Lord of Gifts in the Forgotten Realm

by Djoklecjan

Summary:

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

Chapter 1: A choice

A gentle wind blew eastward, sending ashes of the Mountain Doom away from triumphing People of the West. The Dark Clouds, once sign of Sauron's presence, faded away from the lands of Mordor, finally allowing the blue sky and the bright sun to take back their rightful places.

Among these withering clouds, a shapeless spirit, once known by many names: Sauron, Mairon, Annatar, Gorthaur, the self-imposed "Lord of the Earth", was pushed back by the breeze and was forced to watch how his armies scatter, how the mighty forges he built and tall towers he raised, fall like houses of cards. How the empire he crafted for millennia crumble to ash and dust, and how the ungrateful, petty kingdoms of Easterlings and Haradrim he subjugated now tear down his banners from top of their castles and proclaim a new era, without the Lidless Eye ruling them.

He was forced to watch how his carefully prepared and managed order turns into chaos.

But Sauron felt nothing, the scale of defeat overwhelmed him. All he could do now is let himself get carried by the wind, to finally admit...

"No…" He tried to defy this fate, to move against the wind. "I will not cease!"

He felt how easily the breeze push him away. He was a formless shadow, he couldn't stop the inevitable, no matter how hard he struggled. The Fallen maia was like a fish caught in the fisherman's net, doomed to be taken away.

"I don't want to!" He tried to roar against the cruel world, but only a quite whisper could be heard leaving his immaterial lips. "I can't lose! I won't lose! Even if it means allying with the devil, I won't let myself perish!"

And the Devil listened.

All the sudden, he couldn't feel the breeze anymore. Surprised, he opened his "eyes" and turned around to see absolute nothingness. - There was no air, no wind, no light, only the void. Sauron took good look at his smoke hands, which now he could hold in shape.

"Finally. "The Dark Lord heard the cold voice behind his shadow form. The voice, he hoped, he will not hear ever again. "You made it."

Fearing his worst nightmares fulfilled, he turned around to see the large figure, covered by smoke and darkness, bounded by numerous chains made of shining metal. But through the shadows, he could see pair of eyes, glaring like a flame, that withers with heat, and pierces with a deadly cold.

"Melkor…" Sauron trembled, and the First Dark Lord laughed.

"It's been a while since someone called me by my true name, Mairon." Morgoth said, and heavy metal chains attached to his body, moved with him. Sauron watched how handless arm, cuffed to the shining metal, appeared briefly from the shadow surrounding the First Dark Lord. "Welcome to the Void, my "loyal" lieutenant."

Sauron feared that this day will come, that he will stand before either him or Mandos, and face the divine "judgement". And yet, when it finally happened, he felt only anger.

"Don't you dare being my judge." The Dark Lord hissed. "During my reign, I achieved more than you did in entire millennia."

"All your "achievements" are nothing more than a mere fight for a scraps I left." Morgoth stated, amused a little by the sudden argument.

"And yet it was I who cut Valinor from the rest of the creation. Forever."

"Enough." Morgoth's voice echoed across the boundless realm "I didn't spend so much time, effort and power in bringing you here just to argue, nor to deliver your punishment."

"You don't want to torture me?" Sauron asked, not believing his former master in a slightest.

"Oh, I still crave to obliterate you for your betrayal." Morgoth stated, his eyes glowed with unceasing hatred. "But it won't change the outcome of the War to End All Wars. It won't change the Dagor Dagorath. No, I have something special for you, something, which will put your skills to a gret use, and earn... how they call it? Redemption?"

"Which is?"

"Watch. And listen." Morgoth said, and at first, absolute silence fell upon them, but soon, Sauron could hear a whispers of life, of creation, just within his reach, yet so far away.

"For entire millennia of this imprisonment." Morgoth said with absolute spite. "My Brothers and Sisters forced me to listen to the whole existence taking place beyond the void. Creation, which I cannot corrupt nor destroy. To remind me that, for no matter what I shall do, no matter how much I will try, there will always be life, and the great song will forever exist. But they made a mistake." Sauron felt satisfaction in Bauglir's voice. "For the void is like a wall, separating me from the universe, and in each wall you can find a crack, too small for me to pass through, but large enough to listen, observe or exploit." Morgoth looked at his once first lieutenant. "And that's why I brought you here."

"You want me to walk into the unknown for your amusement?"

"Not quite." Melkor smirked. "I want to send you to world, which I observe for a long time. The world demanding… divine attention. The world, which will be a perfect place for my plans."

Sauron thought for a moment, now considering the opportunity Morgoth presented to him. A chance for a new start, a way to finally get away from Valar's attention. For some time at least. But, most importantly, he got a chance to avoid the fate worse than the death itself.

"What I will get from it?" Shadow asked, and Morgoth laughed.

"You still want more? Now that's Sauron I knew." Morgoth said, and his stare yet again started to pierce through the Sauron's shadow. "Although weakened, I am not as powerless as you are now. As long, as you fulfill the tasks I bestow upon you, I will fuel your essence, and you will slowly regain what you have lost."

"Tempting, but for it to work you must remember: We work together as equals, not master and a subject."

"Equals?" Morgoth almost spat venom at the fallen Maia.

"We both are in very pathetic state." Sauron pointed out, feeling the Morgoth's growing ire. "And even in this form, I won't serve you. I will work to further your goal of breaking this prison, but I have control over the situation. And I have my own goals to achieve."

Minutes have passed in absolute silence, both dark lords analyzed options laying before them. Then, Morgoth spoke again.

"As long, as you make progress in breaking my chains, you can do whatever you wish."

Sauron's shadowy lips smiled in triumph.

"I take you already thought about that, no matter where I go, I will always be a shadow?"

"Oh, don't worry about that." Shadows around Morgoth rose like a wildfire, and soon fell upon the Gorthaur. "Your form is already arranged."

Sauron felt like his essence was being sent through seemingly boundless void, towards the dim, gray light at the end, from which he felt life.

"To our next meeting, my 'equal'." Were the last words Sauron heard from the fallen Valar.

---

Suddenly, a pool of black liquid started to shake, causing gathered beowolves to turn their attention towards it. Alpha growled, sensing a danger for its pack emerging from their breeding ground, and his pack also showed teeth. Soon, bubbles of hot air started to emerge from it, and whole black liquid now violently boiled like water. Grimm backed off, not sure what is going on, or how should they react. Soon, large bubble started to form in the middle, like something big was making its way out, only for it to explode, revealing the infernal eye which set the entire pool, and few unfortunate beowolves on fire.

The Lidless Eye stared at the Grimm, further scorching many of them before they run away, making them screech in absolute terror while beasts tried to avoid this fiery death. Only Alpha stayed near the entrance of the cave, it's face half burnt, peeking inside and growling in rage.

The Eye landed at the rocky surface, and new being started to construct itself from the flames, pulling the black liquid from now half-empty pool, covering its essence inside. Then, Color started to change from coal-like black to more… human like.

"Human" with white hair opened his eyes, which were like molten metal, blinked few times, and looked at his body with a amuesment and joy.

"How long I mave missed that form." He said, examining it for any potential defects, and, to his dismay, he found one - a lack of one certain finger. Sighing in disappointment for this obvious mockery, Sauron turned back to look at the pool he emerged from, now a deep crater filled with molten stone and glass.

When his back was turned, Alpha quietly pounced at him, angered over destruction of the breeding ground, but it also felt the newcomers soul - strange and powerful, shining like a miniature Sun. Clearly a threat which must die as fast as possible, while he is unaware of the danger.

But while Alpha was mid-air, Sauron suddenly turned to it, vicious smile welcoming the attacker.

"I see you." He simply said before unleashing an inferno.

---

Sauron walked out from the cave into the large forest and looked at the blue, cloudless sky. He took a deep breath of a fresh air, finally not feeling this subtle, yet omnipotent influence of the Valar. Suprisngly, Morgoth didn't lie - this world was free from their presence. Ripe for a taking. A bright new start.

Sauron started to walk forward, first goal simple yet crucial - to find any form of civilization. He only wondered what kind of creatures beside that animals the great song spawned here. In worst case scenario, he will just work with creatures similar to orcs, but he can manage that.

He always did.

Chapter 2: The Fellowship

With each step, his curiosity only grew.

Besides the Shattered Moon, the land itself seemed to be not corrupted in any way at all, unlike Middle-Earth, where traces of Morgoth's power were still present within its water and soil. Although Sauron found this method impressive, since it made Middle-Earth dependent on Dark Lord well-being and ensured that Valar's can't do anything more than imprison him, in the end, it proved to be Morgoth's undoing, since to achieve such feat, he had to spread his power thin, over the entirety of Arda, which greatly weakened him in the long run, allowing heroes of the Elves and even Humans to directly harm him many times. Clever move, but ultimately, a mistake. And Sauron didn't make the same mistake as his former master, focusing his power instead of spreading it. And thanks to that, he nearly won. Nearly...

With his fists clenched, he walked past the bushes, slightly annoyed that this forest had seemingly no end. He walked for a long time already, and felt like he was walking in circles. What's worse, the forest reminded him too much of the Mirkwood before he settled for a time in Dol Guldur, except this time, evil already crept around him in different form.

Those white-skulled wolves he met in cave kept stalking him ever since he scorched their pack leader, and even tried to pounce at him once, but, with their black fur already painfully burnt, marked by his wrath, the beasts weren't willing to try their luck. From a brief meeting with them he felt that those wolves were not ordinary animals - these monsters for the lack of better term, were driven by near mindless hatred, seemingly aimed not particularly at him, but against humanity as a whole. Even though he was only looking like a human, it was enough for them to attack. In Sauron's mind, those white-skulled wolves were twisted versions of normal animals, made only to hunt and kill without question or hesitation.

"Morgoth would love them." He thought, and he gave the small pack mocking smile, and the wolves showed their sharp teeth in response.

Just when Sauron wondered how he could use them to further his goals, he heard terrified screams of a woman echoeing through the forest, drawing him out of this thoughts. He heard someone screaming above him, and when he looked up, there was a human teenager flying through the air, wiggling his arms and legs.

"For the Fire Imperishable..." Sauron only muttered in confusion as the boy flew away. Black wolfs looked at each other, equally confused.

On the one hand, his hopes of humanity existence were confirmed, but on the other, what a young man is doing in this forest, let alone flying? Without a second thought, he decided to follow the path of human's flight. He highly doubted that any man could survive that, but maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that the boy will live long enough for a questioning.

He traversed through the forest, looking at every tree in a search of a human. It was impressive flight for sure, but thinking how tall those trees were, there was quite a high chance that the blond boy got impaled on a thick branch or crashed against a sturdy bark.

Suddenly, he heard a rumbling behind him, rapidly getting closer and louder, and he quickly reacted by shrouding himself in darkness and hiding under the large oak's shadow, while the stalking pack of wolves finally decided to bail out and run away. And soon enough, the source of rumbling arrived.

Past him run a tall, red-hair teenage girl, wearing brown corset, some sort of eed skirt and armor made of brass, but only partially, since brass only covered her arms and legs. She wore her red hair in waist-length ponytail, and held in her right hand some kind of short spear, while in her left she had a small shield.

Sauron questioned warrior's appearance - Why she is wearing armor on the least important part of the body? Why nothing covers her head? What is a point of wearing impractical armor? So foolish. And, most importantly, ineffective.

Behind her, smashing trees and tearing the ground, run Giant Black Scorpion with White-skull head, just like those wolves from earlier, which instantly caught Sauron's attention.

"Are those beasts related? I will have to look into this." He thought himself just when the Scorpion launched its stinger forward, human dodged it and stinger instead tore down the oak under which Sauron was hiding, revealing him for a moment before he could engulf himself back in shadows. Luckily for him, girl was too focused on running for her life to notice pair of burning eyes in the shadows, while Scorpion was too focused on it's target to sense Sauron's presence. When they were far enough, Sauron left his broken hideout and looked after them.

He needed answers, and he had a feeling that following this girl will give him what he needs to know.

Soon, black Direwolf with lava-like eyes ran after them, carefully maintaining a safe distance.

A path of destruction soon led him to some kind of small glade. He hide behind the large tree and peeked into it.

In the Glade there were ruins of some ancient temple, and there stood pedestals, most empty, but on some still stood large chess pieces, both black and white. And inside the said temple were four humans: One wearing mix of black and white, with black ribbon on top of her head. Beside her, stood tall girl with long, blond hair, wearing, yet again, revealing outfit in hostile territory, not even partially armored.

He was not even disappointed anymore.

Near them stood another pair of humans, one woman with short, orange hair, wearing collared black sleeveless vest, under it some sort of white shirt, short pink skirt and pair of pink fingerless gloves, smiling playfully towards another human, a man with black hair, wearing dark green, long-sleeved tailcoat, and light-tan trousers.

"These are... Human children. In the middle of the forest. Wearing no protection whatsoever. In a hostile territory? Are they having a Death wish?"

He noticed the girl from earlier running towards the group, scorpion still chasing closely behind.

"Did she just run all the way here with a Death Stalker?" Sauron heard one of the humans speaking, and turned his attention to the pair standing in the temple.

"A Death Stalker?" Sauron noted the name human gave this beast. "Fitting."

But when the blonde girl suddenly burst into flames, Sauron's eyes widened in shock.

"Those humans possess magic!?"

"I can't take this anymore!" She yelled, her eyes blazing red. "Can we just chill out for two seconds before something crazy happens again?!"

Whole group stared for two seconds at her, even this "Death Stalker" stopped his chase and looked at her in confusion, much to Sauron's amusement.

"It seems this one possess the gift of speech."

"Yang?" Sauron heard the whisper from the short, black-haired girl wearing matching black, long-sleeved blouse, black short skirt with red lining and red cape. Before Sauron could delve on that matter, he followed girl's finger like the rest of the group and looked at the clear sky.

There, he saw a large, enormous even, Black Raven with claws large enough to cleave human in half. And, between the claws...

"How could you leave me!?" Girl in white dress yelled down to the group.

"I said "jump"!" Girl in black yelled back.

"She's going to fall." girl wearing black and white stated.

"She'll be fine." Girl with red cloak reassured them.

"She's falling." Human in green commented.

Sauron followed the fall of the white-haired girl with great interest, wondering what magic they will use to save the girl. Or will she crash into the earth and die?

Turned out, neither happened, as the blond boy from earlier jumped into the air and caught her. Impressive, he first survived his "flight", and then somehow saved the girl and stopped her fall...

"Just... dropping in?" Sauron heard and shortly after, both fell to the ground with loud thud.

...Or not as impressive.

"My hero." Sauron clearly heard a mocking tone, not showing the boy any sign of gratitude. Acts of heroism are not welcomed in this world? Or maybe they have a history together? He sadly lacked necessary informations to assume anything.

"My back…" Human said in response, and Sauron wondered how both of them could survive that. He blinked, and this time looked at them with more careful look. And his suspicions were proven correct: Humans have some sort of glowing shield around their bodies, each with unique color. And this "barrier" on both girl in white and the boy flickered, probably as the result of the fall.

If this barrier protects them from harm, then they are excused for not wearing any armor. Now, how sturdy this "barrier" is? How much time and effort it takes to break it? Is this a permanent protection, or can it be turned off?

"It's fascinating. And frightening. Humans should not posses such power."

Scorpion smacked the red-hair with its claw, sending her flying towards the group in the temple, and she crashlanded right under their feet.

"Great, gang's is all here, now we can die together!" Human called Yang said, sarcastic even in a face of certain doom.

"Not If I can help it!" Girl in black charged at the Scorpion with immeasurable speed, screaming some sort of battle cry Sauron couldn't understand, and before anyone could react, she struck creatures head with her scythe. Sauron watched how the scythe bounced from the thick bone, dealing no damage at all. Then, now more annoyed than angry, giant scorpion knocked the assailant back.

"Bad move." Sauron remarked as he watched the young girl land on the grass few meters away from the Deathstalker, noticing that despite the power of the strike, her barrier remained intact.

"D-Do-Don't worry! Totally fine!" She said while slowly getting back up, quickly turned to the approaching monster, shot it in the skull and started to run back to the group, scorpion chasing after her, while Sauron watched with great interest.

What fascinated Him the most was her weapon - it seemed that the Red Scythe fired some sort of explosive bolts while retaining melee capabilities. Not to mention it packed itself into more portable box. Those humans are certainly far more advanced than Numenorians.

Although, less intelligent.

"Ruby!" Yang run towards the girl, the rest of the group quickly following behind. As both girls run towards each another, Black Bird started to chase after the younger one, and soon it sent wave of sharp feathers at her, missing her body, but pinning the red cape.

Two things worth to note - this flying monster can shoot its feathers, which is a remarkable hunting technique, and that the too long cape might be your downfall in this world. Although he loved seeing humans being punished for their hubris, he wished that the girl called "Ruby" somehow survive this. – Her Ea seems strong, burning with potential, it would be a waste losing her now.

"Ruby, Get out of there!" Yang run towards her, rest of the group falling behind.

"I'm trying!" Ruby replied while trying to free herself, but it was no use. She turned to face a her death in form of the Giant Arachnid, which rose it's stinger high.

"Ruby!" Yang reached to her in vain as the scorpion rose its tail. Sauron's eyes shined in anticipation, as the human closed her own, preparing for the killing blow…

---

...With closed eyes, Ruby awaited the stinger, trying to prepare for the attack that will shatter her aura, and in the worst case, split her in two.

But luckily for her, it never came.

"You are so childish." Ruby opened her eyes only to see Weiss standing before her, Death Stalker's tail and head frozen in the ice wall.

"Weiss?" Ruby opened one eye first, first looking at her savior, then at the golden stinger mere inches from her head.

"And dim-witted, and hyperactive, and don't even get me started on your fighting style." Weiss continued her rant, simultaneously removing her weapon from the ice. "And I suppose I can be a bit... difficult... but if we're going to do this, we're going to have to do this together. So if you quit trying to show off, I'll be... nicer."

"I... - Ruby wanted to answer, but she felt something. This weird feeling when someone is watching you. She tilted her head to the left, and saw glimpse of a large wolf with burning eyes staring directly at her. Her Silver Eyes sparked for a moment, but when she blinked, It was gone. "Huh?"

Before Weiss could say anything or Ruby could voice her concern, Yang finally caught up to them.

"You all right sis? It didn't hurt you, did it?" Yang quickly checked for any wounds, much to Ruby's embarrassment.

"I'm fine!" she quickly answered. "It didn't even touch me, thanks to Weiss."

Yang quickly turned to the girl in white, and atmosphere became more tense in a second.

"Thanks."

"You are welcome."

"Friendship." Girl with orange hair whispered to her friend, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"NO!" Yang and Weiss said at the same.

"Yes!" Ruby joined, and was taken aback by the different response from the other two.

"Is it seriously a good moment to talk about it?" Blake pointed out, and large crack in the ice wall supported her words.

"That's right, enough chitty-chat, let's go away before it breaks away." Yang said pointed her finger at the frozen Deathstalker, the ice already starting to crack under pressure.

"And what about that thing?" Jaune pointed at the flying Grimm. "We can't just ignore it."

"Look, there's no sense in dilly-dallying. Our objective is right in front of us." Weiss said, looking at the ruins of the temple and the rest of the group also turned to the relics.

"She is right, We just need to grab the relics and made to the cliff." Ruby stated, and nodded to Weiss. "We might be able to outrun them."

"Run and live? That's the idea I can get behind." Jaune said and the whole group run back to the temple, but Ruby suddenly stopped, looked again at the place where she saw the Wolf, but animal was not there anymore. Without giving it more thought, she shrug her arms and run to the temple.

Sauron peeked out of his cover, even deeper in his thoughts. From what he heard, someone sent those children to obtain some sort of "relics", which in reality were just painted chess pieces. When he added two to two, he realized that this must be some sort of initiation, maybe a trial for them to become soldiers of some kind. A warrior caste perhaps? With their powers, no wonder why someone wants to turn them into the weapons of war.

And the one doing this is probably near, watching them. And, what Sauron could deduce already, he or she has more people like this kids at their disposal. Maybe even a legion of gifted humans.

Mere thought of hundreds of sorcerers prepared for battle made him sick.

Clearly a threat he will need to deal with.

He watched as each picked a chess piece, some took exact copy of the same figure - white rook, white knight and so on. While they chose the pieces, Sauron's gaze followed behind the tiny brunette, one called "Ruby".

He was more than sure that when she briefly looked at him, her eyes responded to his glare, like they were about to emit their own light. She was clearly a threat too, since those eyes may prove dangerous, but he still don't know what they exactly were. Maybe he can use them? So many possibilities.

As the group run off with their objectives, he waited with chasing after them, allowing the scorpion to first break free from the ice wall and start its pursue. He would love to not put himself between the giant angry monster and bunch of kids for no reason. And when the Death Stalker continued his chase with renewed vigor, crashing the trees along the way, black wolf started to run behind it. But all the sudden, Sauron stopped and darted his gaze to the side, looking at the nearby tree for some time, tilting his head sideways out of curiosity. He stood like that for a moment, until he started to run again, and left the temple behind.

---

"They run into the Nevermore AND the Deathstalker." Glynda Goodwitch noted, looking at her scroll.

"You know we can't do anything about it." Headmaster Ozpin replied, seemingly unconcerned, staring at the vast Emerald Forest and holding his mug full of coffee.

"They are facing two elder Grimm." Glynda responded, her scroll first displaying a large Nevermore, and then the Deathstalker. "This is unusual situation, maybe we should intervene this time."

"That would cause more problems for them in the future." Ozpin took a sip from his mug. "Everyone would look down on them."

"But..."

"I understand your worry, but all of them are promising candidates to become a Huntsmen. I am sure they will be fine."

"Of course." Glynda begrudgingly replied, watching on her scroll how Jaune Arc tripped on the root, only for Nikos to catch him before he fell. "All of them are…"

She swiped the scroll to look at different camera, watched how the Deathstalker released itself from the ice and started to run after the group. She only hoped they made enough distance from it, so they can somehow deal first with the Nevermore, then with the Deathstalker, not believing they can defeat both monsters simultaneously. Just when she wanted to swap the camera back to the group, a large black wolf appeared on the screen, chasing after the Grimm.

It was as large as an Alpha Beowolf, but unlike alpha, beast was covered entirely in the black fur, no white bone anywhere, and, more importantly, it was alone. She wasn't as specialized in Grimm subtypes as Port, but she knew enough that beowolves always run in packs. It's to big to be a mere wolf but it's clearly not any grimm she have ever encountered.

Then, to her surprise, the Direwolf stopped, and looked directly at the camera.

Glynda's green eyes looked directly into the red, lava-like eyes of the beast, feeling that it somehow, somewhat knew she is staring at it. It tilted it's head sideways, never breaking the eye-contact with the camera, and she felt that the beast is curious? Amused? Suspicious? She didn't know why, but air around her become colder, darker…

"How in the world…" She muttered before the Wolf started to run again. She took a deep breath, realizing that she held it the entire time.

"Is something wrong?" Ozpin asked with concern when he finally noticed her pale face, but Glynda didn't answer, only gave him a terrified look.

---

Way of destruction the scorpion made gave him a clear path through this accursed forest, and from the sounds of battle ahead he assumed that he is near his destination. After he finally reached the end of the treelane, his objective – the cliffs – were finally in sight. They said that someone will wait for them there, so he just needs to get up there before the children, and follow their transport.

This should not be a challenge.

He looked at the circling Black Bird, which started another strafing run at the group, only for some sort of lightning to hit its head, forcing it to abort it's attack. Sauron quickly traced the source of lightnings – the orange hair from earlier, using strange weapon to fire more strang projectiles at the flying monster. Just when the Deathstalker was about to impale her, girl in black and boy in green slashed their weapons against its shell, distracting it for a moment, long enough for the woman, who now Sauron knew as "Weiss", to land beside the ginger, and using yet another form of magic, jumped away from danger.

He didn't knew lot about them, but he already liked their abilities – they had some power he didn't understood. Yet. What are those weapons firing exactly? Some sort of explosive? Maybe unknown material? From where they got their magic?

He will certainly study that, after he leave this forest.

"Go, Go!" The red head turned her weapon, fired few shots at the incoming monster, but nothing could pierce its thick white carapace. Enraged scorpion tried to swipe the fleeing humans with it's claws, missed entirely, and the whole group run as fast as they could to the stone bridge, on which Death Stalker was way too heavy to stand. And while they were getting away from the Scorpion, maybe for a moment, they thought they are safe.

Why all this happened, Sauron was making his way to the bridge, jumping from cover to cover, remaining undetected, using the blasts from the human's weaponry and the roars of the monsters to hide his movement. He stalked around the stone walls, trying to get to the bridge unnoticed while humans fought both beasts, peeking sometimes to see where is everyone.

Then, just when the humans finally managed to outrun the Deathstalker, the giant raven rammed into the bridge, shattering it into pieces and separating humans into two uneven groups.

"Damn useless thing!" He cursed, staring at the Nevermore with rage. "I wanted to use this bridge too!"

Sauron didn't know that at the time, but creatures of the Grimm are naturally drawn to humanities darkest emotions – anger, hatred, sadness, grief. They react just like the sharks to the blood in the water, and just like more blood sends sharks into even greater frenzy, more anger sends Grimms into rampage. But emotions showcased by maia's are far more than any mortal could possibly feel, which means his anger is way greater – if human rage is like campfire, the maia's one is like an entire forest in flames. And both beasts instantly felt that.

To Sauron's surprise, giant raven twitched, its eyes widened in fury, and left even more terrifying shriek, powerful enough to shake the entire structure, then circled back at the humans, bloodlust taking away whatever remained from its reasoning, leaving only desire to not merely kill, but tear their bodies to shreds, massacre them, utterly destroy everything...

Scorpion wasn't any better – first wary to get on the stone bridge, not wanting to fell into the abyss, now under duress of the sudden outburst of anger, it started to make its way to the group remaining on this side of the ruined structure, hissing and attacking with its tail and claws.

He wasn't sure why those beasts suddenly became more bloodthirsty, but thanks to that, he got a perfect distraction, for humans attention is now entirely focused on two mad monsters, while he will traverse the canyon. He thought how to get to the cliffs without a bridge, and after considering his options, he chose the most simple one. Luckily for him, Morgoth returned that form too. To some degree.

