Hero of Remnant: Veil of the Aether

by Aetherveil

Following after the events of the Volume 3 Arc, Dante, and his partner Inuba travel across Remnant to make their way to Haven, searching for clues that will lead them to the real mastermind behind the attack on Vale 6 months prior. They will meet allies, both old and new, and face challenging new enemies on their journey. Secrets will be revealed. Continuation of Hero of Remnant.

6. Chapter 6: Stand by Me

Okay, so I was about to say "Bad news, no new chapter 2 weeks from now", but I only just realized my finals start and end next week. Plus I go home next week. So yeah... I'm dumb. Sometimes anyway. But yes, nothing to worry about what I said earlier, next chapter is coming 2 weeks from now. But, here's the catch. I'll be on break. So, my goal during the break will be to attempt to get chapters out to you all on a weekly basis during that time. But who knows? I might be crazy enough to try doing that starting next week.

Only two, practically one, final has my utmost concern. And that's precalc. Remember when I said I'd be crying a lot or depressed? Yeah...was not wrong about that. I seriously hate that class. Truthfully, it's beyond my ability entirely, so it's not the teachers fault and not entirely my fault. I just can't do that class. Pure and simple. Luckily, a certain friend of mine has been helping me through, so to thanks to them, my grade isn't that bad. So thank you certain friend. You are considered a hero forevermore in my eyes. I salute you.

My pain and suffering aside, guys, Final Fantasy XV. NEED I SAY MORE?! You all know I can get a little nuts at times concerning certain games. Like beating the game the first night it comes out, or getting all the trophies within two days. I've done that. But yes, FFXV definitely had my attention through and through. In my opinion, the wait was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, freaking loved the characters, especially the main villain, he's just awesome, and I definitely enjoyed the combat system for Noctis and friends. Definitely a fresh approach, not overly complicated, and most importantly, really fun to play. Especially after you gather all 13 of the royal arms, which each has different stats and special abilities that make gameplay fun and exciting. Collected all 13 within the two days I was playing the game. The hunt was real for those weapons.

In short, FFXV was incredibly fun and engaging the entire time I was playing. There's so much to do and so many different things you can see and experience. So again, in my opinion, when they say at the title screen "A Final Fantasy for Fans and First-timers", I really think they live up to that claim. The only FF games I ever played was a little bit of XIII and Dissidia 012 Duodecim for the psp. That's it. And those were fun. But playing FFXV was just an incredible thing altogether for me. And again, they live up to that claim of "Fans and First-timers" in my belief.

So, if you were thinking about buying it and were on the fence about it, I definitely recommend you buy the game when you can, especially for Christmas. It's just too much fun entirely. And if you've already bought it and enjoyed it, good for you. If not, well, to each their own. But yeah, enough game review. You came here for a show, and a show you will get. Enjoy!

---

Chapter 6: Stand By Me

"You're always so busy caring for others needs and wants that you never seem to care for your own. You keep saying 'I'm doing this to help others', but really now... Aren't you just hurting yourself in the end? And so, when you reach the end, I ask that you remember and take these words to heart… Where you're headed, you'll need them. So Dante… What is it that you truly feel? What is it...that you truly want? More than anything?

---

He was thrown in a cell, awaiting his fate like any other criminal would. To think that he, the ruler of the city would be here is something he did not expect. He was blind and permanently crippled. Any injury he sustained after exhausting his daily ability to regenerate would permanently remain, even with rest.

Blind and crippled…

He did not expect this. He did not want this. But he didn't want much of anything anymore. The torture he endured...was maddening. When Dante, in that form he took, plunged his thumbs into his eyes, for a few moments, and a few moments only, he saw within his mind and felt an unending torrent of madness and despair. It broke whatever psyche he had left. Now...he was simply a husk of his former self, rotting in a dark cell.

"Ah… Not good…"

He heard the voice, and lifted his head to see a figure cloaked in black standing in front of him.

"You really went and did it last night, didn't you? Did you really think you'd be able to escape him? Much less kill him? Especially after saying you were going to do all those horrible things to his partner?"

The cloaked figure sighed as he approached Jonathan, standing just a foot away.

"Human beings…are certainly more naive than I thought… Oh well… Not much you can do at this point…"

A pale hand emerged from behind the figures black and ragged cloak, grabbing hold of Jonathan's head.

"You see, he's a person of great interest to us. Me moreso than the others. And you had the audacity to do something very very bad to them. It really is an unacceptable circumstance. And so...I'm here to do what he can't. Or rather, wouldn't. He may be bound by some small degree of human morals… But...I'm not."

Black electricity crackled to life around the figures hand as Jonathan's body jerked and violently spasmsed, his flesh burning away as a horrid, rancid smell filled the cell, soon traveling throughout the block. The screaming came after.

By the time the guards arrived, it was already too late. The figure was gone. All that remained inside Jonathan Friede's cell was a completely burnt and charred body. It seemed as though one touch would make the burnt body scatter into ashes.

---

Dante sat in the wooden chair outside the cafe. It was the only one that was open at six in the morning. The sun was still taking its sweet time to rise over the hills completely, blanketing the castle city of Ardien in a thin veil of shadow. Every now and then Dante would see people pass by, moving about as if nothing happened. Was the mess he made in the city center covered up and cleaned up that quickly? He was quite impressed in actuality. Which only begged one question. Would they be coming for him soon? Or would they be too afraid to even approach him? Rather than go to them, he was going to wait and see if they would come to him.

The cheery laughter of a child interrupted his thoughts, forcing him to look towards his left under the sun roof of the outside of the cafe. An older man, his father, carried the boy on his shoulders. He didn't know exactly what they were happy about, but they certainly were in high spirits. Dante kept his eyes narrowed so that his Shadow Eyes couldn't be seen. They still remained, even hours after the...incident.

He didn't know how to feel about the father and son that passed by. But seeing them made him feel...what exactly? Dread? Sadness? Regret?

Loneliness?

He never knew his own father. Or mother. Perhaps he did when he had his memories. Perhaps not. He's only discovered very little of his family. He only recently found his younger brother and sister, and they, like himself, knew nothing of their parents. If ever he felt something...it was always a sense of not belonging.

"Still early in the morning for you?"

Dante's train of thought ended as he turned to his side to see a waitress next to him, about his age.

"Pretty much. It's kinda bright outside." Spoke the teen as he lied about his eyes.

"It's not that bright…"

"My eyes are a bit sensitive in the mornings."

"If you say so." She said with a giggle. "What can I get for you this morning?"

"Just a coffee with cream and two sugars, please."

"Nothing to eat?"

"No thanks. Don't really have much of an appetite…"

"Alrighty then. I'll be back in just a moment." Said the waitress as she took the lien card the young immortal gave her.

Now alone again, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. His thoughts returned to last night.

He should have killed Jonathan. He wanted to. But what stopped him? A small shred of morality? No… It was something else… He had no real way to describe it…other than it felt...important...as if he should recognize those words and who were they from… Why did something so simple stop him? How could something so simple stop him? Was it the words themself that held meaning? Or was it the person who spoke them?

"Here you are!"

The waitress brought him his cup of coffee.

"Thank you kindly." Said the teen.

"If you need anything else, just wave me down and I'll be right there."

"I will. Thanks."

She left him to his devices as he drank his coffee, taking a few sips before leaning back in his chair completely.

"S-Sir Dante?"

There went his peaceful morning.

Still keeping his eyes narrowed, he looked ahead to see Maria Friede standing before him, her knight Conner hanging back a short distance.

"Here to arrest me Lady Friede? If so, you're welcome to come and try. But I'm not sure I can guarantee the safety of your men. Or you."

"I'm…"

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a few moments to inhale before exhaling.

"I'm here simply to speak to you. May I sit?"

"Hmmm… Well, why not? I only have one exception though. Tell your dog over though to stop glaring at me and keep his sword in his sheath. Otherwise we'll have an issue."

Maria looked back to Conner and nodded her head. His brow furrowed angrily a bit before he too closed his eyes and nodded back. He sat down at a table behind Maria and kept close watch.

"So then, if you're not here to arrest me or keep me prisoner, what are you here to talk about Lady Friede?"

"I want an explanation of what happened last night… That...and a question I want you to truthfully answer first."

"Well, go ahead and ask."

"We placed my brother in a prison cell last night after the...incident. This morning...he was found dead."

Dante didn't care to hide his smile, or the soft chuckle he gave off when he heard those sweet, sweet words.

"Well then… Looks like someone beat me to it. Such a shame… Did you do an autopsy?"

"There was no need. The evidence was clear as to how he died. He suffered from extreme electrocution to the point his own flesh and internal organs were completely scorched and nearly liquified."

"Hmmm… And here I thought I had a better idea… Oh well… At least he got what he deserved. And even better, I didn't have to dirty my hands."

"You scoundrel! That is Lady Maria's-!"

The only remaining Friede raised her hand to silence her knight who nearly sprang out of his chair.

"As much as I wish it were me, it wasn't. I was taking care of my partner for the night and only stepped out minutes ago. You can choose to believe me or not, it really makes no-"

"I believe you."

He was surprised. Was she saying that simply to say she did? Or did she actually, truly believe him?

"Well that's a surprise…"

"You have no reason to lie to me...so...I've made the choice to believe whatever you say. Thank you for your honesty."

