Author's Notes

A new title, new username, and likely a new summary to come. So if you're wondering why you're getting an update notification for a story name you don't recognize quite yet, that's why. Let's begin

Sasuke didn't dream often, and the few times he did were normally nightmares of the massacre. But as the Uchiha had slept last night he dreamt of a more peaceful time. When he used to be in Team 7. How Naruto and he would bicker, or how Sakura would constantly try to get his attention. Hell, he even remembered when they all had tried to find out what was under Kakashi's mask.

Then abruptly the dream shifted, everything around him morphing to crows. "Foolish brother." Itachi now stood in front of him within the swarm of crows. "You wasted your time with them when you should have gotten stronger. How disappointing. You don't have enough…. gahh!"

Sasuke's Chidori pierced Itachi's chest with lightning speed. "Your wrong Itachi. I did have enough hate" His hand twisted. "With that hatred, I was able to kill you." Sasuke looked up towards Itachi, face smirking. "You're nothing now but a bad memory."

With those words Itachi faded away, leaving a part of Sasuke that he lost long ago.

Sasuke stood at the west entrance of the village waiting for the constantly drunk man. 'I swear if he pulls a Kakashi I will kill him.'

The Uchiha fiddled with his new clothes that bore a resemblance to his old attire. This being a white long-sleeved shirt, dark blue pants, and a white rope belt that secured the dark grey cloth that covered him from his stomach to his knees. These clothes supposedly granted extra protection due to Dust being infused. To Sasuke though they felt like any regular clothes.

"You have a... interesting sense of style kid. Is showing your chest really necessary?" Qrow had arrived and was intended to annoy him already.

Sasuke ignored his question. Instead, he asked one of his own. "Why are you late?"

Qrow grinned devilishly. "Well, you see there was this girl who needed help. Me being a gentleman I decided to…"

Sasuke drowned him out. 'My God, he's actually pulling a Kakashi. They must never ever meet.' "Never mind," he interrupted. "I don't care. Let's just get this over with."

"Would it kill you to be a little less of an ass?"

"Hmm."

"Guess so." Qrow shook his head. ``Why do I even bother?' "Alright let's get this done. I've got a drink calling my name after this."

"Surprised there's any left in the village," Sasuke remarked to himself.

They walked a good distance away from the said village, their only company being themselves and nature. Sasuke allowed himself to enjoy this. How long had it been since he got to simply walk and enjoy the quiet? Perhaps when he was younger, when he allowed himself to stray from the path of vengeance for a brief moment, before his brother came back suddenly to remind him who he was. An avenger, that's all he had ever been. There was no peace to be found on walks when he still had a goal to achieve. His whole life revolved around it. But know it was gone, and he was. . . unsatisfied.

Sasuke buried those thoughts and broke the silence. "Where are we heading?" It was better to think of the now.

"A mine that recently got attacked. Supposedly by a large amount of Grimm. We're going to find out what lured them there."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, thinking back to what Wayland had said last night. "I thought we were only meant to kill the Grimm?"

"We are, but Grimm don't just gather in large numbers without reason. The miners must have panicked over something. Whatever it was could be dangerous."

"Hmm. Any ideas what?"

Qrow sighed. "Honestly it could be anything. Might have been a collapse, or explosion if they mined Dust." Qrow lowered his voice. "I believe Wayland's hiding something though. He seemed... off."

"How so?"

"He's never asked for anything like this. Usually, he would deal with problems like this by himself. He's a skilled warrior if the stories are to be believed. But instead, he wants us to do it."

"So? Perhaps he didn't feel like bothering with it." 'Or the stories are tall tales.' many of those had he run into back in his world? Hundreds maybe? Everyone claimed themselves to be the best of the best. Rare for them to keep that claim.

"That could be a possibility. But did he ever tell us how he discovered how he knew the mine was attacked?"

Sasuke stopped in his tracks. "No, he didn't."

Qrow laughed. "Perhaps I'm just being paranoid. At the very least it doesn't hurt to be extra cautious." He looked back "Coming?"

Sasuke shook his head. 'I've got a suspicion this isn't going to be easy as I hoped.'

