Breaking Remnant: Shield Of Ouroboros
Rating: T/M for some themes
Series: RWBY
Summary:
After being framed for murder, Aganju is left with nothing. No family. Allies. It's all gone. However, a chance encounter will show him that things aren't always what they seem. Fueled by vengeance, he will return with something far greater than what he left behind. A purpose prophesized years before has begun to blossom, ushering in bloody retribution. No Harem. M for some themes.
Author's Notes:
I will admit... This chapter started off strong but, I ran into a major writer's block upon the end. I apologize for the shortness but, I'll have a longer and more coherent chapter. If nothing else, this is a continuation of the previous chapter to move things along. Thank you for the continued love and support and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
Chapter 9: ...The Scars Inside
Pyrrha watched as the figure slowly stood to their feet. Emerald eyes shined with hope but that soon gave way to confusion. Silently, the male turned around to face the amazon, giving off ominous energy. This atmosphere around her felt familiar but, not in a good way. She immediately took a battle stance only to just remember that she was unarmed, having left her weapons and armor at her resort.
"Sorry..." the gruff male spoke with remorse. "...But, you're going to have to come with us."
Despite the cool air, a bead of sweat ran down her temple. She needed to keep some distance between her and the larger guy. She took measured steps backward, careful not to appear too obvious in her attempt to retreat. That unsettling feeling only grew when she tried to find any recognizable
"You'll have to forgive me if I'm not particularly interested in such an offer."
"I didn't expect you to come quietly."
With that said, Pyrrha felt another presence drawing closer to her from all angles. Her instincts were correct as two others appeared behind her. She turned to face them only to feel a small bolt of electricity hit her, effectively knocking her out in the process. As she fell unconscious, the male gazed upon his companions, disdain flashing behind his masked eyes.
"Was that really necessary, Ilia?" he grumbled.
"We don't have much time," the chameleon huffed, eyeing Pyrrha's prone form with a hidden rage. "We need to take her back to Adam before the heiress gets here."
"Wouldn't it be easier to just take her too?"
"We follow Adam's orders! He said to capture her. Anything more, and we may jeopardize our mission."
The dragon and serpent faunus nodded in agreement. The last thing they needed was to be spotted by anyone else. So, Esu tossed their target over his shoulder while Scylla and Ilia led the way. Just as they left, Weiss Schnee arrived to find no one was there, only an empty cliff side. Her eyes scoured the area but there was no trace of Pyrrha as if she was never there, to begin with, but, the Atlesian knew better.
Though she was slower than the tall girl, Weiss knew that the scarlet-haired warrior had come this way.
"Something's not right..."
She pulled out her scroll and, despite her reluctance, dialed the one person she knew could help. If only he would pick up first.
"What do you mean you can help me? Who are you?"
Aganju's eyes narrowed, his distrust of the dark-haired woman on full display. She didn't make a move. The air of tension between them would only grow thicker if she tried to physically make a move.
"Form your armies. Dream your dreams. Make your plans and plot your schemes" her voice was but a whisper, yet it was enough for the faunus to pick up as the words shook him, a knowing look appearing on his face. "Send your fighters, one and all. Then, in battle..."
"Watch them fall" he finished, much to the woman's glee.
"So, you do remember?"
"It's hard to forget. I don't recall from where, exactly, but I remember it from when I was younger," he grabbed his head as the melody began to fade. "Where did you hear that? What's going on here?"
"My name is Cinder and you're experiencing your destiny, my dear Sijuade. Or should I call you by your real name?"
Aganju bore his fangs at Cinder, eyes blazing with fury. He'd done well enough to keep his past a secret and now this woman claimed to know who he was? He had half a mind to rip out her throat right there, but something compelled him not to. A sensation that both calmed and infuriated him.
Cinder knew this, her subtle smirk now growing more devious by the second. It wasn't enough that she was openly taunting him but, now she was adding insult to injury. There was something about her that was preventing him from attacking and she was willing to push that truth to its limits.
"Aganju Umbrae. I've heard about you from your assassination of the late Valentin Nikos in Vacuo. Tragic. From what I gathered, you were sent off to the worst prison imaginable, Sedluk Cross correct?"
"So? What do you get out of it?" he snarled. "Will you report me to the authorities?"
Surprisingly, Cinder giggled at his accusation.
"I have no intention of reporting you" she waved off dismissively. "To be honest, I merely wanted to thank you for a wonderful demonstration of your power today. That battle against the Mistralian warrior was a sight to behold. However, I also want to advise you to keep your eyes peeled for those who seek that power."
