Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues

Dust 5: The Breaking Point of Loyalty

Happy holidays to all! Here's a little present from me to you!

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Leo, must you make such a racket over there? I'm trying to focus on other work."

Watts spared the nervous wreck of a Huntsman and headmaster a glance while he sat on the couch in Leonardo's Haven office. And he saw the lion Faunus hunched over his desk, head in his hands as his leg bounced uncontrollably on the floor. Honestly, it was so loud and bothersome that he had to wonder how the man got any work done at all when all he seemed to do was waste his time fretting.

Watts rolled his eyes and sat up from his spot, putting his cup of tea down while minimizing the screen where he was adding a few more naturally inspired lines of code to his programs. He stood up from the couch, making sure to straighten and keep his suit pressed as he started walking around the office, "I'm not sure what has you so worried. It's just a regular check-up with your agent, isn't it?"

"You don't understand, Arthur." The bearded Huntsman over-dramatically bemoaned while rubbing a hand through the creased wrinkles piling up on his forehead. He looked up at Watts, "This is the sitrep I get from that agent of that vile Orochimaru's she paired me with."

Watts barely paid him any attention as he perused his choice of literature. He checked the titles and names as he passed by, "Hmm, this is quite the collection you have here." He pulled out one book before humming to continue the conversation, "Uh - indeed, Leo. That's what a regular checkup is, remember?"

"But I have to cross-reference his work to what I provided him." The shame and guilt were evident in his voice as he looked down with a heavy head, "I have to check his list of the dead."

Watts looked at the poor man and his plight as he fully experienced the weight of what he had done. The brilliant scientist closed the book he was reading - making sure to slip in a finger so as not to lose his place - and walked over to his desk. He leaned on the mahogany top and sat there until Leonardo raised his head to regard him. Once he knew he had his attention…

"Yes, Leo, you do have to check the list of the dead. And you have to keep doing that until the number of Hunters in Mistral is thinned enough that we're comfortable. It's your job." Watts said callously while stating the facts, "And you can wrestle with the weight as much as you want, but this was a choice you made. So learn to live with it already because there's no going back."

Watts disregarded the stunned expression on the man's face before he stepped back and continued reading.

Some would have taken to that discussion with a sympathetic edge and tried to ease his woes by reassuring him of what he'd chosen to do. Watts took the simpler option by just making him face reality and telling him to get over it. They made their bed against the established societies of this world and now they had to sleep in them. No reason to convince themselves otherwise.

A fainting tapping on the window drew their attention to the side. Leo stood up from his chair with a sigh and unlocked the window before pushing it open. As he stepped back another man entered the office.

"Greetings, Headmaster." A man dressed in a dark poncho with bandages covering every exposed inch of his body except one of his eyes stepped into the office while closing the window behind him. He noticed Watts standing off to the side and gave the scientist a respectful bow, "And good evening to you as well, Doctor."

"Ah, I think I remember you from the castle." Watts racked his brain, only feeling a vague recognition of the mummy-looking man back when Orochimaru's people had come and started to pile into the castle. The Atlas genius then hummed and raised an eyebrow, "I think? Honestly, there were so many of you present at the time it was hard to bother with memorizing your features. And compared to some of your other coworkers you hardly stand out much."

"That's by design." He clarified, "Hardly be an expert in clandestine affairs if I drew attention to myself, would I?"

Watts didn't know much about subterfuge and spying, but he supposed that did make sense. Though from the Beacon reports he supposed those other expendable soldiers were more useful as plants in broad daylight where this one fancied himself a dealer in the shadows.

"Dosu," Leonardo spoke up from his desk, a sweat drop forming on his temple and running down the side of his face. The silent agent stepped up to the desk to face him properly, "I'm guessing it was business as usual for you?"

"Indeed sir." Dosu nodded, pulling out his Scroll and placing it on the desk before it projected a screenshot for them to see.

A spreadsheet separated by columns of names. And a line scratched through each one of them.

Leo looked at the list like he had seen a ghost.

Watts on the other hand finally put down his book and stepped over. He rubbed his chin and surveyed the list as Dosu stepped aside, "My word, I hadn't expected so many names. And every one of them?" Dosu nodded, "And I suspect this wasn't the first list you've been given?"

"The third one." The Elysium soldier answered, "All collaborated with Professor Lionheart's help."

"Fascinating." Even Watts couldn't help but be intrigued by the prospect of taking out so many highly trained warriors, "How was this possible? No offense but you do not strike me as someone capable of handling so many certified Huntsmen and Huntresses by yourself."

"It's easier than you think when you take confrontation out of the equation." Watts spared Dosu a look as the bandaged man spoke, "These people already separated themselves from the comforts of society and home when they took these missions, so the brunt of the work was taken care of. After that, it was simply unsettling them by making them think they weren't alone or they were being watched. Some deprived themselves of rest for so long that when they finally did clock out I could take them in their sleep. But for the rest, it was simply prodding their negative feelings until the Grimm swarmed them, where they would either fall to their claws or by my hand."

"Quite brutal, but effective." Despite his strange attire and pitiable position in their cabal, Watts did feel a modicum of respect for the man and his methods, "Well done."

"Thank you."

"Well, Leo, what do you think? Quite the good work he's done, right?"

Leonardo gulped before pointing to the screens, "A-And these three? You-you took them out too?"

Shikaku Nara

Inoichi Yamanaka

Chōza Akimichi

"Yes," Dosu nodded, "However, they were…considerably more difficult than the rest."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Get back!"

"Chōza, get Inoichi back on his feet!"

"I-I'm fine!"

Dosu watched from the trees as the three Huntsmen retreated from the horde of Grimm chasing after them. The grizzled one with pineapple hair stayed back and slashed the Grimm with shadows as the large one helped his friend walk on his injured foot. This was taking longer than most of his assignments. Perhaps he made a mistake trying to eliminate three of them at once.

