Grimm Contract
"By order of General James Ironwood, for the murder of the wounded, looting, cannibalism, you are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or torment." An Atlesian soldier lies.
The soldier punches the woman he is speaking to in the stomach. She cries out as she falls to the ground.
The former huntsman turned mercenary, Carmine Noir, walks up the hill towards the group of Atlesian soldiers who had hired him, carrying the head of his target.
Carmine is a tall, muscular man with tanned white skin and spiky black hair that covers his ears along with a rough beard. He wears a grey skintight top with attached gloves. Over his top is a black dō with attached kusazuri that covers the front and sides. His armor has a silver trim. Over his armor is white himo that holds the black scabbards of his katanas on the left and right. Carmine wears a sleeveless black overcoat with a golden trim that goes down to his ankles over his armor. Attached to the arms of his top are sode and vambraces that match the rest of his armor. Carmine wears dark grey pants tucked into darker grey boots that stop at his knees with silver soles. Over his boots are suneate that match the rest of his armor.
Don't interfere. Carmine tells himself.
The woman tries to run, but another soldier tackles her.
Take the reward and go.
"Help me!" The woman cries.
The third soldier, steps on her back, pushing her into the ground.
"Knew you wouldn't give up council lien." The first soldier comments as Carmine stops.
He drops the head at the soldier's feet without even turning to look.
"Tough hunt?" The soldier asks as he tosses him the pouch of lien.
Still without turning, Carmine catches the lien.
"Tougher than yours." He says as he finally turns, "That's certain."
The soldier glares at Carmine as he begins walking away.
While one of the other two soldiers hold the woman, the other tosses a noose over the branch of a tree. The second soldier then tries to wrap it around her neck.
"Ah!" He cries, "Bitch bite me."
"Bring her down." The soldier who paid Carmine says, "We'll do it my way."
"You like that you bitch?" The second soldier asks as he drags her across the rough soil and snow.
"Get me the hammer." The soldier who paid requests.
"Kick her teeth in." Another soldier adds
Carmine stops walking and looks down with his eyes closed, in contemplation. He opens his burning crimson eyes. He then draws one of the two katanas on his belt, Dark Sympathy. It is a silver katana with a black leather handle. The habaki is composed of two black arrow tip shape panels with a silver trim that wrap around the back of the blade. They are placed one on top of the other while going up the blade. The weapon's scabbard is a matte black with silver lining the opening.
"What the?" The soldier who paid asks as Carmine returns.
Carmine says nothing, just pushes the soldier to the side. He grabs the second soldier and tosses him to the other side, and then punches the one holding the woman in the face.
"Close your eyes." He advises.
"Hit him!" The first soldier orders.
The third one gets up and draws his sword. He tries to swing downwards, but Carmine catches his wrist and tosses him into the second soldier. The first soldier tries to grab Carmine as he throws the third soldier's sword into his head. Carmine then elbows the first soldier in the ribs, and outstretches his arm. He tosses his katana and catches it in a reverse grip before jabbing the soldier's nose with the bottom of the handle. The second mercenary charges as the first recoils in pain. He swings his sword, but Carmine blocks his wrist with his forearm and stabs through his armpit and shoulder, Dark Sympathy completely bypassing the soldier's aura. Carmine releases him and blocks the wrist of the first soldier, and slashes his stomach. He then turns back to the second soldier, deflecting his blow and stabbing through the side of his neck, killing him. The third soldier returns only to be grab and spun around. Carmine spins as well, slitting the soldier's throat in the process.
Carmine throws his blade downwards such that it stabs into the ground as he walks towards the first soldier. The woman hugs her legs as she watches.
"W-w-what are you doing?" The soldier asks as he crawls back.
"Killing monsters." Carmine says as he grabs the soldier.
Carmine shoves the soldier back.
"Run." He orders.
The soldier does as he is told as Carmine walks back to his sword. When Carmine picks it up, he raises the blade overhead and throws it at the soldier, immediately piercing his back and going through his stomach. Carmine retrieves his blade and sheaths it as an Atlesian airship hovers above. He then growls as he watches Winter Schnee's personal airship land.
"Great, you're here." Carmine growls as Winter exits her airship.
Carmine turns towards her.
"Who are you?" Winter asks, "Why are you here? Why did you kill them?"
"So many questions." Carmine says, "So few answers."
Winter draws her blade.
"Don't make me have to use force." Winter warns.
"You don't stand a chance, Schnee." Carmine retorts, "Now step aside and let me by."
Winter turns to the woman and see her running.
"Wait!" She yells, "We need you for questioning!"
Winter's attention is recalled to Carmine as he draws his second katana, White Wolf, in a slashing motion. It is a golden katana with a black blade and ito. The habaki is a golden rhombus wrapped around the back of the blade. White Wolf's scabbard is matte black with gold lining the opening.
Winter quickly blocks and retaliates with her own slash, which Carmine deflects. Carmine slashes upwards and Winter jumps backwards to dodge. Carmine spins around to gain momentum and swings, but Winter blocks. She swings at Carmine, but he ducks underneath the blade. Winter swings downwards, but Carmine blocks and kicks Winter in the stomach, knocking her back and into the tree that the woman was going to be hanged from. She quickly recovers and rolls to the side as Carmine slashes downwards, his slash completely splitting the tree in two. Winter releases her second blade and blocks with both as Carmine slashes downwards again. She pushes him back and stabs at Carmine's knee, but he deflects the slash and swings upwards, but Winter blocks with her second blade. Winter swings at Carmine's waist, but he blocks again. Winter then kicks up a fallen piece of wood and holds it up as a shield, but Carmine slashes right through it with ease.
Winter rolls out of the way and uses her semblance to send an army of small Nevermores at Carmine. Carmine begins blocking and slashing the Nevermore, and is hit by none of them. Winter jumps and swings at Carmine's head as she lands, but Carmine blocks. However, the force of the attack knocks Carmine onto his back. Winter tries the slash downwards, but Carmine blocks and sweeps her legs before he rises, using his sword as a balance. Winter takes advantage of this and kicks the katana out of Carmine's hands. Carmine backflips to gain some distance and smirks as he draws Dark Sympathy. Winter begins circling Carmine as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Winter recombines her swords into one as Carmine openes his eyes and begins to circle her.
Carmine charges first and Winter soon follows. They both slash, bringing them into a clash and Carmine pushes her back. He quickly slashes and Winter blocks the blow. Carmine brings his blade back and Winter blocks while moving to Carmine's side. She takes a few steps back before Carmine spins around to gain momentum for his next swing. Winter dashes to the side while blocking and steps back to avoid his next swing. Carmine jumps over her slash and kicks her knee as he lands along with swinging his blade. Winter blocks the slash, dropping to her knees due to the kick. She tries to slash from on one knee, but Carmine easily blocks. He grabs her wrist and spins around, first elbowing her chest then her face. Carmine then spins around to gain momentum and elbows her in the face again, causing Winter to slide backwards.
She stops sliding and then charges, slashing at Carmine as she passes him. Carmine blocks and then turns to face Winter. He jumps over her and kicks off of what remains of the tree to avoid Winter's saber. Winter follows Carmine and slashes, but he blocks as he backflips. Winter charges and slides, kicking up snow, before slashing and Carmine blocks despite being blinded. Carmine then blocks two more strikes before the snow falls again. She stabs and Carmine deflects the blade. Winter swings at Carmine's head, but he ducks and blocks before jumping to the side. Due to his lower position on the hill, he slashes at Winter's legs, but she jumps over the blade, front flipping over him. Winter slashes at Carmine's head but he blocks while turning to track her movements.
Winter stabs, and Carmine blocks with ease. He slashes downwards and Winter blocks with her own slash. Carmine spins around to gain momentum before swinging at Winter, who blocks. She drags her blade along Dark Sympathy, aiming from Carmine's head, but he leans back into three backwards hand springs. Winter breaths heavily as she readies her blade. Carmine smirks before brushing two fingers against his cheek, Winter's blade had grazed him. His Aura blocked the blow, but Carmine still felt the touch. His expression darkens before he smirks again. A strong just of wind picked up snow, hiding Carmine within it. He charges, rushing out of his cover, and Winter gets into a blocking stance. Carmine strikes her as he passes by, Winter blocks is successful but she is still knocked off balance. She stumbles a bit before beginning to run to gain some distance, Carmine follows. Winter turns around, ducking under two slashes as Carmine spins around. Carmine then front flips, slashing on his landing, sending Winter backwards.
Winter slashes at Carmine before trying to gain distance again. She turns around and slashes again, but Carmine drops to his hand. He spins around, attempting to kick Winter with both legs and slash her with his katana, but Winter jumps back to dodge. Winter slashes, and Carmine deflects the block before blocking another three. Carmine stabs at Winter's face, but she deflects the blow. Winter backs up as Carmine repeatedly swings, the last one hits her shoulder, bypassing her aura and leaving a deep cut. Winter groans before ducking underneath Carmine's next swing and blocking the one after that. Winter begins running to gain distance again. She turns around to see Carmine in the air. She slashes and Carmine blocks before landing behind her. Carmine turns around and charges at Winter. They both slash at the same time, canceling each other out.
Winter slashes again, and Carmine blocks that along with her next swing. He then slashes at her side twice, and Winter blocks both. Carmine swings at the other side twice, and Winter blocks both before dashing to the side. Carmine swings upward as Winter stabs, their blades meeting before either can hit their target, bringing them into a clash. Carmine takes two steps forward, pushing Winter back. Carmine then places his hand on the back of his blade and begins pushing it, forcing Winter downwards. Winter takes a deep breath through clenched teeth. She dashes to the side, and Carmine regains his balance before slamming into the ground. Carmine turns and swings at Winter while she swings too. Her blow knocks Dark Sympathy out of Carmine's hands. Winter then jumps up and swings downwards, but Carmine traps her blade between his palms. Carmine flips Winter over, causing her to roll away as Carmine picks up Dark Sympathy. Carmine spins around to gain momentum before throwing the katana at Winter. The blade went into her forearm, bypass her Aura. The force of the throw knocked Winter onto her back.
Carmine runs and picks up White Wolf in a reverse grip. Winter groans as she grabs Dark Sympathy with her other hand. Carmine starts walking towards Winter before gradually speeding up into a sprint. Winter yanks out the katana and tosses it to the side as Carmine jumps into the air. He begins performing multiple flips before slashing downwards. Winter barely manages to block with her saber. Carmine pushes off of Winter's blade and flips behind her. They both charge and slash, Winter ducking under Carmine's blade and Carmine going to the side of her blade. They turn, but before either can move a gunshot is heard. Carmine quickly turns and slashes, cutting through the bullet. A seemingly invisible force is launched from the slash, cutting through the tree and Ironwood's revolver.
