GRYD: Chapter 7: Blood
In a dark lab, a man walked up to a test tube. Instead it was a Boarbatusk. The man tapped the glass, which riled the Grimm up. He smiled as he saw it squirm.
"Fear not little Grimm", spoke the man with an odd kindness, "you'll be free soon. After all, it's time for Round 2."
At Beacon, during a break between classes, the various students talked amongst one another. The members of GRYD and MEAL were scattered outside among their friends and acquaintances. Reyson was one of the few not among the others, for he was sitting against a tree, and was entertaining a group of girls who were hanging on to his every word.
"So what happened next?" one asked eagerly
Reyson smirked, "Simple, more came out, and I killed them, and then more came out, so I killed them too. Suddenly, more came out, but when they saw what I was doing to them, they bolted. I chased after them, but they got away. Oh well, there's always next time."
The girls looked at Reyson in awe, he soaked it in with an even wider smirk, then began to regale them with another tale of his victories.
Nearby, Macro and Leilani were talking, and were soon joined by Glyph. After a while though, laughter from Reyson's group caught their ears.
Leilani looked at Reyson in surprise, "I don't think I've ever seen Reyson like that."
"He's known as the "Cool Barbarian" for a reason Leilani," noted Macro with laugh, "he loves to fight, but then he'll play it cool around others, share his "war stories". You may think he likes the attention, but I think he gets a rush in retelling his battles. He's an interesting one."
"As long as his lust doesn't kill him first." Glyph said bluntly
Leilani and Macro turned to Glyph, his gaze was fixed on Reyson, yet his expression was blank.
"You'll get through to him Glyph, someday."
"That may be too late."
Leilani tried to meet Glyph's eye, smiling kindly as she did, "You can't help everyone Glyph, Reyson's different than Yasmine, or Diana. You should be happy they're coming around. If Reyson doesn't, isn't that on him? "
"...maybe."
She made to speak again, but Macro put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head to stop her. Her expression became sad, but she yielded to his wish. Just then, a loud sound filled the grounds, and everyone turned to the school.
Over on the loudspeakers, a tapping noise focused them, followed by the voice of Headmaster Night, "Hello students, I trust you are enjoying your rest. I have an announcement to make, it's of a special event happening tomorrow."
The students murmured amongst themselves for a few moments until Night spoke again, "For the first time in decades, one of the elder members of the Heron clan is coming to our school. They will be holding a special lecture on the goals of peace in our world, and what we should do to try and ensure a peaceful Remnant. I expect you all to hear their words, and be respectful to our guest. It will be held in the Amphitheater tomorrow at noon. So be ready. Now please proceed to your next classes, as they will be starting soon.
When it was clear he was done, the students again chatted among each other, several of the girls around Reyson looked at him with joyous expressions.
"That's great Reyson!" said one, "You'll get to see one of your family!"
"Yeah, did you know they were coming?" asked another
Reyson didn't answer them, instead, his eyes were focused on the school, slightly bulging out of their sockets. His body began to shake. This caused the girls to become nervous.
"Reyson?"
Without warning, he stood up and made straight for the school. This not only got the attention of the girls, but Glyph, Macro and Leilani. Who were now looking curiously at him.
"What was that about?" Leilani asked aloud
"He didn't know." came an answer
They all turned and saw Yasmine approaching them, her expression blank, but eyes fixed on Reyson as he continued towards the school.
"He didn't know his family was coming? That's odd." noted Macro
"Not really, remember, he doesn't get along with his family. He came here in defiance of them. He told us that. So this? This is something he likely doesn't want at all. We better watch him, he's likely to do something rash, or stupid, or both."
"What's our next class?" Leilani wondered fearfully
Glyph grunted, "Combat training."
"Oh dear."
With new purpose, they made their way to the school, and towards class. As they entered the upper seating of the amphitheater, Professor Lochen was already waiting for them. The others looked around for Reyson, but couldn't see him in the seating.
Lochen clapped his hands together to get their attention, "Greeting class, and welcome back. I hope you're rested, because today will no doubt be intense. For as you can see..."
He motioned to the stage, and the lights clicked on. Reyson stood on stage, swords drawn, eyes glaring into the emptiness in front of him.
"...we already have our first combatant, and we all know how...passionate...Reyson is about fighting. So...who wants to take him on?"
Silence filled the room. No one raised their hand, or made any inclination that they wanted to battle him.
"Seems your reputation precedes you this time Mr. Heron."
Reyson didn't respond, instead, he continued to gaze out in front of him. Lochen looked at him with curiosity and worry, but shook it off, "Fine, since no one will volunteer, we'll go to a new thing. The Randomizer!"
He motioned to the overhead screen, where Reyson was already displayed, the other slot for a person was marked with an "?", but with a snap of Lochen's finger, the pictures of other students began to cycle. It started slow, then began to go faster, until Lochen again snapped his finger, and a person was selected.
"Ah!" said Lochen pleased, "Dart Ward, head of Team DFND. I believe this is your first time in the training zone, this should be fun! Come on down."
