Volume CRBN!

by Dancesnapple

Four individuals. Four different people of different walks of life resulting in an adventure. Hopefully, a bond that can last. Team CRBN (carbon). Features: OC Main character, main team has two OCs alongside a lovable crime duo, and some family drama on all sides. Features a 'soundtrack' element for the fic. ENJOY! Story begins on third listed chapter. Very slow start.

10. 8 Once Heard

Chapter Eight: Once Heard

It's so rare to be disruptive. To throw everything on its side to chaos.

Okay, that's a flat lie. She does so each and every day. But, those were all simple impulse driven adrenaline rushes. Rather, it was rare for her life to go through an overhaul.

Then Neo went and derailed her mother's business trip, found a blood covered boy, and SOMEHOW witnessed that become part of the trip. Dumb Dumb was fun, but things were just... different after that.

Neo's mother had traveled to Mistral for a deal with local bandits, offering elicit substances in exchange for goods. Goods and loot taken from travelers by said bandit clans. In turn, those goods would be given to some old grungy man named 'Senior'.

It was supposed to get the crime boss of Vale to assist in smuggling her father's drugs into the city for a single distributor. She'd never understand why he couldn't just sell the substances TO Senior and cut out the nonsense with the bandit clans. Something about not giving total distributing power to the crime boss.

But that was no longer needed. Apparently, her mother had managed to deal with that weird nice man at Beacon. Weird. One smuggling op got a foothold into the city, and suddenly her father's workers were able to expand into the city without the other crime lord's consent.

This came with a complication. Before, they were supposed to become business partners, but now they were competitors...

The girl sighs, sat at a single table by a large ornate window. Sunlight beams through into a large open room. The far wall to her right all mirror, the left wall mostly windows with embroidered drapes. The walls were a faint pink, floor of dark hardwood.

The girl sitting at the table with mismatched eyes hadn't grown that much. Although saying so out loud might get rewarded with a knuckle sandwich. Her hair was cut short, into a half pink half brown bob cut.

She gets up from the table, moving around the room. Neo's eyes trailed to her reflection in the mirror. Brown laceless shoes, white leggings, up to a pink tutu. The tutu draped from a pink sleeveless top.

Neopolitan

Age – 9

8 Years Til The Day

The room's center was lined various obstacle style training tools. The first were two metal bars sticking up from the floor, two feet apart as they bent 90 degrees and extended ten feet. They then angled down into the floor.

After them sat a three pillars in a triangle. A mechanical spin rotated the pillars, each having two bars at different heights. The spins were staggered, not in unison so one bar was always going through the center space.

Finally, two hurdles, one higher enough to reach the girl's hips, the second not even a foot off the ground after. Neo positioned herself by the first obstacle, a record player sitting beside her by the wall.

One glance at the obstacles brings a twitch if a smirk on. Her hand flicks out, setting the player as it plays a classical piano melody. She rocks side to side with the melody, stepping almost like a dance.

Her arms lift theatrically as she dips forward into a cart wheel. Just before the parallel bars, she twists on her hands, straightening the wheel motion to a flip.

Her legs spread as they swing over, each leg catching the top of one of the bars. Her legs spread perfectly, balancing on the bars as her top half swings up. Rolling forward, Neo grips each bar, hand standing on the bars so her legs swing up.

Closing her legs, she kicks 'forward', flipping in the hand stand until her legs are towards the opposite end of the bar. Her legs open again, catching the bars as she releases her grip, swinging her top half over.

She hand stands off the bars, legs catching an outer bar of the nearest rotating column. The bar carries her into the center of the three columns as she contorts herself between the different bars, catching them and moving from bar to bar.

The last bar she catches carries her to the first hurdle. A slow bent back flip, she rolls off the bar over the hurdle, landing on her feet with a soft thud. Sweating heavily, the girl slowly dips. Knees bend forward while she leans back, until she's flat on the floor.

She inches forward, moving under the second hurdle, her breathing loud in the room. Getting under and through, she leans back up, legs going back under her as she stands up.

The piano melody ends, making the tired sweaty girl look over, a mute gasp. She lit up in a smile. "Daddy!"

Sitting by the record player, a large man sits and claps in applause. "Wow, so much progress, Sweetie! Better every day!"

The sides of his head shaved, his brown hair to his left, down to his ear. The only other hair is his thin mustache. Milk white skin with sharp features, though a crooked nose, likely broken at some point in his life. Bright pink eyes twinkle in pride.

He wears brown suit pants, black shiny shoes, black leather belt, a white shirt with black suspenders, black cuffs at his wrist.

The girl steps over, the mechanical whirl of the columns shutting down. "When did you get back?" Her mismatched eyes widen in glee. "Did you beat those guys up?"

The man barks a laugh, shaking his head. Rather than answer, he tilts his head at her. Getting up, he snaps his fingers. "Go clean up, sweetie. I got George making us some grub."

She grins, getting a hug on the man before sprinting off. "Don't start without me. You're never home!"

. . .

No time at all! Okay, more like a thirty minute indulgent shower later. Neo found herself walking through great wide halls with a spring in her step. A half pink, half white short dress over black leggings, brown shoes and wristbands.

Her home still seemed so big. Success in her father's, erm, business in Vale also allowed an upscale of the home front. It excited her, any time she could get details. Of course, she hadn't gotten to leave her damn home in eight months! Well, officially leaving her house, anyway.

George no longer accompanied her mother on trips, staying home with Neo as a live in guard. For as much as she initially enjoyed the change, it ran its course quickly. Maybe she needed to sneak out for some much needed freedom...

Time to ponder gone, she bursts into the dining room, smile on.

Her father, Brock Rhodes, nickname Rocky, sat at the head of the table. He was surrounded by four men in suits sitting in nearby chairs. Neo's smile dulled at the grim scowls on each of the men's faces. Not directed at her, just there.

Rocky stops his speech to the men, eyes brightening with a smile at his daughter. "Boys, let me have dinner with my family. Come on."

The nearest man leans in to him, murmuring something in Rocky's ear. The boss's smile remains, but tenses... forced. He glances at the man, raising a black gloved hand and roughly pulling the underling away. "We will talk about it later."

The man shrinks back, nodding. The four men march out of the room, Rocky's smile easing back to be natural. However, Neo's own smile fell away, brow raising in confusion. Something wasn't right. "Ah, bout time you quit lounging in the shower."

They turn as Misty walks in, followed by George who carries three plates. Each plate is filled to the brim with seafood, rice, and vegetables. The violet haired woman huffs. "Bout time we can eat. I've spent the last fifteen minutes comforting this one as he bumbles through the kitchen."

George shrunk, looking away. "Ma'am, preparing a pufferfish can be dangerous if done-"

She turns away, ignoring him. "Ugh, I don't need excuses." She brightens at her husband. "Oh, Love, it's been too long since you've been home. I trust you dealt with things in Vale well?"

The man's hand twitches, an action the woman doesn't miss. He quickly chuckles. "Oh, yes. You should see the looks on some of those bastard's faces. But what of you? I walk in and see my beautiful daughter handling that obstacle course with ease!"

Neo chuckles at the praise, smiling with pride. "I get extra practice running from George."

Rocky halts, looking from the girl to his wife. A dry tone comes out. "He hasn't been hospitalized at all since I've seen him last, has he?"

Misty waves him off. "Oh he's fine. Now, let's dig in!"

The dinner was lax, the trio eating in comfort, happy quips back and forth. Neo leans back stuffed and sighing with a smile. The sight got a warm look from the adults as they shared a glance. "You good, sweetie?"

Neo grins, giving a thumbs up. Misty huffs "Then go start getting ready for bed, Missy."

The girl giggles, bursting from the chair and running off. "Okay!" However, just after turning the corner, she drops to the floor, moving as close to the edge as possible. Sitting down, she listens to her parents.

With the child supposedly gone, Rocky sighs, leaning his head into his hands. Misty frowns at the man. "What happened?"

"There was a rat. I think it was Dooley... not that it matters."

"So, he's been dealt with, but what came of it?" She asked with an edge in her voice.

"He tipped off Vale's police about Gero deal. The Huntsmen know."

"What?!" Misty's raised voice made Neo flinch harshly. The woman realizes her volume and continues at an even speaking voice "What made that fool talk about it?"

"Apparently something about a niece of his. Tried to get revenge." A low groan comes forth, Neo hearing the exhaustion in him. "Most of our Vale ops have been raided in the last two weeks. Once I found out why, I came home. Vale has no authority out here, after all."

"Wait, are you saying the Vale operation is a complete bust? All from one measly rat? The deal been on since two years ago!"

He waved his hands, placating. "It'll blow over. We still have enough deals to keep afloat. We wait it out, and we come back stronger. So long as Senior doesn't change his methods and actually secures the territory, it'll be just as, if not better than before."

Misty sighs. "Good God...I'll look into some contacts to see if we can't smooth this over faster."

Having heard enough, Neo scoots away, leaving the halls. Gero Deal? Dooley ratted? She vaguely recalled a bald man with a beard, constantly talking about his grandmother 'Babushka'. A touch eccentric, but always agreeable. To cross her dad...

Something big had to be involved. She was a touch ashamed not to know.

The girl pouts, the thought sticking. She'd quickly gotten ready for bed, A quick 'goodnight' got a happy departure from her family, soon finding herself in a blue hued bedroom. A grand king sized bed sat surrounded by decorated dressers, mirrors, and grand curtains allowing the blue moonlight inside.

