"I think we should call it a night."

In boredom, Yang kicked a pebble on the pathway.

For several hours, the Thorns resided outside a bar. Why choose a bar? Pirates like to drink. Especially the Khans. The Thorns concluded that if they were going to find someone from the Khans, it was going to be at a bar.

Before the crew could walk away, Blake stopped in her tracks when she noticed a female faunus walk inside. On her forearm, three tiger claws were marred into her skin. Half of the tattoo was covered by her sleeves, but Blake knew. There was no mistaking it. It was the Khan symbol.

After the faunus slipped inside, the door fell shut.

"Found one," Blake stated with confidence.

That caused her crew to whirl around.

"Really?!" Ruby asked in exasperation.

"There's no doubt, she had the symbol," Blake said. "I think she's a hyena faunus."

After all, the woman adorned spots all over her body and a dark nose like a hyena.

"This is our chance!" Ruby cheered. "Be careful, okay?"

Weiss gave her friend a pep-talk. "Just like we planned."

A nod.

Qrow set a hand on Blake's shoulder in an attempt to show he wasn't joking around. "Try not to drink too much. You need to remember."

"Says you," Blake smirked.

"Yeah, yeah, says me," Qrow mocked as he hid his flask in his pocket.

"Here," Ruby said as she pulled out a sharpie and held out her friend's hand.

The purpose was to draw a tattoo. A Khan could trust another Khan.

"You don't need to do that," Blake replied as she pulled away with a darkened expression.

"Blake…" Yang mumbled sadly.

Ruby tilted her head like a confused puppy. "She needs to see that you're one of them."

"I was, remember?"

When it went silent, Blake sighed and shed her jacket. Her shoulders and arms were now bare. On her bicep, were three tiger claws carved into her white skin.

For a moment, the crew simply stared in shock. Yang only squeezed her hand. The only person who remembered Blake had that tattoo was Yang. Since they spend all day, every day together.

This was the first time the rest of the crew had seen the tattoo so close-up. It was more detailed than they'd imagined. No doubt, Blake was forced to get the tattoo. It didn't matter if she didn't want it.

"I forgot you have that," the captain admitted. "I'm sorry."

Blake only shrugged, trying not to think about it. "It's not your fault. At least it'll finally come in handy."

"Right," Yang chimed, trying to lift her spirits. In glee, she slapped her girlfriend on the rear, which earned a surprised, high-pitched yelp. "Go get 'em, tiger."

Casually, Blake walked inside the bar. Her crew remained outside for now. They'd enter in a few minutes.

About a dozen people were gathered around a cheap television. It looked like some kind of fighting tournament was being broadcasted. It didn't take long to spot the Khan, who was drinking at the front with a bottle in hand.

Blake took a deep breath. I can do this.

It was odd to sit directly next to the hyena faunus when there were several open seats, but Blake pushed back that thought. She had a job to do. Forget social awareness. Casually, she ordered a drink to blend in.

The second she sat down, the hyena faunus gazed at her tattoo with a perplexed expression. Probably because it might seem odd to have that displayed out in the open. Even though the Khan's was only half-covered.

To make it seem like she was actually there for alcohol, Blake downed her first drink with ease. It burned her throat and faded in seconds. She could hold her alcohol and if she loosened up a bit, she'd definitely come off as more natural rather than anxious like she actually was.

"Damn," the hyena faunus commented in awe. "Rough night?"

"You could say that," Blake said, secretly happy she didn't have to start the conversation.

Now she had to move it along.


It was easy to slip inside the bar. The Thorns took several seats at a larger table and ordered their drinks. They had no idea how long they'd be here.

Luckily, they got a table directly across from Blake so they could watch her. Just in case things go south.

Amused, Weiss crossed her arms. "Isn't she drinking too much?"

In unison, Qrow and Yang said. "She can handle it."

"Just making sure," Weiss said and sipped on her water.

