Author's Note: Yo everyone! I'm really sorry about taking so long to update, me and my beta have been busy. Just as a heads up, updates will be irregular for some time. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY

Beta: Yuvinile


Ozpin looked at his strongest slayer quietly, mulling over his words and their meaning. What did he mean by we? All of the humanity and faunus alike, there would be no survival if the Grimm made it through. But when he looked at Dante's eyes, he could see there was more, things he didn't know about … and that was surprising in of itself.

"Care to explain that one then?" Ozpin asked evenly, not letting his curiosity shine too much.

"It's simple really …" Dante said as he walked to the front of the desk and took a seat at one of the chairs. "Humanity and most faunus would surely die out but not all …"

A spark of clarity passed through Ozpin's eyes as he looked at Dante, now beginning to see what he was getting at. He, however, remained silent as he waited for Dante to continue and explain why this subject had been broached in the first place.

"As you now understand, Alphas would not struggle should the Grimm break through or if war broke out … after all … we exist because of war," Dante explained. "Most of us can take on even elder Grimm without weapons and we can subsist on Grimm flesh alone for extended periods of time. War would just mean more food … regrettably enough."

"Where are you taking this conversation? Even if what you say is fact, I still want to see why is it that we discuss this," Ozpin said, wanting to keep the conversation moving forward rather than falling on tangents.

"First thing though … what is Amber's condition?" Dante asked, making Ozpin's eyes widen in surprise.

"How did …"

"I know about the Maiden you have here in the school that was recently attacked? My pops keeps tabs on a lot of things, especially the Maidens," Dante answered before adding. "Don't worry, their protection is his main concern. That's why he brought it to my attention when I visited him."

"Your father seems very well informed," Ozpin said as he narrowed his eyes at Dante.

"You have no idea," he replied while running his hand through his hair. "And now he's practically got me running as his errand boy."

"How is that?"

"Well, you see … the Maidens have a little history with the Alphas," Dante started to explain. "Just think back for a moment to every little princess story where they're locked away and guarded by a …"

"Dragon …" Ozpin finished as he looked at Dante curiously.

"Yeah … a beautiful young woman, usually special in some way and sometimes cursed or gifted, loads of people after her … see the picture?"

Ozpin nodded.

"Of all the Alpha breeds, dragons had the more prominent desires to guard Maidens … mostly due to our own history," Dante explained.

"And what is that history?" Ozpin asked as he leaned forward.

Dante sighed as he looked at him.

"You know the myth about the Maidens right?"

Ozpin nodded slowly.

"Ever wonder why the old hermit was alone?" Dante asked seriously. "Why would such a powerful man stay holed up and alone, apparently shunning the outside world and needing to be dragged out by four sweet sisters?"

Ozpin remained silent as he waited for Dante to continue.

"He was alone because he lost his closest companion to this world. He was grieving for a loss," Dante said almost sadly.

"Who did he lose?" Ozpin asked.

Dante sighed as he looked away for a moment, seeming to think over his words carefully before beginning to answer.

"There is an old story … about powerful beings descending from their home to explore this one. Some say they were running away from a war themselves, others that they destroyed their home and were forced to come here. Now, when they arrived, this world was at war as well. Humanity and the most primitive of faunus raged clan wars throughout the continents while also fighting the Grimm. These beings took many shapes and forms to disguise themselves before watching us. Centuries passed and these wars escalated, thousands upon thousands dying all around them …"

"…"

"Now … at one point a pair of these beings, one like an old man and the other, a strange form of beast that had never before walked these lands took interest in the humans and faunus. The old man once hoped that they would move beyond the need for war and come to peace while the beast thought that in the end the strong deserved victory. They watched for some time, one losing his faith in them while the other one became frustrated that none seemed to come out on top to finish it. Of course, one day a particularly harsh battle was fought … one of the last of the war …"

Dante paused for a moment as Ozpin absorbed every detail, trying to understand every meaning and how it could affect them now.

"So … at the end of this battle, only eleven people stood standing from ten different clans. They were surrounded by hundreds of corpses and could each barely move but they still stood, ready to end it. That's when the beast … well … she had decided that these warriors had deemed themselves the strongest and so chose to reward them. Nine of them were faunus and the other two were humans, sisters in fact. As this beast, some calling her a goddess of sorts, came to them she made an offer. She would give them the power to rule the lands and so end the wars against each other."

"And what did she give them in exchange?" Ozpin asked making Dante smile.

