Deadly Passion
(Village of Ikari, Inn) (A Few Days Later)
Team RASE had returned from a new mission; Exterminating a group of Grimm traveling too close to the Village of Ikari. It was a simple task, one that even the guards of the town could handle. But the team was asked to do this for a few reasons.
Firstly because their teacher had requested for all teams to get more involved in lower tasks to start off with. They weren't going to get any better by staying in Beacon and it's safety net. Secondly, Vale's army was stretched thin and needed to focus on more of the more serious threats. That included more experienced Hunters as well, meaning they didn't have the time to deal with anything less. Finally, it lessens the risk of the Village itself facing the Grimm. Even though they were just as much at risk, the teams weren't asked to deal with anything major. That's what their mentors were for.
Now they were staying in an Inn for a few days to await the return of Corvus from a much larger hunt that they weren't allowed to accompany. Rukido himself was sitting on his bed, Pip-Boy on and an earpiece in to listen to the radio privately. At the same time, Anno was laying in her bed with her eyes closed, but still very much awake. On the other side of the room, Kumari could be seen finishing up her assignments while Ebon was just getting started.
Even when out on missions, they were missing their school work and to counter this, Goodwitch gave them homework to do when they were meant to have a break.
"Bah, can't believe Goodwitch held me up over something stupid." Ebon scowled while Kumari shot him a look. "I did nothing wrong."
"You choke-slammed Cardin through a table then proceeded to throw him out the window." Kumari explained with Ebon going silent. However her smile caught on quickly. "Perhaps you're being punished for not doing enough."
Ebon snorted, letting out a chuckle. "Then I will be sure to fix that during the combat trial next time. For now I have to study up on Grimm culture?...for some reason."
"It is not as silly as one would believe." Kumari defended, her smile not fading. "My tribe has made it a priority to avoid certain Grimm and they do the same for us."
"That true? Can't really say I believe it." Ebon said honestly. "My family took their job seriously and wouldn't hesitate. Looking back, that alone seems foolish."
"There are Grimm out there who are so old and strong that they won't hunt out of an understanding. If we don't attack, neither will they. I should know, I've been in the presence of many and not one touched me." Kumari said with a hint of pride in her voice.
"Because doing so would invoke the wrath of your tribe?" Ebon asked, seeing his partner nod. "Huh...neat." He chose that would be the best point to end it off at. He didn't exactly believe that fully, but there was no point in arguing against it. "Either way, extra work is not acceptable for me."
"Perhaps, but it beats a lecture from her." Kumari said, getting a nod of agreement. As they were focusing on their assignments, Kumari caught Rukido muttering something. She turned to him to see him sitting straight up in the bed while looking down at his Pip-Boy. "Is something wrong, Rukido?"
"..." He didn't say anything at first and merely sighed while taking off his ear piece. His Pip-Boy played as Mr. New Vegas came on.
"...As I've said before; The Atlas Royal Party, taking place within the Schnee Family Manor, has faced a rather bloody and gruesome attack with many dead. While not much info has been released on the situation, we do know this attack was done by a single, unknown assailant. Atlas Military is already on the scene and trying to find the culprit, but nothing has been released. I'll be sure to keep you updated once more information is released."
With that the program ended, Kumari looking shocked and horrified while Ebon seemed more surprised than shocked. Rukido ended the program, his face showing no real emotion as he leaned back.
"...Fuck." Ebon muttered. He never thought the Schnee Manor of all places could be attacked, least of all by one person.
"Who could have done such a thing?" Kumari questioned herself. Naturally her first thought went to the Black Talon, but they would have known throughout the attack. Plus they would have happily announced it. "Oh I can only imagine how Weiss is going to handle this."
"Not well." Ebon scoffed before turning his head to Rukido. "And what do you think of this?"
"...I think we should give Weiss her distance and leave her teammates to tend to her. She will hear this news eventually. It would be best that she can stay within her present company until she knows that her family is alright." Rukido said after some thought.
"Fine with me. It's not our business to begin with." Ebon said, shifting over his bed to sit down. Kumari looked like she wanted to say something, but had remained silent. "...I'm sure we can check in when it's better."