"Hey! Not getting any easier over here!" Shikaku Nara called back as the Grimm lunging to attack were coming faster than he could prepare his shadows, "Don't we have an escape route?!"

"We had one but then the Grimm started crawling all over!" Chōza Akimichi yelled back while expanding the Aura around his hand for a moment to give the Grimm rushing at him a hardy slap that cleaved off its head, "Didn't we call for an evacuation?!"

They had tried, but with a special app from Kabuto, he had been able to jam the call. Although out here so far from the towers he might not have even bothered.

"I-I was - b-but then-"

"Inoichi save your strength! Just one more push and we're set!"

Lying to ease their injured teammate who was just slowing them down.

However Inoichi Yamanaka persisted, raising his head and speaking up for his teammates to hear him, "I felt…someone here…"

His eyes raised…and stared at Dosu despite him hiding a good distance away and hidden in the trees.

"Someone watching us."

And just like that this wasn't a task he could just leave to the Grimm.

Dosu leaped from the branches but kept himself hidden among the shadows. With the help of his Semblance and the gauntlet on his arms, he started to broadcast a sound wave that unsettled the Huntsmen. He increased its intensity so high it caused them to nearly topple over and cover their ears.

"Shikaku! Over there!" Chōza Akimichi pointed to the side at the bottom of a cliff where a cave was formed at the base. The Huntsmen quickly banked aside and rushed to it, hoping to gain a reprieve from the Grimm hunting them. In this terrible situation, retreating to a cave to narrow the entry and better slay the oncoming horde was the best chance they had.

But it wasn't just Grimm they were dealing with.

Dosu threw several small glass containers filled with Dust toward the cliff. And once they shattered against the rock, Dosu activated his weapon and caused the small ignition deceives in each one to ignite.

The cliffside was suddenly bombarded by several powerful, devastating explosions that caused the shear surface to splinter and fall. And the three Huntsmen suddenly found themselves at the base of a rockslide they couldn't escape.

Dosu felt the ground tremble as boulders the size of trucks pummeled the ground and crushed even the Grimm that had gotten close to the Huntsmen. After a good few minutes of watching the cliff dislodge and destroy everything beneath it, Dosu stood up and observed his handiwork.

It was always risky to get involved in these attempts instead of letting the Grimm handle it. He had seen many times before that when his comrades took matters into their own hands, they got sloppy and left evidence behind that traced back to them. But with a disaster like this, it would be chalked up to an act of gods.

And there were another three off his list.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"But I took care of them like the rest."

"A device for sound manipulation? How do you regulate the frequency?"

"With my Semblance. They're supposed to be used in tandem together."

"And how did you come across this device?"

"Lord Orochimaru designed it with Kabuto's help."

"Yakushi? I thought he was a medical doctor."

"He is, but he dabbles in many different fields with Lord Orochimaru."

"Hmm, well for a medical practitioner I suppose the work is passable. However, in my opinion, you would get better results-"

Leo tuned them out as a dull tone took its place. As the numerous names staring him in the face started to set in and he imagined them looking back, the severity of what he had helped do started to settle in.

Even the Skyggen Hunters had fallen. Men he had met with many times and had helped him over the years protect this Kingdom. He had even met their families and their children. Oh Gods, he had made orphans of them.

"Leo?" He came out of his deep spiral as Arthur nodded to his side, "Are you going to answer that?"

The lion Faunus looked down at the blinking alert on his Scroll and answered it. A notice came up showing a new name designating itself into the Mistral Hunter system.

Qrow Branwen

"W-What?!"

"Hmm, seems like Branwen has signed in under Skyggen's system to take jobs. As well as a few of his child companions I'd wager."

"W-Why?" Leo panicked as his heartbeat started to pick up, "Why would he start taking missions? A-And with escorts as well?! D-Does that mean we have to add his name to the list?!" If he had a hand in killing Qrow - another member of the group - then the attention would squarely fall on him and how he let it happen, "I don't-"

"Take a breath, Leo. It's not that serious." Arthur said as he fixed his cufflinks, "We won't be targeting Qrow or the children yet. Until we can locate Raven Branwen, having her brother around is our best chance of luring her out. If you want more solid confirmation then you may ask Salem," The Atlas scientist waved his hand, "But I'm sure she'll tell you to leave their names off the list, turn the other cheek, and let things play out."

Leo started to catch his breath as he felt his heart slowly return to a normal pace.

Dosu stepped up, "Headmaster, if you'd like, while you're gathering more names and Hunters I can start looking for this Branwen tribe. I understand they're elusive but someone must know a direction to point in."

Leo gulped, "Can you do it without being noticed?"

"As best as I can. And if anyone does notice me they can be an unfortunate statistic out in the in-between."

Leo looked to Arthur for his input and the mustache man simply nodded his agreement. With a heavy sigh, Leo nodded and sent Dosu off for his next task until any new names started to pop up on the mission boards.

More work for Dosu…and more names to weigh on Leo's soul.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"What?"

"It's a unanimous decision. We believe High Leader Khan is not up for the task of what the White Fang plans to do next. So we believe Adam should step up and fill the role instead."

Yugito blinked in confusion. Squashing down every fiber that wanted to speak out against the idea of Adam controlling the White Fang, she instead opted for the easier topic to broach, "Khan would never forfeit the seat to Adam. You've heard her grievances with what we did in Vale, right?"

"I have." Rōshi nodded, "It was disheartening to see she couldn't understand the necessity of our actions that day."

"Necessi- Rōshi, are you hearing yourself right now?" She whispered harshly at the older Faunus, "We painted a target on our backs. A target on the backs of Faunus everywhere."

"Like there wasn't a target there already? Like our actions aren't the excuse some have been looking for their whole life to do what they've always wanted to do?" Rōshi countered, "Nii, this is a difficult road we're walking on, and it will take its toll on us. But at the end of this is a bright, shiny new world where we can look upon the change we've been a part of and feel proud."

