Life sure is a roller coaster huh? The AN at the end of this chapter's really important. Just a heads up.
I don't own RWBY.
After the incident in Atlas, I ran to Anima. They would be looking for me in Solitas, and there just wasn't anything worth going back for in Sanus. Not really having a destination in mind I spent the next few months just wandering. During that time I couldn't stop thinking about everything that happened during my fight with Eliza. Nightmares were a common occurrence. Ever since I started my journey I wanted nothing more than to kill her. While she easily could have been lying, it wasn't her words that stuck out. Her actions are what confused me. There were plenty of times she could have just let me die. But she didn't. To make matters worse, I had no idea where Hector went after our fight.
Instead of doing nothing, I learned how to use my semblance. I didn't need a physical weapon anymore. With the use of my semblance I can just manifest any weapon of my choosing. It can be made up, or something I've seen already. Unlike when I travel through the shadows I could still be in the light to do this. All I needed was a nearby shadow, even my own would work. It was… weird… the first time. Walking around without a shadow was a new experience. At the very least I could trade a shadow for my arm back. On top of all that, I could draw shadows into my aura to strengthen me. The more I drew in however, the bigger the strain. So unless I was in grave danger, I would avoid using that power.
Knowing that Hector played a part in the fall of Beacon, I figured his group would hit another one. Why they were attacking academies was beyond me. Considering they were working with the White Fang, it must have had something to do with them. From what I learned though, the White Fang wanted the complete destruction of Human kind. Why would they accept help from humans? I obviously didn't have all the pieces. Either way, if I wanted to test my theory I would have to go to Mistral. Once there, I would stake out Haven Academy. I would stay in the shadows of course, as getting spotted would cause problems.
On my way there, I bumped into none other than Damian and his friends. They were fighting a camp full of members from the White Fang. Using my semblance, I joined the party. Distracted by the three hooded figures, the White Fang didn't notice me for a good while. With the four of us working together, we took them out fairly quickly. Once we were done, the three of them turned to face me.
I walked over as Lexi and Alfred lowered their hoods. "Long time no see man!" Alfred pulled me into a hug. Slipping out of his grasp with my semblance, I dusted myself off.
"What are you three doing out here? Didn't you have something you were doing over in Solitas?" Pocketing my hand, I realized I never asked or was told what they were doing. Though I had a pretty good idea.
Damian crossed his arms and looked at me. "We did. But then we learned of what was going down in Mistral."
Alfred gave me a thumbs up. "The White Fang are going to be attacking Haven. We're here to make sure that doesn't happen." I had my suspicions, but now I was certain. Their goal was similar to mine, but on a much larger scale.
"What they mean is, we're not gonna let what happened at Beacon happen anywhere else." Lexi flipped a strand of hair over her ear.
I couldn't believe my luck. While I wasn't too invested in Haven's fate, I knew for a fact that Hector would be there. "Really? When are they attacking?"
"In one week. Meaning we have until then to reach Haven Academy. Are you going to help?" Giving him a nod, I guess technically I was. Though the only thing I cared about was killing Hector. Everything else came second. "In that case, we should start moving. Sitting here talking we're only wasting time." With everything said and done, we started making our way to Haven. This time, Hector wouldn't be getting away.
Along the way Alfred and Lexi were just as talkative as always. What I wasn't expecting was for Damian to initiate a conversation. "Did you find what you were looking for in Solitas?"
Taking a minute to think it over, I told him the truth. "No." Unlike with Danial, I didn't feel any sort of accomplishment. It wasn't just because Hector was the one to kill her either.
It was silent between us for awhile after that. "Did you run into a soldier named Miyuki while in Atlas?" That was an odd question.
"No. Why do you think I would have run into soldiers in the first place?" It's not like I told them what I was doing in Atlas.
