All the respect he'd built up for Ozpin over the past while, gone, all of it. James didn't know whether to laugh at the situation, or slam his head against a brick wall. Worst of all he was stuck with only a single ship should things go awry.

He let out a breath to calm himself, at least Winter and Clover were keeping an eye on the subject of his stress. At the moment he was trying to figure out just what his friend had been thinking to take such a massive risk. Vermillion, just who was the boy? Ozpin said he was an ally, but the reasoning for such had him on edge.

James could easily believe what Ozpin had told him, of the boy being from a different era, after all Ozpin himself was a similar case. However Ozpin never up and disappeared for centuries at a time, and that was what had him worried the most. Whether the boy was loyal to Ozpin during his own time was ultimately useless now. Time changes people, and to be missing for so long screamed danger.

How could Ozpin possibly know that this wasn't just another trick from Salem? The man had told them that long ago the boy was loyal to the Grimm queen, who's to say he still wasn't? All this time he could have been with Salem and was just playing ignorant to get them to lower their guard. It wouldn't work of course, even if Ozpin was lax about the situation James himself was not.

With Winter and Clover keeping an eye on the boy James decided he would take to keeping watch over where they went during their time. If the boy was a traitor then he'd need to report back to Salem at some point, the real question now was where?

Unfortunately they never brought along much of their equipment, as the Vytal Festival itself was more of a 'public watch' sort of job and they were more or less equip to stop small fights should they break out. James also never brought along any spying equipment, and considering the fact that Ozpin most certainly wouldn't lend him any to watch over the boy he knew he would have to approach the situation with a more... unorthodox method.

Luckily for him Ozpin had set up the perfect opportunity. Vermillion would be staying at Beacon for the time being as well as being invited to the traditional student dance, courtesy of the man himself. Maybe his friend wouldn't allow spying, but certainly he wouldn't mind if the two shared a few words.

All he needed was a moment to ask a few questions, not hard questions, just... questions. See there were certain 'signs' that occurred when one spoke, special little 'tells' that showed when people lied. Sure, if given enough time you could learn of your own tells and work to avoid them. However if caught off guard even the most skilled in deception wouldn't be able to hide all of their signs.

Of course the same was true for the one asking the questions. While he may have been good at spotting lies himself, James knew if he let his guard down he wouldn't be able to catch all the signs that others gave off, it was why he always made sure he kept some sense of focus on everything. You could never know when something would try to sneak past.

Despite all this James held a sense of hope, a hope that what Ozpin said was true. He hoped that Vermillion really was on their side, that all of his worries were simply that, worries. If the boy was loyal to Ozpin then it would be a massive benefit to them.

Ozpin told them about some of Vermillion's skills, and they would be very useful given the right application; the most useful being what amounted to a 'Grimm radar'. He supposedly had the ability to feel the emotions of Grimm, which had wild implications on it's own. The creatures of Grimm were widely believed to be soulless, mindless, and emotionless. To have confirmation that one of those beliefs were false, it opened up the possibility for the others to be false as well.

Not only that but they'd also been told that the boy had gotten his current physical state from Salem herself, meaning that she had the ability to alter the human body on a fundamental level. It was both a blessing and a curse: a blessing in the sense that they were now able to watch out for such a thing, and a curse due to the fact that Vermillion's alteration had occurred centuries ago.

The problem stemmed from the fact that Vermillion was essentially outdated. If Salem had been able to alter him, to become a mix of Grimm and Human, then what was there to say she didn't already improve the process, and even improve the result? There was a very real possibility that she was able to develop a way for them to retain their human appearance, which brought it's own set of problems.

If Salem was capable of such an act it would mean that she could slip her agents into society at will, without fear of them being discovered. James was no fool, the first thing he did after the meeting with Vermillion and subsequent talk with Ozpin was to go and check the Grimm detection radar. It was blank all throughout the school, meaning that Vermillion for all intensive purposes was invisible to their systems.

