Disclaimer: This is a story that kept repeating inside my head when I first watched RWBY and Fate/Stay Night, mainly the similitude behind both main characters and the posibilities. It is for this reason that I uploaded this one-shot with the hope of branching the stories in the future. This story is inspired by F/SN but doesn't contain elements of it, so it isn't a true crossover. As normal, I don't own RWBY, which is awesome by the way.
The Legend of the Grim Reaper
-I'm not sleepy.
These were the soft words that were uttered by a small child, tucked into bed while staring at his grandfather. The child has a small pout on his lips, soft brown eyes gazing his grandfather figure, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. The grandfather merely sighed and moved his head to stare at the window, where small snowflakes could be seen falling from the sky.
It was a cold night on December, and the snow could reflect that. Already most of the people were with their family at their respective homes, and the few who were outside were gathered around parks singing cheerful Christmas songs. A few blocks around Wenier Park, the grandfather's eyes were watching the sky, staring at the broken moon shining over the city.
-I know that you are eager for tomorrow, but you must sleep- stated the grandfather, turning around to look at the little boy.
The little boy's pout doubled, staring at his grandfather with pleading eyes. His little hands clenched at his side as he stubbornly held his grandfather gaze. Meanwhile, the grandfather had a small smile on his lips, watching with a great amount of fondness the little boy's frame.
-But I am not sleepy, I wanna play more- stated the young boy, pleading to his grandfather.
-I understand, but you have to sleep in order to wake up early; you have to open your gifts after all- explained the grandfather patiently.
This seemed to mollify the child somewhat. He bit his lower lip while looking down, thinking hard on something; meanwhile, the grandfather started to straighten the pillow and the blankets.
-Alright, but at least tell me a story- the boy conceded.
The grandfather hummed, eyes looking at the ceiling in reminiscence. The small boy's eyes never stopped looking at him.
-One story, and you will promise me that you will sleep- offered the grandfather.
These words brought a smile on the boy's lips, his eyes lightning in delight. His grandfather stood from the bed and brought a small wooden chair, placing it next to the boy's bed. He sat down, facing the bed and placing his hands on his lap.
-What story do you wish to hear? - the grandfather asked.
-Hmmmmmm- the little boy hummed, thinking deeply- I already heard the Story of the Seasons and the Tale of the Two Brothers… can I hear the story of Four Blessed Heroes again?
The grandfather chuckled, his warm eyes watching the trembling from of the little boy with fondness.
-It is no fun to hear a repeated story- the grandfather exclaimed; his tone thoughtful.
-Then, what other story do you know? - questioned the boy, traces of confusion and curiosity in his voice.
The grandfather took a moment to reply, his eyes landing on the bookshelf inside the boy's room. The grandfather's eyes stopped at a small book; a snowflake symbol etched on its spine.
-Let me tell you a new story then, one that I personally experienced- said the grandfather with a wink.
-Awesome! - exclaimed the little boy, his eyes full of eagerness- What is it called?
The grandfather sat in silence for a while, his eyes never leaving the book's image. His face was devoid of a smile this time, his eyelids dropping and his face showing great sadness. The boy realized this in a few seconds and his smile also fades.
-Grandfather? - said the boy with concern in his voice.
The grandfather blinked, his head turning to gaze at the worried little boy. He sighed, eyes regaining a little of his fondness and his lips pursing to a smile.
-This story is most famous, yes. It is told in the four kingdoms. - exclaimed the grandfather.
-What is it called then? - asked the boy, his voice regaining its curiosity.
The grandfather looked at the small boy and took his left hand into his own hands.
-The story's name… it is called The Grim Reaper.
Once upon a time, humanity was pitted against destruction. The four kingdoms were fighting a war against an ancient enemy, creatures born from the pits of the underworld with the sole purpose of the destruction of mankind. These creatures were born from darkness, their wraith-like forms resembling animals born from nightmares, with black bodies and white armor. These creatures were called Grimm, and their numbers were so vast that they covered more than 60% of the world. Their disdain for us was so great that they drove us into all the small corners of the world, forcing us to struggle to keep surviving. To combat this threat, special humans who could wield the power of their souls would rise to the challenge. These huntsmen were the only things between humanity and destruction, creating a stalemate that lasted for centuries.
