I can't believe I'm actually going along with this.
Ruby watched as the carriage slowed to a stop before the city gates, soldiers holding position as one of them walked up. She was farther back in the trees, waiting for her moment.
From what she saw they had started to chat as two others went around to begin unloading the back. They began lifting the covers off of the boxes. One by one they would look through the contents of each box, with the commander (if she had to guess) giving a wave of his hand.
At that the other two would move the box along to the front of a small looking building, opening the door and disappearing inside. Only a second or so would pass before they would return and repeat the process.
In a way it looked calm, the soldiers didn't seem to be in too much of a rush. It felt as though they were relaxed about this, almost like they've done this time and time again with no issue.
At least they're happy.
This was good, a calm city guard would insure that she had an easier time getting through. Most of them would be relaxed with their guard down, as Ironic as it was. She wouldn't have to worry about them being too receptive to sudden small noises or movement of bushes.
At that moment she could see a slight fog start to roll in.
That's the signal then.
And so she made her way towards the building she saw, hidden away under the cover of the smoke that seemed to gently hang. The fog was blinding to say the least, she could see what the others were thinking when they came up with the plan.
Once again weather based semblances show their strength.
This hadn't been the first of it's kind that she came across, but it had been one of the most dangerous she'd seen. Well, dangerous in a sort of 'utility' sense. There had been others that were more deadly physically of course, but she always had an appreciation for the more 'helping hand' types of semblances. She'd blame that bias on Jaune.
In a way it brought back some more... pained experiences.
No! Focus, no time for that!
She needed to keep her head in the game, she had no time to be hurting over the past.
Ruby had found her way to the side of the building. It was a type of storage shed from the looks of it up close. The same types she would often see in the frontier towns back when she was younger. She quietly peeked inside, and made her way in.
It was mostly empty with no guards in sight at the moment. This was good, all she needed to do now was hop into one of the boxes and wait.
Before she could move her ears picked up on the sounds of footsteps.
Come on!
Thinking quickly she made use of her own semblance, bursting into rose petals and shooting along the walls and up to the rafters. She came to a stop around a center beam as she watched the area below.
The two guards from before walked in, carrying another box and setting it down. Despite being on the rafters she could hear them talking below, as the roof of the shed wasn't that high up.
"*whistles* Damn that's heavy."
"Yea, no kidding. Who needs all those cups anyway?"
"Not a clue. Merchants remember? They sell whatever they can."
"You're not wrong there. Some of them looked nice anyway, I might buy a couple later after shift."
"The Mrs. still upset at you?"
"She is, I couldn't help it alright. How was I supposed to know we were keeping the dishes in that pantry. She never told me she moved them, and now the next chunk of my earnings is going towards replacing what I broke."
"Could have been worse, she could have made you sleep on the floor."
"I guess, what's done is done. Let's get back to work."
With that she watched the two leave before she jumped back down.
Okay, now which one.
Ruby remembered that there should have been two boxes filled with light coins and a couple pieces of artwork. They had been arranged in such a way as to allow her to fit in. She sped about, lifting the various covers as to find the one. All the while keeping and ear out for when the guards came back.
Bingo! Sixth try wasn't so bad.
It was the painting box, slightly around the middle back of the room. She slipped herself inside, pulling the cover over her and waited.
Ruby heard them come and go a few more times as she waited. It took around fifteen minutes of being cramped in the small container before she felt herself being lifted. She was being moved along a short moment as she heard the sounds from outside.
"Careful with that you two, that's going up on the shelves later."
"We got it, don't worry yourself. We do this all the time."
She felt herself being set down as the sounds of the others around her continued on. The waiting continued once again as she had to keep herself steady and quiet. Any sounds could tip them off, and she'd rather not have to fight her way through the city.
"Right, that looks good. You may carry on good sir."
"Thank you, I'm sure you'll see me again soon enough. Pleasant evening."
Ruby felt herself on the move once more, although she'd not been lifted this time. It would seem that the carriage she was loaded onto had begun moving. All there was to do now was wait for them to arrive at the drop point.
Despite the apparent success Ruby couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. This had been too easy, and it felt like things would go up in flames at any moment. So she waited, and waited, and waited.
She'd been rewarded with nothing but the sounds of the city going about it's daily routine. Yet still she held her guard, call it what you will but she'd grown used to things going wrong. And so she continued to hold her guard, ready to strike at any moment.
She felt the carriage come to a stop, followed by the sounds of a slight nock to the side of her crate.
"We're here, it's safe to come out." The voice of her driver spoke.
