Dreaming of a Better Future.

Chapter 25

Jaune laid in his bed staring up at the ceiling overhead, lost in thought about what had happened to him the previous day. Jaune just sighed remembering the murder scene he had been at and that strange Nightmare named Alastair. It was strange, even a little freaky, mostly Alastair was freaky and a little scary but he could only guess that was because he met a Nightmare who looked just like a human being. Truly a terrifying thing. Jaune turned over in his bed looking at his scroll set up on its charger reading the time. 'Shit its already past midnight and I still haven't fallen asleep.' Jaune thought letting out a frustrated sigh getting up out of bed. He quickly and quietly moved through the room grabbing his armor, sword and coat before walking out of the room.

He slowly made his way to the top of the dorm building where he put on all his armor and clothing. Jaune slowly drew his sword extending his shield and began to practice his sword play. Jaune's mind went back to the conversation he had with Ozpin and the General. Jaune really didn't want to tell General Ironwood what he had but he had no choice. Jaune either could have held back the information he had and get questioned by the General in a holding cell or throw him a bone. Jaune hated having to give the General any information. The way the General had acted wasn't what Jaune had expected of the man. For him to be so angry and force full he seemed like one of those crappy general's people see in movies that just make situations worse for everybody. Jaune just shook his head deciding to think of something else.

Only what Jaune thought about next didn't make him feel any better. He just slashed his sword through the air angrily. As he did Jaune thought back to what Alastair had said.

'I already fought one of your children.'

Jaune really didn't like how Alastair had said that. Jaune wondered if he did have another child running around somewhere on their own. Really the thought was crazy, if he had a child just running around fighting Nightmare's like Alastair was insane. How strong would his kid have to be to fight Nightmares? Jaune really didn't know and it was a worrisome thought that made him feel uneasy. Jaune didn't want any of his children to be away from him or their mothers. Just as Jaune thought this he then remembered Lilith, and how she just showed up and vanished. 'I wonder, Alastair said "he" when he spoke of another child, does Lilith know who that may be.' Jaune thought before remembering the note he found on the door. Jaune quickly stopped in place panting slightly before reaching into his coat drawing the note from inside it. Jaune opened the note to read wondering what it had to say.

'Hello again father

It's Lilith.

I'm so sorry for what happened to you earlier today with that Nightmare.'

Jaune stopped reading surprised at the fact that Lilith had even known what happened to him. He quickly shook off his surprise to continue reading the note.

'Well father, I'm just glad you're ok. I know that there are a lot of things you might have questions for but I'm sorry to say I can't answer them all, but I want you to know that you won't have to worry too much about the Nightmares for a short while. Also, I shouldn't tell you this but I can't help it. See big brother was very worried about you when he found out the Nightmare confronted you. He may not come to you for a long time sadly, but I just wanted you to know he was also worried. I'm sorry I can't say more, but if I see you again I'll try to explain more.

Good by father, Love Lilith Arc.'

Jaune smiled at the end of the note, slightly surprised his thought of Lilith having known his other child being true. Jaune was glad though to hear that she, and apparently, her older brother was also worried about him. Still that made Jaune wonder. If he had another older son running around somewhere, why did he mostly have daughters get sent back to him? It was strange but he figured he would think more on the subject another time moving to go back to his room. Jaune quickly walked back down the dorm's halls and down the stairs coming back to his room quickly removing his armor before entering the room and lying back on his bed. He had to admit reading that note lifted a little weight from his shoulders, but he did worry about what Lilith meant about not worrying about the Nightmares for a while.

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Lilith stood on a rooftop staring down at the warehouse below where she watched Marcus battling two Nightmares. Marcus jumped along the rooftop slashing out at one of the Nightmares as it screeched in pain, its black blood spilling out as one of its arms was cut clean off. Marcus quickly spun on his heels as the other Nightmare thrust its tail at him. Marcus easily blocked the strike with the flat of his blade shifting his footing coming up on the Nightmare reaching out grabbing hold of its skull mask and ripped it off. The Nightmare howled in pain, its howl's echoing through the warehouse district. Marcus quickly silenced the beast with a quick slash through its throat causing its howls to turn into a gurgling mess. The other Nightmare that had lost its arm quickly stepped back in fear about to run away from Marcus.

