Chapter 53

'Oh, will you give it a rest already? I already said I'm sorry!'

'You can't just go through a girl's things like that! There are some things you just don't do!'

'Well killing people is something you just don't do but I did that a lot.' Jaye rolled his eyes. 'Bite me.'

'Don't tempt me. I have fangs, that shit will hurt.' Artemis shoved her finger into the boy's face. Kamina stifled a laugh, turning his head to hide it, and the faunus girl rounded on him. 'You're not out of the woods yet either!'

'Okay! Literally anything else! Let's pay attention to it.' Jaye gestured articulately at the signboard in front of them. The four had arrived in Mistral without a hitch, surprisingly, and were currently looking for Haven Academy. And though the city of Mistral was large it wasn't that hard to find. Or it shouldn't have been, if not for that fact that Jaye couldn't find his head when it was stuck to his neck and the other three were being anything but helpful. He sighed as the signboard simply indicated several nearby bars and restaurants, though the bars sounded especially enticing at the moment.

'You know, we never really thought about it, but how are we gonna find little red?' Kamina pointed out, prodding at a nearby sign that looked like it was about to fall to pieces. 'Can you call her?'

'Yeah, I'll try.' Jaye said, pulling his scroll out of his pocket. He scrolled down to Ruby's contact, thumb hovering over his button. He screwed up his face in thought, pocketing the device again.

'What's wrong?' Apollo asked, and Jaye made a face of deep thought.

'On second thought, it might not be the best idea to call them right now.' Jaye leaned against the wall of a nearby restaurant, earning a weird look from a couple as they walked out the door. 'We know for a fact we're on the Faction's shit list, and we've got no guarantee that they haven't linked Damian's death back to us by now. We might want to lay low for a while first, lest we bring more trouble to their little gang. Small groups are harder to track than big ones, and at this point caution takes precedence over any reunions.'

'I agree. Where do we start?' Kamina said, raising an eyebrow at the boy. 'I've got no idea who to go to in Mistral, aside from the main Faction base that will most likely get us all killed. We were thinking that we might be able to get in contact with some of the information broker buddies, but well…'

The boys fell silent once again, and Jaye ran a hand down his katana handle. The twins glanced across the two boys, clearing their throats loudly.

'Well, if the two of you are stumped on what to do, maybe this is where we come in.' Artemis smiled at her brother, and Apollo took her by the hand. 'We might not look it, but we've been around the kingdoms quite a bit searching for you. That led to a lot of friends in not so savory places, but we do have a few favors we can call in.'

'You can't be serious.' Jaye shook his head at the pillar. The white, silken threads seemed almost to shimmer in the moonlight as they watched, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. The boy glanced behind him, raising an eyebrow at the multitude of people passing through the busy street. Artemis cleared her throat.

'Well, I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this, but we know a few people in there. At the very least it'll get us an audience with the Lil' Miss without any cash to spare.' The faunus girl's tail swished back and forth nervously. 'Though whether she helps us or not is still up in the air.'

'I hate deals like this.' The raven-haired boy grumbled. 'They'll always say something like "I'll be holding on to this favor then". Then you don't get a peep from them for an entire year. And just when you think all's square and everything's cool, they'll just pop back out of nowhere and demand that favor back. And it's almost always something worth way more than what you owed. Then they kill your dog, steal your car and burn your house down.'

'Well it's either that or we get around to asking in bars for some mild glimmer of hope.' Kamina frowned, placing a finger on his forehead. 'But from what we've heard of her, I'm guessing any information around town is owned by her anyways.'

'Lil' Miss Malachite was an information broker for the Faction a long time ago. At least, that's how she started out. Now she's got her own little gang of spiders spinning her webs around this city.' Jaye said. 'No one gets in or out without her knowing.'

'Which means she knows we're here, regardless of whether we like it or not.' Kamina sighed. 'So we either strike a deal to make sure she doesn't spread that info to whomsoever might very well be looking for us, or we take her out and take what she has.'

'Let's settle this amicably.' Jaye rolled his eyes. 'As much as I hate it, having her around would be quite convenient in the future. And if we can form a working partnership, even one formed on blackmail or threats, then even better.'

'Well now that we've got that settled.' Artemis flipped her hood down, exposing her ears to the wind. 'Time to go meet the devil.'

'Well, well, well, the infamous Jaye Ryder, right here on my doorstep. How ya doin sweetcheeks?' The plump woman smiled slyly at the four. Artemis and Apollo lowered their heads slightly in respect, but Jaye and Kamina simply raised their eyebrows at the woman. Jaye stepped forwards, ignoring the blatant aggressions from the two bodyguards, and plopped nonchalantly down on the chair. He picked at his nails, raising his eyebrow even further at the two guards, who returned to their positions at her sides as the blond woman waved them back. Her bob cut swayed as she tilted her head to look at the raven-haired blond.

'Malachite.'

'Oooh, feisty. I guess despite the name, you've got quite the fiery personality. Isn't that right, Niflheim?'

'I'd like to think so. Thought that name actually came from my semblance.'

