"Professor Ozpin," Hector walked forward and clasped the man's hand in a firm handshake, he was careful not to squeeze too hard. "Good, I have been meaning to contact you."

The man in question seemed surprised at the gesture. His eyes widened slightly as his eyebrows arched partially in confusion as he gave Hector an appraising look. "That is surprising to hear." They stopped shaking and Ozpin continued to eye the Judge curiously. "Considering my relationship with the order has been strained as of late."

Strange, no one had told Hector that there were issues with Beacon's headmaster. But that mattered little at the moment. "I apologize, please, sit." He gestured to the table and they both sat opposite to each other. Ozpin's face still displayed slight curiosity.

"Another surprise," he said as he sipped from a Beacon brand mug. Did he…bring that with him all the way to the headquarters? "I don't recall the last time I heard a Judge apologize."

What a strange thing to say. "What would they say if they regretted something?"

"I found, in my experience, that those of the order rarely felt regret in their actions."

Was that how they had come to be perceived by the people of Remnant? Were they seen as incapable of even the most basic courtesies? He would have to bring this up with his master next time they spoke. "It is unfortunate to hear that, I hope none of my brothers and sisters caused you any problems."

"It's in the past." He didn't push it, but he also didn't refute the statement.

"I see, well what was it you wanted to discuss with me?"

He suddenly lost his analytical look and started looking far more serious. "I heard that you have had an altercation with a student of mine, or future student to be more accurate."

"Ah, you must mean Ms. Xiao-Long. Yes, I took her into custody after she destroyed a nightclub earlier tonight. She's awaiting judgement in one of the cells here at the headquarters." It couldn't have been more than two hours ago. Had Ozpin heard and rushed from Beacon as soon as he had heard? Why?

Strangely enough Ozpin seemed to release a sigh of relief. "Oh, that is good to know. I was concerned for her." Concerned? He went back to giving Hector a stern look, this time though there was that curiosity from earlier mixed in. "May I ask why she has yet to be judged? This appears to be a straight forward case, if I do say so myself."

Hector shook his head. "In my experience, as little as it is, a straight forward case does not exist. A Judge must be as fair as they are impartial, we must see a case from all angles before the Accused can be convicted."

Ozpin gave a small hum. "Not sentenced?"

Ah, it all made sense now. "Professor Ozpin, I am in no way set out to execute your student." Had detainment by the Judges really become synonymous with the death sentence? When had they begun to inspire more fear than hope?

His words didn't put the man at ease. In fact he seemed to tense up a bit more if the hardening of his eyes meant anything. "I never said anything about an execution."

"Because word games are the lifeblood of a politician, as the word of law is for a Judge."

"You don't seem too angry at that fact." Ozpin took another sip. His questioning seemed to have become less fearful and more intrigued. His expressions and gestures slightly less restrained.

"I am a Sable Judge. But that in no way means that I must be judgmental in all aspects of life. All those who abide by the law are free to do with their lives as they wish and choose the values they want. Freedom is the right of all people of Remnant."

"Ah, I recognize that quote. That was Judge Orion wasn't it? He said that during the Vytal Summit at the end of the Great War."

Hector nodded, impressed. "You know your history well, Professor."

Ozpin just shrugged. "What can I say? I have a friend who is devoted to the art."

"What about you?"

"I am more of a legend and myths kind of man myself."

"From what I've read, legend and myths are just a fantastical sort of history. Altered fact made to best capture imaginations and spread hope."

"They aren't always as altered as you'd think," Ozpin said cryptically before sipping again. "But regardless, we seem to have gotten off track. Your decision to hear Ms. Xiao-Long's side of the story is quite a relief. Though I do remain curious about another matter, what does bring a Judge all the way to my city?"

"I was on an assignment, guarding a shipment of dust from Accused on a train that stopped here in Vale."

"A dust shipment," Ozpin's face knitted in concentration. "Lately all the shipments have been coming in from Atlas. It is interesting to see them trust a Judge enough to help handle security, considering their history with the order.

Hector resisted the urge to shiver. Atlas was a nightmare to Judges. A harsh place full disdain for the order ever since the end of the Great War. The Judges had made the choice to aid Vacuo and Vale and in doing so tipped the scales in their favor. Mistral had long since forgiven them but Mantle had seemed intent on forever blaming the order for their loss. After its change into Atlas, relations seemed to be finally on the way to healing the old wounds. But there was still a lot of work to be done. And old grudges still ran deep on both sides.