Only for the metal sheets of the roof to lift bending and turning so quickly it shifted into a red-hot liquid before it encased the Nightmare's body. The beast tried to scream and free itself as the red-hot metal wrapped around its body before the metal spilled into its mouth silencing it. Marcus just stood on the roof slowly removing his metal mask as he put his sword on his back. Lilith jumped down to Marcus looking around at the damage done to the roof. She then turned back to the Nightmare that had been encased in metal. She had to admit she was slightly sickened by the sight. 'He drowned it in molten metal.' Lilith thought turning back to Marcus who just angrily kicked what was left of the Nightmare he first killed before its body faded completely.

"Where are, we going next?"

Marcus asked turning back to Lilith who just pulled out her scroll looking at the locations on her list.

"We should have another Nightmare who appears in the sewers just off time square."

Lilith said sticking her tongue out at the thought of having to go into the sewers. Marcus on the other hand didn't seem to care in the least bit walking towards the end of the roof, while fixing the metal in the roof he used.

"Well then let's get going, best not waste any time."

Marcus said causing Lilith to roll her eyes at him before smiling.

"Wow you are really gun-ho about going to the sewer's. You almost act like it's a dream come true."

Lilith quipped getting a laugh out of Marcus. She smiled at this following him as he jumped from the roof.

"Yeah I always wanted to visit the sewers of Vale; it's even on my bucket list."

Marcus quipped back causing Lilith to laugh as he caught her. The two went on their way down the streets to head to time square. The two made sure to keep away from the main street's just in case anyone was walking around. They didn't want anyone getting pulled into a fight if a Nightmare showed up. The two moved quickly through the dark before coming up to time square. Luckily no one was there as the two looked around to be sure. Marcus looked around before spotting a manhole cover and quickly walked over to it using his semblance to lift it.

"Well let's get going."

Marcus said jumping into the sewers. Lilith just scowled at the man hole before sighing bitterly and jumping down as well. Marcus put the manhole cover back in place when they were. The two looked around the sewer they were in. Lilith looked around in surprise looking up at the terrible little lights above her head and at the surprisingly clean sewer area.

"Who would have thought the sewers were clean."

Lilith said only for Marcus to shrug at her.

"The sewers are one of the few places that a Grimm could use to get into the city, so there are guards who walk around and some people who keep it clean."

Marcus said surprising Lilith. She was about to speak up when a loud scream echoed out from down the tunnel. Lilith stared in shock only for Marcus to quickly run up to her picking her up and running down the sewer tunnel throwing on his mask. Marcus ran accelerating his speed with his semblance before sliding to a stop at the end of the tunnel turning to his left as he saw gun fire. He turned to meet the sight of several Atlas soldier's firing at a Nightmare that was running and jumping all over the tunnel attacking them. One poor soldier was caught in the Nightmare's grasp as it bit down onto his throat. The other three soldiers just stepped back in shock. Lilith shut her eyes and turned away as the Nightmare ripped the man's throat out. Marcus quickly sat her down behind the tunnel's wall to hide her.

"Stay here I'll save to soldiers!" Marcus said quickly running off down the tunnel grabbing his sword shifting it into a normal long sword know his great sword would be too big for the tunnel. Marcus quickly closed in on the soldiers roaring as he slashed his sword out at the Nightmare stopping it from killing another soldier. The force of his strike sent the Nightmare crashing into the ceiling of the tunnel with great force. Marcus came to a sliding stop before turning to the soldiers. "Run Now, I will deal with the beast!"

Marcus ordered as the soldiers just stared in shock at him before the Nightmare seemed to start laughing. Marcus turned back to the Nightmare as it stood up from the sewer water.

"Haha, I must say that surprised me." The Nightmare spoke standing back up wiping its head back revealing a feminine figure. The Nightmare stood up a long silk like main of hair running down the figures back. The Nightmare had a small bone mask over its eyes and forehead. Along the Nightmare's chest was thin strips of bone curving over its breast and around its waist. Down its spine was a thin segmented strip of bone. The Nightmare had shiny black skin and a long snake tail. The Nightmare stretched its arm's over its head brushing its fingers through its hair. The soldier's all took a step back in fear knowing exactly what that thing was capable off not in the least bit fooled by its alluring body. "Well Marcus, I must say I didn't expect you to show up."

The Nightmare said shocking Marcus as he gripped his sword tightly glaring at the beast.

"So, you know who I am."