But that was just Vermillion, Ozpin told that he was the first and - supposedly - only 'Grimm Knight' that Salem created, this meant that if the process was improved they'd have no means of detecting them by machine. Their enemies could just slip in without any resistance, and they'd have no clue until it was too late.

James shook himself as he sat at his desk in the ship, he was getting too worked up. Ozpin already explained that Salem never made anymore of the knights, and with him being as old as he was James had no choice but to believe him. His friend said that Salem would have sent them to attack if she had them, and the lack of rumors surrounding any Grimm people pointed at that being true.

But still, he couldn't help but feel something off was happening here. Yet before he could do anything his scroll rung, and after taking it out his eyebrows rose.

Qrow?

.

.

That... wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Winter found herself pleasantly surprised, working with this 'Vermillion' as it were was turning out to be quite intriguing. As far as the lessons went he was proving to be a rather fast learner.

It had only been a couple days and he was starting to pick up on some of the basic words she was presenting. He already had the alphabet memorized, and at the moment he was working on some simple spelling. The rate at which he was learning was - to put it bluntly - astounding.

"You're in a good mood." Clover said as they passed through the halls on their way to the lounge for the day's lessons.

"I'm simply surprised at the speed he's learning this." She replied as Clover set his sights forward again.

"True, never though he'd catch on this fast. I guess it helps that his spoken language is the same as our own."

That was certainly a part of it for sure. Not only was his vocabulary the same, but his speech patterns were as well. Heck, even his sentence structure was mostly the same. The only oddity she was able to recall from him was his habit to occasionally fall into what she came to dub as 'olden speak'. Essentially he would sometimes talk in a way that was similar to what was used in old history documents and fantasy novels that set their time periods in the far off past.

Maybe it was a tradition of his home village? The general said that Vermillion was from an isolated place far from the kingdoms, and that they used their own written language instead of the ones the kingdoms used. In a way it meant that they were more or less teaching him new letters and words, rather than teaching a whole language from scratch.

It also helped that he seemed to have a solid drive to learn. It was similar to Weiss really: she would set about teaching him something and he would soak it all up, setting all of his focus on her. It brought back memories of her time with her sister, teaching her to always better herself. But Weiss was a young woman now, she already had things figured out on her own and no longer needed her older sister. That still wouldn't stop Winter from pushing her to be her best, as there's always room for improvement.

Winter returned her focus, noticing that they were just before the lounge. With a nod to Clover they stepped inside, taking notice of Qrow standing next to Vermillion. Immediately she knew something was off, as normally Qrow was fast asleep in the chair next to hers before she even arrived. Yet there he was, alert and talking with her temporary student. Qrow must have heard them as he turned to face her.

"Perfect timing ice queen. You, me, soldier boy, and the kid are needed at the headmaster's office." He stated as he walked up to them, passing into the halls as they followed.

Normally she would have berated him for that nickname, yet he was serious for once... and not visibly drunk. For Qrow this was a bad sign, and whatever was in store for them she knew it needed their upmost attention. The walk wasn't long, only a few minutes and they were in the elevator to the office.

The doors dinged and opened, allowing them to step inside. Both the headmaster as well as the general were before them. Winter and Clover each gave a salute, Qrow sent a nod, and Vermillion gave a slight bow.

"You've arrived, perfect. Allow me to get straight to the point: You four are being sent to look through a small area, a warehouse to be exact." Ozpin told as Winter let her voice be heard.

"May I ask why sir?" It was a request, yet the general was the one to speak.

"It's a simple mission, but one of the upmost importance, and with the festival dance tomorrow night it's imperative that we do this now. However we'll let Qrow do the explaining, as he was the one to get the call last night." The general explained as all eyes were on Qrow.

Last night?

Winter didn't have time to think before Qrow started.

"Right, so let me put it like this: I've got some buddies down in the city who on occasion send info my way. It's usually simple stuff like what the word around the street is, but sometimes I get... less than simple news." Qrow flicked out his scroll, fiddling with it as a holo-map projected itself just above it.

