In the last chapter we saw ruby and company arrive in deepwald home of jaune older sister poppy. Though it seems they got invovled in something far more nefarious involved in this little mining town.RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. I own the OC's, AU. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2:Clues and Mysteries

Morning came over deepwald as the sky was clear of any clouds as it was brand new morning. Though everyone was stirring awake for some morning breakfast along with figuring out how to help save the town. They were all gathered in the kitchen to discuss what they were going to do as poppy and ren prepared them breakfast.

"I can't thank you enough for your help young man"poopy thanekd ren as she placed a few plates out for them as ren did the same.

"It's alright ma'am you are our host we should treat you with kindness"ren simply replied

"Yeah though were lucky pinkie cooking its to die for"merucry said as he ate some eggs and bacon in delight.

"Your right though uh about the crimson talon. Last night you said they've been here for three months?"jaune asked as his brother in law nodded

"They have along with them kidnapping our people as well"graz replied

Rogue cupped her chin for a moment because they might be using them for slave labor. But another possibilite could be their doing experiments on them though she ddin't wanna worry the mayor.

"Probably using them for slave labor, took your mine i'm guessing to pay their troops. "Qrow stated

"Uncles right the man who runs them is a scientist by the name of arthur watts"ruby said as graz choked on his coffee while poppy was shocked by that.

"Wait..he was an atlas scientist back in the day and he died after conducting grimm experiments. "Graz said as he set his cup down.

"Yep but he faked his death"nora asaully said as she ate a big plate of food infront of her. Tina just messed with her plate for a bit before saying something.

"Did he help make those grimm knights?"tina asked as the group looked away from the three because the little girl may look young but she smart as a whip.

"Heh uh he did but what about your huntsman where are they?"jaune asked

Graz had a dreadful look appear on his face"that thing killed most of the huntsman and huntresses here. She tortured as some sort of sick joke in the center of town. But all we have left is asher moore but hes working with them"he replied which caught qrow attention because he recalled someone that went by that name.

"Why would he do that?"nora questioned eating her pancakes drenched in syrup

"We don't know hes been a resident here for a few years now. Probably have some dirt on him though what will you do?"poppy asked

Ruby paused for a moment thinking of an idea quickly"well we still need to repair mercury legs we need to do thar first. Maybe gather some intel around town"ruby stated

"That could work i suggest you go talk to percy"graz said as they wondered why they should do that.

"Why should we do that?"ren questioned

Poppy sighed as she rubbed her forehead"because for one hes actually one of many of our towns people willing to fight back against them. We've secretly been preapring to fight them but i'm agains it. "Poppy stated but seemed agains it

"Dear we have actually huntsman here we have a chance against them now"graz said but poppy stood up to their surprise pulling jaune into an embrace.

"One of them is my baby brother i don't want him to get hurt or worse. Their all just kids"poppy said worried as her protective oler sibling instinct kicked in.

Jaune groaned a little because when they were younger she would be very overprotective of all of them. It was like having a second mom around.

Qrow chuckled slightly"lady don't worry about that if you know who i am they'll be fine. Besides your baby brother and these kids are prime huntsman material"qrow complimented the teens who appreciated it.

Jaune got free of his older sister grasp"hes right look sis we'll fine we've dealt with stuff like this before. We saved the capital of vale before"jaune stated

"He right plus i've personally handled these guys before i sort of know how they operate"rogue added as she did run into the leader of the group.

"She right we can help rid that knight if were lucky and these thugs from your town. We promise"mercury added in confidence as poppy sighed heavily rubbing her skull more. Without any other options they seem to know what their dealing with

"Okay fine you all seem adamant about stopping them i wont stop you. If you do make sure to watch out for each other out their. They have some guys come into town for a drink."poppy warned

"We'll be careful sis"jaune replied as they finished up breakfast before starting their day. They soon started to get ready to leave ruby and rogue made a list of some parts they need to upgrade mercury leg and carried the two legs in a bag.

"Okay once we leave we need to be careful out their"ruby said reaching for the door but qrow stopped her to their surprise.

"What wrong something up?"rogue questioned

"What upis that we can't have my niece go out their or you blondie"qrow stated as he blocked the door to their confusion slightly.

"Why can't i go out? I'm not just some little kid anymore"ruby argued though mercury pointed one thing out since they had some crutches for him to use so he can move around.

"Uhh i don't know might know what you look like. Your eyes might make the merc kill you on sight."he said before glancing at his girlfriend.

"She might also know what you look like. Believe me she despise those who hurt her psycho family"he added as they all relaized what they were implying.