Large bat fell deep into the canyon, wanting to disappear in the clouds, reach the other side of the cliff, climb it unnoticed and wait on top when the humans are finally done for.

"We gotta get over there! They need help!" Jaune pointed with his sword at the three remaining people fighting against enraged Deathstalker.

"Let's do this!" His newfound companion prepared her weapon, but the blond boy took a look into the abyss with uncertain face.

"Yeah well... I can't make that jump." He stated, and realized too late that the girl beside him started to smile diabolically. Before he could utter a word, she pushed him back, and turned her weapon into a hammer.

"Oh, wait!" He wanted to stop her, but before he could do anything more than raise a hand, she jumped from the bridge, smashed it with her hammer and, fired him like a catapult, right above the bottomless pit.

"No, No, NO!" He yelled as he flew, while the girl fired a grenade from her hammer, and soon she flew right behind him with a gleeful smile.

Deathstalker tried to snap one of the humans in half, but the fired shot drew the beast's attention, and it rose its head to check what is going on, just in time to receive a powerful blow from the hammer, which cracked its skull upon the impact. In a great pain, monster struck a new attacker with its tail, but the girl fired another round form her hammer, directly into the Grimm's exposed hide, sending her far away from deadly stinger, but also she accidently knocked away the girl in black from the bridge.

Enraged, bloodlusted and now in even greater pain, Scorpion started to violently smash the bridge with its claws, trying to tear the entire structure down.

Meanwhile, the Blake opened her eyes, and saw the Nevermore performing another strafing run, this time trying to catch Ruby with its talons, but the girl disappeared in cloud of rose petals, and after the creature missed, it tried to fly lower, into the clouds, to avoid the incoming fire. from Yang and Weiss.

She threw her weapon on a long ribbon, it stuck right into the stone, used it to swing herself right at the passing Grimm, and before the beast could react, she slashed it's beak and head with her weapons.

Bird screeched and started to climb into the air to shake her off, but the girl in black landed on bird's back and started to mercilessly slash it, but after few strikes she noticed that her weapons had little to no effect.

She jumped from the beast and landed right beside Yang, while the Giant Raven flew higher and higher.

"It's tougher than it looks." She commented, and reloaded her pistol.

"Then let's hit it with everything we got!" Yang replied while relaoding her gauntlets, Ruby aimed her Scythe and air around Weiss started to shine with multiple colors as she swinged with her rapier.

Nevermore briefly disappeared in the clouds above, and from there, pair of red, bloodthirsty eyes looked at the ruins.

Did they hurt it much? No. Did they cause it pain? A lot. And monster wanted nothing more than to tear them to shreds.

With another shriek, it folded its wings and started to fall right at the structure, rapidly gaining speed like a falling bomb, and from the ruined temple four girls fired a barrage of projectiles, but nothing seemingly pierce through the creature's feathers.

When the bird was fifty meters from the structure a perfectly aimed explosive shot landed right under its right wing, spreading it a little, just enough to send the giant raven into uncontrollable spin.

Elder Grimm ultimately hit the structure, but not the place when it initially wanted to, crashing just below the four girls instead. As it fell with debris, they jumped from one falling stone to another, either gracefully and jumping from rock to rock like Weiss and Blake, brute-forcing her way up like Yang or using combination of speed and firing her gun from time to time like Ruby.

Sauron flew under the structure, between the stone columns of buildings which once upon a time probably served as human quarters. As he flew forward, he heard the commotion above him, looked there, just in time to see falling debris.

He started to maneuver, desperatly avoiding falling rocks. Right, left, up down, and then one mad dash to avoid the falling giant bird.

When he finally got away from the danger, he stuck himself to the wall and took few deep breaths.

"That was inconvenient." he muttered, then heard the beast shrieking and flying back into fray. He followed the bloodthirsty monster with his gaze, greatly displeased – They are just children. They might have magic and strange weapons, but they are still young, this should be easy for this Black Raven to kill them.

Either this bird is a walking embarrassment of its kind, or those children are powerful. And slowly Sauron started to lean towards the latter.

He sticked to the wall, again enshrouded himself in shadow, and started to climb the rocky surface with the incredible speed.

---

"None of this is working." said Weiss, watching with irritation how the Nevermore is again circling around them, trying to align for another attack run on Yang, who fired at it with her gauntlets.

Ruby fired few shots at the monster, but then gave it a more distinctive look. Her uncle said numerous times how to face Grimms – If they have bone armor, she won't be able to pierce it with her scythe, and she needs to crack it at range. But if they lack it, her Scythe should have no problem with slicing its skin. Or feathers in that matter.

If only she could pin the Nevermore in place just for a moment…

She watched how Blake whipped from one stone pillar to another with her weapon, then at Yang who stood on another pillar and continued her relentless barrage at the Nevermore, keeping it distracted. Ruby then turned to the cliff and this gave her an idea.

"I have a plan! Cover me!" She said to Weiss and then run to Blake.

In the different part of the ruins Deathstalker continued to smash against the stony structure, slowly destroying what was left of it, and Jaune quickly noticed how the remains of the bridge starts to violently shake with each hit. Knowing that if they stay on it any longer, they will soon fall to their death.

"We gotta move!" He took an initiative, pointed his blade at the Death stalker and rushed at it, the rest quickly following suit. The immediately responded with its claws, first attack was deflected by Pyrrha, and the second strike was thwarted by Jaune, who blocked it with his shield. Both then dodged the incoming stinger, but before Scorpion could retract it, Ren got on it, and discharged both of his twin pistols directly at the base of it, throwing the monster into a violent tantrum.

It started to swing its tail in the attempt to shake him away, while also covered its head from the incoming grenades.

Seeing the small gap in the Deatstalker defense, Pyrrha threw her javelin directly into one of the monsters eyes, making it screech in enormous pain, but with the last swing of it's tail, the Deathstalker was able to shake off the human, throwing him right at the wall.

"Ren!" Girl with the hammer yelled with worry after seeing her friend collapse on the ground, then attacked the Deathstalker with renewed vigor, relentlessly firing grenade after grenade at the Deathstalker's fractured carapace, shattering it further.

The beast rose one of it's claws to protect it's skull, while the other claw tried to grab and pull out the javelin from its eye, giving both Jaune and Pyrrha time to think. After a second he noticed how the stinger is now limply hanging from its tail, and wasted no time.

"Pyrrha!"

"Done." Pyrrha hurled her shield at the stinger, sliced it off and making it fall directly at the Deathstalker head, and the stinger stuck deep in its skull, sending it into frenzy, but it was not enough to kill it.

"Nora, nail it!" Jaune said after Pyrrha caught back her shield.

"Heads up!" Pyrrha made a platform for Nora with her shield, then Nora fired her weapon to send herself even higher. When she reached top of her flight, she started to fall at the Deathstalker, firing her weapon few more times to gain even more momentum. With joyful smile she slammed into the stinger with force strong enough to completely shatter the monsters bones, head, entire body and bridge under it, sending Pyrrha and Jaune flying above the monster. Mid-air Pyrrha managed to catch her javelin after the Deathstalker's corpse started to turn to black ash.

She landed on her two feet, Nora on her bottom and Jaune on his back. Seconds after their landing, Nora started to giggle like an overexcited child.

"I want one more time! One more!" She exclaimed with a gleeful smile.

"That's… enough for today Nora." Ren stumbled to the group, still feeling dizzy after slamming into the wall. "Maybe… Another time." He collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted.

"Ren! Don't die on me!" Nora run to check on him, and maybe shake him a little bit, while Jaune kept laying on his back, adrenaline now pouring away.

He is, somehow, still alive. He faced two giant Grimm in one day and survived. In comparison to that, school seemed like a piece of cake.

Suddenly, he noticed a hand reaching for him.

"Are you okay?" Pyrrha asked, and after a moment of hesitation, he took it so she could help him rise back on his feet.

"Yeah, few bruises few and there but nothing to worry about." He replied while shaking of some dirt from his trousers.

"I guess we make a good team." She said with a smile while Jaune looked at Nora and Ren.

"Enough sleeping prince, get up!" Nora tried to pull him up, but Ren remained on the ground.

"Just one minute." He replied, and Nora groaned with annoyance.

"Too long!" She started to poke him under his shoulder, and Ren left few annoyed grunts, while Pyrrha left a chuckle and Jaune smiled.

"Yeah, I guess so." Jaune said after moment, and then, an angry shriek draw their attention back at the flying Nevermore.

The beast flew around the second group under constant fire from Yang, its focus entirely on that pesky human. After one lucky shot exploded on its head, it finally snapped and flew directly at the annoying Blonde girl, its beak wide open to swallow her whole.

And she actually jumped into the open maw.

Suddenly the bird found itself unable to close its beak, the woman forcing it to keep it wide open as she started to fire directly into ithe beast's innards. Explosive shots tore the beast from the inside, and after the beast realized what is happening, it tried to either close the beak or throw away the unawanted meal.

"I! Hope! You! Are! Hungry!" Yang taunted as she continued to fire into the beast's maw, then looked back, quickly measured the distance between the Nevermore and the cliffs, fired few more shots into the gaping maw and then jumped from it, landing safely on the bridge while the dazed Nevermore couldn't control it's flight anymore, remaining on the collision course with the cliff.

Meanwhile Sauron climbed up the cliff, his excitement grew with each meter passed, for after this cliff, he will reach the civilization, and there, he will…

Suddenly, he felt the incoming danger and turned around to find the source of it, just in time to see the quickly incoming monster.

"You got to be…" He said before the Nevermore smashed into the wall, crushing him with its body. Then, it fell on the ruined structure underneath, and shortly after, large black bat fell right behind it.

"You pathetic…" Sauron looked at the monster with hatred, but falling stones silenced his curses and covered him in thick layer of stone.

Nevermore rose back on its two legs, screeched from both anger and the grievous pain. It tried to fly into the air again, but all the sudden, it's tail was frozen in place by Weiss, who then backflipped and swiftly run back to the group. While the Nevermore tried to free itself, trashing it's body around, Yang and Blake finished a makeshift sling, and Ruby quickly jumped on the center of it, bending the flexible material right into Weiss's Black Glyph.

"Of course you would come up with this idea." Weiss remarked.

"Think you can make a shot?" Ruby asked in turn, fully focused.

"Can I!" She smirked in response.

After a hearing that, shadow of doubt appeared in Ruby's mind.

"Can't?"

"Of course I can!" Weiss answered, annoyed that this kid didn't get an obvious irony.

Sauron rose from the pile of rubble, his bat body now set on fire.

"First, I will burn you to ash." He proclaimed. "Then... " He stopped after seeing four girls preparing some kind of attack against the pinned monster.

"Wait..." He muttered, not believing his eyes for the first time in eons. Are they truly going for the killing blow? Their attacks proved ineffective before, what makes them think this will…

The Black glyph holding Ruby in place turned red, and shot the Scythe-wielder with the earth-shattering force, directly at the trapped beast. Sauron watched in silent amusement as she slammed into the monster, pinned it to the wall, her scythe placed on creatures neck. Then, path of white glyphs appeared, probably thanks to "Weiss", and, yet again, girl surprised him even more when she pulled the Raven higher and higher, screaming on top of her lungs and firing her weapon to give herself more speed. And when she reached the top…

She severed the creatures head.

Sauron blinked few times, still processing what he just saw. They won. He looked at the three girls still in ruins, all cheering at this victory.

They won. Despite all odds.

He focused himself and looked for the rest of the humans and yes, they won too.

They fought two large abominations, and won.

It was surreal. It was like an band of goblins killed and old and wise eagle. Without loses.

And they are still children.

He looked up the cliff, and noticed "Ruby", standing on top in a slightly heroic pose, waving to people down in the ruins.

If now they are able to perform such feats, what they will become in the future? Mighty warriors? Leaders? Rulers?

Heroes?

Sauron chuckled. Now, it was more clear than ever.

He already found this world's fellowship.

---

"…And you actually made that jump!" Nora said after helping Jaune climb up.

"I could have died! You should have warn me before you did that!" Jaune retorted.

"And where is fun in that?" Nora replied with a cheeky smile.

"Forgive Nora, she is always like this." Ren said to him, and Nora, after letting go of Jaune's hand, leaned to Pyrrha's ear.

"And he LOVES it." She said to her, and while Pyrrha blushed, Ren just left a sigh.

"You are unbelievable and you know it." He simply said, and Nora brightened even more.

"You didn't deny!" She said with a grin.

"It was so AWESOME!" Ruby shouted, still reliving defeat of the Nevermore "We were like 'oh no!' We need to run!' but then we were like 'whoosh!' and I was like..."Aaa! and with proud smile, Yang rubbed her sister's hair.

"We know Rubes, we were there!"

"It was... thrilling." Blake admitted.

"All thanks to my leadership." Weiss announced, and Yang rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, you lead us well after vomit-boy had to save your butt." Weiss's face turned red in an instant.

"How dare..."

"Ekhem."

All eyes turned to Professor Goodwitch, who looked at them with a mixture of relief and respect.

"I'm glad you all survived the initiation." She said calmly voice when she approached them. "And taking unusual circumstances into the account, the extraordinary time it took you to get the relics is acceptable."

"We are the last?" Ren asked in disbelief.

"But certainly the best!" Nora cheered him up, while Professor fixed her glasses and pointed at the Bullhead.

"There is a ceremony awaiting you in the Academy, so get to the ship. You may get some rest once we get there.

"Professor Goodwitch, about the team formation..." Weiss run to Professor, who looked at the Schnee with indifferent look. "Could It be possible that I and Pyrrha will be in the same team?"

"That's for the Headmaster to decide." She pointed at the open transport. "Patience, Miss Schnee."

"Don't worry Weiss, we will make a great team!" Ruby said with a cheerful smile, but Weiss rose her nose, turned away from her partner and walked towards the airship. Before Ruby could ask what's wrong, Yang wrapped her around her shoulder.

"Don't worry about the Ice Queen, we just need to break some ice first." She said, patted her sister's shoulder, then walked past her sister and towards the airship, Blake walked slightly behind, and when she past Ruby, looked at her and gave her a nod.

"Umm, guys?" Jaune asked Ren and Nora. "If you want, there are still free places in my team. Maybe you would like too..."

"I think..." Ren thought about out loud, only for Nora to decide in an instant.

"Of course!" Nora hugged Jaune tightly, and he yelped when he felt all of his bones are being crushed. "We gonna have so much fun together!"

"Nora please, don't crush another spine." Ren left a heavy sigh of defeat while Juane desperately struggled for air.

"Maybe just a little..."

"Nora No!" Ren said when Jaune's face turned purple, and she finally released him. Before Blond Boy fell half-conscious, Pyrrha took a hold of him and helped him get to the airship, where he sat on the nearest seat and finally passed out, and couldn't notice that Pyrrha sat right beside him. Weiss tried to sit next Pyrrha, but Nora was way faster and took seat for both her and Ren. Weiss clenched her fists, then looked back at Yang, who patted the seat on her right, while Blake sat on her left.

"Your "throne", Ice Queen." She teased with a wide grin.

"Don't call me that." Weiss said, yet sat on it with a defeated expression.

Ruby stood alone at the edge of the cliff, her red cape floated thanks to the wind, sun illuminated her face, and despite aching muscles, she never felt more alive. Although the black clouds slightly spoiled the image, nothing could ruin this moment for her.

For today, first part of her Dream was fulfilled. Now, to the next one.

But, to her dismay, her eyes sparked once again as she watched the clouds, forcing her to rapidly blink.

"Ruby!" Yang called from the airship, snapping her back from this trance.

"Coming!" She run to the airship, and after she got there ramp closed behind her, the airship lifted itself into the air and flew back, towards the Academy. As the ship became smaller and smaller dot on the horizon, dark cloud opened its Eye and followed it from afar.

This humans are so fascinating, they somehow invented flying without wings, portable weaponry, use strange, unknown source of magic...

What else do you have in this world stored for me Melkor? Sauron wondered out loud, flying through the air like an omen of the storm.

He would never admit it, but he was relieved. Sure, those humans may prove troublesome bunch, perhaps even unpredictable from time to time. However, he has all the time in the world to bring them to his side, manipulate them to do his bidding, or simply crush them if necessary. But one thing was certain - he should not underestimate them. He will take each and every single member of this "Fellowship" seriously.

After all, You can't fool maia with the same trick twice.

Chapter 3: The Lord of Gifts

The Lord of Gifts

It was early morning in the city of Vale, and although it was still slightly dark outside, Capital was slowly coming back to life, as people got up from their beds, ate early breakfast and went to their jobs, schools and other activities. Vale was like a giant, awakening from its long slumber.

Only when streets were flooded with humans, the One Who Observes in the Shadow emerged from the back alley.

After the entire night of preparations, he walked out from his hiding spot in his fair form, but, instead of wearing white robes like he used to in the Middle Earth, he wore a suit which those mortals would call "old-fashioned, yet classic". Since the city was already full with all kinds of questionable design choices, nobody should care about someone like him. Even his white hair shouldn't surprise people that much, since it probably isn't that unique in this world.

The only thing differing him from a common citizen were his eyes, at first glance golden, but those finding themselves staring directly into them could later swear that they are more like molten magma from the depth of the earth, behind which lies diabolical intellect and a cunning mind. And now, these watchful eyes were scanning the awoken metropolis.

As Sauron walked down the busy street of the capital city, surrounded by the smells and sounds he never experienced in the Middle-earth, like the roars of the iron machines driving on the road or the flying ships passing above. He walked past various shops, whose owners basically sold magic in form of powder or crystals for coins and some green paper.

Yet, despite their advancements, he felt disgusted by all of the inefficiency around him – metal carriages wasted way too much energy, streets were uneven and too narrow to navigate, which in turn caused a traffic jam after traffic jam, slowing or even downright stopping the swift flow of supplies.

But selling magic for coins? That's helpful.

"The raising threat of the criminal underworld with infamous Roman Torchwick, as well as the terrorist organizations such as the White Fang, became the greatest challenges our Kingdom face since the end of the Great War." Sauron listened to the woman talking from some kind of palantir - a wall made of metal boxes behind the large window, her image playing on every glass screen – and watched the displays of the man called "Roman Torchwick", as well as the banner of this so called "White Fang". "The Council reassures that they have everything under control and keeps the suspicious elements in check, but some critics have expressed their concerns over inadequate police force." He resumed his walk, shaking his head in disappointment.

As always, Human ruling class is inept to lead. – Faces of these wretches are well known, yet they are still alive and commit atrocities. I can basically feel the rotting foundation of this "kingdom". And nobody is doing anything meaningful to stop it's decay.

He has so much to reorganize.

On the side note, humans around him were different, in fact, some weren't even human in the first place, possessing animal features - ears, tails, scales, every variety of the animal were noticeable, but, to his relief, there were no Elves.

Despite all the contempt he felt towards this city, deep down, his curiosity and fascination blossomed. Although it had its apparent flaws, "Vale" is way more fascinating than Numenor, - Numenorians remained stagnant, never changing in any major way, while here, humans push forward, bend nature to their will, and introduce new technologies which most in the Middle-Earth would consider a sorcery.

But first things first, to be able to take control of all of this, he needs to establish himself, and to make his presence permanent, he needs more knowledge. And in every city, there is a place in which you can gain much needed information.

He walked towards the giant building with roof made of glass, from which countless humans walked in with money, and out with items or clothes. A marketplace, where people both sell and buy not only little things, but also information. He paused before the glass door without a handle, only for them to open right before him, like they were welcoming him to get into the structure, the invitation he accepted.

Inside, Sauron's every sense was, once again, assaulted by the myriad of sounds and scents.

Everywhere he looked, there were giant, bright palantirs, showing images of various things, like extravagant clothes, "soda" (which he assumed was just another kind of tea), so called "kitchen robots", and while a woman voice briefly explained everything about those items, a loud yet catchy music was played from some unseeen musicians.

Under those large palantirs humans were entering shops stationed side by side, each looking for something they wanted or desired.

As Sauron walked, he admired how clever creators of these palantirs were: By bombarding humans with endless sound and picture, they put small seed of interest into their minds, influencing them to do, in this case to buy, something they never wanted to obtain in the first place. In Middle Earth, lack of such technology prevented him from utilizing this tactic on a mass scale, resulting in him using ineffective messengers and preachers. But now? So much opportunities presented themselves right before him.

He chuckled to himself while walking around, seemingly looking at everything in the stores, but in reality he listened carefully to what people were saying between each other, deeming most conversations useless, while listening to those he found more important.

"They said in the news that nobody died during this year's initiation!" One woman said to her friend.

"They were just lucky this time." Her friend replied, and Sauron clearly heard a glimpse of bitterness in her voice. "It's still disgusting, sending those kids there..."

"You know it's necessary, we need good Huntsmen to keep us all safe." And second female left a heavy sigh.

"I guess..."

"So those warriors are called "Huntsmen" Sauron thought, leaving the pair after they changed the topic. "Worth to remember."

So this society is willing to sacrifice their young to preserve their kingdom. But what is this threat that made them do such a choice? Those white-skulled monsters maybe? So many questions he must get an answer for.

"I swear to the Brother Gods, if I see you two here ever again, I will call the police!" Restaurant owner with bear ears and tall posture, violently kicked out two humans outside of his resturant. Both men raised on their feet and turned to the angry half-human.

"Go back to the forest you animal trash! Like the rest of your kind!" One of them showed the owner his middle finger while the other simply spat under the Faunus shoes. When the bear-human didn't even flinch, both left with disgust on their faces. When they were finally far enough, owner sighed and walked back into his restaurant, while Sauron, who observed the whole encounter, at first wanted to walk away, only to stop after seeing something useful inside the said restaurant - A Palantir displaying something else than expensive clothes called "news".

Perfect.

He walked into the establishment, and took a sit near the active Palantir.

" ... Repeated attacks of the Faunus terrorists against small enterprises cause more distress among the population, and the threat only grows with each passing day." Said the same woman he saw on the street palantirs.

"They ruined my life!" Human in Palantir cried to those holding it "Why!? I didn't do anything! I was never against the Faunus!"

"No wonder why they act like this." Sauron heard behind and turned to lookat the bear-human, who stared at him with his tired eyes. "Being treated like unwanted trash doesn't help with easing the tensions."

"Humans mistreat you because you are different? How... typical." Sauron said his thoughts out loud.

"Sadly. Some people and companies more than others." Faunus rose his notebook and grabbed the pen. "What for you, friend? You should check out the menu."

Sauron looked at the sheet of paper on the table, picked it up and read it just to fool the owner for little longer, while his full focus was on something else entirely.

"Authorities are already on the case ma'am." Probably commander of the guard spoke in the Palantir, standing near the scene of the crime. "We will find those responsible for the attacks against people of Vale, and bring them to justice."

"Just like you brought justice to Junior huh?" Faunus commented with disdain, and Sauron looked at him with curiosity.

"Who is this "Junior" you speak of?" He asked, sensing that this one possess valuable intel.

"Another scumbag." Faunus said with disgust. "He pose as a simple investor, but in reality, he is just another bandit."

"And they are not doing anything about it?"

"Nothing at all." Faunus said with anger, much to fallen maia's delight. "They are too focused on their own pockets. And Junior certainly has some influence in Police Department."

How convenient. It's easier to take control from those corrupted by wealth.

Faunus then smiled with satisafaction. "But from what I heard, some time ago someone beat his ass and ruined his club."

"Oh really?" Sauron asked with greta curiosity, and Faunus giggled.

"Yeah, he now hides inside and is even afraid to stick out his nose, fearing the "bad press"' Faunus snickered. "Did you decide what you want?"

"Indeed." Sauron rose from his chair, much to Faunus confusion. "You served me well." He added before walking towards the entrance.

"But, you didn't eat anything?" Faunus replied, which made Sauron stop in the entrance.

"How many people visit you daily?" Former Dark Lord questioned instead.

"Well, not that much." Faunus admitted, shrugging his arms. "Enough to pay the bills though."

"Many more will come to you, so better be ready." With that said, just before Faunus could ask how he can be so sure about that, Sauron whispered into the air his command, and pleasant smell coursed through the building, drawing nearby people with the promise of ecstatic meal and the filled stomachs.

Faunus blinked seeing so many people stopping and looking at his small restaurant with fascination, some already making their way towards it.

"Enjoy your gift while it lasts." Sauron said with a smirk while faunus's jaw dropped. "Maybe you will be able to pay for more than your "bills"."

"What... How… Who are you?" Faunus asked, Sauron put a genuine smile and answered without hesitation:

"My name is Annatar."

---

Sun shined over the Beacon Academy, welcoming the students walking to their classes. For some, Sun gave them a happy welcome, for others a sweat goodbye, but most of the new students were still uncertain, maybe even fearful of what the future holds, but they couldn't wait.

However, this attitude wasn't shared by all.

"I understand your concern Glynda, but overreacting won't help." Headmaster Ozpin said while observing the first year students going to their classes.

"It is not an "overreaction" Headmaster, it's a concern." Goodwitch replied while walking beside him. "Not only Peter is an expert with Grimm here, and I am sure that this Wolf was something else."

Ozpin sighed. He didn't want to show it, but he was worried too. He watched the recording multiple times already, and each time it gave him more and more unnerving, yet familiar, feeling of dread. But he can't just jump to conclusions, he needs to maintain a stoic attitude.

"I already made moves considering this recording and I shall wait for the results before taking any action. If I learn something regarding this matter, You will be the first person to know everything. But now, we shouldn't panic." After a moment, Glynda nodded in agreement.

"You are right Headmaster." She begrudgingly agreed.

"Right now, we have other matters to attend to." Ozpin said. "How many teams made it to their classes?"

Glynda opened her scroll and quickly checked it, thoughts of the Direwolf pushed away, just like Ozpin hoped.

"Only two teams are still in their rooms." She looked at Ozpin, her normal strict attitude returned. "Team RWBY and JNPR."

"Do they?" Ozpin pointed his cane at two teams in question running at full speed to their class. Glynda looked at her watch, then gave the runners a look full of contempt while Headmaster took another sip from his mug.

Few Hours later

"Another!" Junior ordered and a glass full of alcohol landed right in his hand. He drank it in one go, threw it away, at the large pile of glass in the corner.

"Another!" he ordered again, and sighed heavily when another glass appeared in his hand. He looked at his own reflection in the brown liquid, then crushed the glass between his fingers, not caring about the sharp shards wounding his hand.

