Chapter One: Black Sheep Returns
It was a jungle of steel and concrete, poorly lit and barely cleaned; this part of the kingdom was run down and, as many would describe it, in outright disrepair. The sidewalks littered with trash and junk, buildings defaced with numerous pieces of graffiti, and potholes covered the streets. Outdated power lines supplied electricity to this section, unlike the rest of Vale which used more modern methods that didn't need such things.
Rock and broken asphalt crackled under the weight of a single vehicle, driving down one of the dilapidated roads. The color of the simple car was black with tinted windows, completely blending into the background on this overcast night. The blindingly bright headlights were the only things to give away its location.
It took some time to make all the right turns, but the car eventually made it to its destination; the front of a back alley club. There was no sign to denote a name, and the brick walls on either side vandalized with more graffiti, several of a more explicit and raunchy variety. Two doors opened, the front passenger and driver side.
Two people walked out on the cracked sidewalk. The one coming from the driver's seat was Mercury, a young man with gray-colored hair. His black and gray jacket blended in with the night well, as did the braces protecting his arms.
The one from the front passenger looked about the same age. Her dark skin and mint-green hair acted in contrast to her partner's light tan more contemporary locks. Her top was little more than a series of interconnected straps, exposing much of her torso. The portion of her white pants that weren't covered by brown chaps were still barely visible from just a few feet, such was the darkness.
The passenger side door opened. "Are you sure this is the place? Seems a bit run down," a man spoke hesitantly as he exited the car. He was average in appearance, dressed in casual shirt and pants; indistinguishable from a crowd. The only thing even relatively eye-catching were prominent sideburns.
While Mercury continued toward the club doors, not bothering to answer his question, his partner did. The girl looked over her shoulder as the older man closed the door of the car. "Don't let the outside fool you, Tukson, this is where we work. It's not like we want to actively draw attention to ourselves. We'll stay out here and wait," she looked towards the now closing door of the club, Mercury going in to grab their boss.
The man named Tukson nodded and leaned against the hood of the car. "Guess that makes sense, umm, I'm sorry, I forgot your name..."
"Emerald," she replied as she took out a holographic tablet from her back pocket. "And if you have any more questions, I suggest saving 'em for the boss."
The man nodded nervously. "Understood."
Tukson sat there obediently, letting the awkward silence run on for too long, not sure about what he should say or do if anything at all.
This was the first time he had ever done anything like this, even when he had joined the White Fang. Which, upon reflection, caused him to sneer at the irony, considering it was because of that organization that he was forced to come to these people. That was how desperate he felt, and his level of nervousness was tantamount to a kid committing their first crime.
He just hoped that these people were as good as the rumors and stories say; if half of what some of the legends say about the two bosses are true, then there is no doubt that they could help. Which actually worsened his growing unease, to some extent. Who's to say they wouldn't just kill him outright? Or maybe drag him away and do god knows what? So many terrifying scenarios, and each just as possible as the last.
Luckily for Tukson he didn't have to wait and stew in his own anxiety for very long. Mercury walked out of the club doors a few minutes later, followed by a striking woman.
The newcomer was average in height, but carried a sense of authority and dominance that her subordinates lacked. Short, black hair framed her youthful face; alluring, despite some sort of fabric covering the majority of the left side. X-shaped scarring extended over the bridge of her nose, originating from her covered left half.
Unlike the teenagers, the woman's attire was more formal and elaborate. A long, dark red dress with only one sleeve; long and wide, the material hid her left arm entirely. The right side of her dress was split from the hip down, showing the black pantyhose that covered her long legs. She had a piece of jewelry of a unfamier shape dangling from her right ear as well.
Upon her appearance, Emerald jumped in attention, quickly putting her Scroll away. Tukson did the same, standing in attention like he was some sort of subordinate; completely on instinct. This woman's aura demanded subservience from all, even strangers like himself.
Emerald enthusiastically greeted her like a long-lost puppy, but was ignored as the woman simply walked straight towards him. "Hello, my name is Cinder," she extended her hand to Tukson. "What can we help you with?" The woman spoke with an enticing tone, almost sultry; natural and effortless.
Tukson was taken aback by her appearance and demeanor. He wasn't sure what exactly he had expected, but a well-dressed woman who practically exuded sensuality with every word uttered, and every strut, was not one of them. Not by a long shot. Nonetheless, he swallowed the lump in his throat and nervously shook her gloved hand. "Umm, uh, I'm in need of bodyguards for five whole days. How much would that cost?"