"That's a good question and I'll get to it," Dante answered. "So, with the offer made, the warriors accepted but at the cost of needing to become something … more than human or faunus. It came with a hunger that could only be sated by flesh and other attributes depending on the soul of the warrior. You see, this beast goddess used her power to make each warrior commit an oath and pledge in an ancient tongue, showing the makeup of the person within. From these eleven warriors came the ten Alphas and something more."

Ozpin frowned for a moment as he thought that over. Ten Alphas when they were eleven and two were human … that didn't add up. He looked at Dante questioningly, the dragon smirking back as he nodded.

"Good catch. Two were human but their oaths were different. The nine faunus are speculated to have desired power more than anything … or at least they were a little more selfish than the two sisters that fought on par with them. It's said that the sisters and their oaths moved the goddess to such an extent that both were given a blessing of sorts with one of the sisters taking on the very guise of the beast that had granted them the power," Dante said as Ozpin looked him over carefully.

"So …" Ozpin said slowly and drawing his words out. "… Of all the Alphas … the dragons originally came from a human?"

"Yeah … that's how the story goes," Dante said with a sigh. "… From there the ten crushed the remaining warring clans, set up their own territories and ruled for millennia until they decided to remove the thrones and leave humanity and the regular faunus to rule themselves."

"What about the last sister?" Ozpin asked. "Ten became the Alphas … what happened to the last sister?"

Dante chuckled for a moment as he looked back at Ozpin.

"Funny thing … legends say that while one sister started the Dragon clan, the other simply returned to their old one with a unique power given by the goddess, and … it is said both sisters had silver eyes," Dante said with a grin.

Ozpin's eyes widened at that, two people coming to mind at the mention of that.

"Yeah, I was blown away too," Dante commented. "So looks like I have a little something in common to the little rose."

"This is … surprising …" Ozpin said as he took a long drink from his coffee. He might need a little something stronger later in the evening.

"I know but that's where the problem comes in," Dante said with hardening eyes. "Some speculate that this power came to us by having a fraction of the beast's soul given to each Alpha … others think it was a curse for the blood they spilled in the battles … but most agree all Alphas carry it in them."

"And what do you see it as?" Ozpin asked with narrowed eyes.

"A curse," Dante replied without hesitation. "... No gift would make me revel in the smell of blood and make me want to kill."

"And so you carry this … essence of sorts?" Ozpin asked with even eyes.

"Yes," Dante answered before continuing. "But that isn't the point right now. The problem is what they're trying to do with creating hybrids. No Alpha can interbreed and they can't obtain a Maiden's power. However … humans are like the perfect melting pot. My father believes that there is someone trying to create an army of hybrids and combine the Alpha lines to gain power."

"And Lily was the first successful case that we know of," Ozpin commented to which Dante nodded.

"Hopefully they haven't perfected the process but we can't be sure. And if my father's fears are justified, it may be possible to hybridize a girl who is already a Maiden and that would be a problem for everyone," Dante continued with steely eyes. "That's why he's already set up a mission for me that I would like you to officially clear for us."

"And that would be?" Ozpin asked sternly.

"In about two months, there is going to be a body trafficking event of sorts going on. Faunus specifically will be on high demand and certain individuals with large influence and knowledge of traffic destinations will be attending. We need to capture one of them and get the best information we can on where the bodies are being shipped. Large movements of children with faunus heritage are the prime crop if we take into account what we found during the Razorback raid."

"And how do you plan on attending?" Ozpin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well I don't mean to brag or anything but Lucian, Kiara, and I aren't your run of the mill fauna. I'm sure 'merchandise' like us will gain some attention and then it's all a matter of catching our targets," he answered.

"What about all the other slavers and such?"

"No one will miss slavers if they suddenly disappeared while the slaves are released," Dante answered in a chilling voice.

Ozpin nodded gravely, seeing how this sort of operation could be necessary. Only infiltration will work with these sort of crime rings that keep the tightest forms of security.

"What details do you already have set?" Ozpin asked.

"My father has someone already dipping their toes in the business. All we need to do is send him the information of the team we send and who will be our 'owner' so that we can be added to the merchant listings. Then we just need to show up, play the part, and strike."

"Very well …" Ozpin said as he leaned back in his chair. "Quite the plan you have there, Dante … any idea who should be the merchant?"

"Not yet … personally I don't want Athena dealing with that sort of trash … and I might just up and kill anyone who tries to get touchy with her," he added with a growl.

"I don't doubt you," Ozpin replied with the slightest trace of humor.

They sat in silence for some time, thinking over the conversation and how they should proceed. Times were moving quickly and Dante seemed to have a plan of action needing fine tuning but otherwise sound. He was right, the particular fauna in the Slayer ranks could easily manage the situations under which a market slave could find themselves. All that remained was arranging the squad to go and who would be used as the 'merchant' to escort them. Under the circumstances there is a certain slayer that comes to Ozpin's mind, Ms. Samara Varus with her rather unique semblance could be very fitting for the job.