After that Blondie crushed his club and, most importantly, his balls, both his pride and prestige in the town took a truly devastating blow, as his old partners suddenly disappeared, and the usual contractors told him to piss off. He was perceived as a weakling, who can't even deal with a Huntress on his home turf. And she was just a student! The Spider is probably laughing their asses off.

He briefly gazed at his men with anger while they were still removing piles of trash or paving the floor. If only they were more competent, no one would ever dare to question his strength or authority.

"Another!" He yelled.

"Though day?" Someone inquired and Junior nodded his head.

"More like a shitty week." he said, and gratefully took a glass from the stranger. "Thanks." He drank it's contents and put it back, little confused. "It's without a taste."

"Water rarely has a 'taste', friend." Newcomer replied, and this time, gears in Junior's head finally turned. He looked at the smirking stranger, stared blankly into his golden eyes and finally realized.

"Who the hell are you?"

Newcomer chuckled in response.

"My name is Annatar, the Master of Gifts."

"Never heard about you." Junior discreetly gestured for his henchmen to come closer, but didn't turn away from Annatar.

"No wonder, I came from far away, just to speak with you." Annatar replied, not concerned about armed bodyguards slowly making their way towards him. He have plenty of time.

"If you look for some information or deal, then speak up, otherwise get the hell out." Junior snarled, trying to intimidate the starnger, but something inside in his gut screamed to run as far as possible. He gave a quick look to the Malachite twins sitting nearby, both women were already observing the situation, ready to jump into action if needed.

Annatar nodded hearing the Junior's offer, lifted one of the glasses and looked at his reflection in the liquid.

"On the contrary." He spoke up, still looking at the glass. "I came here with an offer of my own."

"An offer?" Junior scoffed. "What can you sell me?"

"What I want to give you is something that can't be bought or sold to the highest bidder. What I crave to share is what you need as much as the air and the water. What I offer is..."

Annatar looked at Junior again, and the "Information Broker" felt might behind Annatar's words, and finally noticed that the golden eyes are, in fact, more akin to a erupting volcano. He felt like the man sitting beside him and staring right into his grey orbs is the one holding all of the aces. Even surrounded by Junior's entire gang, basically in Lion's den, Junior felt that Annatar is truly in control of the meeting.

"...Power."

Junior raised his hand, and his army of henchmen stopped, awaiting further orders.

"I already have an influence." Xiong pointed out, but stranger's laugh set him on the edge of an angry outburst.

"Truly? You call this..." Annatar gestured at the entirety of the building interiors, still in bad shape, as well at the tired goons fixing everything. "...Power? From what I have heard, humans think otherwise."

Junior frowned hearing this, and through clenched teeth, he hissed.

"What did they say?"

Annatar smiled at him, but didn't say anything, his mocking smile worth more than thousand words.

"Bastards..." Junior whispered, and hit the table with his fist. "They dare laugh at me!?"

"They seem to not show you a proper respect, Junior Xiong."

"Yeah, no shit. I got unlucky once or twice, but it all fell apart after that Blondie crushed everything. I mean, how could I know she was a Huntress?! And now Roman took the spotlight, that Mistrealian snake."

"Do you wish to regain your rightful place? Your lost authority?" Annatar insisted, but Junior scoffed at this.

"Right, coming right back to your "offer". What is it exactly?"

"I posses skills and abilities far surpassing your even wildest dreams. I can shape metal as easily as clay, make it do my bidding."

"So, you can make weapons or what?" Junior asked and Annatar sighed, disappointed at the human's lack of imagination.

"I can make EVERYTHING." He declared after a moment, without even a hint hesitation in his voice. "Each item far surpassing what even Kingdom of Atlas can do with their technology."

Junior wheezed hard upon hearing this, and Annatar gave Xiong a questioning gaze.

"Bold claim, I give you that. Look, I admire confidence, but..."

"It was not a mere claim." Sauron interrupted, and Junior stopped laughing, now looking at his guest with renewed curiosity. "It was a statement. And if you provide me with everything I need, we both shall gain from our partnership."

"I will decide about that." Junior said, and waved to one of his goons. "Mistrealian dream" at once." And goon quickly run to the storage while Junior turned his full attention back at Annatar.

It was clear that this 'Annatar' is not joking, and although he looked rather strange, it only made Junior suspect that Annatar might be either a disgraced Atlasian engineer, or one of those Merlot freaks. If so, then having him would be beneficial. And if he fails, then making an example of him will clearly show to everyone around town that nobody can make a fool of Junior Xiong and live to tell the tale.

Unless it's that Blondie.

'"Everything" you say." Junior repeated, deep in his thoughts. "You are confident, I give you that."

Annatar didn't reply to that, and goon with "Mistrealian dream" in hand quickly put the large bottle in the middle of table. Junior picked it up and filled two glasses with crimson liquid.

"You had my attention, but now, you have my interest." he pushed one of the glasses to his guest, and when Annatar took it, Junior lifted his drink. "I give you one month to prove your worth, Ann. Impress me, and you can consider our deal sealed. If you don't..."

"You will take my head as punishment?" Annatar lifted his own glass with confident smirk. "Don't worry. Failure is not an option."

"Then, let's make toast for that." Junior said, raising his drink. "Partner."

"Gladly... Partner." Glasses clanged, signifying an agreement, which, known only for one of them, will shake the entire Kingdom, and maybe even a world.

Beacon Academy

"Bravo, Bravo!" Professor Port said, watching how Boarbatusk's corpse disappeared after the fight with Weiss Schnee. "It appears that we are, indeed, in a presence of the true Huntress in training."

While Weiss gasped for air after the exhausting duel, Professor looked at the clock on top of the class, little sad that the lesson is over.

"I'm afraid that's all the time we had for today, be sure to cover the assigned readings and stay vigilant. Class dismissed."

He noticed that Weiss Schnee left first, visibly angry at something, not even waiting for her team, and the rest of the students looked at each other with confusion.

"Sheesh, what's with her?" Port heard from student Arc, and although he would put it in different words, he fully agreed – She did great for the first day of studying, why is she so upset? The answer hit him when Leader of the Team RWBY run after her, leaving rest of the team to pack their belongings.

"Of course." He thought. "Problems within the Team."

His specialty were always the creature of the Grimm, their various subtypes and the tactics to efficently deal with them, but sadly, he lacked expertise in terms of 'team-building'. He had dramas when he was young, clashed with his own team leader on numerous occasions, but he didn't have any idea how to resolve those kinds of conflicts. He just hoped that Team RWBY will resolve this peacefully on its own and do it while they are studying, not when they are fully-fledged huntresses. Lack of trust between the teammates can be as dangerous as the monsters they fight against.

When the last student left the class, he started to pack his own things and go outside to enjoy the sunset, but when he wanted to pack up his scroll, he looked at it and remembered.

"Headmaster's recording!" He realized that he completely forgot about it, too excited for the new year's coming today, focusing on making the good first impression. "He said that this one require my expertise, so let's not waste time." He unlocked his scroll, sat on his chair and started the video.

The video started when eight the students – Team RWBY and JNPR – picked up their relics and started to run away, while Giant Nevermore circled above their heads, and Deathstalker tried to free itself from the ice.

"Both old Grimm." He noted out loud. "Nevermore can probably shoot it's feathers, while the Deathstalker's carapace is as hard as steel."

When they run into the forest, Nevermore fly right above them, leaving only the Deathstalker…

Few hours later

"Here we are." Driver of the truck turned to his passengers "You can take your stuff."

Xiong henchmen jumped out of the truck and walked to its back, while Annatar left the vehicle last, still reliving the experience of "riding in a truck"

It was faster than a horse, more comfortable than the carriage and certainly better armored than both. Sauron always knew such machines were possible, and at some point he even wanted to design and give them to younger races as a gift, but he put those ideas on a hold until the Middle-Earth was finally under his unified rule.

It felt good knowing that he was, as always, right.

He looked at the building Junior "graciously" allowed him to use for one months, with an implication that if Annatar perform well, ownership will be granted to him permanently. Although not impressive, below standard even, he already planned some radical changes.

"Careful with this!" He heard and watched how two stronger henchmen carry a steel anvil towards the building, while another carried box full of tools. Then, he walked to the door, drew the key he got from Xiong and unlocked his new forge.

The interior, as expected after not being used for too long, was full of spider webs, old wood boxes and piles of bricks in the corners.

"At least floor is not full of holes." Annatar remarked, then turned to the group of henchmen designated to help him. "Clear out all the trash at once."

As they carried out his order, he walked around the building, envisioning the interior of his new forge: Anvil in the middle, furnace at that wall, desks and chairs for humans to observe his work...

"After you are done with this filth, prepare to clear out the remains."

"What remains? " One of the goons asked, and after Annatar's wide gesture, he blinked few times.

"You can't be serious..."

---

Limestone was a quiet district of the capital, nothing remarkable happened here, aside of companies dropping trash once or twice, and at first, people living here paid little attention to new arrivals. "Someone is making his/her new business here, cool I guess." they thought and carried on with their usual tasks, like going to get some food or meeting their friends. That was, until those strange people with red glasses started to tear out the door from its frame.

Small crowd started to gather outside, and one of the newcomers, one with a green tie rushed out to stop them from coming closer.

"Stay where you are!" He warned while waving his hands for everyone to see.

"What are you guys doing?" One person from the crowd asked.

"Tearing part of the wall down."

"What!? Why?!"

"To make a more "welcoming space" apparently." He said uncertain, and soon all heard the hissing sound. "He already started."

To people's shock, right in the middle of the wall, a trail of magma burnt its way through, making a long, straight line across it, then, after nearly eaching the end of the wall, magma switched direction and with perfect 90°, it hit the ground.

After that, brick wall collapsed inward, but by some miracle it did not shatter upon the impact. Group of Xiong henchmen already started to cut it into small pieces for easier clean up while Annatar slowly lowered his hands, fire disappearing as fast as it manifested. He then gave the crowd a king's bow.

"I hoped you liked my little show of abilities." He said it normally, not too loud, and yet, everyone heard him clearly.

"Why did you tear down your wall man?" Someone voiced the question of the entire gathering.

"For you to observe my work of course!" Man with white hair and golden eyes walked towards the crowd with a wide, friendly smile on his face, like a benovelant prince approaching his newfound subjects. "Since I have nothing to hide, why should I separate myself from you?"

"Are you the owner of this shop?"

"Indeed I am. And before you ask - My name is Annatar, but you may call me "the Master of Gifts"."

"What do you want to sell?"

"Another dust shop would be nice, hard to get it nowadays."

"Maybe weapons shop?"

"Oh, that would be cool too! Something cheaper than "Guns and Butter" perhaps?"

Annatar chuckled hearing this discussion, but it was time for him to cut the speculations at once.

"Why should I limit myself that much?" He said, and the crowd looked at him with confusion. "I will do something more here." He looked at the crowd, and, for a single second, his eyes fired up. "I will make Dreams come true."

He raised his hands to the air like a preacher. "Each of you have a desire you wish to fulfill, a craving you desperatly want to satisfy. Or maybe your dream lacks something or worse, it was broken by the time or accident? Rejoice, for I can smith anything from every material known to men, not only metal or gems. If needed, I may not only repair, but also uplift something once broken to new heights." He smiled seeing their stunned reactions. "And all of that for a reasonable price."

People looked at each other with disbelief. It was a very nice marketing slogan sure, but fulfilling dreams? No way. Even after sounding that confident, no one bought it. At least, not without a proof.

"You are a Smith? I thought you guys are only in some remote villages." Tall man from the crowd said.

"Because those in power think think we are obsolete, since technology is able to do everything better, correct?" Annatar chuckled after saying this. "That's why I, the Master of Gifts, arrived here - to prove everyone that nothing can surpass a Masterful Craftsman."

Although curious, crowd slowly started to disperse. Annatar light up their curiosity, but they took it as a clever marketing strategy, nothing more. Having a Smith in town was something new, but many suspected that he will quickly bankrupt, so why bother?

When Annatar wanted to return and carry on with his task of preparing the forge, he felt someone pulling his long sleeve.

"You really can repair anything?" A little girl, maybe less than nine, with, surprisingly, mouse ears asked, giving him a pleading eyes, while Annatar smiled back at her.

"And uplift, yes."

She let go of him and ran back somewhere, Annatar followed her with his gaze for a moment, only to nod knowingly and turned to his subordinates.

"Continue your tasks, I want to test the tools."

As they returned to clearing out the remains of the smashed wall, Sauron walked past them, towards the anvil they put in the middle, just like he ordered them to. He touched the surface of the anvil, satisfied that it was truly made from steel, not any other weaker yet cheaper material, like Junior suggested. He scoffed at the mere memory of this fool - Although his "partner" keeps all the cards for now, his greed and lack of foresight will ensure his downfall, or perhaps, the shift in their dynamic? All Sauron needs is time. And the time he will get.

He checked the tools - hand hammers, sledgehammers, pliers, small blades and so on. - All made in so called "factory". He carefully checked every single tool for any sign of defect, and only after he was sure that his tools are fine, he turned to materials - mostly common iron and coal. Although Junior advised to use cheaper gas to fire the forge, after brief consideration, Sauron picked both coal and gas. For some tasks, flammable gas can be used, for example to quickly smelt something, but the true smith works both with the fire and the metal, and the fire produced by coal is more... alive.

He took a small bar of iron, picked up a handhammer, made few swings with it. For a start, tools given by Xiong will suffice, but he must forge his own, for he already knew that hammers made in factory will quickly wear down, while those made by his own hands will last for centuries.

Just when he started to wonder when the girl with mouse ears will return, he heard a commotion right outside.

"It's not open yet kid, come later." One of the goons grumbled while picking up another brick.

"But..." The little girl wanted to argue, but goon hushed her with a hand gesture. Sauron noticed that she holds something in her hands, and he raised his voice slightly.

"Let her in." He ordered, and henchman at first looked at him with surprise, then stepped aside, allowing the girl with mouse ears into the forge. Without another word, she approached the anvil with a small bundle. She put it on the anvil and looked at Annatar hopefully.

"This is Dumbo." She said while slowly opening her package. "He is my best friend. He was always there to play with me, or when I had a bad day."

She opened her bundle and hundreds of porcelain pieces fell on the anvil.

"But he fell from the wardrobe, and... and..."

"You don't need to explain more." Annatar said with calm voice. "I understand."

"Father tells me to let him go, but I can't just throw him away!"

"I know." Annatar started to organize this pile of fragile porcelain, finding matching pieces. "You don't want to lose a friend."

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "Can you help him?"

Sauron looked at the small crowd gathering outside, and smiled back to her.

"Of course." He reassured and picked a plie "And, if you wish, nothing will break him ever again."

Her eyes shined for a moment, and she gleefully nodded. Just when Annatar started his work, girl realized something.

"And how much..."

"You will pay?" Annatar interrupted, only to chuckle quietly. "Who would I be to take money from a child saving her trusted companion?"

He looked at the small crowd, speaking to one another quietly, and Sauron already knew what they are talking about. His mask is already paying off.

"How long it will take?" Girl asked.

"Not too long, so please, take a sit and patiently wait." He looked at one of the goons in the corner. "Bring her something to drink and eat, at once."

Just when the goon run to the storage, Annatar looked at the porcelain pieces, their shape indicatin that it was once a small, porcelain elephant, with personality made up by the child's imagination. If he simply put the elephant back together, he will get a small applause, but that's all. No, if he wants to proceed with his plans, He needs to first show these humans how three eras of smithing looks like.

Let's get started.

Half an hour later

Junior drove through the city in his black car, sitting on the backseat and smoking a cigar, while Malachite twins, his personal bodyguards, were sitting beside him.

Although he promised to not interfere with the "Lord of Gifts" or "Master "or whatever his title was, 'smithing business' too much, from the start it all sounded way too sketchy for his tastes. His men were there if something happens, but he knew he could not count on their competence recently, especially when his reputation is... not in very good shape. So he decided to go there by himself and make sure everything is fine.

"What do you think about him Melanie?" He suddenly asked, and the woman rolled her eyes.

"He is confident, that's for sure." She replied. "Reminds me of certain someone."

"He sounds gentle." Militiades inquired, but Junior was not satisfied with the answers.

"I meant: 'Do you think he will try to pull something off.'"

"I don't think so." Melanie said. "He didn't look that dumb, he knows the consequences."

"He gave you his word." Militia added. "People usually don't break their promises."

"For some, breaking agreements is as easy as breath... what the hell is going on there?" He looked through the window at the gathered crowd, standing right before a wide hole in the wall of the building Junior rented to Annatar

"Did he just took down entire section of the wall?" Melanie asked, but Junior was already seething in rage.

"Who gave him permission to do that!?"

"You said that he is allowed to use the building." Militia pointed out.

"I thought about moving some furniture or clearing trash, not demolishing it!" Trio got out from the the car, and Junior put on his sunglasses. "Let's hear his explanation."

They made their way through the crowd, coming closer and closer to the opening, noticing that all people gathered outside were simply staring into the building in silence.

It gave him creeps.

When they walked past what should be doors, Junior saw Annatar standing near the anvil, putting a final piece of the... Small porcelain elephant?

Junior rose his eyebrow in surprise, only to flinch back when the stream of fire swept over the porcelain, molding the cracks, leaving only the polished surface. Then, Annatar took the elephant in both of his hands and approached the girl sitting in the corner.

"Your friend is fine again." He announced to her and everyone gathered outside. "And I think he wants to thank you for bringing him to me." With that said, he blew a gentle breath on the little elephant.

And just like after the touch of the magic wand, elephant started to move - it raised its porcelain head and trumpet at the girl with happiness, much to everyone's shock and the girl's disbelief.

Little girl extended her hand, and the elephant walked on it from Annatar's hands.

"I'm sorry I dropped you, I'm so sorry." She said, and the elephant trumpted cheerfully again, then started to roll on her hand, making her smile.

Everyone were left dumbfounded. Almost all of them saw how he reconstructed the porcelain figure from scratch, barely putting anything inside, and yet the way this small elephant move... It feelt so alive. So unimaginable. Junior could hear whispers in the crowd, some still doubting while most started to believe what he said earlier:

I will make dreams come true.

Annatar turned his gaze towards Junior, who in turn simply stared at him, not knowing what to say or how to react to all this. Before Junior could either scold him for "wasting" time, or praise him for the good work, Sauron seized the initiative.

"Ah, my noble patron! I am more than glad you decided to show up in person." Annatar eagerly shook Junior's hand, and turned to the crowd. "Thanks to this man, I am here, citizens of Vale! Rest assured, for I will repay his generosity tenfold, and you shall receive it fully!"

As expected, crowd clapped their hands, used their handheld palantirs and pointed them both on Annatar and Junior, and Sauron quickly noticed the prideful look from his 'partner' full of greed, and allowed himself a satisfied smile. He knew how to influence others, and nothing feeds pride more than thunderous applause and visible admiration.

Junior tilted his head slightly to Annatar, still smiling to the crowd, while Melanie and Militia stepped aside, not wanting to find themselves in the center of attention.

"How many of these can you make?" Junior whispered to Sauron.

"As long as our agreement stands, as many as you please." He whispered back, and then approached the crowd and eagerly clapped his hands. "So, who wants their Dreams fulfilled?"

Notes:

Sauron came to Vale, made his presence known for it's people, and he came back to his old tricks, like those in Eregion or Numenor.
Who knows what kind of change will "the Dream Smith" bring? A positive one, a REALLY bad one?
What is certain that there is gonna be more of Annatar persona.
I think you won't be disappointed Gryf, or at least I hope you won't
Thanks for reading, have a wonderful day!
DJ and Konsilio

Chapter 4: Sauron Encounters 1

Summary:

First of many chapters during which Sauron slowly grows accustomed to the world of Remnant, as well as some of the Ozpin's worries.

Sauron encounters: Electricity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fascinating.

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

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

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

"In complete darkness?"

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

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

Goon frowned.

"Don't… work, Chief?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Umm…"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you doing!?"

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

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

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

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

"Yeahhh…" Goon still looked unconvinced.

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

"Nathan, chief."

"Just Nathan?"

"Yowwick, Boss."

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

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

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

"Sure, nothing weird happened here."

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

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

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

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

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

Ozpin worries and old partnerships

Beacon Academy, Headmaster's office

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

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

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

Progress of Team RWBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He showed Ozpin the recording and played it.

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

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

"This creature concerns you Headmaster?"

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

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

"The fur?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What!? Where!?"

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

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

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

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

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

"It can be a coincidence."

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

"It's missing one."

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

He saw it immediately. It was clearly visible now.

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

"No."

"Yes."

"I can't be possible."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Peter." She greeted him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Unless he drunks himself to death."

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

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

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

One Month. Still some tiding to be done.

I need you sooner.

Queen?

Not sure.

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

Short pause, then scroll beeped again.

One week is enough?

Yes. 5 PM. Don't be late.

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

Notes:

When Sauron is going to make Rings? Probably soon enough.
After all, it wouldn't be a Lord of the RIngs fanfic without a Ring, right? However, I intened to make the Rings a significant plot devices.
The Question is: Who will be the first to receive a Ring?
Thanks for your comment Ri2! Have a nice week!

Chapter 5: Helping Hands - part 1

Helping Hands - part one

Sound of clashing steel echoed through the room, and with powerful blow to his shield, Jaune Arc was pushed back few meters, breathing heavily.

"That's all you got?" Cardin gave him an unamused look. "I never thought it would be THAT disappointing."

Jaune again tried to stab his opponent, but with little effort, Cardin jumped away from this clumsy attack, and in a single move smashed Jaune's shield with his hammer, sending it flying away, and before Arc could recover it, Cardin was already upon him, and soon, their weapons were locked in stalemate.

"And this is the part where you lose." Winchester said with a mocking grin, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Over my dead... " Jaune tried to boldly reply, but knee to the gut took away both his breath and bravado, sending him right on the arena's floor. And before Arc could get back up, Cardin stepped on his stomach.

"That can be arranged." Cardin whispered to him with a cruel smile, then raised the Executioner...

But before he could finish the act, the buzzer rings went out, lights returned, and Professor Goodwitch stepped in.

"Cardin, that's enough." And Cardin left an annoyed grunt, but he stepped away from the loser.

"Your lucky day, Jauney boy." Cardin whispered to him and walked away.

"Students, as you can see, Mr. Arc's Aura has now dropped into the red." Professor said while tapping her scroll, showing all gathered students Jaune's nearly empty bar of aura while Cardin's didn't even move. "In a tournament-styled duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle, and that the official may call the match."

Still laying on the floor, Jaune looked at his scroll, and sighed heavily seeing his nearly empty bar of aura. Yet again, another defeat. As he watched at the displays of his teammates, he could feel embarrassment caused by their team leader's, yet another, failure.

"Mr Arc." Jaune suddenly heard from Professor "It's been weeks now. Please try to refer to your scroll during combat. Gauging your Aura will help you decide when it's appropriate to attack, or when it is better to move to a more... defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf now, would we?"

He could hear the mocking laughter from Cardin's team, and turned to look at his own group.

Ren seemingly looked not interested at all, but Jaune could notice a glimmer of pity. Nora, with eyes burning out of anger, nearly jumped from her seat and started a brawl with three of Cardin teammates but Ren's arm hold her in place. And Pyrrha...

He looked into her green eyes, full of sadness and genuine care, and for some reason, he started to feel even worse.

He hated making anyone sad, and yet, he never failed in that regard.

"...It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing!" Jaune heard only that part of Glynda speech, because whirlwind of thoughts deafend him for everything else. "Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale!"

After she said that, the bell rang, and students started to leave the combat class, and Cardin walked past him.

"Wolfmeat." He whispered, and then laughed out loud, his team joining it as they were leaving. Jaune tried to ignore it, but he couldn't.

He hanged his head in shame while the class slowly started to empty itself.

He is an Arc, a descendent of a heroes. Why is he so weak?

"Mr. Arc" Glynda said after a few seconds. "Your class has ended, you may leave the stage."

"Ah yes, sorry!" The sudden comment drew him out from his thoughts. He stood up and run away after his team, but before he left the classroom, he looked back at the Professor Goodwitch, and from her cold stare he got a hidden message.

"What are you even doing here?"

---

A finishing touch on the crystal, a final piece in place…

Annatar rose the tiny spoon with rock crystal at the end, examined it thoroughly and with satisfied smile he put it into the box.

He lifted the box and approached the woman sitting on the armchair in the middle of the forge. He put the box before her.

"Milady, you asked for a set of cutlery for your entire family." He showed the contents of the box. There were forks, knives, spoons of all sizes, each reflecting the sunlight. - A cutlery that would both please the eye and fulfill its purpose.

Woman took a spoon and looked closely at the it.

"Is this Silver?"

"I assure you, it's just stainless steel." Annatar said.

"But it shines like silver."

"And will continue for the rest of time."

"Mira... Klein... Alexander... You named each after us?" She looked at her family, eating cake and drinking coffee, and in case of children tea.

"Only made sure that during dinner, nobody will mistake your favorite fork or spoon, and each member of your family have a spoon, fork and knife. But that's not all." He grabbed the bucket full of water, then took one of the spoons. "During dinner or supper, things tend to fall from the spoon directly on the table." In one swift move, he filled the spoon with water as much as he could, to the point that some of it should fell from it. Yet, it didn't.

"My spoons will not drop anything." He said while swinging the spoon back and forth, to the sides or up and down, each time faster and faster. "Unless the user wish them to do so." He turned the spoon and all its contents fell back into the bucket.

"This could be the trick, you know?" Woman said with suspicion, but Annatar only chuckled and put the spoon back into the box.

"Each possess the same ability, so please, pick one of your liking and test it." He turned to one of his subordinates. "Grisha, bring me coffee, oil and this brown, sweet substance."

"Hot Chocolate, Sir?"

"Indeed. Bring it swiftly." Grisha run to the back of the forge, while Sauron allowed himself to get a good look at the gathered crowd eating cakes, ice creams or just drinking coffee and even this so called "soda"*

He made necessary improvements, such as adding tables, chairs and benches for humans to sit comfortably and watch his work, which he thought will give his little "business" much needed attention. But he never thought about simultaneously opening a "Cafe", not realizing what kind of profits it will bring. But one day, one of Junior's bodyguards, the one called "Militiades", came and observed his work for few hours to report it to her Master. At least, that's what he thought, because after the work day, she approached him and pointed several ways of improvement, including starting a "cafe".

