Chapter 17 - Wounded Soul

Minutes had passed since I had left everyone to meet up with Neo at her requested location and well. I was lost in thought as I walked through the streets with my hood down. I wondered what Neo wished for me upon meeting each other again since she had our meeting location at a particular restaurant in the middle levels of Mistral.

And likely after that, I would need to head to Mistral Central Station to check on the recent train bookings for Argus.

Right…

We need to find a way to get to Atlas from there somehow, preferably without stealing an airship. Truth be told, it was funny if you were to think about it. Ruby and the gang confirmed that they did steal an airship from the military just to get to Atlas. All because of an… enthusiastic and overly patriotic granny getting in the way.

I had to stifle a chuckle from my lips as Ozpin whispered in my head. "Is there something funny you wish to share?" He asked curiously as I shook my head.

"Nothing of concern except that I recently remembered that the gang stole an airship to get to Atlas…" For a moment, I swore Ozpin was baffled by what I said as he uttered in sheer confusion.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't believe me? Here, they also fought a giant robot controlled by a crazy racist granny called Caroline Cordovin." I explained to Oz as I sent him that part of the memory of Ruby and the gang fighting off Cordovin alongside his actual incarnate who stole a Bullhead.

"My goodness, why did they think this was a good idea?" Oz could only ask why as I chucked internally.

"It wasn't, but it's one way to get to Atlas since the other involves Weiss and submitting ourselves under Cordovin… Which isn't any better since that granny is a condescending ass." I explained as Ozpin hummed as I brought my attention back to reality to ensure I didn't walk into people.

"Language." Ozpin chided me before continuing. "You don't like her, do you?" My body mate then asks as I nod my head in response.

"She was reassigned to Argus for a reason, Oz. Apparently, the guys at Atlas considered her a nuisance and wanted her far away from the Kingdom. Well, she's also a racist to Faunus and seeing what I am. Should we meet her, I have every right to dislike and be cautious of her presence."

I explained, and before Ozpin could speak up, up ahead was a man who looked like he was in his mid-forties, wearing a simple white t-shirt and blue shorts, and he could be seen talking to several other bystanders rather loudly. I must add. And from what I picked up, he's spreading information about what's happening outside the city.

So the story goes.

I was about to entirely ignore the man and be on my way when he suddenly said something that caught my attention completely. "By the way, I have confirmation from the traders and nearby towns that the Hunters had attacked and wiped the Branwen tribe from existence. And last I checked; they're heading north toward Argus."

Hunters? Attacked and wiped out the Branwen tribe from existence?! Wait, what? I… I thought Salem was the one who dealt the finishing blow upon the tribe and perhaps had her Grimm finish the job! Just who are the Hunters?

Without even realising it, I joined the gossip as I asked the man with a stunned expression on my face. "The… Branwen tribe were wiped out by the Hunters? Sorry, but I'm not from around here. Who are the Hunters you were referring to?" I asked out as that man rubbed his chin while the others listening to him gave some space for me to join.

"We don't exactly know who the Hunters are. The Mistral government classified them as bandits, but strangely enough, they don't prey on villages. They appear to target other bandit tribes specifically before looting and exterminating them with brutal efficiency. And if rumours were correct, they would regularly 'enslave the surviving bandits as pence for harming the weak and going against God's will'. Bunch of religious nutzos if you were to ask me." The man muttered while I was lost in thought from the information dumped onto me.

Honestly, this is getting incredibly strange… Why haven't I heard of them before? And if that's the case, why hadn't the village where I grew up met them? It would be nice if they were there to save us from the bandits… And have my parents still breathing.

No. I can't be bitter about the past, Zack. Focus.

"They do occasionally show up in villages, not to raid, mind you. But to trade goods and even offer their services as bounty hunters or town guards for a period of time. All of their members wear plain white masks over their entire faces and can be recognisable with their furred clothing. Even then, we don't even know what they look like except that they can be either Human or Faunus. They even occasionally request voluntary recruits to join them with the condition that they can never return home ever again." The man continued to explain as I turned to someone who might know of them.

"Hey, Oz, any idea who the Hunters are?" I asked the wizard in my head, who hummed in response.

"Hmm… I remember Leon bringing them up once in our meetings in the past, but he never went into detail about them but did mention that they are a nomadic tribe and would never stay in a region longer than a month max."

"Yeah. And apparently, they wiped out the Branwen tribe. Good riddance, I have to say," I scoffed internally at the Branwen tribe's end.

The memories of my loss must have clouded my judgement over bandit tribes entirely, I believe. Anyway, I soon returned my attention to the man. "Thanks, the Hunters sure sound interesting, but I gotta go now. I have someone waiting for me." I said as I tapped my wrist to emphasise the time. Except that the man didn't seem that bothered at all.

"No problem, kid. Just spreading some news that may be helpful." He says, as I simply waved and departed, during which he continued sharing other information with his audience. And I was back on the streets as I took out my scroll to see where I was supposed to meet Neo again.

It turns out not that far from here, it appears. Neo apparently wanted to meet me at a café and by the time I got there, I spotted a rather short girl with black hair that goes all the way down to her waist and green eyes with her arms folded over her breasts. Her choice of clothing mostly comprises black, white and gold. But the main thing that ticks me off that the girl was Neo in disguise was Roman's black bowler hat with a red feather in it.