Yugito was torn; between the desire to just follow along and believe what he was saying or call bullshit and demand he stops shoving his flowery rhetoric down her throat. With a deep inhale she leaned against her hand and her foot started to bounce, "You know it doesn't matter if she understands or not, right? Khan won't let Adam have the seat."

"Then it's just something he might have to take."

Yugito lifted her head and looked at Rōshi curiously. And the longer she stared at him and considered what he was implying, the wider her eyes started to grow, "Are - are you kidding?"

"Sienna Khan is a symbol of change for the White Fang and Faunus everywhere. And a symbol lasts, even if its progenitor cannot. Just like how Han continues to motivate our brothers and sisters-"

"He's dead! Han is dead!" Yugito hissed through gritted teeth, stopping the older Faunus from trying to inspire her with the comrade they had both watched throw his life away. She suddenly felt lightheaded and like she was the only person in the world still sane. With a deep breath she whispered, "Rōshi, I joined this movement because I wanted to fight back. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted a revolution. But this? This…feels like marching to war."

Rōshi stood up and gently tapped her shoulder, "That's what a revolution always ends up sounding like before it finds its completion."

He walked away and left the feline Faunus to absorb everything she was told. Yugito tried to keep still and catch her breath, her hands and feet jittering the longer she stayed there.

"Dammit." She cursed as she stood up and marched towards the exit. The moment she was outside she leaned against the wall and tried to take fuller breaths of the country's air. Anything to stop this damn shaking. This shaking she had never had before she joined this damn group!

"What's wrong?"

Yugito flinched and looked over to the trees to see Adam's human companion standing in their shadow. She sighed and relaxed a little, "What are you doing here? Should you be so close to the base?"

"Your leader advised that I stay close. Said to answer at a moment's notice."

"Well, good luck with that. Hard to know what the hell is going on behind that mask of his." Yugito muttered as she started to snap her fingers and conjure bursts of blue flame that quickly sputtered out. A practice that had helped her center herself ever since she was a child and discovered her Semblance.

"You seem troubled."

"Pfft," She scoffed, "You certified? Must be after making an astute observation like that."

"I'm not sure what's on your mind, but may I suggest you either handle it or put it aside? Considering the summons you have to answer later-"

"Shut the fuck up!" Yugito snapped at Hazel, yelling at him ferociously as her blue flames rushed out at her sides. She glared at the muscular giant with rage bubbling underneath the surface, "Don't tell me to get my shit together alright! I-I have my shit together! I've always had my shit together! But I've also been the only one to keep their fucking mind through all this!"

Yugito snarled while staring at the ground, "I can handle this! There's nothing I can't handle! I-I just need a moment to register it! Have them stop dropping so much shit one after another! A-And if we're making a move then I can make it! I-"

Yugito's rambling was silenced when a large hand gripped her shoulder. And despite the heat and flames that rose from her body during her panic, Hazel didn't flinch at all from the burns. Yugito could only stare up in fright at the behemoth looming over her.

"You need to consider if this is something you can handle."

"W-What?" She asked, "I-I just said I can handle it. Don't-"

"If this was something you believed in and agreed to, I would tell you to buckle down and accept it. That you need to prepare for whatever lies ahead of you. But if you are questioning yourself…doubting your reasons for being here…" Hazel released her shoulder, "Then perhaps you need to consider walking away from it. While you have a chance."

"W-What?" Yugito questioned as Hazel started to walk, "I-I can't just turn my back on this! T-They're relying on me! As a Noble Guard, I'm a beacon to-"

"Don't let something like obligation or duty tie you down to a fight or cause you don't agree to and can't handle." He immediately cut her off, "There are those that join battles they simply aren't ready for solely because they think it is expected of them. Do them a service and save yourself before it's too late. Save yourself with a chance they never had."

With that last kernel of advice, Hazel walked back into the forest and waited for his call. Yugito thought to raise her voice and call out to him. Tear into him about whatever preconceived ideas he might have about her convictions and plans.

But all she could do was sag into the wall as she considered what he said.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Nagato?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"You said you were going to keep an eye on Orochimaru's people and that boy who attacked me, didn't you?" She asked her loyal caretaker while he stood behind her as she surveyed multiple locations through her Seer, "Has anything come of that surveillance?"

"Nothing overt as far as I can tell but whether that is good or bad is still up for discussion." The pale redhead answered, "Orochimaru is continuing to command Elysium's underground services and practices, using the Seer you gifted him as his communication with his bases across the Kingdoms. However, the business has been lax recently due to the CCT falling, and many of the old channels he had forged for his services relied on them."

"So he must have some time on his hands, right?"

"Time he uses wisely. He and Dr. Yakushi make sure to study and survey all the Grimm they can find from the castle. They also wanted to take samples from the pools the Grimm spawn from but realized that most everything is destroyed when coming into contact with the fluid."

"Yes. Most everything." Salem nodded, "And the rest?"

"They regularly train and practice together to keep their skills sharp. The training is quite intense and the most skilled among their ranks show remarkable promise. However…"

Nagato paused and Salem looked over her shoulder to see his furrowed expression, "What troubles you, Nagato?"

"When I saw them training I got the distinct impression it was less about trying to make themselves better and more about wanting to avoid punishment. I understand that Orochimaru employed such tactics to ensure loyalty and that they wouldn't reveal his secrets, but that fear has dug itself into their hearts. I don't think he has one follower who does what they do out of anything other than fear."

She had come to the same conclusion herself. She recognized the looks on the faces of the men and women of Elysium. It was sometimes hard to tell who followed something out of devotion to it, and who followed simply to keep themselves safe. But after so many years she could tell the difference with a glance. No one followed Orochimaru out of anything other than dread that they would incur his punishment…except perhaps Kabuto, and of course…

"And what of the boy who attacked me?" She inquired of her servant, "How has he been faring ever since?"

