A/N: Wow, I wasn't expecting so much positive feedback! I was somewhat nervous about how people would feel about a three-way crossover, but I no longer believe that will be an issue. Thank you, I'm glad you readers are enjoying what I have put out so far and I promise, there is more to come. I'll try to update as consistently as possible, but please keep in mind that I do this in my free time and real life obligations may hinder my progress.

Now a proposal: Would you [the reader] like to see a romantic connection between Henryk (the Hunter) and Leo (the Ashen One)? Please note that I have no intention of writing smut and a romantic connection would only serve to further the plot. Please vote on the poll that is available on my profile (I do not believe it can be seen on mobile). I only ask because I actually had thought about it, but was very uncertain and a reviewer suggested that I do.

To address other reviewers who had a questions regarding the plot: I have an outline for the story and your questions will be answered. I only ask for patience and I'm sorry, I know it can be frustrating to wait on these stories.

Again, I welcome objective criticism as it would only serve to improve my writing (again, this is my first fanfiction and general writing undertaking). If you like what you see, please say so! It's very motivating :)

Thank you, and please enjoy!

Chapter 2: History

Henryk was amazed at the technological advancements that have been made since the collapse of the Dream. Flying in what these people call a 'bullhead' confirmed that he had awoken far into the future. He could only assume that it was the Great Ones who kept him alive in a comatose state for all this time.

They're not so kind as to just let me live a second life. They have an agenda and I'm supposed to help them carry it.

The Hunter had his arms crossed across his chest as he closed his eyes for a moment. Will I have to suffer at the Great Ones' expense, too, Gehrman? Is all I will ever be a tool? His eyes snapped open as he remembered where he was. The trip had been completely silent, with only the sound of the flying machine to fill it.

To be fair to those affiliated to Beacon, they felt extremely uncomfortable with the stranger's presence. Of course, they were the ones who invited him, but those predator-like eyes they initially saw had returned. There was no particular hostility behind them, but they seemed to exhibit power, as if he was the one in control here; that this was the only acceptable role for him. To the Hunter's credit, it was working. Team RWBY uncharacteristically kept quiet the entire time, not even wanting to talk to each other in front of the authority figures before them. Even Ozpin and Glynda felt uneasy. As for Henryk, he simply didn't speak because he thought it would be rude. He was the outsider here and as such he can't just begin asking questions. However, he knew that he couldn't allow himself to be taken lightly either.

When the bullhead finally landed, Ozpin thanked Team RWBY for their work and dismissed them. They seemed hesitant to leave out of curiosity for the stranger, but at Blake's behest, they turned and left.

"Now then, welcome to Beacon Academy. If you will follow me again," Ozpin nodded to the Hunter before beginning to walk away again with Glynda just behind him.

Henryk of course followed, taking in the view of the colossal school. It reminded him of the emphasized vertical Gothic architecture of Yharnam. Still, it was quite unlike the city he walked that had blood running down the grooves of the cobblestone streets, as if they were the veins that kept the fallen land alive. Pyres of corpses served as the only light, ironically the very flame that was capable of cleansing the beasts that surrounded them. Yharnam air smelled sour and any attempt to distract oneself from it was fruitless as the roars of afflicted men and their further stages would attack the senses. However, the pavement he walked now was clean and without a single flaw. Tall lamps paralleled the roads, offering a warm light to guide the way. The fresh air of the night was a stark contrast to what he had always known in the city raised in blood. Part of him was waiting to hear the screams of pain and anger, for a traveling mob of men to accuse him bringing on their plight. However, none came and he heard only the sounds of their own footsteps and crickets. The Hunter wasn't accustomed to such serenity and it in turn made him uncomfortable. He now found his heart to pulsate more quickly, unlike the calm he felt as he would slaughter all those who got in the way of his duty.

It wasn't long before the three had arrived at Ozpin's office, the Headmaster sitting behind his desk and gesturing for Henryk to sit across from him. The Hunter eyed the both of them as Glynda took to standing beside the grey-haired man before slowly seating himself.

