Long time no see. No real excuses to be had. I've been tired from work, and I've had a lack of inspiration to write, thus I haven't. I've also gotten away from writing for around 45 minutes at work everyday during break, which after doing for the past three days, I realize it was a big part of my productivity.
I apologize for that, and will try and make sure it doesn't happen again. In doing that, I am reducing the length of my average chapter. That's not to say I won't have my longer chapters from the length of 9000-12000 words, but rather that I'm going to begin allow chapter length to be a bit more organic and not as rigid as I have made it in the past. I'd expect most of my newer chapters to be 7000-9000 words, though this is around 6700 due to me just wanting to put something out.
In other news, I've been having a good bit of inspiration for another story. I'm hesitant to start it because I'm afraid I might get too drawn into it and slack on this one, but given that I just went about a month without touching this story, it may be an issue of the inspirations I have for that fic affecting my ability to write this. I won't be starting more than one other story, though, if I decide to do so. I don't have enough time to be one of those authors who juggle six different stories.
Thanks for everyone who reviewed and followed. Especially those who reviewed; you had me feeling so bad I hadn't updated that it finally allowed me to plow through this chapter! More and more elements are getting introduced, and I'm doing so quickly and intentionally. When it rains, it pours, as they say. I want the second arc of my story to be somewhat in contrast with the first, in terms of things just happening more quickly. Characters have been built, relationships established between characters, yadda yadda, so there's less "filler" to tie down everything, though there still will be that when I finally reach romance.
Yes, this story will have romance. I've always planned it from the beginning, but these things take time and I wanted to take the arc for: strangers-friends-subconscious interest-relationship. Anyways, enough babbling to artificially increase word length: please enjoy! Edit: Beta'd at last.
"I do not understand this game," Sibyl grumbled to himself in a whisper as he stood behind Weiss, squinting at the cards she held and currently trying to figure out what the hell they did. He missed the times when things made sense, back when there were demons and gods to kill whom he just went and killed.
The Schnee Heiress nodded in agreement, just as puzzled with what was going on as he was, opening her mouth to whisper back-
"Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!" Ruby declared, interrupting whatever Weiss had planned to say and standing from her seat while pointing forward in triumph. Her blonde sister smirked in triumph, smacking the table with her fist. They were certainly related...
"Bring it on, Sis!"
"I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet." Yang gasped, leaning back in her chair visibly at Ruby's declaration, "That means I get to fly right over your Ursai and attack your walls directly!"
Sibyl nodded at the words, though he still wasn't sure what they did. From what he had gathered, 'Ursai' were ground-based units, and naturally, something which could fly would be able to go over them. He believed they were portrayed by the miniature statues on the board, though again, which ones were which was beyond him.
"…do you know what that means?" Weiss whispered back to him without looking away from her cards. He hummed.
"Not really."
"-activated my trap card!" Yang declared, turning the card snagged between her fingers forward. Sibyl felt his eyes get drawn to it as his blonde student continued to speak, "Giant Nevermore! If I roll a seven or higher, Fatal Feathers will slice your fleet into pieces!"
"But," Ruby interrupted, pointing cheekily across the table, "if you roll a six or lower, the Nevermore will turn on your own troops!"
Sibyl slowly tuned out as the two sisters babbled on, glancing behind his back as he felt eyes linger for a bit too long. Pyrrha froze when he met her eyes, but smiled tentatively and gestured him over. He rolled his shoulder, doing so and dismissing himself without a word.
He took a seat next to Pyrrha, with Jaune and Ren shooting him stares. Nora snoozed happily across the book she was supposed to be reading;he withheld a snort of amusement at the sight. Adjusting his seat to be more comfortable, he turned and gestured for Pyrrha to begin. She clearly wanted to speak but was feeling a bit too shy to do so. Understandable.
She turned her gaze to the table, making circles with her fingers before taking a deep breath. "I'd like to spar in the future. You're… well, you're very good, and… everyone else here, they're…"
He chuckled softly, running a hand through his own hair. "They are skilled too, Pyrrha. You are simply like me: better. I'd be more than happy to entertain you for a few duels. I'll speak with Glynda and ask to be matched," he informed, and Pyrrha smiled happily while Jaune frowned a bit unhappily in his seat.
The undead ignored whatever grievances caused such an expression, instead standing with a stretch. "But it cannot be today, or even soon. I… I am going on a trip, though do not tell the others about it. I fear Yang will beat me back into the hospital if she finds out."
