Sauron encounters: Electricity

Being a maia has vast amount of benefits, like immortality, mind far surpassing the elves, not to mention humans, ability to shape the world with words, and far more. And, to his dismay, people quickly found it disturbing that he worked for two entire days and yet, he doesn't seem tired.

This forced him to make this 4-hours "pauses" each day, just to maintain image of a human. Inconvenient for sure, but not the end of the world. And he survived two already.

During this "pauses" people think he sleep. Such a waste. Do they even realize what you can do in four hours?

In Sauron's case, if he really wanted to, he would armors and weapons to arm a platoon. Perhaps one or two powerful items. But, considering matters at hand, he spilt some dust powder he acquired upon the table, then put a crystal on the metal plate right beside it.

"So, Dust in crystal from is no different to dust in powder form." He noted to himself out loud, while holding his flaming left hand high to light up the room. He see in the dark, but during these kinds of experiments, darkness is an obstacle. "Powder is just multitude of smaller crystals. I can throw their assumptions out of the window."

He separated three small crystals from the rest of the powder, and using small amount of flame, he detonate each and measured amount of energy produced by each reaction.

"Fascinating." He said with surprise. "It seems that explosion didn't vaporize the material, it just spread it into smaller pieces."

Too small to humans or their machines to catch, but he could see it.

He grabbed the large crystal, and observed it reacting to his touch, and felt the insane amount of dormant energy awakening inside.

In this world, human use Dust for everything – to power their engines, upgrade their weapons - he could count numerous ways they use it, and yet he still could imagine more ways to utilize this miraculous resource. But what fascinated him the most was the fact that he couldn't understand it.

Usually when he looks at any kind of material, he knows exactly what it is made off, and while humans need Periodic table to identify its parts, Sauron needs just one glance. Dust however, is something else. It is not any compound, nor non-metal. He slowly came to conclusion that in this world there are metals, non-metals, and Dust.

Fascinating.

"Chief, I brought…" One of the Goons opened the door and walked in, holding a sheet of paper, but froze in place. "…Eemmm, What are you doing, Chief?"

Sauron switched off his hand before human got into, so he wasn't worried.

"Just little test before going to sleep." He said.

"In complete darkness?"

This took him by surprise, and at first wanted to ask what he mean by "In complete darkness" until he realized that he of course had a night vision, but usually humans don't possess such ability.

"I wanted to test something… " Sauron looked around, trying to find the explanation, until his sight fell on. "…But the light from the ceiling don't work."

Goon frowned.

"Don't… work, Chief?"

"Indeed, I tried everything to activate it, yet nothing seems too…"

Goon slowly reached for the switch, and with one click, entire room lightened up.

"Chief, I think you experienced some sort of power shortcut but now everything seems fine." He commented, trying to not giggle. "You know, it happens sometimes in big cities, my Grandad had one just recently due to lack of Dust, and…"

He stopped talking after he looked at Annatar, who stared at the switch. Smith then rose up from his chair and slowly approached it.

"Umm Chief?" Suaron didn't even heard that, too focused on something entirely else. For a moment goon thought that Smith's eyes shined.

Annatar clicked the switch few times, turning the light off and on, on and off, turning his head from the switch to the light bulb on the ceiling.

"How did you managed to connect this simple switch with light?" Sauron asked no one in particular, then, much to goon's shock, he ripped of the switch from the wall.

"Umm…"

"Hush." Sauron inspected the switch, and clicked it few times.

"It's a simple mechanism, yet it somehow affects the light…" He looked at the hole wall, wires previously connected to the switch. He reached for the cables.

"Chief, this is not…" Goon warned, but Annatar already grabbed the cables, and pulled them from the wall.

"Ohhh I see." Annatar said, examining the cables. "This whole "electricity" is exactly the same phenomena as lightning strike, there are two copper fibbers connected to source."

"Whaaat?" Goon was more shocked that Smith held two electric cables in hands and nothing is hapening to him.

"Light bulb makes resistance for power flowing in the circuit, transforming it…" Sauron walked to the lights in the middle of the room. "...Into warmth that heats up metal inside of the glass bulb. But why isn't the metal decomposing?"

To goon's concern, Sauron then proceed to take out lightbulb from the ceiling, and then crushed it in his fist.

"What are you doing!?"

Dark Lord, yet again, didn't even care about his "companion", focused entirely on his discovery.

