Hey guys! Here's a late Christmas present.
Let's get to some of the reviews!
Rnji: I see what you mean, and I sadly have to agree. I still consider myself a novice when it comes to a balanced fighting experience. But I am still glad you enjoyed the fight scene.
Rubydragon123: Thank you, also I noticed that you didn't note Weiss own weakness. Is this perhaps favoritism? ;)
I also like Weiss, mage types plus fencer is just purely kinda style.
Tsun: Wow you really don't like Yang! But I can understand, she really doesn't hold a purpose within the story. While you don't get a stabbed heart, I hope you enjoyed the broken arm.
I feel especially proud of both Weiss and Ruby.
DashingXRouge: Why thank you. I believe it could have been a tiny little more balanced. I also understand your life and limb thing, but I mount it up to pure adrenaline. Ruby has been in a fight that she was actually scared of, and with the Scythe reveal she gained a strange level of confidence.
Grimmsoul1: Thanks, I am pretty proud of the Ruby vs Ven fight. They would benefit from aura wouldn't they? But perhaps there is something stopping it that we hadn't thought of.
A Simple Pilgrim: Thank you, fight scenes are extremely difficult but fun to write. My hands were practically on fire after that chapter. Ozpin is extremely interested in everything having to deal with Team Eclipse, after all they are not the norm. As for the aura, the comment above has your answer.
Ascandas: Thank you, and they were most certainly teh Mvp's. Weiss was easily the most fun to write, but Ruby was a close second. Especially since the familiarity of Ven and Ruby's fighting style. The only real difference was the lack of sword from Ruby.
TheRightPrice: Jeez, my first chapters are kind of embarrassing aren't they? Thank you for the compliments, and I at least tried to make each of them have an actual effect.
Student: Why thank you! I thought I had done a pretty good job on their own weaknesses, surely, this will change something. And Blake learned something more about herself, and will hopefully better herself.
Axxcel: Thank you for your criticism, and because of you I now watch Vexed Viewer. (Really insightful dude.) What you say about Blake is true, but I, strangely, still like her origins.
To me, Blakes story isn't about her hatred. It is about hypocrisy and good intentions turned vile. As for Ruby, in the grand scheme of things, her character is lazy. It's the common trope of my 'friends are my power', something I don't really appreciate especially for a story trying to be serious. Admittedly, it's a story about teenagers saving the world, but I expect slight realism, especially if she's the leader.
As for consequences, it's hard for them to get them so long as you have a Headmaster at your back, isn't it?
And, you are definitely right about Ruby when she lost her aura… sadly, I tried to do the Rule of Cool… I don't think it worked. As for the disarming Venatores, I think it makes some sense. I'm not trying to make an excuse, but a High Powered Sniper Rifle Swing that can evisarate even stronger level Grimm? Also, as shown by his stats, he is more Arcane based. Like a spell sword, but more on the arcane side. Just how I see it, but I can see why you might not like it.
Anyway, thanks again for the Constructive Criticism. I hope you still like the story though.
Jadex Imperia: As long as Ven remains there, no one is safe from the blood. After all, they don't know the old adage… Fear the Old Blood!
Sadly, for such true powers, you will have to wait.
Audiotistic: Truly a wonderful review. Such words have never been spoken to me in such a manner, it truly lit a fire within my very soul. Also, such great words for an 8/10. It was freaking hilarious!
IllumantiAnimeLover789: I like how you're the only one whole who noticed, or at least commented, on Ven being strangely nice. Also his own fighting style being more stealth based. After all, his most powerful stat is even Arcane, and he barely did any form of true damaging arcane, aside from the Tiny Tonitrus.
Who knows what Ven will do? Even now, he holds his enigmatic behavior.
Yurries: Thank you! I had to recently reread my old chapters because of this review just to see it… and I have to admit they do kinda suck. But hey, at least I'm improving! I hope you can stick it in for the long run man, your review gave me a smile!
Ziritandirin: Thanks man! But, there is some other pretty interesting stuff out there. I hope you can keep up, because here's another one!
Alright, on to the story!
Chapter 18
After the End
Ozpin
Of the many events that happened tonight, all that entered my mind was a phrase that had been spoken as long as I could remember. One that never held much meaning until this very moment, when nothing really made sense.
Interesting…
Was there any other word to describe it? Power that I could barely scratch in understanding despite these long years, each of them coming from the two peculiar students. Of course, they weren't the only ones who managed it during this test.
I turned around, looking out of my clocktower. The beauty of the school below something that one could never get tired of. No matter how long I was to look at it, even after so many years. It was like looking at life, changing and growing across the ages. Nothing ever truly remaining, shifting like sands in an hourglass.
Here was the perfect place to think. Think about everything that happened on this single day, with the sounds of each gear turning away. Each second passing with perfect clarity.
As headmaster, it was always my duty to watch and study everything that goes on in these tests. Ones designed to test the students for many separate aspects. Teamwork, decision making, combat prowess, and, of course, to survive while holding something of great importance.
That last one, was more important than anything else. All of my students, strong or weak, will learn this one important lesson.
But, on this day, I decided to change that. Instead choosing to focus on the only teams that truly mattered right now.
Not that I would so callously ignore my other students. I merely left them in the capable hands of my assistant and teacher Glynda.
After all, I needed to see it for myself. For it meant nothing but the future of the World.
The secrets of Venatores Luna, ones that he guarded with his every fiber.
The strength and power of the knight Mors Ignis, his soul filled with compassion.
The skills of Pyrha Nikos, the Untouchable Queen.
And, of course, one of the most important aspects of the night…
The Silver eyed girl, Ruby Rose. A child granted a gift unlike any other, granted from a bygone era.
Each of them would undoubtedly hold a responsibility. Whether it be guarding the very kingdoms, hunting the monsters known as Grimm, or on a task that meant the fate of our world. Nothing could be more important.
All that remained, was to understand and to better them. Or, at least, get them to trust me and understand the importance of this duty.
This was the easiest and hardest part of my job. After all, I was Headmaster Ozpin, one of the greatest Huntsman of Remnant. A huntsman who gives them purpose and drive so that they may protect the world.
Yet… to tell them, not only is there Grimm to worry about. But something far more ancient than any of the Four Kingdoms.
Truly, it was a heart shattering experience. To see the job that they trained their whole lives for, grow in a way that made everything they did seem small. Each time, a look of shock, horror, and every other little emotion that I could grasp grew on their face. My grip tightening around the cane I've kept in possession all these long years.
But, in the end, they are always filled with a purpose. One that could be shared by all.
Protect this world.
But that was a given for most of the trainees of this world. One can't just become a Huntsman or Huntress, not without a wish to protect the world and better its people. But few can rise to be First Class ones, let alone know the secret the world has kept.
So all that left was understanding each of them in turn.
Ruby Rose… Innocent and naive, not to the point of idiocy but rather an unknown to the true world around her. She was the simplest of all of them, holding a hope that she'd be the greatest hero the world has ever seen. The task that all Huntresses aspire to be.
A smile graced my lips, one that was filled with more grief than happiness.
The young girl was just like her mother in that way… rather, the only true thing that separated them was age and weapon choice.
Summer should have been able to see and experience this. After all, there was no greater experience than watching your child grow and learn.
My hand reached into my pocket, grasping a small and tiny pendant. One that I managed to keep, despite these past few years. Every tiny little scar is familiar, and a large gashes known as I brushed my finger against it.
But… Miss Rose was a shock, even by her mothers standards. Not for the careful plans she tried to craft, not in the manner she fought, something that made her look more like her uncle. But instead what happened at the last moments of her fight.
