Taiyang's heart raced as he glanced from his injured brother-in-law to Shizuo, weighing his options. They had come here to confront him after receiving the shocking news that both Ruby and Yang were pregnant—news that had sent them into a blind fury, pushing them to hunt down the man responsible.
But now, as Taiyang stared into Shizuo's eyes, he realized how outmatched they were. His fists clenched, muscles tensing, but he didn't charge forward. He had seen enough and knew the kid from Signal. Shizuo wasn't just playing with them—he was a beast unleashed.
Shizuo, panting heavily with rage, tossed the mangled lamppost aside as if it were nothing, the steel crumpling as it hit the ground. His chest heaved, his expression one of barely restrained violence. His gaze snapped to Taiyang, daring him to make a move.
For the first time in the fight, Taiyang hesitated. His daughters—Ruby and Yang—flashed in his mind, the news that had driven him here surging to the forefront. The urgency he had felt just moments ago was now overshadowed by the stark reality in front of him. He was dealing with someone far beyond their understanding.
This wasn't just some reckless youth they were up against. Shizuo was a force of nature, a monster in human form, and he had barely broken a sweat during their battle. Every attack Taiyang and Qrow had thrown at him had been met with casual indifference, as if Shizuo was merely indulging them in a game that was far beneath him.
"Stand down, I don't want to kill you."
Shizuo growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"But if you push me, I can't promise I won't hold back next time."
Taiyang took a slow step back, glancing at Qrow's groaning body and then back at Shizuo. His mind screamed at him to fight, to defend his daughter's honor, but his instincts knew better. He couldn't win this fight. Not now. Qrow was down, and Taiyang had seen enough of the kid back in Signal to know that if they continued, Shizuo would end them without a second thought. It wasn't a matter of pride anymore—it was survival.
"Alright, enough."
Taiyang said, raising his hands slightly in a gesture of surrender.
"You've made your point."
"Qrow, you alright?"
Taiyang called out, his voice tense as he glanced back at his brother-in-law, who was slowly picking himself up, groaning from the impact. The once-mighty Huntsman was battered, blood trickling down his forehead, but he gave a shaky thumbs up in response.
"Never better... Except that, I think the kid broke almost all the bones in my body."
Qrow jokingly muttered, though the pain in his voice betrayed him. He wiped the blood from his face and gave Shizuo a glare, his crimson eyes filled with both anger and disbelief.
"I see you improved since I last taught you. Seriously what the hell are you kid?"
Shizuo didn't answer immediately, his intense gaze locked onto his two former teachers who had dared to challenge him. He could sense the desperation and fear radiating from them, but it didn't bother him.
In fact, part of him found it almost amusing. They had come here full of righteous fury, expecting to teach him a lesson. Instead, they had been given a harsh reminder of just how small they really were.
"I'm someone who doesn't take kindly to threats, teach."
Shizuo finally said, his voice cold and dangerous.
"Especially when it comes to my family."
The words hit both Taiyang and Qrow like a hammer. Family. The implication was clear—Shizuo wasn't just some random man who had crossed paths with Ruby and Yang. He saw them as part of his family now, and anyone who threatened them would face his wrath.
Taiyang's heart sank. He had come here to protect his daughters' honor, but now he wasn't sure what to believe. The idea of Shizuo, this monster of a man, caring about his girls was hard to swallow. But there was something in his voice, in his stance, that made Taiyang hesitate. Could it be true? Could Shizuo actually be protecting Ruby and Yang in his own twisted way?
Qrow, however, wasn't ready to back down. Despite the beating he had taken, his stubborn nature refused to let him walk away without some kind of resolution.
"You think you can just waltz in and... and play house with them?"
He spat, wiping more blood from his mouth.
"You think we're just gonna stand by and let you—"
Shizuo moved faster than either of them could react, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. Before Qrow could finish his sentence, Shizuo had grabbed him by the collar and lifted him off the ground with terrifying ease, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage.
"I don't care what you think."
Shizuo hissed, his voice low but lethal like the alpha predator he is.
"You're not going to stop me. Not you, not anyone. Ruby and Yang are mine now. And if you want to protect them, you better learn how to do it with me, not against me."
For a moment, there was only silence. Qrow's feet dangled in the air as he glared defiantly at Shizuo, but even he couldn't ignore the sheer power radiating from the lion faunus. Taiyang stood frozen, torn between his instinct to protect his daughters and the realization that they were no longer his to protect in the way he once thought.
Finally, Shizuo dropped Qrow, letting him crumple to the ground in a heap. He turned to Taiyang, his expression hard but less aggressive.
"This is your last warning. I don't want to hurt either of you, but if you keep coming after me, I won't hold back next time. I care about your girls, and I'll protect them from anyone, even if that includes you."
Taiyang's throat tightened as he struggled to find the words. He glanced at Qrow, who was breathing heavily, still reeling from the fight. The reality of the situation was sinking in. They couldn't win this battle, not against Shizuo.
With a heavy sigh, Taiyang finally spoke, his voice strained.
"This... isn't over, Shizuo. But for now, we'll stand down. For their sake."
Shizuo nodded once, satisfied with the answer.
"Good. Now go home. Be there for Ruby and Yang. They'll need you. Just remember, I'm watching."
As Qrow and Taiyang limped toward the courtyard exit, their bodies aching from the earlier confrontation with Shizuo, they were blindsided by a blur of red. A projectile of rose petals slammed into Qrow, sending him stumbling back with a shout of, "Drunkle Qrow!"
The sudden impact nearly made him pass out from the accumulated pain, his body barely keeping upright. Taiyang, still steady enough, caught his brother-in-law and kept him from walking towards the light.
"Damn it, Ruby!"
Yang's voice rang out, full of frustration as she walked over, scolding her younger sister.
"I warned you this would happen when you texted them about our pregnancies!"
Ruby, standing nearby with wide eyes, looked flustered.
"I just wanted them to know! I didn't think they'd get hurt in the process!"
She mumbled, her silver eyes darting between her uncle and her sister, as though hoping to defuse the situation.
Qrow groaned, holding his side.
"Could've given me a softer landing, squirt…"
He muttered, rubbing his head where he'd taken most of the hit. He was bruised and battered, but his shock at the day's events was far from over.
Before anyone could say more, Ruby and Yang exchanged glances. They seemed nervous, as if they were about to reveal a secret even more earth-shattering than their pregnancies. With a quiet nod, they stepped forward, cradling the swaddled infants that had been hidden from sight until now.
Qrow's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the tiny babies in their arms, and Taiyang froze in place. The realization hit them both like a tidal wave—these weren't just any babies. These were their grandchildren. And their father was Shizuo.
