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?

23. Chapter 16: Aftermatch and the setup

Aftermatch and the setup.

„…What happened yesterday in Vale could not be predicted, and although I am proud of your actions, I can't hide or deny that the White Fang won that day." Headmaster Ozpin spoke to the students gathered in the meeting hall. "Beacon should have prepared you for a crisis like this, and yet, the Academy didn't fulfill its task." He gave everyone an apologetic smile, but students couldn't into Headmaster's eyes. "I do not blame you, or anyone else but myself, for as the Headmaster, I am responsible for your education. And now I swear to you, yesterday will be carefully studied, schedule will be readjusted to prepare you for the challenges ahead…"

The sense of defeat loomed over the gathered huntsmen in training, overbearing feeling of failure dangling over their heads. Over some, more than others.

Ruby looked over her teammates, trying to find right words to say, but she couldn't think of any.

Blake remained silent, trying to look like she wasn't there, Yang sat with crossed arms, and Weiss looked at her scroll constantly, her fists clenched in anger.

"There is an arduous task ahead, for now, people of Vale lost trust in our mission, and we must work together to rebuild it. Thank you." Headmaster finished his speech, and although all students clapped, it wasn't very enthusiastic.

As Ozpin walked off the stage, Glynda Goodwitch stepped up to the mic.

"Being a huntsmen is something more than a profession. It's a responsibility." She looked over the students, but none dared to answer her stare. "Responsibility to the people of Vale, responsibility for the Kingdoms safety. It's not a blind chase for glory." When she said that, she looked at the team RWBY, JNPR, CRDL and SABER. "Even though your actions were commendable to some degree, your duty was not recklessly chasing after a bulk of the White Fang. You could have used your position to remove the blockades placed by the Fang to allow the police in, like team CFVY did. Or evacuate civilians , like team LYOKO did." She briefly looked at the second year teams sitting little to the right from team CRDL. "But instead, you chased after the White Fang's main force, hoping to achieve easy fame and praise. And, some of you fared better…" Professor briefly paid a glance to team JNPR, acknowledging their efforts, which made Jaune smile a little. "…But most failed. Like Headmaster stated, the events of the yesterday will be carefully analyzed, your training readjusted to prepare you for this new kind of threat. But all of you have to ask yourself a vital question: Why do you want to be a huntsman?"

Silence answered her.

"You are all dismissed, go back to your dorms!" And the crowd stirred as people raised from their seats and moved to one of the three exits.

"Don't look so down guys, I watched how you fought, you did great!" Nora exclaimed.

"Easy for you to say." Yang grumbled. "You didn't get your butts kicked."

"You don't have to be so hard on yourself." Pyrrha joined in. "We are still first year students, nobody expected us to do more than we did."

"Pyrrha, please, you won your fight." Yang argued further while Weiss kept searching on her scroll, Ruby mustered the courage to speak up and Blake remained in the background.

"Only because Jaune discovered his semblance." Ren pointed out, and Jaune left an awkward, yet happy laugh.

"It was the team effort Ren, really." Jaune tried to downplay his role, against his urge to boast about his victory.

"Still, you won and people around Vale praise you as heroes while we became a laughing stock." Xio Long remarked with sour taste in her mouth.

Videos of the fight spread around Vale like wildfire, and people in the comments, tv-podcasts or in the articles spoke their mind about them.

Most of the teams were criticized for their lose, every little mistake pointed out and exaggerated to unbelievable proportions, some even called to defund the Academy and use the budget to expand the police force. Luckily for most of the students, their identities were not made public to avoid the personal backlash, but more recognizable figures, like Pyrrha or Weiss, didn't get such curtesy.

Although Pyrrha was praised for her efforts, it was an undeniable fact that Jaune stole the spotlight.

"Beacon's new Shining Star?"

"The identity of the Shadow Hunter."

"The mysterious partner of Pyrrha Nikos!"

Were few of many titles on top of the articles written, with many more searching for snippets of info about Jaune Arc, which… kinda scared him, yet also fascinated him.

But not everyone had the good time with the press.

"SDC is directly responsible for the White Fang attack, and here is the proof."

"Are the White Fang claims about SDC legitimate? Insider speaks out."

Weiss's grip on her scroll tightened as she read all the various articles, most based on the same things – that some fang said something about 'the deal' and she didn't deny it, and that they didn't attack SDC's storage depots, which served as a fuel for the tabloids.

"Is Weiss Schnee heiress to the SDC?"

"Is Weiss Schnee responsible for the White Fang attack?"

She read all that and more while Yang argued with Nora and Pyrrha, until Ruby took a deep breath.

"Guys, that's enough!" She jumped before the group and ceased the argument and gathering her friends attention. "What happened, happened, we can't change that, but we can prepare ourselves for the next fight!" She tried to remain positive. "We just have to learn from our mistakes…"

"Our mistakes?" Weiss interrupted with coldness in her voice. "I can tell you what were 'our mistakes'."

In the back of her head she could feel that what she is about to say will antagonize the rest of her team, but she disregarded this warning, knowing that sometimes, you have to be harsh.

First, she pointed at Blake.

"You run off before we even started fighting." She said angrily. "Turned off your scroll, went who-knows where and now you have returned and pretends like nothing happened?" Blake looked away but Weiss kept trying to find an eye contact. "You still didn't give us a proper excuse yet!"

"Slow down Ice Queen, we get it…" Yang tried to step in, but only managed to shift the Heiress attention.

"Oh, don't think I forgot about you Anger Issue!" She raised her voice, matching Yang's glare with her own scornful stare. "You got provoked, mindlessly charged at Torchwick only to get shot and fall! You not only didn't help Ruby, you also left me ALONE to fend for myself against THE WHOLE FANG!" Weiss grabbed her face with her right hand, her nails scratching the skin with frustration. "You never think, you just swing mindlessly left and right!" Yang didn't back down, yet she clenched her fists, echo of her 'fight' against the Smith still fresh in her mind.

"Hey Snow Angel, I think it's quite enough." Jaune tried to put his hand on Weiss's shoulder, but she brushed him off.

"I am not done!" She looked at Ruby. "And you – You not only run in with no plan whatsoever, you also fell into the least obvious trap in the world, nearly got captured or worse!" Ruby looked at her feet as Weiss continued to unload her frustrations, while team JNPR just remained silent, not sure what to say or do.

"I gave my all during this fight, defeated my opponent and held the Fang long enough for you and Sun to recover, which then forced them to abandon part of their plunder! The only mistake I made was following through your plan, or rather, lack of it!"

"Weiss…" Pyrrha tried to step in, but Ruby raised her hand.

"No, She is right." Ruby stated, much to everyone, especially Weiss's, surprise. "I made a mistake, I didn't plan this fight at all, and underestimated the Fang, which led to Yang getting hurt." Yang shook her head in denial, but Ruby continued, her silver eyes sparking for a moment. "We can't change what happened, but we can learn from it, and prepare for another fight, together. As a team." She extended her right hand, and her teammates felt some sort of inspiration from her words, like her voice resparked their motivation.

But Blake didn't answer the gesture, despite the fact the part of her wanted to do it, Yang just nodded her head, but Weiss looked away, not able to look Ruby in the eyes.

"We may not have the second chance like this." The heiress almost said, but she bit her tongue before she could utter a single syllable.

Nora gave Ruby an encouraging pat on her back while Pyrrha looked at Ruby proudly.

"We sure will Rubes, but I gotta go now, my airship leaves in the next ten minutes." Yang put her sunglasses on, while Ruby looked at her sister and quickly connected the dots.

"Is this about that guy from the highway?" Yang nodded her head. "Then maybe, we can go with you?" Ruby offered, but Weiss rolled her eyes while Blake remained silent.

"It is something I have to do alone Rubes, but don't worry, I will be fine." Nora gave Yang a teasing smile as blonde brawler turned on her heel and walked off.

"So, there really is a guy huh?" She 'whispered' to Ruby.

"I'm not into punching bags!" Yang shouted as she left, and Nora giggled.

"Alright, so Yang walked away. No worries Ruby, you got this." Ruby encouraged herself and looked at Weiss and Blake. "Maybe we can…" Only to realize that Blake already walked away, leaving her, Weiss and the team JNPR. "…Oh."

"Maybe you want to hang out in our dorm tonight?" Jaune offered an 'olive branch'. "Ren promised pancakes."

"With extra syrup!" Nora gleefully added, and Ren smiled a little.

"We could relax and talk about what went wrong more… calmly." Pyrrha added, but Weiss left a heavy sigh in response.

"I'm sorry, but I have something to do in the CCTS tower." Weiss explained, then looked at Ruby. "We will meet in our dorm later." With that she walked off, trying to retain her confident pose, while Ruby slowly clenched her fists.

"Hey, umm…" Jaune put his hand on Ruby's shoulder. "If you need someone to talk to…"

"Just… give me a minute." Ruby replied, JNPR shared looks with one another and walked away, except Pyrrha.

"Remember, we are here for you, okay?" Pyrrha gave Rose a smile. "You can always count on us."

"Thanks, but it is something I must do on my own.." Ruby replied, and after a short moment hesitation, Pyrrha walked away.

"I don't want to make the same mistake as Turin, but I… don't know how to talk with people." Ruby looked through the window at the sky.

"What would you do, mom?"

---

Crowd of the white fang members gathered in the large cavern underneath their new base of operations, taking their seats by numerous tables, talking to one another and sharing their yesterday's experiences, only for Melodic Cudgel to loudly tap the ground.

"Attention everyone!" Roman spoke through the microphone standing on the stage beside large metal crates. "Yesterday was really busy day, we all sweat, fought, yelled and all that fun stuff." Fangers followed him with their stares as he walked up to the nearby crate. "Some may think that after that blow, we already brought Vale on its knees, make it submit to our demands!" Uneasy chatter run through the Fang's ranks. "But tomorrow, Vale will recover from the initial shock. Tomorrow, it will demand vengeance, look for a ways to retaliate against us, so tomorrow we will have to carry the torch of the Revolution further!" He looked at the crowd, leant against the nearest metal shipping container, then smiled. "But that's for tomorrow, for today, we celebrate the job well done!" He pushed the button on the crate's side, and it opened for everyone to see.

"I expect the best, and I give the best!" Roman announced as older models of atlasian robots stepped out, carrying bottles and rolling barrels. "Here is a beer!" Fangs cheered while the rest of the containers opened. "And here is some entertainment!"

As a music started to play and beer started to being distributed among the fangs, the meeting quickly turned into a full-blown party.

"Roman! Roman! Roman!" Fangs cheered as Torchwick jumped off the stage.

As he walked between the fangs, they pat his back like an old time friends, not caring about him being a human at all, while he looked over them with pride. They performed remarkably well, like Adam promised, and he didn't even need to pay them! What a deal!

He briefly glanced at the Goat Brothers starting a four-way drinking contest, their sister being a judge, then at Laszlo who danced… at least tried to dance.

"You were so brave against those bullies!" Elderly rhino faunus pulled cheek of Ray. "Mama is so proud of you!"

"Mom, not before friends." Rhino faunus pleaded and Roman couldn't help but chuckle, grabbing a neopolitan ice-cream along the way.

"Torchwick." Boar faunus nodded her head towards him as she picked up the bottle of moonshine.

"Well hello!" Roman noticed something unusual in the faunus's voice. Respect maybe? "I hope now you are sure of my intentions?"

