A.N: So, fun fact, I actually wrote this in two days before I left for my trip because this was a chapter I had been planning this particular piece for awhile now. And now that I'm back, it's time to post it. Enjoy, everyone.
Chapter 38: Killer
Hansel Kobalt took a moment to survey his situation. He was surrounded by an incredibly thick fogbank that the enemy had sunk back into. No, not even that; it was as though they merged with the fog. He had very little idea how this person actually fought. And to top it all off, he had to protect an emotionally compromised Ruby. This assailant could easily try to use her to get to him.
"Listen to me, I need you to look for an opening and run, alright?" Hansel told her gently.
"Oh my, look who's paranoid." Came the voice of Ruby's attacker. "Don't worry, now that you're here, you're the one I want, Hansel Kobalt."
Hansel scowled while Ruby's eyes widened. "Too bad, I'm not into dudes." He responded.
"Oh, funny guy, I think you know what I really meant." Hansel could hear him scowl. "You've been giving Grey Jackal a lot of trouble, Hansel Kobalt. A lot of trouble."
"So, there were two agents in Atlas all along." Hansel realized.
"Oh? And how do you know there are two? Maybe I'm the one you've been looking for all along." The attacker pointed out.
"You? I find it hard to believe that you caught the kid off guard by wearing any random face." Hansel replied. "And this fog isn't natural. No, you're not the mole I'm looking for, but thank you for giving me even more reason to kick your ass."
"Oho? Smart lad, smart lad indeed." The fog thickened around Hansel. "But more importantly, you're an infamous lad, Hansel Kobalt. One who's been delaying the Organization's plans. If I killed you, well…"
"They would have to promote me from a Zero to one of the Numbers."
"A Zero, huh?" Hansel raised an eyebrow. "A skilled fighter in Grey Jackal who just doesn't have what it takes to be recognized as one of the Numbers."
"But not for long, Hansel Kobalt, not for long." The attacker promised. "You playing Good Samaritan for this little girl will be your doom! So says I, Jack the Ripper!"
Hansel's sensory abilities flared up. A large butcher's knife came out of the fog. Ruby gasped, seeing a silhouette of an individual between her and Hansel. When did he get between them?
Does the professor know? She wondered frantically. He moved so fast!
I've got you now, Hansel Kobalt! Jack thought gleefully.
Suddenly, a fiery fist slammed right into the attacker's wrist, knocking it off to the side. Jack let out a yell of pain as their black Aura briefly became visible in the fog. Hansel scowled. I can't burn the bastard to a crisp because she might get caught in the blast.
Hansel reached into the fog and grabbed the face of someone. He could only assume it was Jack. I have to force him away from her first! He quickly forced the attacker away from Ruby.
"You seriously tried to ambush me from behind?" Hansel glared into the fog. "You didn't even bother trying to hide your presence, you damn fool."
"Well, that confirms it then," Hansel noted, "you're not a real fighter. You're just a piece of shit who preys on people incapable of fighting back."
"I'd say I'm going to feel bad about having to burn a bastard like you...but you attacked one of my students, so no."
With that, Hansel let out a controlled burst of fire from the palm he was holding Jack in, sending the attacker flying with a scream of pain. Jack vanished into the fog, which began to thin ever so slightly. "The fog is thinning!" Ruby exclaimed.
"So, the fog is part of his Semblance...whatever that is." Hansel noted. "And because he's weakening, the fog is weakening as well."
"Hey," Hansel looked over his shoulder, giving Ruby a stern gaze, "how did this guy manage to get the jump on you? Even if your Aura is still weak from your allnighter and your fight, he shouldn't have gotten the jump on you like this."
Ruby looked down. Hansel sighed. "Whatever you tell me could be useful, please."
Ruby almost started weeping just from the memory of it. "He...he took the appearance of my dead mom...and lured me to him."
Hansel's eyes widened, horrified and furious with Jack. That bastard...so does that mean this fog has some sort of illusory abilities? If so, why wasn't I affected?
Hansel was cut from his musings when he heard Ruby sniffling. I can't sense him coming after me, he must be recovering from that last attack...good, I think I need to deal with this first.
Ruby let out a meek gasp when she heard Hansel approaching her. He's going to be mad...he's going to yell at me. She realized. I made so much progress today too, and I threw it all away doing something stupid. I know Mom is dead! I know she is…
Hansel then knelt in front of her and gently grabbed her face, making her look at him. "Look at me," he sternly ordered.
