Prelude

Now that Dolan entered the fray, he made short work of the enemy with the White Fang members lying on the ground unconscious the only one left to deal with was Baron who stood leaps and bounds over his comrades according to the reports given to him by Tukson although he wasn't expecting to have to face him so soon. From what was provided in the report Baron was considered the White Fang's top fighter who was the one responsible for Blake's combat training as well as a Faunus by the name of Adam Taurus who if the reports were correct was the one in charge of the Fang's Vale branch of operations. Considering how well Blake did during the Beacon initiations before teaming up with Yang it goes to show that her tutor would be a cut above any of his colleagues. Suffice it to say this was causing Dolan's inner 'battle junkie' the desire to face off against such a skilled combatant.

Ruby: "Dolan, you came!" She says with joy.

Dolan: "But of course, besides it's not like I could just pretend I didn't see explosions coming from the docks now, could I~?" Giving a wink as he slowly makes his way over to them.

Dolan: In any case glad you managed to find Blake, however... *Turns to Sun* who might this be?

Blake: This is Sun. He's a student from Shade Academy here to participate in the upcoming Vytal Festival. As far as his personality goes, he's... alright, I guess.

Sun: Just alright? Geez to think I'm helping you out of the goodness in my heart in your White Fang problem and that's the best impression you can give of me. Man, what's a guy supposed to do?

Dolan: Don't feel too bad from what I can tell Blake's the type to be wary of people since her falling off with the White Fang so you can't blame her.

Blake: Wait, you-?

Dolan: Perhaps save the questions until after the current situation is resolved.

He points toward Baron who is just waiting patiently for Dolan and the others to finish their little discussion. He could have easily just attacked them while they were talking to each other but seems content to just wait until they've concluded. At the very least he's not the type to try and get a sneak attack in even though the opportunity was there for him so he's not that bad all things considered.

Sun: He's right we should wait until this is all over before we can have a proper conversation. If we all fight together then that guy won't know what hit him!

Ruby: Yeah, let's get 'em!

Dolan: Yeeeeeeeeaaah um about that... I was kinda hoping to just face him mano e mano, so you guys just sit back, okay?

...

Everyone: HUUUUUUHHHHHH??????!!!!

Sun: Seriously?!

Dolan: ...Yeah.

Ruby: Alone?!

Dolan: Uh-huh.

Blake: Dolan perhaps you don't know who exactly he is?! Baron-...

Dolan: Is regarded as the best fighter in the entire White Fang. Yes, I'm aware. This is precisely why you all should just let me handle him. Although most of the other Fangs are unconscious who's to say one of them won't get back up to try and attack again or just simply make a run for it while all of us are fighting? But if it's just one of us then the rest can serve as lookouts, see where I'm going with this?

Ruby: I guess but Penny she was-

Dolan: You don't need to say anything else pipsqueak. Penny's alright, I took her to safety just before Baron blew up the building, she was in.

It only took mere moments before Dolan's words registered. Ruby couldn't help but go into shock upon knowing that Penny was fine. Considering what happened earlier she had thought Penny wasn't able to escape from the building but with the news of her safety Ruby couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief knowing she was alright. However, this also caused a question to form in Ruby's head. If Dolan was the one who took her to safety, then that meant he knew where she was located, and if he knew where she was located then that meant he had to have been somewhere close by to see her. In which case...

Blake: Hold on just a moment. Dolan, have you been here this entire time?!

Dolan: …*cough*…

Sun: Seriously?! For how long?!

Dolan: Around the time when Penny shot that big-ass laser beam. So, before you start trying to chew my head off for not coming in to add you earlier just know that at the very least if things got too far out of control I would be prepared to step in when it was necessary. Now, all of you just stand back I've kept our host waiting long enough.

The others look over to Baron whose gaze was like a razor's edge completely focused on Dolan. Ruby, Sun, and Blake trade glances at each other and silently nod their heads before slowly backing away from Dolan. Once they are a few distances away Baron finally begins to walk toward Dolan who is making his way toward him just as well and at the same pace. As the two finally reach within punching distance of each other they come to a stop leaving Ruby and the others waiting at the edge of their seat as to what will happen next. If either one of them were to strike, then now would undoubtedly be the right time. A second later they see Dolan beginning to raise his hand to possibly prepare for an attack however what they see instead was something completely surprising...

Dolan: Dolan Knight, a pleasure to properly make your acquaintance!