Ironwood's glare changes into shock.
"Onyx?" He asks.
Carmine sheaths White Wolf.
"What do you want, Tinhead?" Carmine, or rather Onyx, growls.
"What are you doing, Onyx?!" Ironwood shouts.
"Folk say I have no feelings." Carmine answers, "It's a lie. Right now, I feel rage and I was venting."
"Venting?!" Winter repeats.
Carmine retrieves his other katana and sheaths it. Ironwood sighs.
"Onyx," Ironwood begins.
"Carmine Noir." Carmine corrects.
"The mercenary who strikes and slays his foes without even touching them?" Winter asks as she looks at Ironwood's revolver and the broken tree.
"What are you doing in Atlas?" Ironwood asks.
"Same thing I'm doing anywhere," Carmine answers, "killing monsters."
"Monsters?!" Winter repeats.
"Are you a Schnee or a parrot faunus?" Carmine taunts.
Winter glares at him.
"Carmine." Ironwood calls, "I would like to hire you for a contract."
"Excuse me?" Carmine asks.
"You can't be serious." Winter argues, "How could he help?"
"Fine, Tinhead." Carmine responds.
"First, we must establish ground rules." Ironwood states, "Given the vast difference in our respective ranks, I take umbrage at the familiar tone you take. I expect deference. I expect you to address me as 'sir', or better yet, as 'General Ironwood'."
"Listen, Tinhead," Carmine demands, "there's an enormous difference between us, but it's not about status. It's about me having two swords on my belt and you having none. So I'll you whatever I want, and you either deal with that or solve your Chaos Zone problem yourself."
Carmine turns around and begins walking away, but Winter grabs his arm.
"Bruises on your ass heal already?" Carmine taunts.
"Watch your tongue." Winter warns.
"Are you wondering about my swords?" Carmine asks without turning to Winter, "One's for Aura and the other for anything else."
Carmine draws Dark Sympathy and stabs Winter in her side. She cries out as she collapses.
"As you can see, it cuts through Aura like it's not even there." Carmine states.
He then turns to Winter.
"Challenge me again, raise your hand, draw your sword, look at me the wrong way and I'll kill you." Carmine threatens.
"You so sure of that?" Winter asks.
"Yes." Carmine answers.
"Stand down, Winter." Ironwood orders.
"But..." Winter begins.
"Onyx Mordant is not to be trifled with." Ironwood states, "He's a Rider. He could kill both of us when he was thirteen."
"How do you know anything about that?" Carmine asks, "Oh right, Ozpin. What else came out of his mouth?"
"Nothing that I wish to discuss here." Ironwood answers, "Will you take the job or not."
"Amusing as this little show is, I'm getting bored. First I need details." Carmine states, "I want to know what I'm doing."
"We'll tell you once we arrive in the city." Ironwood answers, "You'll be free to leave if you change your mind then."
Carmine sighs.
"How long have you been tracking me?" Carmine asks.
"That's classified." Winter answers.
"Why were you tracking me?" Carmine asks.
"That's classified." Winter answers.
"What kind of information, not what information, what kind of information is in my file?" Carmine asks.
"That's-" Winter begins.
"Yeah," Carmine interrupts, "yeah, okay."
"How much do you weigh?" Carmine asks.
"Classified." Winter answers, not even listening to his question.
"No it's not." Carmine states, "Turn-ons?"
"Excuse me?" Winter asks.
"Long walks on the beach?" Carmine asks, "High tea? Sunsets?"
"I don't see how this is of any relevance to our mission." Winter states.
"If you two are done with your twenty questions, we're here." Ironwood interrupts.
Carmine groans as he exits the shower and wraps a towel around his waist. He steps out of the bathroom to and into the living room to see Winter and another man. Winter hums to herself in thought.
"It must suffice." She says.
"Think the Tinhead cares if I'm clean?" Carmine asks.
"You will refer to him with respect or not at all." Winter demands, "Sit there."
Winter points to a chair.
"Please shave him." Winter orders the other man as Carmine walks towards the chair, "Sideburns to half an inch."
"What's wrong with my beard?" Carmine asks after sitting, "Always thought it added to my dignity."
"It does." Winter admits, "Yet it also detracts from your elegance. In Atlas we consider beards hard on the eyes. Especially beards infested with lice."
"Been on the road a while." Carmine states, "Fine, do your thing."
"Tilt your head back, please." The man requests, "And sit still."
"And prepare to answer some questions." Ironwood adds as he enters the room.
"General, I am not certain this is the appropriate time." Winter says.
"I can't think of a better time." Ironwood counters, "Men turn honest when they feel a blade at their throat."
Ironwood approaches Carmine.
"Before we take you to see the Council, Carmine, there's some information I need you to verify." Ironwood explains, "It's a formality, bt one that must be seen to."
"Sure." Carmine says, sarcastically, "Paperwork's gotta be in order."
"So, Carmine Noir." Ironwood states, "The destruction of Kakusareta - the fate of the attacker."
"Never met him." Carmine explains, "But the only survivor with the help of two Huntsmen managed to kill him."
"Moving on." Ironwood continues, "You then met up with those three and started to make your way to Draco Dynastia. My question is: how and why?"
"A man gave me something to give to the survivor before he died." Carmine answers, "I ended up being her bodyguard until the item was brought to its resting place on Draco Dynastia."
"You sure forge interesting alliances." Ironwood comments.
"Something tells me my most interesting is yet to come." Carmine says, "Go on, next question, before my beard grows back in."
"We shall shave you again if it does." Ironwood responds, "Very well. The infamous battle at Draco Dynastia. You were there. And once again meddled in the affairs of those in power."
"Those in power had imprisoned Veronica Chro." Carmine explains, "She was the person I was supposed to protect and thus I had to rescue her."
"And so you did." Ironwood states, "Killing many Huntmen in the process."
"No." Carmine corrects, "I killed Renza Nyanza. He attacked me, unprovoked. So do us both a favor, and stop moralizing."
"I'm almost done." The barber states.
"I'm afraid I might that difficult." Ironwood admits, "Because from what I know, something triggered that inactive volcano and killed all inside."
"I didn't trigger the volcano." Carmine states, "If your man, Renza, didn't attempt to kill Veronica for having power, they could have escaped. Write that down. I wanna be sure the paperwork's in order now."
"Well, Huntsmen are not machines." Ironwood states, "They are not bound by some sorta code. Even those closest to us have their own opinions and desires."
"Doesn't matter now." Carmine claims, "Renya's dead. No one seems to harbor any ill will towards me."
"I believe that is all." Ironwood says as he stands up, "Your signature, please, affirming you stated whole truths and nothing but the truth."
"With these formalities seen to, we shall be choosing your attire." Winter states.
"What's wrong with my clothes?" Carmine asks.
"You will be representing the Atlesian military." Winter states, "It won't be the uniform, but you must look the part."
Carmine exits the wardrobe in a white dress shirt with grey buttons that reaches below his hips. Around his waist is a light grey belt with a silver buckle. Over his shirt is an opened white duster with a popped collar and red trimmingg that reaches his ankles. Around the right bicep is a band that matches the duster and on his left shoulder is a small shoulder pauldron. Over this is harness that matches his belt with his katana on his back, both angled to his right. Carmine also wears grey slacks that are tucked into black leather boots with silver trimming that reach slightly above his ankles. There are gunmetal grey plates on the heel and the front of the ankle along with a black leather strap with a silver buckle going around each of his ankles.
"See, you look nice." Winter comments, "Better than that savage you looked like before."
Carmine growls.
"Come with me." Winter orders, "You will address the Council only when asked to and you will use the appropriate titles. Spoken loudly, clearly and with respect."
Winter and Carmine enter a room where all the members of the Council are seated at a table. Winter salutes and Carmine folds his arms.
"Leave us, Winter." Ironwood orders.
"So many years at Beacon and you still haven't mastered the basics of etiquette." A Councilor comments.
"Take it you didn't summon me to reminisce about the good old days," Carmine says, "so..."
"Silence." Another Councilor orders.
Carmine furrows his brow.
"There are portals opening across Atlas." Ironwood explains, "Shadowy Grimm exit and those who enter cannot use their Aura. Sound familiar?"
"The realm my semblance allows me to pass through, the Chaos Zone." Carmine states, "Do you know what or who caused these portals."
"It was an experiment gone wrong in Cloverfield Labs." Ironwood answers, "The entire staff and building was destroyed, files corrupted by the alternative dimension. No one with knowledge on the source is alive."
"It's too convenient that this happened when everyone who knew about it was nearby." Carmine states, "More than likely sabotoge."
"Agreed." Ironwood says, "I want you to help us close these portals and find the saboteur or saboteurs."
"I expect my payment to be considerably higher than my usual rate." Carmine comments as he exits the room.
Winter is waiting for him.
"Did you not understand?" Winter scolds. "Did I not emphasize adequately that you should show them respect?"
"Relax." Carmine assures, "Nothing happened."
Winter sighs as she leads Carmine into the hangar. Inside is a Medium sized airship, larger than a bullhead or fighter, but was smaller than a frigate.
"What's that?" Carmine asks.
"It's an experimental airship." Winter answered, "It's so advanced that its flight computer is controlled by an onboard AI."
"Interesting." Carmine comments.
After exiting the other side of the hangar, Winter leads Carmine to his quarters. It is plain and has little room.
"We'll call you whenever we have a lead." Winter states.
Carmine sat in an airship, his harness and katanas removed. Winter sat opposed to him in a dress.
"We're five minutes out." The pilot states.
"Remember not to embarrass Atlas." Winter chastises.
"My ears function." Carmine growls, "I heard you the last seventeen times."
Hours earlier, Carmine sat in the briefing room.
"We have to reach the get you to the first portal that opened since the explosion." Ironwood states.
"Why didn't we go after I accepted the contract?" Carmine asks.
"I was securing our way in." Winter answers.
"The portal opened in a theater." Ironwood explained, "Unfortunately, there is a ball beginning shortly. We can't cancel the event, that would cause negativity which would attract the Chaos Grimm. Therefore, you'll have to participate in this ball and investigate quietly."
"Stealth." Carmine comments, "My specialty."
"Thought your specialty was tracking?" Winter asks.
"Shut up." Carmine says, "I can specialize in multiple areas."
"I cannot openly march troops inside." Ironwood states, "Your backup will come, just at a slow pace. We'll only be able to get a few soldiers in at a time."
