Author's Note: Hello everyone, sorry for the delay ... had some things to sort out. Another chapter for you all that I hope you'll enjoy to the fullest! The plot thickens!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY

Beta: Yuvinile

Let me know what you guys thinks!


He sighed as he looked up at the ceiling, his thoughts running through the events of the day. He knew his arrival and need to speak with Ozpin would lead to some worries to surface but he didn't expect the sense of unease to settle in so soon. The time spent with his team and others during dinner had proven as much for him. Havasu was hardly responsive and didn't do any wisecracks, practically unheard of whenever the slayer is present. He could see the looks Kiara and Lucian were giving him as well, in mixes of curiosity and slight concern.

He sighed as he looked to his side, Athena's peacefully sleeping face just a few inches away. He couldn't help but smile whenever he looked at her, finding her presence to be the most comforting in the world. He chuckled softly before he leaned closer and planted a small kiss on her forehead, earning a content sigh from her as she snuggled into her pillow. He then slowly pulled back and got out of bed, dressed only in a pair of small shorts. His gaze feel to his newest decoration, a large scar running from his above his bellybutton to the right side of his torso, ending just below his armpit.

"My pops sure has a funny way of showing love," he chuckled to himself as he quickly found a small shirt and put it on before silently leaving his room while giving one last glance to Athena. "Be back in a few."

Once out of his room he walked to the door of their suite, noting on a clock that it was around 2 am. He silently left the dorm and headed to the stairs, beginning to ascend up until he reached the access door to the roof. 'Jaune and Pyrrha shouldn't be out tonight,' he mused as he quietly walked to the edge of the roof, enjoying the cool breeze as he looked out over the academy grounds. He looked up to Ozpin's grand tower, the sound of gears grinding be picked up even from this distance.

"Enjoying the view?"

Dante wasn't surprised as he glanced back to see a familiar wolf stepping out from the access door and walking towards him, dressed in sweatpants and tank shirt. Dante chuckled as he returned his gaze to the tower, seeing Lucian out of the corner of his eye as they stood side by side. They remained in silence for a few minutes, neither really feeling the need to hurry.

"So … what do you want to know?" Dante asked casually, without needing to look at his teammate.

"…"

Lucian didn't answer immediately, probably thinking on a proper way of bringing up his questions.

"What happened in the break?" Lucian started.

"Spent time with the family," he quipped with a sly grin.

"I need a little more detail than that," Lucian muttered.

"Hehe … I spoke to my father about this past semester and some of the developments that happened, along with getting trained," he elaborated.

"Training? In what?" Lucian asked curiously.

"Well, let's just say that I was made far more … self-aware," he answered cryptically.

"Such as …?" Lucian persisted.

"How my semblance didn't change," he said as he looked to the wolf. "… It evolved."

"... Evolved? I've never heard of that happening to a semblance," Lucian muttered.

"That's because it can't happen … for most people anyway," he replied.

"A dragon trait?" Lucian asked though his face showed that he was already aware that it was the answer.

Dante nodded as he placed a hand on his chest, feeling the familiar warmth of the crystal pulsing away in his chest. He sighed before fixing the wolf with a curious look.

"I also became more aware of the other Alphas and their traits," he said as he read Lucian's facial expressions.

He caught the slight look of surprise as Lucian tensed up, knowing that he was going to be thoroughly questioned now.

"So, I'll start with a small question," Dante said as he looked at his fellow Alpha. "Why didn't you take out the minotaur back in the Razorback Mountains?"

"But we did. I injured it and Crato finished it off," Lucian replied.

"You could have killed it alone," Dante replied in a slightly cold voice. "So … why didn't you?"

Lucian sighed as he shook his head before replying. "Why do you think I tried to get the others to leave me behind?"

"To avoid them getting caught in the crossfire," Dante answered with an understanding look.

Lucian nodded before speaking softly. "I can't control it yet and didn't want to risk killing Crato or even going berserk."

