Demon's Kiss
Rating: T/M
Series: RWBY
Pairings:
Volume 1: Spring
Volume Theme: "Smile"
Summary:
One knows nothing of his past. One desired strength. One is plagued by a dark secret. One wanted to change their fate. Four souls find themselves as teammates in hopes of writing their own stories. Alone, they were capable. Together, they are unstoppable. Little did they know, things were about to change drastically as a result. May the brothers and Oum have mercy on Remnant, because a dark entity wants what's hers.
Set one year before the main story.
Chapter 2: Silver Linings and Dark Clouds
After a rather uneventful night, the new initiates were awakened by Glynda Goodwitch dutifully instructing them on the day's agenda. From there, they were permitted to use the showers and report to the cafeteria for a filling breakfast and after that, access to the locker rooms to retrieve their weapons.
Atsura, who was still a little groggy after sleeping on the floor, managed to find his locker, punching in the default code. It let out a hiss, granting him entrance to the locker and his weapon, Nguangus. Grabbing the scythe, he immediately shifted it into its rifle mode, inspecting every detail of it for bugs or kink. Once he was satisfied, he turned it into its last form. The weapon split off into dual katanas, each blade gleaming before placing it in the sheath that rested on his back.
"That's a nice weapon," his ears twitched at the sound of Cinder's voice. "I was wondering just how many transformations it had."
Before he could respond, Atsura was met with the sight of his sister, Delilah chuckling playfully.
"He's been tinkering with that thing for months before we left Menagerie. I'm surprised that he didn't equip it with a rocket launcher."
"Shut up." he huffed at the older girl. Cinder and Delilah just laughed at the pouting Atsura. In a way, it was enjoyable to share a laugh, even if was at his expense. All in all, he watched as his older sibling ran her fingers through her black and purple-tipped hair, still tickled at his embarrassment. Cinder giggled slightly and waved farewell to the pair. "Anyway, shouldn't you be concerned with the team set-up rather than making fun of me?"
"No way. I'm letting lady luck decide my fate, today," Delilah grinned. "However things turn out, I'll move on from there. However, I think someone's worried about not being with their big sister..."
For once, Atsura didn't take the bait. Rather, he shook his head at the girl, confidence showing up for the first time since his awakening.
"Honestly, I'm not sure if us teaming up is the best thing," He admitted. "While I'd like that, I also want to be able to grow up without always being protected by big sis... Don't take it the wrong way though! If we did end up as partners, then I'd be happy. I just don't want our time here..."
"...You want to branch out..."
"Yeah."
"Atsura? You're 16 years old; You're nearly an adult. I don't think it's bad that you want to forge your path. Hell, it's the very reason I chose to come here instead of going to Haven or Atlas. No matter what, I'll always be your sister and I'll always be looking to help when you need it."
The fox allowed his lips to curl upward slightly. In a way, he felt a weight being lifted from his shoulders, knowing that the feline was understanding of his plight. He'd worried about whether or not she'd be offended at such transparency, but now, all of those fears were put to rest. It came at just the right time too as the intercom whined for several seconds before the sounds of Professor Goodwitch's voice chimed through.
"Children, please report to the cliffside overlooking the Emerald Forest on the northern region of the campus. You have 30 minutes to arrive or you will be disqualified."
With the warning now in effect, Atsura and Delilah made there way out of the locker room.
"You ready for this?"
Delilah scoffed amusingly before drawing her weapon, Desert Thorn, a lavender broad sword-whip. She then drew it back before clapping a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh yeah. I'm ready, little brother."
"Today, your trial is relatively simple. You will be sent into the Emerald Forest where many types of deadly Grimm are prowling around. Your mission is to find an abandoned temple and retrieve a relic. Additionally, I'm sure you all have been inquiring about teams and partners since your arrival. Well, allow us to put all of the rumors to rest here and now." the man pushed up his spectacles, allowing the blonde woman to cut in.
"Upon your entry into the forest, you will be partnered up with the first person you make eye contact with. Additionally, whoever you're partnered with will be with you for the next four years here at Beacon Academy. It would be in your best interest to be paired up with someone you can work well with."
