BEACON HQ

Ozpin watched with an intrigued expression as Catalaya and Jakal threw themselves into their training, having direct access to the cameras in their home. He was incredibly impressed with her recovery, hercontinuingrecovery. Though he was skeptical, there was something more in her actions, besides the determination. He turned to the files on his desk, each one a report on the Drelathaer incident.

The thing that disturbed him the most was the fact that her father hadstillnot been located, the only clue to him still being alive were the outdated prisoner logs of the Council. Could he have been the one to let them in the city walls? Orchestrate the attack on the castle? The one to set up the kidnap and torture of his own daughter?

None of them knew for sure, the only thing they knew exactly in regards to that family was that the family was more connected then ever. The siblings visiting Cat and the rest often, their mother was an active member of the Nexus Protection Alliance. Providing valuable soldiers and various types of supplies that have greatly helped to defend Remnant in the war so far. There was an explosion in the background and the silver haired man stood quickly, his hand already grasping his cane.

Bright, hectic flames lit up the scenery in front of him. Red eyed vampires came climbing over the walls and hopping over cars. Taking down everything in front of them quickly, wasting no time. Ozpin quickly surveyed their movements, groaning internally once he recognized the target.They want the Helmet.He ducked as a chunk of concrete came though his window. He glanced behind him, seeing the concrete had shattered his desk. More importantly; his prized coffee mug.

With an angry huff Ozpin lifted his cane and fired a hidden mechanism. A resounding bang left the muzzle, just as a flaming round left headed at incredible speeds towards a grouping of Vampires. The enemies quickly caught on fire, screaming to the heavens in agonizing pain. Their frantic running caused them to collide with others, the strange flame attaching to their comrades, burning them as well. It took no more than a surprising three minutes for all Vamps to have been burned to ash.

A familiar clicking of heels came up behind the Director. "Are you alright, sir?" Questioned Glynda, as she surveyed the damage of the office, already using her telekinesis to reconstruct the office from her perfect memory. "Just fine, Glynda. Report?" She stood beside him watching her magic do its work. "No causulties. Seven injured, none of which are fatal. Damage to the outer area and first level have already been reversed by myself."

This is the third one this month.Ozpin nodded and turned back to his restored desk. "And my-" A fresh mug of coffee was presented to him by Glynda, in his favorite mug. "Ah! Thank you, Glynda." She smiled, "No thanks needed. Its just my job."

She began walking away, "Anything else you need, sir?"

A ping came from his computer, a message box popping up on the screen labeled as urgent. As he read the message his face darkened, the information within very troubling. "Gather the Hunters. I have a mission for them."

Intertravel Portal Center

Catalaya looked around in awe at the numerous portals in use within Beacon. Humans, Faunus, Orcs, and so many more went in and out of them everyone hard at work. "When did this happen?" She asked Weiss who shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure myself." She was as confused as the taller woman, she spent so much time traveling in other countries and dimensions-using her own portal gems- then going immediately and only home that it had been long since she came back to her place of work. As they stepped into the center of the room Weiss heard a gasp and turned.

The patter of small feet followed and she turned to see a young Troll girl running off then returning with another much larger Troll. They stomped over to them-directly towards Cat. Weiss was ready to defend when the Troll spoke in a familiar voice. "Black Flame?" Whoever it was spoke her former name but the shifter still turned to them. The Hunters glanced back warily, incredibly concerned.

"Y-yes?" The Troll stepped forward and they all relaxed; it was Trezzahn the Cheiftain of the troll village they visited. He scooped her up in a tight embrace. The shifter squeaked in surprise but soon gave in and awkwardly hugged her friend back. He placed her down and three younger trolls crashed into her, toppling her over.

"Seems they missed you just as much as I did, wolf." The Cheiftain chuckled as his children swarmed around her, poking, prodding, and hugging. She looked around frantically, begging for release. "Alright little ones, she needs to breathe." They scampered back to their father's side, smiling up at the shifter.

