Unexpected Incarnate (RWBY Ozpin Incarnate SI)

​Zack POV

Mmmm… this feels good… Who would have thought Weiss would be gentle with her hand as she petted me? Yes. As in, she's petting my head while occasionally scratching behind my ears. I'm simply fulfilling my end of the bargain by remaining in my fox form for the rest of the day except when I need to tell the gang something or other basic needs like food or toilet business.

But I must admit, I dreaded that everyone would give me death hugs for how small and adorable I looked earlier.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case, and my friends managed to control themselves and take turns petting or brushing me, which felt strange yet oddly comforting whenever one of the girls gently brushed my back.

Including Neo. However, she treats me more like an actual pet than the others.

Then there were the two of them.

Ruby and Weiss. Both were the clingiest compared to everyone for reasons beyond me. In fact, they would verbally fight and, for a moment, nearly got physical with one another. Honestly, what's with those two ladies? Why are they so obsessed with me? I know Weiss genuinely likes cute things, judging by how she reacted to Cotta-Arc's child and Ruby as an adorable corgi, so perhaps that's why she's like that.

Where was I? Right, Weiss is petting my ears at the moment after lunch.

"Got your tea you asked." Yang's voice made my ears perk at her, and here she came into the living room in a maid costume. Heheh. However, it was quite shocking when I saw her wearing it for the first time. She somehow got the same maid miniskirt outfit I showed Oz in the morning! I don't know where she got that outfit from or how, but I'm too scared to ask her directly over my fears of getting sucker punched in the face for embarrassing her like this.

What was most surprising was that her maid outfit has a… opening at her chest area and shows off her cleavage. As you can probably guess, Weiss voiced in opposition to Yang's choice of maid outfit before it quickly devolved into everyone arguing whether Yang's outfit was appropriate for my presence. Which I guess makes sense since I'm technically the youngest out of the gang since my Remnant birthday is in December.

As for me, while everyone argued over Yang's outfit choice, I quietly sat aside and watched the chaos unfold.

Now, this is the kind of fun I look forward to, and I didn't have to get my hands dirty for it to happen!

I simply watched and nodded at her before I crawled out of Weiss's lap and changed back into my Faunus form. "Ah, thank you, Yang." I said with the cup of tea and sat next to Weiss, while Yang could only glare at me while I smirked at her. The others were also with us in the living room. Though Neptune dragged Sun off somewhere, something about them having team issues to deal with.

I kind of wish I had read the books After the Fall and Before the Dawn. That would give me more insight into what happened between Sun and Neptune. I don't know if it's just me, but their relationship seemed strained after the Fall of Beacon. Then again, Sun did ditch his team to go with Blake, so perhaps that's the reason.

And I have no reason to believe at the time that I would somehow be here with Ozpin in my head and our souls in the process of merging into one.

…

Now that I have some time to think about it, I have no idea how Glynda and the others are doing in Beacon. We- I only got a glimpse of her near the end of Volume eight, listening to Ruby's speech about Salem. Other than that, nothing else.

"I wonder the same as well…" Ozpin?

"Yes, the show in your world. It never went into detail about what happened in Beacon while we were here. Did it?"

I could only slowly shake my head while bringing my cup to my lips to drink. Mm. At least Yang can make good tea. "No, it mainly focused on our journey in volumes four to eight, all from here in Mistral all the way to Atlas. Glynda only got a cameo near the end of… Volume Eight. Even then, it wasn't much of an insight into what she's been doing after the Fall."

"I see. Yet, I feel you're not telling me everything."

I could tell that Oz was not satisfied with my response. But I don't know how he'll react to the fact that… Atlas falls at the end of the Volume. And Salem will secure the Relic of Creation and knowledge should the path we walk on remain as it is now. Well… As close as it is now with all the new stuff introduced and my intervention.

I could only close my eyes in response before replying. "I know. I'm just not comfortable sharing it with you now. It's…" I sighed internally before resuming my reason. "It's not something I feel should be revealed just yet." A period of silence went by before Ozpin said something.

"I see… Very well, it must be severe if you hesitate to tell me."

"Oh, you have no idea." I silently deprecate a chuckle at myself.

"Yo, Zacky! Are you talking to Professor Ozpin or something?" My ears perk toward Yang, sitting on one of the sofa chairs and still in her maid costume, as my friends watch me with concern. I think I've remained silent for too long to earn worry.

