Garo SSBR of Makai
ESKK: Hey new chapter at last. That's right we are back in business. Now then let's begin.
(Start)
Where there is light shadows lurk and fear reigns yet by the blade of knights mankind was given hope.
*insert RWBY OP 3 When you Fall
(Start)
(Ozpin offices)
Pyrrha and Ozpin were sitting at the desk in the office talking about the final round of the Tournament, as Pyrrha found out she made it in the semi-finals as Ozpin said to her, "Well, it comes as no surprise that they've chosen you to move onto the final round of the tournament. Your performance has been exemplary."
"Thank you professor Ozpin, but I would never have made it this far without my teammates," Pyrrha said a she knew she could not have taken all the credit with Jaune's strategy plans, and her other teammates support, as she may be strong and skill in her own rights, she can't take on every team solo.
"Personally I think it's the other way around." Qrow said as he was leaning on the wall.
Pyrrha was surprised to see this person as she didn't even sense his Aura. "I'm sorry but I don't believe we've been introduced." Pyrrha said as she was trying to be nice.
"Name's Qrow." Qrow said looking to Pyrrha.
"Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine." Ozpin said as Pyrrha felt something wasn't right.
"Professor, if you don't mind me asking, why have you called me here?" Pyrrha asked as she looked to Ozpin.
"Please, take a seat." Ozpin said as he was being calm about this to which Pyrrha obliged. "What is your favorite fairy tale?" Ozpin asked as he looked to Pyrrha.
"I'm sorry?" Pyrrha said being caught off guard.
"Fairy tales. Stories from your childhood. Surely you must remember some of them." Ozpin said as Pyrrha looked.
"Well, there's the tale of the two brothers; Silver knights who fought Grimm in the tower-" Pyrrha said listing the stories from her childhood.
"What about the story of the seasons?" Ozpin asked as he leaned forward.
"Oh of course. A Callous old man who refuses to leave his home is visited by four travelling sisters. The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use his time of solitude to reflect and meditate. The Second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden. The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all he has and be thankful. In return for their kindness, the man grants the maidens incredible powers so that they may continue to help others all over the world. They graciously accept and promise to share their gifts with the people of Remnant until the end of days." Pyrrha said remembering the story.
"Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Four Maidens." Pyrrha said remembering when she was told the story. "My mother loves that story." Pyrrha said as Ozpin looked.
"Would you believe me if I told you that one's been around since I was a boy?" Ozpin began as Pyrrha was confused. "Would you also believe me if I told you there was a second part to the story that had been hidden?" Ozpin asked as now Pyrrha was intrigued.
"Excuse me?" Pyrrha asked as Ozpin looked.
"The story has a part two that also reveal the origins of the Grimm if people were to accept it." Ozpin began as now Pyrrha wanted to hear it.
(Story)
"A long time ago before Grimm during ancient times the most recent Four Maidens were each a member of the Makai Order, they fought as ones who protect even if there powers granted them a great advantage."
The story showed an ink paining of the four maidens battling Horrors as they used their powers to their full advantage.
"But one day a powerful force of nature from the Makai had appeared."
The screen showed a Gate as from it a giant being came out as it was humanoid with eyes across its body and a mask that held three eyes on its face.
"It was the Messiahs Mask the one who watches over her domain. It had entered our world through a gate and many had tried to stop it but all had failed. Its name was Darkus as it destroyed all in its path and devoured even more."
The screen showed armies fighting Darkus but none could harm it as it devoured the armies and destroyed the armies.
"But one day Darkus became curios so it decided to create its own type of Horrors and from it the Grimm were born, but before he could complete his task of drowning the world into Darkness a light shined through."
The screen showed Darkus holding a young Beowolf in its hand as many other types of Grimm surrounded it.
"The four Maidens sought the help of five Knights and together they battled Darkus."
The screen showed the Four Maidens standing with Knights as the leader in white shook the hand of the Summer maiden as they shook hands.
"These Knights were, Garo, Zanga, Gaia, Dan, and finally Yaiba and together they battled this Horror even if the odds were stacked against them."
The story showed the five Makai Knights and four Makai Maidens battling the Horror as its power was great but they refused to back down.
"By the end of the battle this group of heroes stood victorious as they had sealed Darkus into the Earth so he may never cause chaos to the world or drive humanity to madness, they made a key that would act as a way to keep him sealed and the four Maidens used much of their power to seal Darkus away."
The story said showing Darkus being sealed in a large cavern as a mountain began to form around it almost like it was forgotten.
(Story end)
"That sounded kind of dark." Pyrrha said as even by the end of that battle they still were unable to defeat it.
"Now Ms. Nikos what if I told you that both of those stories are true." Ozpin asked as that surprised Pyrrha.
"I know of the knights, I mean Jaune became one and then, then there's team SSBR, but I do beg your pardon?" Pyrrha said as Ozpin went on saying, "What if I were to tell you that Darkus truly does exist, as well as that there were four maidens existing in this world that could wield such tremendous power without dust, without Makai energy."
Pyrrha took a moment as she said, "Like a Semblances?"
"Like pure magic," Ozpin said to her as Pyrrha didn't know what to say, she knew fully well of the Makai order but there are stories that are still hard to believe.
Pyrrha didn't know what to say really and said, "I-
Cut off as Qrow spoken up saying, "Yeah, first time hearing it's pretty crazy, even to the members of the order."
Pyrrha turn to the phantom knight and said, "You're Serious?"
"Who are we, the golden knight?" Qrow said to himself going off that old joke.
(Somewhere with Sirius)
"Achoo!" Sirius said as he sneeze as Ruby look to him and said, "Are you okay?"
"Yea… just feel like someone just use my name within another serious joke," Sirius said as Ruby look at him for a moment but shrug it off as they went off where they needed too.
(Back at the headmaster office)
Pyrrha turn back to her headmaster as he said, "Do I look like I'm joking?"
A Moment has pass as Pyrrha look to her headmaster seeing he wasn't a joking right now and said, "No."
As another moment pass as Pyrrha started to say, "Why-why are you telling me this?"
