Hey guys, sorry about this random chapter, but I didn't realize that the concluding one for this arc wasn't uploaded. My bad for that, and please enjoy as usual.

Cheers, Searoar.

With the fires settled and the carnage done with, the Faunus of the agricultural district returned to their charred lots and ashen orchards. However, despite the tragic losses of potential income, humble blessings for the lives of their loved ones echoed across the dusty earth.

"I don't see why I need to come back. Besides, I don't think the people of the district will welcome me with open arms." Hawkins grunted.

Strolling behind Sam, the deer Faunus whistled a merry tune and placed a toothpick between his lips as the dim moon sparkled.

"And what makes you think that? My wife, along with many of the young women of the district. Not to mention your own son and Trifa. I'm sure they'll be jumping for joy when they hear you're coming back! Though Carla and Jaune are back at the house, we can't afford to give Jaune bad sleeping habits you know!"

The duo passed over the northern bridge. Though repairs had been made, there were still significant traces of damage from when Hawkins' boat crashed into it.

"Do none of you fear me? A beast is better left alone in the mountains where it can do no harm." The magician sighed.

"A beast eh? Sorry, but a beast wouldn't be able to speak fluent english." The old farmer scratched his head.

"I won't deny that you scared the crap outta me after you beat those shitty tax collectors, but given your past as a pirate, I didn't expect your sword to stay dry."

Hawkins frowned. "Hmph, in my opinion, the people who call themselves hunters are too soft. The self-proclaimed protectors of the kingdom, while skilled in decapitating Grimm when put against an opponent with a brain they quickly find themselves floundering to stay alive."

"Haha, that's a tad condescending don't you think? My niece is a huntress remember, and I don't think my hard-working Fiona skips out on her physical duties."

"Ms. Thyme and her cohorts are an exception along with the members of STTQ and GPPO. However, other than that handful, I don't see anyone else who could entertain my blade." Hawkins muttered.

Rounding a fence, the shabby homes of the district came into view. Many were beyond repair, and for the few that did survive, found themselves crowded beyond their limits by homeless citizens.

"By the way, I think you owe Trifa a private chat after all is said and done." Sam slowed his steps.

"Trifa? What about her?" The magician quirked a brow.

"She's a quiet one so it's hard to tell, but she's been hurting the most since you left."

"My bond with her is barely credible, and I've known her for only a few weeks. I didn't think she considered me an ally." Hawkins grunted.

"Ally? Come on, Hawkins, think about it. We found Trifa in the streets fending for herself. Yet despite your stoic personality, you lent her a hand without showing pity. If that's not something worth remembering, then I'll give up on my favorite dessert!"

The Acre household no farther than a few meters, the magician hesitated and stopped his advance. By some impossible miracle, the humble abode remained standing, though its roof had many holes.

His crimson eyes narrowed, the former pirate grit his teeth.

"I didn't tell them you know."

With the abrupt voice of Sam ringing him from his thoughts, Hawkins turned to face the deer Faunus.

"What?"

"About you being a pirate."

His brows vexed, the blonde pursed his lips. "Why would you leave out such a crucial detail? Surely your wife would've liked to know she was housing a former criminal."

The farmer laughed. "That's true, but if I went and spit the fact everywhere, not only would Carla be on your tail, but Larry and the other boys would have a field day with your eviction. And by eviction, I mean that I'd have to make do with half of my original workforce, as well as arrange a lot of funerals."

Spitting his toothpick to the dirt, Sam scratched his cheek with a joking smile. Though his grin loosened at the stern glare from his blonde cohort.

"I don't understand. Why are you so willing to let me return? I'm not so naive to assume that your kindness does not come with a price."

"Always the skeptical one, eh? Well, the truth is, I wanted you around to deal with the Grimm. I mean, feeding someone for their services is a lot easier than paying steep wages right?"

