3.26 The Old Guard

It took her the better part of the day. But she managed to get back on her feet with a reasonable degree of success. In hindsight standing up? That was the easy part, sitting up turned out to be infinitely more challenging. It was definitely a dangerous if necessary task to disentangle herself from her partner. Somehow their hair got mixed together and even in some places partially knotted up. Something she absolutely blamed the Brawler for… her hair was always an uncontrollable mess in the morning…

Due to not being cleared to leave by the medical staff until later in the day Blake had to watch her lectures via a scroll broadcast, it was only after classes were concluded that she finally was able to rejoin her team that mid afternoon.

Following her much needed shower Blake made her way to the lobby where Yang promised to wait for her. With her weapon (cat-emojis remaining unchanged) comfortably close she exited her room and without any really haste proceeded down towards the stairs. Happy at being back to her normal agile self Blake none the less navigated around the still crowded medical facility, keeping an eye out for the big mass of blond hair waiting for her.

Finding her Partner amidst the crowd they shared a wave before closing with an increased pace.

"Hey there Yang." She stated brightly pulling on her coat.

Smiling like only she could Yang cheerfully declared "Hey there Kitty-cat, good to be back on your feet eh? You look much better! Feeling ok?"

As ever asking multiple questions without waiting for an answer, again like only the Brawler could.

With a balanced grin she shrugged in response "Better now that I'm not stuck in that bed. I appreciate the effort but 'Cat-Feelies' was giving me an aneurism."

With a barely concealed laugh Yang retorted "You are just annoyed he was spot on!"

Blake just scowled at her.

"See! That's what I mean, it's a perfect annoyed-cat! That's too adorable."

Unable to resist when the blond pulled her into a tight hug even going so far as to lift her off the ground.

"That happy to see me?" Blake queried amused.

"Happy your feeling better."

Upon finding solid ground again Blake just coyly scratched Yang behind her ears.

"Good girl."

Yang beamed… then thought the better of it after realizing Blake had walked off "Hey what did you mean by that!?"

Hurriedly chasing after the eared one she caught up without any real difficulty.

"Just pointing out the obvious… you are obviously a dog in human- Ow!"

"Pardon me." A quiet voice declared.

"Hey watch it!" Yang barked out with a raised voice.

A stranger seemingly not noticing the faunus girl half shouldered half hurried his way through the walkway.

"People these days…" Yang grumbled with an annoyed glance at the offender before he rounded corner.

When it was clear the stranger wasn't going to reappear the Brawler deigned to give her attention back on her girlfriend…

"Blake…?"

Noting the rather distracted expression present.

Lifting up a hand to display a piece of carefully folded paper Blake advertised "I think, this just got more complicated."

"He passed you a note?!" Yang declared taking the offered item before opening it carefully.

Yang shuffled around to carefully peer at the letter while Blake seemed to gawk in disbelief.

'Ms. Belladonna,

I apologize for the manner in which I contacted you. I need to share something with you about our mutual friends. At this point you do not need to know my name, only that I am -at worst- a friend and -at best- an ally. Check your coat pocket, it should contain a drive. Watch it's contents, show it to whomever you will. I care not who sees this video, but I do ask that they be deemed trustworthy. There is much you need to know and I hope I get this to you in time to make a difference. We share a goal for Faunus, one that is accomplished by peaceful change. I would not have that dream be destroyed by the actions of the mislead.

-A friend.'

Sharing a confused look the two partners couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish. Something which multiplied as Blake reached into her pocket and sure enough… found something that shouldn't be there.

"I'll be damned…" She mused eying the short and thin boring grey colored plastic object.

"I guess the first thing we should do is show this to the Headmaster? At least assuming you don't want to chase after him… whoever he is." Yang suggested.

With a curious eyebrow Blake inquired "No I'm not all that keen to chase him but You? Being cautious? When did that happen? I rather figured you would want to get back and show our team."

Without any of her brazen confidence Yang simply issued a lazy shrug "My girlfriend already had a broken leg once this week, that's more than enough for me. I doubt Jaune would be happy if he had to heal it a second time."

That second sentence spoken with attempted dry wit.

"In that at least… we are agreed."

Making their way towards the Headmasters tower neither of them were particularly confident on what the drive would contain. Though, given current events neither proposed an alternative.

***Top of the tower***

Upon their arrival they found the headmasters study to be more heavily populated than what they expected.

"Ms. Xiao Long, Ms. Belladonna. I do not recall requesting either of you join me in my office." Ozpin declared from behind his desk. Despite the suddenness of their visit or the fact they were obviously intruding on another meeting he seemed willing at least to entertain them to a degree.

Flanking the desk was both A man neither of the newcomers had met personally, though both knew of through their team leader, General Ironwood of Atlas. Across from him was the stern but welcoming Professor Goodwitch.

