Prologue Part 7: Jurabi Therion

~~Ten Years Later (July 10th Year 994 [Monday Noon])~~

~~Unknown Location~~

Ten years after the attack on Alisen Industries, Jurabi was taken to a secret residence deep inside a forest under Gerald's watchful eye.

Jurabi had lost a major portion of his memories. He can't recall much of what happened in the attack, nor can he remember the names of people he knew in the past besides his family. After hearing from Gerald that his father and mother were both murdered by faunus, Jurabi broke into tears. The boy had felt pain like he never did before, but during those cries, Gerald also told Jurabi about a special human division called the Twilight Syndicate, who are said to bring justice to humans murdered by the Eclipse. Upon hearing this, Jurabi offered to do what he can to bring the victims to justice—an offer Gerald was glad to hear.

For ten years, Jurabi learned everything he needed to know from skilled inventors, engineers, and mechanics. At the age of eighteen, Jurabi was already repairing computers, cars, and electrical equipment on request.

While he was preparing to cook himself dinner by getting the necessary ingredients, he heard the sound of the doorbell.

"There he is," Jurabi began making his way to the door to open it. Behind it was Gerald, bearing a smile.

"Hey, Jurabi!" Gerald shouted, giving Jurabi a shoulder hug, "How's my star inventor been?"

"Same as always. I'm almost finished with your order. All I need to do is go through the final checks.

"Heh, that's what I like to hear." Gerald looks over and notices the ingredients on the stove, "Cooking something?"

"That's right," Jurabi said, glancing over at the ingredients, noticing he was missing one more, "It's my favorite: Sweet & Sour Chicken."

"Ah…you always loved that meal. Mind if I snuck in a bite?"

"If you have nowhere else to be for the next thirty to forty-five minutes."

"Gah!" Gerald threw his arms up in frustration, "I have to go to an important meeting. I didn't expect you to be cooking like a top-quality chef. You really know how to surprise me, you know?"

"I strive to do so," Jurabi replied, taking out the last ingredient from the refrigerator.

"Heh, the Twilight Syndicate is lucky to have a kid as versatile as you on its side," Gerald said, "Perhaps after this order, I should let you sit down and relax for a week or two."

"I like the sound of that, but I can't afford to let the Eclipse a chance to gain the upper hand."

"Listen, Jurabi, I know I told you how important you are to the Twilight Syndicate, and believe me you've done a tremendous job these past ten years, but we also cannot afford to have you tire out."

"Looking out for my well-being, are we?"

"Oh no, I obviously never cared for you these past ten years," Gerald said with a smug look on his face, "But seriously, one week, Jurabi. Can you do that for an old friend? Technical godfather?"

Jurabi let out a sigh as he crossed his arms, "Alright. No building weapons for a week..."

"Good," Gerald said with a smile.

"…instead, I'll focus on building engines for those aircraft you guys use."

"Jurabi…"

"What? It's all for fun, Gerald. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't love it." But seeing the stare from Gerald made Jurabi sigh again, "Fine…you win."

"By the way, do you have my usual?" Gerald asked, glancing at the refrigerator.

Jurabi walked over to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of wine, "You're lucky I haven't thrown it away," he said, pouring a glass for Gerald and handing it to him.

Gerald let out a laugh, "Don't be like that, Jurabi. You know how stingy the people at my residence are. If I left my wine there, it would be gone in a single week. It's safter here with someone I can trust."

Jurabi raised his right eyebrow, "You do realize I'm a minor, right?"

Gerald finished his sip of the wine before answering, "Didn't you turn eighteen in March?"

"Ah, so you did remember my birthday. Now I know who sent me that card."

Gerald let out a chuckle, "Gah, and here I thought I was going to go through the year without you figuring it out." After finishing his drink, Gerald then pulls out a clipboard and hands it to Jurabi, "By the way, here's the reports you asked for; plus, this is a list of projects needed to be done once your week break ends."

Jurabi takes the clipboard and reads over the contents from front to back. After a few pages, he spoke up, "Goodness, these are a lot of weapon-based project requests. Any reason why?"

"You know the reason why," Gerald replied.

"I know it's to counteract the Eclipse, but a missile that ejects milti-target missiles and anti-armor assault rifles? These aren't outside the realm of possibility, but isn't all that a little overkill?"

"Jurabi, we're not going to be able to round up those terrorists by using foam bats and water guns," Gerald said, "We'll need weapons to stand a good chance against them."

"That is true, but won't you need something a little more…defensive?" Jurabi asked.

Gerald let out a sigh as he pushed away his wine glass, "Listen, I don't have to remind you what those faunus did to you and your parents, do I?"

Jurabi went silent for a moment before his gaze turned to the ground, "…No, you don't."

"The Twilight Syndicate is doing all it can to bring Nitorin and Dana to justice by any means necessary. It would break their hearts, if you betrayed that, Jurabi."

Jurabi felt his heart stop for a moment, hearing that. He then weakly replied, "I…understand."

Gerald then stood up and straightened his tie, "Anyway, I have that important meeting to attend. Enjoy your week break, Jurabi. You're going to need it."

"Yes…sir…" Jurabi said, as he watched Gerald leave his house. After locking the door, Jurabi let out a deep sigh as he returned to the kitchen counter to stare at the ingredients, he planned to cook dinner with. His gaze then turned to the clipboard filled to the brim with important projects and requests. The boy let out an exhausted sigh as he rubbed his neck. He felt a necklace wrapped around it as he lifted up a yellow jewel shaped like a raindrop.

He never understood why, but Jurabi always looked at this jewel whenever he felt troubled and he's never let it out of his sight. Why is it that he treasures it so much?

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Oroseia Academy Training Room~~

~~The Next Day: (July 11th [Tuesday Morning])~~

Within Oroseia Academy's training room, the golden retriever faunus, Ken Volus, began drawing his training bow with his sights locked onto the five dummies on the other side of the room. Taking in a deep breath, he let fly his arrows and managed to nail all five headshots onto the dummies.

As he lowered his training bow, he heard the sounds of fast clapping followed by a cheery female voice.

"Nice shot, Kenny!" Said the female voice.

Ken turned and saw Aoife standing beside him, "Aoife, space," He said with slight annoyance.

"Oh come now," Aoife began with a smile, "Do you really need space when I'm falling more in love with you by the second?"

Ken pushed her away as he put up his training bow, "Judging from the fact that you are pestering me here, I assume you're done with your weapon test? Or did you fail like last year and need me to bail you out?"

Aoife smirked as she placed her hands on her hips and closed her eyes, "I'll have you know that this lady passed with flying colors." Silence followed as Aoife peeked from her left eye to see Ken staring at her with unmoving eyes. She let out a little sweat as she chuckled weakly, "Okay, I may have missed a few of Dust Malika's shots, but there's no such thing as perfection, as our peers would say!"

Ken shook his head, "I pity the kids who will be your students in the coming semester."

"Hah, they won't need your pity because my class will come out on top in this year's Oroseia Tournament. Count on it!"

"I'll believe that when pigs fly."

That was when the academy's speakers turned on as the caller spoke out their update.

"Ken Volus and Aoife Chandani. Please report to the director's office. I repeat. Ken Volus and Aoife Chandani. Report to the director's office. Thank you."

Aoife's body slumped as she let out an annoyed sigh, "Ugh, what does Director Kurosaki want?! As if this Tuesday couldn't get any worse…"

"Enough complaining, Aoife," Ken said, gathering his items, "A call to the director's office isn't something you should ignore."

"I know that, but what if his pitbull-"

"Aoife…"

"-I mean…Doran is there? I can't survive another lecture from him."

Ken rolled his eyes, "I'm guessing you skipped out on paperwork again."

"Surprisingly enough, no. I think this time is about me eating this bag full of brownies in the breakroom," Aoife said, rubbing her cheek, "I forgot those were Doran's."

Ken let out a deep sigh as every fiber of his being is wishing he didn't have to put up with his colleagues' childish behavior, "Well you can relax. If they're calling for me too, then this is absolutely a briefing for a new mission. Either that or your mess is now my mess, and you know what happens when your problems become my problems…right?!"

Aoife let out a weak chuckle, "Glad to see you care about me so much, Kenny. You're…a real friend…Hehe…"

Ken began walking away, "Let's get going."

"Alright," Aoife said as the two make their way to the elevator.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Director's Office~~

Ken and Aoife took the elevator to the top floor where the office of the academy's director was located. Upon entering, they spot a man with long, silver hair and brown eyes wearing a white cloak with long sleeves standing in front of an empty desk sorting out documents.

"Oh no…" Aoife muttered, recognizing the man.

"Doran, is the director here?" Ken asked.

The man named Doran turned around to look at Ken and Aoife, "Ah, Volus and Chandani. You'll have to forgive me. I did not expect you both to drop your current activity to come here."

"Is that assumption because of me, Ranny?" Aoife asked.

"I'll overlook that nickname this one time today, Chandani," Doran muttered, "As for the director, he's out on business and won't be back until next week."

"But Director Kurosaki is usually the one who gives briefings when he summons hunters to his office," Ken said, "Don't tell me you broke protocol to summon us here."

"Wait, you did, Ranny?!" Aoife asked with a shocked expression, "That means you can't criticize me for my behavior without looking like a hypocrite!"

"The difference between this instance and your antics, Chandani, is that I have a legitimate good reason," Doran said, glaring at Aoife, "You never do."

"Ignore her, Doran," Ken said, "Getting back on topic, what could be so important that it caused you, of all people, to break protocol?"

"Jurabi Alisen," Doran replied.

Upon hearing that name, both Ken and even Aoife's expressions turned serious.

"J-Jubi?" Aoife asked.

"I summoned you both here because I deemed it necessary for you to hear about Mr. Alisen," Doran said, "And also…the information I am about to provide is confidential and must not be told to anyone. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir." Replied both hunters.

"I just received word from the Oroseia Investigation Department. They've decided to re-open Alisen's missing person case."

Ken and Aoife both let out a gasp.

"Y-you mean…?" Aoife asked.

"A lead has been found," Doran answered taking out a specific paper among the other piles, "Two weeks ago, a doctor from Oroseia Hospital was fired under suspicion of falsifying reports. After a brief interrogation, this doctor admitted to falsifying reports dating back to ten years ago."

"Then the report that Jurabi was kidnapped by the Eclipse…" Ken began.

"Was false?!" Aoife asked.