While I made my way towards her, I could see a smirk growing on Neo's face as soon as her eyes landed on me, before she brought her index and middle finger up as she signalled me to come to her. I simply shrugged and gave a lazy wave at Neo as I approached her, while Oz addressed caution.

"I recommend you watch her closely, Arakan. We still do not know the reason for this meeting." I subtly nodded my head as Neo's smile grew more as soon as I was in front of her.

"Am aware, Oz. But I won't lie that I'm curious about what she has to say… Uh, I mean, tell us through her hands." Dammit! How did I forget for a moment that Neo can't speak? While silently cursing to myself, I asked Neo, who was still disguised. "I guess this is the café you wish for us to discuss at?" I voice out as Neo nods at me as we enter said café and sit in a secluded corner.

And once we did, a waitress came by before giving us a menu and leaving us alone. Both of us took the menus and began looking through what they had, and since we- I mean, I had cake, I think I'll just order coffee or something. With our eyes still on our menus, I spoke first.

"So, what's the purpose of this meeting?" I asked as I brought the menu down. Only to see Neo glaring at me as her eyes jumped from me to her menu and back to me. It took a split second to figure out that she wanted something to eat or drink first before we started talking business.

"Oh… Okay...Take your time, I suppose." I gave an awkward grin as Neo smiled and returned her eyes to the menu in her hands. Having to wait for Neo, I wondered internally about our next course of action. The main priority right now is to see when the next train to Argus will be leaving and book a ride for everyone. Then… we need to find a way to get to Atlas from there…

Hah… Dealing with that crazy Grandma Cordovin will be a pain. Oh! And I should hope that our ride has Maria in it! We'll need her assistance to teach Ruby how to use her silver eyes better. Right… And speaking of Ruby, I need to watch her sanity and morale. I don't want to see her break anytime soon.

Man, thinking of all this is increasingly taxing for me. Unconsciously rubbing my eyebrow, I looked up again to see Neo putting down the menu and looking at me expectantly. Rolling my eyes, I raised my hand, and soon, a waitress came by and asked what we were having. I simply requested a latte, while Neo decided to have an Atlesian croissant sandwich and cappuccino.

Now that I think about it, it is oddly convenient how some names always stayed the same between Earth and Remnant. I mean, all the coffee names are almost the same as what they are on Earth, so unless it's by pure chance or coincidence that they had the same names when they were made or by some god-like nonsense that made it so, I am going to suspect foul play here.

As the waitress left our table, my eyes made contact with Neo's as she leaned on the table with interest. "So," I began again. "What do you need me again for?" I asked as her face scrunched up as she gestured to me with her hands. She asked me what happened to Cinder yesterday at midnight. And as I read through the question from Neo's hands, I felt my eyes blurring before flashbacks flowed into my mind, all while I felt my throat tighten and my hands begin shivering again.

"No, I am not going to die again! Wait, No! It's not real, Zack! No. Not again… Not out here… Control yourself…"

Neo must have realised that something had definitely happened, as I began to hyperventilate uncontrollably before I could hear Ozpin trying his best to get me to calm down. "Listen to my voice! Take deep breaths and calm down! You'll have an anxiety attack if you keep this up!"

"Deep breaths… Deep breaths… Cinder's not here… Everything will be fine…" I began chanting as if my life depended on it, with my eyes closed and hands clenched close to my chest. I didn't even realise it then, but Neo was now beside me as she rested her hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, my head jerked up to see Neo, still in her disguise, giving me a concerned look and probably silently asking whether I was alright now.

"You need help." I heard Ozpin speaking bluntly in my head. I couldn't help but agree with him.

Yeah. I definitely should seek help once we're done with everything that we need to do today…

"No shit, Sherlock…" I could only murmur out as a worried waitress butt into our business.

"My apologies. Is your friend here alright?" She asked, before Neo simply nodded her head and used her hand to shoo her away before looking back at me. With everything returning to normal and my breathing stabilising, I spoke up.

"I'm… good now," I said loud enough for Neo to hear me. Yet, Neo did not look convinced at all but obliged as she sat back down on her chair before I continued. "Cinder fell down the abyss in Haven, but knowing that woman and her determination. I doubt even that fall would stop her. She would probably be back and after us sooner than later." I explained as Neo scowled murderously before closing her eyes and letting out a quiet huff.

"But if she is indeed dead, you can consider your vengeance fulfilled." I finished off as the waitress soon arrived with my latte as well as Neo's croissant sandwich and cappuccino. And as she placed them on our table and left, Neo used her hands to ask me what actually happened between Cinder and me that caused my earlier reaction.

I could only shift uncomfortably as I grabbed my inner shirt collar and pulled it down to show the nasty scar after that incident. Neo's eyes noticeably widened as she used a knife to cut a slice of a croissant sandwich and ate it with a fork. "Yeah… she… got me good there… I was… barely saved in time by a friend…" I muttered before releasing my shirt and lifting my latte with both hands to take a sip while trying to stop the trembling from resurfacing.

"I want to ask you something." I continued while Neo ate her meal with her eyes on me. "What do you plan to do next?" The ice cream girl in disguise visibly paused momentarily before she dropped her utensils and rubbed her chin as I could tell my question left her in thought.

What felt like minutes before Neo gave me her answer, and I predicted correctly what she would do now. Despite the risks, after I told her about where we were going, Neo still wished to follow us to Atlas. The main one is because of me. Neo admits that she finds me fascinating as someone who treats her respectfully despite her background and my 'unique' Faunus traits that earned her eyes.

