Chapter 4

"What's a brothel?"

Pyrrha had never heard the term before, and assumed it was something native to Harry's world. It was a simple question, and not the first time she had to ask for clarification from Harry regarding his world.

But for some reason, when Pyrrha asked that question, Harry's eyes went a little wide and a furious blush colored his face. The inside of the car was filled with snickering from their escort. Even Murphy had covered her mouth to cover the huge grin on her face. The only one not laughing, was Gard. The woman rolled her eyes and glanced out the window, impatiently tapping her foot on the floor.

"What?" Pyrrha asked. "I don't understand, what's so funny?"

Murphy tittered behind her hand, "N-nothing. Why don't you explain it to her Harry? You're the best man for the job."

The glare Harry sent her way could have killed, but it only made Murphy start giggling. Harry sighed and scratched the back of his head, avoiding eye contact with anyone. "Its… well, a place where… adults go to do… adult… things."

Pyrrha raised a brow, "Like what? Gambling?"

More laughter, this time from the guards. Harry scowled at them. "No, its…very adult things."

Pyrrha blinked at him.

Harry sighed, "Okay, look… Its… you see, when a man and women enjoy each other's company-"

The wheels suddenly clicked in Pyrrha's head. "O-okay, stop right there please! I think I understand now."

"Oh thank god," Harry sighed and covered his face again.

Laughter erupted from the limo, and even Gard had a small smile on her face. Pyrrha felt her cheeks start to burn, and took an acute interest in the floor. Knowing what Harry meant now, that meant a brothel was…was…

Ew.

Pyrrha squeezed her eyes and shook her head. That was a mental image she was never going to get out of her head now. Truly she was blessed to have met such interesting people in such a short span of time.

Again, ew.

The rest of the drive was spent in an awkward silence. Pyrrha developed a unique fascination with the floor, and Harry focused on clearing his mind of whatever it was he had seen when the Grimm attacked. Murphy remained silent, but her eyes kept a close watch on Gard.

When the car finally rolled to a stop, Gard spoke for the first time in what felt like ages. "We're here. Everyone out."

They did as they were told. They had parked in front of what had once been a two story hotel of some kind. Now it looked like its lower floor had been converted into several legitimate businesses, furniture stores, organic food sales, etc. Obviously, the first floor wasn't where Gard was taking them.

Speaking of, the woman snapped her fingers and the guards opened the trunk, gathering several items from it. Harry was handed his staff and blasting rod, Murphy her pistol, and Pyrrha was given a jacket and a new set of shoes.

Harry eyed Gard, "Not afraid I'll try to start something if you give me my gear back?"

"No." was Gard's simple reply. Harry grunted and accepted his staff. Murphy snatched her pistol out of the guard's hands, and glared up at him. Pyrrha just tried not to blush more.

In all the confusion during the fight, Pyrrha hadn't realized that clothes in Harry's universe weren't designed to interact with the Aura of their wearer. Thus, the outfit Murphy had gotten for her was fairly shredded. Several tears had formed along the seams of her tights, her skirt was ragged, and Gard's security measure on her battle axe had incinerated the entire right arm of her blouse. She'd also lost her shoes in the fighting at some point, leaving her barefoot again.

Needless to say, Pyrrha gracefully accepted the offered articles of clothing. Once she was dressed, their little group was marched into the hotel. Pyrrha didn't get a chance to really look around inside, there were too many guards around them. It was just a march to a sleek elevator that was neatly tucked out of plain view.

Gard pressed a button on its panel, and a woman's cheery voice crackled through the speaker, 'Welcome to Executive Priority Health. How may I help you?'

"It's Gard." Her reply was curt and no nonsense.

There was a visible pause over the line. When the woman spoke again, her cheer remained, but there was a shaky edge to it. 'A-ah, Ms. Gard. We'll ready and escort-

"Unnecessary. Just send the elevator down."

'Y-yes ma'am!'

The elevator doors dinged open, and they were shuffled inside. It wasn't large enough for every guard, so it was limited to the three of them, plus Gard and another. Harry tapped his staff against the ground.

"Wizard in a tight space, with someone who threatened his friends. Not a good place to be Gard."

Gard looked at him blandly, "If you had been conscious, Dresden, we would not be in this situation in the first place. Ms. Murphy decided to make things difficult, and your…" she glanced at Pyrrha, "…Other, compatriot escalated the situation. Rest assured, my employer has no interest in harming you, given recent events."

