(Thank you to Bloodycow for being a beta for this chapter.)
Ash slowly moved through the corridors of the once abandoned castle in which Umbra had set up their lair. A perfect spot, as no one dared move this far outside of the kingdom of Mistral; the former inhabitants during the Great War abandoned it soon after it being built, due to constant attacks from the Grimm.
Thanks to their small numbers, they had been able to hide their presence from the Grimm. At least so far. Today, though, the Citadel seemed quieter than normal…
A hand on his khopesh, Ash slowly stalked the corridor. Listening for anything out of the ordinary through the silence. Aside from the scratching of mice, he heard nothing.
He slowly went towards Umbra's room and opened the door. Just like the rest of the castle, it was quiet and the fire that burned in the fireplace had recently gone out; which lead Ash to ask if this vacation was recent.
Ash could tell that the fire had been for a while now by the tiny embers that were left.
Then suddenly, Ash could feel a sudden blood lust and the desire to kill…
"We would never have thought you would have come back willingly after so long."
The voice was sweet and yet, Ash couldn't detect a hint of emotion from the voice. Which only made it that much more recognizable.
"I always wanted to come back," Ash replied. "Rather, it was a question of whether I would be killed if I tried to."
He turned and noticed two figures in the corner as they stepped out of the shadows.
"What makes you think that we wouldn't try to kill you now?" The voice asked again, this time, Ash could hear a laugh.
"Can I tear out his throat?" Asked another voice, and Ash recognized that it came from the figure that was crouching down. Unlike that of its partner, this voice was filled with excitement.
"No, my love," said the other figure as she reached down to pet her partner. "Umbra personally invited him back into the fold. He is an ally, for now…"
"…Unless he makes a mistake," finished the other voice, with a growl.
"You two are a long way from Vacuo," Ash grinned as he then turned towards the fireplace and added some fresh logs into it; he then used his Semblance and created a fire arrow and launched it into the logs, setting them ablaze immediately and illuminating the room.
"It was time that we reported our progress to Umbra," said the softer voice as the light revealed her as well as a rough looking man. Ash remembered their names as Vulk and Eweyn, both of whom were Faunus and at that moment, Vulk sniffed the air.
"He seems to be not here," He growled. "We thought it was your doing."
"And why would I harm the master?" Ash replied, offended by the remark and Eweyn took notice to his tone.
"Now, now," Eweyn replied as she pet Vulk, who calmed and cooed at the touch. "Don't take offense to Vulk, he is as prone to jumping to conclusions as well as jumping on his enemies."
"I am sure," Ash grin grew as he eyed Vulk and he could sense his bloodlust. "I have heard about what happened to you, and how you have gone mad."
Now it was Eweyn's turn to take offense.
"The world is a cruel place, Ash," Eweyn replied, her voice emotionless but her eyes narrowed at Ash. "And people can be crueler. We thought that you of all people would understand that and be more…"
She paused, unable to find the word she was looking for.
"Sympathetic," Vulk finished but he was also unsure of his answer and he looked to Eweyn for confirmation.
"Precisely," Eweyn said and pet Vulk once more.
"We are the same in some ways," Ash replied his grin gone now. "And different in others. Some may say that I am mad but I would like to say that hatred is what guides me."
"As long as we accomplish our goals, it does not matter what drives us," Eweyn said.
"To that, I can agree," Ash smiled. "But to the matter at hand: if not here, I believe I know where the master is…"
"And might that be?" Eweyn asked.
"That is a secret," Ash replied and stepped closer to the two Faunus. Eweyn's white hair was curly and draped down past her shoulders. He guessed that she was a sheep Faunus, strangely enough. Vulk, on the other hand, was clearly a wolf.
"I will take your reports, and I will hand it to the master personally," Ash said as he reached out his hand, his palm opened.
Eweyn stood silently for a moment as she stared at Ash but before long she reached for a bag she tucked in the corner and pulled out a journal and handed it to Ash, who began to read it.
"I never understood Vacuo's mentality…" Ash remarked. "No law and order and a hierarchy based on how much you can steal and survive on your own."
"They are comfortable in this life they have made for themselves," Eweyn responded. "After their resources were exhausted and stolen, it is all they can do."