He could tell Dante was thinking along the same lines, considering if any of the other new slayers present could help in the operation. That task will have to be sorted out later, for now he wanted to run some ideas by Dante for his input.

"Dante, I was wondering if you'd be interested in some things," Ozpin began in an even voice.

"What's on your mind?" Dante asked as he leaned forward curiously.

"First of all, what do you think of the new slayers?"

Dante quirked an eyebrow at him before thinking on it, his eyes giving little indication of what he was thinking. After a few minutes he replied, "I honestly don't have much to go off. So far I've only seen a few of them and personally know one."

"I see," Ozpin replied with a nod. "And how would you suggest getting to know them?"

Dante gave a mischievous grin to him before answering, "A good little fight could do wonders …"

"Teams or single matches?" Ozpin asked with a near imperceptible smile.

"Singles … or one of ours against their whole teams," Dante replied.

"Lofty evaluations … could you deliver on that?" he inquired.

"Sure," Dante replied without hesitating.

"For some reason I don't feel as though this is your ego talking … makes me wonder what you went through this past week …" Ozpin commented while taking another sip of his mug.

"Training and talking mostly," Dante replied with a shrug. "By the way, about this slayer that suggested to harm Velvet …"

"Already thought on it. I have seen fit to permit you or Havasu with the authority to step in should that slayer make any other such scene and, should you see fit, use force," Ozpin replied with his own brief smirk.

Dante looked pleased as he nodded, having no doubt planned on doing just that.

"And what was the other thing you wanted to ask me about?" Dante asked after a pause.

Ozpin looked at him intently, wondering just how he would react to this request of sorts.

"Tell me Dante … how do you feel about becoming a combat instructor?"


"Damn …" Dante sighed as he left the elevator from Ozpin's office. "I can already feel Glynda glaring at me …"

He'd done it now … somehow. He didn't know why Ozpin seemed so intent on making him a co-instructor with Glynda but it was done. Sure, no more of Port's lectures but now he had the Headmistress breathing down his neck and nagging on him. At least he could directly monitor the performance and growth of the mentees … maybe set up some more interesting sparring matches. Still … it would be tedious dealing with the other students he didn't particularly know.

He sighed again as he made his way to the cafeteria, feeling the slightest pangs of hunger since it was just about lunch time. He knew Athena and Lily wouldn't be there since it'd be too crowded for Lily to handle just yet but he didn't feel like cooking anything so cafeteria it is. He soon arrived at the large open doors, scanning the insides to spot a few familiar faces. Coco, Velvet, and team RWBY sat together in one table, talking happily while they ate.

The sight brought a smile to his face, seeing them so relaxed and carefree … as carefree as you can be when you're being trained to kill monsters anyways. But still, their eyes didn't have that haunted look, that tensed posture one held as they waited for immanent attack, that cheery spark around them that hadn't been doused by spilling someone's blood. He wanted them to stay like this … smiling, talking about trivial things, and looking forward to their futures as Huntresses.

But he knew things could change quickly, these peaceful times going up in smoke at the slightest provocation. He knew he'd have to fight at the very front lines, doing what slayers were meant to do and protect the kingdom at any costs. In the end he could accept it in time, knowing that his name wouldn't be counted amongst the heroes but as a killer that rampaged across battlefields. He was a necessary evil but if it meant they could remain happy and innocent like this … then he could smile.

He was brought out of his thoughts when Velvet spotted him first, waving him over with that warm smile of hers. He smiled back as he crossed the floor, some students going quiet when they noticed him but it wasn't as bad as it used to be back in the start of the semester. He still had some rumors to nip in the bud but it wasn't much of a big deal. Teens were so nosey though, even if sometimes the gossip was interesting enough.

"Yo," he greeted as he sat in an empty spot beside Yang.

"Hello~" was the chorus of greetings back.

"You look a little tired," Yang commented immediately as she took a bite of her pasta.

"Had a meeting with Ozpin and discussed a few things," Dante answered as he looked at Ruby's tray across from him, her plate of cookies catching his interest.

Quick as a whip his hand shot out, took a cookie, and popped it in his mouth before Ruby could react. She gasped as he looked at him in horror … you'd think he insulted Crescent Rose or something. The others giggled at the display, finding no sympathy for the little redhead as Dante joined with a chuckle.

"Daannnttteeeee!" Ruby whined as she got teary eyed. "That's mean!"

"They looked tasty," he replied as he tried to reach for another but quickly pulled his hand back to avoid being stabbed with a fork.

