Team JNPR steps out of their dorm in their combat gear to find (F/N) waiting for them, recently showered and cleanly shaven. With the excuse that he was sick, Pyrrha vouching for him, the five made their way to Ozpin's office at the peak of Beacon Tower. Stepping off the elevator they are greeted by the grey-haired headmaster and four other familiar faces belonging to the girls of Team RWBY.

"Excellent." Ozpin says, clapping his hands together. "Now that we're all here we can get started."

Pulling up several different screens, Ozpin allows the news clips to play for the nine students standing before him.

"As you can see," he says after ten seconds of letting the new play, "tensions between the White Fang and the Purifiers are at an all time high and they show no signs of easing up. The Kingdom's police force, I regret to say, are doing very little to keep the situation under control."

"So why are we here?" (F/N) asks.

"Members on both sides, even those not affiliated with the White Fang or Purifiers, are calling for blood. With the way things are currently, I'd say there's not much time before we're looking at an all-out war between Faunus and humans. All it would take is one more incident. One more straw before the camel's back breaks. I'm doing what I can to make sure that never happens, but I'm going to need your help."

"What are we supposed to do?" Ruby asks.

"There's another march happening tomorrow afternoon." Ozpin explains. "A peaceful gathering for more cool-headed individuals, both Faunus and human. I've been tipped off that someone is planning to use this event as a means to spark a war between the two sides."

"Who would want to do something like that?" Pyrrha asks.

"Someone who would benefit from the chaos that would ensue. If war breaks out, the police will be too busy trying to contain it to deal with anything else, meaning they'll be distracted from the real threat."

"What's the real threat?" Yang asks.

"I'm not sure." Ozpin says. "But recent events have made it obvious that someone out there is planning something big. Roman Torchwick working with the White Fang, Mountain Glenn, the Grimm invasion. It all hints at something bigger."

A thoughtful silence follows Ozpin's words.

"Why are you telling us all this?" Jaune asks, everyone staring at Ozpin.

"Because it seems no matter how hard I try to keep you away, you always find you way back into this. Listen to me children. This rally may be our best chance at apprehending the culprit behind these attacks, so I cannot stress enough how important it is that we don't tip our hand. Be discrete."

Central Vale

Saturday, 09:00 CVT

5 Hours to Rally

"Ugh, I still don't understand why we have to be here so early." Jaune groans

"Stop complaining Jaune." Ren says. "Ozpin is trusting us to ensure everything runs smoothly."

"Yeah, I know." Jaune says defensively. "But why five hours early?"

"To make sure the Purifiers and White Fang don't have the chance to pull anything." (F/N) explains. "If either group is planning on making a move today, you can bet they'll show up beforehand to scope out the area. We're here to make sure they don't have the chance to set anything up before the rally starts, and to double check that they haven't already."

"You really think they've already been here?" Ruby asks.

"Don't know." (F/N) shrugs. "But if it were me, I would have mapped out the area at least a week in advance."

"A week?"

"Yeah. It would allow me to better plan the assault. If I know the layout I can strategize accordingly. Which buildings to attack from, which streets offer the most cover, where the highest density of targets will be and when. Knowing that, I can bottleneck law enforcement and cause the most chaos. Plus, it lets me plan out escape routes in case things go south."

Everyone stops walking, staring at (F/N) with mingled looks of shock and fear. (F/N) takes a few more paces before noticing he's left them behind.

"What?" He asks, turning to look at his friends.

"N-Nothing." Weiss says.

"Alright then. Jaune, Ruby, what's our plan?"

"You're... asking us?" Jaune asks incredulously.

"You two are the team leaders." (F/N) responds.

"Yeah but, maybe you should be in charge of this one." Ruby suggests. "You seem to know a lot more about this stuff than any of us, and this is too important to mess up."

(F/N) looks to Jaune who is nodding his agreement.

"Okay. Then I suggest splitting up. We've got a lot of ground to cover in a small amount of time."

"Isn't the rally just in the square?" Yang asks, confused.

"Yes, but the perimeter set up by the police covers the entire city block. We need to check every street and back alley, not to mention the buildings themselves, they may have set something up in some of the nonresidential structures. We should also extend our search by a block in every direction. If they're smart, they won't have set up inside the perimeter where it's going to be crawling with police. They'll be close, but not close enough to endanger themselves."

Using his scroll, (F/N) pulls up a large holographic map of the surrounding area.

