Legends. Stories scattered through time.
Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts, of a forgotten past.
Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born into an unforgiving world. An inevitable Darkness, creatures of destruction - the creatures of Grimm - set their sights on Man and all of his creations. These forces clashed, and it seemed the Darkness was intent on returning Man's brief existence to the void.
However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change, and in time Man's passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds.
This power was appropriately named Dust.
Nature's wrath in hand, Man lit their way through the Darkness, and in the Shadow's absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone... Darkness will return.
So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called free world, but take heed...
There will be no victory in strength.
...
But perhaps victory is in the simpler things you've long forgotten. Things that require a smaller, more honest soul.
...
A smaller, more honest soul...
It's true that a simple spark can ignite hope, breathe fire into the hearts of the weary. The ability to derive strength from hope is undoubtedly mankind's greatest attribute... which is why I will focus all of my power... to snuff it out.
How does it feel, knowing that all of your time and effort has been for nothing? That your guardians have failed you? That everything you've built will be torn down before your very eyes? Your faith in mankind was not misplaced. When banded together, unified by a common enemy, they are a noticeable threat. But divide them, place doubt in their minds, and any semblance of power they once had will wash away.
Of course, they won't realize it at first. Like you, they'll cling to their fleeting hope, their aspirations. But this is merely the first move.
So you send your guardians, your Huntsmen and Huntresses, and when they fail and you turn to your smaller soul, know that you send her to the same pitiful demise.
This is the beginning of the end, Ozpin.
And I can't wait to watch you burn.
...
You are wrong. Neither hope nor the strength it bestows are so quickly extinguished, and nothing we have created - nothing we have become - will be so easily put to fire.
This is not the beginning of the end, Salem. It is merely the end of the beginning.
And you, mighty Queen, have failed once again to account for every piece on the board.
It's unfortunate you were promised a power that was never truly yours. But take comfort in knowing that I will use it in ways you could never have imagined.
...
Do you believe in destiny?
...
Yes.
...
PING
...
Get her out of here.
...
No -
...
Eyes here. Your fight is with me now.
RWBY: Through Darkened Glass
Chapter 1
April 2017