Ozpin looked to Qrow who nodded before Ozpin understood. "We're telling you Pyrrha Nikos because we believe you are next in line to receive the fall maiden's power." Ozpin said surprising Pyrrha.
"We?" Pyrrha asked as soon the Elevator dinged and from it Ironwood and Glynda walked in.
"Sorry we're late." Ironwood said as the two walked in to Pyrrha's shock.
"Wait, what is this? Who are you?" Pyrrha asked as she was confused before Eruba chuckled.
"He is the Flash Knight Lord." Eruba said as Glynda cleared her throat.
"You know who we are. We're still the same teachers and head masters you met when you arrived in Beacon." Glynda began as Qrow continued.
"Except we have a little part time job some more than others." Qrow said as Ironwood continued.
"We are the protectors of this world." Ironwood continued as it was soon picked up by Ozpin.
"And we need your help." Ozpin finished as Pyrrha was nervous.
(With Sirius)
Zaruba was with Sirius before Zaruba spoke. "Sirius you and your team are being summoned at the vault a message straight from Eruba and Orva." Zaruba said as Sirius looked as Sliver, Beret, and Rachel were in there dorm.
"So the time has come." Beret said as he stood up.
"Yeap might be missing Yang's fight." Sliver said as he stood up as well.
"Well let's go." Rachel said as they needed to meet with Ozpin at the Fall Maidens Vault.
(Elevators)
Two elevators were there as Cole stood by one of them, with Ozpin and the other and Pyrrha with them, went ahead as he waited for team SSBR to arrive so he could take them down to the vault.
Team SSBR may have access around the school but they did not have the correct access to the vault itself.
Upon arriving, Sirius saw his teacher there as he gave a bow and said, "Teacher."
Cole gave a nod to him and said, "Let hurry, the other went ahead of us already."
The team understood as Cole hit the button with the elevator doors open up to them and they enter in, with Cole hit 3 button before he hit the close button twice as he enter in the pass word for the vault as the pad glow for a moment before the doors close and they ascended down to the vault.
(Scene break)
Pyrrha stood in the elevator with the teacher, head masters, and Qrow, as she been told they are going to the vault that lays under the school, way down under the school.
They came to the vault floor as the doors open up to a dark hall way area that was only lit by green flame, and many seal around, no doubted to keep uninvited guest out.
Pyrrha took her time a bit to look around as Glynda stood by waiting for her to catch up a bit as she look to the student as she said, "I'm sure you must have questions."
"Maybe one or two," Pyrrha responded to her, and soon they went on their way catching up with the others a Pyrrha said, "I still don't understand. You said I was next in line to receive the maidens' power. What do you mean by that?"
"The maidens have existed for Thousands of years, maybe as long as the Makai order existed as well, but much like in nature, the seasons change. No two summers are alike," Glynda explain to the young huntress in training.
"When a maiden dies, her power leaves her body and seeks out a new host. Ensuring that the seasons are never lost and that no individual can hold onto the power forever." Glynda said as they walked.
"So how does the power choose?" Pyrrha asked as they walked.
"Through a series of stupid and convoluted rules." Qrow said as Orva followed.
"Don't be rude Crow." Orva said as her partner walked.
"Qrow." Glynda growled as Qrow looked ahead.
"Hey don't get mad because I'm right." Qrow said as they walked.
Was Glynda calmed down she continued her explanation. "At first, the only thing that was certain was that the powers were specifically passed onto young women but as time went on, it was discovered that the selection process was much more intimate." Glynda explained in teacher mode.
"Intimate?" Pyrrha asked as they walked down the long hallway.
"As we understand it now, when a maiden dies, the one who was in her final thoughts is the first candidate to inherit her power." Glynda explained as they walked.
"Unless it's a dude or some old hag. Then the power goes to someone random and our jobs get a lot harder." Qrow said as they walked.
"Why tell me all of this now? Why not wait until I graduated?" Pyrrha asked as they walked seeing something wasn't adding up.
"Honesty, we've run out of time. I don't know if you've noticed but things are getting a lot scarier out in the world. Tensions are high. Grimm are growing stronger, more prevalent, Horrors are on the rise, and it's not gonna be much longer before this peace we've all been enjoying so much goes out the window." Qrow said as Pyrrha didn't like the sound of that.
"You're not talking about war?"
"Not a war between nations." James said as they walked.
"We can fill you in on the details once we know you're with us. For now all you need to know is that one of the maidens was attacked and is now dying due to Horrors blood." Qrow said as Pyrrha was shocked. "And most of all for the first time in history, part of her power was stolen." Qrow said as they soon arrived at their destination which was a large machine with a girl asleep in one side in a capsule and on the other side was an empty capsule as between them was a control spot. Plus it also looked like a Madou Tool as the girl in the capsule seemed to have blood oozing out of her every so often as the Madou Tool glowed and made said blood vanish.
"Whoever got the blood on her made it a win/win for them, they get the Fall Maidens power either way but they didn't count on us prolonging her life." Qrow said as Ozpin looked.
"Yes but Amber is at a point where if she was removed from this she would die within 10 minutes." Ozpin said before Sirius appeared.
"Good we're not late." Sirius said as he and his team accompanied by Cole walked in.
"Sirius?" Pyrrha asked as even James was at a lost.
"What is team SSBR doing here Ozpin?" James asked as Zaruba then spoke.
"Hold on to our britches James Ozpin had brought Team SSBR here from the beginning to help." Zaruba said as Rachel looked at Amber's face and saw the marks.
"Wait these marks there the effects of a forbidden Madou Tool." Rachel said as Sliver looked.
"You don't think?" Sliver began before a boom was heard.
Everyone looked to the elevator door as Zaruba called. "We've been compromised!" Zaruba called as the boom was heard.
"And I think I know why." Goruba said as Sliver looked to Pyrrha's sash and a tracer was on it.
"Shit she got tagged!" Sirius called as her grabbed the tracer and slashed it in two.
"Now what?" Sliver asked as Sirius stood ready.
"We fight Flare will break through so we have to capture him here!" Sirius called as the booming sound was getting louder showing the elevator doors won't hold for much longer.
