Team RNJRS is still on the march to Haven; After they left Higbana a few days ago they've been making good progress so far they've rarely been encountering Grimm on the path or any problems on the way morale is high so to say.
"Another day, Another Adventure!" Nora happily cheered scratching her arms in the air as the rest of Team RNJRS continue there journey
"So what's on today's agenda?" Ruby asks Jaune who's holding a map
"Walking." He answers
"With a side of?" Nora asks with a smile
"Bacon?" Daven bluntly said making the group laugh
"No Daven." Ren waving his head "walking and you just ate that for breakfast."
Ruby made a loud sigh hearing that. "Haven is a lot farther away than I thought"
Ren walked up to her side "Ruby…. how long did you think this journey will take? "He asks
"I...I don't know!" She shouted, waving her arms in the air sounding a bit embarrassed "I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home! Daven, didn't you say you traveled a lot when you were growing up?"
"I did but usually by a jet not by foot."
"Really?" Jaune surprised at Daven's answer"...but how long did you think Ruby?" He asks curiously for an answer
Ruby twitch at the question she had to give an answer she began poking her fingertips "Oh i don't know….Maybe like, uh...2...weeks?
"2 weeks!?" Jaune and Daven shouted
"Ok fine 3!" Ruby shouted back….Look "Whatever. Hey, what's that?"
Team RNJRS stopped at what appeared to be a large village they're reaching.
"That's strange?" Jaune looks at the map "I didn't think we hitting another village for a few days"
Nora carefully observes the village "Are those buildings….damage?
Everyone got a chill to their spine
"There could be survivors! Jaune dropped the map and rush to the village as the others follow him
Team RNJRS quickly enters the village in hope there's anyone left alive. They looked around for anyone but none to see they spread out a bit to find anyone but still nothing no soul to be found
"Anything?" Ruby asks
"I got nothing here!"
"No one over here either!" Jaune responded
"Hello!? Is anyone there?" Daven shouted
"It almost seems like the town was abandoned," Ren said after looking around the Village and he was right.
Team RNJRS examined around more the village looked abandoned, the inner walls were all decay from aging, overgrowth with vegetation, many buildings were the same as well some half finish, under construction still, even the supplies for it was there untouched.
"Hey, I found something!" Nora ahead of the team found a small sign everyone gather around her
Nora moved away some leaves and the sign reads "Oniyuri?" She tilted her head "Never heard of it.
"Me neither." Jaune said
"..I have." Ren suddenly spoke. "You might think of it as Anima's Mountain Glenn, had it never completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the kingdom was being with the council, they pooled their resources together to build their own city...with their own laws. They hope it could maybe even become it's own kingdom. Many thought it would be the future. I know my parents did.""
"What happened?"
"What always happens…"
"The Grimm."
Ren clenched his fist "Not just any Grimm"
Ruby, Daven, and Jaune Raised a brow at what Ren said. "Not just any?"
Ren remained silent but the way who he said it, it sounded personal to him
"Come on." Jaune said. Let's just get through here, this place gives me the creep
The others didn't say anything they all agreed followed Jaune wanting to leave this place quick.
Entering the next district of the village there were more unfinished and damaged buildings. Seeing a village this large to be abandoned just felt eerie to Team RNJRS but they kept moving on
Just after walking some distance Ren suddenly stops raising his hand in front of the others that something is up. He didn't say a word but they knew if Ren stopped them it was for a reason.
Ren closed his eyes to concentrate he sensed something, or someone coming to them that it wasn't friendly he slowly pulled out his weapon so did the others that it's coming to them
After a brief moment, Ren's eyes widen, quickly turning his head to a large old tower he sees a man jumping over them. The man landed across from Team RNJRS, He had a sick smile on his face with an intent to attack them he wiped out his weapons a large pair of double forearm curved blades. He charged right for them.