Mouth open to speak, the redhead thought better of it at the last moment, snapping her jaws shut and nodding silently. He gave her a brief thanks before glancing back at the game he'd excused himself from. Weiss was cackling madly as she stood in front of the board. Apparently, Yang and Ruby had infected the 'most normal' of his friends.
Sighing, the Chosen Undead took that as his chance to finally leave – only to bump into Sun when he finally left through the entrance of the library. He blinked. Sun blinked.
Just as suddenly, the two clapped arms and Sibyl pulled the Faunus in for a close hug. "Brother! It's a pleasure to see you well!" Sibyl greeted, unable to keep the broad smirk off his face.
"Hey, you too, big guy!"
Releasing his friend, the undead quickly dug through his outfit until he found a stitched in sleeve, reaching in and pulling out a letter. He had written it a few days ago, intent on explaining to Sun everything he had explained to the others, without having to do so verbally. It was a bit impersonal, unfortunately, but his tale was a very long and exhausting one. He didn't have the energy to speak it again.
Giving it to the monkey Faunus, he quickly began to explain upon seeing the confused expression. "Read that, friend. I ask you do so privately, and when you are done, you may come find me… in a few weeks, when I have returned."
Sun began to speak in protest, stopping only when Sibyl raised his hand and quickly motioned for silence. "I will be safe. I'm going with one of the professors. Do not tell the others, at least until I'm gone. The letter, it will… explain some things. A lot of things, really."
Sun nodded, placing the letter in his pocket carefully.
He gestured behind his back, and Sibyl only just now realized there was some blue-haired kid with him. "This is Neptune, a good friend of mine."
Sibyl greeted him with a firm handshake – any friend of Sun was a friend of his, after all.
"Well, don't let us keep you," the blonde declared, walking forward but grabbing Sibyl on his shoulder and leaning close to whisper. "And I'm real glad to see you're alright, man. Gave me a real scare."
Sibyl laughed, clapping the Faunus on the chest with an open palm.
"Thank you for the concern. Stay well, and stay alive."
'To whom it may concern,
I have left with Professor Peter on a journey towards the edge of a far village. I will both assist in an investigation and capture of different species of Grimm. We shall return in due time, anywhere from a week to three. Yang, I expect mastery of the Fireball cast by then. Weiss and Glynda, I have no suggestions for your next spell; you may go through my scrolls and decide yourself.
Best regards, Sibyl.'
He stared at the note, biting his lip. It was a bit… brief, but things between himself and his friends had been rather tense lately. He wasn't sure what to add, truthfully. His friends… their actions might have made him smile if he weren't so scared for them. They continued to treat him the exact same way as before things had been revealed, perhaps in some veil of comfort.
They insisted he wasn't any different. Neither the Abyss nor Hollowing would overpower him; he was strong enough with resolve to spare. It was a foolish thought, one most undead had at the beginning of their journeys. And, like all undead, their journey ended in themselves Hollowing. It was a big enough fear he had even before his Abyssal infection.
Combined, he knew either one of the two would end him. But his friends, they didn't get it, and they never would. Only Blake perhaps had a realidea on what it looked like when he lost control.
"Ready, Sibyl, my boy?" Peter questioned him, and it was enough to finally tear his eyes from the note with a nod. A grimace overtook his heavily covered face. He had taken to wearing the same armored dark leather Patches favored, the mask and hood doing a good enough job to obscure his more… unsightly features. His infected eye remained wrapped, but anyone who was awareof his infection could see and make sense of the thin vein of Abyss which creeped towards the bridge of his nose.
It was the most visible, but far from the single most dangerous vein of darkness which was trying to corrupt him.
He stared in the mirror, looking at his blackened, disgusting face. Slowly, one finger rose and followed a vein of Abyss which wrapped around his neck. It stopped only a few inches from his Dark Sign; a dangerous prospect indeed.
If that thin line ever reached his Dark Sign, the storage place of his humanity… Well, suffice to say he would be too busy screaming in insanity and pain to even think about what was happening. It was no wonder the Abyss was drawn to it.
"Excellent! C'mon then, we've Grimm to slay and rumors to investigate!"
The request he had put into Peter which seemed like so long ago had finally come through. The older hunter was going to take him to fight and see many different species of Grimm. It was how Sibyl learned best; the classes here only offered so much for his more… practical mind.
