Inside their room The door opened with a Click, and in walked Alan and Amin.

The two Shock Troopers had just finished Training. It had been a month since their arrival on Remnant. The duo Had Been Nonstop training and working since they'd arrived. training with Qrow and occasionally with Ruby.

Amin's arm still had some problems. Trouble keeping a grip and was slightly weaker than before.

Alan walked around to the table pulled out both chairs and sat himself down.

Grabbing the newly made magazines for his rifle. The Magazines themselves were a Dark grey metal, flat-sided and held 30 rounds. Alan with the help of his new friends he'd been able to make them.

After making his own magazines he stored the older ones, Having magazines built over a hundred years ago, apparently had some reliability issues it seems.

Alan and Amin began loading the magazines, they were going hunting.

Mainly for a Deer to bring to the butcher, but also to clear a pack of Beowolves from a spot near where they would be hunting anyway.

"You couldn't have made more of these?" Amin Asked the Corporal. while counting the custom magazines. Six in total.

Their kits usually consisted of around 8 to 12 magazines per man, so understandably. Amin was annoyed at the fact they were limited to 3 new and 2 to 3 old magazines that were still good to use.

"It took me a hot second to make one of the fucking things man." He shot back grabbing a Magazine.

Other than that, Alan made custom parts for their AKs. new hand guards, New rear grips, new adjustable stock and he was planning on adding something to the front of his rifle; A Dust projector. It had two barrels, which fit perfectly between his front iron sight. One Barrel spat out elemental dust, be it a literal rock, A spike of ice, A band of pure electricity or just spewing flames. using the second barrel it used HardLight dust.

Watching videos on Hardlight dust with this specific device, he liked it instantly. He could deploy it into a bayonet. where it would last about an hour while on, or use the whole cartridge to send a bolt of light. The bolt of light would act equivalently to someone throwing a big rock at someone.

He has one right now. sitting on the side table next to his bed. It wasn't cheap at all, and so was the Ammo.

He had a vague idea forming in his head. It included copying the trigger design of the Grenade launcher mounted on Dom's rifle. It would increase his close-range firepower, and give him a foregrip.

In Fact, he had to eventually replace the barrel and Gas system of his rifle with the alloy used for literally everything here. he had the opportunity to mount it.

There was also a recent dust Shortage. Alan found out. So he began to Buy and store dust cartridges for that projector. Other than the shortages, A stream of violent crimes.

Criminals seemed emboldened by some robberies. Traffickers, Murderers and other sick bastards were popping up.

Alan Set his last mag down and looked to Amin. He also finished packing his mags at the same time.

They began loading spare stripper clips so they could repack magazines in the field.

Amin also had been helping keep a decent income. Alan worked at the docks usually and Amin when he regained the ability to move his arm, Worked at a bakery.

Yawning Alan gave a quick stretch, he'd gotten only four hours of sleep last night, and even less the night before.

Alan finished loading his sixth clip and the Troopers looked at each other and then nodded.

They stood. Packed the ammo into any pouch they had and walked out of the room. The Troopers began their walk to one of the town's gates.

Alan was Greeted by the guard and he held out his scroll. The Guard held his scroll up to Alans and he was registered in some system that kept track of anyone who left the gates.

A few times The two would help patrol and keep the Grimm population in control. they usually went out alone, Killed one or two Grimm and came home.

Exiting out to the town and into the forest they Immediately notice someone following them, when they realize who it is. They don't really care.


They sat low in the trees watching their first Objective. The Pack of Beowolves.

It was around Five of them. Their plan was for Amin to hold near the edge of the clearing. For Alan, He would maneuver to the right and distract them, making them run into the open.

It was a Simple plan. Their concentrated fire would annihilate them.

The private quietly pointed towards the blur of red and black.

Alan nodded his response.

He sighed and looked behind him, "Ruby if you wanted to come with us you could have asked."

He heard an 'eep' and the Shadow in question slowly and sheepishly walked out.

"Sorry, I thought you would've said no again." She said eventually.

"Probably, but you made the effort to follow us anyway." Alan Admitted waved his hand and looked back towards the pack.

He saw Ruby sit next to the Troopers. and pull out her weapon.

"Alright, There's a divot in the ground over there, I'll Sit there and you two will take out any Grimm that approach" They sent their own agreements and Alan made his way to the spot.

