When I got an alert on my scroll I was knocked out of my stupor.

How long had I been casting Prestidigitation? There isn't even any blood anymore.

Get a grip damn it, you and your friends are in danger, you can't let something like this rattle you!

I shook my head and pulled out my scroll. The message I got wasn't what I expected.

"Ren?!" I almost clambored out the room's window before I realized how much of a mistake tying myself to this crime scene was.

Leaving the car from where I came as quickly as I could without making too much noise, I lifted myself up to the roof and made my way to the car where my friends are.

Hopefully I didn't take too long!

I opened the door and blinked. Emerald and Sun were in a shouting match and Qrow was just leaning against the wall, tapping his foot audibly on the floor.

Wait, Qrow?!

"Why are you even fighting, both of you messed up so calm down!" Nora shouted over everyone, stomping on the floor angrily.

That got the rest of the group's attention. Ren just shook his head, then nodded to me. I let the door slide shut behind me.

"Nice of you to join us kid," Qrow said to break the ice.

That's when the rest of my companions realized that I was there. Sun chuckled awkwardly and Emerald frowned.

I should have expected leaving them behind would backfire...but it could have been worse.

"So what does a huntsman want with us orphans?" I asked.

Qrow seemed to be gauging my reaction. "I think you have an idea already. Kids your age usually aren't that good at hiding their emotions after all."

I sighed, then nodded. "You got me. But I have to ask first, how's your teammate?"

Qrow's brow raised, then the realization showed on his face. "You picked up on that huh? Figures. Summer's doing better, they were able to reattach the arm but it'll take a lot of rehab to bring her back up to speed."

I smiled. "Good, glad to hear it." I found how it was to lose a parent and while I'm not sure the grief's hit me yet, I still wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone.

Qrow nodded, smiling as well. Then he went back to the straight-face, slightly annoyed look he had before. "This is the second time we've run into each other...I don't think it's a coincidence. Why are a bunch of orphans traveling like this?"

I shrugged. "It's not much more dangerous than the streets."

Qrow clicked his tongue. "Cut it out, you know more than you let on. How did you know about the portal in Vacuo?"

"My semblance gives me a brief insight on the future, tells me the immediate consequences of an action I'm about to take," I explained.

Mercury sneezed a few cars up, quickly apologizing to the man he sprayed.

It's not really a semblance though, I've got the Portent class feature from the Wizard class to thank for that.

Qrow narrowed his eyes but he didn't say anything for a moment. "Sure, I'll believe that, as vague as it is. I still want an explanation on why you're here though, and the others you've gathered up."

"Hey, don't talk about us like we aren't here man!" Sun exclaimed. "Yeah!" Nora added.

"When you grow up on the streets you've got to make friends quick," I shrugged.

Qrow shook his head. "Look, I can't help you if you don't work with me. Last thing I need is for a kid who knows too much throwing himself and others in harm's way."

"He saved us!" Nora shouted, then covered her mouth once she saw the grimace I had on my face. I blinked, realizing my error, then sighed.

"What?" Qrow blurted out, surprised.

I suppose it's better to make myself known now, rather than be seen as Ozpin's enemy later.

I nodded towards her and Ren spoke up. "Nora and I were from Kuroyuri...it was lost a little over a week ago. We're the only ones left, thanks to Sun, Emerald and Set."

Qrow frowned. "Lionheart said there was supposed to be a team of huntsmen patrolling that area…" He muttered under his breath before responding, "I'm sorry. But...that still doesn't explain much."

"I...stole from dumbass over there and he and his friend forgave me. They seemed to be doing alright for street kids so I followed suit," Emerald muttered.

Sun nearly fell over from being called dumbass again but he figured he shouldn't ruin the moment.

I grinned. "That's right, we're all just friends due to our circumstances. I made a promise to Sun and that's why we're headed to Atlas."

"A promise?" Qrow looked towards the monkey faunus.

"Uh...yeah. My brother went missing before I could remember...we think he might be there," Sun rubbed the back of his neck, faltering slightly under Qrow's questioning gaze.

Qrow sighed. "Still...something just doesn't sit right with me. Why are you avoiding the authorities? It's almost as if you don't want help."

Emerald was the first to respond. "You really think they'd listen, or even care? Where was that while I starved on the streets?"

