Chapter 6 – Bloodstained Memories

Salem

Her hand was clenched into a tight fist, and her eyes stared out across the broken land of Evernight. Grimm roared endlessly around her as she stood before the Valley of Darkness. The Shattered Moon watched over the land, and Salem slowly stared at it with a furious glare, her eyes burning with a red glow. She turned and walked past the Seer of which she used to communicate with the Black Gallows soldiers when Ruby attacked.

She was still seething from Ruby still managing to escape and vanish without a trace. Adam was there as well, sat at the huge table on his chair of bone and wood. So were Emerald and Mercury, who were stood by the door, but they soon left. Salem approached her chair, and she clasped her hands together. "It seems Miss Rose proves to be our greatest adversary." Salem sighed with frustration.

"The hell is taking the rest of them so long to get here?" Adam huffed, looking at the door that Emerald and Mercury just left through.

"They are all in different continents right now. Give them time… they will get here. And besides… we are still waiting on Icarus and Killian's report from Cinder's Farmstead." Salem explained, she was more patient than Adam was, that was certain. However even she seemed to be pacing as well, her fists tightly clenched as she walked.

A child… a child has managed to best me time and again.

I should have tried to contact Valravn Branwen, to make a deal with him when we had the chance.

Adam sighed, but then the Seer softly started to croak as it floated over to Salem. She turned and held her hands behind her back as the face of Icarus formed inside of the Seer's dome. "Icarus… do you have something to report?" Salem asked him as she looked at him.

"I do. Killian is putting together a more detailed one, but he asked me to let you know as soon as possible." Icarus explained.

"And what have you learned? Do the reports have merit?" Salem asked and Icarus nodded his head.

"I saw her. It was Pyrrha Nikos, without question. Hiding in Salem's Farmstead, she was looking through the window when Killian and the Ace Ops were speaking with Cinder. She is alive… somehow." Icarus explained, sounding utterly baffled at this truth. Adam stared at Salem with a wide eye, also looking at the Seer as he heard this information. The Children of Salem were undoubtedly going to have one hell of a meeting to discuss what to do next after what has happened in the last few hours.

"Your Grace? What is our next move?" Icarus inquired; Salem pondered that question.

"Return to Evernight, Icarus. When Killian has finished his report he will follow. I am already waiting on Hazel, Watts and Tyrian to return. We have much to discuss." Salem explained, and Icarus nodded his head.

"By your word, Your Grace." Icarus assured, and the connection between the two Seers was severed. Most likely the one Killian had aboard the Shadow of Broken Promises. Salem walked away from the Seer as it returned to the corner of the room, where her Fourteen Praetorian Knights were stood. Monstra was resting on the ground outside of Evernight in the Valley of Darkness, dwarfing every other Grimm for miles around. Salem remained quiet as she walked to her Throne, sitting down and clasping her hands together once more.

"Pyrrha Nikos? I could have sworn she died… I know she did, I saw her body. She was impaled on a bunch of steel rods." Adam explained, and Salem nodded her head.

"Indeed she was. Pyrrha Nikos was resurrected." Salem stated, recognising it all too well.

"How is that even possible?" Adam asked with confusion.

"Such a power… I have only seen it once before…" Salem softly said, shuddering as she remembered the voice of the Brother od Darkness. But her eyes glowed with anger, tensing her hands together. Adam leant back into his chair.

"Six years… and she returns now? It doesn't make any sense." Adam stated.

"No… I wonder what it is they are planning…" Salem said once more. Adam then looked at Salem and he grabbed Wilt and Blush.

"Your Grace, allow me to go and find out the truth in your name. To go to Cinder's Farm and bring your punishment down upon her for breaking her word. I will bring Pyrrha to you so you can find out the truth for yourself." Adam spoke as he stood up from his chair, but Salem stared directly at him as she held her hands together.

"No." Salem bluntly answered.

"Huh?" Adam asked.

"No, you will not. Cinder Fall may have lied to Killian, but she will not keep Pyrrha safe for long. She is afraid, and once she knows that I know she is keeping her there, she will give her up in an instant. She may already be thinking about getting rid of her now that Killian came here. There is no need for a slaughter when we can retrieve Pyrrha Nikos with words." Salem explained, which made Adam scoff.

"Now you're all about doing things without bloodshed? The Inhumane Necessity showed otherwise." Adam stated.

