Ballad VII: A Chance Encounter

DISCLAIMER

RWBY is property of RoosterTeeth and Monty Oum. JJBA is property of Hiroki Araki and David Productions. Please support the official release.

A/N: I didn't want to include the accents for Doppio or Risotto out of fear for people taking this story as a joke. Also because the accent isn't as "comedic" as it's made to be. It's literally just a huge stereotype and as an Italian, I fucking hate it. So sorry if you wanted those "Letza Go'a" jokes, but you're not getting them. At least, not from Doppio or Risotto.

Okay, sorry if I baited someone of you with the mystery person. The person you (probably) suspected will be introduced in due time. Hope you all are somewhat surprised/glad at the twist. Also for clarification: Risotto is almost 18 and Doppio is almost 16 after their reincarnation. Hope you enjoy this chapter....

[Amateur Gore Warning Near the End]

[3RD PERSON POV]

"And you are?" Risotto asked with a hint of venom.

The stalker was a young girl, roughly Risotto's own age. Her hair was a messy mop of short orange curled hair that ended just above her shoulders. Ok the back of the bird's nest, sat a pink bow, neatly and firmly tied in place as to mitigate her seemingly wild hair. Despite this, a cowlick was still present atop her hair, hinting at how untamable her hair truly was.

She had bright green eyes. For a moment, Risotto noted how similar the pools of green were in comparison with emeralds. This girl was truly blessed to have such fine eyes. With her pale skin, her various freckles continued to add to her "sweet and cheery" appearance.

As for clothing, she wore a simple old fashioned white blouse under a grey and green skirt with shoulder straps. Additionally, she wore a black collar with bright green accents. Finally, her black shoes and black laced thigh thighs seemed to merge together. For a moment, Risotto was baffled as to exactly where the shoes ended.

For a moment, the girl only tilted her head at Risotto, as if she was analyzing his every detail. While she did this, her hands were politely held behind her back. Suddenly, she sprung to life and excitement. With a cheery smile and exaggerated wave, she began introductions.

???: "Salutations, sir! I had no intention of frightening you. My name is Penny Polendina! Might I inquire about your own moniker?"

For a moment, Risotto was off put. There was something about the girl. Though she appeared to be normal, her manner of speech was anything but socially acceptable, for a girl her age that is. Still though, Risotto reasoned she had just been raised that way. Additionally, she seemed genuine and overly honest. It was as if she was incapable of talking in an offensive manner or slightly infuriated tone.

"Risotto. Now, why have you been following Doppio and I?" He inquired, subtly using his stand to scan the stalker.

For a split second, Risotto's heart nearly leapt from his chest. This girl had an astronomical amount of iron. Using his stand once more out of doubt, he was star stricken. It was as if the girl was made out of iron. It simply wasn't plausible for her to have so much. Before he could ponder this discovery further, the girl bluntly answered him.

Penny: "My Father sent me to Vale to gather data and to test my diagnostics systems! I found you and your compatriot to be quite the peculiar specimens. As such, I evaluated that it would be beneficial to gather additional information on the two of you, though I quickly calculated you were much more promising."

In earnest, Risotto was interested in the girl. Not only had she found the strength to tirelessly trail the two, but she seemed absolutely healthy despite the absurd amount of iron present. She was honest, almost dangerously so. More than that however, she seemed to not grasp the weight of her antics. Even now, with a clear view, Risotto found it impossible to accurately read her facial appearance.

For a second, he wondered if he should tell the girl off. In the same breath however, she had followed him vigorously. Telling her to leave now, would only prove fruitless. Mentally sighing, Risotto regained his stoic composure. He was no gentlemen, and so he could care less to act as one. If asking her to leave would not work, he supposed he could use the girl to keep Doppio preoccupied just a while longer....when he returned at least.

"I see. If you'll humor me, will you accompany me then?"

The girl Penny flushed in excitement. She had never been invited to 'hang out' with anyone her age, let alone a boy. Her father would be so proud of her. Then again, he was quite protective. From the various social programs installed, she also knew fathers tended to have negative or disillusioned beliefs about friends of the opposite sex. Speaking of which...