"After that, make your way to the northern end of the forest," Ozpin added. "You will be met with possibly many forms of opposition. Do NOT hesitate to destroy everything in your path or you will die."
Atsura, Delilah, and Cinder each shared a look of concern but said nothing. Thankfully, they weren't the only ones wondering about the severity of this exercise. For them to be thrown headfirst into the forest with little to go thus far, so it was expected at this point. To make matters even worse, they were to be partnered with the first person they laid eyes on? Things couldn't get much worse...
Right?
"We will be monitoring and grading you throughout the entirety of your trials. However, our instructors will not be intervening at any point. Find the temple. Get the relics. Return to this location. Afterward, we will regard said relic, and determine your initial standing for the beginning of the year. Any questions?"
The headmaster's inquiry was met with silence, a good call by the initiates as the question was merely rhetorical. While this did take a bit of the fun out of what was to come, Ozpin took a drag of his morning coffee before nodding to his subordinate.
One by one, the newest crop of would-be hunters took their positions. Atsura crouched to one knee as if he was preparing to strike. Cinder finished tying her hair back into a ponytail before planting her feet on the concrete platform. Delilah mirrored her brother's style only she was on all fours, ready to pounce. Eventually, they too were launched along with their peers as Ozpin and Glynda looked on, one with shrouded entertainment while the other, diligent and focused.
Sailing through the sky, it was a safe bet that anyone could be paired up as their positionings were completely at the mercy of the wind and trees. Not one to be deterred, the Faunus boy reached for Nguangus just as a large tree came into view. Timing things just right, the vulpine activated its scythe mode allowing himself to swing on a large branch over to another one that was a little beyond the average jumping distance.
Again, he wasn't discouraged as he transformed the weapon into its rifle mode, firing a couple of rounds that propelled him to his target. From there, he'd leap down to the earth below, tucking and rolling until he was safely planted.
"Huh... That wasn't so bad."
Unbeknownst to him, Delilah had traveled farther ahead. She used Desert Thorn to latch unto several branches until she felt comfortable enough to land firmly on the ground. From there, she rushed off in the direction of the temple. Several patches of foliage were shifted as the girl searched for any signs of a clear path. Sadly, she'd find none which forced her to keep a close eye on her direction.
"I hope Atsura's alright," she pondered, pushing through more bushes only to run into the last thing she wanted to find.
Pale yellow eyes. White skeletal faces marked with red symbols. Black figures, creations from a netherworld.
Each one began to stir, forcing the Faunus to back away slowly from the ghastly foursome.
She would've run but that would only invite them to pursue the cat-girl. Instead, she drew her blade, immediately unleashing its whip form. Slowly the beasts stalked closer, their growls reverberating against the few trees that surrounded them. Their burly forms were enough to cause panic in the average soul, but not Delilah.
"You wouldn't happen to know where a certain fox-boy is, would you?" She tensely asked only to receive a massive roar was their response. She sighed heavily. Her eyes gleamed with irritation. Her aura began to flare up, the points of her hair now as purple as her colored tips. "Didn't think so."
Slowly backing away, Delilah felt something catch on her foot, causing her to fall flat on her behind. She tried to scramble to her feet but found that whatever caught her, had tightened around her ankle.
Now, it was time for concern.
"No, no, no!" she grunted, yanking at the bramble that gripped her. The Grimm that'd stalked Delilah earlier soon noticed her situation. The predators now had their prey in their sights. "Argh! Let- me- go, dammit!"
It was too late. The Ursa Major lunged at her with its cohorts following close behind. Their massive frames blotted out the sun, shrouding the girl in their hellacious shadows. She couldn't attack in her position, but that wouldn't stop her from at least trying to protect herself. In a last-ditch effort, she lifted Desert Thorn above her in an attempt to shield herself from the creature's wrath.
Not like this...! she screamed in her mind.
"Are you alright?"
Delilah opened her eyes to find that she was unharmed. The warm rays of the sun above had returned as well. While she pondered what might've happened, her orange orbs soon found there answer. A tall young man stood in front of her, his gauntlet covered fist buried in the body of the now whining bear Grimm.
"Who-?"
