Chapter 16, complete. I am back on a more regular-writing schedule, so hopefully we don't have any more two-months-before-chapters incidents again. Things are heating up again, and I'm excited. I don't know how many chapters we have left precisely, but I'd say anywhere between 8-10? Hard to say, because I know what I've had planned, but chapter length can fluctuate and I might have some ideas pop up. I anticipate chapters continuing to come out more regularly as we're past things I find boring, and writing is coming fairly easily once more.

Thanks everyone for reading. Over 600 follows and 200+ reviews. I'm smiling as I watch my story, which I've put a lot of effort into, continue to rise on the crossovers page. Regardless of where it ends up, I'm happy. I started this story with a vision, and the end of that vision is coming. It's been a lot of nights up late writing, but I don't regret any of it for a second. Big, big shout out to my beta reader Kevin, also known as ekaterina016. He has helped improve my writing a lot, and I think most people can see that as they've continued to progress through the story.

While I've always had faith in my actual writing abilities, and he stills helps there, he really fixed a lot of things I messed up with that I just didn't realize. Things such as paragraph spacing, which turned more readers off than I would have liked. Thank you to everyone who stayed through those first chapters, and I hope you all think I've improved, too. A few more notes at the bottom, but please: enjoy.

"…you really think I'm ready?" Weiss wondered aloud, allowing self-doubt to plague her in the privacy of Sibyl's dorm room. She didn't feel like she had to present some sort of front here; she wasn't the Schnee Heiress, and not in front of her father and sister. She was Weiss, even if only in the privacy of this room, and in front of the man she loved.

Sibyl's faith in her was sweet, but… there was no way she was ready! It felt like just yesterday she had her first failed cast of Soul Arrow, and now, he was trying to teach her Soul Spear? Soul Spear?!

The undead, oblivious or uncaring to her inner thoughts of self-doubt, nodded his head without hesitation in response to her question. "We already did the cast together, and you're an excellent student. I'm sure, with a bit of time and effort, we can get Soul Spear down before you leave on your mission tomorrow."

He grunted as his features hardened, lips thinning into a long line. "Given Ruby's and Sif confrontation with that thief last night, I'd feel more comfortable if you were to have a bit more firepower behind you."

It was still hard to believe. It had been such a wonderful night up until then, and while the knowledge that some thief had used it to infiltrate the CCTS hadn't completely sullied it, the mood had been taken down a notch. It was fortunate Ruby had shown up when she did, though Weiss was a bit cross that her leader hadn't seen fit to alert any of them.

Still, it was no wasted effort. It was likely whoever the thief was connected to the White Fang, and with missions coming up, they'd be going to investigate the White Fang who had moved to the 'southeast,' as Sun and Blake overheard in the meeting they had spied on. Really, it seemed like there was never a moment of rest anymore. Eventhe multiple dances she'd shared with Sibyl just yesterday seemed like so long ago.

She forcefully tore her mind away from how warm she felt at the time, to focus on her teacher's sexy lips… just lips! Lips!

Things were ramping up, and it made her realize Sibyl's point. Anything which could add to her arsenal was a must at this point, and Weiss was all for it.

Sibyl slowly grew quiet, and Weiss inched a bit closer to him. "What's wrong?" She wondered, knowing when he was in one of those 'moods'.

The undead sighed, palming his face. "I'm simply stressed… about whatever that damn thief did which left Sif unable to track her; I'm worried about Sif's own injuries, however minor." He paused, humming to himself. "Worried that, apparently, Sif doesn't trust me enough to call upon my help. He could have howled, and I would have come running."

He didn't say anything for a moment, but Weiss didn't speak just yet. She knew Sibyl well enough to recognize this as one of his interlude moments, a time he self-reflected and got his thoughts in order. "I worry… does he resent me for Artorias? Does he know something about my infection that I don't?

"I've already pushed away Dusk, albeit begrudgingly… I do not want to lose one of the few links to my old world left."

Weiss sighed for Sibyl, wrapping an arm around his side and resting her head on his shoulder. It was a reasonable fear; he loved Sif, even if Sibyl struggled to show that affection more outright. He was grateful to the wolf, as well as sorry for what he'd done. He was so guilty, but most of all, he was so dense. The most obvious answers always seemed to allude him…

That's why she was here, though. "I don't think it's anything like that. You're always overthinking – if Sif howled, it might have alerted the thief, and Ruby and himself would have never even laid eyes on her."

"Perhaps you're right," Sibyl murmured, and Weiss couldn't help but raise a brow.

"Of course I'm right," she declared, throwing herself against him fully. The undead chuckled, nodding his head absently as they just sat there. It was probably what Weiss enjoyed doing the most, simply being around him. Last night, she'd slept with him – not in whatever manner Yang might suggest – but they laid together, on his bed, just… enjoying the warmth shared.

She knew Yang, and probably Blake, weren't going to let her forget it… but who cared? She enjoyed sleeping in his arms last night, and she'd do it again in a heartbeat.

All good things had to come to an end, however… and that end came when Sibyl finally spoke. "Well, we've only a day; best get started on Soul Spear sooner than later."