Ever so slowly Ruby gently moved the lid of the crate away, rising up from her uncomfortable position in the container. The first thing she could see was the walls of the alleyway they'd found themselves in, as well as the face of their 'merchant' staring up at her.
It had been one of the rebels that had followed her when she first arrived at the cave. From what she learned his Faunus trait had been hidden, retractable claws if she remembered correctly. It allowed him to pass off as human and enter the city.
All of their city agents had hidden traits according to what they told her. They had usually been the 'info gatherers' of the group, tasked with keeping an eye on the goings of the city and it's inhabitants.
"Comfortable?" He asked with a teasing tone.
"No." She answered, that seemed to get a laugh out of him.
Oddly enough he seemed to get along with her. Back at the base when they first met everyone had been wary and distrustful. Why wouldn't they be? Most humans had sought to enslave them, and even hunt them for sport at times. As such she could understand any hate they may have for her.
Yet this one had been different. When they had fully discussed the plan and who would do what (as short as it had been), he had been more willing to talk with her. The rest had still been a little off put by her, but this one hadn't.
She'd learned from him that he had always been the one to play the merchant, always having to deal with humans. He'd told her that he'd grown to feel more pity than hate for them. He blamed their hate for Faunus on their leaders, the kings and queens who would do anything for power.
Ruby found herself pleasantly surprised by him, as she didn't think there were any like him during this time period. She found herself making jokes and small chat with him as they waited the rest of that day out.
"Would the lady be in need of a helping hand down?" He spoke in mock regality, extending his arm upwards to her.
Ruby could only roll her eyes as she made a show of leaping out of the box, performing a flip as she done so and landing in a show of grace.
"This lady is plenty fine with stepping down herself, but the crate may take you up on you're offer." She gave back, holding a smirk as his smile held fast.
"It would seem so; well, I believe the crate can be saved later. Let's head inside before someone spots us." He told as he walked towards the door.
She followed along as he produced a key from his pocket, opening the door and waving her inside. He shut the door behind them as she took in the feel of the room.
Damp. Was the only though that came to her mind at the moment.
The place had this sort of sickly feeling to it, like she'd sprout mold from her pores at any moment.
"Sorry about the mess, we've not used this hideout in quite a while." He spoke as she stepped around to a chair and took a seat.
"I've been in worse. Let's rest here a moment and catch our breath; well, what breath we can catch in this place."
"Agreed, it would be nice to let the stress ware off for a bit." He leaned against the table.
"So... I never got to ask before but do you use your real name as you play merchant, or is it a different one?" Ruby asked as he nodded.
"It's still Shade. Everyone here think's I'm human, and they've never seen my Faunus traits. I never operate outside the city so I've no need to change it." He answered as she nodded along.
"I guess." She gave as they both relaxed in the silence.
.
.
"Finally! Sweet, sweet air!"
"Quit your complaining." Magenta chastised as Gold dropped to his knees.
"Never again!" He continued as she waved us forward.
"Just keep it down, we're not home yet." She told as she peeked around the corner.
We'd popped up into an alleyway, muddy and filthy as all the others. At least we were out of the sewers this time, I could do without that for a while.
"How's it look?" Lapis asked as Magenta motioned us forward.
"Good so far; look, there's the place." She told as we peeked around her.
Across the street I was able to make out a building with large glass windows. Inside I could see several shelves which looked to hold various books.
"Follow me." Magenta whispered as she made her way across the street with us in tow.
It didn't look like anybody was out on the streets, but I was able to see several windows above us. The chances of us being spotted were high, and I didn't like that.
However Magenta didn't lead us to the doors of the building; no, instead she led us into the adjacent alley around it's side.
"Uh... honey, doll... we passed the door." Gold taunted as Magenta rolled her eyes.
"What kind of idiot walks in the front door of home base in the middle of the street, in front of several windows that may have witnesses." She returned as she carried on.
Magenta came to stop before a door to the side, grabbing hold of the handle and opening up the way inside.
"In now, before I kick your ass." She motioned as Gold pouted and scurried in.
We followed along, Lapis looking to hold a bit of a smirk as we shut the door behind us. Magenta looked around a bit, walking over to a wall and flipping a tiny lever on it. In an instant the room was filled with light, boxes and shelves lining the wall. A storage room if I had to guess.
"Alright, we should be in the clear." Magenta told as they all looked to relax.
"For real this time? No more sudden surprises?" Gold asked as he sat against the wall.
"Hopefully not, but you can never know. We need to remain on guard until we get back to base." Lapis said as I took a moment to stretch.