"I will not waste any of our time, Mister Henryk. I have come to understand that there is much knowledge of the world you are lacking," Ozpin began. "Because you are from an age far gone. Am I correct?"

"How is it that you reached that conclusion?" Henryk let out smoothly as he analyzed his surroundings. The woman he had come to know as Glynda appeared as combat-ready as ever. The Headmaster's cane remained at his side. The only exit was the lift that had brought them here. Jumping through the glass panes would be suicide. He did not know the grounds of the academy. He was at a complete disadvantage, but he kept a placid exterior. Yet, Henryk was allowed to keep his weapons by his side. If this was supposed to be a trap, why would they even allow him a fighting chance?

So it's not a trap.

"I will be perfectly honest with you, Mister Henryk. In the Emerald Forest where you and Team RWBY had met are many cameras that allow me to keep an eye on my students who are out there. I am aware of your entire conversation with them and it has led me to believe that at the very least, you are actually far older than you appear. Your choice of gear only serves to support my belief." Ozpin said with his usual cool demeanor. The Headmaster allowed moments to pass before deciding that Henryk's silence affirmed his conclusion. "Now, if you would answer some questions for me, that would be fantastic."

This is turning into an interrogation. The Hunter frowned and raised his hand to stop him. "I understand I am in no position to say this, but I do not fully trust you, Headmaster."

Ozpin simply nodded his head, as if that was all he needed to hear. "Of course. As a gesture of good will, I offer you a spare room in the academy to rest and even a position here as a Professor and librarian."

Glynda's eyes widened and opened her mouth to protest before Ozpin waved her aside. The blond was frustrated at the sudden decision, but decided to stay silent for as long as Henryk remained in the room.

It was the Hunter's turn to be surprised now. He was being offered many boons for absolutely nothing in return at the moment. No, the Headmaster has to have an angle. This deal is far too one-sided. "Why?" Even though Ozpin had already given him an answer before he even asked it, Henryk felt that he still had to say it. He only knew the Odeon Chapel Dweller to be this kind, and even then he still felt skeptical.

Ozpin smile turned true, as Henryk was finally able to feel the warmth behind it. "I must say, I like Team RWBY. Don't tell anyone I said that—I would be accused of favoritism," he chuckled. "Their young leader Miss Rose trusts you and she generally has a good sense of character. I will put my faith in her and trust you as well, Mister Henryk."

Henryk was stunned. That is all?

Ozpin pulled out a strange transparent device and held it out for the Hunter. The crimson-eyed man took it, turning it over in his hand to study the object. "That you hold in your hand is known as a scroll. Allow me to explain how to use it."

The Headmaster turned to Glynda and whispered, "Please, bring our second guest here as well." She nodded, looking at her scroll and seeing a second stranger accompanying Team JNPR in the school.

"Welcome to Beacon! The best place ever except for when it isn't!" Nora introduced to Leo, who was in awe of her surroundings.

Her amazement came from not seeing a proper civilization in her entire lifetime. She was always living in the scraps, places of old with their glory long gone. When she had risen again to fulfill the duty of kindling the First Flame — a duty she forsook — time had only taken a further toll on the already decrepit word. It was breathtaking to see buildings so large fully intact, and from what she was told, filled with people who were both studying and training. Leo let out a gentle laugh. "This place would put Oolacile to shame." Well, she couldn't actually know that. She could only assume from what Orbeck of Vinheim had told her.

"Oolacile. Is that where you came from?" Jaune asked, walking next to her as Nora bounced ahead, leading the way to the dining hall and saying something about 'if there's a will, there's a way' in regards to pancakes.

Leo shook her head. "Oolacile was a place a friend and teacher once told me about. Apparently, it was known as a land of sorcery and scholars. He didn't tell me much more than that, but I know it fell like any other civilization," she responded matter-of-factly, still wrapped in the red cloak, her face remaining mostly obscured by the hood.