Penny: "You're inviting me to accompany you? Does this mean we're friends?" She curiously wondered, her anticipation seeping through her artificial skin.

Risotto felt his frozen heart drop. He would not consider the two friends. They had just met and one of the two, had been stalking the other. He strongly doubted he would ever call another a genuine friend. The only ones he had, were within the now deceased ranks of "La Squadra Esecuzi". As such, he opened his mouth to disprove her assumption.

"I would say so." He bluntly replied.

Immediately, he cupped a hand to cover his mouth. Unknown to him, he had sealed the end of his self induced solitude. After a day of having little to no mispronunciations, he had gotten far too comfortable and carefree with his "Mistralian". Who would have thought a simple slip of the tongue from neglecting to add a simple "n't" would cause such an embarrassment?

And that embarrassment was of course, Penny proceeding to tightly squeeze the life out of Risotto in a hug that would make an anaconda envious. Though he was much taller and seemingly heavier than her, the orange haired girl lifted him in the air with seemingly no issue. In her embrace, Risotto could barely hear her cheer of enthusiastic glee.

Penny: "Oh, this is just sensational! I have a friend! A male friend nonetheless!"

Suddenly being dropped to his feet, Risotto held his aching ribs. He hurt, everywhere. Cursing himself silently, he took several seconds to steady his breathing. Once done and certain that he quite possibly now had a broken rib or three, he stood up. Brushing himself off, he cleared his throat. For the first time in a literal decade, he was flustered.

His embarrassment was not helped by the fact passer byers cooed and giggled at his predicament. Occasionally, he would hear several phrases of words that threatened to paint his pale cheeks in a deep shade of crimson. The phrases being of course; "Awh, young love", "I can tell who the man of the relationship is", and "Honey, it's just like what we used to do''.

Speechless, Risotto froze in fear. His eyebrow twitched and it was apparent he was appalled by what transpired. Never in his life, this one and the last, had anyone ever dared to even touch the man. And yet, this young girl had done just that, with little to no concern either. Had they jot been in public, Risotto would have instantly littered the girls insides with Blades and nails. Shaking his head, his train of thought eventually returned to him.

"I'm sorry...What just happened?" He asked, still recovering from shock.

Penny: "My apologies! I've been told the act of embracing one another is a sign of friendship, I had no intention of causing you strife!" She apologetically exclaimed, her voice still ripe with excitement at finally having a 'friend'.

Rubbing his ribs one last time, just to make sure, Risotto sighed. Her and Doppio would get along absolutely wonderfully. Almost...too much. As quickly as it came, his appearance of bewilderment disappeared. His face was once again devoid of emotion, as if he was forcefully attempting to convince himself what just happened had never occurred.

"Then you've been told wrong. Doppio will meet us by the ice sculpture."

Penny: "Fantastic! I will inquire more on social protocols at a later date, let's be off!"

'You should have done more reading...' Risotto thought, his eyebrow threatening to twitch. 

With Penny practically glued to his side, Risotto eventually made his way to the promised ice sculptures. Thankfully, Doppio was already waiting at the rendezvous point. As Doppio began to wave at his boss's return, he tilted his head in confusion at the newcomer. Glancing back and forth between Risotto and Penny, he was utterly confused.

Doppio: "Boss? Who is thi-" He tried to say, only to be interrupted.

Risotto: "Doppio, this is Penny. Penny, this is Doppio."

Blinking in surprise while taking a lick of his strawberry ice cream, Doppio held a hand. Immediately, Penny shook the boy's hand, nearly causing him to drop his precious cone from the force. Pulling away, Doppio took one last sample of his dessert. Following this, he bore a cheeky smile.

Doppio: "Nice to meet ya, Penny! I'm a little surprised the boss didn't shoo you away."

Penny: "It is quite joyous to meet you too Doppio! And what could you possibly mean by that?"

Nervously chuckling, Doppio took a lick of courage. Choosing his words carefully, he attempted to explain Risotto's natural 'stay away' demeanor. From the corner of his eye, he could see Risotto mouthing the words 'I dare you' menacingly. Gulping, Doppio did his absolute best to save face.