"Things are getting better. One day I hope they see us as a force for good wanting to help, rather than enemies they once so bitterly fought."

Ozpin nodded, his demeanor shifted and he seemed more relaxed now. "A noble sentiment, I hope you succeed." Hector nodded appreciatively. "You said you have been meaning to contact me. Was it something concerning your assignment?"

"In a way, I supposed it does." He told Ozpin Blake's story and his request to have her go to Beacon. The man sat in his chair and absorbed the tale. His only contribution was the sound of the occasional sip. When Hector was finished he saw that for some reason Ozpin had a small smile on his face.

"That is quite the story. She sounds like a model huntress in the making."

"From what I've seen, she is. I think she would make for a great addition to your school."

Ozpin hummed affirmatively. "Quite, and yet I feel like I am at a bit of a disadvantage. You have one of my future students in custody while asking for me to receive another. A former member of a terrorist organization no less, I would have every right to say no."

It saddened him to hear that but Hector couldn't fault the man's attitude. He was a protector, charged with the safety of hundreds of children by their parents. He was completely justified in his caution. "I vouch for her. I have seen her at her best and have deemed it worthy. But you are correct. You are free to deny her entrance."

"But if I do so, how do I know my decision will not affect your judgement of Ms. Xiao-Long?"

Outrageous, completely and utterly outrageous "You would think me petty enough to use her to hurt you for denying my request?"

Ozpin actually placed his mug down and steepled his fingers. His face was devoid of any emotion as he locked eyes with Hector's through the helmet. "I have seen men do worse for less."

Hector didn't break the stare. "I swear to you Professor Ozpin, that no matter your decision, I will judge Yang Xiao-Long as fairly as I possibly can in regards to the law. She will pay for her crimes, not suffer for them. No more, no less."

They kept up their staring contest for a few moments before Ozpin blinked and leaned back into his chair. "Very well, I accept."

Hector felt his heart hammer in his chest. "Ms. Belladonna can attend Beacon?"

"I will accept her application, if it proves up to Beacon's standards then yes, she can attend."

Hector's relief nearly caused him to sag his shoulders, but he reigned that impulse in. "Excellent, thank you. We should perhaps discuss the terms and conditions of her stay then." Ozpin nodded and after a few minutes of talking it over the two exited the room. Hector's relief had made him feel lighter than he had in days. It was a wonderful feeling to have the good in people recognized. "Thank you again, Professor. I will inform you of my decision over Ms. Xiao-Long's judgement soon."

"I would appreciate that." He seemed to suddenly spot something down the hall. "Ah, there is Professor Goodwitch now."

Hector turned to see a stern looking woman with green eyes, blond hair and serious expression walking towards them. She slowed as she approached and gave Ozpin a curt nod. "Professor Ozpin," she turned and gave Hector an icy glare, "Judge."

Hector exchanged a look with Ozpin who coughed awkwardly into his mug. "Glynda, I was just discussing with the Judge his decision regarding Ms. Xiao-Long. He has opted to avoid anything too harsh and wishes to speak with her before administering a punishment. She is perfectly safe."

Professor Goodwitch seemed surprised at the news. Her glare softened, though not by much. It was like steel turning into marble. "That is…good to hear. Compassion is a rare thing these days." From Judges, was in the undertone of the statement. Here was Professor Goodwitch and Ozpin of Beacon academy, legends of their time, and their first impulse over hearing that he had detained their student was to protect her from him. It was disheartening to say the least. "I hope he won't mind if I stay to hear the verdict."

They both turned to look at him and Hector only nodded. "You are free to do so. There is a break room down the hall. I am sure the officers here would let you use it if you ask."

With that they parted ways and Hector headed back to the cell block. When he arrived he heard voices coming from the cell he had put the girls in. They became clearer as he approached.

"-like really, really a Judge?"

"For the hundredth time, yes, he is a Sable Judge. Now stop asking."

He heard the movement of chains. It sounded like Xiao-Long was fidgeting. "Oh man, this is bad, this is real bad. My dad is going to kill me. You know…if Judge Buckethead doesn't execute me first." He slowed as he heard those words. She sounded like she was attempting to be lighthearted, but the fear in her voice was unmistakable. Hector had never felt so discouraged. It seemed like every aura user he had met so far knew only of the orders lethal acts. It was like none of good mattered.