"I had these buddies keep look out for V here when we were looking for him, but I've also asked them to keep tabs on local White Fang activity in the area. Lo and behold I get a call in the middle of the night telling me that some of them were spotted moving crates at one of the local storage places near the lower docks." The map zoomed in on a single building as he continued.

"Unlike where I last saw them, this dock was on the other end of the shore. Worst of all the reports stated that the boxes were making some strange noises." With that he clicked off the map, setting his scroll back as Ozpin spoke up.

"With the recent events involving the White Fang the general and I have come to the conclusion that this event cannot be overlooked. As such we've decided that a more... shall we say 'subtle' approach is needed." Next the general addressed them.

"Due to this we've decided that a smaller group is to be dispatched to investigate the scene for today. This is where you come in: the four of you are to head over and look for any clues or leads as to what the White Fang were using that warehouse for. What were they moving, where are they now? You four need to collect what you can and bring it back." The general finished as Ozpin nodded.

"The place should be empty by now as Qrow got that call some hours ago. Are there any questions?" He asked as Clover raised his hand.

"Is there any particular reason why the four of us were chosen for this mission?"

To be fair it was an honest question, Winter was wondering that too even if she didn't voice it. The general gave a nod, acknowledging it as he explained further.

"Both you and specialist Schnee are well trained in how to handle these types of situations, so having you present is essential. Qrow is skilled in finding what others would prefer to remain hidden, and with his contacts spread about he may be able to gather some information on things not yet reported should he cross paths with one of them. As for Vermillion: he's a skilled fighter. Should you run into any trouble Ozpin assured me that his skills as well as his semblance will come in handy; plus, the boy could use this as a learning opportunity. Anymore questions?"

Nobody raised their hand after that, and Ozpin spoke up once more.

"With all that said and done, we wish you luck on your mission."

.

.

The door let out it's little ring as she stepped inside. Taking a look around she saw the man she was looking for. Just over in the center isle Tukson could be seen stacking some books on the shelf, looking over as he gave a nod.

"Here for more info Blake? Sorry, but I don't exactly have anything groundbreaking to give this time. Things have been tight-lipped ever since the kid swapped sides. Speaking of: word is he's with Beacon now, that true?"

Quick on the draw this time, either way it was good for her as Blake had some questions of her own. Luckily she had managed to sneak away from Yang as the girl was working through the list of guests that would be arriving tomorrow night. How long would it be before she noticed Blake's absence? Hopefully still another hour or so.

"For the most part yes, I don't exactly know the specifics but the headmaster says that's the case." She answered as he sighed.

"Well that's good I guess, was starting to think that Taurus was actually getting into the kid's head." Tukson commented as he picked up the now empty box, moving along and over to the back.

"I'm actually here with some questions about Vermillion this time." Blake gave as she followed the man. He passed into the back room and set the box down, facing Blake once more with a raised eyebrow.

"Really? Well I'm not sure how much help I'll be, don't really know squat about him other than the fact that he worked alongside Adam."

"You said he was chosen by Sienna herself right?"

"Yes?" Tukson asked as Blake leaned in.

"A while ago he told me he was given orders to find me." She spoke as Tukson held a questioning look.

"Impossible, as far as I know Adam and the rest cut contact to him."

"That's the thing, apparently he's still got ties with Sienna. According to her Adam has almost the entirety of the White Fang under his thumb, she's powerless to stop them at this point." Blake gave as Tukson crossed his arms.

"So why is she keeping contacts with Vermillion? Wouldn't she know of his betrayal by now?" The older man asked.

"Supposedly Adam and the rest are keeping her in a sort of 'lulled state'. From what She knows they're keeping both success and certain failures from her, giving her false information to keep her passive. According to Vermillion the two are trying to stop Adam from doing anything crazy."

That was scary to admit, even with the group's increase in violence Sienna had always been the one to keep a level head. However now that they knew the high leader was powerless... well, it only made the knowledge of Adam even worse. Tukson seemed to think so too, at least according to the look he held, a mix of frustration and caution.

