I am most certainly NOT up at nearly 2 am editing and uploading this. You see nothing!

Bit heavy on dialogue to start this one, and I also wanted to try being better with some descriptions. Let's hope that comes through!

At the risk of it sounding disingenuous, thanks for all the reads, and the reviews, and all that wonderful business. It's fantastic that people enjoy this little spiel of mine!


Everything was not sunshine and butterflies. Expected, given their mixed company. That Blake and Yang might have gotten along so swiftly would be more astounding than being at each other's throats.

An unlikely scenario, if not one Weiss had desperately yearned for. Instead, the Meera had left their number as soon as the meeting had adjourned, her enthusiasm for their partnership, fleeting. When the sun set and they gathered for the evening, Blake kept her distance, and turning in for the night, she slept alone.

Even Ruby's insistence and encouragement didn't help. The rift between Yang and Blake would take more time to repair than a single day. Yang isn't the only one on edge.

In efforts to be transparent, Blake had shared information about herself. Blake's self-righteous killing was murder to the rest, and none, Weiss herself included, could say she felt completely comfortable. With Yang, at least she'd been personable, convincing enough to assure them that she was of no threat. Blake lacked any such charisma, and her aversion to even friendly banter made her nigh unapproachable.

The second day of festivities saw Lyne alive as ever. Unfortunately for Weiss' friends, yesterday would be their only day of fun. Merlot remained a threat, and there was still the matter of investigating this 'Neo' woman.

Ruby had been reluctant to leave, fearing Grimm might arrive in their absence. Blake and Weiss both reminded her if any should appear, it would be because of their presence, not in spite of it. The town wouldn't be without safeguards either; the festival brought people from towns over, and guards as well. A small militia stood at the ready, and even if no Magi were among them, they could handle small groups of Grimm easily enough.

Lack of cohesion wasn't the only problem they awoke to. Ruby's and Blake's addition to the group meant they would share two horses - as Weiss was with Yang, or the group would have to purchase two more. Good news? Horses were available. Bad news? They scarcely had the Lien to cover it.

Weiss counted through their money, her chest deflating as she let out a long sigh. "Either we spend most of what we have on spare horses and feed, or we double up."

"The horses will tire out with more people on them," Jaune observed. "Not to mention, all our supplies. We might not be able to travel too far then."

Ren offered a counter argument. "We may need the Lien later. Though nothing prevents us from earning some along the way. I'm sure we could find an odd job or two."

A horse per person was both more practical and sensible, even if it would hurt their funds. "I'll pay for my own," Blake said from nearby, "Only my own," she added.

"So generous," Weiss rolled her eyes. Even removing one horse did make this easier on them. If only Ruby and Yang needed horses, and if they only had to buy two themselves, that left more Lien for later.

"If we only need two horses, that means we can spend a little more on extra supplies," she continued, cupping her chin in thought. "Maybe some more preserved foods. Dried meat, canned fruits, whatever we can find. We're good on bandages, and we have our tents. Ruby, do you and Blake have something you can sleep in?"

"Mhm! I brought a tent from the city, and Blake has one nearby!" Ruby smiled brightly, "And… We can always share too, can't we?"

Ruby meant sharing with her, she had to, because no one was comfortable enough to sleep with Blake. "Not a bad idea Rubes, but I think having our own tents works pretty well too!" Yang grinned.

"What, don't you want to share with me, Yang?" Cue the alligator tears. Ruby put on the waterworks and Yang immediately buckled, holding her hands up nervously as her sister stood before her.

"I-I'll share with ya, sure! I wouldn't mind! Heh, it'd be fun!" The Dimuran snickered, unable to hide her grin. "We could get into trouble just like old times. It would be pretty… In-tents! Eh? Eh?"

Unanimous groans all around and a forehead flick from Ruby said 'no'.

"If we're all content with our decision, I'll see to buying the horses. If we need anything else," Weiss slid the Lien into a pile, taking a portion and handing it to Pyrrha and Ren. "I trust you two not to buy anything frivolous. Anything you deem necessary for the trip, please get it. We'll meet at the stables again and set out this afternoon."

