Despairs Remnants

by TwinGamers011701

A hunter, content in killing the beasts of the night. A knight, burning forever to protect the people who wished to kill his kind. Both wish nothing more, than to help their worlds... But when something happens and they both appear in a new world. A World destined to fall like theirs. Well what other choice do they have but to help. Bloodborne/Dark Souls/RWBY. My own OC's.

21. A Change of Plans

Hello and welcome back to Despair Remnants!

Sorry for the long delay, but I hope this will make up for it. Work can be a bother when it comes to fun.

Anyway, to the reviewers!

CykaBlyaintensifies!: I'm happy to see this review! As for the craziness… we'll, I hope I delivered.

Cyan-Snake: As much as that makes sense, it really doesn't. A girl he meets in the hall reminds him of her, but what could she be connected to?

Wiltedgalaxt17: Dark souls is a pretty spectacular game, though I had to rely on my brother who I watched play. We have a thing, I've played Dark Souls 2, Sekiro and Bloodborne. He's played Dark Souls 1 and 3.

When we get it, he plays Demon Souls, and we'll see what we can do with the Elden Ring.

So he's more… sympathetic of how it feels to be a Dark Souls Player.

As for the infiltration, in this chapter I actually gave a valid reason. It's more of a blink and you'll miss it, but it's there.

As for the madness… ho boy, the madness.

I had great fun with that…

Tsun: Good to see you man, and I feel ya. Rasicim is supposedly the biggest problem, but we have gay relationships? Now, if one of the kingdoms was based off of Greece, I'd buy that, but even still. A vast majority of every culture heavily frowned upon it, while racism existed!

Don't shoehorn it in, at least give an acceptable reason!

As for the Qrow/ Clover thing, I didn't mind it…

I knew the Lucky Charm was going to die the moment his power was introduced. Seriously, Luck! What a way to write a 'kill me' sign on his back!

As for Emeralds power, it's ridiculously powerful! What sucks is I had to actively search for what her power did! And as for her sanity… well, I hope I concocted something truly mesmerizing.

As for the Gaping Dragon, I found him easy to. But, I was more of a spectacle than not.

Which sounds cooler, evil tree that's on fire. Or a dragon that evolved to eat fifty people at once?

(Sorry if I come off rude, not my intentions.)

Thanks for the review!

Gp Marvel Fan: Oh yes, Emerald most certainly is underutilized for such a powerful ability as hers. I hope to fix that, when we get deeper in. As for the crazy… I am quite proud of myself.

I have been receiving many reviews about my Venatores vs Ruby fight. And I also beginning to see a problem with it. It's alright for you to criticize as well, you are being respectful about it. Your not just writing a review that goes like (you sux!). Your articulating your opinion to show me where something feels off.

As for the fight, I was still in the mindset that Team Rwby was the protagonist of the story. Which led me into the same rut, that even the writers have.

That Ruby, and by extension her team, must always win in some way. That is a terrible mindset for a writer. Every victory must be earned, and every loss deserved. I will try to rectify this in the future. Also, 100 percent, only most Maidens should give them extreme challenge, I agree.

Vs Ace Ops, Venatores certainly wins in every aspect, as well as Mors… but the Wolf Faunus' ability (Can't remember his name) is extremely powerful when used correctly. Thankfully, they're trying to cuff him, not kill him. So, Mors can just burn them off, while Ven Hunter Bones.

As for Ozpin vs Ven, I feel it's slightly more in Ozpin favor, but that will come up a little later, so please be patient.

Also, love the Kungfu Panda references. Made me rewatch such a good movie.

Scarease: You don't know the half of it. I'll explain later on, but I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Gamermisogi and Trinity Cat 172: Thank you, you're the only one who commented about Susano and George. Nice job, (hold hand up for High Five)

For both: Also, thanks for Vaati. I already watched him before you guys recommended it, I'll try my best, but I have a few ideas someI even learned from him.

Axccel: Thank you. It isn't a great teaching method, but it can be considered true as well…

Especially since there is a man at the very school, who wishes they are kept secret.

Jake: Don't worry, I've got you covered. The entire painting of the town arc is mostly a Mors central POV. As well as some plans I have in the making. But, I understand your concern. But, I will have you know that there's a reason for such downplay. I hope you continue reading to find out.

Lukemcgl123: Sadly, a vast majority of them are still immature kids. As for the Sun Bro himself, hell yeah he is.

Guest: An understandable concern, one that I hope to alleviate very soon. But thank you for your review, I hope to write it well enough, to advance the plot.

CrazzyTony: Funny you should mention that, I was planning on it, at first, but some complications came up involving their stories and powers. These were an OC from Dark Souls 3 and the ninja Sekiro.

The problem, is that one of them wouldn't receive any plot purpose for being there… and the other needs to just be told where Salem was and the story would be over.

Guest 2: Oh yes, with the knowledge obtained, all will cower in madness… also yes, Mors is truly the Goat. As for the one v one, refer to my reply to Gp Marvel Man. Thank you for the review, and the very helpful rant.

Puzahx2: Oh most certainly. The Parasite, as my brother describes her, is a woman who needs power to give worth to her existence. As for Mors strength, considering in my head, and through research, the man can lift a three cars with one hand. Yes, he is.

Canadian Admiral: Sir!

I will not abandon this story. Thank you for guiding the way. The good blood shall always guide and nourish my Soul!

Alright guys, I've kept you long enough.

Enjoy the Chapter!

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Chapter 21

Change of Plans.

The moment we entered our small coliseum, I immediately went to my locker. Both to bring out my weapons and equipment… and to assure no unnecessary side effects.

My mind… Such a precious reservoir of Eldritch Knowledge, even with pride put aside. It still remains as a miracle that I could even currently talk sense, in any form. Or even manage to hold conversations or rational thought.

Insight… that is what every hunter called it. But, it is merely just pieces of knowledge deadly to the mind and its sanity, that begin to alter you in unforeseeable ways. So closely knit to the arcane, that they could be considered the very same thing.

It was merely seeing how the world worked, seeing what truly governed it, what macanation of the world truly was. Seeing what people took for granted, and refused to see. The cosmos, the stars, the ancient depths of the forlorn seas, all of which are governed by madness and unknown. How all three interacted beyond our knowledge and understanding…

Of course, such knowledge was equivalent to seeing a lesser Amygdala. A miracle that one doesn't go mad on sight, or at the very least becoming deeply traumatized. Like telling them that the moon exists so long as the reflection of it remains within the ocean, because both are inseparable to the cosmos.

Rather simple really.

But, all who partook in such knowledge or magic, always needed something to numb the mind.

Ah, there it was. A thick and hard bottle gracing my fingers alongside a soft and grimy bandage, as I pulled it from the small pouch at my side.

It was a bottle that barely fit into the palm of my hand. Opaque and covered in a barely wrapped bloody bandage, with a small stopper at the top.

I removed the cork with a small pop, the thick alchemical smell of blood and sedative reaching my nose. Any form of pain or instability from within my own mind as it practically began to fade. All such things were fading… into dream and nightmare, cosmos and sky…

I quickly closed the bottle once more, the smell fading instantly.

I've always hated Sedative. Made even smart men's minds cower like little children in the night, dumbing down all thoughts until you could barely move your legs.

But a necessary requirement. Who knows what other activity that rogue could have managed in those twelve seconds in my brain. What unfashionable secrets that laid on the very edge of my brain. Each one trying to reach my consciousness.

My hand shook slightly at the mere thought, as I put the bottle away.

It was like a finger barely grazing the back of my neck… I knew it was there, but could not feel it. Not until the very second that they touched my head, seeing whatever it was in my head.

No flashes, no warning. Just the knowledge that someone was within my mind.

I couldn't help my hand shiver once more, as I tightened a fist. Both in a form to find small control, and a barely constrained fury.

Yet, I would have no need for vengeance, as a small breath entered through my nostrils…

This rogue didn't have the proper precautions to enter the mind of a Hunter, who had gained and been strengthened from the insight of the world. Allowing all truths to be revealed, and the very vitality of the mind to grow.

But to such an untrained mind…

Well, I don't have any knowledge. But my simple assumption would be that the perpetrator had begun to claw their eyes out, and stopped as the sanity reached the mind. That or a large aneurysm, seizure, or hemorrhaging within the mind, that causes a nosebleed, ear bleed or veins within the eyes to burst.

One of them would settle for suitable revenge…

Of course there was always th-

"So," Mors suddenly spoke up, as I turned quickly to him. His gauntlets already on his arms, as he lifted the impossibly large sword. A thing that was remarkably similar to Ludwig's Holy Blade, without the interchangeable sword or trick. A serious look on his face, that he had managed to keep up as soon as we entered the coliseum. "What now?"

Yes… that can wait for later.

Right now, plans need to be made.

"First." I spoke up, placing the large jar of sedative back into the closet. Turning to him, with my arms crossed in deep thought. "We must discuss what that rogue could do."

"Yes." The Knight nodded, his eyes narrowing in contempt,right alongside his tone. No doubt having been tricked by this trickster. Strangely enough there was also something else. A deep and unseen emotion somehow crossing his face… how very strange. "Could you tell what this vermin was doing, in any form?"

I quickly shook my head, replaying the moment within my head. Each second being prospected at each time.

But there was nothing. Just knowledge, and a deep and primal reaction, that brought the worst of the worst of knowledge to the forefront.

I still shudder at such memories.

"Only that they were in my mind." A hand making its way to my head, placating the forbidden truths of the Great Ones. "Anything else is unknowable, except to them."

Rightfully so, Mors began to look fearful. Why wouldn't anyone who knew of such an ability within this world.

Within the hands of anyone with the smallest bit of talent or imagination. Even the smallest second of thought brought up a multitude of solutions that such an ability could do.

If one underestimated such an ability, no matter how superior they were, they would no doubt fall.

As such, an exploration of the possibilities is in order.

"Alright." Mors spoke, his head turning to the coliseum door, as if waiting for it to open ready to rush in at a second's notice. His sword held with a single hand, as he leaned on it ever so slightly. "So, to my limited understanding, this leaves us with a multitude of options. We already know they can make us see what is not true."

"But is there a possibility that the vermin could do more?" His gaze turned back to me, before returning to his post. Like a guard would over a lord's manor. "I understand Semblances only have one ability, but I fear the worst."

"We can't overlook it." I began to speak honestly, the many variables within the world collapsing into my mind in a multitude of whirling thoughts. Remembering each and every piece of information that I could manage in this single moment. "Semblances can evolve and grow or change entirely, just like the person they reflect."

A rather layman's terms for it. But important enough to get the point across, especially in the moment. While speed wasn't a necessity, neither were the details.

Semblances… They were very strange. At first one could consider them a tool that followed the birth of aura and the person finds new ways to use it. If one were of a more philosophical mindset, they would have said it's a mirror of who you were. And, when you grew or changed as a person that it would grow alongside it.

But, if I were to give it an explanation…

A Semblance is a gift. Specifically a painting that you are forced to hang up on the wall. No matter if you like it or not it will be there. Whether it be perfect for you, or have flaws that are detrimental it will be there.

After such a time you learn everything about it, imperfections, perfections, things you enjoy about it and hate.

Then, after staring at it for as long as you can, you decide to do something with it. Add to it, paint around it, outside of it's portrait. Perhaps get rid of it, and try to remake it in some other way.

Love or hate, it's yours.

"Yes..." Mors spoke, the single handed grip on his sword seeming to grow even tighter. The worry was now beginning to show clearly upon his face.

A rightful worry.

"What prospect of the ability is worrying you?" I spoke up, needing to help him get out of his head. So long as that worry persisted, it would only impede him in the long run.

Mors turned his head toward me, the worry disappearing on his face like an illusion. A similar exterior that he wore through most battles.