Weiss slowly peeled herself off him, understanding Soul Spear to be important, but at the same time, she would have loved to just laze around with him until she left tomorrow. Oh, well, there would be time for that in the future…

"They were here, Ozpin!"

James Ironwood was not a happy man at the moment, and anyone within hearing distance could tell. And why wouldn't he? The Cross Continental Transmit System tower had been infiltrated on a night he'd dared to let his guard down, dared to enjoy a simple dance with friends like Dusk and Glynda. Well, it wasn't a mistake he was going to let happen again.

"Yes, James, thanks for making us all aware of that," Glynda snarked back, a stinging bite in her voice, but James didn't care. Lingering crush on her be damned; this was not a time for him to be 'James, an old friend'. He was the military leader of Atlas, and by God, he was going to keep his kingdom – and Vale – safe. If he had to step on some toes… so be it.

"Somehow, they slipped through our grasp. They managed to infiltrate both this school ground and the tower itself, knock out all my guards, escape one of your Huntresses, as well as an incredibly intelligent wolf whose nose could track any of us for miles." Briefly, the general paused to take another inhale of breath, so he could point out to everyone else, who was so content to just stand by and wait, how close their enemies were.

"I don't believe for a second they could have gotten past your security measures for the school itself, so I'm forced to ask: have you even considered the thief might be a student here?"

Ozpin rubbed his forehead in irritation as James finished his question. Good! This was a headache inducing situation they were in, and he was the only damned one who seemed to want to do anything to resolve it.

"The only fortunate thing about this situation is young Ruby Rose. We can only hope she stopped them from getting all of what they were after, but that'd be a fool's hope. We need to prepare, Ozpin. We need to mobilize, maybe even stop the festival-"

"General," Dusk's voice called out from the background, serving to stop his words, albeit briefly, "please, thou aren't the only one left flustered."

Well, it sure seemed like he was.

James stopped in his steps, giving the woman from another world a long, hard look. "I thought you'd be on my side, but I guess you want to ignore what's right in front of us, too. Does no one understand-"

"Sire, my kingdom was consumed by an encroaching darkness I had ignored for far too long," Dusk explained calmly, and the air seemed to get sucked out of the air at that reminder. "Of everyone here, I understand the severity of the situation best." She finished, still calm and serene. Ironwood felt whatever words he had ready die in his throat.

Right. Well, he, unlike some other people in the room, could see his own mistakes. "My apologies, Dusk. You're right. I'm worked up and taking it out on everyone in this room" he took a deep breath, the motion serving to undo just a smidge of tension in his neck.

"'Tis understandable. I wish I had not been forced to learn these situations must be treated with haste. The fall of Oolacile might have been prevented had I thine own natural intuition." Dusk mentioned forlorn, her eyes lowering to the ground before closing in memory.

James wasn't too sure what to say, so he said nothing, instead waiting for Glynda or Ozpin to continue the discussion. Of course, before anywords could be exchanged, Ozpin's Scroll began beeping. It… it wasn't that he didn't wish to comfort Dusk, but he'd long ago discovered it better to change the subject than remind her. And, lo behold, a perfect change of subjects had just arrived.

James Ironwood kept a firm look on his face as he examined just who had walked through the elevator doors, a wolf trailing behind her by a few feet. A very big wolf, and one from another world which Dusk was familiar with. Still, the young Huntress was his more immediate concern, and he couldn't help but smile at seeing she really was the spitting image of Summer Rose.

"A-Ah, sorry it took so long," Ruby began, every bit as nervous as he'd expect someone in her position to be. "Sif wouldn't stop hounding Sibyl, and… well, he's a big dog. I can't exactly just drag him around…" Ruby's voice trailed off as she found the gaze of all the adults in the room settle on her fully.

Ozpin cleared his throat, attempting to make the air more comfortable. "Thank you for coming, Ruby. How are you?"

She chuckled lightly, rubbing at her head. "Okay, I guess. I'd feel a bit better if my bad-guy catching record wasn't 0-3, but, you know…" At the lack of grins, she somehow seemed to get more uncomfortable, "Right. Sorry,I'm just sorta' nervous, and when I'm nervous I-"

James decided he had enough, despite how endearing the sight was. He gave Ozpin a hard time, but he was doing a fine time with the youths of his school. James just wished their leader wasn't so stuck in his rigid ways.

Still, calming down a nervous girl was the General's immediate concern. He held up a hand, stopping her rambling before it could get worse, and approached, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Ruby, I feel it appropriate I commend you for your actions the other night. You recognized a threat, took action, and dealt with it the very best you could."

Ozpin took over as his congratulations finished. "Now, Ruby, the General has already explained to us the events which transpired the other night, but we felt it best to see if you had anything else to add."

"Not… not really," the girl began, "It was hard to see, and she was wearing a mask. She had long black hair, I guess… though it could have been a wig? It looked real enough, I guess. Oh, she also fought with glass, but I doubt it was her Semblance; her clothing lit up when she attacked."

Ironwood sighed, turning back to Ozpin. "Dust on her clothes, I imagine. It might have served to even cover her scent, thus preventing the wolf from tracking her. This could still have been anyone," he mentioned, only to pause as he saw Glynda push up her glasses.