"It is a possibility," Doran said.

"But if wasn't the Eclipse who kidnapped Jurabi, who did?" Ken asked.

"That is something I need you two to find out," Doran said, "However, our main priority is finding Jurabi Alisen. I am still in the process of collecting more information to help you, but these documents will get you started."

"Thank you, Doran," Ken said, "Let us know if you find anything."

"Yes, we'll make sure to bring Jubi back no matter what it takes," Aoife said.

"I'm glad to hear your enthusiasm, Chandani," Doran said as his face darkened, "However, there is still one problem."

"Oh, and what's that?" Aoife asked.

Doran then glared at Aoife, making her flinch, "It seems the brownies my wife made for me have gone missing from the breakroom. You wouldn't happen to know who did it, do you Chandani?!"

Aoife began sweating buckets as she slowly crept behind Ken, "Uh…well you see, Rann-I-I mean Doran! A Grimm attacked the breakroom and ate all…of…your…brownies…"

Doran was silent for a moment before saying, "I'll speak to Director Kurosaki about upping your training regimen for three weeks. It'll help burn all the calories those brownies gave you."

Aoife slouched as she muttered, "…Yes, sir…"

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Ken's Office~~

"This sucks, Kenny…" Aoife moaned as she slouched on the chair in front of Ken's desk.

"You reap what you sow, Aoife," Ken replied, typing away on his computer, "Now enough moping around and help me find Jurabi."

"I'm not ready for three weeks push-ups and sit-ups," Aoife whined, "I will literally die!"

"Just ignore her, Ken…" Ken whispered to himself as he continued surfing the web, but ended up finding nothing, "Hm…nothing useful on the internet about Jurabi's disappearance. Most of focus went to the attack on Alisen Industries."

"That's bizarre," Aoife said, scrolling on her phone, "Do you think they used that attack as a cover for the kidnapping?"

Ken shook his head, "Unlikely. People would still notice if the son of a famous inventor disappeared over night. There must be a reason why doctor watching over Jurabi that night lied about the kidnapping."

"Hm…"

Ken looked over to see Aoife scrolling on her blue, bubble-decorated phone and rolled his eyes, "You better not be on those stupid mobile games again. I'm not going to bail you out if you're bank account reach the negatives."

Aoife pouted at Ken, "Hmph, you know I stopped playing mobile games years ago, Kenny. It's just the one…with the handsome idol men."

"Turn that crap off. We're in the middle of an important assignment."

"I never said I was on any mobile game. I've been busy surfing the web for clues just as you have. The only difference is I have enough power for the next five minutes."

"Find a charger then."

"Oh hey!" Aoife suddenly shouted, standing up, "Kenny, look at this!"

"It better not be that idol mobile game…" Ken muttered.

"No, I'm serious," Aoife said as she circled around the desk to show Ken what's on her phone's screen, "I think I found something."

Ken began reading the screen, seeing that it was some kind of website full of forums, "And this is…wait, what kind of website is this?"

Aoife shrugged, "It's one of those forums sites where people whine and moan about life. I figured someone who has something against Jubi might know where he is."

Ken raised his right eyebrow, "I don't detect the logic that could have possible led you to that conclusion…" He said before he grabbed her phone, "…but I'll humor you."

"Hey!" Aoife shouted as she reached out to take her phone back, but Ken pushed her away, "You better be looking ONLY at that page, Kenny!"

"I don't care about what your browser history looks like," Ken said, "Just give me a second." As he kept Aoife away, Ken took a closer look at the site and kept scrolling until he found a certain forum post, "Wait, I think you're onto something."

"Heh, aren't I always?" Aoife asked, proudly, "So, what's it say? Is it a call-out post to Jubi?"

"No…it's a complaint about Alisen Industries from a former employee."

"Really?"

"I'll read it out," Ken said as he began reading the post.

"I've remained quiet about the state of my old job for a long time out of the goodness of my heart and respect for what the company once stood for, but after witnessing the Hellavese Massacre three weeks ago on the news, I cannot hold it in any longer."

"The Hellavese Massacre…" Aoife whispered.

Ken went silent for a moment before continuing.

"After the disappearance of Jurabi Alisen, who was set to take the late Nitorin Alisen's place as CEO, the company had taken a slow turn for the worse. We used to manufacture equipment made to provide quality-of-life improvements to the citizens of Vastel. However, since the new CEO, Gerald Achilles, took over, we started shifting more towards weapon manufacturing. Two years ago, when I quit the job, I was told we were to halt the production of cooking ovens despite that particular line being important for helping volunteer cooks provide food for the poor. Taking that production line away angered me, being a person who once lived as a poor man. I couldn't pinpoint why the company had taken a turn and I still do not know to this day; however, I find it hard to dismiss the increase in Twilight Syndicate activity after the shift in management behavior to be a coincidence. Alisen Industries has turned into a shell of its former self and is not a job I would recommend to anyone who isn't a gun enthusiast. Nitorin and Jurabi Alisen would have never stood for this."

"Wow…" Aoife whispered.

"And with that, I think we're getting somewhere," Ken said.

"Yeah, I always thought it strange that Alisen Industries suddenly changed its business practices after Jubi's disappearance and Rinny's death. You don't think…"

"An online rant is not enough evidence, but it is a lead we can follow," Ken said giving Aoife back her phone, "Look up when the next Alisen Industries conference will be."

Aoife took time to look up on the website for the schedule, "Tomorrow evening."

"Then tomorrow evening is when our investigation starts," Ken said.

"Right," Aoife said.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Alisen Industries~~

~~The Next Day (Wednesday Evening)~~

Ken and Aoife made their way to the entrance of Alisen Industries, where a large crowd of people gather to attend the conference.

Ken took time to examine the newly restored building, "I will say, the construction workers outdid themselves. The building looks better than it was before the attack years ago."

Aoife nodded, "Yeah, it's such a shame Jubi and Rinny aren't here to see it better than ever."

As Ken and Aoife enter the building, they were directed to their seats and waited for the conference to begin.

"Hmm…" Ken's attention was focused on the number of people present.

"Something on your mind?" Aoife whispered.

"I find it bizarre that so many people are attending these conferences despite what the post describes."

"Now that you mention it, it is bizarre. You don't think-"

"Apologies for the wait, ladies and gentlemen," The announcer called, interrupting Aoife, "Please welcome to the stand, Alisen Industries's CEO, Gerald Achilles!"

The crowd gave their round of applause as Gerald walks onto the stage in front of the microphone stand.

"Hello, everyone," Gerald greeted with a smile, "Thank you for taking your time to attend this conference. Usually, I would start this off with a light joke, but…well who am I kidding? I love joking around once in a while."

The crowd let out a laugh as the conference continues on. The subject being talked about was too boring for the two hunters; however, one of them had to listen in case anything related to their investigation turned up.

"What a pointless conference," Ken said with a yawn, "It's all just an ego stroke." That was when he heard a small snoring noise. Ken looked over his right shoulder to see Aoife leaning onto it, fast asleep. Letting out an annoyed sigh, the golden retriever faunus nudged Aoife, "Wake up, you idiot."

Aoife let out a small snore, "Ten more minutes, Daddy…I don't wanna…go to…school…"

Ken's expression changed from blank to being outright done with everything.

Eventually, the conference ends and the crowd began to gather around the interview section to ask Gerald questions.

Ken slowly left Aoife behind in the seats and followed the crowd to listen in.

"Oh, Mr. Achilles, what a splendid speech you gave," Said a female reporter, "You never fail to impress us with your charisma."

"Please, no need to overexaggerate," Gerald said, "I was honestly shaking to my core delivering that speech." The crowd let out a small laugh. "But seriously, I truly am thankful for the compliment. Expect many great things from Alisen Industries."

"Mr. Achilles," Called a male reporter, "Are the rumors true that you plan to provide new weapons to our hunters to help push back the Grimm and the Eclipse?"

"I'm not one to divulge into rumors, but I will say that there is a plan set in motion to provide nothing short of quality weapons to those in need of them," Gerald explained. "You won't be disappointed in these outstanding weapons. I guarantee you that. I doubt I'll ever live up to the reputation that Nitorin and his son left behind, but I promise to do all I can for our fair Vastel citizens until the end of my days."

"What a splendid answer," Said the male reporter, "The fact that a man as wealthy you could live alone in a forest just astounds all of us."

"Forest?" Ken asked.

"I have no need for wealth," Gerald said, "Money is a temporary item. Happiness is what truly pushes you through the current world we live in. Always strive for the latter and not the former."

"Wise words spoken by Gerald Achilles, ladies and gentlemen," Said the female reporter.

Ken rolled his eyes as he stepped away from the crowd, having enough of the boring interviews. That was when he saw Aoife, standing up after a security guard forced her to wake up.

Aoife yawned, "Did you find anything, Kenny?"

"Yes, after hearing the man gloat around as people shower him with praise," Ken said, "Let's get out of here."

"Wait, now?" Aoife asked, her eyes snaping wide awake, "But what about the snacks?"

Ken facepalmed at Aoife's question, "Don't tell me that's the only reason you agreed to come here."

"Pfft, of course not, Silly Kenny~!" Aoife said as she showed Ken four bubbles, "I wouldn't dream of missing the chance to collect information."

"Ah, I see," Ken said, "A new trick, I take it?"

"That's right."

"You never fail to impress me," Ken said with a smile.

The two of them left the building and make their way across the street into an abandoned alleyway.

"Alright, you start, Aoife," Ken said.

"Right," Aoife said as she took out the four bubbles and allowed them to float next to her, "So, while I was sleeping on your comfy shoulder…"

"We'll talk about that later, by the way," Ken interrupted.

"Sure we will," Aoife said with a giggle, "I heard some interesting things from the audience. Particularly their reaction to certain things Gerald said. First one is a woman's reaction to him speaking about the Eclipse. She spoke of a rumor that there were members of the Twilight Syndicate with Alisen Industries's weapons.

Ken put his fingers under his chin in deep thought, "Really now? But the words of one woman isn't enough to go on."

Aoife nodded, "Exactly what I thought. That's where the other people come in. The second bubble recorded a highschooler in the far back whispering to his friend about the rumor that the weapons being developed seem far too advanced by tech standards."

"Hmm…"

"Third is from a group of reporters hearing Gerald talk about protecting humanity and faunus kind. Apparently, they believe he is lying, referencing the Hellavese Incident."

