The students were confused. Though this was a regular occurrence in Rogue's classes, today's confusion was caused by the mysterious absence of the Professor in question and the appearance of Glynda GoodWitch who would be taking the class in his place. Though GoodWitch had yet to master the art of using mana, some private training with Aegis meant she had mastered the basics of tapping into and utilising the mana pool. From reading some books that the elemental spirit had leant her from Rogue's tent, she knew far more than the students. She had also been experimenting with ways to combine mana and aura, and though she had no success thus far, the experimentation has given her a unique perspective on the subject that would benefit the students, and Rogue agreed.

'Due to injury, Professor Rogue is unable to teach today's class and has requested that I take his place.'

A whisper ran amongst the students as to what could possibly injure Rogue, but they were immediately silenced by a glare from GoodWitch. As GoodWitch began to speak, all of the students were purposely paying attention as to not invoke the wrath of the fearsome woman. They were paying so much attention, that none noticed the guilty expression that briefly flashed across Weiss' face, the cherry red tint that adorned Ruby's cheeks, the cheshire grin that plastered itself on Yang, and the small amused smile that came to Blake as they all recalled the events of this morning.

Draco and Aegis were snickering to themselves as they watched a shivering Rogue attempt to warm himself with a thick heavy towel. Rogue glared at his friends and stuck out his tongue as Pandora returned from the kitchen with a tray carrying a saucer with a cup of tea and a bowl of soup. Rogue thanked her as she set the tray down on the coffee table and he reached for the drink and brought it to his lips. He shuddered as the warmth of the tea trickled down his throat and returned heat to his trembling body. He then exchanged the cup for the bowl and began to consume the hearty brew greedily. Though she had gotten off to a rough start, Pandora had made gigantic leaps and bounds in her culinary skills (meaning her food no longer came to life and attempted to kill them) and her dishes were both filling and delicious. In a flash the soup was finished, and Rogue was already feeling much better and some colour had returned to his skin.

'How did you end up like this?' Pandora asked; confusion, concern and curiosity lining her voice.

Rogue frowned. Early this morning, he had woken up to the sight of Ruby Rose. The sight on its own wouldn't have been that odd given the fact that he would've seen her and her friends as they left the tent. What made it odd, and caused Rogue to become flustered, was the fact that his arms were currently wrapped around the sleeping figure of Miss Rose as she lay in his bed. Confused, he released his grip and began to shift the arm pined underneath her body in an attempt to free it. He succeeded and without waking the sleeping Ruby, who was breathing deeply and had a bit of drool dribbling from her mouth.

Rogue wondered what to do next. He had never been in a situation like this before and was completely out of his element. Unsure of what to do, Rogue decided that the best option would be to get out of the bed, avoiding any potential misunderstandings. As carefully as he could, he began to crawl out of the bed by placing one hand and leg over the body of Miss Rose. Unfortunately, the movement had caused Ruby to stir, and as she awoke her eyes locked with his. A silence was shared between them. An awkward, deafening silence. Neither dared to break the deadlock, unable to completely comprehend the situation. Ruby had no idea what was going on, but the memory of the nights events caused her to turn as red as her name-sake as she looked at Rogue. Rogue however, began to grow even more flustered. This position was not only compromising but it would be incredibly easy to misunderstand. Alas, it seemed that Rogue would not have a peaceful morning, for just then Weiss had entered the main living space.

Weiss had woken early to speak with Ruby on something that had been bothering her, and was surprised to find that her captain was absent from the room. Without disturbing Yang or Blake, Weiss exited the room and went towards the only area where Ruby could have gone. When she had reached the end of the passage and opened the door separating the guest area from the main room, she froze. Rogue was on top of Ruby, on the bed. Weiss let out a gasp of surprise that caused both Rogue and Ruby to notice her presence. Ruby's eyes went wide while Rogue's darted back and forth between the two. Eventually, Rogue looked at Weiss and chuckled awkwardly.

'I have no explanation. Whatsoever.'

Needless to say, the compromising position was understandably misunderstood by Weiss, who drew Myrtenaster and fired a shot of ice that flung Rogue into the wall and froze him from the neck down.

