A/N: Hi everyone. I am truly surprised at the response I have gotten for this story. So I will like to thank ElectrialZats, DarbyKris, 475213, HittRaisa, SpearmanDione, Firealis, Artesys, SnowBranwen, MakeMeorBreakme for following and/or favoriting this story. Thank you for all those who submitted characters.

Oriole was in darkness. She could feel something hard and metallic digging into her stomach. A weight was on her back, keeping her from jostling off her perch. Her legs were dangling, her skirt was riding up to her mid thighs. She mentally groaned, how rude of whoever was carrying her. They could at least made sure that her clothing was properly situated.

She opened her eyes slowly. The light made her head pound. She groaned involuntarily. "Oh good, you're awake. You can walk," a voice, a male one, said. The sensation of falling caused her to open her eyes in shock. She reached out to catch herself. Her hands and knees crashed into the ground. The jostle hurt only slightly, her aura blocking most of the pain.

She grabbed the grass as she made two fists. "I can't walk. I'm barefooted," she pointed out. She looked up at the man who had dropped her, his ice blue eyes were cold.

"Last I checked it isn't my fault that you're barefooted," a feminine voice said, the joke was lost in the cold indifferent tone. Oriole turned to face who was speaking, pushing herself to her feet. Her head spun, making her stomach sick. The woman who spoke, smirked. Her hair was shaved closed to her head, face scarred.

"Who are you? And what do you want?" Oriole asked, trying to keep her voice from shaking as she realized that she was in the midst of a large group of men. Her eyes could catch the gleam of weapons.

"My name is Amari," the woman stated, her amber eyes pinning down the shorter girl. "As for what I want, I want you to be a good little princess and listen to what I say." Amari reached down to grab the younger's face, forcing their eyes to meet. Oriole pulled back away from the woman's manish hands. "Demetri, if you can take care of her," Amari stated, turning away from the young woman.

Oriole was pushed to the ground roughly by her head. She tried not to cringe thinking about the grime that was now in her orange locks. Her arms were pulled back and she could feel course rope wrap around her slender wrists. The rope was digging into her skin. "Do you really need to do this? I won't run," she asked the retreating form of Amari.

"It is that or a leash. Your choice," the woman stated. Oriole staggered to her feet, pulled by the rope behind her. She looked around the group. They were in a forested area, not like this information helped. Oriole never went outside Dale's walls, she barely went beyond the manor's walls. "Attention men, we need to move out. I want as much distance between us and Dale." The woman's rough voice called out to the men that gathered like vultures. "Try to keep up, Princess." Oriole shifted her weight and avoided the woman's gaze.

The men moved forward around the girl who watched as they passed. A sharp point pricked her back in between her shoulder blades. She moved forward a couple of steps, feeling the grass beneath her feet. Demetri prodded her again with whatever weapon he had. Oriole continued moving. She looked over her shoulder, back to where her home was. Or where she thought it was. Was Jay okay? Did he survive the attack? She closed her eyes almost laughing at the ridiculous thought. Of course he was fine. He was probably amassing all the hunters in the guild to get her. Everything would be fine, she just had to endure. "Move Faster," Demetri demanded. Oriole sighed, but listened putting one foot in front of each at a slow jog. The ground was rough on her feet, but at least the group was staying on the clear path.

She looked up at the green canopy. The sun was directly above though its heat was blocked by the leaves. Something rough caught her ankle. Oriole fell forward. She instinctively tried to reach out to catch herself. Her face collided into the dirt. Oriole blinked and spat out dirt. Hands grabbed her arms, pulling her roughly to her feet. She stumbled as she tried to regain her balance. Demetri's blue eye glared at her. "Thank you, I didn't think I could pick myself up," Oriole said, giving him a smile.

"Move," he commanded, his face blank and unkind. His mouth in a frown. She felt her smile falter, but she didn't let it drop. If she could stand among nobles who hated her, she could this.

