Chapter five: One of Four

They got up early, and Blake didn't like it. Neither did Jaune, but the others didn't mind. They all ate breakfast, packed up, and were out the door in just over an hour. Even though they all wore winter coats, the freezing air stung their fingers and faces as they walked through the village. As they left, the sun started to rise in the East. They had to walk up a winding mountain trail the rest of the way; it would be a long journey. They needed to start early so they could reach the lodge before sundown; however, Qrow was worried they wouldn't make it by then.

They walked on for three hours before having to stop and take a breath. They sat down in the snow and panted, not saying a word. Eventually, they picked themselves up and moved on.

It wasn't until about midday when encountered Grimm. There were about ten or so half-frozen Beowolves, which they dispatched easily. In fact, Qrow didn't even draw his blade at all. Taking two at a time, Ruby, Blake, and the remnant of JNPR killed off the monsters; after that, they hiked on in silence, slowly ascending the mountain.

By mid-afternoon, they had nearly passed out from lack of oxygen. It took them a good hour to recover. Ruby looked back at where they'd come, the sheer cliffs on the edge of the footpath, only wide enough for two people to walk shoulder-to-shoulder, dropping off into oblivion. This was the only safe path up. She sat back down, and looked at an edifice the path curved around. There was something peculiar engraved in its surface, she noticed. It kinda looks like a crossbow, she thought, a spikey crossbow pointed up. "…We'll get there right after dark," Qrow said, looking out at the sky. A storm was moving in, and he wanted to get indoors before it arrived. "We'll need to get movin, now," he urged. They got up and made a dash through the already knee-deep, half-melted snow. By dark, they had made thirty-or-so breathers –most of them brief– and their faces and hands were past numb. The path curved into a vast plateau covered by a thick forest. They were trudging, feet and legs cold, wet, and sore, when Ruby saw the light of the cabin-like lodge. They all stood for a moment, staring at the simple structure.


The two-story lodge stood in the center of a clearing, the mountain trail running past it. As they approached, Qrow elaborated, "you shouldn't worry about, and he'll let us stay overnight, even if he doesn't have vacancy." Nora's stomach growled, "Uungh, I just hope he's got something to eat," she said. Ruby and the rest solemnly agreed.

Qrow walked up to the door; Ruby, two steps behind him, noticed the same strange symbol painted on the door: a black, spikey crossbow. "Hey nick," he called out, knocking on the door. It opened by itself, the latch clicking free from his knocks. Qrow quickly drew his blade, calling to Ruby and Blake, "you two stay behind me," he turned to Jaune, "the rest of you circle around back, cover the back door… Go!" he turned back and swiftly entered the lodge, scanning the large room with his keen eyes. They drew their weapons, Blake and Ruby following, the others circling back. Qrow motioned them to fan out and search the place.

Blake climbed the wooden spiral staircase, as quiet as a mouse, and proceeded to check the rooms up there. Qrow walked through a door and into the adjoining garage. Ruby tentatively stepped into the modest kitchen alcove, separated from the large living room only by a counter. A large, covered pot was on the stove, slowly bubbling away. She lifted the lid and took a whiff. The smell was so good; it made her mouth water and her stomach growl.

She returned to the living room and looked around. At one end was a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf full of various books; at the other sat a couple lounge chairs and a crackling wood fireplace in the corner. She took a look at a few of the books; some of the books she recognized.

Suddenly, she heard a creak behind her; and she whirled around, bringing Crescent Rose to bear, uttering a sharp, "Eep!" A segment of the hardwood floor was tilting up –a trapdoor– and a man was climbing out, carrying an armload full of logs. He was wearing a red flannel shirt, and listening to music loud enough for Ruby to make out some of the words:

"One day, I'll face the hell inside me…"

He dropped the logs next to the fireplace before turning around, and noticed Ruby standing there, holding her scythe at the ready. He paused, surprised at her presence. She got a fairly good look at most of his face, a very symmetrical one except for his eyes; the right a pale green, the left a stark purple. But most outstanding of all, he had ashen-white, short and curly hair.

"Uh," he said, turning his head to the left, revealing the scar previously shadowed on the right side of his face –almost centered between his eye and ear– "Can I help you?" His question caught her off guard, and she lowered Crescent Rose. "Um," she said, "we're looking for the guy who runs this place."

As quiet as she went up, Blake descended the stairs, and saw Ruby talking to a stranger… a stranger with off-white hair.

"Well," he said, "I may as well introduce myself, I'm Nick." He held out his hand, wearing a fingerless glove, which Ruby shook, clumsily holding Crescent Rose in her other hand. "Hi, I'm Ruby!" Blake put her weapon away and walked over. She didn't know what it was, but, strangely, it felt like he wasn't Human, nor was he Faunas, he was… different. Ruby turned around, following Nick's gaze behind her, "Oh Blake, I found him."