'Good to know. I take it you're here for…business?'

'Not exactly.' The boy said, reclining in the chair. 'Think of it like an IOU.'

'Well.' The lady flicked her fan shut with an audible click. The bar went quiet for a moment, and Jaye raised an eyebrow at the tattooed arms around them. 'Now how abouts you scurry on home before I make you wish you'd left?'

'Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you.'

'Too bad you ain't me then.' Lil' Miss Malachite leaned back in her chair, flicking her fan open. 'You stroll on in here, not even a lien on the table, and you expect me to humor you by listening to you?'

'Funny how you still seem to be hearing every word coming out of my mouth.'

'Cute. Now get out before I throw you out.' The heavy-set woman snarled, flicking her fan shut. 'I've got nothing to give to you, Jaye bird. Get up or pay up.'

'I'll vouch for them, Lil' Miss.' A man in a purple scarf stepped forwards. He glanced briefly at the twins, who made subtle gestures of thanks his way. Jaye raised an eyebrow at the man, who gazed at him with something along the lines of contempt and grief. 'I know the lot, and I'll put in a word.'

'Well. That was unexpected.' The plump woman reclined in her chair, flicking her fan open again. The room finally turned away, and Jaye felt the eyes previously plastered to the back of his head turn back to their drinks and partners. He glanced at the man, giving him a subtle nod, and the purple scarfed man bowed his head in acknowledgement. He noticed the man's eyes flicker to his swords, and Jaye instinctively placed a protective hand over the purple handles. He turned back to the woman, who gave him a smug smile. 'I ain't never seen Sky vouch for nobody before.'

'I guess that means we're in business?'

'Guess so honey.' The blonde woman smiled widely at the four, and the twins squirmed a little in their seats. 'How're you two doing hmm? Still keepin' on keepin' on?'

'Yes Miss.' Apollo said meekly, avoiding her gaze. 'Just fine.'

'That's great you two. Good to see you again, it's been what, a year?'

'Year and a half.' Artemis cut in, rubbing her hands nervously on her thighs. The plump lady smiled at the faunus girl, and Artemis gave a nervous chuckle. Jaye cleared his throat.

'Back to the matter at hand.' The raven-haired boy drummed his fingers on the table impatiently, and the plump lady turned a scowl onto him. He scowled back, his fingers stopping flat on the tabletop. 'We're looking for some…unsavory information. Of the Faction kind.'

Lil' Miss Malachite's face immediately darkened at the word, and the guards stepped forwards in a fury. Jaye raised an eyebrow at the seemingly trigger-happy morons behind her and turned his gaze back to the woman. Malachite reset her facial expression, raising her fan into the air.

'And what makes you think I've got it? The last thing I want is to be associated with those bastards again.' She narrowed her eyes at the boy, who met her gaze with a nonchalant shrug. 'You came to the wrong place boy. Try again somewhere else, ya hear?'

'Oh I know you know.' The assassin leaned forwards, placing his elbows on the table. 'And I know you're going to give it to me.'

Malachite stared at the boy for a long moment, as if contemplating whether to laugh or throw him out on his face, and a smile broke across her pudgy lips as she threw back her head in laughter. She placed a hand on her chin, eyes gleaming dangerously as she stared at the boy. Jaye stared right back, raising an eyebrow at the woman as she flicked her fan open and began fanning herself.

'And how do you figure?' She made an "explain yourself" gesture at the boy, and Jaye spread his arms wide.

'You keep tabs on your enemies. Far more than you do your own people. You're the very definition of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.' He placed his elbows back down on the table. 'Nothing goes on in this town without you knowing about it, and that includes anything the Faction does. Information's easy to come by if you're looking for it in a town as big as this, and I know you've got eyes and ears everywhere. So, what the Faction knows, you know. And the only reason they haven't killed you lot yet is because you know things they don't.' He reclined in his chair. 'No one spins a web quite like a spider can.'

'Sound argument. Looks like you know your stuff, which is more than can be said for a lot of travelers round these parts.' Malachite raised a hand to her guards. 'Get us some…refreshments.'

The brown-haired bodyguard bowed her head, giving Jaye a cursory glare of distaste as she went to retrieve the drinks. He waved at her as she left, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head glaring at the cocky bastard. Jaye chuckled at the girl, turning his attention to the plump lady once more. Malachite smiled at him, and he felt his skin crawl a little, suppressing the urge to shiver. The bodyguard returned with two glasses, placing them down in front of them. Malachite raised her glass.

'So, I suppose ya'll lookin' for information about Faction allegiance here, and whether or not they know you're in town.' The woman asked, sipping pretentiously from her cup. Jaye sniffed the glass appreciatively, and Malachite rolled her eyes. 'I haven't poisoned that you know.'

