Silence... nothing but the sound of the wind brushing along the trees who stood tall amongst one another. Their massive leaves occasionally letting some of the sun's rays down to the ground below.

This is getting uncomfortable. Sienna thought to herself.

They had been walking for about half an hour now, the palm trees and smaller shrubbery being the only sights to see at the moment. They'd already left the village about half an hour ago and wouldn't reach the beginning of the desert for another hour or so.

She'd said they would need to focus with the way being dangerous and all, but she had meant the desert. Most of the dangers would make their home there, barring a few Grimm that find their way down every so often. However they had remained silent since they left and it was starting to get awkward.

Now don't misunderstand, Sienna was all for catching some peace and quiet. However they still had a while to go and so far there had been no Grimm trying to tear their faces off, so she was just a bit anxious. She wasn't used to walking in dead silence, at least not without being alone or on a mission. Sure she had been able to enjoy the quiet with others before, mainly Blake and Ilia before becoming leader, but even then it was only for a few minutes. Thinking about it now she guessed she could consider this a mission.

Regardless, Sienna wasn't liking the deathly quiet she had brought onto them of her own decision to remaining on guard.

"So what's it called?" She asked only to berate herself instantly for her inability to strike up a normal sounding conversation.

"What do you mean?" Vermillion asked.

He either missed just how awkward that sounded, or he was throwing her a bone to keep going. She'd take anything at this point, just to stop the weird feeling.

"I'm talking about your sword. What's it's name?" She asked again, casting a glance to it.

She'd never really given much attention to it before. Looking at the blade she was able to see it had an obvious rose motif, it was rather ornamental looking as it openly displayed it's petals around the guard. Yet every rose has it's thorns, leading her to wonder if there was something more to it, hidden within the petals and waiting to strike.

"I've named it Pale Bloom." He said as they continued walking.

They continued along as she waited. Keeping her gaze on him as they walked along waiting for him to continue. She'd waited in a full minute of silence before she started to wonder.

That's it?! Sienna thought to herself as it was clear he was done with what he had to say.

"So what's Pale Bloom like?" She asked, hoping to get some form of elaboration on the weapon.

"It's sharp and easy to swing." He spoke as the silence returned again.

Sienna couldn't stop herself as she felt her eye twitch a little bit. That was it, again... really!?

What happened to earlier, they were talking fine then so what changed? Was it the topic? Did she just so happen to pick the most straight forward subject? She would try one last time, one more attempt to alleviate the silence.

"So how long did it take you to make it?" Sienna asked, hoping that his answer would at least be a sentence longer.

"Oh, I didn't. It was a gift." He said, unknowingly filling her with relief.

Finally something to talk about! She thought as she took hold of the moment.

"A gift, from who?"

"It was given to me from one of the heads of our village, in on the mainland." Vermillion said, his sight remaining forward.

"Huh, so you were close to them?" Sienna asked, taking this chance to get more information on him.

"Kind of, I was given a promotion for something I'd done before. This blade was given to me during it." He returned, resting his hand over the hilt.

Well this was interesting, a promotion from a village head. Not an easy thing to accomplish that's for sure, she could attest to that. She had gained her position in the White Fang by proving she had the skills and drive to see it through, even though she needed Ghira's help. She'd shown she was willing to do what was necessary to keep the group running when others couldn't.

"I'd take it your family was proud then." She spoke as she faced him.

"Somewhat, I guess you could say." He'd spoke, more apprehensive than before.

That was strange, was he not on good terms with his family? She never got the chance to continue as they both stopped in their tracks. She'd heard something, from the looks of it so did he. Both had readied themselves, Vermillion had drawn Pale Bloom as she took hold of Cerberus.

Both watched as several Beowolves rushed forward. It's always the wolves, in a way Sienna was glad. The more dangerous Grimm were deeper in the desert itself, she could take this time to brush up on her skills. Having spent most of her time cooped up in base she could admit that she had gotten a little rusty. That didn't stop her as she made way for the charging Grimm.

