A/N: A bit of fluff in this chapter, possibly classed as a lime depending on how you look at it. Quite a few line breaks in the later part of the chapter.

Also someone asked me in a PM if Eien actually meant anything in a different language, since I've brought in different languages into the story and Eien doesn't seem to be a common name in English. Truth is that Eien means 'Eternity' in Japanese, and eludes to the Eternity Flower, which is what colour he's named after.

Hope you enjoy~ Review and tell me how I did~

I DO NOT OWN RWBY

Chapter 10: Dust and Souls

The crimson Bullhead lurched as we landed, and I took a breath, steeling myself as the cargo bay door opened, letting Professor Ozpin walk out and leaving me to follow him. To be honest I was still at war with myself over this, mainly because I felt like I was betraying the White Fang for this. I had grown up there, my friends and allies were there. I was a respected individual who could inspire confidence in his men, but here I was technically a criminal hiding in plain view and a student, something which I held high disdain for. I understood the reasons for hunters/huntresses, and some of them were quite respectable - like Ozpin - but I had seen many Hunters, both retired and in-service, who were absolute assholes.

Racist Hunters. They thought themselves better than the Faunus, using their admittedly superior power to bully and even sometime... 'desecrate' Faunus, through violence or less than savoury means. But perhaps I could change that, but probably not. Although even if I didn't like it, attending Beacon would have him a relatively decent home aside from his room back at the White Fang HQ, which was rather cramped as he had aged. He hoped to meet Blake again, his old partner. He held no feelings of love for her, those dwindling feelings died long ago, but he did honestly want to befriend her again. If only because she was the only student he knew here.

''Professor'' I stated quietly, eyes darting around us for any pupils... none ''Unless there is something of great importance, can we just go to wherever I'll be staying? I'd rather wait until Eien gets back''.

He raised an eyebrow ''And why would that be?''.

''Because he'll stop his friends from murdering me the moment they see me'' I stated flatly.

''Very well, students are currently studying for their end-of-semester test, so the halls will be quite deserted at this time'' He chuckled and I internally sighed in relief, but nodded. I was very aware that my unique mask would draw attention, so I'd have to take it off - something I hadn't done in a while, sans taking it off periodically to prevent damage to my eyes.

We walked towards the main building with haste, the crimson Bullhead behind us taking off without so much as a pilot or passengers. I hadn't commented on it, since I presumed Eien had something to do with it, and he likely did. As we progressed through the halls we were only given a handful of looks, and that was mostly because of Ozpin and not me thankfully, although granted I did get some looks too. However we made it to my apparently designated room quickly, and thankfully nobody was around to see where it was.

''This shall be you residence for your time here at Beacon'' He stated, gesturing to the large room ''Professor Goodwitch will come by later to drop off your uniform. You are to wear the uniform during school hours, and normally your weapon would stay in a locker, however we'll allow you to keep it here with you as long as you keep it hidden from sight. You have this room to yourself, but do try to keep it tidy, and the dining hall is just down the hall and to the right, any questions?''.

''No'' I stated and he nodded, handing me the keys to the room ''Thank you, Professor''.

''No need'' He smiled behind his mug as he left, before calling out over his shoulder ''It is the end of the semester, so you are not required to attend classes, but I do suggest getting some studying in''.

I grunted back an agreement as he left, closing the door behind him. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, quickly locking the door before reaching up and detaching the mask by its sides. It made an audible click as it detaches, allowing my eyes to get free. I winced slightly at the bright light, but made my way to the bathroom regardless and looking in the mirror. Slightly small-ish dull blood-red ovals were at the top of my sclera, small vertical black slits that went to the middle of my iris being my pupil. My eyes had a black outline too before they met the white sclera of my eyes.

I sighed again, wondering what I'd got myself into.

The crimson Bullhead touched down as I exited with Ozpin, Mercury and Emerald behind us. It had taken some convincing, especially since they had apparently been saved from the streets by Cinder and technically raised by her. They still weren't entirely on board, possibly because they were less likely to trust someone who trashed them - me - over someone who raised them. However Ozpin managed to where I failed, convincing that even if they went back to Cinder they were likely to get in trouble and receive punishment from her, and even if they didn't they were able to gain more from becoming a student at Beacon. An hour later and here we were, two new students to add to the second phase of my plan.

''I'll take it from here'' Ozpin told me with a nod before leading the two teens towards their dorm, leaving me at the helipad. Shrugging and trusting my headmaster to proceed I followed at a distance before breaking off towards my own dorm, which was a hallway or two away from Adam's. I took out my key and unlocked the door, sliding into the room and finding only Ruby present, currently looking down at a test paper while using on of my Grimm Identification Books that I had on my shelf. She was so into it that she didn't hear me shut the door, or perhaps thought it was someone else or next door. She must've planned for an intense study session, as she had reduced herself to her sleepwear since it was more comfortable.

''Hello, Sweet Rose'' I smiled as I approached, making her look up at me and smile widely before hugging me ''Miss me?''.

''Mm'' She hummed, work forgotten on my bed as we sat down on it, with my back to the wall and her leaning against my shoulder at my side ''How's your arm?''.

''Good'' I smiled sweetly at her ''How've you been?''.

''Good'' She giggled and we fell into a comfortable silence for a few minutes before she shyly asked ''Um... remember back on Mountain Glenn?''.

''Yes...?'' I drawled curiously.

''B-Back in the room...'' She said as she flushed crimson, referencing to our... interesting interaction.

''What about it?'' I smiled with an eyebrow raised.

She flushed deeper and looked away ''...C-Can we do it again?''.

''Of course'' I just chuckled, leaning in to her ear ''Just tell me when you wanna stop, okay?''.

She let out a cute squeak as I lightly bit the sensitive part of her neck, trailing kisses up her neck and ending at her lips. She let out the quietest yet cutest of mewls, allowing me to dart my tongue into her mouth. If the kiss earlier today made her melt, then she practically dissolved in my arms, letting out a pleased but timid moan as she naturally wrapped her arms around my neck. We broke apart for air, her breaths coming in small pants. I chuckled and she blushed, but let out a shivering mewl as I ran a slender finger down her spine.