Sibyl adjusted the weapon in his hand: the Titanite Catch Pole, only ever used by the great Titanite Demons who inhabited all across Lordran. Well, only ever used by them until he found it. It had been very large and unwieldy until he took it to Andre, having the weapon melted and reforged into something a bit smaller. It still had great reach, but not so much it would hit the damn ceiling of Anor Londo every time he swung it. He figured it would do well in this situation. While more than capable of killing beings and beasts – verycapable–the head of the weapon might allow him to catch a beast's ankles and send it tripping, or if the neck was thin enough, catch it there and pin it down.
Peter had approved of his logic, giving him a nice slap on the back and a rumbustious laugh when he first showed it off.
As they shut the door, Sibyl used his weapon as a walking stick while Peter led the way. "I'm glad you decided to join me, Sibyl," Peter began, voice oddly serious. "It's been quite some time since I've had company on trips like these, and a hunt is always better with friends!" The man paused, giving Sibyl a sideways glance for a few moments.
"And I've noticed you've been different as of late," he admitted, and upon seeing Sibyl's forehead twitch, laughed jollily. "I'm sure this trip will knock you out of whatever funk you've found yourself in! Why, when I was a younger lad, me and my father took…"
Sibyl allowed himself to relax as he listened to Peter's tale, and eventually, the two found themselves in a dropship and left Beacon behind… only just missing the arrival of an Atlas fleet, one General Ironwood, and a kind guest.
If she paid more attention to the slight, almost unnoticeable reflection of the glass in front of her, she would have seen her own eye twitching. Glynda wasn't fond of surprises, and this was certainly a surprise. What wasn't a surprise was who had brought this surprise with him. It was never a surprise on one so flashy and boisterous.
"Why does he always have to do this?" Glynda muttered, staring out the window at the multitude of Atlas flagships which were now parked all over Vale and Beacon. He had been like this since she first met him, all those years ago. It was like he'd never grown out of being a child, constantly showing off his fancy toys to boast to the other kids about how great he was.
"They are a bit of an eyesore," Ozpin observed, and Glynda rolled her eyes.
"Something of an understatement, Ozpin. I don't understand why Ironwood must always bring his work when he travels."
The headmaster hummed in agreement, as it was an agreed upon grievance they both had with James, but before he could say anything more, the Scroll on his desk flashed. He sighed softly, giving Glynda a brief glance before clearing his throat.
"Come in," he called, turning away from the window and towards the elevator at the other end of the room.
And in walked the man who was responsible for their peaceful city suddenly looking not so peaceful. General James Ironwood, an old friend, and currently, a great annoyance. She had been dealing with far too much lately to deal with him and his shows of power.
Men, the lot of them!
"Ozpin!" James greeted from across the room.
"Hello, General," was the curt reply Ozpin sent his way. Glynda didn't move from her position by the window – at least, not yet. She had no desire to bring attention to herself and Ironwood's infatuation.
"Please, drop the formalities! We're all friends here." James paused, turning his gaze towards Glynda. "Even if it's been too long since we last met," he added.
The blonde teacher slowly moved towards the center of the room. She stared at James for a few moments before turning to Ozpin. "I'll be outside," she began, only to freeze when James laid a hand on her shoulder. She narrowed her eyes, and James slowly removed his hand with a sheepish smile which quickly faded.
"I'd prefer you to stay, Glynda. This is important," he mentioned seriously, and begrudgingly, Glynda strengthened her resolve enough that she'd actually stay. That didn't mean she had an over-abundance of patience for his antics, however.
"Then quit posturing and tell us," she insisted, taking a step back and crossing her arms.
James gestured to the desk behind them, and slowly, the three moved. He waited for Ozpin to take a seat and Glynda to get comfortable before clearing his throat.
"We can win this war," he informed, standing up taller wand with a cleaner posture. "And it'll be on the back of my new friend: Dusk."
Glynda blinked, for once ignoring the smug look on James's face at her dumbfounded expression. The odds were low, but not that low. In fact, she wouldn't have questioned the name if she hadn't heard an incredible tale from one of her closest friends and students who explicitly mentioned a 'Princess Dusk' as the exact reason he had ended up in Remnant. If it was the same Dusk, she owed it to Sibyl to find out.
"James, she wouldn't happen to come from an Oolacile, would she?"
The Atlas General opened his mouth, only to pause. "What?"
Glynda narrowed her eyes, leaning forward and growling. "Is. She. From. Oolacile?!"
James took a step back, raising his hands in surrender.
"Yes. H-How did you know? How do you even know about Oolacile?!"
