Now that's the feeling I'm used to.
The mats had been ragged and scratchy, similar to the way I'd camp out when I was doing anything travel related. Granted I was never sent outside of the kingdom, just around the various villages and helping them with whatever they might need.
Still though, this I hadn't missed. Yet it would seem I'd need to get used to it now. This was our newest place of operation for our time here.
"Ah, oh man. *Crack* oh that's better." Gold spoke as he cracked his joints.
Everyone looked to be having a harder time with working out the kinks this morning. Well... Gold did anyway. Magenta and Lapis looked to be mostly fine, opting to stretch a bit before throwing on their uniforms.
And by uniforms I meant slipping their boots, vests, and masks back on. From the looks of it everyone had slept in their clothes from the previous day. They didn't seem upset about it however, most likely used to being in states like this. If I had to guess I'd say they were just happy to have a solid roof over their heads instead of tents.
"Alright everyone, breakfast in five. Get yourselves up top." One of what I'd assumed were commanders called out, heading back upstairs.
I recognized him, he was the one with Adam before. The one who looked to be in charge of the other commanders.
"Sheesh, could he be any louder. Whatever, c'mon let's get some food before he starts yelling again." Gold let out as he made for the stairs, us trailing behind.
"He seems cheerful today." I said as I leaned in to Magenta.
"Yea, he's happy we actually did something. He's been waiting for a real mission since we first started training." She told as we reached the top of the stairs.
"Truly?" I asked as she gave me a nod.
"Yep, had a bone to pick for quite a while. I'd say the attack on the warehouse was cathartic for him." Magenta answered as we approached a table.
Various different foods were spread about. Meats, vegetables, even fruits and bread. All of it was on display and free for the taking.
"Here." Lapis spoke as he handed Magenta and I each what looked like a plate, as well as some eating utensils.
It was odd though, the plate was light. It felt like if I wasn't careful I could end up ripping it in half. A plate was a plate however, as long as it did it's job I would be fine with it. I just had to be careful. Same with the weird feeling fork and the like.
We had all taken our portions, each collecting just a little bit of everything. Aside from Lapis who seemed to take just a slightly larger amount than the rest of us.
With food in hand we made our way across the open area to a wall on the other side of the room. There weren't exactly any chairs set up, so we had taken our seats on the floor. Something I was also used to doing from my time camping.
"So what do you think we'll be doing?" Gold asked, slipping some fruit in his mouth.
"Most likely something calm. The last mission was tense, I'm going to guess that we'll be put on something to ease us into Vale." Lapis replied, digging about the various meats.
"True, and we were sent to help with recruitment. Maybe we'll be set up to act as security for the process." Magenta gave her view as she scarfed down some bread.
"Probably, but I'm hoping we get a more... action oriented kind you know? Something that lets us take the fight to the front lines directly. Like 'Bam!' you feel?" Gold spoke again, tapping his fork to his chin.
"Yes, but we still need time to cool down. We need time to rest if we're going to be fighting at our strongest." Magenta gave as she filled her mouth again.
"And I couldn't agree more." The voice caught us off guard.
I turned with the rest of them, able to see Adam as he stood behind us.
Gold let out some muffled noises, fork in mouth and puffed cheeks as he gave a clumsy salute.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Lapis gave as he turned back to Adam.
"Sir? Is there something you need?" Magenta asked as Adam shook his head, taking a seat with them.
"Not necessarily, I'd just thought to check up on you. After all it's your mission scheduled for later tonight. Never thought you'd all be so dedicated to be discussing it already." Adam spoke as Gold finished swallowing his food.
"So is this your way of saying it's going to be a smaller mission?" Gold asked as Adam raised his hand up, waving his index finger side to side.
"Now I never said that, did I? As much as I would like to give you a chance to rest, I've got a slightly bigger mission I need you to take care of." He said as he caught our attention.
"I'll give you the more specific details later when we get ready to send you out. The gist of it however is that you'll be going on a robbery." Adam spoke as he looked between us.
"So, stealing things?" Gold asked as he nodded.
"Dust to be more specific. With the warehouse cleared we now have a space to put it all. You'll be the ones to help bring in another haul for us."
"So we're just going to be getting more dust?" Lapis let out calmly.
"In a way, you'll still get other missions I assure you. It's just that we need this one done as soon as possible. There's talk that the shopkeeper may be moving his supply soon. We need that dust, so we can't give him the chance to get away." Adam continued.
"Just walk in and take the dust, sound easy enough." Magenta gave as he let loose a smirk.
