Pariah


Chapter 8

Fangs


Only when he made his way back towards their house did Wolfe notice how uneven his tracks were when he made his way towards the village in the first place. It was then that he realized that he still had a limp, thanks to his encounter with his long lost sister.

But it did not bother him, as he has been accustomed to pain and has built a high tolerance for it. Another thing he would have to thank a certain someone for. In time, Wolfe would show his gratitude to the fullest extent. It was only natural that he would ignore his wounds until his mother often had to force him to take the time to properly heal his wounds.

He would most likely get an earful when he returned, not that he could fault her for her concerns.

Reaching the clearing he made his way towards their shared house. Stepping onto the porch he leaned his glaive against the wall, so he could open the door. As soon as touched the knob, the entryway flung outward making him take a step back.

When Wolfe found his footing again something, or rather someone crashed into his injured leg. He hissed at the contact, a flare of pain shooting up his right thigh. A startled yelp and a thud on the wooden floor reached his ears

Looking downward he saw Mai, still in his sweatshirt, laying on the ground. The size of the cloth was comically big for such a small child.

As their eyes met, Wolfe saw how she regarded him with panic and fear, her breathing heavy.

Hearing the footsteps of his mother rushing towards the door, he noticed the girl become more anxious.

"Oh thank Oum!" his mother exclaimed, breathlessly.

"What happened?" he asked not taking his eyes off of Mai who's tears started to flow.

"I went up… to check on her," she said between breaths. "And she immediately panicked and ran away from me."

After handing his mother the items he bought he crouched in front of Mai, reaching out with his two hands.

The girl placed her arm in front of her in the hopes to shield her face, expecting to receive some sort of punishment. Her eyes were shut. It saddened and enraged Wolfe simultaneously. No child should ever have to experience such treatment.

Placing his hands on her arms, Mai squirmed, trying to wiggle her way out of his hold.

"Mai?" he softly called out.

At the mention of her name, the girl stopped, reluctantly opening her eyes to look at him.

"It's okay. We're not going to hurt you." He told her. "No one's going to hurt you. You're safe here, I promise."

Mai sobbed quietly, looking in his eyes, most likely searching for any sign of deceit on his part.

"P-promise?" she croaked out.

Removing his left hand from her arm he held out his little finger.

"Promise."

Hesitantly, she put her little finger around his, still looking into his eyes. The grumbling of her stomach brought them out of the moment.

"Looks like someone's hungry." his mother chuckled, kneeling next to them, meeting Mai's gaze. "How about I make us something to eat?"

Mai tried to avoid her eye-contact and felt uncomfortable by the attention. As her stomach grumbled louder for a second time his mother addressed her again.

"It's okay, sweetie." She said in a motherly tone. "You can say 'yes' if you're hungry."

"Y-yes." She whispered.

Before his mother stood up she sent him a worried look and made her way into the kitchen with the ingredients Wolfe bought.

Slowly picking her up he grabbed the bag of clothes and made his way upstairs into her room, after placing his glaive inside of the house. Upon entering her room he put Mai down, where she created some distance from him, her gaze following wherever he went.

"I bought you some clothes." He told her. "You can dress yourself before dinner."

Mai nodded to his words.

"I have something else for you," Wolfe said, crouching down, presenting her with a stuffed bunny.

Mai observed the stuffed animal that was being held before her. Her eyes wandering between him and the bunny and slowly made her way towards him. With both hands, she took hold of it, looking it over.

"For me?" she asked, uncertainly.

"Yes." He chuckled, reaching out and ruffling her blond hair, missing her look of surprise. "It's for you, Mai."

Standing back up he made his way to leave her room, standing in front of the threshold he turned and addressed her once more.

"Dinner will be ready soon," Wolfe informed her again. "If you need anything, I will be downstairs."

Before closing the door, Wolfe came to another halt, barely catching her next words.

"Thank you."

He stood outside of the room for a few long seconds, his thought preoccupying him, regarding Mai. It would take a long time for her to built trust with other people. Her current mental state worried him, they had a long road in front of them in making sure she felt safe.

Descending the flight of stairs, Wolfe made his way into the kitchen where his mother stood, cutting the chicken breast he bought from the market.

"She's calmed down somewhat." He brought his mom out of her current task to regard him. "As soon as we are ready to eat I will tell her to come down."

"Good." She answered him. "I already made plans to go to the doctor with her tomorrow. I don't want any unpleasant surprises when it comes to her health."

She stopped and looked down at the chicken she was currently cutting into slices.

"Change of plans." She corrected, regarding him. "You'll go to the doctors with her. She trusts you the most, so I guess she won't make that big of a fuss. Can you do that?"