The challenge didn't last very long, as Mors turned his head to the door once more.

"... I shall admit…" He spoke, the slight tone of defeat filling the air, the grip loosening slightly, and then returning. "I am terrified of the possibilities of our memories being within their minds."

A fair worry. Every skill, every prior experience, every happy moment or dark secret.

Best to nip this worry in the bud.

"Not possible." I spoke quickly, my tone curt but still slightly bland. Mors flinched at how quickly my response was, eyes still ahead towards the door. "If they could, there would be a body. Especially after viewing my mind and it's experiences."

They would have managed to look at the many Great Ones that I had… visited in my time. If they carelessly looked through it, they would be unable to process even a single thought. Practically dead to the world.

Of course, even then, to gain control over such a thing they would have to have total control over a separate part of the brain. And, due to the sensory aspect of their ability, they could only take over one aspect of the brain…

The Amygdala.

Even the name managed to instill a fright and chill. A large chill, of a six fingered hand trying to reach into my mind and arrest control over me. Making me fall into conniptions and doom me to reaction.

I took a small breath in, my grip tightening around my arm in a method to battle such mental opposition.

Their hand and it's chill vanished with that simple manner. The breath I was holding being let go.

All other traumas I have managed to placate… but, just as they always have, the Great Ones continue to haunt.

The Amygdala within the brain is emotional memory, or conditioned memory. They are memories that bring with it strong emotions, fight or flight, anger or even fear and helplessness. These are the memories that keep you from reckless danger within the waking world.

To do that, they even take over the senses, to ensure it even further. Trauma with a fire? Every time you see a fire, your skin will heat up with it, no matter how far you stand.

The Great One is a reflection of such acts of memory and its power. Perhaps even the creators of such things, to ensure control over the common man.

And they allow none but themselves to manipulate such forces.

But, such dark and ancient knowledge was lost to my partner, as to everyone else in this world.

"Thank the Flame!" He exclaimed loudly, the practical scream filling within the coliseum and even my own head. A voice filled with relief at the prospect of his safety, as the sword imbedded into the ground with a sickening crack. Cracks spreading an inch from said point of impact.

He turned around, a large smile upon his face. His gaze hit me…

As it faded, his hand in front of his face with a small cough. My glare hit him full force.

As much as his relief was important to him, there were far bigger things to worry about.

"Anyways," The sword now resting on his shoulder in. Relief was still filling his body, as the same expression was placed once more on his face. "Could they see through our senses? Like, see what I see? Or even smell?"

"It would explain why they chose that moment." I spoke, the glare vanishing as I traveled into the depths of my mind. As they were in my mind, they couldn't manage anything. But, aside from the illusion, there was almost no reason to invade my mind. So, perceiving through one's senses made a form of sense. "Could have been trying to see if there was a password, or hear our discussion through my ears?"

But, something still irked me… something didn't fi-

"Something else." The Knight spoke up, a curious look upon his face as if remembering something. "They were already within my mind."

Right… that was the piece of strangeness.

"So why didn't they stay in it?" They were within Mors' mind already, using illusions to keep themselves from being spotted.

He gave a small nod, spotting the very same insight that I had. A hand placing itself on his chin in simple but effective thought. "If I could stay in the mind of another, I would fully do so. Especially if it was just the two of us alone."

"Unless," I spoke, a quicksilver bullet absently making its way into my hand. A pure understanding of the many, many costs of such an ability could be. "It is draining for long periods."

"Possibly…" He spoke up, a small glaze upon his eyes, before they returned. Whether it was a quick thought of if it was in fact true, or merely open. "Yes, we'll have to suppose that."

My eyebrow unconsciously twitched in a form of annoyance. I hated words like, suppose. It held such a connotation of disbelief and lack of trust, as well as the knowledge that all one had is conjecture.

It was like trying to fight the Great Ones. No matter what you think you know, everything changes the moment of an encounter. Nothing makes sense, everything shifts, and the only thing understood is that it is a fight for your life.

"But," Mors continued with a single finger raised, trying to help him make his point. "Since we are in the realm of conjecture. Suppose it wasn't."

"Why switch?" As he joined the deep realm of thought, and imagination.

A good point. If such a Semblance was, in fact, not draining or costly in anyways. A scary thought that brought me to the verge of conniptions.

What else could have changed?

Mors stated that he might have known the moment this being entered his mind. That was when we started to run from such dangers for a moment of privacy.

But what else changed? Was it the range of the Semblance?

The range might be a factor… but it could also be something else. They were always close by, enough to keep an eye on us.

Yet, it would do us well to think more… like a curiosity of what if it wasn't range. There was still even that small piece of information…

Why didn't they try Mors again?

Mental semblance means a mental blockage. So it had to do something that altered his state of mind.

Which meant the only other thing would be...

"Suspicion."

Mors turned his head, a confused expression on his face for the briefest of moments.

Before lighting up with a smile of understanding.

"That's right!" He screamed out, standing quickly with his sword. "I became suspicious and guarded! That moment, I could have inevitably pushed the vermin from my mind. So they were forced to try your mind. As for afterwards, I did feel rather shaken, they probably bypassed my defenses at that moment."

No… something still didn't add up. Everything else made sense, including the possible mental fortitude needed...

Even still, how did they get into my head? We were both equally guarded, suspicious or any other of those feelings that blocked one's mind to the world…

And I most certainly, despite the greater insult, am not mentally weaker than Mors.

What other factor could exist? Pride, anger…

No… that will have to come when we find an answer.

If this vermin were to survive my initial encounter of course. My hand gripped my knife so very tightly.

I wonder how they should meet it?

I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away. Thinking about it was a thought of beasts, no matter how enticing or deserving this thing truly was.

"Bu-" I began to speak up, ready to bring this small inconsistency to light.

"Hold on," Mors said, rifling through his bag with quick efficiency. A notepad anda single pen in his hands. "We must write this down, so we don't lose track."

Right… that would be for the best. Rather not misremember anything that is to come, especially with something as important.

Reaching out my hand for both of the tools presented, rifling through the book to the appropriate blank page necessary for this job.

"But," I began to write, continuing the conversation about the point that I was trying to make. A small glimmer of something appeared on Mors face as I did so, before disappearing like a fine mist. "Even so, how did they make it into my head? I was just as guarded, maybe more so."

"Then… perhaps it isn't draining as an action." My partner supplied the scratching of pen on paper filling the room. "Perhaps it's draining to the individual."

I wrote down that little note, a possibility of such a semblance.

It still didn't make sense, but it was still a necessary idea so long as we remain in conjecture.

"Or," Continuing my innermost thoughts, a harrowing doubt trying to fill my core. Blocked only by the knowledge that I have, quite literally, slayed what most thought conjecture. "We're getting something wrong."

"Well we are assuming they have a sorcery aside from the illusions." He consoled me, right as I put the small pen down, examining my work slightly. His eyebrows raised at the speed of such writings, as he usually did. "Most of this could be wrong. But we won't know until we discuss every possibility. Now, what have you written?"

" 'Subject has illusory capabilities directly associated with the mind.' " I began to speak, reading the clear and crisp writing on the paper to him. Filled with as much of the knowledge that I could place into it. " 'Known; they can change perception, allowing near perfect illusions. High likelihood of being expelled from the mind, with mental strength or knowledge of being manipulated. Unknown presscense to the average individual. Possible; use others senses as their own, or manipulate other senses. Influence over the Parietal lobe or interpretation of current tho-' "

"Parietal Lobe?" Mors interrupted, the first time his lack of knowledge actually making sense in this instance. After all, the mind was not all that everyone studied.

But, as one who fought Great Ones, the mind was as important to understand as the Arcane and every trick that your weapon could do.

"A section of the brain that controls the identification of objects," I began, looking up just in time to see his face transform from curiosity to a small sense of fear. A pure and justifiable reaction, even before the rest was stated. "Sense of space, and the part that interprets pain in the entire body."

He stood there for merely a second, possibly to process the many options.

"Ah…" Mors spoke quietly, his eyes widened as the… possibility's rose.

"That's quite comforting."

It wasn't what it actually was… it wasn't an ability to inflict pain from a distance simply with the mind.

Rather, it was a matter of making the illusions more real. Giving them the ability to induce pain, and inadvertently adding more of a fear factor to them.

Of course, such an ability still had to deal with illusions. It just made one perceive the illusions as more real. Like, for example, making the illusions even closer to reality.

It could also use its power to induce a sense of extreme vertigo, or change what the entirety of an object looks like to the viewer.

The mere thought gave me shivers. Even as I continued to read through my own writing.

" 'Interpretation of current thoughts. Unknown; Manipulation of the other senses, or separate parts of the brain. Multiple targets, or concentration. Option to use it in the midst of battle, where people are most guarded. Inability; Long periods of time or costly activation, those with superior mental might."

"Ah, another thing to note for the draining part." Mors spoke after my reading, trying to add upon even more to the list of knowledge. "We can, at the very least, confirm three uses within two minutes of each other."

"If it was draining, it would be less." More for the activation and entry within the mind, and even more for it to continue, if that was necessary. "Either that or an immense amount of Aura."

"Sir Jaune has a large amount." The knight spoke quickly. The mention of the blond boy forced me to quirked an eyebrow in slight disbelief at the thought. He was fairly…unassuming.

Then again, so was I.

"But," He continued with haste, a hand still on his chin in thought. "Even he becomes winded after only a ten minute spar, and twelve or so of my weakened hits to the chest. If that is incredibly large, then we must assume average or above average."

Of course that was below average for him. My head was shaking in exasperation at the mere idea of what he could consider effort. "Right…"

"Now," The night spoke up one more, a small clap of his hand. The large sword resting on the crook of his neck, threatening to bisect his head from his shoulders. "What could be our final inquiry of such power…"

His eyes turned to me, a curious glint within them.

"How did you know they were in your head?"

Ah yes… it was bound to come back to light. Of course, I'd rather not be looked at like a maniac, or insane in any way shape or form. So the truth was out of the question… for now.

Yet, it was also an idiotic move to lie.

So a half truth would have to do.

"I just did." My eye began to drift away from the Knight, towards the very edge of the circular arena. "My knowledge of this ability is rather limited. I've never encountered it before."

The arena was silent, a weighty silence that combined with the dangerous knowledge of someone after us. One that he went to, as the Knight processed the information.

"Very well." He spoke, as I turned back. His expression is only a tiny bit like stone, before changing back to something neutral.

It was obvious he didn't believe me, or knew I was hiding something…

But the truth brought madness.

Ignorance is indeed bliss, when it comes to the Great Ones.

"Now then," Mors spoke out, lifting himself off of the ground. Laying the sword across his shoulder, as if there weren't a person sized sword laying across. "While we understand that this is most certainly an attack pertaining to the White Fang..."

"Can we assume for a second it isn't?"

I let out annoyed breath through my teeth, that echoed into the coliseum. The very need of such a thing is pointless.

I attacked them, so they reciprocated. It was nothing so needlessly complex as what happened within Yharnam.

And if it was, what other lead could we possibly have? It was either the White Fang, or an unknown figure that held no leads or other such action that is known.

The higher likelihood is the White Fang, as such, all attention should be focused on them.

"There really isn't a need." I spoke, knowing the certainty of such actions. Turning to Mors with his eyebrows raised in a slight interest. "I, and by extension we, have done nothing to anyone else."

He nodded his head, his head tilting slightly in a simple gesture of thought. Possibly to ensure all routes of logic before speaking, or to think of yet another topic to suggest.

"If it was a Fang member," The Mors spoke, his tone calm and collected as it ever was. A tone that brought memories of the Dream, when being both informed and scolded alike. "Then certainly there would be more than one target of their apprehensions and study."

His eyes stared into me, a strange look that remained near indecipherable. Ancient and burdened.