Neo sat at the edge of the bed in violet pajamas. Glancing out the window was a white landscape, snow covering as far as can see. Snow covered dead forests could be seen. She snickered, thinking to the move out here.

Separate from the floating city of Atlas, a standalone manor deep in an arctic woodland. It was well protected by natural hazards. The family could only leave and come via flying transport. Something that got old real fast.

On a whim, she walls to her closet, withdrawing a black fuzzy jacket, putting it on. Next, she grabs a pair of brown boots. A moment later sees her open her window, the cold Mantle air breezing in. Looking at the door, her eyes trail to the bottom, no light in the hall.

She smirks as she eyes a not so easily hidden rope to the left of the window outside. Minutes pass as she hauls herself out of the room, ending on the roof of the three story mansion. Her boots crunch in the snow until she settles in the center, glancing up at the glowing orb in the sky.

Any amount of freedom... always worth it.

She didn't know how long she'd been up there, yawning loudly. Her lips smack as she sighs tired. However, something catches her eye. A shift of black.

Her first idea was excitement! She still hadn't seen a Grimm in person damn it! However, she visibly deflates as a crow lowers down, settling not far from her.

Although, it was weird. "hmm... Hi, birdy? You're supposed to go SOUTH for the winter." If it could be described with an emotion, it seemed to lazily tick to the side. It was BIG! Well over half her size with its wings in. "You need to share your food, boy. You're biiiiiig."

The bird cocks its head at her, perked. She chuckles. "Right. A big baaaaad omen for being up past my bed time." She giggles to herself. "Here's to change." Her mind calls to her parent's conversation. "I hope it's good change- AH!"

The girl slips down the snowy slope of the roof. Eyes going wide, she shoots off the edge, falling directly in front of her own window. Mid tumble, she felt a tug on the back of her jacket, momentum shifting.

"OOF!" Neo hits the bed sheets and pillows, sinking in. Head in a tumble, she groans, sitting up and popping her back.

"What?" Mismatched eyes catch the crow now perched on the window seal. It gives one 'caw' before flying off and disappearing. Neo watched it leave, eyes wide. "Huh..?"

Bursting from the bed, she rushes to the open airway, looking out into the night sky. Did that black bird just save her? Her hand brushes something, bringing her attention down. Under her left hand is a slip of paper.

She tilts her head, bringing the slip up to her eyes to read.

"Please stay put. Don't get involved."

Neo's brow scrunched in confusion. She flips it over twice, seeing nothing else. Wide eyes scan around, looking for anyone or anything. "Hello?"

In response, a rapid beating sound began... faint and far off It was echoing through the window. The girl looked out into the sky, stomach sinking. Two massive helicopter carrier transports, red and blue lights flickering atop them.

P-police? Here? Why would-

The floor beneath her feet rumbles with the faint sound of an impact. Her eyes widen as she glances at the paper. She looks to the door, finding the hall lighting up on the other side. "What?"

. . .

The main entrance of the mansion blows in, the front wall of the great wide foyer shattering onto the floor. The florescent inner lighting and dark moonlight mix in the entryway.

Eight suited men, armed thugs, lay sprawled in multiple spots, unmoving. On the stairs leading to the upper levels, George steps down, hand snapping to his inner jacket and withdrawing a pistol. "Halt right there-"

A buck shot spread hits him in the chest, propelling the man up the staircase and into the wall. He groans, hand dropping as the faunus loses consciousness.

On the stairs, Rocky and Misty step out, Rocky now wearing a brown open suit jacket with black spots decorating it. "Alright, who has the balls!"

The smoke of the shattered entrance clears with the swing of a blade Clearing instantly reveals a single man with spiked black hair, light red eyes, black pants, white and gray jacket with red interior, and a black cape with red interior.

Qrow Branwen stands in the doorway, posture lax as he stares lazily at the two. "Well, this has been a long time coming." Misty's eyes widen on the man, but Qrow continues. "How you been, Mincy?"

The violet haired woman chucks off her sunglasses, fuming as she draws a customized handgun. "It's Misty, you brutish heathen! Now, what the hell are you... doing... here?" She stops, anger trailing as she made eye contact with her husband. She snaps her gaze back to the Huntsman. "How are you here? This is Atlas!"

The Huntsman's smoldering gaze remains on the two as he snorts. "Funny thing. Jurisdiction no longer matters when people agree on an action." He hoists his weapon, Harbinger, to rest on his shoulder in sword form. "Ozpin sends his regards, Mrs Rhodes."

Rocky snarls as he steps in from or his wife. He rolls his jacket sleeves up, flexing as a pair of brass knuckles situate in his hand. The knuckle weapons give a high pitch whine before an electric spark jolts from them. "Who are you and state you business! Atlas has no warrants out for me so get the hell out of my-"

"Atlas doesn't need warrants when they agree to let Vale handle its business." The Huntsman states. "In fact, in this case they are in full support."

The Huntsman stands tall, his lax persona commanding as he continues. "Brock Rhodes, leader of the Gala Crime Family, you are charged with drug creation, possession, smuggling, distribution, political extortion, blackmail, assault, battery, murder, and more recently: kidnapping, human trafficking, and indoctrination of slaves."

Qrow swings his blade forward, pointing it up towards the man on the stair case. Misty watches her husband tense. Her eyes narrow as she and her husband step down to the ground level. Qrow ends his speech with one phrase. "You have one chance to surrender."

Rocky's voice grates like gravel. "And what happens when I refuse to surrender?"

"Then I've been given permission to, at my own discretion, name this as an extra-judicial execution."

Silence reigns, the three individuals maintaining a standoff. Rocky glances over his shoulder towards his wife. "And them? What charges are against my wife?"

"None at all. Wife and daughter are out of the crossfire." He places a hard pointed look to Misty. "So long as they stay out of it." His gaze returns to the man. "So? What'll it be?"

"...Misty, leave the room." The woman opens her mouth, but he commands. "Stay out of it!" He steps forward, squaring up with Qrow.

"Brock..." Slowly, she walks out of the room.

"Let me make this perfectly clear." Rocky starts. His aura flares around him. From his body a second Rocky steps out. An identical copy to him, only momentarily shimmering white.

The second speaks as he picks up a switch blade knife from one of the downed henchmen. "You come into my house..."

A third Rocky steps out of the first, walking up the stairs and taking George's pistol. "Break down my front door..."

More images of Rocky walk out of the original, each snatching a weapon from one of the downed men in the foyer. The fourth speaks. "In front of my wife-" the fifth speaks "-and my daughter asleep upstairs..."

Suddenly, ten Rocky's stand at the base of the stairs across from Qrow. The original snarls out. "Fuck surrender." All ten speak in unison now. "I'm gonna break your kneecaps, Huntsman."

Ah, so THIS was Rocky's famous Mob semblance.

Qrow's eyes hardened. "You chose this." In a split second, the Huntsman bursts towards the ten identical men, swinging his sword forward in a blur.

. . .

The floor shook again, Neo's eyes fearfully wide. Her eyes dart around the outdoors, seeing nothing associated with the police transports. Something is in the hou- "Mom... Dad?"

She turns to the door, sprinting through it and into the halls. Her run cuts short as gun shots sound. Echoing through the halls, shots sound, the clashing of metal on metal.

Her brow comes down, confidence returning. This is what she wanted, right? Get excited! Pumped! … But something her blood ran cold. The weight on her doubles as Misty sprints around the corner, rushing towards her.

Her mother coming for her and not George? "Mom! What's happening? Where's George?"

"Not the time! I'm making sure you sit still." Sit still?! The little girl's eyes widen, irritated, but her mother continues. "Now, come! We're going to the garage and getting out of here."

"What? Where's Dad?"

Misty removes her glasses, glaring at the girl. "SHUT UP AND MOVE!" That weight and pressure of her mother's semblance bore down on her. Anxiety and tightness of her muscles builds. A feeling influencing her to submit to her authority. However, what made her pause even more were the drops threatening to fall from the woman's brown eyes.

Neo lowers her eyes, breath easily coming back. "Okay... what do we-"

An echoed break sounds under the floor. Automatic fire comes as bullets break upward through the floor around the mother and daughter. They shield themselves, hearing a loud crash, the sound of snapping wood getting quieter.

Neo's eyes widen, blinking several times as she pats her body down. Whew. That would've been unlucky. "Whoa. That was-" Her eyes widen, seeing the red liquid drip from her mother's shoulder.

Misty grits out a breath in pain, right arm pressing on her left shoulder. She glances at Neo, seeing the wide eyes. "Oh, stop. It's just a through and through." She turns and starts walking. "Now, come girl!"

Neo's eyes remain on her mother. Just the image. Her mother, shot... She snaps out of the trance, following after her.

. . .

The wall of the mansion shatters out. Rocky lands, rolling on snowy concrete. He snarls, reaching for a shock baton he'd dropped. Qrow's foot stomps down on the hand, getting a yelp from the mob boss. Looking up, a blade strikes.

The image of Rocky shatters, falling to fading bits of glass like aura. Qrow turns around, looking back to the blown open wall of the building. Four more copies of the boss charge out. The first stops, firing three shots.

Qrow swiftly dodges the shots, closing the distance and slashing back. The second Rocky steps between, blocking the overhead swing with a trench knife.