A few moments later, Reyson's blank gaze became disrupted when Dart entered his view. He observed him for a moment. Dart was average height, but stocky, and heavily armored. An assortment of greens and browns colored his armor. On both of his arms were pieces of metal that protruded via loops around his arm, it was unclear what they were for. Reyson shook off his analysis and readied himself for battle.
"You know the rules gentlemen...begin!"
Reyson rushed Dart, who simply stood in place in response. When Reyson let loose a swing of his swords, Dart quickly brought his arms together, connecting his two pieces of metal and forming a thick shield. Reyson's sword bounced off it without a scratch, but without missing a beat he swung his other sword around Dart's feet, and tripped him up.
Forced to release his shield because of the impact of hitting the ground, Reyson tried to strike with a downward blow. But this time, Dart flipped around the metal on his arm to reveal a sharp blade, which blocked Reyson's strike. He then twisted and kicked Reyson away.
Infuriated by this, Reyson again charged Dart, who again allowed him to rush him without challenge. Dart reformed his shield and began to block several of Reyson's attacks, then when he had an opening, Dart would strike back. At one point, Dart formed his shield, and the weapon revealed a launcher inside, that sent several bullets at Reyson, all of which hit.
To Dart's surprise though, Reyson didn't fall, instead, he seemed incensed, and growled angrily at his foe. Reyson rushed at Dart again, this time charging his Aura. Though Dart again formed his shield, Reyson's charged strike sent him flying into the wall several feet away. He hit the wall so hard, he left an imprint. Only being released with gravity finally took hold. A buzzer broke the silence, and signaled Reyson's victory.
Reyson didn't move from the stage though, instead, he went back to his original position. He used his Aura to heal many of his wounds, then returned to gazing at the spot in front of him.
"Nice job Reyson," called out Lochen, "do you mind letting another duo fight?"
Reyson turned to Lochen, "I want another match."
"I don't recommend that, that fight with Dart was pretty intense."
"I want...another...match!"
Lochen glared at Reyson, who glared right back. The professor sighed bitterly, but did turn back to the students.
"Looks like Mr. Heron is up for more, who wants to take him up on it? Or do I go back to The Randomizer?"
No one again answered the challenge, though this time, Glyph and Yasmine looked at Reyson with uncertainty. Lochen rolled his eyes at the lack of volunteers.
"Fine, Randomizer it is..."
For the next several minutes, Reyson battled, and won, against several opponents. Despite his quickly dwindling physical state, Reyson continued to ask for more fights, and Lochen allowed it. After five straight fights, Reyson was barely standing on his own two feet, but used enough of his Aura to heal and right himself up.
He shakily looked to Lochen, and nodded that he was ready for another fight. Lochen shook his head, but Reyson roared angrily in defiance, showing he wouldn't leave.
Lochen reluctantly turned back to the students, "Anyone want to-"
"I'll fight him." said Yasmine, standing up to get Lochen's attention
Everyone turned to her, including Reyson, who smiled evilly at her acceptance. Lochen nodded in acknowledgement of this, and motioned her to come to the stage.
As she proceeded to do so though, Glyph grabbed her arm and motioned her closer. He whispered in her ear, then let her go off.
When Yasmine appeared on the stage, Reyson seemed to get a wealth of energy.
"You vs. me huh?" he said mockingly, "I hope you're not expecting a bonding moment like what happened with Glyph."
Yasmine looked at him with disgust, and readied herself by preparing her lance "No. I don't. I just want to beat you, badly."
"Try it."
A buzzer began the fight, and again Reyson charged right at her. Yasmine released her drones from their lance formation, and instructed them to fire on Reyson. He took the bullets full contact and continued to rush her, once in range, he swung his swords, forcing her to dodge, or use her drones to block.
Seeing the new dynamic of the fight, Yasmine called two of her drones to reform a lance, and began a new strategy. As the two battled, Yasmine's eyes would occasionally flicker with light, while Reyson's seemed to get more and more fiery.
After several exchanges, Yasmine was winning handily, landing several hits on Reyson. Reyson's fatigue was starting to show, and she capitalized on it. However, despite his exhaustion, Reyson refused to give up. In fact, his rage seemed to be giving him more power, his lust for battle was the only fuel he seemed to need, so he never stopped attacking Yasmine.
Eventually, Yasmine created an opening, and using all four of her drones, she released a massive blast of Dust bullets that sent Reyson flying high into the air, then crashing to the ground. The buzzer sounded, and Yasmine was declared the winner. However, Reyson stirred, and began to claw his way back to the stage.
"Not...over..."
Before he could make it to the stage though, Lochen stepped out in front of him, forcing him to stop. "Yes, you are. I let this go on too long. I dig your love of battle, but even you have limits. You're going to be taken to the medical wing to ensure you're fine. That's not a request."
Lochen snapped his fingers, and two attendants came and picked Reyson up. He tried to push them away, but collapsed almost immediately. They again picked him up and helped them out of the room.
With that taken care of, Lochen returned his attention to his students, "That's it for today, I hope you all learned something from this."
