Welcome Back, sorry for the lateness. Finals and what not.

Anyways, thank you very much.

Raven Armata: I kinda like that Idea, I'll see what I can do with it. Of course, with my own little twist added to it. Note, it's only a possibility.

Dracus6:... I might have to actually think about it.

VGBlackwing: All true. My favorite is definitely the Augur of Ebrietas. No one expects it, until you get a tentacle to the face.

LockeBelmont: That is true, and thank you. But I believe my friend Shirou would argue that it isn't wrong to help people.

Lyagon: I myself like reading the tragic character. I kinda consider it therapy. Like… putting a character, who you can relate to, through hell and have them survive. It kinda makes you yourself feel like a badass.

Darkuz: Ahh, romance. Truly it's a maze of having no idea where each action may take you… well that got dark.

Echocolent: Why thank you kind sir.

Axxcel: Or Ninja's of Love. Anyway, i'd have to agree. Being alive for nearly a thousand years makes you detached to a lot of things. I like to think it's part of Blakes radical side still intact from being taught by Adam.

Scarease: … Maybe to keep a door open or something?

Anagennisi: I completely agree, and love that you liked it so much. Yang and Blake have taken a small spiral downward it the recent season. The 'romance' between the two felt forced. Also the fact that Yang concored PTSD with the power of love, which is really stupid. So, I wanted to give at least one of them, what I consider, an upgrade.

I'm so glad you enjoy them. Of course, Mors does feel a little two dimensional, but that is because his past is mostly obscured, while Vens has been the most fleshed out. Note, this is intensional.

Thank you very much for the review, have a great day.

Tsun: Thanks for the praise on Ozpin. I always thought that, if he was an immortal he'd want to get his job done quickly and by any means necessary. Also, you will have to find out. I'm not telling you anything unless it has to do with the story.

Abciluvpie: Why thank you.

Baz: It's called double standard. Something that I feel Blake does a lot. Also, as far as the rest of RWBY is concerned. They only have Blakes side of the story, which will be embellished to follow her own views.

neverendingZero: Sorry I had you lose a little bit of sleep, but I certainly hope it was worth it. Mors is a person who would most likely judge a person based on crime first. Nevertheless, if they are trying to kill him, he will kill them back.

IllumanatiAnimelover789: He certainly is. It was something that I was hoping the series would get more into. He's been alive for possibly a millenium. I certainly hope the I live up to the Hype.

Rowan Citrian: Yes, quite the brutal training if I do say so myself. I thought it would be weird to, so I just put it so it made more sense. Ozpin would try to bring everyone into a call this important.

Evinco: Insight is more about being able to see between the dimensions that some intentionally hide. That's why whenever you see something new, you gain a point of insight. It may take awhile, but I will let you know.

Shirozaki Kizuro: Thanks, I'll be sure to check it out.

Infinite Zangetsu: Double standard my friend. The peak of hypocrisy.

Guest: I'll try to expand more on it.

Bruce USSR: Wait and see, my friend. Wait and see.

Noble: Sorry about that, finals and what not. Thank you very much for the praise.

Author of Skyward Remnants: And don't worry, this story made by my bro has a lot of potential. Some would say Skyward Remnants was the same way, but I thought it needed to be changed. Rest assured, Despair will continue!

Guest:... I'd say Blake, at least Ozpin is actually trying to help the world.

Neb: Wait and see. Can't really spoil anything about it.

Guestman52: Thanks, and don't worry. She'll get her smack.

Eugene DC Florence: I don't personally do Yaoi stuff, but they certainly are Bro's for life. And that is really Deep.

Blackout42: I'll take that Compliment with pride good Sir.

That guy: All of those have gone straight to attunement, thank you for telling me That Guy.

Neema Amiry: Sorry, Finals and what not.

Student: Sup man, Thanks once again for your insightful reviews. Oh, and I certainly hope it will be the fight of the school year.

True to the 666: Nothing.

Je'davil1298: Oh don't worry, she will get a reality check. As for Ozpin, I made it that way because he was really disappointing in the story.

Fangtropper56: Why thank you, sadly our favorite magical squid will still have to attend high school.

JELLYB: FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING EXCITEMENT, HERE'S A CHAPTER!

SpiderSauce: I like you. Thanks for giving me a good constructive criticism. I'll be sure to get better. After all, this is only my first story. I still have much to learn about it. I hope you haven't given up on this story, but if you did it's okay. I still will say thank you however.

Guest: If anyone's gonna be the bitch in that scenario, it's Ozpin.

Chapter: 13

A Challenge Approaches

Mors

It had only been a day after the fight upon the Shipyard, yet already everything has changed. It wasn't with everyone, merely just our merry band of warriors. Along with the staff, who had been keeping a closer eye on Venatores. Who decided to sit a row in front of everyone else, while I decided one back, the members of each team staring between the two extremes.

One was Venatores, who remained the ever vigilant student that he was, his eye only moving away from Sir Port, if only to write something down. It was as if last night hadn't even happened, and he just went about his day, unaffected.

The other, was the hidden Cat Faunus, Who appeared as if she was possessed by a form of spirit. Her yellow gaze never left his back, as if she was trying to find the moment that he truly snapped. Possibly to convict him of the crime she spoke he did.

I have no true knowledge of the law, but I have yet to see what Venatores did was unlawful. True they were once her companions, but that meant nothing when it came to their deeds.

All my partner did was defend himself and others. He even gave them a chance to flee, which only few took the chance of.

Was it unnecessarily brutal? Yes.

Did it warrant the same sentence as those who had killed hundreds of innocents? No.

While that was happening, Lady Schnee to was focused upon Ports class. Her eyes ignoring the man's existence, as if he would disappear if she did.

Yang and Miss Rose stayed to themselves, neither of them paying attention to anything within the room. Each of them being left to their own thoughts. Yang using her scroll as a means to distract herself.