The door burst open and stood there the dark fallen knight himself, Flare as he said, "Here's Flare!" sending a wave of energy at the group, sending Pyrrha away, knocking her out cold upon a wall, ironwood flew away with Ozpin going after his friend as he vanish in a flash.
The other held their ground, with Glynda put up a barrier to block the wave of energy, with Rachel standing next to her with her weapon out and change out ammo for this fight.
The wave calmed down a small horde of horrors were around them as Cole and Qrow both drew there weapon as Cole said, "We'll take them on, do not let him past." Soon they change into their armor charging at the horrors with their weapon pointed at them and cut them down as fast as they could.
Flare came walking up, as Sirius became the first time to fight against Flare.
Sword clash, but Sirius become over power faster as Zaruba said, "Sirius he activate his power before coming."
Before Sirius could do anything, Flare knock him away and said, "Sorry golden knight, you're not my prey at this moment."
Beret came in and went into a stabbing motion with his spear, but flare sheath his weapon for a moment to have his free hand to grab it and throw the knight with his weapon across and into a pillar destroying it.
Silver came up activation his lighting armor and charged at the dark knight, but even with his boost of power, Flare just block his attack and shove a fist at his gut knocking him away up in the air as Flare just ran pass letting silver drop down hitting the tiled floor as it cracked upon his impacted.
Rachel and Glynda came and block his path as Rachel fire upon him as he held his shield up to her fire, Glynda using her power lifted the chuck of debris and send them at the dark knight, but he drew his weapon and slice throw it all with ease.
As he reach the priestess, cutting in half Rachel sitar weapon leaving her defenseless as Flare shield bash her away, with Glynda try to use her power fast, but Flare had his shield in gun mode and fire a shot at her, making her put up a barrier instead quickly.
Fire more shots at her, as her barrier held up, but what she didn't count on was Flare coming up to her as he keep fire on her, before ramming his sword into the barrier destroying it, and then tackle her down as her glasses fell off of her.
Flare look ahead and saw the Fall maid in her dying state as he said, "My sister fail to kill you the first time maiden, but now with me I'm sure she would be happy of what's coming to her."
Raising his sword up in a stabbing motion as Sirius the first to recover as he look with his eyes widen and said, "No!" Getting up fast and ran to the dark knight, but it was too late. Flare stab throw the capsule.
When Flare's sword pierced Amber's chest her eyes shot open as they were wide and shocked. Amber looked down and saw the sword stabbed into her chest. She gasped in shock as she then breathed hard not just because of the Horrors blood but because she was run through. The machine detected the breath in the capsule and the unstable heart rate before it straight lined.
Everyone was wide eyed as Flare laughed before the orange energy of the now dead Fall Maiden left her and shot outward torts its known destination as everyone was shocked. Flare laughed before ripping his sword out and stabbing again as he kept repeatedly stabbing into her as her blood spewed out.
Glynda who had retrieved her glasses as Pyrrha came too took the chance to pull out these wooden wards before activating them and shooting them at Flare. Flare ended up restrained by them as he dropped his sword and shield as Sirius was shocked to see that Amber was dead.
"Glynda! Try and see if you can trace the energy if we know where it's going it might lead us to the mastermind!" Ozpin called as Glynda nodded. "Ironwood make sure security is at maximum levels it's only a matter of time before this person goes after Darkus seal. Cole, Qrow you two stay here with the team if Flare talks I want to be the first to know about it." Ozpin ordered as everyone nodded.
"What about me?" Pyrrha asked as she looked to Ozpin.
"We need you to regroup with your team, warn Jaune and Ruby what's going on as fast as possible." Ozpin nodded as everyone soon separated.
Cole soon roared as he attempted to cut down Flare but Sirius stopped him. "Wait Teacher Ozpin said to keep him alive!" Sirius called as he stopped his teacher.
"He has already murdered and devoured countless people regardless if he's a Horror cannibal he is still a Horror, and Horrors must be cut down!" Cole called as Sliver took stage.
"Don't you get it!? Sirius wants to cut him down too but he's holding himself back and controlling himself." Sliver called as Cole scowled before sheathing his sword.
"Oh what's wrong Golden Knight angry? Come on go buck wild on me!" Flare taunted as he was basically untouchable at the moment.
"Shut up Flare or I will make sure you end up somewhere even you can't open a Gate to get out." Sirius with venom dripping from his voice as he was controlling his temper.
"Ohh the scary eyes." Flare said before shutting up.
(With Cinder)
Cinder was in her dorm as she soon felt the Fall Maidens power enter here as she felt some pain at first but in the end her eyes flared up with the power. "Good job Flare." Cinder said as now next step was Mercury and Yang's fight that was coming up. "Now then hopefully Flare can bust out I'd hate to rise to power without him." Cinder said as she then began heading to the Amity Stadium.
(Scene Break Amity Stadium)
"Now for the moment you all been waiting for! The one on one finals!" Peter called as people were cheering and Cinder was in her seat keeping her new abilities hidden. In the stage the familiar faces of Yang, Sun, Mercury, Penny, Rachel, and Pyrrha were there as Pyrrha had to find Jaune and Ruby fast before the next match. She was also trying to figure out how she got tagged and only one thought came to mind, which was when that girl had bumped into her.
(In the announcer box)
"Barty, why don't you explain the rules?" Peter asked as Barty Oobleck nodded.
"Uhhh, its quiet simple Peter. Instead of a bracket system, each round of the finals will be randomly determined immediately before the match takes place." Barty said in his normal fast tone.
"Much like any good hunt, there will be zero time to prepare." Peter said in his normal hearty tone.
"Ah yes, yes. Now let's see who are first match up will be." Barty said as the randomization began.
(Randomizer)
As the randomizer began people watched with anticipation as it soon stopped is the first was Mercury before Yang followed not too far behind. "Yang Xiao Long and Mercury Black!" Peter called as people cheered for this,
"Break a leg sis!" Ruby called as people cheered.
Cinder meanwhile stood up and began to walk away as she had to prepare for Darkus' unsealing.
(Announcer box)
"Would all other combatants please leave the stage?" Peter called as Yang had no idea what she was walking into.
