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.

80. 78 The Word Is Rip

Just as a heads up regarding updates. A massive shift in my job's work flow has resulted in a largely reduced amount of writing time that I have. So, the rate in which chapters come out will likely be impacted, so my rate may reduce even to only one chapter a month. A fair warning is all.

Chapter Seventy Eight: The Word is Rip

A dark shroud of night envelops the floating City of Atlas. The soft white lighting of the buildings glow as a break from the painted visage of black. Black and white, the way Atlas views the world represented in physical form. The chilled temperatures lower to near zero, any breath creating a fog from its source.

Roman finds himself wishing he was in Vale again. Collar up and white jacket fully buttoned to the chin, he still finds the cold biting. He'd managed to move through the rougher alleys and such to the next sector.

A metal hum sounds, making him drop into shadow by a dumpster. A small remote controlled Atlas drone hovers overhead in the alley. The machine lowers, an on board camera shifting to get views all around. The drone's vents kick up biting gusts of wind, chilling the area more.

Still, Roman endures until it leaves. Upon its departure, Roman steps out, grumbling. He'd meant to use his ability to travel under search as merely a brag. Actually doing it is a pain in the ass.

He sighs. "It's too bad I can't snap my fingers and change appearance like some helpful mutes, eh Neo?" He huffs a chuckle in the cold.

Neo appears from the darkness next to him, currently sporting green hair and leather clothes in her Shatter illusion. Makara's cloak is wrapped around her tightly as an added bonus. She smirks and follows him.

CRBN had agreed to send the two to meet with the Ripper's colleague, ending in a storage and industrial district. It's becoming a common occurrence these days. Between Watts, Barbie's imaginary friend Cinder, and this Ripper lady, there's no telling who is waiting for them.

This is the place. Not a warehouse! That is a good start. Not as stereotypical. Instead, it's an underground complex for connective subways. Roman and Neo follow instructions. Move to dock P, which has no video surveillance, enter train 37, and meet in the last train car. Time of day and lack of surveillance equipment in this area means privacy.

The meeting will take thirty, enough time for the subway train to loop its circuit so they can get off the same station, again taking advantage of the lacking surveillance equipment. Roman liked it enough, though Atlas really needs to check on some of these less maintained spots in their supposed spotless society. Roman and Neo manage to find the correct car and enter.

As the subway moves, Roman and Neo inspect the area, finding themselves the only people in the area.

Until the door to the next car opens, allowing a man in... A great big gargantuan hulk of a man with dark tan skin, some facial hair, chocolate hair, and hazel eyes. His coat is a large, thick piece of gray fabric, barely covering his hips tight with brown leather pants under it.

Approaching, he eyes Roman, standing significantly taller. The man makes an athlete appear little, standing a tremendous eight foot.

Roman can already tell by the guy's posture. He's a no nonsense enforcer. Hopefully a stupid one, but... The conman smirks. "Well, aren't you a tall bastard." He twirls his cane in a flourish and gives a bow.

Neo stares on edge, barely coming up to the man's waist. He's as large as Tora Mibu had been! This man is definitely human, though. No additional details save for possible growth hormone abuse.

He glowers at the two, cold glare meeting their own.

Roman and Neo share a look. He waits a moment before clicking his tooth. "Well, this conversation is already lovely-"

"Where are the others?" The man's voice is low, annoyed.

Mocking, Roman sighs. "Oh, right. I forgot that we're supposed to be forthright with everything while you lot omit information however you like." He matches the man's grumpy glower. "We're all you're getting, Jolly Giant."

The man narrows his eye on the conman. He takes a step, towering over Roman and leaving him in shadow. "Don't overestimate yourself. The arrogant find themselves dead."

Neo gulps, but watches in shock as Roman shows not a single sign of being affected. Roman smirks. "And you end of the world types don't listen that well." He cocks his head, green eyes alight with mirth. "Now, assuming you know who we are by name, I demand the same courtesy."

The man huffs. "I don't care who you are. I just know what you can do." He turns to see Neo, letting out a huff. "I see gnats who have a lucky streak."

A silence lasts for a full minute, Neo watching ready to fight before Roman pokes the bear more. "Come now. I know the hill giants are new to civilization, but you can be proper."

A growl comes, then a gravely answer. "Hazel Rainart."

The simple introduction gets a smile from Roman. "Roman Torchwick." Hazel's gaze falls to Neo, but Roman grins cheeky. "One name for one name, Pal. Equal exchange." He steps between the giant and Neo, surprising the mute. "Now, on to business? Hup two. Don't have all day."

Hazel's dour glower holds as he reaches into his pocket. He removes a flash drive, presenting it to the conman.

Roman looks unimpressed. "The same exact plan again? Let me guess: More entry codes from Wattsworth? Or you want data again? Both?"

"You failed to uphold your full bargain last time." Hazel growls out. A threatening tone clearly tainted by irritation. "Despite your failure, Watts gave you information. That information yielded what you wished, so you already owe us." His muscles tense and flex lightly, as if keeping himself calm. "To top that off, you play as if you don't have to play along with us. If looking into AZRL taught you anything, then learn when to play along, rat."

The man's aura is palpable, radiating lightly as Neo gulps. She quickly evaluates the area of the train car, ready in case a fight should break out.

Yet, Roman seems unconcerned. "By MY calculations, Wattsworth shifted us on the full information, wasting our resources. We already paid that price." He then smirks. "And as for playing along, we need reason not to go reporting to the kingdoms before we help out people who withhold identification. I'm not keen on cults."

Hazel's nose wrinkles in disgust. "So you know who you're toying with?"

"All I know is that some fanciful witch of the woods knock off is playing wrathful god against society. Spoiler: I don't give a damn about some broad boasting evil wickedness. I care about results, money, and eliminating my current problems. So, either quit beating around the bush, or put yourself on our list after AZRL."

The two men lock gazes, eye to eye. Neo smirks, but honestly isn't fully confident. Still, the display must have been enough... because Hazel scoffs and mutters.

"It isn't the same strategy as before. The SDC's security clearances have been raised to a degree that we lack time to get around it conventionally. Instead, we will be disabling the complex security entirely via an electro magnetic effect, engaging, and removing the contents of Dr Stein's work in its entirety."

"..." Roman blinks slowly.

"..." Neo blinks twice beside him.

"You mean... the brilliant plan... is a frontal attack?" Roman's even voice notes his processing.

Hazel scoffs. "In crude terms, yes. But there's more to it-"

"I certainly hope so!" Roman raises his voice, flippantly waving about. "What sort of shit show are you guys?! If I wanted to shut things down with an EMP, I can make one myself!"

Hazel holds his stare. "Not. Like. I can."

The sheer ferocious confidence in his voice halts Roman. Attention is pulled back on the massive brute.

"The public doesn't know this, but Watts was once friends with Jacques Schnee. Whether their work relationship ended that or not, Jacques purposely never investigated some aspects of Watts' experiments. Wanted to keep the rewards instead of disclosing problematic sources to General Ironwood." Hazel explains.

"Getting bored." Roman feigns annoyance.

The brute snarls. "The hard light generator for the complex's security grid is located in a very specific place. A place where I can disable it, along with many of the facility's generators. The hard light dust control is one of Watts' prouder achievements, so we know its location precisely."

"And that is..?"

"Directly above this subway train between stops at military time 00:37, 06:37, 12:37, and 18:37." Hazel states clearly. He points up, directing their attention. "We jump the train, activate the pulse, and we dig up through one of the doctor's old entrances into the complex. The entrance is sealed off while connected to the power. Was once used to transport his less than legal resources in and out of the facility."

Roman and Neo share a look. "Well... I'll be damned... But, the military isn't going to be silent for power suddenly going out in the most important place in Atlas! We'll have what? Ten minutes to find everything in as massive a place as the SDC headquarters?!"

Hazel grimaces. "Plan A is to get lucky, find the information immediately, and leave. Plan B is a distraction, of which I and my colleague are in charge of, to buy you time." He then eyes Neo. "Plan C is letting the defenses back up with you inside, and you find your own way out. Some of you should have a talent for that."

"And why does this sound like a rush job?" The conman looks over the massive man. "You seem to be operating under 'do it quick' rather than 'do it right.' Hmm? Mistress yanking your leash?"

"You can blame that on mishandling those with attitudes like yourself." Hazel growls. "Tomorrow, we get to work. If you'd like to know how not to die tomorrow, pay attention."

Roman scoffs. "Please, Hill Giant, I'll end up improving your plan. After all, the best workers have one trick you big bastards lack." He gives a smarmy smirk as Neo watches from the side...

. . .

"Finesse." Roman's voice finishes.

Jackelynn the Ripper maintains a cordial smile, expertly appearing as a sophisticated lady. She holds her hand out to Qrow. The huntsman calms, double checking his surroundings. No others are around. He finally registers the woman's request to keep her company. He sizes her up. "I don't mind at all. This doesn't seem like your kind of place."

Jackelynn smiles sweetly. "How noble to think of my well being in a place is rough as this on the surface. Thank you." She sits on the seat next to him, though the two remain mostly turned towards one another. "But you cannot guess my surprise at finding the world's most decorated huntsman casually blending among the crowd."

Qrow smirks, though his eyes harden. "I'm sorry. You have me mistaken for someone." He cocks his head. She has a rapier sheathed diagonally across the small of her back. Its ornate ring guard is spotless gold. "I'm just reveling in the pass times to find."

She giggles at that. "Well, we are all entitled to our secrets." Her lashes bat at him twice as she says low. "We all have them... Would you like to hear one?"

She leans in, slowly. Her voice soothes and drones in his mind... Echoing... soothing.

His awareness focuses, but still shows him the simple image of the woman smiling at him pretty...

Like a wolf in the skin suit of a sheep. Looking harmless, yet filling him with unease...

Ee! The white Grimm mouse quivers and scraps at Qrow's chest from an inner jacket pocket!

Click!

His awareness shifts. The prior image he's seen no longer there. Instead, Jackelynn's body is almost flush against his. Her left hand has her faunus claws locked into a set of metal claws over her delicate fingers with small knife length blades. The hand is only inches from slowly scraping open his throat.

Qrow's attack takes a split second! He bats her clawed hand away and strikes the woman in her jaw! In the milliseconds, her right hand draws the rapier across her back, its hilt at her back right side. She lashes with it, but Qrow draws Harbinger in equal vigor!

CLANG!

Qrow's sword strikes the rapier attack up and moves back for distance. The woman's wide eyes brim with an electrical excitement. The two separate as the entire arena shifts and takes notice of the two. Qrow grimaces. There goes his idea for taking out the lights for a distraction.

Still... how did this woman move? What was the illusion he was under? Or... delusion? How did her semblance work! He'd need to know.

She herself breathes heavily, as if soaking in an opportunity. "Why would you draw your sword at me? Do I... frighten you?"