Alan found it was a small stream with some tall grass. it would do to conceal him for now.

As he stalked through the tall grass keeping himself low. peeking out every so often

Making it to a spot he deemed worthy. Alan pulled down the microphone on his helmet and spoke "Scimitar this is Bow Bender do you read?"

"Bow bender this is Scimitar We Read." he heard a response immediately.

"Gonna start this any minute now, Prepare for contact."

"Rog prepared for contact, I have no visual on you Bow Bender"

Alan popped his head out and looked over at the Grimm. Realizing there was a sixth Beowolf, this one stood slightly taller and had more bony plates on its side.

"Copy, Be advised Counting A Sixth contact,"

He stood and walked up over the divot and stood there. It took a total of four seconds for the Grimm to see him.

The new one that seemed in charge looked straight at him. Alan was standing around 60 meters from the monster.

It let out a Howl and the pack looked toward him and took off.

They were fast. The wolves made it into the clearing and Amin and Ruby began firing.

One fell forward and another's head basically exploded.

Alan Took aim at a smaller one and fired his first shot. The round hit the facemask and made its head jerk. Alan fired a second time. The round enters the creature's skull just below the ear. It collapsed, leaving the last three charging him.

Alan saw two rounds enter the side of the leader and they did nothing.

"fuck me," Alan Cursed as it was apparent they would reach him.

Another large calibre shot rang out and the leader Grabbed one of the smaller ones and used it to block the shot.

"God fucking damn it"

More rounds pelted it as the Monster approached.

Alan would say, he's pretty good at not being hit. Or at least hit in any vital areas. So when the beast got within striking distance, it came in on an overhead strike.

Alan sidestepped the heavy hit. Spun around and sent his boot into the side of its head.

The second wolf was going for a side swipe. attempting to claw his head from his shoulders.

Alan Ducked under, and slammed his right elbow into the second wolf, sending it back. Alan Aimed for the larger leader as it was turning around and fired a total of six shots into its side.

Stepping back as it stumbles for another swipe at his legs, Alan kicked its face. the force making it stumble further.

Alan blindly fired into its head the rounds ricocheting into its shoulders. Walking backwards while firing Alan ducked under another swipe from his right by a hair's width. the claws coming in a side slash.

The Beowolf that jumped over him to strike made the Corporal use its momentum by sending his shoulder into its body as it flew over. sending it flying farther than the wolf anticipated.

Alan barely dodged another swipe from the larger one and he sidestepped an upward slash from it and sent another kick to its face.

The Creature growled, seemingly annoyed. Alan not giving it a moment of respite, gave another quick kick and hit its lower jaw. It apparently didn't expect that and stared at him for a moment.

Alan Stepped back and the smaller wolf flew by. As it landed He pointed his rifle in a one-handed grip and fired three times into its exposed ribcage. Two entered without much resistance, while one shattered on the white bone.

"Ain't too smart are they huh?"

Its last companion fell, the Leader Beowolf growled and slowly walked backwards.

"Oh now you scared shitless" he taunted and he saw the Grimm's eyes narrow, glowing red eyes glancing at his rifle.

Alan quickly inspected his rifle and saw an empty casing sticking out of the action.

Alan heard a Caw from above and upon looking up he saw the same Crow that had been stalking him since he'd arrived.

Alan had Conceived the belief that this bird was a lightning rod for bad luck.

"Pretty convenient eh?" He looked back to the Beowolf. Alan concluded that the bird caused the inconvenience.

Alan set his rifle to the side and pulled a Knife from under his left sleeve, This one had a built-in knuckle duster and a double-edged serrated blade.

Raising his arms in a taunting manner "Skoden" he said 'let's go then' in a way that made the words sound like a single word.

It lunged at Alan and he dodged it. He Slashed at the back joint on its leg and stepped back.

it tried standing, fell and looked at its leg hanging uselessly

"Holy shit that works," Alan said and lowered himself, ready to counter another hit.

Using its last leg the Grimm Lept towards the Corporal. He jumped back but the Beowolf Using the momentum Slashed one after the other and actually managed to hit him.

The strike hit Corporal's left arm. Alan relies on his armour to block the hit. Another slash hit his chest and His Aura Flashed, blocking it.

Alan's response was quick. Sending a punch with the knife's Knuckles it cracked the side of its face mask and then using the position after the punch, slashed at its neck.