"The political situation in Atlas hangs by a thread." Winter states, "Try not to sever it. My father isn't too happy to have us as his guests, our invitations come from him."
Carmine exits the airship to see Jacques Schnee with Weiss and Witley Schnee with him.
"Father." Winter greets.
"Winter." Jacques responds, "Who's this?"
"Carmine Noir." Carmine introduces, "Honorary Atlesian Specialist."
"Honarary?" Weiss repeats.
"Thankfully, it's only for this one mission." Winter answers.
"And what mission would that be, sister?" Whitley asks.
"Classified." Winter answers.
"The rumors coming out of Vacuo say you massacred a village." Jacques accuses.
"If those rumors were true they would be coming from the dead." Carmine states, "That village had no survivors."
"That's an odd way of denying it." Weiss observes.
"He's not." Winter states, "The rumors spread because he, the only survivor, keeps mentioning it."
"According to my record, I drowned when I was six." Carmine informs, "I am legally dead."
"Why was your death faked?" Jacques asks.
"I don't know." Carmine answers, "I have amnesia."
Carmine takes note of Winter tensing.
"Something wrong?" Carmine asks.
"No." Winter answers, "How are you so calm. You have no memory of your childhood. Doesn't that bother you?"
"No." Carmine responds, "No emotions. I'm a sociopath."
"One doesn't usually advertise..." Jacques begins.
"I don't tend to spend my time in the city." Carmine explains, "The chances of me meeting any of you again is slim."
"You're trying to push us away." Winter observes, "What are you running from?"
"I can't imagine that crowd has seen anything better then us in their entire lives." Carmine says, changing the subject.
"I'm sorry, but we don't have time." Winter interrupts, "Our mission requires our full attention."
"We're keeping the people waiting, Carmine." Jacques states, "Shall we?"
Carmine smirks and nods. As soon as Jacques turns and walks towards the entrance to the mansion where the ball is being held, Carmine's face turns into a scowl.
Carmine glances at the upper level of the grand hall. He searches for a way up there as the inactive portal is on that level of the building.
"Let's not show me the layout of the environment." Carmine sarcastically remarks, "No. Let's just fumble around blindly."
"Shut. Up." Winter demands.
Carmine sighs as he glances at Winter.
"Come." Carmine orders, "Dance with me."
"Excuse me?" Winter asks.
"It'll be an inconspicuous way to survey the area." Carmine explains.
Winter sighs as she reluctantly follows Carmine to the dance floor.
"You were staying outside the kingdom." Winter says as they dance. "How much do you know about our current state?"
"Not as much as I should." Carmine admits, "Despite my rank, you seem to be keeping much from me."
"And what rank would that be?" Winter asks, "Honorary Atlesian Specialist?"
"No, I served along side Ozpin, Ironwood, and even Renya." Carmine states, "I know more about the true state of the world than you do."
"Please." Winter scoffs, "What do you know that I don't?"
"If I told you, I would be telling." Carmine states.
"But you abandoned the general," Winter comments, "Why do you care if you tell his secrets?"
"In times like these, it's hard to tell friend from foe." Carmine declares, "Is it not?"
"You are a curiosity to many, Carmine, and a matter of concern to some." Winter says.
"Which am I to you?" Carmine asks.
"A little of both, actually." Winter answers, "Do you even know who is friend and who is foe? Who in Atlas can be trusted?"
"I trust in myself and that's enough." Carmine answers, "On Remnant, everyone is alone."
"And now, a special treat for our special guests, the huntsman Onyx and his enchanting partner, Winter." A man announced.
Carmine and Winter glance at the main, his short hair and rough beard don't identify him, but his piercing midnight blue eyes give everything away to Carmine.
"Musicians, something lovely for the loving couple..." The man says with a smirk.
"But..." Winter begins.
"Just go with it." Carmine says, "I'll explain later."
"We have little time." Winter states aften the dance, "We need to get upstairs now. I've seen a few ways."
"We'll see what the night has in store, won't we?" Carmine states as he walks away.
Carmine sneaks to back with Winter following behind. He makes his way up the stairs and enters a storage closet. Carmine stares at the crimson tear. Carmine closes his eyes and sighs as he pulls the tear opening, creating a portal. Carmine then closed the portal by grabbing the edge and pulling it shut.
"One down, dozens more to go." Carmine comments.
Carmine and Winter return to the ballroom to see Jacques signaling them to him.
"I would like to introduce..." Jacques begins.
"Rubine." Carmine interrupts.
A man walked around the corner in a black suit. His purple eyes and black hair, matching yet contrasting Carmine's.
"What a surprise." Rubine says, "I had no idea you were in Atlas."
"And this is...?" Winter gestures to the second man.
He is bald with midnight blue eyes, also wearing a suit.
"A friend of mine, Desmond Night." Rubine introduces, "We are lending our combined resources to your mission."
Carmine's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, but why are you here?" Winter asks, "We have it under control."
"We've come to pay Onyx, or rather Carmine, a surprise visit." Night answers, "We've known each other for ages, literally."
Night leads the five of them to a table.
"Carmine, I see that you know Rubine, too?" Jacques observes, "Even that you are... friends."
"We were part of a team at Beacon." Carmine explains, "Team NWOR."
"It seems opposites really do attract." Winter comments.
"Don't be fooled, dear, Onyx has many merits." Night says, "He merely hides them from the world very diligently."
The five sit at the table.
"You said you were helping them with their mission?" Jacques asks, "It involves the mysterious portals around Atlas, I suspect? Carmine, maybe you could satisfy my curiosity. What's it like, going toe to toe with a Grimm, knowing you've only two options: to kill or be killed?"
"Despite what you might've heard." Carmine answers, "I don't lunge at every monster I see, sword in hand. Talking gets the job done for some."
Carmine subtly glances at Night.
"What would a Grimm have to say?" Winter asks, in disbelief.
"It might want to apologize." Night says.
"And why would a Grimm wish to apologize to a huntsmen?" Jacques asks.
"For killing." Rubine answers, "Though at times there is no choice. When loved ones are at risk and require protection."
"Same as humans." Carmine adds, "Put them in that situation, they'll kill, too."
"You understand this." Night observes, "It's why we're such good friends. You would rather help a monster than kill it?"
"If possible, yeah." Carmine answers, "Or at least try."
Night's eyes briefly flash purple. Only Carmine notices.
"Rubine, can we have a word?" Carmine asks.
The two leave the table and find a secluded spot.
"Do you know what Night has done?" Carmine asks.
"Of course I do." Night's voice originates from Rubine's body. Rubine removes his colored contacts and his face and hair morph until he has the appearance of Night.
"Copying cloning and shapeshifting semblances are really useful." Night notes, "I'm hear Rubine is now an Atlesian Specialist. Should I give him the same treatment I gave Windsor?"
"Stay away from him." Carmine growls.
"Or else what?" Night asks, "You have no weapons. meanwhile..."
Night flicks his wrist, activating a wrist blade that was hidden by his sleeve.
"Try to fight me, and I strike back." Night threatens, "I'll also use your semblance to open portals and the panic will draw Chaos Grimm through them, causing even more death. You can't win here."
"What is it you want?" Carmine asks.
"Chaos." Night answers, "Should've stayed out of the Kingdoms, it made it harder for me to find you."
"You're insane." Carmine answers.
"Let's not bring our mental states into this." Night retorts, "After all, you're a sociopath who did nothing but run as I killed your partner, and your brother. Will you do the same when I kill your new partner?"
Carmine growls as he pushes past Night to head back to the table.
"Onyx, what's...?" The Night at the table begins.
Carmine draws a pistol that was hidden in his coat and shoots Night, he doesn't even bother blocking the shot with his Aura. Everyone stops and turns to see Night's corpse.
"Pity." The other Night comments, "I liked that body."
Carmine turns and aims at Night.
"Remember my warning, Onyx." Night says, "You'll come to regret your decision."
Night fades away into crimson smoke as Carmine lowers his gun.
"What was that?" Winter asks.
"You wanted to know what I was running from." Carmine answers, "Desmond Night, his semblance allows him to copy a seemingly infinite amount of semblances, including shapeshifting, cloning, and my semblance."
"He's the sabotuer." Winter concludes.
"Most likely." Carmine agrees, "We need to go."
Carmine and Winter sit in a room, they have just been debriefed.
"You opened fire in a public setting." Winter states.
"I shot a terrorist." Carmine argues.
"So what?" Winter asks, "What if he made good on his threat?"
"He was going to kill you." Carmine argues.
"I can handle myself." Winter counters.
"Even if my sword didn't bypass Aura, I could beat you with ease." Carmine states, "Night can do the same."
"With ease!" Winter retorts.
"I was holding back." Carmine states, "I didn't even bother using my semblance which would cancel out your Aura and semblance. A semblance that Night copied years ago."
"You would've let everyone die just to save me?" Winter asks.
"If you're safe, that's two Huntsmen against Night, which gives us a better chance against him." Carmine explains, "It would also make it harder for him to get the concentration to use my semblance because we'll be able to interfere."
"You're reckless, but I guess I can't argue with that logic." Winter admits.
"Now we have to find Night and stop him." Carmine says.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Winter asks.
"I'll think of something." Carmine says, "Night clearly wanted to tell me something. He's insane not stupid. Every action he takes has a purpose. He was the one who announced our dance."
"How can you tell?" Winter asks.
"The person Night copied his shapeshifting from doesn't allow for perfect transformations." Carmine states, "He wore contacts as Rubine, which means that he can't change his eye color. That man had the same eye, hair, and skin color as Night. Not to mention he knew I was Onyx, a name I haven't gone by in over a decade."
Carmine stands up and Winter follows.
"Ironwood gave us three days," Winter states.
"Then let's get to work." Carmine says.
Carmine and Winter walks down the hall towards their debriefing.
"Do you think the Council's calmed down?" Carmine asks.
"Doubt it." Winter answers, "Rarely forgets, rarely retracts what they say... especially not threats."
They walk in silence for a few moments.
"Are you upset?" Winter asks.
"Why would I be?" Carmine responds.
"Let's see..." Winter begins, "You're returning from your hunt empty handed. No trophy. No new lead to boast of, then pursue."
"Upset's just not a sensation I feel." Carmine says, "Ever. Sociopath, remember?"
"Of course." Winter says, sarcastically, "The misused excuse you resort to whenever you'd rather not talk about something."
"Observant of you." Carmine comments, "So let's change the subject."
"How do your employees react when you fail to meet their expectations?" Winter asks.
Carmine sighs.