Using his off hand, Qrow palm strikes the blocking Rocky to the side of the gun wielder. The gunman fires three more shots. This time, Qrow angles his sword to deflect the bullets toward the third copy.

The third man raises a metal bar to swing, but a ricocheted bullet catches his shoulder. He stumbles as Qrow ducks, sweeping the charging copy and tossing him through a snow covered bush.

Qrow twists around low, snatching the stun baton with his offhand. The fourth copy swings his own baton, the Huntsman deflecting him off and slashing through the shattering copy with Harbinger.

The first aims his gun a few feet away, but the gun jams. He looks at it, confused. "A jam?" Too late, Qrow slashes through the image, shattering it as the pistol hits the concrete.

The third emerges from the snowy bush, gasping to find Qrow shifting his gun to shotgun mode and firing once, shattering the man. The Huntsman turns back to the mansion, finding one Rocky standing alone. The real one...

Rocky growls out, punching his shock knuckles together. "You got a pretty cool toy there."

Qrow shrugs, eyes hard. "Your wife extorted another weapon from us five years ago." The man gestures to a mansion lazily with his sword. "You wouldn't happen to have it around, would you?"

Rocky snickers. "I've no idea what you're on about. But..." Two more Rocky clones step out of the building. The one on the left holds a minigun, the right holds an RPG launcher. "I can show you real firepower."

The chain fed minigun starts its spin, bullets stream forth a second later. Qrow bursts forward, putting the broad side of his sword before him. The spray of bullets impact the sword, bouncing off in all directions as the man closes the distance.

The clone with the RPG kneels down, taking aim. As he pulls his trigger, the minigun with the other clone clicks and quivers, belt fed ammo jamming. "What?!"

The RPG rocket fires out. The minigun bullets stop, Qrow lowering his guard, twisting and slashing through the rocket as he dashes by. It explodes behind him.

The Huntsman shifts his weapon to scythe mode, twirling around. The pole end strikes the main Rocky's guard, holding him back as Qrow cuts through the RPG clone.

He turns to face his two opponents, flourishing Harbinger to parry three jabs from Rocky. Behind the two, the clone with the minigun works to fix the belt feed.

As the men fight, across the snow filled yard, Neo and Misty rush out a side entrance, moving along a sidewalk towards an out building. The violet haired woman reaches a door, turning to her daughter. "Hurry up!"

Neo stops, looking over the snow covered lawn, a shock wave blasts the snow out in a obscuring white mist. In the now cleared area, standing on dead grass, Rocky dodges two swipes from Qrow's scythe, dodge rolling left.

Qrow turns around, the last clone fixing the belt feed of the minigun. He closes the distance too fast, taking the head off the clone, shattering it.

Neo's eyes widen at the man. The red cape, white jacket, black pants. He was so familiar. When did..? She shakes herself out of it. "DAD!"

Rocky's eyes widen, turning back to the girl. He scowls, turning back forward. "Damn it..." Qrow had stopped, however. His attention drew to Neo, eyes losing their edge. The mob boss takes notice... taking his shot.

Rocky closes the distance, spark knuckles jolting as he tucks his hands at his side and punches them together. Both fists crash into the distracted Huntsman. Qrow's eyes widen as an electric shock courses through him.

He's blasted away, slamming into the second floor of the mansion, shattering the walls. The boss snickers, breathing a touch heavy. Standing tall, he sends an annoyed glance at the child. "What are you doing?! Get out of here!"

Neo flinches at the man's growling tone. The snapping anger in him. She'd never received that from him. "D-daddy, what's-"

"Come on!" Misty snaps, grabbing Neo at the wrist with her good hand and dragging her towards the door.

The girl struggles. What was going on? Why were cops at the door? Wasn't her family safe from law enforcement? They were set, above it! Why was her father fighting a Huntsman-

From the shattered side of the building, Qrow hops out, landing and wiping off dust from his shoulder and sleeve. A trickle of blood trails from the corner of his lip. "Hmph. Nice cheap shot." He wipes the trail of red off, eyes now hard on the mob boss.

Rocky turns back to the man, grinning. "Sorry, you were so open I couldn't help it. I'm typically a modest gentleman."

"Nah, you're just an opportunistic rat." Qrow comments lazily, rolling his shoulder. "I should say 'sorry'. I didn't realize I cared more about your daughter being here than you did. Although, it's not surprising."

The boss blanches at that. "Excuse me?! The hell does that mean?"

Qrow's pale red eyes narrow at him, unflinching. "Considering your business model." His accusatory tone drips on the last few words. Neo's eyes remain on the two men as her father snarls like an animal. Rocky sprints at the Huntsman. Qrow's eyes flick to the little girl, a sigh escaping his lips. He mutters under his breath. "Sorry, kid."

In a single movement, Rocky leaps at Qrow for a charging punch. In response, Qrow spins and slides to the side simultaneously, swinging the curved scythe blade like a pick. The tip of the blade shatters Rocky's aura and enters the solar plexus. The large curved blade sinks through the mob boss, slicing through and sticking out the back.

The blade sinks in to the base, Rocky's body catching off the pole arm and hanging from the weapon. Neo's jaw hangs, breath shaking out as she recoils from the sight. "DADDY!"

. . .

That didn't just happen.

Neo sits on the stairs of the wrecked foyer. The inner workings of the house were ripped apart. Sliced floors, shattered walls, bullet holes riddled around the area. The entire front door wall was just gone.

No, not gone. It was here... and there... and there...

Just- That didn't just happen.

Words were being spoken, around, but she wasn't hearing them. One of the Atlas police transports had landed in front of the building. All of her father's men were loaded into the ship, George included. None of them wouldn't be leaving a hospital for the next few days, let alone the prison they'd go to after.

The other transport had already left with the deceased... but HE didn't go with it. The Huntsman stayed.

And that's why the girl's mismatched eyes remained on the wooden stairs, another clear droplet touching down. If she looked anywhere else, it would be on that man.

In front of her, Qrow stood with two Atlas soldiers in front of Misty. The confident business woman stared dead forward, a bandage around her left shoulder. The soldier in front of her spoke at her, not that Neo heard any of the words.

All just white noise in the background. Blah blah- Protection for information. Something something- Exempt from Rocky's charge-... what? The mention of her father brought her attention up. Even the act of lifting her head felt numb, cold.

"Your husband was given the list of charges from the governments of Vale, but Atlas nor Vale will press any charge on you." The nearest soldier informed.

Misty's red ridged eyes snapped to the man, narrow. "Break into my house. Kill my husband. Arrest my husband's men. Destroy one million lien in property. Am I supposed to feel lucky?"

"Yes." The soldier answers plainly. "Based on evidence, we're aware much of his operation involved you, but HE didn't want the order to be put on you." The armored man gestured towards Qrow with his thumb.

Misty's burning eyes snapped to the Huntsman, still leaning on the nearest wall. "Oh? How chivalrous... Should I feel special?"

Qrow kept neutral, meeting the gaze. "Ozpin and I both objected to placing the kill order on you, too... for her sake." His eyes flicked to the tricolor girl.

Neo's gaze snapped to him, confusion mounting. For... her sake? What the hell does that mean?! He murdered her father in front of her!

He continued. "Frankly, she's an Atlas citizen, and we wouldn't be able to do anything for her. Also frankly, Atlas doesn't care for orphans, so leaving you alive for her seems like the best outcome." Qrow's brow raised at the business woman, ignoring the look frown on the soldier's face at the Atlas comment. "So, keep out of trouble from now on, and you won't face any more consequences."

Ignoring the Violet haired woman, Qrow steps away from the wall, walking towards the stairs. Towards the scared little girl.

Misty flinches at the movement. She inches to move between the man and girl, but the two soldiers step up, one placing his hand towards his sidearm. "Don't you dare-"

"Whatever." Qrow walks around her, marching to the base of the steps softly. The girl sitting seven steps up stares at him, a light shiver, her eyes straining and quivering. The man frowns, gaze softening.

Silence is numbing. Restrictive. The girl felt claustrophobic. Suffocated. Her teeth clatter in her clenched mouth.

Against her will, her voice came out. "Why?" The voice came out choked, tears threatening to spill out. "Why Daddy?"

He kept his gaze locked, not shying away. Despite the look, his voice hesitated. "Because... your father did something unforgivable. He had his chance to give up peacefully, but chose to fight." A sigh leaves his lips. "I don't regret it, but I'm sorry you had to see it. I just hope someday you'll understand it."

His right hand rose, hand giving a two finger salute, though it did little to offset his sullen frown. "Take care, kiddo."

The man turns and walks out the foyer, towards the transport. The two soldiers step back and trail after him, leaving Misty and Neo alone. Alone, in the shattered mansion. Just like that. Neo watched as the man left, the same words going through her mind.

That didn't just happen.

A light chill swept into the room from the snowy cold outside. The business woman stood at the base of the steps, hand hovering over her face. Slowly, she stepped towards her daughter. Misty's rigid form slowly crumbled, shoulders sagging and shaking.

The girl sat still on the steps as her mother slid down beside her. Her mismatched eyes glanced down, seeing the business appropriate space between the mother and daughter. Her voice chokes out. "M-Mom? What's going to happen now?"

"..." Nothing comes from the woman.

