"With all due respect headmaster, what's there to talk about? He tried to kill us." Blake said, a hint of scorn in her voice as she tried to keep her scowl under control.

The headmaster nodded, showing that he at least knew how serious the situation was.

"I'm well aware of that Ms. Belladonna, and I promise you he won't be getting off lightly with it. I simply have some things I need to inform you four about, things that can't leave this room. Will you hear me out and promise to keep it tight lipped?"

The girls looked between themselves, each having their own views of the situation. Blake however felt that the whole thing was fishy, especially the way the headmaster phrased his question.

He wanted whatever he was about to say kept quiet, and last she checked that was almost never a good thing. But he was the headmaster so he had to have his reasons... right? Blake pushed those thoughts back, what was she doing? This was the headmaster, of course he had reasons. Her lack of trust was starting to come out again, and she didn't like it.

Great, one scare and I'm questioning everything.

She knew that it wasn't bad to question things, but if she let it consume her then she'd spend her whole life living in paranoia. Blake set her focus back as she made the decision to at least hear him out.

"I wouldn't mind I guess." She said as she looked over at the others.

"Couldn't hurt I suppose." Weiss spoke in a questioning voice.

"I'm game." Yang replied with her usual spunk.

"I guess that settles it, so what are we talking about sir?" Ruby asked as they set their focus back on the man.

The headmaster let his arms rest as he addressed them. "Thank you, but first and foremost I owe you all an apology, especially you Ms. Schnee."

That caught them by surprise, especially girl in question who let out a small meep.

"What for?" Weiss asked as the headmaster's eyes squinted, his whole face taking on a darker look.

"Because it was under my orders that Vermillion almost took your life."

"WHAT!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR ORDERS!?"

"YANG!" Ruby cried, grabbing hold of the now fuming girl.

The headmaster held up his hand, signaling them to calm down. Yang stared for a moment, a look of rage masking her otherwise playful nature. The girl kept her glare as she let Ruby lower her back to her seat.

The headmaster simply looked back over them. "I understand your anger, I simply ask that you let me explain what happened. I promise that I never intended to harm any of you."

Yang crossed her arms, her anger still felt by all of them. Yet she stayed quiet, waiting for that explanation he spoke of. Blake herself was also angry, but she kept hers at bay as she waited to hear what he had to say.

The headmaster sat straight. "Thank you, I ask that you hold any questions until after I'm done please." They each gave a single nod.

"Wonderful, now as for the subject at hand I'll start from the beginning. As you know the White Fang has been active in Vale for a little over two years now, causing a ruckus here and there."

Blake's ears perked up. She knew that already, after all she was helping cause the ruckus at the time. She felt a small bit of guilt as he continued on.

"However most of it was on the smaller scale, petty crimes that targeted single businesses. It was never anything that warranted immediate action, as that was usually handled by the targeted themselves. However around a year ago that all changed."

A look of understanding came over her face, and a quick look to the others showed they had the same thoughts as her. The headmaster himself gave a nod, seemingly understanding what they were thinking.

"That's right, the surveillance incident. What should have been a small matter handled by the local police ended up a massacre of over twenty people."

Blake remembered that, she didn't think there was a person in Vale who hadn't heard of it.

The city was trying out some new measures for aerial Grimm defense. Some small turrets were mounted onto various street posts around the city. They were all linked to a central targeting computer in the police station, where they were given information on what Grimm to target.

The system wasn't as advanced as something you'd find in Atlas, but it was advanced enough to focus on single targets. Problem was that the system couldn't differentiate between people and Grimm, and as such they were set to look for certain shapes and characteristics in the targets. The machine was given a list of what to look for, and where to look for it.

Originally it was set to focus on the sky, looking for certain colors in the targets, as the flying Grimm came in different shapes and sizes. Yet one day there was a protest going on in front of the shipping yard. It was a rally against the wages that Faunus workers were paid.

The protesters were made up of the different workers from said dock, each with their own signs. However somewhere along the lines the White Fang showed up, doing their usual routine of causing a scene to spook the guards around the docks.

Thing is though... the police were already monitoring the protest through the cameras at the docks, the same cameras that aimed the turrets. With the White Fang wearing the Grimm colors... yeah it didn't go so well.