"There are many cafe's in Vale, but there is no Forge with a Cafe in town." She argued, and after some time of consideration, He took this advice, revalued it and gave it a try.

At first he had to pay for additional expenses, considering he had to bring all ingredients and make necessary space, but he never cared about expenses if they meant progress in his plans. However, Militiades proved yet again to be more than useful - because of her, he found in Junior's gang people with talent and that were passionate about bakery and coffee making, yet couldn't spread their wings due to Junior's total disinterest.

He cursed this fool and his ignorance many times already, yet it was never enough. And the success of this Cafe was a proof.

"Order to table Seven!" His goon shouted from behind the counter, and handed two plates with some cakes to a "waiter", who carried the order to the said table.

It was baffling that this "cafe" actually worked out. He just needs to supervise if his men are maintaining the quality, but other than that, he didn't even need to lift a finger. Who would have thought that people will pay for some water with beans boiled on his Smelter? Of course when he use it, none will dare to boil anything without his permission.

Forge is top priority, not the other way around.

His attention returned back to a woman, who tested each spoon with different liquids, yet not a single drop fell to the ground, no matter how hard she swung it.

"It's..."

"Do not praise it yet." Annatar said. "There are still forks and knives. And speaking of which... " He picked up the knife and put its blade against his hand. "It is able to cut through any food, from the boar's meat to soft fruits, however against human skin..."

He sliced it, making his customer gasp in shock, but with a proud smile, he showed that his hand is unharmed.

"... It won't even leave a scratch." He gave her the knife, and she reluctantly took it and put her finger on the sharp edge

"It's like a touching feather, yet colder... " Woman said after touching the edge with curiosity. "How are you doing this?"

"It's just masterfully done." He reached to the box. "And about the forks..."

"What is that?" She took a smaller spoon with crystal at the end from the box.

"That one is my favorite." Annatar touched his creation with pride. "Unlike others, it's special in other way."

"Which is?"

"Look at the crystal." And when she did, something seemed to shine inside. A short text:

"The Family is at its warmest at the dinner table."

"Wow... - She said, staring at the crystal and its message. "And you did that all in one hour?"

"Of course not." He disagreed. "I made at least four in that time."

She blinked, dumbfounded at that statement, and her family also was left speechless.

"Are you satisfied?" Annatar waved for one of the goons to come over.

"I am. I really am."

"Gunther, lead the lady to the counter, she will pay the amount we agreed upon." Sauron followed her with his stare, satisfied about this creation. Even now he felt that some of the gathered humans will order him the same thing, and, just like he said, he prepared more than one set.

He tried to justify it with "using human jealousy", but, truth to be told, during his work he often let himself get… carried away. Working on his anvil, melting the metal, shaping the stone – He does that with passion, and give himself to joy of creation, for he didn't felt it for thousands of years.

Because during his service to Morgoth and then attempts of unifying Middle-Earth, he, regretfully, never had time for his calling. He spent centuries scheming, commanding armies and attempting to bring down the West under his heel.

In fact, he had time for one thing he was both most proud and ashamed off. His Magnum Opus.

He turned to the crowd, all awaiting their turn.

He knows what he has to do here at some point, but he will indulge in this moment for as long as possible.

"NEXT!"

---

"So! There we were, in the middle of the night..." Nora started to passionately tell the story.

"It was day." Ren quickly corrected, much to gathered group amusement. Well, most of it.

Jaune wasn't listening to the story, too focused on his own thoughts to hear it. As he mashed the potato into puiree, he thought about his first three weeks of studies at Beacon - three weeks of being the worst in most of the subjects.

Combat classes? No win. History of Remnant? He could barely name single Atlesian general from the Great War. Huntsman regulation? It actually went better, but being mediocre isn't an achievement. He actually felt like a deadweight, carried by the rest.

And he thought that school will be a piece of cake.

"Dozens of them!" Nora jumped on the table, her story reaching some interesting climax, but Ren slightly shook his head and grabbed the cup of coffee.

"Two of 'em."

"They can take on two Ursai, while I barely survived the landing. Great." Jaune thought in sour mood without realizing that Ruby's and Pyrrha's attention turned to him.

"Jaune? Are you okay?" Pyrrha asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Oh, yeah? Why?"

"It's just that you seem a little..." Ruby thought for a moment, thinking how to say in polite way. "...Not okay."

"Guys I'm fine!" He said after attention around the table shifted entirely on him. He never wanted to trouble them in the first place, so he tried to continue this facade. "Seriously! Look!" He rose his thumb up and laughed nervously, but from their faces he read that his bluff didn't work. However, before he could continue, he heard a commotion near the table of the Cardin's team, and looked over.

There, he saw how Cardin and his teammates abuse another student, a Faunus girl with rabbit ears. His blood boiled seeing how they mock her, how they call her a freak, and although his body told him yes, his mind held him in place. Because what could he do? If he tries to do something, Cardin will simply shift his focus to him, and he has no chance against the bully, not to mention his gang. The best he would do is spit on Cardin's shoe.

Yet again, a coward.

"Jaune, Cardin's been picking up on you since the first week of school." Pyrrha said, clenching her fists at the mere memory of that.

"He picks up on everyone." Blake said, glaring at Cardin with hate.

"Who? Cardin? Nah... " Juane raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "He just likes to mess around! You know, practical jokes!"

"And yet nobody is laughing." Ren pointed out, staring at the student in question, thinking about finally allowing Nora to go wild.

"He is a bully." Ruby said with contempt, not only angered about his behavior, but also because, in her eyes, Cardin acts like a villain, yet aims to become a hero.

"Oh please!" Jaune scoffed. "Name one time he's "bullied" me."

"He stole your books and threw them into a fountain." Blake immediately said, still furious about such loss.

"It was an accident!"

"He then shoved you into the said fountain." Yang added.

"I needed to clean my uniform anyway."

"He put a slimy frog in your hood." Ruby said, clenching her fists, remembering how he pulled this exact same prank twice: first on Jaune, then on her. "Nobody touches the hood."

"It wasn't really that bad!"

"He pushed you into the locker and sent you flying away from the Academy." Pyrrha said to finally prove the point, but Jaune just tried to laugh of the matter.

"I didn't land far from the school!"

"Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask." Pyrrha said, giving him a reassuring smile, while Nora rose up from her seat and cracked her knuckles.

"We'll break his legs!"

"Count me in." Yang nodded in agreement.

"Guys, really, it's fine!"

"Can you stop?" Weiss finally had enough, and when everyone looked at her, she rolled her eyes. "You are embarrassing Pyrrha, us, and the entire Academy with your incompetence. From the first day you showed nothing noteworthy."

Jaune looked at his dinner, trying to hide how these words affect him, but Schnee didn't stop there.

"She graciously offers you help, and you push it away? It's sad, and quite pathetic."

"Sheesh, such icy thing to say, Ice Queen. Give him a break." Yang interjected, trying to shut her up.

"Stop calling me that!"

Faunus girl run away from Cardin with tears in her eyes, making the Winchester laugh even louder.

"Despicable." Pyrrha said in disgust. "I just can't stand him."

"You are not the only one." Blake added while Cardin looked in their direction and gave them a wink.

"Oh please, don't tell me you buy this act." Weiss commented seemingly uninterested about everything except her launch.

"And what do you mean by "act"?" Blake asked with such cold that even Yang looked at her with surprise. However, Weiss didn't pick up the hidden threat and pressed on the matter.

"Simple, she acts all defenseless to cause pity, that we will all come to cheer her up and "help" her."

"I don't think she acted..." Ruby wanted to say, but Weiss only scoffed after hearing this."

"She enrolled to the Academy, right? Passed the initiation? This means she has some skills and could defend herself."

"Maybe she just chose not to? Not everyone like to throw hands." Pyrrha argued, but Weiss shook her head in disagreement.

"Or maybe she just plays victim because it's beneficial?" Weiss countered. "White Fang use this tactic all the time to get what they want, to show how "bad" we are and how they are "oppressed". Only to later put their Grimm masks and terrorize, set on fire or even kill in your sleep."

"Not every Faunus is "acting"." Blake said with seemingly calm voice. "There are many who truly suffer mistreatment because of their differences and can't defend themselves."

"And how to differ them from the Fangs?" Weiss asked in turn. "You never know who is behind the mask. Or who use their real face as one."

Blake clenched her fists under the table, and Yang rraised her eyebrow seeing that, while Weiss, not hearing a response, smiled in victory.

"So it's better to not give them benefit of the doubt. You never know what they will do with it."

Blake slammed her plate against the table and stormed off the cafeteria.

"Blake wait!" Ruby rose from her seat, but Yang put her hand on her shoulder.

"I will talk with her, you keep our Ice Queen in check." She said, raising from her seat to catch up with her partner, while attention of the table turned to Weiss.

"What?"

"What you said..." Pyrrha said. "Was wrong on so many levels."

""Wrong" is an understatement." said Ren, while Nora shook her head in disapproval.

"If you had my experience, you would agree with me." Weiss said, continuing her meal like nothing happened.

Pyrrha wanted to argue more, but then she realized that in a meantime Jaune quietly left the table and was already near the door.

"Jaune?" She rose from her seat and wanted to run after him, but she felt Ren's hand on her shoulder.

"Give him time." He said. "Maybe He just wants to be alone for now. He will rethink and come back."

"And we will be here for him!" Nora confirmed, while also sending grinning Cardin a death glare.

Pyrrha however, wasn't convinced. Jaune clearly has a problem and she don't want to leave him alone with this, but how can she help him if he doesn't want it?

She brushed off Ren's hand and wanted run after Jaune, much to Cardin's delight.

"Running after her knight in the shining armor!? Really!?" He said out loud, and Pyrrha stopped, mood in the cafeteria shifted. "Why does she even care about such loser!?" Carding turned to his teammates looking for their approval, and although at first unconvinced, they started to laugh as well after he slammed his fist against table. "Big Baby needs a Babysitter, that's wh…"

With loud thud, a metal plate stuck itself deep in the bench, right between the Cardin's legs. He blinked a few times, staring at still shaking metal mere inches from his groin.

"What was that for!?" Weiss said, dumbfounded after Pyrrha unceremoniously grabbed her dinner and threw it at Cardin, but Pyrrha's stare was entirely focused on the bully, who at first was ready to fight, but he quickly recognized that he is outmatched.

Pyrrha stared at him with unspoken challenge for a minute, and when Cardin decided to not pick the metaphorical glove, she turned and walked away, Cardin's angry gaze following her every step. hatred raising inside of him like fire.

"Chicken. Kwa kwa." Nora said to Ren and mimicked the bird wings with her arms, and Cardin could hear the silent laughter not only from Ren, but from the rest of students in the cafeteria. He turned to give them all a hateful glare, and they quickly went silent and returned back to their dinners. All of them saw what she did, without a doubt. This humiliation. How she challenged his reputation, and he couldn't do anything about it.

He took this deep into his heart, promising that he will bring the "Invincible girl" low for this. With the idea in mind, he started to formulate the plan.

And he has a perfect candidate for the task.

---

"Blake!" She heard Yang from behind, but didn't slow down. Only when Yang grabbed her arm she stopped.

"Never thought that you care that much about Ice Queen's opinion."

"I really don't."

"Then, what's the matter?"

"What's the matter? I tell what's "the matter." Blake finally turned to her partner. "There are many people like her, keep saying the same thing. When Faunus are not standing for themselves, they are called cowards or are accused of "acting for benefits", and when they finally decide to fight back, they are called terrorists and criminals!" She left a deep sigh. "I'm just sick and tired of that."

Yang remained silent, wanting to give Blake way to speak freely.

"I thought here, at Beacon, things will be different." Blake admitted after calming down a little. "But after seeing Cardin being... well, himself, and when Weiss..." She shook her head in disappointment.

"It must be hard being a Faunus." Yang said her thoughts out loud, and Blake looked at her feet. But then, Yang pat her shoulder "But you worry too much about wrong people's opinion." She said, much to Blake's surprise, and after seeing her expression, Blonde girl smiled.

"I don't know how much about Faunus is true, but when I go to party in town, I rarely meet people who are like Cardin or Weiss. Believe me, most genuinely don't give a damn about who you are, or where you are from, as long as you are fun."

"I don't think that's..." Blake wanted to argue, but much taller girl took her under her arm, much to her shock.

"Any plans for tonight?" Yang suddenly changed the topic while Blake tried her best to not use her semblance and jump away.

"Studying for tomorrow." Blake stated the obvious, and Yang groaned hearing this.

"Really? That's it? Nothing exciting?"

Blake looked sideways, not wanting to tell that, in reality, the book she read reached its climax.

"Because I'm going to the party tonight." She declared, and brought Blake closer. "And you are going with me!"

"What?"

"You heard me right! We are gonna have some fun together!"

"But..." Yang brought her even closer.

"Listen, we are partners and barely know each other, all our topics are basically "study" and "more study". It's frustrating!"

"I'm… not really into parties." Blake responded, hoping that it will cut the discussion.

"It will be fun I promise!" Yang started to lead her partner to the landing pad. "Besides, it will be better than spending time with Weiss, right?"

"I mean..." Seeing her still unsure, Yang thought for a moment and decided to reveal her trump card.

"How about this - You give it a shot, and I will get you a book from the series you read."

"Which one?"

"About some Ninja if I recall..." Blake's face turned pale, but Yang didn't stop there. "Friend send me the cover, gimme a sec..." She reached for her scroll, but before she could pull it out from her pocket, she noticed that Blake is already gone.

"We don't want be late, we gotta go and prepare!" Blake run towards their dorm, and at first Yang was dumbfounded, but then smiled.

"A great sucess." She said and run after her.

---

Annatar was sitting on the armchair, listening carefully to the history that an old man was telling him.

"My grandkids visit me less often than before, they have school and all, but when they do, I fear they…" Old man lowered his head. "I fear they don't like spending time with me anymore."

"They stopped loving you?"

"No! It's not that. They just… grew up and there are just many more interesting things than their old grandpa. We played soccer, catch, tag, all kinds of stuff when I was younger. But I slowed down, time wasn't generous for me, and I can't keep up with them."

"I see." Annatar scratched his chin "So your wish is something which will spark interest of your family yet again, and give you a company at the time of their absence?"

"Yes! Could you do something like this?"

"Of course." Annatar rose from the armchair. "Just sit and wait here friend, it will be done soon."

He approached his set off tools near the wall, all categorized by its sizes, uses and frequency of use. Annatar took one of the small hammers, a one for the jewelry.

I could make a pedant that would make him stronger." Annatar thought, but after few seconds of consideration, Sauron put away that thought. "He is old and frail, he won't live for long, making something that powerful for him would be a waste." He put the hammer back, and looked at the old man.

"Your Grandchildren are men or women?" He asked.

"Three boys." Old man smiled at the memory. "Oh, how quickly they grew up. Do you want to see the picture?"

"No need, but tell me, did you play chess with them?"

"We played a lot, but they said it is too repetitive. Why do you ask?" Hearing that Annatar chuckled.

"I will make sure it won't be anymore." With new idea in mind, Annatar walked to the section of his forge where he store wood.

"Three men, who most likely imagine themselves as heroes fighting against the evil." Annatar thought after picking up hammer, nails, oak wood and a saw. He started to envision something simple, yet with a twist. A way for their imagination to let loose.

"First, I have to made a chess board, why one though? I will make three at the same time! This oak plank will be perfect for it." Thinking that Annatar put it to dry, and thenhe accelerated the process using his abilities. "After ten minutes I will carve checkerboard, but now for the pieces. Standard design is so boring, I will make it a little more exciting, maybe the white pawns will be Gondor soldiers? Black pawns should be uruks, I had two towers in Middle Earth, so Barad-dûr for one and Minas Morgul for second…"

Annatar, piece by piece created the figures, and when the time came for the board, he made not only enough for commissioned work, but also for three more sets. Then from the oak plank he then carved the board, careful to make all the angles perfect. Only after he was satisfied with that, he varnished the wood.

For next three minutes his hand was a blur, chess squares were being colored according to rules, while old man just blankly stared at the whole process, trying to comprehend what is going on. Not later than half of an hour later he stopped working, whole chess set was ready. With satisfied smile, he looked at his creation, then took it and approached his "client".

"I think this will satisfy your needs." He presented the chess board with all pieces on it, and before his client could respond, all pieces bowed to him.

"What the bloody hell?" He said seeing the chess piece moving, not to mention saluting him.

"Don't worry, they merely mimic being alive." Annatar reassured. "But as long as they are on the board, they will act accordingly."

"Are they tiny robots?"

"Of course not! They are just masterfully made*". Just take one and look.

Curios, old man picked up the Black Queen, in this case a black crowned figure with a sword and mace, lifted it and carefully, it was just a very detailed wooden figure, however, when he put it back on the board, it rose it's mace cried a challenge.

"They are… unusual, to say the least." He said, wondering why Black figures instead of knights on horses got war elephants, or why the White queen is a Wizard on the Horse.

"This chess board will ensure that each play is immersive, and engaging." Annatar took two pawns and put them right next to each other, and both started to exchange blows, not strong enough to shatter themselves, but powerful enough to make clash of their sword believable and realistic. "But if you don't like it, you can switch it off with a single push of the button here." Annatar pressed first of the three buttons, and figures became motionless.

"What the other two do?" Human asked, his eyes sparking with curiosity.

"I am glad you asked." Annatar pointed at the button in the middle." This is record button, and for it to work properly, you need a pen." Sauron took one of the pens he made. "And a sheet of paper." He snapped his fingers, and Gunther quickly arrived with some paper. He put the paper beside the board, then put the pen on it and press the button on the side. "And from now on, each game will be transformed into self-contained story."

"Wait, what?"

"Observe." Annatar pushed the button, then took the white riders from G1 and moved it to F3, and when he did so, pen twitched, started to float and write on paper:

At command of the king of the West, Riders of the Riddermark started rode past the line of their allies, wanting to test the resolve of their foe…

These "pens" were one of his first creations, able to write what you say, or like in this case, could be linked to other items like this chess board. Although you still need to fill with ink from time to time, and those cost more than normal for obvious reasons, it's worth for a masterfully made tool, which never make spelling mistakes and is far more convenient than normal one**. As for Annatar – those pens were easy and cheap to make, so he made thousands of them due to the growing demand.

The real downside is that it can't replicate your handwriting, and although he could make them do it, he decided against it – Dealing with perfect copies of someone's handwriting on official documents would be more problematic than useful. It didn't stop people from buying them en masse though.

Who would have thought that his most successful creation in this world will be a PEN.

"And the last one is for those lonely days." Annatar pressed the third button. "When you press it, You can play with the board itself."

Human blinked a few times.

"It must be a robot."

"It made purely from fine oak wood, without additional mechanisms."

"It's hard to believe that…"

"You saw the whole process, unless you don't believe your own sight."

"Your hands moved too fast!"

"That's what a lifetime of practice makes you." Annatar looked at Gunther. "Play a practice game with our guest, to make sure he is satisfied."

"Of course boss." His helper picked the board and walked with Annatar's "guest" to the empty table, Annatar turned his attention back to additional figures he made.

Modelling those figures after his past brought back some memories of course. About ungrateful elves and misguided humans. About treacherous wizards.

He picked up the figure of the white wizard and examined it with his fingers. No matter where he went, this one was always thwarting his plans, and inspired humans to oppose him on every turn, and yet, after all this time, Sauron never understood what gave him this strength, this courage. He saw greater men than him brought low, succumbing to temptations, even the greatest of Istari betrayed his kind. But no matter how hard he tried, this one's resolve never faltered.

He looked at this perfect representation of his greatest foe, and, to his surprise, Annatar finally realized that for some reason, every single model inspired by the wizard has a wooden pipe in its mouth.

"No matter." He thought and put the figure back. "He belongs to the past, just like the rest of them. I left those ignorant and foolish behind."

He looked at the crowd with a smile.

"But those people here are not like them. They are more than willing to watch his work. Listen to my words. Admire my craft."

"Next!"

Sometime later

"You done kid?" Postman tried to sound politely, but he grew increasingly annoyed. His shift should end quarter an hour ago, yet thanks to this teenager he had to stay overtime.

"Just a moment!" Jaune said while he finished a letter to his family, and when he did finish it, he sealed it and gave it to the postman. "Sorry."

"It's fine kid." Worker read the address and rose his eyebrow. "That's far away, it will take some time before this letter reach it."

"No problem at all." Jaune said with his tired voice, trying to hide both physical and mental exhaustion as best as he could. That's why he preferred letters over video calls

His Mother and Sisters would see in no time through his facade.

"I see." Postman put a stamp on it. "Alright, I'm gonna grab some coffee." He said to himself and went into the post office, and Arc wanted to leave as well, however he heard inside that someone is furiously writing , and yet he couldn't see anyone else. Slightly curious, he peeked inside and it was just a floating pen.

He turned around, approached the door, opened them, only to finally realize something. He rushed back to the counter and yes, it was still a floating pen.

It wrote on the documents, finished paperwork, corrected addresses on the letters, all with great speed. Jaune blinked few times, trying to understand what is going on with this thing. It was just like the first time when he sparred Ruby and her team, when she suddenly burst into cloud of petals and kicked him out of the arena. She explained that it was her semblance, and sure, it made sense, everyone (except him for some reason) in Beacon had one which made them cool. – Yang burst into flames when she gets angry, Weiss has glyphs, Nora can take a lightning and gain power boost from it. But pens don't have a semblance from what he knew. Unless he overslept that lesson too.

"You like it kid?" Postman returned with a cup of coffee.

"Nice semblance man." Jaune said, and worker laughed.

"Semblance? Kid, only you Hunters have it."

"Then how you do this?"

"Simple, I bought it."

"...What?"

The man chuckled. "You heard me right, I bought from the Dream Smith."

"Who?"

"A Dream Smith! Annatar, if I recall."

"Never heard of him."

"No wonder, he arrived some time ago and opened a Forge in Downtown, on Limestone street. But the stuff he makes…" Postman whsitled with admiration. "Unbelievable, I tell ya."

"A forge?" Jaune questioned, little uncertain what to think about it.

"That's what I said!" the man laughed, and realized something. "Oh, I almost forgot!" He reached for his pocket and pulled out something. "I never wanted to sound rude, but you have a face of a beaten dog. You had a though day, didn't you?"

"What? No! I'm fine. Really."

"Mhm sure. Anyway, this is for you."

Jaune took what appeared to be business card with Forge on the picture, and title "EREGION" written in golden letters, with a quote.

"Fulfilling your dreams takes just one step…" He read out loud, and turned the card "…Or a bus ride."

"There is a ticket attached to it." Postman confirmed. "And a bus station is just nearby."

"That's awfully convenient."

"Yeah man, I think I broke it out." Postamn widely gesticulated. "He somehow made a deal with public transport, and bought tickets in a bulk. Then he gave me and my colleagues those cards as advertisement, and we, in return, got discounts. I don't know about you mate, but for me it was absolute win, just look!" He pointed at floating pen. "I basically got that for half the price!"

"And unlike most bussiness cards, which lay forgotten because we lack time, people are tempted to visit just because of the free ticket." Jaune thought out loud, scratching his chin. "Really smart."

"And he is really nice guy. Little weird, but nice." Worker added. "And you should visit him boy. Maybe he can help you with your problem. If you have one of course." He gave him a wink and drunk some coffee.

Jaune stared at the card, and with each passing second he felt the urge to check it out grow. He will just go and watch, nothing wrong about that? He will not buy anything so it should be fine, right?

He opened his scroll and wrote short message to Pyrrha:

I will arrive a little late, don't worry.

---

* For us humans, it is magic, but for a maia it is a norm.
** Annatar didn't know at the time, but one of the companies producing pens, particulary annoyed by sudden competition, sent one of their employees in disguise, bought one of those pens, disaasembled it to the tiniest pieces and tried to put it into mass production. However, each copied pen didn't work as intended, which resulted in a failure.
Capitalism: 0, Sauron: 1

Notes:

So our knight will have a fateful meeting soon. What fun
Ri2 "Why don't you make new furniture, Sauron? You're good at making things." - Simple really, why bother with something he is not going to use? He doesn't need sleep, it's basically a decoration, and making it would take some of the precious time he could spend on experimenting.
Have a nice week!
Dj

Chapter 6: Helping Hands - part 2

Limestone, Vale

"You may move freely now, I will be finishing soon." Annatar said from behind the easel to the pair of humans, a short man with black hair and mustache wearing white, expensive suit and with black hair and tall female with white hair, wearing a long, black dress that reached her toes.

"May I take a look?" The man asked.

"When I finish the colors." Annatar said, allowing his hand to paint freely, adding depth, shades and brining life to the portrait.

"I thought you are a blacksmith, not a painter." Woman said with little suspicion.

"A Blacksmith?" Annatar scoffed. "True Craftsman does not limit himself to only iron or gold, for that would be a sign that he lacks ingenuity. In my view, those proficient with the hammer must also study the way of the paintbrush to truly cultivate thier skills."

"Then tell me, what else you can do?" Male asked while wine-red and sky-blue mixed on the painting, birthing the Emperor's crimson.

"What I can't do would be a better question." Sauron said with great pride, took a step back to evaluate the painting as a whole.

"Can you sing?" Woman asked genuinely curious, and Annatar couldn't help himself but laugh.

"In my homeland I was highly regarded for both my talent, and my voice." He said as he put down the paintbrush and put his right hand before the portrait. "And although some back there may think that they were better than me, I still surpassed them, both in music, and creation. But that was a long time ago." His hands glowed, heat drying the painting in an instant. "Now, what do you think?"

He turned the easel to the pair and the gathered crowd, showing everyone the image of lightly living room, not too spacy but giving warm vibes. Outside the window could be seen a building made out of red brick. There were furniture inside the room, huge oak table covered by light blue tablecloth. On the cupboard were smaller pictures showing small moments from life, one of the pair in caffe under the moonlight, second depicting the man getting medal for extraordinary work in his workplace. The pair was also there, standing on the rug, which had beautiful Emperor's crimson color. Everyone who looked on the art piece could fell calm and welcomingness flowing from the painting.

"Is this our living room!?" The husband asked in shock.

"It is… beautiful." Wife added.

