Seol Argentus

Gray lingered in the RWBY dorm room, the silence heavy after his talk with Weiss. Her guarded vulnerability, those rare glimpses past her icy walls, clung to him like morning dew. He rose from the chair, his mind a blur of wordless thoughts. He looked down at his hands and saw his Semblance still subtly blurring the edges of his silhouette, a faint distortion that kept him unnoticed.

He had things to do now. He had questions he planned to ask and plans to put into motion. The weight of tomorrow’s White Fang meeting pressed on him, a storm of responsibility brewing in his chest.

It was barely nine in the morning, but the day already felt endless.

With his Semblance still active, he left the dorm, stepping out into the mostly empty halls.

Gray made his way down the stairs to the dorm lobby, seeing the occasional student that had weekend plans. For the most part, people seemed to be having sleep-ins. Which he didn’t blame them for. He would have done much the same before he discovered his Semblance, then subsequently learned of all these bad guys and dark plots. Now, he didn’t think he would have many sleep-ins in the future. Not until he got a handle on things.

Gray walked past the meager number of students, his presence unnoticed, his thoughts focused inward. He needed to clear his mind, to sort through the complexities of his situation and formulate a plan. He needed a place to think, to untangle everything.

He made his way through the dorm lobby and out the front door, where the fresh air and open sky provided a sense of clarity. The sun was higher now and wispy clouds lazily floated across its path. The air was cool with a faint scent of morning dew. He breathed deeply as he walked along the paths that wound through the campus, his mind on the tasks ahead.

Gray idly noticed a group of students, in their regular clothes instead of in uniform, hanging around a fountain. They looked like they were waiting for more of their friends before maybe heading off to the city.

Gray was also in his regular dark grey and white hoodie and black pants. There was a non-zero percent chance that he would be heading into the city himself, so he was prepared for that. Now that he was a puppet master of Vale’s criminal underbelly it could only pay to be prepared.

Gray's thoughts began to run through all the things he had learned in the last week. Salem, Ozpin, Cinder, the White Fang, Torchwick and now the Moonfall event.

He walked around aimlessly, and as he wandered, Gray's mind began to settle, his thoughts coalescing into a clear plan.

---

Gray's steps tapped softly on the paved paths of Beacon Academy as he walked, his mind methodically organizing the myriad of thoughts and responsibilities that swirled within it. The act of walking helped to clear his head, allowing him to focus on the tasks at hand and the strategies he needed to employ. He began to compile a mental list, starting with the more immediate and personal concerns.

Firstly, he needed to maintain his bond with his team. His original goal, before he ever discovered his Semblance, was to become a Huntsman and help people. To protect humanity from the Grimm. And to do that, he needed to join an Academy and learn to work as a team. Gray needed to not forget that original purpose. He couldn’t let these criminals and his plans for them to undermine that.

To add to that, he needed to keep up with his studies. Despite having such a powerful Semblance and needing to occasionally skip classes for something important... or even to indulge in his sexual urges from time to time, he still needed to learn about the world.

Now, as he was walking along the edge of the field with the stone arena, he moved his thoughts to more pressing matters. Ozpin. Gray needed more information from Ozpin. That call with a councilman interrupted their conversation last time, so he needed to follow up and ask more questions. More specifically, he needed to learn more about the Autumn Maiden.

He shook his head at the fact that fairy tales seemed to be real and popping up all around him.

Anyway, he needed to know where she was and what Ozpin was doing to protect her. Cinder had attacked her and performed some odd Grimm procedure on her. Gray needed to figure out if it could be reversed. He didn’t know what powers a Maiden had but he was sure that it would be bad in the wrong hands. Granted, Gray had control of Cinder right now, but there was no telling if there was some way to undermine his Semblance. If an enemy faction figured out how to combat his power and do something to Cinder or the Autumn Maiden then things would be pretty bad.

He walked around the field once and took a break sitting on a bench. He took out his scroll and typed his thoughts out.

Now, onto the other criminal elements.

There was the meeting with Adam. Gray needed to be there to find out how big of a threat that organization was. Once again, his powers seemed to have taken control of it, but he really needed to know more about how they worked and conducted themselves. He also wanted to be there for that member he asked Adam to find for Cinder’s infiltration team.

Gray also needed to learn more about Salem from Cinder. There could be things she knows that Ozpin doesn’t. Like the Grimm Lady’s current plans and weaknesses.