Just then, the back door flew open, and in dashed Jaune and Nora –both muttering about the cold– and both bolted straight for the fireplace. Ren entered calmly, closing the door behind him. Nick's only comment on this was, "well, howdy."

Ruby folded up Crescent Rose and put her away. She turned to the garage and called. "Uncle Qrow, we found him!" Qrow stepped out from the garage; and Nick turned around, both staring at a face they hadn't seen in two decades.

"Hey, what's up, Qrow?" Nick said nonchalantly, "been a while." Qrow replied, yeah, twenty years," and taking out his flask, took a swig as the rest looked on. He swallowed, "I've got a favor to ask you-"

"And it can wait till after dinner," Nick interrupted, and he walked over to the stove. He took off the lid and stirred the pots contents, "Go ahead and seat yourselves," he said, motioning to a rectangular table hidden in an alcove right off the kitchen, benches lining the walls around it, "the stew's almost ready." Both Ruby and Nora made a mad dash to the table.


It was potato 'n lentils stew; and to parched stomachs, it was the best stew they ever had. They all had second helpings, except Nick, who was more than content with one. "Alright Nick," Qrow said after finishing up his bowl, "now you'll hear us out." Nick nodded, motioning for them to continue.

"I need your help, Nick," Qrow said, "You need to fix someone's arm." Nick slightly furrowed his eyebrows, saying, "What's wrong with it?" Qrow hesitated, and Blake grimaced, remembering that night. "It got sliced off above her elbow," Qrow responded, trying to be technical. Nick didn't react, but sat there for a moment before asking, "Who is it, Qrow, what's her name?"

Qrow sighed, and said, "Her name's Yang, she's my niece."

"And my sister," added Ruby. "And our friend," chimed Nora, to the agreement of the remnant of JNPR. Qrow glanced at them before continuing, "I know you have a device that can regrow severed limbs; please, help us… help her." Nick just sat there, shifting his jaw from side to side. Ruby started to say more, but then Nick stated, "Okay then, I'll do it." He grinned, getting up and putting his bowl in the sink.

Ruby got up and practically leaped over the table. She ran up and hugged Nick at the waist, quietly saying, "Thank you." He looked down at her and gave her a nod with a slight smile. She let go of him, rubbing the back of her head and giving a short, nervous chuckle.

They all cleared their dishes. Ren turned to Nick and said, "Qrow told us that you were one of the Four Wolves, the last one alive." Nick tilted his head and replied, "That depends on your definition of 'alive'; it might be different from mine." Ren continued, undaunted by his comment, "Are you one of the Four?" Nick returned, "Would you believe me if I said, 'yes'?"

"So you do know the legend." Jaune half asked, half stated. "Do you?" countered Nick, turning to him. Jaune was silent for a moment, before answering, "Yes, I know it. It was one of my partner's favorite stories." Nick motioned for Jaune to tell it, and he collected his thoughts and memories before continuing. He looked up, straight at Nick, and told it word for word as he had heard it, sitting next to Pyrrha after a training session.


Long ago a Darkness spread throughout the world. The forces of Grimm rampaged and ravaged the lands and sea, and people were isolated in small villages, huddling in fear. Village after village was razed by hordes of Grimm, drawn by their fear and hopelessness.

Then they just appeared.

Four strangers, traveling from village to village, fending off the Grimm with ease, helping the poor and weak, and always staying together. Through the best and worst, holding a bond that was stronger than a family, like a pack of wolves. They became the very foundation of what a team was.

Their most noted event was the battle of Tauna village, where they held off entire hordes of Grimm by themselves, at one point, tearing through them with nothing but their bare hands. For twenty-three more years they continued to travel and help, never once backing down from anything. They treated the Faunas as equals, like they were apart of humanity; because of this, and the way they were bonded to each other, people called them the four wolves, a title they accepted. However their real names have been forgotten, but their titles haven't:

The Grey Wolf; a woman whose fighting skill was unmatched by most men. Her temper always flared at the sight of injustice, and she made every effort to help those who couldn't help themselves. Of the four, she was the most compassionate, using her strength to shelter the weak.

The Black Wolf; the youngest of the four, he was the most adventurous. He always saw each village and voyage as a new possibility for excitement.

The Red Wolf; a man whose strength equaled that of ten men combined. Of the four, he was the wittiest, rarely passing up the chance to play a joke on someone.

The White Wolf; their leader. He was the wisest of the four, and only spoke if he had to.

Eventually, people became inspired by them, and they started to fight back against the Grimm. But the Wolves were preparing. And then, as strangely as they appeared, they disappeared; lost and scattered in the wisps of time.


Jaune choked back tears as the memories of her flooded his mind.

Nick shifted his jaw from side to side, before concluding, "Yup, that pretty much sums it up." He walked over and tended the fire. After a pause, Ruby walked over and sat next to him. "you know, when I first heard about you, I thought you'd be–" she started. Nick turned to her, finishing her sentence, "Older than dirt?" she nodded. He looked deep into her silver eyes, remarking to himself, she has silver eyes… just like her mother. Maybe Qrow did settle down after all, he was a bit interested in Summer back then… course, maybe not. Still, this Rose here is asking why I never age, something I'd rather not talk about. He nodded as well, saying, "So do I."


