Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Hey guys! Sorry for the long delay. Turns out I got the flu and was put on bed rest for quite a few days... weeks... annoyingly so. I am still recovering but am mostly back in working order. I apologize for any further delays that may come on account of my lack of time and having to catch up on a multitude of tasks before the end of next month. Hopefully I will be able to get a chapter or two out to you guys every 8-10 days or so. Enjoy!

"Speech"

Thoughts

Chapter Eight: Dream Of Apocalypse

Slade's eyes shot open looking around frantically, as he tried to figure out where he was. The ground was black and dead with wilted plants and trees covering the area, there were several bullheads and Atlas transports that lie frozen in time as some exploded or crashed into the earth. The moon was blood red, looking down at his scroll it read "11:00 AM" the sun has gone out he concluded fearfully.

"Where the hell am I?" he wondered aloud.

"You're within the confines of your own consciousness, you're currently unconscious back in reality but do not fear, you're safe" the woman from his visions explained as she approached him from behind.

"You!" Slade turned to face her as she looked up at the moon above them.

"I have always loved the moon" she mused to herself.

"I won't allow you to control me, I'm stronger than your slaves" Slade growled, referring to Hunter and Cole.

"Yes, I feel it" she grinned placing her hands behind her back "I no longer require a slave"

"Then why are you here?" Slade asked annoyed.

"You cannot wield the darkness as so many of your adversaries could and you do not wield the light as Ozpin does, yet you triumph over powers far greater. You have earned my respect, I followed you here so we might speak undisturbed" she explained.

"You don't seem like the same lunatic I fought against with my parents" Slade admitted.

"I am... and am not. Change overtakes us all in the end" she explained.

"Change? Have you finally decided to stop being bad and become a good person or something?" he asked mockingly.

"You mistake my intentions, I have evolved past light and dark, good and evil. I do things because they must be done, not because of some blind sense of morality. One day, you will too" she answered turning to walk away, Slade followed close behind her. She stopped as she reached the top of a nearby hill overlooking some type of battle.

"Your Team SHDW... they aspired to your example but are merely... shadows as it were" Slade looked forward and saw his teammates fighting off Grimm as she pointed to Dusk "The foolish idealist" Then to Willow "the glory-seeking gunman" Finally onto Hazel "The charming tactician" she finished "You no longer require them in your presence. You've grown beyond them"

"They're my friends. I'll never leave them"

"They have already passed from this world, you must let them go"

"Are you insulting my friends for a reason?" Slade asked annoyed by her attitude.

"You have always been far more than a mere Huntsman, evolve past this foolish notion of yours and become something greater" she explained.

"I'll never betray my friends, my heart isn't as black as yours" Slade said before rushing off toward his teammates, he arrived quicker than expected as the ground between them seemed farther than it actually was. Upon arrival he found the three of them lying dead on the ground with not a single Grimm in sight.

"This is the path of a Huntsman" she told as she appeared yet again "Why do you force yourself to hold onto them? They always clung to you like leeches clinging to a predator"

"They're my friends" Slade answered "Being a Huntsman isn't about a life of glory or reward, it's about keeping those who cannot protect themselves safe from people like you"

"You have unlimited power to change reality. Choose to become something greater than you are now"

"Nonsense repeated does not become truth" Slade replied turning back toward her.

She disappeared as her laugh echoed, the ground broke out from under Slade causing him to fall until he found stable footing once more. Looking around he took in the sight of the burning city of Vale and Beacon in the distance.

"Your high council will not save you, Slade. It is a cradle of corruption. I never understood how you could serve politicians" her voice echoed.

"I defend peace and justice, protecting the innocent from harm" Slade answered.

"Yet they squander your sacrifice. Why continue to help? What do you hope to achieve?" she asked appearing in front of him.

"It's never been about me" Slade answered crossing his arms over his chest.

"Perhaps it should be" she shook her head in annoyance "You Huntsmen cultivate detachment from politics and government and yet you lay down your lives to protect places like this"

"The knowledge and cultures of our kingdoms gather in places like this. They're worth defending" Slade argued.

"They would not return that favor. They will shun you when it comes time to blame someone for the destruction of their cowardly lives"

"That won't be happening" he growled.

