Child of Grimm Ch. 35
Derek was running through the woods. He didn't have his normal bulk, or his spikes. He was a lot smaller, and a lot younger. His age, was seven. He kept running, until he stumbled upon a small house. He ran over, and violently knocked on the door. It swung open, and he was greeted by a women. She had a pale face, and silver eyes. Her hair was concealed by a white cloak that she wore. He stood there, shaking slightly. His wings were to his sides in exhaustion, and his face was full of fear. The women didn't say anything, and just brought him inside. He sat down by the fire gratefully, and she went off to get him some hot chocolate and a stew. After he ate and drank, the woman decided to finally asked her questions.
"What's your name?" She said softly. He looked at her very cautiously, with his guard raised.
"Drake," he said. "Drake Flame. My parents called me Derek."
"Called?"
"They're gone." He just continued to eat, and remained in silence. "They're all gone. I can't stay here long. I've already put you in danger."
"It's fine," the woman reassured him. "I can take care of myself. How old are you?"
"Seven." He stood up to leave, but the woman put her hand on his shoulder.
"Just stay a little longer. I can't let you leave without any rest. Are you a faunus?"
"I don't know," he said as he looked at his arms. "They called me something else. They called me a Child of Grimm." The woman stared at him for a long time. "They're coming," he said ominously. "I can smell them." He drew his sword, and went to leave. The woman ran after him, but he moved surprisingly fast for someone who was almost passed out from exhaustion.
"Derek stop!" She called out. He stopped, and looked over at her.
"What did you call me?"
"If your parents called you Derek, then I assume that was your name." He just turned to keep running, but something stopped him.
"Go back to your house," he said.
"Why?" Derek could see Beowolves emerging from the trees.
"Run," she told him. "Get out of here." Derek was already starting to run, but then he realized that she wasn't running. He turned to see her holding a large scythe, and that she was twirling it around. She swung around her blade to cut off one of the Beowolf's legs, and then his stomach. She swung around her blade again to cut off another's head. She kept up her constant motion. Derek ran over, and cut down one of the Beowolf's with his sword. I can't leave her here. He fought beside her, and the Beowolves were starting to dwindle in number. This is actually going well. He turned to see four people emerge from the trees. All of them wore a similar outfit, completed by the logo on their back. Oh no.
"You're coming with us Drake," one of them said. They all drew swords, and stepped forward.
"Get out of here Derek," the woman said. "Now." Derek turned, and just started to run. I have to get out of here. I hope that she runs too. Derek stole a glance back, and he stopped in his tracks. The four men surrounded the woman, and she raised up her scythe. The first one charged, and she planted her scythe in the ground and threw herself into the air. She swung it around into his back, and he collapsed. She landed, and swung around her scythe into the next man. The third one charged her, and she swung around her scythe into his back. The only remaining one, backed up.
"I suggest you run away and leave him alone," she told him.
"That's not happening miss," he replied. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a whistle. When he blew it, Beowolves started to emerge from the trees. The only remaining man started to drag off the bodies of his fallen comrades to behind the trees, while the woman started to twirl around her scythe. Derek was still too afraid of the men to intervene, but his confidence was building. Before he could make a move, he heard a gunshot ring out. He looked over to see that the man from earlier was in the trees with a rifle, and the woman had slowed down considerably. Derek started to run forward, but he was too slow. A Beowolf brought it's claws across her back, and she started to collapse.
"NO!" Derek yelled out. He extended his wings, and flew up into the air. He flew down by the remaining Beowolves, and started to cut through them. The whole time, he was aware that the woman that had just helped him was losing blood. He cut down the last one, and looked to see that the man had left. He ran over by her side, and checked for a pulse, something he had gotten quite good at.
"Derek," she said faintly. "The people that were chasing after you, they're not people that you want to mess with. Go in that direction," she said as she pointed to his left. "Someone will find you, and his name is Ozpin. He'll take care of you."
"Please don't go," he said sadly. "I don't want to lose someone else."
"It's okay Derek. My name is Summer, and I have a daughter." Now you're making me feel even worse. "Her name is Ruby. She'll be sent off to live with her uncle, don't worry. I know that you're too young, but so is she. I want you to find her when you're older, and watch out for her."
"I will," he promised.
"Go. Before they come back." Satisfied with her work, she closed her eyes.
"Mom?" A curious voice called out. "Mom, where are you?" Derek looked over at a young girl running over to where he was, and he took off.
Now the scene shifted. Derek was back in Summer's house, but it was present day Derek. He looked over and saw Summer standing by her fire.
"Hello Derek," she said. "It's been a long time."
"Is Ruby Rose your daughter?" Derek asked, not wanting to waste any time. Summer nodded. "I should of realized it sooner."
"I never told you of our last name, and I didn't think you'd remember."
"I always remembered what you did for me. Without you, I wouldn't be here today."
"What are you willing to keep Ruby safe?" Derek thought for a moment, but it didn't take him very long to think it through.
"If sacrificing my life is necessary to keep her safe, I'll do it. You gave up yours for me, and now I'm in debt to you." Summer nodded, and sat back in the chair.
"How is she doing?"
"Quite well. She's one of the more talented people, and she took an interest to your choice of weapons."
"I'm glad. Thank you for all that you've done for her."
"Do I tell her?"
"If you think it'd be necessary, then yes." Derek nodded, and began to wonder about what he'd do.
"Should I of have stayed?" He finally asked. It was a question that had been on his mind since that day.
"No," Summer replied. "You would of have been discovered, and you never would of have made it to Ozpin. You did the right thing." Derek nodded. "Our time is up. Goodbye Derek." The scene started to disappear into a flurry of white rose petals, and then Derek woke up. He looked around to see that his team was already up.
"Hey D," Nathan said. "You're up awfully late."
"Did I miss class?" Derek asked. Everyone laughed. "Is it the weekend already?"
"No D," Gwen replied. "All that we have today is sparring and that's in the afternoon." Derek relaxed slightly. He looked out the window, and saw Ruby walking around on campus. If you think it'd be necessary, then yes. Maybe not absolutely, but she has a right to know.
"I'll be back," Derek said. He quickly jumped out of the window, and landed on the ground nearby Ruby. He stopped and studied her for a moment. She was wearing her new cloak, necklace, bracelet, and sling. All of them looked quite good on her.
"Hey," he called out. Ruby turned around to face Derek.
"Hey D," she said.
"I see that you came out quite well from your birthday." Ruby nodded happily. "I have one more thing to show you." Ruby tilted her head in curiosity. Derek held out his hand, and let it fill with flames. He closed it, and closed his eyes. Let the touch of Summer Rose be evident. He opened up his hands, and let the white rose petals dance out of his hand. Ruby stepped back in surprise, and then realization hit her.
"My Mom?" She asked. "How did you know her?"
"I was seven years old," Derek started. "And I was still running for my life. I came upon a house, and I asked for some food and water. I was going to leave immediately after, but then she stopped me. I wish she hadn't done that. The White Fang caught up to me, and she fought them off. She didn't survive, and I made her one promise. That I would look after her daughter, and it took me until a few days ago to realize that you were that daughter."
"Why didn't you stay?" Ruby asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I didn't stay because your mother told me to leave. Ruby, I am now here to protect you in any way possible. I can promise you that." Ruby nodded, and reached out to hug him. Derek let her, and he slowly rubbed her back.
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