Ren got in the way as he got close he swung Stormflower at the man but the man was unprovoked by his attempt to fight him he easily blocked it, pushing Ren near the ground he swung his dual forearm blades knocking him away
The man turned back to the others he charges right to them he specifically went for Ruby
Ruby ready Crescent Rose as the man swung his forearm blades but the man was fast he kicked Ruby knocked her back a bit. The man suddenly made a snicker as if he found what he was looking for. He then again rapidly swing his forearm blades at Ruby
Ruby spun Crescent Rose to block his fast attacks; it was unavail as she felt the man's blade across her chest. She grits her teeth from not just before the man kicked her to the ground
The man satisfied enough with that he quickly turned his attention to Daven who was nearby.
Daven took a step back readying Mura and Akrai as the man slashed one of his forearm blades he quickly raised up both his daggers blocking his strike but the man followed it by doing a heavy kick pushing Daven away.
"Ohho!" The man again snicker this time louder he chuckled a bit he definitely found who he was looking for
The man wasn't done yet just as Daven caught his footing he kept on the attack. He again slashed his forearm blades to Daven's weapon swaying into near the ground he quickly did a spin attack slashing Davens' left shoulder actually hurting him going through his aura. Daven groaned from it, not before being kicked away by his attacker.
Jaune rushed in to aid his friend but as he got close the man latched onto his shield looking directly Jaune in the face getting a very good look at him that surprisingly earned a peek interest before Jaune could do anything the man launched himself away using his shield as a boost pad he quickly landed on Nora's Hammer as she came from behind to help Jaune. The man again jumped away launching him to an abandoned tower through the wall but was completely unfazed by it
Team RNJRS quickly getting back up on their feet they all looked at the tower where the man landed
"We're not looking for a fight!" Jaune Shouted
"Who are you!" Ren shouted
The man laughed as he jumps off and lands in front of them
Getting a good look at their attacker. The man appeared to be in his 30s, he had golden eyes, brown hair in a braided ponytail style, a brown coat underneath a white collar shirt open that shows a few visible scars on his chest and stomach area, white pants and a pair of brown dark leather boots that went all the way to his knees. He had a disturbing look on his face.
"Who I am matters not to you" The man said Or you...or...well you do interest me." He points at Jaune making him feel uneasy but that wasn't the reason why he's there
"No I only matter...to those two." The man points at his prey our Silver eyes
Ruby and Daven turned their heads to each other before looking back at the man...Us?
"Pff..PFfhahaha!" Their attacker started laughing. He couldn't believe what he just heard "You- you haven't the slightest clue, do you haha! Oh how exciting this must be! But you young man…..The deranged man turns his head to Daven with a sick smile sending a chill to his spine "...you know. A Guardian with its light still flicking to keep it's spark alive"
"G-Guardian?" The others of Team RNJRS were confused at what their attacker was saying; they looked at Daven who was petrified.
"Pff..PFfhaha!" The man again burst out laughing psychotically again "You.. You didn't tell them what you are, boy?! Hahaha! Oh, how could you tell even them?
Daven stood motionless this man knows what he is, Is he affiliated with this Salem Qrow told him about?! This is bad they sent someone after them!
"What do you want?" Ruby suddenly spoke gripping tight on Crescent Rose
"Oh the Rose with Thorns trying to protect a Guardian! Why my little flower I'm here to whisk you and the Guardian away with me!"
"Well, what if they don't want to go with you?" Nora stood in front them gripping her hammer
"Well…. I'll take them" The man said
"We are not going to let you do that." Jaune said doing the same
The man wasn't disappointed at their answer rather it was he was hoping for, he made ominous smile "...Good"
At that very moment, the man quickly dashed getting behind Jaune before he could even react he readies his blades to strike at him
"Jaune!" Ren quickly open fired at them thankfully Jaune's shield was up to block Rens shot and was able to save him from getting backstabbed
The man was unfazed by Rens attack as he jumps on Jaune's shield using it as a stand to spin himself around kicking away Ren and Nora who rushed in to help
Daven was lost for words now still trying to take it in. This man knows what he is and what's gonna happen to them? He wants to kidnap him and Ruby and maybe bring them to this Salem perhaps and others were confused when they called Daven a Guardian.
"Daven! Daven!" Ruby shouting his name snapping him out of it "Get it together!"
Daven blinked a few before quickly shook his head she's right he can't be distracted now they had to stop this man together.