Most of Team JNPR, thought it best to stay silent. But I could practically see there eyes wondering between the two people, who were possibly friends, suddenly be at such odds. Lady Nikos and Miss Valkyrie being the most concerned of the Team, while Sir Ren stayed a bit to the side.

The only one to seem unaffected by this obvious change, was Sir Jaune himself. Who, instead of looking at the people in the group, deemed to stare around at everyone. He looked, a desperate look in his eye. As if looking for something that had yet to be seen

He had acted like that all morning staring at any passerby, even the guard, with an strange amount of paranoia. He even stayed a fair distance away from his own teammates, which none seemed to notice with the more interesting case of Venatores and Miss Belladonna.

Then, with the sound of the bell, Ven stood up. His steps still incapable of making noise, as he started his way to lunch.A stalker, quickly trying to follow.

Truly, this had become a rather idiotic game of cat and mouse. One that appeared only Miss Belladonna wished to play. Yet, it appears no one had told her as such.

Or had the stomach to do so.

Sadly, my thoughts were broken by the usually vibrant young lady of Team JNPR.

"Hey Mors." Miss Valkyrie spoke up, looking at the retreating form of Miss Belladonna. Her face scrunched up in a worried manner, who it was for left to her. "Why are Venatores and Blake acting like that?"

I remained silent, still looking at there two retreacting forms. One that was so much harder to spot, as he seemed to mix within the very crowd of students.

"Let us confine to somewhere more private," I began, my voice in it's usual cheery manner. Hoping to show that it was all right, and at most just a small squabble. "preferably where we can all hear it."

Miss Valkyrie looked at me for a second, the worried expression on her face still remaining. Even as she walked alongside Ren, her usual skip when she was with him nowhere to be seen.

It appears that even those who should remain away are being affected.

I merely sighed, keeping up with the rest of the people. Hopefully able to clear this out, before it roots itself in those it should remain away from. Thankfully, I didn't need to eat, so I could immediately get to a table, without any unneeded conversation coming up.

After all, the duty of a partner is to defend the others honor. No matter the risk to oneself.

It was only when I entered the lunch halls, did I see Venatores once again. Staying in a secluded corner of the room, just to the point where he was still visible, yet wasn't. He had already gathered his lunch, which was a measly piece of meat and other garnements.

Meanwhile, the usual spot was outfitted with the two teams. Both sides remaining silent while deep in thought. Miss Belladonna appearing to try and find Venatores, though not actually seeing him in his corner. Though, Sir Jaune and Miss Valkyrie looking around the room, perhaps to try and find the dark Hunter themselves.

So, with a small unneeded exhale, I made my way forward to the table.

"Apologies for my lateness." I spoke up, gaining all of their attention with my cheery attitude and bright smile. "This school remains a labyrinth to my mind, leading me to places I didn-" Sadly, I was rudely interrupted.

Miss Belladonna, her voice bland of all emotion, asked me a simple question. "Did you see Venatores?"

Thankfully, I kept the shock at the interruption from my face, and kept my smile. Though, I quickly brought it to a thinking frown. Still seeing him from the corner of my eye.

He shook his head slightly, as I took that as a sign of him just wanting to stay away from the group. For now, I hope.

"I believe, I saw him head towards the are-" I tried to speak up once more, once again being interrupted by the girl.

"That's perfect, now we can talk without being bothered." She spoke up returning her gaze to the rest of the table. Who, except for Sir Jaune, who was still looking around the lunchroom, seemed to grow even more uncomfortable

The only thing that showed my distaste for what the girl said, was a mere twitch of the eye. Despite her rather… easy flow into hating Venatores with, apparently, every fiber of her being.

Humanity (and Faunus for that matter), so easy to fall to anger. The dark emotions birthed within us from the very birth of our souls.

Even Venatores twitched, from what I could see out of the corner of my eye.

"What's this all about?" Lady Nikos spoke up, looking at most of Team RWBY. Her gaze filled with a small amount of worry. "What happened?"

"Yeah!" Miss Valkyrie interjected, her usually bubbly exterior filled with confusion. Her chin placed on the edge of the table as she leaned down. "Last week, everyone was friendly, actually talking together and enjoying the days! Now you're all…" She stopped, as if trying to find the right words for what she was trying to say.

Thankfully, her partner had a very good response.

"Back to Venatores' relationship with Weiss." Sir Ren spoke, already putting food in his mouth. Miss Valkyrie nodding, fast enough to create a small draft, in agreement. Lady Schnee's hand gripped her fork tightly at the bluntness of the statement, but didn't interject.

"Something happened last night at the docks, that I think you should all know." Belladonna continued her tone assertive as she stared down the rest of Team JNPR. Each of them, except for the leader looking at each other, before Lady Nikos decided to speak.

"Does this have to do with the whole..." She looked around, slightly nervous, right before creating false ears with her fingers above her head. One that Blake widened her eyes at, right before looking at her team with a furrowed brow.

It was rather obvious, as the Leader of the team chuckled nervously. Not even gracing the people with a word of why she did so. Simply embarrassed and awkward at the conversation.

More than likely, Miss Rose told them, feeling they could be trusted with such information.

"We thought that, Venatores might have not liked you hiding it from him." Lady Nikos continued, her gaze settling on her lap. The other two paying attention looking at Blake, in hopes of a form of reaction.

Blakes brow appeared to furrow even more, a small piece of distaste entering her eyes. Unconsciously stabbing a fish off of her plate. "Who I am is none of his business."

I shook my head at that answer, while the rest of the table grew to, yet another level, more uncomfortable. Sadly, I had to speak up on a point, even if it involved me becoming the bad guy.

"What of Team RWBY?" I spoke up boldly, causing everyone to turn to me at that, Blake's eyes particularly widening in shock. Even Sir Jaune returned from his search, looking at me with slight confusion. "When would it have become their business?"

