Happy Monday, here's your dose of Criminally Good.

Enjoy.

[Chapter 4]

Being under the wing of Vale's most wanted wasn't all that bad, now that I look at it. I mean, sure you've got the VPD out for your head the vast majority of the time, and sure you've got to be careful about what you say to who and all that other nonsense.

It didn't bother me.

When Roman first took me in, I thought that for sure I'd be more uncomfortable being on this side of the law, dealing with the unsavory sorts, avoiding the police like the plague and all. What I rather quickly found was that most of the people on this side of the law were just like everyone else. They had families, dreams, goals, and all sorts of other things. They were normal.

In the month or so that I've been with Roman, not only have I been given an opportunity, a direction, and a chance, I've been treated fairly. Sure, Roman knows I'm not good for much, but he took me in regardless. That was something that I still questioned.

Why take me in? I had no value to him, I offered him nothing. On paper, and in practice, it was a poor business decision in every way. An investment that screamed of failure. Sure, I didn't rat him out to the police or anything, but that hardly seems like a reason to take me in. It made no sense. You could always go and talk to him, ask, do a little digging, see what comes up. I pushed that thought down, while I could it doesn't mean that I should. Roman has his reasons, and if he wants me to know, he'll share them. Right?

Right.

I felt my scroll buzz in my pocket, the telltale sign of someone messaging me.

Ruby: Hey, Jaune! I'm going to be going shooting again tonight, do you wanna join me?

I chewed on the inside of my cheek for a moment as I thought on how to respond.

Ruby: It's okay if you don't want to, but it was fun last time, you know? I mean, you seemed to enjoy it, and the only way you're going to get better is to keep practicing, right?

I could only chuckle as I typed out a response.

Jaune: Sorry, Ruby. I don't think I'll be able to tonight. Or for the rest of the week for that matter, boss has me running ragged.

Ruby: Awwww. Well okay then. How about sometime next week?

Jaune: Uhh, I'd have to look at my schedule and see what the boss has planned. So I'll go with a maybe for now.

Ruby: :(

Jaune: Yeah, I know. I'll let you know later on.

I sighed, pulling myself up from the comfortable spot I had on the couch. I glanced around, and found that the hideout was still empty. Roman was gone for the night on important business, and Neo was who knows where.

With both of my companions gone, I didn't have much to do. No Neo to kick me around, and no Roman to teach me the wonders of pocket sand again. Now that I thought about it, I very well could have gone shooting with Ruby tonight, but oh well. I had already said no, and wasn't about to back out on that.

I hummed quietly to myself as I wandered through the apartment, finding that we were out of whiskey, and generally out of food. I grumbled to myself and turned to head out of the apartment.

My mind began to wander as I left the apartment. I didn't have a destination in mind, content to let my feet take me where they will. I let my hand rest on the hilt of my sword, finding some small comfort in it.

It's no Crocea Mors, but it's still a passable weapon. As per Roman's instruction, I had spent the past few days staking out the weapons shop that housed Crocea Mors. The shop closed every night at 23:00. I knew that the shopkeeper left every night at 23:30 after having armed his alarm, and doing a sweep of the shop to check that all of the locks were in fact locked. That seemed a perfect window of opportunity for me, the alarm not yet activated, and the shop keep still there.

Roman agreed with me, saying that it would be the perfect time to strike. He told me that this could happen whenever I was ready, once I had created my plan of attack. The theory was that I didn't need any goons to do this. At most, I would need Neo should things go horribly wrong. Even then, the police wouldn't arrive at the scene for about a minute and a half. That was enough time to do a smash and grab of the weapon if it came to that.

I came back from my thoughts as I pushed into the Club. It was still a bit early for there to be anyone present, though some patrons were sitting at the bar drinking their sorrows away. I moved to take a seat at the far end of the bar, catching Junior's eye as I did so.

The large man came to meet me, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Jaune, I'm amazed that you weren't carried in with a gunshot wound again." Junior teased.

I rolled my eyes. "One time. You get shot one time, and they hold it over you forever." Junior just snickered. "If you don't mind, get me some whiskey. I don't care what kind, just the bottle and a glass."

Junior rose a brow at me, though didn't question it. He returned shortly thereafter with two glasses and the bottle. He poured a drink for each of us. "So, what's brought you here, kid?"

"Boredom, I guess. Roman's off tending to important business, and Neo is… I don't know, torturing a puppy for entertainment maybe?" I took the glass in hand, taking a long drink. It was relatively cheap, though I couldn't say as that bothered me at all.

"Been left all alone by your friends so you come to see me. I'm touched." Junior said with the most sarcastic tone of voice I've ever heard.

"Mmm. Something like that." I took another drink, leaning against the bar.

"How's the training treating you? Last I heard, Neo was the one given the task of beating you senseless until you figured it out."

"Well, she still does. Though, rather than it happening almost instantly, I can hold her back for a few moments. Roman has further taken to teaching me to fight dirty. Something about there being no such thing as a fair fight and all that." I took a drink from the glass, enjoying the burning feeling as it slid down my throat.

Junior snickered and nodded, taking a sip of his own drink. "He's not wrong. Especially not in your line of work."

"Maybe not, but damn if he's not brutal about it." I shook my head and finished off my first glass. Junior promptly poured me another.

