I'm starting to feel like I'm spoiling you readers. Been getting these nice looooong chapter(by my standard anyway) even at the beginning of the story. That didn't happen for Fallen Snow until more recently, I'm sure they're jealous.

Not much to say here this time, so I'll save it until the end. On with the show!

Kura sat in a dark room, eyes locked to the glowing monitor across from him as he lounged and let the monotonous droning of the Atlesian newscaster displayed upon it relax him. The room he was in was a small one, containing merely a single bed and a tiny kitchen; but it was cheap, enough that he could last a year on his savings. It was somewhat lucky, the apartment complex generally served many faunus tenants that worked menial jobs so their employers could skirt transportation fees from Mantle to Atlas. He had looked it up long ago thinking he'd need it when Rhodes' charity ran out, which proved true, though never how he would have wished it to.

It had been a week since he had fled the Glass Unicorn with Cinder. Their escape being fortunately uneventful as they had made use of his wings and simply fled by means of the roof. With no video evidence to go off of, the police only had the testimonies of Cinder's former stepsisters; and those were… humorous. To watch the blubbering fools try to describe him in greater detail than 'that wicked demon faunus that tricked us into thinking he was a person!'. Unfortunately for him, avian faunus were pretty rare so he knew that anyone with feathers would likely be a suspect right now. Fortunately though, the description given of Cinder was so laughable that—

With a swift couple knocks, the door to the tiny apartment opened: "I'm back, and I wasn't followed. Just like you taught me!"

Cinder stepped in and removed a dripping rain jacket, a bag of groceries in her hand. After locking the door behind her, she smiled at him before quickly stepping into the kitchen space: "What's been on the news?"

Kura looked on at the scrolling news tags at the bottom of the screen: "I still see mention of 'Armed murderer of huntsman and local hotel owner still at large' occasionally. Most of it though is covering some big military R&D disaster that happened just a day after we got away from that place. Apparently the lead scientist of the project was vaporized in the explosion, led to fatal injuries in a few others, and maimed General James Ironwood. Most of the news is going on about how likely the general's chances of survival are, and how apparently the project in question was being cancelled due to 'reasons the military have declined to disclose'; though the project doesn't really concern me, I'm more interested in the general's fate. It would honestly be a bit of a shame to lose the man, his reputation among faunus is surprisingly favorable for his impartial nature towards the attendance of faunus who join the huntsman academy here in Atlas."

Listening earnestly, Cinder asked as she worked on dinner: "Does that mean we should be safe? I keep getting these weird looks when I'm at the stores. Thankfully no one has tried to say anything to me."

Kura turned to focus more on Cinder: "That's to be expected somewhat, it's why I told you to go out in the evenings, otherwise you'd probably be asked why you weren't in school. Part of it also comes from you being unattended in this part of the city. We aren't exactly in the most hospitable area of Atlas after all."

Pausing as she diced some vegetables, Cinder raised the knife up and struck a pose: "If anyone tries anything, they'll quickly regret messing… with… Are you laughing at me!?"

Kura had turned away, though he couldn't help the small shakes that ran through him as he tried to contain himself, but with Cinder's accusation he broke down in near tears: "T-that pose you just did! I can't —haha— help it! You looked like one of those children's show heroes! It's adorable!"

Stamping her foot she growled at him: "Shut up! I was being completely serious! And I'm not adorable! Geez!" She turned away from him as she scuffed her shoe against the floor and muttered: "At least call me cool instead."

Rolling his eyes, Kura rose from his seat and stepped over to Cinder. She started to turn as she heard him, but only succeeded in doing so halfway before she felt him lightly bonk her on the head. Hand already there, he then tussled her hair lightly as he told her:

"No sulking over something so trivial. You're plenty cool, but I'm allowed to find you cute and adorable sometimes as well."

Cinder pouted, but gave a small nod.