Neo shifts, wary red rimmed eyes darting around the shattered room. The cold temperature started making her shiver more and more. "Mom?"

Her hand inched out towards the woman, only for the adult to stand up from the steps. Misty took a shuddering breath. "Go to your room and get a single bag ready." Her voice held no tone, no emotion, barely loud enough to hear. "We can't stay here."

The girl looks away, hands dropping into her lap. A sniffle comes from her as she hugs herself and stands. "Okay..." Every inch she moved felt like she would wake up from a nightmare, but the longer it went, the more she realized it.

That really happened.

. . .

Her mismatched eyes flicked open. Half lidded, her gaze simply locks onto a speck. A speck right there, on the white ceiling. The brow over her pink eye raises. How the hell did that get there? … Not worth thinking about.

She rose from the bed to a sitting position. Pale blue walls around a sparsely decorated room, barely a fourth the size as her old room. Her bed merely a twin size with gray sheets. Staring forward a moment, she lets out a long mix of a sigh and yawn.

A couple minutes pass as she walks out into a living room, small with only a couch, coffee table, and television. Muted colors and few decorations.

She was slightly taller, wearing a white loose jacket and black pants. At least her shoes were pink still.

Four Months Later

Age – 10

7 Years Til The Day

Hmm. She might have overslept. Usually she at least catches her mother leaving. She exits the living room into a dining room, seeing a note. Snatching it, she reads 'At work. Won't be home for dinner. There's ten lien for the corner diner.'

The girl huffs, crunching the paper and tossing it into the garbage. She swiftly takes the money from the counter, pocketing it and sitting on the couch. Turning on the television, she settles back, holding a drink.

News... hell with that. Cartoons... only the super kiddie ones come on during school hours. Next! Drama shows and lifetime? Ew...

Cop shows and thrillers. Jackpot.

Maybe it wasn't very healthy, but she'd always at least known her parents weren't up and up. Her mother was NEVER going to tell her anything about what she and Rocky did. She only vaguely knew he was a business owner and was strict.

Although, the 'beating' and 'fighting' rhetoric makes much more sense now. She'd just joked and laughed about it before.

Her brows rose seeing the main character of the show panic as a detective shows up to their home. Neo smirks at the screen, always enjoying these scenes. It was always fun to sneak around and hide. Show just how much one can make others look silly.

However, it cut to commercial, getting the expectant look from the girl to a scowl. She sighs, falling softly into the couch. "Stupid television."

The next commercial ran, the image of Atlas Academy showing. Neo froze, eyes narrowing. "Adventures. Heroism. Fulfillment. These are a starting point, but there's more to it."

The screen lit with showings and displays of high tech weapons and otherworldly powers. Each and every man and woman, boy and girl, wore a brilliantly well kept uniform, until the shot lands with all of them lined up together in a salute.

"What matters is us. Our people. Our citizens. Being a Hunter means: Unity. Progress. Survival. And Duty." The image pans out to show Atlas Academy's headmaster, and military General James Ironwood. Clean shaven and chisel jawed. "If you wish to be a hero, we welcome-"

The screen shuts to black. Neo sat with her hand gripping the remote in a vice grip. A shuddering breath came out, eyes narrow. "Whatever." She stands up, tossing the remote into the couch as she moves to the door.

Stomping out of the home, she locks the door, stepping into a hallway. An apartment complex. Fairly neat and tidy, though. It was a strange move... She hadn't been aware her family had set up quote unquote 'safe houses'.

Apparently, there were several to choose from, but they picked the one closest to Misty's workplace within the city. The grand floating city of Atlas. Ugh, she'd hated living here before, and she hates living here now.

The elevator was annoying. Her mother just HAD to pick one with a view, but the elevator was so stupid. Quickly, she finds herself on the streets, hands in her pockets as she walks out alone in the afternoon.

Who knows how long she just walked around. Five minutes, fifteen, an hour? She loses track as she comes across a public park.

Okay, one thing she enjoyed about Atlas? Weather control in the parks. Despite being cold as hell, the park didn't have a flake of snow, unlike so many other places. So, permanent good weather means...

The sounds of other children in the park. Neo smirks as she eyes a dozen children with adults all over the place. The park isn't overly large, a few trees, grass, and a nice walking path. She swiftly finds a small playground.

"Oo... good timing." She mutters out loud. Glancing back and forth, she sneaks off behind a tree. Breathing in and out, she focuses.

Her eyes open, both brown. She smirks with her hair fully brown, no trace of pink at all. A look at her shows sees white instead of pink. She nods in approval, semblance fully active.

Neo moves out into the playground, a mix of kids around her age. Before long, she blends in, moving to a set of swings. Eyeing the kids, she finds a boy with slicked hair, impeccably spotless leather jacket and shiny pants. Either he's just very flamboyant, or has rich parents.

And rich parents means big allowances...

Neo grins at him and the other kids crowding him. Playing tag? Oh, too easy. She slaps him on the shoulder. "Tag!"

"What- HEY!" The kid shouts out, annoyed as Neo sprints towards the trees. The boy huffs, rushing after her. Another neat observation of rich brats. They're used to swapping friends, and easily enticed to a challenge.

She, on the other hand, was a smart brat, and punking a kid is a fun workout. Weaving through the bushes, she sneaks around a tree, stopping. 3. 2. 1.

Swinging herself back around the tree, she braces herself at the boy slams right into her. The two children hit the grass, Neo twisting on top.

The two separate, Neo's off hand retracting to her pocket.

She rubs a sore spot on her head as the boy gets up wincing more in pain. Ah! No aura unlocked. Sucks for you. "Ah! Idiot! What was that for?"

Neo snickers, "Sorry, thought I got away from ya."

The boy gets up in a huff, wincing before stomping away. "Whatever, stupid girl."

However, Neo's grin remained, hand leaving her pocket with- holy cow, forty three lien! How loaded was this kid? Whatever. The kid was gone, going back to the playground, so she breaks her semblance, half her hair shattering back to pink. Her shoes shine pink, and a blink of her eyes brings the same shade in her right orb.

With a giggle, she exits the trees and bushes, leaving the playground just as she sees the rich boy patting himself down. "Stupid." She mutters.

Leaving the park, she swiftly arrives at an ice cream parlor four blocks from her apartment, Neo enters. Psh! Ten lien, her butt! That corner diner was supposed to be her only meal of the day? Please...

The tricolor girl marches up to the counter, eyeing the menu of dessert flavors, as well as some traditional food. Fifty three lien to use, she wouldn't mind her first three course meal in a while.

. . .

Misty sighs as she enters the apartment, shutting and locking the door. Looking ahead, she raises a brow behind her sunglasses at the sight. Neo sits before the television with a chocolate coated ice cream cone, crunching down on it to finish. On the coffee table sits a to-go box.

The woman glares at the child. "Well, you're certainly well off." She moves to the dining room, sitting her purse down.

Neo shrugs, not looking at her mother. "You left ten lien to cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

The woman scoffs. "It's hard times, Miss Sass! I didn't raise a lowly pickpocket."

The little girl snaps her gaze to her mother. Her eyes narrow. Hard times? She knew what the woman did when she was 'late' coming home. Dinners with rich men, attempting to find someone to mooch off of. A part of her worried about that implication whenever she thought of her own father.

Either way, a mother should be able to afford a god damned dinner for her daughter. Neo rolls her eyes, attention back to the television. Not interested in judgment or an argument.

It was funny when she could turn to George for entertainment and care. However, the longer she stays with only her mother, no guard or butler, the shorter her patience is.

Not long after her mother settles in, she snatches the remove from the table, switching to the news. A prim man, oozing a pompous elite aura, sits at a desk. The background behind him is a green screened logo of the Schnee Dust Company.

They caught him in the middle of the broadcast. "-knows why the decision was made, but the position of heiress within the family has now shifted to Jacques's middle child. This change in the company's future comes amid rumors of several violations of faunus rights within the dust mines to the west of-"

The broadcast droned on, Neo tuning out the story. One rich girl screwed out of a fortune. Another rich girl gets it. Honestly, she could relate to the older one in that sense. Then again, wait... Isn't the older trying to join the military? Yeah scratch that. No relating whatsoever.

She'd zoned out for a few minutes until a knock sounds at the door...

Neo's eyes snapped to her mother. Misty, on the other hand, had already gotten to her feet. Trained on the door, she moves to her purse in the dining room. "Neo, go to your room."

The girl blinks before narrowing suspiciously. "Is this another 'late night boyfriend'?"

Misty glares at the girl, glasses off. The tired chocolate eyes bore a message into Neo's brain, Her mother's semblance. "I said go!"

The power lodges in Neo's throat, breath coming out painfully slow. She winces as she looks away. "O-okay..." She goes down the hall, getting her breath out as she shuffles.

Alone, Misty glances over to the door. Her hand draws a customized pistol with a scope side. She pulls her tight lavender business jacket open, tucking the weapon inside. The door knocks twice more.

She approaches slowly, glancing into the peep hole. On the other side, she sees a man in a jet black suit, gray button up underneath and black tie. Despite the muted clothes, he had shoulder length green hair and orange eyes. The man seemed expressive, peeping through the hole back. As if that actually let him see her.

What bothers her though is the pinned symbol on his lapel. A jaw-less skull with a third eye socket in the center forehead. Her gaze narrows, hand tensing towards the hidden gun. Still... she opens the door.

