They were Within the City limits. The Troopers led the charge and the Guardsmen maintained control of recently liberated streets. Outside the City, The freshly trained Infantry of the 51st and 52nd Brigades fought the Bandits head-to-head. Suring up supply lines. Another Four Brigades were held in reserve to replenish any troops and hold the rear.

Despite this success, Alan was separated, But he did know where his squad was at the very least. That was the only upside.

Alan Coughed. The dust from the collapsed service tunnel filled his lungs.

The Trooper got to his knees and inspected his surroundings, There were four bodies on the floor, He noted how only one was still Alive. Moving closer he saw a Radio on A fallen Trooper. Taking the Radio he clicked the 'on' button and heard the sounds of the fallen Troopers Squad leader giving orders.

*beep* "Grizzly One-One Alpha isn't Responding, Bravo find his guys and take point-" Static took over as another explosion shook the City.

He ignored that for now and moved to grab his Dog tags. recognizing him as First Squad's Alpha Team leader. Ripping the chain and Moving it up to his face he read them.

Master Corporal, Damien Wilson. 23, 37333. A Cross held on a Tag to display his faith.

His next action was to grab the Guardsmen's tags. They were similar.

He inspected the names of the fallen, Jackson and Kiko, Guardsmen Privates he never met. The Trooper Damien he had shared a ration with once. Placing the tags in an empty magazine pouch he looked at the only other survivor in the collapse. Realizing he wasn't of his own.

Alan's Rifle rose and he took aim. The gun felt different in his hands and he glanced at his Rifle.

"Goddamnit" he cursed. His rifle was bent at the receiver, The Crucial component broken beyond any field repairs he would be able to muster.

Reluctantly accepting nothing could be done, for now, He lowered his Rifle. Alan noticed one of the Guardsman had a different gun. Instead of a wooden or polymer handguard, it had an exposed barrel and A built-in bipod. Another thing he took notice of was the safety selector. Instead of just the 'S' and '1' on the selector, there was also an 'A'

Alan let his rifle hang on its sling and he took the dropped Light machine gun. Inspecting the LMG he saw only the gas tube was missing. He had a vague idea forming in his head.

Placing it at the back of his mind for now the Trooper turned to the Man on the floor and took out his handgun. The Man's face was beaten to a pulp and he was struggling to breathe. Blood soaked Uniform marking him as a Lieutenant.

"Now, where am I?" he asked himself. Behind him was a collapsed tunnel, Flames spewed from a burst pipe. Above him blocked by rebar and concrete. In front was a dark Hallway. A sign barely visible read 'Hospital'.

A way to the surface. Alan strapped the Light machine gun onto his back and moved forward, holding his handgun in front of him.

Stepping past the shivering Lieutenant, Alan aimed and fired. the .45 finding its place in his heart. As he slumped against the wall, the Trooper heard A noise further down the hallway.

Placing his left finger on the flashlight switch he held his handgun close to his body and left his torso at an angle so his vests Plate would ricochet any rounds, He moved forward.

The closer he got he noticed a doorway, likely a maintenance passage. Peeking inside while pressing the switch Alan Stopped. Around seven individuals were illuminated by the narrow cone of light. six Unarmed with one armed with a pistol, almost entirely women and children, likely hiding from the indiscriminate strikes from aircraft above.

A Boy around Alan's age was holding the handgun.

Thinking quickly he lowered his gun and held one hand up, the boy hesitantly lowered his Pistol.

"It isn't safe down here." He declared.

"Then where do we go?" the boy asked. he tried his best to appear brave, but Alan could see he was trembling.

There was another massive explosion, This one caused the concrete above to crack.

"I don't know" He responded Truthfully, Eying the ceiling. "But down here you will suffocate," he informed. As he finished speaking he could feel the oxygen being eaten by those flames. Above them, the aerial bombardment Lost any direct communication with ground forces. Dropping Weaponry wherever a tracer would pop up, Be it Napalm, Cluster, Conventional, Thermobaric or White Phosphorus. Alan witnessed Aircraft drop ordinance onto Civilian housing, Alan hated what was happening And he despised how he couldn't do anything about it.

"The entrance to that hospital should lead to an exit..." Pausing Alan stared back at the flame-belching pipe. "Follow me," he ordered. The group took a moment to contemplate before silently following Alan.

As he moved closer to the Sign, The sound of automatic gunfire came from deeper in the service tunnel. Alan waved the civilians into the stairwell where A red emergency light showed A clear stairwell.