"The Inhumane Necessity was unfortunate, and Killian tried to remove the U.G.R and the Headmasters without any further bloodshed. I was in full support of his plans, but the world and those children – alongside those corrupt bureaucrats – made a peaceful shift of power impossible. I do not enjoy unnecessary bloodshed, only bloodshed that is necessary for the survival of our world and its people. Otherwise we have unbridled chaos… I have seen what that kind of chaos looks like… and I do not wish to see it again. Not under my leadership." Salem explained as she stared Adam down, always remaining calm despite his very apparent disrespect towards her.

"But she lied and is keeping someone of interest to you from your grasp. A direct violation of the deal she made with you. How can you possibly let that slide?" Adam questioned.

"I am not – I just told you. Cinder will give her up, probably already working on tying the bow on our little present." Salem explained. "And besides, bringing your Feral Ones alongside a large contingent of Grimm to a lonely farmstead and burning it to the ground? What will the people of Vale think then? They will panic, and that is something I do not want. I want our Kingdom to flourish, soon everyone will grow accustomed to this way of living… slaughtering innocents with my creations throws all that out the window." Adam rolled his eye and paced away from Salem. "I have not dismissed you."

He stopped where he stood, his Grimm Hooves paused in movement, scraping across the floor. Salem glared at him with burning red eyes. "Sit. Down." She coldly spoke, sounding like a mother about to discipline their child. Adam felt his heart begin to hammer and he walked past the Knights who stood in the shadows, watching his every move. Adam walked towards his seat and he sat back down, looking at Salem as she leant forward with her hands still clasped together. "Do you think me a fool, Adam?" Salem asked him.

"I-I'm… sorry?" Adam stammered.

"You heard what I said – remember… I do not like repeating myself." Salem assured with glowing red eyes.

"N-No… I don't, Your Grace." He answered, sounding more and more nervous.

"Then why did you just try to manipulate me so then you can try and kill Blake Belladonna?" Salem asked him, seeing straight through him. He stared at her. "Hasn't the girl suffered enough? You took her eyes, took her lover from her and she has also lost the entire life she once lived. What more can you possibly want to take from her?"

"It's not enough. She needs to pay for what she did to me." Adam growled, which made Salem roll her red eyes.

"And what has she done to you? Walked away from the life you tried to force her into? A life where you wanted to slaughter anybody who didn't see things your way?" Salem asked him curiously. "If anything, I think Blake is more deserving for vengeance against you, than you against her."

"I cannot sleep at night because of her. Because she still has air in her lungs. Because you will not hold your end of the bargain!" He yelled, but Salem's eyes glowed red and he felt a cold metal hand grasp his shoulder so hard that it forced him back down into his seat. The Knight stepped back into the shadows afterwards.

"Careful… remember your place, Adam Taurus." She warned. "Do not try and place your desires above my own. You crave Vengeance, like most of your Brethren do… just as I do. And believe me, I know how much the hunger for revenge can eat away at you… but you let this hunger control you, instead of motivate you." Salem explained, and Adam looked back at her.

She then stood up and walked around Adam, standing right behind him as she gently held his shoulder. Yet despite her gentle pressure on his shoulder – it felt like it was a burning sensation.

"So you are going to hear me… and you will do as I say. You will not attack Cinder's Farm… and only when the Eclipse Falls will you get the revenge I promised you. Is. That. Clear?" Salem asked him, and he winced with fear, bowing his head.

"Yes… yes… Your Grace…" Adam stammered. "I understand."

Salem stared down him, and she released him, walking back to the window and looking out at the Valley of Darkness where Monstra was sat.

"Dismissed."

Adam

He walked alone, leaving the Throne Room of Evernight.

Stood by one of the rooms were Emerald and Mercury, talking indistinctly, but they both stopped when they saw Adam leaving. He glared at them and walked towards the two of them. "And what might you two be talking about? Something you don't want us to hear about?" Adam softly asked as he stared the two of them down. "Something against our plans?"

"No… no…" Emerald assured as she shook her head.

"Then why is there sweat beading from your skin?" He viciously barked, suddenly drawing his sword at her, but Mercury stood in front of her with fury in his eyes.

"Back off, you bastard." Mercury snarled, glaring Adam down. The Berserk Faunus stared straight back at him; teeth gritted together.

"You think I don't know? The two of you are planning to turn on us? I should cut you down where you stand." Adam growled, Mercury scoffed, smirking at Adam.