It was baffling, even now I could feel the smallest headache form. My hand hovering over the automated message that I had ready. Seeing the young girl fight against Venatores Luna, was rather stressful. Her aura so far into the red, that it might as well have been gone. Still trying her hardest for a task that didn't truly matter in the long run.
Such was the blind ignorance of a born warrior.
I shook my head, quickly sipping the drink I had in my hand. My mind began to grow weary an addled that only an addicting taste of caffeine could cure. The sweet heat of the chocolate quickly quieted my mind, allowing me to think a little while longer.
Then there was Miss Nikos…
What else to say, other than flawless?
While the young girl may have just been a gladiator, it definitely didn't show. Each of her forms, strikes, defense and everything in between more like a Pro Huntsmen than any of her other students. Able to hold her own against her fellow knight in armor, despite the sheer difference in physical strength. Her skill was the only thing keeping her fighting against the opponent, even after everyone was soundly defeated.
Even her own Polarity Semblance was unlike any in this world. One that, especially in a world that nearly all of its inhabitants was required to use weapons to protect themselves. Rarely was there a huntsman, or anyone, that didn't use metal.
What was even greater than all that, was the way she used it.
A smile graced my lips once again, this time filled with a strange pride. Though I did not have the luxury to train her, it was amazing to have her as my student. Just as she used her semblance in a manner that would make any Huntsmen proud.
It was like one barely understood that it was there, a hidden ability, that unless truly used, could never be known.
A small chuckle echoed out of me, the pride seeming to swell in my chest. A huntress practically ready to graduate.
Just not the choice that will change her very destiny.
I looked downward, choosing to stare into the dark liquid remaining in my cup. It felt more appropriate than staring at the lush world out of my window. Especially for the coming future that was to be her destiny. One where she could never truly trust anyone, or have anyone close…
It was cruel… Yet necessary.
For the only other choice would be to let the enemy hold it… Let her gain a power, one that she didn't deserve.
My grip tightened around the handle of my cane once again. My very soul filled with anger and agony that had lasted across these long ages. Even now the wounds of old felt fresh, each of them forcing my grip to tighten.
But I took another small sip of caffeine, the drink calming me down as strange as it might have sounded. Perhaps I was becoming reliant on the delicious beverage…
I took another sip, the taste slowly washing away most of my anger as well the idiotic notion..
This was the only way…
But, as much as I was impressed by Miss Nikos and Miss Rose style, they held nothing on the two opponents they faced.
Yes, Team Eclipse was a strange and noteworthy duo. Even the teachers had their attention stolen, focusing raptly on their strangeness. All I heard were the mixes of praise and criticism, each of them not safe from either of them.
But those didn't matter… not from what I saw.
They were practically perfect in my eyes.
Mors Ignis, a knight unlike any I had seen, even in the ages of long ago. For many claimed that they were the strongest in Remnant, each of them boasting thorough mighty songs and tales. Each time so stuck in their own head, that they didn't realize the Grimm quickly approaching them.
Mors Ignis wasn't like that at all… He merely existed, and everyone in the room could tell how strong he was. All displaced by the charisma he had, one that practically made everyone feel welcome.
To many, it would come as a great shock, to see he was almost as skilled as he was strong.
Of course, this was merely an observation. Many Huntsman, most of which exist on the Pro to First Class level Huntsman have balanced these two things. Each of them making sure that they were just as skilled as they were strong. This, however, was a rarity.
But Mors Ingis relied on strength, such a thing overwhelming in any school. His skill and experience even increased it, making him practically unstoppable.
Each time he was hit, those strikes contacted the thick armor around him. The blows not even making him flinch. He practically didn't lose any aura during that fight! No damage at all, even from Miss Valkyries Semblance enhanced blow.
Then… there was his fire. One that burned hotter than any I could know.
Was he even a human or faunus? Such a blow would even force a Elite Huntsman, ones trained to be the right hand of the Headmasters, to take damage from such a blow.
But he had to be… What else was there? Perhaps he was secretly a Faunus of some strength based renown. Hiding from a past just like Miss Belladonna?
Perhaps something entirely new.
The roaring fire entered my mind, one that had existed for as long as I could remember. A figure, clear as day despite the thick flame. Never moving, never shifting, never even burning the ground or forest around it. All it did was remain there, burning.
Then it disappeared…
And Mors Ignis was suddenly in the world.
A smile graced my lips again, as I turned my gaze to where The Island of Patch would be. A silent thank you to the great flame that granted me such a powerful pawn. Right alongside the powerful silver eyed warrior that will help me along my journeys.
The fire granted him power that Venatores also had…
The smile I had previously grew even larger, into something more real. A smile that hadn't graced the world in the longest of times. Few of them, most of which were in my inner circles, across the ages holding any real form of magic.
But this wasn't anything like transformation, this was primal and true magic. An ability that allowed one to bend the elements of the world to your will, one attributed to the very soul. Even now, there were only six beings in this world who could use them as they did in ages past. Four of them, forever changing or never taking one side.
Magic was a simple thing, it was much like Aura, yet, somehow not. Each one reflecting a piece of your soul, and representing itself into an element of some kind. Gifting great and powerful abilities all dependent on the soul.
There were only two true differences between the two…
Magic was stronger than the other, granting an array of abilities at your disposal alongside it, barriers, limited levels of flight, and healing ability. Meanwhile, aura only granted a tiny piece of what magic could offer. Protection, and slight healing ability alongside a Semblance. Where magic gave you command over some of the most important elements in the entire world based around who you were.
The other, was in their ability.
Rarely was a Semblance ever able to match up to any real form of Magic, the first exception coming to my mind was, again, Glynda Goodwitch. Most times it was either too costly, or too situational. A thing entirely unlike magic, which gave you true command over the elements that matched their affinity.
It was a simple ability… Which increased power that it held by the reaches of the mind and depths of the soul.
Truly, in the hands of the competent, these Magics were scarier than any elite Huntsmen. Even Ancient level Grimm stood no chance in the world against such stopping power.
But few were scarier, than everything Venatores Luna did tonight.
It wasn't that he held some great power, one that all should fear. It was merely the versatility presented, a power that should not have been possible by any means. If it was merely akin to a Semblance, there was no way that it could do so many miraculous things. But, if it was magic it should have stuck to a single element he could use.
I turned around, my attention entirely on the screen I held in front of me. My steps are quiet and relaxed despite the rushed thoughts swirling through my head. Each of them battling the other to find the mystery of all of Venatores' secrets.
Could it have been a strange combination, one consisting of a Semblance and some form of magic. It was possible to do such things, some of the strongest Maidens did feats of some miraculous power similar to that. Combining both of their gifts and crafting an entirely new.
It was one of the many reasons that James wished for his Lieutenant to gain the Maiden's Power. Even now, I was tempted to let my own Miss Schnee gain magic, both abilities allowing each of the sisters to become the strongest huntresses in the world.
But even then, nothing came to this level.
I stopped in front of my screen, seeing every moment that had peaked my growing curiosity. Each of them brightened and enhanced in a way that allowed me to get a clear view of everything. Each in hopes that I would find the very moment that I needed to truly gain a grasp on his abilities.
Three paused screens, each of them depicting certain times during the entirety of the test. Each of them playing on repeat over and over again, each one depicting the scene when he used magic.
One of them was the first instance, the sound completely shut off. Even me, despite all my years and experiences with the horrors of the world, shivered at the sound. One that seemed to play in my mind, even as I looked at it.