"Now, now," the woman let go of their shake. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. What do you need my soldiers for? And before you answer, I suggest you stick to the truth. If I think you're lying this conversation will end very painfully for you."
It was only for a second, but Tukson noticed her amber eye glow ominously to enhance her threat. It's a good thing he wasn't much of a liar to begin with, he thought to himself. "Of course, ma'am. I already expected as much, actually. I'm in the middle of leaving the White Fang, and I'll be heading to Vacuo come Friday."
"I see, and I assume that the Fang have somehow figured it out and want you dead, correct? Cinder arched her brow. "From my own personal experience, righteous types are rarely negotiable."
"Yeah, you're correct. Earlier today I noticed a few skulking around my bookstore." Tukson reached around and hurriedly pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. "I only have five days before I leave for Vacuo; the White Fang has almost no influence over there. Never has. Name your price, please! I'm so close to freedom."
Cinder smiled. "Well, how could I possibly say no to such a plea?" Cinder spoke with a slight hint of patronization. She gestured toward the club doors with her obscured arm. "How about we speak in a more private location? Details like these are better left out of the public sphere, wouldn't you agree?"
Tukson was escorted by the three through the rickety doors, with Mercury behind him and the women leading at the front. On the other side of the door was a long, dimly lit hallway. There were no decorations or markers of any kind, just uncolored brick and stiff, bland carpet for footing.
At the end of their short, three-minute walk the four were met with a large pair of double doors. No words exchanged, mainly due to Tukson being much too nervous to speak up. He was actually starting to feel tinges of regret. Emerald was the one that pushed them open.
What the hell have I gotten myself into? Tukson thought as he looked past Cinder and Emerald. Things were sketchy enough by the very nature of the proposed transaction, but this was going beyond that.
All the faunus could make out was a sudden drop, a result of the pitch blackness blending everything together. In any other situation Tukson would be running by now, but Cinder's presence gutted that dream. Something about her frightened him beyond reason, and he had accepted that fact when he first met her glowing gaze.
The walk down stairs was a long and nerve-wracking one for him, his body fidgeting for no real reason. All Tukson could hear over the erratic pumping of his heart was the clicking sound of Cinder's glass-like heels against the stone steps. The only sources of light in this tunnel were the wall-mounted sconces that suddenly flickered to life when Cinder walked past them, only to be snuffed out seconds later by some unseen force.
He truly felt like he was walking into a nightmare, and the faunus cursed himself over and over for his decision; coming to these people for help the biggest mistake of his life, he began to believe—!
Tukson's eyes suddenly bulged. He felt a sudden shivering sensation that gave him pause. It felt like two dainty arms wrapping themselves around his neck, while something akin to legs started clutching his waist, and a weight brought down into the crook of his neck. Everything felt soft and supple; his sense of touch caressed, stimulated by the hypnotic feel of silk scarves which stroked his entire body.
Tukson was at a lost for words as his mind nearly tore itself apart trying to rationalize whatever was going on. It wasn't either of the girls, as he could still see them walking thanks to the candle light. The sound of Mercury's boots had ceased only when Tukson himself had stalled, so it wasn't him.
And then the phantom started grinding against his torso.
The assault on his senses somehow tripled. What had originally felt like extremely soft fabric simply wrapped around his extremities was now something much more. Now it was more like being drowned it creamy, liquid silk that fondled his very soul. He stood still as the sensation enveloped him whole, completely erasing every other thought in his head.
Tukson no longer cared about why he was with these people, he didn't care about why he had come here in the first place. All he wanted was let this feeling smother him entirely, and drift off into an endless sleep.
He could practically feel his body be slowly dragged down in some imaginary hole, buried under this angelic bliss. But it didn't matter. It felt too good, too pleasing for him to even humor the idea of leaving this state. Even if staying still for a few extra seconds proved fatal, then Tukson would joyfully accept that outcome...
A sudden shiver chilled his spine, jerking him back to the real world. A long and moist, almost tongue-like feeling traced the surface of his lips. It was such a sudden and stark change that it snapped him out of his trance-like stupor, sending his body into its fight or flight instinct.
And then, a voice bubbled up from the pits of his mind, egging him, almost begging: Let me make you scream!
"AHH!" Tukson screamed as he jumped back in fear, tripping over one of the steps behind him. His head landed on the top of Mercury's footwear while the rest of his back hammered against the edges of several stone steps. At least it wasn't his head, was his only positive thought.
