A week had passed since Asher had divulged what he knew about the mysterious gem his crew had stolen along with the payroll. He'd left out the fact that his crew no longer had it, of course, but Ozpin seemed to simply absorb everything that the criminal could tell him, his face set in a thoughtful expression. For a few minutes after Asher had finished, the Headmaster had sat there, eyes closed, as he mulled over the issue. Then he'd dismissed the boy, thanking him for the information. Unbeknownst to Asher, Ozpin had his suspicions about the reported gem, but he wanted to be as sure as he could be before saying anything. If he was right, though, then the Schnee Dust Company, or at least someone within it, was playing with something that was potentially dangerous beyond words. Something that, if used incorrectly, could start another Human-Faunas war. Or worse.

Asher had spent the week doing what was quickly becoming routine. Ruby was spending less time with him and more time concentrating on her studies now, but he soon discovered it was because she'd finally decided what his weapon should be. She'd taken the old hilt piece he had as reference, saying she wanted to include it in the new weapon's design, and could be found in the library quite often, hunting through books on weapon crafting. Still, her normal studies had more or less started to return to normal as well, and Asher once again found himself eating alone or with just Ruby, her teammates choosing to keep a wide berth. He was fine with that, mind wrapped up in the gem mystery anyway. Asher had just wrapped up his second class on criminal methods, this time Glynda playing a more active role in trying to steer the students in attendance towards counteracting his methods, and was looking forward to the weekend off, if just so that he could be a little lazy, when his scroll sounded off with a message from Professor Ozpin, asking for the boy to report to his office. The trip only took a few minutes, and Asher soon found himself seated across from the Headmaster, who had pulled out a large, leather bound book and placed it onto the table.

"Are you familiar with legends concerning the Grimm War?"

"Uh... you mean the war with the Grimm from ages ago? Aren't those all stories about heroes saving the day and beating back the Grimm? You know, the kinda stuff that parents read their kids at night." Or siblings read to their sisters.

"Hm. Yes, most of them do seem to follow that vein. There are a few, however, that are, shall we say, darker in nature. Not exactly popular these days, but as someone once told me, there is a grain of truth in every legend. The one that I'm concerned with, as it so happens, is the legend of the Grimm Hunt, the details of which are scarce, nowadays. According the pieces of the legend that do exist, however, there is a great Grimm, its name lost to time, that heralded the coming of hordes of Grimm. Wherever it was, Grimm followed. It was feared and hated, not only for its mere presence, but for its own power and ferocity. Accordingly, when dust was discovered, this Grimm became one of the first to be hunted. However, it was not killed. The power of those back then wasn't enough. Instead, using a dust crystal infused with the aura of hundreds, they trapped it beneath a city, leaving it there to slumber for eternity. At least, that was the plan."

"Sorry to interrupt, Professor. But I'm not seeing how this is related at all."

"That gem of your's is not a gem, Mr. Mercury. It is a dust crystal. Specifically, it is THE dust crystal, used in the legends, and if they are to be believed, also serving as a lure for the beast, and consequently, the hordes of Grimm that follow behind it."

"Wait, wait, wait. Hold up. You mean to tell me that somehow, this gem is a dust crystal that stores aura in it?"

"That is correct."

"You have to be out of your mind. I've never heard of any dust crystal that could do that. You'd think everyone would know if they did exist."

"Mr. Mercury. You said it yourself. The dust crystal is clear. I can say for certain that I have never seen or heard of a dust crystal like that before you told me about it. Certainly it is not beyond possibility that, if it is a dust crystal, it could have properties unlike any known coloration?"

"Yeah. Ok. Look, let's say I believe you, which I don't, and this thing really is a dust crystal. What the hell would anyone want to use it for? Didn't you just say the damn Grimm... thing... was locked up somewhere, if that even exists?"

"I wasn't done, Mr. Mercury. The Grimm was locked beneath the city, but as I'm sure you are very much aware, every lock has a key. In this case, two."

"Wait. So now you're telling me someone could let this thing out again, if they were crazy enough to want that, and then use that gem, dust crystal, whatever, to lure it pretty much anywhere because for some reason, it's attracted to aura. Am I getting that right?"

"Exactly, Mr. Mercury."

"... That doesn't sound good. Or really all the believable. Why are you telling me all this?"

"Because I feel, since you are the one that brought me the information, I should inform you of what I found. And because, as it so happens, I have a need for your particular talents in retrieving certain items people don't want you retrieving."

Professor Ozpin plucked a folder from a desk drawer and placed it on the desk, opening it up to reveal a face Asher was quite familiar with. The Old Man stared back at him from the photo, white hair and wrinkled face just the same as he remembered it, and next to the first was a picture of an old relic of some kind, shaped like a sword, inscriptions in a language Asher couldn't identify pressed down the length of the blade. He examined it for a moment, then glanced back up at the Headmaster.