"Can you fight?" he harshly asked, grey eyes staring at her. She nodded silently. "Then help me out! I'd rather not spend my time having to babysit an incompetent damsel."
"Incompetent?!" Delilah flared up her aura in anger but chose to focus on cutting the branches that held her down. She didn't take kindly to the statement, especially once she realized a shocking truth.
They'd made eye contact.
She cursed herself for her blunder; had it not happened, then she wouldn't have had to be rescued by the likes of this blunt prick. A low rumble resonated in her chest as she rose to her feet. Meanwhile, the boy had settled for landing a few more blows on the monster, sending it tumbling into the others. Letting out a ragged sigh, the mystery boy turned around only to find himself being pulled by the collar of his azure sleeveless jacket.
"What are you-?" he yelled angrily, tearing away.
"Who do you think you are?!"
"I'm the guy who just saved your ass!"
"Funny. I don't remember asking for your help."
"So, you'd rather I leave you here to be Grimm food?"
Seconds later, Delilah was now in a heated debate with her 'savior'. The Ursa gang merely watched as the pair shot verbal barbs at each other, confusion appearing before returning to the ravenous gaze they previously had. Now tired from the pointless argument the Grimm rushed at their targets once again, the duo seemingly too embroiled in their spat to notice.
This proved to be a mistake on the beast's part as the leader of the pack became nothing more than black dust in the wind. In trying to figure out what had happened, the other Ursai were met with the fiery orange gaze of the feline Faunus, the length of her sword-whip splayed out on the ground.
"You want some too?" she bore her small fangs, her lips stretching up in confidence.
One of the beasts prepared to attack but, it halted any potential attack suddenly. Then, even more surprisingly, the remaining pack soon twisted their bodies to flee, leaving the pair to wonder why.
"So... That happened..." the girl remarked as she recalled Desert Thorn to its standard form.
"I guess you scared them off with your temper..." the boy huffed somewhat. "Thanks for the save just now. I guess I owe you one."
"No need... We're even now."
"Well, you have my thanks still... um..."
"Delilah." the cat-girl quipped.
"I'm Isa. Guess we're partners, Delilah."
"It would appear that way," she replied sharply, though not with a slight smirk on her face. "I just hope you can keep up with this 'damsel', Isa. I don't like dealing with dead weight."
Isa rolled his eyes, annoyance mixing with amusement. This allowed Delilah a chance to take in his features. Dark blue hair that almost looked black. A tall yet stocky frame that stood at 6'3", impressive for someone his age. From his weapons to his attire, she had to admit, Isa was easy on the eyes. Speaking of those, she quickly noticed something was a bit peculiar about his optics.
At first glance, Delilah figured that they were grey, but upon closer inspection, she began to spot small traces of shine from the orbs. They weren't grey, they were silver.
It was a simple mistake, one that needn't be mentioned as she apologized for going on him earlier. Isa mirrored her actions, secretly analyzing the feline after exchanging his own apology. Her gaze was soft, a stark contrast from the fierce look she gave him only moments ago. Her hair was cut along the left side with the top of her hair draped over the right side in a pseudo-mohawk. The dark purple tips were her way of matching the rebel nature of the 5'8"girl. Lastly, he noticed how her clothes, while stylish, were ripped in some areas, truly solidifying her style.
Purple and blue accentuated their clothing choices.
The two exchanged a simplistic handshake as a sign of respect before setting out for the temple. If all they needed was to grab a relic and return, then there was no use wasting time in this forest. As the two began getting to know their new partner, they both began to see that, aside from their rocky introduction, they were pretty relatable in some sense.
Sorry, little brother. I hope you find a partner that works for you too.
Atsura leaned against a tree in an attempt to catch his breath after running toward the direction of the temple. He thanked Oum that he hadn't encountered any of the Grimm yet but, he was equally disappointed that he hadn't found anyone to partner up with. During his trek, he spotted an equine Faunus but, it turned out that she was paired up with a massively tall guy wearing green armor of the Japanese variation.
She's definitely out of the question...
Atsura pushed off from the tree and reluctantly proceeded onward. His eyes scoured the area with each step and his ears were stiff as he kept his guard up. He heard a rustling up ahead which prompted him to grit his teeth as he prepared for whatever might await him.
