Chapter Twenty

Ashe found herself witnessing a very…peculiar scene.

Slowly nibbling on the last remaining bits of her sandwich, Ashe could only blink. After they left Beacon, Miyako took her to a small hole in the wall café for something to eat. It was a simple sandwich shop. They both ate in silence, because there wasn't much to say. Professor Peach already informed Miyako of all the sensitive and vital information needed.

Miyako seemed perfectly content with the silence.

Leaving the café with sandwich in hand, Miyako asked about their destination. That was when Ashe told her about Junior's club. Her brow arched when Miyako sighed and rubbed a hand through her hair, mumbling to herself in exasperation. Ashe should have taken that as a clue before they reached the club.

That's when she found herself watching a strange scene play out.

"Boss!" Ashe blinked slowly. Both Reno and Rude stood to the side, bowing toward Miyako. Elena was on the other side, bowing as well. "It's so good to see you again! Our apologies for being unprepared, but we were not expecting you."

Miyako sighed and ruffled her own hair. "I'm not your boss anymore. I haven't been for years. Stop it."

Elena stood at attention, "Irrelevant. You were our Captain during our time at Beacon, and you looked out for us. Always coming to our aid and treating us like family. You will always be our Boss."

Reno and Rude followed suite, "You are our Boss!"

Ashe munched away on the last bite, finishing her sandwich. It would have been nice to have subordinates like that. From her hazy memory, she remembers her squad mates being rebellious.

Reno was the one to ask the big question, "What brings you here, Boss? Didn't you open a café store and retire? That's what you told us at your wedding."

Miyako waved him off, "I'm just here as a chaperone. She decided to come here, and I assume it is to see Baby Face. Is he around?"

Elena peered around curiously, "Who's the poor soul that got stuck with you?"

"…Hey now…"

"Mm." They all turned at her sound, giving them a single wave. "Hi." Ashe's eyes narrowed when they tensed at the sight of her.

Rude stepped forward threatening, but Reno intercepted him. "Fairy! Surprise to see you here so soon. I heard about your night on the town. Doin' alright?" He nodded toward her arm.

Ashe merely shrugged, "I've had worse."

"That's the spirit!"

Elena turned back to Miyako, "Junior is currently in a meeting, but he is available. I'll notify him of your arrival."

Miyako waves her off, "Don't bother, he'll see us now." Breaking away from the group, Reno calls out to her momentarily to talk privately.

"Fairy." Turning back to Elena, Ashe finds her staring neutrally and calculating. "Keep your eyes open on your surroundings." Stepping back, the blond lets her through.

Warning or threat?

Ashe stared momentarily but decides to take it in stride. She will just have to be on guard. Elena was always strictly business. Miyako finished her own conversation and followed Ashe into the club, but an iron grip forces Ashe to stop after the first door.

"We need to talk."

Turning toward Miyako, Ashe finds a serious and hard stare in her direction. She looked tense, like a coiled spring. "What is it?"

Leaning down, her hot breath tickles against Ashe's ear. Lowering her breath to barely a whisper that only she can hear. "This place is surrounded."

Ashe's muscles tensed when her eyes condensed into small dots. Surrounded? Why would Junior's club be surrounded? They are mostly just an information hub and keep to themselves. Hardly stepping on anyone's toes. "Who?"

"Unconfirmed, but people are disappearing like crazy when they leave." Miyako's fingers tighten and squeeze onto Ashe's shoulder. "Listen, we go in, get your information, and run. I'm not taking any chances."

"Bu—"

Ashe whimpered at the harsh clench. "Do as I say. This is not for debate. You are handicapped, I am a retired huntress who hasn't fought or trained in years. Do you understand?"

"Mm." For someone who hasn't fought or trained in years, she's freakishly strong. Finally, those iron fingers relent from her aching shoulder. Thankfully those pain killers Professor Peach gave her earlier helped dull the pain.

"Good, follow me, and stay close."

Ashe scowled, "Don't patronize me." If she keeps it up, Ashe will just up and leave her here.

Miyako smirks while holding the door open. Entering the club was the usual fanfare. Though there was a tense atmosphere. It went unnoticed to the clubgoers, but both Ashe and Miyako picked up on it. Weaving through the crowd, they approached Junior's office.

The twins were on guard, but one look at Miyako, and they backed away from the door. Militia was the first to speak, "It's her."

Melanie huffs haughtily with crossed arms, "Totally not worth the effort."

"Cha, Junior doesn't pay us enough." Militia turns toward her twin sister. "We should like, totally demand a pay raise."

Melanie nods along, "For sure."

Miyako barely gave them a spare glance. Ashe at least gave a nod, but she's not sure they even noticed her. With the grace of an Ursa, her chaperone barged through the closed door.

The occupants startled into a fright. "What the hell?! I'm in a meeting here! Who the hell-?" Roared out Junior. Though he quickly backpedaled when Miyako glowered. "Oh god, it's you. Please, don't destroy this building. I can't afford another one."

Before Miyako could respond, Junior's guest gazed over his shoulder. A lone green eye lazily looking her over with an all to familiar bowler hat. "Who's the toots?"

A sudden gust bellows from Miyako's side. Only the sound of a sharp chime signals Ashe's attack. Dashing along the ground and dagger poised to strike. Like hell Ashe is going to let an opportunity like this pass her by. Better to be on the offensive. Instead of on the back foot. There was no one within the room that anticipated her assault.

The air beside Roman suddenly warped. Reality suddenly shattered. A parasol that she's grown familiar with intercepted her blade with a scowl. The petite figure of Neo locked her dagger into position with ease. Heterochromia eyes gave her an aggressive stare. With a frown, Ashe retreated and gave Neo a quick glance.