"Yes it is, however there's a catch. You can't kill anyone." Adam told as Lapis piped in.
"Word from the others here says we've been at this a while. Vale's taken notice to us haven't they."
"Correct, however they're currently too busy with the Vytal festival to do anything about it. So long as we don't do anything that would directly force their hands, we're home free. They seem to overlook most robbery, however if we added murder to the mix they would have to come after us. Right now we need to stay on the lower end of their priority list." Adam finished as the others looked to think it over.
"I'll explain how you'll be doing it later tonight, right now you all need some time to relax. I'll leave you to it." He spoke as he stood, heading back to where I assumed he was working from.
"Huh." Gold let out, as he got a devious smile on his face.
"Well well well, looks like I was right." He stared at Magenta, to which she rolled her eyes and kept eating.
At this point Gold had looked in my direction, seeming to stare at me.
"Hey Vermillion, you never told us what you think." He said as the other two threw me a glance from the corners of their eyes.
"What is there to tell? A mission is a mission. Doesn't matter what it is, we just need to get it done." I answered as I went back to eating, Gold seeming to have a disappointed look now.
"Come on, don't be boring like these two. You've got to have a favorite mission type. Certain types of jobs that get you all excited right?" He asked as the others seemed to ignore him.
I wanted to ignore him too for the moment, but that wouldn't solve anything now would it.
"Fine, then how about the simpler missions. Ones that aren't too strenuous, the kind that are just straight forward." I said as he gave a sort of shrug.
"Suit yourself, more excitement for me." Gold let out as he stood.
"You three can be boring here, I'm gonna go look for someone to train with." He announced as he walked away with his plate.
"Should we be worried?" I asked as Magenta waved me off.
"Nah, he's just upset you're not as 'passionate' about this as he is." She told as I turned back to where he left.
Passionate, more like reckless.
.
.
"Sir, are you sure about this?"
Adam turned to Saw, giving him a nod as he held his scroll.
"Positive, wither he's loyal to Sienna or not his unique state could make him useful." He answered as Saw gave a sigh.
"I trust you Adam, you know that. But that guy, Vermillion, I just can't put my finger on it. He's... wrong, every time I look at him I get this feeling. A bad feeling, I've only ever gotten that feeling around the more dangerous types of Grimm out in the wild."
He could understand where Saw was coming from. Vermillion had this sort of dark air about him. Like a predator waiting to pounce. Yet this was precisely why Adam wanted him. He was almost certain that Sienna sent him here to spy for her, she was crafty like that.
Vermillion was an oddity, something that he had never seen before, and that was saying something. There was one thing that he was sure of however, the man was powerful. Underdeveloped sure, but with a little more work he could be a deadly ally.
Adam brought up his scroll, looking over to Saw.
"Watch the door, don't let anyone in." He ordered as Saw begrudgingly set to work.
Giving a few taps to the screen Adam had started a call to one of the contacts from his list. The scroll gave a few rings as he waited for an answer. Two rings went through before he heard the click of the call starting.
"Adam, what a pleasant, if ill timed surprise. What is the reason for finally being the one to contact me, rather than the other way around." The sultry voice came through.
"It's nothing major Cinder. I just thought you might like to know of an... interesting development that has managed to pop up." He answered.
"Ahhh, and what would be so important that you would make a call to me?" Cinder asked, her tone keeping it's harmonious, yet dangerous sway.
"We've gotten a new set of recruits, hand picked by Sienna herself. And one of them has been showing to have quite a few surprises in store."
"Surprises like?" She asked, a sprinkle of curiosity mixing through her words.
"I think it's best you see for yourself, I'm sending you a picture of the one now. Get back to me with your thoughts later, I've got dust to steal."
With that Adam cut the call, sending a picture afterwards before putting his scroll away.
Now, about that mission.
.
.
Now normally Cinder would hate to not be the one to get the last word in, but she would let it slide just this once.
The White Fang were useful to her, a lot more than she would dare give them credit for. Along with that fool Roman, the group had actually managed to secure a rather sizable stockpile of dust.
Adam was quite the brash individual, so prideful and arrogant. Of course he had yet to lose a real fight with anybody, well... anybody except her. Though thinking of it now, it wasn't really much of a fight was it?
Just kill a little over half his camp before he knows about it, and he agrees to do what she wants. She'd give him some credit, he looked over his little soldiers well enough. Always thinking of them first.
Yet there seemed to be a gnawing to him. Cinder was certain that something was eating away at him, at his sanity. If she played her cards right she could snap his mind like a twig. That would be fun.