"Actually, I have a… suspicion, that we may be dealing with the same woman I dealt with upon first meeting Ruby."

Ironwood raised a brow, preparing to mostly dismiss the possibility-

"Wait," Ruby interrupted, heads once more turning towards her, "you think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?" She wasn't explicitly wrong, but Ironwood didn't exactly want any loose lips running around.

Courageous Huntress or not, she was only fifteen.

"It's… possible," Ozpin neither confirmed nor denied, but James would have preferred silence. "We lack evidence to link the two together, however."

James considered himself a good judge of character, and he watched as Ruby's face contort, the General realized she was twisting some truths. Still, he had been briefed on just what team RWBY, as well as that 'Sibyl' character, had been up to. Information was the most important piece of any war, and if the information had to come secondhand through some children… Ironwood would take it regardless.

"Well, I think she did mention something about a hideout or something… in the 'southeast', just outside the kingdom."

It was the best lead they had at the moment, and given team RWBY's track record in finding trouble, he was inclined to believe there was some basis in the words.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Rose. Now, go spend some time with your team, and please, do keep the matters we've discussed discreet."

She nodded dutifully at Ozpin, muttering a "Yes, sir." before leaving.

Ironwood waited until the elevator was closed to speak again, approaching the window which overlooked the city he was tasked to protect. "It's the best lead we've got. We need to send troops, evaluate whatever is going on over there, and eradicate what we can find before our enemies make their moves."

"James," Glynda began, voice already heated, "why must you treat everything like it's a situation of measuring d-"

"Glynda!" Ozpin interrupted, and Ironwood did his best to ignore the uttered "He does,"from Glynda.

"I, too, would love to solve this situation once and for all, but it goes beyond Vale and Beacon," Ozpin explained with far more patience than James could deal with at the moment, "We cannot afford to act haphazardly, especially if this is all part of some masterplan meant to undo everything we know and protect. We can't afford to be so bold, nor spread panic in our peaceful streets."

Dusk cleared her throat, and all eyes turned towards her. "I agree we cannot act rashly, but nor can we afford to wait. Thine enemies, they know thou well, Ozpin. Whatever plan they have for this city, it centers around the Maiden, no?"

Ozpin nodded, leaning back in his chair and taping a sip from his mug.

"They expect thee to put all efforts into a new Maiden… but contingences must be made. My council, we put our faith into Artorias, rest his soul, and found ourselves wanting. Instead, someone else is the reason why I live today. He has asked to stay out of this… yet I cannot allow him to. I care too much for this world, and I shan't let it fall to ruin. Just as the savior helped me, he may help thou."

Dusk took a deep breath, reaching up to wipe away a few tears. "Dear Savior, forgive me for breaking thy trust… please, allow me to share the guilt of my savior, and how we might use it."

"What happened?" Yang questioned, but to Ruby's ears, she may as well have shouted it as loud as possible, with a neon sign which figuratively said 'nothing suspicious here'hanging over her head. "Keep it discreet," Ozpin had instructed. Well, Ruby would like to see him try and keep anything discreet with a sister like Yang! She didn't know even what an internal voice was.

She couldn't even wait for Ruby to shut the door before yelling about their secret meeting! Gah!

Struggling with her sister's antics for a moment, Ruby blinked at seeing Weiss wasn't in the immediate area. "Where's Weiss?" She wondered aloud, the idle question succeeding in helping to get Yang out of her face and eliciting a roll of the eyes from Blake.

"Probably sharing spit with Sibyl. She hasn't left him alone since the dance," the black-haired Faunus mentioned idly, a bit irritated for some reason. The girl flinched as Yang flicked her straight on the forehead, blowing a quick raspberry, while Team RWBY's most reserved member rubbed the red spot already forming on said forehead.

"Stop being so grouchy, Blake," Yang instructed, standing up straight, "She's just spending time with Sibyl before we leave on our mission, probably to try and calm him down."

Ruby tilted her head at that, more than a little confused. "'Why would Sibyl need to be calmed down?"

Both Blake and Yang gave her a long look. She shrunk under the gases, feeling as small as she had up in that room with all of those adults staring at her. It wasn't that dumb a question, was it?

Eventually, Yang answered. "Because we're all about to leave on a mission to investigate everything that's been going on, and he's not going to be coming. Glynda already forbid him from joining us on our mission."

'Ooh'-ing, the team leader supposed that made sense. Not the Sibyl not being allowed to go part – that was dumb, and if Glynda wasn't cool otherwise Ruby might have been a bit madder about it – but rather that Weiss would want to spend some time with him. They were so sweet together…

"Anyways; how did the meeting go?"

Well, it seemed there'd be no wiggling out of this one. Yang's question made sure of that. Resigned, Ruby went and flopped on her bed, dreading the words she was about to have to say. She just… didn't want her team to think she'd made a mistake in telling Ozpin and them about it.

They'd finally all trusted her as team leader, and she might have blown it! The nervousness got to her, and she ended up mumbling her answer to Yang's question. Her dear sister told her to repeat it, and so, Ruby did.

"I, uh… I sorta' told them I overheard the thief say there was some secret base in the southeast?"