Sienna had found herself sliding under the beast as it made a leap for her. Using her whip she swiped forward and around the neck of the creature, only to yank it towards her as she maneuvered to the side out of the way from a coming attack from behind, having heard it just moments before. The two Beowolves collided, knocking over each other.

She torn her whip back to her, taking a blade from the end as she dashed forward. The Grimm had just managed to regain it's footing only to be met with the blade through it's neck. Sienna had delivered the stab from underneath it's maw, up through it's skull. She ripped back her weapon as she leaped away from another strike, her second challenger having gotten a hold of itself.

.

.

I'd little time to react as the beasts made their charge, in that moment I made distance from Sienna hoping to split up our foes. At an adequate length apart the Grimm were forced to choose their targets, two having left as three remained to stand against me. I was ready for this, I'd known that the queen's children were hostile outside the kingdom and as such had been trained to dispose of them.

I stood my ground as all three charged forth, only to make my leap above the one before me. Upon my landing I'd made a charge of my own, a direct dash for the beast, blade primed and ready. The Grimm was quick however, halting it's movement the moment I left it's vision. It returned it's gaze as well as swiped it's claw at me, all in the same motion.

I'd readied myself for this, pulling my blade from the primed position and slashing downwards across the joint. The blow severing it's claw from the arm as I carried the motion into a semi spin, delivering a solid kick from below knocking the beast backwards. I brought up my gauntlet, catching the jaws of another as my aura shown under the strain. With it's mouth firmly clamped to my arm I proceeded to yank it to the side, using it as a makeshift club against the other unfortunate Grimm who had made way for me.

Throughout this the Grimm's jaws remain solidly locked to my arm. I twisted the beast's maw around as I stabbed straight through the side of it's head. Feeling the Beowolf's grip loosen as it went still, dropping to the ground. I'd rolled to the side away from the rabid assault of the now armless foe of mine, having finally gotten it's bearings. I ducked under It's jaws as it made for me, stabbing through it's chest. I twisted the blade as I ripped it upwards, leaving a devastating gash all across the underside. Knocking the beast back I made forwards as it hit the ground, sending Pale Bloom through the back of it's skull as it lay immobile.

I turned back to Sienna as the last of my foes began to fade away, only to see she had taken care of her two already.

"Not bad." She told as she made her way towards me.

"Good to see that blade is more than just for show."

"You're not so bad yourself." I replied as I sheathed my weapon, having caught a glance earlier before starting my own fight.

"Anyway, let's keep moving. There's bound to be more of them later and I'd like to get as much walking done today as we can." She spoke as we continued walking once more.

Sienna was right, there would be more, there always was. He was mostly surprised however that it took them this long to show up. Grimm were usually much more prevalent than this, then again it was just the two of them. Neither of them were in a particularly bad mood so maybe it was just that they had yet to attract any real danger. Even the Beowolves just now had been a smaller pack.

Regardless it would seem their time of easy goings was coming to an end. They would need to be more careful from now on as they made their way forward.

.

.

Night had fallen and Gem was waiting with the others. They were stationed on a larger hill overlooking the camp. Axe man was right, the rocks had been jagged and the path had been rough and rocky. The forest seemed to tapper off as several cliffs made themselves known. While not overly large the height of the hills was just enough to cause injury should one lose their footing.

Down below she was able to make out their targets in their makeshift camp. Stationed underneath in a slightly dug out area against the back of the hill. The sky above being covered by the incline would keep them from feeling any rainfall, as well as arrows from above. They'd need to strike from head on if they wanted to put the bow to use.

"That's them alright." Onyx whispered as he kneeled next to her.

Their current elevation as well as lack of lighting would keep them invisible to the group of humans down below. The problem was that she couldn't see where they were holding the children.

"They must be keeping them further back in." She stated, receiving a nod from Onyx.

