The missiles loomed over the dark one's hive bringing nothing but death and destruction in their wake all hope for their survival seemed lost there races destruction was inevitable all at the hands of the one who was supposed to save them. Beneath the ruins of Moscow deep within the vast metro systems that the remnants of mankind now called home an anomaly unlike any that had been witnessed before began to flourish.

Sparks arced and shot out striking the train lines as the orb of pure energy zipped along the tracks, suddenly it came to a halt hovering below a large crevice where the tunnel had collapsed in on itself long ago leaving a large opening to the world above, the anomaly hovered in place for a moment hovering around a large opening in the tunnel leaving a gateway to the open world above.

The anomaly hovered in place small bolt of energy shooting out of its core, striking the tracks and the walls around itself before beginning to move back down the dark tunnel behind it. The rubble began to shift as several small rodents began climbing towards the surface in hopes of escaping the object they had grown to fear over time.

Sensing their movement the anomaly began hovering back towards the opening and rising up to the surface above hovering above the objects that had drawn its attention, the small rodent unfortunate enough to have drawn its attention was instantly turned to ash. Moving on across the desolate landscape it forms unleashing the occasional bolt of lightning striking anything that moved in the wind or creatures that roam across what remained of the Botanical Garden the land scorched black with a number of strange orange growth scattered across the landscape.

A single Dark One took notice of this event and cautiously approached the orb of pure light. As he grew closer the anomaly began to pulse and fluctuated erratically giving off a strange energy one he had never felt before and yet, it was almost soothing. The anomaly darted around the surrounding area for a moment before stopping directly in front of him almost as if registering his presence.

The Dark One glanced back towards the nuclear storm raining down on their home before turning back to face the anomaly, there were certainly worse ways one could die, and did not wish to die in the agony man weapons would bring his people, however short it may have been.

The ground shook beneath his feet a storm of nuclear fire washed over the hive snuffing out the lives of his kin that stood in its path, he braced himself for what was to come, the seconds of searing pain he could still feel from his brothers and sisters and the bliss of death that would soon follow.

But it seemed fate had other plans the anomaly gave off a blinding green light, and then everything went black.

/

Darkness engulfed his mind like a fog clouding his senses, inducing a feeling of weightlessness and serenity. Though oddly soothing was this death?... or something else entirely. The dark one had little time to wonder as the darkness engulfing his vision began to recede fading into a mix of multiple colours

The dark one inhaled sharply upon awakening, slowly he sat up taking in his surrounding there was a lot of green trees flowers and other vegetation perhaps spring had come? but that begged the question.

'How?' he asked himself he should have perished alongside his kin yet here he was. He began to stand shakily at first but the dark one soon stood tall, his height around seven and a half feet

his dark eyes darted to the vegetation around him where was he, the air here seemed different slightly heavier, but he could adjust in time, he closed his eyes steadying himself before reaching out with his mind, after a few moments he felt something It felt like his Kin there were so many of them, but something was wrong, something about them felt... different

'Strange' he noted before heading deeper into the forest unaware of the crimson eyes that watched him from the folliage

Ruby rose walked through the halls of beacon academy, passing by a number of students who were busy preparing for the classes set to start tomorrow for the classes that would start back up tomorrow, in her hands, she held a large white binder with the letters Best day ever activity! written in bold red over Vytal festival activity's Property of Weiss Schnee. as she exited the main building she was greeted by the morning air, the Sun shone through the clouds above.

Glancing over at the Emerald forest where it had all begun a few months ago. Since then nobody had entered the Emerald forest. Turning back towards her destination the cafeteria, she took a step forward then stopped it was subtle a cry if pain echoed through the forest her head snapped back towards it.

A dozen birds leapt from the trees flying off away from the danger

She stood there for a moment her silver eyes scanning the trees below nothing but the sound on nature, then it happened the forest canopy exploded outwards the body of an Ursa's shot out from the tree line a large tree branch impaled through its chest, the howls of more Grimm echoing from the forest. Ruby's eyes widened and in an instant, she vanished in a trail of rose petals the binder throne aside as she dashed off towards the tree's.

/

The dark one stood in the clearing the creatures around him began to close in, the bear creature had met its end after attempting to sneak up on him, each of the beasts bore some resemblance to one another with black fur and a bone mask bearing red markings along with pristine white bone armor plating and multiple spikes protruding from their spine, they radiated nothing but hatred and malice no light resided inside them, no soul.