She let out a sigh. Of course that would have to be after she was finished with him. As much as it hurt to admit, she needed his little pet shop.
And so the fun must wait. She could have her playtime afterwards.
Now she set her attention to the small notification before her. Adam had sent a photo and it was waiting to be opened. Just what had the little bull gotten his horns stuck in?
Opening up the image she was able to see what had caught his attention.
At first she was silent, just staring at the picture. Next she started to get some feeling back, a certain type of familiar feeling, the kind she had grown to hold and cherish. Seconds went by as the feeling had flown all throughout her. It was massive now, and she was able to clearly recognize as she set her scroll down to avoid crushing it.
This feeling, was rage.
A small flame creeped along her arms, her eyes gazing menacingly down at the small device. If it could feel it would be cowering before her fury. She remained silent however, holding herself to a higher standard. She would not let her emotions take hold of her, she was the one in control.
Cinder waited a moment, letting the rage sizzle out of her system, before taking hold of the scroll once again. She had several questions, but she doubted she would get to answer any of them.
The boy looked just like her, and she hated it. She could almost make a guess at what it could mean, and it frightened her. It actually frightened her. How dare it make her experience fear!
Salem had never mentioned about others like her, not once through the meetings had the topic ever shown up. However that look was unmistakable, the eyes being the key giveaway.
Best case scenario, it was just someone similar to her. Worst case scenario, they were similar on a more... familial level. And she hated it.
No matter what the reason there was one question that yearned for an answer.
Just how similar are you?
.
.
"On your right!"
I made a roll to the side, just going under the sword that had swung my way.
We had spent most of the day training inside. With the people of the city being active throughout most of the day, training on the docks would be impossible. We couldn't afford to be seen, especially me, and as such our instruction was handled indoors.
I brought my blade up, blocking a strike from one of the other Fang.
We had been split into groups, all pitted against each other. Our training involved working together to break the other members aura, while keeping our own. Last team standing would be declared the victor.
"Magenta on your four!" I called as she slid to the side, avoiding a strike.
"Thanks!" She called as she kicked the guy away and into another set of two.
We were forbidden from using our semblances, the exercise was more about a direct fight. A fight where our semblances wouldn't be able to help. Not sure how that would apply to Magenta, but she went along with it anyway.
"Ah come on guys *grunt* no need to gang up on *dodge* me." Gold let out, avoiding hit after hit.
"Looks like Gold's talked himself into being the target again." Lapis spoke as he caught a coming attack, kneeing the woman in the face and knocking her away.
"I guess." I gave as I leaped over another who charged for me, landing and driving my elbow into their back.
The Fang was knocked forward, to which Magenta delivered a swift kick to the back of their head. Their aura broke as they dropped to the ground.
"Alright! That's enough for today, you're all dismissed!" The commander called as the fighting stopped.
The two going after Gold had disappointed looks as they walked away.
Gold himself let out a slight laugh, walking towards the rest of us.
"Some fight, huh?" He gave as Lapis shook his head.
"How is it that you always make yourself a target?" Magenta spoke with a dull tone.
"I donno, maybe it's my dashing good looks." He spoke as he struck a pose.
"More like lack thereof." She returned as she faced me.
"You did well out there." She said to me as I let out a breath.
"Yes, you as well." I gave as she nodded and turned to Lapis.
"What do you think we should do now?" Magenta asked as Lapis looked to be thinking.
"You know what I think?" Gold spoke before Lapis could get anything out.
"We should go ask Adam If we can start the mission already. It's starting to get dark out, I'm certain it's a good time!"
"Then you're in luck." Gold leaped upwards, landing startled in Lapis' arms as he gave a disappointed head shake.
"Stop doing that!" He spoke as Adam had a short laugh.
"You're one of mine now, you need to be ready for anything." He gave as Gold had a look of embarrassment on his face.
Embarrassment turned to shock as Lapis dropped him to the ground, finally done with carrying him.
"What is it you need sir?" I asked as he turned to me, wearing his signature grin from before.
"Well, I was thinking it was finally time for you lot to get ready for your mission." Adam told as Gold let out a cheer.
"Yea, go time!" He cheered... from the floor.
I'll admit I let out a small chuckle as his fists were raised in the air, reaching up to Lapis' knees. Gold seemed to notice our slight giggling as he stood once more, his face sporting a light shade of red.
"I-I mean yes, mission time." He spoke in a more reserved manner.
Adam clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Don't feel too bad, you've got spirit."
