Ruby pulled her cloak tighter as she walked along, keeping her head tilted slightly down.

The sun was high in the sky, allowing shadows to cover her face as she walked among the crowds. The streets were just as busy as any other day with the common folk going about their work.

Her hearing was drowned in the flood of noise that daylight brought, all the different calls and rustle of the city. She was able to see children running about, some even carrying different tools to the workers.

Heh, the cities are always lively no matter what the time period.

Ruby did her best to ignore the commotions as she made her way through, intent on completing her mission. She passed into another street, this one lined with various stalls as she made her way.

Several of the vendors tried to get her attention, each presenting their goods to her. From jewels to cloth, she was bombarded by the many offers of the merchants. Ruby simply ignored them as she carried on, passing by the different people as they flocked about.

It was odd really, so many different wares for sale. All of the stalls were loud as they tried too call for customers, even the book salesmen. Ruby had learned how to read the local language years ago, having to blend in for her mission.

Oddly enough when she first arrived she had no trouble understanding the vocal language, yet being unable to read the written one. She ended up assuming that it was only the written language that changed over time; that, or somehow the spoken language changed for a while only to return to it's roots during her time. She gave up on trying to understand how that worked.

Coming to the end of the street she was met with the central market, an open plot of land located in the center of the city. The area was filled with even more vendors, as well as a water fountain located in the middle of the area.

If the streets were considered crowded, then the central market was drowned. She couldn't take more than a step without rubbing shoulders with at least three different strangers. Personal space may as well have been a myth.

Ruby forced her way through, most of the crowd not really caring as this was a common occurrence to them. First come first served as they say, and everybody wanted to be first.

She felt something at her side, swift and light as if a breeze flew by. Her hand shot out, appearing as if it had warped. Her grip was iron clad as she held the arm of the would-be thief, watching as he struggled to get out.

She stared down at him as he wormed about, reaching her hand up and taking the coin pouch that he tried to steal. However instead of let him go, she dragged him along through the crowds.

He looked to be a child, no older than twelve from a glance. Ruby pushed through the remaining few as she broke free into another street. Keeping her grip on the boy she passed into an alleyway and out of the light.

It was damp, the buildings providing a cool shade to act as relief from the heat. Ruby held the boy against the wall, tearing off the hood and looking over his face. Some light dirt stained his cheeks, small scratches across the nose and other patches of skin.

The skin itself appeared tight, a pale-esque tint to it as dark rings circled his eyes. The boy clearly hadn't been eating good, in fact he looked rather sickly compared to the others in the crowd.

His eyes stared up defiantly as she felt a smidge of amusement overcome her.

Kid's got guts, skills too if that little trick back there is anything to go by.

Ruby dropped the boy, watching as he squirmed to his feet. His eyes held worry, and she knew why. Underneath his dirty hair, poking just above was a set of small horns. The child was a Faunus, and he knew what happened to his kind in the city. He looked ready to bolt at the slightest touch, she would need to be careful.

Ruby slowly crouched down, gently pulling back her hood as she looked into his eyes.

"May I have your name?" She asked as his face gained a hint of suspicion.

"W-why? What's it t-to you?" He was scared, and his lack of trust was present in his words.

"I wish to know of your name so I have a way of referring to you." She asked as his face gained a hint of confusion.

"What do you m-mean?"

Ruby gave a gentle smile, hoping to at least ease his worry a bit. Her action had the opposite effect, the child looking even more frightened than before. Gently she stood, holding her hand open towards him as he looked at it.

"It's fine if we wait for later, how about I take you somewhere safe."

Tiny tears softly trailed down his face, his fear reaching it's peak. It was clear he expected the worst, but he looked to understand he wouldn't be able to get away even if he tried.

Slowly he pulled his hood back up, taking her hand and leaning close as he seemed to accept his fate. She felt a twinge of pain deep within as she heard the slight sniffling, the child trying his hardest to keep quiet as she lead him out to the streets.

They carried along, some passersby making room for them to leave through, probably believing them a mother and child. Ruby continued onto her target destination, taking it slow as to allow the child to keep pace with her.

She took to another alleyway as she looked for the sign. Her vision was quick, having spotted the marking along one of the bricks deeper in. Ruby walked up to it, reaching her hand out to move the loose stone. She dropped it to the ground as she reached her hand in, feeling something within.

Yes!

Sure enough she pulled out a small block of tied cloth, something clearly hidden within as she reached for it, taking it out and place the brick back into place. She turned to the kid, seeing that he was still there and just as frightened as before.

"I don't want to hurt you. I know this city hates your kind, but I'm different." She spoke softly, seeing the boy still giving her his gaze.