(Stage)
The competitors walked off as they gave Yang and Mercury the room to fight. It was soon that the stage began to convert as spot lights rose to the air with the ring lowering to reveal a larger stag with each kingdom and combat schools symbols on them. "You better not go easy on me." Yang said as Mercury smirked.
"You wish." He said with a scoff as he was ready to fight.
(With Ruby)
"Something isn't right." Eclipse said as she sensed it.
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked as Eclipse looked.
"I can't tell but something s different with the air, something dark and will strike soon." Eclipse said as that got Ruby worried.
(Back with Flare and team SSB)
The three Makai Knight waited as not to long ago Rachel had left sense she would represent them in the singles match as Beret sat while Sliver pasted back and forth. Qrow and Cole were keeping an eye on Flare. Sirius was quiet as he performed kata's with the Garoken knowing Flare's sister will come for him to save him. Flare was oddly quiet as usually he would be laughing and taunting him as Cole the spoke.
"So we have a hostage then." Coles said as Qrow nodded.
"Yeah normally Horrors who stay in groups care for one another." Qrow said as Uruba spoke.
"This is becoming annoying." Uruba said as Sliver stopped to look at his Madou Mirror.
That was when Flare began to convulse as he looked to be in pain. Flare fell from his sitting position in pain as the group of Knights looked to him wondering if he was about to crack. "What is it?" Sirius asked before Cole spoke.
"Ignore him. He's faking it anyway." Cole said as Flare convulsed in some sort of phantom pain. That was when Flare screamed in pain before he out right passed out.
"Hey." Sirius called as Flare had never passed out. Could it be a Horror thing or was he planning something. "HEY!" Sirius yelled as he needed information on where the artifact is and where Flare's partner is. That was when Flare's eyes opened as they carried a whole different persona in them as he leaned up back to his sitting position.
"You are all... Makai Knights right?" Flare asked in a, none insane voice as Sliver looked.
"What where have you been at every fight?" Sliver asked as he didn't want to deal with this crap.
"I am Flare Fall a Makai Knight who carried the title of Shield Knight Zex. Or I was one at least." Flare said as Sirius looked.
"I'll contact Ozpin keep him talking." Qrow said as he and Orva went to do that.
"How are you a Makai Knight? You are a Horror a monster of the Makai." Cole said as he knew the Horror was up to something,
"Teacher calm down please." Sirius said as Cole growled and leaned on a pillar. "Who helped you unseal Darkus's key?" Sirius asked as Flare looked.
"My fraternal twin sister... Cinder Fall a former Makai Priestess." Flare said as they now had a name to which Qrow and Orva were relaying to Ozpin. "We once had a younger brother... named Pyro." Flare said as he remembered him like the back of his hand.
(Flashback)
The screen showed Flare and Cinder walking through the forest as they were dressed more like members of the Makai Order as Flare looked very sane in it. With them was a young boy as he followed his older siblings.
"We didn't have an assigned jurisdiction in any particular area so we traveled all over cutting down Horrors while I trained Pyro to become a Makai Knight."
The screen then showed Flare training Pyro as he fixed the young boys posture and stance as not to far was, Cinder smiling as she watched them.
"We cut down the Horrors as we traveled sense our mother died bringing Pyro into the world and are father died five years later handing me his armor of Zex."
The screen showed Flare fixing Pyro's posture as he made sure he got it right as well as stance so he wouldn't end up getting eaten by a Horror.
"Sense we didn't have any family left we stuck together going from one place to the next with Pyro, we were all the family we had left after all."
The screen showed Pyro got it right as, Flare smiled and put his hand on Pyro's head like an older brother would his younger brother. Pyro looked to Cinder as he smiled to which Cinder returned the smile as if you could look at them they were a happy family for a time.
"One day we arrived at a certain village. They had a legend about a powerful Grimm that no huntsman could defeat that they dubbed it a Demon Beast."
The screen showed a village as they were trying to tie a child to the, alter no doubt to offer up as sacrifice. That was when Flare appeared and split them up. "STOP!" Flare called as he split them apart as he didn't approve of sacrificing children.
"They told us that to Quell the Demon Beasts rage a sacrifice was offered. At that moment we knew it was a Horror at work here and not a Grimm."
"No sacrifice is necessary." Flare began after the villagers gave the story. "We will defeat the demon beast." Flare said as Cinder next to him nodded as they were going to cut down this Horror.
That was when Cinder turned to Pyro as he stood with his siblings. "Pyro." Cinder began as she kneeled torts him. "Stay here and wait. If anything happens." Cinder began as she looked to Pyro as the young boy already know.
"Ok, I know sis." Pyro said as Cinder smiled and hugged her younger brother.
"Don't worry we'll come back." Flare said as he put his hand on Pyro's head.
The two were soon off to cut down the Demon Beast as they had a duty to fulfill as one who protects.
"Though nothing prepared us to face a hybrid of Grimm and Horror."
The screen soon showed a Grimm/Horror Hybrid as it seem to be a Nevermore as it had a more Horror appearance.
"Though our hunch was right it did appear."
Flare and Cinder had their weapons drawn as it would take both Soul Metal and Dust to defeat this creature. Flare drew his sword from his shield as he took a battle stance while Cinder drew her Twin word arrows.
Later into the fight Flare and Cinder were on the ropes as the Horror/Grimm Hybrid was strong. They weaved under its arms and wings and slashed at it as Flare blocked an attack with his shield. But the Horror soon began dragging Flare as Cinder looked and used her weapons in there bow mode an fired at the Horror force Flare out of its grip and sending the Horror back.
The Horror ten charged at the as Cinder then drew her Madou Brush and made a barrier which sent the Horror Nevermore back while Flare back flipped. When Flare landed he roared and charged at the monster while slashing at it with his sword.
(Flashback that morning)
"It was a tough battle, but we managed to exterminate the hybrid of Grimm and Horror. And then..."
The screen showed Flare and Cinder returning to the village victorious. But when the villagers parted they were shocked as to what or who they saw on the, alter.
"The villagers hadn't believed us and used Pyro as the sacrifice instead."
The screen showed it was Pyro on the, alter as he was not breathing as Flare and Cinder ran over to him. "Pyro?" Flare called as he tried to wake him up.
"Pyro?" Cinder called as she was near tear as you could see the emotional pain she had in her heard.