"I would like that." Kumari admitted while laying back in her bed and turning away.
'She certainly doesn't take bad news too well. Even when it doesn't involve her.' Ebon noted while watching her. He thought it may have been a personal thing, but didn't want to think much of it.
Rukido in the meantime was back on his Pip-Boy, wanting to keep an ear out for the news. All the while, none of them noticed how Anno was shifting in her place with nothing but grimace on her face.
(Flashback) (Anno: Age 6)
"From here on out, you will be known as Subject 69." That was what the doctor told Anno when she had woken up. It had been days since her village had been wiped out and she did not know if anyone had survived. Now she was in the care of what she had believed to be doctors, dressed in dark black coats and gas masks. So far they were...strange. "I am Doctor Hubris. From here on out, you will be helping me with a certain experiment."
"W-where's my mother?" Anno asked, fear well known in her voice.
"..She was hurt badly in the attack. Resting in another part of our facility." Dr. Hubris explained calmly. "She has left you in my care until she has recovered. That alone will take much time."
"Can I see her? Please?" Anno begged. However she was ignored in favor of finding herself strapped down to a chair by two other men. "What are you doing! Let me go!"
"Have no fear, child. You will merely be taking part in an experiment as per our agreement." The Doctor said, not bothered at all. "However I do have to ask. How do you feel about being the reason your village was invaded by the Grimm?"
Anno couldn't help to freeze at the words, a mixture of confusion and anxiety building up within her.
"W-what?"
"Oh yes, you have no one to blame, but yourself for the attack." Hubris said, almost like he was scolding her. "Those Grimmifed came looking for you, child. Thanks to you your whole home is destroyed and your mother got hurt protecting your pointless life. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I...I..." Tears were streaming in her eyes as her breathing became fast. "I want my mommy!"
"Such a selfish child. How could you be so cruel!" Hubris said, his tone mockling, yet undetected by the crying child. "Why do you think you're here? Your mother pretty much blames you for all you've done." Anno's tears were clotting up her vision as hiccups and sobs escaped her mouth. "But do not worry. There is a way you can earn back her favor."
"W-what?" Anno was barely able to say this much.
"Foolish little child. This is your chance to earn back your mother's love." Hubris said, instantly catching Anno's attention. "You shall help me with this experiment and should it prove successful, your mother shall ask for your return. Do you want to help this old man with this project?"
Anno nodded without hesitation.
"That's good. I thank you for your cooperation, Subject 69." Anno could only nod her head up and down, trying hard to stop her tears with much difficulty. However it grew harder as the Doctor approached her with a scalpel in hand. "First we need to put something in you. Fear not, you will be asleep during the process. Boys?"
The last thing Anno saw was the butt of a rifle heading to her head.
(Village of Ikari, Inn)
Anno shot out of bed, breathing heavily and grabbed her sheets tightly. She was like for a moment before looking around. No one else was in the room thankfully, meaning her mini-panic attack was over for now. Letting out a sigh, she got up from bed and made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. Passing by a stand, she barely caught the small note on there and read it.
"Went downstairs to get some food, come down if you want." Anno mumbled, considering it. She nodded herself and decided to get ready and join her team as quickly as possible. As she entered the bathroom, she failed to notice a figure out by the window gleaming in.
(Later)
Now wearing another set of her clothes, Anno was trying to spot her teammates through the mass amount of people. Thankfully it didn't take long as she spotted them sitting at a table and talking amongst themselves.
"Look who woke up." Ebon said as she approached. "We're just about to order. At least whenever that waitress comes back."
"You mean the same one who slipped you her number?" Rukido asked, getting a scowl from him.
"How did you see that?" Ebon demanded only to get snickering in return.
"It's nice to see everyone lively." Anno admitted while sitting down. It had been an interesting time with her team and she loved every moment with them.
"Did you sleep well?" Kumari asked with a smile.
"I slept…just fine." Anno lied, not wanting them to worry. While they seemed to believe it, something told her that not all of them were fully convinced. "Forgive me for sleeping so late, I suppose I got tired out by the mission."
