Ozpin sat at his desk as he did most days. Another mug of coffee was casually sipped from at his side as he lounged around, looking out into Vale with his thoughts and doing the work expected of a headmaster.
Shifting in his spinning chair, he glanced at the report that lay open. Its contents laid out in full view, already read twice over. It was a formal report sent by the council of Vale as a courtesy due to their partnership with Beacon. After all, if they wanted trained and eager huntsmen at their disposal, he would need their cooperation regarding all matters of the kingdom.
This particular report left a lingering curiosity prickling his mind. A town called Vicus. A name he had rarely heard even in his many years as Headmaster. A rather large population of one and a half thousand settlers despite being on the fringes of Vales continental territories.
It had come under the unfortunate reality of a Grimm incursion. Their estimates were seven hundred Grimm of varying sizes with uncertainty to variables within. An incursion on the larger side by definition as to be labeled an 'incursion' required two hundred or more of the beasts. However, when compared to historical accounts from survivors stating over three thousand in one day such as in the great war, it was not that impressive a number.
What was impressive, however, was that their defense force had the foresight to recognize the oncoming migration. Then, with a force of barely over one hundred and sixty volunteers, culled up to five hundred of the assailing horde. That was over three Grimm to each fighter, and with only twenty-four deaths and several wounded? It was baffling. So much so that he and the council had initially assumed it was falsified. Yet there was a roster of deceased, printed evidence of their demises, and a request for relief funding and repair that was shockingly low. If they had lied, they would gain nothing from it.
What was most peculiar was that he had recognized not a single name from the deceased or those in command. Not one huntsman. Retired, rogue, in training. None of the commanders or local leaders were of exceptional note either. He would have liked to chalk it up to wisdom and luck that had blessed the people of Vicus to suffer so little damage. But his mind, ever suspicious and pragmatic, felt there had been a third party of interlopers.
It was too unusual, and he was rather curious. There weren't even any recorded students operating in the area or reports of mercenaries or bandits who would help for pay or extortion. But what if, just what if, it had been ex-students in need of goodwill and supplies while on the run?
If his suspicion was spot on, then James could certainly not know of this. Thankfully, and correctly, Ozpin was the only one to draw such a conclusion. It was a relief as James had strong-armed the Valean council into handing over any information regarding team CRLN. But for now, only he was aware of this possible lead amongst a trail gone cold.
With a swipe and a tap of a finger on his desk's interface, a ringing emitted as the slovenly voice of Qrow spoke out. "What?"
"Please come to my office," requested Ozpin with a roll of his eyes.
"I'm not in trouble, am I, teach?"
"Immediately rather than at your leisure," added Ozpin.
"Pfft," replied Qrow before hanging up. A few minutes later, a small black bird flew through Ozpin's open window before instantly shifting into none other than Qrow. "What is it? I was catching my beauty sleep."
"Yes, at 3 PM, I imagine you truly need it."
"Long night of investigating our foes," shrugged Qrow, ignoring the barb and weathering Ozpin's scrutiny. "Oh, and drinking," he amended in a slightly lower tone.
"Quite dedicated," joked Ozpin. "I have a new task for you. With your ability, it should take you no longer than a week or more to travel there and back."
"You're sending me out?" asked Qrow in mild surprise. "Shouldn't I stay here with all the incoming students, James off his leash, and our enemies lurking amongst us in Vale?"
"Sitting on our hands to await any hearsay of our opponents will yield us no advantage. Your lack of success in intel gathering shows that much."
"Ouch, that one stings ol' timer," grouched Qrow.
"I mean no offense. Only that I would like you to do a favor for both me and the council of Vale." Ozpin presented a closed envelope with a red seal of two crossed axes, the symbol of Vale. I need you to deliver this message to Vicus, a small town on the southeast of the continent. It seems that they fended off an incursion of Grimm by themselves. That letter approves their request for aid and medical goods with an estimated arrival."
Qrow looked over the envelope and feigned surprise. "Wow, all by themselves~ I bet they don't need little ol' me to deliver a letter for them."
"Your sarcasm is noted, Qrow. But your suspicion is akin to my own. I believe that the town of Vicus should not be standing if the report was to be believed."
"That's an awfully cold thing to say, Oz. So who do you think saved them and why?"
