Ugh, Monday. I hate Mondays. Regardless, here's another chapter of Criminally Good.

Enjoy.

[Chapter 23]

"Remember; just like last time. Keep your head down, and don't draw any attention. Let me handle the talking." Roman said, spinning his cane as he puffed on his cigar.

We had gotten a call from Cinder a few hours ago, requesting a meeting that we all attend. Of course, Roman said we'd all be there. It wasn't like we had much of a choice anyway. She phrased it like a request, but it was more of an order. Even I wasn't blind enough to not notice that.

I hummed, thumbing the flask on my hip. "Last time, I ended up with her in my face."

Roman shrugged. "True, but you didn't get incinerated on the spot, so I'm going to count that as a win in my book."

I shook my head. "Whatever you say, Roman."

He just grinned. "That's the spirit."

The three of us made our way through the old industrial sector of the city, finding the same factory we had been to last time was just the same. White Fang guards were about, and while they spared us a passing glance, they didn't do any more than that.

Roman led us up, and into that same office that we had met her in last time. The layout hadn't seemed to change any, nor had the positions that she and her lackies took.

Before we came, Roman had taken to telling me all he knew about Cinder's little minions. The girl with green hair was, fittingly, named Emerald. She was an agile fighter – quick and merciless. Her Semblance, as far as Roman could tell, was something that messed with her target's mind. Made them go insane, see things that weren't there, shoot their allies, that sort of deal.

The other one, was named Mercury Black. He is the son of the now deceased master assassin Marcus Black – one of the only humans in recorded history with a Semblance that allowed him to steal others from people. Mercury 's Semblance is an unknown, but considering who his father was, it's potentially the same thing. Mercury also is an agile fighter, focusing on kicks, thanks to his robotic legs.

Cinder smiled all too sweetly to put me in any sense of ease as I shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Roman, good, you came when I called."

Roman just puffed on his cigar. "Eh, you just happened to call at a good time – not like I was busy plotting a heist on Vale's biggest bank, or anything."

She just hummed quietly. "I'm sure." She glanced back towards Neo and I who were flanking Roman in a rather similar way to how Emerald and Mercury were Cinder. "And I see you brought your helpers. Very good."

Roman shrugged. "Hey, if you get to bring your kids, I get to bring mine. That's just how this relationship works."

She hummed again, looking back to Roman. "Perhaps. On to business, shall we?"

He blew out a puff of smoke through his nose. "Was starting to wonder if this was just a social call."

"I will say, you did exceptionally well securing those Paladins. I had not expected you to bring so many. I'm impressed."

Roman grinned. "I'm the best in the business – these are the results you get because of that."

Cinder turned her attention to me then. "Unless I'm mistaken, it was your apprentice here who came up with the plan of attack on the train, no?"

"It was." Roman responded, rocking back on his heels.

She paused for a moment, producing her scroll and tapping away on it for a few minutes. "And, unless I'm mistaken, this would be you?" She asked, eyeing me now.

She turned the device around to show Roman, Neo, and I all a video clip of my fight with Winter. More specifically, the moment I had used my shield to stun and blind her briefly.

I swallowed. "That's correct."

She smiled her sickeningly sugary sweet smile that was far too unnatural to put any living being at ease. "That was very impressive, Jaune. That woman is a trained specialist – I can't imagine it was an easy fight."

I shook my head. "No, it wasn't. In truth, she had me beaten from the start. I only landed a few lucky and cheap shots on her. If it weren't for Roman, I'd be dead or captured."

"Where'd you get that anyway? I was under the impression we blew up the train, and all the evidence." Roman interjected, trying to take her attention off of me.

Cinder, however, wouldn't be deterred. She didn't even acknowledge Roman's question. "That may be true, but she has trained for years, if not the majority of her life. You, Jaune Arc, have no formal training. You have only just begun learning to fight and control you Aura. Yet, you went toe to toe with her for an extended time and are still alive. Quite the feat, wouldn't you say?"

I pursed my lips and shook my head. "Not really, no. It wasn't skill that saved me – a lot of it was luck, but also her arrogance. She was caught off guard multiple times because of my armor, my Aura reserves, and generally just my decision making."

She inclined her head. "Perhaps that is the case, but to your average person? It looks like you were holding your own against a much greater opponent quite handily. An inspiring story for those who might be in a similar situation."

Roman narrowed his eyes. "What's your point, Cinder?"

The woman in question clapped her hands together. "Why, I'm glad you asked. We will be unveiling the Paladins to the White Fang in the coming days at a recruitment rally. I would like to have Jaune here be the one to reveal it to them."