He held out his hand in front of Baron to give him a handshake. What was even more surprising to the others was when Baron smiled and proceeded to follow up the gesture by reaching out to shake it.

Baron: Hmm to think that the person referred to as Vale's Shadow would so casually walk up to one of his enemies just to shake his hand. Heh well, I suppose this is a much better way of introducing ourselves to one another rather than the usual weapon pointed at each other. Well then, I guess it's only fair I reciprocate. The name's Baron, not going to bother with the last name so no need to worry.

Dolan: So, what brings a guy like you to Vale, huh? Business, Pleasure... perhaps a bit of both at the same time~.

Baron: Business, of course, I have been tasked with assisting the Fang's Vale branch's activities.

Dolan: And said activities require you to be working with a known criminal like Roman Torchwick? Forgive me if I'm being a bit rude but don't you think your colleagues are losing their marbles if they're resorting to relying on the aid of humans? After all, doesn't the White Fang hate us~?

Baron: True a majority of the Fang do despise humans albeit that mostly comes from the younger members however those of us who have been members since its founding don't hate them. We simply wish for humans to see us for who we are rather than what we are. Though we have tried to do things peacefully through our words, in the end, it seems that our only path forward can only be achieved with actions, or so Sienna believes.

Dolan: Couldn't you have convinced them? Surely someone who is regarded highly among his peers like you could make them see that change takes time and isn't something that can be rushed, correct? So why is it that you have chosen to remain silent? Don't you care how about the Faunus and how they're treated?

The Faunus simply closed his eyes and began to scratch his head in frustration at Dolan's words. He knew what he was trying to say but knew very well exactly from experience that things never work out the way as intended.

Baron: Of course, I do. But I do not possess the ability to capture people's attention through words like Ghira nor can I rally those to fight like Sienna. I am simply just a warrior who's spent countless hours honing his skills for situations when words are not enough.

Dolan: ... I see. So rather than trying to fight the waves, you'd rather be more comfortable in just riding them out regardless of where it will take you in the end...

Baron: ...

Meanwhile, while Dolan and Baron were having their conversation Ruby, Sun, and Blake are further away watching the two carry out their talk. While Blake and Sun were patiently waiting in anticipation as to what was going to happen Ruby on the other hand was becoming more and more restless since she couldn't hear a word they were saying since they were too far to listen in on.

Ruby: *Grumble* Oh I wish I could hear what they're saying.

Blake: It would seem Dolan wants to see if he can convince Baron if he'll stand down. Although from what I'm hearing I don't think that's going to be possible.

Ruby: Hang on a second?! Blake, are you able to hear what they are talking about?

She didn't say anything but rather Blake simply pointed to her head to which Ruby looks up to see the cat ears that give a quick twitch. Ruby felt almost felt the urge to facepalm herself for forgetting about the earlier realization of Blake being Faunus as well as being a member of the White Fang. In her defense, given the situation, Ruby couldn't afford to worry about that detail and only focused on making sure to bring Blake back with her and the sudden appearance of Roman Torchwick as well as the White Fang certainly didn't help her in accomplishing that.

Ruby: Oh, that's right... I uh forgot you were a Faunus. I mean I'm not saying that it's not a big deal or I mean it's a very big deal cause you're my friend and I didn't know-!

Blake: "It's fine Ruby. To be honest I'm glad you came when you did. Thank you and I'm sorry I ran away from you guys." She says with a warm smile on her face.

Sun: "Awe look at you two making up. Seeing that Blake is capable to smile is almost enough to make bring me to tears~!" He teases.

Blake: That's not-, I mean I'm perfectly capable of-... Shut up Sun!

Sun: Hehe...

Just then Blake's ears suddenly stand up and she turns back to Dolan and Baron. Ruby was about to ask her what was wrong but before she could say anything she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head followed by a sudden urge to rub her eyes. When she looks up towards where Dolan was located, she is startled by the huge purple flame surrounding Dolan as well as the orange flames wrapped around Baron. It reminded her of the few instances when Yang got angry, and her hair would flare up.

Ruby: Are those flames real?

Sun: Nah I'm pretty sure that's just their auras. But it feels so intense that it may as well be flames. But if it's come to this then...

Blake: Yeah, it means that the time for talking is over...

Dolan: It seems like there isn't anything further to discuss with you. Sadly, it looks as though won't stand down unless I force you to.

Baron: That's only assuming you have what it takes to be able to pull it off, boy.

Dolan: Hmph, oh I can promise you I'm more than capable of pulling it off. And I always keep my promises.