Chapter 1 - The Half Breed

Tossing and turning in his sleeping bag Ichigo was starting to wake up. After a long cold night in the far outskirts of Vale sleep never lasted long. Finally opening his eyes Ichigo quickly noticed his fire had gone out and the cold that hung in the air. Seeing his breath form a small cloud in front of him he quickly went to work getting another fire started. While the cold was annoying to deal with it wasn't anything Ichigo wasn't used to. With a few strikes of his knife against a rod of flint a spark started, adding a few small pieces of wood it quickly grew into a roaring fire.

With the fire finally started Ichigo sat down near it and began warming up, while getting coffee and some breakfast ready. As he began eating something vibrating in his sleeping bag made him quickly reach towards it. From the bag he pulled out his scroll. Quickly pushing the button the two sides shot open to reveal a screen that was flashing green. Touching the screen a video began playing, a man sitting in a metal desk drinking from a mug. The man quietly set it down and offered a nod, "It's been a while Ichigo, I've had trouble getting a hold of you."

Hearing the man's voice brought a sense of comfort to Ichigo as he began to relax once again. "You have no idea Oz." Looking into the dense forest that surrounded him Ichigo said, "I should be home within a couple days, I just need to check out one more thing that's been bugging me."

Ozpin took another sip from his cup before saying, "You know if it's a Grimm that's bugging you then you can always wait for me to send Qrow as backup."

Ichigo just laughed, "It would be best to fight this one alone Oz, this one has been close to a village. If it keeps hanging around I'm going to have to finish it quick. This Grimm is old and from what I've seen used to humans so I'm wondering what it's up to."

Hearing a sigh Ichigo looked back at the device and saw Ozpin standing up. "Ichigo I understand, just please don't get yourself hurt. You are there to simply gather data and anything you can find on her, nothing more."

"Well this Grimm is definitely connected to her Oz, I just need to get a good look at it and see what it can do before I decide anything."

"Very well Ichigo, I'll leave the final decision to you. One last thing we are going to be having a meeting with General Ironwood and discussing current matters in a few days. I would like you to accompany me and Glynda in the meeting, Qrow is still caught up with his family and a mission I've had him on for a while."

Chuckling Ichigo said, "Only picked because the old man is to busy. Either way I'll be there just send the details. I'll be back home soon hopefully with some information, we'll talk later Oz." Closing the device Ichigo laid it back down on his sleeping bag before finishing up his breakfast.

With everything packed Ichigo was finally able to change into his combat clothing. A simple pair of black jeans fitted with a red belt. A red long sleeve shirt with a black blazer over top. A black strap ran from over his right shoulder under his left arm with a silver skull shaped buckle that held the blazer on. Lastly Ichigo pulled on a pair of black military boots, grabbed his bag and strapped his black Katana to his hip. The blade was just over four feet long with a slight curve to it and a complex diamond shaped guard. It's sheath was a simple black with red stitching, finished with a black and red laced grip with a six inch black chain coming from the end of the handle.

Tossing his bag over his shoulder Ichigo kicked some dirt onto the fire and started off. Breaking through the treeline Ichigo found his way back onto the dirt path he'd been following the past few days. Giving one last glance at his scroll he put it in his pocket and headed down the trail.

Above the northern Vale border a small fleet of four airships were making their way towards Beacon Academy. This fleet was lead by none other than General Ironwood the leader of both Atlas's Military and Academy. The stoic man stood at the head of the ship looking over the lightly snow covered forest below as they passed into Vale. As the general watched the skies he was thinking of the reason him and his ships were making this trip.

Two weeks ago he received a message from Beacons headmaster, Professor Ozpin inviting him and to a meeting at his academy. While he wasn't given incredible detail he was told that it was of the utmost urgency. What Ironwood didn't know was that this meeting would change his life forever in more than one way. His eyes would be opened to the true world and the threat that lives there, making him and a member of Ozpin's inner circle. Which is a group that was currently made up of seven people including Ozpin himself.