The Trooper closed the door and turned back to them. "Don't know who else is down there, keep moving." he hurried past them, taking the lead. When he got a good look at the civilians he saw an Old lady, and the other five were children.

It wasn't long until the group made it up to the surface, thankfully the Hospital only held what Alan could see were doctors and nurses. everything he could see through a glass door, moving from the stairs to open the door. As the door was opened he was stopped by an IV stand being stuffed into his face. preventing him from entering.

"No soldiers!" A voice interrupted. "Unless you are injured!" The woman declared. He moved the IV stand away from blocking his sight, finding a Doctor keeping him from entering.

"Okay, Can you take them at least?" he moved out of the way, letting her see the following group. Without a word, the woman moved out of the way. The seven entered the hospital and Alan nodded as the boy entered last.

The Doctor watched Alan with caution and closed the door.

Alan Examined the stairwell, ignoring various spare hospital equipment and saw a way out within an emergency exit.

"Alright," Alan said to himself walking up to the door. hitting the push bar the door swung open.


Three days after Beacon Initiation


Alan walked out of the Bullhead and immediately felt a wave of nervousness, there were hundreds of people. Walking, talking and generally going about their day. he tried thinking of the streets of Patch and he slowly started to calm down.

Other than the anxiety, he regrets his current outfit. there wasn't anything outwardly wrong with it, Cargo pants with a hoodie, His new hairstyle he wore with pride. What was missing you may ask?

Alan reached for his shoulder, expecting to feel his Cloak. But felt nothing but the sleeve of his grey hoodie.

The Trooper sighed. He needed to blend into a crowd but it was a little difficult due to the tallest person next to him only stood up around his neck. Wearing a tattered Cloak made from an advanced material he found in an alleyway would also make that more challenging.

Alan shook his head and pushed onward. He had an objective.

A bag full of silver coins and pieces clinked around in his pocket.


Team RWBY exited the Bullhead. Ruby ran in front of them.

"I'll see you later!" she shouted and dashed off.

The three remaining team members looked at each other and without a word followed their team leader.

"So what do you think she is planning?" Blake asked.

"I saw Alan enter one of the Bullheads before us," Yang said as they walked across the street. "He wasn't wearing his cloak for once,"

"That's odd, you say he never leaves anywhere without it," Weiss said as they stopped to wait for a traffic light to turn red.

"Yeah, Even when he trains he wears that old rag," Yang commented.

"What is it made of anyways?" Blake questioned and Yang shrugged.

"Some plastic-like shit I guess," she Creatively concluded as the light turned green and the Trio began walking once more.

It didn't take long for them to find Ruby. Hiding behind a Hardlight streetlamp writing in her notebook.

The three huntsman in training stood next to her and observed what Ruby was watching further down the street.

Spotting Alan holding his scroll and looking up at a storefront's sign


'Yep, this is the place' he thought. ignoring the blobs of White Yellow and black in the corner of his eye.

Entering the Pawn Shop with a jingle he walked up to the owner, ignoring the shelves of random things he didn't have an interest in.

Hand digging into his pocket for the bag he pulled out a silver coin. this one had words and a design of a building on it. 'Manitoba Mint' and the building was an odd design, Basically a big pointy building with a divot where the end would be.

"Do you know how much I can get for this?" he asked. The Old man looked up from what he was reading and took the coin, Letting out a hm.

"This is pure," he observed and walked to the side then tapped a scale. he placed the coin on the scale. "seven point oh two grams."

The old man nodded looked up to Alan and paused. their eyes met, and the Old man's demeanor changed.

"Too bad it's probably stolen," he accused, "Take your coin and get out," He slid the coin back and moved to grab a broom.

"What?" Alan asked, Confused.

"Can't you Animals Read!?" he raised his voice and pointed to the front. Alan turned to look.

On the window, it held a piece of paper, on the paper a stick figure with two large ears on its head and a red X over it

The old man raised the broom and walked around the counter. The Trooper still preoccupied by the sign failed to notice the broom being swung at him.

The Broom hit him with a thump and he looked back.

"Get out of my store Crook!" he yelled and hit him again.

"But I just wanted to-" he was interrupted by the broom again. "Figure out the price-" it once again hit him. "Of this coin-" This time it was pushed into his face, and the Straw broom poked his eyes. Alan blocked his face and turned.

"Get out!" The old man yelled

"Alright damn!" He gave up, took his coin and started to walk out. Making it to the door he was hit again.

He pulled the door open with a jingle and walked out, feeling the broom hit him in the back of the head for the sixth time.