"Kinda." She begrudgingly admitted. "Your plan did work."

"We sure did hurt the SDC pricks, didn't we?" Roman giggled.

"We sure did." She said with a genuine happy smile as she pat an old dog sitting beside her chair while the animal lazily yawned.

To say that SDC's reputation in Vale went into a gutter would be an understatement – Thanks to their storages being left alone, rumors spread by the fangs remaining undercover in the city, as well as a fateful encounter with the Heiress, the Company was accused of financing the White Fang to wipe out the competition for a hostile takeover. Obvious stocks drop aside, Company's reputation was badly tarnished – two things SDC cares about the most.

"I look forward to our further partnership." Roman knelt, pat the dog. "And who is a good dog?" Hector's tail wiggled happily, then Torchwick stood back up. "But now, have some fun. You earned it."

"Aye." Nobody replied, her voice trying to appear softer than it was, looking after Torchwick as he walked away. "Thanks, Roman."

Roman briefly searched for Neo in the crowd, and finally noticed her sitting near a large table, surrounded by fangs talking to one another, leaving only one empty seat. At least, that's what it looked like for an untrained eye.

"You took the best table." He said as he sat down, 'fangs' around him seemed to not react to his presence.

"Best table for the best Criminal Mastermind in the World." She gestured with her right hand while her left pushed a bottle of Roman's favorite Champagne.

"Neo, please, don't flatter me like that!" He laughed and grabbed the bottle, then pushed Neopolitan ice-cream in Neo's direction. "Vale is enough for now."

"Hey Roman!" Two fangers approached them with smiles on their faces. "Great work with those Hunters!"

"It was all your work, I was just a brain! Enjoy the party!" Fangs laughed and quickly left to join large group of fangs on the dance floor.

"I still can't get used to working with them." Neo confessed, gesturing with her left, before she picked up a spoon.

"At least they are reliable." Roman remarked as he opened the bottle. "You were lucky that you got sick when I hired Junior's goons." He scoffed as the bottle opened with a satisfying 'pop'. "What an embarrassment, I tell you." He quickly filled a glass with the liquid, and raised it high. "For the first of many victories!"

"For victory!" Fangs cheered as well, atmosphere lighting up, and as Roman took a sip of his drink, he briefly felt that nothing could spoil this evening.

Until his scroll beeped. Subconsciously, he knew who it was. He left a heavy groan and stood up.

"Just give me a minute Neo." He said when he noticed his partner's questioning stare, and walked away from the party to a more secure and quiet room.

He put the scroll on the table, sat down on an armchair as the connection was established.

„Roman" A woman's voice spoke.

„Cinder! Glad to hear your voice!" Roman lied through his teeth. „How are you doing?"

„Busy robbing museums, but that's irrelevant" Cinder Fall replied. „I contact you for another reason."

„I hope to congratulate me for the job well done." Roman said, and he watched how an amused smirk graced her lips.

„I do admit, even though I knew about your reputation, you still managed to surprise me." She said with what sounded as a genuine praise, and Roman decided to play along.

„You asked for a distraction, and there is no better one than a revolution." Roman chuckled. „But about the weapons you promised…"

„Fang will get what it needs, but now, I have another job for you…" Cinder interrupted, which rubbed Roman's ego, so he quickly returned the favor.

„Sorry, can't do." He started to nonchalantly clear his nails.

„…What?" He could feel coldness in her voice, a lowkey threat.

„More than a quarter of my men currently sits behind bars in the Stonewall prison, and I promised to bust them out." Roman calmly explained while Cinder listened, but her gaze changed into more curious one. „If I leave them to dry, everyone will think that the Fang abandons its members, which would make Adam really unhappy, right?"

„That's true." Cinder agreed. the last thing she now wanted was angering her ally at this stage. One wrong move and her plans will be in jeopardy.

„See? Not only that, if we break into the second most secure place in the Kingdom, it will send shockwaves across the government, and be a great PR victory." Roman made a wide gesture with his right hand, like he unveiled a painting to add to his statement. "More faunus will flock to us, the eyes of the whole world will be watching…"

„I can see your point." Cinder replied after a while, which prompted Roman to make himself comfortable on his seat again. „And you are in the luck."

„Oh really?" Roman picked up the cigar and a lighter.

„I also wanted you to break into the Stonewall." Cinder said with a confident smirk.

„So you want me to bust someone along my guys?" Roman ignited his cigar. „Who is this lucky guy? Your boyfriend?" Cinder smiled and look Roman deep in the eyes.

„His name is Hazel Reinart"

Hearing it, Roman inhaled too much smoke, and violently coughed while Cinder chuckled seeing Torchwick's reaction.

„Hazel Reinart!?" He stood up before the projection. „THE Hazel Reinart!? This nutjob who nearly assassinated Beacon's Headmaster!?"

„The one and only." She replied, raising her eyebrow. "You sound like it is a problem for you."

"Because like hell it is!" Roman raised his voice. "He is in a special security section, deep underground! I already need an army to breach through the first and the second gate!"

"An army for a prison?" Cinder asked with suspicion.

"For THE prison Cind." Roman sat back. "Do you even realize what are you asking me for?"

"Enlighten me then." Fall spoke, genuinely curious, which made Roman sigh heavily.

"The Stonewall prison was once a prison colony, where the kings sent prisoners to mine dust and silver, but with resources depleted, they repurposed it into a normal prison, dug deep into the mountain itself!" He started to walk around the room. "There is only one way in, heavily guarded by the way, and once you breach the first gate, the inner prison is a maze in which you can be easily cut off or ambushed by the guards! And only after all of that you can reach the regular cellblocks. But not the Special Cellblock where they keep all of the dangerous criminals." He threw his cigar away and approached Cinder's projection. "Let me put it this way - Stonewall is basically a fortress, and the Special Security section is a citadel within said fortress!" Roman threw away his cigar in frustration. "I would need someone inside to even think about breaking Hazel out."

"Didn't you say that you have at least quarter of your men there?" Cinder replied dispassionately. "You could send someone down. Or your sidekick over there…-" She nodded her head, prompting Roman to look back just to see Neo quietly emerging from an optic illusion. "-Can easily sneak in, can't she?"

"Neo…" Roman wanted to say something but Neo looked at Cinder and quickly gestured with her hands.

"Ammunition and rations for a whole month, first half delivered before the action and I will do it." Neo stared directly into Cinder's eyes, and Fall smiled before Roman could react to what was happening.

"Deal."

"Neo no!" Roman tried to protest, but Fall ignored him and continued.

"Since you are so worried Roman, I will send some of my men to assist your attack on the Stonewall." She said. "When the White Fang will be ready?" At first Roman tried to argue, but upon noticing her cold gaze, he relented.

"Two weeks."

"I give you week and a half." Cinder said. "Be ready." And ended the call.

Roman took a deep breath and turned to Neopolitan. "Why did you do it?"

"I will be more useful inside than outside." Neo gestured back, expecting scolding, but Roman's hand was shaking.

"You don't understand!" He said, trying stop this subtle shake. "You will be on your own, down with a bunch of psychos and heavily armed guards! If something goes wrong…" He sat on the armchair, covering his face. "…I won't be able to help you."

Neo put her hand on his hands, took them out of his face, then gently touched his face and prompted him to look her in the eyes.

"I'm not a child." She gestured with her free hand. "You know that I can do it." Roman remained silent, knowing that she is right. "But… I really appreciate that you care."

"Of course I care! You are my…" He bit his tongue.

Neo silently giggled, but then, her face became serious. "That's why we have to finish our 'partnership' with that woman as fast as possible. I don't trust her one bit."

"Neither do I, but what choice do we have?" Roman voiced his concerns out loud.

"We could run away, just a two of us, find an island…" But Roman already shook this head in denial.

"It wouldn't work with someone like her, she would hunt us down like some animals. And that's not how I want to go." He said, a note of fear in his voice, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. "I still have something to prove to this world."

Neo just sighed with a sad expression. No matter how hard she tried to persuade him…

"Roman!" One of the Fangs burst into the room. "The News are about to start!"

"Good, I will join you soon!" Roman replied and when a fanger left, his demeanor quickly returning as he looked back at Neo. "I promise you, after the deal with Cinder is over, we are going on a vacation." Neo smiled and nodded her head in approval. "Now let's go, we don't want to miss the show, do we?"

Neo walked up to his side and they left the room together.

"Besides, you could have haggled for more than a single month." He said with a rather soft voice, and Neo couldn't help but smirk.

---

"What a mess" One of the studio staff grumbled as he refilled his mug with coffee. "The list just keeps on growing with no end in sight."

"What else did you expect Frank? Nothing remotely like this happened in Vale since the Reinart's attack." Frank just rolled his eyes hearing his colleague words.

"Why are you looking so down boys?!" Both men suddenly heard right beside them, and before they could respond, Lisa Lavender quickly walked past them. "We are going live any minute now so chin up and smile!"

They briefly watched after her as she quickly approached the cameraman, exchanged few words, and as he readjusted his gear Lisa quickly run up to the seat of microphones, testing the audio.

"Never saw her that energetic before." Frank remarked as Lavender diligently worked around the set, giving short commands, fixing her hair while her assistant spoke to her about the recent events, all with a wide, bright smile.

His colleague pat his back.

"You weren't with her even once in the field?"

"No?"

"Then closely rewatch all the footage we got from the documentary about the Grimm. She just loves the thrill."

"Lavender, we are rolling in the next twenty seconds!" Hearing that, Lisa took her seat, put down the papers and assumed her signature face.

"Three…" She took a deep breath through her nose as cameras focused on her. "Two…One…Go!"

"Good Afternoon Vale, this is your host Lisa Lavender with fresh news from the Kingdom, and the world!"

"The police department confirmed that the White Fang during yesterday's raid was led by none other, but an infamous Criminal, Roman Torchwick. "

'His involvement in this attack gives us more questions than answers.' Commandant told the reporters interviewing him before the Police Department. "He is well known for some of the most daring robberies, but he never associated himself with larger organizations like the White Fang. Our department diligently works to find out the Fangs, as well as uncover Torchwick's motives.

"One thing is certain." Lisa Lavender appeared back on the screen. "Roman Torchwick working alongside the Fang is a dreadful combinations and only the Gods know their next move."

'

Hearing that, Fangs cheered once more.

"White Fang! White Fang! Roman! Roman!" Their shouts echoed across the cave, more than ready to set the blaze of revolution for their fallen, and for their present.

But one of them wasn't celebrating.

Sitting alone in the small cavern above the party pulled out a small sheet of paper and unraveled it.

On the picture there was Ghira and Kali, their happy smiles brimming from the picture while they held in their hands a small child, seemingly staring at him with confusion and curiosity.

"You should visit us one day, Blake would be more than happy to meet her uncle. Your best friend." Zenith read the message as he did more than a thousand times already, and left a sad sigh as cheers and triumphant cries echoed around him.

"Damn it all Ghira."

'

"Because of the White Fang raid, Grimm activity outside the city walls escalated, but according to the Warden Commander, situation is under control." Lisa continued the broadcast, and the scenery changed to the top of the wall, and not a news reporter interviewing a Warden Commander, a man covered from a head to toe in a heavy chainmail, wielding a giant axe with a heavy shotgun barrel at the end.