"PYRO!" Flare called as he tried to wake up Pyro. The two untied him as they tried to get Pyro to open his eyes but it was sinking in that he was dead, gone and wasn't coming back. The tears fell as Flare and Cinder cried for their dead younger brother as that was another piece of family they had lost and this time it was a very important piece.
Cinder cried into Pyro as Flare stood up with this shocked look in his eyes. Flare walked away from them to the center of the villagers as he tried to keep his rage in check. But slowly and surely that Sadness became rage. It soon became too much for Flare as he roared in fury and drew his sword and slashed at a villager killing said villager but he wasn't done. Flare then stabbed another before following it up with a gun shot from his shield as people began to panic with Flare now on a rampage as they ran away. Flare would not allow them to escape alive as it might have went against every moral code he ever had he didn't care anymore.
Why protect these humans if they continue to sacrifice their own to survive. Human, Faunus, it was all the same to him as he rampaged and killed the villagers around him and those who tried to escape.
The few surviving villagers that keep out of site as Flare went on his rampage elsewhere, foolish enough to think they would get revenge for their people, as they came up behind Cinder as she cried still onto Pyro.
With one raising their weapon to Cinder about to strike her down, with Cinder open up an eye and saw the shadow that stood behind her, and seen the weapon they were about to use on her.
Gritted her teeth, even killing her little brother wasn't enough for them, as she thought. She turns to them quickly as she uses her semblance and lit them on fire burning them alive.
The sky went darken a bit by the smoke that rise up from the village burning down with the last few surviving people scream out in pain and death.
Standing in the middle of all the destruction, Cinder stood there with her brother, putting a sheet over their little brother. But to the look in both of their eyes, they were not of sadness but of anger and pain.
They didn't know what they could do next… until a voice call out to them, a dark voice that echo around them.
"Such… Inga…"
Looked around as they set their eyes upon the Alter where their brother died on, as a dark mist came from it as the voice spoken to them.
"Anger... Rage... sadness... grief... and lost. Such emotions... of you two... is intoxicating." Another voice said as it too echoed.
"We can give you power to avenge your lost loved one, all you must do is accept us." The Horror said as the mist became more prominent.
"We knew that it wasn't right but at the time we didn't care, this village had sacrificed someone, and we had given up hope on humanity so in the end we accepted the Horrors and become them instead."
The screen showed the mists entering Flare and Cinder as they didn't even scream as in the end they were over taken by the Horror's.
After words we went from village to village slaughtering people and devouring them as we didn't care anymore, avenging out brother had over taken our thoughts but the thoughts of a Horror overshadowed them as they soon arrived at a certain village where Sliver had resided.
"But eventually a Makai Knight stood in our way."
Cider soon saw Sliver and was about to kill him before a Makai Knight appeared as said Knight had sword drawn and stood in her way. The Knight looked to Sliver before pulling out Uruba his Madou Mirror before giving said Mirror to Sliver and ushering him off as he then looked to the two Horrors.
The Knight then took a battle stance before attacking as Cinder blocked with her Madou Brush. But then from behind Flare stabbed the man as he cried out in pain as now he had them where he wanted them. The man then took out a seal before activating it and in the end a powerful explosion rocked the area catching Flare and Cinder in said explosion.
(Flashback end)
"The Makai Knight attempted a kamikaze move to seal us but in the end it failed and we just wondered. Eventually we decided if humans were like his then we would drive them to true madness and began plans to unseal Darkus. After we began devouring Horrors we eventually found the information we needed and began to recruit." Flare said as Sliver looked angry before he roared and drew his sword before attempting to cut down Flare only for Sirius to stop him.
"Sliver wait what are you doing?!" Sirius called holding back the Wolf Faunus.
"This bastard, he's the reason my family is dead!" Sliver called as he struggled to get free.
"Calm down, Silver. Killing him will not bring anyone back, or solve anything," Beret said as he stood by trying to talk sense to his friend.
Silver anger still getting the better of him, but Qrow came up with his sword drawn and pointed at the Faunus knight neck, which got his attention as the drunk man said, "Calm down or I will be force to cut you down. So you can listen to reason, or you can fall and die? What's your choose?"
Silver calmed down at least as Sirius let go of his teammate as Silver walked back a bit as he pointed out to the fallen knight and said, "Keep, him away from me."
No one said anything as silver walked away from the scene as he didn't want to fall to his anger again, with Sirius had a similar thought, but he put his mind over his anger and look back as Flare and said, "What happen next?"
Flare look to him as he begin to tell his tale again as he started-
(Flashback)
"Our plan to release Darkus was on the way, finding the key was easy, but trying to figure out how to use it way the challenge, even cinder with all of her knowledge gotten nowhere."
Cinder destroy a stone pillar, venting out her frustration on things as the using the key was puzzle she cannot figure out herself, as now she was becoming desperate, she try to think of a another way, and then she remember a report she gotten through means, remembering a priestess was excommunicated for making a forbidden madou tool.
Cinder looked at the reports and saw that the Forbidden Madou Tool allowed someone to steal the aura and powers of another even a Maidens. But even with that Madou Tool she would need a way to defeat said Maiden as she stood up as nearby was Flare torturing a now dead human. The two were now dressed differently as Flare was wearing his suit while Cinder was in her dress. "Flare it's time we build ourselves a team." Cinder said as Flare looked.
"Oh really who's the unlucky bastard who will suffer?" Flare asked as Cinder looked.
"First we need to find someone named Neopolitan, then we find to ideal members." Cinder said as she stood up and the two then left.
(Scene Break)
"We soon found Neo an excommunicated Priest and with some convincing recruited her and Roman though Roman came later."
Flare was had Neo restrained as she struggled to get free. In Cinder's hand was a Madou Horror plant as she applied her blood to it before stabbing it into Neo causing her to scream in pain. It wasn't long before the plant was absorbed into her as it was soon that her body become limp. "Now Neo you will give us you're forbidden Madou Tool." Cinder said as Neo stood up and struggled to resist but in the end she was a Madou Horror so she reached to her case and took out a white glove that went to ones elbow and carried a red design on it before giving it to Cinder.