"Ozpin, Qrow, they're just like everyone else in your life that has failed you. They see you as a blunt instrument that can easily be cast aside.

"Now you're just being hurtful"

"Pain brings clarity, embrace it. You have spent your entire life as a Huntsman in training taking orders from the likes of cowardly politicians, such a waste of time"

"I protect people from scumbags like you, I wont ever have any regrets about that"

"Your kingdoms are an empty ideal, it's people will never appreciate your service"

"I don't fight for praise or medals, I fight because no one else will if I don't"

"You deserve better than empty gestures"

"Stand aside, I wont be swayed from the path I have chosen"

"I will not allow you to follow blindly"

"You're slow on the uptake, allow me to spell it out for you. Leave. Me. Alone"

"I offer help, you seek shelter you do not need"

"I never chose to come here, you brought me. Why?"

she laughed "You control more than you know. I merely follow your lead. There is greatness in you that cannot be denied. You are a far superior leader than any of your headmaster's or generals"

"If what you say is true about my friends, then I am not a superior leader. Leader's keep their people safe, I have only failed to do that. I am not one of your slaves, you cannot tempt me with power"

"You already possess all the power you require. What you lack is focus. Cast aside this pathetic attempt at a grand society and create something-"

"Greater, yeah you've been saying that a lot. I wont bother explaining democracy to a monster like you"

"I am no monster, and democracy is overrated" she turned away from Slade and faced the burning structures "This place is not worth saving any more than the others, the world has a greater purpose"

"If you think we're joining forces you're insane"

"Am I?" she asked with a smile.

Qrow and Ozpin suddenly appeared behind Slade, forcing him onto his knees without even touching him "What is this? What's happening?"

"You see the truth" she answered turning around "You failed to complete your mission and your teammates are dead, they need someone to blame"

"I know I failed them, but I won't allow fear to take hold of me"

"They do not care about your fear or lack of it"

"I will not succumb to you"

"Then allow me to help you" she raised her hand toward Ozpin and Qrow killing them instantly with tendrils of darkness erupting from her hand and piercing their bodies painfully. Slade was suddenly able to stand again as the weight holding him down lifted.

"No" he turned to see them.

"No authority but your own. No obligation but to yourself. Do not be afraid, admit how good it feels. True freedom"

"Professor Ozpin is the heart of the Huntsman's entire structure, I could never strike him down nor could I harm Qrow. They've both been good to me"

"You refuse to admit your truth. So be it" she sighed.

"These visions... are they real? Will Vale fall? Ozpin and Qrow?"

"What does it matter?" Salem asked.

"Can I stop it from coming true?"

"Stop concerning yourself with their fates and concern yourself with your own"

"They matter to me" Slade replied "I cannot just cast them aside so easily"

"I never said anything about it being easy, but it must be done"

"What do you want!?" Slade yelled enraged "Why do you force me to endure you endless prattling? Let me go!"

"I have done nothing to you but speak the truth and I do not hold you here. However what it is I seek is your liberation... with your help the things I can accomplish are vastly greater than what I have currently available to me"

"You need me to accomplish your goals?" Slade asked surprised "I knew you wanted something but that's a bit more than I expected"

"Do not mistake me, I can accomplish my ambitions without you but they would come to fruition much more quickly with you at my side" she explained.

The area around them suddenly started shifting, light breaking through the broken sky around them "What's happening?" Slade asked.

"You're awakening, I have told you everything I could and answered all of your questions, debating your course through life. But now it seems our time together is over, it is up to you to decide your path... I hope you make the right choice" she finished disappearing from his vision.

"Wait!" he called "What's your name?" he asked hoping she could still hear him as his vision was blinded by the light burning away his surroundings.

Her laugh could be heard echoing in his ears "Salem" she answered

Slade's eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the light of the room he was currently in. Looking around he notice he was connected to several machines keeping track of his vital signs. The nurse nearby walked over with a needle in hand never even looking at him as she did.

"Alright, Mr. Stroud. I know this isn't your favorite part but we're gonna have to-"

"What're you doing?" Slade asked causing her to jump back at the sound of his voice covering her mouth as she almost screamed.

"You're awake?" she asked in shock "You're awake! D-doctor!" she yelled quickly rushing out of the room.

