I don't own RWBY. I hope y'all like this chapter. I made a story prompt, and a someone made a small story from it. I modified it, and I hope they see read it. It's not as long as I was hoping but I think it's pretty good.
"Can he make explosions that blow up mountains?!" asked Nora with a huge smile on her face.
'I knew it.' Thought all of her friends and teachers.
"He can, although I'm not sure how many times he's able to do it. He's only done attacks of that strength twice I think; both at separate times and locations." His answer only made her smile wider than before.
"What are the chances he's coming to our world? We can be explosion buddies." Nora stated the reasoning for her questions. Her question made Yin pause.
"Infinitely small or Infinitely large." spoke Yin after a minute. "There is an infinite number of timelines so, your timeline might be one that has Archer summoned or it might not be. Any more questions before I start it?"
"What did deeds did he commit to become one of these Heroic Spirits? Also, how strong were his enemies that he had to have mountain destroying explosives?" questioned Ozpin with a serious glint in his eyes. After all, if there was a chance small or large of him arriving; it's best to have an idea of his strength rather than remain ignorant.
"Although I don't have any of his files with me, I do remember him fighting a personification of Angra Mainyu otherwise known as 'All the World's Evils' or the Persian god of Darkness along with a few others." His words had everyone shocked and that would've been enough, but he continued with, "He's also killed a few semi-immortal enemies."
If his words before stunned them, the words he said just now stunned them into complete silence.
"W-What d-do you mean by semi-immortal?" stuttering her words a bit Cinder asked the question everyone wanted to ask. Salem would probably send her out first to end or assess the threat Archer poses. If he had ended Semi-immortals; her and her counter part would most likely die.
"Exactly that. The semi-immortal's he has faced are ither fellow Heroic Spirits. Keep in mind those spirits I'm thinking of can either come back from death three times or have insane regeneration ability. He's also fought humans that have turned into monsters via sacrifice of hundreds or thousands of other humans; and possibly the actions of other vampires if they're lucky enough not to die immediately." He explained. 'Do they even know what Vamps are? Do they even have Vampiric Grimm?'
Throwing up a little in her mouth, Pyrrha asked, "You said the humans in his timeline have sacrificed thousands of innocents just to gain a bit of power? Do they… Sacrifice children as well?" She sounded as if she regretted the last part of her question.
'Why am I not surprised?' Maria thought, 'Just don't change, do they? They can be amazing and kind, but they're always those few obsessed with power.'
'If a ritual to become immortal involves that many sacrifices what is the price for the Holy Grant to grant even one wish? The death battle seems so simple for a ritual of that caliber. There has to be more,' stirred Ozpin's thoughts.
"Yes, it's actually something you can expect from any magi in that timeline. They aren't a moral or kind group of people. You can say they're more scientific despite working with magic; and their philosophy is that 'If the reward is better than the price. Take it.' Though I don't agree with it, I can see where they're coming from."
"How can you even say that?" Jaune shouted his jaw clenched. He had beaten his friends to the punch.
"It's a simple part of life kid." Roman answered in Yin's stead gaining everyone's attention. Pointing to Ironwood he said, "A general will sacrifice their troops to gain an advantage over their enemy, a gambler will sacrifice money to make money, and a criminal could risk freedom for wealth. It's the same for these Magi I'm guessing. Am I right?"
There was a pause and sigh, "Yes, Roman your comparison is correct. The Magi have no problem sacrificing something to gain something even if it's not theirs. Especially if it's not theirs."
'People are cruel everywhere some are just worse than others. Get used to it and you might actually make decent hunters,' advised and taunted Neo.
Yin narrowed his eyes, 'How the F is she getting these signs.'
"What would you know about being a decent hunter huh? You're a criminal." taunted Yang.
Smugly smiling Neo held up another sign, 'I used to be one Blondie.'
'Oh, it's an illusion. That makes so much more sense.' Yin thought in relief. Reality bender in a small dimension never goes well…
"Ozpin. She telling the truth on this?" whispered Qrow. He should've been dispatched to hunt them down long ago if they were rogue hunters in Vale.
"They're both from Mistral so I'd have to ask Leo. I have a great memory Qrow, but I can't remember everyone that comes out of a school." he whispered back.
Qrow nodded, 'That makes sense. He's ridiculously strong and centuries old some things are bound to slip.'
Hearing their discussion dodged the issue; Yang turned towards the screen and asked Yin, "What are we viewing this time?"
