Authors Note:
Hey guys, I'm so sorry for not updating in months. I've been up a creek without a paddle. School problems, Job Problems, Phone Problems. The biggest thing that has delayed this chapter is my phone tore up and I lost ALL my data on this story and had to patch it up together manually. Characters, Storylines, Plot points, that sort of thing. But fortunately, I had remembered most of the stuff I written down. Just don't be surprised in this chapter if there is a small mistake here and there. Also just in case people think these arthor notes are written horribly, please take note that I usually write these in the late night. And I've watched up to "Volume 6: Episode 11" and I have to say, I've had to retcon something's unfortunately, but a lot of New lore actually fits in nicely with a lot of the themes in my story, it gives a little more back story as well to some things.
P.S. Auto Correct Randomly screws up some of my words, just to let you know.
[Speical Announcement at End of Chapter]
Reviews:
Ford B: Thanks.
Jaffa3: Thank you, I've put a lot of effort into it. A lot of Dark Fantasy stories have inspired me, especially Berserk.
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The Prussian Gamer: Thanks, I'm sorry I've not Updated a lot, I already wanted to be at Volume 2 by now ;(
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"I don't own any of the series I write FF of. I only own my OC's and my unique aspects added to the story. All credit of Rwby goes to RoosterTeeth."
Chapter 9: Adjustments Part I
Umbra sat on the ground with his head against the wall. He was tired, this day was frustrating just as munch as yesterday and the day before that. He just watched the girls put their stuff up solemnly, they had been quiet since he practically told them he killed a bunch of guys. He couldn't blame them, he doubted that his friends, family and Her would be please to hear that he killed scores of people either, even if they were scum. But that was his curse, death. He rubbed his forehead as he closed his eyes for the sweet but doomed embrace of sleep.
Truth be told he hated sleeping, horrid dreams about what's happened, the people he's killed and of that Bastard's design. He could never once get a good rest since that one, terrible day. Sometimes, the flashbacks come to him and he randomly sees that slaughter again. That horrid ear ringing of Guns and Steel, the images of people being butchered. The smell of blood and smoke. It was all common to him. But what scarred him most was seeing Her, there on that blood soaked grass... She smiled up at him, knowing she didn't have munch time left and she could at least spend her last moments with him. He didn't deserve that. He didn't deserve to even know her. All of it. All of it is his fault. He grit his teeth as sleep took him.
Noon
Umbra walked through the streets of Arînville. The Vibrant design of the houses in the small town was like the streams of a rainbow. He walked alone, his friends and brothers were all busy. He had free time because all his work was done, but now he wished he procrastinated. He then thought about what was ahead of him. Tomorrow, Damien would return home and they would resume training. Then, on Wednesday he would go study with Liard. Then, next weekend, he and Dustin would go deer hunting with Dustin's Father. All he was doing now was meandering around town alone. He was bored, so, he decided that now might be a good time to find something to draw. He headed out of the open town, and went to it's surrounding fields. There was flowers, trees, farms, and peace. Ironically enough, he found himself most calmed when he was alone in nature's beauty.
So he decided to draw the sunflowers, a small area had a good amount of them. It would make for an excellent picture. He trekked for five or ten minutes before he arrived at the patch of flowers, but he was caught by another sight. There in the middle of those sunflowers was a girl. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress. Nothing fancy, but that was the beauty of it. Her hair was long and flowing in the wind. He wondered who she was and why she was out here by her lonesome. He took a step forward and a twig broke, making him stop in his tracks. The Mysterious Girl turned her head, revealing light blue eyes.
"H-Hi..." Umbra stuttered.
"Hi, are you here to enjoy the peace and quiet too?" The Girl asked with a soft heavenly voice. Her face was beautiful, her smile was the most welcoming he had ever seen.
"I-I came to draw the Sunflowers." He nervously said.
"They're Beautiful, aren't they?" She said, "My Ancestors planted this field. That's where I get my namesake."
"Namesake?"
"Yes, my name is Liora Sunflower." She then gestured his direction. "What's yours?"
"Umbra, Umbra Redson." They Smiled under the Evening Sun.
RWBY Dorm, Early Mourning.
Umbra woke up in surprise, not because of waking up, but because for once, his dream didn't have a bad ending. Especially one with Her. He found himself against the wall, his stuff still with him. The dart board was to his Left. He then looked to the bunk beds and sure enough, his Teammates were sound asleep. He decided that now would be a good time to test out the shower. He hasn't washed himself properly in six months, the last time he bathed was two weeks ago. So, he wasn't going to let this pass up.
After taking his gear off as quietly as possible, he then went into the bathroom to take off his worn pants and shit. The white shirt had been with him for two years. Now it's just scrap sown together. After removing the old clothing, he realized that he forgot to get new underwear and cursed. His Underpants was old and smelly, he hadn't washed it for a month. He then preceded to take it off and slide the shower curtain. He was horrified to find a pair of yellow panties in the tub. It had become obvious to who's it was, she had seemed the type to do this. He bended over and picked it up and tossed it out of the tub. He got in and took a shower.
RWBY Dorm.
Weiss slowly opened her eyes and tiredly yawned. She then sat up and rubbed her face. It was another day, another day of aggravation, study and training. She looked over to where that Boy had fell asleep last night and noticed he wasn't there. Her answer was clear as to where he was, as steam leaked out of the bathroom door. She looked at the clock and noticed it was six forty. As she turned back, she then noticed Blake was up reading a book.
"Hello? Good morning?" She said, not liking being ignored.
"Good morning, I was woke up when he went in the bathroom." The Ravenette responded, not taking her eyes from her book.
"How long has he been in there?"
"It's been about fifteen minutes."
"Fifteen minutes?! He'll run the hot water out!" The Heiress said worried. At that, the boy opened the drying his hair and walked into the room, turning around at one of the desks that had his stuff on it. He tossed the towel onto the floor and grabbed a brand new white shirt.
Weiss and Blake didn't says word as they were both flustered and sad at what they saw. The Boy was Toned and Scarred. His muscles adorned the marks of whips, cuts and small burns. His back was the worse, as it was covered in scars from lashings. He looked like some hot warrior from one of Blake's books who was took prisoner and tortured. But dispite the disturbing sight, they found themselves looking at his toned muscles one would only attain from surviving with a faint blush on their faces.
