(December 24th, Saturday, 12:18 PM, Beacon's Courtyard)

Allen had never been gladder than today that he went and resumed the Exorcist training Cross Marian drilled into him. Originally, he had relied on exercising to maintain his physical condition. But after his encounter with Neo, he quickly realized how foolish that was. He'd been so used to fighting monsters, that with how weak Grimm seemed to him, he put his worried of them aside. He grossly underestimated the human element.

The Grimm outnumber humanity in this world. The fact that they avoided extinction for so long should have made him think twice about the power and potential they possessed. He could match it, but he couldn't afford to lose control. Despite how powerful humanity was on Remnant, despite the odds that they stood against, nothing he'd seen so far could compare to the power that his right arm held. Or more specifically, the power that Innocence carried.

And that same thought is what led him to hide such abilities. He'd lose the peace he had just barely managed to attain if people realized what he could do. Some would attempt to recruit him. Others would try to capture him to see if such a power can be taken for themselves. And the last side would simply hunt him down as a threat. These are the basic ideas that humanity follows when they discover something powerful.

With that, Allen trained not only to increase his natural strength but also his control and skill. The more natural he looked, the less people would suspect or expect of him. Humanity had its protectors. It had more than hundreds of times the number of exorcists the Black Order had during their last stand. One warrior from another world wouldn't be needed, right? And now?

Now, he jumped out a window from Beacon's halls and into the courtyard, glass shards cutting the skin slightly on his face and leaving cuts on random areas of his clothes. He landed on his knees and resumed running within seconds, the boarbatusk jumping out the newly destroyed window and resuming its chase of him.

He was acting the part of a regular person, with no aura awakened, and the excuse of simply being physically fit. And what would a normal, regular person do when faced with a creature that could tear apart concrete, had natural armor, could track by literal fear from its victims, and that person was unarmed in any sort of way? They ran.

And so, Allen did. He jumped over concrete benches that the Boarbatusk charged through with a roar, charged back into the creature, and slide under it when it tried to tackle him before crashing into a beautiful tree and managed to avoid having his bones crushed when it cornered him. For that last one, he quickly found out that the longer tusks that curve upward from their lower jaw extend slightly farther than their jaws can normally reach.

Normally, such a trait is useful to a Boarbatusk since they usually are found in Vale's forests. Putting this into account, their tusks could trap human prey when they're cornered into a thin tree, leaving it to their razor-sharp teeth to tear in a restrained target. However, when they charge at their victim against a much wider obstacle, that same trap becomes a handicap as it keeps them from digging in. In that scenario, the person trapped has a few seconds before the Grimm tilts its head, and the jaws are aimed at his head.

For Allen, he had led the Boarbatusk to the pedestal of the statue where it cornered him. And the tusks got in the Grimm's way from its new meal. He knew this, he planned it, and he quickly used the top of its head as leverage to jump over it before running again. Meanwhile, the Grimm had to take a few seconds to figure out what just happened before resuming its chase.

He wasn't planning on running the entire time. He originally thought that he could tire a Grimm out, but there was no accurate evidence that such a tactic would work. Then again, there was no possible way for humanity to study Grimm outside of behavior, tactics, and physical traits since their corpses would disappear after death.

With that in mind, Allen kept running until he spotted a balcony on one of the campus buildings. It was high enough that the boarbatusk couldn't possibly reach, even if it launched itself. Unfortunately, it was extremely high up. Third to fourth floor high with small bits of leverage, at best . But, as if God decided to throw him a bone, he noticed the increase in trees, and one close enough that climbing it and jumping to the balcony would seem like something anyone would be capable of doing.

So, with the Grimm right on his heels, Allen rushed at the key to his victory and used his momentum to run up the trunk, high enough to grab a strong enough branch as leverage before quickly continuing to climb. However, he was shocked for a moment after the tree shook and a loud cracking noise echoed through the Academy's yard.

Looking down, he noticed a sizeable chunk of the trunk missing and the Grimm halting its spin before turning around to face the tree it so kindly took a chunk out of it. That and the cracking noise as the tree slowly tilted forced Allen to quickly try and climb up the rest of the way up before jumping, barely hanging off the stone railing of the balcony. He quickly climbed over and started to catch his breath, ignoring the roars of the Boarbatusk under his safe spot.

He pat his pockets to check if he still had his Extension on him before pulling out the bootleg scroll and checking the time. He'd been running for nearly half an hour. The very fact made his eye twitch in frustration, but luckily didn't cause enough anger for him to crush the device in his hand.

"This is a school that trains the next generation of defenders for humanity. So why is it that no one has come and killed this thing yet?" Allen groaned out loud, sitting down with his back to the railing. This agitated the Grimm further, which annoyed Allen. "Give it a rest already and just wait for a huntsman or huntress to come around!"

He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, only to be taken out of it by a clicking noise. He watched as a large figure walk out onto the balcony. Athletic, with tanned skin, shaved short black hair, wearing a green robe over one shoulder over a black muscle shirt with an armored pauldron going down his right arm, and brown pants with armored boots. On his back was a large, dual-edged curved sword that was almost his height.

The two teens looked at each other before the newcomer spoke. "Grimm?"

Allen stared at him blankly and pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. The figure made his way next to him and peered over the railing, looking down on the Boarbatusk. He let out a small hum before grabbing the handle of the blade on his back and vaulting over. Allen didn't look to see what was about to happen. He was still taken aback by the strange fashion of everyone in this world.