"Like you?"
"If only I could... I'm not interested in the powers of a guardian, not that I could claim such strength," she sadly lamented. "I seek that which only a maiden can possess. Still, you'd best be aware that a war is coming. I suggest you find the truth and seek out the four relics. You've heard of them, correct?"
"Sure. But, why ARE you helping me?" Rather than answer him, Cinder turned her back to the faunus. She expected him to take the bait and sure enough, he did, letting out a low growl. "Hey! I'm not done talking to you!" She ignored his demands and began to walk away. She could feel his anger boiling over as if it were her own. "I said, TURN AROUND DAMMIT!"
At that moment, Cinder stopped in her tracks. She tried to take another step but, something was gripping her ankles, preventing her from doing so. She knew what this meant and while she was proud to have triggered such an ability, it was still something she couldn't take lightly. She glanced over her shoulder to find black tendrils emerging from the ground, shadows erected from the will of their master.
When her gaze fell upon the faunus, she saw the burning red orbs, rubies surrounded by an inky blackness that made her flinch. His eyes were just like her master's That evil presence actually struck fear in the heart of Cinder. The true superiority of the immortal witch was on display and for the first time, she wondered if pushing the fox was a good idea.
BZZZZ! BZZZZ!
The sounds of vibrations pierced the silence, drawing the attention of the two. Aganju blinked and lowered his arm in order to grab his scroll. The shadows soon faded, their grip finally relinquishing its hold on the woman, though its master didn't remove his gaze from the woman.
"Hello?"
"Aganju?! I've been trying to reach you!" The frantic tone of Weiss screeched in his ears. "Where are you?!"
"I was busy...! Can't a guy have some privacy?!" he snapped back, completely forgetting about the earlier encounter, much to Cinder's confusion. "What do you want?"
"I..."
Aganju picked up that something was wrong. Normally, she would be her usual annoying self but, there was a hint of genuine worry that made the faunus look down at the device. He noticed this blunder and returned to the mysterious woman only to find her gone; vanished. That would have to wait now.
"Weiss? What's going on? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. I just..." he heard the heiress pause for a moment, hearing nothing but slow and steady breaths. "...Can you meet me, please? It's really important."
He eyed his surroundings one last time, before returning to the call.
"I'm on my way..."
The fox started down the lone path that led to the village, his mind wrapped around the recent encounter. Staring at his palm, he felt a wave of energy flow down his arm, a sinister yet comforting sensation. He recalled the dark tendrils that'd come up from the ground, and how easy it was to summon them. It reminded him of his time in Sedluk Cross when Grimm appeared in the tunnels beneath the prison.
Just like that day, he didn't know how they arrived, but he felt close to them as if he had the power to do so. Maybe he did? He'd contemplate this further once he arrived back to the homestead, taking off through the area to meet up with Weiss. Once he disappeared, Cinder stood there along the cliffside with a soft frown.
"Thank you, Emerald" she called out as her two subordinates stepped from the shadows.
"Of course, Cinder," the dark skin girl bowed her head with a smirk. "We got the footage you wanted. Right, Mercury?"
"Yep. But, why would you test the waters like that if you didn't know what powers he possessed?"
Cinder simply approached the silver-haired male and took the scroll from him. Her amber eyes watched the footage. At first glance, one would simply assume that umbrakinesis was his gifted power, but Cinder knew better. She felt the presence of the one who held command over her. It was all too similar in its evil presence. It wasn't just shadows that latched onto her, it was the power of the Grimm itself.
"Nevermind my reasons. The mission was accomplished, and now we can report back to her and keep on our goals."
"Understood/Got it" Emerald and Mercury replied.
"Send the footage to Watts and ensure that he reveals this to our queen. We're done for the night."
[Menagerie/Unknown Area]
Pyrrha's eyes fluttered open as a dull pain ached in her skull. It must've happened when she fell unconscious. Her back felt like electric currents were running through her, but it too was flat by this point. Feeling that part of her begin to itch, the amazon reached to scratch only to find that impossible. Her arms were secured to her sides, as were her legs.
"You're awake..." Pyrrha lifted her head to find a young man with short red hair, sitting across from her. His eyes were concealed, just like the guy that ambushed her. He was clad in an asymmetrical black blazer with a white crest that lined up his left shoulder. "Good. I was beginning to worry that my group had accidentally killed you."
"I'm flattered that you care so much."