Harry scratched his chin, "Uh huh, right. We'll see about that when I talk to him, won't we?"

"Indeed we shall."

The elevator doors opened a moment later, and Gard lead them out. It wasn't quite what she had expected. From what Harry had described, Pyrrha had expected the building to be quite a bit seedier. What she saw instead, was a state of the art gym.

Tall ceilings, warm colors, and various work out equipment that looked quite top of the line. Even the front desk looked very classy for what was essentially an over done gym. The business name was emblazoned with gold behind the desk, and a woman of average height sat in front of it.

Actually, a quick look around showed Pyrrha that there were women everywhere. All of them were in their early twenties at least, very fit, average height, and wore short shorts and tight black shirts with their names emblazoned across their ample… assets. All the clients on the workout machine were dominantly male. Pyrrha didn't see a single woman among them, and she wrinkled her nose.

"How long do we need to be here?" she whispered to Harry.

He shook his head, "If things go smoothly, only a few minutes. Just keep your head down, kiddo. Long as you don't make eye contact, you should be safe."

"Safe from what?"

"A job offering," Murphy mumbled. Unlike Pyrrha, she made no attempt to disguise her contempt for the place. She was practically radiating a 'screw off and die' atmosphere. An impressive feat for someone so small.

Gard lead them past all the workout machines and cliental of the establishment surprisingly fast. Pyrrha was thankful for it. The less time spent at this so called health club, the better.

She lead them to a small door near the back, labelled 'Executive Offices' and opened it. Inside was a hallway of several, well, offices. Each one was well furnished and smelled of wood polish. The steady tap-tap-tap of typing was the only sound in the halls. Other than that, it was dead silent. Not in the casual air of stable work, but in the air of tension. Something big had happened recently, and these workers were nervous.

One last time, Gard escorted them down the hall to final door. Before she opened it, Harry snapped his fingers. "I just realized what was wrong. What happened to Cujo? He's normally around for these meetings slash interrogations."

Gards hand tightened around the door, and she set her jaw into a firm line. For a moment, Pyrrha tensed in case Gard decided to use said door as a bludgeoning device on Harry. She didn't, but she came exceptionally close.

Instead, Gard twisted the handle until it popped and pushed the door open. "He's here, sir." She growled, and stepped aside.

Harry raised a brow at Gard's behavior before stepping inside. Pyrrha followed into the office, which was no more excessively furnished than the rest of the offices. A few filing cabinets rested at the back, and the desk was made of oak, but besides that, it was surprisingly sparse. No computer either, which was a surprise.

Pyrrha didn't see him until after she took in the office though. Finally though, she did see the man who had dragged them all the way here into his own private facilities. The man who had a finger in every pie in Chicago, if Murphy was to be believed, and could easily employ a woman with enough power to kill a Grimm with a well-placed throw.

John Marcone, the Baron of Chicago…

Looked more like a sports coach than a crime lord.

He was an inch under six feet, with short, salt and pepper hair, and dressed in a silver business suit. Smile lines were clear at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were a faded green, like the currency that Pyrrha had seen around Chicago. He wasn't the most handsome man she'd seen, but he had a collected confidence about him that boosted his features into something greater. Really, he wouldn't have looked out of place among Beacon's staff.

Except, that is, for those same faded green eyes. Pyrrha could see something lurking beneath those eyes. An almost animal cunning that she'd seen on only a handful of people before. Criminals mostly, but some Hunters and Huntresses at the school had the look too. Her teammate Ren was one, as were some of the transfer students from Atlas. So had… Ruby, actually, come to think of it. The young girl just hid it behind an adorable screen of innocence.

Marcone made no effort to hide it, letting it show for anyone who dared to meet his eyes. Pyrrha straightened her shoulders a little, and didn't give him the satisfaction of backing down. Showing weakness in front of a predator was far more dangerous than bull-headed courage.

His lips twitched, and his eyes flashed back to Harry. "Mr. Dresden, a pleasure to see you again." He said in a slow, precise tone.

"I'd say the same, but lying to someone's face is just so rude, you know?" Harry grinned, "And you know how I am about minding my manners, Marcone."

Marcone leaned back in his chair, his face a mask, "Indeed. Please, take a seat."

"Not until you explain yourself," Harry said. "What's the big idea on threatening me and my friends into coming here."

Marcone raised a brow, "Threaten you? I did no such thing, Dresden."