The child was quiet for a moment, looking to the object in her hands before speaking.

"Why should I believe you. Everybody else is evil, what makes you any different?" He asked carefully as she handed him the package.

"Shall I prove it to you?" Her tone still calm as the boy squinted his eyes, taking the package.

"What?" She let out a small giggle at his confusion.

"I'm saying that I can prove my words true. Will this ease your heart?" Ruby held her motherly tone, with wordplay designed to sound kind and warm.

The boy looked down for a moment at the thing in his hands, lifting his head and gazing to her once again.

"Then do it, prove that you're not bad." He seemed to have gained back a bit more of his courage.

Ruby felt a smile coming on, hopeful that the kid might be more calmed down. Of course that would mean having to prove herself again, at least it shouldn't be too hard this time. All she needed to do was bring him to the resistance base, and they'd take care of him.

"Keep that with you till we get back. You're a good pickpocket right?" She asked as the boy nodded.

"Then you can keep others from stealing it, right?" Another nod as she held out her hand, watching him take it.

"Good, now follow closely."

Ruby took to the streets once more, retracing her steps the whole way back. The kid was true to his word, keeping the package close to himself throughout the walk. The duo arrived back with no incident, Ruby holding the door and motioning him through.

She followed in after him, shutting the door as she saw him take a seat on the chair next to the table, placing the package down. She walked over and took a seat for herself, looking over to him.

"And we're here; see, safe and sound just like I said." The child gave a slow nod as Ruby let out a breath.

"Is this the proof?" He asked as she shook her head.

"No, that comes in a little bit. Do you mind waiting?"

"No."

"Alright then, let's wait here together for a moment."

Ruby was true to her word, quietly waiting with the child for around ten minutes. She was impressed honestly, he'd not complained once during their time sitting. Most other children would get impatient, yet he seemed willing to stay calm.

She heard the door open and shut as footsteps trailed in.

"Ruby, you h-" Shade stopped, glancing at the child before looking to over to her

"Got the package." She answered as he walked over, picking it off the table.

"You did, and who might this be?" He asked as the child shrunk in on himself.

"Just someone I thought could use a little help. Can you take down your hood please?" She asked as the child complied, sliding down the muddy fabric.

Shade's eyes widened as he ducked down and looked over the horns. The child backed away slightly, albeit not as much as before. The man letting out a breath as he stood again.

"I see why you brought him here, you want him taken care of right?" Ruby nodded as he looked back to the kid.

"You can keep him safe right?" She asked as he returned a nod.

"I can, but he'll have to stay here. We can't risk trying to sneak him out of the city yet, not until we complete the mission." He stated as Ruby gave a nod, Shade lowered himself down to the child.

"Is that alright with you, we'll keep you safe until we leave. After that we'll bring you to a nice village where they can take care of you, okay?" The child gave a nod as he stood.

Ruby felt her smile widen, her tension easing at the knowledge that the kid would be safe and in a loving home soon. She wondered who would be the ones to look after him, and how Onyx would react to a new kid to look after.

She let go of her thoughts, turning to go to the bedroom to take a nap. Before she could move however she felt a small grip on her leg. Ruby turned to see the child looking up to her, hood down and a staring into her eyes.

"Pebble, my name is Pebble."

.

.

Adam visibly flinched as the scream filled the air.

He'd been off guard for only a second, and it was all the time needed for the droids to begin their attack. He felt a shot to his leg, looking up and seeing the rapidly advancing hoard.

Adam spared only a glance to Vermillion who had been gripping his head in pain, before choosing to deal with the threats first and rushing to the hoard.

A swift slice here and there, two of them falling to the ground as he blocked a coming attack to his side. He kicked it away into another before leaping back as a Grimm rushed past, doubling around to try for it's target again.

He ducked low, cleaving Wilt through the space above him. He felt pressure as the Grimm had leapt for him again, it's body meeting nothing but pain as the blade sliced it open.

Adam stood, blocking several shots with his blade, feeling the pressure begin to build. He leapt to the side as another droid leveled the spot with it's oversized fists, Adam tearing his blade across and amputating it.

He grabbed the chunk of metal, swinging it to the side and hitting another of those strange Grimm. Adam flung the fist forwards, watching it knock through several of the machines.

Casting a glance to Neo he was able to see her fighting her own battle, her form shattering several times as she struck from all angles.

However something caught his attention, and the feeling of being run over flooded his back. He flew across the area, slamming face first into the wall and denting it. He took to his feet just in time to dodge to the side, seeing something break through the metal.

Adam backed up and stared at the hole, only to turn and defect more shots as he heard them fire. A familiar feeling of heat coated him, and he knew his semblance was charged.

