Authors Note
Finally, I've got this chapter done. This one was a lot harder to write than I imagined. When I visualized this part of the story, it was supposed to be a lot faster than it turned out. I'm a little worried my novice writing skills show in this chapter. I'm surprised I've gotten these many favorites and follows for this first story of mine, so for all of you who did, thank you. And for new and old readers, I hope you like this chapter.
References:
Teleportation and Flashing are the same thing, for reference: Ninja Gaiden 3, Grip of Murder. This power was originally used for killing people instantly, but he mastered it to just use it as teleportation.
"I don't own any of the series I write FF of. I only own my OC's and my unique aspects added to the story. All credit of Rwby goes to RoosterTeeth."
Chapter 4: The Battle Among Trees.
The Teens and their Teacher walked for two hours straight through the southern woods towards the mountains. It was calm and serene, not a Grimm in sight. The two teams had talked about things that they had learnt that day, reflecting upon it. Ruby had sympathy for everyone she met, she had learnt more things about the world and she desired to change them. She felt wary of this Umbra character, she didn't want to judge him right away of course, but she knew some of what's he has done. That alone was justifiable to be cautious.
Weiss felt more confident than before, but she feels this boy will be a challenge with such a record. She was looking forward to getting this boy back for stealing her family's shipments, the anger of her father when dust was stolen was enough for her to hate the people who steal it. She wondered though, how come some seventeen year old brute could supposedly kill so many? And she also wondered if he was a Faunus? She dislikes them greatly, family members, friends and workers were killed in terrorist attacks by those "savages"
Blake on the other hand felt conflict boil up inside her, this Umbra, the Reaper has killed dozens of her past comrades in the White Fang. But, she also likes the fact that he helps people. She didn't like this situation one bit. Yang felt bad for those people, but she was looking more to fighting than anything. She hoped that this boy would prove to be a match. Taking out someone deadly made her think of having an reputation, "The Girl who knocked out the Dark Swordsman!" She was cocky.
Jaune was at a crossroads, he still is scared of this boy, but he's also more mentally prepared. Pyrrha was interested if the stories were true about a so called "God of War." Ren and Nora both just wanted this over. Miss Goodwitch was hoping that this little field trip could be done before she even had to spend a night somewhere other than her bed. They were on the rising slopes of the mountain, Globeflowers started to become more and more common.
"This place is very peaceful." Remarked Ren. Gesturing to the small field around them covered in flowers. Nora went over and grabbed a handful of flowers and smelled them. The beautiful colored flowers were blown away after she sneezed. As the others giggled, she just let what remained fall on the ground.
About ten minutes later, they found themselves under the shadow of town on the slope of the mountain. It looked rather old, older than Lamplight. It walls were of wood, and the houses had an antique design. Everywhere was covered in Globeflowers, the gate had some fashioned on it in letters saying "Globeflower Hill".
"So this is where he is, we might be able to get a jump on him." Miss Goodwitch said. Her students looked to her. "We're going in like we're travelers."
"But we don't even look like we travel the back roads though!" Said Jaune, Glynda gave him a stare like daggers. "Ok, ok!" He said stepping back with hands in air. She then gestured to her students to follow her. As they approached the gate, a guard hailed them on the battlements.
"Good day travelers!" He greeted, "Welcome to Globeflower Hill, one of the safest communities south of the Valen Mountains!" The nine Hunters looked at the town before them: there was people out and about. People working on buildings, taking care of the flowers strung about everywhere and children running around playing. It was an complete contrast to Lamplight when they just got there, before everyone knew what befell the Defilers. Goodwitch looked up to the nice guard.
"Have you seen a Boy in black, with a sword on his back?" She asked.
"Oh yeah!" He answered, "The boy who came here this morning. Are you looking for him?"
"Yes do you know where he is?"
"I think I saw him go into George's Inn." The guard turned and pointed towards it. "It's that way, enjoy your time in our town!" With that they ventured forth.
Valen Mountains, Snowy Forest.
Umbra traveled far up the mountain; snow and woods were all around him. If he didn't know that a bunch of hunters were after him, he would've travel onwards to the pass. He stood and looked back upon the winding path that he had walked on. He knew that the best way to do this would be to make these kids afraid of him, he will wait and he will fight them. As he walked towards a tree to make a camp, something ran at him from the woods.
In a splint second, he drawled his blade and decapitated the lone Beowolf. As the creature fell forward and started to fade away, he just walked on. He picked up some sticks and went to work on a fire.
Globeflower Hill Inn.
As the Nine Hunters entered the Inn, they found it to be less crowded as Lamplights. Instead of Miners drinking on break, they found a few people sitting at a few booths eating and talking. People looked at them, wondering who they were. They looked in all directions in the tavern, no Swordsman in sight. The Owner and Bartender of the cheerful towns Inn greeted them.
"Welcome Travelers to my establishment! I'm George." He said with his arms wide with a welcoming gesture. "What is it that you seek? Food, Drink or a Bed?" Miss Goodwitch answered him.
"I'm a Huntress, and these are my students." She told him, "We seek a boy, clad in black. He has a sword on his back." Georges calm eyes widen with realization.
"There was a boy here by that description, but he left a few hours ago." There was a collective sigh among the students, they were tired of walking. Glynda face palmed again for the thousandth time that day, she was extremely frustrated.
"Then tell us about his time here." She said demandingly as they got to his counter.
"Well, the Boy walked in here about five hours ago, he came to me and asked for a glass of water. I gave him what he wanted and he went over to that booth." He pointed to the empty seat that their bounty sat in earlier. "He sits down and starts to read this old book that he pulled out of a satchel, and he does this for three hours I think. Then about two hours ago I get a phone call and it's for him!" Glynda's face becomes one of shock.