"What. Was. That?" Qrow demands, directing his blade at her.

She chuckles through her lips, licking them. "Oh, sir. It is like I said. We are all entitled to our secrets."

BOOM!

A loud bang roars through the underground... The ground quakes as all the arena inhabitants rattle in shock. Qrow grimaces. He'd hoped to cut power to the area before backup arrived. He's got to get-

Jackelynn perks in feigned shock. "Oh my!" She shouts out, covering her mouth and smile with her clawed hand. "A Huntsman! The cops are here!"

Shit...

All the arena thugs and patrons turn in horror and anger on the man... Qrow is left in a sea of hostility as all hell begins to break. Qrow pulls his jacket and speaks into his jacket at the white mouse Grimm. "Bite me if she gets past my senses again."

A drown out squeak answers him.

Suddenly, several patrons draw out switch blades, pocket knives, or simply preparing their bare fists. Qrow pommel strikes a man's arm mid swipe, twisting and punching him back. The next man attempts to spear tackle Qrow in a lunge! However, the man's forward foot trips...

Bad luck.

Qrow ducks left, letting the tripping thug barrel into another attacker and stumble a fourth. The new man recovers the stumble and swings a knife. Qrow kicks the man's knee to crumble his footing. The man drops and misses his swing, then tries to swipe from his kneeing position. All Qrow does is avoid the blade, then swats the swing to dig the knife into another attacker's side.

Bad luck.

Qrow uses the flat of his sword to strike the knife man's jaw, knocking him into three others. Four more charge as Qrow backs up. The first man hikes his fist, telegraphing his attack. Another man positions behind Qrow, going to grab him. This time, the huntsman leans in before swiftly ducking the punch! The offending fist hits the attacker behind Qrow.

Bad luck.

In the thick of attackers, Qrow drops, shifting Harbinger to its scythe form! He twists it and swings in a low sweep! The man of the scythe trips out the nearest five attackers and stops the rest of the crowd.

He needs to get out from the thick of it. He ducks back towards the exit!

Squeak! Squeak! The Grimm mouse nips at his inner chest painfully.

Qrow's red eyes widen as he registers Jackelynn landing behind him! For a split second, a manic glee appears as she lashes at him with her rapier! Narrowly, Qrow twists and dodges the blade by centimeters, losing a hair or two!

It's a two pronged attack, her claw strike coming after. He manages to counter strike with his scythe, forcing her to catch the blades with her metal gloved claws! In sparking metal, the two rip apart! Qrow notices a dust casing locked into Jackelynn's clawed arm bracer.

Earth dust. Jackelynn crouches and pierces her claws into the ground and casts the dust. A rumble of rock spikes and stone breaks burst up in a line at the man. Qrow quickly swings and slices the cast earth as it forms at him.

Qrow lands unharmed, but the cast continues beyond him, caving in the exit to the arena area! The man is trapped. All the thugs of the arena begin to spread to corner. Jackelynn is smiling as she grins up to the arena owner and nods. The man gulps and nods back before moving down under the fighting pits with his guards...

The huntsman sighs. "Let me guess. He's gonna release his Grimm to make enough chaos to leave. It won't work."

Jackelynn maintains a polite visage. "Allow me to guess. You believe you can stop all these people, myself, and his Grimm?" He gives a sly smirk, raising his off hand and twitching his fingers in. Gesturing for the woman to bring all she has. Her visage quivers, face twitching in an under current of tense heat. Her staggered breathing is mute through parted lips. "Show me."

With that, the attackers charge.

Rumble...

The cave in of rock quakes before blasting out! The eruption of earth brings the attackers to a halt, clouding the arena entrance in smoke bellowing around Qrow! Stepping out from the debris is an impeccably authoritative posture of Winter Schnee.

Winter stands with her saber out, left hand flush behind her back. Her sword arm is forward as she eyes Qrow. "So, this is your specialty?"

Qrow chuckles. "Fun was just starting. How's the rest of the facility?"

Whis steps out from the debris entrance next. "Going swimmingly. Letting the backup squads handle that. We figured ya were tangling with the Ripper, so we were focused on you."

"Well, she's right-" Qrow looks up. Jackelynn is gone! He flinches forward, head whipping back and forth. "Damn it! How does she?" he looks to the two confused agents. "The Ripper is a woman clad in purples, whites, and dark leather. Uses a rapier in her right hand, metal attachment on her faunus claws for her left-"

"Qrow!" Whis shouts as he pulls his large knife and swipes up. His blade clangs off Jackelynn's rapier, parrying her off from her sneak attack! She pulls back as Whis steps forward. The cowboy grumbles. "You're standing there describing her as she's charging. What happened?"

Qrow blinks. He sees her now again. "You mean... you two saw her coming? She was in place sight?"

Understanding, Winter recovers her own shock. She evaluates Jackelynn herself. "So, that is her secret. Some sort of concealment semblance. That is how she killed those huntsmen."

Jackelynn herself doesn't register their talk for the moment before smiling. "I've no idea what you're on about. Who would ever suspect little old me?" She plays coy before looking to the arena of thugs. "By the way, it is fifty of you and only three of them? Should I do the work of all you men?"

Spurred by the woman, all the thugs and criminals recover and charge the three high powered operatives. Whis draws his hand gun in his right hand, knife in the left. He calls out. "Let's keep an eye out for our Ripper friend!"

Qrow shouts as he takes a defensive stance, eyes on Jackelynn as she disappears in the crowd of attackers. "Winter! Your summon was able to perceive her when I couldn't."

Nodding, Winter's left hand gestures to summon another summoning glyph! It spirals and widens to allow a white furred Ursa Major to rise into existence. The beast roars as Winter calls out. "Keep your attention on the violet faunus woman. Roar if she passes us." The beast chuffs in response, allowing Winter to charge with Qrow and Whis.

. . .

"One day..." Carmine mutters. Roman and Neo arrived back in their hotel room. His annoyed, twitching eyes denote levels of building anger. "We have one FUCKING day to prepare for breaking into the SCHNEE-" Blair's hand muffles his mouth, but he continues, voice raising through the blockage. "-DUSTH CRMPHNY!"

Roman grimaces. "Well, we have restocked our dust, and I'm fairly certain I can work up some miracles for some extra tricks if Barbie will pitch in."

Blair chimes in, unhappy as well. "Some of my blood capsules are still in the van in Mantle..." She sighs. "I'll leave a message for Rowa and Glynda to brace them for... shocking news." She presents her scroll. "George has sent the electronic paperwork for this." She holds up the spine implant from Garland. "It should be trivial, but time consuming, to locate the proper files once we're in."

Carmine finally moves Blair's hand from his mouth, but Makara sits up from the bed. "How do we escape when the cult of abnormality decides to screw off? Because sorry, at best we have two people covered by Neo's semblance." He thumbs to Fluorescent Finish, then nods to Neo.

Said mute smirks, reaching and taking his hand to raise it. She releases it while making a wind blow sound, then grasping his hand again. He blinks and purses his lips.

"Uh, no. I am not Recalling everyone out. In fact, we will never rely on that being a backup plan ever!" His tone rises incredulous. Neo smiles confident and points to herself. This lights a fury for the boy. "I don't give a damn if it worked for you! I'm not risking anyone on an assumption!"

"Except yourself." Roman quips neutrally.

"Exactlyyyy- I mean..." Carmine lets the response too quick, earning scowls from all four members of his team. He puffs up and crosses his arms. "Ignore that."

"No." Makara, Blair, and Roman all speak simultaneously as Neo frowns at him. Makara chimes in. "The SDC Headquarters is comprised of many high spires connected to a central wide compound facility. I don't have to go inside. I believe I could set a perch upon a high building away and monitor the situation with sniper coverage."

Roman hums. "The EMP we'll be relying on is SUPPOSED to deactivate many of the security systems, which should include the hard light array surrounding the compound." He smirks. "Pick the right spot, and you could have a devastating point of attack."

"How will she communicate?" Carmine asks, raising a brow. He glances at Blair. "EMP will knock out our scrolls or radios. Ideas from our resident scientist?"

The blonde huffs. "I'm not that kind of-... Oh, forget it." She ponders for a moment and looks to Makara. "Let us girls come up with something. I have an idea with my semblance."

Carmine looks to Makara, gauging her. "Think you'll be at a hundred percent for tomorrow?"

The woman glances back, biting her inner cheek. Slowly, her kind features blank. Her features smooth save for a hollow, laser focused look that could pierce his soul. "They tried to kill me father. My condition is moot." She forces herself up, emotion breaking her mission dissociation. "Mission acknowledged!"

Satisfied, Carmine smirks. "Right. Then, sounds like we just need to know how to screw the cult over." A slight mischievous twinkle comes. "Take the data they want and just give it back to Atlas to mend fences after this?"

"Ha!" Roman barks with a grin. "You think that will make breaking into the SDC go away?"

"It'll have to be a step. Also, a middle finger to the back woods witch lovers." Carmine grins.

"That part I can get behind." Blair adds. She loses her mirth then, stone serious. "But all this hinges on how capable this cult is... If they aren't competent, they won't keep Atlas off us. Too competent..."

. . .

"... And we will be making more powerful enemies than we can imagine..."

A metal clang rings as a last thug is launched through the air and into the fighting pit fence barrier! The hit echoes out as if to signal the end of combat. Unconscious, groaning, and some few dead thugs lay scattered out sprawled over the arena stands and flat seating.

Qrow grimaces, eyes darting around for the color purple. "Clear!"

At the top of the slanted seating, Whis backs to the wall, removing it as a blind spot. He cuts his look around. "Clear!"

At the arena entrance, Winter swipes her saber, whipping a speck of blood from the blade. The unfortunate fools who attacked them lay strewn about her. "Clear!" She looks to her Ursa summon, noting its gaze directed up. Following the look, she reacts! "Incoming!"

She forms a barrier glyph! A dusty impact of earth dust crashes into her defense, forming stone minerals around her spinning glyph. Jackelynn flips over, coming down with her left clawed hand casting again!

Winter huffs, creating a line of glyphs between herself and her Ursa summon. Dashing back, the symbols glow and increase her speed to rocket out of the way. She skids back to dodge as the Ripper's strike hits the dirt in a cracking impact.

From the landing, Jackelynn blitzes after Winter! The Schnee deftly accepts a fencing engagement. Her saber and Jackelynn's rapier clash and parry in swift, flashing clashes! Winter sees an opening, lashing at the other woman's head!

A ploy. Jackelynn uses her clawed hand to snatch the saber blade and pull it aside! Now, Winter is open! Jackelynn pulls the saber aside and lunges with her rapier! Winter's eye focuses, unbothered.

Counter ploy. Winter's off hand's gesture forms a black glyph directly between them as Jackelynn's lunge carries her into it! The spiraling aura flexes as a gravity glyph! The force of her charge stops short as Jackelynn is halted by the power!