Each sound trying to build off the other, even from the screen it pushed me away. The powerful magic tried to repel me away from looking at the screen, one that took everything I had to keep my attention on it.
Of course, the screams were not the worst part of that roar…
It was the tiniest whisper at the back of my own mind… ones that whispered a name I hadn't used in centuries… and another telling me the destiny I will forever deny.
My head shook fiercely, the small shivers traveling up my spine and bouncing around my skull. Each time it did, my eyes began to have dots and stars in my eyes. I gripped the arms of the chair to keep me steady, fearing the fall that could come at any moment. Waiting for the blinking in my eyes to fade away so I could look at the screens again.
It was only when the lights faded that I looked back, seeing each member of Team RWBY being thrown back as far as they could. Three of them were thrown across the woods before slamming into trees, while the fourth member was on the ground. Hands over the place where her traits hid from the world. Afraid, despite the gentle upbringing in Meanagire, of the humans and the world they lived in.
But now wasn't the time to focus on Miss Belladonna.
A spell that roared unlike anything else, more unrelenting and cruel than any Grimm in the world. One that played on the mind and ears, forcing them away from the source of the yell in a large explosion of force. Each time he had placed objects into his mouth, or had just taken a lungful of air, screaming for all the world to hear. A strange inconsistency, especially with the need for such objects.
Even then… it might have to do with fear?
So his magic should have been something related to air, or some form of sound. Maybe even the great art of illusion, one that would have been extremely useful. It even could explain the trick he did within that interrogation room, where he saw past the two sided mirror.
I turned my attention to the second screen. Slowly putting the mug of my drink down to the side, bringing it back up to my face and over my mouth.
Right as he summoned a small mace into his hands, forming from a red liquid of unknown origin. Climbing into his hand as if it was a being itself, quickly forming into his hand.
Venatores then took out another object from his pouch, one that I had enhanced to try and understand what it was. The small object in his hand shone brilliantly in the pale moonlight, before he placed it in the small hole of the mace-like object. Electricity immediately sprouted from the sphere in arcs, even climbing up his arm. But, if my student felt such pain, he certainly didn't show it.
My student then stabbed the object into the earth. A small strike of lightning quickly falling out of the sky, striking the sphere stabbed into the ground. Whatever sparks of that remained along the large sphere, arcing around each time before dissipating from its surface.
Of course, the object could have been a simple Dust tool, combined with the magic he already had.
No… Such thoughts were flawed, as even a simple dust crystal couldn't power something like that. Even if it helped him, what point would it hold? Was he trying to hide his abilities, make them seem less miraculous than they already were?
Yet he didn't hide the other, more miraculous pieces of his abilities. Such as the object disappearing into motes of light in front of Miss Schnee. Or summoning them from the liquid...
Or the power he displayed during the fight with Miss Rose.
My eyes turned to the final screen. This one depicted the scene where Mister Luna crushed the bone in his hands, gaining the abilities of both Miss Belladonna and Miss Rose. A mist so thick that it obscured everything behind it, as my student disappeared within. Appearing right beside the Silver Eyed girl, a trail of it following closely behind.
Such a power, especially in the way he used it, was dangerous. Making it so that he could, from observation, pass through objects, blows and people to strike them in the most effective way. Even witnessing the potential that Miss Rose and Belladonna could come to put a smile on my face.
Once again, another Air related Element… yet the t. Such a confusing list of things my student had, which only made him unpredictable and reliable.
What was his element? Everything he did was focused more on the Air element than any other… But then there was the lightning and the summoning of a tool? None of it matched up, especially since no one could master another element…
Then there was the red liquid… Something that I merely had an inkling of what it was. But even then, it was nothing short of impossible.
Yes, it couldn't be that…
But what was it then? What was the thing that made him so powerful and masterful? What made him waste so little energy, despite using spells that might have destroyed or exhausted a lesser man?
So many questions, and with no answers to show for it.
I shook my head, a large pain growing within it. A thing owing to a lack of sleep and the processing and stress of all these questions. Instead choosing to focus on the other interesting aspect of the night, as I lifted my cup for another drink.
For the battle between Venatores Luna and Ruby Rose was awe inspiring…
Specifically, the Scythe that pulsed with a magical presence. Even against only one opponent, the weapon showed capability of destroying armies. Each swing of the glowing blade destroying every tree around him, even the ground could not match the mighty blade.
Another smile began to grow on my face, each second making it grow and grow and grow. I probably looked like a madman, staring at a screen at the masterful destruction one of my students could manage. Even more so, at the possible mastery over the weapon, something that few can manage.
Yet, such joyous notions had to wait. Right now, two questions still churned in my mind, the needed answer to ensure my understanding of Venatores Luna's greatness.
Can he be trusted, and should I even allow him to stay?
Yes, despite the great power he held, Venatores was certainly a tortured and twisted child. One guarded from the rest of the world, refusing to let anyone in. Acting more like a fifty year old Huntsman who slayed more men than Grimm, and less like the eighteen year old he was supposed to be.
Such things came with… small complications.
The stress headache began to grow again, as if it reacted to the lie that I told myself. The barrage winding up in my hand again, before draining the cup of the rest of it's chocolaty contents. The headache ebbing away with each sip of from my mug.
The complications were severe and many. PTSD in a world filled with Grimm made him a magnet for them, especially if he had an episode within the woods. Then there was a mission so important, something that spurred him to kill his fellow man, causing problems with others. Alongside a mentor of unknown skill and power, one that taught him everything that my new student knew.
What was scarier, was that I truly didn't know what he was taught.
The boy's fights demonstrated to me that much, his cruelty, ingenuity, experience and skill in fighting humanity was astounding. Exploiting every weakness that was presented to him, with the efficiency of an Elite Huntsman.
But, the biggest problem wasn't even that…
It was what he tried to do to one of my students.
My cup slammed down on to the table, something other than the ticking and turning of gears filling my office. The sound ringing out through the room, before being consumed once again by the loud ticks of the clock. My anger rose, before quickly dissipating from my system, something that I had mastered in my years.
I had nearly stopped the test then and there.
Yet I couldn't. Not out of some form of fleeting cowardice or shock, but the necessity in my understanding. After all…
If I didn't understand him, nothing could be done. His secrets, strength, weaknesses, as well as his own behavior. He would be a challenge, both to understand and to gain control. And if he couldn't be controlled, it was my duty to stop him, by any means.
Yet, he strangely respected me. The memory of the police station entering my mind, my student's back straightened in a dignified manner. As if he was ready to walk towards one of the Atlas balls that the rich liked to throw. The memory playing on in my head as I continued to think.
Did that not show promise, did that not show even a modicum of trust? Even after Miss Schnee's fight he showed a form of limitation… That he will only kill those who have turned to such darkness and strife.
Beasts… It was a cruel word to call us, but in most cases not inaccurate.
But did that not include the White Fang? Certainly he left survivors, but would he murder the terrorist group in their entirety? People who, while their methods were gruesome to me, in some cases made sense.
While they have killed many, something within knew that their purpose was founded within truth. Humans, for as long as it was known, were cruel to their animalistic brothers and sisters. Many kings of Vale within the past had seen it as such, all through a helpful advisor, or sometimes by themselves. It didn't help much, as many shops still relied on the old ways of business and hatred.
But they have changed, whether by their new High Leader or the separate influence as ancient as me. They have become dangerous, deadly in the three corners of Remnant. Each attack left at least a single human corpse behind in all of its dead glory, a scare tactic to make the Faunus voices heard.
That, however, was only in Vale. A place where such attacks seemed like regular criminal activity, only now ramping up towards more terroristic action.