"He's got to figure that he has to be. Best way to teach you might be through pain, let you see his tricks in action and how effective they are." I rose a rather skeptical brow at Junior. He only shrugged. "I'm not a huntsman, kid. I'm handy enough in a fight, though that comes with the territory."

I nodded slowly. "Say, Junior? You know that Roman attended Beacon, right?" The man nodded, rocking back on his heels slightly. "Do you know why he became a criminal then? I mean, he was set to become one of the heroes of Remnant, fighting off the Grimm and protecting humanity and all that. Why turn to crime when that opportunity is presented to you?"

Junior frowned, taking another sip of his drink. "He and his team had some… Disagreements I suppose you could say. I don't know the full story, but they were present at the fall of Mt. Glenn. Something happened there, and their team broke apart. Roman left that life behind, and shortly thereafter, he became the man you know today."

"Huh." I didn't get anything new out of that, though I had the suspicion that Junior wasn't telling me everything.

"Why're you asking, kid?"

"Just… Curious, I guess. He mentioned something about it, though didn't want to open up about it. I thought maybe they died or something, but I dunno. What you said makes it sound like they're all still out there, somewhere." I took another long drink from my glass. Didn't I say I wouldn't ever drink like this again? Bah, who cares.

"Let's put it like this, kid. If he wants you to know, he'll tell you. Not my place to divulge his secrets." Junior said, finishing off his drink and setting it back on the counter.

"Right… Another thing, Junior. I've been wondering, do you have any guess why Roman would take a nobody like me in? I mean, it doesn't make sense to me."

"Well, kid. I can't say I know anymore what goes on in his head than you do." Junior paused for a moment, rubbing at his jaw. "Though if I had to take a shot in the dark, I'd say you remind him of something. Maybe himself when he was younger, maybe something else. If you're curious, just ask him."

I nodded slowly, staring off into my now empty glass once again. "You're right, Junior. If I want to know, I ask him, not you." I smiled, looking up to the older barkeep.

He shrugged, taking his glass off the counter and cleaning it out with a rag. "Anything else you're wanting to ask me? Maybe the origin of Neo, or why the Grimm exist?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, because you definitely know all that."

Junior snickered and shrugged a shoulder. "You don't get to being the best information broker in Vale without knowing a thing or two."

A moment or two later, an older man came and sat down next to me. He was tall, almost lanky looking, and had long black hair that was slowly giving way to gray. "Junior." He said simply.

Junior sighed. "Qrow." He walked away for a moment, returning with a new bottle of whiskey and another glass for the older man. "There a reason you're here, or are you just going to terrorize my customers?"

I narrowed my eyes as I looked over the new man – Qrow, Junior called him. He didn't seem all that much, though appearances were deceiving. All you had to do was look at Neo.

Qrow rolled his eyes. "Please, Junior. If that were what I was here to do, I'd have a squad of VPD backing me up." He glanced at me for a moment, arching a brow as he skimmed me over. "Didn't know you hired 'em this young, Junior. Or let them drink on the job."

Junior rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Qrow?"

Qrow turned his gaze back to Junior and chuckled. "What, I can't come in to get completely smashed? I thought that was kinda your whole shtick, swindling people out of money by getting them blind drunk."

"Usually when you're here, you're here on business. I'll ask again, Qrow. What do you want?" Junior sounded slightly agitated, and if the glare he was focusing on Qrow was anything to go by, the two didn't have that great of a relationship.

Qrow chuckled and waved a hand, downing his whole glass in one gulp. "You're no fun, you know that Junior? All business with you. Relax, lighten up. We're all friends here." Qrow held a smirk on his lips as he met Junior's glare.

"'We're all friends here.' My ass we are, Qrow." Qrow feigned hurt at Junior's words. "Just tell me what you want and get out of my Club."

Qrow's gaze rounded on me once more. "Why don't we leave the brat here while we have a chat?" I found myself feeling on edge under his gaze, though didn't back down.

"Fine. I'll be back out shortly, kid." Junior said. I offered him a nod as he led Qrow into a back room of some description.

To me, Qrow didn't feel like a criminal. He didn't have that sort of air about him like Roman or Neo do. No, he felt like a huntsman. He had that presence of quiet confidence, as well as a tinge of paranoia. It was hard to place, though he didn't carry himself like a criminal would. I had to wonder why Junior worked with a huntsman, though it didn't sound like it was of his own free will.

Junior is being forced into this? No, that doesn't make any sense. As far as anyone can see, his business is legitimate. If any of his goons get caught in an arrest, he could easily say they were working outside of his knowledge and that would be the end of that.

There's no real telling, I guess. Junior might not care, and work on both sides of the law because in his mind lien is lien. Then the question is would he sell me or Roman out? I'd have to guess not, seeing as Roman is still walking free, and as am I. Junior might be willing to work for lien regardless of the law, but he has loyalties, maybe?

My thoughts came to an end when Qrow and Junior returned. Qrow was looking rather smug and pleased with himself, while Junior was still glaring at the man. "Alright, brat. What's your deal, why you work for this old man?" Qrow asked, eyeing me up and down with a curious gaze.

"What?" I asked, not really catching on to his meaning.

"What do you mean, 'what?' You're clearly one of Junior's goons here, you've got the whole getup going nicely there. Though it doesn't look like that suit fits all that well." Qrow rounded on Junior. "I never took you for a cheapskate, not willing to get your boys suits that fit. For shame, Junior." To Junior's credit, he only rolled his eyes.

