Bark! Snarl! Growl! Snap! Bark!
Pan watched with intrigue as the Phantom Beast continued to torment the human who had attacked its convoy. The giant black wolf leapt and snapped at the 20 something year old who'd climbed a tree not to long ago. There was a smile, one many would not expect on the face of a bloodthirsty and savage beast, a smile of content and cruel satisfaction on her face. She could've killed him a while ago, but chose not to and instead torture him. Behind the Beast was the mortals it had journeyed with, a strange grouping it was. One of them had odd red skin and eyes milky white, and another one could light herself aflame.
He turned to the left and smiled as the other bounty hunters continued to plant new seeds for the trees they cut down and feed a few of the animals as well. The woman inn front of him was the true surprise that day; The Winter Knight.
Weiss Schnee, a BEACON agent, as she'd explained, had only found out about this two months ago during a mission. She was also the heiress to a worldwide company, the reason she was taken.
Pan had been sure that the last Winter Knight and Guardian were alive, he'd seen them only 2 years past. Weiss explained how they'd been killed in a botched ritual the Council of Nine performed in attempt to get their power. Pan nodded sadly at that, the previous two were good friends of his, always so kind to him and appreciative of his forests treating both with respect.
"That is a sad thing to hear." He said, "Although, from what I have seen, you are doing a good job in fulfilling your duties. Which leads me to ask, where is your Guardian?" Weiss sipped her tea and cocked a brow,"She's over there tormenting Neptune." Pan nodded then did a double take,"The Phantom Beast is your Guardian? How is that possible?" Weiss opened her mouth to speak when Jakal approached the table. Slowly, she shifted back to her human form, bones loudly cracking and giving back Catalaya control of their body.
Her clothing was ripped in a few places, most likely form the address of her change. Pan was baffled at her appearance, unlike the previous Guardian who was military like in speech and appearance, this woman was nowhere near that. She bore numerous tribal and personal tattoos across her body, scars were uncovered, so many looked like train tracks in her back. Gazing upward it was clear that she was not fond of traditional hair styles. The sides were shaved close and the top braided down and backwards in a line towards her back. He blinked and Weiss smiled as Catalaya lazily walked over to her and laid down across her lap, twitching her nose at the gente scratches on the top of her head.
"Pan, are you alright?" The God shook his head in disbelief, looking from the docile beast to the confused heiress. "Pardon me but, how is it that you are the Guardian?" Weiss looked angry for a moment before Catalaya spoke,"I don't have the answer to that question. For I don't know myself, I'm just the daughter of my Cheiftain and a skilled warrior. No Phantom Beast has ever been one or the other, I'm an anomaly." With a shrug she laid her head back down on Weiss's lap. Pan nodded to himself,That explains her behavior earlier today. She wasn't just protecting a master, she was protecting her charge.He cocked his head at how Weiss gazes down at the girl with a loving expression, blushing a second later when Cat nuzzles her hand affectionately.Maybe something more.
Pan thought before a bird landed on his shoulder, chirpung in his ear he nodded and sent it away. "As much as I would love to continue speaking with you, I have important matters to attend." The satyr stood from his spot on the ground, "Don't forget, Jakal." He said before running off into the green, the bushes parting smoothly to let him through. Cat nodded in tandem with Jakal. Weiss cocked a brow but allowed Cat to rest for a while longer.
No more than 6 hours later, when the sun fell and the nocturnal animals awoke, Catalaya divulged her task. "We were asked to deliver a message to Selene." Jaune quieted slightly, mumbling "Why?" Under his breath. They began the silent journey to the boundary between the two territory's, travelling through the wood to avoid any predators stupid enough to come near. Coco told them of how they got the armor peices successfully and sent them to Ozpin as told. "The energy came from a strange glowing purple rock, we couldnt use our magic while down there, which was a bit of a hinderence. There were these rock monster things-" Velevt spoke from behind her,"Golems, babe."