Sharing a brief glance the partners nodded before Yang confidently said "Sorry for intruding sir, but something happened we think you should know about."

With that her partner held up the drive briefly before placing it on the Headmasters rather large table.

Ironwood looked at the tiny object briefly before calmly declaring "I trust you two are not so foolish as to waste our time. I expect some explanation is in order…"

"I rather agree." Goodwitch agreed crossing her arms expectedly.

Just diving into the subject Yang energetically broadcast:

"Well, see its like this. I wanted to pick up Blakey after class personally but she was taking too long so she had to attend class over scroll communication so I had to come pick her up before dinner and well that's when-"

"I think in the interest of time, we should let calmer clearer heads orate… Ms. Belladonna?" Ozpin suggested evenly with a friendly look shared with his long time ally.

Yang looked pleased with herself as if she did that on purpose to get Blake to talk.

Giving her a slight scowl Blake cleared he throat, and began with:

"As you know I was cleared to leave following my classes today. I was barely out the door when somebody nearly knocked me over and put this in my coat. I don't know who it is but they are calling themselves a mutual friend. I thought it best given recent events to start here with it."

His eyes sharpened before responding "That is a bit assuming Ladies, what makes you think this is something you should bring us?"

Taking a deep breath Blake answered "Sir, the letter that came with it" said holding up the note "spoke of my old friends. I think it's a reference to the White Fang. If this has anything to do with their recent activities I thought it best to come forward with it." Then after sharing a brief look with her girlfriend added "We both felt it best."

The Professors shared a concerned glance before Glynda picked up the item in question "I suppose it would not hurt to give this a look. Do you think we should bring any of the others here Headmaster?" She asked moving towards the communication projector.

Scratching his head Ozpin sighed before responding "Though I did not think it would be this soon when they must be called upon I cannot deny others should probably see what this mysterious individual has to say. I suggest we get both Mr. Arc and Ms. Rose up here. Anything involving the White Fang they should probably hear."

"Not our entire teams Sir?" Yang asked finding a comfortably place to sit.

Ozpin -seemingly never caught- without his precious coffee mug couldn't help but drain it before advising "I don't intend to confiscate the device, you can show it to both of them if you wish."

With Glynda getting confirmations from both team leaders that they were on their way Ironwood felt the need to ask something.

"I was not aware you had ties to the White Fang Ms. Belladonna?"

Not intending to be abruptly cold Blake none the less looked away as she answered "I made it known, put on my transcripts that I was once a member. When they turned violent I decided on another path in life."

Seemingly unsure what to say he seemed to straighten his posture further "I had not realized that, perhaps I missed that detail. I do wish to point out it takes a great deal of courage to change ones path in life, it is not easy to accept that path which you walk is the wrong one."

Blake nodded "It… was hard leaving my comrades behind. Many where good people who simply wanted a better life for their loved ones. I do not think I made many friends when I left them."

Nodding appreciatively James shared a glance at Ozpin "This junior class continues to surprise me." Looking over at Glynda he continued "I trust we will not need to wait long?"

Shaking her head Glynda found a spot and plugged in the drive, a video seemed to load while she spoke "No, they said they would only be a few minutes."

It was not a long wait for either the Reaper or the Knight to arrive with a polite nod to the Headmaster and friendly wave to their friends.

"Thank you both for coming, we came across something you both might be curious about. Please take a seat." Ozpin stated with an open hands towards some empty chairs.

Seemingly swallowing their curiosity they simply joined their friends unsure what the deal was.

"I am sure we all have many things to do tonight… why don't we get this going." Ozpin suggested.

With everybody not already situated found a comfortable spot to hunker down at. Once the headmaster himself had refilled his coffee mug he reached for his remote and declared "Ok, let us see what the fuss is all about…"

*** Video is normal text, any actions on the outside are in italics ***

Once play was pushed the video started without any preamble. Barely visible was the man from earlier shown in silhouette, seemingly wearing a circular hat and full length coat, but neither was he particularly visible. He gave the viewer a handful of seconds to take in the image as if gathering his thoughts, then he spoke in a somewhat friendly somewhat tired tone of voice.

"If you decided to load up this video then one of a few things have happened. If you are the young woman to whom I entrusted it, then please give it your full attention. If you have obtained this through another manner then I am most likely dead, and likely will never see my goals through. I will not use your name Miss, as a manner of protecting you should this fall into wrong hands. If however you still do not recognize me by the time this runs its course, all should be made known at that time."

He shifted on his chair and flipped on a light, showcasing his body while still hiding his face. On his knee was the old White Fang mask, similar in nature to the one currently worn by their membership, but its crest was painted a white instead of the now standard red.