"This here," he highlights a portion to the south, "is an industrial district. Warehouses and factories. I'd say it's likely this will be where they set up shop, away from prying eyes. Yang, Blake, make sure it's clear. Ruby, Weiss, I want you two to coordinate with the police, see where they've got their roadblocks and make note of them on the map, you can bet our enemies will have done the same to plan their escape routes. Once you've done that start making your way through the buildings, check for anything that seems out of place. If a door is locked, kick it down. Now we'll also need someone to watch the main roads and intersections, they're prime spots for pincer attacks."

"Ren, Nora and I can do that." Jaune offers.

"Pyrrha, that leaves you and I to scope out the docks. Everyone know where they're headed?"

The two teams nod.

"Good. Make sure to check out anything or anyone that seems suspicious. Be thorough, but discrete. Don't give away what you're really up to. I want us all to meet back up here in no less than three hours. We'll plan the rest from there."

The nine split up, heading in their respective directions. Yang and Blake make their way south, Jaune, Nora, and Ren to the north, Ruby and Weiss to the police station on the east, and (F/N) and Pyrrha west.

Walking by the calm waters, Pyrrha can't help but feel a little nervous. A large weight is being placed on their shoulders and she finds herself wondering why Ozpin chose them. Pushing these thoughts to the side, she refocuses on the mission, her eyes carefully scanning over the docks and the surrounding area.

"Stop that." (F/N) says.

"Stop what?"

"Looking." (F/N) answers. "Discrete, remember. No one looks that closely at cracks in the road or parked cars."

"But you said..."

"I know, but you're making it too obvious."

"Then what should I be doing?" Pyrrha asks, a slight annoyed edge in her voice.

"Hold my hand."

"What?"

"Hold my hand." (F/N) repeats.

"Why?"

"Because no one looks too closely at a couple in love. It makes them uncomfortable and scared that they'll be caught staring."

Red in the face, Pyrrha slowly slips her hand into (F/N)'s, interlacing their fingers.

"Good." (F/N) says. "Now stop scanning the area. Looking for things that are out of place makes you look out of place."

"Then how do I..."

"You don't need to look for anything." (F/N) says, smiling and waving at a passing car. "You just need to see everything. And don't forget to smile. We're a happy couple, remember?"

Nodding, Pyrrha tries to do as (F/N) says and stop looking, but it's extremely difficult. Suddenly, (F/N) stops and turns to face her, a determined looks in his eyes. Pyrrha starts to blush as he slowly leans down towards her, their lips growing closer with every passing second.

Is now really the time for this? She thinks to herself. The thought is pushed from her mind as (F/N) gently tucks a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. Closing her eyes, she leans up and parts her lips expectantly.

"Pyrrha, open your eyes." (F/N) whispers. "Look over my shoulder."

Doing as he says, Pyrrha notices another couple exiting a small flower shop. Looking over their shoulders, they take each other's hands and slowly walk off.

"That's the third time they've exited that shop in the last thirty minutes."

"What are they doing?"

"Circling the building, keeping watch. Tell me what they're doing now."

Out of the corner of her eye, Pyrrha sees the two slowly approaching. "They're coming our way." She whispers.

"Kiss me."

"What?"

"Remember what I told you."

(F/N)'s words from earlier come back to her. Turning her head, she kisses (F/N). It's just on the cheek, but it's enough to make the two shift uncomfortably and change direction.

"What now?"

"We need to get a closer look inside that store."

"What?" Pyrrha asks disbelievingly.

"Relax. Just follow my lead."

Wrapping his arm around her, (F/N) places a kiss in her hair and the two start walking for the small shop. Opening the door, (F/N) leans down to whisper in Pyrrha's ear.

"Laugh at some joke I just told you."

Catching on, Pyrrha giggles cutely, playfully smacking (F/N)'s arm.

"Ah, what can I do for you two today?" The store owner asks from behind the desk.

"Not sure yet." (F/N) says happily. "We were just out, and my girlfriend pointed out your store. See, we just moved in together and our new place could use a little... eh..."

"Color?" The owner suggests.

"Exactly." (F/N) nods. "Now, I'm not much of a flower guy myself. Never really had the eye for it, so I was wondering if maybe you could help us out."

"Well, if you ask me, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to flowers. Why don't you take a look around, find something you like?"

