I dropped down against the wall, sweat pouring off my body as Adam gave a slight laugh. I watched through ragged breaths as he sat down next to me, laying his weapon at his side.

"Quite the workout eh?" He commented as I nodded.

"*gasp* you could say that." I let out, leaning my head back against the wall.

Adam shook his head as I heard him give a relaxed sigh. Seemed like he was used to this, he didn't even look winded. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same.

I'd been through various types of intense training before, mostly back when I was still just learning the blade. However that had been years ago, and let's just say that my recent activity before my relocation wasn't exactly all that intense.

Most of my time after being gifted my current abilities had been more on the... calmer side of things. Very rarely had I been needed to do any intense physical task for very long. I'd mostly just use my magic wherever I could.

Of course using magic wouldn't make any sense in physical training, and so my time with Adam was mostly just me trying to stay out of his range. I made attempts to counter wherever I could, but the man was much faster than I was which made getting close to him a chore.

Not to mention the skill he'd shown the entire time. Back at the warehouse battle I had only managed to catch a glimpse of his fighting style. Right here however I was given a full and proper introduction to his blade.

His speed alone made the battle challenging enough already, but his sword work was what set him above most I'd faced so far. Each slice was meticulously precise, aimed towards the least guarded areas to almost guarantee a hit. Considering this was a one on one with no distractions, it forced me out of any environmental advantages I may have been able to use.

"I won't lie, I knocked you around out there." Adam said as I looked over to him.

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

"But... you show some promise. Given a bit more training I'm sure I could get you up to stuff." He told as I let my head drop.

"I guess that's good to hear. You do this often?" I asked as he gave me a look.

"What often, the counters and rush down?"

"No, I mean the one on one training. It was almost like you were going through a routine." I let out as I started to catch my breath.

Adam seemed to stop at this, staying silent as I awaited an answer. It was weird, it seemed like he didn't expect that sort of question. He took around a minute, during which his face went through a myriad of tiny twitches; like he was trying to find the words.

"In that case no, I haven't been going through much one on one with the others. I usually leave that to the commanders." He answered as I let out another breath.

"That so, sorry then. It just felt like you've done this before." I answered, silence permeating the room.

I watched as Adam stood, taking a few steps forward. Believing he may have wanted to start another round of training I stood as well. He turned to me, a more serious look across his face.

"Can I ask you something?" I was caught off guard by the question.

So... we're not training again?

"You can." I answered as he faced me fully.

"How do you feel about loyalty? What is it to you?"

Now that was surprising, the same question Sienna had asked me back at Menagerie. I looked down at my blade, thinking of a good way to word my response.

"Loyalty is everything. Out of all the traits a person can have it's the most important. If you set out for something and just abandon it half-way through then you've not only wasted your time, but everyone else's too." I gave, watching as he remained quiet.

I saw his head lower as he cast a glance to his blade. He seemed to hold a tiny smirk as he turned away. I could hear a small chuckle come from him.

"Well said." He spoke in a calm manor, taking steps towards a door at the end of the room.

With my curiosity peeked I followed after him, keeping pace just a few steps behind as he seemed to be casually strolling along. This door had taken us outside along the edge of the building.

I was able to see a sort of metal fence blocking the area some steps away. Glancing along it I could make a guess that this fence was surrounding the back and side areas of the building, although I couldn't tell for sure.

The sun was starting to set now, an orange hue coating the sky as the air felt cooler than it was earlier. I continued following Adam as we took our time walking around the building.

He stopped, just before what looked like the street out front. The spot had also been blocked by a fence, keeping any and all from walking in. The area we now stood was sandwiched between the warehouse we used as base, and another warehouse who's purpose remained unknown.

It was in this alleyway that Adam had finally looked back at me.

"Come here" He asked, I made my way forward as he looked out to the street.

"What do you see?"

I took a glance out, looking at the empty road ahead.

"The street?" I more or less asked as he took on a grin.

"Is that all?"

"I'm missing something aren't I?" He nodded as I glanced at him.

