Welcome back guys, and a happy late Thanksgiving! As much as you guys probably want a fight, this is mostly a set up chapter.
Even still, I hope you enjoy it!
Wilted Galaxy 17: Man, not one but two long Reviews! Gotta say, I'm impressed. Yeah, Emerald was a whole lotta fun for me to write, just her straight up going crazy is going to be fun in future chapters. Yeah, Weiss is one of the better done characters in the entire show, with all your points.
As for Dunkstein andSlamough, while not to that level, I certainly have a team fight for them coming up. :)
And yeah, I might have to rewrite the earlier chapters… they just don't feel like Mors and Venatores as I imagine them now. Mostly just the bland Hunter and Chosen Undead we usually get.
As for the story, I get it! It's hard to keep a passion going. It was hard for me to even post this story in the first place. Reviews like this are some of the reasons I can keep it going. But, this is personal. I know some fanfic authors who get more pressure off of the reviews.
But hey, it's your decision man. I can't tell you what you can or cannot do, just give you a little advice.
As for the "First Hunter." I see why it got its top spot. Haven't finished it yet, but I'll certainly try.
As for your constructive criticism, I fully agree on them staying at Beacon. I do have to put that in. As for Ironwood however, it was more him questioning Venatores in general. He's a general after all, as much as he appreciates the job being done he also enjoyed it being done to the letter. Everything has to go according to this, and what's for the best. As much as Ven is a cool character, he strictly goes against that. He's Chaotic Neutral, following his own code to hunt the beasts, threading the line. Ironwood has to remain a Lawful Good as a symbol of Atlas.
But, that's just my view in general of Ironwood.
Thanks for the Support, hope you enjoy it!
Cyka Blyat Intensifies: Lovecraftian horror is a general interest of mine, and I'm happy about the reception of her craziness.
Aluecard: Oh most certainly, she just has to learn to properly use such insanity to her liking. I've always had a gripe about how Emerald used her Semblance in the original though. True, she whammies Salem, but that felt boring to me. It just has always irked me. I just want to use it once when someone reading or watching it goes 'W…T…F!', you know true mind trickery!
TheDoodler of Writing: Honestly… with how I want to write the Undead, he should be fine. Besides, as much as Great Ones are Great Ones, he has seen gods, and literally Death!
So, again, he should be… fine?
It really is up in the air man. Can't say anything in between.
Scarease: Thing is, she'd want more of this! In the original show, she likes it when people praise her. Let's look at Watts as an example…
Oh wait, he's burning alive because he brought up good points about her.
Sorry, if you couldn't tell, I am absolutely livid about what they did to Watts. He was a cool villain, until he brought up realistic problems with Cinder as a character!
Sorry for ranting, hope you enjoy the chapter.
Evincio:…
:)
Ikasuki: Most of those were a list of everything going in the worst possible direction. None of them are actually her powers. But, I can understand your concern.
Guest: Thanks man, I was hoping that Plip plop would hype people up. My original plan was to put it through Emeralds perspective…
Then I realized how less scary that is, when compared to a reaction of it. Don't explain the unknown, work with it. That's what Lovecraft and Bloodborne did!
GG: While this feels strangely out of left field, hundred percent.
Canadian Admiral: You have no idea the amount of shenanigans I have thought up when it comes to Patches! Sadly, most of them can only really be omakes, or in the future when Venatores becomes more comfortable…
Still, hilarious!
Metal Batt: Despair Remnants is my first story, ever. First chapters, first characters, adaptations, plans. But I've gotten into the groove of it pretty recently.
As for your compliments, I laughed my butt off when your first review came in. I just never expected to hear that from a review, and it surprised me.
Y'know, I might actually try that later on! It could be fun to do it, especially to answer some questions. As for the Venatores story, I might have a plan for that, but more as a character bonding between Venatores and Mors Ignis.
I have a hundred percent taken your pacing criticism into account. Twenty two chapters now, and only the beginning of the second volume. I can see where the concern lies. But, I think some of the pacing issues were worth it. They really just got me into the character of Mors and Venatores!
Thanks for all your compliments Metal Batt. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Ps: Sorry, Vens outta sheets.
Yifto: Most certainly, that's why I wanted to highlight them. I hope I fixed those jump cut later on. I was relatively new then.
The Right Price: Ozpin/Ozma as a character… well, he doesn't feel ancient in the original Story. True, he feels wise, but not ancient. I wanted to get that across, as someone who has grown so used to playing chess with people, that he can forget the pieces are people. Fighting Salem for so long could leave everyone jaded like that. But, I can see how this doesn't remain in character to Ozpin.
As for Blake, well… I have difficulty believing in any way that she hasn't at least killed someone. Be it from setting a charge in a building she has no idea people were in, or just being forced to. So I'm just in disbelief of the possibility.
Ghost of the Drive In: If you look up on google, "Cursed Font Generator." You should find it. Hope you have fun, scaring people!
Enjoy the chapter guys!
Chapter 22
Initiation Engagement
Mors
There was an air of anticipation that surrounded me, as I continued to stare forward at the blank door in front of me. Each second passed like it was a minute.
Miss Rose asked to meet at the twilight hour, when Gwyn's creation lay to rest for the darkness to rise.
It was a simple time to meet them, the plan already within my mind. Each of them needing to ready themselves for whatever might await them.
Alas, I was not made for change. Each piece of armor, to the helm all the way to the greaves, was picked to defend me. Changing them would be of zero use to anyone, especially if it involved my end.
Yet, here I stood, waiting upon them for the mission ahead. The time to enter the room close at hand, with only a minute left to go.
Of course, I could knock upon the door at this very moment…
But, entering into an appointment was similar to battle as well.
Appearing to early, was akin to dodging to the side too quickly. Revealing something akin to a fearful desperation. Appearing to late, or dodging the moment the strike hit you, was arrogance in itself.
I would rather take the middle route.
I checked it once more, the face of such a device unchanging. The numbers remained as they were, staring back at me in a battle of wills.
As for Miss Rose's plans, it was simple and to the point. A rather good plan where an equal amount of things could happen. Either of which were of course beneficial or detrimental in scale.
Miss Rose and Lady Schnee were to use the prowess of the Schnee name to obtain information not disclosed to the general public. My knowledge of such information was rather limited, but perhaps it would be business records or locations of potential thievery.
Yang will head towards the shadier dealings of town, using a previous contact to obtain information. Simple and to the point, but extremely dangerous.
Perhaps that was why Yang requested it.
As for Belladonna… We will be infiltrating an initiation together. It was apparently easy to get into an initiation.
You had to merely show up, be search for activated scrolls, and identified as a Faunus.
As for how people learned of this… there was a recruiter, who looked for Faunus in a plethora of areas. Granting such information, nearly free of charge.
The information, as Blake knew of?
'Find the warehouse with the Fangs Claw.'
Simple, yet effective.
Sadly, as for my end of this deal, that was the limited knowledge that I had obtained. Aside from the initiation and a few safe house locations.
Belladonna appeared to not truly understand where the base of operations lay. She appeared to have left before that information was truly made available to her.
But, and she made the point very earnestly, that she would most certainly find something of use.
All it would take was time.
Speaking of time, my hand balled into a fist as I reached to knock gently on the door. The agreed upon appointment finally reaching the agreed upon time.
And, with an equal readiness, the door swung open. The smell of fresh roses wafting past as they did.
"Right on time!" Miss Rose spoke, before the door even fully had time to open.
The first thing to note was the obvious change in attire.
The single red cloak remained upon her, wrapped around like a scarf trailing down her back. A gray long sleeved shirt with pure black cuffs, connected by straps that connected to a black and red skirt. Designed to look similarly to a bodice, giving a slight air of elegance.