The turrets fired on them and the White Fang believed it an attack, so they fired at everything around them. It was a bloodbath.

The turrets were later taken down, but the consequences remained. The White Fang started doing more violent raids, shooting at all the posts around the city to take out the cameras. According to the city officials it was too expensive to keep replacing them, so the remaining cameras were removed along with their turrets.

The system was dismantled and all they had to show for it was a set of graves extending the graveyard.

"After such a tragedy the police took a massive hit to public relations, one that will probably never fully recover. And the White Fang got even worse than before, starting to grow a body count." The headmaster spoke as he took a sip from his mug.

"We knew we couldn't let the White Fang continue to ravage the city, so I came up with my own solution. If we couldn't fight them from the outside, we'd do so from the inside."

Blake felt her eyes widen as she started to piece it together.

"That man you fought earlier, Vermillion, he was a central part of my plan. With his... let's just say 'distinct' appearance it seemed only natural that he'd be the best pick to work as my spy." The headmaster linked his fingers as he leaned forwards.

"I'd sent him in myself to see how he'd be received. They took him in almost instantly and his life as a terrorist began. I couldn't consistently give orders as I feared they might be intercepted, so I left him with a single objective: do whatever it takes to rise in the ranks, and eliminate their commanders."

Blake sank in her chair, a feeling of dread filling her as she thought back to her time with the group. She was once offered a higher position, but she turned it down in favor of being directly on the field. She wanted to help people in the front lines, rather than risk someone else trying and possibly failing.

To think, if she had accepted it then she could realistically have been murdered.

"However this on it's own wouldn't have done anything, as simply killing those in power would have just left a vacuum. Someone else would have simply taken command if nothing was done about it, this was where the first part of my orders came into play."

The headmaster took another sip and finished his drink from the looks of it, setting the mug off to the side as he spoke.

"I told him to rise in the ranks under the hope that he may have been able to take on the role of leader after he took care of the current one. At this point he'd be allowed to contact me and we could slowly start dealing out missions designed to fail, allowing us to bit by bit capture enough members so they'd be forced to disband." He finished as he looked over to Weiss.

"I had told him to do whatever it took, and as such I am partially responsible for your near death experience. For that I apologize Ms. Schnee."

Weiss stuttered, looking slightly panicked. "Um, no wait, I-it's fine, I mean-"

"Do whatever it takes huh, so you were willing to let people be killed? Why? Why go that far?" Yang asked as Blake shared the feeling.

The headmaster simply faced her, wearing a calm expression.

"Because sometimes to do what's right, we need to get our hands dirty. I don't like it, but that's simply how it is. I sent him out there knowing full well he may have been told to kill innocents, and he knew this too. Vermillion was prepared to take responsibility for what he did, ready to live with the knowledge that he would have become a murderer. Yet he did it holding onto the same hope that I had. The hope that in the end we could put a stop to all the bloodshed."

Blake decided to speak up this time. "So what, are we supposed to just get along like nothing happened, like he didn't just try to kill us?"

The headmaster shook his head. "No, I don't expect anything like that. You have every right to hate him, as well as myself for setting him on that mission. I simply wanted to clear the air, to tell you what was really going on. I told you this because I wanted to let you know that he's not your enemy.

"So if I walk up to him he's not gonna try to kill me?" Yang asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"No, he won't try to kill you. He's got a new mission now." He answered, catching Weiss' attention.

"A new mission? What about the White Fang?" She asked as the headmaster sighed.

"Well the thing is, I think he's been compromised."

"Compromised?" Blake felt herself ask as he nodded.

"Yes, after a small chat with him I've learned that someone had caught onto him. As such I've taken him out of that mission and given him a new one in light of their recent activities."

"What is it?" Their young leader asked, a small amount of curiosity present on her face. The headmaster relaxed back in his chair.

"To guard Beacon throughout the Vytal Festival."

.


.

Ruby kept her pace slow, holding Pebble's hand as they moved through the crowds.

She was sporting a new cloak, one that looked much cleaner than her first. It was the same shade of grey as the one Pebble now wore. They had picked them both up back at the resistance base on the way down.

