"My goodness… no, this can't be true. He couldn't have been…"

Ruby, Weiss, and Yang watched Wilhelmina and her sons absorb the information. The brothers displayed obvious shock while the former queen was in denial.

More than likely, she was like this since her bond with Tai had grown since she first met him. Naturally, when she heard he was taken away, she didn't fare well. Her sons Neptune and Sun rushed to her side in an attempt to comfort her.

After Ruby found the note, she immediately showed her friends. The three girls talked amongst themselves and decided to go to Weiss' mother's house.

Putting more heads together would help them devise a plan.

As soon as the girls got there, they set the four bags of dust aside. Since someone had taken their secret stash, it wasn't safe to keep back home.

Currently, the girls are in the former queen's home with her sons. The home is modest and only made of wood, so it's a tight space for this number of people to fit. The group is in a circle trying to talk and figure things out.

"What do you guys think we should do?" Yang asked. "My dad was taken! He's gone! That bitch has him!"

Neptune took the note and read it out loud.

"If you want the man back, come to the kingdom tomorrow. We'll be waiting."

"Yeah, we got it," Yang replied irritably. "They have him. What do we do?"

"It's pretty straightforward," Sun pointed out. "Let's just do what it says."

Silence.

Weiss crossed her arms. "What if it's a trap?"

"It might be," Neptune agreed. "They want you guys there. Not us. How about we go together in disguise?"

"And blow our cover more easily?" Weiss countered. "No way."

Ruby was pacing back and forth, trying to think of the bigger picture. Or any other tactics that haven't been mentioned.

"We could all go, but what if we split up?" Ruby said in a bargaining tone. "That way, if something goes wrong, they can be our backup?" she pointed to the brothers and former queen.

Normally, Weiss didn't like it when they involved people unnecessarily. However, the fact was that the girls went to them for help. Everyone was in this together. Whether they liked it or not.

"Okay, okay," Yang thought out loud. "No one knows what will happen. Maybe we're overthinking this. Maybe they just want to hand him over peacefully?"

"I like the thought, but that's not realistic," Weiss replied, hating to state the facts. "The Faker is unpredictable. However, she will do anything to keep power. If she has Mr. Xiao Long, it's safe to say he is important to her."

With grace, Wilhelmina set a hand in between her daughter's stiff lion ears. A tactic she'd used in the past to help destress her. Her daughter didn't seem to mind and accepted the contact with a small smile. She even leaned into the touch, almost nuzzling against the soft hand.

"You may be right," her mother admitted. "But the note implies they are willing to cooperate and give him back."

"You're right, it implies we can get him back," Weiss said sternly. "The catch might be how."

Yang pointed at her girlfriend. "The princess is on to something."

"Unfortunately, the only way to find out is by going," the ex-princess stated.

Neptune set the note down on the poorly crafted desk. "Okay, so people will be going no matter what tomorrow. The issue is who. Another thing we need to discuss is the dust they took. I know that's hardly the issue since Tai was taken, but it's also important."

Ruby heaved a sigh. "He's right. They have the dust and it doesn't sound like they'll give it back. That might spell more trouble for us. Especially since only top government officials know of its existence, as Weiss and Ms. Schnee have said."

Sun flailed his hands in defeat. "Then we might be screwed. The worst case scenario might be inevitable."

"Which is?" Yang asked.

Sun dipped his head and frowned. "They either keep or kill him."

Yang grit her teeth and her nose flared. "Not happening."

"Let's hope," Sun said earnestly. "But one thing's botherin' me. What if we don't go? What if that's what they want? That we'll be too scared to go?"

"Don't be stupid, monkey boy," Yang barked. "We've already established that some people are going."

Ruby said sadly. "If no one goes, we probably won't get dad back…"

"Don't worry, Rubes," Yang slung an arm around her shoulder. "We'll get dad back no matter what. I promise."

"Forget I said that," Sun added. "That won't happen. At least not on my watch."

Neptune bumped into his side and crossed his arms in determination. "On our watch," he gave a twinkling grin.

"Thanks guys," Ruby grinned. "But what if-"

"We need to stop focusing on the 'what ifs,'" Weiss interrupted. "Your father will come back home safely. I promise as well."

There was Ruby's sweet grin. Seeing it was to die for. Her older sister had never broken a promise, and Weiss always took her promises seriously. Even though it was just words, Ruby was calmed by that.

"So what're we gonna do?" Sun asked. "There are too many things that could happen."

"Like I said, let's not focus on what could happen," the ex-princess said. "We'll go for sure."

"We as in you three or all of us?" Sun questioned, his tail waving back and forth.

Everyone looked at the ex-princess for an answer.

"Might as well be all of us," Weiss answered. "Like Ruby said, this time, there would be safety in numbers."

Ruby firmly nodded. "Exactly. Now, what would be better? Go as a group or split up? Personally, I think a group would be safer."

The former queen understood what she was trying to say. "Splitting up would be troublesome."

"Alright!" Sun beamed. "We'll go to the kingdom together!"