"Uh yeah, something like that, Yang. Oz just wants to ask me some stuff. Since everyone's here, I should inform you about something." My face hardens as my friends recognise the seriousness of the situation.

"Is it something important you wish to inform us all about?" Weiss asked beside me while I could only sigh before placing my tea on the coffee table. What I will say to everyone would probably go badly for me. I intended to tell them earlier, but being rendered unconscious for days delayed that plan of mine.

A plan I intend to go through with and deal with the consequences now.

"Yeah. It's related to the Relic of Knowledge in our hands." I confirm as looks of curiosity and confusion shoot my way while Ozpin asks me while I pick up on his worry. I swear, feeling Ozpin's thoughts and how he feels now is just another constant reminder that I'm still on a clock before his soul merges with mine.

I hate it. I hate this feeling.

"Arakan, I understand your pure intention here, but are you sure you wish to tell them that the Relics faintly attract Grimm?" My brows narrow in response before I answer back.

"I understand your fears and worries now that I'm getting a taste of them as we continue to merge, but as I said before Oz. I want to be truthful with my friends. They deserve the right to know, and I am confident that they won't turn their backs on us since there is a way that Salem can be defeated. I get it that it hurts to be betrayed constantly throughout your many lives. Our experiences shape who we are and what actions we take."

…

"I understand. Do what you believe is right." Those were the last words Ozpin said to me before I returned to reality to see all my friends waiting anxiously for what I had to say about the Relics.

"The Relics… they faintly attract Grimm, and I hoped to tell you all earlier, but I could not due to circumstances I found myself in. I'm sorry about that." I could only bow my head and wait patiently.

"The Relics, they attract the Grimm? And you knew this all the time?" Jaune asks while entirely bewildered by what I said before it hits him. "Does that mean-"

"That people could be hurt by carrying that thing around?" I cut off my blond friend as a flurry of emotions grew on every one of my friend's faces. "Yes. You guys learned it the hard way in the story. I'm doing this to prepare you for what's at stake by carrying the Relic around."

"Zack," my fellow Faunus called out to me as I faced her. "Are you saying you're putting people into harm's way by booking a train towards Argus?" I guess you could say it like that, Blake.

"It's not like I have a choice. We need to get to Atlas fast, and the trains will only take two days to get to Argus from here. Any other way will take too long and expose us to the Grimm attracted to it and Salem's forces attempting to take the Relic away from us." I explain as I can tell more outrage building up from my friends.

"I do not take my actions lightly, people. I'm telling you all this so that when it happens, we'll be ready to step in and minimise the potential casualties that could occur. The show never dives into how many died on the trains, but I know for a fact that some lives were lost there."

…

"I do not like this." I pick up Weiss, stating her thoughts with her arms folded.

"Neither do I," Ren agreed before Ruby gave me, and her eyes begged me for answers.

"Are you sure there's no other way to do this without hurting others?"

"I wish there was…" I admit. I couldn't look at Ruby when I said that. Sometimes, it feels like I'm just making plans as I go. Or I'm relying too heavily on what I know back on Earth. I'm no leader, I can say. I may be forced to become one with how important I am for Remnant's future and my people. I may have to take that role whether I liked it or not.

Or am I becoming more like Ozpin as he is becoming me?

"Then if those Grimm ever show up, we'll just have to break their legs!" Eh? Nora? I felt stunned by her words as she stood proudly with her arms on her hips. I forgot she can be pretty excited for a fight at times. Also, talk about being positive despite this apparent flaw the Relics have.

"Heh! While I'm annoyed that you gave us this information later than I would have liked, at least you bothered to tell us about this, Zacky." Yang smirked at me while I blinked. Nora and Yang surprisingly take this information about the relic well. Huh...

"Yes… With this, we can prepare and intervene should they show up. As you said before, casualties are inevitable. But thanks to your advanced warning, we can limit the deaths on the trains. What did we fight there?" Weiss asks me with a finger on her chin. Wow. You too, Weiss? Not that I'm complaining or anything, but this is surprising coming from you.

"Well… if my memories are correct…" I unconsciously scratched my head. What did team RWBY and the others go up against? Right! It was a group of Manticores led by a Sphinx! I felt everything brightening up as I snapped my fingers. "It was a Sphinx leading a group of Manticores! I can't remember the exact numbers, but I know that Jaune's semblance will be instrumental in this! Especially should he use it with Ren's semblance."