"I totally forgot they could be on the watch for anyone with silver eyes"jaune said annoyed smacking his face.

"And this callows may have a bone to pick with you"ren added pointing at rogue.

Nora chuckled"i know right though does that mean they have to stay here the entire time?"nora asked as the dusty qrow nodded.

"Extactly look we'll head out to gather the supplies needed to repair his legs. Along with finding this percy and checking how bad our problem is"qrow said

Both of them sighed in defeat wanting to head out because they were right. If they saw either of them it could spell trouble immediately. But as they were leaving something came to ruby immediately about her silver eyes

"Wait?!"ruby called out as they turned to her.

"Uh yeah what is it?"jaune replied as qrow narrowed his gaze at his actually daughter.

"If you go out go buy some contact lens for me"ruby said to their confusion though rogue got what she meant immediately.

"Oh your talking about how bombay hide her eyes with the use of contact lens"rogue recalled how the silver eyed cat faunus hide them.

"Wait who is she?"nora questioned trying to recall who she was.

"She was the girl their team faced in the double round. Does she have silver eyes?"ren asked as rogue nodded

"She did apparently to hide them from her"rogue said meaning salem as qrow cupped his chin at that. It sounded like a perfect idea to him , why didn't he think of that.

"Alright sound like a plan we got a big shopping trip. We'll make a stop their along with checking the town out while you two stay here"Qrow said but the blonde had an idea.

"Hold on i can always put my hood up to hide my face. Besides she might not know what i look like"rogue mentioned

"Maybe besides we do need someone for the parts we need. None of us are weapon experts except for them"jaune reminded as that was a problem without arguing qrow nodded in agreement throiwng her hood up they left the house to get a lay of the land.

The five of them left the mayors house and decided to look around the place as jaune knew his way around since he's visited a few times here. He pointed out a few stalls that lined the streets along with a few stores. Some people even greeted him happy to see him again. Though they also watched out for any signs of crimson talon or grimm knights.

"Alright you kiddios, stay alert. We'll be splitting up to complete our objectives. Knight boy your with me on checking on the bar here. "Qrow said as they looked at him confused that he might be drinking again.

"Why are we checking out the bar?"jaune questioned

"Your not planning on getting drunk are you?"nora asked curisouly but he shot that down.

"No,no bars and taverns are the best place to find info besides a library. We'll explore that tommorrow but first ask around for this percy. Along with confirming something, you three go to the prosthetics and general store. Get those parts and contact lens"qrow ordered as they nodded beginning to split up immediately.

Rogue and her two compraiorts walked down the street as she noticed it was quite barren actually. Their weren't many people out right now as they seemed scared right now. Why woudln't they be right now.

Though they passed some stores that sold food and other items but she noticed some selling some high quality weapons at a resoanble price though that seemed very strange. It might have been stolen or poorly made goods.

They kept walking for a bit trying to find their way around the place but didn't know where they were.

"Ughh why didn't we ask jaune if he knew where the proshteitc shop is this will take forever"rogue groaned

Nore meanwhile was leaning against ren all lovey dovey but it just annoyed rogue because nora needed to be watched like a child. She does act childish sometimes but needs to stop crowding ren.

"Hmm maybe we should ask for directions someone here must know their way around town?"ren suggested

"Nah we don't need them because i know where we are"nora said as they looked at her because she never been here before.

"No you don't"rogue replied

"Yes i do too"nora replied as the two began to go back and forth for a bit to ren annoyance slightly. They kept doing this for a bit until attracting someone attention.

"Uhh excuse me is everything alright over here?"a girl asked

The three looked as ren stopped the two bickering to see the girl infront of them who spoke. They looked to see a sort of young girl their maybe close to their age. She had medium brown hair that reaches her shoulder along with bright green eyes. She wore a pair of black running pants that were tight. Along with an orange sweatshirt that was short sleeves but wore a dark grey athletic shirt underneath it. Around her neck was a golden locket with gemini symbol on it.

"Oh uh yeah were wondering if you know your away around town. We just arrived uh.."rogue begun as the girl offered a hand.

"I'm pollax dioscuri pleasure to meet you"she introduced herself to the three.

"I'm rogue hayley, this is li ren and nora valkyrie"rogue itnroduced themselves as the girl raised an eyebrow at her name but didn't question it.

"Its nice to meet you all, what are you looking for"pollax replied

"Were looking for a prosthetics shop along with a clinic that sells contact lens. Do you know where one is?"ren questioned

Pollax thought for a moment tapping her chin"i do its own by the town doctor and his daughter. I can show you the way"pollax said as she guided them through town as they did they decided to gather some intel maybe.

