A/N: Happy new year folks. The upload is a bit delayed as my new friend (beta reader) is very busy the chapter couldn't be refined properly.
So this here is kind of the raw version.
I will replace this as soon as we finish editing the chapters.
Enjoy.
Chapter 4. Sparkling light of death.
An angry sun beamed brightly overhead. Golden rays of sunshine was quickly raising the temperature of the surroundings. The whole area felt nostalgic for Ruby as it reminded her of the emerald forest back in Beacon. Only this one has more flat lands compared to the sheer cliffs back then.
Just like her first mission she was thrown into open Grimm territory with several strangers. The four others in her group walked together for some time. The guards moved seperately several feet behind them. "Damn. Should've went for some sunglasses or a hat back in the locker room. Hell of a day to go hunting wouldn't you say?" Sis began to complain shielding her eyes with her gun.
"I got no problems." Ruby peeped from under her hood."Piss off kiddie." Sis just glared at her sending her point across and shutting her up. Ruby couldn't deny she felt a lot better right now. Changing out from that horrible overly baggy prison garb with this new outfit. She had a hood. Form fitting clothes and an environment she could work with her best skills.
She wouldn't admit it but she quickly began to love her new clothes. It felt comfortable. Easy to move in and made her look like cool mix of both elegant and a punk girl. Thinking about it she needs more white metal on her to match with her weapon. Her cheery train of thought grinded to a halt when a sudden flashback hit her. That nasty feeling of having blood splatter all over her face.
The memory of that fateful night. Faunas dying. Blood splling all over the place by the litres. And flesh, organs and bones scattering everywhere.
Her soft smile faded as she bit her lower lip stopping herself from shivering. She grabbed her own face with one hand and looked through her fingers to the sword in her other hand.
The sick feeling came back as she was once again reminded that the very weapon she held was the exact murder weapon of over a hundred innocent people. And the culprit himself stated it was hers and now she so contently walks with it.
As much as her body screamed at her to throw the weapon as far away as she could she knew her best and only chance of survival is sticking with that same weapon. She felt a warm but rough hand on her shoulder.
"What's up kid? You feeling alright under there." It was Sis. Ruby shook her head to clear her mind of that bloody mess. She knew she had to focus unless she wanted another one. Forcing a smile to her face she turned to her. "Nope. Everything is going just fine."
However her disrupted senses did pick something up. She halted in her tracks and raised her arms. The others also stopped looking at her tense face.
"They're close. Everybody stay on your guard." Ruby says softly. Sis simply narrowed her eyes and looked around. As for the other three they were all first timers. Hearing her announcement the pull out their weapons and scoured left and right looking for trouble to avoid.
After a few seconds of rustling a lone beowolf jumped out of the grass scaring the other three. Ruby spending significant time outside kingdom walls and battling several Grimm shrugged it off like a pest. Everyone poises their weapon but then a flurry of crimson rose petals blow everywhere when suddenly Ruby disappeares and reappears beside the beowolf with the sword over its head. With a single handed swing she chopped its head off killing it instantly. And the creature didn't even know what hit it.
That fluid rehearced movement and the skill of a huntress was finally shining through. Sis understood. No matter how tough and experienced these prisoners get there was just that huge gap in the level of finesse that just seemed impossible to bridge.
"Well. Moving on." Ruby replied stiffly continuing.
A soft static buzz beeped as a circular line around the band on their arms all simultaneously lit up green. "Bzzt . .Listen up jimmies scanners detect a large beowolf horde to the north west.
A boarbatusk pack roaming in the east and some big ass ursa's near the beowolves. Scatter and sweep them out. Understood? Reply if you did." Tristan's voice came with an electrical echo through the comm links in the armband.
"Acknowledged." Sis said pressing the button on the side of the armband.
"Understood." Ruby copied what she did and replied.
"Yes . .."
" . .um okay. . "
"Do we really have to travel seperately?"
"Bzzt. . .yes now move before I add a few extra holes in your ass! Dumb wimp." Tristan growled over the comms. Even on long distance comunication she sounded scary.
"Ooookay then . . .I will take care of the beowolves. The rest of you can sweep the strays then . . ." Ruby suggests dryly. The other girls look at her with pained expressions.
"Sure no problem. I can take care of the boarbatusks in the mean time." Sis says cocking her guns. They turned and prepared to move in their various directions.
But just in the last second. "Listen kid. I know you got your goodie two shoes huntress act hardwired into your system. But trust me when I say don't try to help everybody. Most of the bitches here are convicted murderers, unrepenting killers, drug trafficers and horrible rapists. They aren't worth it. But don't mind me. You do your thing if it makes you feel better but don't go out of your way and put yourself in danger to save them. Good luck kid." Sis advises quietly before leaving.
This quickly threw Ruby into a dilemma. She continued to walk through the forest thinking over it. Her whole academic life, from the moment she chose the life of a huntress she was taught that her first priority wasn't killing Grimm but instead it was protecting the people. She remembered a lesson back at Signal. It was one of the first she was ever taught.