"I understand! Inside the glass there was gas that helped the tungsten rod to stay in solid state." He again looked on the fibbers sticking from the wall. "The switch is just a simple hole in the circuit, when it is closed light can be emitted. If it is open only one of the fibbers is inside of the source. But how they caused the difference of potential between two fibbers ends? It needs more testing."

He looked at his hand, remains of the light bulb didn't even hurt his skin, and put it on the table. He then looked at the man, who was too shocked and confused to utter a word.

"I think we need a new lightbulb." Annatar commented. "And don't worry about the wall. I will repair it."

"Yeahhh…" Goon still looked unconvinced.

"Don't talk about what you saw." Sauron commanded. "It would work badly for the team's morale. " Still seeing confused face, Annatar asked with his most pleasurable tone. "What is your name?"

"Nathan, chief."

"Just Nathan?"

"Yowwick, boss."

"Listen, Nathan Yowwick..." Sauron continued. "...If team's morale remains high, and they don't think about such silly ideas or strange rumors, I will make something. A gift, just for you. What do you think?"

Nathan thought only for a second. He knew what Annatar is capable off, and this gift will be marvelous for sure. Just like his old grandma said:

When they give, take, when they hit, run.

"Sure, nothing weird happened here."

"Excellent." Sauron pat his arm. "Come back with a lightbulb whenever you want. Or no, bring two, for further study."

"Okie-dokie..." Man paid a room one more glance. "Huh, a little strange of you Chief "

"I thought you didn't see anything weird."

"It's not that." Nathan shook his head. "I get that you are workaholic and don't need to sleep much, but sleeping on a chair? It's unhealthy for your back Chief."

"Sleeping on the cha…" He looked around the room and, indeed, none of his furniture's could be classified as "bed". It seems that when he gave Junior the list, nobody reminded him that bed is a necessity, and knowing this worm, he was more than happy to cut costs. "…I see. Then, our first major purchase will be bed."

Ozpin worries and old partnerships

Beacon Academy, Headmaster's office

Ozpin scrolled through students reports, specifically first years, some praising the young generation, while others were not so enthusiastic in their observations, which made him sigh in disappointment.

Yes, they struggle with many subjects, but he never expected, nor wanted them to learn all Huntsman regulations on their first day. Or excel in combat classes after two weeks of training. They are just teenagers after all.

He scrolled to another report, and familiar Team appeared on the screen.

Progress of Team RWBY

Although they excel in combat classes, showing a lot of enthusiasm and talent, Team RWBY struggles in other subjects:

- History of Remnant: Only students Schnee and Belladonna pays any attention.

- Huntsman regulation: Surprisingly, Student Long possess vast knowledge about the subject, but does little to showcase that, instead arguing with Prof. Lovas about unimportant matters, such as difference between drinking age in Vale and on Patch.

- Grimm studies: At first shy, student Rose quickly started to engage into conversations with Prof. Port about subtypes of Grimm. But besides that, only student Schnee makes notes.

- Practical usage of Dust: Student Rose caused damage to laboratory during the first lesson, forcing Prof. Tylwing to move to more secure location with his studies. Student Schnee, on the other hand, shows great knowledge and respect regarding the Dust.

*Teachers note: HOW could you sneeze in presence of the Dust powder AGAIN!? My eyebrows just grew back after the last time…

Team clearly posses potential, however they lack unifying factor – Each member acts or fights individually, they do not share their advantages and tend to argue with each other, even I midst of battle (see footage from Student combat class nr. 3 and footage from Grimm Studies nr.1)

Ozpin sighed, thought for a moment, and started to write on his scroll:

Make a preparation for scenario STRQ/4 and initiate it next week...

This case wasn't unusual, standard procedures should be enough to set things right for Team RWBY, and if not, he will just use another plan. He had a lot of them prepared just in case, to ensure that every student leaving the Academy will become a great Hunter or Huntress.

"Headmaster!" Professor Port walked into his office, much to his surprise. 'May I come in?"

"Of course Peter, please, take a seat." Professor sat on a chair before the Headmaster desk, and shivered with… excitement? "What brings you today friend?"

"Well, I watched the footage you sent me." Peter brought out his scroll. "And I must say I am speechless."

He showed Ozpin the recording and played it.

"At first I thought the case was about two old Grimm, the Deathstalker and Nevermore, which, to be entirely honest, surprised me that the students encountered during the initiation. But…"

He stopped the recording on the moment when students left the temple to slow the video down. And then, after the Deathstalker broke the ice and restarted its pursuit, just like Ozpin remembered, large black wolf run into the view, and in this moment Port stopped the recording once again.