This story started with the wish of a hero. There was a little girl with a heart of gold, who grew up watching stories of heroes. Her family came from a line of huntsmen, people who laid down their lives for the survival of mankind, and she wanted to be one. The loss of her mother inspired her to be a hero, somebody who could save others from experiencing the pain she went through. Armed by that inspiration and with the support of her remaining family, she started to train to become a huntress, going by the best education available to her. During her training, the threat of the Grimm was so big that the situation on the kingdoms destabilized, forcing her in the front-lines earlier than anticipated. Nevertheless, this wasn't something that perturbed her, in fact she relished at the opportunity to save people. Together with her team, she went around the kingdoms and helped combat the Grimm, assisting whoever she could and bringing salvation to the world. Sadly, no matter how many Grimm she defeated, their numbers never dwindled.
It was revealed that the Grimm had a progenitor, something that birthed Grimm and increased their numbers. She traveled towards the lands of shadow in order to battle this progenitor. During the battle, the young hero used the four sacred relics protected by the kingdoms in order to strike a deal with the Gods. They accepted, giving her the power needed to save the world in exchange of her becoming their champion. With her new-found power, the hero slayed the progenitor and stopped the birthing of Grimm, giving humanity a chance to fight back.
However, even with this heroic act, the threat of the Grimm still existed: their numbers were vast, and humanity was still preyed on. Upon realizing this, the hero proceeded to finish the job she started: the extinction of the Grimm.
The world was burning.
Thick columns of smoke were rising from the flaming remains of the small village, houses collapsing under the strain of the damage they were suffering. The roads were covered with ash and blood, dead bodies lying around and some of them even burning. The few people that were alive were fleeing, trying to escape the imminent death. The sky was full of the deafening cries of the wounded, the panicked, and the Grimm.
Black feathers rained from the sky, impaling some of the people that were trying to escape. Dark figures covered in white bone-like armor were running, destroying some of the buildings that were still standing and piercing some fleeing villagers unlucky enough to be on their path with their horns. The few guards left alive were holding the invaders back, but their number were rapidly dwindling by the continuous and overwhelming onslaught. In their panic, people keep shoving each other in the path of death, trying desperately to save themselves.
At the center of the burning village, a small girl was limping trying to get outside. Her brown hair was full of ash and smeared with blood, and her face was adorned with a deep gash that went from the left corner of her lips towards her left ear; with brown eyes full of tears, she whimpered as she tried to move. Her brown dress was covered in blood, one of her arms holding a small teddy bear while the other was a stump, with her left leg supporting most of her weight while her right was mangled, teeth indentations surrounding areas of ripped flesh.
Even with her wounds, the girl kept moving forward, ignoring the panicking cries and the scent of burning flesh. A trail of blood was left on her trail, the stump on her missing arm and the missing flesh of her right leg leaking blood. Her breathing was erratic, and her face was rapidly gaining a white pallor, mind busy trying to keep herself awake enough for a successful escape. Her cries of pain and sorrow met silence, as her surroundings were full of broken bodies and sorrowful cries.
-Arghhh! Please help me!
-NOOOOO!
-I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
-… mommy, please help me…!
The screams of the dammed were many, but the little girl ignored this as she tried to save herself. A few burning bodies were twitching on the floor, shrieking as their flesh burned to crisp. Some even extended their arms towards the people who could still fend for themselves, hoping for some salvation. Turning around a corner, she watched as the last guards were impaled with the horns of some of the black and white creatures, their blood decorating the floor and their cries becoming gurgled.
The girl tried to turn around, but her body finally gave out and she collapsed on the floor. The sky was filled once more with black feathers, piercing the few survivors that were still running. The scent of blood became more potent, cries for help becoming silenced upon death. The girl kept whimpering, her breath becoming more superficial and erratic, as she gazed at some of the black creatures approaching her.
The girl's terror imbued her eyes as they darted around, watching as the creatures were tearing and eating the flesh of the dead, some still holding on to their last breaths, screaming as the creatures devoured their live flesh. Her face gained a look of acceptance, her eyes finally meeting the red eyes of the creatures that were near her. Not a few minutes ago, she watched as her parents were eaten alive by these monsters, and she realized that, even if she were to die, she would meet her parents again.
The four-legged creature stood next to the fallen body of the girl, it's mouth opening, and razor-sharp teeth gleamed as it lowered it's face in order to take a chunk of her face. Suddenly, a cracking sound was heard, and a small explosion appeared next to her, covering her form with pieces of rocks. She tiredly opened her left eye, wondering why she was still alive, discovering that the creature collapsed on the ground and was dissolving into black smoke. Blinking weakly and lifting her head, she watched as some big black birds were dropping dead on the ground, their bodies becoming black smoke as well.
