Wow this one took a bit to get out considering that its really not too long XD. Sorry for the wait readers! But on the bright side I can already promise that next chapter may well be twice the length of this one! Now with that in mind I would like to put forth the question I posed a while ago. What name should I give the Dark One?
You all may notice I have reworded the question in what is the name not should he have a name. The reason being that I have found it to be getting rather repetitive to refer him to the Dark One all the time. Not only that but in order to get some meanwhile interaction with the rest of the RWBY cast it would be important for characters to know each other. Especially since Weiss now knows the Dark One has no name.
Tell me when you want to build up a relationship with a person be it amorous or platonic. Does one, not start off asking for a name? Such that with that being my stance now I will concur that I have a few names thought up. However none are yet set in stone. Fixing them for the next chapter that is mostly typed up at this point will not be a problem. With that said I am still open to suggestions. So if anyone has any ideas please leave a comment or pm me it. If not I may pick a name out of a a hat. Of course it wont be something generic like... bob or something XD.
OH and one last thing to say... as kinda promised although a lil late I have re uploaded the prequel. Its mostly the same concept nothing really knew. Just trying to clean it up grammar wise a bit.
He had seen it all, the Grimm menace terrorizing the populace, the darkest of human actions, and the unfortunate circumstances that brought them to it. Right now though, Ozpin sought answers. He was marching down the hallways, mug in one hand.
'This is the right time'
The moment to find out who exactly this man was, how he arrived. Who or what the black creature was? As a soldier, who it was he intended to fight or defend against, and why was he brought here of all places?
Many questions needed answers and now Ozpin had the perfect chance to answer at least a few of them. Several minutes ago he saw the collapse of the young child like humanoid. He saw just how desperately Artyom ran to him to pick him up. It was only a matter of seconds before the Dark One was taken into their assigned dormitory and the mini cams lost sight of their targets.
Their relationship with each other seemed like one of trust and to an extent dependency. One that at the very least consisted of friendship between the duo. Just how it was formed was something Ozpin intended to find out as well. And it would not be long now. The Headmaster turned a corner. Nearly bumping into his colleague and friend, Doctor Barthalomew Oobleck.
"Ah Headmaster, how do you do?"
"I am doing well at the moment, Doctor. I was just on my way to check on our guests."
"Yes, yes of course I too am on my way to do just that. I just finished my last class for the day and was hoping to have a chat with him. I realized that last night I did not really give out the best welcome I could have. So I was hoping to remedy this now. See!" lifting his hands to reveal a small pink cake with the word 'Welcome' written in blue frosting.
"I see." Ozpin state matter of factly, a smile further encouraging the small gesture, "I'm sure when his friend is feeling better he will be glad to partake in such a desert."
"Not feeling well are they?"
"As I said I was just about to check on them. Please come along let's get to know our guests a little better."
"Yes, after you Headmaster." The hyper doctor replied with a nod.
Within Oobleck's Dormitory
"It hurts!"
"Just hang on!"
"Please, make it stop… the air… the air is burning… it's burning…" The Dark One whimpered in Artyom's head.
'Shit… just what is happening. Why did the Dark One suddenly collapse? The air... can't he breathe? There is nothing blocking his nose. The air seems fine by me…'
The Dark One would have given a pained telepathic chuckle if it did not hurt so bad to do anything. "Not… like… you."
"Of course I did not mean to imply… I'm sorry, you know better than most how I'm feeling right now."
"Scared… confused… angry."
Artyom looked down to the ground, "Yeah." He agreed.
A knock on wood is heard, "We are coming in!" warned Dr. Oobleck. A second later the door swung open. Revealing the frenzied doctor with a cake outstretched in his hand and the Headmaster, cane in hand, directly behind the Historian.
"Mr. Artyom correct?!" Began the Historian, "First of all, allow me to personally welcome…" He paused as his eyes went to the bed in the room, "Not feeling well?"
"It hurts…"
"Telepathy?! Incredible, simply Incredible!"
"Indeed." Agreed the Headmaster, this new revelation definitely helped explain a few things about what had happened during initiation.
"My word. Now I have many more questions. How does this work? Is it a semblance? Can you use aura? But then that would require a soul. Which would in turn require you to not be related to any Grimm. Unless…"
"Dr. Oobleck" interrupted the Headmaster. "I can appreciate your curiosity for our newfound friends but, perhaps now we should focus on their wellbeing?"