"I doubt you even know what's going on in your own head. You deluded piece of shit. Now get the hell out of my face before I teach you a lesson." Mercury threatened as he cracked his knuckles. Adam kept Wilt and Blush pointed forward, and he even imagined it. Running the sword right through Mercury's ribs and cutting Emerald's throat open. But he shoved the thoughts back and he rammed his sword back into the scabbard, walking away from the two of them.

Mercury watched as he walked away with his fists clenched, narrowed grey eyes. Emerald had her hands close to Thief's Respite, ready to use them if she had to. She looked at Mercury and he gently touched her shoulder. "C'mon, let's go."

"That guy's losing it. Hell… he makes Tyrian look sane. At least Tyrian knows he is crazy, unlike him… he's a ticking time bomb." Emerald stated, whilst Adam kept walking, hearing their voices softly talking about him. He forced his door open to his room in the Castle, and he slammed it shut behind him. He pressed his head against it, wincing as he smacked his horned head against it with anger. He paced back and forth in his room, then he threw his sword across the floor.

He started to sweat, panting repeatedly, like he could not breathe in his own skin. He scratched the black hide that made his false legs, feeling where the Faunus ones used to be, replaced by those Grimm Monstrosities. He whimpered, every now and then he started to freak out whenever he saw the legs that Sun blew off with his shotguns.

"Useless… pointless… failure…" He heard her voice echoing in the back of his head. He turned and saw her stood in the darkness, glowing amber eyes and long jet-black hair. She emerged from the shadows as she looked at him with a smile, gently running her finger across his cheek. "What is the point in you living?" The Hallucination of Blake asked him, and he shook his head with distress.

"GO AWAY!" He screamed, shaking his head.

He stumbled to the wall, and he started to smack his head against it, creating large bruises on his forehead. He saw her arms loop around his shoulders, and she whispered into his ear. "You couldn't even kill me… and now you are nothing but Salem's bitch." Blake whispered, and Adam swung around but she was gone.

"I'm gonna kill you… so slowly…" Adam growled as he staggered towards the mirror. He grabbed the sink, and he tightened his grip, looking into the mirror again. She caressed his cheek and kissed his cheek as she stood there. Her skin pale and fangs replacing her canines.

"Promises, promises… but like always… you just disappoint…" Blake whispered, Adam's obsession over Blake was getting worse and worse. Even starting to think that she was the abusive one, and that she ruined his life.

It was pathetic.

"That's all you are… a disappointment…"

Adam roared, and he punched the mirror so hard that it shattered, lodging shards of glass into his knuckles. Blood oozed from his burning wounds, and he growled as he yanked them out, seeing the claret cover his closed fist. "… disappointment…"

Adam suddenly felt Wilt and Blush in his hand, and he drove it down into her neck and shoulder, forcing Blake down onto her shoulder. Blood poured from her wound and her mouth as she smiled uncharacteristically at him. "I will kill you… but first I will make you suffer. Gonna make you beg to die… or even better… to beg for my forgiveness…" Adam snarled, he then took the sword and started to hack away at her throat, over and over again as he screamed, until in his head, she was beheaded.

Stood outside… Emerald could hear Adam losing his mind, smashing his sword against the ground repeatedly, just the sound of his screams and that clang of the blade repeating.

She shuddered, able to sense how he was falling apart.

The sword was left lodged in the ground, despite there being nothing to strike. He collapsed to his knees, then he opened his eyes, staring at the carved words on the wall.

BLAKE! KILL BLAKE! DIE BLAKE! SUFFER! TORTURE! KILL! KILL! KILL!

He grabbed Wilt and Blush on the floor, and he grasped it tight, a mad grin formed across his face.

Dutch

The Shadow of Broken Promises was hovering high in the sky.

Dutch stood at the Bridge; Killian still was unaware of who he really was – the Man in the Mask. He saw the world from up here… and it was noticeably clear how bad things had become. He could see entire areas of what was once farmland shrouded by a cloud of darkness where the Tar Pits had been formed, constantly pumping out Grimm to patrol the roads and the cities.

There was no city, nor town or even village, where there were no Grimm whatsoever. Salem could see everything now; she was a God to these people. And the Black Gallows were her Messengers.

Dutch stared with sadness in his eyes. This isn't right… this is not how things should be…

He turned as the door to the elevator opened, and Killian walked across the Bridge towards the large view that Dutch was previously enjoying on his own. "She was there. Icarus just confirmed it." Killian told Dutch, showing him the picture of Pyrrha looking through the window when the Commander was speaking to Cinder. The Ace Ops stood with Killian, and Clover walked around the room with his arms behind his back.

