His Secret Admirer

Chapter 18

By

Grevin Hades

*Salem*

The trip to vale had been uneventful, and somewhat boring if she were being honest with herself. Normally she would avoid even coming close to approaching somewhere so close to where Ozpin is, but the way Cinder described the young man…well, he should consider himself blessed. After all, how many humans has she given the grace of her presence too?

The journey into vale had been somewhat dull, mostly due to the fact that they couldn't take an airship. The landing zones for those were far to public for someone of her stature so it was far better to take a private yacht and arrive at the docks in mid afternoon or evening. While the view of the water was somewhat peaceful on the trip, the conversation from Hazel and Watts left much to be desired. Hazel was far too quiet, and Watts was too focused with his experiments. Tyrian would have been worse however, he would have attempted to kill anyone that wandered too close in Vale. No, she needed to be discreet, but she wouldn't mind having a fresh face to speak with if to do nothing more than pass the time during her travels.

She let out a small sigh as she turned his gaze to the quickly approaching city of Vale, teaming with all manner of lowly humans. How she would love to flood the streets with their blood but that would have to wait for another day. No, she needed to see what Ozpin has been doing with her Grimm and his students.

The arrival at the docks themselves was fairly mundane, no fanfare, no spectacle. Just a simple docking, and then moving over to solid earth where she found Cinder waiting with a member of the White Fang and a very expensive looking limousine. Salem led the way off the ship followed closely by her two traveling companions and made her way up to her trusted lieutenant. "Cinder my dear, it is good to see you. I trust all is well with your operation?"

Cinder gave a polite bow and nodded. "Of course my lady, we are proceeding according to plan. I trust your trip was pleasant?"

Salem smirked a bit but nodded. "As well as can be expected. I do detest these locations though so do let us hurry. I would like to leave this city sooner rather than later."

Cinder nodded and motioned to the guard who promptly opened the door the limo and bowed as Salem moved past him and stepped into the car quickly followed by Cinder. Just as the other two were going to step on Salem gently raised a hand shaking her head. "Hazel, stay with the yacht and keep any prying eyes away from it. Doctor, I would like you to remain as well so you can focus on your work for our future endeavors. "

Both men nodded respectively before turning back while the door to the limo was shut leaving the two women to speak privately. Cinder motioned to the minibar. "Would you care for a drink my lady?"

So polite and yet so deadly, good girl. Salem shook her head an approving smile coming to her lips. "No, thank you Cinder. I wish to know more about this…anomaly you've discovered. Does he still maintain that he is a hazard to the opposite sex?"

Cinder nodded as she sat back in her seat. "He does and to a certain degree, I can see his position on the matter."

"I thought you were rather skeptical of him. Please explain."

"I am…for the most part but some odd things have begun to occur. Neo has developed an even more fanatical fascination of him. Emerald has begun to watch him like he is a piece of meat. We even had a death occur the day of his arrival. A Faunus woman became a little too aggressive with him and ended up being killed by Neo."

Salem nodded quietly before turning her red eyes to the woman next to her. "And what of you my dear. Have you been affected?"

Cinder quickly shook her head. "No, never. I limit my contact with him but if I have to be honest…he does look cute when he is chained up by Neo."

Salem quirked an eyebrow as she continued to watch her apprentice. "I see. So, you have no feelings for the boy?"

"None. I may appreciate a handsome face, especially when it is groveling but if he were to die I wouldn't bat an eye."

Salem nodded with a small smirk on her lips. "Good, just as I would expect from you."

Salem took a slow inhale taking a moment to savor the fresh air in the limo but paused when she caught a very faint hint of something…something that she couldn't quite identify. Taking another breath she slightly turned her head to look at Cinder noting that the new odor was coming from her and while it was indeed very faint, it was there.

The rest of the drive passed without incident and soon the two found themselves exiting the limo and standing before a vast warehouse which appeared to be abandoned. The two moved forward and in moments a large door opened allowing them access. The moment they stepped inside the large door closed behind them and Salem took a moment to take in just what she was seeing.

The White Fang, lots of them all working on Cinders plan, it was quite a sight to behold but even now as she watched them work, the scent from before became more pronounced. It almost smelled of Grimm…but she saw none. Glancing at her trusted lieutenant she raised her eyebrows. "I see you've been very busy my dear…are thing progressing according to your schedule?"