"If an enemy is to be feared," He spoke, his off hand flipping forward with the palm up. A method to emphasize the point he was making. "Then so too should an informant, one with personal knowledge of the runnings of the Fang."

Right… Blake.

She knew things that other people, especially the 'enemy' should not know.

Locations, tactics, safehouses or where to meet others. Safe locations or secret allies, when their people needed to hide from the law.

It's possible she knew nearly everything,

Everything that was dangerous to them.

Yes…

But this person could hold a grudge. Maybe one of the idiots I let live at the dock, still not understanding the luck they had at their survival.

So the point is still rather lacking.

"Also," He continued simply, his hands joined and resting upon his chin. Staring at me intently enough to be unable to look away. "If public knowledge is to be believed the White Fang have more than one target. If they in fact infiltrated Beacon, the first thing they should have done, especially with this power at their disposal, is lure wealthy targets to assured captivity."

"While your eleven kills were certainly eye-catching, supposedly there is a family with a supposed high Faunus Mortality rate."

My single eye widened, as he put that single thing into perspective.

Right… So focused on the White Fang itself, I couldn't even remember the motive.

They wanted to reform society… made into an image that suited their every vengeful fantasy in their minds.

Of course, some are not so welcome to the zealotry. No…

They rather lie in wait, letting everything happen. Knowing the wrong, and waiting for their reward.

And though they call the ones who run cowards, some were certainly wiser than others.

Even still… Here and now was the perfect place.

The Schnee Dust Company, and almost any other son or daughter of a profitable business. Especially, if they truly believe in their so-called vision.

All of them, at least a vast majority, are here. Whether it be to simply watch or partake in the festivities, or wishing for a change or thrill. Or an honest and true sense of duty, to become these Huntsman and Huntresses.

Didn't change how useful they were, especially for extortion.

Which begged the question…

Why go after me, when priority number one is in the same environment? If they took the right person, easily and practically without fail, they would have enough money for the escapades.

No stealing, and near absolute secrecy, so long as they extort it right.

So… it couldn't be them. Unless their revenge is more important than their very mission they have wanted since their dawn.

Eleven dead bodies, versus years upon years of mishaps, harsh labor and cruelty.

I let out a small sigh, my head lowering ever so slightly.

None of it added up.

Which meant it had to be someone else, unaffiliated with the White Fang.

"Very well…" I spoke, my head lowering in a silent sign of rare defeat. The small piece of worry at that secret organization that existed upon the horizon. As well as a small piece of admittance escaped my lips. "You are more knowledgeable than you let on."

"Merely wiser." He responded simply, his shoulders rolling back making him seem bigger than usual. An idiotic glow of pride upon his face, the irratited me. "I was more surprised that it escaped thy vision."

I felt myself begin to glare, the small unintentional insult worming it's way into my head…

But I kept it at bay.

I made a mistake, an idiotic moment of close mindedness that I thought I had shook off.

But I suppose the Hunt still clings to the mind.

So easy to forget that there are more than just beasts trying to kill you.

"I'll give you that one." I spoke, turning my head to the side, my arms crossed slightly.

"And I shall take it with gratitude and pride." He spoke, again with a cheery tone. I swear, if I looked at him at this very moment, he would be double in size.

"Don't push it." I grasped my arm, turning to him, but with a strained face of effort not to glare.

While he was looking around, even at his very own sword. Until the moment he began to turn his attention to me with a quizzical look.

"Push what?"

I swear not even the Great Ones gave me such indignation! Not even that damned Spider was this…

Calm down…

"Anyways." My tone filled with aggravation as I turned my head to avoid glaring. Just enough to see the bare flinching reaction, possibly his idiocy finally being unable to catch up to the world. "So we're being hunted down by a secondary target."

"Why?" I stood up, taking a silent stride to the door, taking a second to listen and smell beyond the door. No breath or any other piece of wind or function, and just the smell of metal within the door. "Once again, what have either of us done aside from attacking the White Fang at the docks?"

"It might be because we are in fact powerful targets?" Mors spoke, shifting his sword off his shoulder to sit in front of him. A conflicted look of thought upon his face, that told the story of not thinking further. "I doubt this immensely, but, there is still a possibility it was some holigan who was after us for the Vytal Festival? Merely because of strength."

I didn't even look at him, or give that guess a response, moving around the large arena-like area. The constant movement helps to clear my very own thoughts, to help me see any and all connections that lead to the awnser.

But nothing came up… Nothing but the White Fang, and everyone working for them.

Did they see us as that much of a threat? More than their hatred and anger, or quite possibly, fear of humankind?

One would nearly call it flattering, if it weren't for everything else.

Did they have a competent leader, able to understand the importance of my destruction? No, if they were competent, they would have used the plan we properly discussed.

If not…

No, the Great Ones wouldn't involve themselves with something so petty and insignificant. The only means that they would interfere would be for their own benefit.

But who understood what that benefit could possibly be?

Did they want a child or to use the Faunus as a weapon to purge a civilization that angered them?

Question after question. Man, Faunus or Great Ones alike…

"This seemed to help my friend."

What could possibly help in this situation? My fist tightening as I continued my unending walk around the coliseum. Ignoring the Knight as I continued.

The Great ones were less likely. Anyone who they had influence over would be very much out of character, so much so that even the Zea-

"Hmmm."

-lots would understand that they were acting differently. Or perhaps they were too focused on the anger to even consider it, and being a part of an all consuming power struggle. A be-

"Hmmmmmm."

Astly mindset to be sure. Vile twisted, all consuming-

"Hmmm-"

Annoyance unlike any other!

"Mors," My voice rising a tiny little bit, interrupting the incessant and insignificant prattling of the Knight. As if that humming would be of any form of assistance.

"They aren't rela-"

All mindful thoughts seemed to roll to a stop, a blank hole of any other option within. Like staring into the night sky, and seeing only a single star that you couldn't see before.

"Have you thought of something?" The Knight spoke suddenly, unable to distract me despite him appearing in front of my vision. At a distance, but still like a wraith due to my revaluation.

"Related." I managed to strangle out, looking at him with an intense and unwavering gaze.

The White Fang wasn't the only one at the docks.

"What if it is the White Fang… but actually isn't." I spoke up, looking at the slightly dull gaze he was giving to me. Waiting for me to give some level of my very own insight.

"There was only one other person on the docks that didn't fit."

The light lit like a torch in his eyes, a large smile as he once again basked in my discovery. A large clap of his hands that rang out loudly within the enclosed space.

"They are working for Roman Torchwick!"

Roman Torchwick… someone who has aligned themselves within the White Fang, but not truly. Where the Faunus goal is revenge and an unstable peace, his mission was for it to all run smoothly.

As such, getting rid of people he thought to be a problem.

"Of course!" The Knight began, speaking for my own mind. Piercing each and every piece, and quite possibly more. "It would explain why they focused on you, instead of any other. They were more focused on his mission then the White Fang's."

"It would also explain why he kept them around! It is, after all, a useful thief's semblance. Why, for all we know, that could have been Roman Torchwick that entered our minds!"

"Exactly." A small, predatorial smile spread across my lips.

A target now within clear sight. Even if he was now consumed within his mind, looking within dark recesses of madness.

"Now," Mors spoke, making his way to the lockers, the ginormous sword of his dragging against the ground. Practically throwing it into his locker, one that barely fit the sword. "We have all of that settled, we must take this to one of high authority."

"We have nothing to tell anyone." I spoke, staring confused at the pace he was going. "We don't have a location for where they're going to be."

They won't be able to do anything, so long as nothing is concrete.

"The law isn't the highest authority." He spoke, removing the darkened gauntlets from his hands, the smile still upon his face.

The council?

No… Ozpin. Headmaster, with a seat on the Council of Vale, and highly considered one of the greatest Huntsman in Vale.

The problem with being the greatest, is in fact the people surrounding you. Judging you in a manner that they had no true meaning to judge.

And look what it did, to the Holy Blade himself. Corrupted, and lost within a nightmare. His paladin changed his views to better suit them, instead of others. Never able to do wrong, as they shift such tenants to fit what they wished for.

So long as that spotlight is over him, he can do nothing unless it was to be done perfectly.

Which meant, he could do nothing, until it was too late.

Besides… There is the fact that the mole is here…

"Yes… that would be important." I spoke, right as he began to move to the door at a quickened pace.

"But," The single word forced him to stop, whether it be from some strange feeling of reprimand, or just to listen. "What's more important right now is to find the next gathering or theft of the White Fang. There, we can kidnap Roman, and make him tell us everything."

He turned slightly, looking at me with a certain blankness. As he could see that it wasn't the entirety.

"If a mole exists within Beacon," I continued, as he nodded his head at the very first sentence. Leaning against the door, just staring and waiting. "Then the White Fang will possibly know we are onto them the moment you talk to him."

"I agree with that, but the school might not even know of this." His face stern and unwavering, looking at me straight in the eye as he did so. "As such, we must risk it to put it to their attention."

"As important as the White Fang is, I doubt he'll be able to help in any way." Memories of the Vicars within my mind, each losing their way and doing what they needed. It didn't yet appear like Ozpin, but the terrible taste laid in my mouth. "Despite being a member of the Council, he is still a Headmaster. His priorities are within the school, and everyone expects it to be the School alone. Everything else must be sanctioned by the Council for anything proper. Even then, it will take time."

"I know." He tried to speak out, a hand raised in a sort of placating manner. "Bu-"

It was an accidental interruption. I had thought him done with his sentence, and continued with my own.

"We might as well tell the students, they could do it faster than him."

But I knew it was a mistake, the moment everything seemed to stop within his mind.

And a smile began to spread.

No…

"Your right…" By the Great Ones above, don't do this.

But he said it anyway…

"Team RWBY absolutely could!"

"That was not an encouragement!" I shouted out, a small glare thrown his way. Why of all the things, did he have to listen to my worst idea..

"Oh yes, I know." Mors spoke, the smile still on his face, ignoring my glare as he continued.

"This is completel-" I tried to speak, only for his voice to cut through it like a blunt knife forced through me. I froze, unable to make sense of what was happening in front of me.

Or rather, there was a moment of whiplash for me, as a… change overtook Mors.

"Venatores…" It was like he underweat an unseen transformation. Standing completely straight, arms crossed, and his eyes in a new intensity. As if he was not going to allow a no for an answer. "Keeping secrets will get nothing done."

"For now," He spoke, a single arm stretching out into a fist, face still serious. "We tell the two people who can manage something right now, and use their efforts combined for momentous gain for the world! Even despite the risk!"

He stood there, unmoving, as if waiting for my next question. One that was coming very soon.

"And what exactly can Team RWBY do?" I spoke, taking out the knife and spinning it within my hand. A method that kept my hands busy, and left a weapon open. The very serious gaze, after nearly three months of… kindness, leaving me of a skeptical nature.

"Why," He spoke, the smile returning while a fire remained in his very eyes. Still managing to let out a haunted look, that kept me on edge."I just mentioned it."

"They have an informant on their side." He spoke, crossing his arms once more, the smile faltering slightly. "She can do most of the work."

My eye twitched at the mention of that, the intent clear.

A manipulation of the resources available… Strange that he would suggest such an action.

How very unlike him…

"That's a little manipulative of you." I spoke, the knife's handle making its way into my palm, my pointer finger on the blade.

The eyes of the Knight turning to its edge, his hand held up.

"The Fang," He spoke this time a little more carefully, looking me directly in the face. A semblance of his usual expression on his face. "Or someone working with them, practically attacked us within our place of residence, with underhanded tactics. Not to mention who else they might trick for their own gain."

"Speed is of the highest priority."

I stared at him a little while longer, knife still in the palm of my hand. Expression unchanging as I did, not his as he stared.

