The Merging of Worlds
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.
Thesaiyan21 : Thanks!
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"Hello" = talking
"Hello" = thoughts
Woof = sounds
Prologue Part 2
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Chirp! Chirp...Chirp!
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"...?"
The first thing I noticed as my senses returned was the sound of a bird chirping outside the window.
"...mmh...?" My mind was still groggy and my vision blurry but I knew that I was in a bed.
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Chirp!...Chirp!
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Everything seemed so peaceful.
"...Was it...just...a dream?"
I tried to sit up,
"Ow!"
...but immediately failed.
The intense, agonizing pain coming from all over my body attested to that.
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...Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!
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The pain brought me from my dazed state and instantly...all of last night's memories came rushing back to me. "Okaay...definitely not a dream."
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...!
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Where was Ace!?
"Ace!" I tried to call out but instead a grunt of pain escaped my mouth.
When I tried to speak, my throat protested and started to hurt like hell. Wow...my body must be pretty messed up.
I wasn't too worried about that though...what worried me the most was Ace's safety.
I weakly looked around the room that I was located in. The bright sunlight coming from the window illuminated the room.
...Everything was completely unfamiliar.
It was a small room with barely anything in it. There was the small bed, which I was currently laying on, in the corner. A small table with a chair was set in the middle of the room and a small antique dresser was wobbling against a wall opposite of the bed.
I seem to be in a small cottage, seeing as the whole room was made of wood.
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Chirp!..Chirp Chirp...Chirp!
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I could still hear the bird chirping away with energy. I turn my eyes toward the window right beside the bed...the sight that greeted me however, was absolutely shocking.
Now that it was day, I had a better look as opposed to last night, and what I saw was a forest that was made up entirely of the colour red.
The trees, the grass, the bushes, you name it. Everything was red! I've never seen anything like it before...
"Oh yeah...I'm not exactly on earth anymore, am I?"
Letting that fact sink in a bit, I start calming down.
I shook my thoughts away.
The first thing to do right now is find Ace and get information so I can prove that my guess on exactly where we are is correct.
After all, 'Knowledge is Power'
Using my still working right arm, I take off the blanket covering me to see the state of my body. I noticed that I was stripped of my clothes and left in only my boxers...then I noticed that my chest and left arm was completely wrapped in bandages.
"...Did the stranger from last night do this?...If so, I owe the person my life."
I could feel sharp pain coming from my left arm...good it's better than feeling nothing at all.
Seeing that this cottage could belong to the stranger, I relaxed a bit and since he went through the trouble of patching me up, Ace is most likely safe and somewhere nearby.
I didn't completely relax though...'Constance Vigilance' remember.
Looking towards the table, which stood smack-dab in the middle of the room, I saw most of my stuff there. My clothes were spread out and hanging on the chair while my ring, guitar pick, watch and my earpods were sitting on the table. My iPhone was curiously enough, no where to be seen.
"Oh well..." I shrugged, instantly causing me to hiss in pain. "...Let's try not to make too much movements." I reminded myself.
I dragged myself slowly out of the bed.
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*Crack* *Crack*
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My joints were cracking noisily as I moved. Since it was daytime, I've lost all my extra strength so I had to move bit by bit stopping every once in a while.
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(A few moments of joints cracking and struggling later...)
"Whew..." I let out a silent breath of relief. I finally got out of the bed! ...Not my happiest moment but it was still something I would take pride in.
Slowly. I walked to the table...did you get the difference? Instead of limping like last night I was walking! I was already healing...not too much, nonetheless it was a work in progress.
Upon reaching the table, I only grabbed my ring. I didn't need the watch or my guitar pick at the moment and clothes...well clothes...*scoffs* if the stranger was a dude then it didn't really matter.
However, if the stranger was a girl...and seeing at how strangely proud I was of my body...well...*wink, wink*. I could show off a bit...
"..."
"..."
*Blushes* "...Ok...that was embarrassing..."
"..."
"..."
*Coughs* Moving on...
The ring held a special sentimental value to me so I felt more comfortable knowing it was somewhere near me.
I try to slip the ring onto my usual finger...I never realized how hard it would be to put on a ring with one hand...
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(A few seconds later...)
Ok...sorry for the wait.
Feeling much better with the ring on my finger, I slowly walked over to the creaking dresser. There was a small bowl of water with a towel and a small mirror waiting for me on top of the dresser.
The stranger must have left it out for me..."Thoughtful..."
I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my appearance in complete disarray.
My long hair was a mess and sticking all over the place...the tie I used to keep my hair in a ponytail must have fell off sometime last night.
My usual tired grey eyes somehow, if possible, looked ten times more tired and I had dark circles under my eyes.
I looked as if I aged in a short period of time.