"In a way. Want to know what I see?" I gave a nod as he took to the fence.

He ran his hand along the wires, giving it a few taps with his knuckles.

"I see a world out there, new paths left untraveled. A world just teeming with new and exciting things. A world that has been kept from us as we lay trapped behind this cage. So much to see and do, but here we are, hidden away and cowering like animals as everybody laughs on." He gripped the fence, crushing a few of the metal wires.

"You want to break out." I said as he let go of the metal.

"I do, more than anything in this world. I want to be free, and to show those who locked us away just what it feels like to be forced in a cage." He turned to me, the shadows seeming to cover his side.

"But only the most committed of us are able to fight for this. You were right earlier, I did have that training as part of a routine. However the one I taught had chosen to show her true colors." Adam turned, looking down and plucking a small weed from the cracks of the dirt below.

"It didn't go well I take it." Adam seemed to laugh at this.

"You could say that." He turned back to me, crushing the small plant in his hand and letting it fall to the ground once more.

"Some don't have the stomach to do what is necessary. The fight for freedom requires sacrifice, you need to be willing to pave your way through, otherwise you'll just be thrown to the side." He let out a sigh as he looked to the street.

"She wasn't willing to get her hands dirty, to afraid to take responsibility and get blood on her hands. So she chose to run away, abandoning the cause for her own selfish needs." He started to walk back as I followed.

"A traitor." I spoke as he gave a nod.

"And a coward." He stepped back through the door, the training room looking the same as when we left it.

On the outside I had kept a calm look, but on the inside; well, let's just say that I wasn't too pleased. If there was one thing that I'd grown to hate more than anything, it was treachery. I took a few silent breaths, attempting to calm my emotions.

Don't lose focus, you have a mission to complete! I told myself as we came to a stop.

It took a moment, but I was able to steady myself. Cowardice I could tolerate, not everybody had the strength to tackle fear head on; but to give up on that which you'd sworn, all for the sake of greed, it just hit a little deeper than what I was comfortable with. I knew the effects that traitors brought, and I wasn't exactly keen on tolerating them.

"Hey Adam." He turned as I lay my hand on Pale Bloom.

"How about we get in a little more training before heading out tonight?" I asked as he took on a more lively smirk.

"Lit a fire in you, have I?" He asked as he gripped his sword.

"Yea."

.

.

Carefully Blake made her way along the street, more downcast than earlier.

So far she wasn't able to make any progress on her look into the White Fang, most closed up crime scenes being either taken care of by police or fixed up already. Considering that the only thing she had to go off of was rumors, she wasn't all to hopeful.

Instead she had decided to head down to her one and only contact within the shady group. Looking up she was able to make out the place in the distance.

Tukson's, the last place she had left to check. Blake wanted to try and get her info on her own, but with that proving a failure she was left with no other choice. It was either this or give up, and with this being the White Fang she was dealing with she had to do it.

Unlike the rest of the group, Tukson had seemed to sort of understand her reasons for leaving. He too had grown tired of the violence, understanding the ruin that it would ultimately bring for them.

As such she had struck a deal with him; in exchange for giving her information on the group she would use her spare lien to purchase books from him, allowing him to retire and leave just a little bit faster.

It wasn't the most active plan mind you, but that didn't seem to bother him. Tukson was content with taking his time to save up and leave. And it ended up being a benefit for her, allowing a source of constant updates should she need it. Although she never expected to need it as early as now.

Blake stopped for a moment just outside the door, taking a breather before heading inside.

A small ding could be heard, the bell atop the door letting out it's tiny cry as she stepped inside. The sight of stocked shelves, lined with plenty of different stories; some of them she even recognized.

It brought her a sense of nostalgia as she walked around, deciding to pick up a few new books for later. There didn't seem to be any new releases from first glance, but that was fine with her. She'd hardly gotten to read most of the titles that lined the walls, she was sure at least something here would catch her interest.

Blake knew she needed something to calm herself down. Just knowing that the White Fang were up to something new gave her a strong sense of anxiety.