Belladonna merely remained silent at that, looking down at the table without an answer. The rest of Team RWBY no longer eating, and merely playing with the food. Only Weiss appeared calm, still eating the food. Though she was still staring at me, her gaze filed with a silent agreement.

"T-that isn't the point." Belladonna spoke, looking right into my eyes. The same eyes that she stared at Venatores with, not but last night. Her mouth rearing back to form a scowl. "The point is that last night, Venatores-"

"Saved your life, alongside that stranger you met a day ago." I interrupted once more, looking at her with a bland eye. All of their heads turning to me in a look of shock, whether it be at my interruption or the edge that was within my voice.

Though Belladonna's was onnce again an object of disrespect, as the mouth grew into a even bigger scowl. One that appeared ugly on her face, disturbing what most would have considered beauty. She ignored my statement , and turned to the others.

"He kil-" She began, right before I finished her sentence for here once again. Perhaps it was petty of me to do so, but so was this one sided informing of the what was happening. To a team that, with all due respect, had nothing to do with the current problem.

"Killed people." I spoke up, as most of Team JNPR once again turned their attention to me. All of them having a similar look of horror or concern. Only Sir Ren appeared unaffected by it, though the tightening of his grip on his utensil was fairly obvious.

Belladonna was fairly confused, however, possibly at the fact that I decided to interrupt her at that exact moment. In fact, she had almost seemed victorious at that I 'admitted' it. At least, that was before I 'admitted' another thing.

"People who stuck around, after he flaunted to them, that a smarter idea was to run." That single sentence alone, caused Belladonna to shift her face, one that was filled with annoyance.

"Stop interrupting me." She spoke up crossing her arms over her chest, while she glared at me. It was a rather weak glare, one that felt as if a young child was trying to appear threatening to an adult.

Is this how Venatores felt with Lady Schnee? If so, I believe I understand his blatant annoyance with her. An annoyance that had caused me to speak up to the young girl.

"Apologizes, I was just rewarding you a similar treatment you gave me, not just a minute ago." I spoke up, unaware of my surroundings as I stared at Belladonna with unchanging eyes. I didn't even blink as I looked at her, despite it being almost a minute.

She tried to look at me as well, but I can already see the goosebumps grow on her skin. Already wishing to look away from me, which she quickly gave in to. Not that she didn't try to make me look like a buffon.

"Stop acting like a child." She spoke up, trying to make her escape from the glance look dignified, which almost seemed to work.

If it weren't for the fire that began to brew in the forefront of my mind.

"Agreed… how about we both start now?" The effect was almost instant.

Belladonna's scowl grew, her pupils transforming into slits. Making her look like more of her cat ancestry. The rest of the people at the table merely froze, looking between me and her. Each of their faces filled with a high amount of concern. None more so than Sir Jaune, possibly because he knew what it felt like fighting me.

But, I merely took a breath, one that was unneeded due to my existing biology. Yet, it was still needed to calm my mind from the current flame inside of it. One that tried to consume my entire mind, and reason. But, I had grown used to such things.

"I must apologize… it's just when I get angry, I start to become a little… challenging." I told those around me, not even looking at Belladonna. After all, I was mostly sorry for having to bring them into the conversation.

Not for my actions against the young cat Faunus.

However, Sir Jaune looked at me in a form of sarcasm, that I was used to with Venatores. "A little?"

"Killed?" Miss Valkyrie spoke up, looking right at me. Her gaze filled with confusion and a small bit of horror. "N-not defeated? You mean… Ven's the one who had the body count?"

Before I could respond to that, Belladonna spoke up. "Who else would it have been?"

"Well… there was a terrorist group at the dock." Sir Ren spoke up, looking as if it was obvious, which made Belladonna frown at him. "We heard that the White Fang was at the docks with you guys. We had assumed from the news report, or what little they told us, you had witnessed the death of civilians."

I wonder what this news is. It sounds useful, if they give such information out to the general public. In the past we had a Town Crier, yet he was less than helpful, considering he only toured the richer parts of the district. Mostly in hopes of more coin in his purse.

Upon this admission, Belladonna was silent, but her body and expression spoke all. An anger that came from just insinuating something impossible. Even the grip on her fork seemed tighter, as she stabbed at the fish on her plate, speaking up to Sir Ren's point.

"The White Fang were the people who were killed." She spoke, in a way as if an innocent person was convicted of a heinous crime. One that I quickly interjected into, to supply proper information.

"As they tried to steal thousands of pounds of Dust, and end the life of the three students who witnessed them." My arms crossing over my large frame, as I looked at her in disappointment. Though it appeared she didn't catch the message.

"That doesn't matter." Her voice still filled with an annoyance from my constant adding on. Though everyone appeared to be used to it by now. "Venatores still killed people at the dock. He should pay for what he did!"

"He should pay for stopping a robbery and, nearly, capturing someone who has been robbing people blind for years?" I spoke up my mind truly befuddled by the lack of logic spawning from the girls mouth. If that was loic, than the knights of my old home should of thrown down there weapons before the enemy, not killing them.

Those choices don't take president in a battle.

Belladonna turned her attention to me once again, her face in a calm annoyance at my constant interactions. But, her hands and bow revealed all. The annoyance and anger she felt from me interjecting. "That doesn't stop the fact that he killed those people."

I interjected one final time, my anger once again growing. "From a group who kill humans for sport, while they were in the middle of stealing a ship load of Dust. Possibly to be used for even more nefarious means."

She just sat there, not refuting my point but merely staring. Possibly trying to think of a way to counter my point.

By the fact that I was still waiting, that meant she didn't have one.

"Face it Belladonna," I spoke up, Belladonna and the rest looking as if I grew a second head. Possibly from the tone that I said her name in. A manner that spoke of lack of patience and a volcano about to burst. The same tone I used with one Cardin Winchester. "Venatores stopped that robbery. You just can't handle that he did so while killing them."

