Chapter 6: Lesson x Memory x Key

'Hunters' - Thoughts

"Are Made" - Normal Speech

[To Be]- Phone/Comms

| Truly free | - Narration

"Hey..you think...they'll ever stop arguing who is better?" A small girl asked another.

The scenery was serene. In the distance where they sat was a large home. Two stories high and painted a stark white color with a sky blue colored roof. And a red brick chimney at the side of it as smoke emitted from the top.

The two girls were off at quite a distance away. Atop a hillside overseeing the large field of the home's backyard. They were shadowed by the large oak tree they sat under. Resting beneath its branches as the soft flutterings of leaves fell down with the wind blowing gently in the air.

"I don't know. Mum and Dad always seem to argue or talk about who would be better with Auntie and Uncle. I just don't get grown ups." The other girl said as she laid back against the oak of the tree.

"Papa always tells me to try and be better than you. But what's wrong with the way we are?" The other asked as the girl soon got off her spot and pointed at her.

"Nothin! I just bet Dad and your parents are acting dumb! I say we do whatever we want!"

"Whatever we want? Like what?" The other asked as she got up and looked at her.

"Huntsmen! Our parents were one! But we're gonna be better than them! Think of it! The two of us as the greatest team! Hunting bad guys and Grimm. Nobody can break our awesome dynamic!"

"Y-Yeah! We'll be unbeatable!"

"The greatest Huntresses of all time! I'll be a gunman! And you can be a wizard! Can you imagine it, Glyndie!

"Yup! Let's become the greatest Huntresses ever Paku!"

Paku!

Paku…

I'm sorry….Paku…

Paku?

"Paku!" The voice yelled out in attention. As Pakunoda woke from her dreamlike state. Looking around as she gathered her surroundings.

She saw she was in a car. Having taken a corner seat as the imprint on the window showing she had dozed off. Perhaps sleeping moments ago.

In the front was Franklin and Phinks, with the former being the one driving in the dark night streets of vale. Aside her was Shizuku, who was reading a book and in her own little world.

Finally, on the other side of the back seat was the one that got her attention. Nobunaga having his hand on her shoulder. His look of worry soon turned to relief as she had woken from her slumber.

"Sorry if I woke you. But you looked like you were wincing and shivering alot...Everything fine?" He asked as Pakunoda rubbed her head and waved a hand at him.

"Y-yeah...I guess I must have dozed off. But I'm fine for the mission."

"You su-"

"Nobunaga. Relax. It's Paku. If she says she's fine and good to go then we can trust her. Besides, even if we tried to stick her on the sidelines for this she'll just ignore us." Phink's said as he looked at the rearview mirror and saw her smirking at him.

"You bet your ass I would. So, what's the next target? That fake shipping company was a bust." She said as she recalled where they were earlier.

Having gone into Vale at night to find more information on the White Fang and anything of their enemy, intel and rumors lead to a false shipping company to be the base for several White Fang groups resting there.

When in actuality it was nothing but a storage facility for the Fang's ammunition and armor. With little members guarding the place. But it was no issue for them, as within a few minutes all of their supplies and members were gone and dead, with only having to hack into their computers to find a second location of their operations.

"Well what they had on their database, one was located by the shipping docks, but that's been moved to the outskirts in one of the old SDC's abandoned factory sites before they got all big and fancy in the better parts of Vale." Phinks said as he lowered the window, allowing the cold night air in as he peered his head out.

"I think I see it, just a couple more miles and we'll be there. Issue being however-"

"They'll probably be expecting us and all five of us in this tin can will be like spray painting a target." Franklin stated as Phinks snapped his fingers and pointed at him,

"Exactly. So what should we do? This would be a lot easier if Uvo showed up and started killing them."

"Hm? That reminds me….why are you and Franklin here? Weren't you two gonna cover us missing by staying at Beacon?" Shizuku said as she looked up from the book as both men looked back to her before returning to their seats.

"Yeah we were. But thanks to Paku and myself, we had an opening to get out of Beacon for the night." Phinks said as he smirked a bit.

"I don't understand." Shizuku replied as she wanted to know what happened. Fortunately, Nobunaga was more than willing to answer as she turned to him.