Qrow met her cold eyes. He was about to interject but Emerald continued. "Mistral's too corrupt to ask cops for help and hunters don't work for free, so don't give me that shit."

Qrow frowned. "Yeah...you're right. The world's not fair, but it's not like everyone's out to get you. You'll only get yourself in more trouble with that attitude."

Emerald sneered. "I'll believe that when I see it."

Qrow shook his head and looked back at me. "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate what you did in Vacuo...but what made you do it?"

Qrow stared into my eyes, gauging my every move at that moment. "I couldn't just watch...I'd have hated myself if I just stood back, especially with my abilities…"

My gaze was drawn to my open palms. "You're right though, I know more than I should. As dangerous as it is, I prefer the freedom to make my own decisions with said information," I spoke, meeting Qrow's eyes once more.

"You're almost as vague as someone else I know…" Qrow murmured, I'm assuming louder than intended but I'm not using Detect Thoughts to find out.

Kinda wish I had thought to cast that before I went in here. That would make this next part easier.

"That person ask you what your favorite fairy tale was?" I asked.

Qrow blinked, then scowled, standing even more at attention than before. Out of the corner of my eye I could see that my companions readied themselves for whatever came next. "Who are you really?"

"I'm Set, and I know that this so-called time of peace is a hoax. I know about magic, the silver eyes, even Salem. So I'm doing what I can," I explained.

Qrow seemed to relax a bit, still looking angry but not like he was about to attack us. "What's your goal then? You're obviously not planning on living a normal life."

I took a moment to think about the best way to explain it. "Well...I would say we're on the same side."

"You're planning on becoming a huntsman then? The others too?" Qrow asked, gesturing to my companions with a confused look on his face. "Just training in one place would be safer and easier. There are schools that teach kids around your age."

I shook my head. "I'm not really sure about that. I grew up in Vacuo, what little authority there was didn't do much to earn my trust. Mistral didn't set a good example either."

Qrow nodded with a frown. "Yeah I can't blame you there. But you're just kids...you don't understand the gravity of the situation, the dangers you'd face."

"We don't really have much of a choice, the whole world's facing that same danger right? Villages like mine, cities...everywhere there's people is a target," Ren pointed out. Nora nodded beside him.

"It's not like we're going out on a crusade against humanity's enemies any time soon. After we've finished with our immediate goals, my plan at least was to prepare myself for what's to come," I explained.

"I just have to make one thing clear. This conflict going on in the shadows...one way or another will end with our generation," I declared, clenching my fist.

Qrow raised a single brow, then he grinned. "Heh, I like that attitude. Reminds me of myself, before I got wrapped up in this mess. Tell you what...I won't say anything about this to my boss."

I smiled. "That would have been ideal; before I showed myself in Vacuo. With that in mind, I have a proposition for you." Qrow blinked, his silence prompting me to continue.

"Go ahead and tell Ozpin I'm on his side. I don't want him to start thinking I'm his enemy after all. Just keep him from interfering with my freedom, or that of my friends, and I'll answer any questions you have that he won't," I offered.

Qrow's eyes widened. "That would have helped before…but I don't really have much of a say with plans. He trusts me but…" He looked to the side. "Best I could do is warn you in advance. They can track scrolls though so that's a bust."

I shook my head. "I've got my ways around that. I'll get in touch with you now and again, just answer any unknown callers."

Qrow tilted his head but his only response was a shrug. "Well, I think that's all the time we had. I've got another thing to deal with," he said before making his way to the door behind me.

"Midna Sable?" I asked. He just nodded, then spoke, "That Semblance of yours tell you to say that?"

"I'm going to ask that you leave her be," I responded. Qrow sighed. "Yeah, I can't do that. I still have orders, even if we have a deal I can't just ignore her."

"Let me come with you then. If you go alone things won't turn out well," I demanded.

Qrow's mouth went agape for a brief moment before he righted himself, then he chuckled. "Sure kid, I guess that's fine. Just don't do anything stupid."

Qrow opened the door and I followed after waving to my friends. I saw that they all looked bummed, but it was still safer for them to stay back.

I'd have to make sure to treat them even better from now on.

I cursed my luck when Qrow opened the car in front of me, thinking I would be discovered by security, but it turned out to be another storage car devoid of people.