"It is masterfully made indeed." Annatar said as he handled the portrait to them. "I also included some puzzles into it, I won't spoil too much, but please, take look on the rug's pattern closely."

"The stripes… there are…"

"Exactly ten, one for every year of your marriage."

Husband took hold of the painting, keeping it as close to himself as possible, like he held a cherished treasure in his hands.

"Thank you, Mister, I am really glad we came to you." He left the forge and walked straight to the car parked nearby, wanting to safely pack his new possession, while satisfied Annatar started to clean up his tools.

"Wait." Woman said, stopping Annatar in a middle of cleaning his paint brush, and he turned his head back to his guest.

"Yes?"

"The amount we paid for this is… unfair." Human said. "Paintings like this are in the museums, and are considered priceless pieces of art!"

"I'm flattered." Annatar bowed his head.

"Also you not only sold it for basically for nothing!" She pressed on. "It took you few hours, while for others it would take decades!"

With a friendly smile, Sauron took her under his arm, like an old friend.

"I would not be so harsh for an ordinary painter, back in my early days, at my very beginnings, it would take me around three days of work. And also, we bargained for the price at the start, right?"

"Yes, but…"

"And we agreed we will not raise or lower the price after the work is done, unless I, and I quote: "Mess it up" end quote"

Before she could replay, Sauron chuckled.

"Believe me, true craftsman understands the value of things he creates, and I deemed this exchange worthy of my time." He looked her directly in the eyes. "You don't need to spare me more coin, for I already got what I wanted."

"Which is?" She asked, feeling her will faltering under the influence of the lava-like eyes.

"Time to go dear!" Human yelled to her, snapping her out of that trance. She looked back at Annatar, bowed her head a little and walked back to the car, and Sauron waved to them as they drove away, towards their home, their friends.

Wealthy and, preferably, powerful friends.

He saw more and more members of the upper class either showing just outside of his forge, "accidentally" drove by to take a look or sent their men to scout him out. He was more than sure that this couple arrived here at the orders of someone more influential than them. Regardless, future visitors of their home will certainly ask about the painting. Admire it.

Which will lead them to him.

Sauron couldn't do anything else than cheer a little in his mind – people like this pair were only the first of many who will come. And as he will become accustomed with local elite, the more willing they will be to listen to his ideas, while also retaining his support in common folk.

A long-term plan, but Sauron got time. Plenty of that.

Annatar looked at the polished floor of his forge, and noticed some stones were marked by paint, probably small drops fell while he painted.

"Yowwick, clear the floor…" He turned to his subordinate, and to his surprise, he noticed that Yowwick is stressed out, his eyes twitching behind the sunglasses from right to left and from to right, like a sheep looking for the wolves hiding between the trees.

"Yowwick?" He asked again, but he received no response. "What's wrong?" He demanded to know with such coldness in his voice that even a polar bear would get frostbite, and finally, he got his subordinate's attention.

"They were Atleasians boss." He said through his teeth, trying to not say it too loud, and Sauron felt immense fear in goon's voice.

"Were they a threat?" His eyes narrowed.

"Not them." Yowwick shook his head in denial. "Fangs."

Sauron rose his eyebrow in silence, expecting a proper response.

"Chief, White Fang hate Atlas more than anything. They constantly attack not only SDC, but also Atlesian migrants and their sympathizers. They especially target those who make business with Atleasians as a "punishment"."

"Ah yes, the White Fang, I heard something about them." Sauron nodded, genuinely unbothered. "You think they observe us right now?"

"I didn't see them, but I am more than certain they watch us. White Fangs has eyes everywhere, and they certainly know how to hide in crowd."

Sauron looked at the gathered people and Faunus, and although he didn't see anyone with ill intentions, he felt the stench of treachery and malicious intent. He knew that smell too well.

"What kind of threat they pose exactly?" Sauron asked, very curious about this group. "Clearly bunch of disgruntled peasants wouldn't scare someone like you."

"Boss, they are violent maniacs who recently robbed a train full of Dust, burned warehouses full of atleasian goods and even clashed against the police, of course they are a threat!"

"And I thought I am under protection." Sauron wondered out loud. "Will they truly dare to attack you knowing your master? Are they truly that bold?"

"They don't give two shits about the balance of power in town Chief." Nathan explained, stressed more than ever. "Our boss's name to them means nothing, the only thing they care about is…" Goon paused, and started to think.

"Go on."

"…Apparently, they fight for their rights." Nathan said after a short while, soudnign unsure

"Then why won't you grant them what they want?"

"Because I am not sure what rights they lack in Vale boss." Yowwick shrugged his arms. "Sure, Faunus are called animals from time to time and Hooligans beat them up…, aaand we fought against each other in the past, but that's all I could think off."

For a moment, Sauron remained silent, and then started to quietly laugh.

"...I see, so that what is all about." Sauron started to clean his tools like nothing happened, leaving his subordinate dumbfounded. "This kind of threat."

"What do you mean boss?"

"What I mean is that we should put some precautions against some unwanted guests." He put away the easel to its designated place. "I will ask Junior for more guards during the nights for some time."

"…Of course boss." Nathan walked to the crowd to relay a command while Sauron returned to cleaning the floor, laughing in his spirit about this "White Fang".

They claim to fight for their rights, maybe to avenge humanity's wrongdoings through Remnant's history, but from this short description he saw a very familiar sight.

A self-sustaining, irrational Hatred. Against Atlas for their deeds. Against SDC for their actions. Against humanity as a whole for simply existing on the same world.

Emotion, which condemned Fëanor's sons and elves as they spilled blood on the white shores.

Emotion, which led Uldor to stab his allies in the back during Nirnaeth Arnoediad.

Emotion, which he used well to divide his enemies for all those centuries.

He smirked, thinking how convenient it is that this world has its own version of Easterlings. He won't take their threat lightly of course, that would be unreasonable, but now, knowing what it is all about, he can plan how to utilize their hatred. Eventually.

If they are as fanatical as Yowwick suggests, then it is even better.

After he cleaned up his workplace, he lifted one of his heavy hammers and looked at the piles of steel. Now he has a clear goal for this evening.

Fanatics – They are hard to corrupt, but so easy to control.

"Boss, another bus is arriving." One of the goons said, and Annatar put back the hammer.

"Excellent, watch if there are any interesting guests, and help them get in line." He ordered, thinking about a special gifts he will prepare for both desired guests, and unwelcomed fools.

---

"And here we are." Yang announced taking Blake under her shoulder.

"This one?" Blake asked, surprised to see an unassuming hotel made of a red bricks with pair of Heavy Black doors in the middle, reception desk in shape of a boat on the outside and large title "Elysium" on top of the building. Small groups of people, mostly young adults waited impatiently outside, tapping their feet, yelling for others to hurry up while cashier at the reception desk patiently checked the tickets.

"That's on purpose, the cool stuff is inside." Yang said and let her go, then looked around. "And where are they..."

"There she is!" Both girls heard, and soon tall black man with shot haircut, wearing white T-shirt and blue jeans greeted them before the entrance. "Xiao Long herself!"

"Goose, buddy!" Yang and man apparently nicknamed Goose firmly shook hands and held for some time, until he clenched his teeth in pain. "I see you practiced from the last time!"

"Still not enough I guess." He said with painful expression, and when Yang finally released his hand, he whistled seeing it entirely red. "For Brothers grip, it's just me or you got even stronger?"

"You should see me in combat class!" Yang punched the air few times. "I'm on a win roll!" Goose laughed.

"Yeah yeah of course you are." He finally noticed Blake standing little behind. "And I guess you made new friends on Beacon!"

"Blake, meet Mike, my Gym buddy."

"Hi." Blake greeted him but maintain distance.

"And Goose, meet Blake, my partner, as you see, she is pretty shy."

"Ohoho really? Partners already?"

"It's not like that you idiot!" Yang punched him in the arm, Goose jokingly retaliated and both started to laugh after this short "fight", while Blake smiled a little, remembering similar moments like this, that she shared with her friends. A carefree and fun ones.

She quickly shushed them, trying her best to forget.

"Mav is already inside?" Yang asked while they were walking towards the entrance of the hotel, and Goose nodded. "Pretty unusual for her."

"Hey, we camped the best table for an hour, give us some credit! We even got spare coins."

"No need, but thanks guys."

They approached the register, and Blake finally noticed that the cashier is actually a bulky robot, built into the whole thing and its name - HARON - written on its chest.

"Tartaros or fields?" It asked with ominous tone, and Goose reached for his pocket.

"Hey, There is a line here assholes!" Someone yelled towards them, but Goose ignored them and pulled out the silver ticket with word "coin" written in the center.

"Gold and Silver visitors are off-limits to cross the Styx" Robot responded, and checked Goose's ticket. "Welcome in the Paradise."

"What about those two!? One Silver is not..."

Yang pulled out one Silver "coin" from her pocket and handed it to Blake.

"This one is for you and this one..." She then pulled out a golden ticket with an image of a dragon on display, and showed it to the Cashier "... is for me."

Robot scanned the ticket, went silent for a moment and looked at Yang again.

"Welcome to the Paradise, Golden Dragon!" It said with cheerful voice.

"Golden dragon?" Blake asked her partner while she hid the ticket back.

"It's because of temper." Goose whispered to her.

"AND the hair!" Blonde girl said with pride while the set of automatic doors opened before them.

"Sure, sure, it was because of hair, not because you punched a guy through a roof." Hearing this, Yang looked at her partner with a cheeky smile.

"Maybe you want to hear why everyone calls him Goose?" She asked as they walked down the slowly darkening hallway.

"Hey, you promised to not blab!"

All three walked into the dark hallway, the only visible thing was long, blue carpet leading deeper to another set of doors, and when heavy doors ominous closed behind them, Blake instinctively turned towards it.

"Chill, everything is fine." Yang said to calm her down.

"Scared off a little dark?" Goose teased, and Blake rolled her eyes. Scared of the dark? Really? She could literally just sneak to him, knock him out cold and disappear like a ghost without him noticing that she approached him in the first place.

"Oh no, a dark room." She said, and after seeing him grin, used her semblance to appear right beside him. "Sooo scary." She whispered to his ear and he jumped away in suprise.

"How the f…"

Before he could finish, Heavy doors started to open, and before the hallway was engulfed with bright light and drowned in loud music, Blake managed to cover her eyes when neon-light nearly blinded her.

Before the trio was an enormous hall with four pillars being only source of neon lights, with at least thirty tables in the corners, and a dance a floor between those pillars, which constantly shifted colors, enlightening the whole hall from blue to green, to suddenly mixing red and blue to form purple light.

Each corner had its own bar, and large number of waiters run around, delivering drinks to people gathered around the tables, while the band played rock music on the stage put directly before the dance floor.

…What should I do, Stuck to this chair?

And yet I know

Gonna break away!

It's not my style,

I gotta get away,

Here now and today!

Blake allowed her eyes to adjust, but put one step backwards, now uncertain if she wants to do this. There were so many people both on the dance floor and in the corners. This cacophony of voices made her nervous, and Yang looked at her with concern.

"You alright?" She asked, and after a short pause, Blake nodded, showing that she is fine.

She won't let a chance to get another chapter of "Ninja's in Love" to slip away like that. She can take spending few hours here.

"Let's meet up with Mav, and hope she isn't drunk too much already." Goose started to make his way through the crowd, Yang walked after him, and Blake, after leaving a sigh, joined them.

"It's a Golden Dragon!" Someone yelled from the crowd.

"Hello Pete! New hairstyle?" Yang replied.

"Yang!" Another voice greeted her.

"Samantha! New eyeliners I see!"

"You really know all of them?" Blake asked, really astonished.

"I probably know everyone here." Yang answered with a smile. "You know, I am pretty popular around here."

"You are breathtaking!" Someone yelled making Yang giggle.

"Yeah, especially after you beat up Junior." Goose said after gently pushing another pair aside. "Whole town spoke about that crashout!"

"Who?" Blake run in her head a list of major political figures in Vale and found him at the very bottom. "Wait, you beat up Junior Xiong?" Yang chuckled.

"Mhm, that was so much fun. And the best part is that apparently, Hades had some sort of beef against him."

"Hades?"

"The owner." Goose quickly clarified while Yang waved to someone calling out her name. "When he learnt that Yang beat Junior up…"

"Hey, don't steal my retrospection!" Yang punched Mike's arm, then looked at Blake. "So, as you probably have guessed, Hades sent me a Golden ticket and also gave a permanent discount."

"He even made a drink to "honor" that fight." Goose added, barely holding back his laughter. "You won't guess how he called it."

" 'Dragon's breath'? 'Burn'?" Yang tried to guess, and each time her friend shook his head in denial. "Oh I know! 'The Punchline'?"

"Nope." Goose grinned. "The Nut Cracker"

Both laughed out loud while Blake looked around, analyzing the whole place. She quickly noticed that above the crowd, on the catwalks walk guards dressed in black, who observed everyone on the dance floor and sitting by the tables, the catwalk being too high for anyone to jump on, but low enough to safely jump from, just in case guards have to quickly intervene. She saw how one of the guards pointed at them and said something on the radio.

"They are watching us." Blake said.

"No wonder why." Yang replied. "I used to come here often. I even won a boxing tournament held here."

"They held a tournament?"

"Yeap. And after I won, they told me I can ask for anything!"

"And what did you choose?" Blake asked, and, to her surprise, Yang's smile faded away.

"Doesn't matter." She answered after a while, and Blake guessed that she accidently stumbled a touchy subject.

"But she still can't participate in any future tournaments ever again." Goose commented with a smile.

"Hey, not my fault that they care too much for their walls"

…Here I am as I stand, I can feel you think,

"Such a waster."

It's okay, I don't care

Didn't wanna stay stuck with the fools.

Skating down Park Avenue, I realise my time is now and here

Ready to go,

Being sensible is just not sensible!

"Goose!" Someone yelled to them, trying to get past the crowd, but luckily for her, Mike noticed the familiar face between people.

"Mav!" He switched direction, and soon trio walked through the dancing crowd, and were meet by the girl with quite short green hair and eyes, who immediately hugged Yang tightly, and she answered that with the hug on her own.

"So, after this this two months, how does the Beacon feels? Is it too crumped?"

"Not really, I saw way more people in bars during Free Fridays. But at least those in Beacon can take more than one punch!"

Both of them laughed and then Mav noticed Blake standing behind slightly behind.

"You brought a friend from Beacon!" In span of a second, she appeared before startled Blake and saluted. – Hello, hi, my name is Casey but friends call me Mav, if you ever need a pilot, I will be more than happy to aid a Huntress!

"Umm… thanks?"

"What food do you like? How does studying at Beacon looks like? How…"

"Calm down you chatterbox!" Yang put her arm on Mav's shoulder and looked at Blake. "Forgive her, she loves talking as much as flying."

"Nothing beats the breeze in the air, I tell you!" Mav eagerly said. "I will be a pilot soon, just wait for my papers to finally arrive!" And Blake gave her an awkward smile.

In her past, Blake didn't like people who talk way too much than necessary, but after spending month with Ruby, her view on that matter changed and now only annoyed her.

"Come on, we don't have whole night!" Mav gestured them to follow her and she started to run. "The last to come pays for drinks!"

"Slow down you maniac!" Yang run after her, Blake and Goose looked at each other, he shrugged his arms and both walked after the two.

Meanwhile on the stage the first band left with their instruments, all lights went dark, and shortly after, female announcer walked on the stage Enlighted by single searchlight

"Thank you Subdigitals for this evening! Amazing as always!" She looked at the crowd "ARE YOU HAVING FUN!?"

"Yes!"

"I can't hear you!?"

"YES!" More than one hundred voices cried out in response

"DO YOU FEEL INVINCIBLE!?"

"YES!"

Light returned to the Club, revealing another band already starting another song, drums and electric guitars shaking the air, while the lead singer took the microphone:

Target on my back

Lone survivor lasts

They got me in their sites

No surrender no

Trigger fingers go

living the dangerous life…

Blake's ears twitched under her ribbon due all that loud sounds everywhere, most coming from a nearby loudspeaker, and again had to cover her eyes due sudden eruption of light. She never understood why humans enjoy such places – Everything is so noisy and lights are blinding her all the time*. Half blind, she lost both Yang and Goose while walking through the crowd, and by accident she bumped into someone, making him trip and fall on the ground, his white hat falling off few feet away.

"Watch how you walk you degenerate…" Ghoulish like man with fish like eyes cursed after dropping few bottles of beer, its contents spilling all over the floor and on him, and smell of alcohol reached Blake's nose, nearly making her puke.

"Sorry." She said and reached with her hand to him, but he didn't take it, instead stared at her with shock.

"You…" He muttered, his clothes, at first originally white, now thanks to beer got more brown, shit-like color. Blake tried to focus, but all those bright lights kept blinding her, and she was only able to read part the short text he had on his chest:

"…ster Nickolaus Harrigan"

"Blake, where are you? Our table is this way!" Blake heard Goose calling her, her bow twitched and immediately went in direction of his voice, leaving the startled man behind.

"I'm here." She said and walked past Goose. "I accidentally spilled someone's drink."

"It happens everytime!" Goose shrugged his arms. "If he come to complain, we will just pay for it, no worries."

Blake nodded, but felt something was off, but she wasn't sure what it was.

'

"Hey Ritter, what happened?" Two men approached the one laying on the floor after seeing him covered in beer. They reached with their hands to help, but he brushed off them off.

"I think I saw a wraith." He said after raising up, his teeth clenched.

"Wraith? Ritter, you drunk too much." One of the men laughed. "Ghosts ain't real."

"Not that kind of ghost you idiot!" He screeched. "A train ghost! The Black Panther!"

Workers looked at each other, now sure that their Leader is more drunk than usual.

"Ritter, report said that Black Panther died few days after the incident." One of them pointed out. "Maybe you just saw things?"

"It's true… they said she died…" Nick muttered, now unsure a little. However, he looked at the direction Blake went in and gritted his teeth.

"She is too familiar." He finally stated, then turned to his subordinates" One of you, follow me." He ordered, and pointed at second man. "You, go and inform the rest to look for girl with a black bow on top of her head. Secure all possible ways out."

"Chief, that merc won't be happy if we interrupt the party." One of them argued, and Nick just scoffed.

"Not to mention we are technically not here yet." Second one added. "Lieutenant told us to not stick out if unnecessary."

"This situation is different." Nickolas looked for his hat, and noticed it laying on the floor. "And we have a pest problem, Lieutenant will understand."

He picked the hat with a snowflake with twelve points, cleared it from dirt and put it back on, then looked at his badge, cleared the short "SDPS" insignia from beer.

"And the Golden Bull?" He chuckled ominously. "We pay him for beating up the animals, right?" Men looked at each other, and with wide grins, they nodded in agreement. "Then there is no problem at all."

He tried to get pass few people, but due to his miniscule size he couldn't make his way, so one of his people started to make his way and Nick followed, his crooked teeth grinning in a wicked mockery of a smile.

If it was truly her, he will get very hefty bounty from his superior, maybe even from the Commander himself. But, to be honest, catching her might led him to far more important animal in this zoo.

---

Limestone, Vale

Station: Limestone avenue.

Jaune dropped out from the bus with a small group of people and looked around. He never was in this part of town, mostly because there was nothing interesting here, just few dust shops and bakeries. But the first thing he noticed was a large traffic in the area.

All parking lots were entirely occupied by cars or small pickup trucks, whole lines of people gathered around the shops or walked down the street which really surprised Jaune - would be expect such crowds in a shopping mall, not in the downtown.

Jaune looked again at card he got, unsure if he got the address right, but apparently it was here.

"Hello good Sir!" Someone called to him, and before him appeared a middle-aged man in a black suit, red hat and sunglasses. "I see you hold a card, so you want to meet the Dream Smith, right?"

"I… just came to look, I really don't want anything."

"Maybe you will change your mind after you see him." Man gestured him to follow. "This way mister…"

"Arc. Jaune Arc."

"Nice to meet you, Jaune Arc. My name is Daniel Untich." Both went downstreet while, unbeknownst to Jaune, another man wearing black suit and sunglasses took out small radio from his pocket and turned it on.

"Name: Jaune Arc. Possibly a Hunter." He whispered to it. "Inform Annatar."

As they walked, Jaune looked around in disbelief - This place looked and felt more like a center of a small city, not a quiet neighborhood he heard about. People flooded the streets while hundreds of workers worked tirelessly on repainting, rebuilding or refitting the buildings around, and the clangs of hammers and chatter of the machines came from everywhere

"I know this look." Daniel drew him out his thoughts. "It is all thanks to Annatar."

"Who?"

"The Dream Smith boy."

"Ah right. Wait, he pays for all of that?"

"He pays, guides and gives advice." Daniel answered. "He is a volcano of energy - always has a fresh idea and works tirelessly. It almost looks like he does three shifts a day!"

Jaune counted something on his fingers. "That means he works the entire day non-stop."

"Exactly! And he still finds time to organize everything around here." Daniel pointed at a line of street lights. "He not only personally overwatched upgrading the districts street lighting, but also cut some deals with the city to upgrade Limestone's power supply."

"That's… nice of him." Jaune commented while group of workers carrying metal beams walked past them.

"To think it took him two months to, as he called it, 'bring order to Limestone.'" Daniel added nonchalantly, surprising the Hunter-in-training even further.

"Wait, two months? He did that all in just two months?"

"Yes, and I had a pleasure to witness it firsthand." Daniel pointed at few grocery stores on the one side of the road, and bakeries on the other. "See those businesses? They were struggling before he arrived, on the verge of bankruptcy, and after he settled here, he subsidized these shops, gave loans and support, which allowed them to recover and then grow. And in return, he always asks the exactly the same amount he invested."

"And all of that from smithing?" Jaune shook his head in disbelief. "I don't think it is possible man."

"Many people say the exact the same things, but you will understand once you meet him in person." Finally, through the noise of the crowd, Jaune started to hear the repeated clang of the hammer, more harmonious and… musical?

He looked the building at the end of the road.

The building was not very impressive, just small two-stories high with roof covered in red tiles, the walls were very clear, probably recently renovated. There were five windows on the second floor, each equipped with red curtains, from the one most on the right small citrus tree was looking on the streets. Everything seemed normal, until you looked on the ground level, there was the forge. Jaune couldn't see the insides clearly, but he could get the gist of it. Over half of the first floor was exposed to the street and it was there were all the people were sitting, some of them eating, drinking or talking with each other, but all of them were looking in one direction, to the most left part of the floor, this was where this whole Annatar has to be working. There was just one more, yet important thing. Maybe not inside the forge, but outside of the building.

"A rather large line." Daniel whistled and patted Jaune's back. "But I think you might be able to reach the Dream Smith."

"I just want to take a look." Jaune raised his hands in defensive gesture. "I really don't need anything." When he repeated that, Daniel gave him a hearty laugh.

"Annatar has a saying: "Everyone craves for something" and you know? He delivers exactly what he is asked for. Who knows, maybe you will change your mind too?" And just when he said that, Daniel's scroll buzzed, and he immediately picked it up. "Hello? Oh hey! Yeah, I have time… " He walked away into the crowd, and before Jaune could ask about further details, Utich was already gone from his view, so Jaune never heard what exactly this discussion was really about:

"He is in position, you know what to do."

For a moment, Arc stood alone, picked up his scroll and read few… many messages from clearly worried Pyrrha, Ren and Nora.

"Where are you? Did you missed the transport? Should I come pick you up?"

"Just call if you need something."

"Ren is making pancakes, better hurry, or I will eat yours!"

He took another look at the forge, and again at his scroll, and as he was finally making his mind to go back, someone pat him on the back.

"Hey mate, you look like a good bloke." Tall man in green T-shirt said. "Want to take a look what's inside?"

"We have a free seat at the table 6." His buddy in blue shirt added.

"No really, I…"

"He is already starting his another work, c'mon!" They pushed him to the table without much resistance, and before he could utter a word of protest, he found himself sitting behind the table with a great view into the forge itself.

The interior of the room wasn't looking like a forge, more like a café. Jaune looked around confused for a second, but immediately found the forge proper.

It wasn't as big as he initially expected, but one word came into his mind – comfy. In square seven by seven meters you could find any tool you would ever need to. On the walls there were many shelfs covered in small utensils, probably for jewelry, on which hammers and pincers of all sizes hanged beneath them. On the open sides of this square stood three anvils, two smelters and few more forge furniture which use Jaune could not even guess.

Maybe Ruby would know what are these for.

In the middle of all of this stood, or probably better term for this would be, was moving like the wind, very tall, he had at least seven feet, slender blond man. He wore white robs without sleeves, which fell all the way to the ground. Belt of similar, yet different white material griddled up his torso. His muscles, visible for lack of the sleeves, were well defined yet not too muscular. His face was perfect, there were no irregularities, moles or scars, his nose was sharp yet not pointy, brows looked like he was spending at least ten minutes in front of the mirror each morning, but probably not as much as Weiss. Yet his most relevant feature were his red, like molten lava, eyes, Jaune caught a glimpse of them and for a second he thought that he looked into erupting volcano.

Young hunter was straight, but even he had to admit that Annatar was beautiful.

Annatar's gentle hands worked on something small, in shape of an egg, while customer, a man in a plumber uniform, watched in fascination as Smith's fingers put various parts together then started to inscribe something on the egg's surface – all with such speed and precision that even most advanced robots would have trouble following his movements

Suddenly, he stopped his work, took the metal egg into his right hand, looked all over it and gave everyone a broad smile, full of pride. He then turned to the plumber and finally spoke up.

"You asked for something, which would aid you in your demanding profession." Blacksmith spoke up, and Jaune found his voice soothing and calming, yet also commanding, in fact he felt an urge to listen to his every words, and follow them. HE was sure if this man asked him for help, he wouldn't be able to refuse. "Something better than Atlesian pocket knife. And here it is."

Plumber took the egg and looked at it, unamused.

"There are no buttons here, how I would be able to open it?"

"Think about any tool." Annatar proposed, and plumber, at first uncertain, looked at the egg.

With quiet ting, One end of the egg opened, and a long spoon appeared from it.

"Really, you put the spoon into it?"

"I didn't." Annatar smiled. "Think about something else."

With anotherting, spoon was retracted back into the "egg", and in its place appeared a wrench. Then a knife, then a small hammer.