'YOU PERVERT! SHE'S FIFTEEN!' she exclaimed. Weiss' exclamation succeeded in waking up just about everybody in the tent. Ruby, regaining her composure, quickly jumped off the bed and ran towards Weiss, and quickly fabricated a story as to how she ended up in Rogue's bed. Draco, who had been up since the beginning, began to melt the ice encasing Rogue with his fiery breath. As Ruby finished her story, Yang and Blake showed up, and Ruby explained the situation as well as told the two her story. Like Weiss, Blake and Yang gave Ruby the same sceptical look.

'Sleepwalking?' They repeated. Ruby nodded nervously, hoping they would buy her story. The three of them did not, but they had no time to act as such as the sound of incredibly loud sneezing. The girls looked over to see a dripping wet, miserable looking Rogue who was sneezing like there was no tomorrow.

'I still can't believe you caught a cold.' Aegis said, regaining his composure while Draco continued to snicker at his friends predicament. 'I can heal a lot of things, but the only cure for a cold is rest.'

Rogue's frown deepened, and he was going to complain when he heard someone enter the tent. Shifting in the seat and looking over the back of the couch, he was surprised to see Ozpin. Ozpin approached the lounge, carrying with him his signature mug, and a small paper bag.

'I heard you were feeling unwell.' Ozpin said, Rogue's response was a loud sneeze that caused Draco to keel back in laughter. Ozpin chuckled and presented Rogue with the small paper bag. 'Here.' He said.

Though confused, Rogue took the paper bag and opened it as Ozpin sat down on a leather seat nearby. 'It's cold medicine.' Ozpin said as Rogue pulled out a cylindrical container and opened it. 'It won't cure your cold, but it will help you feel a bit better.'

'Thanks.' Rogue replied as he threw a couple of pills in his mouth. The medicine didn't work instantly but just the thought that it would help caused him to feel a little better. 'How did you know I was sick?'

'I was with Glynda when you sent the message.' Ozpin replied. Pandora returned from the kitchen with some snacks and Ozpin thanked her. 'I thought it would help, and I won't deny that I was interested as to how you managed to catch a cold.'

Rogue grimaced as he told Ozpin what he did Pandora, and stuck his tongue out at the Headmaster as he began to laugh at Rogue's predicament. 'That is quite a way to spend your morning.' He said, regaining his composure. 'Still, I should perhaps remind you that illicit relationships between students and teachers is strictly forbidden.'

Rogue grew flustered. 'There was nothing illicit going on! I have absolutely no idea how she ended up there!' Ozpin couldn't help but notice the reaction and began to tease him further, to see Rogue act like this was quite a treat.

Though Ozpin and Rogue had gotten off to a bad start, over the course of time, they had developed a rather cordial relationship. Rogue had informed Ozpin of the truth of the events in the prison, stating that most of what he said was jargon based off of a few names that he could see from Ozpin's mind. Rogue also explained that he never delved to deep into Ozpin's mind and that the 'regrets' he talked of were due to the fact that Rogue himself had seen people like Ozpin before. After that was cleared up, Rogue and Ozpin got along much better. Ozpin enjoyed Rogue's company, and found himself far more relaxed in his presence; having no fear of the strange man from Lore. Likewise, Rogue found it refreshing to be around an individual that was as understanding and adaptable as Ozpin. Though neither would consider the other a true friend; neither would disagree if the term was used in relation to them.

Aegis chuckled as Rogue began to turn bright red in embarrassment and frustration, and took it upon himself to save his friend from his predicament. 'Ozpin. I can assure you that Rogue has made no untoward advances to Ruby Rose.'

Rogue shot Aegis a grateful look, which soon faded as Aegis continued to speak. 'More so, I believe it would be impossible for him to do so.' Aegis gave a mischievous grin as Rogue's expression turned to one of horror. 'After all, in the twenty years he has been alive. The furthest he's ever managed to go with a woman is holding hands.'

Rogue turned an even brighter red. 'Shut up! I can do a lot of things, but stuff like that is far too embarrassing!'

Ozpin raised a brow. 'So, even the mighty Rogue has things he is incapable of.'

Rogue frowned at Ozpin. 'What's that supposed to mean?'

