???: "Are you sure you can keep up with a huntress, rogue?"

I turned to the woman who was calling out to me. She probably had long white hair, but it was all tied up into a neat bun. Half of her face was shown and the woman screamed military pride or superiority.

I believe her name is Winter Schnee, the older sister of Weiss. Yeah, kind of figured that out thanks to her tone and mannerisms. Unless everyone in Atlas acts like there superior to everyone.

Y/N: "Yeah, I'm ready."

I could only click my neck as I look to the mountainside that we will be forced to climb over soon and the small body of lake water down below.

Winter points to a nearby landing spot.

Winter: "We'll land there, but it will take some time and we-"

She only saw me give her a salute as I leap out of the bulkhead and dive for the water. I can hear her screaming behind me. But I'm not focused on her words as I flip at the last second and my feet hit the water surface.

A moment of shock then slowly come up for air and swim to the edge of the lake. As I wait for the bulkhead to find its way down from this jungle landscape.

After ten minutes of waiting, I see Winter's ship finally land on the jungle floor.

Winter: "I have half a mind to strangle you!"

I rubbed my hands together as it was finally time to get to work.

Y/N: "Strangle me later. We've got a mountain to climb and your precious Dust to find."

I grabbed the sword that hung by my waist and tied it to my back, then put my hood on.

Y/N: "Now let's move, and try to keep up with those heels."

Winter: "Excuse me!"

I turned to her and nodded.

Y/N: "Yes, you are excused. Now Let's go!"

I aim my grapple at the mountainside it sticks in place, I let my machine give in and I'm pulled up. But instead of stopping there the rope acted as a spring sending me flying.

My hands found a hold in the mountainside, then my legs. I chuckled as I've already passed the halfway mark in my mind and start to climb, know it will take another ten minutes.

However, as I find my footing and bounce from section to section on this cliff, acting like a spider as I cling to the wall. My mind thought of the sword on my back and the improved gauntlet I've been given by Ozpin.

[Flash Back]

It was a few hours before the mission was to take place, it was about five in the morning you had just walked into Ozpin's office. You were the only one there.

Ozpin: "You're early?"

He looked at his watch and shook his head. I simply strolled up to his desk with my hands by my side.

Y/N: "You said, be here at five. I'm on time by my watch." You quickly took a second glance at your scroll and nodded knowing your right. "So, about my gear?"

Ozpin stood up and nodded.

Ozpin: "Ah yes... That's what you're looking for."

He opens one of his desks draws and throws your gauntlet. You've caught it and slipped the weapon onto your wrist... Then something happened. The weapon felt... Lighter, it's not even that. It now fits your arm like a glove. You must've appeared shocked because even Ozpin could see it.

Ozpin: "Impressive isn't it."

I twisted my arm around, everything seemed normal. But you can tell someone had rebuilt this weapon. They must've been a professional because you should see the dents you made creating this weapon the first time.

Y/N: "It's not mine... This was made."

Ozpin chuckles as he turns to me.

Ozpin: "Well done for noticing. But, yes we used your hidden blade as a model." I turned to him and he chuckled "Not to worry, we've burnt the blueprints. That weapon is half of the original's weight. After all, you didn't have metal this light in your home country. But everything is better I promise that. From the grappling hook to the pistol and even the blade itself."

I flicked the blade out and could tell it was sharper. Even larger than you one you used before.

Y/N: "Impressive... I'd like to meet the craftsman that made it."

Ozpin taps his cane at the very notion of it.

Ozpin: "Maybe another time. We haven't even gotten to the weapons on the table yet."

I looked down at Ozpin's table, I saw my bombs and with the new casings, it seemed rather odd to pick them up.

Ozpin: "The most impressive part is we've made it safe to use and far more volatile. We've incorporated some dust into the explosives if you take note of the red and yellow. Red is the highest explosive with dust, while yellow is medium using basic gunpowder."

I looked at the bombs.

Y/N: "What about smoke bombs or decoy grenades?"

Ozpin: "You never left one of those, so you'll have to make do with what you have on hand I'm afraid."