Jaune and Pyrrha elected to visit the markets and see what foodstuffs they could scrounge together. Pragmatic as always, Ren opted to use their share for kindle, with Nora right on his heels. Weiss departed for the stables, leaving Ruby, Yang… And Blake.

If ever there would have been a perfect time for a tumbleweed to roll by, now would be it. Yang and Blake glowered at each other, and with Ruby awkwardly between them, it was a wonder Weiss let this happen. Ruby giggled nervously, grabbing one of her sibling's hands and dragging her along. "Come on guys! Let's uh…"

"Dump Umbra here and leave?" Yang quipped.

"Gag Wildfire so she can't talk?" Blake grumbled.

"Gag eh? At least take me on a date first!" the Dimuran laughed, "Not like I'd accept, though."

Ruby rubbed her face in her hands and hunched forward. She could manage this! Yang would be nice if she pulled the puppy eyes card again, and Blake… She might take more work. "I know! Why don't we talk about Merlot!" Silver eyes wide and excitable, she bounced before the other women. "I mean… I don't know anything about him, but everyone else does? You gotta help me, Yang! And Blake needs to know too!"

Yang sighed, managing a small, patient smile for her sister as she pat her head. "Sure, Ruby. What do you wanna know?"

"His magic! And uh… If he's working with people, and…" There had to be something else, though Ruby wasn't overly concerned with the details. She just wanted to get Yang talking about something, anything other than arguing with Blake. "Oh! Blake, you should tell Yang what we've seen, about the Grimm. Maybe she can explain it!"

This would work, right? It had to work! If they worked together and just talked, maybe her sister and Blake could get along? It's like Weiss said, they were all on the same side! "Why? You can tell her," Blake muttered.

"Yeah Ruby, I'd rather hear it from, ya know… Someone who's not a killer."

This wasn't working! Ruby's cheeks puffed as she grabbed both her sister and friend by the hand. They had all just gotten back together, no way then would she let people fight! They were friends, or if they weren't now, they would be.

She lacked the raw power of her sister, yet Ruby still managed to drag Yang and Blake behind her. The street was filled with festival-goers, and Ruby forged ahead with meek pardons, losing a bit of mettle as the number of people grew.

"Ruby, where are we going?" Yang awkwardly excused herself as she nearly toppled over someone's kid. "Slow down!"

"No! You two are going to get along!" She knew exactly how to bring them together too. The smell of animals and hay was striking, and Ruby forged ahead to the gate, awkwardly tugging Yang and Blake inside. She released their hands briefly and found herself a lone animal, returning with a flustered chicken in her arms.

"Pet it!" the brunette commanded. Confused, the chicken clucked and beat its wings, staring at an equally baffled Yang and Blake.

Smiling awkwardly, Yang relieved an itch on her elbow. "I'd really rather not. It's kinda… Gross."

"Is not! It's cute, and you two are going to pet it!" Ruby huffed, then added, "Plus its the only thing not getting loving. Isn't that sad?"

"Er… I think there's a reason for that." Blake grimaced seeing the dirt that clung to the chicken's… Everything. "Is there a point to this?"

Was there a point? Ruby tried not to look too indignant. "No one can be angry when they're petting a cute animal! So… Come on, pet the chicken and be happy!"

She was kidding, right? Yang snorted and barely held in a laugh, shaking her head in outright refusal. "No way, not happening. Couldn't you grab something cute? Like… I don't know, anything else?" The chicken clucked and turned to peck at Ruby's face, drawing a snicker from the Dimuran.

"Pecky is cute!" Oh gods, she'd named it already. "But if you won't pet her, then fine, I'll get something else!" Ruby set down the ruddy bird and waved goodbye as it hurried back to its feed, having been in the midst of a meal, apparently.

"Let's see… Eenie… Meenie… Miney…" There it was. All in its filthy glory, covered in dirt from tail to snout and still munching away at a trough of mystery food. If they weren't going to agree on petting the chicken…

"Mo!" Ruby beamed and pointed to the pig, giggling at the horrified look the other women bore. "You said to pick something else, something cute. Well, Sir Oinksalot is cute! So go on, hug him! Tell him how adorable he is!"

