It was... strange, yet somewhat magical. I watched as several others looked to be guiding the massive metal container to what they spoke of as the 'shipping area'. That thing looked nothing like a ship. I watched as one of the others ran towards us.

"We're going to need a moment to refuel, otherwise we're ready to depart." The Fang member said as Sienna gave a nod from my side.

"Good, you're dismissed." Sienna said as she received a nod before the member left.

"The bullhead here will take you directly to Vale. You'll be going along with some of the other recruits. Remember, Adam will be your leader while you're there. Orders come from him, got it?" She told me as I gave a nod.

"Why is it named after cattle? I see no horns on the thing. Wouldn't naming it after a bird be more appropriate?" I asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"That... that's not, you know what, I'm just gonna pretend I didn't hear that. All that matters is that we get you and the others to Vale, the name of it isn't important right now. Just focus on your goal." Sienna spoke as she shook her head.

I still didn't quite understand. Just name flying things after birds, what was so hard about that?

Regardless I watched as several others continued to rush about. Sienna began to make her way over to a group of them, myself choosing to follow along as well. One of them saw us approach and stood firm, the others realizing and doing the same.

"Good to see you're all ready for your trip." She gave as they began to relax.

"Thank you Ms. Kahn, we're ready for the mission." One of them said.

"And you remember what your mission is correct?" Sienna tested as another of them stepped forward.

"We're to be working under Adam in an attempt to increase recruitment in Vale." She answered as Sienna gave a nod.

"Correct, you three are to aid Adam. Taking on any mission he hands your way. You'll also be joined by Vermillion here, he has some... let's just say 'Unique' abilities that I'm sure Adam will be able to put to good use." Sienna spoke as she motioned towards me.

"I'll leave you four to get better acquainted." Sienna said as she made off, leaving me with the three before me.

The looked nearly identical to all the others, wearing the same uniform and mask as the rest. From the looks of it there were two men and one woman, the only distinguishable trait I could make was the tail hung behind the woman, sort of like a cat. The traits of the other two appeared to be hidden.

What is it with Menagerie and cats? I thought as one of the men held out his hand, the larger one it seems.

"Glad to meet you, I hope we get on well with each other." He spoke as we shook hands while they all removed their masks.

"So you're the mysterious new guy huh? The rumors were right, you do look kind of weird." The smaller man commented, only to receive a slap to the back of the head from the woman beside him.

She shook her head and stepped forward while the guy behind was left rubbing the back of his head. "Ignore him, he's an idiot. Nice to meet you, I'm known as Magenta. The idiot back there is Gold, and last but not least Mr prim and proper here is Lapis."

I watched as Gold stepped forward, brushing past Magenta as he took his place just behind me, wrapping his arm around me.

"Ignore these downers, always a stick up their asses. They really need to lighten up, we're gonna be buds. Running around, saving the Faunus, knocking the up top's down a peg. It's gonna be a blast I'm telling ya." He spoke, waving his hand off somewhere in the distance.

Lapis gave a sigh as Magenta took her face in hand.

"What he means is that we hope to work well in the coming battles." Lapis clarified as Gold returned to their side once again, still somewhat excited.

I gave a nod, turning back to the bullhead. The thing sat there now as I took in the moment. I'd finally get back to the mainland, and get to experience a new kingdom as well.

I heard one of the three approach from behind.

"So... what's with you and high leader back there?" Gold said as he gave a mischievous look.

"What do you mean?" I asked as he gave an eye roll.

"You know what I mean." He said again.

"Gold, what are you doing." I heard Magenta call as she came to my side, suspiciously gazing at him.

"Come on, you're curious too. I'm just being direct." Gold responded.

"I was speaking with Lapis for six seconds, what's he done now?" Magenta asked as she turned to me.

"He asked about Sienna and I." I watched as she got an annoyed look.

"Gold, there's a thing called boundaries. Ever heard of them?" She gave as Gold waved her off.

"Come on, you just know there has to be something there. I'm just the only one brave enough to ask." He said, crossing his arms with a smug look, only to lose it as he was hit in the head with a rock.

"Try to use more subtlety, it can do wonders." Magenta spoke, rubbing her wrist.

I watched as she closed the pouch on her side. Why did she have a rock in there?

I felt a hand on my shoulder as the two seemed to keep going back and forth.

"Welcome to our team, sadly this is normal." Lapis gave as we watched two bicker.