That's when I got another alert on my scroll. I checked it and sighed.

Qrow turned and saw it too. "Big guy's here too, like you said…you got another friend on board?" He asked after reading the message aloud.

"And an enemy apparently, Hazel Rainart. Guess he's here to bring Midna over to Salem," I explained.

Qrow's eyes widened. "Just my damn luck…wait, how do you know about him? Even your vague foresight Semblance doesn't explain that."

"My parents were in the know. Not sure how or why but what I read in their absence told me a lot," I lied, hopefully convincingly.

Qrow frowned. "I'm sorry you had to get involved in this kid."

I let him continue moving up, taking the lead while I texted Mercury back to stay out of sight. Last thing I needed was for Qrow to recognize him and get the wrong impression of me.

I just fought hard to earn his trust after all.

"Look kid, whatever happens we have to avoid a fight if we can. If the passengers panic, the Grimm could swoop down and wipe us out," Qrow said, turning to me at the end of the storage car.

Thankfully I'd put the scroll away by that point. "My thoughts exactly," I responded.

Qrow nodded. "My suggestion is to get eyes on them and bide our time. Once we get to Argus then we make our move."

If Hazel's already found her and has already convinced her to Salem's side though…

Man, Qrow really is a different person from the show. I'm sure he wouldn't have trusted me as easily normally. Must be because Summer survived, let alone that I saved her myself.

"How much of the train have you already checked?" I asked.

"I checked about half the cars. My guess is she's hiding in one of the sleeping areas that weren't taken, and if that's the case unless security's tipped off we're not talking to her until we get to Argus," Qrow answered.

I suppose that's true. I'm not about to start climbing the side of the train to look in all the windows either, and that's really the only way I could feasibly check those without help.

Wait a minute...I don't need to do that.

I have all the Unearthed Arcana material to pull from too. Hell, I even used Remote Access from Modern Magic, so I shouldn't have forgotten the other options there.

"Let's split up then. I'll leave you to find Hazel, I'll try to find Sable and talk to her if he hasn't," I told him.

Qrow shrugged. "If that's what your instincts tell you then go right on ahead, if it doesn't put anyone in danger." He left the car while I remained.

Pulling out my scroll I started to cast Infallible Relay, one of the few spells I know that takes more than a second to cast, a minute to be exact. Seems kinda arbitrary, but I don't make the rules.

Just having access to playtest material is strange, but I'll take what I can get.

Hopefully Midna/Cinder's got a scroll on her person or this won't work.

That's neat, the numbers are appearing on my scroll on their own. It's ringing now...again. Again. Again. Damn, taking a while huh?

Then again I never answered unknown numbers back on Earth unless I had to. Damn scammers and telemarketers. I get they were just trying to make a living, same as me but it's still annoying as hell.

"Hello?" Oh, it finally picked up! Thankfully it was Midna/Cinder's voice on the other line after all.

"Midna Sable…glad you answered my call. I trust my message was received well," I spoke up.

"You were the one who sent that bird…" I heard, muttered on the other line.

"The name's Set. Unfortunately due to current circumstances our meeting may have to wait until we arrive in Argus."

"You're surprisingly well-informed. Given your warning I assume you don't work for her like that man does," she responded.

I blinked. I thought I'd have to tell her about the conflict myself.

Damn it I wish I could cast Detect Thoughts through this scroll! This might not have been the best idea...oh well, just gotta roll the dice (heh.)

"Yeah personally I don't see any benefits in working to destroy the kingdoms," I replied.

Quiet...seems she's waiting for me to add something. Guess I gotta tell her my angle then. I need to choose my words wisely.

"I can't agree with how her machinations are being combatted though."

"Hm...so you're not a pawn of Ozpin," Sable thought aloud.

"What can I say, I prefer to make my own choices. With that in mind I have to ask what you choose to do," I continued.

"I'm done being manipulated and toyed with by others," She spat out almost immediately.

"Neither side then...I think we're kindred spirits," I stated.

"I won't work for anyone. If you think that I'll just do what you say then forget we ever spoke."

I exhaled slowly. There must be a way I can salvage this...she hasn't been tainted by either side of this conflict, not from what I can tell.

"I don't want you to work for me. You want the power to make your own decisions right?

Both Salem and Ozpin will happily reap your free will, force you to act for their benefit; I won't.