He signaled them to leave, and they did so, immediately going into their groups of friends to talk about what they saw. GRYD and MEAL waited for Yasmine to emerge, swarming her when she did.
Leilani was the first to reach her, "You ok sis?"
"I'm fine," she replied sincerely, "Reyson barely got a hit on me."
"Yes, I find that odd..." noted Aaron with a suspicious look, "even with his fatigue, he should've at least landed a few shots on you. Was it your Semblance that prevented that?"
"Yes and no. Yes, my Semblance did help, but I didn't use it all the time."
This confused Diana, "Why not? Isn't that your thing?"
Yasmine smiled at the irony, "Yeah, but Glyph told me something interesting to keep in mind during the fight, it turned out to be really good advice."
"What was that?" asked Macro, turning to Glyph
"Rage can be unpredictable." said Glyph bluntly, "Yasmine's Semblance is only good on logical or rational behavior, which even Grimm have. But Reyson? He's more emotion than logic when he fights, especially today."
"Precisely, so I used my Semblance to merely see where he was hurting the most, then focused my attacks on those points. It was easy after that." she concluded
"Wow," said Erin in awe, "I don't know what's more shocking, that Reyson went that long before a loss...or that you volunteered to...uh..."
"Put him down?" suggested Aaron with a snicker
"Pretty much."
Yasmine grunted and looked away, "Partners may be the one you're supposed to rely on, but they're also the ones who need to put you in your place when necessary. That was long overdue for Reyson, now come on, we have to get to next class."
With that she led the others away, each having a different expression in reaction to what she said. When they reached the next class, Reyson wasn't there. But he did show up for dinner later on. However, he didn't say a word to any of them the whole time, nor the whole rest of the day. For once, Reyson was without words, or even emotions on his face. Though repeatedly, the others caught him gazing at the clocks around the school. As if waiting for something specific to happen, or a certain time to come.
The next day soon dawned, and as the members of Team GRYD awoke, they noticed Reyson was already gone.
"That can't be good." said Diana looking at the empty bed
"Not likely with Reyson." added Yasmine
"Let's get the others and look for him." said Glyph grabbing his stuff
The met up with MEAL and began to search the grounds for Reyson. There were no class for the day due to the arrival of the Elder Heron, so everyone was very to wander or relax until noon. After searching the main areas, Glyph had them all split up and go in various directions.
Yasmine stayed on the main grounds, her logic saying that Reyson would be close by for the arrival of his family member. When the grounds themselves yielded nothing, she looked back to the school. As she did, a flicker of light caught her eye. Yasmine used her Semblance and saw Reyson sitting on the school itself, at a juncture where two support beams met.
Though initially impressed by his ascension to the point, Yasmine rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Typical."
She proceeded to an area close to where Reyson was, then used her drones to lift herself up to his level. Reyson was sitted perfectly against a slab of stone. Yasmine lowered herself right in front of Reyson, who was unmoved by her presence.
"Hi", he said without looking at her
"What are you doing up here?" asked Yasmine, when he didn't answer, she looked out over the new vantage point she had, "This is quite a view, but I doubt you're here for that."
"I'm not."
"You're not Glyph, talk in more than one to five words."
This made Reyson laugh and look at her, "Touche. I'm here because I want to take in the quiet before the noise arrives. The calm before the storm."
"Your family member?"
"Yes, once they're here, it's going to get bad."
"Why? Just because you don't get along with them?"
Reyson scoffed, and rose to his feet, "It's much deeper than that. I may be Heron in name, but I'm a not Heron, as I'm sure you can tell."
"You certainly don't act like them," she replied without emotion, "all tales of Heron's I've heard of are that they're calm, patient beings, seeking peace for our world. You're none of those."
"No I am not, and they never let me forget that. I'm the black sheep, and they want to dye me white."
His face became angry, and he walked to the edge of the floor beam. He didn't move to go off it, but instead just gazed out at the grassy lands in front of him.
Yasmine surveyed Reyson, her eyes focused on him, as if trying to solve a puzzle, "So what's this is all about? You're not a traditional Heron? So you're rebelling? Like Erin?"
Reyson laughed softly and shook his head, "Maybe on a simplistic level. But like I said, it goes much deeper than that. Erin is trying to break free of her bonds that her family put her in. I've never had them. Or at least, not for a significant amount of time.
He turned to face Yasmine, and spread his arms out wide to get her to look at all of him, "I've always known who I am. And they hate that. Erin's family? I bet they love her, fully and truly. They just want their traditions to guide her to a happy life. My family? It's their way or the highway. They would've cast me out years ago...but the scandal would've killed their reputation."
Reyson turned back to the ledge, face full of pain.
Yasmine became sad at this, she had never seen Reyson so vulnerable, "Brighter the picture...darker the negative?"
Again Reyson laughed, "No, not like that. They're not abusive, or crude, or vile. It's just they're so focused on a single goal, that if anyone deviates from it? They're barbarians. Stupid, blind, barbarians."
"What's their goal?"
"Peace! What else?"
"What's wrong with peace?"
"If its earned? Nothing. If it's forced...?"
He gave a knowing look to Yasmine, and she nodded in response, "It won't last."
