Walking through the streets of Vale, Jack observes the area. The street lights lit up the night as the broken moon lay in motion above. People walked around. Diners and other places were filled with customers for late night services. The city of Vale remained lively at night, like usual. So why does something feel amiss? Jack hastened his steps as he made a turn at an alleyway. Something's wrong. He doesn't know why, but instinctively he became uncomfortable.

He felt his aura flare and amplify his semblance. Various intents and emotions that came with them flooded his being, but nothing threatening came out. He wasn't in an illusion of somesort, but the feeling still lingered. What exactly is the cause of this? Why does he feel like he's… out of place.

Jack paused under the dark areas of the back alleys. His heart had sped up, but he slowly regained his composure and calmed down. Though he hadn't resolved this feeling of his, he continued on as he set out to do what he initially intended to do. Whatever it was, he'll worry about it later. But now, he needs to meet someone.

This time, he hadn't taken the streets. The wind blew against his very being as he ran and jumped from one rooftop to another. Quick and efficient for travel and cardio. Too bad his siblings wouldn't agree and would rather take to the skies. Eventually, he arrived at his destination. Landing on top of the building, he jumped down onto the entrance. His landing was quiet. None had noticed as he walked past and into the entrance. Two bouncers stood there in place. Oddly enough, they seemed to be injured and in bad shape.

"Hey, we're closed, buddy," One of them spoke but winced as he massaged his chest. Obvious signs indicate him bearing injuries underneath his suit. "Club's closed for the week. You'll have to come again some other time."

Jack remained in bouncers shared a glance before looking more cautiously at him. They also took notice of the object hung behind Jack and grew tense.

"What business do you have with Junior?"


Junior sighed as he remembered the dent in his finances. He recalled the blonde that came in and thrashed the place some time ago. Yang Xiao Long, a huntsman-in-training, completely and utterly overwhelmed them by her lonesome. Even the Malachites were only able to match her for a few exchanges before also sharing the same fate.

To make matters even worse, Roman came in and now his men are being used for whatever the thief had in mind. Something about a new boss in town that wanted dust. Since when did Roman have a boss in the first place?

Grumbling at his misfortunes, Junior filled his glass as he sat at his bar. Behind him, his men were either patching themselves up or cleared whatever they could of this mess of a nightclub. The damages he'd pay and the time it took is gonna cost him.

"Junior!" One of his men called out while he downed his drink. "Someone's outside to meet you."

"Who is it?" His day has already gone to shit, so whoever it was should better be someone important. His mood is already bad enough as it is.

"Didn't know his name, but he said something about a jackdaw or something." Junior raised a brow at that. "He doesn't seem important, but he had a weapon on him. Possibly a huntsman. Should we let him in?"

Junior furrowed his brows. A huntsman? And what was this thing about jackdaws? He looked beside him. The Malachite twins met his gaze. They were still recovering, so any chance of conflict is something he wants to avoid.

"What did he look like?"

"Black hair. Red eyes. Middle aged. A bit pale too."

Sounds like a certain dusty old crow, but his men also knew what the huntsman looked like, meaning that this was a different person entirely..

"Let him in." He gestures to his men to prepare for what's to come. They continued their duties, but grew vigilant. Beside him, the Malachites did the same.

From the entrance, a man came into view. Red eyes, black hair, and a bit pale just as described. However what sets him differently is the strange pressure he gives off. On his back was a weapon resembling a greatsword of sorts. It was modified with tech, that he knew for sure. His appearance reminded him of Qrow. If one would squint hard enough, they'd think it's him. Is he a relative? That can't be. Only the leader of the Branwen tribe and the blonde that crashed the place earlier was related to him.

"Whoever you are, you better have a reason for coming here." The less words exchanged here, the better.

The stranger raised a brow, as if not expecting this.


Jack was very confused. He remembered the time he first met Junior, how he had frequented this place for info. One time, he stopped a certain witch from burning him alive and managed to get a life debt out of him, giving him close relations to the head of the Xiong family. Sometimes, he'd help out with securing Junior's control over Vale's underworld to help maintain its order among the criminal gangs and support from behind the scenes, resulting in an infamous identity known throughout all of Vale's underworld.

But by all means, Junior seemed to have forgotten him. The looks he gave were that of no recognition and a lot of caution. He looked around. The nightclub was a big mess. Tables smashed, chairs out of place and even the dance floor was in pieces. What happened here? Was there a fight?

Junior's men looked weary. Their injuries, no matter how hidden it is by their suits, were indicators of a fight. Probably someone above their capabilities. Jack looked to the Malachites, who narrowed their eyes in response. They too were injured. Bruises were present on their skin as they kept bags of ice on them. How? A huntsman, probably.

"Junior," He returned his gaze to the man in question. "What happened here?"

Junior furrowed his brows. "Does it concern you?" When Jack remained silent, he scowled. "Look, either you tell us what you're here for or leave. We've had enough trouble already as of today."

Jack stood still as he assessed the situation. Junior's men tensed up as they watched him stand unresponsive. The Malachites continued watching as their weapons were ready whenever they needed them. Silence took over the area. After some time, it was cut short.

"It seems you're not in the right state of mind right now." Inwardly, he sighed. But outwardly, Jack looked composed as ever. "Rest yourselves. I'll come back some other time."

With that, he turned and headed for the entrance. Jack didn't miss the way Junior stared at him as he came out of sight. Something's wrong. Everyone here seems to outright forget about his existence. It wasn't normal. One doesn't just forget someone that had made a big impact on your life. Nevertheless, he needs to put aside this matter and head to Beacon, where he'll meet up with Nero. But for some reason, the bad feeling came back.


Junior waited a couple minutes. Finally, he let out a sigh of relief. Everyone around him also did. Honestly, he'd expected another fight to happen, one they would never be able to win. Worst case scenario, this person might've even been some crazy big shot that would make them do his bidding. Fortunately, it didn't happen.

Everyone relaxed and resumed whatever they'd been doing. But unlike how before was a moment of shame being beaten by a blonde minor, this was akin to a douse of cold water, putting them at ease knowing they had avoided a fight with a possibly more dangerous foe.

Junior recalled how the man talked to him like someone that was familiar with them, as if they had met before. It was odd. Very odd. That, coupled with the strong aura he gave off told of a mysterious yet equally dangerous man. That is for certain. But one question still remained.

Who is this person?