They had arrived at their destination. The mine entrance laid at the bottom of a mountain. Surrounding it were several Grimm. Beowolves, Ursa, and Boarbatusk congregated in the open field. Destroyed mining equipment littered the place and the smell of blood permeated the air.

"This is going to be a pain." Qrow looked at the Uchiha. "Might as well begin."

"Is there any plan?"

Qrow thought for two whole seconds, then shrugged. "Nope."

Sasuke gave him a deadpanned look. "Are you serious?"

"Look kid there isn't much we can do. I'm all for plans, but," He looked into the clearing. "They're out in the open, so we can't really catch them by surprise unless you got any ideas?"

Sasuke considered several. But none that he could have achieved without blowing his cover. "Let's go then."

"Wait what are you doing?!" Qrow watched as Sasuke disappeared within the trees. 'Damn kid. When I said no plan, that did not mean be reckless!"

Sasuke position himself on a branch overlooking several Grimm. He noted the differences between the creatures. He recognized the werewolf-like creatures the people here called Beowolfs from his previous battle. He had a grudge to settle with their kind. Summoning shuriken from his wrist seals, Sasuke prepared to rain down steal upon the beasts.

Qrow figured the howling across the field was his cue that the battle had started. Stepping out in the open he was instantly assaulted by two Beowolves. He dodged the downwards slash of the first one with a smile and blocked the second with the blade strapped to his back. Qrow, taking advantage of the Grimm's confusion, drew his blade out quickly and beheaded it. The first Beowolf kept its distance. Qrow shifted his weapon into its shotgun form and fired. The Beowolf never hit the ground as it dissolved into thin air. "Well, that was a nice warm-up." Qrow turned towards the rest of the horde. "Who's next?"

Sasuke, after embedding all his shuriken into the creatures that dared to face him, jumped on the back of an unaware Ursa's head, which resembled a bear he noted, if not for the deadly spikes that protruded from its back. The Ursa, caught by surprise, was helpless as the Uchiha drew out his newly named blade, Chidori Kējido, and dug the lightning-charged weapon into its skull. The Ursa dissipated, and the ninja quickly landed on his feet, prepared to face the enemy head-on.

The Grimm quickly swarmed him, with Beowolfs leading the charge. Sasuke began dodging the onslaught. He kept calm as more attempted to kill him. Then, as if someone turned on a switch, Sasuke became a hurricane.

He parried, countered, and slew faster than the creatures could react. The numbers dwindled quickly. He was in his element. Using his speed and blade none could touch him. He was the eye in the storm. The wind screamed in his ears, his Sharingan darting back and forth. He could feel the earth tear up underneath his feet as he dashed back and forth. It was a great stress relief for him, unleashing his emotions in the thrill of battle.

Qrow had been fighting his own battle. Being a veteran Huntsmen, he handled the Grimm with ease. Preparing for another wave of Beowolves he was shocked as they changed course, turning their backs to him. Qrow, shrugging, blasted his shotgun. Stepping past the remains he grew wide-eyed.

It was like a black sea surrounding an island of death. If Grimm bled the earth would be soaked. Like moths to a flame, they endlessly rushed towards the Uchiha. 'What the hell is this kid?' In all his years, he never saw Grimm focus solely on a single person like this.

Sasuke, continuing his calm assault, spotted a Boarbatusk, a boar-like creature that had the trait of a pill bug's roll, charging in his peripheral vision. Utilizing this to his advantage he sidestepped at the last second causing the boar to slam into its own kind. It screamed in outrage before Sasuke stabbed straight through its stomach. Qrow landed beside him as he finished the job.

"I see you're handling this pretty well."

'Is now the time to be really talking?' "Focus on the task at hand." Sasuke readied his blade.

Sasuke finally decided to test out his blade's abilities. Triggering the end of the steal to open, he swung his blade in an arc. The blue wave that rippled out of the blade tore through his enemies with ease. He didn't stop the barrage, whipping the lightning around. Black smoke soon filled the air.

Qrow, not wanting to be outdone by a kid, covered the lightning wielder's back. His scythe ripped through an Ursa as it sought to end the two's reign of dominance. Soon after, scores of enraged Grimm ran headlong to their deaths. Not wanting to keep them waiting Qrow obliged altering his stance. Spinning his scythe with years of experience, and working alongside Sasuke, they were undefeatable. The roars dwindled more and more. Soon the legion of darkness was no longer, excluding the few wise ones which fled.

