The classroom was abuzz with the murmurs of students settling into their seats.

Professor Oobleck stood at the front of the room, a stack of notes in one hand and a steaming

mug of coffee in the other. His energy was palpable, as always, as he scanned the room with

sharp eyes.

"Good morning, class!" Oobleck began, his words flying as fast as the chalk streaks he

began scribbling on the board. "Today's lecture focuses on economic trade systems and the

intricate web of influence that gives certain organizations—both legal and illegal—a foothold in

the world economy!"

The room fell silent as students focused on his rapid delivery. Before facing the class, he

underlined "Economic Trade" and "Power Dynamics" on the board.

"Now, can anyone tell me why certain organizations, despite their questionable practices,

remain so powerful in the global economy?" Oobleck's gaze swept across the room.

Weiss raised her hand confidently. "Because they exploit weaknesses in the system. The

Schnee Dust Company, for example, dominates the Dust trade by monopolizing resources and

underpricing competitors. Even if their practices are problematic, they provide a crucial

commodity people can't go without."

Oobleck nodded enthusiastically. "Excellent point, Miss Schnee! The Schnee Dust

Company, despite its controversies, is an essential player because it supplies a critical resource.

Its control over the Dust trade ensures its position at the top of the economic hierarchy. But what

about organizations outside the law? Say, for example, Sol Naciente?"

Blake's ears twitched slightly as she raised her hand. "The Sol Naciente have power for

similar reasons, but their methods differ. They steal goods, like dust and equipment, and

redistribute them to places that larger corporations neglect. Small towns and villages rely on

them because they provide what the official economy doesn't."

"Precisely, Miss Belladonna!" Oobleck exclaimed, pointing at her with his mug. "The Sol

Naciente operate in the shadows, but their influence is no less significant. By exploiting gaps in

the formal economy, they position themselves as indispensable to communities left behind by

the Schnee Company. This duality of necessity and exploitation creates a paradoxical

dependence!"

Ruby raised her hand tentatively. "But… isn't that bad? Why don't the kingdoms take

them down if they're criminals?"

Oobleck gestured broadly with his free hand, his voice growing animated. "Ah, an

excellent question, Miss Rose! The answer lies in the delicate balance of power and risk. These

organizations—legal like the Schnee Company or illegal like the Sol Naciente—operate within a

system that benefits them while being too costly or risky to dismantle outright. For example,

shutting down the Sol Naciente would disrupt entire supply chains in regions that rely on their

services, causing unrest and potentially collapsing local economies!"

Yang leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "So, you're saying these groups stick

around because getting rid of them would worsen things?"

Oobleck nodded. "Precisely, Miss Xiao Long! Like any complex system, the global

economy has weak points that these organizations exploit. While their methods may be

unethical or even outright illegal, they fulfill needs that no one else is willing—or able—to meet.

This dependency, necessity, and exploitation interplay cements their positions as major players."

Weiss frowned, her brows furrowing. "But shouldn't the kingdoms work harder to fix these weak

points instead of letting groups like this thrive?"

Oobleck gave her an approving nod. "Indeed they should, Miss Schnee! But therein lies

the challenge. The resources and political will required to overhaul such deeply entrenched

systems are immense. And without such reforms, these organizations will continue to thrive,

whether corporate giants like your family's company or shadowy syndicates like the Sol

Naciente."

The room quieted for a moment as the students finished the lecture. Oobleck sipped his

coffee before turning back to the board.

"Remember, class: economics is not just about numbers and trades. It's about power,

influence, and the systems we create—or fail to create—to support society. The world is not

black and white but a web of interconnected shades of gray."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, the students packed their things and went to

the cafeteria. Cualli didn't see his team, but as he looked around, he saw Ruby sitting alone,"

hey, could I join you?"

"Sure, don't mind," Ruby said to Cualli, and as they ate, Ruby's eyes narrowed.

"Something wrong?" Cualli said to Ruby.

