Pebble wasn't so much frightened as he was worried. With his years of struggle he'd lost most of the fear he once held long ago, so he was more focused on how the plan would play out. He'd learned the name of his savior was Glimmer, and after the initial shock of being asked to die she quickly explained that they would in fact not be killing him after all.

Supposedly Venus had a certain fascination with corpses; more specifically children's corpses. Despite being horribly wrong in every way conceivable to the boy he couldn't help but wonder where Glimmer was going with her idea. He'd learned of her plan that night, which involved a certain medicine that would help with getting him 'stored away' into the castle.

"She's held up in the empress's castle: the Crystalline Tower. Have you heard of it?" She asked, to which he shook his head. Pebble had only heard rumors of the mysterious tower of the wastes, and most of them told of a icy castle penetrating the skies. "As the name implies it's crystal-like in it's structure, however that's only part of it. The tower itself besides standing as the main seat of power for our kingdom serves another purpose. It acts as a sort of prison, to seal away a terrible ancient Grimm."

"Ancient Grimm?" He'd asked, curious as to why they needed a tower to hold it, and how it was even locked away in the first place.

"We don't have much to go off of other than some old legends, but the queen assured all the citizens that the tower would keep them safe. It's supposed to have eight limbs, and is said to hold dominion over the power of the moon." Pebble didn't understand what she meant, and she'd responded with nothing but a sigh. "We don't know either, but the stories said that depending on how visible the moon is in the sky would determine how powerful it's abilities are. Problem is we have no records or stories on what that power is. Most of the information has been lost to time."

"If it's locked away then why are we worried about it?" He asked in confusion, only for her next words to reveal the dangers they faced.

"There's a seal at the bottom of the tower. In the deepest bowel of the dungeon below there is a prison, used by the queen to house the worst criminals of the kingdom, and in the very last room at the end of the hall an alter lies in wait. A small stature of a baby sits there, and it's said that members of the royal family must sing a lullaby to it on the night of the moonless sky, otherwise the seal holding the Grimm will break."

It sounded like something from a fairy tale, but Pebble held his tongue; his time spent with Ruby had him more willing to hold an open mind. As his thoughts halted he realized something from his time back with his adoptive caretaker: She held onto a strange looking sword. That in itself wouldn't be too weird, but the weapon had given off an odd feeling, similar to that of aura. The aura was mixed with a sense of pressure; whole and unique from anything he'd ever really felt before.

That same feeling lingered in the air.

Though lacking the aura in it's edge Pebble could faintly detect the sense of pressure almost pulsing against his aura. Nobody else seemed to notice it, and so he kept it to himself as Glimmer carried on with her explanation.

"The night of the moonless sky is tomorrow night, and if we can't wake the queen and everyone else by then, well..." Her face fell dark. "We'll learn just how true the stories ring."

Her voice sounded stale, but behind the mask of stoic resolve Pebble saw the fear in her, and so it was he found himself tucked away within the coffin acting as his temporary resting place. The boy pushed at the lid, and much like Glimmer told it was unlocked. He sat up and took in his surroundings. The plan had been to apply the medication - which was a specialty that was brewed to help with more complex medical operations - which would mimic the effects of death. He'd then be dropped near the castle, supposedly having succumbed to the elements. Venus would find him and take interest. Glimmer said she'd store him away for later use when she finished her previous experiments.

The room was dark, but the smell alone told him that he was surrounded by death. His eyes had no trouble adjusting to the lack of light, and the small hint of it from under a nearby door was enough for him to at least grasp the outline of the room. In all honesty he felt as though the sight of so many bodies should have been unnerving, but his earlier years in the slave pits before his eventual escape coupled with the time he spent on the streets had numbed the shock almost completely. He felt bad for the multitude of children who would never get the chance to grow older and carve out a piece of the world for themselves, but he was on a mission; Ruby and the others were more important to him then the already deceased.

With his senses attuned to the darker environment Pebble crept across the would-be crypt. Carefully he lay his ear against the door, and the lack of audible movement gave him the courage to press on. The hinges made him cringe as they echoed with each movement. Luckily for him his assumption had been proven right and the other side was void of life.

But not death.

The last room hadn't done much to the boy as he was more than used to the sight of death and decay, but what he saw now was so much more sickening than that. Pebble knew he'd have night-terrors after all was said and done, but he was determined to press on for the others. The entire area was like some sort of twisted art gallery, yet the multitude of statues and paintings shared a single twisted motif.

They were all dead.

Not in the sense that they depicted the dead, no, Pebble wouldn't have been so frightened if that were the case. Each and every piece was made from the flesh and visceral of the dead, and the boy quickly realized the room that held him wasn't a morgue of some sort, but a supply room. Aside from being horrifically disturbing it also brought on another question, one that had Pebble frightful of what the answer may be.