Taking the towel, I wet it with water and tidied up myself.
I looked at the mirror again and saw a more...respectable looking young man staring back.
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...
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After doing everything I needed to do, I was prepared to go beyond the closed door...
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Kreeeen...
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I open the door as gently as I could.
If the person who saved me was sleeping, I didn't want to wake the person up.
Soon after opening the door, I found myself in a small hallway...it was confirmed, I was in a cottage of some sort.
The hallway was kinda dark so I decided to (slowly) head in the direction where I noticed a faint light.
I came upon a entrance to a cozy looking living room.
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...!
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"Ace!"
The first thing that caught my attention was Ace sleeping on a blanket.
"Ahhh..." I sighed in relief. I was so glad she was safe.
I quietly walk over to her and crouch down beside her...with extreme difficulty of course.
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*Snores*
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I could hear Ace lightly snoring. She must be really tired.
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*Snores*
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I smile tenderly and softly pet her head. So adorable...
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*Snor-
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Ace lazily opened her eyes. I must have woken her up with my petting.
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...ruff...
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She looked around idly, still in the process of waking up.
Then she noticed me and her eyes widened.
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Woof!
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She got really excited and jumped on me, licking my face and her tail wagging like crazy.
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Woof! Woof!
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"Owww..." She landed on my chest and that realllly hurt but I was too happy to complain. I continued stroking her head.
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Ruff...Woof!
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"..." I tried to speak but couldn't. A grunt of pain still came out instead.
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...Woof?
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She barked with worry and confusion.
I pointed at my chest and neck trying to tell her that I was having trouble speaking.
She quickly got off my chest and looked at me apologetically.
"..." I rapidly shook my head trying to convey that it was not her fault.
She continued looking at me apologetically.
"..."
However, before the misunderstood conversation could continue, a voice interrupted us.
"Well, well...I see you've finally woken up..."
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{3rd Person P.O.V.}
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!...
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Peter whirled around, surprised, towards the direction of the voice.
'Crack' "Ow..."
...But instantly regretted the decision.
Once he regained his bearings, he looked cautiously towards the stranger, who was waiting patiently for him, and slowly moved in front of Ace.
"..."
"...No need for suspicion boy...no one's here to hurt you. Good reaction though..." A soft and very male voice said. "Here...some water should help your voice." He handed a cup of water to Peter.
Peter nodded in thanks and relaxed a bit, but kept Ace behind him. He didn't know who this man was.
No...not a man, rather an old man...now that Peter had a good look at him, he realized...
He had never seen an appearance like his before.
The old man had a long beard that was white like the purest snow. His brown eyes, aged with wisdom, met Peter's curious grey gaze calmly.
He had a kind looking face but his presence was very intimidating. His body was strongly built for someone of his age. His skin was timeworn with wrinkles.
But you could tell he was a weary old man. He gave off melancholic vibes.
His hands were behind his back, waiting patiently for Peter to finish analyzing him.
The old man wore loose beige robes which resembled a haori jacket from the Japanese culture.
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...!
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Peter then noticed the small horns sticking out of the old man's head.
"...Possibly...a faunus?" Peter guessed in his head.
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Woof!
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"...Ace?" She bounded over to the old man with enthusiasm.
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Woof woof!
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"So Ace is her name...very smart dog you have here, boy." The old man reached down to pet Ace. "She wouldn't leave your side...I had to let your injuries heal so I kept her away..."
"...You were the one who saved us?" Peter croaked out. His throat was still sore.
"Yes...yes I was."
Peter lowered his head. "...Thank you..." He spoke quietly but you could hear the strong emotions in his voice.
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Ruff!
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Ace barked as if to show her gratitude too.
"Don't thank me boy...I couldn't let two innocents die on my territory." He continued petting Ace's head. "...But tell me...what were you doing so deep inside Forever Fall?" The old man asked, not angry but merely curious.
Peter was conflicted on how to answer.
"So my guess was correct, huh. But...should I tell him the truth?" Peter thought.
The old man waited for Peter to answer.
Peter decided to be vague about his reply.
"I'm not...exactly from around here..."
The old man looked at Peter for a few moments. "...Yes, I know." He gestured to a table behind him.
"...?"
Peter looked to the table but couldn't figure out what he was supposed to be looking at.
"...!"
But then he recognized it. It was his iPhone except...it was taken apart...
Peter sweat dropped. "Wtf..."
"I've never seen technology like that before..." The old man continued calmly. "I may be a recluse but my scroll is actually quite new...the language kids uses these days though..."
Peter sweat dropped again. "My iPhone...what will I tell mo-"
"..."
That's when Peter remembered...the rest of his family was on a different world.
Peter froze in shock. The only thing capable of repeating in his mind was "...Oh Sh*t..."