"I will." Wolfe acknowledged her request, retrieving his scroll, he observed the highlighted notification. "I have to make a call."

The device was given to him by Doctor Watts and was currently their only way of communication. It was given to him by the doctor and has been encrypted so that uninvited eyes and ears could not follow their conversations. Opening the screen he called the scientist. After the scroll rung, a few times the person on the other end answered.

"Wolfe," The Doctor greeted with his usual indifferent demeanor. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I wanted to ask if you have any news regarding our little project." Wolfe inquired.

"That I do." He answered. "While I can't build the 'Null Limiter' as I lack sufficient data on the human nervous system, I found something that might help."

"And what would that be?"

"You remember when I told you of Doctor Merlot?" Watts asked.

"How could I forget," Wolfe answered, distastefully.

The deranged scientist was wanted by all four Kingdoms for the experimentation with the Faunus, humans, and Grimm and the subsequent downfall of Mountain Glenn. This information, however, was not disclosed to the public, as the Kingdoms feared it would only bring unrest and the subsequent negative emotions, which would only disturb their illusion of 'peace'. With how the current governments were handling issues regarding race, Wolfe questioned if they truly believed that the people would willingly accept their unjust mistreatment. It was only a matter of time before powder keg exploded, to which the Kingdoms refused to extinguish the lit fuse.

"His experimentation's also revolved around that particular area." The Doctor explained. "There is a facility of Merlot Industries where such experiments took place, located here in Mistral. If we gained access to one of the terminals I am certain that we will find the data I require to move forward."

"And if we do these experiments ourselves?"

"These types of procedures are extremely painful and complicated, I'm afraid," Watts answered. "I also lack the equipment to conduct them. I understand your resistance to use the data Merlot acquired through his research. The man was deranged, on that, we can agree, however everything he uncovered could prove vital for the continuation of our research regarding your current predicament. This is your best chance, Wolfe."

Entering one of Merlot's facilities was far from ideal, that much he knew, but the alternative was not an option at this point.

"I don't like it." Wolfe's mood soured and yet he knew Watts was right.

"Neither do I."

"Fine." Wolfe sighed growing frustrated with his own situation. "Give me the necessary information on the facility."

"Very well." The doctor answered. "You should know that the facility was raided by the combined efforts of the Atlas and Mistral military. While I believe that most of his twisted inventions were subsequently destroyed, you should still exercise caution when stepping into his laboratories. We wouldn't want any unexpected surprises, after all."

"I'll take the warning to heart, Doctor."

"One more thing," Arthur interjected. "I've heard through the grapevine that two… let's say, unsavory individuals, want to enter this particular facility too, and are in search of a third addition. Since this building belongs to Merlot I would advise you to consider their aid, you never know what you might find in that Oum forsaken place."

Wolfe considered the doctor's words, for he knew the labors of the deranged scientist better than he did.

"Find out who they are and why they want to enter Merlot's facility," Wolfe responded. "Then I will consider it."

"That, I can do." He said. "Anything else?"

"Yes," Wolfe replied. "I am in need of a new helmet. I have created new schematics for you to review."

"Send them to me and I shall deliver it to you before you take on this particular assignment."

With a click of a button, all necessary information was transferred over to Watts.

"The Ferrum Pattern?" The Doctor wondered out loud. "No problem. I will contact you again when I have the information you asked of me. Until then, Wolfe."

"Until then, Watts."

And with that, the call was disconnected from the other end.

When he heard a howl coming from outside, Wolfe knew that his loyal companions have returned from the task he has given them.

"Looks like Nacht and Licht are back." His mother called out from the kitchen.

Wolfe hummed in agreement, heading towards the door. "I am going to go wait for them."


White.

She had a feeling that the particular color followed her wherever she went.

The snow.

The Atlesian airships.

The Atlas military uniforms.

Their own private airship.

Their mansion.

The majority of their clothing.

Their hair.

Everything had to be white. After fourteen years of seeing this particular color, it has become dull.

Boring even.

A color binding her to something she did not ask for. She was not even sure if she wanted the future that was put in place for her. A future not her own. And yet she so desperately yearned for one of her own making, forged from her tears, sweat, and blood. Like her grandfather before her when he founded the SDC so many years ago. A dream brought to ruin and stagnation in the metaphorical sense. A color and a name tainted by one single man.

And yet the color white also resembled rebirth. It was once her sister's goal to revitalize the rotting white corpse that is the Schnee Dust Company. A legacy tied to her name, stained by the man who dared call himself a Schnee.

A color still tied to her. A color she could not so easily abandon.

Was it a foolish hope?

Weiss honestly could not answer that question herself.