"He won't kill you." There was Blake again.

"How do you know?"

There was slight pause, like Blake was hesitating. "…I just know. Trust me. He's not the kind of Judge who goes around lopping heads off of people."

Hector realized that he was eavesdropping and headed up to the cell. His heavy stride caused the girls to look up and Hector saw that Yang was fully conscious. She looked perfectly healthy, meaning her aura must have already patched her up. He opened the gate and hated how she flinched as he headed towards her and knelt. "Ms. Xiao-Long, how are you feeling?"

Her mouth gaped open and she gave Blake an incredulous look before turning back to him and coughing. "I, um, I'm fine. Thanks."

That was a relief. "Good, I am glad." He reached and tried his best not to let it sting when she shied away from his hands. Her wariness turned into confusion when he unlocked her cuffs. She rubbed her wrists as she eyed him over. "Please, go speak to an officer and find an interrogation room we can use to discuss your judgement. I will be along shortly."

She somehow managed to look even more surprised than she had before. "You're just letting me go? What if I run off?"

Hector smiled under his helmet, she was a blunt one. "Well you're going to Beacon Academy, right?"

"…yeah. How do you know that?"

"Your sister told me."

"Ruby, she's here?" She suddenly started looking terrified. She was worried for her sister.

"She's out at a nearby store. I told her to do some shopping while she waited for you to regain consciousness. She's not in any trouble." That seemed to calm Yang down.

Oh, so what about Beacon? Can I…not go anymore?" She said the words hesitantly, like she was scared of what the answer to her question might be. Hector raised his hands in a placating attempt to calm her down.

"That is still being decided. But the decision might be set if you run off while the headmaster is down the hallway hoping to see that you're safe."

He was starting to think that if he kept shocking her like this she'd faint again. She was a tough one though, taking the surprises as they came. Albeit, barely. "He came…to help me?"

"He was worried about you. He wanted to make sure you weren't in any danger." Who they expected the danger to be from was clear to everybody in the cell.

Yang just nodded dumbly as she stood and walked past him out the cell and down the hall. Hector turned to Blake who had an eyebrow raised. "Is the headmaster of Beacon really here?"

"Yes, why would I lie?"

She just shrugged. "To make her feel better I guess."

"Well, I did not lie, the headmaster is here. He came because he heard that a Judge had detained Ms. Xiao-Long and assumed the worst." He noticed how Blake frowned and the way that her 'bow' began to move. If she wanted to disguise her heritage then she would really need to get that under control.

"Judge-"

He raised a hand to stop her. "It does not matter, I am happy he came. To see the guardian of so many so dedicated to insuring the safety of one student is good to see. Even if he was making sure she was safe from me. His arrival also means we got to talk about your admission into the academy."

Blake perked up, her bow fidgeting even as she tried to feign nonchalance. "What did he say?"

"There are limits and conditions, but if they deem your application acceptable then you are to attend Beacon this semester."

Blake eyes widened and she suddenly gave a sound like the mix between a gasp and a laugh. Her eyes were quickly moistening and she sniffed as she brought a hand up to her mouth. "I don't-I-this is amazing. Thank you."

Hector couldn't help but smile under his helmet as put a hand of her shoulder. "You have earned this chance. Do not forget that."

She suddenly looked worried though. "But most of my training…it was with the White Fang. I didn't go to a normal combat school. They could turn me away."

"I believe there is a homeschooled option on the form, Ms. Belladonna. I believe that will suffice." He was startled as she gave a small snort and wiped at her eyes. She seemed to be in much higher spirits, if not still a bit shaky. "I must go finish up with Ms. Xiao-Long but when I return, if you wish, we can work on your application together. A statement from an eye witness to your skills may be helpful. You can begin the process on one of the computers here at the headquarters. Just ask one of the officers."

She could only nod and Hector turned to leave only to stop as a hand grabbed his arm. He looked to see Blake giving him a serious look, confusion wracked your features. "Wait, I'm sorry, but I have to know. Why are you doing all this for me? Why go through all this work just to help me?"

"Because I can," he said simply as he patted her hand. After a few moments she seemed to accept the answer and released his arm. He left the cell and headed out only to remember that he hadn't seen Ms. Rose since she had left. He asked some of the officers if they had seen her but no one had. He'd need her in order to judge Ms. Xiao-Long correctly. He figured that she must have lost track of the time at the store and left the building to go find her.

