Sunlight shined through his room's window. Leaden's eyes opened slowly. He got up and stretched his body, with a smile on his face.

He looked around his room. Everything was in its supposed place. Leaden took a deep breath, and let himself fall back on the bed. He didn't know if he had the right to get used to this: a comfortable bed, a father who was starting to bond with him, little sisters who were checking on him (Only Ruby), him checking on them, and, most importantly, this normalcy.

The days he had spent with his father were what he wanted, to the point that his usage of the word 'absurd' had decreased. There was nothing in this normalcy that he could call absurd.

Nothing but himself.

He was the stain that dirtied the perfect image, making it only almost perfect. This near-perfection would never be enough for him.

He had enough thinking about his circumstances and got out of bed for real this time. He prepared a change of clothes and went to take a shower.

# # # #

He walked down the stairs. His father was already in the kitchen as usual. Leaden wanted to be the one doing breakfast for a change and let his father rest for once.

"Good morning," Leaden greeted, taking his seat at the table. "What do we have for breakfast today?"

His father glanced his way with a grin. "Morning," he said, before reverting his focus on what he was doing. "I got bored with the classic breakfasts everyday, so I thought why not try something new."

Leaden could see that his dad was frying something. 'Well, that is an absurd way to start your day,' he said, before asking, "Wait, are you making burgers for breakfast?"

"Not quite," he laughed comically. "Behold my great invention!" As he said this, he placed two plates on the table. From what Leaden could tell, it was your typical burger with the bread, tomato, and everything. 'Wait, why was the meat's color yellow?'

Taiyang watched his son's confused face and couldn't prevent the smirk forming on his face. "Hoho, you seem to have a little trouble understanding the masterpiece before you."

"Masterpiece? If I didn't know better, I would have thought that something went rotten in this burger."

"I said I wasn't making a burger, didn't I?" Tai sighed and shook his head. "You can do better. This isn't your typical meat burger. Replace the meat with eggs and this is the result," he said proudly, chin high, and puffing out his chest.

"Oh," Leaden replied, "Well, it can't be bad then," he said as he grabbed the not burger, and took a bite.

Tai watched as Leaden munched slowly, deep in thought about what he should think of this.

"Well?" Tai said with a smirk.

Leaden put down the not-burger and looked at his father. "This has to be one of the…" Tai waited in anticipation and confidence. "... Absurdly the worst things I have ever tasted." Taiyang's smile and confidence dropped quickly. "Seriously, how can you ruin a simple thing like eggs?" Leaden words were like sharp knives to Tai's poor heart.

"You must be the problem, not my perfect cooking!" Tai pointed accusingly at Leaden. The latter seriously considered his words for a moment; he wasn't normal after all. But all that went to nothing when Tai opened his mouth again, "Or it might be because I seasoned it with all that I could find in here."

Tai was baffled by how Leaden was acting. He was hitting his head on the table repeatedly, after all. On the other hand, Leaden couldn't believe it, "There's no way this was normal; it had to be complete absurdity!" He screamed internally.

Leaden raised his head from the table and looked with determination at his father. He was about to make an important decision.

"Father. I'm making breakfast next time."

"Eh?"

# # # #

As it turned out, his father was just experimenting. He promised Leaden that he would get it right next time, but Leaden insisted on making breakfast the next day. He took it as an excuse to let his father rest.

Here he was, washing dishes while his father watched the TV. Leaden finished, dried his hands, and joined his father in the living room.

Tai was relaxing on the couch, he seemed to watch the news. When Leaden sat next to him, he heard a certain news broadcast.

"Good morning, I'm Lisa Lavender, and today we bring you a story about a terrorist. In recent days, the city has been buzzing about a White Fang member who took it upon himself to patrol the streets and keep his people safe. While some minorities praised him for his efforts, most raised concerns about his methods and the potential dangers he posed.

"Reports have surfaced of the terrorist using excessive force, making false accusations, and even assaulting innocent bystanders. These actions have caused fear and unrest among residents, who are now questioning when this terrorist is actually going to be caught. The police have stated that they do not condone his actions and that it is not an effective way to combat racism. They have urged citizens to trust in the authorities and work together to promote community safety.

"It is important to remember that taking the law into one's own hands is not only illegal but also dangerous. It puts everyone at risk and can lead to unintended consequences. While we all want to feel safe in our communities, we must work within the system to achieve that goal. We will continue to monitor this situation and bring you any updates as they become available. For now, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Thank you for tuning in, and good morning."

