Earth crunching under his shoes, Azure let out a loud sigh as he strode into the treeline of Forever Fall. It was early evening, the sun's light shining orange through the high treetops. The soft music of leaves dancing on the wind and the sound of bird calls met his ears as he walked. He needed to think, and this was the quietest place he could go. The school was too loud, and offered too many distractions. The city always buzzed or hummed with activity. No, the forest was the best place to go. After what he'd learned from Junior, he needed time to mull things over.

"So? What did you find?"

"Take a seat. You want a drink?"

"Pass. Just give me the info I need, and I'll be gone."

"Alright. My source is still a little shaky, but if what they're telling me is legit, then your friends have been pretty busy."

"Doing what?"

"Reaper seems to be recruiting people from all corners of the continent for something. Couldn't find out what for. But it sounds like he's got a base of operations out in Mistral somewhere, and the creep has his most trusted, uh, confidants? Running the joint until he gets back. Also said that they're still lookin' for someone. Almost feel bad for whoever it is."

"Yeah, got all this from one source?"

"Well, don't quote me until I can confirm everything, but for now that's all I got."

"So are you telling me that he's got an army out there?"

"All I'm saying is that you should watch your back."

Stopping in an open glen, Azure decided to break for a bit. What Junior shared was the biggest lead he had. But now he needed to figure out what to do with the info. Should he tell his team? What would happen if he did? He may have the knowledge, but the source was hazy, unreliable. Did he wait for confirmation? What was the next step?

Azure could feel the beginnings of a headache, and shook his head to clear conflicting thoughts. Out of habit he activated his empathic sense, sweeping the area for any hidden threats. Forever Fall had a large number of Grimm inhabiting her expanse, and one could never be too cautious. Letting his senses branch out, Azure was relieved to find no beasts of darkness lurking in the immediate area, but his curiosity was piqued when he located a solitary presence perched in the treetops nearby. Azure paid the person no mind, and continued his break; it didn't matter to the young man why they were there.

After a minute, the spiky haired archer reflected on what had happened earlier in the day with his partner. Azure really hoped Rember would be able to bounce back from her shutdown; but he also knew it would be up to her to figure out when she would be okay. The boy sighed bitterly, shaking his head again. It was pointless to get worked up about it. What's done is done. He would just have to figure out what to do about it later…

Quietly, Azure made his way to a small, round clearing. Inspecting the area he observed a small pond on his left, a cluster of bushes on his right with a big tree looming over. Stopping under said tree, he let the shade cool his skin, the whistling of the wind dancing into his ears and relaxing his muscles.

He was tired. Tired of the stress. Here, in the isolation and freedom of calm, Azure could finally take a moment to truly breathe. He cared about his team. But his heart was still most comfortable by himself. It was so soothing to him, he didn't even realize his eyes were growing heavy. The world around him veiled into silent darkness, and Azure didn't fight as the weight over his eyelids pushed them closed.

"Azure, take your brother and sister, and get out of here! NOW!"

Blinking a few times in shock, Azure watched his mother kill what was known as a 'Grimm'. He had just almost abruptly met his end when the cat faunus that birthed him used her impressive scythe to cleanly slice through what he was told was an 'Ursa'. Mustering what little courage he had, the young boy did as he was told and took one of each of his sibling's hands and ran. Even when he didn't hear the snarls of Grimm and metallic clangs that signified their mom was still fighting, he kept going. All around him, the town was ablaze. The unbearable heat hurt his face, and the smoke practically made him blind as he tried to lead his two younger siblings through this hellscape. But he wouldn't allow himself to slow down. He was too scared to stop.

Not even an hour ago, the boy, with his mother and siblings, caught sight of a faunus protest happening in the town square. They simply ignored the rally, as they had no desire to get involved despite all of them possessing faunus heritage. But before the family knew what was happening, the protest had gone extremely foul. Due to this, the town of Yukihana, which was the only place they called home, was quickly turning to ashes. Even as the chaos started, their mother, a Huntress, tried to quell the incident with a few other of the residential Huntsman. The pale boy thought everything was going to be fine...but soon, the monsters came. Those horrifying, nightmarish...things.