Ozpin chuckled. 'Nothing nothing. Anyway, aside from this visitation, their was something I wanted to ask you.'

Ozpin leaned forward in the chair and was about to speak, but Rogue stopped him. 'Only if you answer something that's been on my mind for a while first.'

Ozpin gave a curious expression but otherwise agreed. Rogue gave a cheeky grin. 'So. What exactly is your relationship with Glynda?'

Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang where about to leave the classroom when GoodWitch stopped them.

'Miss Rose, Miss Schnee, Miss Belladonna and Miss Long. I would like to have a word with you.'

Though the girls were perplexed, they stayed behind as the rest of the students left the room. Those from JNPR (Minus Ren, who had taken the morning class off to fix his dyed pink hair) Shot them a concerned look, but Ruby assured them they were fine. As soon as all the student had left, Glynda addressed them.

'I have recently received a message from Headmaster Ozpin. He would like to see you immediately. Your other teachers have already been informed of this development and you can find the Headmaster at Rogue's tent. That is all.'

With that GoodWitch dissmissed the confused girls of RWBY. They headed down the shining halls of Beacon Academy and talked amongst themselves.

'Why do you think the Headmaster wants to see us?' Questioned Blake, wondering what the Headmaster could possibily want with them in particular.

'Who knows?' Mused Yang. 'Perhaps he wants to know if Rogue was showing Ruby how he uses his personal scythe.'

Ruby was confused, but as soon as she saw Yang's grin she realised what she meant and blushed. 'Yang!' was all she could say but she lowered her voice when some students heading to class noticed the commotion. 'I told you-'

'Sleepwalking.' Yang said as she rolled her eyes. 'Come on Ruby, do you think for a second that I'm gonna buy that?'

Ruby grew flustered at being called out, and began to argue with her sister as they walked down the stars and towards the passage that led outside.

'I still don't understand why you're defending him.' Weiss said, though not as harshly as she intended. She felt partly responsible for Rogue's current sickly condition after it became abundantly clear that he had not tried anything at all and she had misunderstood the situation entirely. Ruby turned her attention to Weiss and struggled to find the right words to say, not wishing to intrude on Rogue's privacy.

'Perhaps she has a reason.' Interjected Blake, earning a grateful look from Ruby. 'Maybe there's something she can't talk about.'

'That just makes it all the more suspicious!' Weiss responded. 'What couldn't she talk about?'

'A secret.' Blake replied, allowing her cat ears to twitch ever so slightly under her bow. Weiss got the message, but wasn't happy about it.

'Why do you dislike Rogue so much?' Asked Yang, curious as to what the Schnee heiress thought of the man in question.

Weiss frowned as they left the hall and entered the courtyard. 'I don't trust him. I mean, we barely know anything about him! Think about it, how much has he actually told us about himself?'

Ruby considered her friends words. 'Well, he's from a place called Lore.'

Weiss rolled her eyes. 'Right, a separate dimension where Heroes exist. That sounds absolutely ridiculous! No sane person would ever consider that as truth.'

Blake raised a brow. 'Then how do you explain the Underworld?'

'We simply could have fallen down a hole.' Weiss argued.

'And the monsters that resided within?'

Weiss frowned. 'There is absolutely nothing to suggest that they are not another form of Grimm.'

'And the fact that the giant hound guarding that gate had an aura?'

Weiss went silent at that, having no reasonable explanation. Blake spoke up. 'I agree with you that we actually know next to nothing about who he is, but from what I've seen I don't think he is a bad person.'

'Right!' Agreed Ruby. 'I mean, he did save our lives. Not to mention the lives of those cops in the airships a while back, and they were coming to arrest him!' Ruby gave a large grin. 'He's like a Hero!'

'A Hero or Your Hero?' Teased Yang, returning the two sisters to their previous debate. Blake smiled at the scene and Weiss walked on in silence.