'Wolves and Ursai are not that big of a deal, they are not coming at us in a massive numbers, and our guns make short work of 'em." He said to the camera, his voice muffled by the metal face-mask while the armored train fired it's mortars and light guns into the distance. "It's the little birds causing us a lot of trouble – they come in flocks, are hard to shot down and try to claw…"

Before he could finish, reporter yelled "Look out!" and a small nevermore slammed into Warden's face-mask, trying to gauge his eyes out, but it's beak couldn't break through the protective glass.

Warden calmly grabbed the grimm, threw it under on the floor and crushed it with his heavy boot.

"That's why we always wear the helmets."

"Thank you for this presentation! Now back to the studio with a last-minute report." Lisa Lavender spoke up again. "In a shocking twist of events, amidst the chaos caused by the White Fang raid, as well as a recent controversy involving misuse of the public funds, Governor Archibald Lark during the press conference announced his, and his cabinet's resignation."

"All I did was for the good of the Kingdom and its people." Governor spoke despite the angry shouts from the crowd while reporters took the pictures. "And if the people demand my cabinet to step down, then so be it. I only pray that a new governor will also keep the people of Vale close to his heart."

'

Junior's goons hearing governor's words either rolled their eyes or made a barf gesture.

"Just shut up you fuck!" One of them tried to throw a bottle, but missed the screen entirely, while Junior watched the news carefully.

"It was your doing, wasn't it." Junior basically stated, not asked Annatar, who was sitting on the couch, holding a glass of whisky with a single ice-cube in it.

"Few leaks there, an insightful whisper to a right person, some call-in favors from my associates…" Sauron remarked as he watched the ice-cube completely dissolving in the brown liquid. "…And his career as a governor reached its ending." He put the glass down, beside six more ice cubes safely in the jar. "But worry not, his family will be left unharmed."

"How generous of you." Junior said and Annatar gave Militia and Melanie a knowing wink.

He could turn that man life into a living hell if he really wanted to, but if he did that, it would make his friend upset, probably not because he ruined lives of an innocent people, but because he went back on his promise. He only revealed a small portion of his arsenal, both to remove the obstacle, and as a final warning – to make Lark step aside willingly, while he still could.

"With the governor's office empty, many ask: Who will pick up the mantle? Will the new candidate be another seasoned politician, or, perhaps, someone new and ambitious will decide to participate in the run?" Lisa Lavender spoke to the camera, and small smiled danced on her lips. "That question might be answered quicker than we think."

Junior picked a bottle of beer and refilled his glass.

"I hope a new one won't be some goody-two-shoes." He commented to his associates. "Lark was an arrogant asshole, but you could pay him to piss off."

"Indeed, I do wonder if you will prove more cooperative." Annatar made an offhand remark, seemingly playing with his drink.

It took Junior more than few seconds to understand what the Smith just said.

"What?"

"Oh, don't worry about the formalities - I have already submitted your application." Annatar stood up and snapped his finger while Malachite twins eyed with disbelief painted on their faces.

"You did wha…" Junior rapidly raised from his seat, but one of "his" men pushed a briefcase into his hands. "What the hell is this?"

"A long list of charities you made donations to and companies you have majority of shares in."

"But I didn't…"

"Of course you did!" Annatar laughed when he looked at Junior's confused face. "All the money you gave for some of my crafts I simply 'reinvested', as you call it." He pulled out a pen and presented it to Xiong. "Once you sign all of the necessary papers, you will officially become a rightful owner of the Barad-Build Construction Company." He snickered when he said that, while Junior's gaze narrowed on the pen.

"Why are you doing all of this?"

"You are going to need all the help you can get in an upcoming elections, am I wrong?" As Annatar said that, Melanie and Militia shared a look, not expecting this kind of development.

"You do realize that I'm a mobster?"

"All the orphanages you funded, foundations you created and charities you donated to clearly show you are a reformed man, wanting to finally do something meaningful with his life."

"I extorted people for money!"

"Splendid, you do understand the concept of taxes!"

Before Junior could retort, Sauron put his hand on Xiong's shoulder, his grip setting muscles at ease, and looked him deep in the eyes.

"This is an opportunity you have always craved for, is it not?" He spoke, Smith's voice soothing, persuasive. "A first step on the road leading to true power. I see it in your eyes." He leant and whispered to Junior's ear. "You can already see the crowd calling your name, can't you? Naming you their King? Their one and only Lord?"

As Sauron spoke, Junior felt a sweet taste of wine in his mouth, a soft touch of finest silks on his skin, and heard uncountable crowd shouting his name in adoration.

He wanted it. He wanted it all.

"No stop it!" Junior suddenly snapped out of this trance, jumped away from Annatar' grasp and accidently crushed the glass in his hand, which changed his mind's focus from the future rewards to the current pain. "Stop doing this to me!"

"Do what?"

"This stuff you do to the people!" Junior groaned in pain as his hand bled, one of his goons attending to it. "Just listening to you makes me…" But Annatar frowned, raising his eyebrow with genuine curiosity.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what do you mean my fellow." Hearing this, Junior turned away, put both of his hands on the bar counter, and remained silent for a while.

"What troubles you, my partner?" Annatar inquired with slight concern.

"I tried looking into your past." Xiong replied.

"Truly?" Sauron leant forward. "And have you found something noteworthy?"

"Nothing. And that's the problem." Junior turned back to Annatar and pointed his finger at him, yet his body language changed from an arrogant confidence into more and more growing fear. "You appeared out of nowhere on my doorstep, at my lowest point in life, and offered me a deal which solved all of my problems." He briefly gestured at his rebuilt and slightly redesigned club, and Sauron nodded his head, listening carefully. "Do you know what kind of being does that?"

"An Angel?"

"A Devil." Junior stated, now his fear palpable in his voice, and an amused smile danced on the Sauron's face.

"Isn't a Devil just a Fallen Angel?"

Junior's goons looked at one another, not sure if they should, or in that case, wanted to step in between, while Militia and Melanie gulped simultaneously. If it all went the wrong way, Annatar will fight, and something in the back of their brains warned them that it would be a bloodbath.

"So, I assume our partnership is over, right?" Junior asked and Sauron slowly nodded his head in confirmation. "At least tell me, when did I lose control over the situation?"

"In the moment when we came to an agreement." Sauron responded, and Junior just left a sad laugh.

"Figures."

Melanie wasn't sure if she even could fight the Smith, she just… liked him. Militiades too had her doubts, even Junior's goons were unsure, some ready to jump to defend their boss, others would quickly join the Smith.

"But I have to admit one thing." Sauron spoke.

"Which is?"

"If you didn't show your potential yesterday, I wouldn't even bother." Junior stared into Sauron's eyes, feeling their heat. "I want to employ this potential."

Afraid barman peeked from behind the counter.

"Then I need a precaution." Junior decided to bargain, and Sauron tilted his head to the side, not breaking the eye-contact. "That I won't be discarded along the way."

"Discarded?"

"I know this eyes." Junior continued his thought. "Everyone in their right mind would realize you are ambitious, and clearly has a plan I can't grasp. That valuable to you will get what they want and more, as long as they are useful. You have a gaze of someone who removes others if he stands in their way, or when they have served their purpose. I just saw a taste of what happens to those bothering you on national TV." He pointed at the TV-screen, which turned off in the mean-time. "Or what happened to the Fangs. I ain't that stupid as people take me for, as soon as someone more capable appears, you will throw me away like some used rag. Am I wrong?"

Sauron remained silent, which gave Junior answer he needed.

"I helped you at the start, I gave you some of my men, a place to work in! I want to be the part of your plan, but not some pawn! I deserve at least that!"

Sauron's gaze narrowed on Junior, his fiery-pupils only visible, clearly considering what Xiong demands.

"Do you truly want it?"

"Like hell I…" In a flash, Sauron's face was an inch from Xiong's, far too close for Junior's liking. Sauron was so close in fact that his eyes filled mobster's view, and the fallen maia could hear human's pounding heart.

"No, you don't fully understand what you wish for." Sauron spoke without moving his lips, directly into Junior's mind while his right hand grabbed Junior's bleeding one. His voice was clear, ringing in Xiong's ears like polished steel, while all the other sounds became muffled, unable to take away his attention.

"If you want to be a part of my grand design, then know this – there are going to be many challenges for you to overcome, battles to fight, struggles to win. You will bask in my favor, but there will be young and ambitious trying to carve their place under my rule, and if you grow weak and lazy, you will be relegated to other duties.

For riches will be only for those who deserve them.

You will rule, but I won't accept mediocrity,

You will command, but I won't tolerate disobedience,

You will scheme, but I won't allow treachery,

You will thrive to the end of your life, if you keep growing.

Do you accept this gift?"

Junior blinked few times, Sauron's gaze piercing, demanding an immediate answer, but Xiong's mind worked with a surprising clarity, his thoughts devoid of an outside influence, it felt like Annatar demanded an honest answer, without any shadow of a doubt.

"Yes." Mobster submitted, and new, never seen before, ambitious spark appeared in his eyes.

The sharp pain coursed through his wounded hand as Sauron laughed in triumph, then quickly picked up a bottle of beer.

"Then, let's change some old habits first!" He threw the bottle across the club, it shattered against a brick wall, its contents showering the floor. Then, his gaze shifted to the bar.

"Shit!" Barman shouted and run away as Sauron raised both of his hands, while everyone in the club jumped on the ground, covering their heads as every bottle started to violently shake, pressure growing within them. And when Annatar closed his hands, bottles exploded, their contents spilling like a tidal wave across the floor, filling the club with liquors aroma.

"It costed at least two hundred thousand lien!" Junior shouted, then groaned in pain and took his aching hand, only for Sauron to laugh out loud.

"Such a small price for shattering your chains!" He declared, looking back at Junior. "I gave you want you need, but if you truly wish to impress me, to be the part of something grander than mere titles, you will win without my further assistance. Show me what you are truly capable of!" Sauron's gaze darted to Militia and Melanie, staring at him with shocked faces. "Until you succeed, our only way of talk shall be through Miltiades and Melanie." He approached them quickly and took Melanie's right hand with his right, and Milita's right with his left. "Can I ask you for that favor?"

"Of course!" Melanie and Militia answered almost instantly, and Annatar brought their hands closer.

"I couldn't be more grateful." He kissed their hands and then let them go, making both sisters turn away to hide their flustered faces.

He looked at the ceiling at spread his arms wide.

"From now on, this is my domain." He declared his claim not to the crowd, but the world, and he felt that every stone, every piece of wood and cloth in this building submitting to his words, like Junior just did.

And then he disappeared. He just… stopped being there.

Goons looked at each other, unable to comment even between themselves. None of them voiced their concerns while Junior stood beside the counter, staring at the his healed hand, with a visible insignia in shape of a Lidless Eye.

"Melanie…" Militia finally whispered to her sister. "Is he a Devil?" And Melanie couldn't help but laugh.

"Isn't a Devil just an Angel who lost his wings?"

Junior stared at the insignia, feeling a newfound vigor coursing through his veins, an unimaginable strength in his muscles, his heart burning with passion, asking:

"What will I do now?"

He clenched his fist. His purpose was clear.

"Why are you looking so defeated huh!?" He suddenly shouted, his voice mighty, commanding, and everyone listened. "We have elections to win! Get me the best pr-managers right now! Clear the floor of this filth!"

Goons immediately sprang into action, clearing the club from alcohol, making calls while Xiong looked at Melanie and Militia.

"Keep all alcohol away from me."

"What about your private stash?" Militia asked.