"Indeed, despite the troubles caused by Roman or the children at Beacon. They won't see our attack coming during the festival."

"Good…now, let us focus on the reason for my visit. Take me to him."

"Yes mistress."

She was led up a long set of stairs moving to the highest portion of the warehouse, every step causing the scent she noticed to become stronger and stronger. She wasn't able to determine exactly what it was, but it did smell of her Grimm and it was clearly meant to have an effect. She could feel it deep in her core…a need…something she hadn't felt need of for ages. She again glanced to the woman beside her as they approached a sealed door where the thief Emerald stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smirk on her lips. "Cinder…have you noted any odd scents in this warehouse…perhaps an old container of perfume or other fragrant item?"

Cinder looked back her mentor shaking her head. "No Mistress…are you…do you smell anything?"

Cinder slowly shook her eyes as she began to eye the fast approaching door. "No…I thought I had caught a strange fragrance, but I am mistaken. I wish to see him…open the door."

Cinder nodded and motioned to Emerald who gave a polite bow before sauntering over to the door and put a key to the lock before swinging the door wide allowing her to see inside. It was then she saw him, the one who she had come so far to meet. He was cute as Cinder had mentioned before, his wide blue eyes showing his fear which was delicious. He was bound to the bed, hands held over his head, ankle chained to the wall. He was helpless, and he knew it. The biggest surprise for her though was not the sight of him but the heavy odor that washed out from the door that all but assaulted her senses.

It was strong, it was relentless, and it almost made her take a step back just from its sheer force. It washed over her sending a wave of heat through her awakening something she thought long dead…desire. This was no normal man. She needed to know more.

She slowly moved forward stepping into the room ignoring the scent now that she had been able to take a moment to get used to it. She slowly let her red eyes slowly move over his form taking him in. It was clear he was a huntsman in training and it was very clear he was frightened. That was understandable considering how she looks compared to a normal human. This gave her an advantage and she intended to use it.

A small smirk came to her lips as she moved to stand at the foot of the bed, Cinder and Emerald behind her. "Well…hello there. I'd ask you to stand up and greet me properly, but I can see you're occupied. Tell me your name boy."

"W-what…what are you?"

Oh…it was going to go like this…pity.

Salem didn't hesitate as she raise a hand, her black nails gleaming in the dim light before lashing down across his chest easily cutting through his shirt and cutting into his flesh making him gasp and strain against his bonds even as his aura flared and began to heal the wound. "Ah-ah-ah…that wasn't what I asked. Tell. Me. Your. Name."

For added affect she brought her crimson coated fingertips to her lips taking a small lick suppressing a laugh as she watched him recoil at the sight. It wasn't just for show however, it also allowed her to see if what was coming off of him was in his blood and much to her surprise it was. "J-Jaune, Jaune Arc…I'm Jaune Arc."

"Good boy…You may call me Salem. Now…my lieutenant tells me that you have a special little talent…is that true?"

He hesitated. "I..uh.."

She moved closer allowing herself to sit down at the edge of the bed, letting her soft form brush across his side. She reached out with her still stained fingers and lightly ran them across his chest where he wound had freshly closed. "Do you…or don't you?" She already knew, she could smell the pheromones coming off him in droves, but she wanted to hear his take on it."

Jaune tried to pull away with little use as her sharp nails continued to trace over his chest threatening to cut him once more. "Y-yes…no, not a talent…it's a curse."

"Really…and what does this curse do Jaune?"

"If they told you about me, then you already know, and you know you shouldn't be here…I'm not safe to be around."

"Tell me anyway."

He scowled his eyes taking on a dangerous hue…she liked that. "Fine, if you really wish to know, I'm a curse. I affect people…women specifically. Something was done to me that makes them…change, whenever they are around me for an extended period of time. They become infatuated, obsessive, possessive, jealous and violent. Two of your…Lieutenants as you call them have already been affected. Most likely all of them have been. It will affect you too even if you're…different." He turned his head to the side a sigh escaping him as he mumbled under his breath. "No one is…"

"Oh, really now?" She didn't change her face only tilting it slightly as she continued to look at him while her razorlike nails continued to scratch at him. "Explain."