''A-Ah...'' She mewled cutely, eyes half-lidded.

''Uh... guys?'' A voice called and I paused, looking over my shoulder to see a smirking (And faintly blushing) Yang along with a heavily flushed Blake, who was trying to hide behind Yang in embarrassment.

''Yang?'' We both called in surprise, mine of barely any surprise and calm while Ruby's was more panicked and flustered.

Yang gave us a thumbs up and a massive grin ''Nice work you two, just don't make me an aunt yet, 'kay?''.

''YANG!''.

It was just after lunch when, at my request, JNPR and (E)RWBY gathered in our dorm. I had been vague with my reasoning, but the truth was to reveal the presence of Adam, Emerald and Mercury. I was, as per usual, sat on my bed with Ruby beside me, JNPR and Weiss standing while Blake and Yang were sat on the formers' bed.

''So what's so important then, Eien?'' Blake asked politely, her eyes looking between me and her book.

''Nothing too much, though some relative news you may want to know'' I said nonchalantly, unintentionally drawing their attention more-so ''Remember Emerald, Mercury and Adam?''.

Blake stiffened at the last one, but it went largely unnoticed. I got a general murmur of agreement from them, so I continued.

''Well they're students here at Beacon now'' I said bluntly with a cheery smile.

...

...

...

''WHAT?!''.

''Mm. Adam's not too bad once you get to know him, but has a bit of a temper'' I continued cheerfully ''Emerald and Mercury aren't as open, but they're just a little uncomfortable''.

''Why are they here?'' Ren asked with a frown, since the others were locked in various forms of shock.

''With Ozpin's help, I invited them to Beacon'' I smiled and Ren nodded, a small sweat-drop forming on the back of his head.

''Why?!'' Weiss barked ''They are our enemies! You even fought them yourself! Not to mentioned they're criminals!''.

I sighed ''Give them a chance, everyone deserves one - Blake used to be in the White Fang, and she got a second chance and look where she is now''.

''I suppose that is true'' Pyrrha nodded and smiled, hesitance in her eyes ''I'm willing to give them a chance''.

''How do you know they won't turn on us?'' Ruby asked quietly with a frown, while I was still mildly surprised Pyrrha accepted it so quickly.

''I doubt Adam will. Emerald and Mercury probably aren't stupid enough to attack a student in the middle of a school of them, so we're good there'' I smiled and they sweat-dropped ''Lets give them a chance''.

Ruby sighed ''I'll give them a chance''.

I smiled ''Alright''.

''Professor?'' I called as I leaned in the student-ridden classroom. The green haired coffee addict was sat at his desk, for once not flying all over the place, and sitting marking papers with rapid but crisp flicks of the wrist. Upon hearing me call his name he paused, looking up in mild surprise at my appearance. Then again I doubted many if any students came to a teachers classroom without being requested.

''Yes? What brings you to my classroom, Mr. Haizen?'' He asked, apparently informed of my last name, and also seeing fit to use it in private. Interesting.

''I was wondering, since you are a professor and Doctor, if you could give me some advice on a project I am working on'' I asked as I walked in the room.

''Of course!'' The man said pleasantly, zipping up to a standing position in the blink of an eye ''What do you need help with, young man?''.

''Well its a project that I started earlier today. I'm attempting to, for lack of better word, create life with a combination of my Semblance and Dunkelheit abilities'' I informed and he hummed, interested ''I believe that it may be possible to create a sort of sentient being with the addition of my Dunkelheit. The main property of this being however will be tied to my own soul, in that it will remain within mine and can be summoned like I already can with Neo''.

''I see'' He nodded ''Well have you made any progress so far?''.

''Physically no, as I am wanting to run through the process to understand how it will work before attempting it. I am creating a living being, something that has only met half-results in the past, but I believe the additions that Dunkelheit has given me may lead to me being able to create it'' I explained and he nodded ''Logically with my soul to contain its, it will not be as unstable as earlier projects''.

''Interesting, truly interesting! So how do you intend to do it?'' He asked avidly, adjusting his glasses.

''That's the main issue; I don't know'' I drawled flatly with a sigh ''The problem is that considering they will dwell within my soul and can be manifested physically, it must also contain a soul - which I have zero idea about, and to my knowledge very few if any people on Remnant have any details about a soul in a tangible sense, only in a metaphorical and spiritual sense''.

''Yes the concept of a soul has been around for many years, but nobody has yet to be able to interact with it beyond Semblance and Aura'' Oobleck nodded ''You possess the ability to interact with a person's soul from what I've gathered and the skill you have displayed when waking the Maiden Amber. How did you do that, was there any physical interactions with her soul or merely a mental connection?''.

''I would presume it would be mental, as I saw a representation of it within my mind. Most souls, if not all, are small spheres that float in the darkness which I have dubbed the void, as the shell that is the 'skin' of the soul protects it, and if it fully wilts away then the person's soul dies off, as I have previously seen. Each person has a different colour to it. Yours is green, while Amber's was orange''.

He hummed as he sped behind his desk, scribbling things down in a flash ''Interesting! What are the limits of this ability?''.

I shrugged faintly ''I can kill a person by implanting a shard of my own soul within theirs, I can heal them and as I've seen I can revive them from a coma with relatively bad consequences, unless that was exclusive to Maidens. With the assistance of my Dunkelheit I can revive someone without much consequence aside from Aura Depletion, although I presume they cannot have the head severed or their bodies mutilated beyond belief, though the heart is in the grey area. Any potential attacks with it are mostly ineffective, as it requires intense concentration to and that is difficult in the middle of combat''.

''I see'' He nodded ''So you wish to create a soul with no prior knowledge on how to?''.

''Yep'' I drawled in dry amusement before it clicked ''Actually someone might know, but they're kinda... hard to reach''.

''Ah'' He nodded, almost as if he knew that ''I suggest you find a way to contact them then, they may be of help to you, as I am afraid with the limited information you've given me I cannot see any current solutions, my apologies!''.

''Thank you, Doctor'' I nodded in respect as I headed for the door.

