(Dairoku's POV)

So, sometime had passed after the night we fought Roman. White Fang activity slowed down but that's probably because their planning something in the southeast. Blake seemed possessed as she had bags under her eyes and all she'd do was research and research. Me on the other hand, I was doing... questionably. I wasn't possessed like Blake but I was much more silent than before and my friends and team noticed too. I haven't been the same since I saw Neo that night... I kept thinking, maybe it was a fake, maybe I was being paranoid. But neither of those could be the case since she seemed equally as shocked to see me. But one question kept lingering in my mind... "Why are you with them Neo?"

(Flashback)

So there we were. Neo and I were wandering through the forest near Argus, at nighttime. We got a little too mischievous and went out into the forest but we quickly became lost. I was still pretty young and couldn't fly as my wings weren't fully developed. Neo stuck really close to me because she was scared. I wasn't strong, heck I was 6 at the time while Neo was 4 but we both had some basic training from my dad and mother who are both Huntsmen but we haven't unlocked our Auras nor Semblances.

After a while, we heard a roar... It sounded... like some kind of bear.

Neo: Big brother, I'm scared!

Dairoku: Don't worry. I'll protect you sis!

Neo kept clinging to me, shaking in fear while I shook as well but I was trying to be brave for her. Suddenly, we heard leaves rustling behind us... We turned around while in each other's arms and there it was... A Grimm, more specifically an Ursa Major...

Dairoku: Run! I'm right behind you!

Neo did what she was told and ran ahead of me. I ran after her as the Ursa Major chased us. I could see Neo in front of me, but for some reason, I began to lose sight of her. I just continued in the direction she was heading and hoped that I'd run into her. After a while, I made it out of the forest and the Ursa Major was nowhere to be found but... so was Neo...

(End of Flashback)

Ever since that night, I never saw Neo again... My mother was in beyond sad at the lost of her daughter while my dad did everything he could to find her. I kept blaming myself but my parents kept saying that it wasn't my fault. I never believed them... Now, look at where she ended up being... with a world known criminal and a terrorist organization... As I sat there on my bed in my team's dorm, I couldn't help but shed a tear at that dreadful memory...

My thoughts: I'm sorry Neo... I'm so sorry...

"IT'S ABOUT YOUR FATHER..."
CHAPTER 5: DREAD...

(Dairoku's POV)

Well on a positive note, the school dance was coming up this weekend. I went to the one last year and I danced with Kuraime and Velvet that time. Well for this year, I have a date in mind. Right now, we were in Glynda's Combat Class and we just watched Team CRDL absolutely get dumped on by my Angel known as Pyrrha. That fight was really satisfying to watch.

https://youtu.be/RhaxzYsms_0

(Watch the very satisfying fight above)

Glynda: Well done Ms. Nikos. You should have no problem qualifying for the tournament:

Pyrrha: Thank you Professor.

Glynda: Alright, now I know that's a tough act to follow but we have time for one more sparring match. Any volunteers? Ms. Belladonna? You've been rather docile for the past few classes...

Blake seemed a bit startled

Glynda: Why don't you-

???: I'll do it.

We turned to look at the guy with the silver hair, Mercury Black.

Glynda: Mercury, is it? Very well, let's find you an opponent.

Mercury: Actually... I wanna fight... him.

He pointed at me

Me: Huh?

Glynda: Alright. Mr. Rein, would you please come down to the arena?

I don't know why but, I was suspicious of Mercury and his friend, Emerald Sustrai... My teammates and friends looked at me in concern; they knew I wasn't my normal self after that mission night. I just shrugged and stood up.

Me: Alright.

I made my way down to the arena as Mercury did the same. The match begun as we slowly circled each other while analyzing each other.

Ruby: Go get him Dairoku!

I looked in the stands to see Ruby, her team and Team JNPR excluding Pyrrha cheering for me. Pyrrha and my team looked at me with concern but I just sent them a small smile though it was a little forced. I also noticed Emerald rolling her eyes. I turned my attention back to Mercury and sheathed my Glacial Blaze back into my wings.

Mercury: Oh? Not going to use them?

Me: Eh, I won't need 'em.

I answered bluntly to his amusement.

Mercury: You might want to rethink that!

He charged at me, pretty quickly I admit but nowhere near as fast at Ruby, Kuraime or Pyrrha. He jumped into the air and threw a kick at me as I bent backwards to dodge it and used my wings to push his leg out of the way. He back flipped continuously away from me as I charged him, the tip of my whip pocking out of Dreadful Sins. He attempted to kick me multiple times but I dodged them before sweeping his legs underneath him and as he fell, I kicked him across the arena. He quickly stood up and smirked at me.