Ozpin crossed his fingers as he leaned back in thought. "I cannot be certain, but I surmise that it may be none other than James and half of Atlas's current obsession. I may be wrong, but if I am right, this may be an opportunity to provide assurance and relief to them that they are not alone. Not entirely, at least. If I am wrong, then you simply helped with an errand. But knowing you, I would harbor a guess that none other than you would like to complete a covert objective that goes against James' bullheaded decisions."
Ozpin glanced past the sides of his glasses to see a smirking Qrow who stared at the envelope like it was a golden ticket. "You really have a way with words, Oz. Give me the directions and I'll be on my way.
"Delightful."
As Ozpin expected, Qrow arrived within a matter of days, a feat only he and his sister could manage, thanks in part to their gifts. One second, he was perched atop a tree branch, the next second, a grown man weighing down the limb as he looked over Vicus from a distance.
His initial impression surmised all there was. "Not much," he grumbled. Descending with a carefree step, followed by a groan as his aging knees took the impact. Slowly, he stretched and shook his limbs; the feeling of human apendages always came back slowly whenever he stayed in his other form too long. Or as he usually told Ozpin, he "felt like shit."
He slowly approached the town walls, looking over the defenses as he closed in on the northern gate. Despite the settlement's age, its wall seemed to have been new or at least recently updated and maintained. While he had circled above, he noticed that some of the eastern compliments had been torched or broken into pieces. Even here in the north, there were signs of patch jobs and the telltale claw marks of Grimm in the wooden logs.
"Halt! Stay where you are until we send a team to interview you," called a young man in some ratty armor from the wall.
Qrow looked up at the closed gate and his surroundings. "Not a very warm welcome for a weary traveller now, is it?" he asked with a sarcastic grin and shrug.
The boy didn't budge as his fellow watchmen ran off to inform their officer. It was obvious he was nervous. "I apologize, sir, but the town's gates are closed until repairs are completed everywhere. The fact we have no record of anyone's scheduled arrivals at this gate today and that you have a large weapon does not help dismiss suspicion."
Qrow glanced down at the weapon on his lower back. With a short humm, he raised his hands defenslessly. "Alright, I'll be right here then." With that, he pulled out his weapon, causing the boy to flinch before he witnessed Qrow deploy the large sword. With a quick flick, the handle snapped ninety degrees, and he put the blade in the dirt, using it's shaft as an impromptu seat.
He waited under the young man's gaze as he began thinking. It was unusual for a town to be so on guard, even after an incursion. They took extra precautions, security shifts, observations, and scheduling of visitors by gate despite their remoteness. It all seemed like it came from a protocol in some way. As if they had been advised to do so by another. After all, no one would expect a bunch of country bumpkins to run such a tight ship especially after fighting for their lives.
Let alone the fact he should've clearly come across as a Huntsman. Their precautions were warranted, but usually, the hopeful sighting of a huntsman would dismiss any doubts. It was even a tactic bandits used on smaller settlements. It was refreshing to see such care and caution from those outside the kingdom walls, even if it inconvenienced him. But it certainly was unusual, to say the least.
Soon, an older man and two more in the same style of uniform as the watchkeep above held an interview with Qrow on the other side of the gate as a precaution. They asked a few questions: name, occupation, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and such. Naturally, Qrow had fake credentials courtesy of Ozpin, although neither had expected he would need to use either out in the sticks here.
With a lie of 'Gavin Jay', an annoying prank by Ozpin using bird names as his pseudonym, Huntsman for hire, looking for work or say of, and only passing through for the day, Qrow was allowed in with a small yellow placard. The older man informed him it was proof he was a guest within town for a day and would need to return it at the same gate on his departure to prove he left. Qrow acknowledged the instructions but again found it suspiciously well-versed and detailed. Why all these precautions against people when there were no official reports of bandits against this town? Before the incursion, the worst they had were wandering packs of Grimm.
With infiltration out of the way and thankfully not having to break in and hide his face, Qrow set about business as only he could. He went to find information first. And of course, that would be at the bar. That and also top off his flask. Flying really left a man parched.
Several hours and several establishments later, Qrow had realized even more about this community. First they were tight knit. Though kind, they were unreceptive of strangers. Second It seemed everyone knew everyone. It was clear he was stranger to all even the children. From his clothes to his weapon and mannerisms. The playful older drunk act didn't warm any of them up to answering questions.
Seeing the lack of wanted posters in the town, he had tried to even show pictures of team CRLN, of course without "Wanted" posted across their foreheads, and inquired if there had been any sightings. He was dismissed or given aloof indifference by all. But he had noticed their reactions. The subtle cues the untrained gave. The raising of an eyebrow, widening of an eye, twitch of a hand, immediate aversion, as if they saw something they shouldn't have.