"Reporters tend to have all the information about what happens outside Oroseia. If they are speaking of that attack from the Twilight Syndicate…"

"Then it's possible the first woman's rumor makes sense."

"What about the fourth?"

"This one reacted to the disappearance of Jubi and death of Nitorin. A man and woman not wanting to believe that either of the two instances were by accident and find Gerald becoming a CEO afterwards to be suspicious."

Ken crossed his arms and leaned against the brick building behind him, "With those four statements, things seem to be making more sense now. If we take into account that Nitorin's murder was planned as well as Jurabi's 'disappearance', then it's possible Gerald had a hand in both to obtain the authority he has now."

"But why kill Rinny but keep Jubi alive?" Aoife asked before a realization came into her mind, "Unless…"

"You thought about that possibility too?" Ken asked, "That the person creating the advanced weapons given to the Twilight Syndicate may be Jurabi himself?"

"Bull!" Aoife shouted, "Even if I consider that a possibility, I refuse to believe it! Why would Jubi…?!"

"We're not jumping to conclusions, Aoife," Ken said, trying to calm her down, "There are several lingering questions we must answer before we can even think about questioning Jurabi's involvement."

"He must have been manipulated in some manner! I refuse to believe otherwise. If only there was a way for us to find him."

"Then it's a good thing I listened in on the interview." Ken then turned on his communication device to call an operator, "Nebula."

"Nebula here," Nebula's voice called from the other side, "Do you need something, Volus?"

"Ah, my handsome Nebby~!" Aoife shouted, "How I missed your lovely voice~!"

"Ugh, you're on a mission with her again, Volus…?" Nebula asked.

"I know, Nebula, but please bear with me," Ken said, "I want you to run a search through Oroseia Hospital's ambulance logs on Year 984 of November 15th," Ken instructed.

"On it," Nebula said as the sounds of typing were heard in the devices, "November 15th…that's the date of the attack on Alisen Industries. What are you searching for exactly?"

"I just need to confirm something. All of the ambulances that day should have been used to help evacuate injured civilians. Where there any that were reported missing at the time?

"Hm…I don't see any…Ah! I think I found one. An unauthorized usage of an ambulance truck was reported on that day. It wasn't found until after the incident and the driver was fired for not reporting to such an emergency."

"Any information on where the truck went that day?"

"None whatsoever. The driver reserved his right to silence when asked this question by law enforcement."

"But why would the driver not answer that question?" Aoife asked.

"Because wherever he went, that was where Jurabi was taken," Ken concluded, "And I think I know just the place."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Southeast Oroseia~~

~~Three Hours Later (Dusk)~~

In Ken's car, the two hunters drove to the southeastern part of Oroseia. They stopped outside a forest the car could not fit through.

"Sunset Forest?" Aoife asked.

"A perfect hiding spot, isn't it?" Ken asked as the two exited the car, "It would be if you were living alone here."

"So you mean to say…"

"Jurabi must be in this forest somewhere. No one thought to search this place because what are the odds of a person living here?"

"It's the last place you'd think to look."

"Exactly," Ken said as she took out his bow, Fujin, "Be on your guard, Aoife. It's dusk."

"I know," Aoife said, taking out Dust Malika as the two hurried into the forest in hopes of finding Jurabi before night falls.

After thirty minutes of walking, the two happened upon an open area with a lone house.

"What the-?" Aoife asked in confusion, "What's a house doing here?"

"Hm…suspicious if you ask me," Ken said.

"Let's go check it out," Aoife said as she began moving towards the house, but Ken pulled her back.

"Wait," He whispered as he notices a black truck parked near the house, "Looks like something is going on over there."

"That can wait," Aoife said, "Come on."

The two walked up to the front door and examined it from top to bottom.

"Is there really a person living in here?" Aoife asked.

"Ring the doorbell and we'll find out," Ken said.

Aoife turned to the doorbell and pressed without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Jurabi was reading a book inside his living room before he heard the doorbell ring.

The boy perked up, raising an eyebrow, "Huh? Who could that be at this hour?" He asked as he walked towards the door's peephole to see that it was Aoife and Ken. Due to it being slightly dark, he could barely make heads or tails of who the man is but easily identified Aoife, "Who are those two?" The boy thought.

"Hello?" Aoife asked, "We're here to see Jurabi Alisen."

"…Orders from Gerald Achilles," Ken suddenly spoke up.

"Oh!" Shouted a voice from behind the door as it immediately opened up to reveal Jurabi, "Welcome, how can I-"

"JUBI!" Aoife screamed as she jumped up and hugged Jurabi tightly.

"Gah! Hey!" Jurabi screamed in shock.

"JUBI! OH JUBI! BY THE GRACE OF THE GUARDIANS, YOU'RE ALIVE!" The woman screamed as tears began falling from her eyes, "And my goodness have you grown!"

"H-hold on, l-lady," Jurabi struggled to make heads or tails of what was going on, "Please…give me a minute…you're chocking me.

"Aoife, let him go," Ken said.

"NEVER! I'M NEVER LETTING JUBI GO EVER AGAIN!" Aoife shouted, rubbing Jurabi's black hair, "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you in the hospital, Jubi. If I had been there, you would have never-"

"Hold on!" Jurabi shouted, breaking away from Aoife's tight grip, "Who the hell are you two?!"

"Huh?" Aoife asked, her eyebrows raised.

"You…don't know us, Jurabi?" Ken asked.

Upon seeing Ken's dog ear, Jurabi jumped back in surprise, "Wait, your ear! You're a faunus!"

"Yes? I am?"

Jurabi grabbed a nearby chair and held it defensively, "You two weren't sent by Gerald. No way he would allow a faunus anywhere near me!"

"W-wait, Jubi," Aoife called, raising her arms in the air.

"Who the hell is Jubi?" Jurabi asked, "Is that some weird nickname you made for me? Because I don't recall giving you permission to give me a nickname, and a terrible one at that."

"Jubi, what are you talking about?" Aoife asked, "You loved my nickname for you. You thought it was cute."

"C-cute?!" Jurabi asked in utter shock and slight disgust.

"Hm…" Ken silently watched as the two went back and forth.

"Come on, Jubi, enough with the games," Aoife said.

"You took the words right out of my mouth, lady," Jurabi said, "I'll ask again: Who the hell are you two?!"

"Are…you serious?" Aoife asked, "It's me! It's us! Aoife and Ken! I know it's been years, but remember that Christmas party?"

"Christmas party?" Jurabi asked.

"Uh…okay, that's a little too far in the past," Aoife scratched her head before she had a good idea, "Oh! Remember that time you watched Honkai Girl for the first time? I was there with Kenny and we watched it together with your family!"

"…Honkai Girl…?" Jurabi asked.

"No way…don't tell me, Jubi…" Aoife began.

"I've heard quite enough," Jurabi said, "If you two don't leave right now…"

"As much as I would want to figure out what is going on, Jurabi, we have more important things to talk to you about," Ken said.

"Important matters?" Jurabi asked, "What's a faunus have to tell me?"

Ken glared at Jurabi a little, sensing hostility from the boy, "This may be difficult for you to hear, but we came to this place for an investigation into Gerald Achilles. Do you know the man?"

"Gerald?" Jurabi asked, "I do. He's taken care of me for ten years. Why?"

"Ten years…" Aoife repeated, looking at Ken, who nodded.

"We believe Gerald Achilles has turned Alisen Industries into a weapon's company providing high quality weapons to terrorists," Ken explained.

Jurabi's eyes widened, "What?!"

"Yes, we read about it online from a former employee," Aoife said, taking out her phone to show Jurabi the post.

Jurabi's eyes zero'd in on the post on Aoife's phone and he began reading. As he read, he began shaking his head before eventually upon reaching the end, his annoyance started to show, "Preposterous. Not only is the claim of dangerous management decisions false, but assisting terrorists?! The Twilight Syndicate are not terrorists! They're humans who are fighting to combat the Eclipse, the real villains! If Gerald never cared about my dad's company, he would never have helped me when I lost my memory! So don't mouth off about things you clearly have no understanding of!"

"Lost your memory?" Aoife asked.

"It's as I thought," Ken said, "Your memory has become a trainwreck, Jurabi, and I believe Gerald took advantage of that."

"What are you talking about?" Jurabi asked.

"I don't know if you are aware, but the Twilight Syndicate are anything BUT virtuous," Ken said, "If you somehow believe they are the good guys, you're just as brainwashed as the humans who fund them."

"What did you just say?" Jurabi asked, his anger starting to rise.

"Ken…" Aoife whispered.

"This coming from a faunus. Thinking about it now, I think you're an Eclipse spy trying to poison my relationship with Mr. Achilles. If so, then I'll-

"H-hold on, Jubi," Aoife said, getting in between the two, "That's not the case at all. We're just trying to help you."

"Stop calling me that!" Jurabi shouted, "You've done nothing but cause trouble."

"Did you lose your memory?" Aoife asked.

"…I did," Jurabi said, "I guess I let that information out my mouth."

"That's worrisome," Ken said, "What did Gerald tell you about the state of Vastel? Because we believe he may have lied to you about everything."

"Lied to me?!" Jurabi shouted, sending a death glare at Ken, "That's enough. I've heard enough rubbish from you two! For ten years, Gerald has treated me like his own son, praising me for my work, and promising to build a better future for Vastel!" After shouting so loud, Jurabi felt a pain in his head, causing him to wince, "Ngh…If you…continue to ridicule the man I owe my life to, I WILL make you regret it for the rest of your lives!"

"Jubi…" Aoife whispered.

Ken let out a sigh, "He's too far gone. Come on, Aoife. Let's go."

"But…"

"We don't want to cause more trouble for Mr. Alisen."

"Good, and don't come back," Jurabi said.

After putting some distance between themselves and the house, Ken and Aoife sat at a nearby tree out of view.

"I can't believe Jubi doesn't remember us," Aoife said as Ken's attention was somewhere else, "I was there for him when he fell out of the building. He looked so frightened and sad. There must be a mistake here. That can't be the same Jubi we know."

"Wait here, Aoife," Ken said.

"What are you doing, Kenny?" Aoife asked.

She watched her faunus friend walk over to the nearby truck and began putting his hand underneath it. Seconds later, he walked back.

"Let's wait here for a moment," Ken said.

"Wait for what?" Aoife asked.

"If my hunch is right, Jurabi should receive some guests sooner or later. For how long, I'm not entirely sure."