"The hell do you think you're doing?" Mercury kicked their prospective client off his foot with enough force to propel him straight up on his feet. "Pull that again and it'll be your face smashing into these things, understand?" Merc stomped on the step he was standing on for extra emphasis with his threat.
"I'm sorry. Just thought I felt something is all. Won't happen again," Tukson staggered his sentence through dry, nervous lips. He can't remember a time he felt so timid and afraid. His poor mind was in complete tatters, fighting itself to figure out whether he was starting to go crazy. He couldn't even figure out how long he'd been out.
"You two done with your little lovers spat?" Emerald spoke from in front of them. While she was now looking at them with annoyed eyes, Cinder kept walking, with the candles still lighting themselves. She didn't seem the least bit interested or curious about the commotion. After a rude gesture from Mercury to Emerald, a gesticulation she reciprocated in kind, they were all back walking again, following Cinder's candle-lit trail.
Fortunately there were no more incidents as they sank below the city, and the veil of darkness was eventually the lifted. Through a pair of ornate curtains, the group arrived at what Tukson assumed was the actual club. His jaw dropped, stupefied.
The inside of the club was a diametric opposite of the outside, completely misleading in every way. While the space out front was cramped and dirty with little-to-no upkeep, the inside was pristine, organized to a meticulous degree. Above all else it was wide open, with free space capable of fitting one or more entire homes with room to spare.
It was a lavish room, with walls like smooth obsidian, and six columns that held the high ceiling. Upon the slabs of marble were carvings that differed one from another, such as a feast of fine meats and wine, the scene of two armies clashing like tidal waves, or explicit debauchery. The one thing that all the columns had in common, however, was that of a coiled serpent with eyes of electric purple, wrapped around the top portion of the pillars.
There were two chandeliers hanging a couple of stories above the ground, shining with a rather dim light; the glass-smooth surfaces of the walls acted as great reflectors and enhanced the lighting in tandem with giving the room an enchanted, if somewhat anachronistic feel.
Attached to the wall on Tukon's left hand side was a long balcony, about half the way between the floor and the ceiling. Though devoid of any people, an array of furniture displayed proudly: through the marble railing were portions of divans and baroque chaise lounges, couches and recliners. It looked like some sort of VIP section or something similar. It was about as luxurious as he expected from this bunch of Sybarites.
The last thing Tukson took note of was the chairs on the bottom floor; he wasn't sure if it was the lighting or some other optical illusion, but the grouping of chairs and tables off in the corners looked translucent, allowing the light from the chandeliers and walls to change their color, almost like glass.
"Emerald, Mercury," Cinder spoke for the first time since entering the building. "Show our guest to the bar while I have a chat with Ruby." Cinder turned to her potential client, smiling at the distressed expression and body language he carried.
"You behave yourself now," she teased before walking away. Under normal circumstance Tukson would've had a hard time not staring at her swaying backside, but his nerves were on a razor's edge. His heart pounded at such a rapid rate that it felt like he could pass out at any given moment.
Sitting down and drinking something would be a big help with the state he was in. Then again, that's probably why Cinder had suggested it in the first place.
Over a great sea, flying through the clear blue sky was a luxury aircraft. Being composed of three visible decks and four wings, it looked like a regular shipping vessel carved from wood and metal that occupied the oceans below, and only outfitted with an advanced propulsion system to help it soar.
Inside the one of the rooms in the top deck of the Air Bus, three very special guests passed the time. This room was about five hundred feet in circumference, but only four people populated. The room had been made for extravagance, decorated with a pool table off to the back, a massive fridge, and several luxury recliner chairs on the left side of the room.
The room had a panoramic view thanks to a row of large, car-sized panes of glass that acted as one of the walls. Thick and sturdy, reinforced with the natural powers of Dust, these windows had three functions: to let the sun's natural light in, to give the occupants a breathtaking view of the outside, and, oddly enough, TV screens. The whole room essentially acted like an exaggerated home theater setup.
"YEAHHH! Ram that truck into the Grimm! Make 'em wish they were never spawned!" A well-dressed man jumped out of his recliner suddenly, pressing the buttons on a game controller like a mad man. Apparently, running a giant semi-truck through an entire horde of Grimm while fire spewed forth from both of the exhaust pipes was something very entertaining to him.
Qrow had always loved video games, and being able to play on what was essentially a three hundred inch screen—even if it was a single pane of glass—with the highest level of graphics on the market was a once in a lifetime deal considering his strenuous work. This room even had a physical game controller so he didn't have to use his Scroll, which was something new entirely.