After he put the shirt on and he started to turn around, the two girls fell back onto their beds, feigning being awake. Umbra then looked around for a moment, before concluding that his paranoia was getting to him. He put everything on, and grabbed his Journal. Then he sat at a desk and wrote about and drew the previous days events. He wrote about his team, and how sometimes they were alright and sometimes he wanted them to shut up. He wrote about his attempt to get Team JNPR's forgiveness but failed. He wrote about how his visited his only family left, only to kill some backstabbers afterwards. He then wrote about what that man said, and he wrote about stomping his ugly face in. Umbra sighed and closed his journal and put it away.
Weiss and Blake opened their eyes and pretended to wake up. He turned and looked at them, and then began to converse with his Sword.
"They saw it didn't they?" He asked his Mental friend.
"Yes, they were up before you entered the room. When you went to turn around, they pretended to sleep." Umbra knew he felt something was off when he entered the room with a towel on his head. He had to be thankful that his last and oldest companion could see everything around itself. He wasn't bothered by his scars, at least not anymore, but he didn't want them to be asking questions about them. The Reaper turned and smiled at the two girls.
"Good morning." He said to them.
"Good morning, Umbra." Blake said uneasy.
"Uh, Good morning..." Weiss said nervous, she's hasn't really been keeping her manners in the morning.
"So, is today also a do nothing day?" He asked.
"Well, Yeah, it's the weekend." Weiss stated.
"That's good, because I need someone to talk to me about the Classes I'll have to endure and the current subjects we're on." He then stretched his arms. "After all I need to know if I should really pay attention or not."
"Obviously, you should attention to all of them." The Heiress told him in a snobby manner, "We're here to learn, not screw around like so many think."
"Well, you see Ice Princess, I'm going to pay attention to what I don't know. But stuff I already know, I'm not going to pay attention." He said being a Smart Ass. Weiss fumed, but restrained herself.
"That was uncalled for..." She stated, her eyes glaring at him like daggers. Umbra just smiled and leaned in the chair. He thought about the Classes Ozpin told him about: Grimm Studies, History, Combat Class and the basic stuff they teach in every school.
"Grimm Studies? Depends on the particular subject. History? Thanks to Liard, I should be fine. Combat Class? Damien taught me all I really needed to know. Other crap? Fuck it, I don't need them." He thought as he stared off into space. "I guess I'll put no effort into anything. After all, it's this school that wants me, and not the other way around."
"But you'll lower the overall rank of our team!" Weiss loudly exclaimed, "We're already struggling as it is because some people can't seem to keep up Academically." Her Eyes momentarily glanced at Yang's sleeping form.
"Well your Highness, I guess I will, if it spares me your profound speech." Weiss and Umbra glared at eachother for a moment.
"What's going on?" Ruby said tiredly as she rose from her bed.
"Nothing really." Umbra said as he got up and went over to his board. As he picked his future knife target, he realized that he needed a hammer and a nail. "Shit."
"Well what's got you upset now?" Weiss said in aggravating tone as she got up and stretched.
"I need a hammer and a nail to make a place I can hang this board up." He said nodding his head.
"I Have Just What You Need!" Ruby boomed and in a unnatural speed appeared by the Boy, holding up a hammer and a nail. Yang moaned as she slowly rose from being woke up by Ruby's excited loud mouth.
"Ruby..." She said almost quietly with her eyes nearly closed. Her little sister ingnored her, listing intently for a response from the U in RUWBY.
"Um, thanks..." He said as he took the Hammer and Nail. He looked around and found a place on the right side of the room to hang his board up and hammered the nail into the wall quickly and hanged the dart board. "Here." He said handing the Hammer back to the Red Reaper. He then realized that the Girls would probably like him to vacate the room for them to get ready. So he then walked to the door and opened it, gaining surprised looks from RWBY.
"Where are you going?" Ruby asked. He just looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm just going to wait outside while you all get dressed." With that he closed the door. Ruby was surprised he'd be considerate to remember to let them change in private.
"Well at lest he has some amount of Decency..." Weiss said to herself as she went about brushing her hair.
Outside, Umbra sat against the wall by the door to his Teams door and tried to ponder what he'd do today. Then, like always, something has to dull the faint light of his. Coming out of the door across him, Pyrrha and Nora. He was then surprised that they simply gave him a glare and walked down the hall. He'd expected to either be threatened or assaulted. But they simply were on they're way, still casting a dark cloud over his day.
Pyrrha Nikos sighed to herself as she walked by Nora on their way to visit their other teammates. She had suppressed the urge to to assault the boy when she had passed him. She certainly wouldn't have felt remorse for the one who hurt her Partner. But, after yesterday, she has to be more accepting for her Partners sake. She had not liked how Jaune explained that they needed to get over what happened, that it wasn't particularly anyone's fault. Jaune and Ren may be able to look over his crime, but they didn't see themselves be humiliated as they passed out. They didn't see how the two of them were helpless to do anything about the situation or how Her and Nora couldn't do anything.
Eventually the two walked across the Campus towards their goal, but Pyrrha stopped when she noticed Professor Goodwitch sitting on a bench, leaning over with her hands on her face. Curious, Pyrrha diverted off her path, Nora followed. "Good morning Miss Goodwitch, is something wrong?" Their Combat teacher rose up and waved them off.
"I'm just tired, I had to get some staff stuff done late last night and just didn't go to sleep at the appropriate time." The two Redheads nodded and walked away. Glynda sighed. "If they knew, they'd be devastated." She thought, how would they not be? That everyone they met at Lamplight were dead. How would Mister Redson take that news? She felt disturbed and disgusted at what she saw. Corpses, blood, guts, severed limbs. That town was now a bloodbath, right after it seemed things were going well for it's people too. She knew, and the Headmaster knew, only One group would be that merciless. The group responsible for her Father and her Brothers death. The Last Legion.
Ozpin's Office, Several Hours Ago.
"This is Horrible News, Glynda." Ozpin told her, sitting at his desk with his hand on his head. She had returned from her little trip to apprehend the Mayor, only to come back empty handed and with bad news. "Everyone in that town, dead?"
"There were a few people I couldn't find or identify in the dead. The Mayor, Sarah Berry, a girl Named Sally and a Gatekeeper named Eric." Glynda said, "But they could as easily been anyone whose not whole anymore."