Grimm.

The beasts of shadow had come in so fast...and Azure had watched so many people die in seconds. Now their home...their entire world...it was being destroyed right in front of them. As it stood, there was only one thing he could do now.

Find a safe place to hide.

On Azure's left, a little girl with black hair cried out for their mom; and at the same time, a slightly older (but still younger than Azure) boy was sniveling in fear on his right, his cat tail expressing his own distress.

"Go back! We can't leave mommy!" the girl pleaded, her eyes red from crying and her small black cat ears lying flat against her head.

"We can't."

"But she needs help!"

"I said we can't." Azure emphasized, not slowing down.

Suddenly, a Beowolf came crashing through one of the many burning houses, a blood red stain on its maw and claws. Azure's siblings cried out in terror, and the elder brother led them off the main road into an alleyway. The monster came chasing after, snarling, its claws making chilling scraping sounds on the pavement.

Azure's lungs screamed for respite, but the half faunus ignored their cry. He had to somehow give the Grimm the slip. There were a plethora of hidden areas in the labyrinth of alleys they used for games, but the boy didn't know if any of them would be still in one piece. Not to mention the growls of the monster hot on their heels weren't getting any quieter. But no matter how scared he actually was, Azure kept a brave face for his sibling's sake. Rounding a corner, the three kids saw a familiar, inconspicuous hole in the foundation of an abandoned building, the destructive flames leaving it untouched for the moment. Not seeing any other option in sight, they quickly ducked inside, stifling their ragged breaths as best they could. Once settled, Azure looked through a tiny peephole in the stone wall, gaze glued to the happenings just beyond the aging barrier. Just outside, the Beowolf had caught up only to find its prey gone, the beast's howl of rage so harrowing that Azure's sister covered her ears while she was curled up into a ball. The monster didn't give up however, its pointed ears swiveling around whilst sniffing at the air, and warily stalked on.

Once the beast was out of sight, Azure took in a long, yet muted breath.

"You okay?" he asked his siblings.

Eyriss rushed over and hugged her eldest brother tightly, sniffling in fright. Jet moved closer as well, the trio huddled together.

"What are we gonna do, brother?" Jet asked, magenta eyes hoping for a way out of this ordeal.

Azure was speechless. He had no idea. If they left this spot, they'd be killed by Grimm. But if they stayed, the building might catch fire and kill them as well.

"I'll...I'll think of something…"

"Azure, I'm scared…" Eyriss whispered.

"...Me too." Azure admitted, "But... Remember what mom told us: As long as we're brave, the monsters will leave us alone."

"But I don't think I can be."

"Of course you can." the boy assured his sister, putting on a smile for his sibling's courage, if nothing else. "You and Jet are even braver than I am. You saying I'm wrong?"

Eyriss blinked a few times in amazement. Azure thought she was brave? She didn't feel like she was...but if Azure said she was, then it must've been true! With rekindled valor, the cat girl shook her head. "No. I am just as brave as you!" she stated.

"...M-Me too!" Jet joined in, his own courage saved by the display of his other siblings.

Seeing his brother and sister hopeful again filled Azure with determination. He'd make sure that they'd get out of here okay. That was his job as the older brother. But he also knew just how much of a pinch they were in. With so many Grimm surrounding them, all of them wouldn't get far...however…

"...Listen," the pale boy started to explain, "I'm going to find Mom, while I draw the monsters away. Stay here, and don't come out until Mom and I come back."

"W-what?" Jet asked in disbelief, "You're gonna leave us here?"

"I'm getting help, Jet. I'll be back. Promise."

While the noiret cat boy grimaced with doubt, Eyriss wholeheartedly believed in her eldest brother's words. With a resolved nod, the girl pulled out a trinket in her hair, placing it in Azure's hand.

"Take it."