"What!?" Yang and Blake both hissed at the same exact time, only causing Ruby to shrink even more. This was exactly what she'd been afraid of!

"I thought it'd help! They needed evidence to link the White Fang, Torchwick, and the thief lady! If they go investigate, they'll discover the White Fang, and they may even be able to stop whatever they're planning!" Maybe she hadn't made the right choice, but Ruby was pretty sure she didn't make the wrong choice.

"…I guess that makes sense," Blake conceded, shrugging. With that, near all of Ruby's stress went away. Perfect. Life had just gotten back to normal. They needed no more rifts in their team!

"Yeah, good thinking, Sis!" Yang congratulated with a slap on the back, only to snap her fingers as she remembered something. "Oh! I got something that's going to cheer you right up, too."

Ruby slowly rose from her position on the bed, a bit curious on just what Yang thought would cheer her up. Sometimes, despite being sisters, the two had very different ideas on what would cheer the other one up.

In this case, Yang pulled out some unopened, wrapped package. Ruby blinked. "Okay… what is it?"

"I don't know, but Dad sent it to us. I figured we'd open it together."

It was from Dad?! Ruby didn't need to be told twice; she rushed forward, ripping the package from Yang's hand and tearing the wrapping to tatters before throwing the lid over her shoulder, it landing in the corner of their room.

A dog's face greeted her, and Ruby stared confused for a second. Then it barked, and Ruby felt her face light up. Because this wasn't just any dog's face staring at her. It was Zwei.

"Zwei!" She cheered, unable to keep her joy contained when the little corgi leapt up at her face, attacking with an endless attack of licks. Ruby couldn't stop herself from laughing. Yang had been right – this did cheer her up! No tense room, no scary adults, just good ol' Zwei!

Ruby kept loving on her dear pet, but was forced to let go when the corgi wiggled around to look backwards. The moment the dog spotted Blake, he leapt. Ruby had never heard Blake scream so high-pitched. The whole school must have heard it!

She was now atop her own bed, staring at the dog with a crazed look in her eye. Said crazed look soon turned to Ruby and Yang, the latter who was too busy laughing to pay attention. "Get that thing away from me! Also: why did you get a dog in the mail!?" Blake shouted, glaring down at the dog below which had tilted its head and remained barking.

As Ruby prepared to explain that, really, there was no reason to be scared of Zwei, the door was thrown open.

Sif, Weiss, and Sibyl, the latter of whom both looked a bit unkempt, entered, ready to fight. Sif, the quickest among them, had already crossed half the room and pounced atop of Zwei, pinning him with his much larger body and growling like a menace, fangs bear and inches from the much-smaller dog's face.

"Yeah, get him, Sif!" Blake cheered, and Ruby would be having a firm talking to her about that later.

Her first priority, though, was making sure Sif didn't eat Zwei! Rushing forward, Ruby threw herself at Sif in a tackle, barely managing to dislodge the wolf from atop Zwei. "No, Sif! Don't eat him – that's Zwei! He's a good dog!"

Well, things were certainly interesting. Sibyl could say that much for sure, unable to keep his eyes from tracking Sif and that… corgi,Zwei, which now sat firmly atop his great wolf friend. Considering just a bit ago, the former had been ready to tear apart the latter, it was odd. Very odd.

"Sibyl, are you paying any attention at all?" Weiss hissed into his ear, and he stiffened on instinct. He considered lying, but in the end shrugged, deciding to not even pretend the speech in the background interested him.

"Sif and Zwei have my attention captured. I just… never imagined I'd see what I'm looking at." Weiss shifted her hip, and the undead gulped.

"And those two are more interesting to you than the headmaster's speech?"

Once again, the undead knew better than to lie. He nodded, raising one hand to stroke his chin as he stared at the wolf. How had they bonded so quickly? Were the two able to communicate; he knew Sif intelligent, but what of Zwei? When had the dog even gotten here? How had it gotten here?

Weiss, by his side, sighed, unable to stop from pinching the bridge of her nose. "Well, at least you're honest."

And those words were precisely why he was honest. There was more good will to be gained by it than deception, and besides, now he was able to freely tune out the headmaster's speech.

…could Sif, in theory, teach Zwei to wield a dagger? The dog was far too small for a sword, but a dagger might work. Maybe a short-sword, just certainly no greatsword like what Sif wielded. Ruby had mentioned Zwei was trained to fight, but again: how? Why? Who decided that was a beast befit of a fight? It hardly came up to Sibyl's shin!

"I don't get it," the undead eventually declared, glancing back towards Weiss to see her arms crossed and foot repeatedly tapping the ground. Hmm, it seemed he was in trouble.

"Are you done? Because the headmaster finally finished his speech, of which, you tuned all of it out!"

Giving an uncertain shrug, the undead just couldn't understand how everyone was shaking off Zwei apparently being a combat dog and having taken to Sif so quickly. Speaking of Sif, the wolf had only continued to grow since Sibyl had brought him back here.

…it's not as if Sibyl expected Sif to eat Zwei or anything, but as the Chosen Undead watched the corgi chew on the leather which housed Sif's sword, he just wasn't sure why the thing wasn't being flung off Sif's back. Or trampled on, or growled at, or something. And, again, it was a combat dog! A combat dog which came up only to his shin.