"Why? The kid's not a public speaker, or figure."

"Because, dear Roman, he's got a good story. One that would rally the White Fang behind him – a nobody, just like them, able to fight off an Atlas specialist on his own. They'll believe they can do the same."

Roman flicked the burnt-out cigar butt to the floor and crushed it under his boot. "You want him to inspire the White Fang? They're already fanatics – what more inspiration could they possibly need?"

Cinder hummed, rounding her attention back on Roman. "We will be beginning phase two of our operations once the Paladins have been unveiled."

Roman nodded, rolling his hand forward slightly. "And that means… what, exactly?"

"You, and your two companions here, will be traveling to Mountain Glenn. I will inform you more as to your objective there as the time grows closer." She responded, leaning back on the desk slightly, her hands supporting her weight.

Roman bit his lower lip. "Anything else?"

Cinder tilted her head for a moment as she thought. "Hm. The rally is in three days time. You'll be told more as time passes."

Roman nodded, turning on a heel. "Right, then assuming that's all, we'll be leaving."

Cinder waved a dismissive hand towards us, not bothering to respond.

We walked in silence for about fifteen minutes, making our way well out of the old industrial sector of Vale and into the city proper. It was well past two in the morning, and due to that there wasn't a single person to be seen wandering the streets openly other than us, and the occasional drunk who couldn't see straight, or form coherent thought.

What's she planning? She had us steal mountains of Dust, and then Paladins. She wants me to be the one to unveil those Paladins, allegedly to inspire a swarm of anti-human fanatics. Sounds like a crock of shit to me. I shook my head, thumbing the mostly empty flask on my hip. Then there's Mountain Glenn. We're being sent there. Why?

I paused a moment on that thought. I don't even know much about Mountain Glenn, other than it's a failed settlement. I glanced up at Roman who had, at some point during our walk, dug out a cigar for himself. "Roman?"

He glanced back at me and raised a brow. "Hm?"

I started chewing on the inside of my cheek. "Mountain Glenn. What happened there? I know it was a failed settlement spearheaded by Vale, but that's it."

Roman seemed to tense up at my question, even if it was only slightly, and barely noticeable. He didn't respond for a time, looking back forward as he thought. "Basically what it sounds like. Vale wanted to expand, and so they planned out Mountain Glenn. Sent an expeditionary force – settled the area and things went well for a while." He blew a puff of smoke out through his nose. "Then, things went to shit. Grimm broke in – it was chaos. We tried to hold them off and save the civilians, but it wasn't enough. Men, women, children. All were slaughtered mercilessly and without a second thought."

I narrowed my eyes, glancing towards Neo who only shrugged at me, offering a slight smile. I shook my head. "Alright… But why would Cinder send us there? We're thieves first and foremost – I doubt there's anything worth getting our hands on in a ruined city."

Roman nodded absently. "I'm wondering the same thing. Everything she's had us do up until now – stealing Dust, stealing the Paladins. It's all been up our alley, what I'm best at."

I nodded, chewing on the inside of my cheek still. We're being sent to Mountain Glenn after I do some rousing speech or something for the White Fang. Get them riled up and ready to fight. I frowned then. I'm getting them excited. Hopeful and ready to fight, right after revealing to them massive new military tech from Atlas. Tech that's theirs to play with.

I pursed my lips, glancing down at the bandolier of grenades strapped to my chest. Dust grenades. Dust. We've stolen mountains of Dust, and now battle mechs. It feels like we're outfitting a small army – an army of terrorists. I could taste blood in my mouth, and quickly stopped chewing on my cheek. But why send us to Mountain Glenn, then? What's her angle? If I'm right and we've just armed her terrorist army, what good does it do in Mountain Glenn?

"It doesn't make sense. We've stolen enough Dust to supply a small army, and given them the Paladins to act as armored divisions to boot. Yet, we're being sent off to Mountain Glenn." I said out loud, still trying to figure my way through it.

Roman just shook his head, puffing on his cigar once again. "It's good that you're thinking, kid, but let it rest. Speculating won't do us any good if we can't act on it."

I hummed in response, nodding. "Right. Its just… Nothing about it connects. The White Fang, Mountain Glenn, the Dust, the Paladins – none of it seems to connect."

"Like I said, let it rest. You don't have to figure everything out all at once, or on your own." He said, offering another glance back at me.

"Right, sorry. I just don't like this. Working for her, not knowing what we're walking into."

"Nothing to be sorry for. I don't like it any more than you do, but spending your time stressing yourself like this won't do a damn thing for us until we know more." Roman said, spinning his cane idly.