Did she appear out of nowhere? Just how does her semblance work? Ashe has been trying to piece it together, but it only gives her a headache. That's when she noticed something off about Neo.

She heavily favored one leg.

Neo followed her gaze, tightening up her stance for a second assault. But a hand roughly caught Ashe's shoulder before she could attack once more. "Cool it. If you want to kill each other, do it somewhere else. We came here for a reason." Miyako held her in place with a tight grip.

Junior stood from his desk in annoyance. "I suggest you listen Fairy. This is not the time or place to settle any personal beef you have."

Torchwick takes a long drag from his cigar. "My, my, it is so good to see you Fairy. I'd ask how you are, but you seem to be quite upset with me. What ever have I done to you?" Peering over toward Neo, she slowly eases her stance. "I know we've had our squabble, but let's put that on hold, shall we?"

With a restrained breath, Ashe slowly pushes back her aggressive emotions. Holstering her dagger, her good hand stays near the hilt for a quick draw. "Fine. What's going on here, Junior?"

"You're asking me that?" Junior slams into his chair, "I should be asking you! What the hell happened Fairy? Shit went so far south, that the law is crawling up my ass. They aren't the only ones either. Now we have some new blood taking people out indiscriminately."

That was news for Ashe. For a new group to start meddling into other syndicates, that's bold. Peering over her shoulder, Miyako relents her hold. "Who?"

"No idea, but boy, they are not shy." Neo approached Torchwick with a slight limp, leveling Ashe with a hard stare. Watching over Roman like a gargoyle when he spoke to Ashe. "I don't know who they are, but I know what they want."

That had everyone in the room interested, even Miyako who's retired and been out of the loop for a while. Junior leaned forward onto his desk, "What do they want?"

With a chuckle, Roman leans into his chair with his cigar held between two fingers. A glint flickers in his green eye before pointing his cigar toward Ashe. "You."

All eyes turned toward Ashe, instinctively, she tightened her guard. Her? Why the hell is a group looking for her? Yes, she's done plenty of shady and illegal activities lately. But nothing to make a syndicate or group out for her blood. "How do you know?"

Roman studied her intently with another drag. Wagging his finger toward her in the negative, Neo smirks conspiratorially with Roman. "Now, now, that would be telling. However, do a little errand for me, and I might just tell you."

Ashe growled in frustration, "I'm not your errand girl, Torchwick." Why can't anyone just tell her what she wants to know?

The mobster scoffed, "Of course not. You're not cute enough. Neo on the other hand, is the most precious and cute errand girl anyone could ever ask for." Said girl posed cutely while batting her eyes. "You know as well as I, that information is gold."

She couldn't help but grit her teeth in response. Of course, she knows that, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. It doesn't help that she can feel her fever starting to flare up again. "What do you want?" Miyako glanced at her with a frown.

"There we go! Just want I wanted to hear." Clapping his hands, he stands to his feet and paces in front of Junior's desk. "It's a small job, nothing difficult in the least. You may not even have to fight at all. I told you before. You have a knack of finding information that you shouldn't, and I want to use that."

Miyako wanted to protest, but she couldn't. This isn't her world any longer, and she is just a chaperone. Peach told her the situation and what business Ashe is trifling with. If Peach and Ozpin are already aware, then there's nothing else for her to meddle in. "What do you want her to do?"

Roman stopped and stared at Miyako for a moment before looking toward Ashe, "Who's the beauty?" Neo pouted and smacked Roman on the arm. "Ow."

Miyako attempted to speak out her name, but Ashe quickly pressed down on her toes. Interrupting and speaking first, "Choco, an acquaintance of mine." A brow perked toward Ashe in amusement from the newly dubbed Choco.

"Fascinating, truly. Do me a favor, Choco, and keep out. This is between Fairy and I." If looks could kill, everyone would probably be foaming at their mouths.

Junior quickly stood and placated the situation, "Calm down and don't do anything rash. Torchwick, I'll give you a warning. Don't instigate her. I don't need her leveling another club."

Roman rolls his shoulders, "Fine, whatever. What is it with women in my life lately? Nothing but a pain in my ass." He quickly turns toward Neo, "Except for you, of course. Always a pleasure." Said girl beamed toward him. "Where was I…Oh yes, an easy job. Just some infiltration and dirt digging."

Ashe perked a brow, "Infiltration? Why do you need my help? You already have someone for that."

"Well…She's not exactly at full capacity." Neo pouted and twirled her parasol. "Neo could use some vacation time to recuperate." Said girl nods enthusiastically.

"I'm not exactly at full capacity either."

Roman looked her over before shrugging, "Yea, but I don't really care about you that much." Neo gave a smug expression.

With a scowl, Ashe's fingers flexed into a clawed hand. "Feelings mutual. Fine. Send the details to Junior, and I'll consider it. Nothing more."

"Very well, but I look forward to a favorable outcome." Both Roman and Neo paced toward the door. The latter with a slight limp in her walk. "After all, I have what you want. With that, this meeting as adjourned. Fairy, Choco, and Baby Face," Junior scowled, "I bid you all, Adieu." Roman and Neo make their exit with a soft click of the door.

Only Ashe, Junior, and Miyako remained in the office. Junior relaxed into his office chair with a sigh, "Where do I even begin…Do you have any idea what's going on around here? Ever since you botched that job?"

She wanted to flinch and wilt, but that would be sheer folly. Weakness is not allowed. Otherwise, people will smell blood in the water. "I completed the objective. The leader was killed and made an example of."

