[Other FULL] [IC] As the Dust Settles; A RWBY RP [M] [EPILOGUE]

Varik Umbra​

Varik walked out of the shareholders meeting with a sigh. All he had planned to do was sell one little invention to help pay for a new weapon, armor, and a birthday gift for Nilya, but instead he became very wealthy. He also had a sizable amount of shares in the technology company that he sold his new "personal hard interactive hologram device" or whatever they were going to call it. He did not care, that was marketing's job to come up with a catchy title, they just gave him a large number of shares to insure his loyalty to the brand. Entering the elevator to go to the bottom floor of the massive 25 story building, Varik quickly loosened his tie before pressing the button for the bottom floor. Pulling out his new business scroll Varik wanted to go over some numbers as the metal box descended.He had just entered the password then he was interrupted by the woman who had entered the elevator behind him.

"Varik Umbra?" asked a heavy accent, causing Varik to notice the woman for the first time. He felt his nerves go on guard due to her appearance. She was as tall as him and was wearing a black khakis and a shirt that hugged her skin, over this was a black vest, and her belt held a pistol in its holster on her right hip. Her unnatural red eyes were unsettling as the iris seemed to be constantly moving on their own.

"Yes?" asked Varik as he eyed her cautiously.

"My name is Dostya Brackman, I am here on the behalf of my father, Dr. Gustaf Brackman. He is very interested in meeting you, and discussing a possible joint business venture," said the woman's calm voice.

"I already have partners…" replied Varik.

"Not like my father," she replied as she handed him a scroll.

Varik put away his scroll and took the one she handed him and started looking at the information on it. He stared at it until the elevator stopped on the bottom floor before handing it back to the woman. "I am not sure I can help. I am not too keen on making weapons…" replied Varik in a shaky voice.

"This is NOT a weapon, it is the first step toward a scientific golden age. My father is not interested in war… only science and progress," replied the woman defensively.

"It could be used as a…" Replied Varik as he stepped out of the elevator, but the woman soon interrupted him.

"Anything can be used as a weapon including your little hologram invention. This is about scientific progress," interrupted the woman. "My father does not care about the growing conflict with the faunus. He works with both faunus and humans in order to pursue scientific discoveries."

Varik sighed as he noted her mention of the possible conflict between the two races and thought for a second before saying, "Fine, go ahead and set up a meeting with your father and let me know when."

"He is ready for you now, follow me," replied the woman as she stepped in front of Varik to lead the way.

Varik lifted an eyebrow before pulling out his scroll and writing a message for his wife. "Are you coming?" asked the woman impatiently. Varik held up his finger to symbol for her to wait so he could finish the message. Once he was done he put away his scroll and followed the woman toward the exit of the building, making sure to grab his jacket and weapon from the front desk before heading out into the cold...

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


Four dead and seven wounded as tragedy strikes a small neighborhood outside Vacuo! A travelling circus visiting the neighborhood of Ventui was the site of a vicious attack by roaming Venom Saws on Monday, leaving the people in panic and the circus in ribbons.

Venom Saws are Rank D Grimm, and the circus claims to have been rimmed with industrial Grimm repellant graded for Grimm up to rank C. Researchers now fear that Grimm may be becoming resistant to repellant, leaving the layman no means but the brutish to be safe from these terrible creatures.

"Don't worry," said Haley Grewn, leader of Team HOPE—the most effective Grimm-clearing team in rotation—, to a crowd of frightened people this morning in front of Vacuo's courthouse. "Even if Grimm repellant becomes absolutely useless, we huntsmen and huntresses will protect you every hour of the day and night! There was a time before repellant, and its introduction only made us lower our guard. No more! More teams will be assigned to Grimm-clearing, stronger teams will be posted as ferry escorts, and we will direct as much resource as necessary to ensuring you may all sleep safe and sound in your beds without fear."

The leaders of teams BOOM and DIRJ have given similar reassurances elsewhere as well, but unrest continues to rise, and in the wake of Faunus found on Island G, the questions come through: can we afford to ignore Menagerie any longer? What lengths would Faunus terrorists go to to make their point? Would they sic Grimm on a circus full of innocent people?

More at eight; I'm Leroy Lavender.

JP by ShinyDiamond & Stingray


"Why me…?" Fei whined, coming back from another misunderstanding with yet another lady. Long story short, he got quite the slapping. It's really hard to make new friends with the way his bad luck keeps following him.

It's been 3 months since NAVF's trip. Helping the injured, rescuing Archer, well, not really. He's still in a bind, but that aside, things have been a little quite. Beacon is covered in winter's snow, prompting everyone to bundle up. It was the holidays, & most students have either gone back to stay with their families, or stayed within the school. Fei stuck around. He couldn't really see his dad as he recently got a letter from him.



So two things. He can't go back for the holidays, & he doesn't have his claw with him for a long while now. He's already told his team he sent his claw to his father. That just leaves him with his sword-staff. Perhaps he can find a way to fight without his claw. "Ah, at least I'm not fighting right now…" Fei sat down on a porch watching the snow descend towards the ground. Good thing he has on a fur coat colored in red with white around the collar. Just resting sounds pleasant.

Nilya looked at her scroll and sighed, still no message from her husband. He was suppose to return with her to Beacon after another couple of days relaxing in Vale, but he was pulled into another business meeting last minute. She was pleased with Varik's newest distraction as it meant he was finding purpose outside fighting, and the extreme wealth was a nice perk. Wealth she had to keep secret from everyone. She hated having to keep it from Fei and Amane, but now was not the time to let them know of the couple's new status.

Pulling away her scroll, Nilya adjusted the package under her left arm as she wandered the empty halls of Beacon looking for either Fei or Amane. Finally she discovered Fei sitting on a porch, and silently walked up next to him. "Do you enjoy winter Fei?" asked Nilya as she watched the snow slowly drift down.

Nilya soon appeared, greeting Fei. He looked at her with a smile. "Winter just feels...peaceful, watching the snow descend slowly. It's pleasantly quiet here too." He rubs his hair, chuckling away his recent worries. "You like winter too?" He asked Nilya.

"I like every season for different reasons. I do like winter's long nights… I am more comfortable in the dark. Also the cold means everyone wears more clothes, and more clothes makes certain features easier to hide," replied Nilya picking out one lazy snowflake to watch. She then took the package she had been carrying around and offered it to Fei. "Varik wanted to give you this in person, but he got tied up with work," sighed Nilya sadly as she held out the package for her teammate.

Nilya held out a gift that was from Varik apparently. Fei slightly blushed as he pointed at himself. "M-me…?" He looked around, expecting someone else to be there, & carefully took the gift from Nilya. "I-I don't really get gifts that often." He smiled, taking the moment in.

Carefully opening the package, Fei took out a weapon from inside. It looked like some sort of crossbow, with a high-powered hookshot attached to it. "Is this really for me…?" He stared at it in awe as he examined it in every angle.

Nilya nodded her head and said in a calm voice, "I had the impression you knew Varik was creating a new weapon for you. Perhaps it was just Varik jumping at the chance to create something for the team. I must admit he still seems a little disappointed in himself since the events on the island."

The island. The thought isn't very pleasant. Fei looked down at his new weapon. "I wonder if Archer is doing okay…"

"His body should have mended by now, but his mental wounds… you would have to ask him about," replied Nilya staring at the snowy school grounds. The faunus then looked down at Fei and asked, "Why are you so concerned about Archer?"

"You remember what happened back on the island. Some of the faunus there have tabs on Archer, & ever since, I don't know if they've forgotten him or not." He looked up at Nilya, a concerned expression across his face. "What if they force him back?"

Nilya looked down at Fei and paused a second before replying in a calm tone, "I doubt they have forgotten him, and I am sure they will try to make him go through with whatever deal they made with him. I just hope he does not make matters worse for the faunus." Nilya did not seem to care as much for Archer's well being as Fei did.

"..." Fei was silent, thinking about Archer & the faunus. They haven't made any attempt to get Archer back, at least from what he knows of. Just the thought scares him.

Nilya sat down next to Fei and said after a minute of awkward silence, "You should not worry about Archer so much. He is a trained hunter and he has his own team. Granted he seems to lack good judgement at times, but he is capable." Nilya stared straight ahead as she talked. She did say it, but Fei worrying about Archer so much was getting on her nerves. Deep down she knew it was tied to her own conflict over the events three months ago.

Deciding to change the subject a little before she let her feelings known, Nilya whispered, "I know this is a little late, but Nara is sorry for how she treated you. She was dealing with a lot of emotions at the time, and she took some of her frustration out on you."

Archer does have his own team. Maybe Fei's worrying about nothing. After all, everyone's training to become a hunter & huntress. Regardless, he does worry too much.

Nilya brought up Nara & the way she treated Fei. She's her sister if he recalls. He looked at Nilya & smiled, his grin very pleasant. "I don't mind, really. I'm a punching bag for anyone."

"That needs to stop. You should not have to accept being a punching bag. You are a kind gentle hearted man, but that does not mean you have to just take everyone's punishment. You should stand up for yourself more… that does not mean you have to fight. You can still take the moral high ground of non violence while not letting yourself get walked over," replied Nilya looking over at Fei to see his reaction.

Fei was a bit surprised at the way Nilya responded. She said all those nice things to him, as well as trying to give him some confidence. He's not used to such things, it was nice. Still… Fei just gave Nilya another smile. "I appreciate you saying that. I really do, but…" He paused a moment. "There's always someone who needs to just let out their frustration. I wanna be someone they can take it out on, someone they can talk to. I'm fine with all of that."

"You can do that without being such a pushover, Fei. If someone needs to beat on something there are punching bags for that. The world does not need punching bags, and being one does not help anyone. Especially not the one getting abused," replied Nilya with a sigh her voice showing frustration, but not at Fei. Shaking her head she just stared straight ahead.

Her voice was solemn when she spoke next, "Fei, I am not sure if I can continue to have you as an ally. You are a good person, but I do not know if you are strong enough for the trials ahead. The world is marching toward conflict, and there will be death. I am stuck in the middle of it… my human husband tieing me to one world, and my faunus family the other..." Nilya suddenly stopped talking as he stared at the ground in front of her in thoughtful silence.

Fei thought back to his childhood. "...I'm aware where this world is coming to. ...I used to have a faunus as a friend when I was a kid." He spoke up. He didn't say anymore as he was thinking about that fateful day.

Nilya looked shocked as Fei revealed a little of his past. She could not help but ask him, "What happened to them?"

"...She died. In the attack." He said quietly, not saying anymore & just sitting there with a simple stare at the falling snow.

Nilya felt guilty for her false impressions about Fei and his loss. Carefully moving next to him she wrapped her right arm around him and simply said in a sympathetic tone, "I am sorry Fei."

Fei blushed when Nilya wrapped her arm around Fei. He's not used to much contact with anyone. "I-It's okay. It was a long time ago."

Fei smiled as he stared at the snow, thankful for where he is right now. "...I told you that because I want you to know that I know what this world is like, & where it's headed. It's also because...I trust you." His grin looked cheerful as he said this, but he spoke genuinely, without wavering from his words. He wanted nothing more than to show his appreciation.

Nilya looked at Fei for a second before releasing him from the side hug. "Thank you… sorry that I have not been as trusting as you." Nilya looked straight ahead and added, "Sorry if I have been strange lately, and that I and Varik have been withdrawn from the team. Deep down I hoped the faunus would not let hate consume them like it is."