Trezzahn smiled at her, "It's good to see you up and about. Everyone has been worried greatly for you." She smiled at her long time friend, "It's good to be back. How has everything been?"

Trezzahn sighed, "Not well. The Council has decimated our land and stolen many resources. My clan had to relocate here to be safe." She could see the little ones become sad quickly, tearing up. Cat picked up the youngest boy, "No tears little one. You are safe."

He seemed slow to accept it but nodded and nuzzled her cheek before laying his head on her shoulder. He poked her face, just at the edge of her scar, looking at her questioningly. "Don't worry about it."

After a heartwarming conversation with the family, Catalaya rejoined the Hunters to start the mission, feeling a bit down knowing what the trolls have gone through. "You good?" Yang asked her as she joined them once more. Catalaya nodded, "I'm fine. Let's run over this again." Yang nodded but glanced at her cautiously.

"There's been a strange rise in Vampire attacks all over Remnant. Each time they've been pushed back but it's getting to be too much for everyone to handle. JNPR will head to Mistral to investigate a group of attacks on the local Were clans."

Ruby spoke up from the center, "CFVY will head to Vacuo with Sun to help with the rebuilding and fend off any attacks." Blake spoke next, "While Catalaya will come with us to Menagerie to help investigate the new drugs on the street."

Catalaya nodded at the information, realizing she would be going on her first trip to the home of the faunus. They all smiled at each other and promised to come back safely. She was tugged along by Ruby and quietly walked through the portal. It let them out right in the middle of a market. "Welcome to Menagerie." Blake said with a small smile as her friends looked around in awe.

As they walked Weiss was a ball of boundless excitement. All the strange flora was a new sight. She chattered excitedly about samples, photographing the scenery, and wondering aloud about the environment. Catalaya watched her with a bright smile, it was a welcome sight to see her girlfriend so excited about something other than a lead on the council. The wolf shifter was cautious as she walked through the marketplace towards the Cheiftain's home.

She didn't know how any of the faunus would react to her, whether she would be seen as a threat or be welcomed just as the Hunters did. Jakal was on high alert, so many new smells and so many possible enemies had her almost frantic inside Catalaya's mind. Weiss noticed the shifter's subdued behavior and leaned into her as she took account of the odd stares she was getting. Her cold palm held on tightly to the unnaturally heated palm of her wolf, letting her relax.

The few faunus moving through the market eyed them strangely, wary and cautious of the strangers but quickly smiled and waved upon seeing Blake. Apparently being the kid of the most influential couple on Menagerie had some nice perks. Catalaya watched with a small smile as a group of young children threw a ball back and forth to each other, bright smiles on their faces. Ascending the stairs to Blake's childhood home slowly the Hunters took in a deep breath. They couldn't embarass themselves here, they were representing BEACON of course. Blake walked right into the home with a smile, "Dad? Mom?" She called out into the empty foyer. "In here!" Her left cat ear twitched and she gestured for her quiet team to follow.

They shuffled along behind her into the sitting room where a woman similar to Blake was pouring tea. "Guys meet my parents." A large faunus man stood from his place on the floor. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Ghira Belladonna, I'm the Cheiftain of this fine island." He gestured to the woman who stepped up beside him. "This is my wife, Kali."

She smiled at the group, "A pleasure." The four shook their hands in turn, thanking them for the warm reception. Catalaya sniffed her tea cup decisively, finding the smell welcoming to her senses. "Is the tea alright dear?" She looked up and found Kali looking at her. "It's just fine, Miss Belladonna." The faunus woman smiled, "I'm glad."

"I've heard many things about your team, Ms. Rose" Ghira said as he sipped his tea. "Only good things I hope." Ruby said calmly. Ghira nodded, "We shall only hope you five live up to your reputation." Ruby gulped slightly, the Cheiftain's stare a bit unnerving. "Do you mind briefing us on th situation?" She asked stiffly.