He gave me a quick glance. "Word spreads faster then you'd think. It helps when the death of a Specialist is involved." I guess it makes sense people would be talking about an event as big as that. Not pressing the issue further, we continued on with our journey. Running into a lot of Grimm along the way, I would be getting plenty of training in before we reached Haven. Unlike the previous times when we had fought, I would be ready for Hector. No more surprises. If anything, it would be the other way around. The only reason he escaped last time was because he had help. Throwing his arm around our shoulders, Alfred walked up to me and Damian. "So. D. Ya think you know who's gonna be there?"
Lifting his arm off of me, I could see Damian did the same. "Of course he will Alfred. When he shows his face. Leave him to me." I remember him talking about having bad blood with another high ranking member. It looked like both of us would be fighting grudge matches in Haven. Hopefully there wouldn't be anyone to stand in the way of either of our fights.
Camping for the night, Alfred was cooking something over the fire. While he was doing that, Damian was keeping watch and Lexi was carving something out of wood with one of her Khukuri's. Looking up at me, she continued with her carving. "So. Once we're done in Haven, you gonna travel with us?"
Keeping my gaze fixed on the fire, I responded to her. "If I find who I'm looking for in Mistral, then yes." She looked back down to her carving, blowing the shavings that had accumulated off of it.
"You're still after someone? I thought you killed your guy in Atlas?" Choosing to ignore her, I didn't think it was important to respond. After all, what I was doing was personal. I didn't see any reason to involve others. She gave me a quick glance before giving me an angry look. By now, she probably realized I didn't talk much. Though in this case, I really didn't know how to respond.
Looking at her handiwork, Lexi turned her work around. It was a carving of a Beowolf. Scoffing, she chucked it into the fire. Walking over to us, Damian took a seat nearby. "We'll be in Mistral by tomorrow. We'll have one day to prepare for the attack." Breaking my gaze with the fire, I looked up at him. "While Umbra is looking for his target, the three of us will be guarding the walls." Turning his attention towards me, he continued speaking. "After your stunt in Atlas, there will be posters with your face on them Umbra. Don't be surprised if someone sees you and opens fire on you."
I didn't need Damian to tell me what I already knew. "I won't kill any innocent's if that's what you're getting at. I can't promise the same for anyone that gets in my way though." Nodding, Damian turned his attention back to his group. Deciding to take over guard duty, I stood up and walked over to the tree where Damian had been perched on. For the rest of the night, nothing happened. When Lexi took over guard duty for me, I was actually able to get to sleep. It was odd. Considering I was about to fight Hector. My sleep wasn't the best, but then again it never was since Beacon. That stupid school changed a lot of things about me. Or did it give parts of me back? No. Nothing could ever do that.
When we finally reached Mistral, I chose to stay behind while Damian's group scouted it out. Drawing attention to myself wasn't the best idea. Since the conflict would be happening at the academy it wouldn't be that hard to join the fight. The hardest part was deciding where to start looking once everything went down. Sweeping the building floor by floor would only be a waste of time. By then, Hector could be gone.
Spending the rest of the day and the next one outside, I tried to come up with a plan. The last time we fought, Hector and I were at a standstill. Part of that could be due to him not expecting my surge in power. So even with all my training there was the possibility that we'd still be evenly matched. Or worse. With my semblance allowing me to absorb shadows for strength there wasn't much to be worried about in the long run. If worst comes to worst, I could always just push myself past my limits. Even if I died in the process, Hector would be dead too. In the end, that's all that matters.
With the sun setting over the horizon, I looked over to the group on my left. Much like me, the three of them were silent. They all had their hoods pulled over their heads. "You sure you don't need any help Umbra? We could always split up into groups of two." Alfred was looking my way.
"I'm sure. Once I finish with my target, I'll find you three and help however I can. Now. Why don't we head into Mistral? We can get into our positions then." Heading towards Mistral I couldn't help but feel nervous. By now, I had a plan. As risky as it was, it was still my best bet. Hector would no doubt be their best fighter. It would make sense that they'd send him after the Headmaster. In fact, I wouldn't doubt that they had him kill Ozpin. How ironic would that be?