"It started off as an argument of what Hisoka and the boss did to the gym arena during combat practice. Phinks was giving her justified reason and questioned why the school didn't have precautions for such dangerous fights."

"Then Paku made a snide remark of Glynda to use her Semblance to clean up the place and patch it up. That got her pissed and both of them were in an argument with one another." Phinks said as Pakunoda smiled as she leaned back in her seat.

"Pretty soon it got hectic where even Ozpin wanted to leave the staff room. And then Uvo pretty much bribed him. Saying if he covered our bar tab for the night he'd stop us and bail immediately. Which is how we're all here now." She stated as Phinks let out a 'tsk' in annoyance.

"Meanwhile that big idiot is probably piling up cans and barrels of beer while we do all the work. So annoying."

"I see. Well that explains the now and how. But I wanna know, why do you hate Glynda so much? I mean, sure...you both are family and sometimes that's an issue of itself. But why the strong feelings of hate and annoyance of her?" Shizuku asked as Nobunaga flinched as he saw Paku frown.

"I guess...the best I can say is that I've suffered like the boss. Caught up in family issues and rivalries. Even though I never cared for that crap. Glynda...somehow started to care more and..well, sowed in years of bitterness and hatred for that bitch." She said as letting out a breath of air in exhaustion.

Feelings of regret and sadness, along with feelings of nostalgia and melancholy washed through Pakunoda. Remembering those past days as nothing but memories, being what made who she is now.

"I understand. But, I can't help but think that the Troupe is somewhat a weird family made from broken ones!" Shizuku stated as all of them looked at her and blinked in confusion.

"Think about it. Pakunoda, the Boss, Feitan and Illumi have family issues or something like that at least. And then there's how we all act with each other! I suppose we're a family of dysfunctional families."

"...Huh. You know. When you put it like that you're right, in an odd way." Franklin stated as he turned away. Sweating at how Shizuku could say such an odd thing during now of all things.

"Okay...so in this dysfunctional family of ours, what's our role? Is the Boss like...a dad?" Phinks asked as he was then smacked on top of the head by Pakunoda from her seat.

"Mmm...no not really to be honest. It's more like...he's kinda the oldest brother of ours. Paku's usually around near him when we all separate every now and then. So I guess she would be the mom." Shizuku stated as Paku even blushed at her remark.

"Hey now! I may be a bit older than Bitch Witch Glynda but I'm still too young to be a mother!" She exclaimed.

"As for Machi...well, I just can't help see her as maybe a sister or as The Boss's fiance or girlfriend trying to get approval. And Feitan being the small little brother of the bunch." She continued on as Phinks and Nobunaga were snickering and trying to hold in their laughter.

"Pfft! Girlfriend to the boss! T-That's...hehehe!" Phinks snickered.

"Hisoka...maybe a cousin of ours? Or that weird over eccentric brother. And Illumi is kinda the introverted brother that just needs a push every now and then. Shalnark maybe is the second oldest of the bunch."

"And she's still going with this...Say, what's our role? Uvo and I" Nobunaga asked as he was then smacked by Paku as he grumbled.

"Oh! Well, you'd be Paku's husband. So you'd be the Boss's dad."

"WHAT!?" Shouted Paku and Nobunaga as that startled Franklin, causing him to swerve around on the road and trying to get it back in control again.

"W-We're nothing like that Shizuku!" Both of them said at the same time. Pausing as they looked at each other and blushed. Earning Phinks a smile and laughter to escape.

"O-oh man! T-This is too good!"

"Phinks….hmm I'd put you as maybe the laid back uncle with his moments. And Uvo would be like...a grizzly grandpa because of his old man hair."

"Hey! What do you mean moments! I'm the cool uncle!"

"How are you getting into this more! It doesn't mean anything!" Paku said as she was trying to get this out and forget the whole thing.

"Oh! And Franklin could be my dad. Since he's always looking out for me alot and pats me on the head." Shizuku stated as she smiled and pointed at the man.

Who at this point, looked to be frozen at the words she just spoke out. Completely still and not focused on anything else.

"A dad huh? So what...are me and Franklin supposed to do dad jokes now? Come on Franklin, try to do one. Franklin?" Nobunaga asked as Paku and Phinks kept arguing at Shizuku.

