Sun was the first one into the bedroom, while the rest of his team followed in tow. Sage closed the door behind himself as he brought up the rear, and cleared his throat harshly.

"…you know, if I'm headed with the other crew, and this takes over a month…"

"I know," Sun growled as he took out his scroll. "I'm taking care of it right now, and I want you with them because they just might need the extra muscle you can provide. There's a good chance that Ozpin and Ruby's team is going to end up under heavy fire. You're better in a knock-down drag-out brawl than you are at infiltration and subtlety."

Sun tapped on his scroll a few times while Sage drew his own, and examined it with a bored look. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and flicked back up to Sun.

"That's… well, that's a lot."

"That's everything," Sun hissed. "You stay with them until they find Raven, and if I'm in debt by then… jump through the portal and collect. I'm trusting you on this one. It's too big not to."

Ilia's gaze darted back and forth between the two boys as they conversed, and she moved to sit upon the edge of the mattress.

"Um… what's going on here, exactly?"

Neptune moved to sit beside Ilia, and slowly combed a gloved hand through his hair as he made a frustrated noise. "…Sage is only with us because Sun's paying him to be with us. He refused to rejoin the team without compensation."

Ilia's eyes flicked from Neptune to Sage, and the large man almost flinched at the ferocity with which they burned.

"…you're making him pay you, when we're in a situation like this? Forget any pleasantries- you're an asshole, and if I ever hear an 'S' at the end of our team name again, I'm going to lose my goddamned shit. You may be hired on, but you're alone, now. End of discussion."

Sage sneered at Ilia as he pocketed his scroll and folded his arms. "Yeah? Well I ain't the only asshole in the room. Judge me after you see my results. I'm fine going with the group hunting for this Raven woman, so you won't even have to put up with me."

Ilia snorted and looked over to Sun, who had taken to leaning against the wall as his tail swished dramatically behind him. She sucked in a breath, before deciding she could no longer hold in her thoughts.

"Speaking of… I really want to talk about the team I'm being placed on."

Neptune cleared his throat, and turned a bit pale. "So do I."

Sun raised a brow, and frowned. "Well… alright. I mean, none of it's final, it's just the idea in general that matters. Neptune, what's your issue?"

Neptune took a deep breath and blew out a large exhale. "My issue is that Cinnamon wants to put us on a boat. Probably a small boat, given that we're sneaking in to Atlas."

Sun's shoulders sagged as he gave his friend a tired look. "Dude, you can't be serious. The whole point of a boat is to keep you above water."

"But still close to it! We're talking about stealthily going across an ocean!" Neptune whined.

"Ah, shit, this again," Sage commented as he threw a hand up in the air.

Ilia wrinkled her nose as she tried to follow in the conversation. "I… think I'm missing something, yet again?"

"Neptune's afraid of water," Sun and Sage said at the same time.

"It's not that simple!" Neptune said as Ilia looked incredibly confused. "It's a diagnosed phobia! It's not funny!"

"Never said it was, I've just… never heard of that, before," Ilia clarified. "If you're so hell bent on avoiding the ocean, then let me go on the relic squad. I belong there, anyway."

Sun pushed off the wall and approached the bed to stand before Ilia. "I really don't think that's a good idea. You need extra rest to heal."

"Maybe I do, but you might need an infiltration specialist. Demolitions, entry, and disarming are my thing. When we reach Lower Atlas, we still need to get to Upper Atlas, and that isn't easy. I might just be able to get it done, one arm or not," Ilia offered. "And besides, I… I want to go along with you."

Sun shifted his weight as he considered the notion. "Trust me, I want you with me, too, but… if we take you, I want Jaune with us. Your recovery really needs to be accelerated if you're going to be involved in relic protection. Who knows who or what might come after us?"

Neptune nodded as he followed along, and Sage walked past the trio to the bathroom. "If we do make the swap, I guess I'm with Kali and Qrow in the Black Claw establishment crew?"

