Author's Headnote: Hey... here's the chapter so far... now that the initial drama with her team seeing Ruby's Feral state in Mt. Glenn, We can finally ge on with whatever Ozpin has in store for Ruby. So, let's jump into the chapter.

RWBY: Festival of Blood: A Special Task

Ruby Rose:

Aura Status: 64%

Thirst: Slightly Thirsty

Semblance: Wilted Petal Burst

Grades:

- Grimm Studies: B +

- History: B

- Dust Studies: B

- Combat Practice: B

- Mathematics: C -

- Weapon's Smithing: A -

- Tactics: B -

- Training Missions: F

Team Activity: Done.

Team Relations:

-Weiss Schnee: A bit distant, Ruby can feel a small fear from her.

-Blake Belladonna: They're dating.

-Yang Xiao Long: Although a bit distant sometimes, they still care for each other. Even though Ruby can sense Yang's tiny fear.

End of main character status report.

Beacon Academy, 6:24 PM, Tuesday, Ozpin's Office

Ruby walked past the elevator and had sat down. She was waiting for the Headmaster to speak.

"Good. Mister Jasper has already informed me on the outcome of the mission." Ozpin stated.

"Ya... sorry if things ended up badly."

"What your team did is prevent a large incident that would have flooded Vale with grimm at worst and had sparked up fear that would have had Atlas Interveine with the festivals at best. For that, your teammates will be getting a high grade, and extra credit for their efforts."

"Thank you."

"This does not apply to you, however."

"Come again?"

"Your supervisor, albeit a student has reported that you were careless and got caught and was apprehended by the people you were supposed to 'Search and Destroy'."

Ruby stayed silent.

"What he told me is that you were placed in a UV room and were being slowly killed by having your aura drained, but you lost control and started killing haphazardly. You would have gotten your entire team killed. Which is why I'll be bending tradition of grading the team as a whole, by giving you and you only a failing mark. And the rest of your team an exceptionally high mark." The headmaster stated.

"I understand." Ruby said in defeat.

"However, there is a way for you to make up for your failing grade."

"What is it?"

"We both have made it clear about your condition. Which is why this mission will be specifically only for you."

"Why can't you send any other huntsmen?"

"Because they're not vampires, and they don't know where the vampires are hiding."

"I see. So... what exactly do you want me to do?"

"You are to infiltrate the ranks of Vale's vampire clan. And you are to report to me whatever it is they are planning or are currently tasking me to do. If any task involves around going against Beacon or any huntsmen, go directly to me as soon as possible."

"What?"

"I know you have a rough edge with them. But you do need makeup work to get your grade back up. And if one fail student fails one class, the entire team will have to redo the entire year. Those are the rules."

"Well... fine."

"And another thing, your team cannot know about this."

"Why?"

"If you tell them what you're doing, you may end up risking your entire team. And if one teammate dies without a replacement member, the rest of the team repeats the year."

"I see... when do I start?"

"Now."

"Oh. Well... I'll be heading out now..."

Ruby got out of the elevator and turned off her scroll. She can't have her friends texting her when doing this. Then she proceeded to enter the vampire territory. Hopefully, Ruby doesn't end up becoming the thing she swore to not become. She promised Blake after her first kiss that Ruby won't become like that. She won't become like that, no matter what those vampires tell her what to do.

Vale Catacombs, 8:00 PM, Tuesday, Outer Tombs

Ruby entered the catacombs. Although there doesn't appear to be any vampires here. Which means they are either hiding, or they are deeper inside. Either way, Ruby needs to find the head vampire and talk to him.

She proceeded to walk around the catacombs, with her scythe at ready. She knows she may not win against all those vampires, but if they know that Ruby did not come here with loyal intentions, she wouldn't go without a fight.

The fledgling continues to roam the catacombs to find the prisoner chambers. Where she would find vampires for sure. If vampires were like the ones from the mythos. That the head vampire would be at an Inner sanctum. And she knows it would be deep within the prison cells.

She re-traces her steps on how she got out to find the hidden entrance... found a book... snuck behind a barrel... walked around here... hid in a coffin... and then there it is.

And then she remembered she never opened the door. It was open when she entered through it. So... she just must find the opening mechanisms built around the door. There's likely a lever or mechanism somewhere around the hidden door somewhere. Or on the hidden door. If she destroys the door, the vampires will declare Ruby a hostile. So, she went and looked for an entrance to the door. She was putting her hands on everything and then she found a little button... which opened the door.