I groan grabbing the bombs, rope darts, throwing knives. The only thing you haven't gotten back is the small body armor you place under your assassin's attire. But you guess it has no effect or purpose with aura in check.

At the moment I'm about to turn to Ozpin ready for the mission, I notice a blade on the table. It was sword about a meter or so long, the weapon looked like a simple long sword. But from the length, it was a bastard's sword.

Your hands reached for the handle and pulled it out of the sheath to see the polished metal. Your index finger ran down the edge, it nearly cut your thumb open.

Y/N: "Impressive."

Ozpin chuckles as I turn to him, as I see him tapping the floor of his office and a small target about 20 or 30 meters away appears. The target was simply painted plywood.

Ozpin: "You'll see the real beauty of the weapon in just a moment." Ozpin points to the target "I want you to hit it, by using that sword as a projectile. Can you do that?"

I held the blade out felt the weight out, the blade had some weight. But most of it is at the hilt and the fuller section. In short throwing, this blade will feel like throwing a big knife.

With a cheeky grin making its way to my face, I've swung my arm back and thrown the blade it strikes the target just below the bullseye. Yet, the force which it's been thrown and the amount of metal the target too actually. Broke it off its stand.

Y/N: "Sorry about that. But what was the point of that?"

Ozpin: "Call it back."

I raised an eyes brow at his comment.

Y/N: "Excuse me?"

Ozpin holds his cane out in his right hand.

Ozpin: "Hold out your hand and call the blade back with your mind."

I looked at Ozpin confused. But following his orders outstretching my hand and mentally say.

Y/N: 'Blade... come back.'

I had closed my eyes to imagine this blade arrives at my very fingertips, at that moment I felt something connect with my hand and look down to see it's the blade, with the target still in.

Y/N: "How?"

Ozpin: "That blade belonged to a good friend of mine, I was the only one besides him who could wield that blade... the blade only works, if it approves of the wielder. Meaning it accepts you as its new one and you've barely scratched the surface of its function."

You look at the blade. By that comment he said.

Ozpin: "You've noticed the weapon is stronger and far heavier compared to most of its kind. But it makes up for that in versatility. If you would be so kind as to tap the button on underneath the hilt."

As you did as you were instructed, the bastard sword, grew in size and was about the size of a great sword.

You could now hold it with two hands and compared to its sister weapons, it's lighter than them. I pressed the button again and the sword starts to shrink inside. It was now the side of a short sword. The weight was more focused on the blade instead of the hilt.

A few quick swings and you could tell this weapon would be more useful than any sword you've used thus far. It was unique and could personally throw some of your enemies off.

Imagine fighting a great sword wielder and changing the length of the weapon so as you strike, you never hit the blade. But feel, your stomach impaled by a bastard sword.

Ozpin: "What do you think?"

My hands tilted the blade from side to side, studying it with amazement and awe in my eyes.

Y/N: "It'll take some time to get familiar with the blade. But a unique weapon like this, thank you..."

I sheathed the blade and tied it to my waist. Then finally focused on Ozpin as he sat at his table again. Expecting someone.

Y/N: "So... Who are we waiting for?"

Ozpin leaned into his desk as his chin rested on his hand.

Ozpin: "An old friend of mine, he seems to question your skill."

Y/N: "What for?"

Ozpin: "Think nothing of it, he merely is that way. After all, military men have a hard time trusting others if they weren't in the military."

I nod, crossing my arms over my chest and shook my head annoyed.

Y/N: "So he's one of those."

Ozpin: "I'm afraid so."

I glanced around the room, staring at the clock like structure that Ozpin has made into his office.

Y/N: "Not to be rude... But isn't your friend one of those people, who usually arrive first?"

Ozpin leans back into his chair and nods. As we both notice a holo screen appear above his desk. Showing the sign.

[Elevator in use]

Ozpin: "On most occasions, the general is present before even I. But, since he's had to travel such distance. It makes sense for him to arrive later, due to the storm late, last night."

On cue, the elevator doors open and I spot a man walking out. The man was well dressed or you suppose military dressed. He wore a whiter overcoat a grey undercoat. Most of his clothing was whiter and he wore one glove on his right hand.