"Cualli, the way things are now is messed up!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes gleaming

with determination. "Organizations like the Sol Naciente shouldn't have so much power,

especially when hurting people."

Cualli raised an eyebrow, taking a slow bite of his food. "They're not hurting everyone,

Ruby. Some of those small towns rely on them to survive. If the kingdoms and companies like

the Schnee Dust Company did their jobs better, Sol Naciente wouldn't even exist."

Ruby frowned but nodded. "I get that. But shouldn't someone do something to stop

them? Like… What if we targeted their supplies? Cut off their stolen goods before they can sell

them?"

Cualli stiffened, his fork pausing mid-air. "That's a dangerous idea, Ruby," he said

cautiously. "Going after their supplies could escalate things. The Sol Naciente don't play

around."

Ruby tilted her head. "But it's not like anyone else is stepping up to stop them. Someone

has to do something."

Cualli sighed, setting his fork down and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Look, it's not that

simple. You can't just waltz into Vacuo and disrupt their operations without consequences."

Ruby leaned forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "But what if we did? What if

we hit them where it hurts? Wouldn't that message them that they can't keep doing this?"

Cualli shook his head. "No. It's too risky. You don't know what they're capable of, Ruby. If

you get caught or if something goes wrong—"

If Sol Naciente's supplies were disrupted, Midas' hold on the vale could be weakened, and I

need more than Aja to do this, as well as if Ruby convinces her team to join this. Cualli thought

before he sat back, his expression thoughtful. "Wait… maybe you're onto something."

Ruby blinked, surprised at his sudden change in tone. "Really?"

Cualli nodded slowly, his mind racing. "But if we're going to do this, we must do it

smartly. Aja and I worked under the cops for a while between semesters. We've some

experience tracking down operations like this. I might know where to find some of their supply

routes."

Ruby grinned, her excitement bubbling over. "That's perfect! So, can we make this

work?"

Cualli smirked, leaning forward. "If we plan it right, yeah. But Aja and I are coming with

you. No way am I letting you do this without someone who knows what they're dealing with."

"Deal!" Ruby said, practically bouncing in her seat. "This is going to be awesome!"

Cualli chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Ruby. This isn't just a

field trip. The Sol Naciente aren't going to roll over and let us walk away unscathed. If we do

this, we do it with a solid plan."

Ruby nodded, her expression serious. "Got it. Just tell me what we need to do."

"For now, let me take care of it."

As Cualli left the cafeteria, he wandered back to the dorms. Should I even let Ruby go?

Should I ask Jean to find a missing cat… I should talk to Aja. She knows her better than I do. He

thought before opening the door, and Aja was already there, sitting cross-legged on her bed, her

lavender cloak draped over her shoulders as she fiddled with her weapon. She looked up when

she heard the door and smiled.

"Hey, Cualli. How was your day?" she asked, setting the weapon aside.

"Busy," Cualli replied, sighing onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling momentarily before

turning his head to face her. "Ruby has... ideas."

Aja raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Ideas? What kind of ideas?"

"She wants to hit Sol Naciente where it hurts. Disrupt their supply lines," Cualli said,

overseeing Aja's reaction.

Aja's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "That's... ambitious. And risky. Does

she even know what she's getting into?"

"Not really," Cualli admitted. "But she's determined, and she makes a good point.

Shouldn't we do something if no one else is stepping up to stop them?"

Aja leaned back, her hands resting on the bed. "Cualli, you know how dangerous this

could get. Sol Naciente doesn't just operate in the shadows; they own them. If Ruby—or

anyone—starts poking around, they're not going to take it lightly."

"You think I know? You know better than anyone else how far Midas will go just to get

what he wants," Cualli said to Aja before sitting on his bed. But for the longest time, it has just

been us. And while I want to leave her out of this mess, we need more people since Jean told

me they found more Sol Naciente supplies in the borders."

"You're really considering this, aren't you?"

"I am, and we have experience with what Midas does to keep his operations afloat. That

is why I want to ask if you would join us tonight."

