Chapter 15

Red Like Roses Part 1

Seabreeze, a little town at the outskirts of the Kingdom of Vale. This village was a rather small and seclusive village, only known through its trade with fish and other seafood.

Unfortunately, they also had a huge problem, which was the same as many other villages on Remnant as well, a Grimm.

XXX

A man arrived at the village Seabreeze. He had graying black, spiky hair, red eyes, and slight stubble along his jawline. With a red, tattered cloak, he wore a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants, and black dress shoes.

He also had a ring on his right index finger, two other rings on his right fourth finger, and a necklace with a crooked cross-shaped pendant.

On his back was a large sword, the tip was retracted into itself, so that it could be easily carried around.

The reason he was here, the resident Grimm problem. His name, Qrow Branwen, veteran Huntsman, teacher at Signal Academy, and…ladies' man?

XXX

As Qrow walked through the streets of Seabreeze, he noticed something was off. It wasn't actually a bad thing, though, it was not suitable for the current situation this village was at the moment.

The air was light and full of life, as if the people would deemed the danger of the creatures, which plagued their home, unworthy.

Qrow's swagger ended, when he was standing in front of a tavern. A pleasant smile, formed on his face, as he finally found a place to wet his dry throat.

As he entered the rustically inn, he was greeted with the sight of people merrily drinking and laughing.

'What the hell? Am I in the right village?' He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. He then continued to walk towards the bar. While he was here, to kill a Grimm, Qrow was also sent for another reason. And that reason was recently seen here, not a long time ago.

Now he was sitting on a chair, and resting his upper body on the counter, thinking of his next step ….. until something caught his attention.

And that was female bartender at the other side of the counter 'Well hellooooo.'

The woman was sight for his sore eyes and sober self. She was a young female with long blonde hair with two long bangs that frame the sides of her head and blue eyes. She wears a revealing outfit with a pink tank top, pants, boots and a gold necklace around her neck.

Noticing him, she walked towards him "What can I bring you?"

A pleasant smile married his face and he leaned forward "Whiskey on ice," He then winked "And your name as well, gorgeous."

The woman cocked a brow and sighed, as she filled his glass with the liquor. She then slid it towards him and crossed her arms under large bust, causing even Qrow to swallow a bit of the saliva within his mouth.

"The name's Desert," Desert's golden eyes narrowed "And sorry, no interest already got someone in mind, a certain white haired boy…." Her eyes became distant for second, yet she came back after a moment has passed.

Taking her rejection, well even though it did hurt his ego a little bit, Qrow shrugged it off and drank his whisky "Qrow, Qrow Branwen, probably heard about it." A cocky grin followed. No matter how many times the ladies are saying no, in the end, they always crumbled.

"Nope, never heard of it," The Huntsman's smile weakened, and Desert took a glass and began to clean it "So what's a Huntsman doing here?" Desert wasn't dumb, she was young yes, but she lived and was doing this job for most her entire life and had quite the experience to notice even the smallest things. And much to her disdain, this guy in front of her spelled trouble, with a capital T.

The older man snorted "For two things actually. I heard you have a Grimm problem so I came, will see and I will conquer." He winked "In many ways."

Suddenly Desert's face was stiff for a moment, and Qrow began to worry there for a second. But they were gone as quick, when Desert suddenly laughed.

"Sorry you had the trouble coming here, but our problem has already been solved. A. Long. Time. Ago."

Stopping the next sip from his drink, trying not to land it in the wrong pipe as well, Qrow looked dumbfounded at the blonde bombshell "What?"

"Well sweetheart," Desert's amusement was gone and replaced with a scowl together with a venomous tone "You guys from the association took your sweet time, while this Kelpie was tearing our ships apart," The veteran Huntsman's eyes widened at the mention of the Grimm. A Kelpie was one of the most deadly specimen of the Grimm race, having a large serpentine lower body and the torso of a horse, with gills and wings, these Grimms were merely unbeatable when fought close to water.

"Someone came into our village and killed it." She smiled fondly and took another glass to clean it "Only for a night to rest and some dried mackerel." Then she gave him a bewitching smile and a wink "And by the way, he was more pleasant and a better sight, than you are Branwen." Desert held her hand out "Ten Lien if that's everything."

