Life of a Grimmborn Chapter 25: Monsters Behind the Animals

A/N: Well damn. Sorry for the near 2 month long wait everyone. Many new games captured my attention and dragged me into the land of procrastination for a long while. But now I should be back in action in pumping out more chapters. Hopefully nothing distracts me like that again. But anyways, lets get back into the action with a fresh new chapter, shall we?

TheSib: Glad you're looking forward to it, my friend.

Onyxwhip: Such interactions shall come. Just you wait.

Dracohalo117: That shall be answered within the events of this Volume soon enough.

Disclaimer: Don't own RWBY

Life of a Grimmborn Chapter 25: Monsters Behind the Animals

Kor pondered around his room, a pensive air feeling its way into his bones at his situation. There was no way for him to realistically escape from his new 'home' in Goetia. Not with the Grimmborn watching his every move and keeping tabs on him. And with not knowing the lay of the land, he couldn't even sneak off and find human civilization. That is, if human civilization was even around this place, which was highly doubtful. All of his friends could be suffering and there was nothing that could be done on his end. He was promised that no harm would come to them if they stayed out of the way of their plans but the likes of Scarmiglione cast a huge shadow of doubt upon that statement.

In fact, the undead demon made it a point to come into his room and tell him all about how she planned to torture his friend Jaune. It took threatening her with his sword to get her to stop and walk away. But she'd always be back with a fresh slew of ideas to throw all sorts of imagery into his head. Which of course, sparked a new slew of threats for Kor to give. A vicious cycle if one were to describe it.

But the knocking at his door gave way to another cycle that was becoming all the more frequent with his time here. "Kor, may I come in?"

'No use trying to delay the inevitable.' He thought to himself. "Yes, you can come in."

The door opened to make way for Alter who gave a gracious smile to the younger boy. "I am glad to see you looking so well dressed as always. Are you enjoying the new clothes we have given you?"

The clothes in question were a fair sight from what the teen would normally wear. A black long sleeve shirt under a quilted gray jacket hoodie. A more warm pair of black jeans were given to him for the colder climate of winter along with boots to follow. Casual wear was never something he frequented since his tail often made blending in with them a problem. But it seemed that the outfit was made with his tail in mind as the back end of his clothes had a more loose area for said tail to comfortably lie.

"Uh, yeah. They're… very comfy."

"Now Kor, there's no need to be so stiff." Alter softly chided as she sat down on his bed. "As I said, we want this place to be a new home to you. You have every right to speak your mind with me. I will take no offense."

When it came to this Alter woman, the situation was so hard to read and approach. Ever other person in Goetia seemed to either fear or worship the woman in some way. Maybe she had done something in the past to earn such treatment but Kor didn't see her different than any other woman in his life. Although her eyes were a different story if she were staring you down for a wrongdoing.

"It's just… Why did you guys bring me here? What do you have to gain from my presence?"

"Ah, now I see what bothers you." She got up from her seat on the bed and placed two comforting hands on his shoulders. "Kor, I know it may seem that we have forcibly separated you from your friends and loved ones but the decision was made on my behalf. If you were left in the human world after what had happened, you would've been hunted and killed for merely being who you are. You cannot honestly say that there are none in the world who hurt you for solely being a Grimmborn."

Unbidden, two people came to the forefront of his thoughts despite his best efforts to shake it away. "... But still…"

"Kor, all I wish for is your happiness. One that I can promise will come from being in Goetia with the rest of us. Please give it some time so you can adjust. You'll have free reign of your time soon enough once you've become familiar with the city."

He wasn't sure how much of her words he could trust. Alter seemed sincere enough but a honeyed voice could make anything sound sweet. But there was no reason to make a big deal about it since that could get him killed or even worse. Kor simply nodded his head which seemed to please Alter greatly.

The taller woman clapped her hands enthusiastically at the compliance of the guest. "Capital! Now, how about we get someone to show you around the city? Do you have anyone in mind for that, Kor?"

A loaded question to be sure. There were not that many, if at all, Grimmborn that he would even consider an acquaintance on any level. Sorid was completely removed from the trustzone, he hated Scarmiglione with a passion, Zelia was awkward to be around after their first meeting and the others didn't seem too keen with him. "I don't really know, to be honest…"

"Well that matters not. I have someone in mind who shall be perfect for the job." She motioned for him to follow her as she moved out the door.

He followed the older woman into the courtyard where Phantasma stood with two other Grimmborn who seemed dressed to fight. If the armor they were wearing was any indication of that. The two of them hugged the long haired woman for but a moment before running off into the crowd in Goetia. "Ah, Phantasma. Good timing. I have need of your assistance."