"Who called him?" She asked with an enraged face.
"I-I don't know. All I know is that it was a Girls voice." He half lied.
"Ok," She said calmly, "Tell us more."
"Well, I take the phone to him and he grabs it. They talk about a minute and then he gives it back to me, drinks the rest of his water, gets his stuff and gives me a Lien of an Hundred, a Hundred! After that he says thanks and leaves." This made them all gasp, they knew that someone knew about them, and know He knew they were coming.
"Thanks for the information." She tells him, still giving him a scornful look, knowing he lied about the caller. She looks over to her students, "We need to talk." She walks out the Inn, waving for them to come. The Hunters-in-Training followed her. As they exited, Glynda pointed to the mountain. "He's up there." She turned to her students, "This Umbra knows we're coming, so I doubt he will precede onto the other side." Everyone except Ren and Blake were a little confused by this.
"Why?" Asked Ruby, once again showing her innocence.
"Because, Beacon is not too far from the mountain on the other side. If he traveled onwards to Vale, Ozpin could get every Huntsman and Huntress in the area after him. And he can't just rush down the western road on the side of the mountain because it is riddled with Grimm, Wild Animals, Bandits and avalanches. So Logically speaking, if this boy isn't completely stupid, he would do better to wait and fight us and then move on." Their Professor explained.
"So, what do we?" Asked Yang, brushing her hair with her hand.
"You all go up there and get him." Jaune's face almost busted open.
"Y-You're not c-coming with us?" He asked shaken.
"No, this is where you all must prove yourselves." She said, "I'm going to stay here and call a bullhead."
"But what if he tries to kill us!" He retorted.
"If you remember what I told Ms.Rose, Mr.Arc, Professor Ozpin thinks he will not try to kill you."
"B-But-"
"Mister Arc! Stop this, listen, if Ozpin didn't think you all wouldn't be able to handle this, he would have chosen other teams. This is your chances to prove yourselves that you really have what it takes to be Huntsmen and Huntresses. This boy most likely will be an tough battle, but if you keep clear headed and work together as teams, you will prevail." All of the Teens felt confidence rise in themselves, the tired and nervous feelings faded away. Suddenly Ruby came to life with energy
"Don't worry Professor Goodwitch," She said jumping and pumping her fist in the air, "We'll bring him in!" Glynda smiled at Ruby's determination.
"Good, now go along. I'm gonna call the Bullhead now, good luck." She turned around and pulled out her Scroll. Ruby turned to her teammates and friends.
"Let's get to it!" She said, still energetic.
"I concur, I want this over with." Weiss chipped in.
So the two teams headed out the peaceful village, and onwards up the mountain.
Valen Mountains, by a Tree.
Umbra sat with the fire before him, he sat for about an hour and a half, waiting for his pursuers. He spent this time reflecting on his overall goal, getting to Vacuo. "Once I defeat these Hunters, I need to Travel down the west along the mountain." He sighed as he scratched his chin, "But, this road also happens to be on of the most dangerous roads on the continent of Sanus…" Then, his mental companion spoke.
"Umbra, you should know from experience that every road holds the same amount of chance." The Sword said.
"Well not every road has a history like this one. An army buried in snow, the Mountain King bandit, Merchants being sacrificed to goats by cultists." He said tiredly.
"So?"
"What I'm saying is that I don't like detours. I may stop to help people time from time, but right now my one and only concern is getting to Vacuo and facing Him." He said with his fist clenched angrily. "Last thing I need is a bunch of inbred cannibals trying to kill me." The Being laughed at Umbra in a friendly teasing manner.
"Umbra, I don't think that they would like the taste, I'd say your too rotten to be consumed." Umbra's frown turned into a grin.
"Yeah, I think I would taste like a clown, funny." The two laughed, one mentally, the other physically. These last few years were bad for him, but at least he had his mental companion. If anyone else knew that he talked to it, they would think him insane. After their little laugh, Umbra went back to being on guard.
Valen Mountains, Along a road.
As the nine trekked up the mountain road, it became snowy around them and day turned into night. Weiss disliked walking up the mountain in her heeled boots, she about tripped a few times on rocks. But besides that she was confident, she was right, Professor Ozpin really was testing her team. She looked forward to proving her skill and to put this murdering boy in his place. Suddenly, Yang walked up beside her.
"So how are you doing Weiss?" She asked bored.
"Fine, thank you." She said.
"So," Yang said, "What do you think of this Umbra boy?" Weiss just shook her head.
"He's a dirty murdering thief." She said scornfully.
"I wonder if he's hot?" Yang said lecherously, Weiss gave her a stare.
"Yang, are you serious? This boy is our enemy!"
"Yeah, so what? It doesn't mean I can't wonder if he's attractive." She shrugged.
"That's exactly what it means!" Weiss told her, Yang just signed.
"Pffft, Weiss You're no fun." She brushed her golden hair, "And besides, we're going to kick his ass anyway."
"Yang!" Ruby said appearing right next to her sister, "Don't cuss!" She scolded, Yang just rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah sis." As they continued to walk, Jaune and Pyrrha talked.
"So, Jaune, are you still nervous." She asked, seeing him slightly more at ease. He just laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well, not as much after Goodwitch's speech, but I fear meeting Umbra." The Redheaded Spartan put her hand on his shoulder and spoke.
"Don't worry Jaune, we all can do it together." She said to him warmly, he smiled at her. Pyrrha was a good partner.