"The Herons are peacekeepers, been that way for generations, and they're great at settling disputes. Its how our family became so powerful, and respected. But now, after generations of this, their mindset has changed. It's "peace above all else" now. Behind the scenes? They're actually trying to shut down schools like Beacon, Shade, or Atlas. Anything that teaches combat to fight Grimm or rogue entities."
Yasmine gaped at this, mouthing words, but no sound coming out, until, "But that's suicide! With the Grimm out there? And who knows what else? We'd be wiped out!"
"Preaching to the choir, Yasmine. I think that's why they hate me...well, one of the reasons. I realized that truth young in life. We have to fight for our peace. Some can come through reason, but...not for a whole species. We have to fight for what we believe in. They don't see it that way. Just wait for the speech today, I know it by heart more than likely."
Reyson sighed heavily and looked back out at everything. Yasmine watched him closely, and noticed his hand was shaking in anger.
She continued to watch, several other nervous ticks became noticeable to her, "You're not telling me everything are you?"
He looked at her with an evil grin, "Why Yasmine, are you actually concerned for me?
She smiled evilly right back at him, "No. I just don't like mysteries, and you're still hiding something."
His cocky demeanor returned, and he walked up to Yasmine, "Maybe, but why should I tell you my..."biggest secret"?"
"Because you know I won't care either way. And thus can be very logical about it."
Reyson paused to think about it, then shrugged and nodded in acceptance of the fact, "True. You probably wouldn't be fazed by it. Well, in that case..."
A sonic boom interrupted them, followed by a rumbling of the beams. Both Yasmine and Reyson braced themselves against the beam wall to ensure they didn't fall over. Once it stopped, they both looked up to see a gold and silver colored airship descending onto an open area of the grounds. It twisted in the air to ensure it would land perfectly on the ground and not hit anything.
As they watched, Reyson's face grew into a scowl, and he bared his teeth at the ship, "They're here, time to go."
Without a look to Yasmine, he jumped off the beam, and used his swords against the stone to slow his descent and land safely on the ground. He proceeded straight into the school, not looking at the ship again. Yasmine watched him as he did so, then turned back to the ship in curiosity.
From the entrance of the school, Night, Squire, and a few attendants headed to the ship. Both Knight and Squire were dressed in very formal attire, rather than their more armored gear. As they approached the ship, a door slowly lowered to the ground. From the inside, a beautiful woman walked down the ramp and towards Knight and Squire.
She had long, flowing golden hair that almost touched the ground. Her attire was very much a dress, it too being gold and silver in color. As she reached the two, she bowed to them, and they returned the gesture.
"Ms. Heron," said Knight after the bow, meeting her gaze, "on behalf of my staff and my students, welcome to Beacon."
"It is an honor," she replied with a sweet voice, "but please, it's Swann. Ms. Swann if you must use prefixes."
"Very well Ms. Swann. You may call me Kendall, then. Or Night should you prefer."
"Kendall would be fine. Formality is nice, but to achieve peace with all, we should call each other by our proper names."
"An interesting insight, I look forward to hearing the rest. If you'll follow us inside, the amphitheater is ready."
Night held out his arm, and Swann happily took it. With Squire at the lead, they all proceeded inside the school.
Not long after, the amphitheater was filled with the entire ranks of Beacon. In the middle of the pack was Team GRYD and Team MEAL. Reyson was glaring at his family member with clear venom.
All the while, Swann surveyed the groups of students, her expression kind and gentle. She smiled as she finished looking at them all, "I look around and see many different faces. Young men and women, human and Faunus, tall, short, strong, agile, all different, yet we're all the same."
"Because we strive to bring peace to our world..." Reyson said leaning over to Yasmine who was sitting next to him
"Because we strive to bring peace to our world." Swann echoed, making Reyson smile mockingly, "Peace has been the goal for generations. For peace, isn't just a concept, it's a freedom. Freedom from fear, from want, and even need. For if we are all at peace with one another, how could we want for anything?"
"If a person is poor, we'd be happy to feed them..." mocked Reyson
"If a person is poor, we'd be happy to feed them." mirrored Swann
"If they need shelter, we would house them for as long as we could..."
If they need shelter, we would house them for as long as we could"
Every correct guess made Reyson more agitated, the others noticed this, and began to get worried about what he might do.
Swann didn't notice this, and continued with her speech, "But what has to be sacrificed for peace? Lives? Lands? Honor? Sanity? Why must we sacrifice anything at all? Cannot peace be obtained without such ghastly means or less?"
She motioned to the student base, and immediately they went into discussion, this seemed to please her. But it made Reyson more agitated, he fidgeted in place, as if trying to stop himself from speaking, or doing something rash.
"The Heron Clan believes in the fullness of peace. Not just as a goal, but as a lifestyle. Our family spreads itself out to all lands in Remnant, and seeks to bring peace to all, but also show that there is a simpler path to peace. By laying down our natural ways of violence, and accepting a more peaceful solution. You've no doubt heard that Herons are all technically Huntsmen and Huntresses, and we are. We did so, so that we could understand the perspective of those in the field of battle, and figure out a way to better resolve these violent disputes without violence at all."