Ruby did as asked. Hansel's next words then shocked her. "It's okay," he gently told her, "I'm not angry."
Her eyes widened. Hansel sighed. "I get it," he promised, "you saw someone that you knew was dead, but wish they weren't. And you got really happy because that moment gave you hope. I can't fault you for that, and I won't. No matter how much of a professional someone is...we all have someone we miss that much. And that can make anyone forget themselves."
The dam burst for Ruby, she sank into Hansel and started sobbing. Hansel grimaced slightly, due to the awkwardly close proximity. However, he let it happen. Poor kid, he sighed, losing a parent's rough. She acts so bright, pure and innocent...she probably doesn't get much of a chance to just let it out sometimes.
Hansel then sensed Jack's presence return. He narrowed his eyes. I guess it's really personal now, you piece of shit.
You're going to pay for forcing my student to go through that!
Hansel gently pried Ruby off of him. "He's coming back." He told her. "I'll finish this quickly, then we'll get you somewhere safe."
Ruby nodded. "Don't worry," Hansel promised, "I won't let him win."
Hansel rose to his feet. "Jack the Ripper," he turned around, Wolf Fang at the ready. He began to approach the source of Jack's Aura, "prepare yourself."
"That's my line, Hansel Kobalt." Came Jack's response as the assailant stepped out of the fog. And then, Hansel froze in place.
Ruby's eyes widened when she saw Hansel freeze. She looked past him and saw Jack the Ripper, or rather, what he really looked like. He was very tall, his entire body from the neck down was covered in a black trench coat. His oily black hair was covered by a black bowler hat. His skin was pale and his eyes glowed green like that of a snake. However, she knew that was not what her teacher was seeing.
"Professor!" She yelled frantically. "Professor, snap out of it!"
Jack smirked triumphantly and smugly at Ruby. You're already too late, little girl. I don't know who he's seeing right now, but your professor is already under my spell.
This is my Semblance, Enchanting Fog. Jack revealed. The fog distorts the vision of my victims, but it's true power I reserve for the luckiest one of the night. I enchant them with visions of the person they want to see the most. And lucky me, the person someone wants to see the most is ALWAYS someone they love dearly, whether they're dead or alive.
The only downside is that I can only use it on one person at a time, and after that, it needs time to recharge. But it doesn't matter, because once someone's been enchanted by the fog, it's already over. Jack triumphantly noted. No matter how powerful someone is, every warrior has one person they would never strike. The person they love the most! The person they want to see the most!
Screw you and your 'real fighter' bullshit! I don't need to be a real fighter with power like this! In this fog, I am a GOD and you are nothing more than my plaything!
"Professor! Professor!" Ruby kept yelling trying to get Hansel's attention.
She slowly rose to her feet. I have to do something! I can't let him die!
I should have enough power for at least one Petal Burst, right? I could snap him out of it and he can finish it.
Jack advanced on Hansel, raising his butcher's knife. No, I won't make it! Ruby gasped, getting into a sprinter's stance regardless. She had to try after all.
DIE AT THE HANDS OF THE ONE YOU LOVE THE MOST, HANSEL! Jack declared triumphantly, preparing to slice through Hansel's throat with one clean swing.
Steel was then swung, the sickening sound of flesh being torn into rang out in the air. Ruby's eyes widened in horror…
Jack's eyes were wide as well…with pain...
Hansel Kobalt stood behind Jack the Ripper, Wolf Fang at the end of a swing. Blood suddenly sprayed from Jack's open wound. Hansel had cut right through his Aura with one strike.
What? Jack thought in disbelief. WHAT?
Jack then collapsed onto his stomach, groaning in pain. How...how did he do that? How could he do that? He didn't even hesitate!
"Professor?" Ruby weakly spoke up, still worried for Hansel.
Hansel then turned around and Ruby gasped when she saw the look in Hansel's eyes. At that moment, she felt the cold embrace of Death itself around her at the sight of her teacher. Hansel's eyes were cold, merciless and furious. The look of a man who had witnessed years of death and bloodshed. His stiff body and calm composure was downright menacing. Ruby could swear she saw the silhouette of a monster surrounding the man.
It was at that moment, Ruby truly understood why many in Remnant called Hansel Kobalt a demon.