"Not really," Ash replied as he looked down at the pages with disdain. "There are better alternatives and instead they would rather steal from one another."
The room went silent once more as Ash continued to read but his expression changed as he stopped at one particular passage.
"What is this about cults?" Ash asked.
"I thought you would take interest in that," Eweyn replied. "Out in the dunes outside of Vacuo are small villages and groups of wandering nomads who believe in almost the same thing we do."
"I hear a but…" Ash whispered.
"But they choose not to accept their Aura and Semblances, believing they don't deserve it and for that, they avoid the main Kingdom," Eweyn continued.
"They have that right, that is for certain," Ash replied and tapped his foot as he pondered this new information.
"Have you tried to make contact with them?" Ash asked.
"Saw no reason to, no throats to tear out," Vulk responded instead and was quieted again by Eweyn as she petted him.
"Exactly, they are of no threat and if not the Grimm, the sands will swallow them eventually," Eweyn finished.
Ash chuckled.
"Keep an eye on them if you can," Ash said as he opened his vest and tucked the journal into a pocket. "People like this can be turned fanatical and can be used."
Eweyn nodded.
"I will see if I can investigate further when I have the time," Eweyn replied.
"Now then, I will go and report your findings to the master," Ash said with a grin and walked out of the room, leaving both Eweyn and Vulk behind.
"Strange, how he thinks of Umbra as a master," Eweyn said which drew Vulk's attention. "Umbra never thought of himself above us but we choose to follow him because of his vision. Perhaps Ash is more like you, Vulk, than he really wants to admit. A broken and mentally shattered man who needs to be given direction in life."
0-RWBY-0
Umbra let out a sigh of relief as he walked down the road. Recognizing that he was nearing his destination by the subtle landmarks in the forest, and just ahead he could see a clearing. He had left his weapons and armor back at the castle as he would not need them where he was going.
He was anxious and each step became heavy as hesitation began to set in. He had promised time and time again that he would never return to the town of his birth. But the weight of his mission took its toll and at times he wanted to find rest.
No better way to find an ounce of joy than to return to where he was brought up and left, with youthful optimism. Now he returns broken, and filled with disdain for the world around him but not of everything…
He stepped into the clearing and he could see a well-kept wooden sign that read: Welcome to Shion.
He couldn't help but smile but even then, to him, it felt strange to smile. He kept his slow pace as he neared the town as various thoughts began to flood his mind.
"I wonder how Viola is… I hope the village had managed to pitch in to get her medicine… Or if Schwarz has overcome his fear of heights."
Umbra continued his path down the street, glimpsing at people he recognized as he passed by them. Busy as they were on their everyday business and errands, none of them noticed him.
"Heh, never thought I'd see you around here again."
Umbra heard and turned to see, Grissle, the leader of Shion who is now as old and grey as his namesake.
"You disappear for years and I assumed the worst of you," Grissle added.
"I assure you, I doubt you can truly assume the worst," Umbra said, half-jokingly, as he approached Grissle and they embraced each other.
"Probably not," Grissle replied.
"I see the village still does well under you," Umbra commented, as he looked around Shion. There were many new structures that were being built around the older ones, which surrounded the square in the middle.
"I don't think you can call this a village anymore, I worked from where my predecessor left off, and now it's much more," Grissle interjected.
"Remarkable," Umbra replied.
"Now, I hope my successor can continue where I left off," Grissle said to which Umbra shot a confused glance.
"I have retired, boy. It's time for me to relax in my old age," Grissle said with a sigh.
"Well, you have earned it," Umbra said with a nod and turned to examination the town. "Shion seems to be bustling with life. More so than I remember."
"Well, you have been away for a long time. How long have you been away? Twenty-five years?" Grissle asked.
"Yes," Umbra replied but in reality, he had visited numerous times but was never able to muster the courage to approach. Not after the things he has done.
"With vision and a population willing to help one another and you can do just about anything," Grissle said, assuredly.
"I agree," Umbra said quietly, his eyes narrowed.
"Believe it or not, we were fortunate to set up in this area; not too far from Mistral but close enough to other villages makes this the perfect trade hub," Grissle continued.
"I doubt fortune had much to do with it," Umbra said. "As you said, vision and the will to achieve it, as well as a competent leader."