Right… Just another aspect of the one called Mors Ignis… not a transformation into something worse, Nor an influence of something else.

"They're not going to trust you afterwards." I spoke, the small dagger moving to my chest pocket within the uniform. A small aura of relief flowing from my partner. He even managed to smile slightly, the fire in his eyes diminishing.

"You seem to care a little more than usual?" He spoke, a knightly smile upon his face. The fire dwindles ever so slightly in some form of amusement. "Are you perhaps growing to like the team?"

Like them would be a strong word, especially for a specific half of the team…

The others are more tolerable, in that they actually try to learn from loss. Instead of remaining the same and unchanging from such an action.

They fought very well, all of them. Some are even creative and hold a glimmer of potential…

Weiss Schnee was braver than one would first think. The first crossing of our blades during that 'test,' was also the first modicum of respect.

Ruby was still… partially incompetent. Whether that be from increased judgement on my part, or lack of some skills. But, she was also younger than the rest…

As well as managing to be wiser than most on her team, despite the obvious sheltered upbringing.

But there are still children… children in the worst profession to be of such a mindset that they hold.

Black and White, be the paragon, let none go past the line.

Thoughts like that, unless having the strength and skill to remain as such, were pointless. They would sooner change for the worse or die before such ideals were upheld.

Not to mention, one remained stuck in the past.

But that was not knowledge that he needed to know, or had not already inferred.

"Then a bit of progress." He spoke, reading my blank expression to be something more than it already was. A single apparent eyebrow twitching in a semblance of annoyance. "As for your peace of mind, while I will regret and will take on any ill will the plan may stir, they have not been… cooperative."

Cooperative wasn't the term. It was hostility and ignorance that allowed them to move forward as they do.

"Half the team or more will instantly wish for your uninvolvement," The knight spoke, his arms crossed stubbornly as he continued to persuade me into such actions. "Or wish me to stay out of it in hopes of keeping you distracted."

"It may not be true, but it sadly feels as such." He finished simply, a ring of truth within such words, that made me nod ever so slightly. Something that brought a modicum of a smile to his face, possibly seeing that nod as a small sign of victory.

"Despite their skill, and in some cases experience." He continued onward, not even letting me get a word in or otherwise. Something that I allowed, simply for the fact that he was making honest points. "They are still rather lacking in… well, many things."

Once more an understatement.

"Besides, you are required there." Mors spoke, the confident smirk still on his face,as we stared each other down. "If this mind traveler is indeed with Torchwick, you are the only known one who could fight. Everyone else would be too distracted by false sight."

"In this moment of insecurity," A note of finality within his voice as he continued to stare forward. "Better a deft and manipulative hand, then one that stagnates and rots."

… He brought up many good points. Too many to ignore, or push to the side. The scroll came out of my pocket, as I looked upon its face.

Not to mention the newly found lack of time.

Which left only a single option…

I nodded my head, as the Knight smiled.

"Tell them I will be in the library after class." He spoke, making his way to his very locker. Sword stretched across his shoulder before placing it within the secure area. "You will be able to make it, even without lunch. Make it to class, and please take thorough notes."

"Oh yes, one final question." He spoke up, right as he made his way to the door. Hand upon it, as he turned around.

A concerned expression on his face.

"What did you do to them?"

Yes… this was bound to come up.

"It was a reaction, a mental one." I said boldly, keeping my eye directly upon him. "I forcefully shut them out, by bringing something… dangerous to the surface."

A small lie… I brought nothing to the surface. This creature merely tried to enter something it shouldn't have.

"What did it do?"

"Without proper management or outward stimuli to keep them out of their own head…" I spoke, as I made my way to the door.

Memories of a better time that kept such horrors at bay.

A creation that replicated what had become lost.

"Well…"

A creature that reality had near to no substitute…

And would prevent them from becoming what lay within the madness.

"Let's just say they won't be the same."

---

Mors

This was beyond aggravating.

Walking through the halls of Beacon Academy used to be such a peaceful part of my day. Fellow warriors facing threats together in Jolly Cooperation, as all should be in the face of such threats.

Now it was the toxic swamps beneath Blighttown. Walking through throes of poison and, for lack of better terms, shit. Constantly having to look out for a random bug demon trying to burn you from ten feet away.

All while waiting for the damned trolls to come from a hidden corner. Boulder heaved over their shoulders, ready to force your broken body to eat said poison.

It felt exactly like this, except the boulder was a change of my very perception. Enemy to ally, a hidden door, anything that made the world change to such vermin's needs.

The only solace was Venatores limited experiences in such esoteric knowledge. Allowing a small form of solace even while walking the long halls of this school.

But now was not the time to think about such questions.

Now was a time for action and words to be spoken.

Which was why heading to Ozpin at this moment was far more important.

It didn't matter what he was capable of doing at the moment. Even just knowledge would do for now.

Look what it could have done if I had it. My hand gripped tightly to my very skin. I could practically feel myself trying to break my very own bone.

Many students had permeated the hall at this point, each of them walking the exact opposite way.

But, there was a very wide berth they gave me. Each of them moved to the side with what looked like pure instinct.

How strange, I wasn't trying to intimidate them at all?

I looked at my hands and arms, expecting to see some form of fire flowing from them. An old habit that used to happen from countless deaths, and frustration.

But then again, the fires of rage needn't be visible to be avoided. Even the small smile on my face, as I tried to greet people along the way was a small flame of rage.

After all…

I was absolutely livid.

What other word could there be for this feeling in the center of my chest? The feeling of heat and fire that seemed to replicate a beating heart within. Drowned out by the slow draining of my very soul within the Dark Sign.

But being consumed by the fire will get nothing done.

Ozpin needed to learn of this.

Thankfully, as most Headmasters are, they were within a single spot.

Their very own office.

The only foreseeable problem was reaching said location. After all, all of the sudden visits must be met through a secretary of sorts.

A simple man couldn't visit a king, even the great Knight Artorias could not demand an audience with Gwendyleon, let alone Gwyn himself.

Even if it did, what would I say in a public hallway to Madam Goodwitch?

If I were to speak of this attack in public, many a thing could happen. Misinformation, fear of a small but growing scale, and, I turned my head, looking at all of the students.

Or, an opening for the hidden vermin.

Such a wonderful name for something so putrid, like the rats that lived within the ruins below the Parish. Hordes upon hordes who could only manage to get lucky hits…

I despised those vermin, especially as they attacked through my armor and wide swings.

Yes, vermin was a good word to share with this mind sharing coward…

But, there was a method. A method that allowed me to get to that privacy of the sanctuary of one such Headmaster. Without having the need to announce my knowledge to the entire hallway.

Another thing that required a little… deception.

Deception… it left quite the flavor on the tongue, especially when one managed to be good at it. I would indulge myself and say that I was awful at such ideas.

But, that in itself would be another deception.

Father was always a good teacher, and even if he couldn't quite cut it, he always had the gold for better.

Politics were so very close to deception. Nothing major, but to the point where everyone was at peace. A method to keep a common balance between worlds, and a way to remain in the graces of others.

Dull and bothersome. It had its uses, but it was nothing compared to just fighting an enemy.

Who knew that they would come to some level of use? Even if it was against my very wishes.

Already I was getting a cold and heavy feeling within my chest. A feeling that I had thought gone when I took hold of that sword so long ago.

I hated this…

But what other choice was there?

Already the White Fang, or whoever else wished for us, had made an attack or scouting mission. It had failed in a spectacular manner, but in a way so did we.

Some form of opposition was right here… right alongside us or any other…

And because of my comfort within this school, I allowed them to escape.

It did not matter that I couldn't help it.

But this feeling in my chest…

Ah, how long had it been since I felt it.

Yes…

Helplessness.

The fact of the matter, was I could do nothing.

This, had to be rectified.

But… their were also people feeling an unknown sense of helplessness. One hidden in the darkness, unaware of everything.

It was far worse like this… where no one knew anything.

Yes…

That was a large reason as to why Ozpin needed to know. Aside from, even the most obvious of concerns.

Humanity, and Faunus alike were not made to remain helpless.

I turned the corner, the one that would lead me up to the large spire that held Ozpin aloft. Hoping to catch the esteemed Huntsman of Vale.

Right as I heard the sound of a voice right in front of me.

"Mister Ignis?" The wise and calming voice of the headmaster spoke up, his bright green eyes boring into me. A fully questioning look upon his face, before transforming into a small smile.

Well… how convenient.

"Headmaster Ozpin." I spoke quickly, closing the distance. Bowing my head ever so slightly to show a form of hurried respect towards the Great Knight.

"You seem…" The Headmaster spoke, a twinge of curiosity clear in his voice. As well as a tone that I could not quite identify.

I made my way to interrupt, begin what I needed to say.

Yet, even in his age, he still remained quick.

"Rather clean."

I quirked an eyebrow at that, most of my muscles untensing at what could only be some form of joke.

Or something else that I was missing.

"Clean, sir?" I managed to speak out, my tone portrays a clear confusion. One that the Headmaster seemed to smile at in some form of amusement.

"I see…" He spoke, turning to the door with a gentle smile. A single sip from the cup within the hands.

I turned to the top of the door. A strange row of lights that turned on and off in a linear fashion.

One that signified a lift behind the door.

So he was heading back to his office? But why was he down here in the first place.

Alongside these very strange inquiries.

"You missed quite the spectacle young man." He spoke, finishing tasting whatever lay in the porcelain mug. "It was quite the battle."

My arms nearly embalmed themselves in flames.

"A battle?" I spoke out, taking a step closer to the young huntsman. A fight managed to break lose, after what had managed to happen on our path.

Could this too be the work of the unseen?

The elder man looked at me barely even twitching at the tone that I had in my voice. His eyes looked only a tiny bit quizzical, but also gained a certain light within.

"A food fight…" The smile on his face seeming to broaden even more. As if the mere idea in it of itself was amusing to him. A small laugh on the very edge of his voice. "Your friends within Team RWBY and JNPR were having quite the fun making a mess."

Food… fight.

What creature uses sustenance as a form of weapon?

Is this perhaps yet another-

Now isn't the time for these frivolous thoughts and manners. The thing you were worried about just happened to be some form of esoteric school ritual.

"Ah…" Straightening my back to a more professional stance. Arms At my side, as I stood within my full height. Able to look into the Great Knight's eyes with a calm mind. "Yes, I suppose that makes sense."

The man in front of me merely tilted his head slightly, as if somehow noticing the strangeness. His cane came to his front so that he could face me. A long and heartily sip of the beverage, as he stared into me with pure emerald eyes.

"Did something happen, Mister Ignis?" He spoke, putting the cup as far down as possible, as if to avoid any interrupt from the drink. "You didn't appear to be at this spectacle."

"Venatores and I were merely having a discussion within our coliseum." I spoke slightly hurriedly, hands converging behind the small of my back. "After we had witnessed a spectacle ourselves."

He smiled at that, even while his eyes never seemed to change. Focusing and twitching at my usage of the word spectacle in this situation.

"That's good." His voice was still genuine, no utterance of a lie within it. Despite the rather calculating gaze coming from his eyes. Each thought ticking away, like the mechanism within his cane. "You appear to be bonding quite well. I feared the worse for Mister Luna, but it is good to know he is in the hands of such a capable friend."

Praise… a very simple and easy manner to get within another's head. Just the right amount of these particular words would leave most wanting more. Or calming them down from any tenseness one could feel.

It was very effective, but sometimes unneeded.

A simple assurance was all you needed, not honeyed words that sounded close to lies.

Yet it remained rude not to say anything.

"Thank you, sir." Strange how even compliments could feel like a trap, forcing the conversation to a certain direction. Switching who lead and who followed the conversation.

I was fine with it otherwise. I have grown used to leading such conversations with Venatores.

It was almost calming to be a part of one where someone else could take the large hurdle. Even if it had to do with such importance.

