Shifting Shadows: A Wolf Amongst Huntsmen
"…ake …p"
'What?'
"Wa… u…"
'Is someone calling me?' I can hear a voice, soft and faint. Someone is trying to tell me something, but I can't make out what they're saying.
"Wake up." The voice calls again much clearer. The voice sounds feminine but also echoed and a bit… Off. I open my eyes to stare into darkness.
"Where am I? Hello?" I call trying to figure out where I am, and more importantly how I got here. There's nothing around me when I was with Weiss in the… Wait. I'm dreaming? That would explain where I am and how I got here with no memory of it.
A light appears in front of me. It's a small, white orb that resembles a small flame. It flickers and pulses like it's alive.
"Eerie." I mutter.
The white orb expands, flashing with an intense brightness.
I open my eyes for the second time. I'm awake in my team's room. The rest of the guys are still sleeping. Zweii lay straight like a fallen statue as he rested easy. Dez was thoroughly wrapped in his sheets like it was a cocoon of comfort protecting him while he dreamt. And Matt had managed to flip off of his back, position himself face down on his sheets and while still holding his pillow close with his right hand, turned one-hundred and eighty degrees to where his head was where his feet should have been with his left arm draped over the side of his bed. As I get up I feel dizzy.
"That was weird." I say softly, referring to the brief dream. I check the time. 7:00 AM. Classes won't start for a couple of hours.
I could just go back to sleep for a little longer, but I'm still a little unnerved by that dream for some reason. Breakfast won't be served for a while so I can't eat. I think I'll just do some early morning training. But first, a shower. I get up and walk to the door. As I step outside I find Professor Goodwitch waiting in the hall.
"I see you're up early Mister Wolfblade." She greets me with her usual stern voice, albeit a little quieter as to not wake anyone.
"Um, good morning professor. What are you doing outside our room so early?" I ask yawning.
"Professor Ozpin has requested your presence in his office. Alone." She says frowning. She may be the only person I know that frowns more than the Ice Queen.
"Uh, sure. May I use the shower first?" I ask still being affected by the sickening sensation that hit me after waking up.
"Ozpin wishes to see you immediately. Are you feeling alright? You seem ill." She asks noticing my uneasiness.
"I'm fine, I think. Just feel a little dizzy for some reason. Nothing serious." I answer.
"Hmm. Alright then. Go ahead and take your shower, but make it quick. I expect to see you in Ozpin's office in no later than twenty minutes." She says adjusting her glasses.
"Yes Ma'am. Thank you." She nods and leaves.
Well that was an unexpected way to start the morning. I walk to the boy's showers and turn on the warm water. I step into the shower and let the water wash over me. As I shower I can't help but think about the dream I had. It felt as if Dez was using his semblance on me, but he was sleeping so he it couldn't have been him. I don't think he would do something like that anyway.
And that voice. I've never heard it before but it seemed strangely familiar. I don't even know how that makes sense. I push the thought of the dream from my mind.
"It probably wasn't anything." I reason. "Just some random dream. Still…"
And what about Goodwitch? She said Ozpin wanted to see me. I'm certain he sent her to retrieve me when I woke up. But we have class today. Why would she wait? Maybe I woke up around the time she got to our room. But why? She made it sound urgent. I hope it's nothing serious.
I turn off the shower and towel off. The water seems to have fixed that nasty feeling. I put my gear on and walk to the elevator, pressing the button to call it down. The door opens and I step in, the doors closing behind me. I feel the elevator move to the next destination. It stops shortly after, reaching the top and opening. Inside Ozpin's office stood Goodwitch, Port, and Oobleck standing on either side of the sizable desk sitting in the middle of the round room. The headmaster himself was sitting in his chair.
'Why are they here?'
"Mister Wolfblade. Glad you could make it on time." Goodwitch starts. "Are you feeling better?" She asks her expression softening slightly.
"Yes actually. It seems to have passed." I answer.
"Good to hear." Ozpin looks at her questioningly. "Young Wolfblade here was feeling a bit disoriented this morning." She explains, not even looking at the headmaster.
"I see." Ozpin simply acknowledges. "Any ideas as to why?"
'Yeah. That weird dream might have something to do with it. No, I already decided it was nothing.' I think to myself. "No sir. Must be having an off day." I look to the other professors. They remained silent but observant. "Is everything okay?" I ask.
"That is something I can't safely say at the moment." Ozpin answers, his usual optimistic smile failing him. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to ask you a few questions."
"Of course sir. I'll help in any way I can." He nods.
"How are you enjoying your time here at Beacon?"
'Odd question. Then again so is this morning.' "Well it's definitely interesting. Beats working back at the family forge all day. I'm getting to meet a lot of new people so that's a plus. And I'm learning a lot about being a Huntsman."
"Good. Tell me a little about home. You say your family owns a forge?" He asks with interest.