"Are you sure this is not some sort of retaliation of the Mayor?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"No, the Mayor couldn't afford the men who would do those sort of things. You and I both know who would have a reason for entering that village and have no remorse in killing everyone there."
"The Last Legion..." The Headmaster said with a weary voice, "They're after Umbra."
"Do you think they'll be bold enough to attack the Academy?" She asked concerned.
"No, but I wouldn't put it above them to try and attack him outside of it." The Stoic Old Man said as he got up and grabbed his cane. He went to his window over the Academy and thought as he looked out it.
"Do you want to restrict him to the school?" The Professer asked.
"No, he's already on the bridge about being here. If I restricted his access to the City, he'll run away and go back to hunting them down. Besides, he can handle himself, I'm more concerned about Team RWBY getting involved." He turned to her and stated.
"What are you planning to keep them away from this?"
"I made a deal with him, that I would help help him fight the Last Legion and cover up his deeds..." Glynda had a look of shock from this revelation, "And through false "Missions" he'll go and exterminate some of them."
"Why would you make a deal to let him kill them?" She said horrified.
"Did you stop Arthur?" The Headmaster responded agitated. Glynda went silent and looked away.
"Arthur was his own Man. I couldn't stop him from going after them." She said with a bitter taste in her mouth, "But my brother was was in his twenties when he chased vengeance, not in his teens!"
"Well your Brother didn't lose his entire family!" Ozpin said in rare anger, taking Goodwitch aback. He quickly calmed himself, "I'm sorry Glynda, but this Boy wouldn't come to this school if I didn't compromise there."
"Why is this Boy so special, that you'll betray your own values and ethics to have him?" Glynda asked monotone.
"Because, as I've stated before, the power he has within him can either save us or destroy us. I can't tell you the specifics, at least not yet." He then perceded to rub his temple caused by one of his many headaches.
"Why?" She asked sarcastically.
"Because, this goes beyond what I've told you Glynda, and that's the end of it. Just try to help the Boy Adjust to the Academy." With that, Glynda gave in and walked out of the office. On the elevator, she thought back to her brother, and his doomed crusade.
Vale, 12 Years ago.
"This is Suicide Arthur!" She told her armored brother as he packed a crate into the wagon.
"It May be, but I don't care." He said. He was a blonde man with bright green eyes. His face was adorned in a rugged beard, his body was encased in steel plate armor, a yellow and green color scheme seemed to be his theme. At his side was a longsword. Arthur was the same height as her, but the armor he had made him seem a inch taller. "I'm not going to let these Monsters orphan anymore children."
"Do you even remember what Ozpin told you about them?" She said trying to appeal to reason.
"That they have a whole continent under their thumb?" He shrugged, "That doesn't matter. As long as Lancelot, Lucan and Mordred stand with me, we shall pervail." She sighed.
"Arthur, this is not smart. Do you really think you're Team members will stand with you once they realize they're fighting a doomed battle?"
"Trust me Sister, Team AMLL (Amell) is strong. Our loyalty to eachother is bound by the blood we've shed for another in battle." He turned to her and put his hand on her shoulder, "I must ride with my team to defend the Kingdoms, and to create a new one in that barbaric land."
"What?" She was shocked at her Brothers selflessness and ambition.
"When I avenge our father, I shall found a new Kingdom in that land of misery and hope to free its people!" He snapped his finger, "I'll call it Camelot after our mother Camella."
"Stop this! Don't you understand?! No One Ever Returns From That Place!" He then hugged Glynda out of no where, making her go silent.
"I know Glynda, but if I don't try, who will? Sister, I love you." He then pulled away a little to look her in the eyes. "Know this, if I don't return, please rescue Dorthy from that Bastard. Goodbye and keep safe." With that Arthur got on the wagon and it was off. The Four armored Huntsman went on their way.
"Arthur, no..."
Beacon Tower Elevator.
Glynda held back her tears at the thought of her dead brother. "He always did fashion himself as a Knight, but now he's gone." She had heard of the things he did in pursuit of the Last Legion before he got to their land. He had degraded from the Man he was into a merciless Hunter. There was some stories that would rival what Umbra had done, hanging a man who was one of their spies, he and his team slaughtering those in cahoots with them, and then he went into their lands.
Glynda rubbed her face when she rememberd that day, that day which will haunt her mind until the day she dies. That damned day...
Beacon Academy Gate, 11 years ago.
Glynda hurried through Campus, she had to get there. It couldn't be, it can't. It was ten months ago he left, there's no way he'll come back like this. She was hyperventilating, they had to be wrong, they had to misidentify him! She was sprinting, she could see it. The crowd of people being held back by soldiers. She suprised everyone when she then used her semblance to lift herself up into the air and over the crowd. She landed behind the Atleasian troops who jumped at her hastyness. She saw some of the other Professors and the Headmaster and a General.
"Glynda wait!" Ozpin said while she rushed past him only for the General in White to grab her arm. She looked back at him with a scowl.
"Glynda-" He was stopped as he slapped across the face by her. She continued and in her horror wished she didn't.
"Arthur!" She wailed as she saw the bare and mutilated bodies of Arthur and his team. On Arthur's forehead "Pathetic" was carved into his flesh. "Coward" on Mordred's, "Weak" on Lucan's, "Waste" on Lancelot's. They were missing various extremities. Signs of being beaten and slashed throats on Arthur, Lancelot and Lucan. Multiple stab wounds adorned Mordreds uneaten skin, as signs of being feed to some carnivores was present. Carved on a board stabbed into the ground was "Next time, send a hundred. Make it a more worthy challenge, Huntsmen.-LL"
"Arthur, nooo!!!" The usually stern Headmistress found herself in tears as she saw her baby brother's desecrated corpse in front of her. She then felt hands on her shoulder and found herself into a hug with a man who she just slapped. She cried into his shoulders, much like Arthur cried into hers when they were Younger.
Beacon Academy, Elevator.
A single tear ran down her face as she held back her feelings. She didn't want to cry today. She could still see their faces, Arthur and his team, Little Lamplights Sheriff and Innkeeper. She felt worthless. As the elevator reached the ground floor, she decided since it was Saturday, that she'll go to the park. Arthur always did like Beacons leisure area.
