Shadow Hand
A rather unusual and unnatural Grimm that is relatively unknown in both Remnant and Dimension GF-007. It's rather obscure where those who actually have seen it question if it is a true Grimm at all, and just something that has properties of one. Having the shape and form of a Geist's arm. They are rarely, if ever, actually seen at all. As such, public knowledge has no files on them, and even those who have faced countless Grimm know next to nothing of them. As far as eyewitnesses report, only Sammael and Salem have used them with Cinder Fall utilizing one as her own limb.
Those who do know about it have reported the following of this Grimm's abilities:
Energy Transfer/Absorption
Regeneration
Stretching
Van Kleiss Recording: 1098
I'm back, and at last I rebuilt my portal. Thanks to the success and advancements I made with my nanites and nano machinery, rebuilding the portal was done in a manner of days rather than months. Granted, there have been complications.
Particularly with Breach. That brat destroyed a more complicated part of the portal. Basically put, it stabilized the portals enough so I can send things in or retrieve objects or beings. Sadly, it'll take a bit longer to recreate that apparatus, meaning I'm only capable of watching other worlds or at best, taking very small items.
I suppose it's not too big of a deal. My army is finally agreeing to my terms, and I already got quite a bit of resources needed. At most I only need the portal for more information gathering, and I'm in no rush to get more pawns. That, and I can use this time to see what caused the portal to even malfunction in the first place. Which might be difficult, seeing as I have no idea what went wrong. I suppose I could temporarily stop harvesting items with the portal.
The last thing I need is for an unknown being to enter this world.
In fact, speaking of such intruders-
(Tapping sounds on the keyboards are heard)
After refixing Vexus after her failure in Beastboy-losing such a valuable pawn, rrrr-I decided to cool off and rebuild the portal. While doing so, I discovered something very odd.
(On the computer monitor are three dots)
I'm detecting dimensional energy that matches what I used the portal for just barely a few days ago. One of them is already gone, another seems to be stationary, and the last is somehow still moving. Uncertain where the last one will go, let aside know where it will stop. All I can say is that whatever these energy readings are, I will see where they lead.
Who knows, it might lead to something worthwhile.
"And thanks to the amount of money financed by the government, GrimmFall is known to have one of the best fortified defenses in the world." The people clapped, with Cinder doing so as well.
'Now that's good information to know.' Especially since she learned quite a bit about this city. Rather useful to give to Salem and use later on. Who knew these tours were so useful. It has been a good amount of hours since she started this tour, and already she felt like she got some of the basics of this dimension.
Particularly how this city had quite the amount of defense. The tour guide stated just how many the city had on the walls alongside numerous weapons and an abundance of Huntsmen and Huntresses. In other words, most Grimm that came close to the city would be killed off in an instant. With even the bigger hordes being defeated, with videos to provide it.
'Not that it means this city is impenetrable.' Cinder thought as she put a 'Like' on the video showing these strange creatures from this Crom person attacking in the city. Not to mention a video from years ago of drones attacking where a blue and red blue rushed by the camera followed by what was a younger Living Bullet. In other words, it was possible for Salem, if she ever wanted to, to invade the city.
'Although I guess I admit, the defenses here seem far greater than Vale which had Atlas's aid.' Plus, there wasn't any reason for Salem to invade in the first place. Both a waste of time and a good chance to get her identity revealed. As Cinder thought this, she then felt a familiar presence. "About time you showed up." Cinder smirked while drinking her juice. "So, how much?"
Hazel said nothing, and just dropped a backpack near her. Cinder took a peek, where there she saw quite the sum. "Well that's quite a bit. All this for some silly fight."
Hazel just clicked his tongue, and zipped the bag up. He didn't seem to be in a good mood. Eh, whatever. He did his job, just as she did hers. They got both information and the money needed for Watts to buy his little parts. The sooner he got them home, the better. While some might think exploring another dimension would be good, Cinder would rather go back home and hunt the little silver eyed brat for her insolence. Something this world lacked.
'In fact,' Cinder then looked at her scroll, which had some of her searchings on it. 'There isn't even any mention of Silver Eyes here. Not even in a fairy tale.' How very odd.