All around the town, small red rose petals started to fall like snowflakes. The black creatures, who brought death and despair to her home, collapsed one by one as something tore through them. The roars of the monsters were silenced as the sharp whistle of a blade followed. The little girl blinked again, looking around and failing to find any monsters. Shocked to her core, the girl tried stand only for her remaining arm and leg not having the strength to do so. Her vision swimming, the last thing she saw was a pair of armored combat boots in front of her face and the end of a red cloak.
Black eyes opened, the bearer groggily blinking as she tried to gain any semblance of sentience. The little girl finally remembered the events from before and shot upright. Pain laced through her abdomen, her remaining arm moving towards it as she gazed around. She was laying on a small bed, her stump and mangled leg covered in bandages, with some gauze covering the gash on her face. Tired eyes blinked again, looking at a small table next to her bed which had a bowl of some kind of soup, hot smoke still emitting from it, and her, now clean, teddy bear.
She tried to move her good arm towards the bowl when she heard voices behind the wall next to the door.
-… This is the sixth Grim raid that happened in the span of one month- a woman voice exclaimed.
-…
-I understand your logic, but please understand mine: something is making them more aggressive- the woman voice refuted.
-…
-No, only one survivor was found. She is currently resting on Carmille Village- the woman explained- I am staying here until she is stable enough.
-…
The rest of the conversation was muddled, and the girl realized that she was the survivor they were talking about. Blinking tiredly again, she once again tried to bring the bowl of soup to her bed; her arms trembled and, with a small whimper, the bowl fell on the floor and its was spilled around. The girl pouted, eyes landing on the remains of the bowl and her arm once again covered her abdomen as a growling sound came from her belly.
The sound of a door opening made her turn her head towards the front. Light seeped in, ostracized by the form of a tall woman who entered, someone who, the girl quickly realized, was quite pretty. The woman was young, with black hair that ended with red tips which reached towards her middle back, white skin and warm silver eyes that seemed to shine with some inner light. She had a red cloak with black stripes, with a red rose symbol serving as a pin, a black armored vest with a mesh suit underneath, and a black skirt with red stripes and a belt of, strangely enough, bullets. Her legs were covered with thick black stocking and black combat boots with red laces, red trims around the top and red soles.
The woman moved towards the bed, and smiled while she put another bowl of soup on the table.
-Hello dear, I hope you slept well- the woman chirped, her smile blinding as she gazed at the child.
The girl blinked again, looking at the figure of the woman smiling down at her. She raised her left arm to rub tiredly at her eyes, and once again looked up at the woman.
-… Who are you?- asked the girl with a raspy voice.
-My name is Ruby, I was the one who brought you here- responded the cheerful woman, -what's your name?
-… Sally…- whispered the girl. -… were you the one who killed the monsters?
-Yes, I did- the woman answered, catching Sally by surprise as she was able to hear her- I am happy that I was able to help you in time.
The small girl looked down at her lap, her left hand forming a fist as she delved into her thoughts. The woman, now named Ruby, looked at her with eyes full of sympathy.
-… was there anybody left? -asked the girl, whispering
-I am afraid not… you were the only one I found alive- Ruby exclaimed, with a sad tone.
Sally's remaining fist clenched, her form trembling as small sobs escaped her lips, tears trailing down her eyes. Her form stilled as she was brought into a warm embrace, black hair obscuring her vision for a moment.
-It is okay, let it go- Ruby whispered.
-Why…? - the girl sobbed- Why did my parents have to die? Why did this have to happen?
Ruby remained silent, holding the girl form and caressing her hair as the last cried her heart out. She didn't offer an answer.
-You are not alone- Ruby tried to reassure, -I have called some friends in order to help you here. A really nice huntsman is willing to transport you to Vale in order for your injuries to be treated.
Sally didn't answer.
-He is really nice, you don't have to worry anymore- Ruby continued, -you are going to be protected by lots of people.
Sally stopped crying, looking up at Ruby's face with her tear-stricken one.
-… are you leaving?- asked the girl.
-I am afraid yes- answered Ruby. -I am running around villages to help them in whatever I can, but I promise that, when I finish, I will come to visit you at Vale.
-… do… do you promise?- whispered Sally
-Yep, I swear it on my life- chirped the woman, -I am a huntress after all!
