A/N: Patrick certainly had a fun time working with the Student Council...We all know he did. But he did learn something interesting involving Selena's Uncle. One that he predicts would lead her to danger. How will he handle this?
Chapter 10: Stalker of the Night
It's a quiet day for Gaia in his Karaoke Lodge. He goes over his notes on his computer, when he hears glass breaking. Much to his curiosity, he leaves his desk to investigate. The moment he turns the corner, Patrick and Rayla appear out of nowhere.
Patrick sits on the chair to look over Gaia's computer. Rayla stands before him with disappointment. "Honestly, snooping around to raid a man's computer. What terrible manners."
"I don't have time for your little Manners Speech. Just keep watch for our little friend." Patrick says. Rayla just hmphs and activates her Semblance, turning invisible. Patrick turns his attention back to the computer. "All right, 'Uncle Gaia', what are you hiding?"
He searches all over the files. He finds nothing but the work stuff. Application forms. Equipment Bills. Certificates and Permits. List of Reviews. He finds a list of renters and visitors. He opens the folder and sees a ton of files of people. He scrolls through the names. He finds one that actually captures his attention. 'Elizabeth Akimura.' He clicks to open it, but...
'File Access Blocked.'
He figured as much that this would happen. Patrick takes out his Scroll and plugs it in. He begins Decrypting, only ends up frustrated. "Damn it."
"Master Patrick." Patrick turns to find Rayla warning him. "He's coming back."
In a hurry, Patrick does some work on the computer. Once he's finished, he disconnects his Scroll then closes all the windows. He tells Rayla he is finished and they vanished. Gaia returns to his desk. He feels curious like he senses a ghostly presence. Once he sits back down on his computer he sees everything is how he left it, then shrugs it off and resumes working.
Patrick and Rayla make their way back to Beacon. "Care to explain why we are doing this?" Rayla asks.
"I don't have solid evidence to explain, but I believe Se-" Patrick cuts himself off realizing what he's about to say then clears his throat. "Sherry could be in trouble going to this Karaoke Place."
"Paranoid much? You really could relax." Rayla says.
"I know what I'm doing, Rayla," Patrick warns her. He looks at his scroll. "I just need to decrypt the file I copied. I'm positive he's hiding something in it."
Patrick returns to the Dorm, where he finds Marlene working on her studies. Patrick shows Marlene the file on his scroll and explains the situation, about how Selena signed up for a Karaoke Lodge, and the place is run by a stranger who claims to be close friends with her mother. He saw signs of his perverted nature and it lends him to his own suspicions.
"I know you have a thing against Perverts, but that doesn't mean they're dangerous," Marlene says.
"Oh trust me, you don't know them as well as I do," Patrick says. "If he's not dangerous, then how do you explain he as a file of Selena's mother? With it cryptic?"
Marlene takes a look at the file, she tries to open it but it blocks her off as well. "Okay, I'll admit that's a little suspicious. But maybe he's just protecting her personal information."
"Oh, he's protecting something all right," Patrick says. "But I'm not taking any chances. So, can you hack into it?"
Marlene and Patrick head for the library. Marlene connects the scroll onto one of the computers and examines it. Marlene is shocked to see it. "It's Atlesian Encryption. Only a Master Hacker can crack it."
"Well, can you do it?" Patrick asks.
"I can try, but my father only taught me so much about coding. I'll need some time." Marlene says.
Patrick groans in annoyance. "Fine. Just be quick about it...And we must keep this a secret from everyone. Especially Instructor Kirei." Marlene nods in agreement. Just then, an announcement goes out in the P.A.: 'Will all First-Year Students please report to the Amphitheater.' "Looks like our research has to wait for a while."