"This is a key?"

"I believe so. The legends refer to 'the sword which shall cleave through the darkness' and 'the shield which shall protect the light'. Everything I've found so far points to this being the sword mentioned. It's the only sword to be recovered from the area this mythical city is supposed to be, and the only relic old enough to be possible."

"So what? You want me to get it for you? I can't just waltz into the Old Man's place and ask for the damn thing."

"I'm well aware. However, if he were transporting it to be sold on the black market..."

"Oh... well, that makes for a different story. Why not just buy it then?"

"I risk being outbid, and I doubt me showing up somewhere less than reputable will do well for the school's reputation. This Old Man is moving the relic, along with a few artifacts, using a commercial train. I have the times and the routes already, I just need you to remove the sword and deliver it to me."

"A commercial train? Not the best situation, but... I can do it. It'd be easier with more people though."

"I'm afraid you'll have to do the best you can on your own. Unless you want to get in contact with your fellows and expose them to this, especially with the chances being high of the being caught if the move in the open?"

"No. Like I said, I can do it. I'll need some things though. Tasers would help with taking down the guards. I'll need a duffel bag for transporting. A crowbar, pry open the boxes the items are probably in. A gun, intimidation and suppression, if need be. Oh! A police baton, while you're at it. Straight-stick version. Might as well take that... And as much as I hate to say it, a mask. Don't want it getting out that I'm the one robbing trains when I'm supposed to be at school. Another change of clothes would be good to. Maybe a full suit? Eh, I'll let you figure it out. I'll need a ticket for that train on top of all that. Easiest way to get on board is be a passenger, after all."

"I'll have it ready by the end of the weekend. I suggest you take this chance to prepare yourself."

"I'll do that."

Asher exited the room, folder in hand, but mind miles away. If they were letting him off the leash, it should be fairly easy to get away. And he'd have something worth quite a bit of money by the looks of it. It wouldn't be easy, but if he planned everything right... The gray-haired teen was so lost in his thoughts he almost ran straight into another student headed the other way, the bow in her hair twitching slightly as she easily regained her footing. Asher blinked in surprise before shaking it away and nodding his head at Blake in silent greeting. She offered a simple nod back, before she stepped around him and kept going, eventually reaching Professor Ozpin's office and knocking gently.

"Come in... Ah! Ms. Belladonna. I have something I need your help with. Are you familiar with some of the darker legends of Remnant?"

At the same time, a certain blonde was visiting her old school, hunting for more information. As much as she didn't want to be spending her time chasing down clues about Asher, Yang was doing it anyway, now because she genuinely wanted to know his motivations, instead of just concern over her sisters safety. A call back home had gotten her father to look through her old yearbooks, and sure enough, the criminal had been in there, over two years ago. There wasn't much more than a picture of him, but it at least validated that claim. What had surprised her, however, was that during her father's look through of the books, her uncle Qrow had been around, and had noticed the name. Apparently, there was a girl with the same last name as Asher, an Azure Mercury, attending Signal at the moment. Yang doubted that was a coincidence, and so, here she was, on her Friday evening, hoping to catch the girl before she went home. Qrow had said he'd keep her here as long as he could, and Yang had practically sprinted to the airship docks, so she must still be around-

"Please, Ms. Mercury, I need to speak with you regarding your education-"

"Professor Qrow, I don't HAVE any of your classes this year! I've never had any of your classes! I don't even know what it is you teach!"

Speak of the Grimm, and they shall appear. Yang turned the at junction and found Qrow, looking as lively as ever, hastily trying to delay a girl perhaps Ruby's age, with a shock of short, bright blue hair. Qrow seemed relieved upon seeing Yang, and the girl obviously noticed, turning to fix deep, blue eyes on the other woman. Almost instantly, there was a flash of recognition, but beyond that, the girl seemed clueless as to what was going on. Yang closed the distance between them before sticking her hand out and offering a bright cheerful smile.

"You're Azure Mercury, right?"

"And you're Yang Xiao Long." The other girl shook the offered hand, but made no movements beyond that, clearly weary of what was going on. Yang's smile widened at the clear knowledge of who she was though.

"You know me? Must be because of my awesome reputation, huh?"

"More like everyone who's been in school since last year knows that you're the reason the second training hall is a burnt out pile of rubble now."

"Ah... hahaha... yeah... didn't mean to do that."

"Well, I'll leave you two to it, then. Don't press her too much about it, Yang. She's sensitive to the subject, and is already getting picked on enough as it is. Not to mention she has circumstances of her own."

"You got it!"