The long haired Grimmborn turned around and quickly bowed to Alter. "What do you need of me, Lady Alter?"

Alter gave a small pat to Kor's head in an affectionate manner which caused the boy to bristle slightly at the childish treatment. "I would like you to be the guide for young Kor here. He needs to learn the lay of the city and there is no one better for the job than you."

Phantasma stood up and gave a respectful bow to the request. "Understood, Lady Alter. I will not fail you in this task."

"I trust that you won't. Kor, be sure to treat Phantasma with the utmost respect." The weight on his head turned much heavier, causing Kor to look up to Alter's right eye which was staring at him carefully. "I would much like for you to get along with your fellow brothers and sisters here. Understand?"

"Y-Yes." The weight of the stare alone could make any man stutter in fear. Kor was no exception to this.

"Well then, I leave him in your care. I have much business to attend to, so I shall see you all tonight. Have fun, Kor!"

Waving farewell was all Kor could do in his current state of disturbed fear. It wasn't until Alter returned through the castle doors that both him and Phantasma sighed with relief. "That… was heartstopping."

"Lady Alter does have that effect on people. But we shouldn't speak ill of her, she only wants what's best for our people." Phantasma turned around and gave a motherly smile to the younger teen. "Now then, shall we begin our tour of Goetia?"

Kor only nodded his head and began walking alongside Phantasma. Knowing that he really didn't have a choice in the matter. Though as they walked he was almost tempted to ask who were those Grimmborn that hugged his guide before leaving. But if his intuition was anything to go by, it was a personal matter that didn't involve him. Best to let things just play out as they do for now.

"Lado and Lada reporting in for the mission, General Taurus!"

Adam turned around from overviewing his troops to see two Grimmborn wearing black knight-like armor approach him. One of a male with short black spiky hair and dark purple eyes while the female had back length long black hair with lavender eyes. "So you two are the ones being assigned to the mission from Xavok?"

Lado, the male one, stepped forward and placed a hand on his chest. "Correct. Master Xavok has given us his blessing to assist and oversee the mission at hand. He trusts that you have made your squad aware of us coming, correct?"

"Yes, the men know about your arrival. You are to go with Fennec and Corsac to assist in causing unbalance to the neutrality of Menagerie. They will brief you on everything you need to know about this task."

Lada look pointed slightly at the goal of the mission. "Forgive me, but it was to our understanding that we needed to unite the faunus people under our cause. What good will causing disarray do?"

"The faunus of that island are too strongly sided with the Belladonnas." The disdain in his voice was not lost on the ears of the siblings. "They've chosen to live their lives as if nothing in the outside world matters to them. Even knowing that war is inevitable. We show them that the Belladonnas can't guard them from this and switch them over to the side of the White Fang."

"If that is the case, why not have Miss Zelia take up arms to this cause. She is more passionate for their uprising more than anyone here."

Adam turned away and shook his head. "She's already a known terrorist in all news media and social outlets. If she were to come then it would only cause chaos and make the faunus depend on the family of cowards to defend them from her." He turned back around to the pair and motioned for them to walk with him. "By having you both here in her stead, you can spread the message and cause well placed fear in a much more tactful way than she ever could."

"I do not like the discounting of Miss Zelia's talents to unite people under a cause." Lado snidely said. "Was it not her that got a myriad of new followers under the White Fang banner?"

"It was also her that was captured by the humans and nearly imprisoned for life under Atlas security. Her hatred of the Schnee's is something that will be of better use on another mission. But for now, she is to stay put."

The two siblings looked to each other while shaking their heads. Zelia may have gotten in over her head in causing a riot back at the Schnee Mining Facility in Atlas. But the pros far outweigh the cons, especially now with Lady Alter becoming much more active in their campaign against humanity. But it wasn't their place to question orders given to them by Master Xavok, even if they disagreed with Adam Taurus.

At the bay of the beach outside of the forest clearing was an unsuspecting boat that many White Fang members were moving in and out of. Two fox faunus stood waiting in front of the board that connected to the ship. Both of whom bowed down to Adam in respect.

"Brother Adam, we are ready to set sail to Menagerie at any moment." The one with the long fox ears said.

"Rise, the both of you. These are the two Grimmborn who are coming in under Xavok's orders. They are Lado and Lada, warriors who are trusted by the Xavok himself."

Both Grimmborn bowed their heads to the other pair of twins who did the same out of respect. "We are glad to be of service to this just cause. And to help unite our races even more so."