"Ah," Grissle said with a shrug. "Everyone had a part in all of this. In this world, we need to help one another, there is no time for selfishness."
"A shame that not everyone shares your sentiment," Umbra said as he tightened his hands into fists. "I have learned during my travels as a Huntsman, that if given the opportunity, people would stoop down to their greed and selfishness with no thought to the cost of others."
"Well, you must remember that not everyone is like that," Grissle countered.
"Yes, but what of your successor? Or the one who would succeed them? Would they see this town fall to ruin for their own personal gain, or to be exploited by others?" Umbra asked.
"We will see when we get to it, won't we?" Grissle said with an innocent smile. "Whatever hardships, we will endure."
But Umbra did not want to see that, and it was then, his toxic thoughts began to race in his mind…
He did not want to think of a leader who would sell out his own people for personal gain. He has seen that many times during his travels and seen the effects of it. He did not want to see the village of his birth, his ideal community from which he only saw the purest intentions, turn into the rest of the world.
Cold, cruel, greedy and hateful…
He gritted his teeth and his heart began to race, his eyes darted though the town. The children playing, the adults who worked on their daily routines and the elderly who would watch and pass on their wisdom.
"Boy, you alright?" Umbra heard which pulled him from his thoughts but he couldn't speak.
He stared at Grissle as he was then reminded why he never wanted to return. It only reminded him of his ultimate destiny.
Shion was the only place left where he thought there was true good in the world but he knew the shadows would eventually envelope them.
Whether they would fall like the rest of the world, or be swallowed up by the Grimm…
…And he would rather they die by his hands before either of these cruel fates would befall any of them.
"I am fine," Umbra said.
"You seem tired, come, rest a while," Grissle beckoned.
"No, I have work to do," Umbra replied grimly.
"Well," Grissle sighed. "Do come back soon. It's always good to see a familiar face."
Sooner than Umbra would like…
He simply bowed before he lifted his hood, which blocked the sun from shining over his face as he then turned to leave.
However, he saw in the distance leaning against a tree alongside the road waiting for him, was Ash, who waited quietly as Umbra approached.
"What are you doing here?" Umbra asked coldly.
"I came to update you on our progress," Ash replied.
"This couldn't wait until after I returned?" Umbra hissed and for a moment, Ash was silent.
"How does it feel? To be home again?" Ash asked, ignoring his master's initial question.
"Not the homecoming I expected," Umbra said with a sigh and beckoned Ash to follow.
"You should never visit here, it is does not do well for your health," Ash said.
"For once I would like to see something good," Umbra said as they walked down the road together. "To show me that there is hope in this world."
"It will only hurt you more as we both know the answer to that," Ash commented. "You will only be disappointed."
Umbra paused and glared at Ash.
"When you first discovered your Semblance, I thought you had lost your mind entirely, then you went and killed Snyegh and I thought you went mad," Umbra commented. "Perhaps you are not as mad I thought."
"Everything I do, I do to serve," Ash said.
"Perhaps," Umbra said before he went silent.
"You shouldn't hold on to such sentiments as friendship and family," Ash continued. "It will only slow you down."
"Perhaps," Umbra said once more and once they were far enough away from the village and out of mind, he turned to Ash. "Report your progress."
"Let's start with the two lovers' progress," Ash said, still without his signature grin as he opened their journal. "Vacuo: a thief's kingdom. Their entire society is based on stealing from one another but they seem to follow some kind of thief's code of honor. They don't steal from those who are not as well off as they are."
"I never liked Vacuo," Umbra spat. "So much better ways to live your life than to steal. I am sure there are legitimate companies there as well?"
"Correct," Ash nodded. "However, another part of the code is to not steal from the companies themselves. The workers, however, are fair game. The object of this code is so that there is never anyone above another, even if that person has earned their wealth."
"So, what is Eweyn planning to do then?" Umbra asked.
That was when Ash began to grin.
"They have built a comfortable society for themselves, and she plans to topple it from within," Ash continued.
Ash didn't need to explain further for Umbra to understand.
"Good, I don't expect much resistance from Vacuo as they would be too busy fighting amongst themselves for the scraps," Umbra said. "My concern comes from within Mistral and Vale."