Glynda cursed, and both men stared at her in confusion and curiosity. She slowly raised a hand to pinch the bridge of her nose, taking a deep breath from her nose to clear the frustration. "Sit down, James. It seems we do have a lot to discuss."
Yang was resisting the urge to punch something; still, which despite what people seemed to think, didn'thappen all that often. She was pretty carefree, but some things managed to push her buttons just right and get her simmering with anger. And… well, when she'd gone to Sibyl's dorm and come across that stupid note two weeks ago, she'd only just stopped herself from smashing the desk which it was laying on. The anger she had felt at that moment had faded much over two weeks.
She couldn't believe it. He'd only checked out of that stupid hospital room for a week before he left. One week out of the hospital and he had already left them again! Did he not care about his well-being at all? Did he not care he'd be worrying all of them by just leaving?! Everything had gone to hell lately, and Yang wasn't sure how to fix it.
Sibyl was clearly damaged, and she only just now realized there was a good reason for him being how he was beyond him just being awkward. Still, it hurt that he didn't seem to trust them. He hadn't even told themhe was leaving. It went beyond that, too, because he'd been avoiding them and had been so… tense around them.
They'd all got together and talked about it, too, promising to treat Sibyl just like they had all treated him before he explained everything he was, where he came from, and all of that. She meant it, too. Sibyl had an interesting past, a weird curse, but he was still Sibyl, her teacher and her friend. The problem was, he didn't seem happy about being treated the same!
It didn't make any sense. What, did he want them to walk around on eggshells around him or constantly shoot him suspicious looks? She trusted him to not go crazy and kill them. He didn't seem to have the same trust.
Yang sighed, closing her eyes and running a hand through her hair. Well, whatever Fireball wanted, it didn't matter, because the moment he got back she was going to beat it into him he had friendswho cared, and he shouldn't just hang them out to dry to go hunting with Professor Port, of all people!
"Excuse me," a voice suddenly spoke, and Yang nearly flinched, her eyes fluttering back open. The sight of a pretty woman greeted her. She was very… fair looking, almost like royalty. Yang blinked when she continued to speak. "I find myself quite lost. General Ironwood graciously allowed me to explore on my lonesome, though perhaps such was not as great an idea as it seemed," she murmured, and Yang chuckled good naturedly.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'll show you around, no problem! Name's Yang," she introduced, unable to stop from biting her own lip. The woman in front of her seemed so familiar, but she couldn't quite place from where.
"Thank you, dearest Yang. I am Dusk, formerly of… well, I suppose it doesn't matter much anymore, does it?" The woman muttered, sighing softly.
Well, that was a weird way to introduce yourself, but Yang was used to dealing with Sibyl, so it was whatever. Something about that name was awfully familiar, though. What was it? As she racked her brain for the answer, she gestured for Dusk to follow along and began pointing out things without much conscious thought.
Dusk listened without interrupting for a while, though she would occasionally see something and pause. The next time she did so, the blonde had paused, turning to stare. "Are you okay?" She asked, and the woman cleared her throat, shaking her head and laughing silently.
"Forgive me. I am simply lost in memories of my old home." Not sure how to continue – she'd had enough talking about people's old homes for two lifetimes – she nevertheless felt the need to interject.
"Want to talk about it?" She mumbled, not entirely comfortable with the words leaving her mouth.
"There is little to talk about, I'm afraid. My home is destroyed; its people dead and buildings crumbled in ruin. My dear Oolacile…"
Yang nearly tripped and sputtered when Dusk named that place. And, suddenly, it all made sense.
Dusk was the princess Sibyl had been instructed to save when he returned to the past and Oolacile. Duskwas the reason Sibyl was even here. Dusk was the only connection to Lordran and everywhere else outside of Sibyl in this whole land.
Instead of screaming in triumph, she swallowed a lump in her throat, speaking much more eloquently to the woman who had revealed herself to be, inadvertently, from a different world.
"What?!"
Dusk paused, turning to stare at her with a curious expression.
"You're…" Yang muttered, "You're Dusk! The princess Sibyl went and saved against that stupid Manus?!"
The woman's eyes widened before an expression of sheer joy overtook her. "Sibyl? I'd thought perhaps it was Artorias who saved me, but… no, I remember his scent quite clearly." The woman sighed softly, holding a hand to her chest as her smile somehow stretched wider. "Oh, my savior is alive! I'd feared the worst. Sibyl, is he still here?"
