Relief washed over them when they realized they were back at Beacon. Worry overtook them when they found Blake was missing. Anxiety bit at them as they prayed for her safe return. Hope returned when the portal reopened. Joy welled within them when Rogue returned with Blake. Confusion held them when they saw Rogue carrying a figure on his back. Then fear took hold as the cloud veiled sky dispersed, and the moonlight shone on the broken, blood-laden Blake that rested in Rogue's arms.

Rogue ignored their desperate cries and inquiries as he brushed past them and walked through the forest. They followed, confusion and distress digging deeper and deeper until it began to gnaw its way into their hearts as Rogue stepped out of the forest and headed into his tent. They continued to follow him, too concerned with their friend to notice that Ozpin and Glynda were already in the tent and appalled at the state of their student. Rogue ignored their demands for an explanation as he laid Blake on his bed in the corner of the tent and placed the man on a chair nearby. Rogue shot Aegis and Pandora a look, the two spirits nodded and quickly set to work healing the injured Blake. Confusion and distress gave way to blame and the girls of RWBY began to spit venomous insults and accusations at him. Rogue continued to remain silent, allowing them to vent. Ozpin calmed his students down, and told them to be silent, and look closely. When they did, they regretted their words greatly.

As Blake's wounds were healed, and her breathing gradually returned to normal, Rogue's became slower and slower, till the rising and falling of his chest was so slight the only indication he was alive was the concern filled gaze he had as he watched Aegis and Pandora heal Blake. His clothing was stained dark red as his blood seeped out in little patches. In fact, most of the blood that stained him was his own, with only a little bit here and there being Blake's.

Rogue smiled when Blake opened her eyes after Aegis and Pandora finished and she sat up on the bed with a confused expression, which quickly turned to surprise when she was hugged by her teammates. Rogue smiled when her eyes met his as he began to sway awkwardly. And that same smile stayed as his legs finally gave out and he collapsed on the floor.

Draco acted instantly. He moved from where he had watched the scene and turned Rogue around so he lay on his back, and using his sharp claws he quickly and carefully cut through Rogue's shirt's and chest plate. The sight of his hideously scared torso covered in blood caused everyone to recoil in horror. Aegis and Pandora immediately set to work. Their hands hovering over him as a thin mist of blue washed over as they set about healing their friend. Draco's head hung low, and his whole body seemed to become smaller as he could do little but watch. He felt a pair of arms wrap around him, and he recognized the familiar scent of Ruby as she attempted to comfort him.

Ozpin couldn't comprehend what could put Rogue in such a state. He turned towards Blake, seeing the young woman was no longer in a state of shock and confusion, and he asked her what had happened. Blake hung her head low, and in a low voice she muttered.

'This is all my fault.'

Underworld

His voice was barely a whisper that was carried on the cold gust of wind that emanated from the wraith-like figure draped in a black, ragged hood. Even without her enhanced hearing, she could hear the single-word that cut through to her fear, the single word that played on her senses and touched the only instinct that was screaming at every fibre of her being.

'Run.'

Blake wanted to, she truly wanted to. She wanted to run the moment she set eyes on the cloak clad figure wielding a scythe in its thin bony fingers. She wanted to run the moment she felt its malevolence spread throughout the chamber as a rushing wind that touched her cheek and sapped her strength. She wanted to run the moment that Death raised his scythe and brought it down. She wanted to run the moment Death gave a twisted grin full of ill-intent as the scythes blade pressed against her neck. She wanted to run, but she couldn't, and the only reason she hadn't lost her head; was because Rogue saved her.

Noticing she hadn't heeded his warning, Rogue grabbed her and pulled her into his body as he jumped back, placing them out of range of Death's scythe. Knowing that their relief would only be temporary, Rogue pulled out a pellet from his pouch and threw it on the ground, releasing a thick cloud of smoke that covered them.

Death was unfazed and simply raised his hand. A gust of wind flew out as a ghastly howl that blew away the smoke. Rather than being greeted with the sight of Rogue and Blake, he was instead greeted with multiple clones of the two, Illusions created by Rogue that ran off in different directions. Death raised his scythe and struck the earth, and a pool of shadow sprang forth, out of which crawled out ugly clawed hands that chased after the clones, lunging and snapping at them like bloodhounds at the heels of their prey.

As Death's claws gave chase, Rogue lay Blake down at the other side of the chamber, as far from the scene of battle as possible. He examined her. Though she still maintained the calm composure that even Rogue had come to know her for, he could tell she was shaken. How couldn't she be? To face Death in its true form was an experience that could shake even the sturdiest soul. He pat her on the head, making sure he got her attention. She locked eyes with him, and he gave her that calm, reassuring smile that always seemed to bring hope to others even when there was none to be given.