Hearing my statement earned Ren's attention as he figured out my intentions. "You want me to use Tranquillity to mask the passengers?"

"Yes. With Jaune's help, you can hide them all from the Grimm." I confirm before looking at the rest of my friends. "The rest of us must focus on dealing with the Grimm threat without attracting more to us."

"I see! Then perhaps, since we have time, let us plan and prepare then!" Ruby gave me an earnest smile before everyone nodded their heads, as did Neo, who showed up out of nowhere with a thumbs-up!

"Well, I'm done talking for now. Back to fulfilling my promise."

I shrugged before transforming into my fox form as Yang embraced me while Weiss glared at her teammate. "Alright, it's my turn to hold you! I swear, you're so unrealistically soft and fluffy, I don't even know how that's possible." She mutters while I roll my eyes. However, I should also note that Yang is pressing me against her chest.

I'm not even sure if she's doing that purposefully, or she's-

"OW! Bloody headache! What the hell was that for, Oz?!"

"Don't even think about it, Arakan."

"Fine. I wasn't even thinking about whatever you're thinking I was thinking." I shot back while being held off the floor by Yang, wearing a maid outfit.

…

I don't even know why I said it like that…

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The following two days passed in the blink of an eye. Zack and the gang hadn't been spending their time doing nothing. As they prepared to leave for Argus, the fox Faunus paid a final visit to Lionheart, who was surprised by his new features, and he had to explain that he had evolved recently, thus the new additions to his body. As for how he got into Haven without attracting unnecessary attention with his new feature, Zack had Qrow carry him in his bag into Leon's office.

The talk between Leon and Ozpin resumed with Zack, who chimed in occasionally and was mainly related to Haven's current situation. In short, it wasn't good. With many of the experienced Huntsman already dead thanks to Leon and leaving the inexperience and incompetence behind, Mistral's ability to defend against bandits and Grimm has significantly dropped, and many of the Huntsman in Haven are still training and years away from graduating.

Even worse was that many of the staff members of Haven were either dead or out of service due to injuries.

After numerous backs and forth between Ozpin and Leon, it was then decided and confirmed that it is best to send most of their students willing to continue their studies to Shade Academy despite Zack chiming in about how Vacuan people have the survival of the fittest mentality and this would inevitably result in unrest since they would probably see the other students from other Kingdoms as weaklings since their Academy either fell or was put out of commission.

It did not help that Atlas embargoed Dust exports to the rest of the world and fell into a state of isolationism, fearing brewing conflict with the rest of the Kingdoms. That made Ozpin and Leon pessimistic that Atlas under Ironwood would take in any students. In addition, Huntsman's Academy in Atlas is integrated into the government, which will bring up problems for students who wish to maintain their autonomy from any type of authority.

After Zack pestered Ozpin for quite a while, it was decided that team SSSN should be posted to Atlas, while the others were to go to Shade. Ozpin was met with doubt from Leon, but the fox Faunus vouched that despite the team's flaws, they would do well in Atlas. What was not mentioned is that Zack believed Sun and his team would be helpful in defending Atlas.

When the time comes.

Qrow was there, but he was too busy getting drunk again to contribute anything relevant to the subject.

In the end, Leon volunteers to stay behind to ensure Mistral's stability and promises to do his best to get Haven running again. Once that was done, it was getting close to everyone leaving for Argus. But Qrow has to drop by the mailbox to drop off several letters to Ozpin's allies, mainly Glynda in Vale, Theodore in Vacuo, and Ironwood to Atlas.

All the letters share the same information as to Ozpin's status in his new host after his death and the situation that has occurred in Haven. That includes information that Ozpin and everyone else are making their way to Atlas to secure the Relic of Knowledge in hand, and the reveal of the sisters of Twilight and his host's connection to them.

Ozpin was initially against the idea of revealing the sisters to his close allies. Still, Zack argues in favour of it, saying that his group deserves the right to know, especially that Salem can be defeated and that he and the others are working on it. However, many of the finer details were purposely left out to ensure secrecy.

Just in case, those letters never make their way to their receivers.

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Weiss POV.

We have at least thirty minutes before the train arrives. Where is Ruby? She ran off without us, and we have yet to determine where she disappeared in this crowded train station. Now that I think about it, where are Mr Branwen and Zack? They did say they'll meet us after their talk with Headmaster Lionheart. But they're nowhere in sight.