The van had been cramped, even the commoner carriages had more leg room. I heard the sound of a door opening across the room. I brought my hand over the handle of my blade, ready for a fight.
For a moment we heard the sounds of footfall pathing towards us. I was able to see a man come around the corner of one of the shelves. Magenta let her guard down at that moment, a sigh escaping her breath.
"Tukson, right?" She asked as he nodded.
"And you must be the stowaways for the moment, I was given word you'd show up. Were any of you followed?" Tukson asked as we all shook our heads.
"Good, now listen closely; I'm closing up shop in two hours, you're free to wait around here until then. I've got some books in these shelves back here, you're free to take a look so long as you put them back. All fiction at the moment as most of our history books have been bought up by students from Beacon. Remember to keep it down, people still come in even during the late hours." He explained as we gave our agreements, the man leaving shortly after.
A few moments passed before Gold decided to speak.
"Was it just me or did he seem... out there or something." He asked as Lapis spoke up.
"He did sound tired."
"He works the stand all day, I'm sure it gets tiring at some point" Magenta answered as she looked through the books in the boxes.
"I know that, its just... I can't really explain it. He felt like he was sort of... out there, if that makes any sense." Gold said as he lay his head back.
"He seemed to just be going through the motions, like he had no real drive to carry on." Lapis gave as he flicked through the pages of what looked like a mystery novel.
"Maybe, he might have just had a hard day." Magenta spoke her bit as she took out a smaller looking book.
They hadn't been wrong, something did seem off about the man. The way he looked at us, as well as his overall mood seemed emotionless. He reminded me of the laborers in some of the villages, always just moving along with whatever they needed to do.
Eyes always seeming so... empty, like they're devoid of life. Every now and then they would bump into each other, old groups of friends carrying out different jobs. It was those moments where they seemed to resurrect once more, figuratively of course.
Taking a moment to look around I spotted a strange looking book, much more colorful than the rest. While I could not exactly 'read' this language, Sienna had taught me some basic words as she helped with my scroll. Simple words and how to spot them, to be able to carry out everyday tasks. For my scroll she just showed me how to use the pictures to identify everything I needed from it.
I took hold of the fairly thin book, it's pages spilling open as the cover was of the same paper as them. Looking through it I found myself somewhat surprised, it seemed to be mostly artwork.
Looking through it more I was able to see some writing, however it was scattered about in small white patches. It was colored all through, various different scenes separated by borders of a sort.
It was nothing like what I'd ever seen, a small collection of drawings telling a story. I decided to follow through in a way, to try and connect the scenes to each other in a sort of script like fashion. I was unable to read most of the words, but I found myself able to make out some of the tale.
"What 'cha got there?" I turned to the sound of Gold who was now looking over my shoulder.
"Oooh, never knew you were a comic sort of guy." He spoke as he looked to the box next to me.
"I'm not really, I was just curious. I've never seen books like this before." I answered as he pulled another of them from the container.
"Really? Never seen a comic before?" He asked as he looked through the one he took out.
"My village never really, let's just say 'got along' with the outside world." I answered as he gave a confused look.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, we spend most of our time isolated. Our village leaders preferred to keep our homes to ourselves. Most of our needs are taken care of by our own." I told, keeping everything vague and on a lower scale.
"Really? There are villages like that?" He questioned, only for Lapis to speak up.
"There are, some tribes like to live by their own rules. They work around their areas and gather their own resources." He explained as Gold looked to be thinking.
"Sounds tough, and all on their own too. Wait, if you were out there then why did you come to Menagerie?" He asked as he looked to me again.
"I was on a sort of break from my job there. We've recently started opening up to travel, I just got the lucky chance to be the first one to try it." I lied as he nodded.
"Okay, so how did you end up here in the White Fang?" He carried on, Magenta was the next to speak.
"Gold, stop being nosy again." She spoke as she walked over.
"It's fine, it's not that much of a deal anyway. Sienna helped me earlier and I owe her a favor. Fighting against injustice seemed like a good way to do it." I said as my explanation seemed to be accepted by him.
"Alright, I'll lay off then. Instead I'll be looking through these baby's here." He spoke with a grin as he went back through the box of the now identified 'comics'.
"*sigh* Always a child. I swear I'm nothing but a glorified babysitter." Magenta returned to the book in her hands.
"You know how Gold is, you should have expected this." Lapis spoke as he put his book down and reached for another.
"I know, guess I just never learn do I?" She returned as she flipped a page.
