Jewels in the Rough

Chapter 4: the Cultist Caper

Beta Read by: Crescent Sunrise

recommended story: "Wilting Rose" by Shaded122

The next morning was spent lounging in a lazy exchange of ideas. Much as they may like Tukson, neither really enjoyed the idea of Ruby actually attending a meeting will those fanatics as a potential member. The risk was too high that something unexpected could happen, especially when considering Ruby's short stature. It would be too easy for one of them to mistake her for a younger child and try to 'rescue' her.

"So what do we have so far? We know they'll have Faunus watching for outsiders loitering around nearby, so the closest you can get is with binoculars, Em. They make you and you might not be able to get away and I won't be able to help you out without blowing everything." Ruby states, frowning at the table between them.

"Well until we get the details from Tukson, we have this map." She comments waving at the map laid out on the table between them. "And ideas that will likely get thrown out when we get the details. Much as I dislike them I can't say the White Fang are actually stupid. They've gotten too far for that to be possible. Cells in every major city, bases in the wilds that move around to avoid the Grimm. Organized attacks on several major companies." She lists off with her fingers before shaking her head. "I don't like it Ruby. I know we're doing this job but I don't want you near them if we can come up with something better."

"I'm not sure we can, Em. Yeah we have our Semblances but I still get tired if I run too far and I can't keep up with a Bullhead for too long. If they're basing out somewhere far off we won't be able to find out their main base to get the goods. I may have to go in so I can plant a tracker on someone." Ruby counters and much to Emerald's displeasure, it's a solid point. They can't get too close or risk being spotted by the Fang's lookouts. Nor do they have any guarantee of being able to follow the Fang after the rally is concluded. Upsetting as it is, Tukson's plan is looking more and more likely.

Emerald sighs, her hands undoing and redoing the end of a braid to give herself something to do. Their options here were very limited dealing with Faunus normally isn't much more difficult than dealing with Humans. But these aren't normal Faunus. They are members of an illegal organization meeting in secret. They would be jittery, high strung, and paranoid. A combination that would make infiltrating another way a very risky endeavor. And 'The Green Petal Thief' didn't become famous by taking foolish risks.

"We we can always turn the job down Ruby, I'm really not sure about taking a job with you at risk like this." She tries again getting an incredulous look from her girlfriend in response.

"Really? Em, you took all kinds of risks when we were just getting started. Not to mention all that we've done up until now. The most we'll be risking is someone trying to be to helpful, but I won't be dressed like we're living on the streets. Clean clothes, brushed tail, I'll just be one more young, delusional Faunus wanting to 'improve our society'." Ruby counters making a face as she says the last bit. As she pouts and leans back in her seat after Emerald frowns, realizing once more that Ruby isn't just her girlfriend or the little girl that she's taking care of.

The smaller girl is her partner in all things. And while the two do operate as a team, they were both quite skilled in their chosen craft. Ruby would certainly be able to handle herself and nothing could catch her if the job went sideways. Not taking the job because there was a small risk of Ruby coming across a well meaning Faunus in a crowd is hardly a cause for concern now that they are in their teens.

"I know, I know it doesn't make the most sense but it doesn't really need to, does it? I'm worried about you. I always worry about you." Emerald admits watching Ruby from her side of the table only to get a long look in return before blinking as Ruby vanishes in a flash of petals and the next thing she sees is a wolf girl mid pounce coming from her right, too fast to do anything about as she turns her back, hitting the cushions of the couch as the cloak clad girl hugs her tightly.

"I know you do. I worry about you too. But I've got this and you know it. Let's call Tukson and get everything set up okay? The sooner we start the sooner we can finish up and start selling some of our stash. We have a backlog growing and we have to dump it before it get's too hot." Ruby replies from her position over top her mint haired girlfriend.

Emerald stalls and sighs before finally giving in and reaching for her scroll which required far more effort with her girlfriend clinging to her like a limpet. Not that she particularly minded the contact but it wasn't the most practical position when trying to set up work.

The line rings a few times before the book traders gruff voice comes over the line with a simple and slightly impatient 'Hello?'

"Tukson? We're in, and we're going with your plan. We'll be by in a bit to pick up the info and the mask for Ruby." Emerald explains, getting a small grunt of acknowledgement before the line goes dead and she hangs it up turning her attention back to Ruby. "You know you can't bring the cloak on this job right? It's too noticeable." She comments running a hand across the warm fabric ignoring Ruby's pout.