"The others are thinking of a more subtle approach. Come on back and we'll discuss the current plan." He told as he made his way back with her in tow.

She could see that they were all gathered around in a sort of circle, a small display of pebbles in the center acting as the slavers' potential camp layout. So far they were only able to make out the outer area, the inside had remained a mystery to them. Still this was something they could work with, they could at least plan their approach.

The problem however was that they would be completely blind once they got in deeper. On it's own that wouldn't be an issue as some improvisation would be able to handle whatever the slavers had if their initial strike was effective enough. However they had no idea where the children were being held, their foes could try using them as hostages and halt their attack if they weren't careful.

"Good, you're both here. Now we can get down to business." Axe man had said as they took a seat on the dirt.

"You said you had an idea, so what is it?" Onyx asked as the man took on a sly grin.

"Right now our greatest disadvantage is not knowing where the children lay, so to combat this problem of ours I thought that we may take advantage of this opportunity we've found ourselves in." He spoke as he turned to Gem.

"You are human, and as such I'd thought we may send you in to act as a sort of buyer, inspecting their wares. That you may find where the children are being kept and return the location to us so we can plan our entrance." He finished, looking rather proud of himself.

It wasn't a bad idea, most humans of this era had been heavily racist, taking to enslave any that they came across. This was true for nearly all the current major kingdoms, with Aether being the biggest hub for the Faunus slave trade. In a way most would not suspect her of being there for any other reason then to buy. However they were not stupid, they would be on guard regardless as some would attempt to steal slaves from time to time. All in all this was their chance to get a glance at the underside.

"Fine, it's worth a shot. I take it doesn't matter what excuse I use?"

"Whatever gets you in and out without hassle." Axe man had told, receiving a nod from the others.

With that she would make her way downwards, being sure to stick to the path most travelers would use. Making sure to approach from a more visible and direct angle. She watched as a couple of what she assumed were the guards whispered amongst each other. One of the slavers had made way from the inside to meet her as she reached the edge of the camp, one she had not yet seen before.

"To what do I owe the pleasure traveler, are you simply passing through or is there some reason as to your approach?" The more regal looking man asked, his fanciful attire standing out from the others.

"I've been told to look for one matching your description. Apparently you are selling some special wares that my employer would like. I am here to browse and see if any would fit his taste." She stated holding a more formal stance.

"To what are you implying my dear?" He spoke with savvy.

"Come now, I'm certain you know of that which I speak. Your attire is much more than that of these other rogues. I take it that you're a professional, here to ensure the quality remains up to the expected standard are you not?" She added with a playful smirk.

The thing that separates a newbie from a professional is the handling and understanding of the goods. New slavers think that they can treat their product as they please. The professional understands that the nobles desire their buy to be of the highest quality, untouched and fresh. The nobles like to 'break in' their toys themselves.

"Ah, so that is what you seek. If I may ask, who is it that you browse for." The man asked, clasping his hands together.

"Ah ah ah, my employer wishes to remain unknown. He intends to use his buy for... a more personal experience, if you understand my implications. He has no desire to set them to work." She stated as she watched a brief look of surprise, followed by understanding wash over his face.

Nobles and other would often use their slaves for a variety of tasks, one of those being a of a more... adult nature.

"Oh my, I believe I understand. Wouldn't want his reputation to take a hit now would we. Very well, follow me." He spoke as he brought her inside.

It was slightly more packed than outside, not so much in people as their were only around twelve or so. Added to the nine that populated the outer area, that would make up twenty of them in total. A much smaller group than the usual, but guessing as they managed to steal the children from their slumber she would assume their specialty was stealth over combat. This would make the initial battle a little easier at least, yet she would have to be wary of any surprises.

No, the inside was more or so packed with boxes. presumably their supplies as well as the supplies that the had stolen from the Faunus village. From the looks of it they would be selling off the stolen goods at whatever market they came across, as the excess weight would take it's tole on their horses. Speaking of, their were only four of them, as well as a couple carts.