'Stay here.' Rogue told her, and she could do little more than nod. Rogue turned around, just in time to see Death destroy the last of his illusions and quickly ran towards the Master of the Underworld. His eyes turned an ethereal blue and a purple glyph formed in front of him, with a sight in the center that was constantly scanning Death. Rogue waited until Death faced him, and locked in on his target. Blake watched as beam of energy, similar to the one he had used to defeat the monster a month ago though this one was purple in colour, shot out and pierced through Death. Blake was stunned, and thought that had ended the battle, but Rogue knew better.

After firing his blast at Death he quickly reached into his pouch and exchanged Guilt for his pair of Fractured Daggers. Surging his mana through them, the daggers became large spears of dazzling light that Rogue threw at Death with all his strength. The spears flew through the air like twin birds, dancing around one another at a fervent pace, and struck the figure, sticking out of him like the spikes on a porcupine. Not desiring to let up the momentum, Rogue waved his arm in the air, and several swords of light formed above Death and fell on him like hail. Rogue was eager to get another attack in, but then quickly checked his remaining mana and decided against it. He would need as much as possible if his plan was going to work. Besides; he had already completed the first phase of his plan.

Death let out a ghastly, otherworldly wail. The swords and spears that pierced him shattered into nothingness, and the hole within his stomach healed once more. Death glared at Rogue through the pale blue orbs it had for eyes, a glare filled with intense hatred and utter loathing. Rogue's stomach churned as Death shrieked and raised its scythe once more.

'Death is pissed. Phase one complete. What was phase two again? Ah that's right, phase two is-' Rogue turned on his heel, and with all the strength he could muster he commenced phase two. 'RUN!'

Blake felt utterly useless as she could all but watch Rogue being chased around by Death. Why had she chosen to accompany him? If she was honest with herself, she would admit it was because she felt excited. The situation was like a fairy tale, and in a fairy tale it doesn't matter who or what you are. That was one of the reasons she liked books, they allowed her to escape the harsh reality of her life. In books, she wasn't Blake the Faunus, she was simply Blake, and Blake could be anything.

It was ironic in a sense, her current predicament. Right now she wasn't Blake the Faunus, she was Blake: The little girl whose curiosity almost got her killed. She watched Rogue. He was running, ducking, and jumping as Death sent wave after wave of shadowed claws and skeletons to attack Rogue. He would run behind, jump over, and duck under the jagged rocks that littered the cavern, narrowly avoiding Death's strikes as he scurried about like a mouse avoiding the advances of a cat. Blake still couldn't get a good read on Rogue. Primarily due to one thing.

Rogue was smiling.

Blake had wondered this for a while now. Rogue had not stopped smiling since he started running, in fact he was openly mocking and jeering at Death. To what end, Blake couldn't understand, but she did know one thing.

In battle, Rogue was a master manipulator.

Almost. He was almost finished.

Rogue jumped behind another one of the jagged rocks that littered the chamber, narrowly avoiding Death's claws as it smashed into the stone, kicking up more smoke and debris. Rogue acted quickly, utilizing the smoke screen, he quickly grabbed a good sized rock and placed his mana into it. Not enough that Death would notice, but enough that when all of them went off, they would act as he intended. Rogue once again commenced running, and still kept that smile on his face.

After all, on the off chance he did die, he may as well piss of Death as much as he could.

Blake watched closely, wondering what Rogue was doing. She couldn't understand why he seemed so calm, even when it was evident that he was terrified of Death. However, she had little time to dwell on the subject. No matter how powerful Rogue seems, he was still human, and humans make mistakes.

Rogue had misjudged the distance between the next rock he could use for cover and fell short. Death seized this opportunity greedily, he closed the gap between them almost instantly. Rather than raising his scythe, Death reached out his hand and out poured a stream of shadow that enveloped Rogue, restricting his movement. Death grinned.

He had finally caught Rogue.

'Sooooooooo. I take it a favor is out of the question?'

Rogue's joke was met with Death tightening the shadows around his body. Rogue swore he could feel his rib's crack under the pressure and he forced himself to keep that smile, if not for any other reason than to hide the pain and annoy Death. However, that didn't last too long as Death tightened it further and Rogue let out a cry of pain as his ribs broke and pieces of bone protruded from his flesh, much to Death's amusement.

Rogue tried to get his thought's in order. He had finished phase two, all he had to do was set them off and begin the final-

A bullet shot through his thoughts and made his blood run cold. Rogue glanced over at the source of the shot. Sure enough, it was Blake. She had acted on instinct and shot at Death using Gambol Shroud, in a failed attempt to buy him time to escape. Only issue was, Rogue wasn't planning on escaping in the first place, and Blake had just placed herself in unnecessary danger.

Death would have ignored the bug bite, but then he noticed the change in Rogue. His smile faltered slightly, only for the fraction of a second, but Death saw it. He turned towards the young girl and held out his free hand. He could feel Rogue struggling against the shadows, and Death relished the feeling of causing the Hero as much pain as possible. Out of Death's hand flew a wind of dark shadow that struck Blake like a hammer, sending her sprawling across the chamber floor and through the rocks, pieces of debris cutting her skin. Her aura wasn't protecting her, a side effect of Death's attack, and she felt the full force of every cut, and could feel her arm and leg break with a sickening crack as she hit the chamber wall.