Everyone at that table stared at me, just looking at me in a small means of shock. Each of the people only used to me ever being polite or kind. They had never seen the hostile side of me.

Except it wasn't hostile… it was protectiveness. Protectiveness of the partner that everyone tried to harm, over something miniscule in the long run. A knight's job is to protect the people, even if it means the death of the guiltied.

"But-" Blake tried to speak up, as I once again spoke over her.

"The world isn't black or white, Belladonna. There isn't even a grey in the spectrum of the world." I spoke up, looking directly into her eyes. Each of the yellow orbs filled with an equal part anger, and another part annoyance. But, under those two things, there was the feeling of fear, attempting to hide.

So… She was hiding behind this anger? For what? What was she trying to escape?

It matters not, for in the end, it doesn't matter what lead her down this road. All that matters was that she started down the path. A path that is ignorantly followed by wishes for a brighter world….

Instead of a better one.

"All that exist is just better, fine, and worse."

The people listening leaned in closer, all of them holding a similar amount of curiosity on what I was about to say.

"I don't expect you all to like what Venatores can do, but I expect you to realize that if a man of his caliber would be getting… more, if he used his skills to do whatever he pleased." I spoke up, many of the people reeling back at the realization. That he could in fact get far more from this job alone. "The people he could kill, the riches he could take, whatever he wanted could be at his fingertips if he merely worked for some Lord to be hired to kill his enemies. He gave up a very rewarding career, to merely defeat the people and the monsters for what can equate to pennies, because he wants to help."

Each of them looked down at the point that I brought up, Sir Jaune already nodding his head. Sir Ren and Miss Valkyrie looking at each other, though Ren kept a quiet front. His partner was also , unusually quiet. I had no idea if it was out of not wanting to get involved, or merely keeping a calm front.

Lady Nikos kept a similar manner about herself, though there was an unsure look about her. As if she was also questioning what I was talking about.

The sisters looked at each other, Miss Rose looking hopeful at her sister. Yang, however, had a small amount of doubt with that explanation. Her gaze shifting from me to her own partner.

Lady Schnee looked as if she was trying to avoid the conversation though. Her focus split between all of us and her food, as if she wished to avoid the obstacle entirely.

Belladonna, however, was furious to the point where she looked more like her animal cousin than anything a person. To the point that, I could practically hear a snarl emanating from her throat.

"And that makes it all well and good, right?" She spoke up, only looking at me. Her hands reaching up into the air. "We should just accept him with open arms, and follow his ways to a T."

"No." I spoke, shocking Belladonna out of her own anger. "I hope you never have to kill anyone for any reason."

I was truthful in that regard. Afterall, they were not ready for the strain of it. The feeling of having power over another, yet also powerless. Time seeming to freeze as you lay there, unable to do anything until someone or something pulls you out of it.

"Venatores, just like the rest of you, joined this job to make a difference in the world. He merely speeds up the process of truly stopping terrorists. Instead of them getting their sentence and placing being in jail. Which does nothing but give those within the prison, unless it's extremely well made, time to escape to repeat their heinous crimes."

"Alongside the possibility for the prisoners to be sentenced to death." My shoulders shrugging as the words escaped my mouth. At the very least they were true for the people of Anor Londo, if they do much as thought of resisting the rule of the Gods.

"Capturing them, imprisoning them, you only prolong the inevitable and increase the chance of an escape or give the countries more information through whatever torture methods they can get their hands on. Do not assume just because you place them under arrest, they magically stop doing any crimes ever. These men are part of fanatical cult that believes that mankind should not exist, for the crimes of slavery long since past and racism."

"And believe me, I know a thing or two about racism."

"It must be hard… being an undead." A deep voice spoke through the giant cell. So deep in fact, that the very ground seemed to quake. "Fated to die over and over again, by both demon and man alike. Persecuted for a curse any man can gain."

I looked up, to the point where I was looking at the sky, to the man I spoke to. His hand masterfully carving away at a small orb of wood, despite the orb being miniscule in his hands.

Beside me sat a man, who stood about the size of a house. His legs crossed while he looked forward, not even looking at his craft. His garb only covered half on him, revealing his muscles that lay like boulders upon his skin. Thick and unrelenting, like a natural armor against any average blade.

The body of his armor was connected to both of his shoulders by a large chain. It's links around one forth my height, and thicker than my arm. It was without any arm protection, not that he needed such a tunic held a rabish feel to it, possibly to help his blend into something, despite his large frame.

His boots were made of a fine copper metal,, his gauntlets made of the same material. Each of the pieces thin, as to give him more room to move for his way for fighting. His boots had holes in the bottom, the beings very own soles, tough enough to crush a measly rock like it was a pebble.

Upon his shoulder was a large paldron. One that was far bigger than my own body, and crafted from a sort of bone. One that came from on of the dragons that he slayed with his mighty bow.

His features were covered by a helm of a hawk, one that appeared covered in a grime. The largest amount formed over his neck and eyes, forcing the giant to be unable to remove the helm. Sadly, that also gave him the inability to see.

This was Hawkeye Gough, The Archer of the Four Knights of Gwyn. Persecuted for his apparent barbaric behaviour.

My personal opinion was that they caught themselves the wrong giant. Gough was far to much of a pascift to man, that if was almost as if he was a giant child. Even then, it didn't persecute blinding the giant with sap of the Archtree. A sap that, when hardened might as well have been a dragon's scale.

"Tis fine… It took awhile to get used to it, though." I spoke up, going back to my very own carving. Trying to separate my mind from the experience that happened soon after my curse came to be.

It was an experience that I would rather not have put into my mind. Not anymore.

"One must wonder what a giant undead would be to the humans." The archer spoke up, his hand still carving into the piece of wood in his hand.