Oriole shrugged her shoulders and walked. "So, Demetri. Lovely weather today," she began, almost laughing at the absurdity. He didn't say a word. "How did you like the manor? I sewed some of the tapestries."

"Quiet before I gag you," he grumbled from behind her. Oriole grinned at the reaction. She lowered her head to appear cowed. The girl grew quiet, trudging forward. The men around her moved like cattle. Her legs were getting tired and her feet bled from the rough ground.

"Hey, Demetri. I know you said not to talk, but I really need to go," Oriole said, looking over her shoulder. The man glared at her. "I don't mean home. I know that you won't release me. I just need to go go." Demetri gave her a long suffering look. "Amari," Oriole called out. "I need a short break." The woman held up her hand, making the caravan stop.

She turned around, her scarred face unpleased. "Demetri take her behind a bush or something," she ordered. The man nodded, pulling the girl's elbow roughly. She stumbled slightly. His fingers were digging into her arm. They pushed through the crowd into the underbrush.

The underbrush caught her bare legs. Small scratches lined her legs. "Go," Demetri said as he nearly threw her to the ground. Oriole caught herself.

"I sort of need my hands," she said, wiggling her numb fingers. Demetri glared at her with an almost murderous look. "Or not. I can figure it out. But you need to turn around." The man crossed his arms. "I won't run, promise," Oriole said, trying to hold one hand up. Demetri's stance stayed the same. "Pinky promise?" she asked, holding out her right pinky. The man reached into his trouser pockets, pulling out a filthy black bandana. Oriole backed away, before being tugged forward. The man pulled the bandana across the girl's face. The cloth was pulled taunt and tied behind her head. Oriole gagged. Demetri backed away, crossing his arms waiting. The girl looked away, tears building in her eyes. She did her business, trying not to think of the man watching her every move.

Finishing she looked up at the man. She tried to blink away the tears. She didn't look at him, just letting him guide her back to the group. Without a word, they pushed on. Oriole lowered her head and continued moving.

She felt eyes on her. She cringed, not wanting to look at her handler. Instead she looked up. In the thick branches, she thought she saw something green move. It was slight just a handful leaves moving opposite than the faint breeze. But it was gone, like nothing happened.

Hours passed by. She felt herself retreating into herself. The sun was already setting. Her legs were shaking. "We'll stop here for the night," Amari announced. The men scattered like ants, setting up tents off the walking path. Demetri walked past the girl toward Amari. The rough woman and harsh man spoke in whispers. The woman's amber eyes met Oriole's blue ones. She marched to Oriole. Oriole backed a step as the woman reached in front of her. "Your guard is being reassigned. Demetri said he couldn't be around you another minute. To be exact he said if he had to be around you another day, he will strangle you."

Oriole chuckled a little at that. Amari frowned," Carmine, come here." Oriole could hear footsteps coming closer. She looked at who was approaching. The young man was tall, nearly a foot taller than her. "Oriole, here, will be your responsibility until we reach our destination. Your pay will be increased." Carmine's dark brown eyes looked down, disinterested at the orange-haired girl. She attempted to wave, trying to be on the man's good side. He barely nodded, his dark red, almost black hair not moving. "Excellent," Amari stated before going to set her own tent.

Carmine looked down at the girl, expressionless. He motioned with his hand to follow which was decidedly a lot better than being poked and pulled. She noticed that he didn't have the red band that the others did, his wrist only covered in jagged gauntlets. Oriole followed him quietly. The tall athletic mercenary pointed wordlessly to a tent and a small campfire. Oriole walked and dropped herself to the ground. She looked at her torn legs and feet, propping them on a rock.

Carmine walked behind her, making her tense. She could feel his fingers working the knot that pinned her arms behind her back. The rough rope fell away. She relaxed, bringing her hands in front of her body. Her wrist were a raw red. The bandana gag was next falling into her hands. "Thank you, Carmine," she said as the man sat himself down beside her. "It was kind of you."

His dark brown eyes looked at her with disinterest. "You're my responsibility. That includes feeding you," he said bored. He handed the girl a biscuit.