Cutting something important it began to spew some Black liquid.

As the Beowolf stumbled to try and stand Alan Walked to its side, Raising his foot, Alan felt his Aura trailing to the bottom of his boot, and he slammed it down onto the Grimm's leg.

Alan sighed after hearing the bone crack.

jumping backwards Alan watched it Howl and slowly try to crawl towards the Trooper.

With a moment to think. Alan pointed at it and started laughing.

Stepping farther back while still pointing and laughing.

Alan stopped and calmed himself. sheathing his knife and raising his rifle, he began pulling back on the jammed action. it dropped an empty casing and loaded a cartridge out of the chamber.

Letting go Alan aimed and Shot its arm, breaking the left arm's bone. Aiming at its last working arm He shot the joint. rendering it immobile Alan walked back over to it.

Alan checked his rifle's chamber and saw at least three shots left in his gun. Alan let go of the charging handle, hitting it once more so it would properly set.

He saw the Beowolf still trying to bite at his knees, so he stomped on its neck and Aimed his rifle at the back of its head.

With a Pull of the trigger. the final stubborn Grimm was slain.

Alan Looked out to the field, seeing four Grimm corpses rapidly decaying. Inspecting his work he saw the smaller one in a similar state.

Sighing he knelt down and felt around himself to see if anywhere was bleeding.

Finding himself in one piece Alan stood and looked off to see Amin arms crossed and watching him from the woods.

Ruby stood nearby watching him A sparkle in her eyes at his display of stabbing the fuck out of a demon Wolf.

"You just watched me that whole time?" He complained.

"Ay, you had it handled Corporal," Amin said and patted his rifle. "Besides, I didn't want to shoot you on accident,"

Alan gave a nod and looked back to the leader of that pack. Seeing its face mask is the only part not decaying.

"This thing was like... Twice my size" he was exaggerating the size of the creature, it was a little taller than the Normal Beowolves. The normal Patch beowolves standing less than a Head taller than Alan.

Alan Saw Ruby Rush up to him "That was Awesome you were like-" She went into a pose similar to when he taunted the Grimm. "Come at me-" then one mocking the moment when he slashed its neck "Then you were like, Blam Swish-"

This went on for a moment. so Alan Inspected the facemask of the Apparent Alpha.

Picking it up he felt it was light. 'this one was young.' he pondered. Grimm didn't live long on this island. so getting an Alpha was rare. he was taught this by Auburn when they were working at the docks.

Alan also learned that Beowolves were much larger and more dangerous on the mainland. Same story with Ursai.

Looking to Amin, He passed him the mask and as Ruby continued Giving a visual replay of Alan taking out the Grimm, Alan began to pick up the discarded casing.

After a minute he looked to Amin, and pointed north towards the coast. The Private nodded and they began walking.

"then you Stomped on his head and-" she stopped and looked around. spotting the Troopers walking away "Hey wait for me!"

Catching up with them they fell into silence. they needed to travel about five kilometres near the coast to find some deer.


Much later. they were still roaming the coast when they heard a gunshot.

"Small arms, Pistol. Minus one click!" Alan Said Curtly and they quickly ran to some trees.

"Do we have any patrols nearby?" Amin asked and Ruby pulled out her scroll. Observing it for a moment.

"We have one contact, but it's not anywhere near over there," She replied Alan nodded and began to plan.

"Alright, we have to Recon and Report to the guards" She nodded and began to send a message to the Police and any nearby Huntsman. Potential for an accident out here. They were told to report any activity and intervene if necessary.

"let's move." Alan began walking through the forest. closely followed by Amin and Ruby.

As they walked they heard another shot. this time it was a rifle.

Walking down into a Cove between the tall cliffs. They saw a boat and around eight people.

"Contact, eight Unkowns, more in the boat a possibility" Amin nodded and Alan pointed toward a rock.

Ruby stood behind them worried.

Alan observed, being able to see farther was a pretty good ability.

There were three standing and three more digging a hole.

Two were on the ground, Face down Tied up, and unmoving.

He realized they may be some of the criminals he'd heard about. Clearly digging a mass grave.

Alan took note of their attire. Some wore hoodies and Face coverings. While the apparent leaders stood nearby. A man wearing a black suit and red tie, Red tinted glasses on his face.

