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In the Kingdom's Shadow v2.1789b

So, yeah. Here we go again. I apologize for bringing this down the first time, but there were several elements to the story that I didn't really feel were working. Combine that with my focus switching back to my other projects (novels six and seven, then Champion in Exile), and I thought it best to pull it down so I could put up a better version later. Now that those are completed, I'll be spending a bit of time ironing out the details for this particular story. There will be a chapter release every Monday until the story is complete.

This story concept remains the same; What if Cinder Fall was a failed project of the Vale's Secret Service?

Enjoy, read and review, the usual.

~ Kat

Post-Script; Just to be clear, this story is notset in the same timeline as my RWBY Rewrite project. Entirely created because I got the idea stuck in my head and can't get it out of my head.

Post-Post Script; Yes, I have permission from Couer to use his materials. All RWBY information obviously belongs to Roost Teeth and/or whoever owns them these days.

Colossus of Rhodes

Ten Years Ago

The hotel was a lost cause. Fire crackled and raged inside, smoke billowing up into night's sky. The west wing had already collapsed, and from the looks of it the rest of the building wouldn't last much longer. Perhaps proof that, despite its glamorous exterior, the building itself had been poorly or cheaply maintained. City firefighters were hosing down the neighboring structures, making sure the fire couldn't spread, but none were going into the hotel itself so far as he could see.

Rhodes kept his hands in his pockets, standing at a distance along with the city's civilians. Some quirk of Human nature had brought them all out to watch the inferno despite the hour, and the cold of the Atlesian night.

A man's voice drew his attention away from the disaster. "Hey? You're the huntsman?"

"Yes." He turned to look over the firefighter who approached, the man's darkened gear hinting that he'd been close the flames at least once during the evening. Above them his features were vaguely annoyed. A common enough attitude from emergency services when they had to deal with Huntsman and Huntresses; one easily rectified with humility and manners.

"I apologize if I am a distraction."

That made the other man pause, sigh, and then relax a little. "No, it's all right. Nothing we can do now but make sure its contained. Police said you needed to ask about something inside. People or property?"

"People." He replied, lowering his voice. "One of the staff was... a friend. Did any of them get out?"

There was another quiet sigh, "I'm sorry, but we don't think so. At least we haven't found anyone willing to say that they worked there."

"If I could...?"

"This way."

Rhodes followed him through the crowd, past the police line, and then around to where a collection of exhausted and traumatized men and women were being treated. A single sweep of his eyes confirmed that she was not present. Neither were her mother or sisters.

"Were any taken directly to the hospital?" He asked, "I am looking for a dark haired girl with yellow eyes, perhaps thirteen or fourteen years old."

The firefight held up a hand, turning, "Hey! Grün!"

One of the police medics, a pale skinned local from the looks of her, rose from where she'd been giving water to a young boy. She came over with quick, certain strides. "What is it?"

"Huntsman's looking for the staff."

She grimaced and turned to Rhodes. "Sorry, but considering the hour most of the staff was already home for the night. The night workers helped evacuate, and they're all accounted for. Sadly the same can't be said of Madam White. No sign of her or either of her daughters."

It was Rhodes' turn to sigh. "What of her stepdaughter?"

A shake of her head. "No sign of her. She's... probably still inside. So are they. We won't know until the fire burns out."

Rhodes took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. That was very unfortunate. "I see. May I leave you my scroll information? If she is found, one way or another..."

She gave him a sympathetic look and took his number, promising to double-check with the ambulances that had left already. Though from her tone it was clear she didn't expect anything to come of it, and that she'd only be calling him to say that the girl's remains had been found in the ruins.

Which he more or less expected as well.

Thanking them both a final time, he retreated from the scene. It didn't him long to exit the crowd and begin casually walking down the streets of Atlas. As he did, he carefully pulled out a headset, settling it in place while his other hand drew a second scroll from a pocket.

A few taps brought up a voice only line, a woman speaking into his ear. "Headquarters."

He lowered his voice, trusting that the microphone would still pick it up. "Cat-Five report."

"Project?"

"Hound."

"Transferring."

There wasn't much of a wait before a man took her place, "Agent Colossus, this is Alpha. Confirm Cat-Five."

"Confirmed." He replied, turning down an empty side street. "The hotel is in flames and collapsing, authorities do not believe any of the management survived. I am heading to confirm with the nearest hospital and will examine the ruins when the smoke clears."

"What is the authorities view?"

"They haven't decided on arson or accident, though I am certain it is the former. They did confirm that the building was no longer up to code, the firefighting system failed entirely, as did the fire alarms. Several civilian guests are dead and others are still being treated."

A quiet grunt. "You believe Hellhound was responsible."

Rhodes rolled his eyes. Of course she had been.

"She has a flame based semblance, total access to the building's maintenance systems, and her resentment was reaching critical levels as I indicated in my last report. It seems likely that she snapped under the abuse and decided that she would bring them all down with her."

Alpha's voice turned cold. "This is not the time for I-told-you-so's, Agent. Nor is this a time for your guess work."

"Considering that we wasted three years training her, I believe it is the perfect time." He retorted. "I will not be blamed when I clearly informed you that we should have withdrawn her last year. Now we have nothing to show for it besides suspicion from the locals. And how often are my guesses accurate?"

Silence. Then his superior grudgingly allowed, "Perhaps you were right. Very well, we will adjust plans. Proceed at once to Greyhound's location and evaluate if that operation is also in danger. Another Agent will be dispatched to confirm Hellhound's fate."

He frowned. "I do not like leaving a mission incomplete, especially not one with variables remaining."

"I am aware, it is why you are one of our best agents, but if Hellhound snapped then the others may not be far behind. I want both Greyhound and Bloodhound evaluated as soon as possible to avoid further incidents."

His feet slowed to a stop. As much as he didn't like it, there wasn't much else he could do besides obey orders.

The VSS tolerated failures.

They did not tolerate disobedience.

"Very well." He said. "I will maintain my current cover and report once I reach Mistral."

"Confirmed. Headquarters out."

Well then. That was that. Removing his headset and looking to the east, he watched smoke from the Glass Unicorn's corpse obscure the distant lights from the Academy. It would be the only funeral marker that a young, angry, and sadly desperate girl was likely to ever receive.

Unfortunate. He'd been fond of her, beyond what his cover as a softhearted huntsman had demanded. She would have made an excellent partner with a bit more work. The ideal combat agent. It was simply too bad that she could not contain her emotions any longer than she had.

Then again, considering what she had been put through, it was a miracle he'd delayed the explosion as long he had.

"Goodbye, Cinder." He murmured. "Your sacrifice was for Vale, though you'll never know it. With luck this will convince them to end this wasteful project early, and let us get on with proper work. Thank you... goodbye."

Cinder Fall

Present Day

They always attacked from my left, the little fools. As though they expected the loss of my eye to equate to the loss of my brain.

It was the obvious point of attack, and I was always ready for it.

Midnight's left blade sang as it collided with the blonde's fist, aura crackling while purple eyes widened in surprise. At least until the right half of my weapon slammed into her gut, driving her away as she tried to reset.

I didn't give the little girl the chance. I pursued, hard, keeping just out of reach of her arms while cutting high and then low. She parried the first, took the second on her thigh, growling as more of her aura broke away. Dried dirt crunched beneath our feet as I drove her back across the field.

"This is it?" The taunts came easily. They always did. "This is the best you can do?"

Violet turned to scarlet as she surged forwards, fire and sparks trailing from her hair. Not that her wild haymakers hit anything. Her little visual hint was all I needed to see before I started retreating.

"Left." I mocked as I leaned away from a jab, my orange coat tugging a bit from the near-miss. "Left. Left. Right."

Her temper worsened as I called out each strike just as she began to throw it, "Shut up and stop running away dammit!"

I laughed, the flat of my right blade parrying aside another jab, leaving her open for a quick left thrust against her cleavage. Aura was a wonderful thing but it didn't stop pain, and she yelped in surprise, dancing back while her semblance sputtered.

Another mocking laugh came as I surged forth once more. Golden light flared around her left hand, right bicep, and then left thigh as I cut more chunks out of her soul.

She recovered admirably enough, I suppose. Yelling in a mix of pain and fury as she finally managed to use her wrist-guard to block my fourth strike, then try an advance of her own... only to start screaming in frustration when I once more gave way.

"Your sister was a far more difficult opponent." I told her, smiling as I did. "You? You're predictable, prone to temper tantrums, and all too easy to bait."

"Shut up and fight me!"

If she wished. Keeping my smirk in place, I waited until she overextended on another wasteful haymaker before making my move. Dropping both halves of Midnight, I accepted the hard left she delivered into my chest as I came in.

"Ha-fuck!" Her sound of triumph cut off as I kept moving until my chest struck hers, my arms sliding around the small of her back. Locking my hands together, I kept smiling as I called on my semblance, bringing it up across my entire body.

"Shit! Hot! Hot!" The girl was foolish but strong, especially as she began to kick and flail in a desperate attempt to get away. One decent punch hit my jaw, then both hands slammed onto my shoulders as she vainly tried to break my grip and separate us.

Her panic let her miss my left leg snapping around hers, my calf striking the back of her knee.

She fell with me still on top of her, both of us hitting the ground hard. "Ow! Hot! Yield!"

That last word had been the one I'd been waiting for. Letting go of my soul's power, I quickly released my grip and rolled off of her gasping form.

Smoothly rising to my feet, I stretched out my arms with a pleased groan while glancing down at her. Her skin was red but unburnt, her aura hadn't quite broken yet, though her uniform was both scorched and soaked with sweat.

"And did we finally learn our lesson about relying on our semblance?"

The girl groaned, still panting for breath like an overheated dog. "...I...hate... you."

I smirked, lowering my arms and carefully checking to make sure the patch covering my ruined eye hadn't loosened during the fight. "I hate you what, Miss Xiao-Long?"

"...I really hate you Miss Fall."

"Better." Smirking down at her, I turned to look over the audience sprawled beneath a nearby tree. "I trust that you all learned from your classmate's mistakes? Over reliance on a single combat style, or an aspect of it in the case of her semblance, left her incredibly predictable and easy to deal with to anyone who is acquainted with her."

One of green haired girls, Meral something, lifted a hand before speaking. "She should have opened the fight with her gauntlet-shotguns. Tried to wear you down before she closed."

I tipped my head. "That would have been far better of a plan, yes. Any others?"

A few of them had something resembling a brain between them, and came up with more ideas. Most centered around staying back, or involved their strongest member varying up her style a bit. I left them to the discussion, guiding it only when they ran out of thoughts, until a distant bell rang, heralding the end of the day.

Most departed, with the exception of my usual victim.

She had remained sprawled out on the ground during the entire follow-up.

"Are you finished being dramatic?" I asked, walking over to pick up Midnight. "I went fairly easy on you, all things considered."

The girl heaved herself up to a seated position, scowling at me. "Why do I always get to be the test dummy?"