She also finds me oddly adorable.

I'm not so sure how to feel about that, even more when she mentioned that I am like a piece of candy to her, but moving on. The next reason is mainly about the potential of Cinder coming back, in my words, despite knowing that she will return eventually, and Neo still wants the opportunity to kill Cinder herself. I can't blame her for that, but even I'm concerned about what happens to her should Cinder fall by her hand.

Pun not intended, by the way.

Lastly, it was just so she would find us fun to mess with. Yup. You heard me. The last reason for Neo joining us is that we can entertain her. And she fully intends to troll the shit out of Yang, in particular, whenever she gets the chance. While I didn't express it, I'm not looking forward to a pissed-off Yang trying her best to punch Neo around the house anytime soon.

Or how would Atlas react to Neo following us and her part in the Fall of Beacon. This could end badly if I'm not careful.

Minutes passed as Neo, and I continued our discussion, and the ice cream girl even asked about my thoughts on certain topics. I swear this looked as if I was taking Neo on a date, judging from the looks the other customers were giving us, and I'm not happy about it. Neo must have noticed it, and with a shit-eating grin, she began making…

Suggestive... choices of words alongside countless amounts of double entendre in her attempts to get a reaction out of me.

You know. At this point, I'm starting to regret allowing Neo to join us…

Even Oz expressed his uncomfortableness with the current situation we found ourselves in right before I rested my fingers on my nose, while Neo mutely laughed at my reaction. But we should leave this place soon. I need to check when the next train is going to Argus as quickly as possible.

"We should leave now," I said as Neo gave me a quizzed look with her cheek resting on her knuckles. "I need to see when the next train heading for Argus will leave." I explained, as she simply gave me a curious eye raise as I stood up and headed for the cashier to pay. Since knowing her, she would probably milk me of cash because she can.

"Well… At least we know Neo's now on our side and coming along… I'm worried about team cohesion with her and how James and Atlas would react to seeing her there." I silently expressed my worry as I heard Neo's footsteps while paying for my coffee and Neo's meal.

"I concur. I'm sure you'll manage it well enough. And for Atlas… I believe I can assure James that Miss Politian is on our side. I'm sure he will listen to me." Ozpin's words assured me as I let air out of my nose. This never gets easier. And never would be the longer we fight on.

"Whatever you say, Oz." I concluded our talk as Neo followed me out of the café and headed straight for the Central Station. I hope we can leave Mistral in a day or something and head straight to Atlas. The longer it takes to reach our destination, the worse I fear for the General's paranoia and sanity.

If I could stem or even reverse his paranoia, we would have the might of Atlas on our side and coordinate our fight against Salem and hopefully ensure that Atlas remains standing.

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"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR TWO WEEKS FOR A TRAIN TO TAKE US TO ARGUS?!" I understandably shouted out my shock and confusion at what was told to me as I leaned in close to the ticket window demanding answers, with my big fluffy tail all puffed up, much to several other people's awe at the size of it. All while the poor ticket lady attending me had a look as if she were about to have a heart attack any moment now.

"W-well, t-there's a delay in which all trains going to Argus are to be delayed for inspection and are due for retrofitting... I'm only doing my job, sir." I could only let out a frustrated sigh to simmer my rage before I exploded again while, at the same time, my tail calmed down and sank. It did not take long before I spoke up again.

"Fine, but at least can we pre-order the tickets for the ride right now?" I then changed the topic before noticing Neo smirking with amusement at me. What's so funny, huh?!

"Yes, we can, sir." The woman began acting professionally again, while simultaneously starting typing on her computer. "How many tickets would you like to purchase?" She then asked as I nodded my head.

"Tickets for ten people to Argus, please," I asked kindly while the woman began typing on her keyboard. And as she was busy with that, my mind wondered what could cause that to happen. Or was it like this in the story? I need to think more about this later.

But so much for trying to do a speed run, I suppose.

After paying for the tickets and my poor wallet, Neo followed me as we returned to our hotel. A part of me is not looking forward to the awkward moment that would ensue once they saw Neo with me. Also, why are you giving me an amused look, Neo?

"What's with that look?" I bluntly asked, with my hood nearly blown off by a breeze, while simultaneously gripping it tightly. Neo simply giggled as she gestured with her hands about how she never expected to see that kind of fire within me. And my actions reminded her of someone.

Whoever they are, Neo never states who she's talking about. Roman, I guess?

Rolling my eyes, I let out a tired sigh before speaking again. "Not anytime soon, I hope. Looks like we're stuck here for two weeks before a train can take us to Argus…" I then mumbled as my body was tense, and my eyes seemed to shoot everywhere for potential threats.

It's something I have noticed myself doing ever since this morning, and I can't help but remain tense and troubled even after yesterday's fight in Haven. Even Neo, beside me the whole time on the way back, looked relatively calm compared to my alertness. God, I… I should use the time to work on my semblance. Or talk to someone about my… pain.

By the time Neo and I arrived back at the door where I stayed, I glanced at Neo, who had reverted to her original looks, and I could see her questioning why I paused with a raised eyebrow. Without any pause, I explained.

"Since you're coming with us, I recommend you do your best to work with them. And… try not to start fights and piss everyone off on the first day, alright?" Yet, Neo simply raises her eyebrow even further with a deadpan expression. As if she's going, are you seriously asking me to do that?