"I'm just glad we got one to begin with." Ebon mumbled, not going unnoticed by his team. "And where is the Waitress with our menus?"
"No clue, but it should be expected with how many people are here." Rukido said while glancing around. It was pretty much a full house here. "They're probably having their own tough time."
"Tch." Ebon scoffed and looked away. He was hungry damn it.
"I wonder what Mr. Corvus is up to?" Kumari asked.
"If I had to guess, dealing with a stupidly large pack of Grimms. Either that or he's joined up with another Hunter for some hush, hush talk." Rukido said, not too interested in whatever Corvus was up to. The man could clearly handle himself for anything around here. "Waiter's coming. Better order fast." It thankfully didn't take too long for everyone to figure out what everyone wanted and even less time to get their food surprisingly. While skeptical, Rukiod shrugged and was still hungry himself. "Alright everyone, dig in."
While everyone ate, Anno allowed herself to slip back into her memories.
(Flashback)(Anno: Age 7)
"Dig in, Subject 69." Anno looked down at the "Food" with a neutral expression. She was currently in a pure white room with nothing more than a bed and a toilet. She was also wearing a straightjacket, something they had put on her not long after the experimentations had started.
Those experimentations were...alright to say the least. Needles were never a great thing, but over a year now she's gotten used to them. They were always injecting her with something before taking her blood right after. Never once did they tell her what was being placed inside of her, but it didn't matter too much to a child her age.
When they weren't injecting her with strange substances, they would ask her questions about herself. Nothing personal like what she liked or how she loved her fish. Rather they would ask for more physical stuff. Such as how she was feeling? Was her vision still perfect? Did her aura feel off? And each and every time she responded that she was fine. It was the honest truth.
It didn't matter in the end, so long as she could see her mother. She was apparently still unwell to the point she couldn't visit. Thankfully she always got a letter at the end of the week from her, telling her of how good a job she was doing. As much as she wanted to see her, Anno felt that this was best in getting back in her good grace.
"You've done well, Subject 69." Doctor Hubris said while feeding her slop. "I think we'll be ready to take you to the next stage of testing." Anno only nodded, learning that no one liked it when she spoke. Or cried. Or even whimpered. "It'll be a bit harsher than what you're used to, but be thankful you've been useful thus far. Your semblance certainly comes into play."
That's right, she had an Aura Absorption type semblance. Something that she really couldn't control just yet, but she loved it nonetheless.
"But anyway, another test subject will be joining you soon enough. Do not fret, they are not nearly as lucky as you." Doctor Hubris said, almost vaguely. "We merely wish to see how they'll react in your presence. Think of them as...your kin."
'Kin?' Anno thought as the Doctor stepped out of the room. Minutes went by with Anno waiting impatiently in place. Then the opened instantly as a loud roar was instantly heard.
A Grimmifed was in her room!
Naturally she screamed and backed herself up against the wall. This however was a mistake and caught the Grimmifed attention. Despite it wearing a straightjacket like her, it had it's jagged jaw wide open as it lunged at her. It tackled Anno against the wall, digging her teeth deep into her neck and making the once pure white walls splattered with blood.
"H-hel..." She couldn't even get the words out as her throat was being aggressively chomped into. Thankfully it didn't take long for the guards to come in, swithly pulling the Grimmifed off the girl whole Doctor Hubris made his way over to the girl. "H..."
"Fear not child, you may suffer, but I won't allow you to die." The Doctor said, but it wasn't long until darkness took up her vision. "Pre...lab...sample..."
Then all she knew was nothing.
(Village of Ikari, Inn)
Anno shook herself back up to reality and noticed how her teammates were still eating. She herself looked down at the bowl of noodles for a mere moment before she continued as well. It wasn't long till they were finished, their bill paid for and now talking amongst themselves. They had also informed her of what happened in Atlas, much to her horror.
"...Do you...do you think Weiss knows?" Anno asked, sorrowfully.
"At this point, yes." Rukido said, feeling bad for being the reason for the sour mood. "But try not to worry about her. She has her friends with her as we speak."
"May we change the topic from something less depressing?" Kumari asked, not wanting to get into this any further. "You're from Vegas, there must be plenty of stories you can tell us."