Then there's Miss Politan wearing my friend's face before his evolution while comfortably leaning against the chairs.

She has done this ever since we left our hotel for the final time. And I can never get used to seeing her wearing his face. Seeing her use my friend's face like this with her semblance is shockingly uncanny, since it is scary how accurately she can mimic his looks and movements. Neo must have caught me looking at her because she raised an eyebrow before pulling her scroll from her pocket and typing in it.

"I think she's asking me something." Pulling out my scroll, I see Neo's message.

(Something bothering you, princess?)​

Why you-

(It's about me wearing Foxy's face, right?)​

What does she want with that? "What about it?" I said back before Neo typed onto her scroll.

(Weellllll… I can't help but notice a slight admiration in your eyes for him in particular. The same can be said for Little Red. Are you both love-struck over him? He's not a bad looker now that I think about it.)​

I saw Neo add a smiley face to my scroll and felt my cheeks warm up. Was I that obvious with my infatuation with him? But this is the worst time to talk about this! Especially since we're about to leave for Argus! "We do not talk about it. Especially in the open here." I hissed at her, but that just made Neo grin at me.

(Are you sure? Because clearly, you and Little Red are gonna have to fight for his affection unless you two can work it out, and at the rate things are going from what I can tell, I think she's going to win his heart eventually unless you do something about it.)​

Reading Neo's message suddenly made my heart feel colder than it should be, and the bitter taste of jealousy over my partner came back with a vengeance. Even more, Neo could see it on my face. "What is it for you? I doubt you've dived into other people's business since joining us."

(You're right, but there's something so fascinating and entertaining about a three-way relationship developing before my eyes, especially with how much he doesn't seem aware of Red's and your growing affection for him. Don't worry; I won't say anything. But I cannot deny that Zack will become an even rarer specimen of a man as he evolves, and I believe you cannot deny that this is true.)​

I unconsciously tensed my body, and my left eye twitched in response to Neo's reply. By god's sake, I'm starting to regret agreeing to let her join us! She's been like this ever since she learned of Zack's evolution to his second stage when she came back to see him stuck on the bed. Then, there was the case after she witnessed his new form and did not hesitate to play with him while he was in his fox form when it was her turn.

"What are you guys talking about?"

Gah!

Nora! Why do you keep doing this?!

"Nothing! Nothing that you should bother yourself with, Nora." I recomposed myself while coughing into my hand as my friend glanced at Neo and back at me.

"Are you sure? I heard you're talking about Zacky again."

"No! Nothing related to that dolt at the moment! Neo's simply asking me about things not related to him." Please take it and leave Nora. I do NOT need you to interfere with my infatuation with Zack, as Neo did to me recently! But to my horror, Nora gave me the most mischievous grin I've seen coming out of her.

"Oohhh…. Sounds like you like-like Zacky." If you know what's good for you, you will remain quiet about this, Nora! But she ignored the look I was giving her as she continued.

"Aw… don't be such an Ice Queen, Weiss. Everyone can see it!" Nora says as she announces out to my horror!

Nora! Don't say that out loud!

"See what?"

Ruby!

My head snapped to the left, and I saw my partner standing there with a paper bag in her hands. Did she buy something while we waited? "Nothing of concern, Ruby. Have you seen Mr Branwen?" I quickly took the opportunity to change the topic. I do not need everyone talking about that at the moment.

"Yeah! He'll be here soon!" Yes, that's good to know. I silently watch Yang walk to her sister before they get into a childish argument and fight over what's in the bag. Ruby bought something for Yang but doesn't want to reveal it now. But their squabble was quickly interrupted when Nora jumped between the two of them.

"Oh, I can't believe we're taking the train to Argus! The beautiful northern coastline... You really think it's too early for the beach season?" It is far too late for that, Nora. You may go to the beaches in the spring and summer for a holiday unless you wish to freeze from the cold at this time of year.

Though I cannot lie, my 'father' took our family there once upon a time when things were much simpler…

"Unfortunately, but we will be one step closer to Atlas." And now I'm reminded that we're returning to Atlas despite all my efforts to leave that place. Wonderful.

I couldn't help myself but voice my displeasure within all of this. "Well, I'm glad you're all excited. But I don't think you appreciate the trouble I went through to leave Atlas." But my partner was there to assure me.