With her expression telling me everything, I just shrugged before bringing my fist and knocking on the door. "Coming! I heard Yang calling out while simultaneously hearing the sound of shattered glass.

Did she just - yup, she just did that. Turning towards the sound of shattered glass, Neo wasn't there any more. Did she use her semblance to create an illusion of herself beside me? Oh man, where did she go now?

Before I could even move or speak, the door opened to show Yang, who smiled upon seeing me. "Heya, Zack! Welcome back!" Yang greeted me with a smile, as I gave one back with a wave.

"Hey, Yang," I greeted team RWBY's blond bruiser as she stepped aside for me to walk into our home. And for a moment, I also swore I heard soft footsteps behind me. "I'm back." I walked in to see Ruby, Weiss and Blake on the sofas. Huh, looks like team JNR went off somewhere. Eh, it's not like I need them right now.

As I walked in, Yang closed the door behind me as RWB turned their heads towards me, and I got numerous reactions from the girls upon my return. Ruby looked ecstatic to see me well and unharmed from my meeting with Neo. Weiss simply nodded her head with a cup of tea in her hand from what my enhanced smell could pick up. And Blake just stares at me.

"Zack, you're here!" Ruby called out to me as she jumped out of the couch she was resting on before disappearing in a blur. And for a second, I saw Cinder in front with her blade drawn and aimed for my chest! Is she trying to do it again?! Not on my watch!

I instinctively jump back with my fist drawn and send it out to strike her!

"Zack, stop!" The call of my friends pushed that memory away, and that's when I realised no. It was not Cinder in front of me. It was just Ruby excited to see me again!

And I could see my fist an inch away from hitting Ruby in the face, and I could see their shocked expression from what I nearly did. Ruby's eyes were shrunk to the size of a pin as her hands were up. Both Weiss and Blake were back on their legs and were stunned, and from the corner of my eyes, I could see Yang with her hand stretched out and about to intercept me.

"I… I…" I swallowed my breath as my arm retracted from Ruby's face, and I was still horrified by what I nearly did to her. I wanted to apologise for that reaction nearly hitting Ruby, but…

Nothing came out.

Then I felt my knees give out as I collapsed onto them and onto my hands before I heard my friends calling me with worry. And my limbs were trembling again. No… Not again… Please make it stop… I felt tears gathering around my eyes as my vision blurred. I almost punched Ruby. I ALMOST punched Ruby in the face! One of the people I grew to care about in the past month or so! And I nearly hit her in the face!

"Zack… are you alright?" Ruby called out to me from the edge of my eyes. I could see her kneeling while resting her hand on my shoulder. I felt my body tensing up from her touch. Please don't touch me. I nearly hurt you… Then my ears soon picked up multiple footsteps before hearing Jaune calling out.

"We heard yelling. What happened?"

"I… I… saw Cinder for a second… about to attack me…" I muttered out enough for everyone to hear my terrified tone. "Ruby… I…" I felt sweat crawling down my face, and my whole body felt cold and clammy.

"It's alright. You didn't hit me. It's all good." I heard Ruby explain to me before pushing myself back to my knees as I rested on them, still with a terrified look and tears pouring down my face. And before I even realised what was happening any more, Weiss walked and kneeled in front of me while concurrently, I continued muttering.

"I… didn't mean to. I didn't want to hurt Ruby. But I-" Before I could even finish, and much to my and everyone's surprise, Weiss suddenly grabbed me by the shoulders and hugged me.

"Wha?" My tear-covered eyes widened with shock from the sudden warmth I felt when Weiss hugged me.

I don't understand.

Why is she doing this suddenly?

"Stop it, you dolt." Weiss stopped me from talking as she continued. "Everything is alright, you hear me? It was clearly an accident, and no one got hurt in the end." Weiss bluntly said as I watched her, still stunned by her words.

"Who are you… and what did you do to Weiss?" Still in shock, I uttered that Weiss, of all people, chose to hug me to comfort me. It is… strange. Hugging seemed more like Nora's or even Ruby's thing. Not Weiss's.

"I am still me, you dolt! Don't take this the wrong way." Weiss firmly explained as I felt my cheeks grow hot and spotted her cheeks glowing faintly red. What is even happening right now? Am I hallucinating? Is it because of my… issue that Weiss is acting like this?

Weiss then withdrew her hug from me and stood up. Only then did she notice everyone staring at her as if the ex-heiress grew a second head on her shoulder. But before anyone could ask her what she just did, Weiss snapped at everyone before she departed from the scene without looking back, leaving the rest of us stunned.

As for me, I realised that Weiss's hug worked and calmed me down. I… don't know how to feel about this… I need to distract myself right now from what has transpired.

Without mentioning a word, I wiped my eyes clean of tears before standing back on my feet and walking off to the training room. "I need some time alone, okay guys? Please do not disturb me until dinner or something. I'll be in the training room." I muttered without looking back while everyone as I left.

And as I did, I heard Ruby uttering in sheer bafflement at the sight of her partner suddenly hugging her Faunus friend. "Uh… what happened, guys?"

"I have no idea." Ren then added in.

"As I said earlier, Arakan. You need help badly." Ozpin, for some reason, chose right now to speak for some reason as a frown grew on me.

I know. But I need some time alone, Oz."