Vacuo was the best of all of us in the regard of the Faunus and White Fang. A fond memory of times of old, one of the few good memories I had from the Great War. True the area was practically lawless, but in it's lawlessness came a mutual respect for those who could survive it's harshness. Even a certain general came to my head, one who still could make me smile.
Mistral was terrible for the Faunus, a high standard of both classism and racism within the heart of its system. Something that I had hoped to get rid of, with the inclusion of Leonardo Lionheart. A low class Huntsman, who was also a Faunus, could change things for the Kingdom. Many strings had to be pulled, and certain people paid off, but it would be worth it to see the Kingdom flourish. But, the White Fang still had it's grudge, and Mistral still had it's problems.
Atlas was far worse, all owing to its history. The history of the past eighty years, all owing to the hatred the companies did, and in some cases, still do.
It's purpose was simple, to be a symbol of what man and faunus kind safety could look like. Ruined by the rage and hatred that consumed the world after the Great War.
Air rushed through my teeth in annoyance. To think that after everything that happened, after the bloodiest war in the history of the world, after Vale fought for the abolishment of slavery. The hatred between the two races was still at an all time high…
A noise rang out through my office, something that I turned to almost immediately. My cane ready to attack any warrior who was trying to come after me in this Great War!
But no one was there… merely the view that I had left moments ago. It was only when the sound echoed out again, a gentle quake in my pocket, did realization strike me.
I shook my head and, despite the memories leaving my mind, reaching into my pocket for the scroll buzzing. As soon as I found it, I quickly activated it. It appears I had lost myself in the past once again, the past of a great king of a war still being fought
"Yes?"
My scroll spoke up at my question, the sound of Glynda's stoic voice filling my office. "Mister Arc is ready to speak with you."
Already?
I turned to the screen once again, seeing the time at the bottom corner. One that read around 5 o'clock in the morning.
Team RWBY and Venatores hadn't even arrived back yet from their own test, and Jaune Arc was already ready to talk? A boy who had taken a concussion from the physically strongest person in this academy, just from that short of a rest. He had only been awake for three hours.
Perhaps I shouldn't have just focused on Miss Nikos and Mister Ignis. It appears that the Knight's student had some potential afterall, just as expected from him.
"Bring him up." I responded, turning towards my screen and pushing all the videos that they held away. Turning my attention to the single light at the top of the elevator, the only real entry to my office. Bringing up a cup of my hot chocolate…
Only to find emptiness.
I stared at my mug, the faintest hits of chocolate remaining at its bottom. I let out a small sigh, one filled with a slight sadness at the very idea. Already beginning to stand making my way to the side of the office, one where a small table laid. Each of the components needed to create the beverage right in that area. A delicious and savory drink to help me stay awake, instead of the usual bitter wake up.
Just as I began to pull out the needed objects, a small ring sounded out. The familiar sound of the two doors sliding open, along with the familiar steps of heels. Something that was followed by an unfamiliar set of boots or shoes, which usually entailed a student following her closely.
"Thank you Glynda." Placing the needed equipment in front of me, as well as each ingredient needed. I didn't even turn around to face the two people, more focused on the creation of this drink. "I can take it from here."
I poured the ingredients into a cup, the slow sound of heels filling my office once again. Right as the doors shut behind her, leaving the room quiet. The atmosphere filled with a small tension that I could feel on the back of my own neck.
But all I did was continue to make my cocoa, purely focused on that single thing. My eyes and mind grow tired with every second that passes.
Ah, but I suppose I was being rather rude.
"Cocoa, Mister Arc?"
"W-what?" My student questioned the sound of his steps filing into the room once again.
I turned toward him, looking up and down at my student. An instinct that I gained to process what was happening, maybe even to see what he had sustained at noon yesterday.
Yet, the boy looked fine. Of course, only from the tells that I could see and understand. The wound on his head, the one that Mors Ignis so graciously gave to him, was unbandaged. The only thing that truly remained from the battle was a white diagonal scar on the left side of his forehead.
A thing he would remember, everytime he looked at it.
I shook my head, turning back around to the ingredients. Such a rude thing to stare at scars of warriors. "I was about to make cocoa when you arrived. I was merely curious if you'd like some?"
"Y-yes sir." My student responded formally, his voice drawing closer and closer until it was right behind me. "Thank you, sir."
I felt a small piece of annoyance enter my mind. For with every piece of respect he had for me, I could hear the smallest tinge of fear. It was like listening in on James and his newest cadets, those who took one look at his stoic expression and reacted how Mister Arc was currently.
"This isn't Atlas, Mister Arc." My eyes shifted to my student once again, a smile spread across my face. "You don't have to be so formal, even while standing in front of a Headmaster."
I turned around before he could even register. Taking the milk and cream and pouring in the necessary amount, a thing that I have done so many times that I could do it by eye. Pouring in a small splash of sugar, twirling it within the cup. Then, with a simple flick of my hand, I activated the small red dust crystal in the counter. Placing the ingredients to heat up, before turning back around.
At the very least, the boy looked a little more relaxed. Of course Mister Arc still looked stressed and worried, possibly from what I called him up for. But, his transcripts could wait for a tiny bit longer.
"You must be curious," I spoke, both hands grasping my cane as I looked at my student. His eyes focused on me with great intensity, one that many students have. "Why were you brought up here?"
He didn't respond, nor did his eyes widen in any way. The only sign that showed that Mister Arc was uncomfortable was his arm moving to grab his other elbow.
"I assure you," I continued, the small smile still plain on my face. "I will tell you about it. But, if you'd let me, I'd like to-"
"Sir," My student interrupted, as the smile disappeared from my face. The young huntsman in training looking up at me with a serious look…
Alongside resignation.
"This is about my transcripts, isn't it."
It was like a weight in the very atmosphere. One that probably felt heavier to him than it did me. Even if I was the one who sent such a message, I blackmailed my student in a way that I could easily ignore by being the Headmaster.
I suppose it couldn't wait.
Before I knew it, a long sigh escaped from my lungs. One that seemed to let Mister Arc know of the fate he thought would come.
What he didn't know, was in the depths of my mind.
"Jaune..." I began, the boy flinching as his name escaped my lips. Unable to hear the gentle town I spoke with, one that I knew calmed every student down.
"Who is your hero?"
The boy looked up, confusion plain on his face, something that brought a small smile to my face once again. He continued to look at me, as if I was trying to play a joke on him
"I-" Jaune began, looking at me with even more confusion. "I'm sorry?"
"Your hero," I turned around, checking the milk and cream. The liquid was boiling slightly, signifying that it was just hot enough for the chocolate. Taking it quickly off the heat, as I began to take out the last necessary ingredient. "The one who inspired you to become a Huntsman."
I began to stir the chocolate into the milk, the pure white slowly transforming into a light brown color. Waiting for the answer that I wished to hear.
"I guess the Warrior King."
I stopped stirring for the closest second, before I just began again. The smallest of smiles entering my face at that admittance.
Ah yes, the Warrior King. A king who fought alongside his army and abolished the slavery of Faunus. A boy who, by mere chance or fate, was allowed to train under the knight Sir Anders. One born with hard work and natural talent, that continued to rise and rise until one day becoming a proud and wise king.
Relatively new, was the story of such a great King… A story of Ozmand, a King chosen by his people.
It was always so strange, hearing how people worshipped me while I stood right in front of them. A guilty pleasure that I had, which nearly made me laugh and smile each time. Of course, it was embarrassing as well, but it was also flattering.