Sneaking into the city had been easier this time, as most of the guards were already searching the city. Ruby was able to use her semblance to move through the gates while the guards were dealing with another group of merchants trying to get in.

She had no real destination in mind for a sort of base at the moment, instead relying on what Pebble had told her earlier. According to the boy there was a brothel near the end of the east wing of the city, going by the name of 'Night Daisies".

According to him one of the women there had taken care of him for a short time after he first escaped his cage in the castle dungeons. She kept him hidden until the local guards gave up their chase, and even taught him some of the thieving tricks he knew.

After he escaped the cell he'd hitched a ride on the first carriage he could find. The carriage then headed to the only way up to the castle; a single lift, heavily guarded from all sides. They were brought down where they eventually stopped at the brothel, at that point he tried to sneak away. He'd been caught however, but instead of the woman kicking him out she'd taken to nurturing him for as long as she could.

Yet he had to leave as more and more guards would arrive at the place to inquire their 'services'. The child had then taken to making a life for himself on the streets, until Ruby herself caught him.

Pebble had been locked in the castle dungeons, much like the other Faunus that were to be kept as pets; at least According to him. His method of escape implied that someone at the castle had been ordering 'sessions' with the girls.

There was a chance that more sessions were being ordered, meaning that the girls got constant trips to the castle. She saw a chance to get inside, one that sounded leagues better than fighting her way through.

Ruby felt Pebble tugging at her arm. She stopped and looked down, noticing him pointing at something in the distance. Her eyes followed, and her destination revealed itself.

Sitting just some distance away was a large wooden sign, a painting of woman holding a single flower sat next to the wording. It was bright, large, and covered the entire top half of the building. Rather bold for a place like that if you asked her. Still though she pulled Pebble along, he was her only chance of getting her plan up and running.

Nobody paid them any mind, either not caring about a grown woman dragging a small child into such an establishment or simply not noticing. Regardless nobody made to stop them as they passed through the door.

The place didn't look half bad, considering how rugged the neighborhood streets were. A clean carpet, some polished furniture, and some vases filled with flowers. They even had a chandelier in the center of the ceiling.

They're not hurting for money, that's for sure.

Now she was even more convinced they had some sort of arrangement going on. Local peasants (even in the hundreds) couldn't get them the money to acquire this.

"Excuse me, madam, I believe you may be in the wrong place. This isn't a shop, so please take your child elsewhere."

Ruby faced the owner of the voice, an older looking woman. She wore in an elegant looking dress, similar to the other women that occupied the room, yet her dress held just a bit more style to it. If she had to guess she'd say the woman was the owner of the joint.

"Wait, you aren't perhaps hoping to involve this child in your activities here? If that was your idea then I ask you to leave, we don't tolerate that sort of thing here." The woman said as her face took on a scowl.

"Mrs. Blossom, It's me." Pebble spoke before Ruby had a chance to reply.

The newly dubbed 'Mrs. Blossom' stilled, her eyes going wide. "Pebble? Is that you dear?"

She seemed to rush forwards, ducking down and lifting the boy's hood slightly. Pebble responded with a small nod, just barely noticeable. Mrs. Blossom wrapped him in a hug anyways, squeezing him tightly against herself as he squirmed about.

"My dear what in the world have you gotten yourself into? And who is this woman at your side?" Mrs. Blossom responded as she gave Ruby a once over.

"We need your help, please?" The boy asked as the elder woman stood once again, a thoughtful look on her face.

She released a sigh as she looked them over, turning and starting towards the back of the room.

"Come along, it's not safe to talk so freely in the open like this."

They trailed after her, following past the counter and through the curtains into the back room. Mrs. Blossom never stopped there however, as she kept walking over to a set of stairs, leading them down and into what Ruby guessed was the basement. There was a set of rather lavish furniture, covered in velvet and dark stained wood.

"Sit." The woman ordered, holding no room for objection. They sat next to each other, looking across as the elder woman leaned back and made herself comfortable.

"Now, tell me what's going on."

Pebble gave Ruby a look, one that basically said 'what do we do?'. Ruby pulled down her hood, staring into Mrs. Blossom's eyes.

"Word around town says you get orders from the castle, is it true?"

"What a peculiar question, and what would it be to you?" Her tone held power. The woman knew they needed her, and she made no effort to hide her potential disapproval.