"How did you put all those things inside?"

"I told you: I didn't." Smith proclaimed and pat the egg. "This device creates the tool of your desire, or you currently need, so there is no need for you to search for the right tool on the occasion – you have them all in one place."

"Really? Anything?"

"Anything."

Another ting, a lighter in shape of the dragon's mouth appeared, plumber laughed joyfully and reached for his pocket, but Annatar put his hand on man's shoulder.

"No smoking in my forge." He said, then waved to one of his workers. "Lead this fine gentleman to the cash register."

As the plumber left the view, Annatar turned to the gathered crowd, then looked at the sky, and from this view, Arc could swear that he looked… nostalgic.

"The moon will soon reach its peak." He announced, his voice echoed across the street." That means I should soon close and rest." He looked at the gathered people as they gave him sad stares. "But I think I still have strength for one last creation. And the one who receive it will be of my choosing."

He closed his eyes and lifted his left hand into the air.

"And who shall I chose?"

Of course, everyone started to yell, wanting to attract Annatar's attention, but Jaune wasn't one of them. He just came here to take a look, to satisfy his curiosity, and sure, that guy is impressive and all, but he does not want anything.

Plus, he didn't have a lot of money right now.

"And I choose…" While Smith moved his finger through the air, Jaune started to type the message back to Pyrrha, not paying attention to everything around.

"I'm coming back, got distracted a little bit…" He wrote.

"…You." Jaune heard, and something in his body told him to look at Annatar, and the blacksmith's finger was pointing directly at him.

"Congrats man!" Someone from the crowd yelled, and people around him started to clap while Jaune looked around in confusion. What? Him? Before he could object, one of the guys who gave him a seat pat his back.

"Don't make him wait, come on!"

"But I don't have any money…" As he said that, Smith started to laugh.

"I won't be an issue at all." Annatar proclaimed in very official manner. "For it shall be a gift." And more people expressed their envy.

At first, Jaune wanted to refuse - He already made his team worried enough, but he felt an immense pressure from the crowd gathered around him. He saw in their eyes that he should, no, must go.

He left a heavy sigh and with defeated expression he walked into the forge, feeling eyes of everyone weighing on his shoulders. He will just ask for something small, like a pen. Yeah, flying pen will do.

He sat on the armchair, and Smith sat before him.

"Tell me your name." Smith ordered.

"Arc." He answered, little nervous. "Jaune Arc."

"Well, Jaune Arc." Annatar leaned towards him, his red eyes staring directly into Jaune's blue orbs. "What do you desire?"

"Could you make me a flying pen?" Jaune asked, taking Annatar by surprise. "I think it's cool, it writes and flies…"

"You can freely say what you want." Annatar interrupted. "Nobody shall judge you."

"Well…" Jaune thought for another moment. "How about another metal egg? If it can make a pen…" But Annatar rose his hand to shut him up. His eyes kept staring into Jaune's eyes, and the boy now found out that he can't turn away from this gaze.

It was like his entire focus was on this pair of red eyes, staring directly into his very being. Jaune tried to blink, but his eyes refused to do so, and for a moment, two red eyes seemingly merged into one…

"I see." Annatar turned away to one of his workers while Jaune blinked few times, trying to comprehend what happened. "That's all for today Yowwick, tell the people to leave."

"Sure boss." He nodded and Yowwick took a stand before the crowd. "Alright everyone, Smith is going to get some rest, you are more than welcome to come back tomorrow!"

"Thank the brothers." Jaune said, and wanted to get up.

"Not you." Annatar said, and Jaune stopped. "Sit." And the blond boy sat back on his armchair.

As people dispersed and workers started to close the forge, Jaune grew more and more anxious.

"Look man, I appreciate the offer but my friends are waiting for me and…" But Annatar interrupted him with only two words, spoken with such cold that Jaune's throat wasn't able to utter a word.:

"You lied."

---

"There you are!" Yang said as Blake and Goose finally made it to the table. "I thought for a moment that you got lost."

"And you both came last, which means…"

"Which means I am paying Mav." Yang said and waved her hand to the nearest waiter. "Yuh-hu hey, we are thirsty over here!"

"What for you?" Young waiter pulled out the notebook, trying look happy, but clearly, he was just tired and couldn't wait for his shift to end.

"The Dreaming Pearl." Goose said.

"The Restless Corona please!" Mav asked.

"Strawberry Sunrise, but no ice!" Waiter wrote that on his notebook, then looked at Blake.

"And for you?"

"Water."

"Oh c'mon, don't be a wimp!" Mav teased, but Yang shushed her.

"If she doesn't want to drink, don't force her." She said, not noticing a shift in Blake's expression after being called "a wimp".

"Wait." Blake said to the waiter as he wanted to leave with the order. "Do you have a White Swan?"

Waiter blinked few times, shocked to his core while Yang and her friends stared at Blake blankly.

"You sure?" Waiter asked for confirmation, an after Blake nodded, he whistled in respect. "Alright, I will get you that." And he walked away, and Blake looked like she didn't notice all those questioning stares. Only after some time of awkward silence she decided to speak up.

"What?"

"What 'what'?" Goose inquired. "What the hell is this "White swan"?"

"Something wimps shouldn't drink." Blake retaliated and Yang snickered while Mav rolled her eyes.

"Anyway." Yang decided to change the topic. "How have you guys been? Something interesting?"

"Well, council decided to send my unit to the countryside." Goose said with sour. "To, yet again, investigate that SDC train."

"Seriously? How many times they sent you guys there?" Yang asked.

"At least three" Goose said and Yang just shook her head in disbelief. "And still no lead."

"They should just call it a day, it's like you will find something after that long!" Yang remarked and Blake tried to look less suspicious than ever.

"Last time I heard, Hunters already gathered and provided all the evidence, right?" Mav jumped into the discussion looking at Yang.

"I'm only in the first grade, why would I know?"

"Apparently, SDC is not satisfied with the results and demand more action." Goose commenetd, taking a sip. "Can't blame 'em, that was hell of a lot of dust. But considering the risen activity of the Grimm there… Makes me and my colleagues nervous."

"But why they are also sending the police?" Mav frowned. "I am sure those SDC guys can handle anything."

"Because Council don't want to leave SDC unchecked." Blake finally spoke up, dead serious. "Company will do anything to punish those, who dared to raise their hands against them."

"Isn't that a good thing? Punishing those who commit crimes?" Mike asked, and Blake gave him a cold glare.

"That's police's primary goal." Blake agreed, but her face was still like a stone. "But not SDC's. Police want to arrest those who are responsible, SDC wants to capture those, who company executives deem responsible." Blake clarified as Mav listened to her curiously while Goose just stared at her. "Believe me, they will find someone to punish, but not exactly those who actually attacked their train."

"Jeez, I heard that SDC can be ruthless, but you are just overreacting." Mav said, oblivious to the reality, just like many.

"You wouldn't said that if you saw what they and their private army did in Vacuo." Blake replied, sour images of senseless brutality appearing her head. The sheer amount of destruction this company caused there would be enough to turn the public's opinion against them, but nobody believes evidence provided by the White Fang. After all, SDC has large influence over media, and was quickly able to hide everything under the rug, marking all it all as "minor incidents". And, to be fair, even Blake at first thought it wasn't that bad.

She clenched her fists, remembering some members of the Fang speaking about so called "Schnee Dust Protection Service" – a private army of SDC, whose official goal is to protect mines and SDC property, but in reality their primary objective is hunting down the White Fang, suppressing striking workers and even destroying settlements inhabited by Faunus population in response to acts of sabotage.

Luckily, she never met them, as they operate primarily in Atlas and Vacuo, but after seeing her brothers and sisters from other branches with faces marked by burnt iron, deep wounds and broken, deformed bones, she never dared to question SDPS's existence.

"Alright I get it, SDC suck." Yang remarked after seeing Blake in this state, wondering about her partner's reaction. "I'm sure that Weiss would start the argument about it."

"Wait, no way you have an actual Schnee on your team! " Mav said in shock.

"We actually do." Yang confirmed.

"Regrettably." Blake added quietly, feeling that someone is watching them.

"What is she like?" Mav asked, and Yang scratched her chin and thought how to answer that without badmouthing her sister's partner right away.

"She is… fashionable, that's for sure. Has a very cool toothpick." She counted on her fingers. "Oh, and she makes a very good tea."

"That's… good I think?"

Waiter burst out from the crowd, in his right hand he held a plate with two bottles and two glasses, large one containing a red-yellow liquid, the second, small glass filled with transparent drink.

"Your order here." He gave each the ordered drink, and while giving Blake's one, he looked at her nodded. "Good luck." He said and left, going towards the another table. Yang took a look at Blake's drink.

"Looks like water." She said.

"The good stuff is inside." Blake replied, drunk some, shivered a little and left a loud huff.

"May I taste some?" Yang asked, and Blake looked at her, then at her drink, then again at Yang, shrugged her arms and passed it to her.

"But be careful, it is very strong…" She wanted to warn beforehand but Yang drunk it all in one go.

Xiao Long's eyes widened and turned red, she started to cough as her entire body shook, then her hair ignited, making everyone gathered around freak out and run.

"What is this!?" Mav rose from her seat and jumped to Yang, trying to put out the flame while Goose looked for some water or fire extinguisher.

"I told you, it is very strong." Blake looked worried that she might accidently hurt her partner, she reached with her hand but quickly retracted it after Yang's hair extinguished, and her eyes turned lilac again.

"Whoa-ho-ho!" She said, grinning widely. "Now that was a kicker!" She looked at her partner and laughed. "And you drink that!? I felt like my entire body is set aflame!"

"It went in flame…" Blake commented quietly, and Yang took her under her right arm.

"I would never suspect you of drinking something like that!" She said, laughing out loud. "There is still some hope for you!"

"Hope for what?" And Yang scoffed hearing that.

"Don't act like you don't know."

"I really don't." And after hearing this, Yang left a heavy sigh and started counting on her fingers again.

"You act all this gloomy, you try all the time to be mysterious, you barely speak up and all that. It's frustrating! It's like you hide something."

"I don't!" Blake's raised her hands in a defensive gesture as her face turned pale.

"Oh, I have you all figured out Blakey!" Blake nearly panicked and thought about using her semblance to escape. "You are just shy!" Yang pulled Blake closer, and Belladonna left the sigh of relief. "I am sure that you are actually far different person beneath this mask of "I am loner, I love books"!" Yang mimicked Blake's way of speech surprisingly well, and both Mike and Mav chuckled while Yang continued. "And you know what? I really want to know that Blake!"

Blake frown her black brows. "That's why you brought me here? To know me better?"

"Was there ever any other reason?" Yang asked the question instead, and for the first time in years, Blake found herself not sure what to think.

She used to always suspect an ulterior motive from everyone, especially humans, and always kept her guard up. In fact, only few times she allowed someone else besides her parents to get closer, and everytime it turned out be a mistake.

With Yang however, things were different. Sure, she found her annoying at times, and at first didn't like her that much, but with each day, a strange thought started to grow: That Yang is genuine.

The way she interacted with everyone around her, spoke her mind without hesitation, showed affection to Ruby – it all painted a picture of a good, and extraordinary person. Blake of course thought that it was just a façade, and sooner or later, Yang will show her true colors.

But that moment never came. And that was confusing.

And finally, when Yang basically blackmailed her to go to this club, she thought that it was finally this moment, and all masks will fall. Turns out, they didn't.

Or maybe Yang wasn't wearing any in the first place?

"Yang, I…" She wanted to say, but her six sense rung in alert, as she felt someone watching them. Her ear twitched, picking up through the noise and music a quiet conversation between two men nearby:

"That's her?"

"She matches Ritter's description."

She tilted her head to the left, and in the crowd she found two bulky humans, staring directly at them, one of them tried to discreetly point at her and waved to someone to come over, which confirmed her worst fear.

Someone recognized her. How? Who are they? Not the time to think about it.

"…need to go the bathroom." She brushed off Yang's hand, stood up and walked away, and as expected, two humans went after her.

"She is strange, you know?" Goose said, following the girl in black with his stare. "I had never seen eyes like these before."

"Yeah, I wonder what do you see in her." Mav added, looking directly at Yang. "I mean, she looks good and all, but I don't think…"

Yang wasn't listening, she found Blake's abrupt leave rather odd, and looked around for a possible cause, and she quickly noticed two large guys tailing her partner. She is less than an hour here and already has creeps stalking her? That was fast.

And knowing Blake, she probably doesn't know how to deal with them.

Yang on the other hand, knew exactly what to do.

She picked up her strawberry sunrise and got up from her chair.

"Hey, if something starts to explode, burn, or crush, just lay low, will ya?" She told them, and Goose hid his face in his hands.

"Not again…" He mumbled while Mav laughed and raised her drink.

"Go, give them hell girl!" She encouraged while Yang went into the crowd, following the duo with a playful smile. This evening couldn't possibly get any better.

---

Well above the crowd, Owner of Elysium picked up his radio. After listening for a moment, he turned and approached the well-hidden balcony, on which stood a single, red couch.

On this couch sat a person covered in long, black and red robes, which matched her long and bushy black hair. She hid her face under the white mask, which resembled the face of enraged Nevermore.

"Persephone, Golden dragon is on the move, should we intervene?" He asked, and she looked at him.

"No." Voice distorted by mask replied. "I want to see it. Is Cartez in position?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Tell him to engage after the SDC, not earlier. I know how he loves proper duels."

"Understood." Hades opened his radio and relayed instructions, all the while Persephone's gaze followed Xiao Long with great interest. For months, she heard only good things about the daughter of Taiyang, but she never trusted the outside sources that much, always preferring to witness everything firsthand.

"Show me if you are worthy of my time Yang."

Limestone, Vale

"Excuse me?" Jaune asked, both confused and scared by Smith's sudden declaration.

"You lied about something crucial." Annatar said, his voice colder than wind during winter. "And that pains your heart like a thorn."

"No no no, you don't understand..."

"I think I do." Annatar looked at Jaune, his eyes were like gaping maws of fire, able to pierce through his very being. "You try desperately to hide it, yet your body and soul tells me everything I need."

Annatar stood above him, covering the boy in his shadow like enormous, black tower.

"You set yourself on the path to destiny, hoping that one day, you will also be like heroes of the old. But you didn't realize how rough the road ahead is, did you?"

Jaune's body screamed, trying to make him get up and run as fast as possible, far away from the blacksmith and to never look back at this forge. His muscles reacted like small mammal reacts in presence of an old and cruel cat.

Jaune's mind however kept his instincts in check. He saw what Annatar does, right? How he helps his neighbors, creates wonders and works tirelessly. Those gentle hands wouldn't hurt a fly, those eyes could not possibly lie. That man is probably the least dangerous man in the entire city, maybe even in the entire Kingdom. He shouldn't be worried or feel threatened.

Then why his body is shaking?

"And each obstacle you encounter holds you in place, binds you like chains binds a prisoner, making you unable to move forward. And yet, you also don't want to back down either. Forever in between."

Annatar walked slowly in the circle around his guest, sometimes disappearing from Jaune's view to reappear shortly after right beside him.

"Your efforts are admirable, yet with each passing day, burden becomes more and more unbearable. But why you won't share it with someone?"

"I don't want to trouble anyone..."

"Maybe." Annatar interrupted him and put his hand on his right shoulder. "Or maybe it's because you fear the consequences." Annatar took the hand and resumed his walk. "You fear that when truth finally comes out, you will lose everything you care about." Smith stopped after seeing boy's pained expression, thought for a second and again looked directly into hunter's eyes. "Correction: Everyone."

Jaune looked at his feet, feeling of shame covering him like water covers rocks on the beach.

He lied his way to Beacon, thinking that something will happen there, his true potential unlock, radioactive spider bites him or something like in all the books and comics he read. Instead, none of that happened, he remained weaker than everyone.

He was able to finally make good friends, but he never asked to be their leader. It was not his choice.

"I see." Annatar said after seeing this reaction, and his voice turned compassionate. "You tried your best to show everyone that you are as capable as them, yet each attempt ended with utter failure."

"I don't want anyone's pity." Jaune finally spoke up. "It's true, I cheated my way to Beacon. I did everything I can to be the best leader possible, but I just can't keep up with everyone. It is nothing you can possibly "forge" man." He finally realized what he just said after seeing Annatar's amused face. "Wait, no, I shouldn't..."

"What is said in the forge, stays in the forge, that's a rule." Annatar said, calming his guest little bit. "Your secret is safe with me."

Jaune left the sigh of relief. This guy is not that bad at all.

"However, you are under a misconception."

Jaune gave Annatar a terrified look, but to his surprise, Blacksmith started to lit the fires under the Furnace.

"What are you..."

"If we want to finish this before dawn, I need to prepare everything now." Annatar said, shoving coal into the furnace to feed the flame.

"Finish what?"

Annatar shoved even more coal into the rising fire, and it quickly consumed the fuel, and as it raised higher and grew brighter, he looked at his guest with amusement.

"I could make you a sword that cut could through light, gauntlets that would make you as strong as a dragon, or helmet that would make you impervious to harm and cold."

Jaune looked at his arms, thinking that being strong like Yang or Nora wouldn't be that bad...

"But those are mere toys, trinkets which I can make in hour or two." Annatar picked up a bar of gold and put it into the smelter to liquify it. "None of which would solve your true problem."

Annatar looked at the melting gold, his eyes as red and bright as the flames.

"Which is?" Jaune asked, hoping that he won't regret it.

"Your fear and self-doubt created a mental block in your own head." Annatar answered, and after seeing that Arc didn't understand, he thought for a bit. "You consider yourself worse than your associates at every turn, don't you?"

"I mean, they..."

"Do NOT finish this sentence." Annatar said with such power that Arc nearly jumped on his seat. "I won't tolerate such foolishness. Not anymore."

Bright flames licked the shiny metal, slowly liquefying it.

"So I ask you again - why do you think I can't reforge you?"

"Wait, what? Your semblance is going to work on my mind?" Jaune asked with surprise, and Annatar, for the first time in a while, genuinely laughed.

"Semblance! I don't need such a thing." He declared as the fire started to melt the metal. "Some need time, others want few gestures, many act after a promise. But for you..."

He watched how gold lost its sturdy form and melted, now more than ready to work upon, capable to contain the power. His eyes now shined like stars, excited at the prospect of a true, proper craft.

"... A Ring will suffice."

---

If you also had four ears, you would avoid night clubs too.

---

Authors notes

Again, I don't own RWBY or LoTR. Nor the lyrics, these are from the music:

Skillet: Invincible
Subdigitals: Break away

And, as you noticed, I allowed myself a little additions to the world. I will try to make those additions make sense, so here I present my line of thought:

SDC is presented as this amoral company who exploits its workers, abuse Faunus and many shady stuff. Yet we don't actually see their bad actions. Or we see them but in comparison to the White Fang, they seem like no big deal. So, I decided to show RWBY's Arasaka much more... darker side.

Also, Yang's friends - We are just told she is very popular and has a lot of friends, but we never actually see them! They are side characters though, which should be fine.

Notes:

Sorry for quite a long delay... If anyone is still reading it.
If I wanted to, I could probably started writing explenations on why I didn't continue posting, but let's face the truth: I messed up. So instead of trying to explain myself, I will just write this: Yes, this story is crossposted from FF.net, under the same title. If you want, you can go check it out now, but if you don't and give me another chance, then I plan to post each and every chapter on this site each week, until we match the story posted there.
Excpet the next chapter - that will be uploaded... *checks his calendar* tomorrow
Few warnings - At some point, chapters will get long, like, really long.
That's all from me - take care!

Chapter 7: Bonds and Chains

Bonds and Chains

"The strongest bonds are forged in the fiercest flames."

---

"Really? No windows?" Blake groaned in disbelief as she tried to find a stealthy way out. Experience told her that using bathroom as a way out was a viable strategy, either via window or ventilation shaft, since she was nimble enough to get past even the smallest holes.

This time however, some genius thought that unwelcome guests may try to sneak past Haron through said window to avoid paying for drinks and fun, so they didn't make them. And ventilation shaft…

Blake shook her head. Even she wouldn't be able to do that.

Her bow twitched, her ear picked up a quiet conversation through the cacophony of sounds and music.

"You sure she went there?" First male voice asked.

"One hundred percent" Second man replied. For few moments there was silence, both men probably stared at the door to the woman bathroom and weighed their options.

"So… now what?"

"I… don't really know."

"Maybe we should call for someone?"

"Yeap"

Blake looked around the bathroom, trying to find another wait out. There were at least ten closed cabins, and a very long mirror, spanning the entire wall and reaching the ceiling. All conventional means of escape are out, which leaves…

She turned her head from the cabin in disgust. Mere thought of it nearly made her puke.

"Oi, so there you! What are ya doing here you twaltzs?" Blake heard the third, feminine voice right outside the bathroom.

"She is there." One of the men replied.

"Who?"

"A girl in black bow. The one Rittermeister ordered to capture."

Rittermeister? Blake thought. She heard that rank before, but where…

"So go in there and take her in."

"We… can't" One of the men said awkwardly.

"Why?"

"It's… women's bathroom." Second explained

Short pause gave Blake an idea how to avoid the inevitable. She quickly closed all the cabins and locked herself in the last one.

"Ah you pansies, just wait outside!" Woman kicked the door to the bathroom and walked in, her steps as heavy as an Atlesian mech. Blake carefully watched shadow of woman's feet to determine where she was standing.

"Come out, come out wherever you are…" Woman approached the first cabin and knocked the door of its hinges with one go. "Not here I see…"

Three heavy steps, another kick. Eight cabins to go.

"Not here either…"

Three steps, another kick and another door was blown to smithereens.

"You can't hide forever, kitty." This time, woman bypassed fourth and fifth cabin, and went directly for sixth. Powerful kick and cabin was ruined entirely. "Ritter promised large sum for ya head, and I will gladly take it." She knocked out another door. "But honestly? Beating up the animals and getting paid? Heh, it's not a job, it's pure enjoyment."

While the seventh cabin was being destroyed, Blake still had no idea how to get out of this situation. She could fight and probably easily knock out her enemy, but she was more than certain that those two would join the fight, and in confined space like this she had little room to manouver.

Cabin right beside her literally exploded after the blow, shaking the entire room. She focused after hearing first step, her aura emanated a black glow for a moment, and when she heard a third step…

"Aha!" door to the tenth cabin exploded, revealing a tall woman with short black hair, her body built more like a brick, her mouth grinning in triumph, her grin resembling the crack in the wall. She looked inside the cabin and only a not very clean toilet welcomed her.

"What in the bloody hell?" She looked at the fifth and fourth cabin with suspicion, never even thinking about looking up.

Blake held her breath, holding to the ceiling right above the woman, knowing that if timed right, she can incapacitate her without making a noise, however, but those two outside are still…

Just when the woman smashed the fourth cabin's door, Blake realized that those two are not outside anymore.

"Those twatlz are the worst, always doing…" Woman grumbled and turned towards the mirror, just to receive a knee into her nose.

Meanwhile

Just like Yang thought, these two guys were not only creeps, but the worst kind of stalkers – The one who follow you even to the bathroom, and when you leave, they "accidently" bump into you and start cat-calling.

She left a disappointed sigh. They desperately want to pick up a girl?

She made the most innocent and charming smile she could possibly do, fixed her hair and started approached them.

"Bertha seems to have fun." One of them commented, still unaware of approaching Yang.

"Do you think she can handle her?" Other man scoffed.

"She? Of course. But if not, we should be able to do so easily." Yang scoffed hearing that.

Let's see if they can handle her.

"Heeeyyy there!" Yang took both men under her arms, much to their surprise. "You wait for someone?"

"Yeah…" One tried to interject and push the hand away, but Yang tightened her grip.

"You can wait for her on the dance floor!" Yang pushed them both from the door, giving each a bright smile. "I will even buy you a drink!"

One of them looked at his companion with hope, but he shook his denial.

"We don't have time for this." He tried to shake Yang's hand, but to no avail. "Piss off" And Yang gasped hearing this.

"You say such bad words to the girl?" Yang shook her head in disappointment, and caught the glimpse of Blake leaving the bathroom in a hurry. "It will hurt ya in the head."

With that said, she pulled herself back, and slammed their heads against one another. As they quietly limped to the floor unconscious, Yang brushed her hands with satisfaction.

"That should do it." She said, and turned to Blake. "So, with those…"

But Blake wasn't behind with her.

She looked around and caught the sight of the black ribbon moving among the sea of hands. And more guys like those two trying to follow her.

"You found yourself quite a company I see." She stretched her neck and went after her partner.

Limestone, Vale

As the shattered moon rose above Eregion, Annatar turned off all artificial lighting inside his forge, leaving only the flames under the furnaces. In a way, it was calming. – only he, flames, his forge…

"Why do you want work in the dark?" Jaune asked, standing near the only source of light in the room.

…And an ignorant human.

"Only when metal is molten, its true nature is revealed." Annatar picked up some copper and palladium. "And for that, I don't want broken light of the moon to interfere."

Seeing his startled face, Annatar left a sigh.

"Trinkets can be done during a day, for they don't require that much attention. For true craft on the other hand, you must show it care and make every single detail perfect."

He showed the copper into the furnace.

"One false reflection of light, one missed strike of the hammer and your creation will be maimed, imperfect. If craft is forced into its form, or circumstances are not ideal, result will forever scream in anguish, and creator will forever curse the day he made such atrocity."

He looked at his guest again as the copper melted.

"Do you understand now?" And Jaune shook his head in denial, much to Annatar's frustration.

"I really don't. Maybe Ruby would, but for me, it's just weird."

"Then I shall not waste time." Annatar said, grabbed Jaune's right hand and started to examine it. Before boy could react, Smith took a hold of his finger and squeezed it hard.

"Ouch!" Jaune yelped when his finger was crushed by the Smith, noticing how his touch is unnaturally warm.

"I see, I see." Annatar muttered, let go of the finger and turned back to the furnaces.

"What was that for!?" Hunter in training hold his aching finger.

"I needed to measure your fingers in order to make the ring ideal for you." Annatar answered without turning away from the furnaces. "Not only for now, but ever."

His finger is standard size and won't grow anymore, which means the amount of gold, palladium and copper were more than enough. With great care and precision, he picked up the bucket full of molten copper with his pincers and walked towards the anvil. There, he started to make a form. A small ring-like scaffolding made of copper.

