Fallen Flame
Disclaimer
I do not own RWBY or any of the characters in this story except for one.
Chapter 3 The Pieces
It was very early in the morning when Blake awakened to the sounds of whimpering. She lifted her blanket and saw Scorch was still asleep but he was crying.
"No. You can't be gone." he said. "Wizardmon!" he yelled out suddenly causing the other three girls to awaken.
"Wha-what's going on?" asked Ruby.
"I think he's having a nightmare." replied Blake. Yang and Ruby got out of their bunks while Weiss walked over to Blake's bed. They saw the boy crying and wondered what he was dreaming of as their door opened with Team JNPR looking tired.
"What's going on?" asked Jaune.
"Scorch is having a nightmare." replied Blake. The four approached Blake's bed and also saw the boy in tears.
"No. Piximon. Whamon." he said as he held his hands close. "It's my fault. I was too weak. It's my fault." he whispered.
"That's kinda weird." said Yang.
"What is?" asked Ren.
"He said three names but all three ended with mon. I wonder why that is." replied Yang.
"It sounds to me like he blames himself for something." said Weiss. "Possibly the death of friends."
"But he's so young." said Ruby. "I can't imagine what it must've been like."
"Very painful." said Weiss having the most experience with personal loss.
"He seemed so happy before." said Pyrrha sadly.
"That's most likely because up until now he had no memory of who he was." replied Ren as Yang picked Scorch up in her arms.
"I'll let him sleep in my bed. My aura should be able to calm him down." she said. The others nodded before Team JNPR returned to their own room while everyone from Team RWBY got in their own beds.
Later in the morning Yang awakened and decided to check if Scorch was better but when she lifted her blanket he wasn't there.
"Good morning." a voice greeted. Yang turned and saw Scorch in his uniform standing looking out the window.
"Morning." greeted Yang as she got out of bed. "Are you feeling better?" she asked. He didn't reply so she stepped next to him and looked at him allowing her to see his eyes were red and that he still had some tears falling. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"
"I'll step outside so you can change." he said before leaving causing her to frown.
"I guess he doesn't wanna talk about it." said Ruby surprising Yang before she sighed.
"He'll speak of it when he's ready." said Blake as she got out of bed.
"Perhaps." said Weiss. A few minutes later they were ready and headed to the cafeteria with Team JNPR. Upon arriving they were able to spot Scorch sitting by himself with what looked to be a cup of coffee and sandwich so once they got their own breakfast they sat with him.
"Hey kid. How are you feeling?" asked Yang cautiously. Scorch didn't respond and just stared at his food.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" asked Ruby. Again he didn't respond.
"Come on. Turn that frown upside down." said Nora placing her fingers on the edge of his lips and pulled them up to make a smile before she felt a sting on both fingers and pulled them back. "Ouch. What was that for?"
"What do you do when the only think you can remember is that you made friends who died to help you?" asked Scorch. "Friends you know you could've saved if you had been stronger."
"You live." said Weiss. "You live, fight, and become stronger so that when the moment comes and something similar happens you can stop it."
"And what do you do with the nightmares?" asked Scorch. "Seeing them die time and time again?"
"You use that pain to become stronger." replied Weiss. Scorch sighed.
"What do you remember?" asked Blake.
"A friend. A friend who said that he didn't fight for an evil one but for his friend who was misguided be struck down by that evil one because I wasn't fast enough." replied Scorch. "Another who had faith and gave his life for that faith in us. And a friend who helped us only to be taken out by an enemy because he protected us." he said as his voice began to crack and his eyes began to shed fresh tears as his coffee started to boil.
"Who do you mean by us?" asked Ruby.
"I don't know." replied Scorch. "All I can remember is a set of single words. Courage. Friendship. Hope. Sincerity. Passion. Determination. Loyalty. Love. Knowledge. Harmony. Reliability. Light."
"Do you know what they mean?" asked Ruby.
"Each one represents a person but I don't remember who or even what they look like." replied Scorch as he began to calm down.