Ghira nodded at the woman and spoke on. "As you may already know, there is a new substance on the streets of my home. While Menagerie has never been a big scene for drug use, this seems to be the most widespread and the most dangerous." He put a small packet on the table, in side was a light blue powder that seemed to shine underneath the light. "They call it Serenity, for its effects on its users." Yang tilted her head, "Which are?"

"Pain relief, seeing colors. Another of which, according to a user, is being at 'peace'." Catalaya sipped her tea quietly, taking in the information being given. "That doesnt sound too bad." Ruby said, skeptical of what she was being told. Ghira sighed, "While it may not sounds as harsh as many other more dangerous drugs, what happens after is." Cat raised a wolf ear to the man in clear interest.

"After mulitple uses the body starts to deteriorate, the user experiences skin discoloration, headaches, and what we think are psychotic breaks." A folder was placed onto the table, there was an image of a normal looking faunus man with a smile on his face. Next to it, the same man, but what was once smooth tan skin was a horrific gray only seen on decomposing bodies. He was missing teeth and one eye drooped downward.

Cat's eyes widened a fraction then returned to normal as she spoke with Weiss through their link.He looks like a thrall, doesn't he?Weiss responded as she examined the other photos in front of her,They all do.Her voice showed her concern which rose as she contiued to flick through the file. "Did anything strange happen to them?" Everyone turned to Catb who hadn't spoken in a while. Kali raised a brow, "Like what? What is it youre implying?"

The shifter shook her head, "I'm not implying anything, other than the fact that this isnota normal response to a drug." She scanned over the images, searching for something specific. "Have any of the users died?" Ghira solemnly nodded, "Unfortunatly, the number contiues to rise."

She set down her tea, "This may sound strange but I need to see where they've been buried."

The older Belladonna's looked at her strangely, "Why on Remnant do you need to see where they've been laid to rest?" Weiss turned to her girlfriend, "Catalaya, you don't think..." She didn't finish, afraid of what was happening. She nodded, "I am. But I hope I'm wrong."

GracelandCemetery

"This is where they were all buried." Ghira said as he stared questioningly at the wolf. She had been quiet for a moment before walking forward looking for the grave of the first victim. Weiss stayed beside her at all times, scanning the graveyard for something out of place. The first victim, Barry Holton, was buried far to the right, beneath a beautiful oak. The taller woman kneeled next to the headstone, silently reading the words on it and bowing her head in a silent prayer for a man she didn't know. She placed her hand on top of the dirt in contemplation. "When was he buried?" Blake flipped through the folder, "Three months ago." She nodded, "Then explain to me why this grave is empty."

Ghira turned to her in shock, "What!? Impossible! How do you know this for sure?" He was clearly skeptical and confused. "This dirt is fresh and has been moved recently. Something orsomeonecrawled its way out of this grave but they had help."

Ruby turned to her, "Zombies?"

Weiss shook her head, "No. If it was then most of Menagerie would be either infected or dead by now."

"Draugr." Yang said in a gasp, "It has to be." Cat turned to her and nodded as the thoughts turned in her head. "A what?" Ghira asked them in confusion, unhappy to be out of the loop.

"An undead warrior." Blake said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "All these people that have died have had some type of combat experience. Barry was former military as were three others." Catalaya said.

Yang flipped through the files once more, "Five of them were cops. One of them a combat instructor. Another a bodybuilder and the most recent was a martial artist. Somebody's building an army." Ghira looked around frantically, "Are you saying there are zombie warriors running around my home?! Just waiting to be released onto the population!?"

Catalaya flinched slightly at his shouts, taking a small step back from the faunus. Weiss stepped up beside her, grabbing her hand to keep her centered. "Mr. Belladonna, I would advise you to stay calm and lower your voice." She didn't use a particularly threatening tone but did gather a small amount of magic in her palm. The eerie light enough to make him back down. Ghira looked above the smaller woman to see the shifter with a fearful look in her eyes, her body looking half a second away from bolting. Ghira took a deep breath and bowed his head, "I apologize for the outburst." Catalaya nodded at him hesitantly, still cowering slightly behind her girlfriend. "Now that that's settled, lets get back to the matter at hand."