"Step back from me before I do."

Cinder scowled and moved forward her hands beginning to glow. "You impudent ass, do as you're told or-"

Salem raised her hand silencing the woman instantly. She glanced over her shoulder sending Cinder a look that conveyed a clear message. Do not interfere.

She turned back to look at Jaune. "Why do you wish me to step back Jaune?"

"It should be obvious, I don't want to make you sick too. I don't want to do this to anyone, I wish for it to end. Please…step back."

Salem slowly rose up and took three steps back all while keeping eye contact with him. "Very well. I don't wish to make things worse for you. Now then…please tell me your story."

He grumbled as he pulled at his chains once more. "You've tasted my blood, it's probably already too late…but fine. During initiation Professor Goodwitch secretly injected students with an experimental serum. It had no effect on anyone…except me. Turns out their Aura was protecting them…my Aura wasn't unlocked. The serum took full affect and I started attracting the attention of my female classmates."

"I didn't notice it at first…but it turns out I was being watched by the girls. They had begun to take an interest in me. It started out innocently enough as I understand it…just a simple crush but then it began to grow and twist. Soon I found that I was being stalked…and it got worse, far worse. I'll spare you the details but let's just say things have not gotten better. All I want to do is be rid of this, I just want to have my friends back to normal and be able to live a normal life. I have no way of knowing what Goodwitch did and she can't undo it either…she was killed by one of the girls. It's safe to say that I doubt I can be around anyone ever again, I need to be secluded, I need to either become a hermit or die. I can't be around regular society, it's too dangerous."

Salem nodded as she took another deep breath the pheromones he was exuding helping to confirm his story. They were the kind that would encourage affection, comfort…desire and lust...most interesting. Combined with the natural aggressive nature of the Grimm, it made sense that the pheromones would encourage that kind of behavior. "I see…so you cannot control it?"

He shook his head. "No, I can't and you all should leave me here before you become affected or further affected."

Salem raised a hand to her chin holding it there as she considered the situation. Here was a young man…a cute young man with a power he could not control…at least not yet. He had potential. Perhaps he could be used to an advantage…he could be used to help her remove the huntress threat against her in Remnant. With his help half the hunter population could potentially be dealt with making her goals much easier to attain.

She turned and looked over her shoulder at both Emerald and Cinder motioning to the door. "Leave us."

Cinder frowned while Emerald seemed to grit her teeth "M-mistress?"

Salem gave her a soft smile. "Do not worry yourself with me Cinder. I wish to speak with him privately. I doubt he could do anything to me in his current state."

Emerald grumbled as she turned and stepped out of the room. "I'm more worried about what you'll do to him."

Cinder paled a bit and glanced at the thief before giving a small bow and backing out the doorway as well closing it behind her leaving the two alone.

Salem let out a small sigh and brought her gaze back to Jaune. "You're right…they are being affected by you. Little Emerald clearly has an interest in you. I can understand why though, you are easy on the eyes and look quite nice when chained."

He shook his head his eyes going wide. "Don't…don't even start, leave, leave now. Get out before you fall victim too."

Salem let a soft chuckle escape her as she moved to the side of the bed once more. "I find your concern for my wellbeing most admirable. I am not under the effects of your charms Jaune, but I can feel them. Normal humans can't even sense them, so they cannot resist their effects, but, as you can clearly see, I'm far from human. You're giving off some very heavy pheromones, the same kind found in my Grimm. They are so strong they will have a permanent effect on those exposed too long."

He stared at her his eyes darting over her form taking in the pale skin, the red eyes and the black veins snaking over her. "Y…you're not human? You mean to say that those aren't tattoo's?"

She continued to smirk and shook her head. "I'm more than human. I am the eternal ruler of the Grimm and I believe I can help you."

He froze. "W-w-what?"

She held her hands in front of her and continued to smile at him. "I said I believe I can help you. I could help you control your condition."

The change in his demeanor was immediate. His eyes grew wide, a bright smile came to his lips, it was clear he was filled with hope. "But I will not do this for free."