"Damn it, Fairy! That's not the point!" Junior slammed a fist onto his desk in rage. "People that had no ties to our world were killed. Butchered, and a cop was among them. What the hell happened, Fairy?!"

One good hand tightened into a fist, "It wasn't me. I had nothing to do with that." She still needs to find out who did it. A conversation with Fairy is overdue about that night. The details need to be cleared out, but it is still a haze.

"I'm not stupid!" Junior ran his hand through his growing hair. At least it wasn't a buzzcut anymore. "I know it wasn't you. I've worked with you for a long time, and not once have you ever hurt an innocent." Ashe gazed over toward Junior and used all her will to keep a neutral expression. "But now we are being trenched in. The law and some unknown assholes have us surrounded. I need to know what I'm dealing with here. I'm supposed to be neutral ground damn it!"

Miyako paced around Ashe toward Junior's desk. "What's going on Junior? Fill us in on the details. Reno only told me the bare bones."

With a scoff, Junior poured himself a glass of whiskey before chugging it in one go. "What are you doing here? You retired a long time ago, and I heard you eloped recently."

Snatching the whiskey from his desk, he snorts at her perked brow. "I'm just being a good role model and chaperone. Trust me, I never wanted to come back here either." Tossing back her head, Miyako chugs straight from the whiskey bottle before slamming it down. "I'll ask again. What's going on?" That burned her throat, it's been a while.

"Show off." Junior chuckles and motions for them to take a seat if they wished. Neither of them took the gesture and remained standing. "Suit yourselves, but I'll make it brief. Recently, someone's been poking their nose where it doesn't belong into everyone's business. Strange thing is, it's not about the business. We had word they were just searching for someone." Reaching into his desk, he pulls out two photos and tosses them onto his desk. "That was the lead I had for you. Take a look."

And look they did. One photo was a normal mug shot of a male. Mid-twenties by the looks of it. He looked familiar to Ashe. If she recalls, he gave her a few jobs back in the day. All small-time jobs and just stealing an item or two. It was an older photo too.

The other was recent, and he was face down in a back alley, a pool of blood around his head. Ashe's teeth clenched in frustration. He's dead, the lead that Junior had for her is cold.

She was too late.

"I know that look. I feel it too, because we were looking for him as well." Junior pours himself another drink. "Apparently, he had a run in with our new strangers, but managed to get away. He went into hiding, but they found him first. Whoever the hell it is. Neighbors mentioned that he kept mumbling something along the lines of, 'I don't know where she is'. Over and over like a mantra. At least now, I know who she is. If he was honest."

Roman Torchwick.

Biting her inner cheek, Ashe ponders her situation. She is stuck at a crossroads of sorts. Either she can decline Torchwick's offer and start over. Hoping that a new clue will eventually come around, but could she afford to play the waiting game? Whoever it is…They are not remaining idle or in the shadows any longer. Unless she leaves city, they are closing in around her.

Her luck will eventually run out.

On the other hand, she can accept his proposition. Even if it's just a little clue, it is all she has. Can she truly afford to let this chance slip through her fingers? There's no doubt that he has some ulterior motive. They don't just try to kill each other and then ask for her assistance. It doesn't work like that. She will need to be on guard for any kind of betrayal. The only issue though…

Ashe can feel Miyako's gaze on the back of her head, but she remains steadfast. "I still have time. Send word to me when you get a response."

Junior rocks back in disbelief, "How the hell do I do that? No one knows how to get a hold of you, Fairy."

She shrugs and turns on her heel, "Figure it out. I'll be in touch." Miyako quietly stalks behind her. Keeping a straight poker face and not giving away her thoughts. By the time they made it out the front door, the weather grew a bit colder. It took only a second to notice something was wrong.

There was no one else out here. They were alone.

"What's the fastest way back from here?" Miyako scanned their surroundings.

Ashe clicked her tongue, "I left my motorcycle at the Academy. The public bullheads in this area will be closed. Especially with the law tightening down." Her bell softly chimes into the night, "Either hijack a vehicle, or we go by foot into downtown. They have bullhead taxis all day and night."

Miyako sighed and ruffled a hand through her hair, she could go for another drink. It's been a while since she's had whiskey straight from the bottle. Better to keep it a secret from Peach, she would flip her shit. "Lead the way and be on alert."

"Mm." For such a busy part of the slums, it was deathly calm. Not a soul joined them along the sidewalks. Ashe frowned heavily in thought. Even at this time of night, there should be a few people out and about. Messengers and smugglers. The fact there wasn't any, really shows the pressure being applied.

Shifting her sights, the streetlamps hum in electricity. Occasionally flickering with a soft zap. Not even the moths could escape the light's entrapments. Every so often, her boot would step on a scrap paper. Crackling out into the empty streets. Just passing a few blocks worked them up.

The hair on the back of Ashe's neck stood on end. Something doesn't feel right.

"Do you…sense that as well?" Peered Miyako, walking beside Ashe and keeping a vigilant sight.

Well, that makes this less complicated. If Miyako feels something, then her instincts are correct. Her fever is growing worse. The painkillers are wearing off, making her arm itch and burn with a sharp pain. For now, it's a dull throb, but its only growing. "Mm." Whispered Ashe, "Best to assume we are being followed."

"What do you suggest? I believe this is more your area of expertise. I prefer head on collisions."

Ashe's nose twitched in thought. "Two options. One, we do nothing. They may be assessing us and determining if we are their target. Luckily, they will go away. Just beware of an ambush."

"Second option?"

She shrugged at the question, "Run like hell. Throw all caution to the wind, and they will undoubtedly give chase. Regardless if we are their target or not. Things will probably get loud and destructive."