"Know who this guy is Blake?" Yang asked curiously.

Blake just shook her head as if unsure herself "He seems somewhat familiar but… I just can't place it."

With a much more bold and proud tone he resumed "For over 60 years I devoted myself to the cause of the Fang. I was never somebody of leadership, I followed my orders and strove for change. The type of which would only benefit those whom I care about without causing harm to those outside the cause. From the time I was learning to walk to the time when I decided it was time for a younger generation to lead I devoted my life to peaceful change and a better life for Faunus everywhere. In my time with the Fang I served as a trainer, an instructor, an advisor and finally as a recruiter, trying to find like-minded young men and women to further our case. It was while I was active in that role that I found you, young miss."

"Hespith. That is his name, Hespith. He was a senior member of the Fang back when I joined… I recognize him now, he has not aged all that well."

"The device I gave you was recorded on a scroll that until a few months ago belonged to my son. For all its flaws I believed for most of my life and still do believe, that The Fang is not evil. But either as a byproduct of dishonest or misguided leadership, or possibly control from an outside source under the guise of change by any means necessary the end of the organization is being brought about. They offer and promise what many of us want without the trials of waiting and diplomacy many of the younger generation shun. So few members remain with a clear head, blood is running very hot indeed and I fear it will grow hotter still. If such a thing happens not only will the Fang cease to exist but it can bring about some very dangerous events besides."

"I'm not sure if it would be a bad thing if the Fang were destroyed to be honest. Seems like it would be a calmer world with them gone." Jaune commented somewhat coldly. Given his experience with it in his home, it was not all that unreasonable a position to his mind.

"He is NOT wrong Jaune. Not all of the Fang is evil. Many simply want to help their fellow Faunus without seeing any other option available to them!" Blake argued back.

"We can debate this point later, watch the video for now and be silent." Goodwitch demanded sternly.

Neither student really wanted to argue at this juncture and simply redirected their focus back to the video.

"I give you this message so you can try to find other solutions, solutions which originate outside of the Fang. The Fang is not safe for you or anybody right now seeking to steer the ship back to the correct course, leadership has seen to that. Rejoining it is thus not an option. But there must be those outside the organization which could help free it from itself or as a last resort, prevent the damage its current actions threaten to cause."

Seemingly losing some of his internal passion an air of pain came unto the speakers face as he advised one more kernel of wisdom. "Watch the video, see my son's story and what I am speaking of. By its end I have something I wish you to pass on to your leadership. Some hint that might aid in correcting the path the world is moving in. An insider whose of a rather shady and unscrupulous methods mean he is not to be trusted in most cases. Yet above all he is a businessman, and at the moment business has been only getting more difficult. Until then… please observe."

A glance at Jaune confirmed for the Cat-girl that he was already suspect of this man's motives, something Blake would not deny to be herself. Even so she knew from personal experience this man did not warrant suspicious, only ever acting with valor in the instances she had known him.

With a forced flourish of his hand the imaged faded to black, then came back in the appearance of a barracks of some form.

The first image loaded in around a dinner table. A lone individual sat off to the side speaking into the scroll, clearly making a recording meant for his father. Not much was visible in the background, beyond giving off the impression it was not a well lit area. Unlike the image of his father this one portrayed an open smile while the multi-point antlers proudly arching up from his head marked him as a deer Faunus.

"Hey dad, just checking in. I might not get a chance to do this for a few weeks and figured I should stop slacking off. You know… I know we had a rough time earlier in life but I genuinely think the last time we talked it did some good. So… I am going to try and continue this new journal idea from our last get together."

He repositioned and twisted the camera around to view the others in the vicinity. Many younger individuals were present both men and women. Not all of them were obviously faunus, but that hardly really meant anything. A few ended up waving at the camera with one girl even going so far as to blow him a kiss.

With that he rapidly spun the video around and spoke on through an obvious blush "I had asked her not to do that, she's always eager to embarrass me. Anyway as for why I won't be able to message or call you, see I just got a new assignment. Supposedly something big is underway and my entire unit has been selected to go! I know you have your issues with the Fang and its directives but they are the only ones trying to improve our standing, I feel like I have to do this!"

From off screen somebody, possibly the friendly girl from earlier shouted "Hey Hiravus! Come get some food while its hot!"

Smiling ruefully at the camera he stated "Well, guess my time is up if I want to get something. Gotta go, love ya dad."

With that he looked off to the side and closed the recorder.

"Well, so they are people under those masks after all." Ironwood declared somewhat sarcastically standing at his rigid attention behind the gathering.

"I wonder was mission he is talking about." Ruby pondered brightly.

The image soon lit up again causing a sharp intake of breath from Jaune and the instructors present as they immediately recognized the scene. Gone was the low light and interior setting, this was a blizzard. On a frozen lake in a mountainous setting, something very familiar with the bunch but only a few of them was quick on the uptake.

