Question's note
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Hey all, now I know what you're thinking; "Why the note at the top of the chapter?"
Answer is simple, responding to questions at the end of the chapters is getting annoying. So I've decided to do this instead.
These are for those of you who ask questions as soon as I upload each chapter. Regular notes will still be at the bottom I assure you.
As for this particular note I've actually got a question from guest that I thought I'd address early as I'll not tackle the specifics until later. The question being why V refers to Oz and Salem as king and queen.
This one's simple, it's more of a procedure type of deal. Avoiding spoilers (even small ones like this) V is in the habit of changing how he refers to them based on the situation and context of who he is speaking with, as well as the topic of conversation. World building later on will flesh out his relationship with them and the kingdom as a whole.
So yea, that's it. I'll be using this as a way to answer questions as I receive them. The chapters themselves will keep their regular update schedule however. I'll write the answers as I see the questions, that way I can focus on the chapter without having to worry about writing the answers to questions at the bottom note, this way keeps me focused better for writing.
Anyway, on with the chapter.
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"See you!" Kali called as Sienna gave a wave.
She saw the door shut as she began her walk back to base. Kali had managed to lift her spirits a bit, lifting some of the weight off her shoulders now that she had an idea of what she was feeling. This however presented a new problem for her; how was she going to light the spark she once had in the Fang? Honestly she didn't know.
Think Sienna, there has to be something you can do!
Yet she was drawing blanks. Now she could try and go on some field missions, but then who would be around to dish out orders? She usually left one of the Albain brothers in charge when she needed to go off on her own, but that was only ever for short periods of time, and she had no idea what they'd do if she left them alone longer.
All she needed was to find a way to work around it, around the responsibility of keeping everything in check while giving off the feeling that she's making noticeable headway.
They'd flocked to Adam because he promised change, even if nothing really happened. Adam was always out on the field, always fighting. When they saw him fight they didn't just see any ordinary battle; they saw a man willing to sacrifice himself to the potential of death, a man willing to take on the world if he had to, a man who would die for what he believed in, a man who would give his all for freedom.
It was a powerful image, one that could drive even the most hopeless to stand tall. Yet they didn't see all the trouble his action caused, the way people looked at the Faunus now. Adam had the spirit, the 'soul' as Kali put it, yet they never saw how the world stood still.
How could they? They stood alone, as the people kicked them to the dirt and spat on them. Looked at as nothing more than animals in rags, why shouldn't they cheer for the one willing to fight for them. Yet for every battle Adam had won, the world would fear them more and more.
Back when she first became leader she would have seen this as a great thing, but as she moved along the few years she had, she'd come to a chilling realization. She'd come to realize that there was a common trait that Humans and Faunus held, one that linked them closer than she'd seen before.
People hate what they fear, and they kill what they hate.
It shouldn't have surprised her, yet it put a massive wrench in her plan at the start. The idea being to demand respect from fear, yet much like themselves, Human's would only let themselves be pushed so far before they started to fight back.
It was like a loop, actions and reactions coming full circle, nothing would ever change if they kept following the cycle. An endless loop of murder and death, and they were all stuck in the middle.
Sienna came to a stop at the docks, having wandered over during her thoughts. She didn't quite want to go back to base, not yet, she'd rather have some time to come up with a plan for how she'd be dealing with the White Fang.
The water was calming at least, just something about it had set her mind at ease. Even with her realization at the hopelessness of her initial plan for the White Fang, the gentle sway of the sea could ease her worries.
She could see a few birds flying out over the water, doing whatever it is that birds do. So innocent and free, eating whatever they could find, not having to worry about... well, anything really. They had predators sure, but she doubted they knew that, they just went with the flow.
Sienna briefly contemplated what it would like to be a bird, only to shut that thought down a moment later.
We have bathrooms and wi-fi.
She wouldn't give that up anytime soon, not even to be stress-free. She gathered her thoughts, she needed to get back to coming up with a way to earn respect again. Looking up at the birds she watched as one of them flew over, landing in front of a child who was throwing bread crumbs on the dock.
Kids still do that?
She saw as some other birds flew over as well, all eager to get at the small bits of food. While bread was a standard for them, it must have been a treat for the birds to have all crowd around like that.
It was funny really, all that kid had to do was throws some crumbs around and they'd have a group eager to swoop down. If only it had been that easy with the White Fang. But they weren't birds, and she highly doubted they'd be satisfied with mere bread crumbs.
Although... maybe there is some crumbs I could give.