One that was destroyed by the near childlike expression on her face. It took an effort not to chuckle at the excitement on her.
"We were just about to discuss the plan!" She spoke, opening the door a tiny bit wider. Allowing for me to see the rest of their room, even including the rather… unorthodox bed layout.
"Most excellent." I spoke, a similar smile beginning to be shared between us. A hand outstretched in a form of politeness, as I gestured within the room. "May I?"
"Oh, sure." Opening the door with a simple move as she continued forward. Making the way towards her teammates with her continued innocence.
I enter quite simply, ducking the tiniest bit in a slight fear of hitting the top of the door frame.
Everyone was very similar to Miss Rose, each of them wearing a different attire from their usual.
Lady Schnee wore a white one piece dress with long sleeves. A high collar with a large cut down the very center of it, splitting it in two. A skirt was attached to this coat, barely reaching the tips of her knees,ending with black frills. Instead boots did the job, boots that appeared to reach such lengths, made of a gray material. The only foreseeable problem with such attire were the strange black hilts at the ends.
She smiled at me, a strange sense of contentment upon her face. Though, I am sure for a lady whose company was a little more… personal, it was refreshing to see some etiquette performed.
Belladonna had a similar style, a white zipped up jacket that did nothing to cover her midsection. Long black, and rather tight pants, with a belt that could carry all the essential ammo for her weapon. Even black ribbon-like wrappings all across her forearms like gloves.
Yet, another problem was the similar boot-like stilts upon her feet.
She nodded her head at me before turning it to Miss Rose, a greeting that I have continually grown used to.
Yang wore a high collared jacket as well, the sleeves connected together by a brown strap across her collar. This jacket held shorter sleeves, barely reaching just past her elbow. The jacket then changed into a beige like color, connected to yet another skirt. A belt embroidered with golden metal hung loosely around her waist. Black legging with a golden heart lit with fire, sitting against each thigh.
And yet another pair of silts, but connected across the frame like any other shoe. Causing her feet to look slightly misshapen, at least to the average passerby.
The young woman was acting just like her sister, a wide unmistakable smile upon her face. One filled with an ecstatic excitement.
"Now then," Ruby spoke, turning around for all of us to see. The joy filled smile, ready for this jolly cooperation to truly begin. "Everyone remember their roles?"
"You and I will head to the CCT to check the Schnee records for any other dust robberies or inconsistencies." Lady Schnee spoke up, a confident smirk on her face as well as a spark of pride in her voice. "Seeing as how I am in the family, it shouldn't be a problem."
Yes, she was most valuable in that sense, even away from her own name. With this, we could understand if there are any White Fang members, or other such parties, hiding dust.
"The White Fang has regular faculty meetings to hand out orders or recruit new members." The hidden Faunus spoke, hands behind her back like a Solider. Ready and waiting, while speaking in front of her leader. "If I get in, I could hopefully find out what they are planning."
Equally important. Despite him not being here, and the incredible rudeness, a feeling of slight superiority filled me.
I had told Venatores of her useful information.
"Speaking of which…" The young Faunus spoke up, taking her scroll out of her pocket. A picture of a map that I could barely see.
She held it out for me, a sentence placed curtly on the front. The scroll glowing with a bright white light, highlighting the black words written upon it. "I managed to find this."
It took me a second to read it, but the words were as follows.
'Warehouse 3, Ginge's Garage. 207 Jury Lane.'
An address of somewhere within the city limits? But an address to what?
"I've seen dozen of Faunus enter and leave." She said, returning the scroll to her side. Looking at me with her glowing yellow eyes. "Bags full when they enter, gone when they leave. They come back the next day, the same bags leaving. I managed to take a peek inside…"
Something that left but came back… as if something was being repaired?
A sound of a hammer crashing against heated metal sounded throughout my head. A loud yet calming sound that managed to still the mind of any warrior.
It couldn't possibly be?
"An armory." I spoke, the statement sounding more like a question than the supposed statement.
Weapons needed to be repaired and adjusted, and while maintenance by the Wielder could be beneficial…
A master Blacksmith, could better whatever craft you could make. As the Great Giant Blacksmith and even Andre of Astora could say. Not to mention how much supplies could be within the armory, to ensure a fatal blow.
After all, it is a place to store ammo as well. Not only could we find as much of the stolen dust, or anything that the White Fang could plan.
After all, the Blacksmith was their to build and even experienced ones, need the proper guidance. Be it from the soul of one who had passed…
Or a simple piece of paper.
Belladonna nodded her head, confirming such a place to truly exsist. A wide smile stretch across my face.
It would be difficult to memorize… Even now the location eluded my memory like a wraith. I was grateful that these Scrolls had such useful spells to function.
All that was left, was to ask. My hand reaching for my very own scroll. "Send me th-"
"Venatores, doesn't go with you." Belladonna spoke, souring the entirety of the atmosphere. Her eyes looking at me with golden fury, slited as they looked into my own golden brown. Trying to seem as intimidating as possible.
It was not a manner of insult when I note how ineffective it was. After all I have been stared down at by Demons, creatures of the Abyss, the very gods, and even Venatores.
This was like being stared down at by a small cat… and even Alvina of the Darkroot Wood managed to be more terrifying.
Though, it probably had to do with Shiva of the East standing at my side. His large katana and skill constantly reminding me of it's presence at my throat.
I turned to look at the rest of this team, each expression differing to the next. Yang's was dead serious, as if such a thing could still break apart this partnership. Even now her lilac colored eyes shone a little darker, beads of red breaking through.
Lady Schnee turned to her leader, as if waiting for her own input. A small minute grimace appearing, hidden from everyone.
While Miss Rose practically looked like a Cyrstal Titanite Lizard. Ready to run and disappear, with an Undead quickly on the chase.
"Understand." The young Belladonna spoke out, her eyes narrowing in an attempt to seem more intimidating.
Of course I understood…
I understood how pointless this promise truly was. After all, Venatores was a quiet individual within and outside of battle. He also understands his own trademarks, and hates the attention of anyone.
Aside from that, it wasn't as if Miss Belladonna was going to follow me into the armory. She didn't even have anything that would assure me of such.
I let myself smile, a false action that allowed the atmosphere to feel less charged.
"Scout's Honor." I spoke, stretching out my own scroll. My eyes never left hers as I looked. If anything, the only one to avert their gaze through the entire room, would be Miss Rose.
But, all attention was on me.
I was never a scout, such a patient filled role was never to be my area of expertise.
But, no one aside from Miss Rose would truly know of that. Even now, the other three young women nodded their heads, as if that was an expected response. The young Belladonna looked closely at me, staring me up and down.
Before I knew it my scroll was taken with speed, my attention turning to the rest. Some smiling ear to ear, while others took upon a subdued silence.
"I shall assist Belladonna with the White Fang as much as I can." I continued the list of assignments, mine clear due to the deal I had brokered. "If she were to be discovered, I will begin an unparalleled assault. All while assuring any capture of any important figure, to gain even more intel."
"But," Belladonna spoke out again, my scroll outstretched in her hand. A message written within its glass like cover. "That's a secondary objective. Quick and clean, if they know we were there they will send… more capable opposition."
Yes, the smile upon my face growing the tiniest bit. It would bring a most dangerous opposition…
I was hoping for it… as well as someone else. I did not have such information on such targets, their abilities or their like. Nor even their Semblances, most of which could turn the tides of battle. Even against such a powerful undead Knight, or a great Hunter within the shadows.
But, once more…
Miss Belladonna would be such a help.
