Pariah


Chapter 4

Contact


Winter Schnee currently traveled inside one of Atlas's military bullheads, heading towards one of the many Schnee Dust mines situated in northern Mistral. According to recent reports, a single individual, known as the 'Wandering Wolf', has been attacking these mines all over Remnant for the past three years now. No one knew where he came from, who this person even was for that matter or what his goals were. All they knew was that he attacked and slaughtered every SDC employee who crossed his path. Yes slaughtered, there was no other way to describe it. She was on one of these missions where they had to retrieve the bodies of the unfortunate souls that met their demise by his hands. There sheer brutality with which he operated was sickening even to the most hardened veterans in Ironwood's specialist unit. And they were right. The wounds inflicted open them were nightmarishly gruesome. Things she only would expect to see in horror movies. Many of the higher ranking operators for these dust mines were even tortured. Only a sick and twisted man could ever commit such heinous crimes.

The attack on a weapons development facility of the Atlas military was also added to his long list of crimes against the Kingdoms of Atlas and Mistral. It happened almost a year ago. None of the guards survived in their defense. Some of the bodies were mauled beyond recognition. Many theorize that the Wandering Wolf used some sort of animal in his latest attacks. Not even the scientists were spared. The act seemed senseless to Winter since nothing was stolen from the facility itself. Every weapon every secret project was accounted for. The only thing, or person, that was missing was Doctor Arthur Watts. The only body missing.

As much as she did not like to clean up after her father. As if that pathetic excuse of a man ever deserved to hold such a title. But such decisions were ultimately not up to her. The SDC and the council of Atlas were too far into each other's pockets. Too far, for her tastes. So it has been determined that this new threat must be eliminated at all costs. While detainment was the preferred option, Ironwood wasn't taking any chances regarding his own. A sentiment Winter shared with the General. And so a five-man squad under her command was assembled for this particular mission. These four individuals were not the only people who were assigned to this mission. No. She even questioned why the General allowed their sixth member to accompany them on this particular assignment.

Qrow Branwen.

Winter could already feel a headache forming only thinking of him. He was a skilled Huntsmen that much she would admit. But why him? A useless drunk that would be a detriment to any mission at most and an annoyance at least. How he even graduated from Beacon Academy was still a complete mystery to her. But once again, that decision was ultimately not up to her. The physical pain she would experiences while in his presence, has to be his semblance. Semblances that make you feel physical pain have to exist, right? There was simply no other explanation. His involvement was not her biggest worry, unfortunately.

The only thing that was most perplexing was that the bodies of the workers, who were responsible for the mining of dust were never found or heard from again. It as if they simply vanished from the face of Remnant. Because the workers were all Faunus, it was believed that the 'Wandering Wolf' was of the same race.

The Faunus, Winter thought sourly. She had no love for them and had always kept her distance from them. They were responsible for the cold-blooded murder of her baby brother, Wolfe after all. A brother she never had the privilege of meeting. And now she never would. Her parents always told her that he been sick. That was the reason given to her, as to why she never met him. Not even pictures existed of him. One of the many reasons her relationship with her parents was almost non-existent. Why was it that she felt so strongly over a relationship she never had? How she wished she could have just met him once. Just once. Wolfe. This year would mark her late brother's twentieth birthday. The feeling over the loss of something she wished she had was truly painful.

While she understood that the majority of the Faunus were not to blame for her brother's murder, she could not help but feel some sort of lingering resentment. Because of this Ironwood had ordered mandatory therapy sessions for her. She wouldn't admit to it openly, she was thankful for them. She had noticed positive changes in her behavior after all. But it was a slow process, however. But process none the less.

"ETA 15 minutes." Their pilot announced over the intercom, breaking Winter from her thoughts.

"Prepare for a combat drop." She addressed her faceless squad and Qrow. They were equipped with the most advanced technology the Atlas military could provide.

"Yes Ma'am" they announced in unison.


As their aircraft reached the SDC mining facility, Winter gave the immediate order to disembark. Her four teammates cautiously raised their rifles and scanned the surrounding area, while Qrow took a vantage point on one of the many buildings scattered on the mining property. At least he knew that this situation needed to be taken seriously.

The area was covered in snow, which was normal in northern Mistral, but I was not as cold as the climate in Atlas. As she peered through the broken gates of the mining facility, she could observe the untamed forests of the Kingdom. The snow-covered treetops reaching towards the sky. A beautiful sight she would always come to appreciate. And jet the treeline gloomed menacingly, no doubt hiding horrid abominations ready to attack when suspected less. It was as if the darkness of the forest peered right back at her sending a shiver down her spine.

As she took a deep breath and exhaled steadily, she watched her own breath in the cold climate. It was a small distraction from her current task that only took mere seconds. Winter always liked the cold weather. It made her feel at peace. But it had to be her last for the next foreseeable hours. The silence that cloaked the facility was oppressive. Worrisome even.

