You sighed while standing, stretching as you did, you were currently waiting in the waiting room of Ozpin's office, having been forced to stay behind by Ozpin and Ironwood despite already knowing about Salem. You assumed it was a way to punish you, although Ironwood still thought it best to have you watched for the time being, at least, that is why you thought Penny was waiting with you.

(Y/N): "So, you're here to...?" You asked, proposing the question, expecting to have to weasel it out of her.

Penny: "Babysit you, as the general put it."

(Y/N): "Of course he did." You threw your arms up in frustration.

Penny: "But, I believe we can use the time to become better friends, you are Ruby's friend too, right?"

You looked at Penny curiously, even Ironwood wouldn't stoop as low as to pay a girl to pretend to be your friend for the purposes of war. No, he definitely would, you concluded, but decided to humour her anyway.

(Y/N): "Little bit more than that."

Penny: "Best friends?!" She asked excitedly, while invading your personal space.

(Y/N): "Dating, we are dating." You clarified, while pushing Penny away with a finger to the forehead, letting her get the message and step back.

Penny: "Oh, she did not inform me of this..." She looked sad, she was either actually sad or a great actor.

(Y/N): "To be honest, I don't think she has gotten to spend as much time with you as she wants."

Penny: "General Ironwood does keep me occupied..."

(Y/N): "Yea, so who are you?"

Penny: "I am Penny Polendina, I am a student at Atlas Academy and I am combat ready!"

(Y/N): "Wow, that sounds rehearsed."

Penny: "It wasn't..." She hiccupped causing you to raise an eyebrow. "Apologies."

(Y/N): "Right, I'm (Y/N)-"

Penny: "(Y/N) (L/N), student at Beacon, 17, 10 warrants out for your arrest in the Kingdom of Atlas." She smiled. "Would you like to hear the charges?"

(Y/N): "Is this your way of threatening me?" You laughed.

Penny: "Of course not, I want to be your friend! Did I make a mistake?"

(Y/N): "Just a small one, criminal charges aren't commonly brought up among friends. Come on, do you wanna go eat?" You asked, gesturing to the door.

Penny: "But shouldn't we wait here?"

You smirked and looked at her, she was Atlas Military, whether she wanted you to know that or not, so she was going to follow orders. You decided to take advantage of that very logic.

(Y/N): "You can, if you want, but aren't you meant to babysit me?" You asked, posing it as a question.

Penny: "Yes-"

(Y/N): "Well I'm going out this door..." You said walking out the door to the hall, giving a little wave on the way out.

Penny looked at the elevator then back at the door, before finally deciding that her directive was to babysit you, and followed after you. When she walked through the door she found you leaning against the wall next to it with a smirk.

(Y/N): "Hah, got you all figured out."

Penny: "I sincerely doubt that."

(Y/N): "You seemingly follow orders to a fault, it's a start." You laughed, Penny just looked at you confused and followed you as you walked towards the fairground.

Penny: "Well... you seemingly like disobeying orders."

(Y/N): "Got me on that one, suppose that makes us even." You smiled at her.

Penny: "Oh, is this a competition?"

(Y/N): "Depends, is there a prize?"

Penny: "Does friendship count?"

(Y/N): "See, now you sound like Ruby." You laughed causing her to laugh as well.

A few minutes later you were eating cotton candy, your accompanying ginger watching you with earnest interest, despite the fact she had turned down the treat when you offered. As strange as it sounded you felt like she was judging you, maybe even analysing you...

(Y/N): "Just because I'm not talking doesn't mean you can't."

Penny: "Ah, but the more I talk the more information you can gain!"

(Y/N): "Wow, you are taking this really seriously... heh, just got something out of you. Penny Polendina takes competitions seriously." You grinned, before taking another bite.

Penny: "That makes us 2-1..."

(Y/N): "Yes, well, we can't spend the whole time silently watching the other. How is your throwing?"

Penny: "I believe I can throw a baseball 140 meters with a velocity of..." She paused and looked at your confused face. "I am an excellent thrower, why do you ask?" You simply gestured over to the ball throw stand.