Then a woman wearing what Alan clearly observed to be a White Fang uniform with the hood down. Scales on the side of her head. Hair tied into two pigtails.

"Five unknown, one White Fang" he looked back to Ruby for a moment, then looked back to Amin. "Two confirmed KIA." Alan took out his scroll and saw he was in a sort of Group conversation with some police and some huntsman who were on call, They were waiting for either Ruby or the Shock troopers to call.

Alan pressed a call button. seeing four faces pop up, one of which was Qrow.

"We got Confirmed White Fang presence, around six hostiles. requesting medical. Two confirmed casualties" He pressed another button, and it turned the view for the huntsman to see the cove.

"understood, we have your location and are moving" he heard a response. After a moment he heard the call end and he looked to see they disconnected.

"Really?" He questioned and he saw Ruby point down towards the cove again

"T-there's another one" she stuttered.

Alan looked and indeed he saw another. One criminal was dragging a small girl out of the boat. set her on her knees next to the other two.

"shit they're gonna kill her" Amin added and he heard Ruby grab her weapon.

"Not on my Watch!" She yelled and there was a burst of petals and she flew off.

"Ruby Get back here!" Alan exclaimed. his order went ignored and he turned to the Private "Shit Amin we gotta get down there!"

"Sir!" he yelled Looking down, seeing the rocks he got an Idea. "We can use the Rocks to hop down faster!"

Alan nodded, "I see what you're seeing, Let's move!"

Alan Jumped. Falling a good 12 meters, landing on his feet he jumped further down. Rock after rock they lowered into the cove.

Despite the risky situation, they found themselves in. Alan felt nostalgic for jumping down like this. his thoughts roaming to jumping half-collapsed building to another. or walking through mountainous terrain. Of course, if he jumped down these heights long ago, he wouldn't be able to walk.

Hitting a steep incline made of crushed rock and sand Alan Began to slide down.

Reaching Stable Ground Alan knelt and looked to Amin Roll down the mountain and slam face-first into the ground.

Standing back up immediately "Im Green, we gotta go"

Alan nodded and started running towards the Terrorists. fastening their pace as Gunfire erupted.


'I can't let them do any more bad' Ruby thought to herself as she stopped just before reaching the Criminals.

She looked off to the other two, already too far gone.

'I can't do anything for them' She bitterly thought and readied herself to deploy her scythe.

"Stop!" she yelled and saw the six criminals Look towards her.

"It's just a Girl, You four handle her." She saw the four men walk over to her. readying various weapons.

She was slightly shaking. Observing the dead did not help her nerves. She realized this was serious, A life was on the line and the only ones who could help her she had abandoned on the cliff.

'I should have thought this through' She shook her head. and changed Crescent Rose into its scythe form,

That got a reaction out of the White Fang woman. She looked at Ruby and simply Vanished out of thin air.

"What?" Ruby said and ignored that for now. the little distraction made the Henchmen charge her.

She slammed Crescent Rose into the sand behind her and fired. Getting sent forward, twisting The massive scythe around She cut the man's Rifle in two. spinning once more she hit him with the blunt end of the scythe sending him into a tree.

Turning to another Crook, She used her semblance to dodge a slash from a sword. jumping back she stabbed Crescent Rose into the ground and used the momentum to spin and Kick the man towards the water.

Cycling the action, Ruby swung Crescent Rose into one of the Criminals with a pistol. Cutting his weapon in Half. The fourth Criminal Fired his Rifle at Ruby and she used her semblance once more to dodge.

She kept moving around dodging his fire. Suddenly the hail of rounds stopped and she watched as a volley of bullets hit him in the back shattering his Aura.

Stopping She looked back And saw Alan and Amin standing on top of a small slope, firing down on the Criminals.

"Ha! Take that!" She taunted and was about to deal with the last one. But she was suddenly punched from somewhere. Losing her grip on Cresent Rose she was kicked away and fell on her back.

As she was recovering, Ruby felt someone grab onto her and hold her up.

Alan watched as something nearly invisible kicked Ruby away from her weapon and grabbed her.

The assailant uncloaked herself and revealed some kind of Faunus. Holding a gun blade to Ruby's head, The blade itself dangerously close to the young girl's neck.

"Don't move a muscle, I will end this Welp!" She hissed out.

As this occurred. The man in the black suit held a pistol to the other hostage's head.