The Schnee Heiress sighed, affectionately wrapping a hand around his arm and dragging him off. He whistled at Sif, the wolf coming along without a fuss, the corgi still atop his body. Zwei was still chewing on the sheathe Sibyl had crafted. The leather had been expensive, and the dog was just… chewing on it. A disgruntled frown appeared on the undead's face, and he finally turned away.

"Is it the sheathe?" Weiss asked in resignation, and Sibyl nodded.

"I worked hard on it, and Zwei is just… chewing on it."

"I'm sorry," Weiss apologized, yet didn't sound very 'sorry', "but you need to focus. Or… are you just going to let your girlfriend leave without even a goodbye?"

Those words made him freeze.

Firstly, because hearing Weiss utter the word 'girlfriend' was pleasant. They had hashed the details out yesterday, and decided that yes, attempting a relationship was what they both wanted. He was so unused to the word, having never heard it prior to… well, now, essentially, but it rolled off the tongue perfectly. He looked forward to hearing it more in the future, honestly.

Secondly, she had a very valid point. He was over here, fussing over some dumb dog, while Weiss was about to leave on a very dangerous mission! Her team being with her hardly mattered; he was fraught with worry. Or, well, he had been, prior to Zwei sending his priorities out of whack.

Bowing his head lightly, he apologized. "I'm sorry. You're right. I'm being a buffoon, as you would say."

A smug smile appeared on her face, one which often did show when she won some sort of argument. He allowed it as they settled in with the rest of Team RWBY, who were at some screen.

"Nice for you two to finally show up," Yang observed, giving a quick wink at Sibyl which had him blushing, but then he remembered, he and Weiss hadn't actually been doing anything untoward. His face quickly returned to normal, and the undead noted with a raised brow that Weiss's face hadn't even briefly changed color.

Then again, she shared a room with Yang. She must be used to the teasing at this point.

"Yes, yes, we're here. Now, we're going to need to shadow a Huntsman to the southeast," Weiss began, pushing her way straight up to the computer.

"Already tried," Yang muttered, crossing her arms in irritation, "that mission is off-limits for first-years."

"Then how are we going to get out there?" Blake wondered aloud, looking at him for some reason. How was he supposed to know?

"We could mail ourselves there?" Ruby suggested in jest, getting a glare from Blake, who in turn glared at Zwei. Well, it was good to know he wasn't the only one alone in his dislike of the small corgi who had no appreciation for hard work.

"That is one option," came the drawling voice of Ozpin from behind the group, managing to get all of them to freeze. He waited until he had their full attention before elaborating, "It's unfortunate, but we determined the concentration of Grimm there was too extreme for first year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular," he elaborated, staring at Ruby.

"In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that, regardless of which mission the four of you sign up for, you will find your way there, one way or another. Your team, Miss Rose, does have quite the penchant for being in the midst of chaos." He paused, and Sibyl prepared to interject with his own words, but was interrupted when the headmaster continued.

"Now, usually I wouldn't let a group of first years access to such a dangerous mission, but according to Glynda," he explained, a small grin overtaking his features, "two of your teammates, Miss Rose, have been involved in some… extracurricular studies which have boosted your team's already impressive abilities beyond those of a first year's… pending approval from your tutor, of course. What say you, Sibyl? Are Weiss and Yang's finer arts coming along smoothly?"

Ozpin's eyes turned to Sibyl, and the undead returned the older man's grin with a smirk all of his own. "Of course, Headmaster. As a master pyromancer and sorcerer, I can safely say the both of them are well-adept in the art."

Inclining his head, Ozpin adjusted a few things on his Scroll. "Glad to hear it. Glynda had you listed as needed for final approval, and it seems I've gotten it."

"We won't let you down," Ruby declared, determination in her eyes. "Thank you, professor."

Ozpin shook his head as he put away his Scroll, tapping his cane on the ground. "Do not thank me for this. Everyone here is well aware the world is not all fairy tales and happy endings, and I dare say you five know it better than most."

Sibyl narrowed his eyes, but they softened. It seemed Glynda had told Ozpin about his situation with the White Fang, but that was to be expected. She was his superior; he could hardly expect her to hold out all details, especially when he was held right at this very school after his injuries.

"I hope you ladies all well understand the dangers which lay outside the kingdom walls. Do stay close to your Huntsman, listen to everything he says. It will be his decision to send you back, should he you're your skills unsatisfactory."

Ozpin paused, letting the words sink in. "That said, good luck… and Sibyl, if you wouldn't mind following me?"

Weiss gave him a concerned look, but the undead shrugged. "Sif, stay with the girls," Sibyl instructed, following the headmaster as he walked off. "What can I do for you, Ozpin?"

The older man looked over his shoulder, humming for a moment before speaking. "I apologize for not allowing you to go with Team RWBY on their mission. You are rather close with all of them, I understand, but even I cannot skirt around the official paperwork on this one. Teams of four are permitted to go, no more, though Sif might be able to accompany them."

He nodded in understanding, waiting for the headmaster to continue further.