Coco nodded, "Right, Golems, that were a pain to fight, no one was seriously injured but they were so big that when the largest one went down it started a cave in." Yang shuddered,"Yeah, I almost got buried if it weren't for Jaune holding up his shield. We had to split up after that, 4 to a group, me and Jaune ended up together." Yang went on to tell about how the rode down a waterfall and found the armor guarded by a group of Harpy's. "If it wasn't for-"
"Quiet." Cat said as she kept Ruby from stepping over a line of rocks. "Don't cross the line. Its the border." Coco was skeptical,"A bunch of rocks? Really?" Cat nodded,"You can only cross by doing a spell or by brealing the line." Nora smiled,"So we break it right?" Ren stopped her just before she pulled out her hammer. "We can't. It's bodylink magic. It could kill us, so we find a spot already broken."
Nora was quiet for the next 10 minutes they spent looking for a gap. "Found it!" Ruby shouted from up ahead. They'd sent her scouting ahead, catching up Cat found a section of rocks that when touched disappeared. "Illusions. Smart." Cat shouldered her bag and stepped over the line,"The Vampires must have created this illusion to trick Pan into thinking the barrier was still in tact. It's safe to cross." With that she turned around started walking in the direction of Selene's central city.
As the taskforce journeyed further they began to notice the distinct differences between the territory's. Instead of the lush forestation, there were blackened and dying trees. No more were there beautiful waterfalls, the water her was black and smelled of death. There was a distinct chill in the air, one that made a person hug themselves and become nervous. They came upon an open gate, one with rusted metal and black birds atop the spikes. "Why is the gate open? Shouldn't it be guarded?" Blake asked covering her nose, the toxic smell burning her sensitive nose. "Why would they guard it? No one visits the vampires, only fools with a death wish come here."
Velvet chuckled morbidly, "Says something about us doesn't it." She said with sarcasm and moved closer to her girlfriend, her natural instincts telling her to get out of Dodge. Cat walked forward confidently yet, cautious. She allowed Jakal to come forward slightly, using her extreme sense to detect anything that meant harm. As they traveled deeper into the city she straightened slightly, her hand resting casually on the hilt ofBalanced Insanity.Ruby jumped a bit when what she thought to be a statue turned abruptly, staring at her with creepy intensity.
The group kept their hands on their weapons, warily eyeing the few Vampires that exited their homes or came close. They reached the center of the town, looming over them and casting a dark shadow was the castle, Selene's castle. Catalaya suddenly stopped in the middle of the square, closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath audibly. Blake flicked her ear to the left, she was ready to take aim at the approaching hostile when Catalaya growled low. The message was clear to her,Let me handle this.Invisible to the rest of the group, a vampire came running at the Phantom Beast, fangs ready and claws out. Before it could get within a foot of the target, a sword of black flames came in contact with his jugular.
The Vampire's head fell to the ground, the invisibility spell worn off, its body falling with a loud thump. The flames quickly wrapped around the body and severed head, when the flames extinguished all that remained were a pile of ashes and some singed bones. With a hiss, the surrounding vamps took a step back, suddenly reevaluating the strength of their opponents. "I come with a message to give to your queen. A message from Pan, God of the Wild." Her voice echoed off of the building and into the air. "Let us through and no one else will die." The vamps spread like the Red Sea, and Catalaya led her group inside quietly. "What the hell was that?" Ruby asked in a whisper. Catalaya shrugged, "Vamps respond to a few things. Power, blood, death, and violence. I did what I had to to get their attention." Her voice rough and her walk careless and free, Jakal had taken partly over.
Ruby nodded nervously, her voice scaring her before her eyes widened in awe. The inside of the castle was both breathtakingly beautiful and depressingly gloomy. A Victorian style masterpiece, on the walls, ancient painting of great battles and a ferocious woman leading them all. There were some medieval weaponry on the shelves as well, some blades chipped-signs of their obvious use in the past. The group came upon a large oak door, the handles glaring oxen faces with emerald eyes. The gaurds opened the doors, taking three just to open one of them with a minor struggle. The throne room she guessed, what with the gray throne in the center of the room. As they approached, she and the rest of the group-sans Cat-were shocked that the throne was constructed of a large pile of skulls.