Azure's eyes narrowed at the teacher's words, before she switched her gaze over to Yang, who was still wearing that bright smile. The girl was tensed now, Yang could see that, and even felt a little pity. It couldn't be easy having a brother that was portrayed as a felon of the worst kind. Still, Yang had to know. And the only way to find out something, anything, was to talk to the girl.

"So... I, uh, had a few questions about your brother."

"I'm not doing this again."

"But-"

"I don't care. You want to know what I know? Go ask the cops. They questioned me enough times I had to take make up classes over the weekends."

"I just need a few-"

Azure turned and started away, dismissing whatever Yang was going to say with a wave of her hand. Yang was persistent however, and knew that there had to be some way to get her attention. If this girl was anything like Ruby, anything like Yang herself, she'd want to know how her sibling was doing. So then, the easiest way to get her attention and keep it was...

"I've talked with him!"

Azure halted at that, and Yang could almost see gears turning in her head and desires warring against each other. Then, slowly, ever so slowly, the younger girl turned to face the blonde, eyes both curious and suspicious. She was looking for any signs of dishonesty, but Yang was confident she'd find none. After all, she wasn't lying. She had talked to him. A couple of times. Most of them hostile, maybe, and more from her than him, if she was being forced to admit things, but still, they'd talked. Moments passes as Yang waited, foot tapping impatiently against the floor. Finally, Azure sighed, then checked her scroll before glancing back up at Yang and motioning for her to follow.

"Come on. I've got an appointment today, so we'll talk at the hospital. Roan'll want to hear this anyway."

"Roan?" Yang fell into step with her junior, already happy that she was at least getting the girl to open up a bit.

"My doctor. And a family friend."

The half-hour trip from Signal to the local hospital was a silent one. Azure showed no signs of wanting to talk, and Yang didn't press the issue, understanding that the girl had a place she wanted to be first. Still, it surprised her that when they reached the hospital, instead of checking in at the front desk and signing things and generally getting questioned every which way, Azure just waved to the receptionist and kept right on walking, leading them into an elevator and tapping one of the higher floors. Eventually they arrived at their destination, an examination room occupied by a single, older man. He glanced up and smiled at Azure, but when he noticed Yang, he glanced at the younger girl in question.

"She's says she's talked to Asher. Yang, meet Roan. Roan, Yang."

"Ah. Yes. The one who blew up one of Signal's training grounds."

"I keep saying I didn't mean to do that."

"Don't worry about it. I find it funny, actually. Regardless, is she going to present for the usual?"

"Yeah. I figure we can talk while we get this out of the way."

Azure had already dropped her bag on the floor and stripped off her shirt, completely unreserved about the whole thing, and was in the process of climbing onto a table with a few scanners attached to it. Roan barely batted an eyelash, instead glancing at a scroll before striding over to a computer and tapping away, the table starting up. Yang, for her part, simply took her cues from them, dragging over a chair and sitting, getting ready to start-up the conversation.

"So, about Asher-"

"You said you talked to my brother... How was he doing?"

"Uh... alright, I guess. I mean, he's attending Beacon now-"

"He's WHAT!?"

"Azure, calm down and don't jerk around. You now how this goes."

"Sorry Roan. Why in Remnant is he at Beacon?"

"Don't know. Something about rehabilitation. I wasn't really paying attention to the announcement. He's not doing so hot, either. He barely knows anything in the classes, and his fighting sucks. I should know, I fight him all time."

"Well, it has been two years since he's been in any kind of school. Doesn't really surprise me. Azure, if you could turn over please."

"Right."

Yang watched as the younger girl flipped over onto her stomach and Roan tapped away at the screen, hmming at something on the screen. The next few minutes were filled with silence, broken only by the occasional beep from the machine. Azure flipped over a couple more times at Roan's request, then he shut off the device, allowing Azure to get up and put her shirt back on. He tapped at the computer a few more times, then went over to the scroll and tapped away at that. Finally, Yang's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to the blue-eyed girl to get some answers.

"What's up with the crazy scanner thing?"

"I was born with a rare mutation. I have to do this about once a month."

"Mutation?"

"Her body produces high levels of viral tissue. Her immune system requires regular checks and bolstering in order to continue functioning properly."

"Uh..."

"My body is trying to kill itself."

"Oh... that sounds... uh... bad."

"It was when I was younger, but I've gotten better. My aura helps bolster my defenses, and there's treatments for it now. As long as I keep these visits up, and make sure to take my medications, my body works just fine."

"Which reminds me. You should be due for another booster. Hold on, I'll go get it prepared."

"Booster?"

"It's a booster shot. Part of my treatments. Those I need four times a year. They slow down the part of me that produces the virus, while also strengthening my immune system. Hurts a lot. Roan's gotten pretty good at it, though."

