Your dorm. 3:00 pm~

You were having a late lunch with Bianca. At the moment you were both watching more Red vs Blue. Ike was browsing the web on his scroll and Star was demolishing some ice cream on his bed with his earphones in, listening to music on his iPod.

You look over at the boys, more specifically Ike.

(Y/n): Hey Ike.

Ike hums as he looks up from his scroll.

(Y/n): End up getting a suit?

Ike shook his head left and right.

Ike: Nope. I decided to take the bouncer route. Like to see some bad guys get past this sexy powerhouse.

Ike says proudly as he amps himself up. You nod then look at Star.

(Y/n): Star!

Star didn't respond as he quietly enjoyed his ice cream while bobbing his head.

(Y/n): Starrr!

You call out again but get no response. Ike conjured up a fireball and tosses it at Star. Star stops bobbing his head and catches the fireball and puts it in his ice cream tub. Steam puffs up in his face as he takes off his ear phones and looks over at Ike.

Star: Huh?

Ike points at you to which Star turns his attention to you.

(Y/n): You gonna get your groove on bud or are you gonna take the bouncer route?

Star hums then blows raspberries while rocking back and forth. He comes to a halt and stares at you.

Star: Bouncer...I'm not a good dancer. Plus, my alternate appearance might be off putting.

You nod and check the time. You look at Bianca and nudge her a little. She looks up at you as you kiss her forehead and smile.

(Y/n): One more ep then we get ready?

You asked her. She responds with a nod and snuggles into you more.

Star smiles at the scene. He puts his earphones on again but has his ears blown out by the notification sound going off at max volume. He groans and kicks his legs off the edge before looking at the message. His eyebrow raises as he sees that it's a message from Ozpin.

Star: Okay....change of plans. Ike, Ozpin's called us to his office.

Ike raises a brow and stands up.

Ike: What for?

Star shrugs.

Bianca and yourself stand up.

(Y/n): What about us?

Star shook his head.

Star: Nah, just us. Probably wants you guys to enjoy the ball.

Ike stretches his legs and walks to the door.

Ike: Have fun you crazy kids, don't stay up too late! Jasper, if you can hear me, keep an eye on them.

Ike says as Star gently pushes his older brother through the door and gives a small wave.

You both wave and return your attentions to the tv.

Bianca: Think it might be Nightmare related?

You shrug.

(Y/n): If it was then they would have wanted us to tag along.

You point out. Bianca looks down and then shrugs as she returns to cuddling you.

Bianca: True.

You both continue to watch the show for one more episode before getting ready for the ball.

Timeskip, Beacon dorms. Time 5:00pm~

Mercury and Emerald were changing into their formal attire for the ball. Cinder on the other hand was wearing a sleeveless jacket, long gloves, stiletto heel boots, a black glass mask and several straps with containers of powdered Dust lined across her pants.

The glass mirror in the bathroom cracks which catches their attention. As they turn to face the origin of the noise, they see Mary walk out of the bathroom.

Mary: Damn you kids look ugly.

Mary jokes earning a scowl from Emerald and an eye roll from Mercury. Cinder stands and goes to their comrade.

Cinder: What news do you bring?

Mary pulls out her scroll and shows a picture of an atlas aircraft. Only, this one was specially designed.

Cinder: Schnee...

Mary crosses her arms and senses the uncertainty emanating from around Cinder.

Mary: She's showing up as back up...just her.

Cinder cracks the scroll which causes Mary to sigh in annoyance.

Mary: Aaand now I need another scroll...

Cinder looks at Mary.

Cinder: She wasn't due to make an appearance till the tournament! Not only that, but she was supposed to come with more soldiers. Mainly more of those robots!

Cinder's brows furrowed as she processed the unexpected turn of events. Schnee, a powerful name from Atlas, showing up as backup alone was definitely concerning. It would mean more alterations to their plan.

Cinder: Something doesn't feel right. Even if she was prematurely called, why wouldn't she show up with the extra fire power.

Cinder muttered, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and intrigue. Mary lights a cigarette and blows smoke in the air.

Mary: She is second in command...and the most skilled fighter in all of Atlas. Those Schnees are bred to be perfectionists.

Emerald, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

Emerald: It's gotta be cause of Nightmare.

Cinder looks at Emerald. Her eyes narrow as she looks down.