I didn't respond, instead taking my flask from its spot on my hip and finishing off the last of the vodka that was in it. I spent a moment just looking at the simple metal container. Makes me think of Qrow. Wonder if he'd be able to help? I shook my head at that thought, hooking the flask back on my hip. He might be able to, but I don't know what he'd do. I don't know how much I can trust him. Even if he seems like he's on my side and my friend, there's no telling how far that extends.

I ran my fingers through my hair as I trailed behind Roman, letting him lead us towards the apartment we called home. One of many safe houses he had, if I had to guess. This was one that just hadn't been flipped on us yet.

I glanced around, noting that I was relatively close to Junior's. While it was late, I felt like a good few drinks before going to sleep. "You two go on ahead without me. I'm gonna go pay Junior a visit."

Roman waved his hand back at me absently. "Have fun, kid. Tell him I'll be around in the next couple days as well, yeah?"

I nodded. "Got it."

Neo turned to me and tilted her head slightly in question.

I shook my head. "Don't worry 'bout it. Just want a drink and a chat – haven't seen him since we got back."

She nodded, turning and chasing after Roman, likely in search of ice cream and then sleep.

Now alone, I turned and made my way towards the Club.

As I entered the Club, I was assaulted by bone rattling bass booming through the room, and lights strobing more than enough to blind someone not careful, though that didn't bother me. I wandered over to the bar and took a seat at one of the many empty stools, flagging down the barkeep.

It was a goon I'd never met, though that was to be expected. The Red Axe had grown massively since I helped them take down Baxton's crew. If what I knew was right, they had even been annexing other smaller gangs around, either through force or diplomacy.

I ordered my drinks, and told the barkeep to go tell Junior that I was here to chat. He didn't seem to trust that, though ultimately decided that it wasn't worth arguing or trying to start something with me.

I was left alone for a few minutes as the goon ran off to find his boss. I glanced back over the rather small crowd that was in the Club, flailing around drunkenly and without rhythm in what they probably thought were some pretty slick dance moves.

"The mastermind returns." The gruff voice of Junior commented as he set a glass of whiskey down in front of me. "Good to see you, Jaune."

I smiled, nodding towards him. "You too, Junior."

He hummed, wiping down an empty glass idly, looking busy so he'd be left alone by other patrons. "What's got you comin' around? Just here to get shit faced?"

I shook my head, tossing back about half the glass of whiskey in one. "That's part of it." Junior just chuckled and shook his head. "No, I'd like a favor."

He inclined his head. "Then shoot."

"Mountain Glenn. I know that it's a failed attempt by Vale to expand, but that's about it. I want to know everything you can tell me about it – who was in charge, old plans for the city, defense plans, any history about it. Everything you can find."

Junior frowned, setting the first glass aside, and filling my now drained glass again. "I'm sure you could find a lot of that with some minor digging on your own."

I nodded. "Right, but that's only what's been officially put out. I want everything. Everything you can get your hands on related to Mountain Glenn – I want it."

Junior pursed his lips. "Why the interest?"

I glanced around, seeing that nobody was close by, though that didn't mean anything particularly. "Call it curiosity."

The information broker narrowed his eyes. "Here, let's talk in my office."

I nodded, getting up and following Junior back to his office hidden away behind a few employee only doors.

I stole a glance in to a couple rooms and saw several goons counting stacks of Lien, and in another there was someone filing through a crate of Atlas assault rifles. Junior's expanded his business to a lot more than just protection racketeering and information deals.

He led me into his office, taking a seat behind his desk and leaning back in his seat. "Now, why the interest in Mountain Glenn?"

I sighed, slipping into one of the two seats in front of his desk. "There's something going on, Junior. Roman and I – we're being sent there, and we don't know why."

Junior rose his brows at that. "Let me guess – it's an order from higher up?"

I nodded.

He just sighed and rubbed his temples. He reached down into his desk and produced two glasses and a half empty bottle of whiskey, pouring one for each of us. "You think that the answer as to why might be somewhere in the past? You think your there to steal something old and forgotten there?"

I frowned, and rather than pounding back this whiskey, I sipped at it. Junior always kept the best stuff for himself. "Maybe? Roman and I, we're thieves first and foremost. It feels like we're missing something. We're missing the reason to send us there at all."

Junior hummed, sipping at his whiskey as well. "You're hoping that with a little more information, you might be able to put it together."

I nodded. "That'd be about right, yeah."

He didn't respond for a time, looking down at his glass. "I'll do it, no problem."

"Be careful, Junior. That woman – she's well connected. She might catch wind of you digging around."