Mercury: You're fast

I just rolled my eyes. He charged me again before throwing kicks my way. I dodged a few before having to block with my Dreadful Sins. What was strange is that as soon as they made contact, a loud clang was heard; it sounded like metal parrying metal... He managed to push me back but I spread my wings to stop me.

Ruby: Hey, you're friend's doing pretty good.

I heard Ruby say to Emerald. I brought my attention back to Mercury as I saw him staring at me with that same grin. I wanted to end this fight quickly so I took a deep breath in before releasing it, causing a thin red aura to form around me. Then Dreadful Sins' whip fully extended from the gauntlet. He rushed at me and threw kicks towards me but I fazed out of the way and ended up behind him. I slammed the whip downwards on him which he managed to block barely with his legs. Then, the whip began glowing red as it heated up, causing steam to produce on his legs. Mercury noticed this and backed away. I spread my wings and blitzed towards him, ready to strike, until...

Mercury: I forfeit.

I looked surprised and moved out of the way before halting behind Mercury. My thin aura disappeared as my whip retracted back into the gauntlet.

Me: You sure...?

Mercury: What's the point? You clearly outclassed me at the end there. We've obviously leagues apart.

Me: Huh...

Glynda: In that case... Dairoku Rein is the victor of this match...

I glared at him as my friends and teammates noticed me.

Glynda: Next time, you may want to think a little harder before choosing an opponent.

Mercury: I'll be sure to do that.

The bell ran as I noticed Blake jolting awake.

Glynda: This is all for today. And remember, the dance is this weekend. But you first year students all have your first missions on Monday. I will not accept any excuses.

As I left the class, Team RWBY and my team caught up to me.

Ruby: Hey Dairoku!

I looked behind me and saw them walking towards me while Ruby ran towards me. I just waved back at them, trying to smile but for some reason, I couldn't.

Yang: You did pretty well against him!

Me: Thanks I guess, though neither of us weren't even trying.

Tyros: I was wondering why you only used that whip.

Me: Well, I didn't need my weapons for him. The only reason I had the whip out was to end it.

Weiss: So do you do that to everyone you think doesn't stand a chance against you?

I looked at Weiss who seemed slightly annoyed. I assumed she was referring to the sparring match I had with her on the second day of the first semester where I only used my Blaze and semblance in that battle.

Me: Snowflake, you forced me to use my semblance and one of my swords in our match. Mercury on the other hand, I wasn't even fighting at 10% of my power. So if it makes you feel better, you're much more of a challenge than him.

Weiss suddenly got a look of confidence and approval.

???: Hey Blake!

We looked around to see Sun and Neptune approaching us.

Sun: You uh... doing okay?

Blake: I'm fine.

Sun: So I hear there's this dance going on this weekend... ah, sounds pretty lame but you and me, I'm thinking, not as lame, huh?

Tyros rolled his eyes.

Blake: What?

Sun: The dance! This weekend! You wanna go or what?

Blake: I don't have time for a stupid dance. I thought you of all people would get that.

Blake swiftly walked away, leaving a dejected Sun, looking down. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Me: I don't think that was your fault this time.

Tyros: As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. Blake's been acting up.

.....................................................

Blake: You what?

Ruby: We want you to go to the dance.

We were all in Team RWBY's dorm room, trying to convince Blake to put her investigation on hold; well they were. I just was... spacing out... Neo was still on my mind...

Blake: That's ridiculous.

Yang: Blake, we're worried about you. This investigation is starting to mess with your head.

Weiss: You can't sleep, you hardly eat and to be honest, your grades have been suffering.

Blake: You think I care about grades!? People's lives are at sake!

Kuraime: We know and we're all still trying to figure it out.

Ruby: Thanks to you, Tyros and Sun, we know they're operating somewhere outside southeast Vale.

Weiss: And, the Schnee Company records singled out Vale as the primary target for Dust robberies over the last few months.

Yang: Don't forget about the their missing military tech too.

Tyros: And they have a lot of dangerous people working with them.

When Tyros mentioned that fact, I kept thinking back to Neo...

Me: Neo...

Ruby and Celeste looked at me worriedly.

Kuraime: And let's not forget that Sora girl. I don't know what it is but something about her screams trouble...

Blake: But there're still unanswered questions!

Ruby: Blake, you won't be able to find anything if you can't keep your eyes open!

Yang: All we're asking is that you take it easy for one day.

Weiss: It will be fun! Yang and I will make sure of it.

Yang: Yeah! We're planning the whole event!

Blake: Excuse me?

Weiss: Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected.

Oh and how could I forget about that? Now I have two more things to worry about; Neo, Velvet and the rest of Team CFVY.

Yang: So, Weiss and I were asked to pick up where they left off. And now, we can make sure you have a perfect night.