The invitation to the meeting was an honor that Ironwood wouldn't understand for a long time. While Ozpin needed as many supporters as possible to stand against this enemy he needed their complete trust as well. That's why the group was so small and made up of some of the greatest huntsmen and huntresses he could find. Along with the Headmasters of most of the academies.

A knock on the door broke Ironwood out of his thoughts. Without turning around he said, "Enter."

The door quickly opened to reveal a beautiful young women with long white hair. She was dressed in a similar white military outfit as the General. Walking into the office she offered a salute before saying, "We have just entered Vale's borders. We also have a large ping on our sonar southeast of here. It appears to be a very large Grimm that's not to far from a small village. First combat team is awaiting orders."

Looking in that direction Ironwood placed a hand on the railing and looked for a sign of the grimm. A few moments passed with nothing before a giant blue crescent of energy erupted from the dense forest. The ship quickly made maneuvers to make it out of the way of the giant arc. As it flew passed the ship Ironwood could feel the power shack the entire ship. As they slowly stabilized, Ironwood looked down to the source of the attack to see a giant Grimm chasing after what he guessed was a huntsman.

The minotaur like Grimm easily towered over the man as it chased after him. Jumping from the high branches the Huntsman turned and fired another arc of blue energy at the grimm. Using its arms the Grimm was able to block a good portion of the attack before letting out a demonic like roar.

Turning around Ironwood said, "Winter I wish for you to accompany the first combat team in taking down that grimm." Glancing back to the Grimm he continued "We cannot leave a single Huntsman to defend a village against something like that."

Offering another salute Winter made her way out of the office to the main deck. Holding onto the handle of her silver rapier she called out, "First combat team get into formation." After hearing he command the room went silent for a moment.

Quickly the seven man combat team got into formation across from Winter and all saluted her. "You are all aware of the Grimm that we picked up on our sonar. It appears to be a high ranking Grimm and is currently being held off by a single huntsman. Our job is to keep this Grimm away from the village and destroy it. The huntsman isn't a priority. Now then move out."

Running to the bay door Winter hit the door control button and motioned for her men to jump. One by one the men jumped from the ship and when they neared the ground they activated their thrusters to break their fall. Lastly Winter jumped and using her semblance to slow her decent quickly landed on her feet. Looking in the direction of the Grimm's last location Winter began running after it followed by her men.

Following another load roar of the Grimm the group broke into a small clearing to find Ichigo fighting off the giant beast. Winter watched him for a few seconds noting how quickly moved and expertly handled his sword. Quickly turning her attention back to the Grimm she yelled, "offensive formation 3."

Quickly the men separated and formed a circular formation behind the grimm. Ichigo heard the order and instantly noticed all the men charging in from behind. Reaching his hand out he yelled, "Stay back." but to no avail.

The soldiers ignored him and followed their orders. Rushing in closer the Grimm quickly turned around surprising the men and slamming it's giant fist down killing two of them. The last five quickly scattered and looked to Winter for a command.

Cursing under his breath Ichigo knew something like that would happen when they rushed in. This wasn't any old grimm, this one was easily an alpha class probably close to 500 hundred years old or more. Meaning it's had more than enough experience fighting trained huntsman let alone a single military squad.

Charging in Ichigo gathered his aura into his blade. As he got close the Grimm turned his attention towards him exactly like he wanted. Quickly Ichigo jumped back and brought his sword up ready for a strike. With a quick rush of aura into his blade it began to glow a bright blue before Ichigo released it. Swinging his blade forwards he yelled, "Getsuga Tensho." As the giant arc of blue aura flew from the blade it slamming into the Grimms head. The large explosion that followed engulfed it's giant head as it let out a roar of pain.

Looking towards Winters group Ichigo yelled, " of here, you're only getting in the way."

He then quickly turned his attention back to the grimm. Rushing in he was cut off by the remaining men of Winters group charging in from the left. Cursing under his breath Ichigo circled to his right to try and get another angle only to hear the loud slam of the Grimm's fist once again. As expected it easily was able to take out another man. Looking up at it Ichigo noticed his attack had done a decent amount of damage, creating a large gash on the side of its head.