Jaune wanted to ask more, but Pyrrha simply put a hand on his shoulder and he understood. Shortly, they arrived at the dining hall and Team JNPR guided the confused woman on what to do. They sat down and by the time the team was settled, they found that Leo was already wolfing down the food, quite ungracefully in contrast to the image of her they had in their heads.

"I take it that you like it?" Pyrrha asked, almost allowing a laugh to escape her.

"I have never tasted anything this delicious before." The young woman said somewhere in between bites.

"Pancakes taste even better!" Nora exclaimed.

"I want these pancakes you speak of."

Nora was about to cheer before Ren calmly put his hand over her mouth, muffling a series of positive outbursts from the orange-haired girl. "Don't indulge her. She'll wake up the entire school."

When she finally calmed down, Ren dropped his hand, only for Nora to immediately begin talking again. "Hey, can we see what you look like?"

Leo looked up at her, swallowing the last of her food before using a napkin to wipe her mouth. The pause was uncomfortable to say the least. It was something that all of Team JNPR wanted to know, but avoided asking because it felt inappropriate in the moment — or more like they didn't know how to ask. Jaune quickly tried to break the awkward silence that formed. "Sh—she means only if you want to!" He assured.

He continued to ramble incoherently, but halted as the young woman began to pull away the hood. If Leo was being perfectly honest with herself, she was a little nervous. Despite everything she had been through, she had always been discriminated against for being Unkindled. She still recalled the first time she met Eygon and the insults he threw at her. In the end, he turned out to be a doting knight of Carim, putting up a hard exterior to protect the only one he held dear. Leo knew she was human now, as there was no evidence of the Dark Sigil on her body. Yet she still worried, having forgotten what her own face looked like before she hollowed.

Leo finally pulled down the hood, showing off simple light brown hair that hung just past her shoulders. Team JNPR was able to make out her age now, and she couldn't have been much older than them. She looked no more than twenty years old. However, what was striking about her were her eyes, which contained brilliant sunset hues. They were absolutely mesmerizing and if she was capable of stopping Jaune in his tracks at a simple smile, these eyes had him captivated. It took a few nudges from Pyrrha to snap him back to reality. "Y-you look good," he stammered, no longer able to meet her in the eye.

"Yeah, you're super pretty!" Nora complimented, followed by agreeing nods from Pyrrha and Ren.

"Oh...Um, thank you." Leo managed to say, not sure of how to react. She only ever heard the word used to describe goddesses; princesses of Gwyn — and even then it was rare in favor of terms used by churches and the like.

Team JNPR wanted to talk to the young woman for longer, especially Jaune, despite how awful he was at speaking to those of the opposite sex at times. However, before they could continue, they noticed Professor Goodwitch approach them. She was surprised at the massive stone weapon that sat next to the table, but didn't allow for it to show. "Excuse me, but may I ask for your name?" The blonde let out professionally.

"Leo," the chestnut-haired woman said simply. She would like to think that she had a strong intuition when it came to people and she wasn't getting a bad sense here. "May I ask for yours?"

"I am Glynda Goodwitch, a professor here at Beacon. If you would please follow me, the Headmaster would like to speak to you."

Leo was told by Team JNPR that they would have to bring her to the aforementioned man soon, so she was expecting this. She stood up from the table and picked the weapon that sat beside it, much to the surprise of the professor. Even if the blonde knew it had to have gotten there somehow, it was still bewildering to see in person. The young woman turned to Team JNPR and offered them a kind smile. "Thank you." She turned once more to Goodwitch and followed her, leaving the team alone to return to their dorm.

The elevator doors opened and revealed the clockwork motif in the room which was amusing to Leo, for her sense of time in Lothric was tumultuous and now that was all she was surrounded by in this large office. Glynda returned to Ozpin's side and told him that she had brought the one he asked for. He looked up to see the young woman slowly exploring his office, taking in her surroundings with a sense of awe. The Headmaster smiled to himself and called out to her, "Miss Leo, is it? Please, join us."