Slade began pulling the medical instruments attached to him off or out as he stood from the bed, nearly falling over with his first step. The nurse returned with a doctor in tow to find the room empty

"Where'd he go?" the doctor asked.

"I don't know, he was right there" the nurse answered.

"Find him" the doctor ordered "I will call his emergency contacts"

Slade had used his Semblance to pass through the walls and floors in search of his equipment, upon arriving in a room filled with junk he found what appeared to be his revolver. Picking it up he found his armor and gauntlets close by, quickly changing out of the hospital gown into his usual attire he continued to use his Semblance to leave. Upon reaching the front doors he quickly exited the building finding Qrow to be right in front of him with his scroll in hand.

"What do you mean he-" Qrow stopped upon seeing Slade in front of him "Nevermind, I found him"

"What? What do you mean you- " Qrow hung up the call and sighed.

"First day awake and you're already causing trouble"

"Sorry, I don't like hospitals" Slade shrugged.

"I'm glad to see you're awake" Qrow smiled lightly.

"Where's my teammates? Are they alright?' Slade asked hopeful.

Qrow's smile disappeared and was replaced with a deep frown "I'm sorry, kid. They... didn't make it"

Slade remained silent, his eyes wide in shock "I think I'm gonna be sick" he dropped onto his knees "I failed them" he fought to hold back tears as his mind raced, his initial anger being replaced by an overwhelming feeling of sorrow.

"You did everything you could, no one could've done more for them with what you faced"

"Things went pretty badly after they ambushed me" Slade sighed "I suppose Professor Ozpin would want me to report back to him"

"More than likely, yes. I was actually hoping to be somewhere else today but I wanted to come check up on you first, guess I made the right call" he laughed.

"What do you mean by somewhere else? Was something important going on today?" Slade asked.

"I'll tell you about it on the way, I've got a lot of information to cover since you've been unconscious for almost a year now" Qrow answered leading him toward a nearby bullhead he had arrived in.

Slade stopped dead in his tracks "Year?" Slade asked shocked.

"Yeah, you've been gone some time. Even missed your graduation" Qrow sighed "Ozpin could tell you more but I am leaving that up to him" they entered the Bullhead "Take me to Beacon" he called to the pilot.

"You've got it" she called back.

Slade and Qrow both sat down, an uncomfortable silence between them "They've been buried?" Slade asked.

"Yeah, their families took care of that... they... they blame you for what happened to them"

"They should, I was the one in charge of the mission. The responsibility falls on me"

"Oz could've sent another team but he sent you, responsibility lies with him just as much as you if not more"

"I don't want to argue who's fault it was... I just want to get my life back on track"

"We'll help you do that if you need it. I'm sure Ozpin will agree"

"I suppose we'll find out wont we" Slade sighed "You seemed rather excited to be somewhere else, Qrow. Something going on I don't know about?" he asked.

"Yeah, both my nieces are coming to Beacon today. It's their first day"

"Both? I thought one was a few years behind"

"She is" Qrow chuckled "Yang is at the right age and Ruby had the same thing you did, she's only fifteen and Ozpin granted her entrance into the school this year"

"Just like he did with me. Now I understand" Slade chuckled "I can find my way to Ozpin's office myself once we arrive, you can-"

"No, no, no. I am not turning you loose so easily, my nieces will understand" he laughed.

"Alright then" Slade chuckled lightly as Qrow took a swig from his flask.

They arrived in Ozpin's office as the elevator door opened to reveal Ozpin looking over a datapad with great interest.

"Oz" Qrow greeted.

"Qrow, I wasn't expecting to see you back so quickly-" he stopped as he caught sight of Slade dropping the datapad onto his desk in shock.

"Professor" he nodded respectfully.

"Slade... you're awake" he stood from his desk with a small smile "I'm delighted to see you well"

"It's good to see you too, Ozpin"

"Does he-" Ozpin asked looking to Qrow.

"I've already filled him in on that, he knows about his teammates and how long he's been unconscious" he explained.

"Ah" he sat back down in his chair "I'm sorry, Slade. I wish I had done more-"

"You can't blame yourself for not knowing their capabilities. They hid it very well"

"Yes, well enough to deceive two of their own teammates from their true natures the whole time"

"Yeah" Slade sighed "I understand I missed my graduation"

"You did indeed, unfortunately you also failed your mission so normally you would've failed your test and not graduated at all"

"Oz-" Qrow started.