Three of the creatures snapped their jaws at him but the Dark one showed no fear towards them they had no soul no conscious mind, they deserved no mercy Suddenly all three of the creatures leapt forward, time itself stood still the creatures frozen mid-pounce, he thrust his hand forward a shock wave forming as time resumed the wolves were thrown back with enough force to snap their necks if not then the collision with the trees had certainly finished them.

A growl emanated from behind him, a massive black paw stuck him launching him across the clearing, pushing himself back up, he gripped his left side crimson droplets falling from his wound staining the ground below. The creature stood over him it's massive size matching his full height when standing it roared in his face an attempt to make him show fear before the final kill.

A red missile barreled out of the forest a blade extending from her scythe Crescent Rose the blade connecting with the Beowulf Alphas side creating a long gash on its abdomen the Alpha roared in rage as pain coursed through the Grimm's body. Ruby watched as it simply Ignored her in favour of finishing the... where did it go?

The Beowulf also seemed to be in the same state of confusion using the moment Ruby leapt forward burrowing the blade of Crescent Rose into the bone plating on the Alphas back attempting to pull the blade free only to find it stuck "Uh oh". The alpha reeled its hand back grabbing Ruby's forearm throwing the girl off his back.

/

A small distance away from the clearing the dark one made his way through the forest. The girl had come out of nowhere engaging the massive Alpha of the pack, drawing its attention as well as its packmates offering him ample time to make his escape she was handling herself well enough against the creature, but he did not want to see what happened after it was dispatched.

A stray thought made its way to the forefront o his mind

Would she pursue him after the deed was done?

The thought alone was enough to make him increase his pace slightly, that is until a terrified cry echoed through the forest

The dark one paused mid-step his head snapped back towards the direction of the clearing before glancing back towards the opposite direction, it would be so easy to run, so easy to simply walk away and for a moment he considered it.

But..., he could not. it was not the way. Humanity was flawed that much he understood, their emotions ruled their very beings and in times of fear could cloud their judgment and any form of rational thought above that for their own survival. And yet, there was this child.. one who had bravely or perhaps foolishly placed their own well being perhaps even her life in harm's way to preserve his own.

When so many others like her had sought to extinguish it, once again he glanced back toward the forest away from the fighting, away from the threat of extinction he had escaped once already this day... was the risk truly worth the reward.

At that moment he made a decision and vanished from sight.

/

Ruby was slammed into a tree her aura absorbing the hit, using her semblance she dogged out the way of the Grimm's charge.

'This is bad, this is bad.' Ruby told herself ducking under another swipe, her scythe was lodged in the bone armour of the Beowolf Alpha leaving the young reaper unarmed.

The alpha's eyes narrowed going for another slash Ruby slid under the strike suddenly it's right arm shot out grabbing the young reaper by the hood of her cape lifting her into the air before slamming her into the ground multiple times before throwing her off to the side.

Ruby let out a cry of pain as she skipped across the forest floor her aura shimmered around her form before vanishing from sight, pushing herself up onto her hands and knees she raised her head her eyes instantly widened in fear as she stared up at the gaping maw of the Alpha Beowulf, the Grimm unleashed an ear-piercing roar revealing a large set of serrated teeth that could easily rip through flesh and bone, before it began closing in on her.

'Yang, Weiss, Blake I'm sorry.' she's though shutting her eyes tight and bracing for the end, Though it never came.

Time itself seemed to slow down to a crawl as a dark hand reach past over her shoulder grasping the Grimm by the mask, in almost an instant it happened the alpha Beowulf howled in pain while one of its massive paws gripped its head in agony the other lashed out in confusion at the creature, which in turn vanished before the strike could connect

Ruby tried to stand to put some distance in between her and the now feral Grimm when suddenly one of its massive paws blindsided her throwing Ruby a good ten feet crashing back first into the trunk of a nearby tree, the Grimm howled in agony it's mind fractured and insanity consuming its conscientiousness as it lashed out widely with one finally howl the Grimm's body collapsed to the side never to rise again.

Ruby tried to pick herself up but collapsed in the process raising her head she stared up at the creature now standing over the dead Grimm, her vision blurred for a moment blinking back a few tears she shook her head ina n attempt to focus. Looking back up she let out a subtle gasp, the creature now towered over her it dark eyes staring down at her prone form.