The ground was mutilated. The forest was silent, the sky slightly tinted black, and the smell of burnt flesh permeated the air for a brief second as it too began to fade. It was quite a scene. But the Branwen could have cared less. Taking his flask out he poured the heavenly liquid down his throat. Qrow spotted the Uchiha smiling beside him. He wiped his mouth. "What?"

"I'm just shocked you didn't try to drink during all that." Sasuke's mind wandered to a certain masked Jonin and his treasured book.

"Of course not. Wouldn't want them to damage my precious." Putting his prized possession away Qrow turned towards the mine entrance. "Our job isn't finished quite yet though. There's likely more in there, so stay alert."

'Says the guy who's likely drunk.' Sasuke looked around the field. He spotted several shurikens of his. Not wanting to purchase more he went to gather them.

Qrow stood silently watching the hole that led to the mountain. He oddly felt uneasy about the place. It was as if something whispered in his ear in this place. 'I hope my luck doesn't bite me in the ass today.' He looked towards the Uchiha as he gathered his projectiles. The kid was a puzzle. A dangerous one he couldn't help thinking.

A few minutes later the two met inside the entrance. Qrow looked for a source of light. As he did Sasuke, being used to low light, spotted several details. Firstly, the slash marks on the walls, likely a Beowolf. The second was the knocked down mining cart filled with common rocks. Third, and most prominent, was the dead man with a pickaxe lodged inside his head.

"Guess we're not only dealing with Grimm." Qrow, pointing out the obvious, also noticed Sasuke was unfazed by the corpse.

"Likely a fellow miner due to the pickaxe." Sasuke, activating his Sharingan, took a closer look. "His eyes are bloodshot, and his ears are bleeding. He's also eaten a part of his lower lip it seems." 'What the hell happened here?'

"Nice analysis kid. Guessing this isn't your first time with death," he spoke solemnly.

"Hmm." Sasuke focused on the miner.

'Silent as always. And for a second he was actually talking a bit.' He sighed. "Anything else?" He asked before his train of thought tried to unravel the kid's mystery in vain.

Sasuke grabbed something out of the deceased's hand. "There's a paper." He unfolded. "Gibberish."

"Let me see." Sasuke handed him the note. Looking down Qrow only saw spirals and scribbles. The only legible words were 'Whispers. Inside. Kill.' He couldn't help but think the obvious. 'Something drove this man insane.'

Before more could be said growls could be heard within the shadows of the mine. "Enough. Let's just get this done before we investigate any more." Sasuke made his way deeper into the mountain leaving Qrow behind.

Qrow took one last look at the scene of the dead miner. He thought he may have heard a whisper, but he brushed it off, thinking it was just the wind rushing through the tunnel entrance. Wary of what lay ahead, he followed.

After a few clashes with Grimm lingering in corridors, and several minutes later, the two had entered a chamber, which held lit torches, beds in various stages of disrepair, and destroyed chairs and tables. The most noteworthy detail though was the myriad of corpses. The stench was almost enough to make Qrow gag.

"Gods, what in the world happened here?"

"It appears there was a battle between the miners," Sasuke noted.

Indeed, there were few signs of Grimm, but more of conflict between the men. Some had similar injuries to that of the first miner they encountered, while others had heads crushed, faces bruised, and torn flesh from what seemed like bite marks. The missing flesh could be found in some of the other's mouths.

Qrow passed a few bodies as he walked towards a wrecked table with scattered papers. "What the hell caused them to kill each other?"

Sasuke scanned the faces. "All of their eyes are bloodshot. Same as the first miner."

'A disease from the sound of things. How is someone as young as him staying so calm?' In his experience, only veteran warriors or soldiers had the mind to face such horrors. That, and sociopaths.

"Anything else?" Qrow asked as he read through the reports of the head miner.

Sasuke, peering closer, answered, "Few appear to have been killed by Grimm." Only once he spotted claw marks.

"That either means the Grimm came in as they fought, or afterward and killed the survivors." Qrow eyes widen as he read the most recent reports. "Wayland was hiding something."