Miyako hummed quietly, "Well, that makes it easier."

"Mm." Ashe nodded, instinctively reaching for her burned arm. "Do you know the main bullhead hub in downtown?"

"Obviously."

Taking a deep breath, her instincts flare and become erratic. "Meet me there." Before Miyako could respond, a shadow descends from above. They leapt away before the ground shattered, pelting them in heavy debris. A hooded figure lands between them, wielding a heavy Manriki.

Miyako only had a split second of eye contact with Ashe. She frowned and gave a reluctant nod. The die has been cast, there's only one path to take. Shouldering it upon herself, Miyako rushed their mysterious assailant. Reaching down to the silver object upon her belt, before flicking it out into a bright and metal bat.

With a downward swing, the culprit was forced into a retreat. A small shadow slithered passed her body. The soft chime of a bell flanked with a dagger in hand.

A sharp ping sung through the night. Ashe parried an attack on Miyako's blind spot. A thin blade recoils back into the shadows, resembling something more of a serpent. "Get to downtown. Too much law enforcement and huntsman for them to do anything." With their last words spoken, Ashe and Miyako split into opposite directions. Ashe took to the alleys, while Miyako bound to the rooftops.

Running across the roofs made her reminisce about the good ol days. She remembered spending most of her youth creating a ruckus with her team members and getting into all sorts of mischief. She lost count of the property damage that people tried to collect. Leaning back suddenly, a glint of silver pierces through the night where her head once was.

Even all the murderous intent was familiar.

Shifting her gaze over, Miyako finds her assailant slithering along the edge. Covered in black clothing and a white face mask. She couldn't determine the hair because of the hood. But she could see that long weapon wrapped around their stomach. Like someone wrapped a long sword around themselves.

Striding over a small alley, Miyako twirled and flared out her weapon. Parrying a fluid strike against her back. At least she knows what kind of weapon it is now. The little game of cat and mouse continued for a while. Her stalker was persistent, she will give them that. Their weapon continued its song through the hallowed night. Rolling away, the weapon easily slices into the cement in a shower of sparks. Miyako's brow furrows. 'Starting to piss me off.'

What did Peach get her involved in?

Her boots skid along the roof into a reverse, her metal bat sparking against the hard surface. She's always hated running anyway. That's why she got into so much trouble. So, when the figure landed upon the building, Miyako rushed them down. While she did catch them off guard, they just simply stepped off and dropped into the night. At least she took out some aggressive on the railing, cratering the marble.

'Slithery bastard.' With a click of her tongue, she continued her retreat over the buildings. At least Miyako gave herself a moment of peace. Even if it didn't last long.

Silver glints at the edge of her eye. Raising her metal bat, Miyako easily saw the trajectory and moved to parry it.

Nothing made contact with her bat. A sharp pain suddenly erupts from her shoulder from a stab wound. Looking down, the weapon unnaturally wrapped around her bat and avoided it. Leaping away with a grunt, her aura took a big hit. While it didn't puncture, it hurt like hell.

Miyako looked at her shoulder with a frown. She blocked the trajectory. That movement was unnatural and impossible. There's a limit to how much control you can have on such a weapon. 'Must be a semblance.' That movement was a physical impossibility.

Rolling the pain away from her shoulder, the figure stalked along the edge. Emitting a smug and arrogant aura. "Heh, I thought you were a huntress. Didn't expect you to be so weak. Expected from a human."

Miyako scowled at the statement. She can feel her anger slipping away from her control. He thinks she's weak. Just because she's retired and hasn't worked out lately. That makes her weak? What a load of bullshit. Who's this asshat to determine such a thing? Because if there is one thing that she absolutely loathes…

Slowly letting out a deep breath, her hand raises and glides through her brown hair. Brushing all of one side behind her head, her slanted eyes becoming more prominent. Miyako took an aggressive stance with a fierce gaze, "Ha? What did you say, ya bastard?"

Is being called weak.

The white mask tilted to the side, "I said you are weak." He said it again.

His world went sailing into a blur. The pain didn't even register till he slammed into the side of a building. The mask splintered and cracked, a piece crumbling to the ground below. Revealing tan skin with some scales.

"Oy, oy. I held back on that one. Get your ass up." Looking up with a shake of his head, Miyako was at the edge of the building and looking down into the alley. Vigorously pulling off her tie with a single jerk. "Who the fuck do you think you are? Weak? Me?!" The collar around her dress shirt unbuttons with eyes reflecting a furious glint. "To hell with the plan. I'm kicking your ass, bitch."

Leaping off the building with her bat raised, the masked individual rolled away. He was easily able to avoid the one-dimensional attack. A smirk was hidden under his mask. Slamming her metal bat where he once was, fear struck into the hooded man. Where it would once leave a small hole from her strength, it left something more.

Upon impact, a massive crater imploded. Shattering the walls of all adjacent buildings into a massive quake. A cloud of debris rushed into a cloud of fog. The masked person coughed and retreated further away, waving away the smoke. 'Holy shit.'

Within the fog, a silhouette emerged with a small orange glow. The metal bat resting upon Miyako's shoulder and a cigarette hanging from her lips. "I hope you can dodge better than that. Because I'm going to beat that ass till you learn some respect."

He wipes away at his mask, where his mouth would be, "Heh, lucky shot. You just caught me by surprise is all." Quick as a blur, his arm whips out in a thrust. His blade singing through the air in a whistle.

Rushing low to the ground, Miyako avoided the tip before spinning. The blade quickly turned at a right angle toward her neck. Her eyes narrow when she successfully parries it away with her bat. Yet the weapon unnaturally circled for another round.