Work with me to end this conflict and I'll help you attain what you seek." Here's hoping whatever I roll for Persuasion will suffice.

"What makes you think you can challenge a woman who makes Stygios Sable, a man with ties to a whole kingdom's criminal underground drive himself into insanity?" I heard on the other line.

That does sound pretty important. I'll keep that in the memory bank for later investigation.

"I have knowledge and abilities he didn't. I simply need allies to aid my efforts and time to enact my plans.

Salem will soon attempt to coerce you into her service. She may offer you power as well though I'm sure we both know her plans will ultimately lead to the end of humanity.

She will cast you aside when she has no more use for you, if you survive to her end-game. I'd hate to see such potential wasted, or be forced to come to blows with said potential," I subtly threatened.

Figure I ought to try another approach since she pressed me for info, to show her that I'm not weak of heart. It's a gamble, but so is everything in my life at this point.

I heard her sigh on the other end of the line. It seemed like a lifetime was spent in suspense.

***POV SWITCH***

"Our eyes in Mistral finally got something. The plant we had among the Spiders said that the boy was asking for info on the Sable child. Another of ours saw her stow away on the Argus Limited," Vernal reported to the chieftess.

"Hm...Qrow's boarded as well, I can tell. Just makes me wonder what she knew of her father's dealings…" Raven mused.

"Also...that's not the only interesting report from our Spider contact. Marcus Black was asking around for the boy as well," Vernal added.

"Oh? He may be even more important than we thought. Anything else?" Raven asked.

"Hazel came around a couple of days before the boy did, also asking for the Sable girl," Vernal concluded her report.

Raven blinked. "This is getting complicated...Salem must be making a move soon," she muttered. "Our tribe wasn't mentioned in their talk?"

"No, if they're suspicious of us he didn't let on." Vernal responded promptly.

Raven nodded. "Good. Though it's only a matter of time before we end up on her radar. We have to do everything we can to prepare for that."

"Do...you think the boy knows something?" Vernal asked.

Raven smiled. "You thought so too? It's only logical after all. He stopped Tyrian from killing Summer and then he just happens to be here in Mistral, gathering allies by the looks of it." She stood up from her seat.

"Hold the camp while I'm gone. I'll see if I can't find an opportunity to snatch that talent before the others do. Be ready for when I open a portal back," Raven spoke before leaving her tent, not even looking back to see if Vernal nodded.

She was smart. She was her apprentice after all.

She stood outside, taking a deep breath as she focused her semblance.

She knew that creating a portal inside the train wouldn't do. She could sense Qrow's immediate surroundings, detecting several aura signatures.

It would have to be outside, above him if she were to remain undetected.

Expending a bit more aura than she'd have liked to extend her perception a bit further around her brother she determined that the train wasn't under a tunnel.

With that taken care of she opened the portal and stepped in, turning into a raven and taking flight above the train cars which steadily passed under her.

She had to increase her speed to match the train so she could board safely and quietly. The cars had begun to pass her just as her velocity had equalized with them, then she noticed a figure flung from the side.

Multiple figures.

They fell slowly though, her passing above them well before they hit the ground. Seeing that she could still sense Qrow on the train she decided to turn and investigate this first.

***POV SWITCH***

"Help me elude Salem and Ozpin's forces. After that we'll discuss this further," I heard on the other line before Midna/Cinder hung up.

I leaned back up against the wall and sighed in relief. So far things are going well!

I texted her my plan soon after now that I had her number.

Afterward I messaged my group that there would be a couple more people coming back there with me. I also messaged Mercury, telling him to make his way to the second to last car and wait for me.

Figured I should be there so I could stop bridges from inadvertently being set ablaze by my other companions. Their philosophies won't mesh well after all.

Hopefully with my intervention I can be enough of a positive influence on Mercury and Cinder, set them down a better path.

I waited for a few minutes before Mercury opened the door to my car.

"Fancy meeting you here boss," he said once the door closed behind him and cut off the sound of howling winds.

"You weren't followed?" I asked in response. Mercury shook his head with a scowl. "No way, I made sure no one important saw me."

I smiled. "Good job then. I don't mind joking as long as you take your job seriously."

Mercury clicked his tongue, then shrugged. "Well I guess that's fair. You are going to be paying me after all.

