AN: Greetings citizens of FanFiction, I welcome you to my virgin voyage into the seas of writing on this site. Or it would be, if this wasn't an updated version of Chapter One.
That's right, I welcome you readers, new and old, to the revision of Chapter One. No one told me it needed revision, but to be frank, it NEEDED revision. A lot of it. I feel kinda sick looking back at it, actually. Though that may just be me still being sick. Because of this, any revised chapters will be denoted by the addition of "Vn" to their name, the n standing for whichever version it is. For instance, this chapter is "V2" or the second version, first revision. I probably won't need any V3s, I'm happy with these revisions so far, but hey, planning ahead is important.
Anyway, for those wondering, I don't have an update schedule, but I do make an attempt to update once a week, every other week is too much work is dumped on me at once.
I ask that you all to review this chapter. I don't get much criticism and criticism is exactly what I need. I'm here to not just enjoy myself, but to improve as well.
Well, I hope y'all enjoy, and if you do, then consider staying for the ride!
[IMPORTANT NOTE]
These first ten chapters follow a young Ruby Rose settling into her new life, the true story starts on Chapter Eleven. While I wouldn't suggest skipping these first chapters, they set up a few of the workings of Lore, as well as the kinds of people Ruby is raised by and around, and as such how she will likely develop, if you aren't interested in something that lacks all that much story importance, then feel free to skip ahead. Though at least finish Chapter One, this chapter will have significance for certain story aspects in the future.
Chapter One V2
The shadows steadily grew longer as a small figure, pulling a little red wagon, trekked through the depths of a forest. The small, tired child looked back at the sleeping child she had bundled up in the wagon, a fond smile on her face.
"Don't worry, Ruby, we'll have a new mom soon, then we won't be alone anymore."
The blonde girl continued on into the forest, her small wagon quietly squeaking as she went. The young girl failed to notice the darkness that crept through the shadows. The eyes that watched the two children, gleaming with an unnatural malevolence.
The young blonde continued on, unaware of the stalking predator, or any of the other dangers within the forest who began to take notice of their presence. She continued on, unaware of the soul who desperately tried to track them, or the calm being who watched them with almost clinical interest, examining and judging the youths from beyond their sight.
None of her audience drew the blonde's attention, allowing her to continue on, to approach the small, rundown cabin that now stood before her, its ominous shadows beckoning her with promises of a mother she never knew.
As she slowly walked across the clearing, taking in the sight of what she hoped was the key to a better, happier life for both herself and her sister. However, as she reached the halfway point, she froze. A primal fear overtook her body as her lilac eyes met the glowing red orbs that opened within the darkness of the cabin.
Large, black wolves covered in bony, white plating stalked out from within the shadows. Glowing crimson eyes glared at the two, nothing but malevolence bleeding from them, and nothing else. No intelligence, animalistic or otherwise. No hate, no desire, no hunger. Nothing but empty, all consuming malevolence.
The blonde stumbled backwards as they approached, horror dawning on her face as she realized the danger she was in. The danger her sister was in. The danger she dragged her sister into. In a burst of desperation, she leapt backwards, swinging down to wake her sister.
The blonde shook her sister, jarring the young redhead awake. The redhead's tired, glazed eyes looked at the frightened blonde, "Yang," she questioned, "What's going on?"
Yang's attempted answer was cut off by a loud howl from behind her. The blonde and the redhead swung their heads around to see the wolves preparing to pounce on the youths, claws ready to rend flesh and jaws ready to crush bone.
Ruby let out a horrified shriek as she fully awoke and realized the situation she and her sister were in. The redhead clutched the red cloak she had been using as a blanket in fear as she saw the large, predatory beasts coming to end her life.
Before she could do anything, Yang reached over and grabbed Ruby, and used all of her strength to lob the younger girl away from the wagon. As she did so, Yang yelled, "Run! I-I can hold 'em! Just get outta here!"
Yang swung around to meet the wolves, small fist cocked and ready to impact one of the bipedal canines, and was promptly swiped out of the way by a large, black paw. Long tears appeared on her skin as she was thrown across the clearing, a loud scream of pain ripping from her lungs as the beast launched her.
Ruby screamed her sister's name, watching in horror as she was thrown by the beast. She watched in horror as most of the beasts leapt to quite literally dogpile and kill the blonde, and were promptly cut down by a large, black scythe.
Ruby and the injured Yang watched in amazement as a large, rough looking man with messy black hair and soft red eyes easily cut down the Beowolves that were lunging for the blonde. His large black scythe easily cutting through the monsters and bisecting them in midair. He glanced back at the downed girl and said, "Don't worry, your Uncle Qrow is here, he'll protect you."
He spun around to assist his younger, redheaded niece and felt his blood run cold. Standing behind her was the large predator that had been stalking the girls since they entered the woods, a large Alpha-Beowolf, its superiority to its lesser kin denoted by it being far large than the smaller monsters, covered in larger, stronger plates, and of course its eyes. It's eyes that were filled not by an empty malevolence, but by a cruel intelligence.