Sun sat down next to Ilia and put a hand on her shoulder as he looked across her to Neptune. "Are you okay with that? Is that something you'd prefer over being on the open sea with me, Blake, and Yang?"

Neptune clasped his hands and began to fidget with his thumbs as he thought it over. "I don't know if I'd… prefer it, but between the idea of being on a boat, and helping out Ilia… it's a trade I'll make. I mean, we're going to see each other again, hopefully in less than a month or two, right? Take her and Jaune. I'll be okay with Blake's mom and that Qrow guy. Maybe I'll even get to know them better. It could be fun," Neptune added with false enthusiasm.

Ilia slowly put a hand on Neptune's thigh, and his attention snapped to her in surprise. "Thank you, Neptune. It's really not about fun at all, and I doubt either of us will have it between my injury and you being away from all of us. But… we need to do what's effective, here. This is too important to screw up, and I might be needed in Atlas, while you would lose your shit and potentially slow them down."

Neptune's eyes returned to the floor as he nodded. "I know. I'm sorry, Sun. I freaked out on the boat ride to Vale, and that was on a luxury ship. On some small speedboat or whatever Cinnamon's going to give us, I'd probably have an aneurysm."

"I'm sorry that you feel you need to do this, but… I also understand," Sun replied. "Maybe it'll be a good thing to have another human working alongside the Claw. It could give them perspective."

"I guess," Neptune halfheartedly agreed. Sage emerged from the bathroom and cracked his neck as he rejoined the group, only to head toward the door.

"Am I needed here, or can I go find something more important to do than moping with you three?"

Sun merely sighed, too drained to get angry with him. "Go ahead, Sage. We'll meet up again soon."

Sage gave a mocking salute and opened the door. As he moved to step on through it, he almost collided with a figure on the other side of the door who let out a small squeak.

"Do you mind!?"

Sage grunted and forced his way past, and down the hall. "Kinda, yeah. Confused how to open doors without a butler to do it for ya?"

Weiss Schnee turned and scowled after Sage as she narrowed her eyes. "Unbelievable."

Sun rubbed at his jaw, and frowned as he felt the stubble along the usually smooth flesh. "Hey, Weiss. Sorry about him, he can be a jerk. How can we help you?"

Weiss' heels clacked against the floor as she entered the room and took note of Ilia's scrutinizing gaze. "Well… it's about the teams you came up with."

Sun automatically let out a sigh of frustration. "I know they're not great, but I tried, alright? Tell me what's wrong."

"Oh, no, you didn't do anything wrong. In fact, I think most of your decisions are sound, and potentially the best way to go about it," Weiss reassured.

"…but…" Ilia added, expectantly.

"…but Cinnamon approached me when I went outside for air, and… she isn't entirely confident that her plan to get you into Lower Atlas is going to work," Weiss said in a worried tone.

"…what?" Ilia questioned as her eyes widened. "I've never heard Cinnamon be anything less that completely sure about any of her decisions, and I've known her for quite a while."

"That… is weird," Sun agreed, "but I can kinda understand. If security is really as tight as Qrow said it likely is, we may need a backup plan, just in case. Did she have any suggestions?"

"Just the one. She wants me to go with you, to escort the relic," Weiss informed. "I have to say, after listening to her logic, I agree with her."

Neptune stood, and made a show of reaching for the ceiling in a stretch. "That does make sense, actually."

Weiss looked skyward, and huffed. "Why, because I'd be with you?"

"Actually, Weiss, I gave up my spot on the relic crew to Ilia. In terms of team dynamics and infiltration, it just makes more sense," Neptune replied with a charming smile. "It's not what I wanted, but… I'd rather do what's best for our group as a whole."

Weiss arced a brow, and her features softened ever so slightly. "That's… actually rather noble of you."

"It's nothing," Neptune responded as he buffed his glove against his leather jacket. "That's just what the good guys do," he added as Sun and Ilia gave each other unimpressed looks.

"Anyway," Sun started, "what could you do for us, in terms of escorting the relic? I'm guessing Cinnamon wants to use your ties to Atlas as a failsafe?"

