Shadows of Destiny
Rating: T
Series: RWBY
Main Pairing: Atsura/Pyrrha (War & Peace)
Volume 3: Winter
Volume Theme: "Smile"
Chpt. Theme: "Boop" (Ren & Nora)
Summary: He was an orphaned Faunus. She was considered the strongest of her class. He barely survived the slums of Mistral while she was placed on a pedestal on her way to Beacon. Neither of them expected to be compatible and yet, fate had other plans for them. With secrets and agendas awaiting them, the world of Remnant will have a force to reckon with.
The alternate timeline takes place just before the start of RWBY volume 1.
OCs for Team AZRE are as follows:
Atsura Otueome (xXCrownofChaosXx)
Roxanne Rouge Octane (ArnoldStroong)
Zaffre Grey (DarkDarsi)
Earna K. Athena (zetsunaflames)
I do not own the rights to RWBY... that honor belongs to Rooster Teeth. I do own the rights to my OCs.
Chapter 17: When I want to say...
Victorian-style houses built close together.
A streetcar system.
Hilly terrain.
A very large suspension bridge.
This was the city of Argus, a port town bustling with a natural harbor for commerce purposes. It was, in simple terms, the perfect balance of Mistralian and Atlesian culture. It was quiet and peaceful as the members of Team JNPR and AZRE rode on the hovering transit system through the lit streets, each member abuzz with the beauty and tranquility of the city.
All but one...
A pair of multi-colored eyes viewed the happy-go-lucky scene with masked contempt. While the others were amazed by the gorgeous architecture and subtle refinements, Atsura viewed this place as a form of hell. To him, there was no joy found in this town; nothing but a veiled farce showcased for the world's comfort. It was like Mistral only, Argus hid its true nature well.
Lost in thought, he failed to notice two pairs of orbs staring at him, sensing his uneasiness.
Roxanne and Pyrrha could feel the general uneasiness of the fox and each figured what the reason could be. Looking around, Roxanne noticed that while the environment was rather peaceful, there was a huge lack of Faunus present. This would correlate with her partner's words about how the city wasn't as innocent as many would make it out to be.
The latter of the two, Pyrrha, knew that her friend and lover dreaded coming back to this place due to his past. He often stressed to her during their journey how he preferred the Kingdom of Vale over Mistral, specifically the city of Argus.
She tried to comfort the Faunus but that would prove very difficult. Just like Atsura, Pyrrha had her own issues to deal with, namely her increased fanbase. Every time she'd try to show support to Atsura, someone who recognized her would immediately beg for an autograph or bombard the poor girl with often personal questions pertaining to her time at Beacon.
Though he wasn't angry with the girl in the least, there was a general apathy to the foxes' attitude. Rather than step in aggressively, he would just allow it to happen without so much as a passing glance. The only time he shifted his attitude was when an insensitive question about Penny Polindina caught his ears, but he was stopped when he noticed the ram shaking her head.
"So, where are we going to be staying?" Nora asked impatiently, clearing not enjoying the excessive additions on the trolley.
"Thankfully, I was able to contact my sister before we took off. She said it was okay for us to crash at her place." Jaune apprehensively answered.
At that moment, the transit car came to a halt, with a lone blond woman carrying a sleepy baby in her arms. Her shiny blue eyes shined brightly upon seeing her brother. As they exited the vehicle, everyone was happy that
"It's so good to see you all!" she excitedly hugged the taller Arc who reluctantly returned the gesture. "Come along out of the cold. My wife and I have dinner waiting for you all."
"Thanks, Saph..."
"Actually, I will have to decline..." Everyone turned to see a remorseful Pyrrha looking back at them. "I have to go visit my mother; it has been quite a while since I've seen her. I may convince her to open her door for a few of us afterward."
"Not a problem, Pyrrha. We can catch up later."
However, while most of the group vocally agreed, there was a noticeable absence of a certain vulpine. It was only when Pyrrha mentioned her mother that the gang finally noticed that he was missing.