"That would have been pretty bad," Dante agreed with a sigh. "Especially if it would have meant me having to put you down."

Lucian looked at him sharply as he said that, his tone hardening as he spoke. "Which brings me to ask, how can you control it?"

"I can't … not fully anyways," he muttered back as his hand unconsciously traced along his new scar.

"Exactly. That shouldn't be possible for your age," Lucian said as he glanced at Dante's hand. "And what the hell are you tracing?"

"A reminder of what happens when I lose control … and just how far my father outclasses me," Dante muttered back with the slightest pang of irritation in his voice.

"Could have fooled me," Lucian replied as he looked at Dante's chest, trying to imagine just what kind of 'tough love' had his father left him with. "Your presence has changed."

"How so?" Dante asked innocently, trying to see if he could bug the normally cool wolf.

"Don't play dumb, any Alpha near you could tell just by looking at you for a few seconds," Lucian snapped at him with a slight glare.

"So what? You scared of me now?" Dante asked, dropping any of his usually teasing manner.

"Honestly … I'm not sure," Lucian grumbled as he crossed his arms before he looked intently into Dante's eyes. "But seriously … how?"

Dante sighed as he glanced away for a moment, his fists clenching as he spoke in a cold voice. "Everything has been leading up to it."

Lucian only raised an eyebrow, waiting for Dante to explain.

"I've had many … difficult experiences … and each has pulled it out to the surface in some way. In fact, the first time it truly surface was when I first ever killed someone. I was 12 and someone tried to hurt a friend of mine so I snapped and killed them while also discovering my semblance for the first time. Then I trained until Othrys Academy and that night happened. It came out and I massacred everyone except for Kiara … that's why my father gave me that sword."

"…"

"When I told my father that I did that while managing to leave Kiara safe, he decided that I was ready to wield Draco Ira …"

"But what does a cursed sword have to do with it? If I recall right, that sword contained ungodly amounts of bloodlust and all it did was try to drive you mad by infecting your mind," Lucian interjected with obvious confusion.

"That's just it … the blade didn't try to infect me," Dante replied as he looked down, his eyes being obscured by his hair. "Draco Ira's purpose wasn't to put anything in … it was to draw out what was already there."

Even without looking, he could practically feel Lucian shudder.

"That was the first step to mastering it, to retain control over the bloodlust which I did thanks to Athena," Dante continued. "So my father saw fit to take the next step in mastering it … but I pushed it too far and ended up losing control, so he put me down."

"Damn," Lucian mumbled as Dante raised his head back up to look at him.

"Hell, if I didn't heal the way I do, I'd still be in a bed back in Vacuo. Sort of gave Athena and my mother a heart attack though," he chuckled at the end.

"So that's why your presence is like … them," Lucian said in an almost awestruck voice.

Dante faintly smiled as he looked up at the sky, wondering about some of the discussions he had with his father.

"Yeah, my father wants me preparing as much as possible … even if it means reaching the level of a Kishin …" he said softly.

"And you really think it's possible?" Lucian asked in a concerned voice. "I mean … it usually takes decades or more for any Alpha to master it."

I don't have any other choice," Dante said almost sadly as he looked at the wolf. "If attaining it means I'll be able to keep my family and friends safe, then I'll endure hell itself to become strong enough."

They stood silent for a few minutes, letting the words sink in as they both returned to looking at the tower.

"So …" Dante started in a calm and steady voice. "Which of your parents is it?"

"My mother …"

"Title?"

"Sitiri," Lucian replied in a tired voice.

Dante whistled as he glanced to Lucian. "So your mom is one of the five rookies that earned the title in the Faunus War and ranked 4th among them. I'll admit, those are pretty big shoes to fill."

Lucian chuckled before he replied, "True but at least I'm not the heir of Astaroth himself. From the stories I heard, he was dubbed 'War God' whenever on the battlefields."