"May I ask why?" Ash asked.
"Mistral, because Richard Lionheart is Ozpin's strongest ally," Umbra answered. "Vale… for Ozpin."
"I thought that Ironwood would be his strongest ally," Ash commented.
"He lacks vision," Umbra interjected. "He believes that humanoid machines that at most can only imitate the genuine article can defend us. Ironic."
Ash couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, you need something more than heavy guns and a large force," Umbra said quietly. "How goes Cinder and her disciples?"
"The news has shown that Haven has landed in Beacon," Ash explained. "I am to assume she has successfully infiltrated Beacon and will work accordingly."
"Good," Umbra said, finally having reached their citadel. "And what about you?"
"I have taken out some more Huntsmen in Vale, as well as an informant for Qrow," Ash said.
"Is that all?" Umbra asked.
"I will admit, I have not been able to make much headway in convincing the White Fang to join our attack on Beacon," Ash said. "Their leader, Adam Taurus, says he has no reason to attack Beacon."
"Well then," Umbra replied before turning to face him. "Give him a reason."
"I assure you…" Ash grinned. "I have a plan. Particularly involving a few White Fang prisoners in Mistral."
"Then I will leave you to it," Umbra concluded as he headed for his studies.
0-RWBY-0
Blake read her book as she waited for Zed to come by. She had been unavailable due to her in with Torchwick and she had been investigating him ever since.
However, the constant signs grew too much and it got harder for her to hide, so she finally decided to meet up with him.
However, as usual, he was late and even in the White Fang, he was not known for being punctual; she knew she just had to wait a little longer but it still annoyed her.
Before long, she recognized the orange of his hair but she noticed something wasn't right with him. The stupid grin that he had was gone now and he seemed tired.
"Hey, you wanted to talk?" Blake asked. "It's going to get hard to explain why there is a 'Z' on our door."
"Yeah, yeah," Zed replied and sat silently, staring at her.
"Is everything alright?" Blake asked.
"Yeah, I ran into Torchwick some time ago," Zed said, hesitantly.
"Me too," Blake said, nodding and Zed's expression changed as his ears perked up a little.
"Sorry?" Zed asked.
"There was a robbery at the docks," Blake answered and was going to continue until she noticed Zed nod.
"I know," he replied.
"You… know?" Blake asked, inquisitively.
"I was on a date when me and another student heard you and your friend talking at the café," Zed answered. "So, I followed you along with my team."
"You followed me?" Blake asked a bit annoyed.
"Yeah, we were planning to help, promise, but instead we decided to take out some of the other baddies as they were shot down by… something," Zed shrugged, there was a pause and Blake took a moment to take in this info.
"Okay, but there was another run in," Blake continued and Zed became interested once more. "But you first."
Zed paused for a moment.
"Remember the mission I told you about? Where me and the team went to Mistral?" Zed asked in a hushed voice.
"Yeah, you found Leo there," Blake replied.
"Well, we also found some old manifests that told us where they were sending supplies too," Zed said. "Some of them were at a warehouse in Vale and we went to investigate, maybe get a bit more info."
"And?" Blake asked.
"We found Torchwick, but he and his friend proved too much to handle," Zed answered and she noticed his face turn grim. "He got away."
"For a low life criminal, he knows how to fight," Blake said, bitterly. "His accomplice has some tricks up her sleeve too."
"Sorry," Zed said and Blake sighed.
"Always trying to do things yourself and blaming yourself, as usual," Blake said before she turned to him. "You have nothing to be sorry for, you don't owe me anything."
"I owe the Faunus," Zed interjected, his eyes narrowed and she went quiet. "I let this happen and now he's going to cause more damage."
Blake thought on this and while she dwelled on it, her fists tightened.
"I still can't believe that Adam never told me about him," Blake said finally and crossed her arms.
"Well, after your dad, Adam began to lead," Zed said. "Would look bad for him and the White Fang if he got help from a human."
"I just don't understand," Blake interrupted. "What does he gain from helping the White Fang?"
Zed simply shrugged.
"He doesn't seem to like the Faunus all that much, considering how he spoke to them," Blake continued.