Weiss didn't truly hate Rogue, but she couldn't bring herself to trust him. Since his appearance, her friends had been repeatedly put life threatening situations. Even if it was unintentional on his part, the fact remained that Rogue seemed to attract danger, danger where she was completely helpless. This also led to another reason as to why she found it hard to deal with Rogue. Weiss had explicitly promised Ruby that she would be the best team-mate she could be. Weiss thought that she was good enough, but it had become apparent with Rogue's appearance that her best wasn't. After the incident with the monster a month back, Weiss had spent a lot more time training and improving herself, to the point where she had actually collapsed during a mandatory team training session. Even then she didn't stop, but after the incident with Spots it felt as if everything she did was useless, and that feeling caused her to be bitter towards him.

The girls came to the front of the tent and entered. They were still mystified at the scope of Rogue's lodgings but they didn't allow themselves to be distracted as they were greeted by Ozpin, who was currently seated in the lounge with the sickly Rogue. Rogue greeted them as they approached and took a seat on the couch in between the seats where Rogue and Ozpin sat. Draco immediately flew over to Ruby and rested on her lap, and Ruby had opted to sit as far away from Rogue as possible, still embarrassed about the event. Pandora and Aegis returned from the kitchen with refreshments and snacks and laid on the table. The girls were confused. Though they didn't understand why they were here, this seemed much more casual than they expected.

'You are probably wondering why I have called you here.' Ozpin started. The girls nodded in response. 'Well, after discussing it with Rogue, we have decided that it would be best to seek out this 'Artix' immediately.' Ozpin gestured over to Rogue. 'However, it is quite clear that Rogue is in no position to do so.' Rogue sneezed once more, it was loud and caused the girls to jump a bit in surprise. Ozpin chuckled. 'As such, is has been decided that you four will be the ones to go and find Artix in Rogue's place.'

The girls were understandably shocked at what the Headmaster was saying, but felt that it was not their place to argue with him as of this moment. 'You shall be accompanied by Aegis for this mission.' Ozpin continued. 'The Airship is already prepared. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask it.'

'Why us?' Ruby asked, purposefully avoiding Rogue's eyes.

'Aside from you four, only those of JNPR and a select few such as myself and Professor GoodWitch know of the current situation. Rogue believed that you and your team were the best choice for carrying out this mission and I am inclined to agree.'

The girls shot Rogue a curious look, but in his current state Rogue didn't notice it. 'How are we going to find this 'Artix'?' Questioned Blake.

'That's why I'm going with you.' Aegis answered. 'I can track Artix using his soul as a guide.' The girls cocked their heads in confusion. 'Every soul has a specific presence. Being a spirit, I can see this presence as well as the residue it leaves behind. Using the last known location where Artix was, it should be an easy task to locate him.'

The girls and Ozpin gave a perplexed look but otherwise said nothing. 'I don't get it.' Said Yang. 'If you can do all that, then why send us?'

Ozpin glanced over at Rogue, who had drifted off to sleep, no longer having the energy to stay up. 'You will have to ask Rogue. He was unusually persistent in regards to sending you four.' Rogue began to snore. 'However, that is going to have to wait until a later time. Are there any other questions?'

The girls shook their heads and they left the tent and headed for the dorm to get ready.

'So. You're going to track him using his soul?' Ozpin asked Aegis.

Aegis shrugged. 'Not really.'

Ozpin raised a brow. 'Then how?'

'Simple. I walk in the opposite direction of the fleeing Grimm.'

'So Aegis, I was wondering something. Is Rogue a Hero?'

Aegis looked over at Ruby who sat across from him on the Airship. 'What do you mean?' He asked, playing dumb. The ride to the Forever Falls was taking longer than expected, quickly turning into a two-to-three hour trip. The girls had remained silent for the most part, unused to being alone with the Elemental Spirit. But Ruby had found the situation rather exciting, they were searching for a Hero, like in the stories, and this sparked her ever present childish nature and caused her to ask her current question.

'You know.' Ruby continued. 'A Hero, someone who fights monsters and makes the world a better place.'

Yang chuckled at her sisters antics and Weiss rolled her eyes, but neither denied that they were curious. Blake was also, and was listening as she read her book. Aegis gave a small smile. 'If you go by that definition, then I guess you could consider Rogue a Hero.'

Ruby's eyes twinkled. 'Wow, a real Hero. Does that mean that Artix is a Hero too?' Ruby squealed in delight as Aegis nodded. Ruby began to ask Aegis all sorts of questions regarding Rogue's Heroics, but he raised his hand midway to stop her.