"Because your father insists that you can take it, and your uncle believes your ego needs to be brought down to size." Connecting the two halves of my weapon together, I waited for the bow-string to connect and snap out before slinging it over a shoulder. "Also because I find taunting you to be incredibly amusing and good for my ego."

Xiao-Long glowered some more. She had a better one than her half-sister, but I had been glared at by professional monsters. Hers was more cutely petulant than actually threatening. "I'm so glad that I'm graduating tomorrow."

"Oh?" I glanced up and behind her, "Evidently your loving niece is not so loving, Qrow. Not that I came blame her considering who she's related to."

Signal Academy's official Combat Instructor gave me a lazy grin as he prowled into the training field. "You know you love my charm."

I made a point of flicking my eye up and down him once. "You're a three at best, Qrow. And only that high because I can't smell the whiskey on you from this far away."

He stumbled as if I'd just put an arrow into him, his niece cackling at both the sight and my words. "Burned!"

That quickly drew his attention to her, "I'm the not the only one. You let her get close again didn't you, firecracker?"

The laughter faded into a tired groan. "Yeah, yeah. I know. My temper sucks, control it, all that. I'll work on it over summer."

Qrow grunted, stooping down to pick up a bottle of water before tossing it to her. "You'd better, or you're going to embarrass me at Beacon. Anyway, Cinder? Catch."

I held a hand out as he threw an envelope in my direction. It was weighty enough to please me, especially when I glanced inside to see the golden sheen to the various cards of lien within. I nodded and slid it into one of my coat's pockets. "Excellent. Thank you."

He crossed his arms. "You sure we can't convince you to stay on next year? You're good at making the kids realize they aren't nearly as good as they think they are."

Xiao-Long pouted while I merely smiled, "I have seen you and Taiyang dealing with the Headmaster. Can you imagine me doing the same without bloodshed?"

"You do have some real authority issues. Might be fun watching you go at him." He drawled. "Still. You did good filling in for me. Could make a decent living here."

My smile faded, and the playful tones in my voice went with it. "No, Qrow. I told Taiyang no yesterday, and I will not waste my breath saying it a third time."

The drunkard held his hands up in mock surrender, "Right, right. I got the message. Shuttin' up. Should I keep your number if I have to go out on a mission again?"

"So long as it is temporary, and so long as you never attempt to ask me out again."

"That was one time."

His niece snorted. "Three times."

The man frowned. "What was the third time?"

Rolling my eye, I turned away from them and waved a single hand. "I will be late for the ferry."

Qrow muttered something that was probably uncomplimentary, while Xiao-Long called somewhat cattily. "I'll tell Ruby you said goodbye!"

"Do so." I said without turning back or slowing down.

More grumbling faded as I left Signal's yard, exiting by way of the nearest gate. The two would probably be complaining about my 'attitude' for some time. Something a lesser woman may have found irritating or embarrassing, but that was for those who lacked confidence in themselves.

I was who I was, and I would not change how I behaved for anyone but myself. If they didn't like it that was their problem. Especially since Qrow was the one who kept coming to me when he needed someone to instruct his class for him.

Honestly I had no idea how he hadn't been fired yet, considering I'd probably taught one in three of his classes over the past few months. Bribery was possible, since I doubted he spent all of his salary on cheap booze. Connections were more likely though, given his connection to Ozpin and Beacons own relationship with Signal. Well, that and the fact that he was probably the most skilled huntsman in Vale at the moment. That level of talent could buy forgiveness all on its own.

Not that it truly mattered. I wasn't in Vale to investigate why a substance-abusing Huntsman held the job that he did.

I strolled casually though the streets of Patch, ignoring the civilians out doing their afternoon shopping. Most recognized me as the Huntress that I was, and quickly cleared out of my path. More than a few were clearly taken with my bared stomach or shoulders, at least until they got to the patch and scarring on my face.

I ignored both the lechery and the disturbed expressions. I'd long grown used to both, and could deal with anyone foolish enough to make a comment.

"Cinder!"

Well. Mostly anyone.

I braced myself before the girl collided with me, not caring that I didn't return the hug. "Emerald. Not. In. Public."

"I'm sorry!" My disciple quickly let go, shuffling backwards. If my wardrobe was drawing attention, then hers was drawing far more, given how tight her dark pants were and the fact that her crop-top revealed even more skin than my loose coat. "I know, I'm sorry!"

Part of me wanted to smack her across the head for drawing more attention in my direction. Our direction, I supposed. The more practical part of me throttled that urge, burning it away. I was many things, but I would not become like the creatures that made me.

I would be better than them, stronger than them, and I would educate my followers properly.

"It's fine, but do remember for next time." Reaching out, I patted the girls head gently, making her quiver slightly. "Come."

She fell into stride with me at once, staying on my right so that I could see her as we made for the harbor. "How'd teaching go?"

"As it always does." I glanced at her, "Do not try to distract me. Your grades, now."

Emerald swallowed, looking down at her feet. "...second in combat, eleventh in academics. Fifth overall."

Truthfully that was far better than I'd expected her to do, at least in the second category. Teaching her to read had been the most extreme test of my patience since I'd freed myself from the Madam's shock collar. Even after she'd picked up that skill she remained a slow and easily distracted reader.

And second in combat rating was... acceptable. I would have preferred first, of course, considering the work I'd put in to training her.

"Who was ahead of you in combat? Your partner?"

"No." Her hair shifted as she shook her head. "That timid little Scarlatina bitch with her mimic bullshit. She's unbeaten whenever she actually goes all out in one on ones."

"Language." I admonished at once. "We remain in public."

She winced and nodded. "I'm sorry, Cinder. I'm sorry I failed."

"You did not fail, this was one year of four." I reminded her. "I told you I expected you to graduate in the top of your class, which means you are off to an excellent start."

The hope and relief in her red eyes was almost painfully intense. " I am?"

"You are." My voice sharpened. "But we will not be slacking off over the summer. Expect daily training under your second year starts, and I will expect you to improve to at least the top five in Academics next year. It will not do to have an ignorant disciple."

Emerald nodded hurriedly. "I understand. I'll work hard, I promise."

I patted her shoulder gently, and tried not to notice how her cheeks darkened further at the touch. "I know. Did you come all the way out to this island just to tell me your grades?"

"No." Her voice lowered. "One of your friends left a letter for you at home. I thought you'd want to read it right away in case it was important."

Clever girl. That earned her another gentle pat, and a held out hand. She quickly pulled a folded up bit of paper from her pants and turned it over.

Unfolding it carefully, I slowed my pace down to read as we neared the ferry's dock. The ship itself was visible in the distance, coming in from Vale, so I had some time to analyze before we boarded.

"...is it good news?"

I hummed as I finished the short message, the smallest effort of will incinerating it between my fingers. Emerald watched the ashes fall while I considered matters.

"It is news." I said finally. "Neither good, nor bad. We will know later tonight."

She perked up at once. "We have a mission?"

"Yes. Call your team leader and tell her you are staying in the city tonight." I instructed. "Make whatever excuses you wish. Step away while you do so, I need to consider the plan."

The girl obeyed with commendable speed, leaving me free to lean on a railing while I considered matters.

This would be the first genuine target we'd had in better than six months, which made me wary of its reliability. Either my informant had stumbled across something new, our enemies had made a mistake, or there was some form of treachery in evidence. That last was always a principle concern. My informant should know better than to cheat me, but... well, I knew first hand how unreliable people on that side of the law could be.

We'd have to be prepared for that, just as we would have to be ready to deal with the target itself. Considering their own notoriety and fame it would be a difficult job on such short notice. My usual allies would not be up for a mission, it would disrupt the other matters they were attending to. That left only one option.

Could we do it without them? Possibly.

Would it be foolish to try? More than likely.

I felt myself scowl as I stared out to see, reluctantly pulling my current scroll out so that I could write a short message.

Potential Target located. 7381 West Triumph Street, Northern Vale. Require you.

Hitting send, I half-listened as Emerald raised her voice, furiously denying that she was heading out to party without her team. Then even more furiously denying that she was going to a love hotel with her mentor, even as several passersby snickered.

I watched them until my scroll vibrated, glancing down. You'll owe us for this, Cindy. We'll be there.

"Mental note." I murmured as I closed the device. "Incinerate that fool's poor excuse for fashionable clothing for calling me that."

The deep horn of the approaching ferry had me straighten, rounding up Emerald with a glance. She quickly hurried back over, still flustered as she closed her own scroll over the sound of her team leader coming up with even more childish, if inventive, ideas of what was actually going on.

I smiled in amusement, which only made her embarrassment grow. Such little defeats were good for disciples. It helped keep them in line.

We stood together, waiting for the ship to unload. Waiting for it to be ready to bring us back to Vale.

To bring us back to the people hunting me, so that I could face them.

And kill them.

Not too many changes from the original in this one. Mostly grammar edits and a few tiny additions.

For those that missed it, the point of divergence from canon is that Cinder snapped about a year early while Rhodes was out on a mission. That and various groups from Couer's work obviously exist and will be involved at varying points of the story.

Please read and review, criticism is welcome, flames not so much, as usual. Reviews are my lifeblood as a writer.. every-time my email goes off with a review it makes me want to write more, so please take the time to leave one. Guests can leave them as well, and it only takes a minute, so please. Even if it's as simple as "I enjoyed it, please continue."

Thanks, Kat

Chapter Text

Iron Body, Cracked Heart

Ten Years Ago

Colonel James Ironwood, Commander of the Atlesian Specialists, newly minted Headmaster of Atlas Academy, could not believe what he was hearing.

"You allow foreign intelligence services to operate in Atlas?" His flesh and blood hand tightened into a fist, even if he kept himself seated behind his desk. "Am I seriously hearing that, General?"

General Aldrin Sol, commander of the Atlesian Air Fleet, gave a heavy sigh. "James, you need to calm down."

"I would be far calmer if you had not just attempted to order me to allow them access to this school's facilities!" He said with as much icy calm as he could muster. "And you just so happened to do two hours before the Council is scheduled to meet with the representatives from Menagerie, meaning you're hoping I would be too distracted to properly understand you."

Sol shook his head, as if the old man was disappointed in him. "James, the ASF is a wonderful agency, but it isn't fully up and running yet. Until it is we need a short-term solution, and the VSS provides that."

Ironwood slowly rose to his feet, his voice lowering. "The ASF is a complete and total waste of valuable military funds that should be dedicated to my Specialists."

"Your Specialists," Sol said calmly, "also lack the numbers and resources that we require to deal with threats."

"They wouldn't if you weren't wasting lien on spies." He countered. "Who are you even spying on, Sol? We're at peace, and the only nation hostile to our interests currently lacks a functioning government."

"There are a great many stateless actors who-"

He scoffed. "Spare me the lecture full of lies, Sol. I'm not a civilian whose vote and resources can be bought with words we both know are worthless."

The General's shoulders heaved, lowering. "I'm sorry. Old habits. The truth isn't particularly pretty, or flattering to your predecessors on the Council. The divide between the Specialists and the ASF is intended entirely as a means of... ensuring that Atlas has disposable actors we can use in foreign states."