"Why would being a giant matter?" I asked, looking up at the ancient carver. Stopping my own whittling to get a better look at the giant.

"Ah, finally a wise human." Gough spoke up, a small laugh in his voice. Yet, one could hear the tiniest piece of sorrow. "It may not matter to ones as wise as you, but still we Giants are all lumped as brutes. Even a giant such as I, who studied the humble art of the bow and carving, was persecuted for my 'brutish nature'. Even when Gwyn awarded me with the same honors as that of Artorias, and the rest of the Dragonslayers, no one kissed the ground I walked upon as they did his."

It was something in that tone of voice that made me feel his sorrow. After all, I had spoken a little bit like him myself. In a time that felt like an age. So I had to do something, hopefully to help him from being down.

"Are you sure they weren't afraid that you may sit on them?" I spoke up, a small smile gracing my face. The whittling of the giant stopping rather abruptly.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" The Giant laughed, the very ground shaking at the loud yet deep bass of his voice. A hand absentmindedly slapping at the ground at his side, crafting an even bigger quake. "Perhaps they were! It may very well be the reason everyone is so afraid of us!"

At that moment, both of us simply laughed. My own voice tiny compared to the booming laugh of the man at my side. Even so, we both stopped quickly. After all, the both of us had a project to complete.

Yet, before I could even put the metal upon the wood of my sculptor. The Giant cleared his throat, the sound similar to a tree being snapped in half.

"So, Mors, if I may ask…" He spoke up, his voice almost sounding timid and small. Which, in human terms, made him sound like a grown man. "What of your family?"

The chisel sank into the wood, far deeper than I intended it to. The action causing the wood to splinter off, my strength causing the piece to crumble to splinter.

"What of them?" I spoke, my voice sounding a little harsher than I intended. Tossing the splinters of my barely started carving to the side. Putting it with the rest of the splinters, ones formed from my own frustration.

"I merely wish to know more about you." Gough spoke up, his voice still timid while he continued his carving. "You can learn much of a man from the people who raised him. I would look at your carving, but..." He stopped, gesturing to the corner where I sat.

Yet, I remained unsure whether he was referring to the carvings newly made remains, or his inability to see anything. Nevertheless, I answered with the sound of metal striking wood, as I began once again.

Gough's helm turned away, looking down at his own carving. His single finger feeling across the small surface with the skill and care one wouldn't expect from his size. "I see…" His tone was filled with silent acceptance, the metal of his own chisel hitting the wood.

"Well, I didn't expect much of an answer." Gale continued, the piece of wood being placed close to his helm. A gust of wind blowing away all the dust from the project. As he did, the carving seemed to whisper something that I could not hear. "You seem like the type of person who was raised by experiences, rather then any parent."

He placed his sculpture to the side, taking another small piece of wood from his pile. Restarting the process all over again, his voice silent to the world.

Yet, I could not help be consumed by my own curiosity.

"What of your mother and father?" I spoke up, also judging his movements. Who knows, maybe they would reveal something similar to how it did with mine. Besides, he had started a new carving, so I wouldn't impede his work if he destroyed it.

I couldn't help but note the pettiness in my tone. Though, it was to be expected, when I have yet to truly finish a carving.

"Me?" He spoke, not even the barest twitch of anything all across his body. "No one wanted me. I was left to my own, by all the higher beings of this world."

Despite that somber note of dialogue, the giant continued with his carving. As if there was nothing wrong with anything that he had spoken of.

"Might you explain?" I asked, my curiosity once again getting the better of me. After all, it wasn't often that the giant spoke of the past.

Though, I feel that he might say the same to me, if such roles were reversed.

Gough only sighed, placing his carving to the side. Already beginning to speak, his voice once more filled with a form of somberness, that he spoke with just a minute ago.

"Man, fearing the Giants, demonized us in anyway they could. I wouldn't be shocked if many of my kind were enslaved in the next few millennia, using our size for their own personal gain. Gods? Though Gwyn is a gracious and honorable higher being, I doubt that he will stop mankind from doing what they want with us. And Giants? I am looked upon as a supporter of man, helping their kingdoms grow and prosper! Even then, Giant kind remain seldom to each other. Why, I've only met two other of my kind in my life, one of them being a grand blacksmith within Anor Londo."

"No matter what, the intolerance of man is a thing born in their very souls. One cannot stop it, only control how it affects the mind. Best to remain indifferent to the people, even gods, instead looking at their actions. At the very least, one would remain wiser for it."

With that, the very chamber stayed silent. It was an unnatural and awkward silence, one that I was not used to within this very chamber. But with it, came a small sense of union. After all, the loneliness of a giant could be compared to that of an undead.

I didn't speak it loud. I merely went back to my widdling, my mind a little more at peace with the companion. One who seemed to know of the strife of man. The atmosphere returning to the one it was at in the beginning.

Yet, my attention was once again drawn to Gough. His hand the size of a large table in front of me, holding a small object that could fit in my hand.

"Here." He spoke, his voice filled with a small cheer. Even though, the somberness remained. "For listening to an ancient wittlers tale."

I took it from his hand, the object smooth, except for the rough carvings within it. It looked… almost like the face of a bird, horns coming from its eyes and reaching to its forehead.

Yet, it oddly gave a strange feeling, one that I couldn't quite place.

"Go on," Gough spoke up, still at his carving. Each of the carvings as expertly made as the one in my hand. "give it a whack."

I looked at him oddly, even though I knew he couldn't see it. Yet, I followed his advice. I tapped it, right upon the skull of it's head.

It was only then, did I recognize the feeling within the face of the sculpture. One that crumbled upon the mere tap I gave it.

"Thank you."

Gratitude.