"Something like that, yes. There's also the fact that I can get into Upper Atlas easily, regardless of security, simply by saying that I've come to my senses and wish to return home. Getting from Lower to Upper Atlas usually doesn't happen, except on special occasions, or if someone from the Upper city smuggles people in. It wouldn't take much for me to get you up, once I'm there," Weiss finished.

"…sound enough logic for me," Ilia replied. "Still, though, I'm worried about Cin being worried. I'll talk to her."

"And I've gotta talk to Ruby, especially now. If we stick with this new rotation, she'll be the only member of her own team going after Raven. I kinda just… threw her into that situation, without meaning to. Jaune, too," Sun grumbled.

Weiss shook her head, and shrugged. "It's like Neptune said, at this point- we need to do what's best, rather than what is easy. Believe me, I have no inclination to make a trip to Argus and go back home. Home is the last place I want to see right now, but for the safety of the relic? I'll do it."

"Thanks, Weiss," Neptune said with an encouraging smirk. She blushed ever so slightly as she returned the gesture, and moved to exit the room.

"If you need me, I'll be out on the porch."

Without another word, Weiss began to make her way down the hall. Ilia waited for only a split second after the door closed to turn to Neptune with a mischievous grin.

"…alright, I totally get it. Her legs are divine."

"Hey. Hey," Neptune said with a serious look. "Don't even think about it. I've had feelings for her for ages, now."

"Doesn't make her your property," Ilia lilted, before turning her expression more neutral. "But, fine. She's all yours, if you can get there. Only because I've come to respect you, though."

"Aw, you do care!" Neptune said as he batted his eyelashes at Ilia.

"Alright, guys, focus," Sun interrupted as Ilia stuck out her tongue at Neptune. "Save the supposed charm for the reunion, after Raven is found and convinced. For now, we've all got stuff to do, and people to speak to. I'll head for Ruby's room."

"I'll find Cin," Ilia confirmed as she slid off the mattress to stand.

"And I'll see if I can't get a little closer to Weiss," Neptune finished with a grin.

Ilia snapped her fingers, and shook her head as Neptune instinctively followed the sound. "Yo, horndog- friendly advice? If you smother a girl with a demeanor like Weiss, she's going to push you off and not give you the time of day afterward. Stop acting so desperate, and you'll have more success. Trust me."

Neptune paused to consider the notion, before shivering slightly. "Alright, alright. In that case, I'll go talk to Kali and Qrow, and let them know about the switch."

"Much better," Ilia praised as she headed for the door and then disappeared into the hall. Sun turned to Neptune, and clapped a hand upon his shoulder.

"…you absolutely owe us for letting you have your hero moment with Weiss."

Neptune merely chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's a huge shame that Ilia doesn't do dudes. I'm starting to crush on her just a bit."

Sun rolled his eyes as they headed into the hallway as a pair. "Yeah, well, that's just how it is. Keep that shit to yourself, so you don't ruin what we've got going. I like our little three-man team."

"Oh, of course," Neptune agreed. "I'm just sayin', though. Am I still sleeping with Sage tonight?"

"You're still sleeping with Sage tonight," Sun informed as he clapped his friend upon the shoulder.

"…damn it."

Qrow Branwen stood on the second floor balcony, gazing out over the town while lost in thought. The sound of a sliding glass door broke him from his reverie, and he turned to brace his hands backward against the railing as he looked over at the intruder.

"…I noticed you ran dry. Care to join me?" Kali asked. In one hand, she held a dark glass bottle, and in the other, two wine glasses held firmly together between her fingers.

Qrow chuckled and pushed off the railing as he approached the wrought iron table between them. "Sure, may as well. I was honestly a little surprised you stayed in town. Kali, right?"

"Right. So am I, actually. Blake and I ending up in jail for a night had something to do with it, but… I'm glad I was here, to hear the plan and get familiar with all of you," Kali replied as she took one of the two matching chairs while Qrow sank heavily into the other.