Satisfied, Kura stepped away to allow her to continue cooking as he focused back on the news he had been monitoring. Not much of it was useful and absolutely none of it was entertaining, but it served its purpose of giving him information he needed in order to move forward.

Sitting down, he thought to himself: Even if things calm down and what happened fades into memory, staying in Atlas is no longer much of an option. Cinder's lived here for around five years, and plenty of people would be able to recognize her. While I, on the other hand, have to worry more about the fact where I go has to account for White Fang influence. Sienna won't have given up on wanting me back after only a few months, and presence is only lacking here in Atlas. Vacuo would be probably our best bet, but there are plenty of reasons to avoid Vacuo over going towards it. There is Mantle, but those prospects aren't exactly cheery either; especially with our ages. Hnggg! There's no right answer h—!?

*Knock...Knock*

Two slow, heavy knocks rang through the apartment, freezing both Kura and Cinder as their attention snapped to the door.

Cinder flipped the knife in hand downwards and held it behind her back. This was a rehearsed motion as Kura gave her a slow nod and silently reached for his weapons while Cinder moved to answer the door. Undoing the deadbolt, Cinder cracked open the door as far as the chain on it allowed. She barely peeked an eye out as she stuttered out in a faux meek voice:

"Y-yes? What is—!?"

Cinder's words froze in her throat as she was forced to crane her neck up to meet the gaze of a giant of a man. The man's dark complexion gave him a menacing aura as the light from the hallway shrouded his face in shadow, his expression was calm but firm as he looked down at her.

In panic, Cinder tried to slam the door shut, but as her hand slapped the door it failed to close even by a fraction. Her eyes shot down to see the giant man had stopped her attempt with a single hand and in seeing his arm move just slightly, she jumped back just as he pushed it open; snapping the security chain like it didn't exist. Kura was on his feet with his one kama pointed towards the intruder as he pulled Cinder back and behind him while covertly handing her his other kama.

He cared little for concealing his wings as he flared them out what little he could in the cramped space, eyes leveled squarely at the threat in front of him as he coldly addressed the man: "I would suggest speaking quickly unless you want to die."

The man squeezed through the entryway carrying no visible weapons, but Kura got the impression none were necessary judging by the defined muscles he could notice even with the relatively nondescript clothing. The man's frame filled the entire space, his head nearly brushing against the low ceiling,and he was honestly at a fairly significant disadvantage with his size in the confined space; though by his posture, the man wasn't concerned in the slightest.

In a deep, gravelly voice the man commented with a slight tilt of his head: "You hide her behind you and place yourself as the first line of defence, even using your wings to block my view of her and make me focus on you. It looks as though my impression of the Glass Unicorn murder kidnapping a young girl was mistaken."

Faltering slightly, Kura just looked at the man with confusion and apprehension. His mind raced as he thought to himself:

Is he not a huntsman sent to track us down? But then, what reason would he have for wanting to find us? By his words he thought I kidnapped Cinder, but why would he car—

Kura's thoughts were cut short as a voice from out in the hallway could be heard past the man:

"Change of heart, Mr. Rainart? Is he not the 'vile murderer who absconded with a young girl' the media liked blathered on about? Well, before my headline took their focus away from that spotlight." They caught muttering as the voice seemed to add absentmindedly: "Still can't believe that bastard managed to escape the brunt of the blast. Curse my own contributions to the technology probably keeping him alive right now."

Cinder peeked past Kura as things seemed to deescalate, seeing the giant turn slightly to address the voice:

"That's enough. It appears I have made an error." He turned back to the two of them and bowed his head slightly: "I apologize for barging in. Please forget this, it will be better for the both of you."

The man started to turn when the voice from outside interrupted: "Hold it now! You may have lost interest, but there was a reason I agreed to use my skills to locate him in the first place."