Sasuke stepped beside Qrow and looked at the reports himself. The papers were damaged, but a few words were readable.

'This mining operation was a secret?'

It appeared that Wayland had hired the man to unearth something. They never were told what, just that they would know when they found it. As Sasuke read more, he learned they had found what Wayland sought. 'It seems what they found drove them insane.' He finished reading the last report.

'We should have never found that damn thing. I should have known that something seemed off about this whole thing. It was good pay, and I couldn't turn down that much money. Now, my men are ripping each other's throats, and the whispers grow louder. They won't leave my head. I keep seeing that awful day over and over. I can't take it!

If anyone finds this, be sure to kill that damn, two-faced blacksmith. May Wayland Bloodstone suffer in whatever kind of hell that bastard believes in, if any at all.

Soon, I shall join these poor sods. If you are a stranger, do not go any further, for you will only experience the worst over and ov-' The words ran off into scribbles, until they looped into the last words

'Kill the whispers!'

Sasuke turned towards the huntsmen, silent.

Qrow pinched the bridge of his nose, a headache coming on. "Wayland has some explaining to do. Huh, do you hear that?"

Sasuke listened closely. It was faint, but he certainly heard it. "I do. Are we to investigate?"

Qrow thought it over carefully. He didn't want to end up like those that had died here, yet he couldn't leave now. He had to find and deal with whatever caused these deaths. He looked towards the tunnel that led further in.

"Yeah. Someone's got to avenge those that lost their lives for this. I won't lie to you kid, this could be foolish, so if you want to turn back, you can. I wouldn't blame you."

Sasuke looked around him. He wondered if they had families, friends, lovers, as he always did when it came to the dead. He would usually squash such thoughts, ever since he fully devoted his life to revenge, deciding that nothing was more important. It hadn't been for self-fulfillment, but to cleanse the world of the evil that was his brother. To prevent another life lost due to Itachi's need to test his potential. Every other evil was second.

Sasuke closed his eyes. "Your right. These men and women were civilians caught in someone's sick game."

He thought back to Orochimaru, and how many lives he toyed with. He remembered the joy he felt when he finally slew the Snake Sannin. He hated helping him, but Sasuke sought only power when he had first joined him. But as the years passed on by, he grew to realize that Orochimaru was just as bad as Itachi, using people for their own gain, a monster in human flesh.

Sasuke opened his eyes, "Evil like this must not go unavenged."

Qrow smiled. "Couldn't have said it better myself. Let's move then."

Sasuke couldn't help but think if he could have done things differently. He had begun to question his own actions. He was torn. He had succeeded, that should have been enough proof that his actions were worth it. Yet despite that, he couldn't help but question it.

How much suffering had he brought others? None could have compared to his own, that he was sure of, and he never killed those that were simply trying to survive or protect what they may have held dear.

He spotted a picture clutched in a miner's hand. He spotted a woman by his side, and a child smiling. Family, something that was taken from him. The Uchiha wondered if the man had had a friend take the photo.

He had nearly killed his first true friend, he wouldn't deny it, but that was a whole different story, and, in the end, he never did. He wouldn't take his brother's advice. Naruto, that was a name that brought annoyance, but also something else. Guilt? No, his actions were justified. He pushed the orange blob from his mind, along with the annoying, if a caring pink-haired girl.

'Damn it, why am I thinking of them now!?' He had cut all ties with them, for they only held him back in the end. Their bond was a necessary sacrifice.

Yet, after everything he sacrificed, all he got was an unsatisfying victory? He didn't even see Itachi truly die, though his gut told him he was. Even so, it was a hollow achievement at best.

As Sasuke struggled with his thoughts, Qrow looked back at him, relieved. He could see the emotional rollercoaster on the Uchiha's face. 'Guess you aren't a sociopath, just another casualty of a cruel world.'

Sasuke refocused his mind. He had a simple goal ahead of him. To avenge the dead, as he always had.

They had entered a large, not so empty chamber at last. It had gotten a few degrees colder as they had walked and battled down the previous corridors. The Grimm we're concentrated the most in this massive opening. They went to work, and it was some time after they were finally finished exterminating all the beasts. The ninja sighed. 'Not even worth my time.'