She looked in his direction, and even Ozpin was perplexed by the strange faint glow of her eyes that seemed to be a reflection of the sunset that was no longer behind him, but of course he composed himself just as quickly. Leo walked over, her bare feet making small, dull sounds against the cool floor in the quiet room. She sat herself down in the unoccupied seat and looked to see who it was next to her. All she was able to make out was his stark white hair and focused crimson eyes, as he was intent on tinkering with the device in his hands.

"Hello, and thank you for meeting me here. I received a report from one of the bullheads' pilots that you are a lone huntress who lost her scroll. Is that true?" Ozpin calmly asked. He wasn't expecting an honest answer, but the young woman sitting across from him shook her head.

"No. I do not know what a 'huntress' is or a 'scroll.' That was a lie told by Team JNPR so that I may come here." Leo seemed to concentrate for another moment before beginning to speak again. "I'm sorry, that was poor wording. I accepted an offer from them to come here. If you intended to punish them, please do not, they are blameless."

Ozpin chuckled. He wasn't used to anyone being this frank with him. It was a nice change. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm glad that my students helped you in your time of need. It appears that you needed it." He said in acknowledgement to the attire she was wearing akin to rags.

By this time, Henryk was now paying attention to the conversation, though his eyes remained on the scroll he was given. From the sound of it, she was also an outsider. He found it strange that he was allowed to remain in the room, but as long as he was here, the Hunter will listen for any additional information that may benefit him.

"Now, if you will answer some questions for me." Ozpin began the same way he did with the Hunter.

"Of course." Leo nodded her head. Normally, she wouldn't be this compliant with someone telling her what to do. However, she felt indebted to them. Team JNPR had taken her without her asking, and although she wasn't planning to in the first place, she appreciated the offer. The least she could do after eating food under their roof was answer some questions.

"Can you tell me about yourself? Where you come from?"

"I believe I am from these parts," Leo began. "But not from this time. It sounds strange, but it would appear that I have been resurrected many ages into the future from where I once came."

Ozpin paused the story for a moment, "Excuse me, but did you say resurrected?"

The young woman nodded her head. "Before my return in this world, I was one of many known as Unkindled. We were immortal and tasked with the duty to kindle the First Flame — the life of the world, of sorts. I...I took that away." Her eyes turned solemn. "The world was stuck in a cycle. More like myself would have to pick themselves up and rekindle it, only for the Fire to slowly die again. Each time, the Fire grew weaker, and its opposing force, the Dark, would set in. I believed it to be best to let the natural order take place, and I ended the Age of Fire. It was a mistake. I betrayed my friends who trusted me to make the right decision and everyone either died or turned into ghastly beasts by the Darkness that set within their hearts." Leo looked down in shame, as painful silence settled into the room. However, she looked up again, her face hardened with determination. "I don't deserve it, but I was given another chance to live as a true human by the goddess Velka, who told me to absolve myself of my sins. Team JNPR told me much of what it is this academy does, and I believe I can find my purpose here. I will help however I can."

Ozpin was at a loss for words, although he didn't allow that to show. It was a great amount of information that was unbelievable, but he didn't get any sense that she was lying. This woman is probably the most honest person he has ever met and it was both comforting and frightening at the same time. "Thank you for your sacrifice, Miss Leo. And I thank you for telling me your story."

Henryk had been listening intently to her background and as she described the beasts, he made the connection. "That is not the end of the tale."

The three others in the room turned to look at the taciturn man.

"Alright Headmaster, I will cooperate with you as well, because you have been hospitable and I believe that it will be be beneficial for us all, as there is much we can learn from each other." The Hunter looked between Ozpin and Leo. His eyes lingered on the latter, part of him wanting to blame her being the cause of the scourge beasts, for someone else to finally carry the burden of blame from himself. Henryk shook the thought from his mind, knowing it was wrong to think it in the first place.

"Those beasts you described are likely the same ones that haunted me. I assume those who survived your age became the hunters that I know. There were books I read that referenced such a thing in the libraries of Cainhurst Castle and Bwygenwerth, but I never believed them for they were few and far between. It has been made abundantly clear to me that I also awoke far beyond my own time, which lies somewhere between the present and the one Leo spoke of." Henryk explained, waving away the confused glances he got at the places he mentioned; them no longer being of importance.