"Doesn't that technically count as a step down?" Dante asked with a frown. "I mean, he went from being called a god to a demon."

"Well, that was just a nickname. Demon Lord Astaroth on the other hand, is a title with real weight to it," Lucian replied. "Actually makes your nickname very fitting, Dante, the Silver Demon and son to the strongest Demon Lord."

"Yeah, yeah … laugh it up," Dante said before falling quiet again.

"So, what else is on your mind?" Lucian asked.

"Well … I need to speak to Ozpin about our history," Dante replied as he looked at the wolf.

"Are you sure? Wasn't it forbidden to let humans know about it?" Lucian questioned back.

"Athena already knows it," Dante shot back.

"She's your mate, that doesn't count since you're practically soulmates with that crystal in your chest," Lucian snapped back crossly.

"You have no idea of the gravity of that statement," Dante muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing," Dante quickly replied before Lucian could pursue it. "Just, trust me. My father gave me permission to do it and even set up some missions for us."

That peaked Lucian's interest as he quieted down for Dante to explain.

"The kidnappings aren't an isolated incident. They are happening across the kingdoms along with increases in body trafficking. Alarming as it may be, there is also some reports of other 'things' being taken down around remote villages."

"Things?"

"Enhanced humans and faunus like the twins we killed in the Razorback Mountains," Dante replied. "In fact, my father already deduced that they may be trying to perfect full hybridization and even attempt to create artificial Alphas."

"So he already knew about Lily?" Lucian asked in surprise.

Dante shook his head. "He didn't know they've succeeded yet but I did bring her up."

"And?"

"He wants to meet her before he makes any final decisions," he replied somewhat tensely.

"Good luck with that," Lucian said in a tone that made Dante feel like he was already a dead man walking.

"Thanks," he deadpanned. "Anyways, my father wants us investigating the trafficking to see if we can figure out where the people are being sent."

"So, you want to explain all this to Ozpin and then have him official sanction the mission for us?" Lucian surmised to which Dante nodded. "I guess that could work but how would we figure out where everyone is being sent? That business has some of the tightest security around and few people are ever given full details aside from the highest controllers."

"Don't worry about that, there is already a plan thought up for it and it's actually very … fitting … for us," Dante replied with a sly smirk.

"I can already tell that I'm going to hate this," Lucian muttered as he ran a hand through his hair.

Dante chuckled as he let himself relax. The hardest part of the conversation was done and now he could grill Lucian for a few other things.

"So, who is she?" he asked innocently making Lucian look at him in surprise.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lucian said in clear denial.

"I can still smell it on you. You were with her this morning … so who is it?" he persisted with a grin.

Lucian didn't reply, instead looking towards the tower and away from him.

"You have a slight scent of vanilla and coffee so if I guess … it's that cute little jackal from the coffee shop in uptown Vale," Dante said without dropping his grin.

"Damn you and your nose," Lucian grumbled as he looked back at him. "Yeah … just so we're clear, it's purely physical."

That made Dante's smirk falter for a moment before it turned to a sly smile. "But you will be seeing her again?"

"What of it?" Lucian said with a raised eyebrow.

"You liiiiike her," Dante said with a smug face.

"The hell was that!?" Lucian asked in irritation.

Dante shrugged before answer. "Was watching some TV the other day and paused at some anime with a flying blue cat saying it and it stuck," he said with a chuckle.

"Whatever," Lucian said before he suddenly smirked. "What about you and Athena? Did you seal the deal or what?"

Dante could only smirk back. Hell yeah they did, and every night after. He was already considering soundproofing their room to allow for more … activities. Lucian caught the look, returning his own smirk as he offered Dante a fist bump which he gladly bumped back.

"Should I be expecting little dragons any time soon?" Lucian asked but was immediately silenced by a steely glare.

Dante took his eyes off him while clenching his fist, trying to cool himself off. Even if it was a joke, Lucian didn't know that Athena couldn't have kids. He counted to ten before he looked back to Lucian, the wolf having a worried and confused expression.