Nearing the city, the group of three turned to face me. "Be careful Umbra. If you get spotted, you'll be fighting a multi front battle. Don't let that happen." Damian was already treating me like one of the twins he traveled with.
"Don't worry. I know. Until I find Hector, no one will know I'm here." With a nod, he started back towards Mistral. Alfred sent me one of his signature thumbs ups. Deciding I'd humor him, I sent one back. Considering I might never see them again, it wouldn't hurt.
Using my semblance I entered Mistral without being seen. Snaking my way up to Haven, I used my semblance for the longest amount of time yet. Not exiting the shadows until I reached Haven. Once I did reach my target building, the shattered moon was looking down at me. I was running out of time. Slipping into the shadows once more, I made my way up. If Haven was anything like Beacon, the Headmasters office would be at the very top.
Reaching the top floor, I could hear fighting happening. Clenching my fist a few times, I prepared myself. It was do or die, turning back now wasn't an option. Walking up to the door I built my courage and steeled my resolve. Quickly opening the door, I couldn't help but feel surprised. Members of both Team RWBY and JNPR were here. All throughout the room they were battling. Everyone was too invested to notice who had interrupted the brawl. Spotting Hector fighting Ruby, my sights were set. Rushing to intercept his next attack, I used my shadow to form a sword. Absorbing some of the shadows in the room, I powered myself up.
Instead of settling for just blocking his blow, I sent us crashing out the window. Outside is where I would hold the advantage. With the use of our respective semblance's we both landed safely. I reached the ground first as I didn't need to slow myself the same way Hector did. Dusting himself off, Hector had a smug grin on his face. "That was quite the hit Umbra. I almost felt it." Not listening to any of his crap I charged forward. With a spinning attack, he sent me skidding back. Decimation alight in his hands. "Ya know Umbra. If it wasn't for the fact that you put me in some deep shit, I would have given you a second chance." Slipping in and out of the shadows I tried to confuse him.
Faking him out one more time, I jumped out with a slash only to disappear and reappear behind him. It did the trick giving me the first major hit in the battle. After a few more well placed hits, the battle looked like it would be mine. "That's it! Let's see what happens when you're forced to fight like a man Umbra!" With an angry roar, Hector used Decimation to surround us in fire. Our battlefield was now bathed in light due to the flames. This would have a major impact on my fighting style. Getting into our respective stances, we stared each other down. Circling around the new arena, neither one of us wanted to make the first move.
As if cheering us on to fight, the crackling from the fire could be heard from where I was. Complying with it's wish, I rushed in first. While I would no longer be able to evade by using the shadows, I could still draw power from them. Doing so I strengthened myself. At the very least I was now making Hector fight seriously. After our fight at Beacon, I never dreamed I'd be able to fight at this level. If anything, I was on the verge of giving up. Pushing myself even further, I soon had him on the defensive. That smug look on his face was gone now.
Meanwhile I was starting to feel the effects of my semblance on my body. I didn't know how much longer I could keep it up. Keeping up the advance I couldn't give him a chance to retaliate. Any ground he gained would be too much. With each swing of my blade I drew in more and more shadows. It got to the point where I was struggling to breathe.
Trying to match me swing for swing, Decimation left a trail of flames in it's wake. Hector seemed to be struggling in his own way. In order to be able to draw in more power, I decided to rush Hector and push us both out of the ring of flames. Due to the pressure from my semblance, I barely felt a difference as we left the fiery prison behind us. Now that he was the one being pushed back, Hector was panicking. Flinging fire all around us as we fought, he would be out soon enough. All I had to do was push him to that point.
Being the one in control of the fight, I felt a rush of power. Seeing Hector's panicked face as he slowly got backed into a corner. For everything he's done, he deserved to feel that way. No. He deserved much worse. Once his aura was gone, I'd make sure he got what he deserved. If anyone tried to stop me, I'd take care of them quickly.