Gazing at his open palm, Azure took in the details of the small butterfly hairclip. Ignoring the sounds of Grimm and fire just outside their protective space, the young boy looked to his little sister, Eyriss, with questioning eyes.

"But this-"

"It'll keep you safe." the small girl stated, her black cat ears tall and all earlier fear put aside.

Amazed at his sibling's bravery, Azure took one last look at Eyriss, and his brother, Jet. Steeling himself, the pale young boy held tightly to his sister's most prized possession, steeling himself for what he was about to do.

"I'll be back with mom." the boy promised, not looking back as he ran out of their hiding place and into the inferno, the howls of monsters sounding right behind him and giving pursuit to their reemerged prey.

Azure's eyes shot open, nerves in his body sending out a violent jolt. The young man had to steady his racing mind, shaky breaths escaping his mouth slowly becoming steady. The evening glow had darkened into twilight around him, and the half faunus cursed himself for falling asleep in a place like this. And to top it all off, it just had to be that dream. The nightmare that wouldn't leave.

Seven years. It had been seven long, agonizing years since that night. And just whenever he thought his mind would release that painful memory, it kept clawing its way back to prick at his subconscious. Maybe a part of him didn't want to forget.

"...I should get back."

No sooner as the boy got ready to return back to Beacon, a ring was heard from his scroll. Azure nimbly drew it into sight, seeing Jad's icon on the screen.

"Hello?" he answered upon picking up the call.

"Hey, Pasty. You on your way back?"

"Yeah. Was just about to be. Would've been back but got…sidetracked."

"Such is life," Jad's voice nonchalantly replied, "Think you can delay that return trip for a bit?"

Azure raised an eyebrow, and Jad continued.

"I'm in town. Wanted to pick your brain for a bit. Just the two of us." Jad explained.

Azure blinked. His friend didn't carry his usual jovial tone. He agreed, and after a quick goodbye once obtaining the address of where his teammate was, the young man in white took in a breath and headed off, the distant cries of Grimm beginning to carry along with the wind. He opted on taking the public transit carrier back into the kingdom instead of walking the whole way. By the time he got there and found a seat, the last signs of evening dissolved into night.

The return to Vale passed by quietly. Sleeping away the wait crossed Azure's mind but quickly rejected it. Darkened forest wheeled by outside, and it wasn't until the pale yellow glow of street lamps drew his attention forward that Azure took note of where he was going when stepping off the aircraft. Meandering onward to the heart of the city, Azure triangulated where he was, and how to get to the address Jad sent him. First place was the commercial district. Azure kept the bulk of his attention on going the right way, but in doing so noticed the odd thing or two. Dust prices had nearly tripled on the signs of stores that sold it. The streets were not as lively, and many that were out seemed to be doing their best to get their business done, and get home.

People have gotten more uneasy… Azure thought to himself. He remembered the news of the city's manager mysteriously passing away, along with the strings of Dust robberies that authorities were tieing to Roman Torchwick, and possibly the White Fang. And if the White Fang were really involved…

Azure shook his head. No, he'll get the truth about Creed's and Wisty's involvement in it soon enough. No need to assume.

The streetlamps and illumination inside the rectangular buildings around the young man began to stretch out their lights as more of the well trodden parts of the city passed by, businesses with shipping trucks parked into docking bays of their respective warehouses replacing them. Azure checked his Scroll again; The place would be in sight soon.

He found it standalone. It wasn't a large establishment, placed in a weird transitional point of the commercial and industrial districts. The place itself was made of weathered brick, with a dark gray metal roof. Muffled music could be heard within, the words The Jangled Man written in green neon sitting atop the entrance. All surrounding buildings (which by the looks of it weren't many) had darkened windows save the occasional pane signifying the unfortunate soul burning the soon to be midnight oil. Putting his guide away, Azure advanced his way inside. Passing through the foyer, the halfbreed blinked as his eyes adjusted to the lighting, surveying the interior.