And I appreciate it.

"I know you're worried, Weiss, but trust us. Team RWBY won't leave your side for a second! I promise." My partner gave me an earnest smile that made me give one back in return. Though I couldn't take my eyes off the necklace Zack had given her as a birthday gift.

I wonder if I could have one around my neck too…

"Don't forget about Team JNR, Zack, and Uncle Qrow, Ruby. We'll all be there for you." Yang added, and I smiled at her before a white-haired woman with her hair tied up into a bun in a business suit, a red undershirt, a black tie, white pants, and black shoes. She looks familiar with that white top hat on her head.

I swear I've seen her before.

And on her back was an elegant yet esoteric-looking semi-auto rifle with blades. That weapon she has on her back is a Huntsman grade! But her looks remind me too much of an Atlesian than Mistralian. Besides her looks, in her hands was a scroll, and she appeared to be cataloguing everyone in the station heading for Argus.

But why?

"Oh! Look at the hat she has!" Ruby! That's incredibly rude of you to say that! I was about to stand and chastise my partner for this, but this woman didn't seem that bothered. In fact, she was amused by my partner's comments.

"Ah, thank you, Miss Rose." How does she know Ruby's surname? Who is she?

"How do you know that?" Yang asks before stepping protectively in front of Ruby. I, too, was about to intervene before the woman spoke.

"It's hard to go by Mistral without the locals mentioning the saviours of Haven Academy two weeks ago." So that's how she knows us. But I feel that something is off. "Well done, by the way. Witnessing the fall of one Huntsman Academy was bad enough, and another one would have been disastrous. There is hope in this world if there are heroes like you stepping up now."

"Really?! Are you a Huntress, too?" Ruby says as she goes behind her and gazes upon her weapon.

"Yes. To a certain extent. Alas, I've taken enough of your time. I must take my leave. But we may see each other again." And then she was gone without looking back, despite my partner's call for her name. Strangely, I find it odd that she never seems inclined to tell us her name before leaving.

Well, she does seem professional in her job, unlike those arrogant dolts Zack told us about a day ago. I had never seen him get so worked up in a while, but after hearing how incompetent those two were on the train and, in addition, were willing to accept bribes for 'special' protection. It brings up how they're not taking their jobs seriously enough.

But I can't get that itch out of my mind. That woman is familiar as if I've seen her face before, but I just can't put my finger on it right now.

"She's a strange one…" Nora mutters in the background before we all see Mr Branwen walking in with his hands in his pocket and a backpack. I believe Zack is in there.

"Uncle Qrow!" And there she goes…

We watched as Ruby tackled her uncle before his backpack squeaked out. Ruby must have startled him. Now that I think about it, Zack has been jittery since the Haven battle. He's making progress in recovering from his trauma, but we did notice that he's still unable to relax properly unless distracted by something.

"Ah, Zack! Right, sorry about that!" My partner continued before the bag unzipped, and Zack stuck his head out of it and glared at Ruby. He squeaked angrily before Blake came down and met up with us.

"Are you done talking and saying goodbye to them? Everyone's getting excited, and I wonder if you feel the same," Yang asked her partner while I checked my suitcase on my lap. And yes, everything's in place…

"Headmaster Leon assigned Team SSSN to Atlas to continue their studies. Sun said he and his team will see us in Atlas in the coming weeks."

"Excuse me?" I paused halfway and glanced at my Faunus friend. When did that happen?

Zack, it was you, wasn't it?

"But why?" Yang asked with her hands open. Aren't the others going to Shade Academy?"

"Yes, but I think he's responsible for that." There are no arguments about who she's talking about.

"Huh? Good for him, I guess."

But before we could do anything else, everyone heard the announcer speaking. "This is the Argus Limited. The train will depart in twenty minutes. Please make your way to lane four with your tickets ready."

"Alright, kiddos! Gather up! I got your tickets over here," Mr Branwen says as we all get off our seats and meet up with him. But something still bothered me, and I'm sure everyone's wondering the same if I were to judge by their looks.

Where are Dee and Dudley Zack mentioned a while back? Speaking of which, he seems confused and swivels his head around as if looking for them. I have no doubt that this is one of the changes happening out of his control, since he mentioned weeks ago that Argus Limited is undergoing renovations.

We have to be cautious moving forward. We can't rely on his knowledge and help to solve all our problems.

