Breaking Remnant: Bound by Shadows

Rating: T/M

Series: RWBY

Pairing:

Volume 3: Fall

Summary: Aganju came to Beacon wanting to be treated as equal. Pyrrha wanted to be viewed as a normal girl. Neither of them expected to be that fate would have them meet. Now, they navigate the academy grounds and beyond, with secrets and danger awaiting them at every corner. The alternate timeline takes place just before the start of RWBY volume 1 and AU in the Breaking Remnant series.

(Rewrite of RWBY: Shadows of Destiny)

Author's Note:

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to RWBY... that honor belongs to Rooster Teeth. I do own the rights to my OCs.

Chapter 17

[Argus Limited]

The cold...

Freezing air beat against the metallic locomotive as it traveled down the tracks. The atmosphere surrounding the passengers was heavy and uneasy but, they were safe. This was thanks to the duo of Lie Ren and Jaune Arc, the latter using his recently acquired semblance to amplify the former's. This allowed them to shield the people by hiding their emotional negativity from the Grimm.

While this went on, Pyrrha and Nora kept their eyes peeled for any signs of trouble while the duo from Team AZRE helped to keep the people calm, thus preventing Ren from over-exhausting his aura. It was a good thing too as, even with Jaune infusing his aura into his friend, Ren still was a little tired from having to hide so many people from the vile creatures, including the two teams.

Despite the danger potentially looming at any turn, Pyrrha couldn't help but smile at the warm scene of the three doing their best to keep things calm. The green-eyed warrior spared several glances, mostly noticing how easily a certain vulpine managed to calm a small group of whimpering faunus children by wiggling his ears, earning a few giggles. Amidst the chaos around and the sudden absence of Team RWBY, Qrow, and Oscar, somehow the three were doing a capable job of staying alert and keeping the people in a tranquil state.

"Looks like daddy material if you ask me."

Pyrrha nearly jumped out of her skin, catching the gazes of a few people nearby. Embarrassed, she flashed a soft glare at Nora who had a knowing grin on her face at this point, making her implication clear.

"While I do adore your antics, Nora, is it really appropriate to sneak up on people right now?"

"Technically, I just walked over here," the hammer-wielder shrugged. "Second, only those who are guilty of something would be all jumpy like that."

By now, Pyrrha couldn't help but avert her gaze, rubbing her arm at the truth behind her friend and teammate's words. She was so deep in thought about the boy that she didn't notice the girl approaching. Her cheeks were bright red hue, making her shame even more apparent; Of all the people to catch her with her defenses down, it had to be Nora Valkyrie.

"Well... We should be focused on the task at hand. We're nearly at the Argus station but, there could be another attack. We'd best be prepared."

Half expecting the hyper girl to challenge her, Nora instead saluted the spartan but flashed a devious glance before returning to her post. It was nothing short of a miracle that she didn't dispute Pyrrha, but that didn't change the reality that she was preoccupied with the boy, but, it wasn't for the reason one would expect. Sure, Aganju was an attractive person, she was dating him after all.

However, it was the sight of not only him but Roxanne comforting the people that made her both happy yet, there was worry that laced that gladness.

Nearly there to Argus... she turned as their surroundings shifted from snow-covered mountains to icy-laced plains.

A Few Hours Ago

The students, along with Qrow and Ozpin/Oscar, gathered at the house within the upper levels of Mistral. After nearly two weeks of rest and fun, the assemblage had grown rather bored with just lounging around. Eventually, the time to move forward officially arrived at the perfect time. After gathering their things, Ozpin gave them a briefing about the relic before they set off for the train station.

On the ground level, Ruby and many of the others were awaiting their means of travel with the red-hooded girl grinning from ear to ear. She bounced on her toes, giggling much to the annoyance of her older sister, Yang, and the bewilderment of Weiss.

"And?" the blond pondered, anticipation replacing impatience.

Ruby answered by revealing a small bag from the Mistral Central Station gift shop, causing Yang's eyes to light up like a Dustmas tree.

"What an absolute waste of-..."

"What'd you get me?" Yang cut into the Ice Queen's criticism.