He couldn't get a straight answer, and frankly, it wasn't worth the effort. What he could assume, however, was that Ozpin was right. They had passed through recently. Perhaps even stayed temporarily after the incursion. But he couldn't understand why they would show their faces so easily and to so many people in the town. Even if there were no wanted posters or notifications in the town, if the mayor just happened not to follow the Valean central order to aid in Atlas's search. Why would they take such a risk?
Perhaps Oz was right again, and the boys were just like the others in their grade. Maybe even as idealistic and innocent as Ruby and Yang. Qrow snickered, thinking back to his nieces, giving a short sigh of relief that despite being in the same grade, they didn't mingle with those troublemaking boys. Not that he was one to be calling them such.
Qrow shook his head, catching himself almost reminiscing as he sifted through the streets of Vicus. He took a moment to admire a new monument, made of wood but a sign said they would commission a stone mason soon. It was a ten foot sculpture cut from oak that depicted three individuals, two men and a women, dressed in the local Militia and police garb while striking defnsive stances. It was somewhat similar to the central courtyard statue in Beacon.
He eyed the small plaque beneath the figures. "In honor of the twenty-four who lost their lives defending home and family. Thanking those who fought alongside them and lived to see victory. Vicus persists through their sacrifice."
Qrow's eyes lingered on the number, twenty-four. It matched the report. There were no tell of guests or outside assistance, no notable mention of huntsman as every other settlement would do without hesitation. But then again, these boys were crafty. He wouldn't doubt that the townsfolks' silence and redaction of their presence were here as well. Qrow recalled a similar experience in his past.
His eyes glossed over the rough craftsmanship once more when he noticed something. The detailing at the figure's feet was not fire but the claws of Grimm scrounging up at the three defenders. And nearly hidden behind those numerous claws were four weapons placed around the statue's feet. Qrow stood on his tiptoes, looking down, and grinned.
There was an MG facing the east, a Halberd to the west, a baseball bat at the south, and two revolvers in the north. Qrow tutted aloud. "A villagers' thankfulness isn't something you can just dismiss, boys. They'll find a way to do it, even to your detriment."
As Qrow grinned at the statue, a young girl, unassuming in appearance approached with her hands clasped at her waist. As he cockedhis head and scratched at his beard, she introduced herself.
"Good evening. I am Amanda, the Mayor's granddaughter and current assistant."
"Nothing like some kind family nepotism," quickly interjected Qrow with a snicker as the girl continued, pointedly ignoring his friendly banter. "The mayor would like to speak with you if you could find the time."
Qrow hummed aloud, feigning contemplation. He certainly had nothing to lose. If anything, he could wrap this up and use it as an acceptable reason to return to Vale in case Ozpin pestered him. "Lead the way, young lady."
"If you'll follow me."
It was an overly polite, overly cautious meeting and an all-around waste of time. His audience with the mayor amounted to nothing in the end. Again, they beat around the bush, dancing around the topic with wordplay to such an extent that Qrow even felt inclined to reveal that he suspected they were harboring Remnant's most wanted. Unfortunately, at least for Qrow himself, his temperance won out. Namely due to Ozpin's insistence that he keep a low profile during his investigation.
Once he left on amiable terms with the mayor, who was fervently wiping away sweat on his forehead as he bid him farewell, Qrow found a small inn to sleep in. Before he could rest, though, he turned off all lights within and waited for nightfall. With an open window, he snuck out in his bird form to investigate the surroundings of Vicus and its walls. Again, he found very little to show the boy's presence.
He would return to sleep briefly before awakening early in the morning to the crippling realization that a town this far out in the sticks didn't have a liquor store open 24/7. Sobering up at a frightening speed, Qrow turned to the north gate and returned his pass. He then began the long flight back to Vale, where he could find some real comfort and drinks.
While he had found little evidence of team CRLN's presence while on the run, the four boys had not been idle during his arrival either. Within the hour of his arrival, they caught wind of a strange man asking around for some boys similar in description to themselves.
The first tell was by none other than the mayor. Caelum and his team were sat down and given tea and coffee by their host and his granddaughter when he mentioned that there had been an unusual arrival that day.
Caelum raised a brow as he sipped. "Unusual?"
The mayor raised a hand defensively. "Now don't fret, young man. I understand you gave us counsel and advised us on these security measures for our safety, but he seemed a genuine traveller, even if somewhat odd if the guard is to be believed."