I stopped stirring the contents of the drink, taking out a mug from one of the cupboards. I placed both side by side, and poured all of its contents into both of the cups. The steam filling the room alongside a sweet chocolatey smell, one that calmed me down. Even Mister Arc seemed to calm down, as I handed him the beverage.
"He was my favorite too." I took a small sip from it, letting the sweetness fill my tongue. Each spark of taste ridding me of both stress and tiredness, helping me continue with what I was trying to say. "Ended an entire war, leading his men into battle, with only a sword and scepter at his side. Nothing short of inspiring."
Mister Arc's face stretched into a smile, possibly from the nostalgia of his childhood reaching into his mind. Taking a sip from the cocoa, one that I knew would make his face stretch into an even wider smile.
"But, in some accounts, he wasn't born a king." I continued, my eyes straying to the window once again, looking at the darkness of the night and the stars inbetween. Yet, it wasn't the sky that I was looking towards. Instead it was memories of old days, and not just for the Hero King. "Did you know that?"
"It was my favorite version of it." My student laughed lightly, as if he remembered a good joke from a long time ago. "A farm boy, who could become the most important person in the world."
"Indeed." I took another sip from my cocoa, the stars twinkling brighter as I delved further and further back. "In the grand scheme of things, something as simple as an old story means nothing. Even if it was a grand piece of our history and culture."
"But, as Professor Oobleck would say," I lifted my mug of cocoa up, copying Bartholomew in that small moment. My mind wandered to his strange mannerisms." 'Nothing is recorded in history that is without meaning. These lessons passed down, it is something that we must learn from our people from the past.' "
Bartholomew always held my attention in that matter. A huntsmen of great power, one who scoured the world for the smallest pieces of unknowns that remained. How many of our conversations did I nearly let slip of my insurmountable knowledge of the world.
I walked towards the window, taking the smallest sip of my cocoa. The pleasant heat crossing my tongue and the tiniest sparkles of caffeine entering my brain. The smallest footsteps following close behind me.
"I learned only one thing from that story…" My eyes were once again greeted by the outside, the stars still bright out in the world. "That no matter where you are from, what position you hold, we are all people."
"And that each of us deserves a chance for greatness…" My words grew quieter and quieter with each one spoken, my mind beginning to catch up to my old topic. The one concerning my other student, Venatroes Luna, even his supposed victim of the night.
"As well as redemption."
I let that stew for only the tiniest second, staring at the stars within the sky. Noting how each one was the tiniest bit different, as if skewed in the sky.
Yes… redemption. How could I forget something so essential. But, now was not the time to think about this.
"So, as foolish as it may sound," I turned to him, Mister Arc quickly turning to look at me. Possible just as entranced as I usually am from the beautiful view. "There is the rare occasion that I allow something to pass by me."
A small light entered the boy's eyes, one that any Huntsman had seen on the younger students they trained and fought against. An interest and curiosity that showed like two blue lanterns. "W-what do you mean?"
A small smile spread across my face, continuing to look at my student with a small sip of my cocoa.
"Mister Arc, I knew about your transcripts the moment you set foot into Beacon." The shock and surprise was immediate on his face, a large step backwards following them closely. "And just as the knight who turned a blind eye to our shared hero secret, I allowed you to join me."
The shock on the boy's face continued, right until the moment it became unreadable. Of course, unreadable was making it sound like he had a miraculous poker face. No… it was merely that my student was trying to remain composed.
"Why?" A note of accusation was there, plain for anyone to see. Thankfully Glynda wasn't here to chastise the young man, no matter how reasonable it was. The atmosphere grew heavy and thick like an invisible fog somehow made its way into my office. Yet, the small smile still remained on my face.
'Why' was something that he needed right now. It wasn't that he was safe from expulsion, wasn't that he would need the chance to continue. No… all he needed was the why. Something that Man and Faunus alike have obsessed over. To man, it is the most important thing in the world. Without that, what was the point of continuing?
"The same reason you wanted by entering this school." I spoke each word carefully, each one coming off as smooth and truthful. It was the truth, but with experience, one had to make it sound like it was. Speaking was merely another means of battle and understanding. "A chance to show the world your potential."
The tenseness in the air dissipated ever so slightly, right as I took another sip, this one larger than the others before it. A gulp as large as the amount of satisfaction of the atmosphere disappearing.
"And you succeeded in it," The tense atmosphere vanished with that single incomplete sentence, a thing that made my smile widen the tiniest bit. "During your entrance exams."
The silence drew on and on as I allowed him to think, on what I spoke. The boy in front of me took that silence, and returned to the depths of the mind. Despite the stony face he tried to put on, his mind was in a clear turmoil. Each second that passed was filled with my student trying to understand anything that had impressed me.
But the answer that I knew came up. The boy's face filled with its continued confusion, as he returned his gaze to me. "I didn't do anything special."
The small smile never left me, as I spoke the honesty he so needed.
"That is true."
Mister Arc reeled at what I had said, as if his face struck by those three words.
"Yet," I began before another word was able to even speak, or even allow such processing to begin. "it is also not. After all, we look at many things here in Beacon."
"Skill is not what you need to be a leader." I took the last sip of my cocoa, the warm drink filling me once more, until I emptied it of its contents. A bland and uncomfortable feeling of disappointment entering in the mind, as the well of such a delicious drink dried up. "Sometimes, you just need to have the right charisma and understanding of your situation. Everything else can be taught here, within the school."
"Isn't that irresponsible." Mister Arc spoke up, the smallest piece of anger on his face. The small truth pierced my own heart, yet keeping my face in its usual stone facade. No weakness of any kind, as far as I could understand.
"What if I died?"
Died…
The grip on my cane tightened, my eyes returning to the view outside. Was there anything more important to me than that single word? Anything at all?
No… it was the single most important word, and not just for me. For every huntsman and huntress in the world, it held something different than the masses.
"We risk life and death everyday, Jaune." My tone was cold, cold as the hands of death that had been my only true companion in these long years. A being that taught me more than any other. "That is the most important fact of this school. Even if there was a large danger, the teachers there would have stopped it."
Mister Arc seemed to sense the tone that I had managed, his face growing pale at the words spoken. I menatally shook my own head, ridding myself of the age old horrors that I knew and understood in the world.
"Every academy holds something above all others." Each one of the school buildings flashing in my mind, each of them one of the greatest achievements that I had completed in this long age. "Shade trains the strong. Atlas trains great soldiers, who will listen to what they are told, without exception. Haven teaches that honor and bravery are more important than anything else."
"But Beacon… We train heroes. Heroes who hold their own sense of morality, and risk everything to save as many as they could. That every sacrifice is worth the lives we saved."
After all, it was one of the few I understood. That, in the grand scheme of the world and kingdoms. Each of them were crafted to keep the order of the world.
Only heroes could ever truly unite the world. It was why my school had to craft and mold such beings.
"You showed that when you entered." I drifted my eyes back to my student who was looking at me with widened eyes. "Whether it was for greatness, a want to save people or perhaps just an unknown longing, isn't something that matters."
"What does, is that you risked life and limb to do so." A fond smile gracing my lips, something that I could do with all of my students.
Perhaps such a thing could have been considered foolish. Yet, at what time does such a simple feeling transform into bravery? How many heroes were born just from an innocent and foolish want to save everyone. Heroes just like his Great Grandfather, a man practically unnoticed within the war, yet held a place within my memory. Yes...
"That is the reason I gave you a chance."
I moved past my student, knowing that what I had said would be enough. Returning to my chair once again, sitting at my desk. Ready to continue my thoughts upon the elusive Venatores Luna, something that was helped along by Mister Arc. The student that still remained in his place, as if still in shock of what I had said.