"Vacuo." Ironwood stated flatly.

"Yes." His former-mentor agreed without hesitation. "If Vacuo ever puts itself together, with its potential natural resources it could easily usurp our place as the predominate nation. It must kept in its current state in perpetuity if at all possible. Giving the VSS minor access to help get things started was judged to be a small price to pay if it means ensuring a peaceful means of maintaining our economic hegemony."

That made him scowl. It was as distasteful as it was immoral, but the patriotic part of his soul knew that the General had a point. The old nation of Mantle had begun to the Great War over Vacuo's resources for that very reason; if Vacuo ever got itself together, it had the land, dust, ore deposits... and the memories of what had been done to them.

That old grudge would not be easily forgotten in the future.

"I may understand the point." He said after a few moments. "And I can understand the political angle."

Sol huffed. "Now who is speaking like a politician, old friend?"

His smile was grim, and probably didn't look all that friendly. "But that does not change my personal opinion, or my duties as the Headmaster of this Academy. I will not be part of it, Sol."

"I am not asking you to be." The General replied. "Merely telling you what the arrangement entails, and what will be expected of you as the Colonel commanding this facility."

Ironwood nodded as if agreeing. "Of course, and I understand completely. Which is why I wish for you to relay to this Valean agency: If I ever find out that one of their agents was operating within my school, I will hang each and every one of them. I will do so publicly after convening an emergency tribunal to declare them as foreign spies operating out of uniform."

Sol blinked once. Then twice. "James-"

"That is not negotiable."

"James." He chided, like a grandfather would. "That is not within your authority."

Planting both fists on his desk, he leaned forwards to better make sure the old man understood him. "I am the Headmaster of this Academy, and a Council Member, General. I have every right to determine what will, and will not, be allowed within my school. I have every authority so long as it pertains to this Academy."

"The Council will override you. The treaty with Vale and the VSS requires-"

He interrupted him. "Then I will resign, and immediately offer my services to Menagerie in the creation of a Huntsman Academy, and I will advise all of my students to immediately apply for transfers to Beacon or Haven."

Sol drew back as he'd just been struck. "James!"

"I am entirely serious." Ironwood countered. "I will not tolerate foreign spies moving through this school, accessing our records, or so much as touching one of my students. If I discover that this nation would stoop so low, I will resign and I will make my reasons public."

There was another heavy sigh, but there was a glint of pride in his dark eyes. "You've never changed since you were a boy, have you? Still that same stubborn determination. That same iron heart."

He tipped his head ever so slightly. "Please relay my message, General. Now, if you do not mind, I have a dozen network security specialists I need to call in to evict whatever corruption my predecessor evidently allowed to fester."

"Of course. I will see you at the afternoon session of the Council."

They exchanged sharp salutes, and then the old man departed.

He waited until he was certain that no one could hear before slamming his fist down onto the desk in front of him. Staring hard at the dented steel for several seconds, he stabbed several controls to lock and seal the room.

Not about to trust the school's communication system, he pulled out his private scroll instead.

The one he officially did not own, and which had a very small selection of numbers on it.

The one he dialed answered almost at once.

"Ozpin." He did his best to avoid growling his friend's name.

"James." The other Headmaster's voice was amused. "Two days in and already calling for advice?"

Any other day and he would have replied with similar banter. Today, he brushed past it to focus on the point. "I need everything you know about the Valean Secret Service."

There was a startled moment of silence before Ozpin replied. "The Valean intelligence agency leftover from the Great Wars. They generally assisted in tracking bandit groups and criminal organizations, and were rather good at their job. Sadly they became rather insistent on also taking over broader security tasks, culminating in an... overconfident view of the events at Mountain Glenn. They were disbanded in disgrace in the aftermath."

His jaw clenched. "Yes, I remember you saying something about that. Which is why I would like to know how they are currently assisting Atlas in setting up our own intelligence group."

"...what?" He'd never quite heard Ozpin stunned before, but that was as close as he thought he'd ever come. "Are you certain?"

"I was just ordered to not interfere with them operating within my school."

A low fury that matched the one burning in him came into the wizard's voice. "They are not mine, James. I trust you refused."

"I threatened to resign and retire to Menagerie."

"Good man." Ozpin replied. "I will be conducting local investigations at once. If they are operating they must draw funds, I will endeavor to track them. What else do you need from me?"

"Good computer specialists." He eyed his own device in distaste. "I do not doubt that the local systems are thoroughly compromised, and I will not have any outside agencies being able to spy on my students. Or worse. I know a few, but I want a variety of options available."

"Wise, I'll get some of my other people on it at once and get back to you." Another pause. "I will likely need them as well, since I spent my last career focused on other pursuits. You will have priority, do not worry."

He felt himself relaxing, "Thank you, old friend. I'll keep you updated."

"Thank you, and be careful James. If the the VSS is still active, and involved in the Atlas Academy... they would not do so without intent."

Ironwood turned away, staring out of his office window at the sprawling, harsh beauty of Atlas. "I know, Oz. Don't worry. I will find out what they here for, what they wanted. And if any of the students were harmed... I will handle matters."

"Good hunting, old friend."

Cinder Fall

Present Day

It was amusing how simple it was to fool people. Some spiked gel for my hair, heavy makeup over my scars, a pair of sunglasses, and a tailored suit with trousers was all it took to transform a huntress into a stylish valet.

Not that I particularly enjoyed such things. Disguises had their place, I was not so foolish as to deny that. But I did vastly prefer handling my own affairs myself. Relying on anyone else, as I had to do tonight, left me even more irritable than usual.

"I have no choice." I murmured to myself, adjusting the seat of the dark-windowed sedan I was seated within. "I am a respectable burglar, but tonight requires a master's touch."

A rather smug voice sounded at once in my earpiece, "Aww, love you too girl."

I tapped a finger on the wheel. I'd have much rather been inside all the same, but logic dictated that our most powerful asset remain at a distance. The better to chastise any external opposition that emerged. "Less chatter and more burglary, Roman. The convention will not last all night, and I would rather not engage a Councilor's bodyguards in the open."

"Relax, I've been doing this for fifteen years." He drawled. "We're already in, and security is down. Bring the car around back."

Pressing my thumb onto the ignition warmed up the engine, though I refrained from pulling out into the street just yet. "Opposition?"

"Three guards, all napping. Your little minion does good work."

Emerald growled back at once. "I'm her disciple, not her minion."

The thief snorted. "Same thing. Go on, office is east side, second floor. Neo and I will case the rest. Good job on the silent alarm Rufus. Get the boys clear for the night, we'll meet you later."

"On it." Roman's premier lieutenant answered. A soft click came as he left the channel, no doubt herding the men responsible for isolating the estate out of the area now that their job was done. They'd be paid later, once the loot was appropriately split.

Roman may have been a vastly irritating man, but he knew how to instill loyalty into his people, just as I did. His men and women were well paid, well trained, and very good at their jobs. They were fanatically loyal, and knew that he would stand by them so long as they did not cross the very clear lines he'd established.

It was why I'd selected him as my principle agent in Vale's underworld. It certainly hadn't been for his personality.

A break in traffic allowed me to pull out onto the through-way. Keeping both hands on the wheel, I made a point of driving exactly as I normally would have. Despite the fact that it was more than an hour after sunset the traffic remained rather thick; Vale's overcrowded nature hard at work no matter the time.

Two red lights delayed me, leaving to my drum my fingers across the wheel once more, left with nothing to do besides listen to my conspirators.

"Look, Neo, I love that painting too but it's too damned big. Just grab the jewelry and watches while I crack this safe. Minion, you got the lapscrolls yet?"

"He's got at least three. Why does he need three?" Emerald muttered.

"Who knows, just grab them already."

"I'm trying to find a bag to fit them and the paperwork!"

I sighed and gave her instructions, "He won't keep anything incriminating in paper format, especially not in his personal office. Leave it and focus on the computers."

"Yes ma'am." At least she'd remember to not use my name. That had been an issue the first few times I'd brought her on my operations. "All right, found a bag. Ready to go."

Roman cut in, "Trash the place a bit, make it look like you were after anything you could find instead of just going for his computers."

Emerald snorted. "I know what I'm doing, I tipped over all three of his filing cabinets like I was hoping he had safes behind them. And because I want them to suffer having to organize it all."

My lips twitched slightly as the light finally turned, letting me turn left, approaching the estate. It was a petty cruelty, but an amusing one. She really was beginning to pick up my habits.

"I ripped down all of the paintings in here too, and scored my knife across them. Figure that's a few hundred thousand of damages right there." She added, sounding more than a little smug.

Was this what parental pride felt like? Interesting.

Vale's gentleman thief gave an honest laugh, clearly just as amused as I was. "And so the street urchin strikes a blow against the wealthy, or some such crap. We've still got time. Daughter's room should have more jewels, grab 'em if you want some extra cash."

Another flick of my blinker had me turning into a gated estate that really shouldn't have had its entrance open. Nor should its security booth have been empty. I idly wondered where they had left the disabled guard as I rolled past, following the short drive around to the building's back.

Like most Valean mansions height dominated over width. The building was five full floors, though it didn't occupy much more horizontal space than a standard home. The wrap around drive similarly cut into the limited yard, leaving only a thin garden between the concrete and the security wall.

Reaching the back entrance, I put the vehicle into park and climbed out, leaving the door open. My boots had hardly struck the pavement before Emerald came striding over to meet me. She wore the tasteful men's suit that everyone in Roman's employ seemed to share, though she'd tucked her hair up beneath a fedora while a full-face mask hid her features. She had lapscroll cases slung over both shoulders, a third such case along with a small bag were held in either hand.

We quickly loaded them all into the trunk, tucking them to the side to ensure there would be room for more. Her job complete, Emerald slid into the backseat while I waited for our conspirators.

It didn't take them long. Roman and his colorful partner hauling a sports bag each out. Both were fuller than I'd have anticipated, until I heard the clinking of bottles when the thieves carefully loaded them into the car.

I said nothing. Roman's expertise or not, there was every chance of a listening device, and it would not do to carelessly reveal myself.

Nothing interrupted our loading. Nor did anyone arrive when we got back into the sedan, Roman seated beside me while his own disciple settled in back with Emerald. Within three minutes of my arrival we were in motion once again, pulling out onto the street.

Smooth, clean, and efficient.

That was why I tolerated Roman's... well, everything else about him really.

Roman looked around casually as I drove south. "No flashing lights, no meddling huntsman, and no wannabe secret agents. Finally a job that went according to plan."

"Of course it did. I picked the target, not you." I leaned back in my seat, breaking gently as we hit a red light. "You would have hit the convention itself simply to expand your reputation."

The thief smirked at me, "Please, Cindy, lecture me some more about being an egotistical bitch. Nothing I love more than calling you out for your colossal hypocrisy."

A muscle in my cheek twitched. "Do remember that I can set you on fire with my mind."

"Oh I do. That's why I grabbed five bottles of Vacuan Red from his cellar, one for each time I've called you Cindy this week."

"What year?" I asked.

"Twenty-two."