Smiling, (F/N) and Pyrrha peruse the small store, pretending to examine the flowers, inhaling their perfume. Aside from them, the only other person in the front of the store is a burly man sitting next to the door reading a newspaper. Under the guise of examining a vase of peonies, (F/N) peers behind the counter. Nothing out of the ordinary, though there is a small safe on the floor beneath next to the owner's legs.

"See anything you like dear?" Pyrrha asks.

"I don't know." (F/N) says. "I know you like roses. Happen to have any, sir?"

"Just on your left." He says.

"Hmm." (F/N) says, bending down to inspect them. "The red might not match the walls. What do you think honey?"

"No, I definitely agree. I think yellow would be much nicer. Maybe they've got some in the back."

"You know, I think we just might. Stay right here, I'll go take a look."

The storeowner exits through a door behind the counter leading to a back room doubling as a greenhouse, the glass ceiling allowing the sunlight to shine in. As the door swings open, (F/N) can see a group of people huddled around a table and peering over what looked to be a map.

"So, how many were you thinking Pyrrha?" (F/N) asks. "Six."

"Hmm, maybe seven." Pyrrha smiles, sweeping her hair over her shoulder in the direction of the man sitting next to the door.

The owner returns from the back room with a bundle of flowers in his hands.

"You're in luck." He says. "These are our last."

"Oh, great!" (F/N) smiles. "How much for say, half a dozen?"

"Half a dozen? That would be 2,200 lien."

"Right, wallet, wallet." (F/N) pats his slacks, pretending to look for his wallet. "Where did I... oh, you know what. I think I left it in the car. Hey, hon, would you mind fetching it for me? I think it's next to the controls for the sun roof."

Nodding, Pyrrha walks out of the shop, the bell over the door ringing as she does.

"That's quite a lady you got yourself." The owner laughs.

"Don't I know it."

"So how long you two been together? If you don't me asking."

"Not at all." (F/N) smiles, leaning on the counter. "Let's see, next month will make it three years."

"Three years?" The shopkeeper laughs. "That's quite a long time. You two must have something real special."

"It's all her really, I don't know where I'd be if... oh, sorry about that."

(F/N)'s scroll starts ringing from his back pocket. Retrieving it, he sees Pyrrha's smiling face on the caller ID. Answering, he holds it to his ear.

"Hey hon, you find it?"

"I think so. Sunroof controls you said?"

"That's right."

"Yup. This is it."

"You sure?"

"Definitely."

"Okay, see you soon."

Hanging up, (F/N) puts the small device back in his pocket.

"She find your wallet."

"Yup, she'll be here soon. Hey, before she gets back, well, I wanted to surprise her. Like I said, our anniversary is coming up and I've been looking for a gift."

"Well, you can never go wrong with flowers."

"Exactly." (F/N) says. "But I wanted to find something really special, you know. I was wondering if maybe you had any Juliet Roses?"

"Hmm, I don't know kid, those are pretty rare flowers." The storeowner says, scratching his chin.

"I know, but I just thought, maybe you might have some in the back?"

"I can order some for you, but I'm pretty sure I don't have any on me."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure, yeah."

"Well, maybe we can go look."

(F/N) takes a step behind the counter but the owner stops him.

"Sorry kid, employees only."

"Oh, please. It's really important."

"Like I said, employees on... hey!"

Grabbing his wrist, (F/N) twists his arm and slams his head into the counter. Hearing movement from behind him as the other man in the front of the store charges at him. Throwing a back kick to the man's stomach, (F/N) grabs the owner by the hair and slams his head against the counter a second time, knocking him unconscious. The other man is back on his feet, once again running at (F/N). Ducking under his outstretched arms, (F/N) grabs him by the collar and his belt, throwing him over the counter and crashing through the back door. Vaulting over the counter, (F/N) runs into the back room to find six other goons scrambling for their weapons. As they aim their guns at (F/N), a loud crash coming from above draws their attention upwards. They scatter as glass shards rain from above as Pyrrha crashes through the glass ceiling. Landing on the table, she throws her shield which hits one of the thugs in the head, bouncing off and hitting his comrade. Both fall to the floor in a crumpled heap.

(F/N) grabs one of the metal shelves and pulls it so that it falls in front of him, blocking a swarm of incoming bullets. Soil and petals explode in the air as bullets tear through them. Grabbing a pot from another shelf, he throws it at one of their heads. The man's nose breaks and the dirt in his eyes obscures his vision. Rushing forward, (F/C) blocks a blind hook and snakes his arm around his enemy's, chopping him in the neck before wrapping around his neck and pulling his head down into his knee. Turning one hundred eighty degrees, he throws the man over his shoulder into the two that had been posing as the couple, knocking them backwards into a shelf which falls on top of them.