Squeezing past the giant, a spindly man in a long dark coat appeared and straightened his clothes as he turned his gaze to Kura. He seemed to appraise Kura, pale green eyes searching for something about him, but this appeared to fail as the man frowned in confusion. Taking out his scroll, the man swiped through several screens as his eyes flicked between the device and Kura. He frustration grew to a head as he brought up a projected window from his scroll and exclaimed:

"How did you do this!?" The image was one of the matron of the Glass Unicorn after Kura turned her into a charred corpse. "I've read the autopsy report! To reduce a person to this state would have taken ludicrous heat or energy, and I see nothing on you or in this room that would be capable of storing or producing either of those things."

Kura folded his wings behind him as he stood straighter, addressing the two intruders with cold passivity: "I'd lower your voice if I were you, the neighbors might get the wrong idea and call for authorities I don't think any of us would like to engage with for obvious reasons; correct, Dr. Watts?"

Both of the men across from him looked somewhat surprised, but before they could reply Kura continued to control the conversation: "Your face has been on the news quite frequently as of late, makes you fairly recognizable to anyone that bothers to pay attention. Considering you're meant to have been dead for nearly a week, you're either the liveliest looking ghost I've ever seen or the news of your demise has been greatly exaggerated."

Watts met him with a calculated look before sighing and raising his hands with a shake of his head:

"I suppose I should concede to your point. We are all wishing to remain out of the public eye. To that end, we should relocate to somewhere more suitable; this room is rather small to deal with four people, after all."

Kura felt a small tug on the back of his tunic from Cinder, he turned his head slightly so she could whisper to him:

"I don't like this. Let's just run for it when we get outside."

Shaking his head slightly, Kura responded: "No, we're going to hear them out. We don't have many options for where we go from here, and this might just prove to be what we need to get out of Atlas. It's a risk, but so is just about every other choice we have right now."

Cinder made a small whine of annoyance, but she let go and glared over his shoulder at the two intruders.

Turning back to them, Kura gestured towards the door:

"Lead the way."

Finding themselves in a penthouse suite, Kura sat across from the 'ghost' of Dr. Arthur Watts. Cinder was over on the other side of the room staring out across the city with wide eyes as the large man, whom they had discovered went by Hazel, stood against a wall near the entrance of the suite.

Kura leaned forward as he rested his chin atop folded hands, trying to determine the doctor's motive for the information he just divulged. Yet the man just sat with a somewhat infuriating smirk as he waited for Kura's response.

"If I had just read what you said off a page, Doctor, I'd have laughed and tossed such drivel in the trash." Kura told the man. Gauging his reaction he couldn't help feel frustrated from the sheer confidence from the man across from him.

Watts gave a passive shrug before continuing with a smirk: "It's up to you and your little friend to decide what to do. We leave tonight, and it's entirely in your hands to choose to accompany us. I only offer this as you've peaked my interest and that I believe my benefactor would find you to be useful. Just meeting them once will bring you around to the idea, I'm quite certain."

Kura knit his brow: "This same benefactor that you say has 'monumental plans to change the world'? I may be young Dr. Watts, but I'm not an idiot. Everything you have told me nearly raises more red flags than there are grains of sand in Vacuo." He stretched his wings, his voice tightening with frustration. "You're proposing that I risk not only my life, but Cinder's as well!? On a claim that by 'showing promise' will grant us opportunities where we can change the world? You faked your death, killed many of your former colleagues and attempted the murder of a general of the kingdom you were born, raised, and prospered under. All to make your future actions less conspicuous and more difficult to deal with for Atlas. Can you tell me what all that sounds like, Doctor?"

Appearing to think for a moment, Watts replied: "Phrased the way you did, I'd be thinking 'he's defected to another kingdom and plans to topple Atlas in a war'."

Kura leaned back, staring coldly at the nonchalant manner the man across from him took:

"If you only went by the words I said, then that would be about what one would likely think. However, the way that you've spoken implies that your benefactor is a singular individual. If I were to take that view, then it seems to me that toppling Atlas would only be a part of a larger goal; and every possibility that follows that line of thought is more ludicrous than the last."

In the first change of emotion since their conversation began, Watts leaned forward and grinned:

"Sounds quite interesting, doesn't it?"