She found herself lead around to the back of the smaller cart. Watching as they lifted the curtains, she was greeted with a metal cage. Inside she was able to see a group of six children, each with a collar around their neck. Each of the collars had a chain that held solid to one of the bars of the cage, most likely to keep them from running should the cage be opened.

"So, any of these fine specimens meet the tastes that you seek?" The man asked as she squinted her eyes, appearing to observe the children closer.

"Perhaps. Would you be so kind as to present one of them before me? I wish to discern their quality for myself." She asked, receiving a nod of understanding.

She watched as he made his way to the cage, producing a key from what looked to be the inside his coat.

So he keeps hold of the key personally. She took note of this as he opened the cage door as well as one of the collars around a single child's neck.

The key would be essential to getting the children and as such would be of the highest priority. With this in mind she lay her focus back towards the two as the child now stood before her. Gem found herself kneeling down as she took hold of the young girl's face.

The look of fear clearly displayed in her eyes as tears quietly slid down her face. She had taken to moving bits of the cloth the girl was dressed in around, she looked for signs of injury. However she had found none, neither cuts nor bruises of the sort to be found anywhere on the young girl's body. True to his word the child was untouched, meaning he was expecting to be selling to the various nobles throughout the land.

She watched as the girl's wolf ears tensed when she stood, the look was unmistakable, she was Onyx's daughter. If she were to take a guess, all the men that she came with her were the ones that had their children taken. This was personal to them, they would be willing to do anything to get them back. This also came with the critical weakness of a hostage situation being all the more effective against them.

"So, what have you?" The man she now clearly understood as the slave master had asked.

"We may have something, hold here for a few days as I return to my employer. He may be willing to buy some, if not all of your stock." She spoke, a more serious tone to her voice.

"Very well. We shall await your return. Wonderful doing business with you." He spoke as they shook hands, seemingly sealing a deal.

With that he lead her back out, waving her off as she took back along the path. once out of their sight she made way back to the meeting spot where the others had been patiently waiting for her return.

"Well, what did you find?" Onyx asked, an anxious look in his eyes.

"They're being kept on a cart in the back, along with a few horses."

Axe man turned to her. "If they notice us too quickly they'll hop on the cart and make their get away."

None of them had any horses, their tribe most likely only making travel on foot every season's end.

"What of the children?" Onyx spoke next.

"They are untouched. We're dealing with an experienced lot here, they wouldn't dare to risk losing their catch." She told them, watching them appear to think to themselves.

Axe man, who she may as well call their leader at this point turned to her again. "Is their any way for us to take them off guard? You say they're experienced, yet they let you in. Why is that, should they not have suspected you, being on your lonesome and all?"

He was right, the should have questioned her at least somewhat yet the let her by. Their greed was most likely the cause. They saw her as a potential customer, it made sense they wanted to try and guarantee a sale. Hauling around slaves is dangerous, the slavers relied on being hidden in order to avoid being outright attacked by the different Faunus tribes scattered about. As such they would try to sell off their haul as quickly as possible, especially if that haul was children.

She found herself wearing a tiny grin as she turned back to the others. The slavers saw her as a customer, they would do anything to keep her happy and willing to buy. She might just be able to use this.

"I think I may just have an idea."

.

.

We had finally come to the beginning of the desert. Not much happened on the way there barring one other Grimm encounter, however we took care of that one rather quickly. Now we found ourselves here, just as the grass made it's end.

"Pretty rough huh?" Sienna spoke as we both glanced out.

The area was quite rocky, pale rough stone creating makeshift hills with only sand to act as the paths in between.

"Yea..." I answered, in slight awe at the space before me.

I'd never seen an area like this before, so dry and barren as far as the eye could see. The sand seeming to blow along with the breeze, only to be halted by the jagged grasp of the land as it seemed to reach for they sky.

"Well come on, no use standing around. We've still got a ways to go." Sienna called back to me, having already took to the desert.