"I'm sorry … I didn't know that would be a touchy subject," Lucian said softly.

"I know," Dante sighed while running a hand through his hair. "Just … don't bring it up around either of us, ok?"

Lucian nodded before he glanced out at the tower one more time.

"Then I think I'll be heading to bed. Catch you tomorrow," he said before turning to walk away.

Dante remained silent, looking up at the night sky as a breeze rolled by. He waited for a few minutes before he turned as well, wanting to be beside his mate already and sleep. It took him a few minutes to reach his dorm and step in, the entire suite being near silent aside from two sets of steady breathing. He quietly entered his room and closed the door before turning to see a set of sapphire eyes looking at him in worry.

"Hey, you're awake," he said as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"And you got angry about something," she replied softly as she reached for his hand. "What happened?"

He sighed before squeezing her hand. "Don't worry about it … just a misplaced comment," he answered, hoping that it would be enough.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Positive," he replied as he tossed off his shirt before laying under the sheets beside her.

He faced her for a moment before he leaned closer and surprised her with a tender kiss. He felt her slight surprise but she instantly returned it as she brought one hand up to grab the back of his head to keep him close. He slowly broke the kiss and looked into her eyes, just letting his worries fade away leaving him with nothing but her, and that was all he needed.

"I love you," he said softly as he pulled her against him, relishing in the feel of her body pressed up against his.

"I love you too," she replied as she snuggled up against his chest and closed her eyes.

He sighed before closing his eyes as well, letting the familiar scents lol him to sleep. The scents of lavender … and honey …


"As the beast tried to pounce at me, I quickly used my trusty axe to …"

"Well, definitely didn't miss this," Athena whispered under her breath as they watched professor Port drone on about his past adventures.

Dante chuckled as he glanced at the ravenette beside him, loving how adorable she looked when she pouted from boredom. He returned his gaze to the burly professor, watching as the man used his arms to add exaggerated motions to his 'epic' tale. Dante wondered if he would ever see the day that more than a quarter of the current students attending would manage to stay awake through one of these lectures.

He sighed as he looked over the students today, noting the usual ones like teams RWBY and JNPR. Yang and Nora were down for the count, Jaune and Ruby were making a valiant effort and failing quickly, Ren wasn't conscious a minute after class started, and the last ones remaining were holding out. He noticed that Blake had her eyes on him which wasn't that unusual but they seemed particularly focused today.

'She must want to talk about yesterday. There's no doubt that she smell Velvet on me and vice-verse,' he mused as he pretended to not notice the gaze. At least Kiara and Lucian hadn't made any effort to question that, even when Lucian had the prime chance during their little meeting. He chuckled at the thought of Kiara mentioning it, possibly with a slight fit of jealousy considering she'd used to do the same with him back in their old academy. He could easily imagine her demanding what she used to fondly refer to as 'bonding naps', which really was just her excuse to use him as a heated body pillow.

'Would Blake get jealous too?' he wondered as he scratched his chin.

Dante had a rather large amount of experiences around feline based faunus and if he knew one thing, it's that they loved sleeping on or next to heated objects. He smirked at the thought and the teasing material he could get out of it would be priceless. 'Well, it's probably what she wants to talk about so I'll see later,' he thought as he returned his attention to his surroundings, and in the nick of time too.

"And as such a hunter must always be ready to react … especially NOW!" Port shouted as he suddenly wheeled around while drawing a small knife from his sleeve before tossing it straight at Dante's face.

He didn't bat an eye as his hand shot up and caught the blade, the tip barely an inch from his eye while the students gasped. He looked past the knife to give Port an irritated look.

"Excellent Mr. Argentum, exactly the sort of reflexes expected of one with the title of slayer," Port praised, seemingly blind to the glare Dante was giving him.