"You may try to convince yourself that the White Fang fights for the best of all Faunus kind, Blake. You may even assume that if the Faunus ran things, and only they exist, there would be no racism, no bad things in the world." I continued to speak, despite the memory at the back of my head. My arms crossing over my chest, my eyes still holding it's might towards Belladonna.

"But when push comes to shove, the Faunus of the White Fang are no better than the racist Humans all those years ago."

"And if you continue down the path of trying to defend their 'honor' as terrorists…." My finger pointing right toward her, the others of Team RWBY and JNPR becoming hazy, as I focused solely on the girl in front of me. My anger leaking through my mask, yet still held with it's impassiveness.

"Than you are no Huntress… rather a girl too cowardly to face reality… whom holds nothing but my disdain."

He saw as pain and shock cut through her soul with the wicked intent his words held. But, he regretted nothing, not what he said or who he had said it to. Even as he stood up, exiting to the next class. The others too in shock to even speak as I left.

What I said was the truth. Nothing more, and nothing less.

The moment class had started, I had noticed many a difference.

The first was that most of Team JNPR and RWBY sat a distance more away, Sir Jaune being the only exception. Each of them stealing glances as I sat beside my partner, who had only continued to read his book. Each of their faces now marred with knowledge as they stared between Venatores, Belladonna and I.

Needless to say, I was receiving a similar treatment from her as Venatores.

The second was that Madam Goodwitch was not in her normal spot. Instead of in the center of the arena, ready to pick a student if need be, she stood off to the side. Closer to one of the boards of illusion that showed illustrations of the warriors in combat.

The final thing was that a set of words strode across the screen. One that spoke of a very strange word.

A Semester Test? At least that's what I hope it says after studying English for quite some time. Particularly without end, to the point that I can now pass my any form of a report that a teacher may force me to partake in.

Though, I still dread the class of history.

"Good afternoon, students." Madam Goodwitch exclaimed, immediately catching all the attention of the students. "Today we will not be doing any form of combat for the day… instead, we will be talking about something far more important."

She immediately used her crop, pointing to the screen. One which caused a many to grown, while I merely looked around confused.

"Next week, you will be taking a quarterly Semester test for each of the classes listed on your schedule." She continued, my body tensing at the mere mention of a test. One that revolved around every subject. "A test, that is worth as much as all the work you've done until this point."

The room grew very quiet at that admission. A very heavy one that filled the entire room. Even Venatores looked up from his book, looking down at the teacher with an interest

Madam Goodwitch had only one thing to say.

"I'd suggest you study." Turning around, moving away from the group as she let that sink in.

Truly… this was going to be a terrifying week coming. Not only would I have to face tests, ones that hold a weight that I had not previously considered, but I would have to face them back to back.

Truly a challenge that I was not yet prepared for.

From my side, I could see Venatores almost, almost, roll his eyes, before moving back to his stories. It seemed that he had nothing to worry about, as I know he absorbed information like a well-dried cloth.

'Lucky bastard.' I thought jokingly to myself, giving myself a small smile, as I gazed upon the teams around me. As usual, the teams that attract my eye was the colorful group of Team RWBY and JNPR. More accurately, the rather obvious Miss Rose, as I could almost see the smoke coming out of her ears in an attempt to process what was said. It was the same with Sir Jaune, as he reached into his bag in an attempt to find the necessary notes to study.

Miss Valkyrie, who had seemed down since the events of the lunchroom, had reacted rather blandly. This caused a frown to grow on my face, as the usually bright and bubbly girl seemed to almost dim in the last hour. I was not the only one to notice this, as Sir Ren wore a similar frown to my own, was just as down.

Only Miss Nikos, Schnee, and Yang seemed unaffected by both the coming Semester Tests, as well as the strained friendship that we have all built over the last few months. However, I could see the cracks in their nonchalant stance, as Miss Schnee moved small inches away from Venatores whenever she gazed at him. Miss Nikos also took small glances towards her Team, RWBY, Venatores and I, attempting to discern some sort of truth in the words that were spoken earlier from my own mouth. Yang herself was attempting to seem relaxed, but I could see the stance that she naturally took from years of training, and was hovering over her sister like some sort of reaper from the great beyond.

I merely sighed, choosing to focus on Miss Goodwitch rather than the group of eight in the room, and ignoring the existence of Belladonna for now. This was not the time for these things. Plenty of time can be placed into bridging the gaps that have been made, but for now, I would rather focus on these test.

"However," She spoke up, stopping at an unseen table at the corner of the room. A cloth haphazardly strewed across it."This class will have a very different form of test. One that involves these very objects."

She pulled the cloth away from the table, the cloth to reveal...

Chess pieces. Most notably, the ones that had begun our journey into Beacon. Ones that tied our fates to the ones that we sat beside. I could even see the pawn that tied my fate to the Hunter at my side.

"Some of you have already realized, that these are the Relics you have obtained during your opening exam. Ones that put you into the teams that you are in now." She spoke up, gaining the attention of all the students once again.

"The test is very simple… It is a Team on Team battle, for the relic. The locations and time are random. The areas exclusively across the region of Vale. You may get the woods, a cliffside, or even the very city of Vale. Some may even get a parameter, depending on the area you are placed in. It could be for one side only, or it could even involve the entire area. These conditions will be revealed during the day of the test, to ensure that you can handle anything thrown at you."

I suppose this was test was made to simulate a mission, whether it be infiltration or the like. Many different forms of prerequisites and the like to complete it. Even going so far as to make it so we would expect the unexpected.

"The relic, however, will only be given to a single team. Your goal is not to beat the enemy. It is instead to guard the relic with all of your efforts, from the enemy team. The other team's goal is to retrieve the relic. Even if you beat every team member until the relic is retrieved you will remain there until the test is over. You must also note, that the relic has to remain on a person of your team. The time limit is eight hours if the relic isn't retrieved the ones tasked with holding it are the victors. That being said, the moment enemy team holds the relic, the test is over."