"WOOHOO!" Qrow threw his hands up in the air upon completion of the level, which had simply been to kill as many Grimm as possible in five minutes. Though he was more excited about getting the high score than actually completing anything.
"I think Qrow wants to live here," a feminine voice chuckled at the sight of her slightly buzzed uncle doing an impromptu celebration dance.
"He deserves some time for fun. He works practically around the clock for me," an older, more calm man responded. He and the girl were playing chess tucked away into one of the corners, parallel to the row of windows so the light from the sun would be able illuminate their game board and pieces.
"I suppose, but I could do without the terrible footwork," the girl giggled again. "Maybe I should get him an entire gaming setup for his place: TV, console, games, chair and all. What do you think, Ozpin? Think that'd make a good birthday gift?" She asked while claiming one of his white knight pieces with a ring-decorated hand.
"I think he would enjoy that very much. However I'm a bit afraid of him avoiding work," Ozpin laughed good-naturedly. With a move of his rook one of Ruby's black bishops was captured. "I take it business is going well for you to consider something so grand. Are you two—"
"Don't worry about it," the girl cut him off, already know what he was going to interrogate her on. "We haven't changed. And as for things going well, let's just say that Vale's council isn't as squeaky clean as they like to say. You're more than welcome to stop by at any time free of charge, you know that."
The older man was about to speak when the sound of their attendant's heels reached their ears. "Excuse me."
The girl looked away from the game just as the attendant arrived at their table, with a name tag that said "Azure" pinned to the cloth of her jacket. But something was odd, they noticed, as their personal flight attendant seemed suddenly distracted by something.
Azure, for her part, was simply stupefied. This was her first seeing the one female of this group up close, and it practically melted her heart. The girl's face was a young and endearing one, child-like even, alive with pale skin and faint rosy cheeks. Her hair was pitch-black, accented with several streaks of red. The girl's left ear was studded with four piercings: two dangling black gems and two normal rings; the same pattern mirrored in her right ear as well.
And then Azure saw them. Her silver eyes… beautiful and haunting, like a porcelain doll.
"Yes?" Ruby said in a faint, inquisitive voice, head tilting slightly. The ever-so-slight motion caused the bigger set of earrings to lightly clank against each other.
The attendant nearly pinched herself to keep from letting out an inappropriate sound at the sight of Ruby and her soft, angelic voice. The fact that this girl's ID said that she had just turned twenty-four—just two years younger than her—was extremely shocking and, deep down, a moral relief.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your game Miss Rose," Azure turned to Ozpin and bowed in respect, "Headmaster, but I'm just here to inform you that we will be landing in thirty minutes. Your luggage is already being ready for departure."
"Oh, okay, thanks!" The girl smiled in such a way that it made Azure's heart flutter unexpectedly. This girl really was too cute, to a unnatural degree. "And the name's Ruby, by the way." She took her dainty hand away from one of her pieces and held up to her for a shake.
The older woman noticed pieces of jewelry on each of her fingers, with a total of five puzzle rings of varying motifs and intricacies on her right hand. All of the rings were silver in color, with exception to the one on her index, colored in an almost glowing amber shade. Unusual, Azure thought, but they were all still exquisite in an exotic way.
She took the hand offered and shook. Ruby's hand felt so small in her own that it amazed her, like she was cradling a smooth, fragile piece of glass. It truly was mind bending for Azure to think of a reason such a seemingly innocent girl would be tagging along with a veteran Huntsmen and a full-fledged Headmaster.
Their hands eventually separated. "Until we land please let me know if I can get you anything." She bowed once more before walking back to her station, leaving Ruby and Ozpin to their game. She needed to exorcise some rather lurid thoughts from her head.
Ozpin adjusted his round spectacles as he gazed down at the game board, hand holding his chin in a thoughtful position. From the way their pieces were arranged, and how many Ruby had captured of his units, he was being pushed into quite the pinch.
"I can't go down to your club," he said, continuing their conversation without pause. "You know that. If someone were to see me there it would put you all in the spotlight, and we both know who that will bring. You're already taking a big risk by coming on this ship with us. Sorry about that, by the way."
Ruby shrugged before making a move with her knight. "You have nothing to apologize for. It's not like you willed a bunch of Nevermore's to peck my ship into scrap metal. Forget about it. Besides, even if my family decides to come after me, or any of the other Noble Houses for that matter, I have no problem giving them a repeat of nine years ago."