"The beasts were formidable and proved to be too powerful for what was left of humanity. In order to defend themselves, my predecessors experimented on the beast blood and injected it within themselves. It gave them the power they were looking for to fight back." The air around Henryk became heavier, his eyes cast downward. That was all they could see, but they were certain that he was scowling behind his mask.

"It became more than just defending ourselves. We became known as hunters. We pursued the creatures and slaughtered them. The roles were reversed, to the point where some of our fellow hunters actually pitied the beasts. I could not necessarily disagree, for none in our line of work can possibly be righteous when we steal the very blood of our enemies to heal our wounds. Of course, this great power we bestowed ourselves came at a cost: If a hunter was to ever lose his way, he would go mad and with time, would become one of the very beasts he hunted. When that occurred, he was far more lethal than any normal scourge beast could possibly be." The Good Hunter sighed to himself

"My time was known as the Nightmare and was fought by many hunters such as myself. Meanwhile, others sought to do research to discover a way to bring it to an end. What they discovered were beings called, 'The Great Ones.' However, that too backfired. They quickly learned that not all of the cosmic beings were so kind, and the cruelest among them were always the ones to take the most action. One of which was known as 'The Moon Presence' and it ended the Nightmare. However, it found the struggle of humanity to be entertaining and allowed it to become a cycle — to watch countless hunters to be chosen by its 'Dream' and triumph against its Nightmare, only for it all to begin again. Like Leo, I did not let the cycle or continue and defeated the Moon Presence. It should have been an end to the Nightmare — to the beasts." Henryk's eyes met Ozpin's. "But the existence of 'Grimm' has proven otherwise. I theorize that the 'Darkness' Leo mentioned could have had a further effect on the beasts after the cycle ceased."

Silence fell upon them once again, after Henryk's deep explanation that tied all of their times together. Leo was the one to break the silence, trying to sort the thoughts in her head. "How did you gather all of this?"

"I am a scholar as well as a hunter. This much is trivial." He said confidently.

Ozpin hummed to himself before beginning to speak once more. "Thank you, Henryk. Our time together has been short, but I trust you. You were correct. We can benefit each other and I look forward to more cooperation in the future." He pulled out an additional scroll and offered it to the young woman across from him, who accepted it. "Now, it has gotten quite late. Please, go ahead and rest. I understand you have questions yourselves and you may have them answered by Professor Oobleck and Professor Port tomorrow. I will inform the staff members of you two and their information is available to you on your scrolls. Henryk, if you will please educate Leo on the use of the scroll in my stead."

"It will not be of any trouble. Thank you, Headmaster. You will also have my services available to you for as long as I remain here at the academy." The Hunter left without saying another word. Leo followed, but not without nodding her head in thanks.

As the elevator doors closed, Glynda finally spoke. "How could you trust them so easily! For all we know, everything they told us could have been lies!"

Ozpin looked at her, and she was able to see the seriousness in his eyes, although to others who did not personally know him might only see his normal stoic appearance. "I'm inclined to trust those who are non-hostile and would help my students. Their stories, however fantastical, were told without the poison of lies within them. I believe that they hold the knowledge of Remnant before we knew it and if that gives the humanity the edge against the Grimm, then I will trust them."

Glynda sighed to herself, crossing her arms as she looked outside the window. She never knew Ozpin to be wrong on these matters and she hoped that this wouldn't be the first time he was wrong.

Henryk had explained all of the features of the scroll to the young woman with sunset eyes, but she continued to confuse its controls. He sighed and guided her to her room and discovered that his was right next door.

"Convenient. You can help me while I try to understand this thing." She said positively.

The Hunter only nodded and entered his room, closing it behind him, leaving Leo alone in the hall. She looked around and sighed heavily to herself before doing the same, leaving Morne's Great Hammer next to the door as she closed it. She explored the room and was delighted to see the bathing facility, which she was quick to use.