Gold alone is too soft, it will quickly wear down, but with copper as a backbone, it will get much needed hardiness.

He looked at palladium, still not melted, but it will just in time. And when he add it into the alloy with gold, it will turn into the famous "White Gold", and the ring will look both majestic and beautiful at the same time.

But both palladium and copper have one significant downside - they can't store the power like gold can. Of all things created by the great song, only gold and gems seemed to be able to hold the Imperishable Flame, aside of flesh of course.

He never knew why exactly, but run a lot of experiments during his service to Melkor, his time with the Elves and during his reign, both on metals and people. Most ended with failure or partial success, but it all were a necessary steps to create the One.

"You said 'Ruby would understand'". He decided to start another conversation. "Tell me, is she a fellow smith?

"I guess so." Jaune answered, thinking about his friend from Beacon "The first time I met her, she showed me her scythe."

"A Scythe?" Annatar started to make a copper construction while Jaune nodded.

"A very big, sharp scythe which puts itself in the box." Jaune thought for a second. "And it is also a gun."

Annatar chuckled with delight. From what he saw in the forest, this weapon is truly work of art.

"And she made such wonder?" He asked with curiosity, while also picking up the hammer.

"From what she told me, everyone at Beacon made their weapons." After saying that, Arc looked sideways to avoid potential eye contact, clearly trying to hide something.

But both Annatar, and his shadow noticed that right away.

"Is something wrong?" Annatar asked and Jaune left a sigh.

"As I said, all of my friends made their own weapons." Jaune explained. "They shot or launch grenades, transform during a fight and make all kinds of crazy stuff!"

"Their weapons sounds... unbalanced."

"Yeah exactly!"

"Too heavy and overcomplicated." Annatar scratched his chin, now deep in his thoughts.

"Ye... Wait what?" Jaune frowned, and gave Annatar a confused look.

"Probably require much counterweight to work properly..."

"I think we misunderstood each other..." Jaune said, and this time, it was Annatar who gave him a confused look.

"Unbalanced means the weight on both ends of the weapon are probably unequal..."

"Yes but it also means that something is too strong or overpowered or..."

Annatar blinked few times, processed the information and finally realized.

"I see, another double-meaning." He said with disdain and returned to the tasks at hand. Copper was more than ready to be put in the form.

"You don't understand double-meanings?"

"I don't understand your double-meanings.*" Annatar replied, raised his hammer, and while the first strike on the anvil echoed around the world, shadow, who knows which strings to pull, now paid more attention to the young human, sensing an opportunity it long craved for.

Vale, Elysium

"I will thank her later." Blake thought while traversing through the dancing crowd, knowing that there are at least three more groups now tailing her.

She cursed her ribbon under her nose, knowing that it sticks out like a sore thumb, but removing it would make it even worse.

"And what would Yang think?" A thought suddenly appeared in her mind, but she pushed it away. Why should she care about her anyway? They were just partners for next four or five years, and after graduation, they would go to the opposite ends of the world. And that's it.

And 'getting to know each other?' She opened herself once, and nothing good came from it. Only more pain.

She tried to navigate through the crowd towards the exit, but noticed another pair coming from the front, and she changed the direction before they reached her.

Tight space between people now worked greatly to her advantage, as she was nimble enough to pass through even the densest crowd while her pursuers were struggling to catch up, but more and more pairs appeared seemingly out of nowhere, tightened their net around her, pushing her as far from the exit as possible.

They seemed too organized to just be some random group of people, they acted more like a police or militia.

She recalled the words woman in the bathroom said, yet again mentioning a 'Rittermeister'. She was sure that she heard that before, but where?

"Rittermeister, Rittermeister, where did I…" She thought until she finally remembered

3 Years ago

"Attention new recruits!" Few dozen Faunus stood in few lines as the Elder spoke "Now we will determine which of you will earn the right to fight on the first line, and which will be relegated to maintenance duties."

Blake walked before them wearing White Fang lieutenant attire, analyzing each and every single one. Most of them were teens, eager to fight, but their muscles tensed in stress as she approached, knowing that she will deem their usefulness to the cause.

And Blake hated this task, and would love to send them all to non-combat duties. "They are just teens" she thought "Just like me. They should not fight or die." But Adam insisted for her do this, to teach her a lesson about leadership.

She looked at the faunus with giraffe features, his face was still young and childlike, and his eyes sparked that youthful spark.

"Name?" She asked.

"Tymon! And I am ready to fight against the oppresionists!"

"He probably run from his parents" She thought with small bit of the sour taste.

"Maintenance." She said to him, and his jaw dropped.

"But I want to fight!" He argued.

"After few months you will get your chance, believe me." She answered and walked to another Faunus, and after seeing new recruit, she put one step backwards in horror.

The new recruit was a boar faunus, but her tusks were ripped off, leaving large scars on her once good-looking face. Her skin looked like she was burnt alive, but somehow survived, and her eyes were radiating with cold hatred. On her thick neck she wore a necklace made of human teeth, with a badge, on which was written "SDPS Rittermeister Yunow". On her hands were wrapped a pair of hard, steel chains, which she probably tore out from the wall during the breakout, and repurposed to fight.

"Name?" Blake tried to ask softly, and raspy voice replied:

"Nobody."

After hearing that, Blake blinked the few times, and boar faunus pointed at the badge.

"He and his stormtroopers stole it, along with my family, my face, and my tusks."

"I'm sorry." Blake tried to comfort the recruit, but boar faunus shook her head in denial.

"Don't be." She stepped out of the line and matched Blake's stare. "This swine paid for what he has done. But there are more like him, who enjoy starving us in the mines. And I will slaughter each and every single one of them." She stood right before Taurus's second in command. "And know this - if you relegate me to the kitchen because of my scars, I will just return to the forest and fight the Schnees like I used to. – with my chains" she rose her right hand, and chains clanged against the floor.

After a few moments of silence, Blake nodded in agreement.

"You will join the fight… Sister" she reached with her right hand, and boar faunus shook her hand with wide, malicious grin.

"Thank you, sister".

Present

"SDC" Blake felt the surge of hate coursing through her. "That explains a lot."

Another pair tried to et her from the flank, but she ducked under a dancing guy's arm, and quickly disappeared in the crowd.

"But what SDC attacks dogs are doing here? Vale didn't sign the defense contract."

She nearly stumbled upon one of the SDPS, who cleverly hid himself in the crowd, but Blake was able to avoid him in the last moment.

"I need to talk with Tuk about this, he always knows what is going on in the city."

She jumped out the crowd, looked around and, to her dismay, she left her cover too far from the exit. She wanted to go back, but when she turned away, those following were already too close.

"Like hunting the beast in the woods." She heard, and realized that she fell right into the trap.

She turned to face at least twenty men and women who formed a half circle around her, all looking at her like hunters watch the cornered animal. Behind them, on few available chairs sat even more people with SDC badges.

And in the center stood a ghoulish man from earlier, still wearing his brown uniform, smiling like a thirsty vampire. And this time, Blake was able to read what was on his badge: SDPS Rittermeister Nickolaus Harrigan.

"A famous Black Panther, caught on our first night in Vale." He giggled and looked at his men "We are in the luck, aren't we?" gathered soldiers laughed out loud.

"You mistake me for someone." And when Blake said that, Harrigan rolled his eyes.

"Don't pretend canine, we have your face plastered everywhere in our quarters." Her face didn't even moved a muscle, but Harrigan continued regardless "You think we are stupid or what? That we didn't have black boxes on that train? Cameras?" He gave her a mocking grin. "Ah right, you animals can't comprehend human technology. My bad."

She clenched her fists as Harrigan and his men laughed at her, wanting more than anything punch that guy right in the face, but she kept her instincts in check.

She is outnumbered, her only weapon is her hidden extra ribbon, and she could only hope that security will react sooner or later.

"But because It's a World Animal day, I give you one chance of lowering your time in the mines: Tell me where is your boyfriend."

"I don't know who are you talking about." She replied, and Harrigan growled in anger.

"Last chance to do it pretty: Where is Adam Taurus?"

Blake remained silent, and Nick looked disappointed.

"Very well then." He waved to someone sitting behind him. "Merc, do your job."

Right behind Harrigan sat a large, muscular men with olive-like skin, which hinted his Vacuan heritage. His long black hair looked like a mane of the lion, and his green eyes looked at her with disinterest. He wore a green, sleeveless T-shirt, gladly showing off his muscles on the arms. But instead of caring for his posture Blake looked for scars, and cursed under her nose. – He has many on both arms.

But the thing what caught her attention most were how this scars looked like. They were more like dents or scratches left on the armor, not healed wounds.

"That guy is probably experienced mercenary" She thought.

Not every graduate from the Academies on Remnant end up as Hunters – many drop because they are unfit for study, are kicked out because of bad behavior, or simply left for personal reasons. But thanks to their time as Hunters in training, they have their aura unlocked, and some even discovered their semblance, which makes them not only more dangerous, but also desirable for more… shady people.

While Hunters are trying to remain apolitical, serving first and foremost people of Remnant, mercenaries serve themselves, and sell their services to those who pay the most, usually companies like SDC or Mantle Trading Company, but some were found to work for crime lords, cartels and even bandit gangs.

Mercenary stared Blake down for a moment, then looked up at the ceiling. He then nodded.

"Cartez… Will sit this one out." Mercenary stated and picked up his tequila.

"WHAT!?" Nickolaus yelled.

"Fifty against one girl." Mercenary pointed out. "Cartez doesn't consider it a fair fight."

"That's right, you should have called for more!" Both Blake and Nick turned to Yang, who just jumped onto the scene. Blond girl smiled and cracked her knuckles. "Especially with me involved."

"Yang, I can handle this." Blake stated, wanting to keep her partner away from this, but Yang just giggled.

"And leave you with all the fun? No way!"

"Who is this girl!?" Nick yelled to his men, they shrugged their arms in response while Yang looked at him, visibly delighted.

"You guys don't know me? That's even better." She said and after SDPS shook their heads in denial, she started to walk towards Nick. "Do you want short rundown or long story?"

"Neither!"

"Then short one it is." Yang said with sweet, almost naive voice as she got even closer to Nickolaus. None of the soldiers realized the danger they are in yet, because for them, she is just tall, stupid blondie who decided to mess with wrong kind of people, and she is about to pay the price.

Blake however was shocked seeing Yang's performance. Hell, if she wanted to, she would be a very good actress.

"Folks here call me 'the Golden Dragon' because of my fiery temper." She said while winking to one of the soldiers. "I came here today to have fun with my friend, Bella" She pointed at startled Blake. "Because I wanted to make Bella open herself a little, so we can talk about boys, hobbies, badmouth our teachers and all that fun stuff. And instead of having fun, she got harassed by a bunch of weirdos."

They clenched their teeth and fists after that insult, but Cartez chuckled after she said that while Blake looked at her with both surprise and disbelief.

"No way she really wanted only that." She said to herself

"I don't have time for your nonsense!" Harrigan approached her in few steps and pointed his finger at her face. "Better learn to not stick…"

That finger.

That finger was a mistake.

A loud, cracking noise could be heard as Yang grabbed extended hand and proceed to crush it between her fingers.

"You weirdos decided to mess up with my partner, so, by extent, you mess up with me." She leaned to him as Nick desperately tried to release his hand from the steel grip, while his soldiers stared at her in shock. "Are you ready to dance?" She asked him with sweet, yet threatening tone.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE!" He screamed in pain to his shocked men. "GET THEM!"

Before any of them could react, Yang twisted her hips, spinned SDPS leader around and threw him right into one of his soldiers with such strength that both flew few meters after the impact. Troopers yelled in anger and finally decided to charge at the duo

Yang turned to Blake and gave her a wink.

"Let's show them how we deal with creeps!" Yang charged back at them, and Blake smiled a little, raised her fists, and finally decided to let loose on them…

Limestone, Vale

Annatar looked at the cooper construction and deemed it sufficient. He left it on the anvil and reached for his pincers.

"May I ask you something?" Jaune asked while staring at the scaffolding, small drops of sweat falling down his cheeks.

"Only If I could ask you in return"

Jaune nodded to him in agreement, then turned back to the ring.

"These furnaces, this anvil... They are awfully hot." Blond boy said after finally clearing his forehead "But you don't wear any protection or gloves. Aren't you afraid to get burnt?"

Annatar chuckled.

"True, most smiths use gloves and protection during their craft, but I am not like them." Annatar reached with his pincers to the furnace with molten gold. "I have the experience many would wish for, skills I acquired after years of hard work. Now, I am able to recognize the material by simply feeling it's heat, to measure temperature of the flames with a simple stare and recognize the quality of the tools by simple touch. Gloves or protection on my face would separate me from the sensation"

"So... You are just sure you won't get burnt because you are confident in yourself?"

"Everyone who practiced craft for this long, are sure of their abilities." Smith pulled out the heated bucket full of molten gold with his pincers.

"Man, I would love to have that kind of confidence" Arc said as Annatar carried it towards the anvil.

'But I have no abilities to put my confidence in' stray thought appeared in boy's mind, and he tried to push it away, but Sauron and the shadow noticed that right away.

"You shall soon enough" Annatar announced when he put the bucket beside the copper ring. He turned his gaze to molten palladium. Right on time.

"My question." Smith said while approaching the furnace. "When you spoke about your associates weapons, I heard a quiet note of envy..." He reached into the furnace with his pincers. "Which implies that your weapon is in some way worse than theirs." His pincers grabbed the bucket with white liquid. "What weapon do you use?"

"A sword." Jaune answered while Annatar carried the bucket. "Corcea Mors"

"Yellow death?" Annatar put the bucket on the anvil. "A unique name. Is it an old sword?".

"It... belonged to my grandfather" Arc said and left a sigh. "And also to his grandfather."

He was more than ready to take on the mockery. In Beacon, after hearing what weapon he use, other students either mocked him or laughed, his friends tried their best to not embarrass him. And he expected the same reaction from the Smith.

Instead, Annatar smiled joyfully.

"The family heirloom!" He said with admiration. "Do you have it with you by any chance?"

"No, I left it at Beacon." Jaune answered, surprised that someone aside of Ruby showed interest in Corcea. "I could summon it, but unjustified use of the locker would cause me troubles in school. Sorry." He added after seeing Annatar's disappointed face.

"Shame, I would love to see such a fine blade." Annatar started to make a form on which he will pour out gold and palladium.

"But, it's just sword!" Arc persisted. Although he was more than happy that this guy didn't make fun of him, he couldn't believe in such reaction. "You know, just regular sword, with no guns or anything! It's completely normal and all."

"Yet your ancestors used it to write the history itself." Annatar prepared his finest hammer for task. "Only few blades could achieve such honor." He looked at the boy. "While weapons of the other students still need to write their legacies, you already have one in your hands. And that made it worth more than thousand weapons you may encounter in the Academy."

Jaune looked sideway, not convinced at all. He loved Corcea without the doubt, but when he compered her to Crescent Rose or Magnhild...

'Everyone has better weapon than me' another stray thought appeared, and he quickly pushed it away.

"There is no shame in wielding an old weapon, for it is manifestation of your family's legacy. And in dire need, your ancestors shall aid you through it." Annatr prophesied, then looked at all the components right before him.

"But now, we can start creating your ring" Annatar announced when he picked the large crystal - a lapis lazuli. - And put it on the anvil. "There is, however, one crucial detail."

"Which is?"

"In order to create something truly magnificent, we need to work closely together." Annatar waved for him to come over.

"You... don't expect me to use your hammer, do you?

"No." Annatar said dead serious, and Jaune left the sigh of relief. "Your task is far more delicate." Annatar took his best hammer out of the stove. "For the ring must be filled with power."

Jaune frowned hearing this, his body yet again screamed to run.

"Umm, what kind of power exactly?" Annatar turned to face him, his magma eyes shining with the flames.

"Just follow everything I say."

Elysium, Vale

Yang delivered a devastating paunch to the man's abdomen, but before he fell his companion swinged his fist at her.

She blocked the strong hit, swift left hook to the jaw and her assailant stumbled backwards, trying his best to not collapse.

Deciding to help him reach the ground faster, Yang low-kicked with her right leg, sweeping him from his feet.

Hearing someone approaching rapidly from behind, she threw her head back, headbutting the attacker, and a cracking sound could be heard and muffled scream, but she didn't stop there.

She swiftly turned on her feet towards the man, struck his stomach, face and chest in rapid succession, then with one powerful right uppercut she sent him flying across the club.

Then another assailant landed a hit on her face, but she didn't stagger, instead, she delivered a mighty right jab in return.

She was like a force of nature - hits landing on her had little to no effect, she didn't even bother with blocking most of the paunches. Her attacks and counters, on the other hand, always had a devastating effect. Much to SDPS troopers horror, she never stopped smiling during the fight, sometimes even giggled, even after one of them smashed the table on her head.

This gave them an impression that she didn't even treat this fight seriously.

Blake, on the other hand, was far different story

Blake dodged another fist, countered with quick strike to the liver, making her attacker lose his breath, then finished him by hitting his neck with palm of her hand.

She struck with her left elbow another man who tried to sneak behind her right between the eyes, blinding him for a moment.

Now blind, SDPS soldier started to throw paunches around in hope of hitting her, but she was already upon another foe, and instead he struck his fellow soldier passing by.

Blake was the definition of "fighting dirty" - She jumped around, bounced from her enemies, dodged their blows, struck livers, scratched eyes, always targeted their weak spots to incapacitate her foes as fast as possible and move to the next. She fought for years against far better equipped and armored soldiers and droids, and developed efficient fighting style to deal with them.

Another soldier threw his right hand, but Blake dodged again, and before he could retract his arm, Black Panther stabbed it right in the middle of it.

To the man's shock, he found out that he now can't move his arm at all. Before he could retreat, swift attack towards the neck instantly incapacitated him.

She looked at the small group of SDPS, and they put one step backwards, shocked by sheer ferocity and ruthlessness. Unlike Yang, she didn't smile, her face was like stone. But her eyes were reminiscent of the prowling Panther.

She won't kill, that's for sure. But she will hurt them.

Badly.

"Heads up!" They heard Yang, and before they could withdraw or jump away, one of their companions crushed directly into the group.

"I see you are having fun Bella!" Yang waved to her, and Blake just scoffed. Before she could reply, another female tried to attack seemingly distracted Yang.

A very bad move.

Twisting her hips, Yang smashed her fist into the attacker's face, throwing her with speed of a cannonball, which hit two soldiers further back.

Blake ducked under the fist, pulled a spare ribbon out of her hidden pocket, wrapped it around her attacker's hand, and before he could react, she slide between his legs, and pulled the ribbon.

He slammed the floor head first, a large crack appeared upon the impact. Just when Blake tried to retract her weapon, one SDPS grabbed her around her waist.

"Get her!" She yelled to her companion while Blake scratched and trashed in the attempt to free herself, and he quickly picked up the nearest chair.

"Hold still!" He yelled and swung his makeshift weapon.

But before he could land a hit, Blake suddenly disappeared, leaving only a shadow clone.

"What the..." Woman was able to say before the chair connected with her skull.

Blake appeared above the chairman, landed on his shoulders, wrapped her spare ribbon around his neck and started to choke him.

"Together you idiots! Fight together!" Harrigan screeched. "There are just two of them!"

One of the soldiers heavily landed right before his Rittermeister, and before he could utter a protest, Nick raised him up from the ground and kicked him right back into the fight.

"Are you really this pathetic without your armors!?" Tiny man started to tear out his own hair, but suddenly, a jovial laughter caught his attention.

"Get them guerreras!" Cartez cheered when Yang turned another enemy into a perpetuum mobile.

"On which side are you on!?" Nick lashed out in fury while Cartez continued to laugh when Blake's ribbon struck another soldier like a lash.

"Cartez is on your side in case of an assault" He replied with a smug grin, lifting his glass full of tequila.

"Then do your job and get them!" Nickolaus yelled at Vacuan mercenary, who now drank his tequila slowly, savoring its taste.

"Cartez won't participate in the unfair fight you started, unprovoked" Mercenery replied. "Cartez put that clearly in his contract." And Nick screeched in higher pitch.

"Contract states you MUST protect..." But Cartez rose his finger to hush him

"'Protect' means 'defend', not 'aid you in unfair bar fight you start'." Cartez continued to taste his drink, seemingly disinterested while another scream full of pain could be heard from the group fighting Blake.

But in reality his eyes were fixated on one of the two girls. "Besides, Cartez thinks you handle them pretty well."

Just when he said that, with a loud scream, female mercenary landed on the table, smashing it to splinters. Cartez laughed out loud, admiring the Golden Dragon's strength, yet little disappointed at her lack of form.

"Very well indeed" He added and upon hearing it, Nick clenched his teeth in uncontrollable rage, and kicked his own unconscious soldier.

One soldier tried to tackle Yang, but she didn't even stagger when he slammed against her like a bull.

"Ole!" Yang smacked his face, sending him spinning across the club, but another man tackled her right hand, second grabbed her left, both keeping her in place for the third one to land a hit on her face.

Fourth one wanted to join the pile, but well aimed bottle struck him right in the head.

"Bar fight!" Mav cheered, threw another bottle which struck back of the head of another SDC soldier who tried to attack Blake from behind.

Soldier rose his right fist to strike Yang again, but suddenly a black ribbon wrapped itself around his hand.

Blake pulled her ribbon, throwing the guy out of balance, and giving Yang time to free herself. And Xiao long used that time well.

In the incredible feat of strength, Yang was able to overpower two soldiers holding her arms and smashed all three together.

"Not bad for bunch of assholes!" She praised them while they collapsed on the floor, groaning all the way down. She looked at the remaining SDPS stormtroopers circling around and rose her guard up.

Blake leapt right to her and now both girls were standing back to back while Soldiers slowly started to surround them.

"Relentless, aren't they?" Yang jokingly commented.

"Any funny ideas?" Blake asked in turn, dead serious as the remaining guys finally realized that they still outnumber them five to one.

"How about we end it with style?" Yang asked, her partner looked at her briefly with risen eyebrow. "Just trust me, alright?"

And after a second, Blake nodded in the agreement.

"Get the reinforcements, now!" Nickolaus ordered one of his men who just got up after getting beaten to the pulp. With pained expression, he saluted, tried to run towards the door but tall figure blocked his path.

"Going somewhere?" Asked Goose before slamming his fist into the man's forehead.

Nickolaus looked at Goose, prepared a knife, but then noticed that his subordinates finally surrounded the Duo, but hesitated to approach them.

"What are you waiting for!? Get them!" He ordered, and, at first unsure, grenadiers started to tighten the circle, slightly confident in their number.

First four of them jumped on both girls, but got eliminated by quick hits in their faces and abdomens, next four attacked almost immediately after last hit was delivered. One with short dark beard almost hit Blake in the face, but quick kick between the legs send him onto the ground, kick of the second one almost connected but this soldier was send flying by Yang in last moment.

That left opening for the two targeting blond girl but Blake stooped it ramming into the white-haired guy holding table leg, he lost his ground and fell on his colleague.

But now both girls weren't in position to either attack last two opponents or to defend against them. In that moment Yang looked in Blake's eyes, both locked their arms together and by using momentum built up by their previous movements (and accelerated by their aura,) they made one full circle in the air, kicking last two crocks away.

And after that, the fight was over, all Stormtroopers were laying beaten up or unwilling to fight anymore, and their leader just stood there, not able to comprehend that he lost.

"Golden Dragon!" Mav cheered, and whole crowd went after her example.

"Now that was a warm up!" Yang said and turned to Blake with a wide smile. "I bet those guys never seen that coming!" Yang pat Blake's back. "It wasn't your first bar fight, was it?"

"Not quite." Blake replied. "But why…?"

"Because we are friends, silly! And nobody messes with my friends when I'm around!"

Blake looked into those lilac eyes, again feeling the surge of conflicting emotions coursing through her.

Like the time she met him for the first time.

She wanted to somehow comment this, but loud voice interrupted their moment.

"Dragón Dorada!"

Both girls turned to the merc, who just finished his drink, rose up from his chair and gave them a proud smile.

"Well fought, You gave Cartez a good laugh" Mercenary put off his glass and stretched his neck.

"Finally!" Nick commented with note of anger.

Blake immediately rose her guard and prepared to fight, but Yang put her hand down.

"Leave that to me." She whispered, then looked at the Mercenary and she stepped up towards him. "So, you want to tango, tough guy?"

"Si, Señorita." Cartez nodded while they started to circle each other. "Toro Dorado heard a lot great things about famous Dragón Dorada. And Cartez is more than willing to check these rumors himself."

"You always speak in third person? Little weird." Yang rose her guard up.

"Cartez doesn't understand what do you mean." He rose his fists too.

Limestone, Vale

Hammer fell like a thunder, smashing against the gold with strength.

There was something in how Annatar wielded the hammer: His swings were both powerful and precise, each hit was strong, yet gentle. And with each swing, ring was getting formed.

While working, Annatar sung a nostalgic song only he could understand. About distant white shores, which he will never see again.

About the forge built under the light of two beautiful trees, forever gone.

He sung to the metal, which will become the ring, about the form it shall take, about the adoration it will receive from human stare, about the beauty it bring to this grim world. He pleaded to metal to allow itself to show him its essence, so he can give justice to its soul, and bring its magnificence to the light of the sun.

And metal sung back, eager to become what Annatar envisioned. Then it started to crave for an owner.

"Your part Jaune Arc." Annatar said. "Sing the song of your soul."

"I still can't believe that aura can work like this." Jaune said, trying his best to understand the lyrics of Smith's song.

"Stop thinking about the song, just think about who you are." Annatar said, trying to push boy's doubts away. And when he started to sing again about Undying Lands, Arc, at first uncertain, immerse himself in the smiths song.

And, much to his shock, his aura flickered and Annatar's voice now sung the tale about him. His past, his present, and his potential future.

"YES!" Annatar cheered in his mind as the boy finally used his inner flame.

Inside everyone is fragment of the Flame, which remembers the great song all Ainur sang at the beginning of time. Each song is different and unique, it grows with the owner, expands, interacts with music of others.

Humans can't see that of course, even the elves can't, no matter how hard they try. It is a gift only Ainur possess.

In other words, right now Arc allowed him to put into the ring fragments of his identity, without even realizing it.