The broadcast ended. It was obvious who they meant. After a week of playing the hero, he gained a reputation in both good and bad ways. 'What a load of crap.' It was clear that they twisted his actions. Leaden also noticed that, beside calling them terrorists, they avoided actually talking bad about him or the White Fang. They portrayed him as an extremist who went overboard, and wanted to deliver this message without saying it directly. Leaden guessed they didn't want to anger the White Fang. The White Fang existed in Vale, but they weren't really active, and they didn't want to change that.

Leaden wanted to consider it absurd, but he knew better.

"Something is off," Tai said, gaining Leaden's attention. "Why is a White Fang member acting alone? Or maybe he is doing as he was ordered? But for what purpose?" Taiyang seemed to be deep in thought.

"What do you think about what they said?" Leaden couldn't help but ask.

Tai turned his head to him, "What, the media?" He shook his head. "I don't take their words for granted. Here's a lesson for you, only believe who you can truly trust." A smile appeared on his face as he kept going, "But that doesn't mean we couldn't gather information. What did we learn here? That someone wearing a White Fang's costume was roaming the streets. That's the only statement you could take with some guarantee."

Leaden's eyes widened, "You even have doubt about him being a White Fang member?"

"Yup," he nodded. "It's not clear why he is alone, so it might be someone playing dress up."

Taiyang wasn't sure, he was only throwing guesses based on his own deduction and experience. Leaden was impressed, however, because his father had no idea how accurate one of his guesses was. Leaden laughed at how he and Adam weren't able to fool an experienced huntsman, but that was to be expected, and it wasn't like his father was sure of his guess.

"It might indeed be," Leaden smiled.

# # # #

He was walking around Vale again. It was noon, so he wasn't walking around as the hero, but as Leaden, the absurd who's pretending to be normal. From noon to evening, he will spend his time patrolling Vale again and again.

When he was Leaden, he was mainly looking for either Blake or Roman. It had been a week already and Roman didn't contact him in any way or form. But Leaden knew that Roman would eventually contact him, and that's because of his relation to the Spider. If he stumbled upon something that needed the hero to intervene, he would change quickly.

When he was playing the hero, he was mainly looking for trouble to solve, and if he stumbled upon Blake or Roman, he would change to Leaden again. That was how he planned to operate at least.

He didn't expect, however, for his scroll to ring. Aside from his father, anyone else calling would probably mean business. And he was right to assume that it wasn't his father, but a certain faunus.

Adam.

"Hello," Leaden answered cheerfully.

There was silence for a couple of seconds, until he heard Adam's sigh. "You don't give up, do you? How many times should I tell you to not act like we are friends?"

Leaden laughed, "I can't help it, you know. I'm just that nice of a guy." Even though he was talking with his scroll, he kept his attention on his surroundings. Chances were missed because of reasons like that.

"Sure," Adam mocked. "You are so nice that you don't bat an eye when the White Fang kills people," he scoffed. Leaden's hypocrisy occasionally got the better of him, and he had the right to feel so. Adam couldn't understand how Leaden claimed he had a strict policy against killing, but didn't mind the White Fang's crimes or any others.

"Wow, you pay close attention to me, I appreciate it," Leaden said, knowing the fastest way to upset the faunus, and it pleased him hearing that click of the tongue. "Besides, did you just imply what the White Fang is doing is wrong?" Adam didn't know it, but Leaden was smirking.

Leaden expected Adam to deny it, defend their actions or anything of the sort. "What, you think I'm a hypocrite like you? What we are doing is wrong, but it is absolutely necessary for our people. Humans didn't listen when we asked for our rights nicely, but if they understand one language, it's violence, then they will take you seriously. Sure, they are treating us like terrorists now, but when we win this war, the future generations will remember us as heroes who fought for their rights and succeeded." But Adam gave an answer that he didn't expect.

"History is written by the victor" was basically what Adam meant, and he wasn't wrong to think that.

Adam gave another sigh, "Damn it, you distracted me from the original purpose I was calling you for."

"And that is?"

"In less than a week, you managed to make the police after your head. I gotta say, I'm impressed. Not even the White Fang managed that."

Leaden chuckled, "Well, you began your crusade in Mistral which is a land for criminals. Give yourselves some credit."

"Anyway, I only called to warn you. Be careful, I didn't expect the police would be on you this fast. Pay attention, they might cause trouble on purpose to bait you."

Leaden raised his eyebrows, "I didn't think of that. Thanks, Adam. I knew you cared," he laughed.

The line cut off.

# # # #

Leaden got bored. After a week of doing the same thing, and without results, he began doubting some things. Of course, he started to get bored of searching for Blake. Playing the hero wasn't boring at the slightest, he was happy to help people.

That's why he was sitting on a bench, thinking this through. He began to wonder, was Adam mistaken about Blake's whereabouts? Adam was sure she was in Vale, so he must have had a reason for believing so.