"He doesn't and yet he's an ally," Zed replied but then something in his pocket began to buzz.
"Busy?" Blake asked, as she watched Zed take out his Scroll.
"Yeah, me and the team are going to be going on a mission soon," Zed replied.
"Oh, the students get to undertake missions," Blake reminded herself. "The seniors get to go first, right?"
"Yeah," Zed sighed. "It was good to see you again. Too bad it was on bad terms."
"Yeah," Blake replied. "I'm going to continue my own investigation, and I will let you know about what I find."
"Sorry I won't be much help," Zed commented.
"No, you have been a bit of help," Blake said as she stood. "We know that he's still in Vale and he, as well as the White Fang, is planning something."
"It's just a matter of what, that worries me," Zed said under his breath.
"Me too," Blake said as she watched Zed leave.
0-RWBY-0
Haiiden looked behind him as HAVC's door opened and Zed stepped inside.
"Come on Zed, you know we are leaving today," he said.
"I am already ready," Zed said with a grin as he pointed to a small bag with a change of clothes.
"Come on, Zed, we are going to be away for a couple of days, at least get the essentials ready," Haiiden said as he nudged his friend along, while the rest of his team packed.
"Can we at least go to choose our mission before we get ready?" Zed whined.
"No, Zed, I want to be ready to leave once we choose our mission," Haiiden replied. "Shows that we are willing to get started. Shows a bit of professionalism."
"Ah," Zed groaned as he began to stuff clothes into a duffle bag.
"Did you tell Byeli you are leaving?" Haiiden asked.
"Yeah, she knows, told her it will be a few days," Zed replied but then grinned back at Haiiden. "Says she will gleefully wait for my return."
"She said that?" Haiiden asked.
"Not in those words," Zed chuckled. "But you know what I mean."
"Quick question, sir," Vaughn said.
"Yeah, Vaughn?" Haiiden replied.
"You are still aware of our right to skip this year's mission after our previous mission in Mistral?" Vaughn asked.
"Yeah, and?" Haiiden asked.
"Nothing, sir. I was just making sure you were aware of that option in case this year's missions didn't seem up to par," Vaughn finished.
"To be honest, I had completely forgotten about that," Haiiden said. "But we don't have to worry about that because the missions are something I look forward to during the year."
"Likewise, sir," Cecilia responded while Vaughn nodded. "And hopefully you don't decide to leave Beacon again this time."
"I will do my best not to," Haiiden quipped but then there was a knock on their door. He went to open it and on the other side, was Lady, however, she was dressed in her armor and blue gown.
"Hero, I heard today is the day the seniors undertake their missions," she said with a smile as she hopped on the balls of her feet.
"Yeah, it is," Haiiden said, and he couldn't help but smile.
"I was wondering if I could walk with you as you and your team choose your missions," Lady asked and noticed as Zed peaked from over Haiiden's shoulder, who was oblivious.
"Sure," Haiiden replied. "We are almost ready; it'll be a moment."
The door shut but shortly after, the door opened once more and one by one, HAVC exited their dorm and made their way down the halls.
"So, may I ask about the names you gave each other?" Zed asked with a cheeky grin. "I doubt your name is really Lady…"
"Now, Zed, I have already told you my name," Lady said as she wagged her finger at him, like a mother scolding a child.
"Oh?" Haiiden said as he turned towards Zed, only to see him zip his finger and thumb over his lips.
"Mhm, I have introduced myself to your team," Lady said. "And they are well aware of the game we are playing."
"I feel it appropriate to tell you, sir: I don't care for this game," Cecilia said, not amused. "I'm just going to keep my mouth shut."
Haiiden then looked over to Vaughn who likewise kept quiet.
"So, what are you dressed up for?" Haiiden asked as he turned back to Lady.
"Professor Goodwitch will be conducting some sparring matches over at Amity Colosseum, and I will join to show everyone what I got," Lady replied.
"Shame, I would like to see you fight," Haiiden said with a slight pout.
"I am sure you will during the tournament," she said.
"You will be participating?" Haiiden asked.
"Of course! I came to represent Haven, after all," she replied. "Haven does have a bit of a reputation, especially with Headmaster Lionheart."
"I don't know much about him besides what Ozpin told me," Haiiden said.