Junior just chuckled. "Don't worry about me, Jaune. I'm a professional." He paused for a moment more. "Anything else business related you need?"

I shook my head. "No, I don't think so." I paused for a brief moment. "Oh, Roman said he'd be swinging by in a couple days."

"Alright then." He smiled, raising his glass to me. "To a long life, and future success."

I smiled slightly and raised my glass in return. "Cheers, Junior."

[-/-]

The Crow Bar.

It was fitting, really, that Qrow would pick this as our meeting place. He'd taken me here once before on our drinking expeditions. I also seem to recall him getting us kicked out, somehow, but that was aside the point.

I was on edge – things didn't feel right. I wasn't sure if it was something to do with Qrow and this meeting, or the impending doom that Cinder inevitably had planned for Roman and I. It well could've been a mix of both.

I had elected to leave behind Crocea Mors and my grenades as well. That, likely, fed into my feeling of dread and concern, though I managed regardless. Why I thought coming mostly unarmed was a good idea, I couldn't really say. It was just a decision I made.

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair as I made my way to the bar Qrow had called me to. My thoughts were elsewhere, though. Primarily on Cinder, and the mystery that was Mountain Glenn, the Dust, and the Paladins. All pieces of the same puzzle – just ones that didn't fit together.

I pushed through the door into the Crow Bar, and I swear my heart stopped for a few seconds.

There were two people – both of whom I recognized.

The first was Qrow, looking as he always has – long shaggy graying black hair, and somewhat disheveled as he pounded back a shot like it was water.

The second was the one that kicked my fight or flight instinct in.

Sitting across from the older Huntsman was the familiar visage of Atlas Specialist Winter Schnee. She looked just the same as she had when I fought her – regal, armed, and extremely dangerous. The only difference now was that she had a plain white eye patch covering her right eye, courtesy of me, apparently.

She had looked up from Qrow when the bell on the door announced someone new walking in, focusing her gaze on me. She seemed to take a minute to simply study me – how I stood, if I was armed. In short, if I was a threat.

Qrow took note that she was no longer paying him any attention and glanced back, noting me in an instant. He grinned and waved me over. "Jaune! Good, you showed up."

I did my best to bite back the nervousness. She doesn't recognize me. I don't have the sword, no grenades, and I'm not wearing the mask. She doesn't know who I am. I thought as I made my way to the booth, sliding in to the seat next to Qrow. "I said I would, didn't I?"

Qrow nodded, flagging down the barkeep. "That you did, but still. Good to see you came – I know you're probably still tired after your trip out of Vale."

I clenched my jaw at that. So, he knows I left Vale. The question is: does he know where I went? I'm going to gamble and say yes. "Yeah, I'm still beat, but a drink to relax sounded nice."

My reaction didn't go unnoticed by Winter, as she narrowed her eye at me and a small frown came over her lips, though she didn't say anything.

The barkeep wandered over, inclining his head towards Qrow who ordered another full round of drinks for the table – even though Winter had barely touched hers, and he was only about half way done with his.

After the barkeep left, Qrow turned his attention back to me. "So, how'd that go, anyway? What happened, even?"

Winter coughed politely, getting Qrow's attention before I could respond. "Ah, right, yeah. Jaune, this is my lady friend, Winter Schnee. She's blown in from the frozen world of Atlas, and with the ice queen personality to boot." Qrow grinned a bit. "Fitting that her name's Winter, no?"

Qrow flinched slightly, and Winter smirked in victory. I could only assume she kicked him under the table. She turned her attention to me. "A pleasure, Jaune." She said, extending a hand to me, her lips curled into a smile that didn't look completely natural to me.

Reluctantly, I extended a hand in return. Just play it cool, Jaune. "Hm, doubtful. Pretty sure the pleasure belongs to me. Not every day you meet a gorgeous woman." …Is this really playing it cool? Flirting? Seriously?

Her smile changed slightly, one that looked more natural. Her grip was strong, almost like she was testing my own strength in the process. I elected to let her win that battle without much fight. Look weaker than you are – make her underestimate me.

Qrow elbowed me in the side roughly, grumbling under his breath about blond-haired, blue-eyed bastards.

Winter released my hand, flitting her gaze back to Qrow. "I see someone here knows how to greet a woman." She said, her lips curled into a slight smirk still.

Qrow leveled a glare at me for a moment before turning back to her. "Oh please, you loved my greeting, and you know it."

Winter just rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourself that, and see where it gets you." She turned her attention back to me, taking a moment to size me up again. "So, Jaune, how'd you come to know this crusty old drunk?"