"But it's almost night, Kenny," Aoife said, "We'd have to keep our guard and aura up if we stay here any longer."

"Trust me, I wouldn't put us in this position if I didn't think my hunch was incorrect," Ken said, "So let's just wait."

For the next twenty minutes, the two hunters stood in the bushes in wait. That was when they heard the sounds of a vehicle approaching.

"Kenny, look," Aoife said, pointing at the distant headlights.

"Let's keep our heads down," Ken said as the two ducked behind the bushes.

A black truck passed by them and stopped in front of the house Jurabi was in. From the truck, stepped two men with a star emblem on their chest. Both of them went to the front door and ringed.

"Wait, are those two from the Twilight Syndicate?" Aoife asked.

"The white star symbol," Ken said, "There's no mistaking it."

Jurabi opened the door and greeted the men, "Hello, I take it you're here to pick up the order?"

The men nodded and Jurabi gestured towards the parked truck, "It's all in that truck."

The Twilight men immediately went over to the truck to examine the contents before nodding to each other. They each took a truck and began driving away without another word.

"Tch, those scumbags are up to no good," Aoife said.

"Whatever was in that truck, Jurabi let them have it without a second thought," Ken said.

"I already have a feeling what he gave away: weapons," Aoife said.

"Powerful ones, at that," Ken said as he took out a tracking device, showing a glowing dot moving away from them, "And this is likely not the first time this has happened. Wherever those two are going, that's where we'll find an entire stokehold of weapons."

"A tracker? When did you?" Aoife then realized why Ken examined the truck before: to place a tracking device underneath it where no one would think to look, "Oh!"

"Let's get moving, Aoife. We'll follow them at a five-mile distance."

"Right."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~One Hour Later~~

Ken and Aoife arrived on the outskirts of what looks like an abandoned prison facility. From one glance, they were both able to tell that this was a base of operations for the Twilight Syndicate.

"An abandoned prison," Aoife said.

"No one would think to check this place out," Ken explained, "A perfect place to conduct illegal business."

"Well, it won't stay that way for long." Aoife with a determined expression. "Let's report this to Oroseia Command."

That was when Ken's nose picked up on a strange scent, "Wait…"

"What is it, Kenny? Your nose picking up on something?"

"Yes. Faunus scent." He explained, sniffing the air.

"Faunus? How can there be faunus here?" Aoife asked before the realization hit her, "Unless…"

"This is an abandoned prison facility. It won't take much to make the correct guess," Ken said, pointing towards an unguarded side of the building, "Let's get in through the eastern wall. The scent must be coming out of the prison."

"Meaning there's a way in," Aoife finished.

The two snuck their way around the perimeter of the abandoned prison. They arrived at the old, eastern wall, which has worn down with time. After making their way over it, the two make it to an old ventilation shaft large enough for their bodies to fit. After a quick but silent tug, Ken was able to pull out the entrance and the two began their infiltration.

"Ugh, Kenny…" Aoife whined as they crawled through the shaft, "It's so stuffy in here."

"Endure it, Aoife," Ken ordered, "It shouldn't be long before we get to the other side."

"But…what if there are rats in here?" Aoife asked, starting to shiver, "I think my soul will file for a divorce if one crawled up to me."

"You better not scream," Ken said, "The last thing we need is you raising the alarm."

After a few minutes in the vents, the two hunters eventually reached the other side. With a few sniffs, Ken concluded that there was no one in the area ahead and proceeded to remove the old vent covering as silently as possible. The two hunters were then able to leave the vents to examine the area around them.

"This place feels so ominous," Aoife said.

"That's what you expect from an abandoned ruin," Ken said, "Judging from the state of the vents, I estimate this prison dates back to a hundred years or two."

"Then it would make sense the Twilight Syndicate would make this place their base," Aoife said.

Ken then looked to his right and sniffed the air, "The scent came from this direction. Quietly, now."

"I know, Kenny," Aoife whispered, "Oh Guardians above, let there not be any rats here…"

As the two moved through the upper floors of the prison while avoiding any guards they pass, they eventually reach an open room full of dead computers.

"What could this place be?" Aoife asked.

"Looks to be a control room back then," Ken said, noticing the dead computers from above.

"I'm guessing the scent didn't come from here, so let's-"

"Shh, get down," Ken said as the two crouched down and kept their breathing low.

Three people walked into the control room.

"Those people…" Aoife whispered, "I can't make them out in the dark. Can you smell them, Kenny?"

It only took one sniff for Ken to realize who they were, "Three scents. Two males and a female. But one of the scents…"

"I assume the Alisen boy has finished our order?" Asked a male voice.

"I'm afraid not," Responded another male voice, "He's only managed to finish the design of the weapon you all ordered last month."

"You mean 'The Plasma Whip' he calls it? I would hardly call that a suitable weapon, if you ask me. As for the new order…"

"As I have said before, it may take a while for Jurabi to get started. Perhaps it is my imagination, but I believe the boy is facing what we inventors call 'a slump'."

"A slump?" Asked a female voice, "How is it that an inventor run out of ideas when all they have to do is make weapons?! Need we remind you our schedule cannot afford any further delays? You know what happens when The Voice is left waiting, do you Achilles?"

The man, Gerald Achilles, sighed, "I understand, fully. Rest assured that this is only a temporary set-back. I will fulfill my end of the bargain, so long as the Twilight Syndicate keep theirs."

"Gerald?" Aoife whispered, "If he's here, then that confirms it. He's working with the Twilight Syndicate."

"And it would explain how they were able to run illegal operations like this in secret for this long," Ken whispered.

"You need not remind us, Achilles," Said the male who stepped forward revealing to be a Twilight member who wore special white armor with a red cloak, "Thirty million Hawk Coins will be transferred to your private account when The Voice receives their order. I made sure to put emphasis on the when part."

"Waiting around for the kid to get his spunk won't do us any good," Said the female who was also a Twilight soldier with the same gear as the male, except her cloak was black, "How about I just go to the kid myself and teach him a lesson? Violence is the best teacher, after all."

"Those two…" Ken whispered, "They must be the new Twilight Agents we've been hearing about."

"The ones who are sent by the Twilight leaders to negotiate deals," Aoife whispered, "And if that fails, using force becomes a second option for them."

"Calm yourself," Said the male Twilight Agent to the female agent, "Alisen is our most valuable asset. We need but keep him tangled in Achilles's web of lies in order for our Syndicate to receive powerful weapons."

The female agent shrugged and let out a sigh, "And here I thought I would get the chance to torture him. Perhaps when he's of no use to us?"

"When he's of no use to us."

"When Shmen, you like putting emphasis on the littlest of things."

Gerald let out a little chuckle, "In any case, why don't we have a look at the new design our boy has made for us. It'll certainly be worth your money."

"Fine…I was hoping for a good torturing tool," The female agent said with a smile, "That boy better not have slacked on this."

And so the three left the room.

After waiting for two minutes, the two hunters stood up from their hiding spots above.

Aoife was shaking all over, clenching her fists tightly as she muttered out in a quiet hiss of anger, "Those…those…"

"It's worse than we thought," Ken said, "Not only is Jurabi being used to make weapons for corrupted people, he's not even aware that his usefulness to them is beginning to expire."

"But it's not fair…" Aoife whispered angrily, "The boy lost so much and those monsters…they had the gall kidnap him, lie to him, use him, and then plan to toss him away once they're done with him."

"Aoife…"

"I just can't stand it, Ken." The woman stomped the ground as quietly as she could to not make any noise, "No child should ever be manipulated like this. Especially after they lost everything." She then took in a deep breathed and calmed herself down, "S-sorry…I know this is the worst time and place to lose my composure."

Ken crossed his arms, "You know I'm not good with words of comfort…" He then opened his eyes, "But we will save him, Aoife."

"Ken…" Aoife let out a smile, knowing Ken meant what he said just by looking in his honest eyes.

Ken's attention then turned towards the hallway ahead of the control room, "The smell is down that way. Let's hurry before they find out we're here."

"Got it."

The two hunters make their way through the long hall until they enter an unsettling room.

"Oh no…is this…?" Aoife whispered.

"Now we know why they chose an abandoned prison," Ken said.

The two looked on at the room full of imprisoned faunus, men, women, and child alike. Most of them looked to have been badly beaten or tortured. Some look to even be on the verge of deaths door. What horrified the hutners the most was that some of them were missing a part of their faunus identity, be it their ears or tail.

"Guardians above…" Aoife whispered.

Ken felt his heartrate begin to raise as he unconsciously place his hand on his stub, left ear, "First illegal smuggling of weapons…and now faunus trafficking. There's no mistaking it. Gerald Achilles is in league with the Twilight Syndicate. Combine this with the poor management and shift to weapon manufacturing, it's all clear what his objective has been for the past ten years—no, I think he also planned for Nitorin's death too."

"That's horrible," Aoife whispered but then a concerning question came to her mind, "But…why is Jubi keeping quiet about this? He has no reason to cover this up."

Ken remained silent. His focus was entirely on the faunus who were broken and beaten within an inch of their lives. He clenched his fists before turning to Aoife, "I think we've stayed here long enough. We need to go before we risk being discovered."

Aoife's eyes widened at her friend's suggestion, "We're just going to leave these faunus captives? This isn't right no matter how you look at it."

"Look, I hate it too, Aoife." Ken looked away as he gritted his teeth, "More than you know…but if we try to break them free without any support, we'll have no way to get them out of here."

One glance at Ken's stub ear was enough for Aoife to understand, "Y-You're right. Sorry, Ken, I didn't mean…"

Ken didn't give her a chance to finish as he grabbed her arm and began moving, "You can apologize later. Let's first get out of here."

And so the two hunters left the abandoned prison, knowing all of the dark secrets it held.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~With Jurabi~~

Jurabi was in a deep sleep. He tossed and turned, feeling that in his mind he was troubled by something. That was when he started hearing voices in his head.

"…What is this? A ring?"

"Not just any ordinary ring. It's the same type of wedding ring your mom has."

"W-wedding ring?"

"When you think the time is right, show this to her. I've always strived to make a world where you can live in peace with your family, and I hope with all my heart you will love your wife as much as I love your mother."

Jurabi opened his red eyes and then immediately turned on his lamp as he sat up from his bed, feeling groggy as if he was trying to wake up even though he didn't want to. He let out a sigh as he went to the bathroom to wash his face. Looking in the mirror, he thought something felt off about the way his body looked as parts were showing black spots, but he assumed his eyes were still sleeping and shrugged it off.