Blake didn't scream. But Rogue did, and as she blacked out, the last thing she remembered seeing was a huge explosion of light.

Beacon

'If I had done something sooner, then perhaps he wouldn't have ended up like that.' Blake finished, gesturing over to Rogue. His breathing had gotten better, but Aegis and Pandora were having a hard time maintaining it while simultaneously healing his wounds and mending his broken bones. However, Aegis still took the opportunity to speak up.

'We don't know that.' Aegis told her, never moving his hands or taking his eyes of his injured friend. 'He could just as easily have ended up like this regardless.'

Blake was going to rebut, but Aegis shot her a look and it promptly shut her up. 'Rogue's injuries are due to his own hubris, no-one else's. Understand?' Aegis was satisfied as Blake gave a small nod in reply. 'Good.' A thoughtful look came over him as he healed another wound. 'What happened after that explosion?' He wondered aloud.

'A glyph was formed.'

Everyone in the room jumped, and all turned to face the owner of the voice. It was the man Rogue had brought back, and all but Jaune and Ozpin froze as they recognized the man sitting up in the seat. Silence was held between Adam and the group, an uncomfortable, eerie silence, which was broken when Blake drew Gambol Shroud and pressed it against his neck.

'I take it that I am unwanted here.' He stated calmly. Blake pressed the blade deeper onto his neck, till it began to draw blood. 'I'll take that as a yes.'

The silence returned, and a tense atmosphere entered the room. Ozpin, having no desire to let this continue, spoke up. 'Perhaps you should explain yourself.'

Adam smirked. 'And if I refuse?'

Ozpin smiled. 'Then I leave you to the devices of my students. From my understanding, they do have a score to settle.'

Adam realized this was not a battle he could win, and chose to explain. 'It was after the explosion your student described.'

Underworld

It took time for Adam's eyes to readjust after the explosion. Everything was blurry at first, but as it slowly turned to normal, Adam couldn't help but gasp in surprise. The rocks that Rogue had infused with mana, which at first seemed to be strewn about hurriedly and without pattern, had actually been utilized to form a giant glyph. One that Death was in the center of. The glyph was not circular like most, or had any well-defined edges or patterns, it was like a puzzle constructed by a child that had was missing a few pieces here and there. It was an odd construct, but effective, and it had managed to freeze Death in its tracks.

Adam looked over at the injured girl. She was bleeding from the back of her head, and hadn't moved. Adam felt strange: angry, worried, sad, confused, and his skull began to throb in pain. Why? Why was it that whenever he saw this girl it caused him to feel this way? Adam snapped out of his thoughts as he saw a group of skeletons approach the girl. Their axes were raised high in the air and they brought them down on the unconscious Blake.

Blake. The name sparked a new emotion within him. He couldn't understand why, he probably never would, but the moment that name entered his head he charged out of his hiding place and cut down the group in a flash, more skeletons were approaching now, but Adam only had a single objective on his mind.

He would protect this girl no matter the cost.

Rogue grinned at Death. His plan had worked perfectly and Death knew he had taken the bait. Death could do little more than glare at Rogue, but both of them knew that this was only a temporary reprieve for the man clad in shadows. Rogue took a deep breath, but then winced in pain as he struggled and began to cough up blood. As soon as he finished he glared at Death.

Well, here goes nothing. He thought. 'Are you really satisfied with this?' He jeered. 'You kill me just like this? I thought you were better than that Death.'

For the first time since he had encountered Rogue, Death spoke. Rogue had always been mystified by his voice; cold and warm, terrifying and comforting, loving and hateful, a mass of contradictions that melded together and came across as an airy whisper. 'Save you mockery for lesser being's mortal. You have avoided me for too long. It is time to collect on your debts.'

Rogue smirked. 'Maybe, but are you truly certain this is how you want to end this?'

Rogue could feel the shadows tighten. It was only slight, but it indicated that his glyph was weakening. Death took notice. 'It may not be the most fitting end for one such as yourself, but it will be satisfying for me.'

The shadows began to tighten a bit more now. Shit! The glyph was supposed to last longer! Rogue thought, but he did not let his panic show. 'I wonder if it is truly as satisfying as you claim Death. It has always been clear that my power pales in comparison to yours. It has never not been the case. So do you really believe that ending me through force as a sign of your power truly amounts to anything?'

The shadows stopped tightening, and Death gave pause. 'What do you propose, Hero?'

Rogue grinned, but in his current state it was strained. 'I propose a contest of wits. Something that places us on equal footing.'

Death laughed. 'A contest of wits! Are you a fool! I am immortal! I am as old as the very earth which you walk! There is nothing beyond the reach of my hands and no knowledge that does not touch my ears! Do you believe that you can match me in a battle of wits?'

'I don't know, but this could help you make up for that blunder against Ash Dragonblade now wouldn't it?'