Quickly the Grimm turned itself around towards the remaining force and with a sweep of its arm sent all of them flying towards the trees surrounding the clearing. Ichigo watched as they soared through the air and impacting the trees. The force was easily enough to crack bones if it didn't kill them on impact it wouldn't be long until they bleed out.

Sending an unnamed Getsuga towards the Grimm Ichigo got its attention once again. Running towards the middle of the clearing the Grimm quickly followed. Giving a quick glance over his shoulder Ichigo thought, 'It's getting tired I just need to get one more good hit in and it should go down.'

Winter looked over all her dead men before the loud roar of the grimm got her attention. Once again she watched as the Huntsman easily defended himself against the giant beast. His words from earlier ran through her head and she couldn't help but think he was right. She ordered her men to their death because she felt they needed to end it quickly. She didn't think that the huntsman was able to handle it on his own and the Grimm quickly dispatched her men.

She'd never seen a Grimm so easily take down an entire squad of trained men before. Yet what she couldn't understand was how this one huntsman was able to hold his own so easily. 'He must be a veteran huntsmen, he has way too much skill to be a normal huntsmen.' Was all she could think.

Holding onto the handle of her sword Winter watched as the Grimm started to act more ruthless and lash out more. While it was an old and experienced Grimm it was getting tired of this drawn out fight. Quickly lashing forwards it charged at Ichigo full speed. Dodging Ichigo sliced it's left leg sending it tumbling down and crashing into a tree. 'Good one more clean hit in and it's done.' Ichigo thought as he walked towards the Grimm.

Drawing her sword Winter summoned a white glyph behind her. As it began to increase in power she quickly shot forwards right at the grimm. Slicing up the grimms right arm she stopped and turned around only to be hit by the Grimm's left hand. Hitting her with great force Winter went flying. Watching Ichigo just shook his head before going at the grimm once again. However, it was able to block most of his attacks with its white armor on it forearms. Jumping back Ichigo got ready to finish this once and for all as Winter dashed in once more.

Quickly dashing between its two feet Winter started cutting into its legs. With one strong slice she cut deep into its right leg forcing it to a knee. The grimm let out a low growl as it stared at Winter. Getting ready to deliver what she thought was a finishing blow Winter brought her sword back. She didn't notice the faint spark in the Grimm eyes as it quickly brought its fist down as Winter was getting ready to strike. Resulting in her sword getting lodged in the white bone on it's forearm.

Quickly the Grimm brought its other arm up ready to slam down onto her. Ichigo just let out a long sigh before bringing his hand up to cover his face. Ichigo pulled his hand down as red aura came from his fingers and formed over his face. A moment later a demonic skull mask formed on his face. Two long red streaks ran from the top of the mask down one over each eye and eventually coming close together near the chin. Opening his mouth the mask split into two pieces the main piece that attached to his head and the lower jaw that attached to his chin. As a small amount of steam came out Ichigo's mouth his eyes changed to a deep red that matched those of a Grimm.

Moving with incredible speed Ichigo appeared in front of Winter and blocked the grimm attack. Pushing him back Ichigo began to gather aura into his blade once again, however this time it was dark red and had a dark feeling to it. As it coated the blade Ichigo yelled in a demonic voice, "Getsuga Tensho." the giant red arc quickly collided and cut right through the Grimm as the rest of the attack kept soaring into the air as it slowly died down.

Resheathing his sword Ichigo quickly let his mask fade away before turning around. Kneeling down he reached out and asked, "You okay?"

As Winter grabbed his hand Ichigo helped her up. Looking around Winter saw her blade sticking from the ground and retrieved it. "Thank you, it appears you didn't need our help after all."

"Helps always appreciated but it's better to understand just how strong the opponent is before jumping in. I understand you only did because of how close we are to a village but still."

Looking up to the airships Winter asked, "So who are you exactly?"

Grabbing his backpack Ichigo said, "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki."