"You should return to bed Mister Arc." Speaking the final thing that I would say to my student for the night. Opening up the screen one last time, the images that I was examining showing up once more. "You must get your rest, if you are to continue within my school."
I continued to look at each of the photos, the steps of Mister Arc beginning to retreat to the elevator. Each of them slow and deliberate, as if thinking over everything that I had told him in our small talk.
A piece of me, deep within the very depths of my soul, told me to ensure the boy's placement in the school. But, even despite all the words I had spoken, I knew what was important.
I can't determine such a complex thing as purpose for him, such a brittle and unreliable. The only one who can do that, in the entirety of the world is him.
"Thanks."
I looked back to Mister Arc, the words stirring something deep in me. The doors of the elevator closed right as he spoke that word, as if too embarrassed for a response.
Then he vanished, leaving me alone with a tiny little piece of light from my screen. A small sense of satisfaction filling me.
I only had the tiniest glimpse of his face, a single look that was enough to tell me one thing.
He was well on his way to finding that single purpose.
At least that was one thing taken care of. Now there was only one thing remaining.
Was Venatores Luna worth keeping… Or too dangerous to remain?
I sat there, right in my chair. Staring at the bright screen within the consuming darkness, the sound of each turning gear focused my muddled mind. Each of these objects turned, moving everything that judged us in our short lives forward, even my own decision…
Gears that seemed to stand still, and grow silent, as I reached the decision that I needed.
Despite all of the troubles Venatores Luna could bring, I already had begun my defense of him. Telling the entirety of my inner circle that I could manage him.
Even if I didn't tell the council of his secrets, or the other headmasters. After all, I had to remain cautious, even if it meant my fellow council members. The secrets of how he gained such power still steeped in mystery. If I told them such things without confidence, it was more likely that they would try to kill him then ask for his assistance.
Perhaps James was rubbing off on me, a smile spreading across my face at the mere thought.
He was a child, still impressionable, at least one could hope. This was something that I had to do. I gave the Branwens a chance so long ago… one that had proved not only worthwhile, but also gave me a loyal friend.
Yes…
I looked at the screen, seeing everything that I recorded so far. Each seen depicting each and every scene that had happened in detail, as well as the video of the entire battle. A tightness entering my chest as I looked at the moving images, even as I remembered the other promise I made to my student long ago.
Perhaps I did learn too much from James.
I touched one of the many buttons on the screen in front of me…
As everything disappeared, deleted from the world so that no one else could see it. Even the light of the screen began to disappear, leaving me in the solitude of darkness. The gears beginning their cacophony of sound once more.
Some secrets are safer in the mind after all. No one can take it from you, not unless they force you to do it…
A task that not one person had managed in the time that I've existed.
Blake
Panic.
That was really the only reason I opened my eyes at that moment, the bright blast of Blue light entering my eyes. Seeing, from my muddled memories, a single white speck falling downward, like a tiny snowflake.
I tried to stand up, grabbing both of my swords. Each of them ready to protect me from the monster trying to murder me.
Only for both of my arms to seize in pain, each of them stabbed with multiple tiny burning needles. Such pain forced me on the ground once again, my entire body tensing up for the impact onto the ground.
But… my head hit something soft. The rest of my body was feeling pain the moment I tensed, but I could still feel the softness behind my head… In fact, there was softness across my whole body.
A small memory played at the edge of my mind, but I refused to let it even surface. It wasn't necessary right now.
I turned my head, the little needles sticking into me with every precise movement. Ignoring each of those tiny pains to find where exactly I was. It was one of the first things that I was taught in the White Fang, to always assess your location and whereabouts.
Safety came first to everything else, even if you hurt yourself in the process.
What I saw was something familiar yet alien.
It was a simple medical ward, mostly used to help and heal other people. Pure white, despite the things that could have been done in this room. A symbol with two axes crossed over the other with a laurul around it, the Symbol of Beacon Academy
The smallest twinge of fear leaped into my throat, the small and beautiful ward bringing nothing but bad memories. Memories of things that I shouldn't have seen at such an age. Each of them while traveling with the old White Fang.
The scars I could see on other people, everything that they had to go through burned in my mind. A thing that no child should reasonably be able to see, or even be a part of.
I shook my head, the pain of such an action ridding me of the memories. Again, not important.
We may have been out of forest, probably thanks to Weiss' assistance. Definitely back into Beacon Academy, the place where at least six different Pro Huntsman exist at this very moment. The fact that I was still alive meant that someone stepped in.
Which meant that it was over… and even if it wasn't I was safe.
He might consider himself the Hunter of Hunters, but there was no way he could defeat all of them.
Right?
The worry just kept growing, each time it did I remembered the fight between Weiss and Venatores. Even the very memory of that fight brought horror to me, every single strike unsure it would even be the last.
And even now…
I don't even know if she was alright. All I know is nothing.
It was just like the fight, not knowing whether one side or the other would win. But this time there were no sides, it was just one big metaphorical what if.
It was far scarier… Each moment of time filling the horror in every single second, making me feel what I have always felt when I was scared.
Helpless. Unable to do anything, but lie down in pain and stiffness. Nothing but the mind and the bright white room surrounding me. Even without the lights, the pure white hurt my eyes.
I just have to shove away those thoughts. I couldn't think about them right now, it would only serve to make everything ten times worse.
There was no doubt of its importance, but it had to wait.
Or perhaps it was just another piece of truth that I didn't want to face. One that had to remain in the shadows until I could face it…
If I could face it.
A breath of frustrated air left me, the pain growing even in my very lungs at the sudden movement. The emotions welling up in my chest that I wished to push down more than any memory that lay within me.
"You're awake."
A being grew in my throat, one that blocked everything from the simplest intake of breath to any scream for help that I could even possibly manage. Pain became secondary, and fear became third. All that mattered was the piece of survival at that very moment, which moved every small breath to my lungs. The white room became brighter in my eyes as I launched myself upwards into any attack position I could manage.
All the while he just leaned in the corner, the darkness almost clinging to him like it was alive. Each one trying to consume him or just conceal him from the rest of the world. But he was there, waiting in the dark. His hand holding on to something, a thing that I didn't care about in the slightest.
He wanted to kill me while I was awake. What else could it be?
Of course, no real challenge in killing someone asleep. What point would that be? Better to see the fear in their eyes and challenge them to the death right?
My view turned to the window, returning just as fast to the person in front of me, the pain of such an action causing me to flinch. But it was there, closed and made of simple glass.
Now all I needed to do was get there fast enough in my weakened state, and weaponless. My soon to be killer standing in front of me, as if expecting such a reaction. His eye was still on the thing in his hand, probably a knife of something, or a slow and poisonous weapon. One so that he could relish in the kill.
"Truly," That single word alone caused me to flinch back, his tone filled with something I didn't care about at the moment. "Aura is a special thing."
"You should still be asleep," The thing in his hands turned over, a movement that caused me to jump down the side of the bed. The sharp and dangerous needles nearly forced me to kneel on the ground, my hand grasping a cold metal bar to support me. "One akin to a coma."
"Yet here you stand," His single eye met mine, my hands and knees beginning to quake. Even if it didn't hold the horrors I expected, it didn't stop each and every cell in my body from shaking. "A few mere hours after our test."
R-right, Aura! I could escape using my Semblance., or even protect myself if needed!
A mental switch seemed to flip in my head, the aura that had accumulated over my short sleep acticaving. A small purple glow entering the pure white room, the room growing eerie at such a glow.