Torchwick and Neo. Gray needed to find out more about them and learn how best to use them in his own schemes. The Xiong Family were similar. Though they likely had more resources than those other two. Regardless, he needed to figure out a purpose for them.

Now there was the Mountain Glenn plan. What would Gray do with that? He couldn’t just let Cinder use that place to stage an attack on Vale, but something about the place seemed like an opportunity to Gray. He just couldn’t quite put it into words just yet. So, he just left that spot open for editing later.

Then there was this Moonfall Event. Something new and somewhat sudden. Sudden because he can imagine all the criminals salivating at the prospects and immediately making plans for it. But not so sudden because it was two months away. That could give him time to figure something out. It was a given that he needed to make sure it didn’t fall into bad hands though.

Now he moved on to thinking about his team’s concerns. Like Weiss’s family situation. If he could use his power, he might be able to smooth things over and even gain a powerful pawn to use against Salem.

Blake was of particular note too since she used to be a part of the White Fang. At some point he would need to have a talk with her to learn more.

Then there was the thing with Yang. Why did she go to Junior’s club and trash the place? Who was she looking for?

Gray was grateful that Ruby didn’t seem to have anything going on. Nor did Team JNPR. He didn’t know if he could handle any more plates to juggle.

Gray sat there and looked over his notes, reading it through multiple times. There were so many things to consider. So many loose threads. He read through again and again until he could feel the beginnings of an idea taking shape. A strategy that would tie all these disparate threads together into a cohesive plan.

---

Gray now sat there staring at the arena at one end of the field. After saving his notes and pocketing his scroll, he now had to wonder what to do first. A breeze rustled the trees and the lawn, bringing the calming scent of nature to him. His Semblance still covered him from scrutiny as he planned his next move.

His mind raced with possibilities. He had a clear list of objectives, each one crucial in its own way, and each one doable within the day. The challenge now was to prioritize, to decide which path to take first.

Option one was to talk with Ozpin. The Autumn Maidens whereabouts were important. Plus, anything the immortal man could say might inform his other choices.

Option two was to contact the Schnees. He would need to use the CCT tower to establish a preliminary connection. After that he would be able to send messages and maybe call or receive calls without the tower. Even if the connection might be shoddy without it.

If he had the Schnee’s ears Gray might very well gain control over them and have a powerful ally against Salem. He could also make some sort of tweaks to help Weiss in some way.

Option three was to message Cinder. This one could be a quick one. All he would have to do is ask her to send him a report on what she knew of Salem, including any details about plans and weaknesses. Cinder’s insights could be very helpful and cover anything Ozpin doesn’t know.

Option four was to talk with Blake and Yang. He could talk to Blake about her connection with the White Fang and her supposed estrangement from her family. Her previous involvement with the terrorists could really help him with how he handles the White Fang. This talk could also help him understand why she hesitates to contact her family. This could be done later tonight. Along with Yang. He was still curious about her actions.

These were the four things he could do today.

Gray weighed each option carefully, considering the potential outcomes and the urgency of each task. The meeting with Ozpin seemed the most pressing, as the information he could gain would likely inform his other actions. However, the opportunity to use the CCT terminals to contact the Schnees was also time-sensitive and could have immediate benefits.

With a deep breath, Gray decided to start with Ozpin. The knowledge he could gain from the headmaster would be foundational to his other plans. He stood up from the bench, his mind made up, and began to make his way towards Ozpin's office.

The CCT tower loomed across campus, its clockwork spire glinting in the morning light. Gray’s blurred form moved across the campus with purpose.

---

Gray stepped into the reception area at the base of the CCT tower, his Semblance still active. The receptionist behind the counter greeted him with a professional smile.

"Is Headmaster Ozpin available in his office?" Gray asked, his voice steady and confident.

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, he's in. Would you like to see him?"

Gray confirmed, and the woman promptly activated the elevator for him. The doors slid open and Gray stepped inside. The hum of the electronics filling the small space as he began his ascent to the top of the tower. The elevator ride was smooth and swift, giving him a moment to gather his thoughts and prepare for the talk with Ozpin.

Gray’s reflection in the polished walls was a faint smear, his Semblance making it difficult to make out his features. He glanced back out of the window at the campus and saw very few people walking across the large area outside the tower. Then the elevator slowed to a stop.