"How… how is this even possible? We went down there, saw her body. She was dead… has been for the last six years." Dutch stated.

"I have no idea… perhaps we really should have buried her like you suggested." Killian stated, and Dutch sighed, handing the picture back to him. Dutch looked at the landscape.

"What does Salem want to do with this situation? Kill her, I presume? Like the rest of the poor Huntsmen and Huntresses that have been slaughtered?" Dutch asked, and Killian shoved the picture back into his pocket.

"It still bugging you?" Killian asked.

"Bugging? It was slaughter – you can't expect me to ever just… accept it. What happened? The U.G.R… the Academies? All of it? It was nothing short of monstrous." Dutch explained, and Killian nodded his head.

"I tried to do things the peaceful way, that was the whole point of the Vytal Consensus. To allow for a peaceful transition of power without there being any slaughter. And it nearly worked… if not for the U.G.R getting cold feet at the very end. For those damn Rogues forcing my hand." Killian growled with anger.

"You cannot seriously still pin the blame of what happened on the victims, can you?" Dutch judged.

"I…"

"Don't bother answering that question… I already know the answer." Dutch sighed, shaking his head. Killian gently touched his friend's shoulder.

"Hey… you're not doubting me are you? Please tell me you still trust me… everyone else giving me those looks is one thing… but you're one of the few people I trust. Please don't tell me you see me the same way…" Killian begged, and Dutch exhaled through his nose. "I need you strong, Dutch… my brother."

"I'm trying." Dutch admitted. "I will never forget what you did for me all those years ago… it's why I have always been loyal… even before we became friends."

Killian nodded his head. "I know you don't like working with Salem, believe me I do… but things are better now."

"Better? How is this better? Look around, Nathan." Dutch stated, raising his hand to the dark clouds that polluted the air in different areas of once lush farmland. Now dead, blackened with monsters patrolling the landscape.

"Crime rates are down, Faunus are no longer racially discriminated against, everyone is treated equally, no more Political Corruption. In comparison to what was… it is leagues ahead the past." Killian explained.

"Maybe… but at what cost? How many innocents died so then the rest of us could have this future?" Dutch asked him. "Do you even know how many?"

Killian stayed quiet. "There it is again… the silence."

Killian looked at Dutch and he sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Look, man… I've gotta get this report in order and go and see Salem. She wants to know about this whole situation with Pyrrha… I should get moving. You should go home, man. Get some rest." Killian said.

"And what about you? You're not looking too hot these days… and I have seen the flask you try and hide in your pocket. How much sleep do you even get these days?" Dutch asked him.

"I get my due." Killian assured.

"Somehow… I doubt that." Dutch stated, walking away from him. Killian looked back at his friend who walked away from him.

It felt like everyone was walking away from him these days.

And who could blame them, after everything he had done?

Dutch approached his personal Black Gallows Airship that was docked inside of the Hanger of the Shadow of Broken Promises. He opened the cockpit and sat down as he started to get the engines warmed up. He looked across at the soldiers who were loading some of the crates from the different supply ships that turned up. He sighed, seeing how some of them looked more machine than human now, cybernetics had advanced massively over the past six years. That was yet another massive change in the culture since Pyrrha died, now that Watts had an unlimited budget thanks to taking the riches of Jacques Schnee and Vance Ackerman, he managed to advance the cybernetics and robotics industry leaps and bounds ahead of what was.

Some people… some soldiers… were more machine than organic now. Especially in the Black Gallows, which just made them even harder to take down. But these cybernetics were everywhere as well, in the streets being sold to those who need it. Even Yang's arm was based off some of the things that Watts managed to come up with.

Dutch fired up the engines, and the Wasp took off swiftly. He flew for a few hours before he returned back to his home, landing in the clearing next to his isolated home. The wings folded backwards as it descended, and he walked down the ramp towards it. He passed by the letterbox which was already emptied by the people who were sharing the house with him. He unlocked the door and walked in, suddenly met by the blade of Joanna's Staff.

"Yes it's me – Victor Tango Charlie Kiss My Ass Hot Chocolate." Dutch rolled his eyes, having to repeat that ridiculous passcode over and over ever single time he opened the door. "Fi did you really have to make that such a weird combination of words?"

"Heh, it works, doesn't it?" Fiona asked, laid across the couch, watching the news on the television.

For the past six years, he had been giving the Happy Huntresses Shelter, completely for free as well. May was already making them some dinner in the kitchen, she smiled at him as he walked in through the door. Then he saw Robyn, recently out of the shower and back in her Huntress gear. That was when he noticed… all of them were in their Happy Huntresses' Gear. "Hey. Dutch." Robyn said with a smile.