A pleasant smile finds its way onto her face. A peppy voice comes from her as she glances out. "Hello? How may I help you?"

The bright looking man grins at her, hand coming up in a wave. "Hello, Ma'am! Hello. I wasn't aware such a stunning woman would be here." He gives a toothy grin. "I'm looking for a Mrs Rhodes. Now, I have to think you're her daughter?"

His voice was dripping with warmth and whimsy. Tone was light, showing he obviously knew she was who he meant. Flattery. Ordinarily, all things she would eat up, but...

Misty's eyes squint just barely. "It's Miss actually..."

The man blinks before gasping, hand to his heart dramatically. "Oh! I apologize sincerely! Please, I beg my pardon!"

He wasn't reacting in the slightest to her semblance... He was skilled in aura control, surely trained. Misty's grip on the door knob tightens. She waves him off, forcing her smile. "Oh, you're fine. No harm done." She gives a wry chuckle. "I mean, it's been difficult. Correcting people on that, I mean."

The man nods, sighing. "Ah, right. I DID hear about that. Actually, I came here relating to that." He smiles at her, though it doesn't reach his eyes, a very faint loss of light in them. "Actually, it would be much easier to have such a conversation away from prying eyes and ears. Would you mind if I came in to talk? I promise you, it's important."

Misty's jaw clenched a moment, keeping eye contact and willing her semblance on the man. Something had to give. "I'm sorry. I don't even know your name. It would be improper to allow you into my home not knowing who you are."

His grin remained warm, contrasting his eyes growing more cold. "Ah, my name is Spyyra." He comments, withdrawing a badge with his identification. "I'm hired as a business associate of a business associate of the late Brock Rhodes. His passing was a blow to my client's heart, and he wishes to send his regards."

The conversation paused as the woman inspected the man. "I'm sorry, but now really isn't the best time-"

"I assure you, now is the only time, Miss Rhodes." His smile drops to a smirk, maintaining eye contact. "It will only require a minute of your time, and all problems will be out of your hair."

'Only time', he says. He made that threat pretty clear. Slowly, she creeps the door open, allowing the man into the apartment.

Spyyra immediately stops at the coffee table, seeing the to-go box left by Neo. "Oh, jeez. Looks like I caught you at dinner!" He scratches his neck, looking ashamed of himself. "I'm sorry 'bout that. Whatcha havin'?"

Misty shuts the door, silently locking it. "Ice cream... Just finished." Her tone dropped from friendly inside the room.

The man didn't seem to notice the shift, eyeing the packaging. "Ah, I hardly ever have the stuff myself. My ex wife was lactose intolerant-" He waves a finger up in Misty's direction. "-which pretty much made ME lactose intolerant, but I do enjoy me some cookie mint'n cream."

He makes it to the dining room, gesturing to one of the seats widely. "Do you mind?" He finishes his rambling.

Her eyes narrow. "Oh not at all. Why not put your hands all over everything?" Her snide remark comes back with some sass. "How about you explain to me why you're here."

Ignoring her sudden rudeness indoors, Spyyra sits at the four seat table. "Can't yet. We're not all here."

"What are you-"

"It's business for all his kin, after all." The green haired man states, tone completely innocent. So genuine... if not for his eyes, hollow and dangerous. "Trust me, it's all just a clarification, and that's all."

Down the hall, Neo sits within the open bathroom door. Alert, she closes her eyes, focused on hearing all she can.

Misty glares at the man, anger bubbling to the surface. "You will deal with me and me alone. No other alternative. None of it involves her."

The man gives her a rather dull look, holding the stare down just a moment before shrugging with a smirk. "Alright. Gives us some time to ourselves. Get to know each other. Swoon over the sunset-"

"Gag on your bullshit." Misty cuts in. She sits at the table, across from Spyyra. "The Gero deal, I assume."

The man brightens, giving a toothy grin. "Ah! You DO still remember. My employer didn't think you would since it was Brock's gig."

"I know everything he did. Why does that matter now? He's dead, and I lack the resources to continue his criminal empire. I'm left straight or nothing."

Orange eyes darted around the room, a contemplative look coming on. "That would indeed be a problem. Yep, definitely a problem. But, you see, that's why your problem becomes my boss's problem. And we can't have problems going unsolved." The man leans back on the chair, looking completely relaxed and opposite from the business woman's calm demeanor. "And the only way my boss will solve his problem is a return on investment."

"Excuse you?!" Misty barked out, eyes wide with fury. "How am I supposed to do something like that?"

"13 Million lien." Spyyra comments, reaching into his jacket and withdrawing a metal flask. Popping it open, he takes a swig from its contents.

Misty raises a brow. "What are you-"

"Brock was paid 7 million lien." The green haired man smirked at her. "PER shipment. Each shipment of 12 would be appropriated-new-hires."

"-and more recently: kidnapping, human trafficking, and indoctrination of slaves." The miserable bastard of a Huntsman's words rang in the woman's mind.

"And going at a rate of one shipment a month, plus the odd scenario of two shipments a month, that rounded to over 90 million a year... each shipment paid IN. ADVANCE." The man smirks, looking down his nose as he leans back on the poor chair. "And my boss never got his return on that last investment."

Misty nods. "I see. This is a shakedown to get back the 6 million on the last shipment..." She groans, eyes lowering. "I may be able to get that from my company. Move some numbers about and hope no one needs to access the records-"

She's cut off by the man chuckling like a child and shaking his head. "N~o!" He sings the word, still amused. "The whole point of the money was to spend it. Getting that back means nothing. What means something is getting. Back. Investment." He emphasizes again.

The woman freezes, eyes widening a fraction. "... I don't... know what you mean by that." Suddenly, her back straightens, blood running like ice. "You can't possibly expect-"

"I don't expect anything." Spyyra shrugs, lax attitude remaining. "I'm just here to get whatever can be got."

She blinks, recoiling back with a shake of her head. "I yes, cause I can certainly just go to the local park and get a dozen little hell spawns to follow me right back to you." Her sarcasm drips as anger builds.

He ignores both tones. "You do that and we have zero problems."

"Absolutely not! Where do you think we are? A Vacuan orphanage? I can't get something like that done!"

"You say can't. I say won't." The green haired man smirks at her. "But, we won't require a full shipment of twelve. In fact, even one would be enough to get off your back... with a slap on the wrist, of course."

Misty huffs. "'Slap on the wrist'. Hmph! Who are you? Sandy Superior?"

"Spyyra Barnall. We've been over that."

"I'm am not. Kidnapping a child for you. In ATLAS CITY for god's sake!" Her voice threatened to raise to a yell, but she reigned it in, seething at the man.

Down the hall, within the bathroom, Neo's eyes widened. What the hell? What the actual hell was her father involved with?! "I should say 'sorry'. I didn't realize I cared more about your daughter being here than you did. Although, it's not surprising." That Huntsman knew something. It was the reason.

Not surprising. As if her father caring for a child was contradictory... even for her. "Considering your business model."

Kidnapping and trafficking. Her father could do something like that?

Within the dining room, Spyyra sighs, shaking his head. "I'm disappointed. I'd heard you were intelligent. Who ever said you needed to kidnap anyone?" A taunting tone flits through his words. "Like I said. Even one child would be enough return on investment. Over half a million for a regular... 'appropriated worker'. Think how much one with aura and a semblance could sell for."

Misty's hand flicks to her jacket, removing her pistol and aiming at the man.

The man nods, looking impressed at the piece. "Nice reaction, buuuut-" His hand waves up, a spark of electricity arcing off as his hand grips the barrel. With only a curving of his hand, the metal warps downward, closing the opening.

She stumbles to her feet, chair knocking over. At her feet, her brown eyes trail over the weapon. The front half closed and unusable in its new state. "H-How did you-"

He claps with a grin. "Called it! Knew you weren't trained with your aura! Not like your husband, at least."

Her hostile stance begins to crumble as the man stands up. "S-stay back. Get out of my home!"

"Whoa whoa! I'll leave in a moment... with the return." He gives the woman a toothy grin, standing quite a bit taller, almost a whole head.

Misty's eyes clench shut, chest raising and lowering with deep breaths. "It's my daughter."

Spyyra's hand lightly rests on the her shoulder, slowly pressing her into the wall. She looks up to see the cold eyes, lips in a grimace. "Which is the only reason you have a way out of this. Think of it as... consideration for your loss."

No... Neo sat, frozen in the dark tiled room. Her breath chopped as her mismatched eyes looked down. There's just- How could- There's no possible way her mother would, COULD, do something like that.

The little girl began to shake, arms wrapping around herself. It'll all be okay. It's not going to-

"Fine... Just leave me alone." Her mother's voice barely drifts down the hall.

What... did she just say?

Footsteps sounded. A door opened, the man was saying some words. She didn't know. Didn't register anything except the cold claustrophobic tightness running through her.

Her mismatched eyes blink wide as the bathroom lights turn on. Her gaze looks up, seeing the tall man looming over her. The man smiled wide at the girl. "Hey there! You're just what I'm looking for. Now, come on. We got a trail to burn."

She didn't move, breathing increasing. It was really happening. Why? Why was this happening?

A rough arm grabbed her by the bicep, wrenching her painfully to her feet. He tugged her out into the hall, dragging her with him as she gasped, winced, and struggled. Hyperventilating, she looked out in panic, finding her mother standing in the dining room. "MOM! HELP!"