Not literally of course, but perhaps she was onto something. While she was able to see how everyone in the Fang had flocked to Adam's show of battle and charm, she'd seen how the world was really affected.
But they didn't see that, they only saw Adam fighting the oppressors. They'd decided that he was capable of taking the fight to the Humans because he'd made a show of the fighting.
What if...
She had always been the one to give orders, but she had always kept the tone calm and cold. And sure, that had made her seem professional, but that didn't always ring true with everybody.
In a way it could be seen as her not caring too much about the cause, which was highly untrue, but they didn't see that. Instead they saw a leader who had given up on the freedom and equality they had fought for.
But, if she were to put on more of a... mask as it were. If she were able to make it seem like she lost control at moments.
Yes, that might work.
If she were to get more extreme news of what was going on, and if she were to act up for a split second, it would give a better idea that the calm she shows was just a mask. If they saw her suddenly look furious and slightly jump at the news of something horrific, it could make her seem stronger than what she let on.
Everybody had already seen how she acted as she dished out missions, but those were only the commanders and close agents. The main group of recruits had only seen her as she's moved about.
Let's say for a moment she were to get some news, and lets say she was busy and didn't have time to leave where she was. She would order that they give the news right there, in front of all the new... impressionable recruits. The news would be extreme, say... a slaver camp being found.
There, in front of everybody, she would have a very visible flinch, as well as a furious look. It would only last a second before her tone would go level and cold, and she'd decide to talk about it in private as her mask slipped back on. But that short second would be more than enough.
Rumor travels fast, and so the whole of the White Fang would be talking about what they saw, theorizing and trying to make sense of it. The great Sienna Kahn losing her cool, showing just how she really felt during that moment. Sienna let loose a feral grin.
I'm going to like this.
Sure, she'd need to manufacture the situation, but they wouldn't know that. To them, it would all be real. All she needed to do was figure out how to do it, and make some subtle changes to how she gave orders.
Letting her grin settle to a small pleasant smile she began her walk back to base once again, a slight hop in her step and a wave of determination washing over her.
I have just the person in mind to help me.
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I stepped out after we came to a stop.
The base appeared to be much more busy now than what it had previously been. Magenta held her bag of dust tighter as we walked along, making our way inside to bring it to temporary storage.
Adam said that the dust would be brought to the warehouse later, all we needed to do was to give it to the ones who were in charge of transport.
"Think something's going down?" Gold asked as he looked around.
I had to admit, it did look like something might be happening. Earlier the place had been calm and relaxed, yet on our return it was completely different. 'Night and day' would be an apt description.
"Looks like we're about to find out." Lapis spoke as one of the commanders approached.
The same one who always seemed to hang around Adam, mask covering his entire face. It gave him an intimidating appearance as he stopped before us, looking us over as his gaze stopped on me.
"You're Vermillion right? Adam wants to speak with you." He grunted as the others looked at me.
"A word with me?" I asked as he nodded.
"Yes, he's at his office. I'll lead you there." He spoke as he turned to go.
"Wait! What about the dust here?" I asked as I felt a hand take hold of the bag I was carrying.
"We'll drop this off for you, you just go see what Adam wants." Magenta told me as I reluctantly let her take hold of it.
I watched for a moment as the three continued on without me, before following the commander along. We walked for a bit, avoiding the hurried looking Fang members until we arrived at a door.
"Go on in, I'll watch the door." He said as I slowly twisted the handle and stepped inside.
The room had a simple layout; drawers along the walls, a single light on the roof, a few maps and diagrams spread about the walls, and the desk at the end of the room with a chair in front of it. Adam was sitting there, seemingly waiting for me.
I'd shut the door as I walked over, seeing him motion for me to sit down in the chair.
"So I take it the mission has been complete?" He asked as he straightened up in his chair.
"Yes, we've got the dust. The others are taking it to transport right now."
"Good, I knew I could count on you three. And what of you hmm? How are you holding up so far?" He asked as I took a moment to think.
"Fine, I suppose. Sir, permission to ask a question?" He nodded as I continued on.
"Why is it that we're stealing dust. Wouldn't it be easier to just have someone secretly buy it instead, why risk people potentially catching us?" He seemed to take a grin at this.
"Perceptive, aren't you? Yes it would be easier to just buy it, however there's a reason to why we choose to steal it instead. I'm certain you know that the Schnee Dust Company is responsible for ninety percent of dust transport all across Remnant correct?"
"Yes, what of it?" I lied, posing it as a question for him to continue.
I had no clue what he was talking about, but I assumed I could ask Sienna about it later.