It wasn't often that Blake drank. But if her crewmate's said she was fine, then she must be. Yang especially knows her better than anyone, after all.

The two seemed to be getting along. The hyena faunus didn't look suspicious. In fact, she looked like she was enjoying herself. Blake as well. None of them could tell what they were saying, but it looked like just another friendly bar encounter.

Yang sipped on the beer she'd ordered. "Not gonna lie, I want to join them."

"We're not entertaining enough?" Ruby asked jokingly.

"Nope!" Yang said, popping the 'p' with no shame.

"Rude!" Ruby yelped.

That made Yang laugh as she leaned back in her seat. From the looks of it, Blake was having a grand time as she took several swigs from her drinks. Since Blake was paying, she offered the hyena faunus a few sips. It was a great excuse to keep the conversation going. Clever.

"How much money is she spending?" Ruby asked.

Qrow only shrugged as he gulped a bottle of mead. "We have some coins to spare."

"Let Blakey do her thing," Yang suggested. "She's more open when she's tipsy. I think that could be the advantage here and what she's going for."

Casually, Ruby sipped on her orange juice. "I hope you're right."


Loudly, Blake slammed another bottle onto the counter.

"My little brother gave me such a hard time," Blake lied as she heaved a sigh. "He told my parents, and now I'm out several gold."

She couldn't help it. The story came out like word vomit. It wasn't true in any way, but she figured if she opened up a bit, then so would the hyena faunus. From the story of why the cat faunus was at the bar, the Khan sighed in disapproval.

"Yet, you're here, spending your money on alcohol," the hyena faunus pointed out. "Shouldn't you be saving up?"

"I didn't say I didn't have a problem," Blake winked.

That earned a chuckle.

"I'm Kali, by the way," Blake said, thinking about her deceased mother.

Easily, she held out her hand for the friendly gesture. Without hesitation, the hyena faunus shook her hand.

"Laana," the hyena faunus replied. "If you don't mind me asking, why'd you join the Khans? You have a family, people to watch out for. A purpose. So why?"

Laana sounded like she couldn't fathom her decision. She was utterly bewildered. Blake seemed like a regular teenage girl.

For a moment, Blake thought about what she should say.

"I admire a few of Sienna's crewmates. They convinced me to join. At least this way, my skills aren't going to waste."

Yeah right. Like I'd use my skills for that monster. Never again.

Since all Khans were fighters, Laana accepted her answer. "Is Sienna putting you to the test?" she asked, which earned a confused expression. "Is she using you like you hoped?"

From the question, Blake took another swig. She was starting to feel fuzzy rather than angry at the murderous psychopath.

"She hasn't used me as much as I'd hoped," Blake said easily. "Then again, I'm a newer recruit. She doesn't know how useful I can be. What about you?"

Laana simply stared at the half-empty glass in front of her. "I'm content with being a lackey. No harsh consequences that way. And I still get food and shelter. I'm guessing you're a risk-taker?"

A nod.

"Life's too boring for me when it's predictable," Blake said as she thought about her girlfriend. She sounded exactly like her. "It's more exciting that way."

My sweet girlfriend must be dying to join me over here.

Laana sipped on her alcoholic drink. "Speaking of unpredictable, are you going on that raid? I heard the higher-ups are recruiting people for it."

From the intel, Blake snapped to her attention. For a while, she felt fuzzy and warm. It'd been lies after lies, but now she was finally getting somewhere.

Jackpot. Must pay attention.

Trying not to seem eager, Blake leaned back in her seat.

"If you go, be careful," Laana advised in a stern tone. "Raids always end in casualties."

They still go on raids? Not that I'm too surprised.

"Do you happen to know when it is?" Blake asked as she swirled her drink. "There are so many things going on that I forgot."

"I forget things, too," Laana empathized. "It's in a few day's time, so if you want to go, prove yourself to Sienna soon."

This was it. This was finally her chance. Casually, Blake slid the cup away and met her gaze.

"I can't do that when I don't know where she is."