The process continued repeatedly. It would stab toward her before unnaturally recoiling for a second and sometimes third attack.

She was beginning to figure it out. Only the tip of the blade would alter its trajectory. The rest of the blade only followed the linear path. Thankfully, there was no need to keep an eye on the whole thing. Otherwise, that would give her a massive headache. But she was starting to get tired of this game.

Once more, she moves to parry, but it zigzags into a random pattern. Following the tip with her eyes, the back of her head tingles. The sound of a flickering fabric whispers to her ears. Spinning on her toes, her assailant got the drop on her. With a dagger in his second hand, he stabbed toward her heart.

Miyako wildly lashed out with her bat. The size giving her an advantage from his assault. He more than readily blocked into a harmless descent. A flicker of aura trails along his weapon. Motioning her body to the side, the fluid sword slices into her side. Clenching her teeth into a grunt, she fights through the pain. 'Enough!' Miyako grabbed onto the blade, feeling it slice into her palm in a harsh tug. Jerking her assailant forward, her eyes glint in madness with a shit eating grin.

She could feel the panic in his body oozing out. Yet, he instinctively kept a firm grip on the handle of his long weapon. Assuming a batter's stance, she tightens her grip. "Die! Asshole!" Compacting all his aura to the side of his head, her metal bat rings upon contact. At first, it felt like a normal hit. Not even half a second later, his world exploded.

The sound of aura shattering into pieces broke through the night. His body turned into a ragdoll. Shattering through multiple buildings and even causing a building or two to collapse.

Taking a long drag of her cigarette, Miyako releases a cloud of smoke. "God, that felt good! I haven't cut loose like that in so long." Throwing down the butt of the cigarette, she stomps it out. "Peach is going to lecture my ear off though." Though it's not like she doesn't enjoy it. Usually, it leads to something kinky afterwards.

Slowly working her way through the destruction, her bat drags along behind her. The sound resembling something from a horror movie with an occasional spark upon the ground. She loves her semblance so much. The ability to multiply the force of impact on anything she holds or hits. It really makes her day. "Oy, Jackass. You still alive on me? Groan if you are, so I can kill you again. You haven't suffered enough for calling me weak." She really should learn to reign in her anger.

Rocks and bricks crumble and settle upon the ground. With a crunch of ruins between her feet, she finds her target. Face down and unmoving within a destroyed wall. "Found you." Moving to take him in for questioning later, she catches sight of a destroyed glass bottle. Reflecting behind her is another hooded figure dropping from the ceiling.

Swirling and throwing out a kick, the second individual constricts its body and lashes out with a clawed hand. A gauntlet adored their hands with deadly looking blue claws. Using both hands to hold her bat defensively, the figure kicks itself off and toward the unconscious individual.

Miyako groaned, "Another one? Here to get your ass kicked too?" The second figure was silent and was hunched on all fours, like a prowling feline. Smaller and curvier than the other. This one also had a white face mask. Protectively shielding it's partner. "Silent type huh? Boring. Get out of my way, before I beat your ass too."

"Ferocious. That's good. How will you fair against a true predator."

That was one rough and deep sounding voice. Kind of sounded like something was wrong with their voice. Miyako tapped her bat upon her shoulder while tilting her head to look over it. A behemoth of a man approached her from the shadows in a casual stride. "Seriously? You all keep coming out like a pack of rats. Who's the new jackass?"

He was dressed in a similar fashion. Except he had no hood. Crimson hair flowed wildly down to his chest and back. But most of all, were the two skyward horns upon his head. "Rats? You will wish I was that old fool. Answer my question, and your death will be swift. Where's the one you call, 'Fairy'?"

He's talking about Ashe, isn't he? That's what they called her back in Junior's office. Like hell she's going to oust her out like that. "Fuck off. I don't even know who that is." It's been so long since she's been able to let her personality loose. How has she not done this before? The two stragglers already long gone. The first no doubt rescued by the second.

"Then die." Without another word or signal, the mountain of a man stampeded with arms outstretched. Each step made the ground quake in his rush. He didn't appear to be a speed-based fighter.

With a sadistic grin, Miyako dashed forward with her bat poised to strike. Both combatants slam forward on their dominate legs and swing forward. A powerful and clawed hand lashes out. Miyako wildly swings out for a collision course.

When the powerhouses collide, a sudden shockwave of power shatters the surrounding environment. Imploding their surroundings in a sphere of force. Sliding back in the rubble, both fighters grin and charge for another exchange.

The buildings and alley are demolished within seconds. Neither one was willing to back down or take a step in-retreat. Though she couldn't see his facial expressions, it must be something like hers. A wild grin upon her lips. Just how long has it been since the rush of battle raged through her veins?

Meeting for another test of might, he catches her bat into his massive palm. The ground underneath cratering his massive frame. "Strong. Power demands respect." The horns on his head slowly begin to glow a red from the base. With each crossing blow, it slowly grew.

Miyako had to look up toward him. He had the height advantage by a mile. Even if she was smaller, that doesn't mean she would back down or give a quarter. "Heh, not so bad yourself. Never met someone that could slug it out with me before." Which was true. Once they know or see her semblance, no one ever wants to get close.

She buckled under his weight when he pressed forward. "Let the hunt begin." Shoving down with his strength, he forces Miyako to parry his hand to the side. With a grunt, she's forced to step back. Those deadly horns being used as a weapon. Raking toward her face with the intent to impale. A rising claw upheaved the earth from beneath.

At the least, Miyako held the advantage in speed. He may been physically stronger, but she's quicker. At least she hopes so. Perhaps doing some light training would be in her best interest in this point forward. Thrusting out her forearm, she activates her semblance to break his rhythm with a powerful block.