"I was thinking." said Ruby. "Maybe today after class we could show him around town."
"Well we have a history test today so I suppose we could afterwards." said Weiss.
"Hold but will Scorch be okay?" asked Jaune.
"Oh yeah. You've only been here like a day." said Yang.
"I wouldn't worry as much." replied Scorch causing them to turn to him. "Funny thing is I can scan anything I see kind like a camera and a went through your textbooks."
"So you memorized what we were studying?" asked Yang.
"Some of it. My mind's still organizing everything." replied Scorch. "Hey do any of you hear that?"
"Hear what?" asked Blake.
"I hear music." replied Scorch. "La mano arriba. Cintura sola. Da media vuelta. Danza Kuduro." he sang lightly as he moved his head.
"I wonder." said Yang.
"Wonder what?" asked Yang.
"We were told he had a computer in his head and that they changed his eyes so what if the song he's hearing is actually saved into that computer."
"Oh man I wish I could play my favorite songs in my head." said Ruby when Weiss noticed something. She heard something hit the floor and when she checked behind Scorch it was a clear container with a pair of syringes with a violet glowing liquid so she picked it up.
"What's that?" asked Ruby.
"I'm not sure. I think it fell out of his pocket." replied Weiss before tapping his shoulder causing him to turn. "What is this?"
"Something to use in case of emergency." replied Scorch.
"But what is it exactly?" pressed on Weiss.
"Adrenaline I think. In case I get into a fight and I find myself outmatched." replied Scorch.
"What do you think the odds of that are?" asked Pyrrha.
"Here fairly slim. Where I'm from I'd say higher." replied Scorch.
"So do you remember where you're from?" asked Yang.
"No. Just that there's a lot of people I've fought for one reason or another and that a few have beaten me. As I recall one left me half dead."
"Ouch." winced Ruby.
"Plus I remember something about demons and...a really big head."
"A really big head?" asked Yang. Scorch nodded. "Big head an tiny arms and legs. I also remember something about a man. A man with a virus."
"A virus? Was he sick?" asked Jaune.
"No. He infected himself and it made him stronger and faster." replied Scorch placing a hand at his neck.
"How strong?" asked Yang.
"Remember how I took out the Beowolves when you found me?" asked Scorch. They nodded. "Well he probably would've taken less time to do so and he could've taken them out with nothing but his bare hands and he could've take on way more."
"Yikes. Is he a good guy?" asked Ruby.
"One of the worst villains I can think of." replied Scorch. "I can almost remember his name but right when I'm about to remember it slips away."
"We should get going if we don't wanna be late." said Weiss. At that they finished what they had in a rush and left. As soon as they got to class they were handed a test with the exception of Scorch who was told he could leave for the test since he was new. He nodded and waited outside the classroom. By the time they finished and got out of the classroom they saw Scorch in a hand stand.
"What are you doing?" asked Ruby.
"I got bored so I started standing on my hands to see how long I could stay in this position." replied Scorch.
"So how long have you been like that?" asked Yang.
"Since I stepped out." replied Scorch as he got onto his feet.
"Alright then let's go back to our rooms and change so we can show you around Vale." said Ruby. Scorch nodded. First the girls change followed shortly after by the guys. Afterwards they went to Vale where they promptly lost Nora forcing Ren to look for her along with Jaune and Pyrrha. In the meantime the others showed Scorch around town. As he looked around Scorch was surprised by the various shops.
"Wow."
"Yeah. Vale has all kinds of shops." said Yang.
"Kinda bums me out that I don't have any money." said Scorch sheepishly.
"If you want something just tell me." said Weiss.
"No. I've been such a hinderance as it is. I'd hate to bother you more." said Scorch.
"It's not a problem." said Weiss dismissively.
"If you're sure." said Scorch uncertain.
"So there anything in particular you'd like?" asked Weiss.
"I do but it's kinda embarassing." replied Scorch with a blush.
"Aw. That's so cute." said Yang before grabbing him in a bear hug.