Hansel then advanced on Jack the Ripper, frighteningly calm. Jack let out a gasp when he saw Hansel nearing him. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, YOU MONSTER?" He screamed. "YOU DIDN'T EVEN HESITATE! HOW COULD YOU DRAW YOUR BLADE ON THE PERSON YOU WANT TO SEE THE MOST? HOW COULD YOU DRAW YOUR BLADE ON THE PERSON YOU LOVE THE MOST?"
"The person I love the most." Ruby shivered involuntarily at the tone in Hansel's voice. It was as dead as his eyes looked. "You clearly didn't do your research on me, Jack."
Hansel was right above him now, his katana pointed right at Jack's back. Ruby's eyes widened. She knew what was about to happen, but she was paralyzed with fear, muted by it.
Hansel's killing intent was just too powerful.
"You're right though, the person you showed me, they're the one I want to see the most." Hansel admitted.
Hansel's next words then chilled both Ruby and Jack to the bone."But that's because they're the person I want to kill the most."
Wolf Fang stabbed downwards, impaling Jack right through the spine. Jack let out a piercing scream of pain and agony. Hansel did not seem moved by his pain in the slightest. He simply sliced upwards, vertically severing Jack's spine with all the precision of a wicked surgeon. And he kept that cold and ruthless look in his eyes the entire time.
Jack let out a few pained gurgles before his body went completely limp. Ruby almost threw up at the look on Jack's face. It was a look of pure terror. Hansel had put the fear of death in him right before delivering it.
Ruby looked away from Jack and found herself looking at Hansel instead. She gasped slightly at the look on Hansel's face. That horrifying look, the killing intent he was letting out, it was all still there.
She had to do something. She had to snap him out of it. So, she yelled the first thing that came to mind. The professor's name.
"HANSEL!" She yelled desperately.
Then, much to Ruby's disbelief, it worked. The killing intent vanished. The silhouette of a beast surrounding Hansel vanished. His eyes seemed to go back to normal. Hansel took one look at Jack and gasped, immediately realizing what happened.
Damn it, no! I...I lost control of myself!
Hansel looked over at Ruby, who was gazing at him with fear and concern. Damn it, instead of helping her, I probably just scared her more. He bitterly noted, not noticing the fact that she was concerned as well as afraid.
Hansel took a few deep breaths, desperately trying to calm his heart rate and his mind. He took out his scroll. "Hey," he said gently, trying to get Ruby's attention, "we can't stay here."
"We have to inform law enforcement about what happened. I know you've been through a lot tonight, but they're going to need your testimony too."
Ruby nodded, but didn't respond verbally. "Can I do anything else for you?" Hansel instinctively asked. He wanted to slap himself for such an idiotic question.
You moron, she probably wants to put 300 feet between the two of you after that.
"I'm sorry I can't just give you some space." Hansel told her. "I need to make my statement too...but after that, I can…"
"Please don't leave." Ruby spoke up clearly.
Hansel sighed. That was all he needed to hear. He walked over to Ruby and took a seat next to her as he dialed up law enforcement.
Atlas's military police were there in minutes. They quickly collected Jack's corpse and took in both Ruby and Hansel for questioning. They were almost separated for questioning, but Ruby surprised everyone when she insisted Hansel be there with her and they could be questioned together.
They were now in a dark room with a single light over them and the table they were sitting at, with two Atlesian MPs sitting in front of them. Hansel looked over to Ruby and grimaced. The girl still looked so nervous. Was that the first time she had been so close to death at the hands of an enemy?
Hansel then resisted the urge to glare at the two MPs. These guys had no tact, questioning a scared girl without a care in the world.
"Hey," he said, getting their attention, "don't you guys have some cookies or something that you can give her?"
The two MPs looked at Hansel in surprise. "Come on," Hansel insisted, "she almost died tonight. The girl's been through hell and could probably use something to calm her down. You guys need to work on your bedside manner."
"We're the ones running this interrogation, Professor." The younger and clearly brasher of the two MPs glared at Hansel for ordering them around.
Then, the older MP grabbed his younger partner by the arm and shook his head. "Ginger should've made a batch, remember?" He told him. "Go out and ask her if you can take the plate."
"Seriously?" The young MP looked at his veteran partner in surprise.
"He's right, look at her. The girl's been through enough tonight."
The younger MP looked at Ruby again and his expression softened at how shaken she looked. "Yeah," he said in a gentler tone of voice, "yeah, you're right. Ginger did make a batch for the night shift. I'll ask her if she minds us taking it."
"I mean, I'm sure she won't mind." The young MP rose from his seat. "She's got kids, she'll understand."