Reyson clinched his stomach as if he was in pain, Glyph looked to Yasmine, who shook his head to indicate he wasn't faking or playing something up. Glyph looked to Macro, who nodded and looked to Swann.
She went on with her speech, pacing in front of the students with elegance, and maintaining her calm demeanor.
"It is our hope, that one day, all ways of life in Remnant will be revolved not around survival, as we are now, but of peace. Which one day will mean there won't be a need for Huntsmen or Huntresses, because they will be obsolete-"
"Excuse me, Miss Heron!" called out a voice
Reyson's head snapped to the voice's origin, and saw Macro raising his hand. He went still, and wondered what he was doing.
Swann didn't seem fazed by this, on the contrary, she smiled kindly and motioned to him, "Yes? Do you have a question? Please rise, and ask if so. Discussion is important in matters such as this."
Macro rose, then bowed slightly to her, to which she returned the gesture, he then rose to attention and addressed her, "While I appreciate your views, I have to wonder, do you honestly believe that we can a world of Remnant that has no need for violence of any measure?"
"I would not be here if I didn't believe that."
"I respect that, but how can you look at us and say that we shouldn't know how to be Huntsman or Huntress, when there are dangers right outside our door?"
This caused the students to again murmur among themselves, Swann maintained her composure and looked to Macro, "What is your name?"
"Macro Camof, ma'am."
"Ah, you're the son of Gunner, aren't you?"
"Proud to be." answered Macro with a smile
"A son should be proud of his father. I can also see his soldiers mentality in you. While I understand what he has taught you, you need to be open minded in regards to how to achieve your ultimate goal."
"You mean of peace?"
"I do."
"That's the thing ma'am, there are many paths to peace, too many to count in some ways. But while we here in this amphitheater can talk, or understand those, Grimm can't. And I find it very hard to believe that every single person on this world, or even in this classroom could subscribe to the notion of total peace. Or at least, a peace without violence in some regard."
Swann's smile faltered a little, her eyes narrowed on Macro, "Then you're limited Mr. Camof. All things are achievable given time and effort. The Grimm are a crutch that people use to sanction extreme violence. What happens if they all die? Or go away? What will be our crutch then? Each other. By teaching the ways of peace now, to those who can have rational thought, we prepare for the day when Grimm are gone, and all can live happily with one another."
"It's not that simple." said Yasmine, standing up to face Swann, who was surprised by her outburst
"Oh? How so?"
Reyson had his eyes glued to Yasmine, who calmly looked right back at Swann, "There is always hate, it's in our nature. We're all different, as you say, but just as it breeds admiration, it can breed jealously, hate, lust, all of which can be motives for violence."
"Logical, but incomplete."
"How so?"
"Hate does take time to overcome, but it can be overcome. Look at the relationships between Humans and Faunus. At one time, they couldn't even live with one another. Now? It's a much better relationship, imagine what-"
"That's a lie!" burst out Leilani, standing up, "You think it's good? That everyone thinks we're equals? Who do you think you are?"
Swann's expression again faltered, gone was the smile, now was a blank face of stone, "My dear, I think your emotions are getting the best of you. I suggest you sit down-"
"Don't you dare talk to my sister like that!" shouted Yasmine, eyes fiery, "You have no idea what we have been through in our lives as Faunus. Persecution, rejection, we were almost killed in Vale not two weeks ago by Humans wanting to wipe out our race!"
The room burst into conversation at this, Swann turned to Night for help to quiet them down. But Night simply smiled and shook his head.
"You can say peace is achievable without violence all you want Ms. Heron." said Macro over the still chatting crowd, "But you ask anyone here? I doubt you'll find many who agree to that notion. Because anyone worth their salt would say they would defend the ones they love by any means available to them. Whether it be against Grimm, or Human, or Faunus. Violence isn't always the answer, but to say peace is always the answer? That's limited."
Swann for the first time became angry, she recovered though and went back to her blank expression and calm pose, "I see you all are rooted in your Huntsman way, I'm not surprised. To you all, peace is a dream, one only had at night, or when gazing at the stars or sky. But to those who truly understand, peace is everything we need. In life, in love, in everything we hold. For through peace, everything can be well. The peace we offer-"
"Is a JOKE!" roared out a voice
Swann froze in place, and slowly turned to see Reyson full upright and glaring at her, she looked at him with a kind smile and bowed her head to him, "Why hello nephew, I wondered where you were."
"Oh, shove it Aunt Swann."
The students laughed at this, while Swann merely went blank faced, "I see this school hasn't tempered your fire."
"Far from it, it's proven I was right. You come in here, talking about peace, about a world without hate, a world without violence, a world without Grimm. Wake up!"
Reyson moved out from the row of seats into a wide center eye so he square off with his aunt, "You don't know anything. In the small I've been here, you know what I've seen? I've seen multitudes of Grimm, modified Grimm that even I found scary, and a resurrected cult of Faunus Hunters! You want to know how my team and my friends beat them all? Violence! Glorious, bloody, violence. The Grimm? Dead. The hunters? Made to retreat. If we tried to reason with any of them? We would be dead. What good is peaceful thoughts and resolutions when no one will even consider them?"
