A Cosmic Journey

A/N: The start of June, marked by rising heat, a rising audience and rising tensions all around. A quick note and thanks to all the readers for this story passing 500 follows, a number that is not unappreciated whenever I think about or write for this story. But more important than that in the last week are the frustrations that have finally boiled over in our country, something that has been echoed the world over. It's sobering to consider that for all the increased danger that exists in the world of Remnant, death in real life comes for many much more suddenly, and sadly much more trivially. Injustice at its core pervades many aspects of daily life, but I believe that there are always those who will seek to rectify such circumstances. Just something that I feel may not be said enough.

Chapter 35: Clutch at a Straw

Chapter Date: 06/02/20

Junior and I stood by the counter to the bar, looking far more dumbfounded than either person of our caliber and role should've been at the sight of Roman nonchalantly sitting at the counter.

"Look, I get that my immaculate fashion sense brings some light to this place and all of you, but my time here is limited, so I'd like to make the most of it. Also, you don't mind if I crack this open right?" Whatever debates there might've been on Roman Torchwick's fighting ability, there was no doubt, with him seated and clutching a blatantly stolen bottle of drink while at the end of three different blades, that the thief was cool under pressure. Luckily, one of us here had more than enough experience in dealing with Torchwick's antics, and the other was well-versed in reacting to unknown experiences.

"Ilia, Miltia, Melanie, why don't you all put your weapons away and head back to your seats? There's no need for a fight to break out yet, and I'm sure the twins at least would like to keep their buzz going." I grabbed a double from behind the counter and stood across from Torchwick while I sipped at it.

"The buzz is definitely gone at this point," Miltia growled quietly. Melanie, on the other hand…

"What the hell is the matter with you, Kouzai!" My white-clad teammate slammed her hands down at the table. "This creep was one of the people that kidnapped you and were about to use you as a disposable bargaining chip! How can you stand across from him like everything's fine and you're just a bartender about to whip some drinks up?"

"Because he does work as a bartender, and for people far scummier than Roman at times. Also, because he knows exactly what the situation looks like here." Junior joined me behind the counter and pointed to the bottle in his hands. "You want that put into something?"

Torchwick's eyes actually did brighten up at that. "Now wouldn't that be something? Can I count on the professionalism of the club not to poison my drink while I'm here to talk?"

Junior chuckled. "You know as well as I do that it wouldn't even be needed at this point. Then again, a little clarification for anyone else less aware wouldn't hurt."

"If I have to. Although, seems like the little team leader and his partner seem to have the measure of things, more than the terrible twosome at any rate." Torchwick accepted the drink from Junior, taking a sip while the twins levelled vitriol at him and Ilia continued staring, waiting for him to speak. "Ah, that hits the spot. So, the gist of it is that I pretended to come here to spy on you all, and in return, I'll accept that nothing of any relative importance was being discussed while I 'spied' on you. Sound good?"

"If you're not actually here to spy on us, then why?" Ilia fired off the opening question, though Torchwick's grin told the tale of how he'd expected it.

"To facilitate discussion between parties and exchange information amongst respected professionals. Also, I'm doing my best to make sure I don't lose my favorite drinking spot."

"So you're here to give us information on Cinder and the others, and get something in return." I filled in the blanks, as the thought occurred to me. "Does Cinder know you're here, 'spying' or not?"

"Nope. Perks of having a right-hand woman with an illusion semblance." Torchwick took a deep draught from his drink. "Though it's not a trick I'd feel comfortable pulling on her more than twice, with a person of her instincts. Honestly, I'm sticking my neck out coming here as it is."

"Then you should've considered the risks before getting into bed with a woman like that in the first place, Roman." Junior had his arms crossed, though the info broker's brown eyes hadn't hardened past the point of mercy. "What exactly did the woman offer you and Neo to make you take such a godsforsaken gig?"