"You'll have to wait and see!" Ruby teased in a sing-song tone, sticking her tongue out afterward.

The sibling bickering wouldn't last long when Nora stepped in between the two to gush about going to Argus, specifically inquiring about beach season as an image of Ren in nothing but a speedo began to pop in her head. It was an interesting idea, one even he'd entertain if possible. Sadly that notion would be shot down due to the weather.

Pyrrha and the others laughed at Nora's pouting and Weiss' complaints about her effort to leave their intended target, Atlas. Thankfully, it was all amended when Ruby vowed to stay by her side no matter what. This brought a deal of comfort to Weiss Schnee who was combatting a vast measure of anxiety at the concept of having to face her father again.

Unfortunately, something always had to ruin the mood.

"No one's gotta be worried about anything with us around."

Turning around, the group's pleasant mood instantly gave way to annoyed glares directed at two young men, probably in their early to mid-20s approaching them. Pyrrha was the most annoyed when the one carrying a standard rifle noticed her, winking shamelessly at the younger girl. All he needed was an ungodly amount of cologne and some insane pride in possessing a basic title and he'd check off every box on the douchebag checklist.

"And you are?" Nora droned, clearly not impressed.

"Why D and Dudley, of course!" the one wielding a mace replied cockily. "Argus Limited's very own Huntsmen."

50%. Close enough... Green eyes rolled.

"We'll be keeping everyone safe as we pass through Grimm territory..." D announced with vigor.

"Buuuut..." Dudley cut in. "For a generous tip, we can make sure your passenger car gets special attention should things get dangerous."

If she didn't before, Pyrrha suddenly felt the urge to vomit at Dudley's second attempt to flirt. The other girls seemed to have the same idea as they just stared in utter disdain for the two obnoxious hustlers in front of them. If them trying to coax the group for money wasn't bad enough, the shameless attempts at being flirtatious toward minors only made things worse.

Nora spared a glance at Ren that said 'Can I break their legs' to which the boy firmly shook his head no.

"Yeah, I gotta tip for ya! Buzz off!"

Qrow Branwen drew the attention to himself, clearly not pleased at the display. Never before had the scarlet haired girl been so happy to see the drunkard.

"Looks like Mistral's really scraping the bottom of the barrel these days," he replied, while Yang and Ruby taunted the two stooges behind him.

Not taking the insult well, D pointed angrily. "Hey! You're talking to-!"

"A professional Huntsman..." Qrow flashed his ID, silencing the younger male. "Well, it seems one of you 'heroes' left the staff entrance to the caboose wide open. It'd be a shame if you lost your job before it started."

"I-I didn't do it!" Dudley professed.

"Come on, dummy..."

And with that, the two left to check on the situation. Of all of the Beacon students, Pyrrha felt the most relief once the two left. She would've expected a certain vulpine to appear but, the results would've been less than ideal so she didn't complain. Ruby and Yang noticed the absence as well, though it wasn't the only one of note for the latter.

"Have any of you seen Aganju? I haven't seen Blake or Roxie either..." the blond crossed her arms.

[Upper Levels]

Above the gang, several heartfelt reunions took place, as well as a few separations.

"I still don't feel I deserve the freedom that you and your family granted me."

"Well, you're going to have to get over it, Ilia." Blake teased. "Saving Haven had a huge impact on how the faunus are seen in Mistral. Now, it's up to you all to take the progress and keep running with it."

"Right! The White Fang may have been a failure but, with your father and Sienna starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before."

Gone was the stealth suit that represented her past as a member of the fallen group, replaced now with a short black tail jacket with two tails, and maroon jean pants. Though her hair remained in its chameleon tail style, Ilia Amitola had shed all remnants of her history with the extremist group. Now, she stood ready to build a brighter future in Mistral for her kind.

Blake soon found herself joined by Aganju who shared a quick pleasantry with the girl, seeing a bit of himself in her. After that exchange, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper to give her. Uncertain at first, Ilia cautiously took it, hoping it wasn't what she thought it was.

Thankfully, it wasn't a love note but rather, a short message was written.

"What's this?"