He visibly deflated. "B…but…why…what do you want? Please don't tell me you want to…do…do…"

The Grimm Queen bit back a laugh as she shook her head. "No…I do not wish to partake of carnal pleasures with you…despite what your condition is urging me to do. No, I think you could be a very helpful member of my organization, if you were to accept my training."

His voice softened, and he tensed as he looked up at her, realization washing over him. "You…want me to join in the fight against humanity? You want me to join the Grimm? You want me to fight against my friends?"

She sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed once more reaching out and placing a cold hand on his running her thumb over his wrist. "From the way it sounds, your friends aren't exactly looking out for your best interests as it stands but no, I wish you to help me make humanity better."

He scowled at her shaking his head. "No…no you don't want that."

"Do you really think that or is that what you've been trained to think for as long as you can remember? Indoctrination is best done when starting from birth. No, I want to make humanity stronger. I want to ensure that the species remains strong and while my methods may be difficult to understand, my overall goal remains the same."

Jaune scowled. "Difficult to understand? Your methods involve slaughtering thousands of people!"

She nodded as a solemn look came across her face. "I can understand your position and your concern but think of the results. Humankind has become more advanced to combat the threat. Hunters now exist to combat the threat, strong humans who will have strong children. By thinning the herd, the group becomes stronger as a whole."

Jaune shook his head. "No, there are other methods, other ways to help mankind. I won't take part in their destruction."

"I wouldn't be too hasty about that Jaune. I don't want to kill aimlessly, and I do wish to help you…and I think I know a perfect way. Join me…come with me to my castle and learn from me. Let me teach you to control your new…talent. You could be a great asset to me and my goals of helping humanity."

He rolled his eyes making her frown while he scoffed. "By doing what? Being a toy for women? Being a glorified male escort? Be used by them over and over again and watch them tear each other apart for my affections? No thank you. You'd be better of killing me."

She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his chest in attempt to calm him her red eyes softening. "No, I wouldn't allow them to do such a thing to you. No I would train you so you could use your new skill to pacify those who would do us harm. You wouldn't have to fear them fighting over you, nor would you see them hurt one another. Think of how much less bloodshed there would be if you join me."

This caught his attention. He looked away as he began to think over her words. Less bloodshed…less death…that would be good, but at the same time he would be helping someone who had hurt so many…could he willingly bring himself to do such a thing?

Salem felt her confidence grow as she watched him mull it over in his mind. Perhaps she could offer something else to sweeten the pot so to speak. "There would be other benefits for you as well Jaune."

He blinked and looked back up at her. "Other…benefits?"

She nodded as she slid her hand up to his shoulder and over his arm. "Indeed. It would be lonely for you in my keep…so what if I brought along a few…friends for you to keep as company. Support for your efforts if you will."

"Wait…are you suggesting-"

"That we bring along Emerald…perhaps even little Neo? I don't see why not. I'm certain they would love to assist you in your training…however, if you prefer someone else…" She teasingly raised a hand to her shoulder and ran it down her front to her stomach. "Someone who can resist you? Someone who could provide you with a vast amount of experience?"

She managed to bite back a laugh as she watched his eyes grow wide and he began to shake his head. Young men were so easy to fluster, that never changed no matter what era she was in. "No?"

"N-no…that won't be necessary."

She let the flirty façade drop and resumed her normal posture. "Very well…so…what do you say. Will you accept my training? Will you let me help you or will you continue this path of destruction to the point that you will be forced to live alone forever?"

He looked away his eyes showing that he was heavily considering his options. "I…I don't know…"

She again reached out running her fingers over his chest and up to his neck only this time to grasp his throat and squeeze cutting off his air making him squirm under her as his eyes locked onto hers. "There is another option…I could kill you. Break your neck here and now…tell me Jaune…do you want to die here…alone? Do you never want to see or be seen by your friends or family again? I can do this for you…just nod your head."

She could see the fear in his eyes, his face beginning to turn red as he started to struggle under her grip. She kept her face neutral as she increased the pressure causing tears to form in his eyes. He began to kick his legs, the chain attached to his ankle rattling loudly now as he tried to squirm free. "Well…what will it be Jaune. Will you join me, or would you prefer death?"