"But…" He spoke, the small smile on his face that held no such joy. In fact, as strange as it may sound, he looked just as serious as if he were not smiling. The emerald gaze lost any of its sheen and became so very deep. One that reflected wisdom and experience that ran as deep as the abyss.

It was calming, as it was terrifying.

"I suppose that isn't the reason you wished to talk to me."

I nodded my head, my body becoming straighter in the gaze of those eyes. Not out of fear, but a rather genuine respect for a man.

There are few who can claim such experience. In such times, respect is the only thing one could really manage.

"What me and Venatores were discussing…" The eyes never changed as they bore into me. Reading every tiny little movement that I could manage. An examination that would lead to nothing. "Was something we both seemed to notice quite recently."

He quirked a single eyebrow, lifting his small cup in what could nearly be a toast.

I turned my head slightly, the abyssal paranoia rearing its head once more. Thankfully, the hall was quite open, leaving very little.

Of course that could mean nothing, if the vermin managed to recover.

Which, even due to my partner's… grim assurance that it would not be the case, granted me a small need for such secrecy.

"Something within this school." I spoke with a small voice, a sheer opposite of the one I usually spoke with.

Yet, the Headmaster barely seemed to respond in any form. Keeping his gaze in the same manner he still managed to hold.

"By all means…" He spoke up suddenly, the calm and collected voice still there with no edge. The small smile almost managed a haunting chill. "Most of my students should be in class by now."

To the inexperienced eye, he looked like a calm headmaster.

A single, near instant change in his body proved otherwise.

He seemed to grow just the tiny bit bigger, as if he decided to stand up straighter.

"Continue."

I felt the need to swallow any spittle in my mouth, if it could create such a function. Memories of the Ciarian, The Lord's Blade, came to my mind. Sitting there, praying at the man made gravestone of the Great Knight Artorias. Sitting there, never moving or wavering from the duty of the one she cared for.

Yet holding her two blades standing at her side, ready to strike at any interference.

Yes… a terrifying visage.

His smile seemed to grow a bit wider, as if proud he could actually manage a reaction. Waiting with those same green eyes, for me to continue.

"It had recently come to Team Eclipse's attention," I said, keeping the slightly terror filled memories within the past. A near bland tone that helped convey such seriousness. "That we had a wayward… guest." I spoke that final word with a near toxic viscosity. Driving from my mouth like poison from a toxic cloud of a Pyromancer. But, I kept myself under control with a small friendly smile.

Once more, barely even a reaction to a single thing spoken. A small smile still on his face, as if not hearing such words spoken.

Perhaps he was gifted in similar arts as I.

"Strangely," I continued my attention drifting once more to the corners of the hall. Quickly returning after a small investigation. "They were specifically after us."

"I see." He spoke quickly, the smile never fading or changing in any way. His arm holding his beverage begins to slowly lift up."I assume something happened then." As he finally put the steaming drink to his lips, nothing changed on his face. The simple and mundane act manages to, for any outward onlooker, to see a rather normal conversation.

"It wasn't physical," I continued onward, noticing the first piece of movement. A single raised eyebrow, the mug coming down from his lips in that single and quick action. A reminder that his soul still held some form of humanity. "Ending in under a second."

"But there was an altercation."

The smile faded with that single word. A serious look that only needed to convey one thing, without words. Venatores used it many times to his advantage after all.

Explain.

"The vermin tried to invade Venatores' mind." Taking out the paper within the depths of my coat pocket. The headmaster leaned his cane on his arm as he took the paper with a small grace. "We were able to deduce this to be their capabilities."

"And what can this semblance do?" He spoke, beginning to open the note.

"The main conclusion." I spoke quickly looking around once more. The paranoia still high within my mind, glad that it could be of some protection against the enemy.

"They can alter perception."

I was glad that I had finished my sight around the area…

After all, it was the first true reaction from Ozpin that I could see.

The paper crinkled, as the grip on the paper grew tighter around such important notes. The emerald green eyes flickered to a paler color, before returning to its usual splendor.

Why, there was even the barest twitch of the mouth! Turning his attention to me in his mask once more, grabbing his cane in his hand as he stared at me. The paper to the side in between his fingers holding the cane.

A cue to continue talking, even if he did not truly share it. As I stared slightly down at that piece of paper, before returning my gaze.

"We believe they were a scout for the White Fang." I spoke up, a flash of emotion on his face that was near indecipherable. "Specifically Roman Torchwick, or someone working for him alone. I can go further if thou wishes."

He looked at me as if I were the most important thing in the world, the grip on his cane tightening. "There is a far more important matter."

"Did you see them?" He practically leaned a little closer, a step closer than he was before. As if the message would become more important the closer he stood to the source.

My face tightened when he did so, the lean close to a manner of desperation that I did not expect from the Headmaster. Of course such actions could be looked at as a sense of privacy, or any other such emotion.

But this level of desperation co-…

The truth first…

"No." I spoke, the effect being near immediate.

The mask returned, letting all emotion slide away. He remained there, perhaps processing what he had heard.

Or perhaps something else entirely.

A small bell like sound filled the hall, as the two doors slid apart. Revealing a slightly cramped, yet strangely spacious room.

"I'll increase the guards, and try to find them." He spoke, turning once more to the elevator. Beginning to walk into the doors, as if the conversation was already over. "But, they're most certainly go-"

"I already have a plan." I interrupted him, the Headmaster stopping half-way. Looking through at me with slightly narrowed eyes. Despite my rather young exterior, a fact that made most think of something unreliable, I was not someone to be ignored. "A manner to reveal this hidden member, and to place a strike on the White Fang all in one move."

He turned to look at me, his face still that small mask that met with my complete seriousness. Looking into my very eyes, the dark emerald engaging with a golden brown hue.

For a single moment, I thought I had went somehow to far with the interruption.

Yet the next moment a fond smile seemed to appear on his face. A smile of a teacher who had seen his student learn something all by himself.

"Of course." He managed to speak up, standing within the doorway of the elevator once more. The look in his eyes shing to hide whatever emptiness they had a short few seconds ago. "I should not underestimate my very students."

"What might this plan be?"

Of course… that's what it appears to always come down to doesn't it. Even with the incredible guise of the headmaster in front of me, there could only be one thing he had in spades yet desperately lacked.

Information.

Such things could make or break anything within the world. The kingdom of Anor Londo kept peace and security by omitting the disappearance of Gwynevere, daughter of the Lord of Light.

A hero who fought against the Abyss, despite being consumed by the darkness. Becoming an inspiration for the Silvered Knights of Anor Londo, and for every undead to link the flame.

And of course, the most important of all aspects…

An aspect that managed to make my blood burn in a certain anger, yet my mind froze in understanding.

Which could only manage to bring a smile to my face, which was as empty as the Hallows who had given in.

Thankfully for the understanding, it allowed me to give a single response.

"Trade secret."

"Secret?" Ozpin spoke, not flinching in the slightest bit despite the ever darkening eyes. The smile still warm and close to fatherly. Yet, eyebrows lifted in slight confusion.

But to me it was obvious…

For information is the greatest thing that revealed one thing. The single piece that I needed.

After all…

Seath the Scaleless brought the end of dragons with a single answer. It was why after being granted dukedom he hoarded knowledge away. So that he could hold an advantage over all beings.

It appeared Ozpin was as greedy as the Dragons of old.

"You were shocked to hear of the Semblance, but decided to not ask questions." I spoke to him looking at the paper in his hands that Venatores so kindly provided. Folded and unread by emerald eyes, instead tucked away for later. "An abnormal reaction for a veteran huntsman, who can understand the depth of such an ability…"

I returned my gaze to him, the face of the headmaster becoming a blank slate. A slate that tried to pretend to be curious.

"I understand the threat this Semblance poses." Ozpin spoke calmly, somehow still retaining that simple authority within his voice. Pulling the small paper up for me to see. "Especially when it enters the very mind, as you mentioned."

Yes, I did speak of that. A single very important infiltration method of the illusion.

Quite honestly, one of the least important abilities of this Semblance.

"Yet what other powers could this have?" I continued, taking a small step forward to the Headmaster, who didn't even begin to bat an eye. "You know of its ability to alter perception, but to what extent?"

He didn't move or smile, didn't even twitch in any strange way…

Yet, my gut was telling me that I had put him into an uncomfortable spot. A spot where he did not wish to remain in, as the mouth began to move open.

"In fact," I spoke, interrupting the esteemed man before he could once more utter what could be another half-truth. My hand reaching to my chin to ponder. "It almost seemed as if you heard it before."

The tiniest twitch of his hands darkened my thoughts ever so slightly. I was most certainly on the track that I needed.

His mouth twitched ever so slightly, perhaps speaking once more.

"The only thing you wanted to know was a simple method of identifying them." As I parried his words to the side, not letting them affect me in the slightest. Flinging any of the excuses or lies he wished back into his face, and continue. "The only thing."

"Perhaps," I spoke in small conjecture as the headmaster remained stone stiff, as if my very voice was the venom of Basilisk. "It is the only information you don't know."

He remained like that, looking at me with eyes that remains ever so dark. A single light like a glimmer passing through his eyes that I could not understand. But it had disappeared, consumed by the darkness as he remained completely silent.

It was obvious he didn't trust me, of course not he had yet to even scratch the surface of who I was, let alone what. Nor did I, as a attributed to my understanding of politics.

But… we were attacked…

By someone this Headmaster at least understood something about.

While I myself held secrets, it was not something that affected so many. I knew the signs I needed to look for, I knew better than most.

He knew that we were attacked… yet silent about it he still remains.

Information was the only way I have ever truly survived outside of brute force.

I refuse to leave with nothing!

"I merely wish to know who we are fighting." I spoke, my tone calm despite the active anger brewing in my mind. A practice that I've come to find useful. Of course, it managed to sound like someone strangling me from time to time. "Especially if you know something beyond my own sight."

Silence… that was all that changed. We stared at the other, no twitch or anything in between.

My eyes remained where they were unmoving and stagnant. Waiting and waiting for the refusal of such information, or anything else.

His eyes, the Headmasters, were the same… staring at me with an intent that I could no longer decipher. Neither of us blinking, in something close to a battle of wills.

Then, after what could only be described as an eternity of staring…

Did Ozpin finally speak.

"My knowledge remains limited to this group." He spoke carefully, an edge of that serious tone in his voice once more. Everything void of nearly all emotion. "But, as just proven, it continues to grow."

He turned to me, this time managing a small smile. One struck me with unending confusion.

A smile that managed to be filled with pride a certain… emotion that I could not place. Right alongside another that made more sense. A seclusive reluctance, that he took with a smile.

I looked all across his face, searching for any other hint.

"In time," He spoke, taking the smallest of steps back, the smile seeming to grow even wider. Spending as long as I could to decipher the secrets behind his gaze. "When all the information is at my disposal."

A sound rang out, something akin to the smallest of bells. Trilling through the hallway, enough for me to look down each path.

Perhaps it was a strange passerby or any other person, wishing to obtain the attention of Ozpin?

"I will tell you then."

I turned back to him…

To see the final looks on his face, as the doors to such a lift fell closed.

I could have opened those doors… ripped them off of their hinges, and climb to the top of his gilded tower.

Yet, from stunned shock at his treatment of this situation was the only reason I did not.

'Twas similar to a game…

Yes…

This was a reward… knowing the tiniest bit of what he knew. That was what all this information was.

Near to a game that he wished to hold every card in.

Like him.

A sound akin to a rushing wind seemed to make its presence known within the hall.

Ah… it appeared that I couldn't control my anger anymore. My hand immediately made the unconscious move to smother out the sleeve that may chance be a lite.

I also forced a cold painful breath into my lungs, forcing the flames and anger to subside. Turning my attention to my sleeve, and the possible repercussions of anger.