Why children?

It was a thought that burned nearly as much as the fires that filled the stone pits of the slums he'd taken to call home before his journey: what was it about children that made Venus use them? There were plenty of adults who lay defenseless - at least according to Glimmer - so why were the mostly intact limbs of the sculptures posed about only those of children?

He tore himself from that line of thought. In the end it didn't matter the reason as he saw nothing that could justify such a horrid thing. Instead the boy moved quickly as to remove himself from the stench he was sure would stain his clothes for the coming weeks. One does not survive the streets without gaining at least some sense of resistance towards the more gruesome aspects of life.

Just think of everyone else, just think of Ruby.

.

.

Ruby was at odds with herself.

On the one hand she knew they'd be going on a dangerous trek, but on the other it was the only way they could get any answers. Sure they could just leave it to her uncle Qrow, but Ruby felt as though they were obligated to seek out the information of their own accord. It was a weird sense of need, one that had her more than a little worried.

However said worries were quickly shoved aside as Yang walked in and gave a wave.

"We're about ready to go, got everything packed?" She asked as Ruby sent a small nod.

"Almost, just need to grab a few bandages from the cupboard and we're all set." With those words Ruby pulled open the door and picked a couple, shoving them in the backpack with a slight hum. "Right, all set."

"Well then come on, we need to get on the go if we want to make some headway before dark." Yang said as the two made their way downstairs.

For all her smiles and general overly bright demeanor Ruby actually had a kind of cautious apprehension of the journey they were about to make. It was simple in theory: they'd make their way to Mistral and uncle Qrow would meet with his mysterious contact, then they'd learn what was supposedly going on with Pyrrha - who didn't seem to want to speak about whatever it was. Of course the whole thing reeked of questionable decisions which she'd caught onto almost immediately; even if she didn't openly speak about it.

First of all Ruby wondered just what it was that Pyrrha seemed so against telling them? When questioned by Yang a short while ago all she said was that it would be better to tell when everybody was present; Blake and Weiss included. Next off Ruby wondered why they needed to be in Mistral of all places. Sure the hunter academy was there, but if her uncle's contact was as secretive as they were made to believe then wouldn't the anonymity of a small town like Patch be the perfect place to meet up?

There has to be something more? Ruby pushed the last thought out as they approached the others just outside the front door.

"Finally ready? Took you long enough squirt. Come on, we need to move. Hopefully we'll find a decent place to camp before night." Qrow spoke as Ruby gave a small pout.

"I wasn't that long."

"You were up there for a good half hour."

"I needed to make sure we had everything."

"Good thing you haven't forgotten the importance of preparation, something your uncle seems to do on the regular." The voice stole her attention and she heard uncle Qrow chuckle a small bit.

"Come on Tai, at least I never spent two hours packing only to forget to bring the bag."

"You'll never let that go will you." Ruby watched as her father shook his head.

"Oooo... never heard that one about dad." Yang turned to Qrow with a grin. "So what happened there?"

"Really? He never told you two about the time he spent so long packing his bags for a training mission, only to leave it just outside the bullhead when he went to keep Summer from gushing over the large amounts of different dust we were escorting?" Qrow looked over to the man who in turn rolled his eyes. "Thought you might have used it as one of your 'fatherly learning stories'. Taiyang Xiao Long: the overly protective dad, forgot a safety lecture?" Qrow let out an audible gasp. "I'm shocked."

"Laugh it up you two, but we both know it's kept you both out of trouble." Tai said as Yang wore her smirk proud.

"I never get into trouble."

"Your welcome." Tai told with a hint of satisfaction strewn across his tone. Ruby felt herself giggle as Yang realized she'd been played.

"You're good."

"The best."

"I wouldn't go that far." Qrow spoke as he let himself relax. "Anyway, is there a particular reason you interrupted our little gathering, or did you just want to give one last goodbye."

"Both really." He replied as he stepped towards Ruby, handing her something with a soft look. Out of curiosity she took the small box, opening it up and taking out the small piece of odd jewelry with a raised brow.

"What's this?" She questioned as her eyes studied the small bracelet. It appeared to be handmade from small bones and feathers, and yet it held a sort of... 'ominous' air about it. Ruby didn't know why but she found a small bit of pressure well up her throat as she slipped it on her wrist.

"It was your mother's." Her father wore a distant look as he sighed. "I'd hoped to give it to you after you graduated, but with that most likely put on hold, along with the knowledge I might not see you for some time when you go, I wanted to give it to you now. She gave it to me when she left for her last mission, saying it was a family heirloom. A 'good luck charm' in her own words."

Ruby felt her breath catch as her father paused for a moment to seemingly collect himself. She could see the strain on his face and in his tone as he tried to hide his pain. Still he pushed it away as he continued, all the while she held back her own sense of longing.