''No problem at all young man! Please do inform me of your progress on the matter! Good day!'' He said rapidly as he zoomed back to his seat, hand moving at a million miles an hour.

I looked down at the Dust Crystals I had gathered after making a quick stop at Vale. I was intent on creating a soul, but Devin had eluded that he knew someone who had achieved something similar and was trying to set something up, so I'd wait on that project, but for now I wanted to test the properties of my blood. I was in the forest and had not asked Weiss to come help, as it may have some negative effects that could have an area of effect.

I went for the Fire Dust first, picking it up and depositing it in the centre of the clearing and bringing Judgement up to my wrist and cutting it, letting a small flow of blood run down onto the Crystal now present on the lush grass below. The burgundy-coloured liquid ran down the Crystal, causing it to glow faintly as the red aura it emitted slowly turned a more dark red, almost the same colour as my blood, before it continued past that on the colour spectrum and became a dark burgundy, almost blackish. The remained of my blood seeped into the crystal, making me raise an eyebrow, before it stilled as the process was complete.

I picked up the crystal, only to drop it with a hiss of pain as my fingers burned. My eyes widened as I inspected my fingers, how the flesh had already been burned, almost burned away completely with a hot black tar stuck to them, which thankfully dripped off like molten magma, but still stung like hellfire. I just clenched my jaw and waited as my Aura healed the wound with relative ease, if it did take a moment or two. Once I was sure my fingertips were repaired and clean of the molten tar I looked down at the crystal, which I now noted was actually more black than burgundy, meaning I had misjudged it. Interesting.

I kneeled down and grabbed a stick, prodding the crystal with it. Like before a black tar stuck to it, as if an invisible layer of flaming-hot tar was stuck to it. The stick caught fire, to my mild surprise, and I dropped it just as the whole thing was engulfed in black flames. They roared like an Ursa as they blew in the breeze lazily, and even after the stick was reduced to ash they continued to burn.

''Inextinguishable flames?'' I hummed with a curious look as the flames didn't stop burning. So lost in thought I didn't know someone entering the clearing until a twig snapped behind me, making me look behind me to see Glynda Goodwitch.

''Hello'' I greeted with a nod, which she returned.

''What are you doing?'' She said sternly, but curiosity evident.

''Mixing my blood with Dust'' I explained, not questioning her sudden appearance ''It appears that when mixed with Fire Dust the crystal becomes coated in a magma-like tar that sticks and burns, and from what I am seeing as it burns for a while''.

''Interesting'' She hummed as she stood beside me. I moved to the next crystal, an earth one, and did the same as before, careful to leave it on the ground. Unlike before when it turned to bone, it became a dark, sickly brown. I moved to pick it up, and was silently thankful when it did not have any harmful effects. I idly wondered what it did, if it turned into a tree or whatever, when it did exactly that. I dropped the crystal and it embedded itself in the ground as it grew into a small fern tree, which coincidentally was the one I had in mind.

''It acts like my Semblance'' I noted to myself ''I thought of a fern tree while thinking about it, and it grew into one''.

''So it has some form of nature-based growth ability?'' She asked rhetorically as the tree grew to a full height of eight feet ''Earth Dust can be manufacture to do that, but that takes time, precision and lots of work to do, so your blood is quite unique''.

''I guessed that'' I chuckled as I went to the water crystal. Once again I re-cut my finger and let my blood drip onto it in a small but steady stream onto the dark blue crystal. Immediately it turned a pretty crimson, a bit more murky than the Adamantite but still crimson. Once my blood fully seeped into the Dust crystal I picked it up and shook it, nothing. I squeezed it, nothing. Frowning at the lack of anything, I decided to see if it worked in the same/similar fashion as to the Earth Crystal. I imagined in my head a large broadsword, and to my mild surprise it worked.

The crystal glowed faintly before a liquidised blood flowed out of the tip of it, before congealing into a solid, crimson sword. It hovered in the air above us and as it did the crystal lost some of its light, presumably from creating the weapon. I grabbed the sword by the hilt and lowered it into both hands, the crystal now on the floor at my feet. It wasn't too heavy, about as heavy as Ruby's Crescent Rose, and was fairly solid, although was slightly see-through.

''Blood'' I realised belatedly ''I mixed blood with water, so it made a watery blood. Huh''.

''What did you expect?'' Glynda asked with a raised eyebrow.

''No idea'' I shrugged and moved onto the next crystal while she spectated/supervised. The black flames were still burning, the fern tree was still present and I had placed the crimson sword on the ground next to the next crystal, ice. Once again I repeated the process of cutting myself and letting my blood flow onto the light blue crystal as it became a shiny onyx black in seconds. Slowly the ground beneath it begun to freeze into black ice, spreading slowly and carefully, until that is when I kicked it into the black flames. The two crystals fought for dominance, and ended up putting each other out, leaving two 'empty' Dust crystals, which were nothing more than a dull grey gem. Odd.

Moving onto the next crystal in my test was an lightning one, which was rather expensive because of the process of making it. 50 Lien per crystal, compared to the relatively cheap 8~ Lien per Ice Crystal. I was about to cut my finger again when I started noting the feeling of being a little dizzy, and from the pale look of my skin it was possible it was blood loss. I sighed even as I felt darkness creep into my vision, sending me to unconsciousness in a matter of seconds.

When I woke up again, I found myself back on the grassy hill of my soul. I blinked several times before getting up, feeling a little confused on why I was here when I had not been able to return during my sleep. A soft swoosh behind me alerts me, I turned on my heel to find Death once again standing there, same as before.

''Hello'' I greeted amicably.

''Greetings once again Eien Haizen'' He chuckled hollowly ''You seem surprised to be here''.

I shrugged faintly ''I haven't been able to get here when sleeping, so I am mildly surprised''.

''That's because you didn't try and come here'' He informed while waggling a finger.

''Oh'' I said plainly ''So, any reason I'm here? Aside from blood loss''.

''That was me that pulled you here, because you seem to be troubled by your lack of knowledge in creating a soul without a woman giving birth'' He explained and I perked up ''So I have brought a... friend who will be able to teach you''.