"Thanks Pyrrha." He said full of confidence. He looked over to Weiss who was talking with Ruby about strategy. He had a grin form on his face as he walked forward with more speed to Weiss. Pyrrha's smile turned into a frown as he left. "Hey there, Snow Angel, I can't wait to show off my skills in front of you tonight when we fight this guy." He said slyly. Weiss gave him a look that could kill. Everyone sighed at this exchange.
"Go away, dolt." She said with a snobby voice filled with irritably. He just back off to his team with defeat. Weiss really wanted this little field trip over with. She looked over to see Yang talking with Blake about the same topic from earlier. She wouldn't expect nothing less from her. Ruby, whom she shared discord with before being bothered by that buffoon, started talking with her again.
"So I was saying Weiss, we all need to surround and rush him." Ruby said with seriousness.
"I agree, but that's also a gamble, remember the footage?" Ruby shivered at the memory of the boy killing the guy behind him.
"You're right… " Ruby said sadly. Then before anything else could be said, Blake in front stopped everyone with her hand. She pointed to a faint light ahead of them in the woods.
"He's there." She said seriously.
"Are you sure Blake? What if it's just travelers?" Blake pointed to the ground below them, single footprints.
"He's the only person it could be. It hasn't snowed here any to fill the prints up." She pointed forward, "That's either him or somebody else." Everyone was tense.
"So, how do we do this?" Ruby asked, then suddenly Jaune came to the forefront.
"The woods," He said pointing to the forest line, "We can use them to cover our approach." Weiss just face palmed.
"You can't be serious?" She said, Jaune just shrugged.
"Well, yeah I mean, we'll be able to surprise him." Weiss was about to criticize him, but Blake spoke her mind.
"Not too bad of an plan, but if any of us screw up though it would be horrible." She said, "But I say it is ultimately up to you Jaune and Ruby." They both scratched their heads, eventually Ruby spoke up.
"I think it's an good idea." She looked over to Jaune, "Right?"
"Um, yeah!" He said a little nervous. So it was decided, the two teams split into the woods around the road. Team JNPR went left and RWBY went right. The two teams snuck up the sides of the road. Both had extreme difficulty being quiet, only Ren and Blake were able to not make a sound. Everyone else were not so lucky, snow crunched loudly when stepped on, sticks snapped, they were awful. Eventually, they all came upon their prey. Team JNPR came to their sides end and RWBY came to the parallel side. Before them was the Boy that they spent their whole day after, sitting against a lone tree in front of a hill, a camp fire raging in front of him. He was hooded and unmoving.
Some of them thought he was sleeping, others dead. Before anyone could move a muscle, he just got up, kicked the fire out and stretched. He was about the height of Jaune. He knew they were out there, he could detect them minutes ago when he heard the commotion out in the woods. He couldn't sense dark aura, so it wasn't Grimm. And he didn't need to sense regular aura to know that's it's humans. Regular animals wouldn't be so careless. The teens were on edge, not knowing what to do.
"Come on out cowards!" He shouted in his dark, but light toned voice. The teens got a better look at him, his jacket and boots were the color of midnight, contrasted by his blue jeans. His shirt was obscured by a black chest piece and a belt loaded with daggers. His hands had black leather fingerless gloves and his face was hidden by the shadow of the hood, only his mouth could be seen along with an inch of the scar on his face. But the thing that scared them most, was his Crimson red eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness.
"I said come out you damn hunters!" He shouted again angrily. This time, the teens overcame their fear and lept out the shadows. Umbra found himself flanked by two teams. "So these are the kids sent to capture me?" He thought. At his faces left were an all female team, his right a team with two boys and two girls. They had weapons drawn, and to say at the very least, some of them peaked his interest.
The girl in red and black had a Scythe, one of the most dangerous weapons in Remnants history, he had face an Scythe wielder before and about died. The girl next to her clad in white's weapon was a rapier that was elegantly designed, also dangerous if it stabs the right spot. The blonde girls weapon seemed to be a pair of gauntlets on her wrists, it was weird to him, but he didn't think they were munch to be concerned over. The ravenette had two black swords apparently, not two dangerous, but still needed to watch out. Then the other team…
The blonde boy had a simple bastard sword and shield, dangerous in the right hands, but the Boys form was undisciplined. The redheaded girl beside him also had a sword and shield, except her sword seemed to be an short sword, she looked dangerous to him. The boy in green with the pink highlight had two pistols with blades on him, Umbra didn't know what to expect out of them. The other redhead had a hammer and wicked smile on her face, extremely dangerous. Umbra examine the people's fear with his power, surprisingly, the two with the most and no fear were the boys.
He wondered what their weapons second features are, knowing the technology of the world. He gestured with his hand to his pursuers. "So tell me, why are you here? Who sent you kids after me?" Ruby felt anger at the word "kid" She jumped forward and pointed.
"We're here to arrest you by the order Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon academy!" She clutched her fist and shook it. "And who are you calling kid!" Umbra scoffed at the girl.
"You're all kids compared to me." He told them. Weiss was angered by such arrogance. She walk forward and pointed next.
"I'm far more grown up than some boy who wanders around killing people and robbing dust shipments!" She said furiously. Umbra just laughed in her face.
"And who in Oums name are you Ice Princess?" He said sardonically. Weiss just fumed at this.
"I'm Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company!" He bursted out laughing, of all people he could face, a Schnee.
"A Schnee?! Wow, not only did this "Ozpin" sent kids after me, but he sent a spoiled rich brat too." This about caused the rest of the teens to laugh and they would have if not for their objective in front of them. Weiss was outraged.
"H-How dare yo-" She was interrupted.