'Ouch.' Qrow winced at the burn and finally understood the glares and stink eyes he received from some people. Yet he didn't fault them for treating him such a way.

Nowadays it's only all about money and importance. Small villages or settlements always have to wait or need to bring more money. It was vicious circle all over. People were sick and tired of the ways, the councils does everything, while also enduring the conflict between Faunus and humans, which mentioned councils is not likely to solve or don't want to. And thus they come to the conclusion to left the cities inside the walls to experience a life without those liabilities.

But once a powerful Grimm or strong bandits, like his former 'family' come into this fickle play, these people would be unlikely to deal with them. In the end the council, Kingdoms and the Schnee Dust Company would have them under their thumbs again, by offering money in form of contracts and taxes for weapons, Dust, mining rights and properties.

Easily one could say that the councils and Jaques Schnee are nothing but a bunch of mafia bosses who keep their lost sheep on the lash while also gathering 'protection money'.

"Fine." Qrow sneered in dissatisfaction 'Seems I need another cold shower tonight…' and handed the Lien over, yet he jerked it back the moment, before Desert reached out to it. Naturally she wasn't right now in good mood for plays "Before that, and don't worry doll," He ignored the glare thrown at him, by the blonde woman "Can I at least have some info about your savior?"

Desert's eyes widened for moment, enough for Qrow to understand, that she knew more that she would at least saying to him "First," The woman raised a hand and stabbed a knife into the counter close to Qrow, who despite being surprised by the sudden violent action, didn't flinch "Be careful what you're asking."

The dusty old man grinned and slicked his bangs back "The guy who helped you, I am looking for him." He didn't even to start his second sentence when he had to grab Desert's hand, to prevent her grabbing the knife, which was still stuck on the counter "Whoa, easy their sweetheart, I just want to ask something." He laughed despite the murderous glare Desert was throwing at him, again.

"How should I know, that you wouldn't do anything to him?" She spat and ripped her hand out from his surprisingly strong grip "I will…."

"Like I said," Qrow's facial structures changed, from easygoing to professional "I am not after his head, unlike other people, who are dumb enough to engage him," He sighed "I just wanted to confirm something."

The blonde woman growled "Good… as I would believe you for one second….. Be careful or you will found yourself with a poisoned drink, so scam."

Hearing the dead threat, caused Qrow to snort "Sorry sweetheart, many beautiful women have tried, and they were better." He popped the wrist of his hand "I say it again; I am not after that guy's life. I just want some info."

Desert, who is about to losing her patience, lowered her head "And I say it again, get out. You will not get anything about him."

XXX

"Well that was something." Qrow who left the tavern sighed in frustration, as he put his hand in his pocket, taking his Scroll out. He tapped on it and began to make a call….

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

"Hello Qrow." A middle-aged man with tousled silver hair and thin brown eyes appeared on the screen. He had a light complexion and sharp facial features and black eyebrows, suggesting that he may have had black hair when he was younger. He wore shaded glass spectacles and a small, purple, cross-shaped pin on the cowl around his neck. His outfit mainly consisted of an unzipped black suit over a buttoned vest and green shirt. He also wore black trouser shoes and long, dark-green pants.

"Hey Oz." Qrow smiled and greeted his former headmaster and current boss "Hope I'm not disturbing you or something.

Shaking his head, Ozpin the headmaster of Beacon, and probably one of the most powerful people on Remnant began to sip on his mug "On the contrary, Qrow. Glynda just handed me another stash of documents to work on them. Right now I appreciate every possibility, to at least escape the horrors of bureaucracy, for some time."

Qrow could only snort in comprehension, while a smile followed

"So Qrow, the reason that you are calling are, I deem and hope to our satisfaction, no?"

The veteran Hunstman shook his head "Sorry to burst your bubble, Oz. But again I am at a dead end." He rubbed his tired eyes "I could at least bribe some drunkards to tell me something."

"And?" The headmaster raised a brow through curiosity.