Ah good, only the forearm of the sleeve was burned black and melted. The green no longer possible to see in the small haze of smoke and char.

At least when my armor met with such heat it didn't destroy itself in a blaze.

I grabbed the elbowed section of such clothing. Ripping it like the useless fabric that it was, in twain.

Apparently Venatores was right in all the wrong ways.

This was pointless. The Headmaster saw it for what it was, and deliberately said nothing. They were after us, were they not?

It would do him well to at least help in some le-

Rush of wind, like a silent arrow flying through the air. Fast and larger than the tip of a Dragon Slaying arrow. A fact I knew well, as I heard them nearly kill me more times than any other weapon in Anor Londo.

My arm was alight with flame once more, each flame licking in between each of my fingers like a hungry animal reaching for food. Hot and pure red as I turned around a second before such a projectile co-

"Mors!"

A red projectile, the size of a small sixteen year old.

The flames disappeared, as if no longer hungry. As if realizing the pointlessness of consuming innocent flesh and bone.

The projectile stopped immediately, filling the hall with evaporating red petals against the wind. Each holding a small scent of roses in the damp misty morning.

All appearing to be conjured by the young and rather excitable leader of Team RWBY.

Who held a most relieved expression on her face, as she stared with great glimmering star like eyes.

"Oh thank god!" She spoke out, nearly falling to the ground in a way a Knight would fall to the Lord of Light. "You are okay!"

"M-miss Rose?!" I managed to speak through my very own shock. A piece of relief also filled me, as I looked her over for any form of scorching. "W-what are thou doing here, shouldn't you be with the Doctors Classroom?"

Okay… what on earth would let her think I was in any danger?

"T-there was a note on top of where we usually sat!" The little rose covered girl spoke, her face shifting to a look of terror at the very idea. Reaching into one of the many skirt pockets as she did. "I-it had a terrifying message on it with no name, I was practically shaking. Like a murder mystery come to life."

"The moment I read it," The small leader continued, the very moment after the she let go of such a paper. Continuing to rifle through her her pocket as she began to grow red in the face. "I practically bolted to where it said you were. But then you weren't there, so I went to the courtyard, the lunchroom, the dorm rooms, the coliseum, the locker room, I even tried to go into the boys loc-"

My hand reached out instantly, a small streak of panic as I remembered the signs of such stress on the body.

"B-breathe Miss Rose!"

She stood there, all conversation stopped. Deep breaths of cool air most definitely fill her lungs, naturally and without strain.

I would be lying if a streak of envy did not threaten to consume me at the moment. My lungs trying to replicate the forgotten act as she did.

Her labored breaths flew in swift and easy…

While a single breath filtered pain through every small piece of my body.

"What did the letter say?" I spoke up, my hand already out in front of me with the palm up. A personal preference to read this… intimidating note.

"I-I have it right here." Miss Rose spoke, placing it gently into my hand as if it were a Fire bomb lite and ready to blow.

A folded paper was placed atop my hand, a faint smell of roses filling the air, wrinkled from the depths of her pocket. Almost like the paper that the Headmaster had taken with him. Ones with lines on the very page that helped with such writings.

And scrawled atop it on the very center of this page, thick with the red ink of a pen. Each letter written to perfection, holding no element of emotion or that another person wrote it. Two sentences, the last in a larger scripture…

Which managed to make what it said look sinister. Especially as fresh red ink slid down the page to make it seem that blood was used to write such a message.

No name or sender, just the single message…

That in any other circumstances, would be average.

'You will find Mors Ignis after class in the library.'

'Don't be late.'

…

"The sun above." My hand using nearly all of its strength upon the bridge of my nose. Why of all times did you choose today to be a social pariah?

"I know," Miss Rose spoke, a small piece of fear on her face. Her mind was most verily in the past, the moment she saw that note. "We all got worried, but I acted first and bolted out the door before Pro-"

"You misunderstand." I interrupted, a piece of frustration actively in my voice over my partner. "I told him to tell you, not scare you out of your wits."

Of course, there still remain events I did not foresee, especially as I wasn't there. But it would have been a simple conversation.

Yet…

That nagging feeling in the back of my head spoke again. As much as Venatores could be at fault, another, more childish thing, might have happened.

"Huh?" Miss Rose managed to exclaim, her two silver eyes wide with a questioning gaze as she tilted her head like a small dog.

An adorable reaction, for someone who wished to be the closest thing this world had to a Knight.

"I asked Venatores to request your team's presence in the library after class." I began to explain to the leader the frustration for whoever forced this misunderstanding to spring forth. "I wished to make up for breaking our promised appointment in the eatery."

There was the tiniest of silences, as her eyes remained filled with a sliver of silver confusion.

"Oh," She exclaimed suddenly, the smile widening slightly as mirth filled her tone. The tiniest of giggles escaping her mouth, which made me want to scratch my neck for whatever reason. "You mean the Lunchroom?"

Lunchroom? It is an eatery! Do you just eat lunch within that room, or can you eat there during any form of mealtime?

That is what makes it an eatery.

"I told him to tell you of this reschedule." I spoke up, starting once more, the frustration vanishing with a simple grace. Not much could be changed as of now. "Right now he's probably explaining the circumstances to your teammates…"

"But it appears someone was a little too fast."

The Young leader continued to look forward, the action of the past slowly creeping up her neck in red. The moment she was the color pink her hands grabbed the hem of her skirt, eyes downcast, like a child who did something wrong.

"I… might have overacted." The words small and soft, quite unlike what most would see as a warrior.

"I prefer your overreaction in this case." I spoke quickly, turning to the side to look at the shut door once more. The burning fire sparking in the very center of my chest at the very sight.

Thankfully, the small ember blew away before Miss Rose looked up. "Really?"

"Verily." I nodded, the girl letting off another fit of shallow giggles, that once more made little sense."Shows that I am at least looked upon favorably. Besides, most fault appears to remain in the… inability for Venatores to communicate with your team."

"Or," I continued, the stray line of thought worming it's way within once more. As I stared the girl directly in the eyes, a gateway to all answers. "Possibly, the refusal of vice versa."

Yes… as childish as it was, it was far too easy to admit that something else possibly could have happened. A childish game of playing ignorant, or the leading of other such members away.

Her eyes fell downward, a look in her eye that could really only translate into one thing. A response faster than most making it's way past her lips.

"What are you doing here?"

It was a simple admission… something that managed to reveal the answer to what might have happened. Within the classroom or otherwise…

While presenting an opportunity, to finally gain information.

It would be simple to lie, it was always such, especially after training.

And yet…

I frowned as I looked upon the dejected young leader of Team RWBY, her struggles all so apparent to me. All because they mirrored my own, though unlike me, she drowned herself in doubt of what and who to believe and trust. The struggle she was attempting to pull herself through, unintentionally caused by my partner…

Could I really place more upon this young woman's shoulders? All for the inconvenience that were her teammates?

I struggled not to bite my lip, as I attempted to think nothing of it, even though it was a dreadful lie.

But even so, the silver eyes managed to pierce through me…

If not for their color… they were reminiscent of someone else. Forcing a single emotion to leap up into my non beating heart, allowing the organ to feel heavier than it already was.

The weight even had words to say, words that spurred me and fed the gentle fire within.

Words that were made from memory.

'That gaze… so full of sunlight.'

If it were anyone else, perhaps it would be easier…

As such, twas the time to curse gods. For they let it be her, knowing of the only weakness in the armor that surrounded my soul.

"… There were…" I spoke hesitantly, my gaze returning to the door the Headmaster used moments ago. To escape my insights, and further his own agenda within the process. "Important matters that the Headmaster needed to know."

"…Is it about what happened during our test?" The young woman spoke, possibly ignorant of how little the headmaster truly cared…

No… perhaps it was merely the bitterness or memory's. It would be unfair to compare the two with so little.

You must remain calm, Mors Ignis. You've been angry long enough.

"No…" I spoke with a frustrated sigh, as I was reminded once more of the problems of the morning. How strange that I begin to miss such frustration over this fire now resting in my chest. "I am rather trying to avoid such conflicts, especially ones the Headmaster certainly knows."

"Instead…" the gaze upon the door returning to the young Rose. Looking between me and the door of the esteemed Headmaster, worry evident on her childlike face. "I am trying to focus on this White Fang problem."

Her gaze looked up at me, the silver eyes managing to shine bright, excitement and duty feuling them. Like a child staring headlong into a dream and seeing themselves come out successfully, unscathed.

A bonafide fantasy.

But there was an oblong shadow within those eyes, ones that every warrior had at such ideas.

Fear and doubt. Doubt of the capability to face these opponents, whether weak or strong. Fear, for the worst possible outcome, or what could come of doing nothing. A word encompassing such fear as she stared deep into it's emotionless eyes.

Reality.

"Yet the Headmaster refuses to take immediate action." I finished, the anger returning to the forefront of the mind, disapatting in sparks in barely a second.

"I am sure he has a good reason." The leader spoke quickly, a small bit of hesitation within her voice. Causing me to look up at her face, seeing that shadow grow a little longer. "Maybe he's just being careful."

But weary of what?

I've heard the students, even the faculty speak of him. All that could be heard was his greatness in each of their voices.

The Great Headmaster Ozpin, cautious?

This rat was this powerful, was this detrimental?

No…

But, as I have stated, I wonder if there were more? People with that terrifying of a Semblance, yet even more so…

That could be thought upon later, when more information is available.

After all.

"More importantly Miss Rose…" I spoke, a near false smile spreading across my face. Causing the young girls eyes to be filled with more confusion than doubt.

Despite my lack of wishing for deception, their still lay one thing.

Within her team, unknowingly under her sanction, was the answer to finding the White Fang.

In which case…

"Your timing is nothing short of a godsend."

"A wha?" She spoke again, the confusion seeming to grow on her face with a tilt of her head. Possibly not understanding the terminology that I was using, despite it being commonplace.

"I have a request." I translated simply, the smile still on my face.

The girl's mouth opened in a small exclamation of oh, as her head righted itself. The question she was going to ask was clear upon her face, before it escaped her lips. "W-what kind?"

Yes, what kind indeed. If I could not allow myself to decisive the young Miss Rose, then there was only one other thing remaining.

"How would you like to partake in jolly cooperation?"

The change within Ruby Rose was near immediate, as if the request was a fire that slayed the shadow in her eyes…

Leaving the child like light to blossom exponentially.

"Working together?!" She spoke, a flash of movement as Rose petals filled the space between us. Eyes shining brighter than any star or fire that existed in the world. "Really!?"

I nodded simply, a laugh nearly escaping my lips at the child-like excitement. A hand stretched outward to placate the young leader.

"As of even now," l spoke, turning to a general direction of the City of Vale. A smile, no longer of happiness, but of simple determination on my face. "The White Fang runs amok in the city, terrorizing mankind."

That managed to bring down the girl's excitement ever so slightly. A possible reminder of the ginormous criminal organization that she would have to face. All of them lashing out at the world they felt didn't want them, fighting for what should be owed to them.

"Though they hold my sympathy," My voice with a sympathy that only the tortured could understand. "Especially for whatever pain they must've felt… we cannot abide this misplaced view. Especially with obvious corruption."

Painful and tortured experiences leave many to question everything… leading to a great corruption that leaves no man safe.

It was like the abyss… able to transform anyone into a monster, never before seen in the world.

I've seen it, clear as the light Gwyn gave to his world.

"Corruption?"

I turned back to Miss Rose, her question bringing me from the darkness of my mind… as well as the pit, I nearly willingly stepped into.

"Roman Torchwick is a masterful thief by trade." I continued, a certain respect in my tone was only overshadowed by the anger. "But, he is everything the White Fang hates."