"Our job here is done." At last Hazel then spoke. "I believe we should go now."
"Very well." She had no complaints. The young woman standing up, and pushing some of her hair away from her one good eye. "We got what we needed. No need to stay here any longer." Once more Hazel remained quiet, and the two then began loving. Ignoring the calls the tour guide gave them as they left to reunite with Salem, to see if she had any other assignments for them.
Although, there was one last thing they had to do. After a few minutes of walking, and getting close to an alley, Cinder instantly turned and grabbed an average looking man and quickly dragged him into the alley with Hazel close behind. The man then slammed into the brick wall while gasping in fear. Though before he could scream, he felt a blade on his jugular.
"Talk." Cinder tells him. "Who sent you?"
"I-I don't know?" The man poorly lied.
The blade was then stabbed into his shoulder while Cinder then covered his mouth with her new hand, muffling his screams.
"It'd be wise for you to speak." Hazel tells him while keeping an eye out. "While I won't give you falsehood that you'll live, keep this up, and she'll rip you limb from limb slowly and painfully." Out of those in the cabal, Salem taught Cinder more than just magic and her fighting skills. But also torture methods. When one lived for eons, they found all sorts of little hobbies to keep them entertained.
"He's right." It was then the man saw the hand Cinder was using to cover his mouth. Eyes widening as he saw they were claws and pitch black, like a Grimm. "Either you talk," The Grimm hand's fingers extended, and slowly 'scratched' his face, leaving nasty cuts that began bleeding. "Or I will ensure you die painfully."
"O-O-okay. I'll talk." The man whimpered with sobs coming from his throat.
"Good." Cinder then ripped the blade out from the shoulder, while giving a beautiful yet sinister smile. "Now lets talk for just a bit." It would be three days later before anybody found the corpse. At the least, according to the autopsie, it was a quick death. Cause: the head twisted around.
"Alright then boss lady." Bandit Princess had her new Grimm feet lying on the table. "I didn't tell my boys where we were going. Just that we're gonna be leaving in under a week, and they'll be ready to go. By the time they realize what direction we're headed, you're planning to have the Grimm 'chase' them will be a go."
"Excellent." Salem nods in satisfaction. "Have your men get as much as they can take with them, including supplies to build their new homes."
"Already on it." Bandit Princess gave a mock salute. "All the stuff you asked for along with food is coming with us. Hahaha. I can't wait to live in the Wilds without Grimm hunding me." Plus she could get her revenge on those wolves. Now that'll be a fine meal. Oh. Maybe some bear meat too.
"As for you doctor," Salem turned to Watts. "How are your little projects?"
"Just fine ma'am." Watts explains to her Grace. "I have plenty of metal and Dust to build the shell of the portal. Just a few more sensitive equipment and once we settle into our new home, I can start building the machine. Plus I got word from our two city dwellers that they have gotten quite the bit of money already."
"Oh yeah, those two." Bandit Princess thought of Hazel and Cinder. "When are they coming back?"
"By tomorrow." Salem replied. "They'll be resting in a hotel, then leave where the Nevermore will take them back here. Speaking of which, Watts, any word from Tyrian?"
"Yes." Watts looked at his scroll with a message on it. "Tyrian has done his exploration, and has found a path we can take and a few villages we can stop by for resources. Giving word that the ones he visited have none of these Seeker devices." Which was odd that they didn't have them.
"Eh, makes sense." Bandit Princess said, reading the doctor's expression and knew what he was questioning about. "Not all the little places out here are known to GrimmFall. Heck, while they're close to the city, they can't defend all of them. Plus not all the people want the government's help."
"Then we'll be swift when attacking." Salem looks at the tablet device where it showed a map with dots revealing the villages Tyrian had sent without the Seekers. "However, we'll only attack one or two. No need to leave a trail of destruction for those more aware to follow." With GrimmFall so close by, it wouldn't surprise Salem if the Huntsmen and Huntresses kept an eye on the more out of place villages. If only so they don't see their fellow man die.
"Understood." Bandit Princess agreed. "Heck, my fellow bandits always wanna attack something. But I'll keep them in reign."
"I'm sure you do." Watts sarcastically said.