Imagine his surprise when instead of the Grimm, red and green eyes met with surprised amber. Like a flickering flame, the girl's orbs shined brightly, though one was hidden by her short dark locks. She wears black pants and boots; a red leather, sleeveless jacket with light-grey details; black gloves, a sarashi tied around her chest and another around her hips, and a pauldron on her left shoulder. She also wears a belt around her waist, which has multiple black pouches attached to it. There was no doubt in his mind, this was the same girl he met the day prior.
She's even more beautiful than I remember! he excitedly thought.
"C-Cinder?"
"Fancy meeting you, Atsu," the girl smiled softly as the boy's ears drooped slightly.
"Could you not use my sister's nickname for me?" he whined, much to her amusement.
"Well, I still think it's adorable. But, more importantly, I guess we're partners now."
"Y-Yeah! Talk about a fortunate turn of events."
Atsura sheepishly scratched the back of his neck before finally noticing the bright smile of the girl. The air of awkwardness soon shifted her expression into one of concern; they were on a mission after all.
"Are you okay?"
"Of course. I'm alright! ...Just got a little distracted."
Cinder wasn't completely convinced, but she chose to accept his answer. She gave a slight smile. "In that case, we'd better get to that temple and snag us a relic. Unless you'd rather spend more time 'enjoying the scenery'. It's your choice." She turned to head north in the direction of their destination, stopping short to look over her shoulder at the Faunus, a certain gleam of amusement shining through for a moment.
"Temple it is!" he replied quickly, mentally facepalming once he realized what'd just happened. Real smooth, Atsura... Real smooth.
Fortunately, their journey to the temple wasn't a long one. It was pretty surprising to the pair that their trek was that they hadn't encountered any of the creatures of Grimm. Peering at the rustic ruins, they made their way down the hill. Discussions of their futures as partners serving to make the brief trip even shorter. They looked around to see themselves surrounded by many pedestals. On top rested several small stone tablets with different symbols etched on the front, although some were missing.
"Diamond. Heart. Club. Spade?"
"Playing card logos?" Cinder droned, clearly not impressed with the outcome of their campaign. "I figured the 'relics' would be a bit more... regal."
"Agreed. But, we didn't come here to complain about what the relics would look like. We should grab one and get back to Professor Ozpin."
Cinder didn't debate, snagging one of the tablets. Just as she did, a ferocious and bloodcurdling roar pierced through the forest behind them. Eyes widened as birds filled the sky above, escaping the wrath of whatever it was that made that sound. The troubled gazes both shifted to one another, neither able to deny what the other was thinking:
"We probably should help out whoever's in trouble," Cinder said with uncertainty, breaking her confident attitude for the first time.
"'Tis the way of a hunter..."
Atsura and Cinder nodded, albeit reluctantly. Still, despite their uneasiness, they rushed off into the Emerald Forest. As they ran through past the trees and foliage, the vulpine suddenly grabbed Cinder's arm, halting their advance. "Wait."
"We don't have time to wait. We have to help out whoever's in trouble!" Cinder knit her brows in distress.
Atsura just shushed her, closing his eyes in concentration. His partner tried to make sense of what he was doing, only noticing that his fox ears began to twitch slightly. That twitch soon turned violent, making his eyes to open loosely in terror.
"Something's coming," his voice was only just above a whisper, but the fear was evident. "...and it's coming fast!"
"Do we fight or-?"
Cinder never got to finish her question as several trees began snapping around them. In an instant, the source of Atsura's warning made its appearance. Lengths of black and white began to emerge from the destruction. Two pairs of ruby eyes peered at the two as it slithered steadily forward.
"...run..."
Professors Ozpin and Goodwitch watched as the events of the students flashed on the large scroll pad. However, that was where their united front ceased for the time being as Glynda looked on in concern. She was currently watching the scene unfold with Atsura and Cinder as they were frantically trying to outrun a King Taijitu. She was well aware of the rules set in place but, that didn't mean she was heartless as concern washed over her features.
The headmaster realized this, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"You needn't worry, Glynda... They're not going to allow themselves to die."