"Where'd he go?" Zaffre scratched his head.
"I don't know... He was here just a few minutes ago." Jaune adds.
"Nora and I can go with Pyrrha. Maybe we'll find him along the way?"
The suggestion from Ren was enough for the group to form a solid game-plan. Zaffre, Roxanne and Jaune chose to check the western end of the city while Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha headed to the east side. With everything set, the two trios set out, each concerned for their friend; some more than others.
Black toe-less boots clopped on the cobblestone street, leisurely trudging toward somewhere. The red/green eyes of Atsura stared straight ahead, ignoring the whispers of Argus' citizens as his tail swayed gently underneath the tail split of his jacket. It didn't matter much as his sensitive canine auricles picked up every hushed inquiry.
"I didn't know they still allowed Faunus to be huntsmen." One woman mentioned after noticing the sword on his back.
"After the attack of the White Fang, they all should be locked up." another condescendingly remarked.
"Stay away from it, sweetheart."
Atsura's ear twitched after that last comment, forcing him to turned his head abruptly. He found an older gentleman and what appeared to be either his daughter or granddaughter. The little girl seemed to look at him with wonder filling her opal orbs while the male held nothing less than contempt in his eyes. It reminded him of an unfortunate truth of his past:
Hatred was learned, not birthed in man...
No sooner did that lesson emerge in his mind did the awe in the child's eyes shift into fear; another soul doomed to judge and ridicule that which they didn't understand. He pushed past the painful memories, flashing a sympathetic smile until the pair left. His chest hitched as he felt the grin, jerking the muscles in this face.
Show them how you smile...
He remembered those words Ilia had mentioned. They were a testament to what her parents told her before they passed away in the Dust mines. Remembering this, the forced toothy smile soon gave way to a softer, more comfortable grin. A single bitter tear trailed down his face as he pressed onward, not stopping until he reached his destination:
Sanctum Academy.
It'd been just over a year since he'd left this place and yet, Atsura found himself staring back at the place where his journey started. It was the first place where he'd take his life into his own hands. Sadly, there was also the ridicule and discrimination that also followed.
"It is beautiful, isn't it?" he turned around, wiping away the lone trail only to find a woman approaching him. "Sanctum is a magnificent school."
Atsura looked at the older woman with shock in his eyes. Green eyes looked back through square glasses. Her hair fell just inches from her shoulders and there were just the faintest hints of lines that revealed she was experienced in life. Veering away, he nodded at her statement.
"In a way, it is... It has its faults too."
"That is true. Sanctum does have its fair share of problems. But, I believe that even in the worst of things, there's always a light that shines through."
"Oh, I guess with Pyrrha Nikos back, you'd be right."
The woman stared back at him, puzzled at his words. Discerning her confusion, Atsura turned back to face the building that held so many memories. The unknown person, however, continued to ponder his words as if they were a riddle to be solved. Slowly, her mouth lifted into a ghost of a smile before looking at the vulpine in front of her. Her green gems widened in realization. She traced his features, only stopping when her gaze rested on something all too familiar.
"So, she made it out of Beacon safely..."
"What?"
Atsura didn't frown, but something close to intrigue danced behind his multi-colored eyes. The woman regarded this, approaching him with gentle hands cupping his face. The young man flinched but, strangely, he didn't pull away; a shock to himself. He wouldn't dare move as the woman studied him before finally smiling brightly with the smile only a mother could give.
"I can't believe I didn't recognize it from the start. That's the scarf I gave my daughter!"
"D-Daughter?!" he answered with a blush. "You're Pyrrha's mom?"
"Calliope Nikos..." she bowed respectfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora walked down the street dejectedly. After nearly half an hour of searching, there was no sign of Atsura on their side of town. Of the trio, Pyrrha was the most worried. Her woes became apparent to the pair, both hating to see their friend and teammate in such a state.