That earned a light laugh.

"Very true," Laana agreed. "I hardly see her. She switches around."

Acting like she was frustrated, Blake took another swig. "Then how do I find her?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure."

Dammit!

Noticing the defeated look on Blake's face, Laana continued. "However…"

Curious, Blake leaned in with anticipation.

Stop egging me on.

"There's rumors that she'll be at the next meeting," Laana revealed, hesitant. "I'm not sure why she would come to the next one since she ditches most of them, but my colleagues are saying she has an important announcement. It could be about the raid."

"So then, where's the next meeting?" Blake asked, trying not to show how eager she was. "I really don't want to miss her again."

"Understandable," Laana said as she glanced around, trying to be discreet. "You know the jungle in the outskirts of Vacuo?"

At last, she was getting somewhere. Blake felt so warm and fuzzy. The feeling wouldn't fade, but she listened intently.

"The jungle crawling with grimm?" Blake asked, wanting to clarify.

"That's the one," Laana confirmed. "The meeting will take place twenty five miles in. She has them there so only the fittest arrive."

Yep, sounds like the bitch.

"I can't walk that far in a random direction, do you have specifics?" Blake asked, not wanting to waste her time. "I don't want to venture all that way and find nothing."

"Oh, you'll find it," Laana said confidently. "If you head east, you'll run into a few cabins. If you reach the river, you've gone too far. When you find the cabins, you'll know what to do."

"Sienna's in one of them?"

"Maybe," Laana shrugged. "Like I said, she moves around. It's hard to tell."

Happily, Blake held up her glass. In return, Laana did the same.

"Cheers to you helping me. Thank you again."

"You're welcome, Kali."

When she heard her mother's name, cat ears folded on her head. After the glasses bumped, they downed their drinks. After, they slammed the glasses on the table joyfully.

"Do you need me to bring you home?" Laana asked, a little worried as she noted the faunus' red cheeks. "Vacuo is dangerous at night."

"I can handle myself," Blake easily said, appreciating how kind this Khan was.

As Laana scooted out of her chair, she said. "Spoken like a true badass. Enjoy your night."

Before Laana could leave, Blake called after her. "Maybe we'll see each other around."

"Maybe."

The moment the Khan left and the door shut, the Thorns rushed to the bar. The girls and Qrow surrounded her with anticipation in their eyes.

"Did you get anything?" Ruby asked as she bounced up and down. "Didyadidyadidya?"

Ignoring her question, Blake grinned widely. "I liked her, she was great."

Based on her giddy voice, it was safe to say Blake was at least tipsy. Yang was glad to see her so happy.

"I think you found yourself a new friend," the blonde said in amusement.

"Blake?" Weiss asked, growing concerned. "Did you find out anything important?"

"Laana told me everything," Blake revealed, secretly feeling guilty for taking advantage of such a nice person. "It was soooo easy. She was an open book. I read books."

It was then that they noted her red cheeks.

"You sure do," Yang set a hand on her shoulder. "Blake, how drunk are you?"

"I'm not- *hic*"

After the hiccup, her hand flew to her mouth.

"Maaaaybe a lil bit."

A drunk person with valuable intel. Great combination.

To make sure she'd stay in her chair, Qrow set a hand on her other shoulder. "Did she tell you where Sienna is?"

"Kinda," Blake replied airily as she swayed a bit. "It's suuuper hard to explain."

"Then try to explain," Weiss said slowly.

That made Blake laugh. Like such a feat was impossible.

"You're so silly. That's too much work…"

Abruptly, the faunus veered out of the chair. Luckily, she landed onto her girlfriend's arms before she could hit the floor. Her eyes were shut and her ears were droopy.

"Blake?!" Yang yelped. "You have to tell us! Hey, are you okay?!"

Unamused, Weiss set her hands on her hips.

"Still think she can handle her liquor?"


Dammit, Blake! You had one job! She enjoyed herself a little too much, huh?

Stay dandy,

~Toto