Of course, since Winter carved her own path in life, her inheritance was swiftly taken from her, as the proverbial rug was pulled from under her feet. To be forgotten for simply daring to defy the role given to her.

And Weiss admired her sister for it. She hoped that by attending Beacon Academy she could follow in Winter's footsteps. To become a Huntress. To become a woman motivated by duty and honor instead of greed and manipulation. She only hoped that in time she could convince her father that joining the Huntsmen Academies would be prosperous for the SDC.

The conversation was not going to be a pleasant one. In truth, she dreaded it, because she knew his mood would be soured greatly by her aspirations. Just like he was with Winter's.

Weiss's thought turned to her sister. When she first received word of what happened to her sister after her confrontation with 'The Wandering Wolf' her greatest fears came to the surface. Seeing her sister in the medical wing was hard on her and she could tell that Winter was troubled, putting on a brave face for her. The image of her and her stump burned into her mind.

What was even more disgusting was the fact that she had to plead with her father to even let her see Winter after her confrontation with that psychopath.

An hour had passed since they departed from General Ironwoods Capital Ship, making their way back to the Kingdom of Atlas. Back into her white prison, walking the empty halls of Schnee mansion. They were not empty, not really. Decorated halls with pictures of present and past members of the Schnee family. So why was it she felt so… lonely?

Despite her being surrounded by the most affluent individuals across Remnant, she quickly understood how superficial everything seemed. Honied words, extravagant gifts, and hollow promises were her daily bread and butter. Even at the age of fourteen, she was left exhausted by these interactions.

All she wanted was a friend. It devastated her to learn that her peers were only interested in her name, her status, and the wealth that came with it. Something that became apparent very quickly the more she interacted with them.

And the only person she could confide in, the only person she trusted, was practically disowned by her father. She felt isolated by her own family.

Her father. How much she despised that man, undeserving of such a title let alone the Schnee name. For as long as she could remember he always held her and Winter in contempt and seemed to favor her brother more. She did not know why and probably never would.

She hadn't felt any love from her mother, as she spent her time drowning herself in the most expensive of wines since the day her father declared to have never loved her. Drinking her sorrows away while neglecting her duties as a mother.

Her brother Whitley was currently the sole focus of her father. Weiss knew that she had to contend with him for the inheritance of the SDC. She was not deluding herself over that particular fact. She just had to play her father's little games. Her brother's behavior only worsened the longer he had to stay by their father's side, which in turn did not help their sibling relationship.

Overhearing Winter's outburst regarding their deceased brother Wolfe made her uneasy. At the age of seven, one year after she was born, he was murdered by a Faunus extremist. Those animals already took one of her siblings and she feared Winter to have suffered the same fate. While she never paid much mind to Wolfe, while his death clearly affected her sister even to this day. That much was clear to her. It was also the reason they were so close, fearing they might lose each other. Just like they lost the brother they never got to know.

"That bastard!" Weiss was snapped back to reality from her thoughts by the rantings of her father. "This 'Wandering Wolf' is costing me millions!" He spat the name of that murdering criminal with as much venom as he possibly could.

Ever since that lunatic's emergence, her father's temper has shortened and the use of his vulgar language, behind closed doors, has increased dramatically.

"And now not even the General could stop that barbarian!" A heavy sigh escaped him as Weiss watched him nurse his temple. After a few seconds, he sat upright looking out of the window of the private Schnee airship.

Since the Wandering Wolf's appearance, her father's nerves were being more strained than ever. And with it, the White Fang grew more emboldened with their claims of slavery and abuse perpetrated against the Faunus. It did not help matters when protests became more violent. A notion Weiss dismissed as nothing more than delusions. It has been proven time and time again that such acts have never happened under the SDC. She might despise her father, but he most certainly would never stoop so low.

"What will happen?" Her father immediately regarded her when she asked that question, clasping his hands in front of his lower face. "What will happen to him when he gets caught?"

"He will most likely be executed," Jaques replied dismissively, uncaring of the man's fate. "His death warrant has been signed by all four Kingdoms. It is only a matter of time."

"Good."

"You agree?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course," Weiss replied. "He has murdered countless SDC employees in horrible ways, I dare say that that man is not even human at all."

Her father hummed in agreement, seeming content with her answer.

"Is that so?" He wondered while his eyes focused on the cloudy sky. "Or are you perhaps seeking justice for your sister, Winter?"

"Both," she answered truthfully.

"And you think you can do better?" He asked her mockingly. "Your sister showed her incompetence to bring him, so what makes you think you can succeed where she failed?"

"Winter and my private tutors assured me that I am farther ahead with my training than she was at fourteen years old." Weiss countered, ignoring her father's provocations.