"It's an invitation Sienna," He blushed slightly, still not used to calling someone that. "She's decided to stay in Mistral and wanted me to give you the address to where she'll be staying if you'd like to stay with her."

It was still weird for Aganju to consider anyone like family. Of course, finding out that Yang was his younger sister (only by a few months, she'd add), it was still something for the vulpine to get used to. Of course, with Sienna, there was a different dynamic where she was going to work on new ways of helping the faunus by fostering and adoption when able.

Aganju was the first to join her extended family and now, Ilia was the next to be offered.

"But, how did...?"

"I may have had a talk with a certain monkey and, he told me everything that happened on Menagerie. After that, I talked with Sienna and she agreed to take you in, like family."

Faint bluish-grey eyes shimmered at the proposal given to her, especially this development from someone she's only known for a couple of weeks. Try as she might, she couldn't hold back the drops of gratefulness that fell. Now, she not only had a new lease on life but also a place to start over with a mother-figure; she'd always respected Sienna Khan even during their time in the White Fang.

On top of all of that, the tigress wanted to take her in and give her a second chance at a family? This would mean that she'd also have the vulpine as a sibling, a fact he simply smirked at.

"Thank you. It may be a while before I see you all again, but, I promise we can have a family dinner when you return."

"Oh! Uh... that isn't necessary," he chuckled nervously. "But, at least I have another reason to visit."

Ilia sensed his awkwardness and simply hugged him and Blake.

"Thank you both, for everything." The three remained that way until the chameleon remembered something. "Hey, I know your parents already saw you two off, but where's-?"

"Sun?" the three turned around. "Oh, he's right here!"

Ilia motioned for Blake to head over toward the energetic faunus while she finished catching up on the details of her new abode. What followed was a heartwrenching separation between the two, though, they agreed to meet back up after getting the lamp to Atlas. After witnessing the scene, she tried to make a subtle move on the ram only to find that she was involved with the blond.

Last but not least was Neptune who thought he'd try his chance with Ilia.

Needless to say, it didn't go well for him. Whether it was finding out she was exclusively into girls or the death stare he'd receive from Aganju after an ill-timed 'I can change that' joke, the blue-haired boy decided to back away before completely striking out.

Blake and Sun laughed at the humorous ending, the former shared a quick kiss before going their separate ways, each ready for the next chapter of their journeys. Aganju hugged Ilia before departing with the others, promising to return safely. However, when he headed down the steps to join his traveling party, Pyrrha Nikos picked up that something was off about him.

Something she figured out quite quickly.

Back in the present, Pyrrha watched as the imagery of the true reason for Aganju's hidden feeling finally came into view. Little did she know, the fox had finished with the children, finally noticing the location of his obscure origins. In truth, he wasn't sure how to feel about this place as they pulled into the final tunnel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've safely arrived in Argus!"

Everyone listened to the relieved tone of the conductor, cheering and hugging their loved ones. Thanks to the sacrifice of Ruby and her team, they all were able to make it to the city without any further complications. Still, he worried about them, as any good friend would, but he knew the bigger problem lied ahead.

For many, Argus was a symbol of hope; the safest place outside of Atlas.

For the faunus, there was more to this city than many knew about and even with those that knew, fewer cared about the dark side of the capital. That's where his heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice. Still, he held his composure as best he could, seeing the bright lights cementing his apprehensiveness.

Welcome home... he mentally cursed.

[Streets of Mistral]

Far away, a lone figure walked through a back alley in Mistrals lower region Fear gripped their heart as they approached a crowd of people, uncertain of where they were. They pushed through the shadows, scouting the area. The dismal skies perfectly emphasized the panic and hopelessness in her heart. Amber eyes shook in dread, searching for a safe haven only to find none.

Even worse, the woman found herself standing next to a large monitor that flashed with five photos; photos of familiar faces.

"...Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black still haven't been found and are presumed to have fled the city. The Mistral police are encouraging people to-."

A sudden rumbling of thunder followed by a downpour forced Cinder Fall to pull her shawl over her head as she continued to scour around, careful not to draw any attention to herself. From what she could gather, there were several stalls from the proud and honest sellers to the shadiest of black market dust merchants. With each step, the Fall maiden drifted from one area of the market area to the other.