Neither Blake or Yang moved an inch, each shaking their heads in refusal. Ruby's smile widened and she placed her hands upon her hips, standing proudly as she held her chin high. "See? You two can agree on things!"

"Rubes… Just because we both think that… Pig is nasty, cuz ya know, it is, doesn't mean we're suddenly friends," Yang said.

"Petting zoo animals tend to have all kinds of diseases," Blake pinched her nose as the pig drew near, ears drawing back, "Ugh… Can we go somewhere else?"

"Guys, I'm trying to make this work! If we're going to be on a team with everyone else, we have to get along!"

"Right… If we're going to be on teams, I'm not being on one with Umbra."

"Likewise," muttered Blake, "Wildfire can be on her own, as far as I'm concerned."

Ruby heaved a sigh and ground her knee-high boot against the dirt. "Your names are Yang and Blake, not 'Wildfire' or 'Umbra'!" Silver eyes shone with determination and Ruby pressed on. "I'm not saying you've got to be friends now, but give each other a chance! I know both of you, and I know you can get along if you give it time!"

Skeptical at best, Yang glanced at Blake, who per usual, ignored her. She knew nothing about the Meera other than what their brief - and highly unpleasant confrontations had told her. "Rubes, she's killed people…"

"So have you! Heck… I'm pretty sure Uncle Qrow has too," Ruby smiled sadly, "But he's not a bad person, right? E-Even… Even dad probably has before. S-So… Yeah, it's not a nice thing to do, b-but… Sometimes good people do bad things!"

"And sometimes bad people do bad things," Blake remarked bitterly.

A petting zoo, surrounded by children, was not the place to be having this conversation. Ruby sulked as her plan fell through, glancing between the stubborn women before her. She wanted to make this work, for everyone's sake. Besides, Weiss was working hard to keep things together, the least she could do was try and mend this rift.

Ruby was too keen to leave the crowd - the smell was all the reason Blake and Yang needed to leave. She sought refuge from the masses along the side of the road, taking cover under the shade of a tall oak. The sunlight poured through the leaves, a gentle breeze rustling and stripping a few away, carrying them off.

"I'm going with Weiss, whether you two come or even get along doesn't matter." Ruby tried to sound convincing as her voice wavered. Faltering, she took a deep breath and managed a small smile, holding her hands behind her back. "Yang? Are you going to not come if Blake's with us?"

"What?! Of course I'm coming! I've gotta make sure you're safe, ya know?"

"Blake? Nothing's keeping you here. You can go back to hunting, back to keeping these towns safe."

"Merlot seems to be the reason so many Grimm are appearing. He needs to be dealt with." Blake flicked her bangs from her eyes. "And I'm not leaving you alone with Hunters."

Yang's eyes flashed a faint red, grinding her teeth angrily. "I'm her sister! I won't hurt her!"

"Come on guys. The others are counting on us, Weiss is counting on us," Ruby insisted, smiling nervously and offering a hand out, "I'm counting on you, too. Remnant needs some real heroes, a-and… That could be us. But it means we have to work together."

Yang and Blake shared a fleeting glance before turning away from each other. It wasn't a perfect partnership, far from it, but at least they were in agreement about Merlot. For now, that's all they'd have to work with.

The others would still be busy shopping, and unless some miracle should occur, Ruby didn't think she'd get Blake and Yang to get along yet. Peering up at her friend and sister, she put on a smile and took a hand in each her own, pulling them forward. "We've got time to kill, so… Let's go have fun!"

Another shared glance and a pair of uncertain smiles greeted Ruby's expectant gaze. She took that as silent consent, dragging the pair along again. They would make this work! Weiss might be the closest thing they had to a leader, but she'd be sure to pull her own weight, too!

/+/+/+/+/+/

Magi, and more specifically, Hunters, were still mortal. Regardless of what power one possessed, how incredible one's magic was, that indelible fact could not go on ignored. Ydran, Muran, Dimuran, Meera, whatever they were, at the end of the day, they were all just like anyone else.