It was strange, now that I knew this was a terrorist group and all, it still didn't help with the odd sight. These were supposed to be highly dangerous and wanted criminals. They should have been cunning and terrifying, yet they acted like a bunch of friends who just got done a days work and found themselves sharing a drink.

It was a strange sight for sure, maybe this was what Sienna meant when she called them 'idiots'. Still, this was good in a way. It would allow me to slip in amongst them, get them comfortable as I earn Adam's favor.

"What was it that made you join anyway." I heard Gold call out to me, Magenta still looking none too pleased.

"You don't have to answer that." She called out as well.

She was trying to be accommodating, Gold however had provided me a way into their little group, even if he didn't know it. This was my chance to slip into their trust. It was sly, but to gain favor I would need as much credible support as possible. Spending time around them may help to lower Adam's guard, even if just a bit.

"Let's just say I owe it to high leader and leave it at that." I told, as Gold seemed a little disappointed.

"Really? Come on, where are the juicy details." He spoke as he received another slap from Magenta.

"That's enough out of you for one day. Sorry about him, again." She said as I gave a nod.

"It's no trouble, truly, It's nothing to worry about." I gave as I saw one of the other Fang approach.

"Alright we're set, you can hop aboard when you're ready." He told as we made our way.

"So what do you think working under Adam will be like?" Gold asked as Magenta scoffed.

"He's probably going to be a lot more serious than anything you've ever been capable of." She responded as he gave a grin.

"So another stick up the ass then" He teased.

"Watch it you, that's your soon to be leader. Remember, Adam's in charge, what he says goes." Magenta answered.

"I'm sure he will be ready for anything Gold does. He's been at this longer than any of us, I'm sure he has the patience to whip him into shape." I heard Lapis say, getting another eye roll from Gold.

"Yea yea, whatever you say your majesty." He gave as we boarded the bullhead.

Here goes.

.

.

Her vision was blurry as a solid ringing could be heard around her. She took a moment to collect herself, watching as her sight cleared to the carnage around her.

"Ruby, are you there?" She heard a voice call.

Ruby had taken a moment to observe the damage. The roof had caved in, nearly crushing them as her aura was now low.

"I'm good, what about Yang and Weiss!" She called back as she moved some of the rubble off herself.

From the sound of the voice she was able to deduce that it was Blake who called out to her. At least a small part of her could calm, Blake was still alright at least.

"I don't know. I haven't found either of them yet, come help me look." Blake called back as she stood.

This wasn't good, what could that explosion have come from. No, that doesn't matter right now! I need to find Yang and Weiss!

She followed the direction of Blake's voice, leading her right to her teammate. Blake was standing on top of a pile of the collapsed roof, throwing chunks of it aside as she dug deeper into it.

"Come on! I need your help!" She called as Ruby rushed over.

She took the other side of the massive chunk of rubble, lifting with all her might. Their combined strength being just enough to move it to the side. They could see some blond locks of hair underneath some of the debris.

They kept digging through, clearing away the dirt and dust as they were able to make out Yang's form underneath. Ruby and Blake each took an arm as they dragged her out of the mess, setting her to the side.

"Is she alright?" Ruby asked as Blake put her ear to Yang's chest.

"I can hear a heartbeat. She's alive at least." Blake responded, only to back away as she heard coughing.

Yang let out several more coughs as she opened her eyes.

"Yang! You're alright!" Ruby shouted as she wrapped her in a hug.

"Ah ah Rubes! Ow ow ow that hurts stop!" She let out as Ruby let go, backing away a bit.

"Sorry sorry, I was just worried a bit." She told as Yang gave her a pained smile.

"I'm fine Rubes, just a bit of a bea-AH!" Yang tried, only to grip her side as she fell back down, her attempt at moving only causing her pain.

"Yang!" Both let out as Yang held herself, Blake rushing to her side and lowering her down.

"Shit! I think I broke something!" She spoke as Blake lifted her shirt, looking for any major signs of other injury.

"We'll get you out of here don't worry." Blake spoke gently as she held her close.

"Yang, do you know where Weiss is?" Ruby asked with worry as Blake helped Yang up.

"That's right! Before the explosion some bastards attacked us!" Yang let out, catching hold of her side in pain once more.

"Did you recognize them?" Blake asked as she gave a nod.

"Stragglers from the old White Fang, from when they were disbanded." Yang told as a look of horror spread over Ruby's face.

When the White Fang split apart, not all of them agreed to turn over a new leaf. Plenty of them had decided to form their own group, an attempt to keep with the extreme beliefs that the terrorist organization had held. If what Yang was implying was true...