Nothing. The woman didn't move. The violet haired woman simply kept her eyes on the floor. Nothing. Not a god damned thing.

And there's the switch being flipped. Fear and shock giving way to sheer fuming anger. A fire lighting in the girl as she thrashed at the man's grip. "NO!" She screamed out, voice going shrill as she kicked and pulled.

Spyyra grumbles, looking at the struggling girl. "Well, damaged goods is better than no goods... Night time."

With that, his off hand grips her by the back of the head... as he slams the girl's head into the wall. Her vision goes black instantly.

. . .

A hard impact, the girl lands on the ground, front first. Dirt blows out, air leaving Neo's lungs. Her eyes attempt to open, but clench with dirt in her eyes now. The right side of her head sears in pain. She chokes for a breath, only to gag as the first breath takes in the dusty dirty under her.

Her arms flail under her, finding placement to push herself up. Eyes squeezed shut stinging, she continues coughing with each breath. The girl's head rocked, vision blurred with each movement.

She flops aside, rolling to her back and looking up. The side of her head burns with pain, swollen. Both hands gently cradle her right temple, feeling the puffy hot skin as it hurts, then numbs. She glances about with her pink eye opened.

It's dark. Rocks surround her as she lays in a dirt bed clearing. Inside a cave? She winces and sits up, one open eye widening.

Other children, all around her in varying ages. Not many were older, very few actually, but there were at least a couple dozen. Several Faunus too. Around the area were several men, all wearing leather armor over green under clothes. All wore helmets concealing their faces.

The girl scowled, memory coming back to her as she struggles to stand. A shout comes to the tip of her tongue as a figure steps onto a rock, looking down at the children. The same green haired man with the same three eyed skull on his lapel.

Eyeing the figure, she opens her brown eye and slowly glances at each guard. Each guard bore the sane symbol, not on their chest, but painted into their face covering black masks, accentuating a third visor eye in the center of each forehead in the helmets.

She stands, moving to step away, only for her legs to catch. The girl wobbles in place, balancing herself and looking down. A rusty chain connects her feet together! What the... "What- where are we?" She asks aloud.

The man grins down, completely innocent looking. Almost fatherly... "You're home, little one." So.. warm? Weirdly genuine sounding. She'd listened to her mother dozens, hundreds of times, as she would coerce people in meetings, yet she could still see through that wench's acidic personality.

This man, however, could fool anything with his tone alone... until looking at his eyes. Just that slight touch too wide, pupils slightly shrunken. But she could see it. It was so much different from Misty, on a whole other level, but it was the same intent. Coerce and manipulate. He's better at it, and he doesn't need a semblance to accomplish it, given Neo's glance at the others reacting.

And it infuriated her. Her jaw clenched, lips pulling into a line, eyes hardening at the man. Despite the swollen head she'd received from said man. "This isn't home! You kidnapped us!"

The children around her cringe at her shout. She glared around, willing her anger over them as well. Spyyra frowns in mock offense. "Excuse you! We have you here in our hospitality, under our protection, away from the under fulfilled lives that previously laid ahead you!"

His admonishment ends with a quirk if the lips. "Or are you saying you were safe and looked after before?"

Stubbornly, she glared back at him, not even hesitating. "No, but it was better than getting beaten and taken!"

The children around her moved uncomfortably, some cringing back in on themselves. However, some watched the girl shout at their captor, wrapped in by what may happen.

Spyyra puts a hand to his chin. "Mhm... mhm..." he nods with the utterances. Suddenly, his eyes flick to Neo's right. Lazily, his off hand raises and points. "You. Please step forward."

The girl glances over, seeing several kids flinch apart, a younger boy sitting in torn pants and a brown dirty jacket. The boy began to shake, looking at the man.

Spyyra puts his hands up, placating. "Hey, hey, it's okay. I just want to prove what kind of guy I am, that I'm your friend. Your pal. Come on! I swear you won't be hurt." The confused, scared child stood up from his spot. Neo eyes the same chains hooking his feet together.

The boy shuffles a few feet, separated from four others. Spyyra smirks, nodding to the boy. The blonde boy stutters out. "W-w-what do you want?"

Spyyra's smile widens, showing teeth. Neo's eyes widen seeing the man's. The man's arm flicks up, aiming a pistol down. "An example."

BOOM!

All the children scream as the boy falls to the ground, no movement from the small child.

Spyyra tosses the handgun to the nearest armored thug. "There! Painless." He watches the children shake in place, but keeps his eyes on Neo, waiting for her attention to come back to him. "See that?"

Neo meets his smolder, orbs wide with shock and fear. Her anger and frustration splashed with a cold wash of horror.

"That's you if you get on my bad side." His eyes were dark, nearly blacked out by the shadow save for a single sharp glint. Instantly, the man brightens again, a faux pep in his voice again. "Now, gather round children! Let's start your lives anew!"

. . .

Humiliated, captive, chained, hungry, drained, and unable to blink without seeing a hole in a child's head.

Neo had never freaked over blood. Worst experience was a cut on her head originating from a mishap with a glass falling on her head. She'd always enjoyed going places she shouldn't. Hell, she didn't care back when she'd run into that crying boy in the woods, Carmine.

Then again, the blood on him was dried and easy to work around, making it distant. Her own blood from her head was more scary from the pain, but it had familiarity. It was HERS. Yet, seeing her father's death, impaled on the Huntsman's weapon stuck with her... seeing a bullet tear through a child's head beside her stuck with her.

Now, just ten minutes later, she stands in a line of children, arranged by height. Several of the guards stood by, Spyyra stands before them, smiling wide. Behind him are three semi trucks open.

It only just clicked in her head that they were outside Atlas City. There in the distance, she could see the city floating in the sky, fleets of warships around it.

The green haired man claps his hand. "Alright, kids! This moment shall define the rest of your lives." He clasps his hands together, acting out swooning in glee. "Cherish it so." With a smirk, he gestures to the first truck.

"This truck will take a portion of you to an outpost of my gracious employer. There, you shall hit the books and learn all sorts of services that will be expected of you someday. It's the comfy life for you... as comfy as it can be, that is." With that, he gestures to a guard, flicking his wrist at the child line.

Several of the guards move, each grabbing different kids around Neo. The children yelp, cry out, resist, but eventually a fourth of the line is moved into the truck bed.

Satisfied, Spyyra gives a toothy grin, pointing his thumb to the third truck. "This lovely ride will take you to the rough n' tumble country. Your services will bring resources to all." He pauses, bringing a tapping finger to his chest. "I don't feel comfortable saying it's a 'plantation', but... well, yeah, apples be apples, so it's a plantation."

The guards returned to the line, removing all but three children other than Neo. This group went without trouble, seeing how well any resistance the last group went.

Suddenly, the first and third trucks rev their engines, driving away down a dirt road. This left Neo, three other children, four guards, Spyyra, and the truck. He smiles directly at her. "Ah, our chief money makers. Be proud, children! You're here because you are special!"

Neo and the other three glance around at one another. Each of the other three were older than her, it seemed. One even looked in her teens. A boy turns to the man, muttering out. "S-... special how?"

Spyyra claps his hands together. "Oh, I shouldn't say too much, but you? You will each become quite useful tools to some... let's say, powerful people. And I can't promise anything, but you might be lucky enough to see me again."

The tricolor girl's eyes widened as she found the man staring dead at her at the end. Noticing her reaction, he winks, grin going cheeky. He turns away, gesturing to the truck.

At this point, there's no point fighting it. Neo's jaw is set. They want to use her? Fine. She'll use whatever they give her to ruin them. This she vows as she enters the truck.

. . .

Day in and day out.

"HEY! GIVE THAT BACK!"

The girl sprints through an alley, broad daylight peaking through the buildings. The tricolor girl sprints to a broken wooden fence, sliding down and under the fence.

In her arms sits a white purse. She hooks the purse over her shoulder, looking over behind her. The fence shatters out as a helmeted cop bursts through. Behind him are two more cops, as well as a white and blue suited woman. The woman shrieks. "There she is!"

The cops charge, Neo doubling her pace. Curving around a corner, she off hand throws a trash can over as an obstacle. The cops run around it easily enough...

"So that's why people don't actually do it." Neo mutters to herself. Turning another corner, she tenses at a large wall, two stories tall. Damn it, can't jump that.

Her eyes find a risen ladder attached to the bottom of a fire escape. Some nearby piping lines the wall beside the ladder.

Neo sprints in a zig zag before rocketing to the piping. She jumps, kicking on the wall to double jump and catch the outer piping.

Swinging and contorting her body, she catches her legs on the ladder. Releasing the piping, she swings around and grabs the ladder and climbs.

The police officers catch up, the lead stopping under the ladder. He turns around, cupping his hands as his gut. The second officer runs up, putting his forward foot in the first's cupped hands. The first boosts the second up to catch the bottom of the ladder.

The added weight drops the ladder down to its lowered state, within reach of the first and third cops. All three start scaling the ladder, Neo gasping and frantically moving up the remainder.

"Athletic cop- the hell?!" The reaches the top, the lowest platform of the fire escape. She sprints to the edge, leaping off the platform over the two story wall, into the next alley.

"AHHHH!" A scream sounds as Neo disappears over the barrier.