"Now then class," he said as he turned to address the students while Dante set the knife down before looking at Athena.

"That was a surprise," she commented.

"Maybe he realized we are hardly paying attention," he muttered back as he waited for the bell to ring and dismiss the class.

It didn't take long before the bell rang as the students got up from their seats and began to shuffle out, some giving Dante curious looks which he promptly ignored. Once the room was empty Port waved them off as he left as usual through the classroom's back door.

"Well, time to go," Athena said as the pair left the classroom to find team RWBY waiting for them, another common occurrence.

"Yo," he said as he looked at the huntresses in training.

"Hello," they greeted back together before quieting down.

"So, what do you girls need?" Athena asked nicely.

"Just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out?" Ruby asked before she glanced directly at him. "And that was cool by the way."

"Thanks," he replied with a smirk. "You'd be surprised how often that happens to me."

"Do we want to know?" Weiss asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Probably not," he replied sheepishly earning a sigh from the group.

"Never a dull moment with you guys," Yang added before looking at Athena.

"Hey, if you're both here, where is Lily?" she asked.

"Kiara didn't have a morning class so she volunteered to babysit," Athena replied.

"Oh? Then can we go with you to see her?" Ruby asked excitedly.

"I don't see why not," Athena replied as she glanced at Dante. "Did we have anything else to do?"

Dante looked at the still silent Blake for a moment before answering. "You all go on ahead, I need to talk to Blake and then meet with Ozpin later."

That got him some curious looks but a smile relaxed them before they said quick goodbyes, leaving him and Blake alone in the hallway. Once out of earshot Dante returned his attention to the cat, her yellow eyes looking back at him.

"So, what's up?" he asked.

"Not much, just curious about something," Blake replied before shuffling on her feet.

"And that would be?" he continued, even though he knew exactly what it was.

"Why did you and Velvet … smell like each other?" she asked with the faintest rosy tint coloring her cheeks.

"What do you think?" he returned, finding Blake's sudden shyness adorable.

"I'm not sure, that's why I asked," she replied with the slightest trace of irritation from having him dodge an answer.

'I'm sorry Blake but I just can't help myself,' he thought as he gave her a smirk before leaning closer and whispering next to her ears, her cat set, in a slightly husky voice. "How else do people get their scents on each other?"

The reaction was instant, her cheeks darkening as she gasped while looking at him with incredulous eyes. He could only grin back before he started to chuckle softly, loving the face Blake was giving him.

"Y-you s-slept together?" she asked in almost a whisper, her eyes widening by the second.

"Nope," he quipped back with a shit eating grin.

Blake suddenly scowled at him before punching him in the gut while turning around and crossing her arms.

"Jerk," she muttered before adding a 'hmph' to the end of it.

"Aww, don't be like that," he practically cooed as he stepped closer before hugging her from behind while his chin rested on the top of her head.

"No," she muttered back crossly as she tried to retain a pout but he could feel her leaning back against him. "You tricked me."

"It was just a joke," he whispered as he watched her bow twitch. "But we did actually sleep together, just not the way you thought."

"Why?" she asked as she turned her head up to look at him.

"I have this habit to grabbing things when I sleep and Velvet tried to wake me up but ended up getting stuck with me so she sort of gave up and took a nap with me," he explained quickly.

"Then why didn't you just say so?" she asked as she gave him a half-hearted glare.

"Couldn't resist teasing you," he chuckled back before she elbowed him.

'That's it,' he thought as he scanned the coast to make sure no one was near before he gave her a sinister grin, her eyes widening in fear but it was too late, she was already in his arms. Without any mercy, Dante used his left arm to keep her hugged to him while his right raced along her side, tickling her relentlessly.

"Ah, D-Dante!" she squealed as a fit of laughter escaped her.

He didn't stop, his fingers flying as she squirmed in his grasp, her breathing becoming harder with every passing minute of laughter until she was practically in tears. Only then did he decide to show some mercy, even if he would have preferred to continue until she couldn't stand.