"So what's the goal here anyway? Recruit a bunch of orphans with nowhere to go; for what?"

"Well I figured I'd brief you on it here. But we're about to have another visitor," I explained. Mercury's eyes widened, then he looked to the door a second before we heard it slide open.

She was about seven inches over me, a couple over Mercury. Short black hair ending behind her head about halfway down her neck. She looked remarkably similar to her appearance in the flashbacks that showed in Volume 3, save for a few more years of youth and her outfit.

Right now she was wearing a light grey shirt under a black jacket, the sleeves covering her arms entirely, topped off by black gloves covering her hands.

Her pants were also a dark gray, black boots lightly dusted with soot unlike the rest of her attire. She must have missed that in her rush to evade authorities.

She also had a silver briefcase in her left hand. Makes me wonder what was so important for her to bring from her burning compound.

Her golden eyes had a fire behind them, thankfully not a literal fire. So far it looks like I don't have to deal with any of the maiden shenanigans just yet.

"So...Set is it?" She looked toward Mercury. He smirked, taking a step back to get close enough to elbow my arm. "Ya hear that boss? She thought I was you!"

Midna/Cinder raised one eyebrow as her eyes scanned me, assessing everything.

"You're Set? I thought you would have been older," she finally spoke.

"I was forced to grow up quickly. Something I think is true for you and Mercury here," I gestured my hand to her, then to Mercury.

Midna/Cinder blinked, then turned to Mercury, lowering herself to the ground slightly. "Mercury...Black I presume? I trust this wasn't some elaborate ruse of your father's to lure me into a trap?"

Mercury spat to his left. "No, he was here for Set. You don't have to worry about him anymore."

After a few moments Midna relaxed her stance. "Hm...seems some of my material will now be useless. I would offer condolences...but it seems you won't be missing him?"

Mercury hesitated slightly before shaking his head.

"So you have a plan to evade Hazel once we make it to Argus?" She asked, breaking the silence.

I shook my head. "Our avenues for escaping Argus are rather...limited."

Mercury snorted while Midna squinted her eyes, betraying her emotions. "Fuck, that was so stupid…" Mercury muttered, covering a smile with his hands.

"Then it seems that our meeting is over," She said, turning to the door. "That being said," I interrupted before she could open the door. "We don't have to make it to Argus."

Midna turned back, making eye contact with me once again. "Go on then."

"Soon the train will be above ground, supported by ascending rails to traverse the mountains. The mountain side will be on our left, then we'll ditch our pursuers and this train," I explained.

Midna frowned. "I suppose I could support myself with wind dust, but maintaining control of my descent in those winds would be difficult…"

"I have a way to control our falls. After that your auras should be enough to combat the cold," I offered. Midna raised an eyebrow, but remained silent.

She can't say I hid anything if she goes to confront me about that after all. Not that I plan to hide my magical abilities from the group.

"And after that?" Mercury questioned. "Then in the time it would take for us to make it to Argus they'll likely assume that we ghosted them and set their eyes on Atlas," I pointed out.

"Then we could just walk in there like nothing happened...I like it," Mercury enthused. Midna smiled as well.

"After that?" Midna inquired. "We can discuss that once we've made it to Argus," I offered.

"Reasonable enough. Fine then, anything else?" Midna responded. "Well, we have time for you to meet my allies before we enact our plan." I said before bringing the two to the last car of the train.

I texted them just before I made it to the door to let them know it was me.

You know, I should have thought to give them a code to inform them it was really me in the event that I was captured or killed. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.

I'll remember to do that next time.

When we got into the car no one was there. At least, that's what it seemed for a moment, then the group showed themselves.

"Ugh finally, what's the pla…" Sun cut himself short, staring at the two behind me. Ren remained stoic while Nora seemed to be all smiles at the newcomers.

Emerald was glaring at Mercury though. Does she know about him?

"Seems you've been busy gathering allies…" Midna muttered under her breath just loud enough for me to hear from beside her.

"Who's greying in childhood over here?" Emerald asked, pointing at Mercury. Guess I was wrong?

"Heh, sorry princess street rat, you're going to have to get used to seeing Mercury Black," he gave an exaggerated bow.

Emerald's right eye twitched. Definitely not a good first impression.