"Well, I think we can be friends," Oriole stated, grabbing the bread and scooting so she was a bit closer to him. She took a bite out of her biscuit. Carmin gave her a deadpan look. She laughed. "Don't look at me like I am crazy. I need someone to talk to. And you already are better than Amari and Demetri."

"I took off your gag so you can eat. Not to bore me with your chatter," Carmine responded blandly. Oriole took a bite out of the dry biscuit. She quieted, finishing the bread as Carmine ate his own beside her. He handed her a dry bit of jerky which she took with a 'thanks'. Being abducted was no excuse for bad manners.

"So do you know where we are going?" Oriole asked.

"Yes," Carmine responded.

The girl chuckled, "Are you going to tell me?" Carmine didn't say a word, the scar across his face looked stark in the firelight. "Okay, you don't want to talk. I get it. My brother, Jay doesn't talk much at all. He makes me talk to all the dignitaries and citizens."

"Hands," Carmine said. Oriole tilted her head, confused. "I need to bind your hands before you go to sleep." The girl sighed, but put her hands behind her back. Carmine didn't move to go behind her, just holding out one hand. Oriole slowly moved her hands in front of herself. The red-haired man wrapped the bandana around her wrists. It wasn't comfortable, but better than the rope. "Go to sleep," he said in his flat tone. Oriole nodded, laying herself down. The dirt was staining her clothes, but she figured that she couldn't complain.

RWBY~RWBY~RWBY

Jay tossed and turned in his plush bed. His mind went to his missing sister. What was she doing? What were those criminals doing to her? The guards had forced him back to his room before he could storm off to the guild. Now he was stuck here, two huntsmen blocking the door. The morning light was turning the dark sky light. Jay rolled out of bed, dressing himself in a blue tunic and gray pants. He pulled his black boots on and picked up a full bag.

He looked back at the door. He steeled his nerves and picked up the rope of bedding that he made. Tying one end to the bed post, he dropped the rest of the rope out the window. He looked down at the far drop. Only Oriole would be crazy enough to climb down. He smiled slightly at the memories of sneaking around the exterior of the castle. The smile dropped when he remembered that his sister wasn't here. He grabbed the fabric and pulled himself out the window.

His feet were flat against the stone walls. He lowered himself until he was perpendicular to the wall. Jay scooted his feet down the wall. After ten minutes, he reached the green grass of the gardens. He ran through the maze of green to town. He slid through the hidden hole in the wall and out to the cobblestone streets. Jay pulled his bag higher on his shoulder.

He barely looked at the homes and businesses that lined the streets as he passed. Their boring beige stones and maroon roofs becoming just a endless backdrop. There was only one building that he needed to see. Jay walked through the streets as vendors started to put out their produce. He walked past them, not bothering to see them. "No, I said that this isn't enough," an angry voice shouted.

Jay looked toward the commotion. A short girl with messy flaxen hair covered by a white scarf, looked down at her hand full of bronze coins. Her bangs covered her chestnut eyes that were wide. He should walk past. He turned to move on, but looked back again. If that was Oriole, wouldn't he want someone to help her? He stalked to the stall. He dropped a single gold coin from his pouch before moving on. He didn't hear the girl's thanks and he didn't care do. If karma was real, Oriole's safety was enough.

The prince continued down the street, spotting the guild's red stone. He hurried his pace to an easy jog. He opened the door and entered. Huntsmen and huntresses off all sizes were standing by a wooden board. Assignments on weathered paper were pinned there.

Jay squared his shoulders, steadied his bag. He wished Oriole was here; she would just skip to the group of warriors and start talking about their weapons or armor. But if she was here, there wouldn't be a reason for him to be. The prince walked with as much confidence that his tudors had instilled in him. "Good Morning," he said, his voice a little higher than he expected.

The warriors turned to face the tall prince. "I have come to request assistance." The huntsmen and huntresses looked at each other. They didn't say a word, the silence bearing down on him.