"Yes, terribly sorry." The Doc concurred.
"Now then Mr. Yedemsky what seems to be the problem with our little dark friend?"
Artyom sighed as he considered his response. He did not want to tell them anything but just watching the Dark One did not promise a cure. He shifted his gaze to his hosts, "He can't breathe… At least it seems difficult for him to do so."
"Do you know why he suffering this difficulty, Mr. Yedemsky?"
"No."
"Perhaps we can find the answer's we seek if we can get information on how he lives while in a more healthy condition." Suggested Bart Oobleck.
"Yes, that seems like a fine idea" Concurred the Grey haired Coffee Drinker. After all this was the direction he was hoping to lead their 'conversation' with Artyom anyways.
For the Spartan it was now a matter of whether or not he should reveal more information about himself. So far they haven't shown any sign of future betrayal. This Ozpin character had an aura of authority over him and his words seemed like the pure truth.
The incessant ramblings of his teaching colleague Oobleck seemed to be of a scholar at heart and only interested in similar truths all be it for different reasons. Right now though was not the time for the Spartan to doubt himself too much. A life was currently on what seemed like borrowed time.
"Fine…" He decided "We come from a place that has fallen victim to nuclear war. Its name is Moscow."
"Moscow? Impossible!" Began the historian before being nudged on the shoulder from behind by the headmaster.
An obvious sign to Artyom that the History professor should keep silent. 'What is he hiding?' He then gestured towards Artyom to continue. Now he definitely did not like talking to them. Whatever they were hiding was starting to get on Artyom's nerves. Artyom glanced yet again at the Dark One, 'No choice. I need help.'
"I was young when it happened. When the bombs fell… I hardly recall it. It was almost as if though one day Humanity ruled the surface, the next we are scurrying around the Metro tunnels. Those tunnels became our home. For a few years humanity managed to hang on until… until one day someone ventured out to the surface. Then we discovered that the surface was overtaken by many dangers. Included in these… discoveries… was his kind." Artyom mentioned nodding to the Dark One and taking his smaller hand in a comforting hold, "His kind managed to survive."
"The surface? Are you suggesting these bombs that were dropped left a long term toxin in the air?" Questioned the Headmaster.
"No, not any kind of poison."
'Though it might have been better if it was.' Artyom thought sadly to himself, "Some strange waste energy or something like that… not too many teacher survived to start up many schools." Artyom explained, "Most youths grew up learning the basics of reading and writing. I know it was called radiation. It made the Surface inhospitable to all humans. The few creatures that survived it, had to change dramatically."
"So then our friend here is a product of that change?"
"Yes."
"I have a hypothesis for potential treatment for what ails our small friend here then."
"As do I, but in order to reproduce that strange energy known as Radiation we need a sample of it."
"So that is what hurts you small one?" Artyom asked worriedly.
The Dark One remained silent as his eyes remained closed. Having fallen asleep a short moment ago in order to relieve himself from the pain.
"We could try to get a sample from it…" Artyom's face glared at the historian, "Him." He corrected. Silently mouthing the word 'sorry' towards Artyoms glare.
"Give me a moment I think I have just the thing!" Without another word the Professor was gone in his place a small cloud of dust marked where he had been standing. Somehow the cake he was holding found itself on the nearby desk.
In the Meantime Artyom went to the restroom and came back with a humid clothe, and gently placed it over the Dark One's forehead. The cool feel of the clothe waking the Dark One from the very short slumber. Realizing what he did Artyom mentally scolded himself, "Sorry, did not mean to wake you."
"Artyom, you can trust..."
'I trust you,'
"Trust him…" His dark eyes closed yet again.
"Mr. Yedemsky, may I ask how you came to meet this child?"
Artyom's mind went to his mission from Miller. How he was captured by a Nazi patrol. How he managed to escape with Pavel's help. How he tracked the Dark One to a Hanza train. Rescuing the child only after facing demons that might have taken the lives of others.
"I… was assigned to hunt him." He declared as neutrally as he could. Attempting to put on his best poker face, 'No emotion, none at all…'
"He is dangerous then?"
"No. He is a child. You could consider him a newborn almost. Would you consider a babe dangerous?"
"I would when they wield incredible power." The Headmaster rebutted. Both then returned their attention to the ailing mutant humanoid. Silence once more overtaking them as Ozpin continued to make sense of what he had just heard.