Swann didn't answer at first, instead she began to walk towards Reyson, who held his ground, "Oh dear nephew, not everyone has your love of violence. While I know you will not change, it doesn't mean everyone else won't given time."
"Really? Because I know three who certainly don't share your views."
He pointed to Macro, Yasmine, and Leilani, who all nodded in joining with Reyson.
Glyph then stood up, "Four."
Diana followed, "Five."
The Lovers popped up next, and said in unison, "Seven."
Reyson held out his arms, and spun around to look around at the rest of the students, "Anyone else? If you think that the Huntsman way is the only way right now. The only way to protect ourselves, our homes, and everything we hold dear. Stand up."
At first, no one joined, but soon, several students began to join GRYD and MEAL. Some did remain sitting, but a large portion did join them. Reyson seemed empowered by this.
"Looks like I got some supporters."
Swann looked at the other students with great sadness, then shook her head before returning her gaze to her nephew, "Oh Reyson, why won't you hear my words?"
"I hear them Aunt Swann, they just don't hold meaning. I refuse to shut my eyes to the world like you have. I know that any minute, a Grimm could come right at our door and-"
A loud alarm cut him off, the students and faculty began looking at one another for answers. Squire handed a monitor to Night, who immediately became tense. He raced to the center of the stage and got their attention.
"Students! Remain calm. There are some Grimm on the grounds, that's why the alarm sounded. The school is in lockdown mode, so they cannot get in. I ask you all to remain calm, and stay inside. If they don't leave, the faculty will handle this."
The students huddled up into their teams, Reyson laughed at the irony as he rejoined GRYD and MEAL, "For the record, I didn't plan for that. I meant my statement as a possibility...not what was about to happen."
"We know." stated Glyph before turning to Yasmine, "Can you get a look outside with your drones?"
She motioned to the amphitheater, "Through what window?"
"I can help with that," answered Macro with a smile, "follow me."
He guided them to a nearby wall, and pointed down to a grate, "That one goes right outside. You'll have to break the outer one, but I think your drones will be fine."
Impressed, Yasmine smiled then summoned her drone. Macro used his shovel to unscrew the grate. Reyson mocked him as he did so, "Glad to see that thing doing something other than digging and swinging wildly."
"For the last time Reyson, it's an E-Tool! Not a shovel! It's multi-purpose! And don't forget..." He rose back up and shoved the serrated side of the E-Tool right in Reyson's face, "this side has cut through Grimm like butter. Remember that the next time you insult it, and me."
"Noted."
"Macro." interjected Glyph, "Focus."
"Right. Sorry."
He got back on the ground and finished unscrewing the grate. The others blocked him from view so the faculty and attendants couldn't see him, or Yasmine as she summoned a drone and sent it into the shaft. She carefully guided it, and eventually got it outside. As she focused on the front area of the school, her eyes went wide.
She focused on what the drone was seeing, then became very fearful, "Oh no."
"What?" asked Glyph concerned
"Boarbatusks, lots of them."
"That doesn't sound so bad." noted Diana
"They have streaks of red in them."
The whole group went silent, they knew what it meant. Modified Grimm, just like the Goliaths they had meet in the Emerald Forest.
Reyson was the first to break the silence, he grabbed his swords and went straight to Glyph. "Take me out there."
Glyph didn't answer at first, he merely stared at Reyson for a few moments, "Why?"
"Because we need to get rid of them, we're the only ones who know what they truly are. We won't underestimate them like the others would."
"AKA," said Diana with a roll of her eyes, "you like a challenge, and want to go fight."
Reyson made to speak, but caught himself. Instead, he put his swords away and looked at them all in turn, "You're right, I do want to fight them, and I do love a challenge. But this time? I'm fighting because of her."
He pointed right at Swann, who was conversing with Headmaster Night.
"Because she doesn't get what we get, that fighting saves lives as much as it takes them. Who knows what those Boarbatusks can do? They might just break into the school! We can stop them, and prove we aren't just some...some..."
"Stupid, blind, barbarians?" said Yasmine with a knowing look to Reyson
"Right. Please Glyph. You don't have to go, none of you do if you don't want to. But I do. I want to so badly.
Glyph gazed deep into Reyson's eyes, as if trying to see if he was telling the truth or not. After a while, he smiled and nodded, "Let's do it. Huddle up. I'll do this fast."
They bunched together, and Glyph teleported two at a time outside the school until both teams were outside. As Glyph took the last two out, Headmaster Night saw them leave and smiled. He then motioned for Squire to come closer, "It appears we won't need to go out and handle this. Make sure no one else gets out though."
Squire nodded and left his side, as Night turned back around, he noticed Swann was gone, "Now where did you go I wonder?"
Outside, both teams made for where the Boarbatusk's were. The Grimm were rampaging mindless around the school. Ramming and charging into anything they felt they could damage.