"Well, as you're new to Vale I'll assume word has not gotten to you yet."
"Word of what?" I asked as his grin seemed to fade.
"With the new year of Beacon starting up, we've gotten information that Weiss Schnee will be among the student body. With that in mind we've come to the conclusion that there will be an increase in dust shipments to Vale, all the best for daddy's little star." Adam spat as he carried on.
"So far we've been proven right, dust shipment has indeed increased. And with the Vital Festival around the corner we've been getting more and more travelers coming to Vale. Tell me, do you know what that means for us?" He asked as I shook my head.
"No, I come from a smaller village. I've never even heard of it." I answered as he chuckled.
"I don't blame you, the festival's only ever really had an effect on the main kingdoms. I doubt word gets out to the smaller villages very often. Regardless, this in a sense presents an opportunity. The White Fang has always been about the fight, about not succumbing to the Human's tyranny. And so this has presented the perfect moment for us to show we're not playing around."
"Sir, why are you telling me all this?" I asked as he stood, walking over behind me and leaning in close.
I could feel as his hands rested, taking hold of my shoulders as he whispered in my ear.
"We're one and the same, you... and I. Back at the warehouse with the slavers, I saw it. The way you fought, the way you kill, so vicious and without hesitation. No mercy, just... bloodshed. You like it don't you?" He stepped away, walking back as he looked over me.
The shadows looking to frame his face, his mask standing defiantly as I stood to face him.
"I did what was ordered." I answered as he seemed to laugh.
"Yes, you did, but you wanted to kill them, right? You wanted to put their miserable lives to an end, to get rid of scum like them. Don't think I didn't see the way your blade cleaved through them. My other men, the always hesitated before they fired, as most do. But you, heh, they never stood a chance." He seemed to hold a dark look to his grin now.
"What about it?" I asked as I watched him walk over to a drawer, taking a sort of folder out of it.
"Oh nothing, I was just appreciating how well you killed those monsters. In a way it leaves me with two possible conclusions; either you truly have no regrets of mercy for those you kill, or... you've done this before. Either way it doesn't matter, it shows that you're willing to do what needs to be done." He walked around back to his desk, taking a seat as he started to open the folder.
"So, was that what you wanted to tell me?" I asked as he pulled a sort of map out, laying it on the desk.
"Not really no, but before we discuss further I've got a question for you. Why did you agree to spy on me for Sienna?"
In an instant I was up, my hand on Pale Bloom's handle. Sienna had told me he'd suspect, but I never thought he'd come to the conclusion so fast.
Adam held his hands up as he spoke again.
"No need to be so on guard, but I do like how you're ready for anything. Regardless I have no intention of harming you, I'm just asking why?" He stated as I let my grip loosen and sat back down.
"So how long did you know?" I asked as he let out a solid laugh this time.
"Really, Sienna hand picks a team to join my group and I'm supposed to believe it out of the good of her heart. I've known since you first touched down at camp. At first I suspected the whole group, but they don't act like you did. In a way they seemed to be thrilled to work under me, it was only you that seemed to think about the orders I gave." He explained as I let out a sigh.
So much for subtlety.
"Oh but don't misunderstand, I admire your ability to think before you act. Most of the White Fang recruits would rather just let others do the thinking. I can't trust them on their own to make any meaningful decisions. But you, you've shown that you're more than capable of handling things yourself." He spoke as he pointed to a small marked spot on the map.
"Sienna wants to keep an eye on me, and that's fine. She can spy all she wants, nothing's really changed. I'm just late at giving my reports. With so much going on I sometimes forget them entirely, she'll get them soon enough." Adam looked up at me.
"And so I come to you with a proposition, but first we need to do something." He finished as I looked questioningly at him.
"A proposition, and what would that be?" I asked as he waved his finger in a dismissive manor.
"Ah ah ah, I said we have something to do first. I'll tell you after I promise, but there's someone I want you to meet." He spoke as he stood up.
"And, would you tell me who this person is?"
"Why ruin the surprise, You'll see them soon enough. Right now I want you to go and rest a bit, I'll send Saw to get you when we leave." He spoke as he put his map away.
I hurriedly left out the door, seeing the commander who I assumed was this 'Saw' give me a nod as I left.
Shit! This wasn't good.
Things were moving along faster than I thought they would be, and I wasn't ready for it. Sienna had warned me that Adam would do this, but I never expected him to be so on the nose.
It was clear he wanted me to join him in whatever it was that he was doing, but he had yet to tell me what it was. I would just have to hope that after we meet with this mystery person he would tell me what it was that we were doing.