In a nearly empty hallway.
Blake kept up her brisk pace. She had a place to get to, and was nothing in the universe going to stop her… except for perhaps the dust cloud currently speeding towards her! It was pure instinct that Blake used to jump just out to the side of the hallway. As the Dust cloud with wild green hair went past her.
'What was that?' She thought wide eyed. She followed the dust cloud with her eyes as right at the corner another person shrieked at the incoming cloud. Managing to just barely evade the green haired tornado racing down the hallways. The person having fallen on her bum.
"What was that?!" The girl on the floor cried out parroting Blake's thoughts.
"I'm not sure." responded a male voice as its owner appeared around the corner. Bending down to help his companion up, "But we are in the Teachers section of dormitories. They also have their offices in this same building. Could be one of them." The male reasoned.
"Wow!" The girl yelled instantly getting to her feet, "Once we graduate we're gonna be soo cool! Maybe we can be as fast as that guy! Go VROOM and VROOMM!"
'A girl as excitable as that can only be one person.' Blake contemplated. As the dust cleared she was able to confirm her suspicion. Nora with the ever-present Stoic, Ren, beside her.
As Lie Ren took note of the approaching cat Faunus he nodded a small hello towards her. Nora turned to see who it was Ren was 'talking' with. "Oh hey Blakey!"
"Hello. Are you ok?"
"Yeah just a random dust cloud. Nothing dangerous."
"I told you, could be one of the Professors." Ren reminded.
"Yeah probably is, it had green hair." Concurred Blake.
"Where are you heading to Blakey? Visiting a professor already? It's only been the first day."
"I have to speak with Headmaster Ozpin about something important. Someone told me they saw him coming this way. Have you two seen him by any chance?"
"Professor Ozpin? What a coincidence! That's who Renny is looking for isn't it." The stoic boy nodded at Nora's statement.
"Yes it's true, I was looking for Professor Ozpin, but if he is nowhere to be found I will settle for Professor Goodwitch. Seems she is his assistant and I know her office is nearby."
'Goodwitch? Why didn't I think of that!?' Blake scolded herself, "Perhaps I can join you two? I think Professor Goodwitch may be able to help me as well."
Ren's neutral expression and emotionless eyes still managed to peer into Blake's own. The eyes seemed to scan her visage without mercy. Blake's cheeks began to tinge red before he finally responded, "Yeah I think this visit will help put us at ease."
'At ease? What could he be on about?' thought Blake as she turned her head sideways, in an attempt to hide her confusion.
"Hey Blakey! You're going to get left behind!" Nora Yelled back now several feet past her. Blake walked briskly to catch up and soon the three students found themselves outside a door with a hanging sign. It read "Professor and Combat Instructor, Glynda Goodwitch, MS."
With three short knocks on the door the reply was almost instant, "Come in!"
Nora was the first to reach for the door before a hand on her shoulder prompted her to pause. Ren gently released Nora as she turned to face him, "Wait for me out here please."
"Aww but Ren…" The Grenadier protested.
"I promise I'll tell you all about it later. But for now…." Ren reached into one of his dress pants pockets and pulled out a small Rubik's cube, "If you solve it by the time I get back we'll be sure to stop by the cafeteria for some pancakes."
The Grenadier seemed about ready to comply before she recalled the presence of a certain cat. Not that she knew it, "What about Blake?"
The stoic turned his attention to the now curious cat, "I assume you are coming to discuss yesterday's initiation?"
Blake simply nodded. Too surprised at the sudden question to articulate her response verbally, 'Did he notice the same thing I did?'
The stoic nodded back as if though directly answering her thoughts. With a quick motion he opened the door and allowed Blake to pass through first. Glynda Goodwitch was at a large desk with a neat and orderly stack of papers she was no doubt working on.
"Ms. Belladona, Mister Lie Ren." She greeted, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Ms. GoodWitch. I believe we are both here to ask about the Initiation yesterday."
"That's right!" Affirmed Blake, "Ms. Goodwitch, I just want to hear it from someone I can trust…. is Artyom a student here?"
Ren nodded his head agreeing with the question. 'So then he did notice what was off about him too!' thought the surprised feline Faunus, 'Guess he is more observant than I gave him credit for.'