For a moment she wondered what this thing would do, it vaguely resembled a Grimm although lacking any of the armour plating or markings, its actions alone only served to confuse her further. Why would it protect her if it was just going to kill her anyways, maybe to relish in the fear she would no doubt radiate in her final moments.

Slowly it knelt down in front of her Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she stared into its pitch black eyes, her face reflecting back at her from those pools of darkness. Its head tilted to the side, a sound similar to a purr emanated from the creature as it leaned in, she could feel its eyes roam over her body primarily focussing on her aking side.

After a moment of silence and an intense stare-off Ruby began to shift herself into a sitting position her back resting against the tree, a pained hiss passed her lips due to the sudden movement Ruby gripped the side of her chest in pain. Her aura had been depleted in the fight, she had been so distracted she'd let the Grimm get the drop on her a mistake that could have cost her greatly if this... thing hadn't intervened.

Suddenly one of the creatures lanky arms reached out towards her Ruby braced herself staring at the limb in fear, as if sensing her sudden shift from confusion to terror it paused, before slowly retracting its hand.

The creature tilted its head to the side staring down at her prone form. Ruby stared into those pools of inky blackness as the stared back into her own, for a moment she thought it looked concerned... was it trying to help her.

No that was impossible, the Grimm were evil incarnate they sought nothing more than mankind's destruction. And yet here she was, out of Aura and wounded a death sentence if she couldn't make it back to Beacon, and any attempt at the movement for the moment was definitely not happening. Yet it did nothing except stare at her.

A howl echoed in the distance, no doubt more Grimm attracted to the battle and turmoil she was no doubt giving off, acting as a beacon for any Grimm in the surrounding area.

Taking a chance, Ruby tried to move pushing what little aura she'd recovered in these short few moments of rest focussing on her aura as she attempted to rise to her feet, making it to her knees before pain shot through her lower back and left shoulder. Ruby collapsed back to the forest floor her muscles burned her bones ached.

A small whimper slipped from her throat as she turned her Gaze back towards the creature kneeling over her "W-what are you w-waiting for?" She asked her voice trembling slightly "K-Kill me"

"No" A voice whispered in the back of her mind, Ruby eyes widened the threat of the Grimm closing in quickly slipping from her mind in almost an instant, her gaze locked on the creature above her.

Slowly it reached out taking her hand into its own. "Rest" The voice said followed by a wave of nausea washing over her, dark spots quickly began to fill her vision as her world fade into darkness.

/

The darkness swirled around her lights flickered and moved in and out of sight Ruby's silver eye's opened wide as she sucked in a breath, slowly she stood up a large black void at her back but what lay in front of her made her heart stop a single figure stood there a white cloak wrapped around her form the woman turned towards her Silvereyes met Silver

"Mom?" Ruby Asked tears began to form in the corner of her eye's. slowly she took a step forward, soon finding herself running Summer didn't move an inch even when a red missile impacted her chest, small arms wrapped around her, Ruby's head buried into her shoulder sobbing soon followed

"Shhhhhhh" Her mother's voice cooed gently stroked her hair, Ruby's sob's dying down. As she looked up at the older Rose a gentle smile graced her mother's features.

Ruby just stared up at her mother more tears falling from her face as the older rose leaned down gently kissing her forehead, for so long she had wanted this for so long she had begged to be able to see her mother one more time and now here she was.

Although that did beg the question where was she, then it all came back to her the fight with the Beowulf alpha, the creature then nothing was... was she dead. A new form a grief washed over Ruby as she thought of her team dealing with her death the pain her friends and family would go through uncle Qrow, Yang... Dad.

"Ruby..." Ruby looked up at her mother's smiling face "It's time to wake up"

"W-what?" Ruby said in confusion, Summer leaned down caressing her daughter's cheek

"Ruby... you need to wake up the other they need you, you need to wake up" Summer spoke as her form began to blow away into white rose petals

"No..no, mom please don't you can't please" Ruby begged, looking up at her mother tears streaming down her cheeks "Please you can't, not again, you can't leave again please! " Ruby cried gripping onto her torso

Summer reached out wiping away her daughter's tears

" Ruby... my preciousness rosebud, no matter where you go, no matter what it seems I will always be their right beside you... I love you Ruby " With that Summer form blew away into a cloud of rose petal, a blinding white light shone where summer once stood expanding rapidly towards the young Rose.