The MP was gone. The veteran, looked at Hansel and Ruby. "Sorry about that, we weren't expecting this to happen tonight. A few of us were also responding to another murder that fit the MOs of the previous murders."
"That's right, this has happened before, right?" Hansel inquired.
The veteran nodded. "It should be fine if I tell you this, since you're a professional Huntsman." He noted. "Prostitutes throughout Atlas have been found murdered in alleys for a while now. We found another body before you contacted us."
"I guess that means...we can at least close that case. It's a shame we won't get a chance to question him."
Hansel grimaced. "I'm sorry, that came out a bit harsher than I meant." The veteran said sincerely. "I don't know what went down entirely, but I can't see any charges being brought against you for killing him instead of bringing him in."
"But that's why we're doing this, I need to know what happened for the records."
"Hold on!" Everyone was drawn to the sound of a stocky man with messy black hair that looked like coffee grinds in an Atlesian military uniform, entering the room. "You know the rules, officer. They should not answer any questions without a lawyer present."
"Ah, I know you." The veteran mused. "You're...Kaffee, right? You're one of the army's investigators and lawyers?"
"I...didn't call for a lawyer." Hansel noted.
"I'm here on a favor for Winter." Kaffee explained, making Hansel gasp in surprise. "Word got out quickly that a professional Huntsman had killed the serial killer who had been targeting prostitutes throughout Atlas. She immediately knew it was you and wanted to make sure you don't get into any trouble."
"You realize who you're defending, right Kaffee?" Hansel raised an eyebrow.
"I'm well aware. I'm also aware that Specialist Schnee, someone who has earned the respect of a lot of Atlas' finest has really grown to respect you." Kaffee responded, surprising Hansel. "As far as I'm concerned, that's reason enough to help you through this."
"Umm...is this a bad time?" Everyone turned to see the younger MP returning with a plate of cookies.
"No, not at all." Kaffee shook his head. "We were just about to get started."
The vet nodded as his young partner placed the plate in front of Ruby, who nervously reached for one, only grabbing it after the young MP gave her an encouraging smile, showing that he was actually a pretty reasonable fellow.
"Now then, how about we get through your testimony first, Professor?" The veteran suggested. "That way, Ms. Rose can see how it's done and she doesn't have to be so nervous when she recounts everything."
"That's fine by me." Hansel nodded.
"Good, then let's get the formalities out of the way first," the veteran gestured to his young partner, who quickly hit a button on a machine that began recording everything. "Please state your full name."
"Hansel Jakob Kobalt." Hansel responded in a clear tone of voice.
And then, Hansel gave his full recounting of everything that had happened that night. From the peaceful dinner he had with Winter, to his Aura sensing incredible malice and danger, to the climactic showdown with Jack to protect Ruby. Then, he reached the ending…
"The reason we are unable to question him is because I killed him...I didn't even give him a chance to surrender and be taken in alive." Hansel admitted.
Everyone remained silent, allowing Hansel to continue his story. "A lot was going through my mind at that moment." Hansel continued. "She was still around and could've been used as a hostage at any moment. I was still trapped in his fog and that still made him a threat."
"...And his Semblance got to me. He showed me someone I...well, after that I just...I couldn't stop myself. All ideas of taking him alive just went out the window after that."
The veteran nodded in understanding. "If his Semblance had gotten to Professor Kobalt, then clearly he was still in danger and Jack still meant to kill him." Kaffee noted, going to work as a lawyer. "He was merely neutralizing a threat to both himself and to his charge."
The veteran MP nodded again. He then turned his attention to Ruby. "Now then, if you're ready, why don't we get to your testimony now?"
Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I know this must be hard for you, but this is standard procedure."
Ruby nodded. "Very good, now, your full name?"
"Ruby June Rose."
"That's a lovely middle name. Would you mind telling me where you got it?" The veteran MP was trying to make Ruby more comfortable.
"It was...my grandmother's name." Ruby responded.
"Good, now please, tell us your side of the story, Ruby."
Ruby looked over at Hansel who nodded encouragingly. Ruby took a deep breath and began to give her own testimony, everything that had happened up until the last moments of Hansel's confrontation with Jack.
"...He froze up after Jack used his Semblance on him. I was so worried he wouldn't be able to fight back. And then...he cut down Jack and quickly finished him off." Ruby explained.
Ruby looked pleadingly at both MPs. "He was protecting himself and me. Jack's power...I don't want to see anyone else be hurt by a power like that!"