Nilya was silent for a second then added, "I also did not know how bad things had gotten for faunus either…" Wrapping her arms around herself she added, "I feel like I am betraying my family, and my kind. They are struggling through many hardships, and here I am living well among humans. I feel drawn to reunite with the faunus and help them in their struggle, but I know I cannot…"

Hearing about Nilya's own struggle got Fei thinking. She has some good points. Faunus resent the humans for how they are treated, & Nilya has her own dilemma. "I doubt I can understand what you're going through, but you shouldn't forget why you're fighting." He placed his hands on his knees, contemplating on the issue they were discussing. "You can go back & fight for the faunus, or you can keep fighting with Varik & the humans. Just remember who you're fighting for. Fight for what you believe in." Fei rubbed the back of his head feeling a little sheepish. "Heh. Sorry, I-I didn't mean to ramble. I h-hope that helped in any way."

Nilya forced a smile and looked at Fei then said in a soft voice, "No it helped. I am not leaving. I promised myself to Varik as his wife, and I love him deeply so I will not leave his side. It is just hard on me at times, especially when I talk to my family." The faunus stood up and added, "I also do not plan to abandon you and Amane. We are a team, but I also fear being trapped between two worlds will force me to make some very hard choices. What if I make the wrong one?"

Nilya then drew out a sword that was in its sheath on her waist before. Inspecting the blade, she said in a serious yet sad tone, "Fei I know hold you view conflict… I do not want to corrupt your innocence, but it has become unavoidable I feel like. I have to fight… maybe even kill… I do not want to, but I no longer see a path around it without abandoning those I care about."

This is really weighing heavily on Nilya. It left Fei a bit speechless. He just looked down with a gloomy look. "I'm fully aware of what's coming… I don't know what will happen… I don't know who will disappear… I don't know if I'll be forced to fight & kill or not… I just know that I don't want to be a bystander & watch this world crumble." He went quiet. Only the quiet snow falling could be heard. "I can't tell you what you should do. That's up to you. Me…" Fei stood up, adjusting his fur coat. "I'm gonna try to make this world a better place, despite what others might say." He smiled at the snowy sky, feeling the small snowflakes land on his face.

He turned & started walking off. Turning his head back towards Nilya with a smile, he replied, "That's enough of this negative talk. Let's go get some hot chocolate, if you want."

Nilya nodded with a smile and said, "Sounds like a good idea Fei." She then motioned for Fei to lead the way.

"Hrah!"

"Hng!"

"Rah!"

Another training bot went down, the scythe as sharp as ever. More surrounded Amane with their guns at the ready. She smirked as a quiet slice was heard. All the bots went down as they were cut in half. The two katanas in the air slowly spun around Amane as she scoffed at the bots. "I'm getting too used to this training." She focused her energy to dissipate the katanas, vanishing them slowly. With just her scythe, she walked out of the training room & out into the cold winter. "I could use some coffee after that. Oh, & a cinnamon roll. They better have strawberry in it this time."

In the quiet cafe of scented coffee & snacks, Amane sat down with a coffee cup in one hand &, for once, a cinnamon roll filled with strawberry on her small plate. "Hmph, I guess I finally convinced them what they should have on their menu. As it should be." She gloated, taking a bite out of her snack. Three months of training, & she seems to be learning what she can do. Soon, everyone will acknowledge her strength. She'll rise up & conquer all of her opponents! No one will stand on her-

"Kyaaa!!" That pierced something in Amane's ear. That scream came from inside the cafe Amane was in. More than one girl screamed, actually. She looked over at another table & found a crowd of girls surrounding a table. "You're so amazing!"

"Can I get your autograph!"

"I can't believe you're actually here!"

Must be someone famous if they're getting all this attention. Staying put in her seat, Amane tried to get a closer look at the table, curious who was even sitting there. Then she saw him.

"I'm thankful to have such adoring fans, but please, I'm enjoying a pleasant day with my sweets." He spoke to the fan girls. They all swooned at him, except for Amane. She just sat there, staring at him from afar.

"Paige, please sign my weapon!"

"Paige, please sign my face!"

"Paige, marry me!"

Everyone was showing their love & affection for the guy, who merely smiled at them all & did the best he could to quell their excitement. He soon eyed Amane from his table, & a struck of realization hit him in his skull. He smiled & stood up. Amane got the chills as he walked over to him. "& what might you be doing, away from this crowd of fans." Amane didn't speak, just stared at him with caution. "Do you like the frost cakes they have here? They're simply delectable." He attempted to strike a conversation with her. His fan girls were already giving Amane the jealous eyes.

"Th-they are..." Amane quietly answered, keeping eye contact with him.

The man placed his hands in his pockets, smiling genuinely. "My name is Paige Brooke. Of course, you may have heard of me from my achievements I assume."

"Y-yeah..."

"Tell me, what is your name?"

"...Amane."

"Amane. I do hope we meet again, but I must attend to some matters. I bid you good day." He bowed down to Amane & started walking out the cafe, his adoring fans following him from behind, some giving Amane a glare.

Once the cafe was finally quiet, Amane slumped down on her chair. She was sweating beads, an expression of fear across her face.

"He's here he's here he's here. Why is he here? I thought I was rid of him. Oh god, it's happening all over again. I don't want to go through it all again..."

She just sat there, many thoughts crossing her mind, each making her more frightened than the last.

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


Grimm walk among us!

A Bogeyman Grimm has been reported in the Atlas region! Since its first confirmed sighting last week, three missing children cases have already been attributed to it, and it is managing to shake all the combined efforts of Grimm-hunting teams PRPL and CNDR, and PRPL's Lucy Restunisser has yet to awaken from her critical state.

PRPL's leader Poggler Unf had this to say: "Lucy's no student and ought to know how to take on a Bogeyman, and given what happened to her and how little any of us can turn up on it, I'm afraid we have to face facts. Cody over at CNDR agrees with me and I hate to bear bad news, but this probably isn't a Bogeyman. We think we're dealing with a Dracruela."

Citizens of Atlas have been advised to avoid going out of doors after sundown and to travel in large groups. Atlas has requested aid from other kingdoms' teams in combatting the possibility of an S-rank Grimm within its borders, but with all student teams dismissed patrol duties for winter break, it is yet to be seen how this help may be spared.

More at eight; I'm Leroy Lavender.

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


Terror on the high seas! Lookouts are reporting a sharp spike in marine Grimm activity, and multiple ferries are reporting coming under attack by large Grimm parties. Thus far no ferries are encountering problems that can't be handled by their escorts, but further ferries are being put on delay as lookouts report a Leviathan heading for the Vacuo coastline.

Coastal residents are advised to evacuate inland until the threat has passed, and teams BOOM, DIRJ, KRAK, VNLA, COCO, GRIM, YLLO, and FLNT have been sent to points along the coast to repel the threat.

We managed to speak with the leader of Team BOOM, Buster Rah on the matter. "For those who haven't been keeping up on their Grimm classification classes, the Leviathan is an S-rank Grimm and is the single-largest marine Grimm species on record. Most of the time, marine Grimm can run before we kill them, and this will likely be no different. We're just hoping to turn it away from anywhere it could do too much damage. Hey, with any luck, we can get it pointed at Menagerie and let the Faunus finish it off. Or maybe it'll kill all the Faunus for us. Either way we're short one more problem."

More at eight; I'm Leroy Lavender.

Nilya walked down an empty hallway of beacon heading to the room NAVF "shared." Most of the last three months she and Varik had found other places to sleep out of respect of their other team members, mostly Amane. The faunus in hiding was not smiling as her mind wrapped itself around the escalating conflict between faunus and humans. Pulling out her scroll from her winter outer wear, she quickly wrote a simple message to her husband that said:
'Please hurry, I need your arms around me.'

Putting her scroll on idle mode she started to put it away. She then realized she was no longer alone in the hallway.

A group of girls were following a man in a white suit down the hallway, trying to speak with him. "Paige! Paige!" They squealed out to him. Paige felt his energy drain bit by bit at the hands of these fangirls, but he kept smiling nonetheless.

"I'm flattered really. I have somewhere I would like to go, please." They wouldn't give him room to keep walking, but he wasn't being too overwhelmed. With a group this big, it was difficult for anyone to get through the hallway.

Nilya looked up to see the boy and his fan club approaching. Nilya quickly moved to the right side of the hall and pushed her back to the wall so the group could pass her without too much effort. The faunus glanced at the man leading the group wondering why he had such a following.

Paige was looking around at his fanclub. Many of them just wouldn't give him some space, but that's understandable. He saw some other girl who seemed a bit separated from the rest of his fanclub. Pushing past his fans, he approaches Nilya with the girls right behind him. "I'm very sorry. I must be getting in your way." He tried apologizing to her, dusting himself a bit.

"It is fine, no harm was done," replied Nilya with a smile. Seeing a gap in the girls, Nilya started moving toward the opening while saying, "Nice to meet you Paige, but I have had a long day and need rest."

These girls blurting out his name, anyone would be aware of his name. "Please, by all means…" He moved aside to let Nilya through, which is when he noticed the blade strapped to her. The intricate design, that energy converter. Who could've created such a masterpiece? "That blade… Tell me," he stood up, facing Nilya. "Where have you acquired such a weapon? Who is your inventor?" Some of the girls nearby were already giving Nilya the stink eye. They just remained quiet.

"Hm?" Fei, who went to NAVF's room after going to the cafe with Nilya, came out to see what the commotion was. "Eh?" What he had found was a strange sight. A bunch of students, all of them girls, were crowded together, sort of blocking the hallway. Isn't there a problem there? Fei walked out of the room to investigate, though was a bit intimidated by such a huge crowd.

"Varik built the blade," replied Nilya softly. Her escape had been blocked off by the girls who were giving her less than friendly looks. What did this guy and his fan club want with her?

Fei tried to get a better look at what these girls were here for, but that proved to be difficult.

"Fascinating…" Paige kept staring at Nilya's blade with keen interest. He stood up & dusted himself off. "Forgive me, I just get pulled in by such exquisite inventions. Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paige Brooke. Tell me, who might you be?" He asked politely, smiling genuinely.

Fei kept pushing through the crowd, albeit a little uncomfortable with all these girls here. When he reached where he supposed they all came here for, he found a man in a suit & Nilya. They seemed to be speaking to each other. That's when he heard the man introduce himself. Realization crossed his face.

"Nilya Umbra," replied the faunus faking a smile. "It was nice meeting you, but I am tired from training and would like to get some rest," added Nilya not noticing Fei yet.

"AHH!!" Fei screamed out. He walked up to Paige, pointing a shaky finger at him. "I-I know you! You're Paige Brooke! Famous entrepreneur! You've helped fund so many big projects!" Paige turned towards the abrupt voice, looking at Fei. Yet another one of his fans, perhaps.

"Y-yes, I am that same Paige Brooke." Paige introduced himself to Fei. "& who might be addressing me?"

"F-Fei Zero, sir!" Fei greeted nervously, bowing suddenly.

"Nilya!" He looked at Nilya just behind Paige. "Do you know who this is?!"

"Apparently not as much as I should," replied Nilya looking over at Fei with a genuine friendly smile.

"If only Varik & Amane were here. They would be meeting someone famous right now." Fei excitedly said.

Paige eyes lit up a bit. "Did you say...Amane?" He asked Fei.

"Oh, do you know her?" Fei asked, tilting his head a bit as he looked on at Paige.

Paige turned his head to Nilya, curiosity across his face. "I've heard that name before. Tell me, are you acquainted with her in any way?" He asked her.

"She is a member of our team," replied Nilya plainly as the scroll she was still holding made a beeping sound. Nilya quickly looked at it and read the message before placing it in its case on her belt next to her sword.