Marcus said getting a nod from the Nightmare as she flicked her hands to the side getting the sewer water off her hands.

"Of, course I know who you are, I was sent here specifically for you." The Nightmare said sliding its hands down its body to push the water from her skin. "My name is Veles."

The Nightmare introduced itself only for Marcus to charge stopping into the water at her slashing out to try and cut her in two. She just fell into the sewer water appearing up behind Marcus in splash. She went to wrap her arms around him only for gunfire to ring out hitting her in the back doing nothing but ticking her off. She whipped her tail around the tip of it having three trident like spikes slashing at the soldiers.

"You idiots! Run you can't beat her get out of here now!"

Marcus ordered spinning around slashing at the beast only for her to lean back dodging the strike. Her body bent so far back she looked like a contortionist. Marcus just cursed at this shifting his weapon into a short scythe. Marcus began slashing hoping to hook the Nightmare's body only for it to dodge while her tail whipped around attacking the soldiers. Marcus just cursed angrily before he heard Lilith shouting.

"Marcus there's another one in the water behind the soldiers!"

Marcus' eyes widened as he did see a figure moving under the water. Marcus cursed before slashing at Veles while before moving to try and get past her to save the soldiers. Only the moment he tried to step towards them Veles wrapped her tail around his arm stopping him.

"Who said you and I were done!"

Veles shouted at Marcus pulling him back towards her. Marcus growled at her shifting his bracer to shoot spikes out only for Veles' tail to let him go before the spikes could hit her. Marcus just slashed out with his scythe. Marcus' attack stopped short though as he heard the soldier shout in pain. Marcus turned around just in time to see one of the soldiers have a white snake tail shot through his leg. Marcus cursed before feeling pain in his side looking down to see Veles' tail whipping into him sending him flying into the wall on the other side of the tunnel. Veles just started laughing as the soldiers all backed away supporting the one who had his leg speared. Veles just smiled as next to his in the water rose what could only be described as a white version of her. Marcus just cursed at the sight of the second Nightmare. 'Damn, so it was a King Taijitu!' Marcus thought in frustration lifting himself back to his feet shifting his scythe into two short swords.

Really Marcus had terrible luck to run into a King Taijitu Nightmare that happened to have both heads evolve.

"I am so sorry for being late sister, I was busy playing with another group of soldiers."

The white Nightmare spoke only for Veles to laugh wrapping her arms around her smiling at Marcus and the soldiers.

"It's ok Volos, I was also playing with the soldiers here." Veles said waving at the soldiers then turned back to Marcus. "But, I also happened to meet with target Marcus."

Veles said getting a sweetly twisted smile out of Volos who just turned smiling at Marcus. He just growled at her rotating his swords in hand.

"Lilith, you and the soldier's get out of here!"

Marcus shouted walking before to two Nightmares who were very much focused on him. Lilith flashed near the soldier's as they bandaged up their wounded comrade. The soldier's payed her no mind before turning back to Marcus.

"You sure about us going?"

One of the soldier's asked never taking his eyes off the Snakes. Marcus just nodded at him.

"I can't fight with you here. It's better if you all get away. Take Lilith with you and don't turn back."

Marcus said getting a nod from the soldier who turned to Lilith and his two partners.

"You heard the man, lead us out of here little missy."

The soldier getting a curt nod from Lilith before she looked back to Marcus who kept his gaze locked on the Nightmares. Lilith didn't say anything and neither did Marcus as she turned away quickly moving out of the tunnel with the soldiers. Veles and Volos quickly moved to stop them only for the metal pipes in the ceiling to crash down before them behind Marcus keeping the Nightmares with him. The Nightmare's just stood together sliding next to one another turning to Marcus who aimed his short swords at them.

"I one won't let you leave just yet. The hunt is only just starting!"

Marcus said his eyes glowing a dark green while the marks on his armor began to glow as well. The Nightmares just chuckled holding each other smiling at Marcus.

"Looks like this will be fun."