"Me?" He chuckled, "Ha, you Atleasian nobles act all the same. "How dare you!" Seems to be a phrase that means "Oh my Oum, you've insulted me!" And the funniest part is how you Atleasians act like your honorable where in reality you're more likely to find an more honest man in Vacuo." Weiss about had a stroke from the anger inside her right now. He just sighed, "Well I suppose I should introduce myself, even though you all most likely know my name." He raised his left hand in an gesture. "I'm Umbra, Umbra Redson." He said with an cocky voice. "So what are you all gonna do now?" Everyone was frozen for a moment before Ruby spoke up.
"Um, Umbra, please just surrender. I don't want to fight you." She said with innocence. Umbra felt the sincerity of her words, but he has no choice. He must continue his journey. Weiss added in on the negotiation.
"Yeah, you might as well surrender, it's only for your own good." She said smarting off. Umbra felt a tinge of anger at that.
"Please don't surrender, I've been itching for a good fight." Yang said, earning a look from Ruby. Blake spoke to counter her partner.
"Listen, please don't listen to these two," Gesturing to Weiss and Yang, which they responded with "Hey!", "It would be beneficial for all of us not to fight. You don't want to get in worst trouble, don't you?" She used logic. Umbra just laughed.
"Sorry Ninja Girl, if you all think I'll let my journey end in chains," He pulled out his Crimson Runesword and twirled it slowly in his hand, "Then you got another thing coming." It was a tense few moments after that, all of the teens had serious looks on their faces. The Hunters raised their weapons in a stance. Umbra just stood there, not even getting in a stance. After what felt like minutes, he was aggravated. "When are one of you going to attack me?" He asked them, then, one of them showed courage.
"Raaaaah!" Jaune let out in a war cry as he charged the Dark Swordsman, surprising everyone of his friends. Umbra let out a devilish grin, "This is the boy that is scared of me more than anyone else?" He observed him as he charged, "His form is full of openings, he seems to be an novice warrior." Jaune raised his sword, Crocea Mors, to slash down the Swordsman. Before he could hit his mark, Umbra grabbed his sword arm and knocked his shield out of the way with his sword, then he kneed the boy in the stomach and tossed him aside. "So much potential, yet such a waste."
"Jaune!!" Screamed everyone else as their friend was thrown into snow. The Shadow just sneered.
"So that's the fools name?" What Umbra didn't expect was the mass charge by Jaune's teammates. "Shit!" He thought as he avoided a thrust from Miló. He turned and deflected shots from Ren's Stormflowers. Lowering his power output, he slashed at Ren whom blocked the blow with his bladed pistols. Sensing the Hammer girl coming up behind, he kicked Ren back and dodged Nora's Magnhild (Witcher 3 Dodging).
"Ok, ok, I need to be careful with what powers I use. Teleportation shouldn't be too bad, unless I use it over and over again. Instinct shouldn't either, but everything past tier one has to be restricted. The last thing I need to do is lose control on these kids..." Umbra was thinking as a certain Blonde brawler came up from behind. As soon as he turned to face her, a fist hit his face. He was sent flying backwards a bit before he stopped himself. "Shit, shit and shit. More than I expected from them." Pyrrha charge at him from his right, sensing it, he used instinct.
Everything went into slow motion as he activated it. The sword she aimed to stab him with slowed down as he moves out of the way. In a moment, time was back to normal and Pyrrha looked at him with a surprised and angry face. Umbra took the initiative and slung his sword in a diagonal slash. Out of habit, Pyrrha tried to use polarity but found that she was unable against the Crimson blade. In desperation, she raised her shield Akoúo̱. The blade clanged against it with strength that was underestimated by her. He jumped back as she turned Miló into its spear form and thrusts it forward.
Umbra senses an shot come at him from his left, Yang was firing rounds from Ember Celica at him. Dodging them one by one, he failed to see the "Ninja Girl" sneak up from behind, when Yang stopped firing he thought he had a second of respite. In a the blink of an eye, Blake hit him with Gambol Shroud's blade on the shoulder. Drops of blood came streaming down from the gash. Everyone stopped for a moment at the sight.
"H-He doesn't have an aura!" Blake said horrified.
"How is this possible?!" Weiss said, remembering all that he did from the stories. As everyone was shocked, Umbra just felt rage boiling.
"These kids are going to make me have to use Aura shield!?" He was pissed. He had cut down countless foes without ever even needing it. But he supposed the automatic settings of not holding back his strong powers made it obsolete when fighting to kill. Fighting to knock out though, was leagues harder than just killing everyone that fights him. These kids do have some skill, but they've had dozens of mistakes that would get them killed against a skilled foe out to murder. But that doesn't change the fact that he would have to concede to Aura Shield! He was going to show them who they are messing with! The teens including Jaune who got up just looked at the Crimson aura coming from the boy in fear and awe. It was like red paint on an black canvas.
"He does?" Ruby said amazed and confused at the same time.
The wound healed itself quicker when he activated the Aura shield, he would use more power than planned, but still hopefully not enough to make him lose control. He needed to end this fight now. With Fear sense, he could feel Jaune walking over. He decided he needed to cut their weak links, one by one. He flashed over to Jaune, surprising everyone again. He was not ready for the ruthless assault upon him. He was cut with slashes from the sword, non lethal ones that drained his aura. He was surprise the Boy's large amount of aura.
"You have an ocean of Aura, Jaune." Umbra told him. When Jaune was pushed back, he reared his blade forward only for the Dark Swordsman to dodge and hit him in the head with his swords pommel, causing his Aura to break. The impact made Jaune fell backwards and dazed. "But no skill." As bloods rushed down the blonde boys forehead, his friends gasped at what happened. Pyrrha was livid.