From beside Death a small swirl of white tinted with gold appeared before a small flash of light momentarily blinded me. When my vision returned I was greeted by the sight of a beautiful woman in her early thirties with long golden-blonde hair that was tied into a braid over her left shoulder, large sapphire eyes and fair skin with soft features. She stood taller than Death by a few inches and wore a long yellow dress with a streak of white down the middle, ending at her feet which had elegant gold shoes. Upon seeing me she smiled.

''Hello child'' She greeted, her voice almost like a chime, unlike Death's which was hollow and gravelly.

''Hello'' I nodded, raising an eyebrow ''Taking a guess; Are you the manifested embodiment of Life?''.

She laughed, a soft and melodic sound ''Yes, I am. What gave the game away?''.

''Perhaps that you are the direct opposite of Death?'' I chuckled. It was true, the two of them were nearly opposites.

''That is a big giveaway'' Death chuckled hollowly and Life sighed, nodding.

''So, you're going to teach me to... create life?'' I drawled in mild confusion and awe. Disregarding the awe I felt with talking to the embodiments of the universe that is.

''Mm'' She hummed cheerfully ''I am curious to see what you will do with it, and Death here have already invested some time into you along with the power that has yet to be activated''.

''Oh yeah'' I remembered as I turned my gaze on Death ''How do I activate it?''.

Despite his face being hidden, I got the impression Death was smirking ''And where would the fun be in telling you that?''.

I sighed, rolling my eyes ''Fine...''.

''Anyway'' Life smiled, getting the conversation back on track ''Let us begin, so prepare yourself for a lot of learning, young one''.

I nodded, smiling at the elder woman ''Mm''.

''Do you two, by chance, have access to Water Dust?'' I asked.

''Mm'' Life hummed, a small flash in her hand before a single dark blue Dust Crystal. She handed me it and I smiled, cutting my finger by biting it and letting my blood run over it, transforming it into 'Blood Dust', my own personal make.

''I've just had the best idea ever''.

''Neo~''.

Said girl paused in her attempt at exploring the world for the millionth time and looked over her shoulder at Eien. She was mildly surprised to see him here, but at the same time didn't really care. He'd been letting her out every few days recently, and it was nice, but it ultimately meant when she got back here it was as boring as hell.

Upon turning she took note of his grin and slightly dishevelled state. Not normal.

''Yeah?'' She said hesitantly, unnerved by the prideful grin on his face.

''I need you to spar with a friend of mine, 'kay?'' He said, his speech slightly slurred and I noticed he looked about ready to nod off.

''...sure?'' She said uncertainly. He nodded thankfully before quite literally falling on his face, unconscious within unconsciousness. She sighed and went towards in the direction she sensed the nearest Aura signature, accompanied by two others; one familiar and one different, the familiar one being Death. She trudged over the hills, for once getting annoyed at her footwear, and upon reaching the top of the hill - which was a semi-flat area - and found the two new Aura signatures. The first was a woman in her early thirties with long golden-blonde hair that was tied into a braid over her left shoulder, large sapphire eyes and fair skin with soft features. She stood taller than Death by a few inches and wore a long yellow dress with a streak of white down the middle, ending at her feet which had elegant gold shoes.

The second was a girl in her early teens, probably around fourteen, with long chocolate brown hair that went to his waist, falling down over both shoulders. Honey brown eyes, slightly pale almost doll-like complexion with ruby red lipstick. She had a small flat top-hat on the top of her head, at a slight angle that would normally make the hat fall off, but apparently not. She had a gothic Lolita look to her, like Ruby Rose. She had a crimson frilly long-sleeved blouse with the part over her chest black and spreading to the wrist-length sleeves. She also wore a slightly puffy crimson pleated tiered skirt, the crimson only interrupted by black frills on them. Black tights were underneath, covering her doll-coloured legs with black 'school shoes'.

I approached, and the golden-blonde haired woman smiled at me ''Hello, is your name Neo?''.

I nodded silently, hoping to keep quiet and not expose my childish voice again.

''Well since Young Eien has been tired out from his training and creationism, he wanted me to take over'' She smiled in an angelic manner ''Neo, this is Eleanor. Eleanor this is Neopolitan, or Neo for short''.

The doll girl, Eleanor, did a curtsy bow, lifting her skirt elegantly ''Nice to meet you''.

''Nice to meet you too'' I spoke, deciding that anyone in this world - Eien's soul - would not spread information about her high-pitched voice, especially since her voice was quite soft, quiet and in a monotone. Perhaps after talking to Eien and occasionally other people so often she's gotten more used to talking ''So... what did Eien want me to do?''.

''To help train Eleanor here'' The unknown, but motherly woman smiled.

''Train?'' I repeated, confused.

''Hai'' Eleanor confirmed with a strange-sounding, but agreeing word ''Father wishes me to train and become strong''.

''Father?'' I blurted out, surprised.

''He is my creator, and he doesn't mind me calling him Father'' She droned with a blank face.

''Okay...?'' I drawled in a confused tone before getting back on topic ''So, what're we gonna do?''.

The woman smiled ''Fight''.

I blinked.

Then sighed.

''Alright''.

Eien's eyes fluttered open once again as he internally groaned at the sight of the white ceiling of the infirmary. Funnily enough Ruby was once again lying on his chest from her seat, a small trail of drool coming from her mouth as she mumbled incoherently with a dopy smile on her face. I smiled and gently poked her cheek, waking the groggy Ruby up. She blinked several times with half-lidded eyes, uttering a 'huh?' before she beamed.

''Eien!'' She cheered happily as she hugged me as much as possible, making me chuckle.

''I feel like this will become a habit'' I joked lightly, gaining an equally light punch to the chest.

''What've I told you about scaring me?'' She whined/scolded.

I shrugged ''Sorry, a mix of blood loss and Death himself knocking me out to talk to me''.

She blinked, then sighed ''Fine. You feel okay now?''.

''Mm. How long have I been out?''.

''Only a few hours'' She smiled, giggling nervously ''I may~ have fallen asleep though, revision does that to you''.

I chuckled as I sat up, cupping her cheek and giving her a gentle kiss which she returned with a gentle smile. We broke off as I got out of bed, still clad in my gear and relatively clean so I didn't bother using the adjoining shower. Ruby grabbed her textbook and held it under her arm as we left, almost banging into Miss Goodwitch.