Glyph turned to Yasmine, who was using her Semblance to assess the situation, "Thoughts?"
"At least three dozen." she said still looking around, "I wouldn't think that bad with our numbers. But..."
"They're modified, right."
He turned to Macro, "Take your team and take that half, we'll do ours over here."
"Right." replied Macro, who then motioned for his team to follow, "Move out!"
GRYD loaded up their weapons, then Diana used her whip to send a loud "CRACK" through the air. At once, the Boarbatusk's stopped and looked to them. Then, they began to bunch up into groups of 2 to 4 Grimm, and slowly marched towards them. This unnerved the team.
"That's new." said Diana slightly afraid, "They're not supposed to be that organized."
"Modified." repeated Glyph, reading his escrima, "Be ready."
Reyson laughed and held up his swords, "I'm always ready! Bring it you dumb pigs!"
As if to answer his challenge, the Boarbatusk's rushed to fight Team GRYD. They each took a group or two, and battled them head on. Yasmine used her drones and her lance to fight back the Boarbatusk. After a volley, she was able to knock one on its side. When she made to thrust her lance at was meant to be the exposed underbelly, she recoiled, for it was now guarded with armor plating like the rest of its body.
She got a good distance away from them and signaled the others, "Their stomachs are covered now! We can't kill them that way!"
"Dang modified freaks!" shouted Reyson angrily as he fought back his own group
Both Diana and Glyph were having as much luck with their own groups of Grimm. Even using his teleportation, Glyph could only get minor damage on the Boarbatusks with his escrima. Changing tactics, he formed up his sticks into their shotgun formation. He teleported right in front of one and blasted it point blank. The Boarbatusk flew backwards several feet, and though it didn't die, a big chunk of its armor was removed around its head.
Glyph followed up with another point blank blast, and this time it killed the Grimm, "They're susceptible to high impact attacks! They weaken the armor!"
"Oh heck yeah!" shouted Reyson with glee, as he transformed his swords into his arm cannons and began blasting the Boarbatusks
The others though weren't having as much success as Reyson and Glyph. Diana especially was struggling, "Little help here guys! My whip isn't equipped to do high energy blasts!"
Seeing this, Glyph teleported over and began to help out, "You bind them, I'll blast them."
Diana smiled flirtingly, "Whatever you say partner."
Glyph ignored her remark and focused on the Grimm, and with Diana's assistance began taking them out in quick order.
Yasmine struggled still with her Grimm, but was assisted by Reyson, who rammed right through the Grimm with his Aura Charge Semblance, "Coming through!"
After using his Semblance, he would go back to using his arm cannons and finishing them off. Several minutes after the battle started, the pack was beginning to thin. But just as things were beginning to look good for GRYD, a sound stopped them cold.
They turned and saw another pack of Boarbatusks racing towards them. While the others paused and wondered what to do, Reyson roared and charged right at the whole pack. Yasmine made to join him, but was stopped by Glyph.
"What are you doing?" she asked angrily
"Letting him prove a point."
Reyson built up his Aura Charge and drove right through the Boarbatusks. Not split up, he took them on one at a time and thinned the heard. The Bourbatusks didn't hold back though, and repeatedly hit Reyson. Though at first they didn't affect him, he slowly began to get cuts and scratches all over his body, causing him to bleed.
This didn't deter Reyson, in fact, it improved his fire, and seemingly his power, as he maintained his attack strategy until all the Boarbatusks were struck down.
Reyson stood now alone in the clearing, the remaining Grimm dissolved all around him. His breathing was heavy, his body was still bleeding, yet he wasn't affected by it. Slowly, he looked up at the school, and in one of the windows he saw his aunt looking down on him in judgment and disdain. As he saw this, his body began to shake in anger.
He bared his teeth at her, then let out a long roar. It was one of defiance, one that was meant to show he knew who he was, as well as a warning for all those who dared challenge him. When he was done with one roar, he let out another, and another, and another, as if to make sure all of Remnant could hear him. The rest of GRYD, along with MEAL who had just joined him, watched as Reyson let out his shouts, each one with a different emotion on their faces at what they were witnessing.
Later that night, once the school was secure, Reyson was back up on the structure beam he had been earlier in the day. His wounds were healed, and he looked out once more at the clear sky and area around him.
Just like before, Yasmine soon joined him, he smiled as she arrived, "I hope this isn't becoming a thing."
"The others were worried, I knew were you'd be, so I came to check on you." she said simply
"I'm...I don't know what I'm feeling."
"That's got to be a first. You've always been sure of yourself. One of the few admirable qualities you have."
Reyson laughed at the joke, "Funny. But I haven't always been this way. I know we have nothing in common personality wise Yasmine, and that's fine. But there is one thing that links us."
She eyed him curiously, "What's that?"
"Our eyes, they tell us who we are." he said closing his own
"I don't understand."
"The Heron Clan, since its beginning, has had a lot of things that separate us from others. Physically and emotionally I mean. We have a naturally calm demeanor, it's always been there. Our Semblance's are often defensive, rarely offensive. But most importantly, Herons have two things. Gold hair, and either clear or deep blue eyes. No exceptions."