As the black fog faded, both of their eyes landed on an object, glistening in the center of the chamber, laying on a cracked table covered in dried blood. A dead corpse sat in a chair beside it.

The Huntsmen tone shifted ever so slightly, a hint of caution in his eyes. "How much do you want to bet that's the root of all this?"

"Hmm" Was all he got in response

Qrow rolled his eyes. "Well let's check it."

He took only two steps before falling to his knee. Sasuke quickly stopped studying the man.

"I can hear it. It's-" He clutched his head, eyes going bloodshot. An agonizing shout made its way through his clenched teeth. "The hell is this!"

Sasuke looked towards the object. He too began to experience the loud whispering. Then, suddenly he was somewhere else. It was all too familiar to him. It was a night he had relived many times. The Uchiha Massacre. One by one he watched as his clan was killed. Blood splattered, bodies falling. Sasuke could have laughed, all to use the scene, thus activating his Sharingan by instinct. As soon as he did, his surroundings bled back to the reality that was the chamber.

"A Genjutsu? Hmm, a weak one at that." At least by his standards. He looked towards Qrow and moved to dispel the jutsu. Unfortunately, he was prevented from doing so by a soaring firebolt he dogged with finesse. He turned to see that someone else had entered the room.

"Well, ain't you a strong wee lad. Not many folks could stand at the presence of such a wicked amulet. I must thank you. Those Grimm would have been a hassle to deal with by my lonesome." Wayland stood ready with a mechanical blade unsheathed and aimed his way, the dragon hilt smoking.

Sasuke stood stoically, staring at the leathered armored man before him, seemingly unfazed by the turn of events.

"What, no questions? No shock? No cries of betrayal?" The Smith laughed. "Guess I should have figured, you're not the talkative type. But can you at least ask why? I had a whole script and everything ready to go."

He chuckled but it sounded lifeless. His grin was now gone, replaced with that of a cold stare.

Sasuke was still studying his soon to be opponent, thinking of a course of action. He decided he could learn more if the man dribbled on as the Uchiha studied flaws.

"Why?" he asked, though it sounded less like a question and more of a dull statement.

The smith eyebrows rose. "I didn't actually think you'd ask. But all well, I'll humor you." The man began to walk around the chamber. "You see, this trinket I had these wonderful men unearth is quite a useful tool I wish to use. As you can see, it's quite dangerous to the average man, be they, Huntsman or civilian. With it, I tend to accomplish something I had vowed to do since the Great War."

Sasuke remembered details of the war from one of the books. "That was eighty years ago. How old are you?"

The Smith chuckled. "I guess you could say I was a strapping young man when that cursed war began. As you can tell, my looks are quite deceiving in many ways. But allow me to briefly sum up the events that led to this, for I truly don't want to ramble on about my backstory."

He paused, stroking his beard, eyes turning distant.

"Some bad events happened during the war, I sought vengeance against an entire Kingdom after, and spent my years studying many things with my semblance in order to find a way to achieve my wish, and," He stretched out the word, "now we're here." The man continued to stroke his goatee. "Yes, I believe that sums it up nicely."

"So, what are you? You appear young, and your unaffected by this Genjutsu, including mine." Sasuke looked towards his scabbard, Sharingan eyes blazing from the hawk.

Wayland pushed his hair back. "This Genjutsu you speak of, is it what you tried to cast on me? If so, well, that's all thanks to my semblance. I feel ballzy today, so I'll tell you what, I will tell you my oh so dark secret. After all, you won't be leaving this place."

'I highly doubt that.' Sasuke kept that thought to himself.

You see my mind can comprehend things differently than you can lad. When I look at something, I see all sorts of possibilities. It's as if I see a schematic for everything, or its potential possibilities. I'm not easily tricked by illusions, for my eye can see the multiple natures of anything in existence. It's the best way I can describe it, lad." He waved his hand towards his blade, then towards Sasuke's. "It's how I can create such masterpieces and has helped me become a step above mortal."

Sasuke's head moved downwards. "Hmp."

Wayland tilted his head. "Oh, did I say something funny? Please do tell laddie."

Sasuke looked upwards, smirking. "I've known many that thought themselves something greater, yet in the end, I killed them. You won't be any different.