"Depends." He answers, "Peasants curse me out. Merchants demand I refund their deposit. Whereas city folk just call the police."
"And the Council?" Winter asks.
"Jury's still out on that one." Carmine answers as they reach the door.
The two enter the room.
"I assume Night has not been dealt with." Ironwood says.
"Did what we could, but..." Carmine begins.
"Our patience is at an end, Carmine." A Councilman speaks, "Where is he? Where's Night?"
"We're working to find that out, councilmen." Winter answers.
"Do you take us for fools?" Another Councilman asks.
"I... wouldn't dare..." Winter says as she takes a step back.
"We care not for what you have worked on, are working on, or shall work on." The first Councilman says, "We're interested in results. Which, thus far, are nothing."
A Councilwoman sighs.
"At times I hunt.." Another Councilwoman says, "Do you know how it works? I release the hounds. They catch our game's scent, chase the animal down, and lead me to it, all within an hour. You, mercenary, have had a week. The aid of our most excellent Specialists. Yet you have tracked down absolutely nothing down. I've begun to suspect my beagles might have done a better job."
"Then perhaps the Council should've sent a beagle instead of a huntsman after the most versatile huntsman in history." Carmine counters.
The Council recoils and Winter reaches for her saber.
"You tread on thin ice, mercenary." Another Councilman says, "Very thin. Wisdom demands you choose your words more cautiously."
"Wisdom demands you don't piss of the man who can bypass Aura and has his own dimension to himself." Carmine retorts, "I'm already on the run and Atlas was out of my way. You hold no power anywhere else and I can get there entirely undisturbed. After killing all of you without even touching you."
"Enough!" Ironwood shouts, "To the matter at hand. Your last lead claims that when we assigned you to interrogate him, you punched him in the face. Is this true?"
"No." Carmine answers, "I punched him in the stomach, then I headbutted him in the face."
"That is not the point." A Councilman states, "You clearly seem to revel in exceeding your authority, ignoring our orders and making your own..."
Carmine stops listening as he hears faint noises.
"We can argue about my conduct later." Carmine interrupts.
Carmine turns to the wall. He then draws White Wolf stabs through the wall, causing blood to spurt out. Carmine opens the door to see Chaos Grimm, Grimm covered in a smokey aura, attacking the Atlesian soldiers and knights. Walking throughout the fight is Night.
"Found him." Carmine states as he draws Dark Sympathy in a slashing motion.
Night's body splits into two Night's, leaving one to be cut in half.
"That was rude." Night taunts.
Night begins approaching Carmine.
"I warned you." Night states, "But fear not, this is merely a taste. Soon all of Remnant will experience the Chaos of the Chaos Realm. When the main event arrives, we shall meet to thank one another for the voyage we shared."
Night's body fades into crimson smoke. Carmine sheaths his blade as the Chaos Grimm begin to disolve.
"I know where Night is going." Carmine declares.
"Where?" Ironwood asks.
"Draco Dynastia" Carmine answers.
"Why would he be going there?" Winter asks.
"Buried inside the volcano is a device that strengthened my connection to the Chaos Zone." Carmine explains, "If Night claimed it, he could start his 'main event'."
"Then we must get there before Night." Ironwood states, "I will assemble a team."
Carmine sneaks into the hangar and makes his way towards the experimental ship Winter had shown him earlier. Carmine enters the airship and goes towards the hangar but stops.
"Kind of figured you'd turn up here, hot shot." Winter called from behind Carmine.
Carmine turns around.
"Just your style." Winter says, "You borrow the ship, fly into danger, stop Night, big hero."
"You forgot get the girl." Carmine taunts, "There probably a girl somewhere in this. Don't try to stop me."
"I have my duties." Winter states, "Our orders are to wait for Ironwood to assemble his team."
"Night in planning genocide." Carmine argues, "We need to get out there and stop Night! Now!"
Carmine reaches for White Wolf as Winter reaches for her saber. Carmine stops and smirk before pressing a button on the wall to his left. While hard to see due to the lights being off, Winter is standing in an area marked "Stand clear". By pressing the button, Carmine causes a locker to open, the door hitting Winter's side, momentarily knocking her off balance. In that moment, Carmine rushes forward and grazes her side with Dark Sympathy. As Winter turns around, she begins to feel dizzy. She sloppily draws her saber before collapsing due.
After securing Winter in a seat, Carmine enters the cockpit. The dashboard immediately lights up.
"Designation not recognized." The feminine AI states, "Identify."
"I am Carmine, your new best friend." Carmine answers, "I want to learn how to fly you. Would you like to play a game?"
"What game?" The AI asks.
"This game is called Joyride." Carmine answers.
"How does one play Joyride?" The AI asks.
"I disagree, Carmine should not take part in the mission." A Councilman claims.
"Carmine is the only one of us that has been to the volcano of Draco Dynastia, knows Night on a personal level, and knows what we're looking for." Ironwood counters.
"Look." A Councilwoman points towards the window.
Outside, the experimental airship can be seen flying off.
A beep is heard as the COMs activate.
"Land the ship." Ironwood orders, "Now!"
"Initiate Speed Overdrive." Carmine says, ignoring Ironwood.
"Speed Overdrive require at least ten minutes to calculate." The AI informs.
"Listen to me, I am a huntsman." Carmine states, "He help people. Right now there's someone who plans on finding a device at the coordinates I gave you. He going to use it to kill a lot of people."
"It is unsafe to bypass protocol." The AI says.
"Huntsmen risk their lives to save the lives of others." Carmine argues, "Please."
"Initiating Speed Overdrive." The AI states.
Carmine glances towards the rear of the ship as he hears whirring in that direction. With a massive shockwave, the airship shoots of at max speed, going from Atlas to an island in southern Mistral in minutes.
Ironwood scoffs as the airship gets to fast for a stable connection.
"Warning." The AI calls, "Bypassing safety protocols has disrupted the Speed Overdrive. Crash imminent."
"Can you convert to manual control?" Carmine asks.
"Affirmative." The AI answers, "However, manual control of the vehicle while at this speed."
"Do it!" Carmine demands.
A yoke comes out of the console in front of Carmine. He grabs it and flies the airship upwards, hoping to cause it to stall. The airship does, but the momentum continues to carry the airship upwards. Eventually the airship slows enough Carmine to be able to have full control again, and he levels the airship before placing it into a hover.
Winter slowly opens her eyes to see that she is strapped into a seat in the passenger section of the airship. Winter gets out of the seat and makes her way towards the cockpit. She sees Carmine sitting outside the cockpit, whipping Dark Sympathy with some a black clothe.
"What are you doing?" Winter asks.
"Applying more congeria to my blade." Carmine answers, "First I have to remove the old one."
"Congeria?" Winter asks.
"It's a poison." Carmine explains, "Made from the essence of Chaos Grimm, it bypasses Aura and causes dizziness and nausea when enough of it enters the bloodstream."
Carmine places his katana to the side and takes the scabbard for it off of his back. Carmine finds a crease the scabbard and opens it like a briefcase, revealing the black sponges lining the inside. Carmine takes out a black vial and pours the black liquid onto the sponges waiting for them to be soaked. He closes the sheath and places Dark Sympathy inside it before returning it to his back. Carmine then gets up.
"Let's go." Carmine orders.
"Go where?" Winter asks.
"To the temple." Carmine answers, "It was there that the Shard of the Riders was left."
Carmine and Winter walk through a tunnel littered with decayed corpses and fallen rocks. Winter glanced at a fire dust bladed Katana.
"That's Renya weapon." Carmine says, noticing Winter staring.
"You killed him?" Winter asks.
"That better not be sympathy." Carmine warns, "Renya was not a good person."
"But he was a huntsman." Winter argues.
Carmine scoffs.
"Anyone can gain Huntsmen training, that doesn't make you a huntsman." Carmine counters, "I joined because I wanted to learn more about Ozpin, I didn't give a damn about protecting people. I know of huntsmen who joined just to learn how to kill huntsmen. Renya was a murderer."
"Who did he kill?" Winter asks.
"A few mercenaries, but that's irrelevant." Carmine answers, "I was referring to the little girl he stabbed through the neck."
"Why would he do that?" Winter asks.
"Because she wanted us to stop fighting." Carmine answers, "More blood on my conscience."
"That wasn't your fault." Winter claims.
"Maybe not." Carmine says, "But every person I care about seems to die."
"Is that why you're no longer with Veronica." Winter asks.
Carmine stops walking and Winter stops too.
"How did you hear that name?" Carmine growls.
"It was in one of Renya's reports." Winter answers, "He believed you lo-"
Carmine quickly turns and glares at Winter, stopping her.
"I'm sorry." Winter apologizes, "I didn't-"
"Drop it." Carmine demands.
Carmine and Winter continue down the tunnel until they reach a large opening. There is a pit filled with lava with a bridge made of circular rocks with flat faces leading towards a pillar in the center of the pit. Carmine walks there and finds a stone chair. On the chair are ashes with a small ball made of Grimm boned with a crimson jewel embedded into it, the Shard of the Riders, lying in the center. Carmine grabs the ball and feels a surge of energy flow through him.
"Now we find Night." Carmine states.
Carmine and Winter exit the volcano and return to the airship. As they fly back to Atlas, Winter vidoe calls the Council.
"Carmine Noir, soon to be former honorary Atlesian Specialist," A Councilman greets, "you are charged with treason, grand theft, and-"
"Let's postpone my lynching until I tell you a couple of things." Carmine interrupts.
"What have you found, Carmine?" Ironwood asks.
Carmine holds up the Shard of the Riders.
"You see this little ball?" Carmine says, "It's what would allow Night to open up a large enough portal or enough portals to seige Atlas."
"He has concocted this ruse to save himself from a deserved punishment." The Councilman argues.
"With all due respect," Winter interjects, "Carmine did tell you about the Shard and I personally saw its retrieval from the volcano in Draco Dynastia."
"Which brings us to your punishment for aiding him." The Councilman speaks.
"She attempted and failed to stop me from leaving Atlas." Carmine states, "Any punishment is mine to bare, not her's."
Before the conversation can continue the AI speaks.
"Sensors have picked up an incoming hostile." The AI states, "Identitified as the terrorist, Desmond Night."
"Right." Carmine says, "Night's here. Plot intercept course."
"Carmine Noir, do not terminate this communication." The Councilman orders, " We are-"
"Sorry, gotta take this." Carmine interrupts, "Don't be a stranger."
Carmine ends the call. The airship begins hovering as Night stands with his arms crossed in front of the cockpit.
"We got any weapons on this thing?" Carmine asks.
"No." Winter answers.
Carmine sighs.