The Ripper's brown eyes widen realizing she was outplayed. Winter releases the gravity glyph, redirecting the force away! Jackelynn is launched back like a sling shot! Lowering herself, Jackelynn digs her claw hand into the stone earth to skid to a halt!

"Set!" Winter calls!

Jackelynn's eyes widen as a lightning charged display brightens from above! A lash hits in a plume of smoke! The debris is punctuated by Whis calling out. "Hit!"

The man's knife and gun are holstered again, as his chain lasso is in hand. The tech lasso is charged with lightning dust! He pulls back, the line whirling from the smoke cloud to reveal the lasso circle at the head of the line. His hands guide the whirling chains as the lasso spins in place by him.

He's confused. "How did..."

The smoke clears, showing a sharp gash in the ground where the lasso struck like a charged whip. Only inches beside it is a ruffled Jackelynn, looking just as surprised as he.

He missed.

"How did I miss? I was certain!" The cowboy complains.

Qrow bites his tongue in a grimace... Bad luck... That was on him...

Jackelynn shakes it off and leaps back to have all three operatives ahead of her. "Well, I won't look luck in the eye like that a second time. I'm not big on fighting men anyway." She plays off while puffing some dirt from her long hair.

Winter narrows her look. "You have been identified as the Ripper! Stand down now and face arrest, or we will be forced to put you down in an extra judicial execution!"

Jackelynn's eyes show a slight wary fear, her parted mouth huffing slightly faster than normal. Yet, she smiles. "Far be it for me to say no to a lovely time, but I will be forced to decline." Her gaze cuts back, a metal thunk sounding from the fighting pits. "A shame that further barbarism is to come. It is truly... disgusting." Her words don't match the desire cutting through. Her twitching face muscles needing... something.

Qrow steps into a dash, not waiting for any delay. He blitzes in, fast as a blur, as his weapon shifts to sword form to strike! His blade clashes with her own loudly as he shouts. "You two handle the Grimm and their owner! We'll get in each others way fighting her together!"

The two exchange blows before Jackelynn slides back. Before Qrow can pursue, Winter's glyph forms between him and the Ripper. Winter sets up speed glyphs as she rockets to Jackelynn into a fierce fencing melee, pushing the faunus back and back.

Calculating, Winter feints an attack, bringing a slash from the other side at Jackelynn's head! However, her footing digs into a crack, locking her stance and throwing the attack just barely off point! The strike misses as Jackelynn pulls back and lunges to stab the Schnee!

Bad luck... Qrow grimaces. "Let me do it!" He twists around from behind, using his off hand to throw Winter aside. The throw moves Winter out from harm, but does open Qrow to taking a scraping hit from the rapier, leaving a gash across his chest!

All parties separate, Whis landing in front of the two and quickly ordering. "Right! I'm takin' command here before you two kill each other."

A pointed statement, given Winter's chilling glare at Qrow, and his annoyed gruff huff back.

In front of them, from the fight pit, a King Taijitu, black, raises and hisses loudly in the arena. With a roar, it lunges down at Jackelynn! The woman goes wide eyed and dodges at the last moment. She leaps high and high into the air, landing on the hanging lights above.

Grimm begin to pour into the arena from the fighting pits, beasts released from their cages by the thugs below. Each beast pauses in its reveal, peering up at the woman above. The hunters pause and note the behavior.

"Why are they giving pause?" Winter asks.

"Grimm seek negative emotion through their sixth sense. Fear, anger, any malicious intent." Qrow speaks up. "She's clearly suppressing her emotions, but seems like she's a beacon to them." The white Grimm mouse appears from Qrow's jacket pocket, squeaking at Winter in greetings and also growling at the woman above.

"She cannot fool them with her semblance." Winter blinks and processes. "So long as the Grimm are in this room, she's trapped."

"So long as the Grimm are in the room, we can't grab her." Qrow mutters. "And killing the Grimm gives her a chance to escape. Or she weasels out while she's up there." He raises a brow at Whis. "Well?"

Whis smirks, beginning to whirl his chain lasso at the side. "Well, Winter? Care to make me a little mouser companion like Qrow? We have a nice sensory coverage for her making an escape, and slaughter the vile beasts. Sound good?"

A pause, Qrow nodding, focused. "Got it."

Winter narrows her gaze. "I will make one, but do not call it 'mouser'."

Without missing a beat, Qrow adds with a smirk. "I'm naming mine Cap'n Squeak."

The Schnee snaps a furious glare from the side. "You will name none!" She forms a small summon glyph, allowing a second and third of the white Grimm rodents. One each perches itself in a pocket of Winter and Whis.

"Enough with the friendly fire." The southern drawl comes as Whis whirls his chain lasso. His fingers spark to life from his aura, not mere dust. The spark trails to the gripped end of the line, where the lightning dust channel is home. With that, a bright pulsing line lights along the entire length of chain! Yet, his hand is unaffected by the electricity coursing in the line as he twirls the weapon. His mustache quivers as he works his mouth in thought and smirks. "I got right."

"I got left." Qrow calls. "Ice Queen covering out backs?"

Winter scowls. "You're reducing my will to try."

"Quit flirtin'. We got beasts to slay!" Whis ends in a shout. The mounting number of Grimm finally begin to take notice of the three hunters blocking the exit. A massive Ursa rumbles before roaring. It and two Beowolves hone in on the humans before charging.

Whis' smirk quirks for a second as, from his body, sparks of electricity trickle from down his arm. The moment the sparks connect with the chain whip, the dust lines react in a zapping looped wire! (An acoustic chord starts testing. "One. Two. Three. Four-")

He whistles, calling the Grimm to focus on him. Continuing to whirl the sparking whip, Whis lasso lashes out. The circular wrap cracks forward and snatches the Ursa by the neck. Whis smirks, ramping up the electricity. (Acoustic guitar plays to establish the rhythm. Call outs lead to additional instrumental.)

The electric metal line erupts as it melts and slices through the Ursa neck! The beast collapses as Whis flourishes the chain lasso in a light display. His follow up lash slices the next two Beowolves. (Drums and bass add energy as the instrumental repeats)

A snorting roar comes as a Boarbatusk! It balls and rolls forward in a charge attack! Whis smirks and slices the ground up with the lightning charged lasso! (Instrumental repeats, bridging into first verse)

The Boarbatusk ricochets off the disturbed ground, exposing its underside! Whis shuts off the lightning, lassoing the Grimm's legs in a hog tie mid air. Twisting around, he swings the captured Grimm as a flail head! ("Your pretty ladies around the world! Got a weird thing to show you, so tell all the boys and girls.")

Smashing the Boarbatusk into a snarling Creep and beyond! Whis whistles, letting the momentum of the Boarbatusk swing to drag him forward under a snapping Griffon. ("Tell your brother, your sister, and your mummy too,")

Charging the lasso with lightning again, he slices it from the squealing Boarbatusk! His off hand draws the weapon handle from his hip. In a cracking motion, earth dust forming a stone whip to smack the avian head back! ("'Cause they're 'bout to go down, and you know just what to do!")

Another Ursa charges, so Whis lassos the Griffon head, charging the electricity through! Though, the Griffon's hide is stronger, painfully keeping the lasso snagged. Whis stomps the taut lasso line, yanking the Griffon off balance. ("Wave your hands in the air like you don't care!")

He releases the lasso, dodging the Ursa. He uses the earth whip to wrap an over hanging light line. He swings up, the earth whip line crumbling to release. ("Glide by the people as they start to look and stare!")

He lands, drawing his knife and dodging the swiping bear Grimm. He slices up, slashing its jaw out. As it snarls in pain, he boot kicks the beast back! The pained Griffon gets back up just in time for Whis to lash his reforming earth whip, catching the end of the chain lasso! ("Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick! Come on! Pretty lady, tell me what's the word-")

The earth dust whip retracts, pulling the chain lasso back and dragging the Griffon squealing again! Now mostly melted through, the lightning chain slices out of the Griffon! With the whip's length extending the chain lasso's length, Whis begins whirling it in a WIDE circle, forcing the Grimm to back off. ("Word up!-" "Word Up!" "-Everybody says. When you hear the call you've got to get it underway!")

The man tosses his knife into the air! Above, he whirls the extended lasso and gets the lasso grip to snare the blade's hilt! Charged with electricity now, he lashes the chain blade down and slices the dying Griffon down! ("Word up!-" "Word up!" "Now it's the code word! No matter where you say it, you know that you'll be heard!")

Watching Whis turn his attention to more Grimm, Winter uses her glyphs to catch pieces of one of the Grimm Whis demolishes. Shifting the glyph to a black gravity glyph, launching the body pieces into smaller Grimm charging. A ground quake from an impact cracks the ceiling above... (Instrumental plays on.)

Qrow grimaces. Bad Luck. He directs Winter out of the way of the falling debris before she can crush another Grimm! She grunts and glares at him. "I am quite-" Qrow ignores her, needing distance so his semblance quits affecting his teammates. He leaves the steaming angry woman and charges a Taijitu. (Instrumental repeats into second verse.)

In a hard strike, Qrow slices and splits the snake Grimm a third its length down. He shifts Harbinger to scythe form, gashing out a Beowolf's chest and knocking it on its back. An Ursa lurches on its hind legs at the man, but Qrow quickly shifts his weapon to gun mode. A shotgun blast blowing the Grimm in half! ("Now all you sucker DJ's who think you're fly? There's got to be a reason, and you know the reason why-")

He guns down the next Boarbatusk and Beowolf before his shot repels off the plated skull of a Termigator. He raises a brow, briefly remembering Carmine's hatred for this type in particular. He hard kicks the dead Beowolf at his feet into the gator Grimm's mouth! Its mouth occupied, Qrow shifts Harbinger to scythe mode, using the lance end to spear the gator's throat from the side! ("-you put on those airs and act real cool, But then you got to realize that you're acting just like fools!")

As he rips and tears into the gator between its armor plates for the kill, more attackers approach. He rips the weapon free in a flourish as a massive spider Grimm bares its fangs and lifts up! Only, a massive hunk of black crushes it! ("If there's music we can use it! We need to dance! We don't have that time for psychological romance!")

Qrow stares wide eyed upon seeing a decapitated Griffon land and crush the spider. He turns to see Winter slowly wall by, glaring hatefully. She pushes past him, clearly pissed from the earlier save. ("No romance! No romance! No romance for me!")

More spider Grimm. Winter forms a line of speed glyphs, huffing before rocketing forth! ("Come on! Pretty baby, tell me what's the word!")

At a blitzing pace, Winter slices by the first two Grimm! Leaping from a barrier glyph, she dodges over a spider's lunge. She twists and slashes the attacker in half. Landing, she forms a gravity glyph up to catch a charging spider. Two more build up upon the caught attacker. ("Word up!-" "Word Up!" "-Everybody says. When you hear the call you've got to get it underway!")