Ruby knew deep down that she was most likely telling a half-truth at that point. Jack had been neutralized after the slash to the stomach. Hansel killed him because he had lost his temper after...whatever Jack had shown him.
But even so...considering Jack was the one who provoked him and tried to kill him, it could still constitute self-defense, right?
Kaffee seemed to agree. "Their testimonies match." He noted. "Regardless of the circumstances, a professional Huntsman was neutralizing a major threat permanently. He was well within his rights to do so, and he was protecting someone. I don't think there's anything you can charge him with, gentlemen."
"We didn't really want to charge him with anything anyway." The veteran shook his head. "This interrogation was mainly a formality to help us close the case on the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. That last thing we want is to charge the guy who just took care of a monster prowling Atlas's streets with anything."
"Then are we free to go?" Hansel asked. "I'd like to get her back to the dorms so she can rest."
The two MPs looked at each other. The elder nodded. "You two are dismissed." He said. "Get some rest, you both have earned it."
Ruby and Hansel silently rose from their seat and left the interrogation room. Kaffee followed. He made a quick call on his Scroll. "It's done, Winter…" he said into the scroll. "Uh huh? Oh, good, you found them…okay...okay...I'll tell them...see ya, Winter."
Kaffee hung up and addressed Ruby and Hansel. "Winter is on her way here. She's got Ruby's teammates with her. They should be here in a bit."
"Thanks, Kaffee, you really came through for us." Hansel said sincerely.
"Hey, like I said, this was a favor for Winter." Kaffee told him with a smirk. "She's worked hard to get the respect she has among us Specialists. Anyone who's got her seal of approval is okay in my book, dark family past notwithstanding."
"Umm...Professor, can we go outside?" Ruby requested, tugging on Hansel's sleeve. "I could use some air."
"...Yeah, sure, we'll wait for Winter and your teammates outside." Hansel responded. "I guess...we'll see you when we see you, Kaffee."
Hansel took Ruby and led her outside the MP's station. The two found a quiet spot just outside the building where Ruby could get some air. Hansel looked at Ruby, who was visibly trying not to make eye contact with him. He heaved a sigh.
Yeah, that makes sense. After what she saw tonight...and combine that with everything she's been through, I can't blame her for acting like this.
Then, Ruby surprised Hansel when she spoke up and addressed him directly. "Professor," she said, shifting uncomfortably, "can I...ask you a question?"
Hansel grimaced. He could not help but worry just what Ruby intended to ask him. However, he could not just brush her off. Not when she needed him to be attentive right now. "Sure, what do you want to ask me?"
Ruby looked down as the moment flashed through her mind once again. The blade being driven into the spine of Jack the Ripper. His spine being severed vertically. Hansel's look of sheer ruthlessness. Jack was a monster, but that kill was brutal, cruel even.
"How do you...how do you do it so easily?" She asked.
Hansel frowned. "What? How am I able to do what so easily?" He had a suspicion of what 'it' was. But he needed to hear it from her.
Ruby grimaced. "Professor...how are you able to kill people so easily?"
Hansel's eyes widened. He had a feeling that was what it was...but in the year he spent as a professional Huntsman, nobody had ever asked him that. Not even Ozpin and Glynda.
"Back at the Neverland Gorge...I'm sure you left a few of the Don's men alive...but I could tell plenty of them were dead." She noted. "And tonight...you killed Jack...you didn't even hesitate to finish him."
"I just don't understand, Professor. Please, help me understand." Ruby told him. "How do you kill people so easily?"
Hansel slouched in response, feeling the weight of every single kill he had made this past year drop on his shoulders. He heaved a sigh as his expression softened into something somber and solemn. Ruby's eyes widened at Hansel's expression. She felt a stabbing sensation in her heart at Hansel's response.
"Do you really think it's easy for me?" He asked.
Ruby looked away, already ashamed of herself for this question. "Professor...I…"
Hansel then sank to the ground, taking a seat. "It's not easy," he admitted, "and it never gets any easier, no matter how many times you do it. And honestly, it shouldn't get easier. With every kill, my sins pile up, more and more and more."
A pile of sins that begin simply with being born. Hansel bitterly added in his mind.
Hansel looked at the shocked Ruby. "Kid, it's never meant to be easy." He revealed. "You take someone's life, that's something you can't take back. You have to live with that for the rest of your life. You have to bear the weight of it on your shoulders until the day you die."