All of the First-Year Students headed towards the Amphitheater. The room is full of First-Year Students while Ozpin and Glynda take the stage. Ozpin gives out an encouraging speech about the anniversary of how the Great War came to an end 76 years ago, where the world was once driven into chaos and now the world is at peace. With the four kingdoms stand together united against the great threat, as well as a reminder about the Vytal Festival taking place in Vacuo
Most of the time, Patrick just focused his attention on Ozpin, figuring out what it is that man could be hiding. He remembers how he was behaving at the opening ceremony when he first came to Beacon.
"As First-Year Students, you will be tasked with shadowing a Professional Huntsman or Huntress on a Mission. Some of you may be taken out of the kingdom for several days, others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best."
The students' applause as Ozpin steps down. "Such an inspiring speech," Marlene says.
"He certainly has that...charming charismatic," Akira says.
Patrick just scoffs while crossing his arms. "Please, I don't trust him as far as I can throw him."
"You don't trust anyone, don't you?" Marlene asks.
"Watch it, Watts." Patrick warns her.
Selena awkwardly laughs. "N-Now, now everyone. Let's not get all tensed up. Anyways, let's check the mission boards."
Team PASM Observes one of the mission boards, deciding on what to pick. While discussing it, Professor Ozpin shows up. "Actually...I would like to have a word with you four." Ozpin escorts Team PASM through the halls of Beacon. "As I'm sure you are aware, students of Beacon Academy are given the choice to choose a mission and a professional Huntsman and Huntress of their choosing. However, your team is a...special cause."
"A special cause? What do you mean?" Marlene asks. Hearing that just makes Patrick suspicious.
"In due time you will understand. But for now, I believe that your team should work on a mission under certain supervision." Ozpin says.
"Yeah, to keep an eye on me I bet," Patrick says under his breath.
"I have already assigned a Mission and a Professional Huntsman for you. He awaits you in the Courtyard." Ozpin says.
The girls start making their way to the courtyard. Patrick just stays behind with Ozpin until they're out of hearing range. "This is all about me, isn't it? Did Ironwood put you up to this? To keep an eye on me and my Criminal Mercenary Ways?"
"Patrick Aki, while I admit James does have his superstitious ways with interesting characters such as yourself, I can assure you that your Past Activities have nothing to do with you," Ozpin says.
"Then would you care to tell me what the real reason is?" Patrick asks.
"I am afraid to tell you that is not an answer I can provide just yet," Ozpin says, which only earns him a distrustful stare from Patrick. "Now now don't be like that. Don't forget I trusted you with the information of your sister and the Maidens. All I ask from you is to trust me on this, and in time you'll learn to understand my ways. Now, I believe your team and Huntsman are waiting for you."
Patrick doesn't say anything for a while. Afterward, he starts heading out. "Don't think this is over, 'Professor."
Meanwhile, Akira, Marlene, and Selena are all lined up to meet their huntsman. Akira and Marlene are both calm and quiet while Selena is...a little nervous. The Huntsman they're working with is none other than Qrow Branwen. He looks at the girls in a drunken state pleasantly laughing. "Well, looky here. I get to work with some lovely younglings." Qrow takes a drink while the girls remain silent, though Selena does take a step back and have Marlene and Akira cover her. "So, three of you are here. Where's your fourth member?" Patrick arrives, only to find himself surprised at who his huntsman is. Qrow looks at Patrick, expecting another cutie girl, but turns to disappointment. "Oh, it's you again."
Patrick crosses his arms. "Qrow Branwen."
The girls looked back and forth at Qrow and Patrick surprised. "You two know each other?" Selena asks.
"Let's just say we had a history together," Qrow says.
"Not a friendly one last time I checked," Patrick adds. "So, you're now our Shadowing Huntsman?"
"Watch the attitude, buddy. Things are different now." Qrow says. "Now then, shall we go?"
Qrow and Patrick entered the airship glaring at each other, while Marlene, Selena, and Akira entered the ship, with Marlene and Selena getting a bad feeling about this trip.