"Okay, you're safe." A calm voice called out to Allen. He looked over the railing to find the Grimm's corpse disintegrating while in pieces and the teen from earlier placing the large sword on his back again.

"Can I... trouble you for your name?" Allen asked.

"Yatsuhashi."

"Okay. Can I buy you a soda, Yatsuhashi? Or a snack? Or both as thanks for getting taking care of that Grimm?"

The huntsman trainee stared up at Allen, a single eyebrow raised.

(December 24th, Saturday, 3:50 PM, Deputy Goodwitch's Office)

Glynda Goodwitch considered herself a responsible individual. She considered herself patient. She wasn't prone to anger, and she could keep a straight face when dealing with adults that would act like children or children that prefer to act like toddlers, and that's not even including her skills as a huntress. She was stern when correcting mistakes but she wasn't rude.

Yet even she could admit that, after 34 consecutive phone calls to the parents and guardians of the applicants that came to Beacon today, she was tempted to launch her scroll into the nearest wall. If only she could repair such intricately designed objects with her semblance like she would with property damage from her students.

Still, she had one more call to make. A Tukson Zure, listed as the guardian for Allen Walker, the boy who was chased by the Boarbatusk for nearly a third of an hour. The same one that answered questions and seemed interested in every detail of the school. Like a child in a toy store.

That applicant was now down the hall with one of her students from team CFVY. Yatsuhashi Daichi. A student that had stayed behind during the break due to personal reasons. The two had managed to devour the stock of an entire vending machine a couple of hours prior and had gotten into a strange argument involving giant, piloted robots. Luckily, not the strangest conversation that has graced Beacon's Walls, she could very well confirm that.

Glynda Goodwitch expected the white-haired teen to be terrified, shocked into unconsciousness, or too scared to speak. Those other three kids that were attacked sure were. Instead, he was exhausted. Like the situation barely bothered him. 'Perhaps his guardian can shed some light on this.'

And so, she called up the number registered for Walker and waited, her Scroll on speaker, and placed it at the center of her desk. It rang three times before a click echoed.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Is this Tukson Zure?" Glynda asked. A formality, just to be certain.

"Yes. Who am I speaking to?"

"Hello, Mr. Zure. My name is Glynda Goodwitch, Deputy Headmistress of Beacon. I'm calling to talk about Allen Walker?" A slight silence set in, which made Glynda slightly confused and wondering if he heard it. "Are you still there, Mr. Zure?"

No reply for a few seconds before she heard a loud groan, causing her to lean back in the chair.

"What happened? What did he do?"

Glynda cleared her throat before beginning to explain the situation. Starting from the beginning of the day and what she observed from Allen to what transpired a couple of hours earlier. She made it to explaining that a Boarbatusk had attacked three applicants when...

"Allen jumped in to help them, didn't he?" Tukson interrupted with a slight bit of tiredness in his voice.

"Um, yes. Yes, he did," Glynda all but confirmed.

"I knew it. I knew he would do something like this!" Tukson raised his voice, sounding like a man who was just proven right from guessing the weather correctly consecutively. "I mean, I thought he'd get into a fight with a bully or something. I was even expecting a call saying that he ate the entire food supply or something."

As he continued to rant, Glynda just listened quietly. Even the guardians who weren't blood-related to any of the applicants chose to raise their voices in favor of blaming her, Beacon, and demanding compensation. So, this whole situation felt... new.

"Sir, aren't you worried about your... ward ?"

"I am. Was he majorly injured in any way?"

"No, thankfully. He managed to constantly outrun and outmaneuver the Grimm. I had a few questions about that though."

Tukson let out another groan. "No, he never went to a proper combat school. The orphanage he was in simply doubled as a primary school only. I have the papers at my home, but copies should have been sent with his application."

"And they were. We're just trying to make sure nothing was missed. We among the staff are relieved Mr. Walker was unharmed, but this Boarbatusk went after him explicitly once he distracted it. In fact, the negativity produced by the three applicants should have kept its attention on them. Instead, it focused on him right away. Did Mr. Walker have his aura unlocked perchance?"

"No. Besides, when someone enters a major city, they're required to have it registered that they have an unlocked Aura and any Semblance. They're also supposed to take classes for Aura control since their body's natural strength can be enhanced even slightly which would make them a danger when around normal people." Tukson recited. "But what's that have to do with anything?"

"Grimm are known to be attracted to Powerful Aura's, which can cause them to change targets. We could only assume though at this point." Glynda explained. "Does your ward do any physical activity? Specifically running?"

The tiredness returned to Tukson's voice. "He practices parkour. We're not exactly in the best of places with our store. So, he uses it to avoid any dangerous areas or simply does it for the hell of it. Practically second nature to him, much to the annoyance of some shop owners who hear him climbing up and over their building."

"I see. That would explain the stamina from how long he was chased and the split decisions he made when needed. Frankly, it's quite lucky he has such a hobby." Glynda complimented.

Tukson chuckled without a hint of mirth. "Right. Lucky ."

"Well, I won't take up any more of your time. We'll have Mr. Walker safely escorted back to Vale by airship soon. Part of this phone call was even to offer compensation since he was the one most affected by all this and a key figure in the safety of the students. If you'd like, we can cut the tuition costs for the next two years. It won't include room and board, but that's barely a fraction of the costs altogether. This should even give him ample time to improve and acquire a scholarship by his third year, should he need it."

"I'm gonna have to decline," Tukson answered.