Said cruel intelligence was focused on the the panicked redhead, who slowly turned around to see what had frightened her uncle. Wide silver eyes met the glowing red eyes of the predator. They stood like that for a second, just staring at each other, examining each other, before the Beowolf snorted in what almost seemed like disdain.
Faster than Qrow could react, a large black paw slammed into Ruby's chest, resulting in a loud crack filling the clearing. Ruby's shout of pain was snuffed by her inability to gather enough air in her lungs, her chest screaming in pain anytime she tried to inhale. She sailed across the clearing, crashing into a tree and collapsing to the ground.
Qrow lunged at the Alpha, preparing to strike it down for attacking his niece. The bipedal wolf predicted his enraged attack and dived out of the way, quickly making its way towards the downed the redhead. It dodged everything Qrow threw at it, and leapt over a slash to its legs. It bent down and grabbed the redhead by the face in its large, almost hand-like paw.
It held the barely conscious girl up like a trophy, letting her dangle between it and the enraged scythe wielder. Pained silver eyes looked out from between hairy fingers, her mouth slightly opened and she gasped out a quiet, "Uncle Qrow, help me," at the scythe wielder.
He paused as he tried to figure out how he could save his niece without her getting anymore hurt. Meanwhile, the Alpha had a similar train of thought, only in regards to itself escaping. That's when its animalistic senses picked up rustling behind it. A quick glance revealed one of its lesser kin, having been attracted by the sounds and negative emotions that filled the clearing.
Had the Alpha been able to feel happiness, cruel or otherwise, it would have grinned at the sight as an idea formed. Its claw tightened around the girl's head, nails digging into the soft flesh of cheeks. Its muscles tensed as the hunter's eyes narrowed, locking onto the girl. The Alpha then spun on its foot, launching the girl towards the smaller Beowolf, who opened its dark maw to catch its young prey.
Before Qrow could rush forward and cut down the younger canine, the Alpha clotheslined him with its hairy forearm, slamming the black haired man into the ground. Qrow's vision was abruptly filled with stars as his head hit the forest floor and jarred his brain.
Ruby could only scream in fear as she soared towards small, black beast. As she approached the gaping jaws, the girl's final watcher decided to make a move.
Ruby's vision was fading, the pain and fear finally taking their toll on the girl's mind. As she began to fade from consciousness, she watched as the dark jaws of the Beowolf were overtaken by an even larger, shadowy maw. She felt herself easily enter the massive, gaping mouth.
She felt herself falling, seemingly endlessly. She buffeted by cold winds as what appeared to be dark clouds swirled around her. Her descent through the darkness was ended by a bright light, a flash of green, and a dull impact. Then, her whole world finally darkened into nothingness.
A beaten up Qrow ran to where the Alpha had thrown his niece, desperately praying to any god who might listen that Ruby would still be alive, still be there. He finally broke through the underbrush, and felt his heart stop. Gone was his niece, all that was left where she had been thrown was a torn up red cloak, and a dissolving Grimm corpse.
When Qrow returned, the only answer Yang got to her question of where Ruby was a choked sob and tattered cloak.
Meh, scene break
Within a forest, perched atop a tall cliff, was a bustling fortress built around a towering oak tree. This fortress was still under construction, as shown by the scaffolding and piles of masonry surrounding the structure.
Despite still being under construction, armoured figures strolled around the place, most armed with simple longswords or greatswords. Amongst the various adults several younger men through the area, doing various jobs and chores.
Eventually, all of the young men gathered around a taller man whose armour was gilded and covered in medals. "Alright squires," the man's deep baritone effortlessly cut through the hustle and bustle of the keep, "now that your basic chores have been completed, you can receive your duties for the day." The man pulled out a piece of paper with the various jobs written on it. "When you get your duties for the day, do them without complaint, even if you're cleaning the latrines again," he gave two young of the boys a sharp glare, "You are all training to be knights, not limp wristed nobles."
He read off the various duties, ignoring the childish shouts of success or defeat depending on their assignments. He continued on until he reached the name of a certain blonde. "Rolith," he said, meeting the young man's olive green eyes, "You've been doing well as of late, so you've been promoted to bandit patrol. Suit up and prepare to head out."
The blonde's eyes widened in shock, before narrowing in determination. He gave the man a salute and said, "Yes sir, Sir Perior!"
As he walked away, Sir Perior had to hide his fond smile as the blonde squire 'whooped' happily and bragged to his fellow squires about getting a new position.
Rolith couldn't keep the cocky grin off his face as he bragged to his fellow squires, "Heh, looks like I'm finally moving up in the world."
The redheaded young man who stood next to him rolled his eyes, "Yes Rolith, congrats. I'm certain you'll be very impressive when you swing your weapon around like a stupid beast."