RWBY Dorm, Hours Later.
Weiss Schnee looked in the mirror as she brushed her long white hair. She was conflicted. The last few days had been a roller coaster of events, one that had ended with a traumatized murderous boy on her Team. She also could not stop to think of that one moment in the woods. That Boy had killed so many and even robbed her family, but she couldn't help but feel a tiny bit sorry for him. His family, those scars and what she saw bit into her. In a way she could sympathize with him about his family. Though they ain't dead or have been killed, she might as well have lost her family. First her Mother, then her Father, then Winter went to Atlas Academy and then the Military and then Whitley stopped wanting to be around her. The only person home she could say she had a constant and uninterrupted relationship with was Klein, her family's butler. Ironically enough, his uncle reminded her a little of Klein.
Then she thought back to his cousins, how they acted reminded her so much of how she acted the times Winter came home. "He acted so much like her." She thought, "At least when I was younger." Her sister had become more stern as she began training to be a huntstress. She couldn't help but think back to those scars and the way he acted. "Did he...see his family die? Did the ones that killed them torture him?" It would explain a lot of his behavior, though there was plenty that couldn't be excused. Last night was a example. After all, he practically had them complicit in murder, but who exactly was his victims? He said they tried to kill him, but what if he was exaggerating? What if that boy simply went in there looking for trouble? She didn't know what to do, neither did the rest of her team. They left a murder scene with the murderer.
"What compelled him to-" She began to ask herself only for a bang on the door.
"How munch longer Weiss? My hair ain't going to wash itself." Came a familiar obnoxious blondes voice.
"I'm about done!" Weiss bellowed as she then focused on getting ready for their weekend day.
Beacon Dorms Hallway, 25 minutes later.
Umbra Redson sat outside in the Hallway thinking. It has been an unusual week to say the least, he's now in a situation that he's essentially a fish out of water. He only knew subtle facts about ten people that he most definitely did not have good impressions with. Not that he wanted to know more about them or anyone else, School is just not a good place for him. He didn't want to interact with any of these kids. Most of them are still stuck in the ways of immaturity, a behavior that only sustains itself in weakness and free luxury. He may have acted cocky, but he was mature. How could he not be? How can someone like him who has over a thousand people's blood on his hands not be mature. How could someone who has seen everything he loved die not be mature? Or is he not? "Am I mature?" He asked himself, and honestly, he doesn't know.
He then rubbed his face and yawned. "Those girls take forever, I swear." He then reached into his satchel and looked through it. It didn't take long before he found what he looked for, his Brothers letter to professor Ozpin. He remembered Damien's training, how it had molded him into a great Swordsman. He remembers how Damien always took him to that ridge above the town to train and to talk. He remembers how his Brother always smiled, only frowning when discussing politics. He remembers how his hero died. "Damien..." He then opened the letter, hoping to hear the voice of him in the letters words.
Dear Headmaster Ozpin,
It has been a long time since I've talked with you, I'm sorry about telling Ironwood to, well you know, and storming out of the Academy. But after three years of reflection, I've concluded that I might have been overreacting a little. I've found someone who has changed my perspective on life, an Apprentice you could say. I'm sending this letter to see if I could get Permission to Train him and not let him go to the junior Academies like Signal, like the majority of Huntsmen in training do. Headmaster Ozpin, my Apprentice is a good hearted boy, he wants to become a Huntsman to protect people and make the world a better place. He has the skill and the determination, all he needs is the teachers and knowledge to accomplish his goals. I want you to meet him, and see if he could have a spot at Beacon in a few years (Because Atlas Academy sucks). I'm going to Vale with him approximately the next week about the time you will receive this letter. If you're willing, meet us at Vale's Park on Monday, if we're not there, then Tuesday. I look forward to patching things up, see ya.
Sincerely, Damien (The Red) Redson.
"Heh, just like him." Umbra said as he finished reading his Brothers letter. "Always the planner and Rebel." He put the letter away and sighed. The past will haunt him into his death, his pleasant memories forever stained by that one day that took away everything. He then once more saw everyone die, their faces of pain, terror and sadness. Only one person smiled at their end, one that haunted him. Her face forever etched into his mind, his very soul. He will never find freedom from this torment, but at least he can kill the Bastard behind it.
Suddenly the door opened and Ruby leaned out of the doorway. "We're done, you can come back in if you want."
"Ok." He said as he rised up, he then went into the room. "So what are you all doing today?" He asked while scratching his cheek.
"Well, we usually go to breakfast in the morning and then it really depends." Ruby answered him. He just nodded.
"Well I let you all know, I have no plan on doing anything this weekend before I'm presented infront of the whole school." He said while setting down at one of the desks.
"Why?" Yang asked, "I mean you've been only with us for a day technically, why do you want to just hangout in here today when you could meet mew people?" He just sighed.
"Because frankly I have no intentions on meeting anyone new unless I have to."
"Well that's ok, but you've not ate any since we've met you?" Ruby realized. The Boy scowled.
"I don't really need to eat." He told them.
"How? That's literally impossible?" Weiss exclaimed with a lifted eyebrow. Umbra moaned in agony.
"It has to do with my semblance, but I don't feel like explaining for the one thousandth time." He said in a aggravated tone.
"I've never heard or read about an Semblance that makes it where people don't have to eat." Blake stated.
"I still need to drink." He interjected, "I just don't have to worry about the energy attained by eating."
"Why won't you tell us about your Semblance?" The Heiress asked curious and suspicious. The Hooded Swordsman covered his face with his hands.
"Because I don't want to explain it right now, it's complicated." He looks up to them, "Ask me some other time, when my head isn't throbbing." He lied.
"Ok." She said calmly, the Heiress then looked over to Ruby. "Are we going to Breakfast? Leaving this...Boy in our room unmonitored?" The Red Reaper had an idea, one that was a little nerve racking considering last night but this is the best chance she has to learn more about the boy.
"Well I'm afraid that we can't leave him unaccounted for," Umbra moaned again, "But, I, as your brave and loyal Leader, will stay and keep you company!" She finished in a extravagant voice.
"Someone just kill me." Umbra said to himself quietly.
Yang, Blake and Weiss looked at Ruby with tones of concern and subtle jealously.
"Ok, just be safe." Yang said while leaving the room, not taking her eyes off her sister in some form of concern.
