Slow chapter, but things will turn into gear soon enough.

Will change the rating to M with next chapter.

Comments are always welcome

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Saturday night went normally for every student at Beacon. After dinner, some went to spar, others to do their homework, keep in touch with potential love interests and more. Some students, however, headed towards the library on separated groups. Nora, Blake and Yang were the first to enter and sat on a table at the far end of the second floor. Yang and Ren arrived a few minutes later, then Pyrrha and Sun; and finally, Jaune, Ruby and Neptune. And since everyone was there, they could get straight to business.

Nora pushed a marker board next to the table and Ruby stood next to it with the intention to lead the meeting.

"Ok, everyone. Firstly: I want to congratulate Sun, who will be starting to work at The Night Beetle in two days. Now, anything you can tell us now, Sun?"

Sun stepped up and began to write on the board while talking. "Some nice hiding spots next to garbage disposals, some broom closets and got a quick schedule of the exact offices eating hours. More to come on Monday".

"Great! Ren? Blake?".

Ren spoke first. "Infiltration suits coming along nicely".

Then Blake did. "lock picking tools and hard drives will arrive at Tuesday any time".

"Great! On to our investigators!" Ruby proclaimed excitedly. The other five teens though? Did not so happy.

Weiss spoke first. "Junior was useless. He works for Seido now and almost discovered we were also looking for Torchwick".

Nora then interjected. "Big loaf claimed to be out of the intel business. As if we would believe that the White Fang has completely abandoned Vale and move to Vacuo. I know they are plotting our demise right now! But I won't give up my search for justice!". Nora claimed with a raised fist.

Neptune then decided to ignore Nora's outburst and summarize their failure. "In conclusion: There are no White Fang members to find, therefore we can't find the mysterious woman and so we can't pin Torchwick from our side".

Jaune then stepped next to the board. "Not quite…". Everyone looked at him, curiosity bright on their eyes. Jaune then pulled out the note. "When we were leaving, this was pasted on Crocea Mors. It has an address and instructions. Whoever sent it, I believe has information on the Fang or that woman".

"Why didn't you say something before!?" Yang demanded.

"In the middle of Seido territory?".

"Oh… good point…".

"There is only one catch. This person wants to meet me and Neptune. Alone".

Everyone went silent or a moment before Nora expressed her concern. "Am I the only one thinking of a trap? Because I don't want to be the only one thinking this is a trap".

Pyrrha was next to express her concern. "Are you really considering it, Jaune?".

"Do we have any other choice? This is the only lead we may have".

Despite Jaune's conviction, the worrying faces of all the other students told him he was still far from gaining their approval.

"… Really? Come on, guys!"

Ren then tried to reason with Jaune. "Do you even know who could have given you the note?".

"I… no… but we'll be ok. We are huntsmen in training!".

Weiss then expressed her concern. "Didn't you just describe Junior's as Seido territory? They were the only ones we talked with about the White Fang. And eve if it wasn't any of them but an eavesdropper, are you willing to trust a stranger like that?".

"We can defend ourselves!".

"Enough!" Yelled Pyrrha. "Jaune… are you really sure about this?".

"Yes! Trust me, I have a good feeling about it, Pyrr".

At that moment, the look of pure confidence in his blue eyes was almost stronger than her protective side. She didn't know if she would blame herself forever if everything that could go wrong went wrong, but against all logic she agreed. "Ok, the I trust you". Before Jaune could jump from happiness and everyone else started to bombard her with questions about what she was doing, she added "But! Blake and Ren will be watching from afar".

Jaune was willing to compromise. So, he agreed to her terms. They were ready to round all up when Nora checked her scroll and called for everyone's attention. "Guys look at this!". They all got close to her and saw that she had a news feed open.

SSS to be tested on villages

Nora then played the video.

(A narration starts playing over images of The Night Beetle)

The new conglomerate doesn't stop surprising the world. The Seidan Security System, abbreviated SSS by the company, seeks to reduce the grimm attacks and plunderers in rural Mistral.