"You know… For someone who made a mess of your brother and killed a few of your soldiers, you're surprisingly calm. Not only that, but you're approaching me so easily…"

"I believe that you have no reason to harm me specifically. Therefore you won't and will not do so unless I provide you a reason."

"Rational thinking on your part. And most importantly, correct. Let me ask you something in return. Did you see it?"

Maria shifted uncomfortably in her chair before looking towards Dante with a sorrowful glance.

"I did…"

"So do you fully understand why what happened happened? Do you understand that your brother was a sick and twisted human being that tortured humans and Fauna? Do you understand he meant me harm? Personally, I could care less if he meant me harm. What mattered most is what he said he would to my partner. Then...he had my full attention."

"I understand it all. And...I understand that the fate that befell him was a result of his own actions."

This woman... She is very odd…

"Well...at least you understand then as to why I'm highly aggressive about the matter."

"That… That form you took...what was that?"

"I honestly wouldn't know. It's the first time I've taken on such a form."

"I visited your siblings and...your friend… They told me a bit about your past after some thorough convincing on my part. They said that your brutality was-"

"I was fully and completely aware of what I was doing at the time."

Maria's eyes widened at his statement. Something akin to concern mixed with...sorrow? Was she feeling bad for him?

"What you don't understand Lady Friede is that despite how I usually present myself, I'm fully capable of extreme and brutal violence on levels you could never imagine. Well, I'd say last night only gave you a glimpse. I'm betting they didn't tell you the whole story, so I'll make it short. Despite how kind I am, or helpful, or generally positive I am...I can and will abandon my more 'human' morals to do unsavory things most people can't. I can and will cross any line necessary as soon as the lives of those I care for or trust are put in danger. It's simply who I am. In spite of this, I enjoy being nice. I enjoy being being decent. I enjoy being gentlemanly. I enjoy...being human. I take pride in the leaps and bounds I've made to act human. Which is why I get really irritated when I have to regress slightly back to that ugly side of me."

She sat in her seat, carefully taking in his words one by one to get a better sense of him.

"I've told you a bit about myself. What about you?"

"M-Me?"

"You and your dearly departed brother aren't normal humans, right?"

Did his conflict with Jonathan..?

"For one thing, normal humans don't possess the ability of rapid cell regeneration, that much was evident when I tore apart your brother. So then...what exactly are you?"

He had gone this far to reveal himself. It was only fair to tell him.

"Generations of my family have been born with superhuman traits that have made them better than the average human. Strength, intelligence, durability...and in the case of what you saw, rapid cell regeneration. But there's a limit to how many times we can regenerate within a given twenty four hour period. Any injuries sustained after we reach our limit is permanent unless our Aura can heal the injuries."

"I see… Your brothers Semblance… I'm assuming you have something similar?"

"Not...exactly… It's something of a lesser degree… My Semblance is the ability of persuasion. I can persuade others to act or not act upon certain feelings, thoughts or ideas they have. Especially when it comes to feelings. Say a person is too timid or frightened to approach you about a certain matter. I can persuade them to be upfront, or give them courage to express what it is they want to discuss with you."

He seemed interested. He was certainly paying attention.

"How fascinating… You and your brother are definitely different from one another. So then...with his arrest followed by his death, I'm assuming you now have control over the city?"

"Yes…"

"Well then, I hope you're better than your brother Lady Maria. Otherwise...I may have to come back once day if I hear things are out of order."

The unsheathing of a sword could be heard as a sword was swung at Dante's neck. He had to give the man credit, he was fast and precise. But...he was only human.

A soft clanging noise was heard. Dante's index finger stopped the blade entirely.

I-Impossible! He stopped it with a finger!

"You damn monster!"

A smile crept up on the teens face, his entire hand soon grasping the entire blade before he snapped it into two, quickly twirled the piece he broke off in between his fingers and took a stab right for Conners right eye.

The blade point stopped just mere centimeters away from his pupil.

"Don't go attacking just about anything that makes you angry. You might lose your life one day." He said dropping the blade fragment into the man's coat pocket before patting him on the back and returning to his seat.

"I mainly said that as a joke. But at the same time, not so much. It's really more of a life warning or lesson or whatever you want to call it. I do have you slightly figured out by now, so the chances of you turning out to be like your brother are very low. But all it ever takes really is that small amount. So take heed and rule wisely Lady Maria."

"You needn't remind me Sir Dante…"

"Good. Now then, I'm assuming we're done here. So for your own good, you should go."

She looked very troubled soon after she heard this, as if she had more to say.

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather since after what happened. If possible, I'd like as much peace and quiet as possible while I think of a way to explain things to my partner. She'll no doubt be looking for an explanation."

"Sir Dante? May I...ask a selfish request of you?"

"A request?"

"I may not have the right...but...despite everything that's happened...I want us to remain friends."

"Now why on earth does someone as respectable as you would like to be friends with me? I almost killed your brother you know. But...I have a feeling that's not a variable in this. Personal gain from being allies? No...that's not it either… Hmmm… You really are an oddity… Humans never cease to amaze me…"

A smile crept up on his face.

"I'll ask again…"

He opened his eyes and stared straight at Maria. And she stared back, gazing into his Shadow Eyes as the world around her seemingly went black. It was simply her and Dante, sitting in an empty black void. She could hear nothing and see nothing else. She felt nothing but an overwhelming sense of dread and fear flood her entire body, shivers constantly moving down her spine.

"Are you sure you want to be friends with someone like me?"

She felt like she would go mad at any second if she continued staring. But it was impossible to look away. She was trapped, almost as if the world of darkness that she saw around her was closing closing in on her, choking the life out of her little by little. But in that void...she felt pain. His pain. The pain he kept bottled up deep within him.

When she slowly closed her eyes and reopened them…the world of darkness had vanished. The overwhelming fear that nearly consumed hear had receded. She looked at Dante with a fierce gaze. As the teens eyes widened, he realized what this meant. She wasn't afraid of him anymore. He couldn't help but smile a bit.

"An oddity indeed…" he said narrowing his eyes once more. "Very well then. I accept your request. I'll be friends with you."

Maria practically smiled cheerfully.

"Thank you Sir Dante…"

"I don't mean to sound rude, but I really would like to be alone for now. Again, not trying to avoid or push you away. I've just been feeling slightly nauseated and exhausted."

"Of course. Please, if you need anything before you leave, do no hesitate to ask. We will do what we can to help provide you with whatever you need."

"I'll be sure to remember that. Have a nice day."

Maria stood up and bowed, leaving with Conner following close behind. The young immortal let out a relaxed sigh and leaned back in his chair.

So then...someone delivered swift justice to Jonathan Friede. I wonder...was it pure coincidence that it happened? Or is there something else I'm not seeing currently?

"Um...sir?"

The waitress from before was outside again and stood next to him.

"Would you like me to get a refill for you?"

He looked off towards the streets, thinking about it carefully for a moment.

"Sure."

When she had left him after taking his empty cup, he took a deep breath before exhaling, looking up towards the sky soon after.

"I really don't feel all too well today…"

---

The Kitsune's crimson-red eyes slowly opened and took in what rays of sunlight peeked in from the blinds. Her head was slightly throbbing, forcing her to raise her hand to her head, feeling bandages wrapped around it, wincing slightly as she slowly pushed herself up. She noticed she was wearing a newer set of pajamas than her standard pair.

She felt...exhausted. This much she knew when her body felt very weak. After rising out of her bed, Inuba moved to the bathroom, flipping on the light switch to gasp slightly when she saw the bandages around her head and the gauze patch on her cheek.

What happened to me..? And...why can't I remember anything from last night?

She continued searching her thoughts as she changed into her normal clothes, slowly undoing the buttons of her pajama shirt.

"I don't remember anything from last night...yet...I'm wearing pajamas… Did Master bring me here?"

A sudden thought leapt into her mind.

"W-Wait a moment… If I'm here… A-And I'm wearing these...d-does that mean he c-changed me himself?!"

Her face blushed a furious red as she slapped her hands over her face, numerous thoughts crossing her mind as she muttered incoherently.

"D-D-D-Did he… Did he see them..?"

As quickly as she thought of it, she soon dismissed the thought.

"N-No… Knowing Master, he probably had his eyes closed the entire time… Although… I wouldn't really mind if he didn't…"

She shook her head again before fully unbuttoning the pajama shirt and placing it on the table. Inuba then grabbed hold of the sleeveless, black compression shirt she usually wore that was skin tight and very form fitting. It did help keep her chest area from bouncing too much. The Kitsune then put on her sleeveless, black collared, white shirt, and zipped the zipper up to the center of her chest.

With that finished, Inuba then put on the skin tight black sleeves that reached to her elbows, the sleeves made of the same nylon-spandex material her undershirt was made of. With this step complete, she quickly took the finger-sized bands on the ends of the sleeves and slipped her middle in between them. Shortly after, she slid the white detached wide sleeves with black trimming, on her arms and firmly adjusted them to stay in place.

Then, she found her black sash and wrapped it around her waist, where on the right side of her waist, the sash's ends dangled freely.

Now that she was finished, she then took off her pajama pants and slipped into her pleated, black skirt, where the skirt ended at the center of her thighs, but a bit tighter, and had wavy white patterns across the black fabric along with white trimming along the ends of the skirt. After she finished zipping up her skirt, she put on her white, thigh-high stockings with black bands at the ends, where they reached a few inches below the hem of her skirt. Finally, she grabbed hold of her white shoes with black soles and put them on, quickly tying up the black laces.