"What was that?" Bandit Princess growled.
Salem had to resist the urge to roll her eyes, as she saw the two beginning to bicker. So long as they didn't get physical and tear each other apart, she didn't care if they fought what color was superior. Although if they did fight, then Watts would be the one screaming with missing limbs. Strong in cyber warfare he was, but Bandit Princess was certainly his physical superior.
So Salem left the two to their own devices, and left the little meeting room and entered another section of the bunker. This one-before she redecorated it-had a more luxurious aura. When Salem first entered it, it had fine wine in an expensive fridge, food supply which wasn't full of tasteless rations, and a bathroom with the best toilet paper in it. Not to mention even a bathtub with scented candles.
'Seems even in another world, the wealthy love to show off.' Making her glad when she decided to ruin most of it and change the obviously expensive section of the bunker. Luxury always reminded her of her father. Ah. What a shame she never got to kill him. The only thing good about the God of Darknesses attack was that it wiped that monster away from existence alongside those who kept her in that tower.
Salem then sat down on a redecorated chair with the associated Grimm colors she gave it and relaxed herself. As she did so, in her hands she then used her magic to create a dark cloud that then took the form of four figures she once knew. A rare small genuine smile coming on her face, as despite the passage of time she could still at least remember some of the good memories from back then. Before everything changed. For a time Salem sat there, remembering the days with them. Not bothering with anything else at the moment.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Until that happened. A message she was receiving. With a click of her tongue, Salem telekinetically pulled the table to her and grabbed it. Dispersing the small cloud and went to see who messaged her.
"Cinder." Salem quickly hit the answer button, where the chat screen opened up revealing Cinder's face. "What is it?" She asked.
"My Grace. I am to inform you that a problem has occured."
"You and Hazel didn't reveal yourself, did you." Salem asked with a slightly raised tone with her eyes narrowing. Cinder on screen flinched a bit, but held her ground.
"No ma'am. We weren't caught." Cinder informed her. "However, during the day we caught someone watching us. A spy." Now this got Salem's attention. A spy. Either someone must have thought Cinder and Hazel were suspicious enough to follow, or, they knew something of the two. More than they should have.
"Explain."
"He told us that someone wanted him to watch our movements for their boss." Cinder then went on in explaining more. How the man was watching them for the entity of the day, where another person had also been dispatched to overlook Hazel when he seperated, who they couldn't catch due to the timeframe. Spying on them for an unknown party to see their movements, despite the fact they had done nothing to warrant such espionage.
In other words, someone realized their identity. Or at least figured out they weren't regular people. But that shouldn't have been possible, as they just arrived here literally under three days ago. Where nobody should have been the wiser. Yet Hazel and Cinder were spied on and later followed.
That wasn't good news at all.
"...Start coming back here tomorrow, and ensure nobody follows you. We'll discuss this later." Salem ordered with Cinder acknowledging the command and then turning off her end of communications. It would seem things were becoming more serious here than she had thought. To think, somebody knew they were individuals who didn't belong, and spied on her two subordinates.
'That should be impossible, considering we just got here. And I doubt those two just gave themselves away.' If anything, she'd expect this type of thing from Tyrian. Salem would have to act soon, sooner than she thought. Granted, there was the possible chance that the individuals watching Cinder and Hazel could have been doing so for other reasons. Salem of course didn't get by for making assumptions, and thus would act accordingly. After all, being cautious never hurt anybody.
Still though, it was rather irritating that she had to be even more careful here than back home. She wondered how things were going there?
…
…
…
"Okay. It's official. We're screwed."
Roars and banging could be heard from the door. The sounds of pounding and scratches worried the two teenagers to no end. Out of everybody in the castle, they were the only ones who survived. All the other low-class servants who helped run the place, dead. It was just them now.
"Raaaaaa!" Though maybe not for long.
"Mercury." A green haired girl looked frightened, holding her own weapons despite the fact they have long since ran out of ammo. "What...what do we do?" Her red eyes turned to him , looking for an answer.
The grey clothed boy just looked at the girl, no longer having his usual smug attitude or trademark smirk. His greyish hair ruffled up, and tears were seen on his outfits. His legs unable to fire anymore Dust rounds, having spent them like the girl. "I...I don't know Emerald."