"A dad…." Franklin muttered out as then all the others began holding onto the car. As Franklin let go of the wheel in his state of shock, causing everyone to experience spinning and swerving.

"Damn it Franklin hold the goddamn wheel!"

"This is your fault Shizuku!"

"I will kill the both of you idiots if you don't handle the wheel right this second!"

From the outside, as their car kept screeching its tires on the pavement, several shining objects launched from different angles of every side around. Hitting the tires as they bursted with a loud POP sound. The car gradually slowing down as then the tire's bursted into sparks. Leaving gashes in the streets as it came to a stop.

"Finally! Ugh. I feel like my head is betting a pounding from my brain." Phinks said as he got out of the car with everyone else. All shaking their heads and trying to focus.

"You're welcome by the way. Though what caused you to spin out like that?" They all turned as they saw on the other side of the street, Illumi, holding out his needles in hand.

"Illumi. Why are you here? Who's watching Hisoka?" Franklin asked as Illumi placed his needles back in their position on his shirt.

"Oh. Don't worry about him. The boss and the others have him occupied at Junior's bar. It was him that actually sent me and Uvo to assist you guys on this mission." He replied as he continued to walk to the abandoned SDC warehouse trail.

"Wait, Uvo is with you!? But-" Nobunaga asked before the sounds of screaming and gunshots echoed in the empty trail and thick forest.

The others then looked up at the sky. Seeing that some vehicle was tossed in the air and soon falling back down. And the forest briefly illuminated with the explosion that followed after.

"He'd better have left some surviving. Otherwise we can't interrogate them." Illumi said with a bit of annoyance in his voice as the others continued to follow him.

Soon the group witnessed a massacre. The abandoned facility was stained in red and with some of its damaged walls wrecked more so with large holes and small bullet ones. Vehicles crashed and in small scraps. White Fang member's body parts beaten to a pulp or broken, even separated from the bodies.

"P-Please! Don't kill me! I-I was just doing this for the money i swear! I just needed the mo-" The poor White Fang member cried for mercy. But to only have his head crushed in Uvo's hand. Resulting his head looking like a deflated balloon oozing now with blood.

Uvo then turned to his back, as he grinned seeing the others finally having caught up and now at the facility. Throwing the dead body aside as he wiped away his mess on another corpse as he waved the others.

"Finally took you all to get here. Anything good at the other facility you guys were at?"

"Tell me there's at least some that are alive Uvo. Chrollo specifically-"

"Yeah yeah. I know what the boss said Illumi. You gotta have fun too in this line of work don'cha?" Uvo said as he walked over to the warehouse and broke the metal doors down with his hand. Revealing a pile of trembling Fang members bounded in chains.

"These were the top members according to the others I killed. So they should have some insight to any info about who's running the operations in Vale with Roman." Uvo said as he threw the pile by the group's feet as the Fang members tried to struggle and escape, but to no avail.

"Alright. Guess I should start interrogating now. Oh, by the way. Did they mention anything of who the boss could be or anything about a Maiden? It'll make things easier and quick. That way I won't have to be repeating questions over and over." Illumi said as he fiddled around his supplies of needles.

"Feh. Nah they didn't know anything about a Maiden. But they did mention their High Leader and crap. Something about him and their partners with Roman, and someone called Blake."

"Ah damn. And I thought this would be easy. Well. Better get to work then." Illumi said as he began stabbing his needles in the Fang members' heads. Uvo joined the others as he sat down and watched Illumi work.

"So. Do any of you know this Blake woman? Or any ideas where we could find her?" Uvo said as Shizuku came up to him.

"Hmm. I kinda have this hunch it could be the same Blake that's part of Team RWBY. She did keep to herself alot and stayed silent in all the classes I've aided so far. But that raises a question."

"Why would a seventeen year old be part of the White Fang? Perhaps she's a Faunis in hiding." Phinks stated as that seemed to be the logical reason and explanation to the connection.

"Probably. But what kind? I'd have to be some type of Faunus that can easily blend in as everyone else. Maybe a reptile?" Uvo added his thoughts as the others pondered what Faunus she could be.

"Maybe an insect? They also have camouflage like abilities."

"Perhaps aquatic...though...no that wouldn't make sense."