All of them black as night, from what they didn't want to know. On it was a woman, no more the 5"5', with shining red eyes and shimmering white hair. Her skin was a gunmetal gray, and het wrists decorated with golden jewelry much like the rest of her outfits, the gold dress sparkling in the firelight. Beside the woman was a different sight, a young woman, around the same age as Ruby stood with a welcoming smile. Her hair was a bright orange, eyes like green seafoam, her face a freckle farm. Instead of the sickly pale or ghastly grey skin the rest have hers was vibrant, she looked alot more-for lack of better term-alive than the rest. Her almost silver dress was littered with green symbols, gears both big and small.
The woman on the throne spoke with a voice so sweet and sultry that it had to be masking something,"Which one of you dare attack my men? Speak now!" There was compulsion magic in her voice, so strong the taskforce all bent to their knees and bowed in fear. The only one who remained standing was Cat who was briefly intrigued by the saddened look on the orange haired girl's face before she spoke to the goddess.
"I am. I hold no regrets, he came at me first, I have the right to defend myself. Even here." Selene sneered at the wolf girl as she thought to herself,What kind of power is that coming from her? It is truly frightening."Why have you travelled here? You don't seem like one who will casually start a fight in unknown territory." Catalaya nodded at the goddess,"I come with a message from Pan, God of the Wild." Selene cocked a brow at the tattooed woman,"Well?"
Cat sighed and spoke dryly, "Το συμβούλιο απαιτεί την παρουσία μας. Έρχεται ένας πόλεμος." Selene stiffened and took a breath, "Dammit." She said to herself.I can't leave the kingdom. Looks like she'll have to take over.She looked at the woman beside her, then shook her head.No, she's too young and fragile."Thank you for bringing me this?" She asked in hopes of getting a name. "Catalaya. Your highness." She bowed mockingly at the ruler.
Selene growled mentally, already hating the defiant warrior. She pushed her aura to her eyes, surprised at the intense connection between the warrior and a pale mage. Their auras were sparking in the air around them, feeding and giving all at once. It was strange, something that she'd never seen before, all she knew was that it was dangerous, powerful.It'd be best if I watch myself around these two."Yes, Catalaya. Please, you must be tired, stay and your group can travel onward."
Selene used her sweetest voice, smirking at how the group of mortals beside her perked up at that, influenced by her compulsion. Catalaya growled out, "No. We can find our own place to rest. Let's go." Selene noted how she put her Alpha's compulsion into her voice, forcing her group to stand, surprised looks on their faces as they did so. They were halfway turned around when Selene spoke again,"Then allow me to feed your group, so much fighting must make you hungry." She almost jumped at the loud grumbling of the small redheads stomach.
The group looked between the two, nervousness, fatigue, and hunger in their eyes. Catalaya almost spoke before the white haired woman came up and placed a hand on her shoulder, speaking quietly into her ear. Selene tilted her head, her vampire heritage allowed her to hear for at least 2 clicks, yet she could not hear what she said. Catalaya sighed and nodded at the woman, grasping her hand for a moment before speaking.
"Is that offer of rest still on the table as well?" Selene nodded,"Of course, dear. Penny." The woman next to her turned looked at the goddess,"Yes?" Selene turned to her. "Please escort these fine warriors to the guest quarters. Make sure the servants provide them with what they need." Penny nodded before stepping from the pedestal, walking with a cheery smIle towards the small red one, the same one who'd caught her interest. "Please, follow me."
They nodded and did just so. Penny noted how the group walked subconsciously in a specific formation. The shifter and white haired one in front. The small redhead, scraggly blonde male, and a woman wearing a strange hat follwed. In the middle were the mages, that was made obvious by their stances, hands hidden in pockets, ready to cast. At the back were the heavy-hitters, judging from the heavy walk, defensive stance, and the way they almost curved around the mages, protecting them.
After more then ten minutes of awkward silence and some elbowing by Yang, Ruby took a risk. "So, um, Penny right?" Penny nodded in answer. "How do you know Selene?" Ruby sweated nervously when Penny stopped walking. "Oh, not many people ask me that one." She giggled and Weiss cocked a brow. "Selene is my mother." Everyone stopped walking, various versions if shock and question on their faces. "How?" Is all Yang said as they walked into the building where the guest quarters were.