"Oh." Emerald couldn't even blame him.
It's been around two or three days since the explosion happened. A loud noise they heard. When Mercury and Emerald went to check on it, they saw a broken down lab with scorch marks all over. At first they believed it was no big deal.
After a few hours, they couldn't find Cinder.
In a day, they realized they couldn't find any of the inner circle members, or even Salem herself.
Just after midnight, it seems he Grimm realized there was nobody around to give them orders, and attacked the humans inside.
Coming like a black tide, a storm. Luckily it was just the ones closest to the castle, but even then they came roaring. Attracting more Grimm that heard the call, with servants instantly realizing something was wrong. For Salem held these monsters back, yet now they attacked. Attacked without any mercy.
Mercury and Emerald did their best, but failed in escaping. The Bullheads some of the Servants took, brought down by other Grimm. Those that fought, died after a few hours. It was only thanks to their cunning and luck, combined with determination, did the two allies of Cinder even survive. But now they were trapped in some creepy room with a pool of black liquid and some pod in the center of it, the banging heard from the doors. This was it, no way out.
They were trapped.
"I can't believe this is how it ends." Mercury snorts with a solemn look. "Hah. I guess this is better than being killed by my dad."
"Better?" Emerald yelled out. "We're about to get ripped apart and eaten. There's nothing good about this at all!"
"Well what are we supposed to do, huh?" Mercury shot back. "Without Salem or even Cinder keeping the Grimm back, we're toast."
"I don't know." Emerald yelled. "Um. Aren't there secret tunnels?"
"Yeah right. So the Creeps get us."
"At least I'm trying to find a way to get us to survive!"
"And I'm saying we're dead!"
As the two argued, neither of them noticed the oddity when the strange pod in the liquid began stirring. It was slow, and rippled unnoticed, but surely it began acting. Responding to the two's negative emotions, and the noise its brethren made.
Brethren...that soon sensed it and began leaving one-by-one.
"Okay then!" Emerald grabbed Mercury by his collar. "Then tell me. We're just supposed to accept our death like some-some...it's quiet."
"What-" Emerald then let him go, and pointed at the door.
"It's quiet." She repeated.
"..." Blinking, Mercurywalked toward the door, and while he didn't make any effort to open in, since that could get him killed, he placed an ear on the door. No howls, scratching, pounding, screeches. Just utter silence. "What the hell."
"This...this is good, right?" Emerald then asked, hugging herself. "I mean, now we can maybe, leave. Find Cinder. Get out of here."
"If she's anywhere near." Mercury spat. "Still, maybe we can escape this hell hole. Let's just wait a bit though, just in case." Calm themselves down so when they leave the room, they won't die.
"O-okay." Emerald smiled. "It's just...amazing that we just might live through this. Just get Cinder, leave, and...I dunno. Go to Vaccuo maybe."
"Uh-huh. Sure." Mercury responded, with the two not noticing a shadow walking toward them. "Hey, maybe when we get that Bullhead, we could also check out that glowing purple thing."
"Purple...what?" The shadowy figure then started standing straight, teeth showing.
"A purple thing." Mercury told her. "When I was watching out the window, I saw a lot of Grimm converging to some purple glow. Like a portal or whatever. Maybe that's where Cinder and the others went."
"You think?" Emerald said excitingly.
"Who knows." Mercury shrugs. "But hey, I bet we'll find something there. Ain't that a good thing."
"No."
"..."
"..."
It was then the two froze, as an unnatural voice was heard. Belonging to neither of them. Slowly, but with fear, the two turned around.
Where an eyeless black and boney bipedal Grimm was standing before them. It's 'skin' rippled constantly while it seemed to see into their souls despite a lack of red eyes. Instead, having a wonderful set of teeth instead that the two then watched nervously.
Then before they could scream, the Grimm leapt at them.
Oh yeah. I'm bringing 'The Hound' into the GrimmFall-verse. Now won't that be fun. In this reality of Remnant, Salem made it sooner but hasn't used it yet. And don't worry, our two little villains are still alive.