Death was silent and he fumed at the thought of the wanna-be Knight that managed to save that girl through a game of tic-tac-toe. If Death could beat Rogue, an accomplished Hero, in a game of wits, then it would do much to heal his reputation in that department.

The glyph faded, and the two figure's stayed still. Rogue hoped Death would take the bait, his entire plan depended as such, and when Death released the shadows binding Rogue he was relieved. Rogue looked over at Blake and was stunned. The man from a month ago was there, and was protecting her from the creatures of the Underworld. Rogue wanted to go over there and assist, but he knew that Death would never allow it.

'So what are the rules of this contest? Hero.' Rogue could practically feel the condescending tone emanating from Death and choose to ignore it. Carefully, Rogue opened his pouch and pulled out a scrap of paper with writing on it. 'What is that?' Death asked.

Rogue smiled. 'This is a contract. It contains the rules of the contest.' Rogue held the contract up in the air and Death took it and read.

The rules of the contest stated that a single question would be asked by each party. The question could pertain to anything and it did not have to be under the opponents' strand of knowledge. Each party would get three chances to answer the question correctly. If they failed to answer it correctly all three times, then the opposite party would be forced to adhere to three demands of the winner. However, if the question was answered correctly in either of the three chances, then the opposing party could ask a question of their own with the aforementioned conditions above. While the contest is in effect, neither party is allowed to attack the other or their associates. It was not so much a contest of wits as it was a stalling tactic.

Death raised a brow. 'I see you haven't placed any conditions for if both parties give the correct answer.' He mused.

Rogue smiled. 'I thought it would be unnecessary. Considering that my life literally hang's in the balance here, I didn't think it would matter.'

Death grinned, and signed the contract in the area where Rogue had written down his title. 'Okay then. So who should start and end this contest?'

'I believe you should.' suggested Rogue. 'After all, I was the one that rudely entered your domain in the first place. It is only fair I be polite now.'

Death thought for a moment, wondering if Rogue was planning something, but right now the man was at his mercy, so it was out of the question. Thinking further Death gave a malicious grin. 'Sephulchure was once the greatest hero on Lore. Before he became a servant to the dark, he was a master of the light. So tell me, what was his motivation for serving the dark?'

Death believed that Rogue wouldn't know this. Despite how frequently the Hero travelled, Death's experience had shown him that they rarely consider the minds of their enemies. However, the grin suddenly faded when Rogue responded. 'Love.' Rogue looked at Death, with tense eyes of blazing fire. 'Sephulchure lost the woman he loved the most in this world. He did not wish that to happen to anyone else, so he sought power greater than what he had. When he believed that the light held no answer, he sought solace in the dark. His craving, his lust for power that eventually changed him into the greatest enemy in the history of Lore stemmed from one thing and one thing alone. Love.'

Death met Rogue's glare with silence. It is rare to meet a man who truly understands the heart of his enemies. 'Correct.' Rogue smiled, and Death was prepared for anything he may ask. There were few secrets that could escape his grasp.

'My question.' Started Rogue. 'Is this.' Rogue took a deep breath and spoke, and Death realized his mistake.

He had fallen into Rogue's trap. For what Rogue uttered was one of the most well kept secrets on Lore, made as such because it had become lost in the annals of history with the death of two parents of a four-year old boy. A secret made all the more secretive by the many titles that boy would come to bear; Rogue being the chief among them. A secret that Death himself did not know, and he screeched as Rogue smirked. For Rogue only asked a single thing.

'What is my name?'

Beacon

'Why would his name matter?' Questioned Yang, disbelieving what Adam told them.

Adam shrugged, though the movement had caused the girl behind him to press the blade further in. Adam scowled. 'Look. I didn't kill you in the Underworld nor did I leave you for dead. I'm surrounded by people, all of which are bearing arms. Why the hell do you think I would, or am capable of trying anything in the position I'm in?'

Blake considered his words and after some prompting from Ozpin, lowered her blade and stepped back, though not too much, in case he tried anything. Ozpin turned to Aegis. 'Could you elaborate?'

Aegis was going to answer, but in his place, Rogue spoke up. 'Sure.'

Everyone looked at him in surprise and Draco flew out of Ruby's arms and tackled him to the ground. Ferociously licking his face, happy that his only family had not died. Rogue groaned under the weight, and was thankful when Ruby managed to pull him off. Ruby got a good look at Rogue while she did so. With the blood cleared up, it was clear that the vicious scars covering his body were quite old. It wasn't like the toned, muscular bodies that many of the students at Beacon had that came from years of training in simulated battles. Rogue's was a body gained through constant life and death struggles, and Ruby could only wonder what life he had lived so far. She hoped that no one caught her staring as Rogue sat back up. However, she could hear her older sister snicker lightly and knew she had been.

Rogue looked at Ozpin. 'If it hasn't occurred to you by now, Rogue isn't actually my name. It is a title I hand out to others so they have something to call me. I technically don't have a name.'