Lashing out with her silver bat in her right, her aggressor takes the bait and catches the weapon into his palm with ease. Stomping forward with a tight fist, she slams it into his side. Even with the use of her semblance, he barely budged. Miyako scowled, if one hit doesn't work…

The cement crackles and shatters beneath her power. With a battle shout, she rains heavy blows into his side. Unrelenting and mercilessly. Each hit emitted a bang of spherical power. Her punches had the power to demolish moving big rigs and tractors.

He stood defiantly and bored. The red glow at the base of his horns grew even further with each hit. Nearly three-fourths complete. But he's had enough. "My turn."

Miyako suddenly feels him grabbing her head with both hands. Disbelief at how easily he shrugged off her relentless assault. But she didn't have long to dwell on it. The stars in the night sky were suddenly much closer and swirling around her eyes.

A massive force slammed into her forehead, courtesy of a white mask. Gritting her teeth with a tightening grip, Miyako holds her ground.

He didn't relent.

Once more he headbutts her without mercy. Shoving her feet into the ground with a crunch. She didn't want to admit it, but they hurt like hell. Miyako forced her teeth to grind. Not letting a sound of pain escape from her throat. Static was soon replacing her vision. It was then that she realized something.

She can move her right arm again.

Shouting out in rage, Miyako blindly whips out furiously. A loud crunch rewarding her efforts. He released her head, allowing her a chance to escape and retreat. The world was spinning around her, and it was difficult to keep her left eye open, but it held. There was red upon his once white mask.

Wiping the back of her hand across the lips, it comes back in bright red. She could feel the liquid dripping down the side of her face and around her brow. When she spat, it was solid red. Her left thumps onto her chest. Letting the pain soar across her body. Repeatedly, she drums her chest. Psyching herself up. "I'm going to shove my bat so far up your ass, whoever pulls it out will be crowned King Arthur."

Miyako's pissed. This was supposed to be a simple escort. From destination A, to B, and back. What else could go wrong?

"Vulgar and rude. Just like that cook." Lowering down his hand, he pats onto his knee. Slightly favoring the opposite to ease the burden. She struck right on his kneecap. That must have hurt at least, right? The red glow upon his horns were nearly at the tips. "Disappointing. Weak and feeble. Only human. I shall do the world a favor and rid the world of trash."

Rage exploded around Miyako. Chocolate colored aura storming around her bloodied figure. Her voice was the opposite of her aura. Calm and collected with a gaze that cut steel. "I'm going to murder you." He scoffed in amusement, brushing off his pants once more. Nothing more was said, the two rushed each other. Intent on taking the other's life.

A wall of wind slams into their bodies. The sky above abruptly floods into an orange and red glow. Their charge was interrupted by a deafening boom. Close enough to nearly rupture their ear drums. The buildings crumbled into ruins around them. Shielding their bodies from the worst of it.

Miyako slams her bat into the ground, using it as an anchor. 'What the fuck?!' The heat alone was shearing away at her skin and clothing. The blast couldn't be too far away, or it was just that massive.

The worst of the blast gone, the two stagger and glare at one another. No question was needed to be ask. Neither one of them had anything to do with it. It was then they took to the high ground.

It wasn't difficult to find the source. Not in the dead of night.

Not too far away, was a fireball sizzling into the night. Small explosions fueling into the monstrosity. Not something you see every day. While she doesn't know how it happened, Miyako has a small hunch who may have been involved. That brings a frown to her bloodied lip.

"There you are." Without hesitation, her adversary disappeared into the night. Leaving her alone and long forgotten.

Checking her surroundings, she finds herself truly alone. Only then does she show weakness. Collapsing onto her bat, she finds use for it as a crutch. Heavy panting bringing in the oxygen that she desperately needs. That was one hell of a slug fest. No tactics or trying to out smart one another. Brutal slugging.

She's completely out of shape. That was disgraceful. Has she really grown that weak? That was a bitter pill to swallow.

Her scroll immediately buzzes to life in activity. Looking at the contact, she answers it without hesitation. Clearing her throat before speaking, "Hey, Babe—"

"Don't 'Babe' me! What the hell just happened Miyako?! We felt that explosion all the way here at Beacon, and I can see it out my window!" Miyako had to hold her scroll away from her ear. It was still sensitive and ringing from the shockwave. Peach was pissed, and one of the few times she has ever lost her shit and yelled.

Miyako wasn't quite sure what to say at this point. "Um, about that…I don't know…"

"You don't know?!" Yea, she was fuming. Wrong thing to say apparently. "You don't know, my ass! Where are you two? Where's Ashe?"

With a grimace, Miyako quickly tried to think of the best way to break the bad news to her. Her head was spinning from the abuse it suffered earlier. Nothing she says will diminish her reaction in the least. But taking the time to think of an excuse, didn't help her either. "I swear to whatever gods are out there Miyako, if you tell me she's not there—"

"We were attacked and got split up." Better to just get it over with.

The shriek over the scroll nearly ruptured her ear drums. "MIYAKO!"

There was no point in trying to defend herself at this point. When Peach gets like this, she won't listen to reason. "I just finished with my attackers. I'll head in that direction and try to find Ashe and see if she's okay."

"Absolutely not! It's too late for that, the military, police, and fire brigade are already on their way with multiple huntsman. With your past, if you go there, I know for a fact you will be implicated for the cause." A silent pause went through the scroll. "Come back to Beacon…We'll just hope she wasn't involved."