They have Weiss!

Ruby was fast, faster than she had ever been before. She needed to get to Weiss, and she needed to do it now!

She maneuvered about the wreckage, flowing past, around, and through the debris as she searched. She had no time to waste, each spot would receive only a glance before she moved again.

Come on! COME ON!

She was getting nothing, her worries only growing more and more as Weiss was nowhere to be found.

However something caught her attention, cheering. Cheering from the distance could be heard from just outside the building. She wasted no time as she followed the sounds.

She found herself outside, atop the roof of the caved in building and overlooking a crowd. They were all sporting the logo of the old White Fang, A burning bloody sea of crimson as their uniforms had been solid black, they symbol seeming to glow in contrast. She watched as the leader of the group thrust his clenched fist into the air.

"VICTORY!" He cried as she felt her heart shatter as she saw the trophy hanging from his fist.

Weiss' lifeless head.

.

.

Her eyes burst open, calling Weiss' name as she stretched her hand forward.

The sounds of the night could be heard as her eyes swayed about, looking over her campsite.

A dream... no, a memory. She held herself closer as she let the terror pass.

It was happening much more frequently now, ever since she started her journey. A blast from the past, always reminding her of her worst experiences, always haunting her.

Ruby could see the embers of her once proud flame as the fire had faded to a gentle glow of chars. The moon was starting to fall, maybe two or three hours before sunrise. She probably wouldn't get anymore sleep tonight.

She stood as she grabbed her cloak off the ground, having used it as a makeshift covering. Kicking some dirt into the remaining embers, the fire was extinguished. She decided it best to just continue on to Aether, she had enough rest for the night.

The broken path had crumbled bit by bit under her footsteps, seeming to break away as she trudged along. She had been left alone with her thoughts, the remaining moonlight providing no comfort in the ominous silence.

Ironically enough this had been the least horrifying of her memories she had to relive. At least this time she had been at a distance, not able to fully see the gritty details of the loss.

It didn't bode well however, the memories were getting worse and worse. It made her wonder if it was even worth it to keep moving along, only to shake herself from her own stupidity.

To stop now wasn't an option, she had worked too hard to quit. If this worked out than all of it would be worth it... at least she hoped. She couldn't be second guessing herself now, not with everything depending on her.

However she wasn't the only one that everything depended on, she was only the first half of this little game. Vermillion was still stranded over a thousand years into the future, If her work was to mean anything he would have to manage to find the little bits and pieces she would leave for him.

She couldn't control what he did, heck, she couldn't even help him if she wanted to. Ruby would have to rely on the vague hope that he would somehow do what needed to be done. She could only focus on her task at the moment, to give Vermillion a fighting chance.

The path opened up as she made her way along, the remaining foliage clearing as she could see a drop.

Ruby made her way over to the edge of the cliff, standing atop the broken stone as she peered beyond.

A mass expanse of land could be seen down below, some trees spread about. She could see where the walls of the kingdom stood, separating the main city from the land around. Yet high above the city and far in the back she could see the massive floating castle of Aether.

It was likely that the king and queen were attending to some sort of business, not likely to have time to chat. Unfortunately for them they would receive a visitor, unannounced sure, but a visitor nonetheless.

She took a quick look around, letting out a small sound of triumph as she saw what she was looking for. Back away from the cliff somewhat was a small stump, hidden behind some of the other plants, just hidden enough to require a second glance to really notice it.

She walked over to the stump, taking a seat as she relaxed and took in the early morning feel. The sun still had yet to rise and the stars were still visible, looking as wonderous as ever in the dark sky.

She would have some time to herself as she rested. Ruby often wondered why it was that the stars looked the same. Throughout her travels she had seen even the moon itself change, yet the stars always stood firmly in line. They would never falter to the coming years.

When she was little her father would always tell her how when people are born a star would find it's place in the sky. That it would wait there for when you grew older, until the day that you would find your way there. A place that was all yours, so you could rest and watch the world below.

Ruby later learned that it was his way of coping with loss, that it helped him move on when loved ones would die. It was childish now that she thought about it, but she often found herself looking to the stars after her nightmares returned. Every night when she had seen the terrors that tormented her, she would spend some time looking to the stars, hoping that she was able to see a new one. One for a certain someone, yet she never did.

It sounded silly, but she liked to think the lack of change was a sign that she wouldn't lose anybody anymore.

And so here she was, staring to the stars as she awaited the coming noon.

I've got some time on hand, maybe I can try to sleep again for a little. Will you watch over me stars?