"Sell it, destroy it, I don't care! Just remove it!"

As this was happening Sauron appeared in Clashtara, turned on his scroll and called.

"Chief, boys chatter about what you did in the Club!" His herald spoke up. "Should I congratulate you?"

"No need Nathan, but I have a task for you." He spoke through the scroll. "Speak with Leaders of the Red Lions and Black Wolves, tell them in my Name, to put aside their differences and unite for the good of all."

"I don't think…"

"You can." Sauron interrupted. "You are my Mouth. You bear my mark. They will obey your word like they would obey mine."

Yowwick briefly looked at an insignia on his right hand, and nodded his head.

"Will do. And from your tone I assume you are not coming back yet?" Sauron nodded his head.

"I still have one thing to do." He replied, ended a call and looked at the Clashtara's Public Hospital.

Beacon tower

"Are you sure that She is responsible for that attack Ozpin?" One of the projections spoke to Headmaster.

"Without a Shadow of a Doubt." Ozpin replied. "The one who attacked Amber allied herself with the White Fang."

On the top of the Beacon tower, Ozpin held a meeting with Headmasters of the other Academies: On his right was a projection of the Headmaster Leonardo Lionheart from the Haven Academy, in front was James Ironwood, Headmaster of the Atlas Academy and the Grand General of the Atleasian military, and on Ozpin's left was a projection of Theodore, Headmaster of the Shade Academy.

"With this attack she wanted to test our defenses." Lionheart said.

"And she found us with our pants down." Theodore remarked with sour.

"We knew that something was coming, but not on that scale." Ozpin said, retaining his calm. "But that attack costed them too – Most of the White Fang was forced to leave the city, and those who remain can't stage anything more than an small acts of sabotage."

"More will join their cause." Ever stoic James stated. "They saw weakness of Vale's defenses, and will exploit it."

"Does it mean the Vytal festival will be cancelled?" Lionheart asked.

"There is no need for that." Ozpin answered. "Now Police and my intelligence conducts operations to hunt down any remaining fangs in the city, they won't threaten the festivities."

"You can't be sure of that." Theodore remarked. "Or even better, maybe that was her plan all along? To draw your attention away?"

"We can't make rash assessments here." Ozpin spoke calmly to Theodore. "Don't worry, We will find a culprit who stole the King's staff." Headmaster of the Shade Academy scoffed. Losing the Staff of King Abbas was already a powerful blow to Shade's reputation, but combining that with Fang's attack on Vale could mean an upcoming tragedy. "Leo, my friend, prepare yourself, you might be the next target."

"I will do my best but.." Lionheart spoke sheepishly. "…My Hunters are already overstretched and…"

"Five brigades." James spoke up, gaining the rooms attention. "I can dispatch five rapid response brigades to Mistral right away, and the Specialist Paratrooper Division to Vale."

"Oh, that's a bad idea! Really bad idea!" Lionheart protested. "People will view it as an occupation!"

"Tell me about it." Theodore grumbled, thinking how SDC exploits the vast Dust mines and basically owns eight out of nine* major cities in Vacuo.

"We can't escalate things that quickly James." Ozpin said to Ironwood, but General shook his head in denial.

"Things have already escalated." He said, looking Ozpin deep in the eyes. "If we act like nothing have happened, Salem will strike again. And the next blow will be even more devastating." The room remained silent for a moment, Ozpin and James locked in the battle of wills.

"I have things under control." Ozpin finally spoke. "In fact, I have a plan of catching our elusive agent."

"Oh that's great!" Lionheart clapped his hand. "So tell us and we will readjust our strategies!" But Ozpin shook his head I denial.

"I can't do it right now friend." Ozpin stood up and looked at Ironwood. "You can send two brigades to Mistral under a guise of containing the Grimm on Gorgan Hills, and one to Vale to assist my Hunters with securing the Dumnala pass, but no more, or the people..."

"I understand." James Ironwood nodded his head, accepting this compromise. For now, at least. "They will arrive next week."

"I don't think…" Lionheart tried to argue, but James already ended the call, which made the Lion faunus sigh heavily. "Very well, gonna keep you updated." And he left the call as well.

"I have my own shit to deal with." Theodore said and only then he left the meeting.

Headmaster sat back on his chair and crossed his hands on the desk.

"I hope you don't bring ill-news." Ozpin said.

"Then maybe I should come later?" Qrow emerged from a Shadow and approached the Headmaster's desk.

"That bad?"

"Our Shapeshifter burnt the whole pool as it emerged." Ozpin looked at Qrow with wide-open eyes. "And what remained of it became a cesspit for other Grimm to feast upon."

"Feast?" Ozpin raised his left eyebrow.

"One Creep got so large that it could rampage through a building." Qrow explained, and stretched his neck. "It left quiet a mess as it left the cave."

"They grew inside?" Qrow nodded in confirmation. "Did you take care of it?"

"I collapsed the whole cave with explosives and hunted down the larger ones before they could cause any harm." Hunter spoke, stretching his right arm. "And the Grimm went mad because of it Oz."

"Thank you Qrow." Ozpin said. The idea of Grimm hatchery in which they could grow out of control... "And what about our Shapeshifter?"

"Learnt something." Qrow sat on the desk. "It can spew fire, is strong enough to kill Alpha beowolf without effort, and lastly..." He put a picture on Ozpin's desk, and Headmaster's face turned pale.

A footprint. A Human footprint, melted into stone.

"Dear Gods…" Ozpin muttered.

"Yep, this thing can be hiding between us right now." Qrow's voice hardened. "Speaking, acting, laughing, only to sprung at some unfortunate people and kill…"

"No." Ozpin stood up. "This thing is not a mindless Grimm Qrow."

"Grimm or not, it is dangerous." Hunter picked up Harbinger. "I give me few days and…"

"You won't." Ozpin shushed him, and Qrow looked at him flabbergasted. "I have a different job for you." Before Qrow could respond, a large image of a Royal staff with a diamond appeared in the room. "Recently, King Abbas's staff was stolen by Salem's agents for unknown purpose, and I want you to…"

"What the crap Oz!" Qrow interrupted. "Don't change the topic!"

"Qrow…"

"First you sent me into the Forest to fight some ever-changing animal, and now, when I finally got a lead you are sending me to a fuckin desert? What is really going on huh!?"

Ozpin took a deep breath.

"I sent you before because I didn't know that this being can look like a human. Peter already deduced that this being is intelligent, and if it can assume human form, then it probably hides in some village, if not the Capital city itself. And that's something I can deal with, while your expertise is needed elsewhere." Headmaster spoke calmly to a fuming Qrow. "We don't know it's purpose or it's drive, perhaps it can be reasoned with? Regardless if this is true or not, it's a delicate matter, which requires subtility, unshakable nerves and… some luck." Qrow's jaw tightened.

"But what if it does something to Ruby or Yang?" Qrow asked, and Ozpin put his hand on the hunter's shoulder.

"Rest assured friend, I will do everything to find it and keep your nieces safe. Trust me."

For a moment Qrow thought about telling Headmaster to screw himself and go after the Shifter himself regardless, but he worked for Ozpin long enough to understand that listening to the Headmaster is better for everyone, even if he personally disagree.

"If something happens to them then Oz, I don't know what I will do to you, but it won't be pretty." Qrow turned away from Ozpin. "I will get you that stupid staff." He walked up to the open window, turned into a bird and flew away. Ozpin stared after the Hunter for a while before he typed something on his desk, and an image of Lisa Lavender's appeared before him.

"…But thanks to the action of the brave heroes, Limestone district, Clashtara district and Stonecradle district survived the raid without any major losses." And as she said that, an image of four people sitting in a building appeared, and Ozpin paused the recording. One was a tiger faunus, second was a middle-aged man, third was Junior and the last was a man in smith's clothes, his eyes staring at a camera with amusement, and in some sort of invitation.

His lava-like eyes.

"Annatar."

---

Weiss sat before the monitor in the CCTS tower as it established a long-range connection. She tried to mentally prepare for this discussion, but as soon as the connection was established…

"Daughter." Jacques spoke, his voice still sending chills down Weiss's spine, but she managed to remain collected.

"Father." She replied, trying to sound as cold as him.

"You know why we have this call, don't you?"

"Yes father."

"So you know what does it mean, right?"

"No father."

Jacques played with a fancy lighter in his hands, igniting it to turn it off again, repeating this process for Weiss to see.

"I raised you to be clever Weiss." He spoke up. "You know what I mean." He looked his daughter deep in the eyes. "Don't keep me waiting."

Weiss's face was stone-like, displaying no emotion at all.

"You blame me for the losses our Company suffered due to White Fang actions." She answered, and Jacques nodded his head.

"You let yourself get humiliated in front of the whole Kingdom." Weiss shook his head in denial.

"I did my best, held the Fang away for my team to for them recover." Jacques ignited the lighter

"People see it the other way Weiss." He said, his gaze condemning. "I don't care about your personal thoughts on this subject." Weiss bit her lip as her father kept the fire going. "You are not fulfilling your end of a bargain, my daughter. You know what that means."

"You know that my studies are a long-term investment, requiring sufficient amount of time." Weiss retorted and Jacques listened. "It's only a quarter of my first year, and I was already the top student in classes. White Fang attack took everyone off-guard, and other teams also suffered defeats…"

"I DON'T ask for 'other' teams, it's you who disappoints me, right now." Jacques interrupted, and Weiss clenched her fist near her knee, away from her father's view. "If Beacon can't provide you with proper education, then perhaps a change should be taken into consideration…" Wiess for a moment broke her calm face.

"You can't…" She bit her tongue as Jacques looked at her with mild annoyance. She quickly recompose herself and spoke again: "The Beacon Academy is the best Academy on Remnant, its reputation is undeniable. It prepared such legendary huntsmen as Qrow Branwen, Taiyang Xiao Long and Summer Rose…"

"Reputation is very fragile, like glass or this flame. One mistake…" Jacques turned off the lighter. "…And it vanishes. I can't trust Beacon to teach my heir everything she needs, if they are not capable of dealing with a bunch of insurgents."

"I wouldn't cross Beacon just yet Father." Weiss spoke, and Jacques tapped his cheek, before he looked Weiss deep in the eyes.

"We will talk about it, at home." Jacques stated, and Weiss gulped. "Maybe a month or two will…"

"Please…" She slipped up, quickly covered her mouth, and her father raised his eyebrow in a cold fury.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." She quickly replied, trying to again sound calm, but Jacques wasn't fooled.

"It seems the Academy made you soft, like I suspected it would." He stated with disdain, his gaze not flinching for even a bit. "Beg again." He ordered, and Weiss blinked in surprise.

"What?"

"Beg me for you stay in Beacon, and I will consider not transferring you back to Atlas." He said, his voice speaking with authority. "If you are so willing to bring yourself to such lows."

Weiss gnawed her teeth, her gaze stern and unmoving. Part of her, remembering her upbringing was scared and wanted to submit to his voice, to his scornful stare and face the consequences. But if she did that, she would never be able to look at her own reflection.

"I won't beg you for anything. Ever." She said, and Jacques gave her a nod.

"Then, with that settled, pack your belongings, one of my men will come pick you up in less than two weeks from now on." He said while Wiess remained motionless. "A short, one month break away from the public eye will certainly help you relax, refresh your mind and remind you of your priorities." And with that said he ended the call.

