Hey friends,

Sorry about the delay on this but I had a serious case of writer's block for some time. I am actually considering writing a sequel to this although originally it didn't even cross my mind. First though I have to edit all the chapter for this, add an acknowledgements and a dedication. You may have noticed I already edited the first two chapters and I will probably slowly make progress in editing the rest. Please enjoy this last chapter of In The Dark.

Gravity_Piglet

Epilogue_ Answers

Hazel threw Ozpin before his queen, a bored, disinterested look passed over his face and the white haired woman raised her eyebrows, a smooth smile sliding into place. Her thin white finger glowed in the incandescent light and the tinkling of her hair ornaments seemed unearthly and impossibly loud. She glided closer to the headmaster, her footsteps silent against the floor and her long robe shifting only slightly as she moved in a way that made it seem as if she floated across the room. She ran her cold finger along Ozpin's chin, one spine chilling word escaping from her lips, a word that none would attempt to disobey.

"Stand."

The man struggled to his feet, bruises scattered across his face and blood staining his clothes. Salem's smooth voice broke the silence, "I see that you finally quit projecting your consciousness. You might notice that your aura is drained. I allowed Tyrian to have a bit of fun torturing you."

Ozpin clenched his teeth, "You won't get away with this darkness. The simple soul always prevails."

The almost imperceptible clench of her jaw was only noticeable to Ozpin and she waved her hand to tell the large and gruff man to leave the room. Hazel nodded respectfully and his feet thudded against the floor as he exited. Salem's voice was quiet but powerful, and Ozpin could feel the anger that emanated off her body in waves, "Let me tell you something, brother," her eyes narrowed as she addressed Ozpin.

"There are things that you can't learn from books, and things you can't teach to your precious huntsmen. There was a time when our clan ruled, people believed that our use of aura was 'magic.' When they trusted us, and chaos ensued. The simple souls of that world could not beat us. So what makes you think that this little girl can?"

"Seasoned huntsmen and huntresses have gone up against us and not even touched our defenses. You are grasping at straws brother and now I have all the power."

Ozpin shook his head sadly, "You cannot see can you? The beauty of peace, the wonder of friendship and the benefit of working together. I left because I did see. I left because I knew that you were blind with anger and hate and resentment and darkness. You and mother."

Salem slapped Ozpin across the face, his face red where her powerful blow had hit, "Do not speak her name! She would have died all over again if she saw the course you have taken."

She turned to the door flicking a hand as Watts entered, telling the tall man to carry the headmaster back to the cramped cell. Leaving the large hall after the two had retreated she stepped into the miasma of the wastes. At the top of the steps she gazed over the desolate land, Grimm crawling in hordes over the land. The shattered moon sparkled in the sky and her skin was illuminated by the light. A small chortle escaped her lips and Tyrian approached from behind her. She continued staring out as she spoke to the faunas, "Make sure that Ozpin has a rough time in the dungeons, we don't want him to regain his strength now do we."

Tyrian giggled and nodded, "Of course, my lady."

After he left a small animal descended from the sky and landed on Salem's outstretched hand. "Neo reacted just as I thought she would. Roman will stay with Ruby yes? Follow them and make sure he leads her off track. Oh and you know what will happen to Summer if you disobey? Keep an eye on them for me Qrow."

The bird took off into the bright night his wings blending into the sky.