Wayland smiled, a smile that showed more teeth then comfortable. "Well, I doubt they have my. . . unique talents. But I believe this talk has come to an end. It's been fun lad, but you know how it is. Things to do, places to see, heads to roll." With those words, he pulled the trigger within the handle of his blade setting it ablaze from flames that sprouted from the dragon hilt.

Sasuke would have figured such a weapon would have many issues with wielding it, but he noticed a shimmer. 'Aura, but of course. He felt like that was going to be a constant issue for him in the future.

"Are you ready to burn till your nothing but ash?" the Smith taunted with a cocky voice.

Sasuke drew his blade with one swift movement. Then, with a single blink of the eye, he was behind the man, blade swinging towards the exposed back.

Wayland cold blue eyes seemed amused. The reason became apparent as a single ring Sasuke had failed to notice glowed with a red-orange color on the smith's finger. Chidori Kējido bounced off as a visible shield of semblance formed behind the smith.

Sasuke quickly retreated, cautious of this new ability. 'That's not how Aura typically works. Was that book lacking details?'

I see you're a perplexed child so let me explain." He pointed to the ring, which now Sasuke noticed was made of wood. "I can thank my long-life span to this very ring I crafted and perfected for years. Huntsmen tend to be healthier than average folk due to their oh so beneficial Aura. Huntsmen can live very long lives." He paused, looking towards Qrow who was still struggling against the effects of the amulet. "Well, that is if they don't get killed off during their line of work.

"You talk too much." Sasuke interrupted.

The smith's eyes bore into him. "No, you just talk to little. Honestly, might as well talk to the walls. But, straight to the point, this ring amplifies my personal Aura, and lets me manipulate it to a greater degree." He raised his hand. "This is my ultimate defense lad. There's no winning this." He bore a vicious grin.

There was a small chuckle from the shinobi, but in the silence, it may have well been an explosion.

"Well, now you got me perplexed. What'd I say that's gotten you smiling? I know I said I'd humor you, but I didn't mean literally."

The Uchiha black eyes were filled with an unusual look, thinking back to a past memory that didn't involve his brother. "It's funny. I faced someone that had the same thing. I broke his ultimate defense when I was thirteen, and his was far stronger than yours could ever be." He ended with a smirk. Granted he didn't defeat the guy, but the smith did not need to know that. And he was certain he could win against the sand user if they ever had a rematch.

The smith was grinding his teeth now. "I'll show you to give your betters respect lad." He aimed his blade. "And I'll show you the specialty of my Gram." The blade began to spit fire.

Sasuke felt a bit more talkative now. "How about I show you to respect the Uchiha instead?" Yep, he enjoyed taunting people, their reactions were always fun to watch.

Wayland's reaction was a growl and a downward swing of his Gram, which sprouted an arc of flame to rush forward.

A wave of lightning sliced through the roaring fire but was nulled against the Aura shield. Sasuke didn't slow down as he began to flank the warrior, shooting bursts of lightning from the end of his blade, which he was quickly getting used to.

His adversary laughed as his blasts were met with a wall of Aura. "Don't you see how pointless it is? I crafted your blade boy. I know the ins and outs of that master-crafted steel. I know you can't win with that lightning rod. Now, how about you lie down and die, like Qrow over there." He gestured towards the down Huntsmen.

Sasuke considered his options. He had hoped the blade, which he still debated if he could call it such, would have been good enough so he wouldn't need to showcase his other talents in a world he was foreign to. He knew now that wouldn't be easy, and in this battle could cost him, and Qrow's life. He lowered his head.

"Has the child finally given in? If so, just stay still, and I'll make it quick." He began to advance.

His vision grew sharper, the world slowed, and the feeling of power he was familiar with began to course through his eyes, three tomoe spinning into action. His head shot up, eyes smoldering with the black and red colors of the Sharingan.

Wayland stopped in his tracks. "What's up with those eyes any- why are you make hand signs, I'm not deaf."

Sasuke's hands blurred through hand signs until they landed on the tiger seal. "Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

As a dragon formed from the Uchiha's mouth all the smith could say was, "What the fuck?!" before proceeding to shield himself.