Thanking the nurse, Ruby left a few bags full liens on her hands and proceeded to exit the building. The ringing of a scroll called her attention, her right hand darting towards her pocket and retrieving the device. Answering the call, she watched the image of a white haired woman with a white scar running vertically down her left eye and face.
-Hello Weiss, it so nice to see you again! - exclaimed Ruby with a blinding grin.
-Ruby, we talked yesterday- deadpanned Weiss- Even if we aren't near each other, you don't have to exaggerate.
-No no, you still need to understand that we are the bestest of friends, and I dearly miss you every time- declared Ruby
-… That isn't even a word… Never mind- Weiss sighs- Are you planning on returning to Vale?
-No, not yet, I still haven't figured out the reason behind the Grimm raids- responded Ruby, face serious- And even if I did, the villages don't have defenses like the kingdoms; they cannot protect themselves.
Weiss sighed again, running a tired hand on her face and watching Ruby with an exasperated look.
-Ruby… it's been five months since you started this crusade of yours, you need to rest among friends- scolded Weiss
-I would be among friends if you decided to come with me- retorted Ruby, her face once again cheerful.
-I cannot, my job in Atlas forbids me- explained Weiss- And even if I could, five months is too much. It would be better if we could get huntsmen to hel-
-No- Ruby interrupted- Do you remember that my petition for Vale council wasn't taken into consideration? Most kingdoms do not have the manpower to afford protection outside the walls. There is no one besides me that is willing to do this.
-Ruby… you are just one woman, you cannot save everyone- softly replied Weiss- Please reconsider, even you need your rest.
-… I will rest when I am dead- declared the silver eyed girl.
Weiss remained silent. It has been 6 months since the defeat of Salem and her inner circle, and the Grimm numbers finally started to fall. Sadly, even after the Grim War, the kingdoms still haven't recuperated from their losses, and the number of huntsmen were low. To counterattack this, the Schnee Dust Company together with Atlas Council developed several defense systems that could protect the kingdoms from Grim Raids. It seems that even without Salem's influence, the Grim still hunted humans; even worse, their aggressive behavior has gotten worse. Several small settlements outside kingdoms were suffering loses, and the councils refused to help for fear of weakening their defenses.
It was this situation that forced Ruby into her self-proclaimed task of defending the villages. Weiss loved the girl, but she could be somewhat obtuse when she put her mind into it; she could go days without eat or sleep if it means that she could save people. Sometimes Weiss wondered if something of Ruby died that day when Salem was defeated: the silver-eyed huntress had gained a worrying tendency of saving people, almost self-destructive. Not even her sister, Yang Xiao-Long, could convince her to stop, and that was months ago.
-Ruby, have you talked to Yang?- asked Weiss.
-…
-She must be worried sick- whispered Weiss.
-…
-Do you even care anymore?
-... I do- whispered Ruby- But you have to understand, Weiss… we guys have each other, but these people don't have anyone. I cannot be selfish and rest while every minute a person that I could save is endangered.
-… Ruby, you are only one person… You cannot do this alone… you are human, you have limits- exclaimed Weiss.
Silence remained. Ruby stopped at the edge of the village and looked at the sky, watching the clouds passing by. She closed her eyes in remembrance, thinking of all the things she has seen in these past months.
-Weiss… I was given the opportunity to use these hands and this body of mine to accomplish the dream I had since I was a little girl- explained Ruby. -Now that I have the chance, I have to do whatever I could in order to bring happiness to the world. It is what my mother would have liked- whispered the girl.
After this conversation, our hero started her journey once again. The little girl was transported to the city of Vale, protected by the huntsmen from Beacon Academy, her old Alma mater. Months passed, and the situation got worse. Entire settlements were whipped from the face of earth, and several lives were lost. Even so, whispers of a Crimson Huntress started to spread among the survivors, a hero who went into these disasters in order to save the people she could. The survivors where brought into the kingdoms, and their life could restart anew.
Sadly, tragedy struck. The biggest Grimm Wave had ever seen struck Carmille Village, issuing a global alert for the kingdoms. The councils decided to intervene for the first time, and teams of hunters were dispatched. When they arrived at the ruins of the village, they found the villagers alive; upon questioning, they claimed that the Crimson Huntress arrived to save them and drove the Grimm towards the forest. Upon arrival at the forest, they found the evaporating remains of dozens of Grimms, including a few drakes, and the cold body of the hero, who died with a smile on her face.
-Ehhh?! She died?!- the little boy whimpered.