It wasn't difficult to understand how it worked, as the shower head began to rain water onto her body, the ragged cloak she was wearing tossed haphazardly onto the floor. In a way, it was cleansing. Starting now, she was beginning a new life — quite literally. Leo prayed that she wouldn't make a mess of the world again; that for once, she could do something right.

By the time she had finished showering and drying herself off, she found that her cloak was nowhere to be seen. Upon returning to the bedroom, Leo found it, but it was reattached to a fully restored suit of a Lothric Knight's armor, the cloak itself appearing as if it never saw combat as well. Strapped to the hip was the plain sword that never let her down: the Sunlight Straight Sword. She looked around and saw no logical explanation, until she realized logic could not be applied to the one who brought it to her. Leo shook her head and walked over to a dresser, pleased to see the clothes that were resting on top. It wasn't long before she stared at herself in the mirror, now wearing a simple white button-up shirt and black pants. "I suppose this will help me assimilate into the new world."

Leo glanced around the room until her eyes landed on the bed, yet she couldn't will herself to want to sleep. The young woman sprawled herself out on the massive soft cushion, unaccustomed to life's simple comforts such as this. "How can I sleep now after the ages of rest I have had," she sighed heavily, staring up at the ceiling.

After Henryk closed the door, his eyes widened as he looked to the center of the room. There were the Messengers that he became so familiar with, carrying an object he couldn't make out. The Hunter approached them, and upon further inspection, he recognized the intricate hilt and red sash wrapped around the scabbard.

He bent down with a chuckle, taking hold of the katana-saber hybrid. "You lot always aim to please, don't you?" After pulling the weapon out of the mist they sat in, the Hunter rested the weapon on the floor next to him, watching the Messengers proceed to carry out their namesake. The mystical scroll they held read: Look to the painting. Henryk frowned at the message, heavily cryptic even by his standards. The Messengers sank back into the floor and disappeared, leaving him in the dark room to contemplate it.

What significance could a painting have?

The Hunter stripped his attire and bathed, allowing the hot water to relax his stiff muscles. He wondered if this is what his life will be like now, having access to the luxuries of a bath and a bed with a roof over his head as consistent shelter. It felt so strange as opposed to the only life he knew of kill-or-be-killed. However, Henryk figured that it couldn't possibly be that simple. To be brought so far into the future in itself already meant that he wasn't allowed to take it easy. There was work to be done.

Eventually, the Hunter approached the bed, suddenly feeling immensely weary. He allowed himself to ease into the bed, feeling as though the soft cushions threatened to suck him into a different universe. Henryk never realized it until he was finally able to settle, without worrying of a beast lurking in the darkness plotting to tear out his throat, but he was tired. He was tired of the ceaseless fight. He was tired of having to defeat countless adversaries only for another more harrowing to take its place. He was tired of this cosmic irony.

"It's been one hell of a day! I can't wait to go to bed." Yang yawned, stretching out her arms high above her head. "What do you think is going to happen to the vampire?"

"His name is Henryk," Ruby corrected, almost defensively. "And I think the Headmaster will like him!"

"Because you like him?" Weiss said with a smirk.

"Wha — No!" Their young leader denied. "I just have a good feeling about him, that's all."

"You have a good feeling about that guy?" Blake raised an eyebrow questioningly.

Ruby was mumbling incoherently, clearly flustered. A man — a scythe wielder at that — does no harm to them and protects them from an Alpha Beowolf. More than just protect them, but defeats it in mere seconds. Then the Headmaster shows up and brings him to Beacon. Was it so wrong for her to think optimistically of him? Yang wrapped an arm around her little sister's shoulders with a grin. "Oh, c'mon guys, leave her alone. Ruby just has a crush."

"I do not have a crush!" Ruby pushed her older sister away, her face turning nearly as red as her outfit.

"Ooh, Ruby has a crush!" Called a familiar voice down from the hall. Team RWBY looked in its direction and found Team JNPR approaching them, Nora waving at them enthusiastically. "Who's the guy? Or girl, who knows," she added whimsically.