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Woof?
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Ace must have noticed something wrong with Peter. She went over to him and nudged his hand.
Peter was comforted and calmed down. "Ace is still here with me..."
The old man must have also noticed the heartbroken look on Peter's face. "Are you feeling ok, boy?"
Peter looked at him but didn't answer.
The old man seemed to have received the message. "It's alright...I won't pry boy. Everyone has their secrets after all."
"...Thanks. You've done so much for me but I c-" Peter was kindly interrupted by the old man.
"As I've said before, there is no need for gratitude. I was merely doing my duty in saving you."
"Sorry." Peter stated strongly. "I can't simply forget this act of kindness. I want to show my gratefulness one way or another...I dislike being indebted to someone."
The old man met Peter's stubborn grey eyes curiously.
This continued on in silence for several moments.
"..."
"..."
"...Awkward..." Peter thought.
Suddenly the old man looked contemplative. Then he proceeded to nod as if reaffirming something to himself.
"You're a very polite young man, Peter..." The old man said bringing Peter out of his thoughts.
"Uhh...Thanks?" Peter responded, unsure on how to answer the sudden compliment.
"You're also quite stubborn...but in a good way. You seem to be above average in intelligence..." The old man continued praising Peter calmly. "I've seen how protective you are of your dog. It's difficult to find a young person with all these attributes..."
Peter blushed slightly but continued looking confused. "Where is he going with these compliments."
"Wooof?" Ace also seemed lost but she was actually really happy that her brother in all but blood was being praised.
"I'm flattered...but what's you're point?" Peter asked.
"...My point is...will you become my...final apprentice? ...The last one didn't go very well..." The old man looked sad for a moment but quickly recovered. "I'm getting old and needed someone to continue my legacy and I've all but lost hope. Then you arrived..."
The old man looked down, losing himself to his thoughts.
"..."
Peter was astonished. The last thing he thought could've happened was to become someone's apprentice! But he needed to repay the old man for saving his and Ace's life...plus it was a offer that would help both him and the old man. What's there to lose?
"I would be honoured to become your apprentice."
The old man looked at Peter.
"...Are you sure about this decision?"
"Yes."
The old man's expression brightened. Like a huge weight had been removed from his shoulders.
The tension in the air was replaced by a happy one.
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Woof! Ruff!
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Ace also seemed happy.
"Very well! No time to be wasted! Oh...where are my manners. I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Cether Drakoe." The newly introduced Cether said with new found energy. He was like a different person...instead of a sad old man, there was a happy old man in front of Peter.
"Pleasure. Let me introduce myself again...I don't think last night counted. My name is Peter Hallows, currently head of the House of Hallows."
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Woof! Woof!
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"And of course, this is Ace..."
"*Chuckles* It's nice to meet you. But tell me Peter, are you a noble? Your introduction is...not exactly normal." Cether questioned.
"No, no...the House of Hallows is not a elite one." Peter showed Cether his ring. "We are just a more...ancient family than most. This ring has been passed down through generations to the heads of the family." Peter explained.
"You are the head of the family? What of your father?"
"My father is..." Peter stopped and looked down.
Cether realized that this was probably a sensitive subject for Peter. "You don't have to tell me. Your secret is your own."
Peter looked grateful for a moment but changed back to a neutral expression. "No...seeing that I'm going to be your apprentice, I expect us to be around each other a lot. We need to learn to trust each other so I'll start now...my father...he gave me the ring one day when I was younger, telling me that he believed and trusted me..." Peter paused in nostalgia.
Cether listened and waited patiently.
"Then...the next day he was...gone..." Peter finished. Ace was quietly sitting beside Peter.
"..."
"..."
They all sat in awkward silence.
"...Peter..." Cether started and Peter looked up at him. "I'm sure your father had his reasons..."
"Yes, I know." Peter cut in politely. "I don't hate him, in fact it's the opposite. I also have him to thank for my present self...it was his departure that made me mature more quickly...much more than most. I realized the world was much more cruel than I thought. I promised myself to protect my family from it..."
Cether smiled and patted Peter's shoulder. "Good. I'm glad you got over it."
Peter blinked. This was the first time he let out his personal feelings. It was quite refreshing.
"Now...you said that you weren't from around here..."
Peter nodded.
"So, if you're not from Vale are you from Vacuo? Atlas? Mistral? Or somewhere else on Remnant?"
Peter hesitated. He couldn't answer before and now, he still didn't know how to answer. "Should I just tell him the truth?"
"*Sigh* I'm actually...not from any of those..."
Cether eyed Peter curiously.
"I'm not from Remnant at all...I come from a world called Earth."
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{Peter's P.O.V.}
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"...so yeah...that's all I can explain about this situation..."