"Adam holds supreme power, and the only sensible one is essentially a paper doll at this point; meant to look the part, when in reality she's just a puppet." Tukson said as Blake nodded.

"Yes, and as far as I know they're only keeping watch. Vermillion told me they had no proof of what Adam's plans are, only speculation."

"And that's why you came to me?" Tukson asked as Blake tilted her head a little.

"Sort of... like I said I want info on Vermillion."

"I already gave you what I had."

"I know I know, but I mean something more specific."

"Like?"

Blake shut her eyes for a moment, bracing herself. "I... I need to know if he spent time with my mother."

Tukson was silent for a moment, before he let his confusion be known. "What?"

"I need to know if he was with my mom." Blake said again, a small hint of pink sprinkling her cheeks.

"Is there... any particular reason or...?" Tukson asked as Blake crossed her arms and looked away.

"Look, he told me that Sienna said to call my mom. He said it so casually too, like he knew her. I need to know what he was doing on Menagerie."

Tukson was confused for a bit, before his face morphed into a look of understanding.

"You think they might know more."

"Yes, and I need to know if he did anything while he was there." She spoke as Tukson sighed.

"Right, sure, I'll look into it a bit. I'll also give the Fang a once over while I'm at it; was planning on leaving, but recent developments put a stop to that idea." He gave as he started for the door.

"Thanks." She let out as he nodded.

"No problem. Now, you planning on buying anything? Closing up shop in a few minutes so if you need something now's the time." He told as Blake took a peek back to the isles.

"I guess I'll pick up a few more novels, at least for next week."

.

.

It took a few days, but eventually Ruby had come upon the settlement.

It was quaint, not exactly large by any stretch of the imagination, but still of a decent size. Unlike the city it seemed much more calm, with a few children running about as the older folks took their time. This wasn't exactly what she expected from a sky-dock community.

Still it held true to it's name as just above was a massive airship, anchored to one of the towers as men moved cargo to and from the vessel. Unlike what most in her time believed air travel was very much a thing in the past. Air vessels were available, the only real thing that kept them from being more wide spread to the public was how expensive they were.

Just like in her time these vessels were costly, and not only that but they were exceedingly difficult to manufacture. Only a select two companies were known to build them. The first took up the name of 'Sky-Strider': the standard cargo and travel type of service. The second were simply dubbed 'Stranded': mainly known for their... less than legal activities, sky pirates for the most part. Being able to tell the difference depended on whether you were being attacked and pillaged or not, as they both looked identical.

Airships were in their earliest state here and relied heavily on gravity dust to remain functional, as well as wind dust to retain control during emergency situations. Mostly these ships looked like their regular aquatic counterparts, only difference was that they flew. They had their sails to control their wind intake and move along, as well as several rudders to control direction.

It was also the only way she was going to keep moving, as she would need their services quite a bit.

Looking around Ruby caught sight of Pebble, the boy was running around with some of the other children.

At least him and Blossom are safe.

A small relief if anything else, as she half expected them to not heed her warning. Then again that line of thought wasn't fair, Blossom had shown herself being rather wise so there was no reason she wouldn't listen. They would have left the city as soon as she left for the castle, and factoring in the time it took for her to get there as well as the trip up to the bedroom - dust those guards were slow - it meant that at most they had been around four or five ours away when it dropped. They would have gotten out of range just in time.

It frightened her to think of what would have happened if they didn't leave in time. Yet she shook that idea away, they were safe and that was all that mattered. Still though, Ruby found herself much more relaxed as she made her way over to the boy.

"Good to see you're doing well." She let out as he turned, practically leaping at her as she braced for impact.

Oof... so this is what it feels like for uncle Qrow.

All of a sudden she felt a little bad for the man. Back when she was younger she would always perform the same 'leap greeting' that she was currently experiencing.

"You're back!" The boy cheered as she patted his head, prying him off and setting him back down.

"I am, glad to know I was missed." She said as Pebble nodded.

"Come on, we've got to go tell Mrs. Blossom." He let out as he pulled her along.