He opened his mouth as his eyelids began to flutter shut his eyes rolling back as consciousness began to leave him. He gave a small nod of his head which was enough for her making her release him from the vice like grip. The result was immediate. He took in a deep gasping breath then began to violently cough rolling to his side and curling up in a fetal position.

She reached out once more and ran her hand over his shuddering shoulders and back as he continued to gasp for breath, comforting him in a twisted fashion. "There, that wasn't so bad now was it? I promise you that you'll grow to enjoy your position within my order."

"F….Fuck you!"

She smirked. So he did have spirit in him, good she would enjoy breaking it. "A little fire in you yet…good. I'm looking forward to our time training and honing your skill."

She rose back to her feet and began to turn to move toward the door stopping after a few steps to look at him from over her shoulder. "We'll leave early in the morning, I don't wish to draw more attention to myself than needed and from what I've been told and from what I've seen…you'll need to give a proper goodbye to the girls lest they be broken hearted."

She didn't wait for his answer as she opened the door and stepped out to join Emerald and Cinder who both were standing idly in the hall, each leaning against a wall with their arms crossed. The moment she stepped out Cinder rose to attention while Emerald was slower to do so. "My lady…what did you discover?"

Salem smiled as she folded her hands together in front of her. "Potential…great potential. He could be a strong ally. Have Neo informed that he will be coming with me back to the Grimmlands. If she wishes to have him, she will need to join us. If she wishes to stay with Roman…then she has one night. We leave in the morning just after dawn."

Cinder nodded with a polite bow. "Yes mistress…I see. You believe he will be an asset to your goals?"

"One way or another he will be a useful tool to help us meet our goals."

Emerald frowned slightly "What if he resists? What if he tries to escape? He already attempted it once."

"Then he will be dealt with." Salem then turned to the ebony haired beauty. "Cinder, I advise you to keep your distance from him for the time being. While you are somewhat resistant to his…gift, you are not immune. As for the rest…it is of no matter."

Emerald narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying that I do not matter?"

"No young one, you all have an important role to play. Its just that Cinder cannot afford to be pulled in by one such as Jaune. He isn't meant to be hers, he belongs to others such as yourself."

Emerald froze a moment before her cheeks began to redden. "Me?"

Salem smirked and began to walk past the thief. "I may be ancient but I'm still a woman. I can tell when interest is there. Who am I to deny you those feelings. Now, come along, we have much planning to do and little time before I leave."

*Beacon*

Professor Hades grumbled as he sifted through the piles of papers that normally would have been assigned to Professor Goodwitch. Why he was voluntold to do this work in her stead? He wasn't suited for budget requests, purchase orders, or discipline issues…he was a combat instructor at best. At last with that assignment he was comfortable. To add to his troubles, he now had another concern to deal with. With a grunt he threw down the stack of papers he had been staring at the for the last hour and sat back turning to a small side desk that held another set of papers as well as several photos.

Picking up one particularly worn stack he began to flip through images of the bloody scene he had been called too days prior. The smell of the blood was fresh in his mind nearly making him feel sick as he dropped the stack back onto the desk. He then turned to another paper, a list of missing students after a recent headcount. It was a short list but it was enough to make him concerned.

Coco Adel, the leader of team CFVY and more infamously known at the most fashionable student on campus. Calm headed, even tempered, and a powerhouse with a taste for high caliber ballistics. A victim of an attack and had only recently returned to active status on campus.

Velvet Scarlatina, another member of team CFVY. A rabbit Faunus that was well known for her sweet demeanor and for taking pictures with her camera. She wasn't exactly a wallflower type of person but she didn't stick out a lot either. She did have a bit of a time with being bullied but that worked itself out, at least according to the notes he had to work with…but she wasn't the only one.

The third student missing was Jaune Arc, first year student who had forged his way into Beacon but was allowed to stay due to his tactical mindset and skills for leadership. He had been bullied as well due to his weak level of skill but that also seemed to work itself out. He was the leader of team JNPR and had recently been ordered to move to an older dorm with both his team and team RWBY by Professor Goodwitch before she left…that was a bit odd in itself but he didn't worry about the details. Perhaps both teams just didn't play that well with others and needed to be isolated a bit.