Hawkins deadpanned. He didn't need to do a tarot reading to figure out that Sam was lying. Well, not entirely for that matter.

"Not a good enough fib?" The farmer shrugged with his hands clasped behind his neck.

"Fine, the real answer... is because I wanted my wife to have a child."

Hawkins took a moment to study the farmer's features. When he showed no signs of retracting his statement, the magician rubbed his temples and grumbled.

"All of this could have been avoided if you'd taken my offer to adopt Jaune. Didn't I leave specific instructions in my letter for you to do just that?"

"Yes you did, but that doesn't mean we have to agree to it. Don't get me wrong, Carla and I would have poured out all our love for that adorable boy, but I don't think that'd be the best way to go." Sam grinned weakly.

"Hm? And what do you mean by that?" Hawkins asked.

"Ya know the saying of time heals all wounds? I've always hated it. Because no matter how many minutes tick by, there's always a reminder lodged in our memory to remind us of our mistakes. I just..."

The deer Faunus put a palm over his mouth as the corners of his eyes moistened.

"I just don't think I'm ready for that kind of commitment. Every time I see a kid, I'm always worried about seeing a hulking Beowolf behind them. Believe me, the nightmares that night along with my sore jaw, will haunt me until I kick the bucket."

"Hmph, so even you can be rather negative at times," Hawkins smirked.

"I've got emotions just like any other human or Faunus, but there are some that I prefer to keep to myself. Although, it's good to talk about your troubles with someone you trust, healthy even. So when you find the time to tell us about your past, you'll have our full attention."

The magician kept silent but offered a stiff nod.

"Ah, we're here."

A large crowd, all Faunus, the citizens of the agricultural district stood before Hawkins with neutral faces and hollow eyes. The discomfort set, the blonde turned to leave, but the sudden cheers of praise rattled him.

"Welcome back, Hawkins!"

The magician stepped back. The adults smiled, waved, and their offspring jumped up and down at the sight of the former pirate.

"..."

"Haha, too shocked for words, Hawkins?" Sam slapped the blonde's back and ushered him toward the crowd.

"Hiya, Mr. Hawkins. My pa told me how you saved my ma, and she and the other ladies were really worried about missing the chance to properly thank you!" A girl with a pig's tail greeted the stoic man with a pearly smile.

"Hm, do I know you?"

The girl gasped. "It's me, Penelope! You taught me how to read a few weeks ago!"

Rolling his eyes, Hawkins' pupils landed on a broad Faunus with moose antlers. Dressed in his usual overalls, thick bandages were wrapped around both his arms as he sported his usual set of overalls that was now covered in ash and dirt. Swallowing a thick lump, Larry shoved his hands in his pockets and stretched his lips to a neutral line.

The cheers paused as a nervous set of brown eyes met with a fiery crimson. Neither men said anything, and with every passing second, the tension in the air multiplied. Larry was the first to move his lips, but his throat remained dry as a desert. Instead, it was the appearance of a Faunus with white feathers on her arms that spoke up.

She wore a smudged green gown, bumped her way through the crowd, and landed a swift punch to Larry's gut.

"Well, are you going to thank this brave man for saving your girlfriend, or are you just going to mope there with your trap shut?" The young woman scowled.

"I've... been a bit of an ass lately and I'm sorry for that." Larry rubbed his neck. "I used to dismiss the tales Sam said about your heroic acts, but after seeing it first-hand, I guess I was barking with no bite behind my words. I know it's not much, but you have my honest thanks for all that you've done. I'll make sure the other boys don't give you any trouble either."

His piece said, Larry's girlfriend clapped her hands and wrapped an arm around that of her boyfriend's and allowed the magician his space.

Next, Hawkins felt a tug on his pant leg. When he looked down, he didn't expect to see a head of moppy blue hair.

"Trifa?"

The girl shuddered at the sound of her name. The magician knew a conversation with the tyke was inevitable, but he didn't expect the opportunity to present itself so soon. Shooting a glance at Sam, the farmer understood and stuck to the task of diverting all attention toward him.