The grandfather's soft hazel eyes landed on the boy's eyes, staring into them. Sighting softly and smiling up, he placed a hand on the boy's head and ruffled his hair.
-Yes, that day the young hero died- the grandfather explained. -She died, but upon her death her soul was immortalized.
The young boy made a confused sound.
-Her soul was immortalized? What does that mean?- asked the boy.
-Do you remember that she made a pact with the Gods?- asked the grandfather. Watching the boy nod, he continued -She became their champion, so even in death she would continue fighting.
-So…- the young boy wondered. -Does that mean that… she was still alive?
-Not her body, but her soul was- explained the grandfather -and that was enough to continue the fight, for the Grim threat was still large.
After the wave, things stabilized. The Grimm were still attacking, but their lower number and the time bought allowed the kingdoms to send help. Hunters and huntresses of all around the world chipped in to decrease the number of Grimm. Technology allowed for a better warfare, and with the inspiration brought by the Crimson Huntress, Grimm were pushed back towards the Grimmland.
Strangely enough, survivors of the rides spoke of a myth: for every time Grimm intended to attack, a red-cloaked figure was seen before the Grim were obliterated. For the following months no sighting of Grimm was made, and even known Grimm spots were deserted. Feeling puzzled, hunters were sent towards the Grimmland, and upon arriving they found something astounding: no Grimm was left!
People became astonished; Grimm was an enemy so old that the idea of them gone was ridiculous. Repeated expeditions showed the same results, and upon further exploration of the Grimmlands, the extinction of the Grimm was declared. That day was the most joyful day that the world experienced: people gathered outside and celebrated, parties and celebrations were organized, and happiness skyrocketed.
Together with this, a legend was born. The Crimson-clad woman who allowed this pivotal moment. Many recognized the Crimson Woman as the one who appeared before the waves, that even death could not hold her. After that day, she became known as the Grimm Reaper, the woman who brought an end to the Grimm threat and paved the way for humanity salvation.
-… wow…- the young boy whispered, groggily looking up at his grandfather. -At the end she did it.
-That she did- the grandfather exclaimed, gazing wistfully at the ceiling. -In death she accomplished her dream and saved humanity from extinction.
-That was cool…- the boy mumbled sleepily. -I am glad you told me this story.
-The story isn't finished- the grandfather chuckled
-There is more?- asked the boy, now feeling a little more enervated.
-Yes- the grandfather declared. -The Hero might have brought salvation for humanity from the Grimm, but their demise allowed the next enemy to rear their head and endanger them.
-Who was the next enemy, grandfather?- asked the boy, a little excited.
The grandfather gave a humorless chuckle, gazing the ceiling once again.
-War
Humanity began to experience a new era of prosperity. The elimination of the Grimm represented an opportunity to claim new lands and expand the settlements, to explore the wonders of ancient civilizations, and to going more knowledge about the world. New dust mines were discovered, giving humanity access to more of energy; the discovery of new materials allowed for the improvement of technology, even the discovery of new forms of energy. More land also represented an opportunity for population expansion, bringing more workforce and stabilizing the economy on the kingdoms. It was truly a golden era.
Sadly, not everything was happiness. New lands also represented more opportunity for conflict: banditry increased outside the walls and friction between kingdoms started once again for economic dominance. Moreover, racism ran rampant once again, faunus and humans once again butting heads once the former started to have their own settlements. It wasn't uncommon for small battles and conflicts to occur. Even worse, improved technology signified more capacity for destruction, and humans and faunus alike took this with zestfulness.
Once again, rumors began to resurface. Entire platoon of soldiers disappearing, and villages being whipped out from the face of the world; at the beginning people though that this was caused by kingdoms interference, and it served as a justification to fan-out the flames of war. Survivors told another story: before every slaughter, the figure of a red-clad woman, the same woman mentioned during Grimm raids, was seen. As time passed and more blood was shed, the rumor solidified; the world outside the walls was haunted, as an agent of death roamed the lands. Some people thought that it was the collection of spirits that died during the Grim Raids, haunting the land; others thought that it was the job of hunters, sent by the governments to limit the growth outside the kingdoms and destroy enemy deployments; but group of people, those who survived the Grim Raids, believed that the Grimm Reaper, who once protected people from Grimm, now turned its head towards humanity in order to cull their numbers.
Regardless of the reason, kingdoms stopped settling settlements outside their walls and limited the interaction between them. However, this didn't stop the resentment between humans and faunus, as this just kept simmering underneath their veil of civility.