Ruby's disbelief only intensified. If that was how he really felt then why would he do it anyway? "So why?" She voiced her disbelief.
"Because the alternative is so much worse. First off, you can't hesitate in a fight to the death. You do that, and that's a surefire way to get yourself killed. When it's you or the person who's trying to kill you, you have to survive, even if it means having to take their life in the process. And that's not even getting into how that person is not only threatening you, but others as well." Hansel replied.
And there's still so much more to it than that. If you let the wicked live...and they just go out and hurt more people...or worse, are you any better than them? In the face of a monster taking innocent lives, platitudes like 'I won't take a life because that makes me no better' mean nothing. Rose...you know this by now, but there are some really bad people in this world. The kind that don't think about that kind of stuff, the kind that think killing is easy."
"If I let people like that roam freely...God only knows what they'll do to people who can't protect themselves. I have to act as a sword for them...a deterrent."
"A deterrent?"
"When the murderer, the rapist, and the terrorist all think twice before they act, that's what I want as a Huntsman." Hansel explained. "That's the effect I need to have on the monsters that roam Remnant. The monster that I can scare by becoming a monster to them. Because the unfortunate truth of the matter is, that's sometimes the only way you can save another's life."
"Is that really the only way?"
"Sometimes it is, and that's why...when you decide that the only way to preserve a life is to take another...that's when you need a moral code, more than anything. Something that can restrain you from sinking deeper into sin." Hansel replied. "I've vowed never to turn a blade on an innocent life, only on the wicked."
"Is that really how you're able to justify it all?" Ruby inquired curiously, both mortified by how Hansel was managing to justify this and a bit impressed by his resolve.
"In the end...it's a numbers game...insensitive as that may sound." Hansel explained. "Let's say every time you kill a person in battle because they've committed horrible crimes, are threatening your life, or someone else's life, you preserve the lives of ten people, ten people who will probably never know that you just protected them. Ten people who can just go about their lives, not knowing they could've been an unlucky victim on an unlucky day."
"Now, let's say in this past year I've killed a hundred people." Hansel continued. "That means, if I've killed a hundred...I've saved a thousand lives."
Ruby fell silent at Hansel's reasoning for a moment. She felt guilty. She made Hansel bear his soul like that after such a rough night for the both of them. Now that she actually thought of it, she never did…
Ruby coughed, getting Hansel's attention. "Well," she said softly, "I don't know about killing one life to save ten, twenty, thirty, or even forty."
Ruby then turned to Hansel and managed a sincere smile. "But...I do know that tonight you saved my life, Professor. Thank you."
Hansel forgot the weight of his sins for a moment and nodded, allowing a faint smile to cross his lips. "You're welcome, Rose."
Before the two could converse on this matter any further. They heard the sound of three voices calling Ruby's name simultaneously in relief. They turned to see Weiss, Blake and Yang charging towards them with Winter following closely behind at a more brisque pace.
Ruby gasped before being glomped by her teammates. "Oh thank goodness you are okay!" Weiss exclaimed; eyes clearly red from crying in concern.
"We were so worried about you! How could you wander off like that?" Blake demanded; her stoicism completely broken.
"You dummy!" Yang sobbed. "What the hell was I supposed to tell Dad if something happened to you, huh?"
"I'm sorry, guys." Ruby managed. "I'm okay, see?"
Ruby's smile widened as she looked at Hansel. Hansel winced at her eyes though. She was still shaken from the night's events, but still managed to look so sweet and sincere. "Professor Kobalt saved me."
After everyone managed to calm down, Hansel and Winter began to Team RWBY back to the dorms. Inwardly, they all hoped that this night of terrors was finally coming to an end, and they could move on with their lives as best they could.
Meanwhile, individuals with less-savory intentions were making their own plans. In an undisclosed location, a lone woman was enjoying a warm bubble bath in a room surrounded by black tiles. The spade from playing card decks was etched into the tiles. Strangely, she was wearing her mask.
The sound of knocking was heard on a lavish looking set of doors. "Enter." The Ace of Spades ordered.
A pale skinned man with oily black hair and a scarlet red vest entered the room, holding a scroll, Ace of Spades's scroll. He had an emotionless expression on his face, unbothered by the nudity of his superior. Ace of Spades did not care either, she shifted in the tub and placed her chin on her hands, using the bubbles and her hands to censor her form.
The man blinked in surprise. "You're wearing your mask in the bath, Milady?"