With this, Hawkins guided Trifa to a secluded and burnt down lot far from curious eyes. He seated himself on a charred crate and pulled out his tarot cards, while the little one who followed him plopped down on his side.

"Well, Sam said you wanted to talk to me so here's your chance."

Her hands clasped together on her lap, Trifa shifted uncomfortably and refused to meet the magician's eye.

"I-I'm happy that you're back."

"Yes, you made that clear when you cheered with the other citizens." Hawkins deadpanned.

"I-I mean that I was really that you decided to stick around. I didn't get to pay you back for what you did for me, so I was really sad when you left."

The magician sighed. "I understand that my abrupt decision to vacate the kingdom was uncalled for, and I apologize for that. However, given the circumstances and various tarot readings, I came to the conclusion that a quick departure would be beneficial for us all."

"O-Oh..."

Trifa bit her lower lip. Her eyes shifting from the scorched dirt to the stoic blonde next to her, she opened her mouth, but no words came out. Unable to voice her feelings, Trifa lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Hawkins' waist, and nuzzled her face in his chest.

Taken aback, the magician's cards fluttered to the ground as he steadied himself with the sudden weight. MUffled sobs drenching his cloak, it took all of Hawkins' willpower to not force Trifa off his person.

"Y-You're not going to ditch us again are you?"

"..."

Her question answered with silence, the spider Faunus tilted her trembling gaze upward. His stoic crimson on full blast, Hawkins let out a long breath and patted Trifa's scalp. The action was met with a hitched breath and more tears, but through it all the young Faunus managed a quivering smile.

"The best chances of me living a content life is here in the agricultural district. I see no reason to abandon the area or the people here." Hawkins said with finality.

"S-So you're going to stay?"

"Don't make me repeat myself." The blonde grumbled.

Nodding frantically, Trifa continued to cry, but this time her tears carried happiness and not sorrow.

/-/

As a peaceful night passed over the kingdom of Vale and all its citizens, not all could come to accept the docile circumstances. In a realm far beyond the reach of man, stood a round stone stage plagued with cracks centered around a giant tree.

Its branches splintered and bark withered, its once plush leaves were a thing of the past. Upheaved, the tree's roots clutched to the dusty stone foundations, feebly trying to keep its top upright.

Surrounded by a steep ring of mountains, not a single ray of light graced the path of cracked marble stairs which formed a pathway that led to where the withered tree rested. Yet, despite being forgotten and abandoned, life still stirred in this realm but those who remained were nothing more than whispers.

At the base of the tree, four hazy forms of steam of respective colors gathered. The first to speak was the green one.

"So, Bastion. Has your champion provided any results?"

The white steam spoke next. "His progress is... interesting. While not what I expected, the results my straw-wielder has produced are satisfactory."

"Satisfactory?!" The blue smoke scoffed. "This Hawkins character is nothing but trouble! He's a coward at heart, and his morals are far from credible. Tell me, how will this guardian fare against the demons the pale witch has assembled?"

"Ease your tongue," the final orange cloud spoke. "The journey of Bastion's warrior is far from over, and I can tell you that he is a man of discipline. He will bestow the necessary fundamentals the blonde child requires, and after Hawkins has fulfilled this role, we will relieve him of his duties."

"Relieve?" The white smoke asked.

"We must prevent Hawkins from growing too attached to this world. As with each passing year, our powers wane and the link we hold to the other world crumbles. It's best you hasten the process, Bastion, for time is not on our side." The green steam sighed.

Their joined meeting at its conclusion, one by one the forms of smoke dissipated into nothingness. However, the white steam lingered for a few seconds longer.

"We cannot allow Hawkins to grow attached to this world? Isn't that... too cruel a hand to deal him?"

*The Mistralian Crocodile. Sub Arc. End.*