She took a glance at the mirror and quickly adjusted her near shoulder length white hair to its usual, neat, but slightly messy appearal, her white fox ears fluttering slightly as she did so.

"Okay... Ready!" She said confidently.

She exited the bathroom after shutting off the lights, folding her pajamas neatly before making her bed and placing them atop the mattress. When she looked around the room, it only occurred to her now that there was only one bed in the room. That, and nothing belonging to Dante was in the room. Didn't they have rooms at the castle? Why was she even in this inn room in the first place?

Did something happen? She felt thoroughly concerned at the moment as she looked around. Her worried crimson eyes suddenly found themselves staring at the wooden desk, and as she did, she gasped as her heart sank low enough that it almost felt absent from her body. The Kitsune walked towards the desk, trembling as she stared for a second to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. When she touched the fox charm she gave her Master that rested on the desk, shivers traveling down her spine in multiple waves.

She didn't even think afterwards. She only snatched the charm off the desk and quickly ran out of the room.

---

His sixth cup of coffee and he still wasn't feeling all too great. He had a small headache along with the stinging pain he felt in his right arm. Speaking of which, he noticed a slight improvement actually since last night. He could move his entire arm and his fingers now, but he could only do so very slowly. It still felt numb in numerous areas, especially the fingers. He wished this nonsense with his right arm was done and over with already. It was really annoying whenever he tried to use one arm when fighting.

It was ironic really. The whole idea behind the current state of his right arm. An immortal, completely unkillable and able to regenerate and heal wounds within practically an instant, had an injured right arm that barely functioned. Just thinking about it made him almost laugh. Not only that, but for something he once thought was impossible, happened last night.

Pain. True, unrelenting, excruciating pain. Something he never felt before in his entire life. He didn't count the arm or the occasional headaches he would have. Those were only minor compared to the extent of the injuries he received. But something was strange about how it happened. And ever since then, he had a hypothesis in mind that he wanted to test.

He quickly looked around, making sure no one was in the immediate vicinity, then looked back inside the cafe to see the waitress hard at work for customers inside. Now was his chance. He quickly Shadow Skinned only his left hand, taking a moment to stare at. It was the normal, black, vicious-looking segemented armor that layered his hands and fingers from both the underside and topside of his arm and hand, a faint white glow emerging from gaps that were visible, and black, claw like fingertips. No bone plating segments. No grey muscle fibers underneath said plating. It was simply his normal Shadow Skin. However, is was not thar he wanted to test.

He took another quick glance around and waited as a couple entered inside the cafe. With no one in sight, he quickly curled up his Shadowy fingers, save his index and middle finger, and lifted up part of his shirt. He then pierced his clawed fingertips into his side, spilling a little amount of blood. Nothing. Nothing at all. Not even a sense of throbbing pain. He then removed his fingers from his side, and just as quickly as he removed them, his wound had already healed within the instant.

Now that he did this, he couldn't help but think one thing as he confirmed his hypothesis. Why was it that Inuba, and only Inuba, could make him feel the pain he did last night? How was it possible? Was it due to their souls being linked to one another? Or was it something else entirely he didn't understand? He always hated when he couldn't find an immediate answer. Either because there were too many or too little variables. His problem currently was that there were very few variables involved that could help him understand the situation. And until he knew more, he wasn't willing to look into it any further.

He heard footsteps approaching rapidly and looked up to see somehow he least expected currently, taking deep breaths as she stopped in front of him. She must have ran here without stopping.

"You should be in bed resting you know. I wouldn't want you to overwork yourself and-"

"Why..?" Inuba asked softly as she stood in place trembling.

He still kept his eyes narrowed, confused slightly about her inquiry.

"Why what?" He asked slightly concerned.

Does she know? Does she remember last night?

"Why did you leave so suddenly?"

So suddenly? Why is she-?

He then thought about it carefully. When he left the room this morning, he simply left. He didn't even think to courteously leave a note for her. He could tell what she was thinking.

She thought I just up and left without saying a word. Of course she'd panic a little and be concerned. That was really insensitive of me…

"About that… I just...I just left in a hurry. I'm really sorry about that and didn't mean to concern you. Uh, take a seat." He said pushing a chair toward her.

She finally looked up at him, eyes expressing some form of sadness, possibly even a slight bit of anger as she took the seat that was offered to her.

"I, um...I just needed to go out for a bit, calm myself and whatnot."

She looked at him carefully, noting that he kept his eyes closed enough that nobody would be able to see them. He also seemed...off. As if he were incredibly exhausted.

"Master… Did… Did something happen last night? I don't remember anything after leaving Lady Friede's room."

She remembers that much? What do I do here? Lie? Or tell the truth in a more controlled way?

"How do I put this… Um… Yeah… Something happened."

Inuba's hand were resting atop the table, the young immortal visibly able to see her hands clench tightly. Had she found him out already? Or was she thinking of what could have happened?

"It turns out that...Jonathan Friede had a torture dungeon running within the underground tunnels of the castle. Raum and I felt something Dark in there, so we decided I would be the one to go and investigate. I found the dungeon where he tortured and killed...ugh...so many I didn't have time to count them all."

Her eyes widened as she gasped, shocked to hear such a thing.

"Before you ask, Lady Friede had nothing to do with his...sick pass time. She was completely in the Dark about it."

"W-What happened afterwards..?"

"I went to go confront him...and it turns out he knocked you unconscious and took you hostage."

He wasn't going to tell her how she was controlled and used against him. He wasn't going to tell her about she injured him and managed to make him feel pain. She'd not only be mortified, but she would blame herself entirely when it wasn't even her fault. She'd even go as far as to find a reason as to why it'd be her fault when it really wasn't.

"After I managed to get you to safety, I fought him directly. It's safe to save it was a...short confrontation."

Numerous images popped into his mind of him eviscerating all the men under Jonathan's command, and soon after how he brutalized and mangled the elder Friede.

"Maria showed up soon after, arrested Jonathan, and I took you and left. I wasn't going to stay in the castle after all that. So I took you to the inn, bought you pajamas...kept my eyes closed as I changed you in them and just stayed there all night. I...wasn't feeling too well, so I went out to get some coffee."

"You aren't feeling well?" She asked.

He always like how she was legitimately concerned about him. Especially when it was completely unnecessary. From his point of view at least.

"It's nothing...I'm just...tired for once…"

Was he lying? He did look a bit more pale than usual. But there was one other matter she was concerned about.

"Master..?"

"Hm?"

"Why have you been narrowing your gaze and avoiding eye contact with me?"

She already knew part of the answer as two why. What she wanted now was the full answer from him. And she wasn't going to take no for answer or allow him to skirt around it.

"Well...it's pretty bright outside, and I don't like it when the suns too strong and-"

"Please don't lie to me!" She said slightly raising her voice. "You don't need to hide from me or look away… Haven't I made that clear to you already? Why do you insist on continuing-?"

"Because I'm that petty, Inuba… I feel as though if I share my problems with others, it becomes theirs, which is something I want to avoid entirely. When I do something bad, or when I do something unsightly, I turn away so that others don't stare too long and get swallowed up by my Darkness. And when I do the things I do because they deserved it...I don't even feel the slightest bit of remorse in me. The reason I look away...is because I try so foolishly hard to hide it, when really, just the slightest push is all that it takes to bring out the worst in me at times. I look away...because I'm the worst kind of-"

"You're wrong! That's… That's-!"

"Completely true. You've been around me longer than anyone else has… You know exactly how cruel I can be. You've seen it numerous times before. So can you really-?"

"I can!"

He was surprised with how quickly she answered.

"I can honestly say that...because you've done so much more good to make up for your past mistakes. You gave people help even when they didn't need it or deserve it. You've always done your very best to protect all around you. You've defied authority, deities, even gods to do what was necessary and what was right. You've sacrificed so much more than you ever should have for the safety of others… You've done more than you ever should and go the extra mile. If anything...you're the best kind of person."

"If I'm the best kind of person...then why is it I can do some of the things I do without batting an eyelash? How am I able to do some of the horrible things I do and even be considered a good person?"

"Because...you've given so much already…never receiving anything in return... And because of that, you're completely exhausted...nearly empty inside… You understandably stumble and fall sometimes… You get lost in the Dark… But don't you understand by now? There'll always be people who are willing to guide you back! People who are always willing to stand by you! Why do you push people away when they try to help you?!"

"Because Inuba...I've had so much taken from me… Most of the time far too quickly for me to do anything about it… After everything that happened on Primordial, after coming here to Remnant...I made a promise. I promised myself...that I will never allow anything, or anyone, be taken from me ever again. And if I have to cross every imaginable line possible to make sure that remains true…I will always do so without hesitating. You were right. I've had too much taken from me. But not anymore... I will never allow that to happen again."

He didn't know what else to say. She was right. Completely so. But he was right as well. He wasn't going to like what he was going to do next, but it was his only way of responding to her. Dante slowly opened his eyelids, revealing his Shadow Eyes to Inuba. She didn't look away. She didn't recoil. All she did was stare right at him.

"I'm not afraid…"

"What..?"

"I said…I'm not afraid… No matter what you do, what you say, how you look...as long as I breath and live...I will never be afraid of you or turn away."

His Shadowy Eyes widened in shock, slowly reverting to their normal, light sky-blue eyes before his gaze softened.

"In the end...you'll always stick by your answer...no matter what…"

She gasped suddenly when she saw him smile.