"I have an old friend on the shady side of town that typically knows everything going on in Vale." Yang spoke a confident smirk upon her face, arms folded as she looked at us all. "Getting information out of him shouldn't be too hard."
"Great!" Miss Rose responded, a silent exhale of relief escaping from her. Possibly from the avoidance of such discovery as her deceit. "We will meet back tonight to go over what we found."
"Let's do this!" She spoke with a youthful yell, already making way to the door. A yell trying to force itself out of my throat as well, in kind with the excitement of the le-
"Yeah." I turned around, faster than even Miss Rose, my hand nearly alighting a blaze. A spy, an insurgent who would stop our plans, the foul vermin that lay within the…
A yellow monkey, hanging upside down?
"Sun!" Belladonna spoke out, the name coming to me as well. The follower that Venatores talked about.
The one Miss Belladonna talked about her past with. How did Venatores describe him?
'You but with far more words?'
"How did you get up there?" Yang spoke, seeming to be more in his method of traverersal of the window. Miss Rose was of a similar nature, while Lady Schnee almost looked insulted.
I held my own curiosity of such methods.
Especially with the strength of his tail. Perhaps he could even wield a weapon in such a limb.
"Easy," He spoke with a carefree smile on his face, turning right side up with a simple flip to the windowsill. "I do it all the time!"
"You do what!?" Lady Schnee responded immediately, a sense of anger around her. I stared at her, as she glared, filled with yet another curiosity.
"I climb trees all the time." He responded back, a smile of innocence remaining across his face.
The lady was unsatisfied with the result, her glare growing even deeper.
Why would it? He was merely…
Ah.
I would have to intervene before such misunderstandings could ensue… or stop any indecency from ever happening again.
"Apologies," The young man turned his head to my voice, his eyes widening ever so slightly.A recognition I was becoming used to with the full armor. "Do yo-"
"Hey!" He interrupted simply, approaching me with a gleam in his eye, a smile wide and bright as the sun. A rather confusing method, as if we were somehow friends of some kind.
"You're the guy who threw the anchor!"
The statement gave me pause as he said it, remembering the fruitless effort. But beyond that, I could see the smallest glimmer in his eye and the large smile on his face. Happy to see me, and excited for my achievements. Like a squire to a Knight of Anor Londo.
A warm feeling graced my beatless heart, a smile stretching across my face. It was no wonder Knights were of prideful nature. Or perhaps it was far more fulfilling to me.
After all, none praised my own actions as an Undead… it was liberating, to feel appreciated.
"Why yes!" I spoke boisterously, my hand extending out in greeting. The young man shook it in kind, barely able to move my arm without me wanting to. "Mors Ignis, pleasure to meet you!"
"Sun Wukong!" He spoke,removing his hand from my own, before placing both behind the back of his head. "That was awesome by the way! I've been trying to tell my own teammates about you but they wouldn't believe me!"
I smiled at him, feeling my back straighten, allowing me to stand at my full height. Feeling the awe and praise wash over me as I did.
"Well," I spoke, crossing my arms once more with a smile on my face. "Perhaps a demonstration would be in order."
"Sweet," He spoke, the smile becoming more carefree. Eyes drifting to his left side, as he finished what he said. "Think you could do it now?"
"Sorry buddy," Yang spoke up, a hand on his shoulder. Interrupting the coming questions that I may have asked. "But we're trying to get somewhere."
"Yeah," The adventurous Monkey Faunus spoke out, a knowing expression on his face. "You're going to beat up Torchwick, right?"
Ah, so he was outside for the entirety of the plan. My arms crossed over my armored chest, looking at Sir Wukong. Yang just smirked, shrugging her shoulders as she patted him on the shoulder.
"I can understand the big guy," He continued, looking at me up and down. Partially straining his neck to look at my unhelmed visage. Right before putting on an almost hurt expression. "But not inviting me?"
I turned to the leader of this venture, one who held a small smile across her face. One filled with nostalgia, and with the small warmth that the Monkey Faunus managed to bring.
"Sorry Sun, we…" She began confidently, her eyes drifting to my very position. Freezing her gaze, as well as her very speech, as she looked at me.
All in the room stared at her, waiting to finish her thought. The red-covered woman grew increasingly skittish as a result, her hands grabbing the hem of her dress. "Well…"
"We didn't want you to get hurt." Yang spoke up, giving a small nod to her sister. The leader in question let out a silent sigh of relief, her sister smirking at that. Even I let a small smile reach my face at the assistance between the two.
I held in my laughter however, seeing the still smiling face of Mister Wukong.
"She said to the fellow huntsman in training."
Yes… I was waiting for such a point. Solaire always managed to make similar points.
Of course, Huntsmen was replaced with Undead. His new life was a blessed one, allowing him to do all that he wished in this state. Forever a force of positivity and light.
This, alone, was enough to bring the young Knight.
"He has already heard the plan," I said, everyone turning their attention to me. Beginning to place the final nail within the coffin of this argument. "Tis not like we can stop him."
All objections faded in an instance, as Mr. Wukong pointed at me with a large smile of mischief and victory on his face. Further emphasizing the needlessness of him leaving this place.
"Besides," He spoke, enthusiasm clear upon his face like a child. "The more the merrier!"
I couldn't help but smile once again, arms at my side in a broad smile. The sisters shared a similar broad smile, while the other two nodded in quiet acceptance. Though, Belladonna managed a small silent smile.
Once more, jolly cooperation wins yet another ba-
"Why do you think I brought Neptune?"
Everyone froze at that, the smiles wiping away with the wave of confusion. As we all looked at him, his thumb pointing directly behind him, right outside the window. Recognition dawning on nearly all of their faces.
While all I could ask was simply. "Who?"
I looked closer at him, his thumb pointed behind his back. Directly at the window that he came from.
Team Rwby went towards it without a second thought, while I stood with Mr. Wukong. Looking out into the blue sky as much as I could manage.
They looked to the right…
"Hey."
Right as a voice sounded out to the world. Which, left yet another question within my mind.
"You left your partner outside?" I spoke, turning to the blonde monkey at my side. The smile is still ever present upon his face. The sounds of slight effort in the background, as the stranger began to enter.
"Of course, always involve your friends." He spoke with a relaxed tone of voice, continuing to look around the room. A distinct curiosity began to grow on his face. "Speaking of which…"
"Where's the other guy?"
Once more, the room turned cold. The main perpetrators let themselves be known with their faces turning stone cold…
But, my attention was drawn to the one they were bringing in.
The first two things to note about the young man were as follows. His striking and well groomed sky blue hair, that spiked upwards like the waves of water against a cliffside. The other…
Well, the other was the charm he managed to exude, as well as the handsome features upon his face…
Of course, judging by the dusted pink of the pale cheek of Lady Schnee, I was not the only one to notice this.
Other than that, the man wore a red vest, over a collared shirt and black tie. The vest had an over-extended black collar that reached his lower jaw. Fingerless Gauntlets extended to halfway up his forearm, offering no such protection for the need to wear it. And the only form of protection came from his pants, each offering protection on the outer leg. But, only what appeared to be some form of thin leather.
Upon his forehead were simple yellow glasses like objects, whether they were for actual sight or just combat.
"Ah, Venatores." I spoke out, the blonde Faunus turned to me, an eyebrow raised. "He's currently in the library."
It was a very effective lie, after all Venatores spent most of his day in at least three places.
Our shared room, our shared coliseum, and the library within this school. There was no other place he would wish to be…
"Oh," He spoke out, his arms placed at his side, looking at the rest of us. Each ready for some level of battle. "So are we going to pick him up?"
"No." The black and yellow partners spoke out, each holding their own sense of venom or insult at the idea.
The monkey Faunus , finally able to read the room, promptly fell into silence.