"Really now?" Weiss could tell that he sounded unconvinced. "And why should I trust her judgment, when it clearly can't even keep her from losing an arm?"

Her right eyebrow twitched. Thankfully her irritation went unnoticed since it was the side her father could not see.

"Because it is my judgment and I do not plan on following in her footsteps." She told him. "I plan to apply to Beacon Academy in the Kingdom of Vale to become a Huntress."

Her father let out a dry laugh. She could hear her own heartbeat reaching her ears. It was now or never.

"Beacon Academy?" there was no humor in his voice. "My dear daughter, if you believe I would let you go there then you are even more foolish than your sister. But do enlighten me."

"Grandfather was a Huntsman before mother, before Winter." Weiss calmly answered. "It is only natural that I continue the Schnee legacy in that regard. After all, did the Schnee Dust Company not built itself on this very concept? To aid the Huntsmen and Huntresses in their war against the Grimm, with the necessary supply of Dust. And because our roots lay in that area, it is my strong belief that the future head of the company should be well versed in its usage. As for Beacon Academy? All four Kingdoms, General Ironwood, and many well-known Huntsmen praise Headmaster Ozpin's methods of teaching future generations to combat the Grimm. With his teachings, I am confident that I can surpass even the best Huntsmen of this current generation."

From the corner of her eye, she could tell that her father was weighing her words. And he almost seemed... impressed? After a few long agonizing seconds, he finally answered her.

"Very well."

Did she just hear that correctly? Her father agreed with her attending Beacon? If she were alone Weiss was certain she would jump up and down from the excitement she was feeling.

"I do have one condition." And just like that all of her suppressed joy was sucked out in an instant. "Given your sister's recent failings, I will test your combat abilities in two years' time. Should you succeed I will let you attend Beacon Academy. Should you fail you will remain by my side."

"I will accept your condition." Weiss declared looking him in his eyes, making him smirk. She knew that if she refused then there was no hope for her. Accepting was her only option now. She was surprised that she could even convince him to entertain the thought of letting her attend the Huntsman Academy in Vale.

"Good." was all he said before he stared at the clouds once more.

After a long time, Weiss dared to have hope for her future. A future she would carve for herself.

Silently feasting on her small victory, Weiss's thoughts turned to her sister again.

She would recover from the injury she sustained and was most likely already in surgery for her prosthetic arm. How she wished she could be there when she awoke from it. It infuriated her that she was denied to stay by her side. While Winter put on a brave face for her, the pain and sadness she found in her eyes, told Weiss a different story. She hoped that some day her sister would open up to her.

One thing was certain. She would be the one to avenge her sister and nothing would stop her. Not the Kingdoms, not her father, not General Ironwood. No, it would be her. Weiss would make sure she looked that monster in the eye, the moment she pierced the Wandering Wolf's heart with her own blade.


Stepping out on the porch his eyes caught the sight of three people standing in the clearing. Nobody ever came out to visit their home, not even those from the village, which Wolfe considered to be something positive. These were the same people he saw at Flensburg's forge. Wolfe knew that the White Fang fought for equality for their kind, so was confused as to why they were here. The only thing he could discern was that the two masked individuals were very much in a state of unease, which did not help the overall tension that filled the atmosphere.

The third person was not fairing better, given his proximity but she maintained managed to maintain her composure. Her amber eyes looking him over and their gaze met. The feline was dressed differently compared to the others, which might indicate that she was higher ranked within the organization. But Wolfe was not sure, since he had no knowledge of their hierarchy.

Instead of malice, he found curiosity, when he looked into her eyes. He did not know what he did to earn her interest in him but he had the feeling he would soon be made aware of her intentions.

"Wolfe was it?" The woman asked, taking a few more steps towards the house.

"That depends on who is asking."

She had to pause because of his answer, expecting something less rude, perhaps? But he could not care, for she was practically a stranger.

"I am Sienna Khan." She introduced herself, gesturing towards her two companions. "This is Avelinn and Tucson."

The woman waved at him while the man inclined his head in greeting.

"You're probably already aware that we're with the White Fang."

"So I have noticed." His eyes looked them over once more before his gaze fell back onto the woman, he has come to know as Sienna Khan. "But that does not explain as to why you are here."

"I have been told that you can be quite straight-forward." She said calmly.

Wolfe knew that Liza must have told them about him. He did not hold it against her, for the entire village knew the basics of their history. So if the White Fang had not learned it from Liza, someone else would have run their tongue. There was no way of controlling people's conversations. But he had to admit that he was amused by the rumor-mill of the village from time to time.