Damn. The irritating man truly did know the value of a good bribe. It was nearly impossible to find good wine in this city, even for someone with my connections.

Still, that was for later.

"Do you believe that Xiong's information was correct?" I asked, focusing on tonight's actual objective.

Roman's expression turned serious, hands pulling a cigar out of his coat. He turned it over in his hands without lighting it. "Can't say. I'd all but given up on finding out anything on those maniacs until you showed up. That said, they've got to have one agent on the Council protecting them, and Coppersmith is as corrupt as they come."

I hummed as traffic began moving, calmly accelerating once more. "Odds that they will recognize this was targeting them?"

"They're power hungry lunatics who are convinced they're the only ones fit to rule Vale, and that Vale should dominate every other nation." He snorted. "They assume everyone and everything is an attack on them."

"You do realize that you seem to know exactly what they are like, while also claiming to know nothing about them." I flicked my eye in his direction before returning it to the road. "A less secure woman would find that curious."

A shift of his hand rolled his window down an inch or two before he pulled out a lighter. "And like I've told you. I went up against these pricks twice before. Once after Mountain Glenn, once a couple of years later. Didn't learn crap as far as hard details go, but I know what they react to and what they ignore."

I pursed my lips, considering the matter. "And why do they ignore you, dear Roman? Because they know you cannot touch them?"

The comment made him fumble his first attempt to light his cigar, and drew a scowl to his face. "More or less. They still make a token attempt once and a while, but nothing that would let me catch and interrogate one of their little minions. Enough to make sure I know they're ready and waiting if I ever fuck up."

Which tracked with my own experience since I had arrived in Vale two years ago. I'd expected, not unreasonably, to be attacked, assaulted, and harassed within days of my arrival. Instead there had been... nothing.

It had taken me a few frustrated weeks to realize that such silence was the enemy's own counter strategy to my arrival.

So long as they made no move against me, I was left fumbling for evidence and targets. I didn't doubt that they had me under a distant surveillance, they'd be fools to ignore an enemy, but as of yet they had no particular reason to risk direct action. After all, I had nothing to prove that they even existed. I had no proof that they'd been behind my wounds, behind what had passed as my 'upbringing'.

So long as they stayed hidden... I could do nothing.

Perhaps they would conduct an attack of opportunity if I left myself easily exposed, but I was not yet that desperate.

Desperate enough to track down Roman Torchwick, to work with him? Yes.

Desperate enough to gamble with my own life? No.

"And tonight?" I asked.

He lit up his cigar, tilting his head back to expel the smoke outside. "Probably won't think too much of it if I take the credit. Wouldn't be the first rich idiot's house that I've hit in the last year, but taking the lapscrolls might raise an alarm if this is actually the Councilor they're working with."

"Assuming they are working with one at all."

"Assuming that." Roman said.

Meaning that either tonight would lead to nothing, or perhaps it would finally lead to something. Either way I would need to be prepared for the next stage. Fortunately Emerald would be far more available now that her summer break approached, and my other assets would similarly be free to act once their current operations wrapped up. That would release me from having to rely on Roman, even if I would need to keep tabs on a man nearly as dedicated as I was.

But whether our loose alliance would be doing more fruitless burglaries and research, or finally coming to blows was a question I would not know until we'd cracked Councilor Coppersmith's hard-drives.

"That's a mighty deep expression on your face. What's your worry?"

"My worries and thoughts are none of your concern, Roman." I retorted at once. "We are partners of convenience, nothing more."

The man shrugged, not looking bothered. "Fair enough. Next right, Rufus'll be waiting in Riverside Garage."

I lowered my chin in a slight nod, smoothly pulling into the turning lane when it came time. Roman said nothing more as we drove on, and his partner was too busy trying to figure out if any of her new rings fit her. Not that she'd have said anything regardless, but at least it stopped her from needling Emerald. For her part my disciple knew when it was time to speak and when it was time to stay silent..

Our rendezvous with Roman's subordinate went just as smoothly when we arrived. Five bottles were removed from his loot bag and handed over, followed by a quick inspection of everything we'd taken for any potential tracking devices.

"Well, can't say it was fun, can't say it wasn't." Roman said once we'd finished. "You sure you don't want a job? You'd be a terrific thug in my line of work, and a pretty enough distraction even with your little vision problem."

The perils of power. Everyone wanted you on their side, and everyone wanted to control you.

"A tempting offer." I purred, swaying my hips a bit as I stepped closer to him, lifting a hand towards his face. "Perhaps we could discuss it in private."

Roman quickly backpedaled before I could touch him, puffing a bit harder on his cigar. Neopolitan shifted slightly, ready to protect her master if I pursued, but did nothing further when I simply stayed where I was, hand still in the air.

I let it fall slowly, smiling as I did.

I'd made my point, and everyone present knew it.

"No thanks." Roman growled around his cigar. Likely furious at himself for backing down, and furious at me for causing him to do so. "I'm not as brave as your little minion, I'm not about to stick anything burnable between your legs."

"If you wish for that state of affairs to continue, do not make such pathetic offers, or worse jests, in the future." I advised.

He glowered at me from beneath his orange bangs, then retreated by way of barking orders for Rufus to get their car started. The three thieves were already exiting the building by the time I got my own vehicle running once more, Emerald having shifted up to the passenger's seat while we'd spoken.

She waited until I'd pulled out onto the street before asking, "What now?"

"Now we return this car to an appropriate location, change into suitable attire, and then I will return you to Beacon." I replied. "How many days until you need to clear out of your dorm?"

"End of the week." She said at once. "I think Coco wants to do some kind of team night out beforehand though."

I waved my right hand permissively, "Go along with whatever she wants, simply inform me in advance so that I know not to include you in any of my plans that evening."

Emerald lifted a hand to her mouth, coughing once. "Um... I think she wants you to come with us."

"To threaten me if I break your heart, or to try and get me to 'loosen up'?"

My disciple shifted uncomfortably as she worked at her mask, pulling it off to buy herself time to control her expression. Likely because, despite a few awkward attempts on her part, I hadn't yet allowed her to share my bed. Not that I didn't find her attractive, especially when wearing the suit she was currently in.

She was striking, loyal, useful, and competent.

Cold logic told me that I should drag her beneath the sheets. That it would cement her devotion to me in a way not easily broken.

Emotion told me that I didn't like being touched at the best of times. It had taken months to learn to tolerate her hugs, her need for some kind of physical contact. The notion of sex was... not one that I wished to entertain right now.

"Um, a bit of both." She said.

I hummed as I turned us east, heading in the direction of Beacon. "It will depend on what progress is made on today's acquisitions. If I am free I will accompany you, and indulge Adel's protective instincts. Tell her that tomorrow is best for my schedule."

She tried, and failed miserably, to hide how much that pleased her. "I'll tell her. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

"I will inform you if there is." I tipped my head slightly. "Music."

The radio quickly came on, some mindless commentator raving about Nikos' latest win in the Mistral Junior League. Emerald quickly adjusted the signal, flicking through several before finding the classical station.

I enjoyed the orchestral chorus as we began to crawl through Vale's downtown, lights and traffic slowing us in equal measure. It was a good half hour before we crossed the river into the more residential neighborhoods. One of the poorer such sections had an underground garage that was ideal for the storage of a less than legal vehicle, and I pulled it beneath a camera I'd long ago subverted.

Sadly the state of the building made changing into more casual attire a less than pleasant experience. The public restroom was disgusting enough to tempt me into burning a good inch off of every surface, and Emerald and I were both careful to touch nothing even as she helped me remove the makeup and gel, leaving my hair wet and loose.

Once that was done it was time to load everything onto my own vehicle.

The dark motorcycle was not a modern, new model. It was not sleek and fancy. What it did have was a monstrous engine, more power than it needed, and a durability that had seen it laugh off treatment that would have shattered more pathetic vehicles.

It was the first true purchase that I had made with my own money, and I was very fond of it.

Getting all three lapscrolls, the stolen jewels, wine, and our spare clothes into the saddlebags took a bit of creative packing.

Then it was a short drive with Emerald holding tightly to my waist until we arrived at the Bullhead station that would carry her to Beacon. I was more than ready to simply drop her off and go on, but the presence of an old man waiting for the next aircraft had me pause. He watched us approach, leaning on his iconic cane, then casually strolled over when we rolled to a stop.

Behind him I could see the reason for his presence; two students from Emerald's year supporting a third, who'd clearly started the night early.

Headmaster Ozpin regarded me politely as Emerald got off of the bike, calling over the sound of its engine. "Miss Sustrai. I do believe I've talked to you about wearing a helmet while on such a vehicle in the past."

Emerald put her hands on her hips. "I have aura, Professor."

"True, but is rather lazy to rely on it when a simple helmet could do the same. Would you not agree, Miss Fall?"

I was sorely tempted to drive off without replying, but Ozpin was not a student I could casually dismiss. Killing the bike's engine, I settled back in the seat without dismounting. "Perhaps, but then you could also ask why all Huntsman do not wear armor when hunting Grimm."

Ozpin chuckled. "A fair point. Miss Sustrai, would you mind assisting team WRPL? I'd like to speak with your guardian."

No. While I doubted he had anything to do with my own affairs, that did not mean I needed him interfering. I'd drawn enough of his attention thanks to Emerald's... early difficulties and the numerous times I'd had to field calls about her behavior.

Further, while I believed him uninvolved, at best that left him ignorant of a hostile and lethal organization in the very city he claimed to protect. The middle case was that he was aware of them, but was so incompetent as to not realize what they were doing. And in the worst case, my instincts were wrong and he knew exactly what was going on.

Until I knew for certain I had no intentions of being alone with him, just as I'd instructed Emerald to never accept being called to his office without her team.

"I'm afraid I've had a very long day, perhaps another time?"

He surprised me by nodding at once, "That is more than acceptable. How about tomorrow, perhaps at my office around one? Glynda and I usually take a working lunch around that time, and we can provide you with the same."

I fought the urge to scowl. There was little I could do but accept or risk offending one of the most powerful men in Vale. And at least his deputy would be present, though I was cautious of her as well. "That is... acceptable."

"Thank you. I look forwards to seeing you."

I could not say the same.

A brand new flashback section to set up more of what will be coming later, and then a much better edited current affairs section.

Please read and review, criticism is welcome, flames not so much, as usual. Reviews are my lifeblood as a writer.. every-time my email goes off with a review it makes me want to write more, so please take the time to leave one. Guests can leave them as well, and it only takes a minute, so please. Even if it's as simple as "I enjoyed it, please continue."

Thanks, Kat

Chapter Text

Resolute Giant

Roughly 10 years ago

Ghira Belladonna glowered down at the Human trying to intimidate him. "We are not leaving until all of my people are aboard this ship."

The Atlesian Harbormaster tried to sneer, but the fact that he was a full foot shorter clearly left him feeling rather uncomfortable. Not that it blunted the blatant racism any, or the whiny sneer in his voice. "You animals will leave when ordered to leave, and I'm ordering you to-"

"We will leave when all of my people are aboard." He repeated, lowering his face until it was right in the other man's personal space. "You want us back on Menagerie? Stop your whining and do your job."