At this everyone shared the same perplexed look and Rogue elaborated. 'Where I was born, you are grouped as a 'Child' or 'Kid' until you reach the age of six. After that, your parents give you a name based on what they see of you growing up. My parents never had the chance to name me, so since then I've always gone by various titles but have never once held an actual name. As a name is simply another title, this causes a contradiction of sorts. I have no name but at the same time I have many names and Death knew this well.' Rogue winced as Aegis fixed his ribs. 'Couldn't you be a little gentler?' He joked.

'No. I could always knock you out if that will help.' Aegis replied, his tone deadly serious.

Rogue gave a shaky chuckle in reply. 'Yeah...no thanks.'

As Aegis and Pandora continued to heal him, Rogue looked around his room. He smiled as his eyes landed on Blake. 'It's good to see you're looking well.' He gestured over to the man sitting on the chair. 'I hope you've thanked him. That guy's the only reason you're alive right now.'

Everyone shot Rogue a questioning look but he ignored them and addressed the man directly. 'If you haven't guessed by now, you can call me Rogue. What's your name?'

'Adam.' He replied.

'Well Adam.' Rogue said, giving a smile that was neither friendly nor appealing. 'Would you mind explaining to me what you were doing in the Underworld?'

Adam tensed. Despite how poorly Rogue appeared, he still managed to carry with him a strange presence of power that could freeze air. Adam knew it would be best not to lie to the one that had so expertly managed to fool the master of the Underworld. 'I was sent there by my master.' This term caused many, most of all Blake, to raise a brow. 'He asked me to retrieve-'

'Whose soul?'

'What?'

'The only thing worth taking from the Underworld is souls. So whose soul were you looking for?'

Adam took a short breath before answering. 'Yours and Lady Celestia's.'

The air in the room seemed to be sucked away, and all eyes laid on Rogue as he glared at Adam with a spark of hatred in his eyes. The light of the candles that adorned the room dimmed tremendously, and the light of Aegis' and Pandora's body seemed unable to contain the darkness that was emanating from Rogue. A trickle of sweat began to roll down Adam's cheek and began to drip from his chin as he felt the intense pressure caused by Rogue's emotions, and Adam realized that the feeling he felt back at the Underworld was not wrong.

Underworld

Rogue demanded three things from Death.

The first thing was answers to all the questions he had regarding Lore and Remnant.

The second thing was safe passage for him and his acquaintances from the Underworld and back to Remnant. Transport would be provided by Death.

The third thing Rogue had demanded from Death, was the fragment of his soul.

Death scowled, but in the Underworld a contract is ever binding, and Death's own signature prevented him from doing anything against Rogue. Death held out his hand, and in it was a small red shard. The moment the fragment touched Rogue's fingertips, it entered into his skin and spread throughout his body till he was enveloped in a pale blue light that burst out like a Dragon's flame. Adam was terrified, not because he had failed his mission and disobeyed the master, but because of the pressure that exuded off of Rogue. A terrifying, strangling pressure that was on par, no, exceeded that of the beast that guarded the entrance to the Underworld. And as the light faded, so did Adam's consciousness.

Beacon

Rogue remembered that it wasn't only Adam that was in the room, and quickly calmed himself. The pressure faded and everyone let out the breaths they had been holding in. Rogue didn't bother looking at the wary stares he got from the students and teachers and remained solely focused on Adam. 'Why were you sent after Celestia's soul?'

Adam attempted to regain his composure. 'I don't know.' He answered truthfully. 'The master never clues me in on his plans. He gives me an order and I carry it out to the letter.'

Rogue examined him for a moment, and saw that he wasn't lying. 'I believe you.' He paused. 'Then why did you protect Miss Belladonna? It wasn't as if you were ordered to do it. Were you?'

Adam shook his head, and was unsure of how to respond. 'I have my own reasons.' He said after a while.

Rogue gave him a suspicious look, but otherwise nodded. 'Fair enough. Everyone has their own reasons for something.' Rogue's expression hardened. 'And what of Celestia's soul?'

'I didn't find it. Death hid it well.'

Rogue nodded. He looked over at everyone else. 'You guy's probably have your own questions. But right now, do you think we could take this conversation over to the lounge? Sitting on the floor is incredibly uncomfortable.'

Rogue noticed the odd looks he was getting from most present, the exceptions being Ozpin, Glynda and Jaune. 'Are you guy's seriously telling me that you haven't looked around once since you got here?'

The students and Adam paused, looked around, and their jaws dropped.

Ruby sat on one of the couches that adorned the lounge, which was at the very center of the room and had a large rectangular coffee table that was within Rogue's tent. Weiss and Yang sat at her sides, and everyone else was also sitting on either another couch or seat that Aegis had brought out from seemingly nowhere. She was calmly stroking Greenie as he lay on her lap, but inside she still couldn't contain the wonder that brewed within her like a storm.