It took a while for me to explain to Cether about the different world thing, but I finally did it. I'm really glad that he's a more...open-minded person. He didn't question much.
"Puff...Puff...I see...it's hard to believe, but with all the hints around me...I have no choice but to accept it."
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*Munch*...*Munch*...Woof!...*Munch*
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We were now located at the small dining table with my *sob* ruined iPhone.
A cup of tea was sitting in front of me.
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*Munch*...*Munch*...*Munch*
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Ace was eating snacks given by Cether.
Puff...Puff... and Cether himself was smoking a very intricate looking pipe. He was using some kind of blue powder instead of tobacco and it smelled oddly like mint.
"So essentially, earth is behind in technology but has no Grimm...Puff...Puff...sounds quite nice." Cether said while blowing out...cold air? scented with mint.
I take a sip of the warm tea. "...Yes, there may be no Grimm but the world itself is corrupted...both literally and figuratively. But that is another topic for another time."
"Aye...Puff...Puff...just making sure though...you don't know anything about Remnant, right?" Cether responded.
I decided to keep the fact that I actually knew a lot about Remnant a secret. The knowledge I have could be really dangerous, for both me and the characters. Cether wasn't seen in the show but I didn't want to risk him.
"No, I have absolutely no knowledge of Remnant at all." I lied with a straight face.
"Hmmm...Puff...Puff..." Cether stared at me. As he continued to stare, I started to sweat nervously...from the short time I met Cether, I could almost swear that he was omnipotent. "...Puff...Puff...Then we've best be started!" Cether said with a big grin.
"...huh?" I dumbly said.
"You're very lucky that I've collected many documentaries and books." Cether said as he put away his pipe and got up from the table. "Wait here...I'm going to get the ones you need." He got up and went to his library.
"...huh?" I dumbly said again.
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*Munch*...*Munch*...*Munch*
*Munch*...*Munch*...*Munch*
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Ace continued eating, ignoring her surroundings.
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(A few minutes later...)
Cether came back holding four mean looking and equally thick books.
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*CRASH*
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He plopped the books on the table.
"..."
"These should help you understand the overall workings of Remnant." Cether said with the biggest grin I've ever seen. "You're first task as my apprentice is to read these four books and have them by heart."
"..."
"..."
"...WHAT!?" I screamed in my mind.
I spared a look at the books.
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'The Beginner's Guide to Remnant'
'Grimm Tales'
'Aura and Semblance for Dummies'
'Hunters, Huntresses and Politics'
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(O_O) -my expression-
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Cether continued looking at me with the sh*t – eating grin on his face. Ace was looking at me with sympathy.
"Once you've finished reading them and memorized, I have a list of questions to test your knowledge. You have all the time you need. Just tell me when you're ready." Cether explained.
"I guess this would help me in the long run..."
"*Sigh* Very well...I will try to finish as soon as I can." I replied.
"Good."
Before the conversation could end, I still had something really important to ask. "Mr. Drakoe..."
"Just call me Cether, there's no need for formalities between us."
"Ok, Cether...can you...uh...put my iPhone back to its original state?" I asked, hiding the desperation in my voice.
"Hmm? Oh...I almost forgot about it! Of course I can..."
"Whew..." I mentally sighed in relief.
"It won't even take me a minute." Continued Cether. He snapped his fingers.
...? "What was that supposed to do?"
Then I noticed my iPhone...it was repairing itself on its own!
"Whoa...could that possibly be his semblance? Oh well...it doesn't really matter right now. I might be able to contact my family!" I thought with excitement.
Just like Cether stated, the iPhone took less than a minute to repair.
I slowly (still injured) walked over to my iPhone. Grabbing it I turned it on. I type in my password and quickly go to my contacts and try calling home.
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Riiing-Riiing
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Oh! It was ringing!
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-Sorry, no service available. Please try again later.-
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"..."
"..."
"..."
"...FUUUUUUUUUU******KKKKKK!" I raged in my mind.
Haaa...Hoooo I breathed deeply to calm myself down. "Ok Peter...there's no need to rage, there's no need to rage..."
I repeated that mantra in my head.
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(A few seconds later...)
Alright...I'm good.
I once again look upon my iPhone. Nothing bad is going to happen again.
"Hmm? The time...?" I noticed that the clock on my iPhone said 10:25 pm. "That's weird..."
"Hey Cether..."
"Puff...Puff...Yeah?" Cether was sitting on a sofa with his pipe and a book.
"What time is it right now?" I asked.
"Hmm...let me see...it is...currently 1:34 pm. Puff...Puff..."
"Oh, ok...thanks."
"Mmm, no problem."
"Curious...very curious..." I thought to myself. I check the time again...still 10:25.