"I don't think that was necessary," Ren spoke up. Nora shook her head with a frown. "Yeah, not cool."

I could see the corners of Sun's lips twitching though, fighting back a smile. I'll just keep that to myself.

"Settle down now, we're all on the same side," I interjected. "Hopefully you'll have a less offensive introduction?" I looked to Midna.

"Midna Sable. Let's skip the formalities for now, save those for later," she met my gaze after examining the motley crew of kids.

I shrugged. "Fair. We should ditch the train before our pursuers get suspicious of us."

"What?!" Sun blurted out. "Ooh, another magic spell!" Nora exclaimed.

I could feel Midna's eyes boring into the side of my skull as Mercury laughed. "Haha, magic, funny! Then again, you are just a kid," he said with a smug grin.

"You didn't tell them yet?" Ren asked. "Oh…not again…sorry…" Nora slumped forward.

"It's not something I go around telling everyone, no," was my response.

Suddenly I felt a scalding hot blade at the side of my neck, causing the four in front of me to draw their weapons.

"Stop! One more move and his head falls!" I heard Midna yell. I remained still.

"What the hell bro, I thought you knew this chick!" Sun shouted. "Let him go!" Nora screamed, holding a metal rod in her hands.

Any otherworldly being out there judging me…I didn't have much time to prepare okay? Cut me some slack.

Shit, wrong choice of words.

"Let's not do anything rash now," I spoke calmly, forcing my breath steady.

"Only the Maidens, Salem and Ozpin can use magic…you're a part of his cycle. You get me off this train and we'll have no more business," Midna demanded.

I heard a gun cock behind me. "I'd listen to him, you're outnumbered," I heard Mercury's smug tone behind me.

Phew, at least he didn't turn on me as well.

"He'll just use you until you're dead, then your descendants if you have any," she reasoned with the assassin who had a gun at her head.

Wait…she thinks I'm the next Oz? Damn…I guess she's not far off, if that's what she's implying.

"I think you're skipping some steps to that conclusion…Ozpin is a reincarnate…he's yet to die," I explained.

"How am I to know that? They'd hide it if they could," Midna debated.

"Stop stalling or I'll-" I had to interrupt Mercury. "Easy, let us talk first." Mercury clicked his tongue but kept quiet afterward.

"You're not wrong on that Midna, but if you'll just allow me to play this…" I had the Mage Hand I had cast Subtly pull my scroll from the inside of my jacket and fly out into view of the crowd.

"What…physical illusions?" Mercury muttered.

I had the hand press the screen, playing the scene from this very car just a few minutes ago, where I explained myself to Qrow and made a deal with him.

"Damn, that's good…" Emerald said with a grin. I could see the frown on Ren's face though.

Figures, since he saw fit to join me due to his sense of honor that must have been ingrained into him by his family. Though I haven't really gotten the chance to talk to him about that yet.

I'll have to make time to get to know these people; if I make it out of this one.

"Hm…blackmail material? I wouldn't put it past Oz…" I heard Midna muse in my ear.

"You still think he's lying? They were just talking about him!" Nora pointed out.

"I understand that this may be hard to believe, but the fact is that I was born with these abilities.

They weren't given to me and I certainly am not beholden to some ancient wizard's will.

My destiny is my own to forge," I declared.

Please roll well, dice gods or whatever's out there giving me these abilities!

After a few more agonizing moments of the thin skin protecting my carotid sizzling, Midna's blade left, dust being absorbed back into her gloves.

I rubbed the wound, using more than half of my Lay on Hands pool to heal it. Hope it doesn't leave a scar…I should check later.

The rest of the group also put away their weapons a few seconds later, though I could see everyone kept their hands close to said objects.

"I hope you understand I wanted to wait for a more opportune time to discuss my abilities," I defended myself.

If looks could kill then I'd be dead by now. "Argus it is then," Midna responded in her typical smug tone, as if she didn't just hold me hostage.

Well, I'm not dead, so that's a plus.

Hopefully this will get Nora to think about her words a bit more before she starts shouting...just another thing to discuss with the group when I finally get the chance. I've got my work cut out for me.

I shouldn't really blame her though.

"I guess now's as good a time as any to jump," I said before opening the door.

It would take 2 1st level spell slots to cast Feather Fall on all of us, but it's worth it to avoid a confrontation with Hazel.