"Apologies Mister Wukong." I spoke, drawing his attention away from the other two. A look on his face, as if he had eaten a rather bitter concoction. "Venatores will not be coming with us on our mission."
"We have decided…" I continued, pausing ever so slightly as my gaze wandered. The rest of the team and the latest passenger were looking at me. Once more in scowl, subbed acceptance, fear, and added confusion. "Collectively, to not allow him entry."
I turned my eyes to Mr. Wukong, who merely nodded his head. Once more in a quiet form of acceptance.
"By the way," He spoke out, looking directly into my face. A serious look upon his face that rarely ever appeared.
Perhaps he too felt disgruntled about Venatores, or just another favor for him.
He lifted his finger pointing at me in a nearly relaxed manner.
"No 'Mister'." He spoke, his face and tone unchanging. As if this was the most important thing that was going to happen tonight. "Even my dad hates it."
Yes, of course it would be the name.., after all, Wukong was most certainly not knightly or one of formality and title. But, his first name would be far too personal…
Besides, I have yet to learn if he is skillful or personal enough to do so. Even Yang had to give a halfway decent battle before I gave the right.
As for Venatores, he merely exuded his skill. So for now…
"Apologies, Wukong." I spoke bowing my head in a small form of apology
"Okay, that's weirder." He spoke, faster than an arrow could fly, an even greater disgust . Yes, I suppose one could view it as such…
Which left one last alternate option.
"Sun Wukong?"
"…Yes." He spoke, a large smile on his face, as if truly at peace with what I said. A satisfaction that I could not understand came from his tone. "Perfection."
What a strange monkey man.
"So," He spoke up, turning to the rest of the team, clapping his hands together. Bringing all attention to him, with such a simple movement. "We're sure about not bringing this guy?"
That certainly gave the room pause… everyone, aside from the blue haired newcomer. Who, if memory serves, was named Neptune. Perhaps there was yet to be another, more mature state of mind.
"Why would you want that?" Belladonna, of course the first to speak up. Her tone, instead of the outrage she usually spoke with, was filled with confusion. "You were at a loss for words every time he looked at you."
The blue haired knight's eyes widened, looking at Sun Wukong in some form of disbelief.
"Really?" He questioned his tone matching the look in his eyes, his partner not looking away from Belladonna.
"Obviously," He nodded his head, as if his fear of Venatores was the most natural thing in the world. Which it was, though it seemed that most were too stubborn to admit such a thing. Case in point, when the two partners blinked nearly simultaneously at such an admission. "Dude's like the Bazaar owners where I grew up. People in Vacuo, especially merchants, are very… aggressive when it comes to thieves."
"Aggressive how?" Miss Rose spoke, looking at the young Faunus in an almost worried interest. Said Faunus looked as if he was about to speak…
Right as he changed the subject, a stray hand touching his chest. Before he spoke out to the rest of the party. "Like I said, the more the merrier."
I nodded to him, understanding the need to hide such information. After all, it would seem that he didn't have the happiest of lives, or the most successful of operations.
But some did not seem to pick up on such a nuance in his demeanor. Or at least, did not seem to acknowledge it.
"You want him to kill people?" Yang spoke out, looking at him with a small amount of curiosity. A sympathetic pang upon her face.
"No, that was screwed up." Sun Wukong said immediately, not even a single missed beat. His arms crossing over his exposed chest. "But if they're trying to kill him, I say defend yourself without holding anything back."
I nodded my head, a fine thought process! But… I knew that others would try to continue this conversation… and, if we were going to understand anything truly of use.
"As interesting as this is." I spoke, my boisterous voice echoing out into the courtyard. Drawing everyone's attention to me, in shock. "We have a quest to embark on!"
"Yeah!" Miss Rose spoke out instantly, just as excited as I was at that very moment. Jumping up slightly, causing the cape on her back to flutter.
I would have joined her in such a jump, if I didn't wish to break the very ground I stood upon. Falling through each floor in a rather hilarious thought.
But, the atmosphere seemed to grow charged, and ready. The battle now wishes to happen, as Yang punches one fist into the other.
"Miss Rose," I spoke out, crossing my arms with a beaming smile on my face. "Our designations."
She nodded, a determined smile on her face, turning to Sun Wukong with a smile.
"Sun," She spoke out, the man nodding in quick response with a small smile upon his face."You go with Blake and Mors."
The smile seemed to brighten even more, as I moved to his side. A smile equally on my face, as I slapped him upon his back. His body lurching forward with a groan of pain.
"Welcome aboard." I spoke out, the smile still large on the Monkey Faunus's face. A hand reaching to where I had slapped him.
"Neptune can go with Yang,"The leader spoke out again, pushing the blue haired man towards her sister. Both were smiling friendly and charming smiles. "Since she doesn't have a partner."
"Very well." I spoke out, a hand reaching behind my back. Clutching the Greatsword of Artorias with a determined grip.
"Wa-" Lady Schnee began, a strange sense of longing in her voice. Drowned out by my own voice.
"Onwards!" I yelled out, quite possibly disturbing any neighbors that Team RWBY had. "To our shared victories!"
I started walking out of the room with an excited and quick gait. Many following behind me with a similar pace.
"I'm going to enjoy this!" Sun Wukong screamed out, no doubt a large smile on his face with another loud sound following it.
Each member of Team RWBY and the partnership ready and excited. Doing nothing but looking forward with excitement that I had generated.
Ready for any kind of battle…
I smiled even more, feeling a shadowed presence in the corner. One that I had grown used to feeling over time.
As all were caught unaware of the looming Hunter stalking their steps.
The ride over was fairly simple, each of us splitting into different sections of the Industrial area of the city. An part of the city specializing in the main workload of the citizens.
It was an area with large scaling building, each one like an outstretched hand daring to reach the sky. Other buildings that had large plumes of smoke that looked nearly invisible in the darkened sky. A combination of grime and cleanliness fusing into a single sector of work.
In these late hours, the people were making their ways home. Some with nice suits and square bags at their side, walking into the ride with tired sighs. Others with soot and grime upon their skin, as if working all day in forges and the like. Fatigued as everyone else, some had even managed to fall asleep in the deep rumble of the Bullhead.
Others decided to talk, most within a particular group of people. The ones wearing these strange suits sitting together, continuing to speak of bland formalities within the business or some other form of celebration.
The hard workers spoke of what they crafted and the like…
And some spoke of the very large man in full armor, who had just walked past them. Words of 'Atlas Prototype' and 'What fine craftsmanship.'
I stood tall, taking in all such compliements and comments. As I looked to both of my designated partners.
Both of which, seemed a little disturbed by such attention. Sun Wukong taking it with grace smiling slightly, while Belladonna gripped the bridge of her nose. As if forcing the pressures of a headache down into a deep sigh.
"I knew this was a bad idea." She spoke staying slightly behind me, my rather large frame keeping attention away.
I turned to the side, seeing a small child continue to stare rather openly. Her eyes wide with amazement and wonder that only a child could feel at seeing such a figure. The tail that poked through her skirt swinging back and forth in the excitement of a dog. A large male with wolf ears perked up, staring at me with a small cautious scowl while holding the small child's hand. Pulling her along quickly, ears flattening ever so slightly against his head, the girl still looking behind her.
"Tis alright," I smiled a bit, lifting a large hand up in a wave towards her as I spoke to Belladonna. The young girls tail seeming to sway even faster in attention given. Waving back with a small amount of glee. "Think of me as a distraction. No one is paying attention to you after all."
I turned away, looking back forward as I made my path to the designated place. Each member of the workforce continuing to stare, as the three of us made way.