"Yang you better let him go before he passes out or something." said Ruby knowing full well her sister could forget her own strength sometimes.
"Actually I'm okay albeit a little uncomfortable but okay." said Scorch as Yang released him.
"So what is it you wanted to buy?" asked Weiss.
"A soccerball." replied Scorch sheepishly.
"Is that all?" asked Weiss. "I don't see why you would find it embarassing. You are still a child after all."
"I know but being in Beacon and all that makes it feel a little childish." replied Scorch.
"Well I know a place that sells good training gear and I know they have stuff for sports." said Yang.
"Then let's go." said Ruby as they began following Yang.
"So you like soccer?" asked Yang.
"Yes. Very much." responded Scorch. "I remember someone once said that when you kick the ball with someone there is nothing to be said because you convey your feelings through the ball." he said with a smile.
"Sounds interesting." said Yang. "Maybe I'll play with you."
"Thanks." said Scorch. "Are you really good?"
"I used to play a little when I was a kid." replied Yang. "Didn't really get into it but I still remember the rules. So what position do you play?"
"Any." replied Scorch. "I don't remember much but I feel like soccer smiles down on me."
"That's an...interesting way of thinking about it." said Weiss as they entered a shop. In front they had several soccerballs. Scorch got one and Weiss paid allowing them to leave. After they went to a park where Yang and Scorch started playing by passing the ball to one another. After Scorch said he wanted to try catching Yang's shoots.
"He really is child." said Weiss with a smile.
"It must be nice." said Blake as Scorch stood between to trees while Yang stood a few feet away.
"Ready?" asked Yang.
"Whenever you are." responded Scorch.
"Alright. Here goes." declared Yang as she took two steps back and then kicked the ball. Scorch readied himself with his hands held out and stopped the ball.
"Come on. Don't hold back." called out Scorch as he threw the ball back. "You can kick the ball with way more force than that."
"Yeah but..." began Yang.
"When someone trusts you, you respond through action." said Scorch. Yang sighed.
"Alright but don't blame me if you get hurt." said Yang. Scorch smiled as Yang took four steps back.
"She's not going to kick it with all her strength, is she?" asked Weiss. Her answer was answered when Yang ran the four steps and kicked the ball with all her might surprising the three. As the ball got closer Scorch clapped his hands together.
"Zetsu Honō no ījisu (Absolute Aegis of Flame {絶炎のイージス})!" Scorch called out as what a massive amount of fire formed in front of him making a shield which stopped the ball surprising Team RWBY. The ball still tried to break through but was launched upwards and caught by Scorch. After Yang and the others went up to him.
"What was that?" asked Yang.
"I'm not really sure." replied Scorch. "When I saw the amount force you put into it all of a sudden I felt my blood boil in excitement. It felt so familiar and before I knew it I just did it."
"That move felt familiar." said Ruby.
"Familiar? Have you seen it before?" asked Blake.
"No." replied Ruby. "It felt similar to that move he used during our mission. The tornado thing."
"Fuujin no Mai." said Scorch.
"What?" asked Ruby.
"The technique is a dribble technique called Fuujin no Mai. It means Dance of the Wind God." replied Scorch.
"But I remember you called out something a little different." said Ruby. "I think it was kai."
"Yeah. I used an evolved version of it." replied Scorch.
"What about the one just now?" asked Yang.
"Honō no ījisu. It means Aegis of Flame." replied Scorch.
"But what about what you said before the first part?" asked Ruby.
"Zetsu Honō no ījisu is it's final evolved version. The Absolute Aegis of Flame." replied Scorch.
"I'm starting to wonder where you're from because I've never heard of anyone using moves like that in soccer." said Yang.
"It's making me wonder as well." said Scorch. "I don't remember a whole lot but I think where I'm from soccer was a big deal."
"It's just a game with a ball. How would it be a big deal?" asked Weiss.
"I don't know." replied Scorch. "But somehow playing soccer feels right."
"Well you are still a child." said Weiss.
"Hey you think the others found Nora?" asked Ruby.