"Secluded in his quarters, mostly." Nagato tersely said, probably still confused as to why she hadn't taken any measures of retribution against him for his actions, "I believe when one of his soldiers stands out of line, Orochimaru disciplines them to weed out such behavior. But as you have forbidden any such actions to be taken against him, he has simply decided to leave the boy out of their dealings entirely. Barely leaves his room. Sparsely eats or drinks. And I had to intervene before Tyrian snuck in to try and attack him for what he did to you."

Salem groaned, "I don't understand why you lot can't let it go. We all know it wasn't going to even hurt me."

"Yes but that doesn't mean we can stand watching someone raise a hand to you." Nagato answered, "Forgive him, ma'am. He is your most loyal follower and hates to see any move made against you." She hummed and conceded the point before he continued, "However, despite sequestering himself away from others, I noticed his comrades came to visit him quite often."

Salem quirked her head in interest as he continued, "Some yelled at him through the door. Others chided him and said he screwed up. A few were just checking to see if he was still alive." Nagato stepped up by her side, "I noticed when they first arrived that he carried an air of unapproachability that intimidated the others. But now ever since he fell out of favor-"

"Well, that's what happens when a star student loses their touch. They seem more like the rest." Salem sat quietly for a moment before looking to Nagato, "Can you fetch him for me and tell him I'd like to meet? Oh, and where are those snacks Cinder and the others brought during their travels? The ones I like?"

"Drawer behind you, ma'am." Nagato said as he stepped out to fulfill her request.

Salem stepped out of her chair and turned to where her candles burned. She opened up one of the compartments underneath and retrieved a bag of snacks she'd received from her followers. Despite her growing apathy toward the world, there were still some guilty pleasures to be had.

It was only a few minutes later when Kimimaro entered and walked in on her enjoying a chip. She looked over his tired and disheveled form with a faint laugh, "You look like a Heringal's plaything."

He didn't seem very jovial, and the time he spent away from others didn't seem to make him any more humorous, "You called for me? I hope there was a reason beyond commenting on my appearance, at least." Salem offered him a chair at the table and Kimimaro seemed hesitant to take it before relenting. As he sat down and she waved at the snacks in front of her, he looked to her instead, "Do you even need to eat?"

"Need? No, not anymore." She said while popping a chip in her mouth, "But that doesn't mean I don't like the taste or experience of eating things I like. You haven't eaten in a while, have you? I know this isn't much substitute for a real meal but don't be picky."

"I'm not hungry." She could tell he was lying but he didn't seem interested in her offerings. Instead, he asked her directly, "Did you bring me here to punish me? Do you have a plan to take retribution on me?"

"The fact so many people think I would be disturbed by something so menial as an attempt on my life is honestly frustrating." She sighed, "The reason I called you here is that I wished to ask you a few questions."

"About what?"

"About how you came to be under Orochimaru's service. I understand that he picks most of you up from settlements lost in battle or sieges by Grimm."

"I've been meaning to ask; are you responsible for those attacks as well?"

"Ha, I'm hardly responsible for every crawling beast and lumbering monster walking through the forests. My influence comes from here, and I can only really guide them to assist in my plans."

"Can you get them to stop?"

"I never could." She shook her head, "Influence them carefully to help my needs. Guide and reforge them maybe if I'm so willing. But I can't change their nature. They were what they were long before I came into being." She faintly smiled, "You've got me talking now. I hope you'll do the same."

Kimimaro hesitated for a moment before speaking, "My tribe was killed many years ago."

"Was it bandits or Grimm?"

"Their bloodlust and greed, mostly." He looked down, "I was part of a mercenary tribe. Our founding members had joined the first classes of Huntsmen generations ago when the school opened. But instead of helping people, they instead sold their services to the highest bidder. And once they realized how lucrative that business was, others flocked to it and learned their ways. For years the methods to fight and kill for payment were drilled into every one of us. And I…was a better student than most."

"If I ever had a mother or father then they died before I could bother remembering them. The tribe was all I had, and I was an ace for them to utilize. However, even though I was related to some of them, they never saw me as a person or a loved one. Simply a tool. Some of my most vivid memories are of fighting and killing others. We persisted for so long that we gained the attention of legitimate Hunter groups and law enforcement. The people in charge of our tribe believed ourselves too strong to be beaten."

"And like any foolhardy, power-hungry morons, that reality came crashing down quite quickly, right?"

"Exactly. Their numbers and coordination were overwhelming. We were obliterated. The survivors were so beaten and broken they were beacons of negativity for the Grimm. Funnily enough, my stunted emotional development was the only thing keeping me alive until I was the last one left. I wandered and wandered, waiting for some death to swoop in and take me, and that's where he found me."

"Not sure if it was a coincidence, him surveying the area after such a fierce battle, or maybe he even supplied our enemies with the knowledge they needed to get us…but he picked me up and took me in. Offered me a place to stay and recover. He spoke with me - probably the first person to treat me as something other than a mindless tool. Told me of his operation. His goal of pushing people to grow and evolve past what they are born as. And offered me a place at his side."

"And you took it. But were you not afraid? Did he not instill the same fear of punishment and retribution in you as he did others?"

"He tried, but there was no need. I understood that I would be tortured or executed if I betrayed Elysium or fell into the hands of my enemies. But it wasn't necessary. Compared to the way the tribe made me follow their orders, giving me a choice and a purpose was all the motivation I needed to see his goal through. I was loyal to him. I never questioned him or his methods. Having a purpose now was all I needed…and because of that…"

"You're realizing now that it might have been a mistake?" Salem asked, "Finding someone to follow and pledge your loyalty to is a great thing…but sometimes that person might not be worth it. That's why the rest of your peers are motivated by fear instead of loyalty. And how he could get away for so long with his experiments on Jūgo without a word from you." His mouth twitched after she said, "You realize that now, right?"

"What did you mean before?" Salem stopped chowing down as he looked up and glared at her, "What did you mean when you said you had been on both sides of this experience? Both the cruel plaything and the love-struck fool? What did that mean exactly?"