/

"Mom!" Ruby cried as she shot up awake, her breathing frantic she attempted to calm herself her eyes darted around the room as she attempted to get her bearings Ruby found herself lying in one of the beds in beacon infirmary. Suddenly a blond blur glomped onto her squeezing the very life out of the young reaper

"Ruby, thank god you're ok!" Yang said her arms tightened around her sister's torso

"Yang, please...need... air" Ruby managed to blurt out, Yang released her younger sibling her usual violet eyes were red and puffy signs she had been crying. Blake and Weiss entered through the door each sporting looks of relief.

"Ruby, where have you been?" Weiss asked coming to stop beside her bed

"What?" Ruby asked in confusion

"Professor Goodwitch found you near the edge of the campus," Blake said " You been missing all day " Ruby glanced up out the window to her right showing it was indeed late in the afternoon evident by how the sun had just begun to set, how long had she been unconscious?

"Ruby" Yang said gaining her attention her voice was firm showing the seriousness of the situation "What happened?"

"That is something we'd like to know as well miss Rose" Ruby looked to the door professor Ozpin and Miss Goodwitch standing in the doorway.

/

The Dark one wandered through the forest. The creatures were keeping their distance after his display earlier that day, his mind wandered back to that moment was he wrong to have saved her to have gone so close to a human stronghold such acts in the past had cost his brethren their lives and in return the lives of many humans. When he first approached the girl, a part of him was willing to end her life retaliation for the death of his brothers and sister and the destruction of his home.

But that was not the way, that was not who he was nor who his people were. Humanity feared what they did not understand and in these moments they often acted violently, the attack on his home an example of such rash actions. Although that did raise the question if he had survived the attack on the hive where were the others, had more of his brethren made it here, once again he reached out with his mind it was a blur there were so many, yet so few what had happened here.

Continuing through the forest he came upon a small cave off to the right strange hieroglyphs surrounding its entrance some partially destroyed 'Strange' the dark one mused as he examined the display it seemed to tell of a battle against a large armored beast, he glanced around his surroundings nightfall was coming and he did not wish to engage these creatures under the cover of darkness, the cave was not much better in terms of light but it could be defended if the need arises.

Slowly the Dark One made his way into the opening leading into the pitch black cavern within, the tunnels below the surface often had low visibility except for the occasional glowing fungus that often grew there, nevertheless, his eyes adapted quickly to the lack of light. moving further as he passed a number of remains many appearing to be forms of wildlife while others... others were human.

Reaching the end of the narrow passageway the dark one came to a halt his eyes scanning over, his new surroundings. Whatever creature had been here had moved on judging by the damage to the cave walls it was not a willing process, proceeding further inside the darkened cave scanning for any threat that may lie ahead he stopped as the cave opened up into a chamber the walls decorated with sections of hanging moss, amber beams off light shone in from an opening above that also allowed a small stream of water to flow down through the air and splash into the clear pond below.

Stepping into the chamber the dark one examined his surroundings, it would do as shelter, for the time being, letting him treat his wound and rest glancing up at the opening of amber rays shining in from above before taking a seat against the stone wall. Slowing his breathing as the fatigue from that day's events finally began to take hold, he did not know what the future held for him if he truly was the last of his people or perhaps if others had survived, all he could do was wait and hope he may see his brethren again in this life or in the next.

/

"She's gone off the deep end" Weiss muttered from her position beside her leader's bed, as she recounted the events leading up to her disappearance "You're saying a Grimm saved you?"

"Of all the hairbrained excuses" Glynda muttered under her breath.

"I don't think it was a Grimm, it almost looked...Human. " Ruby said shrinking slightly under the combat instructors gaze.

Yang and Blake looked at their leader sceptically, it wasn't an impossibility there were many documented Grimm that had appeared somewhat humanoid one such creature being the legendary Nuckelavee and even more that were still being discovered to this day. And yet the creature their leader had described seemed like an impossibility.

"Maybe you thought it was a Grimm when in reality it was something else entirely." Blake said. " Maybe it was another student who followed you out there and after you passed out and brought you back to the academy."

Yang walked over resting her hands on her sister's shoulders "The doc said you had a slight concussion from the fight, maybe you were hallucinating or something." Yang said

"No... I know what I saw" Ruby muttered under her breath, even if she was only slightly sceptical herself.