"So uh pollax you live here your entire life or what?"rogue asked

"Straight to asking some question what you trying to get my number?"pollax joked as rogue corrected her.

"Uh no for one i have a boyfriend, second just curious were planning on staying for a while might as well make some friends here"rogue replied

"Okay whatever sure. I've lived here my entire life along with my twin sister"she replied but had a had sadden look at that.

This made rogue curious because she herself was a twin and looked at her because she seemed worried. It might be a touchy subject but nora asked anyway.

"So uh your sister around or what?"nora blunty asked as ren patted her head.

"Nora she might have lost her you shouldn't be so blunt"ren simply said as nora just leaned against him.

Pollax shook her head"no your fine my sister is well uh you see those military guys around here yet?"she asked as they nodded

"Then their your answer apparently they took her along with some others. Probably using her to work in our mines"pollax replied

"Thats terrible to hear how long has it been since you've seen her?"rogue softly asked as pollax rubbed her arm.

"Its been almost two months now, i'm starting to think she might be…"pollax begun not even wanting to finish that sentence but rogue placed a hand on her shoulder telling her she didn't need to.

"I'm sure your sister is okay though is this it?"ren asked as they stopped infront of a clinic it seems.

But it was strange because outside it was strange because it had a large scythe in the doorframe. Along with it being coloed light blue for the exterior with it having two floors from the looks of it. Their was also a sign that read prosthetics as well but something stuck out to them the shops name. The sign read"thanatos infirmary" which made them go wide eyed at that name. Because that was bonnies last name.

"Here we are thanatos infirmary the doc here is a the best. His daughter also nice you'll love em"pollax stated as they followed her inside.

Rogue leane toward ren ear whispering"okay is it me or isn't that bonnies last name?"rogue whispered as ren nodded

"It appears so we should be on our guard"ren warned as the two nodded

They opened the door as a bell rung telling the owner they had customers. The shop looked like your standard drug store with the shelf lined with medicine for any sick patients. Along with their being signs advising people how to stay clean and healthy. Their was a counter near the other side of the store with a women behind it.

The women in question seemed to be around twenty three year olds with pale skin. She had jet black hair that was wavy along with a small scar on her right eyebrow. She had light blue eyes while she had a piercing on both her ears. She wore a simple wool sweater colored black with a sctyhe pin on her right breast. She wore dark blue arms warrmers and some knee high boots with a fuzzy ball at the top. Along with wearing a long length dark blue and black plaid skirt with light grey stocking.

The women looked up smiling"pollax what bring you here today?"she politely greeted

"Nothing much Erin just had some customers for you"pollax replied as the women known as erin thantos smiled at them which creeped them out a little.

"Thats great to hear what are you looking for?"erin asked eagerly

"Uhh well you see were here to see if you could look over our friends legs"rogue said as she hesiantly set the bag down on the table with the desotryed legs.

Erin took them out studying them and seemed impressed with the craftsman ship. She handled them with care as she looked at the desotryed leg and the still functioning one. As she did a man came from the back of the store.

"Dear do we have customer?"a man asked walking over

The three turned to see a man who seemed to be forty six in age, his skin was white as he wore a pair of black rimmed glasses. His eyes were light green in color as he had dark brown hair cut short. He wore a pair of brown pants with a chain hanging from the pockets. The man wore a black belt with a scythe on it as well as black dress shoes. He wore a navy blue dress shirt buttoned up as he had an ahteltic appearance to him with a black tie as well. Though he had a white doctors coat on as well.

He was probably the owner of this fine establishment.

"Oh hey dad yeah they came in with these destoryed prosthetics. How did it happen?"erin asked

"Oh our friend thought it be a great idea to use him to kick a giant rock monster to destory it. It worked"nora excitedly said with a smile to the three slight shock.

"Huh guess you three are huntsman and huntresses judging by your looks"the man said but was quickly corrected

"Actually were still huntstresses and huntsman in training but we've had experience though pleasure to meet you…"rogue begun as the man offered a hand shaking it gently with each of the three.

"My name is reed thanatos this right here is my daughter erin"the man itnroduced himself as reed thantos and his daughter. They quickly itnroduced themselves as well before they asked some questions related to bonnie maybe.

"So do you two have any other family members here?"ren simply asked

This made erin stopped checking the leg before a somber look was on her face for a moment before she spoke"oh uh..their was my mother mari. But she uh died when i very little, around three years old if i recall. I barrely got to know her but dad says she was the best"erin replied

Reed rubbed his eyes sadden"yes, my lovely wife she passed around twenty years ago do to an illness destorying her body. But this drugstore we both opened here all those years ago stands tall and proud still"reed said with a smile.