He was taller than you, maybe even by a foot or so. He screamed the military and with his hair combed to the side. You would be able to spot this guy a mile away.

Ironwood: "Ozpin. So good to see you Oxzpin and you're early."

Ozpin nods, standing up and shaking his friend's hand. The man turns to me and nods.

Ozpin: "Same, your surprisingly late general."

Ironwood: "Afraid you were right on the weather. But onto business, so is this the person you spoke of?"

He finally turned to me and tried to study my face, as my hood remained up. I dropped my hood so the general can see my face. He chuckled as he noticed my young face.

Ironwood: "Tell me this is a joke Ozpin?"

Y/N: "Afraid not."

The general looked to the side chuckling along.

Ironwood: "How old are you? Should you even be here?"

Ozpin: "He can handle himself James, and as for his age. Once upon a time, we were both his age."

Ironwood: "True, but then again I haven't given an assignment this important like this to someone his age either."

I turned to the man with a grin.

Y/N: "Times changes everything, and if I made it here at my age. What does that say to you?"

Ironwood: "You are either very lucky or you're as good as Ozpin says."

Before I can even ask what he meant by that comment of luck Ozpin spoke up.

Ozpin: "He is James, which is why he's taking this mission. Now would you be so kind as to give the young man his briefing."

Ironwood places his scroll on the table and a larger screen appears of a map, from merely glancing at it I could tell we were looking at a jungle tropical zone. The mountain and brush must be thick to land or drive a vehicle in. Yet a pathway has been set for a train.

Ironwood: "We've been having problems with our shipment of Dust in Vacuo. The white fang is getting more daring, readying to take larger shipments. A few months ago, they were lucky enough to even get a quarter a cart of the Dust they get now. Yet, they've stolen an entire train worth of the stuff."

Ozpin tilts his head to the side in thought.

Ozpin: "Quite a remarkable feat wouldn't you say."

Ironwood: "We've had problems before, but nothing this rash. They can't transport these goods on vehicles or bullheads. The brush is too thick and would easy for us to notice on our own. But, a few of my men have mentioned a path in the forest-"

I stepped up to the holo map and tap a section of the forest right below the mountainside. It's close enough to the river and was certainly close enough to the train tracks.

Y/N: "They're there."

The older gentlemen look at you for a moment.

Ironwood: "And how would you know that? We can't use infra-red thanks to the plant life and the high amount of magnetic interference in the mountainside. There are patches like this all over the jungle."

I wanted to face the general. But my eyes were studying the map and this was more important than getting some form of recognition for the man

Y/N: "I wasn't even looking at that... Look at the river. It's wide enough and slow enough for them to drop supplies in it, then have someone pick it up downstream. That mount top is the most important spot, they can see you from miles away and you wouldn't even spot them. "

Ozpin nods and even Ironwood did as well.

Ozpin: "It's our best bet and if nothing else it's the only one we've got. Bullheads can't land and if they do they'll be lucky to start at all."

Ironwood to the table annoyed. But respects my choice.

Ironwood: "Very well."

I turn to Ozpin as he rests his arms on his desk.

Ozpin: "That jungle is notorious for its Grimm. But also its plant and wildlife, it will feel like the jungle itself will be trying to eat you."

Ironwood: "Were not even going on the legends and myths that been going on around the place."

Y/N: "Legend's and myths?"

Ironwood: "More like gossip. The few White Fang member that we've been fortunate enough to capture. Mention something about an angry spirit that drives people mad or even kills the unfortunate soul stupid enough to track through the jungle."

Y/N: "Guess I'm that soul... I'm ready to leave Ozpin."

I was already heading for the door with Ironwood following closely behind. Ozpin gave me the go-ahead, as the elevator takes its time taking us both to the ground floor. Ironwood speaks up.

Ironwood: "Let me be frank on the situation. About you and this mission."

Y/N: "Which is?"

Ironwood turns to me, his arms crossed over his chest as he stares down me with his dark blue eyes.

Ironwood: "I don't approve of you. I barely even know you and you've shown little to no respect to Ozpin or me. Personally, you just scream a rogue."

I chuckle and turn to him as the door opens, I'm the first to take a step out of the elevator. But quickly spin around looking at the general again.