"It's simple really, I want in."

"Excuse me?" Her face was twisted, not in a bad way exactly, more of a 'What the dust are you thinking'.

"I want in, I want to get to the castle." Ruby replied, watching as Mrs. Blossom's eyes narrowed.

"Why?" Her voice was cautious, almost threatening even.

Ruby was silent for a moment. The elder woman looked the type to easily sniff out lying; so she'd just be blunt.

"I've got someone I need to kill."

The woman went wide eyed, only to settle into a smirk. "My my, what a naughty girl you are. A planned assassination then?" Ruby nodded.

The woman clapped her hands. Two men came from the shadows behind her, looking to... pour her a drink? Mrs. Blossom raised the glass to her lips, taking a small taste as she leveled an amused look.

"This is certainly interesting, incredibly stupid... but interesting nonetheless. Would you mind telling me the reason behind this?" She asked as Ruby let a cold look slip over her face.

"There are two reasons actually: one, they're in my way, and two... simple revenge."

"Oh! And what have these 'targets' done to upset you?" Mrs. Blossom looked much more interested now.

"Let's just say they've taken something from me. Now, I'm going to take everything they have."

"Oh ho ho, quite the terror you are. You've got me curious now." The woman held out her glass as one of the men filled it again. She took a long drink, placing the glass down and giving a small snap of her fingers.

"Alright, you've peaked my interest, I'll help you. However I have a request of my own to make in exchange." Mrs. Blossom spoke as Ruby nodded.

"I can get you in, but in exchange I need you to deal with a target of my own. If you agree to execute this man I'll set you on your way. So what do you say? Do we have a deal?" She spoke as she stretched out her hand.

Ruby took it. "Deal. Who do you want me to kill?"

The elder woman sat back down, a more somber look about her this time. "A man, simple as that. He wronged me once before, but I was never able to do anything about it. He's captain of the guard you see, so I was powerless to stop him."

Ruby felt her eyes widen. "Are you talking about Shade?"

Mrs. Blossom's breath caught in her throat. "You know him?" Ruby let out a smirk of her own this time.

"I believe we share a common opinion of him, he's one of my targets." She said as Mrs. Blossom let a knowing smile overcome her.

"It appears that we do. Our deal is set then, I'll get you in." Mrs. Blossom told as she leaned forwards.

"How?" Ruby asked as the woman held her head in her hands, cupping her own cheeks with a playful look.

"As it turns out our naughty rulers like to invite several 'playmates' to join in their bedtime fun. Lord Vice in particular has a fondness for blind girls, of which we employ two."

"Blind girls?" Ruby asked as Mrs. Blossom nodded.

"I'm told he enjoys holding power over them, being the one who controls their every action."

Great. Power hungry in work and bed.

"Every now and then we get new girls who come and go, so a new 'playmate' for their next order shouldn't raise any eyebrows right?"

Ruby felt it click. "So you want to dress me up as one of yours?" Blossom nodded.

"Quite, this will ensure you get to the castle. How you go about things afterwards is up to you. You'll be on your own at that point, still want to try?"

It was a warning, almost as if she was telling her not to go. However Ruby wasn't persuaded.

"If it's my only shot then I'll take it."

Mrs. Blossom sat back, shutting her eyes for a moment. "If you wish. However the boy stays here with me, I won't allow you to bring him into danger."

"Alright. I'll warn you though: as soon as I leave for the castle take your friends, family, and everyone you care for out of the city. Take them north up to whatever town lays beyond. Just get them out of here." Ruby explained as Mrs. Blossom let her confusion show.

"Why?"

"Just trust me, you don't want to be around for the aftermath."

The woman looked confused, yet she let out a sigh as she stood. "Fine, for this one instance I'll go along with it. But only this once, afterwards I want an explination."

Mrs. Blossom turned, looking ready to leave before Ruby called out once more.

"I have one last question if you don't mind: what did Shade do to wrong you?"

For a second the elder woman stopped, just long enough to answer before she headed out.

"He took my daughter from me."

.


.

I sat still on the edge of the bed, staring at my scroll.

Should I?

It was an internal debate against myself whether to call Sienna or not. I told her that I'd leave under the current circumstances I've ended up in, but even so; Adam was still a problem. He remained out there, only now I had no way to keep him in check.