For a moment Weiss remained on her seat, then slammed her fist against the device, a single tear going down her cheek.

"You bastard…"

On the other side of the finished call Jacques just covered his face with his left hand. He felt too old and too tired to deal with children.

"Told you it will happen." Jacques just left an annoyed grunt as Sepp walked into the room. "Put the dog of its leash, and it will quickly bite the hand feeding it."

"Refrain from calling my daughter a dog." Jacques commanded, and Urgan nodded his head.

"But I do admit, I am surprised she held her dignity." Sepp added with a note of respect while Jacques rolled his eyes.

"It shouldn't have happened in the first place, but there is nothing to be worried about. - Once she is back home, I will reteach her the manners."

"Are you certain she will go back?" "One-eyed leader smirked. "She is as stubborn as you Gelé."

Jacques's hand sprung and grabbed Sepp's right hand, then squeezed hard.

"Know your place, dog." Jacques hissed, his voice, despite fury, was cold and calculated, like he was speaking to a dangerous animal. "Call me that again, and I will throw you back to the desert I found you on."

Sepp touched his empty right eye socket with his free hand, reminded of rather painful memory, then lowered his head, submitting to Jacques's demand, knowing full well that Jacques Schnee does not throw threats that he can't back with a lethal force.

"I apologize Mister Schnee." Urgan said, and only after Schnee felt his authority reassured, he let go of SDPS's leader's hand. "But I still wonder if you have a plan in case of a teenage rebellion."

"I have many plans Sepp, that's an essential part of any successful business venture." He ignited the lighter, lit up a cigar and typed something on his scroll, a message to Beacon. "Weiss will return willingly, and if she somehow still decides to act rebellious…" Schnee paid his subordinate a glance. "…Then I shall leave this matter in your hands."

Sepp grinned, his remaining eye shining with delight. "Lucky me."

Jacques pointed his smoking cigar at Urgan. "I don't want second Winter."

Sepp nodded his head. "Oh, you can count on that."

---

"You sure you want to go in there?" Goose looked briefly at Yang as she unfastened her seatbelt.

"Relax, it will be like the Junior's club!"

"That's exactly what I am afraid of." Goose murmured but just opened the car's door and left the vehicle. "Take care of yourself." Officer added before he drove away while Yang eyed the building before her.

It was unassuming at best.

She walked towards it, carefully watched by the security, and a black raven following her every step from above.

Tall bouncer stepped forward as Yang approached the entrance.

"Residents only." He spoke, but Yang looked unbothered by him.

"I don't have time or patience for a prolonged talks, so here is a deal: You tell me if the Golden cow is in there and then let me through."

"Or?" He grinned, showing his golden tooth.

"Or you will have to pick up your teeth from the ground with both hands broken." She gazed at the bouncer, Ember Celica coming to life as more security came out of the building, armed with tasers and telescopic batons. "Choice is yours."

Raven tilted her head, observing the scene unfolding with genuine curiosity.

"Cartez will handle this mi amigo." Mercenary put his large hand on bouncer's shoulder and stepped forward, staring at battle-ready Yang. "So, Dragon Dorada finally found Cartez. He wonders how did Dragon Dorada managed to do it?"

"Friend took a picture of your bike's registration dumbass." Hearing that, Cartez's calm face shifted to a childlike smile, before he left a bellowing laugh.

"Aye, Cartez's mistake." He said as Yang raised her fists.

"So, how do you want to do it tough guy? Will you spill the beans willingly or I have to beat the crap out of you first?"

Cartez's stare momentarily darted to the side, at the Black Raven sitting on the building.

"Cartez will speak." He forfeited, much to Yang's disbelief. "But Cartez does not want to speak here, for the Golden Bull is hungry, and was about to get some taco. Wanna join in?"

"Only because you have a lot of explaining to do." Blonde brawler dropped her guard, but still eyed the merc with suspicion, ready to fight if Cartez tried anything fishy.

---

Blake laid on her bed, staring blankly at the dorm's ceiling, while her mind became a race between various emotions, guilt being the primary one.

"I knew this is going to happen, that's why I left."
"Could I stop it?"
"I tried!"
"Did me leaving caused all of this?"

She pulled her black hair with frustration. If she could, she would claw her eyes out.

If she stayed, everything would play out just like it did, the only difference being she would fight on the trucks alongside the Fangs.

Her friends.

"YOU WERE OUR SISTER!" Zenith's accusatory voice rung in her head. "WE WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED YOU TO HELL AND BACK!"

She turned on her bed to face the wall.

It went too far. Or did it? Maybe that was something they should do years ago? She shook her head. It will make humans fear them, deepen the animosities, not solve them. She already heard that some humans organize volunteer militia in Vale to deal with the Fang by themselves, but the police stops them for now.

This raid won't change anything for the better, but for worse. Or will it?

Suddenly, someone opened the door to the dorm, and Blake quickly raised up to see who came.

"Hi." Ruby tried to give her a smile, but Blake laid down on her bed again. "Can we talk?"

"I can't exactly stop you." Blake retorted, preparing for another series of berating and accusations hurled in her way.

"PATHETIC COWARD!" Zenith's voice roared once again as Ruby approached and put something on Blake's bed.

"I stopped by in JNPR's dorm." Ruby said as she sat on the bed. "They made pancakes, and I thought you would like some."

"I am not hungry, thanks." Blake replied, Ruby looked at the plate with pancakes, then at Blake and left a heavy sigh.

"I tried to think of a speech, what to tell, but… I am really bad at it." She said, but Blake didn't react. "What happened yesterday…"

"…was my fault, I know."

"No no! I mean, kinda, wait, I mean…!" Ruby took a deep breath. "I don't blame you Blake."

"At least don't lie."

"I am not lying! I really didn't come here to accuse you or blame you or anything! I just want to know how can I help you!"

"Help me?" Blake tilted her head.

"I see you are dealing with something that eats you from the inside your tummy." Ruby explained, pointing at her stomach. "You just sit there, silently contemplating with this blank stare, staring into nothing in particular, like you lost someone important."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because my dad used to do it." Blake turned to face Ruby. "When he thought that both I Yang were asleep, he just took a seat on a couch and stared at a window. He probably still misses mom." Ruby's sad silver eyes locked with Blake's yellow. "You don't have to explain everything if that pains you, but, as a team leader, I want to know if I can help you in any way."

Blake just broke away the eye-contact, but Ruby patiently waited, wanting to give a chance to speak if she wants.

"Do you know why they called themselves 'the White Fang'?" Blake spoke up, and Ruby thought about it.

"I remember that Professor Oobleck said something about the birth of the White Fang during the battle of the High Castle, right? They wore those Grimm mask and attacked at night to scare the Mantle's and Mistral's soldiers?"

"That was the beginning of the tradition behind the masks, but it was not the reason why an organization called itself a White Fang." Blake sat beside Ruby, crossing her fingers. "It was its first leader's idea. He didn't want to fight the KIngdoms, for Fangs of pure white need not shed blood." She explained while Ruby listened carefully.

"They didn't want to fight?" Ruby frowned while Blake nodded her head.

"After the battle for the High Castel, first leader knew that continuing the cycle of violence won't bring peace between the Humans and the Faunus, so he looked for other means to achieve it." Blake recounted the tale she heard time and time again. "White Fang helped deliver supplies to an isolated communities, both faunus and human, staged protests against unfair practices of the Kingdoms and Companies, signed petitions to the Councils, demanding to enforce rights granted by the treaty of Vytal."

"But Weiss also talked about how Fangs attacked her Granddad's Company, and even killed their workers." Ruby pointed out.

"There were always some joined the Fang not because they shared the ideals, but to either take revenge against Humanity, or simply because they enjoyed making others suffer, and simply used the organizations name to 'justify' their murders." Blake said with disdain. "Back in the day, they were called "The Black Fangs", their actions were condemned by the rest and removed from an organization." Blake looked right back at Ruby. "Fangs weren't total pacifists that's true, but they only fought if there was no other choice. I won't deny that some members of the White Fang did horrible things, but they were not endorsed by the rest - They were loud minority, who tarnished Fangs reputation, which then megacorps such as SDC used to justify their actions."

"But, if individuals like this were allowed to join the first place, then…"

"Some Hunters after graduation drop their duties and later work either as mercenaries, or join bandit tribes." Blake said. "Does that mean the whole institution is evil?"

"Of course not!"

"It is the same case with the Fang – They wanted to do something good, and few evil faunus used that to their advantage, just like there are the bad cops, or bad huntsmen." Ruby thought about Cardin bullying Velvet and nodded her head.

"Then, if Fang wanted to be good, then, why they turned out the way they did today?" Blake left a sigh.

"Because the Second leader, who wanted to continue his father's vision, decided to step out from his position." Blake sad, now staring at the floor. "They were multiple reasons, some of them being the pressure from more radical factions within the Fang, who considered the old way too slow and ineffective and wanted more direct approach, megacorps continuous actions to slander and sabotage the White Fang, and the Kingdoms being seemingly deaf to his pleas, but what truly broke the camel's back was…" Blake stopped, and Ruby nodded her head in understanding.

"Take your time, no pressure." Ruby said softly, her silver eyes slightly glowing, and Blake felt that she can trust her team leader.

"There was a protest before the Dust mine in Vacuo." Blake finally decided to share this story. "Not a riot, but a peaceful protest of workers. Many were faunus, but there were also human miners, who joined their colleagues in the act of solidarity. They demanded better working conditions, which deteriorated drastically after SDC's new CEO replaced the Founder of the Company. And the White Fang was there, providing food, water and clothes for the protesters, helping them to organize, and even protecting them from the Grimm. But then, they were brutally attacked."

"Grimm came in large numbers?" Blake shook her head.

"A local bandit warlord decided to use this opportunity to launch an attack on a mine to steal all the gathered dust within, basically treating miners as his meat shield to not allow SDC security to fire at them. But the White Fang resisted alongside the workers, and before the Fang's leader realized, the entire scene became a bloodbath, Faunus and Humans killing one another."

Ruby felt a shudder going down her spine. "Like during the Great War."

"But this time, it happened not because of ideals, but because of greed." Blake briefly gnawed her teeth. "Warlord was defeated by a young hero, who took his eye in a fight, which forced the rest of the bandits to scatter. But there were so many loses, especially among the miners, who got in a crossfire. SDC used that event to blame the Fang for supporting the protest, which made the mine vulnerable for such an attack, painting them as a bloodthirsty, reckless animals. That disaster, and following crackdown radicalized many in the Fang, which the faction led by a woman named Sienna Khan used to gain support, weakening the High leader's position. And seeing that the Fang started to transform into something he and his father never wanted to, unable to persuade the majority to step down from this path, the Second Leader decided to give up his position."

"And that's when the Fang became what it is now?" Ruby inquired, and Blake clenched her fist.

"Fang was radicalized, but most of its members are not malicious, they still believe they are doing something right." Blake stated. "They are not purely evil like some people portray them as – Many are simply misguided, fooled into thinking that fear and violence will resolve faunuses issues. A lot of the organizations members are as young as you and me, some are even younger! I just can't force myself to fight them because, when I look at them…" She looked at her hands."…I see myself. That I could be the one wearing a grimm mask, thinking that I fight for justice and peace." She dropped her hands. "I'm sorry I left you all, but I can't fight the Fangs. I just can't."