Despite his assuring tone, it had little effect on Glynda's perspective on the matter. Even more, she discerned another situation that only made her apprehension grow. On a second screen, she observed another pair battling a pack of beowolf. A young man with dark hair continued to punch and kick the beasts while narrowly dodging several swipes at him. The young woman used her sword-whip to keep many of the others behind him at bay, managing to behead one of the monster's heads in the process.
"It appears Delilah and Isa are holding their own," Ozpin noted.
"Sometimes, I wonder if you aren't a secret sadist, Oz."
"Far from it. We both know that this initiation allows us to weed out the weak-minded."
"..."
There wasn't much Goodwitch could say in response as she continued to observe the two teams closely. Interestingly, if her calculations were correct, the duo of Atsura and Cinder would probably run into the twosome which would better their odds...
...If it weren't for the serpent Grimm tailing them.
Atsura and Cinder gasped for any amount of air as they hacked and slashed their way through various parts of the forest with two large reptile heads snapping at them every few seconds. Atsura had tried to blast the creature with Nguangus in its rifle mode, but it only served to infuriate the monster. After that failed attempt at slowing it down, the two settled on avoiding and outrunning the King Taijitu.
Their efforts brought them to a clearing. With enough space to move around effectively, Atsura chose that moment to morph his weapon back into its greatsword form. He then pivoted on balls of his feet, he shoved the blade into the ground, sending a large amount of dirt and dust into the serpent's eyes. Seeing this, Cinder then used her semblance to make the dust ignite, sparking all around the Grimm's unprotected eyes. With it temporarily blinded, Atsura backed away slowly only to realize where they were.
Surrounded by Beowolfs.
"Atsura?" he turned around to see a familiar face. "Cinder?"
"Delilah!" They both exclaimed.
"Friends of yours, D?" Six eyes turned to a boy with near-colorless eyes.
"My brother and his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?!" the two felt their faces heat up at the older girl's introduction. "She's/I'm not-!"
It was a vicious snarl from one of the Beowolf that drew the attention of the four once again. One of the creatures lunged at them only to eat a fist that sent it flying into a nearby tree, snapping it cleanly in half. This only left three more of the canine monstrosities but, they had to deal with the recovering dual headed snake as well.
"Let's take out these pests first. We can exchange pleasantries after."
"Right!" the trio responded.
Cinder summoned the dust in the air to form two curved swords. Atsura and Delilah clutched their swords, forming the frontline assault. A combination of speed and raw strength, the sibling duo slashed at their targets, expecting them to return the attack. The three remaining Beowolf had other ideas though. They jumped just out of range of the attacks, but, they never retaliated. Instead, they rushed over to the King Taijitu. It was as if they were now in a trance as they stalked closer to the snake Grimm who also had appeared to have ceased its intent, puzzling Cinder and Isa.
"What's going on?" the former of the two asked.
"I wish I knew."
Unknown to them, another Grimm had made its appearance. It was on the small side, one of its advantages as it slithers along the back of the King Taijitu. It was a small skull-like creature, with three pairs of eyes, a pair of horns and several tentacles. Soon, it began to extend its tentacles, landing on and freezing the trio of remaining Beowolf. Instantly, they froze in place, their growls soon turning into whimpers as they were drug toward the serpent.
Atsura and the others watched with a mix of shock and disgust as the four hellacious beings suddenly started melding into one another. Their twisted howls and hisses echoed throughout the forest region. Notwithstanding, none of the would-be huntsmans dropped their guard, though Isa could feel his stomach churn at the grotesque transformation.
"Um... Should we run?" Cinder finally managed to get out.
The metamorphosis finally concluded at that moment. Silver, orange, amber, red & green looked in horror at the end results of the transformation, worry gripping their very souls. No longer were they facing three Beowolf and a King Taijitu. Now they were face to face with something far worse.
Three pairs of bloody eyes narrowed at the four students. Three heavily armored heads rested on one body, each snarling or licking its lips in anticipation of their impending meal. Its tail was now split into two snakeheads that swayed with a mind of its own.
"What the hell is that?!" Atsura growled anxiously.
Isa shook his head, gritting his teeth in disbelief.
"Whatever it is, it just made running no longer an option."