The glyph throws the arachnids onto their backs in a pile, right onto another flexing black glyph. They're thrown up into a spin as Winter jumps and slices through them. Landing, she spots a Deathstalker clacking up into the arena stands! ("Word up!-" "Word up!" "Now it's the code word! No matter where you say it, you know that you'll be heard!")

The massive scorpion charges, but Winter dodges around it with expert speed. Qrow cuts in, slashing the beast back, but not leaving deadly damage. Qrow looks to back up, making sure Jackelynn is still above. Good. ("W-O-R-D-up! W-O-R-D-up!")

Qrow and Winter each cut away smaller Grimm. Behind the beast, Whis slashes through a Beowolf, reeling in his whip. The earth cord breaks off as he hooks the hilt to his belt. He takes the knife from the lasso, sheathing it, then returns to using just his lasso. ("I said W-O-R-D-up! I said W-O-R-D-up!")

"Set!" He lassos the Deathstalker's tail stinger! Gritting his teeth and planting feet, he wrenches the beast's tail taut. The snapping scorpion flails its limps trying to move after Qrow and Winter. ("W-O-R-D-up! W-O-R-D-up!")

Winter removes a dust casing from her pocket, casting ice dust! She seals and affixes the monster's claws down to the ground. She cuts a side glare at Qrow. "Hit!" The huntsman leaps up, shifting his weapon to a spear mode! ("W-O-R-D-up! W-O-R-D-up!")

He lances his weapon down through the scorpion's plated carapace! Directly into its hear, the killing blow is instant. ("W-O-R-D-up!")

Winter, Whis, and Qrow pull back from the dead Grimm, briefly admiring the dead sea of Grimm amid the dead or injured thugs and criminals. Their attention is then locked onto Jackelynn above. The woman is still atop the lighting. Though, now the prim and proper woman is smiling easily as if watching a spectacle.

"She's kind to stay here." Whis speaks up. "What do ya think she's got planned?"

"What I was planning before she found me." Qrow mutters ominously. "Winter, reinforce sealing the exit."

Winter grimaces and does so, using her ice dust from her pocket to seal the exit. Her summoned Ursa remains at the exit, surrounded by three dead Grimm around it, showing its own contribution to the prior fight.

Jackelynn grins and claps for the group. "VERY well done! You three are exhilarating to play spectator to." Her eyes linger on Winter for an extra moment. "Although, the Schnee is clearly the most sophisticated and lovely in her form."

"I've little tolerance for objectification."

"Oh, but objectification can be the highlight of many people's lives." Jackelynn's grin grows sultry, eyeing the Schnee like a piece of meat to an animal. She taps one of her left hand claws to her lip, licking it before she composes herself. "Do you want to know why I prefer to kill other women?"

Whis and Qrow spread out wide, Whis calling out. "By all means, darlin'. Enlighten us."

The Ripper's mouth opens, but freezes before smiling. "Another time."

Her clawed hand casts earth dust, blasting the panel for all the arena lighting! Suddenly, the arena turns pitch black!

"Faunus dark vision!" Qrow shouts.

Crash! A loud breaking of rock rings their ears, yet no light shows of it. Earth casting...

"White dust! Now!" Whis orders.

"On it!" Light shines into the room from a vial of white dust pulled from Winter's pocket. Like a lantern, she holds it up to illuminate the room. "Where did she go?!"

All three hone in on her... PRIOR location...

A hole disappearing into the underground earth shows in the ceiling. Cracks of rock drop from the opening, the three hunters flabbergasted. Gritting his teeth, Qrow yells at the two. "You two meet me top side! I'm following after her!"

Winter and Whis both flinch at that. "Wait, you should let one of us-"

Qrow leaps up, a flash of black warping as his form shifts into his crow form! The large bird soars up and into the hole above! The two Atlas hunters stare for a moment at the hole before Winter recovers. She instantly breaks down her ice wall at the exit. "Come on!"

Whis huffs, fixing his cowboy hat straight before sprinting after. "On yer six!"

. . .

Above ground, Winter and Whis eye the lines of Atlas soldiers organizing and sending off truck fulls of criminals and patrons. Flight capable transports and fighters shower the area in flood lights. The massive underground ring bust yields dividends, it seems.

The Atlas agents finally round a corner, Whis shouting out. "Qrow!" He finds the huntsman standing off by some guards, tense. "You find a trail?"

Qrow sighs, frustration bleeding through. "I've already asked your soldiers... They found the hole she made... and nothing else. Anyone looking for her, she can hide from their senses."

"She cannot hide from more than one person at a time." Winter interjects. "We can fan out in search parties and-"

"The only ones she couldn't ambush and kill immediately would be the three of us in a single group." Qrow grimaces, fist clenching. "And we have no trail to follow..." He glances to Winter, hopeful. "Unless your summons can track scents?"

Winter nods, but frowns. "They can, but each individual summon needs to locate the scent to start themselves. There's no guarantee that they'll follow the right one, and my aura cannot sustain a prolonged tracking investigation beyond an hour using a single Beowolf."

"How's your aura holding now?" Qrow checks.

Winter puts up a front. "We can move now-"

"Agent." Whis cuts in. At Winter's glare, he eases in. "Pride aside, please."

The woman deflates slightly in a silent sigh. "I could only keep it up perhaps twenty minutes, but I would be unable to maintain combat upon finding her."

At Qrow's grimace, Whis continues. "This underground ring uses a lot of currencies, and a decent chunk of them have to know our runaway, so we can interrogate them about her and her resources."

"Anything we find that way will be a trap, I'm sure." Qrow adds. "That's definitely this woman's style, but not much else we can do."

A brief silence hangs in the air. Whis nods. "I'll go with the interrogation teams and get something for us to work with by tomorrow. Winter, you gotta head back to the SDC for more private training by morning, right?" Winter crosses her arms, unhappy, rather than answering. But no response is confirmation. "Qrow?"

The huntsman sighs, turning away. "We have her face, and her name... I'm going to see the General about something."

"We call each other if we find anything on her." Whis announces. "Agreed?"

"Yes!"/ "Yeah." Winter and Qrow respond simultaneously.

Whis nods and turns to join the soldiers making arrests.

This leaves Winter and Qrow. The man almost seemed ready to leave, but Winter speaks up. "Are you going to attempt chasing that woman on your own?"

The pause is concerning, but Qrow settles on an answer. "No... I'm going to check some other avenues... See the general to add Jackelynn the Ripper to our identified follows of Salem." He side eyes the Schnee. "What about you?"

Winter grimaces. "... It is as he said. I have other duties currently." At Qrow's raised brow, she cuts hostile. "Classified duties." He closes his mouth and shrugs. Yet, Winter adds. "But, I would require some answers."

"Hmm?" Qrow turns fully to her, interested where this is going.

"Team CRBN." Winter starts. "You said it was impossible for our witnesses to have seen one of them at the incident earlier in the day." She glances around, noting that no one should be capable of overhearing them a distance from the soldiers. "How? How did you determine that? You are implying that something is wrong with our information gathering."

Qrow blinks wide. Twice. A small shrug comes as he mentions. "Is that all? Well," He smirks. "Because I saw one of them less than a half hour before the three of us met up."

"..." Winter stares wide eyed. "Excuse me?!"

He chuckles at her expense, mildly adding. "Yeah. It is just a bit suspicious that ALL of them were supposedly spotted in Mantle while one of them was in Atlas down town. Instant fake news."

His attempt to walk away is halted as Winter breaks composure and jolts around him to cut him off. The two are nearly nose to nose as she lowers her voice in a whisper. "And you did not think to notify the two of us?! Why?!"

"Because Atlas is notably slow on trusting our words on this." Qrow narrows his eye on the woman, pinning his own glower on her.

Atlas' disregarding their word... What is he..?

Winter perks. "... It was Neopolitan." She deduces, recalling that Atlas had previously investigated this matter to Beacon's dissatisfaction. "You saw the girl claiming to be Neopolitan?"

"I saw Neo." Qrow forcefully retort, taking Winter aback. The man was heated at that point. "She learned her mother became mayor of Atlas... I think she was considering confronting her, but lost the nerve to."

THAT pulls Winter's attention. Why would a fake Neo even consider such a thing?

Seeing her face, Qrow sighs. "Like I've said to James. We KNOW that the Neopolitan living with Misty Rhodes is not the real one. But, Atlas is Atlas." He grumbles, irritable.

The woman's brow furrows as she looks away. "... You're implying that Atlas has massive issues within its intelligence and investigative capacities."

"I am." Qrow states, direct as can be.

Winter's eyes find his, piercing into him as if willing the words to be lies. Yet... She finds only conviction and truth in his words. Frowning, she briefly looks in the direction Whis just left in. "Why are you willing to say this to me so easily? You still should have told us both."

Again, direct. "Because I can tell you're not compromised."

She recoils at that, wide eyed. "What are you..?"

"People show their true colors when their emotions show. People show their conviction based on their actions." Qrow rattles off. "You made quick moves to further this investigation without prompting, so you are devoted in your actions." He then smirks. "And I piss you off too much for you to be faking your stances and personality."

Her lips purse, staring at the man. He... He's been playing and poking her buttons... to check how genuine she is?!

"In short, Ice Queen, you passed my sniff test in record time. Top marks."

On the one hand... she's feels a massive swell of pride at the man's words.

On the other... it's overshadowed by all this UNYIELDING RAGE!

"If you manipulate me one more time, I WILL reduce myself to physical torture as payback." Winter threatens, face burning red as a tomato. She then huffs. "And... I will investigate the Rhodes family before my duties tomorrow..."

Qrow smirks, full of satisfaction. He brings his fingers up in a two finger salute. "Later." He moves off and leaves the scene, leaving the woman stewing in both frustration, pride, and anticipation.

Winter narrows her gaze, now alone. "... I truly hate that man."

. . .

The night passed...

Team CRBN's plan is set for 18:37. The post rush hour time should prolong any military response times. By only a short time, but that's all.

Yet, all that is an after thought to the small beeps and sounds of medical equipment...

George through the halls of a Mantle hospital, ignoring the police stationed at several corners. He turns a corner to find the doctor currently assigned to his patient. "Yes?"

A man in a white long coat turns to the faunus, clearing his throat. "I've been informed that your client's surgeon has just cleared availability to operate within the hour." He informs. "Dr Stein stated that your client's removed implant from injury poses a massive health risk to both infection and spinal injury. He wishes to operate as soon as we can transport him."

George almost gives the automatic go ahead, but halts... He narrows his gaze... CRBN's words echo within him. This mess? It was all the doing of that very same surgeon.