"Money, with a healthy promise of power. Really, what else do you need?" Despite Torchwick's light tone, his hands gripped his glass and he leaned forward, green eyes locked on the liquid within. "It was offered as a simple extermination job, with half the payment as a deposit, the rest on delivery. I make it a principle to avoid jobs not created by myself, but the lien…half of it was nearly enough to have Neo and I set for life. With that kind of funding and what my instincts were telling me about Cinder and her goons, I thought there wasn't any single being on Remnant strong enough to take us all. Having Bully Boy and his tagalong was just icing on the cake."

"Heh…haha…HAHAHAA!" I couldn't help bursting out laughing, doubling over for a second before looking the crime boss in the face. "You all got your asses handed to you, didn't you?"

Torchwick scowled, but his hands didn't so much as twitch. "It was beyond comprehension. I'd have said it was a trap, if we hadn't been the ones making a trap and those Huntsmen being caught off-guard."

"Huntsmen?" I questioned for the sake of it, though I'd been there to see portions of the ensuing fight. Then I faked having something click. "Taiyang Xiao Long. Raven Branwen. And Qrow?"

Torchwick's eyes remained fixed on me, and I was aware of the rest of my team listening intently as well. Junoir was content to let me speak for the time being, but I could tell he was waiting in the wings to pull me out if I said anything revealing. Until then though… "After I got rescued, the other teams filled me in on what happened, including snippets of conversation before and during the fights at the docks. Among them was mention of Yang's mom and dad with Adam Taurus, and Qrow made it sound like he'd run into you all before."

"…Y'know, there's such a thing as being too analytical…" Torchwick took another sip of his drink, before he smirked. "Lucky for you, I happen to believe that anyone who espouses such bull is just making excuses for not being the smartest person in the room."

Reaching into his coat pocket, Torchwick withdrew a cigar and lighter while chuckling at my team's tense postures. Lighting it, he pocketed the lighter and held the cigar for a moment. "Three for three, kid. I can see Cinder wasn't kidding when she mentioned that you were one to watch out for. Guess that's why I waited till you were all here anyways. The bottom line is, Neo and I mainly do what we do for the lien, but Cinder, and more importantly her mysterious boss, seem to be doing it for the yucks at this point."

Junior didn't seem convinced in the slightest. "It's a bit late to be growing a conscience at this point, Roman."

A drag of the cigar had Torchwcik exhaling a stream of smoke. "Hei, we both know I ditched that a long time ago. No, this…this is pragmatism. Specifically, the pragmatism of a guy who's got more than a few questions on that arm of Cinder's, and a few on what the endgame is supposed to look like with what Cinder's seeking."

"So, you know what Cinder and her boss are after then? In the short term, at least?" I already knew, but it was incredibly useful to know whether Cinder had disclosed the secret of the Maidens to individuals like Torchwick and Adam.

Aaaaand now I was under Torchwick's scrutiny, along with some very confused glances by the twins and Ilia. "I made Cinder agree to fill us in on what she'd pulled us into after nearly being used as a lightning rod, and suffice to say, it's something worth killing for. The good news is that Neo and I are better prepared for what exactly we're in for. The bad is that we're caught between a rock and a pointier rock. On the one hand, running our heads into the wall that's Beacon and the academies will end poorly, to say the least. On the other, with whatever Cinder's got up her sleeve, getting out with all limbs and major organs intact is a nonstarter."

"Ok, I got lost about three cryptic answers ago, but why not just take whatever thing Cinder wants and use it to keep you and Neo out of her reach?" Miltia asked. "If it took you two, Cinder and her flunkies, and Adam Taurus combined, then Cinder alone shouldn't have a chance if you take what she wants, right?"

"I always knew you were the smart one," Torchwick replied, drawing an indignant "OI!" from Melanie. "And don't think I haven't thought of that either. Even before we were told exactly what the goal was, Neo and I had plans to up and away with whatever gear or thing was on the target. The reality was…a bit more complicated than that, but still manageable. The real kicker though, is that if Neo and I can't take down Cinder and hers without the Macguffin, something tells me there's no chance of staying free of Cinder's boss. And if she's scary enough to keep Cinder in line, well…"

"So you're here to play both sides against each other so that you and Neo will be gone and free once the dust settles, with no hooks drawing you back towards either side." Junior brought a hand to his face. "It's such a 'you' idea…"

"I know, right?" Torchwick's smug grin was on full display, though it faded quickly. "Problem with the plan this time around is that instead of playing the cops and small-time thieves, it's Ozpin and whatever Remnant-wide crime boss Cinder works for. Seriously Hei, the funds Cinder's funneling towards the White Fang would put Lil Miss' projects to shame."