"You can be so irritatingly stubborn at times...you know that? But...I suppose that's one of your many good points… You simply just care too much… I just can't comprehend this thinking of yours at times..."

He saw droplets hitting the table, thinking it was raining for a moment. But he looked up into the sky and saw it was clear. It was then he only realized this way not rainfall, but tears. Dante quickly looked down to see Inuba crying.

I'm racking up all the insensitivity points today, aren't I?

"I'm sorry that what I said upset you-"

"It's not… It's not just that…" she said sniffling slightly as her hand reached out to him on the table, leaving something for him as her hand drew away.

It was the fox charm she had given him, the one he left behind back at the inn.

"P-Please… Never leave this behind again… Because if you do… It...It'll feel like you're gone again… And...that would hurt more than anything else could…"

The young immortal couldn't describe what he felt next. No, he could actually. He just wanted to dismiss it, consider it foreign, unknown. But he knew this feeling all too well. The painful throbbing in his chest he had felt before, only now, it hurt worse than it did before. He slowly reached up towards his chest, clutching it tightly while never taking his eyes off of Inuba.

"I'm… I'm sorry… I promise I won't do it again…" he said softly.

She used her detached sleeve to wipe away her tears, still sniffling slightly as she looked up at him. By then, his hand was already absent from his chest.

"Please…make sure that's a promise you will keep…"

"I will…definitely…" he replied affirmatively.

She smiled when she heard this, soon looking behind Dante, which promoted him to turn his head to see. Ciel, Leo and Raum stood there, Ciel being the only one on the verge of tears.

"Big brother… you idiot!"

She rushed up and gave him a hug tight enough that he confused his little sister to be a little yeti monster for a moment due to the strength of her hug. He apologized as best as he could, to be her and Leonard. And of course, Ciel was lecturing him, parts of her lecture using...colorful words. When Dante looked towards Raum, it seemed as though he had something to say as well, making him move past his brother and sister to approach them.

Without a word, Raum simply raised up his right hand, presenting Dante his sheathed longsword, Anvil. He made to reach for it, but Raum pulled his hand away slightly.

"You good?" He asked as Irene hummed softly in a questioning manner, as if she too were asking him the same question.

"I'm good." Replied Dante, reaching out towards his weapon once more.

Raum nodded and handed the young immortal his sword, who then invisibly attached it to the left side of his back.

"Well, seeing as you brought your belongings, along with mine and Inuba's, I think we should make our way to the next town. Agreed?" He asked them all.

"Yeah!" They all responded in unison.

---

"From what I've read on the maps, the next village is close by to Shion Village, which isn't too far. The establishment is well guarded, but it does seem to have its fair share of Grimm in the area." Said Leo as he glanced at the holographic display showing a map.

"How long of a walk?" Asked Dante.

"Two days at most."

"Tch… And here I was hoping it'd be closer…"

"What? Getting tried bro?" Asked Ciel slapping him on his back.

When she did so, she noticed something odd. She almost pushed him forward a bit too much. There was little resistance.

"Woah… You're like a leaf in the wind. You okay?" Asked the younger sibling.

"I'm fine… Just feeling a bit iffy is all…" replied Dante.

Ciel hummed questionably before moonwalking back towards Inuba, who walked a few feet behind her master.

"Yo, Inuba. Is everything good with him? He literally looks like he's gonna pass out any minute." Said Ciel.

"He did say he was feeling rather unwell today… I was thinking it was simply him being exhausted but…"

The Kitsune only now remembered an emerging fact from not too long ago, quickly looking up at Dante in time to see him slowly stagger down to his knees.

"Master!"

Inuba immediately rushed to his side as he was on his hands and knees, sweating a decent amount while breathing heavily.

"Master?! What's wrong?! Please, say something!"

"I'm...not feeling too well…"

Raum and Leo had already turned back around to stop and see what was wrong.

"I think...I need to take a nap for a bit…"

His head hung low suddenly, and before he could crash head first into the ground, Inuba prevented him from doing so and held him in her arms.

"The hell is wrong with him?" Asked Raum.

Inuba placed a hand on Dante's forehead, then pressed her own forehead against the same hand, blushing slightly with how close their faces were.

"He...has a fever…" said Inuba.

"You've got to be kidding me… Him of all people has a fever? Seriously?" Asked the Dark Entity.

"And what of it?" Asked Ciel a bit angrily.

"Nothing. I was just thinking I should've fought him on the days he had a cold or something. I might've won then…"

"A fever and a slight cold…"

"I've only got medicine for the munchkin. I'm not all that sure it's necessary to waste on him. You've got those flames of yours, right?"

"That is correct. Since my Cleansing Flame can cure practically all diseases as well as regenerate and heal wounds, we have no need for medicine. Even so, its effect on him is only slight. Despite this, I'll take care of him. Would the three of you kindly set up camp here for today? As things are, he's in no condition to move."

"How long will it take?" Asked Leonard.

"It's uncertain. My Cleansing Flame has always been...finicky when concerning Master. As is, it only marginally works on him in the case of his right arm. I believe it has something to do with his near immunity to magic."

"Near immunity?" Asked Raum.

"To be more accurate, his resistance to magic is incredibly high that it can be considered near immunity."

"Tch… No wonder my magic hasn't worked on you all those times… I'm learning more and more about the brat every minute…"

"Where it not for his high resistance, his arm would have been healed by now by my Cleansing Flames, as well as me being able to take care of this in no less than five minutes. It would seem we're inoperable for the day. So again, can you all please set up camp while I take care of him?"

"Sure thing." Said Ciel.

The younger sister immediately snapped her fingers as a circular portal of black Aura opened up in front of her, and out of it, dropped numerous backpacks full of outdoor equipment as well as two tent packs colored black with a few white streaks located around the fabric.

"You two hellions set up the table and the cooking station. I got the tents and everything else."

They did as they were told and quickly went about setting up their share. Raum raised up both hands as they glowed with dark green Aura, the three tent packs as well as two of the five equipment packs floating in the air with dark green outlines. The packs began undoing themselves, the black tents setting themselves up along with the extra equipment and parts that came with them. Sleeping bags entered inside and unzipped themselves, ready to be sat in.

Five black, collapsible camping chairs unfolded themselves in an arcing band, a pile of stones forming a circle in front of the chairs soon after for the campfire later tonight.

"Done here. What about you two?"

Ciel had finished setting up the large, collapsible dinner table, and had just finished helping Leonard setting up the small cooking station, complete with a grill and a stove top. Pots and pans had been placed, along with other sorts of cooking utensils.

"And done!" Said Ciel.

She hummed momentarily, as if she felt as though she had forgotten something.

"Oh yeah! Forgot we had that!"

She snapped her fingers again as another black portal had opened and brought forth a mini fridge stocked with a large amount of meats, vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients to make different sorts of meals.

"Now we're done. Aren't you guys glad you've got someone who can store practically everything in another pocket dimension?"

"Yes. We are very grateful for your extremely useful abilities Ms. Ciel." Said Inuba.

"Hey… Was that sarcasm just now?"

"N-No! Nothing of the sort! I truly meant what I said. Your abilities are extremely useful overall and versatile in any, if not all situations. You are incredible in every sense of the word. And I'm very thankful both you and Leonard for joining us on our journey."

W-Well… When she puts it that way…

"Alrighty then."

Ciel snapped her fingers a last time as a floor mat dropped out of a black portal hanging above her.

"Here. So he can lie down and stuff while you take care of him."

"Thank you very much Ms. Ciel."

"Come on Foxy, we're besties you and I. Just call me Ciel. Same for Leo, and Raum… Well, call him whatever you want. Of course, you can still be kinky and call big brother 'Master' and all that." Said Ciel with a mischievous smile.

"K-K-K-Kinky?!" Said Inuba as her face turned bright red. "I-It's how I formally acknowledge him and the like!"

"Uh-huh, sure it is." Said the younger sibling with a wink.

An idea soon sprang into her mind.

"Yo, Leo, tall, dark and elderly."

"Come again?" Said Raum.

"Sorry. Does old man work better?"

"Watch it you little hellion. Don't test me."

"Anyway, the three of us will go patrol around for a while to make sure things are safe and the such while Inuba stays here to take care of brother."

"Sure. At least I'll have something to do." Said Raum.

"Less pests, less work for us in the end. For once, you have an excellent idea Ciel." Said Leonard.

"I always have the best ideas. Well, at least almost always. But...first things first… Come here you two." Said Ciel bringing them into a huddle, whispering her plan to them.

"Are you serious?" Asked Raum.

"Yup."

"Ugh… This is stupid…"

"Shut up. You wouldn't understand. Leo?"

"I only slightly agree with you both on this matter. But...I agree more with you Ciel. However...my part in this will be minimal and nothing more."

"Dude, just do it. Brb!"

Ciel quickly opened a black portal and leapt into it. A minute had passed until it reappeared, the younger sibling stepping out with a bag in her hand.

"Whew! So glad they still had this!"

Ciel pulled out from the bag an item that made Inuba's face even redder than it initially was, the Kitsune trying to form words, but only managing incoherent mutters.

Irene quickly placed her hands on Raum's eyes to shield them as he turned around. Inuba looked to Leo for help, but he had covered his eyes as well, pointing one of his guns at Inuba's feet.

"I am very sorry Ms. Kitsukami… But...this was all Ciel's idea. While hairbrained and embarrassing, it will be worth it for you in the end. Hopefully."