She knew they'd still continue with their missions even when she left, It wasn't her fault. But even still, she couldn't help but feel a sort of responsibility for the things that they did.

She was a part of them by her own choice. She chose to stick with them even as they started to get violent. It left her with a feeling of guilt that's been haunting her since. Even now as she reaches out in a bid to grasp at any information she can, she can't help but feel that this is all her fault.

Maybe, maybe if she had spoken up; if she had voiced her concerns over their more violent approach, then maybe things would be different. How stupid would that have been though? Just one voice out of the hundreds, what difference would it have made?

Blake knew she would never get her answer. Instead she had chosen to stay quiet, to sit along with the others as Sienna had taken charge and made her own changes. She sat in the back, going along with all the babble of 'freedom' and 'justice'.

What 'justice' was there in bombing small shops, in killing countless innocent civilians? What 'freedom' would they gain from capturing and holding hostage children? Children who's only crime was being born to a Faunus hating father or mother.

They couldn't control where they were born; dust, they couldn't even control how these people raised them. Growing up in abusive homes, trained from birth to hate. Half of the children she had later learned from Tukson's aid had only been around six or seven, being held for ransom.

It didn't matter, they were executed anyway. The executions being recorded and posted online for the world to see, used to strike fear into the hearts of millions. All of this, used as a threat to Humanity. The message was simple; give us what we want... or die.

It was this unreasonable level of cruelty that had driven her to join Beacon in the first place. The bombing of the train with Adam had given her the drive to leave, but finding out this had been the eye opener, and showed her just how far they'd fallen. She needed to take charge and do something.

Huntsmen and huntresses were symbols of strength and justice. They didn't discriminate, they protected all. They stood tall as the world's shield against Grimm, of any threat it may come to face.

Heh... justice. Blake found herself laughing on the inside, the irony hitting like an Ursa.

Once upon a time she had looked up to Adam as the living embodiment of justice, as a champion of freedom. Only as she looked back on it now, was she able to see past the rose tinted lenses for the man he really was. A vengeful husk, seeking punishment for all that had happened to him.

His demeanor, his speeches, all of it had enticed her. She'd found herself clinging to him as the one who would save them, who would save her, from the horrors of the world. What a knife to the heart that had been, as she watched her world fall apart. All that she had ever believed in, a twisted lie.

And here she was; out and alone in the world, being pulled back into the nightmare.

She let out a sigh as she looked along the shelves, hoping to find something to distract her.

Hmm, that's new.

Blake pulled the book free from the shelf, looking over the cover.

'Chained' Huh, that's a bold title.

She looked at the summary on the back cover, her brow raising slightly. Not a new concept based on what she'd read before.

'Locked in a world bound in chains, a lone woman seeking freedom from the cold grip of the monarch.'

Not the most novel of concepts, that's for sure. Taking a moment she flipped it open a bit, skimming down a random page to see if anything caught her interest.

'Letting out a soft cry she shuddered, his hands gripping her arms like a vice, the tongue trailing along her sides. A breath catching in her throat as the slimy source of warmth stopped, lips wrapping arou-'

Blake slammed the book shut, a noticeable blush covering her face. Maybe this was up her alley. She'd almost finished her copy of 'Ninja's of love: Darkened Kiss', the mostly black sheep of the series. It was an okay story, but it had toned down the more... daring aspects that the books had been known for; opting to focus on the mystery instead.

Wouldn't hurt to relax with this later.

Making her decision she took it, placing it under her arm as she grabbed a couple others. Content with her choices she made her way over to the counter and placed them down.

She rang the small bell, a little ding being let out as she waited for Tukson to arrive.

"Just a moment!" She heard call out.

After a minute or so she caught the sounds of shuffling, footsteps coming from the back. The door behind the counter opened up as she watched Tukson make his way through. He gave a sort of nod as he walked over to her, placing his hands down and looking over her books.

"Just shopping today?" He asked as she took a glance at the entrance, confirming that nobody was there.

"Not entirely no. I need some information if you can spare any." Blake spoke in a serious tone.