"I'm suddenly having second thoughts about this job." The younger girl replies getting a chuckle from Emerald as she pulls her girlfriend in for a kiss.

"Going with Tukson's idea was your decision. Now you get to live with it, don't worry Ruby. I'll keep it safe for you." She says nuzzling into the pouting girl before flipping them over and starting to tickle Ruby into submission.

~One Week Later~

"Okay Ru, remember. Once you get in I'll be listening and watching from here. I've got eyes on a few silhouettes on the roof, but, even with the binoculars I'm having trouble making them out. Just be careful and tomorrow I'll do some baking." Emerald's voice reminds the little thief as she plucks at the simple loose clothing she's dressed in. At least she got to keep her boots, the pants, however, she wished she could do without, but it's fashionable and blends in well enough to go unnoticed.

She knows Emerald is trying to bribe her into being especially careful and she hadn't planned on getting herself caught out. Not that she would turn away Em's promise of baked goods. The older girl had been practicing ever since they moved in and got their own kitchen. Cooking with an oven instead of over a camping heater does, in fact, make a difference. While they have the money to eat out, neither were very comfortable spending the money to do so with any regularity, which means cooking for themselves. And baking naturally came with it. Nothing extravagant of course, but it was usually good.

Ruby shifts, straightening up her shirt so the buttons run in a line before getting out her mask and putting it on so it covers the upper half of her face as she approaches the entrance to the meeting. Hidden in an alley behind a closed down warehouse and guarded by armed members of the Fang. Their eyes scanning every approaching person to ensure they are Faunus before they can get near the entrance. As those eyes turn to her her ears perk on her head and her tail shifts side to side openly displaying her heritage for their perusal. The interest doesn't last long as they move on to the next approaching person, leaving her alone as she walks by and into the building.

Lighting is low inside which is just fine to a Faunus and Ruby's eyes adjust quickly, leaving her to look around at the crowd gathered in front of a sturdy stage built just for the rally. Common members not standing watch over the entrance or crowd are gathered before it, talking to each other and dressed in uniforms that mark them separate from the gathering group of newcomers on one side. Seeing so many of her fellow Faunus attending for the first time makes the young girl uneasy as she recalls her own previous experiences dealing with the fanatics. They have no idea what they're getting into and if they do well… Ruby's belief in people will have taken a hit.

The crowd is filled with the buzz of conversations going on all over as Ruby is relatively ignored, which thankfully, is exactly what they had hoped for. It lasts until the sparse lighting is dimmed further in the crowd while the stage is brightened causing the conversations to die off as a large Faunus with a customized full face mask steps into the light clearing his throat for attention.

"Brothers and sisters, thank you for joining us tonight! We have had some recent setbacks in Vale but this gathering has reassured me that we are far from finished here! For now we are gathering members in preparation for our next opportunity to really impact things here and all across Remnant for the betterment of the Faunus! The White Fang is as strong as we ever were and growing stronger by the day!" He states in a strong deep voice. Ruby has to admit the man had a talent for public speaking that belied his muscle bound frame. She watches as the crowd is quickly caught up with his words, cheering until he holds up his hands for silence.

"Fortunately before our arrangement fell through, one of our prior associates managed to get their hands on some experimental weaponry for our use and we have managed to secure a base outside of the kingdom that the Humans have abandoned. We aren't certain how much will be brought to us here but that is a decision for the higher ups. For now, the boycotts on anti-Faunus establishments has been growing in strength with word of mouth spreading to keep our brethren from patroning them alongside the few sympathetic Humans. Remember to be careful brothers and sisters, while a Human may seem friendly and helpful, they are not like us and will never truly understand our plight." He starts and Ruby rolls her eyes from behind the safety of her mask as she hears the small whisper of her partner scoffing over their comms.

"Aaaaaaand there it is. That same us and them attitude that keeps real equality from being more than a pipe dream. Not saying Humans aren't the same way, but, by Oum it's surprising they don't choke on all that hypocrisy." Em's voice mutters softly and Ruby has to momentarily struggle not to giggle. Fortunately she's saved from having to do so when the large man calls out, asking for all the new recruits to step forward. Here is the part that had Ruby and Emerald the most nervous. Even Tukson wasn't sure what this would lead to really, as recently, the joining process had been more streamlined to bulk their numbers. But now with their 'setbacks' they might have slowed down again returning to the method Tukson was familiar with. That's what they were hoping for at any rate.