Y/N: "Respected is earned general. Not given. I'm not your foot solider in your little army. But I get results and show respect to those who show it back. Which, I'm afraid to say, sir. You've been lacking on your part as well."

His eyes were focused on mine and I shook my head as we reach the bottom floor. I see a car waiting for us outside that will be taking me to the Bullhead.

[Flashback End]

I finally reached the peak of the rock face and pull myself up and sit near the edge as I wait for Winter slowly takes her time to climb up the rock face.

Y/N: 'Yet, she came along. Thanks to Ironwood...'

I peered over the edge spotting her about a quarter up the rock face. I sighed and started tying my rope darts together, then wrap it around a tree trunk as I pass the other end to her.

She stops the rope and looks up.

Winter: "Is this some kind of joke?"

I rolled my eyes already getting annoyed with this woman.

Y/N: "Just take the damn rope please."

She swallowed her pride and grabs a hold of the rope with both hands, then slowly drag her up the mountainside. Winter helped with the climb and it only took us about five minutes until she's finally reached the edge.

Winter: "Thank you. But it was not necessary."

I nod untying the darts and placing them on my belt again.

Y/N: "Whatever you say."

I finally caught my breath and studied the jungle for a moment. I saw the small section of the trees down below, leaving telltale signs of humans in the area.

Y/N: "Someone has been chopping trees for firewood or using it as lumber."

Winter turns to me, clearly confused.

Winter: "How can you tell? All the trees are the same."

I point to the nearest tree and she focused on it for a moment.

Y/N: "Lumberjacks shave the bark off the trunks of trees to dry it out. That's why when they cut the wood, its dry and ready to use. But in a jungle-like this, that's practically impossible because everything here is so moist."

Winter: "Which means the fool who did this had no idea."

Y/N: "No animal makes that kind of mark. Well, those from-"

A twig snapped, you were back to back with Winter as you both stare off into the lush green jungle.

Winter: "See anything?"

Without even batting an eyelash your eyes dip into the Eagle vision and you catch a trail for the animals and the footprints of people. There was nothing in your section. I switched placed with Winter and spotted something red off in the distance with two black eyes.

Y/N: "Your three o'clock."

Winter raised her saber and studies the jungle. But she can't see it.

Winter: "I can't tell where this is the thing is with the brush."

My hand found three throwing knives and spoke up.

Y/N: "Get ready then."

I spun on my toes and let the knives fly. I hear a thud and the creature reared its ugly head. As it pounces out of its hiding hole and charges for the two of you. However, I see Winter thrust her blade at such speed and grace. That I'm shocked as the creature's head falls to my feet.

Winter: "How's that!"

I knelt beside the creature and examined its face.

The Grimm looked like a sabercat and was surprisingly small, but muscular all in one.

Winter: "Was that all?"

My hand found its way to the sheath of the sword. As you went into Eagle vision one more time. As my left-hand picks one of my throwing knives from the pouch.

Y/N: "He wasn't alone."

The creatures finally appear, all seven of them growl as the alpha steps out of the streets about twice the size and length. They stared the two of you down as they growl trying to intimidate you.

Winter: "I'll take the alpha out. Can you handle the runts of the litter rouge?"

I chuckle as I look at the two creatures staring me down dead ahead.

Y/N: "It would be a pleasure, madam."

Winter runs to the creature and I pounce on the first cat, stabbing the knife through its skull. I rolled past the body as one of them tries to pounce on me. But I've jumped to my feet and see two of the animal's charge for Winter.

Already raising both my arms I throw both the sword and knife at the creatures killing them as soon as they hit, I flicked my wrists and my hidden blades appeared.

I stared down the remaining four, they slowly start circling me and I wait for the first to attack. But instead of one, two attack the same time. You've plunged the hidden blade into then cling gabbing it by its fur throw it at the other one to the side.

As I'm knocked to the floor by the one sabretooth, the creature tries to bite on your neck. But the hidden blade has just plunged into its neck. It stops in place. Then kick it off your body, you bounce to your feet once more and with two down you dare not wait anymore.