"You guys love me and you know it." The mentioned let out as he pulled another of the comics from the box, a mischievous grin on his face.
In a way it was strange, despite all the back and forth from them they had the feeling of a family. The same feeling I'd witnessed back at the castle between the king, queen, and their children. Aside from the fact that these were criminals and not deities.
Still, I'd found myself at ease. We were safe, the mission was complete, and from the looks of it Gold enjoyed horror stories according to the cover of the comic in his hands.
The woman's face held a look of terror, the torn clothing and tentacles wrapped around her kept her from defending herself. Must be a terrifying tale he's found.
He seemed happy at least, according to his face anyway.
.
.
Qrow lowered his drink.
It was just his luck to find himself here; still, he needed the information. The music was pounding in the background as the crowd was moving about. He'd been sitting at the bar, waiting for Junior to come back.
The crowd had been smaller than most places this size, mostly due to the fact that the place seemed to have had some trouble recently. Supposedly someone showed up and started beating the ever living shit out of everyone. Qrow himself grew a small smile every time he thought of it.
heh, I'd pay to see that.
So far he had yet to find the White Fang, where ever they were hiding. So he came to the club, hoping to get some dirt on their operations. Word had it that Junior was the man to see when you needed to find something.
An information dealer, with his fingers in almost every slice of the pie all across Vale. If he couldn't help you, nobody could.
"Somebody looks lonely." A woman's voice spoke from his side.
"Maybe we should fix that." Another let out from the other side.
Both women had taken seats next to him, drink in their hands as they looked up to him.
"Sorry ladies, but this guy's got things to do." Qrow spoke as they tilted their heads, both at the exact same time.
Creepy, but not half bad looking.
"Really, what kind of things." The one on his left spoke, leaning closer as the red of her dress clung to her form.
"Special things." The white dressed one added, sultry tone making his skin crawl.
Now don't get him wrong, Qrow liked to think he was rather skilled when it came to chatting with the ladies. But this was different, they felt dangerous. Not that they could take him no, more in the sense that they were more than they let on.
They were looking at him now, he had to say something.
"I'm just waiting for someone."
"Oooh, really? Who?" They spoke at the same time, still creeping him out.
"A man named Junior, works here from what I know. I'm told he could help me." Qrow answered as the seemed to get a new look.
"Really, Junior? Why, looking for something?"
"Maybe... what's it to you?" He questioned as the two seemingly shared a look.
"Nothing much, just hold here for a moment." The red one spoke as the two got up and walked away into the crowd.
Weird. He thought as he stayed put.
Qrow was on his guard now, the conversation giving him off vibes. He had a sneaking suspicion those two were connected to Junior in a way. After all they seemed to know more than they let on. Then again it that could be said about literally everybody he's ever met.
"Rough day?" Qrow turned back at the voice, catching sight of the bartender now before him cleaning a glass.
"Tiring, to say the least. Just waiting for someone." He spoke as the man gave a nod.
"Would you mind if I asked who?"
"Not really, I'm looking for Junior."
"Junior huh, well I might be able to help you with that." The bartender spoke as Qrow raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Come with me." He spoke as he put down his glass and started walking.
Qrow, despite his apprehensiveness followed along. They moved through the crowds before coming to a set of double doors, the two women from before on each side. The red dressed one even had the nerve to wave to him.
I was right, they are connected!
The bartender continued on through the door, Qrow tagging along as the doors shut behind them. The inside looked comfortable, a simple set of couches and a coffee table in the middle.
"Take a seat please." The bartender asked as he took one side.
Qrow did as told, sitting opposite of the bartender.
"Do you know who I am?" The man spoke as Qrow leaned in.
"If I had to guess; based on the two by the door, as well as you sitting here, I'd take a wild guess and say you're the man I'm looking for, Junior." Qrow spoke as the man nodded.
"Correct, pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
Junior leaned back as he relaxed into the couch.
"Now, what is it you want to know? Depending on what it is, we can discuss price after, deal?" He asked as Qrow thought it over.
"Deal."
"Carry on then."
Qrow leaned his arm on the corner.
"A while ago a shop was robbed, police caught a few suspects at the scene. Word has it that these were your men."
"And you have proof of that, that's a bold claim you know." Junior spoke as he leaned back forward.
"Easy, I'm not with the police, heck; I don't even care if they were your men. I'm more interested on what you might have on the White Fang. They were at the scene too, however they got away." Qrow gave as Junior relaxed just a tad.
"The White Fang then, that would explain a few things. You looking for just some general information, or something more?"