Doppio: "W-well...The boss is a reserved guy. U-uhm...Yeah! P-people usually annoy him. No-no that there's a-anything wrong w-with it!" He stammered out.

Penny, nodding enthusiastically, agreed with the man. From her precious scans, she could tell Risotto could be classified as antisocial. He had a flare of intimidation and his natural psyche was clearly imposing. She had no trouble in deducing Risotto as the direct opposite of a people's person.

Penny: "Splendid, I'm glad that my hypothesis was correct! True, as distant he appears to be, and as malicious his appearance may be, he was generous to invite me along. And what about yourself Doppio? How would you classify yourself?"

Doppio: "M-me? I guess...I guess I would say I'm a-" He tried, only to be interrupted once more.

"He is an annoying and hyperactive little gremlin. He never shuts up and has no problems with conversing under any circumstance. With that being said, you too would get along just nicely."

In Risotto's defense, he couldn't help it. Noticeable only to himself, a slight smirk escaped his lips. Doppio meanwhile, showed a look of horror and slight hurt. Penny meanwhile, stared at Risotto in awe. To her surprise, her built in diagnostics perfectly matched his words. Apparently to her, this Risotto was an intelligent and vastly interesting boy indeed. Father would no doubt be proud of her findings.

Penny: "Tremendous! It seems my diagnostics are similar to what you've said, Risotto!"

"Great. Now, I hope you two enjoy yourselves. I'll be heading back to Beacon, my task is done." He said, turning and walking away with little worry or care.

Doppio: "B-boss?! W-hy are you l-leaving me?!"

Unfortunately for Doppio, the jester either ignored or had not noticed the cry for help. Submitting to his fate, he sighed as he halfheartedly glanced toward Penny. The girl in question was leaning directly towards Risotto's gradually disappearing silhouette; as if scanning the man thoroughly. Swallowing yet another taste of his cold dessert, Doppio decided to try and make small talk.

Doppio: "H-he's a little rude at times...but he's a great guy once you get to know him." He explained.

Breaking her gaze from Risotto's now unrecognizable figure, Penny turned her full attention toward Doppio. With a cheery smile, she politely nodded in agreement.

Penny: "Indeed. I believe the correct term is: 'Slow to warm'. Or perhaps 'Tsundere'."

Doppio: "Tsundere? No no...He genuinely hates everyone...mostly. I think the right term is actually: 'Asshole'. But that's fine! That's just the Risotto I know and love!"

Penny for a brief moment, twitched in slight agitation. To Doppio, he thought she had taken offense to what he said, truthful as it was. In reality, Penny's system had only added to Risotto's "dossier", listing Doppio and Risotto as a potential homosexual couple.

Penny: "Oh? Are you two..an item?" She asked quizzically.

Doppio: "No no no...He and I...that would never work. Besides, I-I would never think o-of going that route with my b-boss!" He said, denying her assumption. 

It was true after all. Doppio was a soft hearted boy, but he had felt a relationship with Risotto would be incestuous. When Diavolo split, Doppio filled his role with Risotto. As such, he now saw Risotto as a mix of an older brother or father figure. Albeit, Risotto being much harsher than Diavolo ever was.

Penny: "It is quite splendid to hear that! Relationships between coworkers statistically always go array!" She said, in a matter of factly tone.

Immediately afterwards, Penny twitched once more. Her system had removed Doppio and Risotto from the "potentially together" status. Following this, she swiftly took a seat near Doppio, her hands in her lap.

Doppio: "I-I See. So Penny, what are you going to now?"

Penny: "For now, I will converse with you until father's curfew comes to pass. Is that alright with you?" She politely asked.

Doppio: "Y-yeah of course! It gets a little boring trying to talk with the boss or Ozpin. It's nice to actually get to talk with someone else!" He replied.

Penny: "Splendid! Protocol dictates we must get to know each other. Would you like to start, or should I?"

Doppio: "I can! Uhm, my name is Vinegar Doppio. I am almost sixteen. I'll be attending Beacon with Risotto in a few weeks. We enrolled late and come from Mistral. I...well, this is a little embarrassing but I really love animals. Insects mainly. They're just so cute and tiny, I actually have a cage full of grasshoppers and a separate one full of ladybugs and caterpillars. I try to feed them three times a day and just can't help but rescue any of those cute little critters when I see them. Oh and I also...."

