Clark had already checked their surroundings. Anyone else in the area was too far away to randomly wander in on them. He and Penny had needed to go pretty deep into the Emerald Forest to avoid other people.

Not that anyone would have thought it was weird that the two of them sparring here. Plenty of others in the forest were doing the same, but Clark didn't want questions popping up. Especially if he was going to use his other abilities. He wasn't planning to, but some privacy would be nice, just in case.

"Ready?" He asked, readying a stance. Arms up with his elbows close to his chest.

"Ready." Penny answered. She went into a stance of her own.

They were ten feet apart, and she was the first to make a move. She dashed forward, faster than any normal human.

Not that she was human.

Clark reined in his instinctive response to adjust to a higher speed. He wouldn't be using his incredible speed advantage in this fight, that would make it pointless.

She jabbed at him with her fist.

Clark blocked it by bringing up his forearm. Her attack had been a probe, she hadn't put any real power in it.

Her following moves were the same. She was slippery, she jabbed at him and quickly brought her arm back to defend herself.

Clark punched back. She defended, but skidded away from the force of the blow. He held back instead of trying to capitalize further on the punch.

"I have to say." She began after regaining her balance. "It's a novel experience, fighting without my swords."

"And I have to keep stopping myself from speeding up." He responded with a smile. "Neither of us are fighting how we normally would."

"Then I hope this is a very educational experience for you. It's very awkward." She had a small frown as she said it.

It was awkward for Clark too, but they were fighting this way so he could train for the phantom. If he wanted, he could watch bullets crawl through the air like blueberries sinking in molasses. Penny was fast, but she couldn't move even close to those speeds. No huntsman could.

Right now, he was keeping at a speed suitable for most huntsmen, which was actually a bit slower than Penny.

Would doing something that felt so unnatural help train him against the phantom? Maybe. At the very least, training like this seemed to be a better alternative than not training at all.

Clark leapt forward, and she dodged to the right. Then, a kick came up from below.

He barely side-stepped it, and that distraction let Penny get a punch in on him.

He didn't try to weather the blow, relaxing his torso and legs instead. He was pushed back a couple feet.

Penny had some serious physical strength, definitely beyond any human, but even she couldn't really hurt Clark.

He still did his best to avoid or block them. He might shrug off her blows, but he wouldn't be able to do the same against the phantom's strength. He also needed to learn to roll with the punches when dodging or blocking wasn't an option.

That was one of the reasons why Penny was a better choice than either Qrow or Ms. Goodwitch to spar with him. Her blows actually felt like they had weight behind them. Of course, Ms. Goodwitch could always telekinetically launch trees or boulders at Clark, but that wasn't a very good analog to a fight against the phantom.

Clark hopped backwards, and Penny surged towards him. When he stopped, she swiped at his head. He ducked under her attack.

He saw an opening, which her other arm wouldn't be able to block him in time. He launched his fist upwards.

It had been a feint. Her leg came up and blocked his attack, but he'd put enough power into it that she was launched up about seven feet in the air. It would have been even higher if she'd been as light as a human.

She flipped, and landed just in time for Clark to slam into her with his shoulder.

She was thrust through the air and crashed into a tree with a loud - distinctly metallic -thud. A few leaves fluttered down near her head, and she easily recovered and stood back up.

"Impressive hit. My aura's been depleted." Penny said. Her fists were raised, she was still ready to fight.

That was reason number two for why she was a good sparring partner for Clark, she was sturdy even without aura. He didn't have to worry about hurting her in the same way he would with anyone else.

Clark and Penny continued sparring. Even if it wasn't her specialty, she was more experienced in hand-to-hand than Clark was. If he'd possessed aura, she would have won by reducing his first.

Of course, he purposefully didn't dodge all her attacks, sometimes letting a metal fist or leg bang against his chest or arms. He didn't brace for those, so they'd push him back.

They didn't speak much as time passed. Maybe a comment here or a suggestion there, while Clark kept an ear out for anyone who might stumble in on them. With his hearing focused elsewhere, he also learned not to rely on dodging by hearing Penny's limbs swing through the air.

In most fights, Clark could easily dodge by listening for something sail through the air, whether it was a weapon or someone's fist.