Weiss: And once it's all over, we'll return for our search, rested and ready.

Ruby: So, what do you think?

Blake: ...I think this is a colossal waste of time.

She got up and briskly left.

Yang: Great.

Tyros: And I thought she started being more light hearted.

Weiss: She can't keep going like this...

There was a knock on the door. Weiss answered it only to be sorely disappointed with who it was.

Jaune: Weiss!

He had a guitar... Weiss immediately slammed the door in his face.

Jaune: Oh come on, open the door! I promise won't sing!

Kuraime: No he doesn't...

Weiss reluctantly opened the door and Jaune began singing...

Jaune: I lied! Weiss Schu-nee, will you accompany me, to the dance on... Sunday!?

Kuraime: Told you.

Weiss: ... Are you done?

Jaune: Yes?

Before she had a chance to respond, Celeste slammed the door in his face.

Weiss: Thank you Celeste.

Celeste: *nods*

Weiss: All my life, boys have only cared about the perks of my last name. Besides, I already have a date in mind.

I swear, I saw Celeste's eyebrows raise up when she said that but at the same time, she clenched her fists; I bet she thought that Weiss was thinking of Neptune.

Ruby: Date or no date, none of this will matter if we can't get Blake to go.

I stayed silent, crossing my arms. I couldn't get my mind off Neo but I wanted to try and calm down as well.

Ruby: Dairoku?

Me: H-Huh?

I looked up, seeing Ruby next to me with a worried expression on her face.

Ruby: Are you okay? You've been... more quiet ever since that night.

Me: I'm fine Little Rose. Just thinking is all.

Tyros: I call bullshit.

Weiss: Yeah. This is more than just thinking.

I looked at them and they all looked serious... I then looked at Celeste; she looked beyond worried. I couldn't hide it from them any longer...

Me: *sigh* Alright...

I took a seat on Blake's bed next to Yang as Ruby sat next to me, Celeste and Kuraime sat next to Weiss who was on her bed and Tyros leaned against the window.

Me: *sigh* So... you all are wondering what happened on that night... Well, I'll try to keep it brief as I really hate to go over that memory... That girl, Neo... She's... she's my little sister...

Everyone looked at me shocked, especially Celeste.

Yang: Didn't you say Celeste was your sister.

Me: She is, just not biological... Even she knows it. My dad found her injured and alone and took her in and adopted her, right Celeste?

Everyone looked to Celeste who nodded.

Me: But... Before Celeste came along, I had a sister... Neopolitan Rein or as we call her, Neo... We were really close... Our parents who are both Huntsmen, trained us a little bit. We were a happy little family until that one night...

Weiss: What happened?

Me: ... Neo and I were in a forest on the outskirts of Argus at nighttime. We were both lost but we stuck together like glue... Neo... heh, she was pretty scared and I don't blame her. She always clung to me while saying 'Big brother I'm scared' or something like that. I made it my duty as her big brother to protect her no matter what. After a while, we were attacked by an Ursa Major Grimm... I made Neo run in front of me as I followed behind. Eventually, I lost sight of her and I ended up back in Argus, but Neo was nowhere to be found... I told my parents and my mother... well... you know how momma bears act when something bad happens to their child... My dad, along with the Argus police and other Huntsmen started a full on investigation to search for Neo but unfortunately, she was never found... Some people assumed she died since an Ursa Major was chasing us... I... I blamed myself for her death and I just wanted to... disappear... but my parents kept assuring me that I did my best... Then, around three years later, Celeste came along. I accepted her as my little sister and always will but I can't help but think of Neo when I'm around her... Now... Neo's alive and she's with... Torchwick...

They all stayed quiet as they looked at me with apologetic looks.

Me: Don't worry though, I'm not like Blake. I'm still going to the dance. But can you guys promise me something?

They briefly looked at each other before looking back at me.

Tyros: Shoot.

Me: If we run into Neo again, I want to deal with her... alone. So please promise me that you guys won't interfere. I hope to change her mind and get her back; then I'll have two cute little sisters.

I immediately felt something warm on my side. When I looked, I saw Ruby, hugging me from my side tightly

Ruby: I promise only if you won't get yourself hurt okay?

I just smiled, this time it being genuine and wrapped my arm and wing over her, pulling her closer to me.

Me: I promise.

Then another warmth, this time from in front of me; it was Celeste. She nodded her head into the hug. I put my other arm and wing over her as well. I looked at my teammates and friends and they were all smiling and nodding at me, Yang giving me a pat on the back. Well, now I felt more relieve...

.....................................................

I made my way to the roof where I was watching Pyrrha and Jaune finishing up a training session; he was getting good, though I still think he'd struggle against someone like Cardin.

Pyrrha: Well done! Your swordplay's improved immensely.