Ring listened to the song about a caring man, who helps everyone in need, noble or poor alike,

Ring resonated with that, and gladly accepted the hammer binding this caring nature.

About the unwavering man, who fall time and time again, only to rise and fight yet again,

Ring allowed the hammer to add that unbroken will.

About a helpful man, who will make friends wherever he goes, and fight for them until he breaths his very last.

Hammer bonded the ring with loyalty to his owner.

As they continued the work, Arc saw various moments from his life unfolding before his eyes.

He remembered the day when his dad told him about his grandfather, about when he held the mountain pass for four days straight against tide of the Grimm to allow people to escape with their lives. About his great grandfather, who defeated the legendary Long Tusk, enormous Goliath which was able to trample entire cities.

The inspiration he felt that day still burns in him, driving him to pursue the career of the Hunter.

Annatar saw that too, and with another strike of the hammer, added that to the ring. And the ring responded to that with joy.

But then, while singing about the Arc's family, his voice broke, a false note appeared unwelcomed and undesired.

Thoughts of his father brought Jaune a particularly painful memory, and forced him to relive the day when he told him he is leaving for Beacon.

"Don't be afraid to go back if you fail. You will always have home here."

Why he said that!? He wants to be a hero! He NEEDS to be a hero! Why he doesn't believe in him!?

"Control yourself." Annatar scolded, snapping Arc out those thoughts.

"Sorry." Jaune tried to yet again attune to the song, and after a short pause, Annatar resumed his work.

Shadow laughed in silent mockery. This human's obsession for being a hero is so… adorable.

Hidden deep inside, he tries to hide it from all, but it festers like a thorn, and serves as great foundation for… other emotions.

Shadow knows how to bring out the worst aspects of humanity. How to corrupt something once pure.

It started to sing it's discord…

Elysium, Vale

Yang charged first, shortened distance between her and the mercenary, swung her fist against his face, but they got smashed against his guard, pushing him back few inches.

He countered with precise right jab, striking her face, but she didn't flinch.

She tried few swifts attacks against his stomach, he blocked each of them, then delivered upper hook.

Yet again Yang's face got hit, she clenched her teeth in irritation and tried to respond in kind.

Right hook, left hook, right low kick, each blocked.

"Stop defending like a wimp and start fighting!" Yang taunted when her right fist was once again blocked by merc's guard.

"Then stop treating Cartez like a mere crook!" His left uppercut smashed against her stomach, she got dizzy for a second, long enough for merc to unleash a barrage of blows.

Blake looked at the fight with a bad taste in her mouth. That guy is not as strong as Yang, but his combat stance is way better than her's, and he certainly has experience in an actual fight.

After receiving more than few blows, Yang grabbed the incoming right fist with her left hand, then tried to counter with right hook, but merc grabbed her hand in a steel grip.

He pushed her hands to the sides giving himself an opening, pulled his head backwards, and launched it forward, delivering a devastating headbutt.

Crowd flinched after that blow.

Yang stumbled backwards, trying to shake the dizziness away.

"You should always keep your guard up, Señorita!" Cartez said before another blow hit her right between her eyes, sending her flying back a few meters.

"Do you need help?" Blake asked as Yang landed heavily just before her.

"No." Yang replied while slowly raising up, all playfulness disappearing from her face and her lilac eyes glowed in red. "That guy is just lucky." She stared down slowly approaching mercenary.

"Does Cartez has your full attention?" He asked almost nonchalantly.

"Oh, you have now, Goldi Cow." She replied and smashed her fists together.

She again charged at him, but this time with such speed that the crowd observing barely registered that quick movement.

Cartez rose his guard up, but Yang punched her way through it, slammed her right fist against his chest. Then his stomach, then his chest yet again.

She ended her angry combo with a strong blow to the jaw, which pushed the mercenary back.

"Dragons BULLY cows." She taunted with a smug smile. "Not the other way around." and some people in the crowd even chuckled.

Cartez spit out some red saliva on the floor, and grinned widely after seeing Yang's angered stare, her lilac eyes turned to red.

"Finally! A serious fight!" He said that with almost childlike joy, then tore his green T-shirt in one go, revealing his muscular torso marked with even more dents and scratches. He then smashed his fists together and right before everyone's eyes, his whole body - skin, black hair, short beard. - all turned to solid gold.

"Wow." Mav whispered to Blake. "This guy is jacked."

Blake didn't respond to that verbally, only nodded in agreement, instead focusing on his battle marks, which were incorporated into his golden "armor".

"With his body being to turn into metal no wonder why his scars were unusual."

"Already going Super Saiyan?" Yang asked with a smirk.

"Cartez see no reason to hold back anymore." Mercenary replied. "And Cartez hopes that daughter of Raven will do the same."

Yang's eyes turned lilac for a moment.

"Wait, you know my..." She wanted to ask but Cartez closed distance between them in one jump, punched her face, blow rung like a church bell.

"Don't get distracted now, la amiga!" Cartez scolded, pressed the attack, and after short moment of shock, Yang started to match his blows, her fists smashing against his metal body like a hammer against the anvil…

Limestone, Vale

Another strike of the hammer against the ring.

Annatar's voice started to break, his once great song became less and less harmonious.

Each time when Annatar brought up another good aspect, something twisted his words.

He sung about a wicked men, who will cheat and lie his way to greatness.

Jaune tried to push away the guilt, remembering as clear as the day how he forged that transcript in his home, how he was meticulously crafting the prompt for the 3D printer to make the official seal, as well as making all the documents he needed to join the Beacon Academy.

He knew that when he submit those documents, there will be no turning back. But he was confident – in Beacon, he will prove to everyone that he is capable…

Annatar tried to bring something good from that – a great attention to detail, a careful planning, but the dark emotion still crawled its way into the ring.

No matter. He can work with that. Damage is done, but is not severe.

He tried to change the tide of dark emotions, to redirect it on another path.

Now, Annatar sung about the righteous man, who is not afraid to stand up for others…

With a laugh, Shadow once again pulled the string…

…About a coward who sits by when injustice is served.

Jaune was once again in the cafeteria, and watched how Cardin abuse the faunus student while his past self looked away, ignoring the issue, pretending like nothing is happening.

"You freaky animal should remain in the forest." Cardin said with a wide grin. "Along with other of your kind!"

Oh, how much Jaune hated this dumb brute, his arrogant posture, his cruelty. But, just like others, he remained silent while he abused those weaker than him, fearing that he will become the target.

He tried to explain that to himself – that he is too weak to stand up against him, that he will just make it worse.

But he couldn't hide anymore: He is a coward. He wants to be a hero like his grandfather, yet is afraid to stand up against a bully? He felt… powerless. Meaningless.

He HATED that.

Wrath and Hate crushed its way into the ring, giving it might, while Shadow triumphed.

Perhaps there will be something useful from that human…

In desperation, Annatar yet again tried to change the topic, and sung about boy's potential future:

About ambitious man, who strive for greatness against all odds…

But Shadow wasn't fooled, and twisted the words once more, delivering a devastating blow.

About arrogant man, who think he is as good as those already accomplished…

Jaune found himself between the lockers in Beacon, just to witness himself, Weiss and Pyrrha talking to each other.

"This is Pyrrha." Past-Weiss said.

"Hello again!" Red head said.

"Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum!"

Shadow grinned hearing that while Jaune looked at his feet. She was the best in her school, while he…

"Never heard of it." His past-self replied.

Past-Weiss scoffed at him.

"She's won the Mistral Region Tournaments four years in a row! A new record."

Shadow took a great look at the champion, then compared her to the boy beside him. It was unimpressed.

Then it pulled another string.

"She is already a champion while I am… nobody." Thought appeared in boy's mind

"The what?"

Weiss waved her hands in anger, losing it to Jaune's ignorance.

"She's on the front of every Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes box!" She yelled, and finally, past-Jaune realized to who is he talking to.

Shadow wasn't sure how to respond to that statement, concept of "cereal box" completely alien to it.

Jaune looked at his feet, not wanting to listen to this anymore.

"So, after hearing all of this, do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?" Past-Weiss asked, and both his past self and he replied in unison.

"I guess not…"

Shadow waved it's arm, changing the scene to something more embarrassing…

Shameful…

Pathetic…

Annatar watched in horror as his harmonious work turns to disarray, how whirlwind of dark emotions makes its way into his perfect creation, filling it with primal might…

Jaune tried to cover his head as Cardin pinned him to the ground…

He then tried to free himself when Pyrrha's javelin pinned him to the tree…

He then was yet again threw away after stumbling into Deathstalker's den like an idiot.

He felt again how powerless he is.

How meaningless he is.

With a mocking laughter, Shadow burrowed it's way into the ring like a worm, and Annatar roared in anger, roar so primordial and rage filled that Jaune passed out just when the reflection of him with pitch black eyes looked at him with disgust.

"Who do you think you are?"

---

Left hook, right uppercut, Yang struck against the merc repeadetly, each blow against his golden skin sending sparks of fire.

Cartez backhanded her, pushed her back a little, then grabbed her by her shoulders and headbutted her.

Crowd watching frowned when it happened, then looked away as second headbutt was delivered.

"This is gonna..." Goose commented before third headbutt impacted Yang. Loud clang echoed through the club. "...Hurt."

In the attempt to retake Control of the fight, Yang grabbed hands holding her and proceed to crush them with unimaginable strenght.

Cartez sceamed in pain as cracks appeared on his fingers, let her go, and she used this oppurtunity to grab his left arm and right leg, lift him above herself and threw to the ground.

Floor cracked under such impact, but she wasn't done. As Cartez tried to rise up, she jumped on his back, hitting it's center with her knee, then started to hit mercenery's head, smashing it against the floor, each strike deepend the hole Cartez was in.

"The last time I remember Yang wouldn't be able to take that beating." Mav commented, then looked at Blake. "How is she able to stand after such punches?"

"It's her semblance." Blake said as Cartez struck Yang with his elbow, shook her of from his back and backhanded her with such might that she flew away, bouncing once from the floor.

"She absorbs the kinetic energy which she later uses to empower her own attacks." Blake explained while Yang rose on her feet, clenching her teeth. Blake saw the exact same scenario during their training sessions in Beacon - her opponents tried to overpower her with strenght alone, only to receive a devastating counter and lose the match.

"So it is basically 'stop punching yourself' kinda thing?" Goose inquired.

"To put it simply, yes."

Mav whistled with amusement as Yang again smashed her fists against one another, her hair was briefly set ablaze while Cartez roared on top of his lungs and charged.

"That's hella useful." She said and Blake nodded.

"How long exactly she can absorb this?" Goose asked as Yang prepared to tackle the charging Golden Bull, who picked up more and more speed.

"I guess as long as she has aura left." Blake replied. "Or until someone knocks her out."

"Good luck with that." Goose laughed, knowing how tenacious and resilient Yang is.

She couldn't help herself but theorize two possible ways of defeating Yang in single combat - first is to drain her aura in one strike, and probably only Pyrrha is capable of that, and second is to attack her with not a particulary strong, but numerous and precise strikes to drain her aura over time.

"There is one downside though." Blake added and Mav and Goose turned to her.

Golden Bull picked so much speed, lowered his head and Yang too late realized that Cartez does not want to tackle her. Instead, like a rampaging bull, he rammed into her, sending her flying at least seven meters into the air.

With impressive footwork Vacuan turned his body, stopped in place, jumped into the air like a professional basketball player, and before Yang landed, he punched her mid-air.

She smashed through tables and chairs, then slammed against the wall, fell down and both wood and parts of stone wall fell all over her.

"She feels every blow she takes..." Blake tried to remain calm, but her voice showed that she is worried.

For few moments, nothing moved under the pile of bricks, and crowd started to whisper between one another.

"Xiao, c'mon! Beat his ass!" Someone from the crowd yelled.

"Don't back down just now!" Another person added,

Nickolaus grinned disgustingly from his spot.

Mav just blinked in shock.

"Did she just..." She wanted to say but Blake didn't listen, instead run towards the pile of debris. After short moment of hesitation, Goose decided to run too and put himself between the Golden merc and the pile.

Cartez looked at the hidden balcony, rose his eyebrow in unspoken question, and woman in white mask remained motionless. He nodded, understanding what he needs to do.

Blake threw stone after stone, trying to reach Yang as fast as possible, fearing that her partner just lies there, half-conscious and with her aura running low.

"You shouldn't care." Her inner thoughts told her. "She is your partner out of..."

"Screw that!" Blake said out loud and continued digging. It doesn't matter if she wanted to be have partner in Beacon or not, it doesn't matter that Yang's carefree attitude can be annoying and her puns are just bad, she just... can't stand by and watch.

"Cartez knows you can do more than that, Dragon Dorada." Blake heard as merc slowly approached, and reached for her spare ribbon, ready to fight while Goose rose his hands.

"Come any closer and you will lose your teeth." Goose tried to threaten, yet his voice betrayed that he is scared shitless. Luckily for him, Cartez just gave both of them an unamused look.

"Daughter of such famous Huntress is more than capable of fighting better." He taunted

Blake heard and felt growing rumble under debris and Goose watched in amazement as wood and rock starts to rise up.

"Don't bring shame to her name, el niño."

Blake jumped away as the pile exploded in flames, scattering it everywhere, and from it, like a Phoenix, rose a Yellow Flame, which launched itself at the Mercenary.

"Holy shit!" Goose's instincts kicked in, he jumped away from the trajectory of the comet.

Cartez rose his guard in the attempt to block the incoming blow.

But Yang, literally a fireball at the moment, struck him so hard that he flew back despite his confident stance, bouncing from the ground, pieces of gold flying across the club.

He quickly rose up, looked at his hands, now covered in shattered gold, then at furious Yang, who rushed towards him with fury in her red eyes.

"Don't you DARE speak about shame!" She yelled and threw another punch at him, he barely had time to rebuild his armor.

Although her aura flickered slightly too, she had more than enough steam to beat the shit out of him.

Cartez grinned seeing her rage.

"There she is." He said as Yang was again upon him, hitting him square in the jaw.

Blake was left speechless. - it was the first time she saw Yang THAT angry. Sure, she quickly lose control at their training sessions, but to went full ballistic like this?

"Is speaking about her mother her tipping point?" She thought as Yang delivered earth-shattering blows, breaking the Golden armor piece by piece, but merc fought back, their blows clashed like a thunderstorm.

But then, Blake's six's sense kicked in, alerting her of danger. Her ears twitched under the bow, and her eyes searched for the source of the threat.

Someone was sneaking towards two combatants, combat knife in his hands.

Her eyes were now fixated on him, and like prowling Panther, she soon disappeared in the crowd and started to sneak towards the man.

Cartez swinged his left fist against Yang's hand at the same time as she swung her right.

Both fists impacted in the middle, and shockwave threw both combatants away from each other.

Both lifted themselves up, breathing heavily, and their aura now at the breaking point.

Cartez looked at his left hand, and whistled after seeing that gold protecting his hand, entire arm, and even half of his torso was gone. He tried to regenerate it, but found himself unable to do so.

"Well, well…"

"One more word…" Yang interrupted, trying to speak between breathes. "…And they will have to scrape you from the floor."

Cartez grinned after hearing that, rose his fists for final showdown, but his face suddenly turned from happy to enraged after he noticed something behind her.

Yang caught in corner of her eye a silhouette of a ghoulish man with a combat knife rapidly approaching her back.

Harrigan wasn't recruited to SDPS because he was smart, nor because he was a good leader. He was recruited because SDPS always look for opportunists, who lack morals and are more than willing to stab their foes in the back. And Harrigan, like a bloodthirsty rat, sensed the opportunity for such thing.

Although merc looked like he was winning, Nickoluas didn't rose that high in ranks by taking any chances.

He rose his knife high, it's electric dust came to life in sparks, and aimed for Blondie's cranium. Taking her aura to the account, impact should finally bring her on her knees. Then merc can deal with her, catch the Black Panther, and once again, Rittermeister will get his promotion.

But before his knife could connect, black ribbon wrapped itself around the knife and pulled it out of his grasp. With a shocked face he stared at the Black Panther, who pulled the knife to her and grabbed it.

Moments later Yang struck the Rittermeister right in the stomach, and before he could even scream, golden fist smashed his face.

Both powerful strikes threw Harrigan across the club, he bounced from the ceiling and terrified barman jumped away as he smashed into the stash of alcohol behind the counter.

Yang at first gave Cartez a surprised stare as he slammed his fist against his employer's face, fully expecting him to attack her while she was distracted. Before she could continue a fight, Golden bull retracted his armor.

"I yield" He stated, and Yang's eyes turned lilac again, yet she kept her guard up.

"Not doing some dirty trick, do you?" Cartez shook his head in denial.

"Cartez's ally attacked you while your back was turned. Continuing would be a shameful display." He grinned widely "But you gave Cartez a good fight."

"Likewise." She said as the security started to clear the things up. "About what you said. About my mom." He looked at him, her eyes turned red for a moment. "You really know something or you just know how to piss me off?"

"No, Cartez really met Raven Branwen couple of times." Mercenary said. "First being the Vytal festival all those years ago." His face brightened "Yeeaah, she gave Cartez a VERY good fight back there. But Cartez also met her after that."

He looked at Yang again as her eyes turned back lilac. "If you want to know more, then Cartez is more than happy to answer some of your questions before security politely tell the Golden Bull to leave this establishment."

Yang initially wanted to say yes, the opportunity of learning more about her mother was more than tempting.

"Perhaps, if she came here today alone and as predestined, got into fight with wrong people, she would talk with the Golden warrior for hours, learn few facts about her real mother, true reason why she left her, and about the One, who made the rift Melkor gladly used.

This would probably embark her on journey to whole other continents, wanting to discover the truth buried deep under the mountains made of iron and snow. Truth about the bargain between between the Immortal Queens.

Truth about the sacrifice of Summer Rose.

But stories are like the pair of trousers – There are always two ends."

Something itched Yang in back of her head, and turned to so her partner standing few meters away, clearly distressed about security.

"She had more than enough for today, first those creeps harassing her, now security will start asking questions."

"You know what, tough guy? Today is not about my mother." Yang said and gave him a smile. "But the next time we meet, I won't let you go so easily." Cartez laughed out loud.

"Cartez is more than sure of it, Dragon Dorada." He grinned while Yang approached her partner.

"Leaving already?" Mav sounded almost disappointed.

"Yeah, study and all that stuff." Yang replied.

"Study? You?" Both Goose and Yang chuckled while Blake gave her a confused look.

"I thought…" She wanted to ask, but Blond girl just shook her head.

"We will talk about it later." She said and both girls went to the exit.

Hades looked from the hidden balcony and then at a woman with white mask.

"Don't bother them." She ordered and rose from her seat. "And make sure that SDC won't cause any more ruckus here, and to them."

"I am not sure what do you see in that girl Persephone." Man said as the woman walked past him.

"Does it matter to you?" She asked, and he shook his head in denial.

With a single slash of her blade, red portal opened before her.

"Make sure that merc is paid well." She said. "And tell him to watch after her."

"Sure thing ma'am" He replied and Woman in the white mask crossed the portal.

---

Sun slowly rose above the horizon, and Blake was more than glad to welcome the sunlight warming her skin. And, above all, she was more than happy to finally leave this place.

All these loud music or bright lights are not her vibe, and encountering SDPS wasn't one of the most pleasant experiences she had. But, much to her surprise, she couldn't say that was a waste of time. In fact, she enjoyed one part of it.

"Hey." Yang pulled her out of those thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"I hope you had some fun, despite the creeps."

Blake looked at her partner, and, after a short moment, smiled a little.

"Yeah. I had" She said, and Yang chuckled seeing that. "What?"

"You look way better with a smile." Yang gave her another wink and pulled something out of her pocket. "But we must hurry if we don't want to miss our first class."

Something clicked and nearby motorbike beeped, now unlocked.

"You really preplanned all of that." Blake stated, and Yang nodded with pride.

"Exactly."

Soon, both girls were raiding full speed through the empty streets of slowly waking city, towards the shining Beacon, guided by the sun.

And in that moment Blake looked at the back of her partner head, and decided that maybe, opening herself just a little won't be a bad idea.

Limestone, Vale

Jaune slowly opened his eyes,

He felt like his whole body at the same time got heavier and lighter. His brain started to slowly pick up on things.

The song ended, which meant that the ring was finished.

"Oh Man..." He said, and a terrible pain rung inside his skull. "Is this smithing always that pain in the head?"

Annatar didn't even turn to face him, standing motionless near the anvil and obstructing the view of the ring. Jaune tried to look past him and get a look at the it.

"Is it finished or..." Like a wolf, Annatar jumped at him, and in a blink of an eye, Arc was pinned against the wall.

"WHAT DID YOU FORCE ME TO CREATE!?"

Jaune breathed rapidly, his heart pounded like crazy.

Annatar's face looked sharp, his teeth were wolf-like and his red eyes shined like he was mere inches from tearing Jaune's throat.

"I didn't do anything!" He tried to defend himself, but Annatar tightened his grip.

"Don't lie to me human!" He hissed like a snake. "I would never create such aberration!" he pointed at the anvil, and Jaune followed his finger.

On the anvil, there was a magnificent white ring with lapis lazuli on top. True, it was beautiful, but something was off, but he couldn't tell what, since his focus was somewhere else.

Perhaps on the enraged Smith.

"I really don't know what's wrong!" He repeated. "But the ring looks fine to me!"

Annatar let go of him, and Arc fell to the ground. As he left a relived sigh, he noticed Annatar picking a heavy, doublehanded hammer.

"Wait, are you...?"

"I will make another." Smith brushed him off and rose the hammer. "A Perfect one."

"No wait!" Jaune tried to plead, but nothing could stop the swing...

But Annatar held it mid-air, right above the ring.

He roared in rage and threw the hammer away.

"By the Flame I curse your rules once more!" He shouted into the air, and Jaune wondered what the hell just happened right before him. And Smith felt his confusion.

"It is a gift." He said begrudgingly, staring at the object with fury. "If It was a trinket, I would destroy it without issue, but because it is my gift to you, it's destruction is beyond my ability."

"But why do you want to destroy it? It looks good, really! Even if it's scratched a little..." He shut up after Annatar gave him an angry look.

"Wear it on your finger and see by yourself." Annatar ordered.

"It's probably awfully hot..." Jaune commented, and Smith grabbed the ring, steam pouring from his bare hand, but he didn't flinch. After a short moment, all heat evaporated.

"Wear it, then pull it off quickly." Annatar handed him the ring, and Arc looked upon the white ring with lapis-lazuli with curiosity.

Maybe it was just an illusion, but something inside the crystal seemed to be pitch black.

He put the ring on his finger, then looked at the Smith.

And truly, he didn't feel any fear towards him, instead the Smith looked like it was he who is scared.

OFF HIM.

He pulled the ring off.

"What the hell man!?" He said.

"My ring was intended to empower, not strengthen!" Annatar said with anger.

"Isn't it the same thing?"

"NO!" Annatar yelled. "Each human is made of two parts: Soul, and the animal soul inhabits. Both aspects must cooperate with each other to ensure survival. And my ring would empower both."

He clenched his fists.

"But this thing will only strengthen the beast which hides inside you. It disrupts the balance. Make you lose control. Give you might that no human should possess."

Jaune looked at the ring and felt a soothing song from it.

"But it works." He tried to cheer him up. "I don't feel fear…"

"I intended to make you courageous, not brash." Annatar said. "Fear is a necessary component of every brave man. Without it, humans make reckless decisions which get them killed."

Annatar looked at him, his anger seemingly evaporated.

"Give it back to me, and I shall make you another, less powerful yes, but it will work as intended."

Jaune looked at the ring, and felt raw power of it, power he needs to finally become what he always wanted to be.

"But maybe that's exactly what I need?" He asked, and Annatar scoffed.

"You really want to gamble your life on it?"

"I already did." Jaune answered and showed the ring to the Smith. "And without it, I will lose everything. Like you said."

Annatar stared at him for a long time in silence, but this time, Jaune didn't back down from that stare.

"Wear it only when you really need it." Annatar finally said. "Don't wear it during sleep. And while you wear it, don't trust yourself."

Jaune nodded in understanding.

"Now leave!" Smith ordered in harsh tone. "And come back after a week. I will have better one prepared in exchange for this defect."

With snap of his fingers, way out opened before the teenager, and Jaune hurriedly left the forge, leaving Annatar alone inside.

Smith looked at the fires, slowly dying out, clenched his fists and the flames suddenly rose back up, fueled solely by his rage.

He picked up the hammer once again, then bars of steel and started to create the first piece of the armor – the horned helmet, which he will fill with all the hatred he felt at the moment.

Then he made a spiked Chestplate.

Then Heavy gauntlets.

Then Armored boots.

All filled with raw might to the core.

He then opened up the safe with all his money, grabbed some lien and left the forge without saying a word.

---

Sun slowly rose above the horizon, but Jaune didn't care, instead focused on his new belonging.

"Lose control." he muttered. "Just don't wear it during sleep, classes and bathroom and I should be fine."

Since his focus was entirely focused on the ring, he didn't notice how sun revealed that two shadows trailed from his back. But made him realize something else.

"The class!" he yelled, hid the ring the pocket and started to run to the airport. Maybe if he was lucky, he will reach to fastest transport and don't miss the first class of the day entirely.

Shadow grinned and hid himself behind the boy's shadow, deciding to stay dormant for now.

To learn more about the world surrounding it.

But, to its absolute delight, human was more than promising.

---

* One day, both Malachite sisters came to him with a task from Junior, and during conversation, Melanie jokingly said that Annatar is on his "Sigma Male Grindset".
This greatly offended him - How dared she call his smithing "a grind"? And why 'seven male"? It doesn't even make sense!

---

Author's notes

In response to Ri2:

"Oh shit, not a ring!" - Oh yes, the Ring! By the way, I still remember that you asked "So how long until he starts making rings?", Well... three-four chapters!

"Raven? What are you doing here?" - Testing her daughter... and I am really happy that you caught that!

Take care!

In response to Canadian Caesar:

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die.

The ring was given to the white knight, and the shadow took hold inside his heart...

"Good luck, Jaune. You'll need it." - Oh boy, He certainly will.

Notes:

Surprise!

Notes:

Authors note

I had this idea brewing in my head for a while now, and I hope once I get enough time, I will expand on this in the future.
And necessary disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.