"That is exactly what I'm worried about," Ozpin spoke as he looked over his shoulder. Behind him was Qrow, now slumped back in one of the recliners asleep, a closed flask and crooked controller resting on his chest and lap respectively. "If some things get revealed to the public then it is us who will be on the perverpal chopping block."
Ozpin returned his calculating gaze to Ruby, face stern. "Don't forget that the majority determine right from wrong. If you do something against the Nobles, the figureheads the public loves, everyone involved with you will be denounced along with yourself. Even me and Qrow."
"Quit lecturing me like I'm some sort of kid, Ozpin." Ruby crossed her pale arms as she leaned into the upholstery of her chair. "I already know all of this. Don't forget who you're talking to. I've been a freak and an outcast since my birth; no matter what happens I'm damned by society, so the people close to me are all I have."
Ruby pointed at her mentor, who now had vague look of what could've been regret. "All you need to worry about is being the Headmaster and the Maidens, so just leave the Nobles to me, alright? I'm not going to endanger anyone if I can help it."
Ruby got up from her seat. "By the way, you should start switching up your tactics." Ruby moved not one of her pieces, but his; his last rook, before moving her own black queen. She did this causally and seamlessly before stepping away.
Ozpin looked down at the board before sighing; another win for Ruby. That had indeed been the move he had planned to do, and she had seen through that. Maybe she had known from the beginning what he had planned. The Headmaster sighed. The score between them was now eighteen to thirteen, and he was starting to fall behind more than he would've liked.
Ruby walked barefoot over the cool, granite-smooth floor and over to the attendant's booth, off in the corner diagonal to where she and Ozpin had played. Azure was currently typing something on her hologram computer. News articles judging by the reversed image Ruby could make out.
"Excuse me?"
Azure looked up at the incoming girl, allowing her to get a better look at Ruby's clothes now that a table crowded with game pieces didn't black her view. The young woman wore a tight, form-fitting tank top, completely black with no distinctive images or words. Her black pants seemed a couple of sizes larger than what she needed, and were held tight by a thick, studded belt.
Apparel wise she was simultaneously distinctive but plain. Her clothes were blank and unimaginative, really, but the numerous piercings and pieces of jewelry seemed to somehow compliment her attire; a look tied together with her streaked hair and small frame.
"Hello," she said while resting her arms on the wooden raised bar of Azure's desk. "I'm here to grab my Scroll. One of the guys should have brought it up here for charging."
"One second." Azure handed Ruby a closed device that had sat on some sort of dock, disconnecting it from a short cable. "Here you go."
"Thank you, Azure. I can never be too sure with my stuff around these two," she joked. "I take it your parents named you after your eyes, forgive me for saying but they are very pretty." While many people have mentioned Ruby's silver eyes as being unique and exotic, she thought that the attendants bright blue one's were infinitely more beautiful.
The attendant faintly blushed. "Thank you, not a lot of people compliment them. And it's no problem, it is my job after all. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Nope!" Ruby replied cheerfully. "Thanks for all the help." She gave a small wave before walking to one of the recliner right next to her passed out uncle, who was now laying with his feet wobbling over one of the leather-bound arms.
She sat down on the chair, her petite body practically sinking into the expanse of leather as her Scroll extended itself, deploying a holographic screen between the two pen-sized pieces of hardware.
"Oh? Looks like I missed a call."
The flashing of police lights lit up what would normally be a quiet and dark parking lot. Cruisers filled the lot of asphalt with a group of a dozen, some even spilling to the streets. A throng of uniformed officers threaded in between their cars, most dragging handcuffed delinquents with them. All around the scene were even more police; situated behind portable barricades. They were busy keeping the overly curious masses, as well as the prying claws of news reporters, journalist, and bloggers away.
The building was a bank; it was one of the only Bank of Vale locations in the downtown area, which made it a pretty busy place relative to the area, with hundreds of people entering and exiting the building by the day. This fact also made it a prime target for a group of would-be robbers. But the criminals hadn't anticipated a Huntress being in the area.
Through the pair of double doors a woman walked out of the building, dragging a couple unconscious men with her in a vice-like grip.
The Huntress was a bit taller than average for a woman of twenty-six, but not abnormal. Her long mane of golden-blond hair draped over her back like a curtain; curly, yet the soft strands flowed with every stride. Despite having fought off a group of armed robbers by herself, the woman had no injuries or scratches on her person. There wasn't so much as a scuff mark on the coat which hugged her torso firmly, nor on the black pants underneath or even the coattails following with every step.