And unaware of everyone, Weiss had rushed back to her room with her cheeks in a dark shade of red. She couldn't believe what she had done in front of everyone, and to her fox Faunus friend in particular! Nor did she understand why she did it in the first place!

What's wrong with her to make such a rash act? Did she do it to calm her friend down? Or… Never mind that. She'll worry about it later.

Without looking behind, Weiss crawled into her bed before hiding herself with a blanket from the shame, and refused to leave the room until much later.

"Knowing my luck, I doubt none of them would let it down anytime soon…" Weiss let out a frustrated groan.

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The rest of the day passed relatively smoothly, and I willingly chose to skip lunch to meditate in peace and clear my mind. I needed some time alone. And to talk to Ozpin about my… issues privately. Sure, that did not stop Ruby from bringing my lunch to the training room to see me meditating, but I was so ashamed of my actions that I couldn't look her in the face even though she'd already forgiven me.

I still can't believe I unintentionally lashed out and nearly hurt Ruby. I hope this can be dealt with before we leave for Argus.

It was also during this time that Neo officially introduced herself. And by introducing herself, I mean by stealing the extra cakes we had in the fridge from Yang, who was planning to snack on them and causing a ruckus loud enough that it snapped me out of my attempt to meditate in peace.

I had no choice but to intervene because Yang and the others were about to cause collateral damage to the hotel.

Turns out the midget has been watching us all the time, including my breakdown, and chose to fuck with Yang as a way to formally introduce herself. Honestly, it could have gone worse, and I managed to convince everyone to begrudgingly work with Neo since she's on our side now. Of course, it didn't stop the fact that the tension in the hotel has grown by a large margin with the presence of Neo.

I feel the next two weeks will be a pain to manage, but I made a choice to allow her to join us and must live with it.

It was now around seven after dinner, and to say that today's dinner was so tense you could cut it with a butter knife would be an understatement. Everyone was cautious of Neo happily eating alongside us, and some, like Qrow, were eyeing Neo like a hawk just in case she decided to do something funny. And it was also during that time I informed everyone that we were having another meeting in the morning for our plans on what to do next.

That wasn't all that happened at the dinner table.

After my… breakdown and Weiss's surprise hug, neither she nor I could ever look each other in the eyes. Of course, everyone noticed, but they refused to talk about it out of respect, except Yang, who vocally observed that there was some exotic tension between Weiss and I. It was embarrassing for us both, and we chastised Yang for quite a while.

But Yang just said that we're just proving her point.

I fucking hate her for that.

Lastly, we have yet to tell Neo about my history. But I would likely have to tell her about my past and how I'm Ozpin's host eventually.

But that's for another time.

After dinner, I took the time to ask my friends individually who fixed my shirt and jacket. I appreciated that someone helped me fix it, but it still doesn't explain who did it and why no one said anything about it. And I wanted to ask in the morning, but I didn't get the chance as Neo texted that she needed to see me.

And the rest were history.

Yet none of them was the one to do it, and Weiss disappeared into her room after dinner. That means that she could be the one to do it, but I won't know unless I ask her myself. But if she did not do it, I would think there's a ghost in the house.

Shaking my head down the corridor towards the room Yang and Weiss shared for the night, my talk with Oz had brought some semblance of comfort to me, and I'm thankful for him. But I doubt I'll be getting any proper rest in a while. Traumatising shit like this doesn't just magically disappear after one session.

Bringing my fist up, I gently knocked on the door and waited for Weiss's reply. Yet, I got no response. How strange… Weiss has been acting quieter than usual after uh… hugging me… I can never admit that I ever enjoyed it. Les, everyone would never drop it. Ever. And Weiss would probably chastise or kick my ass if I were to admit it to her.

Or both, now that I am to think about it.

"Weiss. I… uh, want to ask you something." I said loud enough that I was sure the ex-heiress could hear me before waiting another minute outside the door for a response. But after what felt longer than a minute of me stupidly waiting outside the door for something to happen, I heard Weiss's voice calling me out.

"You can come in." Letting out a breath, I opened the door to see Weiss sitting cross-legged on the floor, staring intently at the purple Dust I'd given her the night before. Around her were several vials of different types of Dust, but I noticed something, the Dust that Ishmael made looked bigger than usual.

What happened? When did it grow larger?

"Hey, I've been wishing to ask you something… care to answer them?" I slowly mumbled as I watched her light blue eyes turn to me before she gave me a small smile and nodded.

"Of course." That was all Weiss said as I sat across from her, and I didn't know how to start the conversation. The memories of Weiss of all people hugging me earlier lingered in my mind and made me hesitant to speak to her. But eventually, I managed to spit it out and ask her after Weiss stared at me patiently.

"Weiss, I've asked the others earlier who helped patch up my shirt and jacket the night before, and none of them did it." Weiss, for a moment, froze as she looked at me. "Are you, by chance, the person who fixed them? If so, I… want to thank you for helping."

"I was…" Weiss spoke softly as I wondered internally why. Why would Weiss do such a thing? I know we have a somewhat cordial relationship with one another, but to go this far for me?

"Why?"

I softly asked as Weiss closed her eyes momentarily before opening them. "As thanks for doing your best to help us, even despite that stumbling that happened last night and you acting like an utter dolt,"

"Hey!" I angrily called Weiss out. Look, I know I fucked up hard and got cocky and shit before paying the price for it, but come on, Weiss! Must you really call me a dolt? Please keep the dolt title to Ruby and don't add it to me too. I don't want that title.