"Jaune!!" She said with concern, she looked at Umbra with absolute animosity. "You monster!" Umbra just stood there, his sword in his hand, and a Crimson Aura covering his hooded body. He just smirked, she gripped her sword.
"Well, are you gonna help him or attack me?" He said. Pyrrha grit her teeth, then her other teammates backed her.
"Go help Jaune, we'll handle this guy." Said Ren accompanied by Nora, Team Rwby behind them. Pyrrha hesitated for a moment and then ran over to Jaune. Umbra calmed himself down within, his red aura faded back to his normal self. He got two out of the equation, but six more still stand in his way. He got into a stance, he gripped his sword with both hands and held it parallel to his face inside right. (Geralt's blocking pose Witcher 3)
"So," He said in the stance, "Will you give up and go back to your master, or do I have hurt any more of you?" Ruby and Weiss answered him.
"Never!!" They launched their planned attack. Weiss shot forward with her glyphs in a striking motion, catching the boy off guard. He blocked the attack with a loud clang. Weiss and Umbra struggled against each other's blade. The Swordsman was impressed by the strength of the white clad girl. Of all the people, he doubted she would be strong. But the thing that struck the most was the girls icy blue eyes, eyes like hers.
What he didn't see was the red cloaked girl coming at him with great speed. When Weisses face had an smirk, Umbra knew something was wrong. He jumped back from the lock to avoid the Scythe attack. As Ruby appeared, rose petals flew around the snowy forest like blood droplets. She turned and dashed towards him with Crescent Rose.
Umbra was then met with a flail of attacks from the Cloaked Girl. He dodged all but one good hit that send him reeling back "She's skilled with the scythe!" She swung in a side slash that could cut an regular person into two, Umbra blocked it with his sword. Sparks flew when the two weapons hit. He twisted his sword to lock her Scythe in place, she wasn't as strong as her friends. Ruby started to give in.
"Alright," Umbra said, "Playtime's over!" Pushing her away. She about fell into the snow but caught herself. He slashed forward at her but Yang came at him from his left. Before he could do anything, he was hit full force by her fist. A lot more prepared than last time, he managed to only slide back from the blow. Yang only smirked at him.
"What? Can't take a hit?" She said smug. Umbra looked at the sisters with fury in his eyes. He marched to them, his sword in hand. But then, he heard shots, due to past training. He snapped to the shots direction and blocked them with his blade. Ren shot at him, walking slowly to the Reaper. Umbra breamed with rage, he started towards Ren's direction, blocking the rapid fire. As he neared the boy, a certain redheaded girl with an Hammer ran up behind him. Umbra, hearing the steps rolled out of the way. Magnhild hit the ground where he stood seconds ago with such force that snow flew and a crater had been made.
He got back to his feet only to see Nora swigging again. He ducked and slashed up her back. Nora whined in pain and anger, she felt a burning sensation. She turned around and hit Umbra with her hammer. He didn't have time to do anything as he was thrown a few feet away. He got up quickly and was met by Ren and his Stormflowers. Blocking the bladed pistols, Umbra kicked him back. Then, he started attacking Ren with mighty swings. They fought to an stand still, their strikes fast.
As Ren brought one of his pistols to hit Umbra, he deflected it and gave him an running push. The Boy fell back onto the snowy ground. Nora ran up to the Shadow, her hammer ready. Umbra jumped back and blocked her swing. He needed to take these two out of the game…
Valen Mountains, by Jaune.
Pyrrha was angry, sad and scared. She had feared for the life of the boy she liked, her partner. She just sat there over him. His face had wet streaks of blood. He was alive, but he was knocked out. She was enraged at that boy, how he could hurt Jaune like that. Right now the rest of her team and team RWBY fought him.
She watched the boy fight and she was puzzled. One moment the boy fought like a disciplined warrior, then next a berserk savage. No wonder people talk about an "God of War" She just wants this fight to end and get Jaune to the Infirmary of Beacon.
Valen Mountains, in the heat of Battle.
Umbra sword clashed against one of Gambol Shroud blades, then in a second, he pushed her back to dodge Weiss who attacked him with Myrtenaster. As he dodged the Heiress, Ren came at him again with his StormFlowers. Umbra blocked every strike form them with his sword which he held with two hands. He then parried Ren's weapons and elbowed him in the chest. As Ren stumbled back, Umbra's power started to get to him.
"Kill him." The Dark Voice said, it wasn't the sword but his dark side, "He's before you like an lamb, Slaughter Him!" Umbra resisted, this side of him would kill anyone who got in his way. As Ren gained his strength back, Umbra just shook his head at nothing. Silencing the voice, Umbra got back into focus as Nora's hammer came for him. In surprise, he jumped to the side. She slung her hammer again. He rolled out of the way in the snow.
"I need to get her out of this fight, but how?" For a split moment, he saw Ren come to join the fight. A devilish grin appeared on his face. He used Instinct, as his Aura flared, he ran over to Ren and kicked him back. As Instinct ended, everyone was shocked at his speed. Ren was knocked on his back again. Umbra just looked over to Nora with a challenging smirk. "Come on Hammerhead!" He shouted. In rage, Nora charged right at him. Ren slowly got up from behind the Swordsman, winded. Umbra wasn't in a stance, nor was he moving. Team RWBY was resting for a moment while this happened. Ruby then realized what he was doing just as Nora reached him, unable to get Crescent Rose in firing mode.
"Nora! Don't!" It was too late. As Nora's Magnhild was slung towards Umbra, he used Teleportation. Appearing behind her while her hammer was heading right for Ren, who had just got up. Terror formed in the two friends eyes as Magnhild collided with Ren's chest. He was launched several yards away and was cratered in snow. Tears started to stream down Nora's face, her anger turned into fear and sadness.