"A cat! She's a cat faunus!" The group then turned their heads to Illumi, as he held a Fang member by the throat as he struggled with the needles embedded into his skull.

"A cat you say? Hmm. Yes that makes sense. Golden slit eyes. Her tail could be used as a makeshift belt. And there's that large bow on her head. But what else do you have to offer?" Illumi asked as he continued to torture the member, as two already died in the process.

"Damn...I was gonna say dog faunus next. What else does he have Illumi?" Uvo said as he scowled.

"S-She's the princess of the Faunus nation of Menagerie! Her dad is the mayor there and the one that started the White Fang!" The member choked out as he was crying in pain. As more needles soon entered his body. Causing his bones to break and muscles to forcibly be moved.

"So a princess hm? Think we could use her as a hostage when the boss is free from this stupid contract?" Phinks stated as that seemed like a good idea in the later future.

"Possibly. We could always use the extra money. But still, what does she have to do with your boss?" Illumi said to the last member of the Fang as he stabbed another needle to the one he previously interrogated. Ending his life in the process as the member now was layed in disfigurement.

"T-The boss!? S-She was the boss's partner!" He squealed as the others looked at him in surprise.

"Keep talking." Illumi said as he held onto his collar more tightly.

"She and the boss, when the Fang was starting to do this kind of stuff, they were the one's to do it. They...started with fireworks and smoke bombs at rallys. Then went to stealing from dust stores and tagging the Fang's emblem. Those two have been together, for years."

"So why the sudden change? You better talk or I'll have to join in on this little...interrogation." Pakunoda said as she held her gun at the base of his forehead.

"I don't know! All I heard was that she was involved in that Train Incident passing by Forever Falls last year. She-she just left the Fang. And the boss has been trying to find her since." The member said as the others soon began trying to remember such an event.

"Forever Falls...train incident…" Nobunaga muttered as he stroked his chin in thought.

"Wait...it was your organization that caused the train to blow up in one of the cities we had built. The Sucrose Pine settlement." Franklin said as he scowled at the Fang member as did the others.

"So it was you dumbasses. Gotta say I really wish there were more of you guys there when it crashed into those people's homes. I'd love to have killed all of you at once."

"L-Look! I'll talk! I'll talk! Our boss has been in dealings with some chick named Cinder!" He shouted as they continued to glare at him. As he whimpered and continued to confess.

"He made some sort of deal. I don't know the details I swear! But what I do know is that we work providing distractions and muscles from the police. And in return the boss was promised Blake. And something about showing Vale what we are. That's all I've got about what you're asking!

"Hmm...what do you think Pakunoda? Is he telling the truth?" Illumi said as Pakunoda looked at the Fang member dead in the eyes. Her hands on his face forcing him to look. She sighed as she let go of him and faced the others.

"He's clean. That's all he knew." She said as Illumi let him go as the member let out a breath in relief.

"But, tell us this. Who was really responsible for the train incident?" She said as the member flinched and the others looked confused.

"You see. I have this odd 'sense' of mine that tells me something about people. What they're really thinking or what they've seen. Call it a...precognition or mind reading if you want. So, unless you wanna take the blame and we kill you and all your Fang buddies out of revenge right now, talk." She said as the Fang member gulped.

"Okay...the explosion...wasn't our cause. It was supposed to be a clean heist. Stealing a train of Dust and Atlas tech. But Blake didn't like the fact we were killing the soldiers guarding the place. She and Adam argued. And when she deflected she activated one of Atlas's prototype bots."

"Go on."

"The...the damn thing just went haywire. All I remember seeing was the boss and her trashing that thing together. But then Blake was yelling something about equality and peace. And said she's leaving. Before kicking that crap in between the train cars. That thing was set to blow as she planted bombs on that thing!"

The member looked at them as tears were now falling from his face.

"It was supposed to be a simple in and out job! We were just going to get off after Sucrose Station! It wasn't our fault believe me! It was hers! It was-" That was all left said as Pakunoda shot at him.

Right between the eyes. Seeing his eyes rolling to the back of his head and fell lifeless on the cold stone floor.

"You could have left that to me you know. Make it a lot cleaner and undetectable from law enforcement." Illumi said as he was removing his needles out of the corpses and cleaning them off.