One of the other squires cackled, "Awwww, you sound jealous Junn. You wanna just go back and read your medical books like the nerd you are?"
The now named Junn rolled his eyes, "Yes Prize, I do. Just like you probably would like to do anything but the latrines. But hey, not all of us can be competent."
Prize flinched back, "Hey! Cuss is doing them with me you know!"
Cuss crossed his arms and shot a death glare at his back, "And you'll probably try to get me alone in them again," he muttered, "But not this time. You'll be at the bottom of the hill covered in the latrine's contents this time. Just you wait."
Another squire walked up to them, "Come on guys, you argue later. Besides, if you want better jobs, then a new spot on the scout team. Me and Vivor need a third guy."
Vivor nodded, "Valance is right, you just need to work harder."
Another squire rolled his eyes and said, "Ooooh yeah, I'm certain aaany of these guys could do that."
Valance glared at him, "Be be an ass, Casm."
Casm simply rolled his eyes and gave a half-hearted 'Whatever.'
The group of squires continued their somewhat friendly banter as they went and gathered their items for the duties they've been assigned.
Rolith pulled his squire armour on, and grabbed his mace from the supplies. "Well, I'm about to head out. Good luck guys."
The other squires all returned his well-wishes as he prepared to head out. With his armor on and his mace ready, Rolith made his way towards the South-Western dirt road out of the keep.
Rolith carefully walked down the dirt road, mace at the ready. He eyed one of the forest's many residents, a small greyish-brown wolf, that was snarling at him. Rolith waited for the small pack animal to either attack or flee, and swung his mace the moment it pounced.
The precise strike slammed into the beast's head, throwing a foot to the side and dazing the creature. Rolith quickly followed up with a heavy blow to the top of the wolf's head, knocking it out.
With the small animal out of the way, Rolith continued on with his patrol, keeping his eyes open for any sign of the forest's resident bandits. His eyes cautiously searched every shadow for hidden thugs, searched the leaves for traps, and listened for foot falls or other sounds of human life.
Despite his careful search, Rolth cleared the South-Western treeline without running into anything other a few other wolves. He saw neither hide nor hair of the bandits he had been tasked with patrolling for.
Rolith stretched out his arms, letting the noon sun warm his body after walking through the cool air of the forest. Looking around, Rolith picked out a small shape lying near the cliff's edge. Rolith hoisted his mace and cautiously moved to check what it was, eyes peeled for a possible ambush.
Rolith's guard dropped, along with his mace, when he saw the identity of the small figure on the cliffside, a young redheaded girl. Rolith dropped down to examine the small form, trying to figure out what her condition was.
The first thing Rolith noticed was that she was bleeding. Several shallow gashes marred her face, blood lightly running down her cheeks. A small amount of blood was also leaking out of her mouth. Rolith carefully brought a hand to the small girl's wrist, holding his breath in anticipation. Rolith let out a sigh of relief at the small but steady pulse that made itself apparent to the young squire.
Having confirmed that the girl was alive, Rolith stood up, sweeping his eyes around the cliffside, hoping to find a sign as to who or what was responsible for the girl's current condition, and where she she may have come from.
When his brief sweep revealed nothing, he gently crouched back down, and tried to scoop the girl's body up to bring her back to the keep. However, he pulled back when a pained gasp erupted from her mouth.
His worried olive-green eyes met a pair of hazy, silver eyes that stared up at him. They were clouded with pain and sleep, and highly unfocused. Her eyes trailed to his short blonde hair, and she mumbled a questioning "Dad?"
Rolith shook his head, "Sorry, I'm not your father." When the girl's face became distressed at his words, Rolith continued, "My name's Rolith, what's your's?"
The small girl's eyes focused a bit, finally finding their way to his eyes, "I'm, Ruby," she mumbled, before coughing. As she coughed, she winced in pain, bringing her hand up to her chest. When she did so, the redhead yelped in pain, and winced even more when she did.
Rolith, noticing her pain, grew concerned. Noting that she flinched whenever her chest moved, he asked, "Does your chest hurt?" At her pained nod, Rolith carefully poked one of her ribs. He quietly cursed when he felt the bone slightly shift under his touch, as well as Ruby's shout of pain when he did so.
Rolith placed his hand on Ruby's head and said, "Alright Ruby, I'm gonna need you to be strong for a second. I'm gonna pick you up, and it may hurt your chest. Can you handle it?"
Ruby was in too tired and pained to really think, and just gave him a slow nod. She sharply inhaled, but didn't shout out when she felt Rolith's hands slide under her upper back and under her knees, allowing him to lift her in a princess carry.
Rolith stood up to his full height, the small form of Ruby in his arms. He began walking back the way he did, entering the treeline and starting on the road to the keep. He looked down at his diminutive passenger, who was breathing shallowly and had her eyes clenched in pain.
"Don't worry, Ruby," Rolith said, attracting the girl's attention, "Once I get you back to the keep, our medics can fix you up."