At least someone was happy, a welcome change from the dread she had dealt with over the past month. The boy was practically radiating joy, and all of it was expressed in the iron grip that held her hand. He was a lot stronger than what she had experience back in the city, it was a good thing as far as she was concerned because it meant he was getting healthy. If anything she was certain that he was well fed too, no more scrounging for food in the trash.

Pebble brought her before a sizable building. It had a cloth curtain in place of a door, a curtain that was shoved aside as the boy dragged her in.

"Mrs. Blossom, Mrs. Blossom, she's back!"

The boy was causing a small ruckus, one that was not unnoticed by the other occupants of the room. Several of the other women sent small smiles and giggles her way, and some of the elders had a small laugh. For the first time in a long time Ruby had felt truly embarrassed.

Yet the snickering and giggling disappeared as the woman called made her way out from the back. Her eyes widened as she rushed up.

"Oh my dear, you've returned! Please, come with me, I'll get your things and we can talk." She gave as both Pebble and herself followed.

Blossom brought them into the back, past some of the working women she met had before, only now they were in the middle of what looked to be cooking. With the tables and stools out front, as well as the abundance of what looked like workers Ruby deduced that the place was not a brothel, but rather a tavern. A noticeable step up she guessed as there were many more patrons than what she'd seen previously back at the city.

They walked up some stairs, passing into a room on the left as Blossom shut the door behind them. It was a small bedroom, lavishly decorated with a... relaxed feeling about it. Before Ruby could do anything she was wrapped in the older woman's arms, held fast as Pebble joined in.

It was odd, having people express worry for her, even stranger still that she'd just got back from what amounted to mass murder. Still though Ruby allowed the feeling to swell within her, a feeling of gratitude. Perhaps the calm feeling would help her control her emotions, a way to keep herself from completely losing her humanity. After a moment Blossom separated herself and spoke.

"You're safe, I take it that means your mission was a success?" She asked as Ruby gave a short nod.

"Yes, I did what I needed to do. And you've brought all that you cared about with you from the city like I asked?"

Blossom returned the nod. "Of course, when you first suggested it I knew then and there that whatever you were doing would be dangerous, so I gathered the girls and my remaining friends and left for here. As far as they know this is simply a new career change, one to hopefully bring in more money than before."

The woman lowered her voice. "Now what of Shade?"

Ruby let a darker look overcome her. "Dead."

"Good, with that vermin gone I can finally rest. You have my thanks for that as well." Blossom spoke as she let out a breath, taking a relaxed posture as she sat on the bed.

Ruby didn't know if she should say anything, or even if she wanted to. Shade was a bastard and a murderer, but if his words back at the city were true, it would mean that he wasn't Lillian's attacker. Did she dare imply the childless mother's vengeance was misplaced? Even if she did what difference would it make? Her daughter was still gone.

Thinking about it deeper who was to say that Shade even told the truth back there? He could have easily just been lying to try and save his own skin, but that posed another issue. Why lie if he was already dead? He must have known he would die, so what use would a lie like that have? He clearly never cared about what she though, so trying to butter her up would be useless.

Looking back it seemed like he was losing his mind, if Ruby were to guess she would say he was talking to Lillian, or at least he thought he was. In a way it was similar to what she used to do when she visited her mother's grave, or even that of her friends as they passed one after another.

Ruby let a breath escape her as she sat on a nearby chair. It was useless anyway, even if his words were true it would still mean that the attacker was dead regardless, Shade said so himself.

What a mess.

"You rest now dear, the room's yours for as long as you need. Come on Pebble, let's give her some alone time, she must be tired." Blossom said as she stood, taking the boy by the hand as they left the room.

Ruby stood, making her way to a nearby mirror and gazing at her reflection.

Her dress was ruffled and torn, her hair thrown about by the wind, and she was covered in mud and dust with hints of red throughout. Ruby could tell that her current state was a disaster. She needed to clean herself up, as well as get her clothes back. Taking a peek into the drawers she noticed that none of her clothes were present. It had her confused for a moment as she checked the others, still nothing.