The faunus humorlessly chuckled at her sarcasm before a dark grin rested on his face. It was unnerving, how a person's smirk could carry such evil energy. The way he looked at her was nothing short of disturbing as he approached her.
"Believe me, you're far more valuable to me alive than dead."
"So that's what this is about? Ransom?"
"Something along those lines..."
Pyrrha rolled her eyes at such a trivial desire. It was laughable if not pathetic if she was being honest with herself. Still, there had to be some reason as to why she was targeted, the most obvious reason staring her right in the faces as she took in the sight of two small horns that protruded over the mask.
A faunus! she gathered, finally understanding all of this. "If you're looking to negotiate with my... fiance, then you're wasting your time. Cardin is known for a lot of things, but diplomacy isn't one of them."
The air of confidence in Pyrrha swelled after her announcement. However, this didn't deter her captor, who's smile fell only slightly as if mocking her defiance. He said nothing in response at first, choosing instead to draw Wilt and Blush from its scabbard.
"Then I guess there is no use for you..." He sneered aiming the point of his blade at his prisoner's neck. Pyrrha could feel just how sharp the sword was as it drew blood despite there being no pressure placed on her. "...is what I would say if that wannabe dictator was our target."
"What?"
"You heard me quite well. Winchester is nothing more than an ant, not even worth squashing to our cause. In fact, I would hope, for your sake, that we settle things without his involvement or your husband-to-be might end up as an early casualty."
Pyrrha watched as Wilt was sheathed once again.
"If not Cardin, then who?"
Adam Taurus, the leader of this small band of renegades, simply stepped back, his masked gaze boring holes in the young woman. Was she truly that ignorant, or was she just biding her time? He couldn't allow himself to be caught up with such trivial questions, not when there was something so valuable at stake. He needed to play things close to the chest if he was to come out on top.
"Despite was this festival would suggest, the impression of peace is nothing more than an illusion constructed by your kind to keep us docile and subservient. Your brand of 'peace' is keeping us under your boots, while you reap the fruits of our labor. However, my clan and I know the truth and we're going to ensure that we are the ones on top of things when the inevitable happens."
"The Vytal Festival is a symbol of...!"
"It is a symbol of lies and deceit!" he snapped back, his aura of composure was shattered, replaced by the pure outrage of an oppressed soul. That honest display would quickly give way to the confident and stoic veil he wore previously. "Be that as it may, you won't have to worry... Once we get what we need, you'll be returned to your faunus hating lover and you can live out your days in the luxury and privilege that you're so used to."
Adam turned to leave, slamming the door behind him. A wave of spite and rage still lingered in the room, the only form of company that Pyrrha would receive for the foreseeable future. While she tried to struggle, the knots proved to be too tight and with nothing in sight, there was little hope of using her semblance. It appeared that she wasn't going anywhere.
Her mind began to return to the previous conversation with her faunus captor.
What was he truly planning?
If Cardin wasn't the target, then who is?
These questions sparked her desire for freedom even more. She struggled once again with excessive fervor, trying her best to work the knots loose. Her efforts proved all for naught though as there was no give in the bindings. All her efforts resulted in a good sweat and frustration as she scanned her prison. It was a wooden cabin, rather small in size compared to most, probably used as a storage facility.
"There has to be something here that can help..." she muttered.
Pyrrha's statement would reveal a window of opportunity when her eyes fell upon something that happened to gleam under the dim light of the shed. A few deep breaths preceded her first attempt to rise to her feet; she was grateful that she didn't wear her heeled boots. This allowed her to balance herself before taking measured hops over to what appeared to be something small but something sharp that hung on the middle shelf. She turned and reached for the object, a shard of glass that happened to be conveniently left there. Too convenient.
Still, Pyrrha didn't question the blessing and carefully grabbed the piece and began to slice against the ropes.
Just a little more.
Her motions drew to an abrupt pause when voices were heard from outside of the building. She quickly hopped back to her spot just as the door opened. This time, it wasn't the tall and eerie male but a short young woman with long brown hair tied in a lizard's tail. Her skin was tan with scattered scale-like spots adorning her body. Once more familiarity teased the mind of the Mistralian. Unlike before, her suspicions were met with confirmation; greyish-blue eyes that sat behind a similar mask.
"I-Ilia?!"
The chameleon found no joy in the fright lacing Pyrrha's voice. She reached up and removed the covering, revealing her identity for certain to the taller warrior. Her gaze was cold, an icy stare that hid bitterness and darkness. She pulled a nearby barrel, never taking her eyes off of the captive woman.