So, the faunus lawyer scoffs. "So long as my client is resting, I have final say in authorizing any procedures. At this time, my client will not be undergoing any further operating."

The doctor is shocked to hear this. "But... sir, this is doctor STEIN of all people." The doctor laughs incredulously at the response. "You don't get a miracle helping hand like this-"

"The answer is no. Even to Dr Stein." George maintains, straightening his tie as he speaks. "Is there anything else to add?"

The doctor is confused, but shakes his head. "No... Though, we will be asking your client once he wakes up. He should be cognizant within hours."

"Of course." George replies before returning down the hall. He finds Garland's room, entering and shutting the door. Coming to attention by the bed, he sighs... "What have we gotten ourselves into?"

A wheeze sounds as the human man whispers out. "... A right crap shoot. I agree."

George flinches, looking to the gown and bedridden Garland. "Sir!" He surges to bed side, turning about. "I'll grab a nurse-"

"I'm not dead, yet." The man weakly protests. "Call them in a minute... I require some... enlightenment about my situation. Not the endless string of how many fingers are raised." The man weakly peers over. "What happened?"

"... Your implant... seems to have been remotely activated for a second function." He coughs to clear his throat. "I'm still wrapping my head around it, but after fielding some reporters and cops... The story to the public is that CRBN attempted to assassinate you." He cuts a look to the door, making certain he's alone. "The military is after them now."

Garland's eyes widen. "M-Makara? Where-"

"She went with them to continue their plans." George eases, then grimaces. "I... sent the files they requested." He looks to the door. "The doctors are telling me Dr Stein became available to install a new implant for you."

The ill politician and millionaire shifts, though his movements are twitching. A lack of control without the implant... "And... did you inform them that he's a right bastard that shall never touch an operating table again?"

Still has enough energy to have some bite? George smirks at that as he shakes his head.

"Unfortunately, we're not in a position to dispel the current notions." He pauses. "They have set you up with many painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-convulsants."

Garland sends a glower at the man. With a grimace, he growls out. "Good... Set up an appointment with Dr Polendina for the future... Assuming I'll still be in politics after today." He struggles, but fails to sit up on his own. "They WILL discharge me within two hours."

George immediately jolts. "Gar, please! You must rest!" His words give the injured man pause. "We've already contributed. Let's trust that cooler heads will prevail."

The father's dour expression darkens. "... My daughter is out again... about to fight the man who just made an attempt on my life..." He smirks. "I know you understand. I haven't seen you so animated before than when you recognized that Carmine boy." A cheeky look comes. "You always look so melancholy when experience with Miss Rhodes' child came up." His brows raise at his faunus friend. "Did that not influence you providing CRBN help?"

George purses his lips. "... I am a professional... to ALL of my duties, and ALL of my charges."

The injured man shakily manages to pull himself onto his side, smiling. "Then keep that streak up... Help me beat some surprise into that bastard's expressionless face."

George scowls, once again peering to the door. "... It would be lovely to see Miss Rhodes again. All grown up."

Garland brightens. "Then get a doctor, grab my nice glasses... and prep my home vault." A grim, dark threat forms in his visage. "You remember the code for all my SDC projects. I expect you to pick me up in two hours and fifteen minutes."

The faunus smirks. "You added fifteen minutes?"

The politician shares the smirk, shakily stroking his mustache. "To spruce myself up before ruffling some feathers."

The butler turned lawyer smiles despite his sigh. "Of course, sir."

. . .

Morning comes, as Winter enters the SDC Headquarters test rooms. The massive room is made up as an obstacle course, where Winter meets none other than Penny. She spots Penny's creator- father...-nearby speaking with her.

She notes the man perk upon seeing Winter and seeing himself off. "Have a lovely session, Winter."

Winter notes Penny's slight... lacking of enthusiasm. "Is there something wrong with her?"

Pietro frowns, working his jaw. "... There's been some difficult discussion regarding rabid hole theories." He continues on his exit on the tech wheel chair. "She is nothing if not focused. Call me if anything happens."

"You are not staying, Doctor?"

"I've some... concerns to raise to your father." Winter's eyes widen at that. What the hell could doctor Polendina have that concerns her father? The man sees her wariness, so he chuckles to diffuse the discomfort. "Trust me when I say it regards some files. Nothing to do with you." His face shifts in curiosity. "You... won't overwork her too hard will you?"

Winter hums, a thought occurring... A sort of training exercise, perhaps. "Doubtful. I actually have a different idea coming to mind for today. Perhaps to exercise her mentally."

A hesitant look comes. "I am... concerned how she will handle new circumstances, but I trust you will be an adequate chaperon." With that, he leaves. "Good day."

Left alone, Winter briefly contemplates her action before nodding down. She approaches her ward. "Hello Penny."

Penny stands straighter, covering her visible distraction. "Good morning, Agent Schnee! I am awaiting orders."

The Schnee pauses in thought. "Before we get to today's activities, I am told you are distracted by other endeavors." She watches Penny's expression ever slightly shift nervous. Remember General Ironwood's request, she recalls. Winter is not simply a drill instructor. She must also try to assist her with... expressing. "At ease. Speak your mind if something is concerning you."

Winter mentally cringes at her inability to drop the formality.

Penny doesn't notice, frowning. "I am... concerned regarding employee conduct within the SDC, Ma'am."

"Explain?" Winter orders, expecting this to be some simple instruction issues she's referring to.

Instead, Penny unloads upon the woman with more than she expected. "I was present at the Malum facility when it was raided. The people that were shown on the news yesterday evening as terrorist subjects had one member whom I engaged in combat back then."

Winter recoils, then narrows her look. "... Your reports stated you lacked proper control when attempting to properly extinguish the fires. You stated nothing regarding engaging thieves."

Penny immediately locks up, looking caught. "She- I-... I... told my father..?" Her voice lifts in guilt.

"Why did you omit key details?" Winter presses.

This leads to the out pour. "Because Atlas protocol prohibits improper and unauthorized human testing!"

"..." Winter's brow furrows hard, boring her gaze at the android. "I require you to connect those pieces. Slowly."

Penny purses her lips before starting. "Safety Protocol 9B: Any experiment that poses substantive health risks indicated by table 4239A MUST be approved by standing authority and face sufficient scheduling for monitoring. On said list, one condition is any experiment that prolongs a subjects internals to invasive devices or exposure."

Okay... Winter is following THIS part. Any experiment where someone is hooked up or cut open classifies under the rule. "Continue."

"But the thieves- Um... Team CRBN I believe from Atlas reports, rescued female from one of their raided labs! Yet, no authorized human testing is scheduled until this fall, and no record exists of a standing experiment for the last eight months!"

Oh... no...

. . .

"No." Qrow's voice cuts in her mind from yesterday. "If Team CRBN is involved with anything, it's about AZRL."

. . .

"... CRBN was after an asset of the SDC..." Winter mutters, looking off. This was what she'd wanted! An avenue to enter the AZRL investigation! She eyes Penny. "Which lab did this female come from?"

Penny frowns. "That is the subject of my concern. I do not have proof, but of the likely candidates... Doctor Franklyn Naero Stein is my top concern." Winter freezes rigid at that. "However... I have no proof for that claim. Only that his lab is one of those lost in the fires where the thieves tripped off a trap, and some assumptions I have regarding his questions into my design..."

Winter holds up her hand. "Pull back from that. The thieves tripped a trap? Official reports show it was arson on their part."

The android shakes her head. "My fight with the thief I met ended precisely because of their concern regarding people in the facility. The fire was not a part of their plans." Anticipating Winter's next question, Penny points to her ears. "My audio receptors were capable of picking up their radio traffic. They could not have been lying for my sake."

Ah... Winter's posture relaxes, fully comprehending the android's situation. "I see... Which of the thieves did you engage?"

Penny frowns up at the woman, clearly unhappy with her performance of handling the situation. "She was my height, perhaps shorter, with pink and brown hair. She was mute, and was referred to by the call designation Neo."

Well, what are the odds?

A slow minuscule smirk pulls at the Schnee. "Thank you. It would seem we have a full day ahead of us, then?"

Penny blinks, confused by the sudden change. "Yes, Ma'am. I'm combat ready!" However, Winter turns around and begins marching for the exit. "... Ma'am?"

Winter spares a look to the girl. "No combat today, Penny. Today we are taking advantage of the opportunities presented." Addressing her properly with a stern glare, she speaks clearly. "You will accompany me outside the compound for an... on site investigation.

The android perks, hesitating before walking in line after the Schnee. "That sounds wonderful! May I ask the parameters of this endeavor?"

Remaining a touch whimsical in her luck, Winter speaks vaguely. "It is a simple questioning process. We will be visiting the supposed girl you faced, Neopolitan Rhodes."

Penny pauses, blinking twice in confusion.

. . .

Three knocks politely tap the door.

"Coming!" The female voice calls from inside the penthouse suite.

Neopolitan Rhodes comes to the door, gulping briefly. She checks the windows, still wary after meeting Neo early the day before. A frown adorns her as she checks the front door peep hole, spotting...

A well dressed military woman and a ginger girl her own age?

She pulls from the door, blinking confused, but registered the Atlas insignia on the woman's uniform. She opens it, only enough to peer back with her pink and brown eyes, hesitant. "Hello!" She looks around and gives the visitors a wary smile. "Sorry. You've missed my mother. She's at the office."

Instantly, a nagging feeling washes over Winter as she narrows her eyes slightly. Still, stay polite. "Greetings. I am Agent-"

"Schnee!" Neopolitan cuts in.

Winter's gaze narrows slightly.

The girl gives an apologetic grin. "Sorry! Just, the hair, you know? It's hard not to notice. Plus, everyone knows about the whole military career woman that left the SDC." She looks Winter up and down. An... unease radiates off the girl. "I could never imagine leaving my family like you did. It's... daunting to think about."

Winter blinks. "Well, yes. I am Winter Schnee. Agent Winter Schnee of the Atlas Military. I am afraid to be here on business that more pertains to the area than your mother." She looks over Neopolitan's head into the suite. "May we enter? We have some questions."

Neopolitan's brow furrows as she spares a look at Penny beside Winter. She shakes her head. "Sorry. Mom doesn't accept-"

"I am looking for a girl, about the height of my ward here with half pink hair and half brown." Winter states bluntly.

The fake's posture stiffens, but she forces a plastered smile. "O-oh! Is that so-"

Winter cuts her off. "And I am aware that she has already been in your home."

Neopolitan recoils and gasps. "... How-"

"Your reaction told me." Winter's voice dips. "Now... will you allow me inside your home for this very important discussion... Please."

Neopolitan withers and crumbles under the great intensity of Winter's glare! Even Penny looks sympathetic to the girl clearly wilting under her superior's gaze. The girl gulps and mumbles. "Um... Only if the conversation remains about her. Any questions on other topics, and I will ask you to leave."