…

Salem pulled her hand away from her snack, "I loved someone. Someone who gave me a chance to be my own person for the first time in my life. And I loved that person so much that I spent years with him. Until he got sick and there was nothing left that could be done. So I reached out for help from beings far stronger than me. I hoped they would be kind enough to help me and save him…and they were not. Tried to convince me that it was beyond them…but I knew it wasn't. And I was right, but by proving their hypocrisy I made them angry. And they punished me. Made it so I would never see my loved one again. And I didn't…" She looked out the window, "For so long you can't even comprehend it."

"But then I found him again. And our love blossomed once more. Even after so much pain and suffering we were finally reunited. And for a time things were wonderful. Better than ever. I thought maybe we could even build something new." Her eyes stared out longingly into the distance, "But I was wrong. He had changed…wasn't the same man I remembered. And he betrayed me. All I went through out of love and devotion - the thing I had become to be with him - and it was all for naught. Sometimes through the bouts of apathy and numbness…I just realize how foolish I was for letting others control and change me so much."

She looked back at him…and saw a look of stunned silence on his face, "I understand so well how one can be lost in devotion and loyalty…and I know better than anyone how those feelings can be taken advantage of. And twisted until they hurt worse than anything the good ever made you feel."

After her words, Kimimaro looked down at the table and sat in silence. And as he did Salem leaned back and stared into the ceiling. She had lost her appetite…

But from the sound of the munching she heard it seemed that Kimimaro had decided to indulge in his.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

This job was easy. A lot easier than others expected or made it out to be.

"Do you need help?" He quickly called out to a merchant trying to lift his products onto his booth, "Here, let me help you." Grabbing the other side of the heavy crate they lifted it and put it down with little effort, "There we go!"

"Thank you, Mr. Yagura!"

"Anytime." He said with a smile before making his way back to his rounds. Being a comforting presence for the Faunus of Menagerie, he walked along his usual routes as a guard and waved to the citizens, hearing them happily greet him back and wish him a good day.

Smiling, reassuring the people, and letting them know they were safe. Even since he became a Huntsman he knew what was needed to keep people calm and not worked into a panic.

Retrieving his wallet, he made his way over to one of the popular vendors with lots of people swarming around it. With as pleasant and warmest smile as he could make he greeted the patron behind the counter, "Hey everyone, sorry to disturb you."

"Hey there, Captain." One of the regulars greeted him while moving aside, "You can go ahead of me. I know you're probably still making your rounds and I've got a big order to take."

"Thank you very much." Work hard and regularly around people and they will start to show respect and kindness. He stepped up to the counter and grabbed his Lien, "Can I get the regular, please? Oh, and a pudding if you have one. I need some sugar to keep me going."

"Of course, Captain Yagura." The patron greeted him with a smile as she started getting to work on his order. A fried fish patty with seasoned buns that many others considered a delicacy. It was just a fish sandwich but people always seemed to take silly pride in their local way of doing things, "A pudding? You don't usually order one of those. What's the occasion?"

Yagura sighed, "Feeling a little drained from the extra workload. We're scouring the island but can't find any clues on the rogue White Fang."

Leave it dangling. A tidbit of information he shouldn't have mentioned but just let slip. Something that piqued the interests of those listening and unsettled them. Even in his periphery, he could tell they seemed uneasy.

"Hey Cap," One of the people nearby spoke up, "Do you have any idea what that is after? I mean do we have to be worried-"

"Don't be afraid." Yagura quickly stated, "They don't seem to be looking to attack any civilians. Their only targets are the Belladonna family, for whatever reason."

Uncertainty. Uneasiness. And the cause of a problem they didn't understand. That's where he left them as he took his order and continued down his route. And as he heard the quiet mumbling behind him as he walked away, he was sure they'd pass on their confusion to others.

He stopped by to get a drink next. One of those fruit smoothies that were so tasty. Now, this was genuinely one of his favorite parts of being on this island. And it was as popular as ever because so many people were standing by for one.

He stood in line and politely greeted all the people that greeted him as well. Making sure to use the charming smile he always used to make them think everything was fine and nothing was wrong. This smile helped him make his way through school and work and society for years while dealing with everyone else. It was the most effective weapon around people to make them think they were safe.

The old woman behind the counter chuckled as he finally made his way to the front, "Shouldn't you be doing your job? I can't imagine Captain Rodentia appreciates you taking time on the clock just to get a drink."

"Oh, come on. You know I can't go a day without picking up one of your smoothies." Yagura pleasantly responded, "Plus I've got such a big path to make my way through on my rounds. The Belladonnas are worried about these rogue attacks. They're putting us on the line-"

"Shut your mouth." She quickly interrupted him, "The Belladonnas are kind representatives and I trust them over these screaming young brats any day."

It was always the elderly that were the hardest to convince. So stubborn and set in their ways that they weren't so easily swayed by gossip and rumors. Fortunately, even though his favorite vendor wasn't susceptible to the fears and worries, that didn't mean that everyone around that could hear him was so studious.

"You're right," He plastered an apologetic look as she placed his smoothie on the counter and he handed over his Lien, "It isn't fair not to trust the Belladonnas like that. They lead and protect us to the best of their ability. Even letting humans stay here and watch over our rallies unannounced. And whatever these rouge members have against them and their daughter, I'm sure it's something we can work out."

She didn't seem to care for his words, but he could tell the people behind him were getting antsy. Like a tingle in his shell, he knew his words were bouncing around in their heads. So with a jaunty tune and the tasty smoothie in hand, Yagura went back about his day patrolling his route and talking to people along the way. Dropping little nuggets of information and planting ideas in their head to stir up their fear and anxiety.

Honestly, this job was easier than others made it out to be.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

She spent an hour every few days sharpening Oath's base blade back to its pristine condition. It was time she used to unwind from whatever madness she had to deal with during the day and ponder on what she would have her tribe do next.

They would have to keep most of the Dust they salvaged off the crashed Airship for themselves, but perhaps they could pawn some extra for cash? Hike up the prices and push it towards the Spiders or other gangs?