His face hardened as he lowered his head, resting his arms fully on the counter.

"Anything in particular?" Tukson asked with a low, almost whispering volume.

"There's been rumors of the White Fang stealing large amounts of dust, is any of it true?" She gave, receiving a slow and steady nod.

"Afraid so."

Blake's face tightened at this, it would seem that the rumors had been true. She'd been hoping that they weren't, but deep down... she knew better; she just didn't want to admit it. Letting out a sigh she looked back up to Tukson.

"Any reason why?"

His eyes shut as he shook his head.

"No idea, I've tried asking but Adam's kept it pretty tight lipped. Even his newest favorite doesn't seem to know anything, at least from what they're saying." Tukson answered as Blake wore a confused look.

"Newest favorite?" Tukson gave a nod.

"Yep, specially chosen by Sienna Khan herself. He showed up with a group of three others from what I'm told. Rumor has it that he's got some sort of special semblance or something."

"Do you know what it is?" Blake asked, caught off guard.

As far as she knew there wasn't any recruiting process any time soon. When she left the group she had known that they would be running recruitment sometime later during the Vytal Festival. Adam had thought it a good time to showcase the hypocrisy of the celebration itself.

But to be chosen directly by Sienna, it was almost unheard of. She never hand picked anyone before, at least not when she herself had been part of the group. And what of the other three?

"Not a clue, never got to ask yet. What I do know is that Adam's been talking with him in private. Plenty have seen him take the kid into his office as well as other places, alone."

That... that was worrying. Adam wasn't one to directly show favoritism, he'd always made a point to give equal attention to everyone in the White Fang. The only time he had ever done something like this was... back with herself. When she was with him he'd taken to training her directly, for whatever reason he'd decided to teach her. Is he doing the same to this new member?

"Do you know anything about this new recruit?" She asked as he gave a nod.

Blake watched as Tukson reached under his desk, pulling something up and handing it to her. It was a photo.

"Got this a while ago, it was taken by one of my own contacts. Printed and given to me before he deleted it himself. Kid's name is Vermillion, and supposedly he's a good fighter. They say he fought alongside Adam on a mission a while back." Tukson told as she examined the picture.

She felt a shiver run along her spine. She could see him, standing next to Adam and his second in command Saw. She didn't know why, but just looking at him made her feel a twinge of danger.

He looked odd enough, especially creepy was the veins running along his skin. She'd assume he was a spider Faunus, as most of them had the trademark veins; but his were darker. The eyes were creepy as well, and showcased that he had two Faunus traits.

She could guess why he joined the White Fang, probably treated terribly by humans; same as the rest. It would be especially bad with how... dark he looked, she felt a small bit of pity well up in her.

Blake shook the feeling off, whatever the reason he was with Adam now; this was bad news.

"Thanks Tukson." She said as he gave a nod.

She paid for her books, giving a nod of her own as she left.

.

.

Weiss had just finished another section of her assignment, taking a moment to look through it.

Most of it had just been paraphrasing key events, maybe a few extra details and colorful word choices sprinkled about. Overall she was happy with it, this was certain to give a boost to her grades.

She was already in the top three of the class, based on test score anyway; but there was no harm in aiming higher.

"Hey Weiss."

Lifting her head she was able to see Ruby standing across from her. She raised an eyebrow as her leader sat down.

"So... how's it going?" She asked as Weiss gave a skeptical look.

"What do you want?" She asked in a stale tone, Ruby stiffened a bit.

"Uh, nothing."

"We both know that's a lie." Weiss said as Ruby had a nervous look on her face.

"Well... I know you're studying and all that, but I wanted to ask if we could do something together." The girl let out as Weiss was confused.

"Why?" She asked as Ruby gave a small whine.

"Because everyone's gone out and it's boring being alone in our room. I wanted to do something too." She said as Weiss still held a confused look.

"What about Blake? Didn't she say she was staying in bed today?" Weiss asked as Ruby shook her head.

"She decided to go out after Yang left, said she didn't want Yang complaining at her." Ruby told as Weiss took a moment to think.