No matter the situation hunters must always secure the safety of the people around them before or during their fight with the creatures of Grimm.
Then Sis threw a curve ball by saying screw it. Don't bother helping others if it poses a risk to you. The short girl knew where she was comming from. Even after spending just spending a few days here she learned a lot about the mindset of prisoners and criminals.
Aside from a few exceptions they were almost always driven by one thing. Obtaining a peace of mind. It didn't matter how. Working, reading, training, self pleasuring or even the homosexual interaction with others.
In the end they only cared about themselves and she knew if she stepped into helping them they would likely either use her as bait while try to escape or just throw her away as a sacrificial pawn to kill the enemy. But she still didn't have it in her to stand by doing nothing while someone is in danger.
Her pondering didn't come to a conclusion when she reached a vast clearing. A clearing filled with a horde of Grimm. She tensed her muscles. Those cold silver orbs scanning the area and getting a good read of her opponents and surroundings.
The horde mainly consisted of a couple dozen Beowolves along with a handful of Ursa minors. Something felt off about these Grimm though. They were calm.
Almost as if they were sizing her up. Their black skin and fur deeply contrasting with the grassy background and the blue skies above. Many emitted low menacing growls. She stared into those soulless red pits of their eyes. Those yellow highlights reflecting the sun's rays.
She gulped upon seeing the many patches of blood staining their skin and claws. This let her make a shocking discovery.
These Grimm are very well fed. The masses of emotionally unstable female convicts mean huge amounts of negative emotions to feast upon and it was obvious that these Grimm their fair share of kills.
They are going to be tough to deal with. That's for sure. However a weird sensation pushes its way out from the depths of her brain and whispered to her. Demanding that she kill them all. Already feeling confused she gave into the urge.
Clicking the button the gem in the blade glowed. The ring surrounding the gem spun as the pieces move out alligning themselves to their exact position. The crystal edge juts out and the grand õdachi springs to life.
She grabs the hilt of the sword with both hands looking irritated that she has to rethink her entire fighting style from this point onwards. The weapon she nearly grew up with was now suddenly replaced by something she barely got a few hours ago. No more vaulting from place to place with her sniper barrel. No more recoil jumping. And no more shooting. This weapon only had one purpose.
Cut.
The blade hungered for her aura and she gladly fed it much to her dismay. She had to strengthen her muscles just to endure the rattling of the weapon. Vibrant heat began to surround the little girl as she held a sword nearly 3/4 her own height. Taking her stance the creatures of Grimm charge towards her.
Her eyes began to blur out. That strange eerie glow returning to her unnatural silver eyes. Empty eyes bearing nothing but the raw intent to kill.
The beasts bare their sharp fangs and poise their claws only to strike nothing but air as she disappears in a burst of flower petals. And soon enough they find themselves seperated from half their bodies. Small amounts of blood splashing out only for them to immediately begin to disintigrate to black ash.
The fight broke into a mess as the girl leaps from Grimm to Grimm, deftly moving between them and mercilessly tear them to pieces. They swing their sharp claws and go for vicious bites. Nimbly dodging them all without even letting a single scratch on her clothes. Rose petals flew everywhere stamping down her trademark fighting prowess.
The agitated sword edge glowed with its original blue colour slowly taint into a bloody red. The more the crimson colour increased the easier it kept getting for her to slash straight through their bones.
She charges in with her tremendous speed and with that momentum rams her elbow into the snout of one of the Grimm. Then she proceeded to grab it and throw it towards a pair trying to sneak up behind her. Lining them up she sliced clean through all three of them.
Putting her shoes to good use too she springboarded off a tall Ursa backflipping in midair before smashing her heel on top of a beowolf's head deforming it hard.
After a few more swings their numbers were rapidly cut down. Before long the whole area was stained in dozens of Grimm carcasses evaporating into ash.
But they still utilised their strength in numbers. As Ruby landed on the ground they surround her many taking a good bite at her arms. Buffing up her aura she blocked it with her arms feeling annoyed that the Grimm were comming so close. If only she had her Cresent Rose she could . . . .no. That weapon is no more. Her scythe gun was lost forever. Her weapon now is the Trident Gaia. She can't wallow in her sorrow. She needed to trust her new partner and control it. As she flooded the õdachi with her aura the edge glowed with a blood red crystalline sparkle while the gem turns completely crimson. With an almighty roar she spun hard with her blade extended as the red arc of light tore through the black creatures and knocked them all away. Blood spilling from their gaping wounds and splashing off the silver eyed girl. Soon enough they all fell to her mighty sword.
The only thing left was one lone Ursa. The creature roared viciously. Clearly not knowing when to bow down and retreat. It violently swung its white bone tipped arms around. Hoping to catch the girl in its flailing attempt. Except the dextrous girl sidestepped every blow and retaliated by chopping its arms off. Then spinning around and getting behind it to cleave off its stubby legs she caused the great creature to topple to the ground. She then proceeded to run up its back go get to its nape. Readying her murderous bloodsword she brought it down decapitating the creature and put it out of its misery.