'You can never take chances.' Jaye declared, downing the glass and gesturing for the henchwoman to refill the glass. Malachite waved, and the brown-haired bodyguard reluctantly returned to the bar for a refill. 'I'm also looking for some travelers, I need to know if they made it into town.' He placed his scroll down on the table, pulling up a photo of RRWBY. His gaze lingered on the blonde-haired bombshell for a moment, hugging her sister close to her chest, and placed a finger above the red-haired girls' head. He shook his head, returning his attention to Malachite. 'This girl was supposed to arrive at Haven academy some time ago, judging from a rough timeline. I need to know if she made it here, and if she has, where she is right now.'

'Easy enough. Anythin' else?'

'Yeah.' He flicked to a photo of JNPR, finger faltering a little as he spotted Pyrrha in the photo, smiling without a care in the world, and placed three fingers above the rest of the team. 'She ought to be with one or all of these three.' He took his scroll off the table. 'I'll send one of your guys the pictures, and you can let me know when you've found them.'

'Give us a week, we'll find your travelers.' Malachite flashed him a broad smile, swirling her glass. 'Rest assured, Lil' Miss always delivers.'

'I know you do. And I also know Lil' Miss is partial to hot cross buns.' Jaye said, picking the fresh glass off the table as the henchwoman set it down in front of him. He winked at her, and she scowled hard enough to burn a hole through his head. Malachite raised an eyebrow, and Jaye shrugged noncommittally. 'I know how you run this business, and there's no way you need a week just to find them. As for the situation with the Faction…well I think we both know you already know.'

'You got me.' Malachite raised her hands in the air, chuckling heartily at the smug boy. She flicked her fan shut, tapping it gently on the table. 'Fine. Five days, deal?'

'You have three.' Jaye said, downing his glass again. Malachite raised her eyebrow, signaling for a refill, but Jaye stopped her with a hand. 'The Faction may not want you dead for their own reason, but I have little in the way of forgiveness for…betrayals.' He placed the glass down on the table, spinning it leisurely on the spot. 'And you and I both know what I'm capable of.'

'Wouldn't dream of it hun. Cross my heart.' She drew a cross over her breast with a finger, making a pouty face at the assassin. 'Less' it bleeds out onto the floor.'

'I'll hold you to that one.' Jaye said, getting up from the table. 'Besides, it would be far more lucrative to have Niflheim owe you a favor, wouldn't you agree?'

Outside

'So, the Faction here is neutral huh. Surprising.' Jaye stretched out his arms. He was a little stiff from the deal earlier, and Kamina clapped him on the back.

'Good deal. Still got it huh, I'm surprised.' He complimented, and Jaye swore at him under his breath, rubbing his back.

'It's still as exhausting as I remember. I have enough trouble with normal conversations, let alone dealing with scammers and double crossers.' Jaye sighed, rubbing his neck. 'On the bright side, seems we can proceed as much as we want as long as we stay out of the way of the Faction. They're maintaining their neutrality with the Huntsmen academies, which is a good thing, but it means we're probably not getting any help against the White Fang.'

'Might be time to call in a few favors.' Kamina said, leaning against a nearby wall. 'You gonna call little red or not?'

'No. I think we'll let Malachite find her. Best for us to stay off the comms as much as possible. Even if the Faction here is neutral, no guarantee we don't have stragglers from Vale.' Jaye sighed, scratching his head. 'Plus, there's those two sisters who vanished that night. High chance they followed us here, and I don't want to have to deal with them. There's a chance they can track our comms.'

'Fair enough.' The fox boy said, placing his hand on Apollo's head. The shorter boy swore at him incessantly, swatting at his hand as Kamina proceeded to tousle his hair. 'Let's find somewhere dingy and nasty to stay in yeah?'

Jaye nodded to the fox boy and paused as the bar curtains opened once more. He raised an eyebrow as the purple-scarfed man, Sky, stepped out from the doorway, narrowing his eyes at the raven-haired boy. Jaye rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, turning himself sideways to face the man. Sky pulled down his purple scarf, and Jaye raised his eyebrow even further as he realized that the man was no more than a boy, maybe even younger than Kamina. He cleared his throat.

'Something we can help you with?' He asked, and Sky shook his head, smoothing out his scarf.

'Indigo.' He said, and Jaye tensed on his swords. His other hand crept to the blade, and he narrowed his eyes at the boy as Kamina extended his claws. Sky raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, pointing at the swords strapped to his waist. Jaye adjusted his grip on the handle.

'What do you want.' He spat, and Sky shook his head, gesturing again at the swords.

'Please tell me I'm wrong. Please tell me those aren't hers.' Sky's voice cracked as he spoke, and Jaye's eyes widened. He stood up straight, letting his hands fall to his sides.

'Sky.' He breathed, placing a hand on his forehead. 'I was wondering why that name sounded familiar.' He ran the hand down his face, and the twins glanced at him strangely. 'I should have realized from the start.'

'Oh.' Kamina sheathed his claws, getting up from his crouched position. Sky covered his mouth with his hands, and Kamina placed a hand on his shoulder. He shook the boy gently, glancing about the place.

'Come on, let's get off the street.'

Chapter 53 done. I'm adding new characters like nobody's business. I'd better find a way to keep track of them, but for now I apologize for any inconsistencies, I am trying my best.