"This test is to see how far you've come, not only as a team, but as a singular combat unit." She finished, her voice filled with a sort of iron one would expect from a knight.

Simple, and to the point. Though it would be to easy to accomplish. Merely find the one the team is protecting the most, and attack. Even then, I find it hard to believe that I would lose with Venatores' help against multiple, inexperienced students.

It was like throwing four humans against two starving dragons. The result becomes rather obvious.

Even Team RWBY and JNPR seemed rather calm. All of them probably realizing that they were one of the stronger teams, so they would be alright.

"However…" Madam Goodwitch spoke, looking at the rest of the students. Her hand gesturing to the screen, Which the students quickly brought their attention to. "Our honor students will have a special condition to the Midterm."

The screen quickly brought the picture of the two of us. A generic photo of us within our school uniform, staring at the rest of the school. The only thing separating us is a thick black line. Below the picture, was the word Eclipse, the name that was given to our Team.

That was, until a large red line was brought between the pictures. Placing a large empty space between the two of us, even the word Eclipse into our first names. The two of us be put onto the board with the rest of the Teams.

"The two members of Team Eclipse will be seperated, and be put against a full team. Graded only on how they, alone, do against such a situation." She spoke up, holding onto that as the rest of the students began to react.

A majority of them looking like a Darkstalker seeing a fresh human fall in to New Londo. Sadly, it appeared that I was the fresh human, alongside Venatores. Though, I could see why they hoped they would have us for an opponent. Especially if one of us were the ones to gain the relic and given the mission to guard it.

It would be one vs four, and they would merely have to obtain the relic.

This, once again, caused Venatores to put his book down. His attention utterly focused upon the screen, same as my own. After all, there was a slim chance of a true battle on its way with that admission.

"But, because of this, they have the ability to pick the terrain and time in which they fight in. Giving them a disadvantage, while at the same time an advantage. Their choice will only be known by them, until the day of the test if they so choose."

Time and terrain? That was…

While some may not take it into account, the environment is everything. Especially if you can control it. If your enemy doesn't have a high amount of Vigor, a gaseous swamp similar to Blighttown would end them quickly. So on and so forth.

Even time can affect behavior, to the point that you don't even have to fight the opponent. Merely watch them unravel as a sleepless night takes hold. Then, merely sneak upon them and obtain the relic.

To ones as experienced as Venatores and I, who have been in real combat and have had to face hell? It was a huge, almost unfair advantage...

"Teams will be picked at random," Madam Glynda spoke up looking at the screen, tapping something down upon the Scroll in her hands . "which we will begin in a moment."

As if on cue, only two slots appeared upon the screen. Nothing showing up, while everyone looked at the screen. An atmosphere of anticipation filling the room. One that I happened to share with the rest of the room. Yet, I had ignored most of the chatter, and what Madam Glynda spoke of. My own thoughts took priority…

After all, by the slimmest of chances, I might come to face Venatores. A true battle for the ages, to come within this semester test.

I nearly felt my blood pump for the first time in, what may very well be, a millennium. I wasn't even paying attention to the screen, my mind quickly trying to find a location that I and Venatores may fight if it were to come to that.

An open plain would do, Venatores is a rather stealth based person. It would be best to do it in an open field, one that would make a great arena and easy to spot any other Grimm that may interfere.

But how would they decide who would hold president when it came to the decision of place or time? It probably didn't matter, especially if I brought it around to Venatores and we came to a consensus.

All that mattered was, that we could have a true battle. One that we could decide when to stop, not by some other power within the school.

Of course, I have a chance to face other students. Yet, I truly doubt that many of them could pose a true threat against me. True, depending on who I would face, it may be a difficult battle, but few could truly pose a threat against me any more. Even if four of them tried to attack me all at once, I doubt they could do anything that I couldn't handle.

But, my own name broke me out of my thoughts. My focus growing as I stared at my own name on the screen, next to a blank team name.

"Mors Ignis will be facing…" Madam Glynda spoke up, her attention on the screen. Each second that passed, further making the flame pulse within me. My hopes of it being Venatores at their highest it could ever be.

Right before it promptly plummeted at the announcement of the team.

"Team JNPR."

This was followed by a sigh of disappointment to escape my partner, as well as me. T'was not that I wasn't excited, just that I had hoped for something a bit… more.

Everyone had a near similar reaction to that announcement. One that I couldn't agree with.

Team JNPR was going to win. Or, more specifically, Pyrrha Nikos was going to win.

Much like Sir Jaune, I had gotten to know the strong women of team JNPR very well in our time here. As such, it didn't take a genius to see that the young lady was treated as if Gwynevere herself had returned to the halls of Anor Londo. Even Sir Jaune spoke of her being known as a 'famous' and 'talented' by the world.

As such, it wasn't that hard to discover that Lady Nikos went by a certain title among the students here. One that spoke very much of her skill and ability.

The Untouchable Queen. A rather on the nose title that had everyone scared to face her in combat, and at the same time treating her as if she were a goddess in the flesh. I've even seen it up close, watching her fight off other students.

Without a doubt, she was a skilled warrior from what I have seen and quite impressive despite her being a mere 18 years old. Sadly, I have faced ancients who crafted their skills to the point that even dragons feared them. A skilled human individual would be difficult, but easily manageable compared to the likes of Artorias the Abysswalker.

Plus, she was clearly trained to weaken her opponents, rather than defeat them.

From what I could remember of my early life, there were Colosseum battles made to tests ones strength against slaves of Gwyn. It was mostly for entertainment, but it was also used to give rookie knights the taste of fresh blood on their swords, and end lives early so they could be ready for war and battle. They were brutal, horrific, and downright inhuman to the giants and human slaves that were fighting to escape whatever debt or crime they inflicted upon themselves. Though, that didn't stop me from competing in them…

A time I look back upon in regret, as I was nothing but a naive boy who felt that they had deserved it. Though, some of the many criminals did deserve what could only be described as a bloody execution at our hands.