. . . . .
With everything completed her adrenaline rush finally ran out. The fatigue from the fight suddenly hit her like a truck. She jabbed the blade into the dirt and fell to one knee. She struggled to compose her breathing as she took fast deep breaths.
She couldn't understand. She swept hordes like these all the time before. Why is it so hard now? Was it adjusting to this new weapon or its fighting style? But soon she found her answer.
Her Cresent Rose never needed anymore aura than just activating the dust bullets she fired and some basic durability. So she could dedicate almost all of her aura into her semblance. Today she learned how much this sword drained on her. It was a great trade off for her though. Just strong aura for excellent cutting power was worth it. Moving faster than the eyes can percieve combined with a blade that can cut through anything made her a deadly close range fighter. But she needs to learn how to increase her aura output to maintain this weapon.
She looked down to see that the sword once more reverted back to its original form leaving a slight scarlet smudge on the gem of the guard. Standing back up she continued to walk softly.
Thinking back she was ordered to do this. So the right thing to do would be to report it and await further orders. Still feeling squeamish over calling her she forged on. Pressing the button on her armband.
"C-captain. . .I cleared a large number of . . Grimm . . So uh ..what . ."
"Speak clearly dumbass." Came the irritated reply. "I can see that. You're pulling your weight as a huntress alright. That was a huge dent in their number but the area is still crawling with them. Don't slack off. Back to work."
"U-understood ma'am."
"Thats SIR to you!"
"YES SIR!" She quickly replies. Sighing she straightens herself up. Shaking her head to brush away the weariness she walks.
'Jeez why does that lady always talk like she has a metal pole stuck in her butt or something?' She inwardly complains. Still she didn't want to incur her anger any further since she could be watching her through a sniper scope right now.
She didn't bother changing the sword back. And just carried it over her shoulder as she walked back into the forest. Just then she heard sounds of gunfire and high pitched cries. It was an indication the fighting began. Though it probably started earlier when she was busy hacking up those Grimm.
She carelessly walks ahead when suddenly a human hand grabs her neck and slams her against a tree.
. . . .
Sis herself walked through the forest going at it like business as usual. It was all to familiar to her. The tall woman spending over a decade living inside those stone walls had plenty of experience built up. Week after week, month after month, for years. Yet everytime she steps into wild Grimm territory it always made her heart beat a few ticks faster.
Her very body was tempered from countless battles and marred with several scars. Some fresh. Some very old. Yes even through all this punishment she still forged on. There was no meaning to her life yet she didn't want to die. It wasn't that she feared death. She already made peace with herself that she may one day die at the hands of a Grimm.
She realised the irony of her own thoughts. Her reason for living was to find a purpose to live for. And her searching finally hit a checkpoint with this Ruby Rose girl. The raven haired woman tried to comprehend why she felt an attraction to the girl. It wasn't anything romantic or sexual but it made her feel like if she took care of the little girl long enough she may grow up to become a beacon leading to her salvation. That was her peace of mind.
Thinking about it. An image crawled out deep from her consciousness. It was two young girls aspiring to become great hunters. One with a huge variant weapon staff and another with dual handguns. But a splatter of blood tore it apart.
Frustrations built up in her chest needed an outlet. Then lo and behold a generous pack of Grimm show up. With a hungry grin she aimed her guns and open fired.
. . . . . .
In the meantime Ruby out of energy found herself pinned to a tree. But quickly enough she was thrown to the ground causing her to drop her sword and upon turning to her back she was straddled.
By none other than Sasha who had a wide lewd grin on her face. "At last I finally got my paws on you." She giggled. "S . .S-Sasha? What are you . .doing?" Ruby struggles as she tried to get the big girl off her.
"What else baby? I told you all the time that I am gonna have some fun with you. But holy fuck. You are strong. I thought you might maim me If I go after you back then." She tittered pushing up her arms and trapping them above her head.
Tears already began to fill up in the corner of the younger girl's eyes when she tries to fight her off. "P-please get off me. I don't wanna do this." Ruby struggles to speak trying to push her away but without her arms all she could do was wiggle. This amused her harasser even more.
Smiling seductively she leaned in. Got a full close up view of her face. Two scars ran down part of her face. She had a dull amber coloured eyes and some bruises.
Ruby turned her head away resisting her as much as she could. But doing so exposed the other side of her neck. The vile girl licked her lips at the smooth creamy skin shivering down there she couldn't help but go down there and take a few licks along with some nibbling. This send sudden a chill down her body.
Ruby couldn't comprehend what was causing this arousal. Sasha was hitting all of her sensitive spots forcing her to suppress a moan. Yet she couldn't stop her face from turning bright shade of crimson. Her breathing clenched and kept getting tighter.