"Gard nearly shot Murphy, and almost blew off her arm," Harry pointed at Pyrrha, but didn't give her name. Pyrrha decided that unless directly asked, she wouldn't give it, either.

Marcone peered past Harry at the door for a moment, and folded his hands into a steeple. "I see. I feel I must apologize for my employee's behavior then, Dresden, as it was never my intention to threaten you into coming here. Rest assured that I shall discipline Ms. Gard for her actions towards you and your guests. Does that satisfy your bruised ego?"

"Hardly," Harry said, "But you obviously need something, and I'd like to hear it before I tell you no."

"Of course," Marcone reached under his desk and revealed a single manila folder. He tossed it across the desk to Harry.

The tall man picked up the file without looking at Marcone, and opened it with a flick of his wrist. Pyrrha had to hide her gasp. A dozen pictures of Grimm, varying in size, species, and location, were all stored in that file. Most were shrouded in night, but a few had clearly been taken in the middle of the day. All of them were coated in blood.

Harry's eyes widened only a fraction of an inch, but he was much better at hiding his surprise than Pyrrha was. It wasn't enough though.

Marcone smirked. "Ah, so you have seen these creatures before, the both of you. Of course, Gard reported the same, but I had to be sure."

His lips forming into a thin line, Harry tossed the file back onto the desk, "How long, Marcone? How long have the attacks been occurring?"

"As of last night, one full week." Marcone said. "All have been focused on less than admirable establishments within the Chicago underworld. They began on the White Courts territory, but a few days ago, they came after my own businesses. I have been monitoring the area of the attacks ever since, waiting for you to arrive on scene."

"I have a phone," Harry said, "You could've at least called and given me a heads up."

Marcone gave him a deadpan expression, "Dresden, I hold no illusions about our relationship. At best, it is one of mutual benefits, but I am well aware of your distaste for me and my businesses. If I called asking for your help, you'd likely have accused me of scheming before hanging up. Besides, I knew you'd stumble onto this eventually, you always do."

Harry glared at the man, but did not refute his point. Instead, he found something else to get angry over. "So instead, you simply let your people die? That's cold, even for you Marcone."

"Dresden, please, I'm insulted." Marcone said. "The well-being of my people is my number one priority, and you know it. I have several strike teams on standby in case of an emergency, but they lack your… delicate, touch."

Harry said nothing, but his staff creaked in his grip.

Marcone took that as a sign to continue, "I am aware that this is asking much from you, Dresden, but I'd be willing to propose a temporary alliance until-"

"Fine, deal," Harry interrupted.

That seemed to take Marcone off guard. His eyebrows rose half an inch, which was likely as expressive as he would get. Murphy summed his reaction up in words. "Harry, are you serious?"

"Yeah, I am." Harry said. "I've seen what these things are, and I know what they'll do. If they're appearing all over Chicago, then we need to find the hole they're leaking through, and plug it up tight. Because once they're done with Marcone, they'll be coming for innocent people next."

Marcone smiled, faintly, and leaned forward, "Then I take it we have a deal, Dresden?"

Harry glared at him. "We have an understanding. I'm going to investigate these attacks, I'm going to stop these attacks, and your people will stay the hell out of my way. If you don't like it, then tough. Shit."

Marcone chuckled, "Oh no, I understand your terms Dresden, and I find them quite reasonable. You shall have my willing cooperation in this endeavor. In fact, your car is waiting for you outside the building, and a list of attacked locations has been provided for you on the dashboard."

"Wait, how'd you get my car here?" Harry demanded.

"I feel you don't want to know the answer to that," Marcone replied, leaning back in his chair. "And for the moment, we have nothing more to discuss, Dresden. Should anything come up though, I shall be residing here for the next few days. You know the number."

Harry grumbled at Marcone, and began to stomp out of the room, "Come on you two. We've got work to do."

Pyrrha quickly moved after him, while Murphy stayed behind for a moment and gave Marcone her own glare. "If this turns out to be some sort of elaborate setup Marcone, we're coming after you. Is that clear?"

The crime boss smiled at her, "Crystal, Ms. Murphy."

"Good." She nodded and followed the others out.

No one escorted the trio out of the building this time. They were able to leave unmolested, and casually passed by the guards in the hall, who were talking with a red haired man in a crisp white business suit.

"Sir, you'll need to wait until Mr. Marcone is ready." One of them told him in a calm manner.