'Any questions like those are ones you should ask Rogue personally.' He told her, much to the young girls confusion.

'Why is that?' Questioned Weiss, finding it more than a little suspicious.

Aegis leant back against the wall. 'There are some things Rogue would rather not mention. I don't want to reveal anything he would rather keep hidden.'

The girls considered Aegis' words. It was clear to them that the Elemental Spirit and Rogue were quite close, so this provided them with an opportunity to learn a little more about both him and Rogue. However, what Aegis said affirmed the fact that they should be careful in their approach.

'Why?'

Affirmed to everyone except Ruby that is, who grew more curious by the second. Her team mates shook their heads at their leaders lack of tact while Ruby looked at them in confusion.

'It's a secret Miss Rose.' Aegis told her.

Ruby nodded in understanding but still couldn't contain her curiosity. 'Is there anything you can tell us?'

Aegis shook his head, much to Ruby's disappointment. 'Unless Rogue has mentioned something in passing, then I will not speak of it.' Aegis tone was firm and final, and Ruby knew she wouldn't be able to learn anything of Rogue's heroics.

Or the reason he was crying at night.

Aegis looked at the screen that gave a view of the outside. It said that they had forty-five minutes before they finally reached the Forever Falls. He was lost in his own thoughts, but was soon snapped out of it as he realised Yang had been attempting to gain his attention for a while now.

'Yes Miss Long?' He asked, wondering what she could want.

'Do you know somebody named Konan?'

Aegis expression paled. 'How do you know that name?'

The girls noticed the change in Aegis demeanour and watched as Yang continued to speak. 'Rogue told me a story about him a while back. Lore is like a story right? Then does that mean that Konan was a real person?'

The others were surprised by Yang's odd bout of insight, and realised that she must have been on to something as Aegis brow began to furrow as he struggled with himself internally. The girls waited patiently for how he would respond. Eventually, Aegis decided that if Rogue had spoken of Konan before, then he must have had a reason. Though as that reason was foreign to him, Aegis made a compromise.

'Konan is indeed a real person.' He said. 'But aside from that I will say nothing more.'

The girls gave disappointed expressions and Weiss scowled. 'This is exactly why I don't trust you guys!' She said in frustration, shocking all present and making the girls uncomfortable. 'All you do is speak in riddles and never tell the full story!'

Aegis simply raised a brow. 'Everyone is entitled to their privacy Miss Schnee.' he said calmly.

Weiss shot him a cold look, one she had become infamous for at Beacon. 'Privacy is good and all, but when our lives are on the line then we deserve to at least know who it is we are working with.'

Aegis was unaffected. After all, he was the physical embodiment of ice. 'You do know. You are working with me under the order of Headmaster Ozpin.'

Weiss rolled her eyes. 'And who exactly are you? A Hero of Lore, or a Villain? In fact, how do we know that Rogue isn't actually a Villain masquerading as a Hero? You guys could be the ones that planned everything in the first place! You could be lying to us for all we know-'

Weiss stopped talking as she noticed how cold the room had gotten, and her eyes went wide in fear as she saw the source. Aegis had been silent, deadly silent, and his power over ice began to manifest itself as a cold wind that swept across the area like a blizzard. Weiss shrunk back a little, she was used to the cold, but nothing quite like this. Eventually, the cold faded, and the heat returned to the room once more. Ruby, Yang and Blake exchanged glances as their eyes darted warily back and forth between the ice princess and the ice spirit.

'Rogue never wanted to be a Hero.' Aegis said after the room had fallen silent. 'He had never chosen to become one. Fate decreed otherwise, and without prior warning a great burden was thrust upon him.' Aegis looked at Weiss, his gaze steady. 'I'm sure you must understand what that feels like, do you not, Miss Schnee?'

Weiss nodded. She could understand not being in a position where you could choose who you wanted to be. Being the Heiress to the largest corporation in the world, many expectations were placed upon her since birth.