Winter instinctively put her hand in her swords handle and looked at him, "You mean to tell me you're the Ichigo Kurosaki with the Grimm semblance?"

Letting out a sigh Ichigo crossed his arms, "Yeah I'm the one with the Grimm semblance. Nice to meet you too, you know my semblance doesn't make me a monster. I just used it to save your ass, so a thank you would be nice."

Letting go of her sword she rested her hand on her hip and said, "I'm sorry it's just I've heard a lot of things about you and I don't know what is true and what isn't."

"I'll be honest some things you've heard are true, but I'm no murderer. Those rumors aren't real, I never killed anyone."

Hearing that winter froze for a moment. "I'm sorry that you have to deal with such rumors, even all the way in Atlas. I'm sure it's pretty hard."

"Thanks, never thought I'd hear something like that from a Schnee. It's nice to know not all the rumors about your family are true either."

Ichigo reached out his hand and Winter quickly took it. Giving her a quick handshake Ichigo said, "I gotta go, I'll see you in Beacon later, your general has that meeting doesn't he."

With a puzzled look on her face Winter asked, "How do you know of the meeting?"

Laughing Ichigo said, "Because I'm part of it." Offering a wink Ichigo said, "Hopefully you are to." with that Ichigo quickly disappeared leaving Winter alone in the large clearing. Winter stood there a few more moments thinking before gathering the tags from her men.

A few days have passed and Ichigo was now on the airship to Beacon Academy. As the ship neared the school Ichigo watched the cities below slowly get smaller and smaller. Leaning against the railing Ichigo thought back to the fight he had in the forest. 'The more I see those Atlas military men in action the more I think Qrow was right about them. If Atlas thinks they are as good as huntsmen they are insane' He thought as he watched for the school to get into view.

As the school got into view Ichigo saw the Atlas ships from a few days earlier all docked, their white flags still flapping in the wind. When the ship finally docked Ichigo quickly made his way off before anyone else. Making his way through the courtyard Ichigo passed by all the current students and thought, 'The new first years should be getting here soon I think.'

Breaking him out of his thoughts Ichigo heard Ozpin say, "It's great to have you back Ichigo." Turning to see the man he had a smile on his face. "Now then let's head to my office we have some things to discuss."

As the two walked to his office Ichigo was surprised to see all the Atlas military men and their robots around the school. "Is this really necessary Ozpin, all this military presence?"

Waving it off Ozpin said, "It's the only way Ironwood would agree to come, he is really serious about security."

"Yeah I know, It's not like his men can do any better than a first year. I'm sure any of the new first years could take on one of these military men." Ozpin kept himself from laughing and the two were quiet the rest of the way there.

Opening the door Ozpin was surprised to see General Ironwood already standing at his desk with Winter at his side. Walking in Ozpin said, "Well what a surprise this is. It's nice to see you General, Miss Schnee."

"It's good to see you as well Ozpin", gesturing towards Ichigo Ironwood said, "Also I'm sorry for the interruption."

Ozpin waved it off as the two entered the room, "It's nothing at all. I was simply going to hear his field report, but that can wait. So what's so important?"

Crossing his arms Ironwood said, "We just got a report that we are needed back in Atlas as soon as possible. Apparently something has come up. I was wondering if we could have this meeting today."

Taking a seat at his desk Ozpin poured himself a cup of coffee. "Ichigo would you please toss me your scroll." Pulling his scroll from his pocket Ichigo tossed it over to Ozpin.

Opening the scroll Ozpin placed it down flat on the table and instantly a projection shot up in the center of the room of the giant Minotaur Grimm from earlier. Next to it was a chart with information that Ichigo gather on it. Looking it over Ozpin asked, "So this is the Grimm you were talking about earlier, interesting in deed."

Turning to Ichigo Ironwood asked, "So you were that Huntsman in the forest that fired that attack?"

Shrugging his shoulders Ichigo said, "I might have been, doesn't matter though. What does matter is this Grimm." Pointing at the projection Ichigo said, "From what I gather this Grimm was roughly five or six hundred years old and easily Alpha class. Due to its behavior I figured it was most likely one of her Grimm."