"Yes!" Yang cheered. "Don't worry dad, we're comin' for ya!"

"I wonder how he's doing," Ruby said sadly. "If he's okay..."

A sad, despairing silence.

Yang set a gentle hand on her sister's back. "Come on, Rubes! You know better than anyone how tough he is!"

"It's true," Wilhelmina chimed. "He almost best me in a sparring match that one time…"

Faint laughter.

Ruby gazed at Yang. "You're not worried?"

"Of course I am, but I have faith."

Yang couldn't bear to see her little sister this worried, so she pulled her in for a hug. Unable to help herself, Ruby started to cry. Rivulets stained Yang's shoulder.

They could only watch as the normally giddy Ruby was reduced to a bawling little girl.

Yang held her as tight as she dared, hoping she wouldn't break.

Weiss frowned and felt her own tears welling up.

"I'm sorry," the ex-princess faced the sisters and her tone took a genuine turn. "I'm so sorry."

Knowing what she was thinking, Yang scooted over. While doing so, she kept an arm around Ruby's trembling back and held out the other as an invitation to join.

Ruby managed to choke back her sobs. "Y-you need a h-hug, too!"

"C'mere," Yang said.

After a playful roll of her eyes, Weiss accepted the embrace. Both Yang's arms slung around both her friends and pulled them close. The blonde leaned into her girlfriend's ear and murmured sweetly.

"None of this is your fault. No one blames you, so please don't blame yourself."

In return, Weiss found her hands sliding up her girlfriend's back. That was exactly what she needed. It was like Yang could read her mind. The hug emanated warmth and protection, something she'd lacked the last few days. The ex-princess was never one for public displays of affection, but she didn't care all eyes were on them.

The three melted into the comforting hug and stayed like that for a while.

Before Weiss could start to blame herself, they had to try to get Tai back safely.

Only then would she carry the burden on her shoulders.

"I-I won't let you!" Ruby said in a cheerful voice like she knew exactly what her friend was thinking. "We're all in this together."

"That's right," the blonde stated as she pulled away and gazed into those azure eyes. "Whether you like it or not."

Weiss timidly smiled and set her chin into the crook of Yang's neck.

In a feeble voice, she murmured.

"Thank you…"

Unable to resist, Wilhelmina joined the group hug and spread out her arms as far as she could, wrapping the three in her grasp.

"Dudes," Sun stared at the sight. "You look stupid."

Yang held out an arm. "Shut up and join us."

The brothers gave each other a look before ultimately grinning. Together, they sauntered over to the sides. Sun wrapped his arms around Yang while Neptune comforted the now relaxed Ruby.

This was the most comfortable group hug ever.

"You guys!" Ruby squealed. "This is so cute!"

Immediately, the brothers scooted away and broke off the sides.

"That ruined the moment," Neptune whined.

"Guuuuuuuys," Ruby drawled. "It was so nice!"

Sun ruffled her hair. "You feelin' better?"

"Yeah!"

The middle of the night is when she made her move.

The White Castle's candles had been blown out, so it was pitch black.

She blended in with the darkness. To any onlooker, Blake was a shadow.

She stalked the part of the building that was attached to the castle. On the far side of the east wing.

She couldn't remember how long it'd been since she visited this place.

She didn't miss it one bit. In fact, she'd rather stay as far away from it as possible. It left bad memories. Although, there were a few good ones.

But there's one she'll never forget.

This is where she met Yang and Weiss for the first time.

Despite wanting to frown, she found herself smiling.

That smile quickly turned to a frown when she heard the sound of tainted water dripping from the ceiling. The walls receded and exposed cracks. Moss was growing in the cracks. The building might as well be abandoned.

No one cared for the hidden jail. Why would they? The only people in cells were convicted felons deemed by the queen to be 'bad' for society.

Despite this, it wasn't a normal jail. This particular jail belonged to the tyrant. The people in these cells were her prisoners.

Like how Weiss and Yang were.

Blake prowled along the cells, squinting her eyes up at the top. Each cell has a number etched into the wall above the steel beams.

Some numbers were easily displayed while others faded over time. The most disgusting thing to Blake was that parts of the concrete wall were soft.

It would've taken Blake a long time to find her target, but she overheard Mercury slip the information.

Overheard…

Right...

She rushed to cell number five in the darkness.

Her hasty footsteps echoed in the vast, rundown room.

At last, the number five-peaked out from above one of the cells.

The spy concernedly leaned forward and curled her fingers around those all-too-familiar steel bars.

There was a blob of black curled in on itself on the harsh ground. Her cat ears flicked in recognition, but she worried more when she didn't hear the sounds of his breathing.

"Tai," Blake whispered. "Tai, are you okay?"

A drip drop was her answer.

"Tai," she repeated. "Please get up."

She tried to use a soothing voice since she had no idea if the man was alright. If he was in good or bad condition. Who knows what happened to him when he was undoubtedly thrown in here.

Suddenly, the blob slightly moved. There was a light snore as he blearily looked up at the concerned cat faunus. Due to his human vision, he only saw a shadow, but due to her pointy ears, he recognized her.