Aegis calmed himself. 'It's a lonely feeling is it not? Having a great burden always stems from even greater expectations and failure to live up to those expectations always brings about devastating consequences.' Aegis smiled to himself. 'Rogue could have given up at any point but he chose not to. He chose to live up too and exceed those expectations. He bore and still bears the weight of his failures.' Aegis glanced over at Weiss. 'Could you honestly say that you could do the same?'

Weiss was silent uncertain of how to respond. Aegis continued when she said nothing. 'Rogue is many things to many people Miss Schnee. You can distrust him as much as you want.' Aegis glanced over to where Yang and Ruby were sitting. 'Spit as many insults and accusations as you like.' Ruby and Yang looked down at the ground in shame. Aegis looked at Blake. 'Or threaten him at knife point.' Blake hid her guilty expression by placing her book in front of her face. Aegis returned to Weiss. 'And he will do nothing. He will bear that weight, no matter how much it crushes him.' Aegis swept his eyes over the room. 'Rogue never wanted to be a Hero, and you can consider him many things, but do not think for a second that he is a Villain, and don't you dare to accuse him as such in my presence ever again.'

With that, Aegis left the room and headed towards the cockpit. Leaving behind four very confused and downcast girls who realised that they may have mistreated a certain Rogue more than they intended.

It was about midday when they disembarked at the Forever Falls. The sun shone brilliantly in cloudless blue sky, and the trees swayed in the wind as an ever moving sea of red. Since the events in the Airship, the girls travelled in silence alongside Aegis as they headed towards the site that Artix was last seen. The girls had chatted in the Airship and filled each other in on what Aegis was referring to. Though each was stunned by the others behaviour, they said nothing on the subject as Blake pointed out that Aegis had said all that needed saying, and they instead spoke of what they should do next. It was abundantly clear to them that they had offended Aegis, and wondered if there was some way they could apologise to him. However, they had come up with nothing, and the atmosphere between them turned even more awkward as they continued their trek through the Forever Falls. As they neared their destination, much to their surprise, Aegis spoke.

'I apologise for earlier.' He said, shocking them. 'It was uncalled of for me to react the way I did.'

The girls shot each other looks, waiting for someone to say something. Surprisingly, Weiss was the one that answered. 'It's fine. I will admit that I may have been a bit presumptuous in my actions.'

'Yeah, and it's not as if what you said was wrong.' Added Ruby. Yang and Blake nodded and murmured apologies of their own. Aegis chuckled and the atmosphere got a little lighter.

'You've known Rogue for a while, right?' Asked Blake. Aegis nodded. 'How exactly did you two meet?'

Aegis gave a small smile. 'It was a long time ago, but we met when he was training to become a Soul Weaver. He came to the Plane of Elemental Spirits in search of a Soul Ally and he found me. Since then I have always accompanied him on his adventures.'

'What's the Plane of Elemental Spirits? Is that a type of Airship?' Ruby asked.

Aegis chuckled. 'No. It's the place where I am from. The term is used to describe a different area of existence where beings such as I reside.' Aegis raised his hand and revealed a small gem like object attached to the end of a long, thin chain that was dangling harmlessly. Suddenly, an Ursa Major burst out of the bushes and charged towards the group. The girls were shocked as the Ursa Major touched Aegis and was immediately encased in ice. 'As you have no doubt realised.' Aegis said as the ice shattered and the Grimm's body fell into little pieces. 'I am an Elemental Spirit of Ice.'

The girls nodded dumbly and were confused as Aegis headed in the direction the Grimm came from. 'Uh Aegis? Isn't the site that way?' Yang asked as she pointed ahead rather than to the side.

'Yes.' Aegis replied as he turned around to face them. 'But there is one thing you must know when searching for Artix.' A large rumbling sound was heard in the distance and a thin trail of smoke could be seen in the direction Aegis had been heading. 'You always head in the opposite direction of the fleeing beasts.'

Yang had a lot of opinions on who this Artix was and what he was like. Aegis had told them that he was a Paladin, a Warrior of Light whose sole duty was to rid the world of the minions of darkness and bring peace to the land. Yang expected a dashing knight with long flowing silver hair, a charming smile, flawless body, and a masculine voice. However, what she got.

'FOUL MINIONS OF DARKNESS, FEAR MY DIVINE WRATH!'