Glynda sat, completely stunned for a moment. "I'm sorry?"

"It's not that the compensation isn't enough or enticing, Miss. It's just that Allen isn't one to take handouts. He'll just say that there's someone more deserving of having the costs cut or play off his actions as some minor thing. That and he's been working hard, day and night of him hitting the books to prepare for this so he can try and get in with that scholar"

"A-are you sure about this, Mr. Zure?" Glynda asked. Most parents would be jumping at the chance to have their kids enrolled even a year in Beacon. "Even if you don't take it as compensation, Mr. Walker showed bravery and level-headedness that goes up the standards of even Huntsman."

"Oh Gods, don't even mention that to him. He's made it pretty clear that he had no intention of becoming one." Tukson hummed to himself thoughtfully for a moment. "Look, Allen won't accept handouts. But he has one weakness."

"That's an odd way to put it." Glynda deadpanned.

"I can't think of a better way to phrase it. But instead of waiving the education fees, waive to ones for the meals provided to the students."

"... The meals ?"

"The meals," Tukson repeated. "Allen has a bit of a high metabolism and eats a lot , so that might cause a bit of strain."

Out of all the things that she could have heard, Glynda was not expecting that. Some of the parents she'd previously spoken with had demanded their child a second chance on the entrance exams if they didn't pass. Somewhat reasonable, all things considered. Some parents asked for outlandish compensation in the form of Lien or threat to sue, even demanding their children be accepted regardless of their results. She quickly reminded them that applicants and their guardians sign a waiver that forfeited them that option as it even reminded them that the academy sits on a dangerous edge due to being located near the Emerald Forest.

This, however? This request was genuinely a nice change of pace. And yet, she felt like she was scamming them. She let out a small sigh before responding. "Very well. However, you wouldn't mind if I asked Mr. Walker if he accepts this, do you?"

Tukson chuckled. "Be my guest. But if you're planning on trying to push any other form of thanks, he ain't gonna accept him."

"Duly noted. Thank you for your time, Mr. Zure." She quickly hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair. It had now been more than 3 hours of phone calls. She thanked the Gods that the last one was quick, simple, and calm. Albeit strange, she knew to take victories when she could.

The next hour was spent sending the applicants back to Vale, repairing the courtyard, and then sending out messages for the exam retakes. On the bright side, there were plenty of days before the start of the first semester in April to choose from.

She did try and pass the idea of waiving the tuition costs of the first two years by Allen Walker, but Tukson was accurate in his assessment and the boy did not budge. He was, however, more than happy to accept the meals being deducted. Once he had left and boarded the Airship with the others, Glynda was just left with confusion and a strange sense of foreboding. As if she'd be dealing with headaches involving the cafeteria.

She quickly brushed the thoughts aside and began to make her way to the staff lounge to decide how they'll divide the tests to grade.

Ozpin sat in his office watching the screen of his tablet intently. The way Allen moved and reacted was... completely ordinary. He dodged, he was injured, and even the school nurse bandaging and disinfecting his cuts from jumping through a window noticed that his healing wasn't unordinary or showing signs of aura.

On one hand, he'd needed to be talked out of jumping into danger. On the other hand, he also should be commended for bravery. But the latter would have been if he was a huntsman in training. For now, he'd have to be properly explained the rules of such actions and the repercussions for the future.

The footage repeated from the point where Allen blocked the Boarbatusk's assault. The only unordinary feat, if it wasn't from the noticeable struggling he had shown. He was about to pause when something caught his eye. Something stood out. Something minor. He ran it back again. And again. And one more time just to make sure. Walker's eyes weren't always on the Grimm. They once moved toward the other injured applicants, and then multiple times to the cameras in the corridor.

Ozpin took a long sip from his mug, pondering the action. Why would a civilian focus his attention more on the cameras? It was only for a second or two, but his eyes looked directly at each and every camera out in view. But other than that, he couldn't point out anything else that seemed strange. Perhaps he should at least keep an eye out, just on the safe side.

Sighing, he turned off the screen and looked toward a small stack of papers beside him. Luckily, not as much as the pile he usually pushes off-, er, entrusts to Glynda. He'd have to review each of the applicants that not only passed but also made the cutoff for the scholarship program. Meaning he'd have to review each test result, write a unique letter to congratulate them, and point out what they can improve, along with welcoming them to Beacon with their tuition costs waived so long as they maintain their grades.

He could already feel his wrist ache without even picking up the first paper when a golden orbed dropped down from the ceiling and landed on his head before hopping off and in front of him. Ozpin blinked from shock before letting a small chuckle out.

"You followed me again, Timcanpy? What am I to do with you if you won't stay home."

The golden orb didn't respond verbally. It did, however, raise its golden wings and stretch them. Ozpin rolled his eyes. "Of course, a need to stretch your legs. Or wings for this matter. Very well, you can fly around the school, but make sure you're at a height where no one can see you. Or at least where you appear no different than a normal bird in the sky."

The golem gave something akin to a nod before perching itself on Ozpin's shoulder and looking seemingly curious at the papers.

"These?" Ozpin picked one up. "It's the results of applicants that not only passed our school's written entrance exam but also had some of the highest results. They're the ones we reward for their hard work and dedication to getting into our school."

Picking up one, Ozpin chuckled at the familiar name and picture on the results before showing it to Timcanpy. "This one made quite the introduction. I really can't make heads or tails of him. Glynda nearly gave me a heart attack when she asked me if I had any illegitimate children I kept secret."