"It isn't as wild as people make it out to be." Rukido said.
"Bullshit. I hear it's the Kingdom of Parties." Ebon declared.
"...Alright well it's not wild by my standards." Now he had their attention, especially Anno's. He was grateful for that, she seemed out of it recently. "Let's see...well there is the time someone tried to bust into the Lucky 38 Casino."
"A Casino? Did they think they were gonna break into the vault?" Ebon asked, wondering who was so stupid.
"No. The building itself." Seeing their confusion, he elaborated. "Out of all the places open to the public, there are a select few that aren't. The Lucky 38 is one of them and hasn't been opened since."
"I thought I heard something about that. Isn't it because that's where Mr. House resides?" Kumair asked. Seeing Rukido nod, she allowed a frown to settle on her face. "Why does he not show his true self then?"
"Nobody really knows, but no one questions it either. A kingdom comes out of nowhere and changes the tide against the Grimm while also offering protection? No need to question that." Rukido said, not at all bothered. Vegas has been a benefit to just about everyone, especially their allies. "If the man doesn't want to be seen then leave him be."
"Right, right, back to trying to break in the 38." Ebon said, wanting to know what someone did to try and get in. More so on how it was handled.
"Well first they tried prying it open, but Securitons detained them for that. Another tried crashing a car through it. Didn't budge and he nearly got himself along with others killed. Finally some nutjob planned to rig a bomb on it, but was instantly caught at the gates before he could make it into the strip." Rukido said, making them wonder how tough security was for a place that wasn't even military related. "That one is either still locked up or dead, can't say it's worth remembering. Bastard is lucky that Six wasn't there that day."
"Six?" Anno sounded confused by the name. However Kumari and Ebon knew well enough of who Rukido spoke of.
"You mean Courier Six? The Devil of the West and Mr. House's right hand?" Ebon asked, wanting to make sure for certain.
"The very same." Rukido said with a nod.
"Who is Courier Six?" Anno asked, confused.
"They're without a doubt one of Vegas' Hunters. Possibly the strongest if those stories are true." Kumari said, a shiver going down her spine.
"Oh I bet they are. There are some stupidly overpowered Hunters out there and Six is amongst that list." Ebon said, letting out a laugh. "Shit, no one even knows who they are. Not what they look like, what they are, not even if they're a man or a woman."
"Yet whenever it comes to anything that threatens Vegas, they deal with them without hesitation." Rukido said. "That right there is loyalty."
"Come on, you have to know something about them right?" Ebon asked, his curiosity beating his normal stubborn nature.
"I know as much as anyone else. You fuck with Vegas, you fuck with House. And if you fuck with House, you fuck with the Courier." Rukido said, giving them a quite serious stare. He then started laughing while grabbing his drink. "I'm still betting on him to be a machine though."
"...You cannot be serious." Ebon said, almost disappointed. "You think that a Hunter that capable is a machine?"
"Could be, couldn't it? Unlike Atlas, their quality in robotics is actually topnotch." Rukido said while glancing up at the ceiling. "Maybe I should see about getting one of those Mr. Gutsy. Always wanted a floating gun to shoot for me. Then again a Ms. Handy would be nice to have in the dorm room."
"I doubt Professor Goodwitch would allow it." Kumari said with a sweatdrop.
"It doesn't help that she really doesn't like you." Ebon added on.
"No she doesn't. Why would she?" Rukido asked.
"It may have something to do with you never taking off that damn hat." Ebon said.
"You're gonna have to bury me in this hat because I'm never taking this off for no good reason." Rukido said, a hand placed on his hat defensively. That had gotten some laughs out of them, though Anno's sounded forced. However he chose not to mention it, at least not now.
As for Anno, she was thinking about whether she should take the time and get ready to leave soon. She didn't like large crowds and the Inn was starting to fill up with drunks. Before she could continue further, she noticed someone stop in front of their table.
He was fairly skinny for his age, looking a little older than them and stood around 5,10. His skin was tanned and his black, slick hair was toned back. His eyes were easily the most interesting part about him, one shining emerald green while the other was yellow. He was wearing a simple black dress vest, white dress shirt, a red tie, black pants and shoes to complete his look. Finally he was carrying a camera.