Sasuke moved with a burst of speed, once again flaking the man. A posed arm. A chirping sound. The rush of wind against his face. He struck at towards the back.

Wayland hadn't noticed him move, the wall of flames having covered his advance. He had felt something at the last second, perhaps a change in the air, diverting Aura to his rear in time to save himself. Even so, he felt his Aura draining quickly, which was quite a feat. In response, he swung his blade horizontally.

The Uchiha did nothing as the blade tore right through him, which made Wayland pause until he turned into a poof of smoke.

"It would seem you have quite a few tricks," Wayland said. "Too bad they won't help. I cannot be struck."

"You have two weaknesses in your defense," Wayland turned to pinpoint the echoey voice in the cave. "You must divert your attention to where I strike, and your shield can spread too thin."

"If that's so, show yourself and fight. I'd love to prove a twerp wrong."

A ball of fire approached his right side. He reacted with a dodge, only to be treated with another fireball behind. Wayland faced the blow unharmed.

"So, it's a game of cat and mouse, huh?" Well, how about I light the room up a little?"

He pulled a flask from his satchel and thrust it into the ground, following with a quick blast of his own fire. The liquid ignited, casting shadows within the cave.

With the darkness dispelled Sasuke was unable to remain undetected. Wayland gave him a nasty smile.

"No more hiding for you. We fight on my terms, boy."

"Tch." If he sought a direct fight, then a direct fight Sasuke would give him. His hands flowed through more signs.

"That's a clever trick I'll give you that, but enough is enough!" The Smith's legs kicked into action, sword angled to strike the boy through.

Sasuke released another fireball that fast-approached Wayland.

'This again? I think this would be defined as insanity.' The Smith was not quick to forget the last attempt of backstabbing and readjusted his Aura shield to take on the flames, along with reinforcing his rear. It was too easy.

"Pitiful kid. I thought you were cleverer." He commented as the flames billowed past.

His eyes widen. An echo of birds, a hue of blue light before him. It had been too easy. Too easy to believe. Lightning tore through his defense and into his gut. A blood-soaked arm stuck out.

Moments of silence past on.

"No more irritating comments?"

'Damn this brat.' He was so assured of his victory. But so, had the old warrior. He grew too complacent with his gift being too much for people to handle. Yet he was one losing large amounts of blood.

"Good show." No sarcasm, no hint of fake applause attitude. He had been bested.

"It's over."

Over? No, he still had ambitions to fulfill. "Tell me, do you feel like a true bonafide hero? After all, all you managed was to injure an old man."

"You still have life enough to annoy me?"

"Hear me out. How many people do you think are out there like me? Those with plans and goals that don't align with the rest of society? Those who would go to the extreme."

Sasuke turned and walked away.

"I've seen the look in your eyes They're like mine. The eyes of one who vowed their life to revenge."

Sasuke stopped.

"So, are we so different?"

Sasuke turned towards him. "Do you expect me to pity you?"

"Nay, I need not your pity. Everything I've done, I would do again if need be. All I ask is to see me as your future self."

"I'll never be something like you."

"Oh really? Would you put limits on your hate? Have you not abandoned a part of yourself in order to get closer to your dream?" He knew he was hitting a nerve, the furrow of the brow was a clear sign, for it was like his own once upon a time.

Sasuke stepped towards him, eyes burning. "You killed how many for that thing?" He pointed to the amulet. The Smith was glad the boy paid little heed to Qrow's pain. Wouldn't do to let the child get distracted by the old bird.

"And how many will you need to kill, hmm?" A question Wayland faced in his younger days.

Sasuke grew quiet, eyes shut. "None anymore."

"Then I applaud you. But your goal was smaller than mine, that much is obvious. I tend to bring a whole kingdom to its knees. Would you not do the same if one had caused you the same amount of pain? What I've done and would've continued to do was essential. I aim to test my limits and surpass them.

The air grew colder. "Test… your limits?

"Indeed," The burning of his gut was finished as his last fire crystal was exhausted. His opportunity had shown itself. "And you were a good test."

One final, desperate upwards swing of the blade. A strike that could mean his victory. A chance to further his plans.

A sound of flesh tearing, a blood-curdling scream. It echoed throughout the mine.