Ruby went inside and went to look for someone to escort her to the inner sanctum, for she needs to 'work' for the Duke for Ozpin's secret task.

Vale Catacombs, 8:05 PM, Tuesday, Catacomb Dungeons

Ruby has been here before... this was where she was taken when she first regained consciousness as a vampire. The memory is hard to be removed from her mind. It was like the outer tombs, but without any tombs. And is filled with cages, some empty, some filled with fledglings similar to Ruby, some are filled with living humans and faunas, who look like they were made docile. It was like a maze... and from what Ruby knows, it was made by Valencon IV to store prisoners, likely designed specifically to make sure even if they escaped, they wouldn't find a way out. Chances are the Duke was buried here and turned it into his lair.

Ruby roamed around looking for the inner sanctum, and then she was caught by someone. From the looks of it, he was a vampire.

"Well, it looks like the Duke's offspring has wandered back to the lair." The vampire said.

"I'm not his daughter!" Ruby objected.

"He did turn you, did he not? So, you may as well be. I'll be taking you to the Duke now."

Ruby did not struggle and followed the vampire towards the inner sanctum. The other vampires around them are giving her stern looks. And Ruby knows why, considering she escaped, and has went around knocking out and stealing from vampires. If it were up to them, Ruby would likely be executed for treason or something. Which she would not let happen.

But something tells Ruby that there's more planned for her. And it involves the Duke of Bloodshire.

Vale Catacombs, 8:14 PM, Tuesday, Inner Sanctum

The Inner Sanctum, much unlike the rest of the catacombs is a bit more... well... less catacomby and more like an underground castle. The fact that it looks so refined compared to the rest of the lair is very... weird. It's like she's in a completely different place... in a completely different time. Yet again, the Duke is an ancient vampire. The structure around it is stone... same as the rest of it, but it's been carved to resemble the interior of a castle or palace. Of course, there's also furniture here. Looks well defined and in high quality. Talk about living in style. The current room resembles a throne room and has a large throne it with a double door across it, one door left of it, one door right of it, and two doors behind it.

But no less, the vampires have left Ruby here. And slammed the door behind them.

And that's when the Duke of Bloodshire showed up... walking into the room. He sits on the throne.

"Come closer." He ordered.

Ruby came closer, she had to comply at this point. And Ozpin ordered her to report any tasks the Duke gives out back to Ozpin.

"Kneel." He demanded.

Ruby kneeled, although she clenched her fist because she really, doesn't like him.

"Good. I figured some time on your own would make you learn that the mortals wouldn't want co-existence." He stated.

Ruby just stayed silent, although a bit frustrated.

"Then of course, if they knew about you, you wouldn't be having this conversation, and be buried in an urn." He spoke.

Ruby was frustrated at that. Ruby's entire team and her headmaster let her live, yet again likely for different reasons.

"But I still do not trust you. And for that, you need to prove your loyalty to me. The residents here, although the ones you've knocked out have been culled because they were incompetent... need a new thrall to feed from. You are to bring a thrall to the hideout, if you do not return by sunrise you have failed and the next you come here: you will be killed." He ordered.

Ruby clenched her fist but complied. She has to take away the life of someone just for a test.

"Go." He ordered.

Ruby went out to leave the inner sanctum, and the catacombs... to the Duke's eyes he will be sending her off the bring new cattle to feed from. Although she has no clue how to enthrall someone, perhaps Ozpin would find a way to loophole it. No less, after leaving the catacombs, she heads to Ozpin to report to him.

Beacon Academy, 8:29 PM, Tuesday, Ozpin's Office

Ruby flew in as a bird into the office. Although Ozpin was surprised, as if he was expecting someone else.

"Miss Rose?" Ozpin asked.

"Don't ask, it's something I can do. I need to find someone to enthrall for the vampires, direct order from the Duke."

"You need to find a thrall?"

"Ya, he doesn't trust me, so he wants me to prove his loyalty."

"Good to see you came to me for this."

"Why?"

"If you were to enthrall someone and not tell me, I'd question if you were still your old self."

"So, what do I do?"