The cops gather atop the ladder, two moving to the edge as they signal to one another. The two boost the third to toss him over the barrier.

The officer lands between two dumpsters. Before him, a young streetrat girl with blue hair lays, wincing. "Are you okay?!" The man asks, kneeling by her.

The blue haired girl whines, pointing off. "She landed on me and ran! That way!"

The man nods, rushing out of the alley. "Officer Brady, the assailant is now heading down fifth and-" His voice trails off as he exits the alley.

The blue haired girl stares off, grabbing a small black garbage bag. She sighs, blinking her eyes to mismatched pink and brown. Her image shimmers and breaks off, Neo standing with the bright white purse.

Neopolitan

Age – 11

Six Years til The Day

She huffs, putting the bag back on as she slinks off, disappearing down the alleys. She makes her way across several blocks, sighing as she arrives at a junkyard. Moving through the scrap, she finds her end goal, a semi truck.

A suited man in sunglasses leans against the side. Brown suit, thankfully. Every time it's a black suit, it reminds her of times passed. She missed George... Oh well, she got her fun every now and then.

She glances at the man's lapel, seeing the three eyed skull pin. A Johnson. Any job or assignment given was moderated by a man, anonymously. None of them revealed their real name, working under the universal alias of Johnson.

This one wore brown instead of black, was tan, fairly tall, but she couldn't profile any further than that. He could be human. He could be faunus. Either way, he was moderating this 'playground assignment', all the current trainees given individual assignments tailored to their skills.

She was first back... again. Now to be bored before getting taken away. Off to another city. Another town. She only knew this was in Mantle. Who knows where the hell she is now.

Neo presents the purse. "Done. Some rich woman's cards and stuff are in here."

The Johnson accepts it with a nod. "2814, back already! Might be a new record for you." Her number always set her blood hot. Less about the acts they were doing, but the fact that no one stopped this yet. This has gone into the thousands of abductions over who knows how long? Where the hell are the Hunters on this?

Unconsciously, she rolls her shoulders, rocking from one foot to the other. "Anyone else back yet?"

Her answer is Johnson holding a paper out. Her wide eyes scan it, a location. 117 Halsey Street. Glancing up with a raised brow, the man nods. "2051 got caught by the occupants at that location. Need you to get him out of there before cops show and arrest him."

She tilts her head at him, glancing at the paper. "How did you already know-"

"We know everything, and we need to keep the boy from blabbing to authorities." He holds up a brown paper bag. "By any means."

Taking the bag, she's surprised by the weight. Just what the heck does he mean- Her eyes widen, seeing a pistol in the bag. "Wha-... but-"

"Do it!" he shouts down at her. She flinches, scowling back up. Her eyes soften, conflicted with herself. Clenching her eyes shut and nodding, the girl takes her leave.

. . .

The little girl stops at a street corner. Ducking around the corner, she glances around and sees a police cruiser parked in front of a tall building on the corner. An apartment complex? The top floor is clear, made of glass almost entirely, but too high for the girl to make out.

Ah, a penthouse suite for another rich asshole.

Meaning that 2051 is up there as well... Sidney, if she remembered right. Kid was 15 and still getting grabbed and caught on most his assignments. Maybe that's why he had the lowest number to him.

Although, her number being over 2800 made her gut sink just slightly. How many people has this... business affected. Granted, this kid had been with these men for years before her.

And now they want her to end his time with them... Her hand twitches and clenches at the brown bag. Damn it.

Entering the building, the girl began sneaking from corner to corner, through halls until finding a staircase. Now to go to the top floor... She runs up the stairs. Floor 2. Floor 3. She runs for a minutes, sweating with the climb. Floor 6. 7. 8.

She shuffles, breathing heavily. Floor 10... 11... oh god, stairs can go to hell. Oh, finally the top. Floor 12. Entering the floor proper, there's only two other doorways in sight. The elevator and the suite entrance.

Neo halts just inside the hall, half lidded eyes staring at the door. She swallows thick, hand bring the bag forward. She's seen a lot of guns. And like, a LOT of guns. She's seen what they can do, more so in the last few months than ever. Yet, in all that time, she'd yet to fire on anything alive.

Reaching in, her hand withdrew the pistol. The cool gray metal was rough, dented in spots. The tool had certainly seen use before. A lot of use. So... it's unlikely any life she could take would be the first to this old reliable.

Her hand fiddles with the handle, turning the weapon in place as she looks it over. Hmm. She gives a light shake, nothing shaking or shifting in the weapon. Hmm.

The door for the suite opens, Neo jolting back into the stair well door way. Hiding in a small crook in the wall nearby. In the hall, a tall cop walks by with a chest high tall black boy with long black hair. The boy was locked at the wrists with handcuffs.

Both pass, not noticing the much shorter girl holding her breath. Wide panicked eyes slowly calm and land on the back of the teenager. Slipping from the cover and stepping behind them, she pauses. Her eyes dart to the weapon in hand to the back of the older boy.

The cop taps the elevator ringer, calling the transport from the bottom floors. Neo sets her jaw, taking a deep silent breath. The weapon raises and aims, dead at the two males backs. Subtly, her gun jitters, her eye quivering as she tries to focus on the sight.

Her finger twitches around the trigger, trying and failing to pull the trigger. She takes a barely audible breath, shaky. Pull!

Nothing. Confusion sets in her as she inspects the handgun once more- Oh... Her lips pull to a line as she sees the safety still on. Any hesitation gives way to her embarrassment, a flush mixed with a relieved breath.

DING!

Neo snaps the gun up, flicking the safety off. The elevator door opens as the cop drags the teen inside. This is the chance! Do it, so you ca-

Why the hell was she doing this?! Her assignment directly put her in contact with this cop... An idea flickers into her head. Surely, it might be dangerous, but...

Her thoughts, having occurred in a single second, spur her into a sprint. Bursting into the stair well, aiming the gun down the steps.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three shots ring harmlessly, yet ear piercing, down the stair well, ricocheting a number of times. The kickback would numb her hands if she didn't already work her hands with acrobatics and climbing. She ducks to the corner behind the door, activating her semblance.

A shimmer over her form shifts as her entire color pallet gray, matching the gray cement walls. The door bursts open, the cop stepping through and looking down the stair well. "Police, halt!"

Neo drops the color change, shimmering back to her colors. Grabbing the handle for the door handle, she withdraws a lock pick. In only a moment, she uses the pick to lock the door.

The sound of the lock is lost on the officer as Neo aims her handgun at his back. "Hey!"

The man turns with a jolt, helmet visor obscuring his face despite his jaw drop. "What-"

"You're gonna arrest me! Understand?" She willed her mismatched eyes in a glare, hoping to burn her order into him. Maybe, just maybe it could work for her like her bitch of a mother.

The man's hand hovers over his holstered weapon. Confusion shows in his posture. "Excuse me?"

He's a cop. He HAS to help. It's literally his entire life mission to stop this exact type of thing she's involved with! Get help, sell the bastards out, and lie and say you came from Vale or Mistral. Much more orphan friendly than Mantle... she thinks. Last minute decisions!

She jerks her head towards the hall. "That boy and I were told to perform crimes by men who kidnapped us! We have numbers tattooed on the center of our backs. His is 2051, mine is 2814!"

Confusion doubled as the man tilts his head on her. "Slow down. Let's put the gun down-"

Neo's eyes widen, dangerous focus on the man. "The gun goes down when you promise to HELP ME!"

The sudden snap causes the man to flinch back, both hands raising. "Alright! Alright! I'll help however I can."

. . .

Whew... so far so good.

Locked in an interrogation room, one light overhead, handcuffs locking both her hands to the center of the table. She sighs, impatience getting to her. Her foot was tapping, eyes darting back and forth.

Her jacket was gone, leaving her in a black tank top, middle of the back cut open, revealing black numbers: 2814. She taps a finger incessantly, breathing in and out loudly in the room. Her nail taps the only sound in the room.

The door opens, a blonde haired older officer entering. She halts her tapping, looking at him expectantly. The man closes the door, sitting down across from her. "We checked your junk yard. Nothing was there." The more gruff officer pulls out a note pad. "Is there anymore information you can give."

Her hands clench as she scowls. Of course they didn't find anything. She was likely tailed. Doesn't matter. So long as it looked like she simply messed up the mission and was arrested, it'll be fine. Even if they come and find her, it'll be her first major setback in their ranks. No more.

Neo sighs angrily before starting over. "The men are always in generic business stuff, but they have this symbol thingy put on their jacket right here." A quick gesture to her left chest. "It's a skull without a jaw and a third eye in the center of the forehead."

The officer nods, writing down. "I see. Helps with identity, but what do they do?"

"Make slaves." She answers plain. "Some were sent out to the country, others to some other place, but I was one of a few they trained to do their dirty work."

The officer nods, grim. "I appreciate having the courage to come forward like this. I understand that the criminal underworld makes coming forward difficult. A dislike of 'rats', so to speak. You're quite brave."

Neo huffs. "I don't care anymore. I have a good record, so if they find me, I just messed up once. If I get away forever, then good."

The man nods. "Well, guess we have everything we need here." The officer keys up his radio. "Send him on in."

A cold drip begins to chills the multicolored girl. Neo's brow scrunches, eyeing the officer suspiciously. "Who is 'him'?"

The blonde officer gives a smile to her. It was forced, hiding. "Don't worry, we've contacted your parental guardian."