Corsac looked up from his bow and offered a hand to the new recruits. "As we are eager to help out our new brothers and sisters in arms. May our combining of forces lead to our ultimate achievement."

"We couldn't agree more."

Fennec moved to the side, allowing the Grimmborn access to the board connecting to the ship. "After you."

Both of them took the kind offer and walked aboard the ship. As the two began to interact with the others on board, the fox brothers turned around to their leader. "Brother Adam, now that we have the power of the Grimmborn on our side…" Corsac began.

"What shall we do about High Leader Kahn?" Fennec finished.

The bull faunus almost let a scoff of dismissal escape his throat but it was an issue to bring up. Sienna Kahn was still the overall leader of the White Fang and more likely than not, she was very displeased with his actions in teaming up with otherworldly beings. Fearsome as the Grimmborn were, their lot were still a wild card in this whole situation. Especially with the dubious presence that was Alter and the absolute command of respect she and Xavok held over their kind. But all it would take is a little persuasion.

"I have a plan in the works. All I need is for one of Xavok's chosen to explain the situation to her. I will most likely ask for Alter's help in this as her frightening nature should allow Sienna to listen." He explained.

Both brothers looked to each other worryingly. "Are… you sure that's wise, Brother Adam? She could see that as an act of treason to let a non-faunus know the location of the main headquarters."

"Your fears are well founded but unneeded, Fennec. Trust in me as you have before and I shall lead our kind to a human free future."

"... As you command. May your trip to Mistral be with the greatest of ease."

Adam nodded his head before allowing the brothers to enter the ship as it was just ready to set sail. Seeing off the ship onto the horizon, the faunus began his trek back to Goetia with a task at hand. Alter would be hard pressed to convince but more followers to their shared cause should be more than enough incentive for her to see his way.

"Ah, here seems to be a good place to stop and rest." Phantasma commented while pulling out a chair. "Come, sit with me."

Kor placed the bags that his guide had gotten him to the side of the chair and took a seat across from her. The bags contained new clothes that would help him match more of the locals along with a new scarf for the cold weather. A Grimmborn came up to the two of them and offered glasses of water before welcoming them to the cafe.

"This place really is like Vale. It's almost staggering with all the similarities." Kor said while watching the citizens of Goetia move about their business.

"You'd be surprised how developed our civilization is, young Kor. Lady Alter has traveled the world numerous times and has helped in the moving with the times for our people. Before we were naught but savages with only primal rage and human thought to fill our minds. Now we move along with the rest of intelligent life all the same." Phantasma thanked one waiter for the menu he handed her and passed one to Kor as she continued. "Goetia is a sort of melting pot of many cultures on Remnant. Vale's bustling city life was one thing Lady Alter took into mind when building up the area around the castle and citadel."

"Alter really is amazing, isn't she?"

The hybrid found himself at a crossroad of thought as he looked through the menu given to him. There was no way that a person this committed to their people could be totally evil. But at the same time, to what ends would she even benefit from helping her people?

"So out of curiosity…"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Why am I even here?"

Phantasma placed her cup down with a sigh and shook her head softly. "Kor, dear. You must understand that only Lady Alter and Master Xavok know the reason of why you're here. I can't answer any question you have but I can offer an ear and time whenever you need to talk." Kor jumped slightly at the motherly woman placing her hand over his. "I can make time for you at any point in the day."

There was no further point in broaching this subject further, it seemed. With no other person but the leaders knowing as to why he was even here, Kor was both figuratively and literally a prison of his own devices. The boy simply nodded his head, much to the delight of Phantasma.

"Good. Now let us not dwell on such details going forward. We want you to think of this place as your new home. And us in the castle as your family." Soon enough, the waiters from before placed some bread in front of them and took their orders. "We promise that we shall treat you with love and care."

"But what about my human and faunus friends? Am I never allowed to see them again?"

Another loaded question that was tossed casually around without any regard for the consequences. Especially if Phantasma's furrowed brow was anything to go off of. She placed down the piece of bread she picked up and sighed. "Kor, you must understand that things aren't that simple. You may care for your friends a great deal but who they are as people is something that must be discussed with Lady Alter."

It was Kor's turn to furrow his brow at the implication of the statement. "And what do you mean by that."

"Dear, we both know that none of your friends are saints by any means. Those Schnee's are still throwing around anti-faunus propaganda, one of your partners in chaotic incarnate and I need not say anything regarding Arc, now do I?" Scarm immediately came to the forefront of his mind, which gave him a reminder to stab her if she opened her rotting mouth again. "We must wait and see what is to be decided in regards to their ability to be in Goetia. If just allowed anyone in here without notice, the bedlam it would cause could cause major contemptment across the city."