"We have a criminal, serial killer whose been contained in prison for a couple decades now. I'd figure We'd use him as the thrall you bring over. You wouldn't be killing or harming an innocent, and you'd save a lot of effort in executing him. Send the Duke the convict, and you'd help anyone here."

"But..."

"This is the morally superior option in this case. You may not like it and I may not, but your other alternative is either find a random White Fang mook or an innocent." Ozpin interrupted.

"I don't know how to enthrall." Ruby said.

"Ah. Well, hopefully you figure out soon."

"I'll need to grab a book. So, can you bring the prisoner to your office please?"

"That was my intent."

"Thank you, headmaster."

Ruby went and left the office and proceeded to grab the Encyclopedia and read it out at the courtyard. She browsed and went to find a way how to enthrall someone.

Vampirica Encyclopedia: Volume 1, Chapter 17, Thralls.

Thralls are mortal servants to vampires. Typically, their lifespan is prolonged by the small grimm in their to keep them alive and minimize the thrall's needs. A thrall typically lives as long as a half-life vampire, give or take depending on when the mortal was enthralled. They rarely need to eat or sleep, and they have almost no issue for restroom problems. Thralls are essential for any vampire who has no patience with charisma or words. Or is simply antisocial. There are two types of thralls: servantile and cattle.

Servantile thralls retain their consciousness and are typically servants for the vampire, typically covering for daytime tasks for the vampire. Although their brains are controlled to being a loyal yesman to the vampire they were enthralled by so they can't and won't plot against a vampire. The intelligence of the servantile is dependant on the thrall itself, and varies between thrall and thrall. Servantile thralls can be fed on, but they would typically die after awhile.

Cattle thralls are much more common given that they are quiet. They have almost no need for hunger or sleep... or anything really... their brains shut off any complex brain patterns and the body simply is designed to produce more blood to be fed on. These are popular among vampire due to them being more convinient and like mentioned, doesn't talk much... or at all. These thralls are an alternative for those who can't acquire a volunteer to donate blood for them.

To create a thrall, one must initially bite... but not suck. And focus magical energy onto the victim. The kind of thrall will be dependent on what the vampire would want and need.

If a vampire wishes to undo the thralling for some reason: One can simply bite them, not suck. And concentrate their magic to undo the modifications of the thralling, likewise the enthralling will be undone if the vampire who has enthrallec the individual has been killed.

Ruby stopped reading because she read all she needed to know. She went back to the office. She waited one and half hours before the convict arrived. He was restrained and blindfolded. Not knowing about the location he's in.

She told herself this would be one time; she will not be doing this again... hopefully. Trying to talk herself into taking away the free will of an individual. Albiet a twisted one.

"I know this must be hard on you." Ozpin re-assured.

Ruby sighed. Looked at the convict, albeit blindfolded at the time, she lowered her bandana. She sighed, because despite his notorious crimes, this will be hard on Ruby.

and bit him, but she did not drain him, but rather concentrate magic... considering what the Duke would need from Ruby, he made him a cattle thrall. Especially since using a serial killer as a servantile thrall, although would be less evil, would raise eyebrows. She honestly felt terrible doing this, but she needed to play double agent for Ozpin. Whether she likes it or not, and no doubt she'd find a training mission that would boost her mark back up to 'C' in one term.

I feel like a monster doing this. But it's the best option I have.

Ruby than took the now mindless body and escorted it outside of Beacon... heading towards the Vale Catacombs. Before Ruby left, she told Ozpin that the Vampire clan hideout is in the catacombs. Ozpin just stayed silent. Ruby than went down to the catacombs, to complete her task assigned by the Duke, even if it disgusted her.

Vale Catacombs, 11:10 PM, Tuesday, Catacomb Dungeons

Ruby returned with the enthralled convict. And it looks like the other vampires were surprised when Ruby was bringing him. Guess she'll need to take him to the inner sanctum. Well, that would be the case, if the Duke had not shown up here out of nowhere. It's like he can teleport or something.

"I see you returned with your task complete." He spoke.

Ruby nodded, words can show her true colors.

"Silent, and obedient. You're already an improvement to the others." He stated.

Ruby just nodded in agreement.

"Now that you've acquired the thrall for me. Although I am curious about the origin of the thrall, it matters little for it's a cattle thrall." The Duke said.

Ruby stayed silent, and doesn't even nod.