Qrow coughed, though didn't interject. I shrugged my shoulders. "By chance, really. Just sorta stumbled into him at a bar, and started talking. Been a drinking buddy ever since."

She inclined her head slightly. "Hm. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem a bit young to be drinking, and carrying around a flask."

I shrugged my shoulder, taking the mug of beer that was being offered to me from the barkeep. "Depends on how you look at it." I glanced around. "Nobody seems to care that I drink, so I don't say anything. It's a nice way to pass time and take the edge off after a long day."

Winter took another sip from her first round, hardly making a dent in it. She watched as Qrow finished his, and then stole her second. "A long day. What is it you do?"

I made to respond, though Qrow cut in before I could. "He's an informant for me."

And for the second time tonight, my heart stopped. He's going to get me killed, or arrested. Maybe both, just not in that order. Or maybe in that order if Winter has any say.

Winter tilted her head slightly, looking back to me. "Is that so? Interesting. Explains your relationship, then."

Qrow nodded. "Kid's good at what he does – gives me leads I'd otherwise never have been able to find."

I felt like I was sweating bullets under Winter's gaze, unable to do anything as Qrow just dug my grave deeper. So, this is how I die. At the hands of a spiteful woman, and one who isn't Neo. Who would've thought?

Qrow hummed. "And even with the intel, and the word being sent out to Atlas, you failed to stop Roman and his crew. The great Atlas Specialists, defeated by a band of crooks." He said, a cocky grin on his lips.

I was now most definitely sweating bullets. So, he knew. How? Did I have a bug planted on me? Was he watching? Did I let something slip?

Winter growled lowly. "They were more than a mere band of crooks, Qrow. They had training. Not enough to best me in combat, but enough to stall for time until backup arrived."

Qrow just chuckled leaning back in the booth and taking a long drink from his mug. "I dunno, Ice Queen. That guy landed a solid blow on you – took out an eye, and killed one of your specialists in close quarters combat. Sounds like you were roundly beat to me."

She growled again. "I'd like to have a round two. I won't under estimate him again." She paused, turning her attention to me. She narrowed her eye. "Jaune, would you happen to know who these people are?" She asked, sliding her scroll across the table towards me.

It was a blurry photo of me, retreating with Winston and Jess after incapacitating Winter briefly. I frowned and shook my head. "Hard to say, all I've got is a blurry photo."

She took her scroll back and handed it to me again. This time, there was a rough computerized image of my mask – The Virtuoso, staring back at me. "How about that. You know who wears it?"

I do. I shook my head. "Nope. As far as I knew, their MO didn't involve hiding their identities." I said, handing her scroll back.

I spared a glance to Qrow who was keeping himself composed, his cocky smirk on his lips still, though he didn't show any signs that he knew that was my mask.

"Still, Ice Queen. You got beat by a thug there to rob a train. Funny how the Specialists lost to Vale's underground." He taunted, finishing off Winter's second beer and moving on to his.

Winter just glared at him. "Drop it, Qrow." The man flinched again, and I had a feeling she kicked him. "If you can figure out who that belongs to, drop Qrow a line for me. I'd like to have a rematch." She said to me.

I nodded nervously. She doesn't know. "Right, will do."

Not in a million years. I got lucky the first time; I doubt I'd get that lucky come round two.

Winter's scroll buzzed, and she answered without hesitation. "Specialist Schnee."

After a brief exchange, she nodded. "Right away, General." She said, ending the call, turning her attention back to Qrow and I. "Gentlemen. I've places to be. Good night." She took her mug of beer and finished the rest in quick order, enough to even get Qrow to nod appreciatively.

"G'night, Ice Queen." Qrow called.

"Night, Winter." I said.

Winter didn't respond and strode out of the bar quickly thereafter.

Qrow turned his attention to me. "So, Specialist Winter Schnee. Thoughts?" He asked with a knowing smile.

I glared at him. "You."

"Me?"

I sighed and shook my head. "You sent her after us, didn't you?"

Qrow just smirked and finished the rest of his beer. "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."

I shook my head and flagged down the barkeep, ordering myself several shots of vodka. I turned my attention back to Qrow. "How'd you know?"

Qrow ordered himself a line of shots as well before answering my question. "You never know who's watching, brat. Especially in your line of work."

I narrowed my eyes. "So, you overheard. Why only alert Winter?"

Qrow hummed. "I didn't hear anything. Easy to guess what's happening when you purchase winter clothes. Not like you'd need 'em in Vacuo, Vale, or Mistral at this time of year."

I frowned and pursed my lips. "How'd you know where we'd be?"

He shook his head. "I didn't. Knew something was happening – not what, or where. Just a matter of telling my contact in Atlas, and they handled the rest."