(Hotaru appears on screen, surrounded by microphones)

It is not that we do not appreciate the fine jobs our huntsmen and huntresses do every day while putting their lives on the line. But safety is a matter that concerns all; that is the reason why I will personally travel to these villages. To tell them they will be safe, that they don't need to fear and that we do care about the little guy.

(a reporter then manages to get a question)

Mr. Taakoizu are bandits that much of a threat as grimm.

Do you know how these impotent cowards work? They attack defenseless people, kill the ones who are most capable of fighting, loot everything and then leave so that the grimm clean their revolting actions. I, for one, am done with those bottom feeders leeching from everyone else.

(The narrator's voice can be heard once again)

The company invites all who are interested to their demonstrations in a public matter all throughout next week. Lisa Lavender, VNN.

"Hotaru will be out next week?" Asked Yang enthusiastically.

Sun continued her thought. "Which means that if we play our cards right…".

"We could get into his office!" Ruby finally cheered. Everyone then started to plan what else they could do with the CEO out of town. Blake and Weiss, however, held back their celebration.

"Weird…" said Weiss. "The way he talked… it sounded like father… it's almost as if he was…".

"Taunting them?" interjected Blake.

Blake and Weiss knew that something was not right, that kind of actions meant someone wanted their enemies to attack them for whatever reason; Jacques and Adam had used them often enough for the girls to see the pattern. But there was nothing they could do about it. The only thing left for them to do was to wait for Sunday night.

The morning and afternoon came and went without most happening. But once night fell, it was action time.

To differentiate themselves enough, Neptune left his googles and changed his red jacket for a black t-shirt and a cap. Jaune left his armor behind and had the hood on. Blake jumped through the roofs following them and keeping Neptune's Tri-Hard while Ren went in front of them scouting and keeping Crocea Mors in a backpack. The address on the paper showed the old part of Vale. It was a mix of abandoned buildings and still functioning ones. They tried to search where they were heading, but no names appeared on the map due to owners not uploading information.

Needless to say, at this hour everything was very quiet. So much so, that Neptune was getting bored. They were still some blocks away and he decided to pass the minutes in conversation with Jaune.

"So… You seem sure about this meeting… You ARE at least aware of the risks though, right?".

Jaune sighed, but answered his question. "Yes! I know, but it is our only lead and I can do it".

"What is it with this 'I'; last time I checked it was the two of us here".

"Well… yes but… look, you saw how everyone was looking at me when I suggested going. They were not afraid something would happen to you, they feared something could happen to me".

"Yeah… why is that though?"

"Well… I am not necessarily the best fighter out there".

Neptune looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Don't beat yourself up, you can't be that bad" After a long silence in which Jaune both said nothing and looked away, Neptune understood. "But… Pyrrha trusted you! That's good, right?"

"Yeah… I've gotten better because of her. Not only in combat class. She tutors me, is always reminding me of things I forget. I just feel like I should somehow compensate her for all she has done for me. She is just that great!".

"Oh! So, she is just that? Great?".

It took Jaune a few moments before realizing what Neptune was implying and then blushed a little before quickly responding. "No! It's not like that! She is just a really good friend! I mean, she even helped me after learning about my-" he thanked whatever deity was out there before revealing his fake transcripts, but now he needed to keep going with a lie "former… extra…toe…".

"Former extra toe? Huh, guess it is kind of embarrassing…". Jaune then felt relaxed knowing Neptune fell for his excuse. "Is she just a friend though? Sounds like she is very close to you".

"Please. She has won multiple championships, is one of if not the best student in our year and… well yes, she is pretty. But do you honestly believe I would even have the slightest chance with her? She is nice to all people and is always wanting to help, don't get that mixed up".

Neptune crossed his arms and kept pushing forward the subject. "From my understanding you were trying to lure Weiss, also known as the heiress of the SDC".