As Ruby stepped forward among the crowd her trepidation grew until she noticed the new members were being handed a notebook to collect their information the large man began speaking again to explain. "You can sign your name and a number where we can send you the information for the next meeting. Once we see you've attended enough of our meetings we'll approach you to join the organization as a whole. This is done to protect you and us, so please don't be put off by the need for secrecy. However, if you are, you are free to go." He states in that passionate tone that manages to put to rest what little wariness seemed to spread through the crowd as more people wrote down their information and headed for the exit. The public portion of the rally had been short but understandably so. Still Ruby's task here had not yet been accomplished and she knew exactly who she wanted to plant her tracker on.

When the note pad got to her she wrote out a fake name and number before thanking the member in front of her and handing it back. Before heading for the exit though she made her way toward the large speaker, not caring if she's noticed as the members turn to regard her curiously. Eventually she caught the attention of the speaker as he stood head and shoulders above her. Slowly he lowered himself to be more on level with her before lifting his mask just high enough for her to see a friendly smile.

"Hello, aren't you a bit young to be here alone?" He asks and Ruby smiles in return extending her hand to shake.

"Actually I'm fifteen, just a little short, you know?" She explains taking his hand in both of hers and shaking vigorously, the tracker hidden between fingers. As her hands fall from the shake the tracker is stuck to the inside one of the man's protective gauntlets. She's certain he'll notice it eventually but by then it will be much too late.

He ends the shake and stands to his full height after fixing his mask letting out a loud laugh while patting Ruby's shoulder. "Sorry about that, well you're old enough to be here, certainly. Sorry to push you out but the next portion is for members only kid. I look forward to seeing you at future rallies." He mentions and waves as she makes her way out.

She makes it a block away before breathing a sigh of relief and checking in with her partner. "Okay Em, tracker planted. Is it transmitting okay?" She asks walking her way towards the older girls position she listens as the reply comes back 'one moment' followed by a stretch of silence and confirmation.

"We got it Ruby, it's reading nice and clear. We'll watch where it goes for the next couple of days and move on once we've got a good idea of the location." Emerald replies and Ruby pauses and hums softly.

"What is it Ruby?" Emerald asks hearing the hum as she starts packing up her monitoring equipment.

"It's just, he mentioned a base outside of the kingdom during the rally remember? What if that's where he's heading now?" Ruby stipulates as she enters a large parking garage and moves toward an elevator removing her mask and putting it away.

"Then I guess we'll have to get transport out that way before we can proceed." Comes the reply over the tinny sound of smooth jazz being played through old speakers. Ruby taps her foot idly as it crawls upward before coming to a stop with a soft 'ding' before opening to show her girlfriend on the other side smiling back at her before joining her inside for the ride back down.

In truth, Ruby could have just waiting at the bottom and saved herself a trip in the elevator, but sometimes, it's the small gestures that hold meaning as Ruby leans into the taller thief during the ride back down. Silent as they make their way back home as they have after every job before contemplating what they've seen and heard to go over the next day. But unlike those jobs, this one is only half still need to steal the masks and plant them. Easier said than done all things considered. Still, the guard on the hideout shouldn't be expecting intruders like at the more public rallies.

~Three Days Later~

Two locations stood out on the tracker. The large restaurant in front of them currently, and another location in Mountain Glenn where the tracker kept failing as something kept blocking the transmission. Seeing as neither wished to follow the White Fang into that old tomb, they chose the restaurant. The little signs are there all over the place for those with the thought to look for them. The entirely Faunus staff for one, the unused floors above the establishment for another; where lights are on but there is no admittance for anyone who isn't staff or using the guarded back door.

This would be a heist they are far more familiar with as Emerald enters through the entrance taking her seat at a reserved table for two. A smile at their server from her as she sips gently at a glass of water informing the girl that her date should be coming soon while her eyes turn to look over the room subtly watching the staff looking for any agitation that might mean they've detected an intruder.

"Remember Ruby, in and out. Then you get down here. I don't want them thinking I've been stood up. You know I hate pitying looks." She mutters softly hearing the muffled giggling on the other side of the line. Usually, she would be the one doing the robbing this time around, her skills better for moving unnoticed. But with only limited reconnaissance they had no idea how many would be upstairs and Ruby would have a far easier time talking her way out than Emerald would, being a human. With Ruby's young appearance and heritage, they would be far more likely to let her off easier for her trespassing. Even so, it was a tough sell and Emerald was not in the least bit pleased.

And she did not pout. No matter how cute Ruby said it was.