That was another of the many ways why fighting the phantom was different for Clark. They both moved faster than sound, so trying to pinpoint him with his footsteps or a rush of air was hopeless.

They traded a few more blows as time passed, and Clark made sure to fix his mistakes. Earlier, he'd been too focused on Penny's kick to dodge her follow-up. Now, he kept his eyes on her.

Also, while she was the best person to train him to go slack at a strong hit, that didn't mean he let her just pummel him. He worked on blocking her too, and despite her edge in experience, he was able to dig a solid elbow in her stomach. Which kind of made up for the hits she landed that he hadn't meant to.

A deep clang echoed from her. Luckily, he hadn't dented her. When she recovered, she took the blow in stride.

An hour later, they took a break. They didn't look that much different from the start of their match; the only changes were some grass and dirt on them. Neither showed any sweat, flushed faces, or any real signs of exertion.

That would have been suspicious to someone who didn't know that neither were human. The fact that it was the norm for them was a lot more comfortable for Clark, he was used to making excuses about why he seemed as fresh as a daisy after gym classes.

Not that he really needed to here, since several people knew his secret. It was different though, being with someone who was equally unaffected by physical activity. Who didn't find Clark's stamina the least bit strange.

He leaned back against a tree, while Penny was happy to stand a few feet nearby.

"Are you okay?" asked Clark. Penny's body didn't make constant sounds like breathing or a heartbeat, but each step echoed throughout her metal body. The reverberations didn't sound like they had when she'd first come to meet him. He would have checked that she was okay with X-ray vision, but he didn't want to be rude. He had no idea what notions of privacy Penny had.

"I'm fine." She said. "Although I'm a bit shaken up. You hit rather hard."

"Sorry."

"Don't be!" Penny gave him an excited, beaming smile. "You're planning to confront someone just as strong as you. You can't afford to hold back."

"I'm still concerned, even if you're made of metal." Clark scanned her surface in case there were any dents he'd missed.

"Don't be, I can easily go in for repairs."

He raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't exactly make me feel better."

"It's okay Clark, I was aware of what might happen when I agreed to spar with you. I'd be happy to do so again."

"Thanks, but you don't have to."

"Well, I am reconsidering my damages." She announced, looking down at her arm. "Perhaps I truly do have a few screws loose if I'm asking you to hit me again."

That . . . was an interesting choice of words. Penny's eyes were as bright and clear as before. Did she realize what she'd just said?

"Was that a bad joke?" she asked innocently.

Clark blinked a couple times in surprise. "Um, no, not at all. Just didn't expect it from you."

"Was it funny?" Her eyes zeroed in on him, eager for his answer.

"Yeah." It was hard not to encourage her when she looked so expectant. It hadn't been unfunny.

"Yes!" Penny hopped in joy.

"So, you tell jokes. When did that start?"

"A week or so ago. I've had several consultants who've helped me with recognizing and mimicking social cues and behaviors. I learned the joke from one of them a few days ago, and I thought it seemed perfect for me. Although there aren't many who can truly appreciate it, since only a few know about what I am."

"Yeah, I guess so. You used it really well too, good job."

"Thanks. I've practiced multiple variations of it with the general and friends."

"And you won't have to anymore." He said quickly. He had a feeling that she'd go on for a while with 'screws loose' jokes if he let her.

"That's what the general and Ruby said." She said with a thoughtful tone. "Although it took four modified jokes to satisfy their standards. I've made a lot of progress!"

Clark just nodded encouragingly.

"By the way, Clark, how do you plan on watching the tournament? Televised or from the stands?"

"I promised a few friends that I'd be in the stands for their fights." He said, referring to team CFVY. "Why?"

"I was hoping to offer you this." She offered a gold-colored plastic card to him.

On it were the words. Vytal Festival Tournament. Daily Pass: Reserved Seat D-4

Clark's eyes widened. "Oh, thanks. How much did this cost?"

"I don't know. The general gave it to me after I asked, and it's a front row seat." She thought for a moment. "Although I suppose with your vision that doesn't matter to you."

"It does matter." He promised, grateful for the gesture. "Are you sure you want to offer it to me? Someone else would probably appreciate a lot more."

