Lord of Gifts in the Forgotten Realm

by Djoklecjan

After his defeat, as the last act of defiance, Sauron strikes a deal with his former Master, and finds himself in the Forsaken World, which is set for a downfall. Will Annatar change Remnant's future for the better? Or Sauron will make it even worse? Or, perhaps, Mairon will change some of his views?

10. Chapter 7: Motivations

„Do I really need to wear this?" Annatar looked at his black suit.

"You look good Chief, no worries." Nathan reassured from the couch.

"Still, it's rather… small." With snap of his fingers, he changed his size, shrinking from above two meters to something around one hundred eighty centimeters. "Much better." He said while looking at the sleeves. "But black is not my color…" with another snap of his fingers, his suit changed colors into molten-metal red.

Smith adjusted few more things, but prolonged silence finally caught his attention, he looked on Nathan and made surprised face noticing his underling's shocked confusion.

"Is there something wrong?"

Once again only silence answered.

"Yowwick?"

"How are you able to do something like this?"

"Like what?" Sauron asked, sounding innocent.

"You just shrank yourself!" Goon broke his composure. "I thought your semblance is lightening fire, or those eyes of yours…"

"I never claimed to be using a semblance." Sauron said.

"Then what the hell is it!? Some kind of magic?"

"Close, but still far from the truth." Sauron chuckled, but his face became sharpened, threatening even. "I could tell what it is, or I could SHOW you what I am. But the question is: What do you TRULY desire to know?"

Yowwick scratched his chin, then tilted his head and without saying a word, and made his choice. Sauron smiled, and Annatar's face turned to a normal, cheerful face of your neighbor smith.

"Then, what do you think of it?" He pointed at his suit, continuing like nothing happened.

"Now It looks even better on you Chief." Nathan gave him a thumbs up.

"It is still underwhelming." Annatar said with clear distaste. He dined in halls of Numenorian kings, which flourished with gold and silver, danced with Elven princesses in Celebrimbor's court under the stars. In comparison to that, Vale's sense of style looked… dull.

"You are just going to talk with the governor, not redefine fashion."

"Not redefine fashion yet." Sauron pointed out. "Pleasures after the work."

"Like a sweet desert Chief." Yowwick agreed, and with satisfied smile, Sauron opened the door and left his room.

There, beside the long limo Malachite twins waited for him, Junior would not let his most valuable business partner travel without a proper entourage.

"Do I meet expectations of Vale's upper class?" He asked them.

"You sure do." Militiades said and her sister nodded.

"It is not your style, that's for sure." Melanie added. "But still looks good."

"Then it is time." Annatar turned to the armor stand, on which armor made of black metal stood. "Rogtar za vend, snaga." He whispered with a vile tongue, and armor born of hate reacted to his words. Although he said that quietly, his words still sent shivers down the spines of people in forge.

The Black Speech – Creation out of necessity to unify his thralls, a tongue which most vile and twisted servants understood and obeyed without question, while humans and elves trembled upon hearing it. Unlike Quenya, language of the elves, which makes the speaker sound like he is singing, Black Speech contains only pure, savage might.

After all, you can't speak to the wicked in poems.

"Tell the crew they have a day off, they deserve it." Sauron said to Daniel, and tossed something to him. "Have some fun."

"Thanks Boss!" Daniel, his lookout for guests, saluted, then turned on his feet and run to the rest of the group.

"You seriously want to leave this place unguarded?" Melanie asked while Eregion's crew cheered to Daniel upon receiving extra payment. "Junior could certainly lent you some men." Annatar gave her the sweetest smile imaginable.

"Dear Melanie, Limestone is my domain, and if I leave someone to guard it during my absence, it will be taken as a sign of weakness." Sauron answered as he opened the door of the borrowed limousine. "Besides, Eregion can protect itself." He took his seat and with satisfaction watched how the goons are sealing his forge before they leave for party. Sisters looked at one another, shrugged their arms and got on the front seats.

"Yowwick." Sauron called for his subordinate. "Take a seat on my left."

"Sure thing Chief." Nathan sat on the couch. "Oh wow, It is so comfortable."

"You said the exact same thing when you sat on a wooden chair."

"Chief, I had to wear a giant bear suit, everything is more comfortable than that."

"Giant what?"

"Forget it Chief, this part of my life is waaay behind. Or at least I hope it is." Sauron chuckled as the car started to drive.

"I see." Annatar made himself comfortable.

Everything went according to plan so far. – He made himself an valuable member of the community and unofficial leader of Limestone, which will serve as a perfect foundation for his future projects. And thanks to the gathered treasures, he became an important business partner of Junior Xiong, for Eregion now served as a financial pillar of the Xiong's little 'empire', while also staying as far away as possible from the more… shady businesses. But when he prepared himself to launch the second stage of his plan, he found himself before an unexpected obstacle.

For his more ambitious ideas and plans, he had to receive a governor's approval, but when he tried to receive it, he was dismissed as a 'low priority'. And Sauron knew why.

Long time ago, way before he arrived to this world, people of Limestone worked in three large manufactories, and made their living based on the salaries earned from their hard work. But due to time and technological advancements, manufactories were shut down, and later two were turned into museums, while the third one was left to crumble, it's location too "unattractive" for investors.

And due to losing their primary source of income, and continuous neglect from the authorities, the entire area and its neighbors were plunged into obscurity and poverty, which was used by Xiong's family.

But thanks to Sauron, Limestone was rejuvenated, old schools refitted, outdated technologies replaced and old buildings slowly reconstructed. This brought much needed investment and people, which in turn bought humans loyalty to him, and only him.

However, it was apparently not enough to change the stance of the government. Something he intended to change today.

"Yowwick, would you kindly read me the list?" Sauron asked.

"Sure thing." Goon took a sheet of paper, put on his glasses. "Well, that's a very long list."

"Start from the top priority ones." Sauron commanded, and looked at outside from the vehicle.

Car now rode under the shadow of the city's wall, the mighty structure built during the Great War to protect the Capital.

Just like all major cities on Remnant, Vale raised its walls to protect itself from the ever looming threat of the Grimm while its protectors ventured to the far shores to wage war, but thanks to its natural barriers, Vale only had to deal with small, yet mobile packs of these deadly beasts. That, and growing manpower issue prompted the Council to find more creative solution to their problem.

Soon, a large armored train was riding on top of the wall, casting it's shadow on the buildings below. Armed with machine guns, cannons and heavy artillery, requiring only few people to operate, it could reach any part of the city wall in no time thanks to large, underground train network.

Sauron admired briefly the creation born from human resourcefulness while Yowick kept reading him a list.

"…The bus network is too inflexible, there is literally one bus per three hours, which makes morning's ride to work a miserable experience for those without cars…"

Of course, he could tell Yowwick that he already memorized the list, but it would spoil the test he prepared for his subordinate. For this human proved to be useful, but maybe his usefulness can be extended? And also, Sauron could enjoy the views without someone interrupting him with unexpected details.

For now, he decided to simply enjoy the ride.

---

"Ursa minor, simply referred to as 'ursa', is one of the more common creature of the Grimm." Professor Port showcased the image of roaring bear-like Grimm on the projector. "Usually, Ursa Minor is larger than a grizzly bear but smaller than the Cave bear, and like all creatures of the Grimm, Ursa grows with time. The largest Ursa ever recorded lived in Mistrelian mountains and was called by locals 'Ozark'" image shifted to standing twenty-five feet tall Ursa major, most of its body covered in thick bone, lifting the pickup truck with little to no effort. "Although Ozark was an unique specimen, all Ursa's should be able to reach the same size, if not for continuous efforts of Hunters to cull the strongest, as well as their rivals in nature."

Weiss wrote that in her notebook, writing in 'potential exam questions': "Ursa's height while standing: between from ten to twenty feet."

"For Ursa's are very territorial creatures, and constantly fights with other animals for dominance." Professor continued. "Unlike Beowolves, which travel in packs from place to place in search of easy prey, Ursa minor often live in pairs or alone. In fact, there was once a theory that two Ursa's are mates, and when one of them dies, it's partner is unable, or unwilling to find another. But it was ultimately disproven by me twelve years ago." Port smiled at the memory, then the image started to shift. "You see, to check if that theory was true, I had too..."

"NOO!" Class screamed as they turned away from the screen, while Yang covered Ruby's eyes. Professor looked at them with confusion, then at the screen and laughed.

"Kids this days, easily spooked." He said with amusement, then shifted the picture. "As you didn't see, Ursa's lack the reproductive function, just like all creatures of the Grimm."

"Or like Cardin!" Nora rose from her seat said out loud in sudden realization, and the class started to laugh at the bully's expense, and Cardin, at first looked at her with shock, then slammed his fist against his desk to shut everyone up.

"I ask you student Valkyrie, to refrain from such comments in my class." Professor Port said calmly, Nora showed Winchester her tongue and sat back on her seat.

With a sigh, Weiss wrote in her notebook. "Ursa lack this." She wasn't pleased that Professor didn't take action to punish Nora or Cardin, but she kind of understood - Cardin was hated by 'everyone', even teachers disliked him, but since his father is an influential figure in the city and a noble, they had to tolerate his customs.

"However, after a long time, approximately 10 or 12 years, Ursa enters another stage of its life: Ursa Major." Professor continued, and image on the projector turned into a well-known Ursa-Major. "At this stage and for still unknown reasons, Ursa Major leaves its territory for another pair of Ursa minors to inhabit, and wanders closer to human settlements in search of a target. By this time, it's bone-armor is well-developed and able to take on the shots from 0.50 caliber round, and sometimes even shake off fire from the small 30mm cannon." He pointed his stick at the claws. "It's armor is particularly strong on its back and paws, but weaker on the joints and around the neck. With that in mind, how would you approach this fight student Ren?"

"I would aim under its knees to immobilize it, then use my speed to get into its blind spot, then slash its throat." Ren answered without batting an eye.