That's odd, maybe she put them somewhere else?

Ruby looked around some more to no avail. Strange, her clothing was nowhere to be found. She opened the door, stepping out into the halls as she approached the stairs and spotted Pebble at the bottom.

"Pebble, do you know where my clothes are?" She asked as the young boy called out.

"Mrs. Blossom, she want's to know where her clothes are." Immediately the woman's voice called out.

"End of the hall, door to the right. They're in the drawer at the back. I kept them in my room for safe keeping."

"Thank you." Ruby returned as she made for the room.

Compared to the previous it was almost identical in layout, with the only key difference being the furnishings atop the drawers. Picture frames as well as some potted plants brightened up the room as she stepped inside. Ruby was able to spot the drawer as it sported a noticeably darker color.

She strode forwards, ready to open it up when she stopped herself, her eyes glued to a single book that lay between two candles. It was ordinary for most books to have a fetching cover or even title, yet this one was blank, save for a single name written in ink.

Lillian.

Ruby found herself reaching for the book, clicking open the sticky hitch as her fingers graced the cover. It clearly wasn't opened in some time, did Blossom not look through it? Probably not as it was clearly her daughter's, to rummage through it would be a breach of privacy. Yet curiosity got the best of her and she slowly flipped it open.

A diary!

The date at the top proved it, this was Lillian's diary. Instantly she was overcome with shame for having peeked at the private pages of the deceased. Yet that feeling from before returned, now overwhelming as she debated her questions. If Shade was indeed telling the truth then would the diary not prove it? It was very possible that Lillian recorded her experiences before taking her life, all Ruby would need to do was turn the pages.

She looked back, listening intently for any footsteps. Nothing, there were no sounds from the halls, confirming that she was entirely alone. There was nobody around to stop her should she read on.

It was vile, truly vile in her eyes. Something such as this was meant to be private, yet she let her curiosity consume her as she flipped to a random page, unable to let go of the dead man's words.

"Red Leaves Grace, 16th: The leaves of the trees have started to turn over the days. I've been tending to the gardens, even though I know they will soon pass for the winter. Fall season has only begun and yet I feel a hint of stress knowing the flowers will soon leave me. So much work, only for it to be stunted by the chills of the wind. Still I tend to them, their beauty captivates me even as I write this.

Yet the most peculiar thing happened earlier today. I was at the market shopping for some spices for mother when I bumped into one of the local guard. However unlike the others he was much more polite, apologizing for running into me. I assured him it was of my own doing as I should have kept my sigh ahead of me.

Instead of simply accepting it he insisted it was his mistake, even going so far as to offer a hand in carrying my things. I was flustered at the time from causing a scene at the market, and instead of turn him down I took his offer and he aided me in bringing the spices home. Mother was surprised by this, and offered to have him for supper as an apology for taking up his time.

He refused, stating that aiding such a beautiful woman was thanks enough. I was so embarrassed and mother kept teasing me all night, even now she giggles in another room. How crass! To say such words before my own mother!

Still though, he was charming. Kind and respectful, willing to help with such minor things. Between you and me, I believe I may have grown a small fondness for him. We could use more men such as he."

Ruby flicked along, not wanting to dally on the small stuff. However it was strange to know Shade had helped her, he seemed the type to focus on work and nothing but work. She shook her head, the answers to her questions awaited her, and she would waste no more time.

"Red Leaves Grace, 30th: We've had our first outing, he took me to a small riverside just outside the city. He wished for me to partake in the pastime of fishing with him, he even brought along a pole for me.

We spent a couple hours at it with not a bite, and let me tell you he wasn't happy. I couldn't help but laugh at him as he grumbled like a toddler, whining about the fish being too dumb to find the hook.

I said to him 'maybe they feel your anger, and flee in worry from a beating'. You should have seen the look on his face as he started swearing, I never laughed so hard in my life. Even after we gave up he still said he had a good time.

And strangely enough, so did I."