As he turned the corner to the street where the ammunition and dust store was he came across a strange scene. There down the street was Ruby, wielding some sort of sniper-scythe hybrid while facing down a group of armed men. The situation was already making Hector reach for his sword. But then he looked more closely at the men. It was then that he noticed…

"Roman Torchwick!" Liar, thief, corruptor, monster, murderer. An Accused no Judge in Vale didn't recognize.

As he roared out the name everyone turned to see Hector barreling down the street, longsword drawn and gleaming. A Judge was scary, a Judge with their weapon out was terrifying, but when a Judge knew your name personally and was making a beeline straight for you then that set every survival instinct a person had on fire. Torchwick quickly realized that he was somehow about to be on the receiving end of a Judges wrath and rather than question it, acted. He did so by throwing all of his men in between him and the incoming danger.

"Stop him you morons, he's going to kill me!" He raised his cane and the bottom popped open revealing it to be some kind of gun. His men hesitantly did the same only to be distracted as the girl in the red hood leapt among them and started to take them out.

"Oh no you don't!" she slammed into one and as the other scrambled to decide who was the bigger threat Hector was already among them. Using the blunt side of his longsword he worked with Ruby to non-lethally make quick work of the non-Accused. When they were dispatched all that was left was a very nervous looking Torchwick.

"Well, this is awkward. You know, when I said stop him I didn't think the morons were going to shoot at you. I actually had no intention of resisting arrest, honest." When Hector and Ruby responded by raising their weapons Torchwick just sighed. "Not buying it huh? Try this then."

He raised his cane and Hector shifted the blade to block whatever the weapon fired. But Torchwick changed his aim and shifted it to the side. Hectors eyes widened as he saw that he was aiming towards Ruby. He twisted his body as Torchwick pulled the trigger and sent out an explosive blast of dust at the girl. A few steps and a swing of the sword cut the projectile in half. Said halves split off and exploded in separate parts of the street. Hector saw that Ruby was okay before turning and seeing that Torchwick was gone.

"There he is!" Ruby said pointing towards a nearby building. Hector looked to where she was pointing and saw Torchwick climbing up a nearby building. "I've got him!"

"Ms. Rose no!" Hector called out too late, Ruby had already used her scythe to blast up to the roof. Hector looked around and saw that the dust shop owner was peeking out of the doorway. "Call the police." The man nodded and Hector began to run. He headed up the same ladder Torchwick had as fast as he could. He heard an explosion and practically leapt over the ledge above him to reach the top of the roof. There he saw that Torchwick had begun to escape unto a bullhead. The craft hovered as Ruby stared the villain down. Someone else was there too, standing in front of Ruby defensively.

"Professor Goodwitch?"

The professor turned only to give him a brief nod before beginning to assault the craft. Was she insane? This was a populated area. The people below could get hurt if she destroyed the vehicle. This had gone too far already. Hector walked forward and drew his blade. He breathed in and out, repeating the process and letting his energy intermingle with the air in his lungs after every breath. He didn't expel the energy out though, he let it build and build. He focused it and guided it through his body letting it flow into his arm and into his sword.

The blades black steel began to hum and it seemed to grow darker the more energy he allowed into it. By the time he reached Ruby and Professor Goodwitch the blade was as dark as night. It seemed to absorb the light around it, making it look like the void in weapon form. As he approached, the ice storm Professor Goodwitch created to attack the craft dissipated much to the confusion of her and Ms. Rose. Their eyes widened as he walked past them and stood in front of the bullhead. He realized that he must have looked quite imposing.

The person with Torchwick on the bullhead must have thought so too. Because they sent a fiery salvo of explosive dust towards the group on the roof clearly meant to kill. Judging by the look of them the fireballs had been intermingled with aura and sent out with the intent of blasting the entire roof apart with them on it. Hector decided it was time to act.

"No," one word and Hector swung his sword in an arc that ended with it being embedded in the floor at his feet. A dome of black energy came from the blade and bubbled outwards. The fire balls fizzled and sparked out of existence as they touched the black energy. The bullhead veered of quickly as the wave came closer and flew off into the sky. When he sure they had left Hector pulled the blade from the ground and let the energy dissipate. The sword went back to normal after a few moments and he turned to see the other two seem a bit out of sorts.

