The wind rustled gently through the forest, the sound of the branches and leaves creating a constant background noise throughout the trees. Small animals could be heard rustling through the thick shrubbery, and small birds flew from branch to branch twittering softly. The barely risen shattered moon shone gently through the branches, casting a gentle pale glow across the ground.
Across the ground, occasionally there could be seen a pack of Beowolves, or on rare occasion Ursai. They would weave through the shadows of the trees, silently searching. The small animals of the forest would grow silent at their approach, but the Grimm never took notice. Ears perked, they heard the loud sounds of combat near the cliffs, and they started moving towards it. They never saw the person glaring at them from above, nor the death about to befall them.
Across the thick canopy of trees she ran, stopping every once in a while to look through the darkened forest. She had been Summoned here a couple days prior, and was left confused as to what she was meant to do. With no instructions to follow, she set about examining the surrounding area. It didn't take long for her to realize that she was on a rather large island. As she surveyed the land, she found a decently sized city, as well as a couple of small settlements. She did her best to avoid that area. Until she had a better grasp of what was going on, she would much prefer to stay in an environment that she was more familiar with.
Flowing through the branches, she made about as much sound as the wind did, with the animals hardly realizing she passed by. Every once in a while, she would spot one of the mockeries of regular animals. Eyes narrowed, she made sure to eliminate them quickly and without hesitation. Wild animals fell under the domain of her patron, and she would not let a mockery such as these Grimm corrupt her goddess's domain.
After several days of scouting the land, she was starting to get frustrated. While she appreciated the freedom that she had been given, not knowing what was going on was getting on her nerves. One didn't just summon a Heroic Spirit by accident, and it was clear to her that she was gaining energy from somewhere, she just couldn't figure out where.
As she traveled, she soon heard the sound of gunfire in the distance. Ears perked, she started heading in that direction. If she recalled correctly, that direction didn't have any settlement, only forest and the cliffs. She couldn't think of a reason for anybody to be out there, but they obviously had a gun, which meant they were prepared. She had no intention of joining in on their fight of course - if they were too weak to take out these Grimm, then they shouldn't have traveled out here. However, she was interested in observing how well the locals fought. If she ever had to fight them, it would be good knowledge to have.
Flowing through the tree's once more, like a ghost through the shadows, she followed the sound of gunshots. Even though the sounds were far away, in the silence of the forest the noise was very jarring, not only directing her to where she should go, but also more Grimm. Her eyes narrowed briefly before deciding to let them go. If this person was fine with making that much noise, then they should be strong enough to deal with the consequences.
She eventually made her way to the tree line, where she had the perfect view of the fighting.
Mere moments after viewing the fight, she forgot her decision to just stay back and watch. Her hands blurring, she brought up her bow and aimed at the horde of Grimm, panic momentarily over-ruling logic.
The Strong ruled over the Weak, and she never had any patience for those that were weak. Only the strong lived freely in the world, for that is the brutal lesson that she had been taught in the wilds when she was growing up.
However
Children were exempt from that rule in her eyes. That was a must. For how could they not be? How could one hold a child up to the standards of others? Children were still learning the ways of the world, they were still innocent. You couldn't tell how strong a child could be based on their current strength, you could only help them grow, and do your best to protect their smiles.
So when she saw two girls fighting the horde of Grimm, she didn't even have to think about it. She had made her decision on what to do many years before. It didn't matter that they were doing well, or that they didn't see perturbed at the number of Beowolves. All she cared about in that moment was making sure that the two kids in front of her didn't have to fight on their own.
Most animals protected their young with their life. Wolves? Bears? Lions? Though she learned to care for children from these creatures, she learned the most from personal experience.
Though many years had passed, she would never forget the despair that she felt when she was abandoned as a child. For that, she would never let a child suffer in her presence.
Targets sighted, her arrows let loose.
It didn't matter if she didn't know these children or not. She would protect them all the same.
Ruby decided that today was turning out to be a pretty good day as she casually blocked a punch from a Beowolf, firing Crescent Rose at the same time to propel herself away.
She had managed to sneak some cookies after breakfast, she was able to install some new upgrades in Crescent Rose, AND Yang agreed to come with her to visit Summer's grave!