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In the realm of Darkness, Salem sat calmly on her chair with the text of the past. Spending days reading this ancient text on the Faunus has brought much insight and concern for the Grimm witch. It told tales of how the forgotten Gods of Remnant uplifted the first Faunus to heal a broken world plagued by darkness. It told the stories of the rise of the first Faunus Kingdom on the continent, which would eventually be named Menagerie, before its decline centuries after it was formed into what it is now.

It told the rise of the Arakans. A bloodline of Faunuses who were marked by their gods for greatness and granted new and more powerful forms than any human or Faunus that existed at the time. How they wield mythical power at their command to combat the Grimm, and finally, their disappearance from the face of Remnant. It spoke of the original Chosen of the Gods leaving and disappearing with his closest followers. Meanwhile, the siblings of the chosen who did not follow their brother remained behind and assimilated themselves with the local Faunus population.

Never had Salem found herself so engrossed with this ancient book to the point she wondered why she hadn't read it earlier! Yet, it reveals another feature of the Arakans that solidifies that her husband's host is one of these once-thought-forgotten Faunus bloodlines of the Arakans.

Their naturally white hair.

Only Faunuses with pure white hair are tied to the Arakans. Or so it said, as the legitimacy of this fact remains unknown to her due to the sight of numerous white-haired humans and Faunuses throughout the years, yet none of them are the Arakans.

Salem looked up from her book to see all her servants nervously waiting for her response after the three explained what happened and who was responsible for this failure. While she is understandably furious about this failure to secure the Relic of Knowledge, it was tempered by the realisation that this was partially not their fault.

It was Cinder's grudge, and some being possessing the Arakan boy once Cinder mortally wounded him. It took little effort on her part to realise that the Old Gods she read a while ago were returning and now intervening on their chosen's behalf.

As if she hated the Gods enough, now another one has joined against her.

Even more alarming was the God's ability to bring the dead temporarily back to life! If what she hears from her subordinates is true.

"I see…"

All her subordinates could only blink in surprise at her relatively calm reaction to this failure. But they were still terrified by how terrifyingly quiet Salem was. Then again, she did threaten Hazel and Emerald a while ago for information about who is really at fault for the failure of their mission. "I have suspected this failure ever since that boy showed up to save Leonardo," Salem says calmly before a Seer floats beside her and shows everyone Zack's face, "and what you all told me reinforces it."

"So, this is the brat that caused you so much trouble?" Watts snarked, and Hazel, Emerald, and Mercury glared at him.

"You try fighting against a god and see how it works out!"

Without saying a word, Salem glares her subordinates into submission as they cow before her gaze. It is then that Hazel finally decides to report before he forgets. "Ma'am. I have... more to report," he says as everyone looks at him, while Tyrian glares at him for speaking up.

"Go on…"

"Qrow and the children are taking the Lamp to Atlas." Yet, hearing this report just made the scorpion Faunus laugh before scoffing.

"Hahahaha! Not if I can help it."

"And they're being led... by Ozpin," Hazel added as everyone slowly looked toward Salem with fearful looks on their faces. All of them knew that Ozpin was a touchy subject to Salem, and bringing him up around her was one way to earn her ire and fury.

"So soon?!" Tyrian could only hiss out with outrage while Watts takes a more logical conclusion.

"He's the only man with a chance of getting through to Ironwood. If that happens…" He glances at Salem with a hint of caution over her exploding with fury. Yet, that did not happen. Salem instead closed her eyes.

"I am aware of that. This boy is Ozpin incarnate and an Arakan."

"Arakan? What a stupid name."

Salem ignores Tyrian's scoffing before she holds up a book on the ancient Faunus and tosses it on the table. Watts, Hazel, Emerald and Mercury blinked at seeing an ancient book on the table. "I have no doubt that he will become an even bigger thorn in our side the longer he remains active with the Old Gods returning." Salem's eyes narrow down before Tyrian chuckles.

"Your Grace, allow me the honours of killing that boy for you!"

"No, I want him alive. You and Hazel are to find him and bring him to me alive and well…" Salem's eyes then found their way to Watts. "As for you, Watts, do what needs to be done. Emerald and Mercury are to help you."

"Yes, it will be done."

"If what they say is true that the boy was indeed possessed by a God, he is much more valuable to me alive with my dear in there…" Salem found her thoughts swirling at the possible value she would get should Tyrian and Hazel manage to capture her dear husband incarnate alive and bring him before her. Perhaps she could learn more about these old Gods and their brand of magic from him, if nothing less.