"Wedding ring…" Jurabi whispered as a thought crossed his mind, "…Why did he give me a wedding ring of all things?" Thinking about this, Jurabi dried himself and curiously searched for the wedding ring box. Once he found it, he sat down and examined the outside. The boy let out a sigh, "Jurabi…what are you even doing? Dad's gone. There's no point in chasing a ghost." Silence followed before he started remembering his father's words.

"…but I will never change…because I am a father who loves his son and wife dearly."

"…Damnit Dad…" Jurabi muttered as he opened up the wedding ring box and turned it upside down, "Why did you give me this damn thing?! I searched top to bottom but see nothing! You never do this unless there's…" Jurabi's gaze then turned to the ring. He took a closer look at it and saw the following numbers inscribed on the outer edge: 102118129. Jurabi shook his head in frustration, "You couldn't have made this easier, could you, Dad?"

A moment of silence followed before a realization came in, "Wait…" The boy quickly rushed over to his personal computer and began accessing the Alisen Industries website. He entered in Nitorin's username and then got to the numbered password requirement, "102118129."

But the password was denied.

"Not that simple, huh?" Jurabi thought about it for a while, trying to put the pieces together, "Dad gave me the ring…me alone, knowing I would see the numbers. But the numbers didn't work…I have the ring…me…" The boy's eyebrows raised as he looked at the numbers again, "Could this work?" He wondered as he began retyping the password, "10J21u18r1a2b9i."

The password was accepted.

"Yes," Jurabi said, wanting to express excitement, "Ten years and I finally have it: Dad's secrets." He then grabbed his phone and immediately called Gerald's phone. As he waited, Jurabi began looking through his father's files, "All of these projects…so many things he wanted to make." Two files in particular, however, caught his attention, "For Jurabi? Guardian Suit?" He first clicked the 'For Jurabi' file and saw a single note file. After he clicked on it, Jurabi's eyes began reading. His expression shifted from simple to confused, then to perplexed before turning into surprise and then concern.

"Hey, Jurabi!" Gerald's voice called from the other side of Jurabi's phone.

"O-oh! Hey, Mr. Achilles," Jurabi replied in shock as he wasn't paying attention.

"What's the matter? You seem jumpier than a rabbit."

"W-well…I have been struck with a new passion rush so I guess I'm excited to get back to work. It's nothing to worry about."

"Come on, Jurabi, I know you better than that. You don't have to worry about me. I've got things under control with the company."

"S-sure, and I…trust you with it," Jurabi said, slightly hesitant, "I'll uh…let you know if I've made any real progress. So, um, have a nice night."

"Okay, you too. Sleep well, Jurabi," Gerald said.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Meanwhile~~

Gerald hung up the phone and looked towards the two Twilight agents and sighed, "We may have a problem."

"Oooh, I love it when we have problems," The female agent said with an evil smile, "Because I get to solve them brutally!

"If I were to hazard a guess, Mr. Alisen is having problems?" The male agent asked, crossing his arms.

"Hard to say," Gerald explained, "He called me out of the blue and started acting strange. I'm having a gut feeling that the boy has been compromised."

"What makes you think that?"

"He was clearly hiding something from me. I could tell by his tone. It's possible his memories are starting to return."

"In that case, why not dispose of him?" The female agent asked.

"I don't wish to do it so prematurely," Gerald said, "After all, does the Voice need their order? Only Jurabi is able to make it, after all."

"The Voice will understand if it means cutting off a loose end that can lead to our downfall," The male agent said, "Besides, contrary to popular belief, Alisen is not the only genius prodigy in the world. We only needed him because he could get the job done quickly and efficiently."

"But now, his memories might be a problem," The female agent said.

"So we will relocate him here, dispose of him, and move our operations elsewhere before the hunters catch onto our scheme," The male agent explained.

"…Then that means our deal ends?" Gerald asked.

"Not necessarily, Achilles," The male agent said, "We are simply…changing the method in which we get our weapon. The deal still stands so long as you invest in our temporary bases and deals."

"Good to hear," Gerald said with a smile, "Then by all means. Dispose of him. It's about time I fully took over the company with no strings attached. Make sure to leave no evidence."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~With Jurabi~~

Jurabi looked back at the note. It was last edited ten years ago, the week before Nitorin was killed.

"…Dad…" Jurabi whispered, "Your last sentence…Am I…really…?"

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Oroseia City~~

Ken and Aoife went to a café to discuss their next move. While Ken was calm about things, Aoife felt like she was going to explode in anger from having to keep it all in last night.

"Gerald could never be trusted," Aoife said, "All that sweet talk about looking out for the people turned out to be fudging nonsense."

"All of that is simply a mask to hide the darker secret of Alisen Industries," Ken said, sipping on his coffee.

"Nitorin would never allow this to happen to his company. Gerald must have had some involvement in his death. I'm sure of it!"

"I'm afraid we don't have enough information to confirm that, Aoife. The best we can do at the moment is figure out how much of this Jurabi is aware of."

"But what else can we do to talk to him? We can't up and tell him Gerald is behind everything. We can't even convince him the Twilights are terrorists."

"It makes you wonder how much Gerald has hidden from him too. Even if he did know, I doubt it would be easy for him to admit it. As he said: Gerald took him in for ten years and took care of him."

"We don't know how much of that is even true, but it's not outside the realm of reason."

Ken stood up and paid the bill for the coffee, "As much as we'll be turned down, we'll need to talk to Jurabi again."

Aoife shrugged, "If he didn't listen to us the first time, a second try isn't going to be any different. Besides, if we do anything to attract the Twilight Syndicate to us, we may lose our chance to expose Gerald and save those faunus."

"I know, that's why I'm doing a different approach," Ken said as they left the café.

"A different approach?" Aoife asked.

"Nitorin. I've no doubt the man was smart enough to look into this," Ken said, "In fact, I think his snooping played a part in his death. So instead of trying to convince Jurabi, we're going to nudge him into discovering the truth himself."

"Will that even work?" Aoife asked.

"If it doesn't…then we'll have no choice but to include him as a criminal and arrest him," Ken said, "But as I said last night, we are going to save him, Aoife."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~With Jurabi~~

Jurabi was spending his usual morning alone, eating his breakfast. However, this time he began having difficulties. He hesitates to put the food in his mouth and ended up blankly staring into space. The boy couldn't get his mind off what he read on the computer. His breathing became heavy and his vision began to darken, "What's…happening with me…? I feel so…different…"

That was when a bump from above snapped Jurabi back into reality, "What the…?" After hearing the sound again, he figured out it came from the storage room. Upon arrival, he finds Ken trying to pull Aoife in through the window.

"Ugh! Not too hard, Kenny!" Aoife whined.

"I told you not to eat those cinnamon rolls before we came here, Aoife!" Ken shouted.

"But I couldn't resist the sweetness!" Aoife responded as she was pulled in successfully.

"You two again?!" Jurabi asked.

Ken's eyes widened as he looked back at Jurabi, "Crap, he saw us."

"But this is perfect," Aoife said, getting on her feet, "We need to talk to you, Jubi."

"I thought I told you both not to come back again," Jurabi said as he took out his phone.

"Are you sure you want to call Gerald?" Ken asked.

Jurabi's heart-rate increased as he stopped tapping on his phone, "What do you mean by that?"

"We're wondering just how trustful you think Gerald is," Ken said, "Are you aware of the things he's been doing behind your back?"

"Behind my back?" Jurabi asked.

"I'll get straight to the point. We found proof that Gerald is allowing the Twilight Synidicate to hold faunus trafficking rings."

"What?!" Jurabi asked in shock.

"It's true," Aoife said, "We went to an abandoned prison to see so many faunus families in cells. To keep it all hidden, Gerald is using his wealth from the weapons you make for him to let this happen."

Jurabi's mouth opened for a moment before he shook his head, "I see. Another baseless accusation to throw at Mr. Achilles, is it? You two are really starting to push my tolerance."

"They're anything but baseless," Ken retorted, "If you want to see the proof, you'll have to come with us to see for yourself."

"I…" Jurabi's gaze turned away from theirs.

"Jubi, please tell us you knew nothing about this," Aoife pleaded, "You should at least know what happens when a faunus is trapped in a trafficking ring, right?"

Jurabi nodded, "I…do. Their…horns, ears, or tails are removed from their bodies…and sold to the black market. This causes damage to a faunus's pride and will to live…some are not even lucky to survive the process…"

"If you understand that, you should be able to-"

Jurabi sent a glare at Ken, "Do not misunderstand. You told me that Gerald is using my company's money to allow faunus trafficking and is assisting terrorists, but you still haven't proven to me that the Twilight Syndicate are indeed terrorists. And second, you haven't shown me proof that Gerald is aware of the trafficking. For all I know, you're trying to pin the crime on him!"

Aoife's eyes widened as she shouted, "You're still going to defend him? He's going to throw you away too when he's done with you! Don't you realize that, Jubi?!"

"I do…" Jurabi said.

"You do?" Ken asked.

Jurabi remained silent for a moment before continuing, "…He told me as much. That I am…a tool to build weapons for the Twilight Syndicate. If I am late for a deadline, Gerald told me I would disappear just like my father and mother."

"So he threatened you," Ken said.

"Then why are you still helping him, Jubi?!" Aoife asked, "Why help a man like him who wants nothing more than to cause suffering to other faunus's?! He's going to ruin you!"

Jurabi had enough and yelled at her, "What's wrong with a child helping out his mentor?! There are no victims here! Stop pushing your self-righteousness onto me!"

"Jurabi, we are trying to help you," Ken said, "Don't you remember what happened to your father that night? What happened to you ten years ago?" Silence followed from the boy as the faunus continued, "Knowing Gerald, he probably told you a faunus killed your mother too."

Jurabi's body began to shake, "S-shut up! I told you to leave me alone! If you don't…" That was when his phone rang. Jurabi looked at it and saw a text message. After a brief silence, he put the phone away, "Gerald will be coming here soon. If you two are not far away from here until then, I will have him report you to the authorities."

"You're kidding, right?" Aoife asked in shock.

"Far from it," Jurabi said, "You break into my house, spread lies about my mentor, and question my motivations? I don't know who you two think you are, but you hunters have no such authority. I will warn you only once and no more: Get out and stay out."

Silence followed before a small sigh from Ken.