Yang shook her head in the negative. "No, but he is alive. He's on some trip with one of the professors right now."
As Dusk's face fell forlorn, Yang held her breath and tried to decide on what to do. The idea someone like Sibyl was here was something she'd never even considered possible. But, well, so was the idea of Sibyl coming from another world. Yang decided Dusk could help them with Sibyl just as much as they could help her get caught up in events, so she spoke.
"Hey, why don't you come with me? We'll explain things, and maybe you can help with Sibyl?"
Dusk looked quite pleased at that. "Whatever I can do to help my savior must be done," she informed, not hesitating to follow behind Yang happily.
The blonde's day had just got a lot more confusing.
Sibyl stepped back and twisted his weapon, the end of the catch pole snagging around the Ursa's ankle and sending it crashing to the ground. He quickly pulled his weapon back closer to him before leaping forward, bringing the sharp end down upon the beast's neck and beheading it in one quick motion.
Taking a step back, he admired his work. Peter quickly clapped him on the shoulder, laughing jovially. "Excellent work! It seems all those stories you've shared weren't exaggerated in the bit." The older professor hummed, taking a glance around the forest.
Sibyl wasn't much worried about any of that, though. No, he needed only to see another group of Grimm to confirm his suspicions. As luck would have it, a Beowolf leapt from the surroundings and began to attack Peter. The undead was careful not to stare at it, instead looking slightly above or around it for several moments before finally he allowed his eyes to draw down, meeting the gaze of the beast.
Like clockwork, it turned, ignoring Peter and rushing at him in a frenzy of hate. As it lunged at him with a claw outstretched, he ducked aside, bringing his polearm up at the same time and cutting across the stomach of the beast, before twirling it and bringing it down upon the back of its head. It died very quickly, but Sibyl was more concerned about something else.
It wasn't just a trick, then. Whenever he stared at one of the beasts, they grew enraged and just rushed at him. He sighed softly, adjusting his weapon and rubbing at the back of his head in confusion. It didn't make much sense, but he supposed it was possible the creatures considered him a larger threat. Why could his life never be simple?
"Hmm. It seems these Grimm have something of a vendetta against you. Then again, it might be they see you as younger, easier prey – and how wrong they would be!" Peter quickly added, chuckling softly. "Still, we've yet to find the beast I seek to capture. I'm sure it'll come in time," he finished.
The undead had stayed quiet up until now, but he was beginning to lose his patience, much fun as he was having in the slaying of these Grimm. "And which Grimm is that, Peter? We have slew every Grimm we've come across, not captured them." It was getting rather confusing, doubly so when he'd been under the impression capture was what they were out here for. He understood there was no need to capture every single one, but still, at this point, they should have captured one of them!
Peter cleared his throat, turning to look at his younger compatriot. "We are not out here to capture any run-of-the-mill Grimm! No, I've been hearing rumors of a great white beast, one which had both terrified the Grimm and locals. Spottings have been sparse, but hopefully we'll come across it soon enough."
Sibyl nodded in acknowledgement, but who knew how long it would take to find such a thing! Especially if rumors about it were so scarce. What, were they expecting it to just lunge out of the woods like the rest of them? If it was such a mighty beast, it likely had a territory – they needed to encroach on the territory before-
He had barely turned around to breathe before something had pounced atop him, pinning him to the ground while Peter shouted a late warning. Sibyl had been in a similar position enough times to know he was about to die, so he closed his eye, sighed, and waited. And waited…
Eventually, he opened good eye to a peculiar sight. A ferocious white wolf, face inches apart from his own. Normally, he'd expect to have his nose bitten off and face torn asunder. Except, as opposed to having those things happen, the wolf howled happily, and he felt its tongue beating against his face.
His eyes were forced closed, but when they reopened, something clicked and the sight made him gasp. It was Sif whom had pinned him to the ground. The great wolf had grown from the large pup he knew, and as it stepped back and off him with a loud howl, he laughed.
Then he saw Peter prepared to attack Sif and screamed. "Stop! Stop, Peter! This is a friend – a dear companion!"
The older Professor stilled, his weapon held high and ready to strike. Slowly, it was lowered to his side, and Sif lost his tense posture.
Sibyl smiled, approaching Artorias's old companion. "Sif, it is a pleasure to see you again. I only regret you were dragged here thanks to my mistake." And truly, he meant those words. Sif didn't serve to be dragged here due to his mistakes. He hadn't even considered the effects a homeward bone would have on Dusk, much less the fading phantom form of his companion.