Its layout seemed inspired by its position in the city. It looked like a hybrid of a dive bar, and a jazz club. The faint whiff of cigarette ash permeated the furniture, and a slow, but practiced tune on the piano tucked in the corner filled the ambience. And alone at the bar, back to the world, sat Jad, cradling a glass of some sort of drink. Azure smoothly approached his friend and took a seat beside him.

"Hey. I'm here."

Jad didn't acknowledge his leader's arrival, continuing to eye his drink. At this point the bartender, a mountain of a man with ginger hair and a beard, came up to the new arrival.

"What'll you be having?" he ventured, polishing a glass. Before Azure could answer, Jad spoke up, gaze still to his glass.

"He'll be having the usual, Thor." the redhead answered on his leader's behalf. With a swift nod from the aforementioned man, the same drink Jad nursed slid into the pale haired boy's hands. Azure blinked at it, unsure. The boy slowly ventured a taste.

It was ginger ale.

Letting go of a breath he unknowingly held, Azure took a larger sip, enjoying his friend's favorite drink. The boys let the quiet between them hang, the calm piano soothingly playing away.

"So… '' Azure broke the silence, "Is this where you disappear off to?" he asked, and Jad took another drink.

"One of many," the redhead answered, his energy levels low, "Consider this one our private island."

That statement got a snort from Azure. "Whatever you say. It's nice."

"Mm."

"How'd you find it?"

"Before. When I wandered."

Azure nodded.

"So. Pasty." Jad glanced over, "How we doing?"

"Hm? In what?"

Jad cracked a grin. "How we doing?"

"Again: In what?"

Jad's smile only got wider, and Azure sighed in defeat of this game his friend decided to play. The team lead took a moment to think.

"Still thinking about what happened with Rem earlier…along with other problems that have come to our team because of me and my past…" the boy admitted openly; he didn't have the energy to be guarded anyway. "I guess I'm just feeling…tired."

Jad nodded, processing the information. "Like the other night you and Foxy dipped out of the blue after dance practice?"

Azure felt a twitch in his gut. "Yeah…"

"Mind sharing what that was actually about?"

Taking a sip of his ginger ale, Azure hummed in agreement. "Wisteria. The girl I talked to you and the girls about? She and I had a…talk. I found out she's been spying on us."

"Oh? She's the one you were talking about with the magenta-ish hair and pink eyes, correct?"

"Mhm."

"Ahhh. I think I might have spied her out of the corner of my eye once or twice. Guess that explains it."

"And of course you didn't say anything…"

"What? And scare your lady friend away?" Jad teased wryly, " I could tell just from a glance what she was there for, you charmer."

Heat rushed to Azure's cheeks before the young man could try and stop it. "It…It isn't like that, Jad," he tried to retort calmly, but the fedora wearing biker knew he was just trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Oh yeah? You prefer the sword over the sheath?" Jad ventured, his crooked grin turning devilish.

"Excuse me?"

"Ya know. Dudes."

"I–What?"

"Cause if you were, and had the hots for me, I'd be highly flattered. Don't swing that way, but flattered!"

"No!" Azure almost shouted, taking a second to collect himself from further embarrassment. "No, I'm not 'into swords'."

"Ahh. Well there goes a chunk of your fanclub." Jad teased further, and after a moment of Azure giving his friend a bemused stare, the pair of boys broke into a shared laugh. They both finished their glasses of ginger ale, and Thor immediately hit them with a refill as their fit of chuckles quieted.

Azure found himself staring into the fizzy hue of the drink before him. When was the last time he and Jad spent time together like this? Ironically enough, the redhead seemed to share the same thought.

"It's been a long time since our last solo hangout, hasn't it, Pasty?" he asked, voice returning to what it was earlier. "Not since…well..."

"...Yeah. That was a long time ago."

"You know I looked for you. After learning what happened."

"I know."

"Life was Hell after that, no doubt."

Azure lopsidedly shrugged. "A version of it."

Taking a big swig of soda, Jad placed a hand on his leader's shoulder. "You made it, though. That's something to be thankful for." he said reassuringly. Azure cracked a small smile, only for it to vanish.