Ace of Spades giggled. "Force of habit at this point." She responded with an innocent smile. "Now then, what brings you into my chambers during my time of...relaxation, Gio?"
Giovanni Scarlatto, the Number 9 of Grey Jackal, knew that Ace of Spades was purposely trying to fluster him. These were the moments where you would be forgiven for thinking she was simply an innocent and playful woman. Giovanni knew better though.
That innocent smile hid a demon more ruthless than any Grimm. Even so…
You are still a peerless beauty, Lady Ace.
Giovanni coughed, remaining focused on the task at hand. He held up Ace of Spades's scroll. "You are being contacted by Crooked Man."
Ace of Spades pouted. "Oh damn, and I had hoped I could avoid any business and just focus on pleasure tonight." She lamented before sighing. "Patch him through."
Giovanni nodded and answered Crooked Man's call. Then a distorted voice came through the scroll's speakers. "Lady Ace, I have news."
"Speak, Crooked Man."
"Jack the Ripper was killed tonight. I received news of it from Atlesian MPs on my way home from 'work'."
Giovanni stiffened at this. One of the Zeroes was killed? That was not good. Zeroes were nowhere near the level of the Numbers, but they were exceptional nonetheless. Ace of Spades had a different reaction. "Oh no. Anyways," She quickly shrugged the matter off uncaringly, "is that really all you called to report on, Crooked Man? You're calling off the clock, you know."
"You speak as though you expected Jack to die, Milady." Crooked Man noted.
"I mean, it was a waste to promise him the chance to challenge one of my Numbers for their spot." Ace of Spades sighed, tilting her head and pouting like a teenage girl. "Jack was never a fighter. He was an attack dog at best. One who could terrify the opposition into submission and kill the ones who didn't submit."
"I suppose the only one who is going to lose any sleep over Jack's death will be the King of Diamonds. Using Jack the way we intended was his idea to begin with. If he did die, it was because he bit off more than he could chew like a damn fool. What, did he try to target one of the Specialists? You did tell him only to target civilians to spread Atlas's soldiers thin, right?"
"I did, but I also had him keep tabs on a certain Huntsman who's been investigating our activities." Crooked Man responded. "That same Huntsman killed him."
Ace of Spades's smile seemed to widen. "So in the end, he really did bite off more than he could chew! A perfect end for a serial killer, wouldn't you agree, Gio?"
"I have no opinion on this matter, Milady." Giovanni grimaced, knowing that Ace of Spades was going for ironic humor there.
"Spoilsport." Ace of Spades pouted, knowing that he was not taking the bait.
"Tell me though, Crooked Man," Ace of Spades got on track, "this Huntsman that killed our killer, this is actually information that matters to me. How is he doing in his little 'investigation'?"
"He is nowhere close to finding me, Milady." Crooked Man assured her. "I've covered my tracks far too well to be found out by some punk with a katana."
Ace of Spades chuckled in a flat tone of voice. Giovanni stiffened once more. He had known the Ace of Spades long enough to know that was a phony laugh. "That 'punk' has been ruining many of our operations throughout Remnant this past year, my crooked friend. Underestimate him at your own peril."
Crooked Man grumbled at this statement. "Even if Hansel hasn't found anything now, he's far too determined to just give up like that." Ace of Spades continued. "I can only imagine how hard he's working himself to track you down."
"...I suppose I cannot argue with that. He's working so willingly with Atlas, even though he seems to hate Ironwood so much."
"And as a former Atlesian Specialist, that link between Hansel and Atlas makes you vulnerable. You need to keep your head down, because if he manages to find out the perpetrator was a former Atlesian Specialist, he'll be able to pick you out of the crowd very easily." Ace of Spades pointed out. "Who from Atlas is he closely working with?"
"Specialist Winter Schnee." Crooked Man replied. "She was assigned to act as the boy's handler."
Giovanni stiffened yet again when he saw the smile fade away completely from Ace of Spades's face. "They seem to be working very well together." Crooked Man continued, unaware of the change in Ace of Spades's demeanor. "From what Jack told me in his last two reports when I had him keep tabs on Kobalt on the streets, he was having dinner with Specialist Schnee off the clock even."
"Oh, I see," Ace of Spades responded in an even tone of voice, "is there anything else you can tell me about their interactions?"
Meanwhile, Winter, Hansel and Team RWBY reached Atlas Academy and were now making their way back to the dorms. "There's not going to be any trouble with them breaking curfew, right?" Hansel asked Winter. "I mean, it wasn't their fault."