Kura suppressed the growl in his throat, thinking to himself: I can't deny wanting to know more, but that's the trap I want to avoid. This mysterious benefactor sounds either mad, or too dangerous to leave alive. Looking over to Cinder, who was poorly trying to act as though she wasn't listening in, he gave a mental sigh. If only I was alone, I'd take this risk for myself in an instant. But Cinder… can I really ask that of her? I know she'd say yes in a heartbeat, if nothing else then to not be left alone, but there are other things at play here. Hhaaaaa, this feels like one of those 'life altering' decisions right now, with the question being…

Do I have any other choice?

Watts had returned to lounging, watching with that same grin as Kura came to a decision. The two were staring each other down when the low voice of Hazel cut the tension between them.

"We've delayed long enough, Doctor. Keeping our… benefactor, waiting is not something I'd advise." He turned to Kura who stared at the man with careful interest. "And you, your situation has no connection to ours. It will be best if you remain uninvolved; both for you, and her." He ended his statement with a nod towards Cinder.

Kura made to speak at Hazel's comment, but Cinder's voice rose first. She stalked across the room to confront the man who in her mind underestimated them both:

"That isn't for you to decide! I'm sick of others trying to rule what I do! This person wants to change the world? Then I want to be on the side that decides what changes!"

"Cinder."

Kura spoke up with some exasperation. And, in hearing his voice, she realized that had just let her temper control her again. Rising, he walked over beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She slowly turned to him expecting to see disappointment, but instead he was focused on Hazel. The look in his eye was calm, but there was a strong determination that was apparent to all.

Choosing his words carefully, Kura made his decision: "Cinder's words just now might have come from passion, but in them she makes a good point. You gave us the ability to choose, and we'll be joining you. Will that be a problem?"

Hazel cast a gaze over to a smug Watts, before meeting Kura's look and giving a shake of his head: "If that is what you've chosen, then it isn't my place to stop you."

Standing with a spring in his step, Watts strutted over to the door. Looking behind himself at Cinder and Kura, he stepped aside and motioned to the door:

"Let us go then."

Kura and Cinder sat across from Watts and Hazel in a ship piloted by an automated drone. The two men had grown increasingly tense as they traveled, their body language showing plain tells of fear and anxiety that even a regular person would plainly see that something was amiss.

At the rumble of thunder, Kura turned his attention to the cockpit of the aircraft and rose from his seat. He glanced over to see if he would be prevented from looking outside, but Hazel merely gave him a small look and closed his eyes while Watts appeared to pay no attention and just muttered to himself. Cinder stood up behind him and together they walked to the front of the craft to see where they were.

They gaped at the scene before them. The sky had turned almost black as crimson clouds drifted by, jagged crags rose up littered with dark crystals filled with an eerie purple light. The ground was barren of any greenery or life so far as the eye could see, as shadows appeared to writhe whenever they looked away. A shiver ran down their spines as Cinder huddled into Kura's side, he protectively put an arm around her partially to soothe himself as they spotted a tall dark spire slowly growing on the horizon.

Eyes locked on the monolith, Cinder asked: "Kura, where are we exactly?"

The object that was their apparent destination grew more defined with each passing moment, and soon enough Kura could see it for what it was. A cluster of crystals, so ginormous in size that it could easily be mistaken for a mountain if it weren't for their purple color. Circling the place were nevermores, juveniles judging by their size, and even though an airship was well within their territory they circled around as though it didn't exist.

He cast a look back behind him, seeing neither of the two men concerned with them, and he answered: "By my best guess, we're on Finas. History books said it used to be inhabitable, but the scourge of the grimm was left unchecked to such an extent that it became unable to sustain life. Making it a perfect place to be left alone if there was some way to deal with the grimm; which evidently this 'benefactor' somehow did."