(Y/N): "Well, I was gonna say do you wanna give this a go, but now I'm scared you're gonna break it." You said, while throwing your empty cone into a bin.

Penny: "No need to worry! I know how to limit myself!"

Giving her an unsure look, you both walked over to the booth, the stallman smirking as he took your money and handed you both 3 balls each. He quickly went through the game, the smaller further away targets were harder to knock down and resulted in bigger prizes, the opposite being true for the closer ones.

Looking over the prizes your eyes settled on a large toy Beowolf, that had been made to look much cuter than the real thing. Thinking it might make a good gift you pointed at it.

(Y/N): "Which one for the Beowolf?"

Stallman: "One of the smallest ones, good luck." He grinned stepping out of the way.

You lined up your first shot and threw the ball, not hitting the target square on but clipping the side of the board, it did not fall down. Chucking your second ball from hand to hand you judged it's weight before suddenly throwing it, more power behind this one. It hit it dead-on but did not budge. The stallman laughed while Penny frowned looking between you and the target.

Penny: "(Y/N), maybe try like this..." She grabbed your arm and adjusted your stance, much to the Stallman's amusement. She then mimed throwing with your arm, giving you an idea of what she was suggesting.

With a deep breath you executed Penny's plan perfectly, nailing it dead on and causing the board to wobble, but it still didn't fall. You let out a frustrated groan while the Stallman laughed and leaned over the desk.

Stallman: "Ohhh, so close. Tell you what, give you another three goes at a discount?"

Penny: "Hold on. I believe it is my turn..."

The Stallman nodded, the smirk not leaving his face, while you moved out of the way for Penny. She placed all three balls on the desk as she looked towards the back targets, judging them for a solid few seconds. With a deep breath in and out she suddenly grabbed one and hurled it, followed by the second and third balls seconds later, each ball slamming into different targets, ripping them off the piping made to hold them in place. You and the Stallman looked between the targets and the seemingly innocent girl, a cheshire grin appearing on your face while the Stallman gained a sour glare.

Penny: "I will take a Beowolf, a Bear, and the large red bow." She said cheerily, the Stallman fishing them down and handing them over without a word before gesturing for you both to leave. Penny turned with a smile and handed you the Beowolf before walking away.

(Y/N): "How did you do that?!" You asked, recovering from the shock and following after Penny.

Penny: "I... have a mean right swing?" She joked, unsure whether she was doing it correctly.

(Y/N): "I'll say! What happened to 'I know how to limit myself'?" You laughed.

Penny: "Well, he didn't seem like he was playing fair, why should I?"

(Y/N): "Okay, maybe I misjudged you..."

Penny: "Oh, does that count as minus a point?"

(Y/N): "Oh you cheeky... fine." You relented. "1-1."

Penny: "Wonderful! How do I look?" She asked, gesturing to the red bow she had replaced her typical pink one with.

(Y/N): "Cute, amazing? I don't know what to say here in fear of getting thrown like that ball."

Penny: "Thank you, you look cute as well!"

(Y/N): "I didn't change anything..."

Penny: "That is true... Shall we try another game?"

She didn't wait for your answer and began to walk towards another stall, forcing you to follow after her, it seemed her curiosity had won out over her orders. The two of you ended up at a test of strength, the high striker, and Penny seemed interested in it.

(Y/N): "I can see this ending poorly."

Penny: "Whatever do you mean?"

(Y/N): "At least let me go first." You said, walking in front of her and handing the attendant some Lien.

Grabbing the hammer, you made a comical effort of lifting it, making it seem really heavy before suddenly light, much to Penny's amusement. With a smile, you brought the hammer down and the bell rang loudly as the weight hit the top, Penny jumping and clapping for you. Walking over you flexed your muscles as a joke while handing her the hammer.

(Y/N): "Hit it as hard as you can, then get ready to run." You whispered, before taking several steps back, ignoring the attendant's confusion.

Penny nodded at you and dragged the hammer across the ground towards the base. She made some grunts when trying to pull it up, getting a few laughs, before suddenly she swung it fully in one motion, slamming it down on the base of the game. The bell didn't have a chance to ring as it went flying off the top of the board and soaring into the sky. The attendant looked towards the two of you, and sighed seeing you both already running far into the distance.