Cinder: Nightmare...

Emerald steps towards the group.

Emerald: His recent shenanigans have caused us to change our course of action multiple times! He's taking control!

Emerald explains.

Cinder's gaze sharpened as her mind processed Emerald's words.

Cinder: ....Nightmare's actions have been unpredictable and disruptive...It's as if he's pulling the strings behind the scenes, manipulating events to his advantage.

Mary took another drag of her cigarette, the smoke curling around her as she spoke.

Mary: He's a dangerous wildcard, that's for sure. However, that's what keeps him useful to us. I will admit that if Winter Schnee suspects any connection between us and Nightmare, she'll be on high alert.

Mercury, always the pragmatic one, interjected.

Mercury: Ladies. Are we forgetting WHY he's on our side?

The girls look at him as Mercury crosses his arms.

Mercury: We need him to hold off the people that could undo it all! Remember? The Light's...?

Mercury leaned forward with an eyebrow raised.

Cinder's expression softened as she realized Mercury's point. She nodded in agreement, acknowledging the crucial role Nightmare played in their plans.

Cinder: ...Nightmare may be unpredictable, but he's also a powerful ally....His abilities and questionable tactics do by us time when he draws the focus to them.

Emerald's eyes widened as she grasped the significance of Mercury's reminder.

Emerald: He...has been a thorn in their side, buying us precious time to execute our plan....

She admitted.

Mary smirked, exhaling a puff of smoke.

Mary: Still, Nightmare may be on our side, but his loyalty can shift in an instant. We need to stay one step ahead of him and ensure that our alliance remains beneficial for both parties.

Mercury lets out a soft chuckle from this statement.

Mercury: Loyalty? Nightmare? From what I've seen, that guy is more loyal to himself than anyone else.

He reminds them despite supporting Nightmare's...'ethics' at the start. Cinder's brows furrowed, a hint of doubt creeping into her mind. Despite Mercury's reminder of Nightmare's usefulness, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease due to the reminder that Nightmare is more of a soloist than a team player.

Cinder: Nightmare's role in holding off our enemies is a good point. But lately, his actions have become increasingly erratic and unpredictable. It's starting to make me question whether we can truly rely on him.

Mary took another drag of her cigarette, exhaling slowly as she contemplated Cinder's words.

Mary: Take into account as well....how would the mistress react to his ways and his 'solo' style?

Emerald bit her lip as her eyes darted left and right while looking at the ground. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before looking at everyone.

Emerald: We need to consider a plan B, a contingency in case he proves to be more of a hindrance than an asset.

Mercury's expression hardened as he listened to the group's doubts. He understood their concerns, but he still believed in Nightmare's usefulness.

Mercury: I hear your doubts, and I understand your need for a backup plan. But let's not forget the risks of abandoning Nightmare completely.

Everyone turns their attention to Mercury.

Mercury: For starters, he could come after us. If he's had trouble against the Light's but claims he can take them while we can't...imagine what would happen to us if all that force is focused onto us next.

Mary lets out a laugh mid drag of her cigarette which results in her coughing out smoke.

Mary: Have you forgotten who's backing us boy?

The three man team look down and start to contemplate and weigh their options.

Mary: ...Anyway! I need to go get a new scroll, thank you very much Cindy...

Mary says sarcastically as she starts to head to a window, dropping the cigarette and stomping it out.

Mary: ....If we have to deal with this sooner than later then I'll be a call and a glass away.

Mary says as she puts her hand on the window before being sucked into it.

Ozpin's tower. 5:10pm~

Ozpin searched his desk frantically as Goodwitch walked in and looked at the professors actions with a raised brow.

Goodwitch: Headmaster, are you alright?

Ozpin looks at her and nods.

Ozpin: Yes Glynda...just misplaced my scroll...I thought I had it on my desk....

Professor Goodwitch shook her head and walks to the desk to help the professor.

Goodwitch: How did you misplace it? You had it in your pocket when you were talking to the boys.

Ozpin nods.

Ozpin: I thought so too. Need to find it, I just  red to approve more of the missions for tommorow's mission selection for the first years...Speaking of the boys, did you escort and sort out a Bullhead for the two of them?

Ozpin asks. This question earns a groan from Goodwitch.