Weiss had forgotten that crucial fact. She'd pushed herself and the others constantly since leaving the city. As they set off from Lyne, sun high above them, they wore fatigue like a heavy winter coat. Physically, she felt like she'd trained incessantly for days on end - in some ways, she had. Since setting out weeks ago to slay a handful of Grimm, she'd been on half a dozen missions, encountered several dangerous figured, and nearly died twice.

Physically, they'd been run ragged, and that was nothing to say of the emotional toll. Recent news had turned their world upside down, and yet they forged on. Perhaps it was out of desperation, to remain so busy that the weight of recent revelations couldn't bear down fully. Her body felt heavy, her mind, clouded. The others had to be in a similar state.

Yet here we are, leaving behind a chance to relax to go chase a murderer. It was necessary, their work, but so too was taking care of themselves. In the heat of the moment, Weiss had ignored such a rudimentary idea.

The heat was oppressive, the sun's rays, blinding. Despite the speed with which they rode, the wind did little to help. Hot air whipped against her face and dried her lips, her eyes stinging even as she lowered her head to try and protect herself.

The land was fertile and dotted with vegetation, though nothing that might provide shade. Weiss saw several animals by the river banks, grazing or refreshing themselves. Any sounds they might make were drowned out by the thunderous, rhythmic clatter of her horse's hooves. For nearly an hour, she urged her weary steed to move along, her hand grazing its mane in support. Aside from occasionally stopping to let the horses drink, they rode through the afternoon.

Eventually, however, riding became unbearable. They were all sore, and the horses had slowed, the speed they'd been traveling at too quick to maintain.

Since she worked alone, Weiss was no stranger to pushing herself. One job after another; as quickly as she could get them, she'd set out on a new mission. Stopping was no longer a question, but a necessity. Weiss made the call and everyone was only too willing to dismount and rest.

You're not alone anymore. You have seven other people with you, and they're not you.

There were eight companions now. Guilt had since accompanied her, as persistent a nuisance as the heat. As they led the horses to water and began to set up tents - a hopeful effort of creating shade, Weiss watched her friends stagger and shamble about their business. Any discomfort they felt rested squarely on her shoulders, their fatigue inextricably linked with her insistence they move along.

Tents were erected, positioned so they might block out the sun and provide some respite. Far from an ideal rest stop, their proximity to the water meant clouds of insects, the chatter of animals replaced by the dull drone of numerous bugs instead.

In hopes of avoiding the worst of the heat, they had set out early that morning. As a result, breakfast had been scarce, and now that they had a chance to eat, rations were produced enthusiastically. Hardly a banquet - their meal comprised of dried meat and fruit, they scarfed down what little they could. Water helped if barely, and as they found out, the meat was completely tasteless, akin to chewing on leather.

Idle chatter broke out while Weiss moved away. Finding space to think, she took out her map and tried to get an estimate of their location. It wasn't promising.

Durham was still a few hours away. They still didn't know exactly where Merlot was, and there was now a lurking concern that the White Fang might appear at any time. Too many unknowns, too much stress. Weiss felt her chest constrict as she looked at the faces of her companions. Everyone, perhaps even Blake, would rely on her to lead.

A daunting, and frankly terrifying task. Stressful enough with only Yang to account for, but now seven people looked to her for direction. Maybe six, which even then was too much. That she even had been defaulted to as the leader was questionable. What if she made a wrong decision? What if she was pushing everyone too hard? Their mission was challenging enough without her being a slave driver.

We must stop Merlot. We need to find out what's really happening, if we can trust the Church. Why me? Why am I leading us? Pyrrha scored higher in initiation, people trust Ruby, and Yang has a better idea of what's happening than I do. What have I got? Second-best marks, and a name.

Chewing nervously on a knuckle, Weiss exhaled shakily and closed her eyes. They were already into this, she couldn't be having second thoughts now. Going back would mean having to hide what they knew, and pretending that everything was okay. They couldn't do that, but then she couldn't lead them, either. If she made a mistake, sent them to the wrong place…

"Hey, Weiss? You home?"

Weiss looked up and stared through Yang for a moment before her eyes refocused, nodding once. "Y-Yes, yes. Sorry, I'm just… Thinking." About all the ways this could go wrong. How she could potentially lead one of her friends to their demise.