He fired off four bursts of white Aura outlined in black, which did not harm Inuba, but tethered her in place. Gravity tethers was Leonard's secondary ability, his primary being his incredibly accurate and high damaging Aura beams that blanketed his already high damaging bullets. Tethering Inuba in place, Leonard and Raum walked away from a chuckling Ciel, who inched closer to Inuba with a mischievous smirk about her.

"Stand still now Ms. Foxy~! It'll be over quicker if you let it happen!"

"N-Noooooooooooo!"

---

Five minutes later…

"It took you that long to do something like that?" Asked Raum.

"Hey, it's all in the presentation."

"Are you sure brother will like it?"

"Dude, that's like asking if five year olds love sugar. Of course he'll like it! Trust me...he will…"

---

Dante's eyes slowly opened, staring at a line of branches from numerous trees that blocked the sun's rays. He felt too weak to move, evidenced by the fact he tried to prop himself up, but failed entirely to do so, his head falling back into the soft pillow. A thin fabric blanket covered him, and he noticed something cool on his forehead. A towelette that had been drenched in ice cold water alleviated the uncomfortable heat emanating from his forehead.

"Did I...pass out? Ugh...my head… Fever..? I...must be sick…" he said to himself in between breathes.

Even breathing felt difficult at the moment. Strangely, this illness of his wasn't stopped him from moving, at least, not entirely. For once in his life, the muscles in his arms legs, and body felt immensely sore. Was it because of the form he took on the previous night? Did it put much more strain on him than anticipated? So much so that even made him ill? It was possible.

"M-Master..? Are… Are you awake..?"

"Yeah… Sorry about the scare earlier… "

"Y-You don't need to apologize Master… I-It's not your fault that you are ill…"

"So I am sick… Guess I was right… Um...where...where are you..?"

She didn't want to say. She was too embarrassed to say. Inuba felt as though if he so much as looked at her right now, her heart would explode with how rapidly it was beating. Even so...that same heart was telling her to call out and tell him where she was. She'd endure the embarrassment.

"I'm...over here…"

Following her voice, Dante slowly turned his head and was shocked by what he saw. His partner stood a short distance away, only her clothing was a bit different than usual. She wore what seemed to be one of the old fashioned nurse outfits, white in color and very form fitting, clinging tightly to her slender yet curvaceous body. The chest area was intentionally absent of two out of the six total buttons, exposing much of Inuba's ample clevage.

The nurse-dress was tight at the bottomand stopped above the center of the Kitsune's legs. It was safe to say that if ever she had need to bend over and pick up something, much would be revealed despite her fox tail. Speaking of which, there was a small gap in the skirt to allow Inuba's fox tail to freely move about without lifting up her already "short" skirt.

Along with the white nurse cap, Inuba wore her usual white thighhigh socks with the black bands on the ends. Only now, they had white straps that trailed inside and up her skirt, which told Dante one thing. Inuba was wearing a garterbelt.

His mind already hazy enough, the young immortal's imagination didn't produce any "pretty pictures" for him this time. He was more focused on resting and trying to get better. But that still didn't stop his face from redenning even more than it already was, unable to find words to describe the sight before him.

"S-Since when did you...own an outfit like that..?" Asked the teen as he was glancing back and forth, trying not to stare too much at his partner.

"S-Since a few minutes ago…"

"What...do you mean?"

"Your sister was very keen on the idea of me treating you while...wearing this… That, and she stole all my other clothes, leaving me with only this outfit..."

Inuba's fox tail soon found itself in her arms, the Kitsune cuddling it tightly as she partially hid her face behind it, her ears folded against her head to further express her embarrassment.

"Ciel...went and got that just for this..? Honestly… That little fool of a sister…"

Dante took a deep breath then exhaled slowly. Breathing was still a bit difficult.

I knew it… He doesn't like it… Why did I even consider allowing Ciel to-?

"Don't take this the wrong way or anything...but...I think…well… I think it suits you well… Too well in fact…"

Inuba's fox ears immediately perked up as her eyes went wide with surprise, her face growing hotter the more and more she replayed his words through her head over and over again. Were it not for the fact that the Kitsune was holding her currently squirming fox tail, it would have been whipping about rather happily.

Did… Did he really like it? Did he truly think this outfitted suited her well?

"You...um...not only look great in it…but it kinda works with you with how you are. The seriously caring an nurturing part… Making sure I eat properly… Helping me out with small matters… Taking care of me in instances like this… Honestly...you can be a 'nurse' of sorts at times. Um… Y-You get what I'm saying...right?"

"Yes… I do." She said smiling.

"Great… Then...I needn't say more…" he said looking away from her.

He stared for too long at one point, and was hoping she didn't notice. Secretly, she did. That alone was enough to make her happy. But still...the outfit was rather embarrassing. Thankfully it was only in his presence currently and no one else's. She resigned to her fate and would wear the outfit without further complaints.

Inuba's only goal was to treat and ensure her Master's recovery. That, and to make sure to keep "accidents" to a minumum despite Ciel telling her to be slightly "clumsy" and "trip" every now and then. The younger sister of her immortal Master also made the suggestion for the Kitsune to use her remarkable "assets" to her advantage given that her outfit amplified them.

Was something like that alright in a situation like this? She felt as though she'd be taking advantage of him in his current weakened state. No, the outfit was enough. She would do what she intended, which was to take care of her Master. It may have been the first time she has ever had to treat him for being ill, but she's done so for numerous others over the years. It shouldn't be that much different. Hopefully.

Dante smelled something cooking. It smelled slightly minty.

"Do you...have something on the stove..?"

"Ah, yes! I-I'll be right back!"

She quickly ran off towards the small stove that was set up. He watched her work skillfully to prepare whatever it was she was cooking. The young immortal couldn't help but smile at the sight, closing his eyes shortly after to rest them a bit. He didn't really need any of this, being taken care of and all. He always just suffered through the day whenever his once a month sickness came by for the day. But it felt nice to be taken care of for once.

Opening his eyes again, he had found that his gaze had lowered more than he intended, catching a particular view that made his face hotter than it already was. He was wrong, no, very wrong to assume Inuba's tail would block anything, especially since it was whipping about fairly quickly. And given that he was lying on a mat on the floor and she was standing up, he could see everything.

"Master?"

He quickly turned his head he opposite way before she turned hers to look at him a second later. Inuba placed the lid on the small pot and walked by to her Master's side, sitting down on a blanket next to him.

"Are you alright Master? You seem a bit...strange…"

"N-No… I mean, I'm alright, there's nothing wrong with me! Hehehehe…"

Just look away! Look away and you'll be fine Dante!

He then felt her soft hand touch his forehead after she removed the towelette covering it. It didn't take very long to determine he was still burning up quite a bit. But just to be safe, she pressed her forehead against the hand on her Master's, closing her eyes to get an accurate feel. Dante has his eyes closed as well so he wouldn't stare. Even so, that didn't help him ignore the two "large objects" pressing against the side of his chest.

"Your fever has lowered quite a bit compared to before, but it's still present… If only my Cleansing Flame could do more to help you…"

"Y-You're doing great as is. So don't blame yourself… If anything, it's my fault for being so highly resistant to all types of magic, even yours. You're doing fine. Even without your magic to help, you're taking excellent care of me with your...um...excellent nursing skills…"

Inuba's face reddened once more, knowing he meant both her skill in taking care of him and her outfit. He actually was looking. The fact his face was red and he was trying to avoid her eyesight was enough to prove that. She couldn't help but smile a bit, both in satisfaction and how adorably shy he could be at times.

"One moment please…"

She stood up and walked to the stove, grabbing a bowl off the table and filling it with the food from the pot. Inuba pulled down a bit on her already very short skirt that was a part of the nurse uniform before grabbing hold of the bowl and approaching the mat Dante lay on, sitting down on the pillow next to him.

"So...what did Inuba Kitsukami, chef extraordinaire make for me?" Asked Dante.

"I made rice porridge with some peppermint leaves I mixed into it."

"Hence why I smelled the minty freshness early… Nice work."

Dante propped himself up and weakly reached for the bowl, only to have Inuba move it away from his hands.

"Not likely Master. You are in my care. Therefore, I will feed you myself."

"That's not necessary, I can-"

"That's no good Master. Please, allow me."

"I-I'm not a kid you know…"

"True… But you still act like one on occasion."

She had him beat right there. There was no denying that fact. He did enjoy acting like a child sometimes. It was...fun.

"F-Fine… You win…"

Inuba giggled to herself and raised a spoon to his face full of the rice porridge, the minty freshness flooding his senses once more.

"Say ah."

He said nothing, pouting slightly before opening his mouth a bit, avoiding eye contact with Inuba as she fed him a serving of the rice porridge. It tasted...excellent. Moreso than when he usually ate food, which was a rarity on its own. That was until Inuba started cooking for him again like she did in the past. Only now, she had more people to cook for besides him.

"How is it?" Asked the Kitsune.

"It's...well…"

She seemed concerned for a moment.

"How do I say this… I can't think of anything else to say besides...it tastes great."

Her fox ears immediately perked up as she sat up straighter than arrow.

"D-Do you really mean it..?"

"Of course. Why else would I say that? In fact...I'm feeling a bit better now…"

That wasn't an exaggeration or a lie. He did actually feel a bit better than he did five minutes ago. What sorcery was this? How could he suddenly feel so much better from taking one bite?

