The Games We Play

DISCLAIMER: This story is NOT MINE IN ANY WAY. That honor has gone to the beautiful bastard Ryuugi. This has been pulled from his Spacebattle publishment. Anyway on with the show...errr read.

Reconnect

After a good night's sleep, I was back to my normal form. I'd crafted an illusion around myself easily enough, to hide myself as I walked up to my rarely used bed, and none of my sisters commented on it. It probably didn't matter that much, with Ozpin and Bianca on my side, but it saved me from a repeat explanation—and after the message I'd gotten, I had bigger things on my mind anyway.

The next morning, I was in town before the sun had finished rising, wandering as I wasted time. With my senses outstretched as they were, I could stay some distance from my designated target without it making any real difference, so I swung into the grocery store to mend the general emptiness a house of nine Hunters tended to put in food stores. This time, I was able to simply store it all in my Inventory without worrying about answering any questions about it, too, which was nice. The benefits of mostly full disclosure.

She still hadn't arrived by the time I finished checking out, however, so I swung by Junior's place. I didn't go inside, of course, but I didn't need to in order to scope the entire place out completely. This early, there were few people inside, but the place seemed to be in order still and hadn't been wrecked by any vengeful Hunters or Huntresses, so I suppose that was good. I'd need to stop by to gamble again sometime, but I had more pressing things to train at the moment—though given who my grandmother was, I'm sure I wouldn't have had any real trouble finding a place to take my chances in Mistral.

When I'd finished that, however, I pretty much ran out of things to do, took a seat on a nearby bench, and just waited and listened. As always, the city was full of sounds and smells, but to my new senses such things meant a great deal more than before. Every sound carried images, sensations, and more, the totality of it as detailed as if I'd seen it with my eyes. Levant flexed her new power and carried to me sounds from an even broader range than usual, showing me thousands upon thousands of different things. Garbage rustled as a tabby cat shifted through a dumpster, some four blocks away. Silverware clicked against plates as forty-two people dined in the restaurant on Seventh, while the staff moved between them. Hundreds of cars rumbled as they drove through the streets of Vale and I could see and feel and smell them from that sound, as if I stood beside them and within them at the same time or had cracked the hood to peak at the workings.

Even with my eyes closed, even without really trying, I was aware of everything around me. From my configurable senses to my passive Empathy, I felt everyone and everything, all the time. I could probably thank the Gamer's Mind for how it never overwhelmed me, though which specific aspect of my power allowed me to make sense of so much information, I wasn't sure. Still, once you got past the thunderous immensity of it all, it was a simple enough matter to simply fall into a lull of observation. Seven blocks away from me, there was a movie theater, so I watched everything that was playing—which wasn't anything worth mentioning, sadly, but the given the time of year, I guess that was to be expected.

But finally, I heard the sound I'd been waiting for. An old floor creaked almost imperceptibly as a foot was set upon it—from a person who simply hadn't been there moments before. As soon as I shifted my attention towards it, I could see her in my mind, wearing the same clothes as before and prepared for anything. Tukson's bookstore was empty now, with a customer having left some minutes prior, which was probably why she'd only just appeared.

Even so, Raven Branwen was back in town.

I rose, slipping both of us into Naraka as I did so, the sounds of city life dying away abruptly. I opened my status screen with a thought and changed myself with a gesture before changing my clothes to follow suit. I left out the rings, belt, and mask for the occasion and didn't bother transforming Crocea Mors—but I kept Kronos hidden under Airavata, just in case things went horribly wrong.

A few seconds later, I walked into Tukson's book trade and looked at the most dangerous woman I'd ever met.

"Raven," I greeted, tilting my head her way.

"Jian," She nodded back. "My apologies for the delay; a young woman was looking for a book rather insistently."

"I know," I replied, stepping past her to take a seat on the front counter. I considered asking her how she was and making conversation, but from her tightly controlled emotions, I knew she wouldn't appreciate it. She seemed like the type of woman who was most at ease doing business, anyway. "You wished to speak to me?"

Her mask hid her face, though that did little to stop me from seeing the brief shadow of a frown that crossed her face.