Penny: "Faster (Y/N)!"

(Y/N): "I should be telling you that!"

You both started running faster and laughing when you heard the bell thud into the ground again.

{Le Timeskip brought to you by Chibi (Y/N) and Penny pranking Ozpin and Ironwood.}

After several more hijinks up and down the fair, Penny and yourself finally stopped at a small drinks bar to relax and calm down. You were red in the face and almost out of breath, while Penny only had a light blush, despite the strenuous running you had both been doing. Your laughs and giggles eventually died down as you both slumped in your chairs, still occasionally going into laughing fits when looking at the other.

Penny: "That was sensational!"

(Y/N): "Yea, but I doubt we will be allowed near there anytime soon."

Penny: "I suppose that would be fair."

(Y/N): "Okay Penny, I need you to swear-"

Penny: "Fuck!"

(Y/N): "...that was absolutely amazing, but so not what I meant." Penny went red and looked away sheepishly. "I need you to swear to me that you aren't just trying to be my friend for any orders."

Penny: "I, Penny Polendina, swear that I am (Y/N) (L/N) friend and am not following any orders to be so..." You smiled at her. "So we're friends now?!" She asked excitedly.

(Y/N): "Well, if terrorising a slew of people doesn't make us friends, nothing will!" You waved to the bartender. "Two shots please, the nice stuff, we're celebrating!"

The bartender nodded curtly and started preparing two shots, having to step on a stool to get to the nicer bottles due to her shortness.

Unbeknownst to (Y/N) and Penny, both were being watched by Emerald and Mercury who were casually sitting at a food stall. Emerald was focused while Mercury seemed bored, he was never really a sit back and wait kind of guy, which is what made this operation all the more annoying.

Mercury: "Remind me why we're doing this again when we don't even have to."

Emerald: "Well, I just thought, it would be easier to remove him early on so we don't have to deal with him later."

Mercury: "We don't even have to deal with him, it's Cinder that has to... Ohhh, I get it now. You're trying to impress your little crush." He mocked her, smirk on his face.

Emerald: "Shut up, I'm not. We all need this to go smoothly and removing an obstacle that can keep getting back up is efficient."

Mercury: "Oh, Cinder, can't you see how efficient I am?" He mimicked her voice, earning him a deadpan glare.

Emerald: "Just remember your part in the plan-"

Mercury: "Yea, yea. I'm the one who brings the 'Doctor' over."

Emerald: "Just don't make it obvious, okay?!" She gripped the bridge of her nose. "Wait, shut up."

She shushed him as she watched the disguised Neo take out a vial from her jacket and place the contents into one of the drinks, mixing it thoroughly. Although, Emerald couldn't see the hesitation on Neo's face as she did.

(Y/N): "Aww, you sure you don't want it?" You asked Penny, somewhat disappointed.

Penny: "I am sure, but thank you for the offer."

(Y/N): "Fair enough then."

The bartender walked over to the two of you and placed down the tray, she then flashed you a smile and a wink, much to your confusion, before walking away. Shrugging it off, you picked up both shots and gestured to Penny.

(Y/N): "To good friends!"

Penny: "To good friends!"

You downed both shots, one after the other, and coughing slightly at the strange aftertaste. Penny looked at you confused and heard a bustle from behind the counter, she just managed to see the bartender seemingly rush out of the backdoor.

(Y/N): "Aeh, I'm very disappointed in their 'top stuff'."

Penny: "Yes... don't you find it strange that she left before taking payment?"

(Y/N): "She did? Well, free booze... Wasn't really paying attention to her though." You leant back in your chair. "Come on, tell me a bit about yourself, forget the competition stuff."

Penny: "Oh, well, my name is Penny Polendina, I am from Atlas Acad-"

(Y/N): "I think we've been through that. I meant you, your family, general interests? What makes Penny tick?"

Penny: "I'm ticking?!" She said jumping slightly.

(Y/N): "N-no?! Should you be?!"