I blinked, looking down at the suit I was wearing. It was the same as all of the goons that worked the bar. "Oh, that."

"Yes, brat. That."

"Well, I mean, I guess things just sorta panned out that way, I guess. Junior found me in some need, and hired me on. Pay is decent, so I've got nothing to complain about." I drained my glass once again, allowing Junior to refill it for me once more.

"Uh-huh. Sure." Qrow didn't seem to believe me at all. "You got a name, or am I just gonna call you brat all night?"

"Right, well, the name's Jaune. Just Jaune." Junior subtly nodded, indicating that I'd done well enough.

"Right then, Just Jaune, why're you here working for this old geezer?" Junior rolled his eyes, Qrow snickered quietly

"I sorta pissed off my family. They kicked me out. Disowned me, that whole deal… I was left on the streets and Junior picked me up." The best lies are mixed with some truth, right?

Qrow hummed quietly, nodding as he downed another full glass in one shot. "Y'know, kid, you remind me of a particular blonde-haired blue-eyed bastard. Got that same dopey look on your face he had a lot of the time." He narrowed his yes, and I found myself shifting uncomfortably.

I glanced to Junior, pleading for help with my eyes. The man only shrugged, almost as though saying 'what can you do?' I looked back to Qrow and shrugged. "Okay? I guess?"

Qrow shrugged a shoulder. "Eh, whatever." He said, looking back to Junior then. He finished off his glass of whiskey in one go again. I found it incredible that he could manage that, considering it took me three or four swigs to finish mine off.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder, glancing back I saw none other than Neo. I couldn't help but to sigh. "I'm amazed you found me. Done punting puppies off a cliff for the night?" I asked, taking another drink from my glass. Neo rolled her eyes, scanning the bar. I hadn't been paying much attention, but the Club had gotten a fair bit busier, most of the bar was filled up.

Neo saw this and thought up the best solution. She sat in my lap. I froze, completely unsure of what to do now that this had happened. I didn't know how to sit, where to put my hands. This was bad. One wrong move, and I'm sure that she'll find a way to disembowel me slowly and painfully.

Qrow groaned, shaking his head. "Blonde-haired blue-eyed bastards… Every. Single. Time." He grumbled to himself. He got to his feet, slapping a pile of lien cards on the counter, taking the whole bottle of whiskey with him. "I'll be waiting, Junior." He said, pushing his way through the club and out into Vale.

Neo made no move to leave her perch on my lap, seeming rather content. Junior looked rather amused, shaking his head. "I'll assume it's the usual for you, Neo?" The small girl nodded once. "Right. I'll be back shortly then." Junior then turned and left the two of us alone.

"I, uh, Neo? D-do you mind? There's an open seat right there." I, for one, was now without any protection from the little psychopath. Junior had left me to my fate, Qrow had just grumbled to himself and wandered away. Nobody to save me from the terror that was sat in my lap.

Neo turned to look at me, tapped her lips a few times and then nodded, an absolutely evil grin playing over her lips. She shifted a bit on my lap, seeming to get more comfortable. I felt my heart leap into my throat. This is fine, Jaune. You're gonna be fine. Just stay calm, and everything will be okay.

That was easier thought than done. I reached around the small girl, retrieving my glass that was on the bar top. That had the unforeseen consequence of having me press firmly against her back. I quickly retreated, feeling heat creep into my neck as I took a long drink from my glass of whiskey.

Neo, however, didn't seem even remotely bothered. As a matter of fact, she leaned back into my chest, still attempting to get comfortable in my lap. I could hardly breathe. Just… Don't think about it. Don't think about her shifting around like that in your lap. Don't think about the comfortable warmth resting against your chest. Nope. Don't think about it.

I took another long drink from my glass, not seeing Junior return. "Well, well, well. Isn't this just cute." Junior taunted, sliding some massive amalgamation of ice cream and liquor over to Neo. "When I asked how thing were, Jaune, this would've been something to bring up." Junior taunted once more.

I found myself coughing on my drink, shaking my head fervently. I could feel Neo shaking slightly, which I could only assume was laughter, seeing as Junior didn't have the fear of god in his eyes. "I – we're not – that's not – it isn't like that." I spluttered out, heat having crept all the way up my neck and into my face.

Junior continued to laugh, shaking his head as he leaned against the bar. "Oh, you make it too easy, kid. Really, you do."

I sighed. I was resigned to my fate at this point. Neo was comfortable where she was in my lap, and there was no moving her. I mean, that's not such a bad thing, right? She's rather warm, and soft, and – NO. NO. NO. BAD. That's madness. Madness! "Right… So, uh, Junior, mind filling me up again?" I leaned forward, holding the glass out to the man. He shrugged and poured me another glass. I'm too sober for this.

Junior's gaze shifted to the crowd. He glanced to us, and back out to the crowd. "Well, you kids have fun. I'm going to watch the floor for a while." He turned to leave, though paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Be sure to keep it PG-13 out here."

I spluttered again, glaring at the broad man. "JUNIOR!" I shouted, though found myself completely ignored as he walked off. I groaned, shaking my head. Great. Fantastic. I glanced down at Neo who was digging into her frozen treat rather ravenously, ignoring me completely. Well, whatever.

I took another drink from my glass, enjoying the warmth that was quickly settling into my stomach and spreading. It took the edge off all of the aches that Roman and Neo inflicted on me, and quieted my constantly running mind, giving me time to just relax and rest. It felt nice.