"As I recall, you were the one to arrange this meeting," She said in a voice that wasn't quite chiding.

"Yes," I acknowledged, watching her with mostly faked amusement. I still couldn't see her level, unfortunately, but I took the chance to scan her as best I could, checking for irregularities. When she didn't say anything after a moment, however, I smiled slightly and gave a conceding nod. "But very well; I will go first. Several things of note have happened recently, but to begin with, I feel it's best to be upfront and honest—I met your daughter recently."

Raven had a good poker face and mostly kept her reaction from her body—had I been anyone else, I likely wouldn't have noticed the change at all. But I was me and my senses encompassed a list of superpowers, so I both felt and saw the surprise she felt, as well as the other emotions that slowly bubbled to the surface in its wake.

"Oh?" She asked, tone mild.

"I take it Adam didn't inform you, then," I noted, shamelessly shifting the blame as any real friend would. "He and I were meeting in a local club owned by the Xiong family when she came in, looking for information as to your whereabouts."

Raven gave another of those brief frowns, though from the angle of her eyes, it didn't seem directed at me.

"I see," She said after a moment. "Was that all?"

"Unfortunately not," I shook my head. "She interrogated Hei Xiong, but he didn't have any information about you. The methods she used ruffled a few feathers, however, and things degenerated into violence."

"What methods?" She asked, tilting her head very slightly to the side.

"She grabbed him by the balls and then punched him through a wall," I elaborated, making her close her eyes for a moment.

"I see. And I take it you intervened?"

"As a guest, it seemed only proper, especially as the Xiong family has aided us several times in the past," I nodded. "I tried to settle things peacefully and ensured the Xiong family wouldn't seek reparations for the damages, but…your daughter is quite stubborn and seemed intent on fighting me. I didn't tell her anything about you, figuring that if you wanted her to know then she would, but I don't think that answer satisfied her."

She seemed to have nothing to say to that, though her frown lingered a bit longer. I didn't sense any threat of imminent death from her, either—which I found rather lovely—but quickly explained.

"Rest assured, I left her unharmed," I continued. "Except for her pride, perhaps. I did not lay a hand on her and I sent her on her way afterwards—however, it occurred to me that I never asked you how you'd like me to handle such matters, as I did not anticipate meeting your daughter in such a way."

"You handled it well," She said after a long silence, measuring her words as she watched me. "I appreciate your discretion and the care with which you handled it. Should it happen again…"

She paused, considering the idea with another, deeper frown.

"It shouldn't be difficult for me to avoid your daughter, if you wish," I told her. "Matters will be drawing me away from Vale soon, regardless, and I would understand if you would like me to try and avoid her. In truth, I am more concerned with how you would like me to handle Taiyang and Qrow, should our paths cross."

She watched me for a long moment before nodding decisively.

"Should such things occur, I will endeavor to handle them personally," She said, her voice firm and confident. "Should I be unavailable, however, I will trust you to handle it as you see fit."

"I will do everything in my power to leave them unharmed," I told her, masking any uncertainty I felt over the responsibility.

She tilted her head my way for thanks.

"And you?" She asked. "Do you have any family you wish for me to keep an eye out for?"

I thought of my bizarre family, from my sisters to Autumn, Gou, and my Elementals.

"Not in the sense that you do," I said at last, musing even as I considered the possibilities and weighed my options. "It shouldn't be a concern—though I had intended to extend Mrs. Roma the same courtesy, as an ally. My family, however, is rather complicated."

"Business first, then?" She allowed.

"Please," I smiled. "I'll make introductions later, though rest assured, none of them should oppose you. Now then…do you have any good news, perchance?"

She considered that.

"Not really, though it's not necessarily bad news," She mused.

"That's wonderful," I said. "Because I'm afraid I've nothing but terrible news. Would you like to go first?"

She frowned at me again, relying on her mask to conceal the expression—but I could see the consideration on her face. She was wondering if I was serious.

Unfortunately, I totally was.

I faced her full on and dropped my smile, letting it sink in that I was being honest. She hesitated and I could feel her curiosity and confusion as she considered asking me, but just as quickly she closed her eyes and schooled her expression.

"Very well," She said. "What do you know about what's happening in Mistral?"