Rogue's tent was amazing. On the outside it was like a large box, but it paled in comparison to how large it actually was on the inside. It was HUGE! About the size of six dorm rooms that had been put together to form an incredibly large living space. It was also far from empty. The room had been split evenly into four quadrants. In one corner lay the bed and chair that Blake and Adam were previously staying in. Aside from the bed there was also a small circular table that had a candle sitting on it, a side drawer, and a basket with a cushion inside that acted as Draco's bed.

In the north east corner was a kitchen, a bloody kitchen! How the hell did he get a kitchen in here?! Ruby couldn't understand, and just put it down as magic considering she didn't want to think of it to hard. Not far from the kitchen was a door, Rogue had told them it led to the bathroom and that if anyone needed to use it they were more than welcome (this was met with mixed reactions by all.)

In the south west quadrant were a bunch of shelves stacked with books. Ruby was interested in what they contained, but that interest was nothing compared to what was in the north west corner that made her want to jump out of her seat and run straight towards them.

In the North West corner the walls were lined with strange and unusual weapons the likes of which Ruby had never seen or heard about. They were fascinating and magical, and even if they weren't also a gun they were far too interesting for her to ignore. She made a note to ask Rogue if she could take a look at them later, particularly at the large gauntlet that lay on a workbench built into the wall. It looked fascinating and Ruby would love to get her hands on it.

Ruby snapped back to attention as she let out a yawn. She wasn't use to staying up this late, and the effects of the potion were starting to wear off, but she forced herself to stay up. This seemed far too important an event to be sleeping through. Rogue winced as he shifted in his seat, it seemed that he, despite Pandora and Aegis' healing, was still badly hurt from his battle with Death. He smiled as Aegis handed him something to drink, and took a sip before speaking.

'Okay, before anyone asks any of their own questions, allow me to speak first. What I say may or may not provide answers to whatever questions are on your minds right now. Is this alright with you?'

Everyone nodded, but all knew that this was primarily for Ozpin. The Headmaster had been patiently awaiting an explanation from Rogue for a while now, but Rogue hadn't said anything on the topic until he was absolutely certain. 'I am from a place known as Lore. To put it in the simplest of terms; Lore is a place where legends are reality. Heroes and Villains you hear of in storybooks, rumours, myths and fairy tales; people you wouldn't expect to exist, exist here. This is where I am from.' Rogue paused to check if they were still listening, when he saw that they were he continued. 'I tell you this because of what I learnt from Death while I was in the Underworld. Lore and Remnant are two different planes of existence, essentially meaning that they are two separate dimensions. However, interestingly enough, parallels exist between out worlds in the form of stories. Whether this is coincidence or not, Death is uncertain, but he did state that things like this tend to be more than mere coincidence.'

'I'm confused. If Lore is a different dimension, then how exactly did you get here?' Jaune asked.

Rogue frowned. 'That's the worrying part. There should be no way that I should be here right now. However, Death made the suggestion that it may have something to do with me.'

At this everyone became a bit more attentive and intrigued as they listened to Rogue's explanation. 'Back in Lore, an incident occurred. I won't go into the details, but let's just say that one of the consequences resulted in my soul being split into several different pieces.'

'Like the story that Blake told us!' Exclaimed Nora. Rogue raised a brow and asked her to explain. Nora told Rogue the story of the Trickster and Rogue could see what Death meant by parallels.

Rogue nodded. 'Something like that.' He said. 'Anyway. I split my soul into fragments and hid the pieces in separate locations. According to Death, one of the fragments somehow ended up in Remnant, and that may have resulted in me coming here.'

'That still doesn't explain exactly how this 'fragment' ended up here in the first place.' Interjected Weiss, clearly not believing a word that was coming out of Rogue's mouth.

Rogue ignored the attitude. 'No, it doesn't. That's what has me worried.' He looked at Adam. 'I think that the person you refer to as 'Master' may have something to do with it.' Rogue raised a hand to stop Adam from speaking. 'I know that you don't know anything. Right now, I don't care. It doesn't matter. All I am saying is jargon for now, but this 'Master' is probably the one behind all this. And if he is capable of bringing me here, what else has he managed to bring?'

The room fell silent as they understood the gravity of what Rogue was talking about. Eventually, Ozpin spoke up. 'It is an interesting thought. It would also explain the rumours surrounding the Forever Falls as of late.'

They all raised a brow and watched as Ozpin brought out his scroll and handed it to Rogue. 'There has been many unsavoury rumours as of late of a creature that goes about in the Forever Falls causing mayhem. For now, they had only been just rumours, but we received footage only recently that I believed demanded your attention.'

Rogue clicked the play button. It was a series of pictures of a forest at night. There were bodies of Grimm strewn about everywhere in unusually creative and imaginative fashions. Trees were destroyed and the wood seemed to be lacking life in certain areas.

'We received this half an hour ago.' Ozpin explained. 'No Hunters were in the area at the time, and even if there were, the level of destruction caused is above what most could accomplish.'

Rogue raised a brow. 'How exactly is this connected to what I was saying before?'