Even as we passed, everyone took a long glance at me, some even moving out of our path. The younger ones of all who passed me were all staring at me in a form of awe. The elders passed me within a small form of caution… an amount of them of that noticeably having some form of extra appendage.
As if I was a Silver Knight of Anor Londo, walking the streets.
It was as amazing as it was… distressing to say the least. Being looked at like a monster.
Even without the truth staring at them in the face.
I shook my head, still moving forward with Belladonna at the lead. The streets growing emptier, as Gwyn's gift fell to the earth. All that remained was the silence that filled the streets.
My gaze went down every stray alley, each one filling with darkness in the sheer scale of these buildings.
Little could be seen in each one, aside from stray elements of art painting the walls. Sometimes even the start indeterminate figure, heavily shrouded in the brisk night.
Every few blocks was filled with the stray Knight in blue, a pistol or some sort upon their hips. Each within a pair, as they checked the block for any form of trouble.
There gaze lingered a little while over us… some gazes that made the monkey in front straighten a little more. I turned to gaze at them to, waving slightly in their direction.
One scoffed looking to his partner with a furowed brow, whispering to his partner. Words spewing from his mouth, unable to catch any word spoken.
Thankfully, with the slightest twinge of a black bow, I knew someone did.
"By chance," I whispered out, continuing forward in myusual pace. The bow twitching once more, as she turned her head to me, the yellow eyes nearly haunting in the growing darkness. "What did they say?"
"They think your an Atlas droid." She spoke, looking at me through the shows that blocked my face. A scoff directly afterwards followed by a growing scowl, as if continuing to listen. "And are now rambling about… rather idiotic things."
"Droid?" I asked quizzically, both turning to stare at me ever so slightly. What sort of creature could I be mistaken for? Perhaps some strange demon they managed to control?
"You know," Sun Wukong spoke out, a small bit of shockin his voice. Something that continues when I did not respond. "The things made entirely of metal that replaced most law enforcement in Atlas."
That sounded like…
"You mean Iron Golems?"I spoke out, a small amount of surprise in my voice. Especially the near impossible sorceries that were required to manufacture them. The two in frontcontinuing to stare at me. "They make some within human size? That seems… rather ineffective."
"Yeah," Belladonna spoke, a sense of cynicism injected into her tone. Her pace picking up ever so slightly. "If there wasn't an army of them, you might be right."
An army… of tiny Iron Golems.
I put it into my mind, over twenty Iron Golems of such sizes in my mind. Each one unable to wear the heavy plating of the original design. Possible medium weight armor…
I would cut or dent two with a single swing of my sword. But, it will not do to displease the young lady.
"Why would they think of me as such?" I spoke, changing the subject with simple absentmindedness. Looking down at my fully armored form that covered all, but kept some form of flexibility.
"Well, it's not often anyone sees people in full armor." Sun Wukong spoke up, turning his entire self around. Looking at me directly in the eyes. "With Aura, no one really needs it, a lot of people are usually wearing it for decorative purposes."
A huff of air escaped my nostrils.
Decorative! You may as well call it useless!
Even Lady Nikos' armor, despite it being light would block the blows of a lesser weapon without a scratch to her Aura.
"Speaking of which," The blonde monkey continued, his face now filled with a great curiosity. Arms behind his head, with a curious look upon his face. "Are you from the upper crust?"
"Nay," I spoke quickly, the words quickly spewing from my mouth so I could not process. "My father wished it of me, but I preferred to fight and serve."
A needed oversimplification of such events. But, my father was rather personal. Sir Jaune required insight into my very past, in hopes of becoming even greater.
The man nodded his head, keeping his back turned to his direction. As if expectant, or even hopeful, of something.
"What of you?" I asked, a small smile spreading across my face. The monkey Faunus' smile grew even more prominent, as the young lady at our side turned the corner. An action we followed absently, as more people continued to stare.
"Dads a guard for a merchant," Sun Wukong spoke, his smile wide and nearly wistful. As if possessed by nostalgia, before shaking it off slightly.
But even I could not see the surprise in such an occupation. And for the fairly wistful expression.
"A Thief the son of a guard?" I spoke out, the smile on the monkey Faunus' face growing somehow large. Perhaps enjoying the obvious confusion within my voice. "Apologizes for any rudeness, but he must hold some misgivings."
"Kidding me, my dad's cool!" Sun Wukong yelled out, drawing the attention of whatever else was within the vicinity. Even the night watch seemed shocked, as they looked over to the rambunctious monkey. Before dismissing it with a near silent utterance from his lips. A word I managed to discern as 'teenagers.' "Managed to keep himself calm and collected despite raising me. And trust me, I wasn't easy to raise."
I was once more transferred to the depths of my mind, imagining the younger version of Sun Wukong. More immature, more hyperactive and far more impulsive…
It was most certainly a terrifying thought, especially if one was a parental figure.
Belladonna turned to look at him, a tiny smile on her face. As if feeding off the small piece of enthusiasm that Sun Wukong brought with him. But, she turned her head back to the streets, looking down the alley like a cautious warrior.
"Besides," The rambunctious Thief spoke,smile still wideon his face, ignorant of his surroundings aside from the stray backwards glance. "I only steal stray fruits from someone's basket or the stray lien card. Just a little extra food for us, and a little entertainment."
"He was fine with it, so long as I accepted every consequence." He continued, shrugging his shoulders and with a roll of his eyes. "Y'know, typical dad stuff."
I nodded my head, a false smile on my face that went unseen.
"This is for the greater good my son…" Just the memory of those words left me with the feelings of outrage fill my very soul. One that could not be controlled…
Yet, Fire did not consume nor did I break my very armor by gripping too tightly.
It had taken a long time to gain control of such an impulse. And it will take longer before that memory fades away from hollowing.
But, until the signs begin…
Now is the time to live.
"Sounds like a good Faunus." Belladonna spoke out, breaking me away from the inevitable future. The smile of nostalgia on her face, as Mister Wukong turned to look at her. His head shaking side to side, forcing the eyes of the hidden cat widen a little.
"Greatest Human." He corrected, turning back to look forward. Hands still behind his head, the usual cheer still there, but muted ever so slightly.
"Human?" She spoke out again, as if it truly didn't feel comprehended. Like she needed to repeat it to process it. Even going so far as to take a small step closer, as if studying him.
A thing that did not go unnoticed.
"Yeah," Sun Wukong spoke with a small discomfort, as if this was the only part he wished not to speak of. "Mom was the Faunus. Don't know what kind, never really asked him."
It was a tense silence for but a second, especially with the small note of finality mixed in his words. Genuinely uncomfortable speaking about his mother, or being stared at like an experiment.
Belladonna backed away ever so slightly, turning her head away so that none could see her expression.
It was a small agreement that this part of the conversation would not continue.
"That's good..." The young cat spoke, the tone of surprise and genuine relief filling her quiet words. The bow on her head sagging the tiniest bit, her animal ears reacting to her emotions. "Almost every story I hear about being raised by humans… don't have happy connotations."
I nodded my head ever so slightly, my mind drifting once more to my very father. A man who had taken a cruel authoritarian role within my life… but, there were better people in the world.
All it took was to find them.
Even still, I had to ask the obvious question in my mind.
"Would these stories happen to be from the… White Fang." I whispered out, making sure that no pedestrian, other than Miss Belladonna and Sun Wukong, could hear it.
The bow on her head perked up reflexively, both from hearing me, and when she turned around with surprise on her face. Sun Wukong looked towards her to, an eyebrow raised in interest.
Turning back quickly, to see where she was going. Nevertheless she nodded her head, allowing Sun Wukong and I to understand.