"It's going to be alright, Pyrrha..." Nora placed a hand on the spartan's shoulders.
"Let's head back and see if your mom has returned. I'm sure she's been hoping to see you after all of this time." Ren added.
While the prospect of seeing her mother again did lift her spirits a bit, it wasn't enough to lift her mood completely. Someone she cared about disappeared and she, unnecessarily, felt partial to blame.
"I know but..."
"No buts!" Nora jumped in front of her. Her hands were on her hips and she was giving the girl a challenging glare. "Atsura's tough. Wherever he's gone, I doubt he'd be in trouble. Plus... He'd probably call if something was wrong. Ren has moments like that as well."
Looking up to the taller male, Pyrrha watched as Ren averted his eyes, signifying the truth behind his energetic girlfriend statement.
"Very well. I guess we should try and see if my mother's at home now."
"Good idea."
The three turned a corner, heading toward the Nikos residence. When they reached the house, the three saw that the lights were now on inside the home but, none made an attempt to reach the front door right away. Nora and Ren waited for Pyrrha, but she looked as if she was full of anxiety. Her chest reverberated from her heart pounding against her ribs as she just stood there, frozen in place.
She wanted nothing more than to cross over the steps and see her mother greet her at the door. So, why wouldn't her body move? What was keeping her from actually doing what she sought out to do? Guilt? Shame? Doubt?
Whatever it was, Pyrrha needn't worry about it as two hands rested on either of her shoulders. This gave Pyrrha the strength to push past her concerns and head to the door. Afraid she could give in to trepidation, she knocked on the door repeatedly until the door suddenly opened, revealing not her mother, but a young man with twitching black ears and shocked eyes.
"A-Atsu?"
"Hey, Pyrrha..." he apprehensively waved.
Before he could explain himself, Atsura felt two arms wrap around his neck as Pyrrha hugged him. There were no tears, no crying, just relief as Pyrrha buried her face into his chest. Outside, Nora & Ren watched the sweet moment only for the former to notice shuffling from behind the couple.
"Who's at the door, Atsura?"
The Faunus pulled away softly from Pyrrha, revealing her presence to the older woman. Praising Oum, the mother-daughter took the chance to officially reunite. Calliope couldn't believe her eyes. There before her stood her daughter was standing there in front of her. Neither held back their tears as they rushed to embrace each other.
Gone were any reservations as they clutched onto one another while Atsura, Ren, and Nora looked on with tender smiles. The feel-good moment didn't last long for the trio though as Nora turned to the vulpine, punching him in the arm, earning a silence growl from him.
"What was that for?!" he hissed lowly, rubbing his sore arm.
"That's for making us worry about you!" she pointed at him menacingly. "Next time, just bring her pancakes and syrup if you want to get a girl's attention."
"Nora? That only works for you..." Ren eyed his girlfriend playfully.
"Hush..."
Everyone began laughing at the annoyed hammer wielder.
After getting things squared off, Ren and Nora were invited to stay in the Niko's house for the night. They accepted but insisted on letting Jaune and the others know about the development. When Pyrrha tried to inquire further, Nora sped off with her beau in tow, leaving the spartan to spend time with her darling and mother, catching up.
Meanwhile, Ren would find himself dragged up and down several lit streets by the energetic girl. After several turns, she finally stopped to allow the boy a chance to catch his breath.
"Nora..." he wheezed. "Why didn't we just call Jaune?"
His answer came in the form of Nora grabbing him by his collar and planting her lips onto his on. Ren felt himself melt into the embrace as her fingers tugged on his hair. Not wanting to give the girl too much power at the moment, Ren wrapped her in his arms, taking the lead into the make-out. This continued for about a minute until the need for air became too much to hold off.
Never knew a time, when you weren't by my side.
The one thing I could always count on.
Always there for me, you've been my family.
Even when all other hope was gone.
Keeping her grip on her man's collar, Nora Valkyrie just stared into his eyes, flashing a look that only he'd ever seen before: Innocence.