"A team…" Paige muttered, a bit concerned. He looked both at Nilya & Fei, & at his fans. "There's something I need to discuss with you privately." He deliberated to Nilya & Fei, before they saw that the girls have suddenly vanished.

"Wha-" Fei was a little spooked at what just happened. Where had the girls gone?

"Stay calm. They are not gone. I am just using a Semblance that camouflages us. To them, we have merely vanished. They can't sense us in any way." He explained shortly. Looking around, they seem to be alone in the hallway. No one else was in sight besides Nilya, Fei & Paige.

"Now, to the matter of Amane. There's something you need to be aware of." Paige looked at both of them with a serious look on his face, his tone less calm. "That woman is dangerous to be around."

"...Huh?" Fei didn't quite understand what Paige meant.

Nilya looked back at Paige, her expression unchanging, as she said in a calm voice, "She definitely has her quirks. We are also in a school for hunters and huntresses so danger is a part of our job. Now why are you going through this extra effort to tell us this?"

Paige sighed. "So you don't know." He assumed.

"Know what?" Fei asked him. He was starting to get a little worried. Does he know Amane?

"She's a murderer with a streak, starting back to when she was a child."

Nilya raised her right eyebrow and asked, "So why is she free and what proof is there supporting this claim?"

"I understand if you don't believe me. I'm only trying to warn you." Paige looked around his surroundings. "They're mostly rumors, but I've seen it firsthand. If you want proof, just ask her. You will see her fidget from the subject, I'm sure."

"Uh, it's kind of hard to believe this." Fei spoke, a little down from this. "W-we've known Amane for 3 months. Sure she's a bit rough, but…"

"Even if she killed her own father?"

"..." Fei went silent. Everything went quiet.

"We will talk to her," replied Nilya her expression mostly the same. "Can I go now? I need rest," added Nilya, who started to sound a little tired.

"Just as long as you're aware. My apologies for taking your time." Paige bowed, lifting the veil surrounding them. The girls were there once again, as they never left. They were happy to see Paige again, but gave the other two the cold shoulder. "Excuse me." Paige bid Nilya & Fei a farewell & walked away, his fangirls in tow.

Fei was left with questions that could not be answered so easily. He looked over at Nilya. "She c-couldn't have...could she?"

Nilya sighed and said, "We will talk to her about it. Jumping to a hasty conclusion about Amane will not help us. We need to hear what she has to say. Even if she did it, she might have a good reason behind her actions." Nilya then turned and walked to the team's dorm room.

"..." Fei couldn't think of anything to say, just watching Nilya walk into the dorm room. She's right though. They should at least hear what Amane has to say. "S-so, I'll just be in the courtyard if you need me," Fei informed her before leaving the hallway.

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


Fire in the night claims two!

The blaze that started in downtown Vale's residential district last night has finally been stopped. The fires started in a small apartment building and quickly spread to nearby buildings with incredible speed, "too fast for normal flames," policemen say. "We suspect this was a case of pointed arson, and it's likely there may be another such attack." Though there was quite the loss of money from the fire's damage to property, only a few wounds were taken by civilians, with the exception of two fatalities, found near where the fire is thought to have started.

The bodies have been identified as those of local toymaker Waltzur Rekstum, and his wife, Myndy Rekstum. Police suspect they may have been the target of the same serial arsonist suspected to be responsible for last month's Unf case. Citizens are reminded to make sure their smoke detectors are operable, and to report any suspicious persons out afterhours.

More at eight; I'm Leroy Lavender.

A JP between Fen-kun and Stingray

Speeding back to shore with vigor, Lauren sped towards a speck of bright blue in the distance. It was Tilki, coming up to the shore to meet up with Lauren. The dolphin faunus rocketed towards Tilki, a little out of breath, exclaiming, "C'mon, let's go meet up with our team and report this!" She half dragged the smaller fox faunus through the snow back towards the rundown Nara called home. The hilly environs was not too much of an obstacle for the athletic faunus, but it was apparent that Tilki was struggling some. Nonetheless, after walking for about twenty five minutes, the pair ran into the slummy tenement made in the same design as many on the island. It was an ugly, unsightly design. They approached the door, and knocked.

Nara answered the door, peeking her head just out the crack created when she opened it. Seeing Lauren the white haired fox faunus smiled and said in a cheerful tone, "I will be right out!" She then shut the door only to emerge from the household five minutes later wearing her winter clothing.

"Sorry youngest brother is sleeping so could not invite you inside," lied Nara hoping the excuse would be enough to prevent Lauren from wanting to come inside.

"It's fine," Lauren replied dismissively. "Anyways, holy crap a lot of stuff just happened we confronted team JSMN you know the spider siblings and the two birds anyways they were gonna take an airship and--"

Nara suddenly asked, "Was anyone hurt? I hope Gareth was not with you." Nara's voice was filled with concern, with a hint of fear. It was clear Nara was uneasy with the newest member of her team.

"No, he wasn't there. I was supposed to meet him at the library around this time. But anyways, team JSMN were planning to do something big. They were gonna steal an airship. I heard arguing from the hangar, so me and Tilki checked it out, and we found them acting suspiciously. We asked what they were doing in a hangar in the middle of winter, told us to buzz off and then Nel told the other teammates that the ship was ready. Seemed like they were gonna do something drastic with it." She sighed to catch her breath after talking from so long.

Nara was wide eyed as she listened she then asked in a worried tone, "Do you think they were working for one of the crime bosses? Did you hear where they were going?"

Lauren tilted her head, "Crime bosses? Nah, I think Jairo and crew seemed dead set on getting back at humanity, kinda like I was with Archer." She looked downwards in brief reflection to the similarities to her former extremism and that of Jairo.

Nara frowned and added, "I have been hearing a lot of anti-human talk lately, but this is worse. Did they get the airship or were you able to stop them?"

The dolphin faunus looked down sadly, "I wasn't able to stop them, no. They flew away, but I think I took out some of their engines. I'm not sure, it was happening too fast to say for certain."

Nara shook her head and said in a sad tone, "I wish I was there to help you. I hope they do not do anything too… bad. Do you think I should try warning Nilya about them?"

The taller girl sighed, "That might be good to warn them." Lauren paused, thinking about what he said to Jairo, "I hope at least Jairo has something to think on now."

Nara nodded and added, "Maybe we should go meet with Gareth before he gets too bored. I will contact Nilya later, she is likely busy right now." Nara was quiet for a second before she suddenly asked, "Do you think faunus should go to war to fight for equality?"

Twiddling her hands, Lauren replied, "I...I want to avoid war, but with all this going on, I just don't see how we won't go to war. All I know is that I don't want it. There's just too much suffering even without it." Her solemness from three months previous began showing again, unlike her normal cheery, energetic behavior.

Nara nodded before saying in a soft tone, "Me too… just… It is strange the last person who I would think would want to go to war almost has me thinking we should…" The fox faunus shifted her weight as she was uncomfortable with the thought of war.

Tilting her head, Lauren asked, "You didn't think…Jairo wouldn't wanna go to war? He's always been pretty vocal about being anti-human, and the past three months certainly haven't helped. Me and him...let's just say, we've had a few run ins after the incident with Archer."

"No I was referring to Nilya, my sister," replied Nara looking uncomfortable that she was admitting Nilya's views to Lauren. "She does not want it, but she is starting to say she sees no other way. She says humans pushed us in a corner… the fact the faunus have been relatively peaceful while the humans abused us has not helped us, " whispered Nara.

Lauren put her hand over her mouth and sighed. "That is indeed troubling. All this research and reflection, and it might be for naught…" She looked down sadly. Lauren mumbled, "C'mon, we gotta see Gareth." The dolphin faunus guided the other two to the library where the meeting was supposed to take place. After walking through several streets of disheartening street scenes that only grew worse with the winter, the three finally trudged to the dormant Faunus Academy, walked through the front and spied Gareth through the window, engrossed in his "studies". His expression was completely stoic as he slowly flipped through the pages of the old book he was reading. As the three entered the small library there were only a handful of other faunus in the room, but they were found on the opposite end of the library as the raven faunus. They were keeping themselves quiet while glancing up every minute or to check on the raven faunus.

Gareth stood in a corner of the library by himself reading a book. When the three entered the library the raven faunus glanced up for a split second at them before looking back at the worn yellow pages of the book he was reading. "You are late," said the man's emotionless voice. It was impossible to tell if he was irritated or just stating a fact due to his stoic mannerisms. When he spoke, the small group of feline faunus on the other end of the room looked up and locked their eyes on the raven slowly creating a tense atmosphere.

In response, Lauren approached the raven faunus and replied, "Yeah, we encountered some...difficulty with another team. You familiar with Team JSMN?"

"No," replied Gareth as he closed the book slowly and looked up at Lauren. "What do I need to know about them?" asked the stoic raven his expression still unreadable.

Looking back at Gareth's unemotional face, Lauren said to him, "They stole an airship and were planning to do something to get revenge against humanity. Tried to stop 'em, but they kept flying."

"Well that could lead into some interesting repercussions. I am guessing you want to try and stop them, or did you just want to tell us of these events so we would be prepared when the humans decide to respond to JSMN's actions," replied Gareth watching the feline faunus slowly walk out of the room. Nara wondered what Gareth had done to the small group of girls to make them so scared of him.

Lauren sighed. "There isn't much I can do but report it to the school. There's a possibility I slowed them down enough to where they can intervene, but other than that...like you said, we'd have to be prepared." Her face, much to the contrast of her teammate, had an anxious look to it and seemed much more expressive.

"What do you want us to do in the meantime? This library has become boring. I joined up with you all since I was led to believe we would do more than sit around idly," replied Gareth as he stretched his wings out slowly.

Looking a little uneasy at the implications of not sitting around idly, Lauren changed the subject to their new mission. "After we report this matter to the school, we are going to be embarking on our mission tomorrow. That's what we are going to be doing in the meantime. We have to focus on that."

"What is our mission? Or do plan to keep us in the dark on our assigned task?" asked Gareth as he folded his wings on his back after finishing his stretches.

"Nah, I'd never do that to you guys. So, our mission involves getting in contact with Archer and bringing him back to camp. We'll be flying to Vale to go and get him. We were instructed to use force if necessary…" She frowned, and continued, "...Which hopefully will not be necessary."

"Do not worry I will provide force if required so you do not have to hurt your human," replied Gareth a small blue flame appearing in his right palm. "I would enjoy experimenting with a human," added Gareth with a hint of pleasure in his voice.

"No!" responded Nara defensively.

"Gareth! What the hell?!" Lauren had a look of shock on her face. She knew him well enough that he would genuinely enjoy such a thing. Even as a team leader Lauren seemed just as uneasy with Gareth at times as Nara is.

Gareth shrugged and replied in his normal tone, "War seems to be coming being prepared for it would be wise. I am guessing this is the human you ruined your reputation for."

Lauren replied, "Yes, that is correct. I'm unsure of what the Faunus Academy wants with him, so I'm a bit worried…"

"It will be okay Lauren, we will help keep him safe," said Nara walking up next to her friend and putting a hand on the taller faunus' shoulder.

"We should insure we are prepared then. I am guessing we will have to travel to wherever he is to retrieve him," added Gareth as he put out the blue flame in his hand and let the arm drop to his side idly.

Lauren nodded. "Indeed. We have to get him on there peacefully if we can, which I think I can make happen. My dad knows a contact who could relay a message quickly. It's how I got in contact with Archer for the last three months."

"I could also talk to Nilya about it," offered Nara with a smile.