Neo and I sat in silence for quite some time, the girl polishing off her ice cream abomination contentedly. In that time, I had drunk maybe two or three more glasses of whiskey. I wasn't all too sure. How many had I drunk so far tonight? Couldn't be more than five glasses, right? I could still think straight.

I leaned forward, setting the glass down on the counter, not reaching to pour more for myself. I closed my eyes and began humming quietly to myself, not paying much attention to what was going on. I should ask Roman about why he took me in. Worst thing he'd do is tell me to leave it, and then bam, we're done. No problems. I rested my hands in my lap, content with the warmth that had spread over most of my body. If I wasn't careful I could –

I felt as an elbow was shoved rather painfully into my stomach, snapping my eyes open, I saw where I'd screwed up. Neo was still sat in my lap, and I'd known that. Yet I decided I didn't care, somewhere in my addled brain. She was glaring daggers at me, looking about ready to eviscerate me on the spot. Seeing that, I spluttered, feeling a whole new heat creep up my neck and into my ears. I smiled sheepishly, not at all able to look at her. I am SO dead. The only reason she hasn't killed me yet is because we're in public. My gravestone will say 'Here lies Jaune, eviscerated for getting handsy.' Wait… Where are my hands resting…? I tapped my fingers lightly, finding that they were laced together, and that I was hanging onto Neo.

Welp, goodbye, Remnant. It's been a good run. I quickly released Neo, drawing my hands back, holding them up. My only hope now was her having mercy and ending it quickly. I closed my eyes and awaited my fate.

And waited for a little longer.

And a bit longer.

I cracked open an eye, looking down at Neo who was silently laughing as she sat on my lap still. I'm… Not dead…? I'm not dead. It's a damn miracle. I slowly relaxed, feeling slightly more and more sure that my innards would remain innards. "You're… Not going to kill me?" I asked tentatively, finding myself ready to attempt to bolt if she changed her mind. Never hurts to have a backup plan, right?

Neo shook her head, rolling her eyes. I let out a breath that I had definitely been consciously holding. Neo scrunched up her nose and wafted air in front of her. She then pointed at the whiskey on the table, and then me. She tilted her head slightly at me, almost like asking a question.

"What… What are you asking here?" I asked rather dumbly.

Neo facepalmed, slowly dragging her hand down her face. She pointed at me, then at the glass I had been drinking from. She once again tilted her head slightly.

"Glass… Me… Drinking?" Neo nodded a few times. "Are you asking how much I've had to drink?" The girl nodded once more, shaking her head.

I blinked a few times, thinking on it. How many had I drunk? "I'd be surprised if I had more than five." Neo, once again facepalmed. It seems that was the wrong answer. "I don't know, Neo. I haven't been counting." I said, somewhat exasperated. Why did that matter, exactly? We weren't doing anything tonight.

Neo hopped out of my lap, and I found myself missing the comfortable warmth that she had provided. No, wait. Bad. Bad. I can't be thinking like that. I should be happy she moved.

Neo pointed to me, and then jerked her head towards the exit, turning and walking off. She wants me to follow her, I think? Trusting my first instinct, I got to my feet, finding myself somewhat disoriented. It wasn't bad, I could still walk, though I was stumbling slightly. I wasn't a complete lightweight.

I followed along behind Neo, stepping into the cool night air of Vale. It felt refreshing, and acted to relax me more than I already was. Neo stopped after a few minutes of walking, turning to look at me. I rose a brow. "What?" She tapped on her wrist, a sign I recognized to be check the time.

It wasn't all that late, only 21:00. I didn't know when I'd found my way into Junior's, but it must've been several hours ago. Great how time flies, right? "It's still early. I'm taking it you want to do something else?" Neo nodded once.

I sighed, rolling my shoulders back. Things were more than a little fuzzy, but oh well. "Anything in mind then, or is it my job to figure the rest of this date?" Wait. Hold on there, buddy. Date? This isn't a date. This is NOT a date.

Neo blinked once, her eyes shifting colors as she stared me down. I shrugged a shoulder. "Right, so it is my job to figure the rest of our night out." What are you doing! Stop. Talking. Now.

Neo blinked once more, her eyes changing color, rather than the usual pink and brown, they were both pink now. She was still staring blankly at me, her expression unreadable. Now, listen to me, and listen carefully. This is NOT a date. I repeat, this is NOT a date. Don't treat it as one. Don't act like it is. And most importantly, DON'T say it is. Got it? Good.

I hummed quietly, looking around. I knew where we were, or at least roughly. There was an ice cream parlor nearby, one she's probably intimately familiar with, but it was nearby none the less. "C'mon, Neo. I know this nice ice cream place close by. My treat." I swear, you are trying to get us killed.

Neo blinked once more, her eyes still both pink as she stared me down. She shrugged then and followed behind me as I turned to leave. How has she not stabbed us yet? It probably has something to do with buying her ice cream. The walk was quiet, aside from the battle raging between two sides of my mind on the topic of Neo. I was generally doing my best to put it on mute, but that's hard when that's about all you're thinking.

We arrived shortly thereafter; I offered a glance down at Neo who was now grinning widely. I was amazed to find that it wasn't a grin that screamed she'd kill us all, but one of excitement. She looked better that way, I thought. Stop it. That's off limits. It'll cut us to shreds if you so much as think of trying anything.