"Don't do anything funny." Weiss said to Umbra threateningly. Blake just glanced at them both as they left the room. Ruby then grabbed a chair of the desk next to him and sat down. Umbra just looked at her. Awkward silence for what seem to be for a minute was all that was conversed.
"So...were do you come from?" She asked, "I'm from the Island of Patch."
"I..I was..I was from the town of Arînville." He said nervously, unpleasant sights occupying his mind once more. "It...was a town to the far west of here. Almost near Vale's last major settlement by the Vacuoan border. Right by sea, surrounded by great fields were Grimm could be spotted a mile away, and beyond that the woods. It was such a colorful place, free from the Horrors of the world and corruption of the Kingdoms."
"What happened to it?" She asked already knowing the truth. He looked her right in the eyes.
"My reason for revenge." He answered her sternly, "That is all you need to know."
"Oookaaay..." Ruby said nervously.
"I have a question."
"W-What?" She responded.
"How old are you?" He inquired, "Your obviously not as old as the others." The Red Reaper sighed.
"Fifthteen..." She stated with Nervously annoyed.
"Fifthteen? No wonder they sent you after me, there must be something special about you for you to been moved up a grade or two."
Ruby winced and grunted, "I'm not special! I'm a normal girl!" She said ferociously, all nervous behavior banished.
"Oum almighty, calm down." He said as he reared back from her verbal growl, "I didn't mean to get you riled up."
"I'm sorry, I'm just tired of people bringing up how Special I am for getting in Beacon two years ahead of my Peers." The Young Huntress told him, " I just want to be treated normally." She brushed her hair to the side, "Beside, I didn't get moved up for being outstanding, it was because of circumstance and luck."
"Luck?" Umbra raised an eyebrow.
"I stopped a Dust Store Robbery." The Girl then rubbed her chin as to remember the event, "The Man in charge of the whole ordeal was Roman Torchwick, he got away unfortunately." Umbra felt a lightning bolt of the not so long ago past strike him.
"I'll have to tell my Brother Roman, the next time I blackmail him of how I killed The Dark Swordsman."
Umbra frowned, "Shit." He then scatched his chin, "Can you tell me what he looks like?" Ruby looked at him odd.
"Why?" Her Eyes widened, "Have you fought him before?"
"No, I've never encountered him. The last time I was in Vale I heard about his Exploits in Vacuo." He nodded his head, "He probably flocked to Vale because of all the "Openings" I left last time I was there. I asked because I recently ran into someone I think was connected to him."
"Oh...Well he wore a Bowler Hat-"
"No I mean traits: Hair color, Eye Color, that stuff."
"He had Red hair and green eyes, like Pyrrha." She answered him.
"Well, it seems like I'm not been on the good side of Redheads lately." He thought, "Well, I killed his brother the other day." Ruby's Eyes shot wide open.
"What?!" She about fell out of her seat.
"I killed his Brother, among the Defilers."
"W-Who?"
"Dilan the Defiler." Ruby's mouth was left agape.
"That..Man...who did all that to Sally... was Roman Torchwicks Brother?" She shuddered in the memory of what Dilan reduced Sally to and thought about what Roman would've done to her.
"Apparently. When I fought him, he said something about mentioning how he killed me in Blackmailing him." She shook her head.
"That's crazy." Umbra shrugged.
"Small world."
"I don't know what to say."
"Well lets change the topic, I don't want to think what he would do if he found out the Boy who killed his Brother was in cahoots with the Girl who thwarted his robbery."
"Okay, why did you-you know-in the Bar yesterday?" She asked nervous, curious and with concern.
"First things first, I didn't go in there to start trouble, it was self defense." He partly lied to her, "They were Criminal's who attacked me after I talked with their Leader instantly. I had to fight for my life."
"Why did you even go see them?" She asked, the hooded boy sighed.
"I made a deal with them and I was seeing if they upheld their bargain-they did not." He explained, "That is all you need to know."
"No, you can't just write this off Umbra. You've killed people, that in itself is awful, but you have made us complicit in murder. You weren't given this second chance by Ozpin to drag us all down to Prison." She said defiantly.
"One, I don't give a damn what you are those other girls think about me and what I do. Two, I was told by Ozpin that my crimes would be covered up so long as I don't hurt any of his students."
"What? That's horrible! Why would he do that?"
"Because Ruby Red, I'm not exactly butchering citizens if you haven't noticed." He sarcastically said.
"Why? Why have you so many killed people?"
"Because for one, these people I've hurt are worse than me. Two, because I kinda have to if I want to survive. Three, because I've already killed so many to stop. I will relent when I'm finally free from His grasp."
"Who?" Her innocent face struck him hard.
"None of your damn business." He snapped, Ruby wretched back. They sat silently for what seem to be a minute before he sighed. "I'm sorry but I rather not talk about it Ruby, I mean, I've only known you and your teammates for a few days." He rubbed his gloved hands together, "I can't tell you about that. I don't want to talk about it with anyone to be honest. But I will tell you this..." He looked her right in the eyes "I don't care how many pieces of shit I must carve through to get my revenge, I've already killed so many people. They're faces of pain and fear forever etched in my memories, they're nothing compared to the faces of people I cared about in their last moments. The blood, the tears, the gravely voices with mouths of gurgling blood. I saw them all die and I couldn't do a Thing about it. It doesn't matter how many more faces I add to that grotesque collection, they'll always be on the forefront." He then put his left hand on Ruby's shoulder. "So please, for your own sake, spend every moment with the people you cherish, because you never know when some serpent will strike and rid you of all you love." Ruby was took aback by the Boys straight forward advice that made her feel pity for him and think about her own tragedy.
"Listen Umbra, I understand how you feel, though I didn't see anyone die." She started, "When I was young, my Mother died in a Mission. Killed by Grimm, we didn't even get to burry her. I was for a long time depressed and angry, but then I realized that got me nowhere. So I decided I would not only be a huntress, but the greatest in the world no matter what. Everything I do, I do it to honor her. I want to make her proud." Umbra was left speechless as this Girl explained her reason and mission in life, he admired them. "And Umbra, you are part of this Team now, don't think you're alone. If you need to talk, I'll listen." The Hooded boy just sighed and just smiled at the Innocent Girl sadly.