"Now that's something useful to send back to her," Junior noted. "So you want out, but in a way that won't have the rest of Cinder's cohorts coming after you. You do know from how you described Cinder and her boss that making a break will be nearly impossible, right?"

"That's what I've you for, old buddy, old friend!" Torchwick cajoled to a stone-faced Junior.

"I'm an information broker, Roman, not a miracle worker."

"But you are a general problem fixer, and this is most definitely a problem."

"Again, not a miracle worker."

"Hah, fine, play hard to get." Roman's humor vanished from his voice. "Then I suppose it's the usual method then?"

"Fine by me. What're you offering?"

"Information on some of the White Fang's operations. The Faunus are Cinder's hammer to her scalpel; without them, she won't have the brute force needed to keep Beacon's eyes off the prize."

"Hmm. And what're you looking for?"

"Get me an appointment with the Specter." I had the benefit of wearing shades, but the twins, Ilia and even Junior stared at Torchwick with shock visible on their expressions and refusals halfway out before the thief lifted a hand. "C'mon Hei, you promised playtime was over. Did you think you were the only one who could keep tabs on others? I've got people on the inside who tell me that they've seen the Specter on jobs for you. Now, they don't know who he is, but given the Specter's transition from Mistral to Vale, I'd hazard a guess and say that it's an operative working for Lil' Miss, and by extension, you."

I was ironically glad for my teammates overreacting by being a hair's breadth away from lashing out at Torchwick, as I could feel my own overly tense posture betraying me as Torchwick continued. "I'm offering the opportunity to help Beacon take down Cinder and co. But me feeding information is only good so long as I'm not in any danger of being caught out, 'cause then you won't know whether I'm compromised. The only way to keep Cinder's attention, and more importantly her paranoia, off Neo and I is to give her a target seemingly unaffiliated with any side at the moment."

"So you want me to offer up the Specter as a scapegoat for Cinder Fall and Adam Taurus to latch onto for their failure?" Junior nearly snarled, his expression and ridiculous height drawing comparisons to his namesake.

"Hey, if I'm risking my neck for the 'greater good', it's only fair that someone else should have the same opportunity." Roman casually shrugged, before placing an elbow on the table and leaning into a hand. "So Hei, how about it? You already know that when I say I've got info, I'm good for it."

I could tell that my team and Junior were trying desperately not to glance in my direction, but the effort wasn't needed. "Hey Torchwick. You really think that the Specter's got Cinder and Adam Taurus on edge?"

Roman's grin returned. "Oh, you don't know the half of it, kid. They're both absolutely furious about the guy. Cinder's down an arm, eye and dastardly evil plan thanks to the mystery man, and Taurus likely hasn't had a good lay since the Specter came and 'abducted his girlfriend' or what have you. Trust me, if the Specter makes an appearance, Beacon and crew won't have much of a tough time rolling right over the 'forces of evil', due to how distracted Cinder and Taurus'll be."

I glanced around at those assembled, gauging their reactions. Miltia was silently conveying a strong 'No', likely out of concern that it was a trap. Melanie was a gleeful 'Yes', if only to see how incensed I could make Cinder and Adam. Junior had an impassive expression, but I could tell from our previous conversations that either answer would have irreparable consequences moving forward. And Ilia's gaze had nothing but understanding for my choice. Despite the gravity of the situation, my shoulders relaxed. 'Eh, compared to everything else that's happened, what's one more crazy choice?'

I made a show of glancing at Junior like I was waiting to see his reaction, and shrugged my shoulders. Junior sighed and faced Torchwick. "Alright Roman, I'll reach out and schedule a meeting with you. Now, what's the info on the White Fang that even I don't have?"

Torchwick looked like the cat that'd gotten the canary. "See, your reasonableness is why you and I have gotten along so well, Hei. Well, that and your ability to whip up fantastic drinks. There's gonna be a recruitment rally for the White Fang in four days."