''Sorry about that'' I apologised.

''No need'' She dismissed politely ''On another note the crystals you used earlier were destroyed for safety reasons, I hope you understand''.

So others won't get their hands on them was the silent message that she didn't say. I nodded thankfully to her and continued down the hall giving a polite goodbye as I led Ruby out of the hospital, signing out on the way.

''I've made an... interesting discovery, Ruby'' I smiled at her as we walked down the halls, making sure to keep my voice low ''My blood, since unlocking my Dunkelheit, has appeared to gain unique qualities when interacted with Dust. For example Fire Dust makes black flames that last even after the target has burned to ash, water turns to a congealing blood, ice turns to black ice that spreads. Not only that, but I've also accomplished another little project I had intended to spend a while on, but with the assistance of some 'external' forces, I have now completed it, at least the first part''.

''What'd you do?'' Ruby asked as she semi-skipped beside me. We made it into the courtyard and I led her to a secluded area before activating my Dunkelheit, drawing on my power like I did with Neo but focused on Eleanor. I felt a light 'click' in my mind as an image of Eleanor sitting under a tree appeared, face blank as she watched a butterfly fly by.

'Eleanor?' I said, using the 'Telepathy' that Life showed me to use when I needed to speak to someone within my own soul. The doll-like girl perked up as my voice reached hers.

''Yes father?'' Her soft monotone rang out in my head.

'Are you available to be summoned into the physical world?' I asked and I saw her eyes glimmer with excitement - the only true part of her that shows emotion in her current state. She nodded and I smiled, feeling her presence partially separate from my soul and extend to the Sigil a few feet in front of me. It was a strange, almost incomprehensible grey colour that also looked equal parts white and black. Eleanor rose up from the Sigil as a solid black figure, as if she was covered in tar, and when she fully emerged the substance slid off her like water, disappearing into the Sigil before said Sigil vanished.

Eleanor looked around blankly before her eyes landed on me and Ruby ''Greetings, Father, Mother''.

''M-Mother?!'' Ruby blurted in surprise, an embarrassedly confused flush on her cheeks.

''Hai. Father created me, so his 'partner' is Mother'' Eleanor said with a touch of a flat undertone.

''Created you?'' Ruby repeated, confused. Thankfully Eleanor didn't take this the wrong way. I had designed her after all.

''I created her soul, and naturally it is joined onto mine. That's what I did while I was unconscious'' I chuckled as Eleanor looked around, watching birds fly with childish curiosity in her eyes as she retained her blank face ''Eleanor, meet Ruby. Ruby, meet Eleanor''.

''Hello'' Ruby smiled, now more cheerful.

''Hello'' She repeated back with a nod before tilting her head as she looked around ''Is this the place you called 'Beacon'?''.

''Yep'' Ruby smiled ''Do you want to look around?''.

Eleanor grew the tiniest of smiles ''Very much''.

As Ruby had previously offered we took Eleanor around the school, showing off several main positions while quietly explaining things to her. During the process of making her I only added things such as her personality, her look, her reactions and opinions, essentially everything that would be known by an average student. However she had never been to any of the places a normal person has, and even though she knows like how to eat, she doesn't have the muscle memory to perform certain actions such as eating - which led them to the situation of sitting in the dining hall for a late dinner.

''So this is chicken?'' Eleanor asked as she poked the chicken with her fort before bringing it to her mouth and eating it, swallowing and then saying ''Its alright''.

''Mm'' I agreed with her as I picked at my own chicken and rice. I was sat near the edge of the table with Ruby on the end seat and Eleanor to my left. I caught sight of Adam as he hesitantly walked into the room in his uniform, without his mask on and revealing his ruby eyes. He saw us and I waved him over and he nodded, getting his own tray of food before sitting across from me with a nod.

''Hello'' He greeted quietly, eyes shifting to Ruby and Eleanor.

''Hey'' I smiled.

''Hi!'' Ruby smiled in greeting with her regular amount of enthusiasm.

''Greetings'' Eleanor said in her usual monotone with a nod ''I am Eleanor''.

''Adam Taurus'' Adam replied as Amber walked up to our table and sat down, as she had been doing while also occasionally sitting with CFVY - which was nice to see the cautious Maiden make some more friends. She hesitantly sat in the corner seat next to Adam, smiling hesitantly and introducing herself while Adam once again gave his name. We ate in silence for a few minutes before WBY came in and Adam flinched, and WBY flinched. They got their dinner and sat down at the table on our side awkwardly, the silence just as awkward.

I sighed ''Can I foresee this resolving without an argument or fight?''.

''Potentially'' Eleanor responded blandly, monotone and blank face withstanding.

''If Eien thinks he can be trusted, then I'm willing to trust him'' Ruby smiled, unknowingly starting the conversation up again.

''Eh, I don't mind him'' Yang shrugged with her usual grin.

Weiss huffed, looking at Adam with common distrust ''Well... I'll give him a chance''.

Blake was quiet, but let out a silent nod as she tried to not look at Adam. Eleanor also gave a silent nod, probably because her mouth was full at the moment, and Amber gave a sort of 'I don't mind, nor understand' shrug. Adam looked between feeling awkward and relieved, but he finally responded with a small smile and a nod. We polished off our dinner before we collectively left the dining hall, although Adam and Blake left the group without anyone besides myself and Eleanor noticing, the latter because she followed my gaze from behind me.

While it was a weekday and still technically a school day, curfew was off and classes were few and far between to allow students to study for the final exams before the semester ended and the winter holidays came. Most students did so, although ERWBY and JNPR were slacking a tiny bit, although that could be passed off for the fact they were the best of the best of their year - though they tried not to flaunt that, both because it was embarrassing and a bit cocky to do so, even if it was true. I had yet to be defeated, what with my Sigil's, Judgement, Punishment and my Dunkelheit. Not to mention I had yet to even reveal that, but I intended to reveal it soon so they could help me train with it better.

''Hey, how about we go to Vale, have some fun?'' Yang suggested with a grin, looking at the group as she sent a message to Blake.