"Good girl." Flare said before he released her.
"With our first recruit bringing Roman into the fold was easy, but we needed help so we went to the one person who can help us in unleashing Darkus."
(Scene Break)
Cinder and Flare stood in front of Emerald minus her blazer as Flare smiled insanely with Cinder being calm. "How did you do that?" Cinder asked as Emerald was on the defensive. Emerald reached for her weapons only for Flare to reach for his sword as Cinder then spoke. "Don't." Cinder said as she smirked. "Unless, of course, you want them to hear you." Cinder said as Flare smirked.
"Your play little thief." Flare said as he chuckled insanely.
"Where'd she go?" came a voice from police as Flare smiled.
"Oh look more prey." Flare said laughing insanely as he was ready to shed some blood.
"What do you want?" Emerald asked the two as Flare smirked.
"Oooh maybe she isn't right in the ears." Flare said as Cinder looked.
"I already told you. And I don't like repeating myself." Cinder said as Emerald glared.
"I didn't do anything, just leave me alone!" Emerald called as Flare laughed a bit.
"Oh why so serious?" Flare said as Cinder smirked.
"I know my fair share of liars and thieves. Stealing is an art of patience, coordination, and a pinch, sleight of hand. But you didn't steal that ring in your pocket." Cinder said surprising Emerald as she checked her pocket. "You took it right before the jeweler's eyes. And he smiled." Cinder said as Flare smirked.
"So that already tells us what your Semblance is little thief." Flare said as Emerald was shocked to hear this.
"Who are you?" Emerald asked as Flare smiled insanely while Cinder smirked.
(Scene Break)
The screen shows Mercury pale and bleeding out from his mouth, in front of him were Cinder, Emerald, and flare with his insane look on his face.
Mercury was barely standing as at his pants were stain with blood and old ragged bandages. As Mercury look to them and said, "What are you looking at?!"
Cinder with a clam tone look to the wounded boy as she said, "I'm looking for Marcus Black."
Mercury spat down and pointed behind him to a male with white hair and a bloody torn shirt as mercury said, "There you go."
Emerald question to the person laying there as she said, "That's the assassin?"
Cinder didn't bother looking at the person on the ground as best he was already dead and look to Mercury and said, "And you're his son."
Mercury just wipe his nose of any blood that was there as Cinder said, "We saw your fight from the tree line."
"What's a great display of blood if anything," Flare said as Mercury look to him as Cinder wave her arm and said, "Don't mind my brother, he's just in a blood lust, but your father taught you well."
Mercury look to Cinder and said, "Guess so."
Cinder tilted her head slightly to the side and said, "What's your name?"
The gray hair teen just took a breath and said, "Mercury."
Cinder just smile to that and said, "Mercury. Tell me. Are you anything like your father?"
(Scene Break)
Adam's voice came up as he said, "Let me get this straight."
The screen came back as Cinder standing up, with Emerald, Mercury were sitting down in front of the leader of the white Fang Adam, with Flare standing by outside if anything would get hairy.
"You could've gone to anyone for help. You could have made a deal with a Gang Leader, paid off some Huntsman that had strayed from their... righteous path. But instead you choose to seek an audience with me." Adam said as he didn't look too pleased.
"You're the one we need. Your skill. Your ability to lead those beneath you. You're an exceptionally valuable man, Adam. And we put a lot of thought." Cinder began only for Adam to interrupt her.
"Then you're clearly not thinking straight!" Adam called out as Flare was ready to jump in but Cinder look to her brother to which he understood and backed off. "If you truly understood me, then you'd know that coming here was a mistake. The White Fang is not an organization for hire. We are a force of revolution." Adam said s Flare was holding his trigger finger back but Adam was truly griping on his nerves.
"I believe our plan will be beneficial for all parties involved." Cinder began as she was only met with silence from Adam. "I have... an associate in Vale he and I are working on a revolution of our own. But we can't do it without your forces. We need-" Cinder said only to be cut off by Adam.
"What you need is to leave." Adam began as he showed his sword. "You're asking my men to die for you cause. A human cause." Adam said as he was ready to draw his sword. "That is not an idea I'm willing to entertain." Adam said as Cinder saw there was no convincing him.
"Very well." Cinder said as she bowed as Flare looked inside.
(Later)
The four were walking outside as Flare looked to Cinder "You sure about this I could just slaughter them all if you want." Flare said as Cinder looked.
"Don't worry I had anticipated this so now that they have their doubts about us we show them the power we possess." Cinder said as Flare smiled.
"Finally we get to see some action." Flare said as he knew who their target was.
"So once we made preparation we began to search for the Fall Maiden, the Madou Tool we got from Neo was a one-time use so we had to make it count. We couldn't have a single foot out of place so we had to go all out from start to finish."
(Scene Break Dirt Road)
From the lone road was a lady on a white horse with a hood over her head, no doubt, it's the Fall Maiden, Amber.
Ride down the road, and soon appeared in front of her out of nowhere, a little girl crying with a fallen over bike on the side.
The Maiden stop to the site, without noticing it was all a trick, with Emerald stood there and in front of he was just the maiden falling for the illusion.
Amber gotten off her horse and pulled out something from the pack on the side of the horse and walk over to the little girl she saw before her.
Emerald holding still the best she could. Waiting to spring the trap.
Amber kneeled down to the little girl, as the girl stop crying for a moment to look up at the maiden, she just smile to the little girl seeing how cute she was.
Amber reach for the item she pulled out as the little girl flinch for a moment as Amber pulled out a red apple.
The girl look at apple as Amber offer it to her, as the maiden lean forward and presented the apple to her.
Emerald reach for her weapon, to her mistake step on the dirt road kicking up the dust.
As Amber was about to give the little the apple, she stop and saw the kicked up dust, knowing that wasn't wind but a foot step.
For a moment after the little girl vanish, Amber fell back. Taking off her hood and pull out a crystal dust staff, with the horse running off sensing the danger that is coming.