"No. They haven't." replied Scorch causing them to look at him.
"How do you know?" asked Weiss.
"I've been around you long enough to tell your auras apart at long distances." replied Scorch as he turned around and pointed. "Ren's in that direction." he said before Jaune's over there." he said pointing to his right. "And Pyrrha's that way." he said pointing to his left.
"So where's Nora?" asked Ruby.
"That way." he replied pointing to the direction they'd come from. "She moves fast though."
"Why didn't you mention this before?" asked Weiss.
"No one asked." shrugged Scorch causing them to facepalm before he suddenly held his head in pain.
"Whoa. Are you okay?" asked Yang.
"Yeah. Just a weird surge of electricity in my mind." replied Scorch with a smile before he suddenly seemed to be electricuted causing him to kneel in pain. "Okay maybe more than that." he said.
"Did someone attack you?" asked Blake looking around.
"Not me." replied Scorch. "Someone has a computer like mind similar to mine and they've been hit with some kind of electric shock."
"Where?" asked Ruby.
"This way." replied Scorch as he ran off followed by the others. A few blocks after they found a place with several pieces of what looked to be large robots while three more engaged Penny who had her swords out but seemed tired.
"Penny!" called out Ruby.
"Ruby stay back!" called out Penny as one behind her made a large ball of electricity with it's hands which it hit Penny with causing her and Scorch to scream out in pain.
"Aquiring target." said one of the robots as it got near Penny just before a clear pulse which moved with a shrieking sound hit it and threw it back. At that Ruby ran in and got Penny out while Scorch stepped forth.
"Why are you here?" he asked. The large machine looked down at him.
"Target found. Aquiring target." said the first machine as it tried to strike him forcing him to jump back.
"If you want me then come and get me." said Scorch as a pereson dressed in black landed next to him.
"You know these things are tougher than they look." said the kid in black.
"You know me." said Scorch.
"Like you know me." said the guy in black. "I guess it's too much to expect you to remember right now but I'm Shadow. Half of someone you have yet to meet." he said looking at the machines.
"What are they?" asked Yang.
"Sentinels." replied Scorch.
"Well copies of Sentinels." said Shadow turning to Penny who was barely standing with Ruby's help. "Even in a space this closed she would've been able to wipe them out if they had been real ones." he said before turning to Scorch. "Listen. I'll handle them. They don't have any information on me since I'm on my own."
"I'm fighting too." said Scorch.
"No. Even with a fragments of your memories awake you know damn well you can't fight with your energy destabilized like that. If you do you could end up causing an excessive amount of destruction." said Shadow.
"Fine. I'll trust you." said Scorch as Blake stepped next to them.
"I'll help you." she said.
"No. These pricks are still transmitting and the last thing we need is for them to get your data."
"You can't do this on your own." said Weiss.
"Miss. As opposed to my friend here I have no physical body so I have no limiters. I can take them on my own." said Shadow as a cracked his neck. "Who wants to see a magic trick?" he said with a predatory grin towards the three Sentinels.
"Engaging Enemy."
"Psycho Fang!" called out Shadow as a pair of wolf ears appeared on the top of his head, his nails extended into claws, all his teeth became extremely sharp, and a dark violet aura appeared around him forming a wolf. "GekiJyuWereWolf Fist! Shadow!" he declared.
"WereWolf fist?" asked Yang.
"Let's play." he said before charging in. The first Sentinel made another large ball of electricity but right before it touched Shadow a dark fog shrouded everything but cleared almost as fast revealing six other Shadows standing together with the original.
"What did he just do?" asked Yang.
"Shadow has power over Darkness." replied Scorch. "He used the shadows of things around here to create copies of himself." he added pointing to a lamp post which no longer had a shadow.
"Can you tell which one's the real one?" asked Weiss.
"All seven are fakes." replied Scorch. "Shadow's aura is still here but none of the seven have it. They're basically puppets."
"How do you know?" asked Ruby.