This hit the three hard as they knew that bonnie was the one to start the attack on beacon but felt like they shouldn't tell them yet.

This made rogue recall how their was a women called mari when she did research on bonnie a while ago. Maybe she used a fake last name to hide her identity which would make sense. But maybe this might be something to tell the others later.

"Thats terrible to hear i'm sorry for your lose"rogue said

"We appreciate it though this leg is pretty busted it'll take at least a day for us to fix it. "Erin said as she walked to the back to drop the leg off then quickly returned.

"I'll get started on it soon. Do you need anything else?erin asked as they also told her what else they needed

"Oh we need something to make somones eyes a different color"nora said leaning agains the counter almost going over it to the twos confusion before ren pulled her back.

"Were looking for contact lens do you have any?"ren asked

Reed thought for a moment as he snapped his fingers as he stepped out from behind the counter. He motioned for them to follow him.

"We do actually their over here, right this way"Reed said as he guided them over to a display that contained several different colored contact lens. They varied from sparkling color, bright colors, virbrant colors you name it. This begged the question which one would they get for ruby.

"These look great but…which ones should we pick?"rogue asked as they browsed the contact lens.

Nora looked at one that was bright orange pointing those out"oh what about those one she would like them"nora suggested

"No that doens't really match with ruby attire…what about these?"ren said pointing to some lightish pink ones.

Rogue shook her head as she cupped her chin"no she always wearing red so she needs something to match her style"rogue replied as she looked at the contact lens to find the right one. As she did she glanced at one and double taked it.

On a cloth mat and inside a case was a pair of bright red contact lens. They would be perfect for her silver eyed weapon nerd.

"These one, how much will they cost?"rogue asked

"Those one right their will cost you around fifty lien for a cleaning kit it'll bring the price up to one hundred and thirty seven lien"reed said as the three nodded at that. He produced a key from his coat unlockign the case as he carefully took the contact lens out. They returned to the counter as he put them in a bag for them. Along with that charing them for the repair on the prosthetic legs which was around two hundred lien.

They payed for their items as they were ready to leave but reed asked them a question.

"Oh heres a question what bring you to our lovly mining town. I haven't seen you before"reed said

"Yeah i've been here my whole life but never seen you three. You new in town?"erin asked

Pollax hummed at that"they are apperenlty their visiting in town or something"she replied

"Hmm really well you've uh come at a pretty bad time with our…"reed begun but the bell rang telling them they had customers. They looked to see about two crimson talon members flanking someone. That someone looked very strange because of their appearance.

The person in question looked to be female her age unknown but she had a slender frame. Her attire consisted of a jet black tactical multicamo combat long sleeve. It had on elbow pads on it along with an armor chest plate. Along with a pair of black combat pants with crimson red lining it. She also wore black combat boots with a combat knife strapped to her chest. Though she had her hood up she wore a grimm like mask that looked similair to a chameleon it seems colored white obscuring her face.

But on her back was a crossbow strapped to it as the limbs of the crossbow were folded inward and looked to come out as if it was a third limb. But she had a longsword on her side.

The three quickly separate to not get notice incase as they didn't bother them. The women walked straight to the counter. Erin looked scared as she ducked to the back as reed seemed nervous right now.

"Evening doctor were here to pick up our prescription"the women said in a sicking voice

Reed gulped nerovusly"uh yes let me uh get it for you"reed said as he reached down below pulling a medium size box up placing it on the counter. One of the soldier picked it up opening it insepcting it before nodding to the women.

The women chuckled slightly"seems everything their though…what are you staring at brat?"she asked looking at pollax who glared at her.

"Oh you know dam well why i'm staring at you bitch you took my sister"pollax growled

The womens stepped forward titling her head at maya breathing in deep before exhaling"your that sister of…who was she again, sarah? Naomi? It not coming to me"the women mockinly said seeming to tell her to hit her.

Pollax clench her fist in anger as she was about to raise her fist to strike but stopped. Then she stared down grumbling"never mind"but this didn't please the women quickly grabbing her by the throat.

This made nora reach for magnihild but ren put an hand on her stopping her. The girl wanted to argue but understood if they get in a fight it could spell trouble.

"Never mind what?"she asked expecting her to say something else as pollax winced a little as she squeezed her windpipe hard.

"Never mine…ma'am"pollax corrected herself as the women let go as pollax coughed and hacked for air for her lungs.