Then I checked the remaining battery left on my iPhone. It's at...69%
"..."
"..."
I face palm. "Oh sweet Jesus, the irony..."
I hope my theory isn't correct. I open up the calendar and check the date, then I open my music app and play a song...ok, it seems that my theory is correct.
My iPhone is now confirmed to be stuck in time.
Basically, my iPhone is stuck on yesterday's date, so my guess is that the time and battery will stay frozen giving me a unlimited amount of battery. I can still open apps and listen to music meaning that it's not completely frozen.
But one thing's bugging me...does that mean earth is stuck in time?
My theory is that I was somehow transported to Remnant last night at 10:25 pm and my iPhone had 69% energy when I entered Remnant. The time continued here but somehow earth is frozen in time..."Argh this is so confusing."
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But then I realized...if earth was stuck in time that meant...my family won't be in any danger! And when I return it'll be like I was never gone!
By realizing this, I felt like a huge weight had been taken off my shoulders.
"Yes!" I did a mini dance of joy in my head. Ace must have sensed my happy mood because she came over to me and licked my hand with her tail wagging.
I petted her head.
But then my eyes fell on the books and my mood instantly fell.
Ace went back to staring sympathetically at me.
"Alright...let's get this over with." I thought as I grabbed 'Grimm Tales' and opened it to the first page.
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(Later that evening... )
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'...and that is why the Grimm must be eliminated. Fin.'
"Phew..."
*Flip* I closed the last page of 'Grimm Tales' and set it gently on the table.
'Yawn' I stretched my right arm and yawned softly.
I rubbed my eyes. I was pretty tired. I guess six hours of non-stop reading (except for small breaks) does that to you.
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*Snores*
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Ace was already asleep. Cether left the cottage a few hours ago. I think he said something about meditation...I'm not really sure cause I was too focused on the book.
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*Snores*
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I think I'll go check the kitchen for some food. I am feeling a bit hung-
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*Grumbles*
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...Yup, and there goes my stomach. Definitely hungry. I should wake Ace up...she needs to eat some dinner. I gently pet her shoulder.
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*Snor—wuff?
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She opens her eyes slowly...then her gaze focused on me.
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RUFF!
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She jumped back and yelped suddenly.
...! I was also surprised.
"What's wrong Ace!?"
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*Whimpers*
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Ace was covering her eyes with her paws.
I got up from the chair and looked at a mirror hanging on the wall.
"...HOLY MOTHER OF SWEET FU*KING JESUS!?" I swore nonsense in my mind.
And following the actions of Ace, I also jumped up (which hurt btw) and yelped...actually, ignore that last part.
'Haaa...Hooo' I breathed in and out to calm my racing heart. I almost had a heart attack there.
But seriously though, I look like a fu*king monster...literally, I do.
My hair was sticking all over the place again and shadowing my eyes while my eyes...whew...my eyes had rings of dark circles which accented my grey eyes making them glow eerily.
I seriously need to tidy up my appearance before anything else.
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...
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After taking a long shower (which took even longer because I was injured) and taking a make-shift band made of some black rope I found to tie my hair in a low ponytail (my hair kind of looks like Itachi Uchiha's from Naruto), I headed over to the kitchen.
"Cether still isn't back yet..." I thought as I made myself a small bowl of salad with vegetables I took from the fridge.
For a self declared hermit, Cether was pretty loaded with technology. There was a fridge, microwave, you know what I mean...how he got electricity in the middle of a forest remains unknown. I didn't even want to think about it so I just accepted the oddities that is Cether.
I placed a small bowl of biscuits in front of Ace. She was overjoyed that I didn't look like a nightmare anymore.
And you want to know something else I realized?
This entire freaking time...I was clad in only my boxers.
...Yeah I know, I'm an idiot aren't I? I actually think I'm beginning to catch a cold...I really needed some clothes.
I quickly finished my salad and washed the bowl.
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*Munch*...*Munch*...*Munch*
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Ace was still eating so I'll leave her to that.
I trudged back to the...hmm...I guess it's my bedroom now.
As I was slowly walking toward the room, a light appeared in the corner of my eyes.
"...?" I turned my head and saw a window.
The moonlight from the broken moon shone down from the skies.
Feeling a bit melancholic, I went towards the window and leaned my head back to look up.
"..."
"..."
"...I'm really not on earth anymore..."
Even though I've mostly accepted the situation I'm in, a part of me couldn't help but feel sad.
"At least Ace is still with me, otherwise I would have been all alone." I thought, feeling grateful towards Ace.
I gazed at the fragments of the moon floating on the shattered side...it was queerly beautiful in a way.
I noticed my reflection on the window and I placed my hand on my face. I usually had a poker face on to keep my emotions from showing. And since the eyes are the window to the soul, I tried to keep it in a lazy fashion.