The Airship takes off, leaving Beacon Academy, leaving the Kingdom of Vale. Marlene and Selena can't help but feel unease. Patrick and Qrow have been quiet the whole trip to their destination. Akira remains calm, mediating even.
The hours past and the airship arrived in the Kingdom of Mistral. Marlene and Selena look out the windows, amazed at the view of the land and its villages. Patrick just rolls his eyes at their behavior and joins Qrow at the controls.
"All right, Huntsman. Would you care to fill us in on this mission?" Patrick asks.
"I'll be happy to...Once we land and we can get away from you." Qrow says.
"You got a death wish, Branwen?" Patrick threatens.
"Tch, you don't scare me, kid." Qrow takes another sip of his drink. "There's a town in the Kingdom of Mistral. Reports are coming in about a Grimm attacking the village and people disappearing at night. Our job is to naturalize the threat."
"So we just find this Grimm and kill it," Patrick says.
Qrow just laughs hearing that. "If that is your plan on handling the situation, you won't last a minute against it," Qrow says. "Our plan is simple, we go around town asking questions, learn what we're dealing with here."
By the time they have arrived at their destination, the sun begins to set. Team PASM and Qrow walk around town. While they do, They all take notice of how empty this village has become. Very few are out in the open. Those that are out in the open seemed terrified.
"All right, where do we begin, Huntsman Branwen?" Akira asks.
"First things first, we have no idea what it is we are dealing with or where our target is. I suggest investigating the area to see what we can learn." Qrow says.
Patrick crosses his arms. "To defeat your enemy, you must know your enemy."
"Well, lookie here. The boy is actually learning. Keep it up and you'll be a real huntsman." Qrow says, finishing with taking a drink. Patrick only tightens his glare towards him, offended by his comment. "Let's start by asking the townsfolk."
Qrow and Team PASM walked around the town talking to the citizens that remain roaming outside.
They begin their questioning with the fruit vendor.
"Disappearing Villagers? I cannot say I know anything about that. As for the Grimm that's attacking us, I'm always inside when it happens." The vendor says.
"Is there anything unusual that's happened after the attacks happened?" Marlene asks.
The vendor thinks for a moment. "Well. Now that you mention it, almost every morning I come to my stand to find it covered in large webs. I don't know if it relates to what is happening here, but it sure leaves a mess. I'd hate for it to happen on the day I get a visit from the Health Inspector."
With that done, they move to the next person, which is some maiden sweeping the front step of her house. "I'm sorry but I don't think I can be of much help."
"Any little information can of help. If you know something you can tell us." Selena says.
The woman smiles and gives a single nod before continuing to speak. "My daughter was taken last night. She was playing in the yard and I heard her scream. When I come outside she was gone. I heard a loud noise and I turned to it, it was a Grimm."
"What kind of a Grimm was it?" Selena asks.
"I don't know, it was moving so fast. I tried following it looking for Diana but it ended up in a dark ally. I couldn't see what it was, but I did see its burning red eyes. All four of them." Hearing that comment have Selena confused, even whispered 'Four eyes.' "It jumped at me and I cowered, only it leaped over me and bolted."
With that done, they moved on to the next person to question, which is one of the village guards.
"Yeah, I saw the Grimm coming into our town at night. But it was so dark and moving fast I couldn't see what it was." The guard says.
"So you have no idea what it could be?" Akira asks the guard.
"Well, I may have a theory." The guard reaches into his pocket. One morning I went to investigate the area where I encountered the beast, and I found this." The guard takes out his scroll and shows a projection of a picture. It shows the ground with round dot prints. "I believe these could be its footprints. There's certainly a trail of them to believe they are."
The sun sets, leaving the sky black with a faded orange over the horizon. Everyone gathers in front of an inn. "Another attack is bound to happen and we still have no idea what we are dealing with here," Patrick says. "Some plan, Branwen."
"Don't get your hat in a twist, kid. I think we all know what it is we are dealing with here." Qrow takes a sip of his drink while the rest of us remain clueless. "Let's review what we have learned here. Something unusual happened at the vendor. What was it?"