"I believe," Fully turning to the small leader,a hand upon my chin as it exemplified my frown. "Belladonna is right about this singular aspect of the organization she once cared for."

"That it isn't the White Fang doing this." The leader of Team RWBY spoke, a small look on her face. After all, she seemed to have something that Belladonna would take.

"Correct." I spoke, acknowledging her with a small nod. The smile grew a small bit wider than it did before. "Or at least, not just the White Fang."

"The only problem," "Is I hold no knowledge of their movements or locations."

"So you need Blake's help." The young leader spoke, nodding her head alongside my ideas. Eyes filtering around as fast as her semblance as she continued to think.

Belladonna help would be infinitely more substantial than whatever I held…

"No…" I spoke honestly, looking at Miss Rose dead in the eye. "I will need yours."

Belladonna did not trust me, or at least held a shadow of suspicion over my form. After all I have repeatedly shut down any form of attempts that allowed the ex White Fang member to rod the school of Venatores.

But, however much she did, she trusted Miss Rose. That alone is more than I have.

"What ca-" The young leader of Team Rwby began, as she looked at me in the eyes once more.

"The mission begins now, Miss Rose…" I spoke out of turn, causing the leader to stand ramrod straight. Like a foot soldier realizing he interrupted a lieutenant. "I will ask of you to listen to my many requests."

She nodded earnestly, an action that in her hands could manage to give the girl whiplash.

"Together we will speak of our plan within the library." My hands fell to the side as I continued to speak in a dry tone. "They trust thy judgement, just as much as I wish to see it. So I will allow the plan to lay in your hands. Though, I hope you understand if I might modify some aspects."

If the team understands that it's Miss Rose's plan, there will be less questions. Especially questions that involved my partner's involvement.

"For this reason, I request to know everything Belladonna knows of the White Fang. Rankings, secret locations, safe rooms, even the stray recruiters in any area."

Knowledge was a powerful tool… if they were to, unrealistically, find Venatores while on the mission, I still have such knowledge. Which allows for easier access to missions that I could take on alone.

"I, alone or otherwise," I spoke, placing a hand over my no longer beating heart as an emphasis. "Wish to be a part of such infiltration. This is perhaps one of the most important aspects."

I have been lazy… no matter how idiotic it may truly seem, I felt at fault for the vermin's infiltration.

I will be the one who rectifies such a mistake.

Which left the most difficult to accept option.

"And… above all."

"I wish Venatores would be included in this," The young girl's eyes instantly looked into the corner, unable to meet my gaze. "Known or otherwise."

She stood there, unmoving and thinking… she understood the reason for why I wished for him there.

Miss Rose, however, didn't know the real one. Nor did she need to…

"If you disagree I do not fault you." I spoke, raising my hands in the air, as a gesture of peace. The girl continued to stare in the corner in deep thought, my gestures doing nothing to enthrall her gaze. "This is not some manipulation, which is why I am being so candid."

This was a mere gesture of goodwill… a facade that meant nothing in the world of politics. It was the truth that hid the ulterior motive.

Which was that nothing spoken could really stop Venatores.

"I just wish to stop whatever comes next."

Now all that was left was to wait for the young leader's response. Whether it be a resounding yes, a less likely endeavor, or a faltering no followed by negotiation.

Even then, such things will lead to victory in some way.

"Ok."

It was a quiet response, quite unlike the childlike Miss Rose. Her silver eyes turned from the corner of the hall straight to me.

Her eyes looked serious.

"That… was rather fast?" I spoke, despite the near instant pleased expression on my face.

"… all of us," Miss Rose began, her hands reaching for the hem of her skirt. As if what she was about to say was a closely guarded secret. "Venatores included, want the White Fang from hurting innocent people."

Yes… despite that attitude he shows to people, there was still a modicum of humanity. It rarely reared its head, but it remained there.

"I… I don't like the way he does things…" She continued to speak, the grip on her skirt growing even tighter.

"And you don't have to." I told her honestly, as she frowned a little bit, unable to hide her displeasure. "I would promise that it won't happen again, but… he is adamant about his path. The path of… what did he call it, The Hunter of Hunters."

"But…" A look of the smallest resolve seemed to fill her at that moment. "If he's there… Not only is there a larger chance that whatever we do is successful. But… that my sister and friends will make it out unharmed."

There was nothing I could but nod, an honest answer to her insight. The White Fang was nothing short of a danger… Just like the rest of the world, it was filled with people who remained human.

But those few who have surpassed it, and stood above, could be considered monsters. Blindly reaching for a goal they did not fully understand the costs of.

On the off-chance that one existed within the White Fangs rank, it would be better to have a Hunter capable and willing to destroy that monster.

Of course, I fit such an explanation as well. Yet, better to have too much than too little.

"But…" She continued, the serious look on her face finally descending into a child-like guilt. "Yang and Blake won't agree to it."

An obvious conclusion from before this conversation began, my hand reaching behind my head. The inevitable answer, and it's response that would be denied.

"Then you will have to abscond this information." I spoke, crossing my arms over my chest, a sympathy on my face.

She shook her head immediately, a small pang of fear and guilt crossing her face in an instant. "I can't lie to them."

A bout of silence filled the hall, maybe for nearly a second.

Before I filled it with my answer.

"Then… " I spoke up, looking at the door that had swallowed the Headmaster. "Tell them Venatores was not discussed."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her look up once more. That was the only thing I could truly discern.

"I will take the fall for deceit."

That was the most I could do. That was the only alternative.

If the vermin is there, I need him to be there. If this person was there, then Venatores absolute defense again could result in saving ours and many more lives. A fall in popularity with some is certainly a necessary benefit.

"No." She spoke near instantly, causing me to turn my gaze to her. An action that seemed to make any form of fluster appear on her face. "I-I'll tell them."

I smiled slightly, nodding my head.

"If you are certain." My hand stretched outwards to meet her. Ready to put the deal in place that would allow us to fight the White Fang. The girl's hand was tiny, as she extended it outwards as well.

Placing a wound upon that, they would think twice before taking any real actions.

And as always…

"So…" She managed to speak out, another piece of excitement filling her tone. "Does this mean I can tell Ven what to do?"

I laughed, mirth filling me as the young leader managed to bring a smile to my face.

Every plan begins with jolly cooperation.

---

Cinder Fall

Where was she? I could practically feel the fire trying to escape my every pore in anger.

I walked down the halls of Beacon Academy, a place that was simple to break into. The plan was simple, act like a student within the halls of this school. All while learning of any future obstacles and how to end them.

The simplest form of espionage.

Of course, that also meant not drifting away from the plan. It meant being an average day student, going to classes, as I have told her.

So why, is it this the first time she disobeyed me.

Why now of all times.

"She's not answering her scroll." The assassin Mercury Black spoke, a twinge of fear and worry staining his usual cool demeanor. "She couldn't have b-"

"Quiet." I commanded, as three boys began to pass us. Each of them staring at me in their own manner of views. I merely turned to them and smiled, waving my hand in their direction.

Two of them turned their attention to the ground, a cherry blushing filling their face.

The other continued to look, even as I paseeed them by a stupid grin upon their face. Turning away, the smile still on my face for any other passerby's.

"We will discuss this in our room." I finished, the boy staying silent as we continued forward.

To be invisible, first everyone must acknowledge you once existed. It was as simple as that.

But the assassin still held a small point, though it was mostly made out of some worry.

There were only three options that could truly explain such negligence on her part. Each of them, more unlikely than the last.

The first two involve Emerald being discovered by the huntsmen a part of this academy. Of course, that meant she was trying to do something to appease me. Or, curry my favor later on.

She was like a small dog, willing to listen to anything I say for the smallest of prizes.

It was nearly cute…

If it didn't get her killed in the process. After all, she was still young and inexperienced, aside from anything done within a back alley.

Thankfully, though detrimental to the plan, these things can be remade.

Of course, the worse option was her being kidnapped. Tortured to the point where she would fully reveal anything to the enemy.

And of course, because of the Esteemed General and the Great Headmaster, would nearly work on anyone.

But, while she still lacked that killer instinct, she was loyal. She listened to me, as if my words were that of a god. Waiting through the pain until she could kidnap the minds of her jailers.

Which made the final option all the more unbelievable.

Betrayal.

The mere idea was an imposibility, as was previously mentioned. But, in the smallest chance it was…

She will be dealt with.

I will not fail her…

Failure meant the loss of the Maidens' power. Of purpose, of superiority.

Of returning…

I shook my head, as we approached the door to our new… living space. A simple place of the key was all that was ne-

The door was open. Just the tiniest bit, enough to be unnoticeable by anyone not looking for it.

Enough for it to be unlocked.

"Great…" Mercury stated, a note of annoyance and sadness filling the entire hall for only a second.

Two teams, each heading into their own dorms. Arriving inside them, as quickly as they could to rest.

"Open the door when there is no one in the hall." I commanded once more, the gaze on the back of my head telling of his unspoken sarcastic reply.

It was only a couple seconds of waiting that managed to feel like an eon. Where the helpless students still managed to converse in the lawless topics of a peaceful and privileged life…

All before they disappeared into their rooms, or down a simple hall.

Good…

Now then.

I opened the door, quickly checking every corner inside the room.

Of course, the perpetrator of such an event was rather obvious.

The barebones room was not moved in the slightest bit. Every piece remained where they were before within the bland room.

While Emerald sat at the very center of the room, her back to the floor and limbs sprawled at random. Eyes staring unblinking at the ceiling above the floor, devoid of any emotion or presence. No breath expelling from her lungs, for the small period I stared at her.

She probably never even left the room, dying here in pain or so suddenly she felt nothing.

All that remains, is how?

I walked closer to the downed servant, looking at her corpse for any discernible markings or wounds.

How terrible…

I had such aspirations for her abilities.

"Poison." The assassin told me, quickly closing the door behind him. A sad and near regretful look on his face, before transforming back into that of a professional with a deep breath. "Check her eyes for dilation or internal bleeding."

Of course… even poison could kill a Huntsman.

It was humiliating to follow Mercury's orders, but the assassin excelled at these things. I wonder how many times he had to be lectured, or even be subjected to most poisons.

I kneeled down next to her, looking deep into the scarlet red eyes. One of them, a very distinct red, over taking all of the sclera. Making it all red, with a pure black center. A center that was purely dilated from the other eye, around the size of a small coin to a needle.

There were even tracks of blood, leading down from the eye…

By gods, there were even blood trails leaving from her ear. I looked away in disgust, imagining myself experiencing the same pain as I focused on her.

There couldn't have been a poison that did all of this?

"W-was that there before?" Mercury spoke up a certain chill in his voice as he did. A tone that even managed to send a small chill up my own spine.

I turned my gaze back to him, seeing as he stared up at the ceiling. His usually pale face was even paler than I had ever seen, with wide grey eyes of surprise.

I followed his gaze…

And felt my eyes widen in shock…

A large misshapen star, thinner than it was wide, stretched across the very center of the room. Each line carved into it with an unknown tool, each one thin enough to be barely noticeable aside from the indent. The very center of it, a single eye opened wide staring down at the floor below.

It was like being in a grand cathedral, a place built to let all other beings within it feel small and powerless. An energy gripping at your throat, forcing you to show respect to the beings they depicted.

But it was oh so different.

It gripped at the mind with gnarled and bony hands, pulling and pulling at every crevice. Even in the place you tried to hide as many things as possible.

Memories that were dark, and needed to be forgotten. A girl lost and alone, the rusted chains, the shocks of electricity, and the bodies of those that should remain buried.

No…

You are not that pathetic thing anymore… you are chosen by something greater, to let yourself become greater.

You are chosen, above so many others.

I looked back down at Emerald, avoiding the eye and to see this ritual in it's full.…

Noticing the blood red eye, staring at its counterpart upon the ceiling. As if it were still drawing the dark and damned thought of the street rat before it.