"Enough moping." I thought to myself. I was feeling a bit chilly, the clothes are the priority here.
I entered the, or should I say, my bedroom.
It was pretty dark so I fumbled around the wall to find the light switch...*Click*...got it.
Now that I mention it...it was getting dark so I felt some of that extra energy coming back to me. The pain was lessening and I felt strength come back in my limbs. My arm and chest seemed to be healing!
"...Intriguing...very intriguing..."
I still have no clue on why this happens to me at night or in the dark however I'm not one to complain about gifts.
Kicking these thoughts to the back of my mind, I walked over to the chair with my clothes on it.
"Oh...wow..." My turtleneck sweater and undershirt were completely ruined and my jeans were extremely dirty. Thankfully, my scarf was in perfect shape albeit a little dirty.
"Better than nothing." Saying that, I wrapped the scarf around my neck. Now I was clad in only my boxers and scarf.
I must look really stupid. "I hope I don't look like a pervert...heh definitely not...I mean...look at these abs..." I said while flexing.
"..."
"..."
...and once again my face lights up like a christmas tree.
Alllrright...moving on.
I went over to the small mirror on the dresser and what I saw made my grey eyes widen in amazement.
The small cuts that graced my face just a few minutes ago were all gone. "...That's really not normal...but I'm not complaining."
I must be blessed.
Just letting you know, I'm not a narcissist ok? Seriously...I'm just very...self confident at times.
But that's beside the point. I think I should start the next book already...
And so, I walked back to the living room.
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*Snores*
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It seems Ace finished eating and went back to sleep. She must be exhausted...I should be too but all this unnatural energy is keeping me up...not that I'm complaining wink, wink.
I sat down on the armchair as I grab 'The Beginner's Guide to Remnant' and my iPhone. I plug in a earpod and play my playlist.
"Hmm" I hum along to the soothing melody of Cras Numquam Scire from the anime Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian.
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...
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After reading in peaceful quietness for a bit, I heard the front door opening.
"Is Cether back?" I look at the clock hanging on the wall. It read 9:10 pm.
I heard steps coming towards the living room. I closed the book and stood up. And sure enough, a few moments later, Cether came in the room.
It all started out normally...I greeted Cether.
"Hey Cether, where wer-"
Cether looked up and noticed me. Our eyes met and suddenly warning bells went off in my head.
I instinctively moved back and it was a good thing I did, because Cether disappeared and instantly reappeared where I was standing with his sword drawn and pointed at my chest.
"Holy Sh*t!?"
"Whoa, whoa, calm down man!" I said with a louder than usual voice and my hands raised in a 'I Surrender' position.
Cether's glare focused on my face but then relaxed immediately. "Whew...it's only you boy. I thought a pervert had somehow snuck into my home..." Those words pierced my heart deeply. I'm not a pervert! "But where are your clothes Peter? And why the scarf?" Cether continued calmly, like nothing just happened.
"Y-yeah umm...my other clothes are incapacitated at the moment...so uhh...could you possibly lower that sword?"
"Oh yes! Of course, sorry about that."
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SHHINGG 'CLICK'
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He quickly sheathed his sword.
I asked the question I had before I was so rudely interrupted. "So...where were you?"
He glanced at me while walking to the kitchen, most likely to get something to eat. "I told you already boy, but you were reading so you probably forgot. I went out for my daily meditation session and Grimm slaying."
"Oh. Nice." I responded.
"How far have you gotten with the books?"
"So far I've finished a book and almost halfway through the second." I informed.
"Oh?" Cether looked moderately surprised. "You have a fast reading rate."
"Yeah, I actually enjoy reading books so I read often." I answered with a slow nod.
"Good. So boy, I've noticed that your wounds have already healed significantly. And from the explanation you gave me about your world, you haven't activated your aura yet." He said calmly with a curious glint in his eyes.
"Ah yeah...about that..." I then explained my 'special' problem to him.
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"Aye...that's a very interesting ability you have boy...Puff...Puff. I heard of a hunter back in the days that had a semblance similar to your ability..." Cether said with a pipe in his mouth. "But it's definitely not your semblance because your aura has not awakened yet."
"So...it's just a quirk?" I asked
"Puff...Puff...Yup, but a good quirk." Cether agreed with a nod. "But there's something I need to tell you boy...Puff...Puff..."
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Please for the love of Oum, put some clothes on!" Cether said urgently but calmly at the same time.
"..."
I sweat dropped. "Ok, ok I got it. Do you have needle and threads? I need to sew my clothes."
"Of course...Puff...Puff...let me go get it." Cether stood up and went to a closet. He came back a few moments later with a box.