Her mind began to lose focus as her body quickly started to burn up. In that chance Sasha brough both her hands together and freed one of her own. Now free to do whatever she wants, she quickly snuck her hand below the little girl's hoodie.
Startled again she tried to struggle out of her grip once more. But her hands were like steel bindings. She squirmed under her touch as the hand explored all over her untouched belly in its ascent. Sharp nails raking her sending a mix of both pain and pleasure through her body.
Despide having such decent clothing she still lacked underwear that left her vulnerable as her hands finally reached its desired location and firmly grabs her left breast. She gasped at the feeling.
Sasha let go of her hands to start unbuclking her belt. Even with her arms freed the silver eyed girl could not stop trembling. She shivered at the feeling of wormlike fingers fondling with her chest. She couldn't fight back. Instead of pushing her away she used her remaining strength to cup her mouth to repress the moans and cries escaping her mouth.
Upon feeling her belt come off she quickly used one hand to grab it and prevent her from going further. "No. . .please . ..stop. Stop." She softly begged. But her assailant only enjoyed it even more. "Thats great sweetie!~You struggle. You're a lot cuter that way." She cooed.
Tears now streamed freely from her eyes as she cried in despair. But kept praying. Something, anybody, anything please interrupt this. A stray Grimm. A roaming prisoner. A guard. Tristan. Sis.
The struggle continued as Sasha stuffed a hand into her pants and rubbed vigourously against her most sensitive spot forcing a squeal out of her lungs at the feeling of pleasure and the humiliation of being violated. Her lower body twitched as she felt a strange wetness between her legs.
But slowly she started poking for an opening. The part Ruby was fearing the most. If she takes this plunge there will be no turning back. Her heart wouldn't be able to take it. She tried to close her legs but the ugly girl stuck her knee in between preventing that.
She shrieked loudly and by some miracle bullets were fired.
Three shots attacked them forcing the older girl to move away. One of the shot grazes her lower lip, another cut a fringe of her hair off and the third was a warning shot. The girl looked annoyed at being interrupted while Ruby began hyperventilating still unable to grasp their situation.
Soon both of their arm bands lit up green. "Bzzt . . .you worthless meat toilet. What did I tell you bitch about messing with the inmates. Fuck with them all you want in the shower but out here is my turf. Keep acting like that fuck stick and I will maim you hard enough to never touch another bitch again. Mark my words loose cunt I will make you eat your food through a straw for the rest of your fucking life. . .bzzt. Now get off that runt and get back to work." A furious voice growled over the comms.
"As for you junior wanker get your ass off the dirt and clean that cum soaked mess you call clothes. And start killing Grimm before I personally come down there and give you a wash up." Ruby stayed like that for a few seconds taking quick shallow breaths relieved to have been saved like that.
So the captain really was watching over all of them. Her mind was still in shambles. Sasha stood up and winked at her. "So close baby. So close. We'll finish this some other time." With that she blew a flying kiss before picking up her weapon and leaving. Ruby barely noticed what it was. But from what she saw it was like a fusion of a halbard and a hammer. It had a long mechanical shaft with an axehead. But the other side of the blade was instead replaced by a blunt war hammer.
She noticed the hammer side glowing purple with gravity Dust. So that's why she felt so heavy and pinned down. The weapon she held distorted gravity and pushed her down further.
With it gone she finally felt strength return to her body soon. Weakly reaching up she pulled down her hoodie as far as possible to cover up her belly. Using her wristband she tried to wipe off as much of the wetness as she could before she got to her knees and began to fix her clothing.
After pulling her pants back up she buckled her belt again. She stuffed the wrist band she used back in her pocket hoping to wash it off later. Forcing herself to her feet she wobbled as her legs felt like jelly. Walking a few steps to shake it off she picked up her sword again. Her hoarse breathing went on for a few minutes as she tied to quell that squirming feeling inside her.
With slow ragged breaths she finally calmed down. She then walked off into the forest dragging the sword behind her. After a few steps she noticed some blood on the trees. A bad indication that someone was injured or worse killed. She followed the blood trail not liking where this was leading to at all.
Of course it led to a few dead prisoners being eaten by a pack of Boarbatusks. Their faces blank with horrified expressions meaning they died feeling nothing but fear. One of the Grimm was savagely biting at her stomach tearing it open and letting its innards spill out. Ruby covered her mouth at the sight of the bloody gore. "Why? . . . This is horrible. . ." She whispered. Was this the ordinary people's struggle outside the kingdom.
Still putting her fear aside it was her chance. Her opportunity to put that feeling of humiliation away. Taking her blade and getting to a fighting stance she rushed in and tore them apart.
Ruby didn't realise but her random movement let her wander out of beowolf territory straight to boarbatusk land. Sis rolled the barrel of her gun to gravity Dust and fired the Grimm. The force caused it to tumble over to its side as she fired the other gun she set to flame Dust on its exposed underside.