"Jail, huh? Let me guess- charged with existing while having cat ears?" Qrow asked as he accepted the bottle from Kali and proceeded to bite the cap off.

"Something like that, yes. I'm not even shocked, but Blake didn't take it particularly well. She's quite prone to letting her emotions overwhelm her," Kali said with a grimace as she accepted the filled wine glass.

"That's a trait she's going to have to keep hidden, in the months ahead. This won't be easy for any of us, but… I feel bad about what we're exposing these kids to. They didn't sign up for this, regardless of what they think huntsmen and huntresses do," Qrow mused as he slowly rotated the stem of the glass between his fingers.

Kali's expression turned to one of doubt as she looked over Qrow's rough features. "You know, normally, I'd disagree with you, but… all of this business with the relics, maidens being actual people, and this Salem woman? No one should be subjected to this. That being said, I'm glad that the 'kids' we have with us are who they are."

Qrow chuckled in response, and took a sip from his glass. "You know, I don't know you, but I've got a good feeling. I feel like I can trust you."

Kali took a long drink from her glass, before gently setting it onto the table. "…so that you're aware up front, I just lost my husband. I'm not looking."

"I'm… sorry to hear that, but that isn't where I was going with it," Qrow offered.

"I didn't think so, but I thought I should let you know now," Kali replied. "I'm used to casual flirting, and when I was younger… perhaps more. But lately, I'm not feeling it, and for good reason. What did you mean, really?"

Qrow waved a hand nonchalantly. "Just that I get the feeling you know what you're talking about. What's your take on Sun? Does he usually know what he's doing?"

"I would trust him with my life. You could say I already have, several times," Kali said immediately. "Let me put it this way- if he and Blake were to split, I'd be angry at her for failing to keep him around. He's an absolute treasure. Troubled, in some ways, but… I already see him as my adopted son."

"…well that's some high praise, if I've ever heard it. I was just expecting 'he's a nice boy', or 'we can trust him'. You really feel that strongly about it?" Qrow inquired as he took another drink.

Kali's soft smirk finally returned as she let out a small noise of amusement. "Blake didn't get her habit of feeling things intensely from thin air, my friend. I wouldn't call his plan 'perfect', but… what ever is? I say we follow his lead, and see where it takes us. Live a little."

Qrow grunted in response as he finished his glass. "Live a little, she says, while watching what could literally be the dawn of the apocalypse. This is one hell of an interesting little team we've got here."

"Interesting indeed," Kali agreed. "Though, if you really do think I know what I'm talking about… be wary of Cinnamon. The children seem trusting of her, but… something isn't right. I can't quite put my finger on it, and it could easily just be a little thing, but women like that unsettle me. We fought, once, and even in combat, every move she makes has a double meaning, or ulterior motive. I'm glad she isn't joining us."

Qrow poured himself more wine as he kept his eyes on the glass. "Point taken, but you know, sometimes people hide things for good reason. Not every ulterior motive is self-serving or malicious, Kali. A lot of good people do bad things for reasons that people without the same life experiences wouldn't understand. She could be trying to screw us over, or it could just be that."

"Things like attaching your soul to that of an adolescent child, for example," Kali offered as she folded her arms atop the surface of the table.

Qrow let out a long exhale, and used his free hand to muss the front of his hair. "Look, I'll be honest, I don't know how it works, and I sure as hell don't ask, because I'm a little afraid of the answer. Oz has done more for me than anyone I've ever met, family included, and he's living inside of Oscar at the moment. Those are the facts, and those facts are good enough for me, right now. The first thing he did after convincing Oscar of the seriousness of everything going on was to seek me out, so we could get this ball rolling again after his last death. He's committed to the cause, and… this isn't the first time I've seen it, either. Maybe that makes me an asshole. Maybe I'm just numb to it. I don't know."

Crickets sounded out in the surrounding area as Qrow busied himself with his drink again. He avoided Kali's eyes long enough for the situation to turn awkward, before finally looking back over and finding them locked on his as he set down his glass.

"…do I come off as an asshole?"