"I'll get to the point then." She cleared her throat. "We were surprised and shocked to learn about your relationship with your adoptive mother. And because of it, we were wondering if you had any interest in joining the White Fang?"

Wolfe could appreciate her directness, as she looked him in the eye. The woman was clearly on edge, most likely dreading his answer. The pariah gene definitely did not help soothe her worries. For him, a human, to be asked if he had any interested in joining the White Fang, by a Faunus was something he never dared imagine. I would seem that this day truly had a few surprises for him.

Before he could respond, growling was suddenly emitted behind the group of three, making the two recruits jump out of their skin. Their heads snapping back at the source of the sound. Nacht and Licht were showing their fangs in clear hostility towards the group. With slow and deliberate steps his loyal companions drew closer, ready to pounce on a moment's notice. Wolfe noticed the other woman behind Sienna begin to panic at the sight of the wolves, coupling this with the effects of his gene the current predicament they found themselves under might implode at any moment.

Before the situation could escalate any further, Wolfe barked a command for Nacht and Licht to go inside of the house which they followed without much resistance. Licht, however, only took her eyes off of them when she reached the porch. Like him, his white companion had little trust for those she did not know. Wolfe ran his hand through their fur as they walked past him and went inside.

The White Fang members looked on with wide eyes, not expecting the outcome of the situation. It was unheard of for people to create strong bonds with wolves of their stature.

Wolfe made his way down the porch, coming to a stop in front of Sienna. The closer he got to them, the more their discomfort grew. He was glad he left his glaive in the hallway.

"Tell me." He addressed her, making her tense from anticipation. "I know that the White Fang fights for equality amongst the Kingdoms and Remnant as a whole. I want to know how your organizations views regarding those born with parents of both races."

While Wolfe agreed with the White Fangs massage, he had to make sure that their goals included all. Nor more than ever, since he brought Mai into their home.

He could tell that his question surprised Sienna.

"It's like you said." She replied confidently. "We seek equality. We want discrimination to end on both sides of the fence and we happily accept those to our cause, who were born with both sets of parents. Those who seek to end discrimination are welcome to join. Race does not matter to us."

Wolfe's eyes narrowed as he looked into her amber ones, searching for any potential lies. When he was confident that her words were truthful, he wanted to give his answer but was interrupted by one of the other masked White Fang members.

"W-what she said is true." The woman with fish scales interjected, bringing the attention of the group upon her, from which she visibly shrunk in on herself. Her scales resembling those of a rainbow trout.

"Are you sure, Avelinn?" Sienna asked her, to which the other woman nodded.

"My mother was a Faunus and my dad was a human." She elaborated.

He did not like the use of the past tense.

"They were?" Wolfe asked.

"Yeah," she said, swallowing the lump in her throat, her eyes downcast. "Human extremists beat them to death for simply loving each other. Not that the Faunus neighborhoods treated us any better… it made my childhood very difficult. Sienna brought me into the Fang after I was alone for quite some time."

"I am sorry for your loss," Wolfe said, sympathetically.

He regarded Sienna once more.

"You should know that I am a wanted man within the Kingdoms."

"And for what reason?" she asked, dreading the answer and he understood why. It was a great feat to accomplish, being wanted by all four Kingdoms, especially in Vacuo.

"Have you ever heard of 'The Wandering Wolf'?" he replied distastefully, still not liking the name.

At the widening of her eyes and shocked expressions, Wolfe knew that they recognized the name. Sienna didn't need to ask for clarification, seemingly understanding his implications. The shock was soon replaced with renewed curiosity.

"Is it true then?" she asked, her voice hopeful. "That you free enslaved Faunus from the mines?"

"It is."

There was a long pause in their conversation, as Sienna's amber eyes intently studied his own. What Wolfe found was suspicion, gratitude, and… a strange sense of admiration? It would make sense for the White Fang to have an interest in a human that frees Faunus slaves from their captors, as most humans tend to turn their noses the other way, out of fear of what extremists might do to them if they were caught aiding the Faunus or the White Fang for that matter.

The fragile peace with which the Kingdoms and it's Huntsman Academies so proudly parade, was nothing but a sham in his eyes.

"While Ghira may not approve of your methods." She began. "Know that we're thankful for everything you have done. We also understand that the media and Kingdoms will always paint their own picture to form their narrative. So, no, you being the 'Wandering Wolf' doesn't change anything."

Wolfe reached out with his armored hand, holding it in front of Sienna.

"Then I accept your offer." He told her.

A genuine smile graced the woman's lips, shaking his hand.

"We're glad to have you." She told him. "I would like to introduce you to one of our leaders, Ghira Belladonna. He will be thrilled to know you joined the White Fang."