"I think I'm currently old enough to feed myself now." He said extending his hand to his partner, silently requesting the bowl of rice porridge.

She couldn't help but stare at him with wide eyes as she hurriedly surrendered the bowl to him, allowing to dig in further. To the young immortal, this was a complete mystery to him. But it was one he'd enjoy rather than overthink it and try to understand to its fullest depths. Despite not eating unless his partner made him something, he always enjoyed her cooking. Never once has she failed to make something really delicious.

"How is it that you always manage to make everything good?"

"P-Pardon?"

"Your cooking is fantastic as always, no one should dare to even challenge you. Even when I feel like not being nice to jerks or bad people, you always are. You somehow manage to turn around the worst kind of situations, as proven throughout the numerous years we worked together. I just...don't understand how you can do it. I mean, I'm mediocre at best when I try. So my fluffy tailed partner, what's your secret?"

"S-Secret..?"

"What mysteries are in your possession that allow you to be so nice?"

"Um…"

She was caught off guard by the question completely. But she understood his subtle query. How and why was she so nice to him in spite of how he can be at times? And most importantly, why was she so nice to him with how he used to be in the past?

"We all have our reasons Master… Some believe that with positivity and goodwill, they can reach out to others in a way that would help make a change in their life. With a certain amount of positivity and heartfelt goodness, they can pass it on to others and so forth."

"Positivity and goodwill isn't something everyone can have or receive. Some are just people who outright refuse the idea."

"Even so...it's better to try than not at all, yes? After all...you're one such case...aren't you?"

Dante glanced at Inuba a moment before looking away, still working another spoon of the rice porridge before he spoke again.

"I'd give you the same answer I always do, but you'd only strongly disagree with me."

"I just don't understand why you keep suggesting such things…"

"Did you ever wonder that I may be hiding it?"

She fell silent, not moving a single inch until she looked away from him for a moment, biting her lip.

"There is good in you."

"Oh I don't doubt that Inuba."

"Then, why-?"

"There's a simple answer to that really. You should know what it is I'm talking about. But, I'll say it anyway as a reminder. There's a cruelty within me Inuba. One that runs really, really deep. And it scares me how bad it can be sometimes."

She wanted to say something. But she knew he had more to say. She knew all day really. But she preferred he said himself instead.

"I didn't just take Jonathan Friede into custody last night Inuba. Remember how I said he took people hostage and you were one of them?"

"Y-Yes…"

"Well… As you can imagine, I didn't take to kindly to that. Beforehand I was already…distraught over what I saw in that abomination of a torture dungeon. Him taking hostages, especially my partner, only added fuel to those flames. So...I brutalized him. I destroyed him until he was unable to move a single inch. Funny thing is, I didn't kill him like I planned to. Close, but not quite. His sister took him into custody and just this morning he was found dead. Truthfully, I'm glad about it. Not so nice as you thought, huh?"

"They way you say it… It's almost as if you're deliberately trying to paint yourself as someone terrible…"

He completely froze in place when he heard her say that.

"Why do you that to yourself?! Why do try so hard to bring yourself down and prove to others that you're someone vile?!"

"If you saw what I did last night, you'd agree with me."

"I wouldn't…"

"I will never think I'll of you! You know that!"

"I don't understand… You keep saying that despite the clear cut evidence in front of you… I can't comprehend this thinking of yours…"

"I say that because I lo-!"

Inuba paused immediately, realizing what she was about to say.

"I say that...because I look at you…and see a good man. A person that cares for others far too much. Someone who would go to all sorts of lengths to protect and save others… Even if that means traveling down a dark path at times… The issue you have is that you care too much, even if others don't. And because of that, you get hurt sometimes. Whether it be by your own hand or by others. Never have I thought of you as evil, or cruel, or despicable. Many others would agree with me as well."

"Many others don't know what we do."

"The simple truth of the matter is that you're just troubled at times… The things you've seen… No person should ever have to experience what you did. The issue is that you simply have too big of a heart… And villains shamefully take advantage of that when they can. Even so...never change that about yourself. Always keep that big heart with you and never let it go...because...I think it's the greatest part about you over everything else..."

Dante glanced at Inuba a few moments before staring at the bowl of rice porridge in his hands. He took the last scoop and ate it quickly, speaking only after he finished swallowing his food.

"You know… I kinda hate it when you're right about these things at times… I'm seriously starting to think you know almost everything…"

"I don't know everything Master… When it comes to people...I know what I see in front of me."

"You make a convincing arguement. And because of that...well...I guess I have no choice but to believe you."

Inuba smiled when she heard those words. She was amused, slightly because subtly, he was telling her "You're right" in his own way. The other reason was because she could tell he was somewhat embarrassed to admit that she was right. That, and he appreciated her kind words.

"You really meant what you said?" He asked softly as his sky blue eyes met her crimson eyes once more.

Without the slightest hint of hesitation, she said "Word for word. And there's nothing that will ever make me take back those words."

"And they honestly say I'm too kind of a person… Really now…"

He handed the bowl to Inuba and plopped back down on the mat.

"Thanks for the meal…"

"You're welcome." She said setting it atop the collapsable table before rejoining his side on the mat.

"Thank you." He said with his eyes closed.

"F-For what Master?"

"For everything that you do. I don't exactly remember whether or not I thank you all the time for your hard work, but I'll say it now just in case. Thank you for everything that you do."

"You're welcome...Master…"

A few seconds of silence remained between the duo as the sun was beginning to touch down behind the mountain range. The evening would soon come.

"Inuba?"

"Hm?"

"Do you remember that song from a while back?"

She knew which song he spoke of. It was a favorite of his. That, and she spent a full day or two rehearsing it so she could sing it for him. In actuality, it was a birthday gift for the young immortal long ago, and it was one he enjoyed greatly. But she would tease him a bit and play dumb.

"Which song Master?" She asked with a smile.

"You know which one. It's the one I really liked that you were able to sing."

"Ah yes...that one…" she said innocently.

"If it's not too much trouble...can you sing it for me?"

"Of course Master… I would be glad too."

Inuba scooted herself a bit closer to Dante, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes before she began her song.

---

(Songs from Final Fantasy XV - Florence + The Machine - Stand By Me)

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we see
No I won't be afraid
No I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh stand by

Stand by me, stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh stand by, stand by me, stand by me

Inuba then began a soft-hum tune for a few moments before beginning the song once more.

And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me, stand by me

Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand by, stand by me

Darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh stand by, stand by me

Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand by, stand by me, stand by me

---

Crimson eyes opened up to greet the evening. The sun had set halfway. Inuba looked down towards the mat to see Dante resting comfortably, sound asleep. It was a sight that brought her joy as she giggled softly to herself.

"If anything… I should be the one thanking you Master… For meeting me so long ago…and for taking me on this ever exciting journey since the beginning. That is something that I think I won't ever be able to repay you for…"

Her heart was pounding in her chest slightly as she gently placed one hand on his chest, her eyes narrowing slightly as she slowly began leaning in towards him.

The Kitsune knew what she had promised to herself. She knew all too well. But...there were moments she simply wished to forget that promise she made to herself. Right now was one such moment as her face grew closer to his, her eyes closed and the girl herself prepared to follow through.

"We're back!"

Inuba's heart stopped completely for a moment before it jumpstarted and was set hammering as she heard her Master's younger sibling call out, forcing her to quickly sit up straight, acting as if she had done nothing, or rather, was about to do nothing.

"Oh~ I smell something good!"

"Keep your voice down sister…" said Leonard.

"What? Why?"

Leo simply nodded his head in the direction of Inuba and Dante, the Kitsune rising from the pillow she sat on to greet them.

"Y-You were all gone for quite some time… Were there that many Grimm?"

"Eh, kinda, but not really." Responded Ciel.

"We decided to take a small break after meeting up. Then we decided it was time to head back to camp when the sun was beginning to set." Said Leonard as he grabbed a bowl and poured himself some of the rice porridge along with Ciel before they sat in their respective collapsible camping chairs.

Ciel took the first bite and was immediately wowed at how a simple dish tasted to great.

"Mmmmmm~! Delicious as always!"

"I concur… This is fantastic…"

"Raum? You're not eating anything." Said Inuba.

"Sorry. Was thinking is all…" said the Dark Entity as he grabbed one bowl and filled it with rice porridge.

When he sat down in one of the open chairs, he removed Irene from his shoulders and sat her down in his lap in a way so that she could face him. The young wolf Faunus looked up at Raum and giggled loudly as she raised her hands up, motioning for the Dark being to proceed.

"Alright alright, hold on a second. It's still a little too hot. Here, since you're so eager, you get to do the honors." He said lowering the spoon to her level.

The young girl took in a large amount of air, greatly puffing her cheeks until she slowly exhaled to cool down the spoon full of rice porridge, allowing her caretaker to feed her soon after. This same process repeated until her cheeks were too sore to do so, making it the Dark beings duty to continue in her place. Luckily, he didn't have to do this for too long since he shared his meal with her, taking an occasional bite as well.

"So~ What happened?" Asked Ciel.

"W-What do you mean? N-Nothing happened… And please, return my clothes!" Asked Inuba.

"Fine fine…"

Ciel snapped her fingers as a small black portal opened up above Inuba and dropped her clothes into her lap.

"Your pack with your clothes is in the tent."