Penny listened with genuine interest at his words. Though she was an AI, she felt content and satisfied with her two new found friends. Doppio was an outgoing and cheery boy, while Risotto was the polar opposite. She internally felt proud of herself for acquiring two vastly different companions. Eventually, it was her turn to trade basic information. For the next several hours, the two would wander the mall together, talking, laughing, and trading information about Vale or Mantle, Penny's home kingdom.

Risotto meanwhile, was several blocks away from the mall. He had given Doppio enough Lien for ice cream and an additional meal or two if the need should arise. With his hands in his pockets, he methodically made his way toward a previously spotted weapon shop. Once entering, he quickly made his way toward a display shelf.

He had no desire to purchase a new weapon, nor had he any interest in window shopping for one either. He was content with his heirloom knife. Additionally, he had no practical use for a weapon anyway. He had no knowledge of using swords, spears, maces, etc. Only knives or firearms. His stand had always been more than capable of dispatching any threats, and he doubted that would ever change.

No, instead he merely wanted to browse. He wanted to gaze at the items for inspiration. Either on methods to combat a particular fighting style, or use it as an integration to further advance his soul's inherent ability. From scythes, morning stars, to chained sickles, he found the store's selection acceptable. Acceptable as it was however, he was throughout disappointed. Crossing an arm and placing a hand on his chin, he sank deep into thought.

He had believed this would be a grand idea. As it turned out, it was pretty much a waste of time. Simply browsing at motionless and docile weaponry would not grant him a sudden epiphany. After all, it was not the weapon of the potential targets that would cause trouble...it was their wielders. Contemplating to himself for a moment, he wondered if Ozpin had footage of any of the so called "huntsmen '' combatants. If so, then terrific. If not, Risotto would need to settle for observing elsewhere.

Before he could ponder any further, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. This was just enough to snap him out of his trance. Turning his head, chin still atop his lazily closed fist, he was greeted by empty space. Slightly confused, he wrote the disturbance down as a trick of the mind, allowing him to return his attention to his previous thoughts.

Unfortunately, this second attempt was cut 'short' almost immediately. He felt yet another tap on the shoulder and this time, he had been convinced it was not a single slip of the mind. Turning his body around, he realized why he had missed the sight at first. Looking down, he was greeted by a rather vertically challenged female. With his above average height, he towered over the already small girl and in fact, she had barely reached his chest.

"Yes?" He spoke monotonously.

His eyes took in her rather interesting image fully. Half of the girl's hair was pink, the other half being brown. Additionally, the pink segment had streaks of white. Her eyes, surprisingly, held the same colors. A pool of chocolate esqeu hue and the other orb being a pastel pink. Her eyeliner and mascara however, were a light green.

Her outfit bore the same color pallet as her hair. She wore a white long brimmed coattail that ended just below her chest over a seemingly black corset that exposed her hips. She also adorned dark brown trousers that generously hugged her legs. Finally, aside from the various beaded necklaces, she wore white knee high boots. If it had not been for the heels, she would have definitely been below his chest.

Most of all however, she held a blade with a gloved hand to Risotto's throat. This obviously puzzled him. With a face that screamed "Who the hell do you think you are", he met eyes with her. As a response, the girl only nudged her head behind her.

Obviously, Risotto had no trouble with looking past her. Several customers held their hands behind their heads, all of which were either on their stomachs or on their knees. Scanning the room, Risotto spotted a handful of men wearing matching suits.

Black undershirts, black jackets, red sunglasses, and red machetes. It was now close to Risotto that the weapon shop was in fact...being robbed. He could only sigh in annoyance. Before he could refuse to play by the criminals rules, another man came into view.

???: "Well well well...Looks like someone hasn't gotten the memo." The man said.

Risotto turned his attention toward the voice. He wore a similar outfit to the girl who held the weapon against his neck. A large white overcoat, black oversized gloves, a pair of rather dapper trousers, and the traditional bowler's hat, though his cap held a feather in the brim. Additionally, the man held a simple and elegant cane in hand.