"I would like to meet the man myself," Wolfe answered. "But you will have to excuse me for asking you to postpone our meeting until tomorrow."

"Of course." She said, seeming more at ease at the turnout of their conversation. "We will be at the major's house should you come searching for us."

Saying their goodbyes, Wolfe watched as the three White Fang members made their way back towards the village.

"Wolfe?" the voice of his mother called out, coming to a halt when she stepped out of the house and regarded the departing newcomers.

His mother descended down the porch coming to a stop next to him.

"Is everything alright?" she asked him.

"Yes, mom," Wolfe answered, looking her in the eyes, gesturing towards Sienna. "Ms. Khan has asked me to join the White Fang."

"Let me guess, you accepted?" She inquired with a raised eyebrow, to which she earned a nod.

"Unsurprising." She said with a smirk, giving him a little playful push with her elbow.

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be?" she countered his question. "I have faith in the decisions you make. Besides, supporting a humanitarian group like the White Fang shouldn't be frowned upon."

While he agreed with his mother, the reality was not that simple, that much was clear to him.

"Can you get Mai?" she asked. "Dinner is ready."

When both of them made their way back into the house, Wolfe went upstairs towards Mai's room.

Standing in front of the door he could hear the girl giggle in delight, making him pause for a brief second. It was a stark contrast to how she was acting before. He questioned what could have changed her mood so drastically.

Opening the door Wolfe was greeted with the sight of Nacht laying on his back, while the girl rubbed his belly. The black wolf's tongue sticking out of his mouth while enjoying the attention he received. Mai was too engrossed petting the black wolf to notice his arrival.

Licht on the other hand made herself comfortable on the girl's bed, intently watching as Mai played with Nacht, her tail wagging at the third addition to the house.

It would seem that his loyal companions found a liking towards Mai. The girl's scent probably had their interest ensnared and they searched for its source.

Breaking out of his surprised stupor he entered the room, gaining the attention of all three of them. Crouching next to Nacht, he started to pet his companion too.

"Dinner is ready, Mai." He told her.

Despite her still wearing his sweatshirt, Wolfe could tell that she put on some of the clothes he bought her under the large pieces of cloth. Wolfe knew that he would never see his sweatshirt again.

"Okay." She said, standing up and followed after him down into the dining room, where his mother waited for them.

Coming to a stop next to him, Wolfe could see that Mai was still showed apprehension to continue towards the table, clutching the stuffed bunny in her hands.

Gesturing for her to follow him, he pulled out a chair, after he picked her up and placed her in it.

Mai's attention was captured by the utensils that lay in front of her and regarded them with interest. Picking up the silver spoon she eyed it with childlike wonder. Maybe he should have thought of this fact beforehand. A child born into slavery would not know the usage of utensils.

Leaving her to her own devices, he made his way into the kitchen where his mother already prepared three bowls of chicken soup.

Taking two of them he placed one on his mother's place and the other in front of Mai. Her attention immediately switched to the bowl, making her stomach grumble louder than it has before as soon as she inhaled broth's smell.

After retrieving his own bowl, Wolfe made his way back and sat down on the opposite side from Mai and to his mother's right. While his mother and he began to eat, Mai watched, observing how they ate their soup with their spoons.

Imitating them, Mai started to eat her broth, too. Taking the first bite her eyes lit up as her taste buds were assaulted, eliciting a small whine of joy before taking more scoops. His mother smiled brightly at Mai's reaction.

"Do you like it?" She asked her, making Mai look up at her.

"Yes!" she answered her question while nodding vigorously.

"I'm glad to hear." His mother said beaming at her. "Come on eat up, sweetie."

Mai did not need to be told twice and after finishing her meal, she observed the empty bowl, seeming dejected that her portion was devoured so soon. Wolfe stood up and collected the empty bowl, fetching the girl another round. Wolfe could have sworn that her emerald eyes started to sparkle that very moment.

His mother turned to regard him, studying his face intently.

"Are you going to shave anytime soon?" she asked.

"No," he stated. "I found a liking to it."

"Aren't you going to consider my opinion?"

"Already did," Wolfe answered her with a smile. "And I made my decision."

"Of course you did." She giggled. "It looks like I have to get used to the new look."

"I will be leaving again soon." Wolfe changed the subject with his mother, her ears twitching slightly.

"And when will that be?"

"That depends on when Watts gives me the necessary information," Wolfe answered before he continued eating. "He might have found something inside one of Merlot's laboratories."

His mother's left hand clenched into a fist at the mention and her complexion grew even paler. Her body language betraying her emotions as Wolfe could see concern and fear written in her eyes. A fear only a mother knew when her child was about to undertake something incredibly foolish. Laying his hand over hers, her eyes snapped to his own.