Timcanpy leaned off his shoulder slightly, tail wagging. The lack of eyes did little to stop it from looking curious. If one could read the golem's thoughts, it would be mostly filled with curiosity and familiarity as it looked down at the picture of a young boy with white hair and a strange scar on his face smiling politely at the camera that took the photo.

(?, ?, ?, ?)

It didn't take long for him to realize where he was. Well, Allen wasn't really anywhere. He was just familiar with the place he'd seen plenty of times he wasn't conscious and aware of it. Staring down from a tower, he made out multiple landscapes. On one side was a forest with black, dead trees and snow with a frozen lake covered in cracks. The entire area appeared to always be in a permanent night.

To the side of that was a large mansion in a wheat field, an orange glow with a sunset only shining down on that area covering it in a golden glow. In its center was a leafless, twisted tree. Next to that were ruined buildings and a city. And finally, an area flooded completely with ruins sticking out and bodies floating in the water. The entire area there was dyed in red light.

Each area took up around a quarter of all the land he could see from the area he assumed was the center. He looked down to the ground to see the familiar landscape and structures of the inside of the Ark. Most of the places didn't exist in either world, however. They only existed in one place. His dreams and nightmares.

Sighing, he turned away from the view to instead the rest of the area he found himself in. A large dining table sat in the center; chairs were placed on each end as if to keep the two groups separate. The chairs were empty, save for one on the right side. Allen moved beside it, pulled out a chair, and sat with his hands clasped together on the table.

"Why did you bring me here, Crown Clown?"

The chair beside Allen shuffled. In it sat what could be considered a young child, legs tucked to its chest and arms crossed and hugging the limbs close. Most of their body was covered by a large, heavenly white cloak with a fluffy hood covering their entire head save for a masquerade-styled mask sticking out.

Even its voice sounded young. "Why didn't you use me?"

"Hm?"

"When that creature attacked you today. Why didn't you use me? Why do you keep refusing to use me? Even when that woman with multi-colored hair stabbed you, you barely used my power except to heal afterward. You could save yourself so much pain, yet you refuse to."

Allen leaned back. "Let's be honest, we both know our power is an existence this world wouldn't welcome. Whatever strength you would gift me, it would attract eyes and unwanted attention."

"No one would have been able to harm you. No one could harm you. I would protect you."

The smile disappeared off Allen's face. "But that doesn't apply to the people closest to me."

…

"Ah. That's why you refuse me. You blame me for your loss-"

Crown Clown was cut off when Allen slammed his fists on the table. "Of course, I blame you! Not only you but also innocence and the Heart. You disfigured my arm and made it so I could barely move it for my entire childhood, Suman's innocence destroyed his soul, Apocryphos shot Master Cross with Judgement and hunted me down for months, and you rebelled against my decisions yet forced me into fights that nearly destroyed my body! A body that was also remade with all memories of my previous life replaced just so you can control me!"

Allen leaned forward, nose only an inch away from Crown Clown's mask. "You, Innocence, have manipulated us from the start and forced us into the same final confrontation that stole the family I had in the Black Order! I honestly can't tell who did the most damage to us between the Earl and you."

Crown Clown's mask tilted to the side, watching Allen breathe heavily, although it was mostly a reaction mimicking an exhausted body despite the world they found themselves in being nothing but a dream. "It was God's plan. The sacrifices made have now ensured that humanity would continue properly, unaffected by the decisions and actions of the Noah. The Helix of Life and the souls that return to it will no longer be taken and forced into mechanical bodies to be tortured and twisted. You should be happy."

"Happy? HAPPY?! How dare you even say that!"

The innocence remained calm, despite the noticeable anger from Allen. "God's gift of free will means that He had to create contingencies and plans for every possible conclusion, however minor. The final battle you experienced was one such ending. It not only had the lowest chance of coming to fruition but also had the least cost of life. The conclusion with the highest chance of coming true would have led to a second Flood to avoid the Noah's victory."

Allen shivered at that. He knew their odds were bad, but for an apocalyptic event to be the best contingency? Just wipe the slate clean. "So... what's God's plan now? Since you're feeling talkative today, you can at least give me some warning. What threat will I be forced to face this time? What trials will be pushed upon my shoulders?"

…

"I do not know."

"Pardon?"

Crown Clown looked up at Allen. "Since we arrived in this world, I have been unable to connect with the Creator. I have tried repeatedly as well, but all I am met is with silence."

"You... you've been transmitting behind my back!? What if something else answered? You would have painted a target on me on a cosmic proportion!"

"We are in 'uncharted waters', as you would say. I had to take the risk and you were fatally damaged when you arrived here. It took an incredible amount of effort inside the limits that God placed upon innocence to heal your body."

Allen looked at the cloaked child in shocked realization. "That's why our synchronization reverted. Why I could only use Cross Alpha to defend against the Grimm the first time."

"Precisely. It is only recently that I have regained enough power to increase our connection, but it is still unstable. Hence why this meeting was pieced together from previous moments you'd entered the mindscape of your being."

"So, it's only now that you've gained the ability to communicate with me."

"Negative. I have been capable of communicating for nearly two months now."

"...What?"

"When it became apparent that we were completely on our own, I stopped reaching out. I had planned to make contact originally, but... a thought occurred. You had finally started to move on. Your soul was finally beginning to heal. The pain of your losses would always be there, but it seemed like it was finally fading. However..."