I followed along as I took in the feel. I've read about deserts before, during one of my many study sessions as a lad. Near lifeless and seeming to drain the will of those forced to cross through it. Yet it was what made the desert dwellers so hardy, living through conditions like this had forced them to adapt. They were quite resourceful, being able to not only find the necessities such as food and water, but to survive the dangerous conditions.

As of the moment the sands appeared to be calm, only moving slightly in the breeze. I'd read that the gusts of wind could turn the golden planes into a vicious storm, capable of swallowing all those who lose their way. Yet the sea of sand remained calm and gentle in it's mercy. No, instead it looked as if the sun would be our enemy for now. With no shade to speak of, the rays of light would engulfing us in a vast expanse of heat soon.

Earlier Sienna had asked me to rub a strange cream across my exposed skin. She had told me it would help to keep the sun from burning my skin. As of the moment it wasn't that hot, but we had only just begun our trek, the heat would surely get worse from here on. I decided to give a slight jog, catching up to Sienna.

"So there's a settlement out here?" I asked as I made to keep pace with her.

"Yes, a few years ago in fact. We tried to branch out into the desert to see if there were any resources we could get." She answered, keeping her eyes forward.

"Then what went wrong"

"What always goes wrong, Grimm. One day a large amount just showed up out of nowhere. We couldn't hold them off and had to make a run for it, I was only a toddler at the time. My family and I fled while the local huntsmen held back the Grimm. A few days later some of the huntsmen returned, telling of how when they fled the Grimm remained at the settlement. The Grimm had never even tried to follow them." Sienna told, giving me a somewhat off look.

"You think they were drawn to the obelisk?" I spoke, revealing both our thoughts.

"Yes..." She said, yet I could feel she was holding something back.

"So what are you thinking?" I was met with a huff as she turned to me.

"Look, this whole thing practically screams fishy. The Grimm were obviously drawn to that thing, the thing that has the same writing as the ring you got there. The same ring that only you have been able to read." Sienna admitted, focusing back forward.

"You think it has something to do with me, don't you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Honestly I don't know what to think. You just happened to show up out of nowhere, and all of a sudden things start revealing themselves. It's just too many coincidences for me to overlook. I have a bad feeling about this, I want to know what's going on." She told as I began to think.

Had it really been that odd, the writing was common from the main kingdom. Had Menagerie been so secluded that they had somehow managed to miss having ever come into contact with it. No that didn't make sense, Mr. Quartz said he'd traveled the main land before. He should have come across at least one person from their kingdom, they had been quite infamous for seeming to hold the secret to keep the Grimm at bay. Was I just missing something? Was there something I hadn't taken into consideration, something I've not thought of?

I took back to the ring once more, and with it my thoughts went back to that moment with Mr. Quartz. Sienna must have taken notice as I heard her let out another tired sigh.

"Are you still on about that?" She asked with a mildly annoyed look.

"It just... I don't know. He was so overjoyed, he was practically thanking me. Yet I didn't even know why. It just feels dirty accepting praise for something I didn't even understand." I told her, watching as she gave me yet another look.

"It's the principle of the thing." Sienna told as I gave a look of question.

"Principle?"

"Yes clueless, the principle. It wasn't so much that you could read what was on it, although that was part of it, but rather what you reading it had meant to him." She told, taking a moment to stop.

"He'd made wishes before, but he never knew if they came true. Then you show up and grant one of his earliest ones. Seeing that gave him hope that the others might have come true as well, that they weren't just wasted. Things aren't always so literal you know, sometimes it's just what you make of it. Now come on, we're wasting daylight." Sienna finished, giving one last look before trudging on again as I followed.

Huh, was that really what it was?

Author's note

...

There we go, another chapter ready for you. Tried my hand at action for a moment this time so let me know what you think. Or don't, I'll just assume I'm doing everything well enough if that's the case.

Anyway, see you next time.