The doors slid open, revealing Ozpin’s clock tower office. The air smelled of coffee and metal and polished wood, the faint tick of gears underscoring the silence. Ozpin sat at his desk, his terminal’s glow illuminating his youthful face, belying the centuries in his eyes. His cane rested against the chair, his mug steaming. Goodwitch seemed to be absent.

Gray approached the desk, his steps silent and unnoticed due to his Semblance. He stood before Ozpin, his mind racing with the questions he needed to ask. He remembered his last visit to this office, the story Ozpin had shared, and the interruption that had cut their conversation short. The headmaster had spoken of the Maidens, the relics they protected, and a group known as the Seol Argentus.

"Ozpin," Gray said, his voice steady and clear. The headmaster looked up, his expression calm and unsurprised. "When we spoke last, you told me the story of Salem and her transformation into the monster she is today. You mentioned details that I should know but we were interrupted and had to cut the conversation short. Can you remember how you responded, or what you were going to say?"

Ozpin paused, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the question. After a moment, he nodded. "At the time, I said, word for word, “There are quite a few. Like the relics being kept at each of the four academies. Only the maidens of the seasons can access them. The descendants of the Seol Argentus are being hunted down, presumably by Salem’s people.” I then went on to tell you about the attack on the Autumn Maiden, but I received a call from Councilman Branson and had to switch my focus."

Gray nodded, the memory of their previous conversation flooding back to him. The relics Ozpin mentioned were the same ones from the story of the Brother Gods, artifacts of immense power. So, the four Huntsman Academies were charged with protecting them, and only the Maidens could access their power? The attack on the Autumn Maiden suddenly made sense. Salem sought the relics, and the Maidens were the key to unlocking them.

“But who were the Seol Argentus?” Gray asked Ozpin, his curiosity piqued. The headmaster leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he began to explain with fingers interlaced.

"The Seol Argentus were an ancient organization of warriors with silver eyes. Their genetic trait granted them immense power in the fight against the Creatures of Grimm. They were a **** to be reckoned with, their skills and knowledge passed down through generations."

Gray listened closely. He had never heard of these silver-eyed warriors. Ozpin continued, his voice filled with a sense of loss and regret.

"In ancient times they were respected protectors. Guardians. They were revered. But then something happened to cause distrust. They were betrayed and their faction was... removed centuries ago. Even their history has been steadily removed from the world's memory, despite my efforts. Since then, for a long time, the Seol Argentus were nomads, wandering the far wilds outside of Kingdom territories. Someone has been hunting them down methodically for decades, their numbers had been dwindling with each passing year. Now, after all this time, I haven’t been able to find any of them."

A chill ran down Gray's spine as he considered the fate of these ancient warriors. Were they all gone, their legacy lost to the sands of time?

“Are they all dead, then?” He asked.

The headmaster's expression was grave as he responded, "For a time, I believed them to be all but extinct. Or in hiding. But there is at least one we know of who still lives."

Gray's heart pounded in his chest as he asked the question that burned in his mind.

"Who?"

Ozpin's gaze met his before saying, "Ruby Rose."

Gray stared in shock.

The moment stretched. His mind stunned into silence.

Another moment passed before he could gather his thoughts.

Ruby was a silver-eyed warrior? Her bright eyes, always sparkling with enthusiasm, were a weapon against Grimm? The revelation felt like a punch, coming out of nowhere. He’d never suspected, never seen her as anything other than a quirky girl obsessed with weapons.

The implications of Ozpin's words crashed over him like a tidal wave. Ruby, his shy teammate, was a descendant of the ancient silver-eyed warriors, her lineage a secret that held the key to unlocking immense power. The revelation sent shock waves of goosebumps all over his skin.

“Ruby?” he echoed, voice barely above a whisper. Ozpin nodded all the same.

---

Gray stood before Ozpin, his mind racing with confusion over what had just been laid bare. Ruby Rose, his friend, teammate and now lover, was a descendant of the ancient silver-eyed warriors, the Seol Argentus. The implications of this knowledge were staggering, and Gray felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him. Ruby, with her shy yet energetic demeanor, held a secret that could change everything.

His thoughts turned to her safety. Was she aware of her lineage? Was she being hunted even now, unbeknownst to her? The thought sent a chill down his spine. He remembered the unique shade of her eyes, a few shades off from his own grey, but were they actually silver?

The realization that Ruby could be in danger was a wake-up call. Gray knew that he had to act now. With his Semblance still active, he spoke the words that he hoped would counteract any interest in her.