Wasting no time he swept his blade horizontally, feeling the pressure leave him as Moonslice did it's thing. The red wave did not disappoint, shooting ahead and slaughtering around ten or twelve of the packed droids.

There was a crunch behind him, Adam just barely managing to fling himself away from what had broken the wall before. It crashed into some of the containers this time, knocking them over with the metal burying whatever it was.

Adam rose to his feet, taking guard as he kept his focus on the toppled crates. He tensed as it began to move. Bit by bit it seemed to be pushed around, allowing his attacker to finally show himself.

"V?!"

He'd been sporting the same bone plating as before, smoke radiating around him as he slowly stepped forwards. Before Adam could say anything else V let out a deafening roar, charging forwards in nearly an instant.

Adam lept to the side, eyes widening in shock as he saw the man slam his claws into the concrete; ripping against the ground as he redirected himself before flinging after him. He brought his guard up, blocking the strike and causing him to be knocked away again.

He didn't get a chance to rise this time as V had flun himself on top of him, holding him down with one hand as the other raised back. Adam threw his head to the side as he avoided the coming fist, feeling the ground break beneath as him as V pulled back for another shot.

Adam was spared however as Neo chose that time to launch a kick to the side of V's head, loosening his grip just enough for Adam to move. He raised his legs and kicked the man off, rushing to his feet and bringing his guard up again.

letting out a growl, V charged again.

.

.

Yes yes YES!

To say Merlot was satisfied would be an understatement, the man was absolutely thrilled! What a discovery, when he first came to the island he'd never dreamed he'd get the chance to see something like this.

This boy, this 'Vermillion' as he was called, was living proof.

"It's too dangerous" they said, "it's wrong" they said. Yet look at them now, cowering away as I stand here; witness to the truth!

Perfection, it was perfection that he had laid eyes on. Irrefutable proof that people could rid themselves of their flaws, evolving into the purity that was the Grimm. Shedding what made them weak and embracing their destiny.

This boy was setting off both Grimm detection and aura detection, well... his aura signal was gone for the moment, but it was there before.

Merlot leaned close, taking in the image of the boy and committing it to the deepest recesses of his memory. This Vermillion was the key to his evolution, Humanity's evolution.

He took in the glory of the battle he was witnessing; the cold pale bone that covered his skin, the smoke that hung around him, those piercing crimson eyes, it was everything he had ever hoped!

No longer would he waste his time on the smaller Grimm, on playing with their perfection, the plan had changed now. It was time he granted the world it's destined birth right, it's flawless divinity.

He would evolve the world, all with the help of that boy.

Today, Humanity takes it's first steps to Godhood!

.

.

"Sto-Ack!"

Adam blocked another one of V's attacks, catching his armored claw on the flat of his blade. A small amount of the force was stored as he backed away. Side to side Adam stepped around the swings, leaping away from another charge and ducking under the redirect.

The dust is going on?!

He was not liking this new V that was for sure, raising his blade as he redirected another claw swipe. The kid was acting like one of the Grimm that was fighing Neo. She'd left to keep the heat off of them, while he tried to snap V out of whatever it was that happened to him.

Adam was able to keep up with the strikes, but he was starting to run low on aura.

Damnit! He hits like a tank!

Adam had started to focus solely on dodging, at least as much as he could. However there were times where V was just too fast, case in point right now. He brought up his blade as he felt the fist collide with it, pushing as a hand reached around.

Adam caught the grab, barely able to hold it back as V forced himself forwards. He was able to see small green wisps in the smoke that surrounded his once ally, looking to fade in between the bone.

V's claw was reaching closer as Adam's strength started to wane. He looked over to Neo, hoping that she may be able to lend a hand. However she was surrounded herself as she kept the Grimm off him.

He saw her kill one of them before dodging another, and his attention was immediately drawn back to V. The force had lessened, just a tiny bit. Holding on for another moment Adam watched as Neo killed another.

The same change had occurred with V's strength seeming to fade ever so slightly. The bells were going off in his head.

"The Grimm! Kill the Grimm, it weakens him!" Adam yelled as Neo glanced over, A dangerous smile filling her face.

Neo killed another as Adam took advantage of V's loss of strength. Kicking him away Adam made a B line for the nearest Grimm, driving Wilt through it's skull. He dodged to the side as V flew past him.

Adam swung his blade upwards hoping to knock V away, only to be left in shock as V caught the blade and swung him over and into the pavement. He lost his grip, the force knocking him a few meters away.

He stood, only to feel a hand wrapped around his throat. Adam clawed as he was raised above the ground, choking as his aura strained. V raised his claws ready to tear at him, only to stop.