"fuck" Amin added under his breath as the situation got worse.

The two Parties stared at each other.

"Well, you gonna say Anything?"

At this, Ruby kicked the woman's shin and she almost let go.

The man near the boat at the same time when he heard the commotion Fired his gun and Ended the poor girl's life.

The white fang regained her composure and held on even tighter.

Realization of what happened behind her hit Ruby.

Alan saw the look of pure Horror on Ruby's Face. He felt something inside him Boil. He focused and took aim.

The Woman Turned back "Idiot What Are you-" She didn't finish her sentence as two rounds hit the side of her head, one after another.

she stumbled back and was about to pull the trigger of her own gun. The Corporal didn't let this happen and shot the pistol out of her hand. Ruby's Aura flashed to protect her from the fragments.

Jumping down and rolling, The Corporal took Aim, Firing another round at the stumbling woman's barely exposed neck. The Round bounced off but she still let go of Ruby.

Seeing the biggest hazard is mostly clear. The Corporal held down the Trigger on the Scaled White Fang, and her Aura shattered. The stream of rounds Shredded her upper torso.

The Private took aim for the suited man and Shot him once. 7.62 Projectile Shattered the Man's Skull.

The Corporal Aimed at the last Crook and watched him throw his gun to the sand and raise his hands in surrender.

Alan almost Depressed the trigger anyway but stopped. he walked forward put the man on his knees and slammed the buttstock into the back of his head. Knocking him out.

Seeing Amin do the same to the Criminal who recovered from the water. Alan looked at Ruby, Seeing her staring at the unfortunate victims.

Alan uses his chin to point towards the last criminal. Amin nodded his agreement and walked towards the Crook in question. Seeing the man unconscious Amin grabbed a rope on the Boat and began detaining the surviving Criminals.

He walked toward Ruby. Crouching down close to her level on the ground he shielded her from the view. "are you alright?" He asked.

Her face had a splattering of blood and the dress she wore was drenched in blood. 'damn'

Alan stayed silent as she looked up to him tears welling up in her eyes.

"let's go away from here" he suggested, she stood up and didn't resist as he brought her away from the violent scene.

As they walked Alan heard something and turning around he spotted Qrow sliding down the cliff.

Qrow reached them and looked around 'I split my attention away for five minutes.' Qrow thought to himself as he watched Alan taking A blood-soaked Ruby away from what he assumed to be what remains of the White Fang member.

"Gods damn it Pipsqueak"

Qrow walked up to Amin. He was tying the surviving Criminals up and Putting them near a downed tree.

"What happened here?" Qrow questioned.

"had no choice but to engage, three civies dead they were executed."

Qrow stood next to the three unfortunate people, A man, a woman, and a teenager. "They might be a family" Qrow added as he noticed the pattern and similar coloured hair.

"I assumed so, We saw this shit all the time back home" Siah mentioned as he grabbed a convenient pile of folded tarps inside the boat and laid it onto the three presumed to be family. "Doesn't mean you get used to it,"

"So, the White Fang chick" Qrow pointed to the mutilated body

"Alan's doing... Bitch was holding Ruby hostage and the Corporal saw an Opening and took it," Amin grabbed another tarp and began dragging the suited criminal near the White Fang and covered them with it.

"Well, he clearly did a number on her."

"no shit," He finished his brief cleaning, Walking to the criminals He leaned himself against a tree. Occasionally pointing his rifle at A criminal who moved slightly.

Qrow let out a sigh.

Alan motioned for Ruby to sit against A tree facing the ocean. She complied, lowering herself and holding her knees close to her chest.

Alan kneeled next to her and began to inspect his rifle. using an exposed part of his wrist he checked the temperature of the barrel. Alan raised an eyebrow upon hearing a sizzle, and his Aura flash. Pulling it away when it started to hurt.

He stopped upon hearing A sniffle next to him. He looked down and saw Ruby starting to cry.

"it's all my fault" She buried her face into her knees and Alan held his hand to her shoulder. "If I lis- listened to you maybe we could have done something different."

'shit, how do I deal with this' The shock trooper thought for a moment. He didn't know how to deal with civilians getting trauma like this. He came up with something that might help her. It worked on the newer troopers under him. At least, he thought it did.