"And… well, a friend of mine has been hoping to meet with you. General James Ironwood, general of the Atlas military."

Oh. Oooh.

That must be where they were going. Sibyl decided to keep his doubts to himself as Ozpin began speaking on more… mundane things. The General of Atlas, wanting to speak with him? Despite… well, despite mostly trusting the people of this world nowadays, Sibyl couldn't help but stiffen. It set up too perfectly for him to be forced to do something, and that would not end well for anyone involved.

Still, Dusk was involved with Ironwood and Atlas, was she not? Sibyl seemed to recall, and he doubted, despite their tense relationship lately, she would allow anything like that to happen.

Well… he'd just have to keep wondering until he met with the man. Hopefully it didn't take too long; he wished to see Team RWBY, and Weiss, off, as well as make sure they took Sif. The great wolf's presence with them would do a great job easing his worries. Team RWBY was strong – he'd never deny that.

But they did not have the survival instincts he and Sif possessed, one which Lordran brutally honed and beaten into all of its inhabitants. Eventually, that instinct would fail them, but it was a far cry better than not having one at all. Sif would keep them safe; Sibyl knew it to be so.

His sleep would still be restless regardless of Sif's presence, but slightly less so.

Weiss couldn't help but bite her lip as she waited for Sibyl to give them – and her – one final goodbye, but he wasn't coming, even after they'd all packed their bags and met up with the Huntsman they were going to be shadowing. She'd hoped whatever the headmaster had dragged him off to do might be more brief, but no.

Even worse was the Huntsman they'd be shadowing. Of course it had to be Dr. Oobleck of all the Huntsmen and Huntresses available.

"Another minute gone, ladies! Giddy up; we've ruins to explore and secrets to uncover!" The… eccentric Huntsman called from some distance behind her, his impatience growing. The rest of her team were waiting by her side, and Weiss frowned as Blake laid a hand on her shoulder. She heard the words before they were even spoke.

"We need to go, Weiss. The headmaster is probably keeping him," the Faunus reasoned, and it was true. It was something she was used to – people were often kept too long to see her off. People were always too busy to see her off. Father with his business meetings, Winter with her military meetings, and now, Sibyl with his headmaster meeting.

It was unfair to lump the undead in there with that group, because she knew he probably didn't want to be with Ozpin. It was also hard not to lump him in there, despite her best efforts. Well, he'd just have to make it up to her when they got back – and he would make it up to her. She was sure of that. He was different.

Sighing, Weiss turned away, walking with the rest of her team back to the airship which would take them to dangerous, faraway places.

…why did it have to be Dr. Oobleck as their guide? Why?

So, the person sitting across from him was Sibyl of Lordran, someone who he'd heard of only briefly before coming to Beacon and speaking with Ozpin and Glynda fromDusk. His presence at Beacon had come as a surprise, but not an unpleasant one. Sure, Ironwood had found himself a bit angrySibyl had refused to stay, based on what Dusk had told them of their meeting.

It was not his place to judge, though. The young man had motives of his own, and he'd already done a lot in just teaching Glynda and members of Team RWBY his magics. Yet he could do more, and Ozpin was hesitant to demand 'more'. Why? From everything Dusk had said of Sibyl, the undead was reasonable. He was kind; he'd have no reason not to teach them more before leaving.

But Ozpin was content to wait. Content to do nothing as their enemies moved.

"James Ironwood, is it?" Sibyl began, holding out a hand to shake.

The General wasted no time in returning it, feeling the strength behind the grip and callused hands. "Sibyl. I've heard a lot about you, young man."

"All good things, I hope?" The undead joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Mostly. Glynda mentioned something about your dancing?" The two shared a brief laugh, but as the joyful sound faded, the air got more serious. James beckoned Sibyl to follow him through the confines of Ozpin's personal office, which he'd graciously loaned for this private conversation.

They stood in front of the office's biggest window, overlooking both Beacon and Vale. "A beautiful sight, isn't it?" Sibyl nodded absently, the smile on his lips having thinned to a line. "I would do anything to protect what we're looking at. Beacon, Vale – this is my home just as much as Atlas is. A home is much more than just somewhere to sleep."

James spared a glance at the boy next to him, who was staring far out into the distance. "It's a nice place," Sibyl admitted, "too nice, from the people to the sights. The only blight on this land is the Grimm, and I'm sure, in time, even that threat will lessen."

It was easy to appreciate the hope, the belief, but the knight was more wrong than he knew. Far more wrong. "I wish I could say I agree, but there are threats out there, Sibyl. Threats which would love to see the city before you in ruins, the people you call friends broken and dead." He paused, considering how to really enact just how grave the situation was. "If I could write those threats off as Grimm, I would. But I can't. People have turned their own back on all of us, and that is far more dangerous than anything else I could imagine."

Sibyl was quiet, taking in his words. That was all James asked, and that was what the others refused to do.

"I'm not here to ask you to not return to Lordran, though I think it would be for the best," the general turned his full body to face Sibyl, giving the undead the respect he deserved. "I know you have more in your arsenal, and whatever weapons you can give us to fight the Grimm before we leave, the better. But I'm a man of science, of technology.