Goodwitch: What should have been a simple twenty minute task turned into a thirty minute one...

Ozpin raised a brow.

Ozpin: Did the pilot need to see himself to the restroom before take off?

Goodwitch shook her head.

Goodwitch: Not the pilot...and there was no bathroom involved...

Flashback. Time 4:30pm~

The professor was guiding Ike and Star to the helipad. She called for a bullhead immediately. The boys took in the sight of the cliff overlooking the city.

Star: Ah~ This view beats any other one in our world.

Star admits. The clicking of heels against concrete is heard which gains attention from Ike.

Ike: Oh, look. It's Yang. She must be- hold the fuck on!

He suddenly shouts as he darts off towards Yang.

Goodwitch: Mister Light! Get back here!

Yang hears professor Goodwitch yell and looks to see Ike running to her.

Yang: Oh! Hey Ike!

Ike's feet skid across the ground before he comes to a halt.

Ike: Yang. What the hell are you wearing?!

Yang looks at him confused and does a little twirl while looking down.

Yang: What? Too much?

Ike shook his head and stands up straight before walking around her.

Ike: More like, not enough. What is it? Silk?

He asks as he pinches the shoulder of the dress. Yang hums as she thinks.

Yang: I think the clerk said it was 'carefully extracted' daddy long legs webbing.

Ike gives her a look that said 'seriously'.

Ike: My ass.

Ike looks her up and down then circles her again. He starts to conjure up some flames while casting occasional glances at her.

Ike: Maybe some- eh..? Yeah! Then some- maybe? Yeah! That would probably fit too!

Yang eyes him as she watches his actions.

Yang: What are you-

Ike shushes her.

Ike: Silence. Master at work.

Before long, the yellow flame became calm as Ike nods with a smile before nonchalantly throwing it at Yang's feet.

Yang: What are you-

Yang's whole being burst into flames. Star and Goodwitch, who were spectating, were gobsmacked.

Goodwitch: Mr Light!!!!

The professor screams, thinking that the young man had just burnt one of her students alive. However her stress was settled as Yang came out unharmed and wearing something else. Yang uncovered her eyes and looked at herself and went wide eyed. Her now white 'silk' dress was a yellow ball gown with a middle made of what looked like dragon scales.

Yang: Whoa! Ike how did you-I can't believe-!

Ike just smirked and crossed his arms.

Ike: Now...You'll turn some heads.

He says coyly as he looks at his work.

Yang: How did you even do this?

Ike just shrugs.

Ike: I dunno. I just sort of will it into existence. Burnt all of Jasper's clothes off in my many failed attempts.

Ike lets out a loud laugh as he reminisces on the memory.

Ike: All those ladies that day were so thankful....Thirsty too!

Yang just giggles and pulls at the fabric feeling how soft it was.

Yang: Thank you.

Ike just nods and walks to her.

Ike: By the way, may want to skedaddle with everyone that starts to leave early. The dress isn't permanent.

Yang stops feeling the material and looks at him. Ike stares at her before his eye twitched and his cheeks puffed out.

Ike: He...hehe....HAHAHAHA! Oh my god, your face!

He wipes a tear from his left eye while Yang just pouts at him.

Ike: Sorry, sorry....sort of. The dress will disappear as soon as you take it off.

Ike explains which brings Yang to sigh in relief.

Yang: Okay.

Weiss passes by and look at Yang. His eyes widen as she walks over.

Weiss: Yang! What happened to the dress I got you?!

Yang looks at her and chuckles while Ike looks at her wide eyed and gasps.

Ike: It was you!

He shouts as he points at Weiss.

Suddenly, he's dragged by his right earlobe by an angry Goodwitch.

Ike: Owowowowow!

Goodwitch smiles at Yang and Weiss.

Goodwitch: See you at the ball you two.

She says as she drags Ike back to the helipad.

Present. Time 5:15pm~

Ozpin chuckles at the explanation. He looks around before he finally spots his scroll.

Ozpin: Ah! There it is.

He grabs the small device and stands up straight. Ozpin looks at his colleague before putting his arm out to her. The professor rolls her eyes and lets a small smile grace her lips as she locks arms with the professor as they both walk to the ball...

....unaware of a shadow hand that slowly creeps back into the shadow of the desk....
______________________________

Until next time :)