Ruby charged with her Crescent Rose but just as she got close she got kicked away by the man
She easily caught herself with the help of her weapon getting her footing she pumped her sniper and fired at the man who was going for Nora and Daven but she missed as the bullet flew near the man's head hitting Nora on impact
The man stopped just dumbfounded at what just happened but laughed "Pfft Hahaha! Well if that isn't ironic?" He asking looking at other
Team RNJRS wasn't bothered Ruby shot Nora rather that's what they wanted it was actually a shock dust bullet. They all grinned as Nora got back up on her feet, all charged up and ready to smash!
Nora dashed at the man and raised her charged Hammer. She struck the man creating a huge blast force but to her and everyone's surprise the man actually fended it off withstanding the force he didn't even move at all!
"Hoho Surprise!" The man laughed to relived how he actually stopped Nora's hammer strike his ponytail was actually a scorpion tail, a Faunus he is. The man then kicked Nora away and jumped onto a rooftop discarding his coat as well.
Team RNJRS was shocked to see this
"He's a Faunus!" Ren shouted
"What's this about!" Ruby shouted "The White Fang? Roman Torchwick?
"Plastic soldiers and pawns are what they are!" The man said "My heart and body belong only to our goddess!"
Ruby gritted her teeth "Cinder"
The man laughed at her answer "Ha! Only in her wildest dream but first!"
The crazy man dashes down quickly landing behind Daven, catching him off guard. The man's eyes were purple for a brief moment He then slashed his forearm blades to Davens back, actually leaving a blade scratch behind damaging him. It tore a part of his blue cloak
"AHHHHH!" Daven screamed from his attack but it felt different than the last he immediately felt sick that he fell on his knees and starting coughing
"Daven!" Everyone cried
"Oh don't fret everyone I didn't give him anything lethal, unfortunately," He said with a sick smile "Something to make him….dimmer!" He kicked Daven launching him away from them.
Knocked To the ground Daven breathing heavily his body feels like he's been poisoned in a way something suppressing him within, he struggles to get back up on his feet. He quickly tried to his use Rising Sun ability to help him at least but before even the orb would take form in his hand it started to flicker and die just like before
Daven's eyes widen in shock this man knew about his Light Semblance and somehow be able to block it with the attack he did!
Somehow Daven was able to get on his feet he sees The man easily fending off Ruby, Jaune, Ren, and Nora with ease as they all attack him at once. They couldn't even land a single blow on him!
After easily knocking Jaune, Ren and Nora the man went to Ruby next. He slashed his scorpion stinger at her Cresent Rose down to lower her guard he then jabbed at her a few times pushing back followed by doing a heavy kick knocking her to the ground.
Daven nearby watching the whole thing the man slowly creep onto Ruby. He clenches his fist he knew he couldn't just stand there he had to help Ruby even though he was not feeling well! He had to try! He doesn't want it to happen again like...with Pyyrha
Without any more thought, Daven threw his dagger Mura at the man but it got deflected away by his scorpion tail and it got his attention. The man turns his head to him
"L-Leave her alone!"
"Ohho!" The man is surprised at this but welcomes it "Still have some fight in you, Guardian? HAHA, The one thing I like about your kind!"
The man sprinted at him and jumped into the air. He slams his leg at him hard causing Daven to grit his teeth from it. Daven broke off his attack and swung his Akira Dagger at him but the man easily dodged, parrying his pathetic, weak attack even laughing at his efforts. He then was on the attack going all out on him
Daven tried to keep up but the man was too fast. He was outmatched. The man soon broke his defense; he then punched Daven a few times to the head and ribs pushing him back. The man then did a spinning with his tail sending Daven flying to the air the man quickly went to the other side while Daven was still in the air just before he could crash to the ground the man finished by doing a powerful heavy kick to his chest knocking him to the ground back where they were.
Daven gritting his teeth he's no match against this guy if his semblance wasn't blocked he could have a chance to fend him off! He looked up to see the man now his eyes purple and raised his stinger pointing at him with a sick smile. Everyone who was on the ground defeated looked in horror as they all thought their friend was going to die now in front of them the man jabs his stinger as Daven flinched closing his eyes.