But why hadn't Leaden seen her even once? She must need supplies, so she would have to go out eventually, but a week had passed. Assuming that he just didn't miss her, she didn't need to be out of her hiding. Which meant that she was in a place that provided her with necessities.

Leaden brought out his scroll, and began searching how many hotels were exactly in Vale. He found twenty. There were no motels in Vale, so he needed to focus on those twenty hotels.

There were three near him at the moment, and he wanted to check them out before it was time for him to dress up. It was almost five pm.

# # # #

It was past six pm. He got nothing. The first 2 hotels had nothing, but the third one gave him hope. They told him at the front desk that a black haired cat-girl had a room. Obviously, he went to see for himself, only to find out it wasn't her. The girl indeed had black hair and cat ears, but that's it. She didn't have yellow eyes or fair skin.

He didn't blame them though. Who would normally pay attention to these details? They just recognized some of the details he described.

He decided that was enough looking for today. He changed to his costume, and began to patrol the city again, but this time as the hero. Leaden actually appreciated how he went over Vale again and again. It helped him remember every possible detail he could recall about the city's ins and outs. It greatly helped with his semblance.

As the night deepened, his adventure on the roofs was halfway through when he noticed something strange. There were a lot of police cars doing patrols. It couldn't be for him. It had to be something more urgent.

The red and blue lights decorated the streets and buildings frequently. Leaden had to be careful if he didn't want them to spot him, but he decided to risk it and get close to hear what was all that about

He couldn't use his semblance at all while he was being the hero. If the cameras caught him, it would be a matter of time before they figured out his identity. His semblance was exclusive to Leaden, and he wanted to keep it that way. He climbed down the roof to an alley. Once his legs touched the ground, he knew he had been caught on camera as even the alleys were monitored.

He already knew that, but it wasn't like they would know of his place immediately. He sneaked his way inside the alley closer as he could to the police officers, so he could hear what they were saying.

"She must be close, keep being on the lookout. She won't be able to get out of Vale."

"Yes!"

'She?'

Leaden didn't wait long, and headed deeper into the alley. If the woman they were looking for was close, she would be hiding somewhere near. Fortunately for Leaden, he knew a lot of spots to take shelter in thanks to his week of doing nothing but taking a tour around Vale over and over.

There was one such spot near him and he didn't waste time going there. It was an abandoned store closed from the front, but the backdoor lock was broken. He opened the door slowly, and carefully. The place was empty, but there were still many corners and blind spots to hide.

He walked slowly inside, "I'm not with the police. I'm here to help you," he called in a low voice. Of course, even if there were someone hiding, they wouldn't come out. He had to check for himself either way.

He began checking carefully to not startle anyone might be hiding. "I will see for myself, if you want to save time and reveal yourself, I would be grateful."

After he said that, he heard a quickened breath coming from the last place he planned to check. 'Gods.' there was someone actually hiding in here, he didn't expect to find anyone, especially in his first try.

He approached around the corner only to find a young woman shaking and covering her face. "Are you okay?" he asked. The woman flinched upon hearing his voice.

"Please don't make me go back," she whispered as she was afraid they would hear her. Her arms and hand were in front of her defensively, and still not looking his way.

Leaden knew better than to touch her at her current state, instead, he kneeled down beside her, and spoke, "I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm here to help."

She still didn't drop her guard, but she looked at him, and her eyes widened when she saw him. "It's you."

Leaden could now see her face, her blue eyes were streaming down tears, she had long brown hair, and most importantly, her nose was that of a rabbit.

"Do you know me?" He asked with a smile.

The woman nodded, "I heard some rumors when I was allowed outside. Also the news, I don't know if it was yesterday or a couple days ago, but I heard them mentioning you."

'More like today.'

"So you must know that I help people, right?" he chuckled.

"More like helping only faunus, but I'm fine with that right now."

Of course, the media made it seem that way, but he actually helped many, be it faunus or not.

"For your information, that's wrong. I represent the White Fang, after all. I can't be biased," he laughed quietly. "Are the police after you?"

"Yes," she said, averting her eyes.

Leaden's eyes widened slightly. He actually found who he was looking for on the first try. He was so used on things to not go his way, so for this to happen, it was surprising.

"Why?"

The young woman shifted uncomfortably, "I ran away… from the one who bought me."

Leaden nodded in understanding, his lips flattening, and his gaze looking down. She was a victim of slavery. It now made sense. She was hunted because if a word slipped out about the existence of slave trades to the public, it could be a problem for them. Vale benefited from the shady deals and the underworld in general, so it made sense.