The Kitsune went inside the tent immediately afterwards as the sound of quick shuffling noises could be heard, Inuba stepping out a minute later fully dressed in her normal clothes as she sat down in one of the two remaining camping chairs.

"What did he think? Come on! Tell us! Tell us!" Asked the younger sibling.

"H-He said it suited me very well…"

"Any funny business afterwards?"

"W-What?! N-No! Nothing like that!"

"What?! Oh come on! I spent fifty lien on that nurse outfit so you two could possibly have 'alone time', and nothing happened?! Seriously?! Ugh! Guess I have to return that outfit…"

"Um… W-Well… I...I think I might keep it...just in case…"

Inuba's face was colored a bright red, almost as if she were fantasizing about what could have happened before shaking her head rapidly to rid her of these thoughts.

"If something actually happened, do you really think the fox would say?" Said Raum as he continued feeding Irene.

"Well, no… But still…"

"If anything, she probably 'took him' when he was sleeping." Said the Dark being calmly, making Inuba squeal silently in terror at such a theory.

"I-I didn't! I w-would never do such a thing!"

"You don't have to be so defensive you know. It's not like we'd have a problem if you did."

"I-I didn't! I'm going to bed! Goodnight to you all!" She said with a voice filled with embarrassment and frustration as she approached Dante and dragged him and his mat into the tent.

"Make plenty of babies tonight!" Shouted Ciel.

The younger sibling moved her head to the left as an object flew past her.

"Ah~ Teasing her is so much fun!"

---

When dawn had arrived the next morning, the group packed up their campsite and had Ciel transport their gear to a pocket dimension for storage until the next time they would possibly need to camp out. Dante's illness had passed by the time he awoke, allowing him to help quickly pack up their campsite.

"Alright… Considering there's a village between us and Shion village, we'll stop there for the day before we move on to Shion. Afterwards we'll-"

Dante felt vibrations in his pack, forcing him to remove his pack from his back to search its contest for the source. A white crystal shard, no bigger than his hand pulsated with a white glow. This was one of the crystal shards he was given by his mysterious "stalker" when he visited a different Reality of Remnant long ago.

"What the heck is that?" Asked Ciel.

"The better question to ask is why is it glowing and what does it mean?" Said Leonard.

"It means one of your allies is in trouble."

All five had turned around to face the mysterious girl cloaked in white, who slowly approached them from the forest clearing behind them.

"One of my allies?" Asked Dante.

"Yes… It would seem one of your friends, Xera Stark, has found himself in quite a difficult position as of late. He's reaching out to you urgently through the connection the crystals posses. For quite some time now, I've felt a Dark presence gather and coalesce in his Reality. You might know what it is considering he was to be one of your targets."

"Soul-Slasher… Has he really become that much of a problem that I need to be called out there to help?"

"Not yet… But he will be soon enough. I've also felt a sort of distortion in their midst. One that wasn't present when last we visited. In fact...it appeared only recently after Beacon fell so long ago. But given how the flow of time passes differently with each varying Reality, not much time has passed since you were there."

"I see…"

"What will you do?"

"I'm gonna go obviously."

"Woah woah woah, just like that?" Said Ciel.

"If a friends in need, there's really no decision to be made. Sorry Ciel. Can you take myself and Inuba across right now?"

"Of course."

With a wave of the figures hand, a white portal had opened up in front of them.

"Alright, here's how this'll work. Ciel, Leo, in case we need it, you're our back up if we run into something more than we can handle. So for the time being, I need you two to stay here with Raum if such a case arises. And Raum, if it happens we need even more backup, you're the backup backup."

"What am I supposed to do until then?" Asked the Dark Entity rather irritated.

"I don't know, something. You're an adult. For the most part at least. Find something to do."

"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you now, brother?" Asked Leonard.

"I'm sure. You two are my failsafes. I don't know exactly what we're going to encounter. And in the case we need it, you two are going to be my surprise attack. Understand?"

"Sure, got it." Said Ciel.

"Good. Ready to go partner?"

"Whenever you are Master."

Dante gave a nod before turning to his younger siblings once more to deliver his final instruction.

"Behave yourselves and listen to Raum."

"What?! Why do we gotta listen to him?!" Asked Ciel.

"Because he's older. Remember, best behavior."

"Just get going already."

Dante nodded towards Inuba as both immortal and Kitsune stepped inside the portal of white energy, the mysterious figure stopping a moment before entering to face the younger siblings.

"You best do what he says you two."

"Again. I repeat. Just get going." Said Ciel.

The hooded figure shook her head with a sigh before entering inside, the portal collapsing in on itself shortly after.

"Wait a damn minute… Did he say Soul-Slasher?" Asked Raum.

"Yeah… What about it?" Asked Ciel as both she and Leo looked at one another before staring at the Dark Entity.

"Oh Hell… They're fighting him?"

"Is there a problem?" Asked Leonard.

"Not so much a problem. More of a serious pain in the ass really. If it's who I think it is, they're not going to have a good time…"

---

(Omake: "Counseling with an Immortal, Part 3", by OS Worldmakers

"Ruby Rose... You have silver eyes... that I don't care about... I'm not Ozpin... and you might've chosen the wrong psychologist to go to."

Bone White stared at his visitor, who Ozpin obviously had sent to him. I mean, seriously! First Dante, and then his girlfriend? How is that not suspicious, Ozpin!

He carefully made sure the resin-covered oaken door wouldn't close behind him by jamming his plastic doormat underneath it, and stepped out into the winter cold with long, grey sports pants made out of acrylic fibers and an undershirt of white fiber even he didn't know.

At least he could see why Dante loved Ruby.

"Um...thank you..?" the petite Huntress in training said.

Out of habit, he ran his left hand's fingers through his black hair. "Let me guess: Dante told you about me?"

Ruby adopted a cute thinking face. "No..?" she began uncertainly. "He just said he talked to someone a little strange yesterday. Not like super strange or anything, more like strange like it's something you never would've imagined and... I'm rambling on... But yeah, no. He didn't mention you at all."

"... I think that's me. Because Vale is pretty normal compared to me. But anyways, don't loiter around. I'll get drinks and food."

"Thanks..."

The psychologist let out a little yawn. "And you didn't even tell me what you wanted. I'll get some spoiled milk..."

Ruby's silver eyes widened in slight horror. "No, no! I'm sorry! Uh...do you have any strawberries?" she said.

He nodded. "Yes. And what drink? Still spoiled milk?"

"Um...maybe some coffee?"

"Strawberries and coffee. I'll just make some pastries, then. Anyways, come inside. It's a bit cold, eh?"

"Um...thank you..."

Bone opened the door wider, allowing the Huntress in training to step in and remove her combat boots.

"No problem. Besides, you realize I sort of have to do this right? Otherwise, my author fires me and condemns me to some kind of contrived hell," the psychologist replied.

"Author..?"

"Nevermind. Dante told you a story about the Creator and 10 Worlds, right? An author created the Creator."

"He's told me a few things... Not everything yet though. He keeps saying it makes for good story material to tell people if they're interested."

"Wow. So, Ozpin said you wanted to talk about boys. Yes, I'm not lying. Your headmaster is a ship master."

"Well...not boys persay...just...a boy..." Ruby admitted.

Mirror eyes squinted at her. "Who... is... sexy... and... why... do... you...talk...like...this...?"

Embarrassment flushed Ruby's cheeks momentarily. "S-Sorry! I'm just a little nervous is all because I haven't done this whole counseling thing before and..! Yeah..."

"And you think that I'm here to mess with you?" Bone asked. "You're right. I'm here to embarrass you and entertain everyone who's seeing this omake. Say hi."

A question mark. "Um, hi to who? It's just the two of us here..."

Dante was right...he is a little weird...

"Oh! I keep on forgetting that not everyone knows about the 4th wall. No matter. So, let's have a little exercise," the psychologist said. He smirked. "Imagine the sexiest guy in your mind."

That isn't hard to do at all considering..! Considering...

Her face flushed a deep red as Dante easily came up, his white hair perfectly complementing his sky-blue eyes and a muscular yet lithe figure.

"Now imagine him with just shorts on."

Her face went even redder as she slapped her hands on her face to cover up her embarrassment.

"He just put on a speedo and you're at the beach with him."

She squealed silently in embarrassment, shaking her head back and forth.

"And then you and him are in bed together, snuggling close..."

She wanted to bash her head against the table, but restrained herself.

"And now you two are naked, ready to become one."

Causally, Bone White poured Mistralian coffee into two mugs and washed the strawberries.

From the other side of the room, he could hear another squeal and someone hitting the table.

"You feel him inside you, and all you can do is- wow, I used the most vague terms for sex and look at you."

He carefully tip-toes around Ruby's form and placed the mugs and fruit on the table.

"Well, that's was a fun exercise for you, I guess. A little warmup for what we'll be doing today."

"W-Warmup..? F-For what?!"

"Oh, nothing naughty, unlike the thoughts in your mind."

"T-That was your fault! I-I-I-I really don't have those kinds of thoughts! Not to often...at least..." she spoke softly at the end.

"We're baking today. And no, it's not cookies. It was right on your tongue and lips. I can tell."

After calming down a bit, Ruby took a deep breath and asked "What are we baking if not cookies?"

"It's called a cake. You know, those towers of white dessert at weddings and at birthdays? The ones you get Dante to blow out?"

"But...his birthday isn't until the 24th of December."

"This is the omake-verse. It's a snowy December winter here."