They still had to find the trails of the Hyūga nomads. Having them so close in her hand was an opportunity she hated giving up. And if it was the last thing they did they would find that goldmine and bleed it dry.

Oh, and figuring out what to do to Minato and Kushina's kid when she met him again. That little bastard stuck his nose into their business and cost them a big get. She was not going to let that go without retribution.

"Ma'am?"

She didn't let Vernal's sudden interjection into her quiet practice jostle her. While still running the whetstone over her katana, Raven said, "What's wrong, Vernal? I told you I don't like to be disturbed at times like this."

"But you also said that in a moment of emergency I should come to you."

"And I was sure you could handle anything short of a fire breaking out and consuming the camp." She looked up at her short-haired right hand, "So what's the matter?"

Vernal quickly stepped up and sat across from her, confusing Raven with her dire expression, "We've just gotten word from Argus. It seems like Atlas has closed off its borders."

Raven stopped sharpening her sword to give Vernal her attention, "What?" The red-eyed woman put Oath aside, "I'm sorry, what did you just say?"

"Argus announced that all trading with Atlas will be proxied by the military base there. And word quickly spread that Atlas has closed off its border; no exit or entry for anyone other than military ships. No reasons or explanation given - but it just shut itself away from the rest of Remnant."

Raven stared forward in silence before her eyes drifted aside. With a scoff she shook her head, "This must be Ironwood. Heh, only he's enough of a damn madman to cut a whole Kingdom off from the rest of the world."

"Why would he do this?"

"He's floundering trying to think of how to protect themselves from Salem." Raven casually stated while lifting her katana and looking at her reflection in the blade, "Without Ozpin he doesn't know what to do next. He's a good little soldier and without someone to give him orders, he's going mad handling it himself. The only reason I could think of for suddenly blocking out the rest of the world."

"So…what should we do?"

She looked at Vernal quizzically, "Do? We don't do anything." She went back to running the whetstone along her sword, "We let whatever craziness happening in Atlas stay in Atlas and be thankful it's stuck there. Mistral may be run by corrupt cowards and thieves but you can at least figure out how to deal with cowards and thieves. Headstrong determined soldiers with only one thing on their mind? I pray for whoever ends up getting caught up in that mess."

"No, ma'am, I meant what about the Schnee?" Vernal stood up and lifted the front flap to get an eye on their hostage in the cage, "If we can't ransom her off to Atlas then what do we do?"

"Simple; ransom her off to Argus instead." Raven immediately answered, "Granted it throws that whole idea of draining Argus for its supplies out the window, but that was more of an idealistic scenario than anything real." Raven sighed and stood up, sheathing her sword as she walked over to Vernal. Looking out to see Weiss in the cage as she hummed, "Honestly this might be for the best. Better to deal with the idiots in Argus than risk drawing the main attack fleet on us."

"Okay," Vernal quietly nodded before looking up at her, "And what if Argus tries to take her from us by force?"

Raven stood quietly and considered the idea for a moment…

"Show them we mean business by sending pieces of her to them. Until they decide to listen."

Whatever measures are necessary for her people to survive and thrive. It may seem ruthless, but that was how the strong made their way in the world.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Dammit," She heard him quietly curse as his foot bounced on the floor impatiently. The sound of his fingers drumming on his metal knuckles filled the quiet room as he growled, "Can't they find a better way to keep us hidden than just locking us up?"

Looks like he was getting a bit stir-crazy. Honestly, she would have been anxious too if her mind wasn't more focused on other things at the moment.

The look on Blake's face when they appeared to speak to the crowd. The shock and horror as they made their intent on the Belladonna family public. And the betrayal after Mizuki laid the blame for everything they were doing on her shoulders.

She knew they were the enemy now and they had to steel themselves for any action they took next…but the look on her face sent chills down her back. She…she never thought she would make Blake hurt like that.

The door to their separate base opened and both Ilia and Mizuki looked up. Instead of either Albain brothers returning, they were instead greeted by two other members. The bat Faunus Yuma and the spider Faunus Trifa. Mizuki groaned and fell back in his chair to shift around uncomfortably.

"Wow," Yuma scoffed in a deep voice, "So glad to see such a warm welcome for my return."

"I thought one of the Albains would finally make it back to give us an assignment. Let's just say I'm disappointed it's just you." Mizuki sighed while flipping his metal hand up, "So where were you that was so important?"

"The brothers tasked Yuma with tracking down any scouts the Belladonnas sent ahead with messages and warnings." Trifa said while stretching out her arms and finding a spot by the wall to lean against, "No point in preparing our little revolution if someone goes spilling the beans before we get things on the way."

"And how did that go?"

Yuma crossed his arms, "Any reports he'll be making will only be heard by the coral at the sea floor."

He talked about killing the messenger so easily. And seemed almost proud about it.

Granted she knew taking lives was to be expected in their line of battle…and truly it was childish to believe a revolution could be bloodless…but those kinds of casualties could be understood in the heat of battle. Slaying a scout to stop a message from being delivered? And a Faunus one at that?

When this started she thought no hand would ever be raised against another Faunus in their quest for equality.

Now? Now it seemed like she missed the memo where they were either part of the revolution or just another enemy.

"Well done, Brother Yuma. You have saved us all a great deal of trouble with your actions."

"The White Fang will always be grateful for your help."

Corsac and Fennec finally joined them in the remote chamber of the White Fang base. Once they entered, Ilia gently lowered her head in a bow as did Yuma and Trifa. Mizuki remained seated and didn't see a reason to do the same as they did.

As the Albains stood before the shrine of the Animal God and gave a quiet prayer, Mizuki spoke up, "So? How are things going out there?"

"Quite well." Corsac answered, "Brother Yagura and the other members of our sect are currently making their way through the streets and whispering of the Belladonnas' shortcomings."

"No doubt there will be some blowback on us for not being able to control the mess but most of the fear and resentment will fall on them. We'll stop them from interfering with the plans in Mistral and we'll also be taking the seat of power from them for ourselves." Fennec looked at her and Mizuki, "We cannot thank you both enough for accepting this enormous task."