"Let's go, Aoife," Ken said.

"But…" Aoife wanted to refuse.

"He's right," Ken said, "We may be hunters, but we do not have the same authority that police departments do." He then turned to Jurabi, "We're sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Alisen."

Jurabi remained silent as the two hunters turned to leave.

Ken stopped and turned back to look at Jurabi, "But there's one more thing you should know. Your mother is still alive."

Jurabi's eyes widened, "What?! No, you lie!"

"…Am I the liar, or is it Gerald?" Ken said, "Think back to what he told you and determine for yourself. And once you do that, think about how your mother would feel. Would she be proud of the man you are…? If not, then there's nothing more that needs to be said."

Jurabi's silence after that spoke volumes as Ken soon left the house.

Once outside, Aoife punched a nearby tree out of anger, "This is bull! Is there really nothing we can do to help him?!"

"I'm afraid we did all we could," Ken said.

"If only his memories returned…he would realize…" Aoife said.

"But we at least know a few things," Ken began, "Our talk with him confirmed a suspicion of mine. He doesn't know that his mother is currently MIA and I doubt he realizes he's been living in a bubble. The boy is so indebted to Achilles…to the point of it being close to Stockholm syndrome."

"My god…then we definitely have to help him!" Aoife shouted.

"If only we knew how…" Ken whispered. That was when his faunus ear perked up, "Shh, something's coming."

Both hunters ducked under the bushes and saw a black truck arrive at the house. From the truck, the two Twilight agents walked out.

"Those two," Aoife whispered.

"I don't like the looks of this," Ken said, "Those two were seat instead of anyone else. I don't think they're here to negotiate."

The Twilight agents looked at each other and nodded before the male agent knocked on the door.

Jurabi immediately opened the door, "I thought I told you two to leave…" He stopped himself upon seeing the agents, "Oh, I'm sorry. Is there something you need?"

"Apologies for surprising you, Mr. Alisen," Said the male agent, "Mr. Achilles sent us."

"Okay…I'm sorry. I thought you two were these pair of hunters who were here a while ago," Jurabi said.

The agents looked at each other again.

"Is that so?" The male agent asked.

The female smiled as she responded, "Well, Mr. Achilles informed us to help you take care of those pesky hunters, so you have no need to worry."

"Wait, you know about them?" Jurabi asked.

"Yes, Mr. Achilles was beside himself with worry," The male agent said, "He could tell by the last call he had with you that something was distracting you."

"Oh, well tell him that I'm fine," Jurabi said, "It was…early in the morning and I made a little mistake calling him without an update. Speaking of which, is there a reason Mr. Achilles isn't here? He said he would come himself."

The female agent walked closer to Jurabi, "Mr. Achilles is busy with important business, but don't feel bad about being left out."

Before Jurabi could react, the woman threw a black sphere at his face, which exploded in an unknown gas. Jurabi covered his eyes and began coughing as he tried to back away from the cloud of smoke. Suddenly, his legs began giving out and his vision became blurry.

"Wh-what is…this…?" Jurabi coughed as he watched the agents approached him.

"No need to worry, Mr. Alisen," The male agent said with a smile, "It's a simple knockout gas. You'll be moved to a more…suitable working environment."

"Sweet dreams~!" The female agent said as Jurabi lost consciousness.

After watching the boy fall out of consciousness, the female agent turned to her male partner, "Want me to kill the two hunters while we're here?"

"Not yet," The male agent said, "Let's take Alisen first."

"Very well…"

Ken and Aoife watched from the bushes as the two agents took Jurabi's unconscious body and placed him into the truck before driving off.

Aoife's anger was starting to reach it's peak as she tightly gripped Dust Malika.

"Aoife, you're about to do something that will screw up everything," Ken said.

"But…I can't stand by and watch!" Aoife shouted.

"If my intuition is right, those two must be taking him to the prison from yesterday," Ken said, "I think it's best for him to be taken there so he can see the truth with his own eyes."

"Then we better be close behind to save him!" Aoife said as Ken nodded in response.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Unknown Location~~

Jurabi opened his eyes, but he was no longer in his house. Instead, he found himself at what looked to be the backyard of a house.

"Where am I now?" Jurabi asked as he looked around. It didn't take long until he saw someone sitting on a nearby bench. Upon closer inspection, he recognize who that was, "Is that…me?"

Jurabi walked up to himself, who was much younger than he is now. The young Jurabi was crying and had his hand over his forehead which was dripping out blood.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jurabi asked, but there was no response, "I don't remember having a wound like this when I was young. When did this…?"

"I'm back, Jurabi~!" A familiar voice called.

Jurabi's eyes widened as he turned around to see his mother walking into the backyard, "Mom!" He shouted, but Dana past right through his body as if he wasn't there, "Wha…?"

Dana sat down on the bench with her young son, "Now, let's have a look."

The young Jurabi silently removed his hand, showing a gash on his forehead.

"Goodness…that is a nasty wound," Dana said as she gathered the bandages, "Let's get it patched up."

The young Jurabi was silent, still sniffing as his mother dressed his wounds. He kept wincing in pain as she covered the wound with a bandage.

"There we go," Dana said, "What happened to make this wound appear on your forehead."

"I-I already told you…" Jurabi whispered, "I…tripped while running."

That lie won't work, young man," Dana said, "Unless your head connected to something slightly sharp during the fall, I don't believe a wound like this would appear. I think something hit you on this head…something fast."

"…A rock…"

"A rock?" Dana's eyes widened.

"Yes…three faunus kids at school threw rocks at me saying…" Jurabi choked up as he continued, "…saying they were glad Daddy was…dead…One of them threw a rock at me and then…everything went dark."

"Goodness…" Dana whispered.

"When I woke up, I saw my teacher. She told me the faunus ran away from me, calling me a monster, so I was told to go home early." Jurabi explained.

"A monster?"

"I didn't do anything, Mommy!" Jurabi shouted, "I didn't hurt them or anything…at least I don't remember…"

"I believe you, Jurabi," Dana said, "I can never imagine you hurting someone. As for those bullies, they were horrible to tell you that about your dad."

"Mommy…are all faunus like that?" Jurabi asked.

Dana remained silent. She was surprised the boy asked a question like that, but couldn't say it wasn't possible either.

"All this time, I thought it was just the adult faunus who hated my daddy…but now…I think even the kids hated him," Jurabi continued as tears fell from his cheeks, "Ever since daddy's death…their brought their hate to me. I get called names, I get stared at by my classmates, and I always end up eating alone. When will they stop hating me?! When can I be a normal boy again?! All I want…is to be left alone…and…and yet…"

Dana gave her crying son a warm hug and said in a soft voice, "Jurabi, I'm so sorry this is happening to you when you are so young."

"I just don't understand…why does it have to be like this?" Jurabi asked, burying himself into his mother's chest, "Why do people have to hate each other?! Doesn't it make them sad? Why keep doing it?"

"I wish I could answer those questions, Jurabi, but even I do not know," Dana said, rubbing her son's back, "Our world…isn't in the best shape right now. Our relationship with faunus is a little…on edge."

"On edge?" Jurabi asked.

"You will understand when you're older," Dana said.

"…You always say that," Jurabi muttered.

"I know…perhaps I've been protecting you for far too long," Dana said, "Maybe you are ready to learn."

"Learn what?" Jurabi asked.

"About the darkness of our world," Dana said, "It's earlier than your dad and I hoped, but I need you to listen to what I am about to say and always take this to heart, Jurabi. Promise?"

"I-I promise…" Jurabi whispered.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Abandoned Prison~~

Jurabi's eyes opened up again. This time he was inside an old prison cell. His hands were tied behind his back as were his legs and he could barely move an inch.

"Up an at 'em, sunshine~!" Cheered a familiar voice, "Took you a bit to wake up. I was getting bored watching you sleep."

Jurabi looked up and saw the two Twilight agents from across his cell.

"You two!" He shouted angrily, "What did you do to me?! Where am I?!"

"Relax…you're getting worked up so early!" The female agent said with an evil smile, "Save the mental breakdown for later, okay? You're in an old prison run by your own partners."

"Partners?" Jurabi asked, "You mean, you both are…"

"Hehe, that's right. You're inside a Twilight Syndicate base."

"I would call it a temporary base, if you asked me," Said the male Twilight agent, "Apologies for the abrupt transportation, Mr. Alisen."

"What do you want with me? Why am I even in this cell?" Jurabi asked.

"Again, I express my apologies. We are under orders to keep you locked up as you have been exposed to troublesome hunters. Once we have eliminated these hunters, you may return to your work, Mr. Alisen."

"Well, you sound more reasonable, at least. But I want to talk to Gerald first."

"Achilles is too busy, right now," Said the female agent, "So pipe down, be a good boy, and wait.

"We will return shortly. Do not cause any trouble, Mr. Alisen." Said the male agent as the two walked away from the cell.

"…Damnit…" Jurabi growled as he tried to get himself out of his binds, but nothing worked. He felt an ominous feeling in his gut as he sensed negative emotions all around him. He then started feeling pain in his head as he started losing consciousness again.

"What is…happening to me…?" He whispered as he black out.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Unknown Location~~

Jurabi opened his eyes again, but this time he found himself in an office.

"This place…Dad's office," Jurabi said. He looked over at the desk and saw his younger version sleeping on the work desk. Jurabi's eyes softened, "Thinking back, a kid like me should never have to bear this much responsibility at such an age. If only…"

That was when a woman passed by and approached the sleeping young boy. "Who…?" Jurabi found the woman familiar but he couldn't find it in himself to remember who she was.

The white-haired girl placed a warm blanket over the young, sleeping Jurabi. Before she could leave, the little boy woke up and grabbed the girl's arm.

"Alice?" He asked.

The girl named Alice looked back and smiled, "Look at you, Jurabi. A young boy like you shouldn't be going two days without sleep."

"I'm sorry…I had to get these documents signed off. Plus I was…" Jurabi stretched his arms and let out a loud yawn, "…scheduled for an inspection on the auxiliary line."

"That was two hours ago, Jurabi," Alice said.

"Oh…" Jurabi whispered, trying his hardest not to nod off, "I dozed off for too long. Well, I should probably go apologize to the workers."

"No need. I already conducted the inspection and gave the workers their needed breaks." Alice said, flipping through her notebook.