"Don't worry, I will not be alone." He tried to calm her worries. "There are others who want to enter that particular facility."

"Do you know why or who or why for that matter?" she inquired.

"Not yet." He answered truthfully. "But I will know soon enough."

"I don't like it, Wolfe." She protested. "I don't want you anywhere near those facilities."

"I know." He said looking in Mai's direction. "We will discuss this later."

There would be time to talk about the matter, without having the ears of a child present and his mother understood.

With a heavy sigh, she looked to the young girl who still ate and paid no mind to their conversation.

Wolfe knew that his mother's mood soured upon hearing his next destination. She was one of the few people who knew the truth about the deranged scientist and his experimentations with Grimm. For he told her as much when he learned of this horrible and well-kept secret. Her fears were not unfounded, for she knew the depths in which this depravity sunk.

As soon as Mai finished her second serving, her attention was brought back to the stuffed animal with which she silently played with it. Wolfe noticed her growing tired as time went on, she had trouble keeping her grew heavier while she struggled to stay awake.

Standing up, he took her into his arm, gesturing to his mother that he would bring her to bed, while she stayed behind to clean up the dining area.

"Goodnight Mai!" she called out.

"Night," was all the tired girl could quietly mumble.

Before he entered Mai's room, she fell asleep in his arm. Tucking her under the covers, Licht jumped onto her bed and laid herself next to the sleeping girl meeting Wolfe's eyes. Running his hand through her fur, he let his companion keep Mai company during the night.

Steeping out, a wave of exhaustion suddenly washed down on him, his limbs felt like anchors slowly dragging him down. But he still needed to have an uncomfortable conversation about his coming journey.

Making his way back down into the dining room, he could see his mother pouring them a cup of tea each. Wolfe has come to learn that tea helped his mother calm her nerves from the stress and anxieties she would experience.

Sitting back down he waited for her the begin the conversation he was not looking forward to.

"Wolfe," she started quietly, fearing her words could be heard by prying ears. "I really don't want you to go. If what you told me is true about this Merlot, and I pray to Oum it isn't, then I am asking you to please reconsider."

"You know I can not do that." He answered her plea, making her body sag and her ears fall against her head. "If Watts is correct then the data inside of that facility could bring us closer to find a way to control my… my curse or whatever this is. You of all people should know how hard is to stay under the common folk."

"I do!" Her hands immediately covered her mouth after her outburst, sending him an apologetic look.

"I do." She said more softly, drinking from her mug of tea. "I'm not blind to it, Wolfe. I see how people look at you with disgust, despite all you have done for them. And I'm aware of how greatly you want it to stop affecting your life."

There was a long pause, as silence clouded the room, his mother contemplating her next words. Patiently he waited for her to find her voice to raise her concerns.

"But I have to wonder, is..." Her voice wavered. "Is it really worth risking your life over?"

"If it means I can experience some semblance of normalcy then yes," Wolfe answered. "I have exhausted all other options and this is a lead I have to follow. Besides, it's not much of life, given my mere existence has signed my death warrant within the Kingdoms."

She sighed in defeat. Wolfe knew that his mother understood his predicament, but he would not dismiss her worries so easily. Nodding in acceptance, she drank from her tea again before regarding him once more.

"Please be careful." Her voice sounded small, missing its usual vibrant cheer. Wolfe never liked seeing her this way.

"Always." He said gripping her hand a bit tighter, offering his reassurances, however little they were worth.


The surgery was a success, not that there was any doubt in her mind that something could go wrong. She had faith in Doctor Grau and her medical team to connect the prosthetic arm with her nervous system and the results were remarkable. The connection between her flesh and the metal of the new arm still burned after the procedure. She chose to ignore the sensation as best she could.

In her career as a Huntress and Specialist, she mentally prepared herself should she ever lose a limb in service of her sworn duties. But actually experiencing the process was daunting even for her. Her arm which was part of her for twenty-three years was not there anymore. All that remained was a stump with an expensive extension that resembled an arm.

It felt different, gross, alien. As if something from the outside invaded her body, her senses, and was trying to make itself at home. The feeling unnerved her. But it was now a part of her none the less. Something she alone would have to come to terms with.

Still lying in her bed she observed her new black prosthetic arm, appearing more muscular in design, in contrast to the others. More human.

Touching each finger with her thumb, she could feel as they made contact. Her body already accepting her new arm. Winter marveled at the newest technology.