"Yes. My family makes weapons and armor. A few basic items here and there and some Dust but most of the time it's special requests for upcoming Huntsmen and Huntresses or repairing broken items. It's a family business. They've been making weapons for a long time."
"And you made your own equipment I assume?"
"Correct. I was taught early on how to make everything we sell."
Oobleck cuts in. "So why are you here learning how to fight monsters rather than staying at home and working there? You must be the next in line to inherit the business."
"Well, I wanted to do more with my life. It's true that one day I will run the business, and that's not a problem. I love my family's work and will gladly continue it. But I feel as though I could give so much more to the world in the meantime. Being a Huntsman would help me do that. I could help others, meet new people, and go places I've never been."
"Interesting answer, very interesting indeed." The green haired professor says in his usual fast pace.
"If you don't mind me asking, what materials did you use for your armor?" Ozpin asks.
"Excuse me?"
"Your armor. What is it made out of? It looks very real."
"Well you see the thing is… It is real." This gets a reaction from Port.
"My boy that is impossible. Grimm cannot be preserved for any purpose. As a young Huntsman in training you must know that their bodies disappear after death. Anything that resembles Grimm is a replica made from more natural materials." He argues.
"As far as you know. I understand your doubt but I can assure you it's genuine." I smirk.
"I will be the judge of that." He says in his booming voice.
"Knock yourself out." I shrug.
He steps closer, examining the armor carefully. He feels the fur of my helmet, checks the texture of the scales, and tests the plates on my arm. Port steps back astonished.
"So Professor Port, What is it really?" Oobleck asks.
"He speaks the truth. It's real Grimm material." He answers in shock.
"Told you so. Pyrrah didn't believe it was real either, until she figured out she couldn't magnetize it."
"You can't be serious Port. Are you absolutely certain?" Oobleck asks swiftly drinking from his cup.
"Don't forget Bartholomew, I am a seasoned Huntsman myself. When you have fought for as long as I have, you never forget what they feel like when you grapple against them with your bare hands." He boasts. "This is simply amazing! My dear boy, you must tell me how you could accomplish something like this!" he says with excitement.
"I can't. Not exactly how at least. It was something my great grandfather discovered. By using the right mixture of Dust, he found a way to keep them from vanishing. My helmet was actually the first he ever used it on. He made the helmet, I made the rest. I'm not allowed to tell anyone how he or I did it." Port seemed disheartened at that last part.
"Shame. I wished to have learned how for myself, but I will respect your great grandfather's wish to keep his technique secret." He sighs.
"Thank you professor. If you want I could always preserve some real trophies for you, provided I have the proper supplies of course." I suggest.
"I just might take you up on that offer someday. Another joyous hunting adventure to tell about, Hah Ha!" He laughs.
'Oh what have I done?" I internally moan.
"Moving on then." Ozpin says regaining control of the conversation. "How is your team? You've been together for a few months now. Surely you've gained some insight on your friends and their abilities."
"Well there's my partner Zweii." I start.
"Mister Dragos." Ozpin confirms.
"Yeah. He's a really great guy. He's pretty smart, strong too. He's chivalrous to a fault. He's more of a Knight than a Huntsman, looks and attitude. He's real skilled in combat and I'm glad to have someone like him watching my back."
"Glynda tells me that you allowed him to fight Miss Nikos on his own. A very risky move considering her reputation." Ozpin says taking a brief drink from his own coffee mug.
"Yes I told him that too, but he insisted on fighting one on one."
"So you let him disobey your orders and act on his own?"
"I let him be who he is. I told you he's a Knight before all else. The way he chooses to handle his battles is his own. Sure it led to his defeat against Pyrrah but I'm sure he already knew the possible consequences of his actions."
"Very well. Please continue."
"Then there's Dezaryl. He's agile, quick witted, and really good when it comes to reconnaissance." I frown slightly. "He told me what happened to him and his family."
"Yes Ravenhawk's circumstances were unfortunate." Ozpin says dryly.
"Despite his misfortunes, he still strives to do anything in his power to make things right, no matter how much the odds are stacked against him." I continue.
"You seem to have a lot of faith in him."
"I don't think there's anything he wouldn't do for his allies. He'd give his life in a second if it meant the well-being of those he cares for."
"And what of Mister Erthanos?" Ozpin inquires.
"Matthew is the best friend I could ever ask for. Sure he's stubborn and can be a pain sometimes, but he's the most loyal person I know, and by far the strongest."
"Mister Erthanos does have a unique aptitude in strength to be assured." Glynda confirms sighing. She's had to clean up the training area multiple times after he used it.
"That's not what I meant. His greatest strength doesn't come from his raw power, but rather from his heart. Matthew's love for his friends and family is the fuel that drives his passion for battle. That's why he fights so hard. Why he wants to be here. That's what makes him strong." I finish. Ozpin nods his head smiling.