''What are you on about? Its eight already!'' Weiss scolded.

''Yeah so? That's when all the fun things start!'' Yang grinned.

''I believe she is suggesting bars, night clubs and the sort'' I added.

''I know what she means'' Weiss grumbled.

''It might be a good break from everything'' I smiled innocently.

Yang gave me a flat look ''You mean from you going into a coma - multiple times, studying, training and basically dealing with normal Beacon stuff?''.

''Exactly!'' I beamed as I pulled Eleanor in front of me ''Besides we could show Eleanor around too''.

''Eleanor?'' Weiss blinked at the doll-girl, who blinked back ''Oh right, we haven't been introduced. I'm Weiss Schnee''.

''Eleanor'' She nodded to Weiss, blank face retaining.

''And I'm Yang~'' Yang grinned at Eleanor ''Yang Xiao Long''.

Eleanor nodded again ''Greetings''.

Amber smiled, speaking up ''Its like another Eien''.

''Technically, yes'' I chuckled, making the other girls - sans Eleanor and Ruby - pause.

''What?'' They all said in confused unison.

''He is my father after all, as Ruby is my Mother'' Eleanor added, gesturing faintly to a sheepish Ruby.

''What'' They all droned flatly, no question mark required.

''I created her soul, and it is attached to mine'' I added with a smile ''Technically she is a daughter of a sorts, since she was born from my power, but she also just likes to call me father''.

They all blinked, before sighing ''Only you would do such a thing''.

''Yup!'' I beamed at them as Eleanor didn't even twitch from people talking about her ''So, are we going to Vale or not?''.

An awkward silence lay over us as we stood on the rooftops overlooking Beacon, hiding us from any unwanted ears. The bitter wind blew past us but was ignored as I stared anywhere but Adam, and he did the same with me. How was I supposed to talk to someone who I betrayed years ago, and now would be attended the same school as me for the next four years. However I needed to get this done, as it would be better now than later.

''So...'' He drawled awkwardly, uncertain.

''Yeah...'' I replied quietly ''Its... nice to see you again?''.

''Same...'' He nodded with a sigh, turning to look over the courtyard ''Look... I was wrong, I guess, about the direction the White Fang has taken over the past few years. So I plan on doing what you are; trying to do it peacefully''.

She blinked ''Is that why you're here?''.

He shrugged ''Eien gave me the choice, and he implied the best way to do it peacefully would to become a Hunter''.

''Oh'' I said, smiling slightly ''Well its nice to see you again''.

He smiled ''And its nice to see you too Blake. Now lets get off the roof, its getting cold up here''.

I laughed lightly ''Sure''.

The doors to Juniors Nightclub opened as Yang walked us in, grinning as she did so. Myself, Ruby, Eleanor, Weiss, Blake, Nora, Ren, Jaune and Pyrrha behind her. Adam didn't want to come, nor did Emerald or Mercury - the latter two because they claimed Junior knew them, and they were trying to stay of the radar for a while until Cinder gave up on them. Amber also didn't come, although that was because she had plans with Team CFVY and didn't want to break it off with them, so she stayed with them.

''B-Blondie!'' The man behind the bar, which Yang had told him was Junior, very nearly squeaked.

''Yo!'' Yang grinned even as armed men began to enclose on our position. Junior himself walked to the front of them hesitantly, eyeing us like we were a pack of Beowolves.

''What do you and your friends want blondie?'' He said, trying to sound as gruff as possible.

''Eh, just what one would do at an establishment such as this'' She said haughtily, subtly mocking the way I spoke and I twitched.

Junior blinked, confused and I said dryly ''She's imitating the way I speak articulately''.

''Oh'' He said flatly before giving a slight shrug ''If you're paying, then fine, just don't bust up anything''.

''Oh don't worry about them'' Yang grinned at his paled face. Junior sighed in relief as he dismissed his men, making his way back to the bar and serving a few customers, most of who were already wasted. I shrugged and went to the bar, taking a seat with the others.

''So, what're you having?'' Junior asked idly, looking at the ten of us. Apparently he didn't give one that we were technically underage, though given the fact that Yang had pointed out that Hunters/Huntresses and their student counterparts were allowed to drink alcoholic beverages on grounds of their obviously shortened lifespans. It was fair, and truthfully this was only his second time in a bar, the first being a crappy rundown one near the edge of Vale that was owned by one of the lads he saved from the caravan years ago.

''Cyser Mead!~'' Nora grinned, being the first to pick and with vigour.

''Eh, just the strongest Vodka you have'' Yang grinned ''I'd like to get hammered, if its all the same to you my good sir''.

I twitched again. Was it so bad I spoke like that? And I didn't add 'sir' to the end of my sentences.

''Red Sherry'' Blake stated politely.

''Sake'' Ren nodded towards the bottle behind Junior.

''White Wine please'' Weiss stated politely.

''Um... whiskey!'' Jaune blurted out uncomfortably.

''Any specific kind?'' Junior grunted, probably having to deal with this a lot.

''Uh, just something not too bad''.

Junior nodded, looking at me, Pyrrha, Eleanor and Ruby.

''Um... I'll have White Wine too please'' Pyrrha asked shyly, almost as if she was admitting a guilty pleasure.

I spotted a drink on the wall behind him, something I had tried and found a liking to ''Crème de Menthe please''.

Eleanor was next, surprising me by gesturing to one of the drinks behind him ''A Rosé, please''.

Ruby shuffled uncomfortably, unsure and probably never having drank before ''Uh...''.

''A Rosé with a dash of strawberry for her as well'' I smiled and Junior grunted as he set off to gather our drinks.

Ruby looked at me in mild confusion ''What's Rosé with a dash of strawberry?''.

''It tastes like strawberries'' I informed and she made an 'ah' sound ''First time drinking?''.

''Yep'' She nodded with a hesitant smile ''You?''.

''Second'' I shrugged, looking at the others ''What about you guys?''.

''Meh, lost count'' Yang shrugged.

''Fourth'' Pyrrha smiled hesitantly.

''Second!'' Nora cheered over the loud music.