"Yeah, but that's just because I felt like she could use someone to help her open up and show her there are good people who like her for more than just her name. But I understand that ship sailed away a long time ago". Knowing that Jaune meant his relationship with Weiss, Neptune decided to drop the subject.

They remained silent a short time after finishing their conversation until Jaune felt his scroll vibrating. He took it out of his pocket and read a message that Ren had sent him.

Heads up! The place should be next to you.

Both Neptune and Jaune looked to their right and saw an abandoned glass factory. Gates were rusty, windows smashed, some walls had collapsed, and they saw a few dogs, cats and rats going in and out of the building.

Jaune gulped and turned around to face Neptune. "You ready for this?"

Neptune took some long breaths. and then faced Jaune "Ok. Let's do this".

But just as Jaune was pushing the old gate open, a new text from Ren arrived.

Sorry. Thought you were closer to me. It's the next one.

Both boys looked at each other with confusion and then just looked over a few feet away where Ren was just pretending to be waiting in front of what seemed a still functioning structure. When they arrived however, they did not know whether to feel anger, indignation, let down or insulted. But the address was, indeed, the one on the paper.

"A supermarket? Really?" sighed Jaune.

The place was actually quite clean and organized considering the state of some of the neighboring buildings. It wasn't a super store, but it did have two cashiers in uniform and a cleaning staff, some ambient music and functioning freezers.

They were startled, however, when one of the clerks, an old woman wearing the store's uniform, greeted them. "Welcome to Carula, only the best imported products from the other kingdoms for 75 years! How may I help you tonight"?

Neptune spoke first "Uuuuuh, thanks but…"

"We already know what we are looking for". With that, Jaune pulled Neptune by the arm and went on their way.

Knowing that the meeting would take place in a supermarket, it was not hard to realize that the meeting would not be on the abandoned fifth sector of a factory, but on the fifth aisle; and the first shelf?

"Ok, here we are. Cereals" Neptune pointed out.

"And it is 8:31 since just a few seconds ago, but I see no one".

Neptune thought for a moment and then picked up one of the cereal boxes. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"We're gonna have to buy all the boxes we break".

They each took a box and were ready to open them to look for the information, but were stopped by an annoyed yet soft command from behind them.

"Don't even think about it, you idiots!"

That voice… it was familiar to both. Had to be one of the Malachite twins. They turned around to face her and saw she was looking at the other shelf while wearing black leggings, a white dress jacket, a big puffy hat and a pair of big thick glasses.

"Look back at the shelf!" she commanded again, and both followed her order.

A little annoyed, Neptune then spoke to her. "Did you just bring us here to scold us!?"

"No, you are here because a public place is better for all parties involved. If something happens there are witnesses. Why do you think Junior owns a club?"

"Ok, fine. So why couldn't you tell us at the club, uh… which sister are you again?"

"I would rather keep that information to myself, and we said nothing because there is nothing to talk about the White Fang!" she then moved next to them and continued her explanation. "What Junior said is true, the White Fang is completely out of Vale. After the failed dust robberies, the Vale branch was weak, that caused trouble for the organization and since in-fighting was at an all-time high, they are now fighting each other. Move to the other shelf behind me".

The boys did as they were told and Jaune was the one who asked this time. "Ok, but what about their associate? And don't try to fool us. We know there is one".

"No duh! Of course, there is… or rather was… she skipped town when the White Fang left".

"But you knew her!"

"We didn't know her! Roman was an intermediary between us. She paid him, he paid us, we offered people. That was it. And before you ask, yes that included the Paladins The only thing I can tell you about her is that roman referred to her as 'The Black Queen'. Move down two products after I move first!".

They all moved, and Neptune continued with their conversation. "Stealing dust and for the White Fang and giving them Atlas military equipment, and she just moves away?".

"I'm telling you: She did! Because Seido came into the picture… and that is the reason I wanted you here".

This intrigued the boys; did she know about the other team?

"Seido Industries? Why?" asked Jaune.