For a moment, neither man could speak. Qrow looked between the two girls, his usually sharp, sarcastic demeanor falling away in the face of this new reality. Taiyang's mouth opened, then closed, struggling to find the right words as the gravity of the situation sunk in.
"These… they're Shizuo's?"
Taiyang finally managed, his voice strained as he looked between Ruby, Yang, and the babies.
Ruby nodded, her face turning red as she answered quietly.
"Yeah, Dad… they are."
Yang, who was usually confident and sure of herself, also seemed more subdued than usual.
"We didn't mean to spring this on you like this… but we couldn't hide them any longer."
She admitted, her gaze softening as she looked down at her newborn.
The weight of the moment pressed down on Taiyang and Qrow. It wasn't just that their daughters had become mothers—it was the fact that the father was Shizuo, a man who had just effortlessly tossed them aside like they were nothing. The clash of emotions inside Taiyang was overwhelming: anger, disbelief, worry, and yet, an undeniable sense of pride in seeing his daughters holding their children.
After a long pause, Taiyang finally broke the silence, his voice quieter but resolute.
"Ruby, Yang… you're my daughters. And that makes these little ones my grandchildren. I don't care what's happened up until now. We'll get through this."
Yang smiled softly, grateful for her father's acceptance, while Ruby looked on the verge of tears, relieved to hear those words.
Qrow, still leaning on Taiyang for support, gave a long, exaggerated sigh.
"So… what does that make me? Some kind of… drunk uncle grandpa?"
Taiyang chuckled despite the tension, shaking his head.
"Yeah, something like that."
The girls laughed softly, the heavy atmosphere lightening as their family slowly began to come to terms with the unexpected addition to their lives. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: no matter how strange or complicated their situation had become, they were still a family.
And as they stood there, Qrow and Taiyang found themselves gazing at the new life their daughters had brought into the world—two tiny beings who, despite everything, represented hope and a future they hadn't seen coming.
Since Shizuo had altered the course of events by impregnating several key members of the main cast, including Blake, the original timeline had shifted significantly. Blake, now deeply involved in her new responsibilities as a mother, wouldn't be available to confront Roman Torchwick at the docks as initially planned.
The ripple effects of this change were significant. Without Blake's involvement, Team RWBY wouldn't have the same incentive to investigate the mysterious shipments that Roman had arranged.
The entire sequence of events leading to their discovery of the White Fang's alliance with Roman might be delayed or even missed entirely. Roman, the cunning gentleman thief, would likely be able to carry out his smuggling operation without interference, advancing his plans for supporting Cinder and her larger scheme.
With Blake preoccupied, it was possible that other characters, such as Ruby or Weiss, could stumble upon the operation by accident, but without Blake's personal vendetta against the White Fang, the urgency and emotional drive behind the confrontation would be lacking.
Roman's smuggling operations would go smoother, potentially allowing him to gather more Dust and resources for his future plans. The absence of the conflict at the docks could mean fewer disruptions for his criminal activities, giving him and Cinder a significant advantage in the events leading up to the Fall of Beacon.
This change in the storyline also meant that Team RWBY would have different challenges to face, and their growth as a team could take an entirely new path without Blake's influence during this crucial moment.
Shizuo Heiwajima had a chaotic day ahead of him as he planned to intervene at the docks, something that would inevitably escalate into one of his infamous violent encounters. But before that, he had the unenviable task of escorting his harem on a shopping trip—children included.
It was a sight no one would have expected from the once lone, vending-machine-throwing brawler: a father and partner wrangling multiple kids while trying to keep the peace among the women in his life.
As they strolled, they noticed some people hoisting a banner that read: "Welcome to Vale."
"The Vytal Festival is absolutely wonderful."
Weiss exclaimed, causing Ruby and the others to halt and turn towards her.
"I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much. It's kind of weirding me out."
Ruby whispered.
Shizuo scanned the surroundings with a paranoid gaze, drawing everyone's attention until Yang intervened.
"What's wrong, Tiger?"
Shizuo surveyed the area a while longer before responding.
"Yang, for the last time, I'm a lion, not a tiger. And I'm just ensuring we're not in an alternate timeline because someone must have replaced Weiss."
Weiss puffed up her cheeks as she cradled her twins.
"How can anyone not smile? A festival celebrating world cultures! There will be dances, parades, a tournament! The sheer amount of planning and organization for an event like this is simply breathtaking."
She retorted, still pouting. Making Shizuo shook his head.
"Never mind, this is definitely my Weiss, and we're on the correct timeline."
His smile put everyone at ease, prompting Yang to comment.
"You really know how to make something fun sound so dull."
"Oh, be quiet."
Weiss gestured at Yang.
"So, have we decided which store to visit first, or are we heading to the docks?"
Yang inquired.
"Ugh, no thanks, Yang. The fish smell won't be good for the babies."
Ilia interjected swiftly as she had the most sensitive nose in the group.
"Okay, then Bitch's. We're heading to my family's store first to style my son Latte's siblings."
Coco declared, striking a pose with her stroller.
"Miss Adel, please mind your language. There are children present."
Glynda chided Coco.
"Lighten up, teach. We're not in school. So have some fun, since your young again."
Coco retorted, leading the group to her family's store.
Each woman had her unique connection to Shizuo, and motherhood had added new layers to their relationships. Despite their diverse personalities, they shared a common challenge—balancing the demands of being warriors, mothers, and lovers to the ever-busy Shizuo.
The kids required constant attention, and even the more seasoned fighters like Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora were finding it hard to keep up with their new roles as parents.
Glynda, in particular, stood out. Thanks to the enhancements Shizuo had given her, she was in her late twenties now, radiating youth and vitality. The once-strict professor now moved with the grace and energy of the prime of her life, commanding both attention and respect.
Her youthful appearance matched her newfound confidence, though she still maintained her no-nonsense attitude when dealing with the children's antics. Like the rest of Shizuo's harem, she had received upgrades that made her stronger, more agile, and more capable of handling the many responsibilities she now juggled.
Shopping trips were no small feat when you had toddlers in tow, and Shizuo's harem was no different. The babies demanded attention constantly, and even the fierce warriors from his harem found themselves worn down by the endless diaper changes, sleepless nights, and feeding schedules.
Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, the once-to-be legendary Team RWBY, had traded their wild adventures for diaper duty and toddler tantrums. Even someone as fearless as Yang found herself occasionally overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, and the same could be said for the rest of Shizuo's harem.
But amidst this seemingly domestic chaos, there was one figure who remained hidden in the shadows—Neo. The assassin had made sure that the other women didn't know about her presence, nor her relationship with Shizuo.
Unlike the rest, Neo had no interest in being tied down by the responsibilities of motherhood just yet. She was still enjoying the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline that came with each kill, and the freedom of being unburdened by a child, even if she was still carrying Shizuo's child.