Even now the the White Fang pauldron sat next to me, almost taunting me for my hesitation. But I was working with the king now, so did I have any right to keep in touch with her? My thoughts whirled as a loud voice filled the halls just beyond the door.

"Would Vermillion please report to the headmaster's office. I repeat would Vermillion report to the headmaster's office, thank you."

I stood, letting a breath escape me as I made for the door. Those thoughts could wait until later, my lord was waiting for me. Opening the door I was greeted with the sight of the man from last night. It would seem he was my guide for the time being.

"C'mon, headmaster's waiting." He spoke as we started down the halls.

Another thing I'll have to get used to, the king goes by 'headmaster' here.

A small change, but an important one. He does not hold the title of king anymore I supposed, otherwise he'd be using it. Yet it seemed he still held some form of influence. Whether anybody knew the truth of him was another matter altogether.

In a way I found it fitting. Even with his status long ago he'd always been of a more humble sort, looking a tad uncomfortable about the titles he wore. Nonetheless he wore them anyway, mostly due to necessity.

A king is a king in the eyes of the people, regardless of their own feelings.

I took notice of the school's upkeep as we passed throughout, enjoying the sight. The place was remarkably clean for such a large area, especially since I'd not seen many cleaning utilities about. Several of what I'd assumed students had taken notice to me as we passed, hushed whispers all around. Rumors would surely spread of me, and considering my appearance I wasn't so sure they'd be positive.

I could only hope they didn't involve anything too wild, this was a school after all so small bouts of humor were inevitable. Although a new question had come to mind as I thought more about the current situation.

How much has really changed over the decades?

A silly question, yet one that had me thinking. Menagerie was mostly recognizable to me aside from the building design, it had been so similar to what I already knew. Had the world really changed much? Or had I just ended up at an exception?

I entered the small lift from last night, taking silent stature next to my guide. The man had been quiet the whole way, casting wary glances every so often. He was on guard constantly and I couldn't blame him, he was under the lead of the king.

Headmaster! It's headmaster now! Dust... can't afford to keep making mistakes.

The doors opened and we stepped out.

"And speaking of, it seems he's arrived." The headmaster called, sitting at the desk.

The four girls from last night were present, looking surprised. That didn't last long as the dirty looks settled in. Blake especially wore a dark look, masked by an earie calm. Weiss held a mix between apprehension and caution as she looked to me. The yellow one was simply glaring as she leaned back on her chair.

But it was the last one who caught my attention, she wore a face of curiosity more than hate. Her silver eyes felt as though they were piercing through me, it felt off for such an innocent looking girl.

She was human from first glance, so I doubted she was related to Mr. Quartz back on Menagerie. I was almost tempted to ask which clan she hailed from, but I held back. Now wasn't exactly the time to press questions, especially with such tension in the air.

The headmaster clapped, drawing everybody's attention back to him.

"Team RWBY, you are dismissed for today. Qrow, head down to the docks and get ready." He said as the girls got up.

I stepped aside as the group of four passed by. They didn't say anything, instead choosing to hold their looks of contempt. Qrow gave a nod as he followed, slipping in with them as the door shut.

"Now, we can talk."

I gave a simple nod and I stepped forward as I took to one knee.

"No, please, no more of that. Taking to the knee is a thing of the past. At most you may give a slight bow." He ordered as I stood again.

"Very well headmaster." I spoke, noticing a slight smile cross his lips.

"Good, you're learning. Although I suppose that's only natural, you always were a fast learner. Whenever you address me always use 'headmaster', I'm no longer a king."

I gave a nod. "Perhaps, but you are still divine. Speaking of... I assume you've not told anyone?"

He took a sip from his mug. "No, I've not. It's better this way. Vermillion, take a look out there and tell me what you see."

Curiously I did as asked, gazing out at the land below. He wanted me to look for something, yet I didn't know what. Perhaps it was the people below? Maybe the land itself? Or maybe even the monument, depicting two champions standing in a pose of victory.

"I see... the school, filled with people." I answered slowly, watching as he gave a slight nod.

"Is that all?" He asked as I took to the sight again, looking deeper at what I might have missed.