"You can't talk to me like that! I'm-"

Another man interrupted the attempt, his voice hard. "Useless, unprofessional, and causing chaos in the harbor since this ship was supposed to have left two hours ago."

Colonel Ironwood strode forward, his specialist's combat coat billowing rather dramatically around him as he did. He too stared down at the civilian, tones growing even harsher. "Your people are spending more time throwing insults than they are in processing Belladonna's entourage. Get them moving."

The harbormaster flinched, muttered something about a report, and then fled with whatever scraps of dignity he could recover.

They both watched him go before Ghira rumbled, "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Ironwood replied quietly. "I'm sorry for what's happening. If I had the authority..."

It was a nice sentiment, and he knew that the soldier meant it. But...

"This is only going to make matters worse for everyone, Colonel. You've all but confirmed that there is no such thing as freedom of speech in Atlas if you're a faunus. Or the rights to assemble and petition for that matter."

His words drew metaphorical blood, the officer having the grace to look ashamed of his nation. "I know."

Ghira lowered his voice further. "I can't hold back the radicals forever. This was supposed to be my crowning move to hold them back. Now they will be emboldened, and what is worse I will have few ways to tell them they're wrong."

"You're making good progress in Vale."

"At the moment." He agreed, "But for how long? Your corporations are already trying to buy out their Valean competitors. How long will Vale-Dust hold out until the SDC takes over? How long until Schnee is buying Councilors to drive labor wages down in two Kingdoms instead of one?"

From his expression, Ironwood didn't think it would be nearly long enough before both things happened.

And once that happened, Ghira was certain he would be removed from power. Truthfully he wouldn't even be able to blame his followers either. He'd drafted plans, made promises. Some of it had worked out, some things had improved.

Far too much hadn't... and in many areas it felt like the treatment of the Faunus was growing worse rather than better.

"I'll be up for promotion in a few years, and then there's a chance I'll hold two seats instead of one on the Council." Ironwood said. "Just hold the line until then, and I'll see what can be done."

Another nice sentiment, but Ghira wouldn't hold his breath. He hadn't come to Atlas with much hope, and what he'd seen both in the floating city as well as in Mantle had destroyed it. Maybe Ironwood could hold off more extreme laws in the future... but by then it might be too late.

No. By then it would be far too late. Not unless an honest to the gods miracle occurred.

Commotion from the nearby building drew his attention, the rest of his speaking party finally being released from inspection.

"I'll board now." Ghira rumbled. "Hopefully the speaking tour in Mistral will go better."

It would be hard for it not to, given that they hadn't even allowed them to hold their first demonstration. Never-mind the several that had been planned to follow, his scheduled meetings with the media, or his speech at the university. He'd even had to cancel his appearance at the huntsman academy since the Council had scheduled his appeal at the same time he'd been supposed to be there.

And then they'd canceled it after making him wait for three hours citing 'more pressing business'. A calculated humiliation that all but guaranteed that he wouldn't be able to hold his current coalition past the next election. Then the only question would be if he could sponsor someone more moderate to take his place before one of the hard-liners gathered enough support.

Still... until then, he would do what he could.

"I hope so as well. Good luck, sir." Ironwood surprised him by holding out his flesh and blood hand. He took it after a startled moment, shaking it once before they broke apart.

Walking up the gangplank brought him face to face with another problem; Sienna Khan was standing with her hands on her hips, her thick coat tightly wrapped around her.

"He make more promises he won't be able to keep?" She demanded once he was aboard.

"He's a good man." He replied, before honesty compelled him to go on. "He doesn't understand the depths of the problem. He'll be an ally, but a more limited one than he believes."

The tiger faunus huffed out breath, "We can't rely on Humans, old man. You know that."

He growled. "I'm not relying on anyone, and don't call me old, girl. Help everyone else get settled, we leave for Argus as soon as they're aboard. Where's my wife?"

She was opening her mouth to reply when one of their new recruits came running out onto the deck. The young girl's skin was rapidly changing colors, and her face was drawn with worry. "Chieftain! Chieftain!"

"Easy girl!" He grabbed her shoulders before she could run into either of them. "Don't run on the deck. What is it?"

"Miss Kali needs you! There's..." Her skin settled on an unpleasant shade of green while her spots flared to white. "...there's a problem."

Sienna abruptly hissed. "Blood on her shoes."

A quick glance down let him spot the red droplets. Kali was on board. So was little Blake. Heart tightening in worry, he quickly moved past little Amitola. The girl followed, as did Sienna, the three of them rushing back inside.

It didn't take him long to find the problem; Kali was shouting for more towels from their cabin, and Blake was sitting outside. His daughter was shaking, pale, and had tears running down her cheeks.

Her hands were covered in blood.

"What's happened?" Ghira's bellow cut through everything else, and made Blake jump to her feet. She struck him like a missile about the legs, and he wasted no time in hauling her up against his chest. "Are you hurt?"

"No!" His daughter sobbed into his coat. "Girl! She's hurt!"

A girl?

Holding her tightly, he stepped forwards, looking into the cabin.

Kali was seated on their bed, her legs crossed as she carefully washed a slim form who'd been carefully laid out on the sheets. Both of his speechwriters were carefully moving buckets of water nearby, while Kali's own secretary was pulling out medicine and supplies from one of their large first aid kits.

Sucking in a slow breath, he turned and nodded slightly to Sienna. "Take her, please."

Sienna nodded without talking back for once. It was a bit of a struggle to get Blake loose, the seven year old protesting as only a scared child could. A few quiet murmurs of encouragement got her on her feet, her little hand held in Sienna's as she was led outside. "Come on Blake. You too Ilia, let's go out on deck. The air's clean."

The two children followed obediently, though not without worried looks back.

That left him free to close the door, and walk over to his wife's side. "Is she one of ours?"

"Human." Kali replied without looking up from her work. "Blake and Ilia were playing in the cargo hold, they found her down there. Fennec is trying to figure out how she got on board as we speak, and making sure there isn't anyone else hiding down there."

He looked closer at the wounded child, and almost wished that he hadn't. What remained of her left eye was... not something that could be saved, and not something his daughter or Amitola should have had to see. From the cut around it it had been taken by a sword or dagger. More wounds were on her chest, arms, and across her palms.

Defensive wounds were easy to recognize.

Whoever she was, she'd been fighting her attackers.

His wife spoke again. "She has aura, it's doing what it can, though I dread to think how it was unlocked considering her age. I don't think she'll die, but she's very weak. We should get her off the ship and into a hospital."

"I don't think they're going to let us off now that we're aboard." He said, shaking his head. "I'll try, but if Colonel Ironwood has already left-"

The sharp blare of the ship's horn cut him off, a dull rumble coming from the aft end telling them all that the engines were coming to life.

"...We'll have to take her with us." He finished tiredly. "Hopefully we won't be accused of kidnapping when we reach Anima."

Kali grimaced. "I don't think we'll have to worry about that. Or fear that she will be ungrateful when she wakes up."

"Why?"

In response she gently shifted a hand down, pulling some of the girl's black hair away from her neck. He looked and felt a snarl bubble out at the sight of a perfectly even scar wrapping around her throat. A kind he'd seen all too often on Faunus; the mark of a shock collar whose controller had been eager to use it.

"Clean her up." Reaching down, he just as gently pulled the hair back over the mark of a slave. "Make sure she's comfortable. We'll ask her what happened when she wakes."

"We'll have to remove her eye, or what is left of it." Kali looked up to him, "Go. Keep Blake distracted, happy. Clean her up, play with her. I'll call you when we're done."

Ghira nodded, kissed her forehead, and gave their stowaway a final look before walking away.

Cinder Fall

Present Day

Beacon was as ostentatious and over-sized as ever.

Settling Midnight over my left shoulder, I strode confidently away from the airship terminal. Civilians present to visit the CCT and its attendant mall recognized a huntress when they saw one, quickly moving aside to give me a clear path to walk through. That left me free to see Glynda Goodwitch waiting just ahead.

Her two eyes met my one as I approached, expression betraying nothing as always.

"Miss Fall." She greeted coolly.

"Goodwitch." I didn't slow down or offer to shake her hand, forcing the taller woman to turn and fall into step beside me. "I trust this is not about Emerald's behavior in class?"

The blonde was clearly displeased at my brusque advance, but seemed determined to not let it affect her. "Your ward's behavior has improved markedly over the past several months. Curiously the number of suspicious incidents involving Miss Sustrai's class rivals do not seem to have abated."

There was another rush of that odd, pleased feeling in my chest.

After the first time I'd had to come to Beacon when she'd ambushed a would-be bully in the halls, I'd made it clear to Emerald that I would not tolerate such behavior in the future. Being caught by teachers was one thing, they had experience and knowledge. But being both goaded and then witnessed by her fellow students?

No disciple of mine would be that amateurish.

To soften the blow, and because one of my psychology books harped on the benefits of positive reinforcement, I'd then told her she would receive a cake of her choice for every worthy prank she conducted without being caught.

She'd improved her covert skills in a remarkably short time after that, to the point where I'd had to withdraw the reward before she became a diabetic. I still showered her with praise, which she seemed to think was nearly as good.

"Bullies attract attention and enemies." I dismissed her accusations, just as I had during parent-teacher conferences last month. "Bring me proof that Emerald was involved and you have my word that I will speak to her."

"You could do to make the pride less obvious in your voice. She nearly put three of her classmates into the medical wing the day before exams."

And they had no doubt deserved it.

"Is this not a combat school?" I asked. "Are huntsmen and huntresses not encouraged to resolve their problems through violence?"

Goodwitch's expression shifted, a scowl taking over her patrician features. "Problems with the Grimm or bandits in the wilds, yes. Not with their classmates. Problems such as those should be reported to the proper authorities. Myself or the other teachers in this case."

I smiled as I turned away, "I will remind her."

While I couldn't actually hear her teeth grinding, I took great pleasure in imagining it.

The Deputy Headmistress said nothing further as we walked past the outer circle of dormitories, entered the central tower, and then entered the elevator to Ozpin's office. It hadn't changed since my last visit, save for the lack of a shame-faced Emerald and an exasperated Coco Adel. That, and the addition of several chairs and plates filled with rich rich food.

Ozpin was seated behind his desk, and smiled on seeing me. While I didn't return the expression, I at least appreciated the fact that his eyes stayed on my own rather than drifting as most men's tended to.

"Headmaster." Using his title was a minor politeness that cost me nothing. "I don't suppose you're going to tell me what this is about?"

His polite mask remained in place. "Of course, but first we should eat. The kitchens slow cooked pulled pork today, and it is truly excellent. Please, sit. We have plenty of drinks available as well."

I took the seat on the left, leaning my weapon against the chair, letting me easily see Goodwitch when she sat to my right. While she stayed silent, Ozpin and I made small talk as the three of us ate. Simple questions about traffic and the state of Vale, how Emerald's grades had improved, followed by inquiring as to the prospective students that would be coming up from Signal next year.

