Author Notes: Took a while to make this chapter but here it is! Enjoy!

What It Takes

Chapter 22: The Truth

Namra ran past building after building as she headed down the street, desperate to get there in time. She continued to run despite the aches in her legs and the sweat on her brow. She had to get there; she had to get there in time. She stopped as she arrived at her destination, but she was too late. The building in front of her was burning, the fire consuming it entirely. She saw a man in front of it, staring at the dancing flames. He turned to her and smirked evilly.

"You're too late," he exclaimed with glee, and he gestured to the building, "your home has been destroyed and your friends are gone."

At that he pointed to the ground and Namra saw, to her horror, the bodies of Re, Sylvia, and Wai, their lifeless eyes staring up at her. Namra collapsed to the ground.

"No…" she said weakly, "This can't be…"

"But it is," the man said, still smiling, "And it's entirely your fault."

At those words, Namra was engulfed in flames. She felt the heat lick at her skin as it burned her entire body, immense pain scorching through her.

Namra screamed and jolted up in bed.

"Namra what's wrong?" Sylvia asked quickly at her side.

Re and Wai joined her, and sat down at the edge of the bed, concern filling their eyes.

Namra was covered in a cold sweat and was breathing heavily. Her entire body was shivering despite the warmth of the room. She took a few gulps of air before she spoke.

"I'm f-fine," she sputtered, "J-just a bad dream."

She clutched the blankets harder as the image of her dead teammates came back into her mind.

"You don't look fine," Sylvia insisted, "maybe we should take you to the infirmary."

"No," Namra said, her voice stronger this time, "I'm fine."

"I think she'll be alright sis," Re reasoned, "after all it was just a bad dream."

Sylvia hesitated, concern still evident on her face.

"Alright," she relented, "but if you feel strange at all, go to the infirmary."

"Of course," Namra responded, "I'll be in the shower."

Namra grabbed her stuff and headed to the bathroom.

"Don't take too long," Re called after her, "Don't want to miss picking our first mission!"

There were a couple of other showers going as she stepped into the middle one. She removed her clothes and her blindfold and turned the water on. She shivered at the cold water, but then relaxed into it as it grew warmer. She allowed the water to run over her as she tried to interpret the dream.

It's been a while since I've had that nightmare, Namra thought to herself, haven't had that since my last years at Signal Academy. And this time the bodies were different.

She relaxed more into the shower as she recalled the dream again. A building on fire, her teammates dead, a man standing over her, burning fire all around her, it was all too familiar.

Definitely the same dream, Namra reflected, her hands shaking

Despite the warmth of the shower, she couldn't help but shiver as a chill ran down her spine.

No, Namra reasoned with herself, her heart racing, no, it was just a dream, there's no way he could find me.

She quickly washed herself and turned off the shower. After drying herself, she grabbed her clothes from right outside the shower and got dressed, putting her blindfold back on as well.

Besides, I gotta focus on the mission choices today.

Feeling reassured, Namra walked out of the bathroom and back to her dorm. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong.

Sylvia walked down to the auditorium with her team. All of the first year students from each kingdom were gathered around a large platform where Professor Goodwitch and Professor Ozpin stood in front of a mic. They took their places in the crowd as Glynda began to speak:

"Quiet. Quiet please."

The chattering around the room ceased as they all looked up at Professor Goodwitch.

"Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin," She declared.

Ozpin stepped up to the mic and spoke:

"Today we stand together, united. Mistral, Atlas, Vacuo, Vale, the four kingdoms of Remnant. On this day eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression."

Ozpin continued on talking about the war and its meaning, while Sylvia drifted off as she ran her plan through one more time.

All I have to do is find a mission that is later in the day, she thought, then I can go see my father and see what it was that he wanted. Hopefully Re won't be too mad at me.

"As I have said," Ozpin began to wrap up, snapping Sylvia out of her thoughts, "today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, huntsmen and huntresses will work to uphold it."

On each side of the Auditorium, holographic screens appeared, listing several different types of missions to choose from.

"As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional huntsman or huntress, on a mission. Some of you will be taken out of the kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best."

There was a smattering of applause as Ozpin walked off the stage and the students walked over to the screens.

Sylvia turned to her teammates.

"Shall we go find a mission?" she inquired.

"Sounds like a plan," Wai encouraged.

They walked over to one of the holographic screens and Sylvia scanned the missions up and down, trying to find one that left a bit later.

"How about this one?" Re asked, pointing to the top most one, "It's a scouting mission for a possibly corrupt dust company in a city not too far from here. We also don't leave till three giving us time to prepare."

Sylvia rolled her eyes. She knew that by 'prepare' he meant time to 'relax'

Of course he would want more time to relax before a mission, She thought to herself, although, it works in my favor so I guess I can't complain.

"Perfect," she stated, "Sound good guys?"

The other two nodded and Sylvia submitted their team name for the mission. The screen approved them.

"Alright!" Re exclaimed, "Can't wait to start feeling like a real huntsman!"