.

.

It was a beautiful sight, watching as the world below just flows on by.

"First time flying?" I heard Lapis say next to me.

"Yes." I mumbled out, still awestruck by the sight below me.

Is this what it feels like? To fly free across the land. I was starting to envy the birds that got to do this whenever they wished.

We had been only an hour or so in the sky, the entire time I had spent looking out the glass window. The others had engaged in minor conversation as I continued to look to as much of the land as I could. The sky was clear today and I was able to take in all of Remnant's beauty.

I'd never thought I would get the chance to be so high up in the sky. Every now and then we would go through some clouds, a haze of white blocking the view only to dissipate moments later. They looked so much like a thick fog from up close, much softer than what they seemed from the ground.

"You four comfortable back there?" I heard the 'pilot' as he was known call back.

A wave of confirmation could be heard from us as we each assured the pilot of our current state.

"Good to hear, we still have several hour to go so get some rest when you can." The pilot finished as we began talking between ourselves.

"So... high leader mentioned you have some special super secret abilities. Wanna tell us what they are?" Gold asked as he leaned in closer.

"Do you want me to throw you out the window?" Magenta let out in irritation.

"Come on, it's a legitimate question. We're all teammates here, we're gonna need to know what each other can do." he defended as Magenta continued to hold her look.

"It's true, we'll need to know each others limits and abilities if we wish to use them to their most effective." Lapis spoke as Gold did a fist pump.

"See, he agrees with me." He told as Magenta still held her look.

"We don't even know if we're even going to be on the same team. For all we know Adam might split us apart. Besides, his abilities might be secret for a reason, ever think of that?" She answered as the other two looked to think about it.

"Is it true? Are your abilities secret for some big crazy reason?" Gold asked again as Magenta just let out a sigh.

"Well, kind of... it's hard to explain. When we arrive in Vale I'm sure Adam will want a demonstration. High leader assured me that word was sent to him about my abilities. The best way I can describe it is that it'll make fighting easier somewhat. You'll see when we get to Vale, I'm sure Adam will have some sort of assignment for us." I gave, receiving a nod of acceptance from them.

They returned to their banter as I took to the view once more.

Sienna had said I was to gain trust from Adam, but I wondered just what I would have to do to get it. If Adam was as dangerous as Sienna had made him out to be then this wouldn't be easy.

This is a terrorist group, this was never going to be easy. I berated myself for such an idiotic notion.

It was rather strange now that I had a moment to think about it. What sort of knight aids criminals in their attacks? Then again what sort of knight can fly in a poorly named metal bird? I needed to do this, I may not like what I will end up having to do but Adam needs to be stopped. I could deal with the rest of the group later, perhaps I could have a chat with Sienna when this was all over.

Sienna seemed tired every time she talked of the Fang, maybe I could help her ease the organization in a better direction. The queen always said that words were the most powerful tools one has.

However I found myself slightly worried, although I refused to show it. What exactly would Adam have me do? Nothing good that's for sure, but what of the specifics? What sort of crimes does he have in mind, and what sort of operations does he have planned?

Sienna had told me that he was doing things behind her back, and from my own experience that was never a good sign.

When I was around midway through my training I had once come across a small group of servants, moving some containers about. I had recognized them as the cleaning staff for the main dining hall.

Yet I had been confused as to what they were doing in the storage room. I had been there at the time to collect my practice sword when I had seen them. As a child I had been taught not to get in anyone's way while they were working. So, like I'd been told I decided to leave before they saw me as not to disturb them.

I was still confused at the time because they had no reason to be there, the staff storage room was on the other side of the estate and the dining room where all the kitchen supplies were had been only a couple rooms away from it.

Ultimately I had decided to go to father, I told him that I couldn't get my sword because the servants were working in there. I remember he got this sort of hard look as he ran off, calling something out as I saw several of the house guards run to follow him.

I later learned that they had been stealing equipment from us in an attempt to lower our defenses. It was discovered that they had ties to a group of raiders from the forest and had been planning an attack. They had been sent to work in our household a year before in an attempt to gain our trust before the attack.

I had learned on that day to keep a close eye on those around me. If Adam was being so secretive with these 'out of book' dealings then it had to be something big, something that Sienna would never approve of. I didn't like the sound of that, whatever it was would only cause trouble, not only for Sienna but for everybody else as well.

Yet despite all this I found myself with a new sort of question.

Adam, just who are you really?

.

.

"And you're sure of that?"

"Yes sir." The freedom fighter before him gave as he held his salute.