"This creature concerns you Headmaster?"

"Did you found anything strange?" Ozpin asked, and Port laughed

"Sir, with all due respect, saying that this specimen is "strange" is an understatement." Professor pointed at the beast. "Do you see the pattern of the fur?"

"The fur?"

"Yes! You see, it is very long around the nape, and gradually shortens all the way to its pawns. Right now, wolves, and beowolves by extent, have it more evenly spread…"

"To the point Peter, to the point." Ozpin said, knowing too well what will happen if he let Port get carried away with his explanations, and the Professor first cleared his throat before nodding his head in agreement.

"Right, pardon me. In short, I saw this pattern only on Beowolves that predates the discovery of dust and formation of the Kingdoms. This means that this creature might be older than our entire civilization. And no creature beside Grimm is able to reach this age. Or at least, should be."

Ozpin scratched his chin, thinking about what Port said, while Professor continued:

"Because, strangely enough, this beast is not a Grimm."

"Not a Grimm?" Ozpin asked, trying to hide his worry. "Are you sure?"

"Yes Headmaster, because, for one, it lacks any kind of characteristic bone armor, and Grimm of its presumed age should be covered entirely by it at this point. And for the second…" He let the footage play, and stopped when Black wolf looked at the camera. "It possess a soul."

Ozpin blinked few times, probably surprised by that sudden revelation.

"How could you tell that from the footage?" Ozpin said.

"During my time, I met countless Grimm, and by now, I can easily recognize gaze without a soul, and this…" He put the gaze of the wolf into a loop, and Ozpin found itself drawn by it. "...This one has it. It is gaze of a self-aware creature, capable of recognizing that someone is watching it. Perhaps it is even capable of generating aura."

Ozpin stared into the volcanic eyes, somehow feeling an intense heat.

"There is one more interesting thing, on the materials from the initiations, I found another beast.

"What!? Where!?"

"During the battle with Nevermore, which, in my opinion, was a glorious display of prowess, but if you I look closer, right after the Nevermore was slain..." He pointed at one place, right under the cliff.
Then, Professor zoomed in, and there was something staring at the girls…

"Giant bat." Ozpin said with disbelief, and Port nodded.

"I have never encountered such subtype of Grimm, and, yet again, it is not a Grimm. Look at the shape of the ears. I only saw something like this on reconstructed specimen in Royal Nature's museum. And it was dated to be, if their calculations were correct…"

"Five thousand years old." Ozpin finished for him. "So, In Emerald forest there are two ancient beasts?"

"Not really." Peter disagreed. "You see Headmaster, Both those creatures share the same, lava like eyes."

"It can be a coincidence."

"True, but I found another connection." Peter switched to previous footage. "Look at the right pawn please." Ozpin looked there and found out that this wolf lacks one claw.

"It's missing one."

"Exactly!" Now go back to the bat… "Port switched to second footage. "And what do you see Headmaster?"

He saw it immediately. It was clearly visible now.

On the right wing, there were only four bones, while on the left, there were five.

"No."

"Yes."

"I can't be possible."

"Yet it is true." Professor's eyes shined. "This creature is a shapeshifter."

Ozpin sat in place, dumbfounded. He couldn't utter the word, too shocked to even listen to what Port was saying. This animal is a shapeshifter? He looked again at the eyes of the bat, and it's eyes stared back.

"I checked through the records of our esteemed Academy, and there is no mention of such creature. It's probably last of its kind!"

The longer he stared, similar feeling of dread he felt only once started to fester, and he started to hear something, akin to a whisper.

"And from the patterns I found on it's body it's safe to assume that this creature is from Prehistoric age, older than Kingdoms themselves! Perhaps even older than those ruins..."

"Whime care- tye tiril- minna i mornie?*" Ozpin heard and blinked few times.

"I want to track down this creature." Port declared with determination palable in his voice, and it drew Ozpin out of this trance.

"Absolutely not." He said, and Port looked at him with disbelief.

"With all due respect Headmaster, I am more than capable of finding this creature." Port argued. "I hunted thousands of creatures during my time of more active service, and if this one hides somewhere in the Emerald forest…"

"And that's because I can't let you go." Ozpin interrupted. "Your experience and knowledge about creature of the Grimm is irreplaceable. And our students still need this expertise."