Team Peacock stood in front of the job boards.

"So," Basil began, "what mission are we gonna take?"

Porphyrios shrugged.

"Let's get some sort of Grimm clearing mission," Aurelia proposed.

"How about this one?" Celestia asked, "We'd have about an hour to get ready and it's clearing out a huge massing of Grimm in Forever Fall forest."

"Sounds good," Porphyrios acknowledged, "I've been itching to fight some real enemies lately."

Porphyrios walked up to the mission board and entered in their team name. After it was approved, they headed back to their dorm to prepare for their first mission.

Sylvia and the rest of her team entered their dorm. Re immediately plopped onto his bed, just as Sylvia thought he would.

"Well we have a few hours to kill," Namra pointed out, "why don't we do some last minute training?"

"Sounds good to me," Wai affirmed with a nod.

"I actually have something to take care of in town today," responded Sylvia.

"Meh," Re shrugged, "you guys go on ahead."

Wai and Namra left to go train as Sylvia grabbed her scroll and turned to leave.

"Going to see our father?"

Sylvia turned to Re, who was looking at her with concern.

"Did Namra tell you?" she inquired.

"No," Re replied, getting up, "but I assumed because you normally would be dragging me down to train with them."

Sylvia sighed.

"Yes, I'm going to see him. I can't shake the feeling that he's telling the truth and that he just wants to help."

"Then I'm going with you," Re declared.

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Sylvia stated, smiling, "come on, let's go."

The two of them walked out of the dorms and headed to the city.

I just hope my feeling is right, Sylvia thought anxiously as they boarded the public airship down to Vale.

Basil zipped up his black and white hooded vest.

"So what time do we have to be down at the airship?" he asked.

"We have about five minutes," Celestia replied as she straightened out her armored corset and pleated skirt, both dark blue with red trim.

"Right," Basil said as he clipped ammo pouches onto the belt of his jeans.

"We should get down there soon," Aurelia pointed out, lacing up her black combat boots.

Porphyrios finished tying his red face scarf around his neck before he chimed in:

"Correct, we all ready to go?"

"Yep," Aurelia stated, jumping up from her bed, hands in the pockets of her motorcycle jacket, her black and gold plaid skirt swaying as she walked to the door.

"Alright, let's head out then."

They walked from Beacon to the airship landing pads, bags of ammunition and other supplies on their backs. Students were all getting on their own airships, escorted by their respective huntsman or huntress for their mission.

"Well this is where we're supposed to meet our huntress," Porphyrios concluded, "but where-"

"Hey there!"

Everyone turned to see a young woman standing in front of them. She was pretty, with dark green eyes and blonde hair that cascaded to her shoulders. Her outfit consisted of a dark green combat skirt with a white undershirt black leggings and heels. She also had two silver rings on each hand and silver stud earrings.

"Hey guys!" The woman cried, beaming at them all, "You all excited for your first mission?"

Porphyrios grunted, putting his hands in his pockets while the rest of them nodded in affirmation.

"Awesome!" The woman responded excitement evident on her face, "I'm Professor Vert, I teach upper class combat strategy techniques, and I will be your huntress for this mission in Forever Fall!"

She clapped her hands together.

"So, who do I have the honor of leading this year?"

"I'm Basil," Basil stated.

"My name is Celestia, pleasure to meet you."

"Porphyrios."

"And I'm Aurelia."

"Wonderful!" Professor Vert exclaimed, "Well, let's get this show on the road!"

She ran up and entered the airship as the students followed her, bags on their shoulders.

Sylvia and Re stood in front of the apartment door.

"Well," Re stated, "now or never."

Sylvia sighed and knocked on the door.

"Enter," a tired voice spoke.

Sylva and Re opened the door. The room was unkempt, clothes lay strewn on the floor and empty glasses sat on the counter of a small kitchen. The living room was small with only a coffee table, a sofa and a TV. On the sofa was Sylvia's father, looking at them as they entered. He smiled softly.

"So you came," He stated bluntly.

He was wearing a wrinkled grey tank top, dark blue sweatpants, and a pair of old slippers. His eyes were not cold like Sylvia remembered them, but were filled with a kind of warmth that Sylvia had not seen in years.

"Yea," Sylvia replied slowly, "I did."

The smile widened a bit, but then faded as his face became somber.

"I wish it could be under better circumstances."

Silence fell for a while.

"Are you renting this place?" Re asked.

"Just for a bit," His father answered, "I'm here for some business and then I'll be heading back home."

"It's a mess," Sylvia pointed out, shock in her voice.

"Well I haven't had a chance to tidy it up," he said standing up, "Let me fix that."

He went around and picked up some of the clothes and put away the glasses on the counter. Eventually the place looked halfway presentable. He pulled out a couple of folding chairs from the closet and set them up in front of the couch.

"Have a seat," he offered as he plopped down on the coach.

Re and Sylvia sat down on the folding chairs, anxiously waiting for what their father was going to say. He sat there on the couch for a bit in silence before speaking.