Now came the larger concern on his mind. The blood that was tested from the crime scene came back positive as Coco and Velvets…but no hits on Jaune. This naturally made his mind jump to a simple conclusion. Jaune Arc assaulted the two and has fled…however it is never that simple.

First and foremost, he knew Arc. He knew his level of skill, there was no way he could have taken down two experienced students. He also knew that Jaune wasn't that kind of person. It was easy to see he was a tame soul. He fought to help people, not harm them. No, there was more to this. Perhaps he had been kidnapped…taken by the real culprit.

The question would be then…who was responsible? Who attacked Coco originally and was the same person involved now? What the chances on that could be pretty high, there had to be more than one person involved. If there wasn't then how were they able to overpower both Adel and Scarlatina?

This of course led to further questions. Why did the two go down to the boiler room in the first place? Were they taken there, lured there or did they go willingly? If they went willingly, why? Also, if they were going there on purpose they would have most likely told their other teammates, but the two men simply had no idea where they had gone. It all occurred when they were asleep. Perhaps there was more foul play involved that he initially thought?

Speaking of the teammates, they stated that Coco and Velvet had recently been talking quite a bit about a boy that had caught their attention. They weren't exactly certain who it was but knew it was a first year. So…perhaps it was someone who was jealous that they were giving that boy so much attention…which only opened up more possibilities.

Grevin shook his head clearing his thoughts for a moment. He knew he couldn't overthink this, to do so would result in failure. Keep it simple. The girls liked a boy…the girls are missing…Jaune Arc is a boy who happens to be a first year…he is missing. The connection is too obvious to miss. So now the question was, is there a way to determine if Jaune Arc was the mystery boy in question. If so, then perhaps there is some motive…if not, then where did he go?

Letting out a small sigh the professor rose out of his seat and did a small stretch popping his back in the process before grabbing his cloak and putting it on. He needed a drink and more information. Good thing he knew a liquor store that wasn't to far away and the dorms teams RWBY and JNPR happened to be on the way. Two birds with one stone was always a win in his book. Stepping to the door he glanced over at his two swords leaning against the wall pausing for a moment before shaking his head and stepping out the door closing it with a gentle click.

*Teams RWBY and JNPR*

Things were tense…far too tense. Blakes ears flattened against her head as she tried to read her book but the clanking of pots and pans in the kitchen area was enough to pull her from her little haven. She looked up from the pages to see Nora and Ren shuffling around attempting to prepare a meal for the group while the rest laid about in a depressed state.

This was a daily sight ever since Pyrrha, Ruby and she had returned from their midnight visit to Coco and Velvet. While they were happy to have two rivals out of the way they had turned up no sign of her master. This only made her more suspicious of Wiess but so far the heiress had acted just as depressed as the others.

Glancing at Ruby she could see that the reaper was laying back against a chair, scroll open staring at a photo she had taken of Jaune when he wasn't paying attention. He had just finished a long workout and had removed his shirt in an attempt to cool off. The little reaper was staring wide eyed at the photo lost in her own little world.

Glancing across the room to her partner, Blake noticed that Yang wasn't even reading her magazine but instead was glaring in the general direction of both her and Wiess. This didn't sit right. She slowly closed her book and cleared her throat making the buxom brawler look directly at her. "Yang…are you alright?"

"No…no I'm not. I want Jaune…I need him. It hurts to not have him here." She glared back at Wiess and then once more to her partner. "I think that we were sent on a wild goose chase."

Blake blinked a moment before nodding in agreement. "With Coco and Velvet? I agree, I think that was an attempt to keep us away from him."

Ruby put her scroll away and rolled onto her side, her silver eyes looking dead, lacking any of her normal, joyful energy. "The question is…by who. Would it be someone who could easily afford to whisk him away or by someone who would look innocent if they took part in the goose chase?

Wiess looked over at her partner tilting her head to the side with a curious look in her eye. "What do you mean Ruby?"

Ruby tilted her head popping her neck before sitting up with a glance at Yang. "I'm saying that maybe we were looking in the wrong place and should be looking at something…someone closer to home."

Wiess's curious look turned to a scowl as she digested those words. "Wait…are you implying that I had something to do with his kidnapping?"