We pushed into the shop, the teenager behind eyeing us warily. In truth, we looked rather suspicious. A tall guy in a black and red suit, and a shorter girl with a dichromatic color scheme, it didn't paint a good picture. "W-w-welcome. H-how c-can I help you today?" The kid asked, shifting nervously on his feet.

I glanced towards Neo, and back to the kid. "Whatever she wants, and as for me… Just make it a vanilla shake." The terrified teen went about making my shake, handing it to me. I thanked him as he turned to Neo. Neo just started pointing at different tubs of ice cream that were on display, and wordlessly the boy did as was asked.

Neo came out with an amalgamation of all sorts of different flavors stacked on top of each other in a large waffle cone. I paid the bill, and stepped outside to sit and enjoy the night air, as well as the ice cream. Neo was beaming as she dug into her treat, looking rather content.

"You're welcome, by the way." I said, watching her not so subtly.

Neo hardly acknowledged me, far to focused on her cone. I quietly chuckled to myself, shaking my head as I leaned back in my chair. It was nice. I was relaxed, the night was cool, and I had avoided certain death by Neo.

Neo finished off her ice cream rather quickly, the only way I could tell was the feeling of being watched. I let my gaze trail back down from the stars to her. "Something you want to say?"

Neo frowned for a moment and shrugged a shoulder. She produced her scroll and typed something out on it, sliding the item across the table to me. More like I'm bored. It read.

"Uh-huh. You're bored, after I just went and bought you ice cream?" The girl nodded. I could only roll my eyes. "Typical. Got something you want to do then?" I slid the scroll back over to her. She took it back and began typing once more.

She slid it back. Not really. Want to play a game? I couldn't help but to raise a brow at her, looking from the message on the scroll to her, and then back.

"A game." She nodded. I hummed quietly as I thought to myself. "What game are we talking here?"

Neo frowned as she typed for a few moments, seeming to erase her suggestions several times. Eventually, though, I had her scroll in hand again. Why not play 20 questions. We'll go back and forth asking questions about one another. We don't have to answer, but it'll be fun.

I shrugged a shoulder. "Sure, whatever works. I take it you want the first question?" She nodded once. "Have at it." I said, sliding the scroll back to her.

It was slid back a few moments later. "What was my family like?" I hummed for a moment as I thought. "Well, I came from a big family. Seven sisters, mom, and dad. Had a whole range of personalities in there, but all in all, they were rather loving." Neo seemed to question him for a moment. "And yes, before you ask, I did say seven sisters. Let's just say that my parents were… active. Very active."

Neo closed her mouth, and shook her head. She then nodded towards me. "Mmm. My turn, then. Well, let's see. How'd you meet Roman?"

Neo frowned as she looked down at her scroll for a moment. She began typing, and after a little while, I was passed her scroll. Long story, one that I don't want to tell. Short form is that Roman picked me up from a bad predicament and helped me along. Been with him ever since. My turn now. Why'd you run away from your family if they were loving?

I sighed, shaking my head. "Eh, screw it. Ever since I was a kid, I'd wanted to be a huntsman, just like my old man. He wasn't a fan of that idea. No matter how much I badgered and harassed him, he said no and left me to figure it out on my own." I paused for a moment, thinking on my next words. "You've seen how bad I am with fighting. That in mind, I got bullied a lot at school. Bigger kids pushed me around and beat me up, whole deal. My sisters had none of that though, and always stepped in to stop it."

"I never got to fight my own battles, y'know? Always made me feel helpless, like I needed others to keep me safe. It was sorta like I was useless and a failure because I couldn't defend myself at all. Felt like it at least." I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "Still, I was dead set on coming to Beacon. My family told me no, and that I should stay home and all that nonsense. My father went so far as to forbit it. I didn't listen. I didn't even care that he forbade it at all. I stole my dad's sword, and our rainy-day money and caught a train to Vale."

Neo shrugged and nodded her head. "Yeah, wasn't my best decision, but oh well." I hummed for a moment as I thought to myself. "My turn. Why'd you become a criminal?"

Neo didn't hesitate on her response, sliding the scroll to me once she was done. Simple. I didn't have a choice. It was become a criminal or starve to death. Assassination only became a skill after I discovered my semblance. My turn. Why not go back home? I'm sure they'd accept you back willingly.

I chuckled and shook my head. "You're right, Neo. They would accept me back willingly. As far as why I don't? Because I've got something here that I never did back home. I've got freedom. I can do what I want, for the most part. I've got options open to me, and nobody that matters telling me I can't. Sure, you and Roman both are criminals hated by most of Vale, and can be a bit rough, but you offered me a chance. I'd be stupid to spit on that and leave it behind to be a nobody in the middle of a backwater town in Vale where I'd be controlled by my family who mean well, but don't help." I leaned back in my chair, resting my hands behind my head. "I made my decision when I signed on with Roman knowing who he was. I'm in too deep now, because I'm sure that if I tried to leave, you'd kill me before I took a step out of Vale."

I hummed as I looked up at the stars. "My turn now." I trailed off, closing my eyes for a time. "Why invest so much in me? Both you and Roman I mean. I was a nobody when you met me, and I still am. I'm just about useless for everything other than knocking around, yet you and Roman both are taking a lot of time to train and help me. Why?"