"An excellent Huntsman and war Hero during the Faunus Wars," Vaughn interjected.
"Exactly," Lady replied. "Haven churns out amazing Huntsman and it's thanks to Lionheart."
"Hey now, Beacon has that kind of reputation too," Haiiden replied, defensively.
"In another way and its one of the main reasons why it's so admirable," Lady replied. "Beacon has a knack of training the most amazing Huntsman out of nowhere. Ozpin has a talent for pulling out the best out of his students from the most unlikely of places and allows them to reach their full potential."
"That is true," Haiiden replied.
"Mhm, however, you seem to have all of the famous people this year," Lady continued. "Nikos, Byeli and even Jaune Arc."
"Oh, you have met JNPR and CNBR already?" Haiiden asked.
"I have," Lady replied as she suddenly twirled to face him. "I wanted to meet as many students from each school as I can."
"Allows you to assess who they are for the tournament," Vaughn said. "We should do the same, sir."
"Now, Vaughn," Lady said as she looked back at Vaughn with a wag of her finger. "That is just a bonus. I care for people and that is why I wanted to meet them."
"My apologies," Vaughn said with a bow.
"No need to apologize," Lady replied with a giggle. "It's a common trend I have noticed with a lot of students who originate from Atlas. A very… stern society, however, they do have a few people who break from that mold."
Remembering Team FNKY, Vaughn nodded.
"I have yet to meet many of the teams that arrived, save for the few I helped to their dorms," Haiiden said. "I haven't even met most of the teams in Beacon."
"Have you met RWBY yet?" Lady asked.
"Unfortunately, no," Haiiden said. "School work and practice have kept me from socializing aside from JNPR and CFVY. I would like to though, I have heard good things about them."
"One of their teammates is an example of what I meant by Ozpin picking out students from the most unlikely of places," Lady said with a wink.
"How so?" Haiiden asked, inquisitively.
"You will see soon enough," Lady said with a wink.
"So much mystery," Haiiden said as he shook his head.
"You expected something different?" Lady asked, playfully.
Haiiden turned to Zed's reaction, who was grinning ear to ear.
The group walked past the school's main entrance and into the next wing of Beacon, which housed billboards operated by the Council. Many of the missions displayed had to be approved by the Council first, then by the Headmaster to determine if it was within the students' skill range to undertake.
Haiiden spotted that CFVY had already made it ahead of them and he went to join them.
"Anything good?" Haiiden asked and CFVY turned to face them.
"Just in time," Coco replied. "Yeah, we get to go to Mt. Glenn with Professor Oobleck."
"Doctor," Haiiden corrected.
"Yeah," Coco said with a shake of her head.
"Lucky you," Haiiden replied. "That would have been a nice mission to take."
"Honestly, sir, I think they did us a favor by taking this one," Cecilia replied.
"Come on, Cecilia, Dr. Oobleck isn't that bad," Velvet replied, while Fox and Yatsuhashi scratched the back of their heads nervously. "He just has a lot of high energy and an active mind."
"Exactly, which makes it hard to keep up with him," Cecilia replied. "I want a challenge, not exploring old ruins and knowing Oobleck, a pebble is enough to get his attention."
"Anyways, have you picked anything yet?" Coco asked.
"We are just about to look over the available missions," Haiiden replied but then, in the blink of an eye, a storm of papers appeared as Dr. Oobleck zipped behind CFVY.
"What are you doing just standing around here for?" Oobleck asked. "Come, come! Time is wasted standing idly by!"
"Yes, professor," CFVY replied.
"Doctor," Oobleck corrected but then turned to HAVC as CFVY walked away.
"Ah, HAVC, I see you are ready for your missions," Oobleck said as his head darted to each team member.
"Almost, it's just a matter of picking one," Haiiden replied.
"Shame you didn't come in time to take mine," Oobleck replied, oblivious to the nervous smiles coming from HAVC.
"I know, it would have been fun," Haiiden said with a genuine smile.
"Yes, I believe I am on the verge of a discovery regarding the Grimm," Oobleck said excitedly to the confused stares of HAVC.
"Discovery, sir?" Vaughn asked.
"It is just a hypothesis for now but it is in regards to why they stay in Mt. Glenn with such huge numbers, despite the lack of citizens," Oobleck said.