Both Nightmares spoke before their tails shot out towards Marcus. He knocked the tails away sliding forward to get close slash at the Nightmares. Veles just broke from her sisters embrace falling back into the water swimming behind Marcus. He quickly flicked his left sword behind him turning to have both arms facing each Nightmare looking between them as he slashed out and blocked their attacks. Veles quickly whipped her tail around her body it coming aiming at Marcus' head and leg, while Volos did the same on the opposite side. Marcus went on blocking both sides looking between each Nightmare doing his best to keep from being taken down. Sadly a few strikes broke through chipping away at his aura. Marcus cursed as he felt strike's clip his legs and arms. Marcus quickly threw his head back dodging both Nightmare's tails as the cut towards his face. The strikes knocked his mask from his face as he ducked under their tails slashing up to cut the tails off. Sadly their bodies were too strong for him to cut through.

Marcus quickly jumped away out of the water onto the stone landing as both Nightmares charged him from the front. Their tail's shot out like spears slashing and stabbing at him again and again. He blocked both tails pairying them to the side only for them to whip around back towards him. Marcus cursed as strike after strike came at him, several cutting his arms and chest till he felt his aura shatter when both sister's tail came up slashing along Marcus' chest ripping his shirt and chest piece off of him. The sisters tails hit him under his chin lifting him up sending him flying back away. Both Nightmare's laughed at Marcus as he hit the ground with a heavy thud.

"Oh I am sorry did we hurt you?!"

Volos asked while Veles slowly embraced her.

"Oh Volos, don't tease him."

Veles chidded her sister the two smiling with a chuckle before turning to Marcus who just let out a long sigh. The two Nightmare's stopped their laughter feeling a strange presence coming from Marcus as he slowly stood back up.

"Damn, you two are such a pain in the ass." Marcus said standing up shifting his short sword back into one long sword. Veles and Volos just stared at him not sure what had happened to him before they looked at his now exposed chest. Right in the center of Marcus' chest was a large scar that spread out across his chest to his collarbone. The scar was bad, so bad that it shouldn't be possible that Marcus is alive after getting a wound that left him that scared. Veles and Volos slowly took a step back as Marcus ran a hand through his hair lifting his bangs over his left eye as his eyes began to glow a dark green. "I am going to enjoy ripping you two apart!"

Marcus spoke his voice laced with venom as the walls and ceiling of the sewer tunnel began to shake around him the sound of metal twisting and bending. Veles and Volos looked around fearfully before turning back to Marcus. The two the shared a look before taking a step back only for the metal in the walls to shoot out towards them. The two couldn't stop the attack as they stared in shock before a black mist flashed by and Marcus screamed in pain falling to a knee. The metal that was about to hit the sisters fell short as they turned around to see a tall, lean man dressed in bloody black jeans, a messy black dress shirt, with a waist length black coat on over the top of it. The man had wavy shoulder length green hair and dark purple eyes. The man whistled at Marcus who had a black mist covered bone dagger in the right side of his stomach.

"Damn, kid you are more of monster than Alastair said you would be."

The man spoke as Veles and Volos stared at him in shock.

"Bates!"

The sisters shouted in unison as Bates just stared at them bored.

"If it isn't you two slimy little snakes! I thought I was actually going to meet someone useful!" Bates shouted running a hand through his hair in frustration before turning back to Marcus. He scowled at him as Marcus forced himself to his feet through the pain of having a large black mist covered bone dagger in his side. He Gripped the bone tightly and ripped it out of his side. Bates just glared as he felt the tunnel begin to shake again. "Best get going we are already behind schedule."

Bates said getting a nod from the sisters who turned back to Marcus whose eyes burned with hate glaring at Bates.

"I won't le...Guhh."

Marcus began to talk only to cough up blood and black tar. He fell to his knee's again looking at the wound in his side seeing his veins turning black with a type of poison. Bates just smiled at this as the sister Nightmares ran past him looking back to Marcus who just grabbed his sword and stabbed himself in the exact same place Bates dagger had been. Bates and the sisters just stared in shock watching as Marcus turned his sword into liquid metal flooding into the wound before coming back out covered in black tar. They stared in shock at him before quickly turning and leaving.

"He really is a monster."

Bates said running out of the tunnel with the sisters. Marcus just knelt on the ground panting in pain holding his side looking up to see the Nightmares gone. Marcus just growled in pain and anger before lifting himself to his feet retrieving the metal he hands inside him removing the poison tar that covered it. Marcus just let the metal return to his sword which he put on his back with a sigh. 'Shit, a let three Nightmares get away this time!' Marcus thought angrily before walking over and grabbing his chest piece and began to walk out of the sewers to meet back up with Lilith.

End

AN/ Look I updated again!

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