Our drinks came, and I rather quickly tossed back my first shot of vodka, finding the burning sensation comforting as it slid down my throat. "You knew I was involved, yet sent Winter after us anyway, even after you helped me. Why?"

Qrow didn't respond for a moment, tossing his shot back. "Oversight."

"Bull. You're not that careless."

Qrow raised his brows. "Really? An old drunk like me? You sure I'm not careless?"

I nodded. "You wouldn't be alive still if you were careless."

He nodded in return. "Not completely blind." He paused, tossing back another shot. "A test. Curiosity."

I tossed back another shot and sighed. "You wanted to see how well I held my own."

"Something like that. Now, tell me. Are you the one who took her eye out?" He asked with mild curiosity.

"And if I was?"

He grinned. "Well done, brat. Well done indeed. Not just anyone can land a hit like that."

"I wouldn't call it skill – I'd call it luck." I commented.

"Luck is a skill of its own – one that turns unwinnable fights to winnable ones." He fired back.

I shrugged. "Whatever you say, man."

Qrow nodded, tossing back another shot like it was made of water.

I frowned, mirroring his actions. "Qrow? Why do you help me? We're on opposite sides, yet you've been helping me along. Why?"

Qrow hummed. "Because I want to. Because I can. Because you're an interesting case, Jaune. One that I'm interested in seeing the progression of."

I sighed and leaned back in the booth. "That feels like a non-answer."

He shrugged. "Deal with it – it's the only one I'm giving."

I wanted to argue, to dig deeper, but I knew I'd just get shut down before I even started. "You always say you never know who's watching. I'll take it that means there's more than just you following my case?"

"You're stupid if you think I'm the only one watching you." He commented, knocking back another shot, already over half way done with his drinks.

I thought for a moment. "Alright, lets try this then. Should I be wary of the others watching me?"

Qrow looked up at me and tilted his head slightly. "Depends on how long you want to remain free."

I bit on the inside of my cheek, knocking back my last shot, and sighing. "Right. Trust no one, and watch your own back."

"Sounds like paranoia to me." He commented.

I shook my head, slipping out of the booth. "It's only paranoia if I'm wrong."

He shrugged. "Fair point."

"Thanks for the drinks, Qrow."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "You son of a…"

I grinned. "And thanks for grabbing the bill this time. Really appreciate it." I said, turning and wandering out of the bar.

Behind me, I heard Qrow grumble about us blond-haired blue-eyed bastards yet again, only making me chuckle as I left the bar to make my way back to the apartment so I could catch up on some much-needed sleep.

As I walked, Qrow's words rattled around in my head. "You never know who's watching." "Luck is a skill of its own." "You're an interesting case, Jaune." I shook my head, hands in my pockets. He's not the only one watching me – he basically told me as much. The question now is who? I wouldn't be surprised if Cinder is on that list along with Qrow, but who else? Who else would have an interest in me – an apprentice to Vale's greatest thief, and a disgraced Arc?

I bit down on my lower lip. There must be other powers at play, then. More than just Cinder, and Qrow. Maybe Atlas? But if they were watching me, Winter would've known. She'd have taken me down the instant she saw me… I doubt it's Junior – anything he'd want to know, I'm more than willing to tell. Maybe another crime family? Then the question becomes which one? And why?

I shook my head, glancing around me. No, I don't think that's the case either. Think, Jaune. Who else would have an interest in you? I narrowed my eyes. My family? Its possible, but if it'd be anyone, it'd be dad. He wouldn't bother skulking about in the shadows – he'd rather come at me head on. Maybe the Council of Vale? But how… My name isn't on the most wanted list – hell, it's not even on the wanted list period thanks to Qrow. Even then, what would they want with me? I'm comparatively insignificant to them.

I unhooked my flask and took a long drink. I'm missing something, or rather, someone. Someone interested in me, and my progression. But who, damnit? Its more than likely someone I don't know, but then the question is why? What do they want with me, and why leave me to my own devices? I groaned and hooked my flask back on my hip, shuffling back to the apartment. I wasn't getting any answers by thinking about it. Without all the details, it was useless.

I made my way back to the apartment, opening the door to find Roman sat in his recliner, hat pulled down over his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. Part of me thought to wake him so he could go get sleep in his bed rather than the recliner, though I thought better of it. No need to wake him at all.

Instead, I sighed, locking the door behind me as I made towards my room.

I flicked the lights on, revealing that Neo was already out cold herself, curled up on the sheets and hugging onto a pillow. I couldn't help but to smile at that. She keeps the cool and terrifying look on the outside, though she's just like every other girl beneath that. Damned adorable, and rather affectionate.