She had spied on the others from a distance and saw how their babies consumed so much of their time, leaving them exhausted and constantly busy. Neo didn't want that. She intended to keep her freedom as long as possible, relishing the idea of continuing her assassin lifestyle until the very last moment before she gave birth.
Her sharp eyes stayed on the others as they fussed over their children, amused by how different her life was from theirs, at least for now.
Shizuo, for his part, was aware of Neo's intentions. He'd long since accepted that she was different from the others, more independent and unwilling to be tied down by the same obligations.
As he prepared for his intervention at the docks, the tension in the air only grew. With the rest of his harem caught up in the demands of their children, and Neo hidden away in the shadows, Shizuo knew that a storm was brewing—one that he would inevitably be at the center of.
Finally given freedom after he upgraded all their accounts with millions. He blames the gold-digging Coco of his harem. Shizuo made it to the docks but encountered a faunus who bumped into him, and laid flat on the ground, his rock-hard abs exposed by his open shirt.
"Ow."
The blond monkey faunus with impressive pectorals yelled.
"Shit, that hurt."
"Shizuo!?"
A soft feminine voice called out from nearby.
"Hello, Miss?"
He struggled to recall the girl in the Beacon uniform, ultimately sighing in defeat. It seemed the universe had introduced another character to replace Blake.
"Sorry 'bout that, bro!"
Apologized the blonde faunus, Sun Wukong, gesticulating wildly while sipping tea from a cup held by his tail. Shizuo watched the tail's movements, musing over what Ozpin would sacrifice for such an ability.
"It's fine."
He conceded, glancing between the monkey faunus and Kate, the less-than-pleased female squirrel faunus from team CAKK Cake, opting to leave.
"I don't want to be a third wheel, so enjoy your date."
"What? It's not a date!"
Kate protested vehemently, recoiling as if offended by the notion. Shizuo noted the other blonde's ego deflate at her rejection.
Shizuo stood there, watching the scene unfold with mild amusement as the blonde monkey Faunus, Sun Wukong, nervously scratched the back of his head. Sun's confidence seemed to take a hit after Kate's sharp rejection of the "date" label. The whole situation felt absurdly awkward, and Shizuo wasn't entirely sure if he should feel bad for Sun or let out a laugh at his expense.
"Right."
Shizuo muttered, trying to decide whether he should just walk away. He didn't belong in this situation, after all. His intervention was never supposed to happen here. The whole confrontation that was supposed to involve Blake now had the energetic Sun and this girl, Kate, standing in for her.
"Hey, wait a second!"
Sun called after him, his tail flicking in agitation.
"You're that Shizuo guy, right? The one who threw a guy like a ragdoll through a wall right?"
His grin was wide, seemingly unfazed by Shizuo's feats.
Shizuo sighed again.
"Yeah, that was me. I wasn't expecting to have fans."
"No worries, bro. You're awesome!"
Sun shrugged it off, like throwing someone around through a wall was just part of every day.
"Kate has issues with the White Fang. Apparently, her older brother was killed by a guy named Adam. So, she and I were just scoping out the docks, looking for any shady activity. But since you're here, how about you give us a hand?"
Kate, who still looked mildly annoyed, crossed her arms.
"We don't need any help. And told you not to tell anyone about my brother."
She stated, but the slight uncertainty in her voice made Shizuo raise an eyebrow. It was clear she was trying to play tough, but something told him she wasn't entirely convinced they could handle whatever Roman Torchwick had planned.
Shizuo rolled his shoulders, the tension easing out.
"I was planning to crash whatever the White Fang's up to anyway."
He said nonchalantly.
"Might as well do it together."
His gaze drifted back to Sun's tail, still holding that mug of tea.
"And maybe you can stop waving that thing around before you spill tea all over yourself."
Sun chuckled and lowered his tail.
"Right, right. So, we team up?"
Kate looked like she wanted to protest but sighed in defeat.
"Fine. But this is not a date."
She reiterated with a glare toward Sun.
Sun raised his hands in surrender, grinning as if her rejection barely phased him.
"Got it! Totally not a date."
Shizuo cracked a small smile, amused by the dynamic between the two. He couldn't help but feel like he'd been thrown into a completely different story, one where the universe kept throwing curveballs at him.
"Let's go."
Shizuo turned his gaze toward the dimly lit warehouse, his expression cool and focused. The night's plans had shifted, but thanks to his arrangement with Roman Torchwick, he was well ahead of the game.
Roman had been working for him as a double agent for some time now, feeding him information on various heists and criminal activities. Tonight's job was no different.
He glanced back at Sun and Kate, who were preparing to follow him. Neither of them had any idea that Roman was already in his pocket, and that made this entire situation much easier to handle.
He needed to make sure they didn't accidentally blow the operation. After all, the last thing he wanted was for either of them to ruin the delicate balance he'd established.
"Stay close."
Shizuo instructed, his tone firm.
"There's going to be a lot of movement inside, and I don't want either of you getting caught up in something messy."
Sun gave him a curious look, while Kate seemed more suspicious.
"How do you know what's going on in there?"
She asked, her brow furrowing as they walked.
Shizuo didn't respond right away, letting the silence linger as they neared the warehouse docks. He needed to play this carefully. Roman's position as a double agent was too valuable to risk, but he also couldn't afford to let these two rookies wander into something dangerous and get hurt.
"Let's just say I've got my sources."
Shizuo finally said, his eyes narrowing as they reached the entrance.
"And trust me, it's better if you both keep your heads down tonight."
Sun nodded, clearly still enthusiastic despite the serious tone.
"Alright, we'll follow your lead, bro! I've got your back."
Kate, on the other hand, crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't look entirely convinced but didn't argue further.
As they entered the warehouse docks, Shizuo's sharp eyes quickly scanned the area. Roman had provided detailed intel on the heist—what was being taken, where his men would be stationed, and how to ensure that everything went smoothly. The real trick was making sure Sun and Kate didn't disrupt any of it or get suspicious about Roman's role.
The docks had dim lighting that barely illuminated the scattered crates and shipping containers. The sounds of footsteps echoed in the distance, signaling the presence of Roman's White Fang crew. Shizuo moved silently, gesturing for Sun and Kate to stay back.
"Keep quiet"
He whispered, his voice barely audible.
"This could get ugly if we don't play it right."
He moved forward, his senses alert. Roman had promised that his men would act like they were going through the motions of a heist, but Shizuo knew not everyone in Roman's White Fang crew was aware of the double-agent arrangement. Some might not be as forgiving if they spotted intruders.
Sun and Kate followed closely, with Sun peeking around the corner of a crate.