"And stay out you filthy Animal!" to emphasize his words he swung at him one last time.

The Broom connected with his head and Alan sighed. The old man turned and went back into the store.

"This is stupid," he said. Alan had a moment to himself on the street. A moment.

"Hey comrade" somebody whispered, It wasn't from any direction. Turning to his right revealed nothing. "The Alley", the voice said. Alan looked into an Alley and standing next to a dumpster he saw a man.

"you are a Faunus," Alan heard him speaking but his mouth didn't move. Alan curious if he was either going to get stabbed or sold drugs walked up. "Only a Fellow Faunus would have heard me,"

Alan stayed silent and crossed his arms.

"I have a proposal for you," he pulled out a card and a familiar mask. "You hate Humans just as much as they hate you right?" Alan saw the mask and immediately wanted to pull out his knife, but stopped. The White Fang mask held some strange glimmer in its eye lenses as he stared at it.

He simply responded with a nod.

"Early in the morning, we're meeting up, And I see potential in You. We need more fighters for our cause" Alan grabbed the items and placed them into his pocket. "The warehouses near the docks, the address is on that card." Alan watched the man walk backwards into the alleyway and stand there.

He saw Alan wasn't walking away and shooed him off. Alan seeing he wasn't welcome walked back toward the colourful blobs. Seeing Team RWBY were now talking with each other.

He had an Idea, He just needed to present it to Ozpin. Thinking back Alan frowned at the shop owner's reaction. 'Is that what Racism feels like?'

"Damn, that sucked," he thought aloud and walked past the conversing Team.


Ruby watched Alan enter the Store and she had to wait and see if he did anything an Alien would do.

"so..." She heard a whisper next to her. "Why are you being a creep."

"Yang I am not being a creep." she defended and continued to watch the Store.

Yang smiled and looked back to the rest of their team.

"Then why are you sneaking around?" Yang asked again.

Ruby was about to respond but jumped back as she realized The rest of her team was with her on the sidewalk.

"What, Why did you follow me?" she squeaked and put away the notebook.

"That's not important" Yang ignored her sister and stepped next to her "What are you watchin' Rubes?"

As they turned back they saw Alan walk out of the store, A broom hit the back of his head and an Old man walked out with him. The Old shop owner yelled at Alan, hit him with the broom one last time and walked inside.

"What was that about?" Wiess questioned turning back to her team.

"I think that shop owner doesn't accept Faunus" Yang commented.

"wait Alans a Faunus?" Weiss asked surprised.

"That does seem like what happened" Blake added, Unfortunately, The Schnee's surprise went ignored.

"what an asshole" Ruby cursed the old shopkeep.

Weiss sighed as the conversation dragged on and turned back to see the Corporal walking In their direction.

As he neared Wiess heard him talk to himself.

"Damn, that sucked" Walking past the four he continued through the street.

Wiess saw the others had not noticed him so she turned to try to catch up to him. When she got close to Alan she concluded he was heading back to the Airship port.

"Why were you following me?" he asked.

"I was just following Ruby, who was following you." she Informed.

"Fair enough," he said and stopped at a traffic light.

"I didn't know you were a Faunus,"

"Hm, A lot of people don't notice," he said.

"I see" She pondered on what to say next. She felt uncertain, wondering if he despised her because she was a Schnee.

The light turned red, giving way for pedestrians to cross again.

She remembered the afternoon she helped him with his hair, Ruby had suggested they used the moment to bond as a team and Alan didn't seem to mind.

"Hey Alan," she asked in the middle of the road.

"hm,"

"What are your thoughts on the SDC?"

Alan had to think about that. He had heard of their controversial moments, Slavery, running a monopoly, and A Private Army within the Atlas military, and those were the only things he had heard from people on Patch. he had no opinion.

"Well, I can't really answer that," he replied. "Because I don't know," They were nearing the Airship dock and Weiss stopped just before a booth.

"Well. what do you think of me?" she asked and Alan shrugged.

"You're okay Despite first- second encounters, I have to thank you for helping me with my hair, other than that you are a part of my squad" he stepped up to the booth. placing a finger on the paper. The man, standing in the Booth nodded and pointed him to a Bullhead.

"I try and take care of the People below me and I don't care what background they come from." Alan walked into the fenced area and Wiess walked along a chain-link fence separating them "My Team leader did the same for me and we took care of each other," He said while pulling out his scroll. "I Alongside Amin intend to help All Eight of you for the next four years."