"You're … evil," she panted out as she used him as a support while she recovered.

"You already knew that," he replied as he finally released her once he was sure she wouldn't stumble and she turned to face him.

"Jerk," she muttered without any real anger in her voice.

He could only smile back at her but then noticed a two presences getting closer, one being very familiar. He glanced down the hallway to see Sindria and another woman approaching them, dressed in a similar uniform to his own. Mostly black colored vests and plaid skirt reaching mid-thigh, both had thigh-high socks, red ties, and dress shoes. The girl beside Sindria wasn't one he recognized but guess that she was another slayer.

The girl was around a few inches taller than ruby, had dark shaded skin, choppy, short, dirty blonde hair, a set of feline ears atop her head with faint little black spots. 'Cheetah faunus huh? Those are rare,' he mused as he looked into the girl's yellow-green eyes, noting that they were looking straight back at him. Blake was watching them as well but he could tell she was somewhat nervous and he could understand why. She'd already had a questionable experience with other new slayers and just from being near these two, it was obvious that they were strong in their own right.

He rested a hand on her shoulder while shooting her a warm smile, letting her know that it was fine. She relaxed as she looked to the two fauna that stopped just a few feet away.

"Hey Dante," Sindria started politely.

"Yo Sindria," he replied before he looked to Blake. "Blake, this is Sindria, one of my old friends and new slayer."

"Hi," Blake replied before Sindria offered her a hand which she took after a moment.

"Nice to meet you Blake," she replied before gesturing to her friend. "And this is one of my teammates, Ru."

Ru then nodded as she offered Dante and Blake each a quick handshake. Once that finished Dante looked to Blake.

"I'll see you around later ok," he said.

"Ok, catch you around," Blake replied as she glanced at the two older women before walking off, probably to find her team.

Dante then returned his attention to Sindria and Ru.

"Still running around Dante?" Sindria asked in a teasing tone.

"Excuse me?" he asked incredulously, knowing that Sindria was trying to get a kick out of him.

"What? I heard what you were doing," she replied as she smirked at him. "Just can't keep your hands off them."

"Since when is tickling a crime?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That looked like more than just tickling," Ru commented in a soft voice, speaking for the first time.

"Well it was," he defended.

Sindria shook her head as she chuckled. "It isn't … I'm just glad to see that you're still you. Little dark and mysterious at times but still a total sweetheart to those close to you," she said before putting her hands on her hips. "Which reminds me."

She then stepped up to him and hugged him tightly, resting her head on his shoulder. He sighed as he returned it, knowing that she'd probably been waiting for this for a while. The hugged lasted for nearly a minute before Sindria released it and took a step back to look at him with a warm smile, her bright blue eyes shining.

"I've really missed you guys," she said sweetly.

"I know … sorry about … you know," he replied, his voice sounding slightly heavy at the end.

"It wasn't the same after you guys were all gone," Sindria continued, her voice starting to sound sad. "They … they blamed you for it."

"I assumed as much," Dante said as he scratched his cheek. "No one aside from Kiara and I survived so the blame had to be pinned on someone."

"So you really are the Sliver Demon?" Ru asked as she looked him up and down.

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, it's just that from all the stories and reports on you, I guess I expected someone more … terrifying," Ru explained before looking down at her feet shyly.

"Want me to be terrifying," Dante returned with a dangerous tone and steely glare, making both girls nearly jump.

"No," Ru replied quickly. "Sweet Dante is just fine."

"Sweet Dante?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, his dark façade gone as quickly as it had appeared.

"Just going off what Sindria used to tell us about you," Ru replied as she looked at Sindria who was laughing sheepishly.

"What can I say? You and Kiara were the idols for a lot of the younger classes," she defended.

"Yeah … we were," he sighed before shaking his head. "I don't even want to know how some of them took the news."