But that however wasn't what bothered me the most; no, what caught me off guard was his deduction. Through a single battle he had managed to discover my experience in killing. Although I was certain he had no clue about the specifics, what he did manage to find out was that I'd grown used to it.
That would have been easy to write off, but that wasn't all. He'd managed to see through my mask of indifference. He was right, I liked killing them. As much as it sounded cruel, I enjoyed every second of it. The feeling of ending those who value others so little just... hit something deep within me.
It was cruel, it was hateful... inhuman. Yet I could only feel joy as I did so. Was it myself, or my gift that granted me these feelings? Was it my queen's, my Goddess' blessing that caused this horrid joy to overwhelm me in those moments?
Damn it Adam! Just what are you playing at?
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Bursting through the door Cinder sauntered over to where Roman had been overlooking the plans.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure of you, so kindly tearing the door off it's hinges?" He asked with a bow and an annoyed look on his face.
"Oh don't be such a drama queen." Cinder spoke as she glided up to him, taking him by the collar and dragging him to eye level.
"The door is fine; see, still standing, even if it's waggling about a bit. As for the reason I'm here, well... I've got a little job for you."
Roman pulled away as he extended his arms to the map against the wall.
"If you hadn't already noticed we're still in the middle of getting all that dust you wanted. We don't exactly have time for any other major ventures, shops are closing up and moving their stocks, trying to escape with what little amounts they still have." He complained as she rolled her eyes.
"This isn't a job entirely for you, where's your little assistant you've told me about?" As she finished the sound of shattered glass was heard behind Roman, leaving the figure of a woman standing where there had previously been nothing.
"Neo, here she is, now what do you want?" Roman let out as the woman now identified as 'Neo' took to standing by his side, a small innocent smile gracing her features.
"Nothing major... in fact, I'd say this is going to be your easiest job yet." Cinder told, pulling up her scroll and typing something.
A small 'ding' could be heard as Roman reached into his coat, pulling out his own scroll. He was able to see that Cinder had sent him a photo. His face snarled as he opened to the sight of it.
"So, you want us to do something about tall, dark, and spooky?" He asked as Neo seemed to grow a devious look, staring at the scroll that now lay in her hands as Roman rolled his eyes at her antics.
"In a way, all I want is for you to get some information on him, nothing extensive I assure you. I only want to know what he's capable of, how he acts and reacts to certain types of topics and situations, things like that." Cinder waved dismissively as Roman took on a more confused look.
"So... you don't want him dead?" Neo broke out of her infatuation at the sound of that, taking on a pout similar to that of a child.
"No, not this time. As you can tell from looking at him he's... different than the average grunt they train in their little 'country club'. He could be useful, to both of us, and as such I want to know more about him." She explained as she stepped closer.
"That isn't too much to ask of you, is it?" She taunted as he backed away.
"Please, this? Piece of cake. Besides, Adam has already set up a meeting with me later to discuss a few extra details for mountain Glenn. Coincidentally he's also mentioned that he'd be bringing along someone who he thought would be beneficial to the operation." Roman spoke as he took his scroll back from Neo and slipped it back in his pocket, Neo was not amused.
Cinder clapped at this.
"Well then, seems like your job is even easier now. Do try to play nice though, I'd rather he not want to kill you as most of your business partners tend to resort to." Roman let out a laugh.
"Oh please, I'm certain he's strong enough to withstand my charms. Besides, I'm sure Neo would be more than capable of handling him if he gets too rowdy." He said as Neo gave an excited nod.
Cinder let out a slight chuckle, a chuckle that had Roman losing some of his bravado.
"Don't underestimate him, we've no Idea what he's like. Who knows, he might even give Neo a run for her money. And remember, I want him on our side, I want to use him to the fullest for the plan. You can do that for me, can't you Roman?" He gave a subtle nod at this.
"Yes." His tone was more reserved now.
"Good, the plan stays the same, just keep tabs on the boy for me. I'll handle everything that comes after."
With that she took her leave.
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Roman watched as she stepped out the door, shutting it behind her. Several seconds of silence going by before the thing finally managed to break off and hit the floor.
"Great, looks like we need a new door." He said with a sigh.
Glancing over he was able to see Neo silently laughing at him. He rolled his eyes as he walked back over to his notes.
The plan was still the same, that was good, at least for now. He didn't know what Cinder was really after with getting them to suck up to their new target, but that didn't matter. All they needed to do was keep her happy, a happy Cinder is a peaceful Cinder, and Roman quite enjoyed not being on fire thank you very much!