You sat up, concerned by the panic in her voice, while she went a shade of red, clearly embarrassed by her outburst.

Penny: "Of course not, that would be ridiculous!" She hiccupped, causing you to look at her funny.

(Y/N): "Right... " You nodded slowly, now beginning to see a link between her hiccups and her nervousness, or something else...

Penny: "My apologies, I rarely talk about my family, or myself in general..." She looked towards her lap, hands balling together.

(Y/N): "Hey, it's fine." You stopped to cough into your elbow. "Y-aeh-you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

Penny: "But you're my friend, and I want to tell you..." She sighed. "Let's see... I enjoy dancing. The school dance was particularly fun, especially when you began singing about your friend looking like a lady." You both laughed, remembering the sight of Jaune in the dress. "I don't have many friends, mostly because General Ironwood doesn't let me see them that often-"

(Y/N): "He is a bit of an Irondick." You joked before coughing again while Penny just laughed.

Penny: "That is a wonderful play on words, but he is a nice man! Sometimes... He is just trying to protect me like my father wants him to... My father, Pietro Polendina, he's a very successful scientist and very proud of all his work. He found me and took me in. I truly owe him my life, and all he wants in return is to see me live it." She smiled at you, tears in her eyes as she recalled her father.

(Y/N): "I think you're both very lucky... to have found each other. And, I think, he would be proud of you above all else..." You felt out of breath, and hot, really hot.

Penny: "Yes, we are lucky... Are you okay? Your body temperature is rising dramatically and you're going very pale." She looked concerned and, if you could see your state, you would be too.

(Y/N): "Yea... aheh! aeh! Been worse... just need some water..." You spluttered between coughs.

You pulled your coat off and struggled to your feet, steadying yourself against a table. You heard the chair Penny was on scrape across the floor as she moved suddenly, as you watched her feet rush towards you. Wait, when did you get on the floor? You went to speak but found only dribble and foam coming out your mouth as you mumbled nothing. Your arms and legs went numb as your vision clouded, barely able to hear the panicked shouts coming from Penny.

Penny: "(Y/N)?! (Y/N)?! Can you hear me?!" She grabbed a hold of him, checking his pulse and airways. Both were stable, which only made the situation more confusing.

Penny pulled (Y/N) up into her lap, running a visual diagnosis on his stability, determining quickly she did not have the correct equipment to do anything here. She heard several people rush over and realised she would no longer be able to kill him to bring him back with his abilities, not without launching several investigations.

Penny: 'Open Atlas comms, channel 3 Medical Staff. I require immediate assistance, someone has been poisoned!' She sent the communication on the encrypted Atlas channels, knowing that she wouldn't have to wait long. "Please, everyone, remain calm and step back, I believe this might be an allergic reaction!" She said to the gathering crowd when a woman with green hair pushed through and rushed over, skidding on her knees.

Emerald: "(Y/N)! Oh my goodness, I've sent Mercury to get help, you're going to be okay!" She said, grabbing onto (Y/N)'s arm and looking at Penny. "We're some of his friends, what happened?!"

Penny: "I believe it was his drink, some form of reaction to it. He is stable and I also called for help."

Emerald's eyes widened as she nodded, silently praying that Mercury and Neo got here first, she hadn't thought of anyone else calling for help, how did she overlook that? The two tried to keep (Y/N) stable, Emerald getting ice from the bar to try and keep him cool.

Mercury: "Move I have a doctor!"

The two girls looked towards the shout as Mercury and a short woman in a medical uniform pushed through the crowd, who just parted out of the way. Penny shuffled back slightly as indicated by the Doctor.

Neo looked over (Y/N) having to hold her disgust and shock at his state, giving a side glare at Emerald as she did what she considered standard checks. Neo eventually shook her head and looked to Mercury gesturing back from where they came.

Mercury: "I think she means to take him to the ambulance." He said to Penny and Emerald. "It wasn't that fa-"

Before he could finish several Atlas Soldiers rushed into the stand, pushing the crowd into a perimeter, while Atlas Medical staff went to (Y/N).

Atlas Doctor 1: "Please stand back, we will take it from here."