"Here you go. When you're done, get some sleep...Puff...Puff. You can continue reading tomorrow boy, at this rate of healing, you should feel much better in the morning...Puff...Puff..."
"Thanks. Night Cether." I replied.
"Goodnight."
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*Snores*
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I walk over to Ace who was sleeping on the blanket while giving out silent snores and gave her a gentle pat on the head.
"Goodnight Ace." I whispered.
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*Snores*
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I walked silently to my new bedroom. I gently closed my door.
I took my ruined clothes off the chair and set it on the table. *Sigh* I ran a hand through my long hair.
"Let's get started then..."
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(The next morning...)
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Chirp! Chirp...chirp!
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*Yawn* I got up and stretched my arm. I looked around groggily and rubbed my eyes. I was still sitting...I must have fallen asleep at the table.
But then I noticed my clothes. I smirked softly...they were all fixed. Now I just need to get them washed.
I get off the chair and do some stretches.
"Hmm...my injuries are definitely better." I thought to myself as I tried stretching my left arm. It was still sore but not much pain. My chest is completely healed. "Nice...:
I decided to take a quick shower just to freshen up a bit. I brought my clothes with me to wash. I also grabbed my accessories from the table.
I tiptoed quietly out my room and into the hallway. I opened some of the windows so the sunlight would brighten up the place.
I entered the living room...
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*Snores*
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And instantly heard Ace snoring. It seems that I'm the only one awake. I check the clock and it read 7:49 am.
"Pretty early..." I tiptoe past Ace to get to the washroom.
I put my clothes in what I assumed was the laundry machine. I really wanted my clothes clean so I don't have to walk around in only boxers and a scarf anymore.
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I walked out the shower with a towel tied around my waist. "*Sigh*...That was refreshing..."
I trudged over to the sink to brush my teeth, never forget daily necessities people. I looked at myself in the mirror.
"Much better." I didn't look like just wakening up from a hangover anymore. The dark circles under my eyes all but disappeared and my grey eyes were back to their normal lazy and steely self. My long black hair hung loosely off my right shoulder.
I quickly tied it in my usual hairstyle, then I put my ring back on my index finger.
I slowly went over to the laundry machine. I was still feeling relaxed from the shower.
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Beep!
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...! Oh...my clothes are already washed. That was way faster than I expected. The technology here truly is much more advanced than earth. I'm really looking forward on getting a scroll for myself.
I take out my clothes (black turtleneck sweater, dark blue skinny jeans) and put them on. I felt elated with clothes on again...now I won't feel like a pervert anymore...
I took my black scarf and wind it around my left arm. I don't really have a use for it right now.
I put on my silver Rolex watch because I would have to depend on it more than my iPhone to check for the time.
Then I took my guitar pick and looked at it. ...Remember the black stuff from the Grimm that was on my guitar pick? Yeah, I couldn't get it off no matter how much I washed it. It's almost like it melded into the pick...
"Oh well." I shrugged. It didn't matter right now. I put the guitar pick in my pocket before I turned around and exited the washroom.
As soon as I entered the living room, the scent of delicious food entered my nose. I think I was drooling a bit.
Cether noticed me. "Good morning boy...Puff...Puff...it's nice to see you in some clothes." He said with a grin. I deadpan at him. "*Chuckles* I'm just joking. Here I made you some breakfast. Ace has already started eating hers...Puff...Puff..."
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*Munch*...*Munch*...Woof! Woof!...*Munch*...
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Ace looked up from her food at barked at me as if saying good morning.
"Well, good morning to you too, Ace." I said to please her.
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*Munch*...Ruff!...*Munch*
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I walk over to the dining table where Cether was located at. He was smoking his pipe with the mint-like powder. I think he was looking at the news from his scroll. He's less like a hermit than I thought.
"Good morning Cether" I nodded as I pulled back a chair. He nodded back.
I looked at the plate in front of me. There were fried eggs, potatoes and some meat...I immediately dug in.
"Delicious!" I blinked in surprise.
It didn't take long for me to finish the meal.
Cether looked up from his scroll when he saw me finished. "Okay boy...you should get back to reading now." He told me in a calm voice. "There is still quite a lot left after all."
I nodded and complied. I went over to the armchair and took out 'The Beginner's Guide to Remnant'.
"Oh and don't worry boy..." Cether called out to me. I turned my head to look at him. "I'll bring Ace out in the afternoon to let her do her business so you can read at your leisure."
"Thanks." I replied.
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The next few days continued on like this. By the time I finished all the books, me and Ace already feel at home here.
Now...it was time for my test.
We were sitting outside in a small clearing near the cottage. We sat under a large red tree that blocked the bright sun. Ace was running around having fun.
"Well boy...are you ready?" Cether eyed me patiently. *Sip* He took a sip of tea from the cup in his hands.