She threw the battered and bruised men into an open cruiser, tossing their groaning bodies into the police car carelessly like luggage before slamming the door shut. She couldn't help the confident smirk as she gazed through the window, watching her lousy opponents squirm in pain after a much deserved beatdown courtesy of her bare fists. They were so weak that she didn't even need to use her weapons.
"Miss Xiao Long!" A man called her maiden name in appreciation. She turned around and immediately met with the bearded face of the police chief. He wore the standard uniform as expected of someone in his position, although he was a bit on the corpulent side.
"Hello!" She greeted him with equal eagerness. He took her hand in both of his, shaking.
"Hello to you as well! I must say, on behalf of this police department and the people you just rescued, thank you!" He spoke in sincere gratitude and, to Yang's curiosity, surprise.
"Don't, mention it, honesty. Helping people is one of the perks of being a Huntress after all. It just so happens that it was people instead of Grimm this time around."
Police chief Clancy let go of her hands; her right, he noticed, seemed prosthetic in nature. While interested, he wasn't going to bring it up. "Haha, modesty suits you Huntsmen, I understand. No grand celebration," he laughed boisterously. "But, if you don't mind me asking: why was a Noble, a trained Huntress no less, all the way down here? Both of those groups generally avoid the downtown sectors like the plague."
Yang tried to laugh that seemingly unintentional jab off. "I was down here for my partner, actually. She wanted me to come and pick up a few books at a friend's shop. Just doing a favor is all. Though it seems like it was a good thing that he wasn't there. Might've missed all this," she gestured to the bank and the cop cars.
"A good thing indeed," Clancy looked behind himself; the reporters were starting to get a bit more vocal with their questions. "I hate to be so abrupt, but these people are starting to get a bit too rowdy and loud for my taste. Time for me to go answer some questions. Thank you again for your assistance."
Yang waved him away as he jogged over to the line of lights and talkative people. She actually pitied him, to some degree. Dealing with the press was a good way for her to lose her temper in a record amount of time. That thought triggered some memories in her head rather suddenly, reminding Yang of her ugly début on national TV...
Regardless, her errand here was done and she needed to get back home, so she walked away.
Parked on the far side of the bank's lot was her ride, a motorcycle which she affectionately christened Bumblebee over ten years ago, due to its black and yellow color scheme.
Through her maintenance and upgrades it still stood firm after all these years by her side, just as good if not better than newer models, a feat she was particularly proud and boastful of.
As Yang walked towards her bike she remembered something: Blake. She had gotten sidetracked and hadn't called Blake to let her know that her book place closed for the night. Her right hand dug into one of the pockets on her coat and pulled out a Scroll. Upon opening it, she noticed that she had a missed call, probably from when she was engaging with the robbers.
Shrugging, Yang redialed that one first and held the device up to her ear, only for it to be answered during the second ring. "Hey-o Weiss-sicle, what's up?"
"Where have you been? I called you half an hour ago!" Spoke a high-pitched, demanding voice.
Yang was somewhat taken aback by her aggressive tone, but laughed it off as her friend simply, being in 'one of her moods.' "Long story short: people robbing a bank, I stepped in, kicked ass while bruising some egos in the process, and currently walking towards my pride and joy. Yep, that sums my hour. Now care to explain what's so important? Haven't heard you go full 'ice queen' in awhile."
"Where are you now?" She spoke in a hushed and hesitant, almost timid tone. It was both jarring and unnerving for Yang to here such a weak voice coming from someone as authoritative as Weiss.
The woman raised her brow at this question, but answered nonetheless. "I'm at one of Bank of Vale's downtown locations, but I'm afraid I don't have the cordinates for ya your highness," Yang jested. "So are you going to fill me in or just leave me stew in suspense all night?" Yang straddled Bumblebee.
"Yang, we know where Ruby is…"
(End of Chapter One)
Author's Notes: Fun fact, Vale does indeed have a police force and a council. Most of you have probably forgotten that little nugget of information since they were only ever brought up in the first and second volume respectively, but they do exist! In the same way that cars do as well. Weird to think about, right? LIke cars in Naruto or something.
Anyway, I feel the need to stress something because of how people seem to view the "M" rated category of fanfiction, though I admit it's not completely unjustified. The M for this story is 'Mature' not 'Smut'. I'm obviously not going to go into details at the moment, but I just felt that needed stressing because the two have seemingly been interlinked by a lot of people.
One last thing, if you want to have an indication of my progress for a story then check my profile. I'll have a percentage up to give some idea on where I'm at in the writing, as my udating will be sporadic as all hell. So, keep that in mind.