Leaden stood up, and offered his hand, she hesitated but accepted his hand at the end. When she was on her legs, Leaden could see what he preferred to not see. Her clothes were torn and revealed part of her chest, stomach and thighs. There were purple marks on her arms, stomach, and legs as well.

What drew Leaden's attention was the blood on her clothes and hands. She seemed to notice his gaze, "It's not my blood," and only said.

Leaden nodded, "Good." He understood the implication. He didn't need to ask how she escaped, how she got the chance or anything about her circumstances. He only knew that she killed her "owner". He didn't need to know that she was basically his toy. He didn't need to know that she was raped multiple times. He didn't need to know that once she was pregnant, the piece of shit didn't accept having a kid and beat the shit out of her until she was no longer.

He didn't need to know any of that, because he was already aware of what slavery meant, and how absurd people could be. He had to admit that the young woman was far more stronger than he expected of one of her circumstances. She was afraid, but she was able to speak just fine. That alone was an indication that her will was yet to be broken.

"Wait here for a second," he said. Once she nodded, he went around the corner. She raised her eyebrows, confused by what Leaden was doing. But when he emerged from the corner again, he carried a black jacket in his arms, and handed her the jacket. "Wear it to cover yourself."

She took the jacket, embarrassed as her face was red. She was shorter than him, so the jacket covered her thighs. "Where should I go? The police are everywhere."

"I know a friend of mine who will help you." He meant Adam, and since Adam had a record of helping ones in similar situations, he could depend on him. He felt bad that he was adding to his problems though. "They will find you here eventually. I know other places far safer than here. Once we go out, I need you to be quiet while I carry you to the roof."

She nodded and followed him. Leaden looked outside to make sure no one was there. "It's safe." He slowly got out, and motioned for her to come. "If you don't mind," he said with a smile, and offered his hand for her to hang on him.

She took his hand, and once they touched, a bullet struck her in the head, making her smile when she accepted his hand the last thing she felt. Her body collapsed on the ground beside him, separating the hand who offered help from the hand who accepted help.

He had no time to react as a swarm of bullets attacked him, and thanks to his aura it didn't do damage. He ran and retreated behind the corner to catch his breath and think. How he didn't sense them, he didn't know.

The image of the woman as the bullet rested in her head still lingered in his mind. It happened again. It was nothing new to him, the image of an entire village slaughtered and him standing simply watching it as it happened crossed his mind.

The image of him stabbing someone while his family watched crossed his mind. The father begged him to spare him, and he simply answered that it was for his sake, so there was no need to worry. He remembered it again.

The absurdity.

The memories made his head and heart ache. He palmed his face as he clenched his teeth.

"We found the target with the terrorist. We took her out, she is no longer a threat. The terrorist had his aura unlocked, this could be a problem. Over."

"Man, by this rate, it will be possible for the mercenaries to take this job if they wanted."

Two people were talking, and when Leaden glanced at the identity of whoever was responsible for this, he froze. They were members of the police.

His breath hitched. How could this be possible? How the police, who sworn to protect the innocent, kill an innocent woman in cold blood. His mind wandered to when he had told Ruby how the police were heroes because they fought the crime. He knew there was corruption, but this was crossing the line.

It was absurd as the day he first started using the word. Nothing changed.

He stared at his right hand, the one he extended to one in need. He clenched his fist. He needed to focus. But to his surprise, they left. They didn't follow him, and the body was nowhere to be found. They didn't have their aura unlocked, so this confrontation if seen to the end, it would end in only one way, and they were aware.

But if it was true that they didn't have their aura unlocked, then how did they sneak up on him? No, they must have their aura unlocked, it was the only explanation. They left because they didn't know how experienced he was in fighting. Which meant they needed backup. He had to get out of here.

"I know what you must be thinking. Don't worry, no one will come here again." A new figure approached, his orange hair, and the cane he had made his identity obvious.

Roman Torchwick.

Leaden's mouth hung open. This day was getting weirder and weirder. "How can I help you?" He said. He remembered that he was in costume at the moment, not Leaden.

Roman adjusted his hat, "Come on now, don't be like that. Aren't you the one who requested to meet me?" He said with a smirk.

"What?"

'How did he know?'

Roman laughed as if he just heard the funniest joke. "You didn't seriously think I wouldn't know who you were, right? Come on, give me some credit!"

"Fine, you are better than I expected." He still didn't give away his own identity. The alleys were monitored, after all. And Roman knew this too. That's why he also didn't say his identity out loud.

"That's more like it. I know you want my attention and all, but we can't talk here, I'm sure you know that," Roman said, and Leaden nodded in return. "I heard you like to help people, so how about we help each other out?" Roman grinned, taking his scroll out.

Leaden was baffled for a second before grinning in return.

"Of course, you should have told me from the beginning."