"Ah," Vaughn said under his breath, underwhelmed.
"Now," Oobleck said, and it was one of the few times where Haiiden could actually say Oobleck slowed down, as he peeked from atop his glasses and at Haiiden. "I expect to see you again after your mission. Don't want a repeat of what happened last year."
"You don't have to worry, Doctor," Haiiden replied and with that, Oobleck said as he raised his head once more.
"Well then, I hope you and your team luck in your mission," Oobleck said. "But let's admit it. Luck won't have anything to do with it."
And with that, he disappeared, leaving another stack of papers in his wake.
"Such an inquisitive man," Lady said under her breath.
"As long as I have known him, he has always been looking for answers to strange theories of his," Haiiden replied as he turned to face the center of the room. All along the walls were holographic boards displaying available missions.
"How long have you known him?" She asked.
"Ever since I came to Vale," Haiiden replied.
"Ah, so you have gotten used to him, compared to the rest of your team," Lady joked.
"Nothing to get used to," Haiiden replied said with a shrug. "It is just how he is, nothing wrong with that."
Lady didn't respond and instead, just smiled as she followed HAVC around to browse the different mission boards.
"Nothing too interesting this year," Zed groaned as he reached his hands behind his head and leaned back. "Kind of boring."
"Let's at least choose something," Cecilia said.
Haiiden continued to stare at the different boards and while yes, some of them were not too exciting, like defending farms and pastures; he still wanted to undertake a mission. He peered over at Lady, who was just smiling silently at him, almost expectedly.
"Anything interesting?"
HAVC turned to see Headmaster Ozpin standing behind them, smiling expectedly. Lady simply bowed her head at Ozpin and turned to give them privacy.
"Honestly? Not really, Headmaster," Zed responded, only for Haiiden to nudge him in the ribs, to which Ozpin chuckled.
"While not glamorous and exciting, these missions are important none the less," Ozpin responded.
"We agree, sir, it's just that we were expecting a wider variety of missions," Cecilia chimed in.
"You mean you were expecting something more exciting," Ozpin said as he peered over at Cecilia through the corner of his glasses.
"Y-yes sir," Cecilia replied.
"It's alright, Headmaster, we will choose something, no matter how small," Haiiden replied.
Ozpin smiled silently for a moment, only to hide his own disgust for what he is about to ask.
"May I recommend a mission?" Ozpin asked to the surprise of HAVC.
"Will it have anything to do with the White Fang?" Vaughn asked.
"No, not this time," Ozpin replied. "We have received reports from an outlying village that more and more Grimm have been moving their direction. At first, the local Huntsman had been able to handle it but now, the situation has gotten worse and the Council has requested something be done."
"What do you want us to do?" Haiiden asked.
"Unfortunately, the village is a lost cause now," Ozpin replied sadly. "The villagers are our main concern and must be escorted safely back to Vale."
"Sounds like our kind of mission," Zed said with a grin, much to Haiiden's agreement.
"That's right, we will take it," Haiiden said with a smile.
"It seems it has been decided," Cecilia said.
"Agreed, but first, may I ask a few things pertaining to the mission, Headmaster?" Vaughn asked.
"You don't need my permission, Mr. Sceryei," Ozpin replied.
"First, what exactly are we up against if seasoned Huntsmen are not able to handle it?" Vaughn asked.
"I cannot answer that at this moment, Vaughn," Ozpin replied. "We have tried to reach other Huntsmen for aid but for unknown reasons, they are not replying to our requests."
"With the Atlesian Fleet, Vale could bring them back in no time," Vaughn continued. "Why not ask for aid from General Ironwood?"
"Always an observant one, Vaughn," Ozpin chuckled. "The Council has ordered that Atlas not be involved in Vale's affairs. As director of security for the Festival, I am charged with figuring out how to solve these issues."
HAVC went silent for a moment as they dwelled on this, and Haiiden couldn't help but grimace at the thought that Vale would deny help. Even if it was from Ironwood.
"This won't be just a normal search and destroy mission," Cecilia commented.
"That's right. We will be watching over the lives of others," Haiiden said finally and he looked up at Ozpin. "Do you think we are ready for this?"