Pyrrha helped up Jaune as I went to stand next to them, smiling.

Jaune: I couldn't have done it without you two:

Me: Well, what are friends for man?

Pyrrha: So, are you ready to move on Aura?

Jaune: I'm actually thinking maybe we should just skip Aura for tonight? Might go on a jog or something...

Pyrrha: Come on, I know you get frustrated, but you must keep trying. I'm sure you'll discover you Semblance any day now.

Jaune: That's not it... It's just... It's dumb.

Pyrrha: What is it? Jaune, you know you can tell us.

Me: It's Weiss, isn't it?

Jaune: *sigh* Y-Yeah...

Pyrrha's face suddenly dropped...

Pyrrha: Oh. What about her?

Jaune: I asked her to the dance and... she shot me down. Big surprise right?

Pyrrha: Well, I believe the saying goes... there's... plenty of fish in the sea.

I gave Pyrrha a 'really?' look. She noticed and rubbed her arm nervously

Jaune: That's easy for you to say. You probably got guys clamoring over each other just to ask you out.

Me: I... Wouldn't be so sure about that.

Pyrrha smiled at me, since I understood her.

Jaune: Oh please, if Pyrrha doesn't get a date to the dance, I'll wear a dress, heh.

Jaune walked away as I walked up to Pyrrha who stopped smiling and hung her head and I put my hand on her shoulder.

Me: *sigh* Why are you doing this to yourself Pyrrha?

She just looked at me, lost.

Pyrrha: I... I don't know...

I sighed and pulled her into a hug, my wings and arms wrapping around her athletic figure. She immediately embraced the warmth of the hug and buried her head into my shoulder. I felt that area getting wet so I knew she was shedding some tears and was sniffling a tiny bit. Jaune has no idea how hard Pyrrha's trying and it's hurting her. He better open his damn eyes soon or I'll force them open myself...

After a while, Pyrrha calmed down and pulled away from the embrace.

Pyrrha: Thank you, Daiku...

Me: Anytime, Angel. You know if you need a shoulder to cry on, you always got mine.

She gave me a small smile before nodding. I returned the smile.

Me: You know, if you don't tell him, I'll tell him for you.

Pyrrha's face went red before she smirked at me, surprisingly.

Pyrrha: If that's the case, then I'll tell her for you as well.

I was confused at first but then I realized who she was talking about.

Me: Oh... Do you... think she'll say yes?

Pyrrha placed her hand on my shoulder.

Pyrrha: Of course she will. It's obvious that she likes you back. Maybe you could also confess to her on the night.

I took a few seconds to replay that sentence in my head.

Me: Heh, I guess you're right.

Pyrrha: Anyways, I'm going to go to bed. Good Luck~

She began walking away, somewhat smugly

Me: Oh trust me, you're going to need it more.

Pyrrha: Ha. Ha.

When Pyrrha left, I stood there smiling. I was set... Tomorrow, I'm going to ask Ruby to go with me to the dance. And I might even confess to her on the night... Yes... I was pulled out of my thoughts by my scroll going off. I opened it to see a message from Celeste. It read,

Celeste's Message: Big Brother, Ozpin summoned the two of us to his office. He said it was urgent. Meet me in the Beacon Tower lobby. Love you!

I was confused for a second. Why would Oz want my sister and I and specifically, why is it so urgent that he'd summon us this late at night? I decided to text her back.

My text: Hmm that's strange. Alright, I'm on my way. I'll see you there sis.

I closed my scroll and took to the skies. I flew over to the Beacon Tower and as I neared, I saw Celeste landing in front of it. I sped up and landed next to her. We looked at each other before we walked together to the elevator. Once inside, the elevator, Celeste tightly held onto my hand as she seemed really worried. I didn't blame her as I rested my wing over her shoulder. Once the elevator doors opened, there we saw them, Glynda and Ozpin, the latter sitting at his desk while the former stood next to him. They both had serious and upset expressions.

Me: Um... So, what did you need to tell us Oz?

Ozpin's expression turned to one of a sad look, before he took a deep breath. Glynda next to him could barely look us in the eye. He finally spoke.

Oz: First of all, thank you for arriving quickly. I know you both must be tired but... I have some... terrible news that I believe you two should know...

Celeste and I looked at each other, her grip on my hand tightening.

Me: Terrible... news?

Glynda: Yes... And, it's about... your father...

We both tensed up at the mention of him.

Me: Our dad?

Ozpin: Yes... I'm... sorry to inform you both... but you're father, Kai Rein... has recently passed away on his last mission...

END
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Man today is just not Dairoku's day. He recently found out his sister is alive but she was working with a criminal and now, he gets the news about his father. I think this is going to be enough to break him.