"Oh I don't like where this is going…" Jaune stated ominously.

Though… the rest of them soon figured it out.

Unlike before the young man was not talking to the camera, instead he just seemed to hit play and keep the camera pointing outwards.

"Dad! Something really weird is going on here! They told us we were suppose to capture these people and try for a big ransom or something! This here… Look!"

From his position behind some cover the camera panned towards a cave opening, the bodies of several workers were coating the snow a crimson hue and some seemed to still be trying to move away however they could. The initial stage of the ambush of a few months ago seems to have been concluded.

"This is not what we were told was going to happen at all! I think you were right something really odd is going on!"

"They were involved in that mess with your homeland Jaune…" Ruby stated as if unsure what to think.

"Still takes me aback seeing that type of action from the Fang… that isn't what they were suppose to stand for." Blake stated both quietly and sadly as if speaking to herself.

For a time the video cut in and out. Various orders were given, men moved around in packs searching for anything suspicious that might have been missed. All in all not much happened as they settled in around the exit and waited for their query to appear.

Seemingly after a time he found a spot to record more. Within seconds of the scroll turning on however the sound of conflict became known. A countless mass of Grimm erupted from the mine taking the Fang forces by surprise. They were after all expecting to encounter a team of Hunters, not exactly a horde of ravenous beasts.

"The hell did these Grimm come from?" He wondered out loud angrily fumbling for his weapon barely switching the scroll off again as they closed in on his position.

"I suppose it doesn't take much to assume all those Grimm appearing would have been unsettling. I know several of their number fell to them. I always felt that they were meant as part of the ambush though." Jaune stated factually if a bit emotionally detached.

"Well sure, but they expected you to deal with them."

The video was black for several moments as if recording an interior coat pocket. Within moments the video swiveled around again to reveal the owner attempting to bind a wound to his arm. A deep gash seemingly overwhelmed his aura sending a continual scream down to the snow below. He might have switched on his scroll by accident as he seemed not to realize it was on given his desperate gasps for breath and muttered speech.

"Must have his scroll around a tie on his neck or coat I guess. Accidentally switched it on." Goodwitch guessed.

"Hell… what... damn. Curse those evil savages, my entire… they are all gone."

Various commands in the background seemed to boom through the area as Fang Captains bellowed out instructions for various tasks. His own leader seemed to have been slain, as he didn't rush to react. To be fair though his wound might have slowed him down.

"Well… this has been a cluster-from-hell. My entire group is gone who the blazes is the brain behind-"

A rather pleasant buzzing sound slowly began to filter into the video, unsure what was the cause Hiravus began to scan the horizon seemingly looking for a new threat.

"Now… what the hell are those things?! That's the symbol of the Cadian Military, they have A new flier and nobody in command thought to mention we might be encountering one? I wonder… great if that high value target is somebody from that nation it's no wonder they responded however they could."

Panning up briefly the camera managed to capture the image of the 3 friendly Hummingbirds arrive. Settling in above the theatre at a safe enough height.

He continued to look up observing the newcomers even as they seemed to be observing them, what little of them he could see anyway.

"I wonder what happens now…" He pondered out loud.

"Form up again Fang's, today didn't go as planned but we still have a job to do. Get ready to engage the newcomers then we still have to search for that princeling."

The voice echoed out from behind and slightly above on a ridge. Looking back he spotted a familiar figure briefly.

"Well… dad has been spotted." Jaune commented dryly.

"Adam as well. Guess he told me the truth about being present for that event." Blake murmured.

"Well at least we know what is likely to happen next." Ruby chirped neutrally.

So it was that the expected attack from JNPR was announced by the opening salvos against the heavy weapon specialists of those Fang members and the blazing flare of the Arc semblance lighting up the night. The only thing that might have surprised any of the viewers was the point of Jaune's attack to make the position of his team known:

Right next to the camera landing in a shoulder roll. Coming out in an aggressive attack position Hiravus was completely unprepared to try and defend himself. Already wounded and drained of his aura he couldn't resist the aura augmented attack of the Huntsman in training. Quickly finding himself wounded a second time lucky to be alive. A second gash on his thigh caused him to fall to the ground and attempt to crawl away. His assailant didn't try to press his advantage and instead moved forward going for the flat area behind the recorder.

"I don't remember fighting him… but I evidently did." Jaune commented wistfully.

The group knew more or less what was going to happen next. It was still something to watch from this perspective. At some point the wound on his arm began to bleed again while the gash in his thigh made it difficult for him to move around. None the less he tried to crawl backwards away from the conflict and served as the silent observer to what most probably looked back on as a tragedy. Though it would certainly be a popular video if posted to a file sharing site.