'Damn armour Grimm. Gotta waste two shots to ice these dicks.' Abruptly several shrill slicing noises came from the vegetation ahead of her and the bloody corpse of a Grimm cut up through its armour was tossed in. A few more were also thrown around. She watched casually as blood splattered around. A tusk was thrown her way but she leaned her head to the side and dodged it.
The culprit responsible for this Grimm masaccre was the girl with the crimson blade. "Kiddo? What are you doing here?" She asks. Ruby noticed her and stopped abruptly. Afterwards slowly walked towards her. After getting close she dropped her sword and straight up hugged her. Then broke her eyes out bawing.
Shocked by this turn of events she stood there tapping her head with her gun. "Yo kid. Whats got you so tensed up? The fuck happened? Whats wrong?" She slowly asks question while rubbing her back. Ruby slightly lessened her sobbing as she felt the warmth the woman's body. "Sasha! She . .. she did . ..I . .my . ." She talked gibberishly about the things happening and kept whining about it.
The woman's heart asked to comfort the child. Her motherly instincts began elude her. A few seconds pass as she put away her gun and softly stroked her back but then Sis was reminded of something. This kindness . .. was wrong. Her personal ideals, past and vows were being bent and she will not allow that. She will not let the mindset she built over the long hard years cave in like this and nor will she allow the girl to break down on her and cling to her like a lost child.
Anger boiled up in her as she suppressed her caring side. Holstering both her guns she pushed back the girl with one hand grabbing the hood of her top and slapping her clean across the face shutting her up.
"Calm the fuck down! Talk to me runt." She said growling at her. Ruby used that jolt to clear her mind. Her heart began to tear even further at the idea of being rejected by the one person she accepted as a companion if not a friend.
She used her sleeve to rub her eyes roughly. "I hate this place. I hate the beds. I hate the food. I hate the people here. I hate people dying all over the place. I hate this new weapon. I hate my life. I HATE EVERYTHING HERE!" she screamed loudly.
*SMACK*
"Speak English dumbass!" She slapped her again. "Fuck. You are annoying when you are sad. . " she said rubbing her face
" .. Let me guess Sasha tried to rape you didn't she? And from the looks of things she succeeded. Well deal with it. If she stuck her fingers into you live with it and move on. If she didn't be grateful to whatever saved you. Can't handle your weapon train a few hours out here. Looks like you finally caved into the prison vibe. Well you shouldda thought about that before going through the shit you pulled to get thrown in here. Well tell me!" She shouted with rage. Ruby quivered at her fury. It was just as menacing as Tristan's. But she did feel a hint of forcefulness from the tone.
It wasn't natural. But it isn't something she will point out. "Yeah. Sasha put her hands on me. She . . She didn't put her fingers in like you said but she was touching me in all kinds of weird places making me feel tingly or something."
"Its called sexual arousal kid." Sis spoke crossing her arms.
"Whatever it was I didn't like it. The way my body reacted to her touch. How my muscles just seemed to go slack on me I was nearly ready to give into what she was doing until . . .until the captain saved me." Ruby said rubbing her chest.
This made the woman scoff narrowing her eyes. "Seriously? Tristan actually helped you. Don't make me laugh kid. She probably just did it so her conscience doesn't think she is a total bitch and probably stop you from going suicidal. Trust me thats about it. The next time you fall in a situation like that I doubt she will lift a finger to help you."
"As for your weapon. Its this or a police baton. I suggest you stop complaining about and learn how to use it. I know for a fact that this wasn't your original weapon." She walked picking up the õdachi now stained even more in the crimson colour and placed it in her hands.
"How . How do you know so much about me? How do you do all of this?" Ruby yelled with a face full of suffering with both her pale cheeks marked by a handprint.
"Heh. That is the easy part. I just let Mick- one of the girls in my gang- bribe a guard to tell her about the stuff. You were pretty interesting on the first day so it was only natural I look you up.
Pucker up kid. You're a fucking huntress. Something nobody here is. This place is prison. Its not one of your academy missions. Your teammates are more likely to gut you than help you, fuck up there wont be no experienced hunter stepping in to save you. You screw up you die.
You cry and whine I fucking gurantee a Grimm will pop up and take a bite out of you. So now you got two choices. Hang on to that purity, you shut up and keep enduring this suffering till you get out of here or embrace that corruption and beat your way to comfort. Either ways you need to toughen up or I can imagine a hundred different ways you could die."
Ruby shut up and took everything in. She knew it from the get go that this will be a hideous ride but to think its going to be this bad just on the 4th day was simply cruel. And she has to live through 5 years of this hellish nightmare.
She knew her paths but both choices were incredibly tough. One way or the other she will have to sacrifice something huge.
"I . . . . . .. . . . .understand. Sorry for being a cry baby. I am a huntress." She said after a long pause. She turned around then fell to her knees then to all fours. "Its just. . .. its just. . . .Its just so hard." Clenching her fists she squeezed her eyes shut to forcibly stop her tears as they kept streaming out and she was reminded of Sasha's hands all over her body. It wasn't the act itself that hurt her the most but how powerless she felt in her arms. That feeling of helplessness when you are completely under the mercy of someone else. To have that freedom stripped away was torturing her.