Frustrated she let her head hit her pillow. If her fears were to become true then her brother would have been the one sever her arm. A cruel twist of fate, she thought grimly. Thinking back she could clearly make out the look of surprise and recognition that adorned his facial features. Did he know that she was his sister? Most certainly since she would have been dead otherwise.

When her mind wandered to his left eye, Winter had to close her own and bared her teeth. How someone could do something so heinous to another person was beyond her comprehension. Was her father really the man that could approve of something so horrible? To his own son? Did her mother know?

The more she thought about it, the more questions seemed to pile onto the mountain of secrets that cast a shadow onto her family's name. She did not like being in the dark and Winter already dreaded what she would find at the of her investigations. Thankfully Qrow was still on the ship and offered her his assistance. Something she did not know how to repay him. At least he was there to keep her sanity in check moving forward.

"Evening, Ice-Queen." Speak of the devil and he shall arrive. Qrow Branwen stepped foot into her room, taking a seat next to her again. While he still used that dreadful nickname he gave her, his usual smirk and teasing tone were absent. Winter

"Evening, Qrow." She suppressed her note of irritation when she caught a whiff of alcohol.

The Huntsmen in question looked a little better than the last time she saw him. Thanks to General Ironwood's hospitality, the lingering side effects of whatever happened to him have long since disappeared after long hours of rest.

Winter noticed his few not-so-subtle glances towards her new arm, something she would have to come to terms with, in future interactions.

"It's still not your fault you know." His eyes snapped to hers. She could tell that he felt guilty about what happened to her, unable to offer any form of assistance when their mission turned for the worst.

"So what's next?" Qrow asked, ignoring her reassurances, casting his eyes away from her. "Where do we begin?"

"The Greater Solitas Community Hospital." She stated, feeling conflicted when the Huntsman chose to ignore her words. "It is located in the upper-class district. That is where Weiss, Whitley, and I were born. Wolfe was most likely born there too. Since my parents are less than forthcoming about him, that is where we have to start. All of his medical records and the medical staff that was present for his birth would be there."

"It's a good start," Qrow said. "I already talked to Oz, saying I'm keeping you company for a few weeks and agreed to it."

"Really?" Winter asked in surprise. "He absolved you from your duties so readily?"

The man sitting next to her could only shrug in indifference.

"I'm not the only Huntsman in Vale you know." His annoying smirk returned in full force. "While I might be the best, others surely can handle themselves. Besides good ol' Oz is a bit more laid-back than Jimmy."

Winter only rolled her eyes.

"We will arrive in Atlas in the next six hours." She informed Qrow. "When we do, we will immediately begin with our investigation into my brother."

"You already want to start searching?" The man questioned. "Shouldn't you be resting or something? I mean you did loose an arm."

"I would like nothing more." She answered a note of frustration in her tone, but it was not aimed at the Huntsman beside her. "But there are more pressing matters."

A tired sigh escaped her.

"I do hope something good will come of it."


Wishing his mother goodnight, Wolfe made his way into his room, changing out of his clothes into his long dark-gray sweatpants and a black shirt. He never liked seeing his exposed self. Too many scars adorned his skin. Memories of the past that only brought him pain. So he opted to ignore them altogether as best he could.

One scar, however, was too visible for his liking. A shame he could not cover it up as easily as the others.

Going into the bathroom he looked at his reflection, heavy bags formed under both his eyes. As a heavy sigh escaped him he brushed his teeth and washed his face. Looking into the mirror once more his reflection changed like it did so many times before.

While the person that looked back at him was himself, he was also very different.

His black hair was slicked back like the man that fathered him. The face was shaven and his skin was smooth. A condescending grin adorning the features of his reflection. But the most glaring difference was the left eye. It was uninjured. His reflection was dressed in a white suit, the right breast pocket displaying the snowflake of the SDC, and a blue tie. The person that was being mirrored, exuded an aura of arrogance and misbegotten pride. Two things Wolfe detested for as long as he could remember.

Every time he was confronted with this image, he felt more disgust built inside of him. And like all of the times that came before, Wolfe chose to ignore the image that seemed to haunt him. The thing that he could have become, were it not for him being born a pariah.

He hated mirrors.

And he most definitely was going to keep the beard now. The less he looked like the thing that stared back at him, the better.

Before he could go to bed his scroll began to chime.

It was Doctor Watts.

Picking up the device he answered his call.

"Do you know what time it is?"

"Good evening to you too, Wolfe." The man countered, ignoring his foul mood. "And yes I do, apologies for my untimely disturbance."

A heavy sigh escaped him.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Doctor?" Wolfe asked impatiently. He really wanted to have a good night's sleep.

"I have learned the basic information of the two people who want to enter Merlot's facility." He stated. "Their names are Roman Torchwick and Neopolitan."