"However considering the rare and unusual circumstances surrounding your mission I will be overlooking that and allowing you to be formally considered a full fledged Huntsman if you so desire"

"What about the licensing exam?"

"We'd wave that if you wish and allow you to get your license without taking the exam. I believe you've earned your place among our ranks already. You could always decline and take the exam instead for old time sake. Do either of those options appeal to you?"

"Perhaps, but I have some things I would like to clear up first"

"Such as?" Ozpin asked.

"While I was unconscious I had dreams, visions even that were much more real than I would've liked"

"Explain"

Slade remained silent as he collected his thoughts, he took a deep breath before continuing "Salem spoke to me"

"You know her name?" Qrow asked surprised.

"She told it to me, she also argued and debated with me for quite some time. One year according to Qrow" he sighed "I refused to believe anything she said but at some point Salem started making sense... it scares me more than anything right now that she could be right"

"That's why you're reluctant to accept the title of Huntsman" Ozpin concluded, understanding "You don't want to side with anyone until you know for sure you're on the right side"

"I was hoping you could assuage my concerns and convince me I am on the right side" Slade confirmed.

"Well then, allow me to tell you the full truth of myself, Salem, and the war we've been having for centuries"

"Centuries?" Slade asked confused.

"I will explain" Ozpin assured him "Qrow, you may leave if you wish. This may take some time"

"Yeah" he sighed "Call if you need me" he turned and left down the elevator leaving the two of them alone.

They sat in silence for a moment as Ozpin collected his thoughts, standing up from his desk he walked around to stand in front of Slade "Before humanity existed there were two gods, brothers to be exact. They each wanted something different than the other, one created and one destroyed. No matter what one created the other created something to counteract it. That's how the creatures of Grimm came to exist, but at some point they put aside their differences and agreed to create one thing together. One thing that was perfectly balanced between creation and destruction, their creation is what we now call humanity" he explained.

"We were created by two gods waring against each other as a peace offering?" he asked.

"That's certainly one way of looking at it" he chuckled "All of humanity was granted four gifts. Relics by the gods that created us. Choice, Knowledge, Creation and Destruction. Salem and I were born long afterward, she and I were close for sometime but... Salem succumbed to darkness and put the kingdoms you know today to war through deceit and manipulation. I was charged by these gods to destroy Salem and bring peace to the world just before they left... I failed. Not long afterward humanity began to lose it's natural powers considered magic now, instead possessing Semblances like Qrow and yourself. The Faunus began turning up not long afterward, though I am uncertain as to their true origin"

"This all sounds like it was a long time ago, how could you both still be alive?" Slade asked curiously.

"The gods cursed me to reincarnate into another body after every death to try again and again. Breaking the curse upon me requires Salem to be defeated... as of yet I haven't found a way to permanently destroy Salem. Salem's immortal and cannot die from aging like everyone else" he explained.

"I cannot fault you for that, I understand defeating someone as powerful as her must be extremely difficult" he sighed "What more is there?"

"I granted my power to four woman to assist me in defeating Salem once they had proved themselves to me. They took the titles of Maidens for themselves and decided to each take a season as their individual titles. Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall. Apparently as I was cursed so too was my power, when they died their power was passed on to someone else but it worked differently than my own reincarnations. The last person they thought of was the one who inherited their power, for whatever reason it seems to be restricted to women only"

"This... is a lot to take in" Slade admitted crossing his arms over his chest.

"I know, I understand you're hesitance" Ozpin sighed "There's more to the story than that though"

"Did you know Salem was behind the disappearances near Foxworth?" Slade asked moving toward one of the windows overlooking the courtyard.

"I suspected but I didn't have any concrete proof-"

"You don't need to beat around the bush with me. Did you know?" he asked turning his head back to face him.

"I... yes. Even if it was someone else, I knew Salem would be behind it in some manner or another but I didn't know what exactly she was doing" he explained.

"What about the attack plans for the town Malachite stumbled onto? Did he really stumble onto them or was it intentional?" Slade asked turning around fully.