A tough question right off the bat, I mused—because the truthful answer was 'not a damn thing,' but I couldn't very well tell her that. On the other hand, I couldn't act like I knew everything, either, because this was information I needed her to tell me. I couldn't be ignorant and I couldn't be omniscient, which meant I had to strike a careful balance.

Thankfully, I could reinforce my position with things I knew that she didn't.

"Not as much as you, I'm afraid," I said carefully. "Recent matters in Vale have kept me rather preoccupied. I know that our associate has been moving with your permission, but as you are more familiar with them then I, it seemed wise to leave things in your hands."

Again she refrained from asking, inclining her head in a nod of acknowledgement.

"They're moving, but I'm afraid even I cannot be sure of their purpose," She sounded personally offended by that fact. "Whatever their plan is, only she knows, and she shares that knowledge with her men on a need-to-know basis. I've kept a close watch on them, but she's yet to let slip anything truly enlightening. It's…annoying."

"Annoying," I agreed. "And perhaps tailored specifically to keep you in the dark."

"I made that connection as well," She jerked her head once, the gesture moving her hair slightly. "I can't confirm it, but it would seem to be the most likely explanation for her secrecy."

"It would seem she's suspicious of us," I said with a touch of forced amusement, because I didn't know who we were talking about and was putting things together based on context. "Though, in fairness, I'm rather suspicious of her, as well."

"You would be a fool not to," Raven nearly scoffed. "But her usefulness is undeniable. Her skill with Dust, her connections, and her grasp of our enemies is unprecedented."

I lifted an index finger in a salute.

"True," I said, before leaning back slightly. "Nonetheless, I cannot say I've ever been a fan of lacking information—I loathe it almost as much as I do misinformation, in fact. All of a sudden, I believe I've developed an interest in learning more about our dear friend. I assume you've already taken measures of your own?"

"Adam," She stated. "Currently, I am having him work as an intermediary who empathizes with her methods—or who will come to over time, at least. Such things can't be rushed and she will undoubtedly be suspicious of him in beginning, so time and effort will be required in order for him to get close enough to learn more. Beyond that, I continue my watch over her and her close associates, when possible."

"Patience is a virtue," I mused aloud. "And it is often best to be careful and discrete in matters such as this. However…there is a part of me that fears time is not on our side and if she continues to be as careful as she has shown herself to be thus far…"

I shook my head slightly.

"I would hate to learn the truth only for it to be too late to make a difference," I muttered to myself, but for her benefit. Pursing my lips, I lifted my head towards her again, considered what I'd said thus far, and took a chance. "Where is she now? Has she changed locations?"

"She continues to pose as a student at Haven," Raven replied, which came as a shock. Even so, I kept it off my face—illusory or otherwise—and made a show of considering it carefully, deliberately tapping a claw on Tukson's countertop as I did so.

I had a location which gave me a way to potentially learn far more. More than that, this specific location came with opportunities I could exploit—but did I risk doing so now. Whoever our third party was, they were almost certainly dangerous, made even more so by the fact that we had no idea what they were up to, and they were obviously criminals besides. Granted, we all were, but…

Did I risk it? Doing such a thing might endanger her…but on the other hand, it might make her safer than ever. I hadn't discussed it with her, but even with an unknown threat, Raven's protection might be worth it. If I told her about it, she'd want to be involved, too, and Grandmother already was, so perhaps—

"I have a card I could play," I slowly began, making a show—and only a mostly faked one—of considering it. "Though I hoped to keep it in reserve."

"Oh?" Raven asked.

"Recently, one of Mrs. Roma's Granddaughters—Ms. Olivia Arc—moved down from Atlas," I began, hoping I was making the right choice. "You see, she recently received a rather amazing offer—the chance to teach at Haven as the youngest professor it has ever had. Naturally, she accepted the offer and will begin teaching with the coming semester."

"Fortuitous," Raven said dryly and I made myself smile and tilt my head.

"It is rather convenient, is it not?" I answered, quirking an eyebrow ever so slightly, the gesture something of a challenge. "Nonetheless, she is not currently aware of our predicament. It would be easy enough to ask her to look after a student or two, though I'd hoped to wait on that front. I'm sure you can imagine the usefulness of someone in her position and I had not wished to jeopardize it."