Adam looked over to Neo, seeing the last of the Grimm fading away. He felt the grip loosen as he was dropped to the ground. He leapt away as soon as his feet hit the floor, staring as he readied himself for more.

V was shaking as his armor faded. He was covered in sweat, breathing heavy as he gripped his sides and dropped to his knees.

.

.

I took in ragged breaths, the pain subsided as I was finally able to see again.

I stared at the ground, glad that it was finally over. It was horrid, like hundreds of tiny hooks scraping through your veins; skin tearing and stitching itself together, over and over again.

I'd lost control, my body constantly flinging itself to the nearest source of movement, as if that would end the pain.

I felt them too, taking their will as my own. The Grimm, they were crying in feral rage. I felt their emotions as they flew about, trying to escape their suffering. It was as if they were calling for a savior, someone to set them free.

I let out several coughs as I shook, hearing someone approach. I looked up, seeing Adam and Neo standing above me.

"Good now? Not planning on killing us anymore?" He asked as I was overcome by a wave of confusion.

"W-what? Why would I k-kill you?" I asked as they shared a look, turning back to me.

"Better question, what do you remember from just moments ago?"

I took another few breaths as I looked up to them.

"P-pain, I... I-I could feel them. I could f-feel their thoughts, the raw emotion t-that they held. But it was wrong." I answered, taking another moment to breath as Adam kneeled down.

"What do you mean wrong?" He asked as Neo got down too, leaning close in our huddle.

I took a deeper breath as I continued.

"That green stuff, it's hurting them, it's wrong. I-I could feel their darkness being drawn to me, revealing their emotions, their feelings; but it brought that stuff with it too."

Adam and Neo shared another look as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you saying you can read their thoughts." I shook my head at that.

"No, it's not thoughts, it's just their feelings. They were angry, they were in pain and I knew it. But it wasn't their pain that hurt me, it was the green stuff. It's like a toxin, bound to their essence and causing them pain. I felt it brought along with their essence, and it hurt!"

"So you can feel them, all of their feelings?" Adam asked as I nodded.

"Y-yes, all of them. There were thirteen, I could feel them from far away. I think that's what the obelisk gave me, the new ability that I couldn't feel out on the water. I think it only works when I'm wearing my armor, but I can't control it, it just happens."

I let out a series of coughs as Adam held my shoulder, reaching into his coat and pulling out a small flask. He opened it up and brought it to my lips, it was water. I felt my throat ease after a few sips, leaning back as he put the flask away.

"So it wasn't their pain that hurt, but whatever the green stuff was?" I nodded as he let out a grumble.

"Great, you get a new power and can't even use it here without going berserk. Okay, new plan: we get over to the radio tower and call for backup, then we find that bastard Merlot and gut him like a fish."

Adam stood, holding his hand out to me and helping me to my feet before starting the walk to the tower.

"No." Adam stopped, turning back to me.

"What?" He asked, caution in his voice.

"We call for backup, but we don't wait. I want us to find him ourselves, and tear him to pieces. He can't be allowed to get away with this... twisted mockery!" I answered as Adam held a grin, chuckling as he turned forward again.

"Is that so? Alright then, we'll just call for evac instead. Now, let's go kill that madman."

Nobody is allowed to torture the Goddess' creations, to cause them such senseless pain! Killing to survive is one thing, but this?!

Merlot, I will make you suffer!

.

.

"Keep it up you lot, they're not just gonna stand around and wait for you!"

Duck rise shoot, duck rise shoot, Sienna watched as the trainees repeated the process. They were getting better... well, at least better than they were before. It would have to do, at least now they'd be able to return fire at a somewhat decent speed; accuracy notwithstanding.

"Ms. Khan, I believe they're getting the hang of it now. Perhaps a break is due, they've been at this for hours." The trainer at her side suggested.

"As long as their aim is skewed they'll remain useless, but you are correct. Hear that 'liquor isle', you're getting a breather! Take forty!"

She saw several of them let out whines as they left the range, dropping their guns off at the rack and going on their way. The woman next to her letting out her own sigh.

"I think it's best if I handle their training for the rest of the day."

"This your way of getting rid of me? Fine, just keep them on point, I won't take any excuses for poor performance." Sienna received a salute at that.

Rolling her eyes she decided she'd spend her time elsewhere. She'd been busy the past few days, intent on garnering as much respect as she could in hopes that she'd regain some sense of control.

Was it working? Probably not, but at least they were talking about her again, for better or worse. Catching their attention was step one in taking back her position, metaphorically speaking of course. She was their leader officially, but that didn't help in power struggles like the one she found herself in.