"There they are."
He whispered excitedly, spotting Roman's crew loading up a shipment.
"We've got to stop them, right?"
Shizuo shook his head.
"Not yet. Wait for my signal."
Kate seemed tense, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the warehouse.
"What's your plan here, Shizuo?"
She asked quietly, clearly growing impatient.
Shizuo glanced over his shoulder at her, then back at the crew.
"Trust me. This is all under control. We're not here to fight—we're here to gather information."
Roman's White Fang moved swiftly, packing up crates of Dust. Shizuo knew the deal was almost complete. He just needed to keep Sun and Kate from getting too involved before the operation wrapped up.
As the minutes ticked by, he could feel the tension rising, especially from Kate, who was itching for action. Sun, meanwhile, still seemed enthusiastic but was thankfully stayed put.
While they were waiting the sound of a Bullhead was heard above them with some winds being pushed in their direction. The Bullhead landed and some White Fang members came out with Roman walking out shortly after.
"Hey, what's the holdup? We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment, soooo why don't you animals try to pick up the pace."
Roman said disrespectfully.
"Now."
Shizuo said softly, signaling that it was time to move.
He led them forward, carefully positioning them in the shadows, just out of sight of Roman's crew. The heist was nearly finished, and he'd make sure Roman got away without any interference.
Everything was going according to plan. Now, he just had to hope that Sun and Kate wouldn't figure out the truth—or at least, not tonight.
Ruby sighed deeply as she walked through the bustling streets of Vale, her mind weighed down by the growing concerns about Kate. Ever since her new friend had vanished from Team CAKK after learning about the White Fang's dust store robberies, Ruby had been worried sick. She wasn't sure where her friend had gone, but she had a sinking feeling that it was something dangerous.
Now, to make matters worse, Yang had left with their kids leaving her to take care of her new... friend.
Penny. The eccentric but lovable girl was walking beside her, staring curiously at everything around them. Ruby wasn't sure if Penny fully understood the gravity of the situation, and it wasn't exactly easy to explain to someone like her.
"So, let me understand this better, friend Ruby."
Penny began in her usual cheerful tone.
"You're upset because your friend Kate disappeared after finding out about the White Fang stealing dust?"
"Yeah... pretty much."
Ruby sighed again, feeling the weight of it all.
"I just don't get it. She could've come to her team, or to us, her friends. But instead, she just took off without saying a word."
Penny tilted her head.
"But friend Ruby, isn't it understandable? If the White Fang is involved, she might feel personally connected or... even angry?"
Ruby stopped in her tracks, looking at Penny with surprise. For someone who often seemed so innocent and clueless, Penny was remarkably perceptive when it came to emotions.
She had a point. Kate had always had strong feelings about the White Fang. Her brother had been caught up in their conflict, and it had left her with scars that Ruby could fully comprehend.
"Yeah, you're right."
Ruby admitted softly.
"Kate's had a hard time dealing with the White Fang. I just wish she would've trusted us enough to let us help her."
Penny nodded enthusiastically.
"I can help you look for her, friend Ruby! That's what friends are for, right?"
Ruby smiled at Penny's boundless energy, grateful for her company.
"Thanks, Penny. We could really use more people to help us search, though. This city's huge, and I have no idea where Kate might have gone."
As they walked, Penny suddenly pointed toward a nearby pharmacy.
"What about asking her for help?"
Ruby followed Penny's finger, her silver eyes widening when she saw a familiar face from her harem, leaving the shop. A fox-eared faunus with a stern but caring expression—it was Nurse Tsune, Beacon Academy's school nurse.
"Nurse Tsune!"
Ruby called, her semblance kicking in as she zipped over to the faunus with a trail of rose petals behind her.
Tsune flinched slightly but quickly composed herself, recognizing Ruby.
"Ruby? What's going on?"
"We need your help!"
Ruby blurted out, not wasting any time.
"It's Kate. She disappeared, and we think she's going after the White Fang. I don't know what she's planning, but it can't be good!"
Tsune's golden eyes narrowed with concern as she processed the information.
"The White Fang, huh? That girl always did have a vendetta against them. Alright, I'll help you find her. But it sounds like she's already made up her mind."
Ruby nodded, her expression serious.
"Yeah, but if we can talk to her, maybe we can stop her from doing something she'll regret."
Penny, who had caught up with them, smiled brightly.
"Oh, I'm so happy you're joining us, Miss Tsune! This is going to be Sensat-! No. Double sensational! Two friends in one day! I am, as they say, on a roll!"
Tsune raised an eyebrow at Penny's enthusiasm but nodded.
"Sure... let's call it that. Now, where do we start?"
"The last place we think she might have gone is the docks."
Ruby said.
"There have been rumors about White Fang activity there. It's our best lead."
"Alright then, let's move quickly."
Tsune said, taking charge as the three of them made their way toward the docks.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, Ruby's anxiety grew. She could only hope they'd find Kate before it was too late
"We might need to call this off Ruby..."
The older woman sighed, making Ruby shake her head angrily.
"We can't just leave her out there!"
Ruby exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration and worry.
"What if something happens to her? What if she's hurt or... worse? We have to keep looking!"
The older woman, Tsune, glanced at the darkening sky.
"I understand how you feel, Ruby, but it's getting late. Searching the streets of Vale in the dark is dangerous for anyone, even Huntresses. Kate might not want to be found right now."
"But... what if she's in trouble?"
Ruby pleaded, her silver eyes filled with determination.
"We can't just give up."
Penny, standing quietly beside them, nodded in agreement.
"Friend Ruby is right. Kate is important to her, and therefore important to us. We should keep trying."
Tsune sighed again, clearly torn between her practical concerns and Ruby's insistence.
"We just need a sign..."
Ruby muttered under her breath, almost like a wish.
As if on cue, a loud explosion echoed in the distance, followed by a plume of thick, dark smoke rising into the sky. All three of them turned toward the docks, eyes wide with surprise.
"That... that's an explosion."
Penny said, stating the obvious.
"More like a sign."
Tsune remarked dryly, glancing over at Ruby.
"Looks like you got what you wished for."
Ruby's eyes filled with a mix of urgency and hope.
"It's gotta be Kate! We need to get over there now!"
Without waiting for a response, she darted forward, her red cloak billowing behind her.
Penny followed immediately, with Tsune bringing up the rear, her fox ears twitching at the growing sounds of chaos coming from the docks.
The explosion echoed through the warehouse docks, shaking the walls and causing dust to fall from the rafters. Shizuo Heiwajima stood in the midst of the chaos, his eyes narrowing as White Fang members rushed toward him.