"Well," Sindria said as she suddenly looked very sad as she recalled the memory. "They were really shocked and sad … but mostly they didn't want to believe that you could do such a thing."

"But I did," he said as he looked at his hand, easily remembering how it looked when drenched in blood. "Which makes me wonder what would happen if I saw some of those old faces again."

"Maybe the same as me," Sindria replied. "They knew that it was an attack on the Four Beasts even if the school officially blamed you for the massacre."

Dante sighed as he looked at Sindria. He really was glad to see her and know that she didn't look at him in horror and disgust after everything happened but the memories still haunt him.

"I guess," he said before he started to turn. "Please excuse me, I have an appointment with Ozpin."

"Ok," he heard Sindria reply in a slightly downcast voice.

He wanted to turn back and talk more, to really catch up with one of his closest friends but there were more pressing matters to attend to.

"Oh and Sindria," he said as he paused to looked back at her over his shoulder. "I know it's a little awkward … but try to talk to Kiara."

He watched as she fidgeted for a moment before nodding.

"Sure thing," she called as he resumed walking away, a small smile on his face …


Ozpin sat in his desk with his ever present cup of coffee in hand. He nursed the drink as he gazed up at the clock gears above him, clearing his thoughts to the sound of gears grinding. Really he did need to find a quicker method of relaxing. He wasn't getting any younger and from the activities going on lately, he felt like his aging was advancing at alarming levels. 'Honestly, is it too much to ask for a simple break? A little innocent silence while the school runs smoothly without something blowing up every 5 minutes?' he pondered as he caught the sound of the elevator ascending.

'Right on schedule,' he thought as he waited for the elevator to arrive. He'd been rather curious to see just what was it that Dante wanted to speak to him about. He didn't know what it was but there was something … different about Dante. His eyes held that familiar flame in them but them seemed far more intense than usual, as if the man was always in serious thought. He was still rather subdued and friendly around his mentees but Ozpin could tell that there was more.

It didn't take long before the elevator doors open, his arguably strongest slayer exiting the constraints of the metal box and approaching him in a rather calm manner. Dante was surprised though when Dante made no motion to sit but rather walked past him and neared the large viewing glass at the far wall. Ozpin turned to see Dante looking out towards Vale, his form looking rather rigid as the slayer breathed evenly in silence. It took a few moments before Dante began, his tone low and serious.

"Thanks for meeting with me in such short notice Ozpin."

"No need to thank me. It seemed that this was rather important so it was only natural that I addressed it," Ozpin replied before taking another sip of his brew.

"Regardless, I appreciate it," Dante replied, his gaze still locked to Vale. "Now … there is some information I need to give you along with a request."

"And that would be?" Ozpin asked with a raised eyebrow, his interest already having been peaked from the get go.

"Well, to explain it I need to tell you a story first … a very old story," Dante replied. "Along with a question that you may find odd."

"Odd? In what way?" Ozpin asked.

"It will make you see some things in an angle you haven't thought of before," Dante answered.

"Then let's hear it," Ozpin continued smoothly.

Dante sighed before speaking, his tone sounding almost emotionless.

"Tell me … what would happen if the Grimm were to break through or war were to occur?" he asked.

Ozpin looked at Dante's back for some time, going over such a question. At any other time he would have answered almost immediately, stating that the destruction of the kingdoms would follow but the way Dante asked made him pause. His manner made Ozpin feel as though there was more to the question, an unknown that even Ozpin himself was not aware of. After a while he finally answered.

"We would perish …"

Dante sighed at his answer, his form slouching for a moment before he finally turned to face the senior huntsmen. His eyes held that new fire in them, making him look stern as he replied in his still emotionless voice.

"And just who exactly is we?" he asked back, his words carrying a weight that Ozpin couldn't have known …


Author's Rant: And that cliff hanger ... I couldn't resist but now hopefully I got you all hyped for the next chapter. Any and all comments appreciated!

A pleasure, Jbubu