Before Ironwood or Winter could ask Ozpin said, "The her Ichigo mentioned is named Salem.. She is the real threat to the world not the Grimm. That's what the meeting was going to be about."

Swiping on the scroll the projection went away for a moment before a very blurry picture of a woman in a long black dress was projected. The only real physical feature you could see was her white hair along with white skin of her arms. Pointing to the projection Ichigo said, "That is Salem, the only picture we have of her. You can thank me and Qrow for that by the way."

Closing the scroll Ozpin tossed it back to Ichigo, "Ironwood the reason I wanted you to come here was to learn about Her."

Ironwood looked to Ozpin with a questioning gaze, "You mean to say that fairy tale is real?"

Taking a drink of coffee Ozpin said, "Lastly you being the leader of an Academy you're already aware of the relics and the maidens."

"Of course Ozpin, what do they have to do with this?"

Ichigo just laughed, "They have everything to do with this. Salem wants them along with the power of the maidens. If she gets them it's over. The relics are incredible powerful and whoever wields all of them can do whatever they want."

Turning to Ichigo Ironwood asked, "So why exactly are you a part of this inner circle as Ozpin calls it?"

Ichigo just rolled his eyes. Putting his mug down Ozpin said, "Because he has my utmost trust, and him mine. Ichigo is an incredibly powerful huntsman and his semblance as you know is very unique unlike anything ever documented."

"That's why I was asking Ozpin, you don't think that semblance makes him a risk. Who knows how much control he truly has over it."

Standing up to Ironwood Ichigo asked, "Are you questioning my motives? Who the fuck do you think you are to come in here and question me? I've been a part of this for years, I've risked my life dozens of times for Oz and what he believes in. So if you wanna say it again I'll drag your crippled body out that door."

Standing up Ozpin got in between the two of them saying, "That's more than enough. Now this meeting would have been more professional if we had time to get it ready. However that's all I can tell you today, I'll be in contact with more information in the future though. Now if I remember you have a situation to deal with in Atlas."

"Yes we'll speak again Ozpin. For now Winter and I will return to Atlas with my men. Also for any meetings in the future if I'm unable to attend Winter will take my place. Thanks for your time Ozpin, we'll see ourselves out."

Walking past Ichigo the two locked eyes. Ironwood quickly looked back to the elevator door when he saw black take over part of the white in Ichigo's eye and disappear as quickly. Ichigo watched as Ironwood made his way to the elevator before turning his attention towards Winter. Offering a grin Ichigo pulled out his scroll and held it out towards her. Winter shock her head before pulling her own scroll out and placing it against Ichigo's. A moment later their scrolls vibrated and Ichigo said, "I'll keep in touch."

Walking to the elevator Winter said, "Only business related matters, don't expect social calls."

Shrugging his shoulders Ichigo said, "I guess that's a good enough start."

As they left Ichigo walked up to Ozpin's desk and set his scroll down. "Qrow was right about him, he's an asshole. I don't really trust him either."

"Yet you seem to trust Winter."

"That's different Oz. Her and a group of her men interrupted my fight, the grimm killed all seven of her men and I ended up saving her. I don't know it's just something about her she isn't like all the rumors I've heard about her family. She's different, she seems to care ya know?"

Taking a sip of coffee Ozpin leaned back in his chair, "You'll have to deal with Ironwood from time to time if you are really thinking about trying this with her. I'll keep out of it though, it isn't my business."

Turning to leave Ichigo pushed the button to call the elevator. As he walked in Oz called out, "It's good to have you back at Beacon Ichigo. I'll let you have a few days until I give you anything else, you deserve it."

Offering a smile Ichigo said, "Thanks a lot Oz, think I'm going to have to give that old man a visit aren't I."

"You know he'd like to see you it's been a long time, longer than last time."

Offering a wave as the door closed Ichigo said to himself, "Yeah, I know.".