Crown Clown sat up, untucking its legs and leaning back into the seat. "It has become abundantly clear that you lack self-preservation, whether you realize it or not. Originally, you wouldn't underestimate a foe regardless of the situation. Nor would you let public imagery from the masses affect you. You've forced unnecessary limits upon yourself in a world where humanity is constantly fighting for survival. Whether from forces of Darkness or itself."

Allen crossed his arms, eyes closed as he tried to calmly think. "Excuse me if I sound like a broken record, but why? Why do you care? You, who manipulated my life and the lives of many with your brethren. Why do you suddenly care about my well-being."

"...I've always cared, Allen. I've never wanted to inflict any pain on you. If I had it my way, I wish you and every Exorcist I and my brethren bonded to were never needed in the first place. But such a world did not exist. I've had to take control many times to defend you. But with the threat to humanity increasing in power, I needed to alter the limits the Creator set upon us. And even with that, I still couldn't protect you. So, I was left with two options."

The cloaked child lifted two fists, index finger on each held out. "Do I continue to support your self-destructive ways as you break your body and simply heal you enough so you can continue your battle until your soul shatters to the never-ending confrontation that would lead to so many deaths you would most likely blame yourself for until the 14 th Noah eventually took over and Allen Walker disappears? Or do I safeguard your soul? Ensure you an eternity of happiness in God's Kingdom. You may proclaim I betrayed you, but I would have done it all over again to save your soul like you saved the souls of the Akuma."

Allen stayed silent. He hated this. The information thrown at him from Crown Clown. It wasn't human, so it couldn't realize how hurt Allen was that something he entrusted his life, his soul, his meaning to had betrayed him and used him. But how could it be when it didn't think the same way?

"Why are you intervening now though?"

"...I do not know if your soul will go anywhere if you die in this world, Allen." The innocence let the words hang in the air for a bit. "I am unsure how the afterlife works here. The humans of this reality share so many similarities to the ones of our original world. I'd say just from what I've observed and analyzed that you're biologically compatible."

Allen groaned into his hands. "I did not need to know that..."

"But the makeup of the soul seems different."

Allen peaked through his fingers. "Different how?"

"The soul has always been a powerful ability of humans. However, the use of the soul here is drastically different. If I had to compare, it'd be like a scalpel and a hammer. Do you recall the abilities of the CROWS and the talismans?"

"How could I forget? Every time I was restrained by those things wrapped around my body, I felt like every fiber of my being was being pushed down."

"The talismans were triggered by the will of the user and tied to them. A powerful tool for those with a strong soul. It is why so many supernatural abilities outside of innocence existed, albeit for only specific uses. In this realm, the souls strengthen the bodies of the humans here and interact with this strange 'Dust' material in a way not too dissimilar to the magic the Earl and Cross Marian were capable of. Still, they use it in such a barbaric way. The soul may be infinite in its existence but using it as a... power source? An enhancement?"

Allen looked at Crown Clown curiously. The way the innocence spoke wasn't of disgust or rage at the idea. More... confusion? "So... does that means I'm unable to have an aura? Then again, it's not like I ever planned on it. Oh well, this does take the weight off if someone tried to force it on me."

Crown Crown tilted its hooded form. "I never said you were incapable of Aura."

"Or you can pull the rug under me and crush my hopes." Allen groaned out. "So, I am capable of Aura, but how does that mean our souls are different? Whenever I've seen an Aura in use, the colors seem no different than a human when they were in an Akuma. Other than the obvious fact that the soul doesn't seem tormented."

"The reason why I say the 'makeup of the souls is different' is because humanity in our original realm didn't have anything close to it. For all I know, unlocking your aura would be akin to opening a dam. And that's nothing to say about what could happen if whatever ritual or process they use also releases the innate power you wield with me in a pure state."

Allen shivered. When Innocence truly unleashed its raw power by itself, it could level villages and cities. Entire mountains flattened. But Crown Clown wasn't done.

The child avatar of innocence raised four gloved fingers. "The way I see it, you have four possible outcomes if you attempted to unlock the power of your soul. You could have a normal aura, similar to the humans here as a start. Or you could have no aura at all, but that does not mean you are without a soul. Never forget that."

Allen nodded, waiting for Crown Clown to continue.

"The third outcome will be that you have a greatly immense aura due to your experiences with the 14th and the fact that you are the second version of humanity God created after the flood. This is tied to the fact that we are, in all that matters, one being. Which means you will have access to even greater power. This... will take any chance you have of that normal life you wish."

Sighing, Allen nodded. "I figured. Humanity can be kind and understanding, but it can also be cruel and greedy."

"It is not just humanity that will be attracted to your power," Crown Clown added. "These Grimm creatures will also hunt you down. You will stand out like wildfire to them, practically calling them to you. Why else do you think that Grimm that chased you focused more on you than the three injured humans behind you?"

Shivering, Allen put an index finger on his chin thoughtfully. "That makes a scary amount of sense. Wait, I'm not attracting them to me right now, am I!?"

"No. Only in a certain range. Luckily, you're too deep into the city to be considered any more of a target than other humans here."

"Thank goodness! So, what's the fourth outcome?"

"You die."

Allen's eyes widened. "What?"

"Your soul will mix with the full power of innocence. If your aura unlocks during a period where we are not at 100 percent synchronization, it will ignite into a pillar of white, holy light that will purify an area the size of the Ark. And we will both cease to exist. Soul and all. An erasure not unlike an Akuma's self-destruction."