"Of course not, don't be silly." Winter shook her head. "You just let me handle that."
Winter walked ahead. "We should get you to bed, Ruby." Blake suggested. "You've been through a ton tonight."
"Yeah, you're right," Ruby looked like she was about to fall over from physical and mental exhaustion at any moment. It was so striking, to see the boundlessly energetic leader of Team RWBY so tired.
"If you have any trouble sleeping, just let us know. We'll gladly pull an allnighter with you if that's what you want." Weiss promised.
"I appreciate it, Weiss, but two allnighters for me would be a bad idea." Ruby noted.
Yang was slowly falling in line with Hansel. Hansel noticed this and sighed inwardly, she must have something she wants to say to him. The rest of Team RWBY did not seem to notice as Weiss and Blake continued to lead Ruby into the dorms.
"What is it, Xiao Long?" Hansel asked.
Yang stopped in her tracks. Hansel did the same. "I lost track of my baby sister...I got careless and she almost paid the price again." She mused bitterly.
"What happened tonight wasn't your fault, don't even go there." Hansel shook his head.
Yang sighed. "You're right, I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself." A few tears rolled down her face. "But still...she's everything to me. After mom died...it was on me to look after her. She's more important to me than you can imagine, Teach. And I almost lost her again."
Yang shook as she started to cry freely. She was restraining herself from doing it out loud so as not to alert her teammates. Hansel grimaced as he just stood there awkwardly. He knew he should go over there and comfort Yang, but he just did not know how to do that.
"But...it's fine...the important thing is that she's safe." Yang noted, managing to calm herself down. "We both get to say goodnight to each other again, knowing we'll see each other in the morning."
Yang wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at Hansel. "Teach, I'm not as much of a dumb blonde as some people think. I can be perceptive when I want to be." She said with a serious expression on your face. "When I saw you two...I saw two people who had been put through the wringer. You both went through a lot tonight."
Yang then managed a sincere smile that reminded Hansel of her baby sister. "I don't know what happened to you two...and honestly, I don't care." She admitted. "What's important to me is that you saved my little sister's life."
"Thank you, Teach. I mean it."
Hansel nodded. "Just doing my job, Xiao Long." He responded.
Yang's smile widened as she ran to rejoin her teammates. Hansel took a deep breath. Man, what a long night. He mused. I need to get some rest.
Now that he thought about it, Hansel had not slept at the hotel he was staying at last night. Tonight would hopefully be the first decent night's sleep he had in two days.
In spite of everything that happened, he thought to himself as he began making his way back to his hotel, I can technically call tonight a success. I took down a Zero of Grey Jackal, one who was apparently the partner of the mole.
Still, Hansel grimaced, remembering the moment he killed Jack, considering that he was the perpetrators partner...I really should've taken him alive.
Hansel thought back to every single moment of that brief confrontation. The moment the fog rolled in, and he and Winter separated to track down the source of it all. The moment he saved Ruby. The moment he engaged Jack. The moment he killed him. All of it.
And by the time he was back at the hotel, wordlessly making his way to his room without even acknowledging the front desk, he was thinking about the moment Jack caught him with the illusory powers of Enchanting Fog. The moment he was shown the person he wants to see the most. The person he wants to kill the most.
The person I want to see the most. Hansel thought back to who he saw. So...it was you, huh? It couldn't be my mother...or Professor Ozpin...or Glynda. The person I want to see the most just had to be you.
Hansel entered his room. Is this really what I've become? I really am a monster, huh?
At that moment, the dam broke for Hansel and he collapsed to his knees. Tears dropped from his eyes, staining the carpets as he sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. "I can't...I don't know how much longer I can keep this up!" He choked, feeling the weight of his sins crushing him in the name of the justice he is pursuing. A pursuit that he knows is transforming him into the very monster Remnant fears.
He shifted, bringing his knees to his chest in a fetal position. "I just...I just want to be free!"
A.N: Oh, you thought this was going to be a chapter long fight? Nah. We're getting some philosophy debates instead. And by philosophy debates, I mean Hansel basically acting like a more self-aware version of Jason Todd.
Either way, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Great to be back to work. We'll see what I end up working on next.
If you're enjoying this, check out my original content: Age of Heroes: The Hero and the Disciple, on Amazon. Subscribe to me on YouTube as well, if you want to check out the machinations of my mind as a writer.