"Professor Ozpin, I think it's time to get to the matter at hand." Glynda interrupts. Ozpin sighs in response.
"Mister Wolfblade. Do you know why we have asked you here?" he asks.
"No sir."
"Professor Goodwitch has reported that an unknown student has been caught roaming the halls late at night. Have you heard anything to confirm this?"
'Uh-oh.' "No sir. I'm a pretty deep sleeper." Goodwitch frowns at the answer. "However if I do hear something about it come up I will be sure to inform you immediately." I quickly add.
"I don't think that will be necessary." Goodwitch says in a tone that I definitely don't feel comfortable hearing.
"Professor?"
"Enough staling." Goodwitch snaps pulling up an image that makes this morning's uneasiness seem like nothing compared to the horrible feeling spreading through my body now. I felt as if I was being pricked by thousands of burning pins.
'Oh-No!'
"Would you care to explain this?" She asks pointing at an image of Shadow. "It's a Beowolf with what appears to be your crest hanging around its neck."
My heart sank endlessly within my chest. They found him. They know I've been hiding him. I hang my head down staring blankly at the floor.
"… I can explain."
"We don't just want an explanation. We want the truth. You have been no doubt lying to us to cover your trail and protect another of your secrets." Oobleck deduces accurately.
"Are you or are you not the one breaking curfew and leaving the school?" Ozpin asks.
"I am." I admit.
"And what of your connection to this Grimm?" He asks.
"It's true. He's mine. He's my pet."
"That simply cannot be. Grimm are the manifestation of darkness. They cannot be tamed." Port explains.
"You also didn't believe they could be preserved either." I retort. "It sounds insane I know, but I'm telling you he's not a threat. I can prove it. You just have to trust me." I plead.
"And how do you propose to do that?" Port asks.
"I'll show you. I'll take you to Shadow."
"Mister Wolfblade. You have broken curfew, lied to us when questioned, and brought the very bane of humanity into our midst. You face permanent expulsion from Beacon. How are we supposed to believe your word?" Goodwitch scolds.
"…"
"Does anyone else know about this?" Ozpin asks.
"My parents." I answer briefly.
"And they simply allowed you to keep mankind's greatest threat like some stray dog?" He asks with disbelief.
"To be fair they put me through what you're doing now before I convinced them."
"Anyone else?"
"No one else I would like to disclose. I do not want others paying for my mistakes. I will accept full responsibility and the consequences myself."
Ozpin considers this intently. "Very well then. Take us to your creature. We will determine its innocence as well as your standing here at Beacon." He decides rising from his chair.
"Yes sir."
I am escorted to the elevator by the other professors. We step in one by one. Port and Oobleck stood in the back while Ozpin and Goodwitch stood in front. I was stood center like a VIP, except it felt like I was a criminal being led to execution.
'I must prove his innocence. I won't let them take Shadow away from me.'
We proceed down the cliff side and approach the front of the forest a short time later. The sun has barely come up revealing only small rays of light. The professors keep a constant vigil over me.
"Go on then. Take us to it." Goodwitch commands.
"No. He will come to us." I whistle, starting high and bring the pitch lower, ending with a medium tone. Shadow's call. The whistle echoes through the forest and is heard by Shadow. He howls in the distance startling birds and sending them scattering from their roosts. He's not very far away. Glynda draws her crop and Port his blunderbuss ax.
"Wait. Let's observe before we act. Give him a chance." Ozpin orders.
They keep their weapons drawn but relax their stances. Shadow walks out of the woods but stops when he sees the extra company.
"It's okay bud, they won't hurt you." 'I hope.' "Friends." Shadow steps closer wagging his tail. "There we go." I smile. "You were supposed to stay out of sight." I playfully scold him. He rears up and pushes me onto the ground, licking my face. "I know you're sorry. Now behave. I have some people who would like to see you." Shadow steps off my chest and sits while I get up, dusting myself off. "Professor Port. You're a Grimm enthusiast. Would you care to examine him?" I ask.
"He won't attack?" He asks.
"Not unless provoked. Even then he usually just growls. Unlike other Grimm, he actually likes people in general unless given a reason not to, so you will be fine." I explain.
Port approaches shadow steadily. Shadow simply cocks his head to the side awaiting Port's next move. Port's hand reaches Shadow's head electing another tail wag.
"My, this is impressive." Port says fascinated by the lack of aggression being displayed by Shadow.
"Put your hand in front of him." I instruct. Port does as I ask. "Shadow, shake." I order, in which my pet responds by placing his right paw on Port's outstretched hand.
"This is remarkable. He displays such intelligence not seen in normal Grimm. And he is capable of displaying emotion." Port commends.
"Yeah. Teaching him basic commands was surprisingly simple. The hard part was getting him to take a bath." I laugh.