"I believe you are," Ozpin said with an assuring smile. "Of course, I won't send you alone. You will have the help of the villages resident Huntsmen."
"Another question, Headmaster," Vaughn interjected. "I ask that you do not get the wrong idea with my line of questioning but is there a reason why Vale cannot just send a few Bullheads to the village to evacuate them?"
"The Bullheads are being used to help with the preparation and added security for the Festival," Ozpin replied. "The Council would like this done as discreetly as possible so as not to worry everyone else. Especially since the Festival has just begun."
"Understood, sir," Vaughn said.
"Satisfied?" Ozpin chuckled.
"Yes, sir," Vaughn replied. "I was just assessing the situation and to determine what to expect."
"I expect nothing else from you, Vaughn," Ozpin said and smiled his way.
"We will take this mission," Haiiden said, to the acknowledgment of his team.
Ozpin nodded and walked past HAVC towards the board behind them and lightly touched it. The screen flickered as it changed to show their team name and members and a status bar at the bottom flickered to read: on mission.
"Last I heard, the village is preparing a caravan. I have a Bullhead ready to transport you to the village but once you are there, it is up to you to bring the villagers back," Ozpin said.
"Yes, Headmaster," HAVC replied as they turned towards Beacon's landing area, followed behind by Lady.
"Sounds like this'll be fun," Zed said excitedly.
"Keep your head in the game, Zed," Haiiden interjected. "This is probably different than anything else we had done before."
"You know me, mate," Zed said with a grin as he flashed his karambit. "When the time comes, I got your back."
Haiiden smiled back at Zed as they then bumped fists. They reached the doors that lead outside to where the school's Bullheads are but most of the landing pads were vacant, save for a couple of spots.
However, Haiiden then noticed Ironwood inspecting the landing area, with an entourage of Knights. He was not sure what he was looking at or what it was that made Ironwood seem so displeased.
"Come on," Haiiden said as he tried to hurry his team along but then saw Ironwood make their way to them as he noticed them.
"I heard today was when the seniors went on their mission," Ironwood said as he approached HAVC.
"Good to see you again, General," Cecilia said as she and Vaughn instinctively saluted him.
"Likewise," Ironwood replied then turned his attention to Haiiden, standing straight and with his hands behind his back. "You really have grown into your own man, haven't you?"
Haiiden stood silently as he glared at Ironwood and that was Zed's and the twin's cue to make their way to the Bullhead; leaving Haiiden alone with Ironwood as Lady watched from the side.
"Last time I saw you, you were this high," Ironwood commented as he then pulled one hand from behind his back and raised it to his hip as a point of reference. Haiiden remained silent as he only narrowed his eyes at him.
"A Huntsman," Ironwood chuckled. "Just like your mother-"
"You have no right to talk about my mother," Haiiden hissed, which left Ironwood momentarily stunned.
"I understand your families past and I personally do not agree with it," Ironwood said. "However, I hope this will be a turning point for you."
Ironwood then reached out his hand to Haiiden, only to be met with hostility as Haiiden silently grasped the handle of his sword. Ironwood reeled his hand back for a moment as he glared at this gesture.
"It is considered a threat to reach for your weapon," Ironwood said, a little less accommodating.
"I know," Haiiden replied plainly, to which Ironwood retracted his hand.
"I understand you are still angry about what happened," Ironwood said. "But do not let that cloud your judgment."
Ironwood then turned to leave, but not before he looked over at Lady and bowed his head.
"Is everything alright?" Lady asked as she placed a hand on Haiiden's shoulder.
"It's nothing," Haiiden replied quietly and she noticed as the anger she saw in him turned to sadness and regret as he stared at the ground.
"That was clearly not 'nothing'," Lady replied but was met with momentary silence.
"I do not want to talk about it," Haiiden replied as he turned towards the Bullhead and made his way to it.
"Shine bright, Hero," Lady said and Haiiden stopped.
"Now is the time to fulfill your mother's mission," Lady continued, to which Haiiden looked back at her. "The world is a dark place and you need to be its light."
Haiiden nodded. "I will do my best."
"I know you will, Hero," Lady said with a smile but once Haiiden turned his back to her once more, her smile faded.