"What are you going on about omake-verse and all that?"

A sigh and then a yawn. "Okay, let me put like this: party time. You need cake. Done."

"Um...okay...sure..."

"You'll need this."

Fumetsu piled on an apron, a whisk, a bag of flour, a carton of eggs, a whole gallon of milk, cake dishes, sugar, some salt, coloring, and lot of fruit onto Ruby.

The petite Huntress managed to dig her way out of the pile. "Well...let's get started then!" she cheered as she tied the apron onto herself.

He pulled out cake tins and a large bowl, before taking a whisk and some of the ingredients.

"Think you can keep your speed here? Don't think you can beat me at this?" Bone asked.

"If it's speed we're talking about, then I most likely have you beat!" Ruby replied as she stretched her arms.

The psychologist rubbed an imaginary beard on his chin. "Experience against speed. Now this should be fun. Here's the recipe, and away you go."

Quickly, he cracked eggs and poured in milk into his bowl, before measuring in flour and sugar. A few drops of vanilla, and viola.

Ruby struggled for a little while, even with her given speed, but still managed to do excellent work with mixing the ingredients and such.

Meanwhile, Fumetsu was whisking two bowls with his two hands, his arms a blur. At this rate-

"Oh, I should slow down. Almost caught fire," Bone muttered, steam coming out of his arms.

"And done!"

This time, Fumetsu was actually on fire, his shirt burning and setting off the fire alarms as he placed his cakes into the preheated oven.

Ruby was already sitting in a chair waiting while reading a magazine.

"Should be white, with flowers... Then the figurines of you and Dante..." The psychologist muttered.

"Maybe graham crackers too with some frosting?" Ruby said. "He really loves graham crackers. He actually has a whole large fridge just filled with graham crackers. And green tea."

"Add some crumbs of that and layer with green leaf. And some fruit."

Ruby took out her cake with pride. "Alrighty then... How's this?"

He examined the cake, sniffing it a bit before nodding.

"It's nice. Though I'd say it's a bit... too much sugar. Here, try this."

The psychologist tossed her a fresh loaf of an unknown type of bread. It was soft yet firm, bouncing back to its original shape in a few seconds.

"Milk bread. A little recipe from a country named China in one of the worlds I lived in. Try it, it's nice," he explained.

One bite. "Wow! You're right! It is tasty! It's really smooth..."

He nodded. "Yep. It's not too sweet: just right there in that Goldilocks zone. That's what I'm trying to go for. There's other recipes for reference."

In his kitchen, he opened up one large metal container, letting a plume of steam drift up. He took out two steamed bun and tossed them towards her.

"They're both good. Doesn't matter which you start with. Tell me which one you like," he explained.

She took a bit out of both, one after the other, then raised up the one in her right hand.

"You like black sesame and not the red bean?"

"I like them both... I really couldn't decide so I said, eh, I'll pick this one. The red bean is really good," Ruby replied.

He nodded. "So you like sweet... might as well make both then."

Bone took out a bag of sesame seeds and a bowl of soaked red beans, roasting the black seeds as he began to take out more ingredients. Butter. Sugar.

"We're going to make two? I mean, he doesn't need to eat at all, but when he does, he virtually has a bottomless stomach. Anyway, two seems a bit much... But hey, more cake for everyone, right?" the Huntress in training asked.

The psychologist nodded. "Yep. One will have multiple stories. I'll make it. Time to art again..."

And so, the two went to work building two glorious cakes to their desired outcome.

The immortal poured white chocolate into molds for use as pillars and layers and for... two familiar figurines. He took out the baked cakes from the oven as he finished the touches on his black sesame seed and red bean paste.

"There we go. That should do it!"

Gently, he packed up the cake and pastes, along with filling, fruit, chocolates, and some other things...

"And to Beacon we go!"

---

(Huntsmen and Huntresses Illustrated Weapons Guide 3)

"Ugh... I hate getting sick... It's always so stressful..." said Dante, looking as though most of his life had been drained away from him.

"You can get sick?! When did this happen?!" Asked Ruby rather concerned.

"Since ever. I just hide away in my lair for the day until it passes. No big deal really."

"Well, at least Inuba was there to take care of you and make sure you weren't being a big dummy."

"Y-Yeah... Let's go with that..." said the young immortal as he quickly recalled the nurse outfit his partner had worn, blushing slightly before shaking his head.

"Speaking of which, why don't we talk about her weapon today? What was it called again? Dark Thesis? Light...Scratcher..?"

"DarkLight Antithesis, Ruby." corrected the young immortal.

"Ugh... You come up with some of the weirdest names ever..."

"What? They're good names."

"Yeah. But they're still weird."

"We gonna talk about the weapon or it's supposedly weird name?"

"Well, you made it. So you talk."

"Right then... So, Inuba's weapon, DarkLight Antithesis, is a weapon I made back when we were on Primordial through the same process I made Anvil, my weapon. Only with one difference. Her weapon has no secondary stages or transformations, it's simply a katana. Well, not simply."

"Since it was made out of the same materials your weapon was made of, that means its components contain Calcified Steel and Empyrean Steel, right?"

"That's right. But here's something I bet the audience didn't know."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Why do you think I mix two of the greatest metals in the universe together, each owned by their respective Dark Entity and Angel races?"

"I don't know but I'm pretty sure its for a good reason!"

"The reason is actually pretty simple. Despite combining the two metals to create the toughest alloy in Creation, each respective metal has their own effective properties."

"Like...one effects a kind of enemy and the other effects another as differently?"

"Pretty much. What you guys didn't know before now, is that Calcified and Empyrean Steel each affect beings differently. Calcified Steel is meant to be extremely effective against all manner of living beings or creatures. Each injury dealt with a weapon that has Calcified Steel weakens and drains the life out of the victim or target. In a way, weapons of that make permanently strengthen themselves marginally with the blood and soul of defeated creatures and beings. The greater the soul or lifeblood pf a being, the greater strengthening effect. Sadly though, the strengthening isn't as big as you'd think it be. Its only marginal."

"And what about Empire Steel?"

"Empyrean Steel, Ruby."

"Right. That."

"Empyrean Steel is wielded by Angels and doesn't have sinister properties like weapons made from Calcified Steel. Empyrean Steel actually has a cleansing effect, meant to cleanse Dark or tainted souls. Instead of greatly effecting living beings or creatures, weapons with Empyrean Steel greatly effect Dark Entities, Shades, Ghosts, Vampires, Werewolves-"

"Just about anything Dark and ugly?"

"In short, yes."

"So you and Inuba wield weapons that pretty much work against anything?"

"In a way, yes."

"Well, what else does it do?"

"I'm glad you asked. Using techniques I learned from Inuba's family, I also used some of their materials to allow her to channel her Aura through her weapon more effectively. Since she can produce fire, this allows her to cloak her weapon in her white fox fire without damaging it or decreasing it's effectiveness. But what you all probably didn't know, is that Inuba's fox fire burns as hot or hotter than the sun can. So if she hits you full force with her fire...well...it's safe to say you are definitely going to be one well-done turkey."

"And if she cloaks her fire around her katana?"

"The extreme amount of heat allows her greater cutting effectiveness. Knife through hot butter and all that. Not only does it allow her to channel her flame-like Aura effectively, but it actually boosts usage of her techniques exponentially since her blade is made from not only Calcified and Empyrean Steel, but also Silvered Steel, a metal Kitsune use for their weapons that works excellently with their powers."

"Triple S effectiveness!" shouted the young reaper in red.

"That's the basic gist of DarkLight Antithesis everybody. Now if you'll excuse me...I'm going back to bed..." said the young immortal.

"What?! You just got up an hour ago to come and do this segment!"

"I did. And we just finished. So I'm going back to sleep."

"Oh no you don't mister! We are going to do stuff today!" said Ruby as she feebly tried to drag Dante away.

"Like what?"

Ruby fell silent, stopping what she was doing to think about her response.

"I don't know, but we'll figure it out as we go! We'll be back...next week...most likely..! Grrrrrrrrr..! Why...won't...you...move?!" said the reaper in red as she tried pushing him this time, much to his amusement since she still hadn't made him budge.

"Hopefully we'll see you all next Friday. If not, Saturday or Sunday most likely. Until next time."

Dante looked down at the struggling Reaper and chuckled before walking away, this time the young immortal dragging Ruby away as she feebly tried to stop him and move in the opposite direction.

---

Alrighty then, we are done for today! Hopefully I can sleep enough before studying for my finals next week. Again, not too concerned except for Pre-Calc. Other than that...eh... So yeah, FFXV. Buy it. You will love it in my opinion if you're a fan of the series or looking for a really fun game to play.

Now then, I highly recommend you all go check out the freaking amazing collab Xera Stark and I are currently working on concerning his story XSRA's Flame. His story overall is absolutely fantastic and is a must read, so I suggest you read from the very start. But, if you're just interested in the awesome collab our two minds put together have created, then mozy on down to chapter 53 of his story for the start. I've said it once and will say it again, you won't want to miss out on this story, and especially this exciting story arc we've created.

Questions? Ask them anytime. I will try to answer without spoiling.

Please remember to review, follow and favorite this story if you really enjoyed it and want to continue seeing more of it. And hey, even tell others about this story! Remember that your support is what helps make this story grow even larger and what helps improve it. With that, I bid you all an excellent week/weekend and hope to see you next time! Bye-bye now!