He looked up, having heard his partner walk up to him and leaning on the table. She gave him a look as he sighed.
"No Neo, we can't just kill him and call it an accident, I doubt fire-bitch will believe that." She pouted at this as he shook his head.
"I know I know, it's more fun that way, but she was right. As much as I hate to admit it we don't know what the kid is capable of." Neo gave him a doubtful look at this.
"No Neo I'm not doubting your skills, but we don't know what kind of tricks the kid has up his sleeve." Neo went back to pouting as Roman sighed again.
"Look, all we need to do is keep an eye on the kid. Cinder wants him alive so look at the bright side, you can kill anybody who threatens him." Neo seemed a bit placated at this, she still looked disappointed though.
Roman's eyes lit up in realization as he looked down at Neo.
"Cinder wants to know what the guy's capable of right, so why don't you head out with him on one of his little assignments. You'll get to see what level he's at." He explained as she gave him a look.
"Oh come on it'll be fun, Adam wanted information on certain dust deposits and where the shipments were being stored. And you and I both know that he'll want to deal with those mission personally. We may even be able to convince him to take his new little recruit with him. Not to mention that you've been bored for the past week anyway. What do you say, up for a little hunting?" Roman finished as Neo put her hand to her chin, seeming to think it over before giving a shrug followed by a nod.
"That's the spirit! It'll be fun I promise."
Roman looked over his map, checking off shops that they'd already cleared before. They had kept tabs on the places that were already emptied as well as the places that seemingly had no dust in stock.
If his sources had been right (which they usually were) then there was a cache of dust being held out in the forest. The shops that claimed to have never gotten their dust shipments were supposedly hiding their supplies out in a sort of 'cabin' in the woods, hoping that nobody paid any mind.
Now normally Roman would let the shops restock after each of his thefts, giving them just enough time as to make back their losses so he could rob them again later. It was a stable system, even if a bit on the slower side. But that's how he liked it, stable and calculated.
Unfortunately for him Cinder wasn't fucking around, she wanted dust and she wanted it as fast as humanly possible. Fire-bitch didn't care about stability, all she wanted was to keep everything on schedule, her schedule. And if that meant the loss of anything for anybody else, well... she wasn't losing sleep over it.
The problem was that they couldn't keep up, supply was thin enough as is with the dust shortage, and theft of this scale wasn't helping either. It wasn't like they had a choice anyway, all they could do was follow her orders and hope that they could make it out alive.
Even Neo (The adorable little psychopath that she was) couldn't stand up to Cinder. When someone like Neo is powerless, you know you're in deep shit. He'd seen it first hand, they all did, and it took a week just to get the smell of burning flesh out of his suit.
Needless to say Roman was not a happy camper, nobody who worked for Cinder was... well, maybe that green haired girl that stuck to her was. But that girl seemed infatuated with the woman, so she didn't count.
Roman heard the sound of something opening. Getting up he turned to see Neo digging through the freezer off to the side, only for her to spin around with a flat look on her face.
"What?"
She continued to stare blankly at him, stepping to the side and pointing in the freezer. Roman walked over to look inside, hoping to see just what was upsetting her.
"What is it?" He asked, somewhat confused at what he was seeing.
The freezer was packed full of ice-cream, various different flavors ranging from simple vanilla all the way to triple raspberry swirl. Still his partner in crime gazed seemingly into his soul as she took out a small wrapper from inside her coat, pointing at the picture.
Taking a look back into the freezer Roman was able to understand what Neo was getting at.
"Your favorite flavor isn't there, is that it." She gave a nod as he looked back down.
"There are other flavors too you know." He said as Neo continued her blank look.
"But you want your flavor, am I right?" She nodded at this with a look of cheer.
Roman let out a sigh as he waved for her to follow, to which she did. With a skip in her step she followed him out to the car he had waiting, the one he would use to generally move around in. It had tinted windows, keeping anyone from being able to look inside. The glass had also been bullet proof too, a small convertible fortress if he did say so himself.
He let out a sigh as they both got in, setting out for the road.
Sometimes I feel more like a babysitter than a master thief.
Author's note
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There we go, slowly but surely getting things in motion. Nothing too important yet, but we're getting there. Roman makes an appearance this time, showing up to get lectured by Cinder.
Honestly I got really bored while writing the final two chunks of this chapter, good news however is that things are starting to get a move on. You hear that, we might finally get to have things happen soon! Oh well, small character moments are still fun to write.
Let me know what you think, and see you next time!