Professor Goodwitch took serious thought to the seemingly simple question. She could lie to them. Tell them that Artyom is in fact a student at Beacon Academy. It may help negate any potential problems in the future. Besides Blake made a valid point, right now the cat Faunus and her fellow student has no reason to distrust what she says. Telling a lie and then getting caught on it won't do well to bolster a good student/teacher relationship. If students can't trust their instructors then they simply won't do as well. Simple as that.
On the other hand if she tells them the truth about Artyom. How he is not an official student then they may start to ask further questions. Questions that currently she might not be able to answer. Or questions that she might not want to answer even if she knew. Telling them that a complete stranger was roaming around campus armed probably was not a good idea. Sure these children could no doubt defend themselves, but it was the principle that mattered.
Finally her mouth opened to respond, "Miss Belladona, I will admit that he is not a student. As such you most likely will not see him in any class. However, that said I think it is paramount to understand that he is not a danger to you or anyone at this campus."
'At least I hope not.'
"Mr. Goodwitch, I think the others failed to notice it or might have simply thought it was part of his normal wardrobe colors, but he was covered in blood." Added the Stoic Boy.
"Yeah I noticed that too" Agreed Blake, "and I doubt it's all his."
"I will admit that it's true, that was blood on him." The combat instructor consented. She then paused thinking further on her current predicament. Would it do to simply be honest with them? Tell them that she had no idea who Artyom was or where he came from?
Then it hit her. She can say the truth! "The truth is that you are both smart children. There is no point in hiding things from you as you have already demonstrated that it simply can't be done."
The Stoic and Cat gave each other a wide eyed stare. They were finally going to hear what they came for. Unconsciously they almost felt giddy. They were getting the truth!
"We do not know who Artyom is." Began the Disciplinarian, "We have reason to believe that he has no idea where he is."
"Then why bring him here, you don't even know if he is or isn't a danger don't you!?"
"The reason he was brought onto campus instead of being sent to the proper authorities in Vale is that he displayed a rather unique semblance yesterday. One with considerable power."
"So that's it. Professor Ozpin wants to try and keep this powerful semblance in check."
"Yes Mister Lie Ren."
"Why not just inform the council though? Surely they could provide assistance." The boy further inquired.
"They won't do anything. At least not for the betterment of everyone." Interrupted an Amber eyed girl, "I mean, just look at how the Faunus are still treated!"
Glynda nodded in an affirmative. Even as a human she could see some of the cruel and unfair treatment towards the Faunus was just so apparent in Vale. How the Council still managed to turn a blind eye to most of it was beyond her. Despite the constant pressure by Ozpin to address those issues. It was true the Council could not be trusted if they can't yet care for all their citizens equally. More time would still be needed to reach that point.
"Hmm" Pondered the green Martial Artists, "Okay if the Council can't be trusted to look after a semblance this powerful, with all due respect what makes you think Ozpin is qualified?"
"The Headmaster and I have a history together. Tell me Mr. Lie Ren, do you trust Nora Valkyrie as your partner?"
"With my life." He responded in all seriousness. Almost challenging someone to contradict him.
"Why?"
"We…" He smiled inwardly, "have a history together." His eyes met the Combat instructor's, "Point taken."
"Now then, I do have other matters to attend to thus I ask you both to return to your teams. I assure you all reasonable precautions are being taken."
With that said Blake and Ren both turned towards the door. Each with their own degrees of comfort, "Before you go." interrupted the Combat instructor.
Both turned their heads once more to face the blonde, "I would appreciate it if you not mention this to your teams. I understand that I cannot force you to do so, but I ask so this so that they do not have seeds of mistrust planted in them. Give us some time, after we fully understand the situation I'm sure we can come to a decision about what to do with Artyom"
Ren and Blake nodded in the affirmative then left out the door. The Disciplinarian took a deep sigh, "Those kids definitely deserve to be here…"
She was running out of time! She could not tell to be sure but somehow she just knew it! "Argh!"
She looked down the hall nobody in sight. Looked at the door in front of her expecting it to open at any moment. Then down to the object in her hands. That damn cube. That damn colorful cube!
She would move the colors around this way and that to no avail. No matter what she did the colors simply did not go where she wanted them too. What was she to do!? Pancakes are on the line here! The hammer wielder sighed in defeat. Slumping down to the ground, "I guess I'm not getting pancakes for lunch." Nora resigned.
She looked out to both ends of the empty hallways. Only to find that it was no longer as empty as it was. The dust cloud with the green hair was coming back. Running through the hallway the historian could not help but notice the somber mood that seemed to emanate from the fallen Valkyrie.