A twitch in her eye as she shrinks in. "What? I don't have a-"

The door opens. "Ah, you found her." The warm voice sucked all heat from her. The green haired man walks in, wearing his three eyed skull pin proudly. The man's face is fully joyful as he looks at the girl. "I'm so sorry, officer. Thank you for finding her."

What? But... Neo recoils in her seat, attempting ti stand, but the cuffs keep her arms locked to the table. "He's not-! He's- no!"

"No problem sir." The cop cuts in, ignoring the preteen. "We'll release you to you immediately." Neo's jerks against the cuffs stop, eyes wide with fear and confusion. Her wide orbs find an object on the cuff of his shirt... A three eyed skull. The officer turns his gaze to the girl.

With a smile, the cop tugs down his shirt, showing his left collar bone. Neo freezes and simply blinks. '1012'. The numbers in the same size and shade as her own.

The officer simply smiles. "You stay out of trouble, little girl." He finishes as he reaches down and unlocks her cuffs.

She sits, frozen in place, as Spyyra walks around behind her, clapping his hand onto her shoulder. The contact makes her flinch. "Don't worry, officer. I'll be sure to keep her out of trouble."

How? Who the hell are these people?! How could they have someone here?

Spyyra grins, not quite reaching his eyes. "Now, come on. Let's not waste the officer's time any more." The indirect order was clear, but she barely feels like she heard it.

Numb, cold. She begins to stand, hands trembling as she's lead from the room, the green haired man in step behind her. She barely registered a thing. Not leaving the police station. Not entering the very truck from the junk yard parked nearby. Not the drive away.

. . .

Her attention was brought back as the truck stopped in the middle of the woods. Her eyes remained square on her lap. The door opened. Zero shock or surprise as a covered armored guard. The familiar three eyed skull painted over his visor.

She's lead from the truck, walking in step between two guards. They bring her to a stop in a clearing. The girl doesn't glance up, not caring about what happens next, still drawn to the how she got here.

These men... they had land, enough to contain multiple categories of prisoners. They had personnel, although she could no longer tell who of these people were here voluntarily or simply having been past victims themselves.

They had influence, putting their 'special' slaves in positions to strengthen their hold... Did that mean all her assignments were secretly being monitored by these plants? That's insane, but... they'd have to be! How else would her one chance end up so thoroughly halted and swept under the rug?

So, she had no measure of how wide spread they were. Influential enough to pay off her father to traffic these victims and keep it going. Sure. Influential enough to coerce and bully her own mother, someone she thought was unflappable.

"Alright, children!" Spyyra's voice calls out, cheerfully. She brings her gaze up to him, finally finding interest in the rest of the gathering. Spyyra, two guards, herself, and before her, cuffed and on his knees, 2051, Sidney.

No, there was one more man. A second truck parked a short way away with the passenger door open. A man sat inside, legs out, as he observed. She couldn't make much out, but he wore gray pants, a white open jacket and lavender shirt underneath. His hair was black, and she could make out glasses.

Spyyra claps his hands for their attention. "Alright you two. Lots of mistakes today, and we are not too proud. But don't you worry. Not to fret! We understand that such things happen." The giddy man looks between the girl and boy. "Now, we need to understand that you understand what you did wrong, You understand?"

Did this guy seriously just say 'understand' four damn times? 2051 looks up, attempting to speak.

"Not you." Spyyra cuts off the boy, eyes boring through the kid. Spyyra's demeanor runs cold until he turns to Neo. "Now, do you understand what you did, little lady?"

Neo's jaw is set as her gaze burns at him. "I tried to escape from you and failed, so you're going to kill or torture me."

"Eh! Wrong." Spyyra smirks. "Spot on for first part, but we do appreciate ingenuity. You would have succeeded outright, but you forget that you are a trainee! Precautions are always in place."

Well, that confirms the previous thought. All her assignments from these monsters are overseen. Great...

"As far as punishment, well, we'll get to that, but you need to finish the last task assigned to you." The tall man begins strolling towards her until he kneels before her. With a smile and narrow eyes, he orders. "Hand up."

She reluctantly raises her hand out to him, keeping eye contact. It was a challenge she was accepting. That didn't stop the shock as Spyyra removes the very same handgun she'd been given earlier, putting her hand around the grip.

"Do your job and get rid of the useless merchandise." Spyyra lightly pats Neo's head, the unwanted contact burning her. He walks around her, twisting her to face Sidney. The boy's eyes widen, staring back at Neo's own wide orbs.

"What?!" Neo can't help the shriek. She shakes her head, glaring at the man. "He's here! You can still use him!"

"Exactly!" The green haired man speaks with his finger up, signaling to wait. "And we can still use you, little 2814." His grin doubles. "And we can put so much more faith and trust in YOU, and get more out of YOU." His head nods towards the boy. "A screw up we've had for 8 years." He nods to Neo. "A promising thief and mercenary in the making that needs to follow orders." He ends with a shrug, waving his hands, gesturing to go on.

Silence, the girl simply glancing back and forth, from the teen to the man. She settles on the teen before her. Lips pulled to a firm lone, eyes wide, Neo feels her resolve shake looking down at the boy.

Jittery, her hand raises, shaking the gun. The barrel aims square at 2051's face. The boy's brown eyes tear up as he quivers under the aim.

With a burn in her gaze Neo's focus shifts. No. No fear. She draws from a different emotion...

Her shaking worsens, body tensing. Her breathing seethes as her eyes harden. Not fear. Rage. Against the Huntsman that killed her father to start this. Against her father for being involved with this. Against her mother for giving her up like a nuisance. Against these men for EVERYTHING.

The answer. Fuck these monsters.

Neo twists around, flicking the gun up and firing on the nearest guard. The guard takes two shots, dropping. The second flinches back, but Neo ignores him, aiming at Spyyra.

She fires four shots, the gun clicking empty. Spyyra, standing still, snatches all four shots from the air with his hand, an orange aura emanating as his semblance halts the bullets.

He glares down his nose at the little girl, and she meets it, eyes blazing. The man smirks. "A for effort." His semblance activates, shifting the material of the four bullets, creating a four pointed shuriken. "But..."

His hand flicks back, the small shuriken zipping past Neo, cutting her cheek. Along with her wince, she hears the metal sink through skin and crack through bone. A male groan sounds with a thud. Neo turns to find Sidney, shuriken embedded in his head, the boy on the ground.

She gasps before whipping around and throwing the gun at the man. Spyyra swats the weapon aside and grabs Neo by the throat. He calls out to the remaining guard. "Hey, clean up this..." His off hand eaves towards the dead guard and slave. "...mess."

He begins dragging the girl towards the second truck, said preteen kicking and thrashing at the man. As she struggles, he smirks at her. "By the by, I think I know the perfect trick to tame you."

Making it to the second truck, he addresses the other man. The glasses wearing man looks disinterested, raising a brow. "Have you decided what you want?" The new man's bored, monotone droned.

Spyyra snickers. "Yeah! Perfect trade off for a rat." Roughly, he slams the girl into the side of the truck. Neo's legs dangle helpless, her arms feebly grappling the man's hand. She chokes out a breath, but neither man pays her any more mind.

Spyyra frowns, nodding his head towards the back of the truck. The new man nods. The two enter the back of the semi. This interior radically differs from a simple transport like she's used to by now. The man with glasses gestures to a medical bed.

Neo, seeing this, doubles her efforts, landing two kicks to Spyyra's side. Eliciting a groan from him, She loosens his hand, biting it. She's released as he screams in pain.

Landing painfully, the girl winces and rolls up, making a run for the door. As she sprints by the new man with glasses, his hand lazily grabs her by the shirt, shoving her towards the medical bed. "Try to contain your pet." He straightens his glasses, turning to face the girl.

Spyyra snatches her, using his semblance on the metal railing along the rim of the bed. He creates a cuff, locking one of Neo's hands down. Rolling her onto the bed, he quickly restricts each limb, manipulating metal o er her head, locking her down fully.

Her wide eyes dart about as she struggles with the binding. The green haired man sighs frustrated. A growl looses through his lips. "Alright. Remove her voice. I don't care how." He sneers down at her. "She'll never rat again. She'll only understand orders."

The black haired man raises a brow at his associate. The man spares a glance around the room, medical supplies locked down in each corner. "I don't have the proper tools for such a thing, but I could make it work." He straightens his glasses, stepping up to Spyyra. "I expected a simple amputation, not a full surgery. There's no anesthesia on hand."

A chuckle escapes the suited man. "Good. Let's hope she remembers it."

The man exits the truck, Neo letting loose a struggled scream... A scream that chokes out, stuttered, and gagged.

… I promise this story gets happy soon. Chapter name probably made it obvious what would happen to the poor girl. At least it's not just Carmine getting tortured.

References:

Misty, who has violet in her color scheme, is based on Moon Mist ice cream. Her last name carries from her husband. Her semblance is similar to Qrow's in that she can't turn it off. It simply manipulates the emotions of the person she makes eye contact with. If she were trained, it would perhaps be like Ren's semblance in a way.

Do I need to explain Brock "Rocky" Rhodes? I'll just let that go by. It was Rocky's name pun that made it easy to give to Neo as her last name.

Spyyra and other characters involved with Neo are more just shades of future conflict.

Next chapter: Chapter 9: Dedication to Craft.