"Though the people will blame and scorn you, know that your sacrifice will be for the betterment of Faunus everywhere."

Ilia didn't care about her reputation. Knowing people would blame her for everything that could happen didn't concern her in the slightest. And yet she couldn't stop from piping up, "I know we are trying to take the Belladonnas' seat from under them…but was there a way we could have done it without heaping everything on her? I don't think Blake had to be the scapegoat-"

"Of course she did."

Instead of the Albains giving her a reason, all eyes turned back to Mizuki as he snarled, "The little bitch is a traitor to the White Fang, the cause, and to all Faunus everywhere. She lost her stomach and decided to abandon her duties just to fuck about with the humans and the other traitors around her! I think we should drag her out in the street and put a bullet in her head-"

"Stop!" Ilia snapped, her spots growing red with anger, "Don't go any further with that."

"I don't have to." A devilish grin came across the tiger's face, "You remember Adam's orders when he found out she was here?" A twisted cackle came out, "We separate her. Destroy what she has here. And when we're done, we'll drag her back to Adam and he can finish it off himself." His mechanical arm trembled as his fist clenched, "I can't wait to see what he makes of all this once it's over."

Fiercely loyal and dangerously single-minded. That's what Ilia remembered of Mizuki during the early years of the White Fang's reform. Someone who latched onto Adam's strength and dogma wholeheartedly. She didn't remember seeing much of him after his injury but he was still devoted to Adam…and even more deranged to show for it.

Unfortunately for Blake…that left her in the crosshairs.

"Well, there's nothing we can do to change it now." Corsac spoke up, "It is part of the narrative and one we have to use to our advantage."

"We'll keep waiting for the moment to strike to present itself." Fennec nodded, "Until then we weaken their position in the community…and weaken their defenses at home."

"Oh~," Trifa giggled, "Are we going to attack them? That seems fun."

"But a little counterproductive to all this espionage and political planning." Yuma added, "What exactly will we be weakening?"

"Their forces. We cannot yet attack the Belladonnas directly, and that monkey boy has made himself well known amongst the populace."

"The two Faunus that arrived and subdued our forces at the cape are quite strong, and it would be for the best that we hold off from engaging them just yet. As for that blond human…Brother Yagura has attested that from his observations he is quite powerful."

"Yagura warned us about this guy?" Trifa scoffed, "Wow, didn't think he cared."

"Even Brother Yagura can see that it would do us no good to attack an opponent we aren't prepared to handle. So instead…we'll attack the weakest link."

Their Scrolls buzzed and Ilia pulled hers out. On it was an attachment from the brothers showing a picture of the human girl with the ponytail fighting off their forces with the monkey.

"You'll apprehend this girl, hold her hostage, and apply pressure on the Belladonnas to act. Make it a spectacle, have them relinquish their seat, and you can safely return her to them."

"We're playing hostage negotiator with a human captive?"

"No, that's just for show. If you catch her you can kill her. All we care about is forcing them to bend to our will before we take action."

Ilia looked down at the image and took a deep breath. Once she let it out she felt her determination harden.

This was how they got what they wanted. And damn the methods they had to take to do it.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Adam kept his head bowed as Sienna continued to berate him. At his sides Rōshi knelt with a stoic expression while Yugito looked like she was close to passing out. All the while their leader continued to critique them for their methods and actions.

"And now, you have forced everyone's hands to turn on the Faunus! Not White Fang! Faunus! Faunus everywhere are seeing more animosity and hatred than ever before!" Sienna leaned back in her throne to catch her breath, "And the damage done to Vale wasn't enough! The CCT was damaged too, and we lost contact with our sects in the other Kingdoms as well! It took us weeks to find out that someone was attacking our members and razing our bases!"

"I understand, High Leader."

"Do you?! Because I have spoken to you about this! Warned you about this! But I can tell that there is no regret in your actions at all!" She cried out, "All you give is apologetic lip service while basking in the afterglow of this travesty!"

"The Huntsmen schools were symbols of an archaic system that needed to change. One where very few Faunus could ever hope to thrive and succeed to change the world. Simply one that continues the status quo and persists in the same history of us being pressed under the heel. A school born from the image of the people that used to hunt us and keep us in the wild."

"The schools were a necessary part of our protection! Everyone's protection! Without Hunters to fend back the Grimm, all of Remnant is in danger!"

"Not all of us." Adam refuted, "Faunus are so much more than humans are. We are what they should aspire to be. We can prepare for what the world is like once their forces are demolished." He clenched his fist, "We can change the world."

…

Sienna covered her eyes, "When I first campaigned to change the White Fang's methods, there was a mix of agreement and hesitation. As there always is when new ideas are offered for how to do things. But it was with Danzō's help and your fervent raids that we could finally change how things were done. I suggested force not just as a way to get back at humans, but for them to realize how serious we were. That acts against us and keep us down would not be met in silence. The goal was always to prove to them that we were equals…but Danzō…"

"He always had other ideas. Darker aspirations. His connections and organizational abilities were so handy that I could not afford to lose his help, even if his endgame was something I would have to stop. When you reported that you had ended his life…I thought you had broken away from his despicable methods. But instead…y-you've seemed to become even worse. More ambitious, and somehow even more dangerous. I did not remove Danzō's influence from the White Fang when I had the chance…I will not make that mistake twice."

She stood out of her throne and waved her hand out, "Adam, you and your Noble Guards shall be apprehended and tried for your actions at once. Guards, take them away!"

Some part of him had been holding out. Hoping she would see reason and join them. That they could usher in a new age for Faunus everywhere together.

With a disappointed shake of his head, Adam stood up while his hand fell on the hilt of his sword, "No, Sienna, I'm afraid that isn't how this ends."