"Ruby Rose will never be hunted or discovered by those attacking the descendants of silver-eyed warriors. They will not notice the color of her eyes." The commands echoed in his mind and across the room. He hoped that it would work, that his influence would shield her from the shadows that sought to extinguish her lineage.

But the threat was far from over. Gray needed to uncover the identities of these hunters and their connection to Salem. Ozpin seemed to believe that Salem was behind the systematic eradication of the silver-eyed warriors, but the details were murky at best. Gray added this to his growing list of objectives.

With a sigh, Gray turned his attention back to Ozpin. There were still more pieces of the puzzle to uncover, more secrets to unearth.

"Ozpin, tell me what happened to the Autumn Maiden," he said, his voice held steady despite the chaotic feelings roiling around inside.

Ozpin's expression grew somber as he began to explain. "Two months ago, an unknown group of assailants ambushed the Autumn Maiden. They performed some sort of ritual after defeating her, but one of my operatives intervened in time to disrupt the process. Unfortunately, the Maiden's life was left hanging by a thread, with no signs of recovery."

Gray listened intently. He had no idea how strong a Maiden could be but the old stories spoke of incredible power. So, a figure like that being defeated gave him a heavy feeling.

Ozpin continued, "We employed the help of another operative in Atlas, who used advanced technology to stabilize her. The Maiden is now in stasis, her condition monitored closely as we work to understand the ritual and find a way to reverse its effects."

The Beetle’s mark on Cinder’s back, a heart in a bisected “V”, flashed in his mind.

Gray's curiosity piqued, he asked, "Where is she being kept?"

"In the basement levels of this very tower. Level B-3, a sealed vault accessible only by myself and Goodwitch. Her safety is paramount, and we are taking every precaution to ensure that she remains secure."

The revelation that the Autumn Maiden was being kept within the CCT tower was both reassuring and concerning. While her proximity meant that she was within reach of Beacon's protection, it also meant that the tower was a target for those who sought to finish what they had started.

---

Gray stood beside Ozpin in the elevator, the faint hum of machinery filling the silence as they descended into the depths of the CCT tower. The air grew cooler, the atmosphere heavier with each passing second. Gray's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and questions, the revelations of their short conversation weighing heavily on his shoulders. He had watched as Ozpin inserted a key into the panel where the floor numbers would typically be displayed. Now, they were on their way down. All the way down.

The silence was palpable, the tension in the air almost tangible. Gray's thoughts turned to Ruby, her heritage, and the dangers that lurked in the shadows. He knew that he had to protect her, but he had no idea what to do besides making those commands earlier.

As the elevator continued its journey, Gray found himself unable to bear the silence any longer. He turned to Ozpin.

"Have you told Ruby about her heritage?" He asked, his gaze searching the headmaster's face.

Ozpin's expression remained stoic as he shook his head. "No, I have not," He admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and resignation.

Gray's brow furrowed in confusion and concern. "Why not?" He pressed; his own voice colored with a hint of frustration. "Doesn't she deserve to know the truth about her lineage and the dangers she faces?"

Ozpin sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he considered his response. "Such a revelation would lead to questions about her mother," He explained, his voice heavy. "This information is classified but Ruby's mother was likely killed by the group hunting the silver-eyed warriors while on a mission. The news of her **** would be devastating for Ruby, sending her into a spiral of grief and hatred."

Gray felt a pang of sympathy for Ruby, the thought of her suffering after learning about her mother twisting his gut. But he also felt a growing sense of unease.

"Why is it classified?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

Ozpin's expression barely changed but Gray saw a hint of something... grave as he met his gaze.

"Ruby's mother was on a mission related to Salem," He revealed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Everything about Salem is classified, shrouded in layers of secrecy and shadows. While I feel guilty for keeping this information from Ruby, I have **** but to adhere to the protocols that have been established."

Gray listened as his mind raced. He scowled at nothing in particular but begrudgingly agreed with the headmaster. The secrecy surrounding the topic of Salem was a double-edged sword. It was a necessary evil that protected the world from the darkness that sought to consume it. But it also cast a long shadow, one that threatened to engulf those caught in its path.

Ruby, with her silver eyes and her heritage of power, could have been a beacon of hope in the face of that darkness. But she was also a target, a pawn in a game that spanned centuries and continents.

The elevator then came to a halt, the doors sliding open to reveal the dimly lit cavernous basement levels of the tower.

---

A/N: Any feedback would be appreciated. See any mistakes or inconsistencies? Feel free to point them out.

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