The wolf, though, didn't seem to mind. He approached slowly, putting his head beneath Sibyl's palm. Petting him happily, Sibyl decided things could be worse. After all, opposed to Sif, Manus could have been dragged along. Why, even worse, Chester! That would have been a nightmare…
"…I'm lost," Peter murmured, and the chosen undead wasted no time gesturing him forward.
"Peter! This is Sif, the great wolf companion of Artorias. He helped me in the battle which ended me here; I dare say I would have lost and died without him."
Sif removed himself from Sibyl's side, instead walking over to Peter – and right past the older hunter. The wolf moved and picked up a sword which had been plucked into the ground, flicking his head so the blade fit into his mouth more properly.
"…Sif wields a sword?" His companion muttered, and Sibyl laughed at the dumbfounded tone.
"Yes, and he's quite good with it." Sibyl felt himself losing the mirth which had bubbled up inside him, instead staring at Sif. "…how long have you been out here, my dear friend?"
The wolf stared at the ground, whining softly.
"Well, no matter. I have found you, and I intend to repay you for your assistance."
Sif rushed at him in a dash, slicing with his blade – but Sibyl didn't move nor flinch. The cut was precise, and Sibyl said nothing as his eye patch was cut and fluttered to the ground, his eye revealed to all.
Peter gasped, but he paid it no mind. Sif was just staring at him, eyes narrowed in accusation.
"Ah, yes. The Abyss has left a mark on me, I'm afraid."
And that was a shame, indeed. Sif approached, the wolf's gaze not wandering from his own. Sif slammed his blade into the dirt, growling softly. The undead sighed, plopping down onto his bottom and onto the dirt. "Yes, yes, I know. I… I would not blame you if you struck me down now, before I am left like your former master."
Perhaps it would be better for all of them… But no, Sif decided that was not his fate today.
The wolf turned his eyes to the sky, howling a promise the two of them couldn't hope to understand. Neither himself nor the Professor moved, until Sif laid down next to him, and even still, Sibyl didn't dare to move. Peter did, however, scratching his chin and clearing his throat.
"I'm a bit lost on the details, but it seems we've found what…" Sif growled, one eye snapping to stare at Peter. "…w-who I was looking for. We ought to head back to Beacon, I think. And perhaps you can fill me in on some details, dear boy?"
Sibyl nodded, rising back to his feet as Sif did the same. His burden felt a little bit lighter, just by virtue of someone truly familiar being here with him. Perhaps things were looking up?
"…so, you're Dusk?" Weiss muttered, staring at the regal woman in front of her. And, yes, the woman did look like royalty. Pale skin, a nice complexion, and sharp yet soft features. Dusk nodded, bowing deeply. A bit odd, considering she was a princess and should be the one getting bowed to, but Sibyl had mentioned how humble and kind she was.
"Yes. It is a pleasure to meet thee, Weiss. I thank thou for helping watch after my savior." She paused, smile fading just a bit. "He was… is quite reckless, from the tales he regaled me with in between the time I was teaching him," she added, and Weiss nodded in agreement. It certainly fit the boy.
Watching after Sibyl was a pleasure, and nothing to be thanked for. She only wished she could've done more, to be honest. She could do more, still. Weiss didn't say anything as she settled down onto her bed, waiting for Yang to gather up the rest of everyone.
But something she said…
"Wait, wait, wait. You're Sibyl's teacher?!" Weiss nearly made a stupidly shocked face, and only the princess's royal manners in front of her inspired her not to do so. "You… you can do sorcery? Or pyromancy?"
Lightly smiling, Dusk answered, "The former. My sorceries… came from my royal family and retainers' research, though they were but approximations, compared to Sibyl's more… say, modern style, which is more direct. This difference has always fascinated me, along with Sibyl himself."
Apart from the surprise this woman was perhaps even more skilled than Sibyl in sorcery, Weiss didn't fail to catch the endearing tone Dusk used whenever she addressed Sibyl. Perhaps… they were…?
Shaking her head mentally, she berated herself for prodding her mind to places it didn't belong. That matter was their discretion alone, and whether her suspicions were true or not, she should ask this only towards Sibyl, because she's not coarse enough to flat-out interrogate Dusk to her face like Yang.
Oblivious to Weiss's thoughts, Dusk continued, "His pyromancy teacher… or teachers, I should say, came from a different land to mine own. I have never met them, but from his words, they were… fascinating people. One of them was even of a divine descent!" Her eyes sparkled in wonder, clearly in awe of said pyromancy teacher.