Allen's entire body shivered. Both in the dream and outside it. He faced this situation before when he sent the Earl and Himself, along with all the innocence on the battlefield and the bodies of the Noah, into a void between dimensions to keep them from reincarnating. But it also meant that there'd be no afterlife to go to for him when he'd succumb to his wounds. It was a once-in-a-lifetime miracle that he made it out of it without such events coming to pass.

But after the first week, when the nightmares slowly settled in and his body began to relax, his fear and the true scope of what would have happened to him came in like a flood, drowning him in stress and nightmares of how he barely survived.

"What..." He paused, trying to plan his words carefully. "What are the chances for each of these outcomes?"

"Oddly enough, the first outcome has the highest probability of 45 percent. The second has 20 percent at best. The third has barely a 25 percent chance. And the fourth outcome has barely a 10 percent chance. However, this is barely a theory made from observation at best, so I would not gamble when the stakes are so high. This is not like those poker games you cheat in." The avatar of innocence watched Allen chuckle dryly.

"Got it. Don't unlock my aura. Anything else?"

Crown Clown stood up. Once the cloak completely covered the child, it began to grow in height until all that was left was a silver mask and hood that covered nothing but shadows. It stared down at Allen, its mask tilted downward. "We have caused you unnecessary pain, Allen Walker. You have earned this freedom and may spend it as you wish. All that I ask, as the one who has watched over you for years now, is that you be careful."

Allen let out a breath of air. "I'm still not going to use your power, you know."

"Then don't. Avoid the danger if you can. Use the skills you have learned from our world that don't involve innocence if you must. Simply be careful and live."

Letting out a small laugh, Allen rose from his seat. "Come on, when have I ever not been careful?"

The avatar couldn't make any expressions, but Allen could make out the unamused tone of its voice. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Point taken." Allen made to pinch his arm or cause some semblance of pain to wake himself up when he thought of something. "Crown Clown, you brought me here, right?"

"Yes."

"And you can change the setting of this... dream world, right?" Allen asked hopefully.

"I already know what you're going to ask." Crown Clown faced to the right as a door of oak manifested. "It's not good to be tied to the past."

"I know." Allen smiled as he approached the door, hand gently grasping the doorknob. "But... I have no graves to mourn them at, so the best thing I can do is keep the memories close."

Turning the handle, Allen stepped through and into a familiar scene of a party being held in the Black Order's cafeteria. Even if it was simply a memory, the smell of Jerry's cooking already made his stomach rumble. He planned to enjoy this memory for as long as possible.

At least, until something pulled him out not even 20 minutes into it...

(December 25th, Sunday, 9:30 AM, Allen's apartment)

Allen was having a peaceful sleep. After the whole fiasco at Beacon and being forced into a test of endurance, he was winded. Tired beyond belief. It's easier to simply let go and fall into darkness when your body can't fight the natural order. But then again, that same body has developed habits of always being on alert, regardless of its condition.

And that's what kicked in. A simple twitch as Allen's ears perked up to the sound of his bedroom door creeping open slowly. The creaks of the floor. The small thump of feet as two figures slowly approached while one stayed by the entrance. He waited patiently, not showing signs of consciousness until one reached forward, their hand a few centimeters away from his shoulder.

Moving like a blur, Allen launched his blanket at one at the foot of his bed, before grabbing the one closest to him by an outstretched arm and twisting it behind their back before slamming them down on the ground with a familiar voice crying out in surprise.

With one hand pinning the man's arm and a knee on his back, Allen reached up and turned on his bedside lamp, only to be met with a strange situation. By the door, his aunt Graz stood shocked, one hand covering her mouth and the other holding a paper bag. He heard laughter come from the blanket he tossed at the second man before it slid off to reveal Tukson, red-faced from laughter.

"Ha! Now you know what it feels like, Ray!"

Allen blinked once. Then twice. Then looked down to see Ray Atar under him, groaning before chuckling slightly. "I knew you were planning something when you told me to surprise him instead."

With a multitude of apologies, Allen got off him and helped him up. However, the man didn't even seem angry. Simply amused, if not else. "I am so sorry, Ray. It's a stupid habit I've built up over the years."

"More of a mysterious past that you won't tell any of us?" Ray had a teasing smirk when he asked that, knowing full well Allen's answer from just his shaky smile. "Fair enough."

"What are you all even doing here?" Allen wondered, confused. "I mean, Tukson owns the place so you can come by any time, but I'm practically a mess here."

"Don't worry, the parties downstairs," Tukson added not so helpfully as it did little to remove Allen's confusion.

"Party?"

"No time to explain." Graz interrupted before tossing him the paper bag she held. "Put these on and try and make it down in a few minutes."

The three adults quickly hurried out of the room, leaving Allen confused and holding a paper bag that he could only assume the contents were clothing. Sighing with a tired smile, he began working through his morning routine, albeit more quickly, and skipping breakfast.

With a yawn and a hint of drowsiness, he walked down the stairs of the building into the shop, only to find the lights all off.

"Huh. They must be outside then-"

He was quickly blinded, however, when all the lights turned on and a crowd of people screamed out. "SURPRISE!"

"AH!

And he was surprised as he ended up jumping back and falling over the counter from the shock. The group of people inside each let out noises and winces as a few books and boxes fell on Allen too.