Emerald came running in as she fired at Amber but Amber quickly blocked the attacks before using her staff to create a gust of wind. But the Mercury came and kicked at her only for Amber to block a push him back. Mercury then landed on the fence post and then shot himself forward. Amber of course sent a gust of wind torts Emerald before sending torrent of fire torts Mercury who curled up to avoid getting burned but his hands were burnt revealing his legs were prosthetic as he then kicked Amber knocking her down.
As Amber looked up he saw Flare coming at her with his insane look as he slashed at Amber who rolled out of the way to avoid getting cut into pieces. She looked at his sword ad recognized it as Soul Metal as she wondered what a Makai Knight as doing attacking her. Amber as soon slammed on by Emerald as she then jumped off the crater as Emerald was on the ground.
"Oh is that all the Fall Maiden was capable off." Flare taunted as Amber got up and glared. It was then that Amber's eyes began to glow as the wind picked up to hurricane levels as Emerald glared at Flare.
"You had to ask." Emerald said as Flare then laughed insanely.
"Oh now things are getting exciting!" Flare called before summoning his armor and now Zex stood in his place.
Mercury and Emerald then began firing at Amber only for a force field to block the bullets. But Zex decided to get up close and personal as he jumped at her and attempted to slash his sword at her only to be blocked and hurled away. Amber then summoned forth the leaves and froze them before sending them torts the trio. Zex hid behind his shield while Mercury used his legs as a shield but Emerald she wasn't so lucky. Amber then saw Cinder running torts her as she then sent a fire ball at her. But the Fire Ball missed as Cinder then kicked up dirt only to turn it into glass spikes and send it at Amber who was unable to avoid it and was knocked down.
Zex came in slashing at Amber who got up and began dodging his attacks a Zex laughed his a** off. But Amber soon created a gust of wind knocking him back as she then looked for Emerald but soon saw her appear as she was using her semblance as Mercury and Cinder were vanishing and reappearing. Cinder then began slashing at Amber before Mercury appeared and began kicking at her only to be knocked back by Amber as Amber was beginning to win.
But Cinder then combined her two swords into a bow before pulling out three arrows to which she fired at Amber when she noticed it was too late as when the arrows hit the ground they began to build up energy before in the end they blew up. Amber luckily used her Aura to block most of the attack as she was soon on the ground.
The four assailants then began walking torts Amber as they looked ready to carry out their plans. Amber then created a burst of wind which knocked back the four as Mercury quickly charged at her only to be sent back by a bolt of lightning. Flare as about to activate his own semblance but had to raise his shield and block a burst of fire. Amber then blasted fire at Emerald only to hit an illusion as Emerald was shocked as she was then hit by another fire ball.
Amber then began to limp torts Emerald as she needed to end this now. She could tell Flare and Cinder were Horrors but she couldn't afford to take chances with the other two so she needed to end this now. As Amber was about to use her staff to end Emerald she soon felt a pain in her back as she then fell down due to an arrow sticking out of her back.
Cinder walked torts Amber before taking out the prototype Madou Tool as Mercury and Emerald restrained Amber. "And here comes to good part." Flare grinned as he laughed insanely as to what was about to happen next.
Mercury and Emerald lifted up Amber to Face Cinder, as the maiden was now worry, as she look to Cinder as she show the white glove with a Makai symbol on the back of it, and held it close to Amber's face.
As what it look to appeared to be a gate opening as the glove glow and open up a dark hold and out came a Horror Grimm bug hybrid creature came forth.
Amber was wide eye to the creature as she beg as she said, "Please don't."
It was too late, the bug shot forth a web of horror blood upon her face and started to absorbed the power within her as the glow in her visible eyes started to dim, the magic transferred to Cinder as it show on the webbing, and Cinder eye started to glow with the fall maiden power.
Amber black out from the drain of her power as it was about to be all gone, but then running up from behind, the phantom knight rush up the maiden and drew his weapon, and throw a Shuriken.
All taken by surprise as Cinder move the away breaking the connection from the fall maiden before she could take all of the power.
Slash away Flare, and Emerald and Mercury to keep them back away from Amber as well catching her.
Cinder landed back as the glove she wore started to fade, vanishing in a dark miss, but the maiden power was within her as a tattoo appeared on her back side, then lift up her head and show her eye was glowing with the fall maiden power.
Rising up and calling forth the magic of the maiden and the Makai energy around her making her power two-fold.
Under Qrow and Amber energy built up before Qrow quickly jumped out of the way as when the explosion hit the group was gone as now Qrow had to get Amber to safety sense killing her was no longer an option.
"We were able to only claim half of the Fall Maidens power, but with the Fall Maiden power we were able to make Adam... reconsider."
(Scene Break White Fang Camp)
"We'll find her, sir, I swear on my life." The White Fang Lieutenant said as Adam didn't seem too pleased.
"Forget it! It's time I returned to Mistral and-" Adam began before the sound of gunfire was heard outside as the two looked and decided to investigate.
(Outside)
"What is this?" Adam called only to see Zex there alongside Cinder, Mercury, and Emerald.
"We could've gone to anyone for help, but we chose you, Adam Taurus." Cinder said before dropping her weapons knowing she didn't need them. "Our plan will be beneficial for both of us." Cinder began before setting her weapons aflame catching Adam off guard. "Or one of us." Cinder said as Zex then laughed a bit as he stood next to Cinder.
"Better decide now bull boy you don't want to say no to us a second time." Zex edged on as he held his sword. Mercury and Emerald then opened the cases as Emerald's case had Dust in it while Mercury's had money.
"So which will it be?" Cinder asked as Adam saw he was stuck in checkmate.
(Flashback over)
"So Emerald, Mercury, the White Fang, there all in on this?" Sirius asked as Flare looked.
"Yeah... thought Mercury and Emerald are just tools to us with a means to an end, and right now the final act is being played out as we speak." Flare said as Beret looked.
"How so?" Beret asked as Flare looked.
"A little virus we downloaded put the match ups for the Vytal Festival in our favor, sense it began." Flare said as the group did not notice the soul metal dagger under Flares hand as it was cutting the bindings. "Now as we speak Yang will be made the villain from Emeralds semblance and begin to attract Grimm." Flare said as he then smirked. "Not like you can stop us everything has been in our favor, even this moment!" He yelled the last part as the bindings came undone catching the group off guard as Flare grabbed his weapons while back flipping.