"But," Weiss interrupted me firmly as she raised her finger up to my face and continued. "We're friends and… I feel obligated to help you after what was supposed to be my close encounter with death in the story you saw. You did your best to negate the worst, and I can respect that." Weiss concludes with a genuine smile while I remain stunned after hearing her words as I feel my cheeks warm up.

I… wow… Getting complimented by the ice queen herself. I uh… feel weird receiving her compliment. Then, what about earlier when she suddenly hugged me? Why did she do that?

"Thanks… but what about earlier?" Upon mentioning it, I felt my cheeks beginning to burn, and so did Weiss. And even before I got a reply from the ex-heiress about why she chose to hug me suddenly, Weiss jabbed her finger into my chest, rather painfully, I must add.

Ow! That Bloody hurt, woman!

"Shut it! We do not talk about it!"

"But wh-"

"WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT IT! GOT IT?!" Weiss's face was as red as a fully ripped tomato from embarrassment, anger or both, and she gave me a murderous glare as I could only raise my hands and silently nod my head.

"Good." Weiss audibly huffed. "I find it humiliating for someone like me to do it in the open to help you… Even if you desperately need it, let us refrain from speaking of this again for both our sakes." Awkward silence overtook us both for a full minute as Weiss spoke again. "Do you have anything else you wish to ask me?" I pondered my friend's question as I glanced at the purple Dust crystal on a cloth.

"Yeah, I'm curious. What did you learn about that Dust crystal I passed you a while ago." I then asked as Weiss sighed with frustration as she picked it up and handed it to me. I held my hand up and watched as the purple dust slowly levitated off Weiss's hand and floated over to mine.

"Much to my exasperation, I couldn't get any more of it either than its apparent stability compared to normal Dust, which tends to be known for its volatile characteristics." Weiss said, as I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oh, you mean like that other time you accidentally threw some around and Ruby accidentally set them off by sneezing?" I couldn't help but grin as Weiss's cheeks grew red.

"Shut it!" She snapped before recomposing herself. "As I was saying before you interrupted me, they appear to be much more stable than normal Dust, but that's only part of it. It appears to be able to convert Dust of other types into more of itself. But either way, I lack the necessary tools to see what attributes this Dust possessed."

Weiss explained while my eyes were fully on the Purple Dust in my hands. That's strange and unique. I wonder if it is made this way because it originates from Ishmael…

"I'm to wonder if this Dust differs greatly from the other much more common variants we see on Remnant because it was created by Ishmael." I murmur my theory as Weiss nods at my theory.

"That is indeed likely." Weiss agreed with me before asking. "What do you think it could be?" The Schnee asked as I stared at the Dust crystal floating between my hands. If it comes from Ishmael, does it mean this Dust is her blood crystallised? And if so, and she represents the moon, does it mean…

Do we have some sort of space Dust?

"I… honestly do not know, but we still have plenty of time to figure it out. And I'd likely need your assistance for tomorrow." I explained as Weiss raised a curious eyebrow.

"Is there a particular reason for that?"

"Well…" I could only awkwardly scratch the back of my head as I continued. "I intend to see what my Semblance is capable of, and I'd like your help since I have a Dust Manipulation Semblance. But to what extent I could manipulate them, I do not know, and your experience would be greatly appreciated." I explained as Weiss brought a hand up to her chin.

"Well then, I don't see a problem with that. Of course, I will help, Zack." Weiss smiled at me, and before she or I could continue talking as I passed back the Dust crystal to her, we heard the door knock.

"Hello, Weiss? Is Zack in there?" Huh, I know I haven't spoken to Blake much, but why is she calling me right now? What does our resident cat Faunus need me for? And before I could say anything, Weiss spoke up and addressed our friend.

"He is in here. You can come in."

"Just gonna let her in, huh?" I thought to myself as Blake slowly opened the door, and we could see Blake entering the room and closing it before pausing upon witnessing the both of us sitting on the floor.

"Am I interrupting something?" She asked as I shook my head in response.

"Not really, but what do you need to ask me?" I asked as Blake had a hesitant look before addressing me.

"Well, Mum and Dad just called me, and they wish to come over tomorrow to see you and ask some questions. Are you okay with it?" Blake explained as I was left in my thoughts. Ah, so Kali and Ghira wished to talk to me? I suppose it makes sense in a way.

"I see… Did they tell you why they wished to see me?" I asked as Blake shook her head.

"Well… There are books back home that call your ancestors demi-gods and their close history with our Gods, and it was a big thing for my parents when the descendants of the first ruler of Menagerie were still around, and they wished to see you. Dad even told me his great-grandpa was one of your ancestors' descendants. Or so he claimed." Blake said before adding in the last part.

"I see…" I hummed as I closed my eyes for a second. For all I know, I could be the last of the ancient bloodline of the Chosen after my mother. And it'll make sense for Kali and Ghira to express their curiosity about me.

"I see no problem with that." I smiled as we heard a jingle from Blake as she quickly took out her scroll and read it.

"Oh, and they'll bring Sun and Ilia along." Huh, this will be an interesting conversation talking to them…

"That's… not an issue. I still do not know how the modern Faunuses would react to my existence, but I guess eventually it would come out that I exist." I admit my uncertainty as Blake shakes her head.