"Then we'll do this the old fashioned way." Carmine says as he walks towards the airlock, "Bring us down."
Night teleports to the ground and watches as Carmine steps out.
"So we're doing this?" Night asks, "The two of us, finally facing each other. So are you going to run like you did when I killed Windsor, or are you going to run like you did when I killed Amas?"
Carmine growls but quickly composes himself. Night activates his weapons, two wrist mounted crossbows, one on each arm. He shoots a bolt from his right crossbow, which Carmine dodges by leaning to the side.
"I'm not running." Carmine declares, "Not this time."
Night fires another bolt, and Carmine ducks down. Night fires a three bolts and Carmine dashes to the side to dodge two, ducking under the third one. Carmine pulls a tanto out of the handle of Dark Sympathy and throws it at Night, but he ducks below the knife. Night rolls forward and fires, Carmine blocks as he draws White Wolf, but the Dust in the bolt explodes, sending Carmine flying backwards. Carmine quickly recovers and dashes two the side. Night fires a barrage of bolts at Carmine, which he blocks and dodges. Carmine backflips on top of the airship, dodging more bolts in the process. Carmine then sheaths White Wolf before jumping off of the airship.
Night turns to Carmine and fires a bolt, which Carmine effortlessly deflects as he draws Dark Sympathy. Night fires again, and Carmine swings, spliting the bolt in half. Night growls as he charges and Carmine does the same. Night converts his daggers into wrist blades and stabs at Carmine, who blocks with his sword, the force of the stab sending him sliding backwards slightly. Night swings and Carmine front flips over him. Night turns around and slashes, but Carmine spins to the side. Night then jumps into the air and slashes on the way down, but Carmine blocks with Dark Sympathy.
Carmine pushes Night backwards and slashes twice, Night blocks both swings. Carmine then jumps into the air and spin kicks Night in the chest, sending him backwards. Night's back slams into the airship and Carmine jumps into the air, preparing to stab Night on his way down. Night manages to trap the blade with his own, struggling against Carmine.
"You think you know me?" Carmine taunts, "I will kill you for all the innocent lives you've mercilessly taken."
Night pushes Carmine's blade into the air and launches one of his wrist blades as a kunai with chain. Night runs past Carmine and swings his arm, throwing Carmine overhead as he retracts his chain. Night extends both chains slightly and begins wielding his weapons as dual knives.
Carmine roars as he charges at Night. Carmine then draws a tanto from the handle of White Wolf and throws it at Night. Night deflects the tanto and swings at Carmine's head, but he blocks. Night swings at Carmine's chest, but is blocked again. Night then spins to gain momentum before stabbing at Carmine only to be blocked again. Carmine swings and Night ducks. Carmine swings again and Night blocks with both blades. Night then deflects a blow with his left kunai while maneuvering to Carmine's side. Carmine swings at Night's head, but he ducks beneath it. Carmine then slashes again and Night blocks, bringing them into a clash.
Night pushes Carmine back and takes a low stance with his riht arm outstretched up and back, above his head. Carmine stabs and Night backsteps. Carmine then swings to Night's left, and he blocks. Night swings to Carmine right, and he blocks. Carmine swings downwards and Night jumps backwards. Carmine jumps back and blocks Night's next swing. Night unleashes a flurry of blows, which Carmine blocks but is forced to step back after each one. Night rolls under Carmine's swing and sidesteps his downward slash. Night spins around to gain momentum and stabs at Carmine's shoulder, causing him to stumble, his Aura protecting him from the blade.
Carmine turns to Night and regains his balance. He then ducks under Night's blades as he swings, but is hit by a kick to the face. Carmine spins around to gain some distance and blocks Night's next swing. Carmine blocks Night's next two swings, bringing them into a clash, but Night kicks Carmine's knee, knocking him to his knees. Carmine throws the Shard of the Riders at Night, distracting him befor ehe slashes, cutting off Night's arm. Carmine then slashes Night's stomach before maneuvering behind him and slashing his back. Night's corpse falls and fades into midnight blue smoke. Recognizing it as Night's cloning semblance, he rushes inside the airship to see Night approaching a fallen Winter.
"Here's the man of the hour!" Night taunts, "I'm afraid our specialist friend here won't be surviving this evening. That is, unless you give me a certain relic."
"No!" Winter shouts, "Don't let him get the Shard!"
"So, Carmine." Night calls as he grabs Winter by the throat and lifts her into the air, "Will you run like you did before, or will you finally accept I am your superior?"
Another Night appears behind Carmine, his crossbow aimed at Winter.
"Now drop your swords." The new Night orders.
Carmine sighs as he drops Dark Sympathy and detaches the sheath of White Wolf.
"What are you doing?!" Winter asks, "Get out of here!"
"I'm not leaving you here to die." Carmine states.
The Night behind Carmine takes the Shard of the Riders from him and leaves through a portal and the other Night fades into midnight blue smoke.
"He's gone." Carmine states as he picks up his swords.
"Dammit!" Winter shouts, "Our one chance..."
"It's not over." Carmine says, "We'll find another lead-"
"No, we won't." Winter declares, "What else is there to search?! You were given a golden opportunity to end his life, and you refused to take it."
"To save your life." Carmine argues.
"It isn't yours to save!" Winter shouts.
"What are you saying?" Carmine asks.
"I'm willing to risk everything to protect Atlas." Winter states, "If you don't have the stomach for it, then Atlas doesn't need your help."
Winter walks away, leaving Carmine alone.
Carmine entered an inn with a rather low ceiling and sat at the counter.
"Give me something strong." Carmine requests.
The faunus innkeeper passes him a shot and Carmine takes it.
"Something wrong?" The innkeeper asks.
"Look around." Carmine says, lowly, "Trouble brewing."
Carmine glances at three Atlesians.
"Who are they?" The innkeeper asks.
"Specialists." Carmine answers, "Drinking their seventh round for Atlas. Fists starting to itch."
"Don't see any Grimm." The innkeeper states.
"They'll find another foe." Carmine answers.
Buy provisions for the journey and leave. Carmine tells himself.
You should stay out of it. Just this once.
"You need to leave." The innkeeper requests.
"Haven't finished my drink yet." Carmine says.
Before the innkeeper can address him, three Atlesian specialists get up.
"Innkeep, Vodka." The one in front orders, in a demanding tone.
"Leave her alone." Carmine says, "I think the lady's grown tired of your company."
"Lady?" The one on front repeats, "What lady? See her ears? Mutt. And everyone knows faunus are always doing something on the sly."
"Don't let her face fool you." The one in back urges, "Pretty as a picture on the outside, but the most vile filth within."
"Leave her be." Carmine demands.
"By what right you got giving me orders." The one in front says as he takes a step forward.
"Who's this one?" The middle one them asks.
"Brave warrior looks like." The one in back says as he walks to the front, "Got two swords, see?"
"Oi, spikey!" The middle specialist calls, "What's the point in having two swords?"
"Wonder if he keeps an extra dick in his pants too." The first specialist comments as he sits down.
"You fucking deaf?!" The middle specialist asks, "Gonna say who you are? Or do I need to loosen your tongue with my knife?"
"Someone who'd prefer not to be bothered while he's having a drink." Carmine says.
The middle one chuckles.
"Hear that?" He asks his fellow specialists, "We've a distinguished gentleman in our midst!"
"Shine your boots, guv'nor?" The first one asks.
"No." Carmine answers, "Wouldn't want the grime on your hands to rub off on them."
"Did you hear what I heard?" The third specialist asks as he stands.
"Go away." Carmine says before looking over his shoulder at the soldiers, "Or I'll kill you."
"They won't back down now." The innkeeper states.
"I can see that." Carmine says as he turns around to fully face them.
So much for not getting involved. Carmine chastises himself.
"Better round up some more people to help." Carmine comments, "Three of you don't stand a chance against me."
"I could fuck you up by myself." The second one declares.
"If I had a over my head an my hands tied behind..." Carmine stops, "Actually, no. Not even then."
The middle one steps forward, but Carmine hits him with a right hook, sending him onto his back.
"That all you got?" He taunts.
"Seemed to be enough." Carmine retorts.
"Don't be so sure." The specialist says as he gets back up.
"Oh, good." Carmine comments.
The specialist cracks his neck and steps into Carmine's face, looking up at him.
"Should've walked out of here when you had the chance." The specialist comments.
The specialist hits Carmine with a right uppercut, causing Carmine to stumble back into the counter. The specialist then grabs Carmine and slams him into the ceiling, smashing the fan. The specialist keeps slamming Carmine until he grabs the ceiling fan, rips it off the ceiling and smashes it into the specialist's head. In retaliation, the specialist slams Carmine into the ground. Carmine attempts to get up, but the specialist grabs him and throws him into the wall. Carmine groans as he slams into the ground after hitting the wall.
The specialist grabs the pool table and rams it into Carmine's direction, but Carmine jumps over it, landing on top of it as the table hits the wall. Carmine hits the soldier with a right hook, and the shoulder smacks Carmine with his left forearm, sending Carmine towards the door. Carmine groans as his head smacks into it and he shakes his head to before rising. The specialistgrabs a chair and throws it at Carmine, but he ducks. The specialist then grabs a table and throws it, whic Carmine dashes to the side to dodge. Carmine grabs a coat rack and stabs into the specialist's face, his Aura protects him, but he is still pushed backwards.
Carmine attempts to stab him again, but the specialist smashes the coat rack in tow, knocking Carmine down in the process. The specialist then grabs Carmine and throws him overhead. The specialist grabs Carmine again, slamming him into the wall and then the ground. The specialist then slams Carmine into another wall and drops him onto the floor. The specialist begins dragging Carmine towards the counter, but Carmine slams his boots into the ground, using the plates on his heels as friction. The shoulder retaliates by throwing Carmine into the counter. Carmine lands on his feet and pushes his arms against the counter to steady himself.
The specialist charges, and Carmine draws the tanto inside Dark Sympathy, stabbing into the specialist's shoulder. He then vaults over the soldier, leaving the poisoned blade inside him. The specialist tries to rise, but collapses due to his dizziness and Carmine kicks him in the stomach while he's down. The kick is so strong, it lifts the shoulder a few inches off of the ground. The specialist gets up and tackles Carmine. He tries to ram Carmine into a wall, but Carmine grabs the tanto and twists it, causing the specialist to cry out in pain and slam into the wall as he clutches his shoulder, Carmine having freed himself in the process.