"His stand is covered in webs," Marlene says.
"And the lady, what did she saw?" Qrow asks.
"Four Burning Red Eyes," Selena says.
"And lastly, what did the guard show us?" Qrow asks.
"Markings on the ground indicated as footprints," Akira says.
"That's right. And what do all of those have in common?" Qrow asks.
They all think for a moment. Patrick realizes as he snaps his fingers. "A Shadowcrawler."
Qrow claps his hands. "Oh wow, the slow one figured it out." Patrick aggressively glares at Qrow.
"Shadowcrawlers. I've heard about them. They're Spider Grimm." Selena says. "They must be the one behind the disappearing villagers."
"Indeed. Shadowcrawlers are not like any other Grimm. They attack people feed on their Aura." Qrow says.
Everyone, even Patrick, is astonished to hear that. "They...Feed...On our Auras?" Marlene asks.
"Indeed. For how or why they do, nobody understands. All we know once they completely drain your Aura, it's Game Over." Qrow says. "Giving that this Shadowcrawler can abduct people, I suspect we're dealing with a really big one."
"So we track this beast down and kill it," Patrick says.
"It's not that simple, kid," Qrow says as he looks up to the skies. "It's already Night Fall. It'll be out hunting. We wait in the village for it to come."
Qrow's plan isn't a safe opinion but with no other opinion in such a short time, everyone agreed. As Qrow suggests, everyone splits into three teams: Patrick and Marlene, Akira and Selena, and Qrow Solo. Much to Selena's suggestion, they tell everyone in the village to remain indoors, lock their doors and windows and stay hidden inside.
The full moon takes its highest point upon the nighttime sky. Once all the citizens are warned, they have begun their patrols. Qrow patrols the streets on the Southwest of the Village. He takes out his scroll "This is Qrow Branwen checking in. All Teams, report."
Marlene answers her Scroll. "Patrick Aki and I, Marlene Watts, checking in. We're in the streets of the Northern Distract."
Selena and Akira check-in. "Sherry Farron and Akira Rhysenshi checking in, we're positioned at the Southeast edge of the Village," Akira says.
"All right. Everyone keep an eye out for our target. Report anything suspicious you find. If the Shadowcrawler is found, do not engage. Report your location and wait for everyone."
Patrick and Marlene keep their eyes and ears open. It's all quiet, a little too quiet in Patrick's case. As they patrol among the streets, they hear a loud crash. They turn to the direction of the noise from which it came. Patrick turns on the flashlight on his scroll and slowly moves into an ally.
"Patrick and Marlene reporting in: We've detected suspicious activity. Going in to investigate." Marlene follows Patrick into the ally. They hear the noise again. Patrick draws out one of his swords with his free hand and Marlene stands behind him, observing the direction in which he is going. They reach the source of the noise, which is a bunch of knocked-down trash cans and a stray cat. The cat looks at them, yowls, and then runs off.
Patrick relaxes and Marlene lets out a relieved sigh. "False Alarm. Just a cat." Marlene says to the scroll. Patrick and Marlene make their leave from the ally. Only the second they are out, a giant being jumps in front of them and roars. Shocked that they realize the monster before them is a giant Spider Grimm. The Shadowcrawler. Patrick quickly takes out his blades, shifting them into a bow to shoot at the beast. The arrow hits the Shadowcrawler on the face but does no effect against it, only provoked the beast.
The Shadowcrawler roars viciously. it swipes at Patrick, who manages to do a quick block but got knocked back. The Shadowcrawler faces Marlene, who lets out an alert on the scroll. "We found the target! At an ally on Bulletin Avenue in Northern-"
The monster sprays its web onto Marlene, cutting off her warning to the others, wrapping her around in its webs. Marlene screams for help as she's being dragged away. Once Patrick is out of his daze, he realizes the situation at hand.
"Marlene!"