"The king was very adamant about any huntsmen affiliated with Dale to remain here," a short man with dark eyes replied finally. "If we wish to continue operations here, we will not defy his wishes." Jay clenched his hands into fists. How dare they? How could they leave Oriole to torture and death?

"I thought huntsmen were supposed to be brave and selfless," he growled lowly. He pivoted away stomping away from the group. He passed the tables, barely noticing the girl with burgundy hair.

She held out one nutmeg-colored arm, stopping him from passing. Jay looked down at the sitting girl. She was looking up with faded red eyes. "Perhaps it would behoove you to take a moment to calm yourself. Anything done in anger will surely be regretted later," she said, her voice was a soft calm like water over a burning coal. It made the prince stop and sit himself next to her.

He took a deep breath. "As much as I want to approach this with a clear mind, time is of the essence."

The girl tilted her head, her burgundy braid swinging. "What, pray tell, requires you to storm out of here like an angry Ursa?"

Jay sighed, pushing his blue hair back away from his face. "My sister. She- Someone took her and-. I don't know what they would do with her. And my father has banned any huntsmen or huntresses from going after her." He looked at the serene girl. Her face was round and freckled.

"Just because the huntsmen and huntresses here won't aide you, doesn't mean that there are not others who would," she said, her hands clasped in front of her.

"Shiloh Vermell," the shorter man from before called.

"I wish you the best on your venture. Perhaps our paths will cross again one day," Shiloh said, getting to her black-booted feet. She brushed off her baggy gray pants and straightened her ornate poncho. She walked with a calm stillness to the cleared area where the man was standing. Another huntress sat next to Jay.

"It is almost tragic, don't you think?" she said with amusement. Jay gave her a sideways look. "Oh, sorry your highness. That girl has been here for the past couple day, trying to join." The huntress chuckled. "I am just glad that Gorden is keeping her out. Who ever heard of a blind huntress? The grimm would eat her alive."

Jay didn't bother to react to the huntress's words. He instead watched Shiloh battle what he assumed was Gorden. She was swift and good at keeping the man at a distance where his fist couldn't reach her. Her staff was used as a weapon and shield. Gorden was bested after a couple of minutes. Shiloh relaxed into a calm stance. Gorden stood up, his face clearly red and angry. He was saying something to the girl, though Jay was too far to hear it.

It didn't take a genius to understand the overall message. Shiloh blinked her red eyes, her lip quivered slightly. The emotion was gone in a moment as if it wasn't there like water settling after a thrown pebble. The girl gave him a short bow, her purple-striped poncho swaying. Shiloh walked away from the fighting arena, staff low in her hand. Jay stood up, walking over to the girl.

"Shiloh," he called out to the girl, causing her to stop. She turned to face him, directly. "I suppose our paths are crossing sooner than you expected. My name is Jay and I am in desperate need of someone with your talents. I am willing to pay you for your service and perhaps even give you a recommendation to join the guild."

The girl stopped as if to think about the offer. "It seems as though fate has other plans for me. Who am I to tell it otherwise. Our paths are joined for this venture."

A/N: So here's the list of accepted characters.

TR- ElectricalZats

IC- Obiesenpi

Carmine Vermillion- alucard deathsinger

RS- SnowBranwen

AR- Artesys

SG- onyxwhip

Shiloh Vermell- Firealis

RA- LifeisBeautiful17

HM- Hofund

Heh, you might have noticed that is a lot more than five characters. What can I say, I really didn't want to turn away any of these well made characters. So I will need a little patience as I try to give each character a spotlight and flesh them out. Anywho, I will fill out the names as more characters are introduced. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.

A couple of semi-important notes: I forgot to ask what color each color the character's aura is. You can put in a review or just a PM. The second note is about pairing. I want to clarify some things. I currently do not have set pairings. I will not set up the pairing in this story. What I will be doing is look at the reactions you have for certain pairs. So more or less you, the readers, have a say in the pairs.

Oh and if I incorrectly write your character, just politely tell me.