Recalling the sword into your hand once more you cut the creature's head clean off its neck then split the other one in half from the waist down. When you are finally done. You find Winter watching as the alpha lay dead at her heels.

Winter: "Needed some help?"

I groan picking up two of my blades and walk off with her following closely behind.

Winter: "If that was your best then you clearly have much to learn or-"

I raised sword still in its sheath as the dart is shot aimed for Winter. She stops in place and I pulled the dart off the sheath. Noticing the purple poison at the darts tip.

Y/N: "I'm not familiar with this type of poison. Just be satisfied I caught it, if I didn't, you'd presumably be dead within the hour. Plus, I'm at least smart enough to notice a trap has been set."

You motion for her to look down and point to the traps that lay ahead along with one at her feet. Then watch to the trees high above.

Y/N: "Hope you can run on tree's better than you can climb cliffs." You turn Winter "And I didn't use my guns or my explosives because this is a covert mission."

Before she could speak up I've wrapped my arm around her waist and fired the grappling hook into the tree above. Allowing the two of you to land on the tree branch.

Y/N: "Now let's get your Dust Ms. Schnee before our friends the White Fang notice the bodies we've left behind."

[Time Skip]

Winter and you were above a tree line, so no one else could spot either of you. For the past ten minutes, about to take some pictures. When you notice your scroll acting up again.

Y/N: 'Strange... What's the interference?'

Winter: "Hey..."

You peer to your right and see her point to a river. At that very moment, that cargo of dust has been put into a wooden box and is floating along down the river bed.

Winter: "You saw that too... How many of those have they thrown?"

I glimpsed at the shipment of dust, there was so much out in the open and you can see the trees nearby have been cut and are being prepared too.

Y/N: "Don't know... Need more info."

I look up and see the cave that the group has set up in, it was large enough for them to hide in and possible house 7 or so people. But from the equipment here they must've started this a few months ago. But why were they never found before?

Winter: "I say we destroy them and-"

I shook my head as I kept my eyes on the guards down below.

Y/N: "No we can't do that, the amount of Dust here could set off a chain reaction, this whole place could be on fire if we're not careful. That's not even mentioning the explosive part."

Winter: "I was getting to that. We could lead them out of the camp, we can take them down then."

I shook my head knowing that won't work. I studied the cave the men and women were walking out of and noticed an opening above the cave entrance. It could lead to the cave below.

Y/N: "Stay here... I think I can get in the cave."

Winter: "Excuse me, listen just because you saved me doesn't me you can do whatever you want."

I chuckle turning to her.

Y/N: "I've already told you the obvious... Are we really in the domain of fighting right now? Plus, we need more info on this place and the cave is our best option for that."

She held her hand up about to speak but remained silent and I chuckled.

Y/N: "You are just like Weiss... Easy to read. Now give me some courtesy and in a few minutes to have a look inside, then I'll tell you if we should fight or leave."

Winter: "Fine..."

Y/N: "Thank you."

With that finally out of the way. I disappeared into the treetop, swiftly leaping from branch to branch. When I'm finally beside the cave and near the opening, I climb down. It takes me only a few moments to hear the voices of people down below to know I'm right.

I glanced down to see the entrance of the cave. I've spotted more dust here than outside. But that's not what shocked me, the small section of the cave where I could turn around.

I excepted the cave to go on, or at least be large enough to house people. But I never expected that.

An entrance in the caves system. It has had a huge opening and there were lights on, and guards walking around. Either guarding the entrance or working moving rocks or gravel in pales.

How I didn't notice the construction is beyond me. Yet, to the corner of the room, I saw this large metallic instrument. It seemed to be swirling or making some form of noise. It wasn't loud enough to hear outside of the cave. But it wasn't defining either in here either. But constantly made a swirling sound. Like wind was howling outside.

Y/N: 'What the hell is that?'

I pulled out my scroll wanting to take a picture of it. But like before my item seemed to be on the frits. The screen was acting like white noise on an old TV screen.

I wasn't even able to change a function on it.

Y/N: 'Something messing with this...'

???: "WHAT THE HELL DID I TELL YOU INGRATES!"