Yang stared at the girl opposite her for a moment, who was idly messing with her short hair. Yang felt another flash of pity, Azure had it rough after all, but at the same time, a surge of anger filled her. How could Asher just abandon his sister when she had to deal with this? Where were her parents in all this? Yang decided against asking about the parents, she'd reserve that for Asher, but it still made her blood boil, thinking that someone would leave their sibling to suffer alone. Suddenly, she realized that Azure was staring at her in concern, mouth frowning.

"What?"

"You alright? Your eyes went all red and evil looking there for a minute."

"Yeah, yeah! I'm fine! Just thinking!"

"Alright, I guess."

"So... your brother..."

Sigh. "Alright. Ask your questions."

"Do you think he really did what everybody says he did? The robbing and the murder I mean."

"The robbery I kinda have to agree with. They have tapes and stuff for that. But... I don't believe my brother would murder anyone. Not without a very good reason. At least, I'd hope he'd have a good reason."

"Alright. I have kinda a weird question next. Do you have any idea why Asher might have started being a criminal?"

Azure made a face that spoke her mind clearly. This was not a much loved topic, and Yang almost immediately considered retracting the question. Before she could, however, Roan returned, carrying a filled syringe. He paused at feeling the tension in the air, then stepped forward and gestured for Azure to pull up her shirt. She did so, and turned so her side faced the doctor. The man expertly slipped the needle into her, and Yang watched as Azure's eyes teared up instantly and she fought back a whimper. Yang's anger only spiked, but she kept herself calm. Instead she acted on the sudden sisterly feelings that hit her, walking over and taking hold of the younger girl's hand in her own. Azure immediately squeezed, taking comfort from the simple touch, and Yang pulled her into a gentle hug, humming a tuneless song to distract the girl. A minute passes as Roan finished his task, then the needle was slid out and Azure relaxed again, letting out a breath she'd been holding in. Yang held on for a few moments longer, then pulled away to take a look at the younger girl's face, giving her a gentle smile.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine... uh... thanks... for... you know..."

"No problem! I've got a younger sister about your age. I've got no problems having another one."

"Haha. Well, as much as I appreciate the offer, I'd rather... Never mind. You asked why Asher started being a criminal, right?"

"Yeah. But if you don't want to talk about it."

"It's fine. I... the treatments I'm getting are about 50,000 lien a shot. Not to mention all the other medications I have to take in order to keep myself healthy. I don't know the exact amount, but it's pretty big. I can't say for certain, but I think my brother wanted the money for me. Unfortunately, it was unnecessary and pointless, after all, someone made a massive donation to the hospital and I get my treatments for free now, but I doubt my brother knows that. I wouldn't have used stolen money anyway."

Roan, standing behind Azure, flinched at the mention of stolen money, and Yang didn't fail to notice. Her smile grew wider, even if only she really knew why. The doctor knew something. Oh man, this was getting interesting. Still, to go criminal just to get money for shots... surely there were better ways to do it. The conversation died after that, and they made small talk until Azure said she had to be getting back to Signal. Some things she needed to pick up apparently. Yang stayed behind however, waiting till she was sure Azure was gone before rounding on the old doctor.

"You know something about Asher."

"I... I can't talk about it."

"You're going to talk about it, otherwise I'll find way to make you hurt. She may not be my sister, but Azure's hurting, bad, and I don't like that."

"I'm still not going to talk about it. I am her doctor and her friend, and that is precisely why I refuse to talk about it. What she chooses to divulge to you is her choice, but that is her life. Their lives. You'll have to get your information out of them."

"There was no donation to the hospital, was there?"

Roan remained silent, but Yang was sure of it. The doctor had lied to the girl, and probably a lot of other people as well, so that the money could be used to treat Azure's disease. Money Asher had stolen during his time as a criminal. Still, in Yang's mind, there was always a better way than one that required you abandon your sibling. You should always be ready to stand next to your sibling, to be their to comfort them. Regardless, it seemed like she'd gotten everything she was going to get out of the doctor, who had already turned away to focus on paperwork. Yang sighed, then turned and headed for the door, almost running into Azure, who had come barreling in through the door, breathing heavily. The younger girl brightened at seeing the blonde, she steadied herself before fixing her blue gaze to Yang's lilac.

"I've got a question for you actually."

"Shoot."

"When's Beacon's next open campus?"

Author's Note- Coming up with a usable, overarching plot is surprisingly difficult for me, but I think I got something. We'll see where it takes us. Next up, we have another crime to pull off! And this time, a train job! Oh the cliche!

I can't say I'm completely satisfied with the way the Azure/Yang/Roan thing went, but I also can't think of any particular way to improve upon it... Eh. Something for me to think on.

Regardless, until next time, keep dreaming.