"I haven't had anything better to do. Plus you and Uvo were hogging all the fun. The rest of us carpooled here and the last base wasn't much." She said as she placed her gun away as the others soon got up and started to walk back out.

"Alright. To sum things off for the night, the first base was crap. We got info of our enemy and the Fang's leader. Plus their next wave of crimes and plans and now have another target."

"Blake Belladonna. But...technically we can't do anything to harm her now because then the boss would be in quite the predicament." Nobunaga said as Shizuku nodded.

"True. I'd have suggested we interrogate her passively and have Paku look in her head. But I'm not sure if that's technically 'harming' her. What would you go about this situation dad?"

"Dad!? Franklin! Shizuku? And you're her-" Uvo cried as Nobunaga waved at him and stopped him.

"Look, don't ask much. But Shizuku suddenly brought up this whole family nonsense in the Troupe. She just suddenly assigned roles each of us had in her nonsense."

"By the way Uvo, you're the grizzly grandpa of the family." She stated.

"How odd...yet somehow it makes sense." Illumi commented before her finger pointed at him.

"You're the introverted brother...though maybe a cousin?" She stated but thought if he fit the role of brother or cousin to be better suited.

"Grizzly grandpa...not bad!" Uvo said as many gawked at his sudden acceptance to it.

"So Franklin! Go on! What are we gonna do about this problem." Uvo said as he looked around the outside wreckage he caused. Finding a vehicle, being a car, and picking it up and walking with the rest.

"Well. In any case we should report this to the boss. But I think the best of this would be to use mind tactics." Franklin stated as Pakunoda and Phinks looked at him quizzly.

"We'll ask or state events and questions relating to the White Fang. She'll probably want to know what they're up to despite having left the organization. While also driving her to possible lack of mental stability. Tired, sleepless, even questioning her loyalty and if her team would even trust her."

"I see. Inflicting tactical fear into her mind while also benefiting us with maybe some insight. Pakunoda in some cases could be someone she can talk to like a therapist. Letting us gain more information on Adam and the Fang. " Illumi realized as the others soon opened the car doors and started to get in.

"Yes. In most angles this could technically work out since we aren't exactly harming her. More like giving her philosophical questions she cant wrap around. Regardless...this will be the Boss's decision."

"Very well. Uvo, is the Boss still at Juniors. If he sent you two from there wouldn't he have to be there." Paku asked as Uvo stopped before entering the car.

"Ah. Nah. The boss said to do the job. He was gonna head back to Beacon after we'd left. But he did say we were free to enjoy ourselves at Juniors! He's paying our tabs! So hurry up Illumi! Drive this damn thing back to the bar!"

"Free rounds on the boss. Sounds good. I'm in!" Phinks said cheerfully as he pushed Franklin out of the way and entered the driver's seat.

As all of the members got in their own seat. Shizuku's phone rang. Reading who was contacting her, was the boss himself.

"Ah.. Yes. What do you need big brother?" Shizuku said as all looked at her and smacked their hands on their forehead.

[Big Brother?] Chrollo asked as the phone was snatched from Paku as she decided to explain.

"Boss, it's Paku. Shizuku brought up something of us and a family and decided to give roles to everyone about it."

[Really? So I'm the Big Brother of the bunch. What roles did she assign?] Chrollo asked as Pakunoda looked scared and confused.

"You're-Never mind. The mission went well thanks to Illumi and Uvo. We're heading to Junior's. They heard you bought our tab for the night and want in. Are you still there?"

[No unfortunately. I just had a few drinks before Ozpin called to remind me that student's shouldn't be out of campus pass curfew. So I'm back at the campus walking down its halls.]

"Oh, and here's something we should mention." Shizuku said as she took back her phone.

"Apparently. A member of Team RWBY, Blake Belladonna, was part of the White Fang. And also was responsible for the incident at Sucrose Pine. Apparently the leader joined the group behind the crime activities in Vale all to try and find her."

[You sure about that? Blake Belladonna is responsible?]

"Yup. Illumi tortured and interrogated all the higher up members there. And Paku did a background check. She said it's true. So, what should we do? Given the contract you're in, we are a bit limited."