"Well, your blood is seen more like a fairy tale to our people, and some even claimed that the Arakans didn't exist and that our entire origins were not by the Gods. They'll be in for a rude awakening should you reveal yourself." Blake then frowned.

"Though back on Menagerie, there are… cults of the God of Animals, or I guess now it should be the Sisters of Twilight. They mostly keep to themselves, though occasionally, they would start preaching about our God's existence and our purpose to help humanity. They are also known to be vocally opposed to the ways of the White Fang. But no one would listen to them, believing they were delusional and crazy."

"I always thought they were speaking rubbish ever since I first met them. Until today, when I met you for the first time and learned about your origins." Blake finished off with a shrug, as I gave mine in return.

"Expected." I shrugged. "Frankly, I didn't even know the significance of my ancestry until I met the sisters when I…." I droned out in the end before I noticed Weiss had a worried look while Blake had a look of confusion but was aware enough that something must have happened to me, even more so when the cat Faunus glanced at Weiss, who shook her head and signalled her not to ask about it.

"Never mind. That. Can be addressed another time." I shook my head before sucking air into my lungs and getting off the floor. "If nothing else, I need to find Qrow and let him and Oz talk about our next move. Then we'll let you know in the morning. Have a good night, ladies." I said my goodbyes and exited Weiss's room as the ex-heiress and cat Faunus silently watched me.

And once I was outside, I began to make my way toward Qrow, I heard them starting their own discussion, I didn't manage to hear the full conversation however. "He needs help." Blake spoke first before I heard a sigh coming from Weiss.

"I concur, I can tell he hasn't been the same ever since the battle. He may hide it and act alright on the front, but after what we saw with Ruby? Undoubtedly, he's suffering and in desperate need of help."

"Is that why you hugged him?"

"What?! No! That's different!"

"Sure, sure…" Blake responded back almost teasingly.

Hearing their conversation made me roll my eyes. It's nice to have friends who are worried about me, but I still find it incredibly odd that Weiss, of all people, appears to be more worried about me. And the thought of it made my insides churn strangely than I'm used to. What's wrong with me?

Yet the next second, I heard Ozpin letting out an amused chuckle, much to my utter confusion.

What's so funny?

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The sounds of chirping could be heard within the forest as a single man staggered through the night sky. His mind is full of rage and hate for the Belladonna who robbed him of everything. Yet, as he stumbled through the forest without his mask, the bull Faunus was unaware that the sisters were watching him from the forest's shadows.

One bear's pity over his predicament for all the suffering he endured, his fall from grace and the potential to make a better future. The other bears' disappointment over the bull Faunus letting his rage blind him and utter refusal to accept fault for his actions.

Yet even discarded pawns can be of use again. If given the chance.

And as Adam staggered through the night alone with full intention to track down his dear who betrayed him, he heard whispers that seemed to echo all around him.

"It is a shame you fell from grace Adam Taurus. You have so much potential and a chance to change your future… You could have served as a beacon of hope for a better future for your people." A soft voice filled with compassion and sorrow. Then another voice spoke up after the first, but this one was cold and filled with dissatisfaction.

Like the endless frozen wastes of Solitas.

"Yet you squandered your gifts and purpose. You failed no one but yourself and let your rage and spite blind you to the world's reality. What happened to the man who wished to see his people achieve their rights? Right now? You're just a murderer. A monster. And monsters need to be put down for the sake of the many."

The voices made Adam tense as he drew his blade and readied to fight the voices that suddenly spoke to him. "Who dares?! Show yourself cowards! You will not stop me from getting what I deserve!" Yet, all Adam got was a humoured scoff.

"Deserve? Deserve to commit genocide and enslave humanity as you desire? Deserve to kill anyone who goes against you? What a pathetic man you are, Adam." The voice spoke mockingly as Adam's rage peaked and was about to burst. Then, the other soft-spoken voice interrupts.

"Your mind and soul are wounded, Taurus, don't you see? You failed to see the bigger picture and alienated everyone because you lacked restraint. Please see the reason and heed our words. We're not here to hurt you. We seek only to heal your broken soul and grant you redemption."

"Redemption?! Do not speak to me of redemption! I do not need it! And what I did… I did it for our people!" Adam yells back before one of the voices snaps.

"You did it for yourself! You followed what your heart desired!" The voice angrily accused. "Look how you've fallen to your rage and spite! You killed everyone who goes against you. Even your fellow Faunus! How does that help your people?!" The voice accused Adam as he had reached his breaking point. Who are these voices to judge him for what he did? Everything he did was for his people's sake!

"Enough! Show yourselves!" Adam demanded as the soft voice hummed.

"Very well…" The voice echoed as Adam watched two women emerge from behind the trees. A pink-haired woman whose skin resembles the night skies with stars sparkling, while the other has normal skin and is wrapped in a white cloak. Yet more intriguing was her ash-grey hair, which had black spots all over it.

"You called us to show ourselves, little Mortal, and the sisters of Twilight answered." The woman with the pink hair drama in her tone only gets a deadpanned look from the other in a white cloak.

"Must you introduce yourself in such a manner, sister?" She asked as the bull Faunus muscles tensed at these… things. But even couldn't help but be baffled by the purple being's choice of words. And for some reason, he is urged to obey their every command.

Upon hearing her sister's words, the pink-haired woman shrugged.