"That's correct, you would do exactly what any good hunter would do!" Peter exclaimed with pride for his student. "Are there any other weak spots?"

One hand burst into the air faster than others.

"Yes, student Rose?"

"Eyes!" She said and pointed at her own eyes. "I can blind it and ursa will go 'aaah I can't see!' while I will slash its paws!"

Students chuckled as Ruby enthusiastically explained her reasoning, and Port thought about it, then nodded in agreement.

"You are correct student Rose, Ursa's eyes are easy to aim for, but always remember, after blinding it, the beast will run berserk, so gain some distance before re-engaging it. And make sure no civilian is present nearby!" Ruby sat down with a smile while Weiss just rolled her eyes.

"Is she making it on purpose?" She thought just when the bell rung.

"That's all for today, on our next lesson we will talk about more dangerous prowlers of the night. Class dismissed!"

"See you in the dorm!" Ruby said to her teammates and disappeared in burst of rose petals.

"And what's up with her?" Weiss asked, and Yang shrugged her arms.

"You can ask her if you want. Like her partner." Blonde brawler replied.

"Nevermind, I didn't care anyway." Weiss took her belongings and went after the team JNPR, who just left the classroom.

"Check this out!" With excited smile, Nora started to pull out something from her backpack. "Pamparampam ta-daa!" She finally pulled a box with a game.

"Wow, 'Grimm attack vol 5?'How did you get that!?" Jaune asked with surprise, and Nora put a finger on her lips.

"That's a girl's secret." She looked at Ren and pointed his finger at him. "And this time, I will beat your butt Ren!" He chuckled in response.

"Like the previous eighteen times?"

"This time will be different!"

"Then I look forward to it." Ren replied.

"This is gonna be a gaming evening everybody!" Nora looked at Pyrrha, and with teasing voice said. "Oh Pyrrrrrha..."

"What?"

"You know what 'what'." She continued to tease, while Pyrrha's face started to turn red. "Don't be shy..."

"What is she talking about?" Jaune turned to his partner, and Pyrrha looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Nothing really." She answered, only for Nora to handle the box to Arc.

"Read here." With a cheeky smile, she pointed with her finger at the underlaying text.

"Jaune, it is really nothing important!" Pyrrha wanted to stop him.

"You voiced one of the characters!?" Jaune looked at her with disbelief, and Pyrrha, now her face as red as her hair, looked down at her feet.

"Y-yes."

"You can play as Pyrrha, you can play as Pyrrha!" Nora chanted, and Champion hid her face in her hands.

"Nora please." Ren tried to stop her, but to no avail, as she continued her tease.

"Jaune can finally play with you!" Pyrrha's embarrassment reached the boiling point.

"That's so awesome!" Arc finally said, and Pyrrha's face slowly started to turn back to normal.

"You really think that?"

"Of course! First, you are on cereal box, now you voice a character in game? You are like, famous or something!"

Ren just shook his head, Nora giggled, and Pyrrha blinked few times, then started to laugh as well.

"You can say that."

"Not to boast or to sound cocky, but I was a pro in previous game." Jaune tried to sound as confident as possible. "So, don't take it too badly when you lose."

"You want to... play with me?" She asked, surprised by the offer.

"Well yeah! It is probably the only activity in which I stand a chance against you." And when he said that, Pyrrha looked sideways, with a happy smile.

"You really think Pyrrha would want to waste time with something do childish?" Weiss suddenly jumped into the conversation just when Pyrrha was about to speak.

"If you want to join as Snow Angel, then there is always an open spot for you." Jaune winked to her, and Weiss groaned in response.

"I have way better things to do than wasting time playing some stupid games." She crossed her arms. "And I would prefer to listen to Professor's Oobleck than hanging out with you."

"Low blow." Nora whispered to Ren.

"I had plans for today. Sorry." Pyrrha said to resolve the tension. "Maybe another time."

"Sure. Invitation is always up for you." Jaune nodded, then looked at Weiss. "For you too Snow Angel."

"I will pass." Weiss replied with clear distaste.

"Then see you later Pyrrha! Join us when you finish!" And with that said, three members of the team JNPR left, talking about the 'combo moves' from previous games.

"Video games." Weiss scoffed and turned to Pyrrha. "What a waste of time, right?"

"I guess?" Pyrrha tried to sound as polite as possible. "I need to meet someone, so sorry, but I need to leave." Pyrrha turned on heel and went the opposite direction, but Weiss walked up to her.

"Maybe I can tag along?" Heiress asked.

"But I thought you had other plans?" Pyrrha said, and Weiss scoffed and dismissively waved her hand.

"Xiao Long is probably going to party in some backwater bar, Belladonna is more interested in her books, and Rose is probably doing something pointless." Weiss explained. "And I wanted to hang out with you today, if you don't mind."

"I don't." Pyrrha left a defeated sigh, being too polite to just tell the Schnee to go away. Not to mention the bad publicity it would bring.

"Great!" Weiss clapped her hands. "So, what did you plan today?"

"I wanted to go to the training hall." Pyrrha said. "To…"

"How could I forget?" Weiss interrupted her. "You are a Champion, of course you maintain a rigorous training."

Pyrrha raised her hand to interjected, but Weiss wouldn't stop here.

"Then I will gladly join in one of your training sessions!" Pyrrha lowered her hand with defeat.

"Sure." Both girls walked to retrieve their weapons.

---

"Allright!" Ruby sat slamming the book on a desk and sat before it. "It's time for studying, team leader Ruby!"

She looked at a clock. "Read first thirty pages in three hours, got it."

She didn't even touch the notes during the weekend, so she had five days* to read one hundred fifty pages. No big deal, she is a really quick reader.

"And start!" With enthusiastic smile, she started to read.

But after a while, her smile slowly faded away, her silver eyes became heavier, and boredom made its place on her face.

"This is boring." She concluded and looked at the clock, and, much to her disbelief, only five minutes passed.

With a heavy sigh, she returned to the task, but after some time, her vision became blurred, and words started to somehow mix on the paper.

She yawned, trying not to fall asleep, and again looked at the clock.

Again, only five minutes.

"Oh cmon!" She groaned. "It was way longer than that!"

She picked up her scroll. "Short break won't hurt." She thought and started to play a game.

And after a what appeared to be a quick, yet intense round, she shutdown her scroll.

"Okay, time to go back to studying team leader Ruby!" She tried to encourage herself, and looked at the clock...

Fourty five minutes.

She scratched her eyes, not able to believe what she see.

"Hey! It wasn't that long!" She tried to argue with the clock, yet reality yet again proved to be deaf on what people want.

"Alright, two hours, twenty-five pages, still possible." She said and returned to reading though the script.

And yet again her body became tired. She read page after page, said what she learnt out loud, only to realize that she forgot what was three pages away, so she had to return to the start few times.

After that much struggle, she leant on her chair. Now she was able to recite the first ten pages out of her memory. A good start.

She looked at a clock, and oh well, one hour passed.

"WHAT!?" She now realized that she is not even half way through. She slammed her head against the book and groaned.

Meanwhile Blake walked into the room with a book from the library in hand, walked past depressed Ruby, jumped on her bunk bed and started to read it.

Just when she was ready to immerse herself, Ruby groaned again, trying to get her attention. Blake left a sigh and tried to continue reading, only to be interrupted yet again be even louder groan. Her left eye twitched, but Belladonna took a deep breath and tried to focus on her book

Only for even louder groan to interrupt her yet again.

"What is it Ruby?" Blake asked, trying to sound calm

"Studying is sooo booooring." Ruby replied, her head still laying on the desk.

"Yes, it is." Blake half-heartedly agreed, trying her best to focus on her book.

"I love books, why they don't love me back?" Ruby continued her rambling.

"Some books are not worth loving." Blake bluntly replied, already getting immersed.

"What are you reading?" Ruby appeared right beside her teammate, and Blake put the book away.

"The Story of the Seasons." Blake replied. "It is a story about the Maidens, who have to…"

"It is a classic! Let me see!" Ruby sat behind her and looked past her arm. "My father used to read it to me before the sleep."

"That's sweet of him." Blake replied, but this brought memory of her father reading her books when she was little. She remembered how he passionately read her various fairy tales, keeping her on the edge of her seat.

But the memory of her father was quickly followed by guilt. After all, she left him without saying a word.

"Do you believe it?" Ruby suddenly asked, drawing her out of her thoughts.

"Believe what?"

"That Maidens existed? And there is like… actual magic."

Blake thought for a moment. "I hope they existed."

"Hope?" Ruby inquired, genuinely curious about Blake's opinion.

"Remnant is… not a perfect place. We hide behind the walls from the Grimm, we are depended on dust to survive, tensions between Humans and Faunus are reaching the boiling point…" Blake counted on her finger, then looked at the first page of the book, where was a painting depicting four woman, each representing one of the seasons. "…And thought that four maidens came and brought beauty, good harvest and safety for everyone, regardless of who they were brings me solace. Because if they really existed and did all of what was written in the book then, maybe one day, they will return and fix the world once again?" Blake looked at Ruby.

"I understand." Ruby nodded. "I think that's a very good view."

"And what about you Ruby?" Blake decided to continue the conversation. "Do you believe in Maidens?"

"With all my heart!" Ruby pat her chest, and Blake chuckled.

"And why?"

"Because just like for you, it gives me hope." Ruby took a deep breath. "Maidens were capable of great things, like creating an oasis in the center of Vacuo, or raising mountains in Vale, heal deepest wounds and grant wishes. If magic is real, then everything Is possible, right?"

"I think so." Blake agreed.

"Then maybe I will be able to see my mom again." Ruby confessed, and Blake's ribbon twitched.

"Your mom?" Belladonna asked, her lip twitching slightly.