"I want you to have it." She said. "You're by no means obligated to, but I'd be happy if you were there to watch me fight."

"Well, then I'd be happy to." He accepted it. "Thank you."

She smiled. "It's nothing compared to the help you've given me."

"Help?"

"Your suggestions that I seek professionals to learn how to properly socialize. Hanging out with me and teaching me how to act more human." Penny explained. Then, she frowned slightly. "I just realized, I haven't properly thanked you for that."

He shook his head. "You don't have to thank me for being a friend."

"Nonetheless, I will. Thank you." She said.

Clark tried not to get embarrassed by her heartfelt words.

\\

Qrow: I hate this.

Ironwood: This is necessary.

Qrow: I know, doesn't make me hate it less.

Glynda: Qrow, please.

Those words were enough to make Qrow sigh and stop complaining. Although he immediately took his fingers off the keys and wiggled them in full view of the deputy headmistress to show he'd stopped.

Ozpin had called them to meet in his office, rather than the room on Ironwood's ship that had served them previously. Lead surrounded them, hidden in the walls, and three of them used their scrolls to communicate without a sound. Ozpin used his computer.

It had been a chaotic system at first. Thankfully, some order had been restored when they'd implemented the rule that they'd wait if someone else was typing. Which the discussion board notified them about. Even so, it still wasn't ideal.

They could ask Clark whether the phantom was close, but it was risky to depend on him to always be on the lookout for his doppelganger. In addition, they couldn't constantly consult him on whether his double was eavesdropping or not.

Ozpin: We need to come to a decision. I'd prefer that we do it tonight rather than bicker. One by one, everyone state your position.

Qrow: Okay, I say we tell him.

Ironwood: I say no, we can't trust him.

Glynda: Clark seems trustworthy to me, but it's too soon to inform him of Salem and the Relics.

Ozpin: I believe we can trust Clark, and that the benefits of telling him outweigh the harm. Now, does anyone wish to dispute that point?

Ironwood: I do. Kent is an alien. You all seem to have difficulty remembering that. He looks and acts like a human, but that doesn't mean he thinks the same way. We can't trust him.

Qrow: Says the guy who's spent, at most, a few hours with him over the past few months. You don't know him.

Ozpin: We are not arguing over Clark's thought processes. At a certain point, that line of questioning can be applied to anyone. Even us. So far, he has acted consistently with what he's stated to be his motives, and for the moment, we'll assume that he's spoken truly.

The general scowled.

Ironwood: That's foolish. Even if he was telling the truth, he could still be withholding information. Like he did with his full capabilities.

Qrow: Hey, I don't agree with his reasons for doing that either, but I accepted them. He's in a totally new world, and we'd just outed him about his powers. Your death glare when he showed off just a few of them probably didn't encourage him to share the rest.

Glynda: I don't blame him either. He's spent his whole life hiding his abilities. Such habits aren't easy to break.

Ozpin: Agreed. The matter of him concealing his powers is already settled. Instead, I wish to point out that he's done well keeping silent about them and the information he gleaned about the maidens and Salem.

Ironwood: That doesn't mean we can trust him with more.

Glynda: I agree. He may have overheard you mention Salem and the maidens, but he doesn't know their full importance.

Qrow: Yeah, but there's someone just as strong as Clark who probably does. Or at least enough to help Cinder with whatever she wants.

Qrow: So far they've been quiet, but what if Clark's double attacks and paves the way for the Relics? We've got Beacon covered right now, but the other academies? If Cinder gets access to the other maidens, we're screwed. He could look through the walls to find the vaults and smash his way to them.

Ironwood: Yes, we know he can barrel through our defenses. What's your point?

Qrow: That there's really only one defense that can stand up to him. Clark. And he'll need to know what he's defending to do it right.

Ironwood: Informing Kent isn't a prerequisite to receiving his help.

Glynda: No. We are not going to make him fight for us without informing him.

Qrow: Yeah, he's not one of your mindless Atlas drones you prick.

Ironwood typed a few choice words before he was interrupted.

Ozpin: Enough.

Ozpin: We are not going to proceed by insulting each other. Keep that in mind. Do we all agree that Clark's aid is necessary against his doppelganger?