"The same as ever. Male, reptile Faunus with snow-white hair, pale skin and vivid ruby eyes, with a katana and gun sheath…..also quite the unintended lady-killer…. also pragmatist and pessimist, yet quite the softy, as well."

Ignoring the ladykiller subject of the explanation, Ozpin asked "And the other things?"

Before the dusty old crow answered, he made sure that no one would listen to him "Also the same as ever. Every time he is somewhere, the villages he visits, are booming, the Grimm don't attack and the sick are healed." Qrow sighed "Yet no one wants to say something about him, like they were brainwashed." The man then clenched his fist "I already know, that our kingdoms are not perfect, but since that guy appeared….."

"Qrow." Ozpin interrupted his former student with a stern voice "I know that our…world as it now, is not as perfect but we are already working on it."

"Ah really?" Qrow's tone became sarcastic "Then why am I feeling even more like a bad guy every time I enter a settlement where that brat was and is doing our work and responsibility."

The headmaster sighed "I understand, that our…situation is quite precarious but the Hunter Association is doing its best to help those people as fast as possible. Yet for now we need more time to prepare ourselves." The man smiled in a calming manner "But at least we are doing some steps forwards, instead backwards, aren't we Qrow?"

Seeing that he could never defeat his boss' arguments, the dusty old man sighed, yet a smile married his stubby face "You're right Oz…I just getting frustrated over nothing…..but that doesn't mean that I like it."

"Me neither, my old friend, me neither." Ozpin folded his hands together "Our worldly problems aside, we need to find our…..rather evasive and shy target."

"And what happens when we find him?" Qrow leaned against a wall "Rather, what if he…..is rather resident against our proposal?"

"That my friend is something you let me to worry about. That boy is something special. He will either become a great asset for us or a great enemy and for now I prefer that we pull him on our site, before someone could honey his ears with sweet nothings."

"Or before Jimmy's bravado is doing something even worse." Qrow didn't even hide the venom in his voice.

And even Ozpin couldn't stop to furrow his brows "For James it it's enough that he is a Faunus, that would soon or later work for the White Fang."

"Well," Qrow began to walk "Jimmy is already making a good job to antagonize someone who is helping both, humans and Faunus, by taking care of the resent and growing problems."

"Well you know how James is." Yet the headmaster didn't show any real intention to deny the veteran Huntsman's opinion "Unknown variable with great powers are always feared by the most…" Another smile followed "For now, good luck my friend and stay sharp."

Qrow ended the call and looked up to the sky 'Where are you right now?'

Neither of them knew, that their target was already closer that they thought, hiding on plain sight.

XXX

City of Vale

"Good morning…." A sleepy voice resonated through a rather large and luxuries two-floored apartment. And the owner of said apartment was none other than the Intoner-Daemon-Dragon hybrid, Zero.

Ten years later, and he never changed a bit, well he at least came in terms with his feelings, as one in his situation could be.

Normally he would prefer sleeping in the wild, without a bed and other luxuries. He lived there for the most time. But since his appearance two years ago, he already became the big fat headline for news. Making a name outside the walls was easier than he has thought and being tailed by many friendly and not so friendly people he decided to live inside the walls for a certain time. And since Vale was besides Vacou, the faunus-friendliest Kingdom, even though it was not perfect, he decided to lie down for some weeks.

While he was living outside the badlands, which not even the most experienced Hunters would dare, Zero visited now and then the greater cities.

Normally the young immortal would have preferred to live in Mistral, but since the White Fang activity under Adam Taurus was high and having doing some strange movements, he decided to make this place his home for a while so that he would hunt them down.

With the money he earned from his work as a 'cleaner', exterminator and weapon maker, he bought himself a nice luxurious apartment.

It was a long search, since not many people of the high-class would allow a 'Faunus' to buy an apartment from him. But as mentioned, not all people in Vale are assholes and biased barbarians.

Paired with the money he inherited from Dusk and Auburn and the treasures he found in the most dangerous parts of Remnant, Zero became quickly rich.

Not just simply rich…Filthy rich.

'Who would have thought, that I would found and old sunken ship with treasures." The daemonic-dragon god smiled as he put milk in his cornflakes and switched the TV on.