Yang dropped down beside Weiss, offering over a waterskin. "Relax, it's yours. No backwash," she snorted. Weiss nodded gratefully and took a long drink, chasing away the dryness of her throat.

"Gods… It's so warm…" grumbled Weiss. Wiping away sweat on her sleeve, she leaned back and pulled at her top. It audibly peeled from her skin, nearly making her gag.

"Is it? Dunno, don't really mind the heat."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, noticing the sheen of Yang's skin. "Right. Even your scales are sweating," she laughed.

Yang brushed the observation off with a wave of her hand. "Just 'cuz I'm all sweaty and gross doesn't mean the heat bothers me!" The Dimuran then laughed and used her shirt to wipe her face. "Though it does kinda blow. Summer's always so nasty!"

"Certainly a far cry from Atlas' weather," Weiss mused.

"Oh yeah, you're from Atlas! What's it like there, huh? Really cold I bet!"

"Cold, and for much of the kingdom, barren. Vale is so much more vibrant and lively. My family may be in Atlas, but I think I vastly prefer the climate here."

"It's pretty nice, yeah…" Yang trailed off, brushing her long blonde mane back. "Do ya miss 'em? Your family, that is. When's the last time you went back?"

"Oh… A few years now." Weiss smiled sadly, watching as Nora tore into a second package of food despite Ren's protest.

"Huh… Long time to go without seeing them. Still, you're lucky, having them around."

Lucky indeed. "What about yours? I understand Ruby is your sister, but what about the rest of your family?" Weiss asked.

"Ya know… Usual family stuff." Yang shrugged. Her demeanor took a sorrowful turn and she leaned back, arms propping her up. "Ruby's here, so that's cool, even if we haven't really gotten to talk yet. Our dad's back home - he was a Hunter, but he's retired now."

"Your mother?"

Yang's face pulled into a stone mask, her eyes closing. She sighed, and Weiss worried she'd struck a nerve. "Well… I told you about my mom, kinda. Real piece of work, never had time for me or anything, left when I was young." Yang's mother couldn't even make time for her to tell her the truth, she'd sent Vernal in her stead.

"You and Ruby… You don't have the same mother, not if you're half-Dimuran," Weiss frowned, "What about Ruby's then?"

"Ruby's mom… She died a long time ago."

"Oh… I'm so sorry to hear that." Guilty too. Weiss' mother might be sick, but at least she was still there. She could write home if she wanted. If she had the time.

Yang smiled as she watched Ruby chat animatedly with the group, a permanent grin plastered on her face. "You'd never know it looking at her, ya know? Honestly, I don't think she remembers much of Summer anyway, just kinda knows she's not around anymore."

"I never knew she'd lost her mother. It makes my complaints seem trivial by comparison..."

Yang shook her head. "Hey, everyone's got their own stuff, right? Doesn't mean you can't be upset! Suffering's not a competition, Weissy," the Dimuran grinned and gently punched Weiss' shoulder. Gentle to her, but she nearly knocked the smaller girl over. "Heh, sorry!"

Weiss smiled, if slightly, and rubbed at her arm. "True… We've all got our own burdens and problems. Yet here we are, together, doing something utterly ridiculous."

"That's the spirit! Also, if you know that, why are ya driving yourself crazy?"

"I beg your pardon?" Weiss blinked, confused.

"You said we're in this together. So why are you acting like everything is on you?" Yang smiled and shrugged as she looked towards the horses. "I know you barely slept last night. Heck, we all kinda noticed."

Was it that obvious? She'd been fretting over when to leave, whether they had enough supplies or not, and before she knew it, dawn had nearly broken. Weiss smiled apologetically and rubbed at her face. "I apologize, I didn't mean to inconvenience you if I woke you."

"Weiss… Ugh, that's not the point!" Yang flicked Weiss' forehead. "Even if you're, like… Our leader or whatever, it doesn't mean you have to do stuff alone, ya know? We're in this together, which means we do everything as a group. If someone's got a problem with an idea, they'll say so. We just haven't cuz, well, you have good ideas."