"Till the Hell decided to follow me and affect more than just myself…I know we pretty much ironed this out, but I'm really sorry I had to mix all of you guys in this mess." he muttered, and Jad poked him in the forehead, earning a quick "Ow." from the spiky haired half faunus.

"No no, Master Archer, " Jad scolded, wagging a finger, "Time for that has passed. You've shown us just how much you're willing to do your role as leader. Now it's our turn to do ours. I'm sure the girls would shoot down the stupid thoughts just as fast too."

A single snigger passed through Azure's lips. "Right. Take care of them, and they'll take care of us." he commented, remembering the conversation they had not too long ago.

"Precisely. And just like I told you when we were snot nosed ankle biters: Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

The boy's clinked their glasses together in solidarity. Suddenly a thought passed Jad's mind, and it earned a small chuckle from him.

"Lookit us. A bunch of kids that had to grow up too fast. Great hand at life huh?" he said dryly, and Azure nodded in kind. For a good space of time, the friends sat in jazz filled ambience, nursing on their drinks and left to their own thoughts.

"I got a thought for you, Pasty. Regarding small, shy, and shapely legs."

Azure raised the highest of an eyebrow, "You mean Wisteria?"

"Aye. My gut tells me not to burn that bridge yet. I know you and her are on weird terms, but you were close right?"

Azure nodded.

"Then who knows?" Jad ventured, "She might not be entirely happy about the situation she's in, either."

The paley clad half faunus hummed in contemplation. It could be possible. But remembering their last conversation made it hard to know if there was anything to salvage from their previous friendship. If you could really call it a 'friendship'. And yet, a part of him wanted to believe that what they shared during that time in the White Fang was a real connection. Even when it was muddled by survival instinct and based in shared trauma. Before he could get too lost in his own brain however, Azure's attention was grabbed by a guitar riff acting as Jad's Scroll notification. Nimbly pulling it free from his jean pocket, he read the message and just as quickly stashed his electronic away.

"Gayle says Foxy is sleeping now. Seems you really wore her out, my dude." the boy ragged, breaking into impish laughs when Azure sighed at his innuendo.

"Really? This again?"

"Aww c'mon, Pasty! Our women are the epitome of attractiveness. You saying you aren't even the littlest bit interested?"

"No. Besides, Rem deserves someone better than me."

"Uh-huh."

"Well what about you, Casanova? Just what's your excuse for not looking at Gayle in that way?"

"Eh, she's more of the little sister I never had. Plus I think she's sapphic."

"I–Wait. What? How do you figure?"

"With an eight!"

"Jad…"

"Think about it," Jad explained, "for the entire time we've known her, I can count the amount of men she feels comfortable around, let alone interacts with, on one hand. That's not just timidity in my book."

"Still, that's a big claim without concrete evidence."

"Yeah? Fifty lien if we can confirm it."

"Seriously? Betting on our teammates' orientation?"

"Why not? We can throw Foxy in there too."

Azure rubbed his eyes, resigned. Worst part was now that Jad had brought it up, he was undeniably curious about it. "Fine," he caved, "But if they find out about it, both of us we'll be either shocked or laser-fried."

"A worthy risk." Jad mused. Slamming back his ginger ale, he paid the bill for both him and his team lead, getting to his feet. "Excellent elixir of life tonight, Thor. Just like always." he complimented the bartender, the latter nodding in acknowledgement. Azure followed suit, thanking them for being served. Stepping out of the building, the cool night air swept over the boys as Jad stretched out his back.

"Jad?"

"Myes, Pasty?"

"Thank you. For the outing."

"Any time, dude. Just lemme know when you need to get away from the crazy. It's always more fun drinking with someone."

"Guess we should get back then?" Azure asked, and Jad hummed in agreement.

"Don't want to keep the wenches waiting. Plus the hammock beckons to my soul."

"I thought you said Rem and Gayle were 'the epitome of attractiveness'."

"Oh shaddup, smartass. You know what I meant."