spear he begins to mentally prepare for the fighting to come.
Tera: 'Looks like you have a fun night before you child. I will have your back so be prepared.'
Topaz hears footsteps approaching him from behind, so he turns around and sees Neo looking at him with worry in her eyes. She walks up to him and gives him a hug and takes a deep breathe.
Neo: "Be careful."
Topaz: "Neo, your voice?!"
Neo: "Ozpin used a small amount of magic to heal my vocal cords. I still can't talk too much yet but I can tell you to kick whoever you are fighting's butt. And for you to be careful."
Topaz: "Aren't I always?"
Neo: "…"
Topaz: "Yeah, yeah. I know. I'll try my best. I love you Neo."
Neo: "I love you to Topaz. Now come on, I want you to be there when I speak to Ariel."
Topaz: "This will be good."
The two walk around and eventually find Ariel standing on the balcony, concentration evident on her face. When she opens her eyes, she sees Neo and Topaz standing there watching her.
Ariel: "What?"
Topaz: "The plants have anything interesting to say?"
Ariel: "You still remember that?"
Topaz: "Of course."
Ariel: "They say there have been a lot of movement by foreign parties around the city. Mostly faunus with grimm looking masks."
Topaz: "So the White Fang that are not listening to Sienna Khan are here, good to know."
Ariel: "So you were serious when you said you spoke with Sienna."
Topaz: "Well yeah, you guys did say you didn't want any secrets between us."
Ariel: "Thank you."
Topaz: "But we are her because Neo here wanted to give you a lecture about staying safe."
Ariel: "Are you sure she didn't mean you Mr. Reckless?"
Topaz: "Nah, I got my lecture already."
Ariel: "You don't have to worry about us Neo, I'll keep him in line. And you know he won't let anything come to harm us."
Neo: "Just be careful please."
Ariel: "Neo you spoke!"
Neo: "Surprise."
Ariel throws her arms around Neo giving her a big hug.
Ariel: "You have such a pretty voice. I'm so happy to be able to hear it. Topaz did you know about this?"
Topaz: "I just found out a little while ago. But she did speak to me once before this on Menagerie. Her voice was soft but still had the same sweet chime to it."
Neo: "Ozpin used some of his magic to heal my vocal cords. Now I can talk to you guys for small periods of time until I get used to talking again."
Ariel: "It's so good that you can speak with us now."
Neo: "Hey Ariel?"
Ariel: "Yeah, what's up Neo."
Neo: "I love you."
Ariel: "I love you too Neo."
Qrow: "Ok you lovebirds. It's time to get going."
Topaz and Ariel give Neo a quick hug and kiss before following Qrow to where everyone else is waiting. Walking until they stand in front of Haven Academy, Topaz and Neo break off from the group and make their way onto the roof.
…