Ruby groaned clutched her stomach. "What-ugh, what just happened?"

Professor Goodwitch held her head like she was experiencing a very nasty headache. "That would be the Sable energy. A signature trait of the Sable Judges, very disagreeable to those with their aura's unlocked."

"Yes, I am sorry you two were affected." Hector said as he approached. "But I needed to extend the area of effect so that whoever was on the bullhead would be forced to flee. Are you unharm-" Hector hissed in pain as he fell to a knee.

"Judge!" Ruby rushed forward and helped Hector get back to his feet. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am fine Ms. Rose. That technique requires a lot of energy to use. I am just tired. All I need is some rest."

"You should have let me handle it, I had it under control. "Professor Goodwitch said. Her expression was a mixture of concern, annoyance and exhaustion.

"There was too much risk, to the both of you and those down below. It was best to frighten them off before they could cause any more harm."

"Couldn't you have just blown the bullhead up?"

"That is what I was trying to prevent, Ms. Rose. Besides, I don't…exactly have any long range capabilities. The sable dome is the most advanced technique I have outside of my close range skills, and even then it's more of a defensive move."

Professor Goodwitch hummed thoughtfully at that and Ruby seemed to fully notice her for the first time since her arrival. "You're a huntress." Her face suddenly split into an excited smile. "Can I have your autograph?!"

When Professor Goodwitch only gave her a frown and stern look she turned to Hector for clarification only to find that he had placed his hands on his hips in an equally stern manner. "What?"

Soon Hector was back in an interrogation room. Three girls sat across from him, while Professor Ozpin and Goodwitch stood in the corner watching. There were three files in front of him, each with one of the girl's names on them. "Alright, you've been waiting long enough. Ms. Belladonna let us begin with you." He slid her folder over. She took it and began to read. Blake was the easiest to handle. Apparently, while he was gone, Ozpin and she had discussed her former life and her application. She must have said something that impressed him because when he returned Ozpin had declared that she was fit to enter his school. "You begin your first semester at Beacon next week." She tried to look clam but he could see the excitement shine in her eyes, and Hector couldn't blame her. This was a great opportunity. "As for those conditions I mentioned after some discussion with Professor Goodwitch I managed to convince her to let you work off your debt to society by being her assistant."

Blake looked wary. "Meaning…"

"You will file her documents, you will type up her memo's, you will organize her office, and you will do whatever she asks for your entire stay at Beacon."

"My entire stay," she asked as she fidgeted in her seat, "as in all four years?"

"As in all four years," Hector affirmed as he held out a pen. "Breaks included. Do you accept?"

Blake hesitated before taking the pen with a nod. Hector felt a mixture of relief and happiness as she signed the documents in the folder and handed the pen back. He then turned to Yang, who gulped nervously. "Ms. Xiao-Long, you are guilty of crimes including, but not limited to, battery, assault, destruction of private property, resisting arrest and attacking a Judge." That really got her squirming in her seat. "Usually I wouldn't let you go to Beacon, but after some glowing testimony from your sister and the teachers I called at Signal I decided that some leniency could be granted." The teachers he had called were all very consistent in their descriptions of Yang Xiao-Long. Granted the last one sounded pretty drunk but the testimonies all painted a pretty vivid picture.

She was a stubborn, hot-headed thrill seeker who often went by a punch first ask questions later mentality. But while she was often reckless, she was also said to be cheerful energetic and bright. A source of hope and joy for all those she met. Hector knew how much they needed people like that in world right now. "You may still go to Beacon," Yang gave a sigh of relief, "but your actions will have consequences. You still attacked a man and his aura-less employees."

"Now to be fair-" she started but stopped as Hector raised a hand.

"Save it, you're guilty. What we're discussing now is the punishment." He slid her folder over. "Fortunately, for all those involved, Beacon has agreed to foot the bill for all the damage you caused." Yang seemed relieved at the news, but she wasn't off the hook yet. "This wipes away the debt you owe to Junior and his club, but it means you are now in debt to the school."

Yang scratched her head confused. "What does that mean?"

"It means you are going to work off your debt, Ms. Xiao-Long. In your free time you will be working in the school cafeteria, as a dishwasher."

"What?!" She practically shrieked. "Until when?!"