"W-What what was that for?" Ren chuckled blankly.
But for a while, things have seemed so different,
Like it's the same but still, brand new.
I can't believe it, when did I start to fall for you.
"Seeing Pyrrha and Atsura together just reminds me of how much I appreciate you," She rocked back and forth, blushing. "After searching for the big lug, and Kuroyuri, and you getting hurt by Hazel and..."
"I got it, Nora..." he sighed.
"My POINT is, I don't want to keep going on this journey without showing how much you mean to me, Ren. If anything were to happen to you, I don't know what I'd do if-"
This time, Ren leaned in to kiss Nora, turning her emotional explanation into a sudden burst of 'oop' into a soft moan.
Every chatelaine wants to share her reign, so come and join me in my castle.
We'll crush our enemies, bring them to their knees,
And though I have a tendency to babble.
When I think about you I can't help my heart from racing.
My mind goes fast and my knees start shaking.
My stomach does flips, and my brain does flops,
And the feelings that I'm feeling I don't think that I can stop.
I could just say it, I love your everything.
But I can't quite tell myself if you're feeling quite the same.
Maybe I should slow it down, try to show restraint.
Hold Magnhild, I think I'm gonna faint.
Nora felt fireworks going off in her head, even more than after their encounter in Kuroyuri. Half-lidded eyes drifted to her now amused, yet serious boyfriend.
"You don't have to worry. I won't leave you behind, I promise." Ren smiled at the girl, grazing his thumb over the stray tears that leaked out.
"Awwwww...!" Ren suddenly frowned softly at the sudden ruining of the moment. "Sorry..."
"No problem. How about we get a bite to eat?" he flashed a smile.
Nora nodded and, with arms interlocked, 'booped' his nose.
"Only if pancakes are involved."
"...With extra syrup?" He said stoically, though Nora didn't miss the hint of spirited teasing in his voice. She grabbed the boy again only to stop just short of kissing him again. In her eyes, temptation danced as she licked her lips. Ren wasn't sure what to expect, but he did his best to brace for whatever would come.
"You naughty boy!" she kissed his nose. "You know how to make a girl hot and bothered..."
"Don't you mean hungry?"
Nora didn't reply, instead, pulling the oblivious Ren down the street on the hunt for a pancake stall.
I think oh whoa what am I to do.
I didn't know that I would fall in love with you,
And what to do right now, I haven't got a clue.
I just bite my tongue and when I want to say I love you I say,
I'll say boop,
Booboo boo boo boo boo boo boo boo boo boop.
When I want to say I love you I'll say boop.
A long-drawn inhale followed by a plentiful exhale laid out the scene. It was the first sound that Ren would hear as he opened his eyes. Looking around, he found it difficult to see clearly at first due to the lack of light. All that he knew was that he was resting atop a comfortable bed and under a resting Nora Valkyrie. Seeing her in such a peaceful state, Lie Ren couldn't help but smile gently.
After returning from their hunger excursion, the pair were drained from the long walk earlier and shown to their room for their time in the city.
His steady breathing somehow woke up the previously snoozing Nora. Smacking her lips, she felt the rise and fall of her soft yet sturdy foundation, reminding her of her surroundings. She tried to roll over but found that difficult with Ren's arm wrapped over her body. Though her mind screamed for sleep, Nora combated the feeling just to steal glances at her man.
"Can't sleep?" Ren stirred under her.
"I'm just enjoying being on top," she winked, unsure if he could see it.
"That... sounds so wrong, Nora."
"But I bet it'd feel so right, Ren," she slipped from under his arm, resting her head on his chest. He rolled his eyes, grateful for the darkness. Nora could certainly have her moments of extreme courage when they were isolated.
"We are not 'booping'," he declared in a hushed tone.
"Fine..." she whispered.