Hours later, the group was asleep upstairs… at least, most of them. Qrow came back down to see Nick still at the fire. He stopped as he saw him reach into the fire with his right half-gloved hand to move a burning log, his sleeve rolled up showing the thin, ring-like scar detailing where he lost his arm twenty years prior; among others, including one that queerly looked like three numbers. After adjusting the log, Nick pulled his arm back and quickly pulled down his sleeve. "There something on your mind, Qrow?" he asked without turning around.

"Yeah," Qrow said as he sat across from him, "You could say that." Nick looked at him, shifting his jaw from side to side, and then he started to grin, saying, "I ain't gonna like this, am I?" Qrow sighed and continued, "A certain someone wanted me to find someone for a job, and I chose you." Nick gave him a sharp look. Qrow got out his flask and took a swallow as Nick sighed, saying, "let me guess, this certain someone is related to you." Qrow hesitated, and then took another swig; then after swallowing, he sighed, "the job involves Yang."

Nick furrowed his brow, saying, "the girl I'm gonna give another arm to? What exactly does Raven want." Qrow looked at him, then carefully said, "She wants someone to protect her." Nick looked on, saying, "and you chose me." Nick heaved a heavy, frustrated sigh, brow knit together, and continued, "sounds like you're setting me up with your own niece, Qrow"

Qrow was taken aback at that. "Look," he said, leaning forward, "I'm not trying to set you up with her, romantically speaking, but, in all honesty, even if that does happen, I'd approve." Nick glared daggers as Qrow continued, "I think you'd like her, Nick; she's very… well, bodacious." Nick paused, then smirked, saying, "You're screwin' with me, aren't you?" Qrow chuckled, and said, "In any case, You're the first person I trust with her safety." Yeah, well you're a bad judge of character, thought Nick, After what I did in that infernal red wasteland; what happened to Synth because of me…

They sat there for a moment like old friends, no sound except the whistling wind outside and the crackling fire inside. Nick sighed, shaking his head, "You're gonna have to tell her about this." Qrow replied, "Yeah, I know, and she won't be happy about it either." Nick looked out the window, and remarked, "There's a storm brewing, Qrow, One that I've never seen in a long time." Qrow added, "with Salem's puppets keeping a low profile, and the Grimm getting stronger, It looks like it's returning to the days of the Wolves." Nick turned back to his friend and clarified, "with our luck, Qrow, Salem will be the least of our problems."

A peal of thunder shook the lodge, and Nick looked up at the heavens with a sneer. "Thank you, thank you for making my point for me," he said to no one in particular.


Three in the morning… and Nick couldn't sleep. After finishing his talk with Qrow, he built up the fire to last all night, and then retired to his own room, right off the first floor bathrooms. However, the talk with Qrow brought up bad memories for him, and he tossed and turned in his cot for hours. Finally he sat up, looking over his quite Spartan bedroom: the simple cot beneath him; the desk in the corner; the locker holding his clothes and pack; the secret cache hiding the lockbox containing the deed for the lodge.

He redressed, and looked at his backpack, nothing more than a hydropack with a separable canteen attached, all filled up and ready for the trek. He sighed, not entirely looking forward to the journey.

He walked into the living room and sat right in front of the fire, now starting to get low. He put a couple more logs in, watching them smolder. He rolled up his right sleeve, looking at the scars he was never proud of; a memorial of pain. He took off his fingerless glove, and stared at the mark on his hand, the Ace of Spades true namesake. He tightened the fist of his left hand, symmetrically marked to his right. The sign he hid beneath his ancient, metal-backed, Graphene-weave, engineer's gloves, a sign that he was… different.

He grabbed a smaller block of wood and used it to stir the coals, the logs bursting into flame. He drew back into his seat, studying the piece of wood in his hands. Finally he got up and walked over to a rack by the door, and the weapons he hung on it. He drew his special knife, one he rarely used in combat, walked back to the chair, and sat down; whittling away at the piece of wood.

After a while, he stopped and simply stared out into space, doing something he did time and time again for millennia.

He wondered why he was here.


A/N: well, here's another long chapter I hope you liked. the next one might be sketchy, update wise, I've a ton of personal business to attend to *sigh* nothing life threatening, thankfully, unless it turns into something like Lost.

and now... the comments:

GamehunterMC: Thank you, I'm glad you picked up on that.

Constructively Criticizes: Oh, thanks for reminding me of that! As soon as I read your review, I up and fixed it and even improved it! I'm glad you caught that and told me; by this time I had completely forgotten about the summary, silly me.

well, there was a little more about the Wolves for ya, but it's not over, there's still more about them that'll be told... eventually. *cackles hysterically* Till then...