Interesting, just what are you playing at Sienna? Adam thought to himself.

"You've done well to bring this to me successfully, you are free to go." He told as the rebel before him gave a salute and left.

Adam made his way from the tent he was located in.

Taking in the morning air he glanced around as he could see the others going about their daily routine. A couple of the rebels were tending to the remains of the fire last night as others checked over their supplies.

Adam could see that some of them had taken to guarding the outer edge of the camp, keeping guard incase any Grimm were to show up. Although they did look kind of bored, despite what they may think this is a good sign. It was a chance to relax from the constant fighting they were used to.

He would say that things were gong rather smoothly, despite some minor setbacks here and there. As of the moment they were stationed just outside of Vale, normally they would be inside but as of the moment they had some things to attend to.

He had gotten word from one of the others yesterday, Sienna was sending some new recruits to help out with their current operations. At least that's the reason she gave, Adam was no fool. They had plenty of rebels here already, there was no reason to send more. She wanted something, that much was clear and he was fully prepared to deal with whatever she had in mind.

However there was one part that caught his attention. Rumor travels fast within their little group of freedom fighters, to ease their worries and entertain themselves as they carried out their rebellion against the kingdoms. Even now he could hear some of the others talking with each other over the newest slice of gossip.

"-to be like... pretty scary looking, threatening you know." He could hear one of them say as he approached.

"That is the word, isn't it." Adam spoke as the rebel jumped, surprised as he looked between the two of them.

"Sir!" He responded as Adam waved him down.

"At ease, I've just come to check on our supplies. How are things looking?" He asked as the two calmed.

"Everything is in place, we'll be ready for the coming mission." he gave as Adam nodded.

"Good, we'll hold off until the new recruits arrive. This could be good experience for them." Adam said as they gave acknowledgement and returned to work.

Of course they had been talking of one recruit in particular. He had received word from Sienna's message that this one had some special abilities that made him stand out from the rest. As well as some rather... distinctive Faunus traits from what he heard.

Adam however was almost certain that there was something more, he was sure at this point that Sienna was trying to spy on him. The way that these new 'recruits' are sent just as they are starting their own mission had seemed all to convenient to him. Still, he could use this to his advantage.

Depending on how skilled the lot were he was sure he could put them to use somewhere out of his way as he carried on with is original plans.

However, he did find himself somewhat curious as to just what this special recruit was capable of. From what's been spread around Sienna had chosen to send him right out of the blue, a completely fresh face. No training whatsoever and recruited directly by Sienna herself. What had that one done that had given him such value to her?

Adam brushed his thoughts aside, he had no time to waste with simple guessing. He would have his answer soon enough, it was pointless to dwell on those thoughts any longer.

"Sir, everything is set for the arrival of the new recruits." Adam turned to see one of his most loyal men.

"Excellent, we'll have them rest for the remainder of the day. Our operation begins tomorrow." Adam answered as Saw made his way to spread the news.

Saw was one of Adam's oldest and closest allies. Both of them having been given numbers right next to each other long ago. Unlike Adam, Saw had never had a name, having been thrust into their difficult life just as Adam had been taken.

Adam himself was given the number of six, Saw receiving seven just after. Still, despite this they had become friends, even through tough times. Eventually after they made their escape Adam had decided to come up with a name for his friend.

They went with Saw as it was the weapon he had used for their getaway, having stolen it from a sleeping guard who was supposed to be watching them. They were still only children at the time and Adam had been amazed that Saw was able to even lift the massive hunk of metal.

Eventually they found themselves in the White Fang, believing they finally had a chance to take hold of the freedom they so desperately desired. Saw would even go on to earn the rank of lieutenant.

Adam found himself letting go of his memories, it would all come to a head soon. He walked back into his tent, looking around he was able to see his weapons Wilt and Blush propped against his desk.

Walking over he took it from it's resting position, unsheathing the blade and gazing along it's fine crimson steel. It had also been one of his closest allies, always there when he stood his ground. To defend not only himself, but his allies as well, to keep them all protected as he cut down their attackers.

He gave a quick check to Blush, making sure that it was loaded and ready. He sheathed his weapon as he made his way out, some target practice would help keep his senses sharp. Whatever Sienna was planning, he would deal with it.

They'd come too far for it all to fall apart now, and he wasn't going to let anyone get in his way.

Author's note

...

Here we are once again. A much calmer chapter this time, mostly set up for the time being, but that'll change soon.

Not much I can say about this one other than I hope you enjoy.