The ship began to slow as it approached the grand cluster, and as it did Kura noticed that there was more to the structure than he first thought. He noticed paths and archways, unusual holes and caves that appeared purposefully located, and as they neared close he saw a set of stairs that led to a massive door.

Behind him he finally heard movement and saw Hazel and Watts both stand and straighten their clothes. Hazel looked over to the both of them and said:

"That is Evernight Castle, domain of Salem… Queen of the Grimm."

Both Kura and Cinder balked, with Cinder echoing Hazel's words in a whisper: "Q-queen of the grimm!?"

They all felt the craft come to a stop. Hazel opened the door on the side of the ship and revealed that they had landed on an offshoot of crystal that acted as a landing platform; it led straight to the stairs and entranceway that Kura had noticed just moments earlier. Watts stepped off first and proceeded onward while adjusting his tie, Kura and Cinder hesitated but with a look from Hazel Kura nudged Cinder forward and the three of them exited the craft. The four of them were nearly to the stairs when a figure appeared from the shadows of a crystal arch that lay just before the beginning of the stairs.

Ghoulish laughter came from the man who stepped forward. His voice on the edge between manic and reserved:

"My my, Hazel, this is quite the surprise! We knew to expect the good doctor here, but it looks like you've brought some special guests along! How quite unusual for someone as straightlaced as you~!"

The man was dressed in an open white vest revealing a heavily scarred chest, baggy pants into high leather boots with metal reinforcements at the knees, with similarly styled bracers on his forearms; but his most distinctive feature was the scorpion tail that slowly waved back and forth behind him. The faunus man's beady yellow eyes were locked on Kura and Cinder, and his grin stretched just a bit too wide for either of their comfort.

Kura protectively wrapped a wing around Cinder as the man stalked forward a few steps, but then he suddenly switched his attention to Watts, saying:

"Dr. Arthur Watts, it's a pleasure~! I've been told you were the one who scouted me and provided my location to our glorious Queen! I can't express to you how grateful I am to you! If not for you, I would still be a lost little lamb that likely would have been put to slaughter by now. I owe you my deepest gratitude."

Watts looked down at the bowing man with something akin to curiosity as he replied:

"Tyrian Callows... your file explained you to be rather dramatic; reading what all you've done, I'd say they should have described you as psychopathic. If not for her grace wishing for a second enforcer, you'd have been executed years ago now."

He nodded his head along, seeming to not care in the slightest of the doctor's snide comment to his mental state as he replied:

"Yes yes, dear Hazel here is only one man and her grace has many nuisances that will need dealing with in time. It is only natural that our Queen would understand the necessity of needing someone with my abilities to complete her plan."

Kura looked at the man with disgust as he attempted to give Tyrian a wide berth, but the scorpion faunus' tail shot out and blocked his and Cinder's way as he turned his head towards them while still bowed. Pivoting on a foot, he stood up while leaning towards them, eyes searching them over with interest.

"Oh~! You both belong here more than I first believed! Those looks in your eyes have quite the fire behind them! Though…" He focused directly on Kura. "You boy, seem to hold a steel to you that belies your age~. What happened to you to do that I wonder?"

His questioning look quickly broke back into that manic smile as he stepped away and gestured towards the stairs, saying:

"Come along children~! I can't wait to see what her majesty has to say about the two of you!"

With giddy steps the man raced up the stairs and into the castle, leaving the four of them there to follow. Hazel approached Kura and Cinder from behind and, giving them a short look, turned his attention forward. As he walked past they hear him say:

"Any time to regret your decision is past. It is best not to linger and keep her grace waiting."

Kura and Cinder exchanged a look before Kura retracted his wing and stepped forward, he only made it a few steps before Cinder rushed to keep up. Walking alongside him, she did her best to walk confidently but Kura could see the stiffness of her movements that betrayed how nervous and unsettled she truly was. Yet he knew it was better for her to stand on her own, because it would do neither of them any good if he kept coddling her.