"Were you guys planning sneak out before I got back?" Dutch asked as he put his keys down on the counter.

"No, we wanted to let you know. And to have… one last dinner together." Robyn assured with a smile.

"I am gonna miss you gals. It's been nice having people in the house again, I could rarely ever stay here before you all stayed with me here." Dutch admitted.

"We… well… I don't think I can ever find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you have done for us. I mean… six years with us? You took a hell of a risk." Robyn said to him as he walked into the room, and Fiona shuffled along so then he could sit down.

"Eh, well… it all worked out in the end, didn't it? Just remember to stay in touch, right?" He asked.

"Of course we will." May chuckled as she finished up. "You're like family to us now."

She dished up their dinners – Spaghetti Bolognese. May's favourite to make… and all of their favourites to eat. Dutch got into his comfier clothes and he sat with them at the table, by the photographs of his family. His Girlfriend, and his two daughters – they looked like they were only six years old.

"So… what's your plan?" Dutch asked them.

"We're gonna start by disrupting Black Gallows supply lines, make life a bit harder for Killian. But – mainly gonna try and find as much compelling evidence as we can against Killian. If we can find something that the world cannot possibly deny, there is a chance we could start something against him and Salem." Robyn explained, and Dutch nodded his head.

"It could start a war." Dutch warned.

"Yes… but if that helps us find a way to kill Salem once and for all… then we may have to. I just want it to be the last war." Robyn stated. "Otherwise it will all be for nothing if we just have more wars afterwards."

"Well – if you want some information… I have some news for you." Dutch explained, the Happy Huntresses' were all listening. "I told you about that weird incident in Vale, a few days ago. Remember?"

"Yeah, the hooded Huntress being chased and vanishing?" Joanna asked.

"Yep… well – turns out we found out who she is… and where she went." Dutch revealed.

"Who is she?" Fiona asked, he swallowed the pasta and exhaled.

"Pyrrha Nikos." He revealed.

"The fuck?" May gasped.

"Language." Fiona replied.

"Whoa, what?" Joanna also was flabbergasted; Robyn was just gobsmacked.

"H-How? You said she was dead." Robyn stated.

"She was – saw her body myself. But Icarus snapped a picture of her, she was looking through the window when Killian was speaking to the owner of the land. None other than Cinder Fall." Dutch continued, which made Joanna chuckle.

"This story just gets crazier and crazier." Joanna said.

"Didn't she save Weiss and Blake?" Fiona asked.

"That's right, fairly sure they're still there. Killian is just waiting on orders from Salem, but it's likely the Black Gallows are gonna try and get their hands on Pyrrha no matter what." He explained, Robyn tilted her head.

"Their? That's a first… never heard you refer to the Black Gallows like you're not part of them anymore." Robyn pointed out and Dutch sighed.

"I… I dunno… it's not what it used to be. Or maybe I just never saw what it really was…" He said with frustration in his voice. "I just know that Killian is losing it… himself. He's drinking more often now, pale skinned, looks like he only gets an hour sleep at most." Dutch explained as he ate his food.

"I still don't understand how you can possibly work for them… after everything." May stated.

"I ask myself that question too, May… but… I have to." Dutch said.

"Clearly you don't, though. I mean you're sharing classified info with us like you work at a restaurant." Fiona said with a smile on her face. Dutch nodded his head and Robyn looked over at the room.

"We've lived with you for six years… and I never wanted to pry too much on things I knew you probably didn't want to talk about. But… since this is our last night here… I have to ask you now." She said, and Dutch looked at her. "Why is there a cell in your living room?"

Robyn was not joking either, because there was literally that – a heavy duty cell just sitting there in the corner of his living room. Completely different to the rest of the house. "I mean… I know you used to have a dog and it lived there but… I know that thing was there before the dog was. Hell you could just have a dog house. Why a cell?"

Dutch looked at it and he sighed, setting his fork and knife down on his finished dinner. He then looked at the Photograph on the side. "You've always asked me why I still work for the Black Gallows… why I still try and see the good in Killian. Well… the truth is linked to that cell." Dutch began, the Happy Huntresses all began to listen to the story he was about to tell. He held the photograph of his family in his hand and he set it down.