Our plates were empty before he finally shifted the conversation from the next year's class to the current. "Speaking of talented prospects, part of the reason I wished to speak with you was to discuss your ward."

Leaning back in my chair, I casually crossed my legs. "I trust it is not more baseless accusations regarding her behavior."

"I see Glynda has already spoken with you." Ozpin glanced between the two of us. "While her... creativity and skill in covering up her illicit behavior does warrant discussion, that can occur in the conferences next year if it continues. I was actually hoping to discuss your... personal relationship."

Ah. My amusement faded quickly, turning into a tired sigh. It was all too easy to see where this was going, and why they wanted to speak with me.

"I am her mentor and her guardian. As much as she may wish for more, you have my word that I am not taking advantage of her in a physical sense."

The headmaster steepled his fingers, looking at me over them. "That is relieving to hear. You are not insulted that I asked the question?"

"I am well aware of Emerald's opinion of me." I replied. "And her remarkable ability to not realize what she's insinuating in public. I was expecting to be asked this quite some time ago, to tell you the truth. And believe me when I say that she was even worse when I first found her on the streets."

"I do." His lips curled into a small smile. "How did you end up becoming the guardian of a girl a mere five years younger than you?"

I shrugged. "She picked my pocket. I pursued and found her cornered by a group of rather unsavory individuals. I dealt with them, retrieved my belongings, and told her to grow stronger if she didn't wish to be saved in the future."

"And she asked that you train her?"

"Something like that." In truth I had realized her semblance had some form of hallucinogenic properties given the nature of how she'd stolen my wallet, and had simply had ordered her to follow me. She had, after all I'd just killed half a dozen men in front of her, and she knew she had no chance to run.

To this day I wasn't sure if she'd thought I was simply taking her to a more private location for disposal or abuse.

Of course once she'd realized I was giving her a place to live, regular food, and combat training... well. That had largely secured her loyalty then and there. The infatuation had come later, over time.

The irony that I had done to her exactly what Rhodes had planned to do me was thick. At least I could cling to the fact that I hadn't caused Emerald's terrible life before I'd found her. Taken advantage of it, certainly, but I had also improved her lot by an order of magnitude.

I was better than him. I had to be, and I had to remain as such.

"That is good to hear. Not that I honestly believe that you were doing anything untoward, but..." He tipped his head. "As you said. Miss Sustrai does not always think before she speaks, and some of the ways she has shot down interested students have been... inventive."

I couldn't stop the smirk from returning. "It is better to be blunt, perhaps cruel, than deal with repeated advances with they are unwanted."

Ozpin chuckled. "Perhaps. In either case, her team leader has grown rather skilled in warning off anyone before they can be publicly embarrassed. And as I said, perhaps another summer, another year will settle things between herself and her other classmates. If not I expect we will be having this conversation once again."

Goodwitch grumbled something about it being more than likely, something to which I silently agreed.

"I trust you did not bring me all this way simply to discuss something that could have been handled in a scroll message?" I asked.

"I did not." He nodded to his deputy. "Glynda has been speaking with Signal Academy. Several of their teachers have been most effusive in their praise of your work as a substitute combat professor. If I may ask, I was hoping to know why you volunteered for such work?"

I allowed myself to frown. "A curious question. Is it so unusual for a huntress to seek additional income?"

Goodwitch finally spoke up, "No, but it is unusual for someone your age to work at an Academy. I can count on one hand the number of teachers below the age of thirty between Beacon, Signal, Lighthouse, and Watchtower."

"A woman must eat." I didn't like the direction this conversation had taken. Not in the slightest. "Taking care of Emerald has limited my ability to take standard work over the past few years."

"Commendable of you." Ozpin tipped his head slightly. "The additional training you give her on the weekends has given her a noticeable advantage compared to her peers. Would you be interested in giving her classmates similar instruction?"

By the brother gods, not another job offer. "I am not sure what you mean."

The Headmaster spread his hands slightly. "My friends have Signal had made it clear that you are not looking at teaching for a career, so I will not insult you by attempting to make an offer in that regard. I am merely hoping that you might be open to similar substitute work here at Beacon."

Ah. Well, that was far less alarming and far more interesting. Was this an honest offer, or was he trying to keep a suspicious figure close? I knew as well as anyone that my excuse of staying in the city to watch over Emerald was a thin one.

There simply wasn't all that much legal work for a huntress within the walls. Anyone with a dollop of common sense and some basic math skills could work out that I should have been hovering just above poverty with how few missions I undertook, even with my occasional week at Signal.

I wasn't, of course. I lived very well for various less than legal reasons, but therein lay the problem.

"I..." I allowed myself to hesitate, as if reluctant but needing the lien too much to outright say no. "...would not turn down the additional paychecks. Though honesty has me warn you that few students enjoy my lessons."

Goodwitch surprised me by smiling slightly. Perhaps the first time I'd ever seen that expression directed my way from her. "Qrow Branwen told us as much. I believe his exact words were that you were excellent at providing a hard dose of reality to cocky teenagers."

I chuckled. "Knowing him, I believe you left out a few choice epithets."

"Perhaps." Her lips twitched as if trying to smile more broadly, only for her to kill the expression before it could become too warm. "In either case, having a substitute such as yourself would give us some badly needed relief in our scheduling. If you are only comfortable in teaching combat that is fine, I could replace any of the others if they are out while you handled my class."

I hummed in what I hoped was a thoughtful fashion, considering the matter further. Emerald would, of course, be ecstatic if I did so. It would also give me more access to her team, give me a greater chance to see if any of them could be recruited on the side. Her partner assuredly had potential in that regard, but the two boys were far harder to get a read on.

Even if they weren't, direct access to the students would give me plenty of room to scout others for future use.

And, perhaps, it would work to shock the enemy into taking action. Working at Signal hadn't seemed to set off any alarms, but maybe if it seemed like I was trying to manipulate future generations...

Hm. That was a thin hope at best... not likely at all.

Still, I had little room to refuse without drawing more attention to myself. More questions about what exactly I was getting up to within the city. Perhaps I'd have to take Emerald out into the wilds for a short time, if only to actually do the job I claimed to hold. Plus, well, there was nothing like life or death battles with Grimm to train up a young warrior.

She would improve quickly that way, and I would have an excuse to teach her better fieldcraft.

"I am not adverse to the idea, with certain conditions." I said, settled on a plan after a few more moments of thought.

Ozpin smiled. "Of course. What are your concerns?"

"I do not handle authority figures well." I said rather bluntly. "I will not apologize for it, nor change my attitude, and I do quite enjoy my free time. I would rather not make this a career in everything but name. No more than a few days a month."

"Of course." He repeated. "Let us say, no more than four days in a single month?"

I mulled that over. That was how many I currently gave Signal, no doubt why he'd opened with it as an offer. Losing a potential eight week days per month was not overly limiting to my other operations, at least at the moment. That might change depending on the quality of last night's intelligence. Of course I'd have two months to act before the next semester began, so there were was every chance it wouldn't be a concern at all.

And if Qrow actually bothered to show up to work at Signal, there was every chance I wouldn't be called in more than once or twice every few weeks. Hardly a problem unless the timing was truly unfortunate.

"Acceptable. Pay will be half again as much as Signal. I'm certain you can afford it."

It was Goodwitch's turn to nod. "We can easily fit that into the budget. If I may, I would like to request that you attend the first combat session of each semester as well. I like to open them with a spar against a professional hunter, usually myself, but many students find my semblance... overpowering to deal with."

My right hand waved dismissively. "It will count against one of the days, but I have no qualms. If illness or an emergency requires me, I will consent to going beyond the four day limit but will charge more."

"Acceptable." She said in turn. "I will leave to draw up the paperwork, it will be mailed to you later this week."

"Simply give to Emerald, she can bring it with when the dorms close for the summer."

Another nod came as she stood, "Thank you. I look forwards to working with you."

I gave her a rather coy smile. "You may regret those words."

She huffed out a sound somewhere between amusement and irritation, nodded to her superior, and then strode to the elevator. I began to rise to follow, assuming the conversation done, only for Ozpin to quickly speak.

"If I may have a few more minutes of your time?"

What relaxation I'd found fled, pursued by the return of my innate paranoia. I still stood, but merely moved behind my chair to lean on it rather than departing entirely. "What else is there?"

"Another job offer." He quickly held a hand up, "Not at school, as a huntress."

I pursed my lips and narrowed my eye. "I doubt it is anything simple, or you'd have simply messaged me about it. And you would not have waited for your deputy to depart."

Ozpin sighed, standing up as well. Leaning on his cane, he slowly walked to the nearest window with his back to me. "I am not blind, Miss Fall. I am the Headmaster of Beacon, and the highest ranking Huntsman in Vale. While I do not doubt that you are caring for Miss Sustrai when she is not in Beacon, we are a boarding school. Your name is attached to very few paid missions, and you do not work many hours at Signal. A suspicious man might ask what exactly you actually do for a living."

My exhalation was slow, careful. The better to keep my tone even. "One would think you are accusing me of something, Headmaster."

"No. Qrow Branwen assures me that you are reliable, and trustworthy so long as I do not claim authority over you." He shook his head. "I trust his word on the matter. I am merely warning you that, whatever you get up to during your days in Vale, I would rather it not harm the reputation of my school."

A threat, then. A more polite threat than I was used to, but a threat all the same. Reaching down, I picked up Midnight and returned it to my shoulder while I considered my reply.

"What I do, in my time, is my business." I said, my voice quiet, firm. "Beacon has done well by Emerald. So long as it continues to do so, we will have no problems between us. Are we understood?"

He turned, looking... amused at the notion that I would threaten him in return. "I saw you once, perhaps seven or eight years ago now. Protecting Ghira Belladonna when he led the White Fang. ."

I felt my scars tugging as I frowned. "What of it?"

"My job offer." Ozpin smiled, as if we were discussing nothing of particular note. "I was hoping that you might still have a few old friends among the White Fang, comrades in arms who might take your call, or be willing to meet you for lunch."

Ahhh. He thought I was a sympathizer, that I spent my days working with terrorists. Perhaps that I was even a disguised faunus. Far from the mark in the latter, closer than he likely knew in the former.

"I may have a few numbers." I allowed myself to sound cautious once more. "What message would I be passing along?"

"That Beacon and our preparatory academies stand for equality." He replied. "That we do not discriminate based on species. That we protect everyone in Vale."

My frown returned. "That is hardly news to anyone, least of all the White Fang."

"Is it? I have begun hearing rumors that more radical members of the White Fang have begun considering action against the Academies." Ozpin shook his head, turning back to the view of the city once more. "Atlas in particular, but the others as well for not interfering with the politics of our kingdoms. That they wish for Humans to feel the same fear faunus do every day by taking away their protectors."

I knew the type he was referring to. The radicals among the radicals, the faunus supremacists. That kind of foolish thinking was exactly the type of thing that they would eat up. "I see. I have not heard those rumors myself, but I can make... inquiries on your behalf."