I started a little at how soon the date was, but Junior scoffed. "So? We knew about that already, and where it'll be at. That's hardly insider info."

Torchwick's grin somehow got wider. "True. But what most don't know is that there'll be a celebrity guest appearance; the commander for Vale's White Fang branch."

Ilia cursed. "Adam is personally showing up?" She and I shared a look, knowing exactly how that might complicate things if the variable known as Blake were thrown into the equation.

"Got it in one, dearie. But hold onto your pointy weapons, because that's not all!" Torchwick waved his cigar and arm in an exaggerated gameshow host fashion before quieting again. "Taurus is there to start the hype, so to speak. Cinder's got me trafficking some experimental arms into Vale that'll keep that adrenaline high going for future rallies."

Junior was also curious now. "How experimental?"

"Atlas military-experimental."

I groaned, having an idea of what Torchwick was bringing in. I had to be sure though. "And considering how shiny and overcompensating everything that comes out of Atlas is, I'm assuming that there's not really a place to put an army's worth of weapons in Vale city. So where's it all headed?"

"Y'know, Cinder was right. If it weren't for the fact that you seem incorruptible, I'd have scooped you up and recruited you for my own crew. You're right in guessing that the bulk of it won't be coming into the city. Too much sneaking, bribing and threatening for that. Nope, it'll be headed for a place that no civilian or Huntsmen in their right mind would head to." Torchwick's smile evaporated off his face as he grimaced. "The tomb that the Vale Council has the gall to label a 'failed expansion'."

"Mountain Glenn? Fuck, talk about leaning into bad taste." Junior brought a hand up to his face in thought. "Anything else you want to tell us?"

"Want to? Hell no. Should? Yup." Torchwick leaned in close, and this time his eyes lost the spark of amusement. "Keep watch over that assistant professor. Do not let her die, and trust me when I say that it's not worth it to try and take what she has for yourselves."

At that, Torchwick stood up to leave, reaching over the counter to grab another bottle as he turned away. "Have the Specter meet up with Neo and I in three days. We'll be waiting at that ice cream place by the rally venue; Neo'll want some sugary distraction in case things get boring."

As Torchwick disappeared out of sight, my team and Junior turned towards me. I laughed weakly and gave a thumbs up. "I think that went well."

… … …

"This is a terrible idea! You've had bad ideas before, but this one is nothing but suicidal!" Miltia was the one ranting this time, as her sister, Ilia and I were sat on chairs and couches in my apartment. "Everything about this screams that you're walking into a trap, and for what? Information that would also be suicidal to act on!"

"That's just in the short term, Miltia. And like it or not, Torchwick kind of had us the minute he walked in through the door." I sighed as Miltia paused and looked over to me in confusion. "Once he found out that the Specter was working with your mom and Junior, he could've asked nearly anything of us and we would've had to deliver. If that information gets out, Cinder, the White Fang, and most importantly, Cinder's boss, would bring the hammer down on Junior and all of you. Torchwick also knows though Cinder and Taurus don't work nearly as well when they're distracted by something, and the Specter is one hell of a distraction for them, apparently."

"Yeah, losing limbs to a person will tend to do that," Melanie snarked before her emerald eyes narrowed on me. "You didn't tell us that you had history with that group, or that you were the one responsible for nearly offing Cinder into the state that she's in now."

"Well, I had to leave before getting to examine my handiwork, on account of the fact that there were various badasses who seemed very interested in finding out who I was," I replied. "Also, I've made enemies of a lot of people while working as the Specter. This group just happens to be particularly pertinent due to their plans."

"Speaking of, you made it seem like you knew exactly what Torchwick was talking about with whatever Cinder's looking for. Do you know what it is?" Ilia looked steadily at me.

I backpedaled, trying to think of ways to dissuade my teammates from even considering that particular subject any further. "Let's just say that I do know, and that Torchwick is right in that getting a hold of it will put a target on your back that only ends in your death. Also, even if I was interested in snatching Cinder's objective away from her, claiming 'it' is impossible for me, due to lacking some very important physical requirements." Perhaps that last bit wasn't needed, but I was still slightly miffed at Ozpin for putting that restriction in place when he'd first created the Maidens.