"And… I mean, you're kinda the only one that can lead." Oh, well that certainly didn't add to the pressure at all. Weiss groaned silently, and Yang redoubled her efforts, patting the white-haired girl's back. "H-Hey, that's a compliment! You're the best one for the job. No harm in letting us help ya!"

The best one for the job, am I? Weiss might beg to differ, but she was sure Yang would continue to be contrarian. It was nice hearing that all the same. "Perhaps I did take too much upon myself," she admitted, sighing, "Everyone's got so much on their minds now, I wanted to try and relieve the burden."

"Everyone includes you, Weissy," Yang reminded. The Dimuran slid just a bit closer, bumping her hip against Weiss'. "Ya know… Weight's a lot easier to carry when you share it."

It certainly was. She'd worked solo for so long that being part of even a pair, never mind a team, felt so alien to her. Alien, yet also indescribably comforting. She had a safety net now, support, where otherwise she'd have only herself to rely on.

"Thank you, Yang. I think I needed that reminder."

Yang snickered and slung an arm around Weiss' shoulders. The hug was a nice gesture, but she was being smothered. "So no more driving yourself crazy, 'kay? If you're stuck on something, come to us for help? And by us, I mean like… Everyone except Umbra."

"L-Let go of me please." Weiss fixed her cloak and sighed. "Blake, her name is Blake. For everyone's sake, at least call her by name." Yang shrugged. It wouldn't be that easy. Having the girls just get along would make their lives so much easier. Was there a spell to make people friends?

"I suppose I could take a break from planning," Weiss mused wistfully, rolling her map and tucking it back into her bag.

"Cool! Because Nora and I were talking and… I wanna find out which of us is stronger!" Yang declared with a wide grin. She hopped to her feet and grabbed Weiss by the hand, yanking her onto hers. "And I want you to be the judge!"

"E-Excuse me?" Weiss said.

"Arm wrestling contest! She thinks she's stronger than I am, but she's so totally wrong. We need a judge, and I'm asking you to do it!"

Not that there was any choice, pulled along by Yang back towards the group. As if they knew, Nora had already moved to a flat rock, brimming with enthusiasm as she pat the spot across from her for Yang. Weiss rolled her eyes, giggling as the group converged around the pair to watch. Even Blake watched on from a distance.

Of all the absurd things to be doing right now, this was up there. Weiss couldn't say she hated it, though.

Did this help them stop Merlot? No, though that was okay. They would stop Merlot, and a few minutes spent having some fun wouldn't change the fate of Remnant.

Weiss clasped her hands around Nora and Yang's, making sure both were ready. As soon as hers were removed the match began, and for a group of relatively few, they managed to be quite loud with their cheers.

The more things change, the more they stay the same…

/+/+/+/+/+/

Hours passed. Hooves clattered against the roads, soaked and slick from rain. Earlier, clothing which had clung to them because of sweat now sat drenched in water - cold water, and when combined with the winds from riding, it chilled Weiss to the bone. Nowhere to stop, not until they reached Durham. Tents would only provide so much cover, and setting them up in the middle of a storm was hardly ideal.

So they rode. A crack of lightning illuminated the land before them, stretched out several miles in every direction. Durham was visible at long last, and with it, the promise of shelter. The River Severn split and spilled into the Vistula River. Just one of many towns along the expansive body of water. If Weiss remembered right, it spilled out into the ocean, hundreds of miles still further east. They wouldn't be going that far.

With its banks high from the rain, the group steered clear and kept to the far side of the road. Like drums, the sound of rain striking the water's surface was deafening, drowning out any attempts at conversation.

The storm had come seemingly out of nowhere, and as Durham drew closer and closer, never had a town seemed so appealing. Weiss raised a hand to signal, slowing her approach at the front of the group. Soaked through, her clothing clung uncomfortably to her skin as she slid out of the saddle. Landing in the mud with a heavy slop, she ignored the mess on her pant legs and trudged towards the gates.

Calling them gates might be a bit generous. The walls were barely ten feet tall, and appeared little more than logs stuck into the soft earth, and the gates would buckle with a single spell. The walls and gates weren't what protected the small trading town though. Several figures stood high above the wall, their silhouettes barely visible against the dark knight sky.