Well, not that that last one was happy per se, she corrected in her head as she dodged a leaping Grimm, quickly spinning and bisecting it.
It always made her feel sad when she visited Mom like that, but she always felt a lot better after doing so. Even better than spending the entire day at the weapons shop, which Yang and her Dad never let her do after that one time... But this time Yang wanted to come with her to visit Mom's grave, which immediately made the activity even better.
Ruby knew that she... wasn't the greatest at making friends. But how was it her fault that weapons were way more interesting than the other students? And the one time she had an interesting conversation with this one boy about the validity of making a shield that could double up as a buzz saw, her Uncle Qrow got annoyed at the poor boy for trying to, as he said, "woo" her. Which was just silly! He wanted to talk weapons, and she wanted to talk weapons. Nope, no wooing in sight, no sir.
After that happened, she felt justified in not socializing with the other students. It wasn't that she was socially awkward, she was just saving the other students from her Dad and Uncle Qrow's wrath! If anything, they should be giving her a medal for her sacrifice.
Ruby quickly launched herself out of range of the Beowolves and started firing at the Grimm that were closing in on Yang. Sure, Yang could handle herself, but they worked better when they were working together. Which, Ruby sighed sadly, hadn't been happening lately.
She had never felt the need to go out and socialize more. She had Yang, Dad and Uncle Qrow, and Crescent Rose! Why would she need more than that?
Because her list was so short, it made it all the more noticeable when Yang started pulling away and spending less time with her.
Dad and Uncle Qrow were understandable. Her Dad was a teacher at Signal, and that often kept him really busy for one reason or another. And then Uncle Qrow was a super awesome Huntsman! And he had a bunch of missions that he had to do. Once again, something that she understood.
But she and Yang used to spend a lot of time together! They were an amazing sister team! And she knew that Yang still loved her and everything, but for some reason Yang started going out more and doing who knows what a couple years ago. Ruby tried to go with her a few times, but the answers were always the same.
"Sorry Rubes, not this time."
"Sorry sis, I have some super secret big girl stuff to work on."
"Maybe next time, don't you have homework to work on?"
"Don't tell Uncle Qrow or Dad about this, and just go play with a few friends for now."
"I'll see you later tonight"
Ruby knew that Yang was strong. Stronger than she was, which is bound to happen with two more years of practice, so she probably didn't have anything to worry about. But still... To her, it felt like one of the people she relied on in life was leaving her for no reason. Yang always avoided the issue when she asked about it, and Ruby was never good enough with words to ask right.
That's what made these moments even more special to her. She always saw Yang at home in the evening of course, their Dad still assigned them curfew. But to spend the afternoon with Yang like this helped her forget how lonely she had been.
And now she was being given the perfect opportunity to test out those upgrades she made to Crescent Rose! She sighed happily as she dashed forward to behead a couple of Grimm that were trying to flank Yang.
Yep! Today was awesome!
Now if only these Grimm would stop coming so she could spend more time with Yang, then the day would be perfect.
Just as she launched herself in the air to aim at the Beowolves below, she was startled when numerous streaks of light from the forest streaked out and started killing the Grimm. At first she thought it was some kind of gun, but when she looked at the corpses of the Grimm she was surprised to see that each one had been stuck with an arrow.
With the added support of the archer in the trees, they were soon able to take out the rest of the Grimm fairly quickly. After she put Crescent Rose away, she looked at the person walking towards them. Once she got a closer look, her eyes went wide and she gasped excitedly.
Yep! Today just got perfect!
Yang looked at her sister and the new person and couldn't help but snicker.
The faunus that had helped them was walking with them back to their house, her weapons currently being held by Ruby, who was cooing at how beautiful they were.
Now, don't get her wrong, she enjoyed good weapons as well, and she loved the gold and black color scheme, but...
"This bow is so well crafted! And these daggers are amazing as well! What are their names? Did you make them? How long have you..."
But Ruby took it to the next level Yang thought. Thankfully the woman didn't seem bothered by Ruby's obsession, and was actually smiling at her.