Since when has Blake ever wanted to go out?

It was strange, she seemed the type to enjoy time by herself. Then again, everyone liked to take some time to move around every now and then. Maybe Blake had finally gotten through her books and wanted some fresh air.

Weiss looked over her papers. On one hand she wanted to get them done and sorted away, but on the other hand she still had a week to do it. Looking up she saw Ruby seemingly waiting, almost bouncing in her seat.

I should get this done, but I did promise to try and be a better teammate.

It was annoying for her, she only needed to sort through and edit some sections and she'd be done. Problem was who knows how long that editing could take; minutes, hours even. Looking up she let out a sigh as she closed her books.

It's a Saturday, I guess I can spare some time.

"Alright fine, what do you want to do?" Weiss asked as Ruby nearly hopped out of her seat.

"Yes! Movie night's being held later in the lounge, let's get ready."

With that the hyperactive girl zipped off, leaving Weiss to sigh. It wasn't the worst idea that's for sure, but she hadn't been one for movies. She'd grown up used to live theater, begrudgingly thanks to her performances over the years.

Eh, who knows? Might be a pleasant surprise.

It might not be such a bad thing, if anything it could work as a passable distraction from the issues popping up all over Vale.

Ruby's excited, so it can't be all bad.

.

.

I DID IT!

She'd actually managed to get Weiss to do something that wasn't related to studying. That itself was a stroke of luck, as she'd been fully prepared to get on her knees and beg Weiss to join her.

But nope! Luckily she'd managed to get a yes on the first try!

She'd been bored most of the day, being alone in the room as the others were gone out. She was thinking of heading out again on her own when Jaune had showed up. Movie night being a small blessing to free her from the boredom. And who better to bring along than her (soon to be) bff.

Ruby stopped outside their room door, pumped and thinking of the fun they'd have. She was super happy that Jaune had told her about it, granted he and the rest of team JNPR were the ones setting it up. It was supposed to be just them but they'd invited her team as well.

"Well someone's excited."

The words had startled her as she spun around, coming face to face with her sister.

"Yang!"

"Sup."

"I thought you were gone out?" Ruby asked as Yang rubbed the back of her neck.

"Yea... about that, all the places I usually visit are closed down with the recent robberies. So I decided to come back and bother Blakey a bit." She stated as he opened the door and walked in the room.

"Blake's gone out though? Left just after you did." Ruby said as Yang turned back to her, giving her an odd look.

"What do you mean? She's right there." Yang spoke as Ruby walked in, looking up to where Yang was.

True enough Blake had been sat on her bed reading another of her books.

"Blake? When did you get back?" Ruby asked as Blake looked down from the pages.

"A few minutes ago, I just wanted to pick up a few more stories." She said as she went back to her page.

"Smut?" Yang asked with a cheeky grin.

"No." Blake replied almost indifferent, the tighter tone in her voice giving away her true feelings.

"Smut it is then." Yang said as Blake let out a breath, turning another page.

"Anyway, got any plans for later?" Yang asked as she turned to her.

"Well-"

"Ruby, I thought you said the others were gone out?" Ruby looked back, seeing Weiss walk in.

"Back now Ice-queen." Yang stated as Weiss chose to roll her eyes.

"Quiet you. So when do we leave Ruby?" Weiss asked as Yang gave Ruby a questioning look.

"Where are you two headed?" Yang asked as Ruby put her hands behind her back.

"Team JNPR invited us to have a movie night in the lounge, Weiss agreed to come with me since you all were gone out." Ruby answered as Yang wrapped an arm around both of them, Weiss giving a ludicrous look.

"Sounds great, it can be a team bonding exercise. Blake, get down here, we're going... When are we going?" Yang rapid fired as Ruby slipped out of her grip.

"In about half an hour, Pyrrha and Jaune are setting it up." She said as Yang looked back up to Blake.

"Hear that, it's soon go time!" She said as Weiss had managed to break free from her grip.

Blake seemed to give them a look before she shut her story, bookmark in place and sliding it under her pillow.