The two professors in the room shared a look, having heard the young girls words.

Ozpin turned his attention towards the currently bedridden girl, he had seen and heard many things in his lifetime powerful warriors with silver eyes and four maidens all of who'ms, names had drifted into the stuff of legends and fairytales parents would tell their children were just some examples, never once had he seen or heard any reports of such a creature existing.

It would be easy to say another student had simply followed her out there and rushed to her aid once it became apparent she was in danger, and yet... if that were the case why leave her on the cliffside in such a state, why not contact one of the faculty, or perhaps bring her directly to the infirmary.

The cliffs were far enough from the forest to not warrant the danger of any Grimm coming upon her and also providing a quick escape route, while close enough to the academy that she would be found rather quickly in such an open area. Ruby's story was slowly starting to become more feasible

If that was the case, why did this creature save her why not let its brethren finish her off?

Was it one of the more intelligent of its kind attempting to create false trust with the girl only to end her life when her back was turned, so many questions ran through his mind at that moment what was this creature? what was its purpose here? and most of all was it sent by her?... Did she know about Ruby?

That he did not know, but he was determined to find out and if this creature posed a threat to his students, to Vale, then it would be eliminated. "It's getting late, we can discuss this more in the morning, I suggest the three of you return to your dorm. Miss Rose." Ozpin said turning to the currently bedridden girl "The medical staff would like to keep you overnight for observation, while your injuries may have been minor, it is best if we are thorough. We would rather not risk your well being." Ozpin said.

A sudden knock at the door drew the groups attention, a woman in her mid-twenties stood by the open door dressed in medical scrubs. "I'm sorry to interrupt professor Ozpin, but visiting hours will be ending soon I'm going to have to ask the three of you-" She gestures to the WBY of team RWBY"-To return to your dorm, we'll keep an eye on your leader while she's here" The nurse said.

"Of course" Weiss replied respectfully, Blake and Yang nodding in agreement the first making their way towards the exit while the latter gave her younger sister an assuring look.

"Get some rest." Yang said before following her teammates out, the nurse stood in the doorway watching the teenagers go.

"That includes you as well, Headmaster. I'll give you a few minutes to finish up your conversation." The nurse said to which Ozpin nodded in return. "Also Miss Goodwitch" she asked

"Yes" Glynda replied

"Since you were the one who discovered Miss rose I'm going to need you to sign off on a few things, I assure you it won't take more than a few minutes"

"Of course Katherine" Glynda responded, the nurse quickly grabbed Ruby's chart before she and Glynda made their way back into the other room. Ozpin turned his attention back towards Ruby

" Miss Rose... you do understand what you're implying, it goes against all we know and understand of the creatures of Grimm, such a thing simply could not exist" Ruby looked off to the side not meeting the headmaster's eye.

"But...what if it really did" Ruby whispered. Ozpin raised an eyebrow in response to Ruby's words, he had a feeling there was more to this then she let on and her response only confirmed it.

The headmaster sighed turning to stare out the infirmary window "I know and have seen many things that aren't recorded in books Ruby. The world is a dangerous place with mysteries that have yet to be revealed if you find something that no other can give you an answer to... then perhaps it is time for you to find the answer yourself" Ozpin stated wisely.

Ruby didn't know how to respond to that the headmaster's words only furthered to fuel her confusion more. "Now then I believe I've taken up enough of your time for one evening. get some rest Miss rose." The headmaster said as he turned to leave.

As the door clicked shut behind him Ruby fell back into her bed, staring up at the ceiling above feeling more confused then she had been before. Thoughts of the strange human-like Grimm lingered in her mind "... what was he?" She wondered allowed, one thing was for certain.

She wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.

And we are done, feel free to review if you want, this story has been something I've been working on for a few months now and has been sitting on my hard drive for even longer.

As for this chapter... for the moment its a one-shot but it may branch out into another story of mine in the future. Showing the world of Remnant through the eyes of a surviving Darkone from Artyom's attack on the hive will be a difficult task and I will and have most likely stumbled along the way with this character, I am open to any constructive criticism you can supply me with, it is always welcome and helps me improve on my stories.

Never the less I hope you enjoyed it.

Feel free to check out a few of my other stories while you're at it, this is Nightstalker33 signing off.