Ruby gave up trying to clear up the misunderstanding — or more like she was too flustered to even speak. Yang laughed pinched her little sister's cheek. "Alright, we're done teasing." She stepped away from her sister and waved at the other team. "We met this weird guy out in the Emerald Forest. He busted out of a coffin like a vampire. Totally looks like one, too."

"You, too?" Jaune asked curiously, to the surprise of Team RWBY. "We met a girl who came out of a grave in the Forever Fall."

"Yeah, Jaune fell in love at first sight." Nora teased. The blonde boy waved it off as he laughed sheepishly, much to the jealousy of a certain red-headed warrior. Everyone of course noticed the shift, except for the ever-oblivious Jaune.

"Did she pull off some crazy moves, too?!" Ruby quickly changed the subject, grinning. "Henryk was super cool — He uses a scythe!"

Ren shook his head. "Not exactly."

"So, Henryk is his name. Leo is the woman we met. We hadn't run into any more trouble, but she seems strong," Pyrrha finished.

"She's super strong! There was this giant hammer," Nora began, parting her arms wide to give an idea of its size. "So, obviously I wanted it, but it was so heavy. Like, imagine the heaviest thing ever and twice that. And then this woman," she grabs at the air and curled her fingers into a fist before raising it high into the air. "Picks it up out of the ground like it was nothing!"

Team RWBY looked to Nora's teammates, knowing she was prone to tell outlandish tales. However, none tried to correct her. "That's actually pretty accurate," Ren informed them.

Yang whistled. "Wow, you found quite the monster, didn't you?"

Nora nodded her head wildly. "Yeah, but she's also actually really pretty. You have to see her. Her eyes are like—" Nora made sparkling gestures in the air with her fingers. "Right, Jaune?"

The blonde leader cleared his throat and ignored her. "Anyway, what does this Henryk fella' look like?"

"We didn't get to see much of him. He was entirely covered up by a coat, gloves, boots, hat, mask, you name it." Weiss said simply. "But his eyes are strangely red. Almost sickly."

Blake nodded in agreement. "It can't be a coincidence that we both found people who came out of graves on the same day, can it?" The two teams became thoughtful, agreeing with the sentiment. It was already bizarre for one case, but two? There had to be a reason.

"We didn't really get to know him either. We didn't talk much on the bullhead and then the Headmaster took him to speak in his office. What about you guys?" Ruby brought up.

"Leo seems friendly. She spoke with us a lot and answered our questions without hesitation. She seemed nervous about her appearance when Nora asked to see her face," Pyrrha glanced over to her orange-haired companion who made a face in return. "But she let us anyway."

"She was crying when we first met her." Ren said bluntly. Everyone went quiet again. The two teams definitely ran into strange people. Team RWBY wanted to know more, but the looks on the other team's faces indicated that they didn't know why.

"I think we'll be seeing more of them." Jaune let out, breaking the silence between them, and everyone present couldn't help but agree.

A/N: This was a quick update! I do not believe I can consistently update like this, but I finished this chapter faster than I expected. I don't think I should hold onto this chapter for the sake of, rather just release it for anyone who might be eager to read more :) This was super fun to write and I'm looking forward to writing more, for those who remain interested.

This was also a dialogue heavy chapter. I did not intend it to be that way, but that is what happened as my thoughts turned into the words you now see. Hopefully it was okay. For anyone who might be confused as to Henryk's and Leo's past, allow me to sum it up here as concisely as possible:

1) Leo usurps the First Flame and plunges the world into an Age of Dark.

2) The Dark turned the hollows into 'ghastly beasts' (BB) and those who managed to not be afflicted experimented on the beast blood and became hunters.

3) Henryk ends the Nightmare and theorizes that with no Moon Presence to control them, the Dark that Leo mentions takes a stronger hold of the beasts and turned them into Grimm.

This could have been deciphered from the previous and this chapter, but I understand that it may still be confusing, if this is as convoluted as the Soulsborne lore is.

There is more to come! Thank you so much for reading and I hope that you return next time!