'Turn over to the next page.' Ozpin told him. Rogue complied, and when he did so, his jaw dropped. Several Ursa Major's and Beowolves had been stuffed into the side of a cliff face, from up close one wouldn't be able to see it, but from afar it was clear that their bodies had been stuffed there to spell out a single sentence, one that caused Rogue to give the most dumbfounded expression he believed possible.

Artix was here.

Rogue jumped out of his seat, or attempted to as he slowly stood up and cringed in pain. Aegis and Pandora had done all that they could with their healing, and what Rogue really needed was rest, but with the information that Artix was on Remnant he couldn't afford to. 'Ozzy, I need to get to the Forever Falls. Artix is someone from my world, he may know what's going on.'

Ozpin raised a brow. 'Are you certain this is your friend?'

Rogue dead-panned. 'No one else but him would bother with such a task. I need to get to the Forever Falls as soon as possible.'

Aegis frowned at his friend. 'What you really need now is rest.'

Rogue shrugged. 'I can sleep on the airship there. We can't afford to lose this chance.'

'And if it's a trap?'

'That's a chance I'm willing to take. Besides, do you really think I'm going to die that easily?'

'It's the possibility of you dying at all that worries me.'

Rogue and Aegis began to debate in this manner. With Aegis attempting to convince Rogue to rest, with Rogue brushing him aside with feigned arrogance. Eventually, Rogue conceded to his long-time companion and told him that he would do as asked. Rogue hobbled over to the bathroom to take a shower and get dressed. Aegis then turned to the students.

'You are all probably tired as well.' He said, causing all the students to nod their heads. It had been a long night, and their heads were trying still trying to wrap around what Rogue was talking about previously. Aegis chuckled. 'The dorms are quite far off so you are welcome to stay in the guest rooms for tonight.'

Guest rooms? Everyone thought. This place just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

'And what of me?' Asked Adam. 'What will you do with me?'

Aegis raised a brow. 'What of you? It is quite clear that your master isn't the friendliest soul, and I don't believe he would take your betrayal well.' Adam nodded. 'Exactly, right now you are not a threat to any of us. So you are free to rest here or leave as you please.'

Blake opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it. Adam stood up and headed towards the exit, but as he left, Aegis called out to him. 'I'm not sure whether Rogue truly considers you an enemy or not. Until such a time it is decided, you are welcome here.'

Adam froze momentarily and nodded. He left the room and vanished into the night. Aegis turned his attention to Ozpin and Glynda. 'Do you wish to rest here as well?' Glynda and Ozpin shook their heads and took their leave. Aegis bid them farewell and was about to guide the other's to the guest rooms when Rogue came out of the bathroom dressed in his Pj's.

The students looked at Rogue and had many different thoughts going through their heads, but one thought in particular stuck out and was shouted by Yang as she almost fell over laughing.

'THOSE ARE YOUR PAJAMAS?'

Everyone else couldn't contain their laughter when they saw the indignant expression on Rogue's face, and their laughter got louder as his expression became more pronounced. Rogue looked at his pajamas, which consisted of a shirt and pants that had little baby dragons spread about holding hearts in their claws. Rogue stuck out his tongue and ignored them as he made his way over to his bed(They were his favourite Pj's considering how comfortable they were). Getting a good laugh out of it, the students followed Aegis as he directed them to the rooms. As they had no chance to change their clothes, they simply slept in what they were wearing. After getting them settled, Aegis returned to Rogue, who was sitting on his bed reading a book.

'Why didn't you tell them?' He asked.

Rogue raised a brow and sighed, he knew this was coming. 'Because I'm not certain yet. I don't want to tell them that it is possible that this 'Master' is preparing an invasion of Remnant.' Rogue glanced over at Draco, who was sleeping on his own bed. Draco's eyes were closed, but Rogue knew that the baby dragon was listening. He then locked eyes with Aegis. 'Don't worry. I know what I'm doing.'

Aegis gave him a skeptical look but otherwise remained silent. He returned to Pandora and both made their way to their perspective rooms, something created by Rogue so they would feel more at home. Rogue returned to his reading; he knew that tomorrow was going to bring about a lot of change, and maybe he would finally get some answers as to why he was here in the first place. After a while, he closed his book, turned off the light, and went to sleep.

Ruby snuck out of her room. She had tried to stave it off, but she really wanted to get a look at those weapons. Returning to the center living space that doubled as Rogue's room, she was being as quiet as she possibly could as she began to head towards the weapons, but a sound stopped her from doing so.

It sounded like crying.

Ruby turned around to the only possible location the sound was coming from. Where Rogue and Draco were sleeping. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she quietly made her way towards the sleeping figures till she stood right beside the bed where Rogue was currently asleep. He was crying, even though he was asleep. He probably didn't even realize it, the fact that tears were streaming down his face and he was shaking as if he had an intense fever. Ruby grew concerned, she never really knew what to do in situations like these. Ruby wondered what she should do, and decided to do something that Yang used to do when they were younger, whenever she had a nightmare. Ruby placed her hand on top of his head and began to stroke it gently. He flinched at first, but the action eventually began to calm him down somewhat, and she smiled. Rogue wasn't as scary as she first thought, and even if he did seem aloof and confusing at times, he was still human.