"I will not entertain any more of your insanity, Adam! Guards, seize them!" She commanded and waited for them to act…before looking back to see all of her subordinates still standing in place and not following her orders, "Wha-what is-"

"This is the revolution your people have been demanding and waiting to experience for years, High Leader Khan." Rōshi said, "And this is them realizing that they will never see it to fruition under your control."

Sienna looked at all of them in shock. It hurt Adam to know he was the cause of such horror and anguish on her face. Someone he considered a mentor, friend, and lifelong partner. But for the sake of change, her sacrifice was needed.

One of her guards lurched forward and grabbed her arm to hold her in place. But her ferocity knew no bounds, and in an instant, she knocked him aside with a punch while reaching for her chain. Adam took that moment, drawing out his sword, and dashed in the blink of an eye with a thrust.

He felt his sword pierce through flesh and meat, rending through Aura and the cry of pain Sienna let out proved he had hit his mark.

But her skill hadn't made it so easy. He had aimed for her center mass - to end it in a single move - but her chain had stood out taut and shifted the blade ever so slightly. His red katana pierced in and through her abdomen, and the look of fury on her face told him she would retaliate.

So he drew his blade out with all the force he could. And in a spray of blood, he heard her cry out and fall to her knees while clutching her injury.

"I wanted to end it quickly." He muttered, "I owed you at least a quick and painless death. I'm sorry."

She growled through blood-stained lips, "You traitor."

"We're not traitors, Sienna. Our goal is the betterment of Faunus lives everywhere. If anything, we will be its messiahs. And you?" He raised his sword, prepared to end it with a single slash, "You will be the martyr to drive us all. Good-"

A violent rush of heat at his back forced him to evade. And he watched as blue flames devoured the platform, steps, and all the guards that had been standing aside just a moment ago. The flames wavered and died enough for him to see through the inferno.

To see a frightened, panicking Yugito wrapping one of Sienna's arms around her shoulder to carry her.

Adam's confusion passed within a second.

He sheathed his blade and channeled its energy before releasing a monstrous slice that blew away the flames and cleaved through the platform and marble. But Yugito and Sienna jumped over it, channeling a wave of flames around them to deter anyone from following them. But Adam did not falter, charging through the fire in an instant as he saw the two feline Faunus make their way towards the door, "Hazel! Catch them!"

They exited and turned the corner. And Adam quickly chased after them, sliding to a stop and seeing his human guest look puzzled by the sight he had just witnessed. Ignoring the useless human, Adam rushed down the hall and followed the heat. Any White Fang he met along the way looked puzzled before he yelled, "Nii and Khan have betrayed the White Fang! We must apprehend them!"

They didn't dare question his orders and soon it would be one running through the entire base. Adam continued to run, catching glimpses of the retreating women's feet while the drops of blood gave him a trail to follow. He ran and ran, hearing the frightened breathing and desperate panting of his targets before he turned the corner-

A mighty pillar of blue flames rush towards him and Adam leaped up, kicking off the wall and flipping over the flames before landing. Once he did he stood back up, glaring down at Yugito as he had her hand outreached while Sienna rested against her side. The tiger's breathing was ragged and heavy as she could no longer catch her breath. And Yugito had been in such a hurry that she hadn't realized they had walked into a dead end.

Adam stepped forward, "Nii, what are you doing?"

"This is wrong." She desperately panted out, "I know this is wrong. Whatever your goal was - is - it doesn't matter anymore. You've lost it and now you're resorting to - to madness!" The flames around her hand intensified, "This has to end."

"Yes, it does." Adam's hand settled over his hilt as his other gripped the trigger of his sheath, "And this ends only one way."

…

"HA!" Sienna whipped her chain at the wall while Yugito released another wave of flames.

Adam launched his sword and swung, releasing the power of his Moonslice at its full destructive capability. And as he watched the flames split and the walls explode from his attack, he slowly sheathed his sword.

There were no bodies. The wall had been completely obliterated. He almost would have suspected that he annihilated them…

As he walked to the edge of the broken wall and looked out from the hole in the base, he saw a forest and river running down at its base.

A river that had steam coming off of it.

His hand gripped his katana's hilt so tight it nearly broke.

"What were you thinking?"

Adam turned back and saw Hazel glaring him down while Rōshi stood stunned a few meters back. Adam clicked his teeth and turned on the human, "I told you to stop them! Why did you let them pass?!"

"You made a power move? Now? Without any warning?!" Hazel yelled back, his deep voice booming so loud the walls shook around him, "And you attempted to kill them? Your subordinate and your leader? What is wrong with you?"

"You need the full help of the White Fang for your mission, did you not?" Adam patted his chest, "With the White Fang under my guidance that will be possible. And it was easier for your people to get help from me than it would be to convince Sienna of working together. So you should be thanking me."

Hazel only glared down at him in silence before looking towards the hole where the wall had been before, "They escaped."

"They're injured and alone. They have nowhere to go. It's only a matter of time."

"You risked an entire operation for a power play, and you failed to tie up the loose ends." Hazel turned and stomped away, "I'm not sure how you think that's going to go over with my 'associates', but I'll let you know."

Certainly, it would not be an easy transition. Taking a calming breath he walked towards Rōshi, "Nii's sudden change of heart was unexpected."

"She had been complaining recently but I thought it was simply griping with the pace of our actions. Not that she would go so far as to betray us." Rōshi stroked his beard and asked, "What do we do?"

"I'll be busy with my new position. Leadership changes are never so clean." He patted the Noble Guard on the shoulder, "So I leave them up to you. Get some of our best and quietest to take care of the matter.

"And what will we do when we find them?"

Sienna was a dear friend and guide through his life. And Yugito was one of the nine that many Faunus around the world looked up to from legend. Yet for the sake of all their futures…their silence was needed.

"Go hunting."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Done

Next year I'd going to be a big year! I take the story in interesting directions and hopefully the plot lines will start to come together once again! I'm hoping I can reach somewhere in Volume 6 by this time next year.

I want to thank you all for sticking with me. You followed after the first part of our story and I hope not to disappoint you with this second part either. Thank you all for your support!

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