I am super fuckin bad at keepin schedule. Sorry, just a bunch of things. But hey, at least I can watch Persona 4 the Animation now.

Chapter 21: Changes

X wasn't sure if he was awake. He could think, but that's a normal thing. His eyes opened slightly. The ground was black, and the sky was a deep purple. He saw Hazard above him...patting him?

"Hey...what are you doing?"

"I heard this is how humans comfort each other while sleeping."

"You're...trying to comfort me?"

"Perhaps I am."

X's eyes widdened. He stared back at the ground.

"O-okay then...how long have I been out?"

"It's been about two days. Your...friends are always visiting. Especially the red one."

"Pyrrah?"

"No."

"...Ruby?"

Hazard nods. X blushes a bit.

"Heh. You have a crush, don't you~?"

"Wha-N-NO! THAT'S STUPID!"

He sat up and dusted himself off.

"Wait...I don't feel hurt..."

"Because we're in your subconscious. You mentally heal faster in here. Literally."

"Gotcha. So, the hell do we do no-"

Suddenly, a castle formed not to far from them.

"That isn't ours, is it?"

"No. I suggest seeing what that's all about."

The two ran to the castle. X could've sworn he heard the woman he always hears whenever he makes a new friend. He ran even faster.

The two eventually make it to the entrance. A motherly voice told them to enter.

Infirmary, Day-

Pyrrah and Blake went together to check on him. Blake knew how much of a mess Ruby could get in, so she offered to go in her stead.

They stood at the edge of his bed. He was covered in bandages and gauze, and parts of the bedsheets were still covered in blood. He had a breathing mask over his mouth and nose.

"H-hello again...I know you can't hear me, but we all hope you get better..." Pyrrah softly whispers.

The cat faunus looked at him again. She felt afraid. But not of X...

Ozpin's Office, Day-

Ozpin told Glynda to take a few days off, and that he could sub in for her. Or rather, he ordered her to.

Ironwood was in for questioning, but he knew they wouldn't arrest him. He sighed frustratingly. He was in for a long day.

Mysterious Castle, Day-

X and Hazard walked inside. The isle was covered by red carpet, and the walls were purple. They saw a large table, but no one was sat down at it. Except for one:

A woman with pale white sking wearing a black dress. Black veins sprouted from her arms and face. Her eyes were blacked out with red eyes.

"Hello, Xross. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Who are you and what the hell are you doing in my mind?"

"I am merely wishing to talk to you. Would you happen to be able to spare a moment?"

"Listen lady, we don't just-"

"Hazard. Calm down. Let's just sit down."

Hazard huffed. As they sat down, a small, octopus like creature wound up in the arms of the woman.

"Now then...let me introduce myself. My name is Salem."

"Xross. Now, tell us again, why are you here? Everyone's got alterior motives."

"Not the trusting type, I see. Well, I want you to join me."

"And what exactly are you doing?"

"Making the world a better place. There are four mystical objects, called Relics, that I need. One of them is in your school. I wish to have it."

"Listen. We don't care."

"My, you have a very short temper. But I know you want to be free. To have a body of your own. To cause havoc. I can give that to you."

"Nah, I'm good where I'm at."

Hazard started frowning.

"What the- he can frown?!"

"I need you to know something: I don't fall under people. I already had enough shit for one day. So would you kindly get the fuck out of my head?"

"We shall see each other again, little dragon."

"Dragon?"

The whole castle disappeared. The two look at each other and shrug.

Short chapter because there's not much I can do after that. This took forever because shit happens.