-So, does this mean that the hero became a villain? - asked the boy with some trepidation in his voice.
-No, not exactly- the grandfather replied. -You have to understand that the people outside were usually soldiers. The Grimm Reaper only defeated those who were wagging war.
-Ohhh, I see- the boy murmured.
-In a way you could say that she was preserving the peace outside kingdoms- the grandfather reasoned. -While the kingdoms had laws, villages didn't have any. Moreover, outside lands were the common battlefields between kingdoms, so by roaming the outside lands she prevented wars.
-Ohhhh, now it makes more sense- the boy exclaimed. -So, did peace reign?
-No, while things were stable outside the kingdoms, things were still pretty tense inside of them- explained the grandfather. -The government's decision to restrict the mobilization outside the walls may have brought the illusion of stability, but the resentment was still there.
The little boy kept silence, watching his grandfather from the corner of his eyes. Meanwhile, the grandfather kept looking up, lost in thoughts.
-And… what happened next? - asked the boy at the end.
The grandfather took a deep breath and brushed a hand over his gray hair. He became melancholic all of the sudden, his eyes now returning to take the little boy's form.
-A calamity occurred
In order to bring peace between the races, some of the kingdoms proceeded to organize peace talks. Weiss Schnee, CEO of the Schnee Dust Company, in collaboration of the headmasters of the four Huntsmen Academies contacted Blake Belladonna, commander of the reformed White Fang organization and Chieftain of Menagerie, in order to stop the conflicts between the nations. The peace talks lasted for several months, and many were hopeful that the conflict was going to end, but it was all for nothing.
In Menagerie, a group of revolutionaries infiltrated the peace talks with the intention to kill the ambassadors. They were aligned with some people of power, who didn't want the conflict to end and benefited economically the most from the situation. They attacked the place, their number vast and their firepower fearful. The smell of blood and gunpowder prevailed in the air, where bullets could be seen flying around, huntsmen fighting against huntsmen in order to fight for what they thought right. In response to the aggression, the kingdoms sent troops with the hope of reinforcing their respective position in the conflict: Menagerie became the eye of the storm of blood and war.
During the conflict, ominous winds began to twist around the place. The sky darkened, the roar of thunder eclipsing the sound of explosions and death, and water began to drop from the sky like the tears of a sorrowful mother. A storm formed all over Anima, with the worst of nature's onslaught centered over Menagerie. From the eye of the storm, a figure dropped from the sky, cracking the floor from her impact, bringing with her the promise of silence and peace.
Bringing with her the scent of blood and death…
The roar of the wind was deafening. Trees were uprooted and sailed around the air, together with the broken pieces of buildings and dead bodies. The airships, who were recently bringing fire upon the land, were knocked out of the sky and crashed all around the place. The few combatants that were alive were trying to flee, killing any enemy they saw on their way. A young huntsman quickly ran from behind a broken bullhead, moving around and evading all the flying objects, only to die as his torso was crushed from the strength of a punch, his body sailing and crashing against a broken pillar.
-This is insane- whispered the assailant.
It was a young woman with golden hair and violet eyes. Her body was fitted with a yellow-gray combat vest, tactical pants and combat boots. One of her arms was clad with a yellow gauntlet, while the other was entirely robotic. Her name was Yang Xiao-Long and currently she was looking for the rest of her teammates, Weiss and Blake, who became separated from here during the battle.
The woman quickly moved from the area, moving towards the center of the city while avoiding any danger. What could not be avoided she punched, her strength enough to completely pulverize any obstacle on her way. Cracking sounds were heard as she activated her weapons, Ember Celica, releasing shotgun blasts in order to either blast far away targets or propel herself towards her objective. She ignored the bodies littering around, her mind concentrated on finding her teammates and getting out of here.
When she arrived at the Town Hall, she frowned in preoccupation. The bodies littering around were different, slashing marks decorating their surface instead of bullet holes. Her worrying increasing, she cautiously entered the building, watching as slashing marks also decorated the blood-painted walls.
-What… what is this? - Yang whispered. -The Rebels didn't have any bladed weaponry, what caused this?
She advanced a few more meters when she stopped in front of a semi-open door. Looking inside, she was able to see that, whatever was inside, the light was still on; a shadow could be seen, moving slowly as if moving around. Yang gulped and readied her weapons while taking cautious steps inside. When she fully opened the door and entered, her eyes grew larger and her face gained a look of horror.