"She left when I was just two years old." Ruby continued with somber expression on her face. "I barely remember her voice, her warmth, and her face I only saw on some old pictures." She looked at her hands, which now shook a little. "I would love to talk with her, hug her tightly and never let go." Ruby turned to Blake, and sadness vanished, replaced by hope. "And if there is magic, then maybe she is still here, waiting for me?"

Blake went silent, not being able to say anything or comment, but Ruby facepalmed after a second.

"AGH,I have to study and instead I bother you! I'm so sorry!" Ruby jumped off the bunkbed and walked back to her desk.

Just when she sat on her chair and prepared to continue her studies, Blake looked at the book, then at Ruby, and after a while, she jumped from the bunkbed, picked up the chair and sat right beside her team leader.

"With what exactly you have a problem?"

"Huh? But I thought you wanted to read the story?"

"It is not going anywhere." Blake replied. "And studying together is better than doing it alone."

Ruby nodded and pushed her notes towards Blake, so both could read it at the same time.

"Besides, image of Weiss being a team leader doesn't sit with me very well." Ruby only chuckled in response.

You could even say that magic takes many forms, and is often far more subtle than moving mountains or raising rivers.

---

Right in the middle of the target, three shots struck one after another.

"Nice one." Weiss nodded.

"Thank you." Pyrrha replied after turning Akuo back into xiphos. "Wanna go?"

Without saying anything, Weiss stepped into a shooting range.

Chamber of her weapon turned and yellow dust vial shined, then Myrtenser glowed with yellow light. With one move of her hand, a ball lighting surged through the air and smashed against the target.

Upon the impact, the electricity shocked the target dummy, sending sparks everywhere

"Nice shot." Pyrrha praised, and Weiss rose her head with pride, gladly taking the praise.

"Thanks!" Myrtensers chamber circled, and Weiss opened it like some sort of revolver, and switched now empty vial of dust with another. "If I really wanted, I could fire a lightning bolt. Do you want to see it?"

"Maybe another time, sorry. But Ruby and Nora would love to see it." Pyrrha remarked, and Weiss rolled her eyes.

"Don't mention her please." Pyrrha rose her eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?"

"Everything is wrong with them!" Heiress replied "Xiao Long lacks discipline and constantly gets into some bar fights and returns late at night, Blake always acts distant and behaves like she is hiding something, and Ruby is a child not suited to be a team leader."

"But they are your teammates..."

"I would never chose them if I had a choice." Weiss interrupted with sour taste in her mouth. "But, like always, someone already made a choice for me."

Awkward silence fell on both girls, Pyrrha was not sure what to say and Weiss was clearly annoyed for her accidental spill up, so she quickly decided to change the subject.

"How about a duel?"

"Now?"

"Why not?" Weiss said, already getting excited. "I think I improved since the last time."

"Sorry, but I actually promised Sylwester..."

"Who?" Weiss frowned.

"That's me!" Both girls looked at the top of the stairs, where a one of the first year students stood short and slim, yet well-built young man with dim-blond hair tailed in ponytail. He held his saber under his armor-clad right arm.

He jumped on the railing, slide down on it and bowed upon the landing.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, but I encountered a stupid obstacle on my way."

"He means Cardin." Said black haired girl when she entered the gym.

"Someone has to kick him in the balls, maybe then he will learn something." Beatrice added with a snarl, but her partner pat her back.

"You already forgot Professor's lesson?" Sylwester chuckled hearing it, then bowed slightly to Pyrrha.

"I hope you didn't wait long."

"She did." Weiss interrupted, and Sylwester couldn't pretend anymore that she is not here.

"Ah right, to address the elephant in the room." He reached with his right hand. "Sylwester Loret, friends call me Sylw."

"Weiss Schnee." She replied dryly, and didn't take his hand.

"So that's where the nickname came from." He retracted his hand and looked at Pyrrha. "Ready to beat my sorry ass again?"

"You fought very well last time!" Pyrrha tried to compliment him, and he shook in laughter.

"You MURDERED my ass in eleven seconds!"

"It took her ten!" Beatrice's partner shouted.

"Robert, please give me some slack!"

"Nothing you say will change this!"

"Fine fine ten whatever." He gave Pyrrha a smile. "Thanks again for pointing my flaws, but I am really not into prolonged fights if you know what I mean."

"But you need to learn how to conserve your energy." Pyrrha said and retrieved her weapons, Miló and Akoúo. "So this time, you won't attack me."

"What?" He stepped backwards few times, taken aback on what she said.

"You will only defend this time. And don't worry, I will hold back…"

"Nononono…" Sylwester pulled his saber from its sheet and separated it into two twin weapons. "I get it, defend myself as long as possible. But if you hold back, then this won't be an exercise."

"Then you must last at least a minute, okay?" Pyrrha assumed her combat stance, and Sylwester looked at his blades

"Dusk, Dawn, we defend today, alright? Great." He pointed them at Pyrrha. "Then ready when you are."

"Wait wait wait, hold on." Weiss interrupted them before they could start. "Who do you think she is?"

"Pardon?" Sylwester looked at her, genuinely surprised.

"Weiss, it is fine." Pyrrha said.

"Not it isn't!" Weiss stepped before Pyrrha. "She is a Champion of Mistral, and you think you can match against her?"

"Of course I can't!" Sylwester replied. "But I want to improve, and there is no one better in the Academy to ask for guidance."

"Ask for guidance?" Weiss scoffed. "From day one you were so unremarkable that I even forgot you existed. She shouldn't even care for someone like you." Sylwester rolled his eyes.

"Not everyone has a rich dad princess, give me some slack."

"Excuse me?" Weiss frowned, and Sylwester left a sigh.

"I was born in family with military traditions in a country with no army to join, in small, backwater village, we had to work both day and night, just to pull ourselves out from there." He explained, glaring at Weiss. "Unlike you, Cardin or Lark, I had to both study and hard work until my very bones screamed in pain. I am here only thanks to my hard work, and I won't be criticized by the spoiled rich kid!"

"I did work to get there!" Weiss shot back.

"Please, you probably just asked your rich daddy and he gave you a ticket to Beacon." Irritated Sylwester replied, and Weiss, now very deeply insulted, pulled out Myrtenser.

"If you are so keen, I will show you my 'ticket'." She said, and Loret prepared his sabers.

"With pleasure, Princess."

"Sylw, she is really good." Angelina yelled. "You stand no chance!"

"Like I give a damn."

"Weiss!" Pyrrha shouted, stepping between the two before they could come to the blows.

"He came her unwelcomed!" Weiss protested, only for Sylwester to chuckle. "And interrupted us!"

"It was the other way around, Queen Bee." Weiss gave him a death stare. "Maybe go and be an annoying brat to your own team."

"Enough." Pyrrha spoke again. "Weiss, I wanted to train Sylwester today, and Sylwester, just stop talking."

"She…" Pyrrha looked at him with disapproval, and he sheepishly lowered his head.. "…Sorry Pyr."

Weiss blinked few times, not knowing how to respond. Why Pyrrha is supporting him? She should understand, must understand!

"Why do you want to spend time with him instead of me?" Weiss asked Pyrrha.

"Because he asked me for help, and if I can help, then why not?"

"But… you are a champion!" Weiss argued further. "The best of us! You should be more like…" Last words stopped in her throat. "We were supposed to be friends."

"We are friends Weiss!" Pyrrha replied. "But just like you said, I am a champion," She looked at Sylwester and his team. "And as a champion, it is my responsibility to lift others as high as they can go." She looked at Weiss with a soft smile. "To give them a hand when they need it, to encourage them to push forward, and give them a shoulder when they struggle. That's why I wanted to be a Huntress."

Weiss went silent, her face like stone. Then, she hid Myrtenser and bowed her head slightly.

"I am sorry for my behavior." She said to Pyrrha and Sylwester. "I was unnecessarily rude."

"Umm, thanks?" Loret replied, genuinely surprised.

"Now, if you excuse me." She started to walk towards the exit.

"We can train together if you want!" Pyrrha proposed, but Weiss shook her head in denial.

"I… wish to be alone for some time. And think." She walked past the rest of the team SABER, her face not revealing a turmoil within her.

---

Black limo stopped before the governmental building, and Sauron stepped out of the vehicle. He searched for someone with his stare, and soon his gaze fell on small group right before the entrance, one of them started to wave for him to come over.

"There they are." Sauron looked at Melanie and Militiades. "Do you remember your roles?"

"Of course." Both sisters replied at the same time.

"Good, then we should not keep them waiting."

"Park somewhere nearby and arrive when I call, understood Al?" Yowwick said to driver.

"Sure thing Nat." Driver, Alex the Henchman, replied and drove away, and Yowwick run after Sauron and Malachites.

"Annatar, my friend!" a chubby man with magnificent mustache and round, black hat reached to him with his right hand. "I am glad you arrived!"

"Just like I promised to you." Annatar shook the man's hand.

The man he spoke to is called Doug Volta, a representative of Stonecradle. Gullible, yet empathetic man, owner of many charities and workhorse of the community. He always worked for the betterment of his vast neighborhood, but without support from the government, it was Sisyphean task. When Sauron started to expand his range of operations to Stonecradle, this man was not only more than happy, but also helpful and cooperative. Maybe not the greatest of politicians, but when presented with a goal, he is willing do anything to achieve it.

"You are much shorter in person." Tall faunus woman with red hair, tiger ears and eyes remarked with little surprise, yet no hostility, and Annatar chuckled at the comment, then, much to her surprise, gently took her hand.

"Stories portray me as imposing for a reason, my dear." He kissed her hand. "But how stories could possibly miss such Belle Fluer Exotique is beyond me." She laughed and looked, surprised by his old-school manners, yet flattered.

Asana Asim, representative of Clasthara, one of the few so called 'Faunus districts' in the Capital. From the information's Sauron gathered, he could picture her as a 'a humble leader' – she lead her community through numerous hardships, at the same time fighting against discrimination against Faunus kind, as well as opposing and condemning actions of the White Fang, which made her numerous enemies both in the government, and in the community. Although she was technically 'young' by human standards, the amount of stress she endures daily greatly worn her down, leaving her little to no energy. Much to Sauron's delight, she will be more than willing to relinquish power, but only if a suitable candidate, who will protect her people, appear.