"Ruby!" Yang called out, interrupting her spiel. "You do realize that you have to give those back eventually, right?"
Ruby froze, looking back and forth between the weapons and the woman, her face the picture of pure sadness.
After seeing that, the woman quickly raised her hands and shook her head, "No, it's alright, you may hold them for now, I do not mind." After hearing that, Ruby gave a bright smile again, and the woman relaxed. "As for their names? My bow is named Tauropolos, though I'm afraid that I have never named my daggers." Ruby gave a gasp at that, "And they were a gift to me from an old friend." She concluded with a soft smile.
"B-but how can you NOT name your daggers?! Just look at how well forged they are! They should totally have names! Let me see.." And Ruby immediately started going through various name that she thought would be appropriate, while the woman viewed this with a smile.
Yang walked up to the two of them and started talking, now that Ruby was in her own world, "So, now that my sister has been properly introduced to your weapons, what's your name? And what're you doing here? I don't think I've seen you around town before." She asked, looking at the lady.
She gave Yang her full attention, "My name is Atalanta" she stated, "And I haven't really been in town. I prefer to live in the forest." she gestured to the woods around them.
Yang stumbled a little at that, "Wait, you live in the forest?" She asked incredulously. "Why would that be preferable?"
Atalanta gave a shrug, "My family was... not fond of me, and so they kicked me out when I was young. I've lived the majority of my life out in the forests."
Yang could only look at her in shock. She knew that some Faunus were mistreated in some places, but to kick out a child... No matter the reason, that was messed up.
At this point Ruby had stopped gushing over the weapons and was looking at Atalanta in horror. Atalanta looked at the two of them and quickly tried to calm them down, "It's alright, it happened a long time ago. Really, I find the woods to be very peaceful and relaxing, and -"
"You should come room with us!" Ruby interrupted, causing Atalanta to blink in surprise.
Yang glanced at Ruby teasingly, "Wow Rubes, I know that you like her weapons, but won't Crescent Rose get jealous?" Though inwardly, she was grateful that Ruby had suggested it. She would have volunteered if she hadn't.
Ruby flushed and glared at her, "YANG! It's not like that! We have a guest bedroom that's not being used, and Atalanta shouldn't have to sleep in the woods!"
"It's alright" Atalanta stated, looking nervous, "I wouldn't want to impose, and I truly don't mind sleeping out here."
"Nah, don't sweat it" Yang said dismissively. "Dad won't mind at all. Our cabin is actually in the woods as well, so you'll still be close by, and it'll be safer for you as well."
Atalanta looked at the both of them carefully before giving a small smile, "If you are sure, then I would be happy to accept for a short time at least."
"Yes!" Ruby said excitedly, "C'mon! We have to go and make sure Dad's alright with it, and then we can show you the house and everything!", and she rushed forward, grabbing both Atalanta's and Yang's hands.
Yang's eyes widened and she quickly tried to let go, "H-hey Rubes" she said quickly, "We can just walk there, there's no need to use your - "
Too late, Ruby activated her Semblance, and the next thing Yang saw was the blur of colors and the feeling of nauseas that always came with it. Really, she had no idea how Ruby got used to this...
But at least Ruby was happy, she reflected. She knew that Ruby was feeling lonely lately, and was aware that it was partially her own fault.
Yang had been going into town on her own, trying to find clues about Raven, her original mother. For some reason, her Dad was reluctant to tell her anything about her, and she couldn't figure out why. So she was determined to figure it out on her own.
She had been going to the seedy side of town, trying to ask around, and she had actually managed to find a few leads. However, this was definitely not something that she wanted to bring Ruby into. She still had nightmares of the time when she had brought Ruby to check out the old cabin in the woods that she thought Raven would be at. Because of what she did, both she and Ruby nearly died... Ruby was stronger now, she was aware of that, but she refused to be the one to put her sister at risk again.
Her reasons for trying to find Raven had changed over the years. Originally, it was because their Dad had been so heartbroken at the loss of Summer, and she wanted to bring her Mom back so she and Ruby could have a mother again.
But now they were grown up, and over the years her desires had changed somewhat. Now, she desperately wanted to figure out why. Why did Raven leave them? Was she forced to? Did she have other responsibilities?