"Well kid. You're young and soft that is a fact. But give yourself some time. I'm sure after you get used to it things will get easier." Sis still offered a few last words of comfort. A cold but gentle silence began to form between them.
Slowly they heard hissing sounds approach them. The hissing slowly evolved into hungry growls. "On your feet runt. We got company." Si's tone quickly turning frosty swiftly drew her dual guns in a split second. Ruby also got up and wiped away her tears. Gripping her sword tightly she took her new stance.
When they emerged Sis gasped. "Fuck. Not them. At a time like this." She exclaims painfully as a pack of Creeps and Griffons appear. They were some of the trickiest Grimm to deal with. Anything aerial was hard enough as it is. But now she also has to deal with these fast Creeps as well.
"I'll handle the Creeps. You take care of the Griffons." Ruby said readying her sword but the blade didn't take its crimson bloodsword look yet. The edge did light up with energy as she began to feel heat come off the weapon. That quaint wind began to blow again as it picked up a ring of dust and surrounded the blade.
Sis swapped her guns to ice and lightning Dust a took aim. Ruby stared at those strange creatures. They resembled lizards but lacked fore legs. Instead had weird ostrich like hindlegs. But its oversized tail compensated for its lack of limbs for balance.
Ruby turned her sword around in her hands to get herself more and more accustomed to the feel of the weapon. Sis quickly began her spree firing ice bullets to freeze the griffon's wings then switch to wind dust for piercing power. Jumping around all over the place like a gymnast she fired trick shots and evaded their lunges and beak stabs.
Ruby watched her inhuman movements as she begin to shoot in two different directions and even behind her with masterful skill. Ruby rushed the Creeps and sliced off one of its feet making it fall immediately. Using this opportunity she jumped to its back and decapitated it. Moving around she used the same technique on another, then another. This worked and soon began to strongly dent their numbers but to her surprise the next one was much bigger. The semi-lizard/dinosaur creature faltered but did not collapse. The blade got trapped inside its thick tough legs. It lunged ahead and rammed her away disarming her.
Other smaller Creeps quickly surround her now defenceless they all jump at once pummeling her to the dirt. They begin to take big sloppy bites at her causing her aura reserves to drastically fall.
Soon enough the gem on the blade began to flicker. It glowed lighting up and dimming out. The red colour on it slowly began to fade.
"Crap! Sis, I need help." Ruby screamed shouting amidst the mess already disgusted at their messy saliva all over her. "Sorry kid. But . .I'm a little busy here." She struggled to reply fending off the griffons that began to encircle and surround her.
Ruby tried to punch and throw the Creeps off her but she was losing her strength fast. Abruptly a red glow surrounded her and shattered. It was a sign that her barrier broke. Immediately the pain from their bites and stomps came with a vengence.
She yelled out a wail of pain as their teeth penetrated her skin and tried to tear her apart. One of the bigger ones chomped down hard on her arm nearly fracturing it sending intense amounts of pain through her as blood began to pour out profusely from her open wounds.
"Oh no. RUBY!" Sis shouted it fear but her distraction caused a griffon to take advantage of it and pummeled her to the dirt knocking the guns off her hands. She was forced to use her bare hands to wrestle with the the griffon and keep the creature at bay.
Both ladies were being emotionally shaken up as well. 'Fuck. A stupid distraction. since when did I get so sloppy. I still have things to do. Promises to keep. I will not let it end like this.'
"Tick tock."
Her purple eyes glinted as something triggered. She made a lightning fast manuver. She slipped under the Grimm, kneed it in its underside and tried to force it off her.
As for Ruby. 'What the heck just happened to my life? Mom. I thought you were my inspiration. I thought I would train hard in the academy. Use my cool weapons. Graduate with top marks them become the huntress I've always dreamed of. What did i do wrong to deserve this? I knew battling Grimm won't be easy but I never had any plans to die at the hands of one. How do i keep going? Everytime I answer a question in my head two more just always seem to build up.' Sadness and pain fill her heart. In the distance the sword began to beep faster and faster.
But then two images appeared in her head. One was her friends back at beacon. Another was Silver and Lily. Anger then built up.
'It was them. They ruined my life. My dreams. Why? Thats right. I kept going so that I can prove I am not a criminal. I am a better person. And i want answers. I am not weak. I wont let people walk all over me. That my life isn't just something they could play with and throw me away.' Thoughts of that fateful night. Those fun times with her friends. Sasha's abuse.
Everything caused a massive overflow of emotions which caused a barrier inside her to break.
Sis who had her back turned to her heard a faint sound. It was like the sound of sparkling. It was comming from the pile of Grimm the tiny girl was burued under. Light erupted from the gaps between them as most of the smaller ones disintigrated.