At this last statement, he looked at Yasmine and re-opened his eyes, showing her the blood red color of his own. At first, Yasmine didn't grasp his meaning, "I'm no expert, but genetically speaking, there is a gene that allows for uncommon eye colors to go to a child. Recessive gene it's called I believe."
"That's very true. Except, there is no Heron with red eyes, my mother's is blue. And my father? He has brown eyes."
This time Yasmine's eyes went wide, as she knew what he was getting at, "You mean...?"
Reyson's evil smile returned, "Yeah, my mom had an affair, and because of that, I'm the way I am. It's the only thing that makes sense. My father, or the man who says he's my father, is very Heron like. He was actually "arranged" for my mother to marry. It happens a lot in my family. But he's not like I am. He doesn't crave battle like I do. He doesn't have the bloodlust. So where did I get it? Why are my eyes red? Why do I feel...?"
He pounded his chest where his heart was, to show the pain he felt because of who he was. Yasmine looked at him in sympathy.
"They tried to play it off at first. Recessive genes, like you said. But as I grew older? They couldn't deny it. They won't admit it, scandal and all that. They tried to convert me. Make me see their ways. Even my mother tried. But it wouldn't let me. The bloodlust wouldn't let me. You saw how I was in the speech. I don't know why my body cringes like that. But it does, it's like it rejects what I'm hearing, and telling me that's not true. It's part of the reason I fight so hard against them, because my body can't stand it, nor can my mind, so why should I?
Silence enveloped them, Yasmine looked out at the plains, then turned back to Reyson, "I'm not sure what to say."
"Don't say anything then. Nothing to say I guess."
"If that's what you think. I'll leave you alone if you wish."
"I'd appreciate that."
Yasmine nodded and made to leave, Reyson though looked to her, "Yasmine?"
"Yeah?"
"This doesn't make us friends right?"
"Gosh no." she said with a smile, "I still think you're a simpleminded idiot."
"Good. I still think you're an uptight know-it-all."
"Fine. But, while I may not like you, I do understand you better now. That's important."
Reyson smiled and nodded in appreciation, "Likewise to you and your situation. Tell the others I'll be in the room soon."
She nodded, and used her drones to again descend to the ground, Reyson meanwhile returned to gazing at the grounds.
A little bit later, in Headmaster Night's office, Night was also gazing at the grounds from his window view, a knock on the door broke his concentration, "Come in, Reyson."
The door opened and Reyson indeed did walk through the door, he was surprised by the greeting, "You really do have this place wired with cameras."
Night laughed and shook his head, "No, I just know people. It felt right that you would come after everything that happened today."
"Did Aunt Swann swear never to come back to Beacon?"
"Not in so many words, but she did voice her negative opinions about how I handled things today."
"That's Aunt Swann for you. Why did you let her come"
Night didn't look at Reyson, but rather continued to stare out the window, "I have no ill will against your family, unlike my predecessors. And to be honest, I wanted to hear their views up close. I'm not surprised what happened though. In fact, I'm kind of happy it went down like it did."
Silence filled the room, Reyson fidgeted in place, making to speak several times, but never being able to, until finally he got the courage to speak, "Sir? May I ask you a question?"
"Why did I let you into Beacon?" guessed Night
Reyson was again taken aback, but this time he laughed it off, "That obvious huh?
"Well, given what happened today, and the well known reputation you have...it was a bit obvious."
"Yeah... Do you mind answering though?"
Instead of answering, Night turned towards a laptop on his desk. He brought up a video file and turned it to Reyson.
On screen, the video played, and Reyson appeared, bowing to the camera slightly, "This message is for Headmaster Night of Beacon Academy. My name is Reyson Heron, yes, that Heron, as in Heron Clan. I am here to ask for your help. I wish to come to Beacon Academy. You might find this odd, as no Heron has been at Beacon for generations. But my reasoning is simple, I don't want to be anywhere near my family. I'm different than them, I don't want-"
Night stopped the file and looked right at Reyson, who was very surprised at what he just saw, "I think you know the rest."
"You kept that?"
"Of course, it was your entrance exam...in my opinion anyway."
"So that was really the reason? Despite everything I had done at my previous school?"
"Action are important, but reason and meaning are the other. In truth, you remind me of someone I used to know. He too was a "barbarian", but an honorable one. He did a lot of good in the world, and I think you can too, as long as you're away from your family."
They both laughed at the jest. Reyson looked content for the first time, "You really think I can be something more than a bloodthirsty warrior?"
"Of course. He was that way once, he changed, why not you?"
Again content, Reyson smiled kindly to Night and bowed to him, Night returned the gesture. Reyson made to leave, but stopped just short of the door, "Sir? The one you speak of, he wouldn't happen to have been a member of your team would he? On KGHT?"
"He was, goodnight Reyson."
"Goodnight Headmaster."
Reyson left and closed the door behind him. Night waited to ensure he was gone then turned to the window to again look out at the world. This time though, his expression was very sad, "Yes he was Reyson, and I miss him so very much. It's my hope you don't meet his fate."
*credits*