Blood decorating the floor, bodies everywhere; no matter the age or sex, nobody was spared. Some bodies even had horror-stricken faces, having died watching something horrible. Yang took a few shuddering breaths and cautiously moved inside, her face becoming sorrowful as she took the scene. Just when she reached the center of the room, she saw something that made her face pale and made her release a small sob: over the table that was used for the peace talks, the broken bodies of her partners, Weiss and Blake, could be seen, eyes opened and watching her. Tears fell from her face as she dashed towards the table, she noted that, just as the other victims, her partners' bodies were full of slashing wounds, with Black also having an amputated leg. Her frame rocked as she cried for her friends, her anguish and pain tangible in her wails.
The sound of a door closing quickly gained her attention, Yang turning around to face the back of the room. In front of the now closed door, a cloaked figure was slowly advancing towards her, droplets of blood falling from its arms. Yang snarled and readied her gauntlets, her eyes turning red and her hair lighting up, as if it was made of white-yellow fire.
-WHO ARE YOU?!- Yang screamed. -DID YOU DO ALL OF THIS?!
The figure said nothing, now standing in the center of the room looking at Yang. The figure's head tilted to the side, as in taking Yang into consideration.
-… Why…? - the small voice came from the cloaked figure. -Why did you come here? Why did you participate in this?
Yang gained a small look of confusion, her stance never wavering as she took the stranger's appearance. Every second, Yang's face became paler and her eyes shifted to violet, gaining a look of denial.
-No... no… why do you have that cloak? - Yang exclaimed, her voice full of denial.
The stranger raised it's head, a pair of silver eyes peaking from the hood of the red cloak held together by a rose-clip. The face staring at Yang was that of a young woman, a woman known to her. A woman who should have been dead.
-…R…Ru…Ruby? - Yang whispered, staring at the face of her living sister.
-Why did you allow this to happen, Yang? - exclaimed Ruby, her voice becoming louder and fanatical. -Why did you participate in this? Why did you come?!
-Ruby… I don't understand…- Yang responded. -What is happening? How are you here? What did you do?
Ruby shook her head, as if trying to remove some thoughts of her head. She moved again, slowly approaching Yang while her left hand went to her lower back, retrieving a metallic rectangle device. Ruby's head keep shaking, tears trailing from her silver eyes, as her device quickly expanded and took the form of a large Scythe, a scythe whose blade still dripped blood.
-I cannot let you go- said Ruby brokenly. -I cannot allow you to leave alive, Yang. Why did you make me do this? Why are you hurting me? I HATE YOU!
-No Ruby! What are yo-
Yang's please were interrupted as Ruby's form rocketed towards her, intending to cut her down. Yang quickly evaded, tilting her body to the left and responded by sending a punch towards her sister's torso. Ruby's form dissolved in roses, who instantly moved around Yang and gathered behind her, the gleaming blade taking form intending to decapitate the blonde huntress. Yang's hair ignited and her eyes gained a red tint as she quickly blocked the shaft of the scythe with her robotic arm, snarling as she tried to overpower her assailant who, to her astonishment, was actually holding her back!
-This is the end of the line Yang, please forgive me- exclaimed Ruby
-Ruby! This is ridiculous- gritted Yang in exertion. -Let's just talk and-
Ruby broke the stale, mule-kicking her sister out of the deadlock and scattering once again in roses. Yang skidded back, stopping a few meters away as she watched the numerous red roses surrounding her. She readied her gauntlets and started to shoot around her, aiming at any large bodies of roses, her hair growing hotter and her face set in a snarling scowl. A flash of movement from the corner of her eyes made her twist around, her metallic arm once again moving to meet the edge of a blade poised to kill her. As the they made a deadlock once again, both combatants readied their guns and fired, creating a small explosion that rocketed the chamber.
-I will retire after all this; I swear to God- exclaimed a young man while hiding behind the remains of a bullhead.
The youth was a tanned boy with black hair and hazel eyes. His freckled face wrinkled as he scowled, trying in vain to contact Yang and escape from the ruins of the city. His name was Oscar Pine, and the situation he was in was one of the most troublesome her experienced and coming from a boy who became the host of an ancient spirit who guided him to battle the Grimm Queen Salem, that was saying something.
-This storm is unnatural, it feels almost like magic- Oscar exclaimed, pressing the buttons of his scroll in order to call Yang again. -C'mon Yang, pick up!