"Ruby, Look at me." She looked at him, her face still had blood. Alan reached for a cleaner part of his Cloak. and started cleaning it off her face. "Stop dwelling on what has passed, think about how you can improve upon your mistakes." He finished wiping down her face. "Don't think about what you could have done, move on and do what you can with the situation" She nodded and seemed to calm herself and look out toward the ocean.

"Alan, have you ever made a mistake as big as this?" Alan let out a deep exhale. making Ruby Flinch "I'm sorry-"

"No, I'm sorry," Alan sighed letting his rifle lean against his leg. he leaned on the tree and sat down himself. "It's alright, but to answer your question..."

He thought for a moment. He's done so much in the past four almost five years. he remembers taking his first life at thirteen. Losing almost his entire family at fourteen, Joined the Army at fifteen, Losing his first team half a year later.

Being transferred to the 13th battalion at sixteen, promoted to Corporal halfway into his seventeens, 'Dying' in his early eighteens.

He thought about his first kill. The day he hesitated, and lost someone.

"yeah, I've committed countless mistakes, A little less than five years ago when I was just thirteen" He looked off toward the ocean, "My tribe had gotten word about some guys doing something nearby. it was me, my Dad and my eldest brother, They took me on a patrol in an area thought to be safe." He saw Ruby look off to the ocean too.

"We were ambushed and separated. they jumped from the dark and a fight broke out, My father dispatched three before one knocked him down."

Alan stood, Aiming his rifle at the Man standing over his father. holding a pistol to his head.

Alan was about to pull the trigger to prevent any more damage from happening, but he saw the man look up towards him. And Alan froze. The look in the man's eyes widened. for what reason Alan didn't know.

Seeing the boy hesitate the man Pulled the trigger. Alan saw his father's brains splatter on the snow. At this, Alan felt a flash of anger.

Alan took Aim once more and fired. the .303 round blasting the left part of his face off into a tree.

After he collapsed Alan stared at the two corpses. He saw the weaponry and uniforms. .308 Battle rifles, cloth-covered steel helmets and basic Flak vests.

Alan walked up to his father's corpse and fell to his knees.

Alan flinched as he heard something fall from the cliff to his right and saw a man try and stand. Alan watched his brother jump from somewhere and stab an axe into the back of his helmet.

Alan and his brother stared into each other's eyes. Then he looked at their father's corpse.

"no," he denied, and jogged up to Alan, "shit, no... Fuck!" he exclaimed as he got near.

"n-Nolan I" he was silenced as his Brother took him and pulled him into a hug.

"Shut up, we have to move." He pulled him along, and Alan started to hear more gunfire Erupt nearby. "The Union isn't the only one in the area."

He was taken by the hand and dragged off, toward what he recognized as home.

Alan heard his brother talking under his breath "Now's not the time to cry, keep moving. mourn later" Alan felt he was talking to himself more than him.

They heard the gunfire stop and the forest lit up. Looking back he saw a bright red flare. He saw it illuminate figures. Seeing Visored helmets turn towards them.

His brothers rounded a rock just before they got spotted.

"and we evaded them through the forest." He finished the story. "What I am saying is we all make mistakes, I cope with just moving on and doing the best I can to improve," He said, Hoping that would at least help somewhat. 'Man I'm retarded'

"you said the same thing three times" she eventually commented.

Alan sighed "I aint too good at this,"

"It's alright, I get what you mean..." she looked to the ground "I want to make sure this doesn't happen again." She Stated. At least she seemed better after that. Alan didn't even know if that advice helped him. "Alan... Can you teach me how to use a knife?" She asked.

Alan looked at her. He saw how she fought with the scythe on a few occasions. Something else she told him and what he saw today. She didn't train too much without it.

Thinking for a moment, He thought about how Aura would protect you from a surprise attack from a bullet. but a knife pressed up against your skin. you stab someone like that, it pierces.

Alan reached for his right sleeve, pulled it back and brought out one of his knives along with its sheath. The sheath was strapped to his forearm using the cat-eyes band that was once used on his old helmet.

Alan inspected the knife. It was his Old rifle Bayonet. Creatively called a C1. He'd long since modified it to be sharper, and had serrations along the back, and The tip of the blade would do for stabbing.

He handed her the knife and modified sheath.

"so is that a yes?"

Alan blinked, "Yeah I thought I said something" he admitted.

She slid the knife into her belt and she looked at her dress.