"Glad you asked. I was getting bored of all your talking. No offense meant." said Yin getting a few grumbles from his captives, "Anyway we shall be witnessing a god and 'Hero' fighting."
That got a chocking cough from Ozpin and shocked Silence from Salem and her faction. Salem had tried to fight the gods and ended up like she was now and now she had to witness someone commit the same foolish mistakes as her. For Ozpin he could only see someone like him or Salem coming out of a situation like that. It probably wouldn't even be a fight more likely a slaughter.
Steeling his resolve Ozpin opened his mouth to ask, "Why exactly are they fighting?"
"I don't exactly remember, so I'll watch it with you though I won't comment." Getting a few confused faces at his reply.
"You weren't watching it with us before?" Ruby asked.
"I was watching y'all more than the videos." he replied; it slightly creeped them out, but they understood what he meant. It was a job to him not entertainment after all. "Anyway, I'll get it started now."
Minorly shivering Salem and Ozpin steel themselves as the screen turns on.
It showed two being in a giant forest; its trees looking as if they were trying to hide the massive being staring down the smaller one. It was night, but they could see the massive figure was wearing a robe. The robe seemed to have two themes; the right was dark as the forest with what seemed to be small moving skulls woven into the fabric. While the left side contrasted it perfect with golden edges and small lights moving about. The face though is what convinced them as it was not a face it was a mask; one half was frowning seemingly disappointed at the small figure, and the other smiling softly encouraging the smaller figure. Despite Yin saying the god and a hero were fighting their appeared to be no scratch on its figure, and not an single indication of an injury.
'That has to be the god,' thought everyone.
"GIVE UP; YOU CANNOT WIN," said a deep scratchy voice.
"AHHH! AH!" screamed everyone in the room. The voice made their brains feel as if it was being squished and memories, they didn't want were coming up just at the sound of it.
Rushing Yin immediately turned the screen off, "I am so sorry about that! I completely forgot it spoke like that." Though they couldn't see it he was bowing his head a bit as if in apology.
Panting Mercury asked, "Wha-What was tha-t ugh?" It felt like his head got hit by his old man when he screwed up a kill. 'Fuck why am I remembering this shit now?!' Looking around he thought, 'At least I ain't the only one.' Cinder looked close to throwing up, Em looked like she was about to break out in tears, the red headed girl looked like she was already crying, that Valkyrie chick was grabbing onto that Ren guy's shirt as if was a lifeline, but the Ren guy looked calm though. Hell, just about everyone was having some reaction to that fucking voice.
"That was the true voice of a deity; at least it is in that timeline. You'll find that lots of things can harm or kill someone just hearing a word they say, and deities are one of those," Was the reply. Pushing a few buttons on his tablet he spoke to them again. "I've lessened the power of the voice a lot more than I already had, so you won't be bleeding through your ears or anything."
"You should've done that at beginning you buffoon!" said an aggravated Salem. It was enough knowing there were other deities, but to be weakened in front her followers from a mere voice was unacceptable. 'Just hearing that damned voice made me remember that tower. What is it the God of?'
"Please do not make a similar mistake again." It wasn't a request judging by Ozpin's tone. He knew he couldn't threaten Yin, but firmness is needed at times even when outclassed. 'That voice is definitely an indication to the God's domain/domains but what could it be It's obviously mental one. What about its other side? Is it a physical indication of its domain?'
"Don't worry that should be last time it happens. I'm used to hearing their voices you are not. Which is something I should've thought of. Sorry about that it," Yin replied. "I'm getting it started up again, and there should be no problems this time." Most of them didn't trust him, but they had no choice, so they kept their mouths shut for now.
The god started asking questions, "How many hours? How many days have you spent trying to kill me? Destroy my being? Give up Mia!" Its voice was more forceful towards the end as if wanting to emphasize how pointless the small figures struggle was.
The screen turned towards the small figure now identified as Mia. Her body was covered in light black armor that perfectly matched the darkness surrounding her, and its outlines were colored gold. It reminded the audience of a warden's armor but without the helmet. Her face was covered in scars, scratches from her recent fight with the god, and one of her eyes looked as if it was cut into deeply; but despite the scars you could still see her beauty shining through. Her skin looked like dark caramel, her eye a bright gold the same as her armors outline, her hair was colored black, and made into a small bun.
'Just as I thought. The girl appears exhausted and hasn't even delivered a scratch upon the god's figure. Her eye has been cut into impairing her vision and leaving her even weaker than she must've been.' analyzed Salem. Despite her thoughts she had a small hope for this 'hero,' but seeing not even a scratch just solidified her beliefs.