"Thing is," The other Faunus spoke looking at with no amount of judgement on his face. "Not every story you hear reflects everyone's life."
Belladonnas turned her head to the monkey Faunus, and glared at him. A glare seething with only the tiniest bit of anger, yet still remaining effective.
To Sun Wukong of course.
"Not to say there isn't a problem," He spoke, backpedaling away from the situation. Turning his attention forward, he finished his conversation off. "But still."
The young Belladonna turned away, walking a little faster. The frown on her face seemed to grow deeper in thought before it vanished in the small distance between alongside the shadows of night.
It was quiet, a tense silence enveloping the night. Be it from the atmosphere of the bustling city turning silent and dark, or the newly made one from two who no longer wished to speak.
But… for the life of me I could not fault her. I knew what it was like, to face such things. Thinking you understand so much, only for another to have such a different view.
Even to change your own…
Which was why Sun Wukong would hold such a blessing. After all…
My personal experience with those associated with the Sun, were rather blessed friends.
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Sun Wukong asked, looking around in the emptying district. Already proving my point in trying to reinitiate conversation, despite the horrid glare that may come his way yet again.
"We have to take a small detour." Turning her head around the entire place, taking yet another right in the winding districts and lanes. Stopping in a long and shadowed alleyway, ending in a dead end. "If any White Fang initiates even a glance at Mors, we're dead in the water. Especially if they think he's an Atlas Robot."
Ah… Atlas and their history with the Faunus. It would be like an Undead stepping into the thrones of Anor Londo.
Something I knew with deadly experience.
"Very well." I said, nodding my head as the young lady continued down to the very end. Glass shattered on the alley, and a large green object that smelled of Blighttown and strange colored glyphs across the wall. Each an assortment of colors from blue to green, to even a bright yellow…
It almost looked like a Soapstone Glyph. It certainly glowed with a vibrancy unmatched in the city. But it couldn't be, it was far too large and hanging from a wall.
But that could mean this 'Lotta Pride' would help us in our ventures?
I took a step forward to touch it…
Only for the l shattering of glass to permeate the alley. A sound directly under my foot, as I lifted to see a large pile of glass beneath my armored boot. One loosely in the shape of a bottle.
I had barely enough time to react, before the sound of footsteps entered the streets. Loud and fast.
"Hide!" Belladonna quickly whispered out, suddenly grabbing my arm and failing to pull me away. Even still, I walked to the direction she pulled slow meticulous steps that muffled the sound of my large boots. Stopping and leaning closely to the shadows, as much as I could behind the large bin of litter. The location of the other two unseen and uncared for.
Then something whispered out at the end of the alley, one that forced me to lean closer to even glimpse.
A single person was waiting at the opening of the alley.
But that didn't matter.
All that mattered was that he had a gun trained down the alley. A fierce look on his face, filled with nothing but cold calculation, behind a fierce glare.
I began to grip the sword on my back, moving it out of its position. Even preparing a Fire orb in my hand, without actively lighting it. It was a single man, simple to take care of, even at this distance. Even the gunshot would practically do nothing.
But, if he saw me before he was down and shot that gun, nearly every Faunus in the vicinity would be notified of an intruder.
The intruder took a step forward, quiet yet deafening at the same time.
Good, he was getting closer. That would give me enough opportunity for a quiet takedown. A simple combustion to his throat, and a wrenching of the gun fr-
"Are you with the White Fang?" My hand barely even twitched, before Belladonna's Voice rang out beside me. My attention turned to her, as the bow across her head came undone. A single finger over her lips in a gesture of silence.
It was a risky move, one that made itself apparent. No clear identification or anything of note.
Right as the sound of the gun cocked in the alley, an obvious growl in the man's voice. Quick movement to the location, as many steps as possible.
The fire began to lick my hands once more, the cat Faunus instantly standing up, her arms raised in surrender. A foot suddenly striking at the open palm of my hand, trying to put out the magical flame. An invisible glare directed towards her, at the lack of any possible offensive option.
I put out the fire, only for the fact that she might have burned herself in the flames. The strange stilts clicking on the dirtied pavement. She most certainly should have been shot.
But no shot was fired, just the continued tense atmosphere between the two.
Before another word was uttered, a slight shift of clothing sounding through the air.
"Sorry." The man spoke out, the atmosphere growing less oppressive, even friendly. Belladonna exuding a breath she had been holding in. "A little jumpy tonight, a lot of police presence."
She nodded her head, motioning to a stray corner of the street. The blonde monkey quickly jumped out, possibly surprising the man with another sound of quick movement.
"Are we on time?" Sun Wukong asked, the usual confident smile upon his face. Hands behind his head instead of begging for mercy.
"Just about." The unnamed man spoke, a strain in his voice at the nonchalant attitude. "Anyone follow you?"
"No," Belladonna spoke out, walking forward slowly out of my sight. Her hands lowered, as she looked at me one last time before turning to the Soldier. "But we had to be careful. I overheard the police talking about Atlas robots in the streets."
A distinct sound of spitting filled the alley, as a wet splatter hit the dirtied concrete. And even a second sound of something moving against cloth.
"Figures." He whispered out, a growl on the back of his throat. Laying across the ground like the corpse I am.
"Don't worry about them." The Soldier continued, an air of cockiness filling the alley, as he took steps away. The near silent steps of my two allies following him, as the voice "They may seem impressive, but they can't even capture a single one of us in their 'Sky Kingdom'."
"Are you part of the Atlas branch?" Belladonna's voice spoke, drifting farther and farther away. The hint of surprise is still so very distinct. "Why are you here?"
"They needed experienced manpower." This one was farther away, echoing across the walls. I leaned my head out as far as I could manage without being seen. All three of them, standing with their backs turned. Enough for me to see the man's Faunus heritage, a short and fluffy fox tail. "Big plans on the horizon."
"What plans?" Sun Wukong spoke, turning to the side. His eyes briefly met with mine, a small flick of his tail at the sight of me. As well as the tightening of his jaw.
His tail moved once more, this time becoming straight. Moving back and forth like a saw in the direction I was once hiding.
Something I decided to translate into hide.
I silently leaned my head against the stone wall. A pause filling the entire night.
"It will all be told at the initiation." The man spoke, a hint of suspicion as the footsteps continued outwards.
Any conversation stopped, the suspicion in the Soldier tone enough to stop it.
I waited there, sitting in the spot. Hearing the footsteps begin to disappear into the night. Waiting just a bit longer into the night, just in case anything may happen.
After all, some of these Faunus could have similar hearing to Belladonna. Hearing the scraping of my metal armor against the concrete, or the crushing of any trash under my boot.
It was only two minutes of waiting, one for making completely sure, the other for complete insurance. When that was over, I got up from the filthy floor.
I went to the end of the alley, looking down each street. Each end empty of everyone. No Faunus or police within my sight, just the empty night street.
Only the presence that appeared at my side, like a ghost letting itself finally be known to the living. No doubt spending the two minutes I was hiding infiltrating the very assembly.
I shook my head, turning to my one-eyed partner. His hands filled with his usual implements within each of his hands. approaching me with his silent gait, as I began to search for how I had missed his presence. I may have grown used to finding him within the halls of the academy, but it was still vexing how easily I could miss him.
I would have asked, if there weren't more pressing matters at the moment.
"Do you know the location of the meeting." I asked, pulling the sword of my back with ease. A comforting weight once more in my hands.
He pointed down the street with his blade, as I followed the gesture with rapt focus. Seeing a multitude of storage areas each, from a large distance, the size of a large house.
"The third one." He spoke out, as I continued to stare down the objective. My sword grip growing tighter upon my sword, a mix of emotions filling me. One standing out from the others.