It was Qrow's turn to lean in now.
"In a way, word is that they've got a new recruit, one who's much more... unique to say the least. To cut to the chase I'm looking for the guy, as well as where the lot of them are hold up."
Junior held his chin, taking a deeper thought. Most likely deciding wither to go through with his request. A short moment later he looked up.
"It'll cost you, a lot if we're dealing with the whole operation, it'll take a while too. But... if we're just talking about finding their location, I think I may be able to do something about it."
"You'll look into it?" Qrow asked as Junior held up his hand.
"Maybe, like I said it'll cost you. If we're being honest here the Fang has been a pain in everybody's side as of late, getting harder to hold on to dust. Give me some time, if we're talking about just locating them I'll need at least a solid week. City's large and I need time to check my contacts. Come back then and we'll see what I've got." He explained as he made to stand, holding out his hand.
"Well then, thanks for you're business." Qrow spoke as he stood, shaking hands with Junior.
"Don't thank me yet; remember, this'll cost you." He told as he followed Qrow to the door.
"You'll get the money, trust me on that."
"Careful, trust is a strong word. But I'll hold you to it."
With that Qrow found himself back out in the club. Now that that was taken care of he had some time to himself.
May as well grab another drink.
.
.
"Alright I'm locking up, you can come on out now." Tukson told us as he walked back in.
"Yes! Mission complete!" Gold cheered, not even getting a reaction from Magenta this time.
"Let's just go." She spoke as she followed Tukson out.
The rest of us followed along out to the main area, displays of books set about. Stocked, yet oddly spacious. The place had a comfortable feel to it, relaxing if I had to call it.
"Stick to the alley until the ride shows up." Tukson spoke as he reached his hand under the main counter from behind.
The lights that illuminated the outside of the shop disappeared, leaving nothing but shadow.
"What ride we waiting on?" Gold asked as he leaned against the counter.
"A small red car, you'll know it when you see it." Magenta answered as the lights in the room shut off.
"There, dark enough for you to leave now. The security cameras won't be able to pick you out very well in the darkness." Tukson said as Lapis made for the door.
"Then we'll leave you for the night." He gave as he stepped out.
"Just stay out of sight." Tukson warned one last time as we left.
There were still lights along the streets, the thin pillars standing uniform at equal distances. Similar to soldiers standing firm, steadfast in their diligence.
I followed the three as they took to the street, moving into an opposing alley across from the shop.
"And now we wait, again." Gold spoke as he leaned against a wall, crossing his arms as he watched the street.
"A bit dull yes, but it is a good sign. None of those 'cops' are chasing us, meaning we've evaded them." I gave my thoughts as Lapis nodded.
"True, this is a sign of success. Hopefully we'll be able to relax afterwards." He spoke as I let the tension in my shoulders out a bit.
"Ask and you shall receive. Looks like our ride's here." Magenta told us as the sounds of something grew.
I looked around the corner with her as I saw what she was talking about. In a way it looked similar to the van, albeit a different shape. As the thing came to a stop and Magenta made her way forward I was able to see that the thing was even smaller than the van had been.
At this point I was starting to think that these 'rides' weren't used to transport things. The small size of this 'car' looked like it would just be large enough to hold the four of us.
"I call shotgun!" Gold spoke as he rushed to the thing.
Shotgun?
Magenta only gave a sigh as she motioned me along. She opened the door and waved me to get in as Lapis opened the other side. I squished in as far as I could, Magenta following along as she shut the door on her way.
The three of us sat cramped against each other as the thing started moving, bags of dust on our laps.
"You know you four could have put the dust in the trunk, right?" A voice came from up front, probably whoever was driving the thing.
"The less time we spend visible on the street, the better." Magenta answered as she looked out the window.
"Suit yourselves." The voice said as we continued along.
I looked out the window on Lapis side, watching as the buildings rushed along. It was still so odd to me, the sight of so many buildings along the streets. So packed, yet it looked so peaceful in the dark of night.
At least the mission's finally over.
Author's note
...
Mission complete! A questionably executed robbery and a bag of dust later we find our hero more interested in the carrying capacity of modern personal transport.
In all seriousness though I'm glad we get to move on, personally I want to get the main crew involved as soon as possible.
But alas, we've still got more to go through before our team of colorful mascots can make their debut.
19 chapters in and we've still not gotten word from the main cast. Fear not however, they'll show up eventually, and that meeting will be... special to say the least. Not going into spoilers but get excited, not exactly soon but when it happens I'm gonna have a lot of fun.
Let me know what you think, see you later.