When I had heard that Lady Nikos had attended many of these, I was stunned at how prepared she was to become a Huntress of Vale. I had assumed that she would know that she would be facing human opponents more often than Grimm within these walls. A wise insight, considering that these cities were well protected from the mysterious demons, but not the snakes that live within.

When I had heard that I could see 'video' of what had taken place there, my curiosity had gotten the better of me. I 'looked up' the 'video' with the help of Miss Rose, who explained what a 'search bar' was on the Scroll, and how to 'open' videos.

I was disappointed to find that she was nothing more than an entertainer, showing the skill she had trained so hard for to gain notoriety and fame. Or, perhaps she had used this tournament to train against human opponents as I said, never realizing that she was training herself to aim for limbs to weaken the Aura, instead of ending the fight with a sword to the gut.

Though, the reactions that the team had given were rather... comical.

Sir Jaune's face had turned completely white. His eyes had yet to leave the screen, as he just continued to look at it. Strangely… it even looked like true fear was starting to bud within his eyes. Was this not just a mere test?

Miss Nikos was only looking at her leader, a hand making its way to her shoulder. The very moment she touched him, he shot up looking around the area with an intense gaze.

Right before it landed on me, causing him to go rigid once other pair, had a similar reaction. Though, far more verbal in that regard.

"We are so doomed." The bubbly girl in pink spoke up, her face set in a rather stoic manner. Sir Lie already having his hand meet his face, possibly at the words Miss Valkyrie.

Needless to say, the fight against my opposing Team would be another win for me. It shall be difficult, but I've fought through harder with a broken sword hilt.

"The flag will be going to… Mors Ignis."

That, however, made the fight just a little harder, as I would be defending rather than attacking. Lords above know how much harder and annoying this fight had become with this simple placement. This was one of the many reasons that I hated fights with such conditions.

Though, who knows, perhaps seeing Sir Jaune's progress would make this battle worth it.

"Venatores Luna…" The Teacher spoke up, causing my attention to return to the large screen above. My partner not even giving a glance towards it, especially after facing the disappointment of not facing me. Merely reading the Book that he still held in his hands.

He didn't even flinch at the team he would be facing.

"Team RWBY."

It appears fate wanted Belladonna and Venatores to face off in combat. Sadly, it decided to bring the rest of her teammates with her into the bloodshed. Not that it looked like she really cared.

Even without looking at her, I could feel her eyes widen, before the feeling of intensity and a small piece of relief almost jumped from her. It was still kept behind the stoic mask of hers, but one with a trained eye could see it. The glint in her eyes, the slight pull from her mouth, even the ribbon that hid her true self twitched.

Yang held the same glee, but in one more fitting of her battle hungry manner. Grin wide and with some teeth, an innocent want to fight someone. Even going so far to crack her knuckles, while staring directly at my partner. Perhaps she had forgotten what R and W of her team seemed to understand.

That they should be fearful of what was to come.

I have only known Venatores for only a number of weeks, but even I know he should not be taken lightly. After all, he was just as skilled as I was with the blade, maybe even more so.

"The flag will be going to… Team RWBY." Madam Goodwitch spoke from the center of the stadium. As if she was oblivious to the atmosphere in the stands filled with students. The scroll within her hands making way to the pocket, before looking out to all the students.

"That will be all." She finished, already making her way to the door, leaving most of the students to only stare in silence at their opponents. Some were smug, some were cocky and even fearful of what was to come in the coming week.

Venatores merely left, his disappearance nearly unnoticed. I had attempted to follow him, as I most certainly needed help with my studies if I were to remain within the graces of my teachers.

That was until a hand grabbed my forearm.

I turned my head, looking at the tall individual who did so. His face still holding it previous sense of fear. Yet, there was also a flaming piece of iron, right on the verge of being tempered. Blue eyes staring into my own golden brown orbs.

"I… I'll be fighting with all I have." Sir Jaune spoke up, his voice quiet despite the strong words he had tried to put up. Even his very eyes were shaking, as he stared at me. A strange seriousness that I hadn't seen from him before taking over.

Yet, I happened to notice something else. Within his hands, was his own scroll. His grip was so tight that it looked as if he would break the thing if he put any more force on it.

I knew something was wrong as soon as he had spoken.

I had assumed that he was acting strange today due to the sudden animosity between Team RWBY, Venatores, and I. I had assumed that, perhaps, he was just staying out of it in an attempt to find a solution to our problem, as that was the kind of man he was.

It appears that wasn't the case.

Something was wrong…

But it seems that asking would do nothing.

Sir Jaune had already learned from the mistake of not asking others for help, that I had assumed he would learn in our lessons together. So, either he had ignored those lessons, and has taken some steps backward…

Or this wasn't a problem that could be solved with help. And the solution had something to do with this fight.

Yet, the fire in his eyes was undeniable. Yes, he may have been forced in some way to 'fight with all he has', but he has been waiting for this moment. What that moment was, and what all of this had to do with a fight against me, I wasn't sure.

But, that didn't matter.

"Naturally, Sir Jaune," I told him clearly, to aim a competitive smirk his way, as he could only stare with slightly widened eyes. "It would be a disservice to you if I did not face you with everything I have."

If he wanted to prove himself on the field of battle…

I turned to leave the classroom, as the rest of Sir Jaune's team stared at the exchange that had occurred, eyes wide with confusion. As I approached the door to leave the classroom, I spoke to the blonde knight loud and clear.

"From this day forth, there will be no lessons Sir Jaune of Arc. Use your new found time wisely, for your challenge will be met upon the desert plains, between the borders of Vacuo and Vale… You best prepare for battle."

Then I will give him a battle worth remembering.