"Wonder if they know each other… are they speaking? Seems odd." Said he through pained gasping for breath.

Jaune's brief but intense encounter with his father. Him sliding through the snow to close the distance and ultimately triumphantly slicing the weapon of the older man in two. Before the elder abandoned the contest diving off the walkway to the ice lake below entryway. JNPR slowly but steadily making their escape to the landed craft providing covering fire along the way.

An elaborate explosion above as one of the Hummingbirds was destroyed lighting up the night sky.

"The woman did that? She was always so quiet I had no idea…" He voiced sounding exhausted and somewhat weak.

It was rather shocking seeing the efforts of the JNPR leader to rescue the wounded Nora once everybody had gotten in the air. Even from the limited perspective it was obvious the team was in obvious peril, yet action was called for and acted upon. Even the wound to his leg didn't stop him from getting back up to the safety of the remaining transports.

The camera couldn't capture the destruction of the White Fang Bullhead flying in the air. It did none the less cause the night to light up a second time in an explosion when it collided with the ground behind the recorder.

"Ok… we have seen all that and we know how it turns out. Let's see what happens now." Jaune stated sounding rather determined if not a touch curious.

Once the chaos began to erode and the sounds of nighttime resumed people were genuinely unsure what was going to happen now. It was fairly obvious the wounds Hiravus had suffered were limiting his movement if not completely immobilizing him.

He spent a good few minutes still trying to catch his breath and eventually try to stop bleeding. Once again trying to bind his arm and thigh. His breath practically appearing as a dragons breath given the cold chill of night in a Cadian Winter. Eventually somebody who could actually walk wandered over and found him lying there.

"Hey, let me help you." The nameless person stated.

Noticing the new arrival he seemed to relax a bit issuing a pained "Thanks… this hasn't actually played out as they expected."

The newcomer grunted seemingly not willing to discuss it. "Well… we can leave that for later. Let's try to get your patched up."

Laying back in the snow he let the new arrival work. Issuing the occasional grimace in pain once work began on his leg.

"They really got you good."

Stirring slightly Hiravus commented "How good?"

Nodding towards the wound the other said "Clean through your leg, barely missing your main arteries. Your aura will need to stitch that together though. The bullhead carried most of our medical supplies so… aura is about all you have right now. You should be ok provided you can rest a bit. I can't completely stop the bleeding in your leg but as your Aura comes back it should get that taken care of."

Not wanting to test the wound he simply said "Thanks, I think I will stay here for a bit. Not that I have a choice."

The other nodded then stood "I need to see to the others."

With that turned around and sought out any other wounded he could find.

Staying true to his word and not moving for several minutes the video became somewhat dull. It seems however Hespith set the recording to fast forward. After an unknown amount of time, probably around an hour Hiravus attempted to move again. Reaching for his scroll and muttering:

"Ugh… what am I going to tell my father about this mess? I have no idea…"

Reaching for his scroll and pulling it in front of him he continued "… I… oh this thing has been on the entire time. Well that's awkward. Oh well nothing I can do it now."

He reached into his supply back off screen and began to eat some type of ration.

"This crap still tastes like-"

Off in the distance what sounded like weapons being fired stole his attention.

"Now what?" He grumbled looking and therefore turning the camera towards the newest disturbance.

Seemingly unsure what to do or think he just observed who the group knew to be Adam, and the woman in the dress move forward to a cluster of wounded Men and Women. Amongst them was the medic from earlier still trying to assist those he could.

"Did more Grimm-!" His question was cut off as he was forced to hold back a startled scream. It was not more Grimm emerging that had caused the disturbance. The medic from earlier had stood in front of those wounded on the ground refusing to move. In response a senior Fang member fired his weapon clean through with a gory flash of red in the air.

Those wounded on the ground began to move however they could to try and crawl away. They too were met with a grim end at the end of the weapon from earlier. Rallying together and this point many Fang members advanced on the leaders moving around executing them. Before long a skirmish had ensured.

"What the hell!? What is going on!"

Words probably put into context just how astonished and confused he was given the civil battle taking place. It was rather obvious the leadership had told some people what was happening prior to this going down. Some Fang members turned on their fellow brethren for who knows what reason as those in charge were outnumbered. Those not in a leadership role were themselves betrayed and cut down after as reward for their loyalty to those calling the shots.

"This is horrible… it's a massacre!" Ruby stated sounding rather shocked.

As the images and loss of life continued to raise in tally it did get difficult to watch in many places. It seems Hespith agreed as once again the video began to fast forward, cutting back some of the bloodshed.

"I cannot believe I am seeing this… I believed you from earlier but I just never imagined they would cut down their own people…" Blake seemed completed speechless even as she worded that. Blinking away tears best as she could.