*CLING!*
But Daven didn't feel anything to him. He heard a loud metal clanking noise opening his eyes and he couldn't believe who was there. Qrow with his weapon in hand saving him he looks down at the Blue Hero
Team RNJRS were shocked to see Qrow here they all didn't expect to see him, well only one.
Daven stared at Qrow, seeing the Reckless Rouge after so long he felt actually relieved to see him.
Seeing his smile made Qrow chuckle "Hey there Lightbulb"
The man was surprised at what happened but he was thrilled at who just arrived "Oh as I live and breathe Qrow Branwen." He giggled with excitement in his voice. "A true Huntsman has entered the fray"
Daven slowly manages to get up on his feet getting Qrows attention "I don't know where you've been...but this guy knows what I am and I don't feel well now."
Qrow wasn't surprised at this all he expected someone was would come after Daven and Ruby for what they did at Beacon he gave the Lightbulb an assuring smile, he turns back to the man
"Look pal I don't know who you are but you need to leave my niece's boyfriend alone"
"Why, friend, my name is Tyrian." The crazy man is now known as Tyrian " And I'm afraid that is not possible. My assignment from Her Grace was to retrieve this Guardian and that Young girl. So, that is what I must do. One does not upset the Queen"
"Isn't it who I think it is?" Daven spoke up
"Salem." Qrow confirms
"Damn it."
Tyrian made a sick smile "Hmm, I think we've had enough talk now, don't you agree?"
Qrow readies Harbinger "You took the words right out of-
"ARGH!"
Before he could even finish talking Tyrian charged at him
Qrow quickly reacted and was able to get his blade up to deflect a few blows from Tyrian from his forearm blades and scorpion tail. He counters by swinging his large sword at him but Tyrian was able to dodge and block every of Qrows attacks. Both were somewhat equally skilled in combat.
The Reckless Rogue being on the offensive rapidly swings Harbinger at him to put pressure on him. He then jumps into the air and slams his sword down hard at Tyrian. Tyrian blocked Qrows heavy strike with both of his forearm blades; it created a shockwave knocking down parts of a roof at a nearby building. Qrow pressing his sword hard against him gazed at the falling debris before looking at Tyrian with a grin. Doing so Tyrian also grinned at him.
With a small flick of his wrists, Tyrian duel forearm blades began firing, catching Qrow off by it giving him a way to break away. Tyrian pushed away Qrow; he then aimed his forearm blade guns at him and runs circles around. Qrow spins his sword fast to block the incoming gunfire
Team RNJRS watching the whole thing didn't want to stand around and let Qrow fight alone. They wanted to help! Ren and Nora charged at Tyrian who was busy with Qrow but just as they got close to him Tyrian knew they were coming and he blocked both their attacks with his weapon and tail.
Tyrian quickly did a spin before doing a heavy dropkick to both Ren and Nora sending them back. He laughs hysterically and went after them but before he could even get close Qrow jumped in with his sword stopping him
Both pressing her weapons against each. Qrow turns his head to Team RNJRS
"Don't come closer!" Qrow warning them that they'll get in the way!
"Mm Fine!" Ruby shouted if her uncle doesn't want them to get closer to help she can help her uncle from a distance. She quickly went up to one of the tall building and sniper boost herself to the roof and set up a sniping position
Ruby watches her Uncle Qrow and Tyrian battling out through the scope of her Crescent Rose but unable to a shot in at the way there moving
Qrow and Tyrian battling it out dodging, parry theirs, and using everything at their disposal hoping to get the upper hand on one another
Tyrian jabs his stinger at Qrow nearly hitting him as it flew by his head but that was his intention. He quickly retracted his tail coiling in onto the Reckless Rouge arm pulling it back causing Qrow to lose his swords as it was sent flying into a wall across from them
Qrow rubbing his wrist looked at Tyrian with an annoyed look on his face that he lost his weapon. Tyrian laughs at his expression before he could do anything next. A bullet flew at his head getting his attention. He didn't seem bothered by it as he gleefully hums while his stinger was deflecting my of Ruby's shots
Qrow with no weapon now he looks at his fist and gives a shrug of 'why not' before he punches Tyrian right in the face causing him to cry from it. Before Tyrian could do anything Qrow punches him again in the face a few times pushing him back he then did a kick to his stomach knocking Tyrian away and onto his knees
Qrow walks by him to get his weapon from the wall he scoffs in amusement as Tyrian growls at him. Reaching to Harbinger Qrow grabs the handle but just as Tyrian pounces at him like a predator. Qrow was able to quickly dodge his attack by jumping on his sword and with a press on a trigger-activated Harbinger into a scythe for a quick moment to fire a shotgun blast to launch himself in the air and get his weapon back.