"Don't worry, Em, I got this. I'm entering now, just keep an eye out and we'll be eating in no time." Comes the whispered reply before the pair fall into silence. They may have their banter but this was a job and their targets had great hearing and came armed. Sure, Ruby was scary with her own scythe, but weapons like theirs tended to be very recognizable and to this day they had avoided exposing them so as to avoid them being connected with their combined persona of 'The Green Petal Thief'. They were a last resort if ever they were cornered or attacked.

As Emerald kept her eyes peeled in the restaurant below, Ruby moved from room to room at a low crouch, her hood over her head as she presses her ear to doors listening for anything inside before gently opening each and searching around for their goals. Plenty of maps, chairs and tables for planning operations in the city, and an office for managing the restaurant itself. No masks though. It was a frustrated Ruby that paused at the exit of one of the planning rooms before moving back to the table and grabbing one of the maps highlighting the smaller cells around Vale and folding it into a pocket. Their hope was that this would give the White Fang a hard time right? Giving the cops places to raid would certainly do that.

"Em, I got something a little extra. Fang's gunna have a hard time after the cops find the next Dust cache." she whispers hearing a soft sound of acknowledgement before her ears swivel towards the door. Voices in the hallway outside heading her way. Her eyes narrow and she looks around the room eyeing a couch pushed against a wall along with the table and wooden chairs in the mostly bare room. Not good, she didn't have anywhere decent to hide in here and there was only one door leading towards the voices. In a rush she pulls the couch away from the wall a small bit before getting behind it mentally kicking herself for the lack of forethought as the door opens and a pair of feet can be heard entering.

"Huh? Man it's not even in here, someone else must have grabbed it for you. I told you we should have just asked around." A voice mentions over the sound of rustling papers. There's silence for a moment as one of them walks around before falling gracelessly onto the couch making the thief behind it wince and tense preparing herself to bolt.

"Yeah, yeah just look would ya? I always leave it in here but he's asking for a copy and I want to get it done." comes a second voice as more rustling occurs followed by a pause. And the irritated clicking of a tongue against the roof of a mouth.

The guy on the couch grumbles before getting up and walking over and joining in the futile search. A short time later the first voice speaks up again. "So what do you think about Vanessa?" He asks making the other pause.

"The waitress downstairs? I don't think about her. Why?"

"Not for you genius. I think I might have a shot with her. Should I go for it?" The first voice asks as the other shifts.

"With a face like yours I wouldn't think you'd have a shot at anyone, but hey, she might be blind. I say if you can get anyone to fall for you then go for it." He second jokes back, and if she weren't worried about getting caught she might have giggled at that, listening to the first voice. For the moment she was caught between frustration and worry as they took their sweet time horsing around before eventually giving up and leaving again. Ruby remains in her hiding place for a long moment before getting up and moving to the door cracking it and listening intently to the voices as they trail off.

As Ruby was hiding however Emerald was dealing with a different issue downstairs. Her nervous energy hearing the men through Ruby's mic demonstrating itself in the rapid tapping of her foot which made it seem like frustration at her still missing date to the wait staff. Her waitress coming over and asking politely if Emerald would like to order ahead for herself and her date. Emerald makes a point of pulling opening her scroll in her lap so the girl can't see the screen before sighing and shaking her head with a sad smile. Apologizing for the delay and insisting that her date has promised to be there soon having gotten caught up.

The pitying look she got in return set her teeth on edge.

It took longer than either were comfortable with for Ruby to locate the loot. Two more close calls with Fang members, she finally found a small store room she had passed over before having heard people inside. They were stacked in neat piles inside of boxes. So grabbing a box towards the back and emptying it inside her bag she heads out darting out the window she entered through before making her way down to ground level and vanishing in a flurry of rose petals. No calling card on this job, they did not want the White Fang looking their way if at all possible.

She stashes the loot nearby before running back to get to Emerald at the restaurant, panting hard for show when she gets to the door and explains there's a table waiting inside. A little smirk growing on her lips as she spots Emerald sitting and looking rather irritable. The shorter thief's heart fluttering in her chest as she watches the sour look on Emeralds face melt away before they proceed to make quite a scene with the shorter girl hugging Emerald tightly as her tail wags and apologies rapidly falling from her lips.

Emerald endures the display with a smile as the hug is returned. While the apologies are just for show, the affection is real and neither are ashamed to show it as they part grinning wide before taking their seats. The waitress was unsure about how to react to the display. Two women together, while not uncommon, certainly isn't something you see every day even in Vale. But a Faunus with a Human on top of it? It's like seeing a unicorn.