"Fine, keep your secrets to yourself." Melanie didn't seem to be pleased, but was moving past it. "Now, what's the plan for the rally? I say team KMMI makes a big entrance and shows the Fang exactly whose turf-"

"Melanie, you and Miltia can't come to the rally." I cut her off before she could get rolling. "Actually, you two can't even be seen near the place."

"Why the hell not?!"

Ilia answered for me. "Because it's bad enough that our team was at the docks that night rescuing Kouzai. Like Torchwick said, if Cinder finds out that the Specter works for Junior, they'll insinuate that Junior is working against her and the White Fang. Even if that's true, Junior needs to pretend like it isn't, because he can't win in a war against Cinder and the White Fang. Imagine what it'll look like if Junior's wards both show up to trash a White Fang rally?"

"Like a direct act of war," Miltia answered, deflating as she plopped onto her bed disgruntledly. "This is bullshit."

"Don't let Yatsuhashi hear you cursing like a sailor now," I joked, laughing as Miltia blushed. "But yeah, it sucks, but the reality is we have to act with restrictions in place, both in terms of the law and how certain information gets out. It's because we have people to protect, while Cinder and her own don't."

"Doesn't make it any less bullshit," Melanie replied. "So what's your plan for the rally then? Letting the opportunity slide would be a waste, but you and Ilia can't go in alone. And if you tell me that your plan is to 'infiltrate' alone, I'll shove my heels so far up-"

"No, that's not my plan," I interrupted Melanie. "I'll have to bring in others to supplement our numbers."

"But who are we supposed to find that's both okay with what we're doing, and knows about you being the Specter?" Ilia questioned, which admittedly had me stumped.

'Seriously, who do I ask? Ruby, Yang and Weiss are out for obvious reasons, and so are CFVY. Jaune and Pyrrha are out too. Nora and Ren? Too far away, if they even know. Who does that leave?' My eyes widened, then screwed shut as I remembered someone that could work. 'We don't need to go that far, right? Maybe I can just call up Prim, she won't mind stepping in and using godlike powers to handle this, right?' A chime came from my scroll as I opened a message.

Not happening.

'Guess that answers that…' I sighed and cracked my neck, knowing I was about to have a long next few days. I plastered a confident smile on my face as I turned towards my teammates. "I've got an idea, though it's not exactly a great one."

I was met with blank stares as Miltia asked, "Are any of your ideas considered great?"

"Gee, thanks for the confidence, team…"

… … …

This house, had too, many, PEOPLE.

Even putting aside having to deal with Ruby's heart attack-inducing sweetness or Yang's incessant puns, the arrival of Qrow, Winter and Weiss had made things difficult. Especially the latter two, with their Atlesian high-mannered customs.

No, you don't need three spoons for one dinner. No, there was not an endless supply of food, rations or butlers. Yes, the grass was real and yes, it needed to be cut.

Even disregarding the personalities, having eight people in a cabin house made for six at most meant fresh air was needed. Stepping outside after dark, Vernal glanced up at the sky, noting the lack of stars visible within the kingdoms as opposed to in the wilds of Anima. Somehow though, it felt like she was growing used to it.

"I'm not going soft anytime soon…" Vernal murmured to herself, clenching a fist. Feeling her scroll buzz, she pulled it out and saw a certain interest of hers was calling. "Oh, this oughta be good. Yeah?"

"Good evening to you to." Kouzai's chuckles came through on the end. "How's vacation over on Patch going?"

"How do you think? Too many people, not enough space, and two Schnees attempting to class the place up. It's a wonder I haven't gone stir-crazy. I assume you've been slacking off as per usual at Beacon."

"Not quite. Recent circumstances and all." Vernal gritted her teeth as she could tell that the statement was intentionally kept ambiguous. "Anyways, I had the wonderful idea of calling in that favor I owe to you."