"I once had a family. That was my girlfriend – Natasha. She was my sweetheart, known each other since we were five years old. Were best friends and eventually became more than that. When we were nineteen, I accidentally got her pregnant. That was… a funny time… but… we decided to view that accident as a gift. And we went along with it… didn't realise we were gonna have twin daughters. Nat nearly died on the operating table, but… she was a tough lady. I still remember holding my girls next to her – scariest moment of my life… at the time. But to this day… best day of my life." Dutch chuckled, smiling.

Fiona and Robyn smiled as well, but Joanna and May looked concerned. "Before I worked for the Black Gallows, I worked for the International Detective Agency. I was always better at solving cases as a Detective when I was training to join the Police Force, and I could read people better – thanks to my semblance." He explained, his eyes shimmered.

His Semblance – Judgement – was the ability to read people's true nature. Similar to Robyn's Lie Detector, but on a different level, he did not seek truth or lies, he sought to find if someone was evil or not. Whether or not they were still a threat. "The Captain of the Force recommended me to the International Detective Agency, and I took up two roles. Detective and Forensic Psychiatrist. I was on the scenes, hunted down the targets and judged them after we arrested them. I had to be certain if they should ever be let out or not. Wouldn't be surprised if that were half the reason behind why Killian took me in."

They continued to listen to his tale.

"I worked there for about five years, paid well and I kept my family safe. Bought this land and had the house built for my girls. Whilst in the background I was interviewing and analysing terrifying scenes created by some of the cruellest men and women I had ever met in my entire life. The things I saw? Things they did? Darkest parts of the human soul… I could never imagine it until I saw it." Dutch explained, still able to picture them.

"The Agency sometimes encountered people who had removed their known identities from all records – so we just called these guys Wraiths. And… I met a Wraith, and he was convicted for brutality, torture and mass murder. A Serial Killer to his core, I saw the remains he left behind. If you thought Jack the Ripper was bad, this guy was definitely worse. Jackdaw Branwen might have had a higher kill count, but this guy was worse, because he liked to make them suffer. Chopped up their bodies, leaving them in artistic poses. That's what he called it anyway."

"And yet despite those terrible things? He was up for parole, so it was my job to evaluate him. I used my semblance on him to see what his true nature really was. Because… believe me… I have met some people who did unspeakable things, but deep down they would never do it again. But this guy? He was something else – because he was by far one of the most likeable people I had ever met in this job. Like… seriously!" Dutch laughed, it surprised them that they laughed too. "I mean, he cracked such great jokes, always was fun to speak to, even went to therapy. Hell, I remember hearing that he actually started a fundraiser to help school nearby, so a year of kids could go on a fun vacation that year."

Robyn set her fork down. "And yet… after all his charismatic personality? I… saw right through him. Saw that he was a monster to his core, with nothing but malice, evil and cruelty in his heart. A true psychopath who knew how to play people – exactly how to play people. I was interviewing him next to the Prison's Cafeteria, the smell of food was constantly in the air. I swear I was drooling at one point."

May chuckled at that.

"It was a nightmare, either my stomach was rumbling, or I was having to shout over the floor polishers in the cafeteria itself so the bastard could hear me. And there was this moment – I still remember the exchange, I asked him if he ever thought about the families who were left behind without the people they loved. And in that moment? Right then and there? I knew, that the Wraith knew, that I knew exactly what he was. He knew that after everything, after that charming character he created that everyone loved and laughed with, all that work he put in to hide his true nature from everyone – he knew that it all slipped away. All thanks to my semblance." He explained. "And that model prisoner stared me right in the eyes, stood up, smiled – and punched me right across the face."

The Huntresses' eyes widened.

"I've been in my fair share of scraps in my life, but that guy? I can still remember how that felt, it was like someone was pummelling me with a rock over and over again. I was spitting blood on the floor – I was lucky a bunch of Guards were in the other room. It took six men to get him off me, had a broken jaw for a week. Had to drink through a straw." Dutch chuckled, massaging the side of his face the man punched.

"But the thing I will always remember? It wasn't the pain… it wasn't watching him screaming as he was dragged away. No… it was when I saw his face… the rage… his eyes. The mask was thrown off and there he was – the real monster. Screaming at me he would never see her again." Dutch explained, sighing. "I knew he was so angry because he knew I would make sure he would never get out again."

"Good. Evil bastard got what he deserved." Fiona said with a smile.

"Well… I got to try. He got out." Dutch revealed, Fiona's eyes widened. All of their eyes widened with shock at that one. "He had contacts with the right people, and they got him out. And he escaped – but he went to do something first before disappearing." Dutch explained. "I opened my door – and found that the Wraith broke into my home, and butchered Natasha and my twin daughters."