Aja sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You know I've got your back, Cualli. But we

need a solid plan. There is no rushing in half-cocked. If we're going to do this, we do it right."

"Agreed," Cualli said, sitting up. "Let's talk to Ruby and her team. See where everyone

stands. Then we'll figure out the next steps."

Aja smiled faintly. "Alright. Let's see if we can make this crazy plan of hers work. But

Cualli?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't forget—this isn't just about taking down Sol Naciente. It's about doing it without

becoming like them."

"What are you two talking about?" Cualli and Aja turn to see Isaac and Akari.

"Oh, Ruby is interested in going against the Sol Naciente, and we are talking to see if we

should allow her since we have a history against the Sol Naciente," Cualli said to them.

Their eyes widened before they quickly entered and locked the door behind them." Are

you serious?" Akari said to Cualli before pacing, "I mean, yeah, we are young and stupid, but

this is a suicide mission if we don't do this right."

"We know and have connections to find out," Cualli told Akari.

"We know that not everyone is comfortable doing this, so if you two don't want to come,

we understand," Aja said to them. Isaac and Akari looked at each other before looking back at

her.

"I mean, we have to know since if we tell, we could become Accomplice and expelled,

and it could be a sort of team building?" Isaac said to Aja with a nervous smile.

"Welp… where do we start?" Akari said to Cualli.

"Well, we need to make a few calls before we can do anything else," Cualli said before

picking up his scroll and going to the restroom, closing behind himself.

"Aja, can I be honest with you for a second?" Akari asked Aja, who nodded," How do you

and Cualli have connections against the Sols?"

Should I tell them? Aja thought until cualli came out of the restroom.

"Okay, Jean gave me the warehouse address they are looking into, but the cops will

arrive at that place after 10, so we need to be fast about it tonight," Cualli said to everyone.

The evening air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint sounds of the city in the distance.

Cualli adjusted the strap of his weapon over his shoulder as he and the group crept through the

shadowed streets, their path lit only by the pale glow of streetlights. Vale's faint hum of activity

had faded into the background, replaced by the eerie stillness of the industrial outskirts.

Aja walked a step behind him, her lavender cloak swaying lightly with each step. She

kept her voice low, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "We're close," she murmured,

glancing at her scroll. "The warehouse is just a mile from here, past that row of cargo

containers."

Ruby trotted alongside, her usual bubbly energy tempered by the weight of the mission.

Her silver eyes gleamed in the low light, "Do you think they'll have guards posted?" she

whispered.

Cualli nodded, his voice equally hushed. "They always do. Sol Naciente doesn't leave

anything to chance. That's why we're sticking to the plan—get in, find what we need, and get out

before anyone notices."

"This is starting to feel a little too real," Isaac muttered, glancing over his shoulder. "Are

we sure about this? We're not exactly a stealth team."

"That's why we're sticking together," Aja said firmly, her gaze locked ahead. "No one

goes off on their own. We're not here to fight but to gather intel and leave."

"Just saying," Akari added quietly, "if we're spotted, it's going to get messy fast. These guys

aren't going to stop using scare tactics," she said, looking back and seeing the rest of team

RWBY.

Cualli turned to face them as they reached a narrow alley, motioning for everyone to

stop. The faint glow of a distant warehouse light was visible over the tops of the buildings

ahead. "This is it," he said, his voice firm but low. "We're close enough now to go on foot. Keep

your voices down and stay sharp. Once we're in, stick to your roles. Ruby, you're with me. Aja,

take Isaac and Akari to cover the rear." he said before looking at Yang, Weiss, and Blake," and

for you three…" Cualli shifts into an unsure look.

"You three can tag with the rest of us; most of the people inside are not that much of a

treat," Aja said to them.

Ruby nodded quickly, clutching Crescent Rose's handle. "Got it."

Isaac exhaled slowly, shaking his head as if trying to steady his nerves. "Man, I hope we

don't regret this."