"I want to go home," she said after a moment of silence

"Fair enough," Alan stood and Ruby followed. Walking back to the Scene Alan saw some Police and huntsman standing around. one of which was questioning Amin.

Alan took a moment and watched everything. Ruby walked up to her weapon and put it into storage mode. Staring at it for a moment.

"Hey Alan, what happened?" Alan jolted from the drunkard that appeared from behind him.

"Damn don't sneak up on me" Alan responded and took a calming breath.


Alan sat in the back of some ATV, Ruby sitting next to him with a towel wrapped around her. Qrow had asked him to accompany her back home.

The Police told him he should keep quiet about the incident. when he asked why, Qrow said the Grimm may attack because of the widespread panic this would cause.

After hearing this Alan agreed. The Police also questioned him, and Alan answered truthfully.

His thoughts were interrupted as the vehicle slowed. Looking up he saw Xiao Long's Cabin. they drove up near the back for some reason. Alan saw the man and fiery daughter standing outside.

Alan lightly patted Ruby on the shoulder and she looked up. she gave an 'oh' and a smile when she saw her family.

Alan stood and hopped out, closely followed by Ruby. they walked up to the two and he was about to Greet Tai But; Yang Strode straight to him and, Alan was already winded by the day. Barely reacted as a fist Sailed into his Face.

"Yang!"

"Yang!"

Alan reared back and held his nose.

"FUCK!" Alan took a knee as his vision spun. he felt a pair of hands on his back and he waved them off. "I'm fine," he said after a second...

"Never mind," Alan said as he wiped blood from his nose. and walked to the steps to take a seat.

unclipping his helmet he set it on the floor and took his mask off. opening his eyes he saw Yang giving him a Red hate-filled glare.

"What have you done to Ruby!"

"I didn't do shit!"

"Yang he didn't do anything!"

"You two inside, Now!" he heard Taiyang, the voice of reason.

they left and it was just Tai and Alan outside.

Tai took a seat next to him and handed him a rag. Alan took the rag with a quick thanks. held it to his nose and leaned his head back.

"so..." Alan looked to Tai, his eyes holding a questioning look. "Mind telling me why my daughter is covered in blood?" The concerned father asked

"well, for the blood... She was taken hostage and I Dispatched The hostage taker." He answered

"What? Is she alright?" He looked back towards the door.

"She is fine physically, But I worry for her mental health." Alan looked to the sky, seeing the Raven. That one kept to itself but showed up rarely compared to the smaller one. He sighed, Suddenly coughing as blood entered his throat.

"Damn it."

"Sorry about Yang,"

"it's alright... But damn she hits hard,"

"heh, that's my girl," Tai looked off into the distance, "So can you explain what happened to cause that situation?"

"uhh, yeah." He started to explain what happened at the cove. How they saw some criminals. Explaining how they were getting rid of what were probably witnesses to some crime. he talked about how Ruby ran straight in without a plan after spotting another victim, Endangering herself and said victim even further.

Alan pulled the rag away. Testing to see if his nose was still bleeding. Satisfied with the results he set it down onto his helmet.

"A White Fang member was there with some invisibility semblance and disarmed Ruby, taking her hostage," Alan told all this in a way like it was a report for his platoon leader. A little cold, no emotion.

"We took out the Terrorist but we couldn't save the other hostage"

"Damn, I didn't know it would get that bad."

"I tried but I'm not a therapist so you should check up on Ruby," Tai gave a short agreement and stood up.

"I'm gonna have a talk with her after I get some cookies for her." He nodded, stood up and went inside.

Alan had a moment to himself... A moment.

The door opened and Alan looked back to see Yang walking towards him, She leaned on one of the porch supports.

"Please don't hit me again" he monotoned out.

"I'm sorry, I overreacted," she admitted and Alan shrugged. "It's just... seeing Ruby like that," She looked at her hands. "All I saw was red"

"I Understand, But maybe give me a moment to explain what happened" he added bitterly.

"You ass, I apologized,"

"And I do not like being punched for no good reason"

She tried to lightly kick him but he hit it away and slid farther from her. Defensively holding his hands up.

"Gods damn it," she crossed her arms, "Listen, I'm Grateful for you saving Ruby, But If anything like this happens again..."