Anticipation.
"Anyone that might give us a problem?" I spoke taking a large step forward, sword leaning against my shoulder. No doubt the stalking Hunter following behind me, still difficult to tell with his spinet steps.
"Only the obvious one." Venatores spoke,voiceset in his usual tone that gave away nothing. Getting ahead of me, the sword in his hands sparkling ever so slightly in the moonlight. "Other than that, nothing from sight alone. There is a pungent smell of blood though."
"Blood?" I spoke with confusion filling me ever so slightly, as I leaned up against the wall. Crouching so that none could see me over it. "Have there been casualties?"
Venatores leaned against the wall, taking a large intake of air. Continuing to move forward, something that I followed him with. After all, he was far more experienced in this.
"Blood enters the skin of killers." He spoke out, moving a couple more feet forward. His finger suddenly pointing upwards over the wall. "Lift."
I placed my hand down, the experienced hunter already within its grasp. Without even a strain of effort, his eyes were above the wall.
Then he crouched down, jumping silently falling to the floor. "The more powerful the smell," He continued, as I turned around to look at anyone who may be behind us."The more deaths they have taken part of."
"This one, is potent." He finished off, moving forward once more. As we closed in on the back entrance of the warehouse. Two questions popped up in the forefront of my mind.
I wondered what I smelled like?
If I smelled like a corpse, I would have been found out by him. If I wasn't, it begged the question of what I did smell like.
At least, what the dark mark made me smell like.
But those questions were certainly not necessary. So, the second question would have to be asked.
"Can you tell where they are?" I spoke out, continuing to try and make my moves as silent as possible.
"Too many people." He spoke plainly, leaning against the entry with his good eye on the outside. "If I was in there with them I could. But not out here."
Shame. But such luxuries aren't usually given.
As such, we'll have to create them.
"Three guards directly ahead." He spoke out, keeping his eyes to the guards in front. I leaned over him, my large form allowing me such pleasure. "Another in the shadow over behind the Warehouse. Shouldn't be too difficult."
Each guard was in a line formation. Two guards swerving their heads nearly catching sight of us as they looked over the opening.
The other had his back turned, staring at a smaller opening.
The last one remained unseen, right behind where Venatores spoke.
Each of them were standard guards, nothing too unusual. A couple of crates stood in the way, to ensure stealth on them.
"Take out the one looking away," I spoke out, the Hunter nodding his head. "As well as the hidden one. I should be able to handle those two."
"Very well." He spoke, turning to me, straining his neck so he could have a good look. "And our end of the deal?"
I took out my scroll, instantly handing it to him. Not even bothering with a message, since I didn't need the scroll in the first place. He opened it to the appropriate screen, reading the message on its face.
"An armory." I spoke out, the two words making the hunters eyes widen ever so slightly. Right before he pocketed my scroll with a nod of his head.
"It's a good find." He spoke, moving silently up the alley. Going to execute the mission that I had asked of him. "I'll head there after this."
"No wish for luck?" I spoke out jokingly, staring at the other two guards. I suppose rushing them from behind would be enough to finish them off. I put the sword across my back, bringing out my bare hands.
If I take them out with the sword, it could make far too much noise. Beating them over the head, and using combustion will be quieter.
"Luck is ineffective." He spoke out, his tone of voice implying his famous eye roll. "Use yo-!"
It was quiet for merely a second, causing me to turn around with a blaze in my hand.
But he stood there stock still, an active glare on his face. Breaking from it to look upon my reaction with a quick glance.
"Be extra careful." He spoke out, words quieter and filled with a certain caution. As if his voice could be heard, even through the silence. Right as he took something from his small pocket, opening it revealing it inwards.
It was a… dangerously colored blue slime.
"The beast roams close."
He threw his head back, swallowing the no doubt disgusting concoction. A disgusted look on his face, as his eyes rolled into the back of his head.
Where he promptly vanished.
"V-Venatores!" I whispered out, moving as silently as I could to the spot. Waving my hand over the location he once was.
Vanished… without a single trace.
Alright Mor Ignis… he merely drank a potion that looked like it nearly killed him. But, he certainly wouldn't drink poison…
Possibly an alternative Invisibility Sorcery?
Yes, let's assume that for now.
I turned back to the opening in the wall. The two guards still there, with the one remaining on still under-
Where did the third one go?
Behind the two guards, there should have been a third guard. But there was nothing there but the air and darkness…
He certainly works fast. The hidden one could be taken care of at this very moment.
Alright… this will be loud.
No mistakes now.
I looked once more… each guard turning to look at the other. Each taking large steps. No other guard or creature within my sight…
Now!
I ran forward full sprint, the large steps of metal shocking the two guards as they turned to me. Their guns and their bullets pointed at me.
But I had reached them before they could fire. Possibly seconds away from firing…
I grabbed one by the face, squeezing as the fire of my pyromancer burst forth. The body instantly went limp from the supernatural flames bursting from my hand.
The other couldn't even make a single peep, as I did something similar. Squeezing his head with the full force of my grasp.
Neither of them felt a thing, as they fell to the ground. Ones face having some level of burns, while the other a nearly cracked skull
Yes… a decent infiltration, with little to no noise whatsoever.
Now then…
All that was left was to fin-
A sharp jab within the inner thigh. That was enough for me to grab my sword, turning with all the strength I could possibly manage.
I had a small view before the sword connected with anything, as I forced myself to stop.
Nothing… nothing but air and the way I came from.
I turned my head quickly in all directions, feeling the pain invisible gaze tickle me from all directions. As if this creature could be nearly anywhere.
Perhaps this was the beast Venatores-
A sharp cut to the neck, coming from directly behind me.
I didn't hesitate this time. Straining with my entire body, damn the noise I could make.
The blade came down with the force of a Giant, the concrete shattering with ease…
As the shatter of glass filled the air.
And a girl, half my size, made herself known.
She wore similar stilts that most of the other women in Team Rwby decided to wear. Black on the bottom with pure white going up her shins, golden buttons of some level going up the side. Form-fitting tights upon her legs that barely managed to make it past her waist. Two belts not holding even the smallest of things up.
A black undershirt connected with the pants, leaving her hips exposed to the cold night. A white jacket that had its front waist cut off, making the back almost look like a knight's shawl. The jacket was pure white, with a simple red interior and the folded collar a bright pink alongside the cuffs. A load of jeweled chains around her neck. A pink umbrella with a u like curve, with petal like pattens with a dark brow lined at the end.
And, at the red dyed tip at the end of it.
Then there was the woman herself. Cute and small, with features on someone bigger would make them look almost beautiful. Half pink and brown hair, right and left respectively flowing down her back…
But two things above all were noticeable…
The eyes of two seperate colors, one that mirrored her own hair.
And the confusion, so clear on her face, as she studied me like a small project. The umbrella spinning in her hands with an eyebrow fully raised.
I didn't wait for her to ask.
It was a simple turn of the hip, allowing me to make another downward swing. This one was more controlled, so that I would not hit the concrete.
She merely sidestepped to the left, a confident look on her face.
As I let go of the sword, flame burning righteously in my hand, grabbing the woman by th-
Glass shattered all around me, as the world changed ever so slightly.
As the woman went from left to right. A pain hitting me right below the armpit. A stabbing pain that was quickly pulled away.
A groan left my mouth, as I turned to the girl. A smug smile on her face, as she began to lean against me like a wall. A hand reaching up to her mouth in a silent yawn.
An illusionist? Or some kind of instant movement?
No… the glass breaking had to mean that I was destroying something.
My arm erupted outward into a solid punch, actually managing to hit the girl. She was sent skidding back a couple feet, her Aura straining heavily against me, even from the improvised blow.