Yang reached over to grab her hand at the same time Ironwood commented "There are many things one wishes upon an enemy. This is not it."

Jaune seemed to smile unexpectedly. He didn't exactly expect the General to have any pity for the death of an adversary. But… well he supposed there is no honor in this act. Disagree as they might he had to admit at the very least most White Fang members were fighting for a cause. This death here this butchery, serves no cause.

"This is savage…" Glynda commented.

By the time the video slowed down the viewers seemed to suspect something was about to happen again… they were not wrong.

"Did we miss anybody?" A distant sounding Adam queried.

Hiravus' breath kicked up and became much more frantic as the leaders in the distance pointed towards him.

"We seem to have missed one."

"I'll deal with it."

Desperately trying to move away he pushed and scrapped for anything he could do. His fingers occasionally blocking the field of view as he seemed to clutch it as if for good luck.

"Hurry he might get away!" The woman shouted.

"Away?!" He repeated confused still trying to find a way to escape.

The volunteer fired off a rifle round whizzing past his head digging into his shoulder.

Hissing in pain he grabbed a tree trunk with his good arm and pulled himself around trying to get out of view.

More rounds and even an arrow flew by with another bullet hitting him in his other leg.

"AHGH!" He screamed out.

Finally he seemed to figure out what the woman mean by her warning of his escape very much so by accident. Coming to the edge of the cliff the snow gave way to a very dangerous and steep slide down the ledge.

Slicing through plants and shrubbery Hiravus was launched into the air multiple times only to come back down to earth, only to continue his slide with even more force. Narrowly missing what would be lethal impacts with rocks or trees his luck preserved him until the very bottom where a tree awaited which was too big to evade.

The crunch of the impact was heard painfully clear even on through the recording.

"I don't even know what to say …" Jaune admitted seemingly barely able to even watch the video.

It seems during the fall an unexpected button was pressed unknown to the scroll owner. Before long the beeps of a call going out was heard.

"I can't imagine how lucky he was to have scroll reception there… that slide must have taken him in the direction of the only tower nearby to have any chance of being operational." Ironwood commented.

The caller picked up seemingly confused "Hello? Hiravus? It is 4 in the morning what's going on?" The speaker asked.

A weak hand moved towards the scroll trying to bring it closer to his body.

"Da… Dad?"

"Yes I am here! I am here what… you don't sound good what's wrong?"

As the seconds drag on you could practically feel the desperation and confusion present in his voice.

"Hiravus! Answer me are you alright?"

Coughing weakly he managed to answer "Hel… need… Help…."

Seemingly forcing himself awake Hespith spoke on again sounded even more engaged than before "What do you need where are you?"

Coughing again he answered "Mountains… Cadia. Not sure exactly where."

"Cadia? What? You know what don't answer save your strength. Keep the scroll active I will home in on its signal!"

"Hu… Hurry."

"There is no way Hespith got to him in time. No way at all, not with how remote that mining location was." Ozpin stated sadly.

"No… I do not believe he did either." Ironwood agreed.

The remaining parts of the video nobody really would have been surprised by once it was set to fast forward speed. Days passed, possibly a number of weeks went by. It was obvious while the boy held on as long as he could, it would not be enough. He had no food, no water, and possibly most important no shelter from the cold. With his aura already depleted in the conflict his breathing did not last long.

As if to complete the story however the father did eventually find his son. The image was growing weak due to lack of power. They could barely hear him as the microphone had been covered by snow at this point, though once he spotted the object of his search a frantic:

"HIRAVUS!" Did manage to get through clearly. He quickly closed the distance, once he was within a few feet however he slowed to a halt. All they could see of him was his reaction to seeing the state of his child. The jolts his body took as he seemingly cried and his struggled movements to pick up the barely still active scroll once he seemed to collect himself.

When it was brought squarely in front of him Hespith seemed unsure what to think, eventually just switching it off for study later.

The video faded into black once more…

"Poor guy, devoting everything he has to a cause, to retire when your time came. Only for the cause to claim your son in the end. Gotta be hard on the guy." Ruby stated empathetically.

…When the video came back it was just Hespith sitting there from his position before the adventure with Hiravus was shown. Before speaking on again he moved another mask into view, this one a red to match the normal coloring of the Fang emblem.

"This mask was worn by my boy. We did not always agree in life, but never once did I believe he wanted anything less than to improve the world. We do not want to tear down humanity or the nations that govern it. We just want Faunus to have a place in that world as an equal, not the status quo as second class citizens seen all too frequently across Remnant..."

He turned to set the mask aside before lifting the white mask on his knee up and place it on.

"In that he is correct, nobody can deny that to be true." Blake asserted.