His inhuman strength was on full display, but even with that, he made sure to control his blows on the human goons, sending only the attacking White Fang members flying through the air not caring if he permanently crippled them. He needed to maintain some semblance of balance, ensuring that Roman and his crew had what they needed and could still escape.
The White Fang members were relentless, their masked faces filled with determination. Some brandished crude weapons, others held firearms, but none of it fazed Shizuo. With a swift movement, he grabbed the nearest attacker by the collar, effortlessly tossing him over his shoulder into a nearby crate. The man crashed through the wood, groaning, but quickly scrambled to his feet, dazed but still capable of fleeing.
"Why are there always more of them?"
Shizuo muttered, dodging another swing as he grabbed the next White Fang member and flung him skyward like a ragdoll.
Nearby, Sun Wukong fought with his staff, nimbly dodging the strikes of White Fang members while Kate used her agility with her Sniper Glaive to hold her own, her sharp reflexes showed no mercy as she went for vital spots on White Fang members only. The battle was intense, but the two of them weren't aware of the bigger picture Shizuo was managing.
Roman, as always, kept himself at a distance, watching the fight with a cocky grin on his face as he twirled his cane. Shizuo shot him a quick glance, silently signaling the criminal to keep the act up, to make sure the heist went off without a hitch. Roman winked in response, knowing exactly what was at stake.
Sun glanced over at Shizuo between his own fights, clearly impressed.
"Man, you're tearing through these guys! How are you not breaking them in half?"
Shizuo grunted, effortlessly tossing another White Fang member into a stack of crates.
"I'm holding back."
"You call that holding back?"
Sun exclaimed, parrying a blow with his staff and knocking his opponent out cold with a quick strike.
Shizuo didn't respond, focusing instead on making sure the White Fang were still able to retreat once their morale broke. Roman's heist was close to being complete, and the last thing he needed was for Sun and Kate to turn their attention to him.
As the fight raged on, Shizuo caught sight of Kate moving toward Roman, her face filled with suspicion. She had seen too much, piecing together that the gentleman thief wasn't as involved in the battle as he should've been.
"No, no, no."
Shizuo muttered under his breath, knowing he had to act quickly before she confronted him. With a powerful leap, he placed himself between Kate and Roman, blocking her path.
"Not so fast, Kate."
Shizuo said, his tone steady but firm.
"I told you—we're here to gather information, not take Roman down."
Kate glared at him, frustration bubbling in her eyes.
"He's right there, Shizuo! We can stop him now!"
"Trust me."
Shizuo said, his voice low.
"Now's not the time. We've got bigger problems."
Before she could argue, another explosion sounded off, this time from the far side of the warehouse.
Ruby's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the scene unfolding before her. Tsune, who had just protected her from an attack blast, was now standing perfectly fine, her burnt nurse outfit the only sign that she had just been on the verge of death. The air was thick with tension as she processed Shizuo's sudden and brutal intervention.
"Tsune…"
Ruby breathed in relief, her mind still reeling from how close she'd come to losing her. Tsune's semblance, Thou Shalt Not Die, had saved her life, but Ruby still felt the weight of guilt for putting her in harm's way.
Tsune cracked her neck, rolling her shoulders as if the blast had been nothing more than an inconvenience.
"Oh, hi, Red."
She greeted casually, despite the fact that her clothes were singed and her hair was a little out of place.
"Nice job there, by the way. Really impressed me."
Her tone was sarcastic, but Ruby could hear the edge in her voice.
Ruby opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, Shizuo moved like lightning.
In an instant, Shizuo had Roman Torchwick in a chokehold, one arm wrapped tightly around his neck while the sharp fingers of his Gilgamesh gauntlet hovered dangerously close to Roman's throat. The criminal's usual smirk was gone, replaced by a look of sheer disbelief and frustration.
"Oh, what the...?"
Roman muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
"Oh, for fuck's sake."
Shizuo tightened his grip slightly, his voice dripping with dark humor.
"Nobody move."
He warned, his tone casual yet deadly.
"I have your boss as a hostage, and he's a ginger. So, if he dies, there's no afterlife for him. You know... no soul, no afterlife."
Roman groaned in exasperation, his orange eyes rolling.
"Really? Is that the best you've got? Ginger jokes? I'm being held hostage by a guy who makes ginger jokes…"
Ruby couldn't help but feel torn between the absurdity of the situation and the deadly seriousness of it. She glanced at Penny, who stood beside her with wide eyes, and then back at Tsune, who seemed more amused than concerned.
As Ruby watched the scene unfold, a surge of conflicting emotions ran through her. Part of her wanted to cheer Shizuo on as he toyed with Roman's life—after all, the man had caused so much chaos and suffering. But another part of her knew things weren't that simple. Watching Shizuo toy with Roman, she found herself smiling, a mixture of relief and satisfaction creeping over her.
"This really does put a smile on my face."
Ruby muttered to herself, a little surprised by her own words.
Tsune, standing beside her, glanced at Ruby.
"Is he going to be fine down there by himself?"
Ruby didn't even flinch, her eyes still glued to Shizuo.
"He'll be fine. I'm more interested in how Roman still acts all high and mighty, even with our man holding him by the throat."
Down below, Shizuo whispered something to Roman, too quietly for Ruby or anyone else to hear. Roman glanced at his wristwatch and scanned the area. His minions were gone, the cargo had been secured, and the White Fang had taken the brunt of the losses.
"That's a yes on my part, boss."
Roman whispered back, his usual smugness returning.
Shizuo nodded slightly.
"Good. I'll make a scene, and Neo will handle your escape. Got that, Torchwick?"
"Crystal clear, boss."
Roman whispered.
Then, Shizuo turned his attention to the White Fang members surrounding them. His eyes narrowed in disdain as he addressed them.
"You know, I'm kind of disappointed. The White Fang used to stand for something. But now? You're nothing but 'rabid animals' working with human criminals. How far you've fallen."
One of the faunus, clearly agitated, stepped forward.
"Who the hell are you to call us 'rabid animals'? We earn respect through strength!"
Roman, barely able to suppress a laugh, muttered.
"This guy's going to get himself killed talking about strength to him."
Shizuo smirked, releasing his hold on Roman.
"Stay here, Roman. I think it's time to remind the White Fang of the pecking order around here."
Before Roman could protest, Shizuo moved like a blur, appearing before the faunus. The faunus swung a powerful strike with his machete toward Shizuo, but Shizuo dodged easily, his movements fluid and precise. Without hesitation, the lion faunus retaliated with a devastating blow, obliterating the faunus's upper body in a single strike. The man hadn't even had an aura to protect him.
As chaos erupted, the remaining White Fang members scattered in panic, firing at anything and everything in their desperation to escape. Roman, still smirking, tipped his hat toward Shizuo as he made his exit, his form was a double now under Neo's illusion.