"However, due to your reputation here. It's not in your best interest to stay here for long periods of time. So, you will be tasked to infiltrate the ranks of Beacon Academy due to your student status. Get on the headmaster's good side, report anything he says that's unusual to me. You are also to meet our contact in the White Fang tomorrow night. I know you will do as I say." The Duke ordered.

Ruby nodded. And went out.

Well... It seems this is going to be a lot more complicated than Ruby expected. Now she's really playing double agent. Although loyal to Ozpin, because Ruby really, really doesn't like the Duke. And the fact that she enthralled someone is really putting her in a guilty mood. She's going to need a drink.

The first thing she did is go back to her dorm. She just needs to unwind a bit before she reports the Duke's task to the Headmaster.

City of Vale, 11:20 PM, Tuesday, Downtown

Ruby was heading back to Beacon on foot, in a grumpy mood. And stress-thirsty. She was walking because using her powers would only make her more annoyed right now, because she used them for purposes that doesn't overall help the innocent. And Ruby feels guilty about it. And stressed right now. Her bandana was up of course. Can't let anyone see her being a vampire now.

On her way back to Beacon. She saw Sun being a traffic cop. Ruby went asked him about that.

"Sun, did you pick Traffic Cop for your training mission?" Ruby asked.

"Ruby, weren't you supposed to be on your mission?" Sun asked back.

"I finished early."

"Oh. Well. I didn't intend to be a traffic cop. But since the police said that they were looking for replacements for the traffic cops that mysertiously died for no reason. They had me and my entire team cover for their shifts."

"Oh ya. One of the cops killed one of them out of a bet."

"What?"

"Ya, I saw it myself for my team activity."

"What were you doing?"

"Internships."

"For how long."

"Until 11:00 PM. It was five hours of cleaning for me. Yang was covering the traffic cop's shift."

"Wow, these cops are stupid. Sure, the ones in Mistral are corrupt, and the ones in Vacuo are non-existent, but this puts it on another level."

"Yep, that's what I thought."

"So, I got to go back to work. See ya in the morning."

"Sorry, I had a long night, I'd be tired all day."

"Oh, I see. Guess we'll meet up once classes start again, I guess?"

"Likely."

Ruby waved goodbye to Sun and continued to walk back towards beacon, still in a bit more of on a sour mood. She continued to walk to the bullhead, although not stopped by any vampires. Although she sees... Penny, walking by herself? Doesn't she have a mission to go to?

"Penny?" Ruby said trying to get her attention.

Penny looked at Ruby and than looked away, walking away from her.

Ruby went and chased after her.

"Penny, why have you been so distant lately?" She asked.

Penny than ran toward an alleyway. Ruby followed, looking for an answer from her. Ruby sees Penny not moving, and looking towards her. Ruby than stopped after a bit.

"Penny, why have you been so distant lately, the last time I've seen you was the dance, but you ignored me." Ruby said.

"My apologies Friend Ruby. General Ironwood has tasked me not to talk to anyone, especially you and your team. JNPR's team too."

"Oh, why?"

"He didn't say. But I think it may be involving that attack at the docks."

"Do you know anything about the Blackout at Beacon?"

"The what?"

"Where were you two Mondays ago?"

"I was... asleep. Penny let out a small hiccup.

"You were... asleep? For an entire twenty-four hours?" Ruby asked.

"Well... until the second semester." Penny said.

"No living being can be asleep for that long Penny. You're lying."

"I was only... partially lying. I wasn't conscious... but wasn't asleep."

"You were... Shut Down?"

"Shut Down? Like a computer?

"Ya, given that you're a-" Ruby stopped before she reveals something she knows about Penny.

"I'm a what?" Penny asked.

"An incredibly individual being. Being that you were built like no one else."

"Built?"

"Not literally built, it's like growth. Heheheheh..."

"Oh... ya. I'm not like other girls. But I can't tell you in what ways."

"Ya... same."

"Well. It appears I'll have to report back to General Ironwood soon."

"Ya... Well, see ya eventually."

Ruby and Penny went out of the alleyway, good to see Ruby had finally chatted with Penny. Well, it's obvious she didn't steal the dust capacitor, being that she didn't even know what happened prior to the second semester. That, and guessing by the fact that she didn't find a dust capacitor in the train back, that the White Fang didn't have it either. Well, at least her fears that Penny is the culprit has been put to rest.