"Yes." I replied confidently. I have no qualms about failing because I literally have everything by heart now.
"Very well...prepare yourself. First question, what is the purpose of a hunter or huntress?"
Hmm...it wasn't that hard of a question, but there were many different answers to it.
I chose my words carefully. "...To survive."
I think I did pretty good because Cether's bronze eyes looked intrigued. "Oh? Not just to protect civilians? Why is that, boy?" He asked me curiously.
"...While it's true that they have the responsibility to protect those weaker than them, they must first grow and acquire skills to survive." I contemplated my words. "And once they have the ability to survive then they can start protecting..."
"Hmm..." Cether looked thoughtful and rubbed his chin.
"However..." I continued while my eyes narrowed . "If they were to lose their survivability by becoming complacent or lazy, they die...and ultimately lose the ability to protect." I expressed.
I looked up to see Cether's response.
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...!
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I noticed something off with Cether...I met his gaze but his eyes weren't bright and cheery anymore...no...they were just like the first time I met him, eyes filled with wisdom but also sadness and regret.
I didn't speak and waited for him.
"...Boy...that answer...was not something I expected coming from someone as young as you..." He let out a deep sigh. "But it is the truth, no matter how cruel it may be..." He drifted off deep into thought.
Something similar must have happened to him or someone close to him in the past.
I gave him a pat on the shoulder. In these past few days, we've become closer not as master and apprentice but more like good friends.
In the end, even the wisest and strongest of all can get lonely.
We sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the small breezes of wind and the warm rays from the sun which filtered through the tree branches.
Suddenly, Ace bounded over to us, her tongue sticking out the side of her mouth and tail wagging. She looks like she just ran a marathon. She probably wondered what was going on with us because her head was tilted at an odd angle.
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Woof!
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She must have infected both of us with her happiness and cuteness because the somber mood instantly disappeared.
"*Chuckles* You have the best partner anyone can ask for, boy." He said to me with a serene smile. He reached out to pet Ace. "Let's get to the second question."
"Very well...I'm ready." I responded.
"Good. Tell me...what is aura?" He asked then took a small sip of tea.
This would be an easier question for me to answer. "Aura is the manifestation of one's soul. The specific abilities and their strengths differ from individual to individual and are dependent on a number of factors, such as experience, training, and innate skill."
"Nicely done boy. Anything else you would like to add?" Cether asked.
"Hmm, yeah...I have a bit more info." I said. "Since Aura is the manifestation of the soul, it can appear very differently depending on who is using it...an example being that the colour of Aura differs from person to person. Humans and Faunus are the only ones capable of using aura."
*Clap*, *clap*, *clap* "Well said. You now have the overall idea on what aura is, but there is much more to it than you think boy. We will get more on the subject when we start your aura training. *Sip*"
"My aura training? ...Sweet." I thought with surprise and excitement.
Cether continued. "Third question...this is extremely simple. Name me the for kingdoms of Remnant."
"Vale, Vacuo, Atlas and Mistral." I instantly listed from the top of my head.
"Correct. Now final question..." Cether said as his gaze sharpened. "...What must we do to the Grimm?"
I made a slashing movement to my neck while my own steely eyes narrowed. "Eliminate them..."
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Woof... (*translation*=kill)
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Ace also inputed her opinion, even though I have no idea what she said I had a feeling it was something to do with the Grimm.
"Correct..." Cether said as a evil grin slowly appeared on his face. His grin affected me because I also started to grin. I think a grin also appeared on Ace's face.
"*Chuckles*" Cether started to chuckle lightly.
"Hehehe" I also started to laugh.
Soon our laughs became full blown laughter with Ace barking along with us. I don't know what made us laugh but we just did.
Cether wiped some tears from the corners of his eyes. "It's been a long time since I've had a good laugh like that. You're like the grandson I never had boy."
I was touched and beamed at him. This is one of the few days I let so much emotion show on my face. It was refreshing really.
He smiled softly back at me, then his face took on a more serious tone. "All jokes aside, I think it's time I activate your aura, boy. You've proven to me that you can gain knowledge quickly but remember this boy. Knowledge is learned while wisdom, is earned. You should never fully trust the knowledge you receive because you must always look underneath the underneath." He told me solemnly.
"I understand...I will take it to heart." I said.
"Good, good..." Cether said with a proud smile. "Now my apprentice, it is time to awaken your aura."
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A.N.
Hello again. Thanks for the favs and follows :)
This is the continuation of my prologue and the next chapter will be the final part of the prologue. Then we will finally be starting the canon.
The next chapter will come out sooner than this one, so thanks for the patience. And once again, if you notice any mistakes or have some advice for me or simply want to ask a question, leave a review or message me.
Cheers