"How is your sister and her human?" asked Gareth in his stoic tone deciding to refrain from teasing Nara further at this time. He enjoyed messing with others, but knew he should only push so far.

"Good," snapped Nara without looking at the raven faunus.

Tilki, having spent the whole time in uncomfortable silence because of some run ins he had with Gareth, spoke up, saying, "Shall we get going now?"

Gareth looked at Lauren as if waiting for her to give the order. Nara looked at the other fox faunus with a smile and said, "Yes let us go. We should gather supplies and prepare for the trip. Also a plan would be nice, and I will contact Nilya." Nara was ready to leave to get away from Gareth, or at least give him something else to amuse himself with.

With a nod, Lauren directed the team to the various mission tasks. First on the agenda was coming up with a concrete plan. While the dolphin faunus was fairly certain that a simple rendezvous and a hint to Archer about what they are doing would be enough, and the logistics of getting there were fairly straightforward given the sanctioned use of an airship, conferring with Nilya could help out. Lauren led them through the snow-covered, run down streets to some sort of glorified shack by the shore, which was the aforementioned telecommunications building. She motioned for her team to wait outside while she cleared things with the other faunus manning the station. Since this particular faunus was a good friend of her father's, it was simply a matter of asking. After also hearing from the faunus that her father would be home in a matter of four days, Lauren bursted out of the building quite happy and led the other three inside.

Nara was happily watching the snow idly fall around them when Lauren emerged. Looking down at Lauren with a smile she followed the other faunus inside. Nara asked Lauren, "Who are we calling?"

Once inside the building Gareth quietly split off from the others. Finding an abandoned computer he got to work unlocking it then starting to surf through its files and servers. Once he found information of value he grabbed his tome with his right hand and opened it. He started growing a small third arm out from under his right arm pit. This new appendage was black and only had three talons that took a quill from his pocket and started writing in the now opened book that he held in front of it. His left hand controlled the computer as he skillfully bore through the computer seeking out knowledge he shouldn't have access to.

The taller Faunus replied, "We should contact Nilya first. I haven't talked to her in a while and I imagine you'd like to talk with her through voice, right?" Preoccupied, she didn't notice Gareth's absence, and proceeded to start the communication. She sat at a chair and tapped on the keyboard various queries and before long, anyone could be heard that signified dialing. Hopefully Nilya would pick up the unrecognized number.

There was an answering sound but it was quickly followed by a series of five soft beeps. There was a moment of silence before Nilya's tired voice came through, "Hello, who is this?" The communicator's computer started acting odd as Nilya's location began to hop around at random.

"Hello, this is Lauren, from team LGHT. We have some business to speak to you with. Nara's here too if ya wanna talk to her."

"Hello Lauren, do not worry I remember you. Nara told me you recruited her to your team, and of course I would like to talk to her. I was planning to tell her something important soon. What business would you like to discuss?" replied Nilya's voice after a short delay. She still sounded worn down despite her efforts to create a cheerful voice.

"What did you want to tell me?" asked Nara before Lauren could reply.

"Something I am afraid I am not allowed to tell Lauren. Let us discuss your business then we can talk Nara," replied Nilya.

Nara looked confused by this. 'What could Nilya not tell Lauren?' thought Nara.

Also confused, Lauren replied, "Well, my business has to do with Archer. We've been tasked by our school to take him into our custody. We are prepping a mission to get him from Vale."

There was a moment of silence before Nilya answered, "That sounds like a good idea. I wish I could say why, but I have to save that for my conversation with Nara. Do you need my help in this mission?" Now Nara looked really confused by her sister's words.

"Hold on, gimme a sec." Lauren muted the microphone and turned to Nara, "Something seems up with Nilya pertaining to what she's gonna tell you. Do you uh, mind if I stick around? It seems weird that I can't be included, but I need to know what this is about."

"It is strange for her to keep saying she wants to hide it from you like that," replied Nara before adding, "Let me ask her why she wants to hide it from you, then we can decide from there."

"Ok." Lauren unmuted the mic. "Yeah, we could use your help. You've been in contact with Archer, right? He shouldn't be putting up a fight about it, but what about the rest of his team?"

"Perhaps have Archer meet you alone? That or I can try invite him to a "private" conversation to get him away," replied Nilya.

Suddenly Nara asked, "Why can you not tell Lauren?"

There was a moment of silence before Nilya replied, "Archer asked me not to tell Lauren. I would like to tell you Lauren, but I told him I would not. So Nara we can discuss it once Lauren has left."

Nara smiled and looked over at Lauren and said, "You want to leave now or finish our previous conversation?"

The dolphin faunus replied, "Let's finish our conversation first. So, I think it'd be good if you could divert him to us. I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a 'private' conversation with us. Now, about the business with Archer, I'll go ahead and stand outside while you two have your chat." Lauren walked away from the controls and stood by the door.

Once Lauren had left Nara said, "Lauren is gone, what is going on Nil?"

"You might want to record this just in case my words are hard to understand due to my fatigue. Just keep a copy for yourself and delete the one on the server once we are finished," replied Nilya. Nara smiled as she pressed a button to record the conversation. Nara's instincts told her Nilya was really trying to use Nara as a relay for Lauren. In this way Nilya kept her word, but Lauren still finds out.

"Archer is trying to solve the problem between the faunus and the humans in a terrible way. He plans to try to turn himself into a villain for both the humans and faunus to focus on instead of each other. I have a copy of his "plan" that gave me. I am not sure if he trusts me, or if this is a decoy. However I can tell he is planning to do something that will make himself into a monster.

He plans to stage an execution of a faunus and a human. He came to me for help with an illusion to make one of these executions look real. Then he wants to blow up some human buildings in an effort to create an uproar among humanity. It appears he really hopes this destabilizes the human government with the shock of the terrorist attack. He also seems to think the increased emotions will attract increased number of grimm attacks against human cities.

I just do not see how this will help the situation! He hopes to distract both sides from each other, or force humanity to seek out faunus help. He does not seem to realize all he will do is create another human monster that the faunus can focus hate toward, and if it does weaken the humans. It might kickstart the war as it gives the faunus a tempting opening.

We are talking about Archer… the man's plans seem to only make things worse. He might actually kill someone on accident," explained Nilya sounding increasingly frustrated as she talked.

"I thought you wanted the war?" asked Nara confused.

Nilya was silent for a moment before she said in a sad tone, "I want a better future for our kind and my fut… for the next generation. I do not want war, but I do not think the faunus can keep allowing humanity to trample on us."

Nara could hear Nilya starting to break down and cry. "Why do you care so much about Archer?" asked Nara.

"Because I thought he was an ally to the faunus. We need humans to help us if we want a good ending to the coming storm. Humans willing to see us as equals. In a way, they represent hope for a better future for faunus. Now I am beginning to wonder if Archer is just another enemy to faunus. He is so self absorbed in his quest to save the world with his own "noble" sacrifice. He does not care about us! All he cares about is his own guilt, his own ego, himself! Faunus do not need more self serving humans who use us as stepping stones to reach their own goals.

Yes, let him use the misfortune of an entire oppressed race to satisfy his guilt driven desire to attone himself in his own delusional way!" exclaimed Nilya in a frustrated voice before breaking down in tears.

"We do not need humans to be self serving saviors… we need their friendship and help. A monster pretending to be on our side is not going to help make a world where my future children will be safe," sobbed Nilya.

Nara stood there wide eyed at her sister's speech unsure what to say. Before she could say anything Varik's somber but distorted voice came across the line, "Perhaps Lauren will have better luck talking to Archer. Nara I have a weapon and some armor I designed for you. Once you're in human territory I can arrange for a supply drop. Let me know if your team needs anything else. I will do what I can to assist."

Nara muttered, "Thanks… I guess we best go then." Her ears were focused more on Nilya's crying than Varik's words.

"I agree… good luck," added Varik before the transmission ended.

Nara ended the recording as she looked back to the door and yelled in a subdued tone, "Lauren you can come back in."

Fortunately for Lauren, the door was not very good at keeping sounds muffled and concealed, a mark of neglected maintenance to soundproofing. Unfortunately for her, the words and interactions between Nara and Nilya were terrible. As she listened in on the conversation, Lauren's heart dropped with the news pertaining to what Archer was planning. She fully knew that his plans were not the greatest, nor the most tactical, but this new plan was the work of something terrible. The eavesdropping faunus could only stay still in shock, utterly devastated by the implications it had and Nilya's pain. By the time Nara had called her back, a few tears were on her face and her fists were tightly clenched, storming through the door. When she saw Nara, Lauren softened, muttering, "I heard everything."

Nara looked at Lauren with a look of concern as she quietly said, "Lauren… Nilya and Archer are not the closest of friends. She is judging him from a limited knowledge of him. He might not be willing to listen to her, but you two are closer." Nara was clearly unsure what to say as she stood there, her tail and ears twitching nervously.

The taller girl sighed deeply, ruffling her hair with her hands and shaking her head, "That is true, yes. I really hope he doesn't go through with this. I don't want to see him get hurt or hurt others through this plan. I really don't. Not after what's been going on lately with all this hatred. I can't help but feel upset that he'd keep something so big from me, after all of the time we've spent together." She began to feel anger rise up from within at Archer intending to conceal the plan and trying to singlehandedly deflect the tensions onto himself, without so much of a thought to faunus. Or her.

Nara shook her head and said, "Archer likely did not want you to get involved to protect you. From little I know about him from our little encounter several months ago he seems to lack the ability to consider what others really feel, wants to place all the world's troubles on his own back, and has some of the worse plans ever conceived."

Nara forced a smile as she added, "I think Archer is trying to be a good guy and wants to help you he is just… an idiot who needs to learn to listen to others."

Sighing, Nara added, "I doubt Nilya wants me to tell you this, but she felt like Archer and Varik were very similar in many ways. Noble intentions masked by terrible plans and execution… granted their approaches were different to different problems, but they both arrived at equally bad results.

Nilya had a long conversation with Varik about this, and she made him realize he was unable to help as a leader, but he could help as a follower. It hurt Varik's pride, but he agreed to step back and let Nilya lead him as this conflict unfolds. Perhaps you should have the same conversation with Archer. Both men lack the important perspective that us faunus have in regards to this problem. I believe we should save our judgement on Archer until you have had a chance to talk to him. Then you can truly discover if he cares about you and the faunus or just himself."

Eased by Nara's words, Lauren reaffirmed the sentiment. "Yeah. Thanks. I needed that." Her composure was restored and she added, "I had no idea about that Varik had that in common with Archer. It's about time I knock some sense into that boy's head." She laughed a little, keeping her mind on Nara's more optimistic train of thought.

"Well Varik was more aggressive and apparently got in a lot of fights 'in the defense of faunus.' Same concept of a human trying to help, but not really helping. Archer has guilt issues and Varik has anger issues. Sorry, rambling again," replied Nara as she realized she was talking too much.

"I am sure you can knock some sense into Archer. You are not as soft spoken or as timid as Nilya, and she got her hot head of a husband to listen," added Nara with a wink.

Lauren exclaimed with a smile on her face, seeing Nara's wink, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

Nara playfully smiled at Lauren and replied, "You're the tougher athletic type. Nilya and I are a bit more into being graceful and refined."

The fox faunus then asked, "So where should we try to kidnap Archer? Should we go to Beacon or Vale? Or try to get him away from the main population centers?"

Pacing, Lauren addressed Nara. "Definitely somewhere away from population centers. I was thinking a forest or something like that. There's plenty of those that would be ideal to meet him."