"I have some questions and you're going to give me answers."
[Menagerie/Main Streets]
Black toe-less boots clopped on the dirt road that led to his home. Each step now hurt and felt heavy as the faunus had run all the way back. Thankfully, it was night time so nobody would see his face. When he arrived, he found Weiss outside with May and Ciel with concerned looks adorning their faces. Weiss' expression told him that whatever had happened, it was serious.
"I got here as soon as I could..." he wheezed, removing his mask. "What happened?"
"We should go," a concerned May said quietly.
Ciel silently agreed, giving her friend a quick hug and a look that said 'be patient' before heading inside. May followed suit, a look of relief that he was alright flashed before giving the pair some privacy. With the two gone, an uncomfortable silence filled the air as neither were eager to speak up right away. That haunted expression finally became too much for him to take and eventually, he finally stretched out a hand to the bewildered heiress.
"Come on..." she looked up to see that lopsided grin on his face. "Let's head upstairs. We can talk there."
She silently placed her hand into his, feeling a warmth that threatened to fragment her already cracked thoughts. There wasn't a spark but, it was something that seemed to provide her with the strength she needed to push past her personal berating. She turned away quickly, allowing her side ponytail to hide her blush. They headed upstairs, neither saying a word as they traverse the stairwell.
Weiss stepped past the threshold, taking a seat on the side of his bed. With their solitude set, the vulpine turned to speak only to find himself wrapped into an emotional embrace, the sounds of soft sobs finally shattering the darkness.
"Im so sorry...!" she into his chest. "I couldn't help her!"
"What are you talking about, Weiss?"
"I saw her, Aganju!"
"Who?"
The vulpine looked at her with both confusion and empathy, wrapping his arms around the smaller woman. She pulled back just enough for Aganju to see her apologetic gaze, tears streaming down her face. Weiss' initial burst of emotion began to subside but, she knew that she still needed to answer. She almost retreated when she saw the desperation behind her friend's eyes, a notion further supported by her inner voice.
"Aganju..."
Don't do it! her inner voice warned.
"I saw... I saw..."
You're going to ruin your chance..."
"I saw her... Pyrrha."
At that moment, Weiss felt his arms stiffen around her. Her ice-blue eyes watched as his violet eyes grew wide and blank, almost as if he wasn't there anymore. His silence made her heart drop as his arms slowly fell, taking with them the warmth that once enveloped her. It was like being trapped in the tundra even though they were on a warm island.
She saw the vacant stare give way to a look of conflict. Never a good sign. She saw how he wrestled with how to feel about the news that Pyrrha and it ate away at her.
"So... it was her?"
"Aganju?"
Weiss caught the grim smile that began to form. What was he thinking? Was he even thinking at all?
"I... need some air..."
Weiss could feel her heart begin to shatter as her inner voice began to cackle in amusement. I told you so! It would taunt as she watched the fox turn around to leave. His departure was halted though when she refused to release her hold around his waist, surprising Aganju immensely. She recalled her mother's words while gripping his jackets tightly.
"Please..." she whispered. "Please don't leave."
An uncertain Aganju looked down at his shorter companion, trying to make sense of the sudden display of emotion. He'd never heard her so wanting before. It was almost as scary as when she was reprimanding him. In some weird way, he almost preferred that side of the Atlesian over what he was witnessing.
"Weiss, I'm just going outside for some air."
"No" she whined.
"Weiss? What's going on with you?"
"She likes you..." Both parties looked back to find their sponsor/mother, Willow Schnee, leaning against the door frame with a sweet smile. "It's the reason she wants you to stay."
"MOM!" Weiss wailed in horror, her face as bright as a tomato now.
Little did she know, Aganju's eyes were also the size of dinner plates at the statement. In fact, both his ears and tail were now upright and stiffened as his jaw dropped at the confession. When he did regain some measure of composure, he turned to see Weiss, trying her best not to explode on her mother who found the whole scene both amusing and cute.
"Sorry, dear. You were just taking so long" the woman giggled before leaving down the hall.
Weiss was about to give the matriarch a piece of her mind but, she would be robbed that opportunity when Aganju grabbed her arm. Once again, that warmth returned. She turned around to find herself lookingat the taller faunus. Gone was the nervous aversion that initially took root in Aganju's orbs. Now, all that remained was a questioning gaze.
"Maybe we should talk about this?"
Weiss swallowed and said nothing. The truth was out now, and whether she liked it or not, she had to face the consequences.
"I... agree."