But why? Why would the Fall maiden, killer of Ozpin, and seeker of power be watching over her shoulder like a gazelle aware of a predator?

Where could she start?

Her inability to kill Ruby Rose.

Failure to capture the relic of knowledge.

Defeat at the hands of Raven Branwen.

The list goes on and on...

After that, Cinder had to practically crawl her way from the ground level of the vault chamber. After escaping, her fortune soon changed for the better when she encountered an unsuspecting woman who was foolish enough to stop her own journey to help her. That mistake cost the poor soul her life. Shortly after, the disgraced maiden would leave, sensing a foreboding presence nearby.

Even now, she felt a sinister presence lurking nearby.

Was it her master, Salem haunting her?

Maybe she was going crazy?

Perhaps, she was still feeling the after-effects of her previous battle?

Whatever it was, she still had a mission to complete. Finally, Cinder halted her steps before finally noticing something of intrigue; a safe haven if you will. Seeing the symbol of a spider's web, Cinder Fall stepped inside the seemingly normal bar, grateful for an escape from the cold downpour. Even still, she felt the warmth of the building quickly shift into a bitter chill.

With each step deeper into the domain, Cinder could feel the looks of suspicion cutting in her direction. Be it a quick glance or a long stare, the ill intent didn't go by without note. Finally, she found her reason for even entering this cursed place.

A decently rotund woman, reaching out for her berry yogurt, stopped to find this fair-skinned woman approaching her table haphazardly; a careless act to be sure. Surrounded by two of her followers, she decided that her pleasure could wait... Mama had business to discuss, starting with a proper introduction.

"That's far enough..."

The man on her right stepped from around the table, clearly none too pleased with the brazen act of boldness toward his boss. Cinder frowned softly, not out of irritation but, urgency. She knew that the man was no match for her individually but, she had to curve her worst impulses if she was going to accomplish her goals. She then reached into the oversized sleeve of her robe, pulling out a small purse filled with Lien.

Seeing such an amount being offered, the blond woman called off her henchman, allowing the raven-haired woman to sit.

"You're 'Little Miss' Malachite?" Cinder eyed the woman out of uncertainty.

"I'm 'Little Miss' Gonna-Skin-You-Alive if you ever take that tone with me again," she snarkily fanned herself before eyeing the pouch of money. "Looks like your life's savings."

"It was somebody's..."

"Heh... cute. What do you want for it?"

Instead of answering right away, Cinder pulled out her scroll. Finding the exact option, she revealed the photos of the students from Beacon Academy.

"I'm looking for these travelers."

"Well sweetheart, you came to the right place."

For the first time, Cinder felt a strange comfort course through her only to have that feeling snatched away, replaced with a startled expression when a random guy walked in greeting his friends. As she calmed herself, 'Little Miss' chuckled softly.

"A little jumpy today, are we?" Though she found the entire display humorous, there was a hint of empathy in her Southern drawl. "You know, I used to be afraid of spiders. Do you know what I did about it?"

"Learned to kill them?"

Little Miss Malachite chuckled again.

"Oh no! The world NEEDS spiders... I just made the spiders work for me."

Cinder gawked at the lady incredulously before finally looking around. One by one, her amber eyes found something that tied them all together; more importantly, what tied them to Malachite herself.

A tattoo.

No matter how many times she tried, Cinder couldn't find a single soul in the bar who didn't have the spider's web marking somewhere on their body. Turning back in amazement, she remembered all of the times her (former?) master would try to dissuade her from always trying to force her way through every obstacle. Seeing it firsthand though, made Cinder Fall review those moments with more understanding.

"Give us a week. We'll find your travelers."

Cinder resisted those natural impulses and nodded in understanding before making her exit. If it would take a week to get the information, then she'd wait. Unknown to her, there was more than what she was being let in on; it didn't matter. A week would give her plenty of time to contemplate and regroup.

Stepping out in the storm once again, the torrential downpour did little to comfort the young woman as she searched for a place to stay, in the meantime. Once again, that sinking feeling stirred in her gut. She'd cautiously scour the area around her but, find nothing out of the ordinary yet, the feeling that she was being watched only increased as she drew closer to a hotel.