"That would likely work. We could use Varik or Nilya to get him in the right spot for us… would you like to meet him alone at first?" suddenly asked Nara.

The taller girl thought about it for a second, and then responded with a nod. "Yeah. I need to talk one on one with him about his plan. Plus, if he were to physically resist, I by far have the upper hand." She cheerily smirked at her self-assessment of strength and dexterity.

"The rest of us can secure the area, and keep an eye out for humans and Grimm. That or we can go retrieve what supplies Varik offered to supply us… is there anything we should ask for?" replied Nara thoughtfully.

"I don't think so. I think we have all our bases covered. We got Varik's supplies, a plan, a hope and some motivation. We should be great~" Her cheery demeanor came back full force, now that things were figured out and the troublesome impact of the previous conversation was mitigated.

"Is there anything else we should ask Varik to get us?" asked Nara.

The dolphin faunus thought about it, before replying, "Nah, like I said, we're good. Good good good." Her cheery demeanor seemed to belie nervousness, although unlike with any other things Lauren tries to "hide" about herself, it was hidden well, masked by her energy.

"Good, honestly I am still not comfortable asking him for anything. I hate to say it since he married my sister, but I do not feel very comfortable around him. I know he wants to help its just it all still feels... off," replied Nara admitting some of her feelings about Varik.

Lauren assured Nara, "I'm sure you'll grow to trust him. I know it isn't easy, but I appreciate you keeping your chin up through all of the last few months and helping me out through difficult times involving getting to know humans. Thank you." She hugged Nara, before pulling away to call the rest of her team away from the telecommunications room. Only then did she realize Gareth was missing. "Uh, where's Gareth?"

"Here," replied the raven Faunus as he entered the main communication room for the first time. "I had some personal matters to attend to," he added in his dull tone of voice.

Nara looked at Lauren with a smile and asked, "Should we get going?"

Lauren nodded, and proceeded to lead her team out of the telecommunications room, prepping it to make the room exactly as she had found it, as per the operator's instruction. They exited the shack, and Lauren walked Nara over to her tenement, before walking back to the school in silence with her three teammates.

After splitting with her team about a kilometer back towards a clearing in the forest, Lauren begun to hone in on where Archer was purported to be. He was reported to have gone into the forest on the far outskirts of Vale alone. The dolphin faunus searched the foliage for where he might be. Just as she was considering checking back down a path she only skimmed, Lauren spied the figure of a shorter boy decked in a winter coat and scarf. Not intending to enter quietly for seeing what was essentially a good friend, Lauren called out, "Archer!"

Archer turned to look towards where the voice was coming from, "Give it up Nilya, I'm not going to stop." He said, continuing to walk. "Stop using her image."

Confused, Lauren replied, "What? No, Archer, it's me! Look."

Archer continued on, feeling slightly aggravated at what he believed were Nilya's attempts at convincing him to stop. Lauren jogged to catch up with Archer, and she got in front of him. "See? No Nilya images here. Just plain ol' me."

Archer sighed, "Sorry Lauren." He looked around, "What are you doing here?"

"I came here...to ask you a favor." Her eyes darted around, unsure of how to broach the subject of what she learned with her mission. "Ok, so I was asked by the school to take you into custody. They have some business to discuss with you."

Archer thought for a moment, "I refuse, sorry. I'm not interested in going to your school right now."

"It's not a choice. It's my mission. If you won't cooperate, I'm gonna need to forcefully take you to the ship. But...before we go, we have something else to talk about. Something...secret." She looked directly into Archer's eyes, looking fairly serious in her countenance.

"You can tell me your secret, but I'm not going to go easily with you right now." Archer put his hands in his pockets, not wanting to fight, but willing.

Lauren tensed ever so slightly, right arm reaching for a keychain with her trident in portable form. "Well, it's more about your secret than mine. Your plan to become a scapegoat for us all."

"Where did you hear about this plan?" Archer asked curiously.

"She told Nara over the phone. And I just so happened to hear." From Lauren's bitter tone, it was obvious that she didn't in fact 'just happen to hear it.'

"I suppose it would be expected that she would tell her sister." Archer sighed, "Sorry Lauren, but I have a feeling I know what you're going to say. I'm not going to stop." He began to shift the bow slung over his back, "Please, call the rest of your team."

Resolute, Lauren fully extended her trident and held it out to point at Archer. "I'm not giving up that easy. Maybe you were able to push aside Nilya, but I won't let you do this. Not after all we've been through."

Archer pulled out his bow, "Are you alone here?" He asked, judging his situation, "Did the school really just send you out here to get me?"

"No, I'm not alone. I have my team nearby. And yes, the school did just send me to get you. And it so happens that I need to stop you from this plan. You are just gonna make things worse for us, whether or not I get involved."

"You were never supposed to be involved." Archer replied, calculating his chance of escape, "I'm sorry." Archer replied, taking a step forward and imposing twice Lauren's weight upon her, "That shouldn't be enough to hurt you, but, you aren't used to it, so it will certainly slow you down." Archer said as he turned to walk away.

Indeed, Lauren was weighed down significantly by the use of the semblance. She was, however, well within range to impede his own progress with a pillars of ice that sprung up, forming a ring around him like a cage. Her feelings of tension and anger were subdued, both by the physical burden inflicted on her and her friendship with Archer. "Look, I know that you want to do things because you have good intentions. Really, I get that. The world sucks, humans are fighting faunus, faunus are fighting humans, bloodshed all over the place. Bloodshed that I hate seeing. You are not gonna stop it, or even slow it down with the way things are going. Hell, I had to try and bust some other faunus from stealing an airship headed for the mainland, trying to do something that I would have sympathized with over three months ago." She paused, her throat becoming tight as the emotions piled on.

"But things are different. Looking through the history, the books, the attitude of the populace, this was a long time coming. Trust me, I know where faunus stand on this. Try and see things from our point of view." Her expression hardened to emphasize her point, only to soften when another wave of emotions took over.

"I don't need you to become a monster from the history books. Especially not you. I ask you, from the bottom of my heart, as a friend--no, as a dear friend--please, don't do this. Please." The tall faunus kneeled down on her right knee and looked down, tears forming in her eyes.

Archer grit his teeth, "I'm not going to stop it." He replied, "But maybe I don't want to." He walked up to one of the ice pillars and placed his hand on it, forcing it to crumble under its own weight. He began to walk, but stopped for a moment, "People don't save monsters, Lauren, they capture or kill them. If you were sent here to capture me, what does your school think of me?"

Lauren could only shake her head. "Please, don't be this way. This isn't you."

"You're wrong." Archer stated coldly, surprising his own emotions to hold his semblance back, "This is me now, and I finally have the power to accomplish my goals. The old me endangered everyone haphazardly, but not anymore." Archer continued walking away.

Having no knowledge or many clues that Archer had this in mind, Lauren stubbornly persevered, starting to walk back towards Archer. "But you're gonna endanger people now! What happened to you? What possible goals could you have that'd make you do this?"

"I told you. My goal is power." Archer increased the force in an attempt to stop Lauren.

"P-power? After all this time, after saving me, after I stood up for you...it's been power? Have I just been a tool to you?! Have I really just been a means to these goals? Some excuse to think you are righteous by siding with us?!" She began to get angry, and in her fury struggled more against the new weight.

"Don't confuse me helping you, with siding with the faunus. As far as I'm concerned, Faunus as a whole are no better to side with than humans. As for you being a tool, no, you're not a tool, you were a catalyst."

Looking down, she bitterly replied, "I really was a damn fool. Thinking you were anymore than a coward looking after his own skin. I guess you were right all those months ago about you. But I was too dumb to listen. And I guess I pay the price." She struggled to her her had in the pocket of her pants, pressing a button in a little remote to signal her team. Lauren paused to take a breath to keep struggling against her weight, before continuing on. "Nice to know our friendship was a lie, huh? You using me to speed things up, me naively believing in you. That is something I cannot let go!"

"Good." Archer said, hand shaking, "Would've saved you a lot of pain, to realize that earlier."


"I guess so. Now, into my custody, human." At that time, her team arrived and saw that Lauren was in a predicament, seemingly unable to convince Archer based on their positions and body language.

Archer frowned and looked at the new arrivals. "I already told you. I refuse." Archer pulled his bow out and reached into his pocket to pull out a box of needles. "Do you know what I did the last three months?" He asked Lauren, "After I got so out of control that I couldn't even stand up."

Lauren growled, "Tell us on the ship." Tilki went towards Archer, prepping his blade from his flute and formulating the perfect illusion to have him fall in. He decided to make the trees seem as if they were blocking out his light

"The first thing I did was have my eyes removed and replaced." Archer said in a serious tone, "To atone for what I did to Nina to save you. The second thing I did was learn to control myself." Around Archer, the snow became compact in a clear circle, and suddenly Tilki felt so much pressure it made him collapse, while Lauren returned to feeling normal. "I forced myself to endure enough weight to crush my body."

Nara ran up at this point her hands glowing with light as she glanced over at Archer then Lauren with a look of concern. Raising the strange weapon she had just received, the blade folded back revealing a weapon barrel and pointed at Archer while yelling, "Stop!"

Gareth slowly approached from Archer's blind spot. His face decorated with a sadistic smile as power surged to his hands. His palms tore open as jagged bones appeared in the opening giving the appearance of teeth. Theses new "mouths" began to vomit thick blue flames that Gareth carefully began to mold into an orb of twisted energy. Smiling he continued to watch his team try to subdue the human. Gareth would allow the other faunus to weaken the human so his defenses would be too weak to resist Gareth's terrible magic.

While the weight was lifted from Lauren, she wasted no time in thrusting her trident forward sending a barrage of superheated water towards Archer, looking at him with a hurt and angered look. She addressed her team. "Don't be afraid to hold back. He's in no mood for cooperation. Nor will he ever be."

Archer released Tilki and forced the area around him to undergo several times more weight than usual. The snow around him turned to ice, and the water was forced violently into the ground. "It took a lot in order to get my body to stop being so weak." Archer took an effortless step forward, but the snow and earth beneath him cracked. He pulled out what looked like an epipen, and injected it into his leg. His body tensed up and then relaxed eerily, and he reduced the gravity on him back to normal, and then dashed towards Nara at an unreasonable speed, jumping above her and coming down with a semblance-empowered drop kick.

Nara froze in place as Lauren told them to attack Archer. Then Archer dashed at her, and she finally pulled the trigger. From the barrel of the pistol erupted a burst of brilliant light. Volatile energy lept from the weapon threatening to burn Archer with a burst of superheated gasses. Nara's lack of combat skills and reluctance to fight showed as her instincts caused her to leap to the side to avoid Archer's attack. She was not quick enough to completely dodge the attack and Archer crushed her beautiful tail under his foot causing her to scream in pain. Archer quickly pulled out another syringe similar to the one he used, and injected Nara with it, causing her a searing pain around her tail.

Gareth walked up next to Lauren and asked in a sinister tone, "Will you allow me to experiment with his human to help my research? I promise not to kill him." The ball of morphing energy was growing in strength as the palms of his hands fed the flames. Then Lauren could hear it, the mouths on his palms were whispering some form of strange chant as they spat the odd flames. The words were from a language foreign to every beast on this world.

Freaked out by his combat, even after three months, Lauren replied somewhat meekly, "Just...try not to go overboard, we need him in good condition by the time we get there."

Archer discarded the syringe and looked to the stranger near Lauren, Archer looked to two trees next to them and began to impose his semblance on them, causing them to crack loudly and begin to fall towards the two people. Archer then ran deeper into the woods as the trees fell.