Still, objective completed and their job nearly finished puts the two in high spirits as they splurge a bit, letting someone else cook for them as a rare treat.

~The Next Night~

"Well, this wasn't too hard." The younger thief mentions after Emerald finishes picking the lock, letting them inside. Ruby's eyes adjusting quickly to the darkness inside the building as she glances around, walking behind her girlfriend as they make their way to the center of the open storehouse, a map of Vale and the surrounding areas pinned on the wall behind an empty desk coated in a thin layer of dust.

"Quite a bit of Dust in here… now where to plant the masks." Ruby goes on looking around as Emerald pulls out the map Ruby 'borrowed' from the Fang hideout above the restaurant, unfolding it on the table after wiping it clear of dust and planting a mask on a corner as if holding it down.

"We can't hide them too well or they might get overlooked. What if we don't bother hiding them at all? I mean, the police were clearly never supposed to find these in the first place." Emerald wonders looking around at the shelves lined with crates of stolen Dust before turning to Ruby, the smaller girl's silver eyes looking as if they glowed, catching the moonlight coming in through the windows.

"So, just wanna drop'em and make the call? We can tell Tukson the job is done and be back home with plenty of time." Ruby asks, setting their stolen masks next to the table before looking at Emerald curiously, the older thief looking at the crates speculatively. Before giving a small smile.

"Think anyone would mind if we liberated some of this stash for ourselves? I mean, all it's going to do is sit in an evidence lock up and we would save some money if we grab a few crystals and Dust tubes." The mint haired girl ventures, chuckling as she watches Ruby's tail start to wag a little before she vanishes in a flash of petals using her scythe as a pry bar to crack open a few of the crates, already starting to pull the Dust crystals out along with a few tubes of Dust. While Emerald moves around, breaking open a few others randomly. Watching Ruby bundle up their reclaimed Dust, she smiles pulling her scroll to call Tukson.

"This is Tukson's Book Trade, home to every book under the sun. What can I help you with?" Comes the cool professional voice of their 'employer' for this job. As if anyone would call for a book at this time of night not to mention the caller ID.

"Hello Mr. Tukson, this is Emerald with R&E Package Retrieval Company. My apologies if I woke you. I was just calling to inform you that the package you requested was delivered successfully. I'm sure your customer will be quite pleased." She replies, getting a dry chuckle from the other end.

"I appreciate it, I'll let you know when you can stop by for payment, but feel free to come by anytime if you find yourself in need of literature." He returns. A nice way of saying 'I don't have your book yet but come on by if you need a fence.'

"I'm certain you'll be seeing more of us soon Mr. Tukson, we are quite taken with your business." She states before ending the call and turning to her girlfriend. "Ruby! Time to pack up, we have a call to make and then we can get some sleep."

~The Next Morning~

"Last night, Vale City Police raided a warehouse discover yet another cache of stolen Dust. We are left to wonder how many of these caches remain hidden within the city, but, according to the Chief of Police, evidence as to the perpetrators of these robberies was found at the scene of the most recent discovery. No details are forthcoming at this time, but, we have been promised more information will be given once it is safe to do so. Next on the morning minute, detractors of Huntsmen Academy in Atlas are once again protesting the sometimes unsavory tactics used by the Atlas military in persuading fresh hunters to join their ranks in the Specialist Division. Arguing that it goes against the idea of the hunters being defenders of the people as a whole, rather than a militant arm of any single kingdom. This is Lisa Lavender and more on this story after a word from our sponsors..."

AN:

So it's new years day. my writing has slowed down to a crawl compared to what it was previously but such is life when what little time I have away from work is spent sleeping, or streaming. but I've tired to keep going making progress slowly but surely and I promise I'm not stopping anything. everything will be updated in time. I'm trying to get myself back up to at least one update a week and while I'm not there yet I am improving. I've already started HDC 21 and Whiskey Rose will be after that.

In other news I've started streaming! My handle on Twitch is the same as here and I frequently have other writers joining me in the commentary. So feel free to stop by if you're interested! Everyone is welcome and I'll be able to drop a link in the chat for my discord where announcements will be made for both Fanfiction and Twitch. a more direct way for me to give updates that doesn't involve the evils of social media.

now onto my favorite part! Thank you everyone who reads and enjoys my work but a very special thank you to my reviewers. imoshen88, Crescent Sunrise, RatedRSuperStar87, EndlessChains, LordNodrogLock648, Axel Fones, Ninjapandas0010, and nightmaster000.

Thank you all for you're time spent reading this story. I love you all and I'll see you next time.