Miyako's fingers tighten upon her scroll with a knot in her stomach. "I understand…I'll be there shortly." Hanging up the scroll, the sirens are much more prominent. At least the ringing has mostly dulled into a soft static. It leaves a sour taste in her mouth, but it's nothing that she's not used to. Leaving people behind is more common than you'd think. Huntsman are tasked with difficult decisions.

Even if you work in the gangland.

At least it wasn't too difficult to find her way back to Beacon. Bullheads quickly became active in transporting people away from the disaster zone. No one paid her wounds any mind. People assumed she was just caught in the blast, which wasn't unnecessarily false. Miyako made sure not to show any weakness. Making sure she walked with pride.

When she disembarked from the bullhead, it quickly flew away to help in the relief efforts. There at the academy entrance was something that reminded her of a mythical legend. Cerberus, the guard of the Underworld. Or more aptly called in this scenario, Peach.

Her expression was tight and furious. Her lips neutral with sharp eyes. Slowly approaching, Miyako attempts to freshen up to the best of her abilities. There wasn't any point though. It was just to ease her nerves. "Hi…Sweetie."

Stomping forward, Peach grabs her by the chin and vigorously looks her over with a critical eye. There was a bag near her feet. Pulling out her supplies, she begins to clean away at the fresh and dried blood.

Peach didn't say anything. Cleaning and disinfecting the wounds, Miyako flinched at the stings. She raised her head when Peach began to straighten up her dress shirt. The clothes were torn with a splotch of blood staining the once pristine white. Wrinkled and crumpled, so there wasn't any use in that. "It's okay. Don't worry about that."

That's when she snapped.

A sharp slap across the cheek that stung her pride more than it hurt. The expression on her lover's face was downright seething. "You had one job. Escort her. That's it. What happened?"

Her cheek had a red tint. Peach is more pissed than Miyako thought, but she can't blame her. If the roles were reversed, she'd be as equally angry. "Like I said, we were attacked and split up. I don't know what happened to Ashe."

Grabbing her by the shirt, Peach pulled. "That's it?! That's all you have to say?"

"I'm sorry." What more can she say?

The rage within her eyes was smoldering. "I am so angry with you right now. I don't even know what to do." Miyako turned her gaze away. "Yet at the same time…" A warm and soft hand caresses onto her red cheek. Slowly turning her gaze back to Peach. Finding those warm and worrisome eyes. "I am so happy that you came back. I saw that explosion and thought the worst."

All Miyako could do was apologize again and give a reassuring hug to Peach. Planting a kiss upon her forehead, the professor shudders in a long breath before pulling away. "We need to go. Ozpin will be in his office dealing with this matter. We need you to tell us what you know."

"Yea, but it isn't much." And it wasn't. She didn't learn much about their assailants in the least. Information gathering wasn't exactly her forte. She was just the wrecking ball. Quickly making their way toward Ozpin's office, a rapier suddenly stabs into the elevator before it could close.

The doors automatically open and expose Weiss in her pajamas. She was furious and the aura around her was downright freezing. "Where is she?"

It was Peach that answered for Miyako. "We don't know, but I will let you know when something comes up."

That wasn't good enough. Weiss pressed forward and into the elevator. Staring up into Miyako's face in a piercing gaze. "Where. Is. She." A rough and firm hand shoves Weiss away and out the elevator.

"I will not repeat myself again. Go back to your dorm and cool it. I'll tell you as soon as we get word." Peach left no room for argument, and Weiss nearly spat toward her with venom. Thankfully, the doors closed before she could dig herself into a trench.

Anger boiling over, Weiss slams her fist into the metal doors. She told them it was a bad idea. Yet no one listened to her. Only Miyako returned and no one told her where Ashe is. Throwing open the door to their dorm, she finds team RWBY awake and rubbing out their sleepiness.

Blake was staring out the window at the diminished fireball. Yet, a black cloud could be seen, even during the night. "Do they know what caused that explosion?"

Weiss grit her teeth. She didn't even bother to ask that. "They don't know either, but I'm sure they will find out soon." Not like they would have answered that anyways.

Yang stretched into the air with a yawn, "Man, things have been really crazy lately. I mean, there was that boat incident and now a huge explosion."

Ruby snuggled into her bed, half asleep. "Yea, and here we are, wasting away at the academy. We should be out there helping. Instead, we are stuck here."

Their door suddenly barges open with team JNPR piling in.

Nora was the first to rush toward the window, "Did you guys hear that?! That was loud enough to even wake me up." Which was a feat.

Weiss was not in the mood. She left without a word. They have no idea what is going on, and who may be involved in that incident. But she does.

Finding her way to Ashe's dorm, she barged in while leaving the door unlocked. What was she expecting? To just miraculously find her within? Life isn't such a whimsical fairy tale. Weiss knows better than that. Just like the room, it's cold and empty.

Time became a figment of her imagination. Weiss doesn't know how long she was there, but at some point, she fell asleep on Ashe's bed. The earthly scent helped lull her into a slumber.

The next day spiraled out of her control. Professor Peach swooped in, and all but kidnapped her. Taking her out into the city to be her assistant. There was no time to converse. Weiss didn't even get to question Peach, officials, or people about the incident.

Peach gave her a loose reign. Allowing her to put the first aid that she's learned to use. Assisting and helping the minor injuries and leaving the major stuff to the Professor.

At night, she would hunt down Headmaster Ozpin, yet he was always so elusive. Weiss began to suspect that he was actively avoiding her. Rather, she knew he was. That only served to piss her off further.

The days passed by in a frenzy before the incident began to slow into a crawl. Normalizing out into everyday life once more.

Weiss was at her wits end and about to rupture.