Gareth stepped out of the way of the tree and said in his normal tone of voice, "I will not do anything too permanent to him. You might want to look after the fox… she looks like she is in pain."

After also dodging the tree, Lauren gave her reluctant approval to Gareth. What was but a few wounds after what he would be getting into anyways and after what he did to use her? She said to Gareth, "I know she's in a lot of pain, but she'll be able to heal herself in no time, remember? But uh...I'll make sure nothing gets her while she's healing." She stepped aside to Nara's side, on the defense while the fox faunus prepped her semblance.

Gareth started after Archer in a surprisingly quick pace. The raven faunus' keen eyes easily tracked Archer as Gareth pursued his prey. "I am glad you decided to run like you did. I prefer to conduct my research alone," said the man's sleek voice as he followed after the human. The orb of energy was being held in his right hand as he sprinted after the human.

Archer collapsed another tree between them and sharply turned as the tree sprayed snow everywhere. Archer then began forcing all of the snow from the leaves to fall, lowering visibility. Archer pulled out his sword and struck out at the raven faunus from a tree.

Gareth smiled as he held out his left hand, allowing the sword to cut into the changing flesh. Gareth's hand was filled with pain as its flesh wrapped around the blade, but the faunus' twisted mind enjoyed the sensation of his flesh's painful transformation. The human's momentum carried him toward Gareth allowing the faunus to easily shove the orb of energy into the human's chest. The orb absorbed into Archer's chest causing his skin to change color, and giving Archer a strange sensation as the energy moved to his spine. Gareth looked into Archer's eyes and just smiled.

Archer grit his teeth through the pain, but began to lose focus on his semblance, causing the area to rapidly become heavier and heavier. Archer quivered as he pulled out a pill. Slowly he struggled to take it before they were both crushed. As soon as he took the pill, the area rapidly returned to normal as he passed out.

Gareth smiled as Archer struggled under his own semblance. Gareth's changing magic had run through Archer's spine, transforming the bones to brittle mockeries of their former self. As Archer added weight his own body gave way long before Gareth's. "Knowledge is power," said Gareth as he looked down at the human's limp body. The faunus had allowed the human to waste his strength on Lauren and the others while he created this specific "curse" to target the man's spine. At point blank range Gareth had precision control of his powers.

Pulling the sword out of his palm he pressed a button on his belt to summon the others to his location. He did not want to waste any energy in case Archer woke up.

After ensuring that Nara had her tail patched up and good as new away from danger, the two were summoned to his location. Tilki was summoned by Gareth's mere presence, since he was close enough to witness their little exchange. After they had gathered around, Lauren examined Archer before cringing, before attempting to harden her expression. "Come now, let's take him on board. This fool has a lot to answer for, broken bones or no." Her words were delivered uncharacteristically icily.

"His bones are metal… it was quite disappointing I may add, and almost cost me the battle. Too bad for him, I had plenty of time to fuel the flames to an excess of what I thought I needed, " replied a once again stoic Gareth.

Nara stood behind Lauren, frozen tears still on her cheek as she protectively held her tail close to her body. "Why did he do this? How did he become this way?" whimpered Nara as she stared down at Archer. Nara sounded pathetic, but deep inside she felt a burning hatred for Archer and his kind growing.

"Does it matter?" asked Gareth unemotionally. "He is clearly our enemy so let us treat him as such. We should tear out some of those mechanical parts so others could reverse engineer them to be of use to the faunus. I believe I could extract most of them without killing him… his eyes would be easy. He does not need those to live and being blind would make him easier to control," added the raven faunus passively. Gareth's words were a test for his team. How far would they go now with this human? Or rather how far would they let him go?

Struggling with wanting some form of comeuppance and staying away from the grisly, frightening experimentation, Lauren firmly addressed Gareth. "I don't want to risk getting in trouble if we torture him. Even if this welp is getting under my nerves, I say we find another way to deal with it back at the academy. Certainly after we tell them all that happened they can see he is no ally to us. Or anyone." She gave one last sad glance at Archer, and sighed. "I can't believe it Nara, but you were kind of right about him."

Nara frowned and said, "He was so caring before… He just wanted to protect everyone, and now he is this. I had a bad feeling about his deal with the faunus as did Nilya. Did that change him? Or is this what we can expect from humans?"

Gareth nodded at Lauren as he summoned up more of his flames. "For our safety I will insure his back stays brittle as we transport him. He will not be harmed as long as we treat him like he is made of glass." Kneeling down Gareth pushed the energy into Archer's back as he worked to make the change longer lasting. "Irony is his body will likely be unable to repair the damage I am doing easily due to his bones no longer being natural. Flesh is much more intriguing than metal," added the raven faunus as he continued to weave his semblance into Archer's body.

Lauren nodded and gingerly picked up Archer, taking care to ensure that he would not have a broken spine. After walking back the way they came, she lead her entire team to where the ship was docked. After getting aboard and getting situated, Lauren positioned Archer in the storage room, making sure he was secured and locked in. Lauren looked at the door one last time, and returned to talk with her team. "Well guys, our mission was a success…" Her tone, however, was quite drained and a bit hollow.

"We need to get him home before we can call it complete," said Gareth as he wrote some notes about Archer in his tome.

"The assigned mission… not our mission," muttered Nara sadly.

"Indeed. Our mission failed terribly. And y'know what? I thought he really was better than that...creature he was today. How stupid, huh? I guess at heart, I'm still a naive little girl. Stupid, stupid, stupid!" She was fuming and had tears in her eyes. "Thinking that humans were anything more than selfish bastards who couldn't give a damn about anything other than themselves." In her rage, she wasn't thinking of Nilya and Varik, only the scorn she had for her ex-friend.

Gareth looked at Lauren for a second before asking in his stoic tone, "Are you the stupid one or is he? An interesting question to ponder, and one time will reveal." The raven faunus then walked off toward the cell. He would not waste this opportunity to talk to this Archer character alone.

Nara shook her head at Gareth then hugged Lauren while saying, "I am sorry… it's terrible what he did to you. He had us all fooled."

Appreciating the hug, Lauren sighed heavily and proceeded to ask Nara, "Yup." After a pause, the dolphin faunus asked Nara, "You wanna come in my room? I really need to get my mind off of this. It didn't do me well to just bottle everything up, but I think for now I could use some fun. What do you say?"

Nara nodded and said, "Of course Lauren, lead the way."

Taking one last look towards the makeshift cell, Lauren led Nara into her quarters and proceeded to ask, "You don't mind board games, right?"

"No, but you will likely need to teach me how to play. What game are we going to play?" asked Nara trying her best to sound cheerful.

"Ok. So, how about we play go? It's a pretty...swell...game…" Despite her best efforts, her words came out hollow and disjointed and her voice shaky, and an awkward silence befell them before she sighed and put her head in her hands. "I can't do this. I just...can't...stop thinking about it. I'm a wreck!" She started to sob.

Nara threw her arms around Lauren once again as tears formed in her own eyes. "You can… I know this is hard but you cannot let him beat you down like this. You are stronger, smarter, and better than him. Lauren his betrayal was horrible, and we will show him he is a worthless idiot for what he did," whispered Nara as she held her friend.

Lauren replied, "And look at the one who fell for it hook line and sinker."

"Lauren you were following your heart… We wanted to believe there were good humans out there. We wanted Archer to be a good man. I guess we just ignored the warning signs. It is not wrong to have hope, but I guess we need to also be careful," replied Nara pulling away so she could face Lauren. "You cannot turn cold like him… but perhaps we should be more careful with who we trust."

The dolphin faunus nodded. "Yeah. Hanging out with Archer reminded me of the good times I had in my hometown, before they all turned on me. Maybe a part of me wanted that back...But that sure isn't happening, is it? Not with people like him at the helm." She clenched her fist, tempted to punch something in sight.

"Perhaps dwelling and hoping for the past to return is wrong… most of us had to hide, or were forced to live in designated areas away from the humans. We should focus on creating a better future for the faunus.

Do not worry about Archer. He will never be an important leader. He lacks empathy for others, charisma to inspire, and even when he was acting good he was difficult for many. He lives in an ego fueled fantasy that makes him feel important. You have more qualities that would inspire followers and will create true change, " replied Nara.

Having been quelled for the moment being, she unclenched her fist and sighed, "Thanks you for your faith in me. I'm just...quite emotional right now. It's like two years ago all over again."

"I am sorry. I know it took a lot for you to put faith in him just for him to betray you. He also betrayed his own team as well. Let us just be glad he did not get any of us killed with his betrayal. Unlike you Lauren he will die alone and unwanted," replied Nara, her voice showing her anger.

"I hope so. The bastard used me like I'm some goddamn pawn in a game of chess! A 'catalyst'!" Lauren stood up and rocketed a nearby mug into the wall, shattering it to pieces. Breathing heavily, she could only grunt and cry out in anger.

Nara wrapped her arms around Lauren as she suppressed her own anger to help Lauren. "Let us unload the burden to complete the mission and focus on our future after that," whispered Nara. She then tried to distract Lauren's focus off of Archer, "I was thinking if this war kicks off the humans will attack our only city. Perhaps we should find a safe place for our friends and families. What do you think?"

Lauren merely shrugged listlessly. Her mind was racing, and for the life of her she could not think straight. Her anger was clouding her thoughts, and she could only fume while Nara stood by her side, trying her best to assuage her friend.

Archer sat in quiet contemplation, outwardly relaxed as he ran through his plan. He was suppressing his innate worry for his teammates, who were off doing their part. He knew they were capable, moreso perhaps than him, but it was hard to shake that feeling. For himself, he wasn't afraid though, his plan was coming to fruition, and he was glad that his prediction that they would send Lauren's team to get him was correct. His almost prayer like thoughts were interrupted by the faunus who had bested him, and Archer grinned to welcome him, "If I knew I'd have a guest, I would've cleaned up a little." Archer said, referring to the dusty cleaning closet he was locked in, "Forgive me for my poor host etiquette."

Gareth looked at Archer passively not responding at first as he took the massive tome from his reinforced belt and opened it. Sitting down across from Archer the raven faunus flipped through the pages for a second before finally talking, "Do not worry I am not big on formalities, do not let the suit fool you." Gareth reached back and casually plucked a feather from his own wing and started writing in the strange book.

"I must say your fake skeleton was disappointing, but at the same time does peak some interest. I would love to see how your body reacts to my reimagining of your spinal column. That is not why I am here however, I am more curious at the moment on how you have afforded to anger my allies so greatly," said Gareth in his stoic voice as his eyes slowly drifted back up toward Archer.

"Afforded? For me it costs more to keep your team as allies." Archer responded kindly, "It's much more useful for us to be enemies." Archer thought for a moment, "Please don't take that statement personally, I have no malice towards you, and I would even like to extend an apology for harming your teammate."

Gareth wrote in his tome as Archer spoke before asking, "How is it more useful to you to have enemies?"

"If you didn't want someone to fight, but they were going to anyways, wouldn't you want them to fight someone who would pull their punches?" Archer asked.

"You want to be our enemy so you can pull your punches?" asked Gareth looking at Archer as his right eyebrow raised a little.

"No, I'd just prefer that certain people stay out of the way of those who won't." Archer looked at the book, "Such a cute little diary, you should write in big, bold letters 'Protect my team' and not worry so much about what I'm doing."

"Do not mock what you do not understand," replied Gareth unphased by Archer's words. The raven faunus then continued his questioning after a short pause, "I am guessing you have already told others the answer to this question, but indulge me. What are you striving to achieve?"