He had black eyeliner and an orange fringe that covered his right eye. His face reeked of arrogance. The Cuban cigar within his lips, did little to offer any redeeming qualities of his smug attitude. Unimpressed and thoroughly annoyed, Risotto asked the age old question, his accent still present and noticeable.

"And you are?" He asked for the second time that day.

Immediately, the man deadpanned. His own visible eyebrow twitched in slight annoyance. Blinking in disbelief, the man pondered if the goth clown was pulling his leg.

???: "Y-you're joking...right?"

"Do I look like a man who makes any jokes?" Risotto replied, his voice dripping with 'I don't care'

???: "Well...The outfit says you do. The face? Yeah...Not so much, really." He said, gesturing to Risotto's jester aesthetic themed outfit.

"I still dont know who you are in the slightest."

???: "I-I'm...I'm Roman fucking Torchwick." The crime lord said, still doubting Risotto hadn't heard of him.

Taking a moment to mockingly think, Risotto shrugged his shoulders.

"Sorry, doesn't ring a bell." He bluntly stated.

His eye wide in shock, Risotto fumbled with his cigar. There was no way in Oum this guy had never heard of the infamous man.

'Roman': "Most wanted man in Atlas?"

"Nope."

'Roman': "Crime Lord of Vale?" He said, his voice quivering slightly.

"Not in the slightest."

'Roman': "The number one dust robber?"

"Frankly, I hardly even know what dust is, let alone you." Risotto half lied.

'Roman': "Roman, the gentleman thief?"

"Now I just feel like you're stealing names, rather than dust." He stoically rebutted.

'Roman': "You've...seriously never heard of me?" He asked, his pride slightly wounded.

"On the brightside, I have now."

'Roman': "Well...True...true...hey wait a minute, what about...'Roman: The Mob Boss', eh?"

Glancing to the shorter girl, Risotto diverted the conversation and attention. There was no conceivable way this man was a mob boss. Risotto doubted the man even knew what a 'capo' was.

"Is he really a mob boss?" He asked, her blade still at his throat.

In response, she slowly shook her head 'no'. By the fixture of her facial expression, Risotto could tell she was slightly embarrassed at the other man's antics. Risotto internally felt a slight amount of pity, he had been forced to work under many insufferable men previously. As such, he could sympathize.

'Roman': "N-neo! How dare you! I AM a mafia boss! Or at least...I will be...eventually...". He said, his voice trailing off midway.

"I highly doubt that." Risotto said, further wounding Roman's pride.

'Roman': "Oh shut it you emo circus performer! Just get on your knees already! I would make an excellent mob boss!"

Fighting back the urge to make a gay joke in loving memory for his beloved Gelato and Sorbet, Risotto refused to kneel.

"I refuse and I also doubt that as well."

Now irritated, Roman took several strides toward the man. How dare this hot topic Ronald McDonald insult him like this!? In the middle of a robbery nonetheless!

'Roman': "And what makes you so sure of that, huh?" He said, taking a furious puff of his cigar.

"Firstly 'Roman', you hadn't even noticed that." He said, pointing a finger behind the man.

'Roman': "Notice what? What could I possibly... Oh... oh dear... that's pretty bad...why that's not good at all..." His voice trailed after noticing the horror of what transpired.

[START OF GORE]]

The five goons were covered in a mixture of thick red and yellow liquid. On the store's floor, several pools of the same red and sickly yellow fluid were seen. One of the goons vigorously began scratching at his throat, as if he had an insatiable irritation present. After a brief moment, a pair of scissors formed underneath his now paled skin. Immediately after becoming noticeable, the blades effortlessly separated, mutilating the man's throat from the inside out. As response, he began to spew a violent volley of yellow tainted blood. Within just a few seconds of him kicking in pain with horror, the first man collapsed motionless. He was of course, deceased.

Simultaneously, another goon began vomiting waves of what appeared to be razor blades. He too, gripped his throat in pain. In the end however, his struggles were in vain. He too, soon collapsed after life escaped his body.

The third goon however, was already long dead. His motionless body leaned carelessly against a shelf. Various circular exit holes littered his torso, arms, legs, and skull. In some of the holes, metallic therapy balls were seen slowly seeping out, falling with a dull thud. Near his feet, a sizable pile of the aforementioned balls were spotted, all covered in his own body fluids.