"A movie doesn't sound too bad, what kind?" The bookworm asked as Ruby gave it some thought.

"I don't really know. Jaune just told me that Nora wanted to watch her favorite movie, and asked if we wanted to come along." Ruby admitted as Weiss gave a flat look.

"So we've no idea what we're getting into?"

"I'd say it's more of a surprise." Yang gave her two lien.

"Could be worse." Blake told as Weiss let out a sigh.

"Alright fine, I get it. Let's just get ready and go."

Ruby felt herself smile in the inside.

Team activities!

.

.

She was bored, dust Neo was so bored.

She thought the grunts would be tougher, or at least a little more skilled. They were terrorists for fuck's sake! But no, they were just as pathetic as Junior's grunts... and not even the good ones!

Neo held firm in her pout as she watched them go for another sneak attack from behind. It wouldn't be so bad if they at least made an effort to keep themselves quiet; running and screaming through the crowd is not quiet.

This was boring, she was told to keep an eye on the kid and what did she get? Kicking the losers around that's what.

She watched with almost no interest as they'd managed to strike at the fake again, the illusion shattering as she leapt forward. Her kick was spot on as usual, knocking away another of the squabble. In an instant she set up another illusion, casually strolling away and watching them stare at it cautiously.

She shook her head to herself as the carefully approached it, almost laughing as they instantly backed away. They fully expected it to attack them, despite the fact that it just stood there. Of course they didn't know that, to them she was invisible; only the fake could be seen.

The downside however was that she couldn't attack directly without the fake shattering. She needed to keep focus for the illusion to stay active.

Then again... she supposed she didn't really need it, they were weak enough already; well, most of them were weak anyway. She watched as the fake shattered, seemingly for no reason at all.

There were a few that seemed to be a cut above the rest. Neo watched as they all turned to her now, she gave a little wave.

Setting up a new illusion she backed away again, choosing to observe what was to come. There had been a few who seemed to know how to put their skills to use. Case in point; the team that came along with her target.

A group of three as far as she could tell, each with some rather useful abilities. Personally her favorite had been 'boom boy', it was always fun to watch as he ran his mouth and made a fool of himself.

Of course the other two had been fun too, 'gravity man' letting loose projectiles from the walls and ceiling. Currently he was firing at random across the ground in an attempt to limit her movement or even catch her.

'Ghost girl' had taken to shattering her fakes, revealing her every time she did. From the outset it seemed stupid, but the theory was sound. Every illusion took some of her aura to craft, and breaking them forced her to expend even more.

Unfortunately for them her illusions barely took up any aura at all, costing around a single percent for every five or so. Of course this was only for smaller ones like the fakes she'd been created, bigger illusions would take much more aura depending on size.

Neo felt a small sense of glee every time they managed to get even a little bit closer to her. At least they knew how to put in effort... or at least use their brains a little.

"Alright, that's enough."

The grunts seemed to relax at the call. Neo let her illusion shatter one last time, albeit with a bit of irritation. Just when things were starting to get interesting too. She turned to see Adam approach her, along with her target.

Vermillion, what an odd boy. He seemed to follow Adam around like a lost puppy, clinging to his every move from what she'd seen. The two seemed to be walking over to the entrance, Adam giving a wave for her to follow.

She took her place beside them, giving Adam a look.

"You'll be glad to know that we're leaving now. Everything's set for our absence and it's time we get that dust." The Bull Faunus spoke as she took on a teasing smile, turning to face the door.

It was finally time for the fun to begin.

Author's note

...

Back with more RWBY this time.

I thought it would be fun to give away some of their down time before moving forward. Hopefully it wasn't boring for any of you.

We also got a taste of Neo this time around too, despite the fact that she didn't really do anything. She's just a fun character to write, we'll see more of her soon.

For now anyway, things are starting to pick up. Get pumped, we're coming close to one of my planned moments, one from the early stages of when I just came up with the plot. And trust me, it's not what happens next I assure you.

Let me know your thoughts, see you later.