"Unforgivable!" Ruby declared with an accusatory finger as Dante stuck his tongue out at her.

"So …" Coco started while ignoring Ruby's noble speech about avenging her cookies. "What did you talk to Ozpin about?"

"Aren't you curious?" Dante asked sarcastically.

"Duh, now spill," Yang retorted as she looked at him.

"Just getting out a few details and arrangements," Dante answered as he stole an apple wedge from Yang's tray. "Well … looks like I'm a new combat instructor."

The girls gasped as they looked at him with wide eyes. Weiss then asked the big question.

"A new class or with Goodwitch?"

"Latter …" he drawled out with a groan.

"You don't sound that excited," Blake commented.

"Because Glynda will cramp my style," he complained as his head touched down on the table. "I think training should continue until someone's bleeding."

"You're evil," they all muttered together as they looked at him.

"Guilty," he quipped as he rose his head up. "But you all already knew that."

Some of them shuddered as he said that, remembering clearly what he made them do the first weekend they started to train. He was about to add some jokes about the faces they made during the trip but was interrupted when he caught the smell of old and fresh blood. He frowned as he looked at the cafeteria doors, two slayers coming in. Zack Rojos and Rayne Sleyd, one of whom he still needed to address … and possibly threaten in case she was thinking about pulling another stunt.

The students sitting with him noticed their approach, stiffening up slightly as the slayers looked at him specifically. He looked them up and down, comparing notes on the descriptions he'd been given before and so far, everything matched up. Damn … he could already tell that Sleyd would be a particularly annoying one to handle. They stopped just a few feet away, still looking at him intently though Zack simply looked a little curious while Rayne was definitely irritated about something. Being civil, he decided to speak first.

"Hello, can I help you?" he asked politely.

"You're Argentum right?" Rayne asked as she looked him up and down. "You don't seem like much."

Ignoring the jab Dante looked to Zack. "You're the ones from Mistral right? Heard some things about you Zack." He then glanced at Rayne with a small smirk. "Haven't really heard anything about you so you mustn't be all that much yourself."

Rayne glared at him but he shrugged it off without a care, waiting to see if Zack would speak at all.

"I was just interested in finally meeting the infamous Silver Demon," Zack said in an emotionless voice.

"A pleasure," Dante said with a raised hand.

Zack looked at it for a moment before taking it and giving a firm shake. 'He's pretty strong for a human … could be interesting fighting him,' he thought as he released the shake and waited for Zack to continue since they'd obviously looked for him.

"We received a message from Ozpin," Zack began evenly. "It seems we shall be having matches between the slayers in a few days to see each other's skills."

"Really!?" Yang asked excitedly beside him.

Dante glanced at her before nodding. "Yeah, that's the plan."

"And there was something added about how you'd even accept taking on a whole team," Zack continued to which the girls behind Dante gasped, probably looking at him with wide eyes.

"Cocky one aren't you?" Rayne muttered while still glaring at him. "I don't know why you got Asteria scared of you but I doubt you could back it up."

Dante smirked as he looked at Rayne before answering her. "Asteria huh … the Griffon or more commonly known as a Golden Eagle. Geez, it's like Alphas are coming out of the woodwork lately but … I'd heed whatever warning she gave you … which got me curious to what she said?"

"To steer clear and don't risk angering you," Zack replied in an almost bored.

"Looks like this one didn't get the memo," Dante said as he gestured to Rayne.

"Are you trying to start a fight?" Rayne asked dangerously as she leaned closer.

"Oh sweetheart, that would require you standing a chance," Dante quipped in a cheery tone.

"What di—"

Before Rayne could finish the sentence Dante had moved and was now standing behind her, his arm slung over her shoulder with his mouth leaning next to her ear.

"Too slow … too easy …" he nearly growled in a low voice so that only she, her partner, and the girls at the table could hear.

She didn't move as her eyes shifted to the side to get a slight glance at him, his mouth being the only thing in view for her. He slowly exhaled, his mouth steaming as the smallest licks of silver fire leaked out past his fangs. She flinched from the heat passing her cheek, her aura keeping her skin from forming any slight burns but the pain was still there.

"I don't know how things went back where you came from and I don't care," he said in a low tone. "But you're here now and you follow our rules. You do not threaten students … especially the ones that are my friends. If I so much as catch you suggesting that you'll do something to them … well … let's just say that you'll learn exactly why I'm called the Silver Demon."

He removed his arm as he stood behind her, looking down at her as she turned to face him, her racing heart sounding clear as day to him. She got the message … for now at least … Zack just watched with amused eyes, waiting to see how the scene would unfold.