"I'm okay!" Allen called out, brushing dust off his clothes and tugging on his shirt to straighten it out. The lights in the store turned on, revealing a 'Happy Birthday' banner, and most of the display tables were covered with platters of food. A few of the people were holding a variety of wrapped gifts as well.

"So, what's the surprise about, if you all don't mind me asking? I don't think I've gotten news if I was accepted to Beacon or not."

Most of the people in the store looked at each other, confused. Beretta, who was dressed in something other than clothes that looked like a mix between a blacksmith and a mechanic and was wearing something casual, took a step forward and handed Allen a metal case with a grin.

"It's your birthday, idiot."

"What? No. My birthday's De-" Allen paused, his mind finally catching up fully with the date as he fully woke up now.

"December 25 th ." Beretta finished. She nodded to the metal box. "Don't open that till later."

"Ah. I understand." Allen set the box on the counter and looked around. Most of the people were now moving, putting gifts at the counter beside him and congratulating him for turning 17. He recognized a lot of them from some of the other shops on the street. A lot of the people here were those he knew from Tukson's get-togethers with the other family-owned stores and small businesses.

However, three specific characters soon stood by him which left him increasingly confused. "Miltia? Melanie? JUNIOR?!"

The three in question turned to him with grins, Junior coming forward and shaking his hand and taking out an envelope before pushing it to his chest while he was stunned. "Hey, kid. Just was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and bring you a gift. Nothing much."

Allen looked at him, an eyebrow raised, before looking at the twins. "What's the real reason?"

"He heard you're heading to Beacon..." Miltia began.

"So, he wanted to bring you a gift, hoping you don't try and bring any Huntsman or Huntresses down on him from a Vendetta." Melanie finished.

Allen gave a small chuckle. "I'm not that petty. Besides, I quit. There's no need for it."

Miltia motioned for Allen to lean down, which he obliged before she whispered something in his ear. It couldn't be heard from the ambient conversations, but whatever was said had Allen's eyes widen in shock before looking at the envelope in his hand, and a shy smile going onto his face as he blushingly scratched the back of his head.

"But I'll accept nonetheless! Thanks again for the gift, Junior! Will you be staying for the party?"

Junior let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was about to respond when he felt a hand on his shoulder. A chill went up his spine and he turned to see Tukson with a polite, closed-eyed smile. And for some strange reason, his nails felt increasingly sharper than normal as they dug into Junior's shoulder.

"I think Junior I need to have a man-to-man talk about how employers should treat their younger employees first," Tukson spoke softly, but the feeling that came to Allen and the Malachite twins made them shiver. "I'll have him back to you in a bit! Come on."

As he was dragged away, Junior sent a pleading look to the twins, who pretended that they didn't know him, much to his annoyance and horror before he disappeared with Tukson to the back of the shop.

Melanie looked at where the two disappeared. "Y'know, it's crazy how much Tukson has changed since you arrived in the city, Allen."

The twins turned around to find Allen facing away from them. He turned around from one of the tables with a curious expression and a few sandwiches from a platter stuffed in his mouth. "Hm?"

Choosing to ignore Allen's appearance at that moment, Miltia decided to add to what her sister started. "What Melanie means is that, before you came to the city, Tukson used to keep his head down and offer less than legal services. Not anything bad," She quickly added when Allen gave her a look of mixed emotions. She switched to a whisper and leaned close. "He usually just falsified citizenships and helped people get into the city cleanly. Usually Faunus. Now? He's talking down to the boss like a disappointed parent. Which fits, all things considered."

"So, why does Junior just take it?" Allen watched as both Tukson and Junior walked out from the back of the shop. The former had a large smile while the latter was a little paler. "I mean, he leads one of, if not the biggest criminal syndicate in Vale and somehow still stays under the radar."

"That's partly thanks to Tukson." Miltia filled in quietly. "Before he opened his shop, Junior and he were partners in crime. Tukson's not tough that he can fight a whole gang, but he can do as much damage or even cripple Junior's gang by what he knows."

"Blackmail?" Allen questioned.

"Yep. Tukson has given a lot of new identities to most of the members of the gang. That included some of the old guard that retired when Junior's father left the picture."

"He retired?" Allen looked at the twins as they looked at each other and then at him.

"Sure. Let's go with that." Melanie answered.

"So, Allen." Miltia nudged his side, teasingly. "Now that you know more about Tuks little dirty past, what do you think of him now?"

Allen shrugged. "I mean, it doesn't change much for me. I already had a hint. To me, he's still the man who took me in and gave me so much. I'd be proud to call him my father, even if we aren't related by blood."

…

"You're no fun." Miltia groaned. "But, I can see your reasoning. Again, before you came, no one could see Tukson acting so cheery outside of dealing with customers. Still..."

"You two should be careful though." Melanie continued. "Despite how welcoming Vale can be, it can also swallow you whole and spit you back out. It's a land of opportunity, good and bad."

Allen nodded, massaging the side where Neo stabbed him. "Yeah. I remember getting a taste of that."

The action didn't go unnoticed by the twins, you stared at the spot understandingly. "You're lucky," Miltia commented. "Only 4 people have passed Roman's little challenge, including you."

"And three of them are in this one shop." Melanie bragged.

"Yeah, that umbrella is not fun to be stabbed with." Allen, Melanie, and Miltia shivered. He looked around, watching everyone socialize and get lost in their conversations, and smiled. This life wasn't so bad after all.

(3:32 PM, Tukson's shop)

Allen swept the shop, giving it one last cleanup since the end of the party. It was a nice celebration, full of congratulations and wishing him good luck with Beacon's application. And gifts, although he set them all to the side on the counter by the register. Tukson was looking at each of the names with a grin.