As Winter's attention turned towards the camp, her mouth formed into a thin line. For what she saw next, she most certainly did not like it. For the pure white color of the snow, she has come to hold dear was tainted red.

Blood.

The remains of SDC personnel were strewn across the area. While there were obvious signs of a struggle, though it wasn't enough to repel their would-be-aggressor. Many succumbed to their wounds. Some had deep cuts. The limbs of others were broken and twisted into angles she did not think possible, while many more had theirs separated completely. A separated head here and there. As her gaze fell onto one of the bodies the usual animalistic bite marks were very visible. The throat of the victims was the main target. Judging by their size, Winter concluded that they couldn't have come from any of the Grim known to the Four Kingdoms.

The sight of such brutality once made her stomach churn. But Winter quickly adapted, since she began her hunt for their mysterious murderer. Today, everything would end, so that innocent's lives could be spared. At least one monster would find its demise.

She gestured her squad to advance slowly. Her hand firmly resting on the hilt of her weapon.

"We're certainly in the right place." Qrow's voice drew her from her current thoughts and observations. "Head to the center. There's something you gotta see. You ain't gonna like it."

She did not like the sound of that. She gestured her team to follow her as she took the lead and headed towards the center of the SDC property.

As she rounded the corner she observed Qrow standing in front of four bodies. Three of them were SDC personnel. Two of them were decapitated while the third died an agonizing death trying to keep his intestines on the inside.

The fourth body however was a Faunus worker, dressed in simple garbs one would expect to see on slaves. Feathers were hanging down her brown hair. Wearing a piece of cloth in these cold and unforgiving temperatures was a death sentence. The sight was sickening. The woman's body was littered with bruises and marks which appeared to have come from a whip. Three batons lay beside the murdered SDC workers. This woman was beaten to death. What was most disturbing, however, was that the woman was pregnant. Anger and disgust threatened to come forth. Winter suddenly did not feel saddened about the deaths of the SDC employees anymore. She truly hoped that the rumors of Faunus slavery run by her father's company were just that, rumors. But to witness such a thing for herself self she couldn't help but feel empty. An immense sense of guilt washed over her. Could she have prevented this if she hadn't joined the Huntsman Academy and the Atlas military? She was not certain and she would not have the chance to make those changes now. Her father made sure that the whole of Remnanz knew of her abdication.

"Still believe dear ol' daddy's lies?" There was a mixture of sadness and contempt in Qrow's voice. "Because if this isn't going to change your mind, I don't know what is."

"Don't worry. Seeing these crimes for myself, it has become clear, that my father is the one responsible for them." She responded to him. "He will face justice in due time."

Qrow scoffed at her words.

Winter would have to admit that she herself did not believe her own words, for they offered little comfort. While General Ironwood was trying to weave out corrupt businesses and politicians, it has become a bigger challenge than originally expected. He shared her same distaste for her father and wanted to see the power and influence he amassed, reduced greatly.

The sound of gulping brought Winter out of her thoughts. Qrow was currently taking big swigs from his flask.

"Do you have to drink in times like this?" She snapped at him. "You're a professional Huntsman, the least you could do is show it."

"Relax, Ice Queen." Winter could feel her left eye twitch. "I have a feeling that this whole dilemma is over soon. There, see? I said 'dilemma'. Am I know elevated to your professional standards your highness?" he finished with a little bow and smug on his face, that she so desperately wished to wipe off of him. But she refused to entertain his little jabs at her, as she sent him an unamused glare.

"Geez you're no fun," he said as he took another swig from his flask. Qrow spared one more look towards the dead woman and exhaled with a frown on his face.

"The sight never gets any easier." On that, she would have to agree.

"I'm going to take another look around, see if I can find something else," Qrow said. "You can take your fancy Atlas gear and start searching the mines themselves."


Qrow rounded another corner and took another swig from his flask. The strong liquor burning as it flowed down. And yet it was very satisfying. He hated these types of missions with a passion. It was bad enough that the Kingdoms were on the defensive when it came to the Grim. He didn't like to admit that fact but it was the sad truth of their reality. And now this 'Wandering Wolf' character has suits of Mistral and Atlas up in arms, only to waste resources, time, manpower, and energy that could be better served elsewhere.

But he couldn't blame the guy. Seeing these crimes unfold and the greed ridden politicians turning a blind eye infuriated him to no end. At least the Ice-Queen was finally getting a dose of reality. Hell, if he were in any other position he might ask the guy out for a drink. But he had to do a job. Didn't mean he had to like it. Because he knew that bringing him down would only quell the symptoms of a much larger disease.

Racism and greed. They ran rampant in all four Kingdoms. Well, Vecuo, maybe not so much but you get the point. While groups like the White Fang were still peaceful, conflict was only starting to rise again. Slowly but surely they might have larger problems if steps aren't taken in the coming future. Well, he was glad that Ozpin was the one navigating that terrain. Because Qrow most certainly did not have the patience for it.