Ruby pondered on her teammates words, gears in her head were turning, realizing something crucial as she looked at the black bow on her head…

"Not now, or I will jinx it." Ruby decided to touch this subject another time, afraid of spooking her teammate while they are making some progress.

"Blake, I won't force you to fight against your will" Ruby said, and Blake paid her glance. "But, we are a team, and we should resolve such issues together, be honest with one another." She after a bit of hesitation she put her hand on Blake's shoulder. "I want you to trust us, and I want to trust you. I want you to know that, no matter what happens, I will be at your side as a team leader, no matter how the difficult things will become. Because I am your friend."

Blake looked at her, and Rose gave her a bright smile.

"Never forget that." Ruby jumped of the bunk bed. "Have these pancakes, they are really good, believe me." Ruby went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and change while Blake just looked at the pancakes.

"I wish it was that easy." She murmured to herself. She wanted to trust Ruby, to put her past in the Fang behind and start anew, with more clear goal in mind. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to set things right in her life, her past mistakes just kept on coming back… Or maybe…

She reached for the pocket and retrieved a hairpin she got from the Smith, then briefly checked it in her hands. Smith said that it will help her disguise, and in the Forge she saw her reflection with human eyes and without her cat ears.

She put Umilëa on her head, and slowly removed her black bow. Then, she jumped of the bunk bed and looked at her own reflection in the mirror.

She looked human, like Annatar said.

"Once you wear her, even those who knew you well will find it difficult to recognizing you as THE Blake Belladonna."

"Oh, by the way." Ruby came out of the bathroom, her voice muffled due to the toothbrush in her mouth while Blake looked at her in panic "Yang will come back late, and Weiss…" Ruby narrowed her stare at Blake. "Ohhh, you took of your bow!"

"Ruby I…"

"I never understood why you wore it, Yang says you would look way better without it." When Ruby said that, Blake looked her deep in the eyes, and Ruby backed off a little. "…Is everything okay?"

"She is not noticing my ears?" Blake thought, and quickly thought about how to ask her without rising suspicion. "I thought that I had something on my head, right here." Belladonna pointed at a place where her ear should be, and Ruby focused on Blake's finger, then scratched her chin.

"You know, aside from a little cow lick, everything is fine, really!" Ruby reassured, dismissing suspicion she had mere moments earlier, and at first shocked, Blake smiled widely.

"Thank you." She picked up a hair brush. "Sorry for bothering you."

"No, it's fine!" Ruby quickly reassured. "Alright, I am going back." And Rose closed the bathroom door.

Blake looked at the window, thinking about the gift, and the Smith who made it.

"Just who are you?"

---

Young faunus opened his eyes and looked around the hospital's room, only a sound of beeping computers keeping him company, reminding him of an annoying clock he had at his home. He wanted to reach for it, but his hands didn't respond. He tried to move his leg, but to no avail.

So it wasn't a dream, he really became a cripple. Yesterday, he screamed so much that his throat became numb, now only able to leave quiet whimpers, and his eyes went dry. Part of him wanted it to be a nightmare, but no matter how hard he tried to 'wake up', reality came crushing down.

If only he knew beforehand how it will end…

"…Pathetic." He heard another voice from above and he looked up, staring directly into a pair of lava-like eyes.

A creature, which looked like an overgrown bat with way too long talons lowered itself, and faunus desperately tried to make his body respond and run away.

"You are nothing but a disgraceful thief." Creature's talons split the duvet in two like a sheet of paper, revealing the unmoving faunus body while it's head came too close to faunus's face. "A squabbling worm that wastes the air it breathes."

Faunus turned his head away, feeling the creature's hot breaths against his cheek. Is this how the paralysis demon looks like? It must be nightmare, it can't be real….

"A mongrel that wants to drag everyone into mud."

"Please…" Faunus tried to beg, but a sharp talon pierced the bed right before his eye.

"I didn't give you permission to speak, filth." Demon hissed into his ear. "If it was my choice, you would be laying in a gutter, feeding fellow parasites. For I see nothing worth of mercy."

Young faunus whimpered, afraid that if he screams, monster will tear out his throat. His whole life flashed before his eyes as he felt creatures talons slithered on his chest, all happy and sad memories became one.

They promised him that their actions will change Vale for the better. That their fellow faunus will stop being oppressed in other Kingdoms as well. That they will built better future.

He couldn't help but feel an immense regret. Will the revolution look like it? Leave people paralyzed? On the monster's mercy?

"But the decision does not belong to me." Faunus tried to turn his head to face the monster, but it's limb pinned his head to the bed. "She decided to show you mercy. Why?"

"What are you…"

"You weight upon her soul like a boulder." Beast didn't give him a chance to speak. "Her regret is unacceptable."

He felt four talons piercing his back, and faunus yelped in pain, but the sharp claws within his body appeared to have turned into slithering snakes made of fire, crawling down his spine.

He whimpered again as his hand twitched, as his toes curled, responding once again to his brain. After a minute of this procedure, and he felt his entire body once again.

"Enjoy her mercy, but remember…" creature grabbed his head and forced him to looked it deep in the eyes. "It was one time only. Next time you stand in her or my way…" Creature opened its maw, showing long teeth, capable of tearing through skin and bone. "…There will be no second chance. Choose wisely."

Faunus gulped as vampire let go of his throat, allowing him to breath once more, and vanished like a bad dream.

Faunus looked at his hands, now shaking and started to cry once again, both because of fear, and joy.

---

Cartez took a bit from the taco he bought and chewed, while the restaurant owner brought him a shot of tequila.

"You really don't want anything? It's on Cartez." He offered to Yang sitting beside him.

"I'm not hungry." She replied, and mercenary nodded his head.

"Cartez could have guessed." He remarked. "So, what Dragon Dorada wish to know?"

"First, you really, and I mean REALLY, know my mother or you simply boasted to piss me off?"

"Cartez met Raven quite few times in the past, fought in most of these encounters, and now, is employed by her." Yang scoffed.

"Don't tell me she hired you to watch over me, because it will sound like she suddenly started to care."

"Cartez is not exactly here to watch over Yang Xiao Long, but to prepare you."

"Prepare me for what?"

"For meeting Raven Branwen in the future."

"Oh, then go back and tell her that I am armed and ready to meet her." Yang declared, only for Cartez to laugh.

"Not that kind of meeting, for that would take the Dragon years." Yang rolled her eyes in a 'whatever you say' gesture. "Cartez is here to make sure that when the day of your meeting finally comes, you won't have any false expectations."

"False expectations?" Yang spat this words. "She abandoned me! Threw me away like an unwanted trash, not giving a damn for seventeen years! It's hard to not have a harsh opinion tough guy."

"If she didn't care in a slightest, then she would drop Dragon Dorada gods knows where instead of your father's doorstep, don't you think?"

"Some birds do the same trick too." Yang snickered. "Daughter of Raven? More like a daughter of a Cuckoo."

Cartez continued to eat his taco, allowing Yang's anger to subside a bit.

"Raven Branwen lives a really violent life." He decided to speak after a minute. "Constantly on a move, avoiding Hunters and Mercenaries who want to either capture or preferably kill her to claim both the hefty bounty, and a prestige coming from ending the Bandit Queen. Now imagine raising a child Dragon Dorada."

"So she dropped me so I won't slow her down. You ain't helping Goldi cow."

"Every parent wants his or her child to grow up in peace, in safe, happy home." Cartez continued. "Raven understood that she couldn't provide you with either, but Taiyang and Summer could."

"If she cares so much, then why didn't she, I don't know, show up from time to time? Appear on one of my birthdays, or send a postcard or anything for fuck's sake!" Cartez paid Yang a glance.

"Were you unhappy with Summer Rose, Yang?"

"What kind of question is that!? Of course I was happy with mom! But it doesn't change the fact my real mom treated me like a burden."

"If she appeared when Summer Rose lived, would it make your life happier?" Yang raise her finger to respond, then lowered it, unable to retort to that.

She was fond of her time with Summer, remembering how affectionate and caring she was, how she remained at her side when she was sick, read her tales and sung her songs to sleep. These were times when everything was so simple, yet so happy. Would Raven's return make things better, or turn it to worse? It would be really awkward at best.

"As long as you had a caring family on Patch, Raven's return would only complicate things between you and your adoptive mother. At least, that's how Cartez sees it."

"I don't need your 'expertise' on that topic." Yang clenched her fists. "But you can answer me this, tough guy…." Yang looked at him, her face deadly serious. "…Why she didn't return when my mom died? Why she left me, my dad and Ruby to mourn alone huh? She was too sacred to explain to her seven year old daughter that she was living a LIE!?"

Cartez's hand shook as Yang's hair caught a small flame, and he carefully weighed his words.

"Tell me, Dragon Dorada: How would you tell two young children and their father that you witnessed the death of their loved one?"

Yang blinked few times. "Are you saying…" And Cartez nodded his head before she could finish.

"Yes, Raven Branwen was the last person Summer Rose talked to before her death."

Yang's arm sprung forward, grabbed Cartez's shoulder and brought him closer.

"Did she do it? Did she kill mom!?" She snarled "Lie and I will burst out your teeth!"

"Look Cartez in the eyes." Yang looked into mercenary's eyes, like she tried to peer into his soul. "Raven Branwen didn't kill Summer Rose. Summer came to her, asking for help."

Yang held him for little more before she finally let go of him, picked up the tequila and drunk it in one go. She didn't even shudder.

"What happened exactly?" Yang emphasized every single word.

"Cartez does not know much, but from parts of the conversation between them he managed to pick he thinks that it was something really terrible." Mercenary spoke, and looked at the window. "Cartez remembers that day like it was yesterday…"

Flashback

She came from the southern entrance, wearing a long white cloak, walking into the camp without fear, carefully watched by the bandits scattered in their tents. If she tried to sneak in or hide her presence, they would attack immediately, but her posture gave an aura of confidence, and a she looked at every men and women she passed with a friendly smile.

This confused them at first, but they slowly started to realize what is going on.

She made it halfway through the camp before she was quickly surrounded by cutthroats and warriors.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Cartez ordered the stranger to speak.

"I look for an old friend of mine." Huntress stood straight, not afraid that she is outnumbered at least seventy to one, not even trying to reach for her axe, the Sundered Rose, attached to the strap on her back. "Would you kindly show me the way?"

"And why would we do that?" One of the cutthroats behind Cartez spoke, and for a moment Cartez noticed a pair of Silver eyes beneath the hood, shining in the shadow.

"Because I ask really nicely?" Bandits looked at each other, not sure what to say. She is not demanding from them anything, she just kindly asked for a way. It's hard to attack someone who is smiling to you.

"Step aside." New, commanding voice joined, and bandits immediately made way for their leader.

Raven Branwen stepped forward, wearing pitch black and bloody red dress, contrasting with newcomer's white and gold.

"Summer." She nodded her head.

"Raven." Summer's hands reached for her hood and dropped it back, revealing a short, black hair with red tips, her smile shining as brightly as her eyes. "Took me a long while to find you." Raven smirked.

"I didn't exactly plan to be found here."

"I know! Sorry to disappoint."

Raven left a quiet chuckle before her gaze darted to Cartez.

"I want to speak with her in my tent, make sure no one is eavesdropping on us."

Cartez nodded his head as Summer walked past him, trying her best to not touch anything, and both she and Raven went into the tent while Cartez stood just outside.

"Please, take a seat." Raven offered a chair, but Summer shook her head.