He nodded without looking back. "That is all that I ask. You will be compensated fairly, for work for the school. No one will question it, and only Glynda and I will know the details. I do not expect miracles or names. Simply let me know what you hear."

Tipping my chin, I turned on a heel and departed his office without another word.

This would be the easiest contract I'd had in years, and if it deflected suspicion from my other operations so much the better.

Chapter Text

Once and Future Queen

Nine Years Ago

Sienna Khan enjoyed the feel of the sand beneath her bare feet, and the cool ocean wind on her skin. The sound of faunus living safe, comfortable lives in Kuo Kuona soothed her ears, while the sight of children playing in the surf made her smile.

Even as the sight of a Human girl sparring with Adam Taurus left her frowning for more reasons than she could honestly describe.

"Always be ready on your left!" She barked when the girl took yet another blow to that shoulder. "Your enemies are predators, and predators' instincts say to attack the weak point. Your left is an obvious target. Protect it or die!"

Their... guest snarled, twirling the two training batons in either hand before charging Adam once again. The older boy gave way, blocking her attacks with his own false 'blade', waiting for her temper to leave her open once again.

Motion to her right had Sienna turn in time to see Kali arriving, a cup of tea in her hands. "How is she doing?"

Sienna shrugged, "For someone with very little formal training? She's a natural talent, and will be dangerous as hell once she's a bit older."

"And her moods?"

"It varies." She said in reply. "She's getting better at keeping her temper under control, but that goes out the window when she gets tired or frustrated. And being called weak still sets her off, even if you're as gentle about the fact that she's missing an eye as you can be."

The older woman sighed. "Does she still resent being told what to do?"

"Yup." She popped the end of the word. "I've got her talking with that councilor who usually handles cases like hers. Not much progress there, but she's decent about doing what she's told so long as you phrase it as a question instead of as an order. Explaining why to do it helps too."

"Is the councilor all right with her species?"

Another shrug. "He said a victim of abuse is a victim, Human or Faunus. He's trying to make her self-aware enough to want to change or some crap."

Kali glanced at her through the steam of her drink. "And do you not care for her species as well? You've been curiously quiet about her staying here, and even more tolerant of my husband's request that you train her."

Sienna huffed. "There I was, thinking that you're the subtle one."

"I haven't yet finished my tea." Kali returned as she took a pointed sip, "Once I am properly awake I will become as subtle and cunning as you wish me to be."

Rolling her eyes, Sienna waved a hand towards the young teens as they kept sparring. "She's proof that Humans are bastards to each other as much as they are to us. I don't have to like her species to admit that she's suffered, and to be all right with helping her get stronger. I'm not about to adopt her, but I feel for her. Plus, well, it's not like I have anything else to be doing right now."

There was a quiet hum and more sipping of tea, both women watching as Cinder finally scored a point on Adam. The boy took it surprisingly well, grinning and complimenting her strike before they reset again.

He wasn't thrilled about her species either, Sienna knew that as well as anyone. But at the same time the young man was quietly ecstatic to find someone who could have cared less about his own scars. Someone who didn't flinch when he took his mask off, who understood at least part of his own pain.

"What about you?" Sienna asked after the boy scored another strike, tapping her hard on the leg. "Did you get anything out of her? Besides how her step-family enslaved her?"

Kali sighed once more. "Yes. She finally admitted that a Huntsman started training her on the side, but that he told her she had to stay with her family until she was of age. That she had to obey the law, rise above her abusers, that kind of thing."

She snorted. "Sounds like Ghira."

"Ghira," Kali's voice turned sharp, "Would never have simply left a child in that situation, and you know it."

Sienna winced, backing down at once.

As tired as she was becoming of the peaceful marches that seemed to accomplish nothing, she'd admit that even Ghira had limits. He did condone direct action from time to time, in the worst cases. Even if his ridiculous rule against killing made those operations far more difficult than they needed to be.

Still, he'd greatly expanded those operations over the last year. Even if he'd only done it to keep the current coalition together a little while longer.

The man's wife took a few calming breaths, drank more tea, then said, "She says he treated her well. Too well. That every time she begged him to free her, he refused, simply offering to train her even as he warned her against using her skills to strike back at the people hurting her."

"Grooming her?"

"Possibly." Kali pursed her lips, feline ears lowering. "She won't say what caused her to give in, to lash out, but from her words she discovered something about him. Something that broke her trust so completely she no longer saw any reason not to act."

Folding her arms, Sienna hummed in thought. Definitely sounded like she'd been being groomed then, and that she'd figured it out and reacted... well, like Sienna herself would have.

"What about her attacker?"

"Nothing beyond she's already told us. A man in dark combat armor, with a full face mask, who told her that she'd cost them too much to see her slip away. He said nothing else, and she only survived by throwing herself into the harbor."

Which even Sienna would admit had taken guts. A thirteen year old girl, aura broken, covered in lacerations, with one eye half-torn out of her head... she'd survived the fall, survived the shock of the impact, and then the pain of swimming through salt water to climb into the first ship she could reach.

Of course admiration for her bravery had its limits. "How long are we going to keep her around?"

Kali twitched a shoulder. "Until she desires to leave, I expect."

"This isn't a safe haven for Humans, Kali."

"It is not a place for intolerance either, Sienna."

She scoffed. "I'm not speaking for me. Like I just told you, she's probably one of the few humans alive who knows what it means to be faunus, and I'm not so much of a bitch as to shove a hurt kid away. That doesn't change the fact that there's plenty of radicals around who won't be that kind. Especially with how bad things are going in the other kingdoms. If some idiot gets drunk at the wrong time, it's not going to end well."

"We're aware that could become a problem. What would you do?"

Sienna waved a hand. "Bring her with on the next tour. Let the girl blood herself against Grimm, learn proper skills. Get her off the island and interacting with her own kind."

"I hope you're not going to suggest we simply leave her in Mistral."

"Of course not." She crossed her arms. "But she wants to become a huntress. Someone who can say fuck off to anyone who would control her. Bring her and Adam with, let them both see what doing that job actually means."

Kali exhaled slowly, lowering her cup. "I think she could do with more peace and quiet... but Ghira agrees with you. So do Fennec and Corsec."

Of course they did. Neither of the brothers enjoyed having to leave Menagerie, they were far more comfortable acting as administrators from their cozy homes. The more capable warriors the White Fang had to protect Ghira, the more likely it was they'd be allowed to stay behind.

That it would remove a Human from the island would be a bonus to them.

"I'll tell her then." Sienna offered. "We still leaving next week? Good. We aren't bringing Blake are we?"

"No, she'll be staying home with me this time."

Nodding, Sienna strode forwards just as Cinder managed another score against Adam. Both of the teens were panting for breath yet seemed determined to go another round. "That's enough."

Cinder whirled on her, the girl's short hair not covering up the silk hiding her ruined eye. "I'm not done yet!"

She met her gaze without flinching. "You're exhausted, trembling, and dehydrated. If you continue all you will accomplish is to undo the progress you've made today. Your body needs time to recover if you wish your muscles to build rather than tear."

"But-"

"Calm down, girl." She interrupted. "You are getting stronger. You're better than I was at your age already. The first lesson of every huntress is patience."

"...fine." The word was a petulant growl. "But I want to go out with the militia tomorrow! I need to kill a Grimm."

Of course she did. She had to prove herself strong, useful. The psychiatrist said it was a mechanism to ensure that they didn't dismiss her, throw her away. Further proof that the girl was a mess.

As if they'd needed it. One conversation with her was usually enough to prove that.

"Would you rather do that, or would you two rather accompany us when we travel to Mistral next week?"

Adam perked up at once, pausing in the act of pulling his mask back over his brand. "Both of us?"

Sienna grinned, "Yes. We've decided to bring you both with, if that's what you want. Teach you both some proper field craft, and let you face Grimm in the real world."

The boy puffed up, "Of course we want to. We won't let the White Fang down."

"I'm not a revolutionary, or a faunus." The girl shot back, but her expression betrayed her own excitement. "And we both know that I'll kill more Grimm than you will."

The two kept up their bickering as she led them away from the beach, boasts and assertions of skill growing ever more wild as they headed back to the manor for the rest of the morning.

Cinder Fall

Present Day

The Sleeping Ranger was the kind of pub that even I could appreciate. It catered to huntsman, its interior was filled with rich wooden columns and tables, and the conversation was muted even at its busiest. There were no giant screens behind the bar, no children flailing about on a dance floor.

Just good food, comfortable seating, and excellent drinks.

"So once we had every left shoe we could steal, we tossed them into the showers and let 'em run all night." Coco recounted their latest endeavor, grinning over her tropical cocktail. "Jas was practically in tears that we ruined all six pairs of her best heels."

I chuckled, idly swirling my wine as I lounged across from her. "Childish, yet amusing."

"Bitch shouldn't have accused me of cheating then." The leader of team CFEY tossed the rest of her drink back with every sign of pleasure. "Ahh. This place is too quiet for me, but it's got the best drinks in the east side. You really should try one, Yats."

The largest member of the team smiled as he lowered his glass of water. "One of us must be sober."

"I only had one!"

He nodded to his right where Fox and Emerald were competing to finish their third. "And do you wish to deal with them alone?"

Coco groaned. "Always the voice of reason. Hey, Fall? Shouldn't you be, you know, stopping your little girl from getting wasted?"

"She is hardly a little girl." I rolled my single eye. "She is of age to make her own decisions. If she thinks the fun tonight will be worth the hangover tomorrow, that is her affair. And do not deflect from your own responsibility as a team leader."

"Hey! I'm a great team leader! She tied her own shoes this morning, all by herself."

Emerald choked on her drink even as I chuckled, "What of her uniform's tie?"

"I'm not a miracle worker." Coco grinned as Emerald coughed, slamming her heavy glass down. Glaring at the other girl even as her cheeks darkened further. "Maybe she'll be able to handle that by the time graduation rolls around."

"Coco!" My disciple finally got enough air into her lungs to gasp the name.

"It would not surprise me." I indulged myself by joining in further. "It took me three years to teach her to properly braid her hair."

Her embarrassment worsened at once. "Cinder!"

Coco threw back her head, not laughing so much as cackling. Even the quiet giant smiled, an expression that grew when Fox slammed his empty tankard down. "Victory!"

"I was distracted!" Emerald protested.

The blind man grinned. "A proper hunter cannot allow themselves to be distracted no matter the situation, right Miss Fall?"

"Correct." Raising my glass, I savored the last of my wine before setting it down. "Finish your drink, Emerald. We paid good lien for it. Then I believe it is time to call it an evening."

My disciple kept pouting even as she brought her heavier mug to her lips. There wasn't much left, and it didn't take her long to finish it.

Getting her up on her own feet after was far more of an adventure. I felt the muscles in my neck strain slightly as she clung to me, mumbling something about how I smelled while she buried her face in my shoulder. Wrapping one arm around her to keep her upright, I left a decent tip on the table with the other.

Once Yatsurhara and Coco had the other inebriated student upright as well, we made for the door.