Focusing on the task at hand he put his flask away, to survey the area further. As he focused on turning into his avian form, Qrow was found wanting. Frowning he looked at his hands. What now? He focused on turning again.

Fuck.

Punching a wall of the nearest building Qrow cursed his semblance and the two brothers for his misfortune. Now was not the time for his semblance to act up. When he went to grab for his flask, his head snapped back in the direction from where he left Winter, as a horrified scream breached the silence that surrounded them.

Qrow broke into a sprint. Searching for Winter and her team didn't take long. Their weapons were drawn and raised facing the entrance of the mine. As he got closer he halted his advance.

What was that feeling?

It was as if sickness suddenly grabbed and tried to suffocate him where he stood. Goosebumps littered his arms, the hairs on his neck stood up. A heavy feeling of dread and unease took over. Something was wrong, very wrong. After he lingered for what only seemed like a second he moved once more. But the feeling grew, ever stronger.


Winter and her team stood frozen as the scream penetrated the eerie silence that overshadowed them. Their weapons were raised at the source, which came from the mining entrance.

As she was about to order her team to advance, but a man in white clothing burst out of the mine, falling over himself. It was clear to her that the SDC employee was gripped by fear. The man's head snapped in their direction and hope seemed to return to him. Winter watched as he broke into a sprint. She would finally receive her answers. But she could feel something… off.

The man suddenly fell back onto the cold ground, as something struck him from behind. This time, however, he would not rise again. That much was clear to them all, as blood poured down from the gruesome wound inflicted on his head. An ax was deeply lodged into the back of his skull.

None said a word. All were shocked, staring wide-eyed at the unmoving body of the only survivor they have this far encountered. Struck down in an instant.

Qrow came to a halt next to Winter, cursing under his breath. She was taken aback by his heavy breathing and at how pale the Huntsman looked. Sweat was forming on his forehead. It was as if sickness suddenly took hold over Qrow. That, however, did not seem to deter her companion, as his attention was focused onto the entrance of the mine.

Stepping out of the man they were looking for, the 'Wandering Wolf'. The crest on his right pouldron and the wolf pelt on his left shoulder solidified that fact. He held a glave in his left hand while he stepped up to the SDC employee her murdered. They watched as he calmly pulled his ax out of the man's skull with a sickening crunch. The single red visor of his helmet focused on them the entire time. Never leaving their sight.

Winter felt something… wrong, the first time she laid eyes on him. From the corner of her eye, she watched as Qrow was struggling to keep himself together. He seemed to get sicker as time moved on.

"So you must be the Wandering Wolf" she finally addressed him, sword raised.

The man tilted his head.

"Is that what the Kingdoms have been calling me?" he wondered distastefully.

The longer they stayed within his presence the more it unnerved her. She was aware that her team shared the same feeling of unease.

Mineworkers started to appear behind him, all dressed in simple garbs just like the dead Faunus woman in the square. They were all malnourished and had all manners of marks and evidence of physical abuse. All were Faunus. All were slaves. Men, women, even children. They were all scared. Winter felt disgusted, and anger rise once again. Against the ones responsible. Against her father. But in this situation, cooler heads had to prevail. She could not allow her emotions to influence jer judgment.

Out of the crowd appeared two wolves. One white as snow, the other black as the night.

"Geez buddy, cool it down with the theme will ya?" Qrow mumbled, loud enough for Winter to hear it.

The growls they emitted did not help to ease the tension that overshadowed them. They all knew the danger these beasts imposed. Not taking his eye off of Winter, her team, and Qrow, the man addressed his four-legged companions.

"Guide them to safety."

The wolves turned leading the slaves away from the group. It was an unsettling notion that these beasts listened to his words. And by the various wounds, it has been proven that they are not to be underestimated. Winter allowed the departure of the Faunus workers, for she knew that the Wandering Wolf would not come peacefully. She would collect them after they have dealt with their target. And when she did, they would be valuable witnesses to testifying against her father and his crimes. She might yet find a way to end this madness.

As all of the slaves left the man struck his glave into the ground, taking both of his axes in his hands. Her team splitting into pairs of two, flanking his sides, ready to engage, should the order be given.

"I would advise you to surrender. You are surrounded and have little hope to achieve victory." Winter said imperiously. "It would be beneficial to all."

"I do not think so." The man's calm nature disturbed her, I did not help that the feeling of immense unease did not fade, but instead, increased in intensity.

"I refuse to be someone's slave." He stated as a matter of fact. "Not again."

While Winter did not show it, she was shocked by the admission. He was a former slave. That would at least explain his motives to attack SDC and Atlas facilities.

Winter broke eye contact, when Qrow suddenly collapsed onto his knees, blood escaping from his eyes, ears, and nose. His breathing was ragged and uneven, while his skin took an even paler color. His hands clutched his head as the Huntsman withered in pain.

Not understanding what was happening to him, she wanted to demand answers from the Wandering Wolf. But as she leveled her glaring gaze in his direction again, chaos unfolded.