The Happy Huntresses fell silent at this revelation. "I could barely recognise them… and painted on the wall in their blood were the words – My Greatest Creation. And he disappeared…" Dutch explained, tears welled up in his eyes. He then looked right at Robyn. "I built that cell with the full intention of dragging that bastard's ass all the way back here. Breaking his legs and his arms, and to watch him starve to death."

Robyn looked at the cell, and she inhaled through her nose. "And did you?"

"Not long after Killian found me – he managed to identify the Wraith for me. His name is Tyrian Callows."

That was by far the biggest shocker so far. "Tyrian Fucking Callows?" Joanna gasped.

"The very same." Dutch confirmed.

"I… I don't understand. How can you possibly justify working for Killian? He is working with the monster who did that to your family, how the hell can you possibly still try and find the good in him?" Robyn questioned, actually looking angry.

"Because after he vanished – I lost myself. I was broken… I buried what was left of my family, and I walked to the edge of a cliff and I went to throw myself off it. I didn't want to keep on living – but Killian was there. He grabbed me and threw me to the floor, stopping me from doing it. He took me into his home, just as I took you into mine, and he looked after me. He gave me a new purpose – and he became my friend… my brother. He gave me reason to live again." Dutch explained.

"And I used my semblance on him, and I saw it was in his nature to help people… that that was who he really was." Dutch explained. Robyn didn't say anything, but Dutch continued anyway. "Recently I have used my semblance on him recently and… and I don't know what I see anymore. But every now and then I see a flicker of the man who saved me… who gave me a second chance. It may be shrouded by his own darkness… but… I believe… I have to believe… that the man who saved me is still in there. I have to help him, just as he helped me." Dutch explained with tears in his eyes.

"The reason why I want you to find this information… is not to kill him… but to put him in a cell. Salem corrupted him – I want her, Tyrian, Watts and anyone else who thinks like she does, dead. But I still believe there is still good in Killian… there has to be…" Dutch softly said as he sat there.

"… and that is why I still work for the Black Gallows." Dutch admitted.

The Happy Huntresses were quiet for a few moments. "I'm so sorry, Dutch…" Robyn said to him, gently touching his hand. "But… you can't keep looking the other way." She said to him, he looked at her. "The man you once knew? I thought I saw that as well… hell I actually started to care for him too when I posed as Veronica Chamberlain. But that is not who he is anymore – you're clutching onto someone who is long gone."

Dutch sat there; his eyes squeezed shut. Perhaps part of him believed in what Robyn was saying? Robyn looked at Fiona, May and Joanna and she stood up. "We're going to go…" Robyn gently said as they stood up. May picked up the plates, but Dutch stopped her.

"Don't worry… I'll handle it." He assured, wiping a tear from his eye. Robyn walked over to him and smiled. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.

She was not the only one, Fiona, May and Joanna did the same. "Thank you, Dutch. For everything." Fiona sweetly said. The three of them walked out the front door, pulling up their hoods. Robyn and Dutch stood at the door, and Robyn looked at him.

"I'll never forget the kindness you did for us. And I hope… if we win this thing? We get to do this again." Robyn said with a smile, and Dutch chuckled.

"Just stay in touch, yeah? And don't do anything stupid." Dutch requested.

"Us? C'mon." Robyn chuckled, but then she gently held him and kissed him on the cheek affectionately. "Stay safe, Dutch… okay?" She asked him.

"You too, Robyn." Dutch said as they departed.

"C'mon girls. Time to show our teeth." Robyn said, pulling up her hood as they disappeared into the darkness together.

Leaving Dutch alone once more.

But her words lingered.

You can't keep looking the other way… the man you knew is gone…

Icarus

The Winged Assassin soared across the sky, a few hours after his conversation with Salem. He descended through the clouds, using his thruster to move as fast as a jet, and with a glowing red visor which protected his eyes from the elements. He dove through the clouds, flying past Nevermores which circled the skies.

His wings opened and he decelerated, using the drag of the wind, landing down on one of the platforms. He walked into Evernight, seeing Emerald and Mercury together in their room, both asleep. He kept on moving, but as he approached the Throne Room, Adam walked out from his Room, and he stopped Icarus in his tracks. He stepped back but scowled back at Adam, speaking through his mechanical jaw. "The hell're you doing? Get out the way." Icarus stated.