Carmine draws the tanto inside White Wolf and stabs into the specialist's other shoulder, closer to the base of his neck. Carmine removes the blade then stabs out the specialist's left eye. The specialist runs backwards, slamming Carmine into a wall, causing him to drop the tanto. Carmine responds by pulling the other tanto out of the specialist's shoulder and stabbing it in a different spot. The specialist groans as he falls to his knees. Carmine gets beside him and kicks him down. Carmine then kicks his knee, dislocating it.
"He's had enough." The first specialist urges.
Carmine glances at the specialist who spoke and then back at the one he's fighting. Carmine grabs the tanto and the wrist of that arm, he then pulls. The specialist screams and cries in pain Carmine keeps pulling until he tears the arm off its socket.
"Here, lapdog." Carmine taunts as he throws the severed arm, "Fetch."
Carmine walks back to the counter.
"Whiskey." He demands.
The innkeeper reluctant takes out a shot glass. Carmine smashes it.
"Double." He demands
The innkeeper reluctantly pours the drink. Carmine grabs the glass and drinks, slamming the glass onto the counter, shattering it in the process.
"Anyone else." He turns his head to the other two specialists.
"I'm Carmine Noir." Carmine states as he glances to the injured specialist, who is clutching his arm, whimpering, "Heard you wondering about my swords. One for Grimm, the other for humans. Only got one dick though, in case you're wondering about that, too."
"Don't touch him." The first specialist warns, "Don't even look at him."
"Let's go." The other specialist argees, "Killing is like batting an eye for him."
They back away.
"Leave." The innkeeper demands, "And don't come back!"
Carmine looks over his shoulder to the innkeeper.
"You can breath," Carmine says, "It's over."
"Over." The innkeeper repeats, insulted, "For you, maybe. You'll go on your merry way. But I have to stay here and they will too."
"Stop." Carmine says, sarcastically, "Can't handle all this gratitude. We really oughta learn our manners from the faunus."
"What would expect?" The innkeeper asks, "Payment? Or am I to fall into your arms. Perhaps spread my legs for you. Go, bastard. And remember, we neither need, nor want, your pitty."
Carmine merely smirks and sits at the table that the specialists came from. The innkeeper watches as grabs a tablet scroll that one of them left behind. Carmine activates the scroll and begins looking through it. As Carmine does that, he slowly pushes an empty bottle with his finger, until it falls of the table. Once the bottle shatters, Carmine glances at the innkeeper with a chuckle and smirks again.
Carmine quickly swings his arm, backhanding a mug off of the table. Carmine then sweeps everything else off of the table before kicking a coat hanger down. Carmine turns back to the table and flips it. Carmine draws White Wolf and places the false edge onto it, he quickly swing, sweeping everything off of the counter as the innkeeper jumps back and screams. Carmine then grabs one of the stools and throws it to the faraway wall. He flips another table and kicks down a third. Carmine then throws a fourth table, drawing White Wolf again, Carmine slashes a coat hanger.
The innkeeper slowly backs away as Carmine continues destroying the inn. Carmine kicks over a chair then drops his katana on the floor with a brief chuckle.
"There." Carmine turns to the innkeeper, "That's better. Now I'll leave."
Carmine takes a few steps outside before stopping. He turns and sits on a rock. Carmine then rests his head in his hand, reflecting on his actions in the inn.
"Carmine." A voice calls.
Carmine looks up to see Winter.
"You look like hell." Winter observes.
"You look like you want something from me." Carmine responds before getting up and turning away.
"That's a fine thing to say after you up and vanished!" Winter shouts after him.
"You made it fairly clear you no longer required my services." Carmine states.
"Don't." Winter warns, "Don't you dare talk to me like that!"
"What do you expect me to say, Winter?" Carmine asks as he turns to her, "'Forgive me for not letting you die?!' I'm sorry that I care more about you than about killing Night!"
Winter briefly pauses.
"I thought our relationship was professionally." Winter says.
"That's not what I meant." Carmine explains as he turns away, "I can't bare the fact that my carelessness got my partner and brother killed. Everything I've done since then has been to fix that mistake. And to prevent it from happening a third time."
Winter slowly opens her mouth, but says nothing.
"You must have come here with something in mind." Carmine states, "What was it?"
"Night hasn't used the Shard." Winter states, "We need to find out why."
"And what do you expect me to do about it?" Carmine ask.
"The Onyx Mordant that Ironwood told me about wouldn't have to ask that question." Winter says as she approaches him, "You're better than this."
Carmine glances at Winter.
"I'm going back to Atlas." Winter states, "Are you coming?"
"There's one last thing I need to do." Carmine states, "I'll need my ship."
"Your ship?" Winter asks, she then sighs, "I'll go see to your transportation."
Winter begins walking away.
"Stay out of trouble." She stops, "Don't get caught."
Winter enters the briefing room in order to report in to the Council.
"Have you found Carmine?" Ironwood asks.
"Yes." Winter answers, "He's requesting access to the experimental airship."
"Absolutely not." A Councilwoman denies, "What's to stop him from leaving Atlas."
"There's nothing stopping him from leaving without it." Ironwood states, "We need to move as quickly as possible. One of the semblances Night has copied is teleportation."
One by one, the rest of the Council agreed, even the woman who originally disagreed.
Winter leads Carmine into the airship.
"Mind telling me where we're going?" Winter requests.
"Mistral." Carmine answers, "I need to pick up gear from a cache I have there."
As the two walk through the lowest level of the city of Mistral, Carmine presses buttons on his watch. Eventually, they reach a garage and the door opens as Carmine presses the last button. The garage is mostly empty, but contains a motorcycle, a couch, a small dresser, bottles of Congeria, and three swords.
The first sword, Dragblacker, was gunmetal grey with a silver blade. The handle is made out of a crimson wire wrap with three furelles in the middle. The pommel of the sword is a thin cylinder with Carmine's logo, a dragon's head, engraved into both faces. It was in a black scabbard. The other two, Dragredder and Dragranzer, were nearly identical to Dragblacker, but both had two dragon head in a spiral design for the pommel, the crossguards are angled upwards but with a curve for Dragranzer, and the blades resembled a longsword more than a bastard sword with the blade getting thinner from the base of the guard instead of near the top like Dragblacker.
Carmine removes his katanas and places them to the side. He then secures Dragblacker on his waist and Dragredder and Dragranzer on his back, both angled to be drawn with his right arm.
After returning to Atlas, Carmine and Winter sit in a room with all information they could gather on Night. Carmine drops a folder on the table after reading its content.
"Nothing of value." Carmine states.
Winter sighs and puts her head into her hand.
"How can finding one man be so difficult?" Winter complains.
Carmine goes to her and places his hand on her shoulder, causing Winter to look up at him.
"Night said when his main event occurs, we will meet and thank one another for the voyage we shard." Carmine states, "We will find Night. He wants us to."
"I don't like being on his terms." Winter says.
"Me neither." Carmine argees, "But Night has limitless potential. He can copy hundreds of semblances. Not even I know everything he can do."
"Tell me." Winter requests, "How do you do it?"
"What?" Carmine asks.
"Always manage to pull yourself together, focus, no matter what's happening?" Winter clarifies.
"I don't." Carmine answers, "You've seen that."
Carmine holds his hand out to Winter, she looks at him curiously.
"Take my hand." Carmine deadpans.
Winter reluctantly takes his hand and he pulls her out of the chair.
"But when I'm having trouble, there's a certain ancient method." Carmine says as he leads Winter outside the building, "Ozpin taught it to me, and Ironwood taught it to him."
"Will you take me into the mountain and make me drink tea?" Winter asks, sarcastically.
Carmine walks along the sidewalk, dragging his hand on a parked car, gathering snow.
"Ancient Atlesians have used it for centuries." Carmine continues, "It always works."
Carmine tosses the snow into Winter's face.
"Hey!" Winter complains as she covers her eyes and turns away.
She begins pushing the snow off of her.
"Very mature." Winter comments.
"If this method isn't to your liking, we can always test my reach and your flexibility." Carmine says with a smirk.
Winter struggles to keep her composure before she is hit in the face by a snowball.
"Either way you'll probably be handling handling balls." Carmine continues, "So it's a question of just balls or less balls."
Winter takes a few steps back before bending over. She quickly makes a snowball.
"You'll regret that!" Winter says as she throws it at Carmine.
Carmine opens a portal and the snowball flies inside.
"Hey!" Winter complains, "That's cheating!"
Winter groans as she is hit with another snowball.
"Even with home field advantage, Winter Schnee defeated." Carmine boasts, "Need to work on those dodges."
"Sure I didn't let you win?" Winter asks, "You were right. That really works."
She gives Carmine a friendly hug, which he awkwardly returns.
"Fun wasn't really on the menu growing up was it?" Carmine asks.
Winter breaks off the hug and glances at the sky.
"No." Winter answers, "It wasn't."
"Never thought I'd see this side of you." Carmine comments, "So what about that other thing."
Winter quickly stomps on Carmine's foot.
"Mention it again and I will cut you." Winter warns.
"Relax." Carmine responds, "You're more fun when you're embarrassed. Side affect of pride."
"There's nothing wrong with being prideful." Winter retorts.
"I've always said that pride is the quickest way to an early grave." Carmine states, "You're no exception. You don't have to agree with me, but just be careful. You don't want to start a fight you can't win because of pride."
Winter glances at Carmine for a moment before an Atlesian soldier runs out of the building.
"We got a lead." The soldier states.
He hands Carmine a tablet. Carmine positions it so Winter can see. It was an invitation to a party sent by Desmond Night.
"Who was this sent to?" Carmine asks.
"You." The soldier answers.
Carmine turns and glares at Winter.
"You've been tracking my emails?!" Carmine asks.
"No." Winter defends, "I had no idea about this."
Carmine lowly growls before walking back inside the building. He makes to the Councilors' chamber and enters.
"Have you learned anything?" Ironwood asks.
"I learned that somebody been spying on me." Carmine accuses.
"You must understand." Ironwood says, "You're not an official part of the Atlesian military. Extra precautions had to be taken."
"We've served together for years." Carmine argues, "Where did you even get the idea that I couldn't be trusted."
"You were willing to kill my men." Ironwood counters.
"I was willing to kill men who were abusing their authority." Carmine declares, "If I wanted you and Winter dead, you'd be dead."
Ironwood glares at Carmine.
"You don't make the terms here." Ironwood states.
"I also don't have to stick around." Carmine retorts, "I can leave any time. And the only person who can stop me is Night, the reason I'm here in the first place."
Ironwood sighs.
"We'll stop monitoring your accounts." Ironwood says.
"Night has invited me to a party." Carmine states, "That's where he plans to make his move."
"We'll assemble a team." Ironwood says.