"Good girl…we'll be back another time doctor for those medical suppiles. Our men need it"she said as she skipped out of the store in joy as the soldier followed her. The other came over to check on pollax.

"Are you okay?"reed asked as pollax nodded rubbing her throat sounding horased.

"I'm okay…ughh i hate that women she so creepy"pollax said

"Tell me about who she the guy running that group of soldiers we saw on our way into town?"rogue asked

"No more like an enforcer for along with a women named wisteria. Her name is maya if i recall"reed replied

Erin emerged from the back sighing in relief"thank goodness she gone, though piece of advice stay clear of them. Keep your head down they got uh..grimm knight with them"erin warned but that why they were here.

"Eh well who knows maybe some huntsman might help deal with them soon"rogue said casually meaning they might be here to help. Which caught their attention as they seemed happy by that. But the three bidded them goodbyes as they left to meet back at poppy.

However as maya was walking through town her mask slightly slipped to reveal her ghost white skin and crimson eyes.

"Ma'am your mask"the soldier with her said as she qucikly fixed it.

"Ah sorry about that don't want them knowing about my little features. "Maya replied though smiled under her mask.

"Though didn't that girl with blonde hair look like that traditor omega partner?"maya asked herself as they continued their way back to base.

Meanwhile with qrow and jaune it took them about ten minutes to find what seemed to be an old western styled tavern. It had some salon doors to it as they walked inside. The place was indeed busy but instead of its normal cusotmers it had mercs around. The talon grunts were laughing and drinking.

"Jeez sis wasn't wrong they do like hanging out here"jaune whispered

"Which means we keep our noses down kid"qrow whsipered as they went straight to the bar. Once they sat down on some stool the bartender greeted them.

He was a man in his mid twenties with blonde hair and dark brown eyes. The man attire consisted of a purple dress shirt underneath a cream colored vest. He had on black dress pants with brown dress shoes. He had a handlebar mustache that curled at the ends.

"What it'll be for you sir?"the bartender asked qrow eyeing jaune because he was a kid still.

"For me and the kid two glasses of water and some info"qrow said as the bartender grabbed some glasses and turned a tab on dispening water as he handed them it.

"Hmm depends you asking for trouble?"the bartender asked as he titled his head toward the soldiers around the place.

Jaune glanced beack to see a crimson talon soilder pinched a waitress on the butt as she yelped. But she just looked scared as she walked away to serve the other bar patrons. This made him clench his fist how they could get away with doing this.

"Sort of more like info you know a guy named percy here and asher moore?"qrow asked which made the bartender go wide eyed.

The bartender polished his counter top with a rag"i don't where percy is but if your looking for asher. He over their drowning his sorrows the bastard"the bartender said motioing to a man in the corner of the bar.

The man in question was about twenty five with black hair and orange eyes. He has a undercut and a goatee, he has a scar across his left eye and wear a black and grey long sleves shrit that is covered by grey armor. He has a pauldron over his right shoulder. On the table were his weapons which was a pair of swordbreaker as one of them is shaped like a hawkbill knife.

"Uhh do you know him or something?"jaune asked as qrow nodded

"I do but can't really talk to the guy right now with his friends close by"qrow stated because asher was surroudned by crimson talon grunts. Though qrow was curious why he would be working with these thugs.

The bartender huffed at that as he polished a glass"you know that traditious bastard?"he asked

"What if i do? That gonna be a problem for you bar keep?"qrow asked

He shrugged his shoulder"not really i don't care honestly he can rot in hell for betraying our trust. But you should get going before these mercs get rowdy"he warned as they took this opporutnity to make their leave. But while they left asher looked over going wide eyed at who he was seeing.

"Wait a minute was that qrow? Eh whatever probably my mind playing tricks on me"asher thought as he drank his sorrows away while carrasing a picture.

Outside the bar the two walked a decent bit away before qrow looked around making sure no one was around or they werent followed.

"This is getting a little interesting to see an old pal of mine here working with slavers. Seems that bartender doens't know where percy is and is hiding something. "Qrow stated

"How could you tell he's hiding something?"jaune asked

"When you've been around long as i have kid you pick up a thing or two. We should question him next time, but first we regroup and come up with a plan"qrow replied as the two made their way back to poppy place to meet the others. They met with rogue, ren and nora along the way as they returned to her home. But unknown to them someone in an alleyway watched them.

This chapter we got to meet most of the residents of deepwald along with asher moore being introuduced to the story. Also erin, reed, pollax, tom and maya are my own OC. Though it seems their might be more of these grimm hybrids running around. Thanks for reading!