Ascending the steps, they crossed the threshold into a stone hallway, illuminated scarcely by candlelight intermittently down the hall. Following Hazel and Watts, they traveled down the hallway until it opened into a wide circular junctionway with a skylight high above them. A crest could be seen in the middle of the room that appeared to represent an eye; with patterns that looked faintly similar to the markings one would see on a grimm.

Sparing a glance around them as they could, Kura felt as though this had to have once been a grand palace at some point, but given it was entirely encased in crystal on the outside he had no idea how such a place came to be. Much of the history related to Finas had been lost during the great war, but it was hard to believe that a place like this wouldn't have been known and studied; though considering who evidently lived in the castle, Kura imagined that lack of knowledge was intentional.

Turning down a different hall, the four of them traveled as growls and howls fantly echoed around them, evident of the grimm that assuredly roamed throughout. Cinder placed a hand on her chest as she walked, feeling for the feather that lay on a string just under her clothes, using it for all the comfort she could without relying directly on Kura. She knew that she had to stand on her own here, that she needed to grow stronger so that she could stand by Kura's side.

Through twists and turns, the four of them paused as Tyrian appeared far down the hall, leaning beside a large door of heavy iron and wood. This proved to be there destination as Tyrian bowed again at their approach and said with a gleeful smile:

"Our Lady awaits~."

Creaking open without a touch, Hazel and Watts stepped forward quickly, fear motivating them to not delay. Kura and Cinder followed, and on turning the corner they found themselves in a long room lined with tall windows. A table filled most of the room, lined with chairs that looked like they were fashioned from the bones of grimm, the only one that was not was at the far end of the room made of black crystal that glowed a deep purple within. Down just past the table looked to be an altar of some kind made of the same black crystal which held many candles, and standing in front of it was a person dressed in black with snow white hair drawn up into a large bun with extensions that stuck out on which small crystal ornaments hung.

The air around them all seemed to still and all present looked down as the figure began to turn towards them. A mature feminine tone stretched to them, one that held grace but also a immovable firmness to it:

"I'm rather surprised, Hazel, Watts. Your arrival was meant for several days ago if I do recall. I do expect that you had an excellent reason for prolonging your return."

Kura looked up slowly, his eyes first catching sight of the ghostly white skin of her arms which held a web of crimson veins. The black dress she wore only changed in color for the small accent of red around the neckline that showed just the slightest glimpse of her bosom; he had noticed detailing on the back of her cape, but had no idea to what significance it held. Slowly, his eyes finally fell on the face of what he thought had to be an eldery woman, only to find an extraordinarily youthful visage.

The same crimson veins marred her complexion, but he could tell that the woman appeared oddly youthful otherwise; then, finally, he dared to find her eyes. The very first feature that struck him was the coal black sclera giving him a natural uneasiness from how different it was, but even more striking were the dark ruby red irises that truly reminded him of the grimm.

His body told him to run, to flee away from this unnatural spawn of the abyss, but away from that instinct Kura found himself at the same time entranced by the collective grace and beauty expounded from the woman he could say very much fit the image of being 'Queen of the Grimm'.

This was Salem.

He continued to stare for several moments before he finally comprehended that her eyes were locked with his the entire time he had been staring at her. Raising a brow just slightly, Salem asked:

"What has caught your eye, child?"

Quickly ducking his head, Kura apologized: "Forgive me ma'am, your appearance captivated me. I did not intend at all to offend you."

Seeming to ignore him, she instead turned to Hazel: "Who is this, Hazel? I assume that he and the girl also behind you are related to why you were late in returning."

With a small nod, Hazel answered: "Yes, their circumstance led us to meet after I rendezvoused with the doctor. By their own decision, they joined us to align with you and make themselves of use."

Turning to Watts she asked: "What is your account of the events, Arthur?"

Clearing his throat, Watts coughed into his hand: "Yes, after I faked my demise — unfortunately without taking General Ironwood's life in the process — these two were in a similar situation of being awry of the Atlesian authorities. In learning particularly why, myself and Hazel grew interested in them and found their location, and it came about that they decided to accompany us here."