"… Never again will I wear the crimson of the current Fang organization. I do not know what good will come of it. But from this point on I will be active once again. There are many other veterans like myself who I believe will answer the call of duty once again. It seems before the world can be changed, the Fang itself must change. I was never a leader, but maybe the time is right for me to be one now. My only request is if any of you see us in the field wearing this mask, to employ your power of speech over that of your weapons."

He paused to take a deep breath before looking forward once again.

"I have two more things to say. First, as a personal message to the young woman to whom I entrusted this message. When you have the time I would like you to visit the Faunus isle of Menagerie off the coast of Atlas's more hospital side. I recruited you in the streets of that city. I believe you must return there at some point. Go to the corner on which we first met, and more closely study the area. You know what to look for now, it might help you with answers about your parents."

"Your parents have passed away right Blakey?" Yang asked just to confirm things in her own mind.

Blake issued a confused nod "Yeah, since I was young. I remember their funeral… I don't know what I am going to find but… maybe I should make a trip when time allows."

"Finally this last message is meant for those Huntsmen in a position of leadership. I intend to bring the Fang down from within. But I won't turn aside help should assistance be available to call upon. Attached to the drive you will find a file. On that file is the contact information for one Roman Torchwick. He is a businessman of ill repute with ties to the White Fang, but he is still a businessman. It was by his information I was able to find the carrier of this message, and his tips which assisted me in finding an abandoned Fang facility in Cadia."

"Never heard of him." Jaune stated evenly, probably wondering about this facility in his homeland he didn't know about.

"You hear his name come up in certain circles. None of them I would want to associate with." Ozpin admitted.

"I would respectfully suggest that you reach out to him if you feel the need. As I stated he is a businessman, and a legal one if you were to ask him. The Fang might have started out good for his people but as things have continued to escalate that doesn't necessarily hold true. He might be able to tell you more. All he was able to tell me was that the Fang has put nearly all of its resources into maintaining a location called 'Grendel'. I know nothing about it beyond my son once mentioning that is apparently where everybody is trying to get posted now. That is all I have for you, till next we meet may the broken moon light your path."

With that he reached forward and turned off the recording.

***Back to normal***

Silence ensued for several moments possibly nearing a minute following the video with everybody mostly caught up in their own thoughts.

Jaune thinking about his homeland and the encounter with his father…

Ruby being the one most able to remain neutral was actually trying to blink away a few tears on behalf of the father and his loss…

Blake and Yang had no idea what to think. It was not that long ago they had a clash with the more violent side of the Fang, being asked to give the other half a chance was not the easiest thing to hear. But at least Blake could say she wanted to make a trip to Menagerie when she was able too, possibly over the summer. They would have to see if the opportunity would appear.

Ozpin was the first to speak following the silence after clearing his throat. "Well… that was an eventful video that gives us something here to think about."

At the headmaster speaking the students stood to face him.

"I thank you Ms. Belladonna for bringing that to our attention."

Blake nodded respectfully.

"I will be taking the contact information for this character Roman Torchwick. It isn't something I believe students need. However the message this man sends I believe is a pertinent one and I would encourage you to show it to your teams. I won't suggest treating anybody wearing a white mask as an ally just yet but it will be interesting to see how events play out."

"At the very least we should coordinate to investigate claims of an abandoned facility in Cadia. If it is near atlas that might be the location where the event from last year was organized. I do not believe we will find anything but we would be remiss not to look." Ironwood cut in.

"What do you think about his request of you Ms. Belladonna?" Goodwitch asked.

"If you mean about visiting Menagerie… I do not know. I remember the location but, I don't know what he expects me to find." She answered honestly.

"In any case while this was a useful tangent to take it was none the less a distraction from our current meeting. Thank you for coming but it is time to see yourselves out. We now have to hurry to prepare for our upcoming appointment." Glynda stated with a pointed look towards the headmaster.

She went about copying the needed files from the drive before offering it back to the cat-girl. Naturally deleting the contact information in the process in line with the headmasters wishes.

With a sequence of looks the students began to slowly make their way out. Blake accepted the drive gracefully plucking it from the open hand with agile fingers as she passed the professor.

The students might have jokingly poked or said something on their way out, but the instructors couldn't really hear them as they moved further and further away.

Once the door was closed Ironwood felt the next to speak more.

"That took a great deal of time out of our preparation for this evening. But… I guess we at least have a name now to go with intel. I wonder if this 'Grendel location' is the same facility STRQ has been dispatched too? I would coincide with our own reports about troop movements."

Ozpin took his time with a healthy slurp before answering "I don't know James. We had to send them in there but we had so little intel to go off of. It might be yet another dead end for all we know. Still… it had to be done."

"Still no word from them then?" Glynda asked.