"Headmaster, I know when to press on and when to retreat, no Grimm ever lured me into a trap." After seeing Ozpin's questioning stare, Professor fixed his mustache, trying to hide his embarssemnt. "Well, When I was younger it happened once or twice, but…"

"Just like you said." Ozpin pointed his finger at the Black Bat. "It is not only not a Grimm, but a creature with intelligence, older than our whole civilization. If it managed to stay alive that long, undetected and unnoticed, it means it is way more than dangerous than most of the creatures on Remnant. I can't risk sending you against the unknown." Port slammed his hand against the desk in frustration.

"But if I let this beast run around, it might pose threat to villages, perhaps even lone Huntsmen out there! I can't leave it roaming the wild!"

"I never said I will leave it alone Peter." Ozpin assured, and realization struck Port like a thunder.

"I see." He said, defeat and disappointment ringing like a bell from a church tower. "I hope the one you chose will be more capable than me."

"It's not like that." Ozpin tried to reassure him. "You are more than capable, and I just can't risk losing you."

But Ozpin's words didn't help, for Professor rose from his chair and with defeated expression, and without saying goodbye he went straight to the elevator. When the door opened, Glynda Goodwitch walked in with sheets of paper.

"Peter." She greeted him.

"Professor Goodwitch." Port dryly replied and walked past her. When the elevator closed behind, Glynda sighed.

"I guess you refused." She looked at Ozpin, who was still sitting behind his desk.

"Honestly, I thought he will take it way worse."

"He knows where priorities lie and knows that you are right." She said, approaching the desk. "But his more flamboyant side cannot resist this opportunity."

"Indeed." Ozpin said, still thinking about the eyes, his mind trying to figure out where he saw similar gaze before. When he experienced such dread. He shook his head to push these thoughts and opened his scroll

"We are really calling him for the task?" Glynda said, already disliking the idea. "We have other options."

"He will solve this in no time." Ozpin remarked, writing a message.

"Unless he drunks himself to death."

On Ozpin's scroll, he wrote short "Meeting point as usual. Urgent request." And sent it to QB.

He knew that he relies on him too much, but what if this is another of her schemes? Or something way worse? He was more than certain that of all people, he would accomplish this task swiftly and without much issue, and, most importantly, nobody will notice his involvement. That's was the problem with Peter – His absence would raise uncomfortable questions.

After few seconds, Ozpin's scroll beeped, and short message from QB appeared.

One Month. Still some tiding to be done.

I need you sooner.

Queen?

Not sure.

Great Oz unsure? That's must be a real deal.

Short pause, then scroll beeped again.

One week is enough?

Yes. 5 PM. Don't be late.

I'm never late Oz. Glynda scoffed reading this.

"As usual." She remarked, and the scroll beeped again.

If the Professor Lighthead reads that, tell her that if she wants, she can come instead. She is more appraochable aftera drink or two. And Glynda, as usual, started to make remarks about Unruly, Irresponsible, Drunken…

But Ozpin wasn't listening to her, in his mind there were only burning, lavalike eyes, staring into his very soul. He wondered to himself where this monster is hiding now...

Sauron growled in anger while trying to comfortably sit on the wooden chair. Just like Yowwick said, it was very uncomfortable.

"I need new a furniture." He said out loud.

Authors note:

What is purpose of this chapter? For the Sauron's part, it just fun. Everytime someone writes about character coming from basiclly medieval age to more modern world, they make him/her too easily adjusted to the new reality. And the fact is, Remanant has many things that would astonish even a maia. Problem is that, well, it's hard to put most of those reactions into regular chapter without reducing the flow of the story.

So, in Sauron encounters, I intend to explore the idea of fallen maia learning about certain technologies and social norms that are completly alien for him.

As for the Ozpin's part - It couldn't make it into the regular chapter because it would be hard for me to put it inside. - It would be either at the start or at the end, and both options are awful. So I put it here.

And reply to EXCUBITORE: Well thank you, glad you like it, and to answer your question, their meeting, at least i my opinion, will be intresting, perhaps even very, but there is still some chapters before that. But one thing for certain - Sauron's smithing abilities are not amazing.

They are perfect.

Edit: To those who chose to reread this - worry not, I am not going to add new stuff, I just refresh, fix mistakes and polish these chapters.
To those who read it for the first time: I am more than happy to have you here! I hope you like it so far!

See you later.

DJ