"You'll regret it more if we don't do anything," Akari muttered, tightening her gloves.

Aja stepped up beside Cualli, her lavender eyes serious. "Let's get this done quickly and

cleanly. No mistakes, no heroics."

Cualli scanned the group, his expression hardening. "Alright, move out. Stay low and

quiet. We've got one shot at this."

With that, the group moved through the alley into the shadowed streets, their footsteps

muffled against the pavement. As they approached the warehouse district, the air seemed to

grow heavier, the faint hum of generators and the occasional bark of distant voices breaking the

silence.

The warehouse loomed ahead, its massive doors partially ajar and faint light spilling out.

Cualli motioned for the group to stop, crouching behind a stack of crates. He turned to Ruby, his

voice barely a whisper. "Are you still sure about this?"

Ruby met his gaze, her silver eyes resolute. "I am."

"Alright," he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Then let's see what

you've got," he said before quickly making their way to the side, climbing the ladder, opening the

window, and slowly opening it as Ruby and Cualli walked in the support beam. Ruby leans to

him.

"So what are we looking for?"

"Documents, if you are serious about this, holding our weapons high and yelling won't do

anything," Cualli said before walking forward.

"Is that those documents?" Ruby whispered to Cualli, and he quickly looked down and

saw Xiuhtecuhtli holding sheets of them, pointing at the guards until they heard a crash."

"You check it out. I will handle everything," Xiuhtecuhtli said before turning around and

leaning onto a closed crate before folding it and putting it in his pockets.

Is that Xiuhtecuhtli? Cualli, though, his eyes widened.

"Who is he?" Aja asked Cualli, looking at Xiuhtecuhtli's outfit. You think he belongs to the

Sol Naciente?"

Cualli's eyes darkened before shaking it off," I really hope not, but let me talk to him if he

sees everyone… I don't know, but give me a chance." Cualli said before jumping off the support

beam and landing near him. Xiuhtecuhtli turned around, sword in hand, but Cualli slowly raised

his hands," Hey, calm down, it's me. How about we throw our weapons away and talk?"

Xiuhtecuhtli and Cualli simultaneously pulled their weapons before tossing them to the

side." Oh my god, it's been so long! How it has been!" Cualli said in a cheerful tone. As he

opened his arms and walked toward him, Xiuhtecuhtli's face hardened. He closed his hand and

punched Cualli in the jaw, making Cualli stagger back.

"What the hell! You left vacuo and expected me to walk in your arms like nothing

happened!" Xiuhtecuhtli said with his teeth gifted,

"Damn, sorry, but why are you still following Midas, the airship I took her had space for

you?" Cualli said softly before extending his hand," I know I shouldn't be the one to talk. But

here. In Xiuhtecuhtli Vale. I can put in a word of Ozpin to get you to the same academy or

maybe pardon your actions and work as a farmer or something," he said before holding

Xiuhtecuhtli hand gently and with a warm smile," it could be before everything happened, before

Midas, before life came after us, we can become those heroes we grew up believing."

Xiuhtecuhtli looked at Cualli's hands, feeling them softly against his rough palms." I wish

I could," He said before using his free hand. As he opened it, a fury of dust formed around his

palm. " But one of us needs to take responsibility, " he said before the dust crashed together,

creating a pistol. Ruby rushed, using her semblance to push him to the far back cates.

"Are you ok!" Ruby said to Cualli, but he widened his eyes before blinking several times.

"I–am fine. Let's make this fight quick. We need those documents so we can do

something." Cualli said before seeing Xiuhtecuhtli walk through the crates, his eyes hardening

at Cualli until he looked at Ruby clutching Crescent Rose.

"First, you left home, and now you are dragging others into your mess," Xiuhtecuhtli said

to Cualli before summoning a hook, hooking his sword, and dragging it back to his feet. Do

yourself a favor and leave this bump and live your life rather than chasing a worthless dream,"

he said to Ruby, who quickly got into a fighting stance. Okay, you're either brave or stupid," he

said before getting into his.