"I know that I haven't always been there for you Sylvia."

"You finally figured that out?" Re inquired hotly.

"Re, let him speak," Sylvia pleaded.

"No," their father interjected, "you both have every right to be mad at me. I never treated either of you the same way, and I think it's time you know why."

He took a deep breath.

"When your mother went to Beacon, she was on a team, as all students are. They were all top of their class and exceled when they became huntsmen and huntresses."

He smiled as he reminisced.

"Of course, your mother met me and we settled down. She stopped going on missions all together once we had the two of you."

His smile faded as he continued.

"Then, something happened."

"She died," Sylvia interrupted, her voice cracked, "we know that already, why are you telling us again?"

"Because there's more to it," he explained, "One of her old teammates, Cole Axenus, called her about something. I don't know what it was, but I know what Cole asked made your mother very angry. She told me it was nothing to worry about."

Their father's eyes became misty as he continued.

"Then," he choked out, "a week later, she received a message on her scroll. She quickly grabbed her huntress gear for the first time in years. I asked her what was wrong, but she told me she would be back soon and that I should stay in the house with the kids. Once she left, I knew I couldn't stay there."

Tears fell down his cheeks as he choked back a sob.

"I wasn't sure where she had gone, but soon I began to hear gunfire and followed the sounds. As soon as I got there I saw your mother kneeling on the ground and Cole standing above her, holding a gun to her head. And I watched as he…as he…"

He put his face in his hand as he sobbed harder. Tears were streaming down Sylvia's cheeks and Re's eyes glistened, his mouth agape at the story.

"So…Cole…he's the reason…" Sylvia managed between sobs.

Her father nodded.

"You want to know the reason why I didn't want you to become a huntress?" he asked, "It was because your mother was one. And it was her clutch on to her duty as a huntress that got her killed. And I couldn't bear to let that happen again."

"You didn't do the same for me," Re realized, "you never deterred me from becoming a huntsman."

"You were different."

"Yea? Was that it?" Re inquired angrily, "Or did you not give a damn about me either?!"

"Of course I cared!" Their father shouted, "I worry for both of you every day! I knew at least one of you would want to become a huntsman or huntress, but I was hoping to keep one of you at home."

Re scowled, but decided it wasn't worth arguing further, for now.

"But why are you telling us now?" Sylvia asked wiping tears from her eyes, "You've kept this information secret for this long, why reveal it now?"

Their father looked at Sylvia.

"Because he visited me recently," He responded, "he wanted me to give you a message."

"What message?"

"I was to tell you to stop researching him and his group."

Silence fell in the room as Sylvia and Re both gaped at him.

"Are you saying," Re spoke slowly, "that the man we fought last semester…"

"He's the one who killed our mom?" Sylvia finished aghast.

Their father nodded as silence once again filled the room.

"I need you to just promise me that you won't go after him. That you won't try to interfere with whatever he is trying to do."

"What is he planning?" Re probed.

Their father looked up at Re.

"Please," their father begged, tears filling his eyes, "don't go after him, don't-"

"What is he planning?" Re interjected, more forcefully.

Their father hesitated, his eyes swimming with sadness.

"I don't know," he resigned, "He said that the world needs to be cleansed of those who wronged him. He wants to destroy everyone who doesn't believe in his vision."

"And what's his vision?" Sylvia pursued.

"I don't know," their father sobbed, "Now please, tell me you won't attempt to find him. I'm begging you; I can't afford to lose either of you."

Re and Sylvia looked at each other and nodded.

"I'm sorry father," Sylvia replied, "I can't promise you that."

Their father was about to protest when Re interrupted him.

"Dad, we just learned that we encountered our mother's killer last semester without even knowing it. You can't expect us to just sit around knowing that information."

Their dad stood up.

"You don't understand!" He shouted angrily, "Cole is dangerous! He is a mad man who shares no remorse about killing anyone who stands in his way!"

"And a man like that needs to be brought to justice!" Sylvia cried firmly, also standing up.

"Yes, but you two won't stand a chance!"

"You don't know that!"

Re stood up from his chair as well.

"We're not just kids anymore Dad," he argued, "We're being trained to be some of the strongest warriors in order to make this world a better place. If we don't try to make a difference now, then what hope do we have of doing it later?"

Their father opened his mouth, but then closed it again and gave a sad smile, a single tear falling down his cheek.

"And there it is," he remarked, the smile still on his face, "Your mother's courage and her overwhelming desire to better the world no matter the task."

He sat back down on his couch.

"Well, it appears that you've made up your minds," he said sadly, "Just promise you'll be careful; Cole is not to be taken lightly."

"Of course Dad," Sylvia responded, smiling slightly.

They then said their goodbyes as Sylvia and Re both left the apartment and headed back to Beacon.

"Do you think he's right?" Sylvia thought aloud, "Do we really not stand a chance?"

Re smiled.

"We won't know until we try," He affirmed, "Until then, we just have to train as much as we can."