"T-thank you sir." Gold squeaked, Magenta still giggling.
"Now come with me, all of you. We'll discuss the plan at my office." He spoke as we all walked along with him.
And here I go, on my way to plan a robbery. Just what has become of me?
.
.
The inside of the cave wasn't as dark as she expected.
The entrance had been dark sure, probable to keep people from wanting to explore deeper inside. But the inner caverns of the cave had been surprisingly lit up. Ruby could see many of the Faunus moving around, carrying weapons and maps and tools galore.
They looked prepared for anything, granted the fact they were in a dirty cave in the middle of nowhere. Like those creepy people who would spy on others from their windows. Only they were in a dirty hole on a cliff, and the ones they were spying on were miles away.
Still, she would give them some credit, they had the right idea wither they knew it or not. Things would escalate later on, for better or worse. However that didn't matter to her. What mattered was getting to her goal and doing what she needed to do. And if they wanted to help her with that, then who was she to stop them?
"Impressive right? This is one of the many bases of the rebellion. A small safe haven for when we go to battle." The fox Faunus told as they walked through.
"And you think that's happening soon?" Ruby asked as he nodded.
"I'm certain. Wither you know it or not, once it's been discovered someone's entered the castle without permission the guard will be in a frenzy. It's the perfect time to strike, they'll be so confused that they won't have time to form a proper defense!" He answered, excitement trying to break free.
He held himself composed however, linking his hands behind his back as they stopped before what looked to be a wooden crate.
"And what's this?" She questioned as he gave a grin.
"This my dear, is how we get you into the city." He spoke as she gave a flat look.
"Please tell me you're joking."
"The city is strict with who they let in, always checking everything. However they only check once, and in the case of merchants they take days to check. Meticulously looking through all the wares, placing them in what they call the clear room." The man spoke as she listened on.
"The clear room is considered safe and supplies are loaded back on the wagon after everything's been cleared. The plan is to simply slip you inside the box after it's been cleared."
"And how do you plan on going about that?" She asked as she gave a look of doubt.
"Oh you see, we have someone here. Her semblance allows her to cover a small area in a shroud of fog, the perfect time to sneak in don't you agree?" He finished as he looked to her.
She hated it, already the plan sounded like it would fall apart. Unfortunately she needed to get into the city, and as sad as it was, this looked like the most effective way. It was either this, or try sneaking in on her own. She let out a long, tired sigh as she turned to face him.
"Fine."
.
.
This would be... difficult? Complex? A hassle?
Ozpin didn't quite know how to describe it, all he knew was that he needed to brace himself. Pressing about the keys before him he set everything in place. Now all that was left was to prepare to deal with what was coming.
He sent the call through, patiently waiting for an answer. Not a very long wait per say, It seemed as though James was already in his office.
"Ozpin my friend, how have you been." He spoke, opting to go for a more casual greeting from the looks of it.
"Is there anyone else in the room with you."
James' look turned from one of pleasant joy to a more serious one.
"I've got specialist Schnee here with me." He answered slowly, his look hardening.
"Tell her to leave."
Ironwood looked off to the side, giving a nod. A moment later he turned back.
"We're alone now, what's the issue?" He spoke, an edge to his voice now.
"You're going to get your wish. I'm handing over security measures to you." Ozpin spoke as Ironwood held a small look of shock.
"What prompted this?" He asked warily, Ozpin shutting his eyes for a moment.
"The situation has changed, it's better if we speak about this in person." He gave as James nodded.
"Very well, I shall make preparations t-"
"No!" Ozpin shouted, halting Ironwood's words.
"Look, if you try to come any sooner then panned our enemy will know something's happening. We can't give them any clues that we know about them." He explained as his friend linked his fingers together, thinking.
"Then what are we doing? How are we handling this?" He asked as Ozpin let out a sigh.
"Look, we need to be discrete. One ship, half the crew soldiers, the other half machines. I know you want to bring your army, but they'd be no help whatsoever if what I've come to believe is correct." Ozpin explained as Ironwood listened.
"Fine. How are you getting this information?"
"Qrow's out keeping an eye as we speak." He said as James released his breath.
"One ship, at the scheduled time. I'll meet you then."
With that the call ended, and Ozpin was left alone with his thoughts. Not particularly good thoughts, but thoughts nonetheless.
Too many questions, too many uncertainties. I need some time to relax, get my head straight.
Ozpin entered the elevator, pressing the floor keys in a sort of pattern. A small ding could be heard as the lights in the elevator dulled. Another ding came from his scroll, good. All calls from the desk would be audio only and sent directly to the little device. All messages he could answer under the guise of still being in his office. The elevator would also be unable to go to his office for the time being, at least until he left.