"Ruby," She froze nervous for a moment, "Don't change who you are and don't ever kill anyone, it would destroy your innocence. I used to view the world in Black and White, Good and Evil, but after everything...its all turned a dull grey. " He then looked at his gloved hands, "And Ruby, I shouldn't be apart of your team. Death follows me wherever I go and despair and tragedy always befalls those around me." He bit his lip in thought, "I don't want anymore Innocent Blood on my hands..."
"This time it is different, you're apart of my Team, and I know the others have been a little iffy, but I'm sure they'll fully come around soon." He smiled at her, and pulled out his sword to clean it with a cloth he also pulled out. The entire conversation flipped. "That, Sword!"
"What about it." He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Tell me about it, please, weapons are my life." She begged.
"Well, as I've said before, I found it in the woods, so long ago..." He looked at the Crimson Blade, the Black Runes etched into the strange metal...
ᛞᛖᛋᛟᛚᚨᛏᛁᛟᚾ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛞᚨᚱᚲᚾᛖᛋᛋ ᚠᛟᚱ ᛏᚺᛖᛖ,
ᛒᚨᚱᛖ ᛏᚺᛁᛋ ᛋᚹᛟᚱᛞ ᚨᚾᛞ ᚨᚲᚲᛖᛈᛏ ᛞᛖᛋᛏᛁᚾᛃ.
ᚲᚢᚱᛋᛖᛞ ᛒᛖ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛟᚾᛖᛋ ᛏᛟ ᚠᚨᛚᛚ ᛏᛟ ᛏᚺᛁᛋ ᛒᛚᚨᛞᛖ,
ᛏᚺᛖᛁᚱ ᛋᛟᚢᛚᛋ ᚠᛟᚱᚠᛖᛁᛏ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛚᛟᛋᛏ.
ᛗᚨᛃ ᛏᛖᚱᚱᛟᚱ ᚨᚾᛞ ᚠᛖᚨᚱ ᛒᛖ ᛏᚺᛃ ᛈᛟᚹᛖᚱ,
ᛗᚨᛃ ᛋᛟᚢᛚᛋ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛒᛚᛟᛟᛞ ᛒᛖ ᛏᚺᛃ ᛞᚱᛁᚾᚲ.
ᛞᚨᛗᚾᛖᛞ ᛒᛖ ᛏᚺᛃ ᛖᚾᛖᛗᛁᛖᛋ,
ᛗᚨᛃ ᛋᚢᚠᚠᛖᚱᛁᚾᚷ ᛒᛖ ᛏᚺᛖᛁᚱ ᛚᚨᛋᛏ ᛏᚺᛟᚢᚷᚺᛏ.
ᚹᚺᛖᚾ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛗᛟᛟᚾ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛋᚢᚾ ᛖᚲᛚᛁᛈᛋᛖ,
ᛗᚨᛃ ᛞᚨᚱᚲᚾᛖᛋᛋ ᚱᛖᛁᚷᚾ ᛋᚢᛈᚱᛖᛗᛖ
The foreign alphabet didn't really matter much to him all this time, he had only been focused one thing the last few years. But he remembered Liard stating it wasn't any language he knew or read about. "Dark Speach?" He reflected on Ozpins little statement, "What does it say." He had asked the sword long ago as to what was inscripted to it but it had no idea either, since its only been "Alive" since he activated his power. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted.
"Was it on some shrine, or in a rock, in a coffin, or-?" She said fast paced before he interrupted her.
"Shut up!" He snapped, "Oum Almighty, you know that when you do that you make People's ears bleed." She suddenly broke her composure.
"Well..." she nervously tapped her thumbs together, "I just love weapons. Yours is very...exotic and interesting."
"You ain't the first to say that, but in all honesty it's just a sharp fancy sword." He lied.
"Does it have a second function?" She asked.
"Nope." He didn't know.
"Well, your like Jaune then." She smiled fondly at the memory of showing Jaune her baby Crescent Rose, his reaction was priceless.
"Why?" He raised a brow.
"Because he uses a regular sword too, his Great-Great Grandfathers I think." Umbra was surprised by this, almost every weapon that wasn't a tool like a Machete or axe or a straight out gun pretty much had two functions. He was a exception because for one, a sword that can talk and have a mind of its own as well have some really weird security features and being someone who has a Semblance which when utterly let loose can kill hundreds can understandably not have a second Function for his sword instead of just taking care of the problem head on.
"That's foolish of him." He stated, "He barely knows combat and he goes to a school filled with people using multi function weapons. Flat out idiotic." Ruby then felt herself have a sharp spike of anger. She needed to defend her friend.
"He's not foolish or a Idiot, Jaune is..." She then became tongue tied.
"What? A Genus?" She then realized something.
"He's good at making plans. I've seen him a few times come up with good ideas and strategies, though not a lot." The memories of Initiation and other things he did with his team in their spare time shown a great planner when he put his mind to it, though much needed improvement was needed for him and her as leaders.
"Wow, so he's the Reincarnation of the Great Zun Su of Mistral? Is that why he charged me like a suicidal fool?" He sarcastically said.
"Umbra, you're a Hypocrite!" She pointed in his face, "Your going on Jaune when you don't have a second function for Tyrfing, and not to mention what state you put him into." The Dark Swordsman slowly pushed her hand away and made his counter claim.
"One, I actually have skill in Swordsmanship. Two, it ain't my fault you and your friends didn't back off. Three, Jaune simply isn't skilled, This isn't being mean or a bully, this is reality. Jaune carries himself in a way that screams Greenhorn in battle. That's not very smart at a school where most people have been training since twelve to enter." Ruby was left dumbfounded by his words, he was right, but he was brutally honest about it.
"I understand what your saying, although you've said it very disrespectful. But Jaune can improve."
"Real Skill Is Earned." He said, "Someone close to me said that long ago. Jaune could improve himself, but he'll never do it until goes through hardship." He then felt and something aggravating. A loud angry grumble echoed through the room from Umbra's stomach. Ruby giggled. "Well if you insist on laughing at me, then would you mind going to some vending Machine and getting me a bag of chips or something." He threw at her a card of Lien at her which she catched.
"Ok, I do suppose you haven't ate this whole time after all." She got up and left the dorm, leaving Umbra sitting alone. He just held his sword by the handle as it stabbed into the floor.