With literal screeching the History Professor came to a halt right in front of the girl on the ground, "Young lady what seems to be the problem?" he asked as he extended his free arm to help the Valkyrie to her feet. In the other a small machine in the shape of a small pistol that was bulky at the top, bulky enough to house a screen. The device was currently off and the screen a dark black.
Reaching with her own free arm she stood up with the slightest of effort. Still looking downcast the Historian repeated his question, "Well Young Lady? Why the melancholy appearance?"
"It's just… that I might not get pancakes today."
"Ahh! Pancakes quite the delicious pastry. You know, I was a temporary pancake judge! In the Mistralian Pancake contest of 87! Why before I knew it I had Banana, strawberry, blueberry, Buckwheat, chocolate chip, coconut, gluten free, potato, and many many others. Why after eating so much sugar I fell into a two week coma! That was a good day! But I digress, why can you not simply go get pancakes yourself?"
"Well I can, but they just taste better when I eat them with Renny." The Grenadier whined.
"Did the chap say he would not go with you?"
"No… but… we… he…" Nora simply lifted the Rubix cube up to the Historian's face.
After a few seconds of silence he responded "I see."
With what seemed like two short hand movements the Rubix cube in Nora's hand was fully solved. Nora's eyes went wide in awe, "Next time just ask him, he may just go with you regardless of something as trivial as this, Now if you'll excuse me!" The green haired dust cloud made its way through the hallway once more. A short second later the door in front of the Valkyrie opened. Ren stepped out with Blake right behind.
Ren smiled at his lifelong friend taking the colorful cube from her hand. "Let's get you those pancakes!"
"YES!" she cheered, "Hey Blakey, you coming with?"
Blake in all seriousness after talking with Goodwitch was contemplating having a relaxing dinner with a bowl of tuna and a good book. However, the Valkyries apparently uncaring stance towards her despite believing she was human still managed to convince her.
"Sure." That said all three friends walked down the hall to the cafeteria.
Oobleck Residence.
The door nearly burst open as the Historian crashed through, "Terribly sorry, pardon my tardiness! I was held up by a student in need!"
"Calm yourself, I'm sure whatever it is that held you was of the upmost importance. However, now that you are here let's get to the matter at hand." Responded the Headmaster.
"Yes of course." The Historian approached the Dark One's bed with the strange pistol shaped device.
"What is that?" asked a wary Artyom.
"This is a Dust Scanner. It is used to decipher the various properties of different colored Dust."
"Dust? You mean Dirt?"
"No I mean Dust." The historian began his scan slowly passing the pistol like scanner over the Dark One. Methodically making pass after pass from head to toe.
"What is Dust?"
"Dust is in the most basic sense of the word 'energy'." The Headmaster explained.
'I will have to look that up on my next trip to the library.' Artyom thought
"Hmm…" The historian stated. A hint of dissatisfaction from the results that are showing on his scanner, "It appears that our dark friend here either lacks an energy signature of any kind, or his body is naturally looking for this radiation you mentioned, and absorbing any that is around him."
"Then this is both good and bad." Interrupted The Headmaster.
"Indeed we won't be getting sick from radiation while he is around, but this in turn is deadly for him. The scanner can't pick up whatever 'radiation' is whatever residual signature of it that is around the Dark One is currently too weak. We need a more recent sample of it that has not decayed too much."
"I think I know of such a place." Headmaster and Historian opened eyes wide in pleasant surprise at the revelation from the Spartan, "Maybe you can get a sample from the place I woke up at when we arrived."
"Yes an excellent idea." Supplied the Historian.
"I'll go get my things."
"Hold on allow me to lend you a little something that will help us."
"Us?"
"Yes, US! You do not expect me to let my roommate out into the Emerald Forest alone now do you?!"
'He does not even know me and yet…perhaps the Dark One is right.' Thought Artyom. "Very well what do you have to lend?"
Within ten minutes Artyom found himself fully dressed in completely new attire, well new to him. "This used to be my old Hunter's outfit. Sturdy, flexible, and breathes easy!" reported the Historian.
Artyom looked himself over in the mirror. He saw himself wearing dark brown leather pants. With pockets all around the waist, a grey dress shirt with padding all around the arms. Artyom could not see it but he could definitely feel it. Whatever material this was made of it was slightly heavier than any normal dress shirt. 'In fact' Artyom lifted one of his arms then with the other grabbed at the fabric. He began to pull on it, and sure enough despite his struggle the fabric would not tear.