Hearing the sound of quick footsteps, (F/N) turns to see the last of the group running for the back door in a desperate attempt to escape. Switching the Mortar to its secondary configuration, (F/N) is about to shoot the man when Pyrrha's spear flies by his head, piercing through the man's clothes and pinning him to the wall. Pyrrha and (F/N) slowly walk towards the man who is struggling to pull Miló from the wall. Pyrrha pulls the handle to the side and lets go, the shaft smacking the man hard in the side of the head, knocking him out.

Turning from the now unconscious figure, (F/N) steps over the now broken table and retrieves the map from the ground. Brushing some dirt off the paper, he holds it up to inspect, and sure enough, it's a layout of the upcoming peace rally. On the map are several arrows and X's, drawn in red ink. There's a circle over the building they're currently standing in, as well as two others, one in the northeast, another in the south.

"Pyrrha." (F/N) calls to his companion. "Call Yang and Blake. Have them check out a warehouse on the intersection of fifteenth and tenth."

Pyrrha nods, retrieving her scroll. (F/N) does the same and calls up Jaune.

"Jaune..."

"(F/N), hey. We were just about to call you. Ren, Nora, and I just ran into some guys in a rundown auto-shop. They weren't friendly."

"This auto-shop. It's on Grant Street?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Lucky guess." (F/N) says, looking on the map for any other circled buildings. "Have you managed to get anything out of them?"

"Nothing useful." Jaune sighs. "They keep saying they were hired to ambush the rally."

"Did they say who hired 'em?"

"Just a voice on the phone."

"Alright. Hogtie them and call the cops, let them decide what to do with them. Keep searching the area just in case. We'll meet up in an hour."

"Sure thing."

Hanging up, (F/N) turns to Pyrrha.

"Well?" He asks.

"Yang and Blake said they'd check it out."

"Good." 

A groan sounds from underneath one of the collapsed shelves as one of the grunts starts moving, struggling to lift the heavy metal off his chest. Walking towards him, (F/N) easily lifts the shelf with a single arm and tosses it to the side. Grabbing the man by the collar, (F/N) drags him over to a wall and throws him up against it. The man grunts and rubs the back of his neck. Crouching in front of him, (F/N) smacks him lightly across the cheek.

"Hey, eyes here. Now you're gonna tell me who hired you."

"Fuck you." The man spits, a tooth flying from his mouth.

Growling, (F/N) pulls back his right fist and punches a hole in the wall just an inch to the left of the man's head. Pyrrha makes to move forward, but (F/N) holds up a hand, signaling for her to stay put.

"I'm gonna ask you again, who hired you?"

Still the man remains silent, staring defiantly at (F/N). Rolling his eyes in annoyance, (F/N) strikes the man hard right where his shoulder meets his torso. The man screams in pain, his hands balling into fists.

"God dammit! That hurt!"

"Yeah, I know." (F/N) says dryly. "I just dislocated your shoulder. Next time I break something. So, who hired you?"

"Go to hell!"

Inhaling sharply, (F/N) gives an annoyed tilt of his head before palm striking the man straight to the clavicle. A loud 'crack' echoes through the building, followed by the man's cries of pain.

"(F/N)!" Pyrrha shouts in alarm.

Pyrrha puts a hand on (F/N)'s shoulder but he roughly shrugs it off.

"Who hired you?!"

"I don't know!" The man shouts.

"I don't believe you!" (F/N) yells, the Mortar switching to its secondary configuration, the barrel of the gun placed against the man's head.

"I swear, I don't know!" The man cries. "They're just a voice on a phone. They hired us to fire a few shots at the stupid peace rally, that's all I know! I swear!"

"You're not telling me something." (F/N) says darkly, putting the gun in the man's mouth. "I want a name!"

"(F/N), that's enough!" Pyrrha shouts, grabbing him by the shoulder and pulling him away. "He doesn't know anything."

(F/N) looks like he wants to say something back, but instead he takes several deep breaths, his shoulders visibly relaxing. Looking down at the whimpering figure on the floor, clutching his shattered collarbone.

"Call the cops." (F/N) says. "We're done here."