"Well, until you pay of your debt of course, Ms. Xiao-Long. At the rate the school has agreed to pay you a fair chunk of your debt should paid off by the time you graduate. After that some money will be taken out of every job you take as a professional huntress to further pay off your debt."

"What if I say no?" She said crossing her arms and giving Hector a defiant stare.

"Then I send you back home to Patch under house arrest and you pay off your debt with whatever non-huntress job you take. Trust, me, the huntress route is faster." He held out the pen.

Yang grumbled as she took it and signed. She threw it back and Hector caught the pen without looking. He turned to Ruby. Hector hesitated before the next part. He couldn't understand Ozpin's thinking. After they had returned to the station Hector had judged Ruby guilty of vigilantism. Her actions in the store had been mainly in self-defense, unlike her sister, and that meant he could go a bit easier on her. But she had pursued a dangerous criminal and in doing so put herself and others at risk. That could not stand. He had decided on giving her some community service and asking Signal to give her a semester's worth of detention but Ozpin had asked for something else.

He wanted Ruby to go to Beacon.

Hector had asked why, the girl was only fifteen. She wasn't old enough for a combat school of that caliber. She was still just a child. But Ozpin had insisted, stating that he had looked over recordings of her abilities and deemed them fit for the school. He had called her a prodigy, and prodigies stuck in schools like Signal weren't challenged. Worse yet, they got bored. And bored aura users usually led to trouble. So Hector had decided to trust in his judgement. He just hoped the man knew what he was doing.

"Ms. Rose you will be serving detention for the next school semester," Ruby deflated in her seat, sighing in melancholy, "at Beacon Academy. If that is what you want."

For a moment the entire room was deadly quiet. Ruby looked like she was still processing what he had said. Suddenly she whipped her head around to look at Professor Ozpin, who gave her a small smile and a nod. Her head whipped back to look at Hector who only slid the folder with her name towards her.

She snatched it up and tore the folder open in order to quickly scan its contents. She looked it over, and over, and over again. Before she suddenly let out a squeal so loud that Hector was almost certain that they might be able to hear it back at the Tower of Justice. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" She leapt out of her seat and began to jump up and down. Yang was no less excited.

"My little sister is coming to Beacon, this is amazing!" She leapt from the seat and gave Ruby a massive bear hug. Together they began to jump up and down, causing the others in the room to smile.

"Congratulations, you'll all be Beacon students soon enough."

"Granted they pass initiation," Goodwitch said from the side of the room causing the girls to stop.

"What?" Ruby said, expression quickly becoming worried. "What if we don't pass initiation?"

"It doesn't matter," Hector said as he stood up. "You will pass. All of you will. I fully believe in you." They were bright, strong girls. They'd be fine.

That got a smile from all three girls, and looks he couldn't quite decipher from the professors. They spoke about the arrangements over getting to Beacon and where they would be staying for the next week. It was decided that Ruby and Yang would return to patch and gather her things before returning the day of orientation. Blake would stay at Beacon in a guest suite before joining the other prospective students.

Soon they were all saying their goodbyes.

"Take care, Ms. Belladonna." He said as he shook her hand.

"You too Judge Hector, thank you."

He nodded before turning to the sisters. Ruby was teary eyed as she ran into him, wrapping her arms around his midsection. He hesitantly patted her on the back. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She released him and hopped back as Yang gave him a two fingered salute.

"See you around Judge." With that they were off to the airport. The last people to see off were the professors.

He shook Ozpin's hand. "It's been a pleasure."

"Likewise," Ozpin said as he shook, "I hope we meet again, hopefully under better circumstances."

"Agreed," he released the man's hand and turned to Professor Goodwitch. She didn't motion for a shake, or any type of goodbye. She simply gave a curt nod. Hector realized he had a long journey to go before overcoming the stigma the Judges had in the aura wielding community. Still, that didn't change what needed to be said. "Thank you." She raised a single delicate eyebrow and Hector realized he'd need to elaborate. "You saved Ms. Rose's life where I could not. Thank you."

After a few moments where she seemed to be analyzing him she nodded and soon both Professors were off, with Blake following close behind.

With that done he headed back inside the headquarters and asked if there was a device he could access the CCT network with. He was led to a monitor and quickly made a call. When it went through the screen was filled by a very familiar helmeted face.

"What, what is it? Who's calling?" A crotchety old voice called out.