The only sound to follow for a few moments was quiet tapping as Neo responded. I felt the scroll bump into my leg signaling her answer. I don't know. Roman never explained it to me. You just showed up, and Roman decided you'd be worth taking in. Made it my responsibility to ensure you don't die easily, and here we are. It doesn't make sense to me, but there's nothing to do about it now. You're part of the team. My turn. Why put yourself down so much? You might be bad, but we all were at the start. It takes time to become good.

I shrugged a shoulder. "Because I'm realistic, I guess. I'm a big screw up. To you and Roman, I'm more a liability than an asset at the moment. To my family, I wasn't ever someone who could handle it on my own, just somebody to be looked after. While I might become good in time, Roman's already said we don't have a lot of that. That's why he's training me along side you, rushing to get me to an effective level as fast as he can so I won't be a weight on the two of you, I guess." I sighed, shaking my head. Talking like I knew what Roman's plans were, I didn't know a thing. That was all speculation. "My turn again. Do you think we can trust Junior?"

Neo frowned at me. Her response came quickly. I think so. He's not done anything to rat us out to the VPD yet, or the huntsmen. Why?

"Because, that guy who walked out shortly after you walked in? I'm pretty sure he's a huntsman, and paid Junior quite a hefty sum for information on something."

Neo shrugged a shoulder. He's an information broker. That's his whole business. I'll bring it up to Roman, but Junior has yet to stab either me or Roman in the back yet.

"If you say so, Neo." I said quietly, looking back up at the stars.

Neo remained quiet for a while, no tapping as she typed, no sliding the scroll across the table for me to read. I glanced down and found that she was doing rather similar as I was. I couldn't help but to let a small smile creep on my lips.

"You know anything about the stars? Constellations or anything like that?" I asked, eyeing her. She looked back to me and shook her head. I could only grin. "I know where we can get a better look at them, if you're interested."

Neo shook her head, getting up to her feet. I followed suit, as the pair of us walked back to the apartment in silence. I was surprised to find that it was more comfortable than it was awkward or forced.

By the time we returned to the apartment, it was around 00:15. Roman was nowhere to be seen still. I made my way to the couch, not feeling all too tired as of yet. I took my seat and lounged back, flicking on the TV. It was on a news report, nothing of major interest. There had been a break in at a local weapons shop, with only the lien and a few weapons stolen. I was about to start flipping the channels when they started displaying images of the stolen weapons.

There, first and foremost on the list, was none other than Crocea Mors. I felt my blood boil. Of course, the shop that had my sword in it had to get robbed by someone other than me, and of course they took Crocea Mors too. "God damnit!" I shouted, slamming my fist against the coffee table. I found myself glaring at the TV, not because it did anything but because it was the messenger.

Okay, deep breath. This is fine. You're just going to have to track the sword down again. That shouldn't be hard. It's in the hands of the criminal underground. If I had to guess, Junior might be able to get me some leads, give me an idea as to who has it.

Neo was stood behind the couch, watching the news report scrolling by. The thief wasn't all too smart about how he did things. Broke in through the front door and tripped the alarm. He panicked and took the lien in the register, as well as taking the weapons that were marked as the most valuable. The news was showing a zoomed in shot from the security cameras of his face. It was grainy and awful quality, but it was something to go on.

"Just my luck… Gets better and better every damn day." I muttered to myself. Neo didn't do anything, leaving me to my own shortly thereafter. I growled quietly, shaking my head as I listened to the rest of the news report. Junior had better know who this kid is, and where I can find him. He is the best information broker in Vale after all.

[-/-]

"Alright, kid. Let's see what you can do." Roman came rushing at me. He was fast, though compared to Neo, he seemed to be moving almost in slow motion. I dodged off to one side, avoiding the first swing of his cane. Roman spun to face me quickly, taking aim with his weapon and firing. I dodged off to one side, coming in close to him.

I made a downwards slash aimed for his chest, though found it quickly intercepted by his cane. I growled and stepped in closer, bringing a knee up and into his crotch. That had Roman grit his teeth though press on, shoving me off.

I stumbled back, and was promptly given no opportunity to recover. Roman kept on top of me, finding a way to get my feet out from under me, sending me to the floor. I grit my teeth in response and rolled off to one side, coming up onto one knee, I managed to intercept his cane with my blade before it made impact with my head.

I threw him off, pulling myself onto my feet once more. I was watching Roman carefully, hoping to see some nature of misstep, something I could abuse. If I can just get him on the ground, I might be able to pull this out from under him.

This time, I charged forward, making it look like I was going to slash for his chest once more. I did not, instead swiping low for his feet. Roman dodged back expertly, though had a grin on his lips. I didn't let up on my assault either, as long as I had the advantage of being on the attack, I would press it.

I managed to get his cane locked with my blade once more, and it became a battle of strength, one that I would assuredly lose. I brought my blade into the hook of his cane and used it against him, dragging it up and away from him. Roman released the weapon almost instantly, letting me send it flying across the room. I was quite promptly met with a jab right into my nose.

I growled and attempted to bring my blade to bear against him. Roman seemed unimpressed as he stepped farther into my guard, bringing an elbow down into my collarbone. That wasn't where he stopped either, then sweeping my legs out from under me, I was sent down to the concrete for a second time.

In a desperate attempt to get him off of me, I threw my sword up at him. It worked, making him hesitate for just a moment. I surged up, pulling him down to the floor with me. I managed to land two solid blows to his jaw before I was thrown off him once again. Disoriented, I found that I was pinned down by Roman, and that he showed no mercy. I quickly found a knee in my crotch, and then a jab into my throat, making it incredibly hard to breathe.