The cool night air felt good, as did handing Emerald off to her team leader. My disciple protested separating from me, protested again when everyone teased her about it, and swayed a bit when I patted her head.

"Get her to bed." I ordered. "I will be there to pick her up at the end of the week."

"Yes mother." Coco drawled, already pulling her away. "Come on Emerald. If you throw up on me again you're buying me an new wardrobe. And I don't want to hear about how tight Cinder's ass is the entire way to Beacon either!"

"Coco!"

"What? She's got a fantastic one, but it's just weird hearing it come from you!"

Huffing in amusement, I strode in the opposite direction of the team as they kept up their familiar bickering. They were children, as I'd said, but amusing ones.

Competent ones as well. For all of her compulsive teasing, Coco Adel was extremely powerful for her age, and possessed a respectable combat semblance to boot. She was protective, cunning, and loyal. Emerald could have done far worse in partners.

I'd have still rather Emerald been the one to lead her team, but I'd come to accept the other girl. Especially when she proved entirely willing to heed my advice when it came to tactical discussions. She was proud, yes, but not so foolish as to turn down good instruction no matter the source.

I had every expectation they would go far in next year's Vytal Tournament, which would be... ideal if things remained stalemated in my other works.

And as far as the young men went... they similarly had potential. Both had semblances that would be beyond useful in my work, if they could be recruited.

Even better, Emerald's rather abrasive nature early in her tenure at Beacon had actually worked in my favor in regards to the entire team. The would-be-bullying she'd suffered from other students had seen her new team close ranks quickly, defending her before retaliating in kind. My open encouragement and quiet tips had only seemed to make them grow fond of me, despite the fact that I made no effort to 'tone down' my usual attitudes around them.

There was every chance I could get them to start undertaking minor matters for me even now. I wouldn't, not until I could be assured of their loyalty, but I was making good progress in securing their appreciation.

"Slow, steady progress." I mused as I climbed onto my bike, its monstrous engine rumbling to life. "No need to rush it just yet."

I could make more progress there in the next school year. For tonight, I had lapscrolls to finish cracking, and an apartment to check on. Pulling my scroll out, I sent off a short message to prepare things for my arrival before pocketing the device.

The drive was a longer one, especially since I stuck to the back roads rather than the elevated highway that looped through the city. Part of that was because I took a simple pleasure in riding, but mostly it was because I wanted to avoid the numerous speed cameras set up on the faster paths.

They were more than they seemed. It was hard not to know that when an early attempt to hack them had revealed that someone else already had remote access, someone with far greater skill than the local police. They had been able to effortlessly shut down my attempt to gain control, and I'd had to begin avoiding them as a result.

In that Vale's elitist snobbery worked in my favor; the roads of the cramped, lower-class neighborhoods were more poorly maintained, just as poorly funded, and generally lacked the security features that filled other parts of the city.

It was why I rented a small apartment on the low-income west side. The old building right on the river, staring across at the ugly skyline of the industrial sector. Unsightly, in a less than stable neighborhood, but very cheap. Plus, my neighbors were not the type to ask questions, which made it even more ideal.

Pulling in to the underground garage, I slowly rolled my bike forwards to stained and battered security door in the back. Killing the engine, I got off and went through the long routine of unlocking it, then pushing the vehicle into the cramped space beyond. Retrieving Midnight from where I'd left it on a simple hook within, I set both of the physical locks and the electronic one before heading for the stairs.

The building was silent, it was rather late, and the only sound was my footsteps when I reached the fourth floor.

Apartment Four-Oh-One's door was still locked when I arrived. Still, I separated Midnight into its two halves, hanging one blade from my belt while holding the other in my left.

My paranoia proved unwarranted; there was no one waiting for me when I swept inside. My small kitchen was empty, the living room with its battered furniture just as I'd left it. The stolen lap-scroll was still on the table, a command line operation still ticking off a new line once every few seconds while it worked.

A routine check of the windows showed the security tape was still in... ah.

"Finally." I dropped to a knee next to the bedroom window, a genuine smile coming out as I ran a finger over the chipped paint. Someone had broken the tape there, then replaced it, but they hadn't quite accounted for how old the window was.

They'd damaged the paint, exposing old wood beneath, probably when they'd pulled up the torn section.

Rising, I quickly secured the rest of the one-bedroom home. No one was present.

Quick strides brought me back to the living room so that I could check on the lapscroll. My smile remained when I saw the routine clock script still simply ticking off the time every five seconds or so, along with a comment that Emerald had insisted on adding.

10:50:00 Diamonds in the rough are hard to find. Perhaps you should try harder?

10:50:05 Diamonds in the rough are hard to find. Perhaps you should try harder?

10:50:10 Diamonds in the rough are hard to find. Perhaps you should try harder?

I indulged in a fond fantasy of what the agent's reactions had been, then got moving again. Leaving the device where it was, I casually strolled back to the front door, opened it, and then headed for the elevator.

Inspecting the old box for listening devices and cameras took as long as it always did, but as usual revealed nothing. Either they hadn't left any, or my other assets had already removed them. Either way I was free to pull out a key and insert it into the fireman's lock.

Twisting it, I pushed down on the top floor at the same time.

Rather than rising, the elevator promptly began to descend. Floor numbers ticked by, hitting zero, then B1, then flickering to display an error. I held both the key and the button until it finally clanked to a stop, the doors creaking open to let in the stench of Vale's labyrinth of an underground.

Ah. The benefits of working in a city nearly older than time. Countless subway systems, sewer systems, basements, bomb shelters, personal bunkers, underground garages... there had been so much work done over so much time that it was all but impossible to map. The only times anyone of authority ever came down was to check the various foundations when it came to rebuild condemned structures on the surface.

A labyrinth that was dangerous to explore... but a useful shortcut if you knew the right paths.

Striking out to my left, I went twenty paces before dipping through a narrow crack in the stone and concrete. On the other side a crumbling stairwell carried me further down. The bottom opened into an abandoned subway tunnel, and I took the western route; walking beneath the river itself.

I was perhaps thirty yards down before a shadow detached itself from a crack in the wall and fell into step beside me.

"Report." I ordered without looking at her.

"Two masked agents entered your apartment." Blake Belladonna replied at once, speaking through the full-face White Fang mask she was wearing. "One by way of the window, they let the other in through the front. They stayed for fifteen minutes before exiting through the front."

Finally. Finally! "Did you pursue?"

The young terrorist shook her head. "A car with tinted windows pulled up when they came out. I relayed the plates to Mountain Glen to check them, but I doubt the car belongs to a retiree in the farming sector."

I hummed, not at all surprised.

"Most people wouldn't look that happy to know people broke into their home."

"I am not most people." I replied dismissively. "Was your man able to crack the Councilor's devices?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. He's going through them now, but there's a lot to go over and they're pretty heavily protected. He says that it will be a while before he can say anything for certain."

"Is he confident he can retrieve anything useful?"

"Yes."

"Then tell him to take as much time as he requires. Thoroughness is more important than haste." Knowing that Vale's Secret Service had been alarmed enough to try and recover them from my home was proof enough that there was something good on them. Something worth them risking detection. "I will need you all to be prepared for phase two."

Blake lowered her voice, "That's... going to be hard. We're still dealing with that anti-faunus militia in the western kingdom, and protecting Glade down south. We're stretched thin."

I waved a dismissive hand. "I merely need you prepared, not for you to stand idle. If needs be I can arrange a trip to the west to wrap up that matter quickly once the school year concludes. They would not dare act against a huntress, especially if I arrive with a Beacon student."

"That would be... appreciated." The girl sighed. "It's turning into a bit of a mess out there. Some of us here may have to leave before then to help that branch deal with the problems."

"Keep me informed, I will not micromanage the White Fang."

Not that I didn't desire to, and not because they didn't need a controlling hand from time to time. Even at their best they tended towards a vague incompetence thanks to inability to turn away even the least qualified help. But they were, much like myself, extremely averse to being given orders. Especially from a Human. A species that I just happened to have been born as.

I was powerful and respected among them, but not so powerful or respected that I could simply dictate their policies and actions.

"You are aware that you won't be able to deal with that militia peaceably, are you not?" I asked as we hopped across the rail lines, entering an old utility tunnel.

"Yes." Ghira's daughter replied. "I... would rather not kill anyone, but sometimes you have to. I don't have to like it to accept it. You've taught me that."

I hummed. Blake was far more difficult to work with than Emerald, or even Emerald's teammates. People devoted to a cause seemed to require a more delicate hand than I'd prefer. They would work with me only so long as my objectives aligned, or seemed to align, with their own.

Sienna was fond of me, as fond as she could be of a Human, and Adam tolerated me as a valuable sparring partner and occasional resource. Enough they were always willing to give me safe harbor, they weren't so fond as to help with with my personal affairs.

Not without some effort on my part to convince them that we shared a mutual enemy.

Fortunately for me, the secrecy inherent to the opposition had made that an easy sell.

True, I had some small risk if they never took action against the White Fang, but I doubted that would remain the case forever. Especially if the VSS realized just who I was working with and began active operations against the White Fang. That would neatly remove any future problems in securing their long-term aid, at least so long as someone survived the attack to tell the tale.

And, if not, then I would simply have to continue trading one favor for another.

We said nothing further as we walked on, Dropping another level, cutting through a sewer, and passing the outer checkpoints. Armed faunus greeted us both with good cheer as we passed them, and we both relaxed our guard as we finally reached the ladder leading up to the current base of operations.

The cavernous warehouse was an older one, but well cared for. Cargo containers had been carefully arranged to create 'rooms', and to block off easy access from the building's proper entrances.

Unmasked faunus were everywhere, casually doing maintenance on arms, relaxing on couches, or talking while they ate a late dinner.

A single glance around led me to ask, "Where is Adam?"

"Mountain Glenn." Blake replied at once, pulling her mask off. "More Grimm trying to tunnel through. He took Banesaw and Ilia with him to deal with them."

Unfortunate. Oh well, I would relay Ozpin's questions when he returned. "Very well. Tell him I need to speak with him when he returns, and have your man alert me the moment he's finished with his analysis."

The girl nodded before splitting off, heading to where Trifa was watching drama on a television propped up by cardboard boxes.

Leaving them to it, I casually strolled through the building. Several terrorists greeted me by name, and I returned their words in kind. While I honestly cared not a whit for most of them as individuals, even the smallest of personal touches worked wonders at inspiring both loyalty and camaraderie.

I'd watched both Sienna and Ghira work crowds, seen how their little gestures earned them so much devotion. They'd taught me a great deal of leadership, something I did my best to combine with the various books I read.

As a result I tolerated the questions on how Emerald was doing, asked after children I'd never met, and only slowly reached the office tucked away in the corner.

My real home within the city.

Luxurious rugs covered up the cold floor, an expansive bed had been carefully settled in to the back, and a wine rack was filled with a collection of my favorites. Some illicitly taken, some honestly purchased, much like the mahogany wardrobe beside them.

I let my eye linger on the wine before asserting my self control, closing the door behind me.

Tonight I would rest. Soon enough I would discover if today had been the victory it seemed.