However, her jubilant mood spiked downwards almost instantly, catching Weiss off-guard.
"Sibyl…is he well?" Dusk asked, eyes drifting to stare at the ground.
Weiss bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Not so much so on how to answer, but more how to interact with the woman across from her. It was… odd, knowing that someone was from some place so very different. That someone was so very… alone.
She briefly wondered how she would have treated Sibyl if she'd known he was in a similar situation from the beginning. Still, she knew how she'd treat him now. Not the same, certainly, because that would be a lie, but similar enough to it.
Sibyl did not need pity, and, for all intents and purposes, he was as fine as he could be. So that was what she'd say, and nothing more. Sibyl was strong.
"He's doing as well as he can, given the circumstances." She paused, considering the boy for a few extra seconds. "He's strong. Very strong."
Dusk nodded, eyes glossing over a bit as she got lost in her own thoughts. It stayed in that moment for a few moments, before she spoke again. "Such resolve, perseverance… it is the mark of greatness."
Weiss laughed lightly at that, though it faded as she considered the situation of the woman in front of her. She had made the mistake of never asking before, but she could do better now. She always had to do better. "…how are you?"
Dusk frowned, staring at her palms. Slowly, her eyes rose to meet Weiss's. "My people are dead, and Elizabeth no doubt is left wondering where I am. I feared to truly be alone in these odd lands. To realize my savior is alive… I can be strong again, just as he is."
Weiss said nothing more, instead taking a deep breath as the handle to their dorm jiggled, and in walked Ruby, Yang, and Blake. Pyrrha wasn't anywhere to be seen, and Yang shrugged when Weiss rose her brow in question.
"I couldn't find P-Money, and without her being near, having Ren, Nora, or even Jaune is sorta' awkward, so…"
The Schnee heiress nodded in agreement, knowing Pyrrha was the one Sibyl was most connected with out of Team JNPR.
Dusk stood, greeting those who had just entered the dorm with a bow. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Dusk of Oolacile."
Weiss was watching the interaction with some interest, but her eyes quickly skipped over to Ruby. Her partner was staring at her, practically vibrating where she stood. Her eyes were pleading for something, but… what? Weiss rose her brow, and Ruby mouthed the word 'hug'.
Palming her face, Weiss nonetheless gestured for Ruby to do whatever the hell she wanted. The girl squealed, rushing forward and grabbing Dusk in a gigantic hug, squeezing fiercely. The princess let out an undignified squawk, but Ruby was already talking, and when her partner started talking, it was practically impossible to get her to stop.
"Oh, my God! I can't believe one of Sibyl's friends is here! Are you okay? I know your people are all, uh… gone and everything, but Sibyl's here, and so are you! And us, yeah. We're here too, and just like with Sibyl, we'll make sure you don't have to deal with being in a new world all by yourself! I'm Ruby!"
Dusk slowly snuck out of Ruby's grip, and a bubbly laugh worked its way out of her throat. "It is a pleasure," she managed to say, calming her own laughter.
Ruby blinked, suddenly remembering she had forgot to introduce anyone else. "Oh, and this is Blake and Yang!" Ruby gestured lavishly, stepping aside before pausing. "Though, I guess you already met Yang."
Weiss sighed softly, rolling her eyes. Ruby was such a child.
"Indeed, I have." The princess of a destroyed kingdom smiled softly, her gaze scanning all of them for a few moments. "I am glad my savior has found such wondrous companions. He deserves such, especially after the fate of those he once held dear. Thank you."
Weiss shifted uncomfortably at the statement, and was beyond glad when Yang decided to take control of the conversation.
"Nah, we're lucky to have him. And we'd like to show him that, but… well, he's a weird guy. Maybe you can help us figure him out?"
Dusk nodded, stepping aside to allow the room to become better spaced out.
"Please, ask whatever questions you may have."
Sibyl blinked, because the woman in front of him was someone he'd never thought he'd see again, much less being the first one he'd see the moment he stepped off the dropship himself and Peter had left on a few weeks ago. "Dusk?" He whispered, inching forward and fighting his own disbelief.
"Oh, Sibyl. It is great to see thou once more!" Dusk practically squealed, in an eerily similar manner to an excited Ruby,and Sibyl didn't care for the first time in a long time. He rushed forward, grabbing the princess and hugging her closely. She was alive! Her body hadn't been ripped apart by his foolishness, nor had she been banished to some terrible place!