Now Ruby's distracted herself for long enough, she needs to get back to Beacon and have a glass of blood before reporting to Ozpin.

Beacon Academy, 12:40 AM, Wednesday, RWBY Dormitory

Ruby sat down at a kitchen and got a bloodpack from the fridge. She really doesn't have much left, but she doesn't care. She takes the bloodpack from the fridge, and a glass cup. She pours the blood into the glass. And than drinks from it.

She sighed because she needed to calm down. And Hope she doesn't do anything like that again.

Ruby can't really excuse herself for this. What she did was wrong. No matter how she would try to justify it. She can't let herself slip down to the dark path the Duke of Bloodshire wants her to travel down. But she has to stay strong. Hopefully an event occurs that she doesn't have to see the Duke for awhile. She'll need to get more bloodpacks soon.

Before she heads back to Ozpin, she went and kissed Blake on the forehead and tucked her in. She also tucked in the rest of her team. They do need the sleep, best make it comfortable for them.

Ruby head out to Ozpin's office to report her tasks given by the Duke. Perhaps Ozpin would help her do something that's not... moral.

Beacon Academy, 12:43 AM, Wednesday, Ozpin's Office

Ruby took the elevator up and walked into Ozpin's office. Ruby was surprised to see him up. But she sat down and prepared to explain him the tasks she was ordered to carry out.

"Anything you'd like to report?" Ozpin asked.

"I was told to spy on you, and meet their contact in the White Fang tomorrow night." Ruby answered.

"They have a contact in the White Fang? Perhaps they are connected to these dust robberies than."

"Perhaps. But what should I tell him for info relating to you?"

"I'll tell you what you can tell him. Tell him: 'The Queen has pawns.'"

"Why?"

"He'll know what it means."

"Well, okay. As for the White Fang contact?"

"Do what you must, just make sure that their plans do not interfere with the huntsmen and huntresses of Beacon."

"Understood." Ruby sighed.

"Not liking this whole 'Double Agent' thing?" Ozpin asked.

"Ya... I really don't like 'working' for the bad guy."

"I understand. But you'll be aiding Vale with your actions... so as long as you don't end up enjoying your kinship with the vampires."

"Like I'd ever be friends with them."

"I'm relieved to hear that. But just make sure you keep true to your humanity. You may not be alive anymore, but you're still human. No matter what the Duke says."

"He's been feeding me lies ever since I 'bowed' before him anyway."

"Such as."

"He says that everyone would be hostile on me if they found out I'm a vampire. Yang and Weiss are accepting... Violet's... Tolerant. Hell, Blake even loves me. And you're giving me a makeup assignment because of my condition."

"Well, he's not wrong. The ones that do know so far are mostly close friends. If they were strangers, they wouldn't be as amicable."

"What about Violet?"

"Oh, he generally doesn't like vampires. But I told him you may be a special case."

"And how are you up at this hour?"

"Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee."

"That sounds incredibly unhealthy."

"It is. When you're my age, you don't seem to care that much for your bodily health."

"And how old are you?"

"That's a subject for another matter. For now, take some time off for the night and relax."

"As you say."

Ruby left the office and went back to do some tune-ups on her weapons. And then proceeded to head back to her dorm.

Beacon Academy, 1:10 AM, Wednesday, RWBY Dormitory

That's been an eventful night. Ruby took some time to relax. She put her headphones on and proceeded to play some video games in her pass time. Let's see if Ruby can break any of Yang's records. Although she doesn't want to use the VR equipment because her vampirism would make things disorienting, not to mention the heliophobia. So, she just turns on her scroll and uses it as a controller. Good thing that these things are versatile.

Sure, it's not a productive use of her time. But it's not likely that a bunch of huntsmen is going to stop whatever they were going to do to substitute classes for FIVE students.

But who knows? Ruby can't predict the future, if she could, she'd never become a vampire in the first place.

Author's Footnote: That's this chapter for the day. I'm not going directly to Volume 3 yet. Sure, the Breach is prevented, and all is happy. But villains like these would typically have a Plan B incase their innate plan fails. What this plan may be? Who knows! But just have your seats on ready. And before you say anything, Torchwick and Neo are both alive and well. Where are they? Well, I won't say. I'm not going to spoil my own work. As for the Encyclopedia short, don't worry. They will be out of order. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc. Leave them in the reviews and see ya next chapter.