Tsune, meanwhile, had jumped into the fray, her chainsaw roaring to life as she gleefully tore through the White Fang forces. Ruby, from her vantage point, grimaced as she watched the carnage unfold. Tsune was… intense, to say the least.
Penny, however, was fascinated.
"Friend Ruby, is this how you capture opponents in Vale? It's very different from Atlas."
Ruby's eyes widened in panic.
"No, Penny! No! This is not how we capture people in Vale!"
Amid the chaos, Kate appeared, attempting to land a killing blow on Roman—only for her weapon to pass harmlessly through him, shattering like glass as the illusion that Neo had left behind. Kate's eyes filled with rage as she turned to Shizuo.
"You let him go, didn't you?!"
Shizuo's face was unreadable as he met her gaze.
"Not everything's as simple as you think. Roman's not the real threat here. Though you seemed more interested in fighting our own kind, anyway."
Kate blinked, looking down at herself. Her weapon and armor were splattered with blood. Unlike the others, who had shown some restraint, she had been fighting with deadly force. The realization hit her hard—she had been too focused on vengeance, too blind to the consequences.
Shizuo didn't give her time to dwell on it.
"We're done here. Let's go."
As they walked away from the chaotic scene, the tension between Shizuo, Kate, and the rest of the group was palpable. The police were finally arriving, but Shizuo seemed unconcerned, knowing that his blank check from the Vale Council would keep them out of trouble.
Sun, still buzzing with adrenaline, was the first to break the silence.
"Man, that was intense! But I gotta ask—why did you let Roman go like that, bro?"
Shizuo remained quiet for a moment, then finally spoke.
"It's not as simple as taking him down. Roman's not the one pulling the strings. If we take him out now, we lose our chance to stop something much worse."
Kate, her eyes narrowing, stepped closer.
"You've been working with him this whole time, haven't you? Keeping us in the dark? What else aren't you telling us, Shizuo?"
Shizuo sighed, his voice calm but firm.
"I can't tell you everything. Not yet. But trust me—there are bigger fish at play here. Powerful people that want to destroy Vale, if we're not careful."
Kate crossed her arms, clearly skeptical.
"Trust you? After you've been making deals with criminals behind our backs?"
Sun, trying to defuse the situation, raised his hands.
"Hey, hey, let's not start fighting each other. If Shizuo says there's a bigger plan, maybe we should give him a chance to explain."
Shizuo nodded, grateful for Sun's intervention.
"I'm not asking you to like it. But I'm asking you to trust me, just a little longer."
Kate glared at him, her suspicion still clear.
"Fine. But this isn't over."
As they left the docks, Sun, always the optimist, grinned.
"Well, at least we made it out alive! Now, how about we grab some food? I'm starving after all that."
Shizuo chuckled softly.
"You're always hungry, Sun."
Kate, despite herself, smiled just a little.
"Alright. But don't think this conversation is over, Shizuo."
With that, they headed into the city, the weight of unspoken questions still lingering between them. Shizuo knew the hardest part was still ahead, and soon, they would all have to face the truth of what was coming.
As the group wrapped up their reports to the police, the scene at the dockyard was a mix of chaos and quiet. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the scattered shipping containers bearing the SDC logo, and the unconscious bodies of White Fang members were being tended to or carted off by the authorities.
The air was thick with tension and the faint scent of dust from the upturned containers. The police moved quickly, sealing off the area, while a few bullheads—carrying what remained of the stolen cargo—disappeared into the night sky, a grim reminder that the White Fang had succeeded in their robbery, at least in part.
The group—Shizuo, Ruby, Kate, Tsune (Beacon's sadistic school nurse), Sun, and Penny—stood at the edge of the dock, giving their final statements to the police. Shizuo, as calm as ever, casually handed over a signed document from the Vale Council that essentially granted him immunity in situations like this.
The police, used to seeing the special clearance of Shizuo, took it without question, and the team was swiftly cleared to leave. Despite the intensity of the night's events, the group looked relatively unscathed, save for some minor bruises and the tension that still lingered between them.
Ruby, standing with Penny, looked relieved but a little distracted. The sight of the SDC logo on the containers bothered her more than she wanted to admit. Weiss was her friend, and the idea of the White Fang targeting the Schnee Dust Company—even if it wasn't exactly surprising—was still unsettling. She shot a glance at Shizuo, who was watching the scene with an unreadable expression.
Kate, meanwhile, was still stewing over the earlier events, her arms crossed tightly as she eyed Shizuo. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was keeping too many secrets, and his decision to let Roman go gnawed at her. Tsune, on the other hand, seemed to be in high spirits, almost humming to herself as she cleaned her chainsaw weapon, drawing odd looks from the police nearby.
"Shizuo, can we talk?"
Kate finally broke the silence as the last police officer nodded them off.
Shizuo raised an eyebrow but didn't seem surprised. He motioned for the group to head toward the street, away from the sealed-off dockyard. Sun, as usual, had a carefree smile on his face, seemingly oblivious to the tension that still hung between them.
Ruby joined the conversation, her voice low.
"I mean, you kinda did let Roman go. What's the plan now?"
Shizuo sighed, running a hand through his messy blonde hair.
"Look, Roman's not the real threat here. He's a pawn. A distraction. If we took him down tonight, we would've lost our chance to track down the bigger players—the ones that actually matter."
Kate narrowed her eyes.
"And who exactly are those 'bigger players'? You keep talking in circles, Shizuo, but you're not giving us any real answers."
Before Shizuo could respond, Penny interjected with her usual cheerful innocence.
"Friend Shizuo is trying to protect us! I believe he has a good reason for everything. Right, Friend Shizuo?"
Shizuo gave a small, appreciative nod but didn't respond directly. Instead, he focused on Kate.
"All I can tell you right now is that there are bigger threats looming over Vale. Roman's escape is a calculated risk. But if you trust me, I'll make sure we're ready for what's coming."
Kate let out a frustrated sigh but didn't push further. Ruby seemed torn between her loyalty to her friends and her growing unease with the secrets swirling around them.
"Well."
Sun said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Whatever happens, I say we did good tonight. White Fang got a good beating, and we stopped them from getting everything they wanted."
"Yeah, but at what cost?"
Ruby murmured, glancing again at the SDC logo on the containers. The White Fang was still out there, and Roman was free. It didn't feel like a win—not yet.
As they walked away from the scene, the city lights of Vale glowing in the distance, one thing was clear—this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
And while the docks were quiet now, the real storm was still brewing on the horizon.
Shizuo couldn't help but reflect on the precarious balance he was maintaining. The weight of the secrets he carried felt heavier with each step, but he knew that revealing too much too soon would only complicate things further. Roman's escape was part of a much larger game, and while Kate and Sun were loyal, the truth was, that they didn't fully understand the storm that was coming.