He waited for a solid minute before the doors opened once again, revealing a dull grey hallway before him. Ozpin walked along for a bit, the lights of the hall being his only company as well as the silence creeping.
He stopped just before a capsule, a chamber housing a single occupant. A lone woman, on the brink of death's door, her empty slumber holding fast with no signs of waking.
It was strange, the feeling that seemed to engulf her. She looked so peaceful as she lay there, like the moment of rest after a long days work. Yet the wound that adorned her skin felt as though it pulsed against her, trying to break free from it's imprisonment in her body.
Such a disgusting feeling, Ozpin couldn't help but cringe as he gazed at the wound. Still they had found no way of awakening her, nor treating the wound. He didn't want to admit it, but there may have been no way of saving the poor girl.
Still he held onto some hope, making his way over to the terminal he looked over her vitals. She was stable, for now anyway. Given time it was certain she would perish. Another day with no changes, and with Salem making moves now of all times.
Ozpin gave one last glance her way as he walked back to the elevator.
He had no choice but to make moves of his own now.
.
.
Honestly he should have been happy. He had been trying to get Ozpin to hand security over to him for months now. But it had been bittersweet at best, even if he could only bring one ship.
He would have fought against that idea, but the look on the man's face had shut that down.
Ever since he was first told the truth about the world, when he was first let into the circle, Ozpin had been calm. The man had been seemingly docile when it came to things. Not once had he ever suggested they take the fight to Salem.
It had always been waiting around, building up defenses, reacting. Even with Qrow it was always just keep an eye out, be ready for her attacks. Never were they the ones to do the attacking.
As much as it shames him to think about it, he'd started to see him as a sort of coward. He still respected his friend of course, he'd just thought that the man was being too cautious. He was even going to try and appeal to the council of Vale to give security to Atlas, just because he thought Ozpin would be too lax.
That idea however was shot out of the window when he saw his face. It was a dire look, deadly serious and one he'd not ever seen once in his time with him. It was a look that screamed danger.
Whatever it was that set him off, he didn't know. But it was dangerous, very dangerous if it got Ozpin to make the first move, for the first time ever in all their years of experience.
He'd do it Ozpin's way, if he was on the attack then he'd follow along. They weren't playing around anymore it looked like. He looked to his desk, pressing some keys and sending a call to specialist Schnee.
He waited a moment as she opened the door and walked back in.
"Sir?" She asked as he motioned for her to take a seat.
"At ease specialist, we were just discussing preparations for the Vital festival." He spoke as she nodded.
"We have some good news as well, headmaster Ozpin has given permission for Atlas to handle security." He explained as she gave a nod again, a small smile at the edge of her lips.
"What shall we be doing then sir?" She asked as he brought up a list on his desk.
"What I need you to do is send word to one of our battleships in the docking bay, we're only taking one. I'm giving you permission to hand pick a team, as well as soldiers to accompany us. We're also bringing the newest model of atlesian knights, the festival would be the perfect place for their debut." He explained as she nodded.
"Is there anything else sir?" She asked as he shook his head.
"No, that is all."
She gave a salute before taking her leave, shutting the door and leaving the general alone. James stood, walking over to the window and overlooking the academy.
It was always a sight to behold. Watching as the students and staff below went about their business. It filled him with a sort of pride, knowing they were prepared for anything. All were ready to move at so much as the drop of a hat.
It was Atlas that had always prided itself in technological advancement. Always doing everything it could to find new and innovative ways to combat the many challenges that arose. No problem was to great to be handled, no issue too overwhelming.
And thanks to the CCT they were able to share their findings with the other kingdoms, a convenience overlooked by many.
He walked back, shutting down the computer in his desk and locking it. Making his way over to the door he came to a decision, one that he would do everything in his power to hold.
I will not allow anything to bring harm to the festival.
Author's note
...
Here we go again, this time we've got everyone making moves. Things are changing, all due to the fact V exists from the looks of it. Ah well, could be worse.
Nothing to say this time except get excited, things are going down... eventually.
As for guest's question, first section last chapter was indeed Ruby. I thought I made that obvious with the mention of the other kingdoms. Ruby is still in the past, something I made clear several chapters ago.
A small tip as well. I know some of you probably skip most of the information and just go to the dialogue. But most of the character thoughts and important info is in that text. So skip at your own risk.
Anyway, hope you were entertained and see you next time.