"I told you Asana, he is great! More than great!" Doug clapped his hands. "And since the elections are coming, Governor Pryce will now surely listen to our proposals now!"

"He has charisma, that's true." Asana pulled back her hand.

"Oh, it's is more that charisma, I assure you. However, introductions are in place." He gestured to Militia. " This charming woman is Militiades Malachite, my assistant and the one, who helped me greatly upon my arrival." Militiades bowed her head gracefully, and Sauron's gaze turned to her sister. "And this equally charming woman is Melanie Malachite, also my assistant and trusted companion." Then turned to swiftly approaching Yowwick. "And this man is Nathan Yowwick, someone who I value."

"Thanks Chief." Yowwick looked away, not sure what Annatar meant by "value".

"Pleasure, quite a pleasure!" Doug tipped his hat to the twins, and both girls rolled their eyes.

"Whatever."

"Meeting will soon commence, so I should inform you about my plan." Sauron announced, shifting attention from the rude reaction.

"A plan?" Asana looked at him with suspicion.

"Indeed, I arrived on the meeting prepared." He snapped his fingers and Yowwick handed to the two representatives two sheets of paper.

"How are you sure we will follow your plan?" She asked, still not convinced, while Doug read the paper before his eyes.

"Simple, because this plan is flawless." Sauron smiled. "And beneficial not only for us."

"You even wrote his potential arguments against our proposals?" Volta said with a note of admiration.

"I wrote down every logical argument against our proposals, and prepared a counter argument for them." Sauron explained, and looked at Asana. "Is your curiosity satisfied?"

"It is." She replied after reading through the whole plan again. "It is… well-thought out."

"The only problem lays with your reactions." Sauron said. "Do exactly as I have written, remain calm and collected, and we will leave this establishment with all our goals accomplished. Is that clear?"

"Sounds good to me." Volta said, and Asim simply nodded her head.

"Good, because I won't repeat myself twice."

"Governor is ready!" Receptionist yelled to the crowd.

"Let the game begin." Sauron said and started to walk towards the entrance, the rest of the group following closely behind.

This may sound insignificant, meeting some low-ranking individual, but when you want to climb up the ladder of power, you need to often start from the bottom.

---

Robot swung it's sword arm, but swift parry from the rapier left it open for the counter, which young girl in white combat dress used to cleave the machine in half.

Two more robots jumped at her while the third one stayed a little behind.

Faster than a blink, young Weiss dodged their attacks, then with the quick dash through the air, robot fell to the ground in two pieces.

"Klein, what exactly am I looking at?" Tall, slender man in white suit looked at his butler.

"Sir, Weiss is showcasing you her great skill and talent." Klein Sieben, butler of the Schnee family, answered quickly.

"Oh of that I am aware, I paid her tutors more than enough, and nourished her talents." Jacques Schnee replied with clear indifference. "Your point?"

Weiss danced around two remaining robots, and the machines looked sluggish and graceless in comparison to her.

With quick blink of the rapier, one of the robots lost his sword arm.

"My point is Sir, that she would make a perfect candidate for a Huntress." Butler added, and Jacques left a heavy sigh.

"I believe we had this conversation already." Jacques commented. "Could you remind me what was my answer back then?"

"Sir, I believe the circumstances has changed." Klein pointed at the arena. "Please, take a look." And Jacques attention returned to the fight below

With quick move of her fingers, Weiss created a white glyph under the two training robots and after a second, it propelled them into the air. She swiftly created few more around the flying robots, then under her feet.

For a moment, she became a white blur, and bouncing from glyph to glyph, she cut through the machines so fast, that they fell apart just after she landed.

"She already displays an ability to control her semblance." Klein stated when Weiss has sheeted her rapier, and fixed the belt with dust vials attached to it. "It's remarkable achievement for someone her age." But the Schnee scoffed

"Willow can too, it is nothing impressive really." Jacques brushed his butler off with his left like an annoying fly, which made Klein grow visibly irritated.

"Sir, I think Weiss would like to…"

"She likes what I tell her to like, she does what I tell her to do." Jacques interrupted him ,and then exchanged looks with her daughter, his stare cold and callous. "She doesn't have time for fantasies." Weiss took a deep breath.

"I want to be Huntress father!" Weiss finally spoke up, and Jacques chuckled.

"And what I would get from my Heir risking her life in the wilderness huh?" He sarcastically asked, but Weiss remained calm and collected.

"Having a Huntress in the family greatly increase our prestige father." Weiss explained her point. "Both your business partners and rivals will be jealous when they learn that your heir is a successful huntress."

"Isn't Winter already studying in Atlas Academy? I don't need another."

"You disowned her, father." Weiss pointed out, somehow remaining calm, even though blood boiled under her skin.

"Ah right! I almost forgot. Almost." He looked Weiss directly in the eyes, and she foought the urge to look away. "Why do you want to chase the military career?"

"I don't." Weiss replied, not backing down from him. "I want to be a genuine Huntress, so our family will be known for more than Dust."

"So, you want to be the best Huntress of all time, right?"

"Yes."

Jacques looked at his Butler with hint of amusement. "She prepared for today, didn't she?"

"Yes Sir." Klein nodded. "And you must admit that what she says is reasonable."

"True…" He scratched his chin, thinking about potential gains, but also losses. "But does she realize the true dangers of this job?"

"Then maybe you want to test her out?" Klein and Jacques looked at the two newcomers.

One was a tall, dark-skinned man with white eye-patch over his right eye, the left one yellow, black hair and short mustache. He was wearing a white tail-coat with few citations on his chest, right beside his lieutenant badge, on which his name – Sepp Urgan – was displayed.

The second man was slightly taller than Seep and wore a white lab coat. He was tanned-skin, with short black hair, thick mustache and eyebrows, his green eyes sparked with intelligence.

"Arthur." Jacques greeted him. "I didn't expect you to come back so soon."

"Since I gathered all the necessary data for Paladin Project, I didn't see a reason to stay in the desert any longer." Watts took a seat beside the CEO of Schnee Dust Company. "And Lieutenant's insight was more than helpful in my research." Jacques looked at Commander of the SDPS, and the one-eyed man grinned.

"Troublesome elements didn't even put up much of a fight." Urgan's harsh voice reported. "Order in the mines has been restored with minimal use of force, agitators were swiftly executed, but there were… few casualties on our own."

"Make sure that soldier's families are compensated." Jacques replied, and Urgan bowed his head. "Now to the more important matters at hand." Jacques looked back at Watts. "What do you have in mind friend?"

"I brought here some prototypes I designed and developed alongside the paladins back in Vacuo." Watts answered, nonchalantly crossing his hand behind his head. "I wanted to do some testing in more controlled environment before I release them oto the field. And just so happens that they are right behind the gate."

"Are you suggesting to throw combat robots at Weiss?" Klein jumped into the conversation. "Are you out of your mind!?"

"She wants to be a Huntress, doesn't she?" Watts countered. "Isn't she going to fight against the deadly Grimm whole day?"

"That's something way different!"

Jacques locked his hands together and looked again at the defiant Weiss down there, awaiting his verdict, already prepared for another argument.

"Do you have them under control?" He simply asked, and Klein blinked few times in shock while Watts chuckled and showed his wrist.

"I always do." Doctor replied with a smirk.

"Sir…" Klein tried to plea, but Jacques rose his hand to shut him up.

"Weiss." He said loud enough for her to hear. "What you showed me today was not impressive at all." Weiss eye twitched in anger at this remark. "For me, destroying practice dummies is nothing worth noting. But since you insist on proving me something today, I shall grant you your wish." Sepp took the last remaining seat and grinned widely, showing his sharp teeth while Watts pressed something on his wrist. "Open the gate."

Weiss fixed her belt, full of colorful dust vials, and pointed her rapier at slowly opening gate, and when it opened fully, multitude of sounds assaulted Weiss's ears - screeches, hisses, heavy footsteps and insect like clicks sent shivers down her spine. Did they released Grimm on her?

She pointed her rapier at the darkness, and three pair of blood-red eyes looked directly at her, while the heavy steps grew louder. But the thing which came out of the shadow startled her.

It was a robot, but not an Atleasian Knight Mk 100, which looked similar to human. It was much taller, standing above seven feet, but it's body was thin, probably as thin as Weiss's. It dragged it's way too long arms on the floor like a gorilla, each hand ending with a set of five sharp claws. Robot's legs were bulky, yet way shorter than the robot's torso.

It slowly limped forward, it's red eyes focused on her, while its entire body twitched. She lowered her guard a little and gave it an unamused stare.

"You are just trying to be scary." She said with an overconfident smirk.

Fatal mistake.

With loud, ear-bleeding screech, machine run at her on all fours with unmatched speed, and within few seconds, it swung it's clawed hand directly her face.

Surprised by the machine's quick movements, She barely parried that with her rapier, jumped back to regain her footing, but robot kept up, it's claws nearly hitting it's mark once more.

"What are these things Watts!?" Klein lost his composure, and the scientist just chuckled.

"Just like I said, these are the prototypes of the future combat droids for military use." Watts calmly stated just when two remaining robots screeched and run out onto the arena.

"Combat droids!?" Klein replied with disbelief, while Weiss barely avoided the metal leg. "They look like beasts from a horror movie!"

"Thank you."

Weiss slashed the thin torso with her rapier, but much to her shock, blade simply slide from the machine's body. She summoned a glyph under her feet and jumped away, trying to make distance and take a breath.

But the second robot shoulder slammed her mid-air, throwing her to the ground, as she painfully tumbled on the floor.

She had no time to get up, third machine pounced at her, it's legs first, and she desperately rolled away from danger.