Roman kept up his assault for another few seconds, before letting up. He had a wide smile on his lips, and a slight sheen of sweat covering him. "You're a quick study, kid. You might yet stand a chance of getting to my level."

I chuckled, pushing myself up into a sitting position. "Yeah. You're just lucky I'm hungover. I would've had you otherwise."

Roman laughed at that, shaking his head. "In your dreams, kid. Maybe once you've had years of training, then we'll talk."

"Uh-huh. You're just not willing to admit that I'm catching up quickly."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Definitely." He paused for a moment. "You are doing well though, Jaune. Put me on the back foot once or twice. I can see you've got the concepts well enough, though what you're struggling with is how hard you're hitting. You don't seem to follow up each and every engage you make." Roman took a moment to think. "Like when you got my cane off me, you didn't press your advantage with your sword. You let me get in close and send you packing. In that sort of situation, you use your reach to your advantage. Make me fight on the defensive. You corner me, and then put me down easy."

I nodded along as Roman explained what had happened. This was why I liked training with Roman more. While Neo would just wail and wail on me silently, leaving me to try and piece together what to do, Roman actually explains what I do wrong. It's a small improvement, but a welcome one. "Right. Put more behind my blows, press my advantage. Learn to better read the fight. Got it." I nodded, pulling myself up to my feet.

I extended a hand to Roman who took it and used me to help himself up. "Good fight, kid. We'll keep at it." I nodded, letting my hand fall back to my side.

"We're going to be talking to Junior today, yeah?" I asked, stretching out my sore muscles.

"Not quite. This is your endeavor, kid. Your sword, your business talk with him. Don't sweat it, though. Junior like you, you'll be fine." Roman said rather dismissively.

I shrugged a shoulder. "Right." I shook my head. Roman was right, I was friends with Junior. This wouldn't be an issue.

Roman and I returned to the apartment. Neo was sprawled over the couch, watching her awful 'comedy' show once again. I didn't get it, really. It was a bunch of Atlas super geniuses who all managed to make me seem socially adjusted. The stories that they told were mundane and boring, their 'jokes' weren't all that funny, and the characters were generally annoying. Despite that, Neo loved it.

Roman went off to take a shower, meaning I'd have to wait before I could go and talk to Junior. I plopped down on the other end of the couch from Neo, kicking my feet up on the coffee table. Neo lightly kicked my side to get my attention. "Yes, Neo?"

She tilted her head and pointed towards the bathroom where Roman was. "Yeah, he beat me to the floor again. Expect that to be the case for a long while. He's a huntsman, I'm a two-bit thug." I said, closing my eyes under the assumption that the conversation was over.

It wasn't. Neo kicked me a bit harder in the side, eliciting a groan from me. She pointed at my sword then, tilting her head once again. "Maybe I'll do better once I have Crocea Mors, maybe not. For as much as I don't like this thing, it's comfortable. It might be a step backwards in the short term with Crocea, but several forwards in the long run, I think."

Neo tapped her lips as she was thinking. She pointed at me, then to my sword, and then the door. I blinked a few times, trying to figure out what she was saying. Me, sword, door? What? Okay, think it through. My sword that I'm replacing, that's the exit… I think I got it. "You're asking if I'm leaving to talk to Junior today?" Neo frowned and then shrugged. Close enough. "Yeah, once I get a shower, I'm headed over there, why?"

Neo pointed to herself, me, and then the door. "You're wanting to come with me?" She nodded once. "Sure, I guess. Doesn't matter to me either way." Neo smiled slightly, focusing back on the TV. I shrugged my shoulders, closing my eyes and resting while I could.

Roman rejoined us about fifteen minutes later. "All yours, kid." He said slapping me on the shoulder. I nodded, getting up and heading into the bathroom with a change of clothes.

I emerged from a hot shower feeling a whole lot better than earlier. My tense muscles were loosened up a bit, and I no longer smelled like a dead dog. Roman was nowhere to be seen, though Neo was still sprawled over the couch. I shrugged, taking the remote and flipping the TV off.

Neo, who normally would've pouted and attacked me for turning her show off, didn't react at all. I looked over the back of the couch, and she was out cold. See, here's the issue with this. I told her she could come with me, and if I don't take her, she'll be upset with me. Then again, there's always the task of waking her up. The safe distance, as I learned the hard way, was considered to be half way across Remnant. Deep underground, just to be safe.

I started chewing on the inside of my cheek as I weighed my options. Wake her up, and face the wrath of a tiny psychotic woman, or let her sleep and face the wrath of a tiny psychotic woman. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. Fantastic. I sighed and let my hand rest gently on her shoulder. "Neo, if you're coming with me to Junior's, you're gonna have to get up."

I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst.

In about half a second, I had been pulled over the back of the couch and sent down onto the floor, and was faced with a glaring Neo who looked about ready to kill me right on the spot. I put my hands up in surrender. "You're the one who wanted to come with me." I tried to reason.

Neo narrowed her eyes at me and then started to pout. I rolled my eyes; I was safe now. "Don't give me that. You have no right to be upset with me, considering you're the one who wanted to come with." Her pout only worsened as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Not gonna work, Neo. Remember, seven sisters? Now get off so we can go." I said, unaffected by her rather adorable pout. Just… Please, can we not find the tiny psychotic assassin cute? Can't we be more attracted to something that isn't insane and liable to rip your throat out? No? God, you must have a death wish.