"But I was…"

"I also made sure to check on employee morale to ensure that the workers are happy with their jobs. Then I conducted interviews for ten applicants who seem most fit to join Alisen Industries," She explained, placing a clipboard on the desk, "All who qualify and met our company's standards are pending your approval."

"I see," Jurabi said, "I appreciate how hard you're working for me, but those were my responsibilities as CEO. The workers will think less of me if I wasn't able to show up to an inspection."

Alice placed a finger on Jurabi's forehead, "None of that now, mister. You're a tired young man who's taking far more than you have any business handling."

"…But…"

"If this is because of those faunus protests in Staneia and Sokkitia, ignore them. They've done nothing but slander you and your good father's names, and they will continue to do so until they get what they want."

"Even so…I can't help but feel there is some truth in what they are saying," Jurabi said, looking out the window to look at the city lights, "That they don't want the help of a human company to keep themselves safe."

Alice didn't say a word as she sat down next to Jurabi to listen.

"I just don't get it, Alice," Jurabi shook his head, "Why don't faunus want our help? My daddy wanted everyone to be safe from the Grimm, but they still hated him even after he passed. Their kids also hate me, which is why I got this wound." He finished, pointing at his bandage, "I just…I don't know if I will ever understand. I thought the world was going to be a happy place when daddy was alive…but I now know that even if he was still alive, the world he wished for would never come."

"Jurabi…" Alice whispered as she hugged Jurabi, "It's an unfortunate truth to learn, but it is the reality of our world. There are people in…my race who despise humanity so much they refuse help from them. Some faunus would rather die to a Grimm than live with the shame of being saved by a human. It's the same for humans too. Our world is full of hatred, and no one seems to know how to stop it."

Jurabi bit his lips and clenched his fists, "But that's not the world my daddy wanted. He gave up so much…just so we could have a chance to make things right."

"A chance we lost, unfortunately," Alice said as Jurabi remained silent.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Abandoned Prison~~

"Jubi!" Shouted a voice, "Jubi! Can you hear me?!"

Jurabi felt a smack on his cheek, causing him to wake up from his dream, "Ugh…wha…?" His vision became clear and he saw in front of him, Aoife's worried expression with Ken right behind her, "You…"

"Thank goodness," Aoife breathed a sigh of relief, "We were really scared when those Twilight's kidnapped you."

"Can you walk, Jurabi?" Ken asked, undoing his bonds, "We need to get moving soon before the guards take notice."

"Y-yeah…I think I can…but…"

"What is it?" Aoife asked.

"I'm sorry…" Jurabi placed a hand on his head, "My head is still throbbing…and this place…"

"Yeah, this is the place we told you about," Aoife said, "It's where he conducts illegal selling of your company's weapons to the Twilight Syndicate to further their terrorist acts."

Jurabi glared at Aoife, "Even now, you're still trying to…?!"

Aoife stomped her feet, "No! You have to listen to us, Jurabi! I don't know what kind of man Gerald fooled you into thinking he is, but he was never a kind guardian! Even your father was weary of him!"

"That's…not true!" Jurabi shouted, "Gerald was my father's best friend!"

"Then tell us," Ken said, "What kind of best friend takes all the benefits of their loved one's death? Not to mention that he conducted your transportation from Oroseia hospital to a place where only he had eyes and ears on your every move. Then he proceeded to change everything about your father's company, driving off the dedicated workers who stood for what your father believed in."

"I…" Jurabi couldn't find the words to counter what the faunus was telling him.

"You have to remember, Jurabi," Aoife said, holding both his hands into hers, "Please. Think carefully. Was there any indication at all that your father may not have trusted Gerald like you thought?"

Jurabi went silent as he went into deep thought, but he couldn't come up with an answer before Ken's ear perked up.

"Footsteps," Ken said, "They're moving fast too. We have to move now."

"Right," Aoife said, turning to Jurabi, "Sorry, Jubi, but you're coming with us whether you like it or not."

"No…you're right," Jurabi said, standing up.

"Hm?" Aofie asked.

"My father…didn't trust Gerald," Nitorin said, "I managed to access his private files…and I found…his last letter."

"Nitorin's letter?" Ken asked before the footsteps grew louder, "We can talk about that later. Hurry."

"R-right," Jurabi said as he stumbled a little, "I'm sorry. I'm still a little woozy…"

Aoife immediately held onto Jurabi's hand, "Don't worry. I'm here now, Jubi."

That was when something in Jurabi sparked a little. He looked closer at Aoife as they ran through the hallway.

"…Aoife…" He whispered.

Eventually, the three arrived at the room where they found the faunus trapped in cells.

"This place…" Jurabi said.

"The faunus trafficking we were talking about. But those poor faunus's are all gone." Aoife said.

"That's not good. They must have relocated them over night." Ken said with a growl.

"They were all here? The women and children too?" Jurabi asked.

"Yes. I saw children isolated from their parents, crying until their tears ran out." Aoife explained.

Silence followed from Jurabi afterwards.

"We can't do anything for them now, but once we get out of here, we'll contact HQ to send in reinforcements," Ken said.

And so the three continued on until they run into a room full of weapons with the logo of Alisen Industries on them.

"These weapons…they're all from my company," Jurabi said, "I made some of these…"

"Surprised? This is what Gerald has been doing behind your back," Ken explained, "Looks like they first paint over the logo and then distribute the weapons to the terrorists."

"Then the tragedy of Hellavese…" Jurabi whispered.

"Don't beat yourself over this, Jubi. You didn't know about any of this, did you?" Aoife asked.

"No…I didn't…" Jurabi said.

That was when they heard the alarm.

"Shit, they discovered Jurabi's empty cell," Ken said, "Let's hurry!"

Jurabi stared at the weapons and his eyes turned to the ground, "…Mom…Dad…Alice…I…"

The three continued on until they reached the entrance Aoife and Ken used to infiltrate the old priosn. However, to their surprise, the entrance to the vents was sealed off.

"Fudge! That was our way out!" Aoife shouted.

"They must have discovered it while we were breaking Jurabi out," Ken said.

"Indeed we did, you pesky hunters," Spoke a familiar voice.

The three turned around and saw Gerald with the two Twilight agents along with a sizable force of Twilight Syndicate soldiers.

"Gerald…" Jurabi whispered.

"Heh, you call us pesky? Nothing is peskier than a group of people scheming behind the scenes like snakes, right Gerald?" Aoife asked, taking out Dust Malika.

"I would watch that mouth of yours, lady," Gerald said, "You're in our base of operation—a place where, should anything unfortunate happen to you, no one will think to check."

"So that's why you kidnapped Jurabi a second time," Ken said, taking out Fujin, "You knew we would come here to save him!"

The female Twilight agent giggled, "Hehe, not a bad plan, is it? Stick your nose where it has no business being for too long and you'll find yourself without a head!"

Jurabi's breathing began to accelerate the more he looked at the sight before him.

Gerald noticed Jurabi behind them and smiled, "Jurabi, my boy. What an awkward set of circumstances for you to be here. I apologize if these two were too rough with you."

"I saw it all, Gerald. The weapons…the cells…" Jurabi said.

"Unfortunate. I did not expect for those two to show you everything, but this was inevitable, I suppose," Gerald said with a shrug.

"This…this is all one big lie, isn't it…? You didn't have any involvement in this…did you?" Jurabi asked, feeling as if his heart was being torn to pieces.

"How boring," The female Twilight agent said, "He's still trying to cling onto whatever naïve imagination he's had of you, Achilles."

"I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all," Said the male Twilight agent.

"Hehe, it's true, Jurabi," Gerald said, "Me acting in your father's place as a 'loving mentor' was nothing more than an act."

Jurabi's eyes widened, "But…I don't understand. You had my father's company at your fingertips. What would you have to gain out of selling weapons to…criminals? And if that is true, then why allow faunus trafficking?! This…this can't really be you…I…I can't believe you would do all this, Gerald!"

Gerald let out a sigh and shook his head, "For an intelligent prodigy, you sure are slow, Jurabi. Don't you see yet? There's only ONE reason I did all of this: Money! Lot's of it!"

"Wh-what?!"

"Let me see…How do I explain it in words a Grimm would understand? You, Jurabi, build new weapons. I, Gerald, sell new weapons to the Twilight Syndicate. The Twilight Syndicate give me money for both weapons and this facility to keep their faunus hostages. All of this hidden under my wealth and influential power. Understand now?"

"N-no…no that can't be…" Jurabi's voice began to weaken as his heart had completely shattered.

"Of course, you wouldn't understand, boy," Gerald said with a smile, "Your head was always focused on your inventions to even recognize how a simple business transaction functions. Your father was no different. I offered to sell his project blueprints to the black market to further boost his wealth, but the man declined, saying some crap about how he cared more about creating the projects himself than allowing others to do it for him. For all we know, the man would not live long enough to finish everything. What a wasteful decision from him. If he had taken the money, he would have more than enough to finish his work AND provide you your future, Jurabi. So ask yourself, Jurabi. Am I truly the one who betrayed you?"

Aoife sent a death glare at Gerald, "Tch, you keep going on about 'money this, money that'. It's no wonder Rinny didn't trust you!"

"You're supposed to be an honest business man," Ken said, "Aren't you ashamed of conducting secret transactions and illegal trafficking for profit?!"

"As if the two of you can understand anything about business," Gerald said, "There are only two goals in mind when it comes to being a businessman: Money and fame! To that end, you helped me greatly, Jurabi."

"How pathetic," Ken said, looking at Jurabi, "This is the man who took care of you, Jurabi."

"But…what about the people who believed in you and Dad?" Jurabi asked, "What about the company's goal of a better future for everyone?!"

"That worthless drivel?" Gerald asked as he chuckled, "You're a fool to believe a better future is waiting for anyone in this abandoned world! What separates the strong from the weak is the will to trample on those who stand in your way, even if they are poor, defenseless faunus children."

"If Rinny were here, he would have knocked your teeth straight out of your body for saying that!" Aoife growled, "Perhaps I should do that for him!"

"To think…I was under the care of this…this…wretched man!" Jurabi said as his heart break was beginning to be replaced with anger.

"You thought I took you in out of the goodness in my heart?" Gerald asked, "Your amnesia was an excellent boon in helping me manipulate you, Jurabi. After all, it's much easier to steal the futures of broken children who can't fight back."

"…So it was true."

"Livestock are killed for their hid and meat! This is no different, you fool."

"I'm growing tired of this, old man," The female Twilight agent said, stretching her arms, "You've already made your point, so let's just kill them already!"