"Isn't that the exact opposite of how it's supposed to work? If anything, you should be glad I haven't used it yet." Vernal grinned, knowing exactly what she'd ask of the shades-wearing Mistralian.

"Well, I figure that you won't be opposed to my suggestion, considering that it's an opportunity that you wouldn't get if I didn't let happen." Vernal perked up at that, though scowled when she realized how easily she was being played.

"How would you like to come to Beacon tomorrow, fight me for a full day, and then go beat a bunch of people up with me in the same week?"

"…" Damnit, he could turn water into fucking wine, couldn't he. "Fine, we'll call it my favor from you. You better deliver on a full day of fighting me though. I'll be at Beacon early tomorrow. Don't be late."

"S-sounds good. Hooray…" The call ended and Vernal laughed heartily.

What a way to treat a girl.

… … …

"I'm back." Roman walked into the kitchen of the upscale apartment he 'owned', glancing around the room before spotting Neo digging into a tub of ice cream. Nearly the same situation he'd left her in, but for the other empty carton of ice cream on the table beside her. "Any trouble with Cinder and her lot?"

Neo shook her head, before gesturing to show the illusion she'd put up with Overactive Imagination. It shattered within seconds of its creation, and Neo gestured back to her ice cream before digging back into it.

"Yeah, I know I was cutting it close, your semblance is best handled in short bursts. This won't be a thing we have to do often though, considering how quick Junior works and how Ozpin likes to capitalize on things. They took the deal, by the way." Neo lifted an eyebrow in response, and Roman grinned. "True, they didn't have much of a choice anyways, but then again, neither do we."

Neo held up her hand, mimicking a familiar motion as Roman shook his head. "Not happening. Even assuming you and I could take Cinder and Emerald, there's still Taurus and the Fang to worry about. With both of them around, grabbing the power away from Amber Autumn's gonna be a tall order. Not to mention, even if we do manage to make it out of the fray intact and with power in tow, we don't know nearly enough about Cinder's boss and her capabilities to commit."

One hand came up in a claw, while the other waved around limply.

"Yeah, with that arm and that thing you managed to spot, definitely something to do with the Grimm. Not sure if it's to do with Merlot's old research, or something else entirely. Either way, unless we can rule out the possibility that the Grimm themselves won't be our enemy, making a break ain't happening."

Neo sulked back on the couch with the spoon still in her mouth.

"I'm sure you'll be excited to hear about our upcoming meeting with the Specter. Junior and that broody kid's team agreed to it far easier than I expected."

Neo stared up at the ceiling, thinking back to the boy with sunglasses, first at the robbery, then in the alley with Mercury.

A meeting with the Specter?

"See? Knew that'd get your blood pumping."

A/N: Thanks to the readers for waiting up on me, and hopefully I delivered. Shifts and events are on the horizon, and things are moving forward in more ways than one. Now for reviews.

Raidentensho: Even with Chronometry, something like synchronized breathing may not be too applicable for Kouzai. I'd imagine it helps with illusory semblances like Emerald and Neo's though, when imagining what others see. And a change of clothes is indeed likely in order.

Kuriboh1233: From what I've seen about Adam, his reasoning tends to be quite selective. Unless there's a confrontation with Blake that definitively proves that she left the White Fan and him by extension, something tells me that it's easier to blame others, chief among them being the Specter.

Guest: Sorry to hear that my story wasn't for you, but hopefully you find a story in the fanfiction that works.

R26: Yeah, no one's every described Adam Taurus as a genius analyzer, but we'll see how that hashes out. As for pairings, I'll admit to being slow to set things up in some respects, but hopefully later chapters become clearer with regard to pairings.

ObviousHUN: When the individual in question is one of the strongest huntresses of her generation, and then add Maiden powers, calling them out tends to be quite the lethal option. Luckily, Raven, though ruthless, isn't stupid.

Trsmuted: Thanks for the reviews. In terms of the way the story started, I can honestly say that I would've been happy diving into any one of the three stories, and getting to flesh out those characters featured and involved. I don't regret the option that was chosen, and I think it's turned out to be a pretty good story thus far. Hopefully you give the story moving forward a chance.

-SE

Next Chapter Date: 06/08/20