Weiss said calmly, "Forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but does Menagerie have any valuable resources others might be interested in? Ore? Fuel? Dust?" The Cheiftain thought for a moment, "No, we don't have anything like that. Our mines ran dry decades ago and we don't have any natural dust deposits."

Ruby tilted her head at that, "If there's nothing like that, why would someone go through thus much trouble to turn a few people into Draugr? You don't gather tanks unless you plan to use them." Her statement summed up everyone's thoughts completely, whoever was creating the Draugr had to need them forsomethingbut for exactly what was the question. As they walked back through the cemetery Catalaya had a thought. "Whatever they're after is important right? In some way valuable to whatever plan they have."

Weiss nodded, "Yes, but Menagerie doesn't have an abundance of resources. There's no dust, no ore, nothing that could possibly be worth this much trouble."

The shifter stopped moving, "But what if we're thinking about it the wrong way? What if what they're after isn't something in the land but instead lives throughout?" The Cheiftain turned to her with a questioning look, "What do you mean Ms. Catalaya?"

She bit her lip, "Think about it? What does Menagerie have a figurative surplus of? What on this island can be found anywhere and everywhere no matter the time of day?" A dark thought crossed Blake's mind, "The people. Butwhy?"

Cat turned to her with a nod, "Because everyone here is Faunus, that's why. Faunus have always had some type of advantage that humans don't; nightvision, enhanced senses, enhanced strength, not to mention their animalistic abilities that make it easy to survive in almost any place depending on the trait." Ruby cut in from the side, "Yes but that all depends how you use them."

Catalaya nodded once more, noticing the Cheiftain's grimm look. "In the past, though not entirely common, the Faunus were often forced into labor camps for our natural abilities. For being stronger, more durable, flexible and so on."

Blake's face was pale, "Do they plan on using the population as slaves then?"

Cat shook her head, "No, not in the sense your thinking of. If they did, they wouldn't have bothered with just turning those few into Draugr. They could've turned the entire population by now. I believe they need the people here in perfect condition not as mindless slaves but as soldiers with no other choice."

Weiss blinked as she caught the rest off her thought, "Then the Draugr are going to be used as the key component to corral everyone. No one here knows how to fight them, with this drug on the street people are already weak. Many lives would be lost and at the right moment when everyone is on their last leg, they'd have an army who's only other option is to die." There was a growl to their right and they turned to see Ghira growling and clenching his fists. It wasn't something they expected from the normally calm leader, although considering the circumstances, it wasn't too hard to believe.

"We have to stop them. My people's lives are in danger!" He growled out, "We'll fight back!" Ruby shook her head in disagreement. "As much as I love a good fight, running into this recklessly will only make things worse." Ghira clenched his fist, "The Faunus willnotbe pushed down by some supernaturalfreak!" No one noticed Catalaya cringe at his words.

"Sir, I mean no disrespect," Yang started, "but there's a difference betweencourageandstupidity." It was silent, the two were locked in a glaring match before Cat spoke with a grin. "I may have a plan."

Two Weeks Later

Vacuo

Another human body fell to the ground, it was a horrific scene that had become a routine sight. The man's body was ghostly pale, eyes wide in an unending stare and his throat had been bitten into messily. Blood slowly spread over the concrete floor as a prisoner whimpered within the coral.What did you just say!?Shouted the Vampyr as he fumed.

The servant gulped, "Our efforts are being slowed in Menagerie. It's the work of the Hunters, the information says thatsheis there as well." Von Daleam's eye twitched as he processed the information. "Get me Ms. Fallimmediately.And ready my jet." He turned and donned his robe. "I'll deal with the beast myself.