I shook my head, closing the door quietly. I went about stripping off that day's clothes, haphazardly tossing the clothes off into the corner of my room – the corner that was home to most of the dirty clothes pile.

Next came the chain mail and daggers that I carried with me – both of which were stowed with a bit more care than the clothes. It's one thing for me to just toss the clothes, its another completely to do the same to my armor and weapons.

I changed into the simple tee shirt I wear to bed and flicked off the lights again, making my way to bed. "Scoot over." I said quietly to Neo.

The girl shifted a bit, releasing the pillow and sitting up. I could only just barely see her silhouette in the dark. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you." I said, taking the pillow she was hugging and tossing it back up to the top of the bed.

She just shook her head, scooting over to make room for me. "Still, I feel bad waking you up." I said as I laid down beneath the covers. Neo was quick to join me, laying her head on my shoulder and nestling herself into my side.

I hummed quietly, wrapping one arm around her, letting that hand rest on her hip. "You know, part of me wonders how this all happened?" She didn't respond in any way, just letting her hand gently trail over my chest. "I mean, hell, it wasn't too long ago that I was a nobody. I had no skills, no friends, no nothing. And then, in such a short span of time, everything changed."

I found myself just idly tracing patterns on her side, not paying it any mind. "Now, I'm here. Caught up in this mess of shit, feeling in so deep over my head that I don't remember what it felt like to not be suffocating." I barked out a quiet, mirthless, laugh. "On one hand, I've got Cinder, her plan for us – making us steal Dust, the Paladins, and now sending us to Mountain Glenn, after having made me rile up the White Fang. I know she's planning something; I just don't know what. I don't have the right pieces to figure it out."

Neo nuzzled into me more, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing slightly. "I know. I've got you, Roman, Junior, and all the others, but still. There's just… So much. I have so many questions, and every answer only seems to spawn more questions – it feels never ending."

I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Then there's more – the shit with Qrow. He's…" I paused a moment, thinking. "He's a good guy. He's watching out for me, even when he doesn't have to. I know he has his own motivations and reasons for doing it, and I'll be damned if I know what they are, but he's not free of problems either." I found myself gently squeezing her hip, for no reason in particular. "He's got me worried – always tells me that I don't know who's watching me, and he's right. I don't have a damn clue. I don't know who else might be watching, or why. And whoever is, why are they only watching? Why aren't they doing something?" I groaned, letting out a sigh. "It's just… Fuck, I don't know. I'm paranoid – watching over my shoulder for a specter that might not even be there."

Neo lifted herself up, coming to straddle my waist, her hands resting on my shoulders. Before I had a chance to say anything, she leaned down and pressed a kiss against my lips, shutting me up pretty well.

The kiss lasted for what easily could've been a minute or two, or even more. I wasn't paying attention. She broke away and came to be sitting back up, hands still on my shoulders. Her eyes, both pink, seemed to glow ever so slightly in the dark, though that just as easily could've been my imagination.

I sighed, closing my eyes and letting myself relax as much as I could with Neo straddling me. "I know. I'm worrying too much – I just… I guess I'm afraid. Afraid of losing everything, the only home I have, the only family who supported me, all my friends. I earned it, I fought for it, and the thought that it could all go to hell because of someone else's scheming… It scares me."

Neo laid back down, completely resting on my chest for the moment. She nuzzled into my cheek, pressing a gentle kiss there before sliding off of me, resting her head back on my shoulder. She wrapped her arms around me again, throwing one leg across both of mine as she often did. I smiled slightly and squeezed her tightly, which she returned.

One of her hands found mine, clasping onto it and interlacing our fingers. I sighed and relaxed more completely now. She nuzzled herself into my neck, and after a brief moment, she was out cold as her breathing regulated itself to a slow, steady rhythm.

Even without being able to speak, Neo had found a way to calm me down, to put me at ease, despite the fear and worry that threatened to suffocate me. It was welcome, and something I desperately needed.

I smiled slightly to myself and felt as the tendrils of sleep slowly enraptured me just as they had Neo.

Everything wasn't okay, everything wouldn't be okay; not any time soon, at least.

But for now?

I was perfectly content.

And that's that. Another chapter down.

You know, it's amazing, really. Sleep is a wonderful thing - especially for a writer. It takes my ability to write a coherent scene from minimal, to actually half decent. Note to self: No more writing after ~36 hours of uninterrupted consciousness. Not conducive to good writing ability.

That said, on we charge to the reviews. Forward!