Machine's legs smashed against the floor, which cracked upon the impact, and robot stuck itself deep in the floor, forcing the other two to walk around it, giving Weiss enough time to get up.

"You must stop it." Klein said to his boss, but Jacques waved his hand dismissively.

"She wants to be a Huntress? Then she should know how this job actually feels like."

Weiss ducked under machine's claw, blocked another strike with her rapier, quickly summoned the glyph and used it as a shield from the another machine flanking her.

Robot attacking from the front kicked her square at the abdomen, sending her flying backwards.

She slammed against the wall, her aura flickered after taking the heavy hit, leaving her breathless for a split second, but despite that, she still managed to land on the floor on her two feet. She looked at the quickly approaching murder-machine, which shrieked like a wild beast.

"So far, she is faring very well against the Predators." Watts commented with clear astonishment, even sounding little impressed.. "I thought she will call them off by now."

"Predators?" Urgan repeated, 'tasting' the name with his tongue, then grinned. "I do like the ring of it."

"I saw enough." Jacques rose from his seat. "Watts, turn them off, she is not capable." He said loud enough for Weiss to hear.

"NO!" She yelled, and fueled by anger, she leapt into the air, dodged the claw, landed on the extended arm, and kicked the robot's head really hard.

Machine's oval head cracked, it's mechanical body fell to the ground, thrown into violent, electrical spasms, trashing around like fish out of the water.

Weiss landed away from the damaged droid, and retrieved the vial full of yellow dust.

Watts cursed under his breath, Jacques rose his eyebrow in slight amusement while Klein looked with clear worry. Only Sepp smiled, observing the destruction of the killer-droid with childlike joy.

Two remaining bots charged at her, Weiss took a deep breath and summoned the glyph under her feat.

But unlike other glyphs, which usually took shape of the snowflake, this one looked like a clock, and yellow vial shimmered in her hands.

Bots attacked from two directions, two claws struck low, another two struck high. Impossible to block or parry.

Impossible for everyone.

Except for Weiss.

Her senses heightened and her movements quickened, her rapier became a steel blur, deflecting all four incoming blows in one single move, staggering both machines.

Low on her knees, she dashed between the nearest robot's legs, and slashed upwards with all her might.

Robot stood motionless for a second before it collapsed on the floor in two pieces.

Remaining machine tried to pounce at her, but quicker than wind, she side-stepped, spun, aiming at the neck. Robot blocked the strike, slashed with its left claw, she spun a swift pirouette, high feint at the head. Robot tried to protect his head with his right, but with swift bent of her arm, she struck at robot's extended left arm.

Clawed hand fell onto the ground, but droid, undeterred by the loss, tried to attack once more. She started to circle around it, always going left, trying to disappear from the machines view.

Seeing it, Watts started to write something in his notebook.

Weiss grabbed with her free hand a vial of white dust, it shimmered in her hand, and her rapier shined with white light as well. She shot forward, aiming at the robot's head.

It tried to block the blow with its clawed hand, but Weiss's rapier pierced through the hand, then through the head.

Robot twitched, it's integral systems destroyed, and shut down shortly after. When Weiss retracted her blade, it fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

Previously damaged robot rose back on its feet, it's cracked head sent numerous sparks in the air. With it's one remaining eye, it glared at the Heiress, and she pointed her rapier at it.

"Initiate Vengeance Protocol." Machine said with distorted voice, and it's torso opened, revealing a reactor core full of red dust powder.

Red dust which started to rapidly heat up.

With her eyes widened in horror, Weiss reached for vial with light blue dust on her belt, but her fingers trembled, stress got better of her, and she couldn't get good grasp on it.

Robot run at her on all fours, rapidly shortening distance between them.

"Arthur, turn it off." Klein pleaded, but Watts simply looked at Jacques with one eyebrow risen. "Turn it off now!"

Machine got closer to Weiss, but she finally caught the vial, and quickly summoned the glyph.

"Hold it." Jacques ordered before Watts could press the button.

A burst of ice traversed through the floor towards the charging machine, trapping it in the ice, just few feets from her. Shortly after, the reactor exploded, shattering the icy prison into tiny pieces and throwing Weiss on the floor by the sheer power of the explosion.

She breathed rapidly, her heart still pounded like crazy. If not for her aura, she would be seriously injured, and if that thing got any closer…

She looked at her rapier and belt with few remaining dust vials.

"I need a better solution." She thought, and the idea of a rapier being both able to store dust, and still be useful on the battlefield, appeared in her mind.

"See now Weiss?" Her father suddenly spoke up, bringing her out of her thoughts. "This test was merely a taste of what is to come. As a Huntress, you will risk your life constantly."

She glared at him with anger, wanting to shout at him, but she bit her tongue just in time.

"It's unforgiving profession, a tiniest mistake will result in your gruesome death." Weiss slowly rose back up. as her father spoke. "That's why I won't allow you to become a Huntress."

She looked her father in the eyes, her stare saying more than thousand words.

"If I am going to allow you to chose this path, You must be the Best Huntress in the World." He continued, his gaze colder than ice. "You will make no mistakes, you will not complain, and you will not waste time. And if you bring me shame or become a failure, our agreement is off. Do you understand?"

His eyes locked with her, trying to make her falter. Just say no. His gaze spoke. Just give up and be a good, obedient daughter, like your little brother. But Weiss stood firm and said one word:

"Yes."

She let the memory of that day fade away as she walked through the forest nearby the Academy, traversing through the bushes and grass, towards the sound of falling water. That day, she fought for her life. Both in the literal, and spiritual sense.

She thought after beating Arma Gigas in battle and getting to Beacon, she will be finally able to make her own choices, make true friends, and finally be happy. But reality proved once again to be cruel mistress.

She finally left the treelane into the small glade, and the center of the glade was a small pond with crystal clear water, and the water fell from the rocks above it. Here, grass looked more alive, trees seemed to whisper something into the air, blue roses bloomed, and falling water sound like a rhythmic heartbeat.

She found this place few days after arriving to Beacon, and seemed to be the only one to know about it. And she gladly used this place as a Sanctuary from the world, to be alone and unbothered.

Even though from the viewer point of view, she felt out of the place – Her pale skin and white dress contrasted blooming life around making her look like she is a ghost.

She sat right before the crystal clear water, and looked at her reflection. At her beautiful face, scarred by the monster. At her blue, sad eyes.

She took a pebble and threw it into the water, and with quiet splash, her image in the water cracked.

They say that the mirror is the window to someone's soul, and even though the waves caused by the pebble vanished, her broken visage remained.

"~Mirror, tell me something~" Both Weiss and her reflection sung. "~Tell me who is the loneliest, off all?~"

"~Mirror, tell me something,~"

"~Who is the loneliest off all?~"

"~Mirror, What's inside me?~"

"~Tell me can the heart

be turned to stone?~"

She gave a pause and looked at her broken self.

She fought hard, sacrificed years of her life to arrive here and start of again. And what came from it?

Nothing.

She grabbed another pebble.

Weiss thought that she finally met someone, who will finally understand her struggles. After all, Pyrrha had to go through the same hardships, right? Of course she did, she wouldn't be a champion.

Pebble splashed into the water.

Then why they are so different?

"Now what?" She thought and wrapped her arms around her legs. And worst off all, she didn't even know what she did exactly wrong. She is very bad at reading people. The only person she could open up was her butler and friend, Klein. But he stayed behind.

All she really wanted was someone to speak to. To open, just a bit.

Suddenly Bush behind her shook, and she immediately rose up and put her hand on Myrtenser.

Grimm shouldn't be that close to Academy grounds, but maybe a lone beowolf?

She approached the bush with caution, weapon at the ready, and when she got close enough, she pushed some leaves aside to take a look.

And she locked eyes with a fox.

It was not Valeian red fox, it was small, arctic fox, entirely covered in soft and fluffy white fur. Animal looked at her with its large blue eyes without fear, most likely being accustomed to humans. If not for a characteristic tail and head, she could mistake it for a dog.

"Awww..." She put back her rapier, and lifted the animal. "What something so cute do here all alone? Did you escape from the zoo?"

Surprisingly, fox seemed comfortable in her hands, and licked her face.

"Heeey, don't do that! You will ruin my make-up!" She put the Fox back on the ground. "You shouldn't wander alone, what if you met a big scary Beowolf?" Fox looked at her, it's blue eyes showing complete obliviousness to the danger.

"I can't get mad on something so adorable." She scratched it's head, and it purred with delight. "But seriously, you need to go back." She turned on her heel and walked back to the pond, and Fox followed behind her.

When she sat back on her previous spot, fox sat right beside her.

"I said go back." She said, and fox looked at her with pleading eyes. "Don't look at me like that! I don't have enough room in my dorm. And I am not good with pets anyway."

Fox tilted it's head in silent question.

"Yes, I never had a pet before." Weiss admitted, and wrapped her hands around her legs. "My father hates animals, and each time I tried to ask him for one, dog, cat, even a hamster, he straight up refused." She left a sigh. "He never cared about my opinion anyway."

Fox kept staring at her with question, and Weiss chuckled. "I shouldn't talk about my personal problems with animal, should I?" She looked at the fox, and the animal gave her "I am a barely conscious animal, I can't comment but I can listen."* stare. "At least you won't be able to judge me, right?"

Fox looked sideways to avoid her stare, and Weiss huffed in annoyance.

"Not you too!" She grabbed the stone and threw it into the pond. "Everybody thinks I am awful and cold, but nobody cares why!"

Stone splashed against the water, distorting the reflection of angered Weiss even further, and with each wave her anger subsidized, only to be replaced by sad expression.

"When I was three, White Fang killed my uncle." She said after few seconds. "He run a charity for the poor, and often he rode off to provide the aid himself, despite my father's warnings." She smiled slightly at a faint memory. "I don't remember his face anymore, only that he always knew how to make me and Winter laugh, and how he disguised himself as a Samichlaus during the Winter holiday."