Wayland had experience pains of many kinds, but none compared to losing an entire arm. This wasn't a sensation he had hoped to cross off his bucket list, to say the least.

Sasuke's eyes glared with the purest form of loathing. "How dare you say His words to me."

He knew his life was over. His final hand shown. Still, he would not die without leaving his own kind of mark. One that could, in a way, help the child who radiated darkness. A reward of sorts.

"A village burns by the doing of my hands," He struggled to speak but held a sinister smile. "It was meant to clear my tracks. Another settlement lost to this ugly world. A pity, but it matters not to us with greater schemes. Do with the information as you will. Perhaps the fire will warm your heart." He cackled for one last time as life left him.

In death, he pondered if the boy would turn out better than he had. The old warrior had known he was but a slave to his dream. But for the boy's case, none walked the path of vengeance unscarred, and few have survived the end of it. Wayland had lost himself to it, but maybe Sasuke, the bearer of those haunting red eyes, could still save himself.

All one would need is a better purpose.

Sasuke breathed heavily. This exhaustion wasn't physical, for it was wave after wave of his past surfacing to his mind that wore him out. It was like a drowning sensation in his head.

The Uchiha recovered as the sounds of crying filled his ears. He turned to see Qrow, kneeling on the ground, tears falling to the ground.

How long had Sasuke ignored him? Had there been truth to the Smiths words? When did he begin to ignore others suffering so effortlessly?

It was after he joined Orochimaru he concluded. The screams of help and terror that often filled the hideouts were a routine of his old life. He dared not show weakness in the serpent's den with so many hungry eyes, simply learning to block out the noise in order to sleep. Had he become as cold-blooded as the monsters he killed?

No, he refused to believe that. He remembered the satisfaction of killing that snake. He gave freedom to the countless prisoners that were kept around, though he didn't revel afterward like a hero. He quit his retrospective, opting to focus on the immediate concerns.

Not wasting any more time, Sasuke swiftly moved towards the amulet, plunging his lightning charged steel into the cursed objected, wisps of black smoke hissing away. It's effects slowly faded as Qrow awoke from the waking nightmare. His head rose steadily, noticing the lit oil still burning, the amulet destroyed, and a disarmed and likely dead Wayland.

"W-what happened?" His voice was hoarse, strained from the screaming.

"The smith had planned to betray us. He sought to kill us, and I killed him."

Leave it to the kid to make it sound simple and boring. Qrow shivered, reliving the worst parts of his life. He now knew why he drank. Drinking drowned those bad memories. He slowly got back to his feet.

"Care to share details? Don't enjoy being in the dark."

Sasuke turned his back and made his way towards the exit. "No time. The village is in danger." With a sudden burst of speed, he was gone. Qrow's eyes widen.

"I don't remember him being so fast." It reminded him of Ruby, and that was her semblance. Questions could wait though as he brushed himself and began pursuit.

Sasuke's mind in the meantime was racing. He'd never be a hero, but that didn't mean he would just let people die due to the actions of an evil man that resemble his brother, and himself partially. The time of subtility had passed. He'd prove to himself that he wasn't like Wayland.

He just hoped he could make it in time.

Author's Notes

So, hey. Hey! Put that pitchfork down. Yeah yeah, I know this update has been a long time coming. My bad, but I don't feel like apologizing. For a long time a lost passion for this story as I got down to think about it more and more, and nothing seemed to click. RWBY hasn't revealed as much as I had hoped with Mistral, and I wasn't satisfied with my ideas for this story. And then real life stuff. But I've been thinking again about this plot and will definitely take it a different direction than the one I was going to before. But for now, consider this story dormant.

I want to hash out some other story ideas that aren't as screwy as this one. Stories I can start with a fresh set of skills and concepts. Check out my RWBY x Command and Conquer one shot to see what I mean. I wrote that one shot since there's been word of remasters in the works for the first two games, and I've had an idea for a crossover for some time now. If people enjoy the one-shot I'll flesh it out, as I've thought out the story quite a bit. Anyhow, glad I can get this chapter finally finished and out. Been sitting on it for years, working on it from time to time. Probably why you'll notice quality jumps as I've revised and worked different parts at different levels of skill. Thanks for reading.