"Before we had this conversation, I would have said yes," Kali admitted. "Now, with a little perspective… I think you're just a little rough around the edges. Differing life experiences, as you said. It's obvious that you care, and lack of caring is what makes an asshole."

Qrow let out another grunt as he sat up in a more dignified posture. "Thanks… I guess."

Kali shrugged noncommittally. "It's your actions that shifted my perception, not mine. I'm glad that the other adult I'll be spending weeks, or even months with is one that I can talk to, either way. We'll have to do this again sometime."

"You're leaving already?" Qrow asked with a bit of disappointment in his voice.

"My daughter wanted to talk to me at some point tonight, and I don't want to keep her waiting too much longer. She seemed anxious, and that's never good. Every second she spends worrying at night is a second she could be spending making me grandchildren," Kali teased as she stood up.

"…you're a very open woman, Kali. It's been a pleasure," Qrow said with a nod as he raised his glass to her.

"Mm. Thank you for having us, here. It might be worth talking to Sun for yourself, and seeing how he comes off," Kali suggested as she approached the sliding glass door.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think I'll do that, sooner than later. He's a passionate kid," Qrow replied.

"Have a good night, Qrow," Kali offered as she slipped through the door.

Qrow waited until she disappeared from view before he set down his glass and picked up the entire bottle of wine. Without a second thought, he took a long pull directly from it, and let out a ragged breath.

"Oz, I hope you know what the hell you're doing…"

Author's Note:

A small correction was made last chapter- at the end, Ozpin told Kali, Qrow, Ilia, and Sage to leave after his team does, when it should have been Jaune. Trying to juggle dialogue for that many characters and sort out teams, which are still shifting over the next few chapters, basically melted my brain. It's fixed now, and was updated sometime in the afternoon on the day it got uploaded. Even with rereading and editing each chapter three times before I upload, I didn't catch that until it was already posted. Figures.

In regards to Simply Christian's review, I appreciate the feedback. I don't agree with much of the assessment, especially when compared to some of the leaps in logic and unnecessary decisions that have been introduced to canon, but I also don't think it's appropriate to go point-for-point with one reviewer's long list of criticisms in an author's note and justify why this story has become what it is. If you're reading, Simply Christian, I welcome all perspectives on the story, and I'm not being dismissive as a way of saying 'lolno, you're wrong, this story is perfect', because it certainly isn't. It's moreso that I know where I want to take this, and the track the story is on right now of going bigger in scope than Sun and Blake's relationship is only going to intensify as time goes on. I had a feeling that the departure from "Eclipse/BlackSun fluff" into "alternate retelling from Volume 4 onward if Sun's crew had stuck around" would alienate some people, and I'm fine with that. That's part of why I updated the description somewhat late in the game- every story can't be for everyone, and my overall focus shifted as I decided to expand. Whether you keep reading it and/or reviewing is your decision, but I'm most certainly going to keep writing it.

The one specific thing I will address is that as for Cinnamon, I was honestly expecting most people to dislike her, given that I injected an OC into canon and gave her an absolutely massive role as she moved up in the White Fang. I'm actually fairly shocked that she's generally so well-liked, and the inconsistency, entitlement, and suspicious nature of her character is absolutely intended. I'd argue that if anyone thinks she's being completely honest, forthright, and trustworthy, they just haven't been paying attention. I actually love the line "How sick and twisted does an individual have to be that the manifestation of their soul is to force themselves on another person's soul?" from Simply Christian's review. Might be something to keep in mind while reading.

"The Plan" for Volume 6 is something that took literal weeks to work out and finalize before it was something I was happy with, and it's great to see that most people are on board for it. Hopefully it now makes more sense that Cordovin and the Apathy won't be making an appearance just yet, because I'd wager about a third of the canon Volume 6 is going to be included in this version, with the rest saved for later.

Oh, by the way, the rest of the story bar the last chapter before the hiatus is written at this point, so we're moving to daily updates. Hold on to your asses and see you tomorrow!

-RD