"Y'know Allen, there wouldn't normally be that many people coming to something like a teenager's birthday in this shopping district." Tukson set aside one of the presents before picking up another. 'Lots of people closed their shops for the morning too. Can you think of any reason why?"

Putting the broom aside, Allen sat on a foldable chair with a content sigh. "Because they're nice?"

"Because they're nice to you, Allen. I mean, you've helped them when they've needed it regardless of your own time used without ever asking anything in return. That got them finally talking to each other too. Rival businesses have even begun helping each other out too. Partnerships have been made. All thanks to a small influence like yours."

"People shouldn't need the influence of a teenager to do such things or move past bias and petty squabbles."

Tukson shrugged. "People are idiots. Not everyone gets wiser with age. On a side note, here." He handed Allen a parcel and an envelope.

"What are these?" Allen opened the envelope first and took out a small card.

"It's from Vacuo," Tukson explained. "A present from Sun."

Allen shook his and began to read the letter out loud.

'Yo, Allen! Why didn't you tell me your Birthday was coming up? Beretta had to tell me and acted like it was something I knew about so I barely had time to pick out something. We may have known each other only for a bit, but come on man, I stick by my friends! Besides, it's not like I'm broke and can't send a gift. You'll probably say something like 'I don't need a gift. Even a greeting and a happy birthday wish is enough!'

Tukson looked at Allen teasingly. "He's right, y'know. You did say that a lot when people handed you gifts themselves or put them on the table during the party."

" Shush."

'Anyways, I sent you something that shows the best of Vacuon culture! Hope you like it.'

Allen smiled. "That fool."

"Wanna open his first then?"

"Sure." Allen picked up the parcel and tore it open as gently as possible. It felt like a book or magazine inside. He smiled as he pulled it, which quickly disappeared and was replaced as his face slowly turned crimson and his eyes widened.

Tukson leaned over. His expression started as shocked, then turned to a shaky smile as his shoulders shook. He seemed to struggle as he held back a chuckle before collapsing into full-blown laughter as Allen's body seemed to tremble in anger.

The offending object was a large magazine. On the cover was a title called 'The Beasts Inside' with an image of multiple women in varying states of undress and minimal clothing. However, the biggest detail was the multiple faunus traits that attractively complemented them. Some with fangs as they bit on the minimal fabric that covered their body. Some with tails that seemed to be the only thing that covered their lower half. Some with animal ears that varied in expressions of bashfulness and teasing.

Allen could only say one thing, steam practically emanating from his embarrassed form. "I'm gonna strangle that punk. No, wait. I'll tell Beretta about this and let her strangle him! Wait, no, he'd probably like that if it was from Beretta. I got a little under a year to plan this payback, but it will be sweet ."

Tukson, recovering and shaking from his collapse of laughter, wiped a few tears of joy and pushed a metal box toward Allen from the pile of presents. "Speaking of Beretta, she mentioned something about this one. Told me that, even if you didn't need it or want it, she still wanted you to have something she made specifically for you."

Allen took the box and set it on his lap, its weight was not too heavy. Opening it, he was greeted by a pair of weaponized gauntlets, each sporting a monochromatic black-and-white color scheme. The gauntlets looked like they'd cover the arms up to the elbows. And while he doesn't know weapons well enough to understand the mechanics behind what they could do, he could still make out the metal retractable claws on them.

Taped on top of the lid was a card and a small pamphlet. Allen gently took them both and read the card first.

' Hey Allen. I know you're not big on weapons and they don't interest you, but I still wanted to make you these. You could probably call them my pride and joy, right next to Sun's new weapons. I practically poured my soul into making them, even if they won't see use. You're not just a friend, you're my best friend. Someone I trust to have my back. You didn't come to me trying to get a discount on dust ammunition or for a free service. You just happened to walk into the shop to ask for directions because you were new to the neighborhood and things went up from there. You hang out with me because it's fun and you don't force yourself to do something you don't enjoy just for my sake. You're honest on what's on your mind and you have your preference on things.

What I'm trying to say is you're honestly a welcome surprise in Vale and I'm thankful for you being here. And besides, maybe a day will come when you'll need to defend yourself. I pray that day doesn't come, but I'll sleep better if you at least have these with you when you go to Beacon. I mean, the Academy is built at the edge of a Grimm Infested forest! Who does that!? Anyways, just stay safe. And Happy Birthday.'

By the time he finished reading, the letter was covered in droplets of tears as Allen tried very hard to hold them in.

"Are you crying?" Tukson asked.

"N-no!" Allen answered shakily, trying to hold it in. "Yes! Yes, I am!"

Tukson rolled his eyes and handed the teen a box of tissues. "Does that mean you're less angry at Sun now?"

Allen blew his nose and tossed the tissue into the nearest trash can. "Not even close!"

A/N

2 months...

Wow.

I guess I wanna say I'm well. Honestly, real life came in like a hurricane again. Then I had to start off from scratch on this chapter! Then I hit writer's block! I got hit with everything under the rainbow and work became hectic. God, typing this chapter was the only stress relief I had and I'm not sure on its quality. Best I can promise is that, HOPEFULLY, the newer chapters will be quicker and better.
Thanks for the reviews and the worries but I'm A-OK! I should probably get a beta-reader though to help. I'll figure out how that works later. Anyways, enjoy!