"There is something bad happening in that company… A few months ago, some of our worst performing men were taken to this 'therapeutic center' they called The Pyramid. When they returned, they did their job better, but they are different… like… life has been sucked out of them, they only seem to act normal when you talk to them. And the faunus? They came back even worse?"

She then moved next to them and they caught on with what she wanted them to do. They just walked to stan next to her other side. "What faunus? Junior does not employ faunus as far as I know".

She took a deep breath and continued with her answers. "We work with other organizations. Some which have faunus members".

"Ok, so what about them?".

"They come back fine at first. But then they get mood swings, they become forgetful or slow, they need constant medical attention, but only by Seido personnel they tell us".

"Why are you turning on Seido?"

"They are liars. Whoever they claim to be, they are not. I've done my fair share of forgeries, I know what details to look for, and their guy is good, very good, but the devil is in the details". They moved to the end of the aisle standing on opposite shelves. "The bosses are happy by making money and not having authorities on their trail, but us on the lower levels know there is something happening. Many have tried to get to the authorities, but they know. No one likes snitches, so they are taken to The Pyramid without a second thought".

Neptune and Jaune looked at each other and then at her. "So, what do you want us to do?" asked Neptune.

"And what do we get?" complimented Jaune.

"If you bring them down, Torchwick goes with them and then the Black Queen. Make no mistake, from what I gathered, this is not the end of her. Not only the two of them, but most of the criminal world of Remnant. I only ask that Junior, my sister and I are given protection".

Both boys thought the same. This was too good to be true. Then Jaune asked her "You are offering to bring down everything? Why?"

"Seido want more than just money, I can just feel it. They are using us to get power and clear out all kind of competition. Take what you now know with Ozpin or whoever can help. Something bad is coming our way".

She left them and they would not leave until much later; and once outside, Ren and Blake received a message telling them that the mission was a success.

Immediately after making the announcement of the SSS, Hotaru began his land tour of the villages of Mistral with five other vans. Inside his personalized van he checked the map and the time while his replacement assistant just checked his schedule on her scroll. A deer faunus with a short, round and puffy tail, shoulder length brown hair, a slightly tanned skin, freckles and mall squared glasses. She was using a uniform like Ryu's, but with black leggings and a short black skirt.

"At this pace, we are going to finish this tour before scheduled!"

"Sure… we are…"

"The next stop would be… Higanbana!"

"I assumed it would be… good work, Carmen".

They both stayed quiet for a time before Carmen decided to speak to her superior again. "Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mr. Taakoizu!". If you had told this girl a week ago, she would be working as the personal assistant of the CEO where she was doing her business administration internship, she would have not only laughed in your face but would have also convinced others to join.

But now, here she was replacing his full time assistant. "I do hope nothing bad has happened to Mr. Jin, though. Did he quit?".

"Do not worry, he is helping lord Onaga with some errands back home".

This surprised her. For as long as she could remember the founder and direct boss of Hotaru was never outside of his suite.

The trip continued until the car stopped in the middle of the road. A nervous Carmen feared that keeping her boss waiting for an answer would be bad for her. She grabbed her scroll and called the first van. "This is Carmen of the lead van. What is going on".

"Sorry ma'am, but some boulders are obstructing the road. Nothing serious, give us a few min-". The call ended. She then heard some gun fire from outside. She was getting scared when she heard screams from the other vans and was even more once she saw her boss being completely calm before he addressed her.

"Carmen. From what I understand you came here as the final wish of your dying grandmother? To make something with your life and not join the White Fang like your parents and your brother?".

The questions came out of nowhere, but she just nodded and heard how someone, or something was trying to pry the doors open.

He then pulled the plastic frame from the door handle and spoke to her again. "You were also going to vouch for your brother once he was offered a parole?".

She nodded again and he just took in one deep breath. I'll grant your wish and give him a chance. If there is enough of you left, I'll do my best so that you can meet him again. Hotaru pressed the button and a thick glass surrounded him. She had a thousand questions running through her head, but the last thing she saw and heard was a giant explosion that must have come from under the van.