'I hope she doesn't end up like one of us.' thought Ozpin referring to himself and Salem.
'She has some good pain tolerance. No crying, screaming, or anything over her eyes being gone,' Maria thought in approval. She then noticed another thing, 'She looks like me in my prime. Though she's wearing armor and has golden eyes.' Maria judged nodding her head slightly at the assessment.
Weiss's only reaction was to rub the scar on her face. She was glad that test had only given her a scar.
"You will not win child. Your curse will be lifted if you lay down your weapon." Spoke the Light half its voice was female. You could tell it was talking as the open mouth on its side was glowing each time it spoke.
Salem narrowed her eyes in anger, 'Lies! They would not so easily destroy a curse after a casting it upon those they think deserving.'
"Do not give me false hope!" Mia finally spoke; her voice dripping with venom. "I know what you aren't allowed to do that! The punishment they would give you would be far worse than mine. You gods are not so kind creatures."
Ozpin sighed, 'They aren't meant to be.'
'What curse is worth dying over? She appears able despite her injuries, there's nothing wrong with her appearance so what could it be?' Pyrrha wondered.
"We are the embodiments of hope and despair. False hope is still a form of hope is it not? You question my kindness as well? I am being merciful even talking to you," spoke the 'Hope' and 'Despair' their voices mixing. Their voice rose in volume as they continued, "You still haven't learned your lesson, have you? You have not reflected on why it was given to you. Not even once! I have watched you over the years and not once have you thought about it!"
Salem's stomach curled in disgust at the words, 'Just like the brothers.' The anger she felt towards those two had never faded, but this video intensified her hate for all deities.
"I care nothing about that! Just let me die already!" she yelled at them her golden eye gleaming with tears, "How many lifetimes have I spent with this curse? Do you even care? It's been so damn long I don't even remember my original family or what you cursed me for! That's how long it's been! I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER IF I HAD SIBLINGS, IF MY MOTHER WAS PART OF MY LIFE, OR IF MY FATHER WAS! WHAT COULD'VE BEEN SO DAMN HORRIBLE THAT YOU CURSE ME WITH IMMORTALITY FOR ETERNITY?!" she dropped to her knees weapon grip loosening, and even more exhausted than she was previously because of her rant. Regripping her weapon and with her one eye gleaming she stared straight at them waiting for an answer.
Ruby let out a horrified gasp at the words, "That sounds horrible." While that might've been an understatement, she meant it with all her being. She couldn't imagine losing the memories she had of her family, her team, her friends. The thought of that mad her shiver.
Seeing her shiver Yang wrapped an arm around her, "I got you sis."
Weiss seeing an opportunity through a jab at Yang, "Yeah, I'm sure you'd have a hard time forgetting someone like Yang." Getting a small giggle from Ruby, and an offended 'Hey!' from Yang.
Blake seeing what she was doing joined In, "I know I won't forget her."
Ozpin meanwhile was in thought, 'I don't remember either. My memories have long been covered up the memories of my previous lives. How long has she been cursed? What type of immortality was she cursed with?' The questions plagued him, but he'd wait. They'd either be answered by Yin or the video.
She'd die for yelling at it, but she didn't care. She'd be reincarnated again anyway if they didn't remove her curse.
Salem and Ozpin widened their eyes, 'She's the same as me/Ozma.'
She just wanted an answer for even one of her questions.
"I think not. All you had to do was find why you were cursed, and it would've disappeared. All you had to do was reflect something preached by humans every day, and is what I have told you every single time you have come to kill me. That is all you had to do," Their voice was low. They had gone through this so many times, yet she still had not gotten it. "If you don't care to find out then this will be permanent. Is that what you want Mia?"
'That is not so easy a task. It's difficult enough for a normal human to understand how they've slighted another. A slight against a god is even more difficult to figure out.' Thought Ozpin.
She stood up weapon raised; a small cackle escaping her bloody lip, "Forget it. I was dumb to even think you might show me mercy, or even a kindness to me. No matter how many times I die I'll just reincarnate again." A grin rose onto her face, "I'll just keep on doing what I've been doing."
Shaking their heads, the audience could already guess what you she was thinking.
Sighing Ozpin shook his head, 'Reincarnation. While it's a little different she has nearly the same curse I do.' Analyzing both their curses he made a judgement, 'That curse is crueler than mine in a way; forced to have a new family again, and again only to die and have a new one. She might even remember her original family, but she wouldn't be sure because of the fading memories. I've long since given up on personal ties, but she's trying to hold onto them; which is only destroying her mentally.'