"Here!" The historian then passed along a brown trench coat and tie. Artyom was about to motion for no ties before he was interrupted in that motion, "The tie is useful trust me."
"I… don't know how to put one on." The Spartan meekly pointed out.
"I see…" Within a short second the tie was neatly around his neck, courtesy of a generous Historian.
"Now then you both best be off, I will stay and look after our friend here." Offered Ozpin.
Artyom tensed. It just hit him, of course someone was going to stay with the Dark One. Someone had too! He did not want Ozpin to be the one to do so, but leaving the poor child alone now in his time of need was not an option. He was the only one that could lead the historian to the exact place he awoke at.
"Ozpin, I need to be sure. Give me your word! No Harm is to come to him." Commanded the Spartan. The Headmaster looked over Artyom, stopping his gaze squarely on Artyom's blue eyes.
"As headmaster of Beacon and instructor to the future guardians of Remnant, I give you my word that no harm shall befall this child."
Both men kept their gaze steady for several more seconds. Artyom finally nodded extending his hand out to the Headmaster. They shook in agreement.
Then Artyom slung his Bastard Gun and Helsing across his back. Double checking while doing so that both weapons were still in working condition. Grabbing his pistol by its holster he tied it around his waist.
"Come along, if we hurry we might make it back before night fall!" Reminded the Historian as he walked into the kitchen and came back with a thermos in his hand and a tan explorers hat in the other. Placing it on his head he led Artyom to the front door of the Room and both men walked out.
Leaving Ozpin alone to care for the Dark One.
His small dark eyes opened. "Who are you?" he gasped out weakly.
"Who are you, my friend?" The Headmaster countered. Not at all surprised at the Dark One's question.
His small dark eyes closed.
An hour later.
"Look out!"
A metallic club hits its mark. Cracking the Ursa's skeletal mask as it hits the ground hard. Whimpering in pain it tries to get back up. A ball of flames put its misery at an end. Within the second the Ursa was a black fog dissipating into the air.
"Thanks for the warning Artyom." The Historian applauded.
Both men had been searching with Artyom in the lead. His weapon always at the ready, his eyes and ears scanning the surroundings for any trouble. The occasional Beowolf and Ursa crossed their path, only to be dealt with promptly by both Hunter and Spartan. Well mostly the Spartan, as the Historian found himself mostly enjoying the stroll in the woods.
The forest once more enveloped Artyom in all directions. Yet his keen sense of direction leading them further in. approaching a small clearing Artyom smiled.
"We are here!"
Still scattered around the ground was the ammunition box and several odds and ends of various pieces of the makeshift trenches that had once been in D6. On the very center of the small clearing a patch of crumpled grass lay withering and dead. 'The spot I was at when I awoke' strangely it was dead and completely black and brown, not at all green as the Spartan recalled leaving the area.
"Very well then just hold watch while I scan this area for this so called Radiation." The Historian pulled out the pistol like scanner from within his own coat.
Artyom nodded his response as he began to make passes around the area. Securing the perimeter from any would be attackers.
One his third pass around the clearing he noticed something within a nearby bush. A wooden stock. Artyom approached slinging his weapons around to his back, and began to pull on the Stock. Coming out without much of a hassle Artyom looked at the object he now held in his hand in wonder. Its double pronged barrel lined with rails, it sported a magnetic coil on top and on its side a small battery pack.
'A Hell's Breath!' he carefully inspected the weapon. 'A damaged one.' The wires leading between the magnetic coil and battery were severed. The trigger was jammed and the feeding mechanism was bent outwards. Hinting at a potential jam in the future, three metal pellets fell out when Artyom turned the railgun upside down. The magazine was also damaged. 'Needs work' Artyom thought with excitement. Already his mind going through the various ways of fixing the gun.
"Artyom!"
Artyom's head turned towards the voice.
"I have the scan, and good news the energy signature around this entire area is unique but I feel confident that it can be replicated with a certain combination of Dust."
Artyom walked towards the clearing holding the Damaged HellsBreath in his hand. Dr. Oobleck simply spared the hunk of junk in Artyom's hand a glance as Artyom questioned him.
"This means that you can make him better?"
"Theoretically, yes!"