The rest were blown away with smoke sizzling off their bodies. Out of the bright light emerged Ruby but this was something like no other. Her position was hunched. Covered in cuts and blood. A medium sized creep latched onto her right arm that hung limp on her side but her most terrifying aspect was clearly her eyes. They sparkled with etherial silver light. This was not the glint of the sun reflected off her eyes. Her eyes themselves were glowing with an incredible aura. That light washed over her body and healed up all of her minor cuts and injuries.
She glared like a monster as she grabbed the snout of the Grimm attached to her arm crushing it instantly. She proceeded to peel it off her arms tearing the teeth out of her flesh. The black sleeve of the arm was dyed in the grisly stain of her blood. As soon as it was off the creature turned to dust.
Tremendous amounts of energy flooded out of her body as the entire area was enveloped in a swirling frenzy of red and white rose petals.
The girl vanished upon taking a few steps before reappearing beside the giant creep and tearing her sword out of its leg. The sword itself was going nuts before Ruby grabbed it again. Sucking up that silver aura like a sponge it flashed brightly before reappearing in its crimson form. The blade fragments detached and reformed its matrix converting itself to an even scarier looking jagged blade that looked ready to grind their flesh. With a single arm she lifted it and disappeared.
The petals were all over the place as red light shone in various places. The grimm were single handedly torn apart by the girl. The light in her eyes almost looked like celestial wings as they sharpened with every kill. The griffon were not spared either as she jumped high into the air and tore them to pieces as well.
Ruby's head hurt. Her body felt like the pain was tearing it apart. But she couldn't think. She only had one thought in mind. To clear out every last Grimm here no matter what. Her body moved on its own. By instinct, by rage.
After all that blood splattered there was only one griffon left. It Stood directly behind Sis. She was too busy to notice as her eyes were fixated on the silver eyed warrior doing her job. She turned to her, eyes filled with nothing but pain and anger.
Ruby pointed her sword at her and rushed. Sis stood there transfixed unable to move. This second aura . .. it felt so different. It felt pristine, and . . .pure. It is said the colour and quality of a person's aura is a reflection of their true self. If that is the case in this state Ruby's very being is devoted to this one single purpose.
It reached out and touched her own soul. This power, the feeling was bright but not happy, gentle but not kind. Seeing her she would honestly would not mind dying by her hands right now for this feeling of contentment. But she didn't.
Ruby moved so fast it seemed like the blades of air formed would cut her as she raced by her and impaled the creature straight in the eye. Tearing it out she morphed the odachi to its cannon mode while in its red state. With the silver aura powering it there was nothing hindering its charge up. The purity of the power causing red energy to build up.
She fired enduring the full recoil as the blast vapourised the winged beast instantly. With all the grimm dead she lost her mindset to keep attacking. Her anger vanished and so did her special aura. The energy keeping the wound in her arm closed disappeared causing a huge rip tear into her flesh as blood started to pour out as she collapsed. But just as she fell her mind felt peace.
Suddenly a strong arm grabbed her hood and saved her face from hitting the dirt below. "There . .there kid. Your big sis's got ya." A soft comforting voice was the last thing she heard before her eyes closed and her mind whited out.
. . . . ..
"Come on Ruby. You're getting sloppy. You totally could've dodged that." Yang said after punching Ruby to the ground.
"Yang. . . I keep telling you. I'm not cut out for hand to hand combat." Ruby groaned. "Why can't I just use my beautiful Cresent Rose?"
"Thats exactly the problem. I get your point saying weapons are a part of us but for you getting disarmed is like maiming you. At least try . . .for my sake. I'm going to be going to Beacon soon. And I just want be sure my baby sister can take care of herself."
Ruby looked away and pouted. "Says the girl wearing shotgun bracelets 24/7. . . Fine." Ruby said taking a fighting stance. The sisters sparred.
"But Yang. Won't you always be by my side. Watching my back?" Ruby asked while getting out manuvered.
"Yes Ruby. I will always be by . . . ." Yang's reply was cut of as the skies turned bright blue to purple and red. Everything turned darker as Yang's eyes turned to their enraged red.
Subtly she vanished and in her place a massive Grimm appeared. The vicious creature violently lashed out and attacked her causing her to panic and run.
She was chased through the forest endlessly. "YANG! YANG WHERE ARE YOU?!" She cried out. But no help came. "YANG, DAD. . uncle Qrow? Anybody."
After putting some distance between them she noticed she was holding something. In her hands was her elegant scythe. She felt like she had it the whole time. Filled with confidence and resolve she turned to face the enemy. The beast charged fulk force at her.
"Haaaaaiyah!" She yelled as she jumped towards the Grimm hoping to cleave it in half in the first hit. But then in midair her weapon melted away from her hands. Leaving hot pool of red at her feet. Now barehanded she crashes onto the creature as she was assaulted brutally.
Her body felt no pain however but she did feel helpless. It was only a matter of time before her shield would break and the pain would come. Tears came out of her eyes as the hideous creature smashed it its claws against her.
No Yang. No weapon. No help. She was utterly powerless until. . .