Hmm... So she still has SOME backbone. Winter notes this behavior and nods. "Of course." Neopolitan slowly unlatches the chain lock of the door and allows the two Atlas operatives into her home.

Upon entering the living room, the girl stands off to the side, hands held together in front of her. "So... ask your questions."

Winter nods, then looks to her ward. Something seems wrong, but she still can't nail it down. "First and foremost, I would like to know your interaction with the criminal who uses your name."

Nerves shoot under the fake's skin. Neopolitan looks away, uncomfortable. "I... Well..." A moment passes, the girl struggling to come up with how to approach the topic... "Is she actually a criminal? I mean... she seemed nice."

"Breaking the law isn't about being nice or mean." Winter states harshly. Again, she notes the behavior. The girl clearly interacted with CRBN's Neo, but her first instinct seems to be non hostile.

Neopolitan frowns, looking hurt at that. "... She didn't look like she does when she first got here. Like..." Her hands come up in a gesture around her. "She had an illusion around her with blue hair... used the name Vanille. I... met her in the halls, and we talked for a bit." She then sputters. "Well, I talked. She tried signing, but I don't know that. Getting around the communication took a bit, but made me feel familiar enough with her to invite her inside."

Winter notes the behavior. It would seem, this girl is open to those her own age, given her multiple glances at Penny. She must not have much interaction with her own age. Even being sent to Atlas Prep and then Atlas Academy, Winter's status often felt suffocating for normal interaction. The pang of sympathy is stamped down.

"How did it come to you that she wasn't who she appeared?" Winter asks.

Neopolitan clams up, looking off. "She... I noticed a crack in the illusion." She shrugs. "She freaked out and left."

Hmm. Let's hone in on that. Winter immediately senses the girl's discomfort. "I find such chance hard to believe... How long had you two been together by that point?"

Neopolitan purses her lips and shrugs again. "Two. One and a half hours I think? We had some drinks, I showed her around, played in the game room..."

"Go on." Winter speaks up.

Furrowed, the girl looks back at the agent. "That's it."

Winter raises a brow. "Show me where it was that you saw through her illusion." She's getting weary of playing around the girl's discomfort. She decides to press. After all, she already has ammo to use on the girl.

Neopolitan's eyes dart to the stairs, but she then looks to the game room. "Uh... Over-"

"Where it really happened." Winter reiterates.

The girl pauses under the pinning stare of the woman, slowly crumbling and sighing. "Fine." She moves and leads the two to the stairs. They move up the steps, into the top hall, and to her bedroom door. Opening the door, Neopolitan opens the way and crosses her arms for them. After all, there's nothing for them to find that would incriminate them. Neopolitan frowns as she answers. "Here."

Winter and Penny enter the room, briefly glancing about.

Penny's eyes widen and lock on to the corner shelf of mounting pictures. "Ma'am." She mutters.

Winter turns to the shelf, glancing up at it. Indeed, there are a number of pictures of Neopolitan herself... but both agent and student hone in on the younger pictures... Of the real Neo-

Her breath sucks in!

That's RIGHT!

THAT'S where she remembers her from!

. . .

Years ago...

The door of the hover limo opens up, allowing light to shine into the car much brighter than the interior. Ice blue eyes open and see the crowds of people around the building ahead. The little girl is much shorter. Her hair is braided into a tail draped over her shoulder. Her clothes accentuate a proper background... though her dour expression doesn't match.

"Put some effort into your appearance. It's literally your only job today, so I expect it to be done well."

The stern voice calls, a man wearing white with white hair and mustache steps out from the limo first, leaving the girl behind... The man is Jacques Schnee. The girl blinks, masking any numbed hurt from the callous words.

"Yes, father."

Winter Schnee

Age – 10

She enters the public event, placing a fake smile on her face for the crowds. Reporters snap photos of the Schnee heiress, spouting nothing but fake humble introductions and half baked platitudes that could be misconstrued as complementary. Every interaction is painted with the underpinning of status chasing. Looking for a wrong move. A salacious story to make of the famous CEO's daughter.

Inside the gala, the event is an open ballroom. High status members of society gorging themselves off the self righteous 'charity' they claim. All the while, Winter remains at her father's side, dutifully presenting herself as content.

When she is anything but.

Then... a couple approaches... A woman with lavender hair wearing a fur coat and darkened lenses over her eyes. Beside her, a man in all brown and cream colors. His milky skin contrasts his brown locks. His pink eyes are rather odd.

"Jacques." The man approaches with a polite tone. "I thought you'd be hounded all night."

Her father, Jacques, looks in a fake smile. "Brock! It's been a while." His polite facade slightly gives as he allows a pained look. "Must we do this here of all places?"

Brock grimaces, but the woman with him scoffs. "Oh, we just wanted to say hello. Assuming won't help you continue to make friends." She holds her hand out, almost flirtatious. "Misty Rhodes. Rocky's better half, I assure you."

Brock smiles at her. "My calmer and more stunning side. I'm showing her around."

Jacques accepts Misty's handshake and smiles more polite. "Accept my apologies. I'm just weary. Brock is aware of how short my fuse can be after entertaining foolish endeavors... And then he chooses those moments to advertise his own." The Schnee patriarch spares a slight irritation towards the two.

Misty playfully slaps Brock's shoulder and then sits, uninvited, at Jacques and Winter's table. "Oh, my Brock Rock is stubborn. It's what makes him successful." Brock sits next to her, the two taking notice of the ten year old girl present. "My, is this your eldest? She's downright placid compared to the barbarians kids can be."

Winter blinks, but schools her face from frowning at being complimented via insulting all children.

Jacques spares a scornful look to the girl, filling her gut with unease. "She is. This is Winter Schnee, my heir." He checks the time. "My butler should be arriving with my middle child soon. Winter." Winter straightens at being called upon.

"Yes father?"

"Go find Klein and your sister and lead them here, please. I require a moment alone to... give them a chance to thrill me." Jacques ends in an almost mocking way. Winter notes Brock and Misty's eyes cutting at the dismissive nature, knowing her father is only like this to people who don't know when no means no.

"Of course." Winter nods, leaving the table. She skillfully navigates the gala floor, moving to a wider lobby area. She looks intently for her elderly butler, Klein, and her sister.

Within a minute of her search...

"AH! YOU IDIOT!" A shrieking child's voice pierces through the air, freezing Winter in place.

Oh no...

Winter moves quickly, already knowing exactly whose voice that was. More shrieks come from a gathered crowd. Winter pushes through the crowd... finding what would typically be a humorous sight...

A younger girl barely half Winter's size, smaller even, with long pig tail white hair is sniffling with tears in her eyes. She shoving viciously at another girl's face! This girl has half a head of pink, half brown, with equally mismatched eyes.

Weiss Schnee

Age – 5

Neopolitan Rhodes

Age – 5

Three months before Neo's first meeting with Carmine Uhlric in Vale.

Neo's grip is firmly on one of Weiss's longer pigtails, tugging her hair as a furious look is on the smaller girl, face fully flush. "Stop pushing me!" The girl screams at Weiss.

"LET GO OF MY HAIR!" Weiss slaps at Neo, but the brutish girl refuses to let go.

"Miss Rhodes!" "Miss Schnee!"

On either side of the feuding girls are two butlers. One is a shorter stature man with graying hair and a mustache, Klein, head butler to the Schnee family. The other? Clearly a lion faunus, looking concerned for the mismatched girl. Both men are grabbing onto the girls. "Please stop!" The faunus butler pleads. Klein is looking nervously at the crowd.

"Tell her to stop!" Both Weiss and Neo shriek in almost harmonized tones.

Getting frustrated, Weiss gets a furious pout as her fingers start flexing in a gesture Winter's still grasping at. Winter shouts out. "Weiss, don't-"

Weiss, for being a young girl of only five, attempts to perform a glyph... not caring or understanding which. Simply attempting to imitate her older sister. A spark of aura zaps between hers and Neo's faces, making both yelp as they fall to the floor.

Twin screams garner more and more attention.

Furious now, Winter stomps in, grabbing both girls by the ear lobes and yanking. "AH!" Both girls suck in screams and pull apart, each held at Winter's arm length.

"Now, WHAT is this?!" Winter snaps at the two.

"Miss Schnee..." Klein greets, sighing in relief.

The faunus butler grumbles. "She can't keep to herself." He slumps at Neo's expense.

The two girls both blink at Winter with tears in their eyes before scowling at one another. They both point at the other and yell out. "She started it!" Followed by Neo yelling. "Tell her, George!"

The faunus face palms. "Miss Rhodes, you ran from me, so I did not see how this started."

"Traitor!"

Winter pulls both girl's attention back to herself. "Try this once more. Weiss? You first."

Weiss sniffles and crosses her arms in a huff. "This brute cow insulted my hair and then grabbed it! Beat her up, Winter!"

The elder Schnee feels a slight rage at someone accosting her sister, yet she looks to Neo fairly. "Your turn."

"I complimented her hair, and she freaked out!" Neo whines.

"You said I had snow cone hair!" Weiss pins furious ice blue eyes on the girl, face flush angry.

Neo puffs. "Snow cones are good! Your hair is pretty, you stupid dumby!" She then whines. "Then you whipped me with your hair!"

"I turned around!" The younger Schnee huffs. "YOU grabbed me you monster!"

"You mean brute." Winter corrects the younger girl's stumble in words, earning an embarrassed look from the girl. Winter then looks to Neo, who wilts slightly under the threatening gaze. "You grabbed her?"

Poker face. Neo's face washes blank as she looks off nonchalant. "... Your hair looked soft. I wanted to touch it."

Both Schnee sisters blink in confusion at the... odd form of compliment. George steps in. "I'm sorry, Ma'ams. Miss Rhodes has little impulse control." He attempts to take Neo's hand, gently moving her from Winter and Weiss. "Now, apologize."

Winter takes Weiss's hand to Klein's relief. "Yes. Weiss, apologize for your part in this."

"But I-" Both girls protest until visibly squirming under Winter's storming gaze.

Neo puffs her cheeks. "I'm sorry you don't understand compliments for your stupid pretty hair."

"Miss Rhodes!" George chastises.

The girl shrinks in and offers a sad pout. "Sorry."

Weiss heats up haughty. "I'm sorry you didn't understand what 'no' means."

"Weiss." Winter's voice dips threatening.

The little sister cringes and looks off. "S-Sorry I did not understand you."

Winter nods, taking a moment to pat off any dust from herself and Weiss before quickly leading them aside. The attention starts to die down, but she catches eyes with her father far off... He looks anything but happy.

Ignore that for now, she reminds herself. Salvage image. Klein picks up on this, happily chiming. "Perhaps it would do us better to properly introduce ourselves. Right sir?" He looks to George.