Now this was something that he not only hated, but knew there was no way to properly fight against the idea. As loathe as he was to admit it, Kor knew that humans and faunus being here would make matters worse. Especially if said humans were Jaune or Weiss given that both their worst enemies were casually lurking around in the castle. "Fine…"

"If it makes you feel any better, I shall have a talk with her regarding this. But for now, let us forget about this and move on with our day. Hmm?"

It seemed to be a good a time as any since their food had finally arrived for them. The meal was a more silent affair with them eating across from each other. When they had finished, the tour continued unabated with Kor getting a much more familiar layout of Goetia. He wondered just how big this island truly must be to house a whole race of people under humanity's nose. But focus could hardly be put on the subject as he was being dragged around to see every nook and cranny of the big city.

Hopefully his full day wouldn't just be this.

It had been a very long and eventful journey for Blake to finally make it back home in one piece. The sudden Grimm attack on the boat proved dangerous but Sun's sudden arrival and assistance proved to be a boon in driving the creature away. But that wasn't without its own annoyances that came from the monkey faunus trying to get her to go back to her team. Considering they were on a boat on their way to an island, it seemed like that idea wasn't going to happen any time soon.

But the point was still being dragged along until the point that Blake had to lock herself in her room just to get away from Sun's constant prattling. Soon enough however, they finally made it to the hub of faunus activity on Remnant. Menagerie.

While this was just another visit to her hometown, Sun was amazed at all the sights to behold with the numerous faunus moving up and about. "I've never seen so many faunus in one place before!"

"This is the one place that any faunus can come to and feel safe, no matter what."

"Kinda crowded though, isn't it?"

"Well when you take an entire species of people and try to fit them on an island that's two thirds desert, it tends to be cramped."

Sun scoffed at the idea of being surrounded by a little sand. That was nothing compared to his home in Vacuo. "Come on, a little desert never hurt anyone. I'm sure this place could manage if Vacuo could."

"That's the thing, Sun. The desert here isn't like Vacuo as it's filled with much more dangerous wildlife." She looked past the horizon where a forest of trees cut of the view from beyond. "Most people don't go anywhere near past the wooded areas because of that."

"So the humans up top gave us a terrible island in the corner of the world just to shut us up. Typical jerks."

Blake gave a soft pat to her friend's side and motioned for him to walk with her. "It may not be ideal, but we manage just fine."

The both of them moved past the crowd of people to walk down the road they are on. It was bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood in the middle of all this is a large house with an open courtyard that the road appears to lead directly to. The house is at least three stories and is the only building in the whole area with a fancy roof.

"Whoa… This place is beautiful! Who would ever want to leave!?"

Blake grit her teeth at the ignorant enthusiasm from Sun. She didn't want to be mad since he didn't seem to know much but it still poked at her nerves heavily. "That isn't the point, Sun! All the faunus want is to be treated as equals with humans! But instead they gave us an island and told us to make do. This place may be beautiful for some, but to us it's a reminder. A reminder that we'll never be treated as true equals." Her face lowered to the ground. "... That we're still second class citizens."

A hand being put on her shoulder made Blake raise her head to see her friend's smiling face. "Well this guy is feeling pretty at home right now."

"Ha… Speaking of home…"

"Oh, which one is yours? Is it the one with the fancy paint job."

The cat faunus chuckled softly and moved Sun's pointed finger to the largest house in the middle of the row of palm trees. "Right there." The look of disbelief on his face was more than enough to bring a smile back on her face. Moving ahead of him, Blake dreaded what was to come if her parents were home. No doubt they'd chew her out for running before they could come pick her up at Ruby's home.

And then there was the thought of the nightmare she had.

Blake truly wanted to deny anything that happened there and dismiss it as nothing more than a bad dream. But there was too much that looked suspicious for her liking. Adam and Iliya along with that unknown Grimmborn and the whole place on fire. As far as she knew, the White Fang were nowhere to be found on the island but the Grimmborn were another factor. If they managed to hide themselves in plain sight then problems would arise quickly.

She knew that one way or another, she'd have to ask her parents about any new residents who looked strange. If the suspicious premonition she had was any bit true, then Adam might already be here waiting for a moment to strike. Her hand hesitated on the knocking handle at the door but a tap of encouragement from Sun allowed to to bring up the device and hit it a few times against the door.

Her ears picked up the faint, danity footsteps coming closer to the door by the second. She had to prepare herself for whatever would come of seeing her parents again. But the moment of confrontation came a bit too soon for Blake once the door opening caught the both of them by surprise. From behind the door, a black haired cat faunus in a black and white garb that held golden accents around it looked out to see who was at the door. Her mouth gaped slightly at the girl on the front doorstep.