"I really shouldn't…"

"I insist." Raven repeated, and Summer reluctantly sat on the cushioned chair. "How is Tai?"

"Oh, he is doing great, but Ruby went into phase of 'put everything you can into your mouth', so he has to watch her for most of a day while Yang keeps asking him and me questions, like 'Mom, from where did Ruby came from?" Sumer slightly covered her mouth and giggled while Raven smiled a little as she prepared a cup of tea. "I have a picture of him, me, Ruby and Yang, you want to see it?" Summer searched for the picture under her cloak, but Raven instead pushed a cup of fresh tea into her hands.

"No thanks." Raven tried to hold the façade of strength, even though she really wanted to see both Tai and Yang. "I asked out of courtesy, that's it. Because something tells me that you didn't come to tell me about your family's whereabouts."

Summer looked at the cup of tea in her hands, and her smile vanished. "I would give everything for you to be wrong on this one."

"Then let's cut to the chase." Raven sat on a desk while Summer took a sip from the cup. "If what you ask for involves that Liar in any way, I won't do it. I am done with Ozpin's tricks, machinations and games…"

"Richard is dead." Summer interrupted. "She got Taliana too. And I am next." Summer looked at Raven, and Branwen noticed in those silver eyes, always shining brightly with optimism, something she would never expect seeing in Summer.

Fear.

"Salem is that desperate to get all of you Silver-eyed?" Raven wondered in genuine disbelief, but Summer shook her head in denial.

"It's not Salem, at least, not directly." Summer's hands shook. "It's something old Raven, older than Remnant, intelligent. And it won't stop until she gets me. And after me... She will come for Ruby."

Raven unwillingly gulped when she heard that, then quickly recomposed herself.

"If you want to hide Ruby with us, then…"

"No, it won't help, I would just put a giant target on your back."

"Did you try to talk with Ozpin? As sneaky as he is, he had planned something, that's for sure…"

"It didn't work." Summer interrupted again, taking Raven aback. "Fifty best huntsmen, experimental weapons from Atlas, Fall and Winter Maiden working together. We threw the whole mountain on her, and the best we achieved was slowing her down for a moment."

Raven touched her forehead like she had a migraine.

"Then, why are you here? Because if you plan to use three maidens against 'her', then know that she is not ready…"

"I have a plan." Summer spoke up again. "It's risky, and for it to work, I need your help." Raven scoffed.

"You don't want to put others on the line, so you ask me, a renegade? How thoughtful."

"If I had any other option to not involve anyone else, I would take it without a second thought." Summer spoke, her voice and dimmed silver light reassuring her pure intentions. "But I need someone I can trust."

"You could have asked Taiyang…"

"If something goes horribly wrong, girls will be left without their father and mother." Summer retorted, and Raven could not disagree.

"Ah, and if you have involved Qrow, things would go down horribly wrong." Raven nodded her head while Summer avoided her stare. "I see. But tell me – why should I put my life on the line? We are no longer a team, and I don't want to participate in the war against Salem."

"It's different."

"How so?" And when Raven said that, Summer once again peered into her soul, her Silver Eyes pleading.

"I don't ask you as a team leader, I do not ask you as a friend or on Ozpin's behalf. I ask you as a mother – Please, help me give my child a future."

Raven turned away, towards the large map of Remnant hanged on the opposite side of the tent, standing there silently as Summer patiently waited for a response.

"Damn it all!" Raven cursed, turned back to Summer and pointed her finger at her. "After that, no more favors, you will stop bothering me and you will forget that I ever existed, understood?"

Summer wiped a single tear. "I won't ask you for more. I promise." Raven lowered her hand and picked up her Grimm mask.

"Then, what's the plan?" She asked as Summer got up from a chair.

"We need to get to Vale first, then we will travel into the mountains."

"I have a man in Vale, we can make a shortcut. CARTEZ!" Merc run into the tent . "Tell the others to leave the camp and go somewhere safe, if I don't return after two weeks, put Laycas in charge."

"We will pack right away…" Cartez wanted to run and relay the order.

"No!" Summer stopped him. "Leave your belongings behind. At least, until Raven comes back."

"Why?"

"This creature is attracted to my…" Summer bit her tongue as fear grasped her throat. She quickly turned her head to Raven. "Trust me on that, please."

"Do as she said." Raven commanded, Cartez nodded and run out while Raven slashed the air with her blade, opening a red portal. "I hope you are sure of this."

"I'm not. But I have to do this regardless." Summer replied and walked into the portal, Raven following closely behind.

End of Flashback

"And that's all what Cartez knows." Merc finished his Taco as Yang remained on her seat, contemplating. "Cartez is sorry…"

"No need." Yang replied, wounds in her heart opening slowly yet again.

"Then let Cartez say you this – Summer Rose didn't sacrifice her life for Dragon Dorada to chase after ghost of the past. If she was there, Cartez suspects that she would be proud of you, and the Little Rose, for getting into Beacon." He stood up and pat Yang's back. "Enjoy your time in the Academy, spend it with your sister and friends while it lasts, don't waste your youth, because you will end miserable and alone."

"And from where did you get that knowledge from?"

"Because Raven Branwen is alone and miserable, a good fight from time to time is the only thing keeping her from falling into the pit." He smiled a little as Yang looked at him with surprise. "You still have some who give a damn about you, Dragon Dorada. Don't waste it."

As he walked away, Yang remained on her seat, unable to gather her thoughts.

She spent the whole night like this, taking drink after drink, only once writing to Ruby that she is going to be late.

Later, in the morning of the next day Mav and Goose found her sitting where Cartez left her, and they took her back to Beacon, and she didn't utter a single word.

She didn't cry. She already shed an ocean of tears for her mom years ago.

Morning of the next day

Jaune got up from his bed, stretched his arms a little and walked up to the window to open it and bring some sun and fresh air.

"He is there!"

"Shadow Hunter!"

"Take of your shirt!"

Spooked Jaune jumped away from the window, taken by surprise by the sudden shouts.

"Guess who woke up!" Pyrrha walked out from the bathroom.

"What, why, who are these people!?" Jaune pointed at the window as shouts calling for him to come grew even louder.

"C'mon, please, just a smile!"

"Don't leave us hanging like that!"

"Take of your shirt!"

Pyrrha looked out the window "I guess they are your fans." She calmly stated, and Jaune just stared at her blankly.

"My what?"

"You got famous after the battle with the Fangs, so people wants to meet you in person." She briefly explained as she put down a toothbrush while Jaune carefully peeked from the window at the gathered crowd, now slowly getting kicked out from the campus by security. "By the Brothers, there are so many!" He thought.

"Arc! Arc! Arc!" They shouted, and Jaune turned his head to Pyrrha.

"But...But you are famous too! More than anyone I know! And people don't come under your window!" Pyrrha couldn't help but giggled, much to Jaune's puzzlement.

"Shadow Hunter!"

"Take of your shirt!"

"They did at the start! But after few years, they calmed down a little." She confessed as she prepared her tea, and Jaune's jaw dropped.

"…Years…"

"I was scared too at first." Pyrrha admitted. "I even barricaded my windows few times, but then, I just got used to all of this." She walked to the window and waved with her right hand, much to the crowd's joy, then gave Jaune a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I know a thing or two how to handle being in a center of attention, I will guide you through. I-If you want of course."

Jaune again looked after the crowd, now getting pushed back by campus's security further and further, but he was still able of picking up some the louder shouts. He never imagined himself, Jaune Arc, basically a boy from a village, to bask in fame like that. Heck, even his grandad didn't gather that much attention, and he was allegedly a womanizer!

It was terrifying, yet also… kinda nice. In its own, unique way.

"And all thanks too…" Jaune looked where he left his jeans, but his favorite trousers were missing. And cold sweat run down his back.

"Pyrrha…" He uttered, his voice trying to stay calm. "Where are my…"

"Ren and Nora took everything to the dormitory's laundry, since our clothes were covered in sweat, oil and…" Jaune didn't give her time to finish as he was already sprinting down the hallway.

"Oh man, oh no, oh man, oh no!" He mumbled as he run as fast he could, not even caring that another dorm door opened wide.

"They took us by surprise, but next time someone thinks of challenging…" Cardin was giving a speech to his teammates when Jaune slammed into him at full speed.

To give credit where credit is due, Cardin didn't lose his balance, only taking two steps back while Jaune bounced from him like a soccer ball.

"What the… Watch where you run Jauney boy!"

"Sorry!" Jaune quickly stood up and run past confused Cardin, and the rest of team CRDL peeked out from their dorm.

"Damn, he was really in a hurry." Russel commented.

"Like he was chased by a Beowolf." Dove added.

"Or by angry Professor Goodwitch." Lark said, and all trio looked back to check this theory, and left a collective sigh of relief.

"Just look at him, he got lucky in a fight, got his five minutes under the spotlight and he thinks he is soo great." Cardin remarked, jealousy and anger palpable in his voice. All that fame should be his, not some farm boy's.

'

"So, in my dream we were once more fighting on the highway, but instead of faunus wearing grimm masks we fought grimm wearing the faunuses masks!" Nora gesticulated wildly with her hands while sitting on top of the washing machine. "Oh, and the trucks weren't actually trucks, but a stampede of Goliaths!"

"I sometimes can't get your imagination." Ren said and Nora giggled.

"The best part was that you were using a pair of ice-combs!"

Suddenly, clearly panicked Jaune, still in his pj's, burst into the room.

"Stop the machine!" He yelled, run up to the plug and pulled it out before Ren could react.

"Woah, what's wrong?!" Nora jumped of the washing machine, and Jaune pushed her aside, opened its drum and started tossing its contents all over the floor.

"Jaune, what happened?" Ren tried to confront his leader, but he got struck by some of Jaune's laundry.

And when he managed to find his jeans he quickly searched his right pocket, and with much relief, he felt a cold touch of metal under his fingers.

"It's okay…" He muttered happily before finally realizing what he was actually doing. He looked back and noticed Ren's and Nora's confused stares, only now understanding that his behavior was more than weird.

"Oh shit, think, think!" Jaune searched for any reasonable explanation tohis behavior, but he found none. But luckily for him, the Presence gladly leased it's treacherous tongue…

"Ren, what the hell man!?" Arc shouted, taking Ren aback. "It's special fabric, you can't just throw it into the washing machine!"

"What? But you never told me anything about it?" Ren's stare narrowed as Jaune stood up, holding his trousers.

"If I didn't then that's on me!" Jaune replied as he made his way to the drying room. "I will wash them by hand from now on, but do not touch my stuff without my permission, understood!"

"…" Ren couldn't even agree or disagree when Jaune slammed the door behind himself.

"Sheesh, did he woke up from a wrong side of the bed?" Nora wondered while Ren eyed the door with suspicion. Jaune never told him anything about a 'special fabric' for one, and for the second point of suspicion – his friend kept his hand in the right pocket of his trousers all this times.

"It wasn't something he would do…" He said, reminded of Mellon's words.

'

Jaune looked at the closed door for a moment before he sat on the floor, his eyes wide in shock.

"I lied…" He uttered as he leant against the wall. "I lied and yelled at them for no reason…"

I had to, they would have discovered my Ring if I didn't do it.

Arc pulled out the ring from his still wet pocket and inspected it.

"Why am I hiding it anyway?" He wondered out loud. "They are my friends…"

…And they would quickly stop being my 'friends' if they found out that I use the Ring to become stronger than them.