"You must admit that the memories of our champion's time in his old world are fascinating. Do you think? But let us put that for another time. We have other things to deal with first." The purple woman spoke as her eyes soon started into the Bull Faunus's eyes. "Like this unruly child of ours, for example."

Child?

Before Adam even had time to talk or react, hands as black as coal erupted from the ground beneath him as they grabbed his limbs tightly and bound him tightly. Adam gritted his teeth with rage as he struggled, only for another hand to appear and wrap around his mouth, shutting him up before he could speak.

"Sister… must you act so recklessly and do this? I fail to see its need, for mortals nor our children could hurt us." The woman in a white cloak spoke as she and her 'sister' walked towards the bounded bull Faunus who continued struggling helplessly.

"An unruly child of ours must be punished for everything we're trying to accomplish. Leaving him unbound would bring further problems. Only the deserving is worthy of restraint and mercy." The pink-hair woman argued back before her black sclera with silver eyes met blue.

"But where are our manners?" She gave a mocking bow as she continued. "I am Ishmael, and that woman with the cloak is my sister AWOR. We are the Sisters of Twilight. Your creators. Your gods." Ishmael officially introduced herself as Adam's movement froze to a standstill as his eyes widened.

"I must apologise for my sister's abrasive actions. As you have heard from my sister, I am AWOR. We both are the Gods of Remnant, and we created your people, Mr Taurus." AWOR explained as she walked forward until she was before the bound bull Faunus.

"But the Brothers imprisoned us, shackling our will while they created the world you now lay on. And I apologise for our failure to our children. Many of you suffered because we could not do anything to help you."

"Until now." Ishmael added while AWOR nodded in agreement before a sorrowful look grew on her face.

"Your people were born for the sole purpose of helping humanity grow and thrive in this world, Mr Taurus. And we loved every single one of you. But we are disappointed that the White Fang chose a path against everything we wished." AWOR explained as Adam struggled with outrage as he let out muffled voices full of hate.

Hate over everything that has happened. Hate over the so-called 'Gods' and how their dreams of a better future for Faunuses had earned their disapproval of them. And hate over how the Gods themselves see the need to judge him and call his path misguided.

"And your heart is wounded. You see, nothing is perfect. Not you, humanity, or even us divine begins with the power to shape reality. You believed that your people were superior to humanity. While there is some truth to that, that's not what we wished to happen."

"Your desire to see Humanity enslaved makes you no better than the worst of them." Ishmael bluntly said. "And don't give me that they deserve it for what they did, child. An eye for an eye makes the world blind. You will create an endless cycle of pain and suffering for everyone. And lest you forget, the Grimm exist, and you should deal with them first."

"Shush sister… I believe he understands…"

"No, he has not," Ishmael commented dryly as she watched the bull Faunus stubbornly try to break out of his bondage. "Besides, I fail to see why you insist on explaining to this child in particular. After all, he went against everything we wished and murdered countless souls, and they all begged me to enact revenge against him in particular."

"Patience, sister. Even if that's the case, he is still our child, and we have the duty to set things right." AWOR softly said as she turned her eyes onto Adam. "Forgive us for what we must do. After today, you will not be the same Faunus as you were before, but one day, you will thank us for this."

AWOR mournfully explained with guilt what she was about to do, before she rested one thumb on the bull Faunus' forehead and the other on the midsection of his chest. Adam's eyes widened as he felt a mind-scorching pain deep in his skull, as he began to cry out in agony while a bright light erupted from her AWOR's thumbs.

And soon, Adam knew no more as his mind and soul were rewritten to fit a new purpose.

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Elsewhere in Argus, a young woman wearing a white dress that gives everyone a good view of her legs stares into the night city on a rooftop alone with luscious black hair and blue inner highlights. She wore white heels with black leggings over her leg, and her violet eyes seemed to sparkle like the stars above at night as the night breeze blew against her hair.

Another noticeable thing was that she had a left prosthetic arm painted black with the occasional brass on the edges. And in her hands was a custom-made silver flute, which she practised playing a motif with skill and such elegance that would make even the richest of Atlas pay to listen to her.

But soon, another individual approached her from behind.

While most of their body was engulfed by the night, only their golden eyes were visible.

"Mistress." The individual spoke in a feminine yet reserved voice.

The young woman took her lips away from her flute, and without even turning around, she asked. "Do you have something to report, Katharine?"

"I'm here to report that all trains meant for Argus have been delayed for refitting as you requested." The unknown woman reported as the young woman softly hummed.

"Yes… Thank you for your assistance, Katharine." She paused for a moment. "I can tell that you have a question on your mind. You are aware that you can ask me anything, right?" She then pointed it out without looking back.

"Yes, of course, my mistress, but you habitually answer my questions vaguely numerous times. And there are cases in which you left me with more questions than answers." The young woman winced at that honest reply before she protested softly.

"I'm not that bad, am I?"

"You are." Katharine bluntly admits, while the young woman visibly winces as if her assistant's words stabbed her in the chest. Literally.

"Ouch."

A full minute of awkward silence soon passed before the young woman spoke again. "Uh. One more thing, Katharine, you know you could call me by my name instead of mistress when we're alone, right?"

"Yes."

"Then, please call me by my name, Katharine. We have known each other ever since my parents hired you to watch me years back. You're more than a caretaker to me. You're a trusted friend."

Another moment of silence passed before Katharine spoke.

"Of course, Celeste."