"By the gods above, Dusk. I feared my actions had killed you – or even worse," he mumbled, unable to stop the pricking of his own tears.
The princess returned his hug tightly, holding it for a good while before eventually removing herself from him with a wide smile. "And I had feared for your life, as well. But, to see you here, with friends… it warms my heart," she informed, and he laughed.
"How long have you been here?"
She hummed at his question, closing her eyes as she thought. "A rather long time, though I only arrived here at this school three days ago. I met thine friends and answered the questions they had. They are all kind."
Sif, who had been hanging back, finally moved forward, coming to stand before Dusk without much emotion. Dusk stiffened when she noticed, and the princess wasted no time bowing deeply to the wolf. "I am sorry for the trouble I caused you and your master, dearest Sif."
The wolf said nothing, but eventually stepped aside, walking off to somewhere.
Sibyl bit his own lip. It was only natural the wolf wasn't terribly happy with Dusk, given her circumstances was what had led to Artorias's death, however inadvertently.
"…I suppose I deserve such brisk treatment," Dusk mumbled, barely stopping herself from tearing up to keep a dignified front.
"Sif… Sif is in mourning. In time, he will realize you are no more to blame than I," Sibyl assured, the words sounding more hollow than he wanted.
Instead of dwelling on this, he pushed for a new subject. "Regardless, this is great news. With your return and discovery, I will finally have someone who can help my return to Lordran."
Dusk paused mid-step, turning to stare at Sibyl as if he had grown two heads. "My savior… I am indebted to you, very much so. And it is for that very reason I will never return you to Lordran."
"WHAT?"
Dusk flinched at his loud voice, and stood up a bit straighter, turning to stare at him. "The world we both come from is one of pain and suffering. Thou has already told me of your friends, and I do not wish for you to reach a similar breaking point. You have friends here, Sibyl, and they are alive and well. You are alive and well, and together, with our combined knowledge, we might be able to help this entire world!"
Sibyl shook his head, turning away from Dusk with a growl. She didn't get it-
"I do understand, Sibyl! It is thou who is blinded by guilt and duty! Pyromancy and sorcery can save these lands – we cannot save Lordran!"
He would not listen to any more of this nonsense. "I am very glad you are alive, Dusk. We will speak more later," he declared, setting off at a quick pace after Sif, who stood at the far side of the clearing. Resisting the urge to shout was difficult, but he managed.
"So, Adam's dead, huh?" Roman Torchwick, the infamous criminal mastermind known all throughout Vale, mumbled aloud to himself. It wasn't that he cared the Faunus was dead. He definitely had never liked the bastard on a personal level, so learning he was dead was a relief. He wouldn't have to deal with him, and his fanaticism, ever again.
His death had little effect on their plans at this point, either, so it wasn't like Cinder was going to be all pissed off about everything. Hell, Chester, the weird, sadist guy that he was had even given Roman the rundown on what Adam had been doing on his lonesome.
Roman Torchwick was a lot of things, but he wasn't someone who would ever condone what the hell that bastard had done. If he could find the idiot's grave, he'd dance atop of it and piss on the headstone. So, no, it wasn't Adam's death which had him up in wonders. It was the kid who had caused it: Sibyl.
Him and Chester apparently had history, and Cinder's masked love-toy had never been too shy about admitting the undead had beaten him before in combat. Chester was good.Really good, probably better than even Adam had ever been. Roman relied on things more than his own brawn – mostly his brain – and he had no doubt that Cinder, Adam, and Chester would all be able to kick his ass. Hell, Mercury might be able to, too.
This Sibyl kid would definitely be able to wreck him halfway across the continent if they were in a one-on-one fight. Hell, he'd beaten Adam after he'd been tortured 'til a few inches from death. Roman wasn't going to do anything to piss him off… personally.
Their plan was bound to piss the kid off, but Chester made it sound like they had plans to get him out of the way at some point, one way or another.
It was all well and good… for Cinder and her plan. Roman never had much fondness for taking orders, and whatever was going to happen, he knew it wasn't going to be good for his continued underground empire.
There had to be a society to steal from and undermine for him to exist, after all. As he sat in a lounge of one of their safe-houses, he wasn't really thinking about how Adam's death had affected their plans, because it hadn't. Chester wouldn't have shot a bolt through his head otherwise.
His thoughts were on a much more compelling question.
Was Sibyl strong enough to kill Cinder?