"Please. I'd like you to demonstrate your magic on a few captured Grimm we have, including those lightning miracles," James held up a hand to stop the protests of Sibyl before they could begin. "Yes, Dusk told me of them. Of you being a Sunlight Warrior. I understand your miracles are sacred, but I have to ask… are they more sacred than lives, Sibyl? Than the lives of children – than the lives of mothers and fathers, then the lives of your friends?"

Sibyl didn't respond, instead turning his head back to stare straight out the window.

"…if one of those miracles, pyromancies, or sorceries prove to be very effective… I'd ask you teach someone or write an instruction book – write a teaching book on sorcery, something!"

"I've already taught Glynda, Weiss, and Yang," he explained, and James resisted the urge to cut him off that it just wasn't enough. "They could teach the others; they're very bright, all of them."

James stepped forward, placing a hand on Sibyl's shoulder hesitantly. He breathed an internal sigh of relief that the undead hadn't gotten angry or violent at the physical contact.

"I'm sure they are, just as sure as I am you've taught them well. But Sibyl, we both know you haven't taught them everything. We both know that, by the time you leave, they still won't know everything, much less how to teach it like a master should.

"Besides, you need to consider the science of these arts further," James explained, trying to stress the importance, "What if my scientists could harness pyromancy into weapons? I've seen those fireballs you use from arena fights, Sibyl. They're as strong, if not stronger, than some of our greatest weapons – when you really let loose, at least. And conjuring lightning bolts, eluding waves of force all around you? Nevermore feathers might be able to be deflected back; we might be able to use that 'Force' miracle to protect our airships, enabling us to take the offensive against the Grimm!"

James could picture it. Maybe not today, definitely not tomorrow, but eventually, they'd figure out how those miracles ticked in a sense. And if they could be adapted to protect his ships… they could defeat the Grimm. They could defeat anyone and anything. The only thing standing between James and his new vision was a child of eighteen, regardless of his combat experience. Ironwood would win this argument, he would get what he needed, and the world would be safer for it.

"And, besides, even if you have taught Glynda and Yang, you've taught no one your miracles," James finished, watching the undead's face contort with rage.

"They are sacred miracles," he hissed, "passed down for generations among those chosen! And not to mention pyromancy – it is an art of passion, of care, meant to be passed from teacher to student, not… not paraded around, like sorcery! I wish to see it flourish as a fire should, but there is a bond in the flame!" Anger stayed clinging to his featured before slowly fading as he looked back off towards the city below. "But I understand, General. I understand what you want and why. You even make points which make me doubt myself and my motives."

Sibyl paused, turning to meet eyes with the man who dared demand more from someone who had given everything. "You remind me of those who I have always hated," he gritted, only to have a defeated sigh escape him a moment thereafter, "and those which have always seemed to try to control me, regardless of that hate."

James said nothing, and a deafening silence shook the room.

"So, what will you do?"

Sibyl didn't respond for a few moments, closing his eyes and breathing in deep.

"…I will write down the full extent of my knowledge. I will share my miracles, too, should they prove more effective, and I will concede to your… experiments," the undead sounded resigned, and James might have felt bad if not for the fact his kingdom would be safer because of this.

"Congratulations, General. You have broken something which was already shattered. I commend you for it. Good day, and only retrieve me when those experiments are ready. I will document my knowledge on my own time."

The undead left, not in anger, but in disappointment. When the elevator closed and James was alone, he turned to the window.

"…that went well," came the voice of Ozpin from his desk, a screen with the headmaster's face undoubtedly appearing. The General didn't bother to look back, and instead tried to steel his resolve by staring at the city he was tasked to protect. Someone had to do the hard things, had to push the boundaries.

"Does Glynda know?"

"Yes. She left towards the end of your… conversation."

Wonderful. She was close to the boy, so it was to be expected she might be a bit angry.

"…did we make the right choice, Ozpin? Pushing him further?"

"These days James, I hardly know what the right choice is."

"You? Self-doubt? Never thought I'd see the day."

The headmaster didn't reply, and James didn't look over his shoulder to the sorrowful look of one of his closest friends. Instead, he kept thinking about the eighteen-year-old who resigned himself to being used as a knowing pawn, and what he might need to say further to keep that pawn in this world.

He could ruin whatever plan Salem had. James was sure of it.

'Pathetic… passing on the sacred miracles of Sunlight… my standards continue to degrade,' the undead demeaned himself as he closed the door to his dorm, unable to stop his eyes form homing in on Solaire's helmet. His frown deepened, and he stomped like a child over to his bed before sitting down on it, crossing his arms as he pondered.

Everywhere he went – ever since he could remember, he'd been told what to do. He sought to ring the Bells of Awakening because he had been told to do so. He'd sought the Lordvessel because he'd been told to do so. He'd attended this school because he had been told to do so… by a drunk, of all people!

He was a child in a young man's body, unable to think, unable to do anything on his own! Little more than a knowing pawn in a game he could never understand, one he never wanted to understand. Even in another world, people sought to control him. And he knew – oh, he knew. He was not stupid, but he was a fool. A fool who could be charmed by a few flowery words, a fool who had never done anything in his life, so he sought to do something. To save lives, even those he didn't know, no matter what. To save as many people as he could, so they could live a life which was beyond him.