The Headmaster shook his head "No… still radio silence. To be frank I am starting to be concerned. The silence has continued for far too long. I hope it isn't the case, but I believe they might have run into difficulties."

James stroked his chin briefly before advising "It might be time to get aggressive old friend. We have waited years for this chance. If they can move everything to another location… it would just be that more dangerous for the next team we have to send."

Ozpin shook his head yet again "No, any aggression on our part will only tip them off that we know where they are. Or at least have some idea, that puts the mission and all its objectives at risk. As dangerous as it is, anonymity is still their best defense and chance of success."

With a frustrated sigh Ironwood pressed on "Ozpin as much as I respect your opinion I have to believe you are wrong here. The loss of people is never a happy thing to consider but right now its risk losing a team or risk losing much more if they cannot handle it."

Ozpin took a deep breath "Yes, there is danger. I do not deny that. But rolling in with all the military might at our disposal is not necessarily a better option. At this point we do not even know what to look for."

"But sir there is no denying that more manpower could make the search easier." Glynda suggested.

"Or it could just tip off our enemy we has some inkling of where they are and they could very well decide to evacuate in turn. Then we would have no way of locating them without another lengthy and possibly bloody search." Ozpin asserted sternly yet still in a friendly manner.

The conversation stalled out until Ironwood asked "Then what do you intend to do?"

Ozpin thought about it for several heartbeats, until speaking his mind.

***Back in the JNPR Dorm***

The walk back to their rooms was a rather quiet but not depressed trip. More or less everybody keeping their thoughts to themselves. They ended up showing the video to the remainder of their group leaving the majority of them feeling empathetic towards Hespith and his plight without knowing what exactly to do about it.

It did weigh on their minds for a bit, but it wasn't anything that preventing them from doing their normal routine. Following their nightly weapons practice routine Jaune exited the shower to find the JNPR room empty. It seems the gang was playing cards in the shared living room before lights out that night. Pyrrha however, had decided not to join the gathering.

Laying on her stomach while talking on her scroll she seemed to be mid conversation as he came into listening range.

"… Yes mom I am ok. Like I said I joined in the battle once it was already almost over."

He grinned and rounded the corner. Pyrrha was taking great care to only show her face. Much of her body was open to the air and was looking unbelievably sexy as it was most times he saw her. Feeling that rebellious side of him start to whisper evil things to him he tip toed closer towards her.

The reply from her mother seemed quiet though he did catch the latter part "… Well that's good at least. Nobody beyond this Blake was wounded?"

Reaching his goddess of a girlfriend Jaune gave her gorgeous booty a bit of a slap to startle her before starting on a backrub.

"Oh hey-… Oooohhhh! Mhmm…. feels nice!" Pyrrha always happy to enjoy her boyfriends affection seemed a first a touch confused by the light spank… though her confusion quickly vanished once an overly adorable smile took hold on her features.

"Pyrrha? Pyrrha you ok?"

Barely able to keep focused the Spartan mumbled out "Oh just.. Jaune is… hmmmmm being… Jaune. Oh just a bit lower please sweetie.'

Jaune could practically feel the cogs in Phaera's mind start to spin as she replied "Is he using those 'magical hands' again? Well that's fine I will leave you to it. Be sure to pay attention to every inch of her! You both work a lot and one shouldn't avoid pampering any part of you that gets work!"

A cough echoed through the phone as Luke objected "Honey! you don't need to tell the boy that! Pyrrha could manage that on her own."

"Mhmmmmmmmm." Was all Pyrrha could formulate sinking into the bed further.

"Actually honey I don't think she can." With an obvious smile Jaune didn't need to see he just went about his task.

Enjoying the look on her daughters face Phaera just advised "I will let you two go. Sleep well!"

With the call concluded he just focused on working the tension out of her back. Eventually working his way through her gorgeous butt and strong but perfect shapely legs. Always happy to have the chance to give her a massage he was just happy that she seemed to enjoy them.

"At some point mhmmm…. I think I will need to learn how to do this to you." She commented happily closing off her scroll.

Not feeling the need to argue the point he just stated "Whatever you like."

Not being shy about working on her gorgeous if strong and athletic body, he decided to follow her mother's advice. Not avoiding a single inch of her figure. By the time he was done she felt slightly more cuddly than normal.

Their sleep that night was rather refreshing for the both of them.

A/N

At some point I hope to be able to write more consistently. As it stands I had computer issues that basically meant I couldn't write for an extended period of time. Regardless I do apologize for the delay in between postings.

As ever please provide feedback however you can. This chapter is slower than others I confess that. Trying to add some meat to the middle of the year here before the year finale in a couple chapters. In regards to feedback, same as always. Review email kudos comment IM… yada yada yada.

Thank you for reading, and I will see you next time.

-Sean.