Neo grumbled silently to herself but got off my chest. I sat up and joined her once again. I jammed my hands into my pockets and set off with Neo in tow. I was humming quietly to myself as Neo and I walked through the streets of Vale this afternoon. It was quiet, few other people walking on the streets at all.

Our walk was uneventful, to say the least. I didn't find myself thinking much on anything, just enjoying the afternoon. Now, stood before Junior's, I sighed. Let's see where Crocea Mors is.

I pushed through the front doors. Junior was once again stood behind the bar, rubbing it down idly. His eyes tracked to myself and Neo. The older man could only grin as we approached. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite love birds. How're you doing, Jaune? She go easy on you last night?" I felt heat creeping into my neck as I rolled my eyes.

"W-we're not… Like that, Junior." I muttered out. The older man's grin only grew.

"Really, she's the submissive one? I never would've thought that'd be her thing." Junior taunted with a grin.

My flush only got worse, as I now found that I couldn't look at Neo either. Great. I found myself glaring at Junior. "You're quite the comedian. Are we done now?" I managed to get out, not exactly enjoying the warmth that had crept up my neck and into my ears.

Junior nodded, waving a dismissive hand. "Yeah, we're done. Had to get some teasing in, all in good fun." I glanced back at Neo, and she was glaring at Junior as well. And I swore I saw a slight blush fading from her cheeks, though that could've been my imagination.

I coughed, shaking my head. "Right, Junior, I've got a favor to ask of you." The barman nodded, still wiping down the bar. "So, last night there was a break in at a local weapons shop, right?" Junior frowned as he thought, nodding after a moment. "Yeah, so in that break in, the thief took something that belongs to me. I want to know what you can tell me about him, who he is, where he lives, where he works. Everything."

Junior had arched a brow at me. "Something in that weapons shop belonged to you, huh?" I nodded, leaning forward on the counter. Junior shrugged. "Yeah, I know the kid. Some two-bit criminal who fancies himself an arms dealer. This isn't his first break in like that either, he's taken all sorts of stuff from other shops." I nodded, listening intently. "Anything more, and I'm gonna need some lien. Business is business, Jaune."

I rolled my eyes and produced several lien cards. It totaled five hundred. "That should cover it. Call the rest payment for my tab last night." Junior took it in hand and nodded appreciatively.

"Works for me." Junior said, pocketing the cash. "Kid's name is Nathan. He lives not too far from that particular shop, just a block down. Runs his operation out of an old van he parks around town. I'll send you his common spots later." Junior frowned for a moment. "Be careful with him. He's associated with one of the crime families, might be more dangerous than he looks."

I nodded, glancing back towards Neo who was playing on her scroll not too far away, likely listening in. "Anything else you can tell me? He have any fighting ability?"

Junior shrugged a shoulder. "Not that I've heard, no. Should be easy to walk over him if you've got to."

I grinned and nodded, getting up from my seat at the bar. "Thanks, Junior. I'll see you later tonight." I looked to Neo, maintaining my wide grin. "What do you say we pay this Nathan kid a visit, Neo?" The sadistic smile that spread over her lips was terrifying. She was going to have fun with this.

Neo and I pushed out of Junior's Club, and headed in the direction of Nathan's safehouse. This was going to be fun.

And we continue Jaune's life as a criminal. Fun stuff.

JaunexNeo anyone? No? Just me? Alright, that's fine. I'll pack this up and quietly leave then. Nah, I'm just kidding. I haven't even decided if I'll give this story a pairing or not. Regardless of if I do, it won't be listed in the characters. It's better that way, I think. Keeps people guessing, even if Neo is the only female character I've got listed. You don't know, maybe Ruby will steal the show here, somehow.

Let's see... Oh, right. I've so far got one request for shorter chapters from my buddy Exiled Darkness if it means I publish more often, and I appreciate the feedback. Speaking of you, Exiled, to answer your question about Jaune's semblance, we will see. Maybe I'll give him his semblance, maybe I won't. Maybe It'll be the same, maybe it won't. I know, of course, but you all are in the dark. Ahh, the wonders of knowing how the story will go and how it'll end.

To X3, I'm glad you are liking Neo and Ruby. Neo is a big mainstay of this whole story, and Ruby has her time in the sun every so often. And on your question as to if he'll get a fresh outfit rather than the black goon suit, the answer is yes. I've got it all designed, and planned out, but that's a few chapters in the making yet. We've still got to get Crocea back.

Still, I've got to wonder if I'm writing combat well. I can't tell, to me it makes some sense, but it might well be a jumbled mess that's hard to read for everyone else. Tell me in the reviews, and if you've got pointers for writing combat, I'd love to hear them. If you've got anything else to say either, theories, questions, whatever just drop them in the comments and you will feature in my ending AN like X3 and Exiled Darkness here.

I've also got to continue my hunt for a Beta, they're harder to find than I'd think. Lots of people are busy or just don't respond to PMs. Oh well, I continue my hunt. Again, if you guys know anyone who is willing to and can Beta, send them my way. I'd love to get a second set of eyes to look this over for stupid mistakes I miss.

So yeah, be sure to drop a follow / fav if you enjoyed and want to know when I update and want to support this story, and my will to keep publishing new updates.

Next Update: Friday, April 12th

Till next time, this is Valres signing off.