A Random Friend - Glad you're enjoying, friend. While Jaune isn't my favorite character, he's the easiest to write with. He's basically a blank slate - a lot like Generic Protagonist-kun from name almost any isekai anime. The difference is, when writing, rather than projecting myself, or the reader doing the same, I get to change his personality and who he is into what I want.

typhonyx - Glad you're enjoying, too. It's wishful thinking that Jaune will win on his own, especially if he keeps fighting the likes of Winter, and people at her skill level. But if he fights, say, Beacon students? Who knows - he might stand a chance. Oh, boy. So, here's the thing about my writing. I have an outline, and it's got basic story points in it, stuff I want to happen and all, but I'll be damned if this story hasn't just taken over and done it's own thing. In my outline, the story was supposed to be around 30-35 chapters. Now, though? I'm going to guess and say maybe 40+ chapters total. Just depends, considering that some things I predicted would be one chapter turned into three. But, yes. This story does have it's ending planned out. Will it go the exact way I planned it? Probably not. Lots of stuff has changed since then, but the general idea of what's going to happen is there.

Engineer - Jaune is lucky that Ruby's really sweet, yeah. Even though she wanted to just scream at him, she couldn't bring herself to do it. But now Ruby knows why he did what he did, and that's big. It saddens her that he chose this way of life, but she's just kinda lost as to how to help him, and it hurts her. Jaune vanishing for weeks at a time again, once she can forgive. Twice? Jaune's gonna be pushing his luck. Hard. And, well, here's our Jaune and Qrow. And Winter. Surprise...? I swear, Murphy. If you break Jaune's Dust grenades when he needs them, I'm gonna... I don't know what I'll do, but I'll do something.

X3 - Ruby really just wants Jaune to be okay, and safe, and happy. Ultimately, I feel like that's her goal, to just see her friends happy and safe. At least in this fic. God forbid Tai or Yang realize who Jaune actually is - that would be badness in every way. Oh god, it does sorta kinda sound like Qrow asked him out. Oh no. And Jaune is starting to plan - or at least he's starting to realize something's wrong, and that he's gonna need to do something.

Red Shirt - Glad you're enjoying, friend. You're right, actually. Little Red does sound a bit off... I have nothing to blame, except maybe the 36 hours without sleep... Yeah, let's go with that...

Bioshock RWBY Fan - I have no plans to stop this story any time soon. Well, there is my vacation coming up, but that's only a brief stop. Again, gonna say if you haven't read A Common Criminal, or Something by College Fool, I 200% recommend it. It's the story that inspired me to write this one. Is Jaune an Anti-Hero, or Anti-Villan? Hmm. Interesting question, and I'm going to, hesitantly mind you, say Anti-Hero.

Dino Guy - *Cough cough* Well... he got a lot of attention? And some things have changed, and oh dear. Jaune's sorta starting to crack under the pressure. Not good. Well, here's more Jaune and Qrow being one of the best interacting duos, because they're awesome.

Gasenator - Winter is here.

James Asmodeus - Who are the two dead students, indeed. Maybe it is the obvious answer - maybe not. Jaune never saw the bodies. We may never know. Well, we'll know eventually. Just not right now.

Azrael Saint - Who else would it have been, really? Just gotta scare the shit outta Jaune, really. It may be Sun and Blake dead, it may not be. We don't know. Rather, you don't know. I do.

D.N. Works - Who died indeed? I never said, and did that on purpose. Though, you have to remember, Ruby isn't at Beacon. She's still in Signal, and therefore hasn't met Blake or Weiss, so take that into account, too.

Imperial Germany - Ayyy, thanks, chief. That's great to hear that you like it that much. Hope it continues to please.

Greer - Glad you liked it. While I thought Ruby definitely wanted to scream and shout, she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

Devil May Cry - You, my friend, are 100% right. That wasn't my intention, but that's what it was. I, again, blame my decision making on my writing while mostly asleep. Glad you're enjoying otherwise.

N-Lorin - Qrow knows, and sent Winter after him. I'd say on a scale from perfectly fine, to the world is ending, Jaune is looking at about... the Pre-Apocalypse. He knows it's coming, but can't do anything other than brace and hope its enough.

And done with reviews, awesome.

Just as a reminder, I am leaving this up coming Saturday, the 13th, and I won't be back until the 20th. Because of that, I will not be posting on either that Monday or Friday, as I won't have access to my PC at that time.

Other than that, next time we get to see Jaune at the rally, and what happens there. It's gonna be grand, really. All kinds of fun things to show up that you'll all just love.

Next Chapter: Friday, July 12th

Till next time, this is Valres signing off.