But then, she clenched her fists in anger. "And the Fang killed him out of spite, just to hurt us." She looked at the Fox. "Each time I walk down the street, I fear that those Faunus, who now smile and wave to me, will pounce on me once I turn my back on them." She threw another pebble into the water. "That's why I prefer to keep them all at a safe distance."

She gave her reflection in the water a sad smile. In the Academy, there are many Faunus, and she does her best to avoid them, even though they are probably not members of the White Fang. But who truly knows? They pulled out some insane and bold tactics before. They hide very well in a plain sight

At least none of them is in her team.

Fox leaned to her, and she scratched it's head.

"It's okay." She lied, and after short pause, continued.

"Because of his brother's death, father, like a true opportunist he is, decided to 'protect' me and my sister from danger. 'You will have private tutors Weiss, you don't need to leave the manor', 'Don't walk too far from home without your guards Weiss', 'Always tell us where you go Weiss'." She mimicked his voice, then left a heavy sigh. "When I tried to complain, he scared me with stories about Faunus kidnapping children and prowling around every corner." Weiss looked at the animal. "But in reality, he couldn't care less."

Fox lowered its ears when she clenched her fists once more.

"All he ever wanted is to control every aspect of my life." Weiss continued with clear distaste. "It took me some time to realize that all those 'security' measures were just means to make me obedient. To listen to his every word, and have no ambition aside of his desires. And each time I tried to protest or rebel, he isolated me even further. It was like a golden cage - I had every luxury possible, yet I couldn't get out."

Another stone landed in the middle of the pond.

"For years, I thought that I can't change it" She continued after a while. "That course of my life will always be decided by someone else. Until my sister decided to join the Atlas Academy." She smiled, and when she recalled that memory, she felt inspired once more. "Father did everything to stop her, even threatened to disinherit her, but she persisted and got into the military like she wanted to." Weiss looked at her rapier. "She showed me that if I work as hard as she did, I will be able take back my life."

Fox looked at her in awe.

"Every free moment I had, often between the lessons, I studied and trained to become the best Huntress and get into the Academy, as far away from home as possible, make my own friends and start my own life!" She stood up and raised her hand in triumph. "And when I finally did it...!" Joy left her face like a morning breeze. "...Someone else decided for me."

She sat back and hid her face with her hands, while the fox leaned to her with sorrowful expression.

"All my hard work, restless days and nights, many tears, bruises, sacrifices and yet, I am stuck for five years with people I don't even like. It's unfair."

Fox put its head on her shoulder, trying to share the pain just a bit.

"They wouldn't be even my fist choice if I had one!" She shouted into the water. "Xiao Long is just annoying, undisciplined and brash, Belladonna always gives me an uneasy feeling whenever we are alone, and Rose..." She paused, and fox looked at her with "What about her?" stare.

"Ruby is childish and naive." Weiss said after a while. "But whatever she does or says sounds... sincere and honest." She stared back at the animal, deeply impressed by the red-hooded girl. "She speaks what's on her mind, and talks about her passions without any hint of embarrassment." Weiss was more than sure that such behavior would got Ruby in deep trouble with atleasian nobility, but surprisingly, she found the idea of person like Ruby… endearing.

She then cleared her throat. "If she was just my teammate, I wouldn't mind her that much. But Headmaster made her a team leader. And Team Leader needs to be strict, rigorous and disciplined. In my opinion, making her a team leader was a mistake."

Fox looked into the pond at broken image of Weiss in the water, lowered its head.

She left a sigh. "And if my team is not the best, father will recall me back to Atlas." She kicked the ground under her feet, scaring the animal. "I don't want to go back! I will never go back!"

Feeling fox's gaze, Weiss turned back to it, and the animal gave her a pleading stare.

"What, You want me to give her a chance?" Fox eagerly nodded, but she scoffed in response. "I can't teach her discipline."

Both remained in silent contemplation, staring at the water reflecting the setting sun.

Few ever gave her a choice in any regard, forcing her to work twice as hard just to earn the right to have one. She doubted that Ruby went through similar hardships.

But, on the other hand, by not giving any chances, Weiss acts just like her father.

"Listen." Fox stroked it's ears. "When I return to dorm and I see Ruby doing something productive, I will give her one chance. But only one. Sounds good?" Fox eagerly nodded in agreement. "Great."

She took a pebble and prepared to throw it.

"Don't gossip about what you saw and heard, alright?"

But Fox was already gone. Weiss blinked few times and looked around, but there were no tracks from the fox. It looked like it simply vanished. Not knowing what to think about it, she looked back at her broken reflection in the water one last time, then rose up and left the glade.

This night, the old trees hummed a different song, about the broken mirror and wondered:
"Can heart of stone be turned back to gold?"

---

"… Any questions?" Governor Lark, a short bald man asked, few hands flew into the air.

"What about the spare funds?" One of the representatives asked.

"Ah yes, that." Governor said, then clicked something on table, projector came to life and image of Vale's industrial district appeared on the wall. "Thirty percent of the remaining budget will spent on buying new vehicles and establishing new bus lines, and renovation of the streets. Like this." On the image appeared the web of yellow lanes. "This will ensure that every citizen will reach his destination whenever they…"

"They won't" New voice suddenly interrupted, and Governor looked at a person interrupting.

"What?" He replied, and Annatar rose from his seat.

"If this is an official development plan, then why Limestone, Stonecradle, Clashtara, Basin and Reaching trail are excluded?"

"Well simple, it is not our current priority." Lark replied. "But rest assured, in next development plan, those districts will be taken into consideration." But Annatar shook his head in denial.

"Funds allocated are more than enough to create a web of connections, which should include the central sectors." Annatar pointed out. "Especially since Limestone and Stonecradle are one the fastest growing places in whole Industrial District."

"What are you talking about?" One of the representatives sitting on the other end of the table asked, and Annatar snapped his fingers.

Melanie and Militia walked around the table and gave everyone a sheet of paper.

"As you can see, Limestone achieved an influx of wealth reaching nearly one-hundred and fifty percent in comparison to the previous five years, while Stonecradle achieved less, but still substantial growth reaching ninety percent."

Doug smiled with pride when Annatar said that.

"Godsdammnit." Someone whispered after reading the information on the document, while Governor's face turned to angry snarl.

"This brought a rapid growth of our annual budget, and our analysis concluded that this year income will exceed income from previous fifteen years ten-fold." Annatar continued. "If the predictions remain that way, we will exceed Terminus in next four years."

"You can't be sure of that." Governor countered, but Sauron smiled.

"Oh, On the contrary, I am more than sure of it." He looked to the side, and Yowwick retrieved another document from the suitcase. Sauron took the paper and flung it across the table towards the governor.

"This is a copy of the document from Royal Office of Economy." Annatar announced, and Governor took it and started to read it. "On it, you will see that all what I have said is true. But you are aware of it, right?"

Governor put the paper away, red on his face with anger.

"Then why are we treated as a second class citizens!?" Doug rose from his seat and slammed his hand against the desk. "Our people deserve access to public transportation, AND renovation of our streets."

"Repairing roads in the central sectors will take too much time, and poor living there are not willingly work on the public projects." Governor countered. "Just like in the previous years, when my predecessor tried that."

"Wasn't it because the previous governor took back on his words, and offered only miniscule portion of the budget, which meant that the founds provided would be enough only to pay for small, ad hoc repairs, but at the same time disturbing, if not stopping flow of the traffic?

Governor rose his finger, but couldn't answer that, and Annatar chuckled seeing his reaction.

"I can assure you, things changed from back then, and everything is in place for major public projects." He looked at the gathered people. "Please, turn the documents I gave you to the other side."

Curious, humans turned the documents and either gasped in surprise, or stared dumbfounded at the paper.

"As you can see, the plan I proposed will bring benefit to all of us." Sauron said. "And prominent investors, such as Textile Manufacturer "Oran", are backing my plan." He looked at the governor. "In fact, all you have to do now is sign…"

"What about the Faunus in Clashtara?" One of the representatives asked. "They will steal all the equipment and piss on the foundations before we even start."

"These are shameless accusations and I won't stand for them!" Asana rose up from her seat. "Faunus showed numerous times over that they are a respectful citizens of this city."

"White Fang proves otherwise." Someone smirked, and tiger faunus focused her eyes on the new attacker.

"White Fang has no ties with common citizens of Clashtara, in fact, they used them to shift blame for their activities." She pointed out. "And those accusations are illegal, because art 14 of our Constitution forbids excluding minorities based on prejudices."

She sat down, leaving her opponents startled, while Annatar nodded to her in appreciation. With his opposition decimated, and his points proven, he will have his way.

He looked at the governor Lark once again. "One thing left to do is to sign a document."

Governor slowly rose his head, and looked Annatar directly into eyes, and Sauron found in them something surprising.

Hatred and Fear.

"You are missing one thing, 'representative' Annatar." He spoke slowly, yet hidden threat lied on his tongue.

"Which is?"

"I AM in charge here." He said, and jumped from his seat. "I AM the one making deals, plans, directing the future, NOT YOU." He pointed his finger at Annatar. "Your useless…

---

…ideas and delusions are undesired."

Sauron was once more in the Dark throne room of Angband, The Black Fortress of Evil, standing before the First Dark Lord Morgoth, clad in black iron.

"You need to understand, digging even deeper is pointless now." Sauron said to his lord. "The earth itself turns hostile, the magma bursts from the corridors, and reinforcements of the tunnels became too costly for us to maintain."

"Then put more slaves to work." Morgoth replied with indifference. "They will dig with their bare hands if necessary, and reinforce the tunnels with their bones when they die."

"It will take too much time and bring minimal results!" Sauron protested, staring at his Dark Master. "We are already running out of space for our armies!"

"And why is that?" Morgoth leant to him, giving Sauron a perfect view of his crown, in which three pure and beautiful crystals shined weakly, dimmed by Morgoth's malice. "Are you not fulfilling the tasks I bestowed upon you?"