Penny sighed, "Its a long story. Here are your rooms." She gestured to to the long hallway. "Each room has its own bed, bath, and the servants shall ring you when dinner is ready." She opened on door to show a king sized bed, adorned with a massive comforter and fluffy pillows. "Feel free to explore after bathing and resting. Find yourself in need of something, just ask either guard or servant."
Penny watched as the group stared at one another for a while before they started pushing and shoving in their haste to get to a room. The only ones who didnt participate in such barbaric acts were the ice mage and the wolf shifter. Catalaya had grabbed the paler one before she could get lost in their stampeding friends. Pulling her into the already open room and closing the door. The pale one stuck her head out the door a moment later. "Um, sorry about them. It's been a long few days since we've had such comforts." Penny nodded and tilted her head when she heard, "Snow, there's a real bathtub in here!" Came from behind the door.
"It's understandable. Traveling a lot can do that to a person, Ms. Snow." The woman shook her head,"It's Weiss actually. Snow is just a nickname." Penny nodded with a smile. "Thank you again, Penny." Penny blushed under her compliments,"It's no problem. Enjoy your rest." Weiss nodded and went back inside at Catalaya's call. Penny walked down the hallway, making sure each member was perfectly set, and needed nothing. Afterwards, she headed back down the halls, having nothing to do herself.
As Penny traversed the familiar halls, she kept thinking about the group, a strange one they are. Two with animal ears, one with red skin, another the size of a frost giant. The one with skin as pale as death, the blonde woman who smell of ashes, and the tall one reminding her of the Amazon's. The one who kept returning was the one with silver eyes, she could swear that there was a story about a woman with silver eyes, she'd read it as a kid. Just couldn't remember it well.
Penny walked with no purpose, nothing needed be done. If her mother needed something, she'd send a servant or one of her hawks. Penny was ready to head to her own room, the lack of activity bothering her, when a sweet voice called out, "Penny!" She turned around and was shocked to see the silver eyed one coming near. "Yes, is there something you need, miss?" She asked in confusion.
The taller girl shook her head,"Rose, Ruby Rose actually. I was wondering if you'd give me a tour, this place is to amazing not to explore." Penny blushed at her smile,"It would be an honor to help out a warrior such as yourself." Ruby scratched her neck awkwardly,"I'm not much of a warrior. But thank you." Penny nodded and began her tour.
Starting with the library, smiling softly at how Ruby's eyes lit up at the numerous weapons adorning the walls of some of the hallways. She pointed at a large war axe that sat atop an old painting of a bearded man riding a black horse, both in black armor. "This is Colonel Alex Pirvus. He was the one who almost single handedly, ended the Curvosis War between us and the northern most elven village, over eight hundred years ago. He had rescued a group of kidnapped children in their caves, fourth-seven child soldiers." She watched as Ruby's face contorted into anger for a quick moment.
"Despite their condition, they refused to back down. Coming with him into a battle that lasted three days." Pointing at the picture beside his, she kept on,"This is an image of him returning with the children, carrying the Elven leaders head in a sack." Ruby tilted her head she wasn't expecting to see so many smiles on the kids faces. "What happened to the children afterward?" Penny motioned to a painting so large, it could be a billboard, "They'd come from both far and wide, their families dead or had sold them into the armed forces in the first place."
Penny joined Ruby in sighing at that fact, it was disgusting. "He wouldn't allow them to live alone, on the edges of the kingdom in the wilds. He adopted each and every one of them. Taught them to be kids again, while still making sure they could protect themselves if the time came. They became known as Purvis's Horde, a family of great protectors." Turning to her left, she was joyed that Ruby was smiling at the end, it was breathtaking.
She led them to a balcony on the seventh floor, east wing. Looking down she watched as Catalaya and Weiss sat together in the royal garden among the tulips and roses. Watching with jealousy as the wolf pulled Weiss into her lap, stroking her hair and nuzzling her neck. "So, Penny." Ruby brought her back, "Where's your father? How about siblings?" She must've seen her frown because she became quickly apologetic. "I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to make you sad!" Penny shook her head. "Don't fret friend, it's alright." She took a deep breath,"Selene isn't my mother by blood. My real parents are dead, mother died from cancer and my father was killed by war. He had sent my older brother and I to the countryside in hopes that we would be safe, he was wrong."