"It's clear he listens to you quite well. How did you manage to tame him?" Ozpin asks. I tell them the story I told Ruby at the beginning of Beacon.
"Now that is a tale to rival one of my own." Port laughs.
"Well it was certainly enlightening. However the other professor's and I must discuss what we think is the best course of action before anything else. You will remain here while we talk on the cliff." Ozpin instructs.
"Understood." With that the four staff members return to higher ground, leaving me alone with Shadow. He gives off a faint whine. "It's okay. No matter what, I won't let them hurt you."
Beacon Cliffside…
"Professor Ozpin. Are you seriously considering letting that creature live?" Glynda asks the headmaster.
"I don't know. This is a most unique situation we have found ourselves in. What are your thoughts on this Glynda?" Ozpin asks.
"I don't like it. There is danger that the creature may revert to a more aggressive nature, a risk I do not wish to take." The platinum blonde answers.
"You would rather destroy it even after experiencing firsthand how it behaves?" Port interjects. "This kind of higher intelligence has never been documented in even the oldest Grimm. There is much we could learn from this if we allow it to live. Shadow acts like a well-trained dog, Goodwitch, not a killer."
"Quite right. While the fact remains that it could indeed prove dangerous, we should not be so hasty to punish the creature for crimes it has not committed. After all it is one Beowolf. If anything were to happen we could most assuredly handle it without problem. Perhaps it could even prove to be a most valuable ally." Oobleck argues, agreeing with his mustached colleague.
"Very well then." Goodwitch sighs. "But I will not allow for Mister Wolfblade's actions to go unpunished."
"Yes, the boy must obey our rules. Rules are meant to be followed." Oobleck agrees.
"Then we are in agreement?" Ozpin questions, the other professors nodding. Reaching their decision, they make their way back to the forest.
Ace…
I see the professors returning to rejoin me near the forest. I step in front of Shadow to shield him.
"Mister Wolfblade. After a quick discussion with each other and much consideration, the professors and I have decided… To grant mercy towards Shadow. He may stay." Ozpin smiles.
'Yes! I'm not going to lose him!' "Thank you professors. Really."
"However, we cannot over look your actions." My smile drops.
"You're… Kicking me out of Beacon?" I ask.
"Rest assured your place here at Beacon is safe for the time being. Your friends would most likely miss their leader. But you have broken the rules and that cannot go unpunished." Ozpin explains.
"Yes sir." I say with relief that I get to stay, but worry as to what form of punishment I must endure. "What would you have me do?" I ask. Ozpin smiles.
"You are to prepare a report on the Theory of Higher Intelligence in Grimm. You will work on this throughout your first year alongside Professor Port and Shadow. At least twenty pages, double sided. That will hopefully teach you not to break curfew and transport unusual cargo without permission." He smirks.
"That's it? I ask in disbelief.
"That's it." Ozpin confirms. "And no more nightly visits to the forest. One of the professors will accompany you after class hours when you wish to visit Shadow."
"Yes Professor Ozpin."
"Very good. Classes will be starting soon. Better meet up with your friends. They might get worried."
"Of course professor Ozpin. Shadow, fade." I command. Shadow retreats back into the depths of the forest. "Thank you again professors. I'll see you in class!" I shout back as I run up the cliff.
'Oh of all the ways this could have turned out, this is by far the best! That report might suck a little, but it's totally worth it!'
I find my team waiting in the hall. They had already got themselves ready for class.
"There you are! Where have you been?" Matt asks excited to see me.
"Just talking with the professors." I smile meekly.
"What about? I know that look Ace. What happened?" Matt asks concerned.
"They… found Shadow." Matt and the other's freeze.
"What!? What happened? Is he okay? They didn't… you know…"
"Calm down Matt. They spared him. It took some convincing but they let him live."
"Oh thank Dust. I know how much he means to you." Matt sighs in relief.
"I'm guessing they figured out you were using your semblance to sneak out too." Dez states.
"Yeah they did."
"And I'm willing to wager that they gave you some form of punishment." Zweii adds. "So what is it? Detention, cleaning the school?"
"I have a twenty page report added to my work load." I sigh.
"Ouch." Matt says covering his face.
"A small price to pay really. I could have been expelled so I prefer the alternative."
"Well we should get to class. The sooner we go, the sooner they will end and you can start working on that assignment." Dez mocks.
"Thanks." I deadpan. "Let's go."
Later that night…
"Wake up." A voice calls.
I open my eyes and find myself in that weird dream state once more. The white orb also makes a return.
"Okay this is freaky." I mutter. I look towards the white flame. "Are you the one talking to me?"
"Yes." The voice says emanating from the small orb. "There isn't much time."
"Huh?"
The white orb expands like before and I wake up in my bed with a gasp, sitting upright, sweating. Unnerved.
'What's going on?'