"Your dragons take too much space, my lord." Sauron spoke calmly. "They grow too fast, are becoming larger, and they drain our stockpiles dry, while the orcs live on one another in the tight tunnels."

"As it should be." Morgoth replied, picked up the large chunk of meat and threw it into the corner. Three dragons immediately jumped on the food and started to tear it apart. "Dragons are incarnations of my might, and I won't make less of them to give your worms a place to dwell."

"A single dragon is worth ten thousand orcs."Sauron continued while drakes started to tear each other for remaining pieces of meat."And we can make hundreds of thousands of foot soldiers instead of few dozen of fire-spewing lizards."Dragons growled hearing that, but Sauron didn't care. "But like I said, beyond the gate, on the blackened sands, there is a plenty of unused space, which will be more than enough to quarter the…"

Ghrond, the Hammer of the Underworld, struck the floor, cutting Sauron's speech before it even started.

"I will NOT build under the gaze of the Sun." Morgoth snarled. "NEVER."

"Think about the benefits my lord!" Sauron argued. "When we finally put all of the area around Angband to use, we will be finally able to turn the tide."

"Tide?"

"Orcs are now pathetic wretches which die in droves in every battle." Sauron continued, not turning away from Morgoth's wrath. "But I see a way to improve them, but to this, I require space, space your dragons currently take."

"Orcs live and die on my command." Morgoth waved his hand dismissively. "As long as they serve their purpose, they can live on dirt and feast on scraps."

"But they could serve it better." Sauron argued further. "Right now, it takes three hundred orcs to slay one elf. If you allow me to expand on the outside, I will be able to turn that ratio into thirty for one."

"You relay too much on numbers." Morgoth pointed out, then chuckled darkly and gave his lieutenant a mocking grin. "Or, perhaps, you care for these leeches?" And Sauron scoffed in response.

"I couldn't care less about them, but in order to make them more efficient…" Morgoth groaned hearing this.

"You always talk about efficiency Sauron." Morgoth said and scratched his eyes, like he tried to keep himself awake. "About 'logistics' and 'development'. This pointless discussions bore me to no end."

Sauron took a deep breath before he spoke again.

"You can't win a war with few dragons and balrogs. If you weren't so insisting on those overestimated beast, you would have conquered Arda by now."

This time, Morgoth laughed, his laugh darker than moonless night and colder than arctic blizzard, and it quickly brought terrified slaves and servants to their knees, covering their ears in pain and fear.

"Conquest!? War!?" His loud and mocking laughter continued, and Sauron's ire grew beyond the boiling point. "Arda is mine, now and forever! There is no one in this world capable of challenging my rule! And you stand before me, and compare eradication of vermins to warfare!?" Sauron's face turned to snarl as Morgoth shook from laughter upon his Dark Throne. "I never thought you are my Jester as well!"

"These 'vermins' as you call them, sieged Angband TWICE because of YOU." Sauron finally snapped, tired of Morgoth's ramblings.

Silence fell upon the entire fortress, like the whole area fell into the vacuum of space. Morgoth stared at him with rage.

"What. Did. You. Just. Say?"

"I speak the truth." Sauron said, not flinching from the hateful glare. "On a brink of victory, your folly brought upon us the Legions of Noldor. It was your arrogance that allowed warriors of man and elves to breach our gates during the second siege. And when they reached the gates to your throne room, you covered in fear behind your throne, while Gothomog fought desperately to keep the invaders at bay."

Commander of Balrogs growled in anger for Sauron insulted his Master, but also had to begrudgingly agree, for the wounds from that day still didn't heal properly.

Morgoth's vision narrowed, his stare fully focused on Maia before him.

"You said that these defenses were impenetrable Sauron." Morgoth reminded, his voice threatening. "I should have punished you for that lie!"

"It was YOU who ordered the deconstruction of most of our defenses, because you thought that nothing will even dare to break through the first gate!" Sauron shot back. "Your stubbornness and arrogance hindered my efforts to bring Arda to its knees! Noldor victories are only possible because…"

"SILENCE!"

Morgoth's fury smashed Sauron against the floor, which cracked upon the impact. Sauron was pinned to the ground, like a butterfly by a nail, unable to fight back or rise up.

"You grew bold, serf." Morgoth hissed like a snake. "You are here to obey me without question, and yet, you dare to speak up in such a manner against me?"

How Sauron hated this, being treated like an inferior even though he was right.

"You are barely worthy to even speak to me, but still, you have the audacity to waste my time with delusions?" Morgoth continued without mercy, his thought still weighing on Sauron like a boulder.

Sauron looked at his master with unquenchable hatred. His mind demanded action, pride demanded retaliation. But there was nothing he could do now. How can he be so blind? Sauron was right, even this fool would understand his reasoning.

"You will cease this foolishness once and for all, and I shall consider letting you keep your current position." Morgoth lifted his might from Sauron, allowing him to breath once more, but instead of relief, this brought a confusion.

For Morgoth killed even his greatest servants for lesser slights, and yet he allows Sauron to stand up, with metaphorical slap on the wrist? Sauron looked at his master once again and finally understood.

Morgoth knew Sauron is right, but if he agree to his points, he will appear weak in the eyes of his thralls. Because by agreeing with Sauron, he will acknowledge humans and elves as a foes, which should be reckoned with, not vermin in need of extermination.

Morgoth wants to maintain the facade of strength before his servants, because he was no longer Melkor, the one who shattered the First Lights. He was no longer the strongest of Ainur, who could challenge and fight his brothers and sisters all at once.

This fallen Vala, now clad in black iron, once able to bring Chaos to the Song of Creation, was a shadow of his former self, for his long absence and imprisonment made him fat and weak.

Melkor was no more, only Morgoth remained.

How pathetic he now was in Sauron's eyes.

He rose up from his seat and went towards the door of the office.

"Hey!" Governor rose from his chair. "The meeting is not done!"

"I wasted enough of my time here already." Sauron replied. "And I won't play along with this farce any longer."

Representatives gathered around the table looked at each other, not sure what to think or say.

"Excuse me?" Lark asked, his face red from anger.

Annatar looked at him, and raging hatred in him startled the governor, yet his words were calm:

"I wore this to pay you respect as a man of authority" Sauron pointed at his suit, and with one snap of his finger suit morphed into set of robes, causing whispers among the gathered people. "But you deserve none. I came here to share my vision of the future, and you considered me a threat to your authority. And this made you unworthy of my gifts."

Governor opened his mouth to interject, but Sauron wouldn't let him speak.

"There is no future for you, and everything you built and cherish will turn to rubble and ash."

"Are you threatening me!?" Governor screamed, just like Morgoth that day roared, and Sauron's answer remained the same:

"To beings like you, threats are unnecessary. You will be a sole cause of your downfall."

Sauron then looked at the gathered people and prophesied.

"Hear my words, for the storm clouds gather above our heads, and those who stand with him and his false hopes and promises..." He pointed at the seething Governor Lark. "...Will join him in ruin and defeat. I warn you: Leave him and thrive with me, or stay here, and let his incompetence drag you into the mud."

With that said, he opened wide the door of the office and walked away, Militia, Melanie and Yowwick closely behind. After short moment of silence, Doug, Asana and some other representatives raised from their seats and decided to leave as well in sign of solidarity.

"Then begone traitor!" Morgoth roared after him. "And never return! And if you dare to crawl back in here wretch, asking for mercy, your punishment will be everlasting!"

But Sauron couldn't care less about squabbling of the weaklings.

For that day, he vowed to never let anyone worse than him insult him like that.

That day, he vowed that he will be the Master of his own Fate.

"What now Chief?" He half-noticed Nathan walking beside him while the media waiting outside desperately scrambled to take some footage.

"We go to the place, where I can finally work." Sauron replied as he and his entourage left the building.

Long time ago, it was the day, when Morgoth's downfall, and Sauron's rise begun.

---

Weiss slowly opened up door to the dorm, and tiptoed into the room, thinking that everyone is asleep already.

"Hi Weiss." Ruby greeted her and Weiss nearly jumped in place.

Ruby's head lied on the desk in the sea of paper and empty coffee cups, holding another piece of paper right before her eyes. Weiss blinked few times, surprised by the view.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Studying." Ruby replied. "I studied with Blake for some time, but she went to sleep, while I made myself some coffee."

"You have some in your hair." Weiss pointed at few strands of black hair fell inside the empty cup.

"I knooow." Ruby murmured. "But I am too tired to do anything about it. This coffee is overrated."

Weiss took the cup away and looked into it.

"It's mostly just hot water, how much you pour into it?" She asked, and Ruby touched her lip.

"I don't know, I pour a spoon or two and then hot water…"

"Too little to make an effect." Weiss commented and when she wanted to walk to her bed, words she said just moments ago, rung inside her head.

"I will give her one chance."

She looked back at Ruby, who still tried to learn despite being barely asleep, and, truth to be told, was amazed by her determination.

"I will make a coffee if you want." Weiss said, and Ruby looked at her with surprise.

"You want to…"

"How much sugar?" Wiess looked for something under her bed.

"Five spoons and the cream?" Ruby answered, still not sure why Weiss asks that.

But moments later, heiress came back with fresh cup of coffee.

"Here, since you want to study for a while longer. Tomorrow I will show you how to make a proper coffee." Weiss put the cup beside Rose, then picked up a chair and sat right by her. "And if you want, we can study together for a bit."

"Thanks?" Ruby looked at the cup, then at Weiss. "But I thought we had a challenge…"

"Don't get me wrong, I will still win." Weiss replied with confidence. "But not giving you a fighting chance is not a very fair behavior, right?"

And Ruby smiled widely to her.

"Thanks Weiss."

"Don't mention it." Weiss smiled back to her, and for a moment, her reflection in the window mended just a bit.