Archer laughed softly, "People keep asking me what I'm trying to achieve, but maybe I'm just trying to make others fail." Archer looked the faunus in the eyes, with a wide grin "I wasn't mocking you, it was more of a threat, if anyone on your team gets hurt, I'll be sure to return the favor."

Gareth's emotionless eyes looked back into Archer's as he said calmly, "You seem to assume I care about my team. Do you know why I am here? The better question is do you know what I have done to you?"

"I have a theory about what's going on." Archer said with an unsettling grin, "Not that it matters. I don't know why you're here, and you don't quite know why I'm actually here. It wouldn't kill you to smile, after all, you caught me, and you get to have a little bit of intimate torture with me."

"I seek to know why you are here. I could ask the ones who you have damaged at a deep emotional level, but I find information from the source tends to be best. Capturing you was an assignment that is a means toward an end for me. I could care less if it was you or another being. The only aspect of your capture that truly interested me was how my abilities affected a human body. Sadly the results are tainted by the circumstances surrounding the experiment, " replied Gareth in his normal void of any emotion manner.

"Sorry to disappoint." Archer said in a guilty tone, "Next time I'll try to be a little more human." Archer's tone was suggestive as if he were flirting, "As for information, I'd really like us to be a one time thing, if we keeping opening up to each other, we might catch feelings."

Gareth lacked any physical response to Archer's words. "Do not worry, I lack the capacity for such emotional connections. Sadly out of respect for my team and the wishes of those above me I must limit the extent of my research to mere words," replied the faunus.

"Usually the foreplay comes before." Archer said in a disappointed tone, "What do you want to know? Unfortunately the person who knows my dress size isn't on this ship."

"Your mind: how you think, who you are, and what your goals are," replied Gareth. "Most of this knowledge is useless. However even the most insignificant piece can help solve a greater puzzle. Often you do not realize you have such a piece until you find where to put it. Thus I seek all knowledge I can. Lastly it is a way to pass the time."

"I know a faunus girl exactly like you, though she's much more emotive than you." Archer said, "Aren't you frustrated by the rules set in place that prevent you from doing the research you actually want?"

"Rules are set for a reason, but they can be a barrier for my research at times. I have not minded it too much as I break a few of them in a calculated manner when I see fit. It also creates a unique challenge to overcome, and it makes reaching my goals that much more satisfying," replied Gareth as he flipped through his tome carefully. After a moment of idle silence Gareth asked "Do you wish to change the rules?"

"Well rules are arbitrary." Archer replied, "If I followed my school's rules, I'd do my best to sink this ship, but if I followed faunus rules, I'd have to be a traitorous pawn. No, I don't have a desire to change the rules, I'd rather just remove the people making them." Archer smiled and spoke casually and politely, "I suppose you could say in some ways I support faunus, and in other ways I support humans."

"Yet you turn on faunus that are willing to be allies with humans. Lauren's reputation among many of the faunus has been badly damaged in many circles by her defense of you. You turned her willingness to cooperate with a human into anger and hate toward your kin," Gareth added as he read a page in his book. "If you want to remove people making such rules, perhaps you should try the route of an assassin. I doubt you will be able to replace those in power through other means."

"Assassinations are more of a means to an end." Archer replied, "I wouldn't call it a goal." Archer kept smiling, "I do have my regrets about Lauren. I'd feel better if she had the chance to repair her reputation than to risk her own life trying to help me. It's dangerous to be friends with monsters after all."

Gareth looked up at Archer and asked, "O you are a monster? Do explain your reasoning for this self imposed title."

"Wonderful! I got a reaction from you." Archer said excitedly, "I was obviously pulling your leg, I'm more of a wannabe monster, no matter how much I replace, I can never get rid of my inherent nature."

"Why would you want to be a monster?" asked Gareth as he looked back at his tome. He then added, "What is your definition of a monster?"

Archer laughed softly, "A monster can tear through people and achieve their goals with no remorse. I can assure you, I've committed monstrous acts, and have had to feel human afterwards."

"What monstrous acts have you committed?" asked Gareth.

"I won't divulge that information to you, since as far as the present goes, none of my misdeeds have necessarily happened." Archer yawned, "Though I'm sure Lauren will have plenty of stories about me she'd love to tell you."

"I do not care for emotional based rants or judgements," replied Gareth standing up. "Good bye, Archer," added Gareth as he sealed his tome and started to leave.

Archer smiled, "Bye faunus! Be sure to keep what I said about your team in mind, I may not be a monster, but I certainly do have a fondness for them."

"Good to know you're fond of me," replied Gareth in his neutral tone as he slowly shut the door.

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


TEAM: SAWW
TEAM LEADER: Sarah Rooth
INCIDENT REPORT: Ferry Escort
GRIMM SLAIN: 47 Voidbergs, 7 Great Whites (larger than usual)
DAMAGES: Damage to the hull and several cabins, Worojiji's puppet heavily damaged, passenger Fajio Rekstum took injuries to the leg, crewman Drew Agdigon suffered minor concussion
COMMENTS: Two attacks on initial trip, one attack on return trip. Several other Great Whites were present in attacks but disengaged without being slain. Advise caution for other ferry routes. Apprehended a stowaway Faunus after returning, one Mick Ozzay, coyote Faunus, age 22, scheduled for deportation on next exodus ferry.
RESTOCK REQUIRED: Steel and cloth for Worojiji, and some more salves for Alex's medical kit. Also more shock dust for Widao.

Team FEAR
(condensed for reduction of clutter and broken in the middle for your convenience)


They say that the dead sleep so long because life has made them tired.
That the dead never wake because life is so trying.
But what about when life doesn't tire them?
What if life was too short to wear them?
What if a dead man's life was brief enough
That later, after the rot has bitten him
And the world has forgotten him,
He wakes up?
Will he ever go back to sleep?
Or will he be by then so rested
That he can see everyone else
Tire and die before him?

The Escape
A JP between Fen-kun, Stingray and Khalil

The figure rapidly approached the distant airship, fully cloaked and masked as her nevermore flew, followed by several others and hers carrying a cage containing a number of captured grimm. Behind the mask was a grin of excitement as they got closer and closer...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Archer Shortly Before Talking with Gareth
Archer came to, feeling his body return to normal as he felt the now unfamiliar natural pull of the earth. Soon after a figure moved through the wall, frowning at Archer, "When Isa told me to keep an eye on you, I hadn't expected you to outright attempt suicide." She said quietly, "Why would you talk to that girl like that if you're friends?" She pulled out a large injection needle.

"If she's involved she's at risk." Archer replied, "She's involved now, and I'd rather have her be my enemy… Inject those into my spine, did Isa show you how to do this?" The girl nodded.

"I know you're incapable of killing her, but wouldn't she be better on your side?" Archer grit his teeth as she injected the contents of the needle into his back.

"People that close to you are a weapon against you." Archer replied, feeling the violent reactions go on in his body. "Isa, Milana and Lyle are they set up?"

"Things are going well enough." The girl replied, "They got a particularly good catch and should be here soon enough."

"Thanks Moxie, my team should be breaking your sister out as we speak." Archer replied with a grateful bow.

"They better, Archer. Otherwise you'll die way before the winter ends." After the brief exchange, Moxie went into hiding, fading into the walls.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Gareth left the room, Archer began to feel himself get closer to normal. Within his mind, he calculated the rate of improvement, and cursed the fact that he wouldn't be better for quite a while. Still, he could feel his bones get stronger, and tested himself to see if he could move, with moderate success. Archer grinned as the ship trembled, and he listened as chaos began to unfold. Moxie walked through the wall with a frown, "That guy creeps me out Archer." She said, helping Archer up.

"Let's focus on getting out." Archer responded, "I'm probably the only thing on this ship that can't handle a grimm."

"You'll be fine." Moxie replied, "I need you to just sit still and shut up, going through walls with other people takes focus." Archer relaxed his body as Moxie pulled him through the wall into the engine room. "I memorized the layout of the ship, getting to the deck should be easy."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Up above, the figure landed on the deck of the ship, and she opened the cage, letting loose a number of grimm. Three nevermore grimm circled the ship as well, with hers carrying her off the ship. The wild grimm clawed at the deck and doors, causing a high amount of noise from their roaring and destruction.

Lauren's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by raucous noise and destruction that could be from one source. "Grimm!" In that moment, she realized that the disruption could cost them their prisoner and shouted to Nara, "C'mon, let's make sure that he doesn't escape!"

Nara nodded and grabbed her weapon as she followed after Lauren. In her mind she promised herself she would not hold back this time. She had to be stronger than before.

Gareth opened his eyes being his meditation in his room when he heard the sounds of the Grimm on the ship. Standing up slowly he felt his semblance flowing through his body as he walked down the halls toward the noise. His hands began to warp and shift. Pain shot through his body as his fingers formed long black talons. The palm of his hand opened up into a blood soaked maw that began to spit out flames of blue and purple.

Suddenly the door at the end of the hall burst open and Gareth's first victims appeared. Twin ursas quickly locked their eyes on the faunus, and let out a violent roar before they charged down the hall in single file. Gareth confidently stood his ground as he held out his hands. Twin pillars of flame left from his palms and began to envelope the first ursa completely.

A snake grimm slithered into the room Archer and Moxie were in. "How many grimm did she capture." Archer muttered as Moxie pulled him to the side.

"Evidently enough." Moxie replied, "I don't fight Archer, we need to get out of here."

"If that faunus hadn't ruined my bones, we could be out of here easily, but it'll be okay, I can get us out if you can get me my things." Archer smiled confidently, prompting a look of confusion from Moxie.

"You're a lot scarier than that guy, Archer." Moxie said, setting Archer down and running through the wall to get his belongings.

The ursa roared in pain as its skin was mutated by the flames. Flesh turned to a putty like substance and the signature grimm bones began to ride unsteady waves of skin. The ursa's roar slowly transformed from a beast's painful roar to a blood curdling screech that filled the ship.

Gareth's face mouth twisted upward in a sickening smile. The faunus' forehead split open vertically as a third eye appeared. Gareth's blood trickled out of the newly made eyelid like a thick tear. Reaching up with one of his talons like arms, Gareth pressed a claw against the mutating mass.

Suddenly there was silence from the ursa as its body became slightly more stable. Its mind shattered then changed through mutation, the monster slowly turned around to face its former comrade. It's once bony skull had reformed into a large prey of prey style beak filled with the ursa's razor sharp teeth. Its body elongated as its once muscular arms had split into several smaller appendages, each tipped with jagged bone claws. Its body was asymmetric and lacked any natural form.

Gareth's horror let out a shriek before it leaped at the other ursa. Rendering its flesh with its beak and talons before charging forward out onto the main deck in a madness driven frenzy.

Gareth walked over to the badly wounded ursa and stepped on its head. "Too weak," muttered the faunus before delivering a quick stomp on its neck, crushing its throat. As the Grimm dissolved into thin air, Gareth looked around at the wood that his flames had touched. A cascade of blues, purples, and even a little pink fleshy feeling substance had formed where there should have been burn marks. After admiring the accident Gareth made way for the main deck, his claws covered in mutating energy.

Having sprinted to where Archer's cell was, Lauren and Nara unlocked and entered the cell, finding it empty. Cursing, she felt further enraged, bringing her temper to an explosive boil. Moxie appeared through the wall opposite, and looked around before meeting the gaze of Lauren. Glaring at the woman, Lauren prepared a strike before reeling back and realizing that she was a faunus. She growled, "Where's Archer?"