"Christ, I get it!" to emphasize her threat she kicked his helmet down the stairs and walked back inside. Alan sighed. "Bitch" he cursed after the door closed.

Alan retrieved his helmet and slid it on. foregoing the mask as it was soaked.

Alan stood, walked to the window and looked inside. He saw the three sitting at the dining table. Yang acts completely different compared to how she treated him. Alan realized A while ago she was just trying to be a good sister.

If you only knew Alan from just the news. You'd see a 'merciless Sociopathic murderer' who Kills for money. Funnily enough, some called him a Racist.

Then there's the way he'd zone out sometimes that didn't help. Dom mentioned how his stare always scared off the ladies whenever they took their mandatory monthly Leave.

He thought back to Dom. Other than his former team leader: Corporal Woodrow. Dom kept him in line, The French Canadian was his Best friend.

'shit' Speaking of Alan spacing out, he had been staring into the house for a good minute now.

Alan saw they were looking at him. he saw their stares, one stare held sympathy. While one of a Lilac hue held a tinge of guilt, which he found odd.

Ruby's silver eyes, he caught a glimpse of himself.

Alan looked at the surrounding area, then up to the bird. awkwardly shifted his feet. He decided to head home. Yeah, that was a good idea.

So he put his Cloaks hood up over his head and turned. He began his walk back to the Inn.


Tai prepared the cookies he had ready-baked.

Setting the plate on the table just in time for Yang to re-enter the house and Ruby to walk downstairs from washing up.

"Alright Everyone, Gather around, I made Cookies!" Tai looked on as he watched his daughters and the family dog gather around the dining table.

Tai saw Ruby smile as she picked up the small dog and sat at the table.

'What a day' he thought and sat himself down finally.

"Hey Rubes, you wanna play some games to take your mind off things?"

"Yeah sure," her smile faltered ever so slightly.

They began talking about some things that happened around Patch. someone stole some cabbages from the market. A boat that had been missing for a few days returned unharmed.

Their conversation stopped as they noticed Ruby silently staring outside.

Tai leaned over and saw the large frame of Alan staring into the house. Tai saw the Boy's features for once. Long hair, and darkish skin, his eyes were dark and sunken. With a nasty scar on the left side of his face. but, what got him was his stare.

He recognized that stare. he'd seen it before on a soldier who came back alone one day.

Tai had the sudden realization Alan told him he was a soldier. A soldier since he was just around twelve or so.

Alan seemed to regain himself, and awkwardly look around. he reached up to a hood on his strangely patterned Cloak. covered his head abruptly turned and walked away.

Yang gave a sigh and she took a bite of a cookie.

"What happens to a man to have a look like that" she eventually said.

Tai remembered what Qrow told him about the young man.

"I was told He recently lost someone close to him, around just before arriving on patch,"

"Dad, Alan is Eighteen years old" Ruby suddenly piped up.

"he is?" Tai responded

"He told me a story of when he was around thirteen, He mentioned it was five years ago," She looked down to Zwei. "He tried to console me after what happened earlier, he talked about when he lost his father to some bad guys"

Tai pulled up his scroll and brought out Alan's recently made security Profile. It was basically bare of most information. he saw 'Cpl. Lynx' and under that held 'age: mid-20s?' his photo was just of him walking down a street.

Tai put his scroll down and looked at Ruby. He had to talk about that incident now.


Ozpin stared at the Report sent in by Qrow. He'd already read it, but he was waiting for the others within his group to read it.

"What a terrible situation," he heard Goodwitch say after a moment. Ozpin saw the report and saw Qrow was being vague about the fourth hostage. Ozpin knew why and understood. he'd let them continue to be unknown.

"People, I have an Idea, we should bring at least one of these two into our fold" He saw four heads turn towards him.

"Ozpin, are you sure about this?"

"We need more Agents in the field, I will inform them of the basic information maybe sometime after the next semester starts." At this, two agreed and two were indifferent.

'good, it probably won't be that bad.' Ozpin thought about how the Two soldiers handled situations, they'd need further training in being discreet. Ozpin pulled up his scroll and dialled a number. Seeing the face of the Current leader of Atlas's military appear.

"Ozpin, Its good to see you, my friend." He greeted

"James, I need a favour," The General nodded. Ozpin prepared to propose his plan to Ironwood.


AN

This chapter brought to you by, Procrastination and the fact I wrote this within two days of the chapters release.