The fourth goon, writhed in agony on the floor. His back arched, forming a inverted 'U' shape. After a brief moment, his chest burst, revealing a set of solid iron fan blades. His blood too, now had a visible hint of yellow.

The final thug however, was unharmed appearance wise. On the surface he looked undamaged and uninjured, his contorted and blue face aside of course. Unbeknownst to the man, he was suffocating despite being able to draw breath. His body had already been deprived of every last drop of iron. After just a few moments, he too collapsed. 

[END OF GORE]

With no further movements from the five bodies, Roman's face paled before quickly turning a shade of green. Swallowing several times and fighting back the urge to gag, the crinelord returned his gaze back to Risotto.

Neo however, silently gasped in awe at the sight. Just like Roman, she returned her own eyes toward the abyssal jester. Wiping a bead of drool with her free hand, her eyes seemed to glitter in amazement.

'Roman': "I...Did you do that?" He asked Risotto, his voice drenched in fear.

Raising his hands defensively, Risotto played the defense.

"Me? You're being ridiculous. She had her weapon at my throat the entire time." He said, gesturing to the ice cream themed girl.

From the corner of his eye, Risotto saw the girl in question glance at him with what he guessed as admiration. 'What a psychopath...' he thought to himself, his face fighting back the urge to show any sense of discomfort.

Roman: "I'm heavily inclined to not believe that...Well. This job was a bust. If we were to ahem...leave right now, would you uhm...come after us?" He asked, attempting to hide the slight fear in his voice.

Risotto shrugged. He cared little in the end. Sure, he knew who Roman truly was from the start, and knew the man had a extravagant price on his head, but Risotto felt one too many events had transpired today. He would collect the bounty some other day. He was admittedly a bit more tired than normal and had no desire to cause himself overexertion.

While Risotto knew exactly who the man was, the woman escaped him. He had seen numerous headlines and dossiers over the crime lord, but had never seen a single mention on the pink and brown themed girl. Had she been a secret hench-woman? Or had she been a recent addition to Roman's ranks? These were thoughts for another day as Risotto felt himself caring less by each passing second.

"Not really. I just wanted to window shop and be on my way home, and that is still my plan."

Roman: "O-okay...Well then...Hopefully we don't run in next time I decide to go stealing. Uh, Neo? If you would? Please? Like, right now?"

After saying this, the blade was quickly removed from being in Risotto's vicinity. As her weapon was sheathed, Risotto felt a petite hand brush against his side. The short woman then gave the jester a head tilt with an admittedly flirtatious wink. Following this, the girl made her way toward Roman. After just a brief moment, the man tipped his hat to Risotto, most likely in slight fear. Neo however, extended pinky and thumb, bringing it to her ear. She then mouthed the words: "call me" before the duo suddenly shattered like glass.

As a response, Risotto sighed. He knew police would be called soon and as such, he wasted no effort or time in leaving the shop. Just for one day in Remnant, he wished for a normal day. Throwing his hands into his pockets, he felt a subtle scraping like texture against his left hand. Curiously, he grabbed whatever it was that caused the strange sensation.

Immediately, he brought the strange object to his eyes. The item had been a slip of torn paper containing a message. Slightly interested, he read the contents aloud.

"...'#-(###)-###-####'....That was a neat semblance of yours. Now don't be a stranger, Neo Politan....'winky face'?" He said, cocking his head in confusion.

Just when had this paper gotten into his pockets? Most of all however, when had the girl found the time to even write it? For several seconds, he simply gazed at the parchment in bewilderment, unsure and unwilling to understand the implications.

[End of Chapter]

A/N TIME

TIS I, LORD KIWI!

Let me know what ya thought :)

Good? Bad? Little bit of both?

The next few chapters will include more time skips/slightly quicker pace just so we can actually get to the most and potatoes of this story. After I get to the time I want, I'll slow it back down. Hope you understand.

Anyways, without a further ado...

[♤~Arrivederci, My Fellow Plague Doctors~♧]

[♡~"...You are already complete..."~◇]