Cold silver eyes met angry ice blue ones. "Maybe…perhaps it was you and another person as well…what do you think Blake?"

The Faunus slowly turned her head to glare at the reaper only to stop as her gaze locked onto a set of fiery red eyes. Yang sneered as she slowly cracked her knuckles. "How about it Blake…what DO you think?"

"You don't think I…we had anything to do with this do you? Ruby, Yang be realistic."

Ruby slowly rose to her feet letting her hands rest at her sides. "We are…we found some surprising things in the bedroom when we were getting ready not long ago…some very incriminating things."

Wiess rose to her feet as did Blake both growing more tense now. "What kind of things? Just spit it out already!"

Yang growled and jumped to her feet moving to stand next to her sister. "It's simple ice queen, you and Blake took him. You planned to whisk him away to Atlas or Menagerie, so you could have him to yourselves leaving us with nothing but heartbreak!"

"WHAT?!"

Ruby clenched her fists and took a small step forward. "You heard us. You're planning on running away with him…we found proof. We saw your poems Blake and we saw your tickets to Atlas Wiess! You two took him and have him hidden away letting us lose all hope before running off with him forever!"

Blake glared and stepped forward only to have Wiess move in front of her. "Like hell I would break our mutual agreement! I cherish him as much as you do Ruby but I also cherish our team! I would never go behind your back like that or have you forgotten that I was with you when this all began?!"

This did make Ruby's eyes widen slightly but Yang stood firm. "Don't even try that trick ice queen. How do you explain those tickets we found?" She then turned to Blake "And you, how do you explain those poems that make us out to be like monsters and you to be a perfect little ebony haired angel?"

Blake froze in place her eyebrows raising a bit before placing a hand on her hip. "Wait, wait, wait…what poems?"

"You know which ones."

"Show me…show us."

As if on que, a book landed on the floor in between the four girls followed by another book that flipped open showing a pair of tickets for an airship. Four heads turned and looked over at the source of the books where they saw Pyrrha standing there with deadly looking green eyes that showed anger and death in their depths. "Those…" Behind her stood Nora and Ren, both of whom had become still and were watching the five now with great hesitation lest they become the targets of any of their wrath.

Slowly Blake and Wiess both moved to the respective items kneeling down and picking them up gingerly, each inspecting them with a careful eye. Blake was the first to frown and turn the book around. "This is awful…terrible penmanship and no soul to it. I didn't write this. I couldn't write this, it's a fake."

Wiess ripped the tickets in half anger appearing to be rolling off of her in waves now as she rose back to her feet. "These were fake as well. The receipt listed a credit card number that I don't own. You can check my purse if you want proof. I didn't purchase these tickets."

Pyrrha moved forward placing a gentle hand on both girls' shoulders. "I think there is something else going on here."

By now both Yang and Ruby had visibly relaxed both now looking just as perplexed as the others. "What do you mean Pyr?"

Pyrrha rolled her eyes at the nick name but continued with her thought. "Well, think about it. Who would benefit from us being at each other's throats? What good would it be to have us tear each other apart?"

Blake sighed as she let the book drop from her hands. "Someone who wants to keep us from finding Jaune. By keeping us occupied with each other, they could have more time to hide him away."

Nora bounced on her feet as she moved around the kitchen island and moved closer to the conversation. "Ooooh, I get it. It's just like magic shows."

The group blinked for a moment in confusion before Ruby smiled and slammed her fist into her hand. "Oh, that's right, I see what you mean Nora."

Yang placed her hands on her hips. "Care to explain to the rest of us sis?"

"Easy, it's misdirection. Whoever has Jaune planted evidence to make us look at ourselves and at Beacon. They wanted our attention focused here…"

Wiess snapped her fingers with a nod and smile. "So, we wouldn't look out at Vale like before! I get it!"

Yang crossed her arms with a sigh "So we've nearly killed each other, killed two others and wasted all this time while some asshole has our Jaune…great."

"At least we don't have to worry about Adel or Velvet going after our property now."

*Knock Knock Knock*

All the girls froze and slowly turned to face the door. In that moment two thoughts ran through their minds at the exact same time. First, just how loud were they being talking about their murderous deed and second, just how thin was the door in terms of blocking sound.