"What I am I going to do?" He asked himself, he wasn't use to talking to someone for that long. He rubbed his face, "If this is all my time here will consist of then I need to leave."
"Umbra, Don't let those thoughts consume you."His Sword told him mentally.
"I just don't want to make connections again." He spoke aloud.
"That's pretty smart Um-Bra." He heard him, "But we all know you're too weak to not get close to them." Then he heard footsteps behind him and the light shining through the window started to dim. "Just like you were too weak to save and protect them." He recoiled and bit his lip. "Do you remember their cries of pain, gasps of air, drowning in blood?" The room around him turned into an all familiar black abyss then light shown on people he knew who was on the ground, dead and rotting.
"Stop it!" He cried.
"Look, look at those you loved..." He felt two hands grab him by the shoulders, he tried to look down. "LOOK!" He was grabbed by the hood and then the head. "LOOK AT THEIR WEAK ROTTEN BODIES!" He was then horrified to see Liora, Stammel, Liard, Damien and others before him in the ways they died, but their flesh was rotten and covered with maggots.
"No!" He shouted and resisted against the Demon, "I burried them!"
"Yes, you did, unfortunately." The hands returned to his shoulders, "But you killed them by existing." Umbra shook in terror, "I wish I was in control that day, I would've killed them before those fools. I would've raised terror all across the world by now, people would know my name..." The Boy felt the hands dig into him, "But you get to control this body, to make most of its decisions for now, but I will take over one day and then the real fun will begin..." The dark being bent down to his ear and whispered "Um-Bra..." As suddenly as the terror began it ended. The dark abyss returned to a regular dorm room. Umbra could hear his heart beat and sweat dripped down his pale face, he breathed heavily as he felt his nerves vibrate.
"Umbra, Listen to me, calm down."
"I can't! He's right!" He got up and paced around rubbing his hair with his hood down. "All I do is breed death, what do I do!"
"Calm down!" Umbra stopped and looked at the sword. "All that bastard is trying to do is screw with you, the more you let him terrify you and delud you, the more you give him power."
"What can I do? He's been tormenting me for years, now I have to be afraid that he'll do something to these girls!"
"Umbra, just don't let his visions affect you, you and I both know they're not real. So next time he tries to bother you, don't care about what you see." Umbra sat down on the floor by the sword.
"That's easy for you to say." He rubbed his face, "You don't know what it feels to remember that day, that God Damned day. It will never leave me."
"Listen Umbra, look at how far we've come. We've survived and we have overcome our enemies. We defeated Falx Mortis, The Grim Reaper, The legions best assassin. We defeated and humiliated Mars Brutalis, the Legions "God of War", we've slain countless of their number and continue to do so. We will stand victorious against that man and that demon." Umbra sighed and gave a small sad smile.
"You know Tyrfing, it's weird that you're my last true friend in the world, but I would have killed myself long ago without you." He told the Sword.
"You know if you try, you could become friends with them."
"I...can't."
Beacon Academy Dorms, Ruby.
Ruby had used her Semblance to get to the vending machines quickly, she jammed the lien into the Vending machine and...nothing. "Out of Order?" She said out loud, "What am I going to do?"
"Having a dilemma sis?" Ruby turned to see Yang and the rest of her team returning from Breakfast.
"Yeah, Umbra sent me to get him some chips..." she said nervously and embarrassed.
"I thought you were the Team Leader Ruby." Yang joked.
"I am just doing him a favor." Blake then intercepted.
"I thought his Semblance made it where he didn't have to eat?"
"He probably used up the amount of time he could go without food." The Heirss answered her.
"Well, the vending machine is out of order." The Red Reaper told them. Yang just laughed.
"Ruby," She said as she walked over to the Machine, "You give up too easy." She hit it and countless snacks fell into the cubby hole. Ruby reaches into the Vending Machine and grabbed a bag of Chips.
"Thanks Yang..."
"No problem."
"You know we could get in trouble for that Yang?" Weiss interjected.
"There's no worry, after all it's for Umbra who is technically Ozpins new pet." She replied as they walked back to the dorm. When they got to it, Blake heard something.
"You know Tyrfing, it's weird that you're my last true friend in the world, but I would have killed myself long ago without you."
"Wait." Blake said.
"What?" Ruby asked.
"I...can't."
"Are you sure that's what he wanted Ruby?" Blake partially feigned concerned.
"He basically wanted anything, so I guess so." Her Leader told her. As they entered the room, they noticed Umbra sitting on the floor with his red sword before him. He was hoodless and had a sad look on his face.
"Hey, I ran into everyone else as I got your chips." Ruby told him as she handed out the bag in her hands.
"Thanks." He said as he grabbed it, he ripped it open and started to eat the contents. To her surprise though, he didn't devour it like he was hungry as the earlier grumble had done, he ate it slowly and uncaring about their presence. Ruby frowned and turned to her original team.
"So, were Nora and Pyrrha in the Cafeteria?" She asked them.
"They only came and got food, and then left to go back to the infirmary." Yang answered her, "They'll all probably be in there tomorrow, since that's when the Nurse said they'll be better."
"I hope." Umbra Listened to them sadly, as he ate. Guilt still riddled hm about the whole ordeal. When he finished, he stood up and grabbed his sword.
"I'm going to the Library you showed me yesterday Ruby, I'm going to check out some books." He announced.
"Ok," Ruby told him, "Just don't do anything crazy." He then gave her a stern look that made her nervous "I'm just kidding..." Blake thought for a moment and made her move.
As he was about to exit the door, he was interrupted. "Wait..." He turned to her, and RWY raised their eyebrows "I need to turn this book in, mind if I tag along?"
"It's alright, after all, I need someone to tell me what all the different sections are anyway, it's been a long time since I've stepped foot in a large library." He then continued out the door with Blake in tail. They walked across campus quietly and didn't engage in much conversation with eachother. Blake had wanted to be around him alone to find out more about him and make her own conclusions about the Swordsman. Umbra was intrigued by the Girls quiet and reserved demeanor that the other Girls lacked, in a way he thought was slightly suspicious. When they got to the Library, Umbra was amazed. "Woah..." Blake noticed this. There was three stories of books, and many rows of bookshelves.
"What's so special?" She asked.