Moxie played a confused look, "I don't know who you're talking about, I'm just trying to get away from the grimm…" Her tone was full of fear, and her ears folded back.

Lauren replied, "The human prisoner. Where is he?"

"A human?!" Moxie said, surprised, "Th-there's a human on the ship? I-is he dangerous?"

Sighing and softening her glance, Lauren reiterated, "Yes. There is a human prisoner here. He escaped from here and is a traitor to us all. I need to find him at all costs."

Moxie began to walk forward, "I'm no good with fighting, I-I just want to get somewhere safe…"

Assuaging the mouse faunus, Lauren said, "I'll keep you safe. Come on, let's get outta this room." She beckoned the faunus forward, weapon ready for use when they'd open the door

"Let me open it first… You can attack over me if needed…" Moxie said, scurrying to the door.

Lauren nodded, and let her open the door. Moxie reached her hand through the door and locked it from the outside, and then walked through it quickly, "You're so gullible." She said as she walked through, locking Lauren in and running away to look for Archer's belongings.

Cursing, realizing she had just been fooled, Lauren gripped her trident tightly and began bashing the door with it, breaking it down with not too much effort wasted. However, the faunus had a lead on her and with that Lauren decided to check the underneath the various rooms for the prisoner.

Moxie found Archer's belongings and slung them over her shoulder, casually walking out of the room, and seeing Lauren in the hallway. "Damn it, Archer owes me a lot for this." She muttered.

After encountering the other faunus again and hearing Archer's name, Lauren narrowed her eyes. "So he put you up to this. Another faunus to use, just like me!" She outstretched her right arm and summoned a barrage of razor sharp icicles heading directly at the faunus.

Moxie sighed as the ice passed through her, "Archer doesn't see me the same way he sees you." She said with a frown, "And I'm using Archer just as much as he's using me."

"I don't quite believe that. What use do you have for that spineless coward? He's no use to anyone, not me, not faunus, not even humans."

"He has some very helpful friends and resources, and they will be bringing me someone I care about, and that is all I care about." Moxie shifted the bag, "Which is just about the only thing we have in common."

Noticing her hand shifting the bag, Lauren decided to go for a water jet rocket the bag out of reach, in case she was reaching for a weapon. "So he decided to help you. That's exactly what he did with me, and look at how well that turned out. Nothing to show for it but a delusion and betrayal!" She punctuated her words with a strike of her trident directed at Moxie.

"Oh?" Moxie replied, "You seem to be pretty healthy looking. I heard about what happened on the island, would you say your freedom is nothing?"

Struggling with her turmoil, she shouted, "To him it's nothing! Just a cog in some stupid, delusional plan. I mean, what do I expect, these are the same creatures who put us on a shitty island to call home!" Moxie simply laughed in response.

Initiating another strike, Lauren growled, "What the hell's so funny?!"

Moxie allowed the trident to pass through her, "Your life isn't some cog in the machine. Your life is what drives him to bring the cogs together."

"After what he did to me? Don't patronize me!"

"He hurt your feelings, and in return you ruined his bones and are turning him into the faunus whose goals are to kill humans."

The dolphin faunus countered angrily, "This isn't just about that! Yes, he betrayed me, a trusted ally who was cooperating with me who also happened to be a friend. I hate his guts for doing something like that. However, he is someone who is planning to be a monster and someone to direct attention from the faunus and human conflict. Without any regards to anything but himself and his goals. He is just gonna make things worse."

"You are very misinformed about what Archer plans to do." Moxie said, "I don't agree with Archer, and this is all I'll be doing for him, but I can assure you that he wants you far away from being an ally. He wants you to stay out of everything." Moxie grabbed the bag and dived into a nearby wall in one motion. From within the wall, her voice echoed, "It's possible I'll kill him when he's of no use to me though."

Nara had been distracted by the noise upstairs and a strange feeling in her body for a moment and lost track of Lauren. She felt confident and uncomfortably happy despite the fact they were under attack. She began wandering the halls randomly opening doors until she randomly stumbled into a room with a large snake Grimm and Archer in it.

Looking at the two Nara could not help but smile as she cheerfully said, "Oooo two soulless snakes battling to the death. I wonder who will win?" Archer's drug had the fox faunus in a state of euphoria that had melted away her timid nature. Her eyes darted from Grimm to human with a sharp predator like glint to them.

Archer grinned, standing up, "I do hope it's me." Archer felt something push up on his foot and his sword came up from the ground. Archer silently thanked Moxie and unsheathed his sword. The snake stuck out at him and Archer swung his sword down, feeling his bones fracture, and then regenerate. Archer dropped to his knees, and looked up at Nara, "You have such beautiful eyes Nara, they're like looking in a mirror."

"If they were like a mirror then they would be ugly," replied Nara in a joyful voice. She had no idea how bad her response was, but for some reason it made her giggle. She pulled out her weapon and started playing with it. The blade snapped forward as it transitioned to sword mode then snapped back into energy pistol mode, watching the weapon transform seemed to thrill Nara.

Archer laughed joyfully at her insult, "A monster's eyes are full of beauty." He fell back and sighed, giggling a little, "You'll remember everything when the drug wears off, but the things you do now will be, in a way, what you want to do."

The Grimm began to coil around Archer as both heads rose up into striking position. The black head then lunged for Archer as the white one waited positioned itself ready to strike when the other head was done. "Could this be the end of our villain?" asked Nara as she hopped up onto a nearby box to get a better view. She pointed her pistol at Archer and whispered "Bang" as she waited for the Grimm to finish Archer off.

The mutated Gareth walked into the light to see his creation unleashing havoc on the other Grimm. A pack of Beowulfs broke off their attack on the horror, and turned their attention on Gareth as his pet started ripping into a larger snake like Grimm in a madness fueled frenzy.

Moxie grabbed Archer's ankles from the floor and pushed him forward, through the snake's constriction onto the ground where she placed his bag. Archer took a moment to breathe before pulling out a fire dust pellet. He tossed it into one of the snake's mouth, and it exploded, leaving only one. Archer scrambled to his feet and barely avoided the next strike. He threw a pellet of dust and fire between him and Nara, creating a puff of smoke. Immediately he went forward and grabbed her by the arms, "With respect to your sister," Archer started with a smile, "I won't let you do anything you may regret." Moxie grabbed them both, and pulled them into the hull of the ship below them.

Moxie looked at Archer with scorn, and a nose bleed "Taking two people Archer?! You're stepping over bounds."

Nara laughed as she said, "Do not try to act all noble now snake. I have seen who you really are." As the faunus spoke she shoved the barrel of her weapon into Moxie or Archer and pulled the trigger. The weapon let out a soft buzzing noise and Nara threw her energy into it as it discharged a brilliant burst of energy into the target. Trigger pull to weapon discharge was less than half a second giving her victim no chance to react at this range.

Archer laughed as he felt his skin burn, and fell to his knees, still grasping Nara's arms. Tears formed in his eyes even as he laughed and looked up into Nara's eyes, "I'm not noble… just like you're not a monster." Archer coughed, "I'm sorry."

"Stop saying you're sorry! You're not! You hurt her! You torn out her heart, destroyed her trust! She sacrificed so much for you and you spit on her! She is called names behind her back and even in her face for you!" yelled Nara as she pulled the trigger again. Her strange form of bliss angered her and the result was this uncharacteristic rage building inside Nara. She wanted nothing at this point but to kill Archer for what he did, and every one of his words seemed to just anger her more.

"And now that I've done this and she hates me, she'll be able to go back and be friends with her own people…" Even with his body regenerating, Archer's body burned with pain, "I don't want her to give up anything for me, I don't want anyone to give up anything for me."

Lauren had arrived at the scene, finding Archer and Nara locked in combat and Archer injured with burns. Directing her attention to Nara, she exclaimed, "Nara!"

"It's too late she cannot…" screamed Nara at Archer before Lauren's yelling interrupted her. Looking over at Lauren, Nara pressed a button to her weapon and the blade swung into position slashing into Archer's wound. Pulling the blade from the wound, Nara pressed the sharp edge against Archer's throat. Looking at Lauren Nara said, "I can do it… I can end him. No more Archer… no more source of pain. One less evil human to hurt us." Nara looked into Lauren's eyes as if looking for approval from her friend. Meanwhile the weapon's blade began to cut into Archer's skin making a single bead of blood appear on the blade.

"If killing me solves all of your problems, then do it." Archer said with a wicked laugh, "Be a murd--" Archer grit his teeth and clenched his fists, "y-you don't want to do this…" He stammered as his grin fell, but immediately returned, "You really want to do this." Archer went into a stronger fit of laughter.

Perplexed by Nara's and Archer's strange behavior, unnaturally overjoyed with the prospect of killing Archer, Lauren stepped in and said, "What the hell?"

"It's an inside joke, Lauren." Archer said in a mocking tone, "It'd be hard to explain."

Immediately that garnered a trident dangerously close to his face, missing deliberately by half an inch. "Don't you dare patronize me like that. Isn't it enough seeing my life being ripped to shreds, or did you just need to pour salt in the wound? I don't need to be reminded of what could have been on that island!"

"Nara doesn't have the guts to kill me, just like you don't." Archer laughed, "That's the big joke here, someone who doesn't want to kill me will kill me for nothing more than wanting freedom." Moxie took the distraction to take the sedatives Archer had packed for his target on menagerie and inject them into Nara. Shortly after a hole was blown in the room and a nevermore flew in with the figure cloaked in white. Nara began to fall unconscious and Archer caught her as she fell, "Unfortunately, I don't think now is a good time for the punchline, and every comedian knows timing is key to a good joke." The nevermore flew forward and grabbed Archer and Nara in it's talons while a two headed snake grimm formed between Lauren and the pair. "I really am sorry Lauren, you should've killed me that day."

Now faced with a new challenger in the form of a Grimm, Lauren went to work on it, aiming for a slash of the trident, joined by Tilki. Before she could wonder where he had been, the snake made its move, striking Lauren with its head. Tilki was quicker, however, and stabbed the snake in its weak spot, dissolving it into dust.

Gareth watched as a two headed monster he made began to convulse violently before collapsing to the deck dead. This one he had created from merging two heavily mutated Beowulfs that had initially attacked him. Its body soon turned to dust and faded into thin air. "Too short lived," muttered the faunus as he released the head of a Beowulf from his right hand. The Grimm's face was an unrecognizable mess of bone and flesh. As soon as the beowulf had all four paws on the deck and it sprinted off in a random direct before running off the edge of the ship. Looking around at the deck empty of smaller Grimm, Gareth smiled a little as his piercing gaze locked on a nevermore. "Now for the real targets," remarked Gareth as both of his palms released balls of blue flame that he grabbed with his talons. Spreading our his wings he moved his head left and right to stretch his neck before thrusting himself into the air to engage with a nevermore.

The nevermore Gareth chose to attack was a useful distraction as his focus was locked on the poor beast as Archer and his allies escaped. The normally black creature was now a vibrant mix of blues, dark purples, and greens and two almost arm like appendages had haphazardly grown from hits chest. It was clear Gareth's work on this particular grim was much more controlled, but no less painful for the Grimm.

Thrusting a burst of energy into the beast's head, Gareth suddenly lost focus as the creature tried once again made a hard turn midair to try it shake its attacker off its back. The result was fatal to the Grimm and suddenly Gareth found himself forced to once again use his wings to not fall to his death. Flying over to the ship he landed with an exhausted sigh. He was satisfied with his work, but was a little disappointed in the escape of the other nevermores. Now he needed some rest so he headed for his chambers to record the events in his tome and get some well deserved sleep.