Weiss felt like she was missing some context on what Alan was before joining his home's military, but she understood what he was saying. She could respect his words, Feeling her questions were somewhat satisfied she waved and said her goodbyes.

Alan responded with a Simple "hm," and began boarding the Bullhead.

The Heiress started her way back to her team. She hoped they would still be conversing, that Store Alan went to wasn't far after all.

When she got back to the street she saw them, Blake was apparently giving a lecture about discrimination toward Faunus.

'well maybe if they behaved more like the Corporal instead of the Animals they were, they wouldn't be so despised.' She thought. seemed like a bad idea to say anything right now. So she took her spot next to Yang and silently waited. they had come down to Vale to shop for school supplies, so maybe she could remind them about that.


The elevator dinged and the door slid open.

Ozpin looked up from his paperwork and watched Alan walk up to his desk.

"Alan," Ozpin greeted, Curious why Alan was there after school hours.

"Sir I have something you might find interesting" Alan began and Placed a distinct White and Red mask along with a card. Ozpin placed his pen down and reached over to the card.

"Where did you get this?" he asked as his eyes scanned the address,

"White Fang is Recruiting in Vale Sir," Alan said placing his hands behind his back.

"Indeed," Ozpin tapped something on his desk and a bird's eye view of Vale appeared. A schematic of a familiar drone displayed in the corner caused Alan to eye Ozpin. "Don't think too much about it" Ozpin spoke as the view slowly travelled to the southern side of Vale.

Eventually, the Target building came into view. A not so abandoned warehouse. The camera zoomed in and he saw obvious Faunus, six individuals, dressed in plain clothes and staying out of direct view of the street.

"Sir the Meeting takes place in six hours," Alan Informed,

Ozpin looked back to the card to confirm.

"Indeed,"

"I suggest we send someone to infiltrate that recruitment meeting," Alan said and Ozpin nodded.

"Indeed,"

"Do you have anyone in mind?" Alan asked.

"Yes." Ozpin slid the mask back to Alan. "You,"

"Sir?" Alan took the mask.

"the invitation was for you was it not?" he stated.

"I see," Alan said after a moment.

"it takes place at two In the morning." Ozpin began again. "I hope that isn't a problem,"

"No sir,"

"Alan, Please, just call me Ozpin." The Headmaster pleaded.

"Can I have another bottle from the breakroom?" Alan asked.

"No,"

"Noted Sir"

Ozpin sighed and decided not to mention the bottle-shaped object in his hoodie's front pocket


Private Amin Siah, Nineteen years of age, Despite having to take care of his aging mother was Conscripted into the Tribal Union Infantry Corps.

His Training was sub-par, With four weeks of Basic training and Learning through Trial by fire.

Amin would say it was a Rough first month in that city, His only saving grace was Finding Alan. The Corporal took him in after the squad he was assigned to was wiped out.

His training was hindered by the fact they were in a heavily contested city, but with their sudden change in scenery, Amin was quickly coming to the same amount of training Alan had when he was still with his own family.

Amin sighed at that. Dodging a swing sent by Jaune.

Setting his leg out he tripped the blonde.

Taking a few steps away from Jaune he thought about his team leader.

When he was just leaving after being transferred to the 13th, he never expected to see him again. Statistics showed egregious casualties and an expected lifespan for rookies was around a day.

Jaune stood and got into a stance, preparing for a strike, Amin held his Sword in preparation.

The 15-year-old Alan who he met freezing to death, Is an 18-year-old Corporal in a Shock Trooper Battalion.

Amin blocked a hit from Crocea Mors and used his blade to slide it away, Sending his response in the form of a fist to the Student's jaw.

He remembers the day he met Alan, he and a few friends along with his mother found Alan freezing on the side of a road. He and his friends mistook him for a homeless man, But his Mother strode up to him and gave him her Traveling Cloak, and made him come back home with them.

Amin ran up to Jaune and sent a knee into his stomach, as he fell Amin jumped up while sending a kick into the boy's side. sending him into the dirt.

After nursing the Boy back to health Alan decided to stay for a while, saying he had been wandering between towns for a month or two. He lived with Amin for a while, then suddenly decided to join the Guard. His mother was distraught. but they never found him, Amin only figured out where he went when a Truck drove by and he saw the then Rookie Trooper.

Arc lay sprawled on the floor letting out an exasperated sigh after realizing he had been beaten.

"What Am I going to Gain from you kicking me?" Jaune asked the Trooper.