"Ren!" She said concerned and wide eyed. She ran to him, out of the fight. A part of Umbra felt bad, but another felt satisfaction. He had killed four birds with two stones. Team RWBY looked on in horror and rage. Umbra chuckled a dark laugh at his defeated foes.
"Such weakness!" He mocked, "To be deceived into attacking an ally!" The four girls grind their teeth, Ruby looked to Weiss.
"Surround him!!" With that Ruby and Weiss shot over behind him with use of their semblances while Yang and Blake ran over in front of him. Umbra was to busy gloating to stop them, but when he noticed what they're doing he went into a stance with his sword raised up by his hands. He looked in both directions and saw that the girls had him surrounded in a way that would be hard to get out of with out his powers.
"Shit..." He thought. He smiled and congratulated them. "You've all have given a good fight, for that I must thank you." He then arrogantly laughed "I didn't think you kids could keep up with me." Yang scoffed at him.
"Oh please, we heard stories about you defeating people in seconds, but we've fought for minutes!" She then pointed at him, "People are either very exaggerative about you or your holding back!"
"Heh, you're right Blondie," Umbra said, "I have been holding back. To be honest, I've only used about three percent of my power on you all." This cause the girls eyes to widen. "If I wanted you all dead, this little fight would be over. But since I'm trying to knock you out or make you surrender, this has been hard." Then everyone was tense. Ruby looked to her team, they all nodded. Then Ruby spoke,
"Bumble Bee, Ice Flower!" Umbra was puzzled for a moment, but he realized what was going on once the teens moved on him. Umbra blocked Gambol Shroud with his sword only to receive a punch from Yang's gauntlet. As he was thrown back, he regained balance only to roll on the ground at the sound of a sniper rifle. Ruby was firing at him with Crescent Rose, Weiss was beside her using her Glyphs to boost the projectiles. Umbra ran to their right, deflecting the shots with the Crimson sword. He made his way to Blake and Yang and had at them.
Blake's black blade clashed against Umbra's and she was about thrown by his strikes strength. "He's aggressive, yet reserved, why?" She thought. Umbra side slashed at her, she barely dodging. As he went again, Yang came up with a fist ready. Umbra brought his sword up and block her blow. The other girls looked amazed at the sword for its durability and strength to withstand such a blow. Umbra smirked again.
"You may be strong, Goldilocks." He said tauntingly, "But it is but a tap on the shoulder compared to my sword." Yang's eyes filled with rage, for a moment flickered red. She threw another punch, he blocked it with his sword. Then she let out a barrage of punches, Umbra blocked them like he blocked Ren's shots earlier. Slinging his sword back and forth against her strikes of fury. "If I sought to kill her, now would be the time." He mentally observed. She in her arrogant berserk state left many openings, a skilled swordsman with ill intent could cut one of her arms off at the right moment.
Umbra saw an opportunity in one punch of hers. He side stepped, allowing her to strike forward. With her body exposed, he kneed her in the in the stomach. She coughed form the low kick, and clenched her belly. Umbra raised his sword, he was going to knock her out. But as it fell upon her, a familiar white and blue blur zoomed out of nowhere and blocked it.
"Schnee..." He said with a growl. Weiss blocked his Dark Sword with her Angelic Rapier. He jumped back from her, raising his sword in a piercing stance, he prepared to stab at her. She pulled her sword hand back. In a split second, their blades clashed. Umbra and Weiss slashed at each other with scorn in their eyes. Her Myrtenaster hit hit in his left shoulder, it hurt him, only making him stronger. His aura got more intense; it was like a raging Crimson fire filled with red lighting.
The Wealthy girl slung her blade in a slash only to be parried and pushed back with immense strength. Umbra approached her only to hear another code word. "Ladybug!!" He turned to its direction to see an blur appear right before him, rose petals floated in the air around him. A Scythe came down in a cleaving motion to hit him. Umbra dodge around her, out of her weapons mark. But he was met by Blake who appeared next to him with her black blade. Out of shock and instinct, he stabbed the girl, only for her to fade into black mist.
Confused, he turned around to see Blake bringing her sword down on him, he lifted his blade up to meet hers. After a clash of metal upon metal, Umbra jumped back and did a twirl with his sword forward. Black dodged his sword and slung Gambol Shroud's sword in a storm of strikes. Umbra dodged everyone of them and slashed forward from the left with his Crimson blade. Blake was hit in the back and thrown forward from the burning strike.
Ruby came forward with another whirlwind of strikes with her red scythe. Umbra jumped backwards from her reaping swings. When one strike was certain to hit him, he brought up his sword to met Crescent Rose. His face was filled of surprise after she jumped back and shot him with her sniper mode. In haste he blocked all but one of the shots that hit his chest piece with such force that he fell on his back from the hit. As he fell into the snow, Ruby smirked herself.
"Who's the Kid again?" She asked sarcastically. Umbra then shot up and ran at her furiously, slinging his sword savagely. Ruby was able to block most of his hits but one made her stumble, just enough for him to lock his blade with her weapon.. She struggled to get Crescent Rose free from the entanglement, he got his blade lodge at the beard and chine area of her scythe. He let some pressure off as he freed his right hand and preceded to backhand Ruby in the face, causing her to stumble. He unlocked his sword and flashed behind her.
"It's nothing personal, kid." He said as he brought his sword down upon her. His vampiric blade hit her and made her fall forward. Ruby fell on her knees and hands in the snow. Umbra lifted his sword to knock her out only to hear an thunderous voice.