They all recognized that it was. Although Ironwood's expression soured when admitting it.

Ozpin: Good. Then what is not negotiable is that he will need to know what he's fighting for, and what our enemies are after so he can properly combat them. It's likely only a matter of time before they take further action. Therefore, we must eventually tell Clark of Salem and the Relics. It has become a matter of when, not if.

Glynda: Sir, I agree. But it's still too soon.

Ironwood: It is. We may need to tell him at some point, but that doesn't mean we need to tell him now.

Qrow: He can be trusted.

Ozpin: Qrow, you are rather close to Clark. Try not to let your judgement be clouded by that.

Qrow: It's not. He has a good heart, Oz. My judgement's spot-on there.

Ozpin: Perhaps, but one needs more than good intentions to be trusted with our knowledge. I believe we can inform him because the risks are far outweighed by the rewards. Clark has incredible potential as a scout. Even miles away from Salem's tower, he could see inside and hear their conversations. In addition, his speed allows him to make quick forays into and out of the Grimmlands, and rapid communication of his findings.

Qrow: If it means I won't have to fly in as a bird with Grimm chasing after me, I like it.

Ironwood: What if they take counter-measures against his senses similar to ours? Those benefits become moot.

Ozpin: I don't find it likely that Clark's double informed Cinder of all his capabilities. We can certainly assume he's not as altruistic as Clark, who informed us of his superhuman senses and how we might protect ourselves from them. The double would likely wish to maintain his ability to spy on his new allies, and he has no motivation to tell his allies how to block his and Clark's vision. Since we have no hint of where to have him look.

Ironwood: It's tenuous to base Kent's prospects as a scout on such an assumption.

Glynda: Those aren't the only ways his senses can be used. It's unlikely that our enemies can bring enough lead with them everywhere. Clark's vision could be immensely helpful then. His hearing is also incredible, he tells me that he is able to recognize someone by how their heartbeat or breathing resounds through their body. If he's focused, he could hear if a previously encountered enemy spoke a word within miles of him. His senses make him more than just an adept scout.

Ozpin: Yes, Clark could be an enormous boon to us. However, there is still the risk that he may reveal our secrets. That's what concerns you both the most, isn't it? Ms. Goodwitch? James?

Glynda: Yes.

Ironwood: Yes.

Ozpin: I see. Normally, we could rely on discounting someone who made mention of the Relics, Salem, or the maidens as a lunatic. However, Clark could easily find evidence of them with his capabilities and expose us. Fortunately, there is another way of preventing him from revealing them.

Ozpin: Clark wishes to keep his nature as an alien a secret. He fears being hounded and captured by our world's governments, and rightly so. If he shows any signs of propagating sensitive knowledge, we will make him know that we can expose his nature in turn.

Qrow's hands tightened on his scroll. Then, he typed.

Qrow: So you're saying we're gonna hold his secret over his head so we can keep ours?

Ozpin: Only if necessary, and I don't think it will be. Clark has already been very cooperative.

Ironwood: I don't have much confidence in this fallback, would it even matter to him that we show the world that he's an alien?

Qrow: Yeah, it would. He's made friends in Beacon, and even your robot girl. They matter to him, and he doesn't want them to freak out or be separated from them.

Ozpin: Yes. Trust me James, his fondness for them is genuine.

Ironwood: We don't know enough about Kent to assume that.

Qrow: We know enough. Not his fault you're the one who hasn't tried to learn.

Glynda: James, he's not exactly wrong. It would do some good to speak with him and form a proper opinion.

Qrow: Yeah, you were even less glarey with him after he caught Cinder for us at the CCT.

Ironwood: I was grateful for his help, that was all.

Ozpin cleared his throat to get their attention. It was a bit jarring after the long silence.

Ozpin: I believe we should come to a decision now. When do we all think is the best time to inform Clark? I personally think it would be wise to do so as soon as possible.

Qrow: I'm all for telling him right now.

Glynda: I would usually request at least a few more weeks, but I suppose I don't have that luxury.

Ironwood: Perhaps two weeks.

Everyone's eyes turned to the general by the seemingly sudden change in opinion. His expression was unreadable. Set and smooth but hiding unknown thoughts under the surface.