"So you sought them out?" Salem looked between the two men, with slight hesitation they both nodded. Gliding forward on near soundless steps, she walked past them to stand in front of Kura and Cinder; the latter of whom had still not raised her head to even look at the queen of the grimm. With a hand, she gently lifted Cinder's chin and forced her to look her in the eye. Cinder didn't resist, and stared at Salem unwaveringly as she clutched at her clothes and the feather beneath them.

After a moment of silence, Salem asked: "What is your name, child?"

With all the will she could muster, she did her best not to stutter as she replied: "Cinder… ma'am."

Using her hand to turn Cinder's head slightly from side to side, Salem examined her before finally letting go and saying:

"There is a strength in you that I believe shows promise. Tell me, what is it you desire?"

Cinder looked down for a moment, trying to grasp at her racing thoughts, before raising her gaze once more as she answered with:

"Power."

Kura cast a glance over to Cinder, wishing that she had chosen something different, but had no time to dwell on it as he noticed Salem turn her gaze over to him:

"And you? What are your ambitions?"

Kura shook his head slightly: "I hold no ambitions to be assisted with. I merely wish to see humans and faunus to view each other as equal."

He could not see her expression, but could hear the slight lit of surprise in her voice:

"Oh? And in what way do you imagine that can be accomplished through me?"

"I… don't know right now." Kura admitted honestly. "I was told you planned to change the world, and I want to see how. From where we are, I imagine gathering information is a valuable ability; one I happen to excel in. So long as it will not result in unnecessary death, it is a skill I can offer for use."

With an upward turn of her hand, Kura noticed a glyph appear at his feet. From it rose claws of various grimm, waiting to reach for him at the command of the woman standing over him. He understood it for the show of power it was as she asked him:

"If I desired otherwise, would your answer remain unchanged if I were to 'incentivize' you?"

Everyone else stepped away at seeing the limbs of grimm that greedily reached for prey. Only Kura had not flinched, and in fact had raised his gaze to stare coldly back into the eyes of the grimm queen. He kept his breathing calm as he forced himself to not channel his power, answering plainly:

"I would end myself without a second thought before helping you or anyone kill using knowledge I possess or acquire."

Salem's lips turned just so slightly upward before she let her hand fall and the glyph below Kura disappeared and the numerous claws of grimm with it. She placed a hand under her chin as she leaned forward and looked into Kura's eyes. After a moment she seemed satisfied with her search and stood up:

"It is rare for one so young to hold convictions so strong when faced with pain and death. Your statement implied you to be willing to play the role of a scout, many rulers would scoff or denounce need for such a thing. I, however, have lived millenia and know never to waste such an offer."

Both Kura and Cinder balked at the claim, with the latter hesitantly asking:

"How is that possible? Do you possess an eternal youth semblance?"

Salem looked over to her with a twinkle of amusement: "Semblance? Dear child, I possess no such thing. I became immortal due to the curse of wicked gods that once claimed ownership of this world. It was their greatest mistake and I instead used their curse to drive them from this world. Back then, magic was a common thing, even tiny babes could use some measure of it; but when the wicked deities fled, they left a curse on the world and made it so most of humanity was stripped of its birthright."

Kura grew silent as Cinder struggled to understand. Her curiosity begged for answers:

"Magic? That's how you summoned up those grimm arms? Can… is it possible to learn how to do magic?"

Cinder looked ready to beg, but to her surprise Salem smiled almost gently at her:

"Do you happen to be familiar with the story of the seasons?"

Cinder shook her head, but before Salem could continue, Kura interjected:

"Four maidens, assisting a man they thought to be merely a hermit to discover the worth of life again, were granted great power so that they could help the world as they had helped the hermit; who was in fact a remarkable wizard. A gift granted to them that would last until the end of days. Winter. Spring. Summer. Fall… You mean to say that is more than a tale?"