I turned around to see the person screaming in the cave. It didn't take a genius to see it was a Templar. It was probably the first time in your life that a Templar wore ancient garbs.

Right beside the man stood a person that looked much like him. But the person's face covered with a mask and seemed to be lacking the Templar markings. This character carried a mace and swung it around as Templar turned the white fang member who wore a different mask and seemed to be wearing a different kind of clothing compared to the others.

He seemed the leader at least, with him carrying a large Chinese war sword on his back.

Fang leader: "A thousand pardons. But it is merely a report, we cannot stay here for much longer. Atlas will find us eventually."

Templar: "That's doesn't concern me! What concerns me!!! Is your men have stopped with the demolition on site. We are this close." Holds his finger up indicating how small it to truly was. "Until we break through that door."

Fang Leader: "We've stolen the amount of Dust you requested. But I suggest we send the remaining supply downstream for our brothers and sisters."

The Templar chuckles as his hand rests on the handle of his blade.

Templar: "Fine... But tell your men to set the charges, we're getting into that room." The Templar turns to the person holding the mace "Apprentice see that these animals, get the message."

The apprentice merely nods and walks off. Yet, he never got far as his master screams out to him again.

Templar: "Also turn that damn machine off, we don't want it messing with our machines again. Don't want another cave in like last time!"

The apprentice nods and turns the machine off. At that moment, my scroll finally appeared normal once more.

Y/N: 'Jamming signal... I need to get out of here and tell Winter.'

But as I'm about to climb out of the cave, I heard people screaming and shouting outside. I watched the guards run and the Templar and White Fang leader turn to each other.

Fang leader: "We've been found, it's time to leave."

The white Fang leader starts signaling his men and women to grab whatever they can. However, the Templar seized the leader by the shoulder turning him around, so he can face him.

Templar: "We are not leaving!"

Fang leader: "We are... You can stay, we have what we need."

The white fang leader turns to his men as they run out of the cave. With one of them on some form of or vehicle that seemed like a hover boat. Yet as he came up to his leader the Templar pulled out his pistol and fired the driver stopping the vehicle.

Templar: "Filthy animals... The lot of you. You should be groveling at my feet."

He points the pistol at the leader, but he's already drawn his sword. He's about to charge. But a mace crashes into his skull from behind. The apprentice steps over the body kicking the man's sword out of his reach as he grabs him the scruff of his hair.

Making the leader bow his head in front of the Templar, making the Faunus practically kiss his boots.

Templar: "Where you deserve to be..."

The Templar kicked the Faunus face and he's knocked out. At that moment the cave starts to shake. I grab the wall making sure I do not fall; parts of the ceiling bellow me start to fall.

Yet they missed the group down below, but the bellowing that came out of the cave open door did seem odd. Like, a part of the mountain fell on top of itself.

Templar: "Ahhh, filthy creatures. Hurry apprentice into the vehicle." The apprentice points to the leader of the Whiter Fang. "Leave the mongrel behind, we have no time for him or the documents. They set off the charges in the chambers. We must move, come along!"

They both jumped in the vehicle and raced out of the cave. As they left I leaped from my hiding and landed beside the Faunus. I felt his pulse and knew he wasn't dead. But it will be if this cave collapses.

White Fang: "What? Where did you come from?"

I shushed him as I picked him up and placed him on my shoulder. The cave entrance out of here collapsed. I fired my gauntlet to the entrance I used and start to climb. It takes a few seconds. But when I'm finally out of the cave. I could tell they've set some form of a trap as the mountain top we stood on. Starts to shake even more rapidly.

White Fang: "We're dead men."

Y/N: "Save me the pleasantries."

I fired my grapple and swing down as the mountain gives way. I can hear the mountain and rocks toppling down. I had to cut the line as I fall to the jungle floor.

When I finally stop, I notice a few white fang members on the floor with Winter standing towering above them. She had just sheathed her blade and turned to me on the ground.

Winter: "What happened?"

I got to my feet and stood up, finally turning back to the cave I just came out of. There was no way of knowing if there was anyone still inside. But the cave is nothing more than a pile of boulders.

Y/N: "The stakes have been raised and your war on the White Fang just got a bit more complicated."  

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