"Excuse me, may I take your picture? Your group is quite unique." The man asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
"I don't see why not." Kumari said before turning to her team. "Do you guys have a problem with it?"
"...Fine. Just one and that's it." Ebon mumbled.
"I-I suppose so." Anno said.
"..."
"Rukido?" Kumari asked. He seemed to be looking at the man for some reason. Did he know him from somewhere?
"...Sure." Rukido said, giving them a smile.
Huddling up together, they waited for the man to take his picture. They didn't need to wait long as a flash engulfed the Inn, nearly blinding them.
(Flashback)(Anno: Age: 12)
Anno sat quietly in a chair, sitting directly across from Dr. Hubris, still wearing his same set of clothes from that very day they met. You would think with how long they've known each other, he would have shown her his face. But knowing someone doesn't equal being friends with them. Anno and Dr. Hubris were NOT friends in the slightest, and she accepted that happily.
The experiments had gotten worse over time, especially within recent weeks. The injections still happened, along with the questions she'd answer honestly. But after her first encounter with a Grimmifed, Dr. Hubris had brought her down to where they kept other subjects. Others fully turned Grimmifed. She of course had her own room once again, but her neighbors were more than willing to tear her guts out and enjoy it too.
She was not taught anything while kept here, but she learned from their conversations that just happened to be overheard. Through her time here, Anno learned that they were experimenting with the Grimmification of people. Specifically, Faunus like herself. They certainly didn't like her kind. Off point, she didn't know however why they were doing this and more importantly why she was okay.
"Another failed test. Not your fault child, merely my own." Hubris said while looking down at his notes. "Your mental strength is quite strong, I had thought you would have crumbled years ago."
How could she? She had fully accepted her situation. All to see her mother again.
"...I suppose I have no choice, but to head into the next stage." Anno glanced up to see that Dr. Hubris stepped up from his seat and began to pull something out. A camera. "I would like to take a quick picture for the record. Is that fine?"
Of course it was fine, she had no choice here.
Regardless she nodded with the Doctor humming happily. He stepped next to her with the camera in hand, setting it and placing it down on his desk. Seconds before the flash came, something pricked the back of her neck and forced a gasp out of her. She felt...wrong. Not physically exactly, but more on her mind. Angry yet tired?
"I'm sorry for what happens next dear." That was all the Doctor said before the flash blinded the room.
(Present)(Ikari Village, Inn)
The flash faded as the group rubbed their eyes from the blinding light. Upon regaining their bearings, they watched as the man was looking at the camera with a smile.
"Thank you very much. It works perfectly!" The man said, walking away with the picture in hand.
"Oh yeah, thanks for blinding us and running off." Ebon muttered while rubbing his eyes.
"He didn't even say good bye." Kumari said, displeased with the disrespect.
"...You know what, I don't care. I need coffee." Rukido said, looking down at the hot water he ordered. He opened his satchel and took out several coffee beans popping them in his mouth. He then took the hot water and slowly downed it in before letting out a satisfied sigh. It was when he noticed the strange stares from his teammates, even Anno. "What?"
"...You are a menace to society." Ebon declared sourly.
"I've been called worse things." Rukido said, letting out a chuckle. However it was cut short on Anno getting up from her seat. "Leaving already?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, I just need to clear my head." Anno admitted, hand on her forehead. She wasn't feeling well and hated this feeling. With how she was now, she feared snapping on one of them by accident. "I will return later on. Stay safe."
With that she was gone, leaving behind her team and heading out into the rain. Pulling her hood over, she walked through the streets in hopes that her mind would feel better once she returned.
Minutes went by while Anno looked around, watching children run by and laughing. It made her smile upon seeing them rush to their parents. However it quickly faded as a headache came on, making her place a hand on her forehead. She leaned up against the wall, near an alley way and released a sigh.
'I just need to stay calm. One day at a time.' Anno thought to herself, allowing her eyes to closer. However a cloth pressed itself across her mouth, making her eye snap open. However darkness soon clouded her vision as she fell to her side.