Then it disappeared just as fast, leaving me to nearly crumple on the floor. My hand lost its grip, and the pain in my body grew even sharper and prominent. Each lid behind my eyes grew heavier and heavier, as if my body was trying to force me to sleep.
Then the feeling suddenly vanished, everything returning to it's dull feeling. I turned my eyes back to his location, my vision looping in and out of focus.
"Your aura is focusing on trying to heal you," I turned my head to the voice, my arm reflexingly trying to strike the person. Something that immediately failed as a hand grabbed my forearm, just tight enough for me to feel the smallest bit of pain. His eye prominent in my own vision
I closed my eyes, tensing up to try and avoid any more pain that I had to feel.
Right as I was pushed to the side, the soft bed breaking my fall. The pain affecting me in one large wave across my entire body. A small gasp escaping from my mouth as I did so, the fear within my body still growing at what might come next.
Right until the moment his voice reached my ears.
"You should let it do its job."
I opened my eyes, Venatores once again disappeared from my own view. My head turning around and finding him back in his corner, the thing still in his hands. As if it was the most important thing in the world.
The confusion settled in quickly, almost entirely replacing the fear. Just looking at him for the longest period of time. Sitting there, waiting for the next possible move. Each breath impatiently entering my chest as I looked at him with cold eyes.
All the while, he remained still. Each second passed making him look more and more like a statue, a grim and gothic statue that wished to kill me, from what I understood, only hours ago. I even looked at the object in his hand a little closer, the only thing that I was really able to see from it was that it was circular in shape, yet completely flat.
It was only after the longest of times had passed, did I move into a more comfortable position. My back laying on the backboard of my bed, just staring at the man in the corner. My arms out, already searching for anything that can be used as a weapon, maybe even an emergency call button. The single question that needed answering jumping out of me, each word practically a hiss.
"What happened?"
The man didn't even move, didn't even think. His mouth was already uttering words before I could even finish mine. "To you, or your… teammates."
"All of us." Those words came out with a vicious anger, each one burning my tongue as they left. His single eye turned to me with an almost arctic chill, one filled with indifference in the face of my anger.
Then the so-called Hunter let out a small sigh, pointing at me with an almost lazy hand. Something that only made me even more infuriated.
"Lightning strike," The words came out, each one striking me like… well, what was spoken. My eyes graze my body to see any real damage that I might've acquired, only to be met with nothing but clear skin and dirty clothes. "And a broken arm."
That last word perked my fury once again, I could practically feel each eye turn into a slit. Each of them focused purely on him. Each second passing a small lump in my stomach grew and grew, almost making me sick. The worry for one of them grows more and more with each passing second.
"That doesn't tell me anything!" The scream hurt everything from the inside, the lightning strike probably destroying every muscle and nerve inside my body.
"It tells you enough." With that spoken he returned his gaze to the little trinket in his hands. Gazing at it as if it was the greatest treasure in the world for him to hold.
"Stop playing games." A sigh of anger escaped me, sounding more like a hiss from a snake. The fear in my throat began to lessen, as all I felt was annoyance. "What do you want with me?"
"To tell you what you are." His words were still immediate, as if rehearsed in a play or novel. Each of them empty on practically any emotion. "A beast."
I flinched at that word, whether out of anger or fear was unknown. A scoff already at the edge of my lips…
But I stopped… something in the back of my head keeping me from doing so. Think back to before Venatores brought me to the ground, remembering all that I realized. Everything flowing back slowly and slowly… Every action, every miniscule thought…
I pushed it aside again, turning my attention back to Venatores. The frost from his eyes over my entire body, as I turned away slightly, avoiding his eyes. After all, anger was one of the many reasons I was here in the first place.
Of course, this didn't erase anything. After all, tonight still happened.
Perhaps, this was what I needed to hear, painful or otherwise. Besides…
It was the least I could do before he was expelled from the academy.
"You and everyone in the White Fang, you hold two things above all else." His words slipped into my mind easily, shaking the thoughts from my head. Turning the thing in his hand moving ever so slightly. "A mission, and an enemy. Something that quickly delves into the depths of obsession."
I turned my eyes back to him, my mind quickly filling with confusion. Of course we had those things, even the Huntsmen in the entirety of the world had such a thing. The Grimm and criminals around the world.
Even Huntsmen had to fight the people of the world, some even chose to specialize in doing so.
Yet, I guess you couldn't really call them enemies. Not in the way that the White Fang called every human theirs. Of course, even then, it was merely the extremists of the group. The ones who thought all of mankind were their enemies…
"This obsession is unlike anything else…" A chill ran up my spine, an edge entering Venatores voice, one that I couldn't quite place. Even while a familiarity rang in my head, at the very edge of my memory. "It is not something you can merely come back from. Every step downward is a spiral of madness, convincing you that you are on the right path. Each step, with a voice growing louder and louder, deafening reason and sanity. One that tells you, every action is just and pure."
I could feel my eyes grow, forcing my stiff neck to turn towards him. The darkness around him matching his eyes, an almost feral expression crossing his face. I could practically see his eye transform into a thin slit. But it remained the same, the same dark and fearsome eye that cut past everything they looked at. Thankfully, it's target was not me. Merely an empty piece of space. Despite myself, I couldn't help but feel a modicum of sorrow for the empty area, but also happy that it was not me.
"Yes," The single word came out in a guttural growl. One that fully made me question if he was even human, and not just some wolf Faunus.
"Such obsession can change anyone."
Yes…
I looked down at my hands, a memory playing at the very back of my head. Filled with the deaths of humans and Faunus, each of them fighting for their own cause.
One always stood out. Even among the high leaders and generals of the White Fang…
Because, even by the standards of the White Fang, he fought like a monster. Each slash brutal and clean, for he only ever needed one. It was always considered the greatest honor to work beside him, for it meant you were making a difference in the world.
And I was always beside him… because he was a partner.
A brother I never had.
Now, and forever, immortalized as a monster. Be it the truth or otherwise.
"It seems even you know that."
I quickly turned back to Ven, an insult on the edge of my throat. One that would try to deny it.
Only to see his single eye, one that beckoned the darkness, now glowing with something I didn't expect. One that his face did not show, remaining in that same statuesque manner.
Sympathy.
It was a strange look on Venatores. One that, even while I was looking at it currently, I couldn't imagine was real.
"No matter the obsession," Venatoes continued, his single eye now fully focused on me. His gaze, despite its new found softness, piercing into me. "One thing becomes obvious."
"They will always do anything for that one duty."
"Isn't that what you do?" The hypocrisy was clear to me, as I had begun to accuse him, even while I knew the White Fang was still guilty of a very similar crime. "Like what you did to those twelve members at the pier."
Even after everything they did, they were still people. Not Faunus who were fighting for their voice to be heard.
How dare he call himself just, when he was doing the same things as the White Fang.
"Eleven," His eye turned back to its usual darkness, correcting me upon his kill count. As if he only cared about the ones he did in, like a hunter bragging about the animals he took down. "And..."
He stopped suddenly, his eye never leaving my own. I continued to stare at him, practically able to see myself within his eye. My form twisted and distorted in it's darkness.
A sigh escaped from his lips, his eyes shutting for the smallest second. A small pleasant feeling entering my chest, especially at the admitted defeat.
"My world is different from yours." My eyebrow raised at such a cryptic answer, his eye still shut. "Either they are, or they aren't. There is no exception."
"The path we walk…" Hand moved the tiniest bit, something that made me fully flinch away. The tiny object, something that fit into his palm, turning to look me right in the face.