---

Authors corner

* Just try to say to your cat that you forgot to buy his favorite food. His glare says more than the whole litany of obscenities.

That took me a while, but well, here it is. Slightly more exposition to the world and to the characters, but in my opinion necessary for future developments.

See you soon.

---

White Fang member fired with his makeshift gun at the target, and the bullets missed entirely.

"Hey, hey, hey, you need control your fire!" Roman Torchwick approached and lowered the gun. "Aim from your shoulder, little lower, fire in bursts, then repeat. Understood?"

"Yes." White Fang member replied, and Roman pointed his cane at the target dummy made of empty barrel and wheels.

"Then show me, don't be shy." Masked Faunus did exactly as told, and short burst of bullets tore through the dummy.

"Great, keep it up." Roman pat faunus's back and returned to his general inspection.

Around him, White Fang members trained with their guns, worked like ants in a hive on the fleet cars and pickup trucks, refitting them with makeshift armor and loading them with boxes full of ammunition to small arms, and heavy caliber weapons.

"Larian!" Roman shouted to the bulky lion faunus with bushy hair in a repurposed mining exosuit carrying a AA-gun, and the lion faunus looked at him with his cat like eyes. "Was there any problem with the coaxial gun?''

Larian gave him a thumb up.

"Good, carry it to the truck. And don't drop it, it is a very expensive stuff!"

Lion Faunus rolled his eyes, signed short sentence with his fingers.

"Not that expensive!" Roman groaned, and lion Faunus walked away with mischievous smile. "And here I thought only Neo is that talkative..." He liked Larian, this guy had something the others lacked - he is reliable. You tell what to do, and he will do it. Not to mention his talent with the guitar.

Suddenly, four Goat Faunus's run past him carrying a large wooden box with such speed, that Roman spin few times in place, and his hat almost flew away.

"To Infinity and Beyond!" On the said wooden box stood a young Faunus girl with short white hair, black and white dress, mimicking a captain of a spaceship.

"Hey, watch it!" Roman shouted, catching his hat before it fell to the ground. "These are not toys!"

"Sorry Roman, couldn't be helped!" Young girl replied, the she jumped off onto the goat faunus's shoulder, then onto the ground while the four buff faunus put the box inside the vehicle. "We used to play with Big Sis before every action, and we are not going to change that, right Big Brothers?"

"Of course little Sis!" All four faunus eagerly replied, and Roman just left a sigh, then light up another cigar.

"Just don't break anything, alright?"

"No promises Torchy!" Girl playfully saluted, then turned to on her brothers and reached with her hands. "Piggyback! Piggyback!"

One of the brothers gently lifted her up and put her on his shoulders.

"Will you carry me to Infinity and Beyond?" She playfully asked as they started to run.

"Sis, We will gladly carry you to the moon!" They replied and she gasped with childlike joy.

"Reaallly!?"

"Always!"

Roman followed them with his stare, then chuckled to himself.

At first, he was annoyed by 'Goat Brothers' antics, but overtime, he started to value their attitude. They do everything with such an enthusiasm, while also having so much fun with the tasks, that usually boring jobs were way more enjoyable. He often caught himself smiling at their jokes and pranks.

"Roman, can you hear me?" His radio came to life.

"Loud and clear Eldi, what's up?"

"There are concerns regarding your plan." Harsh voice said, and Roman rolled his eyes.

"Wait for me." He turned his radio and walked towards the warehouse.

White Fang has many hideouts spread in, and outside of the city, since city officials care little about abandoned storages or factories, and White Fang ensured to keep the low profile while using these places.

But after the upcoming operation, they will have to relocate.

Roman walked into the magazine, where more White Fang members worked on the heavy trucks, adding metal plates and gun emplacements.

"Remember, it is a grenade launcher, not a machine gun!" Hyena like Faunus explained to younger members while showcasing the said weapon. "Fire into the building to set the foundations on fire!"

"Remember Laszlo, no civilian casualties!" Roman said while walking past him "We want to break stuff, not people." Faunus's face turned into vicious snarl as he saluted.

"Ay ay human!" Faunus showed him his sharp teeth. "No death, but maximum collateral!" He started to laugh maniacally while Roman walked into the makeshift command was large, oak table, on which map of the whole capital was placed, various point of interest marked with red circles.

Right before the table stood the muscular faunus with short black hair, wearing standard clothes of other white fang members, aside from the custom Grimm mask covering his entire face and the black tattoos on his left arm.

"What's wrong Eldi?" Roman walked to the table. "Just few days ago you said that my plan is flawless."

"I said it." Faunus known as Elder confirmed. "But there is one detail you intentionally missed."

"Truly? What is it?"

"Hunters." New, older voice jumped into the conversation, and Roman turned to face another Faunus, who was exactly his size. Unlike other White Fang members, he wore a specialized, blue and white combat suit, with many kukuri knives striped to it, and covered his face with a mask of a nevermore.

"What are we going to do when Hunters show up?" Hawk faunus continued his question, his voice indicating a lifetime experience.

"Well Zenith, that's a thing about Hunters." Roman replied. "It is hard to predict where and when they decide to show up."

He felt something behind him, and he looked at the smirking small woman with brown left eye and pink right one, her hair also half pink and half brown, wearing a white cropped wide, broad tailed jacket with a pink interior, collar, a single pink button and large pink cuffs, and brown, leather trousers with high heel boots. She quickly gestured something to Roman, and he huffed in annoyance.

"Exactly, how could I predict that not one, but two Huntresses will decide to show up in the random dust shop?" He covered his face with his right hand. "That's just annoying, you know?"

Woman quickly gestured something again.

"Neo, please give me a break." And Neo gave him a playful smile.

"In this case we need to think about some precautions against them." Elder said. "That's why we should take columns in the middle…"

"Nononono." Roman walked to the table. "I will take column one, and you should take column four."

Elder frowned. "Why?" And Roman puffed a large cloud from his cigar.

"Common sense." He replied, and gestured at himself "My face is quite popular in town, and as much as I love to have an audience, it is also a magnet for Hunters." He pointed his cigar at Elder. "And you Eldi, are a leader, and will certainly cause some attention as well. If we are two close to one another, one veteran hunters team will be able to stop both of us at the same time."

Elder scratched his chin with his right hand. "But if we are far from one another…"

"…They will have to choose who to stop, giving the rest enough time to escape." Roman concluded, and looked at Zenith. "And with you Hawkeye, we will have an early warning when Hunters decide to spoil the fun. And support if necessary."

"Makes sense." Zenith nodded in agreement

"Then we need to have an additional firepower and bodyguards." Elder concluded.

"Firepower is not that big of a deal, you have plenty of that." Roman said. "As for bodyguards, pick whoever you want, I already have mine." Neo waved with her fingers to the Elder.

"Not enough." Elder shook his head. "If we are going to face Hunters, we need to ensure our safety." Roman rolled his eyes.

"Fine, who do you have in mind?" He asked, and through the open door walked a short boar faunus with chains wrapped around her arms. "Can I take Larian please?"

"Nobody is one of the greatest fighters in our cell and is dedicated to our cause." Elder said. "She fought and survived all on her own for years before she joined us, and was a trusted companion of the Black Panther. Like you said, you are a 'Hunters magnet', and she is more than capable of ensuring your protection."

"Don't think I take pleasure with this task human." Nobody said to him.

"The feeling is mutual, I would gladly take anyone else." Roman replied and she growled in response, then Torchwick left a sigh. "Just do exactly what I say when I say it, and we will be fine, capiche?"

"No promises."

"Sister." Elder reprimanded her, and Nobody lowered her head in sign of defeat.

"Great, with that settled, I have matters to attend to." Roman wanted to leave the room, Neo right beside him.

"Wait." Nobody suddenly spoke up. "One more thing."

Roman looked at her, clearly annoyed. "What now?"

"Your plan, for some reason, left out SDC storage depots in the area, full of imported dust." She said, her fists clenched in rage. "If our goal is to steal as much dust as possible, then why are we leaving SDC unharmed?"

And, much to her surprise, Roman chuckled in response and put his hand on her shoulder.

"You really want to hurt them, do you?"

"I want to see them burn." She confirmed, screams from the past echoing in her head.

"Then don't attack them directly." Roman said, cunning smile on his face. "They don't give a damn about the lost dust, they have plenty of that stuff back home. You want to really deal a major blow?" He pointed at the small tv in the corner, and Neo appeared out of nowhere beside it and turned it on, just in time for the SDC commercial.

"Schnee Dust Company, always on the forefront of innovation." Woman on the commercial spoke. "Our products are the Finest of them all." Roman smiled a wolf.

"Then strike them, where it will really hurts."

Authors note

Haha, fooled ya! I would never miss replaying to reviews:

In response to Badillo32:

Thanks for review, unfortunetly I am not a Spanish speaker, so I had to put what you said into the translator.

And yeah, ring has a lot of power, and physical boost is only one of them. And it will certianly cloud his judgement. And about the mental deterioration... Yeah, it will happen, if he doesn't react in time.

In response to Vastoisshin:

Well thank you! I will do my best to not disappoint.

In response to Morality is a Spook:

As much as an idea of putting ida on the workbench is certainly an interesting one, I confess: It is not what's going to happen. But Sauron will engage with modern technology, that's for sure. And occasionaly, we will peak into his past.

Have a nice day too!

In response to Ltbutterfly287

You can! I belive in freedom of speech and opinions. I know that grammar is my weak side, but that's why I started to write at the first place.

And there is a matter I should adress:

Shut down of the Rooster Teeth after two decades is tragic, to say the least. And I know that currently, many fans wonder what will happen to the shows RT produced. But I am more than sure that with community as passionate as this, RWBY, RvB, and many other, will quickly find new, great home. And, in a words of the legend:
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened"

As for me reacting to this news: All I can really do is continue writing, to give both LoTR and RWBY homage they deserve.

That's all from me today.

See you soon!