(Flashback)(Anno: Age: 12)
Anno finally woke up from her deep sleep, confusion filling her.
"Wha-" she cut herself short upon tasting blood in her mouth. Looking down at herself, she saw herself covered in it and the straightjacket she had on for years now long gone. However that didn't compare to what was in front of her. "...Mother?"
Oh it was her mother alright. She was currently on the ground, having looked beaten to a pulp and having her insides ripped out. Her legs were mangled, looking as though they had been smashed by sledgehammers. It was her face that was truly terrifying, having half of it shredded into.
"I tried to stop you, but you went...feral." Anno heard Dr. Hubris' voice, but could only stay focused on the unbreathing form before her. "You did this. You killed your mother."
Anno could only stare for what felt like ages as everything shut down for her.
"What do you have to say to yourself, useless child?"
She could only scream out in terror. However it soon turned feral and animal like as everything turned red for the first time she arrived here.
(Chapter End)
A/N: A/N: I know, I know, I'm super late with this. I just haven't been feeling very motivated lately, but thankfully I found somewhat of a drive for now. I only hope I keep with it, if only because it's driving another thing for myself. But besides that, let's get into some things. Admitly that was mostly from trying to come up with a few concrete ideas for Bleach, but all of them ended in failure. But let's delve into today's chapter.
As you can see, I'm still focusing on Anno here along with bits and pieces of her past, which isn't fun as you can see. I plan on doing this for all the team members of RASE when I get the chance, if only to build up who they are and where they'll move on to in the future. Each one has something a little interesting about themselves and others in the world.
As a small add on, I've also talked minorly about the Courier or the Devil of the West. Obviously I haven't said too much on them just yet and this is intentional for when they do appear in the future. It's why I haven't depicted them as a good or bad person yet, just someone loyal to Vegas. You'll have to wait for them and you'll be in for a treat.
That should be all for now, so as usual direct all questions towards the review section. In the meantime have yourself a great day and that you come back for more. Until next we meet.
Reviews
Ushindi: Amazing chapter! Anno's past must be pretty terrifying and tragic judging by her reaction at the Husks and little a bit on her flashback. Now I'm very curious on her past and Rukido's semblance. So that's Grimmified Evolved looks likeb, they certainly stronger, faster and intelligent than Grimms indeed and I'm looking forward to see more of them.
It's a shame you put an end to your Fairy Tail story, but I understand. I'm really interested on you working Bleach story, it would certainly be cool.
1. What do you think of Winter becoming a Maiden?
2. Do you think Weiss would be a better leader than Ruby? I mean look how far Ruby has come along, she has matured nicely through everything she has been through?
3. How can Team RWBY and JNR stop an immortal Grimm Queen? * looks at Salem warily*
Answers: Oh we're just getting started when it comes to traumatic experiences. Seems to be a common theme in cannon. And don't worry, her past and more on Rukido's semblance will be revealed soon enough. Glad you like it, now onto the questions.
1: I didn't really mind it. It's fitting to say the least.
2: Personally, no. Given her Volume One attitude, it doesn't do her any favors when leading a team. Which for her would be trying to change them constantly into something that would be acceptable by her past standards. It's why Ruby was picked, she accepts almost everyone and doesn't have a harsh judging personality. Just so were clear, not throwing shade as Weiss here, but I am being honest.
3: I unfortunately can't answer that. Not because I don't have an answer, but because I can't reveal that answer due to my story. Maybe by the time Rooster Teeth get their shit together you'll have that answer.
Thanks as usual.
Gojosin: Rukido's Semblance... I got two ideas on what it might be. First is VATS. Second is Bloody Mess. I'm probably wrong on both counts.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter, or if you post one of the new stories.
Answer: Well VATS is part of the Pip-Boy, despite being confusing as is sometimes, but I can understand why. Though I can admit that bloody mess was a very good guess, but not quite. It isn't anything from Fallout, rather it's from an anime series. Worry not though, Rukido will reveal what it is within due time.
But hey, I'm glad you're enjoying it and sorry for the long wait.