"Leave my little sister alone!" He turned his head to find an furious Blonde beauty with murder in her eyes. He turned to face the blonde brawler with a smirk across his face, he started to love this fight with these girls. He brought his blade to block her mighty fist. He pushed her back and kicked her in the chest, as she fell backwards, he slung his sword downwards. Umbra unknowingly made a mistake, his sword cut a small, tiny, insignificant strand of hair. As Umbra stood triumphant over her, Yang saw that yellow strand fall slowly in the air. When she saw it, her eyes turned the same color as Umbra's, Crimson. She rose with an fiery aura, her hair turned a lighter shade of yellow. When he saw this, his smirk turned into a frown.
"Those eyes, they turned into the same color as mine."He thought as he raised his sword against the coming storm. Weiss and Blake were dumbfounded on Yangs transformation and looked to Ruby for an answer.
"Is that her semblance?" Blake inquired, "What is she doing?" Ruby who slowly got up from from the ground answered them.
"It is," She answered, "She gets power with every hit, and when it either builds up, she gets super mad or when her hair is damaged, it releases." Yang gave Umbra a look that would make many others urinate themselves, but he stood there prepared with his Crimson Aura all around him. She gave him some advice to live by.
"Don't. Touch. My. Hair!" With the last words she flew forward with her left fist like a spear. Umbra move his sword as fast as she came, but her strength was ten times more powerful than before and he was launched backwards into the snowy hill. He quickly got up only to be assailed by a rain of punches, they were like being hit with a sledgehammer. He managed to use instinct as she threw another one and throw a punch at her. She grabbed his fist and squeeze it, it felt like being compacted. She then kneed him in the stomach, picked him up, threw him in the air and shot him with Ember Celica's left gauntlet.
Umbra flew in the air and hit the side of a tree, then he fell down into the snow. "That girl's semblance is extremely powerful, I-I think I'll have to use a more powerful ability." He thought as he got up from the snow. "I need to channel my pain and my anger, but I must hold back some if I don't want to kill them." When he grabbed his sword that was on the ground and had flew with him in the air, he heard the Darkness.
"Kill them," It said commandingly, "They are nothing but flesh, but their power is great. Their Souls could give you the power to kill Him." Umbra shook with anger at his dark reflection.
"Shut up!" He screamed aloud to nothing, he couldn't kill these kids, they had done nothing to deserve it unlike the others. And they were just hunters in training, not some thirty year old bandit or a Legionary from the Last Legion. He walked back to Yang, who was in a semi state of returning to normal. She just grinned at the boy with her arms crossed, her teammates had grins too in the face of what just happened.
"Are you gonna surrender now, Sword Boy? Or am I going to have to kick your ass some more?" Umbra smirked, he had a plan.
"No Blondie, in fact I think gonna fight on and I'm going to cut your hair." He said. Yangs aura flared again at the threat and her calm confident demeanor turned once again into unbridled rage.
"Did you just threaten my hair?!" She said with a growl. Umbra's smirk grew at this.
"Yes, I did, what are you going to do, Goldilocks?" He said. She clenched her fists and moved forward. As the angry Girl came at him, he readied the power. Crimson Aura started to emit from his left hand, he flexed his fingers. As this happened, the other three didn't notice as they watched. In what seemed to be a split second, Yangs fist came at the Shadow, but instead of sending him flying, he stepped to the side and grabbed her extended right arm and closed it in a tight grip. Yang went wide eyed with pain as a burning, sucking feeling started to torment her body, specifically the arm. She fell to her knees screaming in pain, her hair returned golden and her red eyes back to lilac. To put it in perspective, it felt like being dosed in gasoline and set on fire.
Umbra felt immense power fuel him, her bright aura absorbed into his dark aura that was growing powerful on its own too because of both his emotions and pain. The Dark Grip was one of his most powerful abilities, directly using his innate ability to drain people's aura and grow stronger from his fallen foes. That was also why he didn't like to use it often, it like other powers of his can overlord his mind and cause him to lose his sanity and sense of reason. The whites of his crimson eyes turned black and his control was on the edge of being lost.
The three other teens stood frozen in horror as they saw their strong and fearless comrade fall to her knees just to the boy grabbing his arm. Ruby especially was disturbed to see her sister who she had seen brave and strong her whole life be brought to such a low state. Blake and Weiss were flabbergasted to see this battle that seemed to finally be in their favor turn around back to the boys favor in seconds.
"Yang!" Screamed Ruby with horror.
"T-That b-boy really was holding back!" Blake thought surprise. Weiss just stood there silent, concerned for her teammate but also un-admittedly afraid. They watch as the boys smirk turned into a insane smile, his face mostly obscured by his hood was slightly illuminated by his red eyes. His aura was a raging fire and now sparks flashed all over his body and his sword. Yang was on the verge of falling unconscious from the pain.
"This feeling, it's the most intense I ever felt. I feel like my soul is burning in hell..." She thought this as she went out cold. She slunk forward, only kept suspended by the hand of the boy.
Umbra felt himself become ever more sadistic to the high of his power. He felt himself become unstoppable, no, Invincible. He looked at the girls and their faces frozen with fear, he smiled. He then looked down to Yang. "Fool." He said as he tossed her aside. Her Aura wasn't broken, but it had been drained extensively. Ruby looked at Yang with worry, she started towards her afraid for the worst. He stopped her.
"Don't worry kid," He said with a dark voice, "She's still alive, but with what she just felt, she probably wishes that she died." Ruby felt fury rise within herself.
"Why?!" She said, "Why won't you just stop this?!" Umbra laughed at the girl.
"Why won't you?" He retorted.
"Because our headmaster is relying on us and we can't let you continue to hurt people!"