But before the meeting closed off, Salem's eyes shot open when she sensed a magical spike within her castle before reality seemed to break before her, at where the entry into the meeting room was. Reality appears to shatter like glass to reveal something beyond this world. It looks like a platform deep in outer space with stars sparkling in blue and purple backgrounds. Then, a being of untold power walked through it.

A woman with pink hair and a body of purple and black. The sight alone reminded her of the God of Darkness. But what was more concerning and eldritch about her were the butterfly-like wings that seemed to wrap around her face and chest open wide to show rainbow eyes on the wings that wrapped around her chest. Even more shocking were her eyes.

Silver with teal and purple rings on her cornea, and in addition, her sclera was pure black.

Just like hers.

Salem's subordinates immediately got to their feet before drawing and pointing their weapons at the mysterious woman while on high alert. But Salem could tell that anything they threw at this individual would not work. Only she could stand a chance, if only for an additional second.

"Everyone, stand down!" Salem could only order out as everyone looked at her with shock.

Yet, the mysterious being smiled knowingly as if she knew it would all be futile. "You should heed her words, mortals. Nothing you have here will hurt me in the slightest. I am beyond what you are capable of." The woman spoke with a calm yet mocking tone as cracks of reality behind her seemed to retract away, and in the blink of an eye, it was gone as if it had never happened in the first place.

"Who are you?" Watts could only ask, but unlike the others who had no idea who she was, Hazel, Emerald, and Mercury do! All three of them recognise the wings on her body! "Who am I? I am Ishmael. It is a pleasure to meet, you Witch Queen of the Grimm." The goddess greets with a bow.

"Your grace, if you-"

"Don't bother, serial killer. I already said you can't hurt me. This body is incorporeal." Ishmael interrupts without a second thought as she smirks and glances at Salem, who is staring back at her. "Now, I know you're wondering why I am here. It's simple. I'm bored." Ishmael's statement that she's only here just because she is bored baffles everyone to the core. Some take it much better than others.

"You dare belittle our Goddess with your prattling?!"

"Goddess?" Ishmael audibly scoffs while rolling her eyes. "Oh please… Death and destruction are only one part of the cycle of rebirth and creation. Even if your 'goddess' achieves her goals, it will not achieve her desired outcome."

"Oh, great… She's monologuing…" Mercury mutters in the corners while Salem's glare deepens.

"Besides, the Brother Gods are responsible for much of this world's faults and misery, don't you think?" Ishmael smirked again before everyone noticed the windows beginning to crack before she gave a pouty observation. "Oh, dear Salem… Do your grievances against the Brother Gods still hurt you? They are justifiable to a certain extent. Do you know that the world you call home and the moon above always existed before the Brothers came? Actually, have you told your followers the whole story of what actually happened?"

"What do you want?" Salem's voice became poisonous before everyone had the right idea to get out of the room before their master exploded with fury over this Goddess before them.

"What do I want?" Ishmael chuckles as she watches every one of Salem's followers scramble out of the meeting room. "Simple, really. The Brother Gods are more parasitic and crueller than you think they are. And I have a story to share with you… You'll find it quite… enlightening." Ishmael's smirk never left her lips as Remnant formed in her hands.

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In the lands of the forgotten ones…

Adam stood before the Khan's court, and the Khan himself could be seen sitting calmly on his throne. It has been at least days since he passed his trial, which involves him going up against many of the Khan's followers for hours straight without killing them from the lower ranks to the upper ones in the coliseum.

Even more impressive for the Khan was that Adam's skill with Wilt and Blush never disappeared despite his amnesia. For that reason, he had taken out tens of men without problem, which impressed Khan and his court. Eventually, though, Adam was overwhelmed by constantly fighting for hours straight and going up against the Khan's stronger warriors, who came with their own auras and semblances.

By the end, even when defeated on the ground, Adam earned the cheers of the spectators, and many of the Khan's court members were solely impressed with the fight. Very few people can fight for hours straight against ever-difficult foes while fatigued. For his achievements, Adam was given days to recover from his injuries and rest, which eventually brought him to the present day.

"Adam Taurus, your actions at the coliseum days back have impressed me and much of the court. We deeply admire your skills and desire to redeem yourself by keeping your promise. For that, we'll do our best to help you restore your memories," The Khan says as he adjusts his position on his throne.