Something that graced me with even more confusion. After all, it had to be a joke?
How could he look at something so childish with a sense of importance?
It was a small chariot wheel, crafted from shined metal and patterned in a manner that made it look like glossy silver painted wood. If it weren't for the fact that it reflected the smallest pieces of light in the room, I could have thought it was.
Around its large rim were multiple formal designs, like the tops of fancy pillars. Each one making the wheel seem grander than it actually was. At the top was another small circle, a small star-like point at the top. The hole small enough to put a string or small chain through. Probably to hold it in place as a small necklace, or a keychain.
"I've seen the end." His hand moved faster than I expected, tossing the stupid thing into the air.
My arms moved on reflex, reaching up despite the pain spreading through my arms. The small and flat wheel like design fitting snugly in my palm, the small chill entering my skin.
Despite the thin metal, it was heavy. Heavy enough that it took a small piece of effort to actually lift the thing.
I brought it closer, trying to see what reason that Venatores would even give something like this to me. What was the point?
A chill ran down the small of my spine, as I grabbed a blanket with my spare hand. Trying to cover myself a little bit more.
But, if anything, the chill just continued to grow. Each second it spent crawling up my arm, as if my body was trying to make me freeze to death, even my hand began to feel just like ice. In a few minutes time, I would probably be frozen solid.
Even stranger…
The wheel started to feel heavier. Not like a small insignificant charm, but an actual small weight that seemed to grow and grow.
I looked back to it for only a single second…
When something stared back into me.
I dropped the charm without a second thought, the object falling directly to the floor. A small sound of metal striking the hard floor, followed by a ring echoing out through the small ward. I moved away further to the side of the bed, practically hanging off the other side of it trying to get away from that thing. The chill almost immediately ceased to consume me, something akin to warmth managed it's way into my whole body.
It was only for the briefest half of a second… but it couldn't have been what I saw. It was just an illusion, or a trick from the moonlight.
"Heavy," A voice spoke up, as I flinched back to look. Each hair on the back of my neck practically arching in sheer panic and shock. Only to see the Hunter once again, walking with practiced steps towards the fallen cursed charm. "Isn't it?"
"W-what is that thing?" I managed to spit out, right as he picked up the cursed thing, placing it in his hands and keeping it within my line of view.
Yet, his face held its same stoicism. As if he didn't care about the heftiness of the badge, or the chill that was probably beginning to creep into his heart.
"A badge, made for those who follow Martyr Logarius." Martyr Logarius? Despite the fear that was beginning to filter into my soul, I could not help but memorize the names. Even stranger was the slightest shiver Venatores gave, one that I wouldn't have noticed if I was looking with apt attention. "A sect that inspired the church to destroy the Cainhursts, less they corrupt the people with their blood."
Even more names, ones that didn't make any form of sense. Cainhurst? What church would want to destroy anything, and why would they use something that… that made you see those things.
Not to mention, to my own knowledge, there was no mention of this Martyr in any piece of history. Recent or otherwise…
"Hunters say the wheel grows heavier with every kill," Venatores continued through my thoughts, each word spoken making me feel that same chill that the cursed badge had. The darkness moved and quaked around him, as if even it was afraid of what he was saying. "That it feeds and hungers for the souls of those deemed wicked."
Now he was definitely lying. Nothing like that could exist. He was trying to trick me, trying to scare me into some form of submission.
I had to make him stop, get him away from me. Tell him to stop these useless stories, that only served as illusions.
" 'A heavy wheel is something you should pride yourself on.','' My wrist was suddenly grabbed before I could even think, as he turned my palm upwards. A new twinge of fear entered me, as his other hand began to place the badge in my palm. "At least, as a member of the Executioners."
The chill began again the moment the surface of the badge touched my palm, my eyes forcefully turning to my outstretched palm.
"Tell me..." His words were like Ice dust straight into my veins, a blood red light beginning to glow within the cursed thing.
It was only at that moment, did the things begin to peak out of the wheel. My silent horror growing.
It was unmistakable what it was… even despite the small size. More appearing with each second that past.
Skulls… each of them shifting into a mist that seemed to drop out of the side of the wheel badge. Evaporating into a thin red mist before disappearing within the very air never to be seen again.
Each of them looked at me with hollow sockets, empty, yet I knew each of them were staring
into me. A thick red haze, one that looked far too close to blood, surrounding them like a gas, coloring what should have been whit e the same deep red shade.
But, it was the sheer number of skulls, ones that somehow fit onto the tiny wheel . Each of them, fighting to gain my attention, bashing their skulls into their brother and sister front ones gazed at me with a look of want. As if it yearned for me to see and feel something other than a thick miasmic disgust.
What were these?!
They couldn't possibly be what he said they were. Th-that made no sense.
Souls couldn't possibly be stuck within this thing. This had to be a trick.
Despite my thoughts, a deep knot began to form in my stomach, one that wanted me to throw up at that very moment. Each second looking at it wanted to make me turn away, but the skulls wouldn't let me.
It was just there. Right there in front of me.
"Do you feel proud?" The words were like a whisper in my ear, the mouths of the skulls matching what was spoken. Each word repeated in a late echo that vibrated on my skin. Even if I was still deaf, the voice would be able to penetrate into my skull.
Then, it was lifted off of my hand. The red skulls disappear instantly, as if they didn't even exist. Disappearing like the red mist that evaporated into thin air.
I followed the path of the wheel badge, almost like a hawk. A fear of those skulls returning from out of them.
Proud… how could I be proud of something that looked so horrifying. It was like trying to take enjoyment out of people suffering. It was vile and wretched, horrifying.
Was that what death looked like? Was that what happens to those who try to change and fight against the world?
How could anyone feel pride for that?
Even Venatores seemed wary of it, the badge disappearing into one of the many pockets on his cloak.
I could even consider it a miracle that he was standing up.
How heavy was it for him? How many poured out in excess? Would it look like a fountain of cursed souls?
How could he even stomach it? Did he revel in such accomplishments? Find their dancing fascinating and amusing?
No… even that was going too far.
The way he spoke about it… it didn't seem like something that he could rever or partake in.
Then why was it on him? A scare tactic, a reminder?
To think I got the first real piece of history that anyone had on Venatores. Finally something real, and all I can manage was to be even more confused.
Even more questions and mystery's to think about.
I looked up at his single eye, the one that is always filled with its usual darkness. Each second that passed, I expected a primal instinct in me to erupt.
But I just sat there, still staring into it.
Then he turned away, walking with his usual silent gait. The small action filled me with dread and fear at every tiny little moment.
For one instinctively filled moment, I wanted to pounce on him out of sheer fear alone. Find the heaviest object in the room, and just swing it at the back of his head.
He showed his back after all, something that remained a sign of weakness. *
But his voice lifted in the air, stopping me and my instincts there.
"We must always strive to be better." His voice was clear and empty, a voice that only made to add even more horror into my body. Another, softer, chill creeping down into my head.
"After all…" His hand reached out to the door, grabbing I, even the opening barely made a single sound. "As I stated before."
"Either you are, or you aren't…"
His head turned to me one last time, his single eye staring right into mine. The door began to close as his form disappeared into the darkness of the unlit corridor. Each shadow trying to grab him and pull him away.
But his eye still remained… as well as a final proclamation.
"Prove to me you aren't."
Then he was gone…
And I was alone with thoughts I didn't want.
*Felines pounce when their prey's back is turned. It's why some people in the jungle tend to wear a mask on the back of their head. A good example is the Animated Tarzan movie. Tarzan vs the leopard.