"I... I see a place of champions, heroes in the making."

He gave another nod. Much more sincere this time, but still it would appear I was missing something. He stepped forward as he looked out, waving a single hand in an all encompassing motion.

"When I look out here everyday, as I gaze upon Beacon what I see is the result of the people's will"

"Their will?" I asked, feeling as though the reason was on the tip of my tongue.

"Yes, their will. All of this, in the school and beyond was achieved through hard work and willpower. All that you see was made by people, a people who are always willing to strive for better. There were no divine miracles or magic here, just blood, sweat, and tears."

"No magic?" I asked in surprise as he nodded.

"None, just the people who wanted to strive for more. All that you've seen and come across up to this point was done without anything of the sort."

That was... unbelievable. The buildings I could understand, but the flying machines, the self moving carriages even? How could they achieve such things without magic?

I felt a peculiar feeling overcome me, the headmaster seemed to see it as well, letting a playful look fill his features. Staring out the window I felt a sort of... amazement at the result of everything I'd seen.

It was all made by people. Simple, hard working people, incredible.

They had achieved this on their own, all without any help.

"The things people can do with enough time and drive. As such I've gotten to a point where my intervention is not needed, they can take care of themselves. I mostly stay up here, attending to this school of mine and passing on information to the fruitful generations of tomorrow." The headmaster explained as he took a seat at his desk.

"So you let the world act as it desires?" I asked, receiving a nod.

"For the most part yes, although there are some things I take on that the people are not ready to handle. Things that I will explain to you after your trip."

"Trip?" I let out as he nodded.

"Correct, you're going on a trip. Today in fact, Qrow should be ready by now."

"Hold on a moment please, why send me away so soon? I've only just returned?"

The headmaster pressed something on his desk, at which a screen appeared above, showcasing what looked to be a map of sorts.

"Well, first of all this is the 'punishment' I've told the students about. Secondly this has to do with the obelisks you mentioned last night." He told as he pointed to a spot on the map.

"Just below Vale there are a set of ruins. The ruins are usually filled with Grimm at all times. However as of late they've become scarce, allowing expeditions to the site; whereas before it was too dangerous to risk." He pressed at something again, and the map looked to shrink in on a certain point. At that point a picture popped up.

I recognized it, it was another of the stone pillars that seemed to haunt me over my return. It was standing there brazenly, as if tempting me to go find it.

"When you mentioned gaining powers as well as memories from them I was intrigued, if they really grant you certain abilities then I wish to find out why. There's a festival coming up soon, and the sudden disappearance of Grimm is worrying."

"The Vytal Festival." I said as he nodded.

"You've heard, good, then I don't need to explain why it's so important?" He asked as I stared at the picture. The ruins were blurred, but the thing as a whole... there was no mistaking it.

I spoke up as I looked to him. "A festival of peace and companionship right? Festivals lead to lots of people who need to be kept happy, otherwise you risk a massive rise in negativity."

He returned one last nod. "And risk drawing in Grimm. So you know why this is worrying. Where they've gone and why is unknown, but I'm hoping that obelisk could tell us something."

"Ant that's where I come in." I stated as he shut the map off.

"Yes. I wish it wasn't like this, but it is. Qrow is waiting for you at the docks, I've told him you'll be able to read it so he's ready for that."

I gave a nod as I turned to leave, only to hear his voice once more.

"Before you go I have one last thing to tell you, keep any info about yourself and our history quiet. He doesn't need any more to worry about, it's all in the past anyway. Only tell him what's absolutely necessary. And no matter what, do not mention Salem. The topic of her will be discussed between us later on, understand?"

I gave a nod as he returned one, waving me to be on my way. And so I took my leave, a single thought flashing briefly in my mind.

What happened to the Goddess?


Author's note

...

And ho! Ozpin manages to scrounge something up, mixing some truth in with the lies.

So we're back again, hopefully still entertaining. Yeah... team RWBY isn't exactly thrilled with the explanation, but their thoughts will be explored as we go along.

Once again we see V getting sent off on another mission, will he ever catch a break? Who knows, but at least things are moving along.

Future Ruby is also making her own moves as well, and the results remain to be seen.

Anyway, let me know what you think, and I'll see you next time.