"Experience," he sheathed his sword, then held a hand out for him. "Use it to better yourself, Eventually you may be able to deal some damage,"

"you said you barely know how to wield a sword,"

Amin smirked as Jaune took his hand, and the boy was lifted up. After checking if Jaune was alright he walked to a bench where the rest of Team JNPR half watched.

"Now I see what I am working with," He began, Taking out his scroll he began typing out his notes. "Alan is supposed to Handle Leadership While I handle anything administrative. What that means I don't know and neither does Alan,"

"Alright, Pyrrha, you are next," he said and she stood up from the bench, A fiery look in her eyes.

He noted how he was going to spar with someone who had been to Combat school, Fought and trained regularly, while he was just a Soldier.

Amin was wearing his helmet, Uniform and Cloak, his standard-issue Knife and handgun alongside his sword at his hip.

Steeling himself for anything he took his C1 bayonet. he also had his backup knife tucked under his sleeve, It was a simple Fighting knife, made from titanium that his mother gave him before leaving.

'Alright, Time to see what you can do-' Amin's thoughts were interrupted as Pyrrha tossed her shield At him. Amin stepped to the side, but the shield still Clanged off of his helmet.

"Wha-" Another weapon was thrown and Amin raised his knife to block it again, the Knife was enveloped in a black shade and didn't connect with the Javelin, the blunt end hitting his stomach.

Amin reeling from the hit recovered quickly by grabbing the Javelin and throwing it behind him, out of the little patch of dirt they called an arena.

"You have no weapon-" he was interrupted as something hit him in the back of the head. "-Ow fuck!"

Pyrrha held out her arms and her weapon and shield flew back into her waiting hands.

"Neat trick" Amin still bent over from the hits rose himself back up and began to plan once more.

She hadn't moved an inch. Amin thought back to the weird Aura that enveloped his knife and then the tug he felt. He wanted to test something.

He slowly circled the arena, holding his knife. She finally moved and circled with him. they kept at it for a bit, Reaching 90 degrees from their starting angle Amin shifted his grip and tossed the knife at Pyrrha.

She knocked it away and Amin charged, Throwing, of all things; his helmet.

She moved out of its way seemingly surprised at something he had only an inkling of an idea about and Amin made his move.

He unsheathed his last knife and slashed at her neck.

Pyrrha recovered quickly and moved out of the way, Amin saw this and tossed his knife into his other hand and made to stab her abdomen.

Only for her to knock him in the back of the head with her shield and jump up then kick him in the side of the head, where he flew out of the arena.

Pyrrha landed and then admired her handiwork, only to gasp as she realized she had lost control. Absolutely beating one of the People she considered a friend.

"I'm Sorry!," she apologized and watched the Private slowly stand up.

"no," He stood, "No, That was good," he put a hand where she kicked and he heard him hiss through his teeth. "That was good," he repeated. "ow"

Pyrrha sighed, walked up to the discarded knife and waved her hand at it, feeling her semblance encompassed it but It didn't budge immediately. only shifting slightly.

'what is this made of?' she thought. choosing to reach down and grab it.

Realizing something she glanced at the rest of her team and saw them distracted with something else. She sighed in relief.

"so, magnets?" Amin asked.

"No, I can change the polarity of objects" she corrected. Amin watched Pyrrha reach out a hand and his Bayonet knife flew into her grip. She spun it around and held its handle to him.

"Thanks" he grabbed his bayonet, sheathing it in his belt. Then his fighting knife, replacing it at his sleeve.

"well that was fun, my ass hurts and my bones ache so you should get back to your dorms, it's getting late," Amin suggested. bending down to grab his helmet.

"Right, Sorry again," she apologized

"no, keep that shit up, you helped me learn something and maybe you can help, fuckin' knight over there," Amin without another word walked away.

He made it into the hallway when he slid his helmet back onto his head.

It took him a grand total of two minutes to make it to his dorm and when he opened the door he was greeted with the sight of Alan wearing a mask that made his eyes glow A menacing red.

"Sir," he paused. "What is that?" he questioned

"A part of that thing I told you not to worry about," he explained.

"Got it," Amin walked to his bed and took off his helmet and Cloak. He lay on his bed and stretched. "I got my ass kicked."

"Nora?"

"Pyrrha,"

"Cool,"

"She can control metal, which is metal," Amin joked.

"Go to sleep Private," Alan said as he walked to the Window.

"Sir," he finished as Alan jumped out of the window, and onto a tree.

Amin glanced at the window, then at the light that was still on.

"Could have closed the damn window," he said while rolling out of bed.