"Blake?" Tai asked, slowly finding his footing to stand. "What're you doing here? How'd you know I was-"

"Are you okay?" Blake asked again.

"Shaken up, but I'm good," Tai replied, still sounding surprised.

Golden orbs narrowed as she took in his features. What he was saying was true. His peasant clothing was torn and tattered. Other than a slightly bruised cheek, Taiyang seemed fine. At least for now.

"Thank god…" Blake breathed.

Taiyang approached the girl and set his gentle hands over hers to comfort her. To him, she was still on edge, so he wanted to ease her in any way possible.

Innocent blue eyes dove into Blake's soul. "Is this where Yang and Weiss were all those years?"

Hesitantly, Blake gazed around and absorbed the grotesque atmosphere. Her cat ears folded on her head as she frowned.

"Yeah," she guiltily admitted.

"It sucks," he stated and sniffed once. "It smells, too. I haven't even been here a day and I hate it."

"Keep in mind, Yang and Weiss had each other," Blake reminded. "They were never alone."

"They also had you," Tai stated. "Don't forget that."

Even though Blake was their guard for all those years, she was still a bystander. Until she helped them escape. The one thing she regretted was not helping them sooner.

Seeing her friends trapped in here every day still haunted her.

Wanting to shake off those memories, Blake gripped the bars tighter.

"What happened?"

"It was all so quick," Taiyang started. "I was about to make some stew for the girls, minding my own business. I was expecting them to come home soon and I knew they'd be hungry. You know them. They always have some food with them," he said with a laugh.

Blake nodded in understanding. "The journey to Atlas is exhausting," she could practically see Yang and Ruby gorging themselves while Weiss chided them to slow down and chew before they choked.

"Very," Tai agreed. "It was then that- I think- two captains barged in and started looking around."

That was odd.

"Wait, they just strolled in?" Blake asked in disbelief.

"Yeah," Tai stated. "It was the weirdest thing! They started looking around for 'anything suspicious' while I was adamantly yelling at them to get out since it's my house!"

"That's definitely illegal," the spy said. "They can't do that."

Blake tightened her fists and grit her teeth. She knew exactly who the pair were. It infuriated her.

"I know!" Taiyang growled. "They probably thought they could get away with it since they're captains."

"Not only did they get away with it, they were praised," Blake sighed.

"By The Faker?"

A nod.

"Such bullcrap," Tai replied.

"I know. Things around here aren't exactly fair," Blake said.

"Mhm," he hummed in agreement. "And wouldn't ya know it they found the one loose floorboard in the house. Just my luck. They took all the dust we had, but the worst part was that they kicked Zwei to make him stop barking," he informed with a frown. "If I see him again I'm gonna pummel that punk."

"Did he have gray hair?" Blake asked.

Tai nodded. "That's the one."

"His name is Mercury and he won't get away with that," Blake stated sternly.

If she was honest with herself, Blake liked Mercury. He was fun to talk to. But that didn't matter now. He kicked her beloved friend and she wasn't going to let that go. He didn't seem like the kind of guy who would do that, but she didn't need evidence. Taiyang wouldn't lie about something like that.

Tai continued.

"They thought the dust was suspicious, so they took me with. I'm assuming they'll question me tomorrow."

Blake heaved a sigh. "I'm so sorry you got dragged into this mess. It's all my fault…"

"Blake-"

"I should've followed them around!" she seethed. "They always keep to themselves. I should've known they were plotting something!"

"It's okay, it's not your fault," Tai reassured. "None of this is your fault. No one blames you. No one could'a saw this coming."

Her head dipped in apology.

"Still…"

"There's something you need to know."

That caught her attention. She whipped up her head, cat ears perked, fully alert. "Tell me."

"The Faker visited me a few hours ago," Tai revealed.

Blake gasped. "What?"

"She's definitely intimidating," Tai admitted with a sheepish grin.

"What'd she do?"

"Nothing. She said that she has plans in the kingdom tomorrow," determined blue eyes met wary gold, which pierced through the darkness. "Blake, you have to go there. You have to make sure my kiddos are okay, too."

"Of course," the spy stated. "Did Cinder say anything else?"

"Nothing much, really, she's a woman of few words," Tai replied. "She heavily implied something will happen in the kingdom tomorrow. I have no idea what it is, but it can't be good. She probably wants to use me for part of it."

Blake took a deep breath to calm herself. "Sounds like something she'd do."

"Right," Tai nodded. "This is why you gotta go warn them. Whatever she's planning can't be good."

The spy stared at the ground with a frown, unable to meet his worried gaze.

"Blake," he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. From that, their eyes met. "I trust you. You can do this. They'll make things right."

Her hand strongly grasped his own in reassurance. Worried golden orbs shifted to strong and determined, shimmering in the darkness. Instead of a weary voice, she took a somber tone.

"I won't let anything happen to you. You can count on me."

"Blake, I don't care what happens to me. Just take care of them."

"Understood."

Woah lotta things happening! How will it play out?

Stay dandy,

~Toto