And the news where already sending "…and again, Menagerie experienced a large economic boom, through the discovery of another dust mine." Zero smiled when he saw the good news "Receiving and yet rejecting another offer from the Schnee Dust Company, who offered a great sum for the mining rights, Menagerie is proud to say, that it is becoming more and more independent. Even more of the Faunus and even humans inside the walls are deciding to leave their homes and seeking a new future in the 'Kingdom of Faunus'." Lisa Lavender seemed to receive some input, since she put a finger on her ear "And now, we are speaking live with Ghira Belladonna, former leader of the White Fang and Chief of Menagerie.

On the screen appeared the face of a rather imposing man with a large black beard and hair with amber eyes.

"Hello Chief Belladonna, thank you for your time."

"Of course, Miss Lavender."

"First of all, as someone who is a backer for the Faunus Rights, I congratulate you for your now independent land."

"Your thanks are well received, and I am happy that our home is gaining more and more reputation and independence.

"Then may I ask," She took a moment "What are your thoughts about the resent humans who would like to settle down in Menagerie?"

Ghira Belladonna smiled "While I must confess, that there are some worries from our residents here on Menagerie, I did not forget my human friends and colleagues from my times in the old White Fang." His tone was professional and not biased "And every friend of my race, who helps to make my, no, our new home into a better place, is welcomed to join our community so that we could experience what all of us really want, a peaceful life."

Lisa Lavender nodded her head in satisfaction "Then another questions, Chief Belladonna."

"Go on."

"Is it true, that Menageries recent and yet big changes in fauna and flora came from the infamous unknown Faunus named Lig?"

In that moment, Zero stopped eating his cornflakes and started to blink owlishly.

Meanwhile Ghira chuckled "Of course not, Miss Lavender, no human nor Faunus is capable of changing an entire desert into a fertile landscape." He shook his head "In truth I met Lig in person, and also spoke with him in occasional times." Hearing that caused Zero to roll his eyes.

Lisa's eyes gained a glint "And how was he, if I may ask?"

Ghira crossed his arms and nodded in satisfaction "I never met such a level-headed and promising young man, such as him and even though we come to know each other for some weeks and have some different opinions in various aspects, I am proud to say, that he is the best friend I, my family and community could ever have. That's all I can say for now."

Being at least satisfied, Lisa ended her conversation "Thank you for your time Chief Belladonna." In return Ghira nodded and the screen vanished, while Lisa turned back to look at the camera "I am Lisa Lavender…"

Zero heard enough, and with a sigh he turned the TV off "Time to get to work!"

As the young dragon finished clothing himself, he stopped at the mirror next to his bed.

Right now he wore a white button shirt, on which the sleeves were rolled up and buttoned. On his collar was a black ribbon bind around it; while on his left hand was a leather glove, with a golden zip and rather big handle. On his other hand or arm, was a black leather elbow-glove, with a golden zip and big handle as well. On each finger from elbow-glove were ruby-red claws attached, which symbolized his glowing daemon-dragon-claws. He wore tight-leather with interlaced patterns, and suitable black men shoes. Around his hip, was a black belt, with golden linings and a golden-four-petal flower on the front. The belt was hanging diagonal, from right up to left down. (Mikhail with casual outfit, link on my profile)

"Hn!" Nodding in satisfaction, Zero put a strain of his pure-white hand behind his ear and putting his Scroll-Glasses on his face. Then he went down on his working-bench.

XXX

"Hmmm….just need this new chamber and you are perfect, absolutely perfect." With satisfaction, Zero looked at his own weapon he owned. While he didn't change Black Song, the dragonic Intoner had thought about it, and came to the conclusion that he would need a fire arm as well. So he turned the white scabbard of his sword into a firearm.

The scabbard was now a sheath-half-automatic rifle hybrid. The sword sheath was incorporated with a black AR-15 receiver with a left-handed ejection port. Shortly the space where the sword was sheathed was also at the same time, the gun-barrel. Mikhail also changed the opening of the scabbard, so that instead having a complete line, there was now an oval hole in the middle of the sheathing mouth. Overall he also strengthened the complete scabbard with wolfram, in scale like pattern. Those scale-like patterns suited the red flame-like ornaments on its far end and the dragon-like relief pattern on the hilt of the sword. He named this sheath/half-automatic-rifle, White Scales, in memories of his former appearance.