Vows he had taken, to treat his precious miracles with honor? Vows he had given to his best friend? They vanished, all so he could feel good about himself. It… it wasn't bad, exactly. He would be helping people, and that was good… but when would it end? Would he allow them to use his Abyssal eye? If they thought it could save people, would he allow it? It seemed with every passing hour since he'd awoken, he broke a promise. He still didn't think he'd allow them to use his Abyss, but he also didn't think he'd find himself documenting Sunlight Miracles because someone asked.

Damn it. And he couldn't refute James's science argument; he hardly knew enough about it. Maybe certain miracles could be adapted to keep his airships safe. Sibyl just didn't know, and he certainly wasn't going to be able to figure it out on his own to give a concrete answer.

His sorceries and pyromancies should have been enough, but he had conceded for the miracles. Why had he even shown them off, so long ago? Oh, perhaps because he expected people to respect his wishes! But they expected him to throw away everything he had ever claimed to be!

And yet… he had already disrespected enough people. What was one more stain upon his honor? Best to give others a chance to live honorably and in peace. If his soul must reside within the withering grasp of the abyss and be degraded into, somehow, less than it already was, so be it.

…if giving away his miracles would keep Weiss safe, he could take the dishonor. He didn't want her fighting the Grimm; he didn't want anyone fighting them! He knew the horrors of combat, real combat. People died, especially good people. Team RWBY, they were all so good. He didn't want Yang to get hurt, nor Ruby or Blake, and yet, they would get hurt. Perhaps not physically, because he believed them all adept. No, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but someday in the future, someone they knew would get hurt.

The girls, they did not know it yet. But the pain of someone else getting hurt was far, far beyond oneself.

Sibyl sighed as he sat in his dorm, alone, while his friends were out there in danger's arms. His gaze raised once more to Solaire's helmet, still resting on his nearby desk. What would Solaire think of him these days? Where was the prideful, strong, confident undead he used to be, even when the odds had been so against him? Now here he was, being pulled in all directions and unable to stand against any of it. He was a tool, just as he always had been.

Where had all his conviction gone… or had he ever even had any?

It had been a long day. Firstly, the meeting with Ozpin had left Ruby spooked. Then, they get told their shadowing Dr. Oobleck of all the possible Huntsmen, not to mention Weiss was being all mopey because Sibyl hadn't seen them off. Really, she had barely said a word the whole ride! Then, a bit after they had arrived, they had to go about clearing the immediate area.

Lotsof Grimm had been taken care of, with the help of Sif and Zwei. Ruby had seen Sif fight a few times, but he was really impressive. She was glad Dr. Oobleck had been welcoming towards the thought of bringing the two along, mentioning something about having heard about how impressive Sif was from Peter and Glynda. Oh, also something about Zwei and their noses combined being great for scouting out ruins.

Really, she was mostly glad to have Zwei with her. It would have been so cruel to have him arrive justto leave him behind! Besides, Zwei and Sif got along great. This whole trip was like an extended bonding session…

Maybe a bit too literally, because while Dr. Oobleck hadn't asked her personally, apparently he'd been asking the rest of her teammates about why they wanted to be Huntresses all day long. It had set all of them a bit on edge, though supposedly he'd been satisfied with their answers.

At the end of the night, Ruby and Zwei were the only one awake and keeping watch, Sif sleeping alongside Weiss. Or, well, Ruby had been the one left keeping watch. Some murmurs had drawn her out of her hiding place, and an attempt to follow the White Fang left her in the precarious position she now was in: captured, bound, and staring up into the confused, agitated, and, somehow, soft eyes of Roman Torchwick.

"Red, you're a long way from home."

Yikes.

Sibyl's in a bit of a bind, ain't he? I think most sympathetic people would be in a similar position: keep vows shared with a great friend to treat certain miracles sacred, or break that vow, sharing private knowledge which could, potentially, save millions? Also, sure, he could deny teaching people more general miracles, of laying out pyromancy knowledge in books- which is supposed to be passed from teacher and students, based on the principle of the deal he made with Ozpin. But... is it worth it? Is that little bit of conviction worth saving people? Or is it better to just allow yourself to get jerked around to save more people? And again, Sibyl wants to save people. He was led to believe he was the Chosen Undead, destined to save the lives of everyone- and, on some level, he still believes it.

I think most people would allow themselves to get jerked around, regardless of how annoyed it made them to break convictions on ancient teaching methods. Also, I find Ironwood a good character, moreso than Ozpin, in the early seasons of RWBY. It's a part of the reason I'm trying to focus more on things through his perspective. I also want to make Dusk a bit more enticing in this story without being a pure princess. She will do anything to stop her new world from ending up like Oolacile, even offering insight into her personal savior's mind.

To do good, you have to dip into grey.

I'm a bit curious on what all of you think is going to happen long-term. I've had a few people guess who were off-base, mainly with the Adam arc, but it's still entertaining to see what people think might occur. Anyways, thanks for reading and continuing to follow this story. Review or not, up to you, just enjoy!