"Good… thank you!" and Artyom truly meant it as he let go a sigh of relief. His one living connection to his past was not yet going to die.
"We should head back, post haste!"
"Right" Both Men began their trek back to campus, ever on the alert for the creatures of Grimm.
30 minutes later in Dr. Oobleck's guest room.
The Headmaster had been in the room with the Dark One for the better part of an hour now. He had just received a call from his colleague regarding their impending arrival and was lost in his thoughts. Ozpin was doing something he rarely ever does. He paced back and forth throughout the room. So many things were happening at such unfortunate timing. Crime was currently at an all-time high. All Authorities blaming the criminal mastermind Roman Torchwick.
Then there was the attack on Amber. Who could have such skill as to be able to fight a Maiden and win? Ozpin himself knew of very few huntsman or huntresses with such skill. None of which would fit the bill of wanting to attack one of the Maidens in the first place. Then Finally, the sudden appearance of these two individuals in the Emerald Forest.
"Your mind wanders… why?" Asked the child as curious as ever, earning the attention of the Headmaster as he stopped pacing. The Dark One struggling to sit upright against the bed rest. Ozpin quickly went to him lifting the child and seating him appropriately.
"A great responsibility has been placed on me and my friends. Duties if you will, that go beyond training the future guardians of our world."
"In this world you still suffer your own kind?"
"Yes we do."
"Then my kin was right…" The Dark One replied sadly. "Humanity is aggressive by nature."
"Perhaps, but not all is lost." Ozpin arose from his position near the Dark One, pulling open the curtains to the only window in the room. "Can you see outside?"
The Dark One weakly nodded. Outside he could see a small portion of the courtyard, bustling with students moving from place to place or just talking and hanging about.
"By choosing to come here all of these students have already taken a step in the betterment of this world. It will be challenging for most, and some may even decide to pursue other paths in life but this does not negate their original intention for being here. They want to help make it better."
The Dark One nodded in agreement.
"You fight with more than just your weapons… you fight using a strange power… one that seems familiar to me… to my kind."
"That is interesting, I assume the power you refer to is Aura."
"Your soul's?"
"Yes"
"Making a weapon out of your souls… why would you do this?"
"Necessity truly."
The Dark One pondered the realities of a world that required the use of weaponized souls. What nightmares could be found outside this Beacon? The Dark One while in pain still managed to think on the condition of the souls being forced into such servitude. That was not their intended use. 'The soul was meant to house a person's very being, not fight the battles for the body.'
"How was this power over your soul's first acquired?"
"Would you believe if I told you that is a highly debated topic? No one truly knows."
"Yes, I believe you."
The Headmaster could not help but let a smile escape his lips. "Thank you… You are a very curious child, aren't you? I have a feeling that before long we can call each other true friends."
"Or perhaps as Artyom was once called we can be like 'The Three Musketeers.'"
"Musketeers?" Ozpin questioned. The sound of running was faintly heard. The next second the lock on the door began clicking as the tumblers rotated to grant passage, "A story for another time?"
"Yes, perhaps another time."
The doors swung open with Artyom in the lead and Doctor Oobleck right behind. The first words to leave Artyom's lips upon entering were, "Are you okay!?"
"I have felt better" The child miserably joked.
As the Doctor came along with a clean looking new gas mask with filters preattached. Three of them. Each filter had a small dial each at different settings. "Here breathe easy, you should be tip top shape after a good night's rest!" he announced. Slowly the mask was placed over the Dark One's nose and where on a human would be the mouth. With a short hissing of pressure being released the Dark One found breathing to be easier.
"Rest would be most welcomed, I'm sure" Agreed the Headmaster pulling on the curtains to the window denying anyone's eyes from peeping in. Then turning to face Artyom. "Artyom I understand that leaving me alone with your companion might not have been your desired situation. However, I feel the need to tell you… thank you for taking the chance."
Artyom nodded and both men stretched out their arms in a firm yet respectful handshake.
'Perhaps he is not as bad as I thought'
"No he is not…" The Dark One privately concurred.
"Now then everyone, who wants cake?" The Historian offered.
So... who wants cake? you do? *Hands out cake!*
and you? *hands out more cake!*
and you? *realizes he gave out to much cake already and has none left...* maybe later!
Anyways thanks a lot for reading this next chapter. As I said next one will be longer, and be more action oriented. Thanks to Doomsdayguy12345
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