Salem just watched the screen. She knew how this viewing would end.
Ren's knew enough about reincarnation thanks to his culture. Reincarnating, but with all your memories would only be a hell. You'd be stuck with remembering every single regret you've had all your lives until it finally ended somehow. Seeing the woman keep fighting only made him admire, and pity her existence as it was a wonder, she had not gone insane.
The god spoke, "Very well then." Waving its hand, the world rolled from under Mia's feet, and she fell to her back onto a rock that was behind her. The pain shot up her back as the rock dug into her. Forcing her to close her eyes and grit her teeth from the pain.
Ironwood winced, "That couldn't have been pleasant." The woman was already injured enough. Taking an injury to the spine wouldn't make the fight any easier.
Mia opened her eyes to see the god slowly floating closer towards her prone figure. It didn't hurry to kill her and end her pain.
Tyrian cackled, "Finally something interesting." Getting a few looks of disgust from the others; which he shrugged off. There's barely been any interesting things. Seeing a woman slaughtered like this was making his day.
Cinder rolled her eyes in annoyance, 'Of course, he'd get off on this.'
Salem and Watts were used to his behavior, so they just ignored him.
Qrow looked more aggravated than everyone else, 'I've spent months hunting this guy knowing he's with Salem. Now that he's right now me I can't even touch him.'
She tried to get back up again, but with a wave of the gods hand she was now tied up by chains of light. Looking up she could see the god right in front her its two eyes looking down at her.
Judging her.
Salem shivered knowing exactly how that felt. Your whole being examined and being judged only to be dismissed.
Seeing them do nothing she took a chance, and with her strength broke three of the five chains holding her. 'Just a bit more,' she thought struggling to break the last two with her remaining strength.
'Despair' lifted his hands, "It's not that easy Mia." She could barely hear his words. Her body felt like it was being crushed from all sides. The air was leaving her lungs; she couldn't breathe no matter how much she tried. Then the pressure lifted giving her relief. Then it happened again, again, again, again, again, and again. At this point she could feel her insides being mashed and blood coming up her throat. All that just from a movement of their hand.
"That's just cruel," muttered Emerald her hands over her mouth. She's done some terrible things but nothing as bad as that.
"Working for Cinder we might just do worse." Mercury warned her. He could feel it in his bones.
Emerald wanted to reply back and defend Cinder, but she too busy holding back her stomach from spilling its contents. Well if she did throw up Mercury would be a good target.
Raven narrowed her eyes in thought, 'I think one of my tribe members has a Gravity semblance. If he reaches that level of skill with it, I'd have to ensure his loyalty.'
Her breath was ragged, blood climbed up her throat, and was spat out with a hacking cough. The blood running down from a gash in her face got into her remaining working eye.
Maria winced, 'Why is it always the eyes.'
'Despair' chuckled clearly taking some form of joy from this, "What did you mean by the hard way?"
"Why is the light half staying silent?" asked Ruby, "I'm tired of hearing that one's voice." It kept drawing out memories of the past despite Yin saying it should be nearly gone or something.
Her question got no answer, but it did make them focus a bit more on the 'Hope'. They were also tired of hearing 'Despair'.
Instead of answering she pulled herself back up with her weapon. Despite being nearly blind it and the audience could tell it was looking straight at the god. Seeing this 'Despair' stared down at her stopping his chuckles.
Hope's side of the mask glowed as her voice could be heard asking a single question, "Why?"
Mia's reply was short and calm despite the pain she was feeling, "Spite, I think. What does it matter kill me, and end this."
"She'd make an amazing huntress." muttered Glynda, 'Strong, a high pain tolerance, and fighting without aura to heal or dull her injuries. She'd be absolutely wonderful to have on our side.'
The masks changed. There was no expression on the god's mask. It was completely blank, but you could tell it was looking down at Mia.
Raising their hand, a growing yellow light seemed to be growing in the sky.
"Very Well," were the only two words heard before a light shined down on her. The light expanded destroying and vaporizing everything it touched. Trees, flowers, and animals that were caught no longer existed.
Salem froze, 'It's just like what the brothers did to wipe out humanity.' Gripping the chair, she was seated in she could only stare at the screen.
Mia was nowhere to be seen. The only thing proving she was there was a shining weapon lying on the ground.
Bending down to grab the weapon 'Hope' sighed.
"Such a shame," spoke 'Hope'. With those final words the screen turned off.