"I've never been in a Library this big before." He told her, "Only one Library has ever come close to this one for me."
"Where was it?" He looked at her.
"Far away..." He preceded while the Ravenette followed him. He noticed that the place was nearly abandoned except for a student here and there all spread out. "Not many come here do they?" He asked the Hidden Faunus.
"Yeah, people don't really come to the library unless it's with friends or for Prodjects and assignments, especially on weekends." She looked at the boy's face. Stoic, driven, sad and hate filled. The same that He had so often. One of the things that attracted him to her was the similarities between them, the other being that he wasn't completely lost like her Old Partner.
"So, do you know where the History section is?"
"Yeah," She waved for him to follow, "It's over here." She then decided to start conversing, "So what are you looking for?"
"Books about the Age of the Ancients." He answered Bluntly. She raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to read about those times?" He shrugged.
"Been studying ancient Civilizations to pass free time that I don't use Training." He switched the subject, "What are you getting?"
"A another Novel." She blushed about her...reading habits.
"What kind?" She turned as red as a beat.
"A...Romance Novel." Umbra snickered.
"A romantic, no wonder you're always quiet." He then chuckled, "Day Dreaming about your Prince Charming, who would ride out from a grand Castle and sweep you off your feet."
"N-No!" She responded, "I-I just like the stories." He laughed again.
"That's what they all say," He leaned in towards her, "Bella-Donna." She looked right into his red eyes, and felt her heart sank. He then resumed his normal stance.
"Why don't you act this way all the time?" She boldly asked.
"Because for the most part, my life is shit. Sometimes, I got to enjoy the good times to their fullest." He then looked back at her, "And sometimes it annoys people." For a moment, he could swear he saw her bow twitch as she frowned.
"We're here." She gestured towards the shelves.
"Thanks."
Beacon Library, 10 Minutes Later.
"So I see you like reading those kind of books, don't ya Blake?" Blake's Normal pale complexion was fiery red. They were walking through the Library.
"It's just a book about star cross lovers." She defended herself, "I heard it's story was great."
"Yeah, story." He looked at the cover of the book and saw the generic cover of a buff Superman and a Swimsuit model. The title read "Girl meets Wolf Boy: Book 1, The Big Bad Wolf." The title alone made him think for a moment. "What is the story about?" He genuinely asked.
"It's about a Wolf Faunus who is in a gang and a Human Girl who comes from a family of racists falling in love and them trying to run away from their Families." She tells him embarrassed.
"Well I take it back then, that sounds like it could be a good story, but I expect your in it for more than that..." She blushed and smiled at what he said.
"So what did you get?" The Hidden Cat Faunus inquired.
"The King by Cydolcles."
"Cydolcles? The Ancient Vacuoan Philosopher?"
"Yeah..."
"I knew you loved history, I didn't know you liked Philosophy."
"I really don't, I only want to read this book because he talks about the Founding of Vacuo and their peoples history before it." Umbra sighed, "Most of the book goes on why a King is needed and what is the best kind of King, that sort of shit."
"Oh well, do you want to read in the library?" She asked him, "That's what I'm going to do, it's hard to focus when Weiss, Ruby and Yang are causing a ruckus."
"Yeah, I really need to focus." They sat down at a barren table in the Library, Blake then asked another question.
"He seemed to be accepting of that story's message, but is admittedly tolerant of Faunuses?" She thought.
"So, Umbra." She asked, he looked at her. "I want to know, what do you think about the Faunus?"
"What about them?" He looked confused.
"Do you think their lesser or equal to Humans." She bit her lip.
"Equal obviously," He scoffed, "Why would you ask such a question." She then realized her blunder right then and there.
"I was just seeing, if you know, were like other Guys I know. Nice to see your open minded." She had a nervous smile. He then saw her bow twitch again, he smirked.
"I understand."
"What?"
"Your a Faunus, aren't you Blake?" The Faunus felt like her whole world shattered.
"Yes, how did you know?" She knew how.
"Well besides you asking such a weird question in the matter, you're not the first Faunus I've met who've hid their features." He them reached out and grabbed her hand, making her heart flutter again. "Don't worry, I'm not going to tell anyone, you have my word." He then let go of her hand.
"Who were the others?" She asked with concern.
"Poor sods who lived in shitty Backwards Villages." He sighed, "Depending on the Village, they had to keep them hidden or they'll be Maimed, sacrificed to some weird god, enslaved or just simply killed." He had a look of disgust on his face. She then decided to ask another question.
"What do you think about the White Fang?" She asked, hoping he didn't connect the dots with that one.
"The White Fang, pfft, they are the absolute proof that Humans and Faunus are just like eachother." His voice had Hatred in it, "Those Bastards simply want to flip the switch, and the few poor fools among them actually wanting equality get caught up in it." He clenched his fist, "It really shows how stupid our world is when there's groups wanting to dominate and kill one another while there's other Groups more united and a whole species of Monsters hellbent on killing us all." He raised his fist in front of him, "Next time I run into some of those "Freedom Fighters" I'll show them why their claims of Humans being lesser than them is wrong." Blake found herself agreeing with the Reaper, she had left the White Fang because it was no longer about Equality, it was now about Supremacy and Violence.
"So, you've run into them?" He looked st her sternly.
"Many times." He then looked at his hands for a second, "Let's just read now, I will keep your secret safe. I don't want to remember unpleasant things..." She looked at the Boy and made her conclusion, he is better than Adam.
Vale Downtown, Wolf Den.
Ferro Cordis was pissed. He and his men stood before a bloodbath. Their Comrades dead, the wolves dead and "Loki" was on the loose. He pulled out his scroll and called an associate.
"Hello?"
"Loki is in Midgard, I repeat, Loki is in Midgard."
Authors Note:
I'm Sorry for not updating a lot this past year. I had planned on being farther ahead than we are. This year, I will do better.
The Viking Runes were used because they were the only runes I could find a translator for and it fits a small part of the story.
{Quick Question}
Is it ok to have songs recommendation things like
[Random Song- Random Artist] would I possibly get in trouble for something like that?
[Special Announcement]
I am looking for someone to draw a cover of this story for Volume 1 featuring Umbra only. I plan on trying to get different covers for each Volume in the series eventually.
Interested, PM me or write that you are in the reviews.
Now, I'm going to bed.