[Hmm...for now. Nothing yet. But we can make her suffer long enough without doing anything to her until after the job. For now, let's be normal around her.]

"Got it. Well see you around big brother." She said as she hung up the phone. All the members are still shaking their heads at Shizuku and how crass she could be and do her own thing.

| Meanwhile, back at Beacon. Chrollo felt his heart flustering at Shizuku's role for him. Looking up into the night sky. Seeing the shattered moon illuminating through the windows onto his phone as he ended the call.|

"Family huh? Us. A group considered murderers and saviors. A dysfunctional one I'd assume." He said to himself. Making way down to the elevator as he clicked the button pressing down.

"How long has it been since then? Since I could call, well anyone, part of my family?" He said as the soft luminescent lights glowed on the numbers of floors. Hearing a soft DING sound after passing each one.

"Could I have even called what I had then a family? Or did they feel like one to me? Perhaps not. But the Troupe...heheh. I suppose they really are to me." He said as the elevator stopped. Ringing it's last DING as Chrollo soon walked out.

Now in a room, what looks to be an empty void. No windows nor light at all. Saved for one thing in the room lying before him. A large coffin of sorts. With what looked to be a woman still inside. Connected to several wirings and tubes next to another.

The one aside was empty. Meaning someone could have gone in or be held there. Light Illuminating softly from the machines connected to them. His footsteps echoing in the room, along with his book being open.

The pages fluttering in the air. And soon the sounds of something swimming in water came from his book. Chrollo had a look of pettiness and regret on his face as he got closer and closer to the coffin like tube.

Seeing a woman inside. Stripped aside a white one piece bra and shorts. Her dark mocha skin looked pure, ruined around her eyes. Her left side scarred horribly while her right only had a few scratches that left scars.

Her dark brown hair framing her face ever so softly. One could wonder in this state the girl was in to even be alive, or simply a doll trapped inside a box.

"You shouldn't be in this thing. I'm sorry that you were involved with Ozpin's affairs. Especially after what I found. If you could learn what he's planning. What he's doing. And what he has in contingencies. Then you and the others of your kind would never be safe in any Kingdom."

Chrollo said as he touched the glass. Looking to as though he wanted to touch her. Caress her face and hug the poor woman.

"Still, even if you're alive in there. The others only see half of your value. And will use you to create another. Even if it's rational. Even if it's part of my nature to want to kill you. It's very hard for me. Really it is." He said as several creatures swam around the machine and himself.

Creatures that looked so angelic. Radiating a glow of pure white. With red eyes that of rubies and scales are ever so rugged and smooth you wish you could touch. Cried in hunger. Pushing to Chrollo, asking to eat the woman.

"You were someone innocent. Believing what you were doing was for the best of everyone you know and love. Friends. Family. All taken away by him and his cabal." He said as he clutched on the glass. Causing it to crack and the creatures to swim around in a frenzy.

"But...if I kill you now. Before I kill her. That would only make things more difficult, from the analysis Ozpin has regarding your powers." He said with hate in his voice. Aimed at Ozpin.

"If there's a way to let you live and escape. I'll do my best to get you free. From everything. But if it isn't, then forgive me for what I will have to do then." He said as he closed the book in his hands. The creatures disappeared as he walked back to the elevator.

"Ozpin...how far will you go to try and end her. When all in your findings told you that you can't defeat her. Just how desperate are you to kill her. Or, could you even do it?" Chrollo said as he pressed the elevator's button.

Watching the girl still as the elevator doors slowly closed. He rubbed his hand over his bandages, unwinding them in the process as they fell around his shoulders and around his neck.

As soon, arriving at his dormitory's floor number. He walked out of the elevator and walked down the halls. The moonlight illuminating his path. But soon stopped as he looked at the moon.

"Howling stars setting the soul to wake. Wander off the path the dark shall take. Away from you of your dreams and desires. To suffer nightmares detested by liars." Chrollo spoke as he closed his eyes. Basking in the light of the moon.

Upon his forehead, his tattoo stood out the most. Painted with a perpetual color of black and purple. Almost glowing as well in the moon's light. Soon covered once again by Chrollo, wrapping his bandages once more.

"I believe it's time to further the process of these Huntsmen's awakening. And further show Ozpin, what it means to deal with the Phantom Troupe."