"No." Carmine denies, "He wants only myself and Winter."
"Then it'll be a stealth team." Ironwood responds.
"Night can sense Aura, your stealth team would have to be machines." Carmine states, "And if Night's met any of the Steele's, that would backfire as well."
"I don't like leaving this to just the two of you." Ironwood says.
"I don't like have Winter on my ass either." Carmine responds.
"That's twice now." Ironwood notes, "You keep saying 'Winter'. You rarely use names if you don't have to."
"What's your point?" Carmine asks.
"You've clearly become comfortable around her." Ironwood comments, "I don't see why you would have a problem working with her."
"Last time I engaged Night, she got in my way." Carmine explains, "If she isn't there, I don't have to worry about anymore blood on my conscience. It doesn't matter who my partner is, I work better alone."
Ironwood sighs.
"Keep her safe." Ironwood requests.
"I will." Carmine says, "Count on it."
Carmine and Winter sit in the experimental airship approaching the city of Aegis.
"Why would Night be in Aegis?" Carmine asks, "Anything special about it?"
"It was recently discovered that the city was built over ancient caves that historians believed used to be a city." Winter explains.
"The building Night is hosting this party in is over anything specific?" Carmine asks.
"It's directly above the largest structure." Winter answers, "It's believed to be some form of church or temple."
"Any connection to the Shard of the Riders?" Carmine asks.
"Similar design." Winter answers, "Both resemble Grimm bones."
Carmine sighs as the city comes into view. Above it is a giant portal in the sky. Chaos Grimm pour out of the portal, storming the city.
"You have got to be kidding me." Carmine reacts.
Carmine rises from his seat.
"Find us a place to land." Carmine orders.
Carmine and Winter enter the caves where the ancient city lies. They walk until they reach the church beneath the party location. Night is sitting there waiting.
"Hello!" Night greets, "I told you we would meet."
Carmine doesn't allow Night to finish as he draws Dragblacker in a slashing motion. Night jumps up, avoiding the invisible wave sent at him.
"You're still rude." Night comments as Winter draws her saber.
Night turns around and walks into the temple.
"Come." He demands, "I have something to show you."
Carmine and Winter glance at each other before following.
"Eons ago, this church was the birthplace of an ancient order." Night explains, "Rumor has it, that order still exists. The order's purpose was to eliminate an enemy whose goal was to kill every sentient being. The order was formed by Titus."
Carmine raises an eyebrow.
"Titus is your ancestor." Night continues, "This temple and the order are rightfully yours."
"You expect me to believe you did all of this, just to give me what's mine?" Carmine asks.
"No." Night answers, "I'm merely stalling as I lure a massive Grimm through the portal in the sky."
Carmine immediately dashes at Night. He slashes at Night's neck and the blade goes right through as if Night's not there.
"Self Projection." Night explains, "An illusion. It's an interesting Semblance."
Carmine glances at Winter.
"We need to get through that portal." He states.
She nods and the two run out of the temple and two the cave exist where the airship is landed. Winter gets inside while Carmine is stopped by Chaos Grimm. He kills them all using Dragredder and Dragranzer while Winter starts the airship. Night calmly walks past Carmine towards the ship, causing him to slash at Night. Night dodges while still walking towards the ship.
"Go!" Carmine shoots, "I'll catch up!"
Winter takes off and begins flying away.
"Now why would you do that?" Night asks, rhetorically.
Night fires his kunai with chain, which lodges itself into the bottom of the airship. Carmine tackles Night, slicingnthe chian and lets it pull him with the ship. Carmine crashes into a building as the airship ga8ns altitude, causing him to lose his grip on the chain. He quickly recovers and pulls himself onto the rooftop and begins running after the airship, with Winter flying at a pace so that Carmine can keep up and still outrun Night. Winter allows the AI to take control and runs to the boarding hatch, which is still open, to see if she can help Carmine.
"Carmine!" Winter calls.
"I'll come to you!" Carmine shouts, "Hang on..."
"We'll try to stay put!" Winter responds.
"Was that a joke?!" Carmine asks with a smirk.
"It certainly is lovely up here." Winter continues as she draws her blades, "You should see the view."
Carmine climbs onto another rooftop, slightly higher than the last. Winter summons creatures to delay Night.
"Oh, you don't say!" Carmine retorts.
"You better hurry." Winter spots Night.
Carmine climbs to the top of the building and jumps off, landing on a ledge. He jumps off the ledge and to the slightly shorter building across the street.
"Yes, thank you!" Carmine says, sarcastically.
Carmine runs across the rooftop.
"Have you thought at all about what you plan to do about the Grimm Night is summoning?" Carmine asks.
"Oh, these things tend to work themselves out." Winter responds.
Carmine runs across a clothesline connecting two buildings.
"You're going to run out of roof soon!" Winter warns, "I hope you've got a plan!"
"Does 'watch and laugh as you crash into a building' count?" Carmine asks, bitterly.
He runs along the rooftops before dropping down to a lower one. He then jumps across the street, crashing through and window and into a hallway. He runs down into before jumping out the window on the other side, landing on another rooftop. Night launches a bolt, narrowly missing Carmine.
"I can handle him, you keep running!" Winter says as she summons more Grimm.
Carmine jumps from rooftop to rooftop as the airship abruptly stops.
"What happened?!" Carmine asks as he approaches.
"I think the chain's caught!" Winter answers.
"Just hang on!" Carmine shouts as Winter looks to find a way to cut it.
Carmine grabs the chain and cuts it free, hanging on as the airship begins moving again.
"Carmine!" Winter calls, "Are you alright?!"
Carmine tries to hang on, but slams into the wall of a building and looses his grip, falling onto a lower building.
"Carmine!" Winter calls as he gets up.
"I'm alright!" Carmine calls back.
Carmine runs and jumps onto a higher rooftop.
"Hurry!" Winter calls as Carmine runs across the rooftop. Carmine jumps off the building, crashing through another window, and landing inside a bedrooom.
"Hey!" The owner shouts.
"Hello!" Carmine greets, "Goodbye!"
Carmine jumps out of another window, landing on a wall. He grabs the edge of a windowsill and begins scaling the wall.
"This hardly seems like the time!" Winter comments.
Carmine continues running across rooftops with Night nowhere in sight.
"Stop playing around!" Winter shouts when she notices Carmine glancing behind him.
Carmine runs across another clothesline.
"Carmine, I can't slow it down!" Winter shouts, "This is why you should've left the prototype alone!"
Carmine puts more effort into it. Pushing to him maximum effort, enhancing his body with his Aura.
"Just... coming..." He pants.
Carmine jumps, with his Aura enhancing him and grabs onto the edge of the airship hatch. Winter helps him inside.
"Next time..." Carmine stops to breathe, "I plan the escape route."
Winter sighs as she turns the airship towards the portal in the sky.
"We may not be able to get the ship out." Carmine comments, "If she's not responding fully."
"I know." Winter says.
"Figure out why we can't change speed yet?" Carmine asks after a few moments.
"Night's blade has lodged itself into one of the thrusters." The A.I. states, "In order to maintain control, this vessel's safety overrides are active. Until a designated safe point is reached, this ship will maintain current speed as to not cause anymore internal damage."
Carmine groans as the ship passes through the other side of the portal in the sky. The world is seemingly identical, but there is a crimson fog in the air.
"Welcome to the Chaos Zone." The A.I. states, "Would you like me to conduct a tour of the Chaos Zone? There are hundreds of variants to natural Grimm indigenous to-"
"Listen." Carmine interrupts, "Would you do me a favor and SHUT UP?!"
"Happy to be of service." The A.I. says.
Carmine and Winter search for a place to land as the airship continues to cruise across the sky. Suddenly the back of the airship is grabbed into the mouth of a massive snake dragon Grimm.
"You're supposed to warn us about hostiles!" Carmine shouts.
"Previously, you asked me to 'shut up'." The A.I. states, "I successfully executed your order."
Carmine groans as he facepalms.
"Warning: Hostile is devouring my tail." The A.I. states, "This contrary to normal operating parameters."
Carmine groans again.
"Deactivate the failsafe." Carmine orders, "Or we're all going to die."
"Overriding safety overrides." The A.I. states.
"Full thrust." Carmine orders, "Burn this bastard off of us."
The airship reaches maximum thrust, but the dragon still holds on. It then throws the airship downwards and through a building, causing the airship to become wedged into it.
Carmine groans as he gets up. He turns to see Winter struggling to rise. The Chaos Zone prevents both her Aura and Semblance from being used. Carmine walks over to Winter and tries to help her up, but Winter cries out as Carmine lifts her.
"Stop!" She orders, "Put me down!"
Carmine does so, taking notice of the blood now on his hands. Debris from the crash hit Winter in her thigh, resulting in a deep wound.
"You need to go back." Carmine says, "You're of no help to me here. My semblance makes me immune to the Aura dampening."
Winter slowly nods as Carmine opens a portal. He picks Winter up bridal style and carries her through. Once outside, Winter removes the debris and her Aura heals the wound.
"Be careful." Winter orders.
"I will." Carmine say as he turns to go back through.
Suddenly, the portal seals itself and Night claps to gain their attention.
"I tell you I'm luring a massive Grimm and you bring it straight to me?" Night laughs, "How dumb are you?"
Carmine and Winter draw their swords as Night opens a portal large enough for the Grimm dragon to come through. Once it does, Carmine's eyes widen in shock. The head of the Grimm resembles the dragon on the pommels of his swords and that of his logo.
"It was said that our ancestors was able to command Grimm." Night declares, "This Grimm was your ancestor's companion. What better Grimm to crush you with?"
The dragon Grimm immediately turns to Night and breaths out a stream of fire. Night's eyes widen as he jumps out of the way.
"Obey me, Grimm!" Night shouts, "I am the rightful inheritor of your darkness."
The dragon Grimm growls as it swings its tail, smacking Night away. The Grimm then turns to Carmine and growls at it slowly approaches. Winter stares at Carmine in shock as he sheaths his swords.
Make contact with the dragon.
Carmine slowly walks towards the Grimm, compelled by the voice in his head.
Onyx, make contact with the dragon.
The dragon Grimm lowers itself to the ground, landing on its four legs.
"Carmine!" Winter shouts.
She prepares to dash at the Grimm, but Night tackles her, pinning Winter to the ground.
"Let's not interrupt them now." Night growls as he watches, hoping to figure out where he went wrong.