"Sorry Gold boy but I was just stalling now I'm out of here." Flare said before he sprouted wings and flew off.
"Shit!" Qrow cursed as Flare flew off.
"We have the faces now but we won't make in time to stop the match!" Sirius called as Beret looked.
"We have to try!" Beret called as he ran to the elevator. They had to get to the Stadium and warn them somehow before it was too late.
(At the Amity Stadium)
From the side as Emerald watch her partner fight again the Yellow hair punching girl, Yang who just went berserk, as she waited for orders as Cinder came up around to her as she came close to whisper in her ear and say, "It's almost time, make it look like she hurt him, and put her on the spot."
"Understood," Emerald said as she smile and look to the fight to see her partner just lost being punch a lot with his aura level dropping in the danger red as the buzzer went off.
(Stands)
Pyrrha was running to find her teammate and her friends as she did, she ran up to them as Ruby saw her coming and said "Hey Pyrrha. What's going on, and where Sirius and the other? They miss Yang's fight."
"Is something the matter?" Jaune asked as he saw how winded Pyrrha was as she just ran all the way there, even taking a shutter up to the Stadium took a small toll on her.
Pyrrha stop and took a breath and said, "Flare here and the cannibal horror is around. They need you two now!"
Ruby eyes widen with Jaune panic a bit as they got up with everyone else look to them as Ruby said, "Then there no time to-
*Bang!
Being surprise as everyone turn to the main screen and soon to be shock to see what happen, as they saw Yang just turn around to Mercury who was standing really close to her for some reason, and she fire a round into his leg, as he fell down in pain, or so it seems.
Yang just shot someone without mercy, and everyone starting to panic as Eclipse started to feel it as she said, "This isn't good."
(Stadium)
"My leg, my leg." Mercury said as it looked convincing.
"That's what you get you little- huh?" Yang began as she was surrounded by Atlesian Knights who aimed their guns at her.
"Yang Xiao Long stand down!" A guard called as Yang was caught off guard.
"What! Why?" She called shocked to see she was the one getting in trouble.
"Mercury!" Emerald called as she ran over to him.
"Why' she do that?!Why'd she attack me?!" Mercury asked as he held his leg. Yang looked to the jumbo screen that showed a replay of what happened as it showed Mercury walking up to Yang and Yang shooting his leg.
Yang looked to the stands and saw Ruby, Weiss, and Blake looking shocked to see this as the never believed Yang would do something so ruthless.
(With Sirius, Sliver, and Beret)
The two were running after flare only to stop at a TV and see what happened as they were shocked. They were too late Yang was made into the villain as Beret was the most shocked of all. Beret put his hand on the screen before roaring in fury. They hurt someone close to him he will make sure those two Horrors are sealed in the deepest darkest hole he can find.
Sirius soon put his hand on Beret's shoulder as the knight looked. "Don't worry we'll stop them, you can count on it." Sirius said as Beret them nodded in understanding.
"This is becoming troublesome." Zaruba said as no doubt Grimm were being attracted.
(Amity Stadium)
The paramedics ran up to Mercury as Emerald looked. "Please somebody help him!" Emerald called as the paramedics checked on Mercury. "Can you do something?" Emerald asked as they looked to Mercury's leg and saw the blood coming out.
"We need to get this boy to the hospital. Grab a blanket." The doctor said as they then carefully loaded him up to the stretcher.
As Yang saw this something wasn't adding up as the video Yang saw made her the villain but she knew what she saw was real. "You don't understand! He attacked me, I swear!" Yang said as when she moved the Guards moved as well showing they were ready to shoot in needed.
"Stow it! You've already caused enough of a scene." The Atlas Military officer said as people booed her.
(Later)
As the paramedics carried Mercury through the halls they soon passed a path to which Cinder appeared. "Here! We've got an ambulance ready to go!" Cinder called, dressed as a paramedic, to the paramedics.
(Later still)
Once Mercury was loaded up and Cinder carried out her part of the charade the group were in the ship as Flare was also there on the side sitting on the floor as Mercury was joking around. "Oh Doc! Tell me! Will I ever walk again?" Mercury asked as Emerald then hit his arm. "Ah what's your deal?" Mercury asked as he held his arm.
"Ugh, headache. One mind, I can handle, but two is a stretch." Emerald said as she held her head.
"Well, you all performed marvelously. Driver and assassin included." Cinder said as she turned to the driver who was none other than Neo who nodded while Flare smiled. "But you spilling or information like that Flare is risky but at this point even if they were to come clean no one would believe them." Cinder said with a smile as Emerald looked.
"So he can use his brains like you." Emerald said as Flare was wiping the blood off his sword.
"So... you think it worked?" Mercury asked as they flew.
(Scene Break)
The team were in there base as Mercury was fixing his prosthetic leg as he screwed a part in place. Mercury was watching the TV news as soon Emerald turned it off as Mercury looked. "Hey I was watching that" Mercury said as Emerald glared.
"Shut up." Emerald said as Mercury stopped for a moment.
"Is this how you treat a patient?" Mercury asked as he was wise cracking before Emerald then turned the screw driver hard causing Mercury to yelp in pain.
"OW to tight!" He called a he began to adjust it.
"Enough." Cinder began as she was off to the side checking out the Fall Maiden powers a little as now that she has the full power all they had to do was unleash Darkus. "Our Mercury put on a wonderful show. He was quiet brave." Cinder said with a smile as she then looked to them.
"These things aren't exactly cheap ya know." Mercury said as he was fixing his gear.
"So what's next?" Emerald asked as Cinder smiled.
"You and I will ensure that our next matchup goes... just as smoothly." Cinder said as she and Emerald began walking away.
"What about me?" Mercury asked as Cinder walked away.
"You get to lay low with Flare until the end. We wouldn't want people to see you on your feet and have this all for naught, now would we?" Cinder asked as Mercury and Flare smirked.
"Can do." Mercury said he went back to adjusting his gear.
(TBC)
ESKK: Hey getting real close to the ending. Now then I bet you many of you are excited to see the ending but once we get there we may begin GARO Remnant Knight which is currently in development. Anyway you know the drill review and ja ne.