Normally Mikhail wanted the scabbard to be and double-barreled shotgun. But to do that he would have to make two holes on the mouth of the scabbard, with a line-like-space between them, but he was already strong in close-combat.

Also he didn't want to have the same weapon as Adam Taurus, who stole his idea and made his own weapon with it.

But back to Black Song and White Scales.

Before Zero could continue to think about what to do, his Glass-Scroll received a message.

*Beep*

"Mmh? Ohh!" He smiled "The new chamber is already here!" With joy about the perfect timing, Zero left his apartment in a hurry.

XXX

"Let's roll." Zero who left the entrance of the luxury-apartment building smiled brilliantly as he walked towards his favorite weapon shop. While he also worked as a weapon-builder as well, the young dragon didn't forget how import it is to have relationships with others.

The more people one knows the more possibilities to gain materials and parts in one's hands.

XXX

"Ehm, excuse me?" A young woman, with black hair and a bob-cut called out to Zero, who was already half-way to his destination.

Turning around "Yes?" He tilted his head slightly.

The moment he did it, the young woman blushed slightly "I just saw you….and thought I should talk to you and I now this is rather brisk…ehm can I have your scroll-number please?"

Again he was being hit on. Sighing inwardly Zero still continued to smile as he turned the girl down.

XXX

"Just one day….." The young woman with black hair took it at least well…..when Zero turned her down.

Not that he wasn't interested in relationships and love, on the contrary he came over his sorrow from ten years ago, and would welcome such a relationship….but…at least not for now…..

As the host of the Flower turned around, he noticed the stares from women and men.

He then looked at the reflection of himself on the window glass of a restaurant and tilted his head.

Zero was no doubt attractive. This was no simple arrogance. Over the years, he came into several contacts with people who strived to engage sexual activities with him, female and male as well. From his blood he knew, that dragons were, in their humanoid/angelic form, already attractive and beautiful in appearance. Now putting the influence and existence of the Flower, his body, appearance and aura gained a seductive and sexual property as well, with pheromones which strengthen the effects.

His appearance, his skin, his voice and toned yet slender body, was all due the influence from the Flower. (Look at the stories picture and the link 'Mikhail with casual outfit on my profile.)

Whatever…..

XXX

"And we're here!" Chirping that he finally arrived, despite being hit on several times on the way here, Zero smiled.

"Z!" Turning around Zero was called out by an elderly man, with brown-gray hair, thick eyebrows with green eyes "I see you came, as punctual as ever. I already have the part."

Shrugging Zero, crossed his arms and walked towards the man.

Normally Zero would make the parts for his weapon himself, yet since he hadn't had a workbench in his apartment for now, he had to trust people with the raw materials he had.

And that man in front of him would die to keep the secrets of his friends.

Before the draconic Intoner could speak up, a young girl appeared in a flurry of red petals at the counter.

Blinking in confusion because the sudden petal rain, Zero almost thought for a second, that she was an Intoner, like Rose and him, since they always produce petals as well, when using their powers.

But that girl, despite not being an Intoner, held a great power inside her…

And that power was located in her silver eyes...

Yet little did he know, that this girl….no this young warrioress, would change his life….

XXX

Heya guys, been a while?

Yeah sorry for not giving more information about my situation, but in the last two years I have literally gone through hell.

My mother got cancer, I lost my new job after three months, my mother got cancer again with a chance of 20% recovery and then my grandfather passed away in the hospital through a pertussis infection….

Yeah, but at least my mother recovered, even though the second chemo made her really weak. At least she is now out of danger. My dear darling cousin was born, which also helped my mother. She was so happy to be an aunt now. And I found a new job.

I just wanted to update at least this story, to show that I am alive and kicking.

Sorry for worrying you.

I can't promise you that I will update more often, since I have also many tests and midterm-exam besides my work.

So I wish you all a happy new year!

Khan