As she entered, her suspicions would ring true, but, not exactly how she'd envision it, or rather, not how she'd expect things to play out.

From within the crowd, a young woman stood in front of the hotel, her features hidden from view under a parasol that protected her from the vicious drops. She grinned knowingly but moved onward, blending in well with the hordes of people. What wasn't certain was that another's gaze rested on the building, hate fueling their eyes. Unlike the young woman, this figure had been hidden amongst the trees, out of sight.

"So, you're alive, after all?"

[Evernight Castle]

A flock of Nevermore sat comfortably under the iniquitous skies above. That 'peace' would soon be disturbed when an airship zoomed past heading toward the only inhabitable location in the forsaken wasteland. It docked along a small cliff before depositing its passengers, each dejected and worried for what was to come for their failure.

Hazel stepped off first, leading Emerald and Mercury along the lone path to their fate. Interestingly, a figure none of them wanted to see was there waiting for them with a twisted grin tugging at his lips.

"Welcome back. Welcome back. Welcome back! I do hope that you missed us as much as we missed you."

Of all the unwanted things to deal with after their shortcomings, Tyrian made a solid case for being on top of that list.

Glares directed at the Faunus soon became overshadowed by the strong voice of Hazel Reinhart.

"Let's go..."

Mercury didn't have to be told twice. He wasted little time in moving past Tyrian, even if it meant facing Salem. However, Emerald hesitated, just the slightest flinch, causing the scorpion to notice that something was off. Though it was obvious, the Faunus couldn't bear to let a moment's jest go by.

"Speaking of which, where is our Fall Maiden?"

This was Emerald's first mistake since her introduction to the demented psychopath. Had she kept walking, surely Tyrian would've just rambled on to himself or, at the very least, his laugh would've softened after entering the castle. No. Instead, she froze after recalling the disappearance of the woman, her mind replaying the horrifying reality that caused her to lose control back at Haven.

"Emerald, come on..."

"Don't tell me something happened to her?" Tyrian gasped.

Soon, that worry morphed into anger; even Mercury's call went unheard as she turned, weapons pointed at the now giggling man.

"I will cut off more than just your tail!" she warned, contempt exuding from her.

This was her second mistake.

Of all the things to never do, Emerald picked one of the worst options; threatening the sadistic male. What others would call intimidating, Tyrian considers a challenge. Slowly, he straightened up, never tearing his deranged gaze from the green-haired girl. His lips looked to split his face while his body convulsed with every chuckle.

"Careful little girl. Cinder isn't here to protect you anymore."

Emerald immediately felt her courage wilt the closer the man got to her and yet, she felt no ability to move. Even once his face was only inches away from her own, she found no strength to back away; she was petrified. Looking into his eyes was like staring into a chaotic black hole, dragging her soul into the darkest depths of hell itself.

Even worse, she could only watch as the scorpion intentionally drug his right cheek over the blade of her weapon, drawing blood with an almost orgasmic shudder before visually daring her to act on her threat. She could smell the pungent scent of blood on his breath, making her want to wretch. How on Remnant could someone like him even be considered a mortal when he had such an insatiable bloodlust within.

"Back off freak!" Mercury thankfully stepped in.

For now, it seemed that the girl would be spared from striking out. Even Tyrian had to admit that he was a saving grace as his shiny new tail waved around behind him.

"Oh, don't misunderstand. I am in mourning, just as you, for it appears that you have failed our queen." Demented glee gave way to an expression of genuine concern, partially from his own failure with the silver-eyed girl before. "And that is a tragedy."

Dismally, the care soon twisted into another fit of hysterical laughter. One might assume it was because Tyrian was happy that it wasn't him, but, Hazel and Mercury both knew why. Even Emerald who blankly stared at each step leading into the building understood the madman's cackles. As the doors soon closed behind them, Emerald Sustrai wishes that she'd been taken out by one of the Grimm yet, that luxury would be withheld from her.

For what awaited them was far graver.

Salem's Wrath.