"I'm not sure." replied Scorch as the seven attacked the Sentinels. Both groups fought with the copies gaining an edge until a four sentinel appeared and electricuted them from behind causing them to dissolve but right after the four sentinel was impaled by several spikes that came from its shadow.
"That kind of ambush is a little too predictable." said Shadow as he came out of Blake's shadow to her surprise. "Now I can play serious." he said walking up to the first one. When he got close it tried to grab him only for him to vanish and another shadow to extened onto the now struggling Sentinel before the darkness made a large sphere which was compressed into Shadow's hand. "Welcome to my realm." he said crushing the sphere causing the energy to dissipate.
"What happened to it?" Ruby asked Scorch. Scorch shrugged.
"Who's next?" asked Shadow turning to the remaining two sentinels. "You know what? I'm not gonna be picky." he said before vanishing as they saw a swift shadow moving through the two remaining Sentinels. When he reappeared in front of them several cracks formed on them. From those cracks dark energy came out of them and consume them. When they dissipated the sentinels were gone. Afterwards Shadow walked up to them. "How is she?" he asked looking at Penny.
"She's hurt but I think she'll be okay." said Ruby.
"How do you feel?" asked Shadow.
"Physical body has sustained 67% damage. Systems can be repaired." replied Penny.
"What is she talking about?" asked Yang.
"You're not human, are you?" asked Scorch.
"No. I'm not." replied Penny. "I'm an android."
"I see." said Scorch.
"Listen." said Shadow causing them to turn to him. "I'll send you back to Beacon. After I'll get your friends and send them as well."
"You know where they are?" asked Yang.
"Yes. I can sense them in the same way he did." replied Shadow as he walked up to Scorch. "Also please make sure this idiot gets his ribs checked."
"What do you mean?" asked Yang before Shadow punched Scorch in the gut causing him to lose conciousness. "He's had about nine cracks on his ribs since he got here and he's been ignoring it."
"But he never said anything." said Yang surprised.
"We can withstand extensive amounts of pain for days before they start to bother us. Unfortunately this idiot has a habbit of training till he passes out from exhaustion so his ignores injuries for a lot longer." replied Shadow as Yang picked Scorch up. "In any case your friends will be with you shortly."
"Wait how are you...?" began Yang before a dark swirl appeared under them causing them to find themselves back at Beacon. After they took Scorch and Penny to the infirmiry to have them checked out. The nurse examined them.
"So how are they?" asked Ruby.
"The girl appears to be a machine and I'm no engineer so I can't tell anything. The boy on the other I can tell two things about him. He's got a number of fractured ribs and evidentally he's got a lot of resistance to pain."
"Excuse us but we need help." said Pyrrha as she entered with the rest of her team with Ren and Jaune holding an unconcious blond faunus with a monkey tail. Blake turned and recognized him as Sun Wukong.
"What happened?" asked Blake.
"Nora found him fighting some weird robots and sent us a message." replied Jaune. "He took down a couple on his own but I think the others caught him by surprise." he added as Shadow entered and then checked Sun's pocket and took something out.
"Hey what are you doing?" asked Yang as Shadow went up to Penny and took something out of her pocket as well.
"This is why they were targetted." said Shadow showing two rings. The first had a ruby and the second an onyx. "It's also the reason he's had a hard time remembering."
"What do you mean?" asked Yang.
"It'll be better if he explains." replied Shadow handing Yang the ring with the ruby. "When he awakens give him this. It'll take a few minutes but he'll remember everything."
"How can you be so sure?" asked Blake.
"Because when we entered your Universe he felt it happening so he put some of his energy into it." replied Shadow before disappearing in a dark shroud.
"I guess we take him to bed." said Yang.
"I'll stay here with Penny." said Ruby.
"I'll watch over Sun." said Blake.
"Then I guess the rest of us go back." said Jaune. Blake picked up Scorch and handed him to Yang who nodded.
"Alright." said Yang as she looked at her sister who smiled and nodded prompting her to do the same before she, Weiss, and Team JNPR left the room.