"Blake…?"

The addressed faunus softly held her hand up in greeting to the older woman. "Hi, mom…"

A gasp of surprise squeaked out of the teen's lungs as her mother wrapped her into a tight hug. It took a bit, but Blake managed to return the affectionate gesture and brought her in close. Sun smiled at the two women reuniting in such a heartwarming fashion. It wasn't long before a man's voice broke through the silent moment to wonder what was going on at the front door. From behind Blake's mom came a large black haired man who was wearing a open violet coat with white fur around the neck area, beige pants and a sash to compliment it. He looked to see his wife hugging his daughter, which shocked him for a moment. But soon joined in the family hug with great joy that his beloved daughter was finally back home, safe and sound.

Blake wished she could just stay in this moment forever, but she knew better than that. There was a job to be done before any relaxing could be done. "Mom, dad, there's something I need to ask you both."

Alter moved around the empty halls of the cathedral that housed the area of her prayers. So much was happening on this little island of her and her people that it was becoming a bit overwhelming, even for someone like herself. But she would not be lost to the wave of events when there was much to be done in ensuring the security of her race.

First and foremost was dealing with Raven. The foolish bird had gotten a bit too close in ending Kor's life during that encounter and it did not sit well in her stomach. The boy would have to undergo some new training to hone his powers before he can realistically kill Raven the next time they fought. Threatening her family would also buy some time, given that she could torture Taiyang at her leisure.

Second, and slightly more concerning was Cinder and Salem. She knew that their deaths must be seen to swiftly before any more of the Maidens fell into their hands. With Fall under her grasp, it's possible that she might get a bit cocky in her actions and order Cinder against her kind. While that would be of minor consequence, Alter would rather not deal with that annoyance of a woman if need be. But she supposed that once she finds where Salem and her lot are hiding, she could go an annihilate them when she pleased.

Lsatly was Kor's own feelings of integration into Goetia. This will be her greatest challenge given he was raised in the tainted world of humans. Their way of thinking poisoned his consciousness and reasoning into the thought of hypocritical morality and self sacrifice. This would not do if he is to become of any use to their cause. He would have to see her own way of thinking, even if it meant some force had to be used. Alter could not have Kor be coerced into thinking that defending humans is a rewarding act of mercy.

No, defending humans was a vice.

The creaking of the door behind her made the woman gnash her teeth slightly at the intrusion. But seeing who it was made her pull back such rage and sigh. "Adam, dear. I believe you were made aware about my disdain for being disturbed."

"Forgive me, I need to speak with you about something of dire importance."

"If it is of dire importance, then Xavok can see to it. I am very busy with my prayers, Adam."

"Xavok would be a good choice for many jobs. But this one requires your talents alone, Lady of the Grimmborn."

The addressing of her title made Alter open a curious eye to Adam's direction. "And what, pray tell, do you need of me?"

"The current High Leader of the White Fang, Sienna Kahn, is someone who has been keeping heavy tracks of my actions. She does not believe that our partnership is beneficial to faunus-kind." Adam took a few cautious steps forward to Alter. If what he had heard about her was true, then he had to choose his words carefully. Lest he be devoured whole like a certain witch. "I believe you can convince her otherwise to see that our partnership is truly the way to pave the future. For both faunus and Grimmborn."

If Alter wasn't mistaken, she knew that the headquarters for the terrorist organization was somewhere in Mistral. The kingdom was a hotbed for all sorts of seedy activity and sketchy groups, even more so than Vacuo. Getting a foothold in humanity's front door could prove to be a worthwhile endeavor. Especially since it was near their backyard of the island.

"Hmm… You raise several valid points, Adam." Alter fully turned around and began walking to the front door. Adam schooching aside as to not impede her path. "Very well. Bring me to this Sienna Kahn and I'll make her see the brilliant light of our futures."

Adam followed behind the terrifying woman all the way down to the coastline. Many may have been curious as to where they were going but Alter eased all worries so that they could travel in peace. She was much looking forward to seeing a fellow woman of power who commanded the respect of so many.

As she was looking forward to making her see the road that Alter invisions for her kind.

Life of a Grimmborn Chapter 25: Monsters Behind the Animals -End-

A/N: That wraps up another chapter, everyone. People all around are on the move and it certainly isn't gonna be pretty once conflict rolls its ugly head around. Thanks for being so patient with me and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Drop a review if you liked it and have a good one, everybody!

-Deviljho's Hatred