Trying to evade me with his semblance, I followed suit. Now that we were in the dark again, I truly held the advantage. There was nothing Hector could do to win at this point. Overwhelming him with my semblance I pushed myself as far as I could go. Slicing off Hector's leg, I knew I had gotten through his aura. Falling to the ground in pain, he let Decimation go as it impaled the ground. Crawling backwards, he made a trail of blood with his leg. "For so long. You made me feel like shit. Less than shit. You lied to me. Hurt me. Now… it's your turn."
Slowly walking towards him, I picked up Decimation. I was going to maim him with his own weapon. As I got closer, his face contorted in fear. Holding up his free hand, he started to plea. "Umbra, wait, please!" I wasn't going to listen to anything he said. "I never wanted to kill her! I didn't want anything to do with Beacon or Haven either!" Stopping in front of him, my heart was racing. "You don't understand! I only did those things to keep you safe!" What the hell was he talking about. "Those 'friends' I told you about? They're blackmailing me. If I don't do as they say, they'll kill you!" Looking into his eyes, I could see tears were welling up. "They had me in their pockets even before Mt. Glenn!" He had to be lying. "All that training? I was tough on you for a reason. If they ever decided I wasn't of any use to them anymore, I wanted you to be ready." He held his hand out to me. "Come here, Umbra. My son. Help me up. We can run and hide. Start over." Could I really just start over? Forget about Hunters, Grimm and all this stupid shit? Dropping Decimation I reached out to him. At first I heard the bang, then I felt the pain shooting throughout my body.
Holding my mothers weapon, Hector had Fate pointed right at me. I was shot. With my mothers own handgun. Sometime during the battle my aura must have shattered and I didn't notice. With the pain from pushing myself too far combined with a shot to the gut, I fell to my knees. Hector was laughing wildly. "You actually fell for that!? Come on Umbra! It was so obvious!" Keeping the gun trained on me, Hector shifted to sit up more against the wall behind him.
"Tell me the truth... Tell me why..." If I was going to die here, I at least wanted to know his true reasons for everything he's done.
"Why not? Unlike when I was a Huntsman, I can live by my own damn rules. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. Under her rule, the world will finally be as it should be." Giving me a sadistic grin, Hector pointed Fate at my head. "Goodbye Umbra. Say hello to Sahara for me when you see her again."
My anger boiling to it's limit, I pushed myself one last time. Disappearing into the shadows just as he shot, I manifested Shadow Rose, stepped out from the shadows and drove it through his chest. Hectors arm went limp and Fate fell from his hand. Letting Shadow Rose fade, I fell backwards onto the ground.
Knowing Hector was truly dead this time I felt the happiest I've ever been. After everything I'd been through, I finally finished what I had set out to do. Laughing for a short while, I soon stopped and grabbed onto my wound, wincing in pain.
With a bullet inside me and my aura gone, I didn't have much hope for survival. Pushing myself the way I did I couldn't get up. Everything hurt and I was exhausted. All I could do was lay there and watch Hectors blood pool around him. Closing my eyes I let myself drift off. With my journey over, if I lived or died didn't matter anymore. Even though I told Damian, Lexi and Alfred I would help them, I knew they were already strong enough without me. Speaking of, I remembered that Damian also had an important fight happening now. If he lost, I'd make sure to kick his ass when I saw him again.
The end? Don't bet on it. But yeah. This story is done. For now, it's up to you on whether Umbra's dead or not. However. An idea popped into my head while writing this. Umbral Shadow: Special Edition. Everything will be expanded andit won't feel like a rushed mess. More Team SHDE, Damian and his group, Eliza and Teams RWBY, JNPR and BGND.I will also use Bullhead instead of bullhead… Wasn't sure on that one in the beginning. I think I got lien right at least, maybe dust too? Before that though, I have a game to finish. Once I finish and upload that then I'll start on the Special Edition. I also kinda want to work on my writing skills more by working on my game. That way, the rewrite will be much better than this version.Oh, and before I forget, one of the weapons in this story is a weapon in my game. Until next time, whenever that may be, have a good one and stay safe.