It was only when she stopped did she look at me.
Instead of confusion, there was surprise.
I went back into a combat stance, my left hand glowing with a brilliant fire. My right hand the only hand upon the Greatsword of Artorias.
She lifted up her… weapon in turn. Closed with splotches of red coating the pink-ended fabric.
She touched the tip of the metal spike, drawing her hand back. Checking the sharpness of her blade, with a curious eye.
Was this an illusion? Or was she actually checking it…
I have never truly fought a mortal with such illusionary prowess before, aside from the walls through my journey. Only Gwyndolin had such prowess, and used it on a much larger scale than this woman. But, perhaps her minor illusions were just as dangerous as the Dark Sun herself, leaving me very little ways to combat such methods. Illusions were powerful but limited, but it seems this one was not deterred by said limitations…
But she wasn't the one who snuck in, her power similar but vastly different to the one we were searching for.
I watched as the smaller girl got into a battle stance, placing her open parasol on her shoulder studying me with a critical eye. From my experience as a fighter, I could already tell this would be difficult, as I have no experience against illusionists such as her…
Which only left outlasting her.
Except this would waste time, allowing the rogue known as Torchwick to escape. Alongside any answer that he could give us.
It was a stalemate, physically and strategically.
Perhaps the girl knew this as well…
I grabbed my sword with both hand and held it in a horizontal position. The girls face barely moving in response to the sudden action.
That was the illusion.
I swung the sword forward, letting the weight carry me in the widest arc I could manage. The sword carrying itself in the largest swing I could practically manage.
It was a full turn, my body facing in the direction I had before my back had been turned to…
But the sound of glass did not fill the area.
And the girl had vanished from sight.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. My arm bursting into hot flames of destruction, a storm of fire ready to burst from its shackles…
Until the sounds of swords clashing against the other filled the air against my ear, dissipating the storm.
Then glass shattered once again, as I turned…
To see Venatores staring at the smallwoman, who looked up at him with the same confusion.
"Check your wounds," He spoke up, a force in his voice that could almost be considered worried. His curved blade breaking from the lock with a quick swipe at her eyes.
She merely opened the umbrella, the blade bouncing off as if the material were made of metal. Spinning it once more, as she backed away.
Lifting it up with it open, a confident smirk on her face. Like a game that had suddenly begun to grow enjoyable.
"Now!" Venatores continued, staring daggers at the girl in front of us. Never letting his eye stray from her form, the girl looked him up and down playfully.
"Worry not Venatores," I spoke out, grasping my blade once more. Staring at the woman with a focused gaze. She returned it, a look of interest upon her face as well. "Merely flesh wounds."
"She cut into your Axillary, Carotid and Femoral Arteries." He responded, the strange words sounding grim despite the lost meanings. "You're lucky they weren't deep, or you'd already be dead."
Dead? How could I have been killed by such tiny little stab wounds…
I turned my attention back to the woman, a little smirk upon her face. One that showed knowledge that I had yet to know.
I touched the wound upon my neck…
Feeling the large gash across its entire side. I was even able feel the inside of my skin, the thick and rotted blood escaping from it with the speed of a snail.
Right… they think I'm alive. They don't truly know how to fight the Undead. The blood no longer escapes with the speed of the living. So small wounds, even upon the most vital of areas, would take minutes to drain. It took a cut the size of my forearm to have any true effects.
And even then, there was yet another complication they had so little knowledge about. After all…
My heart no longer beats. It hadn't moved ever since I had become this… creature.
"Can you defeat her?" I spoke out, my hand returning to my blade. The young girl's expression falling to a pout, possibly dissatisfied with such a question.
Venatores moved the tiniest bit, shifting right in front of me. He lifted his hand out…
As it began to glow with the power I had not seen before. A small vortex of stars that surrounded his arm, his form leaning back as if bracing against this explosion of power.
As four long and thin tentacles shot forth, each wriggling like the vines of the Bed of Chaos. Going outward in every direction you could possibly imagine, before converging in one.
The sound of glass breaking filled the world again, with a cacophony of whispers that none could understand.
As the woman stared at Venatores, the first look of genuine surprise upon her face.
"Better…" The Hunter spoke out, the tentacles falling out of the stars. Each tentacle disappeared as it did, dividing into tiny little creatures that flowed with similar power. Disappearing like stars in the early morning. "I can get answers."
I nodded my head, not even bothering to question the strange sorcery that he had just done. I turned around, the sound of metal striking metal filling the air once again. Venatores, most likely defending my escape, so that I may get information as well.
My heavy armored steps filled the area, something that would have brought many to my attention. But, now was not the time to worry about such things.
For all I could know, the meeting could be over. Anything could have gone wrong.
I needed to know where they were at this very moment.
I went to the back of the entire warehouse, the thick steel wall masking most noise.
Thankfully, a boastful voice sounded through it. Vibrating every piece of metal in the warehouse.
"-Tunatley," A muffled voice spoke, a specific charisma necessary to speak out loud. One that gave me the smallest pause, memories surfacing from nearly a month ago. "I'm the best Exterminator around… No offense to any rodents in the room."
What was it Venatores said about this man? 'Egotistical and charismatic, that made up for his skill and ability.'
Roman Torchwick… The rogue from the shipyard. It was a hope that he would be here.
So was it luck that he was here?
If so, this was bad. No luck came without a price. Avoid a death blow from a dangerous enemy, the thief or dog that you had forgotten about come from the corner. Get to a safe area, a boss falls from the ceiling into the lava below.
Luck was never a good thing.
…
Life certainly takes a turn when you're undead.
"Now, many of your brothers have already moved down to our new operation in the southeast." The voice continued, breaking the thoughts of the past. Southeast? While the general geography of the area wasn't within my knowledge, it will be a great starting point. "If you'd rather stay within the city, that's fine…"
"But if you're truly ready to fight for what you believe in," Cheers echoed out suddenly, as if he had revealed something truly spectacular. "This is the arsenal I can provide you."
Arsenal… perhaps they have obtained weaponry from a powerful force? Perhaps they raided a Silver Knights armory, Crystal weapons?
No, those in this age appropriate high level firearms. At least, with Miss Rose that was certainly the case.
There was something akin to a mumble within the wall, followed by yet another roar of the Faunus people. As if rallying to the phrase stated by this charismatic rogue.
"All new recruits," Yet another voice spoke out, the dread beginning to fill my stomach once more. An unknown voice vibrating through the metal wall. "Please come forward."
… Belladonna and Sun Wukong were recruits. They even talked and fought with Roman.
He would recognize them, especially if they don't follow along. They could escape…
But, what if they were already captured?
So many questions, so little answers… and when that comes…
I walked backwards the tiniest bit, sword still prominent on my back. My hand begins to burst into flames, the heat growing and growing, reaching a point that would melt any man.
Then, I ran forward, footsteps loud and strong like the flames in my arm. Thrusting my arm forward with my palm outward, fire continues to grow in its grasp. Merely an inch away from crashing into the large metal wall.
Never wait…
The wall exploded outwards, inwards to those that remained inside. A large sound of metal being sundered apart, with a hot blast of air flowing inward.
I looked up, seeing a red haired man turning back, alongside two other men. Each of them was already wielding a weapon, one of them grasping at their head ever so slightly. One was incredibly large, like the Greatsword within my own hand, while the other was thin like a rapier.
Most of the others stared out in absolute panic, whether they be in street clothes or in full uniform. Some had weapons already trained, a look of fear covered by bone white masks.
"Now then…" I began to speak, drawing my sword, a smile across my face. A sense of anticipation filling my every bone…
Make your own answer.
"Shall we begin?"