"One step at a time."
Shizuo muttered under his breath, glancing at his companions.
Sun's carefree energy was almost infectious, and it provided a strange comfort amidst the tension. Kate, on the other hand, remained ever vigilant, her distrust simmering just beneath the surface. Shizuo couldn't blame her—after all, secrets could break even the strongest of teams.
As they approached a diner that was still open, the familiar buzz of late-night patrons greeted them. Sun's eyes lit up, already scanning the menu from outside the window.
"Finally! Let's eat!"
Sun cheered, pushing open the door eagerly.
Kate shot Shizuo a glance, her expression saying what words hadn't.
This wasn't over, and she wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.
But for now, they could enjoy a temporary reprieve from the chaos of the docks, a chance to breathe before diving back into the madness that lay ahead.
"Trust, huh?"
Shizuo thought to himself. It was fragile, especially when it came to the dangerous path he was on. For now, it was just enough to keep his team together—but how long would that last?
As they sat down to eat, the air between them lightened with casual conversation, but the looming tension remained. It wouldn't be long before the next battle. And when it came, they'd need each other more than ever.
Shizuo woke up the next morning with a dull ache in his head, from all the liquor they drank, and felt the weight of multiple bodies pressed against him. His mind was foggy, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. The warm tangle of limbs around him didn't immediately make sense, but as he shifted, he recognized the familiar naked bodies of Ruby, Kate, Penny, Tsune, and—surprisingly—Neo, all nestled beside him. The memories were slow to come back, but they hit him like a freight train once they did.
He remembered leaving Sun behind to go back to Beacon with Penny as a plus one, only for Neo. Of course, showing up out of nowhere, revealing herself as a long-time member of his harem, something he had somehow overlooked in the chaos of his life. After the fight at the docks and Roman's escape, things had taken an unexpected turn.
Neo had dragged him and the others—Kate, Ruby, Tsune, and Penny—to one of Roman's hidden hideouts. What started as a simple regrouping had spiraled into something much more intense, much more physical.
Shizuo rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of it all. He remembered drunk Kate resisting at first, her sharp tongue and fiery attitude coming through in full force. But their tension had boiled over, and what followed had been a mixture of anger and lust.
He had broken through her defenses, and in the heat of the moment, her true nature had shown itself—she was a classic tsundere, conflicted between her hostility and undeniable attraction to him. The passion between them had been electric, and though Kate had fought him every step of the way, by the end, she had submitted to the intensity of the night.
Then there was Penny, the quirky and innocent girl who had always been a mystery to him. Her body—though cybernetic—was built to be indistinguishable from a real human's, and he found out just how true that was.
She had been surprisingly eager, her curiosity and desire matching his own, and by the time they were done, he had done more than just claim her physically—he had impregnated her, a reality that still seemed surreal. To his shock, the act had triggered something incredible.
Penny, who had been a sentient machine, was now in possession of a real, flesh-and-blood body, albeit with some of her cybernetic enhancements still intact. The transformation hadn't seemed to bother her; in fact, she had embraced it fully, overjoyed at the idea of carrying his child.
This happened because he didn't pay much attention as he used the reward he received from impregnation Kate. The reward ability Pinocchio; granted Penny a real body since she was a sentient living item.
The strange reward that came with it still puzzled him from knocking up Penny. Machine Whisperer—a new ability that allowed him to communicate with machines and instinctively understand how to repair them. He hadn't had time to fully process it, but the potential was immense.
His thoughts drifted to the others—Ruby, was pregnant again since he didn't claim her pregnancy bonus, and was now tangled in another pregnancy as well. He wasn't sure how she felt about it now, but last night, she had been just as eager as the others. And then there was Tsune, the school nurse with a dangerous streak. She had always been unpredictable, but her participation had been no surprise. He dreaded to know how she'll react to her being pregnant again.
Neo had orchestrated the entire night, it seemed. She was a wild card, always had been. The memories of her mischievous grin flashed through his mind as he recalled how she had directed the night's events, ensuring that nothing was off-limits.
Now, in the quiet aftermath, Shizuo couldn't help but wonder what the implications of last night would be. He had always kept a distance between his personal life and the chaos of his powers, but now things had irrevocably changed. Kate was pregnant with his child, Penny had been transformed into a fully human mother-to-be, and he had a new ability that connected him to the machines of the world in ways he couldn't have imagined.
As he lay there, still surrounded by the women who had shared the night with him, Shizuo felt a weight settle on his chest. Things had become more complicated than ever, and while part of him welcomed the chaos, another part of him wondered just how deep he was sinking into the mess his life had become.
The world outside Roman's hideout was moving on, unaware of the events that had unfolded behind closed doors. But for Shizuo, nothing would ever be the same again.
The door to Roman's hideout busted opened with a kick by the man himself. According to his useless minions, this was the last place they had seen Neo. Roman's voice echoed through the hideout as he tried to maintain some semblance of calm, though his patience was wearing thin. The foul smell, the disarray, and the lingering signs of chaos hinted that Neo had been up to no good—again.
"Neo, seriously!"
He barked, walking deeper into the hideout, stepping over debris and what he prayed were spilled drinks and not bodily fluids.
"You know better than to mess up one of our spots like this."
His grip on the handkerchief tightened as he pressed it closer to his nose, trying to block out the overpowering stench. The whole place reeked of sweat, alcohol, and something else he couldn't quite place—a sign that whatever had gone down here wasn't exactly on the up-and-up.
"Neo, if you're in here, stop hiding!"
He called out again, voice laced with frustration.
"I swear to whatever gods are left in this world, you better not be wrapped up in some of Shizuo's nonsense."
The hideout had once been a safe haven, a place where they could plan heists and lay low from the authorities. Now, it felt like the aftermath of a party gone horribly wrong. Roman knew Neo had her wild side, but this was excessive, even for her.
As Roman made his way toward the back, his mind drifted to Shizuo. The deal with that inhumanly strong faunus had been simple—work together against Cinder. But Shizuo was no simple thug. He was dangerous, powerful, and unpredictable.
Roman had reluctantly allied with him to get what he wanted, but he was starting to regret the decision. Shizuo's influence was spreading like wildfire, and Roman had the sinking feeling that Neo had gotten caught up in it too.
"I forgive you for leaving me for a couple of weeks and the corpses that the police found that weren't probably done by you."
Anyone who heard that knew he was lying.
Roman's mind raced as he stared at the soaked panties he found beneath his desk. A cold chill settled over him, freezing his thoughts as a slow realization began to take hold.