Was Artix. Though Yang did believe that he wasn't that bad; having wavy aurburn hair, handsome facial features, an undoubtedly muscular body hidden beneath shining armour and wielding a huge golden axe that testified to his enormous strength. However, as she watched him grab one of the fleeing Beowolves and throw it about like a ragdoll with a joyful grin on his face, she could only think one thing as he began singing a merry tune.

'This guy is insane.'

The others nodded as they watched Artix throw the Beowulf at a fleeing Ursa Major,causing it to stumble and fall. They watched as Artix then ran straight towards the downed beast and in one mighty swing, cleave it in two. Artix raised his axe into the air and let out a victory cry. Yang was dumbfounded as she looked at the carnage caused by the Paladin. Bodies of Grimm were strewn about everywhere and covered the ground like patchwork. The earth was shattered and the trees were broken from the swathe of Grimm that were running as far from the terrifying Paladin as possible. Yang felt sorry for the Grimm. This man took way to much pleasure in killing them, even by Yang's standards.

Aegis walked forward from where they had watched the battle and headed towards Artix. The girls followed behind, weapons at the ready just in case more Grimm showed up. Artix noticed their presence and turned around, and was pleasantly surprised to see Aegis and walked over to him. The two met in the center of the carnage and both shook hands in greeting.

'Aegis! It is good to see you!' Artix said.

Aegis smiled. 'It is good to see you too Artix. It appears that you've been quite busy.'

Artix chuckled as he looked around at his handiwork. 'I have been. These woods are infested with all sorts of evil abominations such as those. I have been fighting them ever since I came here.' Artix looked over Aegis shoulder and finally noticed Team RWBY. 'Are these friends of yours?'

'Yes.' Aegis confirmed.

Artix shot the girls a charming smile and the girls blushed slightly. 'It is nice to meet you all. A friend of Aegis is a friend of mine.' Artix paused, and his expression changed to one of utter shock as he looked back at Aegis. 'Wait! How did you get here?! Shouldn't you be back on Lore?'

Aegis expression became neutral. 'It's a long story. I'm more interested in why you are here. Shouldn't you be back on Lore also?'

Artix crossed his arms and smiled. 'Probably for the same reason you're here. To find Weaver of course!'

Aegis gave a small grin. 'You're in luck then. I know where Weaver is, he was actually the one who sent us to find you.'

'Great!' Artix exclaimed. 'We shall set off at once!'

Aegis chuckled as Artix went back to the body of the cleaved Ursa Major to retrieve his axe. As he did so, Blake asked him something that was on the teams mind. 'Who's Weaver?' She asked.

Aegis turned around. 'Oh, do you recall how Rogue told you all that 'Rogue' isn't actually his name, but a title?' The girls nodded. 'Weaver is another one of the titles he goes by.'

'How many titles does Rogue have?' Questioned Blake. The answer caused all the girls jaws to drop.

'About thirty-seven.'

Artix returned to the group and they set off to the extraction point. RWBY found Artix to be quite an interesting individual, and far more talkative about his exploits against the Undead. Weiss believed he was just an older, male version of Ruby that had a bit to much sugar. Blake found him interesting, noting how despite his current demeanour around them that he was always prepared for battle. Yang was examining him with wandering eyes. Ruby thought he was exciting. Artix was like the ideal Hero; strong, brave, and was a blade that cut through the darkness. Unlike Rogue, or Weaver, or whatever title he was called, Artix was a lot more open. He told the girls all about Lore, and of some of the events that took place there (However, all of what he told them was on DoomWood).

Before they realised it, they had come to the extraction point. However, it was not an easy task convincing Artix to get on the Airship.

'THAT FOUL CONTRAPTION HAS CONSUMED THAT POOR SOUL!' He shouted as soon as his eyes laid upon the Pilot in the cockpit. 'FEAR NOT! FOR I, ARTIX VON KRIEGER, SHALL SAVE YOU!'

It took some time and an incredibly long explanation by everyone to convince Artix that the Airship was NOT a monster, and it took even longer for him to get on the Airship. Eventually they succeeded, and headed back to Beacon. Artix and Aegis spoke privately on certain matters while the girls were left to chat to themselves.