With a brisk pace Sienna walked down the halls, receiving glances from the others as she headed to her room. She still hadn't received any word back from V yet, and that was getting to her.

She had yet to really explain the plan to him and wanted to do so as soon as possible, but she had to wait. Calling him on her own was too risky, what if he was with others? What if he was sleeping? She'd have to swallow her anxiety and wait.

Making her way in she shut the door, strolling over to her closet and looking inside. Today had been nonstop work, and she was feeling like eating out. Menagerie itself was known for it's many seafood dishes, and she was planning on getting some lobster.

Grabbing one of her more decorative robes she held it against herself, gazing at her mirror before deciding it was good enough. She wasn't one for dolling up, but being the head of any organization meant keeping a dignified image.

She changed out of her current clothes, throwing them in the corner. She could deal with laundry later, the best tables would be taken if she took to long; lunch hour was hell. Swiftly she strolled from her room, once again being greeted by Fennec at her throne.

"Greetings Ms. Khan, off on another walk?" He asked with a polite bow.

"No, just off to lunch."

"And I'll take charge again for the time I assume?"

"I'll only be gone for about an hour, two at most if I stretch it. I doubt they can break anything in that amount of time." She told as the sound of shattered glass echoed down the hall, a short 'sorry' following afterwards as she sighed.

"Never mind, just keep them breathing please." Fennec gave her a nod as she made her way out.

The cool morning breeze was divine for her skin, helping her cool off and wiping away all the stress from the past few hours. She'd gotten up early to witness the morning training that they scheduled for the rookies, and to take part in it herself.

She thought it would be easy, just give a few pointers here and there; oh how wrong she was. Just getting them to aim straight was already a chore, but teaching them to use cover? It was a miracle that they'd been as widely feared as they were.

Sienna decided to not think about it for the time being, she was on lunch break, and that meant letting go of the days issues for a bit. She passed along the streets, giving small nods and waves to the people who greeted her.

After ten or so minutes she'd arrived at her destination, feeling herself relax at the sight of her favorite restaurant. While they weren't as fancy as those you may find in the other kingdoms, Menagerie did have one thing they'd call their own; true outdoor dining.

Due to their relatively calm weather and decently warm temperature the citizens of the island had hosted most of their eating establishments outside. Sienna walked through and around the various tables, stopping before one located closest to the dock.

Taking a seat she relaxed as she awaited the menu. The table she chose had what she would call the perfect view of the sea, just at the right angle for her to admire the cliffs that guarded the eastern side of the beach way off in the distance.

It was rather hot today, and so the decorative cloth hung above the tables was quickly gaining her favor as it defended her from the sun, providing just enough shade to keep her cool. She was brought from her thoughts by the sounds of several footsteps.

"Oh! What a surprise meeting you here!"

No, it couldn't be.

Sienna felt her mood drop a smidge as she dared to gaze towards the owner of the voice. Sure enough Kali was walking ever closer, taking a seat across from her and wearing her soft smile like always.

Just when I thought I could relax.

She'd really been hoping to get lunch all to herself, and once again she was left disappointed. Why was it that Kali always seemed to find her when she wanted to be alone.

"Kali, how nice to see you again. What are you doing here?" She was straining a little under her forced smile, and Kali knew it too if her cheeky grin was anything to go off of.

"Oh you know, just enjoying the day. Ghira's out helping oversee a new expansion to the docks, so I'm left alone for the day; oh woe is me." The older woman feigning despair, holding a hand to her forehead and leaning back in a show of drama.

Dust!

A bored Kali was a dangerous Kali, and she did not want to find herself stuck in whatever adventure the woman had planned. Sienna was slightly wiggling in her seat, thinking of an excuse to get out of whatever her friend had planned.

"Ladies."

They turned, seeing their waitress as she placed a couple menus on the table.

"Thank you dearie!" Kali chipped, receiving a nod from the woman as she walked away.

Sienna felt overcome with a sense of dread as she watched her friend gaze at her.

"You know, how about we spend the evening together after this, I'm sure it'll be loads of fun." Sienna felt herself break into a cold sweat as she gave a nod, mentally unable to deny her.

"Y-yes, that sounds lovely."

Kill me now please.

Author's note

...

Boom! Back at you with another bad boy, still lacking in quality action, but what are you gonna do?

Anyway, as you can see we're still moving the plot along. And Ruby seems to have found a little friend, a sticky fingered friend but a friend nonetheless.

Even Sienna's moving along, despite the fact that she keeps finding trouble.

Either way, hopefully this has entertained you at least a little bit.

Do let me know what you think, and see you later.