"I informed your parents of some information indicating some of Salem's followers had been using that cave as an outpost for some time. I asked them to investigate and they sent your brother instead, I still do not know why but I suspect it had to do with his rather unique semblance for tracking people. This was possibly also why the decided to never leave you alone again as they were afraid of losing you" he answered truthfully.

"Hunter and Cole... how long did you know they were with her?"

"Two years, I wanted to know what Salem's plan was... unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to do that so I waited and watched. Please don't blame Qrow, he didn't know about any of that" he pleaded "It was my decision to send you after them without backup, I never would've guessed they were as powerful as they were. I am truly sorry about what happened to the rest of your team"

"Without backup?" Slade asked confused "What about Qrow? Wasn't he coming to help us?"

"Of course, but he didn't leave with you like he should've. I should've sent him with you instead of sending him along behind you"

Slade's hands closed into fists as he struggled to keep his anger under control "Do you know who the woman under the hood is? The one who caused my dream of Salem and was responsible for implementing the plans that led to the deaths of my family-" Slade stopped as he came to a realization.

"No, I have no idea who she is but she's clearly a powerful follower of Salem or she wouldn't trust her to continue so many times after so many failures" he answered as he stood up straight, cautious of his growing rage.

"I can't believe you've been lying to me all of these years" Slade growled turning away from him.

"You were just a child" Ozpin pointed out "I know I should've been more upfront with you about your mission but I didn't know they were going to be that powerful or that your mission would go sideways so fast. I had Qrow on his way in case you needed assistance and trusted you all to be cautious and had faith in your abilities, I didn't know they were waiting for you"

Slade shook his head as he walked toward the elevator but stopped after a few steps, he lifted his hand up shaking his finger lightly "Just tell me one thing" he turned to face Ozpin "Why did Elise get kidnapped with the other three Huntresses?" he asked.

Ozpin remained silent as he realized his train of thought "I don't know" he answered "I told you the truth when I told you she was sent to find the other Huntresses that had been captured, I assume it was for another summoning ritual like in Foxworth only a year prior"

"You know what I'm thinking?" Slade asked looking absolutely enraged.

"I have no clue" he lied as his hand hovered over his cane on the desk behind him.

"You son of a bitch you're dead!" Slade yelled pulling his revolver and firing it at him, Ozpin used his cane to deflect the bullet easily. Slade fired several more bullets forcing Ozpin to deflect them as he stepped closer with each shot. Using his gauntlet blade, he swung for his face as Ozpin ducked back away from the strike, spinning gracefully away from Slade.

"Slade, please stop this. I don't want to hurt you" he pleaded.

"Tell the truth!"

"Talk to me, Slade. I do not wish to fight you"

"Then tell me, why Elise was captured"

"I have been around for countless centuries, Slade. I do not make decisions based upon what I feel is right, I make decisions based on my experience. And I have a lot of it"

"Stop tiptoeing around the question" Slade growled as he circled Ozpin with his revolver in hand.

"I offered Elise a choice and she accepted" Ozpin relented.

"You made her into one of the Maidens didn't you?" Slade asked his anger increasing.

"I merely made her aware of the opportunity and explained to her everything she needed to know. I never kept anything from her-"

"Yet she's dead. You sent her after the other Maidens!"

"I didn't!" Ozpin yelled back "Elise chose to go after them and got captured on her own. I didn't even know who was responsible or where to start searching but she went off anyway"

Slade remained motionless, gauging whether or not to believe him "Why did you keep this from me for so long? You let me think I was the one responsible for her death. That if I had waited and allowed Qrow and Glynda to rescue her instead of me she'd still be alive"

"I didn't think you were ready to know about Salem and the Maidens, about me. You were still so young"

"Yeah, well you see how well that went" he shook his head in annoyance "How do I even know you're still not keeping things from me? How do I know what you've told me is the truth and not just more lies like Salem's words? How do I know she's lying and not telling the truth?"

"Slade-"

"No, Ozpin... I'm done" Slade placed his revolver into his holster sheathing his blade back into his gauntlet and turned to leave.

"Slade, please-"

"Goodbye, Ozpin" the elevator doors opened to reveal Glynda.

"Professor-" she stopped upon seeing Slade "Mr. Stroud, I'm so glad to see you-" she stopped once more as he passed her without a word, the elevator doors closed and he descended the tower "-Well" she finished to herself "Professor, what just happened?"