Penny held the locket around her neck tighter, "We were in the middle of a civil war, vampires against vampires. Us humans were just cannon fodder, caught in the middle. A group of Green Eyes, human sympathizers that fed off of us only when we willingly gave, found us and treated out wounds, fed us, and clothed us too. But the ones we were running from found the camp. Red Eyes, the most brutal Vampires I've ever met, fed without care, didn't just drink from us, they kept human slaves, tortured them, looking for the high you can get from intense emotions." Ruby places a hand on her shoulder, "You don't have to continue, you know? It's alright."
Penny shook her head,"I haven't spoken to anyone but mother about this. Plus, for some reason, you make me want to share it all." She hadn't meant to sound so sentimental, almost flirtatious but she was happy when Ruby blushed and scooted closer to her. Breathing deeply, she continued,"The Green Eyes tried to protect me and my brother. Dante was only 17, but he was so responsible, he grabbed me and ran as far as he could. In all honesty, I don't know why he thought we would outrun a group of Vampires."
Penny took a deep breath, "They chased us with smiles, it was just a sick twisted game to them. When they finally caught us, they wasted no time in taking Dante, feeding from him with no mercy, I watched it all. They ripoed his throat out and drained him rapidly, laughing as his body spasmed before going still. They chuckled as I ran to him, foolishly trying to wake him from death. His eyes were unblinking, wide in fear. The last thing I remember was the bright, burning red eyes and sharpened fangs as they plunged into my neck. Just before I blacked out from the pain."
Penny barely noticed the tears as they fell from her eyes only until she felt the warmth of Ruby's thumb wiping them away. She looked up and Ruby was giving her a smile, just the brightness of her eyes gave Penny more courage. "When I awoke the first thing I thought was 'Gods, am I one of them? One of those monsters?' But then I heard it." Ruby tilted her head at Penny's soft smile. "Heard what?" Penny leaned her head on her shoulder, breathing in the scent of roses and morning dew.
"The song, Selene's lullaby. The song her mother Theia, Mother of the Sun, Moon, and Dawn, used to sing to her when she became frightened." Ruby nodded and yawned drawing Penny's attention. The vampire child looked up, shocked to see the red sun had long since set, the moon rising almost at full peak in the darkened sky.
Ruby was sleeping, so peaceful Penny was hesitant to move her. But she knew the woman must sleep in a bed. Digging her nose in her short hair, she breathed in her scent, a memory she intends to keep. Carefully lifting the woman up bridal style, she walked with a smile to Ruby's room. They'd missed dinner but during their tour, they'd snacked on everything the servants offered.She's probably fine.Penny used her magic to lift the covers before placing her underneath them. Kissing her head before tiptoeing out the door, she stopped a servant,"Make sure her breakfast is in her room tomorrow please?" The maid nodded, "Yes, Miss." Before walking off.
Penny turned back with a smile before being surprised by a smirking Catalaya, who wore nothing more than her breast wraps and boxers. "Penny, good to see you." Penny shyly nodded, attempting to scurry past when she grabbed her by the shoulder. Leaning in close, she whispered menacingly, "Ruby is my good friend. As a wolf, she is part of my pack, even if she's human. So, if you fuck with her heart, I'll slice your fucking head off." Penny nodded, afraid for her life, "I-I won't, Miss. I w-wouldn't hurt her like t-that."
Cat nodded, gripping her shoulder tightly before letting go, "Good." She rubbed her orange hair, Penny almost jumped when she heard Weiss's muffled voice behind the door, "Cat, come back to bed. I'm cold." Catalaya nodded, "Coming." She turned and opened the door, going halfway in before turning to Penny. Who watched in fear as her eyes became red with sparking white flecks. "Goodnight, Penny."
The door closed softly behind her and Penny let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Shivering at the warrior's threat she walked back to her own room, collapsing on the bed, not even bothering to change. She turned to the small photograph on her nightstand, smiling at the image of her older brother-14 at the time-holding her at three years old on his shoulders. "Goodnight, Dante." She said in a whisper before smiling, falling asleep fast as her mind was filled with the scent of roses and silver eyes.