"Why do you work under Midas? You know what kind of things he does!" Ruby said,

pulling her scythe back.

"Ah, yes, let me go into the monolog about how he pays his ranks well and treat his

ranks to Luxury and—" Before finished, Xiuhtecuhtli quickly closed his hand, and his hand gave

a blue hue, and immediately ruby aura shared that same hue before her knees buckled, breath

shortened as if the very energy keeping her upright draining away. The same eerie blue light

now shimmered across her frame.

"What—what's happening?!" Ruby gasped, trying to summon the strength to stand.

Crescent Rose wavered in her hands, her grip failing.

Xiuhtecuhtli chuckled, cold and confident. "That strength you rely on? It's not yours

anymore—it's mine now." The blue hue around his hand grew brighter, tendrils of energy

twisting and writhing like living things as her aura poured into him.

Ruby staggered, the last of her aura slipping away until she could barely hold her

weapon. "Stop it…!"

"Why stop?" Xiuhtecuhtli sneered, his grin cruel. "Here, let me give it back to you."

He flung his hand forward sharply, sending a surge of stolen energy rocketing toward Ruby. The

blue light exploded outward, slamming into her chest with a force that knocked her off her feet.

The impact hurled her across the room like a rag doll, her body crashing against the far wall with

a sickening thud. Crescent Rose clattered to the ground beside her.

"Ruby!" Cualli's sharp and desperate voice rang out. He rushed to her side, stepping in

front of her as she struggled to catch her breath, her body trembling.

Xiuhtecuhtli flexed his fingers, the blue glow lingering faintly around his hand. He

smirked at Cualli, his voice mocking. "Careful, Cualli. You'll just end up the same way. Or

worse." before his eyes narrowed and welding his weapon two-handed," But before we go into

this fight and one of us rips each other heads off, answer me this: Why? Yeah, Midas is a piece

of shit, but you literally had the world on your hands, and yet you threw it away. What was it to

leave?"

Cualli does not say anything and goes to his fighting stance, and Xiuhtecuhtli sighs

before Cualli pulls out his pistol, shoves a dust of ice, and shoots at Xiuhtecuhtli's shoulder. Still,

he summonses a shoulder plate," Really?" Xiuhtecuhtli said disappointedly, " How do you want

to do this? Do you come to me? I come to you? Or say fuck it and do it at the same time and

bash our heads together and see who falls first?"

"I do not want to fight you; I am after the documents. Not you."

"Ah, yes. Shooting your twin in your shoulder screams peaceful," Xiuhtecuhtli said before

rushing towards Cualli. Pulling back his sword, Cualli weaved through it and quickly put his

macuahuitl at the back of his hand before swinging it. Xiuhtecuhtli pivoted before Cualli and

slammed his weapons before pushing him down. As it was about to reach Cualli's hand, he

summoned a crossguard, and as Xiuhtecuhtli's sword clashed with it, it spread sparks. He leans

in," What do you think this would accomplish? You think you can talk me out of his side,"

Xiuhtecuhtli said before pushing his sword down, bending Cualli's knee," this is your fault, Cualli.

It's time to grow up." Xiuhtecuhtli said before spitting on his eye and kicking him down, raising

his sword over his head until Xiuhtecuhtli saw in the counter of his eye about six-foot steps

rushing at his location.

"Rubies, how are you holding up?" Yang yelled across the building, and Xiuhtecuhtli

sighed before leaning into Cualli's ear.

"The next time you come. Make sure one thing!" Xiuhtecuhtli whispered to Cualli before

kicking his couch, making Cualli fall, clutching his couch," Come on, and if you bring someone

along in your mess, I won't hesitate on killing. You know I won't think twice." Xiuhtecuhtli said

before pulling out the documents and tossing them on his face before kicking him.

God, you're a dumbass, Xiuhtecuhtli thought before turning around and putting his sword

on its hilt before summoning a grabbing hook at the siling and leaving as how Cualli and Ruby

entered.