Ironwood: The majority has already decided to inform him, and I'll likely be overruled. I still don't trust him, but certain points about his usefulness are valid. The situation is dire. The Fall Maiden's powers have been stolen and my soldiers will have to return to Atlas eventually.

Ozpin: Then there's likely one decision that will please everyone. We tell Clark after the Vytal Festival, when security will be at its most lax and the school at its most vulnerable.

Ironwood: That's barely more than a week. It's too soon.

Glynda: Clark has only been with us for four months sir, I must agree with the general.

Ozpin: I understand, but consider this. The enemy already has the Fall Maiden, and someone with flight in addition to Clark's abilities. Even before the latter joined their side, they plotted to unleash Grimm in the center of Vale. They succeeded, even if we managed to push them back.

Ozpin: At the moment, our added security and Clark's presence seem to ward off any attempts to retrieve the Relic of Knowledge. It's a precarious balance that will inevitably tip. They will have no better opportunity than when James' soldiers leave, and Beacon is in its break before the next year. Clark will be indispensable then, much more so if he's told what our enemies are searching for.

For over two minutes, no one typed. Ms. Goodwitch and Ironwood pondered Ozpin's words and came to their decisions.

Glynda: Understood. I support Clark being told of Salem and the Relics after the Vytal Festival.

Ironwood: I still don't fully approve, but I'll agree.

Ozpin: Thank you. Clark will be informed on the last day of the festival so can properly prepare to defend the Relic.

\\

"I still can't believe it, I thought you'd forgotten." Clark said. Hoped. He'd hoped she'd forgotten.

"Nope." Coco announced. "I was just saving it, and what better than just before the Vytal Festival begins? We need our motivation after all."

She pulled Velvet to her side. Although the faunus could easily speak to him in normal situations, right now, she couldn't even look Clark in the eyes. She stared at a corner of team CFVY's dorm room and fidgeted nervously.

He didn't blame her, he was more than a little embarrassed in this situation too.

"You promised Clark," said Coco. She gave a joking smile. "Strip." For a second, the smile dropped, and she turned serious. "Unless you're actually uncomfortable with this. Then don't. Sexual harassment's not cool."

Honestly, the idea was completely alien to Clark.

Okay, bad pun. He thought. Still, neither girl looked at him with even a hint of hunger or lust. Velvet wasn't even looking, and Coco was just treating it like harmless fun. Even if she hadn't already asked several times if he was okay with it, he wouldn't have felt a hint of suspicion at darker motives.

Clark shrugged off his jacket first. Then, he took off his blue shirt, exposing his toned chest and abs. His movements casual and not in any way suggestive. He removed his shoes, and finally, his pants.

"Aww, gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed that you're wearing shorts." Coco said with a fake pout. "Wouldn't you say so too Velvet?"

Velvet slowly turned her head to take a peek, then quickly averted her eyes. "I-I think it's fine."

Although Clark had first joked that he would strip down to his underwear, he wasn't willing to actually go that far. He stood with only a pair of black shorts that didn't even reach all the way down his thighs.

It wasn't really that different from swim trunks. At least, that's what he told himself.

"You can look Velvet, I don't mind." He said. Trying to sound reassuring.

"Yeah, you won't get the chance often." Coco said. "Now, let's check him for faunus parts like we said."

She walked around him, leading Velvet along. A few times, she asked Velvet whether she thought Clark might have an animal part. Making the faunus look to say she didn't see anything.

Once they walked around him, Coco gave him a final casual once-over. "That's enough. I'm not gonna be a creep, but not bad, farmboy." She turned to Velvet. "Don't you think so too?"

Velvet ignored her, and with a deep red face, picked up Clark's shirt and pushed it into his hands. "Just, please, put your clothes back on."

Coco gave an overdone gasp. "That's so mean! Sorry Clark, I guess she didn't think you looked good shirtless."

Velvet glared back at her teammate. Yet Coco didn't seem the least bit fazed.

"Hey, what if we returned the favor?" The leader teased. "I'm pretty sure Velvet would like to show you what she's got, and I wouldn't mind. Should we?"

"Wh-No!" Clark spluttered out.