The topic went ignored as there was no reported trouble, and it was, after all, his town to manage. It wasn't of any true concern to the four runaways until the familiar barkeep came knocking on the mayor's door.
A knocking rapt against the wooden door, a sense of urgency behind it. As the mayor's assistant opened it to greet and explain that they were in the middle of a meeting, the barkeep insisted he be let in.
"A meeting? Is 'Tak' and his friends here?" The bearded dirty blonde man peered in and saw Niel, before giving a look of relief. "Tak! Thank goodness!"
"This is all very rude, Simon. Could you not wait?" chastised the mayor as Niel looked between his teammates. The man had become friends with Niel and grown to know him by his pseudonym. Not just that, but to seemingly care for him like a child of his own, though Niel defended it was more like a nephew.
I'm sorry sir, but I and some others are worried for the boys, being our benefactors and all."
"Worried?" asked the mayor and his granddaughter simultaneously. The girl let her facade of professionalism slip for once.
Simon nodded and explained. That new visitor, he's been asking around for them, and he didn't seem none too reputable."
Caelum called their attention as he demanded an answer. "Simon, was it? What did this man look like? Did he say anything?" Caelum's posture was lax, even as his eyes held firm on the older man. While the three locals of Vicus focused on his face, his teammates knew better and watched his body. Caelum was preparing to eliminate any hearsay of their true identities.
His team watched anxiously as Simon brought a finger to his chin and recounted what he knew. "He smelled of alcohol, drinking while traveling, I guess? He was disheveled, wearing white and black with some cape and a large weapon on his back. Like some huntsman. He's been asking around every bar and tavern about ya'll. Even showed a few folk pictures they say are exactly of you."
"And he didn't say anything else?" asked Caelum for clarity.
"No, none of us were too willing to speak with him cause, like I said, he didn't seem too trustworthy even for a stranger."
Caelum glanced at the Mayor, who gave a wide-eyed look as he sputtered. "I-is this fellow after you four? Is it because of that covert mission you have from Vale?"
The tension from Niel, Lukas, and Raiden all but evaporated as the convenient excuse fell into place. Without any flaw, Caelum lied as he gave a single nod, thick with false sincerity.
"T-then what are we to do about this, this renegade? Is a bounty hunter in our walls not a problem?" fretted the old man as his granddaughter sought to calm him.
Caelum stood and ushered his team to follow. "Seek an audience with him under the pretense of easing the citizens' worries as to his presence. If he asks for us, tell him you know of nothing, and then keep off that topic as much as possible. Preferably focus on him as you are the senior authority here."
Caelum turned to Amanda as she held her grandfather. She nodded, telling him she would ensure it would happen, even if her grandfather was easily shaken. Seeing her confirmation, Caelum continued. "If he turns violent or begins to make threats, comply with him and provide vague information such as we left shortly after the Grimm incursion. Contact us and we'll deal with whoever it is."
The ice in his voice at this final resort sent the three citizens into a petrified silence. The topic of death, of complicity in killing, stunned them as much as the possibility it would be warranted in case the man turned out to be as bad as his image.
"V-very well. I hope you will rely on us this time. And… and if worse comes to worst, please let us rely on your strength once more."
"Caelum gave a short nod. "Of course. Thank you for your understanding despite the unusual nature as to our secrecy."
"I have no qualms with men who have taken oaths nor those who have saved my community. I only make one last request before I summon this stranger. If it were to come to it please make sure no harm comes to my granddaughter, even if I-"
"Grandpa!" hissed Amanda as she slapped his shoulder. "That's enough of that! Everything will be fine."
"Of course, my dear, of course. Then, Simon!"
The blonde bartender jumped at his name despite his large build. "Yes, sir?"
"Why are you still here? Keep your lips tight and go on. No need to risk yourself or your wife and child with this drama."
Bowing out, Simon left with CRLN in tow. Final thanks were given as they rushed to prepare themselves. Hiding in their temporary residence, they began alerting the Nyx and its crew. Should the deceit fail, should they fail to kill their pursuer or he have reinforcements in waiting, the Nyx would be ready to get off the ground and depart within minutes.
And so they waited in silence. For word, gunshots, explosions, screams of confusion from passersby. They waited anxiously, a tension they had forgotten for some time filling their bodies as they waited.
Little did they know that Qrow just wanted to finish up and would soon go back home to Vale without much effort.
-Chapter End-