"It won't be difficult to make three bodies disappear in the public eye," The male Twilight agent said, "Perhaps we should do enough to make them think a Beowolf did them in."

"Whatever you two choose, so long as there is no evidence of our involvement," Gerald said, turning to Jurabi, "It's a shame I must throw you away, Jurabi. You were such a talented young man, like your father."

Silence followed, until…

"…You are unforgivable." Jurabi growled.

"What's that?" Gerald asked.

Jurabi sent Gerald a death glare as his anger started reaching the boiling point, "It doesn't matter who you are, I won't forgive you!"

Gerald let out a smirk as he laughed at the boy, "So, you'll repay ten years of my protection money with ingratitude? No matter. Your life insurance will cover at least 70% of that money. Dispose of them."

As the soldiers began to approach the three, Aoife and Ken went into a fighting stance.

"Stay behind me, Jubi," Aoife said, "We'll figure out a way to get you out of here."

"Stay behind me…" Jurabi whispered.

"Hm?" Aoife asked.

"That's…what Dad told me…when faced down with his killer," Jurabi said, remembering the vivid image, "He truly loved me. He wanted me to live in a world where only bright futures can thrive…not darkness and despair. But in the end, I allowed myself to be used to create torment upon the innocent and cause suffering every day of my life…"

"Jubi…" Aoife whispered.

Jurabi clenched his fists as his memories began flooding back to him. Everything was becoming more clear. Who really loved him, who really wanted to use him, who really hates him, and above all, what his true goal is.

XxxxxxxxxX

"I just don't understand…why does it have to be like this?" Jurabi asked, burying himself into his mother's chest, "Why do people have to hate each other?! Doesn't it make them sad? Why keep doing it?"

"I wish I could answer those questions, Jurabi, but even I do not know," Dana said, rubbing her son's back, "Our world…isn't in the best shape right now. Our relationship with faunus is a little…on edge."

"On edge?" Jurabi asked.

"You will understand when you're older," Dana said.

"…You always say that," Jurabi muttered.

"I know…perhaps I've been protecting you for far too long," Dana said, "Maybe you are ready to learn."

"Learn what?" Jurabi asked.

"About the darkness of our world," Dana said, "It's earlier than your dad and I hoped, but I need you to listen to what I am about to say and always take this to heart, Jurabi. Promise?"

"I-I promise…" Jurabi whispered.

Dana went silent before she looked up at the clear, blue sky, "…Hatred and love, go hand-in-hand. It's impossible to have one without the other."

"What do you mean?" Jurabi asked.

"The children who threw rocks at you didn't do it because they were born bearing hate for you and your dad. They have hatred because of three reasons. One: They hate whatever it is that is harmful to those they love. Two: The people they loved betrayed them and thus they bear hatred for them. And Three: which is likely for the children, they are taught to hate specific people by the ones they love, their parents."

"…So…the love Daddy gave…does that mean…?"

Dana nodded, "Your dad hated the Grimm, because the Grimm can take us, the people he loves, away from him. He didn't want to lose us, thus his desire to wipe them out from our world. Hatred isn't as simple as people want to believe. Anyone can bear it in their hearts, even you."

"So anyone can have hate in them," Jurabi said, not sure whether it's a good or bad sign.

Dana turned to her son, "More than just that. How dangerous love and hatred are depends on how much of both you give. Love too much and hate too little, and you risk being manipulated. Love too little and hate too much, you end up alone and bitter. Love and hate for the wrong reasons and you lose everything. But when you find it—that right time to show love and the right time to express hate. That is how you will have conquered the darkness eating away at world and its people."

"To show hate and love…at the right time?" Jurabi asked, turning away from her, "…I…I don't know if I can."

Dana placed a hand on her son's cheek and moved his head so that his eyes were looking into hers, "It's okay to think that at your age, Jurabi. But whether you're ready or not will be irrelevant once you're in the position to such a challenge head on. Because being ready won't be on your mind…it will be your desire to protect what you love from what your heart hates." She then kisses Jurabi on his bandaged forehead, "You will know when the time is right."

XxxxxxxxxX

"I just don't get it, Alice," Jurabi shook his head, "Why don't faunus want our help? My daddy wanted everyone to be safe from the Grimm, but they still hated him even after he passed. Their kids also hate me, which is why I got this wound." He finished, pointing at his bandage, "I just…I don't know if I will ever understand. I thought the world was going to be a happy place when daddy was alive…but I now know that even if he was still alive, the world he wished for would never come."

"Jurabi…" Alice whispered as she hugged Jurabi, "It's an unfortunate truth to learn, but it is the reality of our world. There are people in…my race who despise humanity so much they refuse help from them. Some faunus would rather die to a Grimm than live with the shame of being saved by a human. It's the same for humans too. Our world is full of hatred, and no one seems to know how to stop it."

Jurabi bit his lips and clenched his fists, "But that's not the world my daddy wanted. He gave up so much…just so we could have a chance to make things right."

"A chance we lost, unfortunately," Alice said as Jurabi remained silent.

"…No," Jurabi said, "I don't think we did."

"What makes you say that?" Alice asked curiously.

"Before he died, I remember something Dad said that never really made sense to me all this time," Jurabi said.

"Tch, all talk, but your failures speak louder than your words. Project Therion is nothing but a distant memory now. You wasted those lives for nothing."

"...Hehehe...you are wrong.

"What did you say?"

"Project...Therion isn't dead…I should...have realized sooner…Project Therion did succeed...in a way even I could not imagine..."

"He said that Project Therion succeeded," Jurabi explained, "I didn't know why he would say that with such confidence, but then I started to realize…"

"Realize what?" Alice asked.

"That Project Therion…" Jurabi stared at his hand, "…is probably in his files still. We just need to find it!"

Alice tilted her head in confusion, "We already knew that, Jurabi."

"Sorry…" Jurabi said, rubbing his head, "I was trying to lighten up my mood. I wish I could smile at the confused look on your face."

Alice shook her head as she karate chopped Jurabi on the head, "Enough games, Jurabi. You still have those documents to sign."

"Of course. Could you also get my suit ready? My meeting rehearsal will start in an hour," Jurabi said.

"Already on it," Alice said.

"Thanks a lot, Alice," Jurabi said as he watched Alice leave the office. Jurabi then looked back at his hand, "Yes…Project Therion did succeed. Just not in the way Daddy wished, but there's still a chance for our future. Because I, Jurabi Alisen…"

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Present Time~~

Jurabi took in a deep breath, "The truth really is stranger than fiction, isn't it?"

"Jubi?" Aoife asked.

"I wanted to believe that everything was a dream. Dad's death, Alice's sacrifice, the hatred between faunus and humanity, and the reality of the world I adored. I had clouded my vision for so long, because the pain was too much to bear."

Ken remained silent as he watched the young boy come to a realization. He was hoping this would be the turning point for him.

Gerald raised an eyebrow, "What are you prattling on about? A final prayer before you die?"

Jurabi closed his eyes, "I'm not praying Gerald. I had come to a realization. I allowed my eyes to be blinded by hatred—the hatred that you, Gerald, implanted onto me. I hated because I thought the person I loved betrayed me. I hated because the person I loved was taken away from me. And now I realize I hated…because I was taught to by someone I loved." Suddenly, he opened his eyes but they changed. They turned black and his red irises began to glow, "BUT NO MORE!"

A sudden surge of wind began gushing from Jurabi, causing everyone to stumble back.

"What…is this…?" Gerald asked.

"This energy…" Ken whispered.

"Could it be…?"

Jurabi began to stand on his own two feet, "You want to know what I hate now, Gerald? It's not the faunus's anymore. I never hated them! Right now, I hate the world you believe in! A world where people betray each other for the sake of money and fame! My dad loved the future he wanted to bring to our world. One full of happiness and trust instead of fear and regret! So did I! And so…I will do everything in my power to protect that world from people like you!"

"Look, his body!" A Twilight soldier shouted, watching Jurabi's skin turn black.

"I-it's…changing…?!"

Jurabi's body became enveloped in darkness. Eventually, the boy stepped out of the darkness. His outfit had changed into a suit with white shoulder pads and a black texture and a red crystal at the center. In his right hand was a black sword with a red outline.

"No way…Jurabi…you've…" Gerald whispered.

"It's as I thought," Ken said.

"Jubi…you must be…" Aoife whispered.

Jurabi closed his eyes again, remembering the note he saw on the computer. He could hear his father's voice through that letter…the letter that changed everything for him.

"Jurabi. I don't know how much time I have left. No matter what happens to me or to you, do not trust these files to anyone. Especially not Gerald, for he is an agent of the Twilight Syndicate. He will stop at nothing to manipulate and destroy you. Do not let that happen. If he comes after you, my new invention, the Guardian Suit, will keep you safe. You will need to create it first, but I believe in you. Jurabi, know that I am so proud of you and love you with all my heart. You are my precious son…and you are also the greatest success I have ever had the honor of raising. Please, Jurabi…I beg of you… Use your powers as the first ever human-zenith Grimm to save Vastel, no, all of Reigal from the darkness. From the Grimm to the Twilight Syndicate all the way to the Eclipse."

"Prepare yourself, Gerald, members of the Twilight Syndicate," Jurabi said as he prepared himself for battle, "I, Jurabi Alisen, will bring you all to answer for your crimes! THAT IS MY DUTY…AS THE BEARER OF PROJECT THERION…GIVEN TO ME BY MY CREATOR…NITORIN ALISEN!

"Only you can do this, for you are my greatest creation…"

"…Project Therion. Jurabi Therion. Vastel's Guardian. My precious son."

~Nitorin Alisen.


Jurabi: BOOM! I'm back, guys! And a Happy New Years, depending on where you all live. Here's to a good 2022 and hopefully this year will see some big progress with this story. Now before I had planned on the last chapter being the final one for the prologue, but I'm leaning more towards this next chapter being the end. Sometimes, I underestimate I much I have to right, lol.

So sorry for how long this took. As you could see, writing these things out took a lot of time, especially during Christmas. I made sure to spend time with my family, so don't worry about me.

Anyways, guys, I hope you enjoy this chapter! If you did, please let me know in the reviews and leave a favorite and a follow and also join me on my own discord server to have a nice chat. Thank you very much for reading. See you next chapter~!

Discord: (h) (t) (t) (p) (s) : / / discord . gg / yds39Vc