Rogue had said he came from a place where Heroes exist. Was Rogue a Hero? To Ruby it would make sense if he was. Even if they had met on bad terms, Rogue still protected her and saved her life, twice if she included the recent event with Spots. To Ruby, he seemed amazing, but as she looked at him now, she could only wonder.

If the Heroes job is to save, then who saves the Hero?

Rogue began to mumble something under his breath, and Ruby leaned in closer to hear what it was. Ruby almost cried out in surprise of both of Rogue's arms wrapped around her and pulled her closer to him, till her body was next to his and her head rested against his chest. Ruby blushed furiously, and was going to wake him up when she heard what Rogue was saying.

'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please..please don't go.'

Not knowing what to do or who he was talking about, Ruby was at a loss. Eventually though, as Rogue's arm pressed her against his body she managed to get something out. She didn't know where it came from, but she believed that it was the words that Rogue needed to hear. 'It's okay. I'm here for you.' It was a simple phrase, one that anyone can say to anybody, but to the sleeping Rogue, it was like a weight had been taken off his chest and his expression softened greatly at Ruby's voice, though his hold on her remained.

Ruby attempted to squirm out of his grip, but it was a futile effort and eventually she realized that fact. Sighing, she resigned herself to this fate. She tilted her head to look up at Rogue and wondered what was going through his head. She wondered who he was thinking about. Was it Celestia? Ruby felt a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. Considering how Rogue reacted at the mention of her name, Celestia must have been very important to him, and from what Ruby got, she was dead. Ruby could understand that, losing someone who meant so much to you. Ruby wondered just who this Celestia was. Would Rogue react badly if she asked? Maybe she could ask Aegis or Pandora? They might be able to help. Ruby felt herself slowly drifting off to sleep as questions entered her mind. Ruby had noticed this before, but Rogue was always warm, and that still didn't change. Even if his grip was firm, it was always gentle, and the heat that radiated of his body covered her like a blanket. Her eyelids began to drop, and eventually, Ruby fell asleep in his arms.

Draco had been awake the entire time, watching over Rogue even as Ruby showed up. It was funny, Rogue didn't seem so edgy with her around, and was actually quite relaxed in her presence. Draco saw the calm expression adorning Rogue's sleeping face. Draco hadn't seen Rogue make that face in what felt like an age. Draco smiled and decided to join those two in sleep. Needless to say, he was looking forward to how awkward the next morning was going to be.

Drakath bowed before the Master. His head was hung low, and his voice was somber. 'The thrall has failed Master. Adam Taurus somehow managed to break our-my control.' He corrected.

Drakath looked at the Master. As always, the Master's face was concealed in darkness, his entire body draped in a long pale blue, almost gray hood that was torn at the hems. The Masters voice came out as a dark whisper. 'Drakath. What do you believe the purest of all emotions is?'

Drakath paused. He had expected to be reprimanded by the Master, not to be asked such a strange question. Not wishing to keep the Master waiting, Drakath responded quickly. 'Hatred. It is a flame that consumes everything before it and leaves nothing but ash in its wake.'

'You are wrong.' The Master replied. 'The purest of all emotions is love. It is as delicate as it is strong; fragile as glass and tougher than stone. It is as wild as a raging storm and as calm as a gentle breeze. It has the power to heal as well as destroy. If hatred is a flame the leaves naught but ash, then love is a flood that covers even the highest mountain, till only it remains.'

Drakath considered the Master's words. 'So, you are saying that love is the reason that Taurus was able to break the control?'

The Master said nothing more on the subject. 'My sources tell me that other Heroes of Lore have entered Remnant. It appears that they have come searching for Rogue. I want you to locate them and deal with them as you see fit. Though they may be insignificant now, they could pose an issue later on.'

Drakath nodded, and the Master dismissed him from his presence. As Drakath exited the dimly lit chamber, Xan appeared. 'Master. I have accomplished what you have asked.' He began to cackle maniacally and uncontrollably. 'Everything is in place and preparations have begun.'

The Master was silent and Xan understood that it meant to leave his side. As Xan vanished in a spark of flame, he reappeared in a chamber in another place. Within the chamber there was an Ursa Major. The bear like Grimm was covered in flames, and more importantly, had been given something by Xan. Something foreign that had been injected into it that made it surge and cackle with elemental energy. Something that gave it power unlike that of others of its kind.

Xan cackled maniacally as he examined the caged beast that bowed to his will and his gaze swept over the many other types of Grimm filling the chamber. Infusing the power of Elementals into the soulless beasts was going to be fun.

A/N: Okay, honestly, there is no way the Rogue could beat Death. Primarily because I made it that way. So with that in mind, the only thing I could come up with for Rogue to survive is if he found some way to outsmart Death. If anyone has any other takes or ideas on how it could have gone differently, feel free to mention it because I am absolutely stumped as to how he could best Death in terms of power.