Sensing her disappointment, Ren turned over and poked her on the nose, chuckling at her stifled giggles. Lie Ren wasn't normally one for showing emotions but, this was Nora and he always found it easy to open up with her for obvious reasons. However, the need for sleep would once more lay claim on his consciousness. Placing a hand on her face, Ren leaned in to kiss the girl, gentle pecks that seemed to pacify Nora who just yielded to the display of affection.
Soon, she too let out a yawn that Ren thought was adorable before settling in for the night. Rubbing his chest, there was no sign of any seduction or nefarious sensuality in her movements. Nora then draped a leg over his, drawing the Kuroyuri native closer as another yawn passed her lips. She felt his hand travel up the sides of her body, pulling from her from the sandman's grasp.
"Ren?" her tone now wanting and curious.
"You mean so much to me, Nora. Ever since the attack on the village, we've been together and I really feel a stronger bond with you. I've never been good at expressing myself completely, but, I just want to tell you that you're my best friend, my closest ally, and most importantly, the one I've grown to love as more than just the aforementioned. Ever since we got together..."
"You mean, together-together?" Nora interrupted, kissing his cheek.
"Yes. Together-together," he chuckled. "Ever since that night in Kuroyuri, I wrestled with the thought of losing you. What if I had gotten myself killed trying to take on the Nuckelavee? I would've left you all alone for the sake of my petty vengeance. That's not something I ever want to do again; Being reckless that night taught me that I too cannot take our relationship for granted."
"W-What are you saying...?" Nora asked, apprehensively.
By now, both could feel the other's heart pounding against one another's. It was a miracle that Ren managed to get out all that he had up to this point. Nora, typically the dense one of the bunch, surprisingly picked up on what her partner was trying to say. It was impressive to hear Ren would pour out his heart, feeling the passion radiate from his words, even if his tone was one would expect from the calm ninja.
As he fumbled over her words, Nora smiled in the darkness, eye now adjusted to the dim setting. If he couldn't find the right words to use, she'd help out the one whom she always considered a soulmate.
"Boop?" She placed a digit on the tip of his nose.
Ren exhaled softly, mirroring her actions with a finger on hers.
"Boop."
The two leaned in, sharing another soft yet wanting kiss before Nora slowly nuzzled herself into his neck. He was warm, the perfect contrast to the chilly outdoors. The movement tickled Ren, but he didn't mind. All he cared about was that they'd both be together for the long haul. It was something they'd done before, yet it felt like the very first time. Perhaps it truly carried a completely different context this time around?
Normally, they would huddle together for survival. At Beacon, they both had separate beds though they still slept near each other. Even their trip with Jaune and Ruby to Mistral kept them so close yet so far. After defeating the Nuckelavee, they held hands for the first time and even shared a tender moment after getting into the kingdom, but, that was more so out of relief than anything else.
Ren smiled at the realization that this was their first time truly interacting as a couple without anything interfering. It felt nice as their legs intertwined, huddling closer not out of necessity but, the want to be close for closeness' sake. At that moment, the courage that waned suddenly returned as a flickering flame in his chest.
"Hey," he whispered in her ear.
"Boop?" she sleepily replied.
He kissed her forehead, then pulled the blanket over them.
"I love you too, Nora..."
Author's Note:
Happy (Early) V-Day everyone!
I know this is a day early but, I figured that I post this now rather than wait. (I really hate waiting to post lol) Anyway, this is the filler chapter with my favorite canon couple. I was going to originally mesh both Pyrrha/Atsura as a sweet parallel to Nora/Ren but, I chose against that path. Personally, I wanted to give the latter pair the much due spotlight they deserve.
Plus, with the story mainly centered around Atsura and Pyrrha, it's rarely a bad idea to focus on other characters. Still, this finally done and the next chapter will pick up where the last one left off with Emerald, Mercury, and Hazel returning to Salem. Buckle up, kiddies. It's going to be a medium or long length chapter too.
Once again, Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you all enjoy that holiday and... If I'm able to, I may bring out another chapter on that day or the day after. Love you all and have a wonderful day.