In an instant Ruby pulled her knife, Yang had deployed Ember Celica, Wiess had Glyphs forming on her hands and Blake was moving towards the kitchen to grab a butcher knife. Pyrrha cleared her throat and shook her head as she moved towards the door motioning to the others to get back out of view. "Um, who is it?"

A gruff deep voice answered. "It's Professor Hades."

Pyrrha glanced over her shoulder to see if the others had moved out of view before turning back and opening the door a crack revealing the face of their newest Professor. "Hello. What can I do for you today sir?"

She noticed he looked uncomfortable…perhaps he heard them. If that were the case, they would need to act. She keenly noticed that he didn't have his weapons which gave her some relief…if they were to catch him off guard they could take him down without too much difficulty. "Oh, Professor what brings you here?"

"Your missing teammate Mr. Arc. I have a few questions about him."

"Q-questions? What kind of questions?"

"I'm trying to determine if his disappearance has any connection with the disappearance of Ms. Coco Adel and Ms. Velvet Scarlatina."

Pyrrha glanced away her grip on the door increasing slightly. "Oh…Is he a suspect? Jaune wouldn't do anything wrong sir. He isn't that kind of person."

This made Grevin pause for a moment, "Suspect? Suspect to what Ms. Nikos? I hadn't suggested he was suspect to anything."

She froze. Had she just given away that she knew something she shouldn't? She had to act quickly. She waved her hand in front of her and shook her head quickly. "Oh, no, that wasn't what I meant sir. You see the student body has been talking and the rumor is, is that the one who attacked Coco before struck again…is…is that true?"

The professor shifted on his feet his scowl growing before shaking his head. "No Ms. Nikos. I'd advise you to ignore rumors being spread on campus, they do no one any good. Now as I said I had a few questions regarding Mr. Arc…is now a good time?"

*Jaune*

Not good, not good, not good! He had just met with the woman…if she was a woman, named Salem and she had given him an offer that he couldn't refuse…unless he wanted to be choked to death. He had never see anything like her…a Grimm, Human hybrid. A queen of the Grim…unreal.

At least now he knew what was going on. Pheromones…he was producing them nonstop. No wonder this was happening. He needed to get out. He didn't want to fight humanity, he didn't want to become a tool. He couldn't…not after everything he has seen the Grimm do to the world.

He pulled at his chains once more grunting as his arms strained against the handcuffs holding his arms above his head. If could get them free he would be halfway to freedom and he would have a better chance of fending off Neo when she returned. If he wasn't free by the time she came back, his chances of being free again were gone.

However, despite his worry for his own well being his mind continued to wander back to Beacon and his friends. Cinder was planning something…something big and they could be in great danger. He wished he could reach out to them one more time before he was forced to leave so he could at least warn them…but that was a futile thought.

He grunted as he pulled at the chain once more pushing his muscles to their limit but the metal wouldn't budge forcing him to stop and drop his arms back with a gasp as he took a few steadying breaths…and then he heard it. The soft click of the door knob turning across the room. His eyes snapped to the doorway eyes going wide as he watched the knob turn followed by the door slowly swinging open.

His mind froze with concern…was it Neo come to indulge in him? Was it Emerald come to help him escape…at least in a form? Was it Salem come to take him to the Grimmlands and away from the life he knew forever? Could it possibly be Cinder come to kill him? He watched the door with dread and waited.

To be continued:

Authors notes: Hey guys! As promised I am indeed not dead just super busy. It's very difficult juggling two jobs, kids and husband duties. I'm sorry for any spelling or consistency errors in the one, I've had to work on it bit by bit for weeks.

As always thank you for taking time to read my work. I truly appreciate it and I have a bit of a treat, at least I think, for you readers who comment.

I want you all to decide who is the visitor coming to see Jaune. Is it Salem, Neo, Cinder, Emerald, or perhaps a member of the White Fang? Hell, is it Roman…though I wouldn't know why.

Anyway, I'm putting it to a vote. Go ahead and comment on the story and let me know your choice. Every vote matters so don't hesitate. I look forward to seeing the results. I will cut off the voting time in the comments by leaving a message there.

Alright, with that said, thanks for your time and have a great day.

-Grev