"I think she would want you to have it." His words seemed to fade near the end and Ruby looked down to the small thing.

A good luck charm... How fitting that in the end the mission where her mother gave it up would be her last. As much as she knew the good intentions of her dad for giving her the gift Ruby couldn't help but feel a small hint of bitter resentment towards the tiny bracelet.

If it couldn't help mom then what good will it be for me? Ruby burned those thoughts the moment they invaded her mind. What was she doing resenting a memento? The bracelet belonged to her mother, and the least she could do was carry it; Ruby wondered just where that anger had risen from.

"Alright family time is over." Her uncle's call violently ripped her from the inner panic - an action she felt relief towards. "We've got ground to cover, so come on. Let's move."

Ruby looked to her father, and with one motion she gave him a final embrace. He returned the hug with all the warmth of a parent's love, and she let go as to go join the others.

As she faced forward her eyes settled on Pyrrha who's violently drastic change made her stand out the most in their group. Gone was her elegantly shining armor, and it's heroic red leather and gold plating was replaced with a more familiar attire. She sported one of Ruby's signature red dresses, although the sleeves had been removed and the skirt shortened. Ruby had leant Pyrrha some clothes after they found her as the original outfit was ruined beyond repair. As for the changes she made... Pyrrha claimed that the sleeves were irritating as they were just a tad too short in the arms, and the skirt was just a hint too long for her liking and got caught up between her legs.

However a master seamstress Pyrrha was not, and Ruby felt herself sigh at the work Pyrrha put into 'redesigning' her outfit. The sleeves were simply torn off leaving the edges ragged, and the shortened skirt was lopsided which left the right side of it higher than Ruby herself would ever dare to present. Pyrrha however didn't look to care in the slightest as her form displayed a seemingly newfound sense of power. Her stance and movements were stiff, with a notable anger fueling each step - even if her face refused to show it.

Most polarizing of all though was the pauldron she wore, one that seemed to meld itself to her new form. V's small piece of rose styled armor had been bold and full of wonder when they'd first met, but as Pyrrha wore it the elegant metalwork took on a new feeling: one of longing and uncertainty. Ruby didn't know why she felt so much hurt at the sight of it, or why just thinking of her departed friend made her heart sink, however one thing was certain to her, and it gave her the drive to push on with the plan to go along with everything.

Ruby wanted answers.

.

.

Sienna felt a wave of mild irritation flood her mind as she knocked on the door, her head flicking about as her impatience burrowed to the surface of her skin. Sure it was dark and the night hid them along the path, but the lights strewn about town didn't do well to hide her even with the cloak she wore. Fortunately after a scant few moments the door opened and she was greeted by one of the many servants that kept the manor running.

"Oh, Ms. Khan-urk" Sienna shoved the woman aside as she rushed in with Ilia in tow. Quickly she shut the door, and before the woman could counter or say anything Sienna covered her mouth.

"Where are Ghira and Kali." It was blunt and to the point, something she was sure the servant took great offence to, but she had no time. It looked as though her grim atmosphere portrayed the severity of the situation effectively as the servant brushed herself off with a stern look.

"This way, follow me please."

They were lead towards the living room, although they simply passed through it and into the basement. Sienna had been down there many times, usually due to Kali's little games, but this time there was a more oppressive atmosphere about and she felt her gut clench at the lack of light. Ordinarily Kali would string about various candles, each in colored lanterns giving the pace an almost magical feel, and the absence of such lively displays could only be a bad omen.

The basement had - aside from holding mostly old furniture and event themed decorations - often been used for the signature 'night of play' that Sienna remembered from before she took power. Kali would gather together several other friends from their little group and host games of various sorts. From simple board games such as chess to the more extreme ends of the spectrum like somehow managing to build a makeshift golf course Sienna let a small hint of amusement cross her as the memories surfaced and teased at better times.

However those days were long and gone, with the only air throughout the once lively room being one of a stagnant cold. The lack of color and beating silence put Sienna in a state of unrest as they came to the final door. It lead to the main room they once used for snacks and drinks, and had been where their tired bodies would rest after all the fun.

With some apprehension Sienna pushed along as the servant opened the door.

"Mrs. Belladonna, we have guests." With their introduction Sienna pulled back her hood as Kali turned from her seat. Her eyes were filled with worry and stress, but she managed to shift the look towards a more polite - albeit weak - smile.

"Oh, Sienna." She gave a soft giggle. "It's been a while since you've last visited. How are things going?"

"It has... and not as well as I would have hoped. Although it seems things have gone a little downwards here as well." Sienna spoke as her eyes trailed over Ghira who lay on the bed. The man was pale and the rise of his chest with each breath appeared stuttered.