Emerald, Mercury, and Neo stood back, the latter two silently cursing and trying to figure out their escape plan. The former was mentally freaking out, panicked she had ruined not only this operation, but potentially Cinder's whole plan.

Atlas Doctor 2: "He needs to be brought to the medicinal wing, he could slip at any moment."

AD1: "Agreed, Penny, please help us move him. We need you to explain exactly what happened."

Penny nodded and picked (Y/N) alone, with little effort, and followed the first doctor, who had grabbed (Y/N)'s coat, out of the bar and towards the transport ship they had used.

AD2: "Thank you three for your assistance, I'm sure Penny will contact you two once she has an update."

With that, the Atlas medical team departed, and Emeralds plans along with it. The crowd dispersed afterwards, off to find something else to occupy themselves with after the dose of drama.

Mercury: "Emerald, we gotta go..." He whispered to her.

Emerald: "I-I messed it all up..." She clutched her hair, scared out of her mind.

Mercury: "Doesn't matter, we gotta go... now!" He grabbed her arm and pushed her along after she didn't react.

Neo followed behind them, transforming back to her student persona once out of general sight. Her own mind was preoccupied, why was she so hung up on this one guy. She had killed before, she had killed him before! Despite this, he had still been cordial with her so perhaps it was just a found respect for him? Deciding that must be the reason, Neo masked the three's escape, deciding getting out of Beacon would be safest for the time being.

Meanwhile, In Ozpin's office Glynda had left to go perform her headmistress duties, leaving the three men alone in the office. By all accounts the meeting was over but Qrow was curious about something. Taking a swig from his flask, he leaned back in his chair, before pocketing it and sighing.

Qrow: "Alright Oz, what did the kid do that was so bad?" The drunk asked, causing Ozpin to raise an eyebrow.

Ozpin: "You mean (Y/N)-"

Qrow: "No, the gremlin child. Of course I mean (Y/N). I mean, last I checked he was fine coming to these meetings, so what gives?" Ozpin sighed, trying to figure out how to best explain.

Ozpin: "As of recent, (Y/N) has been acting out of line, becoming more of a liability than an asset-"

Qrow: "Teenagers, what can ya do?" He laughed.

Ozpin: "Yes, well, teenager or not, he still disobeyed several direct orders."

Qrow: "Sounds like a you problem, he always listens to me." Ozpin gave him a doubtful work, making Qrow backtrack. "Well, most of the time... Okay, sometimes, but when it counts he does!" He nodded with a smirk but Ozpin only sighed again.

Ozpin: "Qrow, you are not this boy's father-"

Qrow: "But I'd be damn proud if I was." He sat up, with a sharp look in his eye.

The tension could be cut with a knife, the silence only disturbed by the whispers of Ironwood on his call. After a moment, Ozpin continued.

Ozpin: "...of course. But there must be a way to bring him in line, I can't have him openly flaunting his abilities while I'm trying to keep him safe. You know as well as I that, if Salem learns of his existence she will deem him a threat, or worse, she'll try to corrupt him."

Qrow: "So, what are you suggesting? That keeping him in the dark on events he knows are happening helps him?"

Ozpin: "I-"

Ironwood: "Sorry to interrupt the parent-teacher conference but there has been an emergency on one of my ships, Ozpin I will convene with you later." He interrupted the two, putting away his scroll that he had just been speaking to the medship with.

Ironwood nodded to the two and began walking towards the elevator, intending on getting to the medship ASAP.

Ozpin: "Hold on now General, what kind of emergency?"

Ironwood stopped, facing away from the pair. Without looking back he replied, trying to keep the situation close to his chest.

Ironwood: "Someone has been poisoned, our top medical professionals are working on him as we speak."

Qrow: "Who?"

Ironwood turned to look at the two concerned faces, trying to keep neutral.

Ironwood: "That is none of-" Ozpin interrupted him, fixing him with a hard glare.

Ozpin: "James."

Ironwood: "(Y/N) (L/N)." He relented with a sigh.

Qrow stood up instantly, with a harsh glare aimed at Ironwood before turning to Ozpin.

Qrow: "So much for safe huh?"