Carmine raises his hand and rests it onto the snout of the dragon Grimm. Carmine's hand immediately recoils as if in pain. His entire body is engulfed in crimson flames. Carmine screams in pain as he falls to his knees. His clothes are burned off and replaced by a black jumpsuit which looks like Grimm skin. The fire fades as Grimm bones begin forming onto the jumpsuit, creating a chest plate, belt, shoulder pauldrons, gauntlets, and boots.
Night tilts his head in interest.
"Carmine!" Winter shouts beneath Night.
Carmine screams into the air, crimson fire being shot from his mouth as Grimm bones begin forming a helmet around his head. A visor is formed from slits in the helmet, with a red glow between them. Carmine stops screaming before rising. The dragon Grimm begins circling Carmine as he turns to Night and Winter.
"C-Carmine?" Winter asks.
Carmine says nothing, but holds out his right hand as if grasping something. A scimitar of Grimm bones is formed into his hand. Carmine then turns to Night.
"Winter Schnee." Carmine says, his voice echoed by a similar but deeper one.
"What is it, Carmine?" Winter asks.
"If you'd rather not die, you should leave this place immediately." Carmine warns, "As for you, the Rider who calls himself Night, you made a poor decision and now you must pay!"
The glow in his eyes brighten and a crimson flame aura explodes from Carmine's body. Night is sent flying off of Winter from the sheer force of the Carmine's Aura. Night gets up and growls in anger as he fires a bolt at Carmine. The dragon Grimm flies into the way, still circling Carmine, its thick armor easily deflecting the bolt.
"Now the real fight begins." Night comments as he activates his remaining wrist blade.
Night raises an eyebrow in confusion as Carmine tosses the scimitar to Night. Night catches the sword as Carmine holds out his hand, pulling the Shard of the Riders from Night's belt and into his hand. The orb begins floating above Carmine's open hand before Grimm bones begin growing put of the orb, forming a massive greatsword. Carmine grabs the greatsword and holds it upwards. Night flanks Carmine as he examines the sword, which's blade is now covered with crimson flame. Night then lunges at Carmine from behind.
"Carmine, behind you!" Winter warns as Carmine almost absent mindedly examines the blade.
Carmine slowly turns around and slashes upwards, splitting Night in two. Carmine slowly lowers the blade and holds it to the side.
"Did you just...?" Winter asks as she glances at the two halves of Night's body, "No way."
Carmine looks upwards, seeing another Night staring at the blade in shock.
"My Aura?" He questions, "How did you...?"
Carmine then runs forward heading towards Night. He roars as he grasps the sword with both hands, spins around twice to gain momentum and slashes, launching a flaming crimson arc at Night. Night is immediately disintegrated by the slash.
"It can do that?" Winter asks.
Another Night turns and begins to run away, and Carmine immediately turns to him and walks after him. Winter motions to follow, but remembers Carmine's warning. Carmine approaches Night with his sword in hand. Dragon wings made of crimson flames erupt from Carmine's back and he lunges at Night. Carmine punches him in the chest then throw him to the side. The crimson wings fade as Night hits the ground. Night uses Winter's Semblance to summon Grimm to send towards Carmine. Carmine easily cuts them down as he approaches Night. Night creates multiple gravity glyphs to slow down Carmine's fist as he tries to punch him, but they barely slow him down as Night is punched in the face.
"Your Semblance is nothing compared to Chaos Aura." Carmine declares.
Carmine grabs Night's collar and lifts him into the air.
"I don't understand." Night says, "How did you become so much stronger?"
Carmine stabs Night in the side with his sword. Carmine then prepares to decapitate Night with the massive blade.
"I refuse to let you end me!" Night shouts as he uses a copied Semblance to create a wall of Aura between himself and Carmine, "Now you're stuck."
Carmine puts the sword onto his back and crimson flames around his forearm take the appearance of the Grimm dragons head. Carmine thrusts that arm forward and the dragon spews out a breath of fire, breaking the barrier. Carmine then uppercuts Night, knocking him into the air. Night slams into a nearby building. Night uses a copied Semblance to summon a large amount of Aura into a massive blast. Carmine crosses his arms and a shield with similar design to the Dragon Grimm's body is formed around his arms. Carmine blocks the blast with ease then dashes at Night.
Carmine wakes up in a forest filled with dying trees. He glances around in confusion before seeing the Grimm Dragon nearby. Carmine reaches for Dragblacker but stops when he notices the dragon staring at him but not attacking.
"Begone..." Carmine hears, "Begone... Begone... The powers will not relent."
Carmine slowly moves his hand away from his sword.
"Why have you come...?" Carmine identifies the Grimm as the speaker, "Why spill this blood...? Are you here to grant me death...? Or is my freedom your wish...?"
"Who are you?" Carmine asks.
"I abandoned my Circle..." The Dragon stated, "Where I'd kept the balance... The Teyvīka killed me... And cursed my soul..."
"Never heard of the Teyvīka." Carmine says, "Or a Grimm with a soul."
"I wander eternally through a maze of boughs..." The Dragon continues, ignoring Carmine, "Helplessly sliding over rustling leaves..."
"Must know the Teyvīka pretty well." Carmine comments.
"They are Remnant's curse..." The Dragon declares, "They hear all through severed souls... They weave hair and twist lives... They take their strength from beyond the Veil..."
"Why did they kill you?" Carmine asks.
"They Teyvīka want this land." The Dragon declares, "They'd rule Remnant alone. I stood in their way... I had to die..."
"I was attacked." Carmine declares.
"This is my prison..." The Dragon explains, "A fortress besieged... Murderers I await... And the Chaos Zone protects me..."
"Murderers?" Carmine repeats.
"Murderous gods... Killed my body..." The Dragon declares, "Now my soul they hunt... For I defy them."
"You claim to be imprisoned." Carmine says, "How so?"
"I am bound here..." The Dragon answers, "In fetters of magic... I wander endlessly... A labyrinth of leaves... The Knight... I know all... I know what awaits him... Free me, please... I must help..."
"If something threatens the city, I'll handle it myself." Carmine declares.
"The Knight threatens the city..." The Dragon claims, "Free me, please... I can be a warrior... A power unchained... I shall stop him... Only I can..."
"Why do you think Night threatens Aegis?" Carmine asks.
"The Knight called for me." The Dragon declares, "He shall bring only chaos."
"I can help." Carmine declares.
"It is done already..." The Dragon says, "It cannot be undone... There are no roads... To the Pavar... You shall die... Let yourself be saved..."
"The Teyvīka?" Carmine asks, "What do you know about them?"
"The Teyvīka are older that the oldest age..." The Dragon explains, "Remnant is their realm... All life here serves them... The Teyvīka live concealed. You will not find them. They hear all... you cannot hide."
"If you can stop Night, I'll free you." Carmine says.
"I will fight him..." The Dragon declares, "Stop him... Open the door of my cage... Blood is my escape... Once I was free... I shall be free once more... Once I was flesh... I shall be flesh once more..."
Carmine's eyes change from crimson to silver and the Dragon collapses onto the ground.
"I live..." The Dragon speaks through Carmine's body.
"Stop Night." Carmine orders.
"I shall..." The Dragon says, "A word once given must be honored."
"Who are you?" Night asks.
Various crimson lights appear around Onyx.
"I who shall awaken." Carmine states.
"It's starting." Onyx's voice comes from the lights, "The time has finally come."
"I don't know you." Night says as the lenses in Carmine's helmet brightly glow.
"I am the Onyx Rider who breeched the Veil." The Dragon declares as the helmet of Carmine's armor becomes bulkier, now with two golden antennas and thicker wings with gold on the tips as is the logo on his forehead.
"It has always been this way." Onyx says as the gauntlets become bulkier, now with golden detailing and the couters attached to the gauntlet, "That is correct. Always and forever."
"I mock the Chaos Bringer and fret over the Harbinger." The Dragon declares as the greaves become bulkier with golden detailing.
"What the world desires..." Onyx says as the cuirass and shoulder pauldrons becomes bulkier with golden detailing, "What the world rejects..."
"I shall become the Onyx Dragon of Riders." The Dragon declares.
"...Has always been power." Onyx continues, "...Has always been love. No matter the occasion you always choose the path to ruin."
"I shall you in the depths of crimson purgatory." The Dragon declares, "Onychinus Rider."
Onychinus roars and his flame Aura explodes, engulfing the entire city of Aegis, destroying all it touches. Onychinus then walks towards Night, who struggles to get back up in the ruins of Aegis. Onychinus stops walking and the Dragon begins circling him. Onychinus then holds his right arm back, the gauntlet taking the appearance of the Dragon's head. When Onychinus punches, the Dragon follows his motion, shooting out fire at the end of the punch. Night manages to look up, only to be hit in the face by the blast, getting knocked backwards. Night then shoots a bolt at Onychinus, who blocks with his shoulder armor which became a shield with the appearance of the Dragon's back, while the gauntlet returns to normal.
"What are you?" Night asks.
Onychinus says nothing, he just continues to approach Night. Night charges at Onychinus and slashes with his wrist blade, but Onychinus blocks with the shield and kicks Night backwards. Onychinus then jumps into the air, with the Dragon circling him. Onychinus then backflips, getting into a kicking position, meanwhile Dragon gets behind Onychinus. The Dragon then shoots out fire, propelling Onychinus into Night, his crimson Aura exploding on contact. When the explosion clears, Carmine is on the ground, no longer inside the armor and the Dragon takes flight, leaving the scene.
Winter and Ironwood along with a few Atlas soldiers spot Carmine, still unconscious from the burst of Aura. Winter rushes to Carmine and sits him against some rubble before shaking him awake.
"Oh, hey, Winter." Carmine says, tiredly.
"What did you do to the city?" Winter growls.
"Doesn't matter." Carmine declares, "Night is dead."
"It doesn't matter?!" Winter repeats, "You just killed how many people?!"
"And Night was among them." Carmine argues, "He was planning genocide. If I didn't stop him, far more would die."
"And the Grimm?" Winter asks.
"Gone." Carmine answers, "I don't know where it went."
"I could have you arrested or shot for this." Ironwood declares.
"You could try." Carmine counters as he gets up, "But I'm untouchable by everyone now that Night is dead. The Chaos Zone is my weapon, and mine alone."
Ironwood sighs, knowing Carmine is right.
"If there's nothing else..." Carmine says.
"There is, but you may go." Ironwood responds, turning to stare at the wreckage.
Carmine begins walking away, but stops.
"Onyx." Ironwood calls, without turning to him, "I do not wish to see you. Ever again."
Carmine says nothing and continues walking away. Carmine stops when he sees the Shard of the Riders lying in some rubble, the rest of the sword no where in sight. Carmine grabs the Shard and continues on the path.