Deadline. Either Yang's scroll was dead, or she didn't have any signal; in this situation either option was possible. While he no longer had the spirit inside of him, he is still attuned to the feeling of magic, and the storm was saturated by it. The magic felt was powerful, from a level that not even Salem was able to match.
-It doesn't make sense- Oscar murmured, pocketing his scroll and taking a peek from behind the bullhead's walls. -The maidens perished during the battle with Salem, so what is the cause of this?
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
A thunderous explosion was heard from the distance. Surprised and a little worried, Oscar moved his eyes towards the horizon, the noise coming from the center of the city a few kilometers on the front.
-What did Yang get into this time?- despaired Oscar, quickly taking his cane-weapon and running towards the noise.
Exiting the ruined outpost, he dashed towards the noise, noticing that several other new explosions occurred, the sound of metal clashing against metal and bullets being heard from the distance.
-Surviving terrorists? - Oscar talked to himself, his pace gaining speed. -I have to make it in time.
Just when Oscar was approaching the edges of the city, the winds seemed to calm down. Oscar watched as the storm seemingly disappeared, almost like magic. The thunder stopped striking down and the only thing left was the downpour, washing away the grime and blood from the ground. Oscar shook his head and quickly moved inside the city.
After a few minutes, he arrived at the center of the city. Laying on the center of the parking lot, the figure of a woman laid face-down. With some trepidation, Oscar approached the body, quickly noting her yellow hair.
-Oh Yang…- despaired Oscar, kneeling next to the body and watched the wounded body, noticing her missing arm and the hole on the back of her head still leaking blood.
The rain intensified, almost like the sky renewed his crying over the atrocities committed over the land.
The Fall of Menagerie represented the most iconic moment after the Grimm Wars. The loss of life was astronomical, and the money lost even more; for months, people could still find bodies in the ruins of the continent. The Faunus Land was no more, and together with the loss of the Schnee Dust company, represented a huge setback for the growth of the kingdoms.
Nevertheless, humanity learned from it. Society kept advancing, and the tragedy became something that helped to alleviate the tensions between humans and faunus. It seems that, from death, peace surged and helped to resolve this ancient racism. They both learned to live in harmony, helping each other to create better societies.
In time, people forgot about the event, becoming nothing but a fairy tale told from generation to generation. A tale that kept alive the legend of the entity that protects the world. It is said that she still roams the lands, looking for her next prey. Children were told of her, serving as scary threats towards misbehavior. Even so, we must never forget that the darkness has a face, an herald who judges humanity when they do wrong. It is here when the legend of the Grim Reaper, the harbinger of death, began.
The boy had a scared look on his face, watching the solemn figure of his grandfather remain silent after finishing his tale.
-Grandfather…? - the buy gulped. -Is… is this story real?
The grandfather looked at the boy's eyes, his face set in stone and increasing the nervousness and fear on the boy. Just when the boy started trembling, the grandfather cracked a smile and ruffed the boy's hair.
-Of course not, it is only a fairy tale- the grandfather chuckled. -No big monster will come, because they are not real.
The boy released a relieved sigh, fear abandoning his body as snuggled inside his blankets.
-That might be, but I believe we had a deal- the grandfather reminded the boy. -It is time for you to sleep.
-Okay…- the boy yawned, once again gaining a tired look on his face.
The grandfather chuckled once again and stood from his chair, moving towards the door. The young boy's eyes kept focused on the elder man, watching as he slowly moved away.
-Do you promise… that we are going to open the presents tomorrow? - asked the boy with a sleepy tone.
The grandfather merely smiled, taking his cane into his arms, hazel eyes twinkling in the dark.
-I promise we will be together opening the gifts.
.
.
.
.
.
Silver eyes opened, staring at the horizon and watching the blood red moon shine over the sky. A wasted land laid under the sky, surrounded by an ocean of blood. The bodies of the dammed resting on the soil, broken weapons surrounding them. Twisted trees whose roots pierced some of the bodies, as if drinking blood. In this bloody graveyard, the reaper rested, trapped forever in the hell of humanity's hope, waiting for her chance…
Credits and comments: As stated above, my intention with this is to show the real possibility that Ruby, just like Shirou, could become a broken hero who regretted her choices, just like Counter Guardian EMIYA did. In this possible future, Ruby acts as a Counter Guardian, just not for Alaya but for the Brother Gods. It is my hope that this could branch on a true Crossover, where, maybe, "Counter Guardian ROSE" could be summoned; in the end, it is something that I am toying with. Thanks for reading and any review/comment is appreciated.