"Of course," Raven said at once, obviously considering the possibilities. "Especially with the chance that she might have no more luck then us. But she can be trusted?"

"Within limits," I replied. "But rather broad ones, thankfully. As part of our agreement, I have been looking after Mrs. Roma's blood for some time now, much as I would try to for yours. They know me and trust me, in turn—but they have rules they will not break. I have no fear of them ever exposing me, but it's important to keep in mind."

"They are Huntresses," Raven said, as if that explained everything. Which it did, sort of. "I had not considered that she might bring her family into this—though in hindsight, I have to wonder why I didn't. Remind me of them?"

"There are eight; seven young women and a boy," I said, really, really, really hoping I was right about this. "Two of the girls man the walls in Vacuo, one is in the military in Atlas and another is a scientist who works with her closely. The remaining three are in Mistral or will be soon."

"The teacher and the Hunters," Raven nodded. "A diverse bunch, aren't they? And the grandson?"

"He's lived in Vale for some time now," I smiled. "Though arrangements have been made for a prolonged trip to Mistral for him as well. You might remember him, actually; I had him put on something of a show in Mistral, several months back. You could say he's something of a protégé of mine, even—I've leant him to Adam, on occasion, though only briefly. He serves his purpose best by being unaffiliated."

"I see," She murmured. "Yes, I vaguely recall him. He'd be about…seventeen?"

"He will be soon." I nodded.

"A convenient age," She considered. "Will he be enrolling in Haven?"

"If necessary," I said. "I have other things in mind for the boy, but I do like to keep my options open. If nothing else works, he can be trusted to learn all sorts of things."

Raven tilted her head to look at me, expression contemplative beneath her mask.

"Indeed?" She asked. "Had you intended him for Beacon, then?"

"Originally," I lied, rolling with it smoothly. "Unfortunately, that recently fell through and I've been forced to move on to one of my backup plans. It's tied into my bad news, in fact."

Raven stiffened ever so slightly.

"Is Ozpin aware?" She asked, not specifying what—but her tone was deeply concerned and her emotions far more so.

"Thankfully not," I replied. "Rather, the boy's father recently died in the line of duty and his mother greatly injured. I will tend to that shortly, but as Jacques Arc was a close personal friend of the Headmaster, he has taken a keen interest in their son. And while I don't believe he is suspicious of anything as of yet…I would rather not take any needless risks under his watchful eye."

"Those who make mistakes regarding Ozpin tend not to make any others," She agreed, relaxing. Once again, I was reminded that I'd never seen one of her portals around the Headmaster.

"Indeed not," I replied. "And under the circumstances, I'd rather not tip my hand to him. If possible, I would like at least another four to six months to prepare for that confrontation—longer, if possible. You are aware of his Semblance, I assume? Of his power over time?"

"Yes," She answered, though she seemed a touch surprised that I was.

"I have a number of countermeasures for such tactics," I continued, raising my hand and Accelerating it as I gestured. "I even possess some skill in that area myself. But…though my power grows steadily, I'm not at my full strength as of yet and against such a powerful time manipulator, I'd rather not take my chances. Such opponents are…bothersome and Ozpin more than most. As such, I have adjusted my plans for the time being."

"I…see," She whispered, blinking rapidly beneath her mask before nodding sharply. "Then we shall address the matter of our allies upon your return to Mistral?"

I inclined my head.

"It shouldn't take me much longer now," I assured her. "I merely have several obligations to fulfill before my departure. Mrs. Roma's daughter lost three of her limbs and while healing such injuries is relatively simple, I need to insure that there are explanations for such a miraculous recovery, which has taken time."

"I would imagine so," Raven said after a bemused moment before blinked. "How did she sustain such injuries and survive? You said her husband died in battle?"

"I intervened," I explained. "However, things were…complicated."

"Complicated?" She repeated, raising an eyebrow. "How so?"

I sighed and shook my head.

"There was a Pandora Shell," I told her. "Which would have been a troublesome issue, in and of itself, but unfortunately that is merely the start of my bad news."