"Now tell me, what do you remember before your amnesia?"

Adam could only shake his head in disappointment. "No, I can't seem to remember anything from my past except what I was told about myself."

"I see…" The Khan hums as his head turns towards his court, who said nothing about the matter. It is clear that while they are impressed with his skills with the blade, some doubt earnestly that Adam wishes to redeem himself after everything he'd done before losing his memories. "Then perhaps it is best you stay here. We find anything that could trigger those memories. Alternatively, should we give you some time and they should come back naturally."

Muttering rang out throughout the court before Adam remembered something that could be the key to helping restore some of his memories. "Your majesty, if I may ask, what are those statues around the town?"

"Those statues?" The Khan's wolf ears notably perk up as he leans forward with interest about where this is heading. "Those statues are dedicated to our Gods. They have always been here for centuries. Why?"

"When I walk past those statues, I feel familiar with them. It was as if I'd seen its faces before from somewhere." Adam mutters as he scratches his chin while the Khan's court breaks out into mutterings.

"How is this possible? Those statues have always been there since the dawn of time. How can he, of all people, feel like he had seen our gods before?"

"Could it be divine intervention that Adam lost his memories as a monster and butcher of Humans?"

"Could be. But we do not have any evidence that it is true."

As for the Khan, he simply hums with interest before getting off his throne. "I see… Then perhaps that's where we look first. Perhaps it's the will of the divine to help you find your past."

But before anything else could happen, a Faunus guard with rabbit ears walks in and bows. "My Khan, our scouts have spotted bandits roaming through our territory and the Hunters are ready. What are your orders?" The guard asks as the entire court descends into uproar.

"They dare trespass our territory?!"

"Filthy bandits dare roam our lands?! They must pay!" One of the Faunus court members angrily yells with his fist in the air, as many others do the same in agreement.

The Forgotten Ones are extremely territorial against bandits, and anyone who trespasses on their lands will be attacked on sight. The same could be said of Grimm spotted in their lands, who were also attacked on sight and exterminated with ruthless efficiency and at such speeds that they could disappear into the shadows before the sounds of combat could attract more Grimm.

But if they are civilians or Huntsman, they're left alone. Unless they're Huntsmans, who became bandits. They deserve a crueller fate than becoming penal labour.

"How many times do we teach those fools never to trespass our land?!"

"Capture them! Enslave them! Bring justice for those left behind! For the Forgotten!"

"I see…" The Khan hums as his head turns towards Nerium, joining in with the rest of the court as they chant against the bandits who dare to trespass into their lands. "Very well. Nerium will see those bandits purged from our lands. Gather a force and see it done. And while you're at it, take Adam Taurus with you. I'm sure he can be helpful here."

The Khan then looks at Adam. "You do not have any problems with that, do you?"

"No, I do not." Adam shook his head. He'd seen how fanatical these Forgotten Ones were against bandits, and while he had heard them discuss hunting bandit tribes during his stay here, he could not deny that he was a bit creeped out by it all.

They're behaving almost like a cult.

"Then make preparations. You leave in thirty minutes, and while we're at it, we should get you an eyepatch for your scar. It's agitating some of the local Faunus here due to their grievances over the Schnee Dust Company." The Khan points out as Adam blinks and brushes his hand over his SDC scar over his eye. Right. He hadn't covered up his scar ever since he arrived here.

"Our local tailors should have something you can use to cover that up. Alternatively, you could borrow one of our masks. No offence, by the way."

"None taken."

"Good, I will not take any more of your time. You should get moving."

So, Adam left with Nerium while the Khan moved on to more critical businesses. But during that time, through the streets of the Forgotten Ones, a woman in a white cloak was staring at one of the hundreds of statues of herself, and she smiled. Her ash-grey hair seemed to blow against the cold winds as she observed humans and her children making a life here even after losing so much.

Indeed, Humans and Faunuses can coexist in peace, even if the fanaticism she's witnessing for her is unnerving.

Perhaps her children can fulfil their purpose with time. But not with the Brothers' intervention looming over her shoulders, given what she and her sister are doing. Even if the battle for Remnant's future is over and her champion succeeds in stopping Salem for good, she and her sister will have a score to settle with them before true peace can be established.

And so, she resumes walking through the streets.

For there is much to be done.