Of all the luck, it had to be you.

"I've never seen this type of ritual killing before." Mercury spoke, continuing to look at the symbol with a great discomfort that I was not familiar with. "It's not used by any cult, murderer or assassin I know."

I looked around the room, nothing touched at all. Nothing moved or changed in the slightest bit…

The room was perfect, as of the moment we left it. Not even blood from the poison staining the carpet she laid on.

Nor the clippings of the ceiling falling to the ground. Did they take it with them, to hide evidence of any kind?

Or perhaps there was no mess…

"How did they carve it?" I asked, looking at the runic symbol, the same call from it answering me in kind.

It was most certainly a large man, how else could he have reached it without moving the furniture.

Yet, the markings were deft and nimble. As if made by someone who could never be physically superior to anyone.

A long blade couldn't have been used, too noticeable.

This crime scene…

It was perfect, in every way. No method of identification, except for cameras. In a lesser, bygone time they would have gotten away with it.

"They probably took the knife with them." The trained assassin spoke, turning away from the mark (an action that I followed) turning to me with grim seriousness. "Once we hack into the Atlas' Files, we will find out who."

"For now," He spoke with penative steps towards the body of Emerald. That is moving a completely different way, hiding his eyes from her body. "We… hide the body."

I nodded my head, kneeling next to the young woman. She must fade into obscurity, now and forever. "Contact Lionheart, tell him to give an excuse for Emeralds disappearance."

"Right." Mercury responded, already pulling out his scroll. Perhaps he was taking this loss harder than anyone could have expected.

A corpse stood in front of me… ready to be less than nothing in the world.

Yes… for that I can be sympathetic.

I reached out my hand to her open palm, touching it gentl-

It was the most sudden movement I've ever seen. Death to life, still to moving.

Laying on the ground, embracing me with skin close to ice.

"You're here!"

That was all that was spoken… that was all that was said.

This made no sense… she had to be dead. I stared at her the entire time, her eyes unmoving as she stared into the grotesque rune above.

But instead of the corpse, was the girl wrapping her arms around my neck like a small child would it's parent.

I couldn't move, or do anything of the sort. Was it shock, surprise, or even the forgotten weakness I exposed of.

I didn't reciprocate this gesture. I didn't even move my arms from their position, even for my pushed aside hand.

"E… Emerald?" The assassin spoke up, as I turned my head to him. Balancing on a single one of his legs, as he quickly put them down, a similar expression on his face. "You're… alive."

The little Thief barely even responded, instead tightening the annoying little embrace as she grew warmer.

That was enough.

"Emerald…" I spoke softly, despite the rising anger in my tone. Despite such insolent actions, she was acting… strange. I pushed her just the tiniest bit.

She fell off like a set of loose clothes, sitting in front of me her eyes wide and child-like, with a smile to match. Her hand is still on my shoulder, in a vice grip.

She looked similar to the way she was this morning…

But, her smile and eyes… there was a craze to them. A craze that was amplified by the distorted red in her right eye, similar to the Grimm. What was once affection was now closer to an obsession than anything else.

They were familiar eyes… one similar to the damned scorpion within her tower.

Useful… and terrifying to look at.

"Why were you on the floor?" A voice similar to that of a concerned mother coming out. Part of it is an act, of course,while the other is filled with a rather genuine curiosity. "Who came here? What happened."

The smile dropped near comically within a single second, as she pondered the thought. Shadows dancing on her pupils, as she continued to think.

Then she let out a small giggle, turning back to me with the same smile. A deep dread filling my gut as I stared at the change, quickly glancing at the Black Family Assassin.

His expression was similar to my own, but far more open. A hand over his mouth as a concerned furrowed brow was all that was seen.

"Why would anything have happened?" She spoke with the tiniest slur, her hand grasping tighter on my shoulder. Her other hand moving absentmindedly like a boat upon the waves. "And what does The Who matter, if they are not you. Nothing can happen while you're here, therefore all is grand."

My eyes grew wider with each sentence spoken, as the girl finally let go of my shoulder. Collapsing in a small fit of maddened giggles…

Something she never did.

"P-probably blood loss." Mercury whispered to me, a small sense of terror flooding his voice. His hands up as he walked closer, like a man walking towards a cornered beast. "Look… you should get some rest."

"Rest?" Emerald spoke, standing up in a movement similar to a flash of lightning. Hands crossed under her chest with a confused raised eye… an action that brought some level of relief to me. Even Mercury felt it, as his hands fell to his side in relief.

Perhaps it was just the blood loss… just some deletions delis-

"But the classes are about to start."

The atmosphere of the room froze, as if those words sucked all heat from both our systems.

"What classes?" Mercury spoke immediately, a hard edge in his voice. Perhaps to hide whatever fear was building up in him.

All the while I looked with concerned fascination.

"Can you stop being an idiot?" Emerald spoke, glaring at Mercury like he was the wrong one. Right as he flinched back ever so slightly. "The morning classes, the ones that will help keep our cover?"

A hand made its way onto my chin, as I studied the Thief.

What could have caused this… dilation of time and rather intriguing psychosis? Perhaps a side effect of the failed poisoning…

Or successful poisoning? Perhaps this was the desired result of the strange ritual?

Such a useful poison… what effect could it have on my own enemies?

"Have you looked outside the window?" Mercury spoke out, a small bit of frustration mingling with the concern.

Yes, such a poison will have to be found as soon as possible. Even leaving the Great Ozpin a shattered, broken mess to the world.

"…it's the afternoon." The Thief spoke, returning me from the useful poison that I was making sure of. The girl standing by the closed window of our room, the first true look of confusion and fear on her face. "H… how is it the afternoon?"

"That is what you must answer now." I spoke, gaining her attention easily. An expression close to the one she held before, childlike but muddled with fear.

"What happened?"

There was an instant change in expression… as she stared blankly ahead, eyes wide. Looking around the room in near absent mindedness.

"Happened…" She spoke blandly, as she stared up at the ceiling onto the ritualistic rune. The eyes seemed to grow even wider, as a strange chill traveled up my spine.

"Happened…" The eyes grew even wider, as she turned to a corner of the room. I followed her gaze, only to see a barren wall. Devoid of anything of interest.

But she stared at it, unmoving and unblinking, as if it were the most important thing in the world.

Perhaps she was doing so to ignore the question, or lost within the growing madness that was her mind. But, a deep seated anger began to overtake.

But, I knew humans…

All of them needed to be given a little pressure, for them to speak. Which is why I began to speak, a disappointment clear in my voice.

"Are you telling me nothing-"

"Yes," She interrupted with a loud bellow, hands over her ears as if trying to cover whatever sound was spoken. A reaction that forced me to take a large step back, as my eyes widened with hers. "I speak of nothing!"

"Nothing is better than something," She continued loudly, leaning forward to look at the ground. Her eyes were no longer in view, as the grip over her ears seemed tighter. "It speaks of that which is there that has yet to be explored! Whoever explores it is no longer there, for all who fall behind are lost forever in reverent waves of the old!"

What on Remnant?

"If something happens," She yelled louder, forcing me and our neighbors to listen to the crazy machinations of the woman. Drowning out reason with her loud yells, as she drew closer to the ground."I am forever alone, lost at sea for none to find but the holy sounds o-"

"Emerald!" I screamed out, the mad yells stopping at that very moment.

She stood straight, hands still over her ears as she looked at me with wide emotionless eyes. What ever would usually be in them gone as she stared.

It was then that her arms fell limply to her side, continuing to stare at me. Blinking for the first time she started to yell… but even that was wrong. Disjointed and uncoordinated, as one eyelid closed before the other.

Then she turned her eyes and head to the corner…

And turned back to me.

"I don't remember anything happening…" She spoke, her hand reaching to the bottom of her chin. As if she just came out of a deep thought. Eyes no longer filled with the madness previously shown. "Only that you…"

She turned to me, taking a step back. Possibly from the slack expression on my face, one that I completely fixed the moment she noticed.

Then she turned to Mercury, an action that I followed.

He just stared at the ground, looking away from Emerald as much as possible. As if the very sight of her acting like this terrified his very core.

Despite the terror however… whatever was used still remained perfect.

The infiltration within the Atlas computers needed to go without a hitch. Not only would it provide surveillance and full control to the robots Atlas has brought.

But… to enlighten whatever happened to her… so that we may replicate it for future use.

"Wh-what's wrong?" Emerald spoke up, looking between the two of us with wild abandon, as if she were close to yet another episode. "Did I do something?"

"No." I spoke immediately, a smile on my face. One that seemed to make the girl before me melt as I stepped closer. "You just… hit your head a little bit and were knocked unconscious."

"Oh…" She responded with a smile still on her face, a hand reaching behind her head. Looking away from my gaze, with a shy disposition. "I guess even a thief is capable of slipping."

"Yes…" The voice was soothing like a lullaby, as she fawned over such an act. Her eyes drooped as if she now wanted sleep, like my voice was an altar for her to listen to. "Get some rest now."

"Of course," She said, moving to the bed slowly. Her voice grew slower and quieter, as she fell face first into the bed. No covers or anything, as she let out one final voice.

"Cinder..."

Then, at only five in the afternoon…

Emerald Susatri was snoring like a small child, deep in sleep at a single command.

How useful.

"Okay… we need to get a doctor." Mercury started to speak, a fresh pit of panic in his voice. A scroll already within his hands, ready to dial. "Something bad is hap-"

"We will do no such thing." I spoke out, reaching for my bag that held whatever piece of work I had for the day. Ready to become the 'exemplary student' I was meant to hide as.

Just because I was hidden, doesn't mean I would settle to be someone's lesser.

A hand slammed in front of me, the table nearly cracking in half from the pressure. Forcing me to look in the deep grey eyes in a semblance of annoyance.

Very few times have I seen such emotion from the empty shell.

"Someone just loosened a screw for her, and you want to ignore it!" He spoke with a snarl, as I raised a curious eyebrow. Pushing aside what little school work I brought out to the side. "Who knows how this can harm her!"

I continued to stare at him, and that look upon his face. How rare for him to care about something other than himself. His breath ragged from screaming like he actually cared.

"Or," He began, his breath still a bit ragged, a strained look on his face before he turned it away. "The plan."

Ah yes, of course. Emerald did in fact hold a very large part in the plan to come.

But, it was of no concern.

"She still listens." I spoke, retrieving my supplies that he had pushed to the side. Looking through the project supplied by the over caffeinated doctor. "Therefore, the plan continues."

I began working on it at that moment, ignoring whatever glare he sent my way.

"Get some rest," I spoke for the last time, reading from the book on my left. Emptying my mind of any problem aside from the one in front of me. "It was a long day for you."

"Bu-"

Fire erupted from my eye, before disappearing in a similar burst. A hot, exeeriation feeding my every pore.

One that reminded the little assassin where he belonged. If only he could be as obedient as Emerald was currently.

"Fine." He spoke, walking away as simple as that. Learning what my strength was, as he shuffled away to whatever location that was needed.

Yes… this was fine.

There was no need to change anything.

A sound echoed out through the room… one that I raised my eyebrow to. A soothing and creepy sound that nearly forced me to concentrate more…

Coming out of the resting Emerald.

"Plip… plop."

---

For my fellows who don't know, Deep in Maria's Astral Clock Tower are the experiments. Experiments to transform people into Emissaries of the cosmos, Aka the Celestial Emissaries!

To do this, they implanted madness into their head (in the form of brain fluid). Until they undertook a transformation.

These experiments attach themselves like a claw to maternal figures, (As shown by their reactions to Lady Maria.) Listening to them, as if they were like the Great Ones themselves.

All experiments went crazy, except the few that returned sane, before going crazy again.

This was your Bloodborne fact of the day!