"Master Mavros, it is-"

"Master, that implies I have an apprentice. I don't have an apprentice. Apprentice's call their masters when their supposed too, not days later."

"I apologize for the delay but-"

"But nothing, what was the one thing I told you before you went gallivanting across Remnant?"

"Stay in contact?"

"Stay in contact. So what do you do?"

"I-"

"Fall of the grid entirely. I call the men you were supposed to guard and they say you run off into the City of Vale with some terrorist girl-"

"Master, that isn't entirely-"

"Which leave me thinking, what? Is he dead, is he injured, is he married? Who knows, all that's for certain is that he can't make a phone call!"

"Sorry, Master."

The man only snorted. "I'm just glad you haven't started telling me it won't happen again. Brothers help me if another apprentice starts spouting that line." Mavros took a breath and began to tap his fingers against his desk off-screen. "So what's kept you then?"

Hector quickly explained the circumstances of the last few days. When he was done his master gave a snort of amusement. "I swear I could send you out for eggs and you'd come back a week later claiming the farmer needed help with the harvest."

"Um, what-"

"It means you're too easily distracted, dammit boy when are you going to realize it. You're a Sable Judge. You do not have time to deal with every lost kitten or child with a scraped knee you find."

Hector stood straight in his seat and steeled his voice. "I will not ignore anyone in need of help, ever." He hated to talk to his master so disrespectfully, but he was right. Hector was a Sable Judge now. What that meant was up to him and him alone to decide. The old man only grumbled leading to Hector realizing he needed to ask him something important. "Master, concerning the people I've met. The regular men and women are fine with my presence, even calmed by it. But the aura users…"

"Hate your damn guts," Mavros finished. Hector could only nod and the old man snorted disdainfully. His master was the only man Hector knew who could snort in so many different ways. "That or they're scared witless of you. Why shouldn't they be?"

"A Judges duty is to protect people-"

"We protect regular people, civilians going about their boring and usually meaningless lives. Not the super powered freak shows who are one hissy fit away from brutally murdering them."

"Huntsmen and Huntresses do a lot of good in the world."

"Most, when kept in line. They stay like that because they know that a single toe out of that line brings us over and bam-" he slammed a hand down on his desk, "-off comes the toe. Fear keeps the peace boy. Fear keeps Mr. and Mrs. time bomb from deciding that they are better than other people enough to deserve special treatment."

"The aura users may need to be watched but that does not mean they should be terrified into compliance. Fear alone breeds resentment and enemies."

"You can't be liked by everybody, boy." Mavros looked off screen at something before sighing. "We could argue about this all day. But like it or not, it seems like your bleeding heart attitude's landed you another assignment."

"What?" It was protocol to return to the Tower before taking on a new assignment. Especially for new Judges, it let them rest and catalogue their judgements.

"Don't throw a fit, there's trouble up north and the higher ups want to send someone with a more…diplomatic mindset to handle it."

"What's happened?"

"Some rich brat went and picked a fight with some stupid hotshot minor Judge stationed in the capital. He was there to talk to some Mantle big wigs-"

"You mean Atlas."

"What?"

"The area, it's called Atlas now. After Mantle-"

"I don't give an Ursa's furry rear end what it's called. One of our idiot brothers went and almost sliced some heiress' eye out in a spar and now the whole damn continent's practically baying for every Judge's head on a spike!"

"That sounds bad."

"That sound bad," Mavros repeated mockingly. "Yes, it does. Now get on the next transport to Atlas and help smooth things over before they decide to start an open season on the order!" With that Mavros hung up leaving Hector looking at an empty screen.

He quickly stood up and started to head to the nearest airport.

Hello everybody, I hope you're all enjoying the story so far. This chapter was a tricky one, because while the last chapters were meant to build up the sort of sort of heroic mythological status the judges have this one shows the negative side of their fame. To the regular people they are meant to protect Judges are heroes, but to the people with aura they are meant to control they seem more like the boogeymen of Remnant. It's never a good sign for Huntsmen and Huntresses whenever they hear that a Judge has gotten involved and it isn't uncommon for them to hear that someone they know has been detained and killed on the word of a Judge alone. I wanted to show how much resentment and fear this has built up and just how much work Hector has ahead of him to try and cross that gap.

The favorites and follows are appreciated as always and reviews are always welcome. Thank you all again for reading this far and I hope you continue to like the story as much as I like to write it.