"I told Slade everything" Ozpin sighed "He didn't take it well... he's leaving"

"Leaving?"

"I need to talk to him, get him to see he's already on the right side before Salem does"

"You need to give your speech in the auditorium. Your students are waiting"

"I-"

"No, Professor. You cannot duck out of this because he's upset. Send Qrow to speak with him and catch up after your speech. Those students can't know about what just happened here" she lectured gesturing to the bullet holes in the walls from Ozpin deflecting Slade's attack.

"Fine" Ozpin relented with a sigh "Let's do this quickly then"

Slade had already left the city of Vale behind him, he had left everything he didn't have on him for it didn't matter to him anymore. He knew he had more than enough money stashed away to get him through the next few months at least in his accounts. Slade aimlessly followed the path leading away from the city not truly knowing where he was going or what he was doing. Looking up as he noticed a familiar presence he found Qrow leaning against a nearby tree watching him approach.

"Hey, kid" he greeted.

Slade stopped just before passing him "What do you want?" he asked.

"Oz, said you were done being a Huntsman"

"I am"

"Why?"

"He didn't tell you?"

"He did... I'm asking you why"

"I cannot continue to fight for a man who doesn't even trust me enough to tell me the truth. Someone who would willingly send people I care about off to their deaths when he could do it just fine and come back if he died... Elise died because she was a Maiden, if she hadn't been, she wouldn't have needed to die over being captured"

"Are you planning on joining Salem?" Qrow asked concerned "I really don't want to have to fight you, kid"

"I have no plans on joining her insanity, I don't want anything to do with this war anymore. Too many people I care about have died because of it... and the only ones left I care for are still fighting it"

"Then what do you plan to do?" Qrow asked cocking his eyebrow curiously.

"Keep walking until I figure something out" he answered as he passed Qrow.

"Can you really walk away, knowing everything that you know now?" Qrow asked stepping onto the path looking to Slade as he walked away.

Slade stopped once more "Why couldn't Ozpin just say that to me? Why did he just lie about it?" he asked "Why couldn't he just trust me?" Slade asked turning back toward him slightly.

"Ozpin has been through a lot in his war against Salem. Unfortunately that war has left him with trust issues, he's very cautious when it comes to placing his trust in people around him. Even me, after all I have done to help him, he hasn't told me everything"

"You know I used to believe... that what we do is important. No matter what the cost, no matter who we lost. Whether it was Dad or Malachite or..." he paused as tears began to form in his eyes, he wiped them away quickly "And I would take the hit, but I kept on fighting. Because I believed... even through Mom and Elise, and now Willow, Dusk and Hazel are gone I just... I don't know... I don't know"

"So now you don't believe anymore" Qrow concluded with a deep sigh.

"Qrow!" Ozpin called arriving behind him.

"Oz" Qrow greeted.

Slade turned to glare at Ozpin "Why couldn't you trust me, Ozpin?"

"I... I didn't think it was the right time for you to know. You'd been through so much already and there was too much weighing on you to do that to you"

"Finally" Slade said holding his arms out from his sides "Some damned honesty"

"Please, Slade. I know I've made mistakes but I am doing the best that I can-"

"Don't give me that shit" he growled "I came to Beacon because I needed someone to show me my place in this confusing world. Well... I suppose I found that much, but not in who I expected it from"

"You plan to join Salem" Ozpin concluded as a stray tear fell from his face.

"No, though she is responsible for me finally seeing the truth. I suspected you were hiding things from me for quite sometime now, but I trusted you enough to blindly follow even when I questioned everything you said and did I never doubted your intentions. I still don't" he shook his head in disappointment turning away from them "But I am done blindly following orders. From now on I am going to question everything, and choose what I believe" he continued walking away from them "Goodbye"

"What do you plan to do?" Ozpin asked as he got farther and farther from them.

"Choose" he answered without turning to face them.

"Dammit" Ozpin growled "I screwed up again, just like with Raven"

"Don't compare Slade and Raven. Slade's not going to become a criminal like she is, he cares about people too much"

"I hope you're right... for all of our sakes"

That's all for now! I know it was short and all, but it was all I could manage in the past few days given most of this was already written when I became bedridden. Thank you all for your patience, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Stay tuned for more!