"Forget Salem, she's becoming too soft-hearted. Doesn't want to hurt Cinder, and if we don't act fast Pyrrha Nikos is going to disappear. I am calling my forces; we are going to launch a full-scale assault on her Farm. Kill everyone there and bring Pyrrha Nikos back… alive… maybe not in perfect condition. And I want you with me." Adam demanded.

"What? Why me?" Icarus questioned.

"You saw the lay of the land. We'll have a better chance with you by my side." Adam assured, smirking.

"I don't take orders from you." Icarus reminded, prodding Adam's chest, pushing him back.

"You think she will give you what you want? She's nothing more than a liar." Adam stated. "Now come on." Adam ordered, storming ahead of Icarus, barging past him. Icarus looked back at him as he walked away. He stood there for a few moments, but before he even went to walk into the Throne Room… he heard her.

"Come forth, Icarus." Salem spoke, her voice echoing through the crack in the door. Icarus looked at the heavy doors and he approached, opening them to see Salem stood by the window, looking at her wonders of creation. He knelt, bowing his head to his Queen.

"Your Grace." Icarus greeted with proper court decorum.

"You see… that there is what I like about you, Icarus. Not only do you get things done, but you respect chain of command." Salem stated with a chuckle in her voice.

Icarus lifted his head. "You… heard?" He asked her.

"I did… I specifically told him to remain here, but it seems he is hellbent on disobeying my direct commands." Salem stated. "Tell me… have you made up your mind on what you will do?"

"Yes." Icarus answered – not only was he quick, but Salem knew he was honest. "I do as my Queen commands." Salem smiled, and she turned to him,.

"Rise, Icarus." Salem said to him, and he did so, holding his arms behind his back, and Salem approached him, gently holding his shoulder. "Do you take me for the things he claimed? To be soft? To be a liar?"

"No, Your Grace. I have seen your strength first hand… and you have always kept your promises." Icarus assured, giving his honest answer like always. Salem smiled once more, appreciating his honesty.

"Go with him."

He was not expecting that.

"Um… Your Grace? I don't understand." Icarus stammered.

"Go with Adam Taurus. The boy has shown time and time again that he thinks he can disobey the chain of command and believes he can just get away with it. Adam Taurus' mind betrays him over his sick obsession over that poor Belladonna girl. He will fail – I want you to go with him and observe his failure for me. Upon his return – I will punish him for his mistakes." Salem assured. "But worry not, Icarus. This is not a mission you can possibly fail – you have earned my respect. Adam has not."

Icarus bowed his head. "It will be done." He assured, turning to join Adam.

Salem smirked and she walked towards her Throne and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.

Oscar

He stood by the Airship that was in the Barn, cleaning it up. It was the same Airship that once belonged to the Branwens, the one Shay attempted to use to escape, but they took it instead.

Oscar wiped the sweat from his brow, and he walked past the mirror on the wall, stopping for a brief second.

Who was… that?

He looked back, seeing only his reflection. He rubbed the side of his head with confusion, turning around.

"Hello, my name is Professor Ozpin." Stood right behind him was the Professor of Beacon Academy, but his voice felt like it came from inside his head. Oscar screamed with shock, felling on the floor, ready to fight. Ozpin crouched down in front of him, looking him right in the eyes.

"THE FUCK?" Oscar screamed.

"My apologies, Oscar Pine… but the two of us have a lot to talk about."

Author Note - Oz is back...

Probably no surprise to most of you, considering who Oscar is, but this will be a very interesting relationship to explore, considering how different Oscar is in this story. I mean his reaction to first meeting Ozpin is different, ready to fight him immediately, despite him only appearing in his head.

The stuff with Salem and Adam was awesome to write, something I really enjoy about Salem in this story is that she actually is acting like a ruler. She does not want to cause panic, and yes may rule with an iron fist, but does it because in her eyes, that is the only way to keep her people safe from dangerous people. But Adam is crumbling and he is going to sorely regret disobeying Salem like this. His punishment is going to be incredible.

And... the big bit - Dutch.

Love how he just took the Happy Huntresses in and kept them safe for six years, what a legend. But that part with his backstory was heartbreaking. Pretty understandable, when you think about it. Killian is the reason he is alive, but at the same time - Robyn is right. That man who helped him is gone, and is now working with the very monster who butchered his family for fun. And it is very clear that Dutch is even starting to have second thoughts. He can't keep playing both sides, and cannot keep looking away from Killian's decisions and crimes. He needs to pick a side.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review, follow and favourite!

Stay tuned for the next chapter - Building a Future

- Matt