… Did she not love them?
Raven had never been apart of their lives, but Yang desperately wanted to know these answers about her birth mother.
The world stopped spinning, and Yang went to her knees, trying to convince her head to stop spinning.
Breathing heavily, she looked exasperatedly at Ruby, who to her credit looked abashed at her actions.
Still, no matter what came, Yang was happy that Ruby didn't look sad anymore. She was going to have to try to balance her activities more. Maybe Atalanta being here would give Ruby some company and help alleviate those times when she was lonely.
Looking at Atalanta, Yang couldn't help but frown.
Why wasn't she looking nauseas from the experience? That wasn't fair at all!
Authors Notes:
I'd like to thank Valkoor123113 for giving the idea for Atalanta meeting Ruby and Yang, and I congratulate "The Neckbeard Knight" for guessing her. I was actually contemplating several different servants for this one. Another one that a couple people recommended was Minamoto no Raiko, which I gave a lot of thought for. I ended up not choosing her because at this point in their lives, Ruby and Yang aren't really looking for another mother in my opinion. Now, Yang is looking for HER mother, but I believe that that is more to answer questions that she had as opposed to her wanting Raven to come back and actually be a mother. Of course, if I had had the summoning be several years prior, then I think that Minamoto would have had more appeal. Either way, I thank you for the suggestion.
Shirosaki Kizuro: Can I request Tiamat being summoned here and present a much greater threat both in existence as well as waifu tier that Big Bad Mommy Salami will ever be?
Answer: Sorry, but I think that this is one that I'm going to have to turn down. Were Tiamat to be summoned, even weakened under the rules I have established, I would fear for all life on Remnant, lol. Here's an interesting thought though - If there was such a threat, would Ozpin and Salem be willing to team up to defeat the mutual threat?
spartan-140: so how many servants are you planning to appear? are all these going to be somewhat interconnected one-shots with brief appearances and mentions of other Servants? or a sort-of prelude to a main plot?
Answer: The truth is that I had originally planned to make a series of isolated one-shots so that I could write out some images that I had in my head. However, by chapter 3 I had gained the urge to do a little bit more. Now, the plan is for all of these to be interconnected short-stories following the RWBY storyline. Once we get into what I deem Arc 2, then these chapters will start to have the Servants start finding each other. New Servants will still be added in, but I believe the majority of the chapters will be them interacting with each other. Also, many of the Servants that were mentioned in earlier chapters will only have minor appearances later on, while others, such as those with team RWBY and JNPR, will have more frequent occurrences. For example, the Gorgon sisters won't make another appearance till Arc 3, which is quite a ways into the future. Does that answer your question?
KiroZen: Wait, when you said Shirou, did you mean a different existence than EMIYA the Counter Guardian?
Answer: Yep, I do mean a different existence than EMIYA. So, the truth is I don't really like Counter Guardian EMIYA... My experience with him is tainted from Fate/Stay Night, and I primarily know him as a guy that is powerful, but really just wants to commit suicide, and is willing to kill others to accomplish this. I feel bad for the guy, but I don't really like him. This Shirou is one that fell in love with Arturia, and spent the majority of his time while alive working to become a hero so that he could find a way back to her in Avalon. When Arturia asked Merlin about the possibility of this happening, he told her that "reuniting with Shirou would be difficult, and almost impossible. For it to happen, two miracles needed to happen in order for them to meet again. One had to wait continuously, while the other must pursue endlessly. Acknowledging that it was impossible to succeed, and yet enduring through it patiently." My Shirou is one that pursued endlessly, and has now managed to find the person that waited continuously :). I'm a sappy romantic at heart, I will admit.
runelt99: Will there be pseudo servants?
Answer: While I'm not opposed to adding them, I have no real plans to add any at this time.
For those interested in guessing who the next Servant will be:
Two Servants this time, one female and one male
One is an Archer, the other is an Assassin
Their legends do not connect
Thanks to everybody that has read this story, and I hope that you continue to enjoy it. Once more, I would also like to thank my sister, who beta read this chapter for me. :)