At the last hit that broke her defences a single magnificient white blade went through the monster's head and came out from the front.
The blade then moved down as it bisected the Grimm entirely. Who was her saviour? Trembling in fright she peered up from under her hood and saw. . . . .
Herself.
The version of herself that was forged in prison. The new rogue outfit. The blood red wristbands. Metal tipped shoes. Still her most beautiful aspects was the gorgeous white cloak she wore and the single most stunning piece of refined metal she ever saw. 'Was that sword always that cool?'
It enchanted her but also scared her at the kind of person she would become. . .
This 'new' version of herself walked closer to her. And her old self slowly began to fade.
The shock of the moment jolted her awake.
. . . . ..
She woke up to an aching in her arm while her whole body hurt all over. Her muscles felt like they were just on fire. Opening those burned out silver eyes she saw that she was sitting down leaning against a tree. Her arm was tied up in a splint with a large twig used for support. And everything was wrapped in a sling hung behind her neck. The standard first aid for a broken arm. She looked and saw Sis sitting down and eating a tangerine.
She noticed Ruby moving and spoke. "So you finally woke up."
"How long was I out?" Was the first thing the girl said.
"About two hours. Its just over 5 o'clock now." She said putting another piece of the fruit in her mouth.
"Thanks . ."
" . . . ." She did not reply.
"What happened? . .I mean . . to me. The Grimm and stuff."
"What else? We fought. You were tired. Got ganged up on. Distracted me. We got our asses kicked. Then out of nowhere you freaked out and went berserk. Killed them all. . . .so why don't you tell me. What was that power?" She asked chewing before swallowing.
"Honestly I don't know. Ever since all this stuff happeneded to me I keep having this weird feeling of a strange power or something. Its like my aura but I couldn't draw on it. It was so tiny and distant but then this happened." Ruby said clutching her chest.
"I see. If you knew about it did you look it up?"
"I tried to but the network in the library is really limited and the books didn't have any information."
"That's too bad. With incredible power like that you could be one of the best huntresses in history." She said with a smile making Ruby smile too.
Ruby then touched the bandages and wondered how did she get them. "How did you? . . " From her pockets she pulled out a thick roll of bandages without looking at her. "I keep stuff like this on me all the time. It always comes in handy one way or another."
Ruby looked at the ground and felt her sword beside her. Now in its base form again the blade neatly tucked away she saw the gem turning more and more red as it looked like the sapphire crystal had bloodstains or something.
"Um . .its not that I'm not grateful for you helping me. But why did you help me? You told me saving one's own skin took most priority" Ruby asked looking down at her patched up self.
"I was swarmed and disarmed. I didn't stand much of a chance there. I love making people work off their debt to me but I hate being indebted to people too. You saved me from the Grimm so I saved you from bleeding out so there. We're square." She said turning away with an annoyed blush.
Ruby felt that warm feeling in her heart again. This lady was so much like a fusion of the rest of her old team back at Beacon. She was reserved like Blake, resourceful like Weiss and warm like Yang. Ruby also realised much of her sweat was also cleaned off as she felt a little fresh. Had she been sitting here taking care of her all this time? Their surroundings were slightly different so they have clearly moved from their previous location.
She felt comfort just by knowing that there was still some one willing to help her even though reluctantly. This showed that there was still a tiny flicker of hope in both of their hearts. There was still strength left in her. She knew she could make it through.
A nice fuzzy feeling built up inside of her.
"You're a kind person. . ." Were the weak words that escaped her lips. The corners of her mouth curling into a smile. The woman turned her back to her yet cringed at those words. "S-shut up . . . you little bitch. Just because I can be nice once in a while doesn't mean you can get all mushy on me!" She harshly begins to scold her but there was no fierceness in her voice. It sounded forced and faked. Ruby knew the woman had wounds in her heart already. As she tried to put up a wall between her and those feelings so she didn't push further.
She stood up rubbing her face before digging a hole with her shoe and burying the skin and seeds of the fruit. "Let's get going. I don't care about your condition but if you can't get to your guard by closing time it may be considered an escape attempt and they might execute you." She said in a neutral tone.
"Oh crud. Wait a minute. If I was out for twi hours why didn't the captain do anything about it?" She said struggling to get to her feet.
"Its because she doesn't care. You cleared out most of the enemy nests and killed some of their most dangerous threats. This area is secure. So she doesn't care whether you live or die after your job is done." The woman said.
The little girl felt like she was in surprisingly better shape than she expected though working with one arm was throwing her a bit off balance. But moving those broken bones were extremely painful.
The two then slowly began to walk back to the group guided by their armbands. Along the way. "Hey Sis."
"Yeah what?"
"A while ago you asked me I had a choice. To stay good and endure the suffering or turn bad and fight my way to comfort. Which one did you choose." Ruby asked rubbing her hurting arm.
The woman looked thoughtful but then gave her a soft smile. "To be honest. I haven't decided yet."
. . . ..