''Fifteenth'' Ren added casually, surprising several of us.

''First...'' Jaune sighed after a pause, looking slightly sheepish about it. Eleanor nodded with him, given she had only been created mere hours ago.

''Second...'' Weiss said quietly.

''Seventh'' Blake shrugged indifferently.

Junior returned a moment later, fluidly sliding our drinks onto the top as we all gave a varied thanks. I took a sip of my elegant drink in a styled wine glass, sighing in delight at the minty flavour the drink had from its ingredients. Eleanor took a drink of her drink and her eyes widened a fraction, before a tiny (very tiny) smile grew on her face as she elegantly but eagerly took another sip. Ruby was of similar mind, but with hers having a surprisingly fresh strawberry on the side and therefore dulling the alcohol slightly. The others also enjoyed their drinks, their Aura dulling the effects of the alcohol unless we had three or more of them, then they would probably begin to take effect on our bodies - not factoring in natural tolerance that is.

In the back of his mind, he realised that perhaps things would go south quite quickly.

Five drinks passed and things had changed quite rapidly.

Yang and Blake were now dancing, the latter of which was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol while Yang remained mostly coherent. Nora was... pretty much the same, if a tad more touchy with Ren, who remained almost completely sober, the only giveaway being the more relaxed look he had on his face. Pyrrha was giggling a lot more and Jaune was, for lack of better word, hammered. He was the happy drunk it seemed, as he was giggling along with Pyrrha as they danced also, although he had been more than capable of giving a cocky drunk a scathing glare when he tried to hit on Pyrrha with less-than-enticing promises of sex. Weiss remained as dignified as she could be, although her posture was more slouched and relaxed, no longer worried about keeping appearances in her state of mind.

Eleanor wasn't too bad, occasionally giving a hiccup or two but otherwise fully coherent. Ruby on the other hand was just as hammered as Jaune, giggling as she clung to me, something between a flirty drunk and a happy drunk. I on the other hand found that I had an astonishing alcohol tolerance, and for that I was thankful - I felt like I was going to be the one to bring us back to Beacon via my Bullhead, and I needed to be coherent if I was going to do so. As it was, only he, Eleanor, Ruby and Weiss were present at the bar, with their friends having moved to the dancefloor. The only reason they had not gone was simple; Weiss and Ruby were too drunk, Eleanor didn't wish to dance, and I?

I preferred to calmly sip at my minty drink.

By the tenth drink I decided it had gone far enough.

When Yang Xiao Long was beginning to slur and even I was beginning to get a mild rush from the alcohol, then one knew it was time to go. Ruby was surprisingly still conscious, although was very dopy as like a puppy, hugging me and giggling. Ren was probably the best off besides himself, as the stoic teen was only slurring a tiny bit. Jaune had passed out shortly after his eighth glass, Nora was just hyper while Pyrrha was giggly. Weiss had also passed out while Blake was very... affectionate towards the slurring Yang, acting very much like a cat would. Eleanor had disappeared into a Sigil after her ninth glass, saying she was feeling funny - not to mention my Aura (which had kept her summoned) was beginning to lower a fair bit, probably dipping to around 30%~ if he could guess.

I sighed as I paid the tab for all of us, forking out 500 Lien to Junior ''Thanks for the drinks''.

''No problem'' He shrugged with a smile as he folded the money away ''Just don't get killed on the way back, I don't want any cops here by morning''.

''Alright, see ya'' I nodded as I picked up Ruby and gently slung her arm over my shoulder so that I was half-dragging her while I got Weiss on the opposite arm. Not caring for my low reserves of Aura I created a Sigil at my feet and summoned Neo when nobody was looking, she looked both surprised and annoyed at me not giving her any forewarning, and I gave an apologetic smile for my forgetfulness. At my command Pyrrha picked up Jaune in a loose grip, Yang got Blake in a very... implying hold and Ren helped Nora and stopped her from running around the place. I gave Weiss to Neo, who took the taller girl with an annoyed grunt and as a single mind we left the bar, all leaving as I mentally called for my Bullhead to come land somewhere near us.

When we got back to our dorm I was mildly surprised by the time; one in the morning. He hadn't guessed it was that late, he'd guess it was only about eleven. Neo hefted and practically dumped Weiss onto her bed before disappearing into a Sigil, both because my Aura was now considerably low and she herself was tired. Yang took Blake and, instead of putting the Faunus ninja in her own bed, put her in Yang's own bed as she collapsed in bed with her, unconscious. I sighed as I locked the door and placed Ruby down on a bed, tucking in Yang and Blake along with correcting Weiss's position and putting her in bed.

I moved to my own bed, in which I accidently placed Ruby in, and just shrugged it off and lay next to her, tucking both of us in and dozing off.

As per my natural internal clock I woke up early, or rather I woke up earlier than the others given that the digital clock read ten o'clock in the morning. I internally sighed, keeping quiet as I smiled at Ruby's sleeping form next to me, snuggling against me. My hangover wasn't as bad as my original one, but it was still painful and the lighting was needlessly bright. I internally sighed again as I debated whether I wanted to get up or not, considering it was quite comfortable here under the blankets and there wasn't much he could do about a hangover aside from drinking some carbonated water.

Still I shifted out of the blankets slyly as I moved out of them, moving down to the dining hall while repressing my hangover. I was still dressed in my combat gear from yesterday, so nobody gave me an odd look sans the cooks when I asked for carbonated water. Regardless I got my water and took them back to my room with nine glasses in tow. I went back into my dorm and placed a single glass down on each of my teammates desk, with Ruby's on my desk, and moved to JNPR's dorm just as Ren opened it.

''Here'' I said, handing a slightly groggy Ren the glasses ''Should help a little''.

''Thanks'' He smiled as he went back into his dorm and I mine. I sat next to Ruby's bed and woke her up by shaking her shoulder slightly. She groaned as she got up, turning over to look at me in confusion, said confusion dissolving into a sleepy smile. She made to sit up, but groaned and grasped her head as she presumably felt the effects of the hangover.

I smiled at her and handed her the water ''Here, it'll help a little bit''.

She took the water and eagerly gulped it down ''Thanks...''.