The faunus is wary, looking at the Schnees before slowly nodding. "Of course, sir." He looks to Neo, straightening her hair, tidying her look. "Will you introduce yourself?"

Neo holds a hand out, smiling. "Hi! I'm Neopolitan Rhodes!" Her politeness shoots through the roof, as if the prior five minutes didn't exist to her. An excited look twinkles in her look. "Was that a sembwance?" She looks excited at Weiss, making the white haired girl recoil lightly.

Winter adds, helpfully. "You mean 'semblance'." She clears her throat. "My name is Winter Schnee. And I'm curious about that too." Her eyes loom on Weiss, who cringes down from her.

Weiss purses her lips. "Hello. I am Weiss Schnee, and..." She darts her eyes to Winter and away. "I was trying..."

Excited, Neo leans forward. "I have my aura too!" She smirks, eyes wide... then blinks.

Pink and brown swap sides after the blink! Winter's training, while very basic at this point in life, pick up vaguely on the use of aura. The girl's semblance is starting to peak through this early? Just like Weiss almost making a glyph...

Weiss takes this at face value. "EE!" She recoils back at the eye color swap. "That's so weird!"

Neo wriggles happily at the reaction. "Hehe!"

"Come, Miss Rhodes. Your father won't like it if you get escorted out." George tries to rush them away.

Weiss and Winter finally take proper notice of the butler's ears. A lion faunus. Weiss's eyes widen slightly as she steps back, Winter staring a moment too long. Subconsciously, her arm steadies Weiss while she stands at guard.

Klein speaks for the girls. "It was lovely to meet you! Take care!" He quickly steps in for Winter to take Weiss back.

All the while, Winter remained vigilant and watched the scrappy young girl and her faunus caretaker walk off.

Neo turns to then, smiling and sticking her tongue out at Weiss, free hand pulling her eyelid down in a crude look.

. . .

Present.

Winter stares at the little girl in the picture. The little girl riding on her father's shoulders. The same man she'd seen that day as well. The elder Schnee speaks quietly. "Here is where her illusion broke?"

Neopolitan shrugs. "Yes." Her response is soft. Not committing to the answer.

Nodding, Winter's gaze locks on the photos. "I see." Loss of focus. The girl's illusion semblance must have broken due to lack of control... Emotional instability. Because a fake wouldn't react in such a way... And... "Neopolitan Rhodes. Could you use your semblance to show me something?"

Neopolitan blinks confused. "What?" Looking confused between Winter and Penny, the girl frowns. "I... can't do anything with that."

"Your aura is unlocked, yes?" Winter asks. Her voice is growing colder, creeping a chill up the civilian girl's spine.

"I don't... see what that has to do with anything." She weakly defends. Her gaze flicks to Penny, worry etching her.

Winter's aura visibly flickers as she turns to give a piercing stare into the girl. "I would like an answer to the question. Hypothetically..." Her sword arm comes over her weapon hilt. "If a combatant were to attempt impaling you with, say, a saber..." Neopolitan's eyes widen. "With only moderate levels of force, would it cut you?"

"I-"

"Yes or no... before you try my patience." Winter begins to speak harshly to the girl. Neopolitan flinches in confusion. "Penny, block the stairs for me."

The android blinks, but does as told. Neopolitan gulps. "Yes. It would cut me. I'm a civilian. I don't have my aura unlocked."

Confession. Winter grimaces at the totality before her. Beacon was right. Atlas was wrong. Atlas is flawed in its investigations. Even worse, that this is clearly not a new issue. That the mischievous, gremlin of a child that broke hers and her sister's monotony that day really had been cast into a horrific reality.

"Have we met before? I'm certain your mother has used you for publicity growing up much like my father has for me." Winter follows up, a lighter tone.

Neopolitan cracks a nervous smile, tucking her hand behind her ears. "Yes, Mom shows me off a lot. But, I always make sure I'm presentable." Seeing Winter's expecting gaze, she eventually caves on the first question. "I meet so many people, I'm not sure if I've seen you. Though, I'm positive we may have been at the same event a time or two."

Winter nods. "Penny." The ginger android perks, looking in. "I've already reached my conclusion, but being thorough is important... This girl is not the Neo you met in Malum, is she?"

Penny frowns. "No, she's not." Neopolitan's eyes widen, darting between the two. "She is taller, her pink hair is limited to one side's bangs, her aura from my detection is at average to below average levels, and can speak clearly." The fake flinches.

"Well, yeah." She responds shaky. "I mean, I'm the real Neopolitan Rhodes. You guys haven't had to harass us about this for years. What's the issue?"

"Let us put a pin in that." Winter cuts in, approaching Neopolitan slowly. The girl shifts back until she's pressed against the wall of the hall. Winter steps out and looms over the girl, staring coldly at her. "That will be my second question, but let us focus on the first, if I can trust you to be... honest."

Fear begins to display on the girl. Penny watches, uneasy from the air Winter is leaving in the discussion. She is essentially watching a predator suffocating a small prey until getting what it wants.

"Is it true that children are numbered when brought up via AZRL?"

Gut punch. The girl's anxiety spikes to new extremes at the mention. She freezes under the two's view, taking much too long to respond. "... I've not idea what you're talking about-"

"Allow me to levy the position I've found myself in." Winter steps closer. "Fact one about Neopolitan Rhodes. She was born to parents who were tied in to an organization known as AZRL. An organization that caters to each and every form of child trafficking, from labor force to sexual to mercenary soldiers." The Schnee cocks her head. "Her mother escaped charges due to managing a purely legal venture on her own, while her father faced extra judicial execution."

Neopolitan quivers, but fires back. "I know how my father died."

"Duly noted. Fact two about Neopolitan Rhodes: She was investigated by Atlas due to claims that she was no longer living with her mother, but had been GIVEN to AZRL." Winter eyes the girl's reactions, but to the girl's credit, she shows adequate confusion. "Investigations into the girl who presented herself as Neopolitan Rhodes yielded a DNA match, ending any further query."

The girl flashes a look of worry, but manages to put forth a weak outrage. "That's why you people harassed me years ago! How dare you!" She panics and darts her gaze about. "Get out! I told you, these questions-"

"Are quite relevant, considering fact three of Neopolitan Rhodes:" Winter's voice lets loose some growl. "Neopolitan Rhodes has an illusion semblance. A gremlin, mischievous little girl who did not act properly at charity events."

She pins a hard stare and flexes her aura as it begins to suffocate Neopolitan.

"Personality traits can adapt and change, but one thing is clear. Neopolitan Rhodes has unlocked her aura... Unless you care to explain to me how a girl accessing it at five years old lost that capability."

At Neopolitan's silence, Winter presses.

"I've met Neopolitan Rhodes. At a gala charity when I was ten years old." Winter scowls back. "Making her- sorry, you." She snidely puts in under a fake polite tone. "-five years old at the time. She showed me her semblance."

She takes another aggressive step. Neopolitan shrinks down, sliding mildly down to a half crouch under the looming agent!

Winter slowly lowers herself, meeting the trembling girl eye to eye. "So... I will reiterate... You WILL be honest with me..." The Schnee narrows her gaze. "... What's your real name?"

Neopolitan's uneven breathing threatens to full blown hyperventilation. Her darting eyes and working mouth soundlessly shift about as the girl finds herself literally and metaphorically backed to a corner. "I-... I-..." Her breathing begins to echo loudly, fear beginning to take over. "I'm... I-I-I..." She gulps and collapses to her knees. "I... don't remember my name..."

Penny and Winter both pull back, shocked at the answer. The girl is sputtering, sitting in a stew of boiling anxiety attacks.

"M-My name... started with an L." Her shoulder shivers, tears beginning to come. "I... haven't heard it for years."

Damn... Winter went too far breaking her. The agent sighs, pulling away. "Penny." The ginger doesn't immediately register the call out, staring at the breaking down girl. "Penny!"

Penny straightens and looks her way. "Ma'am?"

Winter hates comforting victims... Mostly because it's her absolute weakest field. Still, it's going to be necessary. "Set up some comfort in the girl's living room. We will continue the conversation once she recovers." Penny nods and bounds down the steps, leaving Winter to pick up the pieces of the situation.

She places a hand softly on the shaking girl's shoulder. Neopolitan recoils. "P-please... Don't hurt Mom."

The Schnee's eyes widen at that. This girl... is defending her fake mother? Her buyer? Her master?! This is going to be a long conversation. "No physical harm is necessary." She eases the girl on. "But, I do need full honesty."

. . .

Penny's mind was a whirl.

This was her first time seeing the city so thoroughly. The mix of adventure and curiosity overwhelmed her for the first half of said trip. The idea that this 'investigation' tied in directly with her desires also lit a fire in her belly. She'd followed Winter with vigor!

Yet, upon reaching the apartment and watching Winter question the girl, Penny immediately began to wilt in her enjoyment. Strangely, she felt a... sting inside her as she watched. The girl was very clearly stealing the identity of another. A grave crime, made even worse by the sheer totality of what must have happened to the real Neopolitan Rhodes.

Yet, this girl broke, and clearly she had bottled up fears relating to this for years. Penny felt... sympathy. A girl who was kept for a purpose, not out of actual love? A girl who was shut off from communicating on her own save for small snippets of her life?

Penny identified with that, strangely. And... she could tell Winter did also. It was the little things. The way Winter's gaze would change almost at the micrometer level. But, Penny noticed it.

The girl talked...

Misty Rhodes DID try everything in her power to keep the original Neopolitan... She'd offered further services to AZRL to learn Neo's location, but was denied due to lacking any actual power to them.

She'd started getting more successful in her business ventures, hoping to outright BUY Neo from them. But again, she was denied. If they allowed her to buy her child back, they'd have lost leverage keeping her silent about AZRL.

Apparently, she'd even physically threatened one of AZRL's agents. Yet, it was quickly made clear that Misty would be the one dying if such a threat was enacted.

Misty Rhodes truly loved and cared for her daughter... and it broke her.

But more than she loved her daughter... she loved herself it seems. She never approached the academies for a confession or assistance. Either it was pride keeping her from doing so, or to keep herself from admitting to crimes that would imprison her. Her own self importance stood as a barrier to approaching the military or hunters.

So... AZRL offered a compromise to her...

Neopolitan's head hangs, eyes downcast on the floor. Her voice is devoid of emotion as she speaks to the two Atlas representatives. "AZRL offered to sell her a new daughter... One to replace Neo for her." Neopolitan grimaces. "Me... Series Blue 19997."

She continues, shrugging. "I was mediocre in their testing for the other blues, but they found their use for me knowing that I could fit the profile close enough." Her unhappy gaze trails off. "My worth was less than a thousandth what they scaled Series Black 2814- Erm... Neo."