She was tired of waiting. Weiss was a ticking time bomb. The only saving grace was her deathly stare and aura keeping everyone at bay. Not even Ruby tried to talk to her lately and gave her a wide berth of space. Nora avoided Weiss when she could. She too was in a more snarky and foul mood lately.

Finishing up her bath, Weiss slipped into her pajamas and blow dried her hair for the night. Ashe's dorm was strangely quiet, and the ghastly chill gave her goosebumps. Even though Ashe hardly made a sound except for her bell, just her presence filled the room.

Setting down her brush, Weiss feels an ominous chill crawling up her spine. Turning around, the dorm is deathly calm. Finding nothing, she stays on edge. Back toward the desk, she grasps her mirror and raises it to inspect her handy work.

A hooded figure is within the reflection behind her.

Swirling around to defend herself, a cold and boney hand clamps down over her mouth before she could scream. Slamming her over the desk and into the wall roughly, Weiss squirmed and struggled to break free with all her might.

With his other hand, the hooded figure wags his finger. "Always look up. Keep quiet and we will both get what we want. Told you about me already, Ashe has, hm? Hak-hak."

Weiss clenched down on the boney wrist, but it was like iron. Without a care for dignity, she threw out her smooth and slim legs. Attempting to kick Elder away, causing the desk to rock and bang into the wall. "If you don't stop struggling, I won't tell you where she is, Schnee."

That did the trick.

Narrowing and hardening her eyes, Weiss threatens him with a murderous glare. "Here to talk, I am. Have you calmed down?" Squirming once more to get into a better position, Weiss reluctantly nods. "Good." He slowly removes his hand. "Feisty little brat just like her. Pups of a litter, hak."

Breathing in deeply to still her beating heart, Weiss never takes him out of her sight. She can remember Ashe telling her about someone ambushing her in this dorm. He didn't kill her. Which was good, but Ashe wasn't sure about his motives. That in turn made him Weiss's enemy. There's only one reason that's keeping her at bay from retaliating.

He mentioned about knowing where Ashe is. "Who are you?"

"Call me Elder, Pup." He slowly hobbled away before seeking refuge upon the bookshelf. Not even paying her much attention.

Weiss scowled with a clenched fist. "How dare you. I am not 'Pup'. I am Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. You will refer to me with the respect I rightfully deserve."

"If I cared about your last name or position, you would be dead where you stand." Elder's bones croak in age with a deep breath. "You only live because I allow it and I have use for you."

That made her flare up, "Use for me?! Why would I demean myself for some criminal sc—"

"You have a chance to save her."

Her teeth clicked shut. That grabbed her attention completely. The Professors have done nothing for her. The news and journalist have already found new stories to chase. Letting it end with a work-related accident at a fuel depot. She knows better. If no one else is going to let her in…Then she will find her own sources. "You have my attention."

"I know I do, Pup."

Weiss's eyes froze into glaciers. "Do not test my patience."

Elder chuckles to himself in glee. "You have backbone, that's good. You are going to need it. Get dressed, the walls have eyes."

"You expect me to get dressed, and follow some hooligan out to who knows where?" The arrogance of this guy. She is not that stupid to follow along fool-heartedly. "I'll need more than that."

His hood tilted in her direction curiously. "Do you have a choice?"

"You came to me. You need me. How about I flip that on you. Do you have a choice and risk my assistance?" She did not spend all time in the political arena for nothing. Weiss may not have information, but he apparently has value in her. That in itself, is leverage.

That chuckle morphed into a howl of laughter. "You, I like. Not as stupid. Will this suffice?" Reaching into his sleeve, a soft chime echoes into the room.

Weiss's eyes widen in shock. The silver object lobs through the air before being caught into her hands. Looking at the bell, it is instantly recognizable. She suspects it has immense value, because Ashe wears it all the time. Even when she sleeps. The only time she takes it off, is when she showers.

Even that's debatable.

"Where did you get this?"

Elder's finger wags, tauntingly "Ah-ah, if you want to know, then you'll have to follow me."

Clenching the bell into her fist, Weiss weighs the pros and cons within. He had her bell, so he knows where she is. At the least, where she was. Could this be a trap for her? Possibly, but then why go through this trouble? He could have killed or kidnapped her easily enough. The chance is still there, but it seems unlikely.

"Five minutes." Elder perks in her direction. "Give me five minutes to get dressed and arm myself. I'll go."

Elder leans back against the windowsill calmly, "Tick-tock."

Racing into the bathroom, Weiss throws her combat uniform back on in record time. Myrtenaster securely strapped within her cloth belt. She didn't have time for her asymmetrical side tail, so she put it into a basic ponytail. "I'm ready."

"Good." Slowly getting to his feet, his back pops into place. "Too much time has passed, we need to go."

Weiss warily approaches when Elder opens the window. "What do you mean? Where are we going?"

He looks up toward the shattered moon, partially exposing his pale and wrinkly face. "When she begins to lose control, Ashe instinctively goes to the same type of areas."

That wasn't cryptic at all. Exactly what is he talking about? When she begins to lose control of what? "Where does she go?" He isn't making much sense at all.

Beady black eyes find Weiss's light blue. Small puffs of white within the center of his own. Elder softly cackled conspiratorially to himself. "To the most Grimm infested territory in the area."

( A/N )

Hello everybody~

Sorry for the delay in this one, work really has me swamped lately. Working seven days a week at times and long hours. Bleh. This one is finally complete! Hopefully it turned out well for everyone's liking! Do let me know what you think of the story thus far in a review or pm if you'd like. I'll do my best to get the next chapter out in a quicker pace.

Darth