'Well, that was easy.' Said Yang as she leaned back in the chair.

'Indeed.' Agreed Weiss. 'It makes me wonder why we were brought along at all.'

'We'll have to ask Rogue that.' Blake said. 'Speaking of Rogue. Do we have any idea on what we're going to say when we get back?'

The girls went silent in thought. Eventually, Ruby spoke. 'We're going to just have to apologise I guess. I mean, there's nothing else we can really do.'

The others nodded. Meanwhile, Artix had told Aegis some troubling news, and he went to the cockpit and asked the Pilot to speed up. They had to get to Beacon as soon as possible.

Drakath scowled. The Paladin had survived the onslaught of Grimm that he had sent after him. Though the Master had given orders to deal with the Heroes sent after Rogue, the appearance of RWBY prevented him from going any further.

The Master had given orders that Team RWBY was not to be touched. The Master had not informed them why, but as Drakath looked at the girl adorning a red hood, he though there was something familiar.

Drakath had seen that hood before.

The Master kept one just like it.

It was early evening by the time they arrived at Beacon. Aegis led Artix to the tent where Rogue resided. He informed the girls that they should head to Headmaster Ozpin's office and inform him of the situation. Though all four wished to apologise to Rogue, they did as Aegis asked. As soon as they entered the tent Artix immediately smiled as he ran up to the sickly Rogue and patted him on the back. Rogue, who had been walking back towards the couch after getting a book from his personal library, keeled over and fell face first into the floor. Artix quickly helped him back up and assisted him over to the lounge. As soon as Rogue was seated, Artix chuckled awkwardly.

'Sorry about that.' Artix said. 'I didn't know you were sick.'

'It's fine.' Rogue waved it off. 'Still, that was one hell of a greeting.'

Artix grinned. 'Heh. Aegis informed me of the situation. I never thought YOU of all people would be working as a teacher.'

Rogue frowned. 'What's that supposed to mean?'

'Nothing, just unexpected is all.'

Rogue grinned. 'Anyway, though I am glad to see you. What exactly are you doing here? How did you get here in the first place?'

Artix leant back in the seat as he began to explain. 'It's actually quite an odd situation. We received a message from True Mortal, telling us that you were in need of assistance.'

'That is odd.' Rogue agreed, knowing how odd it was for the being to purposefully seek out human contact.

'Yes.' Artix grew serious. 'What made it even more odd was the fact that you've been frozen in ice for the past three years.'

Rogue gave a dumbfounded expression. Artix continued. 'True Mortal told us that the rift he guards isn't bound by the constraints of time and space. He said that sometime in the future, when you are free, that you would be flung into another world and would need help getting back. We entered through the rift and then ended up here.'

Rogue had no idea what to think, but True Mortal was one of the few people Rogue truly trusted so he took Artix words as truth. 'Wait a second. What do you mean 'we'?'

'He didn't come alone.' Aegis said. 'He came in a group.'

Artix nodded. 'Yup. Aside from me; Tomix, Zhoom, Ash, Cysero...' Artix trailed off, and Rogue looked at him in confusion.

Artix shot Aegis a look and Aegis nodded. Rogue was confused by their behaviour, but soon understood why as Aegis spoke.

'...and Konan.'

Rogue took a moment to take it in. Konan was the last person he would expect to bother to find him, and the news did shock him, but Rogue quickly composed himself as an even bigger question came into his mind. 'Wait. If you came in a group. Then where are the others?'

'...I don't know.' Artix admitted. 'Something occurred during the transfer process and we were separated.'

Rogue began to rub his temples. Things got a lot more complicated. Rogue then paled further as he realised something.

'Wait. Doesn't that mean that Cysero is alone. In a new world. Without any form of supervision whatsoever?'

Artix nodded in response.

Rogue fainted.

In a stadium that was to be used for the Vytal Festival as the scene of the tournament, a certain green mage was in a certain room that had many buttons. Being a perfectly reasonable and inquisitive character, who had absolutely no knowledge of how he ended up in this room in the first place, he decided to press those buttons.

Later, as he sat in a cell in a certain police station as he awaited questioning, he would clearly state that he had no knowledge of how that fire started.