"Perhaps, but I'm sure he'll pull through... he's strong like that." Sienna could tell the woman wasn't so sure of that, yet she said nothing as Kali's look moved over to Ilia.

"It's nice to see you too, although we haven't talked much since you've grown."

"Y-yeah..." The girl was unsure of herself, that was more than obvious, but Sienna had a sneaking suspicion there was more to it; especially when Kali's gaze turned to the wrapped figure in Ilia's arms.

"Might I ask what you've got there? It looks a bit too big to be carried around often." Both Ilia and her cringed as Kali's face shown a small hint of confusion.

Of all the times. Sienna wasn't so sure of revealing the news now that they knew Ghira was hurt. She felt that Blake's state might push the already stressed woman into a deeper state of panic; one that she might not be able to recover from. Yet they had no choice.

Along with being an overall respected and appreciated aid to the chief, and a fairly wise woman in her own right, Kali was also one of the more skilled medical practitioners on the island, having spent years learning the trade before settling down with her husband. It was that which led Sienna into a quick realization as a thought passed into her mind, which she quickly made known.

"May I ask what happened to Ghira?" She questioned as Kali looked over the man.

"I haven't the feintest idea. From what I can tell he's mostly fallen comatose. At first I though he was just tired from all the work lately, but when he didn't wake up I got worried. I called a few servants to bring me some equipment, and yet everything looks... off. His breathing is parched, and he's taken a worrying tone as I'm sure you can see." Kali explained as Sienna walked over and bent down. She observed Ghira, feeling a sense of strange familiarity.

I feel like I've seen this before... no, I know I did. She felt a small headache form as she tried to remember just what it was that felt so similar to what she saw. Ghira looked pale, almost a light shade of blue under the light of candle, which in itself raised a few questions.

"Do you know what happened before this?" She tried as Kali began to recite what Sienna hoped would shed some light on everything.

"Honestly nothing out of the ordinary. We went about our daily chores and routines: supply checks and general management of responsibilities such as how we budget the town's resources and all that. We spent the evening afterwards relaxing and taking in the view of the sunset." Kali let out a small smile. "We even got a visit from the Albain brothers who gifted us a decorative figure-"

"Where is it!" Sienna blurted out in panic as Kali was taken aback.

"Over there." She pointed to the small silver statuette on a shelf in the corner. "Ghira put it down here afterwards for safe keeping."

Sienna rushed over to it as a sense of dread washed over her. Carefully she gave a light sniff to it, which she knew looked weird to the others behind her, but the distinct scent of vanilla made her teeth grit.

"Damnit..." She muttered silently.

"What is it?" Kali asked as Sienna held back her own rage and guilt.

"Wither."

"What?" The woman asked as Sienna sighed.

"It's called Wither. It's... a poison."

"Excuse me?!" She was desperate now. "What do you mean a poison?!" Sienna couldn't hide the guilt on her face and she sighed.

"It seeps into the skin and, in a simple sense, renders parts of the blood incapable of collecting and distributing oxygen throughout the body, partially sufficating them over the course of a few days. It's a special poison made from Blood Blossoms, a rare plant that's almost gone entirely extinct."

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"That's because I created it." Sienna spoke as Kali's eyes widened. "I made it back when I was in control. We needed a near undetectable way to kill our targets, and I just so happened to discover that mixing a tad bit of gravity dust with the spores of the flower made the deadly poison. The plant was already highly toxic on it's own when improperly handled, so I thought 'why not mess with it' and ended up with the most effective poison I've ever used. A miniscule amount is enough to kill over a weeks time at the latest."

"Kill your targets?" Kali stuttered as her breathing hitched. "Sienna what are you saying? Weren't you still protesting? We thought you were only using violence to defend yourselves... please tell me it isn't what I think it is?" Sienna had trouble meeting the woman's gaze, yet she somehow managed it, out of both respect and regret.

"The White Fang... It's different then what everyone here has been led to believe." She motioned to Ilia who nodded and and removed the cloth revealing Blake's face to the shocked and pain filled expression of Kali. Sienna faced her with a broken look.

"And right now it's out of my control."

...

Author's note

...

Things are dark again, and a heck of a lot worse than usual. Sienna is also taking a massive risk in exposing the Fang's activities to Kali; the question now is how will she react?

Pebble is on his adventure full force now, and his enemy is just as demented as the others Ruby faced, a trend that seems to follow wherever they go. Yet the boy is alone, and must now push head on alone.

We also get to see a snippet from Ruby's perspective in the present, along with her father making his show, even if just for a moment. We also got Pyrrha taking up a new look, although Ruby's got some mixed feelings about that.

Everything's making some big moves again, so be prepared for the uncertainty yet to come.

That's all for this time, so feel free to give your thoughts on everything, and I'll catch you next time.