"We're from the Church!" Weiss had to bellow over the roar of the river, and even then, she wasn't sure she'd be heard. "We're seeking shelter for the storm. Open the gates, please!"

Shelter, and information.

"Identify yourselves!" Were they serious? Hadn't she just done that?

Weiss strained to hear over the storm, sighing. She drew closer to the gates until a bow was trained on her, raising her hands. "I am Weiss Schnee, Hunter of the Church. My friends are all Hunters as well!" Mostly true. "We're on a mission, and as I said, we seek shelter. Will you let us in, or will we be forced to set up camp out here?"

She sincerely hoped it was the former. Their tents weren't great - she'd daresay porous, and the horses would run off if not tied down somewhere. Luckily, the men had the decency to allow them inside. The doors swung open with a lazy groan, and Weiss wasted no time in leading them inside.

Lyne was much warmer than Durham, and it wasn't just the weather that made it so. For a town that boasted a decent market, the port resembled more slums than it did wealthy haven. A general store was the first building that greeted them, its sign worn and barely legible, windows shuttered. No torches burned tonight, basking most of the road in complete shadow. Only the light from the few open windows provided any illumination.

"Inn's further down the road," one of the gatekeepers shouted, "Hang a left at the plaza!"

Weiss raised a hand in thanks, sparing her vocal chords. The stables were much closer to the gates thankfully, and while Jaune and Pyrrha went inside to pay, the rest of the group put their mounts up for the night. There was barely enough space, and it wouldn't be cheap to house so many, but they hadn't much choice. Who knew how much more travel they had ahead of them, travel which would be infinitely more pressing if they couldn't rely on their mounts.

Keen as Weiss was to get inside and dry, she was equally eager to begin their search. Without knowing the area or town whatsoever, she'd be bumbling about in the dark, literally.

Fortunately, they had someone with them who knew this place. Or she hoped they might. On their way to the inn she pulled Blake aside, waving to the others. "We're going to check something, we'll be with you shortly!" she called. Yang didn't seem pleased, but Ruby's shivering at her side was reason enough to go ahead.

The Meera stepped beneath an awning and pulled down her hood, attempting to shake water from it. Though most of her face remained concealed, her amber eyes betrayed a hint of wariness. "What do you want…?"

"I want to investigate something here in town, and I'd like your help doing it." Weiss removed her hood and wrung it out, leaving it hanging down. Everything was thoroughly drenched, she wasn't sure why she bothered. "Are you familiar with Durham?"

Blake nodded. "What about it?"

"We're looking for someone. Someone besides Merlot, and I need to ask around. If you'd be so kind as to help me with that, I think it will go much faster."

The Meera seemed utterly enthusiastic, or perhaps that was just her being done with the rain. Weiss could sympathize with that. "What's to say I won't lead you astray? Or drag you down an alley and kill you?"

That escalated quickly. A simple 'no' would have sufficed. "Ruby vouches for you, and if she's giving you a chance, then so will I. I don't need much, just someone who might know the ins and outs of this place, or is familiar with who comes and goes. Know anyone here like that?" Weiss asked.

Blake scoffed, pulling up her scarf and looking back out into the rain. "I just want to go rest…" she muttered, eyes swiveling to the corners to look at Weiss. "Do you have Lien?" Weiss nodded. "Come on then… Let's get this over with."

"Don't sound too enthusiastic." Back into the rain then, and to goodness knows where Blake had in mind.

Yang had said not to take it all on herself, and so she wasn't. Fatigue could wait, she'd been itching to get something, anything on the woman behind Vindemia. Drawing her damp hood up again, she followed the Meera into the stormy night.


As I said before, trying to be more descriptive. Especially in this chapter, I wanted to touch more on Weiss' experience, and how she feels about what's happening around her.

Not sure if it came across either, but made use of the notion of 'weight' a couple of times. Fun little tie-in to the title!

I'm making a ROUGH estimate based on my outline here, but this book should be the length of book 1, so 18 or 19 chapters. We'll see as I finalize some plot points and trim it down, though.

Next update... SOON!