Salem looked at him with scrutiny, before giving a small nod: "Indeed. The wizard in that tale did once exist, and he did grant power to four women. This man was once known as Ozma, and much like me he received a curse from the same gods who made me immortal, one that forces him to reincarnate until a certain task is achieved. He is a conniving man, and has used his lives to manipulate history from behind the scenes. Though this 'gift' to the four maidens proved to be advantageous to myself and those that have sat at this table over time, as when the original recipients passed away their power found new hosts."

Cinder's eyes lit up as she grasped the implication:

"If it passes to others when one dies, is there a way to take that power for certain!?"

Looking pleased, the grimm queen replied: "Indeed there is, and fortunately for you the power can only be passed to young women. If you truly desire power, then you can become my vessel for all the maiden powers. So long as you obey me, I can promise that power will one day come to you."

Cinder looked to Kura, but found his expression indecipherable and she was left to decide alone. She hesitated, but eventually fell to one knee and placed a hand over her heart:

"I humbly ask that you accept me to be your vessel for these powers."

Salem watched the display before turning and walking around the table: "You will begin your training tomorrow. We will see if you are deserving of the maiden powers in time." Sitting down, she looked over to Kura. "And you will begin the same. You both sought me out on a promise to see a changed world, this will happen, but first you must prove to me that you deserve a place at my table."

Kura bowed as Cinder stood and did the same, together they replied: "Thank you for your kindness."

Salem folded her hands and looked between them with a small smile before turning to Watts and Hazel: "You both did well, these two very interesting indeed. I commend you for discovering them."

Watts bowed: "I'm so glad that is the case, your Grace. Your praise honors us." Hazel gave a nod of agreement.

Placing her hands down, Salem closed her eyes: "There were other things to discuss, but I will allow them to wait until tomorrow." She opened her eyes to stare at Kura. "You all must be very tired, and the children will be even more so from tomorrow onwards. Relax while you can, there is much still to be done."

With a final bow, they all began to leave, but with a word from Salem they froze:

"Boy?"

Kura began to turn as he answered: "Yes, m—!?"

A stream of light flashed towards his head, the multicolored hues filled with energy that made the air scream as it traveled through it. Instinct directed him to cover himself with his wings to protect himself, his own energy sparking through them in his panic. Then just as he anticipated the impact and pain—

SHHRR!

The energy glided off his wing and was redirected into the wall behind him. The magic left a scorch mark, but Kura himself had barely felt a thing. Lowering his wings, he found Salem still sitting with an outstretched hand… and a smile on her lips.

Behind him he heard muttering, and turning his head he saw that Watts, Hazel, and even Tyrian who had been waiting out in the hall, were staring at him; or rather, his wings. It was then that he noticed a very familiar sensation and recognized that his wings were still sparking with electricity. He turned his gaze coldly to the woman who appeared to understand what this meant, hearing her ask him a simple question:

"I believe it slipped my mind before. What is your name, child?"

Letting his wings return to normal, he turned away as he kept one eye on her. He only partially comprehended what had just occurred, but he understood enough that she knew very well what he was. As calm as he could manage, he answered:

"Kura… Madam."

WRW

And the cast is now set in its majority! Salem of course knows about mythical faunus, though how deep that knowledge goes remains to be seen. The Paladin Incident is pretty obscure when it comes to the history of RWBY, but this was always my impression of those events in how Ironwood became the half-metal paranoid authoritarian that he was in canon. Now Kura has to deal with being swept up in it all.

Yonder

... It's scary how accurately you portrayed Tyrian.

WRW

All the lore that I incorporated, and that is what you focus on!?

Yonder

It's still a compliment! I'm not the RWBY nerd you are!

WRW

Excuse me everyone, it appears my editor needs another lesson on lore.

Yonder

No! I know enough! Silver Eyes! Semblances! Maidens! See!? I know my lore!

WRW

Stay awesome everyone, WRW and Yonder out.

Yonder

No! Don't! Somebody save meeeeee!