He had always prided himself on control—of his crew, of his operations, even of Neo his own flesh and blood who he had taken under his wing, after she burnt her mother alive in the house he purchased for them to be taken care of. But now, this small, humiliating piece of evidence shattered that illusion of control. Neo had crossed a line, and he wasn't sure what it meant.
His hand shook as he retrieved the panties, holding them between his thumb and forefinger as though they might burn him. His stomach churned with a mixture of revulsion and dread, his grip tightening as anger began to surge beneath his cold exterior.
"NEO!!!"
He screamed, his voice barely audible, dripping with venom.
His office had always been his sanctuary, a place where no one—not even Neo—was allowed to cross boundaries. It was the one space that was his alone, where he could think, plan, and strategize without interruption or distraction. But now, this... this violation was personal.
Roman threw the panties onto the desk and stood up abruptly, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt. He stalked toward the door, pushing it open with enough force to make it slam against the wall. His eyes were alight with a deadly focus as he marched through the hideout, heading outside where one of his most trusted minions waited.
"Hey, boss—."
The minion started, but Roman cut him off with a sharp glare.
"Burn it."
Roman ordered coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Burn the whole damn hideout. I want it gone."
The minion blinked in shock, momentarily dumbfounded.
"B-Boss, are you sure? This is one of our—."
"I said burn it."
Roman growled, his patience worn thin.
"Everything inside. I don't want to see it standing when I come back."
The minion hesitated for only a moment longer before nodding vigorously, rushing off to gather the necessary supplies to set the place ablaze. Roman stood outside, lighting his cigar with a fresh lighter, the smell of the imported tobacco filling his senses as he tried to calm his racing heart.
Behind him, the hideout soon roared with flames, the heat licking at the night sky as everything inside was consumed. Roman didn't flinch as he watched the building burn, his thoughts still spinning with fury and disgust.
"Who the hell has her wrapped around their finger now?"
Roman muttered to himself, though he already knew the answer. Shizuo. That monster of a man had to be involved. It was the only thing that made sense.
As if on cue, a soft presence approached from behind. Roman didn't even need to turn to know who it was. Neo strolled up next to him, her usual mischievous smirk on her lips, seemingly unaffected by the inferno consuming their hideout.
Using her semblance, Neo projected a message in the air for him to read:
"Feeling better, Dad?"
She asked, amused.
Roman didn't respond immediately. He took another drag of his cigar, his gaze still fixed on the flames.
"What the hell are you doing, Neo?"
He asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"What kind of game are you playing?"
Neo tilted her head, her smile never faltering. Another projection appeared:
"It's fun, isn't it?"
Roman glanced at her then, his eyes narrowing.
"Fun? You think this is fun?"
Roman exhaled sharply under his breath, the weight of the situation sinking in. He had known from the beginning that working for Shizuo came with risks—powerful enemies, betrayal, and, apparently, even losing his own daughter to become the man's assassin and fuck buddy. But seeing Neo flaunt her involvement with Shizuo made it worse. Much worse.
"I don't know what Shizuo has on you, but you're getting in over your head. You always liked playing with fire, but this time it's going to burn you alive."
Neo's smile widened, her eyes glinting with amusement as she twirled a slip of paper in her fingers. On it, scrawled in bold letters, was Shizuo's number, along with a photo of her and the man himself that she took of her fucking herself riding the lion faunus. She waved it playfully in front of Roman's face, a silent taunt.
Neo, ever the provocateur, waggled the photo in front of his face, her sly smile widening as she watched her father's internal struggle. Roman knew she was enjoying this—her mischievous nature, her need for chaos—it was all part of who she was.
But even so, he couldn't help but feel betrayed. Not because she had some fun, but because she'd entangled herself deeper with Shizuo than he had anticipated.
"Guess it makes sense, with all the trouble he's been stirring up lately. But Neo... don't think for a second I won't find a way to get you out of this mess. Shizuo might have you now, but you're still my daughter."
His words were calm, but the fire in his eyes burned brighter than the flames devouring the hideout.
Neo didn't respond verbally, but her expression softened ever so slightly, as if acknowledging Roman's words, though she continued to sway playfully on her feet.
The tension between them wasn't new. Roman had always let Neo be her own person, but this—this was different. This wasn't just Neo being Neo. Shizuo had somehow gotten his hooks into her, and Roman knew all too well that working for him came with complications. And now, Neo was tangled in the same web he found himself in.
Roman finally lit his cigar, taking a long drag before letting out a cloud of smoke.
"I'm not mad at you, Neo."
he said softly, exhaling.
"I'm just mad that you've put yourself in the middle of all this. You know how dangerous Shizuo is. Hell, I know how dangerous he is. And that's probably what makes you more attracted to him."
Neo raised an eyebrow, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Using her semblance again, she projected another message:
"And you? What are you going to do about it?"
Roman's grip on his cigar tightened, his eyes darkening.
"I swear, Neo... if this goes too far—"
"It already has."
Neo's next message read, as she gave him a sly wink and left him with a positive pregnancy test before vanishing back into the night, leaving Roman alone with his smoldering anger and the flames devouring what was left of his hideout.
Roman stared at the pregnancy test in his hand, his expression shifting from disbelief to a deep, simmering rage. The flames crackling behind him felt cold compared to the fury boiling inside his chest. His mind raced, grappling with the implications. Neo, pregnant? By Shizuo?
He clenched his fist around the test, crushing it in his palm as his eyes narrowed to slits. Shizuo's involvement had been irritating enough, but this?
This was a new level of chaos he hadn't expected. Roman had always been a master of manipulation, of keeping people under his thumb, but now he was losing control. Shizuo had taken Neo from him in ways Roman hadn't foreseen, and now the stakes were higher than ever.
His thoughts darted back to the photo Neo had tauntingly waved in front of him. The implications were clear, and the image of Shizuo with his flesh and blood left a bitter taste in Roman's mouth. The pregnancy test was the final nail in the coffin.
"Shizuo..."
Roman muttered under his breath, his voice filled with venom.
He flicked his cigar into the flames, watching it catch fire before disappearing into the inferno. Neo's games had gone too far.
She had always been unpredictable, but now she had crossed into dangerous territory. Roman knew he couldn't let this stand. Shizuo was a beast—a monster in both strength and influence—but Roman had always survived by outwitting the impossible.
"She's pregnant...?"
Roman's lips twisted into a dark smirk as the reality sank in.
"Fine, Neo. Fine. Let's see how long you can keep this game up."
Turning on his heel, Roman walked away from the burning wreckage, his mind already formulating a plan.
Shizuo might be stronger, but Roman had one advantage: he understood how to play the long game. And now, with Neo caught between them, Roman was determined to exploit every vulnerability.
This wasn't over—not by a long shot.