"Now get lost," Dante muttered as he stepped out of her way.

She didn't look at him as she walked past but Dante could see the tremble in her frame … from fear and rage. Oh she was angry and he knew that anger would come out during the sparring matches. He wondered if that would actually make her dangerous to them but he didn't really care, she threatened Velvet, he would respond. He then looked to Zack who hadn't moved at all and was now looking at him since his partner had left.

"Not going after her?" Dante asked to which Zack shrugged.

"She had it coming. It's not like you were going to kill her," he replied easily yet still sounding bored.

"I know I wasn't but still, no protective urge for your teammate?" Dante persisted.

"I can't say I would necessarily miss her …" Zack said as he stepped beside Dante on his way out, whispering his words so only he'd catch them. "… However … threaten Asteria or Samara and I will be the one coming after you."

Dante smiled as he nodded, understanding where Zack was coming from. He then watched as Zack left before he looked back at his mentees. They'd remained silent throughout that little bit and were now looking at him with wide eyes. He chuckled sheepishly at them before trying to break the silence.

"So … that happened …" he said.

"Y-yeah it did," Yang agreed as she glanced at the doors before looking at him. "And it was pretty cool."

"Really? And here I was thinking I terrified you," Dante replied as he relaxed a little.

"That too," Weiss muttered while shaking her head.

"Remind me never to get on your bad side," Coco added while finishing off her coffee.

"Oh don't worry, for my friends my wrath has a very different medium," he said with a sly grin as he glanced at Blake.

"Devil," she retorted sharply at him when she caught the look.

"What happened?" Weiss asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Nothing … just that Blake is ridiculously ticklish," Dante answered while still grinning at Blake.

He caught a low warning growl coming from her but it only made him want to mess with her more. The others caught the sound, looking at Blake curiously before Yang got that glint in her eyes. 'Oh I know where she's going and no … tickling is my thing … which you will learn … now!' Dante thought as he stepped behind Yang before she could try to get to Blake and assaulted her sides.

"Kyah!" Yang squealed cutely before she started to laugh widely, Dante hands flying with practiced ease.

He showed no mercy as Yang tried to thrash out of his grip but her elbows bounced harmlessly off him and from her sitting position she couldn't do much. Weiss and Blake had both scooched over to avoid Yang's flailing arms, Ruby, Coco, and Velvet having picked their trays off the table in case Yang kicked up. After nearly a minute of abuse Dante finally let go of Yang and took a step back, the blonde flopping forward onto the table while panting.

"… D-Devil …" she muttered out while glancing back at him, his response being to wave.

"Relentless …" Ruby commented in awe. "… I didn't know someone could tickle her without being smacked away."

"Now you all know … and be warned," Dante said in an ominous voice as he smirked evilly at them. "So far, three have fallen to the tickles … and there will be more."

Ruby and Velvet eeped while blushing as Weiss looked at him incredulously, Coco all the while smirking at him.

"Fine … but if you attack, then I'm obligated to return the favor," Coco said with a not too subtle wink.

Dante just chuckled at them before he noticed a presence approaching. He looked to the doors to see a very peeved looking Havasu making his way towards him. The girls noticed his approach, giving him greeting waves which he half-heartedly returned. Once he arrived he looked at Dante intently before speaking in a low voice.

"Mind if we talk for a minute?" he asked as he glanced at the table of students and added, "… Alone."

Dante sighed while nodding before he looked at the girls.

"Catch you girls later," he said as the pair started to walk, the girls giving them quick farewells before they wrapped up their meals.

Dante then followed Havasu out, the man's pace being rather brisk as he ducked down a less filled hallway. Once they were sure no one was within earshot he spun around to look at Dante seriously.

"So …" he started. "What's up?"

"The message Ozpin sent out, is it true?" Havasu asked.

"Yes, why? You don't like it?"

Havasu shook his head dismissively before answering. "I don't mind it's just … are the matches decided yet?"

"No … did you have someone in mind?" Dante asked while frowning.

Havasu didn't immediately answer as he looked around. Dante could tell this was probably a sensitive topic, why? He had no idea. Havasu had never really been very forthcoming about his past.

"You see … I want to face Rojos," Havasu finally said as he looked back at Dante.

"Why?" Dante asked seriously as he leaned closer. "I can set it up but I need to know why?"

Havasu gave a tired sigh as he looked at Dante, his eyes full of a pain Dante could recognize well … the pain of having watched someone you love die.

"Because … I need to confirm something … and settle a score …"


Author's Rant: So yeah ... still mostly setting stuff up with a little fluff. Hopefully the next chapter will be out sooner!

Let me hear your thoughts, a pleasure, Jbubu