Winter soaks that information in. Many questions were answered, but a few hard hitting ones remained. "You're doing a fantastic job." Winter pauses at the point where one would say a name. "I believe it is unhealthy to refer to you as a number... You said your real name started with an L. Would you be okay with me calling-"

Neopolitan is already shaking her head, looking up with tear filled eyes. "AZRL got me really young, but I remember a few things back then. I was given to them as a debt payment for using their services. Anyone who used my real name held nothing for me." She hugs herself, cringing as she asks in a weak voice. "May I... still go by Neopolitan?"

Not seeing much else to go by at the moment, Winter nods. "Very well, Neopolitan." Her gaze narrows. "I have just a few more questions, and I doubt they will be easy for you. First and foremost, I wish to know... how did you match the real Neopolitan's DNA test?"

Neopolitan immediately tenses and looks away. "U-uh... I-I don't know."

Penny's eyes widen. Her mechanical eyes dilate at a thought... She performs a scan on the girl...

Winter grimaces. "You promised to be honest with me, and I am willing to help you. So, please."

The girl tucks her pink locks behind her ear. "Like I said... I was picked because I was close enough physically." She glances off, rubbing her pink eye. "I-I... needed surgery for it. My... eye color was changed." She holds her right eye closed. "Both my eyes were brown before... My right eye is really sensitive to irritation because of it."

She continues. "Of course, there's the hair, too. There wasn't enough follicles to transplant the full amount of pink... Mom went with the story that my pattern changed as I grew. Worked for most people."

Penny's gaze remains frozen on the girl, her view of her locking in on the girl's head and facial features. Winter takes note of Penny's attention, but puts that off. "And how would you falsify DNA?" Winter grimaces. "Because you were tested both for saliva DNA AND blood. How did you trick that?"

Neopolitan tenses again, looking as if she is to be attacked for her words. She shrinks back into the couch seating, looking for any path of escape. Her voice even sounds distant. "That's above me... I don't know when those were taken."

The ginger in the room's green eyes blink in a flash. Fast enough that the distressed girl doesn't notice, but Winter does. Scan complete, and Penny furrows her brow in confusion. "How many surgeries did it take to make you look like Neopolitan Rhodes? Furthermore, do you remember who it was that operated on you? Thus far, I count four surgeries you've had."

"Penny, that's-" Winter stops.

Four.

Neopolitan chokes on a break, eyes wide.

Winter blinks. "Penny... explain."

The android nods to the girl. "One: surgical alteration of the right iris. Two: Follicle implantation from base brown hair to induce pink. Three: smooth grafted skin covering skin imperfection for a perfect milk tone."

Neopolitan surges to an upright position, covering her face. "H-how could you see those! No one should ever be able to see those!" At Winter's cutting look, Neopolitan gulps. "... I... used to... have freckles... They were covered..."

"Hmm... And the fourth?"

Before Penny even speaks, Neopolitan's hands flinch to the sides of her face, but she forces them still.

"Four: 100 micrometer surgical scarring above the outer ear suggest tampering. Her skin tone of her lobes are lighter than her normal tone, indicative of her hiding her ears with her long hair." The clinical statement leaves the subject stone still, staring horrified.

"... How... How can you see..?" She shakes, a panic setting in. "P-please leave."

The girl nearly jumps from her skin when Winter's reassuring hand gently rests on her knee. Winter tries to force herself to be a gentle as can be. "Why do you believe this information will bring you harm?"

Winter also notices that... the girl's skin temperature is quite cooler than a normal person's.

Damn it. Winter frowns, realizing it. "I see now..." A tear filled Neopolitan stares back, leaving Winter to give a smile and nod. "It's okay. You don't have to explain. Just, nod if we are correct. I promise, on my life and duty as an agent of Atlas, your answers to these questions will not influence your treatment."

Neopolitan darts her eyes to Penny, then to Winter. "But... you're a Schnee..."

The sheer simplicity in how she says that manages a mighty blow to Winter's self image. Still, she manages a smile.

"I do not carry my father's beliefs... Not anymore." She remains calm for the girl. "I've learned better. So, will you please be respond to my statements?"

Neopolitan furrows her brows, suddenly confused rather than afraid, and gives a nod.

"You're a faunus, aren't you?" The woman starts off direct... The girl gulps and nods. "You complied fearing I would retaliate harshly if you declined my questioning." The girl sighs and nods. "You were surgically altered to physically take the place of one Neopolitan Rhodes, take her name, and live the life she was deprived."

Hesitation again, even though this fact was already give up. The girl nods.

Waiting a moment, Winter glances to the girl's ears. Even she cannot see the scarring Penny could, but the glance seemed to unnerve the girl. "... Your human ears are constructed, aren't they?" Winter's voice sounds... soft, yet hurt. "They took away your natural ears?"

The girl's leg under Winter's hand quivers, a sniffle coming as she nods...

Finally, Winter deduces. "... Now, scientists already test human cellular growth... by implementing certain grafts onto mice... I may be taking a leap here, but was the real Neopolitan's DNA implanted into you?" Winter maintains eye contact. "Are you a mouse faunus?"

The girl chokes on her breath, but maintains her look. Neopolitan slowly... nods. "Yes... I-I... am the only faunus in the kingdom of Atlas living in the one percent. My... tutoring and schooling life would be rejected if I was known as a faunus... Please, don't tell anyone."

Winter is aware of Penny's pinning stare at the situation. Winter knows she's inviting an uncomfortable future conversation with her next words. Yet, they must be said. "You're denying your true nature. Atlas is... changing slowly, but surely."

Neopolitan fires back, heated. "The last five years of my life have been the happiest I've had! Living as a faunus?! On top of everything else, I can't do it again! Please! Don't tell anyone." Tears fall as she pleads. "Please... I'll sell out whoever I can, but don't arrest Mom..." Winter feels a twist at that. "She's shown me more love than anyone ever has. Sometimes, I actually believe it's for me... And she didn't do anything willingly. She'd have died if she did anything else. It's not her fault Neopolitan Rhodes was taken by AZRL! So PLEASE! Don't arrest her and leave us be!"

Another silence comes.

The android takes the words in. Living under the conditions of another being. Lying to oneself about true nature? She begins to wonder about that herself... She, who is built to fulfill a function... She, who is built to be candidate to become one of the strongest individuals in the word. She, who is not a real person at all, lying to those by the skin she wears...

She relates to this poor girl... Still.

One thought comes to all three of those present, Penny foremost conflicted.

What about the real Neo? The girl who left this very place breaking down.

. . .

Elsewhere

Clicking of ammo into weapons sound. Neo limbers up, popping a back and stretching for the day ahead. Around her, Carmine, Roman, and Makara all three enthusiastically prepare their dust rounds. Roman's drum magazine, Makara's quad cells, and Carmine setting up his snap reload sets.

The girl's attention briefly finds Blair, loading blood vials into her inner jacket pouch. The scientist takes a deep breath.

They invade the SDC in eight hours.

Neo can't wait. Frankly... she's done with this city, and wants nothing more than to leave it. Her gaze finding the blinded window. Maybe that's only what she's telling herself. Conflict resides in her, though having her family here, her true family, certainly helps.

She's nudged, turning to find a frowning Carmine. He's so warm... and his concerned face is just so dopey. "Something you need to talk about?"

Neo blinks back at him before managing a smirk, shaking her head. She signs. "Later. But thanks, Dumb Dumb."

. . .

Misty Rhodes' Suite...

Winter sighs, keeping herself eye level with the sitting distressed girl. "This will sound callous... Disgusting, even, but as things stand, I cannot honor your plea..." Neopolitan looks to shatter at the woman's words, until Winter raises a finger. "But."

The girl's eyes brighten. There it is. Hope. Winter feels disgusting baiting out the girl like this, but continues.

"I can utilize you as an anonymous source of information... IF your information yields results. All of which stems from my final two questions." The Schnee ends.

Neopolitan nods. "I'll answer best I can!"

"Do you know the man who operated on you? Any details about him whatsoever." Winter asks first. Penny brightens.

She's checking if it truly could be Dr Stein! Penny perks, hoping for this to progress her investigation.

Unfortunately, Neopolitan frowns. "He goes by the name Dr Near in AZRL. It isn't his real name, so I don't know anything about him in the public world."

Penny's hopes, finely dashed! The android frowns, looking away. Yet, Winter seems unfazed. "That is fine. Can you tell me any personal details? Describe him."

The girl shrugs. "... He has dark hair. I never saw his eyes through his reflective glasses. He was tall, I guess?" She grimaces. "I'm sorry. It's been seven or eight years now."

Not much, but... A flash memory of the dour scientist comes to mind for both agent and student. It does match, but nothing to confirm. Damn.

Winter nods. "Okay... Final question." She hardens her gaze. "I noticed your failure to remain composed when I mentioned the DNA tests. You knew exactly what was going on at the time, despite Atlas supposedly being covert in obtaining DNA sources."

Neopolitan sighs and nods. "Yes..."

"The Atlas agent who investigated you, do you remember them? Did they compromise their investigation?" She presses.

"I dunno about compromising anything at the time. Remembering back, I feel he'd have to have been, but I do remember him coming around a few times to speak with Mom. Something about anonymous child protection services I think was what he said at the time." Neopolitan grumbles. "He was nice."

"Do you remember his name?" Winter hopes beyond hope for SOMETHING.

… And it comes.

Neopolitan thinks hard to remember before nodding. "Yeah... His name was... Palermo? Pallo- Palmo!" She remembers fully. "His name was like that disgusting alcohol drink, whiskey. Whis Palmo."

Silence... Winter is wide eyed at the name.

Complete truth. The girl offers nothing to note any passing of the buck, any misdirection. She's too emotionally drained to lie at this point.

Uncharacteristically, Winter mutters a profane word. "... Fuck..."

We're trucking along. Moving forward to breaking into the SDC! Our hunters are providing a neat complication that I'm sure won't come into play at all. But, if all ends well, our heroes may pull through.

We also have the appearance of Hazel! Another canon Cult of Salem member makes an appearance. That's our third to appear in story.

Neopolitan Rhodes is revealed how she so thoroughly took Neo's place... I MAYBE took too long going into it, but honestly, I liked having Winter there and having the flashback to Weiss and Neo meeting years ago. One percent members meeting at public events? Not TOO unlikely.

Plus, our first look at Weiss is seeing her as a bratty screaming child. Seems fitting. (I love Weiss. She's my second favorite of the RWBY team, which may or may not inform my attention to Winter as well)

References:

The song choice this time (hadn't had one in a while) was Boss Hoss cover of Word Up, song originally by Cameo. This version of the song saturates the original with country acoustic and rock sounds that are just too perfect for Whis, which the fight scene was his introduction to how he fights.

Also threw in plenty of Qrow and Winter metaphorically hate screwing each other with constant venom with every interaction they're having. Like oil and water.

Join next time in chapter seventy nine: According to Plan: Mine or Yours?