He grabbed a plank of wood off an unfinished roof pulling it to catch himself. Tyrian jumps at Qrow cutting the plank in half. Both landed on the unfinished roof and continue to battle it out just as before.
After blocking one of Tyrian's attack Qrow quickly dashed to the other side of the roof. Tyrian follows and jumps into the air just as he landed on a beam he fell down into the building
"Ha!" Qrow laughed can't believe he fell for that just he about to get off the roof Tyrian latched his tail on his leg pulling him down into the building with him
Ruby, still on the roof watches in horror as she quickly jumps down and rushes to the building. Getting closer the building's wall burst the Reckless Rogue rolling out from it and on the ground quickly tosses his Harbinger. Qrow lands on his sword standing on it like it was a pedestal.
Qrows red aura began to flicker around his body meaning he's out of it but it seems he's not the only one. Out from the hole of the building a purple aura flickered as well. Tyrian rushes out and jumps at Qrow.
But just as Qrow was about to block Tyrains attack his nieces Ruby jumps in and did it for him
"R-Ruby!" Daven shouted he wanted to go to her but was stop by Ren when he knows his friend was in no condition to aid them
"Do you wish to be taken?!" Tyrian shouted at her
"No! But I won't stand by and watch someone get hurt!" Ruby charged in and so did her Uncle. Both Swung their weapons at Tyrian he blocks both with his forearm blades.
Tyrian kicks Qrow out of the way and attack Ruby, He swings his forearm blades at her which easily blocks and then jabs his stinger at her.
But before the stinger got close Qrow jumped in deflecting it. He and Tyrian shoved their weapons against each other. "
"Ruby! What did I say!? Get Back!"
"This is my fight too!"
Ruby quickly went around them to flank Tyrian getting his attention she swings her scythe Tyrian jumps over it dodging it he then breaks away from Qrow just as Ruby charge at him. He drop-kicked her sending her back
Ruby getting back up her feet she was unaware until she quickly looked up to see a heavy plank falling to her luckily her Uncle dashed in cutting the plank into saving her. Ruby smiled that her uncle saved her yet again it also made the Reckless Rouge smile at her but doing so.
"ARH!"
Qrow groaned as he felt a stinger slashing his abdomen. Tyrian snickers at his pain as everyone looks in horror. But in that quick moment, Ruby sniper boosted Crescent rose over the long tail cutting the tip off Tyrians stinger causing to scream in agony
"AHHH!"
Tyrian backed away from them
"You bitch!" He cursed to Ruby. He wanted to make her pay for what she did he limps his way to her but standing in his way Jaune, Ren and Nora protecting them
Tyrian grits his teeth in anger knowing he's beat, he has to retreat.
" She'll...She'll forgive you." The last words he said before he ran off
With him gone Qrow falls to his knees out of breath.
"Uncle Qrow!"
"I'll..I'll be fine." He assures them "He just grazed me."
The others came up to them, shocked at what just happened they had questions
"Who was that guy?"
"How did you get here?"
"Why are people after Ruby and Daven?"
"And why did that guy called him a Guardian"
"Uncle Qrow." Ruby placed a hand on her uncle's shoulder "What's going on"
Qrow didn't say anything he's still catching his breath he looked at Daven who was struggling his way to them and he knew what it is, he gave out a chuckle
"Well..I guess this is the right time then."
Alright Done!
Well shit the others are about to find out what Daven is and what he's been hiding from them.
Hope you like this chapter, Stay safe and see you on the next!