"Why? Are we not pretty enough?"

"That's not-" He shook his head. "You really do have no shame, you know."

Coco chuckled. "Hey, it's funny. Although you recover a lot quicker than Velvet does."

The faunus crossed her arms. "That's cause you always find a new way to tease me before one gets old."

"Yeah, it's great. Anyway, I'm gonna let the guys in." Coco walked over to the door where a pair of young men waited on the other side. "We're done! It's all safe now."

Fox burst in and ran to Clark. "Clark! It's okay. We're here now. If the bad lady with the sunglasses touched you inappropriately, make sure to call this number." With a straight face, he slipped a piece of paper scrawled with writing.

Yatsuhashi was next, and he placed a hand on Clark's shoulder. "It's not your fault if she forced herself on you."

"Whoa whoa." Coco said. "You know I didn't do anything. Besides, Velvet was here too. Why am I the only one being accused?"

"You think our sweet, innocent Velvet would be capable of such a thing?" asked Yatsuhashi. "How could you even suggest that? You must be more twisted than I even imagined."

"You . . ." For a brief moment, Coco's eyebrows furrowed. Then, she relaxed and gave a deadpan response. "Ha ha. You two think you're so funny."

"Funny? This is a serious, traumatic experience he's gone through." Fox put on his hand Clark's shoulder, the other still occupied by Yatsuhashi.

The two on either side of Clark managed to hold their faces for a few moments longer. Then, they burst into laughter.

"I love you guys." Velvet said, giggling with them.

"Oh please, they totally lost it at the end." Coco dismissed their efforts with a wave of her hand.

"I think it was a good attempt at trying to give you a taste of your own medicine." Clark argued. "And I really appreciate the solidarity. Thanks guys."

"No problem." Fox lifted his hand. "Anyway, can we start movie night now? Or do you need privacy for more stripping sessions?"

Velvet's eyes widened and she looked away. While Clark cleared his throat nervously.

Coco didn't even blink. "Nah. Everything's all set up with the TV. One of you should probably get the snacks out of one of the cabinets."

Yatsuhashi was the one who volunteered to search their disorganized room. Clark would have needed to use X-ray vision to find anything, but somehow, the taller man soon returned with a sizeable bowl of popcorn and some chocolate bars.

"Awesome, let's get this show on the road." Fox took one of the sweets and turned off the lights.

Clark and Yatsuhashi sat on the floor with cushions while Fox laid back in a beanbag chair. Coco and Velvet were on their beds. The five of them arranged themselves around the small coffee table that the popcorn rested on.

"You know, I just realized, I never asked what kind of movie you guys had planned." Clark said. Team CFVY had a movie night every month, although he had been too busy as the Dart to join in beforehand.

"It's a Spruce Willis action flick." Coco said. She was about to start it with her remote.

"Spruce Willis?"

"Yeah. What, you don't like him?"

Clark shook his head. "No, it's fine." The similarity of the name to an actor on Earth had just struck him as a bit odd.

The title of the movie was Another Day. The options screen cycled through brief scenes from the movie. Clark saw a gun fight and a city skyline before Coco hit play.

It wasn't bad. It wouldn't win an Oscar, or whatever movie awards Remnant had, but it was exciting and entertaining. After investigating leads, which mostly ended up with the main character either chasing or fighting people, he made his way to the main villain's base. A tropical island.

Then, he would have to fight his way through a small army on that island to make his way to the villain. Of course, first he and his attractive female companion would have to jump out of an exploding helicopter first. Then, they'd be guided through the island by their trusty hacker pal who'd also disrupt enemy communications and security.

It was funny and flashy. Suspension of disbelief was tested. Like the enemies' wildly inaccurate gunfire, when there were so many of them that even Clark might have had trouble dodging their bullets.

Over an hour into the movie, Clark leaned back onto the side of Velvet's bed. His head accidentally brushed up against her leg.

"Sorry," he said, and moved away.

"No, it's fine."

After a little while, Clark felt the same sensation. He hadn't moved his head, but her leg had come back slowly and softly. Velvet's heartbeat had quickened a little as well.

Maybe he should have said something, but he didn't mind the contact. It felt . . . nice.