The man poked him with his cane, "And I'm telling you that time is not something I have in abundance. If your boss wants to see my product, he'll need to make time, do I make myself clear?"

Pyrrha stopped at the office exit and looked back at the altercation. Something about the man, his voice, his hair, and even his outfit seemed familiar. She could've sworn she saw him somewhere before, but…

"Pyrrha?"

Harry shook her shoulder, and she blinked, "Huh?"

"You weren't moving, you okay?"

He wore a look of concern on his face. Pyrrha looked from him back down the hall. The red-headed man was being lead into Marcone's office, and his demeanor had quickly switched, from irritated jerk, to personable nice guy. Pyrrha shook her head.

"I'm fine. I thought I recognized that man, but perhaps I'm just feeling homesick."

Harry nodded, "Right. Don't worry kiddo, we'll get you home. I promise."

They left the hotel behind, (Murphy said it used to be called the Madison before Marcone got his mitts on it) and found the Blue Beetle Mk. II parked along the curb where the limo had once been. It had a neat smooth shine of sky blue paint, and had a very retro look to it that Pyrrha found endearing, if not exactly interesting. Save for the colossal dent in the hood, it was in remarkable shape as well.

"Less than a week and you've already wrecked it," Murphy sighed.

Harry walked around the front, and tapped the car's hood. It popped open with a noticeable groan of effort, "Hey, don't judge. Car-fu requires great personal sacrifice."

Pyrrha winced, "I'm sorry. I can fix it right now, it's the least I can do."

"No, no," Harry waved it off, "Just get in and we'll be on our way after I make a quick phone call."

With that said, he marched off to… A pay-phone. Pyrrha blinked in surprise. "You still use those?"

"No," Murphy shook her head, "But Harry doesn't have a choice. It's a wizards curse, he can't really use advanced tech like cell phones or newer cars without them breaking down. Marcone probably had the phone installed just in case Harry came swinging by."

Pyrrha glanced up at the building. Even though most of its windows were blocked by curtains, she couldn't help but get a feeling that she was still be watching by Marcone. It made her skin crawl, and she shuddered involuntarily.

"He's an… interesting man, Marcone."

"One way to describe him," Murphy agreed.

Pyrrha frowned at the tone in her voice. "He's not a good man though, either."

Murphy inclined her head, "Again, one way to describe him. Marcone is complex. On the one hand, he runs all the crime in Chicago, and removes obstacles in his path without a second thought. On the other hand, he runs all the crime in Chicago and removes obstacles in his path. The alternative is unorganized crime and a dozen gangs all working for control over the city. The CPD is perfectly happy to leave Marcone in charge, as long as he keeps collateral damage to a minimum."

"That…" Pyrrha searched for a way to describe such an arrangement. She found one fast, "Is very… I'd say clever, but it really only seems to put the problem off, doesn't it?"

"Marcone will live for a long time," Murphy replied. "If he goes, it'll be Father Time that gets him. That's at least a few decades of manageable crime at least."

"But wouldn't it be better to make sure the crime doesn't exist at all?" Pyrrha asked.

Murphy chuckled at that, and looked at Pyrrha with the expression an adult would wear when lecturing children, "Pyrrha, sweetie, that's a nice sentiment, but-"

Harry cursed at the phone, and slammed it back on its receiver before marching back to the two women. Murphy sighed at the interruption and turned back to him. "Any luck?"

"No, he wouldn't pick up his stupid phone," Harry grumbled, fuming all the way to driver side door. "So now we have to drive all the way down to his stupid apartment to check on his stupid ass and make sure his stupid face didn't get mauled by a stupid Grimm. Stupidly."

Pyrrha blinked, "Um, and…who is this?"

"Thomas, a friend," Murphy said. She opened the Beetle's door and got in, slinking into the back seat. She was the shortest of their group, and could fit in the back comfortably. Pyrrha thanked her, and slid into the passenger seat.

Harry started the car up, still grumbling to himself. Pyrrha bit her lip, debated on asking more about this Thomas character, and decided against it for now. There were other questions to be asked. An important one, actually.

"Harry?" she asked.

The wizard took a deep breath, and exhaled, "Yes?"

"Earlier you said you wanted to talk. What about, exactly?"

His sour mood faded to be replaced with reluctance, "Ah… Yes, that."

"Yes, that," Pyrrha agreed.

They pulled out from the curb and began driving. Harry drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, silently thinking on how best to phrase this without causing Pyrrha's mind to shatter again.