"I feel worse lying to them like that…" Jaune said with a sorry expression, and the Presence realized that it has to change its approach.

They would either scorn me for using it, or worse – demand me to give it to them."

"They are not like that!"

Their lust for power may be hidden well, but it would quickly awake at such prospect that I am holding in my hand. Just imagine Nora, Ren or Pyrrha for that matter using it! They would become Gods among men, leaving me in the dust. But the Ring is not theirs, it's MINE.

Jaune looked at the ring, gently touched it, feeling the softness of the white gold, experiencing power from the crystal put in the ring's frame, all the while the Everpresent fueled Arc's selfishness and pride.

It's my ring, and mine alone. I won't share, I won't give it away, it's mine! The Ring is…

"…Mine." Jaune finished his chain of thoughts as the black core hidden deep in the blue crystal stirred into life. "The Ring is mine, and mine alone."

With it, he is strong, unstoppable, famous, people respect and cheer his name, with it he is the Shadow Hunter.

His ring, his treasure. His light in the dark…

My Dark in the Light.

"My preciousss…"

---

Authors note:

Konsilio: People expect Nazgul Jaune, but instead we get Gollum Arc

You know that ain't true, right?

Konsilio: …Nah, Gollum it is.

Sigh* Anyway, hello there! Good news: I finally managed to finish all of the schoolwork, which means – more time for writing.

Does it mean faster uploads? Not sure.

*Arcane peeks from around the corner*

Goddamnit.

To answer before any questions: Yes, Qrow goes on an adventure in the distant sands of Vacuo. I wanted to show that he is Ozpin's special agent, traveling from one task to the next, his only companion being a bottle of strong booze, all in hopes of forgetting about his grief and sadness, foar at leasta moment.

Does it mean that we won't see him anytime soon? Not quite… Still work in progress.

Yeah, this chapter is mostly a set up for future arcs, future fights, soft (or not soft, depends how you view it) worldbuilding, and all that fun stuff, but now, let's catch a breath after this roller-coaster, shall we?

In response to skillfulstone:

"Exploring the separation between "Annatar" and "Sauron" in his own mind is very interesting." – I can't do anything else than agree. You could say that it is one of premises of this story.

"Exploring Sauron's views on "weapons vs wielders" alongside Penny's was also nice (kinda wished that segment lasted longer XD)" – I am glad that you are thinking that! And yeah, I am, sadly, a human being with big imagination, but not that big enough to make the conversation last for hours.

"I was a tad sad that apparently he decided to go back on his agreement with Penny and just decided to destroy the governor anyway (unless I missed something?)." – I am really happy that you so much attention to details! But I think that Sauron already answered your concerns.

"I was also confused by that last segment as he didn't try to create a link as the "Dream Smith" and only used a temporary facade instead of doing like he did with Team RWBY and maybe subtly lead Ren/Nora to the forge to speak in person." – The thing is – whole crowd cheered the name "Annatar" and wanted to pick him up an carry around like a hero. It would serve it's purposes for sure, but that much attention would make his talk with Ren impossible. So he chose a temporary disguise, intentionally making it imperfect to spark Ren's interest.

Now, since he is becoming famous, he don't need to lure others to his forge – they will come willingly at some point.

Have a nice week friend!

In response to Dhestrya:

Nice (No, I won't get bored of it anytime soon)

In response to Teo Char:

"It's nice that you responded to my comment and gave you something to think about" – I try to respond all the time, except if it is obvious bot/troll comment. But so far so good.

"I've already met with the Author of the Dragon Ball x RWBY crossover where I criticized him for some hypocrisy regarding how they treat the main character and Raven and I gave examples, his answer was, my fanfic is not for you, stop reading it." – I mean, I kinda get from where he got that opinion, but yeah, he sounded rude. However, no bashing/comparing to other fanfic creators please, everyone has their own way of writing and that's fine.

"Good criticism is valuable and helps improve the works, and your fanfic has a lot of potential." – Of course this story has potential! *Chuckles*. And criticism is more than necessary, in fact, if not for a good person who at the very beginning told me what's wrong with my story, I would probably abandon it thinking "Man, I s*ck a*s".

I am forever grateful to you "E", I hope you are still somewhere over there having good time!

"There is no point in writing and duplicating plots identical to what happened in the series with at most one change." - …I basically loosely follow the original plot at this point. Fun fact – If you wish to put my fanfic on the hypothetical timeline, we would be… Remind me again bud?

Konsilio: Between Jaunedice pt.1 and pt.2. And we are not going to leave it anytime soon.

That. Will the story pickup the pace? I dunno. Maybe?

"Fanfic has such a limited lifespan that it is better to use this writing time on the main character of the fanfic and his influence on the world." – The only thing limiting the fanfic's lifespan is:
- Creativity
- Ambition
- Sheer force of will

Konsilio: And, most importantly, boredom. I mean, many great fanfics ended because their authors got bored. It can happen because a) Community does not engaged with them. (DJ:You guys have this part covered, you are amazing) and b) Because he keeps hammering the same idea again and again.

DJ: That's why I experiment from time to time. For the better or for worse, but it keeps me engaged. As for ambition… I have a general storyline to Atlas.

BUT I have to make one point clear – If I make Sauron the only source of change on Remnant, the whole world will appear shallow (In my mind), and his schemes won't be as satisfying.

Outplaying no one is not as fun.

Konsilio: I will be forever disappointed by how "the rangers" were written – there was so much potential for fun villains in a low fantasy settings, but they were stupid, and fell into every trap that the protagonists set. It was literally "Main character appears – Enemy loses braincells." Ehhhh… Sorry for that, let's move on.

"As for the CRDL team. Let's remember the huge range of skills between hunters, even in training, and an ordinary thug, even with an aura. And Beacon supposedly trains the best." – And this guys are still at their first year. I won't deny that they are strong, only that they are prideful and inexperienced.

In comparison, Qrow would absolutely squash these fangs.

My point is – Beacon didn't train them fully yet. And it trains them against the Grimm, not the common people!

But don't worry, I don't plan to abandon these guys, I have a plan for them (Like I said many times – I am ambitious)

"As for the White Fang. I never liked it and it has a lot of plot holes." – As I said, I have a different idea for the Fang, I can even find an explanation for their past actions.

Like Blake, being de facto an unreliable narrator, not knowing everything. Or that there are more faunus like Tyrian – Sadistic, callous, merciless.

Will my changes work for the better or worse? We shall see. All I ask is a little bit of trust, alright?

Have a nice day!

In response to RedHood1:

"Wait, did RWBY ever go into the Summer Maiden?" – As far as I am aware, nope.

"With how Penny figured out the truth and had Sauron confirm it, I'm not surprised the living android would be considered a friend by the Fallen Maia. I acknowledge that Sauron would try to spin things in his favor when revealing the truth even if the person wasn't his friend, but his sincerity shows the truth. Penny is the ONLY one that he likes to discuss or argue over his experience and other lessons." – YES, and the reason is surprisingly simple – Sauron is pragmatic.

Why invest into friendship with a human, that will wither and die? No reason, so he won't do it. But, in case of Penny, he recognizes that there maybe is a point?

"I love how Penny asking for Sauron's true name got him tongue-tied" – Me and Konsilio discussed a lot about 'for what should she ask?', and we came up with this. I am really proud of that!

"Like... It makes sense since he was supposedly one of the greatest Maiar there was if I'm not mistaken. His fall diminished him as Evil tends to do like you said, but Sauron was still powerful and dangerous even then. Considering his goals and desires, it makes sense that he still sees himself as Mairon" – I think he was supposed to be the third strongest? But that's not the point, the point is – Tolkien really put emphasize that "Evil can't comprehend good" – The longer you follow this path, you become fuller of yourself, unable to think that there is good in this world, seeing everything through 'how useful it can be'

As an example – When you look at the tree, you may think "What a beautiful tree, I can hide in its shadow and rest."
And being like Morgoth sees it that way: "Just fuel for my machinery."

Morgoth may call himself Melkor, but the rest of the world knows him for what he truly is.

"So many things are at play, I'm excited to see how it unfolds." – Hopefully, I will do my best.

Oh, and lastly…

"So, there's a different Bane that's at play in Remnant. Judging by the name, it likely involves the Silver Eyes or Summer specifically but I could be wrong."

Muhahahahahaha! I alluded to it in the previous chapters!

Konsilio: Few times, and not only in the last one.

One of many aces in my deck! A proof that I put a lot of thought to this story before I published it!

Konsilio: Some would even say: Too much.

Shut up! *Laughing*.

Anyway, stay safe and healthy!

'

That's all for today! Have a nice month (Or two weeks, depends when I post another chapter)

Goodbye!

Dj and Konsilio.

'

'

'

'

Konsilio: You already know the drill.

---

The Brawnen camp lied abandoned as Raven ordered, now few creatures of the Grimm roamed around like rats, sniffing and getting into tents while the sun shined high above them

Suddenly, Ursa Major raised its head and looked into the distance, more creatures of the Grimm soon did too. Something approached the camp, like a putrid cloud.

EMPTY

Nevermores jumped into the air while the rest of the Grimm run as the camp slowly sunk in the veil made of darkness.

No, it was not darkness – Darkness needs light to exist, and that Blackness was the Anathema to Light.

The Branwen camp quickly disappeared under the lightless cloud, in which all colors vanished and died. And within the cloud, a massive creature towered over the tents, moving slowly, biding its time.

It's long legs stepped between the tents with surprising precision and care, trying to not break or squash anything, and even more surprising was that, despite the creature's immense size, it didn't leave any footprints, like it was essentially weightless.

HOLLOW INSIDE

The Earth covered at the sight of this abhorrent paradox as its massive torso stopped before the Raven's tent. It lowered down, like a mountain falling on the puny house.

First, the absolute blackness poured into, then followed by dozens of boney, human-like hands, carapace claws, slimy tentacles, searching the inside, and soon, it grabbed the chair Summer used with care, tentacles and hands wrapped the furniture by its legs, back post and slip seat.

With a loud hiss, the creature slowly dismantled the chair, like a curious child dismantles a doll.

Then, it sung, it's voice of a women, but it felt like it echoed from the deepest of caves, like the nothingness itself tried to simulate a human voice.

"It's no use Silver Spark,

You bare my Mark,

You can run, but cannot hide,

My treat will not be denied!"

Hands then picked up the tea pot Summer used, and the creature took the items from the tent.

It took a deep breath and the terrified air fell into the creature's jaw, then the tendrils threw the items it took into the gaping maw.

It gnawed and chewed, breaking wood and porcelain like it was nothing, reducing them to the tiniest pieces, trying in vain to satisfy its unquenchable craving.

HUNGER

Monstrous head turned in a new direction – towards the distant Kingdom of Vale. The light was there, far away, yet still within reach. She could feel it, and shuddered in anticipation, each second flaring up her gluttony.

"But struggle, flee little fly,

No one will hear your cry!

Resist, continue your little flight,

It will only stir up my appetite!"

As sudden as the creature arrived, it vanished, walking towards it's destined prey, leaving the camp undisturbed, allowing the colors back in. It felt like nothing happened at all, aside of missing tea pot and chair.

Brawens returned to the camp only once, to take their belongings, and then abandoned it, not sure why, but they felt the wrongness in the air.

And the Grimm didn't come to this camp either.

No one wanted to attract the gaze of the Ravenous Queen and join the Silver-Eyed in their Doom.