"Heh, such naivety. I've hurt monsters, not people. A person doesn't kill and rape innocents." He said, "Now please, if you don't want to end up like your friends, I suggest you all leave, now." Ruby didn't plan on backing down, not after what he did to her sister, Ren and Jaune. She looked to her sides to see that her partner and teammate came to her sides. Weiss to her right and Blake to her left. They both gave her a nod despite being afraid of this boy's power. Ruby then raised her scythe and gave the swordsman an answer.
"No!" She flew forward in rose petals and became a tornado with her scythe. Umbra, recharged by his power and the aura he absorbed from Yang was better prepared for this. He matched her speed with his sword and they clashed like red lighting in a thunderstorm. They fought until Weiss and Blake flanked him. Seeing this, he kicked Ruby back and slung his sword at Myrtenaster, blocking Weisses piercing strike. Then he pushed her back to meet Blake and Gambol Shrouds blades. With an mighty sling, he parried Blake and punched her in the gut. Weiss came up behind him with a slash, but detecting this, he came around in a twirl. Their swords clashed, Weiss and Umbra were locked again in a struggle for a moment. She jumped and did something he didn't expect.
She activated her swords ability. Her angelic Rapier glowed red from dust and then she did a slash which fire erupted. Surprised, Umbra slung his sword and dispersed the fire only to be assailed upon by girl clad in white. He was unable to block the attacks from the girl, each strike was like the stroke of an paint brush. With an final stab, he was pushed back winded. Upon Weiss stopping her assault, Ruby fired at him tired. He was caught off guard for the first shot, but he started to deflect them like earlier. That is, until Blake started to fire her Gambol Shroud in its pistol form. He was hit three times before he could start to select her shots too.
He was in trouble, he could focus on his pain and gain some power back, but after using this much, he risked losing control. That's the last thing he wants, he couldn't live with himself if he killed them. "I underestimated these girls..." He thought as he slung his sword rapidly, deflecting the shots. He thought of an idea as he teleported behind the two only to face Crescent Rose descending upon him. He rose his sword up and grabbed his sword blade with his left hand. Her scythe fell right for the trap, a trap another scythe wielder fell for long ago. He maneuvered his blade with her scythe, Ruby was once again struggling for control.
He needed to end this now, and only one technique could do it. As he trapped her Crescent Rose like before, he raised his fist and once more red aura covered it. Ruby kept trying to pry her weapon from his, and failed to see his fist come at her like an flaming meteor. She squealed for an moment as she realized what was happening before she was thrown back into the snow.
"Ruby!" Weiss said, seeing her partner and leader be knocked away. She ran over to her to see if she was alright. Blake gave Umbra an look of absolute disdain. She transformed Gambol Shroud into its ribbon chain scythe mode, letting a flurry of strikes at him. He managed to block most of her attacks but the final one wrapped around the blade of his sword. She pulled him with it, trying to pry the sword from his grip. After resisting for a moment, remembered something that he did before in another situation. He took one hand off the grip of the sword and grabbed her ribbon, enhancing his strength with his dark power, he yanked Blake towards him. Her Amber eyes were wide when the Crimson eyed boy then elbowed her in the chest with his sword arm, covered in Crimson aura.
Weiss ran over to Ruby and kneeled down, she was out cold. In panic, Weiss pulled out her scroll to see that her three teammates were at the border of yellow and red in Aura, she was in yellow. She looked back to Blake to she her fall to the ground from an strike by Umbra. This boy had powers beyond her understanding. His "Semblance" had more than one function, something extremely rare, a little bit like her family's glyphs. She got up in a defensive stance as he took a few steps towards her.
"So your the last one standing?" He said scratching his chin, "Not bad, I'm impressed. I for sure thought you would be one of the first one's down and out, but you've prove me wrong." Weiss scoffed at him.
"Don't underestimate me or my team." She said with Myrtenaster in her left hand.
"I have to say, my fight with your team has been fun. Far more entertaining than those others." He told her with his left hand gesturing. "I was able to get them out of my hair by exploiting their weaknesses." He then gestured to the downed girls around him. "Your team made me use more power than I wanted to. But here they are, out of the fight." He then pointed at her. "So I'll give you one last chance, surrender and tend to your friends and let me go, or end up like them." He said threateningly. Weiss thought it over for a moment, then she came to a conclusion.
"No," She said defiantly, "My team and professors are counting on me." She couldn't let him go, this was a test and chance to get back on him for stealing from her family. Umbra just chuckled darkly.
"Well I have a mission of my own, and you and your friends aren't going to stop me." He got in his defensive stance, she did the same. For an moment, time stood still as the polar opposites readied themselves for a final battle. Blood Red eyes stared into Icy Blue.
Authors Note.
So Weiss and Umbra are going to fight in the next chapter. Thanks for reading my first and most likely cringy story. If you like it, please Follow or Favorite it and review telling me what I've done right. If you hate it and want to complain, please review and tell me what I've done wrong.
And yes, his semblance is OP but for good reason, it ties in to large aspect into the story and he can't over use it. In retrospect, I thought that this chapter would be the end of the beginning arc, but the fight scene was a lot longer than what I visualized. The next chapter will be the end of the arc. (By the way, it is called The Dark Swordsman Arc)
References:
"It's nothing personal kid" is a reference to an meme.
A Beard and Chine are actual parts of an scythe; the blade and area were it meets the pole.
The Dark Grip is based off The Dark Hand from Dark Souls.
Focusing his Aura into his fist is pretty much like Talons stun ability from the Shadow of Mordor and War games.
Instinct is based a little off Ultra Instinct from Dragon Ball Super.