"Remember how, before Murph showed up, I was drilling you on what might have sent you to our world?"

A sharp pain in her temples made Pyrrha flinch. She clenched an eye shut and rubbed at her skull, "Yes, I do remember that."

Harry nodded slowly, "Right. Well, it didn't occur to me at the time, but when we were in the alley, and those… Grimm, attacked us, I Saw you before I…" he swallowed and his face went pale.

Murphy reached up from behind him and took his free hand in hers, rubbing her thumb over the top of it. Harry glanced back at her and smiled his thanks. She returned it, and gestured for him to continue.

"I Saw you," he repeated.

Pyrrha sucked in a breath. According to Murphy, the Sight let him see things as they really were. If he had Seen her, that meant he saw her for what she truly was, and whatever that may imply. The thought, now that she was thinking on it, was actually rather scary. Harry knew more about her on a very intimate level, starting with their Soulgaze, and now seeing her 'true' form, for lack of a better term.

What he might have seen made her nervous, to say the least. But she also had to know, because obviously what he had seen was very shocking. So she asked the obvious question.

"What did you see?"

Harry looked at her, "I saw you, as you are. Using the Sight, you look almost identical to how you are now, just… Dressed different."

He looked back out the window, "And… touched, by Black Magic."

A/N:Dun dun dun! What a twist! More shall be expanded on in the following chapter, this Saturday! Now, onto other stuff.

First, I'd like to apologize for the late posting, a combination of Writers Block, family time, and landscaping kept me from working. If it weren't for that, this chapter probably would've gone up at Noon today. Alas, I am constantly being distracted/lazy and thus posting late. But hey, I'm still on time, and thats what matters! Speaking of things that matter, another five hundred views guys, and twelve reviews on the last chapter! Wow, seriously, you are all amazing, and I love you for it. And many of those reviews, of course, contained... Questions!

First question:

Xbox432 Asks: I'm kinda wondering what Harry will do/say about Gard attacking someone under his protection. He usually doesn't take that kinda stuff well.

Yeah, you're right Xbox, and there is a reason for his passive reaction. Harry is still disoriented by being essentially mind raped by the Grimm, so he's not at one hundred percent snark factor. Don't worry, it will be rectified, and yes, he will explain what the Grimm 'Really' look like. If I can figure out an appropriate metaphor, anyway.

Next, we have Doctor Blood, who asks: Can Pyrrha unlock the Aura of Earth Humans?

A good question, and I have an interesting reasoning/answer for that. Which I will not expand upon, because that would obviously be a huge spoiler if she could or couldn't, wouldn't it? Sorry Doc, this one will have to stay on the down low, for now.

Next, we have Phat0m5, who posted a colossal rant on the Physics of Dust based weaponry and Gunpowder based weaponry. I won't copy paste it here, just check out the reviews for all the details.

I'll summarize my response here though. For the sake of plot/drama/balance, I have made Dust rounds weaker but more versatile, while gunpowder weaponry is significantly more powerful but less versatile. This will allow the Dresdenverse humans to stay relevant, while also giving RWBY characters their own personal advantage as well. Sorry if you don't like that, but in this case, Rule of Plot overrules physics.

Okay, next question is from Lotheon again, hello, nice to see you again. He asks, or rather, mentions: There is no way Gatekeeper doesnt' know that someone is here that isn't supposed to be.

To that, I say... You are very, very right. Hehehe.

Last two questions folks. The first is from ww1990ww, who wants to know: Is Remnant an actual world, or a prison in the Nevernever.

Do not worry 1990's! Remnant is in fact its own world, and has no relation with the Nevernever as we know it. Take that statement as you will, for I will not expand on it!

Last question is from Prince Sheogorath, always nice to have the Daedric Gods involved in any mortal affairs. Anyway, the crazy god wants to know: Is Pyrhha going to be teaching Harry anything? I really want to see how Dresden's Aura and Semblance will manifest.

Ah, but you see my dear Prince, Dresden is already uber tier overpowered. Plus, as vaguely mentioned in the prologue, he already seems to have a Semblance and Aura, or something really close. Giving him those powers would kind of just make him even more broken than he already is. So no, sorry my fans, but Harry will not be having his Aura unlocked, but trust me, he won't be needing it.

That's all the questions for now folks, remember if you have more to leave them in the reviews, for I will happily answer them in the next chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it, and I'll see you all on Saturday.

Ta-ta for now!