Ruby skipped another few pages, eyes scanning over as she hoped to find what she was looking for. However she stopped as she caught sight of a word that sparked her attention, gazing intently as she read.

"Frost's Kiss, 13th: He is mad with me today, yet he holds onto any blame or anger he may have. It is clear he does not like what I had him do, but he respects my choice.

Earlier today we had taken a different path for our morning walk, when I was beholden to a horrendous sight. In a cage center of the path was a man, dirtied and shivering, he was a slave.

I'd known of the kingdom's reliance on Faunus trade, yet to see it for myself brought me pain unknown. In a fit of desperation I begged Shade to set him free. He argued that animals need to be kept contained to keep the people safe, but after some time he relented and broke the lock.

I'll never forget the shock on the slave's face as I told him to flee. I could only hope he would find refuge in the wilderness, perhaps in a caravan on the road.

Maybe one day we shall meet again, as families with tales to tell."

She was so close, Ruby could practically taste it. The moment of truth lay right around the corner, the answer to feed her starving vicious mind. Like a wolf to it's prey, she leapt ahead and bore her fangs.

"Frost's Kiss, 29th: The shame is too much to bare. I only pray that what comes next can bring me the purity I seek.

Last week I was invited by Shade to watch the stars, he had the perfect place in mind and wished me to meet him there. I was so excited for another outing, and secretly hoped it would be something more.

However my wishes were dashed, as when I arrived he was not there. I waited for some time, watching as the sky darkened. Yet I was greeted by surprise as footsteps approached from behind.

I did not see the man, instead I only wept as my clothes were torn, my face forced into the dirt, and my body tainted. They were rough, not the gentle touch Shade always brought, I did not recognize those hands. I knew not of how long it lasted, I only recall feeling him release my head, followed by the sound of rapid footsteps moving away.

I limped home, heading to my room to hopefully sleep the night away.

Yet I awoke the next morning to my still sullied clothes, bruises across my skin burning with pain. That night was real, and no matter how much I wished it to have simply been nightmare the truth would remain the same.

I avoided my love, as the shame of being sullied was too much to bare. He should have a woman of purity, his kindness and heart deserved nothing less, and as much as I wished it I knew I was not the woman he deserved. I was dirtied, ruined, nothing but used goods.

The flowers in the garden should help, I heard stories of how the local tribes from before the kingdom used them to purify the souls of those passing on. As they lay sick and dying they would eat the petals, to cleanse their souls and pass on pure to the afterlife.

I shall wash away my shame, so that perhaps when we meet on the other side I may greet my love with open arms."

Ruby shut the book, a new sense of disgust welling up inside. It was true, all of it, every word that bastard said was true.

And what did she gain from it? Nothing, absolutely nothing other than the knowledge that she ripped away the privacy of a dead woman. Just how much lower was there for her to go? What came next, stealing babies from their cribs, or maybe kidnapping and selling the daughters of poor families for a quick lien?

Curiosity, the need to know, she had nothing to gain from doing that but useless shit she already suspected. She just had to confirm it didn't she, to unearth every secret she found? Was privacy even a word in her vocabulary?

Ruby reached down, pulling open the drawer. Blossom had been right, as sat atop some blouses was her outfit; cloak and all. She pulled it out, pulling at the loose ties on her dress and letting it drop. Ruby chose to just throw it on, deciding not to give herself that warm bath she wanted.

As in her eyes: she didn't deserve it.

Author's note

...

Well there goes another chapter.

Looks like Oz and Ironwood are sending the crew off on another mission right before the big dance. And once again it's somehow caused by Qrow, man just can't catch a break.

We also get to see Tukson again, and his small exchange with Blake. Looks like she told him what's up, and he didn't really have any answers to give her as of yet. Better luck next time I guess.

Future Ruby's also on the move, although it seems like she let her curiosity get the best of her and now regrets it.

We end once again on a darker note, sorry for that. But at least we're officially finished with Aether, time to see what else is in store.

Let me know what you think, and see you next chapter.