I smiled and ruffled her hair as she tried to adjust to the hangover ''You'll probably have to deal with that for a bit, possibly the whole day, depending on when your Aura fully clears the effects''.

''Mm'' She drowsily hummed while I went through the routine of waking up the rest of my team, firstly Yang and Blake.

I shook Yang's shoulder, getting her up quite easily ''Hm?''.

''Hangover. Carbonated Water'' I stated bluntly with a small smile as I handed Yang her glass, which she gulped down in seconds, sighing in content. I pointed down with a smirk and Yang followed my gaze, surprisingly blushing upon seeing a sleeping Blake next to her.

''What happened?'' She demanded in an embarrassed whisper.

I chuckled quietly ''Don't worry, you didn't do anything''.

Yang sighed ''Thank Oum''.

''I'd make a 'don't make Ruby an aunt' joke, but you know... doesn't work in this situation'' I smiled slyly, gesturing between the two as Yang gave me an embarrassed glare.

''You're enjoying this aren't you?''.

''Absolutely'' I smirked as I shook Blake's shoulder, Yang turning over and pretending to be asleep. Blake groaned like the others as she got up, sitting in bed with one hand on her head and one supporting her from behind. She looked at me in mild confusion, which dawned into understanding as she took the bubbly water and calmly gulped it down.

''Thank you'' She smiled as she put it on the desk, before pausing as she looked to her left and her face twisted into shock as her eyes darted to me ''What happened?''.

I chuckled ''Nothing did, you both went cold the moment you hit the bed''.

She sighed ''Thank Oum''.

''Don't worry, Operation Bumblebee with go into action very soon'' I smiled innocently, clapping silently as she looked at me in confusion.

''What's that mean?''.

''Oh you'll find out'' I chuckled evilly as she blinked, before shrugging as she got out of bed and made her way to the shower, picking up her clothes on the way there. I went to Weiss's bed and gently shook the heiress awake, to which - like the others - she responded with a groan as she woke up. I handed her the water and she took it, gulping it down and grumbling about a headache. All I could do was give a sympathetic smile as I took the bathroom after Blake and got prepared for the day, my first destination in mind.

The door to Doctor Oobleck's classroom once again opened as I poked my head inside in a polite manner, finding and catching the eye of the professor himself. He had desired to know my progress on 'Soul Creation' and I would be delighted to inform him of such, as well as discuss my unique blood properties that affect Dust greatly. He was probably one of my favourite teachers as he was very knowledgeable, next to Miss Goodwitch and Ozpin.

''Ah Eien! Wonderful to see you again, any progress on your project?'' He asked rapidly, still going through the workload from yesterday. Must be a real pain.

''I have, actually'' I smiled as I entered the room ''While I intend to progress with it, I have made an artificial soul with the help of my friend''.

At their request, I was going to keep quiet about Death and Life's existence, at least their manifested existence opposed to the concept.

''Incredible!'' He exclaimed eagerly, zipping in front of me at a speed I almost couldn't see... in fact how did I see him move? Eh, I'll figure it out later ''And what are the results of the project?''.

I smiled as I tapped my thoughts to Eleanor's 'Are you available, Eleanor?'.

''Of course, Father'' Her soft voice replied. I drew upon my power as my Dunkelheit activated, my hand moving to my side as I generated the strange Sigil. Oobleck watched in fascination as Eleanor rose from the Sigil as a solid black form, before said black tar slid off her like water as her eyes fluttered open.

''Greetings'' Eleanor politely stated, doing a curtsy bow while lifting the sides of her skirt up slightly in an elegant manner ''I am Eleanor''.

''Hello, I am Doctor-Professor Bartholomew Oobleck'' Oobleck introduced himself as he turned his gaze back to me ''So you did indeed succeed in creating a sentient being! Incredible! Truly incredible! How did you perform the process of creating an artificial soul?''.

Eleanor for her part found the wall of information behind the teacher more interesting, and thankfully Oobleck didn't take it the wrong way, instead using it to converse without feeling like he was offending her. She was simple like that; she didn't care what others thought, but knew when she should pretend to look the other way.

''Well for the most part its indescribable, as you sort of just go along with what instinct tells you to. My friend mostly guided me through the process, but the way I did it since I didn't have the same... power as hers, I had to use one of the abilities of my Dunkelheit, named Seele Ernten'' I explained as best I could, it truly was indescribable ''I let the 'vines' of Seele Ernten tap into the earth and it would draw upon the energy of life itself to fuel myself with enough Aura to form it into a soul. It was mostly just sitting in one place while staying completely still and thinking about how you mould the soul''.

Well, Life herself actually personally fuelled me since I couldn't use Seele Ernten within my own soul, otherwise I'd kill myself because I was technically draining the power from myself before I could absorb it. When I said I would drain energy from the ground around me and therefore life itself, I wasn't lying; I would drain Life's (the persons) Aura, but because she was a god (in a sense anyway) and had godly amounts of Aura, it didn't affect her much. Yang Puns.

Even as my mental monologue went on, I was talking ''I've also discovered that my blood has the unique property to change Dust in a sense, empowering it to a frankly ridiculous degree. Fire Dust emits a sticky, magma-like tar and ignites into black flames that burn for a long while, Ice turns into Black Ice which spreads on its own, Earth Dust has nature-based properties, etc.''.

''Interesting!'' Oobleck said as he zoomed around his desk, gathering up notes ''Do you have the time for a live test of this new phenomenon?''.

''Sure'' I chuckled as Oobleck collected up some papers before zooming out the door, leaving me to follow with Eleanor obediently following him out the classroom.

None of us noticed a pair of pink and blue eyes watching from the shadows.

A/N: And that's a wrap. Have I said that already? Oh... sorry.

But we've seen a small extend of what Eien's Aura can do along with him creating a sort of minion-summon thing. I want to point this out for now just for clarification, as I subtly hinted at it but probably badly worded it; Every five minutes Eleanor is summoned it costs around 2% of his total Aura, and while she has her own supply of Aura if she runs out he can either refill it at the cost of his own Aura, or de-summon her. Either next chapter or the chapter after that we'll have a winter chapter or two.